What if taxes on your Social Security benefits disappeared entirely? That’s one of several proposals being floated in Washington, and in this episode, Don and Marc break down what it could mean for retirees. They explain how Social Security benefits became taxable, why outdated income thresholds are causing more people to pay taxes today, and explore the possible reforms being discussed.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Why more retirees are paying taxes on Social Security

🕰️ How outdated income limits haven’t kept up with inflation

💡 Legal strategies to reduce (or eliminate) Social Security taxes

📊 The "provisional income" formula

💬 State tax considerations for Social Security benefits

Resources for this episode:

No tax on overtime or tips and reduction of Social Security tax – Wall Street Journal

https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/overtime-tax-plan-bill-103db323?st=bdShTX&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

IRS – How much of my Social Security benefits are taxable –

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-reminds-taxpayers-their-social-security-benefits-may-be-taxable

1984 Change to Social Security –

https://www.fool.com/retirement/2025/01/15/average-social-security-benefit-1984-now/

1993 Change to Social Security –

https://www.aarp.org/social-security/history-timeline/

Donald W. Cash Article on Planning in the May 2025 Slott Report –

https://irahelp.com/newsletter/C2PMay2025

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

With headlines full of tariffs and political drama, it’s easy to miss a major win for New Jersey homeowners, especially retirees. In this episode of Your Money & Your Life, Don and Marc shine a spotlight on the 2025 NJ property tax relief programs that could save residents thousands of dollars. From the long-standing Property Tax Freeze program to the more recent ANCHOR rebate and the brand-new Stay NJ benefit, the guys break down who qualifies, how the programs work, and what’s changed. 

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧾 NJ’s 3 Key Property Tax Relief Programs

📦 Why NJ is fighting to keep retirees from moving away

🏡 Stay NJ: Up to $6,500 in annual property tax relief

🔍 A few nuances of these property tax programs

📅 Key deadline: PAS-1 form due by October 31, 2025

Resources for this episode:

The Stay NJ Program –

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/staynj/index.shtml

NJ PAS-1 form (The unified Property Tax Freeze, Anchor Rebate and Stay NJ Program)–

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/pdf/24-pas1cp.pdf

NJ Income Tax Rates –

https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/income-tax-by-state/new-jersey-109037/

NJ Income Tax for Seniors –

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/njit7.shtml

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs- they’re dominating the headlines. With new tariffs implemented across nearly 90 countries, market volatility has surged, investor anxiety is rising, and confusion is everywhere. Don brings clarity to the chaos by explaining what tariffs actually are, who really pays them, and why the market is reacting the way it is.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📦 What tariffs are and who’s really footing the bill

📉 How markets are reacting to tariff headlines

🔍 The inflation impact (and media spin)

📊 Why diversification still wins in volatile markets

🔁 Historical lessons from past downturns

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Today we’re piggybacking off last episode’s conversation about market volatility and the emotion that sets in for investors. Is this time different than market corrections of years past? People feel inclined to panic during turbulent times, so Don will explore that fear by breaking down what’s actually happening, investor fears, and what history can teach us about managing uncertainty.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Market corrections are normal—how should you handle the headlines?

💡 Reversion to the mean explains why recent big gains may not last

📊 How today’s market reminds Don of the late 90s/early 200s.

📈 Diversified portfolios historically weather volatility better

🧠 The key to confidence is having a plan—and sticking to it

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

In this episode, Don Cash tackles the pressing question on everyone’s mind: Should we panic about recent market drops? With the stock market experiencing sharp fluctuations and fears of a recession looming, he breaks down the economic landscape and provides a clear perspective on what really matters for investors.

💰 Don covers inflation to the "Magnificent 7" stocks—including the dangers of market concentration and why diversification is key. He also introduces a powerful storm analogy to illustrate how many investors live on an "Island of Complacency", ignoring risks until disaster strikes.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

🔄 The cyclical nature of market corrections – Why they happen & how to stay calm

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

In this episode, Don and Marc explore smart tax moves to consider before the April 15th deadline. They focus on ways to take advantage of accounts like IRAs and HSAs, as well as important deductions that often go overlooked. The conversation highlights opportunities to maximize savings for the 2024 tax year, covering everything from retirement contributions to charitable donations.

They also explore how certain tax moves can help you minimize your taxable income, whether you're self-employed or planning for retirement. This episode offers practical tips for anyone looking to make the most of their tax situation before filing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

Resources for this episode:

HSA accounts –

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969

1099 forms –

https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/tax-forms-retirees-receive-and-what-they-mean

Wall Street Journal Article on 2024 Tax Planning –

https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/retirement-taxes-contributions-withdrawals-guide-bc308053?st=MNY85o&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

We knew this year would bring plenty to talk about, and so far, it's certainly living up to that expectation. In this episode, Don and Marc dive into the key economic issues making headlines: government spending, tariffs, and the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency).

With a new administration in office, they break down important economic indicators like inflation and employment, and discuss how tariffs impact both inflation and global trade. They also take a closer look at the history of tariffs, their economic effects, and why the Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates steady.

The conversation also covers the DOGE initiative, led by Elon Musk, the tensions surrounding the project, and the growing federal deficit and what it means for taxpayers. Tune in for a timely and thought-provoking conversation today!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

Resources for this episode:

The US Debt Clock

https://www.usdebtclock.org/

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Just this month, Los Angeles was ravaged by unprecedented, devastating wildfires. These catastrophic events have left thousands of homeowners grappling with total losses, denied claims, underinsurance, and unexpected coverage gaps. In the wake of these tragedies, it’s important to ask: Could this happen to you? Are you truly covered, or do you just think you are?

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

Links for today's show:

FAQ’s on Homeowners Insurance –

https://www.nj.gov/dobi/ins_ombudsman/om_hofaq.htm

NJ Homeowners Risks –

https://www.nj.com/cape-may-county/2025/01/insurance-companies-are-hiking-costs-dropping-nj-homeowners-more-often-due-to-climate-risks.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/weather-disaster-home-insurance-new-jersey/

Check your home’s elevation –

https://whatismyelevation.com/

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Happy 2025! It’s hard to believe that 25 years have passed since the world braced itself for the so-called “Millennium Bug.” For those old enough to remember, it was a time filled with fear, speculation, and intense efforts to prevent potential chaos.

This week, Don and Marc explore the parallels between then and now and reflect on the lessons learned from that era of uncertainty.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

Market returns 2000-2010

https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=435176

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, laughter, and sometimes, unexpected topics. In this holiday edition of the show, Don brings a fascinating mix of cheer and wisdom to the table by helping you with three vital financial conversations you can have with loved ones this holiday season.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/