Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, CFP

In this insightful episode of "Dollars & Sense," we dive into three financial topics that resonate with many of us. First, we explore the journey of setting up a business, breaking down the common pitfalls, hidden costs, and strategic choices that can make or break your entrepreneurial success. Whether you're launching your first startup or considering a side hustle, these tips will save you time, money, and frustration.

Hosts Rob Field and Kristin Castello share practical insights on evaluating real estate as a passive income stream—covering the numbers, the pitfalls, and common misconceptions from rapid home appreciation during the pandemic years. Learn about the true costs, time commitments, and the less obvious tax implications of rental ownership, including depreciation, passive loss rules, and how to plan for those tricky negative returns.  Switching gears, the show breaks down the recent surge in Social Security retirement claims, explores the impact of the 2025 Fairness Act, and discusses strategies current and future retirees can adopt as the trust fund faces depletion. The hosts emphasize that Social Security alone may not be enough for a comfortable retirement, stressing the need for comprehensive planning that considers mental and emotional readiness alongside financial security. This episode is packed with knowledge for anyone considering real estate investment or concerned about their retirement outlook in a changing economic landscape. 

On this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel and Zach dive into two critical financial topics you don't want to miss!First, they break down the latest Social Security updates, including why benefits might be reduced sooner than expected and what you can do to prepare. Then, they reveal four sneaky ways you might be spending money without even realizing it—from autopay subscriptions to those tempting impulse purchases.

On this week's episode of Dollars & Sense, we dive into two hot financial topics that could impact your wallet and your future investments! Model Portfolios: Did you know assets in model portfolios surged to a record $8 trillion this year? Find out the pros and cons of these pre-packaged investment options and why you need to ask your financial advisor the right questions to truly know what you own. Are these portfolios helping you grow your money—or just serving the institutions? 529 College Savings Plans: There's groundbreaking news on the horizon! Proposed expansions could allow 529 funds to cover more educational expenses, from tutoring fees to curriculum materials and even SAT tests. Learn how these changes may offer greater flexibility and reassurance for parents and grandparents saving for their loved ones' education. 

his week's episode of the Dollars & Sense Financial Podcast dives deep into two crucial financial topics: the emotional and logistical challenges of retirement and the shifting dynamics of the housing market. Hosts Joel Garris and Chet Cowart explore the often-overlooked aspects of retirement, from combating loneliness to crafting a meaningful routine. They also analyze the current real estate landscape, highlighting the imbalance between buyers and sellers and offering actionable advice on mortgages, loan terms, and navigating interest rates. Whether you're approaching retirement or considering a home purchase, this episode is packed with expert insights and practical advice to help you make informed decisions. Joel and Chet provide real-world examples, discuss pivotal statistics, and offer solutions that go beyond the numbers, emphasizing the importance of personal conversations in financial planning. 

In this episode of the Dollars & Sense Financial Podcast, host Joel Garris dives into two essential and often overlooked topics: how to discuss finances with your kids and how to prepare for the survivor's penalty when losing a partner.

Looking to unlock the secret to millionaire status while keeping your investments on track? This week's episode of Dollars & Sense dives into the surprising path most U.S. millionaires take—hint: it's not a get-rich-quick scheme—and reveals how consistent retirement contributions can transform your financial future.

Ready for some

Join us on this week's episode of Dollars & Sense for some insightful discussions about the investments you should be cautious about and the important moments to update your estate plan.

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, financial expert hosts Joel and Christina delve into the complexities of tax season and share the top 10 tax trouble spots that individuals face. They discuss critical issues such as the taxation of social security, where increased income can lead to higher taxes on these benefits, and the Premium Tax Credit (PTC) recapture related to the Affordable Care Act, which can result in significant repayments if income approximations are incorrect. 

This week's episode of Dollars & Sense dives deep into the latest market developments following President Trump's suspension of tariffs, showcasing an unprecedented surge in the Dow, SP500, and Nasdaq. Hosts Rob Field and Joel Garris delve into the historical significance of such market swings and emphasize the importance of maintaining a consistent investment strategy amidst volatility. The episode also covers significant changes to the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision, highlighting the positive impact on public employees like teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Stay tuned for insights and expert advice on navigating the financial landscape! #DollarsAndSense #MarketNews #SocialSecurity #InvestmentTips #FinancialPlanning  

In our latest episode, we dive into the complexities of tariffs and their impact on global trade

In this week's episode of Dollars & Sense, key strategies for protecting yourself from tax identity theft and tips for navigating investment taxes were discussed. Tax Identity Theft Prevention Understanding Tax Identity Theft: A fraudster uses personal information to file a fake tax return and claim a refund. Get an IP PIN: Apply for a six-digit Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) from the IRS to prevent fraud. Prove Your Identity: Use ID.me to verify identity - submit name, address, and driver's license photo. Stay Updated: Once you have an IP PIN, it is automatically renewed annually in your online IRS account. Investment Tax Management Capital Gains Tax: Lower tax rates apply if assets are held for over a year before selling. Dividend Tax: Qualified dividends receive lower tax rates if stocks are held for specified periods. Retirement Account Withdrawals: Withdrawals before age 59½ incur additional tax penalties unless exceptions are claimed. Home Sale Tax: Exclude up to $250,000 for singles and $500,000 for couples from capital gains if lived in the home as primary residence for at least 24 months within a 60-month period. Timing Matters: Understanding timing rules is crucial for minimizing taxes on various investments. 

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, hosts Joel Garris and Zach Keister delve into the recent market volatility and its impact on investment portfolios. They emphasize the importance of reviewing one's portfolio and maintaining a balance between conservative and growth-oriented investments to weather the storm of market fluctuations. Additionally, the episode explores five financial red flags in relationships and how to address them. These red flags include secretive spending, borrowing from friends and family, gambling and addictive behaviors, lack of future financial planning, and excessive debt. Joel and Zach stress the importance of open communication and financial transparency between partners to ensure a healthy financial relationship. #MarketVolatility #RetirementPlanning #FinancialRedFlags #InvestmentTips #DollarsAndSensePodcast

Ready to optimize your retirement and stay ahead of new scams? In this week's episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel goes over creating a tax plan that can save you money in retirement.

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel and Rob dive deep into the world of annuities. They break down the complexities, from guaranteed incomes to the hidden fees that could affect your investments. You'll also hear about the dramatic increase in annuity sales and what it means for potential investors. Plus, they share some exciting news about their book being featured at the LA Times Festival of Books!

Joel will delve into the unique financial and health challenges men face in retirement. From the importance of mental health to navigating healthcare and maintaining physical fitness, we cover critical topics that impact the quality of life for retired men. We also discuss how to prepare for these challenges, including tips on financial planning and maximizing Social Security benefits.Discover how your home can be a powerful tool for reducing your tax bill!

Join Joel and special guest Christina Lamb, a fellow CFF and IRS enrolled agent, on the latest episode of Dollars & Sense. They dive into 5 early tax season trends that are impacting tax returns this year. Plus, they debunk some of the most common retirement myths. Whether you're prepping for tax season or planning for retirement, you won't want to miss this insightful discussion!

Join guest hosts and financial experts Chet Cowart and Kristin Castello as they outline the big tax changes coming in 2025 on this episode of the Dollars & Sense Podcast!

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel dives into the recent uptick in market volatility as 2025 kicks off.

Zach Keister joins Joel Garris for an in-depth discussion on the essential tools you need to achieve your financial goals successfully.

Join Joel in this insightful episode of Dollars and Sense as he lays out the top financial resolutions for the new year and provides practical tips on how to achieve them.

Join us for the final episode of Dollars & Sense in 2024 with your host, Joel Garris!

On this week's program, Joel provides updates on the suspension on the Beneficial Ownership Report obligation that was due to be required at year end for small businesses.In addition, he shares the latest studies on investor performance in a post covid world on the 5th anniversary on Covid 19. Joel covers some of the common financial mistakes that grandparents might make with their grandchildren. And what tax implications might be involved with gifting cash?

Join Joel Garris and guest host Chet Cowart on this episode of Dollars & Sense!

This week on Dollars & Sense, Joel dives into some hot topics you won't want to miss!

Joel delves into the complexities of passing assets from one generation to the next and emphasizes the importance of good estate planning to mitigate these issues with 4 essential questions needed to kickstart a successful estate plan. He also highlights the staggering number of forgotten 401(k) accounts, estimated to be around 24 million, and outlines steps to track down and take control of these accounts, ensuring that no retirement funds are left behind. Joel addresses the issue of IRS refund checks being stolen in the mail and provides tips on how to avoid this problem with a small but impactful choice that can streamline your financial transactions and bring ease to your financial life. #NelsonFinancialValues #IRSRefund #EstatePlanning #TaxTips #FinancialSecurity #401k

In this episode, our hosts, Christina Lamb and Joel Garris, dive deep into a troubling study that sheds light on a common financial pitfall – the cycle of rolling over investments without realizing they often end up stagnating in cash. In addition, Joel and Christina recap the market's performance for the first three quarters of the year plus talk about some of the core beliefs people have about money and how they can impact some of your financial decisions -- how to identify and resolve your unhealthy financial behaviors. #NelsonFinancialValues #StockMarket #Investing #MoneyManagement

Check out the latest episode of Dollars & Sense!

On this episode, Joel Garris is joined by Rob Field to go over steps to protect yourself if you are victim of a data breach, discuss a few of September's major headlines, and celebrate the 89th anniversary of Social Security. These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast.

On this podcast Joel Garris outlines the five key ways that you improve your ability to save money immediately. Plus, he provides some practical non-financial things you can do a year or two prior to retirement to help improve the quality of your transition. These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast.originally aired 9/8/24

Did you know scammers are targeting your retirement savings and leaving you with massive tax bills?

On this podcast Joel Garris is joined by Chet Cowart to discuss how to help your finances survive political volatility. Plus, tips to help volatile in you spending habits. These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast.originally aired 8/25/24

In light of recent market volatility this week Joel Garris discusses what he believes the root cause of it is and two things you need to do now with your investments. He also talks about three different strategies to take advantage of the market decline. These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast. originally aired 8/11/24

On this podcast Joel Garris is joined by Zach Keister to discuss the importance of being goal oriented with financial questions rather than product oriented. Plus, what you can do to avoid the 401k rollover mistake that's costing retirees billions of dollars each year. Finally, they celebrate the 100th anniversary of the mutual fund and its roll in America.  These topics and more on this week's radio show/ podcast. originally aired 8/5/24

On this podcast Joel Garris is joined by Christina Lamb to discuss the importance of credit scores when it comes to purchasing a car. Plus, the latest final rules issued by the IRS in regard to inherited retirement accounts. Finally, the incredible value of a Health Savings Account. These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast.originally aired 7/29/24

On this podcast Joel Garris discusses four major items to consider when assisting a loved one or spouse move to a retirement care facility. Plus, what investors need to do with their portfolio in light of the market hitting record highs. These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast.originally aired 7/21/24

On this podcast Joel Garris is joined by Rob Field to discuss perception vs reality involving current economic climate. Also, three major tools and two considerations involving estate planning blended families.  These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast.originally aired 7/14/24

On this podcast Joel Garris is joined by Chet Cowart to discuss the benefits of using a 529 savings plan to help pay for education. Plus, Joel shares his personal interaction with alternative investments and what the real investor rate of return is. These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast.originally aired 7/1/24

On this podcast Joel Garris is joined by Zach Keister to discuss the importance of starting to save early and the power of compounding and its impact on your retirement. Also they discuss the role of private equity within pensions and individual investor portfolios in reference to poor performance and limitations.  These topics and more on this week's radio show/podcast.originally aired 6/23/24