Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, CFP

Are you prepared to safeguard your financial future and tackle the challenges of estate settlement? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, we dive deep into the essentials of risk management—from understanding investment volatility to balancing risk and reward for lasting financial health. Discover practical strategies like diversification, setting clear financial goals, and building emergency funds to protect what matters most. But that's not all! We also unravel the complexities behind estate planning and the often-thankless role of the executor. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, reduce family conflicts, and streamline the process for a smooth transition of assets. Packed with insights from the acclaimed "Dollars and Sense" and "Next Gen Dollars and Sense" books, this episode equips you with actionable tips to take charge of your finances and confidently navigate life's big transitions. 

Ready to supercharge your retirement strategy? In this episode of "Dollars and Sense," host Joel Garris tackles two of the biggest questions facing today's retirees: how to check off the 5 essential boxes for early retirement, and how to demystify Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) so you can keep more of what you've earned. Discover the crucial steps you must take if you're dreaming of leaving the workforce before age 65 — from navigating health insurance to maximizing your retirement contributions, deciding the best time to claim Social Security, and the importance of vanquishing high-interest debt. Then, get the inside scoop on RMDs: what they are, why they matter, how rule changes could impact your withdrawal strategy, and smart ways to avoid costly tax surprises. If you want to retire with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and make sense of the latest financial rules, this episode delivers expert advice, practical tips, and a lively conversation designed to empower your financial future. Tune in now and set yourself up for retirement success! 

Ready to make the most of your taxes in 2025 and beyond? In this value-packed episode of Dollar & Sense, Joel and Kristin break down the latest game-changing updates to tax deductions, with a spotlight on the new senior deduction and major changes for charitable contributions. Discover how seniors can benefit from a $6,000 deduction—even if they're not yet on Social Security—and learn the income thresholds you need to know to qualify. The hosts also unravel the new opportunities for charitable giving, including a $1,000 deduction for everyone, the upcoming AGI floor of 0.5% for itemized deductions, and smart strategies to maximize your benefits before the rules shift in 2026. From increased state and local tax caps to permanent bonus depreciation for businesses, this episode is full of essential tips for making the most of your money at tax time. Tune in and get ahead of your financial game—your future self will thank you! 

On this episode of Dollar & Sense, hosts Joel and Chet dive into two hot topics that are reshaping financial futures: the rising cost of college and the common fear of investing. Whether you're sending kids back to school or gearing up for your own academic journey, you'll get eye-opening insights into how families are really paying for higher education—and smart alternatives that can save you from years of debt. But that's not all! If you (or someone you know) are hesitant to put money into the stock market, this episode breaks down why waiting for the “right time” to invest is often the wrong move. With real-world examples, fresh data, and engaging banter, Joel and Chet reveal how starting early and sticking to a plan can make a huge difference—whether you're saving for college or retirement. Don't miss practical tips on tax-advantaged savings accounts, the truth behind inflation and interest rates, and a behind-the-scenes look at how Dollar & Sense became one of Feedspot's top financial podcasts. Tune in and get inspired to take action for your financial future! 

This episode of Dollars & Sense puts the spotlight on the economic headlines shaping your future. Get an insider's look at the landmark OBBB tax bill, including powerful updates like “Trump accounts,” zero tax on tips and overtime, and a fresh car loan deduction. Our experts break down the practical impact of these changes on everyday finances, revealing who stands to benefit and how. We also analyze the latest economic data, from surprising unemployment trends and Federal Reserve rate decisions to rising health insurance costs and how corporate America is navigating volatility. Understand the forces driving the markets, and pick up actionable tips to stay ahead through 2025's evolving financial landscape. If you want to know how new tax rules and market shifts could affect your money—and what you can do about it—don't miss this episode. Tune in now for thoughtful analysis, fearless forecasts, and the guidance you need to make smarter financial decisions with Dollars & Sense! 

Ready to outsmart the latest financial fads and futureproof your family's well-being? This episode of Dollar & Sense is packed with candid truth and practical guidance you won't want to miss. We pull back the curtain on the buzz around private equity—why are financial giants suddenly pushing these investments, and what's lurking in the fine print? Discover the hidden risks, high fees, and pitfalls most investors overlook, plus learn how to spot red flags before your savings get locked away. If you want to stay a step ahead of Wall Street, this is essential listening. But there's more: As Alzheimer's and dementia diagnoses rise, protecting yourself and your loved ones is more crucial than ever. We share real-life stories and direct advice on the four areas every family must address—from legal docs to money management, home decisions, and digital safety. Make sure you're prepared before life throws you a curveball. 

This week, hosts Zach and Christina bring their signature blend of expertise and energy to help you navigate some of the hottest financial topics of the season. From family adventures to the practical impact of new tariffs hitting on August 1st, you'll hear personal anecdotes and professional guidance that make complex policies easy to understand. Discover how the latest tariff changes could affect your wallet, business, and even your next shopping trip. Then, take a deep dive into the much-anticipated One Big Beautiful Tax Bill. Zach and Christina break down the key updates, including major changes to the standard deduction, child tax credit, SALT deduction, tips and overtime income, and new rules for charitable and car loan interest deductions. Curious about how seniors and tip earners fare under the new law? They've got the answers—and plenty of real-life examples to keep things lively! Plus, don't miss their 4 essential questions for reviewing your investment statements. With practical tips on evaluating fees, portfolio allocation, and keeping your accounts up to date, this episode ensures you're not leaving money—or peace of mind—on the table. If you're looking for smart financial strategies, engaging banter, and clear explanations of today's most important money topics, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for expert advice, a few laughs, and actionable insights you can use right now! 

We break down the wild swings of Q2 2025 markets (did you know it was the first time since 1938 the S&P 500 was both up AND down 10%+ in a single quarter?!

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?