Financial Commute

For most of your working life, the financial question is straightforward: earn more, save more, invest wisely. Then retirement arrives, and the question flips entirely. How do you turn decades of saving into a reliable paycheck that lasts as long as you do?In this episode of Financial Commute, Morton Wealth advisors Chris Galeski and Mike sit down to tackle the retirement income questions clients ask most: the 4% rule, Social Security timing, sequence of returns risk, and the three-bucket strategy that can protect your lifestyle through any market cycle.Questions This Episode AnswersThese are the questions people approaching and entering retirement are genuinely asking. We've addressed them directly below, and the full conversation is available as a transcript further down the page.What questions should I be asking my advisor that I'm not?The most important question isn't about a number — it's about the framework: what decisions today will have the biggest impact 10–20 years from now, and what am I not asking that I should be? The right advisor helps you find those blind spots before they become costly gaps.Does the 4% rule still work today?A useful starting point, but not a strategy. The 4% rule was designed for simplicity, not sophistication. A real plan accounts for your full picture — Social Security, pensions, annuities, taxable and tax-deferred accounts, real estate — each with different tax treatment. Think of 4% as a floor, not a ceiling, and not a substitute for personalized planning.When should I take Social Security?There's no universal right answer — and regret runs both ways. Timing depends on your health, savings, and other income. Delaying to 70 maximizes your benefit, but if you've saved enough to invest early payments and grow them, taking it sooner can make mathematical sense. Run projections across multiple scenarios with your advisor and make the best decision with today's information.What is the three-bucket strategy, and why does it matter in retirement?The bucket approach organizes assets by time horizon rather than treating everything as one pool. Bucket one is your safety net (2+ years of living expenses in low-volatility assets). Bucket two holds income-generating bonds for the medium term. Bucket three is long-term growth — equities you can leave alone through market cycles. When a recession hits, you draw from bucket one, never forced to sell growth assets at the worst possible time.What is sequence of returns risk, and how does it affect retirement income?The danger of major market losses early in retirement — right when you start drawing down. If your portfolio drops 30% in year one and you're selling shares to cover expenses, you lock in losses and permanently reduce future growth potential. The bucket strategy protects against this: draw from your stable bucket in downturns and leave growth assets untouched until they recover.Which account should I draw from first in retirement?Order matters enormously for tax efficiency. Assess your account types (taxable brokerage, traditional IRA/401(k), Roth), your current bracket, and expected Social Security income — then “fill” each bracket optimally. Some years that means pulling extra from an IRA; others it means realizing long-term capital gains from a taxable account. There's no single right answer — revisit it every year.How often should I update my retirement financial plan?At minimum, once a year — and after any major life change. Tax laws shift, markets move, and family situations evolve. An annual check-in lets you ask: does last year's plan still fit this year's life? Most years you won't need dramatic changes, but small course corrections prevent big drift over time.

Most business owners spend years, sometimes decades, building something remarkable. But when it comes time to exit, the majority aren't prepared for what happens next. According to research from the Exit Planning Institute, 75% of business owners regret selling their business within the first year. In this episode of Financial Commute, Wealth Advisor Joe Seetoo sits down with host Chris to walk through the exit planning framework Morton Wealth uses with business-owner clients, from protecting against the Five D's to building transferable enterprise value and knowing who you'll be on the Monday after closing day.

Giving money to your children is one of the most generous things a parent can do. It's also one of the most consequential. And the consequences aren't always the ones you planned for.In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Stacey McKinnon and Chris Galeski walk through what actually happens when families transfer wealth without a plan, the five mistakes they see most often, and what it looks like when families get it right.Tune in if you're thinking about...Whether you can afford to give and how much is actually safe to gift right nowWhat happens when you treat children equally instead of equitablyHow to give without quietly creating dependency or resentmentWhether to tell your kids what they'll eventually receive, and whenWhether the real risk is the money itself, or the silence around itTo watch this episode or read the transcript, visit our website here.

Markets don't move in straight lines, and the first quarter of 2026 was a perfect reminder of that. Between geopolitical conflict, rising oil prices, and renewed inflation concerns, investors faced a volatile environment that left markets unsettled.In this episode, Chief Executive Officer Jeff Sarti and Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk break down Q1, exploring consumer sentiment, why traditional diversification didn't behave as expected, and how different asset classes responded during this period of uncertainty. The conversation highlights a key theme: resilience doesn't come from predicting markets. It comes from preparing for multiple outcomes.Tune in if you're interested in…What drove market volatility in Q1 2026Why we remain confident in gold despite short-term volatilityHow stocks, bonds, and alternative assets behaved differentlyWhy traditional bonds didn't provide a safe havenWhat stagflation is and how it impacts portfoliosHow Morton's approach to diversification made clients resilient during this period of volatility

About 54% of teenagers are worried about financing their futures. How can parents help their adolescents gain financial confidence and responsibility, especially in a world where money is invisible and gratification is immediate?Join host Chris and Wealth Advisor Patrice Bening, a mom of two young adults, as they discuss various conversations and principles to implement with your kids as they grow an understanding of money and how to use it.If you're interested in learning about…The importance of starting early when instilling money habits.Giving money a purpose through simple frameworks (like 50/30/20) to plan before it's spent.Making currency "feel real" in a digital world by allowing your kids to see the exchange of cash Encouraging adolescents to make the most of their biggest asset: time. Even small amounts grow meaningfully when you start early and stay consistent.Modeling behavior for your teens. Kids learn more from what you do than what you say

What if you could give more to charity and pay less in taxes? In this episode, host Chris invites Wealth Advisor Austin Overholt to explore how strategies like donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions can help you give more intentionally while potentially reducing taxes. From donating appreciated stock to planning around high-income years, they highlight how thoughtful giving can align with retirement, estate planning, and long-term legacy goals. Tune in if you're interested in…Tax-efficient ways to give, including donor-advised funds and QCDsWhen to use different strategies based on age, income, and account typesHow to maximize deductions in high-income yearsThe benefits of “bunching” donations for greater tax impactUsing charitable giving to create a lasting family legacy

In today's increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is more important than ever and often comes down to simple habits. In this conversation, Adam Moseley and Patrick Hennessey of Charles Schwab share practical, real-world strategies to help individuals protect themselves from evolving cyber threats.Key takeaways:Best practices when it comes to email, passwords, Wi-Fi, VPNs, and moreThe rise of AI-powered scams and social engineering tacticsThe importance of regularly updating devices and softwareThe growing sophistication of global cybercrime operations

Retirement isn't just a financial transition. It's a psychological one. In this episode, host Chris and Wealth Advisor Priscilla Brehm explore what it means to shift from earning a paycheck to living off your wealth, and why this transition can feel more challenging than expected. They break down the four phases of financial life (survival, accumulation, preservation, and distribution) and focus on the often-overlooked shift into retirement.Tune in if you're interested in…The four seasons of financial life and why the transition to retirement can be so difficultHow to replace your paycheck and create confidence in retirement incomeWhy mindset matters just as much as math when leaving the workforceThe concept of ikigai and how to find purpose in retirementHow to avoid common pitfalls like over-monitoring your portfolio or underspendingHow thoughtful planning can help you enjoy your wealth

Is paying off your mortgage always the smartest financial move? Not necessarily. In this conversation, host Chris invites Wealth Advisor Ian Rennick to challenge one of the most common assumptions in financial planning: that being debt-free is always the goal. They explore the trade-offs between aggressively paying down a mortgage and maintaining liquidity, highlighting how excessive home equity can leave retirees “house rich but cash poor.” The key takeaway: financial freedom is about having options.Tune in if you're interested in…Whether paying off your mortgage should be a priority before retirementWhat it means to be “house rich but cash poor”The tradeoffs between home equity and accessible liquidityHow debt can sometimes be a strategic tool, not just a liabilityWhy having multiple “buckets” of money creates more flexibilityReal examples of how financial decisions can impact long-term goals

Paying taxes now to save later may sound counterintuitive, but for many investors, it can be a powerful strategy. In this conversation, Kevin and Chris break down Roth conversions: what they are, when they make sense, and how they can create more control over your financial future. By converting pre-tax retirement dollars into a Roth IRA, investors can pay taxes today in exchange for tax-free growth and withdrawals later. Tune in if you're interested in…What a Roth conversion is and why it can create long-term tax flexibilityHow required minimum distributions (RMDs) can increase future tax burdensWhy timing, tax brackets, and life events (like retirement or losing a spouse) matterHow recent tax law changes impact Roth conversion strategiesThe importance of having “buckets of money” for flexibility in retirementWhen Roth conversions may benefit your heirs under new inheritance rules

From geopolitical tensions to surging energy prices, investors are navigating a wave of uncertainty and volatility. Join Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk and Managing Director of Investments Sasan Faiz as they break down how recent global events are influencing markets and what they could mean for the economy and portfolios.Tune in if you're interested in…How geopolitical tensions are influencing global energy marketsWhy rising oil prices could trigger stagflation risksThe potential ripple effects on inflation, interest rates, and consumer spendingWhy stocks and bonds can struggle during inflationary periodsHow true diversification, including alternatives and gold, can help navigate uncertainty

Does a financial advisor's experience matter more than their perspective? Or is the real strength found in combining both?In this thoughtful conversation, host Chris Galeski and Executive Vice President Eric Selter explore the value different generations of advisors bring to client relationships and why age alone doesn't define wisdom. While life experience offers perspective that can only be earned over time, younger advisors contribute deep technical knowledge, fresh thinking, and tech fluency. Together, they share that Morton's true strength lies in its team-based approach.Tune in if you're interested in…Why a multi-generational advisory team can strengthen client outcomesThe importance of mentorship and collaboration behind the scenesWhether AI can truly replace human financial advice

Gold is having a moment, but the story runs deeper than price alone. In this timely conversation, Morton Wealth welcomes Axel Merk, President & CIO of Merk Investments and manager of the OUNZ gold fund, to unpack what's really driving gold's powerful rally. Axel explains why gold itself remains constant, even as perceptions shift, and how central bank diversification, geopolitical tensions, currency weaponization, and rising fiscal pressures are reshaping global demand. Tune in if you're interested in…What's truly driving gold's 50%+ surge this yearHow central banks and geopolitics are influencing demandWhy volatility spikes don't necessarily change the long-term thesisThe opportunities and risks within gold mining stocksThe difference between allocated and unallocated gold ownershipWhy we treat gold as a strategic hedge, not a tactical bet

In private real estate, patience isn't passive. It's a competitive advantage. In this conversation, Wealth Advisor Bruce Tyson sits down with Peter Knell, Managing Director of KCB Properties, one of our longest-standing real estate partners. As a family office that invests alongside clients, KCB has the flexibility to move into undervalued sectors and step back when markets become overheated. Peter shares how they navigated major real estate cycles, why they leaned into healthcare assets post-COVID, how they've preserved capital through a 20%+ market drawdown, and why today's environment may offer one of the most attractive buying windows in years. Tune in if you're interested in…Why alignment and “skin in the game” matter in private real estateHow KCB preserved capital during recent real estate downturnsWhy healthcare real estate looks attractive in today's marketWhat the “funding gap” is and why it can create better pricingHow climate risk and insurance strategy factor into property selection

In this episode, Wealth Advisor Mike Rudow sits down with John Ahn, Founder and CEO of WhiteHawk Capital, to explore how asset-based lending offers a uniquely resilient approach to private credit. John explains why WhiteHawk underwrites every loan to the worst-case scenario and how focusing on real, liquid collateral has allowed them to never lose money on a loan, even when borrowers fail. This conversation provides insight into how downside protection drives durable income.Tune in if you're interested in…How asset-based lending differs from traditional private creditWhy collateral quality and liquidity matter more than company successHow WhiteHawk has generated returns even through bankruptciesThe role of covenants, loan-to-value discipline, and ongoing monitoringWhy dislocation in credit markets can benefit asset-based lenders

People may cut back in a recession, but they don't stop buying food. If you're looking for resilient income in a world of uncertainty, “essential lending” may be a compelling place to start. In this session, Morton Wealth Senior Partner Eric Selter sits down with Rich Gammill of Proterra to explore how private credit works, why it can offer a return premium over public credit, and how lending to businesses across the food and beverage value chain creates durability through economic cycles. Rich shares how Proterra's unique partnership structure helps generate excess return, why covenants and direct borrower relationships matter for risk management, and what they look for when deciding whether a company is truly lendable. From popsicles and pet treats to popcorn and private-label manufacturing, this conversation highlights how “boring” can be a very good thing when your goal is consistent cash flow.Tune in if you're interested in…The difference between public credit vs. private creditWhy “food lending” can be more resilient during downturnsHow Proterra's structure creates an edge and potential return premiumWhy covenants are a key risk-management tool in private lendingReal examples of the types of companies Proterra lends to and why

Markets delivered strong headline returns in 2025, but underneath the surface, risks quietly continued to build. In this special episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, CEO Jeff Sarti and Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk break down market performance in the last quarter of 2025 while looking ahead to what this year may bring. From AI-fueled stock gains and international outperformance to the role of private credit, real estate, and gold, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on disciplined positioning.Tune in if you're interested in…What powered market returns in 2025Why market concentration and valuations matter heading into 2026The difference between AI hype and sustainable growthHow international stocks, private credit, and gold played key rolesWhat to focus on as policy and rates shape the next cycle

The most important details in a real estate investment are rarely the ones on the first page of the marketing deck. In this candid and often humorous conversation, Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk and Director of Growth & Advice Chris Galeski explore how real estate funds should really be evaluated. From aggressive assumptions and fee structures to alignment of interests and downside stress testing, they explain why great-looking numbers don't always translate into great investments. Tune in if you're interested in…Common assumptions that inflate projected real estate returnsWhy fees and manager incentives matter more than most investors realizeHow to think about downside risk and stress testingThe hidden risks of open-ended real estate funds and “easy liquidity” promises

What if generating income wasn't about chasing yield, but about getting your money back first? At our 2025 Investor Symposium, Michael Grosslight sat down with Brad Allen, Managing Partner of Keystone National Group, to unpack what it really means to build durable income through asset-backed lending. Brad explains how Keystone focuses on tangible collateral—like equipment, real estate, and financial assets—to generate consistent income while prioritizing downside protection in uncertain markets. Tune in if you're interested in…How asset-backed lending differs from traditional private creditWhy collateral quality matters more than borrower projectionsReal examples of how downside scenarios are handledHow shorter-duration, unlevered loans can reduce volatilityWhat makes Keystone's approach distinct in a crowded private credit market

Generating reliable income in today's market requires more than chasing yield. It requires structure, discipline, and downside protection. In this session, Wealth Advisor Ian Rennick sits down with Co-Founder of Stormfield Capital, Wes Carpenter, to explain how private real estate lending works, why being “the bank” can offer consistent cash flow, and how first-lien, low loan-to-value loans help protect investor capital. Tune in if you're interested in…How private real estate lending generates consistent incomeWhy first-position, low loan-to-value loans matter for risk managementWhat actually happens when a borrower defaultsHow private credit fills the gap left by traditional banksWhere Stormfield is leaning in and pulling back across real estate markets

Real estate has quietly endured one of its most challenging periods in decades, and Clay Grubb, CEO of Grubb Properties, isn't sugarcoating it. In this candid conversation, Clay and Megan unpack how rising interest rates, soaring construction costs, and frozen capital markets have reshaped real estate investing even as housing demand continues to grow. Clay explains why Grubb Properties' long-term focus on essential housing and young professionals helped them weather the storm, why transparency during downturns matters, and why demographic trends still point to a powerful long-term opportunity. Tune in if you're interested in…Why renters are older than ever, and what that means for housing demandHow higher rates and construction costs have stalled new development nationwideWhat made this real estate downturn feel “lonelier” than 2008Why demographics, mobility, and essential housing still create long-term opportunityWhere Clay sees the most compelling real estate markets emerging next

Transferring wealth is never just about dollars. It's about values, expectations, relationships, and the messy emotions that often come with. In this insightful conversation from our 2025 Investor Symposium, Estate Planning Attorney Brian Standing and Wealth Advisor Patrice Bening unpack the realities of gifting and inheritance. They explore how thoughtful structures can turn money into meaning and ensure that your wealth is optimized and transferred with intention. Tune in if you're interested in…Understanding the difference between giving money and passing on valuesHow to support adult children without creating dependency or misaligned expectationsWhen and why to use trusts, even for responsible heirsStructuring gifts that empower rather than overwhelmNavigating tricky family dynamics when heirs have different levels of responsibility

Among older adults, retirees are more likely to experience depression than those who are working due to feelings of loneliness and loss of identity. But, it shouldn't be this way. This chapter of freedom we work so hard for is called the “golden years” for a reason, and while the end of a career may feel like the finale, it's actually the doorway to a plethora of opportunities, relationships, and experiences.Join Wealth Advisors Priscilla Brehm and Joe Seetoo, along with Liz Dietz, founder of Love of Aging, as they explore practical ways to create purpose, wellness, community, and joy in retirement. Fulfillment doesn't end when work does, and it can even evolve into something greater than before.Tune in if you're interested in…Discovering how the Japanese concept of ikigai can help you define your purpose in retirementHearing real stories of finding purpose after a career endsUnderstanding why volunteering, mentoring, and relationships are essential to fulfillmentLearning practical ways to stay healthy, physically, mentally, and socially, in your later yearsGaining insights on navigating grief, transitions, and changing identity with grace

Some of the most compelling investments today aren't in Silicon Valley. They may be aging quietly in bourbon barrels, running across a soccer field, or docked at marinas. In this fascinating session from our 2025 Investor Symposium, Managing Director of Investments Sasan Faiz and Ashley Marks, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of Cordillera Investment Partners, pull back the curtain on some of the most unique, off-the-beaten-path investments in the alternative space. Tune in if you're interested in…Understanding what “niche alternatives” really are and why they matterHow whiskey aging, marina aggregation, and sports assets create uncorrelated return streamsWhy pre-institutional markets can offer outsized value before larger investors enterHow Cordillera sources, evaluates, and exits unconventional investment themesThe surprising growth and investment case behind women's professional sports

Owning investment real estate can feel like a badge of honor until the rising costs, headaches from maintenance, and shrinking returns start to tell a different story. At our 2025 Investor Symposium, COO & CMO Stacey McKinnon and Wealth Advisor Kevin Rex unpacked the tradeoffs of holding vs. selling real estate. They explored dead equity, increasing costs, tax considerations, and how real estate fits into your financial picture, while offering more flexible ways to access real estate income without the late-night calls. Tune in if you're interested in…Understanding why many rental properties are yielding less than you thinkExploring alternatives to direct property ownership Learning how taxes, liquidity, and legacy planning factor into real estate decisionsDiscovering modern tools like real estate funds, DSTs, and 1031 strategiesSeeing real-world examples of clients who simplified their portfolios successfully

The American Dream has long been a cornerstone of optimism and progress. But for many today, that dream feels uncertain, shaped by affordability challenges, growing debt, and a financial culture defined by short-term thinking. At our 4th Annual Investor Symposium, CEO Jeff Sarti posed a timely question: What's next for the American Dream and what does it mean for investors? Alongside Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk and Director of Financial Planning Beau Wirick, Jeff explored how a Healthy Skeptic mindset can help investors look beyond market fads and speculation, focusing instead on fundamentals, real assets, and resilience. 

Losing a spouse is one of life's most impactful and difficult experiences. What can make it even harder is that amidst their grief, widowers and widows are often faced with administrative tasks and important financial decisions. In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Wealth Advisors Sophie Leahy and Chris Galeski discuss these challenges, sharing how grief and financial decisions intersect and how professional guidance can provide clarity during such a life-changing transition.Tune in if you're interested in:Practical steps to take in the first year after lossHow to prepare your finances and estate plan before it's neededCommon mistakes to avoid when emotions are highWays to rebuild confidence and create a new financial planThe value of professional and emotional support during such a transition

In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Client Relationship Specialist Kristin Dillon and host Chris Galeski discuss how partnership and accountability are often the missing links in financial success. Our goal with our flat-fee financial planning offering, Modearn®, is to make quality coaching more accessible for Gen Xers and Millennials throughout their wealth-building journey. Tune in if you're interested in…• Learning how Modearn® makes financial planning more approachable• Understanding how personalized financial advice and partnerships can create peace in your life• Finding balance between saving, spending, and investing intentionally• Accessing expert guidance without traditional barriers

In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk and Wealth Advisor Patrice Bening tackle one of the most stressful topics for parents: college planning.Tune in if you're interested in…• Learning how to plan for college without sacrificing retirement• Understanding how much to save and where to start• Navigating financial aid, student loans, and the FAFSA process• Talking to your kids about college costs and trade-offs• Building a college plan that fits your family's goals

What happens when you enter a new stage of life while your partner stays put? In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Chris and Priscilla explore how navigating different retirement timelines can affect everything from a couple's finances and emotions to daily routines. Tune in if you're interested in…• Managing the financial and emotional shift when one partner retires first• Finding balance between independence and shared routines• Keeping your long-term goals aligned when your timelines don't match

Planning for retirement is about more than finances. It's also about where and how you want to live. In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, host Chris Galeski sits down with retired Wealth Advisor Jason Naiman to discuss the pros and cons of different retirement living options, from staying in your own home to exploring new communities.Tune in if you're interested in…Understanding the financial tradeoffs of retirement communities vs. staying at homeWeighing lifestyle benefits like community, activities, and social connectionsLearning how upfront costs and long-term care options factor into the decision

Cooked. Chopped. Rizz. Sus. The kids of today have their own language, leaving older generations scratching their heads. Does this disconnect go deeper than words? In this week's THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE episode, host Chris Galeski and Wealth Advisor Austin Overholt discuss how each generation's zeitgeist impacts their approach to money and life, and why conversations about financial mindsets are so important for multigenerational families.

In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, host Chris Galeski and Wealth Advisor Stacey McKinnon unpack the concept of lifestyle creep—what happens when your spending rises with your income.Tune in if you're interested in…• Understanding how lifestyle creep sneaks into your finances• Learning strategies to enjoy more without overspending• Spotting the trade-offs between short-term upgrades and long-term goals• Building habits that keep wealth growing with your income

On this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, host Chris Galeski and Wealth Advisor Beau Wirick take a closer look at Robert Kiyosaki's Rich Dad Poor Dad—one of the most popular (and controversial) personal finance books ever written.Tune in if you're interested in…• The core lessons of Rich Dad Poor Dad, and whether they hold up today• Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities in real life• How entrepreneurs generally become wealthier than W-2 employees, and if owning a business is essential to wealth accumulation• How mindset and discipline shape financial outcomes more than “hacks”• Where the book may oversimplify, and how to apply its ideas more thoughtfully

Headlines around the Fed's Jackson Hole speech always seem dramatic. But how much do these events really matter for your portfolio? In this episode, host Chris Galeski sits down with Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk to unpack what's behind the headlines, why the market reacts the way it does, and how they approach portfolio management without getting caught up in the noise.Tune in if you're interested in…Why markets swing on Fed comments, even when nothing new is saidThe difference between short-term headlines and long-term fundamentalsHow valuations and uncertainty shape portfolio decisionsThe role of rebalancing and tax strategies in managing client accountsWhy collaboration between advisors and portfolio managers matters for clients

In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Executive Vice President Eric Selter joins host Chris Galeski to dig into one of the most overlooked financial tradeoffs: the opportunity cost of holding too much cash.

On this week's episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, CEO Jeff Sarti joins host Chris Galeski to dive into the role of precious metals in a modern portfolio. Why do investors keep turning to metals during uncertain times?Tune in if you're interested in…• Learning how silver, platinum, and palladium fit into the picture• Understanding the case for (and against) gold in today's markets• Exploring whether metals really hedge inflation and market risk• Discovering when precious metals make sense in a portfolio, and when they don't

The One Big Beautiful Bill is here- and with it, some of the most sweeping tax changes in recent years. Wealth Advisors Beau Wirick and Ian Rennick are here to break down the 2025 tax legislation and how it impacts you.Tune in if you're interested in...Smart charitable giving before new deduction limits kick inHow the $40,000 SALT cap affects your itemized deductionsBonus depreciation's return and what it means for business ownersOpportunity Zone funds and tax deferral strategiesHow to make the most of Trump Accounts and 529 changes for your kids

Recessions are a natural part of the economic cycle- and for business owners, they can also be a time of unexpected opportunity. In this episode, Wealth Advisor Joe Seetoo and host Chris Galeski share practical ways business owners can prepare for a downturn while strengthening the long-term value of their companies.Tune in if you're interested in...How to maximize enterprise value by reducing owner dependenceDeal structure tips that can protect your exit during uncertain timesWays to strengthen business continuity through better systems and processesHow to play both defense and offense during a recessionWhy knowing your personal “number” can guide better business decisions

As private investments become more accessible to individual investors, headlines warning of their risks are on the rise. But are all private investments created equal? In this episode, Chief Investment Officer Meghan Pinchuk joins Chris to separate fact from fear, unpacking the differences between institutional-sized private funds and the smaller, more selective opportunities favored by their team.Tune in if you're interested in…Why not all private investments are built to protect youThe difference between public bonds and private loans (and why it matters)What to look for in private fund managers—beyond the sales pitchHow liquidity is often misunderstood in alternative investmentsRed flags in today's private credit market

In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, wealth advisors Sophie Leahy and Chris Galeski dive into one of the most common client questions:“What should I do if we go into a recession?”While no one can predict the next downturn, they walk through three key steps you can take to feel more confident, no matter what the economy throws your way.Tune in if you're interested in…• Knowing how a recession might impact you based on your life stage• Learning the “three-bucket” approach to financial security• Building a resilient investment strategy that prioritizes income• Stress-testing your retirement plan for unexpected events• Feeling more emotionally prepared for uncertainty

Did you know that among affluent parents, 67% have never spoken to their adult children about finances? These families are missing the opportunity to foster communication, align values, and prepare the next generation for personal, financial, and professional responsibilities. Executive Vice President Eric Selter joins host Chris Galeski on this week's episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE to discuss the nuances of these conversations and ways to conduct a productive, intentional family meeting. Tune in if you're interested in...- Creating a shared understanding of your family's financial values- Knowing when and how much to share with your children- Avoiding common pitfalls in wealth transfer and estate planning- Encouraging smarter financial decisions across generations- Learning how trusted advisors can help moderate meaningful conversations

In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, host Chris Galeski and Financial Planning Associate Ian Rennick dig into a shiny subject—gold. Is it a smart investment today? Should you own it in your portfolio, and if so, how much? Tune in if you're interested in:Why central banks around the world are buying record amounts of goldHow gold can help protect your portfolio from inflation and market volatilityWhat percentage of your portfolio should be in gold—and where to keep itThe historical power of gold as a long-term store of valueHow today's economic and geopolitical climate could impact the value of the U.S. dollar

How many people actually understand how their financial advisor gets paid? In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, host Chris Galeski and Wealth Advisor Kevin Rex are here to break it down.Tune in if you're interested in…Understanding the different ways financial advisors charge for their servicesLearning how to spot hidden costs and potential conflicts of interestHearing the history behind Morton Wealth's fee-only philosophy and how it's evolvedExploring when a flat fee might make more sense than a percentage-based modelKnowing what really adds value in an advisor relationship (hint: it's more than just managing a portfolio)

In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Chris Galeski and Meghan Pinchuk discuss what the growing national debt means for investors and the economy at large.Tune in if you're interested in the following:• Understanding why the U.S. national debt is a growing concern—and what it means for your money• How inflation, interest rates, and political inaction are shaping our economic future• Whether we can “grow” our way out of debt, or if inflation is the path of least resistance• Smart investment strategies for a world where the math doesn't add up• Why diversification today means more than just owning stocks and bonds

Equity compensation can be one of the most powerful tools for building wealth — but it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Chris and Mike discuss the ins and outs of equity-based pay, from stock options and RSUs to employee stock purchase plans. Whether you're negotiating a new offer or trying to make sense of what's already in your compensation package, their conversation will help you optimize your equity.Tune in if you're interested in the following:• The different types of equity compensation: non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase plans• How vesting schedules work• How to optimize equity for taxes

In our modern world of noise, trends, exaggerated stories, and "expert" online investment advice, it's wise to be at least a little skeptical. On this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Chris sits down with Morton Wealth CEO Jeff Sarti to unpack the 10 core investment principles in his latest newsletter, The Healthy Skeptic.Tune in if you're interested in the following:Why healthy skepticism—not blind optimism or fear—is key to making smart financial decisions.How questioning government data, market forecasts, and media narratives can help you become a more empowered investor.Why trying to predict the market often leads to poor outcomes—and what to do instead.How diversification beats overconfidence and chasing trends.

Last week, House Republicans advanced a multitrillion-dollar tax and spending bill that could affect millions of American households. With the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire at the end of the year, this bill aims to make several key provisions permanent.Join Chris Galeski and Beau Wirick as they unpack what's in the bill, who it benefits, and what it means for the broader economy. Note: This episode was filmed on May 22nd, 2025.Tune in if you're interested in the following:• How the bill could affect your income and estate taxes in 2025 and beyond• What the proposed $3.8 trillion in tax cuts and $1 trillion in spending cuts mean for the national debt• Why this legislation matters for estate planners, retirees, and middle-income households• What's next as the bill heads to the Senate—and how fast things could move

In celebration of the women of Morton – both team members and clients – we welcome you to listen to this episode where we explore the role women play in the financial services industry and the growth of female investors. According to recent studies, women are taking more leadership roles in investment decisions, which has progressed the way advisory firms deliver advice and services.Join Patrice Bening and Stacey McKinnon for a powerful and personal conversation about women in wealth on the latest episode ofTHE FINANCIAL COMMUTE.Tune in if you're interested in the following:• Why having both male and female financial advisors is important for many clients• The challenges and cultural shifts for women in finance• What makes female investors and clients unique• How we've engaged all clients more thoughtfully 

Ever wonder how our Chief Investment Officer, Meghan Pinchuk, decides which investments are worth it and which are overhyped? Join Chris and Meghan on this week's episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE as they discuss what makes an idea worth exploring, why due diligence is key, if AI is an overhyped investment, and alternative investments.Tune in if you're interested in the following:• Preserving and growing your wealth• How we evaluate new opportunities• Diversifying your portfolio beyond stocks and bonds• Market trends and the broader financial landscape• How we conduct due diligence and assess risk

This episode is relevant to you if...• You purchased long-term care insurance years ago and are now receiving notices about major premium increases.• You help your parents/grandparents manage healthcare and financial decisions, especially around long-term care.• You are a single person who wants to ensure you have a plan in place for long-term care without burdening family members.• You are a financial professional looking to increase your knowledge around long-term care planning and insurance so you can better serve your clients.