Great Points

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about doing your taxes.  While the 2024 tax deadline was a few weeks ago, there are a handful of simple ways you can be better prepared for next year.  Your tax preparer will thank you, but so will your future self for taking a few steps now to make tax season less stressful in the future.  Furthermore, once you have your system down, there are numerous opportunities to engage in "tax planning" to minimize future taxes owed rather than just scrambling to get them done.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks through some key concepts and context that will help you manage negative emotions when there is market uncertainty.  Taking inventory of your situation compared to many others can help you keep perspective.  Furthermore, through Covid, recent world conflicts, and even in the more distant past, there are many examples of market resilience despite uncertainty.  

On today's episode, Matt offers some perspective during the current environment of high market volatility.  While many investors look at their portfolio with fear when financial markets are highly variable, there are multiple things you can do to ease your stress.  Having some cash for your near term expenses, diversifying your investments, and having a plan will help you weather times where there is market uncertainty.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt takes a look at the numbers behind Social Security benefits.  While it's a common talking point in different forms of media, is it really possible that Social Security could go away anytime soon?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to a recent article he read on the non-financial considerations of retiring.  As lifespans get longer, there is growing consideration for what happens to the brain in retirement.  While the science is somewhat inconclusive, there are a lot of things you can do to make sure you maximize your golden years.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt Schroeder has an all-star cast of guests to discuss the first time home buying experience from beginning to end. Realtors Shea Pilsbury and Matt Munson (Munson Realty Group) join Mortgage Advisor Jeff Rolke (Gold Coast Mortgage) and Real Estate Attorney Michael Osborne (Michael Osborne Law).  They cover everything from the first steps you should take, all to way to the closing date.  Along the way, the group highlights some things to watch out for, things you may not have considered, and how to engage professionals you can trust.  Whether you are the first time buyer or someone in your family is, you won't want to miss this episode!

On today's episode, Matt walks through a scenario many investors encounter after periods of strong growth: owing capital gains taxes.  If you have investments in a non-retirement account where your growth is subject to capital gains tax, you likely have some gains from the last few years of market growth.  While no tax is due until you realize those gains, there is also the possibility that your portfolio is no longer in the desired ratio of stocks to bonds.  How can you rebalance your portfolio without incurring a hefty tax bill?  Matt covers some of the considerations to determine the right strategy for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt addresses a common question: does it make sense to help an adult child to purchase a home?  With Real Estate prices significantly outpacing inflation over the past few decades, gifting may be one pathway to help your child afford a home.  However, it's worth asking whether you can reasonably afford to help and--maybe more importantly--if you should.  Matt walks through some of the considerations to make the right choice for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks with Linda Savarese of North Share Care Management.  As a certified LifeCare Management professional, Linda specializes in helping elderly and cognitively disabled people navigate their lives.  They discuss some of the signs that your loved one might be struggling to care for themselves and what to do when you start to see those signs.  If your loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline, getting the right help can help them to maintain their independence.  Schedule a free consultation with Linda via https://nscm.co/ or at linda@nscm.co.  Or search for a care professional near you via the Aging Life Care Association at https://www.aginglifecare.org/.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt lays out the steps to calculate your Net Worth, and the value of making it a regular habit.  Just knowing your Net Worth is a good start to be able to make informed financial decisions.  But it will also help you to set meaningful goals, and track progress over time.  What small changes can you make over the coming year that will put you in a better position this time next year?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with custom construction professional Ken Kumph of Premier Builders in Georgetown, MA.  What are some of the things you might do to make your current house more livable, even as you age?  What are the challenges that come along with these projects?  What is the timeline?  And how can you use your current financial assets to make the projects a reality?  Listen in to learn about single-floor living, garage conversion, primary suite creation, and more.

On today's episode of Great Points, continuing with the theme of Real Estate, Matt speaks with Shawn Grenier.  Shawn is the founder of Real Property Management Reliance, specializing in helping clients manage rental properties in the North Shore of Massachusetts.  Matt and Shawn talk about some of the challenges of managing your own rental property, especially when it's a second home or your only property.  While it may seem easy to manage one property, it can be hard to deal with vacancies, repairs, and legal concerns.  Even if you are a "Snow Bird" considering renting one or both of your residences, this episode will help you consider the risk and trade-offs.

On today's episode, Matt speaks with realtors Shea and Matt Munson of Munson Realty Group.  Inspired by the TV show "Love it or List it", Matt speaks with his guests about some of the reasons people might make a housing change, especially in or near retirement age.  From relocating, to adding an in-law suite, to downsizing, there is no one size fits all approach.  But a bit of forethought can drastically reduce the chance of buyer's or seller's remorse.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about what it's like to work as a Financial Advisor.  If you are a college student or young professional considering a career in Financial Planning or Advice, this episode is a must listen.  From career path, to skills needed, to compensation, Matt covers a lot of the questions you may ask about the profession.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt makes an analogy about how the process of merging onto the highway relates to planning for retirement.  If getting to cruising speed is the equivalent of a smooth retirement, how would you approach the process of getting there?  Are you adequately using the onramp to build momentum while also planning where you want to slot it?  Or are you accelerating blindly?  While you may "get away with" taking an unorthodox route to merge on the highway or to plan for retirement, following a good process will maximize your chances of success.

On today's episode, Matt takes his inspiration from conversations overheard while at the Barber Shop.  The first situation involves whether or not to buy a car.  What are the considerations and what does the math say?  On the second, Matt reflects on how using just a small amount of your recreation time towards personal finances or earning income could significantly change your trajectory.

On today's episode, Matt talks about how articles and reporting can use numerical "facts" or predictions to elicit a reaction.  Tapping into your SAT skills, reading these articles critically can help you determine whether there is any actionable information therein, or if your plan already has you covered.  In a world where there is more content than in the past, determining the right information to take on board is as important as ever.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks with Boston University sophomore, Benjamin Brosnahan.  Ben is an Economics major at BU, and also runs workshops for fellow students on improving financial literacy.  In this wide ranging conversation, Matt and Ben talk about some practical tips for teaching financial literacy, the power of starting early, the importance of budgeting as a foundational skill, and much more.  If you are interested in learning more for yourself, or you are looking to teach others about personal finances, this episode is a great resource to get started.

On today's episode, Matt talks with the president of Great Point Wealth Advisors and Chief Investment Officer, Peter Disch.  They talk about why prices have risen so much in the past few years and what it means for the economy and individuals.  They also cover why prices coming down might not be as good as it sounds.  Finally, they cover what it all means for you as an investor, and how you can position yourself well for whatever comes next.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about how to get off to a fast start in your personal finances or help your loved ones do the same.  In finances, much like an Olympic race, getting off to a fast start can put you in a great position to reach a successful outcome.  As a newer investor, investing more now can give you a huge leg up for the future.  Or if you are looking to set up your heirs for financial stability, gifting them money towards long-term savings can equally have a huge impact.  Listen in to learn more about potential strategies. 

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Ashley Ganem, Director of Development at the North Shore CDC.  Community Development Corporations (CDCs) are non-government organizations focused on advocating for underrepresented communities.  To date, the North Shore CDC has put $90 million into affordable housing in the area, in addition to programs for public art, business consulting, language lessons, and much more.  Not to mention the state of Massachusetts gives a tax credit to donors (the CITC tax credit).  Listen in to learn more about the great work Ashely and the North Shore CDC do for the area!

On today's episode, Matt talks about how to get more intentional and effective with your charitable giving.  For many, giving is a part of their budget, even if it's not necessarily pre-planned.  What if you were to focus on making charitable giving part of your financial plan? How much can you afford to give and how can you narrow down which causes to support?  While many people feel they don't have enough to make a meaningful impact, Matt lays out some ways you can maximize your contributions to causes you care about.

On today's podcast, Matt talks about nutrition with his repeat guest, Dr. Mike Stare of Spectrum Fitness Consulting in Beverly, MA.  Mike has an impressive background, including working with Paralympic athletes and attaining his doctorate in Physical Therapy.  This episode is chock full of methods and information to help you make good food choices.  Mike discusses some common myths on dieting, motivation, and aging as well as some tips to make progress on any of your wellness goals.  Many of the assumptions we have about aging are just not backed by science.  Listen in to learn how to get and stay healthier no matter what age you are.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about renting versus buying a vacation home.  If you have a favorite place that you plan to go for many years, what do the numbers tell us about renting a property versus buying?  What are some of the major economic considerations?  Matt also covers some of the non-monetary parts of the decision making process so that you can make the right decision for you and your family.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks with Ken Kumph, owner of Premier Builders.  They discuss different options for making home modifications to enable aging in your current home rather than downsizing in this difficult housing market.  From small modifications such as adding safety railings or access ramps, to modifying an existing floor plan to enable easier "one floor living", Ken offers some advice on making your current home work for you.  

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Marcos Baugh, the President of Urban Golf Club.  Marcos started Urban Golf Club as a non-profit aiming to help urban kids learn golf and financial literacy through the core values of patience, humility, and accountability.  While Marcos started as a caddy at The Country Club in Brookline, he is now brining new people to golf through Boys and Girls clubs in the greater Boston area, all while helping them build a solid financial foundation for life.  Listen to learn more about the mission and what you can do to help, or visit https://www.urbangolfclub.org/

On today's episode, Matt has a great conversation with Eric Brotman, the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors based in Maryland.  Eric and Matt talk about a wide array of topics.   They discuss why Financial Literacy is still chronically underprioritized, how retirement doesn't have to be the end of meaningful work, and what is the future of college education.  In addition to his career as a Financial Advisor, Eric has built a media company to reach people who may not have access to professional advice, including a book and podcast called "Don't Retire...Graduate!"  

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to a recent ad he saw that said, "Does your portfolio need a 180?"  What are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when you see such an ad?  It may be tempting to make a snap decision when things change, but Matt lays out some ideas to help sift through the noise and resist making changes for the wrong reasons.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about the impact credit card debt can have on your financial plan.  With interest rates rising over the last couple years, the variable rates on credit cards have risen even faster.  Take a few minutes to review your current credit card balances and see what if any interest you are currently paying.  If you have balances you are currently carrying, considering using some emergency funds to reduce the interest you owe.  Or if you have multiple cards, look into which card currently gives you the best rate.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with personal stylist, Mary McRae.  As a men's stylist for J. Hilburn, Mary offers some insights on ways you can reduce your environmental impact by being intentional with your clothing choices.  Between buying higher quality, longer-lasting pieces, choosing ethically manufactured products, or donating unneeded clothes, there are many ways you can build an economical and sustainable  wardrobe.

On today's Earth Day themed episode of Great Points, Matt interviews Janelle Rolke, the Waste Reduction Coordinator for the city of Salem, MA.  They discuss the various programs in Salem designed to reduce the impact of waste on the environment.  Between refillable products and containers, composting, and effective recycling, learn more about what how you can do to help protect our planet.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt interviews licensed acupuncturist, Christine Almeida of Salem Acupuncture Therapy.  Learn how Christine discovered acupuncture through a debilitating injury at a young age, and how it changed the way she looks at both pain relief and preventive health care.  Originating in Eastern medical practices, acupuncture has been around for millennia, but there are many reasons it's still popular today.  Christine dispels some common concerns about acupuncture therapy and details the many benefits her patients experience.  

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks gives some practical tips for turning Financial Literacy principles into healthy habits.  Just like with any skill, the concepts of Financial Literacy will only become ingrained with practice.  If you're wondering how to teach a student, young adult, or even yourself how to manage day to day finances, repetition and real life examples will help to make the lessons stick.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with  Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer, Mike Stare.  They talk about aging and how we can all add qualify of life to our years rather than just years to our life.  Whether you are in your 40s, 70s, or 90s, Mike shares tips and advice for how to maintain and improve your physical fitness.

On today's episode, Matt talks with Stephen DiGregorio, the founder and owner of "Protecting your Assets LLC," a legal firm focused on Estate Planning.  Matt and Steve talk about what it means to have an estate plan, and they take on some misconceptions people frequently have.  What is a Health Care Proxy or a Springing Power of Attorney? Whether you have $50 in the bank or $10 million in assets, knowing some of the basics of estate planning is vital to protecting you and your loved ones.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about whether college is worth the cost and he gives some examples of the right questions to ask. What are some things to consider before deciding to enroll in an expensive college education?  What are the other options?  As with many financial decisions, there is not just one right answer, but having a plan and doing some calculations can help you find the right answer for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, fresh off re-watching Schitt's Creek, Matt talks through some of the money lessons that came to mind.  How can you raise your kids to understand money? Matt shares some tips for helping your children understand the value of a dollar.  Whether they are young kids, recent graduates, or mid-career professionals who may inherit some money, communication is key.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to an article he read on LinkedIn about supporting local by paying in cash.  Is paying in cash actually better for a business? And more importantly, what makes more sense for you?  Matt talks through the psychology of using cash versus credit and some tips for making the most of both approaches.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about some of the financial planning lessons he learned from watching Bye Bye Barry, the documentary about the life and career of Barry Sanders.  While one of the best running backs of all time, Barry Sanders is perhaps most famous for retiring while still in his prime.  Why did Barry give up the game when he was the peak of his earning power? Listen to learn more about the value of "running your own race" and deciding how much is enough for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt Schroeder and Brandon Parker talk about the giving season and how you can include charitable giving in your plan.  The holiday season is a great time of year to give back to your community, so listen in for some tips to maximize the impact of your contribution, whether monetary or otherwise! 

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks to Bill Hooper, who recently sold his  business after 20+ years.  They talk about Bill's experience as a business owner, and ultimately what made him decide to sell.  They also talk in depth about the sale process, owner financing, and what comes after "retiring" from your business .  If you are a business owner, or even just considering retirement, this episode is for you.

On today's episode, Matt talks about how Certificates of Deposit work and some of the pros and cons of buying them.  While an annual yield of 5% sounds attractive in a vacuum, what are some of the things to consider before buying CDs?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt and his colleague Brandon discuss some tips and ideas for helping to stay within your budget during the holiday season.  It's tricky to say no to family, friends, and charities, but what are some ways you can still manage to be generous without breaking the bank?

On today's episode, Matt records in front of a live audience to talk about a few conversations he's overheard in the Barber shop.  First he discusses a case where a couple is moving in together and trying to decide whether they should rent out their second condo versus sell it.  Next, Matt talks about a man who moved his whole portfolio to CDs this year.  Did these folks do the right thing?  And what questions should you ask yourself before taking a stranger's advice?

On today's episode, Matt and Brandon discuss "Open Enrollment" and how to decide which benefits to enroll in through your employer.  While insurance may not be the most exciting topic, enrolling in the right coverage for you can pay huge dividends down the road.  Learn about deductibles, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), disability insurance, and more to help decide what benefits fit your unique financial situation.

On today's episode, Matt and Brandon discuss what to look for when changing jobs.  Whether you are hoping for a pay raise, thinking of getting an advanced degree, or looking to do something entirely different, what are some of the key things to consider?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about how to make the most of the time you spend working on your personal finances.  Is it on investment returns, cash flow, or something else?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt and Brandon discuss goal setting and how you can create an actionable plan to reach those goals.  Whether you have existing goals you've let lapse a bit, or you want to set new ones, creating accountability will help you stay on track.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks a little about deferred compensation, fringe benefits, and other employee benefits that are designed to "lock you in" to your current employer.  When is it time to walk away from a job, and how should we think about leaving money on the table when we do?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about a fairly common challenge for very future oriented people...how can they actually spend their money and not feel guilty about it?  By bucketing out "fun money", you or your thrifty loved one can enjoy some responsible spending without putting long-term goals at risk.

On this episode of Great Points, Matt and Brandon discuss some books they've recently read that you can take to the beach or wherever you do your reading.  They discuss a couple lighter options, and also a few for those who want to go deeper on their financial learning.  "Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel"Your Money and Your Brain" by Jason Zweig"Your Money or Your Life" by Vicky Robin and Joe Dominguez"Financial Intelligence" by Doug Lennick"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill