Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor (and Lawyer!)

Ep. 80 Why Stock Valuations May Be Higher Than They Used to Be

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2070285/fan_mail/new] Stocks are trading at historically high valuations, but is comparing today’s market to the past really an apples-to-apples comparison? In this episode, Mike and Madison explore how lower trading costs, index funds, ETFs, retirement accounts, fractional shares, and broader diversification have transformed the investing experience. They look back at the days of fixed commissions, expensive mutual fund sales loads, round-lot requirements, and limited access to diversified portfolios. They also discuss why most individual stocks have failed to outperform Treasury bills, how a small number of companies have created most of the stock market’s long-term wealth, and why broad diversification remains so important. Stocks may be expensive by historical standards, but today’s market is also cheaper, easier, and more accessible to investors than ever before. Mike explains why those changes may help justify higher valuations—without eliminating volatility, market risk, or the need for a personalized investment strategy.

Ep. 79 Trump Accounts Are Now Open: What Do I Need to Know?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2070285/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison discuss the new Trump Accounts and what families should understand before opening or funding one. They cover who may qualify for the federal $1,000 seed contribution, how the accounts work, contribution limits, employer and grandparent contributions, investment restrictions, tax treatment, recordkeeping concerns, and how Trump Accounts compare with 529 plans. Mike also explains why state tax rules matter, why families should keep careful records from the beginning, and how these accounts may fit into a broader financial plan for children and grandchildren. Whether you have a newborn who may qualify for the federal contribution or an older child who could still use the account, this conversation highlights the key details to consider before taking action.

Ep. 78 Stocks, Bonds, and Cash: Finding the Right Balance in Today’s Market

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2070285/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack three recent Wall Street Journal articles that raise timely questions about stocks, bonds, and cash. They discuss why the equity risk premium has narrowed, what higher bond yields may mean for investors, and why holding too much cash can quietly erode purchasing power over time. Mike explains how investors can think beyond simple rules of thumb and build portfolios around their goals, time horizon, cash flow needs, and comfort with risk. The conversation highlights why asset allocation is personal, why market headlines should not drive major portfolio decisions, and how the right mix of stocks, bonds, and cash depends on each investor’s financial plan. Wall Street Journal article links: https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/the-risk-premium-for-holding-stocks-over-bonds-is-vanishing-95be5b9d [https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/the-risk-premium-for-holding-stocks-over-bonds-is-vanishing-95be5b9d] https://www.wsj.com/opinion/youre-probably-overinvested-in-bonds-1a498844 [https://www.wsj.com/opinion/youre-probably-overinvested-in-bonds-1a498844] https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/were-keeping-too-much-cash-in-our-accounts-these-days-8cf6f3a0 [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/were-keeping-too-much-cash-in-our-accounts-these-days-8cf6f3a0]

Ep. 77 What Would You Do with a Windfall?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2070285/fan_mail/new] What really happens when someone suddenly comes into a large amount of money? In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack the emotional, psychological, and financial realities that follow inheritances, business sales, bonuses, and other major windfalls. From lifestyle creep and family pressure to “sudden wealth syndrome” and analysis paralysis, they explore the patterns they’ve seen advising clients through life-changing financial events. Mike shares real-world stories of families who handled wealth transfers well—and others who made decisions too quickly and quietly changed the trajectory of their financial future. The conversation also dives into the coming “Great Wealth Transfer,” with trillions expected to pass between generations over the next two decades, and why preparation matters just as much for those giving wealth as those receiving it. Whether your windfall is $20,000 or $20 million, this episode offers a practical framework for slowing down, making intentional decisions, and building a financial plan that aligns with your long-term goals and values.

Ep. 76 Why Retirement Planning Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2070285/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison take a closer look at one of the biggest questions in retirement planning: should you save in a traditional retirement account, a Roth account, or both? Inspired by a recent Wall Street Journal article, they unpack the popular “50/50 split” strategy and explain why the right answer depends far more on your personal tax situation, income trajectory, and retirement timeline than on any universal rule of thumb. Mike shares why he believes many investors — especially high earners — may be getting overly simplified advice when it comes to Roth versus pre-tax contributions, and how factors like future tax brackets, retirement age, and withdrawal timing can dramatically change the outcome. The conversation also explores how retirement planning has evolved for younger generations, who now have more Roth options and more investment choices than ever before. The episode also dives into the growing movement to introduce private equity and private credit investments into 401(k) plans, raising important questions about fees, liquidity, and complexity. To wrap up, Mike shares practical advice sparked by a recent Fidelity account glitch that serves as a reminder of why keeping physical copies of financial records still matters in a digital world. WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/traditional-roth-retirement-accounts-best-112e31a1 [https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/traditional-roth-retirement-accounts-best-112e31a1] NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/your-money/401ks-and-similar-plans/401k-private-credit-crypto.html [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/your-money/401ks-and-similar-plans/401k-private-credit-crypto.html]