Savings and Sense

The One Financial Habit That Keeps You Out of Trouble

Allie Howard and Kaitlyn Felker walk through one of the most important starting points in any financial plan: building and maintaining an emergency fund. They explain why liquidity matters even when markets are performing well, how to think about three to six months of expenses, and why having accessible cash can prevent costly financial decisions. The episode highlights how small planning habits create stability, flexibility, and peace of mind, especially during uncertain market environments.

Back to Basics: Investment Allocation for Retirement

Logan Gilland and Allie Howard discuss another volatile week in the markets, including the impact of rising oil prices, Iran tensions, consumer sentiment data, jobs reports, and what the Fed may do next with interest rates. Then they dive into one of the most important retirement planning decisions: investment allocation. They break down how advisors determine the right mix of stocks and bonds, why risk tolerance matters, how retirement goals shape portfolio strategy, and the mistakes investors make when emotions drive financial decisions.

Back to Basics: Estate Planning Essentials

Logan Gilland and Katelyn Felker break down another busy week in the markets, including Magnificent Seven earnings, AI competition heating up, interest rate developments from the Fed, and ongoing oil market tensions. Then they shift into one of the most important financial planning basics: estate planning. From wills and powers of attorney to beneficiary designations and trusts, they explain the key documents every family should understand and the costly mistakes that can happen when plans are outdated or incomplete.

Back to Basics: Turning Your Savings Into a Retirement Paycheck

Logan Gilland and Andy Durant continue the Back to the Basics series by breaking down how retirees turn accumulated savings into sustainable income. They walk through common distribution strategies, explain the differences between brokerage accounts, traditional retirement accounts, and Roth accounts, and highlight why flexibility and tax planning matter most in the early years of retirement. The conversation focuses on building a clear withdrawal plan that balances income needs, tax efficiency, and long term security so retirees can spend confidently without losing sleep over market volatility.

Back to Basics: Making Sense of Social Security

Logan Gilland and Allie Howard continue their Back to the Basics series by walking through key Social Security planning considerations for those approaching or already in retirement. They cover when to file, how longevity affects claiming decisions, how taxes and continued work can impact benefits, and why spousal strategies matter. The discussion emphasizes using Social Security as part of a broader retirement plan, focusing on timing, coordination with other income sources, and making informed choices that support long term financial stability.