Back to Basics: Making Sense of Social Security

The Real Value of a Financial Planner

Allie Howard and Andy Durant take a step back from market headlines to talk about what financial planning actually looks like in real life. They share how their perspective has evolved from focusing on investments to understanding the importance of behavior, psychology, and the bigger picture that includes taxes, estate planning, and risk management. The episode highlights why there is no one size fits all answer, how even the smartest people need guidance, and why having someone in your corner can make all the difference when navigating complex financial decisions.

Saving for Your Kids The Right Way

Logan Gilland and Katelyn Felker break down the smartest ways to save for children and how to avoid common mistakes along the way. They walk through the differences between 529 plans, custodial accounts, and flexible brokerage accounts, highlighting the tradeoffs between tax benefits and control. The conversation focuses on building a strategy that fits your family’s goals, teaching financial responsibility, and creating flexibility so savings can support education, life milestones, or future opportunities.

Should You Chase the Hottest IPO in the Market?

Allie Howard and Daniel Czulno break down one of the biggest headlines of the week with the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO and what it means for everyday investors. They explain how IPOs work, why hype and demand can drive early volatility, and the risks of chasing short term winners without a clear strategy. The conversation also connects current market themes like AI, inflation, and interest rates back to long term planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding your investments and staying grounded in a disciplined financial plan.

Your Retirement Number Might Not Be What You Think

Allie Howard and Katelyn Felker break down the idea of “what is your number” and why retirement planning is about much more than hitting a dollar amount. They walk through how spending, lifestyle goals, healthcare, taxes, and income sources like Social Security all shape what retirement actually requires. The conversation highlights why two people with the same savings could have very different outcomes and encourages listeners to think beyond a target number and instead build a plan that supports the life they want to live.

The Financial Mistakes That Sneak Up Each Decade

Logan Gilland and Allie Howard walk through the most common financial missteps they see from clients in their 20s through retirement. They cover everything from failing to build saving habits early on, to normalizing debt in your 30s, chasing returns in your 40s, missing tax strategies in your 50s, and treating retirement like a finish line instead of an ongoing plan. The conversation highlights how disciplined habits, thoughtful planning, and awareness at each stage can help avoid costly mistakes and build long term financial success.