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Some of the biggest financial moments in life do not always happen on schedule. Retirement can come earlier than expected, aging parents may suddenly need help, an inheritance can arrive during an emotional time, a business sale can quickly change your financial picture, and an estate plan may need to work long after you are gone.

In this episode, Mike and Madison discuss five major financial moments that may only happen once and why the most important work often begins years before the decision itself. They cover retirement income and sequence of returns risk, planning for aging parents, handling an inheritance, preparing for a business transition, and making sure an estate plan goes beyond simply signing documents.

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Financial advice is everywhere on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms—but how do you know what advice you can actually trust?

In this episode, Mike and Madison discuss the rise of financial influencers, why popular advice may not fit your personal situation, and the risks of following investment recommendations without understanding the full picture. They also break down what to look for when evaluating financial content online, from credentials and compensation to promises of quick returns, and explain why social media can be a great place to learn—as long as it is not where your financial decision-making ends.

WSJ Article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/a-breakdown-of-the-financial-advice-thats-flying-all-over-tiktok-2c466e70

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Dividends can feel like the ideal source of retirement income: cash arrives regularly without having to sell your investments. But focusing too heavily on dividend yield can create unintended risks.

In this episode, Mike and Madison discuss why retirees are drawn to dividends, the difference between dividend income and total return, the risks of chasing high yields, and how taxes and diversification factor into a retirement income strategy. They also explain why selling investments in retirement is not necessarily a sign that your plan is failing—and why the bigger question is whether your portfolio can sustainably support the life you want to live.

WSJ Article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirees-love-dividends-but-the-stock-market-surge-is-making-them-think-again-0e448ff6