Smart Money Questions

What’s all the buzz about the “Big Beautiful Bill?” With many current tax provisions set to expire at the end of the year, there’s a lot of noise, but very little that’s finalized. Matt walks through the latest version of the Senate proposal, what it could mean for taxpayers, and why the only smart move right now is to stay informed and stay patient. He also highlights a thought-provoking article from The Wall Street Journal that shows how politics are increasingly influencing investment behavior- and not in a good way. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔍 What’s the latest on the “Big Beautiful Bill”? 🧠 How political bias can affect your portfolio ⏳ The massive difference just missing a few market days can make 🛡️ Why discipline is the investor’s secret weapon Fidelity: Staying Invested https://drive.google.com/file/d/158uFN5GlF5ieaQRhQF-sSWo2EwSJHRoJ/view?usp=sharing Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

The headlines are loud, the markets are messy, and your gut might be telling you to do something., anything, right now. But what should you actually do when your portfolio takes a hit? In this episode, Matt talks about recent market volatility and reminds listeners why reacting emotionally can cost more than staying the course. He shares stories from client conversations during the dip, explains the dangers of market timing, and reveals just how much the media benefits from our panic. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Why bad news spreads faster and hits harder 🧠 The real cost of reacting emotionally to market drops 🏠 Common estate transfer mistakes that hurt your heirs 📊 Why diversification (not timing) still wins 💰 How the media profits from your fear Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

Selling your home and relocating in retirement is both an emotional decision and a financial one. Today’s real estate landscape adds in another layer of complexity, especially for retirees. In this episode, Matt shares insights from working with four different clients who are each navigating the complexities of selling, buying, or relocating. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 Real-world advice from clients relocating in retirement 📑 Why contract timing and legal review can prevent big headaches 💰 Reverse vs. traditional mortgages—what works when and why 💡 Planning your move around taxes, income shifts, and cash flow Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

As we dive into the heart of March Madness, the excitement of college basketball isn't the only thing making headlines; the financial markets are also experiencing their own form of madness. In this episode of Smart Money Questions, Matt breaks down the latest market volatility, tax season updates, and investment strategies to help you stay informed and confident in your financial future. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Market Volatility Explained – Why the ups & downs are normal 📊 International Stocks Are Winning – What this means for your portfolio 🔄 Why Rebalancing is Crucial – How to adjust your investments strategically 💰 Tax Credit Opportunities – Home upgrades, EVs & deductions you may be missing ⚠️ Don’t Fall for Media Hype – How to separate financial facts from fear-mongering Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

Today we want to cover some timely discussions that we’ve had with clients recently, ranging from savings strategies and debt management to tax refunds and credit card spending. Good saving and spending habits are developed over time, but these seemingly small routines can make a huge difference in retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

Everyone wants to get advice or guidance when it comes to investing, and a recent Wall Street Journal article featured ten different experts’ predictions for 2025. It made for an interesting read and provided some interesting discussion for this month’s podcast. Today we’ll take a look at a variety of strategies in play for 2025—from focusing on large-cap growth stocks and diversifying beyond the “magnificent seven” tech giants to some experts advocating a complete shift to bonds. Beyond investment strategies, we also want to spend a little time sharing practical financial planning tips for the new year, including setting clear financial goals, optimizing retirement contributions like 401(k)s and Roth 401(k)s, and essential considerations when relocating. We hope you enjoy this look ahead to the new year. If there’s anything you want to focus on and improve, please get in touch and let’s talk about ways we can help. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

As we close out 2024, we can look back on a good year highlighted by the transition to a new office. Hopefully you’ve also enjoyed a great past twelve months, but now it’s time to shift focus on smart financial planning for the year ahead. In this episode of the Smart Money Questions podcast, Matt shares actionable strategies to refine your budgeting, transition smoothly into retirement, and maximize tax efficiency. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ✅ The importance of understanding your monthly expenses (necessities, lifestyle, and legacy goals). 💰 Planning for retirement income, including Social Security and pensions. 📊 Tax planning tips to optimize pre-tax and post-tax investments. 💳 Managing debt wisely and reviewing credit reports to ensure financial security. Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

As we approach Thanksgiving, it's hard to believe that 2024 is nearly behind us. With the end of the year comes a lot to look forward to- family, food, and of course, football. But there’s also another reason to celebrate this holiday season: the election is finally over. Now that the election results are settled, the big question on everyone's mind is what comes next for the markets, Social Security, Medicare, and taxes. In this episode, we dive into what we can expect in the coming months and how these changes might impact our financial future. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

It’s a different type of episode this time around, as we welcome long-time football coach Mike Ricci to the show. Mike coached football at Garnet Valley High School where he built a powerhouse football program before his retirement from the field. Now, Mike has his own business where he helps companies reach their goals as an organization much like he helped so many young people reach their goals both on and off the football field. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

There’s a lot of anticipation surround the Federal Reserves meeting this month, and their decision on interest rates will have an impact across many different areas of financial planning. There’s a lot going on right now that impacts the discussions we have in our office, and we’re bringing some of that to the podcast today. Join us as we share an in-depth analysis of the current economic indicators and what they might mean for your savings, investments, and overall financial strategy. Plus, we’ll offer some guidance for anyone facing decisions about pensions and lump sum offers and make sure you understand the potential pitfalls of transferring property without consulting an estate planning attorney. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

We always like to use this show to share some of the conversations we’re having with clients and the topics that are being discussed in our office. Today we have three important ones that have popped up multiple times recently and that’s life insurance, tax planning, and legal documents. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

We’ve reached halftime for 2024 and it’s the time of the year when we like to check up on the finances with clients. Today we want to walk you through the conversations we’re having and the topics we’re covering in the office. This episode is packed with both entertaining summer stories and crucial financial advice that you won't want to miss. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

It’s been a busy few weeks for us with a couple concerts and a trip to Florida to visit Maggie’s mom, and it was during that trip that we met someone who got us thinking about the theme for this month’s show. Today we’ll share that intriguing conversation we had with a retiree in Florida who was fearful about the future of the economy and the dollar, which sets the stage for a deeper discussion on financial planning and investment strategies. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

We met recently with a young client who was just getting started and wanted to learn more about investing. They were so eager to get a jump on the finances and figure everything out. Today we’re going to share insightful anecdotes from this recent meeting, where we talked about the underlying principles of planning, highlighting the importance of understanding risk, diversification, and keeping a long-term outlook. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

This week on the Smart Money Questions podcast, Matt Hausman tackles the big question: Will you be okay after retirement? With a blend of financial expertise and real-life examples, we’ll share a Wall Street Journal article outlining the financial mistakes to avoid as you get within five or ten years of retirement. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

Life insurance is a product we get asked about all the time as people are trying to determine if they need to hold on to an old policy or even bother getting one at all. We get this question all the time and there have been a couple different scenarios come up recently that we wanted to bring to the show. So we’ll address those and go through the reasoning behind what we’ve discussed with clients. As of the end of March, we will no longer be at our current location. We are getting close to securing our new permanent location, which will hopefully be done in the next few weeks. In the interim, we’re going to be operating at 101 Lindenwood Drive in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Everything else will stay the same in terms of contacting us Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com

What can we expect or what has the market done with regards to returns during presidential election years? After talking with clients the first couple of months, it’s clear that this is going to be a crazy year. That’s not uncommon during election years but this one seems to be setting up for unprecedented craziness. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

Everyone wants to know. What is going to happen in 2024? Join us as we explore a range of topics, from the outlook of the economy, a potential tax surprise for a lot of people, and some new provisions that will take effect this year. We’ll give you a high-level look at what we’re paying attention to and what we’re discussing with our clients as the year begins. There’s plenty to address within your financial plan and this episode will cover a number of those things. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

We’re coming down to the final few days of 2023 and we hope you have all enjoyed a good holiday season. As we close out the year, we wanted to go over a couple of client conversations we had recently dealing with small businesses and the power of money. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/

It’s hard to beat this time of the year with the holidays and everything that comes along with it, and we hope that you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for and hope you do as well when you look back on this year and what’s to come in 2024. Today we want to go over a couple of meetings we’ve had recently with clients who had needed to address some specific scenarios. In each of these scenarios, we’ll share the process we went through and the different options we considered before helping them determine the best path forward. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Want to contact us? Website - https://smartmoneyquestions.com/ Email - info@smartmoneyquestions.com Set up a time to talk – http://SpeakWithMatt.com Want to work with us? Find out how we can help: https://smartmoneyquestions.com/work-with-matt/