Check Your Balances
Check Your Balances is a weekly personal finance podcast hosted by two certified financial planners, Ross Anderson and Daniel Messeca. Each episode offers practical strategies for saving, investing, and managing money without jargon or hype. The hosts aim to help listeners take control of their finances and work toward financial independence.
Episodes
Squeezing Into 0% Capital Gains & The Non-Deductible IRA Trap
Can you lower your income on purpose to hit the 0% capital gains bracket? Should you pull the trigger on Roth conversions while still making peak salary? And is there ever a good reason to make a non-deductible Traditional IRA contribution if you aren't doing a Backdoor Roth?On this mailbag episode, Dan and Ross answer three tactical listener questions about managing tax brackets, avoid the I
The High-Rate Reality Check
Interest rates are in the headlines again, but what does a higher-rate environment actually mean for your money? In this episode, we look at the shifting landscape through four critical lenses: Are cash savers g? How are home buyers and borrowers supposed to navigate a mortgage market where cheap money is a distant memory? Is fixed income finally back as a serious contender for bond investors, and
Priced Out: Who Is Long-Term Care Insurance Even For?
Long-term care insurance used to be a staple of a conservative retirement plan, but spiraling premiums and shifting policies have completely rewritten the rules. In this episode, Ross and Dan break down whether traditional coverage has officially priced itself out of relevance. If you have under $1 million in assets, the cost of protection can easily derail your broader strategy—yet high-net-worth
Sleep Deprivation and Your Portfolio
In this episode, Dan breaks down the unexpected parallels between sleep training a toddler and managing your personal finances. From overcoming the emotional urges when plans get rocky to recognizing why "knowing what to do" is only half the battle, the team explores why execution, patience, and structure matter far more than finding a secret shortcut.Send us Fan MailSend your questions
When You Have More Than Enough: Mid-Retirement Gifting & Legacy
What happens when you reach mid-retirement and realize you have more wealth than you’ll ever be able to spend? While it sounds like a good problem to have, managing excess wealth comes with a unique set of personal and financial decisions. This week on Check Your Balances, we dive into the complexities of high-net-worth retirement planning. We discuss the nuances of gifting to adult children—inclu
Pre-Tax vs. Roth 401(k) & Listener Back-to-School Feedback
On this mailbag edition of Check Your Balances, Ross and Dan tackle three distinct listener questions:Traditional vs. Roth 401(k): Is it worth switching to Roth if higher taxes mean you can't max out your total savings?Roth Withdrawals for Education: The rules, tax traps, and penalty exceptions for using Roth funds to pay for college or grad school.Back to School Recap: What you thought of ou
Back to School: Personal Finance 303+
What actually belongs in an "advanced" personal finance class? Ross and Dan debate whether advanced planning means mastering the fundamentals or tackling niche, high-level career scenarios. Even if a complex financial milestone doesn't apply to everyone, it matters immensely when it hits your desk. Tune in this week to get prepared for the things you might face.Send us Fan MailSend
Back to School: Personal Finance 202
Personal Finance 101 is simple: clear, timeless lessons that fit on a bumper sticker. But Personal Finance 202 is where things get messy. Concepts that feel like second nature to seasoned investors can sound like a foreign language the first time you hear them.Take the classic advice: "Just invest in index funds." That single sentence actually hides three or four distinct concepts you ha
Back to School: Personal Finance 101
Whether you're taking your very first steps into personal finance or hitting the reset button on your money habits this fall, it’s time to go back to school. In this episode, Ross and Dan break down the essential "Personal Finance 101" building blocks everyone needs to master—no finance degree required.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outloo
What can you do TODAY to improve your finances?
Financial progress doesn’t always require a multi-year master plan or a complete lifestyle overhaul. Sometimes, the most impactful moves are the ones you can knock out in under ten minutes before going to bed.In this episode, Ross and Dan break down actionable, high-impact financial moves you can execute before the clock strikes midnight tonight. No fluff, no endless research—just quick wins that
Do you really know your goals?
Most people spend the vast majority of their financial lives hyper-focused on the resources side of the equation: maximizing investment returns, optimizing tax strategies, cutting expenses, and watching net worth numbers grow. But accumulation without direction is just dynamic asset management in a vacuum. Resources are simply the engine; your goals are the steering wheel.Without clearly defined t
The Discipline Myth: How to Engineer Better Financial Choices
Most people who seem to have incredible financial discipline don’t actually possess superhuman willpower. Instead, they’ve just built environment-driven systems that eliminate temptation altogether. In this episode, Ross and Dan break down why relying on self-control is a losing strategy and how to engineer financial systems that make smart money moves effortless.Send us Fan MailSend your question
Would You Rather? From Practical to Absurd
Financial decisions are really just a series of trade-offs—some straightforward, others a little unhinged.This week on Check Your Balances, Ross Anderson, CFP® and Daniel Messeca, CFP® turn financial planning into a game of "Would You Rather?"We start with the everyday dilemmas that you might be considering in your life, finances, and career and let the conversation devolve from there. W
Are You Making These 401(k) Errors? From NUA to Default Funds
Your 401(k) is likely your largest retirement asset, but are you managing it with a blind spot? This week, we cover the spectrum of 401(k) mistakes, starting with the heaviest hitter: Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). We explain how this specific IRS rule allows you to move company stock out of your 401(k) and pay lower capital gains rates instead of ordinary income tax.From there, we scale down
The Quiet Capital Drain: Could Coast FIRE Break the System?
For decades, standard capital markets assumptions have relied on a predictable, cyclical conveyor belt of capital: workers save, institutions invest, markets rise. But we might be staring down a massive, structural wrench in the gears. Between the Great Retirement of the Boomer generation and the cultural explosion of Coast FIRE—where millions of younger investors stop contributing to retirement e
The Illusion of Diversification & Your Summer Mailbag Questions
In this week's mailbag episode, we are diving straight into the listener inbox to tackle the financial questions on your mind.First up, we break down a fundamental investing trap: Portfolio Overlap. A listener asks how to actually tell if adding a new ETF to their portfolio provides true, independent diversification, or if they are just buying the same exact stocks under a different wrapper.
Should You Consider a Franchise? with Jon Ostenson
Corporate America isn't the only path to building wealth, but starting a business from scratch can feel like jumping without a parachute. This week, we sit down with top non-food franchise consultant and investor Jon Ostenson to explore a powerful alternative. If you think franchising is limited to fast-food burgers, think again. Jon breaks down why some of the best opportunities actually lie
Birthdays, Babies, and Big Moves: Dan’s Year in Review
Happy Birthday, Dan! In this special episode, we’re celebrating another trip around the sun by taking a deep dive into Dan’s personal finances over the last 12 months. It’s been a whirlwind of a year defined by two of life’s biggest milestones: packing up and moving to a new home, and welcoming a beautiful new baby to the family.Join us as Dan opens up his own playbook to share the real-life finan
SpaceX: A Rocket You Want to Ride?
SpaceX is days away from the largest IPO in history, and the ripple effects are going to hit every single investor. With a massive projected market cap, this launch could force index funds to aggressively dump shares of other tech giants just to make room for Elon Musk's aerospace behemoth.How do major indices protect portfolios from that kind of sudden systemic risk? When will SpaceX actuall
Is the Coffee Really Blowing Your Budget?
We’ve all been told that skipping your daily latte is the secret to building wealth. But is sacrificing small joys actually moving the needle, or is it just a distraction from the real culprits?In this episode of Check Your Balances, we unpack a recent Business Insider article on "Wealth Traps" to reveal what’s really holding people back from financial freedom. Spoiler alert: It’s almost
Is the Berkshire Shareholder Letter Still Required Reading?
For decades, Warren Buffett’s annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders was the ultimate textbook for value investing. Packed with folksy wisdom, sharp market critiques, and fundamental business truths, it was considered mandatory reading for anyone serious about finance.But with Greg Abel officially taking the helm as CEO, the landscape has shifted. Is the letter still worth your time?This
How Easy Is the Rule of 55 to Use? - Mailbag Episode
It’s time to open up the mailbag! In this episode, Ross and Dan dive into your financial questions, tackling everything from early retirement strategies to the interpersonal dynamics of shared household finances.First up, we break down the Rule of 55. If you’re looking to retire or step away from your job early, this IRS provision sounds like a dream—allowing you to tap into your current 401(k) pe
1929: Is This Our Past or Our Future?
In this episode of Check Your Balances, we dive deep into the haunting parallels between the modern financial landscape and the most infamous market collapse in history. We explore Andrew Ross Sorkin’s thoughtful insights and historical analysis surrounding the Great Crash of 1929.Is a century of economic "progress" enough to save us from ourselves, or are we just 1929 investors with fas
Are You Feeding AI Financial Plans Bad Assumptions?
In financial planning, we often talk about "the numbers," but behind every projection lies a set of assumptions. Whether it’s an estimated rate of return, a projected inflation figure, or even how long you expect to live, these inputs are the foundation of your entire strategy. But what happens when you pull on a single thread?This week on Check Your Balances, we dive into the sensitivit
What Companies Do We Hold Grudges Against?
In this week's episode, Ross and Dan review the businesses that have wronged them. Whether that grudge is for the most petty thing ever, that's for you to decide. Do you have businesses that you simply won't work with again because they have wronged you in some way?Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram
Did Vanguard Come up with a BETR Approach for Roth Conversions?
In this episode, we’re digging into Vanguard’s 2025 BETR (Break-Even Tax Rate) Framework to see if it’s a legitimate breakthrough or just a fancy new acronym for the same old math. We explore whether this methodology actually simplifies the Roth conversion debate or if it just adds another layer of "analysis paralysis" for investors trying to outrun the IRS. Is pinpointing a break-even r
Is Your Retirement Carve Out Long Enough?
This week we re-examine our favorite strategy for making the transition into retirement, the "Carve Out." When transitioning into retirement, the safe asset bucket or "Carve Out" is often touted as the ultimate psychological safety net. But how much cash is actually enough to weather a prolonged market downturn without selling equities at a loss?In this episode, we revisit the
Does Your Money Need Spring Cleaning?
As the seasons shift and the weather clears, it is the perfect time to open the windows, clear out the dust, and take a fresh look at your financial life. This week on Check Your Balances, we are diving into a comprehensive "Spring Cleaning" checklist for your money. Whether you are looking to simplify your accounts or maximize your savings rate, a little seasonal maintenance goes a long
What Might Bust Your Bracket?
March madness isn't just for the court—sometimes, life throws a full-court press at your financial plan that you never saw coming. In this episode, we take a look at the "bracket busters" of personal finance: those unexpected or overlooked situations that can derail even the most carefully constructed strategy for financial independence.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcomi
The March Mailbag: From Scarcity Mindsets to Roth Nuance
In this March mailbag episode, we’re diving into the listener inbox to tackle the psychological hurdle of oversaving and how to transition from a lifetime of hoarding to intentional spending. We also clear up the "sloppy" discourse surrounding Roth conversions, cutting through the noise to discuss the tax nuances and math that actually matter. Whether you're struggling to give yours
SAASpocalypse, Quantum, and AI investing with Simon Erickson
If you feel like the ground is shifting under your feet as a tech investor, you aren’t alone. Early 2026 has introduced a new term to the financial lexicon: the SAASpocalypse. With AI agents beginning to perform tasks that used to require a $50-per-seat software subscription, the traditional "moats" of the software-as-a-service world are being tested like never before.This week, we are j
Capital Gains and Refinances, Our favorite topics?
If you've got mutual funds in your portfolio you might be familiar with that uncomfortable feeling at tax-time when your CPA sends you a bill even when you didn't sell anything. We talk about how to anticipate and navigate capital gains distributions on a mutual fund, and also weigh in on whether its the right time to refinance a high rate mortgage.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for
Celebrating 5 Years with a Live Listener Event
It’s hard to believe it’s been half a decade since we first hit "record" to talk shop about markets, financial planning, and the psychology of money. To celebrate our 5th Anniversary, we’re stepping out from behind the microphones and into the room with the people who made it all possible: You.Join Ross and Dan for a special live taping of the Check Your Balances podcast! This isn't
1099 vs W2 Jobs & More: February Mailbag
In mailbag episode of Check Your Balances, we break down the financial reality of choosing between 1099 and W2 employment. Do the additional deductions actually make this a way better deal? We also tackle the Roth IRA debate of whether you should swing for the fences with high-growth stocks or play the long game with broad-market index funds. Finally, we tackle tax season head-on by evaluating if
If you could borrow money for 100 years, should you?
If you could borrow money for a century, should you? This episode explores the strategy behind Alphabet's 100-year bond and why one of the world's wealthiest companies chooses to stay in debt until the next century.We bridge the gap between corporate finance and your front door, breaking down how inflation acts as a "discount" on long-term debt like mortgages. By analyzing the
When Does It Make Sense to Pay Retirement Account Penalties?
It’s the ultimate "break glass in case of emergency" move: tapping into your 401(k) or IRA before you hit age 59½. Usually, the advice is a resounding "don't do it," thanks to that stinging 10% early withdrawal penalty plus ordinary income taxes.But life rarely follows a linear spreadsheet. In this episode, we tackle the nuance of the "forbidden" withdrawal. We’r
Are You Underestimating the Impact of Baby Steps?
Staring at a driveway buried by a snowstorm is a lot like looking at a massive financial goal—overwhelming until you start chipping away. This episode of Check Your Balances explores how small, "baby steps" eventually lead to a critical inflection point where momentum takes over. We discuss the transition from the "grind" of active saving to the moment your portfolio’s growth b
Are Your Taxes Ready for the OBBB With Ryan Flanigan, CPA
Tax season is a different beast under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), and it’s time to see if your strategy holds up. This week, we’re joined by Ryan Flanigan, CPA, to break down the legislative shifts and what they mean for your bottom line. From permanent bonus depreciation to the new incentive structures, we’re cutting through the noise to make sure you’re prepared for the "Big Beautifu
Are Annuities and Real Estate Our Favorite Punching Bags?
Finding overstated benefits in real estate and annuities might just be our favorite pastime. This week on Check Your Balances, Ross and Dan are putting on the gloves to take down the myths and math of these two common financial tropes.The rant gets specific as we highlight the absurdity of pitching annuities to investors who already enjoy the security of a strong pension—essentially solving a prob
Investing in a K Shaped Economy
The K-shaped economy is a jarring reality right now. On the "upward" arm, you have households with significant exposure to assets like stocks and real estate—which have reached record highs—alongside industries like AI and tech that are booming. On the "downward" arm, you have those feeling the squeeze of high interest rates, stagnant wages relative to costs, and the "disa
Does a tax free dividend Roth work? - Mailbag Episode
Is there a "magic bullet" for generating tax-free income in retirement? This week, Ross and Dan dive back into the mailbag to tackle a question that sounds almost too good to be true: The Tax-Free Dividend Roth Strategy. We’ve all heard that Roth IRAs are powerful, but a listener asks if specifically loading a Roth with high-yield dividend stocks is the ultimate "cheat code" fo
So Long 2025 from CYB!
As we close out 2025, Ross and Dan look back at a year that defied the scripts, from "sure-thing" predictions that fizzled to the market moves that caught even the pros off guard. Join us for a final look at the lessons of 2025 and a clear-eyed strategy for your money as we head into 2026.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbal
Would The Grinch be the worst client?
Which holiday icon would be a financial advisor’s worst nightmare? This week, we’re putting Christmas characters under the microscope. We debate whether the Grinch or Scrooge is the tougher client to manage and dive into the 'North Pole Economics' of how Santa actually funds his global operation.Beyond the festive fun, we explore what these fictional portfolios teach us about behavioral
Is $100 Million Enough for Generational Wealth?
Could a $100 million career income actually be insufficient for true, lasting generational wealth? This week, Ross and Dan dive deep into the ultimate financial paradox: the hidden, massive costs of being ultra-wealthy.We unpack the eye-opening comments from NFL star Odell Beckham Jr. about how quickly a pro athlete's money evaporates. At this level, do standard retirement rules still apply,
Why buy bonds when cash looks better? - Mailbag Episode
In a world where cash is yielding around 4% and the bond index has lost 0.35% over the last 5 years*... why would you buy bonds instead of sitting on cash? This week we dive into that question and several others from our Mailbag.* Data as of 11/30/2025 via VanguardSend us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram
Daily Budgeting: Sanity or Stress?
We've always championed the long-term view of budgeting, but what if thinking about your money daily is the real secret to financial control? This week, we explore the idea of micro-timeframe spending: Is hyper-focusing on every 24 hours empowering and key to hitting your goals, or is it a recipe for driving yourself completely nuts? We'll reveal how we came to this counter-intuitive ide
Does High Watermarking turn progress into disappointment?
We celebrate Thanksgiving with some light hearted banter, and exploring the question of whether "High Watermarking" can lead to disappointment (even if it's hypothetical). We hope you're enjoying time with your family and friends this week, but if you want your weekly dose of personal finance content, we're here for you!Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show
Does a 50 Year Mortgage Make Sense? - Mailbag Episode
Could a half-century loan be the answer to the housing crisis, or is it a financial nightmare waiting to happen? We break down the pros, cons, and the brutal amortization schedules of 50-year mortgages to see who actually benefits. Plus, we’re emptying the mailbag to cover the specific financial hurdles you are facing right now. Tune in to this week's mailbag episode!Send us Fan MailSend your
How Would You Invest $100K Without the Stock Market?
This week, Ross and Dan tackle a fun question... If you had to invest $100,000 without using the stock market, what would you do? Would you become a landlord and try to buy real estate? Would you try to start a business or invest in something truly "passive?"Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram
Is the Financial Plan Too Focused on Retirement?
Does the average financial plan have "retirement tunnel vision," with a focus on pouring every spare dollar into your retirement accounts. We're all told to save for the future, but what happens when that focus makes us 'house poor' or 'life poor' today? Big goals like buying a home, funding college, or starting a business can't always wait until you're
How Spooky Is This Market?
First up: A listener challenges our take on Dollar Cost Averaging out.Then, we confront the fear: How spooky is this market? Ross and Dan bust the financial ghouls and tell you what’s truly frightening for your portfolio (and what’s just noise).Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram
October Mailbag: College Planning, Dollar Cost Averaging Out, Scams!
The October Mailbag is here! Ross and Dan open up the mailbag to answer your pressing financial questions, tackling everything from navigating the costs of college to whether you can Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) out of a position as you approach retirement. Plus, they dive into the latest listener stories and tips on spotting and avoiding financial scams. Tune in for practical advice and a breakdow
Is Burnout Leading to Your FIRE Dreams?
Is the grueling pace of your job fueling your desire for FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)? This week on Check Your Balances, Ross and Dan tackle the reality that for many, burnout is the primary driver of the movement, not just aspiration. We discuss how to re-evaluate your aggressive savings strategy, explore more balanced options like Coast FIRE, and ensure your pursuit of freedom doe
Selling a House: Lessons from Our Best Real Estate Investor
When it's time to sell your personal home, do you treat it like a purely emotional move or a smart financial transaction? This week, our resident real estate expert, Dan, is under contract on selling his personal home.Join us as Dan breaks down the process, from pre-listing prep and pricing strategy to staging secrets and negotiation tactics. Whether you're moving next month or just plan
Do you have any Super Dollars? (Roth Mailbag)
Your Catch-Up Contributions Are Changing! This week, Ross and Dan dive into the new guidance from the Treasury Department that will redefine how high earners over age 50 make their 401(k) catch-up contributions. The new rule mandates Roth contributions for certain savers, forcing many to lose a key pre-tax deduction. We break down who is affected, when this starts, and what you need to do to prepa
Is It Re-fi Time?
30 Year Fixed Mortgage rates decline down to 6.26%, is it too early to consider a re-finance from a high rate loan? This week Ross and Dan unpack some of the trickery that can make you think you're saving more money than you really are when you look at refi numbers and how to make sure you don't get fooled.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook
Can you spot the Millionaire Next Door?
This week, Ross and Dan read and discuss The Millionaire Next Door. Does a finance book from 1996 still have precious lessons for us to learn about becoming Prodigious Accumulators of Wealth (PAWs) and avoiding the dreaded Under-Accumulator of Wealth (UAW) title? Tune in this week to see if this still deserves a spot on your shelf almost 30 years later.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcom
Can you "Rule Break" into retirement?
As a follow up to last week's episode with David Gardner, we dive deeper into whether the Rule Breaker Investing philosophy is suited for an investor that is approaching retirement. Ross and Dan spent 6 years almost exclusively trying to answer that question for many many investors. Here's what they think about that concept today!Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to c
Rule Breaker Investing with David Gardner
This week we are honored to have the Co-Founder and Chief Rule Breaker of The Motley Fool, David Gardner, join the show. David has an unbelievable investing track record, and his new book Rule Breaker Investing is his formula for success. We know many of our listeners are excited to hear David's thoughts!Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @c
August Mailbag: When does overpaying a mortgage make sense?
Got extra cash and wondering if you should throw it at your mortgage? 🤔 This week, we dive into the age-old debate: when does it actually make sense to overpay your mortgage? What are you using if you still mourn the loss of Mint.com? That and more in this week's mailbag episode.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instag
Are these the dumbest finance theories?
When it comes to talking about finance, not all of the theories you hear out there are going to be winners. What are some of the dumbest theories that we've come across, and why are they wrong? Tune in to find out.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram
What Are the Strategies for Managing an Inherited IRA?
Are you one of the many people who've inherited a retirement account and are now wondering, "What's an RMD and how do I manage it?" The rules around inherited IRAs and required minimum distributions have changed, and it can be confusing.In this episode of Check Your Balances, we're tackling the complex topic of managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) on an inherited
Scott Galloway Got Rid of His Insurance... Should you?
Scott Galloway recently announced he’s dropped all of his insurance—but is he an anomaly or onto something? Dan and Ross break down his controversial stance and discuss whether most people are actually over-insuring themselves against small risks. Tune in to find out if you're a Scott Galloway, or if you're just paying too much.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to che
Is the OBBB Beautiful... For You?
The highly anticipated "One Big Beautiful Bill" has officially been signed into law, sparking intense debate and speculation. This week on Check Your Balances, we're cutting through the noise to deliver a crucial breakdown of its sweeping changes. From tax tweaks and investment implications to critical shifts in financial planning, we'll equip you with the essential insights yo
Do You Own Enough Emerging Markets? With Callum Thomas
In this episode of Check Your Balances, we're joined by Callum Thomas to tackle a crucial question for your portfolio: Do you own enough emerging markets? Callum shares his expert insights on the current landscape, potential, and risks of investing in these dynamic economies. Tune in to understand if your asset allocation is truly optimized for global growth.Learn more about Callum at Top Dow
Is the New Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth It? with Sara Rathner
This week, NerdWallet's Sara Rathner makes a second appearance on the show to talk about the changes to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. As one of the most prominent travel cards and the market, and one that Ross happens to personally use... this was of particular interest. Sara Rathner is a NerdWallet travel and credit cards expert. She has appeared on the “Today” show and CNBC’s “Nightly Bu
Does Chat GPT Know How Taxes Work?
On this week's episode of Check Your Balances, a mailbag episode! Does Chat GPT know how each of your retirement account taxes actually works? How do the fees in mutual funds and ETFs actually get deducted? These questions and more as we dive into what our listeners want to hear us talk about.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbala
Severance & Independence
What can the hit Apple TV show Severance teach the fellas about saving for financial independence? Join us this week as Ross and Dan explore the idea that you might be "severed" from the version of yourself that you're supposed to be saving money for. Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com
Liability Matching
How do you you get your money to line up with being available when you actually need it? Designing a portfolio with this strategy in mind is called "Liability Matching" and it's a concept that Ross and Dan believe in and teach regularly. While rules of thumb like "The 4% Rule" get all the buzz, this is how to think about actually connecting your money with its purpose.Send
Over Under: Do we know the average American's finances?
Think you know the average American? Ross and Dan are about to find out if they do! Welcome to "Over Under," the brand new game on Check Your Balances where our hosts put their statistical savvy to the test. They'll compete in a lighthearted game to see how well they know the wealth and financial habits of the typical American.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to
World's Worst Real Estate Investor?
A surge in homes for sale relative to the number of buyers leads Ross to question whether his purchase of a home 6 months ago might have been poorly timed. Is he the worlds worst real estate investor? Only time will tell, but you can hear the boys discuss it on this weeks episode of Check Your Balances.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyou
Should You Use Your Roth as an Emergency Fund?
This week on Check Your Balances, we tackle a listener question: Should your Roth IRA double as an emergency fund? We'll explore the pros and cons. We'll also demystify the critical difference between correlation and causation in personal finance. Understanding this distinction is key to making sound financial decisions, ensuring you build a robust financial plan based on true cause-and-
SALT Changes, Housing Choices, and a Recession Coming?
This week we're diving into the big questions we think you should be asking. We break down the latest rumblings around SALT deduction changes and what they could mean for your tax bill. Then, we pivot to the ever-shifting housing market, and whether you should bite off a bigger purchase for better schools. And finally, is a recession really on the horizon? We analyze the economic tea leaves a
Do You Trust Your Financial Plan?
What do you do when the numbers tell a different story than your gut? This episode tackles a common planner's dilemma: how to help clients truly believe their financial plan when the data clearly shows they'll be okay. We'll explore if it's about our planning approach, or the deeper issue of trusting the data itself.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to check
Would You Rather...?
Want a fun and engaging way to talk about money with your partner? This episode of Check Your Balances explores how "Would You Rather...?" style finance questions can be a fantastic tool for uncovering each other's financial values and perspectives. We'll show you how these playful scenarios can lead to richer, more meaningful conversations and ultimately strengthen your financ
Is That Sloppy Financial Planning?
On this episode of Check Your Balances, we're putting replacement ratios in the hot seat! Is this financial fortune-telling or just lazy math? We'll ask the tough questions: Are they the ultimate shortcut to a comfy retirement, or a recipe for financial disaster served up with a side of wishful thinking? Get ready for a lively debate as we uncover the truth behind these so-called rules o
Save Vs. Splurge: How to Handle "Extra" Cash
Stop wondering what to do with that extra paycheck, bonus, or side hustle income! "Save vs. Splurge" empowers you to make confident financial decisions that align with your values and goals. We explore the art of balancing saving for a secure future with enjoying the present moment. Learn how to make your extra cash work harder for you, whether it's paying down debt, investing wisel
Mailbag: Money Markets, CDs, and Estates!
Have you ever wondered why you'd use a money market or a CD instead of a high yield savings account? Are you concerned about battling it out with a sibling over an inheritance? If so, this week's mailbag episode is for you!Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Instagram
Hedging Your Index Funds
Should you even try to hedge a single position inside an index fund? What happens when you spot a single stock within your broad market index that looks seriously overvalued? We'll weigh the costs, complexities, and potential benefits against simpler, more effective risk management approaches for index fund investors.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@o
Tariff Tantrum
The headlines are screaming about tariffs and trade wars, but what does it all mean for your wallet? In this episode of Check Your Balances, we break down the "Tariff Tantrum" and explore how these international trade spats could impact business and ultimately your portfolio.Send us Fan MailSend your questions for upcoming show to checkyourbalances@outlook.com @checkyourbalances on Insta
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