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  • Don’t Panic, Plan Ahead: National Debt, Retirement Spending & Your Financial Death Box

    Don’t Panic, Plan Ahead: National Debt, Retirement Spending & Your Financial Death Box
    2026/08/31
    The U.S. national debt has crossed $40 trillion — but what does that actually mean for everyday Americans? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Zach Keister of Nelson Financial Planning break down the headlines in plain English and explain why the debt conversation is important, but not necessarily a reason to panic.

    They also discuss one of the most common retirement planning questions: How much can you really spend in retirement without running out of money? From the well-known 4% rule to more flexible retirement income strategies, Joel and Zach explain why retirement spending should be personalized, adaptable, and based on real life — not just a single percentage.

    Finally, they introduce the concept of a Financial Death Box: a centralized place to organize important documents, account information, insurance policies, passwords, and instructions for loved ones. While the name may sound intimidating, this simple planning tool can be one of the most thoughtful gifts you leave your family.

    In this episode, we discuss:
    • What America’s $40 trillion debt milestone means
    • Why debt-to-GDP matters
    • How national debt can affect interest rates, taxes, and future planning
    • The 4% rule and why retirement withdrawal rates should be flexible
    • Why many retirees may spend less as they age
    • How to organize a Financial Death Box
    • Why planning ahead can create confidence for you and your family
    Whether you’re preparing for retirement, thinking about your financial plan, or simply trying to make sense of today’s headlines, this episode offers practical perspective and actionable takeaways.



    💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
    Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.

    👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

    About Joel Garris:
    Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

    ➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
    Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
    Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
    Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
    YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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    39 分
  • TikTok Financial Advice, Medicare Costs & Caregiving Tips

    TikTok Financial Advice, Medicare Costs & Caregiving Tips
    2026/08/24
    In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning discusses three important topics that can affect your financial life: knowing your income numbers, understanding the risks of financial advice on TikTok, and preparing for the responsibilities of caregiving.

    Joel begins by explaining why retirees and those over age 65 need to pay close attention to income thresholds that may affect Medicare costs and tax brackets. A relatively small difference in income may impact Medicare IRMAA surcharges, making year-end income planning especially important.

    Next, Joel reviews a recent Wall Street Journal analysis of TikTok financial advice. While some social media content can provide helpful financial education, not all advice online should be treated as financial planning. Joel explains the difference between financial education, financial entertainment, and personalized financial advice — and why investors should be cautious about stock predictions, lifestyle marketing, and short-form investment tips.

    The episode also includes practical caregiving planning tips inspired by an upcoming client webinar. Joel shares ways caregivers can reduce stress, stay organized, build a support team, review legal documents, and prepare before a crisis occurs.

    Whether you are retired, approaching retirement, helping a loved one, or simply trying to make better financial decisions, this episode offers helpful reminders about planning carefully, asking good questions, and not relying on shortcuts when it comes to your financial future.

    In This Episode
    • Why it is important to know your income numbers in retirement
    • How Medicare IRMAA surcharges may affect retirees
    • Why tax brackets and Medicare thresholds do not always line up
    • What a Wall Street Journal analysis found about financial advice on TikTok
    • The difference between financial education, entertainment, and planning
    • Why investors should be cautious about stock tips and market predictions online
    • How social media can increase financial confidence without increasing financial knowledge
    • Practical tips for caregivers and families
    • Why recordkeeping, legal documents, and beneficiary designations matter


    💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
    Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.

    👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

    About Joel Garris:
    Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

    ➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
    Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
    Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
    Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
    YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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    39 分
  • Market Optimism, Investor Caution & Better Money Decisions

    Market Optimism, Investor Caution & Better Money Decisions
    2026/08/17
    In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Rob Field and Joel Garris discuss how everyday financial decisions are shaped by both market conditions and personal money habits. They break down the latest market themes, including record highs, corporate earnings, interest rates, inflation, and why investors should review their portfolios even when things seem optimistic.

    Rob and Joel also explore how mindset and behavior can impact financial success—from impulse spending and emotional money decisions to simple strategies like the 24-hour rule, monthly money meetings, and creating friction before clicking “Buy Now.” Whether you are trying to stay disciplined in a changing market or build better financial habits, this conversation offers practical reminders for making thoughtful, intentional decisions with your money.

    💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
    Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.

    👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

    About Joel Garris:
    Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

    ➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
    Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
    Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
    Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
    YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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    39 分
  • Before You Retire: Annuity Fine Print, Marriage Money Talks & Tax Traps

    Before You Retire: Annuity Fine Print, Marriage Money Talks & Tax Traps
    2026/08/10
    Retirement planning is about more than simply saving enough money. In this episode of Dollars and Cents, Joel Garris breaks down several important issues retirees and pre-retirees should understand before making major financial decisions.

    First, Joel discusses the continued surge in annuity sales and why investors should be cautious before signing a long-term insurance contract. With record amounts of money flowing into annuities, he explains why these products are often complex, commission-driven, and full of fine print that can affect flexibility, access to money, and the true value of advertised guarantees.

    Then, the conversation shifts to retirement planning for couples. Joel shares several conversation starters every married couple should consider before retirement, including what retirement actually looks like, how each spouse thinks about money, when each person wants to retire, and where they want to live. These lifestyle expectations can be just as important as the financial projections.

    Finally, Joel covers tax surprises that can catch retirees off guard, including the taxation of Social Security, Medicare premium increases tied to income, required minimum distributions, and the surviving spouse tax trap. If you’re approaching retirement or already there, this episode offers practical reminders to ask better questions, plan ahead, and avoid costly surprises.



    💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
    Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.

    👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

    About Joel Garris:
    Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

    ➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
    Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
    Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
    Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
    YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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    38 分
  • 90-Day Student Loan Deadline! Plus, what the changing market leaders means for your portfolio.

    90-Day Student Loan Deadline! Plus, what the changing market leaders means for your portfolio.
    2026/08/03
    Major student loan repayment changes are here, and borrowers on the SAVE Plan may have only 90 days after receiving their notice to choose a new repayment option. In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Chet Cowart and Kristin Kalley break down what happened to the SAVE Plan, why doing nothing could automatically move borrowers into a Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, and how that choice could affect monthly payments, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and long-term financial planning.

    You’ll learn how Income-Based Repayment, the new Repayment Assistance Plan, and fixed repayment plans compare; why recertification matters; and what borrowers should consider before choosing a new plan. The episode also covers how market leadership may be shifting beyond big technology stocks and why diversification, valuation, and concentration risk matter for investors approaching retirement.

    Topics covered:
    • SAVE Plan ending

    • 90-day repayment deadline

    • student loan repayment options

    • IBR vs. RAP

    • Public Service Loan Forgiveness

    • recertification strategies

    • tax filing considerations

    • market leadership changes

    • AI and tech stock concentration

    • diversification

    • retirement planning


    💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
    Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.

    👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

    About Joel Garris:
    Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

    ➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
    Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
    Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
    Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
    YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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    38 分
  • Financial Literacy, FRS Changes & the Bilt Card: Smart Money Decisions for Renters and Parents

    Financial Literacy, FRS Changes & the Bilt Card: Smart Money Decisions for Renters and Parents
    2026/07/27
    In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning breaks down three timely money topics that can impact everyday financial decisions. First, he looks at the Bilt card and whether earning rewards on rent is really worth it—or whether the credit card risks outweigh the marketing hook.

    Then, Joel explains key Florida Retirement System choices, including the Pension Plan, Investment Plan, DROP, and recent legislative updates affecting certain COLA benefits and DROP flexibility.

    Finally, he discusses the decline in financial literacy, the rise in adult children relying on parents for financial support, and practical steps families can take to build independence without putting retirement at risk.


    💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
    Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.

    👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

    About Joel Garris:
    Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

    ➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
    Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
    Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
    Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
    YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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    39 分
  • Trump Accounts, Tax Breaks & Market Risk: What Families and Investors Need to Know

    Trump Accounts, Tax Breaks & Market Risk: What Families and Investors Need to Know
    2026/07/20
    The One Big Beautiful Bill has been in effect for a year — but are taxpayers actually seeing the benefits? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Christina Lamb break down the latest tax changes, including larger standard deductions, new rules for tips and overtime, the senior deduction, charitable giving updates, and the expanded SALT deduction.

    They also explain the newly launched Trump Accounts, including who may qualify for the $1,000 government contribution, how these accounts compare to 529 plans and custodial Roth IRAs, and why families should understand the rules before contributing.

    Plus, Joel and Christina discuss current market headlines, strong earnings season results, rising margin debt, leveraged ETFs, cryptocurrency volatility, and why investors should stay disciplined even when markets feel strong.

    If you want to better understand how recent tax law changes, family savings options, and investment risks may affect your financial plan, this episode is for you.

    Topics covered include:
    Trump Accounts, the One Big Beautiful Bill, 2026 tax deductions, senior tax planning, charitable giving rules, SALT deduction changes, earnings season, leveraged ETFs, margin debt, bitcoin volatility, and long-term investment discipline.


    💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
    Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.

    👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

    About Joel Garris:
    Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

    ➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
    Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
    Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
    Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
    YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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    39 分
  • Summer Money Reset: Credit Card Debt, Cyber Scams & Financial Loose Ends

    Summer Money Reset: Credit Card Debt, Cyber Scams & Financial Loose Ends
    2026/07/13
    Summer is the perfect time to pause, reset, and make sure your money is still working for you. In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Zach Keister and Kristin Kalley walk through practical midyear money moves that can help you review your financial goals, get organized, and protect your household from costly mistakes.

    First, they cover how to run a simple midyear money reset by reviewing what came in, what went out, what you owe, and what you have saved. Then, they discuss why credit card debt can quietly build during the summer, how to create a realistic payoff plan, and how small spending “speed bumps” can help reduce impulse purchases.

    The conversation also covers financial loose ends that are easy to put off but important to review, including beneficiary designations, old retirement accounts, estate planning documents, and account consolidation. Finally, Zach and Kristin shift into cybercrime awareness, sharing key takeaways from the FBI internet crime report, including how AI is making scams more convincing, why younger people are increasingly being targeted, how government impersonation scams are evolving, and why crypto fraud is driving major losses.

    If you are looking for practical personal finance tips, ways to pay down debt, or reminders to protect your family from financial scams, this episode is a great place to start.

    In this episode: midyear financial reset, credit card payoff strategies, budgeting tips, retirement account cleanup, beneficiary reviews, estate planning basics, cybercrime prevention, AI scams, government impersonation scams, and cryptocurrency fraud awareness.



    💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
    Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.

    👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.

    About Joel Garris:
    Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.

    ➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
    Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
    Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
    Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
    YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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    40 分