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  • College Planning Made Simple: Financial Aid, FAFSA, and Smart Saving Strategies

    College Planning Made Simple: Financial Aid, FAFSA, and Smart Saving Strategies
    2026/11/11
    Paying for college can be complicated, but understanding your options can make all the difference. On this episode of McNamara on Money, host Justin McNamara welcomes Julie Shields-Rutina of the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) to discuss college savings, admissions, and financial aid. They explain how the college application and financial aid processes work together, what families need to know about the simplified FAFSA, and how the Student Aid Index (SAI) affects financial aid eligibility. They also explore the differences between the FAFSA and CSS Profile and how colleges evaluate a family's financial circumstances. From grants and scholarships to work-study programs, federal student loans, and 529 college savings plans, Justin and Julie break down the options available to help families manage the rising cost of higher education. They also discuss tuition-free community college programs, outside scholarships, and private education loans. Whether you're preparing to send a child to college or planning years in advance, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary financial stress. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact
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    48 分
  • Planning Retirement Income Through Market Ups and Downs

    Planning Retirement Income Through Market Ups and Downs
    2026/10/26
    How do you turn retirement savings into dependable income when markets are unpredictable? In this episode of McNamara on Money, Alyssa and Mike McNamara discuss managing withdrawals, planning for taxes, and making your money last. They explain how cash reserves and disciplined rebalancing can help reduce the need to sell investments during a downturn. They also cover required minimum distributions (RMDs), choosing which accounts to draw from, and why a realistic budget and coordinated tax planning are essential parts of a retirement income plan. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact
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    50 分
  • Bonds, Interest Rates, and the Risks Investors Can't Ignore

    Bonds, Interest Rates, and the Risks Investors Can't Ignore
    2026/10/19
    Are bonds still a safe investment in today's economy? On this episode of McNamara on Money, Justin and Michael McNamara take a closer look at the bond market and what rising interest rates mean for investors, particularly those approaching or already enjoying retirement. With U.S. Treasury yields reaching surprising levels compared to countries like Greece, the McNamaras explain what's happening in the bond market and why it matters. They break down the relationship between interest rates and bond prices, the hidden risks of inflation and long-term bonds, and why even traditionally conservative investments can experience significant losses. Justin and Michael also share their approach to managing bond portfolios, including the advantages of shorter-term maturities and carefully balancing credit risk against interest rate exposure. Most importantly, they explain why bonds still have an essential role in retirement planning, providing income, helping stabilize portfolios, and reducing the need to sell stocks during market downturns. Whether you're building your retirement portfolio or simply trying to make sense of today's bond market, this episode offers practical insights to help you invest with greater confidence. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact
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    46 分
  • Retirement Planning Starts Now: Smart Financial Moves for Every Generation

    Retirement Planning Starts Now: Smart Financial Moves for Every Generation
    2026/11/02
    It's never too early to start planning for retirement. On this episode of *McNamara on Money*, Mike McNamara sits down with millennial guest Paul to discuss practical strategies for building financial security while balancing the demands of everyday life. From creating a realistic family budget and building emergency savings to managing investment risk, rebalancing portfolios, and consolidating old retirement accounts, Mike explores the financial decisions that can make a lasting difference. The conversation also covers saving for college with 529 plans without sacrificing retirement goals. Plus, Mike identifies common retirement planning mistakes, including investing too conservatively and underestimating how much money you'll actually need. Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or approaching retirement, this episode offers valuable insights into making smarter decisions today for a more secure tomorrow. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact
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    47 分
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Is It Still Worth It?

    Long-Term Care Insurance: Is It Still Worth It?
    2026/10/04
    Alyssa McNamara Reed takes a closer look at one of the biggest questions in retirement planning: does long-term care insurance still make financial sense? Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Alyssa compares traditional long-term care policies, newer hybrid options, and the alternative of setting aside your own assets to cover future care. She examines how rising premiums, tighter benefits, monthly coverage limits, and reduced inflation protection have changed the value of these policies over time. Long-term care insurance can still provide important protection, particularly when someone faces an unexpected illness or needs care for many years. But today’s policies require careful scrutiny. Alyssa walks through the numbers and tradeoffs to help listeners think more clearly about whether buying insurance or self-funding is the better fit for their retirement plan. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact
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    48 分
  • Medicare Changes: What You Need to Know Before Choosing Your Coverage

    Medicare Changes: What You Need to Know Before Choosing Your Coverage
    2026/10/12
    Medicare can be confusing, and with rising premiums and changing coverage options, making the right decisions is more important than ever. This week on McNamara on Money, Mike McNamara welcomes Medicare specialist Peter Stoner for a practical conversation about navigating Medicare and understanding what recent changes could mean for your healthcare costs. Together, they break down Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, explain why prescription drug plan premiums are climbing, and answer listener questions about dental coverage, GoodRx discounts, and retirement benefits. Plus, learn about McNamara Financial Services' upcoming Medicare seminar on October 29 via Zoom, where you can get additional information to help you make informed decisions about your coverage. Whether you're approaching Medicare eligibility or reviewing your current plan, this episode offers valuable insights to help you understand your options and avoid costly surprises. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact
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    48 分
  • Strategic Personal Risk Management and Asset Protection

    Strategic Personal Risk Management and Asset Protection
    2026/09/21
    Insurance is about more than policies and premiums. It’s about protecting what you’ve worked hard to build. In this episode of *McNamara on Money*, private risk consultant Dylan Flaherity joins the conversation to explore the role insurance plays in a comprehensive financial plan. They discuss why standard coverage may not always be enough, particularly for people with significant assets, high-value homes, collectibles, or multiple vehicles. Dylan explains the importance of excess liability coverage and how everyday situations, from an auto accident to an injury on your property, can create unexpected financial exposure. The conversation also looks at why insurance needs change over time. Home renovations, rising construction costs, teenage drivers, and other life changes can all leave once-adequate coverage out of date. The takeaway is simple: insurance shouldn’t be something you buy and forget. Regularly reviewing your coverage can help ensure that the assets you’ve built are properly protected as your life and financial circumstances change. 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact ⸻ McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com
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    44 分
  • Bonds, Rates, and Risk: What Investors Need to Know Now

    Bonds, Rates, and Risk: What Investors Need to Know Now
    2026/09/28
    In this episode of McNamara on Money, Justin McNamara and Mike McNamara take a closer look at what’s happening in the bond market and why it matters to investors, especially those approaching or living in retirement. They break down the basics of how bonds work, why bond prices tend to fall when interest rates rise, and what today’s Treasury yields may be telling us about the broader economy and the nation’s fiscal outlook. The conversation also explores inflation, credit risk, government deficits, and why shorter-term bonds may play an important role in managing uncertainty. Most importantly, Justin and Mike discuss the role bonds are actually meant to play in a diversified portfolio: generating income, reducing volatility, and providing greater stability when the stock market gets rough. McNamara Financial is a family-owned, independent, fee-only financial planning and investment management firm. For over 30 years, we’ve helped individuals and families on the South Shore and beyond navigate their financial futures with clarity, confidence, and care. 💼 Come see what it’s like to work with a fiduciary. http://mcnamarafinancial.com 📅 Want to speak with the team at McNamara Financial? Schedule a consultation today: 👉 https://mcnamarafinancial.com/contact
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    46 分