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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack three recent Wall Street Journal articles that raise timely questions about stocks, bonds, and cash. They discuss why the equity risk premium has narrowed, what higher bond yields may mean for investors, and why holding too much cash can quietly erode purchasing power over time. Mike explains how investors can think beyond simple rules of thumb and build portfolios around their goals, time horizon, cash flow needs, and comfort with risk. The conversation highlights why asset allocation is personal, why market headlines should not drive major portfolio decisions, and how the right mix of stocks, bonds, and cash depends on each investor’s financial plan.


Wall Street Journal article links:
https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/the-risk-premium-for-holding-stocks-over-bonds-is-vanishing-95be5b9d
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/youre-probably-overinvested-in-bonds-1a498844
https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/were-keeping-too-much-cash-in-our-accounts-these-days-8cf6f3a0

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What really happens when someone suddenly comes into a large amount of money? In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack the emotional, psychological, and financial realities that follow inheritances, business sales, bonuses, and other major windfalls. From lifestyle creep and family pressure to “sudden wealth syndrome” and analysis paralysis, they explore the patterns they’ve seen advising clients through life-changing financial events.

Mike shares real-world stories of families who handled wealth transfers well—and others who made decisions too quickly and quietly changed the trajectory of their financial future. The conversation also dives into the coming “Great Wealth Transfer,” with trillions expected to pass between generations over the next two decades, and why preparation matters just as much for those giving wealth as those receiving it.

Whether your windfall is $20,000 or $20 million, this episode offers a practical framework for slowing down, making intentional decisions, and building a financial plan that aligns with your long-term goals and values.

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison take a closer look at one of the biggest questions in retirement planning: should you save in a traditional retirement account, a Roth account, or both? Inspired by a recent Wall Street Journal article, they unpack the popular “50/50 split” strategy and explain why the right answer depends far more on your personal tax situation, income trajectory, and retirement timeline than on any universal rule of thumb.

Mike shares why he believes many investors — especially high earners — may be getting overly simplified advice when it comes to Roth versus pre-tax contributions, and how factors like future tax brackets, retirement age, and withdrawal timing can dramatically change the outcome. The conversation also explores how retirement planning has evolved for younger generations, who now have more Roth options and more investment choices than ever before.

The episode also dives into the growing movement to introduce private equity and private credit investments into 401(k) plans, raising important questions about fees, liquidity, and complexity. To wrap up, Mike shares practical advice sparked by a recent Fidelity account glitch that serves as a reminder of why keeping physical copies of financial records still matters in a digital world.

WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/traditional-roth-retirement-accounts-best-112e31a1
NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/your-money/401ks-and-similar-plans/401k-private-credit-crypto.html

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Graduation is often seen as a finish line, but financially, it’s really a turning point. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison explore what happens when college tuition payments end and a significant amount of cash flow is suddenly freed up. Without a plan, that money can quickly disappear into lifestyle spending or ongoing support for adult children—something more families are doing than ever before, often at the expense of their own retirement.

Madison and Mike discuss why this moment is an opportunity for families to reset, have honest conversations about financial independence, and make intentional decisions about what comes next. They also highlight key strategies to consider, from boosting retirement savings and exploring Roth conversions to rebuilding emergency reserves and updating estate plans.

If graduation is on the horizon in your family, this episode offers a clear perspective on how to turn this milestone into a smart financial step forward.

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Are you still using rules like “100 minus your age” to guide your investments? In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack a Wall Street Journal article featuring a Yale professor’s new approach to portfolio allocation.

Instead of focusing on age alone, this framework considers your full financial picture—income, savings, future earnings, and risk tolerance.

Mike shares his real-world perspective on where the theory works—and where it falls short—while emphasizing a key takeaway: consistent saving and smart financial habits matter more than finding the “perfect” portfolio.

Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/yale-james-choi-portfolio-formula-stocks-02a96afb?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfLF9La9AExUaN-x4mxSMxF7m76U9Y2Tu51DTcADTpRaEV8VSB5QBRt&gaa_ts=69a061a6&gaa_sig=k9FDgPDrCLOohCmUFMbPwGB1ubeUiCNgEMuEUoZICbbZ4DtPFQ9Y_ox2EUtnbogu6LLn7-_17k1hn2rNEE5pwQ%3D%3D

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison are joined by financial advisor Maureen Donahue to tackle a challenge many families face: how to teach teens and young adults to make smart money decisions before the stakes are high.

Through real client stories and practical strategies, they explore why financial lessons stick best when kids experience real-world consequences—not just lectures. From setting spending limits and creating annual budgets to introducing investing through tools like Roth IRAs, Mike and Maureen share how parents can gradually shift from decision-makers to coaches.

They also dive into key moments like the transition to college, the risks of easy access to digital money, and the importance of modeling good financial behavior at home.

If you want to raise financially confident, independent kids—and avoid costly lessons later—this episode offers actionable insights to help you start early and build habits that last a lifetime.

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison break down the often confusing world of credit scores—why they can drop even when you’re making smart financial moves, and why they matter more than most people realize. Drawing on a Wall Street Journal article and Mike’s real-life mortgage experience, they explain how credit scores measure risk, not success.

They explore why credit can feel invisible until it suddenly becomes critical, especially for young adults, and simplify what actually impacts your score—from payment history and credit utilization to credit history length. They also clear up common misconceptions, like whether you need to carry a balance, and share practical tips for building and maintaining strong credit.

If you’ve ever been frustrated by credit score changes or unsure how to manage them, this episode offers clear, honest guidance to help you navigate the system with confidence.

Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/credit/credit-score-young-adults-220d3893?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfxwxhkg7P_L3Z0pkJbRTiE6qOm4QKVuICVY2JphL9vem-cW0aGqAGe&gaa_ts=69bab92c&gaa_sig=BTFm7egNUML3wC976Oh1zkURkuc9B-ddoE-EJZ1GWAHU71rDwz9XUx_lUQ2xjEU2se48BSZy5S3lAQbjDmD1cw%3D%3D

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Mike and Madison discuss three key numbers shaping the financial future of women: 45, 5, and 59.

Women are projected to control 45% of investable assets by 2030, live about five years longer than men, and often face major financial transitions such as widowhood earlier than many expect. Mike and Madison explore what these trends mean for investment strategy, retirement planning, and estate preparation, and why having a clear, coordinated financial plan is more important than ever.

Sources

1. USA Facts, March 21, 2025

https://usafacts.org/articles/do-women-live-longer-than-men-in-the-us/

2. The Guardian, December 11, 2024

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/11/americans-living-with-diseases-health-study

3. McKinsey & Company, May 8, 2025

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-new-face-of-wealth-the-rise-of-the-female-investor

4. Diversified Trust, October 13, 2025

https://diversifiedtrust.com/blog/women-and-wealth-transfer/

5. Pew Research Center, April 13, 2023

https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/04/13/in-a-growing-share-of-u-s-marriages-husbands-and-wives-earn-about-the-same/

6. Center for American Progress, May 9, 2025

https://www.americanprogress.org/article/breadwinning-women-are-a-lifeline-for-their-families-and-the-economy/

7. Gitnux, February 13, 2026

https://gitnux.org/widowhood-statistics/

8. Resto NYC, October 12, 2023

https://www.restonyc.com/how-long-is-the-average-woman-a-widow/