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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison discuss why investors often struggle to separate smart long-term strategy from emotional decision-making. Using recent articles on performance chasing and Americans’ preference for real estate over stocks, they explore the “behavior gap,” why familiar investments can feel safer than they really are, and how buying after an investment becomes popular can lead to disappointing results. Mike also explains why owning the biggest, most recognizable companies does not guarantee future jackpot-like returns, and why diversification, discipline, and a clear investment strategy matter more than chasing whatever is working right now.

Articles:

https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/the-mind-game-that-investors-cant-stop-playing-e3ad96af

https://www.pressreader.com/usa/times-record-ft-smith-southwest/20260712/281505052972367

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Stocks are trading at historically high valuations, but is comparing today’s market to the past really an apples-to-apples comparison? In this episode, Mike and Madison explore how lower trading costs, index funds, ETFs, retirement accounts, fractional shares, and broader diversification have transformed the investing experience.

They look back at the days of fixed commissions, expensive mutual fund sales loads, round-lot requirements, and limited access to diversified portfolios. They also discuss why most individual stocks have failed to outperform Treasury bills, how a small number of companies have created most of the stock market’s long-term wealth, and why broad diversification remains so important.

Stocks may be expensive by historical standards, but today’s market is also cheaper, easier, and more accessible to investors than ever before. Mike explains why those changes may help justify higher valuations—without eliminating volatility, market risk, or the need for a personalized investment strategy.

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison discuss the new Trump Accounts and what families should understand before opening or funding one. They cover who may qualify for the federal $1,000 seed contribution, how the accounts work, contribution limits, employer and grandparent contributions, investment restrictions, tax treatment, recordkeeping concerns, and how Trump Accounts compare with 529 plans.

Mike also explains why state tax rules matter, why families should keep careful records from the beginning, and how these accounts may fit into a broader financial plan for children and grandchildren. Whether you have a newborn who may qualify for the federal contribution or an older child who could still use the account, this conversation highlights the key details to consider before taking action.

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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