When everything seems to be at an all-time high, including stocks, housing, gold, and even money market balances, it can feel like the “good old days.” But what do you do when things are this good? In this episode, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown explore how optimism and pessimism shape investor behavior, what it means to move from a position of strength, and why these moments of abundance are the best times to plan intentionally for what’s next.

00:01:00 – Everything’s at an all-time high

00:02:28 – Remembering past “good old days”

00:05:11 – Couples and conflicting money mindsets

00:07:35 – Redefining “enough”

00:10:14 – Staying proactive, not paralyzed

00:11:46 – Gifting from a position of confidence

00:16:50 – Avoiding “I wish we’d done this sooner”

• Looking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5
• Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

When new families bring in their investment statements, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown often see the same thing: complexity that doesn’t serve the client. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on why portfolios so often include dozens of overlapping funds, how fees can feel stuck in 2006, and why simplicity paired with planning is far more valuable than a confusing stack of statements.

00:02:45 – Statement sprawl

00:04:17 – NVIDIA everywhere: the hidden overlap

00:07:08 – Added complexity = STRESS

00:11:28 – How technology can help

00:12:53 – It's all “Window Dressing”

00:16:45 – Providing reassurance

00:17:49 – Signs you may not have the right advisor

• Looking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5
• Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Caught between your business and your future?

If you’re a business owner who’s poured everything into building your company—your time, energy, and even your personal finances—you’re not alone. But when personal and business finances are too closely tied, the risks grow. What happens if you wait too long to plan for life beyond your business?

In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown dive into the identity shift many entrepreneurs face as they prepare for retirement. Drawing from real-life experiences with clients and their own insights, Dennis and Katie explore the emotional and financial complexities of decoupling your identity and wealth from your business.

They discuss why delaying personal financial planning can lead to future urgency—and how intentional, proactive steps today can create long-term fulfillment. This conversation is for any business owner asking: “What comes next for me?”

Whether you’re thinking about retirement or still growing your business, this episode offers guidance for building confidence, separating identity from enterprise, and planning with clarity.

00:03:30 – Importance of Starting Financial Planning Early

00:06:51 – Building Confidence and Longevity

00:10:34 – Mindset Shift and Decoupling

00:13:52 – Understanding Identity and Balance Sheet

00:14:26 – Balancing Business and Family

00:15:09 – Planning for the Future

00:16:36 – Decoupling Identity and Financial Resources

00:19:59 – Navigating Uncertainty and Turmoil

• Looking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5
• Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Stuck in financial paralysis?

Dennis and Katie are back! Kicking off 2025, they’re diving into the mindset shifts that can make all the difference in your financial life. In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown explore the challenges of financial decision-making, especially when feelings of uncertainty or analysis paralysis take over. They discuss why successful investing isn’t just about skill—it’s about discipline, awareness, and adaptability. By shifting your focus to long-term goals and embracing the natural flow of financial planning, you can navigate change with confidence and clarity.

Dennis and Katie also highlight the deeper connections between financial well-being and other aspects of life. They share personal stories and insights on how financial planning is not just about numbers—it’s about aligning money with purpose to create a fulfilling future. Whether you’re preparing for retirement or simply looking for more confidence in your financial decisions, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to truly find flow in your financial life.

• Looking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5
• Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen
• Book Mentioned: How to Retire by Christine Benz – A practical guide to retirement planning, including the non-financial aspects of transitioning into this stage of life.

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Why do leaders make the best clients?

In this episode of the Simply Why podcast, hosts Dennis Morton and Katie Brown dive into the significance of leadership in the realm of financial planning and advisory relationships. Their exploration stemmed from a realization of the consistent presence of leadership roles among their clients, extending beyond just demographics and income levels. The hosts emphasize the importance of traits such as strategic thinking, a growth mindset, and a willingness to lean on experts, all of which align with their approach to providing intentional advice.

As a leader in your own life, do you recognize a need for guidance in your finances? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5

Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

It's a real jungle out there.

In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown reflect on Mark Hurley's whitepaper "Welcome to the Jungle: The Next Phase of the Evolution of the Wealth Management Industry". They share their take on these insights, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptation and a renewed focus on delivering high-quality, client-centered services amidst industry challenges as well as new opportunities including artificial intelligence.

Looking for a new advisor relationship? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5

Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

Mark Hurley's Whitepaper: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63d44b39cc31ac17cb99b0ce/t/658202887f27f741d473681b/1703019144561/DPP-WelcometotheJungle_Dec18Reg.pdf

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

We've all been there. You meet a financial advisor out in the wild. You feel the wind-up, expecting the pitch to come at any moment. *CRINGE*

In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown expose their own cringy pitch stories and why so many advisors struggle with the awkwardness of feeling like they're expected to sell all the time. Dennis and Katie share why they avoid "the pitch" in favor of showing up authentically to build meaningful relationships and how it has led to their growth and success.

Tired of the same old pitch? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5

Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Have you ever been given a ton of disclosures and paperwork in the name of financial transparency, only to find yourself drowning in confusion and uncertainty? In the latest episode of Simply Why, hosts Dennis Morton and Katie Brown dive into the world of financial transparency and its impact on your financial well-being. The episode unpacks the challenges clients face in understanding financial information and navigating through potential conflicts of interest. Through their candid conversation, these seasoned financial advisors emphasize the importance of open communication, education, and trust-building in fostering transparency within advisor-client relationships.

Seeking transparency in your advisor relationship? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5

Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/