On this episode of Through The Pines we'll chat financial GOAL SETTING & LIFE PLANNING in 2026 from headwinds & pitfalls to clear values-aligned goals to motivate you!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while editing his daily vlog (he never publishes), this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

OUTLINE:

Why Goal Setting Feels Hard in 2026

• Current headwinds: Rising costs, interest rate volatility, AI-driven job changes, housing affordability, and longer lifespans (planning for 30+ years in retirement).
• The consequence of weak goals: " drifting" — saving without purpose, lifestyle creep, or burnout from chasing someone else's version of success.
• Planner perspective: The #1 regret they hear from clients and the biggest mindset shift needed right now.

• • Good news: When goals are clear and values-aligned, planning becomes much easier and more motivating.

If you found value in this podcast, consider supporting us at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll discuss "GIRL MATH" the financial shortcuts, habits,

and irrational decisions that everyone makes. Explore how to become more intentional with money while still enjoying life and creating meaningful experiences.

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while placing crypto bets on prediction markets, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

OUTLINE

• Fun Examples of "Girl Math"
• Why We all Have Our Version of "Girl Math" including Mental Accounting & Money Emotions
• How to Make Good Decisions Easier - Build Systems, Automate Savings
• Create Financial Firewalls - Separate Accounts
• Balance Long-Term, Mid-Term, and Short-Term Goals
• Remember to Make Memories - Life is short, Family vacations, Celebrations, Time with Family
• Practical Steps:

1. Identify your "Girl Math"
2. Automate One Good Habit
3. Review Goals in Three Buckets

____________________________________

If you found value in this podcast, consider supporting us at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll chat Hot Financial Planning Topics for Summer 2026,

From AI, to Energy Inflation, Fed policy, economy resilience, market outlook, and more!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while sneaking into World Cup stadiums to catch the match magic, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

OUTLINE:

Taxes in retirement are not passive—they are one of the largest controllable risks, and most

people don't realize it until it's too late. Good planning reduces taxes; bad planning just defers them.

____________________________________

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026

#podcast #money #wealth #retirement #financialplanning #finances #networth

Avoid the retirement tax trap with expert financial planning strategies. Learn how to manage your taxes without complex schemes.

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll "The Reality of the Retirement Tax Trap — and How to Navigate It Without Being Sold Something at a Fancy Dinner"

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while working on his tan at the neighborhood pool, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

Rex Baxter and Brandon Smith from planwithbaxter.com join the Financial Planning Podcast to break down the realities of retirement tax planning. Many investors fall into unnecessary traps because they overcomplicate their strategy. This conversation focuses on simplifying your approach to financial planning while ensuring your assets are protected for the long term.

We discuss the specific components of a retirement tax trap and how to navigate these common financial hurdles. By focusing on practical steps rather than complex jargon, you will gain a clearer understanding of how to structure your retirement income. This episode provides actionable insights for anyone looking to secure their financial future through smarter tax management.

Subscribe for weekly financial planning breakdowns and comment below on which retirement topic you want us to cover next.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll over money mastery in a gig economy including core challenges of a non-W2 worker, budgeting & cash flow for irregular income, taxes, self funded benefits like insurance, and more!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while editing his daily vlog (he never publishes), this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

OUTLINE:

1. Core Challenges of non-W2 Money Management
   1. Irregular Income Realities
   2. No built-in safety nets: Lack of employer withholding for taxes, no auto-retirement contributions, self-funded health & disability
   3. Hidden Costs: Self employment tax
   4. Stress from volatility, trouble qualifying for loans/mortgages
2. Budgeting & Cash Flow for Irregular Income
   1. Calculate baseline average over last 6 months and create a budget
   2. Pay yourself first - auto-transfers
   3. Allocate dollars for taxes, operating expenses, owner compensation, and emergency fund
   4. Use Tools & a financial advisor
3. Taxes
   1. Quarterly estimated taxes: tracking, calculating & penalties
   2. Self employment tax breakdown: 15.3% / deductions
   3. Maximize deductions: mileage, equipment, health insurance premiums,
   4. Record keeping essentials: MileIQ or Expensify, saving receipts, may need an EIN
   5. Work with a CPA & a Financial Advisor
4. Self Funded Benefits
   1. Health Insurance options
   2. Disability Insurance
   3. Umbrella Insurance, business insurance, life insurance
   4. Retirement: IRA options (Trad, Roth, SEP), Solo 401(k), SIMPLE IRA

____________________________________

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026

On this episode of Through The Pines we're covering what we've learned along with our favorite moments as we celebrate our 100th episodes of Through The Pines!!

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while enjoying his first latte of the day, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

Congratulations on 100 Episodes of Through The Pines!

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll cover the Most Important Concepts Investors Live By

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while performing his morning routine for optimized living, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

____________________________________

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026

On this episode of Through The Pines we'll cover why & how to have the talk, the money talk with your partner before marriage

Welcome to a Financial Planning Podcast with a down to earth vibe Sasquatch listens while washing his air cooled Porsche 911, this is Through the Pines.

Our Advisors for this episode, we welcome back Rex Baxter and Brandyn Smith from planwithbaxter.com

2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Management Teams For Utah -

Advisor Hub Fastest Growing Advisors to Watch under 1 Billion -

Receivers of the Ameriprise Client Experience Award -

Financial Advisors: Baxter, Smith & Associates

Contact: rex.m.baxter@ampf.com

Website: planwithbaxter.com

1. Money Mindset & Values
2. Current Financial Snapshot
3. Combining Finances (or not)
4. Protecting Each Other: Insurance Safety Nets
5. Short, Mid, & Long Term Financial Goals
6. Investing Style & Philosophy
7. Past Financial Baggage
8. Estate Planning & Legacy
9. Day-to-Day Financial Management
10. Prenups

____________________________________

This podcast was produced by The Banyan Collective and recorded in our camp trailer studio located inside the Monarch Building inside the 9 Rails Arts District on Historic 25th Street in Ogden, Utah.

***Find value in this podcast, consider supporting us here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/banyanmedia

WATCH & SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube @throughthepines

LIKE our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pinespodcast

Follow our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pines_podcast/

Through the Pines - Reminding you to use Yesterday's Dollars to Finance Tomorrow's Dreams.

****

This episode includes financial advice from professionals. Visit the financial planners in this podcast at www.planwithbaxter.com The Banyan Collective & Host, R. Brandon Long are not the financial professionals - podcast pro's, maybe - money men, not so much.

Through the Pines Podcast Copyright, The Banyan Collective - 2026