On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about doing your taxes. While the 2024 tax deadline was a few weeks ago, there are a handful of simple ways you can be better prepared for next year. Your tax preparer will thank you, but so will your future self for taking a few steps now to make tax season less stressful in the future. Furthermore, once you have your system down, there are numerous opportunities to engage in "tax planning" to minimize future taxes owed rather than just scrambling to get them done.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks through some key concepts and context that will help you manage negative emotions when there is market uncertainty. Taking inventory of your situation compared to many others can help you keep perspective. Furthermore, through Covid, recent world conflicts, and even in the more distant past, there are many examples of market resilience despite uncertainty.

On today's episode, Matt offers some perspective during the current environment of high market volatility. While many investors look at their portfolio with fear when financial markets are highly variable, there are multiple things you can do to ease your stress. Having some cash for your near term expenses, diversifying your investments, and having a plan will help you weather times where there is market uncertainty.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt takes a look at the numbers behind Social Security benefits. While it's a common talking point in different forms of media, is it really possible that Social Security could go away anytime soon?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to a recent article he read on the non-financial considerations of retiring. As lifespans get longer, there is growing consideration for what happens to the brain in retirement. While the science is somewhat inconclusive, there are a lot of things you can do to make sure you maximize your golden years.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt Schroeder has an all-star cast of guests to discuss the first time home buying experience from beginning to end. Realtors Shea Pilsbury and Matt Munson (Munson Realty Group) join Mortgage Advisor Jeff Rolke (Gold Coast Mortgage) and Real Estate Attorney Michael Osborne (Michael Osborne Law). They cover everything from the first steps you should take, all to way to the closing date. Along the way, the group highlights some things to watch out for, things you may not have considered, and how to engage professionals you can trust. Whether you are the first time buyer or someone in your family is, you won't want to miss this episode!

On today's episode, Matt walks through a scenario many investors encounter after periods of strong growth: owing capital gains taxes. If you have investments in a non-retirement account where your growth is subject to capital gains tax, you likely have some gains from the last few years of market growth. While no tax is due until you realize those gains, there is also the possibility that your portfolio is no longer in the desired ratio of stocks to bonds. How can you rebalance your portfolio without incurring a hefty tax bill? Matt covers some of the considerations to determine the right strategy for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt addresses a common question: does it make sense to help an adult child to purchase a home? With Real Estate prices significantly outpacing inflation over the past few decades, gifting may be one pathway to help your child afford a home. However, it's worth asking whether you can reasonably afford to help and--maybe more importantly--if you should. Matt walks through some of the considerations to make the right choice for you.