• Ep. 54 Making Sense of Equity Compensation with Maureen Donahue
    Jun 26 2025

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    In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Madison and Mike are joined by Certified Financial Planner Practitioner Maureen Donahue to unpack one of the most misunderstood, and potentially most valuable parts of employee compensation: equity. From stock options to RSUs, the team dives into what these benefits actually are, how to evaluate them, and what to consider when they're part of your compensation package. Whether you're a tech professional, executive, or just curious about how equity fits into your total compensation, this episode will help you make smarter, more informed financial decisions.

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    12 Min.
  • Ep. 53 Turning Retirement Savings into a Steady Income Plan Then joined by Eric from The Garden Artisan
    Jun 12 2025

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    In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Madison and Mike dive into one of the most common questions clients ask: How do I turn my retirement savings into reliable income? Mike explains the importance of timing Social Security benefits, strategies for minimizing lifetime taxes through smart withdrawal planning, and how to protect your portfolio against market downturns with proper asset allocation. Whether you’re approaching retirement or advising someone who is, this episode offers practical insights for creating a sustainable income plan.

    Then, Madison and Mike sit down with Eric, the founder of The Garden Artisan, to explore how he turns outdoor spaces into personalized works of art. Eric shares how his passion for plants and design, combined with real-world experience, led him to start his own landscaping business. He talks about how outdoor design has shifted over the years, why listening to clients is key, and how he balances creativity with practical challenges like budgets and site limitations. It’s a conversation about craftsmanship, communication, and creating spaces people love to live in.

    The Garden Artisan socials:

    Website

    Instagram

    Facebook

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    42 Min.
  • Ep. 52 Why Zero Income Tax Doesn’t Mean Zero Financial Surprises
    May 15 2025

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    In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Madison and Mike break down a recent Wall Street Journal article that challenges the popular belief that moving to a no-income-tax state guarantees retirement savings. From skyrocketing insurance costs to hidden fees and property taxes, Mike explains why retirees need to think beyond just income tax rates when relocating. Learn how financial strategies like Roth conversions can help reduce state-level tax burdens, and why every move should come with a full cost-of-living analysis. Don’t pack your bags without tuning in first.

    Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/taxes/retirement-low-tax-rate-states-move-cabdb31b

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    12 Min.
  • Ep. 51 Beyond the Numbers: Preparing Mentally and Emotionally for a Fulfilling Retirement
    May 1 2025

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    In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Madison and Mike dive into a New York Times article about the mental and emotional challenges of retirement. They discuss why thoughtful preparation beyond finances is essential for a successful and fulfilling retirement, the importance of finding purpose after leaving the workforce, and how social engagement, hobbies, and volunteer work can significantly impact retirees' well-being. Mike shares real-world insights and emphasizes that retirement planning is about much more than just hitting a savings goal — it’s about designing a meaningful next chapter.

    Link to NYT Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/well/mind/retirement-brain-mental-health-tips.html

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    15 Min.
  • Ep. 50 Financial Market Recap with Mike Then Employee Spotlight on Amy Garry
    Apr 17 2025

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    In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, hosts Madison Demora and Mike Garry introduce April’s Employee Spotlight, Amy Garry—financial planning associate at Yardley Wealth Management. Amy shares her journey into the industry, her dedication to the firm's mission, and a few fun personal details. Mike also dives into a candid discussion about recent market volatility, offering perspective on long-term investing, stress-testing financial plans, and how emotions and news headlines can mislead even seasoned investors. Whether you're new to financial planning or navigating uncertain markets, this episode blends human insight with real-world financial guidance.

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    15 Min.
  • Ep. 49 The Psychology of Financial Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Emily Koochel
    Apr 3 2025

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    In this episode of Not Just Numbers, hosts Mike Garry and Madison DeMora sit down with Dr. Emily Koochel, a leading expert in financial wellness, behavioral finance, and financial psychology. As the Manager of Financial Wellness at eMoney Advisor, Dr. Koochel shares insights on how our relationship with money is shaped from an early age, the impact of financial transparency on trust, and strategies for navigating financial conflicts in relationships. She also discusses the psychological challenges of retirement and the importance of connecting with one’s future self. Whether you’re a financial professional or someone looking to improve your financial mindset, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

    Connect with Dr. Koochel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilykoochel/

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    44 Min.
  • Ep. 48 Investing Smarter: Strategies for Long-Term Success with Apollo Lupescu
    Mar 20 2025

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    In this episode, Mike and Maddie welcome Apollo Lupescu, Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, a premier investment manager with over $800 billion in assets. With a Ph.D. in Economics and Finance from UC Santa Barbara and 21 years at Dimensional, Apollo offers deep insights into the firm’s data-driven approach to investing. He explains key investment concepts, including the differences between mutual funds and ETFs, the benefits of stock ownership, and how bonds serve as an alternative to equities. Apollo also discusses the evolution of investing strategies, the importance of global diversification, and why emotions can be an investor’s worst enemy. Throughout the conversation, Apollo shares practical advice on building a solid investment plan, avoiding common pitfalls, and maintaining patience in the market.

    We encourage listeners to watch the video version of the interview on our YouTube channel, as Apollo uses visuals to enhance his explanations.

    Tune in to gain valuable insights on smarter investing and the role of financial planning in long-term wealth building!

    Connect with Apollo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apollo-lupescu-78a3b87a/

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    1 Std. und 1 Min.
  • Ep. 47 Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA: Is a Conversion Right for You? Then joined by Tim and Suzanne from T. Foster & Co.
    Mar 6 2025

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    In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, hosts Madison Demora and Mike Garry break down everything you need to know about Roth IRA conversions. If you're considering converting your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA but aren’t sure if it’s the right move, this episode is for you. Mike explains the key differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, the tax implications of a conversion, and who should (or shouldn’t) consider making the switch. They discuss timing strategies, how much to convert, and why factors like income levels, retirement timing, and even your children’s tax brackets can influence your decision. Later, we sit down with Tim and Suzanne Foster, the husband-and-wife team behind T. Foster & Co., a fine jewelry company renowned for its classical designs with a modern flair. From their beginnings in 1982 to winning multiple national design awards, the Fosters share their journey in the jewelry industry and the evolution of their craft. Whether you’re a jewelry enthusiast or curious about the artistry behind fine design, this episode offers a fascinating look into the world of T. Foster & Co.



    T. Foster & Co. links:

    Website: https://www.tfosterjewelers.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tfosterjewelers?igsh=MW1ycm9xbXJ3dmV0eg%3D%3D

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TFosterFineJewelryDesign?mibextid=uzlsIk&rdid=Z4YZ7waqGjr1V9GD&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2FnsW4uc14v3kurmWC%2F%3Fmibextid%3DuzlsIk

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    49 Min.