In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray interviews John and Alexis Stevens, a married couple from Harrisonburg, Virginia, who share their unique career journeys and the financial implications of making significant career changes. John recounts his transition from a high school math teacher to a meteorologist and then to an IT trainer, while Alexis discusses her stable career as a university professor.

They explore the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's dream job, the importance of family values in career decisions, and the financial strategies that helped them navigate these changes. The episode offers valuable insights for couples considering career changes and emphasizes the importance of aligning career choices with personal values and family well-being.

00:00 Welcome to the Financially Fit Couple
00:42 Meet John and Alexis Stevens
02:29 Childhood Dreams and Career Paths
08:06 The Journey to Becoming a University Professor
10:40 John's Teaching Career and Challenges
14:07 Pursuing a Dream in Meteorology
19:45 The Big Career Change
27:54 Financial Implications of the Career Move
29:42 Starting a New Career: The First Year Experience
32:41 Adjusting to a New Lifestyle
35:07 The Toll on Family and Health
36:54 Realizing the Need for Change
44:15 Searching for a New Path
46:00 Finding the Perfect Fit
49:02 Reflecting on the Journey
56:32 Final Thoughts and Advice

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray, a certified financial planner, speaks with Mackensie Ellis from Grad Fin about financing education through student loans. The discussion covers key points such as the difference between federal and private student loans, the application process, and various repayment and forgiveness options.

The episode also delves into upcoming changes to student loan programs, refinancing strategies, and how Grad Fin provides free consultation services to help borrowers navigate these complex topics. The conversation aims to empower listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about managing student loans.

00:00 Welcome to the Financially Fit Couple
00:38 Introducing Mackensie Ellis and the Topic of Student Loans
01:28 Mackensie's Journey into the Student Loan Space
04:27 Understanding Federal vs. Private Student Loans
08:23 Navigating the FAFSA and Loan Options
16:20 Grad Fin's Role in Student Loan Consultation
19:00 Exploring Student Loan Forgiveness Options
28:04 Understanding Recertification Dates
29:29 Repayment Options Overview
31:02 Income-Driven Repayment Plans
40:07 Changes in Repayment Plans
46:02 Refinancing Private Loans
51:19 Grad FIN's Free Consultation Process
53:40 Conclusion and Disclosures

Resources:

https://gradfin.com/

studentaid.gov

Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): What You Need to Know | Laurel Road

One Big Beautiful Bill FAQs - Gradfin - Achieve your financial ​goals

Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid

Income-Driven Repayment Plans | Federal Student Aid

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray welcomes Teri Janes from LD&B Insurance to discuss essential insurance policies for married couples. They delve into the intricacies of home and auto insurance, including dwelling coverage, personal property, liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages.

Teri explains various endorsements like guaranteed replacement cost, water coverage, and the importance of reviewing policies during life events. The conversation also explores umbrella insurance, detailing its benefits and real-life scenarios where it becomes crucial. Listeners will gain valuable insights into making informed decisions about their insurance needs.

00:38 Introduction to Home and Auto Insurance

02:18 Understanding Home Insurance Basics

05:34 Diving Deeper into Home Insurance

16:41 Exploring Auto Insurance Essentials

24:58 The Importance of Umbrella Insurance

30:24 When to Review Your Insurance Policies

32:25 Choosing the Right Insurance Agent

35:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Resources

Teri Janes

tjanes@ldbinsurance.com

540-214-2540

https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-janes-31313b87/

LPL Financial and LD&B Financial are separate entities.

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, Matthew Gray welcomes Raymond Brown to discuss the importance of consistency and community in achieving fitness and financial goals. Raymond shares his personal journey growing up in an unhealthy environment and how he turned to sports and fitness as a vital outlet. Now, as a dedicated husband and father, Raymond emphasizes integrating movement into daily life and making fitness a core family value.

He discusses the impact of routine and habits, especially in challenging times like the pandemic, and how community support plays a crucial role in staying motivated. Raymond also draws parallels between fitness and financial health, highlighting the importance of taking small steps and seeking help from others to achieve long-term success. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners to incorporate fitness and financial well-being into their lives.

02:34 Guest Introduction and Fitness Journey

03:33 The Importance of Movement and Fitness

06:33 Fitness Regimen

07:31 Family and Fitness During the Pandemic

10:22 The Power of Community and Consistency

17:43 Mindset and Overcoming Barriers

35:01 Incorporating Fitness into Daily Life

41:05 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Raymond Brown

https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondabrown/

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, host Matthew Gray is joined by Josiah Rider from Atlantic Union Bank. They discuss the value of building a strong relationship with your banker, especially for busy married couples managing their finances.

Key topics include the significance of having a personal banker, the advantages of home equity lines of credit, how major life events should prompt financial discussions, and the importance of creating a strategic plan for financial stability.

The episode underscores that proactive communication with a banker can help couples navigate financial decisions, manage debt, and prepare for unexpected changes, ultimately contributing to a financially healthier marriage.

00:38 Meet Our Guest: Josiah Rider

03:36 The Importance of a Personal Banker

05:58 Building a Strong Financial Relationship

17:10 Understanding Home Equity Lines of Credit

24:56 Proactive Financial Planning for Life Events

27:47 Enhancing Spousal Communication Through Banking

37:41 How to Find and Work with a Personal Banker

Josiah Rider

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiah-rider-583198a4/

Josiah.Rider@atlanticunionbank.com

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, Matthew Gray is joined by Beth Driver, an attorney specializing in estate planning at Evans Driver in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Together, they explore the importance of estate planning for married couples aged 30 to 50 with children at home.

Beth shares her personal journey into estate planning and discusses key elements such as wills, power of attorney, advanced medical directives, and trusts. The conversation highlights the potential pitfalls of DIY estate planning, the importance of tailoring documents to individual needs, and the ongoing nature of estate planning.

Beth also emphasizes why consulting a professional can save time and money in the long run, and outlines the client-friendly approach of her firm which includes free consultations and flat-fee pricing.

01:37 Beth Driver's Journey into Estate Planning

05:35 The Importance of Estate Planning for Young Families

07:38 Steps to Creating an Estate Plan

15:17 Understanding Key Estate Planning Documents

17:35 The Role and Benefits of Trusts in Estate Planning

25:29 Managing Assets for Minor Children

31:34 Reviewing and Updating Estate Plans

37:36 Pitfalls of DIY Estate Planning

42:35 Steps to Start Estate Planning

44:35 Cost Transparency in Legal Services

47:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Resources

https://www.evansdriver.com/

540-410-1553

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray welcomes Billy Hay to discuss the latest changes in tax legislation and what they mean for busy married couples with kids.

They dive deep into key topics such as adjustments in charitable giving, state and local taxes (SALT), auto loan interest deductions, clean energy credits, tip and overtime taxation, bonus depreciation, and the new Trump accounts for kids.

They also clarify misconceptions surrounding Social Security taxation and the standard deduction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead of their taxes and understand the implications of recent legislative changes.

00:38 Introduction to Today's Topic: Tax Legislation Changes

01:53 Guest Introduction: Meet Billy Hay, CPA

04:31 Charitable Giving: New Tax Benefits

09:04 State and Local Taxes: SALT Deduction Changes

15:41 Clean Energy Credits: Act Now Before They Expire

20:02 Overtime and Tips: New Tax Rules

26:07 Bonus Depreciation: What Business Owners Need to Know

30:22 Trump Accounts for Kids: What We Know So Far

35:04 What's Not Changing: Common Misconceptions

40:03 Final Thoughts and Advice

Resources

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/clean-vehicle-and-energy-credits

https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/standard-deduction

https://www.dykema.com/news-insights/landmark-tax-legislation-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-what-it-means-for-you.html#:~:text=For%202025%2C%20the%20deduction%20is,tax%20credit%20is%20made%20permanent.

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, Matthew Gray engages with Tessa Von Lossberg from LD&B Financial to delve into the often-overlooked yet crucial topic of life insurance. Tessa shares her unexpected journey into life insurance and emphasizes its importance in a comprehensive financial plan.

They discuss the basics of life insurance, distinguish between term and permanent policies, and explore common misconceptions and mistakes couples make regarding coverage. The conversation also covers how to assess life insurance needs, the potential inadequacy of employer-provided plans, and the significance of reassessing coverage after major life events.

Tessa provides practical advice on how to start the conversation with a partner about life insurance and outlines the steps to get adequate coverage. Real-life examples illustrate the profound impact life insurance can have on families. Listeners are encouraged to take timely action to ensure financial protection for their loved ones.

00:38 Introduction to Life Insurance with Tessa

01:18 Tessa's Journey into Life Insurance

03:17 Understanding Life Insurance Basics

06:58 Types of Life Insurance Policies

10:22 Employer-Provided Life Insurance

13:44 Determining Your Life Insurance Needs

19:44 Common Mistakes and Real-Life Examples

28:45 Taking Action and Next Steps

32:06 Conclusion and Contact Information

Tessa's Contact Info

https://www.ldbfinancialgroup.com/meet-our-team/

(540) 437-1427

tessa@ldbfinancialgroup.com

LPL Financial and LD&B Financial are separate entities.

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC