Wisdom for Your Wisdom Years

Join Matt Murphy, CFP®, AIF®, and founder of Benetas Wealth, as he breaks down financial strategies, lifestyle hacks, and unconventional insights to help you build a retirement worth living—on your terms, with purpose and passion.

What to Do When You Have a Windfall 05/19/2026

Why Taxes Feel Higher In Retirement 05/12/2026

Why Taxes Feel Higher In Retirement Retirement income is not like income from a job. It's a layered system, and it can be confusing. Matt explains how retirement income shows up on a tax return, and how each piece -- IRA distributions, Social Security, etc -- builds up to your taxable income. He also explains why people are sometimes surprised by their tax bill in retirement, and why financial planning that looks at your income throughout your retirement years (not just the beginning) is so important. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/41259820

What Happens to Your IRA When You Die 05/05/2026

What Happens to Your IRA When You Die Matt walks thorugh exactly what happens with your IRA as you approach end of life and death, including required minimum distributions, changing Medicare thresholds (IRMA), and the changing tax brackets upon death as the surviving spouse inherits the account and, therefore, the additional income stream. Matt also covers how IRA's transfer to children and the income and tax implications of the remaining funds as they are paid out to the inheriting children. The lifecycle of the IRA income ends up looking like this: Deferred income Forced income Compressed income Accelerated income At each stage, you have less control over what happens to the funds and how they are paid out. This is why it's critical to have a financial plan that considers your income not just at the start of retirement, but throughout retirement. And, as Matt has pointed out in past episodes, a plan is only as good as the attention you pay it -- monitoring it and adjusting it over time to account for changing life circumstances ensures that you are navigating your money wisely through your wisdom years. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/41157225

What Growth Really Means for an Organization 04/28/2026

What Growth Really Means for an Organization Growth for a company tends to be talked about in simplistic ways: revenue, profits, employee count, new locations, etc. However these are simply outputs. When an organization grows, it's responsibility grows as well -- at least the way Matt looks at it. As Benetas grows he's looking carefully at how he can preserve good communication and relationships, to make sure that important conversations are had, that the coordination between professionals he talks about frequently is happening consistently. In a word, to ensure clients and their unique circumstances feel known, not just processed. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/41042585

What Rory's 2026 Masters Win Can Teach Us About Investing 04/24/2026

What Rory's 2026 Masters Win Can Teach Us About Investing Two weeks before this episode aired, Rory McIlroy won the Masters championship for the second time, and a back to back win at that -- a veryrare feat in golf. Rory became the fourth to ever do it, alongside the best golfers of all time Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods (Nick Faldo also went back to back in 1988 and 1989). Heading into the final day of the tournament, Rory had a commanding six shot lead, but what Matt noticed was how Rory dealt with his success through the first three days of the tournament. Rory didn't change his decision making and start playing to not lose. He stuck tightly to his process, and repeated the things that got him into the lead in the first place. Investors can learn a lot from this approach. As Matt points out, most investing mistakes aren't made when markets are down, they are made when markets are up, and investors are having success. It's easy to become overconfident, to think that you have "figured out" the market. Rory indicated in his press conferences that he respected the golf course for what it was, and didn't suppose that he owned it or had completely mastered it. He stuck to decision making that would put him in a position to consistently score well, while avoiding risky plays that could cost him several strokes if they didn't work out. He also did a good job tuning out the noise and the excitement from the press contemplating his second win before it happened. Investors deal with similar problems. Markets are unpredictable, and good investors don't try to figure them out -- they try to make consistently solid decisions that put them in a position to make good returns, rather than place risky bets with big upsides and big downsides. The markets are full of noise, like the press at the Masters tournament, and good investors learn to ignore the noise and focus on their process. They don't compare themselves or pay too much attention to what others are doing. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40990790

Market Volatility: Turning Stress Into Opportunity 04/21/2026

Market Volatility: Turning Stress Into Opportunity When markets become volatile, many people start to get nervy. It feels like a time to pull back, to move to cash and wait until the storm blows over and things return to "normal." As Matt counsels, however, for a well designed financial plan volatility isn't bad, it's actually an opportunity! Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40800960

How Smart People Get Scammed 04/14/2026

How Smart People Get Scammed Every time a scam hits the headlines, most people think to themselves: "this wouldn't happen to me." And yet, scams happen all the time, even to smart, well-informed people! Many think scammers are bottom feeders, spamming poorly-worded, suspicious looking emails, texts, and links that are too obvious to fool any but the most gullible. While there are plenty of those kinds of scams in the world, there are also sophisticated scams that take advantage of distraction, social pressure, and urgency. And these scams are successful even with smart people. The risk of scams only rises in retirement, when the account values are large. You or the person in your life who normally manages financial affairs might have lost interest in doing so, or perhaps you are no longer in the weeds day to day and therefore less in touch. Matt has a simple approach to protecting yourself from scams. It's all about having a process. Have a simple process for making decisions, especially about money and important life decisions. Scammers pray on urgency and fear. A process can help you slow down, evaluate what's going on, and give you some second opinions on whether the decision makes sense. Matt encourages you to check in with a trusted friend or advisor before you agree to a proposal, someone external who can offer a sanity check. Your process doesn't have to be complicated, but following it consistently can help you root out scams and bad actors and avoid the financial and mental pain of being scammed. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40797855

Before You Can Advise Others, You Have to Understand Yourself 04/07/2026

Before You Can Advise Others, You Have to Understand Yourself Matt recently spoke at the University of Central Florida to students interested in pursuing a career in wealth management. One student asked him a prescient question: how did he learn how to talk with clients about money, especially the psychological side of the conversation? Matt's response wasn't about technical knowledge, or certifications and credentials. It was about, as Socrates says, knowing thyself. In order to sit across the table from a client and help them navigate their complex feeling abouts money -- their hopes and goals, fears and anxieties -- you first need to understand how you respond to dealing with money, and complex life issues in general. Understanding your own predilections and responses to life challenges, to market turmoil, to changing circumstances and goals; this knowledge is key to understanding what others may be going through in their own, unique lives. Ultimately, money decisions are highly emotional decisions. Math is helpful, but rarely the deciding factor. A client needs to not only make sound financial decisions from a mathemetical perspective, but decisions that they feel confident about in the context of their own unique circumstances and personality. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40752285

Is Your Advisor Asking the Right Questions? 03/31/2026

Is Your Advisor Asking the Right Questions? Matt reviews a few conversations he's had with clients that came seeking a second opinion about the financial advice they had gotten. The conversations highlight a common problem that is unfortunately not talked about much. Meetings with financial advisors often focus primarily, maybe even exclusively on portfolio performance, missing the context of the bigger picture -- things like tax strategies, mapping retirement income over a period of time, planning Roth conversions if needed. Portfolio performance is really just one piece of a bigger puzzle that requires context and consideration of a client's unique goals and circumstances. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40677130

The Myth of Integrated Financial Advice 03/24/2026

The Myth of Integrated Financial Advice Some wealth management firms offer integrated financial advisory, in which they combine investment management, tax planning, estate planning, insurance and more under one roof. The concept is attractive -- you have one place with one point of contact for managing your complete financial life, and your service should be coordinated between professionals. Investment decisions should align with tax planning strategies to avoid creating unncessary tax burdens or too much income in retirement (like the retirement income snowball that Matt covers in episodes #25 and #33), for instance. Unfortunately, as Matt explains, it doesn't always work out that way. Matt shares some experiences with clients who came from integrated financial advisory practices with various retirement planning issues. As he points out, just because a firm offers a comprehensive suit of advisory professionals, it doesn't mean they actually communicate in a coordainted and timely fashion. What really matters is how a firm operates, whether they have a structure in place for creating a retirement plan and sharing that plan with each professional's input (investment management, tax, insurance, etc), and most importantly, revisiting that plan and managing it on an ongoing basis. This is true whether you are working with an independent financial advisor with external professionals, or an integrated firm. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40600515

Tax Planning for Roth Conversions with Abbie McGuire, CPA 03/17/2026

Tax Planning for Roth Conversions with Abbie McGuire, CPA Abbie returns to the podcast to talk with Matt about the many tax implications of Roth IRA conversions in retirement. Roth conversions are useful tools for managing your cash flow in retirement and avoiding the retirement income snowball (discussed in episode #25). Roth conversions can also help you avoid required minimum distributions in your later years. As always, the key is planning well ahead of time so you can make decisions with clarity, and not reactively, because often when you get into an unfavorable tax situation in retirement, the time to do something about it has passed. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40510800

Tax Advice Is Not Tax Planning 03/10/2026

Tax Advice Is Not Tax Planning CPA's are skilled and useful practioners, and important tools in making sure that you are compliant with the tax code and don't pay more taxes than you legally owe... this year. Many people mistake the advice of their CPA for tax planning, that is, the long-term positioning of your income, assets, and other unique circumstances to minimize your tax burden in the future. Matt reminds us that taxes in retirement are not just a one-time annual event. Taxes evolve into a whole system of interlocking parts involving Social Security, RMD's, Medicare premiums, and more. As Matt points out, tax returns look backward at the year behind you. Tax planning, on the other hand, looks forward, evaluating how all these moving parts fit together over years and even decades, to make sure you avoid major tax pitfalls during your wisdom years. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40377390

Who Owns Your Financial Plan? 03/03/2026

Who Owns Your Financial Plan? Attorneys, accountants, investment advisors -- they all have their place in your financial life. Most of them provide sound advice as well, but they are specialized professionals and their expertise and scope of work is inherently limited. Herein lies a trap in retirement planning. While you may get good advice on setting up trusts, allocating your investment assets, purchasing long-term healthcare, etc., it's important to ask: is anyone looking at the whole picture? Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40291050

Your Permission Slip to Spend In Retirement 02/24/2026

Your Permission Slip to Spend In Retirement Matt explores the psychology behind a conversation he has often with clients, which revolves around the fear of spending in retirement. Even when the math is done, the spreadsheets are double checked, the modeling shows high confidence in your financial stability... many clients hit retirement and have trouble shifting into a "spending" rather than a "saving" mindset. After decades of saving and delaying gratification, it can be a difficult transition! Matt's experience is that these fears are rooted not in math or confidence, but in the unknown. Naming the fears is a good starting point for understaning them. For some it's the fear of longevity, outliving their money, for others it's the fear of being a burden on others. These fears are not math questions but value questions, as Matt points out. Thinking through these fears, naming them, and understanding exactly how your financial plan helps you address these can bring clarity to your situation instead of a stormy black cloud of unknown. Overspending in retirement has obvious costs. Underspending in retirement has hidden costs too, albeit more subtle. Travel not taken, experiences deferred until health makes them difficult or impossible, time spent optimizing for safety rather than living life -- these are real costs that need to be considered. Somewhere between the costs of overspending and underspending there are tradeoffs, and those tradeoffs are where clarity is gained and life is lived! Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40082030

When the Paychecks Stop: One Year of Clarity at Benetas Wealth 02/17/2026

When the Paychecks Stop: One Year of Clarity at Benetas Wealth Today is the one year anniversary of Benetas Wealth, which has Matt reflecting. For over twenty years he was a professional financial advisor at a big firm, but after stepping out to run his own practice that chapter, he realized, had closed. All of a sudden he was responsible for getting clients, making payroll, operations... Matt realized that what people often refer to as uncertainty when making a big change, like starting a business or retiring, is really responsibility. When you step out on your own and the paychecks stop, you sudden realize you are the one responsible for what happens to you. This is a difficult transition for many, especially if you've spent many years working a job inside a system -- processes, a network of people, social and information resources, and financial security. But this weight of responsibility is ultimately what Matt aims to help clients with at Benetas Wealth. Retirement is not just about math and net worth and spreadsheets, it's about obtaining clarity about your role in the future and creating a plan that can flex and grow with you through your wisdom years. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40132510

Two Mistakes That Can Break Your Financial Plan 02/10/2026

Two Mistakes That Can Break Your Financial Plan Financial plans don't fail in spreadsheets, they fail at stress points -- parents that need more help and care than expected, a business sale that took longer than anticipated, prolonged market volatility. As Matt has observed during his career, it's not the stressors themselves that cause problems with the financial plan, it's the behavior around those stressors. A good financial plan includes flexibility to deal with changing life situations, and is revisited and revised periodically to account for them. Another quiet killer is unnecessary complexity, too many just-in-case provisions or backup strategies. Plans setup with too many contingencies can require constant attention to work as intended. In these plans, it's not the decisions that break them, it's the fact that people don't have the time to monitor them! As Matt says, simplicity is not laziness, it's durability. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/40057145

The Hidden Risks of Chasing Liquidity 02/03/2026

The Hidden Risks of Chasing Liquidity Liquidity -- how quickly, easily, and efficienly you can sell your assets to raise cash or reinvest -- is an attractive quality for many investors. It's a safety blanket, like having a lot of cash in the bank or a healthy income stream. But liquidity comes at a cost, and being too liquid could be an expensive mistake. As Matt explains, liquid investments present a few important behavioral risks that are often overlooked. When the market is turbulent, it's tempting for investors to sell their investments and retreat to cash, so to speak, but cash has it's own problems. Firstly, cash loses value over time to inflation, and this loss of purchasing power can be significant over the long run. Then there's what happens (or doesn't happen) after an investor moves to cash -- how long does it take them to redeploy it, and at what price? Many bad investments are made after "waiting out" bad markets, because investors wait too long to re-invest out of fear and end up paying higher prices. On top of that, they lose the effect of compounding they would have had by staying invested. The temptation to time the market and precisely move in and out of investments to maximize returns and minimize losses is high, and many investors fall prey to it. Liquidity offers the allure of safety, and while liquid investments are useful and provide a portfolio with options, they also carry risks that should not be ignored. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39975225

It's Not 2020 Anymore: Interest Rate Risk Is Back 01/27/2026

It's Not 2020 Anymore: Interest Rate Risk Is Back Matt takes a walk through the interest rate environment of the past several years, from the near-zero rates of the COVID era to today's rates hovering nearer the historical average. Matt explains how the policy decisions of 2020-2021 (and before) suppressed interest rates, sending them steadily downward. During this period interest rates were predictable -- they would go down steadily -- and retirees looked to equities to produce income for their portfolio. Today the market looks quite different. With the 10-year treasury around 4% (as of January 2026), fixed income is a viable asset for generating income again. However, interest rate volatility has re-entered the picture. When rates were near zero, the risk of interest rates moving sharply downward or upward was neglible, so interest rate risk could essentially be ignored. Now it's a material risk, so retirees must be careful in building their bond portfolio. Matt explains how many retirees are still rooted in the thinking that made sense in 2020 and 2021, and that the market today presents new challenges. He outlines how bonds can be chosen and laddered to protect a portfolio against interest rate volatility, so that retirees can produce steady income for their portfolio while being hedged against rates moving up or down in the future. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39793375

How to Avoid the Retirement Income Snowball 01/20/2026

How to Avoid the Retirement Income Snowball Many smart, sophisticated investors get caught by this trap -- the retirement income snowball tax trap. Like most retirement income problems, the income snowball happens slowly, building over many years. At first things seem fine in retirement. Income is sufficient, taxes are low, but if you have deferred a lot of income in previous decisions -- social security, benefit plans, portoflio RMD's -- then a snowball of income can grow and later, when flexibility is low, can come to dominate the entire retirement plan. Delaying social security to age 70 (the maximum age to start claiming SS) makes sense for many reasons. It provides some longevity insurance, similar to an annuity, the benefits are inflation adjusted, survivor benefits increase, and raises your guaranteed income floor for the remainder of your life. However, failing to think about the timing of this deferred income alongside your distributions in large, pre-tax retirement accounts could put you in a snowball situation with high tax bills. Matt describes a common scenario he sees in his practice: a married couple filing jointly defers social security benefits to age 70, required minimum distributions (RMD) begin in their mid-70's, and their IRA values are higher than they expected, meaning their RMD's are higher than expected... which ultimately means a large tax bill. Where the snowball really hits hard is when one spouse passes away, and the surviving spouse inherits the deceased IRA's and possibly survivorship benefits as well. This can push the surviving spouse into a higher marginal tax bracket, when they now a single filer. Consequently, an annual income of $100k, for example, which might be fine for a married couple filing jointly, can become burdensome for the single surviving spouse. Unfortunately, by the time this happens, most of the proactive moves that could have been done to prevent the snowball are off the table. Matt presents some tools to prevent this scenario, such as Roth 401k conversions and careful planning around IRMAA and Medicare. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39792965

How to Get Started Investing Pt. 3: Indexes, Mutual Funds & ETFs, Active vs Passive Investing 01/13/2026

How to Get Started Investing Pt. 3: Indexes, Mutual Funds & ETFs, Active vs Passive Investing In the third and final installment of the investing miniseries, Matt Murphy and Matt Reynolds discuss the common investment products most investors will use during their lifetime. Matt breaks down the difference between active and passive fund management, and why investors over the past few decades have flocked to passive index funds, which hold a basket of stocks that mirror market indices like the S&P500 and charge very low fees. Matt also explains a common trap that robs investors of returns: not staying invested in the market. The old adage is buy low, sell high, and when the markets are volatile and economic outlook is poor, many investors get nervous and sell their stocks... only to watch the market rebound later. Before they know it, the market bounces back to higher levels than before, and to get back in the game they must now buy in at a higher price. Of course, there's no guarantee that the market will bounce back, or when it will bounce back, but in general, attempting to time the market results in substantially lower returns in the long run compared to simply staying invested and following your strategy, with periodic rebalancing to ensure your portfolio matches your risk tolerance. As always, patience is the key to successful investing! Armed with some basic knowledge, you can make sound investments for your retirement without complicated strategies or esoteric investment products. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly into an index. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39710450

How to Get Started Investing Pt. 2: Risk, Target Date Funds, & Consistency 01/06/2026

How to Get Started Investing Pt. 2: Risk, Target Date Funds, & Consistency In part 2 of a three-part Q&A series about investing, Matt Murphy and Matt Reynolds discuss the concept of risk in investing and how new investors, young and old, should think about risk. Everyone is familiar with the concept of risk in everyday life (a popular slang term today is FAFO, for instance), and the idea is simiilar in investing. There are many investments you could make, some higher risk and others lower risk. Generally speaking, low risk investments offer very steady, but low, returns. High risk investments, on the other hand, can generate much higher returns, but also have a higher probability of loss. When thinking about risk it's important to understand your time horizon. A young investor in her early 20's can afford to take more risk, because her time horizon is long. She will be investing for 30-40 years, and while the market will go up and down several times during that period, the law of averages applies: she will, on average, make a nice return during that time period if she consistently invests and stays invested. A young investor in this situation would most likely invest mostly (if not entirely) in a diversified portfolio of stocks, like an S&P500 index, which historically has returned about 10% annually on average. An older investor closer to retirement, however, cannot afford the risk of losing a large chunk of the value of their portfolio if the market takes a dive. They need to be certain that the value of their portfolio stays steady, so they can plan on withdrawing from that portfolio to fund their retirement years. This investor will likely be more heavily invested in bonds, treasuries, and other fixed income asssets, which generally have lower returns than stocks, but also fluctuate in value much less. Over their lifetime, a smart investor will regularly rebalance their portfolio to reflect their age, risk tolerance, and proximity to retirement. Matt Murphy also explains the concept of target date funds. These funds are essentially investing on auto-pilot. You put money into a target date fund, and it rebalances your portfolio automatically over time, assuming that you will retire and begin withdrawing from your portfolio at a specified date in the future. Target date funds are useful because they don't require much upkeep or knowledge about investing. However they tend to be more expensive (higher fees) than passively managed index funds, and they rebalance your portfolio based on a fixed timeline which you may not align with as your life changes. If you want to retire earlier than your target date fund assumes you will retire, then your investments will be out of step with your needs. Nevertheless, they can be a great tool for the beginning investor. As Matt emphasizes throughout this mini-series, the most important part of investing is consistency. Showing up every month and investing regularly over years and years, while sticking to your strategy, yields great returns. If you aren't consistent or constantly shift your strategy in reaction to the market, you will more than likely underperform the consistent, patient investor. Slow and steady wins the race! Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying holdings. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative investments based on its respective target date. The performance of an investment in a target-date fund is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets, and diversification cannot guarantee that any objective or goal will be achieved. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39623025

How to Get Started Investing Pt. 1: Stocks, Bonds, and Asset Allocation 12/30/2025

How to Get Started Investing Pt. 1: Stocks, Bonds, and Asset Allocation Matt and Matt team up again for another Q&A episode, this time focused on how to get started with investing. Matt Murphy clarifies basic investing terms you need to know, such as stocks and equities, bonds and fixed income, and lays out the basic roadmap for investing through your lifetime. The key word with all things investing: patience. Results (wealth) from investing come from repeated good decisions over a period of many years. The process can be very simple, but for many it is difficult to remain calm and stick to your plan when the markets take a dive (which they will at some point) and the media is fear mongering about the stock market. Likewise, it's easy to chase trends and hot tips, only to be the one who bought high and sold low with a particular investment. Matt also explains the basics of asset allocation, choosing the right mix of stocks and bonds to fit your personal risk profile and your position in life. Asset allocation for a young person likely will lean heavily, perhaps entirely, into stocks, because a young person has a long time horizon for investing and can withstand year to year fluctuations in the stock market. On the other hand, someone nearing retirement needs to know that the value of their portfolio won't vary substantially, since they will be planning to withdraw from that portfolio for living expenses in retirment. That person will likely invest more heavily in bonds, which pay a fixed interest rate and whose value fluctuates much less than stocks. This is part one of three in this mini-investing series -- in the following episodes Matt will dive deeper into the types of investment accounts, how to pick investments for your portfolio and how to maintain them over time. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39561915

Everything You Need to Know About Trusts: An Estate Attorney's Guide 12/16/2025

Are Annuities Worth It? 5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy | Pt. 3 12/09/2025

Are Annuities Worth It? 5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy | Pt. 3 In the final part of the miniseries on annuities, Matt discusses whether annuities are ever worth it, and if so, the scenarios in which he might recommend them. Following the story of Jim and Carol from the previous episode, he details how he he worked through their complicated stack of annuities to help them simplify their financial plan and align their investments with their priorities. The first step that Matt emphasized was to slow down, and take time to analyze and fully understand everything they owned before making decisions to exit or change investments. Matt demonstrates working through Jim and Carol's annuities with a fiduciary mindset, and to that end he asks five questions, which are important to ask before making any type of investment: What problem is this annuity solving? Is it addressing a need or a fear? What does the annuity cost? Not just in monetary fees, but in flexibility, opportunity, and complexity Who benefits the most from this investment? The client or the seller? How does the annuity fit into the overall plan? Does it enhance the chance of success or does it just add complexity? Does the client understand it? If you don’t understand it, you don’t own it — it owns you! Matt stresses the importance of only moving forward after you fully understand what you own. In Jim and Carol's case, they rushed into a string of annuity purchases based on fear of not having enough income in retirement. After analyzing their complete financial position with Matt, they realized they had more than enough income for their retirement goals, and that being overinvested in annuities was causing them to lose money both in opportunity cost (since they weren't invested in the stock market) and high fees (some of their annuities had fees as high as 4%!). So, they came up with a plan to exit those annuities in a patient, orderly process that served their goals and fit into their financial plan at every step. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Talk to your financial advisor before making any investing decisions. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Variable annuities are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information, can be obtained from a financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest. Case studies and examples throughout are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. No specific investments were used. Actual results will vary. Compound illustrations are not predictions of investment performance, and investment principal and interest are not guaranteed and are subject to market fluctuation. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other governmental agency; although the fund seeks to preserve the value of the investment at $1 per share, it is possible to lose money. Nonbank deposit investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by the bank/financial institution, and are subject to risk, including loss of principal invested. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Commonwealth Financial Network® does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39136625

How Annuities Work: Uncovering the Hidden Fees, Risks, and Fine Print | Pt. 2 12/02/2025

How Annuities Work: Uncovering the Hidden Fees, Risks, and Fine Print | Pt. 2 In the second part of this three-part miniseries on annuities, Matt peels apart the layers of the complex financial machinery that makes annuities tick. He examines how insurance companies make money with annuities, and how various risks are spread between the underwriter of the annuity and the annuitant(s). Matt also breaks down how the various fees for annuities are calculated, including the crucial difference between the annuity's benefit base and it's actual cash value. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Talk to your financial advisor before making any investing decisions. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Variable annuities are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information, can be obtained from a financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest. Case studies and examples throughout are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. No specific investments were used. Actual results will vary. Compound illustrations are not predictions of investment performance, and investment principal and interest are not guaranteed and are subject to market fluctuation. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other governmental agency; although the fund seeks to preserve the value of the investment at $1 per share, it is possible to lose money. Nonbank deposit investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by the bank/financial institution, and are subject to risk, including loss of principal invested. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Commonwealth Financial Network® does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39135195

The Truth About Annuities: Types of Annuities & How They Work | Pt. 1 11/25/2025

The Truth About Annuities: Types of Annuities & How They Work | Pt. 1 In the first part of a three-part miniseries about annuities, Matt breaks down the different types of annuities and how they work. Matt frequently works with new clients who have annuities, and are unsure how exactly they work or how they fit into their financial plan (if they fit in at all). Unfortunately for many, annuities not only aren't a good fit for their circumstances, they can also carry high costs and heavy penalties for exiting early. In this series, Matt will teach you the basics of how annuities work, when and where they can fit into a portfolio, and important pitfalls to watch out for. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Talk to your financial advisor before making any investing decisions. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Variable annuities are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information, can be obtained from a financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest. Case studies and examples throughout are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. No specific investments were used. Actual results will vary. Compound illustrations are not predictions of investment performance, and investment principal and interest are not guaranteed and are subject to market fluctuation. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other governmental agency; although the fund seeks to preserve the value of the investment at $1 per share, it is possible to lose money. Nonbank deposit investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by the bank/financial institution, and are subject to risk, including loss of principal invested. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Commonwealth Financial Network® does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/39118245

Personal Finance 101: What You Need to Know in Your 20's and Beyond 11/11/2025

Personal Finance 101: What You Need to Know in Your 20's and Beyond In today's episode, Matt brings on his intern Matt Reynolds (another Matt!) to ask him a series of questions about personal finance and investing. Emergency funds, IRA's, 401(k), index funds and much more -- Matt gives a crash course in all the major concepts and investment vehicles you need to know to get started on the right foot in your financial life. As Matt emphasizes, it's not about getting everything right or saving a bunch of money right off the bat. It's about building good habits, getting in the habit of putting money away for the future while you're young so that it becomes second nature as you get older and life gets more complex. Follow Matt Murphy Web: Newsletter: LinkedIn: Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, a Registered Investment Adviser. Investments are subject to risk, including the loss of principal. Some investments are not suitable for all investors, and there is no guarantee that any investing goal will be met. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Talk to your financial advisor before making any investing decisions. Case studies and examples throughout are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. No specific investments were used. Actual results will vary. Compound illustrations are not predictions of investment performance, and investment principal and interest are not guaranteed and are subject to market fluctuation. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are subject to market volatility, including the risks of their underlying investments. They are not individually redeemable from the fund and are bought and sold at the current market price, which may be above or below their net asset value. An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other governmental agency; although the fund seeks to preserve the value of the investment at $1 per share, it is possible to lose money. Nonbank deposit investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by the bank/financial institution, and are subject to risk, including loss of principal invested. This material is intended for informational/educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or investment product. Please contact your financial professional for more information specific to your situation. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Commonwealth Financial Network® does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult a legal or tax professional regarding your individual situation. /episode/index/show/8c7f2181-ecf4-4a13-b020-b0573ec172df/id/38958055

How Do Investment Funds Work? Understanding ETF's, Mutual Funds, and More with Jeromey Thornton of Avantis Investors 10/21/2025

Understanding Medicaid and VA Benefits in Retirement with Estate Attorney Jodi Murphy 09/12/2025

Tackling the Big Beautiful Bill with CPA Abbie McGuire 09/05/2025

Wisdom for Your Wisdom Years

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