Your Money & Your Life Podcast

War, Markets & Your Money (Part 2) — Being Prepared

War headlines, rising oil prices, and market swings can make it feel like something bigger is unfolding. But while each situation feels unique, the pattern is often the same- markets react, investors worry, and emotions take over. In this episode, Don continues the conversation on how global conflict impacts markets and what that means for your financial plan. He focuses on what it means to be prepared- because the real question isn’t if volatility will happen, but whether your plan is built to handle it.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
⚠️ Conflict impact: Geopolitical events can trigger short-term market swings
⛽ Oil & markets: Rising energy prices influence inflation and sentiment
📚 Historical lessons: Every crisis feels new, but patterns repeat
🧭 Planning strategy: A well-built plan prepares for uncertainty
🧠 Emotional control: Discipline matters more than predictions
 
Episode Links:
Tariff Crash and Recovery –
https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/markets-and-economy/top-market-takeaways/tmt-liberation-day-in-retrospect-6-things-that-surprised-investors
Emotions and Investing –
https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/the-science-behind-money-and-emotion
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/roller-coaster-of-emotional-investing/
Gas Prices –
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gas-prices-every-decade-since-110002903.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEzDn58B-vgIQAZ1BgK9Tl5l2kWz9H0oSs8JsLwqhPMznVi1SxTvYM7o1fLvwy2h0E_Pk5xcZu4gqt6jiP7S9RhfRjxA2fh8qI_BoAaLuP-1kb2nUGcu1JE-lvGecoq8pIcM0_Cdbmccmf21ELwbZ3_Y9HZLXQfIbaHhuMthN-FP
The Ocean Gate Titan Story –
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/06/22/timeline-oceangate-founding-expedition-history/70344305007/
The Blues Brother’s Movie Clip –
https://youtu.be/uHM9swoDTsw?si=oGQSmWLVU19QWkqV
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

War, Markets & Your Money (Part 1) — Why “This Time Is Different” Usually Isn’t

When global conflict breaks out, it often triggers a wave of anxiety among investors. Headlines warn of uncertainty, markets react sharply, and many people begin to wonder whether this time might truly be different. But history tells a very consistent story about how markets behave during periods of geopolitical tension. Don explains how markets have historically responded to global conflicts and why long-term investors should be cautious about reacting emotionally to short-term news.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🌤️ Spring & March Madness: Unpredictability appears in markets too
🌍 Global Conflict Concerns: News about Iran raises investor anxiety
📈 Historical Recoveries: Markets often rebound after crises
🧩 Diversification Matters: Balanced portfolios reduce volatility risk
🎲 Speculation Risks: Emotional decisions can hurt long-term results
📰 Media Influence: Headlines often amplify fear and uncertainty
 
Episode Links:
150 years of Market Drop and Recoveries –
https://www.morningstar.com/economy/what-weve-learned-150-years-stock-market-crashes
Too Much Concentration Risk in the Stock Market –
https://russellinvestments.com/content/ri/us/en/insights/russell-research/2024/09/today_s-markets-are-extremely-concentrated-what-does-this-mean-f.html
How well did a well-diversified portfolio in 2022 –
https://www.morningstar.com/portfolios/why-portfolio-diversification-helped-investors-2022
Lessons over the past 50 years –
https://www.boldin.com/retirement/history-of-market-downturns/
The Dalbar Study –
https://www.forbes.com/sites/wesmoss/2026/01/27/how-the-average-investors-returns-compare-to-the-market/
The Media Effect on the Investing –
https://kayne.com/insights/why-investors-should-avoid-the-noise-of-everyday-media/
 
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Smart Tax Moves Before April 15- 2026 Updates You Need to Know

Tax season has a way of sneaking up on people, just like a late winter snowstorm. One minute you think you're in the clear… the next, deadlines are piling up, and forms keep showing up in the mailbox. In this episode, Don walks through the most important April 15 tax updates for 2026 and new rules that could impact higher earners. Whether you're filing, extending, contributing, or adjusting withholdings, Don provides a practical checklist to reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes before the deadline hits.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📅 Deadlines & Extensions: What must be paid by April 15 (even with an extension)
📊 Refund Shifts & Tax Law Changes: Why lower brackets may see bigger refunds
🏡 New Jersey Tax Updates: Property tax relief, retirement exclusions, and PAS-1 filing
🎁 Charitable & QCD Planning: Smart giving strategies before filing
💰 Catch-Up Contribution Changes: Roth requirements for higher earners
✅ Final April 15 Checklist: IRA, HSA, SEP, Solo 401(k), and tax credit review
 
Resources for this episode:
Tax estimates –
https://www.irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax/individuals/individuals-2
OBBBA – Tax changes –
https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/irs/tax-law-and-policy/one-big-beautiful-bill-taxes/?srsltid=AfmBOoocoe8Os9sGXLBBmzoSWSFq8guezLiJLObMGUi5UHfPQ4jK-HD3
SALT Deduction change –
https://blog.taxact.com/what-is-the-salt-tax-deduction/
What Tax Forms Do I Need to Keep for My Taxes –
https://share.google/aimode/Dir3OK4dgTglBT8rQ
NJ PAS – 1
https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/propertyreliefforms.shtml
QCD forms –
https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/irs-adds-new-reporting-code-charitable-ira-gifts
Paper Checks Going Away –
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers
Trump Accounts – 
https://trumpaccounts.gov/
 
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
 

What Can Burn You — Investment Traps That Hurt Families

Some investments shine brightly, until they burn the people holding them. Don explores how emotional decisions, flashy advertisements, and market hype can quietly derail long-term financial security. Protecting your future often means resisting what looks exciting in the moment.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Emotional Investing: Fear and greed shape outcomes
📺 Financial Advertising: Hype versus real risk
₿ Crypto & Meme Stocks: Volatility and speculation
💰 Income Planning: Stability beyond market swings
⚖️ Risk Balance: Performance without overexposure
Resources:
Yrefy – Lawsuit
https://advertisinglaw.fkks.com/post/102jz6l/yrefy-enters-into-750k-settlement-with-massachusetts-over-use-of-celebrity-endor
Bitcoin Crash –
https://www.tradingview.com/news/newsbtc:aaa5b3d71094b:0-why-the-bitcoin-price-crash-toward-60-000-was-necessary/
Meme Stock Crash –
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/29/gamestop-meme-stocks-retail-investors-wall-street-young-investors.html
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Winter Storms & Financial Reality: The Costs That Catch Retirees Off Guard

Winter storms have a way of revealing weak spots, just like life’s storms bring financial surprises in retirement. In this episode, Don uses recent winter weather events as a backdrop to highlight the expenses and risks that often catch retirees off guard. The focus isn’t on panic, but preparation, and planning ahead for when life’s storms hit.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
❄️ Financial Storms: Why unexpected costs hit harder in retirement
🧰 Storm Preparation: Planning before problems appear
🔌 Backup Systems: Home generators as a planning metaphor
🧾 Expense Pressure: Healthcare and insurance costs adding up
🏠 Insurance Coverage: Knowing what policies you actually need
🛡️ Long-Term Care: Planning for one of retirement’s biggest risks
 
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

New Year’s Resolutions for 2026 — Where Health, Relationships, and Money Intersect

Start the new year strong! In this episode, Don reframes 2026 resolutions around the intersection of health, relationships, and financial planning, and shows why ignoring one often undermines the others. If you want resolutions that support your life instead of competing with it, this episode sets a better foundation for 2026!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🎯 2026 Reset: Rethinking resolutions with purpose and clarity
🏃‍♂️ Health as Wealth: Why wellness is a financial strategy
📵 Tech & Relationships: Using smartphones as tools, not substitutes
🛡️ Protection Over Growth: Reducing risk as retirement approaches
📜 Estate Plan Check: Updating beneficiaries before it’s too late
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

3 Holiday Conversations to Have About Money – Christmas 2025 Edition

The holidays bring something most families rarely get enough of: time together. In this special year-end episode, Don Cash highlights three important financial conversations that are often avoided, but could make a lasting difference for the people you love.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🎄 Talking with Parents About Money & Safety
🧓 The Growing Risk of Elder Financial Fraud
👨‍👩‍👧 Conversations with Kids & Grandkids
📄 Essential Documents After Age 18
💬 Spousal Conversations About Retirement & Purpose
 
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Smart Year-End Planning Moves You Can Still Make in 2025

As the calendar races toward December 31, Don breaks down the year-end financial moves that can save retirees thousands- both now and for years to come. In this episode, he explains why December, not April, is the true “strategy season” for tax planning and highlights the opportunities that disappear once the ball drops on New Year’s Eve. From using Qualified Charitable Distributions to reduce taxable income, to unlocking the little-known 0% capital gains bracket, to timing Roth conversions within favorable tax ranges, Don shows how proactive planning creates powerful long-term benefits.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🔄 Tax Deadlines: Why December 31 is the real planning cutoff🎁 QCD Advantage: Donate smarter, reduce income, avoid IRMAA📈 0% Capital Gains Bracket: Sell appreciated assets with no federal tax🔵 Roth Conversion Sweet Spot: Staying within the 24% bracket💡 Medicare Fixes: How to appeal unexpected IRMAA surcharges📋 Year-End Checklist: RMDs, deductions, gifting, beneficiaries
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/