Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Podcasts

Hosted by BWFA

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300

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Aug 2026

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August 18, 20266 min

Why Emotional Investing Can Hurt Your Retirement Plan – 8.20.26

WHY EMOTIONAL INVESTING CAN HURT YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN WATCH ON YOUTUBE Tyler Cunningham, CFP®, CEPS, CDFA® Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Market volatility can be unsettling in retirement, but reacting emotionally may create risks beyond the market decline itself. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise , Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about emotional investing and the decisions retirees may make when markets become uncertain. Tyler discusses panic selling, fear of missing out, market timing, and the temptation to chase investments that suddenly become popular. He also explains why maintaining a long-term perspective and understanding your portfolio’s structure can help during periods of uncertainty. What You’ll Learn How can emotional investing affect your retirement portfolio? Emotional investing can lead retirees to make major portfolio changes based on short-term fear or excitement rather than their long-term financial plan. Tyler shares an example of an investor who moved an approximately $3 million portfolio to cash during the COVID market decline. That decision locked in a roughly 30% loss rather than allowing time for the portfolio to potentially recover. Why can panic selling be especially damaging in retirement? Panic selling turns a market decline into a realized investment loss and may disrupt a strategy designed to support a retirement for decades. Retirees may understandably feel more protective of assets they spent years accumulating. However, Tyler emphasizes the importance of understanding how cash, fixed income, and other investments are structured before abandoning a long-term strategy. How does “fear of missing out” influence investment decisions? Fear of missing out can encourage investors to chase popular investments based on recent performance or conversations with others. Tyler discusses examples involving gold, IPOs, cryptocurrency, and individual companies. Allocating a significant portion of a retirement portfolio to a single investment can introduce additional risk, particularly without a clear exit strategy. How can retirees make better investment decisions during market volatility? Retirees can begin by evaluating a potential change against their long-term investment strategy, risk tolerance, financial needs, and overall retirement plan. Tyler recommends discussing major decisions with an advisor before acting on short-term market movements. A diversified portfolio and a clear understanding of its purpose can provide a valuable perspective when markets become uncertain. More from the Investing In Your Retirement Series Episode 1: Could Your Withdrawal Strategy Hurt Your Retirement? . Episode 2: How Much Cash Should You Keep in Retirement? Episode 3: How Conservative Should Your Retirement Portfolio Be? Episode 4: Why Emotional Investing Can Hurt Your Retirement Plan

August 11, 20265 min

How Conservative Should Your Retirement Portfolio Be? – 8.13.26

HOW CONSERVATIVE SHOULD YOUR RETIREMENT PORTFOLIO BE? WATCH ON YOUTUBE Tyler Cunningham, CFP®, CEPS, CDFA® Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Can being too conservative with your investments create risks of its own? In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise , Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about balancing stability and growth throughout retirement. Tyler explains why moving too heavily into cash and bonds may reduce market volatility but can also limit long-term growth and purchasing power. They also discuss how cash, fixed income, and growth-oriented investments can serve different purposes within a retirement portfolio. Ultimately, the right balance depends on your income needs, financial situation, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. Explore how BWFA can help you build a financial plan designed around your retirement goals by visiting our Financial Planning page. What You’ll Learn How conservative should your retirement portfolio be? A retirement portfolio should balance stability with enough growth to support the investor’s long-term needs. Holding too much in cash and bonds may reduce market volatility, but it can also limit growth and expose retirees to purchasing power risk. Because retirement may last decades, the appropriate balance should reflect longevity, income needs, risk tolerance and the investor’s broader financial plan. Should retirees still invest in stocks during retirement? Stocks may continue to play an important role in a retirement portfolio, depending on the investor’s circumstances. BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham notes that even a 75-year-old retiree could have another 20 years to plan for. Maintaining some growth-oriented investments may help a portfolio keep pace with inflation and support financial needs later in retirement. How can retirees manage market volatility without becoming too conservative? Retirees may be able to manage volatility by maintaining cash and fixed income investments for near-term expenses while allowing growth-oriented investments time to recover. Tyler discusses keeping different levels of risk within a retirement portfolio. Having more conservative assets available for withdrawals may reduce the need to sell stocks during a market downturn. Should your investment strategy change as you get older? Age alone should not determine a retiree’s investment strategy. Income, expenses, pensions, risk tolerance, future needs and the intended purpose of the assets should also be considered. For example, assets intended for future generations may be invested differently from money needed for current living expenses. Ultimately, portfolio decisions should be evaluated within the retiree’s broader retirement plan. More from the Investing In Your Retirement Series Episode 1: Could Your Withdrawal Strategy Hurt Your Retirement? . Episode 2: How Much Cash Should You Keep in Retirement? Episode 3: How Conservative Should Your Retirement Portfolio Be?

August 6, 20266 min

How Much Cash Should You Keep in Retirement? – 8.6.26

HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD YOU KEEP IN RETIREMENT? WATCH ON YOUTUBE Tyler Cunningham, CFP®, CEPS, CDFA® Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Many retirees believe holding more cash is the safest way to protect their savings. However, keeping too much money on the sidelines can create a different kind of risk. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise , Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about how much cash retirees should keep on hand and why purchasing power matters. Tyler explains how inflation can quietly reduce the value of cash over time, even when account balances appear unchanged. He also discusses how a properly structured portfolio can provide liquidity while allowing long-term investments to continue growing. To learn more about BWFA’s Financial Planning services, visit our Financial Planning page. Read Full Description Holding cash can provide peace of mind. However, keeping too much cash in retirement may limit your portfolio’s ability to grow. Over time, inflation can reduce purchasing power, even when your account balance appears unchanged. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about finding the right balance between accessibility and long-term growth. Tyler explains why retirees often need less cash in the bank than they expect. Instead, a well-structured portfolio can provide income while helping investments continue working toward future goals. The conversation also explores retirement income “buckets,” including cash reserves and fixed income investments. Tyler explains how these strategies may help retirees cover unexpected expenses without selling stocks during periods of market volatility. In addition, he discusses why purchasing power risk deserves as much attention as market risk when planning for retirement. Topics include: How much cash retirees should keep Purchasing power risk Inflation and retirement Cash reserves versus emergency funds Retirement income buckets Managing market volatility Whether you’re preparing for retirement or already retired, understanding the role cash plays within your financial plan can help you make more informed decisions about your long-term financial future. More from the Investing In Your Retirement Series Episode 1: Could Your Withdrawal Strategy Hurt Your Retirement? . Episode 2: How Much Cash Should You Keep in Retirement?

July 31, 202617 min

Bonus Episode | How Neighbor Ride Helps Seniors Stay Independent

MORE THAN A RIDE: HOW NEIGHBOR RIDE HELPS SENIORS STAY CONNECTED WATCH ON YOUTUBE Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager Bruce Fulton Executive Director Neighbor Ride Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Transportation is about more than getting from one place to another. For many older adults, it helps maintain independence, build social connections, and support a higher quality of life. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise , Tessa Hall and Sandy Hornor are joined by Bruce Fulton, Executive Director of Neighbor Ride. They discuss how the Howard County nonprofit connects adults aged 60 and older with volunteer drivers. Together, they explore how the organization helps riders reach medical appointments, grocery stores, social activities, and other important destinations. The conversation also highlights the value of volunteerism and the importance of staying connected during retirement. In addition, Bruce explains how community partnerships strengthen Neighbor Ride’s mission. BWFA is proud to sponsor Neighbor Ride’s volunteer driver program and support its commitment to neighbors helping neighbors. Learn more about Neighbor Ride by visiting https://neighborride.org/ . Read Full Description Retirement is about more than financial security. It also means maintaining your independence, staying socially connected, and continuing to enjoy the activities that make life meaningful. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall and Sandy Hornor welcome Bruce Fulton, Executive Director of Neighbor Ride. The Howard County nonprofit connects adults age 60 and older with volunteer drivers who provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, social events, and other important destinations. As a result, older adults can remain active and engaged in their communities. Bruce explains how Neighbor Ride grew from a small community initiative into one of the region’s leading volunteer transportation programs. Today, hundreds of volunteer drivers provide thousands of rides each year while building meaningful relationships with the people they serve. The conversations that happen during each ride often become just as valuable as the transportation itself. The discussion also highlights the importance of community, volunteerism, and planning for life beyond finances. Sandy shares why BWFA is proud to sponsor Neighbor Ride’s volunteer driver program and support an organization that helps older adults remain connected, independent, and engaged throughout retirement. To learn more about Neighbor Ride, request transportation services, or become a volunteer driver, visit https://neighborride.org/.

July 30, 20267 min

Could Your Withdrawal Strategy Hurt Your Retirement? – 7.30.26

COULD YOUR WITHDRAWAL STRATEGY HURT YOUR RETIREMENT? WATCH ON YOUTUBE Tyler Cunningham, CFP®, CEPS, CDFA® Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Could your retirement withdrawal strategy have a greater impact than your investment returns? In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise , Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about sequence of returns risk and why the timing of withdrawals can significantly influence retirement outcomes. Although two retirees may earn the same average rate of return, the order in which those returns occur can produce very different long-term results. Tyler explains why creating cash reserves, strategically structuring retirement income, and understanding distribution options can help reduce unnecessary risk. He also discusses when rolling assets from an employer-sponsored retirement plan to an IRA may provide greater flexibility for managing retirement income. To learn more about BWFA’s Financial Planning services, visit our Financial Planning page. Read Full Description Two retirees can have nearly identical portfolios and earn the same average rate of return. Yet one may reach a very different financial outcome than the other. One reason is sequence of returns risk, which refers to the order in which investment gains and losses occur after retirement. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Financial Planner Tyler Cunningham about why withdrawal timing matters. Tyler explains how taking retirement distributions during a market decline can permanently reduce a portfolio’s value. He also discusses why preparing before retirement is just as important as selecting the right investments. The conversation explores practical strategies that may help reduce sequence of returns risk. Tyler explains why maintaining cash reserves or fixed income investments can help retirees avoid selling investments during market downturns. He also discusses how creating separate income “buckets” may improve long-term retirement outcomes. The episode also examines the differences between employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs. Tyler explains why IRAs often provide greater flexibility when selecting which investments to sell for retirement income. In addition, he discusses common withdrawal mistakes and why distribution planning should consider both investment performance and taxes.

July 22, 202617 min

Are You Missing Tax Benefits When You Give to Charity? – 7.22.26

ARE YOU MISSING TAX BENEFITS WHEN YOU GIVE TO CHARITY? WATCH ON YOUTUBE Sandy Hornor | CEPS Managing Director, Wealth Management & Executive Manager Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Giving to charity is about more than choosing the organizations you want to support. The way you give can also affect your taxes and your overall financial plan. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise , Tessa Hall speaks with Sandy Hornor about charitable giving tax strategies, including donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), and bunching charitable contributions. They explain how these strategies may help eligible individuals maximize tax benefits while supporting the causes that matter most. To learn more about tax-efficient financial planning services, visit our Tax Planning page. Read Full Description Americans donate hundreds of billions of dollars to charity each year. However, many people overlook opportunities to make those gifts more tax-efficient. Understanding how you give can be just as important as deciding where you give. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall sits down with Sandy Hornor to discuss charitable giving tax strategies. Together, they explore ways individuals and families may maximize the impact of their donations while potentially reducing their tax burden. The conversation examines donor-advised funds and how they work. Sandy explains the flexibility they offer and why they can be an effective tool for long-term charitable giving. He also discusses qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), how they interact with required minimum distributions (RMDs), and why they may be an important strategy for charitably inclined IRA owners. Next, the episode introduces the concept of bunching charitable contributions. This strategy allows some donors to combine several years of planned giving into a single tax year. As a result, they may increase available tax deductions. Throughout the discussion, Sandy emphasizes the value of thoughtful planning. He also explains how customized investment strategies and professional guidance can help align charitable goals with a broader financial plan. Topics include: What a donor-advised fund is DIY versus advisor-managed donor-advised funds Giving appreciated securities Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) Required minimum distributions (RMDs) Bunching charitable contributions Tax-efficient charitable giving Building a charitable legacy Whether you’re already giving to charity or looking for more tax-efficient ways to support the causes you care about, this episode provides practical insights into charitable giving strategies that may fit within your overall financial plan.

July 15, 20261 hr 2 min

Stiff and Sore No More: Natural Remedies for Chronic Pain – 7.16.26

STIFF AND SORE NO MORE NATURAL REMEDIES FOR CHRONIC ACHES AND PAINS WATCH ON YOUTUBE Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist Emily Telfair, ND Naturopathic Doctor About This Episode Tessa Hall speaks with naturopathic doctor Dr. Emily Telfair about natural approaches to managing chronic aches and pains. They discuss inflammation, nutrition, herbal therapies, topical remedies, movement, and mindfulness techniques that may help improve mobility and quality of life. The conversation also explores how chronic pain affects both physical and emotional well-being while highlighting practical, low-risk strategies that may complement traditional medical care. Read Full Description Chronic aches and pains can affect much more than physical comfort. They can limit mobility, interrupt daily activities, reduce quality of life, and even impact emotional well-being. While medications may provide relief for some people, many individuals are interested in exploring additional ways to manage pain through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and natural therapies. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with naturopathic doctor Dr. Emily Telfair about a holistic approach to managing chronic pain. Dr. Telfair explains the role inflammation plays in the body and why understanding the underlying cause of pain is often just as important as treating the symptoms themselves. She also discusses the differences between acute and chronic pain, how inflammation develops, and why pain can affect both physical and emotional health. The conversation discusses various natural methods that may help manage pain, including anti-inflammatory nutrition, herbal therapies, hydrotherapy, topical treatments, and movement. Dr. Telfair shares research on ingredients like turmeric, boswellia, ginger, and bromelain, explaining how these approaches can help reduce inflammation. She also talks about practical remedies such as arnica, castor oil, Epsom salt baths, contrast hydrotherapy, and even the unexpected use of cabbage leaves as a traditional remedy for certain joint discomforts. In addition to physical treatments, Dr. Telfair explains why stress management, mindfulness, and maintaining regular movement can be important components of long-term wellness. She discusses yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, walking, and other techniques that may help improve flexibility, mobility, and overall quality of life. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes working alongside healthcare professionals before making changes to medications or treatment plans and encourages listeners to view natural therapies as complementary tools that may support overall health and well-being.

July 9, 20265 min

Top Retirement Mistakes: Will You Spend Too Much in Retirement? – 7.9.26

TOP RETIREMENT MISTAKES WILL YOU SPEND TOO MUCH IN RETIREMENT? WATCH ON YOUTUBE Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS Senior Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about retirement spending and why many people underestimate the income they will need in retirement. They discuss spending habits, budgeting assumptions, and practical planning strategies that can help support long-term financial goals. This episode is part three of BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series, which explores common retirement planning mistakes and strategies to help avoid them. To learn more about retirement planning, visit our Financial Planning page. Read Full Description Many retirees assume their expenses will decline once they stop working. In reality, spending often increases during the early years of retirement. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about retirement spending and why accurately estimating expenses is essential to a successful financial plan. They discuss the “go-go, slow-go, no-go” years of retirement, common budgeting mistakes, and BWFA’s approach to estimating retirement expenses. Thad also explains why reviewing spending assumptions regularly can help retirees stay on track as goals and lifestyles evolve. This episode is part three of BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series. Top Retirement Mistakes Series Episode 1: Why You Need an Estate Plan Episode 2: Why Beneficiary Designations Matter Episode 3: Will You Spend Too Much in Retirement? Episode 4: The Retirement Risk Most People Miss Episode 5: RMD Mistakes That Can Cost You Episode 6: Why Retirement Planning Matters

July 9, 202610 min

Top Retirement Mistakes: Why You Need an Estate Plan – 7.9.26

TOP RETIREMENT MISTAKES WHY YOU NEED AN ESTATE PLAN WATCH ON YOUTUBE Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS Senior Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Tessa speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about one of the most common retirement planning mistakes: not having an estate plan. They discuss wills, revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, probate, powers of attorney, health care directives, and other documents that can help protect your wishes and make things easier for your loved ones. This episode is the first in BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series, which explores common retirement planning mistakes and the strategies that can help you avoid them. To learn more about retirement planning, visit our Financial Planning page. Read Full Description Estate planning is about more than deciding who receives your assets. It is an important part of protecting your family, communicating your wishes, and preparing for the unexpected. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about why every retirement plan should include estate planning. They discuss wills, revocable living trusts, beneficiary designations, probate, financial powers of attorney, health care directives, and letters of instruction. Thad explains how each document serves a different purpose and why relying on state law alone may not reflect your wishes. The conversation also explores common misconceptions about probate, how jointly owned assets and beneficiary designations affect estate transfers, and why planning ahead can make things easier for loved ones during difficult times. Whether you are preparing for retirement or updating existing documents, understanding the fundamentals of estate planning can help provide greater confidence for you and your family. Top Retirement Mistakes Series Episode 1: Why You Need an Estate Plan Episode 2: Why Beneficiary Designations Matter Episode 3: Will You Spend Too Much in Retirement? Episode 4: The Retirement Risk Most People Miss Episode 5: RMD Mistakes That Can Cost You Episode 6: Why Retirement Planning Matters

July 9, 20265 min

Top Retirement Mistakes: Why Beneficiary Designations Matter – 7.9.26

TOP RETIREMENT MISTAKES WHY BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS MATTER WATCH ON YOUTUBE Thad Ismart, CFP®, ChFEBC, CEPS Senior Financial Planner Tessa Hall Media and Communications Specialist About This Episode Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about why beneficiary designations are one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning. They explain how retirement accounts transfer, why beneficiary forms override a will, and when those designations should be reviewed. This episode is part two of BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series, which explores common retirement planning mistakes and strategies to help avoid them. To learn more about retirement planning, visit our Financial Planning page. Read Full Description Beneficiary designations play a significant role in determining who receives your retirement assets. However, many people assume their will controls those accounts. In this episode of Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, Tessa Hall speaks with BWFA Senior Financial Planner Thad Ismart about beneficiary designations and why keeping them current is so important. They discuss qualified retirement accounts, common beneficiary mistakes, and how outdated forms can create unintended consequences after major life events. Thad also explains how beneficiary designations interact with wills and trusts and why reviewing them after marriage, divorce, births, or deaths is an important part of retirement planning. This episode is part two of BWFA’s Top Retirement Mistakes series. Top Retirement Mistakes Series Episode 1: Why You Need an Estate Plan Episode 2: Why Beneficiary Designations Matter Episode 3: Will You Spend Too Much in Retirement? Episode 4: The Retirement Risk Most People Miss Episode 5: RMD Mistakes That Can Cost You Episode 6: Why Retirement Planning Matters