Dollars&Sense Nelson Financial Planning

Hosted by Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning

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398

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Aug 2026

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About the show

💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 💥 Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an update. 👉 Visit our website: NelsonFinancialPlanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. Offering securities through Nelson Ivest Brokerage Services, Inc, Member FINRA, MSRB & SIPC. Advisory services through Nelson Advisory Services, Inc., a State of Florida registered investment advisor. Please note that these broadcasts are intended for general informational purposes only as individual situations may vary. The views expressed are those of the speaker and are subject to change at any time. Statements made should not be relied upon as a recommendation or solicitation. When discussed, past performance is no guarantee or indication of future results.

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60 recent

August 17, 202638 min

Market Optimism, Investor Caution & Better Money Decisions

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Rob Field and Joel Garris discuss how everyday financial decisions are shaped by both market conditions and personal money habits. They break down the latest market themes, including record highs, corporate earnings, interest rates, inflation, and why investors should review their portfolios even when things seem optimistic. Rob and Joel also explore how mindset and behavior can impact financial success—from impulse spending and emotional money decisions to simple strategies like the 24-hour rule, monthly money meetings, and creating friction before clicking “Buy Now.” Whether you are trying to stay disciplined in a changing market or build better financial habits, this conversation offers practical reminders for making thoughtful, intentional decisions with your money. 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

August 10, 202638 min

Before You Retire: Annuity Fine Print, Marriage Money Talks & Tax Traps

Retirement planning is about more than simply saving enough money. In this episode of Dollars and Cents, Joel Garris breaks down several important issues retirees and pre-retirees should understand before making major financial decisions. First, Joel discusses the continued surge in annuity sales and why investors should be cautious before signing a long-term insurance contract. With record amounts of money flowing into annuities, he explains why these products are often complex, commission-driven, and full of fine print that can affect flexibility, access to money, and the true value of advertised guarantees. Then, the conversation shifts to retirement planning for couples. Joel shares several conversation starters every married couple should consider before retirement, including what retirement actually looks like, how each spouse thinks about money, when each person wants to retire, and where they want to live. These lifestyle expectations can be just as important as the financial projections. Finally, Joel covers tax surprises that can catch retirees off guard, including the taxation of Social Security, Medicare premium increases tied to income, required minimum distributions, and the surviving spouse tax trap. If you’re approaching retirement or already there, this episode offers practical reminders to ask better questions, plan ahead, and avoid costly surprises. 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

August 3, 202637 min

90-Day Student Loan Deadline! Plus, what the changing market leaders means for your portfolio.

Major student loan repayment changes are here, and borrowers on the SAVE Plan may have only 90 days after receiving their notice to choose a new repayment option. In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Chet Cowart and Kristin Kalley break down what happened to the SAVE Plan, why doing nothing could automatically move borrowers into a Tiered Standard Repayment Plan, and how that choice could affect monthly payments, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and long-term financial planning. You’ll learn how Income-Based Repayment, the new Repayment Assistance Plan, and fixed repayment plans compare; why recertification matters; and what borrowers should consider before choosing a new plan. The episode also covers how market leadership may be shifting beyond big technology stocks and why diversification, valuation, and concentration risk matter for investors approaching retirement. Topics covered: SAVE Plan ending 90-day repayment deadline student loan repayment options IBR vs. RAP Public Service Loan Forgiveness recertification strategies tax filing considerations market leadership changes AI and tech stock concentration diversification retirement planning 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

July 27, 202638 min

Financial Literacy, FRS Changes & the Bilt Card: Smart Money Decisions for Renters and Parents

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning breaks down three timely money topics that can impact everyday financial decisions. First, he looks at the Bilt card and whether earning rewards on rent is really worth it—or whether the credit card risks outweigh the marketing hook. Then, Joel explains key Florida Retirement System choices, including the Pension Plan, Investment Plan, DROP, and recent legislative updates affecting certain COLA benefits and DROP flexibility. Finally, he discusses the decline in financial literacy, the rise in adult children relying on parents for financial support, and practical steps families can take to build independence without putting retirement at risk. 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

July 20, 202639 min

Trump Accounts, Tax Breaks & Market Risk: What Families and Investors Need to Know

The One Big Beautiful Bill has been in effect for a year — but are taxpayers actually seeing the benefits? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Christina Lamb break down the latest tax changes, including larger standard deductions, new rules for tips and overtime, the senior deduction, charitable giving updates, and the expanded SALT deduction. They also explain the newly launched Trump Accounts, including who may qualify for the $1,000 government contribution, how these accounts compare to 529 plans and custodial Roth IRAs, and why families should understand the rules before contributing. Plus, Joel and Christina discuss current market headlines, strong earnings season results, rising margin debt, leveraged ETFs, cryptocurrency volatility, and why investors should stay disciplined even when markets feel strong. If you want to better understand how recent tax law changes, family savings options, and investment risks may affect your financial plan, this episode is for you. Topics covered include: Trump Accounts, the One Big Beautiful Bill, 2026 tax deductions, senior tax planning, charitable giving rules, SALT deduction changes, earnings season, leveraged ETFs, margin debt, bitcoin volatility, and long-term investment discipline. 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

July 13, 202639 min

Summer Money Reset: Credit Card Debt, Cyber Scams & Financial Loose Ends

Summer is the perfect time to pause, reset, and make sure your money is still working for you. In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Zach Keister and Kristin Kalley walk through practical midyear money moves that can help you review your financial goals, get organized, and protect your household from costly mistakes. First, they cover how to run a simple midyear money reset by reviewing what came in, what went out, what you owe, and what you have saved. Then, they discuss why credit card debt can quietly build during the summer, how to create a realistic payoff plan, and how small spending “speed bumps” can help reduce impulse purchases. The conversation also covers financial loose ends that are easy to put off but important to review, including beneficiary designations, old retirement accounts, estate planning documents, and account consolidation. Finally, Zach and Kristin shift into cybercrime awareness, sharing key takeaways from the FBI internet crime report, including how AI is making scams more convincing, why younger people are increasingly being targeted, how government impersonation scams are evolving, and why crypto fraud is driving major losses. If you are looking for practical personal finance tips, ways to pay down debt, or reminders to protect your family from financial scams, this episode is a great place to start. In this episode: midyear financial reset, credit card payoff strategies, budgeting tips, retirement account cleanup, beneficiary reviews, estate planning basics, cybercrime prevention, AI scams, government impersonation scams, and cryptocurrency fraud awareness. 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

July 6, 202638 min

Will Social Security Be Enough? Retirement Planning Beyond the Safety Net

Is Social Security really running out? And if changes are coming, what should you be doing now to prepare for retirement? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Rob Field and Chet Cowart of Nelson Financial Planning break down the latest Social Security Trustees Report and explain what it may mean for future retirees. They discuss why Social Security is not expected to disappear entirely, what could happen if no changes are made, and why it is more important than ever to build a retirement income plan that goes beyond one source of income. Rob and Chet also cover the importance of employer retirement plans, IRAs, Roth options, systematic investing, diversification, market expectations, AI and technology exposure, and how to answer the big retirement question: “Do I have enough?” Whether you are decades away from retirement or already thinking about turning your savings into income, this episode offers practical insight into how Social Security, investments, budgeting, taxes, risk tolerance, and lifestyle goals all work together in a successful retirement plan. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the latest Social Security Trustees Report says about the future of benefits Why Social Security should be one part of a broader retirement income strategy How workplace retirement plans, IRAs, Roth accounts, and brokerage accounts can support your long-term goals Why systematic investing and “paying yourself first” can help build strong financial habits How diversification can help manage risk during changing market conditions Why retirement planning is about more than reaching a single account balance If you have questions about Social Security, retirement income planning, or how your investment strategy fits into your long-term goals, contact Nelson Financial Planning. We’re here to help you make sense of life’s decisions involving your dollars. 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

June 29, 202638 min

Market Index Shifts, Vacation Budgeting, and Potential Tax Refund for Covid-era Penalties

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning covers a packed lineup of financial topics—from market volatility and index changes to summer travel planning and a potentially significant tax refund opportunity. First, Joel discusses the recent uptick in market volatility, including how AI-related spending, semiconductor stocks, and market concentration are affecting investor conversations. He also explains the upcoming Russell 1000 Growth and Russell 1000 Value reconstitution, why major companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet may shift within these indexes, and what that could mean for investors who own index funds or ETFs. Next, with summer vacation season in full swing, Joel shares practical ways to vacation smarter. From building travel into your monthly budget to choosing less expensive travel dates, considering less touristy destinations, planning for the full cost of the trip, and using credit card rewards carefully, this segment offers timely tips for enjoying a vacation without creating financial stress afterward. Finally, Joel breaks down a recent court decision, Kwong v. United States, that may create a potential refund opportunity for taxpayers who paid certain IRS penalties or interest related to tax years 2019 through 2022. He explains why the July 10 deadline matters, what a protective claim is, and why taxpayers may need to act to preserve their rights while the issue continues through the appeals process. Topics covered in this episode: Market volatility, AI spending, semiconductor stocks, and the Russell index reconstitution Smart summer vacation planning and ways to reduce travel costs The Kwong v. United States tax case and potential refund claims for IRS penalties and interest 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

June 22, 202639 min

Adult Children, Family Finance Tension, and Your Retirement Living

As parents, it’s natural to want to help your children—especially when they’re facing financial challenges. But when that support becomes open-ended, it can create serious risks for your retirement, your emergency fund, your credit, and even your family relationships. In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Joel and Zach discuss five ways helping adult children can unintentionally hurt your retirement plan. They cover how financial support can affect family dynamics, create sibling tension, reduce retirement contributions, drain emergency savings, and increase debt or credit risk. The goal isn’t to stop helping your kids. It’s to help wisely—with structure, boundaries, and a clear understanding of how today’s generosity could impact tomorrow’s financial security. If you’re a parent, pre-retiree, or retiree trying to balance generosity with long-term financial stability, this conversation is for you. Thinking about moving to a 55+ community? Before you make the leap, there are a few important questions to ask yourself—because this decision is about much more than buying a new home. Joel and Zach discuss the lifestyle, financial, emotional, and long-term planning considerations that come with moving into a 55+ community. From downsizing and HOA fees to social activities, aging in place, and making sure you and your partner are on the same page, this conversation is designed to help you think clearly before making a major life transition. A 55+ community can offer convenience, connection, and a fresh start—but it may also require trade-offs. The key is knowing whether the community fits your finances, personality, lifestyle, and future needs. In this episode, we cover: Whether you’re truly ready for a lifestyle change The emotional and practical side of downsizing Giving up yardwork, gardening, and home maintenance Understanding HOA fees and service-based costs Social opportunities and privacy considerations Making sure you and your partner are aligned Planning for aging in place and long-term comfort If you’re retired, nearing retirement, or helping a loved one consider their next move, this episode will give you helpful questions to consider before choosing a 55+ community. 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202

June 15, 202637 min

Discipline Over Drama: How Smart Investors Tune Out Hype

In this episode, we look at three forces that can shape—or sabotage—an investor’s long-term success: exciting investment stories, nonstop financial headlines, and everyday money habits. From the hype around companies like SpaceX to the emotional pull of market news, we discuss why compelling stories and breaking headlines don’t always translate into smart portfolio decisions. We also explore the quiet habits that can help build wealth over time, including saving consistently, avoiding lifestyle creep, automating good decisions, and staying focused on a long-term financial plan. The big takeaway? Successful investing usually isn’t about reacting faster, finding the flashiest opportunity, or predicting the next market move. It’s about discipline, diversification, consistency, and making decisions that align with your goals—not your emotions. 💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵 Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions. 👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries. About Joel Garris: Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions. ➡️ CONNECT WITH US: Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning Twitter: /nelsonfinplan Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202