Dollars&Sense Nelson Financial Planning

Hosted by Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning

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407

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Oct 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

October 26, 202638 min

Retirement Purpose and IRA Traps: How to Plan Your Next Chapter and Avoid Costly Mistakes

Retirement planning is about more than reaching a number—it is about knowing what you are retiring to and avoiding financial moves that can be difficult or impossible to reverse. In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Zach Keister explore how to build purpose, structure and meaningful relationships into retirement. They share the “retirement Tuesday” exercise, explain why living somewhere is different from vacationing there and offer five practical questions to help you picture your next chapter. Then they break down four IRA pitfalls: inherited IRA rollovers, the once-per-12-month indirect rollover rule, changes to 72(t) substantially equal periodic payments and the same-property rule for securities. You will learn why direct custodian-to-custodian transfers and careful planning before a transaction can help prevent costly tax consequences. If you are preparing for retirement, managing multiple retirement accounts or helping your family navigate an inherited IRA, this conversation offers practical questions to ask before taking action. 💵 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

October 19, 202638 min

Forced Into Retirement? Roth Catch-Up Rules, Investment “Safety” & Record Balances

What happens when retirement arrives earlier than planned—and how should you respond without making rushed, irreversible decisions? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris discusses the financial checklist for an unexpected retirement, including cash flow, emergency reserves, health coverage, taxes, Social Security, retirement-account rollovers, and investment allocation. You’ll also learn about the 2026 Roth catch-up contribution rules for certain higher earners, why “safe” can mean six different things when investing, and how record retirement balances can create false confidence. Joel explains why a large account balance is not the same as a dependable retirement paycheck—and how time horizon, inflation, taxes, longevity, and spending needs shape a more resilient plan. Topics include: 2026 catch-up contribution and Roth rules for higher earners What to review when retirement happens unexpectedly Common Social Security and rollover mistakes Six meanings of investment safety Cash, bonds, stocks, annuities, and real estate tradeoffs Turning a retirement balance into sustainable income 💵 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

October 12, 202636 min

Changes to Trump Accounts, AI Stocks & Market Highs: 6 Moves Retirees Should Consider

Trump Accounts are changing, AI stocks are surging, and markets are reaching all-time highs. What do these developments mean for families, investors, and retirees? In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Chet Cowart and Kristin Kalley discuss: New Trump Account auto-enrollment and individual-stock donations Potential benefits, concentration risks, and concerns for parents Whether AI earnings support today’s market enthusiasm Why diversification still matters at record market levels Six portfolio moves retirees should consider now Cash reserves, rebalancing, withdrawals, taxes, sequence-of-returns risk, and concentrated positions Strong markets can create opportunities—but higher account values don’t replace thoughtful planning. Learn how to keep investments aligned with your family’s goals and retirement-income strategy. 💵 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

October 5, 202638 min

Health, Fraud & Politics: Three Planning Conversations Investors Can’t Ignore

What does your health portfolio have to do with your financial future? More than you may think. In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning walks through three timely conversations that can affect your retirement, your family, and your investment decisions. First, Joel discusses why retirement planning is about more than account balances. A strong financial portfolio matters, but so does your ability to enjoy the retirement you’ve worked so hard to build. From physical health and independence to social connection and purpose, your “health portfolio” may be one of the most important parts of long-term planning. Next, Joel revisits the growing issue of financial fraud and scams — but with an added layer many people overlook: the potential tax consequences. If someone loses money through fraud, cryptocurrency theft, or a scam involving retirement account withdrawals, the tax code may not offer as much relief as people assume. Joel explains why documentation, quick action, and professional guidance are so important. Finally, with midterm elections drawing closer, Joel looks at election-year investing and why political headlines should not become your portfolio strategy. Markets are influenced by many forces beyond politics, including earnings, inflation, interest rates, valuations, and investor behavior. The key is to review your plan without letting fear, enthusiasm, or headlines drive emotional investment decisions. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your health can be viewed as part of your retirement plan Five questions to ask about your “health portfolio” What to do if you or a loved one experiences financial fraud Why fraud losses may not automatically create tax deductions How election headlines can influence investor behavior What investors should review before making major portfolio changes At Nelson Financial Planning, we believe good planning does not eliminate uncertainty — it gives you a clearer, healthier, and more disciplined way to move through it. 💵 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

September 28, 202638 min

What do Rising Interest Rates Mean for Bonds? Plus, what to do if your bank account is hacked

What should you do if your bank account gets hacked—and why are rising interest rates causing so much confusion in the bond market? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Chet Cowart walk through practical steps to take if you discover suspicious activity in your bank account, including how to contact your bank safely, document fraudulent transactions, secure connected accounts, update passwords, and protect yourself from identity theft. Then, they shift to the bond market and explain the relationship between interest rates and bond prices, why rising rates can hurt bond values in the short term, and how higher yields may create better long-term opportunities for investors. They also compare individual bonds and bond mutual funds, helping listeners understand how each may fit into a diversified financial plan. Topics covered include bank fraud, account takeover scams, cybersecurity, multifactor authentication, identity theft protection, bond prices, Treasury yields, interest rates, bond funds, diversification, and long-term investing. 💵 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

September 21, 202638 min

Will AI Destroy Humanity? A Calm Look at the Latest Panic

AI is everywhere in the headlines right now—and some of the smartest people in technology are warning that artificial intelligence could pose serious risks to humanity. But is this truly the beginning of the end, or are we seeing another round of fear that often comes with major technological change? In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning takes a thoughtful, practical look at the current AI debate. From the Luddites and the Industrial Revolution to Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb to the Y2K scare, history shows that every generation has faced fears about new technology—and humanity has repeatedly found ways to adapt. This conversation is not about ignoring risk. It is about keeping risk in perspective. AI may bring real challenges, including cybersecurity threats, misinformation, economic disruption, and questions about human control. But panic rarely leads to wise decisions—especially when it comes to your life, your money, and your future. Plus, Joel also shares an important reminder about protecting your home from property and deed fraud by signing up for free local property fraud alerts—a simple step that can help you monitor one of your largest assets. 💵 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

September 14, 202632 min

Marriage Money Mistakes, Trump Accounts & Investor Mind Games

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Kristin Kalley and Christina Lamb discuss three important financial topics that can impact families, couples, and investors. First, they unpack why the phrase “he handles it” can create financial vulnerability in a marriage—and what both spouses should know about accounts, beneficiaries, credit, estate documents, and household finances before a crisis happens. Then, they cover Trump Accounts and a potential employer benefit parents may not know to ask about during open enrollment, including contribution limits, employer matches, and how these accounts may fit alongside 529 plans and other savings vehicles. Finally, they explore the mind games investors play, including why people often buy after prices rise, sell after declines, and let emotion drive investment decisions. The conversation includes practical questions investors can ask before making portfolio changes and why a financial plan can help keep decisions grounded. 💵 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

September 7, 202638 min

Interest Rates, Market Timing & Smart Giving: 3 Financial Planning Moves to Watch

Interest rates, inflation, investing, and charitable giving may seem like separate financial topics—but they all come back to one important idea: having a plan. In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel breaks down how changing interest rates can affect borrowers, savers, bond investors, retirees, and anyone trying to make smart decisions with their money. Joel also explains why waiting for the “perfect” time to invest can be costly, especially when headlines make it tempting to sit on the sidelines. Instead of trying to time the market, he shares practical ways to think about cash needs, long-term growth, dollar-cost averaging, and building an investment allocation that matches your goals. Finally, this episode explores donor-advised funds and how they may help families give more intentionally. Learn how charitable giving can be coordinated with tax planning, appreciated investments, high-income years, and long-term family goals. 💵 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 31, 202638 min

Don’t Panic, Plan Ahead: National Debt, Retirement Spending & Your Financial Death Box

The U.S. national debt has crossed $40 trillion — but what does that actually mean for everyday Americans? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris and Zach Keister of Nelson Financial Planning break down the headlines in plain English and explain why the debt conversation is important, but not necessarily a reason to panic. They also discuss one of the most common retirement planning questions: How much can you really spend in retirement without running out of money? From the well-known 4% rule to more flexible retirement income strategies, Joel and Zach explain why retirement spending should be personalized, adaptable, and based on real life — not just a single percentage. Finally, they introduce the concept of a Financial Death Box: a centralized place to organize important documents, account information, insurance policies, passwords, and instructions for loved ones. While the name may sound intimidating, this simple planning tool can be one of the most thoughtful gifts you leave your family. In this episode, we discuss: What America’s $40 trillion debt milestone means Why debt-to-GDP matters How national debt can affect interest rates, taxes, and future planning The 4% rule and why retirement withdrawal rates should be flexible Why many retirees may spend less as they age How to organize a Financial Death Box Why planning ahead can create confidence for you and your family Whether you’re preparing for retirement, thinking about your financial plan, or simply trying to make sense of today’s headlines, this episode offers practical perspective and actionable takeaways. 💵 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 24, 202638 min

TikTok Financial Advice, Medicare Costs & Caregiving Tips

In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning discusses three important topics that can affect your financial life: knowing your income numbers, understanding the risks of financial advice on TikTok, and preparing for the responsibilities of caregiving. Joel begins by explaining why retirees and those over age 65 need to pay close attention to income thresholds that may affect Medicare costs and tax brackets. A relatively small difference in income may impact Medicare IRMAA surcharges, making year-end income planning especially important. Next, Joel reviews a recent Wall Street Journal analysis of TikTok financial advice. While some social media content can provide helpful financial education, not all advice online should be treated as financial planning. Joel explains the difference between financial education, financial entertainment, and personalized financial advice — and why investors should be cautious about stock predictions, lifestyle marketing, and short-form investment tips. The episode also includes practical caregiving planning tips inspired by an upcoming client webinar. Joel shares ways caregivers can reduce stress, stay organized, build a support team, review legal documents, and prepare before a crisis occurs. Whether you are retired, approaching retirement, helping a loved one, or simply trying to make better financial decisions, this episode offers helpful reminders about planning carefully, asking good questions, and not relying on shortcuts when it comes to your financial future. In This Episode Why it is important to know your income numbers in retirement How Medicare IRMAA surcharges may affect retirees Why tax brackets and Medicare thresholds do not always line up What a Wall Street Journal analysis found about financial advice on TikTok The difference between financial education, entertainment, and planning Why investors should be cautious about stock tips and market predictions online How social media can increase financial confidence without increasing financial knowledge Practical tips for caregivers and families Why recordkeeping, legal documents, and beneficiary designations matter 💵 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

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