Financial Choices Matter

Hosted by Charles Scott

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123

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Jun 2025

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About the show

Welcome to the ”Financial Choices Matter” podcast, hosted by Charles C. Scott, AIF®, CDP®, the Founder and President of Pelleton Capital Management in Scottsdale, Arizona. With over three decades of experience in financial advisory, Charles is dedicated to helping families assemble their financial puzzles. This podcast brings you in-depth guidance on the Five Pillars of Comprehensive Financial Planning: Cash Flow, Risk Management, Tax, Investment, and Estate Planning. Each episode aims to be your ”box top,” providing the clear vision needed to achieve a financial future tailored to your unique goals. Join us as we explore how to prioritize, organize, and seamlessly fit each piece of your financial puzzle into a cohesive whole. Tune in for strategies to maximize assets, minimize taxes, and provide peace of mind for you and your family. Upholding the principles of being fiduciary, independent, and objective, ”Financial Choices Matter” is your trusted resource for practical and profound financial insights. Subscribe and journey with us toward a secure and well-planned future.

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June 12, 2025Episode 12313 min

Taking RMDs In-Kind: What It Means and Who It Helps

Most retirees take their required minimum distributions (RMDs) in cash without realizing there's another option that might offer more long-term value. In this episode, Charles highlights a lesser-known strategy: taking RMDs “in-kind” by moving stocks or mutual funds from a retirement account into a taxable account, without actually selling anything. It’s a tactical move that creates a new cost basis and may reduce future tax exposure. Tune in as we cover how the strategy works, how it compares to a Roth conversion in down markets, and who’s best positioned to use it. Plus more! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 When it means to take RMDs “in-kind” 💡 How an in-kind distribution sets a new cost basis for your stocks 📈 Inflation on general goods vs. healthcare over the last 20 years ❗ Variable annuities: what you need to ask before signing CONTACT ☎ Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ Phone: 480-513-1830 Email: info@pelletoncapital.com Guide and Resources: https://pelletoncapital.com/ltc-resources YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement Schedule a discovery call with Charles: https://pelletoncapital.com/contact-us

May 8, 2025Episode 12212 min

What We Can Learn From Past Market Meltdowns

April was a volatile month, and if you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. But how we respond in moments like this often has roots in the crashes we’ve lived through before. In this episode, Charles looks at how past market meltdowns shaped investor psychology, how today’s chaos might be leaving its own mark, and what lessons we can take with us to navigate what’s next. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 What past crashes can teach us 📊 Market whiplash: reacting to headlines vs. real trends 🚨 What happens when people forget the market always comes back 🛠️ Why diversification is your best defense in chaos CONTACT ☎ Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ Phone: 480-513-1830 Email: info@pelletoncapital.com Guide and Resources: https://pelletoncapital.com/ltc-resources YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement Schedule a discovery call with Charles: https://pelletoncapital.com/contact-us

April 10, 2025Episode 12114 min

Filial Laws & Media Madness: Could You Owe Your Parents’ Debts?

What if you could be held financially responsible for your parents' unpaid medical or long-term care bills? It’s not a theoretical question- in 25 U.S. states, filial support laws are on the books, and enforcement may be on the rise. In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles and Marc shine a spotlight on a little-known legal concept with potentially huge implications for families. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📺 Why financial media creates stress, not clarity 💭 The illusion of predictions, forecasts & outlooks ⚖️ What filial responsibility laws are and where they exist 🛡️ Modern long-term care insurance options 🧩 Why planning ahead is more important than ever CONTACT ☎ Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ Phone: 480-513-1830 Email: info@pelletoncapital.com Guide and Resources: https://pelletoncapital.com/ltc-resources YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement Schedule a discovery call with Charles: https://pelletoncapital.com/contact-us

March 13, 2025Episode 12017 min

How To Invest Like Politicians… And Should You?

Ever wondered how members of Congress manage to grow their wealth while in office? In this episode, Charles Scott dives into the controversial topic of investing like politicians. We explore the ETFs tracking political investments- NANC and KRUZ- and unpack the historical (and sometimes shady) relationship between lawmakers and insider trading. We'll also touch on why everyday investors might find these political ETFs fascinating (or risky). As always, this discussion is for informational purposes only and not financial advice. But it will definitely make you think… Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:20 – What are NANC and KRUZ ETFs? 2:48 – Which political portfolio performs better? The numbers so far 3:45 – Insider trading was legal for Congress?! 4:58 – The STOCK Act: Why Congress had to make a rule to stop themselves 6:24 – Why political trading ETFs exist today 7:16 – The stress of watching stock prices every day 9:06 – What does "fiduciary" really mean? 12:49 – The reality of financial sales pitches & how to vet advisors CONTACT ☎ Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ Phone: 480-513-1830 Email: info@pelletoncapital.com Guide and Resources: https://pelletoncapital.com/ltc-resources YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement Schedule a discovery call with Charles: https://pelletoncapital.com/contact-us

February 6, 2025Episode 11919 min

Unpacking America’s Top Fears: Financial, Economic & More

In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles and Marc dive into the top fears that have been gripping Americans for years according to a recent Chapman University study. From fears of illness to financial instability, they break down why these concerns persist and how modern technology might be amplifying our anxieties. More importantly, they discuss how fear often influences financial decisions and why taking control of what you can manage- your financial strategy- can help bring peace of mind. Then, Charles tackles a listener's question about rebalancing investment portfolios. Is it really necessary, or is it just an arbitrary financial ritual? Tune in to hear Charles' unique take! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:06 – The fear of corrupt government officials 5:01 – Media and information overload 9:57 – The fear of running out of money 11:57 – Listener question on rebalancing Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

January 23, 2025Episode 11823 min

6 Retirement Blunders Millionaires AVOID

According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 74% of retired Americans have enough money to live comfortably- and no, you don’t need to be a millionaire to get there. But there are some mistakes you can actively avoid to steer your financial future in the right direction. In today’s conversation, Charles and Marc will cover 6 retirement blunders that successful American millionaires tend to avoid. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:35 – Investing too conservatively in retirement 4:13 – Forgetting about healthcare costs 9:38 – Spending too much on housing 12:41– Sinking too much money into a car 15:17 – Funding grown children’s lifestyles 17:49 – Mismanaging RMDs 19:32 – Listener question Click HERE to check out the article that inspired today's show Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

January 9, 2025Episode 11715 min

What Are The Odds of Needing Long-Term Care?

In today’s episode, we’re playing a little game of what are the odds? For example, do you know the chances of being in a house fire, or having your car totaled? What about the likelihood of being hospitalized? Listen in as we break down these probabilities and compare them to the chances of having a long-term care event. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:56 – The odds you might be in a house fire 2:59 – The odds your car is totaled 3:58 – The odds of being hospitalized 5:00 – The odds of having a long-term care event 7:05 – The changing landscape of long-term care insurance 9:45 – Listener question: 401(k) income projections Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

December 19, 2024Episode 11612 min

Why You Need To Do An End Of The Year Insurance Review

As we wrap up the whirlwind that was 2024, many of you at home may be reflecting on the past year- both personally and as a whole. While you’re in that reflective mindset, it’s the perfect time to ask: Are your insurance policies still meeting your needs? Join Charles as he explains the importance of an end-of-year insurance review. Whether it’s life insurance, health insurance, or long-term care insurance, it’s important to stay aware of any updates or adjustments that could impact your policies. You want to make sure that your insurance policies match up with your financial goals! Plus, we’ll tackle a mailbag question about trying to time the market. Don’t miss this week’s insightful show! Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:37 – Life insurance 2:25 – Making sure your insurance matches your legacy goals 3:52 – Long-term care 6:09 – Mailbag: why timing the market is a fool’s gambit 9:23 – Market volatility that could come with a new administration Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

December 5, 2024Episode 11514 min

Why Financial Choices Matter: The Tale Of Two Sisters

In this episode of Financial Choices Matter, Charles recounts a time when he and Sheri helped two sisters navigate a tough financial situation. After watching one of Charles’ webinars, the sisters sought his advice after a troubling annuity product was sold to them. Tune in as Charles explains how they fought for their clients' best interests, ultimately helping them get back nearly $1 million from a poor investment choice. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:52 – The tale of two sisters 7:39 – Doing the right thing 10:02 – Working with the right professional Resources for this episode: Finra https://www.finra.org/ Broker Check https://brokercheck.finra.org/ Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement

November 21, 2024Episode 11414 min

Inflation Made Simple: Understanding Inflation

Inflation is one of those financial topics that can feel elusive and often misunderstood. Despite recent reports showing a decline in Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers, many of us still haven’t felt any real relief when it comes to our day-to-day expenses. Why does this disconnect exist? Listen in as Charles makes it easy to grasp the impact of inflation on everyday life. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 1:07 – Milton Friedman’s monetary phenomenon example 4:55 – Government regulation and inflation 7:38 – Compounding effects of inflation 9:20 – Planning for inflation in retirement Resources for this episode: Money To Apples Charts https://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2024/10/24/three-on-thursday---inflation-simplified Contact: Phone Number: 480-513-1830 Website: https://pelletoncapital.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PelletonCapitalManagement