Map Your Money

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Map Your Money aims to help you make smarter financial decisions. Hosted by Jaime Benedetti, CFP®, CEO of BEAM Wealth Advisors, and Jeff Cone, CFA®, CAIA®, CIO, the show combines real-world financial planning experience with institutional investment insight. We break down what’s happening, why it matters, and key considerations that are often weighed over time.

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42 recent

October 16, 202643 min

#42 - 10 Costly 401(k) Mistakes You Might Be Making

A 401(k) is one of the most important tools for building retirement savings, but simply contributing to your plan may not be enough. In this episode of Map Your Money, host Jaime is joined by 401(k) specialist Chris Cristallo to explore the key decisions employees should consider to make the most of their workplace retirement plans. The discussion covers how to take full advantage of employer matching contributions, determine an appropriate savings rate, and increase contributions over time. Chris and Jaime also explain the differences between Roth and traditional pre-tax contributions, why your current tax bracket and stage of life may influence your decision, and how contributing to both options may provide greater flexibility in retirement. The episode also explores investment choices within a 401(k), including target-date funds and customized portfolios, as well as what to consider when changing jobs and deciding what to do with an old 401(k). Additional topics include catch-up contributions, after-tax contributions and potential mega backdoor Roth opportunities, company stock concentration, net unrealized appreciation, and required minimum distributions. Topics covered include: Making the most of employer matching contributions Determining how much to save for retirement and increasing contributions over time Balancing retirement savings with high-interest debt and emergency funds Understanding Roth versus traditional pre-tax 401(k) contributions Choosing investments and understanding target-date funds Managing old 401(k) accounts after changing jobs Exploring catch-up contributions and advanced Roth strategies Understanding company stock risks and potential tax considerations Preparing for required minimum distributions in retirement The central takeaway is that retirement planning is rarely the result of one perfect decision. Instead, it comes from consistently making thoughtful financial choices over time. By reviewing contribution rates, taking advantage of available employer benefits, selecting appropriate investments, and revisiting retirement accounts as circumstances change, employees can make more informed decisions about their long-term financial future. The discussion is intended for educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Retirement plan features, contribution limits, investment options, and tax consequences vary by plan and individual circumstances. Consult qualified financial and tax professionals before making decisions about your retirement savings. 0:00 Intro 0:30 Intro Disclosures 1:00 Maximizing Your 401k Contribution 2:20 Understanding Employer Match 5:35 Determining Contribution Rates 8:50 Balancing Savings and Debt 11:30 Pre-Tax & Roth Contributions 16:25 Investment Choices in 401k Plans 21:44 Managing Old 401k Accounts 25:25 Advance Contribution Strategies 29:07 Company Stock Consideration 33:09 Required Minimum Distribution and Action Item 37:32 Ending Disclosures Available to watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RVKmdlA-xCI

September 10, 2026Episode 4130 min

#41 - Roth Conversions in Retirement: Finding Potential Low-Tax Windows

Roth conversions are often associated with the years before retirement, but certain opportunities may also arise after someone stops working, begins receiving Social Security, or starts taking required minimum distributions. In this episode of Map Your Money, financial advisor Jaime Benedetti and Chief Investment Officer Jeff Cone explore how lower-income years may create potential openings for Roth conversions at relatively low federal income tax rates. Using two hypothetical retirees, they illustrate how taxable income, deductions, Social Security benefits, state taxes, and required minimum distributions can interact when evaluating a conversion. The first scenario examines a newly retired individual who has not yet claimed Social Security and is using assets from a taxable account to meet current expenses. Jaime explains how the period between retirement and the beginning of Social Security or required distributions may provide an opportunity to convert a portion of a traditional IRA while remaining within lower federal tax brackets. The second scenario considers an older retiree who is already receiving Social Security and approaching or taking required minimum distributions. The discussion demonstrates why Roth conversion planning may still be worth evaluating, while highlighting how additional income can cause a greater portion of Social Security benefits to become taxable. Jaime and Jeff also discuss the difference between a Roth contribution and a Roth conversion, why required minimum distributions must generally be satisfied separately from a conversion, and how converting traditional retirement assets may affect future required distributions. They also consider the potential advantages and limitations of completing conversions during periods of market volatility or decline. Topics covered include: - Identifying potential Roth conversion windows in retirement - Evaluating conversions within lower federal income tax brackets - Coordinating conversions with Social Security decisions - The interaction between Roth conversions and taxable Social Security benefits - Planning before and after required minimum distributions begin - The distinction between Roth contributions and Roth conversions - How conversions may affect future required distributions - Federal and state tax considerations - Why the timing and amount of a conversion are highly situation-specific The central takeaway is not that everyone should complete a Roth conversion, but that retirement tax planning should be evaluated over multiple years. A conversion that appears unattractive in one year may look different during a period of lower taxable income. The examples discussed are hypothetical and provided solely for educational and illustrative purposes. References during the episode to "free" or "zero-tax" Roth conversions refer to situations in which federal income tax on a conversion may be minimal or potentially zero based on specific assumptions; state taxes and other tax consequences may still apply. They do not represent any particular client, and the tax figures and assumptions may not apply to other individuals or future tax years. This discussion should not be construed as individualized investment, tax, or legal advice or as a recommendation to complete a Roth conversion, delay Social Security, or pursue any particular retirement strategy. Roth conversions can generate current federal and state income taxes and may affect the taxation of Social Security benefits, Medicare premiums, tax credits, deductions, and other financial-planning considerations. Tax laws and individual circumstances vary and may change. Consult qualified financial and tax professionals before taking action. Available to watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/GTCVEU6M8u0

August 11, 202640 min

#40 - Stock Picking is Hard, So We Tried it Anyway.

Picking stocks can sound easy, especially when every investment comes with a compelling story. In practice, it is much harder. In this episode, financial advisor Jaime Benedetti and Chief Investment Officer Jeff Cone put that idea to the test. Each selects five individual stocks, records the starting prices, and explains the investment thesis behind each pick. Their selections span artificial intelligence, semiconductors, data centers, energy, copper, cybersecurity, software, and casino and resort properties. They will monitor all ten stocks through the end of the year and return to evaluate the results, without changing the rules, revising their reasoning, or benefiting from hindsight. The exercise is competitive, but the larger lesson is serious. Even when an investor correctly identifies a powerful long-term trend, an individual company can still be affected by unexpected operational problems, management decisions, valuation changes, or simple bad timing. While specific companies and investment themes are discussed, the purpose of this episode is to illustrate the challenges of stock selection and the importance of diversification, not to recommend any particular security or investment strategy. Jaime and Jeff also discuss why diversified portfolios can provide exposure to many of the same investment themes while reducing the risks associated with relying on a single company. Topics covered include: • Jaime and Jeff’s five stock selections • The investment thesis behind each company • AI infrastructure and semiconductor bottlenecks • Growing demand for electricity, memory, cooling, and copper • The difference between identifying a trend and selecting the winning stock • The role of luck, timing, and company-specific risk • Why diversified investing remains the foundation of portfolio construction • The rules—and possible punishment—for the stock-picking challenge The selections are in. Now we'll see how the ideas perform over time. This discussion is for educational purposes only and is presented as a hypothetical stock-picking exercise. The securities discussed are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any investment. Any opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the recording date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Available to listen on: Youtube: https://youtu.be/FQJNgDUnkzk

July 3, 202638 min

#39 - I Own Bitcoin… But I'm Still Skeptical | The Crypto Skeptic Series ft. Garrett Leroux

Cryptocurrency continues to spark strong opinions among investors, financial professionals, and the broader public. While some view digital assets as a transformative innovation, others remain skeptical about their long-term role in investing. In this episode of Map Your Money , Jaime Benedetti and Jeff Cone, CFA®, welcome fellow Beam Wealth Advisors financial advisor Garrett Leroux for the first installment of the Skeptic Series —an open conversation exploring both the opportunities and uncertainties surrounding crypto. Rather than debating who is right or wrong, the discussion focuses on thoughtful investing, challenging assumptions, and evaluating digital assets through a disciplined portfolio management framework. Topics covered include: • Bitcoin's role as a store of value and how it compares to gold • Real-world use cases for blockchain technology and digital assets • Whether Bitcoin still behaves as investors originally expected during geopolitical and economic events • The impact of regulation, government involvement, and the proposed CLARITY Act • How investors can think about crypto allocation, volatility, and long-term portfolio construction • What developments could strengthen—or weaken—the long-term investment case for digital assets Whether you're crypto-curious, skeptical, or already an investor, this episode offers a balanced discussion designed to help you better understand both sides of the debate and make more informed investment decisions. Content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Cryptocurrency investments are highly volatile and may not be suitable for all investors. Any opinions expressed are those of the speakers at the time of recording and should not be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific digital asset or security. Available to listen on: Youtube: https://youtu.be/oZ042WmxVHw

June 10, 202652 min

#38 - Can a Great Company Be a Bad Investment? | The SpaceX IPO

SpaceX is widely regarded as one of the most innovative companies in the world, and a potential public offering would likely attract significant investor attention. But does an exceptional company automatically make for an exceptional investment? In this episode of Map Your Money, Jaime Benedetti and Jeff Cone, CFA®, discuss how investors should think about a potential SpaceX IPO through the lens of portfolio construction, valuation, and long-term investing principles. Rather than focusing on headlines or speculation, Jaime and Jeff explore the factors that may influence an investor's decision-making process if SpaceX were to become publicly traded. They also discuss the distinction between a company's business success and the investment return an investor may ultimately experience. Topics covered include: • What makes SpaceX unique within the aerospace and technology industries • Why private companies often generate significant investor interest • The difference between a great company and a great investment • Key considerations when evaluating an IPO opportunity • Lessons investors can learn from past high-profile IPOs Whether you are a long-time follower of SpaceX or simply interested in how professional investors evaluate new opportunities, this episode provides a framework for thinking through one of the most anticipated potential public offerings in recent memory. Content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Any discussion of SpaceX or a potential IPO is hypothetical in nature and does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FknFBeB-1V8

June 8, 202651 min

#37 - The $113,000 Retirement Risk Nobody Wants to Talk About (Long Term Care)

What if one of the most overlooked financial risks in retirement isn't a market crash, but the potential cost of needing long-term care? In this episode, Jaime Benedetti and Jeff Cone explore the financial realities of long-term care planning. They discuss what long-term care actually is, the situations that commonly create a need for care, and why many families misunderstand what Medicare and Medicaid may and may not cover. Jaime and Jeff also examine why long-term care planning is often an important consideration for middle-income retirees, review how care expenses can affect a retirement plan, and explain how traditional and hybrid long-term care insurance solutions are generally structured. Whether you're approaching retirement or helping aging parents evaluate their options, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make more informed planning decisions. Topics Covered: • What long-term care is and when it may become necessary • Common misconceptions about Medicare and Medicaid coverage • The potential financial impact of long-term care expenses • Why long-term care planning is often an important consideration for middle-income families • Traditional and hybrid long-term care insurance strategies • Key factors to consider when evaluating your options Content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, legal, or insurance advice. Any examples discussed are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Individuals should consult their own qualified professionals before making financial decisions. Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey (2025). Costs vary significantly based on location, level of care, and provider. Example shown reflects private nursing home room costs in Georgia and is for illustrative purposes only. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/J3BW9Cov-DA

May 6, 202640 min

#36 - The Strait of Hormuz Explained

In this episode of Map Your Money, Jaime and Jeff break down the Strait of Hormuz and explore the global economic ripple effects resulting from its closure. With approximately 20% of the world’s oil flowing through a waterway just 21 miles wide, they explain how disruptions in this region have affected energy prices, fertilizer, helium, and food supply chains across continents. Learn how inventory levels, alternative pipelines, and trade routes shape the global economy, and how markets often react to risk. Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyzpyfSwi-E

April 13, 202633 min

#35 - Markets in Focus: Geopolitics, Inflation, and Portfolio Diversification

In this episode, Jaime Benedetti & Jeff Cone discuss how recent geopolitical developments have affected global markets, including energy prices, inflation trends, interest rate environments, and currency movements. They explore what these dynamics may mean for central bank policy, equity market concentration, and the role of diversification across asset classes, including traditional investments and digital assets, during periods of uncertainty. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FkxSB6isaoQ

November 6, 202534 min

#34 - The State of the Economy: Slowing, Not Stopping

(#34) In this episode, Arish and Jeff unpack the key trends shaping the economy and markets, from inflation and interest rates to the AI wave. Learn what matters, what doesn’t, and how disciplined investing can help you stay on track through changing conditions.

October 8, 202531 min

#33 - Know When to Hold ’Em: A Guide to Company Stock

In this episode, Arish and Jeff break down the right way to handle company stock, whether it’s RSUs, ESPPs, or options. They cover when it makes sense to hold, when to sell, how to think about diversification, and the tax and risk factors that come with employer equity. Practical, straightforward advice to help you manage what you’ve earned without overexposing your portfolio.

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