Financial and retirement planning guidance from Certified Financial Planner Donald Cash in Red Bank, NJ. Truly understanding what's happening inside your portfolio is so important to achieving retirement success. The planning process can be difficult if you tackle it alone, so make sure to listen to each episode to get great guidance and make the task much easier.
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May 28, 2026Episode 16626 min
Why Everything Feels More Expensive — And Why Your Kids Feel Broke
A lot of families are asking the same question right now: why does everything feel so expensive? Don explores the growing financial pressure facing younger generations and why even high earners feel squeezed. He also highlights the importance of perspective, long-term thinking, and helping younger family members navigate financial stress in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💸 Middle-Class Squeeze: Even high earners feel pressure
🏠 Modern Expenses: Housing and childcare changed everything
📱 Social Media Pressure: Comparison fuels financial anxiety
⏳ Wealth Takes Time: Most fortunes build slowly
👨👩👧 Perspective Matters: Older generations can guide younger ones
Wall Street Article:
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/why-everything-feels-more-expensive-c6d216a8?st=hfN6cG&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
May 14, 2026Episode 16519 min
The $110 Trillion Wealth Transfer — Who Really Gets Your Money?
Don explores one of the biggest financial stories unfolding right now: the massive transfer of wealth from Baby Boomers to the next generation. But as Don explains, this won’t simply be a giant wave of money changing hands overnight. Longer life spans, healthcare costs, taxes, and poor planning could dramatically reshape how much wealth families actually keep, and who ultimately benefits from it.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💰 The Wealth Transfer Is Real: Trillions are expected to move between generations over time
🧾 Taxes Could Take More: Future policy changes may dramatically impact inherited wealth
🏥 Healthcare Changes Everything: Long-term care costs can reduce what families ultimately receive
🔄 Roth Strategies Matter More: Today’s tax environment may create unique planning opportunities
🧠 Behavior Drives Outcomes: Emotional decisions often create the biggest financial mistakes
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
April 30, 2026Episode 16416 min
The Capital Gains Tax Surprise- A Mistake That Can Cost Your Family Hundreds of Thousands
Sometimes the biggest financial mistakes aren’t made with bad intentions; they come from trying to do the right thing without the right guidance. When it comes to estate planning, one simple move can trigger massive, unexpected tax consequences for your family. Today, Don walks through a real-life case where a well-meaning decision led to a six-figure tax hit. You’ll learn how capital gains rules actually work and how proper planning can help you avoid costly surprises.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📊 Cost Basis Basics: Understand gains and exemptions
⚠️ Planning Mistake: Real estate transfer gone wrong
✅ Correct Strategies: Preserve step-up benefits
🤝 Team Approach: Coordinate advisors effectively
🏁 Your Next Step: Keys to consider before you act
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
April 9, 2026Episode 16317 min
Artemis II & Your Retirement — Why Planning Matters More Than the Launch
Space missions and retirement might seem like worlds apart, but there’s a powerful connection between them. NASA’s Artemis II mission is a reminder that your retirement planning isn’t just about the day you stop working. It’s about what happens before—and after—your retirement date.
In this episode, we’ll use the Artemis II mission to illustrate why the principles of space exploration mirror the best practices for achieving a successful retirement.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🚀 Artemis II is a test mission, just like the first 5 years of retirement
💡 Small mistakes in planning can snowball into major problems later
🔑 Preparation and redundancy (like diversification) are key to success
🧑🤝🧑 A strong retirement plan involves a collaborative team, just like space missions
⚖️ The goal of retirement isn’t the launch (or the finish line). It’s the long-term sustainability and legacy
What is Artemis II – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis_II
Apollo 11 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11
Apollo 13 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_13
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
March 26, 2026Episode 16218 min
War, Markets & Your Money (Part 2) — Being Prepared
War headlines, rising oil prices, and market swings can make it feel like something bigger is unfolding. But while each situation feels unique, the pattern is often the same- markets react, investors worry, and emotions take over. In this episode, Don continues the conversation on how global conflict impacts markets and what that means for your financial plan. He focuses on what it means to be prepared- because the real question isn’t if volatility will happen, but whether your plan is built to handle it.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
⚠️ Conflict impact: Geopolitical events can trigger short-term market swings
⛽ Oil & markets: Rising energy prices influence inflation and sentiment
📚 Historical lessons: Every crisis feels new, but patterns repeat
🧭 Planning strategy: A well-built plan prepares for uncertainty
🧠 Emotional control: Discipline matters more than predictions
Episode Links:
Tariff Crash and Recovery –
https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/markets-and-economy/top-market-takeaways/tmt-liberation-day-in-retrospect-6-things-that-surprised-investors
Emotions and Investing –
https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/article/the-science-behind-money-and-emotion
https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/roller-coaster-of-emotional-investing/
Gas Prices –
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gas-prices-every-decade-since-110002903.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAEzDn58B-vgIQAZ1BgK9Tl5l2kWz9H0oSs8JsLwqhPMznVi1SxTvYM7o1fLvwy2h0E_Pk5xcZu4gqt6jiP7S9RhfRjxA2fh8qI_BoAaLuP-1kb2nUGcu1JE-lvGecoq8pIcM0_Cdbmccmf21ELwbZ3_Y9HZLXQfIbaHhuMthN-FP
The Ocean Gate Titan Story –
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/06/22/timeline-oceangate-founding-expedition-history/70344305007/
The Blues Brother’s Movie Clip –
https://youtu.be/uHM9swoDTsw?si=oGQSmWLVU19QWkqV
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
March 12, 2026Episode 16122 min
War, Markets & Your Money (Part 1) — Why “This Time Is Different” Usually Isn’t
When global conflict breaks out, it often triggers a wave of anxiety among investors. Headlines warn of uncertainty, markets react sharply, and many people begin to wonder whether this time might truly be different. But history tells a very consistent story about how markets behave during periods of geopolitical tension. Don explains how markets have historically responded to global conflicts and why long-term investors should be cautious about reacting emotionally to short-term news.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🌤️ Spring & March Madness: Unpredictability appears in markets too
🌍 Global Conflict Concerns: News about Iran raises investor anxiety
📈 Historical Recoveries: Markets often rebound after crises
🧩 Diversification Matters: Balanced portfolios reduce volatility risk
🎲 Speculation Risks: Emotional decisions can hurt long-term results
📰 Media Influence: Headlines often amplify fear and uncertainty
Episode Links:
150 years of Market Drop and Recoveries –
https://www.morningstar.com/economy/what-weve-learned-150-years-stock-market-crashes
Too Much Concentration Risk in the Stock Market –
https://russellinvestments.com/content/ri/us/en/insights/russell-research/2024/09/today_s-markets-are-extremely-concentrated-what-does-this-mean-f.html
How well did a well-diversified portfolio in 2022 –
https://www.morningstar.com/portfolios/why-portfolio-diversification-helped-investors-2022
Lessons over the past 50 years –
https://www.boldin.com/retirement/history-of-market-downturns/
The Dalbar Study –
https://www.forbes.com/sites/wesmoss/2026/01/27/how-the-average-investors-returns-compare-to-the-market/
The Media Effect on the Investing –
https://kayne.com/insights/why-investors-should-avoid-the-noise-of-everyday-media/
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
February 26, 2026Episode 16024 min
Smart Tax Moves Before April 15- 2026 Updates You Need to Know
Tax season has a way of sneaking up on people, just like a late winter snowstorm. One minute you think you're in the clear… the next, deadlines are piling up, and forms keep showing up in the mailbox. In this episode, Don walks through the most important April 15 tax updates for 2026 and new rules that could impact higher earners. Whether you're filing, extending, contributing, or adjusting withholdings, Don provides a practical checklist to reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes before the deadline hits.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
📅 Deadlines & Extensions: What must be paid by April 15 (even with an extension)
📊 Refund Shifts & Tax Law Changes: Why lower brackets may see bigger refunds
🏡 New Jersey Tax Updates: Property tax relief, retirement exclusions, and PAS-1 filing
🎁 Charitable & QCD Planning: Smart giving strategies before filing
💰 Catch-Up Contribution Changes: Roth requirements for higher earners
✅ Final April 15 Checklist: IRA, HSA, SEP, Solo 401(k), and tax credit review
Resources for this episode:
Tax estimates –
https://www.irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax/individuals/individuals-2
OBBBA – Tax changes –
https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/irs/tax-law-and-policy/one-big-beautiful-bill-taxes/?srsltid=AfmBOoocoe8Os9sGXLBBmzoSWSFq8guezLiJLObMGUi5UHfPQ4jK-HD3
SALT Deduction change –
https://blog.taxact.com/what-is-the-salt-tax-deduction/
What Tax Forms Do I Need to Keep for My Taxes –
https://share.google/aimode/Dir3OK4dgTglBT8rQ
NJ PAS – 1
https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/propertyreliefforms.shtml
QCD forms –
https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/irs-adds-new-reporting-code-charitable-ira-gifts
Paper Checks Going Away –
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers
Trump Accounts –
https://trumpaccounts.gov/
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
February 12, 2026Episode 15921 min
What Can Burn You — Investment Traps That Hurt Families
Some investments shine brightly, until they burn the people holding them. Don explores how emotional decisions, flashy advertisements, and market hype can quietly derail long-term financial security. Protecting your future often means resisting what looks exciting in the moment.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Emotional Investing: Fear and greed shape outcomes
📺 Financial Advertising: Hype versus real risk
₿ Crypto & Meme Stocks: Volatility and speculation
💰 Income Planning: Stability beyond market swings
⚖️ Risk Balance: Performance without overexposure
Resources:
Yrefy – Lawsuit
https://advertisinglaw.fkks.com/post/102jz6l/yrefy-enters-into-750k-settlement-with-massachusetts-over-use-of-celebrity-endor
Bitcoin Crash –
https://www.tradingview.com/news/newsbtc:aaa5b3d71094b:0-why-the-bitcoin-price-crash-toward-60-000-was-necessary/
Meme Stock Crash –
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/29/gamestop-meme-stocks-retail-investors-wall-street-young-investors.html
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
January 29, 2026Episode 15822 min
Winter Storms & Financial Reality: The Costs That Catch Retirees Off Guard
Winter storms have a way of revealing weak spots, just like life’s storms bring financial surprises in retirement. In this episode, Don uses recent winter weather events as a backdrop to highlight the expenses and risks that often catch retirees off guard. The focus isn’t on panic, but preparation, and planning ahead for when life’s storms hit.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
❄️ Financial Storms: Why unexpected costs hit harder in retirement
🧰 Storm Preparation: Planning before problems appear
🔌 Backup Systems: Home generators as a planning metaphor
🧾 Expense Pressure: Healthcare and insurance costs adding up
🏠 Insurance Coverage: Knowing what policies you actually need
🛡️ Long-Term Care: Planning for one of retirement’s biggest risks
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
January 8, 2026Episode 15725 min
New Year’s Resolutions for 2026 — Where Health, Relationships, and Money Intersect
Start the new year strong! In this episode, Don reframes 2026 resolutions around the intersection of health, relationships, and financial planning, and shows why ignoring one often undermines the others. If you want resolutions that support your life instead of competing with it, this episode sets a better foundation for 2026!
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🎯 2026 Reset: Rethinking resolutions with purpose and clarity
🏃♂️ Health as Wealth: Why wellness is a financial strategy
📵 Tech & Relationships: Using smartphones as tools, not substitutes
🛡️ Protection Over Growth: Reducing risk as retirement approaches
📜 Estate Plan Check: Updating beneficiaries before it’s too late
Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/
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