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Financial planning is often treated like a numbers-only exercise, but emotions play a much bigger role than most people realize. Today, we explore how things like personal preferences, comfort with risk, and lifestyle priorities can influence financial decisions just as much as spreadsheets and projections. Understanding the emotional side of money can help create a plan that not only works on paper but also feels right in real life. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: ❤️ Money & Emotions: Why feelings naturally influence financial decisions 🧩 Investment Style: Preference for simplicity versus detail-heavy strategies 📉 Market Volatility: How risk tolerance shows up when markets move 💸 Spending Flexibility: Balancing needs, wants, and lifestyle goals 🎁 Giving & Legacy: How values shape philanthropy and long-term impact Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

2025 was relentless, bursting with financial headlines that just wouldn't let up. But how many truly deserved your attention? In this episode, we push aside the endless, attention-grabbing noise to zero in on the stories that really moved the needle for real financial plans. Spoiler: some of the most hyped headlines turned out to be far less important than you were led to believe. In 2026, don't let the news cycle distract you from what truly matters for your money. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🌍 Tariffs – April trade policy sparked market volatility 📈 Inflation – Higher prices persisted throughout the year 🧾 Tax Changes – How legislation reshaped planning strategies 🏛️ Government Shutdown – Record 43-day disruption tested markets Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

Kick off your retirement with confidence! In this episode, we reveal the powerful "first year rule" and the five must-do steps to creating healthy habits with your finances, lifestyle, and well-being. Discover why these areas set the stage for lasting fulfillment, and what most retirees overlook. If you want to thrive from day one, click play! Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🕰️ First-Year Rule: Why year one matters most 💸 Financial Adjustment: Shifting from saving to spending 🌱 Purpose & Routine: Creating meaning beyond work 🏥 Health Focus: Prioritizing wellness early 🚗 Test-Driving Plans: Trying big ideas before committing Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

Many retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare isn't always as "set it and forget it" as they expected. In this episode, we demystify IRMAA, the income-related surcharge that can quietly reduce your Social Security check if your income crosses certain thresholds. What planning strategies can help reduce or avoid IRMAA altogether? Tune in to find out.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 IRMAA Defined: why higher income triggers Medicare surcharges 🎯 Who's Impacted: retirees, business owners, and high earners 💵 Premium Impact: how IRMAA reduces Social Security checks 🛡️ Mitigation Strategies: planning moves to lower exposure ⚠️ Special Cases: exceptions, appeals, and one-time income events   Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

It's one of the toughest financial moments you'll ever face: someone you care about needs help, and you feel torn between wanting to support them and protecting your own financial future. In this episode, we talk openly about the emotional pressure of lending money to friends and family, and the real consequences most people don't think about until it's too late. You'll hear a balanced look at boundaries, alternatives, and healthy ways to navigate these situations without damaging relationships or your retirement plans. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🤝 Lending to Loved Ones: the emotional and financial tension behind saying "yes" 💸 Counting the Hidden Costs: how helping someone can quietly hurt your plan 📜 Taxes & Legal Protection: what you need to know before signing anything 💡 Better Ways to Help: alternatives that support others without risking your own stability Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

In the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven, each person the main character meets helps him understand his life in a new way. So who are the five people you should meet before retirement? People who can guide your next chapter and help you retire with clarity, confidence, and purpose. After all, retirement isn't just about money, it's about people, preparation, and purpose. You'll hear why each person on the list plays a key role, from building a solid financial plan to protecting your legacy and staying healthy. Trent and Brandon break down the timing, the "why," and the practical impact of connecting with the right experts early. Retirement is a big shift, not just in how you spend your money, but in how you spend your time. These five people can help you get it right. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧭 Why your financial advisor is the first person to meet, and when to meet with them 📜 How an estate planner helps you protect your legacy and loved ones 🧠 The mental health & mobility benefits of staying physically active 📝 One legal document most people forget 💬 Why retirement success isn't just numbers Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260  

Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They're now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice… or just the easiest one? Let's look closer at the rising popularity of target-date funds and explain what you really need to know if your 401(k) is riding on one. These "set it and forget it" options offer built-in diversification and automatic rebalancing, but they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. You'll learn how target-date funds work, why they became the default choice after the 2008 financial crisis, and what they do (and don't) protect you from as you near retirement. The guys also break down common misconceptions, why these funds never go 100% conservative, and when it might make sense to switch strategies. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Target-date funds now hold over $4 trillion, should you be using one? 📆 How these funds automatically adjust risk as you age ⚠️ The catch: they're not as conservative as you might think 📉 When autopilot investing can backfire in volatile markets 🧩 How to decide if you should stay in a TDF or build your own strategy Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260  

You've worked hard, saved well, and now you're thinking about giving back—maybe to your kids, your grandkids, or a cause you care about. But should you wait and pass that wealth on later, or give while you're still around to enjoy the impact? Let's talk about how to make that decision with confidence. Today, Trent and Brandon break down the practical and emotional aspects of gifting during your lifetime versus leaving a legacy. They discuss how to prioritize your own financial security first and the risks to avoid before handing over large sums. You'll also learn the ins and outs of annual gift tax limits, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), and how to support others without jeopardizing your own retirement. Stick around to hear why how you give may matter even more than how much you give. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Annual gifting limits and how couples can double the impact 🏠 Helping kids with home purchases or life transitions 🧾 Using QCDs for charitable giving with tax benefits 🧠 Emotional and financial readiness of recipients 🏥 Why protecting your spouse and planning for healthcare is key before giving Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260  

The 4% rule gets talked about like gospel in retirement planning. But let's be honest, it's always been more of a rough guess than a golden rule. Now, its original creator is revising it to 4.7%. So, does that mean your retirement paycheck just got a raise, or is this just another headline that oversimplifies a complex decision? Today we'll break down what the 4.7% update really means for your retirement strategy. We'll explore how the original rule came to be, why it might be evolving, and—most importantly—why this number isn't a free pass to spend more. Find out which real-life factors affect your withdrawal strategy and how to build a plan that's flexible, realistic, and tailored to your life. You'll also hear why rules of thumb are helpful starting points, but never the final word. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Why the 4% rule is being revised to 4.7% 🧾 How portfolio mix changes your withdrawal strategy 🧠 Why your personal safe withdrawal rate might be lower or higher than the headline 🪣 How "bucket strategies" work to stabilize retirement income across market cycles 🏛️ Why tax legislation and inflation are just as important as market performance Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

Back-to-school season isn't just for kids; it's a good reminder for pre-retirees and retirees to sharpen their financial knowledge, too. In this episode, Trent and Brandon put listeners through a "retirement planning pop quiz" covering Social Security, IRA contributions, RMDs, and more. Think of it as a back-to-school refresher course designed to test what you know and teach you what you don't. They break down how Social Security rules have shifted over the years, why Roth accounts can be such a powerful tool, and how changes to contribution limits could impact your retirement savings strategy. The conversation also highlights some of the biggest financial risks retirees face, from healthcare costs to market downturns, and why having a complete, customized plan makes all the difference. Tune in to see how your "retirement report card" stacks up and why brushing up now could keep you financially confident in the years ahead. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧾 At what age can you receive full Social Security benefits if you were born after 1960? 💰 What's the maximum annual IRA contribution for individuals age 50 and older in 2025? 📉 Which retirement accounts require you to take RMDs?  📊 What does the 4% rule refer to in retirement planning? 🛡️ What financial risks do retirees face? Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

You've heard about the "One Big Beautiful Bill," but let's get to what really matters: your questions. In this listener mailbag episode, Trent and Brandon tackle real concerns from clients and pre-retirees trying to make sense of what this tax overhaul actually changes. They've read all the fine print, so you don't have to. Should you still consider moving to a no-income-tax state like Florida? Can your part-time tips or church donations finally earn you a break on your tax bill? The guys break it all down with their usual clarity, humor, and no-nonsense advice. If you're overwhelmed by headlines and unsure what's fact or fluff, this episode offers the straight answers you've been looking for, and maybe even a few surprising insights along the way. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧮 The new $6,000 deduction for couples over 65 🚗 New car loan deduction rules 🏙️ SALT deduction cap jumps from $10K to $40K 🌴 Retiring in a no-tax state: still worth it? ⛽ Part-time workers & tip exemptions 🎁 Charitable giving for non-itemizers Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260  

Big tax law changes always bring big rumors. But before you assume Social Security is now tax-free or that you're getting a $40K deduction just for breathing, let's set the record straight on what this new bill didn't actually do. In this episode, Trent and Brandon tackle the myths swirling around the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill" and give you the facts you need to make smart financial decisions. They clarify what truly matters (and what doesn't) by debunking myths about estate tax exemptions, charitable deductions, and the reality behind so-called 'permanent' tax brackets. While some changes are helpful, others are overhyped. That's where a financial plan makes all the difference. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📢 Social Security taxation and retirement deductions 🏡 Federal estate tax exemption doesn't eliminate planning 🚗 Car loan interest deductions are limited 💡 Charitable and other above-the-line deductions exist, but have limits 🎯 New deductions have income and filing limits Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

A new tax bill has officially passed (you've probably heard it mentioned as the "Big Beautiful Bill"). And while most headlines are focused on politics, we're focused on what it means for your retirement. The choices you make in the next year or two could have a significant impact on how much you keep and how much goes to Uncle Sam. In this episode, Trent and Brandon break down the most important aspects for retirees, pre-retirees, and everyday earners. They walk through key provisions of the bill- like extended lower tax brackets and a potentially game-changing deduction for seniors. You'll also hear about enhanced bonus depreciation for small business owners and landlords, charitable giving updates, and some unexpected perks, like tax relief on tips, overtime, and even auto loan interest. Tune in to hear how the new bill could impact your financial future and find out which opportunities could expire before you know it! Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Why "permanent" tax changes that aren't so permanent ⏳ What extended lower tax brackets means for tax planning 👵 A new $12,000 senior deduction (and how income thresholds affect eligibility) 🏡 The 100% bonus depreciation for small business owners and landlords 🚗 New tax perks for workers: No taxes on tips, overtime, and auto loan interest Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

Today, we're talking about Type A personalities. If you're driven, competitive, and goal-oriented, then you're part of the club that often struggles during difficult markets. When things get tough, your instinct is to work harder, push more, and fix the problem. But in investing, that instinct can sometimes backfire. In this episode, Trent and Brandon break down a list of hard-hitting questions made famous by CNBC's Josh Brown, designed to challenge the habits and headspace of high-achieving, Type A investors. From sky-high expectations to the instinct to jump in and out of the market, they get real about what works and what backfires when markets get shaky. Trent shares why taking control doesn't mean constantly making moves, and Brandon digs into how patience (plus a little math) can save you from yourself. You might be surprised to learn about the risks you think you're taking versus the ones you're actually exposed to. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Are your return expectations realistic? ⚠️ The problem with trying to time the market 🧠 Why emotions are terrible investment advisors 🔄 The danger of jumping in and out 👥 The value of a second set of eyes on your plan Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260

Market dips can rattle even the most seasoned investors. In this episode, Trent and Brandon tackle some of the most common questions they're hearing from clients right now. From pre-retirees worried about protecting their portfolios to investors wondering if it's time to buy the dip, the discussion focuses on practical ways to stay steady and avoid costly mistakes. They emphasize the importance of understanding your risk tolerance, having a clear time horizon, and staying diversified- even when it feels like everything is down. If you've found yourself stressed by recent market swings or second-guessing your plan, this episode might be just the perspective you need to move forward with confidence.     Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Why it's important to stay patient and not react emotionally during market declines 🤯 Common emotional traps like panic selling and obsessively checking your accounts 💵 Is now the time to "buy the dip"? 🛠️ Why diversification still matters (even when it doesn't feel like it) 🧠 Aligning your risk level with your goals, especially when retirement approaches   Contact: Website: http://bradshawfp.com  Email: [email protected] Call: 704-216-2260