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On today's special episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to the Patriots' big win yesterday.  Now that the Pats are suddenly off to Santa Clara, CA for the Super Bowl...many New Englanders will make the snap decision to make the trip to watch live.  Should you be one of them?   Going to the Super Bowl is a once in a lifetime event for many, but is it worth the trade-offs?  As with many things, there isn't one right answer, but there might be for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about setting financial goals and how you can make those goals a reality.  There is value in big ambitious long-term goals, but how you handle medium and even short-term goals ultimately plays a significant role in attaining the big ones.  Whether financial goals or otherwise, Matt offers some practical tips for turning "resolutions" into actions and ultimately results.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt runs through a scenario where a younger person receives a gift or an inheritance.  As with any chunk of money, there are a variety of options what you might do with it.  What would a $19k gift be worth in 40 years if I invest it?  What if I pay off student loan or other debt?  What if I spend it?  There may not be one right answer, but thinking through the different scenarios can help you make the right choice for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with long-time friends Matthew and Natasha about their own financial journey and how they're teaching their kids about finances.  From a start as self-proclaimed "F minus" financial students, Matthew and Natasha reflect on their rude awakening on entering adulthood, and how they are trying to teach their 16 and 13 year olds about money.  As always, Matt Schroeder also has some great practical tips on how to introduce key money concepts.  If you have dependent children, or if you are interested in financial education, this episode is a must listen.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt speaks with Randall Gregory, an independent benefits consultant at Core Benefits Group.  As we enter into Open Enrollment season, they talk about the various terms related to Medicare enrollment and the different plans available before diving into what types of plans might be right for you.  Confused by Part A, Medigap, Supplement, or Advantage plans?  This episode is your one stop shop for deciding the right coverage for you.   To learn more or consult with Randall, you can reach him at [email protected]

On today's episode, Matt explains the new "Trump Account" proposed as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed earlier this year.  The new account type is set to be pre-filled with $1,000 for children born between 2025 and 2028.  How much could that be worth in 65 years?  What are the rules around the new account type and when might it make sense to add funds to the account as a parent?  As always, the Personal Finance landscape is ever-changing.  Listen in to learn more about what this change could mean for you.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to recent news of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement in the way he knows best: by relating it to financial planning.  We're not talking about financial tactics of a celebrity wedding, but rather focusing on the things that can actually impact your life.

On today's episode, Matt speaks with Family and Divorce Attorney, Teresa La Vita.  Money is often a difficult topic, and even more so in family situations where many emotions are also at play. As a solo practitioner out of Danvers, MA, Teresa has seen all types of cases and offers valuable insight on a variety of issues related to family law.  If you are getting married soon, should you consider a prenuptial agreement?  What happens to a spouse's pension in a divorce?  How are different cases settled and what options do you have? Teresa covers all of these topics and more in this blockbuster episode.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt kicks off a series of conversations around building good financial foundations as an adult.  He covers some basic definitions, and discusses the concepts that will be helpful for young adults to build good habits from the start.  Financial wellness ultimately comes down to a combination of knowledge and good habits.  This episode will help you or your adult child to establish both.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks about doing your taxes.  While the 2024 tax deadline was a few weeks ago, there are a handful of simple ways you can be better prepared for next year.  Your tax preparer will thank you, but so will your future self for taking a few steps now to make tax season less stressful in the future.  Furthermore, once you have your system down, there are numerous opportunities to engage in "tax planning" to minimize future taxes owed rather than just scrambling to get them done.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt talks through some key concepts and context that will help you manage negative emotions when there is market uncertainty.  Taking inventory of your situation compared to many others can help you keep perspective.  Furthermore, through Covid, recent world conflicts, and even in the more distant past, there are many examples of market resilience despite uncertainty.  

On today's episode, Matt offers some perspective during the current environment of high market volatility.  While many investors look at their portfolio with fear when financial markets are highly variable, there are multiple things you can do to ease your stress.  Having some cash for your near term expenses, diversifying your investments, and having a plan will help you weather times where there is market uncertainty.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt takes a look at the numbers behind Social Security benefits.  While it's a common talking point in different forms of media, is it really possible that Social Security could go away anytime soon?

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt reacts to a recent article he read on the non-financial considerations of retiring.  As lifespans get longer, there is growing consideration for what happens to the brain in retirement.  While the science is somewhat inconclusive, there are a lot of things you can do to make sure you maximize your golden years.

On today's episode of Great Points, Matt Schroeder has an all-star cast of guests to discuss the first time home buying experience from beginning to end. Realtors Shea Pilsbury and Matt Munson (Munson Realty Group) join Mortgage Advisor Jeff Rolke (Gold Coast Mortgage) and Real Estate Attorney Michael Osborne (Michael Osborne Law).  They cover everything from the first steps you should take, all to way to the closing date.  Along the way, the group highlights some things to watch out for, things you may not have considered, and how to engage professionals you can trust.  Whether you are the first time buyer or someone in your family is, you won't want to miss this episode!