Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor (and Lawyer!)

Michael Garry & Madison DeMora
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For most of us, financial planning and investing are intimidating and overwhelming subjects. There are so many elements to consider and so much information from a seemingly endless sea of voices. What if you could cut through the confusion to finally feel confident and in control of your finances? It’s time to get smart about money. In this podcast, you will hear Mike and Maddie have honest conversations about financial concepts and situations you might be facing right now, rules and best practices for you to follow, and how to make sense of the financial media - what you really need to know. You will also hear local Yardley and Bucks County businesspeople talk about their businesses, their successes, and their challenges.

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 76 Why Retirement Planning Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison take a closer look at one of the biggest questions in retirement planning: should you save in a traditional retirement account, a Roth account, or both? Inspired by a recent Wall Street Journal article, they unpack the popular “50/50 split” strategy and explain why the right answer depends far more on your personal tax situation, income trajectory, and retirement timeline than on any universal rule of thumb. Mike shares why he believes many investors — especially high earners — may be getting overly simplified advice when it comes to Roth versus pre-tax contributions, and how factors like future tax brackets, retirement age, and withdrawal timing can dramatically change the outcome. The conversation also explores how retirement planning has evolved for younger generations, who now have more Roth options and more investment choices than ever before. The episode also dives into the growing movement to introduce private equity and private credit investments into 401(k) plans, raising important questions about fees, liquidity, and complexity. To wrap up, Mike shares practical advice sparked by a recent Fidelity account glitch that serves as a reminder of why keeping physical copies of financial records still matters in a digital world. WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/traditional-roth-retirement-accounts-best-112e31a1 NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/your-money/401ks-and-similar-plans/401k-private-credit-crypto.html

    17 min

  2. MAY 7

    Ep. 75 Keeping the Bank of Mom and Dad Open

    Send us Fan Mail Graduation is often seen as a finish line, but financially, it’s really a turning point. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison explore what happens when college tuition payments end and a significant amount of cash flow is suddenly freed up. Without a plan, that money can quickly disappear into lifestyle spending or ongoing support for adult children—something more families are doing than ever before, often at the expense of their own retirement. Madison and Mike discuss why this moment is an opportunity for families to reset, have honest conversations about financial independence, and make intentional decisions about what comes next. They also highlight key strategies to consider, from boosting retirement savings and exploring Roth conversions to rebuilding emergency reserves and updating estate plans. If graduation is on the horizon in your family, this episode offers a clear perspective on how to turn this milestone into a smart financial step forward.

    11 min

  3. APR 23

    Ep. 74 Rethinking Your Portfolio: Why Age Alone Shouldn’t Drive Your Investment Strategy

    Send us Fan Mail Are you still using rules like “100 minus your age” to guide your investments? In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack a Wall Street Journal article featuring a Yale professor’s new approach to portfolio allocation. Instead of focusing on age alone, this framework considers your full financial picture—income, savings, future earnings, and risk tolerance.  Mike shares his real-world perspective on where the theory works—and where it falls short—while emphasizing a key takeaway: consistent saving and smart financial habits matter more than finding the “perfect” portfolio.  Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/yale-james-choi-portfolio-formula-stocks-02a96afb?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfLF9La9AExUaN-x4mxSMxF7m76U9Y2Tu51DTcADTpRaEV8VSB5QBRt&gaa_ts=69a061a6&gaa_sig=k9FDgPDrCLOohCmUFMbPwGB1ubeUiCNgEMuEUoZICbbZ4DtPFQ9Y_ox2EUtnbogu6LLn7-_17k1hn2rNEE5pwQ%3D%3D

    13 min

  4. APR 9

    Ep. 73 How Do You Teach Teens and Young Adults to Make Confident Money Decisions Before the Stakes Are High? With Maureen Donahue

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison are joined by financial advisor Maureen Donahue to tackle a challenge many families face: how to teach teens and young adults to make smart money decisions before the stakes are high. Through real client stories and practical strategies, they explore why financial lessons stick best when kids experience real-world consequences—not just lectures. From setting spending limits and creating annual budgets to introducing investing through tools like Roth IRAs, Mike and Maureen share how parents can gradually shift from decision-makers to coaches. They also dive into key moments like the transition to college, the risks of easy access to digital money, and the importance of modeling good financial behavior at home. If you want to raise financially confident, independent kids—and avoid costly lessons later—this episode offers actionable insights to help you start early and build habits that last a lifetime.

    19 min

  5. MAR 26

    Ep. 72 Why Your Credit Score Doesn’t Always Make Sense (And What to Do About It)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison break down the often confusing world of credit scores—why they can drop even when you’re making smart financial moves, and why they matter more than most people realize. Drawing on a Wall Street Journal article and Mike’s real-life mortgage experience, they explain how credit scores measure risk, not success. They explore why credit can feel invisible until it suddenly becomes critical, especially for young adults, and simplify what actually impacts your score—from payment history and credit utilization to credit history length. They also clear up common misconceptions, like whether you need to carry a balance, and share practical tips for building and maintaining strong credit. If you’ve ever been frustrated by credit score changes or unsure how to manage them, this episode offers clear, honest guidance to help you navigate the system with confidence. Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/credit/credit-score-young-adults-220d3893?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfxwxhkg7P_L3Z0pkJbRTiE6qOm4QKVuICVY2JphL9vem-cW0aGqAGe&gaa_ts=69bab92c&gaa_sig=BTFm7egNUML3wC976Oh1zkURkuc9B-ddoE-EJZ1GWAHU71rDwz9XUx_lUQ2xjEU2se48BSZy5S3lAQbjDmD1cw%3D%3D

    18 min

  6. MAR 12

    Ep. 71 Three Important Numbers for Women’s Financial Futures

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Mike and Madison discuss three key numbers shaping the financial future of women: 45, 5, and 59. Women are projected to control 45% of investable assets by 2030, live about five years longer than men, and often face major financial transitions such as widowhood earlier than many expect. Mike and Madison explore what these trends mean for investment strategy, retirement planning, and estate preparation, and why having a clear, coordinated financial plan is more important than ever. Sources 1. USA Facts, March 21, 2025 https://usafacts.org/articles/do-women-live-longer-than-men-in-the-us/ 2. The Guardian, December 11, 2024 https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/11/americans-living-with-diseases-health-study 3. McKinsey & Company, May 8, 2025 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-new-face-of-wealth-the-rise-of-the-female-investor 4. Diversified Trust, October 13, 2025 https://diversifiedtrust.com/blog/women-and-wealth-transfer/ 5. Pew Research Center, April 13, 2023 https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/04/13/in-a-growing-share-of-u-s-marriages-husbands-and-wives-earn-about-the-same/ 6. Center for American Progress, May 9, 2025 https://www.americanprogress.org/article/breadwinning-women-are-a-lifeline-for-their-families-and-the-economy/ 7. Gitnux, February 13, 2026 https://gitnux.org/widowhood-statistics/ 8. Resto NYC, October 12, 2023 https://www.restonyc.com/how-long-is-the-average-woman-a-widow/

    12 min

  7. FEB 26

    Ep. 70 Can a 100% S&P 500 Portfolio Survive Retirement?

    Send us Fan Mail Many investors assume that owning the S&P 500 means they’re fully diversified. But in today’s market, that may not be true. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison discuss growing concentration in the U.S. stock market and why broad index funds may carry more risk than investors realize. With a small group of mega-cap companies driving a large portion of returns, portfolios that appear diversified on the surface can be heavily concentrated underneath. The conversation explores market history, including the 50% declines of the 2000s, the danger of sequence of returns risk in retirement, and why averages can be misleading when withdrawals are involved. Index funds remain powerful tools, but they aren’t a complete portfolio on their own. True diversification means preparing for different market environments — not just relying on what has worked recently. NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/business/stock-market-concentration-risk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IVA.Ja1X.8WJsghdHvvIL&smid=nytcore-ios-share

    14 min

  8. FEB 12

    Ep. 69 From Tax Prep to Tax Strategy: How to Make Taxes Work for You All Year

    Send us Fan Mail Taxes are often treated as a once-a-year obligation, but they play a much bigger role in your overall financial life. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison explore the difference between tax preparation and tax strategy—and why planning ahead can make a meaningful impact over time. They discuss how a year-round, coordinated approach to taxes can help shape future outcomes, covering topics like income timing, retirement plan contributions, Roth decisions, charitable giving, tax-loss harvesting, and estate planning. Along the way, they highlight recent rule changes and explain why working proactively with your financial and tax professionals can help reduce surprises and better align taxes with your long-term goals. Obviously, this episode is for general educational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Please speak to your professional for specific tax or legal advice.

    22 min
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About

For most of us, financial planning and investing are intimidating and overwhelming subjects. There are so many elements to consider and so much information from a seemingly endless sea of voices. What if you could cut through the confusion to finally feel confident and in control of your finances? It’s time to get smart about money. In this podcast, you will hear Mike and Maddie have honest conversations about financial concepts and situations you might be facing right now, rules and best practices for you to follow, and how to make sense of the financial media - what you really need to know. You will also hear local Yardley and Bucks County businesspeople talk about their businesses, their successes, and their challenges.

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