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

Michael Garry & Madison DeMora
  • 5.0 (5)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. FEB 26

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

    Send a text 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

  2. FEB 12

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

    Send a text 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

  3. JAN 29

    Ep. 68 2025 in Review and What to Know Heading Into 2026

    Send a text As we head into 2026, what lessons can we take from a year of major change? In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison break down the biggest developments of 2025 and what they mean for planning ahead. The discussion focuses on the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), including permanent tax law changes, higher standard deductions, new benefits for seniors, expanded SALT caps, and important incentives for business owners. Mike also explains the major increase in federal estate and gift tax exemptions and why this may be a unique window for advanced estate planning. The episode wraps up with a look at market performance, economic trends, and key factors to watch in 2026—highlighting why proactive, coordinated planning is more important than ever.

    9 min

  4. JAN 15

    Ep. 67 From Tax Strategy to Industry Shifts: The Real Work (and World) of Financial Planning

    Send a text Most people think financial advice is something you do once — get a plan, make a few changes, and move on. In reality, that mindset can cost you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. In this episode, Mike and Madison unpack why ongoing financial planning matters far more than people realize. They dive into the hidden tax mistakes even smart retirees make, how withdrawal and Social Security decisions can quietly drive lifetime taxes higher, and why tax planning is a year-by-year strategy — not a one-time fix. The conversation then shifts to the financial planning industry itself, including the rise of private equity, the decline of true independence, and what Bob Veres calls “the great stall.” Mike shares firsthand insight into why so many advisors sell, what actually happens after a firm is acquired, and why Yardley Wealth Management chose internal succession over private equity. If you’ve ever wondered what real financial planning looks like — or what’s happening behind the scenes in the advisory world — this episode is for you.

    18 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    Ep. 66 Market Gurus, Bold Predictions, and the Truth About Timing the Market

    Send a text In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison sit down to unpack the world of stock market pundits, the personalities who make sweeping predictions that often grab headlines but rarely stand the test of time. From Jospeh Granville’s market-moving calls to Michael Burry’s dramatic warnings, Madison and Mike explore why bold voices attract so much attention, why even the most famous forecasters struggle to repeat their “big win,” and how relying on these predictions can lead investors astray. Mike breaks down the psychology behind overconfident gurus, the dangers of reacting emotionally to extreme forecasts, and why long-term fundamentals consistently outperform dramatic market timing attempts. Whether you’ve ever wondered if you should “sell everything” after a scary headline, or why influencers with millions of views aren’t necessarily credible, this episode offers a grounded, insightful look at what really matters for building lasting wealth: discipline, diversification, and sticking to a plan. Link to Wall Street Journal Article: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-tariff-deadline-08-07-2025/card/predicting-market-crashes-for-fun-and-profit-uKs2Dee6njQx9hbj5PkM?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAjXc9QSZVwwBdxh1CJb3maJSeTBH7An4Abo-iMs55L_zD8wGvP7j23j&gaa_ts=68a33fcb&gaa_sig=bkwa-pgMaml3j7i_yFSL8GixDTX_8IAdnfvX4iT8m_P-NyMqsQKZNaBOoSvRu3YE-z7Bu54Q1bvgG4pRAsGZ8w%3D%3D

    8 min

  6. 12/11/2025

    Ep. 65 Understanding the 2026 401(k) Rule Changes: What Savers Need to Know

    Send a text In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack the major retirement plan updates arriving in 2026. They break down new 401(k) contribution limits, expanded catch-up opportunities, and the significant shift to Roth-only catch-up contributions for higher earners. They explain who will be most affected, how these changes could impact taxes and take-home pay, and what steps savers can take now to prepare. Whether you’re approaching retirement, maximizing savings in your peak earning years, or simply trying to stay ahead of policy changes, this conversation helps you make sense of what’s coming and how to navigate it with confidence.

    7 min

  7. 11/27/2025

    Ep. 64 Year-End Giving Strategies: Tax-Smart and Impactful Then joined by Christian LeFer from Instant Nonprofit

    Send a text As the year draws to a close, charitable giving surges — and with thoughtful planning, those gifts can become even more meaningful. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison explore how to make your generosity truly count, both for the causes you care about and for your long-term financial plan. They discuss why December is such a powerful month for charitable contributions, the emotional and cultural forces behind year-end generosity, and how new tax laws taking effect in 2026 may influence how donors approach giving in the years ahead. Whether you’re giving modestly or making substantial contributions, this episode offers guidance on how to plan ahead, avoid year-end pitfalls, and ensure your generosity supports both the missions you love and your financial wellbeing. Then, Mike and Maddie sit down with Christian LeFer, founder and CEO of Instant Nonprofit, who has helped more than 5,000 people launch IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organizations. Christian shares how growing up in a nonprofit-driven family shaped his belief in “wealth with purpose,” and how his own frustrating experience trying to start a nonprofit led him to build a streamlined, done-for-you system that removes the bureaucracy and lets people focus on impact. Christian explains why a 501(c)(3) can be a powerful tool for tax strategy, legacy planning, and aligning wealth with personal values, often accessible to everyday families, not just the ultra-wealthy. He also breaks down how to know whether forming your own foundation or nonprofit is the right choice and why imperfect action is the key to creating meaningful change. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a personal mission into a real vehicle for impact or build a legacy that lasts, this conversation offers clear guidance and inspiration. Christian also shares a free starter kit for listeners at instantnonprofit.com/podcast.  Instant Nonprofit links: Instant Nonprofit Startup Kit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InstantNonprofit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/instantnonprofit/posts/?feedView=all&viewAsMember=true YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InstantNonprofitUSA Connect with Christian LeFer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianlefer/

    52 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    Ep. 63 The True Costs of Caring for Aging Parents Then Joined by Jimmy Rios from Rios Business Advisors & Rios Business Funding

    Send a text Caring for aging parents is one of the most emotional, and financially complex, challenges many families will face. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison dive into the realities of caregiving, what it looks like, why it’s becoming more common, and how families can prepare before it becomes a crisis. They discuss the growing prevalence of caregiving in America, the emotional and physical toll it can take, and the significant financial strain that often follows. From burnout and guilt to long-term care costs and Medicare misconceptions, Mike and Madison explore both the human and financial sides of this responsibility. Whether you’re already providing care or preparing for the future, this episode offers compassionate guidance and actionable steps to help you protect both your parents’ wellbeing and your own financial security. Later in the episode, Mike and Madison sit down with Jimmy Rios, founder of Rios Business Advisors and Rios Business Funding. With more than 20 years of experience in financial services, Jimmy has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs understand and take control of their business finances. From practical steps for managing debt and improving credit to real-world examples of clients transforming their businesses, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to grow, fund, or eventually sell their business the right way. Connect with Jimmy Rios Rios Business Funding website: https://riosbusinessfunding.com/ Rios Business Funding YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiosBusinessFunding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rios-business-advisors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Riosbusinessfunding/

    39 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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