The Financially Fit Couple

Matthew Gray, CFP®

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Hey there, and welcome to the Financially Fit Couple! This podcast is all about answering the questions busy, married couples find themselves asking about their finances. I’m Matthew Gray, your host and a Certified Financial Planner. Join me as I interview topic experts and other couples just like you to find out how to pursue your goals and live financially healthy lives. Let’s get started!

6D AGO

S2 E2: Navigating Student Loans with Mackenzie Ellis

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray, a certified financial planner, speaks with Mackensie Ellis from Grad Fin about financing education through student loans. The discussion covers key points such as the difference between federal and private student loans, the application process, and various repayment and forgiveness options. The episode also delves into upcoming changes to student loan programs, refinancing strategies, and how Grad Fin provides free consultation services to help borrowers navigate these complex topics. The conversation aims to empower listeners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about managing student loans. 00:00 Welcome to the Financially Fit Couple 00:38 Introducing Mackensie Ellis and the Topic of Student Loans 01:28 Mackensie's Journey into the Student Loan Space 04:27 Understanding Federal vs. Private Student Loans 08:23 Navigating the FAFSA and Loan Options 16:20 Grad Fin's Role in Student Loan Consultation 19:00 Exploring Student Loan Forgiveness Options 28:04 Understanding Recertification Dates 29:29 Repayment Options Overview 31:02 Income-Driven Repayment Plans 40:07 Changes in Repayment Plans 46:02 Refinancing Private Loans 51:19 Grad FIN's Free Consultation Process 53:40 Conclusion and Disclosures Resources: https://gradfin.com/ studentaid.gov Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): What You Need to Know | Laurel Road One Big Beautiful Bill FAQs - Gradfin - Achieve your financial goals Public Service Loan Forgiveness | Federal Student Aid Income-Driven Repayment Plans | Federal Student Aid Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

55 min
12/22/2025

S2 E1: What You Need to Know For Home & Auto Insurance

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray welcomes Teri Janes from LD&B Insurance to discuss essential insurance policies for married couples. They delve into the intricacies of home and auto insurance, including dwelling coverage, personal property, liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages. Teri explains various endorsements like guaranteed replacement cost, water coverage, and the importance of reviewing policies during life events. The conversation also explores umbrella insurance, detailing its benefits and real-life scenarios where it becomes crucial. Listeners will gain valuable insights into making informed decisions about their insurance needs. 00:38 Introduction to Home and Auto Insurance 02:18 Understanding Home Insurance Basics 05:34 Diving Deeper into Home Insurance 16:41 Exploring Auto Insurance Essentials 24:58 The Importance of Umbrella Insurance 30:24 When to Review Your Insurance Policies 32:25 Choosing the Right Insurance Agent 35:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Resources Teri Janes tjanes@ldbinsurance.com 540-214-2540 https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-janes-31313b87/ LPL Financial and LD&B Financial are separate entities. Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

38 min
11/03/2025

Episode #11 - Fitness & Finance Parallels with Raymond Brown

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, Matthew Gray welcomes Raymond Brown to discuss the importance of consistency and community in achieving fitness and financial goals. Raymond shares his personal journey growing up in an unhealthy environment and how he turned to sports and fitness as a vital outlet. Now, as a dedicated husband and father, Raymond emphasizes integrating movement into daily life and making fitness a core family value. He discusses the impact of routine and habits, especially in challenging times like the pandemic, and how community support plays a crucial role in staying motivated. Raymond also draws parallels between fitness and financial health, highlighting the importance of taking small steps and seeking help from others to achieve long-term success. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners to incorporate fitness and financial well-being into their lives. 02:34 Guest Introduction and Fitness Journey 03:33 The Importance of Movement and Fitness 06:33 Fitness Regimen 07:31 Family and Fitness During the Pandemic 10:22 The Power of Community and Consistency 17:43 Mindset and Overcoming Barriers 35:01 Incorporating Fitness into Daily Life 41:05 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Raymond Brown https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymondabrown/ Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

45 min
10/15/2025

Episode #10 - Beyond the Transaction with Josiah Rider

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, host Matthew Gray is joined by Josiah Rider from Atlantic Union Bank. They discuss the value of building a strong relationship with your banker, especially for busy married couples managing their finances. Key topics include the significance of having a personal banker, the advantages of home equity lines of credit, how major life events should prompt financial discussions, and the importance of creating a strategic plan for financial stability. The episode underscores that proactive communication with a banker can help couples navigate financial decisions, manage debt, and prepare for unexpected changes, ultimately contributing to a financially healthier marriage. 00:38 Meet Our Guest: Josiah Rider 03:36 The Importance of a Personal Banker 05:58 Building a Strong Financial Relationship 17:10 Understanding Home Equity Lines of Credit 24:56 Proactive Financial Planning for Life Events 27:47 Enhancing Spousal Communication Through Banking 37:41 How to Find and Work with a Personal Banker Josiah Rider https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiah-rider-583198a4/ Josiah.Rider@atlanticunionbank.com Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

42 min
09/30/2025

Episode #9 - Estate Planning Demystified with Beth Driver

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, Matthew Gray is joined by Beth Driver, an attorney specializing in estate planning at Evans Driver in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Together, they explore the importance of estate planning for married couples aged 30 to 50 with children at home. Beth shares her personal journey into estate planning and discusses key elements such as wills, power of attorney, advanced medical directives, and trusts. The conversation highlights the potential pitfalls of DIY estate planning, the importance of tailoring documents to individual needs, and the ongoing nature of estate planning. Beth also emphasizes why consulting a professional can save time and money in the long run, and outlines the client-friendly approach of her firm which includes free consultations and flat-fee pricing. 01:37 Beth Driver's Journey into Estate Planning 05:35 The Importance of Estate Planning for Young Families 07:38 Steps to Creating an Estate Plan 15:17 Understanding Key Estate Planning Documents 17:35 The Role and Benefits of Trusts in Estate Planning 25:29 Managing Assets for Minor Children 31:34 Reviewing and Updating Estate Plans 37:36 Pitfalls of DIY Estate Planning 42:35 Steps to Start Estate Planning 44:35 Cost Transparency in Legal Services 47:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Resources https://www.evansdriver.com/ 540-410-1553 Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

49 min
09/16/2025

Episode #8 - Big Beautiful Bill Implications with Billy Hay

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray welcomes Billy Hay to discuss the latest changes in tax legislation and what they mean for busy married couples with kids. They dive deep into key topics such as adjustments in charitable giving, state and local taxes (SALT), auto loan interest deductions, clean energy credits, tip and overtime taxation, bonus depreciation, and the new Trump accounts for kids. They also clarify misconceptions surrounding Social Security taxation and the standard deduction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead of their taxes and understand the implications of recent legislative changes. 00:38 Introduction to Today's Topic: Tax Legislation Changes 01:53 Guest Introduction: Meet Billy Hay, CPA 04:31 Charitable Giving: New Tax Benefits 09:04 State and Local Taxes: SALT Deduction Changes 15:41 Clean Energy Credits: Act Now Before They Expire 20:02 Overtime and Tips: New Tax Rules 26:07 Bonus Depreciation: What Business Owners Need to Know 30:22 Trump Accounts for Kids: What We Know So Far 35:04 What's Not Changing: Common Misconceptions 40:03 Final Thoughts and Advice Resources https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/clean-vehicle-and-energy-credits https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/standard-deduction https://www.dykema.com/news-insights/landmark-tax-legislation-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-what-it-means-for-you.html#:~:text=For%202025%2C%20the%20deduction%20is,tax%20credit%20is%20made%20permanent. Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

43 min
08/28/2025

Episode #7 - Life Insurance Explained with Tessa Von Lossberg

In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple, Matthew Gray engages with Tessa Von Lossberg from LD&B Financial to delve into the often-overlooked yet crucial topic of life insurance. Tessa shares her unexpected journey into life insurance and emphasizes its importance in a comprehensive financial plan. They discuss the basics of life insurance, distinguish between term and permanent policies, and explore common misconceptions and mistakes couples make regarding coverage. The conversation also covers how to assess life insurance needs, the potential inadequacy of employer-provided plans, and the significance of reassessing coverage after major life events. Tessa provides practical advice on how to start the conversation with a partner about life insurance and outlines the steps to get adequate coverage. Real-life examples illustrate the profound impact life insurance can have on families. Listeners are encouraged to take timely action to ensure financial protection for their loved ones. 00:38 Introduction to Life Insurance with Tessa 01:18 Tessa's Journey into Life Insurance 03:17 Understanding Life Insurance Basics 06:58 Types of Life Insurance Policies 10:22 Employer-Provided Life Insurance 13:44 Determining Your Life Insurance Needs 19:44 Common Mistakes and Real-Life Examples 28:45 Taking Action and Next Steps 32:06 Conclusion and Contact Information Tessa's Contact Info https://www.ldbfinancialgroup.com/meet-our-team/ (540) 437-1427 tessa@ldbfinancialgroup.com LPL Financial and LD&B Financial are separate entities. Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

34 min
08/06/2025

Episode #6 - Beyond the Diploma: Measuring the ROI of Education with Aaron Cosner

In this episode, host Matthew Gray speaks with Aaron Cosner, Upper School Principal at Redeemer Classical School in Harrisonburg, Virginia. They delve into the complex topic of investing in education, both primary and secondary, discussing the nuances between public and private schooling. Aaron shares his personal journey through different educational landscapes and provides insights on how various educational approaches align with family values and future goals. They also cover considerations for college applications, the evolving career landscape, the resurgence of trade professions, and practical steps for parents evaluating private school options. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for parents. 00:36 Introducing Our Guest: Aaron Costner 00:54 The Value of Investing in Education 01:27 Aaron's Educational Journey 03:05 Public vs. Private Education 05:15 The Bigger Picture: Goals of Education 11:13 College Admissions Insights 18:17 The Changing Landscape of College and Trades 23:36 The ROI of Private School Education 35:58 Actionable Steps for Parents 38:02 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Resources Redeemer Classical Website Aaron's Profile Cal Newport Matthew Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/ https://schrockfin.com/ Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

40 min

Hey there, and welcome to the Financially Fit Couple! This podcast is all about answering the questions busy, married couples find themselves asking about their finances. I’m Matthew Gray, your host and a Certified Financial Planner. Join me as I interview topic experts and other couples just like you to find out how to pursue your goals and live financially healthy lives. Let’s get started!

Creator

Matthew Gray, CFP®
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

13
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 The Financially Fit Couple
Show Website

The Financially Fit Couple