Dollars to Dreams: Planning with Purpose | Penobscot Financial Advisors

Penobscot Financial Advisors
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We break down the complex world of financial planning into real, relatable conversations. Hosted by Tyler Hafford and the team at Penobscot Financial Advisors, we explore how thoughtful planning can help you take control of your finances—so your money can support the life you're living today while building the future you've always imagined. To view our disclaimers and privacy policy: https://penobscotfa.com/disclosures-privacy/

  1. When Trust Turns To Terror: Extortion From Afar

    OCT 29

    When Trust Turns To Terror: Extortion From Afar

    In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, host Tyler Hafford is joined by Penobscot Financial Advisors' Chief Operations and Compliance Officer, Hannah Tackett, for another installment in a new series on cyber scams. Today, they talk about "Ted," a victim who was tricked by a scammer into a devastating blackmail scheme, and what happened when the money ran out. Tyler and Hannah break down his story and the tactics scammers use to prey on connection, trust, and online connections, and they offer invaluable tips on how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated frauds.   YOU'LL LEARN: How the Scam Works: A look at how scammers build trust and exploit victims through months of emotional manipulation, to place their victim into as compromising a position as possible. Red Flags to Watch For: Practical insights on what to look out for, including the dangers of engaging with people you've never met in person, sending sensitive information over the internet, and sharing your passwords with people you don't truly know. Protecting Yourself: Actionable strategies for safeguarding your information, including how to sniff out red flags online, and learn how scammers play on your basic desires for love and connection, and how to avoid becoming a target.

    14 min
  2. AI V.S. DOT COM

    OCT 15

    AI V.S. DOT COM

    Programming note: This episode is a quick interruption to our 5-part Cyber Scam Mini-Series—we'll jump right back into it next week. Is today's AI boom just dot-com all over again—or something entirely different? Tyler Hafford and PFA's Chief Investment Officer, Sam Chaplin, dig into what's hype, what's real, and what long-term investors should watch: Piece by piece, they compare the details of the rise of artificial intelligence agents to the investment bubble of the 1990s known as the Dot Com Boom. Tyler and Sam go over the similarities and many differences between the two events in hopes of answering the foremost question of the time: Concerning AI, are we in a bubble? YOU'LL LEARN: How today's AI leaders differ from 90s dot-com darlings Why adoption curves (and capital needs) change the game Where risks lurk: concentration, regulation, and FOMO Timeless takeaways: diversification, discipline, long-view thinking

    32 min
  3. Carol's Customer Service Scam

    OCT 1

    Carol's Customer Service Scam

    In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, host Tyler Hafford is joined by Penobscot Financial Advisors' Chief Operations and Compliance Officer, Hannah Tackett, for another installment in a new series on cyber scams. They dive into the alarming aspects of two successive scams, and share the story of "Carol", a victim who lost more than she bargained for with a customer service scam. Tyler and Hannah break down the tactics scammers use to prey on reputations and receipts, and they offer invaluable tips on how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated frauds.   YOU'LL LEARN: How the Scam Works: A look at how scammers pretend to be services, in hopes of squeezing more money out of you under the guise of customer service. Red Flags to Watch For: Practical insights on what to look out for, including the dangers of fake customer service numbers, sending money to receive money, and the risks of transacting in cryptocurrency. Protecting Yourself: Actionable strategies for safeguarding your finances, including how to spot warning signs and the importance of keeping a steady head in the face of urgency.

    13 min
  4. When Love Becomes Leverage: Stacy's Romance Scam

    SEP 17

    When Love Becomes Leverage: Stacy's Romance Scam

    In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, host Tyler Hafford is joined by Penobscot Financial Advisors' Chief Operations and Compliance Officer, Hannah Tackett, for another installment in a new series on cyber scams. They dive into the alarming aspects of two successive scams, and share the story of "Stacy", a victim who lost about half of all of her wealth to online romance scams. Tyler and Hannah break down the tactics scammers use to prey on emotions and trust, and they offer invaluable tips on how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated frauds. YOU'LL LEARN: How the Scam Works: A look at how scammers build trust and exploit victims through months of emotional manipulation, leading them to invest large sums of money into fraudulent opportunities and turn them against their families, financial institutions, and better judgment. Red Flags to Watch For: Practical insights on what to look out for, including the dangers of engaging with people you've never met in person, and investment "opportunities" that don't include paperwork or legal interaction whatsoever. Protecting Yourself: Actionable strategies for safeguarding your finances, including how to spot warning signs and the importance of having a trusted contact to help you make clear decisions during emotional moments. The Dangers of Emotional Manipulation in Financial Scams: Learn how scammers play on your basic desires for love and financial security, and how to avoid becoming a target.

    19 min
  5. The 2 Million Dollar Investment Scam

    SEP 3

    The 2 Million Dollar Investment Scam

    In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, host Tyler Hafford is joined by Penobscot Financial Advisors' Chief Operations and Compliance Officer, Hannah Tackett, for the first in a new series on cyber scams. They dive into the disturbing details of the $2 Million Illusion, also known as the Pig Butchering Scam, and share the story of "Fred"—a victim who lost his hard-earned savings to a sophisticated online scam. Tyler and Hannah break down the tactics scammers use to prey on emotions and trust, and they offer invaluable tips on how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated frauds. YOU'LL LEARN: How the Scam Works: A look at how scammers build trust and exploit victims through months of emotional manipulation, leading them to invest large sums of money into fraudulent opportunities. Red Flags to Watch For: Practical insights on what to look out for, including the dangers of engaging with people you've never met in person, and the risks of transacting in cryptocurrency. Protecting Yourself: Actionable strategies for safeguarding your finances, including how to spot warning signs and the importance of having a trusted contact to help you make clear decisions during emotional moments. The Dangers of Emotional Manipulation in Financial Scams: Learn how scammers play on your basic desires for love and financial security, and how to avoid becoming a target.

    20 min
  6. Hannah's Perfect Food Day in Portland, Maine

    AUG 20

    Hannah's Perfect Food Day in Portland, Maine

    In this special food-themed episode of Dollars to Dreams, host Tyler Hafford is joined by PFA's Chief Operations and Compliance Officer, Hannah Tackett, for a delightful detour from financial talk into the culinary world of Portland, Maine. Hannah, an enthusiastic foodie, shares her ultimate day-long food itinerary through Portland, offering a personal and deliciously detailed take on the city's vibrant dining scene. With local gems like Katie Made Bakery, Lenora, Cuties, and Central Provisions on the list, Hannah's food itinerary is delicious and deeply personal, offering more than just recommendations—it's about savoring moments, flavors, and understanding that great meals aren't just about what's on the plate, but who you share them with.   YOU'LL LEARN: -- Portland's Diverse Food Scene – A deep dive into the local flavor and variety that makes Portland a top-tier food city. -- The Joy of Shared Meals – How food becomes more meaningful when enjoyed with friends and community. -- Food as Self-Care and Culture – Exploring how indulgent, soulful eating fits into a balanced life and supports emotional wellness.

    14 min
  7. What It Means to be a Fiduciary and Why It Matters

    AUG 6

    What It Means to be a Fiduciary and Why It Matters

    In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, Tyler Hafford and Hannah Tackett tackle a core concept of their practice—and the trust they build with clients: fiduciary duty. Being a fiduciary isn't just a technical term or legal requirement; it's a guiding principle that shapes how Penobscot Financial Advisors engages with every client. Tyler and Hannah explain what it truly means to be a fiduciary, how it differs from other financial standards (like the "suitability rule"), and why it should be one of the first questions anyone asks when choosing a financial advisor.  Learn how fiduciary and fee-only models eliminate conflicts of interest and why fee transparency is essential.  For those considering financial advice, the episode offers a clear lens on what to look for—and what red flags to avoid.   YOU'LL LEARN: – Fiduciary vs. Suitability Standard – What fiduciary duty entails and how it compares to other advisory models. – Fee-Only Structure – Why removing commissions and product sales supports objectivity and transparency. – Client-First Relationships – How fiduciary care builds lasting trust and personalized financial planning.

    8 min
  8. What's New with MainePERS in 2025

    JUL 23

    What's New with MainePERS in 2025

    In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, Tyler Hafford and Hannah Tackett focus on a system that hits close to home for many of their clients—and themselves: the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). Both Penobscot Financial Advisors' offices in Maine regularly help public sector employees like teachers, municipal workers, and state employees navigate this complex retirement system. Tyler and Hannah explore the 2025 updates to the MainePERS, including new COLA increases for state and municipal retirees and a major legislative shift that now allows full receipt of both Social Security and MainePERS benefits. The episode closes with sound advice for those nearing retirement: use benefit estimators, understand the timing of your retirement, and incorporate these updates into a broader financial plan because strategy matters. YOU'LL LEARN: -- 2025 COLA Changes:  How inflation adjustments are applied to state and PLD retirees. -- Dual Benefit Eligibility:  A significant policy shift allowing retirees to claim MainePERS and Social Security without penalty. -- Planning Strategies for Public Employees:  Why timing, benefit estimates, and legislative awareness matter when planning retirement.

    5 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

We break down the complex world of financial planning into real, relatable conversations. Hosted by Tyler Hafford and the team at Penobscot Financial Advisors, we explore how thoughtful planning can help you take control of your finances—so your money can support the life you're living today while building the future you've always imagined. To view our disclaimers and privacy policy: https://penobscotfa.com/disclosures-privacy/

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