Your Bread and Butter™

Private Financial Design, LLC

Your Bread & Butter™ with Andrew R. Beaudry, CFP® and Ryan T. Cummings, CFP® delivers practical, easy-to-understand guidance on investing, retirement, taxes, and everyday money decisions. We break down markets, financial planning strategies, and timely topics so you can feel more confident in your financial life. Discussions in this show should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions.

  1. Jun 23

    Ep. 63 - Hidden Leaks in Your Financial Life

    Ever looked at your bank account and thought, "I should have way more money than this"? You're not overspending recklessly — you have a leak. In this episode, Andrew R. Beaudry, CFP® and Ryan T. Cummings, CFP® break down the quiet, invisible ways money slips out of your life every month — and how to plug those leaks for good. Nearly 67% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, even six-figure earners. The average person underestimates their recurring spending by more than 2.5x. This episode shows you exactly where that gap comes from. What we cover:💸 The "It's Only a Few Dollars" trap — coffee runs, delivery apps, rideshares, and the convenience tax that adds up🏦 Banking & cash-flow leaks — overdraft fees, ATM fees, and timing mistakes that quietly drain hundreds a year📱 Subscription creep — why people think they spend ~$90/month on subscriptions but actually spend closer to $219💳 Debt & interest leaks — how "just this month" balances compound into tens of thousands over time🏋️ Unused & misaligned spending — gym memberships, forgotten apps, and paying for a life you're not living🛠️ Practical fixes — subscription audits, a one-hour "financial leak sweep," and system-level changes like pay-yourself-first automation You don't need a tighter budget. You need better awareness and better systems. Your challenge this week: Ask yourself — "What am I paying for that isn't improving my life?" Find it. Fix it. Let compounding start working for you again. 🎧 Listen to Your Bread & Butter™ wherever you get your podcasts, and learn more at www.privatefinancialdesign.com

  2. May 19

    Ep. 61 - War is Chaotic - Your Portfolio Shouldn't Be

    What happens to your portfolio when the world feels chaotic? In this episode of the Your Bread & Butter Podcast™, Andrew and Ryan tackle one of investors’ biggest emotional triggers: war and geopolitical uncertainty. When headlines are filled with conflict, volatility, and fear, it can feel like drastic portfolio changes are the only answer. History tells a different story. We break down how markets have historically reacted during times of war, why uncertainty often creates more fear than actual long-term damage, and what disciplined investors should focus on instead of reacting emotionally. In this episode, we cover:• Why wars feel uniquely dangerous to investors• Historical market performance during major conflicts• The difference between short-term shocks and long-term outcomes• The two biggest mistakes investors make during uncertainty• Why rebalancing may be your most underrated tool• How liquidity and diversification create peace of mind• Why strategy beats prediction every time The key takeaway:War is chaotic — your portfolio shouldn’t be. Successful investing isn’t about reacting to headlines. It’s about staying disciplined, grounded in history, and focused on your long-term goals. If you’ve ever wondered whether market fear should change your investment strategy, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen now and subscribe to Your Bread & Butter Podcast™ wherever you get your podcasts. 🌐 Learn more at Private Financial Design

  3. May 5

    Ep. 60 - Labor Market Stalls & Recessions: Where Are We Now and Where Are We Going?

    Is the U.S. economy heading toward a recession—or setting up for a soft landing? In this episode, we break down historical labor market trends and compare them to today’s economic environment. Looking at key periods like the postwar slowdown, the 1970 recession, the dot-com era, and the 2008 financial crisis, a clear pattern emerges: hiring slows before layoffs rise—and that’s often where recessions begin. 📊 What we cover: How past recessions were signaled by labor market “stall” periodsWhy unemployment in the 4–5% range can be a warning signThe role of Federal Reserve policy and economic tighteningWhat makes today’s labor market (2025–2026) uniqueKey risks: geopolitical tension, policy shifts, and post-pandemic dynamics⚠️ Where we stand today: Low unemployment (~4.4%)Slowing or declining payroll growthA “low hire, low fire” environment📉 Historically, about 87% of similar conditions have led to a recession within 12 months—but this cycle may not follow the script. 🔍 Possible outcomes: Recession scenario: Job growth turns negative, unemployment risesSoft landing: Slow, steady cooling without a major downturnBottom line:The economy is at a critical inflection point. The next 6–12 months will be key in determining the direction of growth, markets, and investment strategy. 👍 Like, subscribe, and follow for more economic insights and market breakdowns.

  4. Feb 19

    Ep. 57 - How Do You Get Paid in Retirement?

    You’ve saved for retirement. You’ve invested carefully. But now comes the most important question: How do you actually get paid in retirement? In this episode, we break down how retirement income really works — how money moves from your various accounts into your checking account, how taxes impact each source, and how to design a system that keeps income predictable and flexible. We cover: ✔️ Social Security – how benefits are set up, direct deposit, tax withholding, and Medicare deductions✔️ Pensions – predictable income, tax treatment, and coordination✔️ IRAs and 401(k)s – withdrawal rules, mandatory withholding, and tax implications✔️ Roth IRAs – tax-free income strategies✔️ Brokerage and trust accounts – capital gains and income planning✔️ Annuities – qualified vs. non-qualified taxation and LIFO rules✔️ Investment real estate – rental income, taxes, and ownership considerations Retirement isn’t just about accumulating assets — it’s about creating a coordinated income strategy that adapts as markets, taxes, healthcare costs, and life circumstances change. We also discuss:• How taxes affect each income source• How Medicare premiums are deducted• Why flexibility matters• How to integrate spouses and beneficiaries into the plan A well-designed retirement income plan ensures that multiple sources work together efficiently — creating confidence, clarity, and financial stability in your “last career.” If you’re approaching retirement or already retired, this episode will help you understand how to turn your savings into a reliable paycheck. Subscribe for more conversations about retirement income, tax strategy, and financial clarity.

About

Your Bread & Butter™ with Andrew R. Beaudry, CFP® and Ryan T. Cummings, CFP® delivers practical, easy-to-understand guidance on investing, retirement, taxes, and everyday money decisions. We break down markets, financial planning strategies, and timely topics so you can feel more confident in your financial life. Discussions in this show should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions.