SML Planning Minute
SML Planning Minute podcasts provide timely and thought-provoking financial ideas and concepts for individuals, families and business owners. Be sure to listen in! Simply click on a topic below to access a podcast. You can also subscribe to one of the many service providers to listen on the go.

Financial Considerations When You Become an Empty Nester
Episode 336 – Being an empty nester undoubtedly creates challenges you might never have thought of. Here are some tips about what you may encounter, and how to deal with them. Continue Reading Financial Considerations When You Become an Empty Nester

Four Trending Scams to Stay Ahead of
Episode 335 – Financial criminals are a crafty bunch. Just when you figure out what they are doing, they change tactics. Here are four trending scams to stay ahead of. Continue Reading Four Trending Scams to Stay Ahead of

Selecting the Right Entity for Your New Business
Episode 334 – Just starting a business? Do you understand the differences between a sole proprietorship, partnership, C corporation, S corporation or LLC? What type is best for you? Continue Reading Selecting the Right Entity for Your New Business

Eight Reasons Why Young People Need Life Insurance
Episode 333 – Do young people need life insurance? Here are eight good reasons why they might. Continue Reading Eight Reasons Why Young People Need Life Insurance

Planning for Retirement
Episode 332 – Most Americans are very concerned with the adequacy of their retirement savings, and whether rising health care costs and inflation will adversely affect their retirement. Many are also concerned with the availability of Social Security. There are many resources and tools available to help you plan. Continue Reading Planning for Retirement

Understanding Opportunity Cost
Episode 331 – Opportunity cost is an often-overlooked factor that has an effect on every financial decision you make. Understanding this concept can have a significant impact on how you approach even the most basic of financial decisions. Continue Reading Understanding Opportunity Cost

New Challenges for a Long Retirement
Episode 330 – The prospect of increased longevity should make all of us smile, but it creates issues that prior generations rarely had to face. Are you ready to deal with the consequences? Continue Reading New Challenges for a Long Retirement

Debunking Common Myths About Retirement
Episode 329 – With retirement planning, as with most financial principles, every situation is different. That said, we all need a few guidelines to see if we are going in the right direction. But these basic ideas evolve over time as demographics, life expectancy, tax laws and available products all change. Here are a few ideas that could use a good debunking. Continue Reading Debunking Common Myths About Retirement

Can I Avoid the Dreaded IRS Audit?
Episode 328 – There are few things that create more fear and loathing than a so-called “exam letter” from the IRS. It means that you’re likely looking at a significant time commitment just to put together the documentation they’re looking for, along with potential new taxes, interest, penalties, and accounting fees. Here are a few things that may end up triggering a tax audit. Continue Reading Can I Avoid the Dreaded IRS Audit?

What Have Billionaires Been Up to Lately?
Episode 327 – Billionaires are considered role models by many and disliked by many others. Although relatively tiny in terms of numbers, they have an enormous influence on our economy. Where are they headed these days? Continue Reading What Have Billionaires Been Up to Lately?

Understanding Social Security Taxation
Episode 326 – There’s been a lot of talk lately about making Social Security income tax-free. This would certainly be a popular move, especially for seniors. But doing so comes at a steep price. Continue Reading Understanding Social Security Taxation

Five Reasons to Purchase Life Insurance for Your Children
Episode 325 – Should you buy a life insurance policy on your newborn or young child? Here are five things to consider. Continue Reading Five Reasons to Purchase Life Insurance for Your Children

Careless Spending Can Erode Income Gains
Episode 324 – If your income goes up over time, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be able to save more. If you’re not careful, “lifestyle creep” can make things worse. Here are a few ideas on how to fight back against lifestyle creep. Continue Reading Careless Spending Can Erode Income Gains

Six Estate Planning Tips from Warren Buffett
Episode 323 – The investment wisdom of Warren Buffett is well known through his annual letter to shareholders. But he has some unique ideas about estate planning as well. Here are six of Buffett’s more important estate planning concepts. Continue Reading Six Estate Planning Tips from Warren Buffett

Are These the Good Old Days? – Revisited
Episode 322 – There’s bad news everywhere you look. Political polarization in the USA, war in the Middle East, and natural disasters all over the place. But what if things are actually better than we realize? Here are some reasons to celebrate. Continue Reading Are These the Good Old Days? – Revisited

Can Money Buy You a Longer Life?
Episode 321 – Can money buy you a longer life? Surprisingly, in some cases it can. Continue Reading Can Money Buy You a Longer Life?

Financial Infidelity is a Real Thing
Episode 320 – Financial infidelity is a real thing. And the problem may be worse than most people realize. Two new surveys provide us with some fascinating details. Continue Reading Financial Infidelity is a Real Thing

What is a Spendthrift Clause, and When Do People Use It?
Episode 319 – Life doesn’t necessarily get easier when you accumulate wealth. There’s always something to worry about, and at some point, if you’re lucky, your worries evolve from accumulating your wealth to protecting it. If you’re worried about future generations destroying the wealth you’ve worked to accumulate, a spendthrift clause could help ease your mind. Continue Reading What is a Spendthrift Clause, and When Do People Use It?

Is Gen Z Falling Behind Already?
Episode 318 – Generation Z, born after 1996, is just getting started with their financial lives. How are they doing so far? Continue Reading Is Gen Z Falling Behind Already?

Five Ways to Help Protect Yourself from Scams in 2025
Episode 317 – Be on the lookout. Internet scams are getting more sophisticated. Here are five ways to help protect yourself. Continue Reading Five Ways to Help Protect Yourself from Scams in 2025