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.

Concern About Generation Z
Episode 271 – Are young people spending too much money? “Doom spending” has become an increasingly serious concern. Here are some ideas on how to cope with it. Continue Reading Concern About Generation Z

Are You Ready For the 2026 Estate Tax Sunset?
Episode 270 – Most Americans have not paid too much attention to estate taxes, or “death taxes”, as the mass media likes to call it. But moderately or very wealthy people need to . . . now! Continue Reading Are You Ready For the 2026 Estate Tax Sunset?

Not Just A Prenup: How to Protect Your Estate Before You Get Married Again
Episode 269 – The rate of so-called “gray divorce” has doubled since 1990. How do you protect your assets if you decide to get re-married? Sometimes it’s more than just a prenup. Continue Reading Not Just A Prenup: How to Protect Your Estate Before You Get Married Again

How Life Insurance Can Help with a Blended Family
Episode 268 – The recent death of Senator Dianne Feinstein has brought attention to the dilemma faced by blended families. Life insurance can be a great tool to help smooth over some rough patches. Continue Reading How Life Insurance Can Help with a Blended Family

Are These the Good Old Days?
Episode 267 – 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?

Study Indicates that Half of Older Americans May Unretire
Episode 266 – Is early retirement a realistic goal for many people? A new study indicates that half of older Americans are considering either returning to the workforce or staying employed longer than they first planned. Continue Reading Study Indicates that Half of Older Americans May Unretire

Estate Planning and Sibling Rivalry
Episode 265 – Previously dormant sibling rivalries tend to turn up when large sums of money are at stake. What estate planning steps can you take to help minimize the problem? Continue Reading Estate Planning and Sibling Rivalry

Five Important Financial Truths about Millennials Revisited
Episode 264 – It’s hard to believe, but the oldest millennials are already approaching middle age. What makes them different from a financial point of view? Continue Reading Five Important Financial Truths about Millennials Revisited

Problems at the Social Security Administration
Episode 263 – The program 60 Minutes recently took on the problem of overpayments by the Social Security Administration, and raised some interesting points. Continue Reading Problems at the Social Security Administration

The Unique Challenges Faced by the “Sandwich” Generation
Episode 262 – The “Sandwich” Generation, people taking care of both parents and children at the same time, are subject to some unique challenges. Continue Reading The Unique Challenges Faced by the “Sandwich” Generation

Tax Gap Projections and Increased IRS Enforcement
Episode 261 – The IRS will be increasing tax enforcement action on high-income and high-net-worth individuals, and business owners. Prepare now. Continue Reading Tax Gap Projections and Increased IRS Enforcement

Avoiding a Fake Charity
Episode 260 – This being the holiday season, many of us have turned some of our attention to charitable gifts. The IRS has recently published some guidelines to help spot the difference between a real and a fake charity. Continue Reading Avoiding a Fake Charity

IRS Again Delays New Reporting for Gig Workers and Independent Contractors
Episode 259 – The IRS further delays implementation of the rules related to the issuance of Form 1099-Ks to gig workers and independent contractors. Continue Reading IRS Again Delays New Reporting for Gig Workers and Independent Contractors

Disinheriting Adult Children for Their Political Beliefs Revisited
Episode 258 – We’ve all heard stories of Thanksgiving dinners gone terribly wrong. The food is great, the mood is good, and everyone is happy to see each other. But it all goes terribly wrong when politics enters the room. Continue Reading Disinheriting Adult Children for Their Political Beliefs Revisited

What Does Life Insurance Have to Do With Divorce Revisited
Episode 257 – What does life insurance have to do with divorce? Life insurance and divorce intersect in several ways. Continue Reading What Does Life Insurance Have to Do With Divorce Revisited

No Section 165 Loss Deduction for Bitcoin
Episode 256 – Cryptocurrency can be a very volatile asset. If the cryptocurrency falls significantly in value, that loss may not be entitled to a Section 165 loss deduction on the investor’s income tax return. Continue Reading No Section 165 Loss Deduction for Bitcoin

Massachusetts and Other States’ Estate Taxes
Episode 255 – Massachusetts is one of twelve states with a state estate tax. Even though it just raised its state estate tax exemption amount from $1 million to $2 million, you don’t have to be ultra-wealthy to be subject to estate taxes, so plan now. Continue Reading Massachusetts and Other States’ Estate Taxes

Are Millennials Better Prepared for Retirement Than Baby Boomers and Generation X?
Episode 254 – Which generation—baby boomers, gen X or millennials—is better prepared for retirement? The answer may surprise you. Continue Reading Are Millennials Better Prepared for Retirement Than Baby Boomers and Generation X?

Will Future Retirees be Able to Maintain Their Living Standard?
Episode 253 – Two recent reports paint a scary financial picture for many future retirees. But how bad is the situation really? Continue Reading Will Future Retirees be Able to Maintain Their Living Standard?

Are Roth Conversions Right for Everyone?
Episode 252 – We’ve been bombarded by mass media touting the benefits of doing a Roth conversion, but they may not be right for everyone. Continue Reading Are Roth Conversions Right for Everyone?