Ever wonder why your Roth “feels” slower than your 401(k)? You're nearing retirement and want to be mortgage free. But is that the smart money play? You want to buy or lease your next car? Should it be new or used? These are our most popular questions when host Andy Keeler opens the Keeler and Nadler mailbag! And he has reinforcements for this one: Abby Rose, CPA, CFP, Mark Beaver, CFP, and Jake Martin, CFP. The whole gang is here to tackle real‑world money questions listeners and clients ask us every week.

We start by separating account labels from investment results, showing how contributions and scale distort what you see in your balances. From there, we map out a simple way to decide between pre‑tax and Roth 401(k) contributions using your current and expected tax brackets. College planning gets a much‑needed demystification: FAFSA has three deadlines and filing early matters for grants and institutional aid. It is faster than ever thanks to IRS upgrades too.

Then we put numbers and behavior side by side for the mortgage payoff question. With low rates, the spread between your debt cost and a reasonable portfolio return can compound in your favor—if you can stick to the plan. We also look at gold with a cold, sobering eye: those marketing commercials are loud right now, but inflation protection is inconsistent, and volatility is high. We also discuss long‑term health care as standalone policies have grown pricey.

Let's also talk about a car for you and college savings for junior. 529 plans deliver tax‑free growth and the potential to roll unused funds to a Roth IRA for your child. And on the road, lease vs buy comes down to cash flow, mileage, high-tech, and your tolerance for surprise (!) repairs.

If this helped you make a smarter money move, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more people can find these practical, problem-solving conversations by Keeler and Nadler Family Wealth.

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.

It is only intended to provide education about finance, tax, retirement and related planning topics. To determine which investments or strategies may be appropriate for you, consult your financial, tax or legal advisor prior to implementing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results.

Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.

Keeler & Nadler Family Wealth is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Keeler & Nadler Family Wealth and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Keeler & Nadler Family Wealth unless a client service agreement is in place.