Podcast
Money Matters by Allworth Financial
Hosted by Allworth Financial · EN
For 30 years, Money Matters hosts Scott Hanson and Pat McClain have answered thousands of questions from callers just like you. This is the perfect podcast for high-net-worth investors with questions like:
-Should I do Roth conversions?
-Are there tax strategies I should be using?
-Do I have the proper estate plan?
-Is my portfolio allocation diverse enough?
-Will I retire on time?
Take Money Matters with you each week. Download the show wherever you get your podcasts.
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Roth Conversion & Direct Indexing Strategies
Mar 1400:42:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat break down smart Roth conversion strategies for retirees who want to reduce lifetime taxes, manage future RMDs, and avoid costly bracket mistakes. A caller with $4+ million asks how much to convert each year — and whether moving IRA withdrawals into a brokerage account makes sense as part of a long-term Roth conversion plan. They also discuss direct indexing, including how it works, whether low-cost providers are safe, and when direct indexing makes sense compared to backdoor Roth contributions. Plus, a real client case study highlights asset location, ETF overconcentration, muni bond mistakes, and how coordinated Roth conversion and tax planning can potentially add six figures over time. What You’ll Learn: -How to structure a Roth conversion tax-efficiently -When direct indexing makes sense — and when it doesn’t -Why asset location matters more than most investors realize -How to reduce future RMD and IRMAA surprises -The hidden risks inside “diversified” ETF portfolios Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →Smart Tax Diversification & Roth Conversions
Mar 700:51:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat unpack why tax diversification is one of the most overlooked strategies in retirement planning. From a 70-year-old investor with $3.6 million mostly in traditional IRAs to a 55-year-old looking to retire early and start Roth conversions, they explore how tax diversification can help reduce lifetime taxes and create flexibility in retirement income. You’ll hear discussions about: -When Roth conversions make sense — and which tax bracket to target -How much cash and bond exposure you really need before retiring -The realities of the 4% rule -401(k) vs. brokerage — and where bonds and equities should actually live -How diversification protects your lifestyle, not just your portfolio Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →Roth vs. 401(k), HSA Withdrawal Strategy & Pension Rollover Advice for $2M–$10M Portfolios
Feb 2800:54:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat walk through smart decisions around Roth vs. pre-tax savings, pension lump sums, and when it actually makes sense to use your HSA. They help a high-earning family think through life insurance gaps and special needs planning, guide a soon-to-be retiree through a $1 million pension decision, and revisit a multi-million-dollar couple debating whether to spend or preserve a large HSA. From tax diversification to retirement income strategy to how certain accounts are treated at death, this episode shows the difference between surface-level investing and true financial planning for $2M+ portfolios. Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →Big Financial Decisions: Pensions, Tax Strategy and Leaving Money to Heirs
Feb 2100:53:41Tap to summarizeTaxes can quietly shape some of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — from choosing how to take a pension to deciding how to leave money to your heirs. On this week’s Money Matters, Scott and Pat take calls from listeners working through those exact issues. One caller is weighing a pension lump sum against monthly payments, and the tax consequences of that decision become central to the conversation. The guys also discuss how asset location affects tax efficiency, why different accounts are taxed differently, and how thoughtful planning can help reduce unnecessary taxes over time. They even explore ways to structure inheritances that protect beneficiaries while keeping taxes in mind. Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →A Common Tax Mistake Wealthy Investors Overlook
Feb 1400:50:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat take calls from high-net-worth listeners who uncover the same wealthy tax mistake, despite very different financial situations. From retirees with most of their money in IRAs to investors weighing Roth conversions and income strategies, the conversations show how easy it is to pay more in taxes than expected. They explain how this wealthy tax mistake often comes from tax-deferred concentration, why paying taxes from retirement accounts can shrink cash flow, and how poor timing can quietly turn into a long-term wealthy tax mistake. If you’ve built significant assets and want to protect your income and flexibility, this episode offers clear, practical insight. Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →When Roth Conversions Make Sense—and When They Don’t (Plus IRMAA Traps to Avoid)
Feb 700:44:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat answer listener questions and explain when Roth conversions make sense, when they don’t, and how taxes, IRMAA Medicare surcharges, and market volatility can change retirement outcomes. They discuss strategic gifting to adult children, helping fund Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and HSAs without killing motivation, and walk through a real call from a retired teacher debating whether converting his accounts is worth it. Along the way, Scott and Pat break down the math behind Roth conversions, explain how pensions and Social Security affect the results, and why paying conversion taxes from retirement accounts can wipe out the benefits. If you’re retired or nearing retirement and considering Roth conversions, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to avoid costly mistakes. Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →401(k) Roth Rule Change + Balancing Pensions and Roth IRAs
Jan 3100:48:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat break down a big shift for higher earners: the new 401(k) Roth rule that changes how catch-up contributions work. If you’re over 50 and earning a solid income, this could seriously affect your retirement plan. They also cover smarter tax strategies and take listener calls. A recent retiree wonders if buying a rental property makes sense. Then, Scott and Pat help a man from Virginia with a textbook example of how to balance pensions, Roth IRAs, and tax diversification as retirement nears. Whether you're saving, converting, or rethinking your retirement goals, this episode brings clarity, strategy, and a dose of straight talk. Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →Roth Conversions, Annuities, and Smart Tax Moves for Million-Dollar Portfolios
Jan 2400:55:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Money Matters, Scott and Pat talk to two millionaires at different financial stages — one caller with $8 million asking about Roth conversions and tax strategy, and another navigating retirement planning with a $1.4 million portfolio. Scott and Pat break down how Roth conversions can optimize long-term savings, where annuities fit into today’s market, and how both investors are managing wealth amid rising volatility. If you're exploring Roth conversions or simply looking to protect and grow your nest egg, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Join Money Matters: Get your most pressing financial questions answered by Allworth's co-founders Scott Hanson and Pat McClain. Call 833-99-WORTH. Or ask a question by clicking here. You can also be on the air by emailing Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →Vetting your financial advisor
Jun 5, 2021Tap to summarizeOn this week’s Money Matters, Scott and Pat discuss how clients can research their financial advisor’s background and why it’s so important. Scott and Pat advise a fiscally conservative retiree, with $1.4 million in savings and 8 percent in equities, about his long-term investments. A caller asks how she should invest the money in her Health Savings Account. An employee for the State of California asks how she should collect her pension. Finally, a man who “accidentally retired” at age 45 asks if he can live comfortably with $2.4 million in savings. Ask a question by clicking here, or email Scott and Pat at questions@moneymatters.com. Download and rate our podcast here.
Transcribe →