Podcast
Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor (and Lawyer!)
Hosted by Michael Garry & Madison DeMora · EN
For most of us, financial planning and investing are intimidating and overwhelming subjects. There are so many elements to consider and so much information from a seemingly endless sea of voices. What if you could cut through the confusion to finally feel confident and in control of your finances? It’s time to get smart about money. In this podcast, you will hear Mike and Maddie have honest conversations about financial concepts and situations you might be facing right now, rules and best practices for you to follow, and how to make sense of the financial media - what you really need to know. You will also hear local Yardley and Bucks County businesspeople talk about their businesses, their successes, and their challenges.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 75 Keeping the Bank of Mom and Dad Open
3w ago00:10:47Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailGraduation is often seen as a finish line, but financially, it’s really a turning point. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison explore what happens when college tuition payments end and a significant amount of cash flow is suddenly freed up. Without a plan, that money can quickly disappear into lifestyle spending or ongoing support for adult children—something more families are doing than ever before, often at the expense of their own retirement.Madison and Mike discuss why this moment is an opportunity for families to reset, have honest conversations about financial independence, and make intentional decisions about what comes next. They also highlight key strategies to consider, from boosting retirement savings and exploring Roth conversions to rebuilding emergency reserves and updating estate plans.If graduation is on the horizon in your family, this episode offers a clear perspective on how to turn this milestone into a smart financial step forward.
Transcribe →Ep. 74 Rethinking Your Portfolio: Why Age Alone Shouldn’t Drive Your Investment Strategy
Apr 2300:12:53Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAre you still using rules like “100 minus your age” to guide your investments? In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison unpack a Wall Street Journal article featuring a Yale professor’s new approach to portfolio allocation.Instead of focusing on age alone, this framework considers your full financial picture—income, savings, future earnings, and risk tolerance. Mike shares his real-world perspective on where the theory works—and where it falls short—while emphasizing a key takeaway: consistent saving and smart financial habits matter more than finding the “perfect” portfolio. Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/yale-james-choi-portfolio-formula-stocks-02a96afb?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfLF9La9AExUaN-x4mxSMxF7m76U9Y2Tu51DTcADTpRaEV8VSB5QBRt&gaa_ts=69a061a6&gaa_sig=k9FDgPDrCLOohCmUFMbPwGB1ubeUiCNgEMuEUoZICbbZ4DtPFQ9Y_ox2EUtnbogu6LLn7-_17k1hn2rNEE5pwQ%3D%3D
Transcribe →Ep. 73 How Do You Teach Teens and Young Adults to Make Confident Money Decisions Before the Stakes Are High? With Maureen Donahue
Apr 900:18:56Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison are joined by financial advisor Maureen Donahue to tackle a challenge many families face: how to teach teens and young adults to make smart money decisions before the stakes are high.Through real client stories and practical strategies, they explore why financial lessons stick best when kids experience real-world consequences—not just lectures. From setting spending limits and creating annual budgets to introducing investing through tools like Roth IRAs, Mike and Maureen share how parents can gradually shift from decision-makers to coaches.They also dive into key moments like the transition to college, the risks of easy access to digital money, and the importance of modeling good financial behavior at home.If you want to raise financially confident, independent kids—and avoid costly lessons later—this episode offers actionable insights to help you start early and build habits that last a lifetime.
Transcribe →Ep. 72 Why Your Credit Score Doesn’t Always Make Sense (And What to Do About It)
Mar 2600:17:32Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison break down the often confusing world of credit scores—why they can drop even when you’re making smart financial moves, and why they matter more than most people realize. Drawing on a Wall Street Journal article and Mike’s real-life mortgage experience, they explain how credit scores measure risk, not success.They explore why credit can feel invisible until it suddenly becomes critical, especially for young adults, and simplify what actually impacts your score—from payment history and credit utilization to credit history length. They also clear up common misconceptions, like whether you need to carry a balance, and share practical tips for building and maintaining strong credit.If you’ve ever been frustrated by credit score changes or unsure how to manage them, this episode offers clear, honest guidance to help you navigate the system with confidence.Link to WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/credit/credit-score-young-adults-220d3893?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfxwxhkg7P_L3Z0pkJbRTiE6qOm4QKVuICVY2JphL9vem-cW0aGqAGe&gaa_ts=69bab92c&gaa_sig=BTFm7egNUML3wC976Oh1zkURkuc9B-ddoE-EJZ1GWAHU71rDwz9XUx_lUQ2xjEU2se48BSZy5S3lAQbjDmD1cw%3D%3D
Transcribe →Ep. 71 Three Important Numbers for Women’s Financial Futures
Mar 1200:11:35Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Not Just Numbers: Honest Conversations with a Financial Advisor and Lawyer, Mike and Madison discuss three key numbers shaping the financial future of women: 45, 5, and 59.Women are projected to control 45% of investable assets by 2030, live about five years longer than men, and often face major financial transitions such as widowhood earlier than many expect. Mike and Madison explore what these trends mean for investment strategy, retirement planning, and estate preparation, and why having a clear, coordinated financial plan is more important than ever.Sources1. USA Facts, March 21, 2025https://usafacts.org/articles/do-women-live-longer-than-men-in-the-us/2. The Guardian, December 11, 2024https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/11/americans-living-with-diseases-health-study3. McKinsey & Company, May 8, 2025https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-new-face-of-wealth-the-rise-of-the-female-investor4. Diversified Trust, October 13, 2025https://diversifiedtrust.com/blog/women-and-wealth-transfer/5. Pew Research Center, April 13, 2023https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/04/13/in-a-growing-share-of-u-s-marriages-husbands-and-wives-earn-about-the-same/6. Center for American Progress, May 9, 2025https://www.americanprogress.org/article/breadwinning-women-are-a-lifeline-for-their-families-and-the-economy/7. Gitnux, February 13, 2026https://gitnux.org/widowhood-statistics/8. Resto NYC, October 12, 2023https://www.restonyc.com/how-long-is-the-average-woman-a-widow/
Transcribe →Ep. 70 Can a 100% S&P 500 Portfolio Survive Retirement?
Feb 2600:13:41Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMany investors assume that owning the S&P 500 means they’re fully diversified. But in today’s market, that may not be true.In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison discuss growing concentration in the U.S. stock market and why broad index funds may carry more risk than investors realize. With a small group of mega-cap companies driving a large portion of returns, portfolios that appear diversified on the surface can be heavily concentrated underneath.The conversation explores market history, including the 50% declines of the 2000s, the danger of sequence of returns risk in retirement, and why averages can be misleading when withdrawals are involved. Index funds remain powerful tools, but they aren’t a complete portfolio on their own. True diversification means preparing for different market environments — not just relying on what has worked recently.NYT article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/30/business/stock-market-concentration-risk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.IVA.Ja1X.8WJsghdHvvIL&smid=nytcore-ios-share
Transcribe →Ep. 69 From Tax Prep to Tax Strategy: How to Make Taxes Work for You All Year
Feb 1200:22:24Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailTaxes are often treated as a once-a-year obligation, but they play a much bigger role in your overall financial life. In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison explore the difference between tax preparation and tax strategy—and why planning ahead can make a meaningful impact over time.They discuss how a year-round, coordinated approach to taxes can help shape future outcomes, covering topics like income timing, retirement plan contributions, Roth decisions, charitable giving, tax-loss harvesting, and estate planning. Along the way, they highlight recent rule changes and explain why working proactively with your financial and tax professionals can help reduce surprises and better align taxes with your long-term goals. Obviously, this episode is for general educational purposes only and is not tax or legal advice. Please speak to your professional for specific tax or legal advice.
Transcribe →Ep. 68 2025 in Review and What to Know Heading Into 2026
Jan 2900:08:55Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAs we head into 2026, what lessons can we take from a year of major change?In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison break down the biggest developments of 2025 and what they mean for planning ahead. The discussion focuses on the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), including permanent tax law changes, higher standard deductions, new benefits for seniors, expanded SALT caps, and important incentives for business owners.Mike also explains the major increase in federal estate and gift tax exemptions and why this may be a unique window for advanced estate planning. The episode wraps up with a look at market performance, economic trends, and key factors to watch in 2026—highlighting why proactive, coordinated planning is more important than ever.
Transcribe →Ep. 67 From Tax Strategy to Industry Shifts: The Real Work (and World) of Financial Planning
Jan 1500:18:18Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailMost people think financial advice is something you do once — get a plan, make a few changes, and move on. In reality, that mindset can cost you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.In this episode, Mike and Madison unpack why ongoing financial planning matters far more than people realize. They dive into the hidden tax mistakes even smart retirees make, how withdrawal and Social Security decisions can quietly drive lifetime taxes higher, and why tax planning is a year-by-year strategy — not a one-time fix.The conversation then shifts to the financial planning industry itself, including the rise of private equity, the decline of true independence, and what Bob Veres calls “the great stall.” Mike shares firsthand insight into why so many advisors sell, what actually happens after a firm is acquired, and why Yardley Wealth Management chose internal succession over private equity.If you’ve ever wondered what real financial planning looks like — or what’s happening behind the scenes in the advisory world — this episode is for you.
Transcribe →Ep. 66 Market Gurus, Bold Predictions, and the Truth About Timing the Market
Dec 1800:07:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison sit down to unpack the world of stock market pundits, the personalities who make sweeping predictions that often grab headlines but rarely stand the test of time. From Jospeh Granville’s market-moving calls to Michael Burry’s dramatic warnings, Madison and Mike explore why bold voices attract so much attention, why even the most famous forecasters struggle to repeat their “big win,” and how relying on these predictions can lead investors astray. Mike breaks down the psychology behind overconfident gurus, the dangers of reacting emotionally to extreme forecasts, and why long-term fundamentals consistently outperform dramatic market timing attempts. Whether you’ve ever wondered if you should “sell everything” after a scary headline, or why influencers with millions of views aren’t necessarily credible, this episode offers a grounded, insightful look at what really matters for building lasting wealth: discipline, diversification, and sticking to a plan.Link to Wall Street Journal Article: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-tariff-deadline-08-07-2025/card/predicting-market-crashes-for-fun-and-profit-uKs2Dee6njQx9hbj5PkM?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAjXc9QSZVwwBdxh1CJb3maJSeTBH7An4Abo-iMs55L_zD8wGvP7j23j&gaa_ts=68a33fcb&gaa_sig=bkwa-pgMaml3j7i_yFSL8GixDTX_8IAdnfvX4iT8m_P-NyMqsQKZNaBOoSvRu3YE-z7Bu54Q1bvgG4pRAsGZ8w%3D%3D
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