Podcast
Smart Tax Talk with John Blanchard
Hosted by John Blanchard · EN
“There are two systems of taxation in our country: one for the informed and one for the uninformed. Both are legal.”
Join John Blanchard of Matthew James Tax & Wealth Management as he speaks about the ever changing tax code, and how to minimize the amount of taxes you’re required to pay. Less money to the IRS = more money for you to do as you see fit.
Reach out to the team at Matthew James Tax & Wealth Management by calling 337-366-8366 or head over to MatthewJames.com.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Hidden Signals That Tell You an Advisor Isn’t Right
1w ago00:28:07Tap to summarizeChoosing a financial advisor can change the trajectory of your money long before the market ever does. In this episode John Blanchard breaks down what actually matters when evaluating an advisor, from compensation structures and hidden fees to red flags like pushy sales tactics and one-size-fits-all strategies. The conversation explores why concentrated financial products, high commissions, and overlooked investment costs can quietly erode long-term outcomes. The discussion also examines how small fees compound over time and why understanding what you’re paying and why matters just as much as performance when planning for retirement, taxes, and major financial transitions. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a complimentary review of your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Beyond the Numbers: The Overlooked Side of Retirement Planning
2w ago00:20:25Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest risk to your retirement isn’t the market, but a lack of clarity? In this episode, John Blanchard breaks down key considerations around retirement planning, from organizing your assets to thinking through tax efficiency and long-term income strategies. He also explores a factor that’s often overlooked—your sense of purpose in retirement—and how it can shape your overall plan. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already there, this conversation highlights practical ways to evaluate your financial picture and make informed decisions about what comes next. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a complimentary review of your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Asset organization and tax-efficient strategies
3w ago00:39:27Tap to summarizeMarket headlines can be unsettling, but what really matters is how they connect to your long-term plans. In this episode, John Blanchard breaks down today’s economic risks and explains how they can impact retirement decisions, taxes, and estate plans. The conversation explores how market downturns influence income planning, why understanding retirement expenses is critical, and how legal documents such as wills and powers of attorney fit into a broader strategy. John also discusses tax considerations, including the role Roth conversions may play, and how investors often think about portfolio management during periods of market volatility. This episode is designed to help listeners better understand the moving parts of retirement and financial planning, ask more informed questions, and feel more prepared when navigating complex financial conversations in an uncertain economic environment. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a complimentary review of your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Filed Your Taxes? Here’s Why the Real Planning Starts Now
4w ago00:26:40Tap to summarizeThink tax season ends in April? Think again.In this episode, John Blanchard unpacks why filing your return is only one step and why ongoing tax planning deserves attention all year long, especially for high earners. Many people assume taxes are “done” once the paperwork is filed, but decisions made throughout the year can influence future tax outcomes. We discuss how proactive planning fits into the bigger financial picture, common misconceptions about income thresholds, and why strategies like Roth conversions require careful timing and coordination. You’ll hear why taxes can quietly shape long‑term financial decisions, and how asking the right questions now may help you stay informed and prepared heading into the next tax season. Whether you’re earning a high income or just want to be more intentional, this conversation encourages a smarter, forward‑looking approach to taxes. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a second opinion on your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →The Retirement Tax Surprise Most People Never See Coming
Apr 1400:27:00Tap to summarizeWhat if the taxes you pay in retirement aren’t as predictable as you think? In this episode, John Blanchard of Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management breaks down common tax and retirement planning concepts that many investors misunderstand. The conversation explores how taxes can impact retirement income, what Roth conversions are designed to do, and why inflation deserves a seat at the retirement planning table. John also shares general insights into estate planning considerations and how forward‑looking tax conversations may help families better understand long‑term financial tradeoffs. This episode is educational in nature and focuses on helping listeners ask better questions about their own financial and tax situations. Whether you’re still working or already retired, this discussion highlights planning topics that are often overlooked—until it’s too late to understand their implications. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a second opinion on your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Building Financial Resilience Without Chasing Headlines
Apr 700:27:47Tap to summarizeMarkets shift, tax rules evolve, and headlines can test even the most confident investors, so how do you think about your personal economy when uncertainty is the norm? In this episode, John Blanchard breaks down practical ways to approach market volatility, assess risk, and think more strategically about taxes and retirement planning. The conversation explores how different investment vehicles function, why understanding your risk profile matters, and how tax awareness fits into long-term decision‑making. Rather than reacting emotionally to market swings, John outlines frameworks for evaluating financial choices with clarity and discipline. This episode is designed to help listeners better understand how the moving parts of income, investments, taxes, and retirement planning connect, so decisions are made with intention, not impulse. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a second opinion on your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Are You Financially Ready for What the Market Doesn’t See Coming?
Mar 3100:39:27Tap to summarizeWhat would a market downturn really mean for your money, your plans, and your family?In this episode, John Blanchard breaks down what financial preparedness looks like in today’s uncertain environment. From elevated market valuations and rising debt to often‑ignored personal financial blind spots, the conversation focuses on understanding risk, not predicting it. John walks through the key building blocks of a sound financial strategy, including emergency savings, income sources, and aligning dollars with future goals. The discussion also highlights a critical but frequently delayed topic: estate planning. Listeners will learn why documents like a will, a health care proxy, and a power of attorney matter at every stage of life, and how misconceptions and procrastination can create complications. This episode is designed to help listeners think more clearly about organization, readiness, and informed decision‑making in an unpredictable financial landscape. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a second opinion on your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Smart Tax Talk w/ John Blanchard
Mar 300:24:31Tap to summarizeMost people think tax planning is about filing forms; this conversation shows why it’s really about timing, structure, and coordination. In this episode of Smart Tax Talk, John Blanchard and Nick Saloom of Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management break down how proactive tax planning fits into a broader financial picture. They explore strategies such as backdoor Roth accounts and pre-tax account conversions, while explaining how these decisions intersect with risk management and estate planning. The discussion highlights why tax choices rarely stand alone and how personalized planning can help navigate changing tax rules. Rather than focusing on isolated tactics, the episode emphasizes a holistic approach that considers how each financial decision impacts the next phase of wealth and long-term planning. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a second opinion on your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Tax Moves, Market Shifts, and the New Retirement Mindset
Sep 3000:30:47Tap to summarizeWhat if retirement isn’t the finish line, but a new beginning? In this episode, John Blanchard unpacks the evolving landscape of retirement planning, diving into strategies that prioritize tax efficiency, smart investing, and personal fulfillment. From relocating to tax-friendly states to making the most of year-end planning, the conversation offers practical insights for navigating financial decisions with confidence. They also explore the rising trend of “unretirement” here, where retirees return to work not out of necessity, but purpose. Whether you're nearing retirement or just starting to plan, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how to shape a future that fits your life. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a second opinion on your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Retirement Isn’t Just About You
Sep 2300:30:00Tap to summarizeWhat if your retirement plan is missing the most overlooked asset—your legacy?In this episode, John Blanchard unpacks the deeper layers of retirement planning, from the strategic role of bonds to preparing the next generation for wealth transfer. He explores how working with financial advisors can help tailor financial plans to individual needs, and why tax efficiency is more than just a buzzword—it’s a cornerstone of smart wealth management. Whether you're nearing retirement or guiding others through it, this conversation offers grounded insights into building a future that’s financially sound and generationally thoughtful. Let's dig deeper into this conversation. Get a second opinion on your current retirement plan or tax strategy by contacting Matthew James Tax and Wealth Management today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →