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© Copyright 2026 Mike Morton, CFP®, RLP®, ChFC®
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Are you super busy with your career, kids, and life? Discover ways to get organized and enjoy a wonderful life! We cover smart strategies for personal finance, investing, and how to enjoy your time and money. Breakthrough the complicated financial landscape with easy-to-understand information that you can actually follow. I discuss how to become wealthy: tips and habits to change in your life to achieve financial freedom. I dive into topics such as savings, investing, education planning, insurance, tax planning, and more. If it's related to financial planning and financial success, you can be sure we'll cover it.
I love to discuss listener questions, so please connect and follow me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton
I love to discuss listener questions, so please connect and follow me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton
193 Episodes
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Want a fast, simple way to feel more in control of your finances without budgeting apps or tracking every purchase? In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton explains why tracking your net worth once a year is one of the highest-impact “small effort” money habits you can build. You’ll learn what net worth really means, what to include (and what to skip), why this snapshot creates confidence and motivation, and how it can help you see real progress even when day-to-day money goals feel slow. Worth Knowing: Tracking Wins from the Wall Street JournalFind out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this New Year’s episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and CFP® Mike Morton ditch the pressure to “optimize everything” and focus on five simple moves that can meaningfully improve your financial year. From setting a clear intention for 2026 to checking emergency funds, excess cash, automation, and portfolio alignment, the conversation emphasizes progress over perfection. The result is a practical, low-stress roadmap for starting the year feeling confident, organized, and in control—without adding another burden to your plate.Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison preview The Juggling Act: A Financial Guide for High-Achieving Parents, Mike’s new book due out in 2026. They offer a high-level tour of modern financial planning, from values and organization to taxes, investing, college planning, and career flexibility, designed to help busy parents enjoy life now and later without overwhelm.Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
This week on Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and host Matt Robison dive into end-of-year charitable giving—how to make it reflect your family’s values, how to simplify it with donor-advised funds, and how to unlock powerful tax benefits by donating appreciated stock or using a “bunching” strategy. If you’re thinking about giving more this season (or just want your giving to work harder), this episode is your quick, practical guide.Also mentioned in this episode: The Simple Steps That Can Prevent Dementia (Wall Street Journal)Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
Talking to your parents about money may be the most awkward conversation you ever have—right up there with “the talk” from your teenage years—but avoiding it can cost your family serious time, stress, and money. In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and host Matt Robison break the topic into five practical areas: organizing your parents’ finances, navigating taxes and gifting, planning for cognitive decline and scam protection, deciding what to do with the family home, and rethinking how much investment risk your parents should be taking. Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton tackle the “when later becomes now” moment for parents approaching college costs. They explain how to review and adjust your 529 investments, what a glide path is, when to rebalance, and how to make sure your plan matches your goals. Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this week’s Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton explore whether money can really buy happiness, and what science says about it. From research on income thresholds to practical advice on using wealth to create joy, the duo breaks down how to shift your mindset from accumulating money to investing in meaningful experiences.Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
Found money feels great, until it’s gone. In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison tackle the psychology and strategy of handling unexpected cash. From splitting your windfall wisely to creating “presents in progress” for future goals, they’ll help you turn surprise money into long-term satisfaction (and maybe even a guilt-free splurge).Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
Got an inherited IRA, or think you might someday? On this episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Certified Financial Planner Mike Morton give you the no-nonsense playbook. You’ll learn the nuances of the 10-year rule, how to build a simple distribution plan, and strategies for maximizing your inheritance. Don’t pay more in taxes than is absolutely necessary. Make a plan. Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison unpack the latest tax legislation, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” They cover the most important updates, including permanent tax brackets, a higher SALT cap, charitable giving changes, expanded 529 plan uses, estate tax exemptions, and family tax credits. They also highlight overlooked provisions like car loan interest deductions and tips for small business owners. Find out more about Mike at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison dig into the reality of the midlife “cash squeeze.” From kids’ sports and college to aging parents and the uptick in everyday expenses, money feels tight. They’ll discuss when it’s actually okay to pause retirement contributions, the dangers to watch out for, and how to create a smart, temporary plan that keeps your long-term goals on track.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Certified Financial Planner Mike Morton reveals why the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) is one of the most underutilized workplace benefits, despite offering free money in the form of discounted stock. He and host Matt Robison walk through how ESPPs work, whether to sell or hold, common mistakes to avoid, and why simply signing up can make a big difference.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
This week on Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison dig into how automating your finances can dramatically reduce decision fatigue and increase financial well-being. Savings, investments, bills, donations, and even calendar tasks can all be automated. From "touch it once" productivity tips to smart strategies like using a separate credit card for subscriptions and automating 529 contributions, this episode is a blueprint for building financial systems that work quietly in the background while you focus on living your life.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
Thinking of stepping away from work for a few months—or even a year? You’re not alone. In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison break down the rising trend of sabbaticals and gap years among mid-career professionals.They explore how to financially and emotionally prepare for extended time off, covering everything from sabbatical funds and health care planning to taking advantage of low-income tax strategies like Roth conversions. They also dig into the psychology of identity and burnout, sharing tools like “fear setting” and emphasizing the power of experiences over stuff. Whether you're craving rest, reinvention, or just a break from the grind, this episode offers a practical roadmap to make it happen—no bank heist required.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton explore how parents can raise financially capable kids without micromanaging their every money move. From debit cards and budgeting to writing checks and spending psychology, they share stories, humor, and actionable tips—plus a great reminder that the best lessons often come from letting kids fail safely. Whether your child is 9 or 19, this episode offers a roadmap to building money confidence, one trial run at a time.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton unpack the alluring world of alternative investments. Hedge funds, private equity, non-traded REITs…while these options promise high returns and exclusivity, many of them might be better left to the pros. From flashy marketing to hidden fees and illiquidity traps, Mike breaks it all down in plain English, sharing real-world examples and offering practical advice on when, if ever, these investments make sense for the average investor.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
What do Enron, Lehman Brothers, and GE have in common? They were once Wall Street darlings, until they weren’t. In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Mike Morton and Matt Robison unpack the hidden danger lurking in many portfolios: single-stock concentration. It feels great to ride a stock like Apple or Amazon to new highs, but if more than 10% of your wealth is tied to one company, especially if that company is your employer, you’re playing a risky game. We explore how this happens, why it’s riskier than you think, and what to do about it. From step-down plans and tax-smart strategies to the power (and pitfalls) of Net Unrealized Appreciation, this episode is your crash course in protecting your financial future.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton tackle one of the most dreaded yet essential topics for families: how much college really costs—and how to avoid the full sticker price. With humor, real-life examples, and expert guidance, they break down the myths around the $90,000+ tuition price tags and show how most families actually pay far less. Learn how to leverage merit aid, use net price calculators, strategically spend 529 savings, and shift from panic to a smart college funding strategy. If you're staring down college costs and feeling overwhelmed, this episode is your reality check—and your roadmap.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
In this episode of Five Minute Finance, Matt Robison and Mike Morton tackle the age-old question: how much should you have in bonds? Spoiler: The old rules of thumb, like “your age in bonds” or “the 60/40 portfolio,” might be doing more harm than good. Mike lays out a smarter, more personalized approach using the “bucket strategy,” aligning your investments with short, medium, and long-term spending needs. They also cover why target date funds can be too conservative, and how to protect yourself from sequence of return risk in retirement.Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
When the stock market is anything but calm, it’s tempting to panic, but this week, we explain why you should panic methodically instead. Drawing inspiration from WSJ columnist Jason Zweig, Matt Robison and I explore how to keep your cool when market volatility, political drama, and economic uncertainty are everywhere.Don’t confuse the world’s chaos with your long-term investing plan. Use market downturns to reassess your true risk tolerance. Thoughtful strategies like diversification, rebalancing, and tax-loss harvesting can turn volatility into opportunity. Are you ready to create your ideal lifestyle? Let’s Connect.Learn more about Mike and my services at https://www.mortonfinancialadvice.com and connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwsmorton/
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