Dollars & Sense

When many of our clients reach retirement age, they are still thinking about metrics like their credit score and how that will impact their retired life.  But as we kept hearing that, we thought a new metric would not only make more sense, but actually help our clients out on a more practical level.   In this week’s episode, Marion & Christian introduce us to the “Retiree Financial Health Score” and go through how they have come to think about it.  Whether you’re retired now or still have a few decades to go in the workforce, this episode should prove useful.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 796505    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

Have you bought a powerball ticket?  Why does everyone want to buy a powerball ticket when it gets to a $1 billion jackpot?  In today’s episode of the show, Marc and Marion are discussing how even when you come into a large sum of money, whether it’s millions or billions, most people don’t want to change their lifestyle that much.  And they also raise the question of “enough”. How much is that for you? For some people it’s double of what they have, but for most people it’s just a little bit more.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 794658   Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

While the summer is typically a quiet season at our office, that hasn’t been the case this year.   Clients have been consistently stating that it’s been a tough year for the stock market. But is that true?  In today’s episode of the show, Marc and Marion dig into the realization that most of what you’re reading in the news and seeing on TV is for entertainment FIRST, versus giving you a dose of reality as to what is going on.   So how does that inform our financial decisions? Take a listen to find out!  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 790326    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

We are still FOCUSed on what we learned from LPL Financial’s national conference earlier in the month.   While we already tackled the question of “what if you could” in regards to retirement, Marc and Marion take a step back this week to look at the big picture?  What if you could find a financial firm that is your financial planner and not just your “investment guy”?  That’s the big question that our team has been diving into with clients in the last few weeks. Make sure you tune in to learn more.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 787099    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

Marion and Christian are back from sunny San Diego after attending LPL Financial’s national “Focus” conference this week.   And they come into this week’s episode of the show with one question – “What if you could?”  While this is the new slogan currently being used by LPL Financial, it is also the perfect question to ask our clients to help them work towards their future goals. What if they could travel to that destination they’ve always dreamed of, what if they could get that vacation home, what if they could… etc.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 784430    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

In the middle of the year, it feels like everyone is traveling! And for both of staff and our clients, we see plenty of international travel during this time of the year.  But one thing we’ve noticed when it comes to international travel is how many people are unaware of some of the things they need to account for when leaving the country.  In this week’s episode, Marc and Marion break down two of the biggest things you should think about prior to traveling internationally, along with some funny anecdotes of experiences they’ve had across the world.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 782091   Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

The topic of tariffs has dominated most of the news cycle in 2025, but how much do you really know about them? Beyond what you see in the news, the average U.S. consumer is relatively in the dark on how tariffs work and how they may affect them.  This week, Marc and Marion are tackling the huge topic and trying to break down the idea of reciprocal tariffs, how they work, what they can mean for end consumers and much more.  Ready to get up to date on one of the biggest financial stories of the year? You won’t want to miss this episode of the show.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 777904    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

One of the biggest things that we find clients and prospects alike get confused on is the difference between a will and Power of Attorney.   We’ve found that for most people, they think the will is the most powerful document they can have in case they find themselves one day incapacitated. But that’s not correct.   In fact, it’s actually the Power of Attorney. In this episode, find out why Marc and Marion think the Power of Attorney is more important than any other document when it comes to your financial situation.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 774907    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

In this week’s episode of the show, Marc and Marion are dissecting an inquiry they recently received from a client. It basically goes like this – even with interest rates getting lower, what is in it for me?  That question has been asked by several of our clients over the years, whether they are discussing the low interest rate they already have on their mortgage or whether they don’t have a mortgage at all anymore!  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 772965    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

The One Big Beautiful Bill. Have you heard of it? After weeks of hot topic discussion on TV networks and newspapers, the divisive bill has been signed into law by President Trump.  But regardless of your opinions on the bill, we thought it would be helpful to highlight the key things included in the 900+ page document that is important to our clients. Most specifically - the verbiage and benefits around Social Security.   Tune in as Marc and Marion move through the noise and get into the meat and potatoes of how this bill affects their clients.   A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 769365    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

As we hit the halfway point of the year, it’s time for some reflection and forecasting. Join Marion and Christian as they go through some of the biggest stories that hit the financial markets so far in 2025, including the announcement of tariffs, the fast decline and recovery of the stock market and much more.  But that’s not all. The two then shift gears and look ahead to what might be coming for the remainder of the year. Find out what the Freedman Financial staff has been paying close attention to for the back half of 2025.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 764314   Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

If you’ve ready your local or national newspaper lately, you likely have seen a story or two about someone falling victim to a major financial scam. While you may read it and think “that could never be more”, it may be more likely than you think!  On this episode of the show, Christian and Marion are walking through several of the scams they have seen either through the experience of our clients or from news stories.   Want to make sure you are not falling prey to financial scams? This might be your call to tune in!  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 762347    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

As we approach the halfway point of 2025, it’s hard not to look back at the headlines that dominated so much of the first six months of the year and see if they are still relevant.   With that in mind, Marc & Marion are spending much of today’s episode of the show discussing “confirmation bias”, or the tendency to favor information that already aligns with one’s preexisting beliefs. This is very true in the political realm, but what about in your financial decisions?  With that in mind, the duo also touch on the importance of being careful where you are getting information from online, especially with the advancements in technology that excel at deceiving you.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 758063    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

With Marc traveling this week, Marion and Christian are driving the ship for this week’s episode.   As we officially enter the summer season next week, most of our “snowbird” clients are heading back to Massachusetts after spending the winter months down south.   But that brings up a big question that most of our clients have – how do you handle changing your residence once in retirement, especially if you own two homes in two different states?  Listen along as Christian and Marion discuss differences in state income tax, insurance differences, and some of the most common ways that clients claim domicile in somewhere like Florida during retirement.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 755518    Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean 

Join Marc and Marion for this special edition of Dollars & Sense recorded at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina! The duo spent the last week there for the annual LPL Leadership Conference and have ALOT to share about what they learned.     More specifically, they dive into how when it comes to financial decisions, not everyone looks at things the same exact way. Want to know more? Listen to the full episode now.  A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.    DISCLOSURES:   During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman, may discuss specific financial planning and investment ideas. These discussions are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations.  Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a Member of FINRA and SIPC. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner professional, qualified attorney, or tax advisor prior to investing to determine what is appropriate for you.    Tracking #: 752859   Dollars & Sense podcast now streaming on:  Spotify  iHeartRadio  Apple Podcasts, previously known as iTunes  Google Podcasts  TuneIn + Alexa  Pandora  PodBean