Dollars & Sense

This week’s episode is one semester in the making! Earlier this year, Marc and Christian were asked to serve as mentors in financial planning class at Marc’s alma mater, Babson College.

And as the semester wrapped up recently, they were presented with the student’s final presentation, which had to do with a real case we saw at Freedman Financial (personal information not included 😊)

Listen along to see what surprised the two from the presentation and some of their takeaways!

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.

DISCL...

In today’s special episode of the show, Marc and Marion are LIVE from Putnam’s Pantry once again for our annual client event. In between enjoying some ice cream and sweets, the duo spends some time breaking down Freedman Financials’ “72 points of contact”, which includes our weekly newsletter, quarterly webinars and much more.

Whether you’re a client of ours or not, this is a great chance to get familiar with what it looks like to do life with Freedman Financial.

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.

DISCLOSUR...

When you think about beneficiaries, you probably picture loved ones—not the IRS. But taxes can quietly claim a big slice of your legacy if you don’t plan ahead. In this episode, Christian uncovers the hidden role Uncle Sam plays in your estate, explain how estate taxes work, and why knowing your net worth matters. We’ll share practical tips for ensuring your money goes where you want it to go, from setting up a revocable trust to implementing a solid estate plan. If you want to protect your wealth and minimize surprises, this episode is your roadmap.

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Throughout the years, we have had clients come to use with this exact situation: “I’m trying to help with my declining parents’ financial stuff. How can you help?”

While this may not be your situation at the moment, almost everyone will at one point have to deal with the accounts, money and consequences of their parent’s financial life.

Join Marion and Christian this week as they dive into this question, shed light on how Freedman Financial works through these conversations and much more.

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.

As you approach retirement, the familiar rhythms of daily life—your work routine, social circles, and personal rituals—may begin to shift. These changes can feel disorienting, but they also open the door to something new: what Marc and Marion call “the encore” or “Act Three.”

In this episode, the duo explores how retirement isn’t just one long stretch of time, but a dynamic phase filled with opportunities for growth, reinvention, and connection. Tune in as they share
insights on how to thoughtfully prepare for this next chapter, embrace new environments, and build a fulfilling life beyond th...

In this week’s episode of the show, Marc is previewing an upcoming trip he’ll make to Orlando where he’ll be speaking to several financial advisors who are looking to grow their business.

But while many of these advisors are successful, they still may be seen by many of their clients as “the investment guy”.

How do they break out of that stigma? Well… it starts by how they service their clients and how they help their clients decide how they want to utilize their money beyond just the spreadsheet!

A full complem...

Our audience has been asking for other voices to join the show for a while now, so we decided to start at the top!

On this VERY SPECIAL episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc is joined by Rich Steinmeier, Chief Executive Officer of LPL Financial. Rich became LPL Financial's CEO in 2024, and before that served as the firm’s Chief Growth Officer.

Listen along as rich details the role he plays day-to-day as CEO, how LPL has changed since he joined, and what LPL’s reputation is within the entire broker-dealer industry

A full comp...

Earlier this week, Marc received a message from a client with the following question:

“Isn’t an overvalued market in a poorly performing economy a sign of a pending recession or worse?”

Hidden inside that question is a LOT of assumptions. In today’s episode, Marc and Marion give an answer to this question, and it may not be what you think.

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.

DISCLOSURES:
During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman...

Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants clarity, control, and peace of mind. In this episode, we break down the essentials: from understanding what each document actually does, to avoiding costly miscommunications between your intentions and legal execution.

We also explore:

Tune in for a practical, jargon-free conversation that helps you make smarter decisions...

When you go into retirement, does it make sense to stay in your home? At our office, we have countless examples of clients who stay in their homes for too long while in retirement… causing headaches in other areas of life.

In today’s episode of the show, Marc and Marion discuss how your home is potentially the greatest wealth that you may have in retirement, so what if you unleashed that equity?

Listen along for the pros and cons of selling your home in retirement or staying put.

A full complement of Doll...

Marc is back this week from an LPL Financial conference in Hawaii and has a lot to talk about! 

After a quick discussion about the differences between the Fortune 500 and S&P 500, Marc and Marion dive into the topic of this week’s episode: What is it that makes you feel “life”?  

What if you could create more moments in your life that make you feel like that?  

Listen to find out exactly what the duo means. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollar...

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 workf...

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...

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 f...

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...

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 D...

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 a...

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 th...

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 co...

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 Fina...

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 cli...

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. 

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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! ...

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 care...

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 comm...

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...

Marion is back for this week’s episode of the show after a much-deserved vacation. During her time off, she noticed the overwhelming number of driverless cars she saw in service in the West Coast… 

As her and Marc ponder whether recent advancements in technology are a “good” thing, it gets them thinking about how everyone has different perspectives on large topics, especially finances.  

But one thing that the Freedman team is consistent on is having liquidity when in retirement. Curious what they mean? Listen to the full episode to find out. 

A full complem...

With Marion out on vacation this week, Marc is tapping in Christian for today’s episode and even let him pick the topic! 

At our office, we often hear a phrase like “I was at work and my colleague told me about this…” 

More often than not, it’s something about the markets, financial advice, or economic panic. But is the water cooler a better place to make financial decisions than with your advisor? We discuss in this special episode of Dollars & Sense. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCL...

“If only I had this much money, then I could retire.” 

At a certain point, money can buy happiness, but it’s typically if you don’t have shelter, food, can’t clothe your children… 

In today’s episode of the show, Marc and Marion discuss how happiness is a fickle marker of success when it comes to your personal finances. Often, it’s comparison that robs people of happiness versus actual financial wellbeing. Tune in to learn more. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollars & Sen...

At Freedman financial, we believe that “hope” should never be your core strategy for your financial plan. “I hope I can get a better job, save more money, my 401k does better than it did last year.” Realistically, what can you do to manifest these hopes? Almost nothing! 

On today’s episode of the show, Marc & Marion discuss the hopes and fears that the stock market has produced this year and that, even with all the noise, things seem to be going along as usual. They discuss the games that people try to play with their financial plan and ho...

It’s impossible to know everything when it comes to personal financial decisions, and that is one of the biggest mistakes we see with some new prospects that want to work with Freedman Financial.  

In today’s information economy, many think that they can know everything about investment performance, retirement strategy and more. The truth is, you can never fully understand everything. 

In today’s episode of the show, Marc & Marion go over one of their favorite adages – “you don’t know what you don’t know”. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found her...

With May college graduations right around the corner, thousands of newly minted graduates will be getting their first professional paychecks soon. 

Among all the “firsts” that come with the jump into the professional workplace, one that many graduates don’t expect is the necessity of understanding their retirement plan options.  

In today’s episode of the show, Marc and Marion dive into the intricacies of the 401(k) plan, including the difference between a Traditional and Roth 401(k), how employer matches work and what investment options you may have. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadc...

This week, Marc & Marion are breaking down “The Retirement Equation”, which is the six different components of your life that help signal your retirement plan. More clearly, it breaks down your financial and retirement planning into two buckets: what you can control versus what you can.  

Listen along as the Freedman Financial team breaks down controllables like spending and savings, while also highlighting the things out of our control like tax policy and what government officials are in office. 

At the end of the day, this week’s episode further highlights the Freedman Financial ethos – long term f...

We rarely get calls when things are going well… but when things aren’t doing so hot in the markets – that’s when we hear from more of our clients than normal.  

With the recent announcement of tariffs and the economic response to it, Marc & Marion are going back to core principles in today’s episode of the show.  

The duo discuss how the current economic events compare to past experiences the firm has had in it’s lifespan, most specifically the 2008 financial crisis. They then explain the lessons learned from that experience two decades ago and how it’s...

With April being Financial Literacy Month, Marc and Christian are dedicating this week’s episode to one of the things people can struggle the most to understand about their financial situation – taxes! 

It doesn’t matter if you make $1 million dollars or $6 dollars an hour, there’s one thing all of us have to do: pay taxes. 

The problem is that taxes and how to manage your tax situation is totally misunderstood among the general population. 

Listen along as Marc and Christan discuss common misconceptions about your own taxes, what to know when it comes to...

How much experience do you have with what to do when someone close to you dies? For most people, the death of a spouse or significant other may be the first or ONLY time in their life that they have to deal with it directly and financially. 

In today’s episode of the podcast, Marc and Marion go through some of the most common advice they give when it comes to handling the death of a spouse or loved one. They discuss the importance of beneficiaries, how beneficiaries override what’s in a will, life insurance and more...

“Will my Social Security run out tomorrow?” NO! 

Amidst all the market and economic news of the past few weeks, the topic of Social Security has slowly but surely carved out a space in the discourse. With panic among those who are relying on Social Security, we decided to dedicate this week’s episode to the topic. 

There is going to be changes to Social Security. How will it impact those that are collecting Social Security now or those who will soon collect? 

Listen along for all that, and more! 

A full compl...

With the downturn in the markets dominating the news cycle, Marc & Marion are dedicating today’s episode of Dollars & Sense to a market overview and how you should be approaching what’s going on.  

The main thing to remember: no matter how many times people say “this time it’s different”, it’s probably not!  

Listen along as the duo go through the year-to-date performance of the “magnificent 7”, what’s going on with the bond market and how international stocks are responding to everything.  

Doom and gloom may sell, but it’s not the approach that you’ll g...

Is there such thing as a money rule that applies to almost everyone? Marc may have found it... in fact he found eight! 

In this week’s episode of the show, Marc & Marion look into the “8 Non-Negotiable Money Rules” that can apply to anyone’s financial situation. Whether it’s 1925 or 2025, these rules seem to stand the test of time.  

Listen along as they give anecdotes from their own lives on how they apply these rules and how it has helped them with clients.  

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DIS...

You may have seen the claim that the Social Security trust fund will run out in 2030s.... Is that a possibility? 

In today’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc and Marion dive right into the tricky topic of Social Security, including what it is for, how it started, and how people in certain age brackets should think about it.  

And they even dive into the question of what reform to the Social Security program could look like if it ever happens. 

Listen along for this can’t-miss episode. <...

It’s not uncommon for people to claim that their financial plan is to “beat the market”. But what does that mean? And does it align with the goals that we have for our clients at Freedman Financial? 

On this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc and Marion discuss the difference in investing for the long term versus a strategy of day-to-day (or even year-to-year) growth.  

Listen along as the two discuss this and much more – including Marc’s BIG update to his driving routine. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

Is $1 million the right amount to retire? What about $2 million? 

Maybe we’re asking the wrong question... In today’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc and Marion discuss the most important question when it comes to your lifestyle in retirement.  

And no, it’s not “what is your number.” Listen along as the duo dispel some retirement myths and talk about some of their conversations with clients on this topic. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Fi...

In this special Valentine’s edition of Dollars & Sense, Marc is on location from…. home? He’s joined by his wife Laura as they discuss several topics on this “couples and money” themed episode.  

As the parent’s of five children, Marc and Laura dive into some of the key financial lessons they tried to instill in their kids as they grew up, plus some of the differences in the way they think about money and how their children do.  

Listen along for some personal anecdotes from the Freedman family and to get an answer to the question…...

Late the other night, Marc received a message from a client with the subject line “I’m Worried”. With everything that happened in January – from wildfires in California, to a presidential inauguration, executive orders, confirmation hearings and more – there sure has been a lot to dominate the news cycle.  

On this week’s episode, Marc & Marion are here to calm the waters a bit with some rational perspectives. Listen along as Marc documents how he keeps track of the news in order to act in client’s best interest, a reflection on the doom and fear that was felt in 2020...

Based on JP Morgan’s Guide to the Markets for 2025, the Russell 1000 Growth Index saw 50% of its growth last year come from just FIVE individual stocks. You can probably guess the stocks that made up the quintet, but should this information affect your investment strategy? 

Marc and Marion dive into that, plus other interesting numbers from 2024 – including the international markets, bond markets and more – in this week’s episode to help you get a better understanding of the financial landscape as we get deeper into the new year. 

A full complement of Dollars...

Marc is back for this week's episode of Dollars & Sense, and he's guiding the ship solo as Marion is out on vacation. Marc kicks things off with some reflection on his time off for a family vacation and then dives into the topic of today's episode - the importance of knowing your insurance details in case of disaster.  

With the recent devastation in California from the wildfires, insurance needs are at the top of everyone's minds. Listen to this week's episode for some tips on what to look for within your policies. 

A f...

With Marc on vacation this week, Marion is joined by Christian to discuss a very interesting topic - client's best and worst investments! Listen along as Christian and Marion give insight into the two most common "best investments" that clients tell them about, plus the one that is most commonly thought of as a "worst" investment. Do you agree with their choices? 

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 d...

You’ve all heard of the phrase “keeping up with the joneses” and may have even been subject to its influence. But as you start thinking about retirement, it becomes very personal to YOU. 

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc & Marion discuss the constant issue of moving the goalposts when it comes to financial and retirement planning. They also discuss the problem of retirees not knowing how to spend their money once they reach retirement. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:   Duration: 00:15:20

Will the stock market at the end of next year be up or down compared to where it was at the end of 2024? Will U.S. investments outperform international investments? 

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc & Marion ring in the new year with a predictions special! Watch and listen along as they go through several different questions the market faces in 2025 and what they think may happen. Want to play along at home? Grab a pen and sheet of paper!  

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here.  Duration: 00:20:04

It’s that time of year again. As the ball drops in a few nights, we’re bound to see gyms flooded with newcomers and little space to move in the organic food aisle at the supermarket. That’s right – it's New Years Resolutions season.

In this week’s edition of Dollars & Sense, Marc & Marion discuss the topic of resolutions and how big changes in your life can start with financial decisions. Listen along and you’ll even hear Marc tell us his one resolution for 2025! 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

D...

With the holidays hitting next week, it's time for some last-minute shopping! Marc & Marion have an important message in this week's episode - it's OK to spend some money! Listen along as they discuss one of the biggest traps people fall into when financial planning - not spending ANY of their money. There's a time to save and a time to spend, and in this episode they break down why December is normally a good time to open up your wallet. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
Dur...

As we roll into December, Marc and Christian have end of year planning on their mind in today’s episode of Dollars & Sense. Listen along as the two discuss the impact of capital gains distributions for 2024 taxes, plus a discussion into the generational divide when it comes to savings.  

Christian provides insight into his discussions with Freedman’s younger clients and how they approach retirement savings versus those who are closer to actual retirement.  

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Ma...

With Thanksgiving now in the rearview mirror, Marc & Marion are onto the rest of the holiday season and discussing the big topic of spending. With so many people paying for convenience these days, it becomes vital to recognize what you are willing to spend money on and what you won’t spend money on. 

Listen along as Marc & Marion work through the equilibrium of saving and spending with their clients in order to create the financial present and future that they desire. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

 <...

How often does your financial advisor communicate with you? 

In today’s special episode of Dollars & Sense on-site at Putnam Pantry, Marc and Marion discuss what they call the “72 points of communication” at Freedman Financial. Since 2009, the firm has committed to communicating frequently with clients through a weekly newsletter, webinars, events and much more. 

Listen along to hear the philosophy behind this and why client communication is a core pillar of the Freedman Financial business.  

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollars & Sense with Freedman F...

What is the difference between working with Freedman Financial versus one of the national investment management companies? 

In today’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc and Marion go over the holistic view that Freedman Financial takes with each one of its clients. Instead of just focusing on investment management for a specific fee, they look at every aspect of their client’s financial plan, helping craft unique portfolios and relationships for each person and family they serve. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollars & Sense with Freedm...

What is it that you need to understand as you begin to think about planning your retirement? 

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc returns and is joined by Marion as they walk through the modern day retirement equation, which is defined by: what you can control, what you can’t control and what is somewhat in your control. Listen along as they break down all three of these and how they could impact your own financial journey. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Doll...

“It takes a lifetime to build wealth, and you can lose it all in a second.” 

What threats could take your financial planning from success to a fear over where the next paycheck is going to come from? In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marion and Christian discuss the gigantic topic of insurance. What are your insurance needs and what insurance do you currently have?  

Listen along as they go deep into auto, home and many more insurance types and situations. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DI...

Can you believe we are already near the end of 2024? With two months left in the year, it’s right about now that people start thinking about year-end charitable contributions. 

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marion and Christian discuss the several tax benefits available from year-end charitable contributions, plus other rules, regulations and strategies for end of year giving. They also explain how you may work for an employee who is willing to match your charitable contribution! 

Listen along for that, and much more, as you begin to plan for the end of 202...

What are the slices of the financial planning “pie”? 

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc and Marion go through the other aspects of financial planning that you should have in place in order to create a comfortable lifestyle throughout an expected retirement. Listen along as they discuss the several roles that a financial advisor can play in their client's lives. 

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...

“The long term is only a collection of short-term time frames.” How does one stay involved in the short term while also maintaining a long-term vision? 

That, and much more, is the topic for Marc and Marion in this week’s edition of Dollars & Sense. Listen along as they discuss the several complexities of financial planning as you approach retirement age and how the Freedman emphasis on simplicity and longevity is used to aid their clients.  

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Finan...

Do you know what your net worth is? Even if you do... do you know where it ranks amongst U.S. households? 

In today’s episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Marion discuss how the topic of net worth can often cause confusion with clients, whether it’s determining what theirs is or how it compares nationally and regionally. Tune in also for a discussion around the Freedman Financial philosophy of building something with our clients that is deeper than just the “investment of the day”. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

“Complexity makes you sound intelligent, but simplicity makes you money” 

In this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Marion discuss one of the core components of the Freedman Financial philosophy, simplicity. They discuss the overabundance of financial advice and strategy out in the marketplace and how it distracts most investors from what their actual goals may be.  

Listen for Marc and Marion’s anecdotal stories of how a emphasis on simplicity has helped them serve clients well throughout their careers.  

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCL...

Some topics are harder to talk about than others. For example, what happens when someone gets ill, needs additional care, gets close to passing away or even passes away unexpectedly? 

While not fun to think about, these are financial realities that many of our clients have faced over the years. 

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc and Christian discuss what proper estate planning can entail for individuals and families, different types of power of attorney, plus the importance of knowing how your different accounts are registered and how your estate plan works when...

Did you know that many people leave their old 401(k)s or life insurance policies with outdated beneficiaries, only to have their assets go to someone they no longer intended?  

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc and Christian are diving into the critical importance of keeping your beneficiary designations up to date. They share real-life stories of how these oversights can cause unintended consequences and how you can ensure your financial legacy is passed on exactly as you wish.  

Don’t miss it—this could save your family from future confusion and heartache...

As summer comes to a close and fall peaks its head out, many may be looking to make a change in this new season. For some, that means exploring their retirement options. But retirement isn't just a quick decision, especially if your employer presents you with several retirement options.  

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Marion walk through the three major pension options that most employees have to decide between during their careers (if they apply). They also discuss the differences between how a pension works in retirement versus a traditional retirement account. 

A...

School is back in session, but is your kid ready for a crash course in financial adulting? 

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Marion dive into the realities of back-to-school season and what it means for parents and their children. As your children head back to class and college, it's an ideal time to think about how we teach the next generation about money. 

Tune in as we discuss the importance of instilling financial responsibility early on and share insights on how parents can guide their children toward becoming financially independent adults. Jo...

In this episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Marion are back in the office to share valuable planning pointers addressing common financial and investment issues clients are currently facing. This week, they explore real-life scenarios that extend beyond simply choosing the right or wrong investments. 

Tune in to discover how you can ensure your financial legacy is passed on smoothly and avoid common pitfalls that could create challenges for your loved ones. 

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Mar...

Join us for another special edition of Dollars & Sense, broadcasted right from the floor of the LPL Focus Conference in San Diego, California! 

Marc and Christian recap their break-out session entitled, Financial Planning: The Secret to a 99%, 20-Year Client Retention where they revealed the strategies behind their remarkable 99% client retention rate over the past 20 years. They dive deep into the financial planning process that has kept clients loyal and engaged, from the first phone call to the initial consultation. Discover how Freedman Financial builds lasting relationships and delivers financial planning that truly resonates. 

Tune in to...

Join us for a special live edition of Dollars and Sense as we broadcast straight from the LPL Financial Focus Conference in San Diego, CA! 

Marc and Marion dive into the latest financial insights, sharing key takeaways from several of the dynamic speakers at the conference. 

In this episode, we explore the potential impacts of the Federal Reserve’s anticipated interest rate cuts and what they could mean for your investments. From the short-term market jitters to long-term opportunities, we break it all down in a language you can understand. Tune in for the latest stra...

In our latest episode, we dive into a provocative question: Is your behavior more critical to your investing success than your intelligence?  

Join us as we discuss why not sweating the small stuff and focusing on your investing behavior can lead to better financial outcomes. We explore the importance of maintaining discipline, sticking to your investment strategy, and avoiding emotional decisions that can derail your long-term financial goals. 

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense as Marc and Marion give practical tips and to help you manage your investment behavior regardless of th...

Ever wondered how political shocks and economic trends really impact your investments? In our latest episode, we dive deep into insights from our recent quarterly townhall meeting, where we simplify complex financial topics in a language you can understand. 

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense as Marc and Marion dive into key economic trends, stock market updates, and other crucial current issues shaping the financial landscape.  

A full complement of Dollars & Sense broadcasts found here. 

DISCLOSURES:  
During Dollars & Sense with Freedman Financial, your host, Marc Freedman...

What if someone sued you tomorrow? Are you prepared? 

While serving on jury duty, our director of financial planning, Christan Karcher realized how unexpected legal liabilities can profoundly impact both individuals and institutions. This sparked a broader conversation about the importance of having robust contingency plans in place, not just for professional liabilities but also for personal risks like accidents or lawsuits. 

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked realm of contingency planning in financial management. 

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars...

You’re in for a treat this week as Marion Gilman and Christian Karcher team up to provide you financial advice in a language you can understand during this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but back-to-school supplies are filling the shelves and summer is almost over! For those of you who have children, it may be time to start thinking about private school or college tuition. It’s no secret that the cost of tuition continues to climb, making it as important as ever to begin planning fo...

Have you ever questioned financial “facts” you’ve heard or seen over the years?  

Today, we dive deep into the misconceptions that often cloud financial decision-making. Whether you're preparing for retirement, navigating investments, or safeguarding your family's financial future, understanding these myths are essential.  

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense as Marc and Marion unravel these misconceptions, providing clarity and empowering you with knowledge to make informed financial choices. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your financial literacy and take control of your financial journey.  

A full complement of Dollars & S...

Have you ever had your retirement plans unexpectedly disrupted? 

A common concern among many of our clients is the unforeseen events that can derail retirement dreams. Whether it's a sudden layoff after years of dedicated service or health challenges that force an early exit from the workforce, these disruptions can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. 

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense as Marc and Marion discuss real-life scenarios and how working with certified financial planners can provide peace of mind and ensure you're prepared for any twist life may throw your...

Got cash sitting in your bank?

In our latest podcast episode, we’re diving deep into the crucial topic of maximizing your cash with higher interest rates and smarter financial strategies.

Whether you’re exploring high-yield interest accounts, money market funds, or other attractive options, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons, helping you make informed decisions about your financial future.

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense as Marc and Christian discuss practical tips to consolidate and optimize your cash holdings, ensuring your savings are working harder f...

Curious about bonds in your portfolio? With the stock market seeing ups and downs recently, many people are asking why bonds are still important. 

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the role of bonds, how they contribute to a balanced investment strategy, and why they might be crucial for your financial goals. We'll also explore the role of bonds as an income contributor and their importance in providing comfort and stability, especially as you approach retirement age.  

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense as Marc and Marion lead an in...

Ready for Summer? In this week's episode, we dive into the joys of summer travel and its ties to economic health. As we approach the warmer months, travel plans are on the rise, reflecting how people feel about the economy.  

Whether you're planning a big trip or curious about how modern retirees manage their wealth, Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense as Marc and Marion share insights on balancing travel, savings, and financial freedom. Don't miss this episode for a fresh perspective on enjoying your golden years with confidence and excitement!  

A fu...

If you’re looking for financial advice in a language you can understand, then you don’t want to miss out on our weekly Dollars & Sense video podcast. This week, we are talking about how you can stay on track in your retirement planning, no matter what life brings your way!

Many clients come to us 10 or even 5 years before they plan to retire, and we set out a comprehensive plan. But what happens when life throws a curveball? Whether it's an unexpected illness, a layoff, or the joyous arrival of grandchildren, your retirement plan must adapt to lif...

This week, we dive into a hot topic that's been buzzing in the financial world. A client on the brink of retirement shared an article by financial guru Suze Orman, who boldly claimed that $2 million is no longer sufficient for a successful early retirement. This controversial statement has sparked fear and debate among many.

In this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Marion break down why such a figure might not be one-size-fits-all and discuss the critical factors you should consider for your retirement planning, beyond just the numbers.

Tune in to th...

Ever feel like you need to keep tweaking your portfolio to stay on track?

In this week’s episode, we’re talking about why that might not be necessary. We believe in helping our clients build portfolios that last, guiding them toward their financial goals over time. No need for constant adjustments or finding that one magic investment.

In this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Marion chat about the dangers of trying to time the market, and why jumping in and out can do more harm than good. Plus, they’ll share wh...

What do you think are the most common causes of a derailed financial plan? You might be surprised by what you find.

In this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Christian dive into the crucial topic of how financial plans can go off course. It's easy to believe that external factors like the economy, political events, or market fluctuations are the biggest threats to a solid financial strategy. But what if the true risks are actually within our control?

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense as Marc and Chri...

When you consider what it means to be rich, is it just about the size of your bank account, or is it something deeper?

In this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc and Marion delve into the complex and nuanced answers to this question, highlighting that wealth is much more than just a number on a paycheck. They explore how personal values, lifestyle choices, and even basic needs play a role in shaping one's definition of wealth. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with money and success while emphasizing that the co...

Graduation season is upon us, and for many college seniors, it’s the beginning of a new chapter. As they approach this significant milestone, have you discussed with your children their plans after they graduate?

In this week’s episode of Dollars and Sense, Marc recounts his recent visit to Merrimack College, where he spoke with a group of soon-to-be graduates. The conversation that unfolded was both insightful and surprising, shedding light on the concerns these young adults have as they transition into the workforce.

Tune in to this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense as Mar...

If you’re looking for financial advice in a language you can understand, then you don’t want to miss out on our weekly Dollars & Sense video podcast. We are blown away that April is wrapping up and we’re heading into May. Time seems to be flying by faster and faster each year, doesn’t it?

When you’re younger and in college, you feel as if you have all the time in the world. But you’ll blink and be in your 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s wondering where did all that time go? If we still have ti...

Marc and Marion are back in action for this week’s Dollars & Sense video podcast. It’s been a jam packed few weeks –everyone hopefully filed their taxes, school was out this past week for Spring Break, the Boston Marathon was on Monday, the Red Sox lost another game, and we’ve enjoyed some really nice spring weather!

Tax season has finally wrapped up. Our team received a lot of calls with a similar tax question this year… *drum roll*….

“Why did I owe so much?!”

Who’s to blame for the hi...

Join us for this week’s Dollars & Sense video podcast as our Director of Financial Planning, Christian Karcher, joins Executive Vice President and Partner, Marion Gilman, to kick off Financial Literacy Month!

In this episode, we'll dive into essential tips and strategies to help you take control of your finances and work towards building a secure financial future. Whether you're looking to save more, invest wisely, or simply improve your financial knowledge, this podcast is packed with valuable insights to empower you on your financial journey.

Tune in to this week’s epis...

Join us for this week’s Dollars & Sense video podcast as our Director of Financial Planning, Christian Karcher, joins Executive Vice President and Partner, Marion Gilman, to kick off Financial Literacy Month!

In this episode, we'll dive into essential tips and strategies to help you take control of your finances and work towards building a secure financial future. Whether you're looking to save more, invest wisely, or simply improve your financial knowledge, this podcast is packed with valuable insights to empower you on your financial journey.

Tune in to this week’s epis...

It’s no secret that retirement and expectations surrounding it have changed a lot over the years. Marion’s grandfather was one of the first to pay into social security when it came about during his working years. At the time, you could start collecting at the retirement age of 65 with the expectation that you wouldn’t live much longer since that was the life expectancy back then. It’s crazy to think how much things have changed over the last 90 years. Nowadays, people are still expecting to retire at age 65…but is that realistic?

Tune in to...

If you’re looking for financial advice in a language you can understand, then Dollars & Sense is the perfect podcast for you.

It’s always interesting to us how many folks think that a financial advisor primarily talks about how best to invest your money. We’re here to bust that myth because that’s not really what we do at Freedman Financial. Now don’t get us wrong, we do invest money, and might we add, we pay close attention to what we invest that money in. However, that is not the main focus of our conv...

Konnichiwa and welcome to a brand-new episode of Dollars & Sense with your hosts Marc Freedman and Marion Gilman. Marion and her family just returned from Japan where she immersed herself in their culture, architecture, art, cuisine, and everything in between.   

For many, retirement signifies the time to break free from the 9-5 routine and dive into a world of endless possibilities. Why not celebrate this newfound freedom by embarking on some new adventures? Traveling becomes the ultimate highlight of retirement, offering a chance to explore new horizons and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. So, what mak...

You’re in for a special treat this week as Christian Karcher joins our host Marc Freedman on our latest edition of Dollars & Sense.

We all know tax season is quickly approaching, but do you know what else April is known for? If you said National Humor Month, you’re not wrong, and if you know us, you know we love a good joke at Freedman Financial. More importantly, April is known for Financial Literacy Month. We have some exciting things planned for April as we aim the spotlight on Financial Literacy and spend time empow...

We’re back for another exciting edition of Dollars & Sense. When we hear about real life stories in the office, newspaper, or on television, we try to make sense of those stories and headlines by providing financial advice in a language you can understand. And by now it’s no surprise that a lot of the headline news is sensational, so we try to bring it back down to earth and give you our two cents.

One important piece of advice we want to share with you is not to be lured into impressing other peopl...

Thanks for joining us for another edition of Dollars & Sense. We don’t know about you, but this week our phone has been ringing off the hook! Everyone wants to know where their 1099R form is. But not everyone will get one; like those who did not take any money out of their IRA. But wait, there’s more… if you have a personal account, an individual account, a joint account, a brokerage account, a trust account, all other types of accounts that aren’t considered retirement accounts, you may not get them by January 31st each year. These investme...

Welcome back to a special edition of Dollars & Sense with your hosts Marc and Marion. We’re excited to launch our first video podcast just for you! We’ve spent some dollars to hopefully make some sense out of this podcast 😉. We hope you’ll continue to follow us as we provide you with financial advice in a language you can understand.

As the years have changed, the rules around financial planning and investing, along with the way we think about our financial future, has changed too. There’s a lot of impressions we have that come fr...

Welcome back to another episode of Dollars & Sense with your hosts Marc and Marion. We’re recording in our newly transformed studio today and getting ready to launch the podcast you already know and love in video format!

As our clients face retirement, they often think about how they’re going to spend their money, how they can provide support for their children, and what they can do to truly enjoy their golden years. Pay close attention, we’re about to reveal a secret that will resonate with you deeply. The memories and experiences that you cre...

Welcome back to another episode of Dollars & Sense with your hosts Marc and Marion.

There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding the 2 pm Fed Meeting today (1/31/24) and whether they’re going to lower interest rates. Our guess as well as most analysts out there, is that they will not be lowering interest rates – at least for now. However, word on the street suggests there could be up to four rate cuts this year. That’s important because essentially the 10-year Treasury Bond is priced off those rates. So, why is that important? If you weren’t a...

Thanks for joining Marc and Marion for this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense. FASFA applications are being filled out and college acceptance letters are coming in. If you have a student graduating from high school this year who has plans of furthering their education, whether a trade school, college, or university, they are eligible to apply for our Freedman Financial Annual Scholarship. We offer $2,000 to the applicant who best answers a 500-word essay, “What Does Financial Responsibility Mean to You?” and who excels with their academic and extracurricular activities. You can put the money towards books, a new laptop...

We’re three weeks into January and there’s a lot to unpack! The frigid winter temps are here, we’re pumped that the Boston Celtics are in first place, and we’re in the beginnings of the political primaries. Everyone has a right and obligation to vote, please make sure you exercise your freedom to do so and encourage your eligible children to vote as well.

In this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense, Marc and Marion raise the question as to why the younger generations are having more difficulty living within their means. Has the gra...

Marion and Christian are together again to host this week’s episode of Dollars & Sense. Everyone’s getting settled into the new year and is excited for new beginnings, a “fresh start”, healthier eating, and getting into shape. The start of the new year also means it’s Girl Scout Cookie season. The temptation is real - don’t fight it, treat yourself to these delicious cookies and support your local Girl Scouts!  

This week we picked out an important topic for our listeners, understanding beneficiary IRA rules. We’re going to break down the ever-changing rules surrounding ben...