Welcome to this week’s Dollars & Sense episode with Joel Garris! Are you wondering if you should rent or buy in today’s crazy market? Or how AI is really reshaping the economy—and maybe even your job? In this video, Joel breaks down the biggest financial trends of the moment and gives you the tools to make smarter money moves. 

First up, Joel uncovers why corporate earnings are smashing expectations and how Amazon’s massive AI push could change the workforce as we know it. Is the AI hype the next tech bubble? Find out what you should be watching out for in your investment portfolio today! 

Then, we jump into the “Rent vs. Buy” debate. With homeownership at historic lows for young people and investing on the rise, Joel explains the pros and cons, the real numbers, and the emotional side of these decisions. Are you better off staying a renter and investing the difference, or does owning your home still build the most wealth? Tune in for the surprising truths—and what most people are getting wrong. 

Want actionable tips, expert insights, and honest answers to your biggest money questions? Watch now and get ahead of the curve! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Dollars & Sense! 

Rent or Buy? The pros and cons of homeownership. Plus, Is the AI hype the next tech bubble?

In this episode of The Mindset Advantage with Jeffrey Wendel, Jeffrey explores how to create a retirement that’s not just financially secure—but deeply meaningful, healthy, and purpose-driven. Drawing from his book Grand Slam Retirement: A Winning Strategy for a Winning Lifestyle, Jeffrey reframes retirement as your grand slam moment—the culmination of everything you’ve built in your career, relationships, and personal growth. 

Through practical stories and real-life examples, Jeffrey introduces the Five Pillars of Grand Slam Retirement:
 1️⃣ Financial Security
 2️⃣ Healthcare and Legal Preparedness
 3️⃣ Physical Health and Fitness
 4️⃣ Purpose and Passion
 5️⃣ Relationships and Community

You’ll also take part in an interactive vision exercise to imagine your ideal retirement lifestyle and learn how to make that vision a reality. Whether you’re just starting your career or approaching retirement, this episode helps you prepare for a life filled with freedom, fulfillment, and lasting impact.

🌐 Learn more about Jeffrey’s coaching programs and leadership seminars at:
 jeffreywendel.com
 jeffreywendel.net
 jeffreywendel.org

Grand Slam Retirement: A Winning Strategy for a Winning Lifestyle

On this edition of the Wealth Guardians Radio Show, Doug Ray and Brice Payne review five signs that you're in better financial shape than you thought.

Investment advisory services offered through Alphastar Capital Management, LLC, a SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC, nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Fixed insurance products are offered through The Wealth Guardians, and Alphastar Capital Management is not involved in the offer, recommendation, sale or management of commission-based fixed Insurance products. Alphastar Capital Management and The Wealth Guardians are separate and independent entities. This is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, investment product or investment strategy.

November 15, 2025 - 5 Signs You're In Better Financial Shape Than You Thought

In this episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris and Kristin Castello, listeners get a front-row seat to a lively discussion on the latest government updates, major tax changes taking effect in 2025, and the crucial steps needed to prevent costly mistakes with retirement account beneficiaries. 

The show kicks off with the recent end of the government shutdown, playful banter about holiday travel and food benefits, and a spotlight on the team's annual food and toy drive. Joel and Kristin then break down the most impactful tax changes for the coming year, including a new $6,000 senior deduction, temporary exemptions for tips and overtime, expanded SALT deductions, and a car loan interest write-off. Clear income limits and practical advice make these updates easy to understand, and the hosts share candid insights about who benefits most and how to maximize your savings. 

The episode’s second half zeroes in on retirement planning, focusing on how simple beneficiary mistakes can have dramatic financial consequences. Through real-life stories and actionable solutions, Joel and Kristin guide listeners through the top pitfalls—like neglecting beneficiary forms, naming estates instead of people, skipping contingent beneficiaries, and forgetting spousal waivers on 401(k)s. They emphasize the importance of regularly reviewing forms, keeping financial information organized, and preparing loved ones for the unexpected. 

Listeners walk away with a checklist of practical tips: review beneficiary forms, never name your estate, list both primary and contingent heirs, complete new paperwork when transferring accounts, and keep spouses and trusts properly documented. The hosts round out the episode with heartfelt marital and financial advice—reminding couples to share knowledge, stay organized, and plan ahead for peace of mind. 

Latest Tax Deductions and Vital Estate Planning Tips to Prevent Beneficiary Mistakes

On this episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, get ready for a power-packed financial guide as Joel unpacks the must-do year-end financial checklist, reveals the surprising habits of the “millionaire next door,” and exposes the pitfalls of incomplete estate plans. 

Joel kicks off with a timely reminder: as the holiday season races by, you have just weeks to make smart financial moves before the new year. He walks you through seven crucial year-end tasks, including maximizing retirement contributions, using up your FSA, making charitable donations, and reviewing your health benefits—each step designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your money. 

Next, the show dives into one of the biggest gaps in personal finance: estate planning. Joel shares stories from his practice, highlighting how most estate plans are never fully implemented—leaving families vulnerable. He explains why simply signing documents isn’t enough, and outlines easy-to-follow steps (like titling assets correctly and regular reviews) so your legacy plan actually works for your loved ones. 

But that’s not all! Joel also explores the “stealthy wealthy”—those quiet millionaires who build real, lasting wealth by shunning status symbols, driving practical cars, maximizing tax efficiency, budgeting diligently, and keeping their finances private. Want to know what they do differently? Joel breaks down the seven key habits that set them apart, with actionable tips you can use right now. 

Whether you’re looking to finish the year strong, set up your family for success, or adopt the habits of the quietly wealthy, this episode delivers practical insights and real-life inspiration. Click to listen and learn how to avoid the traps, make smarter money moves, and secure your financial future! 

Is Your Estate Plan Complete? Plus, 7 Habits of the Stealthy Wealthy—Unlock Year-End Financial Success!

On this edition of the Wealth Guardians Radio Show, Garrett Ray and Brice Payne discuss the eight warning signs you may have missed when choosing your financial advisor. 

November 22, 2025 - 8 Warning Signs You May Have Picked the Wrong Financial Advisor

How can it be bad for my heart, if I'm in love with it?

079 Is it Ever Irresponsible to Pay Off Debt?

On this edition of the Wealth Guardians Radio Show, Garrett Ray and Brice Payne discuss how fuzzy math could be sabotaging your financial future.

November 29, 2025 - Is Fuzzy Math Sabotaging Your Financial Future?

Getting Started in Points and Miles | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast 

In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula breaks down the art of using credit card points, miles, and casino loyalty programs to save money on travel and travel in style.
Justin shares how he went from discovering poker to focusing on credit card rewards, stacking offers, and traveling at next to no cost. 

Joined by Frank and Trey from the Poker Dealer School of Philadelphia, Justin explains the fundamentals of miles and points, how to safely manage many credit cards, and how poker, points, and miles rely on math, discipline, and strategy.

You’ll learn how to:
Maximize credit card rewards without going into debt

Combine casino comps with points and miles for huge value

Use apps and tools to track offers and organize your cards

Think about expected value like a poker player when making financial decisions

If you’re a poker player, casino regular, or just someone who wants to travel more for less, this episode is for you.

Timestamps
 00:00 Introduction
 00:45 Interview with Frank and Trey from Poker Dealer School
 01:39 Justin’s Journey into Miles and Points
 02:47 Scaling Up Credit Card Rewards
 03:51 Starting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast
 06:17 Credit Card Strategies and Tips
 17:16 Favorite Trips and Experiences
 19:30 Combining Credit Card Perks with Casino Comps
 24:32 Learning Poker and Credit Card Fundamentals
 25:08 Useful Apps for Credit Card Management
 25:53 Exploring Credit Card Rewards and Offers
 27:02 Podcast Break and Sponsor Message
 27:54 JetBlue 25 for 25 Challenge
 32:41 Coaching and Educating on Credit Cards
 36:05 Philosophy and Credit Card Strategies
 38:30 Navigating Credit Card Rules and Benefits
 43:52 Final Thoughts and Advice

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🎙️ 📢 Listen to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast:

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📡 Prefer using your favorite app? Simply copy & paste my podcast RSS feed:
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💜 Support My Work & Unlock Special Perks:

👉 Support me through helpful referral links on my site: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

👉 Use my CardPointers affiliate link to save on annual and lifetime memberships → https://www.cardpointers.com/hurdygurdytravel

CardPointers helps you activate card-linked offers and take advantage of other powerful credit card features.

👉 Become a Frequent Traveler University member and sign up for events.
https://ftuniversity.com/?aff=24

👉 Earn 500 miles when signing up for Rove Miles using my referral link:
www.rovemiles.com/?signup&referralCode=8AS1JSG9

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🎁 Subscriber & Supporter Perks Include:

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🌐 Stay Connected With Me:

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📸 Follow on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justinvacula/

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✨ Thank You for Listening & Supporting the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast!
Stay tuned for more tips, strategies, and stories to help you optimize your travel, rewards, and lifestyle. 🚀🌍💳

Getting Started in Miles and Points with Frank and Trey

Dan shares his thoughts on GOOGL, Mark Zuckerberg, the supposed AI bubble, the 2008 housing market collapse, and then, for some reason, agriculture. Come for the Um's, but stay for the Uh's!

080 GOOGL & AI Bubble Fears

Jeffrey L. Wendel, CEO of Wendel Retirement Planning and author of Grand Slam Retirement: A Winning Strategy for a Winning Lifestyle.

Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris of Nelson Financial Planning is Central Florida's longest-running radio program. Joel is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, a Certified Financial Fiduciary and a former corporate attorney who changes lives through successful planning.

Visit www.NelsonFinancialPlanning.com or call 407-629-6477 to schedule a free one on one conversation.

Offering securities through Nelson Ivest Brokerage Services, Inc, Member FINRA, MSRB & SIPC. Please note that these broadcasts are intended for general informational purposes only as individual situations may vary. The views expressed are those of the speaker and are subject to change at any time. Statements made should not be relied upon as a recommendation or solicitation. When discussed, past performance is no guarantee or indication of future results.

The Wealth Guardians Radio Show focuses on all things retirement planning and is hosted by Doug Ray, Brice Payne, and Garrett Ray. The show airs each Saturday morning at 9:30 on Greensboro, NC’s 94.5 WPTI FM and Winston Salem, NC's 96.7 WTOB FM/1470 AM.

Disclaimer: “Investment Advisory Services offered through Alphastar Capital Management, LLC a SEC registered Investment Advisor. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Alphastar Capital Management, LLC and Wealth Guardians are independent entities. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Insurance products and services offered through individually licensed and appointed agent in various jurisdictions.”

Travel the world at next to no cost with credit card rewards!

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