Shows
Couchside ConversationsMaximizing Your Credit Card PointsCredit card points are a fun bonus, but as Wealth Advisor Patrice Bening and guest expert Greg Eisenman reveal in this session from Morton Wealth’s 2025 Investor Symposium, they can be much more than that. Greg shares how credit card points are his most powerful tool for funding travel, amplifying everyday spending, and freeing up cash for bigger financial goals. If you want to know how he saved over $24,000 on a trip to Europe using points, don’t miss this episode.Tune in if you're interested in…* The smartest ways to earn, redeem, and not...
2025-11-2120 minCouchside ConversationsRedefining Work-Life Balance: Presence is KeyShould we strive for a work-life balance... or work-life presence?In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Kevin Rex and Stacey McKinnon explore the difference between the two and how to set healthy boundaries with colleagues and loved ones.Tune in if you’re interested in…• Why “presence” is a healthier, more realistic goal than balance• How to set expectations that reduce guilt and stress• The truth about working from home and what people really want: flexibility• Simple habits to feel more grounded in work, family, and life
2025-10-3120 min
THE FINANCIAL COMMUTEThe Secret to Financial Success: PartnershipIn this episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, Client Relationship Specialist Kristin Dillon and host Chris Galeski discuss how partnership and accountability are often the missing links in financial success. Our goal with our flat-fee financial planning offering, Modearn®, is to make quality coaching more accessible for Gen Xers and Millennials throughout their wealth-building journey. Tune in if you’re interested in…• Learning how Modearn® makes financial planning more approachable• Understanding how personalized financial advice and partnerships can create peace in your life• Finding balance between saving, spending, and investing intentionally• Accessing expert guidance without traditi...
2025-10-2815 minCouchside ConversationsHow Your Money History Impacts Your DecisionsThe way you handle money doesn’t just come down to income and expenses. Your mindset, which can be dictated by everything from childhood experiences to modern-day pressures, may be the most important determinant in your financial life. Financial Planning Advisors Brittany Yudkowsky and Ian Rennick are here to break down the psychology of money and how you can become more proactive about shaping a mindset conducive to true wealth. Tune in if you’re interested in…• Understanding how your upbringing influences financial habits• Shifting from scarcity thinking to long-term growth• Finding balance betwee...
2025-10-1419 minCouchside ConversationsEconomic Signals We Can't Ignore and What to Do About ThemOne of the most common client questions our advisors have been receiving is, “What should I do if we go into a recession?”While no one can predict the next downturn, CEO Jeff Sarti and Modearn® Advisor Beau Wirick break down practical steps to help you feel more confident no matter what the economy throws your way. Tune in if you’re interested in…• Knowing how a recession might impact you, depending on your life stage• Learning the “three-bucket” approach to financial security• Building a resilient investment strategy that prioritizes income• Stress-testing your re...
2025-09-2529 minCouchside ConversationsMoney & Marriage: Finding Alignment with Your PartnerDid you know that approximately one in three Americans feels uncomfortable talking about finances with their partner? Although it’s a sensitive topic, money is a critical part of relationships that needs to be discussed with intention. In this episode, Modearn® Advisors Stacey McKinnon and Michael Grosslight explore how money stories and habits shape the way couples approach financial decisions. They share real-life examples, tips, and strategies for creating healthier money conversations at home.Tune in if you’re interested in…Tips for creating a safe space to talk about money (and when a “...
2025-09-1217 minCouchside ConversationsCreative Investments Beyond Stocks and BondsThere are more ways to invest than just in the traditional stocks and bonds market. Sometimes, thinking outside the box can unlock untapped potential for investors and offer ways to diversify one's portfolio and protect against volatility. Modearn™ advisors Kevin Rex and CEO Jeff Sarti discuss creative investments that offer opportunities for growth through emerging or niche markets.Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:- Lowercase "c" creative investments like Bitcoin are now mainstream, while uppercase "C" creative investments are still niche and less crowded.- Real estate can be creative depending on...
2025-09-0520 minCouchside ConversationsThe Financial Side of Parenthood: IVF, Birth and BeyondWhat is the true cost of parenthood? While many people dream of expanding their family, it is important that aspiring parents fully understand the price tag on things like giving birth, childcare, education, adoption and IVF. Modearn™ advisors Beau Wirick and Stacey McKinnon discuss family planning, how personal this process is, and the importance of being aware of these costs.Here are some key takeaways from their conversation: - The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is approximately $325,000, or $1,500 per month, accounting for necessities like housing, healthcare, food, and transportation. Depending on...
2025-09-0421 minCouchside ConversationsMoney Questions I'm Too Embarrassed to AskMoney can get personal. It’s intertwined with complex emotions, relationships, lifestyle decisions and mindsets. Therefore, it can be normal for many people to avoid asking vulnerable questions about money and talking about these potentially sensitive issues with each other. That’s why Modearn™ Advisors Patrice Bening and Stacey McKinnon are here to discuss money questions we’re too embarrassed to ask, and their answers, in a safe environment.*Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:*1:09 *How do I manage the dynamics of career and family?* Work-life balance should be viewed as a synergy w...
2025-09-0431 minCouchside ConversationsEstate & Tax Laws Might Change Next Year: What You Should KnowEstate and tax laws are set to expire in 2025, which may usher in new changes. Modearn™ Advisor Stacey McKinnon, Estate and Tax Attorney Brian Standing and Managing Partner of Ascend Advisors Scott Gilmore take the stage at Morton Wealth's 2024 Investor Symposium to discuss how to prepare for these potential modifications. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:- The tax law that was put in place in 2017(Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) could revert by the end of 2025. - If the estate tax exemption reverts from the doubled limit (currently $13.6 million) to its previous level...
2025-09-0437 minCouchside ConversationsHow Your Money Mindset Impacts Your GoalsHow does our relationship with money shape our financial goals? How does the way we perceive wealth and success impact our sense of worth? Is it possible to reverse unhealthy money habits and thought patterns? In this episode live from Morton Wealth’s 2024 Investor Symposium, Modearn™ Advisors Patrice Bening, Jenn Caruso and Brittany Yudkowsky explore the complex emotions that make up your “money mindset,” and the power your attitude toward money has on your future.Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:- According to studies by Cambridge University, money habits and thought patterns are typi...
2025-09-0436 minCouchside ConversationsSmart Spending Strategies: Life, Family, Career & InvestmentsDo you spend too much? Too little? Just right? Answering this question is more complicated than it might sound. In this session, Morton advisors will help attendees bucket their spending into areas that are most meaningful to them and their lifestyles. For example, how much spending should go toward your memory bank vs. bank account? There are dozens of spending decisions we make on a daily basis, and by having a clear plan, investors will be much more likely to feel empowered to enjoy their wealth.Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:...
2025-09-0449 minCouchside ConversationsBuying a Second Property: Smart Investment or Risky Move?Did you know that two-thirds of high-net-worth Americans who work with a financial advisor own a second home? The one-third who don't already may be considering it... but, there are some crucial questions to ask before anyone should start scrolling through Zillow. What are the pros and cons of owning a second property? What are the nuances of renting or keeping it solely for personal use, and what would make it a worthwhile investment? How about owning with your family members? Modearn™ Advisors Stacey McKinnon and Thao Truong are here to explore the complexities, risks, and benefits of calling mo...
2025-09-0424 minCouchside Conversations3 Biggest Money Mistakes I Wish I AvoidedMaking decisions around your finances can be overwhelming, with countless ways to make mistakes along the way. But what are the most common and costly money errors you should avoid?In this episode, Modearn™ advisors Patrice Bening and Beau Wirick open up about their personal experiences and reveal the three biggest financial missteps they wish they'd never made—so you can learn from their past and steer clear of these pitfalls yourself.Here are some key takeaways:- Not having a spending strategy: It's easy to spend unintentionally when you don't have a plan...
2025-09-0423 minCouchside ConversationsRemodeling Realities: The True Cost of Home UpgradesWhile it can be fun to daydream about your improved home, it can get surprisingly costly to execute - financially and emotionally. With increasing production and labor costs, people are spending 60% more on home renovations now than in 2020. In this episode, Modearn™ advisors Joe Seetoo and Kevin Rex share their personal experiences with renovations and discuss strategies to mitigate remodeling costs (as well as the stress).Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:- COVID-19 and lifestyle changes have made homes more important as places of rest, work, and social hubs, increasing the...
2025-09-0421 minCouchside ConversationsThe Modern Business: How We Think About Growth & CultureLeading a modern business isn't easy, especially since the landscape around work and fulfillment has changed so much this past decade. How can business executives navigate these complexities, ensure their team feels fulfilled, take care of clients, and grow their company?In this episode, Morton Wealth CEO Jeff Sarti and COO & CMO Stacey McKinnon reflect on the evolution of our firm, sharing the wins and lessons that shaped our journey, including how we’ve reimagined leadership, embraced innovation, and stayed focused on what matters most: our people and clients. Here are some key takeaways:
2025-09-0428 minCouchside ConversationsSmart Ways to Give and Receive an InheritanceDid you know that 70% of the time, family assets are lost from one generation to the next, and assets are gone 90% of the time by the third generation? Giving, receiving, and using one's inheritance wisely isn't easy and usually takes a lot of intentional planning and emotional consideration.In this episode, Modearn™ advisors Kevin Rex and Stacey McKinnon share their tips on all things inheritance to ensure you are prepared financially, relationally, and emotionally, when giving or receiving. You should watch this conversation if you're interested in...- Learning whether it’s better to gi...
2025-09-0433 minCouchside ConversationsHow to Travel More with Credit Card PointsUsing your credit card points strategically is an art that can land you some pretty cool vacations when you do it right. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Modearn™ advisor Chris Galeski and his wife, Briana, share how they turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences. Tune in if you're interested in...- The pros and cons of popular cards like the American Express Platinum.- A fairly new credit card, Bilt, that allows renters to earn points on their rent payments.- How to pick the right card based on you...
2025-09-0414 minCouchside ConversationsModearn™: Advice for Millennials & Gen XThree years ago, we launched Modearn™, a flat-fee financial planning service designed for Gen Xers and Millennials seeking personalized advice without the traditional barriers. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, financial advisors Stacey McKinnon and Beau Wirick share the story behind Modearn™, why it matters, and how partnering with a Modearn™ advisor can help you make smarter decisions in every area of your life.Tune in if you're interested in...- How personalized financial advice can fit your life today—not just when you’re retired or already wealthy.- The truth behind saving vs. spending a...
2025-09-0437 minCouchside ConversationsSupporting Your Child's College Plan: A Guide for ParentsNavigating life after high school looks a lot different today than it did 20 years ago. With increased academic pressure/competition and higher college application fees, aspiring college students and their families face more stress than ever before. However, many young people are also realizing that a college degree may not be absolutely necessary for a successful career. Modearn™ Advisors Patrice Bening and Kevin Rex discuss how to best support your child through the complex journey of college planning, or even how to prepare them for life after high school should they decide against the traditional college path.*He...
2025-09-0424 minCouchside ConversationsHow to Maximize Vacations for a Better LifeWelcome to our very first episode of Couchside Conversations, a Modearn™ video series about real conversations to empower you to enjoy the experiences of today while planning for your future. All too often, we get caught up in the daily motions of work and forget the benefits of resting and traveling. In this first episode, Wealth Advisors Stacey and Kevin discuss how vacations can better one’s quality of life, relationships, creativity, and motivation. They also explore the importance of financial savviness when traveling, like using the right credit cards to gain points, considering travel agencies, realizing whic...
2025-09-0422 minCouchside ConversationsInvesting in Your Community: Charitable Giving & ImpactThere are so many charities we can support out there but sometimes, it can feel overwhelming to choose which ones to donate our time, effort and money to. How can we pick the right organizations and give efficiently to ensure our resources are being used in the best way? This episode of Couchside Conversations is from Morton Wealth's 2023 Investor Symposium. Wealth Advisor Kevin Rex is joined by Jessi Bierling, Associate Director of James Storehouse and Stacy Swanson, Chief Development Officer of Interface Children & Family Services on the Modearn stage to discuss questions that may be top of mind for...
2025-09-0421 minCouchside ConversationsCurrent Me vs. Future Me: The Modern Investor DilemmaHow can we find the balance between enjoying life in the present and fulfilling our current needs, while still preparing for the future? Wealth Advisors Priscilla Brehm and Stacey McKinnon take the stage at @morton_wealth 's 2023 Investor Symposium to discuss making wise financial decisions that maximize our joy and memories with loved ones, making sacrifices for long-term goals, identifying the “why” behind our wealth, and making financial planning easier through methods like automatic deductions. Stay tuned for more Couchside Conversations episodes! We have topics coming up like… - Battle of the Spouses: Financial Edition - Parenti...
2025-09-0420 minCouchside ConversationsGen X: Complexities of the Sandwich GenerationHow can we balance taking care of our growing children and aging parents at the same time? This is a dilemma many adults in their 40s and 50s are facing today. In fact, over 50% of individuals in this age range are feeling the pressure of being “sandwiched” between caring for a parent 65 years or older and at least one minor or adult child. This episode of Couchside Conversations is from Morton Wealth's 2023 Investor Symposium. CEO Jeff Sarti is joined by Wealth Advisor Patrice Bening to tell their personal stories of being caught in the middle and share tips for navi...
2025-09-0421 minCouchside ConversationsBattle of the Spouses: Financial EditionStudies show that disagreeing over money is one of the top reasons for divorce. Is it possible for couples to prevent finances from deteriorating their relationship, and instead embrace the topic of money in a healthier and more productive way? This episode of Couchside Conversations is from Morton Wealth’s 2023 Investor Symposium. Wealth Advisor Beau Wirick and his wife, Daniela Wirick, who is a relationship coach, share their story and emphasize the importance of working with your partner to create a financial plan that respects both of your core needs and dreams. They start by introducing the Got...
2025-09-0421 minCouchside ConversationsParenting Tips for Financially Savvy KidsMoney can feel like a taboo topic in a lot of households. In fact, more than 60% of parents are uncomfortable talking about money with their kids and therefore avoid having discussions around money entirely. Our upbringing can play a large part in shaping our relationship with money and that same mindset often carries over to our kids. Some parents might even feel insecure about their current financial situation, but these talks don’t have to be scary. A healthy money mindset in the home starts by getting the whole family involved in these conversations.Wealth Adv...
2025-09-0420 minCouchside ConversationsThe Problem With Most Financial AdvisorsWhat are the main problems in the financial advisory industry? How is Morton producing solutions to these pain points? Wealth Advisors Stacey McKinnon and Beau Wirick take the stage at Morton Wealth's 2023 Investor Symposium to answer these questions.Stacey and Beau discuss the evolution of financial services from focusing on investment selection to providing holistic, client-centered advice, emphasizing the role of financial advisors as coaches rather than just investment managers.They highlight structural issues within the industry, such as the limited number of clients an advisor can effectively serve, the tendency to focus on clients w...
2025-09-0420 minCouchside ConversationsBuying a Home vs. Investing in PropertyBuying real estate feels more complex than ever in today’s market. However, investing in real estate or becoming a homebuyer is still top of mind for many people. With higher interest rates, an increasingly competitive housing market, and the rising popularity of investing in a secondary property, Modearn™ Advisors Jon Wingent and Kevin Rex are here to decode our complicated real estate landscape and answer tough questions.*Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:*• Current interest rates seem high due to a period of very low rates, but historically, they are not unprecedented.
2025-09-0421 minCouchside ConversationsKeeping Up with the JonesesYou’ve probably heard of the phrase “keeping up with the Joneses,” but did you know it first appeared in a comic strip back in 1913? Use of the expression became a way to refer to people who focus on comparing themselves to their neighbor. A lot has happened since then and thanks to social media, “keeping up” has been taken to a whole new level.In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Modearn™ Advisors Beau Wirick and Stacey McKinnon discuss the challenges of being influenced by those around us, and the complex nuances that may come with having a circle of...
2025-09-0417 minCouchside ConversationsManaging the Cost of Having ChildrenKids are expensive. In fact, raising a child to age 18 can cost between $200,000 and $350,000- and that doesn’t even include additional expenses like extracurricular activities and private schooling. From small expenses like school supplies to larger costs like college and sports, everything adds up quickly. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, Modearn™ Advisors Kevin Rex and Patrice Bening discuss ways to prepare for these expenses, mitigate some costs and protect your family’s financial future. *Here are some key takeaways from their discussion:*• Couples should discuss childcare early on and if one of them will stay...
2025-09-0417 minCouchside ConversationsInvest in Your Career: How to Maximize Your BenefitsIf you’re struggling to understand your employee benefits, you’re not alone. As your career evolves, it can become increasingly complex to navigate and optimize the extra benefits that are available to you beyond just your base salary. Modearn™ Advisors Mike Rudow and Beau Wirick discuss what you should know when it comes to 401(k) plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), equity compensation, and life and disability insurance to help ensure you are getting the most out of your career benefits.Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:• 401(k) Plans: Traditional 401(k)s offer tax benef...
2025-09-0427 minCouchside ConversationsSmart Tips for Effective Cash ManagementThere’s more to wealth than maintaining a stable income. Financial health also includes managing your cash in strategic ways. Modearn™ Advisors Kevin Rex and Thao Truong discuss smart ways to help you balance investments and liquidity, the best accounts where you can store your cash, and how much you should save in your emergency fund for those unexpected situations.*Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:*• If you’re in your wealth building years, it’s important to have your investments grow through compound interest while ensuring you have access to liquidity for emergencies...
2025-09-0415 minCouchside ConversationsMoney & Marriage: Finding Alignment with Your PartnerDid you know that approximately one in three Americans feels uncomfortable talking about finances with their partner? Although it’s a sensitive topic, money is a critical part of relationships that needs to be discussed with intention. In this episode, Modearn® Advisors Stacey McKinnon and Michael Grosslight explore how money stories and habits shape the way couples approach financial decisions. They share real-life examples, tips, and strategies for creating healthier money conversations at home.Tune in if you’re interested in…* Tips for creating a safe space to talk about money (and when a “refer...
2025-09-0418 minCouchside Conversations3 Mistakes to Avoid if You’re Self-EmployedBeing your own boss comes with flexibility and freedom... but it also comes with the responsibility of figuring things out on your own. In this episode of Couchside Conversations, financial advisors Kevin Rex and Mike Rudow break down three of the most common (and expensive) mistakes they see business owners make. Tune in if you're interested in…• Choosing the right entity structure (LLC, S Corp, C Corp) for your goals• Understanding how to pay yourself in the most tax-efficient way• Balancing salary vs. distributions and avoiding costly IRS mistakes• Exploring retirement strategies designed specificall...
2025-08-1334 minCouchside ConversationsFrom the Heart and the Wallet: Charitable Giving That Makes SenseDid you know that individuals who give to charity are more likely to feel happy, satisfied, and a higher sense of purpose? In this eye-opening episode of Couchside Conversations, financial advisors Beau Wirick and Patrice Bening explore the real meaning behind generosity, different giving styles, and how to optimize your tax strategy. Tune in if you're interested in…• Making giving a consistent (and joyful) part of your financial plan• Finding clarity on what to support—and why it matters• Teaching your kids or grandkids the value of generosity• Exploring don...
2025-07-1933 minTHE FINANCIAL COMMUTEWhat the Next Generation Should Know About Financial LiteracyOn this week’s episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, host Chris Galeski welcomes Client Coordinator Morgan Jul to discuss financial literacy and a new California bill requiring high school students to take a financial literacy course starting in 2031. Here are some key takeaways from their conversation:- The bill requires financial literacy courses to be offered to all California high school students by the 2027-28 school year and be part of the graduation requirements for the class of 2031.- Research shows financial habits are often formed by the age of seven, making early edu...
2024-09-2514 minTHE FINANCIAL COMMUTEModern Finance Advice for Earners – Introducing ModearnOn today’s episode of THE FINANCIAL COMMUTE, host Chris Galeski invites Wealth Advisor Beau Wirick to discuss our new service offering, Modearn. Beau says while ultra-high-net-worth clients are the typical demographic served by wealth management firms, the financial services industry is overlooking a crucial segment of prospects: NextGen individuals who are still building their wealth, careers, and families. Modearn is here to bridge this gap.Regularly, Modearn clients will be in touch with their advisor to review a specific topic like tax planning, debt management, maximizing credit card benefits, estate planning, company benefit planning, etc...
2023-05-3008 min