Planning for retirement doesn't always stop with your own financial future. For many families, helping children or grandchildren afford a college education has become one of the biggest priorities facing retirees and pre-retirees.

With rising tuition costs, evolving financial aid rules, and widespread misconceptions around 529 plans and FAFSA, families with great intentions can unknowingly make costly mistakes without the right strategy in place.

In this episode, Matthew Peck is joined by SHP Financial Advisor Laura Russo to break down the increasingly complex world of college planning. Laura explains how parents and grandparents can support their family's education goals in ways that remain tax-efficient and how ownership structures, gifting strategies, and early planning decisions can influence outcomes for both students and families.

Together, they share practical strategies such as direct tuition payments, 529 and ABLE accounts, and recent FAFSA rule changes that significantly impact financial aid eligibility. Ultimately, this conversation emphasizes how education planning is done proactively, it can reduce financial stress, preserve family wealth, and create opportunities for future generations without compromising retirement security.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• How grandparents can help fund college in a tax-efficient way.
• Why 529 plan ownership now matters more than ever.
• How recent FAFSA changes impact financial aid eligibility.
• The differences between direct tuition payments and 529 strategies.
• Why student-owned assets can unintentionally reduce aid opportunities.
• How ABLE accounts support education planning for individuals with disabilities.
• Why early financial conversations help families make smarter college decisions.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Planning for the future doesn't stop once your estate documents are signed. As laws change, family dynamics evolve, and asset values grow, outdated estate plans can create unintended consequences.

In this episode, Keith Ellis Jr. is joined by estate planning attorney Keith McManus to discuss current estate planning trends, common misconceptions, and the real risks families face when plans aren't properly reviewed. With over 30 years of experience, Keith McManus explains why estate planning is never a one-and-done decision and why proactive updates matter more than most people realize.

Together, they explore how blended families, beneficiary designations, and state-specific tax laws can dramatically impact outcomes, along with why trusts don't all work the same way. Keith also addresses the growing trend of DIY and AI-generated estate plans and the costly mistakes that often follow.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• The importance of reviewing estate plans every three to four years.
• How blended families create unique estate planning challenges.
• What the Massachusetts estate tax exemption means for retirees.
• How beneficiary designations can override trusts.
• Why long-term care planning should be factored into your estate planning.
• Reasons why DIY and AI-generated estate plans can create serious risks.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Mentally preparing for retirement often generates more questions than answers. From wondering if you've saved enough to figuring out when you can finally stop working, many pre-retirees feel uncertain about what comes next. And then you add concerns around taxes, healthcare, Social Security, and market volatility, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed without a clear plan in place.

In this episode, Keith Ellis Jr. is joined by SHP Financial Advisor Mike Guthrie to tackle the most common questions they've heard from clients over the years. With decades of combined experience, Keith and Mike walk through real-world scenarios and explain why there's rarely a one-size-fits-all answer—but there's always a better, more informed way to make decisions.

They discuss how to determine whether you truly have enough to retire, how income planning provides clarity and confidence, and why understanding where your money comes from—and where it goes—is critical in retirement. You'll also hear how concepts like the 4% rule and income buckets help retirees move from uncertainty to control.

Ultimately, Keith and Mike emphasize the importance of proactive planning—especially around taxes and withdrawal strategies—so retirees can protect their lifestyle, reduce unnecessary risk, and enjoy the years they've worked so hard for.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• How to determine whether you truly have enough money to retire.
• Why income planning is the foundation of a confident retirement.
• When it may—or may not—make sense to retire earlier than expected.
• How to think about cash reserves, income buckets, and long-term growth.
• What to consider when deciding when to claim Social Security.
• Why proactive tax planning can significantly impact retirement success.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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