When everything seems to be at an all-time high, including stocks, housing, gold, and even money market balances, it can feel like the “good old days.” But what do you do when things are this good? In this episode, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown explore how optimism and pessimism shape investor behavior, what it means to move from a position of strength, and why these moments of abundance are the best times to plan intentionally for what’s next.

00:01:00 – Everything’s at an all-time high

00:02:28 – Remembering past “good old days”

00:05:11 – Couples and conflicting money mindsets

00:07:35 – Redefining “enough”

00:10:14 – Staying proactive, not paralyzed

00:11:46 – Gifting from a position of confidence

00:16:50 – Avoiding “I wish we’d done this sooner”

• Looking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5
• Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

When new families bring in their investment statements, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown often see the same thing: complexity that doesn’t serve the client. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on why portfolios so often include dozens of overlapping funds, how fees can feel stuck in 2006, and why simplicity paired with planning is far more valuable than a confusing stack of statements.

00:02:45 – Statement sprawl

00:04:17 – NVIDIA everywhere: the hidden overlap

00:07:08 – Added complexity = STRESS

00:11:28 – How technology can help

00:12:53 – It's all “Window Dressing”

00:16:45 – Providing reassurance

00:17:49 – Signs you may not have the right advisor

• Looking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5
• Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/

Caught between your business and your future?

If you’re a business owner who’s poured everything into building your company—your time, energy, and even your personal finances—you’re not alone. But when personal and business finances are too closely tied, the risks grow. What happens if you wait too long to plan for life beyond your business?

In this episode of Simply Why, Dennis Morton and Katie Brown dive into the identity shift many entrepreneurs face as they prepare for retirement. Drawing from real-life experiences with clients and their own insights, Dennis and Katie explore the emotional and financial complexities of decoupling your identity and wealth from your business.

They discuss why delaying personal financial planning can lead to future urgency—and how intentional, proactive steps today can create long-term fulfillment. This conversation is for any business owner asking: “What comes next for me?”

Whether you’re thinking about retirement or still growing your business, this episode offers guidance for building confidence, separating identity from enterprise, and planning with clarity.

00:03:30 – Importance of Starting Financial Planning Early

00:06:51 – Building Confidence and Longevity

00:10:34 – Mindset Shift and Decoupling

00:13:52 – Understanding Identity and Balance Sheet

00:14:26 – Balancing Business and Family

00:15:09 – Planning for the Future

00:16:36 – Decoupling Identity and Financial Resources

00:19:59 – Navigating Uncertainty and Turmoil

• Looking for guidance in your financial journey? Schedule a free consultation today: https://calendly.com/d/5gf-ryf-vq5
• Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://simply-why.captivate.fm/listen

• Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-m-brown/
• Connect with Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-morton-jr/
• Subscribe for more: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/subscribe/
• Give feedback: info@mortonbrownfw.com

Important Disclosures: https://www.mortonbrownfw.com/important-disclosures/