Retirement Planning – Un Eff Your Finances

Volatility Isn’t the Enemy

By Un Eff Your Finances | June 30, 2025

Volatility Isn’t the Villain—Your Reaction Might Be

⚠️ Breaking news: The market went down.
🎉 Also breaking: It went back up. And down again. And… you get the idea.

If market swings give you anxiety and make you want to cash out faster than a kid with birthday money at Target—this one’s for you.

Because here’s the truth: Volatility isn’t the enemy. Panic is.

📉 The Market Is a Roller Coaster—Not a Death Trap

Yes, it goes up and down. But like a roller coaster, unless you jump off mid-ride, you’ll end up back on solid ground. Investors who stay buckled in, even through the loops and dips, historically come out ahead.

🧠 The Cost of Freaking Out

Missing just a handful of the best market days can crush your long-term returns. And spoiler alert: those “best days” often come right after the worst ones. Selling out during chaos feels safe… until you realize you locked in your losses and missed the rebound party.

🛟 What Should You Do Instead?

Stick to your plan.
Don’t try to outsmart the headlines.
And for the love of compounding interest—don’t turn your portfolio into a panic button.

🎙️ In the latest Real Talk audio, I break down exactly why staying invested matters, how volatility can actually be your friend (yep), and why your financial future deserves more than emotional decision-making.

Bottom line:
The market will swing. That’s its job.
Your job? Stay grounded. Stay invested. Stay smart.

Let’s un-eff your finances—one mindset shift at a time.

#UnEffYourFinances #VolatilityIsNormal #StayInvested #GameChangersAndWealthBuilders #RealTalkMoney #BehavioralFinance #LongTermWins

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How Do I Balance Saving for my Kids and Retirement

By Un Eff Your Finances | June 16, 2025

**How to Save for Your Kids and Your Retirement (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Money)**

Let’s play a game:
You’ve got one dollar.

🍼 Your kid wants to go to college (and preferably not be buried under student loan debt).
🧓 You’d like to retire someday without eating cat food.

So… who gets the dollar?

Welcome to one of the most common—and emotional—financial dilemmas: Do I save for my kid’s future or secure my own retirement?

Here’s the answer:
👉 You can do both. You just need a strategy that doesn’t come from the back of a cereal box.

1. Secure Your Oxygen Mask First

You know the airplane analogy—and it’s true. If you’re not okay financially, your kid’s future isn’t either. Prioritize building your retirement foundation first. Your kids can get scholarships, part-time jobs, or choose a more affordable school. But there’s no financial aid for retirement (unless your kid becomes a billionaire and returns the favor).

2. Automate Both Goals (Even If It’s Uneven)

Don’t overthink perfection. Set up automatic contributions to your retirement and a 529 or custodial account for your child. Even small, consistent contributions compound over time—and you won’t have to decide which goal wins every month. You’re funding the future on autopilot.

3. Don’t Guilt-Trip Yourself

This isn’t a competition of love. Choosing to prioritize your long-term stability doesn’t mean you don’t care about your kids. It means you want to avoid becoming a financial burden on them later. (And let’s be honest—they’re already going to blame you for something, might as well not add “financial stress” to the list.)

🎙️ Give the full audio a listen—I unpack this balancing act with a dose of real talk, some strategy, and a little humor (because let’s face it, finances can be stressful enough without sounding like a spreadsheet).

Remember:
💡 You’re not choosing between your future and theirs.
You’re building a plan where everyone wins.

Let’s un-eff your finances—one smart move at a time.

#ParentMoneyMoves #UnEffYourFinances #GameChangersAndWealthBuilders #RetirementPlanning #CollegeSavings #RealTalkMoney

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Navigating Market Pullbacks: What You Need to Know

By Un Eff Your Finances | May 19, 2025

What can market pullbacks teach us about investing?

Tune into this round of Un Eff Your Finances, Nicholas St. George dives into the intricacies of market pullbacks. Buckle up as Nick unravels the chaos and gets to the heart of why these pullbacks aren’t just unavoidable but can actually work in your favor!

Nick discusses:

(00:03:00) The normalcy of market pullbacks and how history shows they’re nothing to fear
(00:06:04) Strategies to use pullbacks to your advantage through smart planning
(00:08:16). Keeping emotions in check during volatile times and sticking to your plan
(00:14:3) The impact of inflation on spending power and why long-term growth is vital
(00:25:20) The importance of having a solid and adaptable financial plan in place

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Tax Planning Secrets

By Un Eff Your Finances | May 5, 2025

Could you be leaving money on the table when it comes to taxes?

Nicholas St. George unravels the mysteries of effective tax planning. This episode is your lowdown on how proactive tax strategies can prevent unnecessary stress and ensure that Uncle Sam doesn’t get more than his fair share.

With relatable humor and real-life examples, Nick dives into:

(03:27) The importance of proactive tax planning and reassessing withholding and estimated payments
(07:43) Maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts to boost your financial health
(11:52)Strategies for a smart portfolio rebalance and the importance of understanding tax efficiency
(23:02) The nitty-gritty of keeping track of new tax changes to stay ahead
(25:55)Why filing an extension isn’t the end of the world, but an opportunity for better planning

Resources:

Holistiplan

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Tackle Tax Season Like a Pro with Mark Carrison (Ep. 10)

By Un Eff Your Finances | February 27, 2025

Do you find yourself tangled in tax season chaos every year? You’re not alone! Dive into this episode for a laugh and some clarity!

In this episode, Nicholas chats with his brother from another mother, Mark Carrison, a seasoned tax pro from Verdolino and Lowey. Prepare to unwind those tax-time worries and learn how to save the bucks you’ve been unknowingly sacrificing to Uncle Sam. Grab your headphones as Nick and Mark highlight common mistakes, from last-minute filing frenzies to the myths about tax refunds, and unravel how proactive planning can save you from pulling your hair out come March!

Mark and Nick discuss:

(02:48) Top three tax mistakes – procrastination, reactive planning, and poor communication
(06:36) Differences between tax deductions and credits and why mixing them up can cost you
(13:26) The importance of building a team of trusted advisors for holistic financial well-being
(21:59) Creative gifting strategies for leaving a meaningful legacy while optimizing your taxes
(22:40) The value of real-time tax planning over delayed fixes and how “Google” isn’t your perfect tax advisor
And more

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About our Guest:

Mark Carrison is a Tax Supervisor for Verdolino & Lowey, P.C. Mark joined the firm in January 2020 and has more than 15 years of public accounting experience. Mark provides accounting and advisory services in tax, accounting, financial reporting, and consulting services for individuals, privately held companies, and trusts. Mark is a member of the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He has had active roles on numerous not-for-profit boards in Rhode Island and Massachusetts including Treasurer and Board of Director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Boy Scouts of America, and Rhode Island Wild Plant Society. Mark received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bryant University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Saint Leo University in Accounting with a Fraud Examination concentration.

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Real Talk on Taxes with Anthony R. Ruffalo (Ep. 9)

By Un Eff Your Finances | February 13, 2025

Wondering how to navigate your tax forms this season without losing your cool—or your cash? Don’t worry, we’re here to break it down.

In this episode, Nicholas St. George teams up with Anthony Ruffalo, a social media legend and financial advisor, to get real about taxes and smart financial planning. Join us for full transparency and a few good laughs as Nicholas and Anthony help un-eff your finances just in time for tax season.

Nicholas and Anthony discuss:

(05:02) Deductible Dilemmas: Understanding what you can and can’t deduct
(12:42) Tax Time Preparedness: Anthony shares practical advice on not getting blindsided by missing paperwork
(15:11) Tax Loss Harvesting: Why selling a loss might be your new favorite strategy
(26:54) RMDs and Tax Planning: Simplifying your taxes in retirement planning
And more

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About our Guest:

Anthony R. Ruffalo is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner. The CFP® certification is a voluntary certification; no federal or state law or regulation requires financial planners to hold a CFP® certification. It is recognized in the United States and a number of other countries for its (1) high standard of professional education; (2) stringent code of conduct and standards of practice; and (3) ethical requirements that govern professional engagements with clients. Currently, only 62,000 individuals have obtained CFP® certification in the United States.

Anthony holds the series 24, 7, 66 securities licenses through LPL Financial as well as Life, Health, Long Term Care, Medicare Supplement, and Annuity licensures.

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Avoiding Financial Train Wrecks with Eric Woodraska (Ep. 8)

By Un Eff Your Finances | January 30, 2025

Ever wonder why your retirement portfolio might resemble a messy clearance aisle at TJ Maxx?

In this episode, Nick St. George sits down with Eric Woodraska, Client Portfolio Manager from Helios, a financial wizard who knows his way around a portfolio like no other! They dig into the good, the bad, and the downright “what were they thinking” moments of investment management. This conversation is brimming with real-life portfolio mishaps and tips to steer clear of those financial train wrecks. Plus, it’s not all business – find out their bourbon favorites, because hey, life’s about balance, right?

Nicholas and Eric discuss:

(02:12) The risks of concentrating investments in one fund family and how diversification should really look
(06:28) A simple guide to understanding fund performance metrics, from flashy returns to actual sustainability
(13:45) How to avoid the ‘latest-and-greatest’ investment traps and stick to what’s proven
(22:01) The impact of risk tolerance on portfolio choices, especially during unpredictable markets
And more

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Small Steps to Big Financial Wins (Ep.7)

By Un Eff Your Finances | January 16, 2025

Want to make 2025 your most financially fit year yet? Discover how small tweaks can bring big wins to your wallet!

This week on Un Eff Your Finance, Nicholas St. George explores practical steps to kickstart your financial goals for the new year. They dive into simple yet powerful habits that help busy individuals take control of their finances without feeling overwhelmed. Nick shares his advice on how you can reach your financial goals, while still enjoying life, and how to find balance.

Nicholas discusses:

Trimming the excess and save (02:16)
Assigning a goal to your money (06:32)
Strategies to avoid interest pitfalls (10:46)
Setting and forget for future growth (13:52)
Staying aligned with your financial goals (19:10)
Finding a balance between saving and enjoying life (22:02)
And more

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Crushing Retirement Risks: Making Your Money Last in Retirement (Ep. 6)

By Un Eff Your Finances | January 2, 2025

Are you ready to navigate the unpredictable seas of retirement? What if your golden years could be generously funded and worry-free?

In this episode, Nicholas tackles the burning question of how to make your money last in retirement amid rising inflation and longer lifespans. He addresses the realities of longevity risk, the importance of planning for healthcare and housing in retirement, and the often-overlooked inflation factor that can chip away at your nest egg. This episode is packed with humorous, yet brutally honest, insights to help you keep your financial future secure.

Nick discusses:

(01:22) Retirement Risks and How to Navigate Them
(02:22) The Impact of Increased Life Expectancy
(04:55) Balancing Enjoyment with Financial Security
(05:58) Healthcare and Housing Costs
(09:27) Embracing Flexible Working During Retirement
(13:53) The Reality of Inflation on Your Savings
(19:15) The Importance of Emergency Planning and Communication
And more

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Don’t Root Against The Pilot (Ep. 5)

By Un Eff Your Finances | December 19, 2024

What does it mean to root for the pilot in the world of finance and elections? Dive into today’s conversation to find out why staying the course is essential, no matter who’s at the political helm.

In this episode, Nicholas St. George talks about how election outcomes really impact your finances. He dives into the numbers behind red and blue administrations, revealing some surprising insights on market returns that might just make you rethink panic selling. Think it’s all doom and gloom after the polls? It’s time to tune in and reconsider!

Nick discusses:

(02:01) Historical market returns under different political parties
(06:21) The risks of market timing and emotional investing
(15:47) The importance of sticking to your financial plan despite political shifts
(22:56) Why elections shouldn’t dictate your investment strategy
And more

With insights drawn from years of experience (and a little humor about Marvin the Martian!), this episode is your guide to navigating financial turbulence with ease.

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