We’ve all heard of FOMO: fear of missing out. But in 2025, a new investor emotion is taking center stage: FOGI, the fear of getting in. After watching market volatility, political headlines, and wild swings in interest rates, many investors are stuck sitting on the sidelines, afraid to buy back in, afraid to buy too late, and most of all, afraid of looking foolish. It’s not just about risk anymore. It’s about regret.

In this episode, Don discusses the emotional roadblocks keeping investors frozen, including timing fatigue and media panic cycles.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🌀 What is FOGI and how it’s different from FOMO

💣 Why timing the market is so tempting… and so damaging

📢 The impact of media noise and headlines

🎯 What smart investors do instead of chasing or fleeing

🔄 Real strategies for getting back in without regret

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

In this eye-opening episode, Don and Marc tackle one of retirement’s most overlooked traps: double taxation on retirement income. From after-tax 401k contributions to state tax rules that sneak up on unsuspecting savers, they break down how easily your hard-earned money can get taxed more than once, and what to do about it.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💰 What “double taxation” actually means

⚠️ How NJ tax rules increase the risk

📉 The 401k rollover mistake that’s easy to make

📋 How Form 8606 helps prevent being taxed twice

📈 Strategies to protect both you and your heirs

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

What if taxes on your Social Security benefits disappeared entirely? That’s one of several proposals being floated in Washington, and in this episode, Don and Marc break down what it could mean for retirees. They explain how Social Security benefits became taxable, why outdated income thresholds are causing more people to pay taxes today, and explore the possible reforms being discussed.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Why more retirees are paying taxes on Social Security

🕰️ How outdated income limits haven’t kept up with inflation

💡 Legal strategies to reduce (or eliminate) Social Security taxes

📊 The "provisional income" formula

💬 State tax considerations for Social Security benefits

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

With headlines full of tariffs and political drama, it’s easy to miss a major win for New Jersey homeowners, especially retirees. In this episode of Your Money & Your Life, Don and Marc shine a spotlight on the 2025 NJ property tax relief programs that could save residents thousands of dollars. From the long-standing Property Tax Freeze program to the more recent ANCHOR rebate and the brand-new Stay NJ benefit, the guys break down who qualifies, how the programs work, and what’s changed.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧾 NJ’s 3 Key Property Tax Relief Programs

📦 Why NJ is fighting to keep retirees from moving away

🏡 Stay NJ: Up to $6,500 in annual property tax relief

🔍 A few nuances of these property tax programs

📅 Key deadline: PAS-1 form due by October 31, 2025

Resources for this episode:

The Stay NJ Program –

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/staynj/index.shtml

NJ PAS-1 form (The unified Property Tax Freeze, Anchor Rebate and Stay NJ Program)–

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/pdf/24-pas1cp.pdf

NJ Income Tax Rates –

https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/income-tax-by-state/new-jersey-109037/

NJ Income Tax for Seniors –

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/njit7.shtml

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs- they’re dominating the headlines. With new tariffs implemented across nearly 90 countries, market volatility has surged, investor anxiety is rising, and confusion is everywhere. Don brings clarity to the chaos by explaining what tariffs actually are, who really pays them, and why the market is reacting the way it is.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📦 What tariffs are and who’s really footing the bill

📉 How markets are reacting to tariff headlines

🔍 The inflation impact (and media spin)

📊 Why diversification still wins in volatile markets

🔁 Historical lessons from past downturns

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Today we’re piggybacking off last episode’s conversation about market volatility and the emotion that sets in for investors. Is this time different than market corrections of years past? People feel inclined to panic during turbulent times, so Don will explore that fear by breaking down what’s actually happening, investor fears, and what history can teach us about managing uncertainty.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📉 Market corrections are normal—how should you handle the headlines?

💡 Reversion to the mean explains why recent big gains may not last

📊 How today’s market reminds Don of the late 90s/early 200s.

📈 Diversified portfolios historically weather volatility better

🧠 The key to confidence is having a plan—and sticking to it

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

In this episode, Don Cash tackles the pressing question on everyone’s mind: Should we panic about recent market drops? With the stock market experiencing sharp fluctuations and fears of a recession looming, he breaks down the economic landscape and provides a clear perspective on what really matters for investors.

💰 Don covers inflation to the "Magnificent 7" stocks—including the dangers of market concentration and why diversification is key. He also introduces a powerful storm analogy to illustrate how many investors live on an "Island of Complacency", ignoring risks until disaster strikes.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

🔄 The cyclical nature of market corrections – Why they happen & how to stay calm ⚠️ Understanding investment risks – The downside of putting too much in one place 📰 How media hype affects investor psychology – Separating fear from reality 📊 Why diversification matters – A balanced portfolio can mean fewer sleepless nights 🌪️ The “Island of Complacency” analogy – What happens when risk is ignored

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

In this episode, Don and Marc explore smart tax moves to consider before the April 15th deadline. They focus on ways to take advantage of accounts like IRAs and HSAs, as well as important deductions that often go overlooked. The conversation highlights opportunities to maximize savings for the 2024 tax year, covering everything from retirement contributions to charitable donations.

They also explore how certain tax moves can help you minimize your taxable income, whether you're self-employed or planning for retirement. This episode offers practical tips for anyone looking to make the most of their tax situation before filing.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• Tax forms to be on the lookout for in retirement
• Strategies for maximizing IRA contributions
• The benefits of SEP IRAs for self-employed individuals
• Health savings accounts (HSAs) and their tax benefits
• Tax considerations for charitable contributions and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs)

Resources for this episode:

HSA accounts –

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969

1099 forms –

https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/tax-forms-retirees-receive-and-what-they-mean

Wall Street Journal Article on 2024 Tax Planning –

https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/retirement/retirement-taxes-contributions-withdrawals-guide-bc308053?st=MNY85o&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/