Markets and the Shutdown: Why Political Drama Doesn’t Always Hurt
The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts dig into the drama of a government shutdown—what sparked it, what really happens when Washington stalls, and what history reveals about the real impact on the economy. We’ll focus on what really matters for your money and discuss the broader consequences along with what it might take to prevent future standoffs.
Health Savings Accounts: The Hidden Gem in Your Financial Plan
D.J. and the “Henssler Money Talks” hosts break down Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and explain why they’re one of the most powerful tools for saving money—thanks to their unique triple tax benefit. While many people use HSAs to pay for health care expenses as they arise, there are compelling advantages to covering those costs from other funds and allowing the HSA to accumulate, benefiting from tax-deferred growth over time.
Funding a Business: Weighing Cash, Debt, and Outside Investors
The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts address a listener’s question about launching a business. We weigh the pros and cons of tapping into cash and investments versus exploring options like a business loan or private equity—all while keeping his overall financial plan, cash flow, retirement, and long-term goals in focus.
Five Steps to Fireproof Your Financial Plan
“Henssler Money Talks” dives into the aftermath of a neighborhood house fire that left a family without their home, but not without hope. We unpack the emotional, logistical, and financial fallout of one night gone horribly wrong, and how the right planning made recovery possible. You’ll hear from the people who lived it, the professionals who showed up, and the experts who helped rebuild.
The U.S. Bets Big on Chips: Inside the Intel Stake and Industrial Policy Shift
Is Washington becoming Wall Street’s biggest investor? The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts discuss the government’s latest 15% stake in MP Materials and nearly 10% in Intel, as it is taking positions in the same companies citizens invest in. We explore how the deal illustrates the CHIPS Act’s impact on U.S. economic policy, combining subsidies, national security priorities, and direct investment to rebuild domestic manufacturing.
Making the Escrow Decision: Weighing Control Against Convenience
It’s that time of year when property tax bills hit mailboxes—and homeowners feel the pinch. That sparked a bigger conversation among the Henssler Money Talks hosts: Should you manage your own insurance and tax payments, or let your lender handle it through an escrow account? We’ll unpack how escrow really works, the buffers mortgage companies require, and whether handling it yourself could save you money.
Restricted Stock and Taxes: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
Stock compensation can be a powerful wealth-building tool, but it’s also packed with tricky tax questions. The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts tackle a real-world restricted stock scenario: If taxes are withheld at grant date, but you won’t receive the stock until it vests—and you know you’ll retire before some of those shares vest—should you accept them anyway? Or is it smarter to walk away from stock you’ll never see? We break down how restricted stock works, the tax implications, and strategies to consider when your career timeline clashes with your vesting schedule.
Will an Annuity Lower Your RMD? Here’s the Real Story
The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts focus on annuities, providing our take on these investment products. Furthermore, should a retiree put $210,000 of their retirement funds into an annuity to help with Required Minimum Distributions? We’ll walk through the essential questions to ask, from the type of annuity being recommended to how it fits into a comprehensive financial plan.
Tips, Overtime, and SALT: What’s Changing in Your Taxes
The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts are joined by special guest Matthew Reed, CPA/ABV, for an in-depth look at the One Big Beautiful Act, passed on July 4, highlighting the potential impact on both individual and business tax planning strategies.
Short-Term Demands vs. Long-Term Goals: The Fed’s Balancing Act
This week, the “Henssler Money Talks” hosts unpack the power and purpose of the Federal Reserve—who runs it, who appoints them, and how their decisions ripple through everything from Treasury bonds to your credit card APR. We break down the rates the Fed actually controls and why those moves matter.