Episodes

Things to consider before buying a second home – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry are joined by Britta Ferguson CFP®, CEPA® who is a Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor with Wealth Enhancement to explore the pros and cons of owning a second home (vacation home). The discussion begins with “try before you buy” advice and the distinction between an investment property that you may use part-time compared to a true second home that is unoccupied when you are not using it. The “math” of owning a second...

Targets of Fraud – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 and according to the World Health Organization, one in six people 60 years and older experience financial fraud or abuse each year. Elder fraud reports to the FBI’s Crime Complaint Center have risen by 14%, with an average loss of $34K (see link below). Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball dig into the statistics and discuss the most common types of fraud. The trio also shares practical advice how to avoid scams and fraud and what to...

Best Books? – Chris Boyd opens this episode with a story from his most recent trip to the dentist where the hygienist was asking for financial planning book recommendations and advice as to how she should go about finding a financial planner who is willing to work with someone who has a modest income and assets. Chris and co-host Jeff Perry suggest a wide variety of books for people at various stages of their financial journey. The dialogue shifts to the challenges of finding a financial pl...

5 Biggest Stealth Retirement Costs – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry review a recent article from Kiplinger’s magazine (linked below) as they discuss the “Five Biggest Stealth Costs in Retirement.” The conversation begins with the notion that most people planning for retirement have a basic understanding of their future cash flow needs. Chris and Jeff dig into the costs that many people make incorrect assumptions about or ignore all together. Included in the conversation are unexpected health car...

Don’t Assume – Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball explore several financial planning assumptions people sometimes make that are often not true. The episode begins with Russ Ball outlining a new “super catch-up” for workers ages 60-64, which leads to an overall review of retirement account limits and special catch-up opportunities. Jeff shares clients’ stories where two public employees incorrectly assumed they would not be eligible for Social Security. Chris brings up other topics not to make...

One Big Beautiful Bill – Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball dig into the recently passed House of Representatives Budget Bill known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The trio discusses the key items in the Bill, including making the Tax and Job Act income tax reductions permanent, eliminating taxes on overtime and tips, and increases in border and military spending. Jeff notes that the promises of significant reductions in Federal spending were not achieved in the House Bill. Chris and Ru...

Navigating Economic Waves: A Portfolio Strategy - Brian Regan joins Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry to discuss a recent article Brian authored (see link below) which suggests that staying calm and ensuring that investment strategies are robust and adaptable, one can weather the economic “storms” triggered by tariff policy and related economic news. Brian comments that, “Just like a well-prepared vessel can withstand the might of the Atlantic, a thoughtfully managed portfolio can endure and thrive...

IRA Beneficiaries: Who Inherits What and When? – Just back from the Ed Slott Conference, Chris Boyd shares his in-depth commentary on how the Secure Act changed rules for distributing assets from an inherited IRA. Chris is joined by co-host Jeff Perry as they explore the sometimes confusing and technical rules of the three distinct categories of IRA beneficiaries. Chris outlines the basic rules as he points out that there are exceptions to be aware of. Jeff highlights the need for financial advi...

Mail Bag – Jeff Perry and Russ Ball dig into the Team AMR Mail Bag and answer questions from listeners. Included in this episode are, “I have read that my household expenses will go down when I retire, but I don’t understand why.” “I know that I need a Will, but don’t know who in my family I should choose to take care of my estate. Who should be my Personal Representative/Executor?” “I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement - what should I do?” Listen in as Jeff and Russ offer thei...

College Planning – As it is the time of year for high school and college graduations, Jeff Perry and Russ Ball discuss a wide variety of topics regarding planning for college. The conversation begins with the use of 529’s as the foundation for most families to save for future educational expenses. Jeff outlines the basics of how a 529 plan operates and the benefits of using one. Jeff & Russ next explore the factors that go into making the choice of which college is right for your student. Finall...

BUFFETT! – With the recent retirement announcement from Warren Buffett, Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Brian Regan reflect on the amazing life and the many financial lessons of Warren Buffett. Brian leads the conversation with a brief biographical summary of Buffett’s early years and reflections of how Buffett influenced his views on investing. Jeff weighs in with Buffett’s dislike of using leverage and specifically credit cards. Chris ends the episode discussing how Buffett plans to distribute his...

Yellin & the News – After attending the CFA Society of Boston Annual Market Dinner, Chris Boyd offers his thoughts from Janet Yellen’s keynote speech. Chris reviews Yellen’s negative views on broad-based tariffs and other policies of...

Raising a financially literate child – Jeff Perry and Russ Ball offer suggestions and commentary about positive way to pass on personal finance lessons and values to your children through various stages of development. Jeff & Russ discuss...

Annual reviews and why you need one – You have probably heard all the reasons why you need a comprehensive financial plan. In this episode Jeff Perry and Russ Ball discuss why it is critical to review your plan at least annually. Topics covered...

Mr. Market is both charming and bipolar – With all the recent volatility in the stock market, Jeff Perry and Russ Ball discuss a recent article published in BottomLine magazine which highlights the investing lessons from Benjamim Graham, who...

Federal Employees: Retirement & Layoffs - Planning during DOGE – with Brian Kuhn, CFP – With all the recent news stories concerning workforce reduction and changes that Federal employees may be facing, Chris Boyd welcomes fellow Wealth...

What's the Buzz? Recent Lessons – Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball discuss the economic and market news of the week, including the continued stock market volatility, tariffs, the Federal Reserve, unemployment data, consumer sentiment, and...

Do I need to know about NUAs? - Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® from Ed Slott and Company joins Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry for an interesting conversation about Net Unrealized Appreciation (“NUA”). NUAs are a powerful tool for people having employer stock...

GO SOMEWHERE - Colin Stroud – Travel expert and advisor on how to best use your credit card points and airline miles Colin Stroud joins the AMR Team for a highly informative and entertaining travel related episode. In this episode you will learn...

What A Week! So, Is It Over? – With seemingly endless announcements on tariffs and the related stock market volatility, Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Brian Regan discuss what a wise investor should do in the midst of the uncertainty. Chris and Jeff...

Attorney Keats Boyd joins Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry for a lively conversation on the recent tariff policies of the Trump administration and how they could relate to your estate planning. In addition to tariffs, estate planning topics...

Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry, and Russ Ball discuss the breaking news of the new tariffs known as “Liberation Day” imposed by President Trump. With the increased market volatility created by the Trump tariff announcement, Chris, Jeff, and Russ...

Losing your parent is a profound event. While one will certainly suffer the emotional impacts, there are also important financial actions to take immediately. Protecting your parents’ legacy by managing their finances after their death is one of the...

Recession? – Chris Boyd welcomes Jeff Perry and Brian Regan for an in-depth discussion whether the US economy is heading into a recession. Chris begins the conversation with a detailed explanation of the definition of a recession, which may not be...