Stansell Wealth Planning Podcast

We break down how employee stock options actually work, from strike price and vesting to the moment taxes show up on your W-2. We also explain how exercise timing, holding periods, and cashless exercise can change your real take-home value. 

• Stock options versus RSUs and why options give you control over timing 
• Strike price, vesting schedules, and why the strike price stays fixed 
• Expiration timel...

We break down RSUs, PSUs, and ESPP stock compensation so you understand what you own, when taxes hit, and what choices you actually control. We also share a practical framework for deciding when to sell, when to hold, and how to avoid getting overexposed to your employer’s stock. 

• How RSUs and PSUs work and why companies grant them 
• Common vesting schedules and what “vesting” really means&n...

We break down how to decide between paying off debt and investing, then lay out a clear plan for tackling multiple balances without losing momentum. Cody compares the snowball method and avalanche method with a simple spreadsheet so you can see how interest, cash flow, and psychology change the outcome.

• Deciding when debt payoff beats investing, based on your situation and timeline
• Defining consumer debt and why I priorit...

We break down why so many people feel like their home and auto insurance keeps climbing and what can actually be done about it. We talk with independent agent Micah LaBorde about how shopping works, why “bundle and save” is not a rule, and the policy details that can protect you from big surprise costs.

• Texas homeowners insurance rates vary by region and carrier 
• Auto insurance pricing depends on which ca...

We break down what a brokerage investment account is and why it can be the most flexible place to invest surplus cash after you’ve handled the basics. We explain where it fits in a smart money order, how taxes work, and the real-life situations where it can fund goals without retirement account rules. 

• Defining a brokerage account as a flexible “what’s next” account 
• Using a prioritizatio...

We break down Medicare decisions that can stick for years, especially the choices you make when you first become eligible at 65. We also explain how Medicare fits into long-term retirement planning so you can reduce penalties, avoid surprise costs, and pick coverage that matches your life.

• Why copying a friend’s Medicare choice can backfire
• The first enrollment period and why it matters long term
• When you can d...

We share an eight-step plan to turn a cash bonus into lasting progress, from tax clarity to smart spending, debt payoff, savings, and flexible investing. Along the way we bust withholding myths and show how to align your mortgage with your retirement date.

• checking bonus tax withholding to avoid surprises
• spending 10% to boost satisfaction and reduce regret
• clearing credit cards, personal loans, small auto balanc...

We bring on CPA Sheilah Smith to break down the biggest 2026 tax updates and the real-world “gotchas” that trip people up during tax season. We also get practical about receipts, missing tax forms, business bookkeeping habits, and what to do if you have not filed in years. 

• no tax on tips and what people expect versus what rules require 
• no tax on overtime and why eligibility can be tricky 
•...

We explore how a secure digital vault can remove chaos from loss, protect families from financial friction, and preserve stories that define a life. Gerard Ibarra shares the personal event that led to building Keep It Saved and demos features that turn intent into action.

• Why a centralized, secure vault reduces stress for survivors
• The real costs of scattered passwords and two-factor locks
• Who benefits most, from...

We break down what Trump Accounts are, who actually benefits, and why they function as retirement seeds rather than college funds. We compare them with 529 plans and plain brokerage accounts so you can choose the right tool for your child’s goals.

• How Trump Accounts open via Form 4547 and start July 2026
• Who qualifies for $1,000 Treasury seed money
• Dell Foundation $250 rules and income-based ZIP filter
•...

We break down what truly drives mortgage rates, why Fed cuts don’t guarantee cheaper mortgages, and how to use timing, credit tiers, and smarter products to your advantage. Mason shares practical pre-approval timelines, non-QM options for self-employed buyers, and real client wins.

• Rates driven by the 10-year Treasury and MBS market
• Fed funds cuts not equal to mortgage rate drops
• Recession risk tied to ultr...

We unpack Roth vs pretax with clear rules of thumb, why Roth is a tax code not an account, and how RMDs can create a tax spike you don’t need. A real case study shows how targeted Roth conversions and a 50-50 balance can flatten lifetime taxes.

• Roth is a tax treatment applied to IRA or 401k
• Difference between workplace plans and individual accounts
• Traditional pretax: deduction now, taxes later
• Roth: t...

If you couldn’t speak tomorrow, who would decide what happens—to your care, your kids, and your money? We sat down with estate planning attorney Janelle Creme to make sense of wills, trusts, and the documents that actually keep your family out of court and in control. This conversation moves past buzzwords and into practical steps you can take to protect your wishes, avoid probate, and reduce conflict during the hardest...

New year, new leverage. We’re resetting your money with a simple 2026 playbook that trades vague goals for specific actions you can automate and track. We walk through how to crush consumer debt with clear timelines, build an emergency fund that actually protects your life, and fix the silent gaps hiding in your 401k, Roth, and HSA contributions. It’s a practical blueprint designed for busy people who want results witho...

What Are Smart Ways To Pay Off All Your Debts?

Feeling crushed under the weight of debt? You're not alone. The burden of financial obligations keeps countless Americans awake at night, affecting everything from their mental health to their family relationships. But there's a path forward that combines practical wisdom with spiritual guidance.

In this enlightening conversation, Cody Stansell breaks down a systematic approach t...

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Death and taxes may be inevitable but understanding exactly how much life insurance you need doesn't have to be complicated. In this eye-opening episode, Senior Wealth Advisor Cody Stansell cuts through the confusion to reveal a refreshingly practical approach to life insurance.

Most people have been sold the idea they need permanent life insurance, but Cody challenges this conventional wisd...

Tax Planning 101: Strategies For Today And In The Future?

Minimizing your tax burden requires more than just annual filing strategies—it demands a lifetime perspective on wealth management. In today's riveting discussion, we dive deep into the world of comprehensive tax planning that most financial advisors and CPAs simply don't address.

The concept of "tax windows" could transform your financial future. These are speci...

What Does It Mean To Have A Fiduciary Financial Advisor, And Why Is It Important?

Finding the right financial advisor isn't just about credentials—it's about connection, compatibility, and comprehensive expertise that aligns with your unique needs. Cody Stansell, CFP and Senior Wealth Advisor at Stansell Wealth Planning, breaks down the essential questions everyone should consider when selecting a financial planning partner.

How Much Should I Contribute To My 401(k) Or 403(b)?

Ever wondered if you're putting too much—or too little—into your retirement accounts? This question plagues nearly every working adult, but the answer isn't as straightforward as many financial advisors might suggest.

In this deeply insightful conversation, Cody Stansell reveals a revolutionary perspective on 401k and 403b contributions that challenges conventio...