Ditch the Suits - Your Money, Your Life

Ever cornered a financial advisor at a party with your burning money questions? In this episode, Travis Maus and Kerstin Driscoll-Witt unpack the hilariously awkward—and surprisingly insightful—moments when finance meets finger food. From retirement myths to crypto confusion, they tackle the big questions people should be asking (but usually don’t). Kerstin shares how she found her way into the retirement planning wo...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Brad Eaton pull back the curtain on one of Wall Street’s favorite illusions: the idea that you can—or should—try to beat the market. They dive into why benchmarks like the S&P 500, aren’t always what they seem and how the financial industry uses them to sell you a story that might not serve your goals.

You’ll hear why active management isn’t the villain it’s made out to be, and how understanding ...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Brad Eaton pull back the curtain on market volatility and the emotional rollercoaster it creates for investors. They break down why chasing short-term wins often leads to long-term regrets, and how misunderstanding risk and volatility can sabotage your financial future. You’ll hear real talk about the myths investors buy into, the dangers of FOMO, and why fear can be your worst advisor.

Travis a...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Brad Eaton dive into something every investor feels but doesn’t always say out loud — the emotional rollercoaster of trying to make smart decisions in a chaotic market.

They unpack how the constant flood of news and market noise can mess with your head, and why it’s so easy to confuse price with value. More importantly, they explore how having a real plan — and someone in your corner — can help you s...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Jess Blake get into a topic that’s way too common — financial vultures. You know, the ones who circle around when you’re unsure, overwhelmed, or just trying to do the right thing with your money.

They break down how these predators operate, why so many people fall for slick sales pitches, and what you can do to protect yourself. From illiquid investments and annuities to the emotional traps we don’t ...

In this episode, Travis Maus and Jess Blake pull back the curtain on what really separates those who crush their financial goals from those who stay stuck in the struggle. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about how much money you make.

They dive into the power of mindset, why clarity in your financial plan is non-negotiable, and how taking small, consistent action beats big talk every time. You’ll also hear how fear, anxiety, and the tr...

In this episode of "Ditch the Suits," Travis Maus, CEO of S.E.E.D. Planning Group, and guest Jessica Blake, a Senior Wealth Manager, explore the concept of financial freedom beyond just accumulating wealth.

They discuss common misconceptions, emphasizing that financial freedom is not merely about being rich but understanding and prioritizing one's financial situation. Jess shares insights on the importance of planning, owning your ...

In this eye-opening episode, Travis is joined once again by consumer advocate and CEO of WealthRamp, Pam Krueger, for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the alarming realities behind 401(k) “advice,” what fiduciary really means, and how investors are often unknowingly being nudged into products that serve companies—not them.

Pam calls out the dirty little secret no one wants to talk about: the misleading guidance that masquerades ...

If you’ve ever wondered who you can really trust with your money—or felt like the financial industry was built to confuse you—this episode is your compass.

Travis welcomes Pam Krueger, the fearless founder and CEO of WealthRamp, to the show. She’s on a mission to help everyday people find real, vetted, fee-only fiduciary advisors who actually work in your best interest. Pam’s story starts in the trenches of a big brokerage firm wher...

In this episode of Ditch the Suits, we're back with Matt Brassard, Head of Growth at Ground News, to continue the conversation about how your media diet could be making you more confused—and more stressed—than informed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by doomsday headlines or wondered why every story you read feels slanted, this one's for you.

We break down how Ground News works, why headlines manipulate behavior, and how algorithms...

In this new two-part conversation, Travis welcomes Matt Brassard of Ground News to discuss the current state of news and the challenges of finding trustworthy information. Matt opens up about the role of Ground News as a news aggregation tool.

Together, they explore the hyper-political media landscape, the importance of local news, and the impact of media bias on public perception. Matt shares insights from his journey in the news ...

In this follow-up episode of Ditch the Suits, Travis continues his conversation with Dr. Paul Gould, PhD, LICSW, founder of Kindred Spirits Counseling and Wellness. Together, they dig deeper into the emotional toll political uncertainty and federal job instability are having on workers—and what can be done about it.

With tensions rising across political lines and anxiety driven by job insecurity, Dr. Gould helps us understand how em...

In this episode of Ditch the Suits, host Travis Maus sits down with Dr. Paul Gould, PhD, LICSW, a licensed clinical social worker and expert in anxiety and trauma, to unpack the mounting stress experienced by federal employees amid sudden funding cuts and workforce changes.

With nearly 35% of all U.S. jobs tied in some way to federal funding, these shifts are rippling across the economy—impacting individuals, families, and financial...

In this episode, Travis and Steve delve into the complexities of tariffs, egg prices, and the broader implications for financial futures. They challenge common narratives surrounding these topics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying factors affecting prices and regulations.

The conversation highlights the role of supply issues, regulatory policies, and the misconceptions surrounding tariffs, ultimately advoca...

In this episode, Travis and Steve discuss how to navigate market volatility, emphasizing the importance of understanding market corrections and crashes. They explore strategies for profiting during downturns, including Roth conversions and identifying investment opportunities.

The conversation highlights the wisdom of Warren Buffett, encouraging listeners to view market fluctuations as "opportunities rather than threats."

Key Takeaw...

In this episode, Travis and Steve delve into the complexities of taxation, focusing on common mistakes individuals make regarding tax reduction strategies. They discuss the difference between tax loopholes and traps, the concept of tax loss harvesting, and the risks associated with market timing. The conversation also covers the implications of deferring income taxes, the challenges of capital gains, and the strategic use of the ze...

We're diving deep into the world of financial planning with our awesome guest, Jeff Chase! Jeff is Vice President of Financial Planning and a Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group.

This episode shines a spotlight on the critical importance of choosing not just a financial planner, but the right firm that supports them. We discuss how organizations can make or break your financial journey, focusing on the concept of "bench...

Today, we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of what makes a financial planner the "real deal." Our special series guest, Jeff Chase, VP of Financial Planning and Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group is back with us, and together we're about to drop some insights that’ll help you see through all the shiny sales pitches out there.

We’re breaking down the art of financial planning and why it’s not just about throwing mo...

Our special guest, Jeff Chase, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, is back! In this episode, we're diving deep into financial planning and exposing financial advisors and professionals who might be more about sales than sound advice.

We'll break down how to distinguish experienced, qualified financial planners from those who are just in it for the commission—because when it comes to your financial...