December 1, 2025 • 38 mins
On this episode of Dollars & Sense with Joel Garris, get ready for a power-packed financial guide as Joel unpacks the must-do year-end financial checklist, reveals the surprising habits of the “millionaire next door,” and exposes the pitfalls of incomplete estate plans.
Joel kicks off with a timely reminder: as the holiday season races by, you have just weeks to make smart financial moves before the new year. He walks you through seven crucial year-end tasks, including maximizing retirement contributions, using up your FSA, making charitable donations, and reviewing your health benefits—each step designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your money.
Next, the show dives into one of the biggest gaps in personal finance: estate planning. Joel shares stories from his practice, highlighting how most estate plans are never fully implemented—leaving families vulnerable. He explains why simply signing documents isn’t enough, and outlines easy-to-follow steps (like titling assets correctly and regular reviews) so your legacy plan actually works for your loved ones.
But that’s not all! Joel also explores the “stealthy wealthy”—those quiet millionaires who build real, lasting wealth by shunning status symbols, driving practical cars, maximizing tax efficiency, budgeting diligently, and keeping their finances private. Want to know what they do differently? Joel breaks down the seven key habits that set them apart, with actionable tips you can use right now.
Whether you’re looking to finish the year strong, set up your family for success, or adopt the habits of the quietly wealthy, this episode delivers practical insights and real-life inspiration. Click to listen and learn how to avoid the traps, make smarter money moves, and secure your financial future!
💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.
👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.
About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.
➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
Joel kicks off with a timely reminder: as the holiday season races by, you have just weeks to make smart financial moves before the new year. He walks you through seven crucial year-end tasks, including maximizing retirement contributions, using up your FSA, making charitable donations, and reviewing your health benefits—each step designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your money.
Next, the show dives into one of the biggest gaps in personal finance: estate planning. Joel shares stories from his practice, highlighting how most estate plans are never fully implemented—leaving families vulnerable. He explains why simply signing documents isn’t enough, and outlines easy-to-follow steps (like titling assets correctly and regular reviews) so your legacy plan actually works for your loved ones.
But that’s not all! Joel also explores the “stealthy wealthy”—those quiet millionaires who build real, lasting wealth by shunning status symbols, driving practical cars, maximizing tax efficiency, budgeting diligently, and keeping their finances private. Want to know what they do differently? Joel breaks down the seven key habits that set them apart, with actionable tips you can use right now.
Whether you’re looking to finish the year strong, set up your family for success, or adopt the habits of the quietly wealthy, this episode delivers practical insights and real-life inspiration. Click to listen and learn how to avoid the traps, make smarter money moves, and secure your financial future!
💵 About Dollars & Sense: 💵
Hosted by Joel Garris, a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning, Dollars & Sense is one of Central Florida’s longest-running radio programs and a top 25 financial planning podcast. Each week, Joel and his team provide expert insights to help you make sense of all your financial decisions.
👉 Visit our website: nelsonfinancialplanning.com for more resources and to connect with our team of Certified Financial Fiduciaries.
About Joel Garris:
Joel Garris is a Certified Financial Planner and Fiduciary at Nelson Financial Planning. He’s dedicated to providing comprehensive financial advice to help you achieve your retirement goals. With a team of expert advisors, Nelson Financial Planning is committed to delivering personalized and effective retirement and financial planning solutions.
➡️ CONNECT WITH US:
Facebook: /NelsonFinancialPlanning
Twitter: /nelsonfinplan
Instagram: /nelson_financial_planning
YouTube: @nelsonfinancialplanning2202
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