With over 20 years of financial planning experience and having helped thousands of retirees and pre-retirees successfully plan for retirement, we've learned which planning mistakes can derail retirement and which strategies help clients retire with confidence and peace of mind.

In this very special episode, SHP Financial's co-founders Derek Gregoire, Keith Ellis Jr., and Matthew Peck reflect on the biggest lessons they've learned after 100 podcasts and all the years of building a successful wealth management firm. From evolving investment strategies to the growing importance of tax planning and behavioral finance, they share insights from both their professional experience in the industry and in conversations with past guests.

They discuss how retirement planning has shifted from focusing solely on income to a comprehensive approach that includes tax efficiency, risk management, healthcare, estate planning, and charitable giving. They also offer practical advice on avoiding mistakes, handling market volatility, and building a retirement plan that ensures financial security and peace of mind.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• How retirement planning has evolved beyond just income strategies.
• Why understanding and managing investment volatility is critical in retirement.
• The importance of tax diversification across pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax accounts.
• Lessons retirees often learn too late about required minimum distributions and taxes.
• How behavioral biases like overconfidence can impact long-term investment success.
• Why comprehensive planning is more powerful than managing investments alone.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Planning for retirement doesn't always stop with your own financial future. For many families, helping children or grandchildren afford a college education has become one of the biggest priorities facing retirees and pre-retirees.

With rising tuition costs, evolving financial aid rules, and widespread misconceptions around 529 plans and FAFSA, families with great intentions can unknowingly make costly mistakes without the right strategy in place.

In this episode, Matthew Peck is joined by SHP Financial Advisor Laura Russo to break down the increasingly complex world of college planning. Laura explains how parents and grandparents can support their family's education goals in ways that remain tax-efficient and how ownership structures, gifting strategies, and early planning decisions can influence outcomes for both students and families.

Together, they share practical strategies such as direct tuition payments, 529 and ABLE accounts, and recent FAFSA rule changes that significantly impact financial aid eligibility. Ultimately, this conversation emphasizes how education planning is done proactively, it can reduce financial stress, preserve family wealth, and create opportunities for future generations without compromising retirement security.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• How grandparents can help fund college in a tax-efficient way.
• Why 529 plan ownership now matters more than ever.
• How recent FAFSA changes impact financial aid eligibility.
• The differences between direct tuition payments and 529 strategies.
• Why student-owned assets can unintentionally reduce aid opportunities.
• How ABLE accounts support education planning for individuals with disabilities.
• Why early financial conversations help families make smarter college decisions.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Planning for the future doesn't stop once your estate documents are signed. As laws change, family dynamics evolve, and asset values grow, outdated estate plans can create unintended consequences.

In this episode, Keith Ellis Jr. is joined by estate planning attorney Keith McManus to discuss current estate planning trends, common misconceptions, and the real risks families face when plans aren't properly reviewed. With over 30 years of experience, Keith McManus explains why estate planning is never a one-and-done decision and why proactive updates matter more than most people realize.

Together, they explore how blended families, beneficiary designations, and state-specific tax laws can dramatically impact outcomes, along with why trusts don't all work the same way. Keith also addresses the growing trend of DIY and AI-generated estate plans and the costly mistakes that often follow.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• The importance of reviewing estate plans every three to four years.
• How blended families create unique estate planning challenges.
• What the Massachusetts estate tax exemption means for retirees.
• How beneficiary designations can override trusts.
• Why long-term care planning should be factored into your estate planning.
• Reasons why DIY and AI-generated estate plans can create serious risks.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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• YouTube