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Michael Makes Sense

Commonwealth Guardians
Retirement Planning
Social Security
Taxes
Income Planning In Retirement
PILL Method
Debt Payoff
Market Volatility
Survivor Benefits
Contingency Planning
Interest Cost
Amortization
IRS
Pensions
Annuities
Individual Retirement Accounts (iras)
Money Mindset
Retirement
Commonwealth Guardians
Financial Telehealth
Banking System

Michael Makes Sense cuts through the noise of personal finance with clear, practical conversations designed to help you make more confident decisions about your financial future. Hosted by Michael Widlake, Founder of Commonwealth Guardians, the show tackles the real questions people have about money, retirement, investing, financial planning, risk, and the decisions that can shape the years ahead.... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes7Founded2 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
InvestingBusiness

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Artwork for Michael Makes Sense

Latest Episodes

How do you know which retirement income and investment options make sense for you?In Episode 06 of Michael Makes Sense, Michael Widlake, Founder of Commonwealth Guardians, answers real listener questions about retirement accounts, income strategies, ... more

What if the thoughts keeping you awake at night aren't necessarily telling you the truth, but are trying to tell you something important?

In this special two-part edition of Michael Makes Sense, host Michael Widlake welcomes acclaimed clinical psych... more

You may know how much you’ve saved for retirement, but do you know how much of it you’ll actually get to keep?In Episode 05 of Michael Makes Sense, Michael takes a closer look at one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning: taxes.From 401... more

Is Social Security really running out of money, and should you be worried about what that means for your retirement?

In Episode 03 of Michael Makes Sense, Michael Widlake, Founder of Commonwealth Guardians, takes on one of the biggest concerns facing... more

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Recent Guests

Dr. Yasmine Saad
Acclaimed clinical psychologist, international speaker, author, founder of Madison Park Psychological Services in New York City
Madison Park Psychological Services, New York City
Episode: What Is Your Mind Trying to Tell You? | Dr. Yasmine Saad | Michael Makes Sense Ep. 07 (Part 1)
Don Daniel
Creator of The PILL Method, an approach to debt and amortization
PILL Method
Episode: The PILL Method: How to Pay Off Debt Faster | Don Daniel | Michael Makes Sense Ep. 04

Host

Michael Widlake
Host of the show and founder of Commonwealth Guardians; established commentator on personal finance and retirement planning.

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Talking Points

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Understanding Your Income & Investment Options | Michael Makes Sense Ep. 06
Q: How do I know when I actually need one product and how do I avoid buying something unnecessary?
Evaluate products within the context of a comprehensive plan, start with a clear risk assessment, and weigh fees and alignment with long-term goals to avoid mismatches or unnecessary purchases.
Understanding Your Income & Investment Options | Michael Makes Sense Ep. 06
Q: What is the difference between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA, and how do taxes factor in?
Traditional IRAs defer taxes until withdrawal while Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax dollars, so qualified withdrawals are tax-free; the choice depends on current versus future tax considerations and how they fit into an eight-part retirement plan.
Understanding Your Income & Investment Options | Michael Makes Sense Ep. 06
Q: Is there one retirement product that's better than the others?
There isn't one best product; success depends on your overall situation and using a combination of strategies that fit eight key retirement pillars rather than relying on a single solution.
Are Taxes the Hidden Shortfall in Your Retirement Plan? | Michael Makes Sense Ep. 05
Q: What is one thing I should be doing today to avoid tax surprises later?
Begin planning now to understand how different income sources will be taxed in retirement, map out all potential income streams, and adjust strategies as needed to minimize tax burdens over the long term.
Are Taxes the Hidden Shortfall in Your Retirement Plan? | Michael Makes Sense Ep. 05
Q: Is Social Security taxed and could taking money from an IRA increase Medicare premiums?
Yes, up to 85% of Social Security can be taxed due to historical rule changes, and withdrawals can influence Medicare premiums if income crosses certain thresholds, making careful planning important.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Michael Makes Sense

What is Michael Makes Sense about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Financial-focused conversations cut through the noise with practical, listener-driven Q&As about retirement, taxes, debt, and long-term planning. Across recent episodes, the host emphasizes holistic retirement strategies that balance accounts, accounts' tax implications, Social Security considerations, and contingencies for market volatility. Guests and callers are used to illustrate how to tailor tools to individual situations, highlight fiduciary considerations, and argue that there isn't a single “best product” or rule of thumb. The format blends solid math, realistic budgeting, and actionable steps, making complex topics approachable for people actively planning or revisiting their financial future. A notable strength is the clear empha... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Michael Makes Sense?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Michael Makes Sense:

1. Your Next Dollar: Money Management for High Earners
2. Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast
3. NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
4. Big Picture Retirement®
5. Investing Insights

How many episodes of Michael Makes Sense are there?

Michael Makes Sense launched 2 months ago and published 7 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Michael Makes Sense?

Recent guests on Michael Makes Sense include:

1. Dr. Yasmine Saad
2. Don Daniel

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