Losing a spouse is one of life’s most painful experiences, and in the midst of grief, surviving partners are often faced with overwhelming financial decisions. From settling estates to adjusting to changes in income, the process can feel like an impossible burden to carry alone. Without a plan in place, surviving spouses may find themselves vulnerable to financial missteps at a time when clarity is hardest to find.

In this episode, SHP Financial’s Derek Gregoire and Alina Osokhovska explore the critical importance of financial planning for widows. With years of experience guiding families through difficult transitions, Alina explains how proper planning can bring stability, reduce stress, and provide widows with the confidence to focus on healing rather than paperwork.

In this conversation, Derek and Alina unpack the key financial considerations after the loss of a spouse, from estate settlement and tax bracket changes to Social Security benefits and cash flow adjustments. They also discuss proactive strategies for couples to ensure that if the unthinkable happens, surviving spouses are not left unprotected.

Whether you are preparing for the future or currently walking through loss, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical steps to ease the burden during one of life’s most difficult transitions.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why women are statistically more likely to become widows and the financial challenges that come with it.
• The critical first steps when settling an estate after the loss of a spouse.
• How income and cash flow change when pensions, Social Security, or other benefits are reduced or lost.
• The hidden tax consequences widows often face and how proactive planning can help mitigate them.
• Advanced planning strategies for couples, including estate exemptions, step-up in basis, and inherited IRA considerations.

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

Connect With Us on Social

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Death is one of life’s certainties, yet it remains one of the hardest subjects to talk about. Many families avoid end-of-life conversations out of fear, discomfort, or superstition. Unfortunately, this avoidance can lead to increased stress, resentment, and regret when the time comes to make critical decisions. So how do we make the process smoother, less overwhelming, and more meaningful?

In this episode, Matthew Peck is joined by Aimee Yawnick, a practicing death doula and founder of Leaving in Love. Drawing from her personal journey, Aimee shares what it means to “hold space” at the end-of-life, how to navigate powerful emotions such as grief, guilt, and even relief, and why these conversations are the greatest gift we can give to loved ones.

We also discussed Aimee’s six-week course, What Matters Most, which guides participants through a process of envisioning their final 90 days. From legacy letters and videos to healing old relationships, Aimee explains how facing mortality can change the way we live — and not just how we prepare to die.

Whether you’re in retirement, caring for an aging loved one, or looking for ways to get started with end-of-life planning, this conversation has a ton of valuable insights that will help you and others navigate this challenging aspect of life and death.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• What a death doula is and the value they add for families.
• Why avoiding conversations about death often creates a bigger burden for loved ones.
• How “holding space” provides comfort and calm during life’s most difficult moments.
• The importance of legacy planning through letters, videos, and rituals.
• How the What Matters Most course helps people align values with end-of-life decisions.
• Why planning early and before a crisis leads to greater peace of mind.

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

Connect With Us on Social

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Graduation marks an exciting new chapter for young professionals, but for those eyeing a career in financial planning, the path forward can feel uncertain. What are the skills that investment firms are looking for? Which licenses and designations matter most? And how do you land that first opportunity in a highly competitive field?

Today, Matthew Peck welcomes back returning guest Raphael Hanna to share his journey from Stonehill College to SHP Financial. Drawing from his own early experiences, Raphael reveals how internships, networking, and a willingness to adapt shaped his career path. He also explains the difference between independent advisory firms and other industry models, why relationship-building is as important as technical skills, and how to decide where you want to specialize.

In this conversation, you’ll learn the difference between independent advisory firms and other industry models, why relationship-building is as important as technical skills, and how to decide where you want to specialize.

Whether you’re a recent grad, a career changer, or simply curious about what it takes to thrive in financial planning, this episode provides a blueprint to start off on the right track and build a career that lasts.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why networking can make or break your early career.
• The important licenses every new advisor should consider obtaining.
• How to choose the right firm for your career goals.
• The pros and cons of independent vs. traditional advisory models.
• How professional designations like the CFP® can set you apart.
• The best ways to explore career paths within financial services.

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

Connect With Us on Social

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Many retirees want to give back—but aren’t sure how to do it in a way that’s financially savvy and tax-efficient. If you’ve ever wondered how to streamline your charitable giving, take advantage of smart tax strategies, or leave a lasting legacy without the administrative burden, we have the perfect guest to help with those important decisions.

Today, Matthew Peck is joined by Kyle Casserino, VP of Charitable Planning at Fidelity Investments. With years of experience in philanthropic financial strategies, Kyle walks us through the fast-growing world of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and how they can help individuals make a greater impact while minimizing taxes. From understanding the history and purpose of DAFs to exploring real-life scenarios where they make the most sense, Kyle explains why this tool is increasingly popular among charitably inclined investors.

In this conversation, you’ll learn how Donor-Advised Funds compare to private foundations, how to give appreciated assets like stocks instead of cash, and why these accounts are especially valuable for high-income earners, business owners, and those with large tax events. Whether you’re already giving or planning to give in the future, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to make your charitable dollars go further.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why Donor-Advised Funds are a flexible, low-maintenance alternative to private foundations.
• How giving appreciated stock can help you avoid capital gains taxes.
• The advantages of funding a DAF in high-income years to "pre-pay" future giving.
• Why Donor-Advised Funds can help simplify record-keeping and tax filing.
• How DAFs support legacy planning, including multi-generational giving.
• The biggest differentiators of foundations versus Donor-Advised Funds
• Why timing, tax brackets, and estate size matter when planning charitable gifts.

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

Connect With Us on Social

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" has just become law, bringing sweeping tax changes that will directly impact retirees and pre-retirees. From changes to itemized deductions and charitable giving to updates on Social Security taxation and estate planning, the impact is far-reaching.

Today, Matthew Peck is joined by one of SHP Financial’s Certified Financial Planners™, Alina Osokhovska. As one of SHP’s top planning advisors, Alina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the complexities of this new legislation. They’ll unpack how the bill alters standard deductions, reinstates the importance of itemizing, and introduces income-sensitive thresholds that could significantly affect your tax strategy.

In this conversation, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s changing now and what’s coming in the years ahead. Whether it’s properly timing your Roth conversions, navigating the new SALT caps, or optimizing charitable contributions, this episode will help inform your decisions to maximize tax efficiency in retirement.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why itemized deductions are back on the table and how to know if they benefit you.
• How changes to the SALT deduction cap can impact high-income households.
• What the new rules mean for Social Security taxation.
• Why retirees over 65 may benefit from an additional tax deduction and how to qualify.
• How charitable giving rules are shifting, both for itemized and standard filers.
• Financial planning opportunities that exist today before parts of the bill phase out in 2029.

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

Connect With Us on Social

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Co-Founder, Matt Peck, CFP®, CIMA®, and Investment Analyst, Zach Perkins CFA®, team up to deliver the market update for Q2.

Matt and Zach discuss what's currently going on in the markets — where we've been, where we're headed, and how tariffs and the “Big Beautiful Bill” may impact the economy. They'll also address key questions submitted by our clients.

During times of uncertainty, our priority is to keep you informed and help ensure you feel supported every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisor. We're always here to help.

Perhaps you’ve heard of Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) but aren’t quite sure how they work or if they’re only suitable for high-net-worth investors. In this episode, we’ll break down the truth behind SMAs and why more investors are turning to them as a way to gain control, improve tax efficiency, and tailor their portfolios to their unique financial goals.

In today’s podcast, SHP Financial’s Matthew Peck is joined by Cam Iarrobino, Investment Analyst to explain how SMAs differ from traditional mutual funds and ETFs, and why they’ve gained traction in today’s complex market environment. They’ll walk you through the key benefits of SMAs—including transparency, customization, and after-tax yield—and how they can be used to align investment strategies with a client’s overall retirement plan.

In this conversation, you’ll learn the key benefits of SMAs—including customization and after-tax yield—and how they can be used to align investment strategies with a client’s overall retirement plan. You’ll also learn the importance of rebalancing, direct indexing your investments, and how to know when SMAs are (or aren’t) the right fit for you.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• How SMAs offer greater customization and control compared to mutual funds and ETFs.
• The increased flexibility and efficiency of direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting with SMAs.
• The advantages of incorporating municipal bonds with SMAs and why their favored by SHP Financial.
• The value of tax efficiencies and after-tax yield benefits of SMAs, especially for high-net-worth investors.
• The difference between SMAs, ETFs and mutual funds with minimums, fees and flexibility.
• How SHP Financial evaluates how to implement SMAs into their client portfolios.

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

Connect With Us on Social

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• YouTube