Episodes

  • Market Myths That Cost You Money: The 10 Wall Street Lies Quietly Wrecking Your Returns

    Market Myths That Cost You Money: The 10 Wall Street Lies Quietly Wrecking Your Returns
    Apr 18 2026
    If you missed just the 10 best days in the market over the last 25 years, you would have cut your returns nearly in half. Miss the best 30 days, and you might as well have left the money in a money market. Miss the best 50 days, and you are actually losing money. That is the cost of a market myth. In this week's Money On Tap, Ben Brayshaw and Dan Michelon break down the most common — and most expensive — market myths that quietly erode investor wealth: "Sell in May and go away," "now is the wrong time to invest," "cash is safer than stocks," "investing is just legalized gambling," "more holdings means better diversification," "gold is a safe haven," "bonds are risk free," and more. With hard numbers, clear analogies, and three decades of planning experience between them, Ben and Dan sort fact from folklore — and lay out a disciplined, statistics-backed approach to growing and protecting your money. You will learn:
    • Why missing the market's best 10 days can cut your long-term returns in half
    • Why lump-sum investing beats dollar-cost averaging 67-75% of the time
    • How a $100,000 in cash since 1992 compares to the same $100,000 in the S&P 500
    • Why 2,900 holdings may actually be less diversified than 500
    • The truth about gold, bonds, and "safe" investments
    • How a $50-per-month investor can still build real wealth
    Plus "Money In The News":
    • NAHB home builder sentiment drops to a 7-month low amid material, labor, and oil pressures
    • Trump Accounts sign up 5 million kids — with community sponsorship changing the game
    • March CPI surges 0.9% as the Iran conflict reshapes the inflation outlook
    Resources & Links
    • Website: https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/
    • Money On Tap podcast hub: https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap
    • Full Money On Tap episode library: https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap-podcast-content
    • Read the companion blog: https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/blog
    • Our planning process: https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/our-process
    • Schedule a free consultation: https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/contact


    Related Episodes:
    • Retirement distribution strategy: how to keep more of your income → https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap
    • The difference between accumulation and distribution → https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap
    • Tax-smart investing and why most investors overpay → https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap
    • How to vet a financial advisor (the questions that matter) → https://www.brayshawfinancial.com/money-on-tap

    Contact Us
    • Phone: 855-226-8551
    • Email: info@yourmoneyontap.com
    • Office: 116 South River Road, Bedford, NH 03110
    • Web: brayshawfinancial.com


    • What happens if I miss the 10 best days in the stock market?
    • Is dollar-cost averaging better than lump-sum investing?
    • How much should I keep in cash versus invested?
    • Is investing in stocks the same as gambling?
    • Can I start investing with only $50 a month?
    • Are bonds really risk-free?
    • Does "sell in May and go away" actually work?
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Generation Roth: Why Tax-Free Retirement Strategies Matter Now

    Generation Roth: Why Tax-Free Retirement Strategies Matter Now
    Apr 12 2026
    Are today’s tax rates the lowest you’ll ever see in your lifetime?
    In this episode of Money on Tap, we introduce the concept of “Generation Roth”—a powerful shift in retirement planning focused on building tax-free income in a world where taxes are likely to rise.
    For decades, traditional retirement planning has relied on tax-deferred strategies like 401(k)s and IRAs. But with growing national debt, changing tax policy, and increasing retirement complexity, that approach may no longer be enough.
    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    • Why today’s tax environment may be historically low
    • How rising national debt could impact future tax rates
    • The truth about being in a “lower tax bracket” in retirement
    • What a Roth IRA is and why it matters now more than ever
    • How Roth strategies create tax-free income
    • Options for high-income earners who can’t contribute directly to a Roth
    • The role of Roth conversions and advanced planning strategies
    • The concept of “tax diversification” in retirement planning
    • How to think about retirement as an income system—not just a savings goal
    This episode is designed for anyone who wants to take greater control over their financial future and build a more tax-efficient retirement strategy.
    Because retirement isn’t just about how much you have—it’s about how much you keep.
    🎧 Listen now and learn how to position yourself for a more secure and flexible retirement.
    ---
    📅 Schedule a Retirement Strategy Session:
    https://app.greminders.com/t/9f3ce72e/initialconsulta
    📞 Call: 855-226-8551
    📧 Email: info@yourmoneyontap.com
    ---
    Money on Tap is your personal finance headquarters, bringing together insurance, brokerage, and fee-based planning to help you make smarter financial decisions.
    Subscribe for weekly insights on retirement planning, investing, and financial independence.


    What is a Roth IRA and why is it important?
    A Roth IRA is a retirement account where contributions are made after taxes, allowing the investment to grow tax-free and be withdrawn tax-free in retirement. It is important because it helps reduce future tax risk and provides more predictable retirement income.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • The Science of Retirement Income: How to Create Income Alpha and Reduce Taxes in Retirement

    The Science of Retirement Income: How to Create Income Alpha and Reduce Taxes in Retirement
    Apr 4 2026
    Are you unknowingly losing thousands of dollars in retirement taxes?
    In this episode of Money on Tap, we break down the science of retirement income and how to create “income alpha”—keeping more of what you’ve already earned.
    Many retirees focus on growing their portfolio, but the real opportunity lies in tax efficiency, withdrawal strategy, and income planning.
    In this episode, you’ll learn:
    • How retirement income is taxed (and why most people overpay)
    • The hidden impact of RMDs and Social Security taxation
    • What “income alpha” means and how to create it
    • Roth IRA strategies and tax-free income planning
    • The truth about the widow’s tax trap and how to prepare
    • How charitable strategies can reduce your tax burden
    • Why tax planning can increase retirement income by 20–30%
    Retirement is not about how much you have—it’s about how efficiently you use it.
    📞 Schedule a Retirement Strategy Session:
    https://app.greminders.com/t/9f3ce72e/initialconsulta
    📧 Contact us: info@yourmoneyontap.com
    📞 Call: 855-226-8551
    Subscribe for more insights on retirement planning, investing, and financial independence.


    • What is the difference between tax filing and tax planning? Tax filing is reporting last year's income and paying the tax you owe. Tax planning is a year-round strategy that uses the tax code intentionally — through bracket management, deductions, retirement contributions, and income engineering — to legally reduce future tax liability and protect long-term wealth.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Global Conflict, Strategic Protection

    Global Conflict, Strategic Protection
    Mar 28 2026
    • What is the difference between tax filing and tax planning? Tax filing is reporting last year's income and paying the tax you owe. Tax planning is a year-round strategy that uses the tax code intentionally — through bracket management, deductions, retirement contributions, and income engineering — to legally reduce future tax liability and protect long-term wealth.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • The New Triangle of Safety, Yield, Liquidity, and Lifetime Income

    The New Triangle of Safety, Yield, Liquidity, and Lifetime Income
    Mar 21 2026
    • What is the difference between tax filing and tax planning? Tax filing is reporting last year's income and paying the tax you owe. Tax planning is a year-round strategy that uses the tax code intentionally — through bracket management, deductions, retirement contributions, and income engineering — to legally reduce future tax liability and protect long-term wealth.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • The Retirement Income Crisis

    The Retirement Income Crisis
    Mar 14 2026
    • What is the difference between tax filing and tax planning? Tax filing is reporting last year's income and paying the tax you owe. Tax planning is a year-round strategy that uses the tax code intentionally — through bracket management, deductions, retirement contributions, and income engineering — to legally reduce future tax liability and protect long-term wealth.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • War, Oil & Wall Street, Short-Term Winners and Losers

    War, Oil & Wall Street, Short-Term Winners and Losers
    Mar 7 2026
    • What is the difference between tax filing and tax planning? Tax filing is reporting last year's income and paying the tax you owe. Tax planning is a year-round strategy that uses the tax code intentionally — through bracket management, deductions, retirement contributions, and income engineering — to legally reduce future tax liability and protect long-term wealth.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • The Hidden Psychology Driving Your Financial Life

    The Hidden Psychology Driving Your Financial Life
    Feb 28 2026
    • What happens if I miss the 10 best days in the stock market?
    • Is dollar-cost averaging better than lump-sum investing?
    • How much should I keep in cash versus invested?
    • Is investing in stocks the same as gambling?
    • Can I start investing with only $50 a month?
    • Are bonds really risk-free?
    • Does "sell in May and go away" actually work?
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins