It’s wild how fast a year goes by, and when you finally look back, the gap between what you meant to do and what actually happened is bigger than anticipated. The trick is that most financial progress relies less on skill and more on removing willpower from the equation.

In this episode of Real Personal Finance, Scott and Nick sit down to talk through the small systems that can move your money in the right direction, even on the busiest weeks.

They walk through the everyday automations that meaningfully change how much you save, how smoothly cash flows through your accounts, and how confidently you can stick to your plan.

Key topics:

• How setting contributions as a percentage keeps your 401(k) aligned with future raises
• Why automated brokerage transfers turn good intentions into actual investments
• A simple bank-flow setup that keeps spending predictable and stress-free
• How automation supports higher earners with RSUs, taxes, and rebalancing
• Why “what gets automated gets done” becomes your biggest financial advantage

Curious about your retirement savings? Our How Much Do I Need To Retire? quiz gives you an idea of where you stand and a starting point to think about your long-term planning.

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Ready to learn more?

• Scott Frank on LinkedIn
• Stone Steps Financial
• Nick Covyeau
• Swell Financial

Leave us a question!

Money can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial.

The holidays have a way of bringing money and meaning into the same conversation. In this episode of Real Personal Finance, Scott and Nick lean right into that. Between family gifting, charitable giving, donor-advised funds, and changes to deduction rules, this episode walks you through the most practical ways to support the people and causes you care about. It’s a great moment to pause, think about what matters, and check in on how generosity fits into your financial life.

Key Takeaways

• How gift tax exclusion limits really work when supporting family and loved ones
• The benefits of donating appreciated stock instead of cash
• Why donor-advised funds and QCDs can make year-end giving more impactful

Ready to learn more?

• Scott Frank on LinkedIn
• Stone Steps Financial
• Nick Covyeau on LinkedIn
• Swell Financial

Curious about your retirement savings? Our How Much Do I Need To Retire? quiz gives you an idea of where you stand and a starting point to think about your long-term planning.

https://www.stonestepsfinancial.com/howmuch

Leave us a question!

Money can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial.

Most people wait until tax season to think about taxes, but by then, the window’s closed. Scott and Nick talk about how the best planning happens now, when there’s still time to adjust what’s already in motion.

They get into some of the details that help shape your future: RMD timing, Roth conversions in the “golden window,” how bunching charitable gifts really works, and what happens when you accidentally nudge your income above a Medicare bracket.

A friendly reminder that a little attention before December 31 can go a long way toward starting next year lighter, clearer, and better positioned.

Curious about your retirement savings? Our How Much Do I Need To Retire? quiz gives you an idea of where you stand and a starting point to think about your long-term planning.

https://www.stonestepsfinancial.com/howmuch

—

Ready to learn more?

• Nick Covyeau on LinkedIn
• Swell Financial
• Scott Frank on LinkedIn
• Stone Steps Financial

Leave us a question!

Money can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. When you’re able to understand the complexities, you can make better decisions to improve your daily life. Connect with us at Stone Steps Financial.