In this episode of Ditch the Suits , we're back with Matt Brassard, Head of Growth at Ground News, to continue the conversation about how your media diet could be making you more confused—and more stressed—than informed. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by doomsday headlines or wondered why every story you read feels slanted, this one's for you. We break down how Ground News works, why headlines manipulate behavior, and how algorithms are designed to keep you in a digital echo chamber. Matt pulls...
Jun 24, 2025•39 min•Season 10Ep. 173
In this new two-part conversation, Travis welcomes Matt Brassard of Ground News to discuss the current state of news and the challenges of finding trustworthy information. Matt opens up about the role of Ground News as a news aggregation tool. Together, they explore the hyper-political media landscape, the importance of local news, and the impact of media bias on public perception. Matt shares insights from his journey in the news industry and the evolution of Ground News, emphasizing the need f...
Jun 17, 2025•38 min•Season 10Ep. 172
In this follow-up episode of Ditch the Suits , Travis continues his conversation with Dr. Paul Gould, PhD, LICSW, founder of Kindred Spirits Counseling and Wellness . Together, they dig deeper into the emotional toll political uncertainty and federal job instability are having on workers—and what can be done about it. With tensions rising across political lines and anxiety driven by job insecurity, Dr. Gould helps us understand how emotionally charged environments, cognitive distortions, and tox...
Jun 10, 2025•45 min•Season 10Ep. 171
In this episode of Ditch the Suits , host Travis Maus sits down with Dr. Paul Gould, PhD, LICSW, a licensed clinical social worker and expert in anxiety and trauma, to unpack the mounting stress experienced by federal employees amid sudden funding cuts and workforce changes. With nearly 35% of all U.S. jobs tied in some way to federal funding, these shifts are rippling across the economy—impacting individuals, families, and financial futures. Travis and Dr. Gould dive into the differences betwee...
Jun 03, 2025•47 min•Season 10Ep. 170
In this episode, Travis and Steve delve into the complexities of tariffs, egg prices, and the broader implications for financial futures. They challenge common narratives surrounding these topics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying factors affecting prices and regulations. The conversation highlights the role of supply issues, regulatory policies, and the misconceptions surrounding tariffs, ultimately advocating for a more informed perspective on economic issues. One key ...
May 27, 2025•51 min•Season 10Ep. 169
In this episode, Travis and Steve discuss how to navigate market volatility, emphasizing the importance of understanding market corrections and crashes. They explore strategies for profiting during downturns, including Roth conversions and identifying investment opportunities. The conversation highlights the wisdom of Warren Buffett, encouraging listeners to view market fluctuations as "opportunities rather than threats." Key Takeaways Market volatility can be leveraged for profit. Understanding...
May 20, 2025•24 min•Season 10Ep. 168
In this episode, Travis and Steve delve into the complexities of taxation, focusing on common mistakes individuals make regarding tax reduction strategies. They discuss the difference between tax loopholes and traps, the concept of tax loss harvesting, and the risks associated with market timing. The conversation also covers the implications of deferring income taxes, the challenges of capital gains, and the strategic use of the zero percent tax bracket. Together, Travis and Steve emphasize the ...
May 13, 2025•37 min•Season 10Ep. 167
We're diving deep into the world of financial planning with our awesome guest, Jeff Chase! Jeff is Vice President of Financial Planning and a Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. This episode shines a spotlight on the critical importance of choosing not just a financial planner, but the right firm that supports them. We discuss how organizations can make or break your financial journey, focusing on the concept of "bench strength"—essentially, what happens when your go-to planner is ...
May 06, 2025•30 min•Season 10Ep. 166
Today, we're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of what makes a financial planner the "real deal." Our special series guest, Jeff Chase, VP of Financial Planning and Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group is back with us, and together we're about to drop some insights that’ll help you see through all the shiny sales pitches out there. We’re breaking down the art of financial planning and why it’s not just about throwing money at investments and calling it a day. Instead, it’s about craf...
Apr 29, 2025•33 min•Season 10Ep. 165
Our special guest, Jeff Chase, Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group, is back! In this episode, we're diving deep into financial planning and exposing financial advisors and professionals who might be more about sales than sound advice. We'll break down how to distinguish experienced, qualified financial planners from those who are just in it for the commission—because when it comes to your financial future, you deserve a true professional, not just a salesperson...
Apr 22, 2025•31 min•Season 10Ep. 164
Navigating the world of financial advising can feel like wandering through a maze blindfolded. Not every financial advisor is created equal—some have the credentials and expertise, while others just have the title. So, how can you tell the difference? In this brand-new four-part series, we’re joined by Jeff Chase , Senior Vice President of Financial Planning at S.E.E.D. Planning Group . Together, we're pulling back the curtain on the financial advising industry and trying to help you better iden...
Apr 15, 2025•25 min•Season 10Ep. 163
Have you ever felt like the stock market is rigged against you? Well, you’re not alone in that sentiment, but we’re here to pull back the curtain and show you that it’s all about understanding the rules of the game. Throughout the episode, we argue that many investors are distracted by the flashy allure of 'instant wealth' while ignoring the real strategies that could lead to sustainable success. We illustrate how knowledge and strategy can turn the tables. The conversation weaves through the em...
Apr 08, 2025•40 min•Season 10Ep. 162
Ever feel like the investment world is just one big emotional rollercoaster? Well, you’re not alone! We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of why the average investor is at a serious disadvantage and how to flip the script. We kick things off by addressing the emotional rollercoaster that is the stock market, likening it to an emotional teenager throwing tantrums over price fluctuations. It’s all about understanding that while the market might be throwing a fit, we don’t have to join the chaos. We ...
Apr 01, 2025•36 min•Season 10Ep. 161
Would you like your investments to have more good days than bad days? Are you tired of logging in and seeing your investment account balances dropping? Why does the stock market feel like an emotional teenager throwing tantrums and making drama? Well, that's what we're diving into today! We’re breaking down how the ups and downs of your investments mirror the wild mood swings of adolescence—think mood swings but with dollar signs. Between the media's sensational headlines and our natural urge to...
Mar 25, 2025•35 min•Season 10Ep. 160
This episode dives into why teaming up with a competent attorney is essential for your financial well-being, especially when it comes to estate planning. We’ve got our go-to legal expert, Kristen Luce, Partner at Coughlin and Gerhart LLP , back in studio to share how the right attorney can make all the difference in ensuring your assets are handled according to your wishes. We chat about the importance of communication, transparency, and doing your homework when choosing legal professionals—beca...
Mar 18, 2025•47 min•Season 10Ep. 159
Today, we're diving headfirst into the nitty-gritty of estate planning with our special guest, Kristen Luce, Partner at Coughlin and Gerhart , LLP, who knows this stuff like the back of her hand. Our episode kicks off with a casual banter that sets the tone for a relaxed yet informative discussion. Kristen shares her journey and passion for helping clients navigate the often murky waters of estate planning. Together we discuss how many people feel overwhelmed and hesitant to start their estate p...
Mar 11, 2025•43 min•Season 10Ep. 158
We’re diving deep into the world of trust (or lack thereof) in the financial services industry! This episode is all about how trust in your financial advisor should be more than just a warm fuzzy feeling; it needs to be backed by proactive planning and accountability. We'll break down two compelling cases: one involving a major investment firm hit with a $17.5 million civil penalty for allegedly making misleading statements about its ESG-focused investments, and another where an advisor orchestr...
Mar 04, 2025•32 min•Season 10Ep. 157
In this special episode of Ditch the Suits , Travis and Steve break down the results of a recent survey that asked 1,000 investors working with financial advisors: What matters more—trust or performance? Should it be just one thing or a combination? Don’t you deserve to work with someone who you can both trust not to rip you off and expect performance from? Join us as we challenge the status quo and discuss why clients should raise their expectations. Key takeaways from the survey: 🔹 Why 72% of...
Feb 25, 2025•40 min•Season 10Ep. 156
Jess Blake, Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor and Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group returns for the last episode in this series to help clarify the common misconception that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy or elderly. We engage in a lively debate, dispelling these myths and emphasizing that anyone over 18 with any form of asset should consider an estate plan. The discussion highlights the critical role of power of attorney documents and how vital they are, es...
Feb 18, 2025•35 min•Season 10Ep. 155
Estate planning is one of those things that we often put off until it’s too late. This episode of Ditch the Suits is here to change that mindset! We’ve got Jess Blake, Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor and Senior Wealth Manager at S.E.E.D. Planning Group back with us, and she’s about to drop some bombs about how to avoid those critical estate planning blunders that could haunt your family long after you’ve gone. We kick off with a light-hearted chat about the misconceptions surrounding estat...
Feb 11, 2025•32 min•Season 10Ep. 154
In this episode, we dive into estate planning with Jessica Blake, a Senior Wealth Manager and Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) at S.E.E.D. Planning Group. Jessica shares real-life insights from working with clients every day, shedding light on the critical mistakes people make that can jeopardize their financial legacy. We explore why estate planning is often overlooked, how proper planning can prevent financial disaster, and why working with the right advisor makes all the differenc...
Feb 04, 2025•28 min•Season 10Ep. 153
This episode of the Ditch the Suits focuses on the critical importance of estate planning and the common mistakes people make in this area. Travis and Steve welcome Jessica Blake, a Senior Wealth Manager and Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) from S.E.E.D. Planning Group, with extensive experience in estate planning, to share her insights. They discuss what constitutes an adequate estate plan and debunk the misconception that it's merely about having a will or life insurance. Jessica...
Jan 28, 2025•33 min•Season 10Ep. 152
Understanding your personal finances means treating them like a business, and that's exactly what this episode of Ditch the Suits emphasizes. Travis and Steve dive into the importance of recognizing yourself as the boss of your financial situation, encouraging listeners to engage with financial advisors as if they were hiring employees. They discuss the pitfalls of over-reliance on financial professionals who may not have your best interests at heart, and how to spot red flags in the financial s...
Jan 21, 2025•37 min•Season 10Ep. 151
In our last episode, we did a status check on the state of the financial advice industry. We discussed that the term financial advisor is meaningless and how you can get more information on any potential financial advisor or firm you may consider working with. This episode is an open conversation about some of our experiences helping people find real value via financial planning. This episode of Ditch the Suits dives deep into the true value of financial planning and the importance of working wi...
Jan 14, 2025•27 min•Season 10Ep. 150
Have you ever thought “should I work with a financial advisor” or if you already do, “do I need a second opinion?” Or maybe, “aren’t all financial advisors the same?” In this episode you’ll get the answer to these questions and more as we dig into the state of the financial advisor industry. Should you hire a financial advisor? This question lies at the heart of the latest discussion on the Ditch the Suits podcast, where hosts Travis and Steve peel back the layers of the financial services indus...
Jan 07, 2025•45 min•Season 10Ep. 149
The holiday season brings a unique blend of reflection and anticipation for us on the Ditch the Suits podcast. In this episode, we take a moment to appreciate our journey over the past year, celebrating a remarkable 34% growth in listenership. We’re excited to share updates to our content strategy, including guest interviews and deeper dives into key topics, to offer varied insights from active professionals in financial planning. A central theme of this discussion is the significance of persona...
Dec 31, 2024•18 min•Season 9Ep. 148
Join us as we dive into a comprehensive recap of the past year's highlights from our Ditch the Suits podcast. This episode reflects on the critical financial insights we've shared, focusing on the importance of understanding your money in the context of life and personal fulfillment. From navigating estate planning to tackling the complexities of bonds, we explore how our discussions have aimed to empower listeners with practical knowledge for their financial journeys. We also address the impact...
Dec 24, 2024•38 min•Season 9Ep. 147
This episode of the Ditch the Suits Podcast dives deep into the emotional and financial complexities that arise after losing a loved one.. Co-hosts Travis Maus and Steve Campbell emphasize the importance of taking time to grieve and not rushing into decisions, advocating for a thoughtful gap analysis to assess financial needs and future goals. They explore the potential emotional burdens tied to property ownership and the responsibility that comes with selling, particularly the concern for futur...
Dec 17, 2024•34 min•Season 9Ep. 146
This episode of the Ditch the Suits Podcast explores the profound challenges of rebuilding life after the loss of a loved one. It focuses on both the emotional and practical decisions that arise in the wake of such a life-altering event. A show follower asked Travis and Steve about their experience managing a family farm after losing a partner while also navigating the responsibility of caring for a mother who wants to remain nearby. Recognizing that many people may face similar struggles, Travi...
Dec 10, 2024•40 min•Season 9Ep. 145
This episode of Ditch the Suits Podcast delves into the intricate world of financial planning, particularly as the year draws to a close. Hosts Steve Campbell and Travis Maus discuss practical actions that individuals can take before the end of the year, emphasizing the importance of understanding capital gains and the potential benefits of tax loss harvesting. The discussion highlights the distinction between short-term and long-term capital gains and the associated tax implications, guiding li...
Dec 03, 2024•39 min•Season 9Ep. 144
