Space missions and retirement might seem like worlds apart, but there’s a powerful connection between them. NASA’s Artemis II mission is a reminder that your retirement planning isn’t just about the day you stop working. It’s about what happens before—and after—your retirement date.

In this episode, we’ll use the Artemis II mission to illustrate why the principles of space exploration mirror the best practices for achieving a successful retirement.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🚀 Artemis II is a test mission, just like the first 5 years of retirement

💡 Small mistakes in planning can snowball into major problems later

🔑 Preparation and redundancy (like diversification) are key to success

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 A strong retirement plan involves a collaborative team, just like space missions

⚖️ The goal of retirement isn’t the launch (or the finish line). It’s the long-term sustainability and legacy

What is Artemis II – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis_II

Apollo 11 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11

Apollo 13 – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_13

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

War headlines, rising oil prices, and market swings can make it feel like something bigger is unfolding. But while each situation feels unique, the pattern is often the same- markets react, investors worry, and emotions take over. In this episode, Don continues the conversation on how global conflict impacts markets and what that means for your financial plan. He focuses on what it means to be prepared- because the real question isn’t if volatility will happen, but whether your plan is built to handle it.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

⚠️ Conflict impact: Geopolitical events can trigger short-term market swings

⛽ Oil & markets: Rising energy prices influence inflation and sentiment

📚 Historical lessons: Every crisis feels new, but patterns repeat

🧭 Planning strategy: A well-built plan prepares for uncertainty

🧠 Emotional control: Discipline matters more than predictions

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

When global conflict breaks out, it often triggers a wave of anxiety among investors. Headlines warn of uncertainty, markets react sharply, and many people begin to wonder whether this time might truly be different. But history tells a very consistent story about how markets behave during periods of geopolitical tension. Don explains how markets have historically responded to global conflicts and why long-term investors should be cautious about reacting emotionally to short-term news.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🌤️ Spring & March Madness: Unpredictability appears in markets too

🌍 Global Conflict Concerns: News about Iran raises investor anxiety

📈 Historical Recoveries: Markets often rebound after crises

🧩 Diversification Matters: Balanced portfolios reduce volatility risk

🎲 Speculation Risks: Emotional decisions can hurt long-term results

📰 Media Influence: Headlines often amplify fear and uncertainty

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Tax season has a way of sneaking up on people, just like a late winter snowstorm. One minute you think you're in the clear… the next, deadlines are piling up, and forms keep showing up in the mailbox. In this episode, Don walks through the most important April 15 tax updates for 2026 and new rules that could impact higher earners. Whether you're filing, extending, contributing, or adjusting withholdings, Don provides a practical checklist to reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes before the deadline hits.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📅 Deadlines & Extensions: What must be paid by April 15 (even with an extension)

📊 Refund Shifts & Tax Law Changes: Why lower brackets may see bigger refunds

🏡 New Jersey Tax Updates: Property tax relief, retirement exclusions, and PAS-1 filing

🎁 Charitable & QCD Planning: Smart giving strategies before filing

💰 Catch-Up Contribution Changes: Roth requirements for higher earners

✅ Final April 15 Checklist: IRA, HSA, SEP, Solo 401(k), and tax credit review

Resources for this episode:

Tax estimates –

https://www.irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax/individuals/individuals-2

OBBBA – Tax changes –

https://www.hrblock.com/tax-center/irs/tax-law-and-policy/one-big-beautiful-bill-taxes/?srsltid=AfmBOoocoe8Os9sGXLBBmzoSWSFq8guezLiJLObMGUi5UHfPQ4jK-HD3

SALT Deduction change –

https://blog.taxact.com/what-is-the-salt-tax-deduction/

What Tax Forms Do I Need to Keep for My Taxes –

https://share.google/aimode/Dir3OK4dgTglBT8rQ

NJ PAS – 1

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/propertyreliefforms.shtml

QCD forms –

https://www.morningstar.com/retirement/irs-adds-new-reporting-code-charitable-ira-gifts

Paper Checks Going Away –

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers

Trump Accounts –

https://trumpaccounts.gov/

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Some investments shine brightly, until they burn the people holding them. Don explores how emotional decisions, flashy advertisements, and market hype can quietly derail long-term financial security. Protecting your future often means resisting what looks exciting in the moment.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Emotional Investing: Fear and greed shape outcomes

📺 Financial Advertising: Hype versus real risk

₿ Crypto & Meme Stocks: Volatility and speculation

💰 Income Planning: Stability beyond market swings

⚖️ Risk Balance: Performance without overexposure

Resources:

Yrefy – Lawsuit

https://advertisinglaw.fkks.com/post/102jz6l/yrefy-enters-into-750k-settlement-with-massachusetts-over-use-of-celebrity-endor

Bitcoin Crash –

https://www.tradingview.com/news/newsbtc:aaa5b3d71094b:0-why-the-bitcoin-price-crash-toward-60-000-was-necessary/

Meme Stock Crash –

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/29/gamestop-meme-stocks-retail-investors-wall-street-young-investors.html

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Winter storms have a way of revealing weak spots, just like life’s storms bring financial surprises in retirement. In this episode, Don uses recent winter weather events as a backdrop to highlight the expenses and risks that often catch retirees off guard. The focus isn’t on panic, but preparation, and planning ahead for when life’s storms hit.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

❄️ Financial Storms: Why unexpected costs hit harder in retirement

🧰 Storm Preparation: Planning before problems appear

🔌 Backup Systems: Home generators as a planning metaphor

🧾 Expense Pressure: Healthcare and insurance costs adding up

🏠 Insurance Coverage: Knowing what policies you actually need

🛡️ Long-Term Care: Planning for one of retirement’s biggest risks

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

Start the new year strong! In this episode, Don reframes 2026 resolutions around the intersection of health, relationships, and financial planning, and shows why ignoring one often undermines the others. If you want resolutions that support your life instead of competing with it, this episode sets a better foundation for 2026!

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎯 2026 Reset: Rethinking resolutions with purpose and clarity

🏃‍♂️ Health as Wealth: Why wellness is a financial strategy

📵 Tech & Relationships: Using smartphones as tools, not substitutes

🛡️ Protection Over Growth: Reducing risk as retirement approaches

📜 Estate Plan Check: Updating beneficiaries before it’s too late

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/

The holidays bring something most families rarely get enough of: time together. In this special year-end episode, Don Cash highlights three important financial conversations that are often avoided, but could make a lasting difference for the people you love.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🎄 Talking with Parents About Money & Safety

🧓 The Growing Risk of Elder Financial Fraud

👨‍👩‍👧 Conversations with Kids & Grandkids

📄 Essential Documents After Age 18

💬 Spousal Conversations About Retirement & Purpose

Get in touch with Don and learn more: https://doncashpodcast.com/