Financial Planning: Explained
with Michael Menninger, CFP
Watch episodes of Financial Planning: Explained by Michael Menninger, CFP for educational and unique approaches to financial planning. Financial planning is influenced by all aspects of your life. Learn how major milestones and everyday events can affect your financial future. Contact Menninger & Associates to learn more!
click here to get a question answered on the show
 |
 |
Considered a Top 15 Financial Planning Podcast |
 |
 |
Episode #224: Home Loans: Mortgage Strategies for Buyers with Michael Mandio
This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP® sits down with Michael Mandio, Vice President of Production for the Community Mortgage Team at AnnieMac Home Mortgage, to discuss today's housing market, mortgage financing options, and innovative solutions for homebuyers. AnnieMac Home Mortgage is a leading nationwide residential mortgage lender that helps homebuyers and homeowners secure financing for home purchases, mortgage refinancing, and home equity access.
In this episode, Michael and Mike break down how AnnieMac guides buyers through every step of the home-buying process and helps them navigate today's competitive real estate market.
Episode #223: College Planning: Repayment & Refinancing with Mackensie Ellis
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Mackensie Ellis. Mackensie is a student loan professional at Juno. Juno student loans uses collective bargaining power to negotiate better rates on undergraduate, graduate, and refinance student loans.
In this episode, Mackensie and Mike talk about loan repayment after graduation. The two get into refinance options, loan deferment, and public service loan forgiveness. This is a great episode for students of any age or students who have recently graduated looking for repayment options.
Episode #222: College Planning: Different Types of Loans with Mackensie Ellis
This week on "Financial Planning: Explained", host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Mackensie Ellis. Mackensie is a student loan professional at Juno. Juno student loans uses collective bargaining power to negotiate better rates on undergraduate, graduate, and refinance student loans.
In this episode, Mackensie and Mike discuss what Juno is an how the service works. They also talk about federal vs private student loans, along with the pros and cons of each. Other topics include: Parent PLUS loans and Stafford loans. This is a great episode for students of any age that are looking to negotiate a better student loan rate, or refinance their current loan.
Episode #221: College Planning: Where to Begin with Shellee Howard
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Shellee Howard. Shellee is the Founder & CEO of College Ready. College Ready helps students stand out through strategic college planning proven to strengthen applications, increase scholarship offers, and simplify every step of the admissions journey. This is part two of a four-part series on college planning.
In this episode, Shellee and Mike discuss the process of Shellee's company and how they guide students to make educated choices when college planning. They also discuss considerations and opportunities post-grad that students should consider when choosing a school. This is a great episode for any student or parent of a student that is gearing up for college.
Episode #220: College Planning: How to Stand Out with Shellee Howard
This week on "Financial Planning: Explained", host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Shellee Howard. Shellee is the Founder & CEO of College Ready. College Ready helps students stand out through strategic college planning proven to strengthen applications, increase scholarship offers, and simplify every step of the admissions journey. This is part one of a four-part series on college planning.
In this episode, Shellee and Mike discuss how students can differentiate themselves beyond grades, how to give students clarity on what they may want to do, and the admissions process. This is a great episode for any student or parent of a student that is gearing up for college.
Episode #219: Education Improvement Tax Credit with Rob Delany
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Rob Delany. Rob is the CEO of BLOCS - Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools. BLOCS is committed to providing eligible families access to high-quality, values based private or faith-based education, providing students with a positive and successful pathway forward.
In this episode, Rob and Mike discuss the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). The guys talk about tax credits and deductions, how to go about making charitable donations, and BLOCS role in the process. This is a great episode that provides valuable insights for anyone seeking potential charitable donations to a great program.
Episode #218: 2026 First Quarter Market Recap with Brad Sorensen, CFA
This week on "Financial Planning: Explained", host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back regular guest, Brad Sorensen, CFA. Brad is a portfolio manager and outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research.
In this episode, the guys recap the performance of the stock market in the first quarter of this year. They detail the markets performance with respect to the labor market, inflation, and touch on the significant market volatility in the first quarter of 2026. This is a great episode for anyone keeping a close eye on the market and what to expect in the foreseeable future.
Episode #217: Long-term Care Planning Using AI (Waterlily) with Lily Vittayarukskul
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Lily Vittayarukskul. Lily is the Co-Founder and CEO at Waterlily. Waterlily uses AI to project your future long-term care needs, helping you build a personalized plan.
In this episode, Lily and Mike discuss her time as a NASA data scientist and what brought her into the world of long-term care. They then discuss the software that Lily developed and how it uses AI to accurately project long-term care needs. This is a great episode that provides valuable insights for anyone seeking more information on long-term care and how to track it.
Episode #216: Long-Term Care Planning (Part II) with Michael Rowe
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Michael Rowe. Michael is an insurance brokerage director at Helmick & Co. This is the second episode in a two-part series on long-term care.
In this episode, Michael and Mike discuss funding long-term care. Whether it is self funded, traditional long-term, or hybrid policies, the guys detail each option. They also talk about when the right time is to consider long-term care as well as underwriting. This is a great episode that provides valuable insights for anyone seeking more information on long-term care and the process of coverage.
Episode #215: Long-Term Care Planning (Part I) with Michael Rowe
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Michael Rowe. Michael is an insurance brokerage director at Helmick & Co. This is the first episode in a two-part series on long-term care.
In this episode, Michael and Mike discuss home care. The guys discuss Medicare, Medicaid, and the importance of caregivers. This is a great episode that provides valuable insights for anyone seeking more information on long-term care and the process of coverage.
Episode #214: Matrimonial & Family Law (Part II) with Michelle Piscopo
This week on "Financial Planning: Explained", host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Michelle Piscopo. Michelle is an attorney at Blank Rome. This is the second episode in a two-part series on matrimonial & family law.
In this episode, Michelle and Mike discuss what you should do to prepare for a divorce. They discuss prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, forensic accountants, and alimony. This is a great episode that provides valuable insights for anyone seeking council in matrimonial and family law.
Episode #213: Matrimonial & Family Law (Part I) with Michelle Piscopo
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Michelle Piscopo. Michelle is an attorney at Blank Rome. This is the first episode in a two-part series on matrimonial & family law.
In this episode, Michelle and Mike discuss multiple facets when it comes to divorce. They touch on distribution of assets, custody, and child support. This is a great episode that provides valuable insights for anyone seeking council in matrimonial and family law.
Episode #212: Impact of Financial Planning on Different Age Groups (Part II) with Michael Menninger, CFP
This week on "Financial Planning: Explained", host Michael Menninger, CFP concludes a two-part series on the impact of financial planning on different age groups. He then addresses common Q&A questions regarding the groups.
In this episode, Mike discusses the later three age groups focused on when it comes to financial planning, these are building a family, pre-retirement, and retirement. Topics include: term life vs whole life insurance, paying off your home, RMDs, and withdrawing money during retirement. This is a great episode for parents with children, folks nearing retirement, and retirees.
Episode #211: Impact of Financial Planning on Different Age Groups (Part I) with Michael Menninger, CFP
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP begins a two-part series on the impact of financial planning on different age groups. He then addresses common Q&A questions regarding the groups.
In this episode, Mike discusses the two youngest core age groups focused on when it comes to financial planning, these are teens & college students as well as young professionals. Topics include: saving for college, credit cards, and building credit. This is a great episode for teens, college students, and young professionals.
Episode #210: Estate Planning: Elder Law, Wills & Trusts with Anylise Crouthamel Esq. & Doug Kaune, Esq.
This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Anylise Crouthamel, Esq. and Doug Kaune, Esq. Anylise and Doug are estate planning attorneys at Unruh, Turner, Burke, & Frees PC. Unruh Turner Burke & Frees helps clients navigate the increasingly complicated legal and regulatory world.
In this episode, Anylise, Doug, and Mike talk discuss the many facets of elder care law. They discuss irrevocable trusts, wills, and taking assets. They then discuss a case study where they explore trust planning options for a mother with four children (trustees). This is a great episode for anyone who wants a more concrete insight into elder care, wills, and trusts.
Episode #209: How to Future-Proof Your Advisor Relationship with Andrew Morelli, CEPA
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Andrew Mirolli, CEPA. Andrew is the Co-founder and Head of Client Services at BuyAUM. This is the third episode of a three-part series discussing business succession planning through the lens of a financial planner.
In this episode, Andrew and Mike discuss the purchasing of another book of business and the planning, terms, and nuances associated with it. They also talk about things advisors should consider once they sell the business and fears related to selling their practice. This is a great episode for any advisor considering the purchase of another book of business or selling their own firm.
Episode #208: Business Exit Planning for Financial Advisors with Andrew Mirolli, CEPA
This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Andrew Mirolli, CEPA. Andrew is the Co-founder and Head of Client Services at BuyAUM. This is the second episode of a three-part series discussing business succession planning through the lens of a financial planner.
In this episode, Andrew and Mike talk about what steps to take if your financial planner either retires, or something unexpected happens to them. The two discuss key things to look for and questions individuals should be asking a new advisor, as well as from the advisor perspective, what to do in order to protect clients in the event something happens to them. This is a great episode for anyone who is working with an advisor who may be on the doorstep of retirement.
Episode #207: What to Do If Your Financial Advisor Retires with Andrew Mirolli, CEPA
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Andrew Mirolli, CEPA. Andrew is the Co-founder and Head of Client Services at BuyAUM. This is the first episode of a three-part series discussing business succession planning through the lens of a financial planner.
In this episode, Andrew and Mike talk about what steps to take if your financial planner either retires, or something unexpected happens to them. The two discuss key things to look for and questions individuals should be asking a new advisor, as well as from the advisor perspective, what to do in order to protect clients in the event something happens to them. This is a great episode for anyone who is working with an advisor who may be on the doorstep of retirement.
Episode #206: 2026 Stock Market Outlook with Brad Sorensen, CFA
This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Brad Sorensen, CFA. Brad is a portfolio manager and outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research. This is the final episode of a three-part series discussing this past years market performance and the outlook for 2026.
In this episode, Mike and Brad discuss the stock market outlook for 2026. The guys talk about uncertainty moving forward when it comes to interest rate cuts, the labor market, effects from holiday spending, the government shutdown, and tax refunds. This is a great episode for anyone seeking insight on how 2026 could potentially shape up and what to look out for in the markets.
Episode #205: Current State of the Markets with Brad Sorensen, CFA
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes back Brad Sorensen, CFA. Brad is a portfolio manager and outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research. This is the second episode of a three-part series discussing this past years market performance and the outlook for 2026.
In this episode, Brad and Mike talk about the current state of the economy. The guys discuss the current political situation in Venezuela, tariffs, unemployment, and inflation. This is a great episode for anyone seeking a better understanding of how things currently stand in the stock market, and why.
Episode #204: 2025 Stock Market Recap with Brad Sorensen, CFA
This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Brad Sorensen, CFA. Brad is a portfolio manager and outsourced Chief Investment Officer at Cornerstone Portfolio Research. This is the first episode of a three-part series discussing this past years market performance and the outlook for 2026.
In this episode, Mike and Brad discuss market performance in 2025 vs. prior years, PE Ratio (price-earnings), valuations, and unemployment. This is a great episode for anyone looking for a better understanding of how the markets performed in 2025 and why.
Episode #203: Cash Management: Best Practices with Nick DeVito, CFP
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Nick DeVito. Nick is a partner and financial planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.
In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss the best practices when it comes to cash management. Cash management one of the six core areas of financial planning. The guys discuss debt consolidation, HELOCs, and basic organizational practices on ways to track your spending. This is a great episode for almost anyone that could use tips on how to better manage your cash and/or debt.
Episode #202: Employer Stock In Your Financial Plan (Part II) with Nick DeVito, CFP
This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Nick DeVito, CFP. Nick is a partner and financial planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning. This is part two of a two-part series on employer stock plans.
In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss the the various forms of employer stock and how to incorporate it in your financial plan. The guys talk about ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) as well as 401(k) / NUA (Net Unrealized Appreciation). This is a great episode for anyone who has a stock program with their employer.
Episode #201: Employer Stock In Your Financial Plan (Part I) with Nick DeVito, CFP
On this week's episode of "Financial Planning: Explained”, host Michael Menninger, CFP sits down with Nick DeVito. Nick is a partner and financial planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning. This is part one of a two-part series on employer stock plans.
In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss the the various forms of employer stock and how to incorporate it in your financial plan. The guys discuss RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Program), and stock options (both non qualified & incentive). This is a great episode for anyone who has a stock program with their employer.
Episode #200: Beginning of the Year Financial Planning
This week on Financial Planning: Explained, host Michael Menninger, CFP welcomes Nick DeVito, CFP. Nick is a partner and financial planner at Menninger & Associates Financial Planning.
In this episode, Mike and Nick discuss retirement plan contributions, employer match, traditional 401(k) vs. Roth, and beginning of the year tax planning. This is a great episode for anyone as beginning of the year planning ties directly in to year-end planning.
Click here to watch past episodes of Financial Planning: Explained
If you have a question or know someone who would be a good guest on the show, please fill out the information below. Thank you!
