Estate planning is arguably the most important of the five areas of financial planning. When protecting your legacy, having a comprehensive financial plan is only half the battle. Without the proper legal documents—wills, trusts, powers of attorney—you risk leaving behind confusion, the lengthy probate court process, and unintended tax burdens for your loved ones. 

Today’s episode features “Two Matts” as SHP Financial co-founder Matthew Peck welcomes Matthew Karr back to the podcast. Matt Karr is the founder and principal attorney of the Heritage Law Center in Woburn, Massachusetts, who’s been a tremendous resource and ally for us and our clients for many years. With more than 15 years of experience in estate planning and elder law, Matt Karr has helped countless families ensure their wishes are fulfilled and their wealth and legacy are protected. 

You’ll hear Matt Karr break down the differences between wills and trusts, the benefits of using irrevocable trusts for asset protection, and actionable tips to help your beneficiaries avoid probate court when planning your estate. You’ll also learn valuable insights for safely and securely storing your estate documents and why working with an attorney will help your loved ones settle your affairs the way you intended.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• The key differences between wills and revocable vs. irrevocable trusts—and when each is appropriate.
• How irrevocable trusts can help protect your assets from lawsuits, creditors, and nursing home costs.
• Why the 30 day waiting period is necessary prior to starting the estate process.
• How unsecured debts that credit card bills and some medical bills are treated in an estate without sufficient assets.
• The importance of retaining original copies of estate documents and tips for storing them in a secure but accessible way.
• Why reviewing and updating your estate plan regularly is essential as laws, assets, and life circumstances evolve.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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In this quarter's episode of “Matt’s Markets on the Move,” hosts Laura Russo and Matthew Peck discuss various critical aspects of the financial markets, including the impact of recent tariffs, the importance of diversification, and the overall state of the economy.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and its transforming industries, investments, and daily life. Despite the advantages in processing and productivity, many still have concerns about using AI in their everyday lives at home and in business. This begs the question: Should AI be something we fear, or is it just new technology that we should embrace?

Here to help answer those questions is Jay Jacobs. Jay is BlackRock’s Head of Thematic and Active ETFs, where he oversees the overall product strategy, thought leadership, and client engagement for the firm’s thematic and active ETF businesses. We’re thrilled to tap into his expertise to break down the evolution of AI and LLMs (Large Language Models), how it’s impacting the investment landscape, and what the future looks like in the AI and digital world.

In our conversation, we discussed the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its potential to revolutionize sectors like finance, healthcare, and even customer service. You’ll also hear Jay describe how AI has evolved into a race toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), its ability to increase our productivity on a personal level, and whether the fears surrounding AI’s risks are warranted.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• How AI has evolved from Clippy in Microsoft Word to ChatGPT and other LLMs.
• Why research and investing in AI is accelerating and what’s fueling its rapid growth.
• Why access to data, computing power, and infrastructure are the new competitive advantages in the AI arms race.
• How businesses are leveraging AI to boost efficiency and customer service.
• The race to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence)—what it means and how close we really are.
• How synthetic data and virtual environments are shaping the next frontier of AI development

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Losing a spouse is one of life’s most challenging experiences—both emotionally and financially. When it happens, the surviving partner is left to navigate complex decisions while grieving at the same time. And without the right preparation, it can feel overwhelming.

Today, Keith Ellis is joined by SHP’s Laura Russo, a lead advisor at SHP Financial with years of estate and trust administration experience, to discuss the critical steps every couple should take to prepare for the inevitable. From ensuring both spouses are educated on financial matters to structuring an estate plan that avoids unnecessary stress, Keith and Laura provide invaluable insights that can help make a difficult transition manageable and reduce stress.

In this conversation, you’ll also hear some of the most common estate planning mistakes, the role of financial advisors and attorneys in estate settlements, and the importance of creating a plan and reviewing it periodically.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Understand why both spouses should be familiar with accounts, passwords, and investments.
• Why estate planning is an ongoing process that requires periodic reviews. 
• Trusts and wills need to be funded to avoid unnecessary taxes, probate, and legal hurdles.
• How a trusted support system, including financial advisors and attorneys, is essential for a smooth transition.
• Why life insurance policies should be reviewed periodically to ensure they still meet financial goals.
• How most families don’t realize that some estate attorneys draft documents but don’t handle settlements.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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When it comes to retirement planning, many people focus on investments, income strategies, and estate planning—but tax planning is one of the biggest factors that can impact your financial future. Without a proactive approach, taxes can take a bigger bite out of your retirement savings than you might expect.

In this episode, Derek Gregoire and Matthew Peck are joined by Peter Roache, a tax expert and longtime partner of SHP Financial. Peter shares important insights on how taxes affect retirement planning, the impact of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and how smart tax strategies—like Roth conversions and tax-loss harvesting—can help you keep more of your hard-earned wealth.

We’ll also discuss how tax laws are evolving, why planning around IRMAA is key, and how to minimize taxes for your heirs when passing down assets. If you’re nearing retirement or already retired, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you optimize your tax situation.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why tax planning is one of the most overlooked aspects of retirement.
• How RMDs can push retirees into higher tax brackets.
• Why Roth conversions can be a powerful tool to reduce long-term tax burdens.
• How IRMAA can increase your Medicare premiums and what you can do to avoid it.
• How inherited IRAs are taxed and why proper planning is essential for your beneficiaries.
• The benefits of tax-loss harvesting and how to use it to offset capital gains.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Estate planning isn’t just about protecting your wealth and passing it on to your beneficiaries—it’s about ensuring a seamless transition for your loved ones while minimizing taxes and legal complications. With tax laws constantly evolving and real estate values climbing, many families could face significant estate tax liabilities. And yet, most people often save their estate planning needs for another day.

In this episode, Derek Gregoire and Keith Ellis, Jr. are joined by Keith McManus, a seasoned estate planning attorney with nearly 30 years of experience helping families protect their assets. As the founder of McManus Estate Planning, Keith specializes in trusts, tax-efficient strategies, and probate avoidance. His firm has been a trusted resource for families and business owners looking to optimize their estate plans, and he has been a great partner for us for many years.

In our conversation, we’ll break down the most common estate planning mistakes, why Massachusetts residents need to be aware of the $2M estate tax threshold, and how to avoid probate headaches. You’ll also learn how small adjustments—like updating trusts, reviewing beneficiaries, and structuring assets properly can have a massive financial impact on your legacy. 

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why the Massachusetts’ estate tax could kick in sooner than you think.
• Estate plans are only effective if they’re up-to-date with current information.
• How poor planning can lead to probate, delays, and extra costs.
• How married couples can double exemptions with proper planning.
• Why real estate values may eventually push estates into taxable territory.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Bitcoin and digital assets are among the most debated, complex, and controversial asset classes on the market today. Despite being a polarizing topic, nobody can deny their growing importance in global finance and even in Trump's administration in the White House.

That's why we're thrilled to have Ryan Lessard, a Digital Asset Strategist from Fidelity, on the podcast today. Ryan shares his expertise in this emerging asset class to unpack Bitcoin's unique characteristics, including its capped supply of 21 million coins, the blockchain technology behind it, and how it compares to traditional assets like gold. 

In our conversation, we discussed why Bitcoin has primarily appealed to younger investors and is particularly relevant in countries with economic instability and hyperinflation. We also explored Bitcoin's potential to diversify portfolios while addressing the challenges, the rapid pace of technological advancements, and the importance of staying curious and continually learning about this evolving space.

Disclaimer: The information included in this material is for informational purposes only. SHP will not be held responsible for any detrimental reliance you place on this information. It is agreed that use of this information shall be on an "as is" basis and entirely at your own risk.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• How Bitcoin combines decentralization and blockchain technology.
• How a capped supply ensures Bitcoin’s scarcity and ultimately, its value.
• Why younger investors are more likely to invest in digital assets.
• How Bitcoin offers stability in volatile economies.
• Crypto investing requires knowledge and caution and regulation is key for trust and growth.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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It’s a new year, and what better way to kick things off in 2025 than by revisiting your financial plan or creating your first one. We’ve seen huge fluctuations in inflation, interest rates, and market swings in recent years, and having a plan is the best way to be prepared for when things change.

Most people spend their working years grinding, saving, and looking forward to their retirement date. But when the moment actually arrives, many of them wind up feeling unprepared for what they’ll do with all the extra time and financial freedom.

In this episode, SHP Financial’s Matthew Peck and Keith Ellis Jr. dive into the one resolution every retiree (or pre-retiree) needs to make this year: Start asking yourself questions now and paint a picture of your dream retirement. The SHP team is here to help answer those questions and give you the “why” behind our recommendations so you have confidence and know what’s possible in retirement.

In this podcast interview, you’ll learn:

• Why so many retirees struggle with "What’s next?" once they stop working.
• The biggest mistakes people make when transitioning from a paycheck to financial independence.
• How to create a flexible retirement plan that lets you enjoy your money instead of worrying if it’s enough.
• The most overlooked financial factors that determines whether you’re truly free in retirement
• How comprehensive financial planning allows you to dream bigger with confidence.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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Join SHP Co-founder Matthew C. Peck, CFP® CIMA® and Lead Advisor Laura Russo as they speak about what's happening in the markets in 2025!