Michael and Brady confront a challenge many retirees face but few openly talk about: when peace of mind outweighs the numbers on a spreadsheet. Is your aging car a financial liability or an emotional burden? Should you stretch your budget for a reliable vehicle, even if the math says “wait”? Together, Michael and Brady unpack the emotional crossroads where safety, lifestyle, and financial planning collide. You'll hear real client scenarios, practical tools to evaluate your options, and why a sound income plan gives you the freedom to say “yes” to what truly matters—even when the numbers don’t line up perfectly. Whether you’re retired, approaching retirement, or simply value peace of mind over perfect math, this episode will reshape the way you think about big-ticket decisions.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Purpose-driven decisions and emotional bias

(07:00) - Collecting key data before making a purchase

(10:00) - Defining what you want in your next car

(12:00) - Financing options and the role of interest rates

(14:00) - The importance of flexibility in retirement income plans

(17:00) - Balancing emotional comfort with financial impact

(20:00) - How a solid income plan supports confident decisions

Key Topics Discussed:

Financial Fortitude, Genesis Wealth Planning, Brady Hemmerle, Michael Acosta, Financial Wellness, Wealth Building, Financial Psychology, Financial Advisor, Finance Coach, Student Loan Debt, Finance Guidance for High Earners, Business Owner Finances, Hiring a Financial Advisor, Student Loan Forgiveness, Tax Strategies, Retirement Planning, Investing Strategies, The Dave Ramsey Show, BiggerPockets Podcast, The Motley Fool Money Show, We Study Billionaires, ChooseFI, Afford Anything, buying a car in retirement, new car on fixed income, should I buy a new car, retirement car buying guide, car purchase decision making, financial planning for retirees

Mentions:

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/

Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/

Brady’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-hemmerle-cfp%C2%AE-75043013a/

Financial Health Checkup: https://www.livingbalancesheet.com/lbsVision/lite/michaelracosta

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

Michael Acosta is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). OSJ: 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Genesis Wealth Planning is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. CA Insurance License # 0M50974. 7237198.1. Expiration 7-27.