Blog
Joe Talks Money
Personal finance insights that honor your values. Let’s balance ambition and impact, making money meaningful in a complex world. Posts by Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®
Big Banks Want You to Be Just Smart Enough
April is Financial Literacy Month. Which is cute, considering the banks who broke the system are now offering to teach us how to survive it.
When “Learn More” Is Just Gaslighting
If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, being told to study amortization schedules isn’t helpful—it’s insulting. Let’s talk about why this “just be smarter” advice misses the point entirely.
What to Do (and Feel) When the Market Gets Messy
You don’t need to overhaul your financial plan every time headlines get loud. But if recent volatility has you thinking about next steps—like trimming company stock or putting idle cash to work—now might be the time to take action on things you already wanted to do.
Why Some Lawyers Are Resigning from Elite Firms—and What to Do If You’re One of Them
A growing number of attorneys are leaving high-paying firm jobs over ethical concerns. Here’s how to think through the money side of that decision.
The Obscure Tax Form That Could Save You Thousands: Why Form 8606 Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve ever contributed to a traditional IRA without taking a tax deduction, used the backdoor Roth IRA strategy, or withdrawn money from a Roth IRA, Form 8606 is the unsung hero that keeps you from paying taxes twice on the same dollars. The problem? Most people don’t even know it exists. Here’s why this form matters and how it can protect you from costly tax mistakes.
Uh-Oh, You Got a Tax Bill You Didn’t Like—Here’s How to Fix It for Next Year
Got a tax bill that made you wince? Or a refund that made you wonder why so much of your money was sitting with the IRS all year? The IRS Withholding Estimator can help you tweak your paycheck withholding or set up estimated tax payments so you’re not caught off guard next tax season. Here’s how to use it to get ahead and avoid penalties.
Uh-Oh, Did You Put Money Into a Roth IRA When You Weren’t Allowed To? Here’s What to Do
Roth IRAs can be great—until you realize you weren’t actually allowed to contribute. If your income was too high last year and you accidentally put money into a Roth IRA, you’ll need to fix it fast to avoid a recurring 6% penalty. Here’s what to do, whether you want to recharacterize the contribution, withdraw the excess, or make sure you’re not paying more taxes than necessary.
Are You Sure You Got All Your Tax Forms? Here’s How to Double-Check Before You File
Your inbox is probably overflowing with emails saying, “Your tax documents are ready!”—but are you sure you have everything you need? Every year, people rush to file, only to realize they’re missing a key tax form that could lead to IRS headaches down the road. Before you hit submit, double-check your situation against this list to make sure no form got lost in the shuffle.
An Open Letter to the Financial Person in The Relationship
You’ve taken on the responsibility of managing your household’s finances, and maybe you even enjoy it—but if your partner isn’t engaged, they’re not truly a financial equal. For their sake and yours, it’s time to bring them in—not just to share the numbers, but to make sure they have a voice in the decisions that shape your life together.
An Open Letter to the Non-Financial Person in The Relationship
Letting your partner handle the finances might seem like the easiest path, but it also means you’re giving up a say in some of life’s biggest decisions. You don’t need to become a financial expert—but if you want real security, independence, and a stronger partnership, it’s time to start asking questions.
The Future Feels Uncertain—Should Your Investments Change?
The political climate feels more uncertain than ever, and many investors are wondering: should I change my investing approach? While no one can predict the future, I’m staying the course (for now)—and here’s why, along with some key considerations for managing risk, protecting your assets, and thinking beyond just the stock market.
Vanguard’s $100 Million Fine: What It Really Means for Target Date Fund Investors
Recent headlines about Vanguard’s SEC settlement have sparked concerns among investors holding target date funds. While the news highlights some risks, it doesn’t mean these funds are a bad choice. Here’s how to understand their value, avoid tax pitfalls, and invest with confidence.
From Resolutions to Results: How Frameworks Can Help You Follow Through
Resolutions are a great way to kick off the New Year, but they’re just the start. Learn how accountability frameworks can help you stay on track and achieve meaningful progress.
Taking the Leap: How to Plan for a Career Break Without Compromising Your Future
The holiday season often sparks reflection on what truly matters—family, creativity, or simply rest. With careful planning, you can take a career break without derailing your future goals.
Avoiding the Trap of Too Many Resolutions: The Case for Purposeful Postponement
As the New Year approaches, rethink the impulse to overcommit. Knowing what to postpone can make all the difference in achieving what truly matters.
Why “What’s New?” Is the Worst Conversation Starter (and What to Ask Instead)
When someone asks, 'What’s new?' it often feels like they want to talk but don’t know what to say. Here’s why it’s ineffective—and what to ask instead to spark connection.
The Gift Economy: A Radical Response to Scarcity and Fear
In a world that often feels unstable, true security doesn’t come from hoarding wealth or isolating yourself—it comes from gratitude, connection, and reciprocity. By recognizing “enoughness” and embracing the gift economy, we can build stronger communities and find joy, even in uncertain times.
Income in 2024 Higher Than Usual? Consider These Year-End Tax Moves
An unusually high income year can bring tax challenges, but it also offers opportunities to save and plan for the future. Explore strategies like maximizing 401(k) contributions, charitable giving, and tax-loss harvesting to make the most of your financial gains.
Income in 2024 Lower Than Usual? Consider These Year-End Tax Moves
If your income is unusually low this year, you may have a unique opportunity to save on taxes and boost your financial future. From Roth IRA contributions to tax-gain harvesting, here’s how to make the most of a challenging year.
The Runaway Train Fallacy: Why Fearful Saving Holds You Back
When a financial windfall arrives, it’s easy to fear spending—even when it aligns with your values. By addressing the “runaway train fallacy,” you can reframe financial anxiety into empowerment, blending security with meaningful choices.