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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®

Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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If you’ve ever contributed to a traditional IRA without taking a tax deduction, used the backdoor Roth IRA strategy, or withdrawn money from a Roth IRA, Form 8606 is the unsung hero that keeps you from paying taxes twice on the same dollars.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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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Joe Conklin Shure, CFP® Joe Conklin Shure, CFP®

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.

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