Episode 105 – What’s Your Money Story? Childhood Beliefs That Still Shape Your Wallet

We all carry financial baggage—and most of it was packed before we turned ten.

In Episode 105 of Last Paycheck, Rob and Archie Hoxton explore how unconscious beliefs formed in childhood shape our adult financial habits. These “money scripts,” as defined by financial psychologist Brad Klontz, are emotional blueprints for how we think, feel, and behave around money.

Whether you’re a compulsive saver, impulsive spender, or anxious budgeter, this episode peels back the layers to help you understand why.

Money Memories That Stick

Archie shares his first financial memory: cutting grass for cash. Rob recalls matching Archie’s car savings, only to watch him game the system using gift money. These stories might seem small, but they reflect formative ideas—“Money is earned,” “Money can be leveraged,” or even “Money makes people anxious.”

Rob encourages listeners to ask themselves:
“What’s your first memory of money?”

The answer may reveal more than you think.

The Four Money Scripts

  1. Money Avoidance
    1. Belief: Money is bad or undeserved.
    2. Typical behavior: Chronic under-earning, guilt around wealth.
  2. Money Worship
    1. Belief: More money = more happiness.
    2. Typical behavior: Overspending, never feeling secure.
  3. Money Status
    1. Belief: Net worth equals self-worth.
    2. Typical behavior: Lifestyle inflation, keeping up appearances.
  4. Money Vigilance
    1. Belief: Always save, avoid risk.
    2. Typical behavior: Hoarding money, fear of spending—even when safe.

Rob and Archie stress that these scripts aren’t destiny. With awareness, reflection, and support, you can rewrite your narrative.

Why This Matters

Money scripts influence:

  • How you budget (or avoid it)
  • How you invest (or hoard cash)
  • How you talk to your spouse (or don’t)
  • How you prepare for retirement—or delay it entirely

Understanding your script doesn’t just help you manage money better. It helps you make decisions from clarity, not fear or habit.

Start With Reflection

  • What beliefs about money were modeled for you?
  • How do those show up in your life today?
  • Are they helping—or holding you back?

If your answers reveal patterns you’d like to change, you’re not alone. Rob and Archie recommend working with a financial advisor or therapist trained in financial behavior. The Financial Therapy Association (financialtherapyassociation.org) is a great resource.

Final Thought

You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. But once you understand the money story you’ve been telling yourself—maybe since childhood—you can begin writing a new chapter.

Ever wonder why you save compulsively, overspend emotionally, or freeze when facing financial decisions?

It might trace back to beliefs formed in childhood. Download our Financial Baggage Self-Audit to uncover the money scripts that drive your decisions—and start rewriting your money story.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 103 – The Truth About Millionaires (And Why They Probably Drive a Pickup Truck)

If you think millionaires are flashy, high-risk, fast-talking financial geniuses—you’re buying into a myth. According to Rob and Archie Hoxton in Episode 103 of Last Paycheck, the average millionaire doesn’t look anything like the pop culture stereotype.

And that’s good news—because it means that wealth is more attainable than most people realize.

So, What Do Actual Millionaires Have in Common?

Based on data and decades of advising real clients, here are the key shared traits:

  1. Ordinary Careers, Extraordinary Discipline
    The most common careers for millionaires include engineers, teachers, accountants, managers, and lawyers. These are solid, middle-class jobs—not celebrity roles or viral successes.
  2. They Live Below Their Means
    94% reported spending less than they earn. That simple act, repeated over time, is the engine of their success.
  3. They Avoid Credit Card Debt
    Three out of four self-made millionaires have never carried a balance on a credit card. Managing debt responsibly is foundational.
  4. They Don’t Wait for Inheritance
    Only 21% received any inheritance at all. Wealth wasn’t handed to them—it was built through consistent saving and investing.
  5. They Max Out Their 401(k)
    The 401(k) is often the single biggest contributor to millionaire status. Autopilot saving, employer matching, and decades of compounding create powerful momentum—especially in the later years of your career.

Why It Works

Compound interest is slow at first, then it snowballs. A 10% return on $10,000 is $1,000. But a 10% return on $500,000? That’s $50,000. Over time, the balance—not the contribution—drives your wealth.

At the same time, mortgages begin to reverse in your favor. In the final 5–10 years, you’re paying down principal fast, just as your investments are accelerating. Net worth builds from both directions.

Final Thought

Becoming a millionaire isn’t about luck, inheritance, or brilliance. It’s about time, consistency, and values. And it starts with the habits you can adopt today.

Want to know how close you are to becoming the millionaire next door?

Download our  Millionaire Habits Self-Check to compare your current financial habits against proven wealth-building strategies used by real, everyday millionaires.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 102 – Warren Buffett’s Lessons Every Retiree Should Live By

Warren Buffett may be stepping away from daily leadership at Berkshire Hathaway, but his investing wisdom continues to shape generations. In Episode 102 of Last Paycheck, Rob and Archie Hoxton reflect on two timeless pieces of Buffett advice—and how retirees can apply them to their own lives.

Lesson 1: Pay Off High-Interest Debt Before You Invest

Buffett once told a woman asking how to invest a small windfall: “What’s your credit card rate?” When she replied with 18%, he said, “I can’t beat that. Pay it off first.”

This is simple but powerful advice. Before putting money into retirement accounts, the market, or real estate, make sure you’ve eliminated any high-interest debt. Even a well-diversified portfolio can’t guarantee consistent double-digit returns. But avoiding interest payments of 18% or more is a guaranteed win.

Rob and Archie note that this principle often gets overlooked when people are eager to start investing. But in practice, the path to financial stability starts with debt elimination, then emergency savings, and then investing for the long haul.

Lesson 2: Stocks Are Safe—If You Give Them Time

Buffett is known for his unwavering belief in the long-term value of American companies. “You’re not buying a stock,” he says, “you’re buying a business.” That distinction matters. While the market may fluctuate wildly in the short term, the broader trend of American business growth over decades remains strong.

The Hoxtons explain how this philosophy is essential in retirement. Even if you’re no longer earning a paycheck, your investments still need to grow—to fund a retirement that could last 20 to 30 years or more. That means staying invested, avoiding panic in volatile markets, and trusting in long-term fundamentals.

Final Thoughts

Buffett’s approach is grounded in patience, humility, and realism. He doesn’t chase fads. He doesn’t try to time the market. He stays focused on what works—and encourages others to do the same.

For retirees, that means:

  • Paying down high-interest debt
  • Staying diversified
  • Remaining invested even in retirement
  • Thinking in decades, not quarters

Retirement isn’t the end of your investment journey—it’s a new chapter. Warren Buffett’s wisdom offers the perfect guide.

Ready to invest smarter?

Start by following Warren Buffett’s two-step checklist. Download our Investment Readiness Worksheet to evaluate your debt, mindset, and time horizon before jumping in.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 101 – Should You Take Social Security Early? It Depends on These 5 Key Factors

When should you take Social Security? It’s one of the most complex decisions retirees face.

In Episode 101 of Last Paycheck, Archie Hoxton and Jimmy Sutch walk through five major reasons someone might claim Social Security earlier than full retirement age. While the default advice often recommends waiting until age 70 for maximum benefits, the reality is far more nuanced.

1. Health and Longevity Expectations

If you expect to live into your late 80s or 90s, delaying Social Security could increase your lifetime payout. But if you have a family history of illness or personal health issues, it may make more sense to start sooner. Archie notes that the break-even point often falls in the mid-80s—if you’re unsure you’ll reach that, claiming early can be a rational choice.

2. Income Needs and Retirement Readiness

Many retirees don’t have large investment portfolios. If you need cash flow to cover basic living expenses, Social Security becomes a foundational income stream. Jimmy emphasizes that for some, claiming early isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Even forced early retirement due to layoffs or health can push this decision forward.

3. Legacy Planning Goals

What if your priority is passing on wealth to the next generation? In this case, taking Social Security early and investing it might help build an inheritance. This strategy assumes you don’t need the income immediately and can afford to put it to work elsewhere.

4. Doubts About Social Security Solvency

Worried the system won’t be around forever? You’re not alone. Archie places this concern in context—reminding listeners that Social Security has faced shortfalls before, and Congress has tools to fix it (like tax increases or raising the retirement age). Still, if personal peace of mind matters most, that’s a valid reason to file early.

5. Spousal Benefit Strategies

For couples with an age gap or income disparity, smart timing can boost household benefits. One spouse can claim early and then switch to a higher spousal benefit later. This staggered approach allows both cash flow and long-term gain.

Final Thought

There is no universal answer to when you should start Social Security. Instead of relying on a rule of thumb, consider your health, needs, legacy goals, and personal comfort with risk.

Wondering if you should take Social Security now—or wait?

Download our Social Security Timing Decision Tool to assess your health, income needs, and legacy goals so you can make the smartest choice for your situation.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 100 – Should You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?

Episode 100 of The Last Paycheck Podcast is a major milestone, and to mark the occasion, Rob and Archie Hoxton are diving into one of the most overlooked but financially critical topics in retirement planning: long-term care insurance.

Most people don’t like to think about it—but the truth is, many of us will need some form of long-term care as we age. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 70% of Americans who reach age 65 will need care, and nearly half will require paid professional services. This episode breaks down what long-term care really costs, what it covers, and how to decide whether insurance is a smart option for your situation.

What Is Long-Term Care—and Who Needs It?

Long-term care refers to the services that support people who can no longer perform two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), like bathing, eating, or dressing. It also includes care for cognitive decline caused by dementia or Alzheimer’s. This care can happen at home, in assisted living facilities, or in nursing homes—and it isn’t covered by Medicare beyond short-term rehab.

The costs? Eye-opening. Professional care can run into $10,000–$15,000 per month, and memory care in particular may be required for years. That’s a major hit to most retirement portfolios.

The Three Main Options for Managing Long-Term Care Risk

Rob and Archie outline three broad paths:

  1. Do Nothing – Hope you don’t need care. (Spoiler: This is not a plan.)
  2. Self-Insure – Pay out-of-pocket if the need arises, which only works if you have significant liquid assets.
  3. Buy Insurance – Transfer the risk to a carrier in exchange for premiums.

Insurance isn’t cheap, but neither is doing nothing. If you don’t have children, a spouse, or someone willing and able to care for you, the lack of a support system could make this insurance essential. Even if you do, relying on family comes with emotional and logistical challenges that should be considered carefully.

When Long-Term Care Insurance Makes Sense

Rob and Archie recommend looking seriously at long-term care insurance if:

  • You’re in your 50s and financially stable (the “sweet spot” for underwriting and affordability)
  • You don’t have children or a spouse to act as a caregiver
  • You want to protect your assets for a surviving spouse or your heirs
  • You have a family history of cognitive decline or chronic illness
  • You’ve witnessed a loved one’s care experience and want to avoid similar stress

In short, long-term care insurance gives you more control over your future and can prevent your family from having to make difficult decisions under financial pressure.

When It Might Not Be Right

Insurance isn’t a fit for everyone. It might not make sense if:

  • You have limited income and can’t afford premiums
  • You’re wealthy enough to self-insure without compromising your legacy
  • You’re already in poor health and likely won’t qualify or will face very high premiums

In some cases, a hybrid policy (life insurance with a long-term care rider) or partial insurance (covering part of the expected cost) may be the middle ground.

Practical Next Steps

The episode encourages listeners to:

  • Research care costs in their area using resources like Genworth.com
  • Talk to a fiduciary advisor about how long-term care fits into their broader plan
  • Request insurance quotes to compare costs and benefits
  • Consider the emotional and financial impact on spouses and children

Long-term care planning isn’t just about risk—it’s about preserving dignity, control, and peace of mind.

Worried about long-term care costs?

Download our Long-Term Care Planning Readiness Guide to assess your risk, compare care costs in your area, and explore insurance options that protect your assets and your family.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 99: The Real Question Isn’t “When Can I Retire?”—It’s “What Am I Retiring To?”

Thinking About Early Retirement? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Retirement planning often focuses on a single target: age 65. But what if that’s not the only—or even the best—option? In Episode 99 of Last Paycheck, Rob and Archie Hoxton unpack five thoughtful, data-informed reasons you might want to retire early—and just as importantly, how to know if you’re ready.

1. Time Is Your Greatest Asset

Time isn’t just money—it’s freedom. Rob and Archie highlight how early retirement allows you to stop trading hours for income and start investing in what matters most: relationships, personal passions, and health. As Archie notes, “Retiring early is really about taking back your time.”

2. Your Health Has a Shelf Life

Energy wanes with age. Even healthy individuals face slower recovery times and decreased stamina. Waiting too long could mean missing out on the active retirement you envisioned—whether it’s hiking trails, traveling the world, or chasing grandchildren.

3. You May Be More Vulnerable Than You Think

Later in your career, you’re often the most expensive employee—and potentially the most expendable. In today’s volatile job market, Rob and Archie caution that planning for early retirement, even if you don’t take it, offers a security buffer in case of layoffs or corporate restructuring.

4. Your Expenses May Be More Flexible Than Expected

Healthcare is costly, but many retirees offset those expenses by cutting costs in other areas: commuting, business attire, and work-related spending. The key takeaway? Don’t assume early retirement will break your budget. Plan for it, and you may find it’s more feasible than you thought.

5. Phased Retirement Can Ease the Transition

Going from 40+ hours a week to none can be emotionally jarring. A phased approach—consulting, part-time work, volunteering—can provide structure, purpose, and even income during the transition.

But here’s the catch: early retirement doesn’t work unless you retire to something, not just from something. Without purpose, even the best-laid financial plans can leave retirees feeling aimless. That’s why planning emotionally is just as vital as planning financially.

To help you evaluate your position, we’ve created a comprehensive worksheet: “Savings by Age: Are You Where You Want to Be?” It walks you through benchmarking your retirement savings against both national averages and ideal industry targets.

Use it to:

  • Measure your current savings ratio
  • Benchmark against your age group
  • Understand gaps and identify solutions
  • Build a plan tailored to your goals

Download the Worksheet Now

And take 15 minutes to check your progress. Want more personalized advice? Schedule your free consultation with our team today. No pressure—just practical help from a team that wants you to retire and stay retired.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 98: How to Make Retirement More Meaningful – Smart Giving Strategies

You’ve saved diligently, planned carefully, and finally stepped into retirement. But after the celebrations fade, a deeper question often surfaces: now what?

For many retirees, the missing piece isn’t financial—it’s emotional. It’s the desire to do something more with this chapter of life. In Episode 98 of the Last Paycheck podcast, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals Rob and Archie Hoxton explore how strategic giving—of time, wealth, and wisdom—can turn retirement from a finish line into a new beginning.

More Than Numbers: Why Giving Matters in Retirement

We often think of financial planning as a numbers game. But what if retirement planning could also be about impact, legacy, and joy?

This episode shines a light on how giving back—when done intentionally—can enhance your sense of purpose and satisfaction, without compromising your income or security.

Ask yourself:

  • What causes or communities have shaped my life?
  • Am I giving in ways that reflect my values?
  • Could my charitable actions also benefit my financial plan?

Tools That Make Giving Smarter

Rob and Archie break down several powerful giving strategies that retirees can use to align generosity with financial stewardship:

  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): For retirees over age 70½, QCDs allow you to give directly from your IRA to a qualified charity—while reducing your taxable income and satisfying Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
  • Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): These flexible giving vehicles let you make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to charities over time. They’re especially helpful if you’re trying to reduce taxes in a high-income year.
  • Gifting Appreciated Assets: Donating stocks or other appreciated investments can help you avoid capital gains taxes while supporting a cause you care about.
  • Non-Financial Giving: Mentoring, volunteering, or serving on boards can be just as fulfilling as writing a check. Retirement gives you time—and you get to choose how to invest it.

Giving as Part of Your Financial Plan

Integrating generosity into your plan isn’t just about tax benefits—it’s about personal alignment. Giving with purpose adds dimension to your retirement strategy and helps ensure your money reflects your values.

This episode encourages you to revisit your financial goals with a broader lens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave? How do you want to be remembered—not just by your family, but by your community?

Final Thought

The transition into retirement is one of the most personal financial events in your life. And the most successful retirees? They don’t just plan for longevity—they plan for meaning.

If you’re ready to align your wealth with your values, we’re here to help.

Schedule a free conversation at www.hoxtonpm.com/schedule and let’s explore how giving can become one of the most fulfilling parts of your plan.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 97: Financial Harmony for Couples – Avoiding Money Fights

Every couple handles money differently—but how you communicate about it can make or break your financial future.

In Episode 97 of the Last Paycheck podcast, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals Rob and Archie Hoxton explore one of the most emotionally charged areas of personal finance: managing money as a couple. Whether you’re newly married or preparing for retirement together, learning how to talk openly and plan jointly is key to long-term harmony.

Why Money Fights Happen

Many disagreements over money aren’t really about dollars and cents. They stem from differing values, life experiences, and expectations. One partner might have grown up in a household that viewed money as a source of anxiety or scarcity, while the other saw it as a tool for freedom and opportunity. Without clear communication, those differences show up as tension.

What This Episode Covers

Rob and Archie walk through some of the most common stress points for couples, including:

  • Joint vs. separate accounts: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there does need to be clarity.
  • Dividing financial responsibilities: Who tracks the budget? Who manages investments? These decisions matter.
  • Handling financial disengagement: When one partner checks out, it leaves the other carrying the emotional and administrative burden.
  • Dealing with secrecy: Financial infidelity—like hiding purchases or debt—can erode trust faster than any market crash.

Ask Yourselves:

  • Are we aligned on our spending and saving goals?
  • Do we understand each other’s financial history?
  • When was the last time we had a calm, open-ended conversation about money?
  • Have we scheduled regular financial check-ins as a couple?

Tips for Building Financial Harmony

  1. Schedule a money date each month to review accounts, upcoming expenses, and shared goals.
  2. Create a joint financial vision statement. What are we working toward as a team?
  3. Divide roles clearly—and revisit them periodically to ensure both partners feel confident and included.
  4. Use neutral language. Saying “I noticed” instead of “you always” keeps discussions focused and constructive.
  5. Work with a third party. A financial advisor can create a judgment-free space where both partners feel heard.

This episode isn’t about choosing the “right” way to manage money—it’s about finding the approach that works for both of you, built on trust, communication, and shared purpose.

Final Thought

Financial peace in a relationship doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of consistent conversations, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of what matters most to both of you.

Want help facilitating those conversations or creating a couple-centered financial plan?

Schedule a no-pressure session with our team at www.hoxtonpm.com/schedule and let’s move forward together.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 96: DIY Retirement Planning – Smart Moves and Big Mistakes to Avoid

Are you managing your own retirement plan? If so, you’re not alone. More investors than ever are taking a hands-on approach to their finances, using digital tools, forums, and spreadsheets to plot their path toward retirement.

It’s empowering—but it’s not foolproof.

In Episode 96 of the Last Paycheck podcast, Rob and Archie Hoxton take a balanced look at do-it-yourself retirement planning. They highlight what savvy DIY investors get right—and what they often miss.

The Appeal of DIY Retirement Planning

There’s a lot to like about going solo:

  • Lower costs with no advisory fees
  • Direct control over decisions
  • A sense of personal accomplishment

If you enjoy learning, analyzing, and staying current on financial topics, the DIY route can feel like a good fit. But confidence without caution can create blind spots—and some are more costly than others.

Where Even Smart DIYers Can Slip

Ask yourself:

  • Do I know when and how to take withdrawals from each account type?
    Drawing from the wrong bucket first—like tax-deferred instead of taxable—can increase your lifetime tax bill.
  • Have I reviewed how my income affects my future Medicare premiums?
    Many investors don’t realize that required minimum distributions (RMDs) or large Roth conversions can push them into higher Medicare brackets down the road.
  • Am I prepared for market downturns in the early years of retirement?
    Sequence-of-returns risk—drawing down your portfolio while the market is down—can derail even well-funded plans if you don’t have a backup strategy.
  • Do I have behavioral guardrails in place?
    It’s easy to stick with your plan when markets are rising. But what about the next 20% drop? How will you react when headlines turn negative and uncertainty sets in?

This episode walks through the most common errors seen in self-managed plans—and how to create systems that mitigate those risks.

The Value of a Check-In

Rob and Archie aren’t saying every DIY investor needs to hire an advisor for life. But they do recommend a periodic check-in with a professional. Sometimes a 60-minute conversation can uncover tax inefficiencies, investment misalignments, or missed planning opportunities that cost far more than a consultation ever would.

Think of it like managing your own business: You still hire a CPA to file your taxes. The same logic can apply to retirement planning.

Final Thought

Doing it yourself doesn’t mean doing it alone. If you’re confident in your ability to manage your plan, great. But every plan deserves a second set of eyes—especially when the stakes are this high.

Want a second opinion on your retirement strategy?

Schedule a free, no-pressure review at www.hoxtonpm.com/schedule. Let’s make sure your plan isn’t just functional—it’s optimized.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

Episode 95: How to Stay Calm in Market Chaos – A Volatility Survival Plan

How should I react when the market drops?
Should I sell my investments now or wait it out?
Am I doing the right thing with my money during a downturn?

These are the exact questions we hear from investors whenever volatility spikes. And if you’re asking them too—you’re not alone.

In Episode 95 of the Last Paycheck podcast, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals Rob and Archie Hoxton tackle the emotional, practical, and behavioral challenges that come with investing through uncertainty. Their message is simple: the market’s movement isn’t the problem—how we respond to it often is.

Why Market Volatility Feels So Personal

We all know the market goes up and down. But when your portfolio starts falling—especially as you approach or enter retirement—it’s not just numbers on a screen. It’s your future, your income, your peace of mind.

That’s why knee-jerk reactions like moving everything to cash or pausing retirement contributions feel tempting. It feels like “doing something.” Unfortunately, those short-term decisions can create long-term consequences.

What This Episode Covers

Rob and Archie outline a clear, level-headed framework for navigating a market pullback. Their volatility survival strategies include:

  • Avoiding panic selling: Selling when the market drops means locking in losses. Recovery often begins before you realize it—and missing those days can significantly lower your long-term returns.
  • Rebalancing with purpose: Market dips can throw your asset allocation out of balance. This is an opportunity to reset your portfolio—not abandon it.
  • Tax-loss harvesting: Down markets present rare opportunities to capture losses and reduce your tax bill—especially for taxable accounts.
  • Maintaining liquidity: Having a short-term cash reserve prevents you from withdrawing from investments during a downturn.
  • Understanding behavior: Investor psychology is often the biggest risk to your plan. Headlines and fear cycles can drive decisions that don’t align with your goals.

Ask Yourself:

  • What are my rules for handling market volatility?
  • Is my portfolio designed to support withdrawals even during downturns?
  • Am I responding to a long-term plan—or reacting to short-term headlines?

Why Staying Invested Matters

Rob and Archie cite studies that show just how damaging it can be to miss the best recovery days in the market. Most of those days happen close to the worst ones. That’s why discipline and planning—not timing—are the keys to success.

Market volatility is inevitable. Reacting emotionally isn’t.

Final Thought

If your portfolio feels like a source of stress instead of confidence, that’s a signal—not a failure. It means it’s time to review your strategy, understand your risk, and make sure your investments are aligned with your long-term goals.

You shouldn’t have to face market chaos alone. You need a plan that’s built to keep working—whether the market is up, down, or sideways.

Want to make sure your portfolio is prepared for whatever comes next?

Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation with our team at www.hoxtonpm.com/schedule. We’ll help you build a strategy rooted in clarity, not chaos.
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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.