In this episode of the Financially Fit Couple podcast, host Matthew Gray dives into the intricacies of financial planning for young married couples with guest Malachi Bontrager, a financial advisor at LD&B Financial. The discussion covers the principles of balancing immediate financial desires with long-term goals, emphasizing the importance of intentional planning and the concept of delayed gratification. 

Key topics include effective tax planning strategies such as Roth IRAs and capital gains harvesting, practical advice for funding college Education and navigating the housing market. The episode also explores actionable steps for saving, the emotional factors involved in financial decisions, and how to align financial planning with personal values and goals.

00:40 Introducing Malachi Bontrager

01:07 Balancing Now vs. Later in Financial Planning

05:40 Understanding the Debt Crisis

10:14 The Benefits of Paying Taxes Now

18:48 Roth Conversions and Tax Strategies

21:04 College Planning and Saving Strategies for Education

32:36 Navigating the Housing Market: Rent vs. Buy

35:36 Current Housing Market Trends

41:23 Balancing Financial and Emotional Decisions in Home Buying

44:19 Concluding Thoughts on Financial Planning

Resources

Tuition Tracker

Rent vs. Buying Home Calculator

Malachi Bontrager

Meet Our Team

[email protected]

540-437-1438

LPL Financial and LD&B Financial are separate entities. 

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

Home Page

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC 

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Matthew Gray Matthew Gray, CFP®

Originally from Charlotte, NC, I attended college at Wingate University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2019. During my time as a student, I learned the value of genuine service working at Chick-fil-A and honed my coaching skills tutoring high school debaters.

After graduating, I attained my Series 7 and 66 registrations, currently held by LPL Financial, along with the Virginia Life & Health Insurance license. In 2022, I was named a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. It is my conviction that I am called to serve those around me with the utmost honor and respect. This is why I believe in having a positive impact on everyone I meet while striving to go the extra mile.

I moved to the Shenandoah Valley after meeting my beautiful wife and best friend, McKenzie. We are blessed to have our son, Spencer, with us and two children in heaven, Hope and Camden. My favorite hobbies include disc golf, basketball and reading. I am an avid football fan, love the Carolina Hurricanes, and appreciate great food.