
Episode #23 - When the Math Doesn't Matter: Should You Buy That New Car?
Michael and Brady confront a challenge many retirees face but few openly talk about: when financial confidence 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
financial confidence 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 c onstrued 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 indi vidual 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 o f Pa rk Avenue Securities LLC(PAS). OSJ : 6115 PARK SOUTH DRIVE, SUITE 200, CHARLOTTE NC, 28210, 704-5528507. Securities products and a dvisory services offered through PAS, m em ber FINRA, SIPC. Fina ncia l Representa tiveof The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America ® (Gua rdia n), New York, NY. PAS is a whollyowned subsidia ry of Gua rdia n. Genesis Wea lth Pla nning is not a n a ffilia te or subsidia ry of PAS or Gua rdia n. CA Insura nce License # 0M50974. 7237198.1. Expira tion 7-27.