August 29, 2026

How much national debt is too much? We start with a listener question inspired by an economics lesson from the 1970s, comparing the nation’s debt with the size of the economy and discussing what could signal that the debt burden is becoming harder to sustain. We also examine the bond market’s role in keeping government borrowing in check and what could eventually threaten the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s dominant reserve currency.

Then, Henssler Mortgage Advisors’ Shanna Squires joins us to break down mortgage rate buydowns. From paying points for a permanently lower rate to temporary buydowns and seller concessions, we look at what buyers are actually paying for, what goes in to calculating your break-even point, and why plans to sell or refinance can change the equation.

Finally, a listener considering a sizable charitable gift asks whether it makes more sense to donate cash or highly appreciated stock. We explore the potential tax advantages of donating appreciated securities, why selling the stock first can change the outcome, and whether donating the shares and then buying the investment back could provide an opportunity to reset cost basis while maintaining market exposure.

Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty.

Timestamps and Chapters

  • 6:51: $40 Trillion in Debt: How Worried Should We Be?
  • 25:16: Buying Down Mortgage Rates: Worth It or Waste?
  • 38:01: Turning Stock Gains into Charitable Giving

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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.
This article is for demonstrative and academic purposes and is meant to provide valuable background information on particular investments, NOT a recommendation to buy. The investments referenced within this article may currently be traded by Henssler Financial. All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable and current, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The contents are intended for general information purposes only. Information provided should not be the sole basis in making any decisions and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional, such as a tax consultant, insurance adviser or attorney. Although this material is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter, it may not apply in all situations. Readers are urged to consult with their adviser concerning specific situations and questions. This is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. It is not our intention to state, indicate or imply in any manner that current or past results are indicative of future profitability or expectations. As with all investments, there are associated inherent risks. Please obtain and review all financial material carefully before investing. Henssler is not licensed to offer or sell insurance products, and this overview is not to be construed as an offer to purchase any insurance products.
Henssler Mortgage Advisors, LLC is not affiliated with G.W. Henssler & Associates, Ltd. ("Henssler Financial") through common ownership or control.  Henssler Mortgage Advisors licenses the use of the Henssler name through a licensing agreement with Henssler Financial.  Henssler Financial, its affiliates and its financial planners do not currently receive compensation from Henssler Mortgage Advisors' business activities.  No Henssler client is obligated to use Henssler Mortgage Advisors for any products or services. Purchasing products or services from Henssler Mortgage Advisors will not result, directly or indirectly, in the payment of any greater or lesser investment advisory fees or expenses assessed by Henssler Financial to its investment advisory clients.
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