November 15, 2025

As we close in on year-end, this week’s “Henssler Money Talks” tackles three financial decisions that can make a major impact on your long-term plan.

First, before you write that last charitable check of 2025, make sure you’re doing it strategically. We break down the evolving charitable giving rules—from updated deduction limits to how Qualified Charitable Distributions and Donor Advised Funds can help you give more efficiently. Whether you donate regularly or ramp up your giving at year-end, understanding these rules can help you maximize both your impact and your tax benefit.

Next, we dig into a question many listeners are asking: Should you stop saving and pay off the mortgage before retirement? While being debt-free sounds great, it may leave you “house-rich and cash-poor.” We unpack the trade-offs, including how mortgage rates compare to long-term investment returns, the risks of cutting back on 401(k) contributions, and why carrying some debt into retirement may actually support your overall financial flexibility.

Finally, we explore the recommended “order to savings”—and why it’s not a one-size-fits-all formula. From employer retirement plans to Roth IRAs to taxable brokerage accounts, where you save first can depend on your goals, timeline, and tax picture. We break down the most common prioritization framework and help you think through the right path for your personal situation.

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

  • 7:35: Smart Strategies for 2025 Charitable Contributions
  • 21:32: Stop Saving to Pay Off the House? Let’s Talk About It.
  • 26:58: Your Savings, Your Strategy: Where to Start
  • 38:17: Shutdown Ends, Earnings Season and Selling NVIDIA

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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.
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