The Penny & The Pint

In this episode of The Penny & The Pint, the "Old Irish Guys"—John and Brendan—launch their brand-new series: Net Worth & Mental Ills. While they usually enjoy some "podcast oil" (Guinness) during their chats, today they’re staying sharp to tackle the psychological hurdles of behavioral finance.Recorded at their studio on Wheeling Street, the guys break down how our own brains can lead to expensive mistakes. From overconfident attempts to "Split the G" at Delia Foley’s to the dangerous comfort of the financial echo chamber, this episode explains why your ego might be your portfolio's biggest enemy.In this episode, we cover:The Launch of "Net Worth & Mental Ills": A new series focused on behavioral finance and the psychological biases that impact our money.The "Split the G" Trap: How overconfidence at the pub mirrors overconfidence in the market.Bias #1: Overconfidence: Why we tend to overestimate our own skills and underestimate the role of luck in our successes.Bias #2: The Illusion of Knowledge: Why having more data points doesn't always lead to more accurate investment results.Bias #3: Confirmation Bias: The habit of seeking out information that only confirms what we already believe, fueled by modern social media algorithms.How to Beat the Biases: Three practical steps to get out of your own way: Recognition, finding a "Sounding Board," and sticking to your long-term plan.Contact & ResourcesVisit us online: oldirishguysfinancial.comEmail your questions: [email protected]'t let your financial future be a victim of your own ego. Recognize the bias, phone a friend, and stick to the stack. See you at the pub!

In this episode of The Penny & The Pint, the "Old Irish Guys"—John and Brendan—graduate from the basics to the heavy hitters of estate planning. They dive into the essential documents every adult needs to protect their assets and their loved ones, moving beyond "Adulting 101" tasks like paying rent to the critical world of Wills, Trusts, and Directives.Whether you're just starting to build your "stack" or looking to protect what you’ve already grown, this episode provides a straightforward roadmap to ensuring your wishes are honored and your legacy is secure.In this episode, we cover:Adulting 201: Moving beyond the basics and why estate planning isn't just for the wealthy.The Will vs. The Trust: Understanding how to avoid the "Probate" process and why a Revocable Living Trust might be your best friend.Powers of Attorney: The importance of designating a "financial quarterback" to handle your affairs if you're unable to.Healthcare Directives: Making the hard decisions now so your family doesn't have to guess later.The Beneficiary Override: A critical reminder that your 401(k) and life insurance beneficiaries trump whatever is written in your will.Funding the Trust: Why creating the document is only half the battle—you have to actually move your assets into it.Contact & ResourcesVisit us online: oldirishguysfinancial.comEmail your questions: [email protected]'t let your legacy be a matter of Blarney and guesswork. Get your documents in order and protect your stack today. See you at the pub! (00:00) - Adulting 201 Intro (00:32) - Why You Need a Will (02:18) - Probate Explained (02:54) - Trusts to Avoid Probate (03:38) - Revocable vs Irrevocable (05:09) - Fund Your Trust (05:34) - Power of Attorney Basics (06:18) - Healthcare Directive Decisions (07:22) - Recap and Action Checklist (07:57) - Beneficiaries Override Wills (09:09) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

In this episode of The Penny & The Pint, the "Old Irish Guys"—John and Brendan—pour a couple of pints of Guinness and dig deeper into the world of individual retirement accounts. Following their look at workplace plans, they break down the critical differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, helping you decide whether to "pay the tax man" now or later.From the history of the IRA to "backdoor" strategies for high earners, this episode is a deep dive into tax-sheltered growth and how to build a flexible, tax-efficient legacy.In this episode:IRA History 101: A look back at 1974 and how contribution limits have evolved over the last 50 years.Shared Features: Understanding penalty-free exceptions for first-time homebuyers and higher education, plus the critical asset protection these accounts offer.Tax Shelters vs. Tax Deferral: John and Brendan settle the debate on "tax-sheltered" growth and why the Roth IRA is such a powerful tool for tax-free distributions.The Backdoor Roth: How to get money into a Roth account even if your income has "phased you out" of traditional contribution limits.RMDs and the Long Game: Why Roth IRAs offer more flexibility in your 70s by helping you avoid Required Minimum Distributions.Legacy Planning: How these accounts can serve as "legacy money" for the next generation.Contact & ResourcesVisit us online: oldirishguysfinancial.comEmail your questions: [email protected]'t let your retirement strategy be full of Blarney—get your pots in order and start the stack today. See you at the pub! (00:00) - Welcome and Pint Talk (00:45) - IRA Origins and Limits (01:42) - Shared IRA Benefits (03:37) - Roth vs Traditional Taxes (05:29) - Traditional Deduction Rules (06:29) - Roth Income Limits (06:56) - Backdoor Roth Strategy (07:31) - Roth 401k Option (09:24) - Required Minimum Distributions (10:40) - Roth Flexibility and Legacy (11:59) - Wrap Up and Next Episode

In this episode, the "Old Irish Guys"—John and Brendan—shake off the winter snow and welcome the signs of spring in South Baltimore. Inspired by the upcoming 70th anniversary of the South Baltimore Little League, they dive into the essentials of employer-sponsored retirement plans.From the basic mechanics of a 401(k) to the "secret" benefits of the SECURE Act 2.0, the guys break down how to stop leaving free money on the table and start building real wealth.In this episode:Signs of Spring in SoBo: Celebrating the 70th season of the South Baltimore Little League and the return of sunny days to the neighborhood.401(k) & 403(b) Fundamentals: Why these workplace plans are the most effective way for most people to save for the future.The "Free Money" Rule: A deep dive into company matches and why missing out on them is a critical financial error.New Rules for 2026: Understanding the updated contribution limits and the new "Student Loan Match" provision that helps younger workers save while paying off debt.Portability & Rollovers: What happens to your "stack" when you change jobs and how to keep your retirement building blocks organized.Visit us online: oldirishguysfinancial.comEmail your questions: [email protected], don't wait until you're making six figures to start saving; if someone tells you otherwise, they’re just talking Blarney. Get that compounding clock ticking today! (00:00) - Welcome to the Podcast (00:28) - Springtime in South Baltimore (00:54) - Little League and Orioles Talk (01:38) - Why This Episode Is Different (02:48) - 401k Segment Begins (03:23) - Auto Enrollment and Contributions (04:41) - Limits and Employer Match (06:18) - Catch Up Contributions After 50 (07:24) - Portability and Rollovers (08:53) - Student Loan Match Provision (10:47) - 401k Recap and Next Episode (11:34) - Contact and Sign Off

In this episode of The Penny & The Pint, the "Old Irish Guys" - John and Brendan discuss why it’s never too early (or too late) to start thinking about retirement. After a chance encounter with a local South Baltimore legend, the guys are inspired to break down the mechanics of 401(k)s, the power of company matches, and why "beer money" shouldn't stand in the way of your future wealth.Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to maximize your current plan, this episode provides the roadmap to stop guessing and start stacking your financial building blocks.In this episode: The Billy Beal Inspiration: How a Friday afternoon meeting with a South Baltimore character sparked a conversation about "playing the game" right for retirement.401(k) Fundamentals: Breaking down tax-deferred growth and why the 401(k) is a powerful tool for every worker.The "Free Money" Rule: Why leaving an employer match on the table is a mistake you can't afford to make.Roth vs. Traditional: Understanding the difference between paying the "tax man" now versus later.The Power of Compounding: Why starting in your 20s—even with small amounts—positions you significantly better than waiting for a six-figure salary.Have a question for the Old Irish Guys? Visit us at OldIrishGuysFinancial.com or email us at [email protected] Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC. (00:00) - Meet Billy Beal (01:09) - Why Retirement Matters (02:07) - Beach vs Mountains Goals (03:41) - Sponsor Break and Guinness (04:29) - 401k Basics and Tax Deferral (06:58) - Enroll and Get the Match (10:26) - Self Employed Retirement Options (11:51) - Investing and Compound Growth (13:18) - Roth Accounts Explained (15:32) - Retirement Planning and Timelines (17:01) - Recap Start Now and Increase (18:42) - Wrap Up and Contact Info

In this episode of The Penny & The Pint, John Shea and Brendan O’Brien (the “Old Irish Guys”) continue their Net Worth & Chill series by tackling the "heavy" but essential topic of financial safety nets.While discussing New Year’s resolutions and the creative "February solution," the guys dive into the building blocks that help you sleep at night: emergency funds, insurance policies, and protecting your family’s future.Highlights from this episode include:The "Resolution Solution": Why Brendan is skipping January resolutions in favor of a February start.The "Oh Shit" Jar: Why your emergency fund should be a "safety first" account (think 3–6 months of core expenses) rather than an investment.The Insurance Audit: Practical advice on reviewing your homeowners and car insurance, including why you should "jack up" your liability coverage.The "I Love You" Gift: A primer on Life Insurance—comparing Term vs. Whole Life and how to calculate what your family truly needs to maintain their lifestyle.Local Flavor: A special shoutout from Kevin Lynch of SouthBMore.com on staying connected to the South Baltimore community.Our "Marching Orders" for this week: Calculate your core expenses, review those dusty insurance policies in your file cabinet, and have the tough—but necessary—conversation with your partner about your family's safety net.Have a question for the Old Irish Guys? Visit us at OldIrishGuysFinancial.com or email us at [email protected] and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.

In this episode of the Penny & the Pint, John Shea and Brendan O’Brien (the "Old Irish Guys") take a break from the "Net Worth and Chill" series to host some absolute royalty in the world of finance. Using a little imagination and a lot of wisdom, the guys "bring in" investment legends Peter Lynch and John Bogle to discuss the best ways for regular families to build long-term wealth.Before getting down to business, the guys share a "dad moment" from the South Baltimore home front. Brendan recounts a classic encounter with his "young Irish kid" regarding a suspiciously sticky laptop keyboard—a relatable struggle for any parent whose kids share their tech.Sitting with Stock Market RoyaltyJohn and Brendan break down two of the most influential investment philosophies in history to see how they apply to families living on the peninsula today.Peter Lynch: Invest in What You KnowThe Philosophy: You don't need a PhD to find great investments. Look at what you’re already buying. If you see a store that is always crowded or a product everyone is using (like Dunkin' or a great local brew), you might have a winning investment lead.The Strategy: Keep it simple. Understand the business model before you buy. If you can’t explain what a company does with a crayon in under two minutes, you probably shouldn't own it.Jack Bogle: The Power of the IndexThe Philosophy: Don't look for the needle in the haystack—just buy the haystack. Bogle revolutionized investing by creating the index fund, allowing regular people to own a piece of the entire market.The Strategy: Focus on low costs and diversification. By owning an index, you get instant exposure to hundreds of companies, ensuring that your wealth grows alongside the broader economy without the stress of picking individual winners and losers.Key TakeawaysStay Patient: Whether you follow Lynch or Bogle, the key to building wealth is time. Avoid the "noise" of the daily news cycle and focus on long-term growth.Know Your "Why": Understanding the business behind your investment makes it much easier to stay the course when the market gets bumpy.Coming Up Next: The guys will be heading back into the "Net Worth and Chill" series to discuss shifting from "Defense" to "Offense" with emergency savings and insurance.Connect with the Old Irish GuysEmail: [email protected]: www.oldirishguysfinancial.com Local Shoutout: Stay updated on South Baltimore at SouthBMore.com.Disclaimer: The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Pull Up a Stool for the Penny & the Pint, hosts John Shea and Brendan O’Brien—the "Old Irish Guys"—introduce a podcast designed to help you stop guessing about your finances and start stacking the building blocks of real wealth. Delivered in digestible, 10-minute "shots," this show brings over 60 years of combined financial services experience to the neighborhood.A Neighborhood ResourceJohn and Brendan are here to let you know that you aren't alone when it comes to questions about your financial future. Whether you are in Canton, Federal Hill, or Locust Point, the ultimate goal is to create a more financially savvy community right here in Baltimore.What to Expect Each WeekQuick, Focused Episodes: New episodes drop every week and are kept to approximately 10 minutes so you can get the info you need and get on with your day.Local Flavor & News: Each show kicks off with a segment on what’s happening locally in South Baltimore and the surrounding city.Financial Deep Dive: The second half of every episode features a high-level look at a core financial topic.Actionable Advice: Every deep dive offers two or three easy-to-follow items you can apply to your financial life immediately.Real-Life Scenarios: The guys tackle financial situations head-on, occasionally mixing in talk about sports and raising kids in the city.Key TakeawaysExperience Equals Wisdom: John and Brendan have lived and experienced the scenarios they recommend; use their 60+ years of expertise as your personal resource.No "Smartless" Marathons: These episodes are designed to be short and impactful—perfect for a quick commute to Latrobe or Parkville.Subscribe & Share: Pull up a stool and join the conversation by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.Connect with the Old Irish GuysEmail: [email protected]: https://oldirishguysfinancial.comDisclaimer: The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

In the third installment of Penny & the Pint, John Shea and Brendan O’Brien (the "Old Irish Guys") dive back into the "Net Worth and Chill" series to move from gathering data to taking action. This week is all about playing "defense" by tackling the debt that stands between you and your financial dreams.Local Flavor: Civic Duty and Community SurprisesThe hosts share a laugh about running into each other at a local community meeting—despite spending all day together at the office. Whether representing different civic organizations or presenting to neighbors, John and Brendan are out in the community making sure South Baltimore stays a great place to live.Segment: Net Worth and Chill (Part 3)Now that you’ve had the "Dream Conversation" and categorized your expenses, it’s time to face the "Red List." This segment focuses on high-interest debt—credit cards, personal loans, and car payments—that acts as a weight on your financial progress.Two Strategies to Attack Debt:The Snowball Method: Focus on the "wins." Pay off your smallest balance first, regardless of the interest rate. Once that debt is gone, you take that payment and "snowball" it into the next smallest balance. This builds the emotional momentum needed to stay on track.The Avalanche Method: Focus on the math. List your debts by interest rate and pay off the one with the highest percentage first. While it might take longer to see a balance hit zero, this method saves you the most money in interest over the long haul.Key TakeawaysBe Fully Transparent: You can't fix what you don't acknowledge. Get every single expense and debt onto one sheet so you and your partner can see the full picture together.Pick Your Strategy: There is no "wrong" choice between the Snowball and Avalanche methods—the only mistake is not picking one. Choose the strategy that fits your personality and stick to it.Get the Tool: The guys have a specific spreadsheet tool that compares these two methods for your specific situation. Send them an email if you want to use it for your next "Net Worth and Chill" date.Coming Up Next: The guys will be shifting from "Defense" to "Offense" with emergency savings and insurance to keep your family safe.Connect with the Old Irish GuysEmail: [email protected]: https://oldirishguysfinancial.comDisclaimer: The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. (00:00) - – Intro: Stop Guessing and Start Building (00:26) - – Local Flavor: Civic Duty and "Same Meeting" Surprises (02:17) - – Community Roots: Raising "City Kids" in Baltimore (03:09) - – Net Worth and Chill: Facing the "Beast" of Debt (04:00) - – Defining Good Debt vs. Bad Debt (05:02) - – The Holy Trinity: Balance, Interest, and Minimum Payments (06:34) - – Strategy 1: The Debt Snowball (The Psychological Win) (07:11) - – Strategy 2: The Debt Avalanche (The Mathematical Win) (08:20) - – Homework: Transparency and Choosing Your Strategy (08:38) - – Coming Up Next: Shifting from Defense to Offense (08:57) - – Outro: Connect with the Old Irish Guys

In the second installment of Penny & the Pint, John Shea and Brendan O’Brien (the "Old Irish Guys") celebrate some big Baltimore news—the hiring of the Orioles' 42nd manager, Craig Albernaz. Taking a cue from the "ultimate answer to everything" in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the guys dive back into the "Net Worth and Chill" series to help you find the ultimate answers for your financial future.Welcome to the Neighborhood, Craig!The hosts give a warm South Baltimore welcome to new O's manager Craig Albernaz. As a fellow Massachusetts native from Fall River, Craig fits right in with the "Old Irish Guys". John and Brendan are officially open for business if the new skipper needs some local financial advice just down the street.Net Worth and Chill (Part 2)Building on last week’s debut, this episode focuses on the "Follow-Up Meeting"—the deep dive into your expenses that turns a conversation into a concrete plan.The 3 Steps to Aligning Your Spending:The Dream Conversation: Pour a glass of wine and talk honestly about your dreams and hopes for the future. You can't align your money until you know where you want your life to go.The Core Check-In: Review your statements and double-check your labels. Are there expenses you thought were "Lifestyle" that have actually become "Core" to your family's peace of mind?. Get everything into one place so you can see the full picture.Cut the Fat: This is where you look for the "disconnect". If you have a wish list (like a vacation home or a boat) but you're spending your extra cash at the driving range or Dunkin' Donuts, it’s time to trim. Even small expenses—the "pennies"—add up to major goals over time.Key TakeawaysHave a Little Grace: These conversations can be long and sometimes difficult. Give yourself and your partner some "grace" and flexibility; the process shouldn't be so rigid that it drives you crazy.Recalibrate: If you slipped off the wagon this month, don't give up. Use the next meeting to recalibrate and get back on task.Set the Next Meeting: The process isn't over until the next "date" is on the calendar. Consistency is the only way to ensure your spending stays aligned with your values.Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed the show, please like and subscribe to Penny & the Pint and share this episode with your friends and neighbors!.Connect with the Old Irish GuysEmail: [email protected]: https://oldirishguysfinancial.comDisclaimer: The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. (00:00) - Welcome and Banter (00:24) - Orioles New Manager (02:39) - Net Worth and Chill Two (09:39) - Recap and Next Steps

In the inaugural episode of Penny & the Pint, John Shea and Brendan O’Brien (the "Old Irish Guys") introduce their mission: filling the gap in the financial podcast space with 60 years of combined expertise, delivered in digestible, 10-minute shots.A Resource for Baltimore and BeyondJohn and Brendan aim to be a neighborhood resource, serving folks from Canton to Federal Hill to Locust Point. Each episode consists of two segments:Local Flavor: Discussion about what is happening in the City of Baltimore.Financial Advice: High-level, actionable steps for families and individuals delivered in a way that is easy to digest.The hosts introduce a foundational concept for couples: the "Net Worth and Chill" date night. This is designed to be a comfortable, stress-free environment to discuss financial goals after the kids are in bed.The 4 Steps to a Successful Financial Date Night:The Immovable Date: Put it on the calendar and do not move it for anything—not book club, not volleyball, and not even a pint at Hull Street Blues.Come Prepared: One person should gather all statements beforehand, including mortgages, retirement plans, and bank accounts. Don't waste the date night looking for statements.The "No-Judge Zone": Be honest about where you came from and how you value money. Shine a light on the numbers without judgment; they are what they are.Label Everything (Core vs. Lifestyle): Categorize every expense to see where the money is going:Core: Non-negotiables that must be paid, such as rent, mortgages, and car insurance.Lifestyle: How you live your life—soccer for the kids, dining out, or Netflix.The Cut: If you aren't meeting your savings goals for retirement or college, the "Lifestyle" list is where the cuts happen.Key TakeawaysConsistency: Once the first meeting is over, immediately put the follow-up meeting on the calendar.Reward Yourself: After the hard work is done, put on a movie or your favorite show and actually "chill".Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed the show, please hit the follow button to subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!Connect with the Old Irish GuysWebsite: https://oldirishguysfinancial.com Email: [email protected] opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. (00:00) - Meet the Old Irish Guys (02:36) - Net Worth and Chill (07:01) - Build a Real Budget (09:42) - Meeting Recap and Next Steps