A new year is the perfect time to reset your financial habits, and in this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander kicks off 2026 with a financial boot camp. From simple budgeting rules that give every dollar a job to maximizing updated 401(k), Roth, and HSA contribution limits, this episode walks through practical steps you can take right now to strengthen your financial foundation.

In this special episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander sits down with Ethan Agarwal, a technology entrepreneur and candidate for California governor in 2026, for a policy-focused conversation on the state’s economic future. They discuss what it could take to keep innovation and investment in California, including AI infrastructure and manufacturing, modernizing state operations through better technology, improving permitting and regulatory processes, and how policy decisions can influence opportunity across the state.

The conversation also covers the case for regulated and taxed sports betting, ideas for streamlining government services, and perspectives on K–12 education outcomes and workforce readiness.

Important note: This conversation is for informational purposes only. Protect Your Assets and Liberty Wealth Management do not endorse any political candidate, campaign, or party.

If you’re retiring next year, the details you handle before you give notice can make a meaningful difference.

In this episode of Protect Your Assets, The Sandman walks through what to review before you leave work, including 401(k) matching and vesting schedules (cliff vs. graded), what happens to your HSA and FSA, how PTO payouts work (including California considerations), health coverage choices if you’re retiring before 65 (COBRA, spouse coverage, marketplace plans, and Medicare timing), and key pension options that can impact income and legacy.

If you’re a federal employee or member of the armed forces, your thrift savings plan (TSP) can be a powerful retirement tool, yet small missteps can lead to missed matching dollars, unnecessary risk, or reduced future income. In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander breaks down the most common TSP mistakes he sees today, including under-contributing, relying too heavily on the G fund or lifecycle funds, and overlooking how inflation affects conservative allocations.

David also explains the key differences between your TSP withdrawal options, when a rollover may offer more flexibility, and why an incorrect TSP-3 beneficiary form is one of the most damaging errors federal employees make. With timely year-end reminders and practical guidance, this episode helps you make more informed decisions about your TSP and protect what you’ve worked hard to build.

In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander breaks down practical year-end tax planning strategies for 2025 in light of the new Big, Beautiful Bill and today’s market volatility. Learn how to use tools like 401(k) contributions, backdoor Roth IRAs, HSAs, capital gains harvesting, and portfolio rebalancing to make your money work harder before December 31.

David also explains how retirees and pre-retirees can approach RMDs and qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), navigate changing healthcare costs, and think through AI-heavy tech exposure in their portfolios. If you’ve been wondering what to do before April 15 to potentially reduce your future tax bill and feel more in control of your retirement income plan, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance you can discuss with your financial and tax professionals.

It’s a spooky season in the world of cryptocurrency. In this Halloween special of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander unmasks the scariest cryptocurrency scams haunting investors right now. From “pig-butchering” romance schemes to rug pulls, pump-and-dumps, and fake wallets, David exposes how these tricks work and how to protect yourself from getting ghosted financially. Hear a true story that hit close to home, plus timely insights on the markets, tax deadlines, and why it pays to stay alert before year-end.

Money is one of the most common sources of tension in marriage, especially when retirement is around the corner. In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander shares the story of Jim and Francine, a couple weighing whether to remodel their kitchen or step into retirement.

Hear how they learned to align their goals, rebuild communication after past market losses, and develop a plan that reflects both partners’ priorities. David also discusses how the Big, Beautiful Bill may influence taxes and trusts, along with a market update and practical portfolio considerations for year-end.

The first 100 days of retirement can feel a lot like bringing home a newborn—exciting, uncertain, and full of surprises. In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander explains why so many new retirees struggle during this transition and what you can do to prepare. From the loss of routine to changing relationships and financial adjustments, learn how to approach your first 100 days of retirement with clarity and confidence by focusing on five key pillars: income, investments, estate, health, and purpose.

When your health fails, families often bear the emotional and financial cost. In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander dives into long-term care planning, from real-life caregiving challenges to understanding the true cost of in-home and facility care. Learn how to evaluate caregivers, what long-term care can cost in California, and how veterans or their spouses may qualify for the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit to help pay for care.

David also breaks down key RMD strategies for retirees age 73 and older, including how a QLAC can reduce taxable income and delay distributions. Plus, a brief market update and what to watch for as year-end approaches.

Is pet insurance worth the cost? In this episode of Protect Your Assets, David Hollander breaks down what pet insurance covers, how accident vs. accident-and-illness plans differ, and what to know about deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual limits. He also highlights exclusions like dental cleanings, how premiums can vary by age and zip code, and options for puppies, kittens, or older pets with pre-existing conditions.