In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, host Tyler Hafford is joined by Penobscot Financial Advisors’ Chief Operations and Compliance Officer, Hannah Tackett, for another installment in a new series on cyber scams. They dive into the alarming aspects of two successive scams, and share the story of “Stacy”, a victim who lost about half of all of her wealth to online romance scams. Tyler and Hannah break down the tactics scammers use to prey on emotions and trust, and they offer invaluable tips on how you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated frauds.
YOU’LL LEARN:
How the Scam Works: A look at how scammers build trust and exploit victims through months of emotional manipulation, leading them to invest large sums of money into fraudulent opportunities and turn them against their families, financial institutions, and better judgment.
Red Flags to Watch For: Practical insights on what to look out for, including the dangers of engaging with people you’ve never met in person, and investment “opportunities” that don’t include paperwork or legal interaction whatsoever.
Protecting Yourself: Actionable strategies for safeguarding your finances, including how to spot warning signs and the importance of having a trusted contact to help you make clear decisions during emotional moments.
The Dangers of Emotional Manipulation in Financial Scams: Learn how scammers play on your basic desires for love and financial security, and how to avoid becoming a target.

• How the Scam Works: A look at how scammers build trust and exploit victims through months of emotional manipulation, leading them to invest large sums of money into fraudulent opportunities.
• Red Flags to Watch For: Practical insights on what to look out for, including the dangers of engaging with people you’ve never met in person, and the risks of transacting in cryptocurrency.
• Protecting Yourself: Actionable strategies for safeguarding your finances, including how to spot warning signs and the importance of having a trusted contact to help you make clear decisions during emotional moments.
• The Dangers of Emotional Manipulation in Financial Scams: Learn how scammers play on your basic desires for love and financial security, and how to avoid becoming a target.

In this special food-themed episode of Dollars to Dreams, host Tyler Hafford is joined by PFA’s Chief Operations and Compliance Officer, Hannah Tackett, for a delightful detour from financial talk into the culinary world of Portland, Maine. Hannah, an enthusiastic foodie, shares her ultimate day-long food itinerary through Portland, offering a personal and deliciously detailed take on the city’s vibrant dining scene. With local gems like Katie Made Bakery, Lenora, Cuties, and Central Provisions on the list, Hannah’s food itinerary is delicious and deeply personal, offering more than just recommendations—it’s about savoring moments, flavors, and understanding that great meals aren’t just about what’s on the plate, but who you share them with.

YOU'LL LEARN:

-- Portland’s Diverse Food Scene – A deep dive into the local flavor and variety that makes Portland a top-tier food city.

-- The Joy of Shared Meals – How food becomes more meaningful when enjoyed with friends and community.

-- Food as Self-Care and Culture – Exploring how indulgent, soulful eating fits into a balanced life and supports emotional wellness.

In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, Tyler Hafford and Hannah Tackett tackle a core concept of their practice—and the trust they build with clients: fiduciary duty. Being a fiduciary isn’t just a technical term or legal requirement; it’s a guiding principle that shapes how Penobscot Financial Advisors engages with every client. Tyler and Hannah explain what it truly means to be a fiduciary, how it differs from other financial standards (like the “suitability rule”), and why it should be one of the first questions anyone asks when choosing a financial advisor. Learn how fiduciary and fee-only models eliminate conflicts of interest and why fee transparency is essential. For those considering financial advice, the episode offers a clear lens on what to look for—and what red flags to avoid.

YOU’LL LEARN:

– Fiduciary vs. Suitability Standard – What fiduciary duty entails and how it compares to other advisory models.

– Fee-Only Structure – Why removing commissions and product sales supports objectivity and transparency.

– Client-First Relationships – How fiduciary care builds lasting trust and personalized financial planning.

In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, Tyler Hafford and Hannah Tackett focus on a system that hits close to home for many of their clients—and themselves: the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS). Both Penobscot Financial Advisors' offices in Maine regularly help public sector employees like teachers, municipal workers, and state employees navigate this complex retirement system. Tyler and Hannah explore the 2025 updates to the MainePERS, including new COLA increases for state and municipal retirees and a major legislative shift that now allows full receipt of both Social Security and MainePERS benefits. The episode closes with sound advice for those nearing retirement: use benefit estimators, understand the timing of your retirement, and incorporate these updates into a broader financial plan because strategy matters.

YOU'LL LEARN:

-- 2025 COLA Changes: How inflation adjustments are applied to state and PLD retirees.

-- Dual Benefit Eligibility: A significant policy shift allowing retirees to claim MainePERS and Social Security without penalty.

-- Planning Strategies for Public Employees: Why timing, benefit estimates, and legislative awareness matter when planning retirement.

In this episode of Dollars to Dreams, host Tyler Hafford is joined by Hannah Tackett, Chief Operations and Compliance Officer at Penobscot Financial Advisors, to unpack what’s new with Social Security in 2025. Social Security touches almost every American household, and the 2025 updates include headline-making changes and some lesser-known details. The changes include a 2.5% COLA, updates to earnings limits, and a rise in taxable wage caps. They also discuss how working affects benefits, projected Medicare premium increases, and how to plan around IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts). With practical examples and planning strategies, this episode helps you make sense of the numbers and gives clear next steps to optimize your retirement strategy. The message is simple but powerful—don't go it alone, and don't make Social Security decisions in a vacuum.

YOU'LL LEARN:

-- Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) – What the 2.5% increase really means and how it reflects the broader economy.

-- Earnings Limits and Taxable Wages – New income thresholds for 2025 and how they impact benefit eligibility and withholding.

-- Medicare and IRMAA Impacts – How rising premiums and income-related surcharges affect retirees.

Tyler Hafford and Hannah Tackett of Penobscot Financial Advisors break down the real meaning of a recession—how it’s defined, how it feels, and what the current economic data is signaling in 2025. The episode offers historical context and practical insight, from reflections on COVID’s sharp downturn to today’s tariff-fueled uncertainty. It delivers a calm, clear-eyed strategy for navigating potential economic storms. Tyler and Hannah offer tactical advice like building emergency savings, managing high-interest debt, and staying diversified. They also focus on retirement readiness, encouraging pre-retirees to stress-test their income plans and insulate part of their portfolios from market volatility. Whether you’re anxious about market headlines or nearing retirement, this episode gives you actionable tools to build resilience and stay financially grounded.

YOU’LL LEARN:

– Understanding Recessions: Definitions, triggers, and why they’re a normal part of the business cycle.

– Recession Readiness: Practical financial steps to take before and during an economic slowdown.

– Market Resilience: Why downturns vary in shape and speed, and how strategic planning helps weather them.

Tyler Hafford and Hannah Tackett break down key updates every investor should know—from Secure Act 2.0’s game-changing provisions like Roth 401(k) matches and 529-to-Roth transfers, to the fast-approaching 2025 expiration of current tax laws. With timely insights and practical examples, they show how to leverage today’s rules to minimize future taxes and why proactive planning now could pay off big later.

1. Secure Act 2.0 Updates – What’s changed with RMDs, Roth employer contributions, and 529 plans.

2. 529 Plans Reimagined – Why these accounts are now more flexible and powerful than ever for family financial planning.

3. 2025 Tax Law Expiration – What may change, what to watch for, and how to plan proactively before tax rates increase.

• [03:05] – “The RMD age has increased again—now 73, and heading to 75 by 2033.” – A longer runway for tax planning.

• [06:12] – 529 to Roth IRA rollovers explained – After 15 years, unused 529 funds can support retirement savings for your child.

• [09:50] – “That bank account’s not keeping up with inflation—especially college inflation.” – Hannah unpacks missed opportunities in common college savings approaches.

• [17:35] – 2025 Tax Sunset overview – Brackets may rise, deductions may shrink, and estate tax exemptions could be halved if Congress doesn’t act.

• [20:48] – “2024 and 2025 are your years for Roth conversions and gifting strategies.” – Use the current low-tax environment to your advantage.
  

Got questions? We can answer them with clear, actionable strategies. Contact us at PenobscotFA.com