Cortburg Speaks Retirement

How to Make Big Purchases Without Derailing Your Financial Goals

• Miguel Gonzalez, MBA, AIF®, CPFA®, CRC® • Season 2025 • Episode 272

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In this episode, Miguel Gonzalez shares practical strategies to help you make smart spending decisions that align with your future goals. 

Cortburg Retirement Advisors is a boutique financial planning firm committed to helping you grow, protect, and preserve your assets from your first job to retirement. We specialize in wealth management, estate and tax planning, group retirement, employee benefits, insurance, and retirement planning to navigate any economic climate.

Miguel Gonzalez, a Retirement Specialist with 20+ years of experience, offers expertise in retirement income planning, investment management, and retirement plan design. With an MBA from Columbia Business School, and professional experience with JP Morgan Chase, Merrill Lynch, and more, Miguel is a trusted advisor for his clients.

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Welcome to Cortburg Speaks Retirement Podcast
with Miguel Gonzalez, MBA, AIF®, CPFA®, CRC®

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Welcome to Cortburg Speaks Retirement

An audio podcast about investing in the stock market, financial planning, money management and retirement planning.  Each Wednesday, we help investors at all stages of life learn how to potentially grow and preserve their money from first job through retirement.

Now here is your host, Miguel Gonzalez.

Good morning and welcome to the CORTBURG SPEAKS RETIREMENT audio podcast.   

This week, let’s talk about something we all face at some point — big purchases. Whether it’s buying a car, a home, or even taking on a major renovation, large financial decisions can have a lasting impact on your budget and long-term goals.

Here are a few ways to make those big purchases the smart way.

1. Pause Before You Purchase

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a big buy. Whether it’s that shiny new SUV or your dream kitchen remodel, emotion can drive decisions more than logic.
 Before saying “yes,” give yourself time to think it through. A 24- or 48-hour pause can prevent impulse decisions that you might regret later.

Ask yourself: Will this purchase still feel right a week from now?

2. Know What You Can Truly Afford

When it comes to big expenses, affordability isn’t just about the sticker price—it’s about the total cost.
 For a car, that includes insurance, maintenance, and registration. For a home, it’s not just the mortgage—it’s property taxes, repairs, and utilities.

A good rule of thumb is to keep major purchases within limits that still allow you to save and invest consistently. If a purchase strains your monthly budget, it might be worth waiting or scaling down.

3. Shop Around and Compare

With big purchases, research pays off—literally. Compare financing options, interest rates, and terms before committing. Even a small difference in rate or price can save you thousands over time.

For example, on a car loan or mortgage, just a one-percent lower rate could mean significant long-term savings.

4. Don’t Empty Your Savings

It’s tempting to dip into emergency funds or long-term savings for a big expense, but doing so can leave you vulnerable when life’s surprises happen.
 If you know a large expense is coming up—like replacing a car or planning a renovation—start setting aside money in advance. Build a “sinking fund” specifically for that goal so you can pay with confidence, not stress.

5. Keep the Long Game in Mind

Large purchases should fit into your overall financial picture, not derail it. It’s okay to spend on meaningful things—but make sure they support your lifestyle, not strain it.
 A smart purchase adds value to your life without compromising your peace of mind or future goals.

In Closing

Big purchases are part of life, but thoughtful planning can make all the difference between satisfaction and regret.
 Take your time, crunch the numbers, and make sure every major decision aligns with your bigger financial plan.

This is Miguel Gonzalez, Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC) and Managing Partner, with Cortburg Retirement Advisors signing off for this week’s educational podcast.  

End of video disclosures:
CRC conferred by The International Foundation for Retirement Education.


 Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Private Advisor Group, LLC, a registered investment advisor.
 
 

Private Advisor Group, LLC and Cortburg Retirement Advisors, Inc. are separate entities from LPL Financial.
 
 

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
 
 

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

 

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Miguel Gonzalez, MBA, AIF®, CPFA®, PPC®, CRC®

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