Simply Money by Allworth Financial
Simply Money is a weekly collection of segments that cover wealth strategies for high-net-worth investors. Allworth advisors Bob Sponseller and Brian James tackle:
-Roth conversions
-Tax strategies
-Estate planning
-Portfolio allocation
-Retirement timing
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Episodes

5 days ago
5 days ago
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money, Bob and Brian count down the 10 decisions that can make or break your retirement plan. Plus, they reveal why some “set it and forget it” investment strategies may deserve a second look, tackle your questions about tax-smart investing and helping the next generation, and explain why slowing down could save you from a costly financial mistake.

Aug 14, 2026
Aug 14, 2026
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian tackle a critical question for investors: what happens if the next decade of market returns doesn’t cooperate—and does your financial plan rely on strong returns just to survive? They break down how to properly stress test your retirement plan using real-world scenarios, Monte Carlo analysis, and the importance of separating must-have expenses from discretionary spending to weather any environment. Plus, they dive into the hidden complexities of restricted stock units (RSUs), including how they’re taxed, vesting schedules, and why they should be treated as a concentrated position in your portfolio. You’ll also hear strategies for protecting your retirement timing from market downturns, how to think through pension lump sum versus income decisions, and smart ways to gift money for major life events without triggering unnecessary taxes.

Aug 7, 2026
Aug 7, 2026
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money, Bob and Brian explain why today's market bubbles may be smaller—and less dangerous—than the ones investors remember from the dot-com era and the financial crisis. They also discuss when alternative investments like private equity actually make sense, sit down with Allworth Senior Estate Planning Specialist Paul Schwarz to share strategies for preparing the next generation for one of the largest wealth transfers in history, and answer listener questions on building a lasting family legacy and protecting generational wealth.

Jul 31, 2026
Jul 31, 2026
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the key financial moves that matter most in every decade of your life—from building wealth in your 20s and 30s to protecting it in your 40s and preparing for retirement in your 50s and beyond. They also explain how hidden tax traps can develop inside brokerage accounts, answer listener questions on estate planning, retirement tax strategies, and umbrella insurance, and sit down with Allworth's insurance expert to discuss when long-term care insurance actually makes sense. Plus, Bob shares his perspective on whether homeownership is always the right financial move.

Jul 24, 2026
Jul 24, 2026
39 min
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explain why this earnings season could be one of the biggest tests for the stock market in years—and what investors should really be watching beyond the headlines. They also discuss how much cash you actually need, why too much liquidity can quietly hurt your long-term wealth, practical ways to protect your finances from growing cybersecurity threats, and answer listener questions on helping adult children fairly, qualified charitable distributions, stock option taxes, and tax-smart investing strategies.

Jul 17, 2026
Jul 17, 2026
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian challenge the traditional idea of retirement, exploring why having enough money isn’t the same as having a fulfilling plan for what comes next. Inspired by a powerful real-life story, they discuss “purpose risk,” the dangers of tying your identity solely to your career, and why true financial success is about creating optionality in your life—not just building wealth. They also break down how to turn your savings into a tax-efficient income stream, why rules like the 4% guideline can fall short, how to manage risk and cash flow in retirement, and why your “forever home” might not be as permanent as you think.

Jul 10, 2026
Jul 10, 2026
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explain what the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ really measure—and why understanding the differences can make you a more informed investor. They also discuss why so many retirees struggle to shift from saving to spending, get the latest on the Greater Cincinnati housing market, and answer listener questions on making a $1 million 401(k) last, inherited stock, and when a trust may make more sense than a simple will.

Jul 3, 2026
Jul 3, 2026
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the seven financial lies we tell ourselves—from believing more money will finally make us happy to thinking we can time the market, save later, or figure everything out on our own. They also discuss the financial realities of divorce, why cybercriminals are increasingly targeting seniors and their life savings, how to prepare your spouse to take over the family finances if needed, and critical estate planning mistakes that can create major headaches for your heirs. Plus, answers to listener questions on emergency funds, cognitive decline planning, and protecting your family's financial future.

Jun 26, 2026
Jun 26, 2026
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explain why many investors who think they’re diversified may actually have far more exposure to AI and semiconductor stocks than they realize, how concentration risk has shown up throughout market history, and what wealthy investors can do to protect against it. They also break down the recent pullback in private credit funds, the dangers of relying on active managers to pick the next market winners, why your portfolio’s purpose matters more than its returns, and answer listener questions on direct indexing, family business inheritance planning, Roth conversions, and the new Trump Accounts for children.

Jun 19, 2026
Jun 19, 2026
38 min
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explain why the biggest risk to your retirement may have nothing to do with the stock market. From rising healthcare costs and long-term care planning to selling a business and navigating looming tax challenges, they cover the financial decisions that can have the biggest impact on your future. Plus, former Cleveland Fed President Dr. Loretta Mester joins the show to share her perspective on the Federal Reserve's latest decision and what investors should be watching next.

