Best of Simply Money

Surviving Market Volatility Amid Trade War Talks

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Allworth advisor Bob Sponseller discuss the potential impact of a global trade war on your money. They show how the global economy is connected, especially how tariffs can affect everyday items like lumber and cars. Plus, they examine the volatile market reaction to tariff talks and explain the importance of not making hasty financial decisions based on market predictions.
 

AI Stocks: What Investors Need to Know Now

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Allworth advisor Bob Sponseller delve into the whirlwind world of AI stocks and the unpredictability they bring to the investment landscape. With discussions around the emerging Chinese AI company DeepSeek and its potential market disruption, they explore the volatility affecting major tech giants like NVIDIA and Broadcom. Amy and Bob also navigate through the intricacies of financial predictions and their implications on your future.
Then, they dive into the pressing issue of including private equity options in 401(k) plans. They weigh the pros and cons, emphasizing the need for financial literacy and understanding the risks involved.
Finally, they tackle the emotional and financial hurdles of divorce. Sharing personal experiences and professional advice, they guide listeners on managing assets, avoiding emotional financial decisions, and building a secure financial foundation for the future.

Unraveling the Psychology of Money: Key Behavioral Traits Impacting Finances

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Allworth advisor Bob Sponseller delve into the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of financial decision-making - behavioral finance. They explore how common biases like overconfidence, loss aversion, and herd mentality can significantly influence your investment choices and financial outcomes.
Through relatable anecdotes and expert insights, they shed light on the intertwining of psychology and finance. Understand how emotions such as fear and greed can lead to irrational investment decisions and learn strategies to manage these influences effectively. Amy and Bob also discuss the importance of staying informed and maintaining a balanced perspective in a media-saturated environment that often fuels recency bias.

Retirement bucket lists, navigating capital gains taxes, and unraveling concentrated stock positions.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Allworth advisor Bob Sponseller delve into the art of retirement planning beyond just finances. Explore the exciting idea of creating a bucket list to give your retirement life purpose and structure, whether you're planning it alone or with a partner.
They also discuss the importance of diversifying your investments and the risks associated with having too much stock in one company, offering practical advice on managing concentrated stock positions safely.
Lastly, they unravel the complex world of capital gains taxes, providing insights into how smart planning can significantly impact your financial future. Don't miss this episode filled with expert advice for securing a joyful and financially stable retirement.

A major change to Social Security, misleading financial headlines, and you ask the advisor.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy, Steve and Allworth advisor Bob Sponseller discuss the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. These changes will greatly benefit those with public pensions such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers, allowing them to receive full Social Security benefits alongside their pensions.
They also tackle concerns about potentially misleading financial headlines that can lead investors to make hasty decisions. Plus, the episode provides valuable advice on how to maximize your 401(k) contributions without missing out on employer matching, highlighting the importance of understanding your plan's features, including true-up provisions.

Understanding the Great Wealth Transfer: What It Means for You

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve dive into the topic of the Great Wealth Transfer, a significant financial phenomenon set to occur as the silent generation and baby boomers pass down $85 trillion in assets to Gen X and millennials over the next two decades.
They explore the implications this wealth shift might have on society, individual financial planning, and the potential challenges it presents for younger generations.
With insights into managing newfound inheritance, the importance of communication within families, and strategic planning to navigate this economic change, this episode offers valuable advice for anyone likely to be affected by this transformative generational exchange.

Unraveling the Essentials of Financial Planning: 7 Key Components

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve delve into the crucial elements of crafting a successful financial plan. This episode breaks down the seven major components necessary for a robust retirement strategy, starting with determining your retirement income needs. Learn how to account for expenses that disappear post-retirement and understand the phases of the go-go, slow-go, and no-go years.
Discover effective debt management tactics aimed at ensuring a stress-free retirement. With insightful discussions on tax planning, Amy and Steve emphasize the importance of organizing your accounts for optimal tax efficiency, including strategies like Roth conversions and tax loss harvesting. Investment management also takes center stage, providing a comprehensive look at risk management and maximizing portfolio returns to ensure your financial plan supports your desired lifestyle.
The episode further explores essential aspects of estate planning, offering guidance on avoiding probate and ensuring your legacy is intact. Additionally, it highlights the significance of maintaining diversified income sources throughout retirement, ensuring flexibility and tax advantages. Tune in to learn how a well-rounded financial plan can secure your financial future while allowing you to enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.
 
 

"Market Panic: How One Chart Shook Investments"

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve delve into how one crucial chart can significantly impact the stock market and your 401k. In a lively discussion with Allworth advisor Bob Sponseller, they explore the emotional rollercoaster investors face during volatile market days and emphasize the importance of limited 401k checks to maintain peace of mind.
The episode highlights recent market movements driven by Federal Reserve announcements, focusing on their "dot plot" and unexpected comments that triggered investor reactions. Listeners will gain insight into the market's adjustment to updated interest rate expectations and the impact of strategic investor behavior.
Amy, Steve, and Bob underscore the importance of diversification, cautioning against over-reliance on a single stock, no matter how promising it appears. They offer practical advice for protecting your investments from sudden market swings influenced by leadership statements from major companies such as Microsoft and NVIDIA.

2025 Market Predictions: Fact or Fiction?

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve discuss the ever-popular topic of financial predictions, focusing on what the stock market could look like in 2025. They dive into the motivations behind market forecasts and why it's crucial not to let fear and greed drive your investment decisions.
With mentions of recent bold predictions by various financial analysts, they emphasize the importance of sticking to a long-term financial plan regardless of speculative headlines. Tune in to understand how emotional investing can derail financial futures and why a solid, facts-based financial strategy is your best bet for success.

Navigating the 'Magnificent Seven': Are You Truly Diversified?

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve delve into the dangers of investing in a market that's currently on a high. While it may seem like the best time to invest heavily in thriving stocks, such as those in the S&P 500, Amy and Steve caution listeners about the lack of true diversification.
They also cover the latest offer from Robinhood – incentivizing rollovers of 401(k)s with a 1% match. While this might seem like an attractive proposal at first glance, Amy and Steve urge caution, discussing potential pitfalls and the importance of truly understanding what you’re getting into when moving retirement funds.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to shore up their investment strategy amid current market trends.