Best of Simply Money

When to react to up and down markets, how to prepare for the unexpected, and more!

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve delve into market dynamics and the optimal strategies to adopt when markets fluctuate.
In this episode, listeners gain insights into the characteristics of bear and bull markets, learning the historical data and emotional impacts of each. Amy and Steve lay out practical advice for maintaining a long-term investment strategy that's resilient to market highs and lows.
Plus, they discuss how to bounce back from a financial shock, and provide a list of items collecting dust that could be worth a fortune.

Investments vs. fads, charitable giving techniques, and the power of diversification.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve dive into the intriguing world of investments versus fads. In this episode, they explore historical financial trends, discussing past fads like cryptocurrency, the dot-com bubble, Beanie Babies, the housing bubble, meme stocks, and NFTs. They highlight how these trends captivated public attention but often lacked solid investment fundamentals.
Plus, they discuss the true cost of homeownership, and charitable giving techniques.

Navigating market volatility post-election, preparing for a possible lost decade, and understanding Required Minimum Distributions.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve discuss how the markets are reacting to the anticipated pro-business policies of the incoming Trump administration. They explore the potential implications for stocks, bonds, and other investments, highlighting the importance of understanding market trends and avoiding reactionary financial decisions.
They delve into specific examples, such as Tesla's soaring market valuation, and discuss the rising strength of the U.S. dollar. Plus, they address the recent changes in the bond market and the potential impact of Trump's fiscal plans on investors.
 

Election Results and Your Investments: Stay the Course

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve delve into the implications of the recent presidential election on the financial markets and investment strategies.
The episode also touches on the significance of the Federal Reserve's actions over political changes and encourages investors to control what they can, such as their spending and investment strategies, while letting go of factors beyond their control.

Navigating Financial Forks: When to Call a Financial Advisor

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve dive into pivotal life moments when reaching out to a financial advisor becomes essential. Whether it's an unexpected increase in income, a sudden job loss, or other major life changes, they discuss the importance of seeking professional guidance to navigate these financial crossroads effectively.
They also explore the unique challenges faced by high earners not retired yet (HENRYs), offering strategies for tax-efficient savings and investment opportunities. From leveraging 401k contributions to maximizing health savings accounts and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, Amy and Steve provide valuable insights to help listeners make the most of their financial situation.
Plus, they address the significance of open communication in relationships during financial transitions, such as marriage or divorce.
 
 

Navigating Tax Brackets and Investment Strategies for 2025

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve dive into the complexities of understanding your tax brackets and the impact on financial decisions. Many individuals are unaware of their effective tax rate, leading to misconceptions about their tax liabilities. Amy and Steve break down the new tax rates for 2025 and explain the importance of understanding the thresholds that determine your tax bracket.
With the Trump tax cuts set to expire at the end of 2025, they discuss the potential implications for future tax rates and the importance of proactive financial planning. Roth conversion strategies and direct indexing are highlighted as tools to help manage tax liabilities and diversify investments.
The episode also covers the potential risks of having a large portion of your portfolio tied to company stock, especially for those receiving equity compensation. Amy and Steve provide insights into how direct indexing can help mitigate these risks.
Lastly, the show touches on the significance of having end-of-life care conversations and selecting the right executor for your estate. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on tax planning, investment strategies, and estate planning to ensure a secure financial future.

Beyond Dollars: Building a successful retirement together.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve discuss the journey to financial independence and the crucial elements beyond just saving money. They emphasize the importance of open communication and shared goals between partners planning for retirement. Amy and Steve highlight the necessity of discussing expectations, worries, and visions for spending retirement years together.
They also explore the concept of treating your home like a business, advocating for regular financial meetings to align goals. They provide examples of couples successfully navigating different financial mindsets. 
Plus, they delve into the critical elements for a successful transition into retirement, based on research from Allworth Financial. They discuss the importance of prosperity, connection, and purpose, encouraging listeners to cultivate these aspects before reaching retirement age. They provide practical advice on staying active, fostering social connections, and finding meaningful activities post-retirement.
 

Simply Money: Unmasking the realities of annuity sales and job hopping risks.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve delve into the world of annuity sales and the controversial practices surrounding them. As the labor department pushes for a fiduciary standard in the insurance industry, a senator's recent report sheds light on how conflicted advice can cost retirement savers up to 20% of their income. They explore the implications of this report and discuss the hidden incentives that could be influencing a financial advisor's recommendations.
They also discuss the potential long-term financial dangers of frequent job hopping. With many workers changing jobs for better pay, they highlight the importance of keeping track of your 401(k) contributions to avoid losing momentum in your retirement savings.
Join us for practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of financial planning and make informed decisions for your future.

Road to Retirement: Outsmarting financial predictions and enhancing your 401(k) strategy.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve delve into how you can become a smarter investor than the so-called experts on Wall Street. Discover why the experts often get it wrong, from predicting recessions to interest rate changes, and learn how to make smarter decisions for your financial future.
They also explore the importance of understanding your 401(k) rollovers. Learn how a simple change in your investment approach can potentially add over $100,000 to your retirement portfolio.
They discuss a new IRS ruling that could allow you to decide where your employer match goes, whether into your 401(k), an HSA, or even towards student loan repayments.
Plus, they examine the classic 60-40 portfolio strategy. Is it still the best choice for everyone? Tune in to get insights on how to tailor your asset allocation to fit your personal financial goals and risk tolerance.
 

Navigating Interest Rate Cuts and Market Reactions with Historical Insight

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Amy and Steve dive into the historical perspectives of interest rate cuts. With the Federal Reserve lowering rates for the first time in four years, they discuss the immediate market reactions and what this means for investors. Joining them is Allworth's Chief Investment Officer, Andy Stout, who provides expert insights into the Fed’s communication strategies and their impact on the markets.
The episode also explores the potential for a recession in the coming year, the implications of the yield curve inversion, and how post-COVID monetary policies have affected economic indicators. Andy Stout sheds light on the prospects of achieving a "soft landing" and the forecast for future rate cuts.
Additionally, the show covers the unexpected rise in mortgage rates following the Fed's decision, and the importance of personal financial planning in light of these changes. They also delve into the challenges of relying on 401k auto-enrollment and the importance of taking ownership of retirement savings.
To cap it off, the episode addresses the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming presidential election and its impact on spending decisions. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on making informed financial choices amidst economic fluctuations.