Simply Money by Allworth Financial

Fed Insider Loretta Mester on Rate Cuts and Inflation, Plus Tech Earnings and Tax-Time Surprises

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian welcome former Cleveland Fed President Dr. Loretta Mester for a rare insider’s view into how interest rate decisions are made, why 2% inflation remains so elusive, and how the Fed stays focused amid political noise. She also recounts navigating the economy through COVID and shares what makes Ohio’s economy uniquely resilient.
Then, Bob and Brian shift gears to dissect huge earnings reports from Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, and Nvidia — and what they signal for the future of AI and market momentum.
Later, they tackle real-life listener questions: why muni bonds might trigger “phantom income,” how mutual funds can lead to unexpected tax bills, tips for coordinating insurance policies, and whether investing through an LLC offers tax or liability advantages.
 

The Retirement Mirage: Why Your "Magic Number" Might Be a Lie

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian challenge the myth of the "magic number" in retirement planning. Just because you've hit $2 million or even $5 million doesn’t mean your future is locked in. Plus, hear stories of high-net-worth individuals navigating the pitfalls of poorly structured wealth. Later, they discuss new research showing that early retirement might actually shorten your life, how to use your empty nest phase for a financial makeover, and whether it’s possible to be too diversified. Finally, as always, Bob and Brian take on real listener questions—from restricted stock units to the right time to downsize.

Happy Birthday, Bull Market: Lessons from Three Years of Growth

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian celebrate the third birthday of the latest bull market — and reflect on what an 85% rise in the S&P 500 since 2022 really teaches long-term investors. Then, they explore a hidden risk for high-net-worth investors: complacency. When your wealth grows, it’s easy to think it’ll manage itself. Bob and Brian share how rebalancing, tax strategies, and proactive planning can keep success from turning into vulnerability. Plus, the team answers your most pressing financial questions about Roth IRAs, 5% CDs, and more.

Are You Really Wealthy — or Just Riding the Market?

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian warn against the “paper wealth trap” — mistaking market highs for lasting financial security. They break down how to turn temporary gains into durable wealth with proper liquidity, diversification, and planning. You’ll also hear why buffered ETFs are drawing billions from investors — and when they actually make sense. Plus, real estate pro Michelle Sloan joins to weigh in on the age-old question: rent or buy? And in ‘Ask the Advisor’ — smart moves for deferred comp plans, protecting company stock, and selling rental properties tax-smartly.

The Worst ‘Smart’ Money Advice That Could Cost You Millions

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian unpack the “smart-sounding” money advice that can quietly sabotage your future—from skipping Roth conversions and “going broke safely” in cash, to estate-planning myths that lead to probate messes, and being sold permanent life insurance instead of building a tax-smart strategy. Plus, they tackle oversized RMDs, executor pitfalls with business interests, smarter stock-option exercises, and whether to migrate from mutual funds to ETFs or direct indexing.

Fed Rate Cuts, Roth Rules, and Retirement Risks

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian get Allworth Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout’s take on the Fed’s latest rate cut and what it really means for investors. They also cover new IRS rules pushing high earners’ 401(k) catch-ups into Roths, why HSAs are the most overlooked tax break, and how to protect your retirement from sequence of return risk. Plus, real listener questions on private REITs, pensions, and illiquid wealth—and a quick December tax trick that could save you thousands.

10 Tough Money Lessons Every Investor Needs to Hear

On this week’s episode of Simply Money, Bob and Brian put on their “tough teacher hats” to deliver some advice you may not want to hear, but absolutely need to hear. Just because you’ve saved $2 million, $3 million, or even $5 million doesn’t mean you’re automatically set for life. Their lessons cover why retirement isn’t a vacation but a paycheck replacement plan, why your kids don’t need another check but a financial strategy, how treating your portfolio like a casino can wreck decades of hard work, and why taxes could cost you more than your house. Plus, they dive into the real spending patterns of retirees, scams targeting families, and listener questions on concentrated tech stock, charitable remainder trusts, and how to plan for estate taxes on illiquid assets like real estate.
 

Alternative Investments, AI Valuations, and the Risk of Being Overconcentrated

On this week’s episode of Simply Money, Bob and Brian break down the growing role of alternative investments inside retirement plans — and why you should be cautious before diving in. They also tackle whether today’s AI excitement is the new dot-com bubble, the lessons behind a shocking $4 million hospital bill, and what nearly 600,000 new 401(k) millionaires can teach us about long-term discipline. Plus, you’ll hear a personal story about how being overconcentrated in one stock devastated a family financially. And in our listener Q&A, we cover farmland sales, retirement income strategies, umbrella insurance, global diversification, and whether direct indexing beats ETFs.

Inflation, Charitable Giving Changes, and Avoiding the Action Trap

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian break down what the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge is signaling and why mortgage rates may stay stubbornly high despite potential rate cuts.
They also explain new tax rules coming in 2026 that could change how you give to charity, and highlight a new study showing many retirees may outlive their savings.
Plus, they unpack the “action trap” that even smart investors fall into, compare retirement systems around the world, and tackle your questions on umbrella insurance, capital gains, risk tolerance in marriage, and managing tech-heavy portfolios.

How Smart Investors Protect Wealth in a Noisy World

Markets are up, Nvidia is booming, and Taylor and Travis are engaged — but what does any of that mean for your financial plan? On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian cut through the noise to show why successful investors don’t chase fads or panic over headlines. From maximizing cash yields to making smart decisions about Roth conversions, inheritances, and even prenups, Bob and Brian explain how discipline and planning — not hype — are what protect and grow wealth.