Bob Brooks Prudent Money

Anyone can become a target of identity theft, but there are simple steps you can take to lower your risk. Bob shares 10 practical tips to help keep your personal information safe and avoid becoming another identity theft statistic.

Bob talks about saving and retirement, including whether there's ever a good time to stop putting money away. Plus, the latest on debt in America: how does today's credit card debt compare to 2008?

Tony Joe joins Bob in the studio to share simple ways to save money at the gas pump and make your trips to the station more cost-effective.

From TikTok to major online publications, there's no shortage of voices telling you how to handle your money. Bob talks about what to watch out for and how to tell when financial advice may not fit your situation.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and understanding the process can save you money. Mortgage consultant Mark Pfeiffer joins Bob to talk about why having a plan matters, how today's interest rates are affecting the housing market, and what buyers can expect in the months ahead.

Ted Benna, known as the father of the 401(k), has introduced a new savings plan he believes employers should consider. Bob explains how the plan works and what it could mean for employees.

Bob compares different financial products and explains what to consider when deciding which option may fit your financial goals.

Bob answers listener questions and explains how rising interest rates affect the economy, from mortgages and auto loans to consumer spending and the markets.

Higher interest rates can affect everything from credit cards and auto loans to mortgages and savings. Bob breaks down what the latest Fed rate increase could mean for your everyday finances.

What happens when the penny disappears? Bob takes a look at the Common Sense Act, the push to eliminate the penny, and what it could mean for everyday consumers and cash transactions.

Some you may already know, and some you've never heard before. These 7 hacks can help you build a stronger retirement nest egg.

Most 401(k) plans offer an employer match, but some provide even more valuable retirement benefits. Bob explains how to determine whether you're making the most of everything your plan has to offer.

Before cooler weather arrives, now is the time to find out what the summer heat may have weakened. Tony Joe joins Bob to explain what you should check and why it matters.

It's easy to let societal pressures influence important financial decisions. Bob discusses a better approach and how keeping stewardship as the goal can help guide your choices.

IRS expert Dan Pilla joins Bob to discuss the latest developments at the IRS and what you need to know if you are selected for an audit.

Effective advisor communication is very important. In many cases, what an advisor says and what the client hears are two different things. Bob talk about the differences and how you can keep that from being a problem.

Tony Joe and Bob talk about what you should be careful of when buying a used car.

The right diversification strategy is key to a successful investment plan, but there is one major mistake investors often make. Bob explains what it is and how to avoid it.

Bob and college admissions expert John Hupalo discuss the impact of declining enrollment. Is it just a temporary dip, or the beginning of a major shift in how consumers approach higher education?

Bob talks about the 4 most important steps you need to take while looking for a new job.

Bob explains why Social Security was created, how the program accumulated so much money, and why it is now facing serious financial challenges.

Your car's air conditioner made it through another brutal summer, but does that mean it's in the clear? Bob and Tony Joe discuss the warning signs your AC may be giving you and why waiting until it breaks could be a costly mistake.

Getting out of credit card debt means paying more and finding ways to lower your interest costs. Bob discusses whether an older credit card or a newer, benefit-rich card can better help you reach that goal.

Bob talks with Crown Financial Ministries CEO Chuck Bentley about two big questions: America's growing debt problem and the prosperity gospel. They discuss what these issues mean and why they deserve a closer look.

Car loan refinancing is on the rise. Bob discusses the pros and cons of banks and credit unions and what you need to know when choosing the right lender.

It could be a great time to refinance your car loan, but a lower payment does not always mean a better deal. Bob explains the pitfalls of interest and refinancing and what to consider when looking for the best deal.

Bob and Tony Joe talk about gas saving tips.

Bob breaks down what you need to know about America's $39 trillion debt problem, the government's growing appetite for borrowing, and what it could mean for the dollar and gold.

Bob discusses how countries can use interest rates as financial weapons and what the consequences could look like for the economy and investors.

Investors are reportedly holding trillions of dollars in cash. Is that a good or bad thing? Bob discusses the importance of cash in retirement and where you should consider holding it.

Tony Joe and Bob share practical tips to help you be more intentional about your automobile expenses and keep those costs down.

Bob discusses the lack of experience in a financial crisis when it comes to investing in a bear market. If a bear market were to occur, only a small percentage of mutual fund mangers and advisors have any experience with this type of market. It is a risk worth knowing about! 

Bob talks with college admissions expert John Hupalo about a growing college admissions crisis that many people may not be aware of and what it could mean.

Bob explains how to think about risk in your retirement portfolio and why there is no one-size-fits-all approach. 

Bob explains what you really need to know about the level of risk in your retirement and investment portfolio.

Bob and Tony Joe talk about easy steps to make sure that never happens to you.

Bob discusses an important issue every homeowner should understand: how homeowners associations (HOAs) work, the authority they have, and why every homeowner needs to know the rules.

Bob talks with mortgage consultant Mark Pfeiffer about what it really takes to qualify as a first-time homebuyer. You may be closer to homeownership than you think!

Bob discusses a Wall Street Journal article examining the financial pressures facing colleges as enrollment declines. Are college endowments being used in ways donors never intended?

Ted Benna, the father of the 401(k), has introduced a new savings plan he believes employers should adopt. Bob explains how it works.

In Part 2 of this series, Bob discusses the tactics used during the car-buying process and shares what you need to know to negotiate a fair deal.

Bob discusses the clear advantages of investing in a Roth IRA and shares strategies that may help you increase the amount of money you can contribute.

More and more drivers owe more on their vehicles than they're worth. Bob explains why negative equity is becoming a growing problem and what you can do if you're in that situation.

Bob shares an important stock market warning and explains why you need to pay attention if you're in the risk zone.

Deciding when to claim Social Security isn't an easy decision. Bob explains the key questions to ask, and why having the right strategy can help you make a wise financial and stewardship decision.

Bob and Tony Joe share important steps to take when buying a new car, including understanding the process, knowing who to contact, and making sure you're prepared before driving off the lot.

IRS expert Dan Pilla joins Bob to discuss the important questions everyone should know when it comes to dealing with the IRS and understanding your rights and responsibilities.

Bob talks with college admissions expert John Hupalo about the new student loan rules taking effect and what borrowers need to know.

Bob breaks down how to interpret investment marketing that may be misleading and shares the one thing you should avoid if you're dealing with debt.

Most 401(k) plans offer an employer match, but some provide even more valuable retirement benefits. Bob explains how to determine whether you're making the most of everything your plan has to offer.

In order to save money on your automobile, you have to be intentional. Tony Joe and Bob talk about tips to keep those costs down.