Investor Coaching Show – Paul Winkler, Inc

Today, Paul talks about some of the most common advertising techniques people use to sell you their high-commission insurance products. All of these sales pitches are deceptive and can be easily debunked with basic knowledge about how stocks generate earnings and what happens to stocks during periods of uncertainty and inflation. Listen along as Paul breaks down why it's important to slow down and remember the basic principles of investing and the difference between real financial education and an elaborate sales pitch. Later in the episode, Paul shares an article that shows how many Americans actually have $1 million for retirement and what's holding people back.    Want to cut through the myths about retirement income and learn evidence-based strategies backed by over a century of data? Download our free Retirement Income Guide now at paulwinkler.com/relax and take the stress out of planning your retirement.

Paul warns all investors of something new coming to pensions and 401(k)s that is not worth the risk. Today, Paul covers a new law allowing private equities to be put into funds in your retirement accounts. These investments raise the risk level of your retirement without any requirements for the companies to report earnings. Paul wants investors to double-check that they are avoiding products with these bad investments in the work programs.    Want to cut through the myths about retirement income and learn evidence-based strategies backed by over a century of data? Download our free Retirement Income Guide now at paulwinkler.com/relax and take the stress out of planning your retirement.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul gives an update on inflation, the new trade deal with Japan, and how inflation pushes politicians to try and interfere with the economy through the FED. Listen along to hear what is going on in the economy this month and gain some insight into the difference between what's news and what's sensationalism in the U.S. economy.    Want to cut through the myths about retirement income and learn evidence-based strategies backed by over a century of data? Download our free Retirement Income Guide now at paulwinkler.com/relax and take the stress out of planning your retirement.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

If it sounds too good to be true … it's probably because it's too good to be true. Today, Paul shares the tactics that advisors and salespeople use to lure people into obviously bad products. Listen along to hear Paul out some of these advertisements and the one-star reviews that come from the people who were tricked by these kinds of traps.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul covers a topic that he's covered many times on the show, but bears repeating because it is so counterintuitive to most. As the politics in the U.S. heat up and each side becomes more entrenched, it's easier to believe that the person in the White House or the party in charge in Congress dictates how the market is doing. Listen along as Paul dispels some of this, shares why the thousands of companies interested in making a profit are the engine that makes it so successful, and explains why you need to leave politics out of the investing process.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul talks about how the new Big Beautiful Bill Act is causing a lot of people to reevaluate what their retirement will look like, but it hasn't done much to clear up the most common misconception about retirement: Social Security and how it gets funded. Listen along as Paul discusses planning for retirement, how social security gets funded, and why he believes politicians would never allow the trust fund to run out without making another plan to give people their benefits.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul talks about fiat currencies, crypto assets, and how a new law has created a crypto asset that looks more like fiat currency. Listen along as Paul explains why crypto assets like Bitcoin have not been considered legitimate currencies and why stablecoins could create some benefits for the economy. Should stablecoins be seen as an investment? No. However, this may become a legitimate part of how the U.S. Treasury operates.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul discusses a question he received from a concerned investor on OpenLine about the influx of cash into markets creating a stock market bubble. The investor wanted to know: Do you think there is a bubble, and when will it pop? Listen along as Paul addresses this increase in available cash and explains a few nuances that may not be obvious to investors who don't have advanced education in economics or investing. Later in the episode, Paul talks about commodities and how the creation of lab-grown diamonds is increasing the supply and lowering the price of diamonds. Paul explains why all commodities are not investments because they are driven by supply and demand and don't generate capital.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

The industry is clamoring around a rule change that will allow you to invest in private equity companies all from the comfort of your 401(k). Pundits are calling this an exciting new opportunity for investors to gain access to investments that outperform the market while offering all the tax benefits. Is any of this true? Today, Paul discusses how easy it is for media outlets to focus on what is new and exciting while sharing the truth about private equities and how they could create a whole new level of risk for average investors who put them in their 401(k)s.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul continues a conversation from earlier in the week, where members of both sides of Congress came together to propose a new approach to securing Social Security for years to come. Listen along as Paul explains why this solution isn't really what it seems and perpetuates the idea that Social Security is in dire need of saving.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul dives into one of the most misunderstood aspects of financial planning: Social Security. Almost no one Paul talks to fully understands how it was formed, what the problems are, and how to make the most of yours when you retire. Listen along to hear a seasoned advisor break down the most common misconceptions and give you a crash course on the most important components of this government program.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul just happened to take the week off at the same time Congress decided to pass one of the largest pieces of tax legislation in recent history. Listen along as Paul jumps straight into this new law and why it will change the future of tax preparation and retirement planning for Americans. Paul covers topics like the standard deduction, child tax credit, bonus deductions for people over 65, new write-offs, Trump Accounts, and what happens with all the debt this bill creates.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul just happened to take the week off at the same time Congress decided to pass one of the largest pieces of tax legislation in recent history. Listen along as Paul jumps straight into this new law and why it will change the future of tax preparation and retirement planning for Americans. Paul covers topics like the standard deduction, child tax credit, bonus deductions for people over 65, new write-offs, Trump Accounts, and what happens with all the debt this bill creates.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Evan, Jonathan, and James talk about some of the most common financial missteps that keep people from being able to retire when they want to or have the kind of income they need later in life. Listen along as these advisors cover topics like taking advantage of your company match, medical expenses, saving for your kids' college, and insurance.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Evan, Jonathan, and James open with a discussion about the declining rates in disability insurance. It seems that more Americans believe they will never encounter a medical situation that prevents them from working for a year or more before they retire. Evan warns that disability insurance is statistically one of the best insurances you can have and is designed to protect your income during your working years. Listen along as these advisors explain some of the nuances of this insurance, why insurance companies don't usually cover 100% of your income, and what to do if your employer doesn't offer this coverage as a benefit. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul shares why even if you had a crystal ball and could see future news events before they happened, it wouldn't make market timing any easier. After a week of Israel, Iran, and the U.S. being on the verge of military conflict, markets have seen an influx of money come in from everyday investors. Paul shares a few clips from financial pundits this week who admit they would not have predicted this outcome in markets even if they had heard the news days before it happened.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul shares a study that reveals how AI is actually causing people to turn off important critical thinking skills. What do you think this means for AI's future? Listen along as Paul talks about similarities between AI and the way firms market: They look like experts. They tell you everything you want to hear, but there are some obvious red flags that they aren't looking out for your interests.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

With Paul out of town for the weekend, Evan, Jonathan, and James jump into the biggest piece of financial planning news the United States has seen in a while: the signing of the Big Beautiful Bill into law. Listen along as these three advisors share their first takes on this new legislation, where you might see the most dramatic changes, and why it may still take months or years to fully understand what this law means for investors.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

With Paul out of town for the weekend, Evan, Jonathan, and James jump into the biggest piece of financial planning news the United States has seen in a while: the signing of the Big Beautiful Bill into law. Listen along as these three advisors share their first takes on this new legislation, where you might see the most dramatic changes, and why it may still take months or years to fully understand what this law means for investors. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul shares the number one factor that leads to an underperforming retirement account: investor behavior. Listen along as Paul shares how the industry hides their market timing and stock picking through “diversified” investments like ETFs and indexing, and terms like “turnover ratio” and “tactical asset allocation.” Paul wants investors to watch out for these practices and shares where companies are required to disclose if they are gambling with your money.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul talks about the one asset young people have that they don't fully use to their advantage: time. Investing is a time game. It's hard to envision or care for your older self, but many older investors are taking big risks and making big mistakes trying to play catch-up. Listen along to hear why caring for your future self and avoiding fear and greed are the foundations of confident investors.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

For a few months, Congress has been working to pass the flagship legislation of Trump's second presidency, but what is in the Big Beautiful Bill? Listen along as Paul, Evan, and Dan talk about the most likely provisions around taxes, tax dedication, and social security that are likely to pass and how they affect the financial planning world.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul, Dan, and Evan discuss two problems with two very popular investments right now. Both crypto and annuities are sold as advanced investment options with features that old-fashioned diversified portfolios don't have. Listen along to hear seasoned advisors talk about these options and some basic red flags that keep them from being superior to academic investing.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Paul and Evan chat about two common traps the industry wants you to fall into to keep you buying and selling products and listening to their advice. Listen along as these two advisors explain how ubiquitous chasing returns has become and why it goes against the basic tenets of investing. Later, they explain why financial news media twists headlines into a story about when to buy and sell instead of a story about market efficiency.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul talks with Evan and Dan about the federal regulation of stablecoin, affecting cryptocurrencies and other digital assets. Listen along as these advisors explain the pros and cons of the new digital currencies and assets, and whether Congress's interest in these makes them more legitimate. Paul shares his opinion about the trading markets of these assets and where this news could change his position on cryptocurrencies.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Evan shares his perspective on the changes happening to the tax code in 2025. Evan and Paul talk about how tax policy could affect regular investors and the changes you might see in your tax situation this year or the next.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Paul and Evan both find the same story about a company creating an AI companion for elderly people to chat with. Could this be a helpful tool, or is it just creepy? Listen along as the two advisors talk about some psychological implications and how this AI bot is trained not to give certain kinds of financial advice to the people who use it.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul brings some clips from a popular financial “news” show where a pundit is caught telling people they would be foolish to buy the stock and then foolish not to own it, all in the course of a week. Listen along to hear what happens when he is called out on his take and how getting emotionally wrapped up in a company or the news is a fast-track way to make the most common investing mistakes.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul and Evan talk about a heavy week in the news with market drops, oil price moves, and tension in the Middle East. With all of this bad news, you would think that investors would have the right to be a little panicked. Listen along as these two advisors explain how the news twists stories to make you believe we are living in unprecedented times and share an approach to investing that allows you to engage the news as a citizen without engaging it as an investor.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul finds an article that is trying to convince investors that the aging U.S. population is a danger to both stock markets and their retirements. Listen along as Paul debunks the claims of the article and encourages all investors to be wary of any news that pushes them into fear and making transactions for the financial industry. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul talks about the long history of technology and investing and whether or not we may see a future where AI will replace the jobs of fund managers. Paul shares an article from MarketWatch, as people are already beginning to study how AI is performing against these companies. Listen along to hear how technology is used to try to give people an edge in investing and why supercomputers and AI struggle to beat out Nobel Prize-winning investment strategies.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul talks about some of the biggest headlines from last week and what he thinks they mean for investors. Listen along to hear about Musk's departure from DOGE and AI taking Ph.D.-level jobs. Financial news companies like to use times like these to make predictions and encourage investors to make changes. Paul argues that weeks like these are a nightmare for people trying to pick the winners in the market.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

After 40 years, Japan can no longer keep buying our debt. Should U.S. lenders be worried? Are interest rates going to spike? Europe is on pace to have a better year than the U.S. Is Europe becoming a better place for business? Should investors start selling off Large U.S. stocks and investing in other places? Today, Paul talks about two pieces of international news he thinks are designed to create fear and uncertainty in investors. Listen along as Paul answers these questions and explains why financial news outlets focus on stories like these.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Social Security is a complex topic and can be confusing to navigate. Today's episode of the investor coaching show is our annual Social Security Webinar.    If you want to see all the visuals that go along with this presentation or watch it on our website, go to: paulwinkler.com/ss.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

A common question Paul hears about this younger generation is: Isn't it worse for us now? With wage stagnation and tough housing markets, it could be very easy to assume it is harder. After all, houses were for sale for $30,000 fifty years ago. Paul and Evan expand the question by including the concept of quality of life. Was the average single-family home in 1960 the same quality as the average single-family home in 2010? Did it have the same amenities? Was it larger or smaller? Listen along to hear these advisors explain why cost of living and quality of life work together to paint a more optimistic picture for younger generations.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

It's easy to look at wealthier investors and think they know more about money and investing. Today, Paul and Evan explain some critical differences between wealthy investors and average-income investors and why comparing yourself to wealthy investors can lead to many investing mistakes.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Paul and Evan talk about a trap that educated investors don't fall into around interest rates. Last week, we saw interest rates change, which may bring about a rise in return in fixed income assets, like bond and CD rates, and a short-term drop in stock prices. Listen along to hear these two investors explain why a diversified portfolio historically beats responding to these trends and why even 10-year returns aren't a long enough time horizon to see what is going on in stocks.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Inflation is pushing the value of the dollar down, but markets can be volatile, and it can be difficult to pull money out for income when stocks are down. Today, Paul talks about an asset mix that has historically been a great income solution for properly diversified investors.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

“Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it. He who doesn't, pays it." This quote is often attributed to Albert Einstein and is the driving force behind the new Invest America Act proposed by Sen. Ted Cruz in early May, which would give each American born $1,000 at birth in an investment account that could be added to over the years and taken out of when they are an adult. This idea has been praised by many, and Paul even admits it is a tempting proposition, but there is a problem with the bill that few are talking about. With the government investing billions of dollars into large U.S. companies each year through this law, would the government be able to use its investment to gain leverage over and coerce companies by threatening to invest elsewhere?   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul talks about how to overcome some of the first challenges around saving and investing. Listen along to hear Paul cover the mindset shift that helps many go from living paycheck to paycheck to saving and making their first investments. Paul spends the second half of the episode helping those newer to investing get educated about the most common strategies that get sold and why those strategies leave investors' money more at risk than a properly diversified portfolio.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul reflects on the work of Jonathan Clements, an author and former writer for The Wall Street Journal, who has not stopped trying to leave a legacy amid a terminal cancer diagnosis. Listen along as Paul explains why it is so important to have voices like these in the investing world and why the concept of market efficiency is the foundation that you build many other investing concepts on top of.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Paul and Evan open the show talking about how tax law changes have affected the way you take an income from certain investments over the last 50 years. They then pivot into a conversation around tariffs and changes in global trade that could create new opportunities and challenges for jobs as we see technology change the way that businesses innovate and operate.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul and Evan talk about a tax bill the Trump administration is calling the “Big Beautiful Bill” and share some details about certain tax increases and credits that are likely to be included. Listen along as the advisors share an honest and level-headed discussion about these items and why they are not encouraging the public and investors to get too excited or scared about it, because legislation can always be changed and isn't the determining factor in relaxing about money.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

If you search the internet for the average return of the S&P 500, you'll likely get some very different answers. If the average return of your portfolio is off by even 1%, you end up with very different incomes in retirement. Today, Paul and Evan cover this topic at length and share why looking at the 30-year periods of the market will make the picture clearer. They also explain how we can use this kind of information to see that properly diversified portfolios outperform both large U.S. funds and total market funds.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Searching your symptoms online can be a frightening experience, often leading you to seek professional medical advice. Similarly, Paul Winkler and Evan Barnard discuss how investors can be misled by unreliable or biased information online, resulting in a misdiagnosis of their financial situation. Listen along to hear these investors talk about how the internet as a whole paints a skewed picture of markets and how AI is making it even more difficult for investors to navigate.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

In the world of investing, there are multiple ways to engage in the trap of market timing. Today, Paul and Evan talk about how flexible markets and capitalism can be and then segue into a conversation about why trying to pay all of your taxes now, when your income is higher, can make a “tax-free” retirement more expensive in the long run. Listen along to hear why these kinds of ideas are more about advisors trying to get new clients than they are about you reaching your income goals in retirement.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Companies have spent countless amounts of money convincing investors that investing is getting out before the market goes down and picking the companies that are going to have the best returns. Paul and Evan share that the financial industry can be such a hard place to navigate because investors have been trained to believe that advisors and fund companies can give them something that doesn't exist. Listen along as these advisors explain that the alternative to the messages in these marketing campaigns is an academic approach backed by a century of data and Nobel Prize-winning strategies.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul and Evan offer a wider perspective on market crashes and address an almost ubiquitous phrase from people worried about markets: “I know markets have rebounded, but this time it's different.” Listen along as these two advisors talk about what we can learn from the full century of data available on market crashes and why, even though the specific events we live through today have never occurred, the market has experienced similar conditions through the chaos of the last 100 years.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul and Evan talk about two different financial topics that are not what they seem. After DOGE chose to make some changes to social security offices and policy, pundits declared that the program is in trouble and Americans should be scared. After gold had some better returns in the short term, pundits declared that tariffs are killing the U.S. Dollar and that gold is on the rise. Listen along to hear why neither of these stories is what they seem and why confident investors tune out the 24/7 financial news outlets.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Today, Paul explains that many people don't want to do their homework before hiring a financial advisor. We love to trust word of mouth, or worse, the marketing materials of an advisory firm. Paul reminds investors that you don't buy a car without doing some research or a home without having a proper inspection. The financial consequences of going 30 years of saving and investing without vetting your advisor can be dire. Listen along as Paul shares how to do the research and end up with the right planner.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call. 

Paul shares three examples of conversations where clients were operating with some old information about their financial situation and were looking for advice. In those situations, you can either tell clients what you think they should do or empower them to learn about finances and make a decision that feels best for them. Listen along as Paul shares some common misconceptions investors face and why you want an advisor who teaches you how to think through your own decisions.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.