Investor Coaching Show – Paul Winkler, Inc

One of the strongest skills confident investors develop is learning how to recognize information that is incomplete, misleading, or designed to sell something. AI is not reliable enough to provide personalized financial advice, media outlets often use fear and urgency to attract attention, and even major insurance and mutual fund companies offer “education” that steers investors toward their own products. Today, Paul breaks down an advertisement for private equity investing to show how easily sales messaging can be disguised as financial education.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

On July 4, Trump Accounts were signed into law and are now available as an option to invest in your kid's future. Many investors are curious about the $1,000 government contribution and how these accounts stack up against other investing options, like the 529 plan. Today, Paul and Evan share some important details about the accounts and whether this changes the landscape of saving and investing for minors.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Many investors expected SpaceX's addition to major indexes to create a surge in demand and push its stock price higher. Instead, the price fell. So what did investors misunderstand?   Paul and Evan explain why forced buying from index funds does not automatically create lasting returns. Over time, a company's stock price must be supported by its earnings, risks, and underlying value — not simply by a temporary increase in demand. The struggle SpaceX investors are having right now is that they jumped into a company the market still doesn't know how to properly evaluate.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Fidelity is forecasting relatively weak returns for large U.S. stocks over the next 10 years. Yet, much of the money it manages remains heavily invested in that same category. In this episode, Paul and Evan examine why the financial industry continues to treat large U.S. stocks as the center of the investing universe and explain how these companies use “professional market forecasts” to encourage market timing, product sales, and portfolios that may leave investors with less than the market has to offer.   Later in the episode, Paul shares why confident investors don't feel the need to predict which companies, sectors, or asset classes will win next.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

When people say “the market is down,” they may not be telling the whole story. In reality, there isn't just one market, and the way your portfolio is diversified can make a big difference in how you experience market movement. Today, Paul explains why broad statements about the market can be misleading and how it's easy to get confused when there are two types of diversification: diversification of companies within an area of the market and diversification between different areas of the market. Listen along to learn why understanding the difference can help you think more clearly when headlines make it sound like everything is moving in the same direction.    Later in the episode, Paul shares how some tech industry speculators are still split on the outlook of Musk's companies and are betting against them.  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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

A client calls Paul unsophisticated because he doesn't actively use a specific Social Security analysis software or push clients to do Roth conversions. The reality is that Roth conversions are a huge marketing tool for companies. Investors love the idea of making a sophisticated tax move, but Roth conversions don't make sense in every situation. Listen along as Paul shares five compelling reasons not to flip your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.   Later in the episode, Paul shares another strategy marketed to investors that seems sophisticated but earns a large commission for the salesperson.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

It's a common misconception in the investing industry that bigger is always better. If someone manages $85 billion in investments, shouldn't they be a pro? Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Today, Paul shares an interview on national television in which a Wall Street “legend” really gets pressed on his 20+ years of bad investing advice. Listen along as Paul describes what a “permabear” is in investing and how people can make a living scaring people out of investing in stocks.    Later in the episode, Paul and Arlene share that individual investors aren't the only ones who can try to stock-pick, as major index funds jump to add SpaceX to gain credibility and follow the trend.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

You go through two different phases with money in life. In the first phase, you work for money. In the second, your money begins working for you. No one wants to enter retirement only to find themselves dependent on family or the government because they weren't prepared for that transition.   In this episode, Arlene Brown joins Paul to discuss six habits that can help you build greater financial independence. Together, they share the common traps they've seen clients fall into, the lessons they've learned along the way, and why discovering your true purpose for money will help you follow through on these steps and become more confident around money and investing.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Does your adviser believe that it's their job to make sure you're in the “right” part of the market at the right time? Today, Paul and Jim talk about why it's important to read through the ADV of your firm because it explains what your adviser believes their job actually is and how they will manage your money. Find someone who will not market time with your money under the code words of “tactical asset allocation” and “fundamental analysis,” because research shows there is no compelling evidence that any of these strategies work better than staying invested.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

There is an entire side industry in the investing world that teaches advisers how to give free dinner workshops and presentations to make sales. Paul and Jim talk about how the industry works to emotionally manipulate you by offering something free, knowing you will feel obligated to give something in return. Listen along as these two advisers discuss a PSA from AARP about the growing number of financial scams tied to free dinner events, with a special focus on annuity sales presentations. Later, Paul talks about saving, paying off debt, and understanding taxes, and poses the question: Is it better to retire with a $1 million home or $1 million in a retirement account?    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

After all the hype over SpaceX in the last few months, some investors were convinced they should break a basic investing rule and try to time the market. Today, Paul and Jim talk through the first week of SpaceX as a public company and why they believe investors should avoid trying to time the market, regardless of how compelling a company or cryptocurrency may appear. Listen along as these advisers help you understand why a company can be successful and also be a bad investment. Later, Paul looks at the headlines in the Middle East and shares why successful investing doesn't depend on predicting the outcomes of companies, economic events, or geopolitical conflicts.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

An investor works really hard to live off a side hustle, maximize saving, minimize spending, and retire by 25. Sounds great, right? Today, Paul and Jim challenge the idea of the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement and what happens when you put financial independence as your ultimate objective. Paul explains that FIRE retirees may open themselves up to a life in which they miss personal milestones, worry about shrinking portfolios, and struggle to find work because they don't have an active work history. Listen along as Paul helps you see the full picture around purpose, work, and money, and why the FIRE movement could seriously backfire.    Later in the episode, Paul warns investors that advisers are putting private equity in portfolios because it's a trendy new option without explaining the risks to you.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Today, Paul shares a lot of rhetoric around why first-time homebuyers can't get into a home. Most people think that housing regulations or lifestyle are to blame. Paul recognizes that buying a home will likely require a combination of discipline, compromise, and luck. For those thinking about buying a house for the first time, Paul shares some guidelines he would follow. Paul also explains that if ownership is truly important to you, you might have to lower your expectations for your first home or get scrappy to own a home.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Paul opens the show by talking about his experience in insurance sales at the beginning of his career. In these companies, advisors are taught to “smile and dial” and move products that make them and the company the most money. Listen along as Paul shares a video in which an insurance salesperson talks about LIRP and IUL plans and how he tries to sell them. Paul and Evan push back and teach you why these products are not recommended as accumulation vehicles and how to avoid getting sold one.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

A recent headline claims Social Security could deplete its trust fund as early as 2032, leaving many retirees wondering if their benefits are at risk. In this episode, Paul and Evan separate fact from fear by breaking down what "running out of money" actually means, how Social Security is funded, and what would likely happen if the trust fund were exhausted. Paul encourages young people to get in and start saving because we don't know what Social Security will look like, and if you start now, you give yourself more options for the future. Evan wants investors to know that if an 18-year-old saves $1,000 and applies the rule of 72, they could have $60,000 when they're 64.    Later in the episode, should you pay off all consumer debt before you invest in a 401(k)? Paul and Evan talk about how this is a personal decision, but want you to know that you won't ever get that employee match back if you want to invest to pay the debt first. That could be a huge loss down the road.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

SpaceX finally went public, and investors everywhere are wondering the same thing: "Should I have invested in the IPO?" If you didn't get in on SpaceX (SPCX) on Friday, don't worry — you may have dodged a bullet. Listen along as these two advisors discuss how impossible it is for the market to evaluate a company like this properly, the data we have on IPO performance, and why a confident investor wouldn't rush to jump in during such an emotional investing moment. Later in the episode, Evan shares about the concept of “wealth creation” when talking about Musk becoming the first trillionaire ever and explains the difference between hoarding wealth and creating it.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

What happens when an asset's value depends entirely on what someone else is willing to pay? In this episode, Paul breaks down the key differences between investing in stocks and owning commodities like Bitcoin. He explains why stocks are backed by the earnings power of companies, while commodities rely on supply, demand, and investor sentiment. You'll also hear how a single influential voice can spark dramatic price swings in the crypto market — and what that means for investors.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Most people picture retirement as something they'll choose on their own terms. But what if life has other plans? In this episode, Paul examines why many people end up working longer than they expected, while others leave the workforce earlier than they planned. From health issues to family obligations, retirement timing is often influenced by factors beyond our control. Learn why preparing now — not later — can help ensure you're ready to make the most of whatever retirement looks like for you.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

The SpaceX IPO is already upside down. SpaceX's valuation would place it among the largest companies in the S&P 500, yet its revenue tells a very different story. In this episode, Paul explains how buying an IPO is fundamentally different from trading other stocks in the market and what that matters for investors. Later in the episode, Paul wants you to know how to spot a market “forecast” and explains that pundits are paid to make these predictions and don't have to be accountable for the losses investors experience because of them.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Not all financial planners provide advice that aligns with your goals. In this episode, Paul shares lessons from 30 years in the gym and explains how the right weight coach can help you avoid mistakes, uncover blind spots, and reach your goals faster. He discusses why the same principles apply to money and investing and how the right guidance can help you become a more confident, successful investor.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Robinhood has made a fortune from selling the idea of day trading and gambling to investors. Today, Paul and Jim talk about the most recent move Robinhood has made to allow you to connect your account to an AI trader who will make investment decisions for you. Listen along as these two advisors discuss why they believe this is one of the worst ideas they've heard to date and how a company can get away with this despite regulations designed to protect investors.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

If timing the market truly works, then why doesn't anyone agree on when you should get in or get out? Today, Paul brings a blatant example of market timing advice that many investors fall for because they believe they're listening to an expert. Listen along as these two advisors discuss all the most common market timing strategies people try, even though none of them are proven to work for any meaningful amount of time.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Why are billionaires becoming the centerpiece of so many political conversations? In this episode, Paul and Jim explore the economic ideas often left out of the debate. They discuss how wealth creation, incentives, and entrepreneurship have contributed to longer life expectancies and higher standards of living worldwide. They also explain why financial literacy matters more than ever and share a real-life example of a high-income earner who still struggles with debt, proving that income alone doesn't guarantee financial success.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Today, Paul and Jim break down an interview in which two financial media pundits correctly inform investors that having too much in large U.S. tech companies is risky, but then claim the fix is to invest in private equity and commodities. Listen along to hear why Paul and Jim disagree with these proposed solutions that ignore the research suggesting these areas may introduce uncompensated risk to your portfolio. Later in the episode, Paul and Jim get into SpaceX, the largest IPO in history, and explain why they believe chasing IPO excitement may not serve investors well over the long term.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information.  Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

From SpaceX to OpenAI, IPOs are dominating the news cycle right now. Today, Paul and Evan share why IPOs look so exciting and how they entice investors to invest emotionally because they appeal to your desire to avoid missing out on the companies and technology of the future. Listen along as these two advisors explain why IPOs like SpaceX and OpenAI sound like incredible investments and reveal the realities of IPOs that don't get shared by financial media outlets.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Today, Paul and Evan continue their conversation about getting educated and understanding how to be a confident investor in retirement. Listen along as these two advisors discuss whether or not to put your money in a Roth or traditional IRA and explain some of the rules around taking an income in retirement that maximizes the money that you worked so hard to earn in your earning years. Later in the episode, Paul brings an article that claims you should always have 90% of your portfolio in equities and explains why the industry is so bad at understanding the purpose of bonds.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

This week, Paul watched a video from another advisor in which he attempts to condense 30 years of investing lessons into 20 minutes. Getting educated is important, but it's not a quick process. Paul Winkler, Inc. has worked for decades to create confident investors through education. Listen along as Paul and Evan cover a few fundamental retirement concepts and discuss predicting your income with income calculators, as well as navigating your Social Security benefits to fit your needs.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

This week, Paul watched a video from another advisor in which he attempts to condense 30 years of investing lessons into 20 minutes. Getting educated is important, but it's not a quick process. Paul Winkler, Inc. has worked for decades to create confident investors through education. Listen along as Paul and Evan cover a few fundamental retirement concepts and discuss predicting your income with income calculators, as well as navigating your Social Security benefits to fit your needs.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

The draw for many crypto investors has been owning something that isn't tied down to any specific government or bank. Now in 2026, the U.S. moves aggressively to implement sweeping regulation over these digital assets. Today, Paul and Dan address a question on many crypto investors' minds: Will regulation add to the value of crypto or completely defeat its purpose? Listen along to hear why a more stable crypto scene won't create a superior investment to a properly diversified portfolio.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

In 2025 in the U.S. alone, insurance companies and insurance salespeople sold almost half a trillion dollars of annuities. Today, Paul and Dan explain how so many people get sold on a product they don't fully understand and offer a real breakdown of the fees and commissions of various annuity products.     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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

The industry is working really hard to push alternative investments right now. The pitch is that the old way is broken and that these new investments are the true path forward to building wealth. Today, Paul and Dan talk about how frustrating it is to watch well-meaning investors get sucked into these sales pitches and fail to understand how risky and misleading these products are. In all the jargon and marketing around alternative investments, no one is ever honest about the risks. Listen along as these two investors share some of the biggest alternative investment traps and how investments like crypto, real estate, municipal bonds, private equity, and commodities can turn long-term investors into short-term gamblers.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Paul and Dan discuss how the SpaceX IPO is dominating headlines, leading investors to wonder whether they will miss out if they don't jump in. Listen along as Paul shares some painful stories about investors taking a big gamble on single companies and why IPOs are hype machines designed to underperform. Later in the episode, Paul pushes back against the idea that AI is propping up a weak economy and shares an interview that suggests we haven't yet seen the full value this new technology can bring to companies and investors.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser. 

Many retirees don't realize that suffering major portfolio losses during the first few years of retirement can dramatically increase the odds of running out of money later on. In this episode, Paul and Evan explain sequence of returns risk, why early retirement losses can be so damaging, and whether your portfolio is designed to withstand difficult market environments — or vulnerable to them.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Paul and Evan pick up on a conversation about AI and regulation that makes an important but overlooked point: Tech leaders don't share the same values as the average American. Listen along to hear some ideas these two advisors have that would help protect the American public around AI content and why regulation may be more of a publicity boost for AI companies than a genuine safeguard for its users.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.  

Many investors are drawn to platforms that promise everything in one place. But when investing becomes too easy, it can also become more dangerous. Companies built to maximize engagement often push the flashiest, most speculative products — making impulsive decisions easier than thoughtful investing. In this episode, Paul and Evan break down an interview with Robinhood's CEO about prediction markets and explore the difference between an “all-in-one” investing app and a financial advisor who understands your goals and wants you to understand investing. 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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Paul and Evan start the show by discussing the common misconception that investing is simply learning about companies so you can pick the “right” ones. The two advisors explain that this method doesn't even work for the brightest minds in the industry. Paul shares an interview from the news this week that claims the economy would be soft without the influence of AI. Listen along to hear how this claim connects to the myth of picking winners and learn how confident investors use diversification to build portfolios that won't fail during the market's natural ups and downs.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Paul and Jim talk about those pesky expenses that seemed good at the moment but aren't really making your life any better. Listen along as they walk through an article that shares 10 things that aren't really worth the money anymore, and Paul discovers he has quite a few in-app subscriptions on his phone that he didn't realize he was still paying for.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Paul and Jim talk about the harsh realities of the investment industry as they walk through their professional journeys from working as salespeople at major investment firms to personal financial advising and coaching. Their biggest takeaway: The major companies groom employees to represent their own interests and sell their own products. Listen along as these two advisors talk about the difficult nature of working for a company that will only pay you when you sell products and will take all your clients when you try to walk away.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Paul shares a pitch that was recently made on Shark Tank. It's a business called Parrot Finance. You attach your brokerage account, you choose the portfolio of well-known rich and famous investors, and then, boom, all of a sudden you're investing in the kinds of products and portfolios that wealthy investors have had access to all along. Listen along to hear why investing like the rich almost never works and why a product like this would put your retirement at risk.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Investing is not about knowing which products to pick. It's about finding the right process and sticking with it. Today, Paul gives you a crash course in how to spot product-based marketing and pick it apart using a recent TV ad with a football star and a real estate product that sounds better than it is. Throughout your investing journey, you'll be tempted to reach for products like real estate, dividend-paying stocks, target-date funds, and annuities to take an income in retirement. Confident investors know these aren't the answer and know why.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Paul isn't shy about sharing his love for flying cars. Sometimes people have a hard time getting motivated to save for retirement because they lump it in with other adulting tasks like dental work or jury duty. Today, Paul shares that you should leave some space for fun and dreaming about the future, and you should find ways to stay motivated toward saving. Paul then pivots to discuss how many older investors are getting scammed out of thousands by people they should be able to trust the most.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Evan brings an article that shows when people have time to plan, they make very different decisions when unexpected expenses arise. Listen along as Paul and Evan talk about how having a family changes your financial needs and priorities, and share some of the basic financial literacy tools that can help a family rise to meet their financial needs. Later in the episode, Paul shares a clip from CNBC that shows that the investing industry is celebrated for giving investors whatever they want, even when they are obviously harmful products.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Dan talks about his experience at an investing workshop and explains how frustrating it is when the industry knows how to make a diversified portfolio, and that those portfolios would perform better than many of the products they offer, yet most investors come into PWI offices with a portfolio that is overweighted in large U.S. companies. Listen along to hear how the industry uses ratings, short-term past performance, and other emotional sales pitches to sell you yet another large U.S. fund, and why investors get sucked into investing in your “team” instead of taking an academic approach. Later in the episode, Evan brings a WSJ article about how investors who invested in private credit funds are losing big now that these private companies are defaulting on their loans.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Paul, Evan, and Dan discuss a story about an advertisement in which the company basically says, “You won't have to worry about any of this because we'll be worrying about it for you.” Listen along as these investors explain why you never want to hear this from a company that sells you products. Over the years, PWI has found that your concerns about money and investing go away when you learn and educate yourself, not when you blindly trust people who don't have to live off of your retirement. Later in the episode, Evan talks about how future brides are now buying dresses that are too small and taking GLP-1s. The clothing sellers are making them sign waivers confirming that they don't fit yet and can't be returned. All of this is a great metaphor for how investors try to predict market futures.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Paul talks about how many high schools have wanted to replace basic economics education with personal finance. The problem is that most high schoolers won't use any personal finance information for a decade, and research shows that their retention of the information is low. Listen along as Paul explains why the foundational concepts of capitalism create a world where personal wealth is up and so is quality of life, but market timers and proponents of communism and socialism believe the same thing: A small group of smart people can create wealth and prosperity for everyone. The problem is that it hasn't ever worked. Paul thinks that learning the foundations of economics can create more confident investors.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Most investors hear the word “risk” in investing and assume it only refers to the likelihood of losing all their money on an investment. Today, Paul explains why the concept of risk in investing is more complex, covering topics such as sequence of returns risk, benchmarking, and whether stock markets are riskier today than they were in the past. Later in the episode, Paul discusses a 20-year-old day trading rule that was recently overturned, which will likely generate more revenue for companies and increase risk for traders.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Paul gives an update on the state of the U.S. economy and explains why the jobs and equities markets haven't struggled the way many people predicted they would in 2025 and 2026. Listen along to hear about how the FED, technology companies, and job markets are working together to respond to AI and innovation in the workplace. Later in the episode, Paul answers a listener's question about how much of your portfolio needs to be held in bonds in order to weather downturns and still take an income in retirement.    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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Paul shares the first thing to look for when you see something that claims to be an investment: a clear cost-of-capital story. Many financial products claim to be investments, but at the end of the day, they are not paying you to borrow your capital. Listen along as Paul shares why financial products that don't have a cost of capital can be dangerous, confusing, and come with difficult-to-measure risk. Paul also answers a listener's question about closed-end funds (CEFs). Later in the episode, Paul pushes against the growing pessimism that things are worse now than they used to be, sharing an article about how the upper middle class in the U.S. has been growing steadily over the last few years.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Today, Evan shares an interesting story about how speculative weather markets could be valuable to businesses that rely on weather forecasting to make decisions by crowdsourcing information about local weather patterns. Listen along to hear why the losers for speculative markets (a.k.a gambling) are always the traders and how these speculative markets don't appear out of nowhere, but are usually started by companies or industries that partner with trader platforms to get information from users. Later in the episode, Evan discusses some inventions from the last century that have revolutionized the world and how capitalism is the best source of invention and prosperity because it rewards people who take risks.     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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

The news is full of headlines that sound like expert advice for concerned investors, but the reality is that most of the news is about people trying to predict the future. Today, Evan discusses two powerful ideas that can lead you away from market timing and toward a portfolio that can withstand market fluctuations: market efficiency and the humility to acknowledge that no one can predict the future. Usually, being an educated and confident investor means tuning out the news and sticking to your plan.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.

Did you know that you can now give up to $19,000 as a gift each year without needing to file a form on your tax return? Today, Evan covers some basic information about how you can help set your children and grandchildren up for financial success through gifting. Listen along as Evan covers the different kinds of accounts available and the lifetime gifting amount updates available to people in 2026.   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.   This material is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing here is an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for any security or strategy. All financial decisions involve risk, and you should consult qualified professionals before acting on this information. Advisory services offered through Paul Winkler, Inc., an SEC-registered investment adviser.