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Latest episodes from Keep it Simple

Look Out for These RED FLAGS in Investment Advisors

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 29:54


It's easy to find investment advisers that are more self-interested than they lead you to believe. Adam Morse and Janet Griffith discuss the big red flags to look for so you don't get stuck with one of these kinds of advisers.   Conduct a background check on any investment professional at: https://www.investor.gov/   List of red flags: https://www.investor.gov/protect-your-investments/fraud/how-avoid-fraud/red-flags-investment-fraud-checklist   Have an idea for an episode? We'd like to hear from you! Email us: podcast@assetbuilder.com  

How (and why) to Roll Over Your 401(k)

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 40:56


As many people approach retirement age, they often wonder what to do with their company 401(k).  Should you leave it there and forget about it? Is it worth the hassle of moving it elsewhere? Today, Investment advisors, Adam Morse and Janet Griffith talk about the ins and outs of rolling over your 401(k).   Have an idea for an episode? We'd like to hear from you! Email us: podcast@assetbuilder.com   FAQ faceoff questions provided by: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/401k-rollover-ira-guide   Can't find your 401(k)? Start here: Unclaimed.org       

Investing Horror Stories Pt.3

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2021 25:48


RIA, Adam Morse, offers a few more lessons after hearing stories of financial and investing missteps from around the web. He even tells a tale of his own.   Taken from badinvestments.com. Link to article:  https://badinvestmentsadvice.com/whats-your-investing-horror-story/ Have your own investment horror story? Email us at podcast@assetbuilder.com

Investing HORROR Stories Pt. 2

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2021 31:42


Today, Adam Morse listens to four investing/financial mishaps and identifies the lessons learned from each horrific story.   Taken from badinvestments.com. Link to article:  https://badinvestmentsadvice.com/whats-your-investing-horror-story/ Have your own investment horror story? Email us at podcast@assetbuilder.com

Understanding Your Returns

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 30:12


How do we understand, evaluate, rank, return on investments? Is the S&P really the best Benchmark? Find out today in another jam-packed episode of Keep it Simple.     Have an idea for an episode? We'd like to hear from you! You may also offer any episode corrections or comments. Email us at: podcast@assetbuilder.com   Show notes FINRA https://www.finra.org/investors/learn-to-invest/key-investing-concepts/evaluating-investment-performance  

How to Keep Your Cool During Market Volatility

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2021 30:54


It's easy to find ourselves making compulsive decisions under duress— and that is especially true of investors. Adam Morse talks candidly on how to keep a steady footing during market volatility and how to wrangle our emotions to keep our investment strategy on track.  Have a suggestion for an episode topic?  Email us at podcast@assetbuilder.com

Should You Buy an Annuity?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 42:26


Annuities are contracts issued and distributed (or sold) by financial institutions where the funds are invested with the goal of paying out a fixed income stream. But are they good for everyone? Find out on today's episode with the great Michael French and Adam Morse.    Find the show notes for every episode at assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with episode suggestions and comments at podcast@assetbuilder.com

Should You Add Cryptocurrency to Your Portfolio?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2021 45:52


Cryptocurrency is one of the most highly contested subjects in modern-day finance. Should you add it to your portfolio? Find out in today's episode of Keep it Simple with Michael French and Adam Morse.    Email us with episode suggestions and corrections at podcast@assetbuilder.com Find our show notes for every episode at assetbuilder.com/podcast

How to Fortify Your Portfolio Against Hyper-Inflation

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 37:54


What is inflation, and what influences it? What is hyperinflation? And why, as investors, should we care? Michael and Adam discuss this along with how to fortify your portfolio against changes in inflation.    Have an episode suggestion or correction? Email us at: Podcast@assetbuilder.com   Show notes: assetbuilder.com/podcast 

When is the Best Time to Start Collecting Social Security?

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2021 36:48


There are endless considerations to make when picking the right time to take social security. Is it better to delay? What happens if you take it at 62? Find out all of this and more in another knowledge-packed episode of Keep it Simple.  Have an episode suggestion or correction? Email us at: Podcast@assetbuilder.com   Show notes: assetbuilder.com/podcast 

Understanding the Financial Media

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 37:29


Michael and Adam discuss and debate the quality and quantity of modern-day financial news and analysis. Is the media helping us make intelligent investment decisions— or are they just here to entertain us? Join us on another thoughtful episode of Keep it Simple.      Do you have an interesting investment topic for Adam and Michael? Send us an email at podcast@assetbuilder.com   Find the show notes for every episode at assetbuilder.com/podcast 

How to Get TAX-FREE Income in Retirement

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2021 33:14


Michael and Adam pinpoint useful ways to reduce your tax bills during (and long before) retirement.     Email us with any corrections or episode suggestions at podcast@assetbuilder.com 

Should You Open a 529 Account for Your Kids?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 41:04


529s can be especially complicated because their rules and regulations vary from state-to-state. Michael and Adam break down 529 accounts; their parameters, benefits and drawbacks; and how they function within the state of Texas.   

Should You Sell Your House Before Retirement?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 25:14


Today, Kennon and Michael discuss how to "right-size" (not downsize) your living situation in order to better prepare for retirement.    Show Notes assetbuilder.com/podcast   Email us with episode suggestions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com

Do you NEED a Fiduciary Advisor?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2021 27:26


Show notes can be found at assetbuilder.com/podcast   Please email us with any suggestions for future episodes at podcast@assetbuilder.com

Have You Thought of These 4 BIG risks in Retirement?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 25:00


Kennon and Michael discuss four risks that could hamper your retirement in the long run.  Show notes can be found at assetbuilder.com/podcast Please email us with any suggestions for future episodes at podcast@assetbuilder.com

Should You Cash Out During Market Volatility?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 28:17


Michael and Adam talk about whether or not it is a good idea to cash out during moments of volatility in order to avoid potential losses.  For links to studies visit our show notes at:assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any tips, studies, comments or suggestions at:podcast@assetbuilder.com   

Are ESG Funds all that Ethical?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 27:55


Michael and Adam discuss whether ESG portfolios are really responsible or if conscious investing is just another Wall Street gimmick. The conversation evolves into an overarching discussion on morality.    Find links to studies and articles in our show notes!   Email us with ideas and suggestions!podcast@assetbuilder.com

Money & Marriage

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 44:20


Michael and Adam are back to offer their personal and professional antidotes on how to handle marital money matters. Do you and your partner have an interesting take on handling the family finances? Email us at podcast@assetbuilder.com and clue us in!  Northwestern Mutual: Planning and Progress Study 2018https://news.northwesternmutual.com/planning-and-progress-2018 Show noteshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any suggestions or questions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com

How to Maintain Mental Acuity in Retirement

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 26:06


Studies show that mental cognition tends to decline as we age in retirement. Kennon and Michael discuss some useful ways to continue to train your mind during your post-career life.  Early Retirement can Accelerate Cognitive Declinehttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191029131506.htm Show noteshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any suggestions or questions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com

Should You Add "Innovation" Funds to Your Portfolio?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 38:46


Michael and Adam are back to discuss whether or not it’s a good idea to add innovation companies into your portfolio. They also discuss what characteristics constitute an “innovation” fund.  Ark Investhttps://ark-funds.com/  Investing in Innovation  https://www.franklintempleton.com/forms-literature/download/FDTF-BR Show noteshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any suggestions or questions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com

Are Your Loved Ones Prepared for Your Passing?

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 25:38


AssetBuilder's own Kennon Grose and Michael French discuss how to financially prepare your loved ones in the event of your sudden passing. Both Michael and Kennon provide key points, while offering their own personal antidotes.  Show noteshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any suggestions or questions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com 

Is Your Social Security Enough?

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2020 28:00


From ssa.gov, “the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3% in 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced last week.” Michael and Adam discuss how that is assessed, what it means for retirees, and how to maximize social security for the future. Here’s the announcement. A Step-by-Step of How Social Security's COLA Is Calculatedhttps://www.fool.com/retirement/2019/03/09/a-step-by-step-of-how-social-securitys-cola-is-cal.aspx Here's the Average Social Security Benefit in 2021https://www.fool.com/retirement/2020/10/25/heres-the-average-social-security-benefit-in-2021/ Other References: 2018 Loss of Buying Power Study Social Security Benefits Lose 34% Of Buying Power Since 2000https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf Consumer Price Indexhttps://www.bls.gov/cpi/questions-and-answers.htm#:~:text=The%20Consumer%20Price%20Index%20for%20Urban%20Wage%20Earners%20and%20Clerical,at%20least%20one%20of%20the Why Social Security’s annual increase doesn’t actually keep up with cost of livinghttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/making-sense/why-social-securitys-annual-increase-doesnt-actually-keep-up-with-cost-of-living Show noteshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any suggestions or questions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com 

What if Your Advisor has Different Political Views Than You?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 31:04


Michael and Adam deconstruct the political standpoints between an an advisor and their client. How do your politics play into your investment?  Partisan Impact on Economic Expectationshttp://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/files/partisanimpact201709.pdf Why Advisors Should Keep Politics Out of Portfolioshttps://www.thinkadvisor.com/2018/04/05/keeping-politics-out-of-the-portfolio/ How To Shield Your Portfolio From Political Biashttps://www.forbes.com/sites/duncanrolph/2018/04/26/how-to-shield-your-portfolio-from-political-bias/#12be1bb57cdf Hartford Studyhttps://www.hartfordfunds.com/investor-insight/investor-behavior-strategies/2020-election-survey.html Podcast Show notesAssetBuilder.com/podcast Contact Us! Podcast@assetbuilder.com   

How Will the Market React to Who Becomes President?

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 38:38


In light of the current US presidential election, many investors wonder how the stock market will react to whoever wins the presidency. Michael and Adam look back in time to see how the market has reacted to past elections and they breakdown who and what also affects the market.  Interactive Graph depicting the market during each presidency, starting with Hoover. https://www.dimensional.com/us-en/insights/how-much-impact-does-the-president-have-on-stocks Why Stocks Don’t Care Who The President Ishttps://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center/articles/why-stocks-dont-care-who-the-president-is Show Notes https://assetbuilder.com/podcast  

Are We in a Tech Bubble?

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2020 38:26


The NASDAQ toppled down earlier in September worrying some investors that we may be headed for a tech crash. Michael and Adam discuss whether or not we are facing an imminent correction due to a tech bubble. Aggregation Theory    https://stratechery.com/aggregation-theory/ AssetBuilder Knowledge Center https://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center Keep it Simple Podcast Pagehttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast email us at podcast@assetbuilder.com

What You Don't Know About Trust Funds

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2020 36:00


Michael and Adam go head-to-head to see who knows more about the intricacies of trust funds. We sure learned a lot in this one and we know you will, too.  Do you have questions or suggestions for Keep it Simple? Just email us at podcast@assetbuilder.com Taken from a How Stuff Works articlehttps://play.howstuffworks.com/quiz/trust-funds-quiz Supplemental Informationhttps://www.quicken.com/blog/trust-fund AssetBuilder Knowledge Centerhttps://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center Show Notes https://assetbuilder.com/podcast 

10 Common 401K Questions—Answered

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 35:08


10 Frequently asked 401k Questions—AnsweredCan I use my 401K before I retire? Can I contribute to both a 401K and IRA? Michael and Adam diligently answer 10 common questions about our 401Ks. Have questions or suggestions for a new episode? Email us at podcast@assetbuilder.com. 10 Frequently Asked 401K Questions by Motley Fool https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/01/14/10-frequently-asked-401k-questions.aspx  John Bogle—The Little Book of Common Sense Investing (book)https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Common-Sense-Investing/dp/1119404509/ref=bmx_1/132-5129669-6398206?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1119404509&pd_rd_r=addd5950-6e36-4741-b5c2-a5ab415bacc2&pd_rd_w=4bqvm&pd_rd_wg=gJsFg&pf_rd_p=8cea7b83-adee-4ac8-bcfe-dcc442eb852a&pf_rd_r=D1VXHN1X3REC4TTARXC9&psc=1&refRID=D1VXHN1X3REC4TTARXC9 The Great Crash Ahead (book)https://www.amazon.com/Great-Crash-Ahead-Strategies-2012-09-11/dp/B01K3KT4DU/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=The+great+crash+ahead&qid=1598458849&s=books&sr=1-2  Andrew Hallam—The Millionaire Teacher (Book)https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Teacher-Wealth-Should-Learned/dp/1119356296/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Andrew+Hallam&qid=1598458928&s=books&sr=1-1  The Broke Millennialhttps://www.amazon.com/Broke-Millennial-Scraping-Financial-Together/dp/0143130404/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MI10WUP5OKQ&dchild=1&keywords=the+broke+millennial&qid=1598459011&s=books&sprefix=THe+broke+mill%2Cstripbooks%2C176&sr=1-1 AssetBuilder Shownotes https://assetbuilder.com/podcast

Investing HORROR STORIES

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 44:52


Michael and Adam react to 4 unique investing horror stories that have happened to real people. Learn about some of the darker corners of the investment world. 

FOR THE KIDS! How to start investing at a young age—and why you should

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 24:44


For the Kids! If you're a young teen looking to get a leg up on life—listen in! Michael and Adam breakdown how to get started in investing, because the name of the game is getting in early!  AssetBuilder Knowledge Centerhttps://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center Show Notes https://assetbuilder.com/podcast  

How Old Were You When You First Learned About Finances? How About Your Kids?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 39:09


Michael and Adam discuss the importance of talking to our children about investing and finance at an early age—even offering personal antidotes about how they do so with their own children.  Money habits are set by age 7. Teach your kids the value of a dollar now.https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/making-sense/money-habits-are-set-by-age-7-teach-your-kids-the-value-of-a-dollar-now Research Statistic on Financial Windfalls and Bankruptcyhttps://www.nefe.org/press-room/news/2018/research-statistic-on-financial-windfalls-and-bankruptcy.aspx Everything You Know About the Fate of Lottery Winners Is Probably Wrong, According to Sciencehttps://time.com/5427275/lottery-winning-happiness-debunked/   Inheritance and Savinghttps://www.nber.org/papers/w12569 Financial Education Impact 2017 Surveyhttps://www.nefe.org/research/research-projects/consumer-poll/2017/financial-education-impact-2017-survey.aspx AssetBuilder Knowledge Centerhttps://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center 

Do You Really Need an Investment Advisor?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2020 29:46


Michael and Adam discuss the pros and cons of investing with an advisor in contrast to investing on your own. Vanguard—Assessing the value of advice. https://www.vanguard.com/pdf/assessing-value-advice.pdf AssetBuilder Knowledge Center https://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center  

Why Are Stocks Still Rising Despite a Pandemic and Riots?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 24:18


Michael and Adam discuss why the market continues to rise amid global disrupt and media sensationalism. Why Stocks Go Up— Even During Crisishttps://mailchi.mp/734bf65a11b2/what-you-missed-on-assetbuildercomHow the S&P is not correlated to GDP (including chart):  https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-06-09/stock-market-has-almost-always-ignored-the-economyChart showing largest 50 day S&P Gains and what happened 6 and 12 months later:  https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stocks-biggest-50-day-rally-what-they-did-next-past-2020-6-1029282236?Why Haven’t Stocks Crashed During The Economic Freeze?https://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center/articles/why-havent-stocks-crashed-during-the-economic-freeze 

How Should We, As Investors, Respond to Inflation?

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2020 24:50


Michael and Adam discuss and define inflation, how it should be understood, and what that means for your investment.US inflation Calculator:  https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/ Are we seeing signs of deflation?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2F2Qg6m3Ic&t=649s Inflation or Deflation—what happens next? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFiJw6QoTL4&t=697s Knowledge Centerhttps://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center

Are We in a Recovery? How Can We Tell?

Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2020 36:24


Michael and Adam discuss the key indicators of a recovering economy and what that means for your investment. NY Times Articlehttps://messaging-custom-newsletters.nytimes.com/template/oakv2?campaign_id=116&emc=edit_pk_20200512&instance_id=18415&nl=paul-krugman&productCode=PK®i_id=94146631&segment_id=27424&te=1&uri=nyt%3A%2F%2Fnewsletter%2F6b27f312-af62-4ac3-b058-87e81a8135a4&user_id=5feb0eea292dc4b269982e39c192c2cf Knowledge Centerhttps://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center

Should You Retire Abroad? THE MILLIONAIRE TEACHER returns

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 49:41


Our regular host correspondent, Michael French, chats with world-renowned author, Andrew Hallam to discuss a whole array of investment topics, including how to retire abroad.  The Millionaire Teacherhttps://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Teacher-Wealth-Should-Learned/dp/1119356296/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=millionaire+teacher&qid=1565905064&s=books&sr=1-1 Millionaire Expat: How To Build Wealth Living Overseashttps://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Expat-Wealth-Living-Overseas/dp/1119411890/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=millionaire+expat&qid=1564761510&s=books&sr=1-1 Websitehttps://andrewhallam.com/ Knowledge Centerhttps://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center

Interview with THE MILLIONAIRE TEACHER (Andrew Hallam)

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 36:18


World renowned author, Andrew Hallam, and I discuss his fascinating life, how to invest for a bright future and why we should stay away form market media headlines. The Millionaire Teacherhttps://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Teacher-Wealth-Should-Learned/dp/1119356296/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=millionaire+teacher&qid=1565905064&s=books&sr=1-1 Millionaire Expat: How To Build Wealth Living Overseashttps://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Expat-Wealth-Living-Overseas/dp/1119411890/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=millionaire+expat&qid=1564761510&s=books&sr=1-1 Websitehttps://andrewhallam.com/ Knowledge Centerhttps://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center

Understanding the CARES Act

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2020 28:11


The CARES act has provided an unprecedented stimulus to the US economy.  In this episode, Adam and Michael discuss the benefits in the CARES act and how those benefits may provide relief not only to individual Americans but also the impact on the overall economy. They also discuss the size of the stimulus in relation to other historic stimulus packages and explore what the potential impact may be to the economic recovery.Retirement Withdrawals During Uncertain Times https://assetbuilder.com/knowledge-center/articles/retirement-withdrawals-during-uncertain-timesCARES Act overview https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares Specific info for small businesseshttps://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/guide-to-the-cares-act Link to CARES act billhttps://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hr748/BILLS-116hr748enr.pdf Short term economic effects of the cares acthttps://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/issues/2020/4/8/short-run-effects-of-the-cares-actMeet the Hostshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast 

How Does Our (potential) Recession Compare to Past Recessions?

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2020 35:23


Michael and Adam compare our current market/economic climate with past downturns and contextualize the possible repercussions. 

What does COVID-19 mean for your portfolio?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2020 29:54


Michael and Adam discuss the impact of COVID-19 thus far and what that means for you as an investor. 

ETFs and Mutual Funds—What's the Difference?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2020 12:49


In this short episode, Michael and Adam definitionally distinguish ETFs and Mutual Funds and discuss which one may be more appropriate for your investment.  

Active vs Passive Investing: Which is better?

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2020 27:27


Some investors say they can predict the market. Others say they can't. Is there individual merit to each approach? Or is one objectively better than the other? Adam and Michael explain. 

Will the '08 Market Crash Happen Again?

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 24:11


The US stock market has been on a huge upswing—but an inverted yield curve back in mid-2019 has left investors wondering: is a recession on the horizon? Michael and Adam discuss. 

The Ins and Outs of Annuities

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2020 15:06


Whether you've contemplated annuities or maybe you're enrolled in one today, learn something new about these insurance products and what they could mean for your post-career life.

4 Common Missteps Before and During Retirement

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 24:32


Should you continue to work in retirement? How do you make sure you rebalance correctly? How do you understand the impact of medical costs? And, when is the best time to take social security?Michael and Adam tackle 4 common missteps in retirement. Based on this article: https://www.investopedia.com/retirement/how-sabotage-your-retirement/

Will Millennials be Able to Retire?

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2020 40:37


Millennials are saddled with more student debt than any previous generation. Will they be able to overcome that and retire at 65? RIA, Adam Morse, and CIO, Michael French dive in. 

Does the 4% Rule Work?

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2019 25:40


The 4% rule has been a rule of thumb for retirees for decades—but does it actually work? 

Everything IRA

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2019 20:48


What's the best way to handle your IRA while approaching retirement, transitioning to retirement and even during your retirement? What are the main benefits of rolling over your IRA for retirees? Should you always rollover?

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