Podcasts about hidden fees

Text the show! Oregon put a packaging fee on thousands of companies. There's just one problem: when you buy the product, you can't see what you're paying.And Oregon already knows how to do this differently.Buy a mattress and the recycling fee appears on your receipt. Buy paint and the fee is disclosed. Return a bottle and there's a dime attached to it — a dime that helped Oregon's bottle bill automatically correct itself when return rates fell.Then you get to groceries.Dozens of packaging rates. Thousands of participating producers. A nonprofit administering the system. Hundreds of millions of dollars eventually moving through the program.And no comparable number on your receipt.On this Taxation Tuesday Special, Chad Law follows the money through Extended Producer Responsibility and asks a much larger question: what happens when government stops calling a cost a tax, routes it through private institutions, and makes the final price nearly impossible for the public to see?The trail runs from Oregon to Colorado, Maine, California, overseas sellers, major corporations, nonprofits, and ultimately your grocery cart.And it ends with a simple Common Sense framework: THE DIME TEST.Where's the number?Whose receipt is it on?What happens if it doesn't work?Because the issue isn't whether recycling costs money.Of course it does.The issue is whether the people paying for government policy are allowed to know what it costs.

Credit card fees rarely wreck a budget all at once. Instead, they tend to chip away at it little by little. Interest charges, late fees, annual fees, cash advances, and other costs can quietly consume resources that could have been used for saving, giving, or meeting other financial priorities. That's why wise stewardship includes understanding what your credit cards cost and making sure they're serving your financial plan rather than working against it. Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” This isn't a call to hoard what God provides. It's a reminder that wisdom pays attention. Good stewardship means knowing where our money is going and refusing to let avoidable expenses unnecessarily consume what God has entrusted to us. Start With the Biggest Cost: Interest Technically, interest isn't a fee, but for anyone carrying a credit card balance, it's usually far more expensive than the other charges associated with a card. When interest rates are high, reward points and cash-back offers quickly lose their appeal. A few dollars in rewards can't compensate for months of interest on an unpaid balance. The best practice is straightforward: Don't charge more than you can afford to pay off when the bill comes due. If you're already carrying a balance, consider putting the card away while you develop a plan to eliminate the debt. Continuing to add new purchases while trying to pay down old ones can make progress much more difficult. Avoid Late and Returned-Payment Fees Late fees vary by card issuer, so review your cardholder agreement and know exactly when your payment is due. Payment alerts and automatic payments can be helpful safeguards. At minimum, consider automating the required payment so an overlooked due date doesn't create another unnecessary expense. Ideally, pay the full statement balance each month so you avoid interest altogether. If you use automatic payments, however, make sure there's enough money in your checking account when the payment is scheduled. A returned payment may result in a fee from the card issuer and possibly another fee from your bank. Keeping a small cushion in checking can help protect against those surprises. Think Twice About Annual Fees Some credit cards have no annual fee, while others charge hundreds of dollars in exchange for travel benefits, rewards, or other perks. In many cases, avoiding an annual fee altogether is the simpler choice. The benefits may not justify the cost, especially if rewards encourage you to spend more than you otherwise would. The goal isn't to maximize points. It's to make wise decisions with the resources God has provided. For responsible credit users who want their financial tools to reflect their values, FaithFi appreciates AdelFi Christian Banking. Formed through the merger of Christian Community Credit Union and AdelFi Credit Union, AdelFi provides purpose-driven banking solutions designed to help Christians align their finances with their faith. Since 1995, AdelFi members' card activity has generated more than $6.9 million for Christian causes. You can learn more at FaithFi.com/Banking. Be Especially Careful With Cash Advances Cash advances are one of the most expensive ways to borrow. They may include an upfront fee, and unlike ordinary purchases, interest often begins accruing immediately. That makes a cash advance a costly solution to a short-term cash-flow problem. A better long-term approach is to build financial margin. Start with a small emergency fund, then work toward a larger reserve over time. Having cash available for unexpected expenses can help keep a financial setback from turning into high-interest credit card debt. Watch for Foreign Transaction Fees If you travel internationally or make purchases from foreign merchants, check whether your card charges a foreign transaction fee. Some cards charge a percentage of each transaction, while others waive these fees entirely. Knowing your card's policy before traveling can help prevent unnecessary surprises. Review Your Statements Every Month One of the simplest financial habits is also one of the most valuable: review every credit card statement. Look for unexpected fees, forgotten subscriptions, duplicate charges, or transactions you don't recognize. Regularly reviewing your statements helps you catch problems early and stay engaged with your financial life. It also gives you an opportunity to ask a larger question: Is this card still helping me accomplish what I intended it to? A Credit Card Should Be a Tool, Not a Master Credit cards aren't inherently good or bad. What matters is whether they help or hinder faithful stewardship. If using a credit card consistently leads to interest charges, fees, or overspending, the wisest decision may be to stop using it. There's no spiritual virtue in having a credit card, and there's no shame in choosing cash or debit if those tools help you manage money more faithfully. Faithfulness often shows up in small financial decisions: paying bills on time, avoiding unnecessary costs, living within God's provision, and directing more of what He has entrusted to us toward His purposes. Take a few minutes this week to review the credit cards you use. Know what they cost. Know why you have them. And make sure they're serving your financial plan rather than quietly shaping it. If you're looking for a financial institution that shares your Christian values, consider AdelFi Christian Banking. FaithFi listeners can earn up to a $400 bonus when opening a qualifying high-yield checking or savings account or a Cash Rewards Visa credit account. Visit FaithFi.com/Banking and use the code FAITHFI to learn more. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have investments, but I don't have a tax-planning strategy, and I'm paying a lot in taxes each year. My advisor doesn't seem very proactive. How can I find someone who can coordinate my investment and tax planning? I'm 67, debt-free, have a good income, and about $97,000 in savings and cash, but no retirement plan or investments through work. How should I start investing at this stage of life? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Credit card fees rarely wreck a budget all at once. From interest and late charges to annual fees and cash advances, the cost of using credit can add up quickly. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Rob West looks at how to avoid those costs—and make sure the cards you use truly boost your financial plan, rather than work against it. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith & Finance Live, biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Charleston Women Podcast, host Kim Russo sits down with Michele Letson, Co-Owner of Mount Pleasant Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Michele shares how her family-owned dealership set out to completely redefine the car-buying experience by doing away with high-pressure sales tactics and eliminating mandatory, hidden dealer add-ons. By prioritizing a comfortable, honest environment for families and female buyers, their transparent approach paid off in a big way—earning them the spot as the #1 Jeep dealership in South Carolina in their very first year of ownership. Tune in to hear how putting customers first drove rapid success! Ready for a zero-pressure car buying experience? Visit them online today at MPJeep.com or stop by the dealership next to Costco at 3545 Park Ave Blvd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466.

Larry talks to consumer advocate Wendy Gilch about the closing fees that are trending in the Pittsburgh housing market.

In this episode, we dive into the challenge of getting truly accurate e-commerce financials. Parag Mamnani, CEO and founder of WebGility, shares how combining automation with expert human accountants helps brands uncover hidden fees, track unit economics, and build accurate books. He reveals why pure AI automation falls short in accounting, how SKU-level financial data unlocks hidden profits, and how real-time books drive better operational decisions for multi-channel sellers.Topics discussed in this episode:  Why standard monthly reconciliations often miss vital details.What multi-channel sales complexity does to accounting accuracy.Why relying only on top-line platform revenue deceives brands.How SKU-level cost data unlocks real margin growth.Why pure AI automation fails at complex accounting tasks.How human-in-the-loop approaches ensure full financial accuracy.What real-time cash flow analysis changes for brand scaling.How proper fee categorization protects product profit margins.What diagnostic financial reviews reveal about hidden costs.Links & ResourcesWebsite: https://www.webgility.com/Shopify App Store: https://apps.shopify.com/partners/webgility-incLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paragmamnani/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webgilityinc/Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/v8b3bs2bI'd love your feedback. Tap the the link to send me a text. ______________________________________________________LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS!Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don't miss out!   Rate & Review: Help others discover the show by rating the show on Apple Podcasts at https://tinyurl.com/ecb-apple-podcasts   Join our Free Newsletter: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/   Support The Show On Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/EcommerceCoffeeBreak   Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/

Most people have no idea what's really inside their 401(k), or how much it's costing them. Retirement expert Evan Ward explains hidden fees, investment risks, diversification mistakes, and why understanding what's "under the hood" could make a major difference in your financial future. Plus, he breaks down Trump Accounts, retirement planning, and practical steps to help build long-term wealth with confidence. Watch The Morning Xtra every weekday from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the Xtra 106.3 YouTube or listen on the Xtra 106.3 App

In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, host Suzan Chin Taylor sits down with John “Grizz” Deal, the CEO of IX Water, to kick off a brand new series focused on the complexities of industrial wastewater.The conversation centers on a critical decision that industrial facilities face every day: pre-treating their wastewater onsite or paying hefty fees and fines to dump it into municipal systems. Together, they explore the hidden dangers of clear wastewater, the biological disruptions caused at municipal plants, and the immense financial and environmental benefits of recycling industrial process water.Key Takeaways From This Episode:* The Illusion of Clear Wastewater: Industrial discharge can look perfectly clean but still contain deadly, silent contaminants like Chromium 6, solvents, heavy metals, arsenic, and cyanide.* Disruption of Municipal Systems: Municipal wastewater plants rely on predictable biological processes. When exotic industrial contaminants slip under the radar undetected by standard municipal testing, they can completely destabilize a plant's biology.* Hidden Fees vs. Hidden Toxins: Facilities often pay extra surcharges to municipalities for exceeding Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) or total suspended solids. However, this payment structure completely ignores the dangerous chemical components that remain untreated.* Resource Mismanagement: Utilizing fresh, drinkable water for industrial processes like cooling towers is an expensive waste of resources. Non-sewage wastewater from machinery, mining operations, and oil production can be successfully recycled instead.* The Financial Math: Transporting and disposing of hazardous waste can cost plant owners five to six dollars per gallon. Implementing modern pretreatment systems allows companies to reclaim that water for pennies per gallon, transforming a major liability into a valuable asset.Connect With Our Guest: John "Grizz" Deal* Email: grizz@ixpower.com* LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/coloradogrizz]* Website: ixwater.comI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: raven@creativeraven.com Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#IndustrialWastewater #WastewaterTreatment #WaterRecycling #Sustainability #GreenTech #Pretreatment #EcoFriendly #WaterConservation #CircularEconomy #SmellsLikeMoneyPodcast

Think you're getting a deal on GolfNow? Hidden per-player fees and fine print might be costing you more than you realize. We reveal what booking sites won't tell you and how to find true value.Uncover more booking secrets at https://affordablegolfcourses.com/golfnow-hidden-fees-explained/ Affordable Golf Courses City: Pleasant Prairie Address: 8767 3rd Ave Website: https://affordablegolfcourses.com/

One wrong auction company can cost you the true value of your land — and you'd never know it.

Want our guidance to build and run your own marketing engine? Book a call with our team: https://call.contractordynamics.com/yt?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Description&utm_campaign=7.07.26Get our FREE marketing course for contractors here: https://course.contractordynamics.com?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Description&utm_campaign=7.07.26Most roofing agencies won't tell you what you're actually paying for until you're already locked in.In this episode, Joseph Hughes breaks down everything you need to know before hiring a marketing agency: the five pricing models, the red flags that should make you walk away, what actually drives costs up (and what's worth paying for), and the hidden fees nobody mentions until it's too late.If you've ever wondered whether $3,000 a month is reasonable, or gotten burned by an agency that overpromised and underdelivered, this is the video you needed six months ago.Key Takeaways for Contractors✔️ The five pricing models agencies use and what each one really costs you✔️ Five red flags that mean it's time to walk away✔️ What actually drives agency pricing up (and what's worth paying for)✔️ The hidden costs no one tells you about until you're locked in✔️ Why the cheapest agency is almost always the most expensive one✔️ A real case study of a $5-7M roofing company that was burning $18,000/month with no idea what it was gettingKey Timestamps0:00 Why most roofing owners have no idea what they're paying for2:08 The five pricing models, explained3:42 Five red flags that mean walk away5:19 What drives agency costs up and what's actually worth it7:13 The hidden costs nobody tells you about8:38 Case study: the $18,000/month agency that wasn't working10:56 Recap and what to ask before you signIf you want to learn how Contractor Dynamics helps roofing companies build marketing systems that actually connect to revenue, watch this free video that walks through our entire system:https://www.contractordynamics.com/training/?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Description&utm_campaign=7.07.26Ready to find out what's really happening inside your marketing?Schedule a Marketing Demo with our team and we'll show you exactly what's working, what's not, and what it would take to fix it.

"There's no reason why I should be able to do an infusion for 50% of the cost of what it's currently being allowed at. We've seen allowed amounts between $57,000 and $80,000 for Keytruda. I typically can have that in the home at $29,000."My guest this week is Jake Velie, CEO and co-founder of National Integrative Health (NIH). After spending the first half of his career in the clinical "meat grinder" of value-based care on the provider side, Jake realized the only way to truly fix the system was to control the dollars on the commercial plan side. Today, NIH acts as the ultimate watchdog and independent pharmacy solution for self-funded employers, actively managing J-codes, specialty drugs, and clinical coordination.In this episode, we unpack the exorbitant markups hospitals charge for infusions and how NIH has spent years building a 50-state network to redirect patients to safe, comfortable, and massively discounted at-home infusion care. Jake also breaks down the brutal reality of GLP-1 adherence, why his team refuses to fill 90-day prescriptions for weight-loss drugs, how they enforce formularies to switch patients from expensive biologics like Humira to low-cost biosimilars like Yusimry, and the absolute truth about the safety of international drug sourcing.If you want to know how to stop the bleeding on your pharmacy and medical claims while actually improving the white-glove customer service your employees receive, this is a masterclass in specialty cost containment.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Moving Keytruda to the Home Setting (00:01:47) Defining True Value-Based Care (00:03:20) The Genesis of NIH and Leaving the Provider "Meat Grinder" (00:07:01) Building a 50-State Home Infusion Network (00:09:22) Why Specialty Meds Drive 90% of Pharmacy Spend (00:14:53) Demystifying J-Codes and Q-Codes (00:17:01) Exorbitant Hospital Markups and Hidden Fees (00:24:59) The Mechanics of Redirection: Mandatory vs. Voluntary (00:30:27) Coordinating Carve-Outs with Stop-Loss Carriers (00:34:08) Enforcing Formularies: Converting Humira to Yusimry (00:41:12) The Reality of International Sourcing and the FDA (00:47:35) Managing GLP-1s and the Danger of 90-Day Fills (00:51:48) The Ideal Employer Profile for NIH (00:58:04) Overcoming Healthcare's Terrible Customer Service (01:02:05) The Future: Oncology, Cell, and Gene TherapiesKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

"There's no reason why I should be able to do an infusion for 50% of the cost of what it's currently being allowed at. We've seen allowed amounts between $57,000 and $80,000 for Keytruda. I typically can have that in the home at $29,000."My guest this week is Jake Velie, CEO and co-founder of National Integrative Health (NIH). After spending the first half of his career in the clinical "meat grinder" of value-based care on the provider side, Jake realized the only way to truly fix the system was to control the dollars on the commercial plan side. Today, NIH acts as the ultimate watchdog and independent pharmacy solution for self-funded employers, actively managing J-codes, specialty drugs, and clinical coordination.In this episode, we unpack the exorbitant markups hospitals charge for infusions and how NIH has spent years building a 50-state network to redirect patients to safe, comfortable, and massively discounted at-home infusion care. Jake also breaks down the brutal reality of GLP-1 adherence, why his team refuses to fill 90-day prescriptions for weight-loss drugs, how they enforce formularies to switch patients from expensive biologics like Humira to low-cost biosimilars like Yusimry, and the absolute truth about the safety of international drug sourcing.If you want to know how to stop the bleeding on your pharmacy and medical claims while actually improving the white-glove customer service your employees receive, this is a masterclass in specialty cost containment.Thank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Moving Keytruda to the Home Setting (00:01:47) Defining True Value-Based Care (00:03:20) The Genesis of NIH and Leaving the Provider "Meat Grinder" (00:07:01) Building a 50-State Home Infusion Network (00:09:22) Why Specialty Meds Drive 90% of Pharmacy Spend (00:14:53) Demystifying J-Codes and Q-Codes (00:17:01) Exorbitant Hospital Markups and Hidden Fees (00:24:59) The Mechanics of Redirection: Mandatory vs. Voluntary (00:30:27) Coordinating Carve-Outs with Stop-Loss Carriers (00:34:08) Enforcing Formularies: Converting Humira to Yusimry (00:41:12) The Reality of International Sourcing and the FDA (00:47:35) Managing GLP-1s and the Danger of 90-Day Fills (00:51:48) The Ideal Employer Profile for NIH (00:58:04) Overcoming Healthcare's Terrible Customer Service (01:02:05) The Future: Oncology, Cell, and Gene TherapiesKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

Uncover the hidden fees and costly mistakes that can drain your Gold IRA. From dealer markups to numismatic coin traps, learn the tough questions to ask and the red flags to avoid before investing your retirement savings. Gold ETF Calculator City: Erie Address: 502 W 7th St, Ste 100 Website: https://goldetfcalculator.com Email: support@goldetfcalculator.com

Where Did My Returns Go? The Cost of Mutual Funds and Annuities The Tom Dupree Show | Dupree Financial Group | dupreefinancial.com | 859-233-0400 Episode Description Time Stamps 00:00 Keep Truckin Intro 01:31 Show Opens Fees 03:22 Mutual Fund Basics 05:46 Share Classes Loads 07:14 Portfolio Fee Transparency 10:05 Tax Drag Distributions 14:01 Constraints Versus Drift 16:29 Managed Accounts Example 21:16 Break Segment Promo 22:05 Inflation Market Pinch 26:09 Mutual Fund Fee Reality 26:38 Annuities Insurance Wrapper 27:27 Index Annuity Caps 30:20 Fixed Annuity Tradeoffs 32:27 Immediate Annuity Inflation 37:32 Commissions And Incentives 40:29 Counterparty Risk Warning 44:30 Final Portfolio Checkup Most investors look at their mutual fund statement, see a return number, and assume that’s the whole story. It isn’t. Fees are deducted before that return ever reaches your statement, which means you could be paying anywhere from a fraction of a percent to well over 1.5% a year without it ever showing up as a line item. In this episode, Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson explain exactly how those costs are built into your returns — and why two people holding what looks like the “same” mutual fund can actually be paying very different amounts. The conversation also digs into a real-world example involving a major fund family, where a change to share class minimums forced a wave of investors to realize years of embedded capital gains — and a hefty tax bill — all at once. From there, Tom and Mike shift to annuities, breaking down how index annuities, fixed annuities, and immediate annuities are each priced, where the commissions come from, and why the financial strength of the insurance company behind the contract matters just as much as the product itself. Whether you’re holding mutual funds inside a 401(k), an IRA, or a taxable account — or you’ve been pitched an annuity recently — this episode gives you the questions to ask before you invest another dollar. “If you don’t know what you own in your portfolio — and why — that’s the first thing worth fixing.” Topics Covered How mutual fund fees get absorbed into your net return instead of appearing as a separate line item The difference between A shares, C shares, and institutional share classes — and why the same fund can cost twice as much depending on which one you hold What a 12b-1 fee is and who actually receives it Why actively managed funds tend to carry higher expense ratios than index funds How capital gains distributions can create a tax bill on gains you never benefited from A real example of how a fund family’s share class changes forced unexpected tax consequences on shareholders Portfolio constraints versus portfolio drift, and why both can work against you Index annuities, fixed annuities, and immediate annuities — how each is structured and where the cost is hidden Why surrender charges exist and how they relate to commissions Counterparty risk: why the insurance company’s own investments matter to your guarantee Key Takeaways Your net return already has the fee built in. Mutual fund statements show what’s left after fees are deducted — not a separate fee line — so two investors holding what looks like the same fund can actually be paying very different amounts depending on share class. Share class matters more than most investors realize. One example discussed in the episode showed a global fund charging roughly 0.8% on its A shares versus 1.8% on its C shares — more than double, for the same underlying portfolio. Tax inefficiency can be just as costly as the stated fee. Because mutual funds are pooled investments, other shareholders’ buying and selling can trigger capital gains distributions you owe taxes on — even if you never participated in those gains. A fund’s holdings can drift far from what you originally bought. Without firm constraints, a manager’s strategy can shift significantly over a few years, leaving you holding something very different from what your original research showed. Annuities are mutual funds wrapped inside an insurance contract — and you pay for both layers. Whether it’s an index annuity’s capped participation rate or a variable annuity’s rider fees, the cost is built into the structure even when it isn’t itemized. Surrender charges exist largely to recoup the seller’s commission. Annuity commissions can run as high as 6–8%, and the multi-year surrender schedule helps the insurance company recover that cost if you withdraw early. The insurance company’s financial strength is part of what you’re buying. An annuity’s guarantee is only as good as the company behind it — and recent industry reporting has noted that some insurers are taking on more investment risk, including exposure to private credit, than before the 2008 financial crisis. Transparency is something you’re entitled to ask for. Whether it’s a mutual fund, an annuity, or a managed account, you have the right to know exactly what you own, what it costs, and where your income is coming from. About The Tom Dupree Show The Tom Dupree Show is hosted by Tom Dupree, founder of Dupree Financial Group and a 47-year veteran of the investment business. Each episode covers the financial topics that matter most to retirees and those approaching retirement — in plain English, without the Wall Street spin. Dupree Financial Group is a fee-only, fiduciary Registered Investment Advisory firm based in Lexington, Kentucky. The firm manages separately managed accounts focused on income-generating, dividend-paying portfolios — no products sold, no commissions, no conflicts of interest. Past episodes are available at dupreefinancial.com under the Podcast tab. Schedule a Complimentary Portfolio Review If you’re not sure whether the funds or annuities in your portfolio are quietly costing you more than you realize, we’ll take a look. No charge. No pressure. Just an honest conversation about what you own and whether it’s working for you. Call: 859-233-0400 | Visit: dupreefinancial.com Dupree Financial Group is a fee-only, fiduciary, SEC-registered Registered Investment Advisor. The information presented in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Please consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.The post Hidden Fees in Mutual Funds & Annuities | The Tom Dupree Show appeared first on Dupree Financial.

Dental crowns carry high costs due to the materials, clinical labor, laboratory fabrication, and insurance limitations involved, which are factors that patients should understand before beginning treatment. Learn more at https://benagedentalcare.com Benage Dental Care of Cleburne City: Cleburne Address: 302 N Ridgeway Dr Website: https://benagedentalcare.com/ Phone: +1 817 641 6261 Email: benagedentalcare@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailOn this episode I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Paul Sippil. He is one of the world's only forensic 401(k) consultants, providing expert guidance that protects your people, your profits, and your peace of mind. He specializes in uncovering hidden fees, conflicts of interest, and unethical practices in retirement plans that quietly cost business owners and their employees thousands of dollars.From his early days as an auditor, accountant, and financial advisor, Paul has focused on protecting ‘businesses bottom lines'. A single conversation about 401(k) plan tax forms sparked a discovery that has now, defined his career: The widespread abuse and unethical practices in the retirement plan industry-often at the expense of the business owners and their employees.Through extensive research and firsthand conversations with company leaders, Paul uncovered how hidden fees, poor plan design, and conflicted advisors quietly drain profits and create compliance risks. Determined to change that, he founded his practice to bring fairness, transparency, and accountability to retirement plan management.Today, Paul works with firms across many  industries-including law firms, private healthcare practices, and professional B2B service companies. He is helping them uncover hidden costs, strengthen fiduciary oversight, and safeguard both their employees' futures and their company's financial health. His expertise has been cited in Investment News, Fiduciary News, and WealthManagement.com for his leadership in reforming how businesses, like ours, approach retirement plans. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Mr. Paul Sippil.

Credit card processing costs are rising for U S businesses — and more retailers are comparing cash discount programs and surcharges to protect already narrow profit margins. Here is how they differ. To learn more, visit https://quicsuite.myclickfunnels.com/landing-page Northern Media Services City: Oswego Address: 274 Cemetery Rd Website: https://www.northernmediaservices.com/

When was the last time you “aired out” your retirement plan to see what’s really inside? In this episode, Frank and Frankie compare spring cleaning to a portfolio review—breaking down why it’s important to revisit your investments regularly. They cover how to evaluate risk, returns, and hidden fees, plus the importance of tax efficiency and income planning. You’ll also hear a real-life example of how adjusting a strategy can impact long-term retirement income and risk exposure. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial Learn more about Frank and Frankie's book here! Buy Frank's book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Buy Frankie's book! Amazon Best Seller, ""A Better Way to Retire: How a Fiduciary Retirement Planner Can Be the Key to Financial Success" CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders sending money overseas are losing hundreds of millions of dollars a year because of hidden fees, according to a Labour MP. Arena Williams has put forward a bill that would force banks and financial institutions to be more upfront when they say that a transfer is 'fees free'.

Most powersports dealers have some form of reinsurance in place. Most of them have no idea what is actually in it.Gene Silas has been in the industry for over 30 years. Jeff Barron has been at it for 26. Together they run Brightline Dealer Advisors, one of the largest broker firms in the United States and they spend their days helping dealers understand what they actually own in their F&I back end and how much of it is quietly walking out the door in fees they have never seen.They recently did a webinar with the NPDA that generated a ton of questions. So I brought them on here to go even deeper for our audience.What we cover:Why most dealers look at only one number on their reinsurance statement and miss everything elseThe walkaway, retro, CFC, and DOWC structures explained in plain English — and how to know which one fits youProducts that can go into reinsurance: service contracts, tire and wheel, paint and fabric, GAP, and ancillariesWhy GAP should usually be kept separate from your service contract reinsurance positionThe hidden fee problem: ceding fees, loss adjustment expense, and premium tax that come off the dealer's bottom line before they ever see the moneyThe side-by-side comparison that could be costing dealers $50,000 to $60,000 a year depending on volumeWhy all fees should be visible in the admin fee and what "below the line fees" actually meansThe A account vs the B account in plain English — and why moving money to the B account as fast as possible mattersHow dealers can borrow against their own B account money and pay the interest back to themselves instead of a bankCapital gains vs ordinary income: the tax difference that can mean 18 to 20 points on millions of dollarsThe risk triangle: why reinsurance is not a set it and forget it situationEarly claims and multiple cause of loss: what it looks like when a service contract is being used as a recon toolThe disappearing deductible strategy that keeps customers coming back to your service bay and protects your bookWhy you need claim override controls and exactly who should have themThe nine questions every dealer should be asking their current reinsurance providerGene's AI tip: how to use ChatGPT or Claude to find every fee buried in your dealer agreement in minutesWhat a real advisory partner looks like vs someone just managing their own book through youGene's FTC prediction: powersports dealers have 12 months or less before enforcement starts — and what to do about it nowThe $54,000 per violation reality and why 97 automotive dealers have already faced itWatch on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit?si=xGw636a89UUDAK20⁠Connect with Gene Silas (Brightline): ⁠gsilas@brightlinedealer.com⁠Connect with Jeff Barron (Brightline): ⁠jbarron@brightlinedealer.com⁠Connect with Jacob: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry⁠Follow the Fixit Online: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit⁠MotoHunt for Dealers: ⁠https://dealers.motohunt.com⁠

Summer travel can create memories—and surprise expenses. Julie McPherson talks through common vacation budgeting mistakes, from hidden fees to over-scheduling and over-packing. The conversation blends practical travel insights with broader money habits that affect family finances beyond the trip itself. For more information visit www.artofmoney.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How confident are you that you could tell a shady moving crew from a reputable team of professionals? Know the signs and heed the warnings with these expert tips.Info: https://www.truefriendsmovingcompany.com/spring-hill-tn-movers/ True Friends Moving Company City: Nashville Address: 700 East Old Hickory Blvd Website: https://www.truefriendsmovingcompany.com/

American companies are increasingly skipping traditional price hikes on goods in favor of new surcharges and fees added to checkout screens and monthly bills—often far less visible—as a way to pass rising prices onto consumers amid surging inflation. Key Facts Restaurants, hotels, airlines, retailers and other businesses are increasingly breaking price hikes into separate line items—often labeled as a “fuel surcharge,” “service fee” “processing fee” or “resort fee”—that allow them to preserve advertised prices but still pass inflation-related price increases on to the consumer.  Often these costs only show up on a final bill or check—separate from the original, advertised price. One of the most common examples is a credit card use surcharge—used by one-third of American small businesses—which see companies try to recoup the fees charged to them by credit card companies by hitting customers with a 2% to 4% fee if they use a card instead of cash.  More than 15% of restaurants nationally also now tack on extra fees to the bill at the end of a meal, according to the National Restaurant Association, with some adding credit card surcharges while others opt for automatic gratuity or vague “service charges” to help cover increased supply costs or employee wages.  Airlines advertise ticket prices without including hidden taxes, fees and charges—that can increase ticket prices by roughly 20% at checkout—and carriers like American, Alaska, Delta, United and Southwest this month announced they were hiking the price of baggage fees by $10 per bag to cover Iran war-caused jet fuel increases. Grab, a Nasdaq-listed rideshare and food delivery company that operates in Southeast Asia, told customers it will implement a fuel surcharge through May 31 and Uber Australia said it will introduce a temporary 5-cent-per-kilometer fuel surcharge starting April 15. What To Watch For More price hikes or fees for consumers as businesses themselves fall victim to new surcharges. Amazon has added a 3.5% fuel surcharge for its third-party sellers. UPS, FedEx and the USPS have implemented their own fuel-related price hikes, ranging from 3.5% to 8%, since the Iran war spiked energy costs. Experts have said those logistics companies have little choice but to offset the skyrocketing costs of gasoline and diesel, and as many as 30 to 40% of Amazon sellers subject to the new surcharge will pass it directly on to consumers, a supply chain expert told the New York Post. The owner of Ash & Erie, a small men's clothing brand, told the Wall Street Journal the fuel surcharges are like “tariffs 2.0” and said he'll likely have to raise prices to make up for them. Similarly, fresh food distributors are billing restaurants and grocery markets to make up for the rising price of diesel, which could soon get passed along to shoppers and diners. Grocery prices will rise 2% in the next few weeks, according to The Food Institute. Contractor Plus, a management app designed for contractors and businesses like plumbing and electricians, is advisingits clients on how to add fuel surcharges directly to invoices. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Amazon have all started offering fuel price relief options for its delivery and rideshare drivers, the New York Times reported, and that could soon turn into a surcharge for riders or delivery recipients. When the war in Ukraine caused gas prices to jump in 2022, Uber and Lyft added surcharges directly to customers. Will The New Fees Ever Go Away?  Probably not. Often, a fee gets introduced to solve a seemingly temporary cost problem but then becomes permanent, even after the original justification fades. Restaurant service fees, for example, were born amid higher prices and fewer sales during the pandemic but many stayed around when costs dropped. Airline checked baggage fees were introduced during the 2008 oil price spike, when jet fuel costs surged, but didn't disappear once fuel prices stabilized. Rental car companies added "temporary" surcharges after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to offset falling travel demand and pay for added airport security and facility costs, but they stuck around after the travel industry recovered. Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian recently implied airfares likely won't go back down even if oil prices drop, instead saying the lowered fuel costs would "certainly help us boost our margins this year and clearly into next year as well." Read the full story on Forbes: By Mary Whitfill Roeloffs https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/04/13/here-are-the-hidden-fees-for-food-flights-more-youre-paying-because-of-the-affordability-crisis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American companies are increasingly skipping traditional price hikes on goods in favor of new surcharges and fees added to checkout screens and monthly bills—often far less visible—as a way to pass rising prices onto consumers amid surging inflation. Key Facts Restaurants, hotels, airlines, retailers and other businesses are increasingly breaking price hikes into separate line items—often labeled as a “fuel surcharge,” “service fee” “processing fee” or “resort fee”—that allow them to preserve advertised prices but still pass inflation-related price increases on to the consumer.  Often these costs only show up on a final bill or check—separate from the original, advertised price. One of the most common examples is a credit card use surcharge—used by one-third of American small businesses—which see companies try to recoup the fees charged to them by credit card companies by hitting customers with a 2% to 4% fee if they use a card instead of cash.  More than 15% of restaurants nationally also now tack on extra fees to the bill at the end of a meal, according to the National Restaurant Association, with some adding credit card surcharges while others opt for automatic gratuity or vague “service charges” to help cover increased supply costs or employee wages.  Airlines advertise ticket prices without including hidden taxes, fees and charges—that can increase ticket prices by roughly 20% at checkout—and carriers like American, Alaska, Delta, United and Southwest this month announced they were hiking the price of baggage fees by $10 per bag to cover Iran war-caused jet fuel increases. Grab, a Nasdaq-listed rideshare and food delivery company that operates in Southeast Asia, told customers it will implement a fuel surcharge through May 31 and Uber Australia said it will introduce a temporary 5-cent-per-kilometer fuel surcharge starting April 15. What To Watch For More price hikes or fees for consumers as businesses themselves fall victim to new surcharges. Amazon has added a 3.5% fuel surcharge for its third-party sellers. UPS, FedEx and the USPS have implemented their own fuel-related price hikes, ranging from 3.5% to 8%, since the Iran war spiked energy costs. Experts have said those logistics companies have little choice but to offset the skyrocketing costs of gasoline and diesel, and as many as 30 to 40% of Amazon sellers subject to the new surcharge will pass it directly on to consumers, a supply chain expert told the New York Post. The owner of Ash & Erie, a small men's clothing brand, told the Wall Street Journal the fuel surcharges are like “tariffs 2.0” and said he'll likely have to raise prices to make up for them. Similarly, fresh food distributors are billing restaurants and grocery markets to make up for the rising price of diesel, which could soon get passed along to shoppers and diners. Grocery prices will rise 2% in the next few weeks, according to The Food Institute. Contractor Plus, a management app designed for contractors and businesses like plumbing and electricians, is advisingits clients on how to add fuel surcharges directly to invoices. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart and Amazon have all started offering fuel price relief options for its delivery and rideshare drivers, the New York Times reported, and that could soon turn into a surcharge for riders or delivery recipients. When the war in Ukraine caused gas prices to jump in 2022, Uber and Lyft added surcharges directly to customers. Will The New Fees Ever Go Away?  Probably not. Often, a fee gets introduced to solve a seemingly temporary cost problem but then becomes permanent, even after the original justification fades. Restaurant service fees, for example, were born amid higher prices and fewer sales during the pandemic but many stayed around when costs dropped. Airline checked baggage fees were introduced during the 2008 oil price spike, when jet fuel costs surged, but didn't disappear once fuel prices stabilized. Rental car companies added "temporary" surcharges after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to offset falling travel demand and pay for added airport security and facility costs, but they stuck around after the travel industry recovered. Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian recently implied airfares likely won't go back down even if oil prices drop, instead saying the lowered fuel costs would "certainly help us boost our margins this year and clearly into next year as well." Read the full story on Forbes: By Mary Whitfill Roeloffs https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/04/13/here-are-the-hidden-fees-for-food-flights-more-youre-paying-because-of-the-affordability-crisis/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone is chasing the "perfect investment": Higher returns, bigger upside, faster growth. But almost no one stops to define what a 'perfect investment' actually is. In this episode, Jim Oliver and Nick Kosko break it down using Nelson Nash's framework from The Case for IBC. Instead of chasing returns, they walk through the 16 real attributes that matter when deciding where to store your money. From consistency and liquidity to control, tax advantages, and protection, this conversation exposes why most traditional vehicles fall short and why people are asking the wrong question entirely. Because the goal isn't to find the next hot investment. The goal is to control capital and make it work for you over time. Key Takeaways - The 16 attributes to consider when deciding where to store your money. - Average returns don't reflect real-world outcomes - Liquidity and control determine how useful your money actually is - Taxes and inflation quietly erode most strategies - The right system prioritizes stability, access, and long-term control Stop chasing returns. Start building a system where your money is safe, controlled, and working for you consistently. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: What Is the "Perfect Investment"? 02:04 Why Rate of Return Misleads Investors 03:48 Average vs Actual Returns Explained 06:00 The Need for Consistency and Stability 06:54 Why Safety Matters More Than Hype 07:10 Liquidity: Can You Access Your Money? 08:03 The Power of Guarantees 08:13 Why Taxes Matter More Than You Think 09:12 Market Volatility and Emotional Investing 10:26 Cash Flow vs Capital Gains 11:34 Creditor Protection Explained 12:24 Inflation: The Silent Wealth Killer 15:20 Control: Who Really Owns Your Money? 15:56 Transferability and Flexibility 16:20 Simplicity and Ease of Management 17:11 Hidden Fees and Why They Matter 18:13 Why Track Record and Reputation Matter 19:34 Private vs Public Control of Money 20:52 Why Infinite Banking Checks the Boxes ______________________________ If you're ready to breakaway and start making real wealth, then join our free community.  Get access to new daily content, on-demand courses on how money works and Infinite Banking, a Q&A video library, reading library, worksheets, calculators, and more.  

“What's Buggin' You” segment for Monday 4-6-26

When your lease ends, should you lease again, buy the car, or return it and walk away? What is a car lease, and how do its true costs compare to financing? Sean Pyles, CFP®, Elizabeth Ayoola, and lead writer Shannon Bradley break down how car leases work — including money factors, residual values, mileage limits, and the acquisition fees dealers rarely tell you about. They also explore why leasing-then-buying a car typically costs more than financing from the start, when it makes sense to lease an EV, what to watch out for in dealer offers, and how tariffs may be affecting your end-of-lease options right now. For more information on the topics discussed in this episode: Should I Lease or Buy a Car? https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/7-lease-vs-buy-questions-right   Should I Buy My Leased Car? 5 Times to Say Yes https://www.nerdwallet.com/auto-loans/learn/5-times-buy-leased-car  How to Lease a Car: Everything You Need to Know https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/7-steps-getting-great-auto-lease-deal  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TOPIC: Dealer Pricing PANEL: Chris Otts, Wall Street Journal; Robin Warner, WardsAuto; Gary Vasilash, shinymetalboxes.net; John McElroy, Autoline.tv

Private market investing is often marketed as elite access reserved for accredited investors. But the reality is far more complicated. Many deals pitched to investors promise insider access, prestige, and outsized returns—yet hide fee structures, weak incentives, and red flags that experienced investors quickly recognize.In this episode of Investing Uncensored, Andre Stewart sits down with Tad Fallows, founder of Long Angle, to break down how sophisticated investors actually evaluate private investment opportunities. Tad bootstrapped a software company for 10 years before exiting and building Long Angle, a 7,500-member community for first-generation wealth creators focused on smarter private market access. They unpack the signals serious investors look for—and the mistakes that cost investors millions.In this episode:• The fee structures that quietly destroy investor returns• Why institutional capital is one of the strongest signals in private deals• The track record + fund size trap that turns great managers into average funds• Why compounding feels slow… until it suddenly accelerates• How VC dilution and preferred shares reshape exit math for founders• The transparency test honest fund managers always pass If you invest in venture capital, private equity, syndicates, or private funds, this episode will change how you evaluate deals.

In this episode, Harold Green lays out the traps hidden in so-called "free" financial advice, explores how unseen fees can quietly stall your early retirement goals, and shares why understanding your real costs is crucial to getting out of the rat race ahead of schedule. Filled with real talk on what actually works—and what holds you back—Harold Green gives you the tools to clear away confusion, ask smarter questions, and make your money work for you.  If you're ready to cut through the noise and seriously plan for financial freedom, this episode will set you on the path to retiring early and living the life you deserve. Show Highlights: This is where the most financial harm comes from [08:00] Are hidden fees draining your retirement? [11:28] Discover how blind trust can damage your retirement strategy [13:59] Are you also following a low-cost illusion? [17:29] Learn how an advisor strategically handles the chain of risk [20:34] What is the most dangerous risk for retirees? [22:06] Discover Harold's take on the bond myth [25:48] How do financial plans shift when products take center stage? [29:43] Find out how Harold's Rapid Retire program can save you [31:06]

Do they have to disclose each fee?

Learn how to plan an unforgettable Gulf Coast vacation on a budget. We discuss the best travel months, family-friendly attractions, and insider tips for booking vacation rentals directly—saving hundreds while unlocking hidden perks and local flavor. Learn more at https://www.emeraldcoastbyowner.com/ Emerald Coast By Owner City: Destin Address: 15 Todd Point Website: https://www.emeraldcoastbyowner.com

A one percent fee sounds harmless—until you see what it does over time. In this episode of Empower Your Retirement, Frank and Frankie Guida break down how investment fees quietly compound, layer on top of each other, and reshape long‑term retirement outcomes. They walk through real math examples, common fee blind spots inside portfolios and annuities, and why many investors don’t actually know what they’re paying. A clear discussion on transparency, value, and how small percentages can create large differences over a retirement timeline. Schedule a complimentary appointment: A Better Way Financial CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming Tax-Smart Retirement Planning Dinner Workshops. Read our book! Amazon Best Seller, “The Book on Retirement: A Better Way to Stretch Your Retirement Dollars While Living the Lifestyle of Your Dreams.” Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think Hawaii's getting too expensive to enjoy with your family?With new fees hitting in 2026 and costs climbing across the board, it's easy to assume every experience on Oahu comes with a hefty price tag.

KT and Kent Temple break down the controversy surrounding the Zillow Flex lawsuit and what it could mean for agents, consumers, and the future of real estate. They unpack the key allegations, discuss industry-wide implications, and offer clear, practical insight into how these changes may shape the business moving forward. 

Are hidden fees quietly draining your retirement savings? Dive into the latest episode of Your Retirement Radio Podcast, where Kevin Madden breaks down alternative investment strategies, the impact of interest rates, and the crucial importance of having a personalized retirement roadmap. Learn how to spot costly pitfalls, maximize guaranteed income, and make informed decisions about your 401k, annuities, and more—without steering blind into retirement. Get Your Complimentary Retirement Roadmap Your roadmap will include: A retirement income strategy A test to see how long your money will last A tax-planning strategy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you pay extra just to recline your seat—or are hidden fees quietly draining your retirement savings? Damon Roberts digs into the surprising world of investment fees, revealing how even “small” charges in your 401(k), mutual funds, or annuities can add up to thousands lost over time. Learn why understanding what you pay—and what you get in return—matters more than ever, and how to spot value versus waste in your portfolio. Plus, a few laughs about travel, family, and the price of convenience. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 480-680-6868 or visit www.successinthenewretirement.com! Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Busch just sued Pacific Life Insurance for $8.58 million, claiming he was misled by an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy. But what if this high-profile case proves everything Infinite Banking practitioners have warned about for years?

Kyle Busch just sued Pacific Life Insurance for $8.58 million, claiming he was misled by an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy. But what if this high-profile case proves everything Infinite Banking practitioners have warned about for years?

-Elon Musk has told Joe Rogan that he hopes to unveil a flying car "before the end of the year." As Gizmodo has reported, Rogan asked Musk about  the long-delayed second-gen Tesla Roadster in his show, when the Tesla CEO suddenly started talking about wanting the vehicle to fly. -The Republican-led FCC has voted on and approved a proposal that would make it harder for consumers to receive itemized bills with accurate information from their ISPs, as originally spotted by CNET. This proposal revises previous "unnecessary" requirements on the grounds that a fact-based list of charges "may confuse customers." -After teasing its dual-screen gaming handheld last month, Anbernic has already put its RG DS up for preorder on its website. When the Anbernic RG DS was revealed for the first time, the handheld maker only hinted at a price range of less than $100. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could chasing record highs put your retirement at risk? This episode with Jackie Campbell explores the dangers of market “melt-ups,” emotional investing, and common moves that can quietly sabotage your financial future. Learn why relying on a 401(k) alone, ignoring hidden fees, and skipping a written plan could derail your goals. Get practical insights on rebalancing, tax strategies, and staying prepared—no matter what the market does. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 352-251-1015 or visit www.mycampbellandco.com! Follow us on social media: Facebook | YouTube | X | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping the news light this week! The FCC is going to let ISPs charge hidden fees again. South Korea loses a massive data center with no backups. AI gets nasty when you reward its bad behavior. The iQOO 15 was unboxed early. And the Vivo X300 Pro is getting shown off in some travel videos! Let's get our tech week started right! -- Show Notes and Links https://somegadgetguy.com/b/4Rt Support Talking Tech with SomeGadgetGuy by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/talking-tech-with-somegadgetgu Find out more at https://talking-tech-with-somegadgetgu.pinecast.co This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-c117ce for 40% off for 4 months, and support Talking Tech with SomeGadgetGuy.

What happens when retirement planning becomes a lifeline for families facing the unexpected? This episode explores why women often face unique challenges in retirement, the importance of shared financial strategies, and how a clear plan can potentially put your mind at ease during life’s toughest moments. Damon Roberts and Matt Deaton reveal the hidden risks, fees, and emotional realities behind successful retirement planning, sharing real stories and practical advice for couples and individuals alike. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 480-680-6868 or visit www.successinthenewretirement.com! Follow us on social media: Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right up front here, let me just state loudly that there are some amazing independent TPAs (third-party administrators) out there who have the expertise, the scrappy willfulness, and the deep desire to do right by their clients, their self-insured employer clients. For a full transcript of this episode, click here. If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to subscribe to the free weekly newsletter to be a member of the Relentless Tribe. And look, they may be facing some of the same headwinds that plan sponsors themselves face, like anticompetitive contracts, brokers who are up to no good, etc. So, just keep that in mind as you listen. And the main point of all of this if you are a plan sponsor is, find a good TPA partner, which, as Bryce Platt has said about consultants but same rules apply about TPAs here, the difficulty is being informed enough to tell the difference. So, the goal of this show is to help with that, the “be informed enough to tell the difference.” All of this being said, this is technically a Take Two; but we trimmed it down and welcome to a whole new intro. So, call this a refresher and an update about a really, really important topic from last year that is becoming extremely (maybe even more) relevant this year. Really relevant. Consider, for example, the show with Claire Brockbank (EP453) about carrier/TPA RFPs (requests for proposal) and all of the landmines that are really expensive, that are buried in some of these contracts. Then there was the Cynthia Fisher show (EP457) from last year about the millions, maybe billions of dollars in aggregate going missing in medical (ie, TPA or ASO [administrative services only]) spread pricing. We had “The Mystery of the Weekly Claims Wire” show with Justin Leader (EP433), again, revealing money that's being disappeared when the TPA is withdrawing dollars from plan sponsor checking accounts. And then there's the payment integrity episode with Kimberly Carleson (EP480) from a few weeks ago with just another wrinkle on this, namely TPAs or ASOs who insist on auditing themselves and how that turns out for members and plan sponsors. Oh, and last, but certainly not least, is the whistleblower show with Ann Lewandowski (EP476) on how a TPA arm of an EBC (employee benefit consultant) allegedly pocketed $20 million—$20 million of their client's pharma rebates—and used that $20 million to fund their executive bonus pool. What a time to be alive! All of this just highlights the huge stakes for plan sponsors to really understand what their TPA is all about. And when I say high stakes, I mean from both a legal standpoint and also just vast dollars in play here. But this episode with Elizabeth Mitchell is also, I'm gonna say, extremely relevant given just a few ripped from the headlines and news articles such as these. I'm gonna start actually with a post from Kimberly Carleson, and I like the comment by Jeff Evans, who wrote, “How does $8,710 equal $104,266?” Spoiler alert, it doesn't. Lots of missing dollars there. Someone's hands are in the cookie jar. Oh, look, the TPA has entered the chat. In a nutshell, and I'm quoting something Peter Hayes wrote, he wrote, “TPAs have received relatively little public attention. [There's an article in Health Affairs] that describes how TPAs impose hidden fees, benefit from their own form of spread pricing, and otherwise prioritize their own financial interests over those of their plan clients.” Also, here's a totally other issue. Let me quote Luke Prettol highlighting something Jason Shafrin had written about a paper by Jeff Marr, Daniel Polsky, and Mark Meiselbach. Let me slightly rephrase what Luke said. He wrote, “Employers pay, on average, a 4.7% [so almost 5%] price markup when hospitals are in their TPA's [Medicare Advantage] network.” Right? Dr. Eric Bricker talked about this in that episode (EP472) just how TPAs with MA (Medicare Advantage) business negotiate their commercial clients to pay higher rates so that then they can pay lower rates for their own MA members. As Luke wrote, “On its face, this overpayment does not appear to be solely in the interest of participants.” No kidding. Now, let's spin the wheel here. There are barriers for TPAs themselves, even the ones who have a deep desire to do the right thing. As Patrick Moore wrote, “Most TPAs still can't do [many of the things that employers might want because there are] PPO contracts.” So, is it a rock in a hard place situation? I mean, if the TPA has no other options than using a carrier's PPO (preferred provider organization) network with all its attendant contractual issues, then yeah, that is one definite challenge. Along these lines, let me read a post by Rina Tikia, because I think she sums up this really well. “When independent TPAs … push for transparency, they're blocked under the banner of ‘fiduciary risk.' “Meanwhile, the largest carriers and PBMs, with Cayman shell subsidiaries, DOJ kickback probes, [huge] hedge fund ties, [$10 million-plus] lobbying budgets, and antitrust violations continue unchecked. They are not only allowed to operate but celebrated as mainstream options. “Why the double standard? Political donations? Foundation smokescreens? Nonprofit status as a PR shield?” These are excellent questions. And here's another challenge: brokers. Ramesh Kumar Budhani wrote about this one, just how hard it is sometimes to find—for TPA, an independent TPA, trying to do the right thing—to find brokers who prioritize doing the right thing for employers and helping their clients save money. The summary of all of this: There are TPAs and there are ASOs who aren't even trying. They are going to ride the flywheel, the gravy train, and catch all of the dollars flying off of it for as long as they can manage to cling to it with all 10 of their fingers. Then there are TPAs, mostly indies, trying super hard to do the right thing. But how successful they are is going to depend on how boxed in they are by the PPO networks or the carriers that the brokers or even plan sponsors may insist on. Just how courageous they are and just how smart they are and experienced they are about the market and how it actually operates. So, the show that follows is about all of this, including how we can inspire TPAs, which, in the show that follows, subsumes ASOs kind of into it. But in the show that follows, I hope it's inspiring to create an environment so that the market demands TPAs that do all of the things, and we make inertia not a viable business strategy. Elizabeth Mitchell, my guest today, currently serves as the president and CEO of the Purchaser Business Group on Health. Also mentioned in this episode are Purchaser Business Group on Health; Bryce Platt; Claire Brockbank; Cynthia Fisher; Justin Leader; Kimberly Carleson; Ann Lewandowski; Jeff Evans; Peter Hayes; Luke Prettol; Jason Shafrin; Jeff Marr; Daniel Polsky; Mark Meiselbach; Eric Bricker, MD; Tom Nash; Patrick Moore; Rina Tikia; Ramesh Kumar Budhani; Mark Cuban; Harold Miller; Chris Deacon; Moby Parsons, MD; Benjamin Schwartz, MD, MBA; Mishe Health; Rik Renard; and Cora Opsahl. You can learn more at PBGH and by connecting with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.   Elizabeth Mitchell, president and CEO of the Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH), advances its strategic focus areas of advanced primary care, functional markets, and purchasing value. She leads PBGH in mobilizing health care purchasers, elevating the role and impact of primary care, and creating functional healthcare markets to support high-quality affordable care, achieving measurable impacts on outcomes and affordability. At PBGH, Elizabeth leverages her extensive experience in working with healthcare purchasers, providers, policymakers, and payers to improve healthcare quality and cost. She previously served as senior vice president for healthcare and community health transformation at Blue Shield of California, during which time she designed Blue Shield's strategy for transforming practice, payment, and community health. Elizabeth served as the president and CEO of the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement (NRHI), a network of regional quality improvement and measurement organizations. She also served as CEO of Maine's business coalition on health (the Maine Health Management Coalition), worked within an integrated delivery system (MaineHealth), and was elected to the Maine State Legislature, serving as a State Representative. Elizabeth served as vice chairperson of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee, board and executive committee member of the National Quality Forum (NQF), member of the National Academy of Medicine's “Vital Signs” Study Committee on core metrics, and a guiding committee member for the Health Care Payment Learning & Action Network. Elizabeth holds a degree in religion from Reed College and studied social policy at the London School of Economics.   08:06 What is the overarching context for health plans in healthcare purchasing? 11:31 Why is it important to reestablish a connection between the people paying for care and people providing care? 13:47 What are the needs of a self-insured employer when managing employee benefits? 19:00 Is it doable for employers to set their own contracts? 21:24 Is transparency presumed? 22:39 Will the new transparency upon us actually expose wasted expense? 24:23 EP408 with Chris Deacon. 25:58 “This is not about individual bad actors. … The systems … that is not aligned.” 27:39 Are there providers who want to work directly with employers? 30:53 Why is it important that incentives need to be aligned? 32:42 EP427 with Rik Renard. 33:51 What's missing from the conversation on changing health plans?   You can learn more at PBGH and by connecting with Elizabeth on LinkedIn.   @lizzymitch2 of @PBGHealth discusses #TPA and #healthplan vs. #jumboemployer inertia on our #healthcarepodcast. #healthcare #podcast #financialhealth #patientoutcomes #primarycare #digitalhealth #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #healthcareinnovation   Recent past interviews: Click a guest's name for their latest RHV episode! Dave Chase, Jonathan Baran (Part 2), Jonathan Baran (Part 1), Jonathan Baran (Bonus Episode), Dr Stan Schwartz (Summer Shorts), Preston Alexander, Dr Tom X Lee (Take Two: EP445), Dr Tom X Lee (Bonus Episode), Dr Benjamin Schwartz, Dr John Lee (Take Two: EP438), Kimberly Carleson, Ann Lewandowski (Summer Shorts)  

Are credit cards what we think they are? In this thought-provoking episode, Tommy Kilpatrick shares his insights on how credit card debt works, what might be hidden in plain sight, and why it's important to question financial norms. Tune in to learn, think critically, and make more informed financial decisions.

What if your money could bring you more joy—and less stress? Today, we welcome Ken Honda, Japan's bestselling personal development guru, to the basement. He introduces us to his concept of “Happy Money,” where gratitude replaces fear, and your relationship with money becomes… well, happier. From early lessons in emotional finance to wisdom from his own mentors, Ken shares how small mindset shifts can lead to big life changes. But before we get zen with our Benjamins, Joe and OG shine a light on the latest investigation into real estate commissions. Are hidden fees quietly draining your wallet when you buy or sell a home? The Justice Department seems to think so. We dive into what's happening—and what you can do about it. Also in the episode: HSA contribution limits are rising—are you using your health savings account the smart way? A listener wonders if hiring their kids can unlock Roth IRA opportunities (spoiler: it's not as simple as “just write them a check”). Doug moonshines a trivia question that may or may not involve death (but definitely involves Doug). Whether you're looking for practical strategies or a new perspective on money itself, this episode brings both insight and inspiration. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/happiness-with-ken-honda-greatest-hits-1706 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your money could bring you more joy—and less stress? Today, we welcome Ken Honda, Japan's bestselling personal development guru, to the basement. He introduces us to his concept of “Happy Money,” where gratitude replaces fear, and your relationship with money becomes… well, happier. From early lessons in emotional finance to wisdom from his own mentors, Ken shares how small mindset shifts can lead to big life changes. But before we get zen with our Benjamins, Joe and OG shine a light on the latest investigation into real estate commissions. Are hidden fees quietly draining your wallet when you buy or sell a home? The Justice Department seems to think so. We dive into what's happening—and what you can do about it. Also in the episode: HSA contribution limits are rising—are you using your health savings account the smart way? A listener wonders if hiring their kids can unlock Roth IRA opportunities (spoiler: it's not as simple as “just write them a check”). Doug moonshines a trivia question that may or may not involve death (but definitely involves Doug). Whether you're looking for practical strategies or a new perspective on money itself, this episode brings both insight and inspiration. FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/happiness-with-ken-honda-greatest-hits-1706 Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201 Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

E & T are back this week with a Walk it Off email about No Tipping Restaurants giving tips to a local charity instead of their servers. The gals discuss why Gen Z won't open a tab, add on fees, hidden gratuity, canceled shows, and voice over troubles. The end of the episode features a Patreon preview.Join the Patreon to support the show and get extra & ad free episodes here or on Apple Podcasts:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/twostandupgals⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch full episodes on our YouTube Channel Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TwoStandUpGalsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Send us your Confrontational Scenarios and questions to the show at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠twostandupgals@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram:Erica Spera:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spericaa ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Teresa DeGaetano:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/TeresaDeGaetano⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/twostandupgalspod/⁠⁠⁠⁠