On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian ask the question every long-term investor should be thinking about right now: while the headlines fixate on the Fed, are we focusing on the wrong thing? Plus, what a major move involving a media company can teach us about handling company stock. And don’t miss answers to your biggest financial questions, from capital gains strategy to whether ETFs really beat mutual funds in a taxable account.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian explore how your financial plan should stay steady even when the economy doesn’t follow the script. From the double-digit interest rates of the 1980s to the AI-fueled market surge of 2023–24, they unpack the mixed signals investors have faced over the last 40 years—and what you can learn from the surprises. They also dive into how innovations from State Street could reshape your 401(k), how to make smart open enrollment choices, and real-life listener questions about supporting aging parents and adult kids, selling a business, managing inconsistent income, and dealing with old annuities.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian dive deep into the AI investment craze that’s dominating headlines. Are we too late to cash in? Or is this just the beginning of a new economic era? They break down the hype, the risks, and the smarter way to invest—without trying to pick a winner. Plus, why international investing may deserve another look, a fresh update on the real estate market, and how to break out of financial decision paralysis. Finally, your listener questions on giving, planning, and the fear of running out—even when you have enough.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian welcome former Cleveland Fed President Dr. Loretta Mester for a rare insider’s view into how interest rate decisions are made, why 2% inflation remains so elusive, and how the Fed stays focused amid political noise. She also recounts navigating the economy through COVID and shares what makes Ohio’s economy uniquely resilient.

Then, Bob and Brian shift gears to dissect huge earnings reports from Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, and Nvidia — and what they signal for the future of AI and market momentum.

Later, they tackle real-life listener questions: why muni bonds might trigger “phantom income,” how mutual funds can lead to unexpected tax bills, tips for coordinating insurance policies, and whether investing through an LLC offers tax or liability advantages.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian challenge the myth of the "magic number" in retirement planning. Just because you've hit $2 million or even $5 million doesn’t mean your future is locked in. Plus, hear stories of high-net-worth individuals navigating the pitfalls of poorly structured wealth. Later, they discuss new research showing that early retirement might actually shorten your life, how to use your empty nest phase for a financial makeover, and whether it’s possible to be too diversified. Finally, as always, Bob and Brian take on real listener questions—from restricted stock units to the right time to downsize.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian celebrate the third birthday of the latest bull market — and reflect on what an 85% rise in the S&P 500 since 2022 really teaches long-term investors. Then, they explore a hidden risk for high-net-worth investors: complacency. When your wealth grows, it’s easy to think it’ll manage itself. Bob and Brian share how rebalancing, tax strategies, and proactive planning can keep success from turning into vulnerability. Plus, the team answers your most pressing financial questions about Roth IRAs, 5% CDs, and more.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian warn against the “paper wealth trap” — mistaking market highs for lasting financial security. They break down how to turn temporary gains into durable wealth with proper liquidity, diversification, and planning. You’ll also hear why buffered ETFs are drawing billions from investors — and when they actually make sense. Plus, real estate pro Michelle Sloan joins to weigh in on the age-old question: rent or buy? And in ‘Ask the Advisor’ — smart moves for deferred comp plans, protecting company stock, and selling rental properties tax-smartly.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian unpack the “smart-sounding” money advice that can quietly sabotage your future—from skipping Roth conversions and “going broke safely” in cash, to estate-planning myths that lead to probate messes, and being sold permanent life insurance instead of building a tax-smart strategy. Plus, they tackle oversized RMDs, executor pitfalls with business interests, smarter stock-option exercises, and whether to migrate from mutual funds to ETFs or direct indexing.

On this week’s Best of Simply Money podcast, Bob and Brian get Allworth Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout’s take on the Fed’s latest rate cut and what it really means for investors. They also cover new IRS rules pushing high earners’ 401(k) catch-ups into Roths, why HSAs are the most overlooked tax break, and how to protect your retirement from sequence of return risk. Plus, real listener questions on private REITs, pensions, and illiquid wealth—and a quick December tax trick that could save you thousands.

On this week’s episode of Simply Money, Bob and Brian put on their “tough teacher hats” to deliver some advice you may not want to hear, but absolutely need to hear. Just because you’ve saved $2 million, $3 million, or even $5 million doesn’t mean you’re automatically set for life. Their lessons cover why retirement isn’t a vacation but a paycheck replacement plan, why your kids don’t need another check but a financial strategy, how treating your portfolio like a casino can wreck decades of hard work, and why taxes could cost you more than your house. Plus, they dive into the real spending patterns of retirees, scams targeting families, and listener questions on concentrated tech stock, charitable remainder trusts, and how to plan for estate taxes on illiquid assets like real estate.