Originally aired June 7, 2025

Tom draws powerful parallels between biblical prophecy and modern financial reality in this episode of The Tom Dupree Show. Just as the Old Testament prophets called for repentance, today’s economic and political landscape demands that we stop doing things the same old way.

“The only time you’re gonna change is when there ceases to be something in it for you, it becomes too painful to keep doing it the same way.”

This principle applies directly to your retirement planning. Too many pre-retirees keep following the same investment strategies that haven’t worked, simply because changing feels uncomfortable.

Tom reveals a historical parallel that every pre-retiree should understand. Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative isn’t new – it’s essentially a repeat of President Reagan’s Grace Commission from 1982-1984.

Key findings from the Grace Commission:

“Its time hadn’t come. There was not an outcry from the public. Nobody cared. Eighties were…everybody was having a great time.”

What this means for your retirement: Government spending patterns directly impact your tax burden and inflation rates. Understanding these cycles helps you plan accordingly.

Tom exposes shocking examples of local government waste that mirror federal problems:

“The slice of our taxes that goes to the Fayette County Public School is way too high. Lexington is getting to be an impossible place to live in terms of taxes.”

Retirement Planning Takeaway: Local tax burdens significantly impact your retirement budget. Research your area’s fiscal responsibility before choosing where to retire.

Tom addresses a critical concern for pre-retirees whose portfolios are tied to major market indices:

“If your retirement investment portfolio is tied to the S&P 500, the NASDAQ, or even the Dow Jones, it’s probably down this year. If you want to hear about how to invest for dividends and interest instead of just gains, call us.”

Key Investment Principles for Uncertain Times:

Tom’s assessment of the Trump-Musk relationship offers insights into market volatility:

“Trump thinks he’s been betrayed, and so they’re airing all their dirty laundry all over social media… Trump, if he would just shut up, just shut the hell up and do the job.”

This kind of political uncertainty creates market volatility that can devastate traditional retirement portfolios.

Drawing from the prophet Zechariah, Tom explains why people resist necessary changes:

“People can endure the pain of doing it the wrong way for a long time. People can endure pain of doing it the wrong way until they die.”

Application for Pre-Retirees:

The lesson from both biblical prophecy and modern politics is clear: change before you’re forced to change. Whether it’s government spending, local taxes, or your investment strategy, waiting until the pain becomes unbearable is the most expensive approach.

Ready to explore dividend and interest-focused investing instead of just market gains? Contact Dupree Financial Group at (859) 233-0400 or visit dupreefinancial.com to discuss strategies that put your financial interests first.

Listen to more episodes: Visit dupreefinancial.com and click on the radio tab, or search “The Tom Dupree Show” on your favorite podcast platform.

The Tom Dupree Show is brought to you by Dupree Financial Group, where we make your money work for you.

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