Keep it Simple

End-of-Year Financial Checklist + AssetBuilder Office Move Announcement

In this practical end-of-year episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, Joey Badinger – Lead Advisor at AssetBuilder – sits down with Adam Morse (Senior Lead Advisor) and Tommy Williams (Associate Advisor) to walk through a clear, no-nonsense checklist you should review before December 31.

Recorded from AssetBuilder’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, the team covers retirement contributions, Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, RMDs, charitable giving, portfolio rebalancing, and even thoughtful strategies for gifting to kids and grandkids—without accidentally harming your own retirement plan.

They close with a major announcement: AssetBuilder is moving its headquarters to the Allen Tech Hub at Waters Creek—and explain what that means for clients, the team, and the next decade of growth.

Whether you're a DIY investor or working with an advisor, this episode gives you a clean, actionable framework to finish the year financially strong.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro & important disclosure

Hosted by: Joey Badinger

Questions? Email [email protected]

If this episode helped you prepare for 2026, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tap the bell—new episodes drop weekly with simple, evidence-based investing guidance.

#YearEndChecklist #RetirementPlanning #RothConversion #TaxLossHarvesting #BehavioralFinance #AssetBuilder #KeepItSimplePodcast #IndexInvesting #WealthBuilding2025 #PersonalFinance

Are you accidentally sabotaging your own portfolio? In this must-watch episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, Joey Badinger – Lead Advisor at AssetBuilder – reveals the 4 behavioral biases that even professional investors battle every single day. Recorded from AssetBuilder’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, this short but powerful episode will help you spot and defeat the mental traps that cause most people to buy high, sell low, and underperform the market.

Whether you’re a DIY investor or work with an advisor, understanding overconfidence, recency bias, herd behavior, and confirmation bias is the difference between building real wealth and just spinning your wheels.

Timestamps (only the big 5-10 moments): 00:00 – Intro & Important Disclaimer 00:40 – Welcome from Joey Badinger (Plano, TX) 01:15 – Why even the pros at AssetBuilder aren’t immune to these biases 01:45 – Bias #1: Overconfidence – thinking you can consistently beat the market 04:50 – Bias #2: Recency Bias – “This time it’s different” & panic selling 06:50 – Bias #3: Herd Behavior (FOMO) – the GameStop lesson & buying high 08:50 – Bias #4: Confirmation Bias – only listening to news that agrees with you 10:15 – Final recap of all 4 biases + how to fight them daily 10:40 – Closing & how to contact the AssetBuilder team

Hosted by Joey Badinger Podcast: Keep It Simple by AssetBuilder Location: Plano, Texas Official site → https://www.assetbuilder.com Have questions? Email [email protected] or book a free consultation on their site.

If this helped you invest smarter, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the bell – new episodes drop every week with simple, evidence-based strategies that actually work.

#InvestingPsychology #BehavioralFinance #Overconfidence #RecencyBias #HerdBehavior #ConfirmationBias #AssetBuilder #KeepItSimplePodcast #IndexInvesting #WealthBuilding2025 #PersonalFinance

Description In this episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, host Joey Badinger

Timestamps & Main Topics

Hashtags #KeepItSimplePodcast #AssetBuilder #JoeyBadinger

Keywords Investment risk, risk tolerance, risk capacity, risk-adjusted portfolio, standard deviation, beta, value at risk, max drawdown, correlation coefficient, bond duration, credit risk, diversification, fiduciary advisor, efficient frontier, AssetBuilder, financial education, Joey Badinger

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not an offer, solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement of any security, product, or service. Visit assetbuilder.com for more information.

Fixed, Indexed, or Variable? Understanding the 3 Types of Annuities

What annuities actually are and how they provide guaranteed income 💵

Whether you’re nearing retirement or just trying to simplify your financial plan, this episode helps you keep it simple and invest smarter.

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From AssetBuilder’s Plano HQ, host Joey Badinger sits down with Adam Morse, Janet Griffith, and Tommy Williams to unpack America’s debt picture—from household budgets to the federal balance sheet. We break down mortgages vs. auto/student/credit-card debt, what rising rates mean, how to use debt-to-income (DTI) the smart way (the 28/36 rule), and practical habits to avoid lifestyle creep and instant-gratification financing.

You’ll learn:

How much U.S. households owe (and where it sits by generation)

Why mortgages can be “productive” debt—and why long car loans aren’t

Current rate realities (mortgage, auto, student loans, credit cards)

Exactly how to calculate your DTI (with target ranges)

Behavior traps: BNPL, long auto terms, monthly-payment thinking

What “deficits” mean at home and at the national level—and why they compound

Hosts & Credentials:

Contact the show: https://www.assetbuilder.com

00:00 Intro & Disclaimer

Debt is a tool, not a villain. Mortgages can raise quality of life; revolving/consumer debt at high APRs can snowball.

Auto loans are 2nd-largest consumer debt and loan terms are stretching—be wary of “just the monthly.”

Credit-card APRs >20% make balances dangerous; build emergency savings to avoid swipes under stress.

DTI targets: ≤28% housing (PITI+HOA), ≤36% total debts is healthy; 50%+ is a red flag.

Behavior beats hacks: budget regularly, delay gratification, prefer used cars/shorter terms, question “need vs. want.”

Keywords: consumer debt 2025, debt to income ratio, 28/36 rule, mortgage vs rent, auto loan terms, credit card APR, student loans, national debt vs GDP, budgeting tips, AssetBuilder advisors

The Big Beautiful Bill Basics Explained | Keep It Simple Podcast with Joey Bottinger

In this episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, host Joey Badingerbreaks down the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it means for taxpayers, families, seniors, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. Recorded at Asset Builder headquarters in Plano, Texas, this short episode cuts through the complexity to give you clear, actionable takeaways in about 10 minutes.

You’ll learn how the new law affects:

Income tax brackets, deductions, and credits

Seniors’ tax benefits and enhanced deductions

Estate and gift tax exemptions for high-net-worth individuals

Business owners and the Section 199A deduction

Families, education planning, 529 plans, and ABLE accounts

“Trump Accounts” (Treasury Accounts) created for newborns

No tax on tips & overtime (through 2028)

👉 If you have questions or want personalized guidance, contact our team at assetbuilder.com.

00:00 – Disclaimer & Introduction – Host Joey Badinger, Asset Builder Podcast

Big Beautiful Bill Act explained, Joey Badinger podcast, Asset Builder Keep It Simple Podcast, tax changes 2025, Trump Accounts explained, SALT deduction 2025, estate tax exemption 30 million, Section 199A business deduction, 529 plan updates 2025, ABLE accounts tax benefits, no tax on tips 2028

In this Keep It Simple Podcast episode, host Joey Badinger joins advisors Adam Morse and Tommy Williams at AssetBuilder’s Plano HQ to unpack what’s really going on in today’s housing market—and how families can work together to help Gen Z and Millennials become homeowners.

They trace the arc from early 20th-century mortgages to post-WWII suburbia, the 1970s rate shock, 2000s subprime bubble, post-COVID surge, and today’s challenging mix of higher rates, compressed affordability, insurance spikes, student debt, and constrained supply.

Housing history in a hurry: From 5-year loans and big down payments to the 30-year mortgage, GI Bill suburbs, the 1970s rate peak, the subprime crisis, and COVID-era price jumps.

Why affordability is strained now: Home-price-to-income ratios, higher mortgage rates vs. locked-in low-rate owners, insurance costs, and student debt.

Supply vs. demand realities: Aging-in-place, building restrictions, private investors in starter homes, and why listings can rise even as affordability falls.

Programs that help first-time buyers: Where to look for down-payment assistance, reduced-rate programs (e.g., HomeReady, Home Possible), and local buyer education courses.

Family strategies that work: How grandparents/parents can gift earlier, reframe big-ticket events (e.g., weddings) vs. down payments, and coach smart savings habits.

Rates matter—but so does the price base. A 6–7% mortgage is tough; the bigger problem is prices outpacing wages.

Locked-in effect: Owners with 2–3% mortgages aren’t moving—tightening the starter-home pipeline.

Costs beyond the mortgage: Insurance premiums and maintenance have significantly outpaced wages.

Education pays: City/county first-time buyer classes can prevent costly surprises (inspections, foundation/piping, etc.).

Timing gifts can change trajectories: Front-loading support (within a plan) can beat waiting for inheritances.

00:00 – Disclaimer & intro

Keywords: housing market 2025, first-time homebuyer tips, home affordability, mortgage rates vs prices, down payment assistance, HomeReady, Home Possible, starter homes shortage, budgeting for a house, Gen Z home buying.

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Struggling to get control of your money? In this episode of The Keep It Simple Podcast, Joey Badinger shares three proven budgeting techniques that will help you manage your money, eliminate financial stress, and reach your goals faster. Whether you’re brand new to budgeting or looking for a smarter system, you’ll learn about:

The 50/30/20 Rule a simple framework to balance needs, wants, and savings. The 80/20 Rule the “pay yourself first” mindset that ensures you save consistently. Zero-Based Budgeting – the most powerful way to give every dollar a purpose. Joey breaks down each method, explains how to apply it in real life, and shares tips to avoid common money leaks like forgotten subscriptions or overspending. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical steps to take control of your finances today.

👉 If you’re serious about building financial stability, growing your savings, and investing wisely, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Disclaimer & Welcome

[01:00] Why budgeting matters for financial stability

[01:20] The 50/30/20 Rule explained [03:00] Why saving and debt repayment are critical

[04:00] The 80/20 Rule: Pay yourself first [05:00] Automating savings, debt payments & investments

[06:00] The power of Zero-Based Budgeting

[07:30] How to stay disciplined with weekly money check-ins

[09:00] Tools for budgeting (Monarch Money, YNAB)

[10:00] Final thoughts & how to connect

Resources & Links: Visit us: AssetBuilder.com

Email questions: [email protected]

Budgeting apps mentioned: Monarch Money , You Need a Budget (YNAB)

In this episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, host Joey Badinger is joined by advisors Adam Morse, Tommy Williams, and Janet Griffith as they dive into discussions aimed at simplifying investment strategies for listeners. The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter about the summer heat and everyone's plans for the weekend, including Adam's hunting trip and Janet's upcoming family getaway to Big Cedar Lodge with her grandson. The group emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and the joy of engaging in activities like fishing. Tune in for insights on how to destressify your investment approach while enjoying life's adventures!

Have you ever felt your goals slipping away or wondered if your financial plan still matches your life? In this insightful episode, Joey Boding, alongside Adam Morris and Tommy Williams, discusses the concept of personal reconstitution—a valuable method inspired by passive investment strategies that helps you recalibrate your personal and financial goals. Learn why regular check-ins can significantly boost your chances of success, keep you aligned with your priorities, and help you celebrate meaningful progress.

For detailed show notes, navigate using the timestamps below:

[0:00] Introduction

[1:00] Understanding financial reconstitution and its purpose

[3:00] Potential downsides of passive fund reconstitution

[6:30] Tax implications and volatility during reconstitution

[10:00] Benefits and simplicity of periodic financial reconstitution

[12:30] Why investors should regularly review fund holdings

[15:00] Transition to personal reconstitution

[16:30] Mid-year goal check-in and personal reflections

[19:00] How frequent personal evaluations can keep you aligned

[21:30] Questions to help you stay on track and aligned with values

[24:00] Budgeting: the foundation of effective personal reconstitution

[27:00] Identifying and eliminating financial leaks

[30:00] Adjusting strategies and goals when life changes

[32:00] Setting SMART goals and realistic expectations

[35:00] Final tips for personal and financial success

For more information on Asset Builder, visit our website: https://assetbuilder.com