Planning Made Simple

Is SCHD really the ultimate dividend ETF… or are investors overlooking some major tradeoffs?

In this episode, we break down the truth about diversification, dividend yield, portfolio turnover, and what actually happens behind the scenes inside SCHD. We also discuss the emotional side of investing, why many investors misunderstand diversification, and whether owning individual dividend stocks may offer more control and long-term income stability.

If you’re building a retirement income portfolio or trying to live off dividends, this conversation will challenge a lot of conventional investing wisdom.

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In this episode, we break down the reality of starting late—and why it's NOT too late to retire. Whether you've gone through a setback, started saving late, or feel behind, this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and hope.

We cover the emotional side of investing, how to calculate what you actually need for retirement, and why most people are in the exact same position (even if they don’t admit it). Plus, we dive into practical strategies to start building income immediately—even if you're starting small.

It’s not about where you start. It’s about what you do next!

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Most investors ask the wrong question: “How much can I withdraw?” But what if the better question is, “How much income can my portfolio generate?” In this episode, we break down the popular 4% rule, why it dominates the industry, and the hidden risks behind relying on withdrawals. We also compare income generation vs. selling assets—and how each approach impacts your long-term financial security. If you want clarity, confidence, and a strategy built to last, this conversation is a must-watch.

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Is $1 million really the magic number for retirement—or just a myth? In this episode, we break down where that number came from and why it may not apply to your life. We explore what actually determines financial independence, including income needs, lifestyle, and dividend strategies. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “on track” or behind, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence. Retirement isn’t about hitting a number—it’s about building reliable income.

Are you hurting your portfolio by doing nothing?

In this episode, we break down the power of rebalancing and why most investors completely overlook it. While many focus on buying and holding, the real advantage comes from strategically adjusting your portfolio over time.

You’ll learn how rebalancing helps you:

• Lock in gains

• Take advantage of market volatility

• Increase income potential

• Reduce long-term risk

  
  

We also dive into the hidden cost of doing nothing — and why passive investing without a strategy can actually hurt your growth and income.

If you want to become a more disciplined investor and make smarter decisions, this episode is for you.

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Why does investing feel so stressful—even when you’re doing everything “right”?

In this episode of Planning Made Simple, we uncover the real reason behind financial stress—and it’s not the stock market.

Joined by Jeff Holmsworth, we break down how lack of systems, emotional decision-making, and an unbalanced life create anxiety around money. From faith and family to fitness and finances, this conversation dives into what it actually takes to build a stable, confident financial life.

If you’ve ever felt out of control with your money, this episode will help you understand why—and more importantly, how to fix it.

Links:

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Most people assume more money means less stress in retirement. But for many retirees, building a larger nest egg can actually create more complexity, especially when taxes, RMDs, inherited IRAs, Medicare surcharges, and long-term income planning all start colliding.

In this episode, the team breaks down why retirement can get harder around the $3 million mark and why the real issue is not just wealth, but how that wealth is taxed, distributed, and passed on. They also explain why focusing only on this year’s tax bill can lead to much bigger problems later.

If you want to better understand retirement income, tax strategy, dividend investing, and the long-term impact of RMDs, this conversation is packed with practical insight.

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Can you really live off dividend income? The short answer: yes—but it’s not that simple.

In this episode, we break down the real strategy behind living off dividends and why most investors misunderstand how it actually works. It’s not just about yield—it’s about designing a complete income plan for retirement.

We cover:

• Why dividend income alone isn’t the full picture

• The role of Social Security, pensions, and other income streams

• How to calculate what you actually need to live on

• The difference between “essential” expenses and lifestyle spending

• Why selling assets can create long-term risk

• How to build a sustainable income strategy

  
  

If you’ve ever wondered whether dividends alone can fund your lifestyle, this episode gives you the honest answer—and the framework to figure it out for yourself.

📩 Want help building your plan? Comment “Dividend Starter Kit” below.

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Do dividend investors really need international stocks in their portfolio? In this episode, we break down one of the biggest assumptions in investing: that global diversification automatically makes your portfolio better. We talk through the real tradeoffs, including currency risk, foreign taxes, reinvestment limitations, political risk, and the emotional side of owning businesses you may not fully understand. If you’ve ever wondered whether international dividend stocks actually improve your income strategy—or just make things more complicated—this episode is for you.

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War headlines can create fear and uncertainty in the stock market—but history shows markets often react emotionally before stabilizing.

In this episode, we break down what happens to the stock market during major geopolitical events and why dividend-paying stocks have historically been a place investors turn during uncertain times.

We also discuss oil price volatility, market reactions to global conflicts, and how investors can stay disciplined instead of reacting to headlines.

If you’re worried about what war could mean for your investments, this episode will help you understand the bigger picture and why a long-term strategy matters.

planningmadesimple.com