Tom kicks off with a check-in on bond market returns, reminding listeners that bonds are about stability, not yield-chasing. He’s joined by advisor Roxy Butner, who helps answer listener questions about fixed-allocation vs. target-date funds, how much international exposure is enough, Ameriprise “CL” fund share classes with high fees, and whether hybrid long-term care annuity products are worth considering. Together they emphasize cost awareness, simplicity, and aligning investments with real-life needs instead of sales-driven products.

0:04 Intro and bond returns update (BND, DFIGX, SWSBX)

2:30 Why bonds belong in portfolios despite modest returns

2:47 Mailbag intro with Roxy Butner

3:13 Shelly asks about fixed-allocation vs target-date funds

5:34 Balanced vs LifeStrategy funds and international exposure

7:01 Frank asks about U.S. vs international allocation split

8:23 AVGE, DFAW, and “overthinking” the international percentage

10:39 Decades of U.S. vs international performance

11:15 Angie asks about Ameriprise “CL” fund share classes

13:32 Expense ratios and fiduciary concerns

14:54 Comparing low-cost index alternatives

15:18 Ford asks about hybrid LTC annuity products

17:30 Income planning first vs peeling off money for LTC

18:34 Real-life client experiences with LTC riders

20:33 Policy complexity, surrender decisions, and care costs

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