In this week’s episode of The Tom Dupree Show, host Tom Dupree discusses pressing local issues affecting Lexington and Fayette County residents. From the recently announced $16 million budget shortfall in the Fayette County School System to reflections on political accountability and the upcoming congressional race, Tom offers his characteristic straightforward analysis on matters that directly impact our community’s future.

Tom examines the recently announced $16 million budget deficit in the Fayette County School System, questioning the official narrative that this shortfall isn’t related to mismanagement:

“The Fayette County School system has announced, ‘Hey, we have a $16 million shortfall.’ And no, it’s not based on incompetence… But oh, no, be absolutely clear. It’s not about incompetence. The board has stated we are not incompetent. Well then what in the hell is it?”

Tom points to concerning trends in administrative growth while student populations remain steady or decline:

Tom raises concerns about limited media oversight and the relationship between the school board and local press:

Tom shares his perspective on the current political environment in Lexington:

“We here in this city, we are in what I would call a new version of the dark ages… it’s progressive slash liberal orthodoxy, same kind of thing. It’s an oppressive thing and nothing governmental in Lexington is gonna be able to get done that’s gonna be accountable to its taxpayers.”

Key observations about the local political climate:

Tom discusses Congressman Andy Barr’s announcement that he’ll run for Senate and shares his thoughts on potential candidates for the vacant seat:

“If Andy wants to run for Senate, that’s it, buddy. I’m not gonna sit there and say, oh, everything he’s done… Yeah, of course he’s made some votes I disagree with… but a man these days has got his work cut out for him if he’s gonna be a man and stand for something.”

Tom’s thoughts on the upcoming race:

Tom reflects on his own political independence and approach:

“I’m not a Republican. I hate party politics. Doesn’t matter who’s gonna do closest to what you think is right. You never get everything you want.”

Want to hear more straightforward analysis on local issues that affect your community and finances? Tune in to The Tom Dupree Show each week for unfiltered commentary on the topics that matter to Lexington and Fayette County residents.

Visit dupreefinancial.com/radio to listen to past episodes or schedule a consultation about your financial future at dupreefinancial.com. You can also call directly at 859-233-0400.

#TomDupreeShow #FayetteCountySchools #LexingtonKY #KentuckyPolitics #SchoolBudget #LocalGovernment #FinancialAccountability #PoliticalCommentary #AndyBarr #KentuckyElections

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In today’s unpredictable market environment, having a clear investment plan is more critical than ever. The recent Financial Hour with Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson discusses why many investors struggle during market downturns and how focusing on income-generating investments can provide stability through market volatility.

As Tom explains, “Market volatility can lead to extremes on both sides. One extreme is that they abandon everything, abandon all hope, sell everything, go to cash. The other extreme is that you do absolutely nothing.”

Many people confuse having a savings plan with having an investment plan. According to Tom Dupree, there’s a critical distinction between the two:

“Some people say, sure. I have a plan. I’m putting X amount into my 401k. I’m putting money into a Roth. I’m putting it into this, to that. That’s not an investment plan. That’s a savings plan. Two completely different things.”

A robust investment plan isn’t just about where you put your money—it’s about having a strategy for how that money will work for you, especially during retirement when you need income.

The Dupree Financial Group follows a clear, two-part investment plan:

“Our investment plan is to first produce an income stream through dividends and interest payments. And then secondly, capital appreciation. We achieve this through using publicly traded securities held at reasonable valuations.”

This approach focuses on:

Many investors, particularly those with 401(k) plans, are heavily invested in growth-oriented funds that mirror the S&P 500. While this strategy can work during accumulation years, it presents serious challenges during retirement:

“We may not feel like you’re equipped to set out and lay out every element of your investment plan. That’s where we can come in and help you because we do this and it’s not an investment plan that operates in a vacuum. This investment plan is designed to throw off income for you on a regular basis.”

Dividend investing provides several advantages for retirees:

“Well, at least you’re getting paid while you wait. See, that’s the good thing about dividends. At least it’s paying you while you wait for it to either grow or just go sideways, you’re getting some kind of income.”

In today’s challenging market environment, it’s essential to:

“Don’t let what’s going on in the market prevent you from making changes, actually examine and say, okay, what’s going on with my portfolio right now is a symptom of a misinvestment or an investment mix that doesn’t work with my situation anymore.”

Is market volatility causing concern about your retirement portfolio? The team at Dupree Financial Group can help you develop a resilient investment plan focused on generating income through dividends and interest payments.

Contact Dupree Financial Group today for a portfolio analysis that can identify risk and opportunity in today’s challenging market. Call us at 859-233-0400 or schedule an appointment directly on our homepage at dupreefinancial.com.

Hashtags for sharing: #RetirementPlanning #InvestmentIncome #DividendInvesting #MarketVolatility #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome #WealthManagement #FinancialAdvisor #InvestmentStrategy #PortfolioManagement

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 Harvard University’s ongoing battle with the federal government over research grants, tax-exempt status, and what it means for higher education’s future.

Explore how Harvard’s dispute with the federal government over tax-exempt status parallels Solomon Brothers’ downfall and what it means for elite universities nationwide.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Tom Dupree Show, we examine the unfolding financial crisis at Harvard University as it faces potential loss of tax-exempt status and frozen research grants. Drawing fascinating parallels between Harvard’s current predicament and the historic collapse of investment giant Solomon Brothers in the early 1990s, we explore how institutional arrogance can lead to catastrophic consequences in the financial world.

Harvard University is embroiled in a high-stakes dispute with the federal government that could fundamentally alter its existence. While recent campus controversies around antisemitism have drawn headlines, this episode reveals the deeper financial issues at stake:

“Harvard has refused to be accountable for the money that they’re receiving, and they’re doing things like running a hedge fund with their endowment money. They’re out there borrowing money in the bond market, they’re taking sponsorship money from places like China and they’re behaving in many ways more akin to a business than a nonprofit institution of higher learning.”

If Harvard loses its tax-exempt status, the consequences would be immediate and severe:

“It is absolutely catastrophic, and I believe that very quickly, Harvard would cease to exist. They would have to shut down.”

Tom draws a compelling comparison between Harvard’s situation and the downfall of Solomon Brothers in the early 1990s:

“You don’t flip the middle finger to the US Treasury Department. You don’t think you’re bigger than that than what they can do to you.”

According to billionaire investor and Harvard alumnus Bill Ackman:

“Maybe what they’re saying is worth 30, 40 billion, is worth 10 or 20 billion in a fire sale, meaning they’ve only got about 10 to 15 billion in liquid investments and they owe 8 billion in the bond market. Now they’re not looking so rich.”

This episode explores the potential ripple effects throughout elite education:

“The trades nowadays are what, where people can really make a very nice living… The Ivy League is prestigious. It is sought after. It is hard to get into and all of that, but the days of that being a gateway to places, not so much.”

Is your portfolio positioned properly for changing economic conditions? At Dupree Financial Group, we make your money work for you. Schedule a portfolio review today by calling 859-233-0400 or visiting our website at dupreefinancial.com to book an appointment directly.

#HigherEducation #HarvardUniversity #FinancialCrisis #TaxExempt #EndowmentManagement #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #InvestmentStrategy #IvyLeague #RetirementPlanning

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Tom Dupree, founder of Dupree Financial Group, brings decades of financial experience to this episode while exploring Kentucky culture, music nostalgia, and community development. With 47 years in the investment business, Tom offers unique perspectives on wealth management, community priorities, and the challenges facing Lexington’s economic growth.

The episode opens with Tom’s vivid recollection of discovering influential music in the 1970s through a Vietnam veteran camp counselor. This nostalgic journey includes memories of classic albums that shaped his musical taste:

“Every time I drive through the mountains of North Carolina when it’s starting to warm up, I think about that summer, 54 years ago now.”

Tom shares insightful observations about wealth management and the different mindsets people develop around money:

“We do well at this business, but I went through so many years and into my forties and fifties where I struggled financially… Consequently, my spending habits never became stratospheric.”

Tom offers thought-provoking commentary on Lexington’s approach to land use, economic development, and community priorities:

“We’ve gotta think bigger or else we’re gonna die. The tax base will erode here. It may take time.”

With 47 years of investment experience, Tom Dupree understands market fluctuations and opportunities. As he notes:

“If the markets didn’t get messed up from time to time, prices would never get to where they become attractive enough to buy.”

Ready for some financial guidance? Visit dupreeFinancial.com to book a complimentary portfolio review or call 859-233-0400 to speak with the team directly.

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

#FinancialWisdom #InvestmentAdvice #WealthManagement #KentuckyCulture #LexingtonKY #EconomicDevelopment #FinancialPlanning #RetirementStrategies #MusicNostalgia #DupreeFinancial

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In today’s episode of The Financial Hour, Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson discuss crucial investment strategies for retirees focused on generating sustainable income. The conversation highlights the differences between growth and value investing approaches and why dividend-focused portfolios provide stability during market volatility.

Tom and Mike explore how the market has traditionally favored growth investments, particularly in 401(k) plans, but emphasize that value investing offers significant benefits for retirees. They discuss:

“Value takes patience. It takes research. The market is a growth junkie. Let’s face it. People do not junkie out on value.” – Tom Dupree

The hosts examine how economic data is often misinterpreted by financial media, leading to misconceptions about market conditions:

“I read some of these articles in the Wall Street Journal and Barron’s and I think: who wrote this? I mean, did they have some kind of journalism degree?”

– Tom Dupree

Tom explains the Dupree Financial Group approach to retirement planning:

“We harness these portfolios to do a job – that’s to pay you income. It’s set up that way. It’s not investing in a void or in a vacuum.” – Tom Dupree

The discussion highlights several investment “truths” currently being challenged:

“There is nothing that beats long-term equity performance. Second would probably be real estate on a leveraged basis… I don’t know any millionaire billionaires walking around that say, ‘Oh, I made my money in gold.'” – Tom Dupree

If market volatility has you concerned about your retirement strategy, contact Dupree Financial Group for a complimentary portfolio review. Call 859-233-0400 or schedule an appointment directly on their website at dupreefinancial.com.

Let the experienced team at Dupree Financial Group show you how to make your money work for you by creating a customized investment strategy focused on generating the income you need in retirement.

#RetirementPlanning #ValueInvesting #FinancialAdvice #DividendIncome #MarketVolatility #InvestmentStrategy #IncomeGeneration #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome #WealthManagement

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In this episode of The Tom Dupree Show, host Tom Dupree discusses the critical relationship between truth, faith, and financial markets. With decades of experience in wealth management, Tom discusses how the erosion of trust in media, institutions, and financial reporting impacts investment decisions and market behavior.

Tom examines how misinformation has become increasingly prevalent across various platforms:

“We’re in the financial business. One of the things that we depend upon is honesty… There is a word used to describe stocks and bonds. They’re called securities, which means that the investments are set up to be essentially a secure investment for what they are.”

Tom provides a compelling case study on trust and transparency:

Tom shares his approach to navigating today’s complex information landscape:

“If you’re going to invest in something, we dig in so hard to try to see if we can find out what’s really going on. You get to a point where you sort of get a feeling if you’re being lied to or not.”

Tom explores the connection between faith and financial decision-making:

“I’m saying that we have to keep trying to seek the truth that has to be above everything, even if it hurts, even if it destroys what we’ve invested in.”

Are you feeling uncertain about the reliability of financial information you’re receiving? The team at Dupree Financial Group is committed to honest, transparent investment advice focused with a long-term investment perpective.

Contact Dupree Financial Group today at 859-233-0400 or visit dupreefinancial.com for a clear, impartial review of your portfolio. We make your money work for you!

Have thoughts on truth in financial markets? Share your perspective by following us on social media and using these hashtags:

#FinancialTruth #MarketIntegrity #WealthManagement #InvestmentAdvice #FinancialSecurity #RetirementPlanning #MarketAnalysis #FinancialMedia #TrustInFinance #InvestorEducation

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The financial markets have been experiencing significant volatility, but looking beyond the headlines reveals valuable investment opportunities. In this episode of The Tom Dupree Show, Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson dive into the often-overlooked bond market and explain how recent treasury yield movements create strategic investment possibilities.

The bond market has experienced substantial movement in recent weeks, with the 30-year Treasury yield fluctuating from nearly 5% on April 21st to 4.738% at the time of recording. This represents a significant rally in the bond market that warrants investor attention.

“When you have that kind of a sell-off in the bond market, all the headlines you were seeing, it was speculation. You know, who’s selling, why are they selling? But the net effect was a massive selling of bonds, which was making the yields go higher for new buyers.” – Mike Johnson

Key insights about the US debt market:

The hosts address common concerns about the US dollar losing its reserve currency status:

“You’re not going to replace a reserve currency with a weaker currency. It doesn’t work.” – Tom Dupree

 The importance of:

“The more bearish or negative the sentiment is in the market, the more excited you should be as a long-term investor, because of the opportunities that provides.” – Mike Johnson

If market volatility has you concerned about your retirement income strategy, now is the time to reassess your investment approach. Contact Dupree Financial Group at 859-233-0400 or schedule an appointment directly on the homepage of our website at dupreefinancial.com for a comprehensive review of your portfolio.

#RetirementPlanning #InvestmentStrategy #BondMarket #MarketVolatility #FinancialAdvisor #WealthManagement #DividendInvesting #ValueInvesting #FinancialIndependence #TreasuryYields

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In this episode of The Tom Dupree Show, host Tom Dupree and his team discuss a fundamental shift in perspective that retirement investors need to embrace: focusing on income generation rather than account value during periods of market volatility. For retirement investors, understanding the difference between overall portfolio value and sustainable income production is crucial for long-term financial security.

Most investors have been conditioned to focus primarily on their account value, constantly checking whether it’s up or down. However, the Dupree Financial Group takes a different approach, emphasizing that the true purpose of retirement investing is income production.

“We don’t really talk about how much income it produces. It’s an assumption that if the account’s this big, well, he/she can spend all that money… But the real reason that you invest money, at least if you’re a retirement investor, is how much money will that produce.”

This perspective shift becomes especially important during volatile markets, where focusing on stable dividend streams can provide peace of mind even when account values fluctuate.

One of the counterintuitive benefits of market downturns is that they create opportunities to purchase quality dividend-paying stocks at better yields:

“Do you ever hear people say, I like it when the market goes down because I can buy a stock that was yielding 6%? I can now get a 7% yield on it. You know, you never hear that. Never hear it. But the fact is, it’s true because what’s happened is that dividend stream can be bought for cheaper.”

The podcast explains this concept through a helpful real estate analogy, comparing dividend yields to rental property returns. When prices drop but income remains stable, the yield increases, creating better entry points for income-focused investors.

The podcast emphasizes that market volatility is normal and should be expected as part of any long-term investment plan. A resilient retirement strategy must:

“Having an investment approach or retirement plan that you can stick with is vital, and in order to stick with a plan, you have to understand it. And you have to innately agree with the approach.”

The show makes an interesting comparison between dividend investing and real estate investing, noting that while both can provide income, dividend stocks offer significant advantages:

If market volatility has you concerned about your retirement portfolio, now is an ideal time to reassess your investment strategy.  Dupree Financial Group specializes in retirement investing and is focused on income generation through dividends.

Contact Dupree Financial Group today for a complimentary portfolio analysis:

Dupree Financial Group – Where we make your money work for you.

#RetirementIncome #DividendInvesting #MarketVolatility #RetirementPlanning #FinancialIndependence #InvestmentStrategy #IncomeInvesting #RetirementSecurity #DividendYield #FinancialFreedom

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Welcome to another insightful episode of The Tom Dupree Show, brought to you by Dupree Financial Group, where we make your money work for you. This week, host Tom Dupree takes listeners on a journey through classic Americana with Junior Samples’ legendary fish tale, shares powerful Easter reflections, and delivers thought-provoking commentary on financial accountability in higher education and research funding.

Tom kicks off the show with a nostalgic trip back to the 1960s, playing the famous interview that put Junior Samples on the map before his Hee Haw fame – “The World’s Biggest Whopper.” This classic piece of Americana showcases Samples’ distinctive North Georgia accent as he spins an increasingly dubious tale about catching a record-breaking bass.

The story, revealed to be a tall tale about a grouper from Florida that Samples claimed was a bass he caught, highlights the humor and storytelling tradition of rural America. Tom and Elizabeth discuss how Samples’ repeated phrase “I think” throughout the story signals his fabrication.

Tom offers meaningful Easter reflections, beginning with Psalm 68 and moving into a discussion on spiritual warfare in today’s world. He shares his perspective on:

“You can’t have your own way if you want in on what Easter is, you’ve gotta give it over to God. And you’ve gotta take the sins that you know that you’ve committed and lay ’em at the foot of the cross.”

The conversation shifts to a timely discussion about financial accountability in higher education, specifically addressing recent controversies surrounding Harvard University and research funding. Tom examines:

“Harvard’s Endowment as it is, they could pay for every student enrolled right now for 30 years.”

Want to learn more about making your money work for you? Visit our website at dupreefinancial.com and click on the radio tab to hear more episodes of The Tom Dupree Show. For personalized financial guidance, call us at 859-233-0400 and let our team help structure your retirement investment portfolio to produce both income and growth.

#FinancialWisdom #RetirementPlanning #TomDupreeShow #JuniorSamples #FinancialAccountability #EasterReflections #InvestmentStrategy #HigherEducation #ResearchFunding #FinancialIndependence

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In today’s volatile market environment, many investors are searching for stability and reliable income. The Financial Hour podcast with Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson offer practical advice for retirement investors through uncertain times.

When market volatility strikes, focusing on portfolio value alone can be misleading and emotionally draining. Tom and Mike emphasize that dividend investing provides a critical advantage: you get paid regardless of market conditions.

“If you own dividend paying stocks, you’re getting paid. If the market’s up, down, sideways, you’re still likely getting your dividends.” – Tom Dupree

This fundamental truth forms the cornerstone of effective retirement planning. Rather than obsessing over day-to-day market fluctuations, successful investors focus on building reliable income streams.

The current market environment tempts many investors to become short-term traders, which can be dangerous for retirement portfolios. Tom warns:

“This market will turn you into a trader and you’ve got to be very careful about that… The trading thing makes you think very short-term oriented.”

Attempting to time market movements often leads to missing significant upside when markets recover, as investors become focused on small wins rather than long-term income generation.

The podcast breaks down the concept of total return investing, which includes both price appreciation and dividend income. While both components matter, dividend income provides the stability retirees need when taking distributions.

Key points:

Mike Johnson emphasizes that hoping for market recovery isn’t a viable retirement strategy:

“Saying that ‘well, in the past, the market’s always come back’ – that is not a retirement plan… what it is akin to is hope.”

When taking regular withdrawals from a portfolio, time works against investors who rely solely on price appreciation. Dividend income provides the cash flow needed without forcing liquidation during market downturns.

The team discusses how they used recent market declines as buying opportunities:

“The markets go down on Tuesday… we added to a couple positions. The two that we added pay dividends. The valuation was attractive… and that dividend is extremely well covered.”

This strategic approach uses volatility to improve both income generation and long-term appreciation potential.

An enlightening comparison emerges between dividend stocks and rental properties:

“You can look at your dividend paying stocks or bonds if you have some bonds – those are like properties that are producing you rental income.”

This mental model helps investors understand the purpose of dividend investing: creating reliable income streams regardless of market conditions.

Are market fluctuations causing you stress about your retirement portfolio? It’s time to shift focus from market value to income generation.

Contact Dupree Financial Group for a portfolio analysis that identifies risk and opportunity in today’s challenging market. Call 859-233-0400 or schedule an appointment directly at dupreefinancial.com.

With over 46 years in the investment business, Tom Dupree understands that proper management of retirement assets is a long-term process focused on reliable income generation.

#DividendInvesting #RetirementPlanning #FinancialIndependence #MarketVolatility #IncomeInvesting #RetirementIncome #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #InvestmentStrategy #DividendStocks

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