There are many continuing care facilities that require large deposits and promise to return these deposits to family members after the care has ended. Unfortunately, nothing in life is guaranteed. Today, Evan brings an article outlining some of the risks involved with end-of-life expenses and a continuing care facility that filed for bankruptcy and owes families over $50 million. Listen along as Paul and Evan talk about how important it is to read the fine print with major financial decisions like this and go in wide-eyed about the risks. Later in the episode, Paul and Evan share about a new office opening in Cookeville and a few different ways you can get personalized help with your financial plan.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul and Evan explain why political news and stock pricing don’t always relate in ways you would expect. After talking about some political unrest in France, Paul explains how risk actually makes its way into stock prices, why political policies are more important than public opinion, and how companies make plans for multiple political outcomes to drive profit of shareholders.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Hoping that your pension will meet all your needs in retirement may cause problems for you that you never expected. After a GM retiree ended up in the national spotlight when he dove in a dumpster and found a firearm belonging to Hunter Biden, Paul and Evan talk about a common practice of pensions that puts their recipients at risk. Listen along to hear why blindly trusting your employer with your retirement isn’t a good plan.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul and Evan talk about one of the most popular investing practices putting investors at risk today: indexing. Not only does widespread indexing put you at risk, but it makes the industry a lot of money. Listen along as these investor coaches explain why indexing misleads investors and encourages some of Wall Street's most dangerous behaviors. Later, Paul finds that investors are pulling money out of the S&P 500 only to bet even more aggressively on a handful of those 500 companies.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul shares the DALBAR’s annual report called the Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior (QAIB). Paul talks about investor behavior and explains why advisers and investors following asset class investing principles but engaging in market timing and stock picks are going to have a hard time finding ways to take an income in retirement.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

If an asset is harder to sell, does that mean it pays a higher return? Today, Paul brings up which factors affect your returns and pushes back against an article about how liquidity is a significant factor. Listen along as Paul talks about a few popular illiquid assets, real estate and annuities, and why the risk of having your money stuck in them outweighs the return. Later in the show, Paul addresses a listener who wants to know the pros and cons of CD ladders when taking an income from your investments. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul brings a story about a job candidate being asked to do some design work as part of the interview process. The problem is: he had been asked to do that before and wasn’t given a job. Today, Paul and Ira talk about the ethics of the situation, the tough job market in 2024, and how to balance personal boundaries and risk taking in your career. Later in the episode, Paul mentions three companies that make up 20% of a 500 company fund and investors are in a much riskier spot than they believe.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul and Ira talk about summer reading and bring an article that mentions both they’ve both read and enjoyed and a book they both agree you should probably stay away from. Listen along to get a personal recommendation from Paul about your summer reading list on money and finances.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Since 2020, we’ve seen most media outlets on high alert for a looming recession, but unemployment numbers have remained low. Today, Paul brings a WSJ article and asks, “So… when is that recession coming?” Paul and Ira encourage investors not to speculate on the timing of economic changes and talk about what has kept the economy out of recession over the last four years.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul and Evan talk about struggles in the world’s largest pension fund, but to their surprise it was not California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), but China’s public pension fund. Listen along as these advisors explain what is going on, how these issues compare with Social Security in the US, and why our fear of China economics can lead us to bad financial decisions. Later in the episode, Paul talks about the FED and unemployment in the United States.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Since AI technology has been available to the public, people have spent entire fortunes betting on certain companies or market segments in anticipation of its adoption into everyday life. What's worse, the financial media outlets have made wild predictions about market crashes that have caused some investors to panic and move to cash. Now, the Wall Street Journal writes an article stating that AI has been largely disappointing and interest in it has cooled altogether. Paul wants you to know that any speculation around the success or failure of AI misses the mark. If you want to be an investor who can relax about money, the best thing you can do is ignore these kinds of headlines.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Have you ever seen or heard a financial expert trying to explain away an academic investing principle because “things are different now”? Paul cautions that this is almost always a sales tactic. Listen along as Paul takes on one of these claims about the 4% rule and uses it to teach an important lesson about sequence-of-returns risk and taking an income out of your retirement savings while running the portfolio down.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Most people go through two phases in life. First, they work for money and then they let money work for them. Most younger investors can get off to a slow start when it comes to saving and investing. Paul knows that life can easily get in the way, but wants you to get started saving and investing as soon as you can. This means your money has more time to grow and work for you. Listen along as Paul explains a helpful paradigm for making career and investing choices for people who feel stuck towards the beginning of their investing journey.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul brings an article about teaching your children financial literacy skills and how to have the conversation in a way that gives them confidence to make wise money-decisions as they grow into adults. Studies have shown the children can start forming permanent money habits as early as 6 or 7 years old. Listen along as Paul talks about his experiences around money growing up and what financial skills you should teach your children that build the foundation of success with money and investing.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Alabama just removed the state capital gains tax on gold and silver assets, which some pundits say will help ease the burden of Americans struggling with inflation and economic pressure. Paul asserts that this move just highlights that these commodities are not investments to begin with. Listen along as Paul and Ira talk through whether or not changes like this make a stronger case for or against investing in gold and silver. Later in the episode, Paul and Ira talk about the state of the insurance industry. Premiums on homeowners insurance policies are at an all time high, but insurance companies are having to get help from other insurance companies to cover their liability.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

The headlines read like commercial real estate has beaten investing in the market for the last 25 years. The reality is that someone cherry picked one REIT Index against a specific collection of large US companies to make their products look better to investors. Paul wants you to know that you will see these kinds of outrageous claims about real estate beating out the market, but the truth is that a well-diversified portfolio performs much better and already has exposure to real estate. Later in the episode, Paul and Ira talk about how companies only share the information that makes their products look superior instead of coaching and educating investors. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul and Ira talk about relative loss. It’s easy to see when your investments lose value, but it’s harder to see when your investments are suffering a relative loss. Listen along as Paul explains what relative loss is and how to keep your investments working the way they were designed to.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Most investors agree that not putting all your eggs in one basket is smart, but the financial industry can make that hard to do. Paul continues teaching about diversification from an academic perspective and explains how fund companies distract investors by focusing on the track record of their best funds instead of coaching them through market fluctuations and helping them diversify their assets to areas of the market that have had the highest historic returns. Later in the episode, Paul talks about a listener who felt like they needed to keep their guard up at their bank to keep from getting offered an annuity product.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

A forecaster at JP Morgan is ringing warning bells of a large market downturn, but has the company largely pulled out of the market? No. Paul starts to explain why diversification, a foundational principle of investing, can help you relax about money amid antagonistic headlines. In the first part of this conversation, Paul covers how pundits and fund companies usually only talk about the S&P 500 or the DOW when they talk about the market, when it is really much larger than that.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul puts Jeff, a new producer at WTN, on the spot and asks him to think of a question for Paul to answer on the air. After some thought, Jeff shares, “I’ve never invested before, but I think I’m ready to start. Stocks seem like a good place to invest. How do I make a game plan?” Paul takes a step back and shares what a strong financial plan looks like, how to know when you’re ready to start investing, and how to to start making an investing game-plan. Later in the episode, a listener reaches out to Paul because he wants more information about Paul’s opinion on bonds that take longer than 5 years to mature.   Paul would love to answer your questions about money and investing. If you have a question for the show, go to paulwinkler.com/question.

Most investors think returns are the best way to measure the success of an investment product, but when asked they aren’t usually able to be more specific about what they mean. Today, Paul and Ira talk about how following the media's ideas about returns can push investors toward some common investing mistakes. Listen along to hear a different approach to thinking about returns that gives you a better picture of your portfolio's performance.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Curiosity and education are important in the financial process, but there are some questions that are not good for investors to be asking. After Paul worked with someone this week who got troubling financial advice from a family member, he wants to remind investors that questions about the short term past-performance of an investment are generally not helpful. Listen along as Paul and Ira explain why this kind of thinking leads people to market timing and risky investing decisions.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

No one is immune to loss and hardship. But just like money and finances can feel difficult or taboo, conversations around grief and mental health can also be difficult to navigate. Today, Paul invites a friend and fellow counselor, Lindsey Casabella, onto the show to talk about the grieving process, how to walk through it towards mental and physical health, and some important information for helping loved ones who are dealing with grief and loss.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

No one is immune to loss and hardship. But just like money and finances can feel difficult or taboo, conversations around grief and mental health can also be difficult to navigate. Today, Paul invites a friend and fellow counselor, Lindsey Casabella, on to the show to talk about the grieving process, how to walk through it toward mental and physical health, and some important information for helping loved ones who are dealing with grief and loss.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Do you remember just a few years ago when the media was nervous to see China become the world's leading economy? So many people used this supposed inevitability to take bets on what they market would do as a result. Paul is here to talk about China's most recent economic stumble and how disinflation is causing China to struggle to compete on the world stage. Things can change quickly. Paul reflects on a similar situation with Japan in the 80s and how the United States shifted to stay competitive. Later in the episode, Paul answers a couple of questions from a financial stewardship class he taught at Trevecca.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul shares an all-too-common investing horror story as a warning to investors who think they can trust their advisors without any education. A 50-year-old woman has an advisor who takes her out to lunch, buys presents for her kids, sends her holiday cards, and then puts $500,000 of her money into annuity products. After a decade trying to get out, another advisor ties up her money in stock-picking and active management against her wishes. Paul urges investors to look past if their advisor might be “nice” and educate themselves about the investing process. Unfortunately, this story is more common than you might think. Later in the episode, Paul hits a question from his financial stewardship class at Trevecca about how to finally start saving. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul gets some great feedback on a video he made late last month about whether or not investors should invest in gold in 2024. Paul takes some time to answer these questions from listeners: 1) If banks and companies are borrowing and going into large amounts of debt, are they really a safe place to keep money compared to owning gold? 2) Does your investing advice about gold apply to all commodities? 3) Isn’t gold a better option than cash because it protects your wealth against inflation? Listen along to hear more about why there is so much misinformation around gold and how it gets marketed to investors. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

When it comes to investing, people are really sucked in by trends. Have you ever heard a friend or family member say, “You’ve got to own this company. This company is going to be the future of ___.”? Today, Paul talks about why people who are able to relax about money do not engage in these kinds of trends. Paul shares some of the most recent trendy companies who have failed to meet lofty expectations and how following investing trends also leads to focusing on past performance and betting on areas of the markets that did well months or years ago.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

The investment industry is always harping on topics, like taxes or fees, that they claim will have the biggest difference on your success as an investor. Today, Paul and Jim set the record straight by letting you know that it is the behavior of you and your investment manager that makes the biggest difference on the outcome. Listen along as these two advisors talk about the often ignored topic of behavioral finance. Later in the episode, Paul and Jim talk about why trying to make investing easy can actually lower your confidence as an investor.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

It seems like every few months you hear that lack of personal savings combined with a failing Social Security program is leading to a Retirement Crisis. Today, Anne brings an article that points to the fact that there is no real evidence yet to prove these kinds of claims and plenty of evidence to the contrary. Listen along as these advisors unpack a more level-headed take on what the future of retirement will look like for people in the United States. Later in the episode, Anne talks about the billions of unseen dollars lost or spent by family members who are trying to forgo long-term care costs for the aging loved ones. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Evan encourages you to spend a few minutes in reflection about what money means to you and how those beliefs could be affecting your relationship to your finances. Is money good or bad? Is it a struggle for you or out of your control? Are people using money to have power or control over you? After some discussion, Evan and Anne encourage you to challenge some of your money scripts and be open to seeing money as a tool that can help you live in your purpose and make the world around you a better place. Later in the episode, Evan shares his frustration about a popular internet influencer giving troubling advice about investing to people who trust her.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul brings a few questions from his time teaching financial stewardship at Trevecca and wants Evan and Anne to share their perspectives. They start by tackling the question, “What was the best investment you’ve ever made?” and then pivot to talking about how to know you’re on track to retire. Listen along as both Paul and Evan share their best investments and the advisor gives a clear framework for tracking your retirement goals.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Anne brings in an article about how the financial process looks different for people who have generational wealth and what kind of conversations an advisor would have with someone who has less fear of “losing it all” and a greater expectation of leaving a legacy to future generations. Paul shares his insight on why having a strong purpose for your money will give you clarity about conversations around legacy, and he cautions people against letting their feelings lead in the investing process. Even the wealthiest investors can let fear and greed keep them from relaxing about money.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

It's common for an advisor to sit down with a couple who doesn’t see eye-to-eye on what their retirement years will look like. The truth is that couples can spend decades together and not feel the need to talk seriously about those retirement years. Today, Ira brings in a new study that finds one-in-one couples disagree on what they will be spending and, ultimately, how much they will need to save for retirement. Listen along as Ira and Jonathan talk about getting together with your spouse to have a real conversation about retirement planning. Later in the show, the advisors notice what this study says about couples and estate planning and how you can overcome the uncomfortable topics of death and finances to make a plan and start relaxing about money. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

As with most things in life, what you know is less important than who you do. Today, Ira talks about the seven virtues of successful investors. Listen along to hear what virtues differentiate successful investors from the rest. Ira and Johnathan talk about how patience, curiosity, and humility can put you in a position to have a healthier relationship with your finances and relax about money regardless of your income or stage of life.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

The DOW dropped 500 points in April. This also happened in 1987. The difference is that in 1987, this was a 22.6% drop and last month it was only a 1.4% decline. Today, Ira and Jonathan Walker talk about an article from Jason Zweig called The Volatility Illusion. This article highlights a trick that the financial news media uses to create the illusion of unstable markets—reporting on the magnitude of market changes, while never mentioning the percentage of change. Listen along as these two advisors talk about how the kind of information investors get on television and through news outlets doesn’t teach investors about how investing actually works. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul and Jim talk about the kind of investing mistake you never want to make—an irreversible one. Listen along as Paul and Jim talk about the most common and dangerous permanent financial mistakes and what you can do to avoid these and others like them on your financial journey.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul and Jim chat about why gold seems to be such a popular investment option, even though it has little to no real returns. The crux of the conversation comes down to your definition of “return.” Paul explains that there are two different kinds of returns, nominal and real, and teaches why using gold to build or protect wealth is not a good idea. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Can your portfolio survive a downturn in 2024? Today, Paul tackles this question with some information about the history of market downturns, what kind of portfolios have fared the best, and how your portfolio should shift as you come closer to retirement. Later in the show, Paul walks through what is most important for his clients to understand as they walk through the financial planning process.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Evan brings in annuities products where you participate in both the upside and downside of the market. Paul and Evan talk about how bizarre this product seems and allows you to choose how much risk you are willing to take and explain where this product fits with Fixed Income Annuities and Variable Annuities. Evan bemoans the fact that somehow insurance companies have figured out how to add market-timing to an annuity product. Later in the episode, Paul shares a gold advertisement and breaks down the strategies being used in it to make misleading claims about gold performance. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

If you’re happy with the income you’re making and you see your portfolio going up, you’re pretty likely to think that your investments are doing well. However, positive returns don’t mean positive performance in your portfolio. Today, Paul explains why learning how to read your portfolio statement unlocks your ability to make the right decisions for your financial future and if your investments are on track. Evan talks about the power of compounded interest and why seeing your portfolio go up can trick investors into relaxing about money and miss out on huge returns. Paul and Evan explain why the alternative to being educated is trusting an industry that depends on stock picking and market timing. Later in the episode, Paul talks about Netflix withholding subscriber data from investors and how some of the markets largest companies aren’t invincible.    For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul, Evan, and Ira talk about how frustrating it is that the average agents and investors are fooled into investment strategies that sound better than they are. Listen along as Paul shares about an investor who was offered an annuity but the salesperson described it like it was Roth IRA. The advisors also talk about how common Roth conversions have become and why they aren’t right for everyone. The investment industry is working to convince you that there are ways to get wealthier without risk. If you believe them, you become a target for a product they’re trying to sell. Later in the episode, Evan brings up the 10-year rule on RMDs for inherited IRAs.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul talks about his most recent webinar on Social Security and why it’s fairly rare to find education in this industry without a sales pitch. Listen along as Paul covers some important Social Security topics like filing early versus filing late, taxes, spousal benefits, and whether he believes Social Security will be around in the future to offer benefits. Later in the episode, Paul teaches about commodities and talks about why you should be wary of any sales pitches that claim to be a better option than investing in equities.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Paul brings an article from WSJ called “Will Banks Finally Have to Pay You More For Savings?” and explains why inflation and interest rates increases on deposits don’t exactly mean higher returns for savings accounts and CDs. Listen along as Paul explains some of why large banks like JPMorgan Chase aren’t sure where things are headed and how much they will be able to offer on these products. All in all, banks are still not a reliable place for large deposits, if you’re looking for returns that beat inflation. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today, Paul and Ira cover give a market up in light of the wars in the Ukraine and Israel, inflation, and interest rates. Paul plays a clip that poses the question: Is inflation coming inside the United States or from imports? Listen along as Paul and Ira explain what is going on in the economy and markets in April of 2024. Later in the episode, Paul answers a question about why he lumps Bitcoin into the same category as other crypto currencies. For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

Today Paul and Ira talk briefly about how 1031 exchanges are a tax benefit that can keep  people stuck in real estate investing. The reality is that real estate ownership is a job and there are times when it makes sense to quit the job and move on to something else. Listen along as these advisors talk about how trying to make smart investing decisions can actually lead you away from your purpose for money. Later in the episode, Paul talks about what it would be like to manage $1.6 trillion in investments.   For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

In a two-part episode, Paul interviews Dr. John Kennedy from Trevecca University. Dr. Kennedy began his career as an accountant and now teaches research methods, statistical analysis, and psychological testing classes as a member of Trevecca’s counseling department and practicing national certified counselor. Paul and John talk about the importance of psychology and mental health and how financial health is first a battle of the mind. Listen along as the two share their experience in the field of psychology, research, and financial planning to help you navigate your own feelings and thoughts in today’s world.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.

In a two-part episode, Paul interviews Dr. John Kennedy from Trevecca University. Dr. Kennedy began his career as an accountant and now teaches research methods, statistical analysis, and psychological testing classes as a member of Trevecca’s counseling department and practicing national certified counselor. Paul and John, talk about the importance of psychology and mental health and how financial health is first a battle of the mind. Listen along as the two share their experience in the field of psychology, research, and financial planning to help you navigate your own feelings and thoughts in today’s world.  For more information about what we do or how we can help you, schedule a 15-minute call with us here: paulwinkler.com/call.