Investing Sense

As soon as we got used to all-time highs in the markets almost every single week, now we’re once again fighting a familiar foe: market volatility. Bob and Andy discuss the always-changing market conditions, and the importance of having a personalized, long-term financial plan. The one thing that’s still the same, however, is this can’t happen until you simply get started, and they offer a way for you to do that RIGHT now!

Today’s show is full of in-depth conversations as two of our favorite guests stop by! First, Andy sits down with JT Taylor, who gives his unfiltered, insider’s perspective on the world of politics, including the after effect of the Kavanaugh hearing and the midterm elections. Then, Don Luskin joins in, to discuss his unique perspective on interest rates, the trade wars, and more!

The Barron’s list of the top independent financial advisors was recently released, and there’s a familiar name that made its debut ranking! Bob and Andy talk about how the growth of this list mirrors the growth and changes in the industry and how it’s good news for investors and clients. Also, Don Luskin joins the show to give his valuable perspective and insights on the current big stories in the financial world, including the latest on the Fed and interest rates.

As autumn colors unfold and the calendar flips to October, many people look forward to upcoming holidays, college football and the World Series, or simpler pleasures like cooler weather. Buried in the busyness of the season is an important announcement from the Social Security Administration: the annual Cost of Living Adjustment. It’s estimated to be the largest increase in recent years, so Bob and Andy take a look at how it could impact retirees. Plus, Bill Tracy is in-studio to talk...

The markets are moving fast, surging to new all-time highs again this week. But uncertainty is also on the rise, with news about interest rate hikes, talks about trade wars, and so many other political and social issues heating up. So, how can smart investors turn these variables into opportunities? Bob and Andy have an easy course of action to take RIGHT now, to get much-needed clarity and focus.

ABob and Andy explore one of the ways that investors could be accidentally hurting themselves: loss aversion. Recalling their conversation with Dan Ariely, a leading expert on psychology and finance, this is just one example of irrational investor behavior. Plus, a caller asks a frustrated, yet important question: Why pay fees for bad investment advice?

Andy continues his series of talking with recent retirees about achieving the goal of retirement. Today, Bob, who is a long-time family friend, opens up and shares some of the hardest lessons he learned while transitioning into retirement and growing older. Plus, Senior Analyst Bill Tracy is back to talk about the latest trends from the Financial Engines Research Center, including a forecast for a sector “shake-up” and other events making for a busy September!

Happy Labor Day weekend! Small cap stocks have been leading the way over the summer, rising just like the temperatures, and once again reaching all-time highs. Strong runs like these are ripe for recency bias, as it’s tempting for investors to only look at the most recent past when considering an investment. Bob and Andy break down why it’s all about diversification and asset allocation! Also, special guests Rick and Joyce sit down with Andy to share their story about achieving retirement.

Andy continues his series of sitting down with friends who have recently retired, sharing how they navigated their journey and what they’ve learned along the way. These conversations fit right in with the many questions, calls and emails this week: from the impact supplemental income could have on Social Security benefits, to the idea of using retirement savings to help pay for long-term health care. Plus, Bill Tracy is in-studio to shed more light on recent changes to client portfolios.

Investing Sense continues the series of interviewing recent retirees, sharing success stories and advice, both as celebration of reaching the goal and inspiration for investors who are not quite there. This week, Andy sits down with Jamie and Mary, who share a story of how they discovered it was time to retire, and the personal and financial freedom they now enjoy! Also, Bill Tracy is back to share his latest charts, this time with a focus on emerging markets.

Facebook recently endured the largest single-day loss of market value by any company in the history of the market. It was quite a news story, and a great example of the many stresses involved in retirement planning. Plus, Bob and Andy dive into the ever-growing email inbox and loads of listener questions, with plenty more lessons to be learned from each other!

Maybe, just maybe, things aren’t as bad as they seem. Despite all the bad press in newspapers, radio, cable news, and the internet, the stock market continues to hold near its all-time highs. Bob and Andy explore the effect this discrepancy can have on investors’ psychology. Plus, our resident Washington D.C. insider JT Taylor is back again with plenty to talk about, including a possible under-looked risk posed by the trade wars.

The temperature isn’t the only thing rising this summer. So are stocks! Despite perceived fears over a trade war with China and the crazy political climate in the U.S., as Andy explains, the stock market just keeps pushing higher. Friends Bill Tracy and Don Luskin join the guys this week for deep discussions on these stories and other trends unfolding across the markets and economy. Plus, Andy helps a caller with a question about finding her right Social Security claiming strategy.

Amazon is probably the grand-daddy of disruptors, and they continue to do so in the healthcare sector with their recent acquisition of Pill Pack. Bob and Andy discuss how this could affect both small-cap AND health care, two big themes on the show this year. Also, Olympian and author Alex Allred joins the show to talk about taking care of aging parents. Plus, is elderly identity theft a new public health crisis, and what can we do about it?

Bob is feeling a little melancholy over the news of GE getting kicked out of the Dow Jones Industrials. After all, the stock has been one of the Dow 30 for over 100 years, and represents more old-school, industrial American business. However, there are plenty of new-school, emerging sectors that are leading the economy forward. Plus, as we’ve reached the mid-way point of the year, Andy breaks down the second-quarter and year-to-date market performance…with charts!

Bob and Andy tackle email and caller questions, covering topics from the complex ways to take pensions, whether or not to move money from investments to help with home improvements or paying off debt, to a portfolio review for a 100-year-old mother-in-law. Plus, a conversation with writer and Social Security claiming strategy expert Mary Beth Franklin, who offers important insights and advice to help maximize your benefits.

Investing Sense celebrated our 300th show a few weeks ago, and over the years, so many listeners and callers asked: ”How can I get started saving for retirement?” Andy’s most common answer: “Max out your 401(k)!” But there are some common, costly mistakes that many Americans are making and could result in leaving $10,000’s on the table! The guys reveal an easy step to take in making sure YOU aren’t making these same mistakes.

Happy Father’s Day weekend! The amount of wealth generated in this country keeps growing to record highs, from returns on stocks and bonds, to rising home values, to the job market… but statistics show that tens of millions of Americans are still missing out on this amazing opportunity. Bob and Andy dig into the reasons why from an historical perspective. Plus, more from Don Luskin and JT Taylor, along with the weekly visit and charts from Bill Tracy.

The show rolls on into summer and as the guys explain, with Q1 earnings season over, this is historically a quiet time of year. But could the market knee-jerk react to news, especially ahead of the up-coming mid-term elections? Bob and Andy turn to JT Taylor, our resident Capitol Hill insider, to help keep you on the right side of headlines. Plus, Bill Tracy is back to share his latest chart pack and insights from the Financial Engines Research Center.

A strange turn of events in the market this week after an abrupt shift in sentiment in the bond market. Bob and Andy, along with listeners, focus on the ups and downs in interest rates and discuss what it means for portfolios. Plus, with so many rules and regulations to follow, every retiree needs help when it comes to Social Security. Writer and claiming strategy expert Mary Beth Franklin joins the show to offer important insights and advice to help maximize your benefits!