Simply Money
iHeart Podcast Network
For more than 20 years, the Simply Money radio show has provided straightforward and entertaining explanations of how the economy and stock market affect your wealth. Join Allworth advisors Bob Sponseller and Brian James from our Cincinnati team as...
Location:
United States
Networks:
iHeart Podcast Network
Description:
For more than 20 years, the Simply Money radio show has provided straightforward and entertaining explanations of how the economy and stock market affect your wealth. Join Allworth advisors Bob Sponseller and Brian James from our Cincinnati team as they offer unique financial perspectives—along with smart tax and estate planning strategies—to help you make the most of your money. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of the topics discussed. It should not be interpreted as personalized investment advice or relied upon as such. The information is not intended to convey any implicit or explicit guarantee or sense of assurance that, if followed, any investment strategies referenced will produce a positive or desired outcome. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. There can be no assurance that any investment strategy or decision will achieve its intended objectives or result in a positive return. It is important to carefully consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.
Language:
English
Episodes
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
5/8/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian put the last five years of stock market returns into proper perspective—breaking down why, despite volatility, disciplined investors have still seen strong long-term results, and why short-term headlines can distort reality and lead to poor decisions. They walk through recent market performance across the S&P 500, NASDAQ, small caps, and international markets, highlighting the surprising strength and broad-based nature of this rally, while also addressing the psychological challenges investors face during uncertain times.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:44
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
5/8/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down how AI is no longer just a “big tech” story—but an economic force reshaping everything from healthcare to energy—and what that means for your investment portfolio. Plus, how to avoid lifestyle creep as your income rises, navigate delicate financial conversations with aging parents, and set healthy boundaries when family and friends come asking for financial help. And before you say yes to that vacation pitch, a clear-eyed look at whether timeshares are a smart lifestyle move—or a costly mistake you can’t easily escape.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:27
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
5/7/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down three powerful—and very different—voices shaping investor sentiment right now, from Warren Buffett’s warning that markets are behaving more like a casino than a place for disciplined investing, to Jamie Dimon’s concerns that inflation and interest rates could stay higher for longer and create new hurdles for growth, to Elon Musk’s bold claim that saving for retirement may one day be unnecessary in an AI-driven world. Along the way, they unpack what all of this means for long-term investors, why short-term trading strategies can quietly derail even smart portfolios, and how to separate meaningful financial insight from attention-grabbing noise when making big decisions about your money.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:23
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
5/7/2026
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:37
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
5/7/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian tackle a critical question for investors: what happens if the next decade of market returns doesn’t cooperate—and does your financial plan rely on strong returns just to survive? They break down how to properly stress test your retirement plan using real-world scenarios, Monte Carlo analysis, and the importance of separating must-have expenses from discretionary spending to weather any environment. Plus, they dive into the hidden complexities of restricted stock units (RSUs), including how they’re taxed, vesting schedules, and why they should be treated as a concentrated position in your portfolio. You’ll also hear strategies for protecting your retirement timing from market downturns, how to think through pension lump sum versus income decisions, and smart ways to gift money for major life events without triggering unnecessary taxes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:34
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
5/5/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down why stocks just had their best month in five years while gold is plunging—despite global conflict—and what that signals about investor sentiment, inflation expectations, and where markets may head next. They also uncover a report revealing over $160 million in missed or underpaid Social Security benefits impacting thousands of retirees, discuss the real risks of letting AI make financial decisions on your behalf, and answer listener questions on Roth conversions, charitable giving strategies, and whether real estate still deserves a place in a high-net-worth portfolio.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:52
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
5/1/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the hidden danger in today’s markets: not panic—but complacency. While headlines are filled with war, inflation concerns, and uncertainty, investors seem unfazed—and that can create its own set of risks. They walk through real-life scenarios of retirees staying too heavily invested in equities, “set it and forget it” millionaires ignoring portfolio drift, and couples making major purchases without proper planning—highlighting how overconfidence and lack of discipline can quietly derail even strong financial plans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:04
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
5/1/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down how four big tech companies moved the market in minutes after earnings, why strong cloud growth continues to power the economy, what a steady GDP report really says about where we’re headed, and how big life decisions—from age-gap marriages to AI in the workplace—can impact your financial plan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:36:39
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/30/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady and what it really signals for investors, why the old “sell in May and go away” strategy can do more harm than good, and the hidden risks in chasing market trends—from short squeezes to speculative betting markets—while also answering listener questions on Roth conversions, pre-tax retirement strategies, and navigating a surprise business buyout offer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:39:37
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/29/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down three conflicting market predictions making headlines right now—and why reacting to any of them could derail your long-term plan—while also diving into the dangers of turning your 401(k) into a betting platform, whether a “too balanced” portfolio could actually hurt your growth, how appraisal gaps can impact what you really pay for a home, and smart strategies for high-net-worth investors including direct indexing, managing large IRA balances, and planning for long-term care without over-insuring.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:39:15
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/28/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down what really drives the markets—cutting through the noise of scary headlines to focus on corporate earnings, recession risk, and the health of the consumer—while also exploring the impact of stock buybacks like Netflix’s massive program, how your identity can complicate retirement more than your finances, and smart strategies for managing concentrated stock, charitable giving, and building a sustainable retirement plan.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:39:14
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/24/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down a bold—and controversial—investment strategy suggesting nearly half your portfolio belong in gold, commodities, and even Bitcoin, with zero allocation to bonds. They dig into why some global strategists are losing faith in traditional portfolio construction, what’s really driving the fear around inflation and government debt, and why abandoning bonds altogether could create more volatility—not less. Plus, a reality check on cryptocurrency as a true currency, including what happened when El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender—and why it hasn’t delivered on its promises. Finally, they explain how smart bond management—like adjusting duration and laddering maturities—can still play a critical role in building a resilient, income-producing portfolio.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:20
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/24/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian separate fact from fiction when it comes to the latest “stock market bubble” headlines. They also walk through the real-world decisions around unwinding rental properties, from 1031 exchanges to depreciation recapture, plus practical home maintenance tips that can protect one of your largest assets, and answers to listener questions on backdoor Roth strategies, inherited IRA withdrawal rules, and balancing charitable giving with family goals.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:39
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/23/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the implications of Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh’s confirmation hearing with insights from former Cleveland Fed President Dr. Loretta Mester, explaining why Fed independence matters and how decisions are really made. They also explore new data showing declining retirement confidence as rising healthcare, travel, and housing costs weigh on retirees, along with practical guidance on building a plan that accounts for those realities. Plus they tackle listener questions by offering solutions for managing retirement cash flow when assets are tied up in private equity, investing excess income tax-efficiently after maxing out retirement accounts, and reevaluating municipal bond strategies as income changes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:39:39
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/22/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explain why the market rebounded sharply despite global conflict, highlighting how one company—Micron Technology—is driving a surprising share of earnings growth expectations and what that means for diversification and long-term investors. They also discuss the risks of relying on headline-making company CEOs, answer listener questions on direct indexing, tax planning in retirement, and concentrated stock positions, and wrap up with smart, flexible strategies for funding grandchildren’s education using tools like 529 plans.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:51
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/21/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down why markets can surge to record highs even as geopolitical tensions with Iran create ongoing uncertainty, and what that means for investors trying to time the “all clear.” They also dive into the risks of chasing hype after a sneaker company’s AI-fueled stock spike and crash, and the broader lessons for anyone tempted by momentum trades. Plus, practical advice on managing complex financial decisions—from reviewing life insurance and executing Roth conversions to maximizing charitable giving strategies. And finally, a discussion on new Social Security proposals that could impact high earners down the road.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:24
Simply Money Presented by Allworth Financial
4/18/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down why the market so often defies logic—and discuss why a so-called “WTF indicator” is really a reminder that trying to predict short-term moves is a losing game, even for the smartest investors. They explain why headlines rarely match market performance, how forward-looking expectations drive returns, and why sitting on the sidelines can cost you more than volatility ever will.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:17
Simply Money Presented by Allworth Financial
4/16/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the key life moments when calling your financial advisor can make—or cost—you thousands. They also tackle a surprising trend: why retirees with millions saved still feel financially insecure, and how shifting from pension-style income to managing a “pile of money” has changed everything. Plus, insights from CIO Andy Stout on how tax-efficient investing strategies like tax loss harvesting and direct indexing can add real after-tax returns, and practical advice on gifting strategies, insurance gaps, and why not having a power of attorney could create major problems for your family.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:38:55
Simply Money Presented by Allworth Financial
4/16/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down what big bank earnings are revealing about the economy and why it matters for your portfolio, explore how record-low U.S. birthrates could impact Social Security and long-term financial planning, and answer listener questions on portfolio risk, deferred compensation strategies, estate organization, and whether to pay off a low-interest mortgage or stay invested.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:39:03
Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial
4/14/2026
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the latest inflation spike fueled by rising energy prices and what it means for markets, interest rates, and your portfolio—while Allworth CIO Andy Stout explains why core inflation remains more stable beneath the surface. They also cover a local Ponzi scheme that led to prison time and the key red flags investors can’t afford to ignore, plus smart strategies for selling a business, choosing between municipal and taxable bonds, and where private investments fit for high-net-worth portfolios. Finally, they highlight common tax-season regrets—and how proactive planning now can save you thousands next year.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duration:00:39:22