On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian are joined by a very special guest: Dr. Loretta Mester, former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and one of the most influential voices in monetary policy. Alongside Allworth's Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout, the team gets Dr. Mester’s exclusive insight on the Fed’s recent rate cut, where inflation is really headed, and what she sees for the economy in 2026. Plus, she pulls back the curtain on what it’s actually like inside a divided Fed when key policy decisions are being made. Later, Bob and Brian break down why your once-smart financial tools—like whole life insurance, muni bonds, or annuities—could now be holding you back. And, could 12-year-olds be the next big investors? They explore a surprising trend among today’s youngest market participants.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the Fed's latest interest rate cut—what it means for mortgages, savings rates, and why younger homebuyers may still feel squeezed. Then, they dive into a critical end-of-year financial planning reminder: take your required minimum distributions (RMDs) by December 31st or risk a 25% IRS penalty. They also tackle a headline-grabbing claim that passive investing is “worse than Marxism” and explain what’s really at stake for your portfolio. Plus, the Better Business Bureau joins to spotlight the biggest holiday scams of 2025, and the guys answer listener questions about tax alpha, benchmarks, and how to unwind capital gains the smart way.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian uncover the crucial differences between financial advisors who are just going through the motions and those truly playing offense—actively helping high-net-worth clients reduce taxes, build legacy plans, and take control of their financial futures. Learn the red flags that suggest your advisor may be stuck in the past and the proactive strategies—like Roth conversions and tax-efficient income planning—that can dramatically improve your long-term outcomes. Plus, find out what Vanguard is doing that could make your 401(k) feel more like a pension, when it makes sense to start financially helping your kids now, and how to plan your estate beyond just taxes and probate. It’s a jam-packed show for anyone who wants to stay sharp and plan smarter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian are joined by Allworth CIO Andy Stout to preview the Federal Reserve’s final meeting of the year. With a rate cut all but guaranteed, what really matters is how Jerome Powell sets expectations for early 2026—and how a divided Fed committee might shape the path ahead. Andy unpacks what high-net-worth investors need to watch in the upcoming dot plot and why rebalancing your portfolio now could be crucial. Then, Bob and Brian dig into why more than 70% of millionaires don’t feel wealthy—and how to shift your mindset (and your plan) to regain confidence. They also reveal the three costly financial gaps that can hit if you retire before 65. And in the listener mailbag: mutual funds vs. ETFs in retirement accounts, understanding real bond yields, and how to handle today’s top-heavy S&P 500.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian reveal what wealthy families are doing in December that most people completely overlook. While many go into coast mode during the holidays, high-net-worth individuals are making smart year-end moves—rebalancing their portfolios, harvesting tax losses (and gains), and donating appreciated assets through donor-advised funds.

They’ll also explain why December is the perfect time to talk to your kids about your estate plan, how to take advantage of qualified charitable distributions from your IRA if you're over age 70½, and how to gift money to your family now—completely tax-free. Plus, they tie it all together with a powerful message about using the holidays to pass on your values, not just your wealth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian introduce the “financial freedom test drive”—a bold way to rehearse retirement before you take the plunge. Learn why trying out your withdrawal strategy and lifestyle early could save you from major surprises later. Then, they tackle the “millionaire’s income problem,” where pulling money out of your portfolio the wrong way can cost you in taxes, Medicare premiums, and peace of mind.

They’ll cover Roth conversion ladders, municipal bonds, rental income strategies, and real-world withdrawal tactics for people with significant assets. Plus, the guys share the uncomfortable but crucial conversation every couple should have: “What happens if I die first?” And finally, they break down the dream—and reality—of retiring overseas. From taxes to healthcare to missing Elder football games, this episode is packed with practical insight for high-net-worth families preparing for the next chapter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian ask a powerful question: Are you just building wealth, or are you building a life? They explore the concept of "Return on Life" — and how many successful, high-net-worth families struggle to shift from accumulation to enjoyment. Through real stories and actionable advice, they help you confront financial fear, lifestyle paralysis, and the emotional habits that could be holding you back from a meaningful retirement. Plus, the surprising move from Vanguard that could bring crypto into the mainstream, a snapshot of the Cincinnati housing market, and how to plan around Medicare’s IRMAA surcharges.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian reveal a stunning stat: just two companies—Alphabet and Nvidia—are responsible for a third of the S&P 500’s returns this year. If you think you’re diversified just because you own an index fund, think again. They dive into the historical precedent for today’s market concentration, the real risks of overexposure to big tech, and what smart investors should consider instead—including equal-weight ETFs, buffered products, and direct indexing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian dive into the latest economic data with Allworth’s Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout — who explains why the Fed might be flying blind without key data and what that means for interest rates, inflation, and your investments. Plus, find out why a growing number of AI tools are managing portfolios — and whether that's a smart move or a costly mistake, especially for high-net-worth investors. The guys also explore how Baby Boomers amassed $85 trillion in wealth and the critical financial lessons younger generations need to hear. And, what do you do when your spouse wants to gamble on individual stocks — and you don’t? They’ll tackle portfolio complexity, tax inefficiency, and the rising trend of adult kids moving back in with Mom and Dad.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.