Keep it Simple

Welcome back to the Keep It Simple Podcast! In this episode, your host, Joey Bottinger, alongside Adam Morris and Janet Griffith, takes on the most popular investment questions searched on Google in 2024. From the complexities of cryptocurrency to the foundational steps of starting your investment journey, we break down essential financial concepts in an easy-to-understand way. We discuss: Cryptocurrency Investing: Understanding the risks, practical platforms like Coinbase, and the emergence of Bitcoin ETFs. Getting Started with Investing: The importance of employer-sponsored retirement plans (401k), setting up brokerage accounts with traditional banks or online platforms like Robinhood, and the power of education. Initial Investment Amounts & Strategies: Prioritizing an emergency fund, consistent investing habits, and the benefits of diversified index funds over individual stocks. Passive Investing Explained: A deep dive into long-term investment strategies that aim to capture market growth rather than attempting to time the market. Calculating Return on Investment (ROI): A clear explanation of how ROI is determined, including the significance of total return versus price return. Choosing a Financial Advisor: Key factors like fiduciary duty, transparency in fees, and the critical role of trust and personal connection in a long-term financial relationship. Saving vs. Investing: Clarifying when to save (emergency fund, short-term goals) and when to invest (long-term growth). Retirement Savings Goals: Discussing how to forecast your future spending needs and the limitations of general rules like the 4% rule. Tune in for practical advice that will help you "Keep It Simple" and navigate your financial future with confidence. Keywords: investing, cryptocurrency, financial advisor, retirement planning, passive investing, ROI, budget, emergency fund, 401k, ETFs, Bitcoin, wealth management, personal finance, investment tips, asset builder, Keep It Simple podcast. Connect with Us: Email your questions: podcast@assetbuilder.com Visit our website: assetbuilder.com Watch us on YouTube: Asset Builder YouTube Channel

In this episode of Keep It Simple, host Joey Badinger is joined by Janet Griffith (Certified Financial Planner) and first-time guest Tommy Williams (Associate Advisor) from Asset Builder. Together, they break down the real-world benefits of having a financial plan — from achieving clarity and peace of mind to understanding spending goals and preparing for the unexpected. Whether you're planning for retirement, mapping out education savings, or just want to feel more confident about your next step, this conversation helps you understand how planning can shape your financial future. Topics include: How a financial plan gives you a 360° view of your finances Building confidence during market volatility Knowing when (and how) to spend or give Uncovering hidden risks and overlooked opportunities Why peace of mind is the ultimate outcome 🎧 Learn more at assetbuilder.com/podcast Timestamps [00:34] What is a Financial Plan? [06:45] The Role of a CFP and What They Cover [08:24] The 360° View: Bringing Everything Together [12:11] Building Confidence and Reducing Stress [15:00] Permission to Spend (and Give!) [20:00] Staying Steady During Market Volatility [22:20] Reality Check: Can You Retire When You Want? [25:59] Uncovering Hidden Opportunities and Risks [29:55] The Overarching Benefit: Peace of Mind [32:58] Where to Ask Questions or Learn More

Welcome to the Keep It Simple Podcast! In this episode, hosts Joey Badinger, Adam Morris, and Janet Griffith dive into the essential topic of goal setting for the new year. Join us as we explore the SMART goals framework—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound—and discuss how to effectively apply these principles to your personal and financial goals. We share insights on why setting specific and measurable goals is crucial for success, the importance of aligning your goals with your values, and how to create a budget that works for you. Additionally, we provide practical tips on paying off high-interest debt, the benefits of saving and investing monthly, and the significance of increasing your financial literacy. Whether you're looking to improve your financial situation or simply want to set meaningful goals for the year ahead, this episode is packed with valuable advice to help you stay motivated and on track. Tune in to learn how to make 2025 your best year yet! Topics Covered: The importance of goal setting Understanding SMART goals Strategies for paying off debt Creating and maintaining a budget The benefits of regular saving and investing Tips for increasing financial literacy 👉 Connect with Team at Asset Builder: https://assetbuilder.com/.

Tune in to 'Keep It Simple' with host Adam Morris and Joey Badinger from Asset Builder to discuss strategies for building good habits while eliminating bad ones. They delve into methods inspired by 'The Soul of Wealth' by Daniel Crosby and share practical advice for achieving financial and personal goals using the SMART and EAST models. Highlights include discussions on financial planning, fitness, mental health, and the importance of intentionality in achieving long-term success. [00:00] Introduction and Podcast Purpose [01:39] The Concept of Make Good Easy, Make Bad Hard [12:50] SMART Goals and the EAST Framework [23:54] The Importance of Intentionality and Discipline [16:25] Real-Life Examples and Applications [24:49] Impacts of Good Habits on Health and Finances [38:32] Mental Health Benefits and Therapy [42:45] Final Thoughts and Encouragement 👉 Connect with Team at Asset Builder: https://assetbuilder.com/.

Tune in to 'Keep It Simple' with host Adam Morris, Janet Griffith, and Joey Badinger from Asset Builder to explore the intricacies and advantages of Roth conversions today! The discussion covers the fundamentals of what a Roth conversion is, the benefits, including tax optimization and managing required minimum distributions (RMDs), and its strategic advantages in certain market conditions. The team also challenges common myths about Roth conversions and emphasizes the importance of planning and asset location. They provide actionable insights for both novice and experienced investors, underscoring the significance of financial planning in securing a tax-efficient future. 01:07 Demystifying Roth Conversions: What You Need to Know 03:45 Roth IRA Basics: Understanding the Fundamentals 09:13 The Advantages of Roth Conversions for Future Planning 11:59 Inherited IRAs and the Impact of Recent Legislation 16:57 Maximizing Lifetime Wealth Through Strategic Tax Planning 18:32 Leveraging Roth Conversions in a Down Market 22:54 Exploring Asset Location in Investment Strategies 27:03 Debunking Myths Around Roth Conversions 29:17 Optimizing Roth Conversions for Different Tax Brackets 36:02 Strategic Planning: Roth Accounts and Estate Planning 40:22 Investment Wisdom and Financial Literacy Evolution 👉 Connect with Team at Asset Builder: https://assetbuilder.com/.

Ever thought about the countless variables that influence your investment decisions and how mastering the art of simplicity could be a game-changer? Join us, Jared and Adam, as we dissect Morgan Housel's enlightening book, "Same as Ever". Filled with bite-sized wisdom, this book reveals the power of long-term thinking, the beauty of focusing on constants over variables, and the potential traps of emotional investing. With Jeff Bezos' business strategy as a case study, you'll understand how these concepts work in the real world. Life, just like history, is unpredictable - small moments can drastically alter its course. From the Revolutionary War to the sinking of the Lusitania, we illustrate how seemingly insignificant factors can have enormous impacts. Drawing from these historical events, we delve into the importance of humility when predicting future trends, particularly for investing. After all, acknowledging our inability to foresee every detail could be the key to avoiding costly financial mistakes. In our final segment, we invite you to step back and look at the bigger picture, both in terms of your investments and life in general. We draw parallels between the roller coaster rides of the market and life, discussing the significance of managing expectations and practicing gratitude in cultivating happiness. Furthermore, we delve into the backstory of Housel's other book "The Psychology of Money," sharing how personal experiences, including a near-death experience, shaped his views on finance. As we wrap up, we leave you with a powerful story from the book that underscores the impact our financial decisions can have. Join us in this insightful journey as we navigate the often unpredictable, yet rewarding world of investing. (00:00) - Morgan Household's Book on Behavioral Finance Lessons (12:13) - Unpredictable History and Future (25:20) - The Importance of Perspective and Mindfulness (37:16) - Spread Knowledge and Share Personal Story

Join us as we navigate through topics such as the current Middle East situation and the looming tax season. As we approach tax season, we share insights on how to provide a smooth, fast and easy process for our clients in the preparation of their taxes. Furthermore, we discuss the unpredictability of the markets and the multiple factors that go into the evaluation of a share price. Despite the ongoing events in the Middle East, we unravel why markets continue to rise. In this captivating conversation with Peter Zahan, a geopolitical strategist, we analyze the macroeconomic view of markets, economic trends, and population changes across the globe. We dig into Russia's military strategy and the necessity for them to retain land in Eastern Europe. Also, we explore how population trends in western Europe impact their economy. The conversation wraps up with an inviting suggestion to relax and enjoy a bonfire, with smores of course! We also explore the lighter side of life as we chat about our plans to see comedian Nate Bargatzi, the high water bill due to extreme temperatures in Plano, and our busy weekend filled with plans for pickleball. We underline the importance of taking care of oneself and avoiding injury. We further analyze the 'Four Pillars' book series by Joseph Bernstein and emphasize the importance of avoiding overconfidence when making personal trading decisions. We delve into the difference between wealth and riches, and discuss how wealth is built over time through wise investing and allowing your money to generate interest. Listen in for an enlightening conversation! (0:00:01) - Tax Season and Market Predictability(0:06:11) - Recommendations and Anticipation(0:12:14) - Nate Bargatzi Show and Water Bill(0:14:09) - The Psychology of Investing(0:25:36) - Emotions and Influence in Investing(0:34:55) - Emotional Management in Investing Importance

Join us as we unravel the often intimidating topic of cybersecurity, offering straightforward advice on how to keep your digital life secure. We discuss simple, effective techniques that can drastically reduce your chances of falling victim to cyber attacks. From anecdotes we've gathered from our clients to our personal experiences, we're shedding light on the reality of cybersecurity. We explore the struggle of trying to have zero digital footprint and how you can make yourself less appealing to those with malicious intentions. Listen in as we further discuss the importance of software updates and strong passwords, two fundamental pillars of cybersecurity. We shed light on the risks of neglecting software updates and how using programs like LastPass can help you create and store unique, difficult-to-guess passwords. We also talk about "brute force attacks" and why they're a serious concern. Continuing on, we delve into measures to ensure your protection online. We touch on the importance of backing up information, using VPN services, and steering clear of unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that will empower you to take control of your cybersecurity! (0:00:01) - Simple Techniques for Cybersecurity(0:07:00) - Software Updates and Strong Passwords(0:19:50) - Cybersecurity Measures for Protection