Investing Sense

It’s important for investors to avoid emotional reactions to political headlines, but it’s helpful to stay informed of what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what it means for YOU. To these ends, the guys welcome back Washington D.C. insider JT Taylor and Trend Macrolytics CIO Don Luskin, covering a wide range of topics from FANG stocks to the recent trade skirmish with China, and much more!

Investing can be emotional, especially when there’s a non-stop flow of news stories that directly affect the markets. Andy re-assures listeners that there ARE positive trends around the globe, and you don’t need to ride this roller-coaster alone. Plus, Senior Investment Analyst Bill Tracy shares his charts and trends that the Research Center is following, including rising oil prices and sector performance.

If you’ve felt some queasiness due to all the market’s ups and downs, consider this show as medicine for the market’s ills. Financial Engines Senior Financial Analyst Bill Tracy is back to help the guys understand what is causing all this motion and decipher what the latest market trends and activity actually mean. Plus, Andy talks with author and New York Times critic Dwight Garner about his unusual relationship with money.

In recent shows, Bob and Andy talked about the bright future of technology, but today, they dive even deeper into the massive opportunities of the new “digital” economy and what it means for American investors. Also, with tax deadlines fast approaching, our resident tax expert Ed Lyon talks about the changing tax landscape. Plus, investment analyst Bill Tracy joins the show to share his valuable insights on current market trends and whether recent volatility presents a buying opportunity.

Bob and Andy learn a valuable lesson from Shark Tank: the experts are often wrong! Even though the show is strictly for entertainment, the lesson applies to news and financial media. But how can investors separate a personalized financial plan from the noise and bombardment from fear-mongering TV pundits, breaking news, and even advertising? Also, the guys look toward two important deadlines fast-approaching on the financial calendar: required minimum distributions (RMDs) and tax day.

Only two months in, and 2018 has already been a wild year for investors. From the stock market pullback and rising interest rates, to life expectancy and the risk of inflation, the guys help you make sense of what’s happening right now. Andy believes there is plenty of reason to be optimistic and offers an easy way for you to capitalize on America’s bright future.

Financial markets from stocks, to bonds and interest rates, to currencies are all seeing an increase in volatility over the last couple of weeks. Sometimes, in order to see where we are, we need to step back and look at where we came from. Bob and Andy offer some much-needed perspective for the recent market swings, along with practical steps and guidance for listeners after the wild ride this week.

Some investors may worry the market is “too high,” others might let political views prevent executing an investment strategy, but Andy sees a lot of folks are finally looking to invest, citing the huge sums of money flowing into funds. He repeats how valuable it is to have a financial plan and fiduciary advisor by your side, along with a way to get started if you don’t know how. Plus, the Wall Street Journal recently blasted advisers and brokers for allegedly pushing high-priced products....

The S&P 500 is off to its best start in over 30 years, but the stock market isn’t the only market on the move. Now the bond market is breaking out. This begs the question: Are rising rates good or bad for stocks? Andy breaks down both sides of this question, which leads to an important realization about your portfolio and investment expectations. Plus, Olympic bobsledder Alex Allred joins the show to share her story of triumph, tragedy, and the healing power of humor.

Last year was historic for the stock market, not only because of the positive returns every month, but also because of the low volatility on which these returns were earned. The stock market is off to great start this year, but will the smooth ride continue? Plus, our live portfolio review asks the question: when is NOT taking enough risk actually a BIG risk? Also, if you’re already struggling with your resolutions, Andy gives his S.M.A.R.T. guidelines for setting goals in 2018 and beyond.

As the great Yogi Berra once said, “It’s hard to make predictions, especially about the future.” After a record-setting year in the stock market, many investors are wondering what’s next. Bob and Andy stress the importance of managing fear when it comes to financial planning. Plus, the guys reveal a free and easy way to make sure your portfolio is on the right track!

Happy New Year from Investing Sense! As we look forward to 2018, it’s always a good idea to look back and reminisce about where we’ve been. Listen along with Andy and Bob as they re-visit some of the best ideas, interviews, and insights of 2017!

Bob and Andy examine market returns through mid-December, and discuss reasons to be optimistic about the bull market heading into 2018. Also, fraud expert Kathy Bazoian Phelps joins the show to talk about Ponzi schemes and how you can protect your money. Plus, don’t miss Andy as he closes out the year with a special holiday poem…with a twist!

It’s the time of year when investors look forward to the promise of a new year, and look back at the returns of the past year. Bob and Andy take a listen to what some pundits in the financial media were predicting throughout 2017, and it turns out that fake news applies to more than just politics! But with all the reckless statements made by the media, what is an everyday investor supposed to do? Plus, Andy shares ways to avoid all-too-common holiday charity scams.

As Bob says, it’s been a very “interesting” year, but through it all, the stock market continues to perform. Yet, too many Americans are missing out on the record rally in stocks because they can’t tune out the noise coming from news and politics. Andy repeats that it’s never too late to get in the market and emphasizes the importance of looking forward, not back. Also, author and financial expert Deacon Hayes sits down to explain how you CAN retire early!

This could be a make-or-break week for tax reform, and it’s coming down to the wire. What happens to the stock market if reform passes? What if it fails? Bob and Andy dissect differing opinions and help you navigate this binary set-up that could have a big impact on your portfolio. Also, Dan Ariely, a leading expert on psychology and finance, joins the show to talk about how we “mis-think” about money.

As you are hopefully enjoying some days off full of food, football, and family time, enjoy a few fall highlights from Investing Sense, including real estate expert Greg Cooper’s in-studio interview and Diane Daniels’ tips on how to cut healthcare costs. Plus, re-visit what Tom Petty has to do with your estate plan!

If tax reform passes, should investors buy or sell? What if tax reform fails? Andy and Bob break down the answers to these critical questions going into year’s end. Plus, author Emily Guy Birken stops by to share advice on how to finally put an end to financial stress - with a story about Zombies? Also, get the scoop on new 401(k) contribution limits and Social Security benefit changes for 2018!

There’s so much going on right now in financial news, from tax reform, to changes at the Federal Reserve, and fluctuations in interest rates. Andy cuts through all the noise coming out of Washington and boils it down to the financial planning aspects investors should focus on right now. Also, Bob asks a literal “million-dollar” question: How long would $1 million last in retirement?

The stock market is at a crossroad between Wall Street and K Street as tax reform winds its way through Washington D.C. Resident D.C. insider JT Taylor breaks it down and hear Treasury Secretary Steve Mnunchin’s warning if tax reform fails. Long-time friend of the show, Diane Daniels, drops by to share tips on how to cut healthcare costs. Plus, a listener asks Andy: What should I do when my advisor won’t call me back?