Keep It Simple
Investing is Complicated. We Keep it Simple. An AssetBuilder Podcast

How Much of Your Income Should You Be Investing?
December, 1 2021 - 30 mins

Today we ask: how much of your income should you be investing? Is there a universal magic percentage or formula— or is it just a matter of investing what you CAN invest? And should you pay off all of your debt before investing, anyway? Find out today on another informative episode of Keep it Simple. 

Change Your Life With ONE Formula
November, 15 2021 - 21 mins

It seems obvious, even elementary, but today Adam Morse and Janet Griffith take note of how astounding a difference compound interest can make in your financial life— positive or negative.

Are Women Better Investors Than Men?
November, 1 2021 - 30 mins

Some studies show that women tend to earn slightly better returns than men— but why is that? Is it that girls rule and boys drool? Or is it that women have that have natural tendencies that lead to slightly more favorable investment outcomes? Find out today on another exciting, chair-gripping, knowledge-inducing episode of Keep it Simple.  

Understanding Our Investment Biases
October, 25 2021 - 46 mins

Investment bias can lead us down paths that seem logical but ultimately work against us. To put it in a more positive light, managing these biases can help improve performance. Today, Adam Morse and Janet Griffith help us understand our investment biases.

Look Out for These RED FLAGS in Investment Advisors
October, 4 2021 - 30 mins

It’s easy to get caught with investment advisers that are more self-interested than they lead you to believe. Adam Morse and Janet Griffith discuss the big red flags to look for so you don’t get stuck with one of these kinds of advisers.

How (and why) to Roll Over Your 401(k)
September, 15 2021 - 41 mins

As many people approach retirement age, they often wonder what to do with their company 401(k). Should you leave it and forget about it? Or is it worth the hassle of moving it elsewhere? Today, investment advisors, Adam Morse and Janet Griffith talk about the ins and outs of rolling over your 401(k).

Investing Horror Stories Pt. 3
September, 1 2021 - 26 mins

RIA, Adam Morse, offers a few more lessons after hearing stories of financial and investing missteps from around the web. He even tells a tale of his own.

Investing Horror Stories Pt. 2
August, 18 2021 - 32 mins

Today, Adam Morse listens to four investing/financial mishaps and identifies the lessons learned from each horrific story.

Understanding Your Returns
August, 11 2021 - 30 mins

How do we understand, evaluate, rank, return on investments? Is the S&P really the best Benchmark? Find out today in another jam-packed episode of Keep it Simple.  

How to Keep Your Cool During Market Volatility
July, 16 2021 - 31 mins

It's easy to find ourselves making compulsive decisions under duress— and that is especially true of investors. Adam Morse talks candidly on how to keep a steady footing during market volatility and how to wrangle our emotions to keep our investment strategy on track. 

Have a suggestion for an episode topic? 

Email us at podcast@assetbuilder.com

Should You Buy an Annuity?
July, 1 2021 - 42 mins

Annuities are contracts issued and distributed (or sold) by financial institutions where the funds are invested with the goal of paying out a fixed income stream. But are they good for everyone? Find out on today’s episode with the great Michael French and Adam Morse. 

Find the show notes for every episode at assetbuilder.com/podcast

Email us with episode suggestions and comments at podcast@assetbuilder.com

Should you Add Cryptocurrency to Your Portfolio?
June, 17 2021 - 45 mins

Bitcoin is one of the most highly contested subjects in modern-day finance. Should you add it to your portfolio? Find out in today’s episode of Keep it Simple with Michael French and Adam Morse. 

How to Fortify Your Portfolio Against Hyper-Inflation
May, 27 2021 - 38 mins

What is inflation, and what influences it? What is hyperinflation? And why, as investors, should we care? Michael and Adam discuss this along with how to fortify your portfolio against changes in inflation. 

When is the Best Time to Start Collecting Social Security?
May, 18 2021 - 37 mins

There are endless considerations to make when picking the right time to take social security. Is it better to delay? What happens if you take it at 62? Find out all of this and more in another knowledge-packed episode of Keep it Simple. 

Understanding the Financial Media
May, 4 2021 - 38 mins

Michael and Adam discuss and debate the quality and quantity of modern-day financial news and analysis. Is the media helping us make intelligent investment decisions— or are they just here to entertain us? Join us on another thoughtful episode of Keep it Simple. 

How to Get TAX-FREE Income in Retirement
April, 20 2021 - 33 mins

Michael and Adam pinpoint some very useful ways to reduce your tax bills during (and long before) retirement.  

Should You Open a 529 Account for Your Kids?
April, 5 2021 - 41 mins

529s can be complicated— especially because  their conditions may vary from state-to-state. Michael and Adam break down 529 accounts; their parameters, benefits and drawbacks; and how they function within the state of Texas. 

Should You Sell Your House Before Retirement?
March, 16 2021 - 25 mins

Today, Kennon and Michael discuss how to "right-size" (not downsize) your living situation in order to better prepare for retirement. 

Do you NEED a Fiduciary Advisor?
March, 1 2021 - 28 mins

Michael and Adam discuss why it’s important that your advisor be a fiduciary. 

Have You Thought of These 4 BIG risks in Retirement?
February, 15 2021 - 25 mins

Kennon and Michael discuss four risks that could hamper your retirement in the long run. 

Should You Cash Out During Market Volatility?
February, 1 2021 - 29 mins

Michael and Adam talk about whether or not it is a good idea to cash out during moments of volatility in order to avoid potential losses. 

Are ESGs all that Ethical?
January, 19 2021 - 28 mins

Michael and Adam discuss whether ESG portfolios are really responsible or if conscious investing is just another Wall Street gimmick. The conversation evolves into an overarching discussion on morality.   

Money & Marriage
January, 4 2021 - 44 mins

Michael and Adam are back to offer their personal and professional antidotes on how to handle marital money matters. Do you and your partner have an interesting take on handling the family finances?

How to Maintain Mental Acuity in Retirement
December, 15 2020 - 26 mins

Studies show that mental cognition tends to decline as we age in retirement. Kennon and Michael discuss some useful ways to continue to train your mind during your post-career life. 

Should You Add “Innovation” Funds to Your Portfolio?
December, 1 2020 - 38 mins

Michael and Adam are back to discuss whether or not it’s a good idea to add “innovation” companies into your portfolio. They also discuss what characteristics constitute an innovation fund. 

Are Your Loved Ones Prepared for Your Passing?
November, 17 2020 - 26 mins

AssetBuilder's own Kennon Grose and Michael French discuss how to financially prepare your loved ones in the event of your sudden passing. Both Michael and Kennon provide key points, while offering their own personal antidotes. 

Will Your Social Security be Enough?
November, 4 2020 - 28 mins

From ssa.gov, “the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3% in 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced last week.”

Michael and Adam discuss how that is assessed, what it means for retirees and how to maximize social security for the future.

What if Your Advisor has Different Political Views Than You?
October, 20 2020 - 31 mins

Michael and Adam deconstruct the political standpoints between an an advisor and their client. How do your politics play into your investment? 

How Will the Market React to Who Becomes President?
October, 6 2020 - 39 mins

In light of the current US presidential election, many investors wonder how the stock market will react to whoever wins the presidency. Michael and Adam look back in time to see how the market has reacted to past elections and they breakdown who and what also affects the market. 

Are We in a Tech Bubble?
September, 22 2020 - 38 mins

The NASDAQ toppled down earlier in September worrying some investors that we may be headed for a tech crash. Michael and Adam discuss whether or not we are facing an imminent correction due to a tech bubble.

What You Don’t Know About Trust Funds
September, 14 2020 - 35 mins

Michael and Adam go head-to-head to see who knows more about the intricacies of trust funds. We sure learned a lot in this one and we know you will, too. 

10 Common 401K Questions—Answered
September, 1 2020 - 35 mins

Can I use my 401K before I retire? Can I contribute to both a 401K and IRA? Michael and Adam diligently answer 10 common questions about our 401Ks.

Investing HORROR STORIES
August, 17 2020 - 44 mins

Michael and Adam react to unique investing horror stories that have happened to real people. Learn about some of the darker corners of the investment world. 

FOR THE KIDS! How to start investing at a young age—and why you should
August, 3 2020 - 25 mins

If you're a young teen looking to get a leg up on life—listen in! Michael and Adam breakdown how to get started in investing, because the name of the game is getting in early! 

How Old Were You When You First Learned About Finances? How About Your Kids?
July, 15 2020 - 39 mins

Michael and Adam discuss the importance of talking to our children about investing and finance at an early age—even offering personal antidotes about how they do so with their own kids.

Do You Really Need an Investment Advisor?
July, 1 2020 - 26 mins

Michael and Adam discuss the pros and cons of investing with an advisor in contrast to investing on your own.

Why Are Stocks Still Rising Despite a Pandemic and Riots?
June, 12 2020 - 24 mins

Michael and Adam discuss why the market continues to rise amid global disrupt and media sensationalism.

How Should We, As Investors, Respond to Inflation?
June, 9 2020 - 25 mins

Michael and Adam discuss and define inflation, how it should be understood, and what that means for your investment.

Are We in a Recovery? How Can We Tell?
May, 29 2020 - 36 mins

Michael and Adam discuss the key indicators of a recovering economy and what that means for your investment.

Keep It Simple Podcast: Should You Retire Abroad? THE MILLIONAIRE TEACHER returns
May, 20 2020 - 49 mins

Our regular host correspondent, Michael French, chats with world-renowned author, Andrew Hallam to discuss a whole array of investment topics, including how to retire abroad.

An Interview with The Millionaire Teacher
May, 4 2020 - 36 mins

World renowned author, Andrew Hallam, and I discuss his fascinating life, how to invest for a bright future and why we should stay away from market media headlines.

Understanding the CARES Act
April, 16 2020 - 28 mins

The CARES act has provided an unprecedented stimulus to the US economy. In this episode Adam and Michael discuss the benefits contained in the CARES act and how those benefits may provide relief not only to individual Americans but also the impact that different benefits may have to the overall economy. They also discuss the size of the stimulus in relation to other historic stimulus packages and explore what the potential impact may be to the economic recovery.

• The stimulus check
• Will it be taxed?
• How will it affect Americans?
• Will you still have to take Required Minimum Distribution?
• What about Social Security? My IRA?
• What are the long-term effects?
• How does stimulus package differ from the past?
• How will it impact GDP?

How Does Our (potential) Recession Compare to Past Recessions?
April, 6 2020 - 35 mins

Michael and Adam compare our current market/economic climate with past downturns and contextualize the possible repercussions

What does COVID-19 mean for my portfolio?
March, 17 2020 - 29 mins

In this special episode, Michael and Adam discuss the impact of COVID-19 thus far and what that means for you as an investor.

ETFs and Mutual Funds—What’s the Difference?
March, 15 2020 - 12 mins

In this short episode, Michael and Adam definitionally distinguish ETFs and Mutual Funds and discuss which one may be more appropriate for your investment.

Active vs. Passive Investing: Which is Better?
March, 1 2020 - 27 mins

Some investors say they can predict the market. Others say they can't. Is there individual merit to each approach? Or is one objectively better than the other? Adam and Michael explain.

Will the 08 Market Crash Happen Again
February, 14 2020 - 24 mins

The US stock market has been on a huge upswing—but an inverted yield curve back in mid-2019 has left investors wondering: is a recession on the horizon? Michael and Adam discuss.

The Ins and Outs of Annuities
February, 2 2020 - 15 mins

Whether you've contemplated annuities or maybe you're enrolled in one today, learn something new about these insurance products and what they could mean for your post-career life.

4 Common Missteps Before and During Retirement
January, 15 2020 - 24 mins

Should you continue to work in retirement? How do you make sure you rebalance correctly? How do you understand the impact of medical costs? And, when is the best time to take social security?

Michael and Adam tackle 4 common missteps in retirement.

Based on this article: https://www.investopedia.com/retirement/how-sabotage-your-retirement/

Will Millennials be Able to Retire?
January, 3 2020 - 40 mins

Millennials are saddled with more student debt than any previous generation. Will they be able to overcome that and retire at 65? RIA, Adam Morse, and CIO, Michael French dive in.

Does the 4% Rule Work
December, 16 2019 - 25 mins

The 4% rule has been a rule of thumb for retirees for decades—but does it actually work?

Everything IRA
November, 26 2019 - 20 mins

What is the best way to handle your IRA while approaching retirement, transitioning to retirement, and even during your retirement? What are the main benefits of rolling over your IRA for retirees? Should you always rollover?