Keep it Simple

The Benefits of a Financial Plan

In this episode of Keep It Simple, host Joey Bottinger 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

Tax Strategies

Welcome to the Keep It Simple Podcast! In this episode, hosts Adam Morse, Janet Griffith, and Joey Badinger break down essential tax strategies to help you maximize savings and stay ahead in 2025.

Join us as we explore key tax planning techniques, including maximizing deductions and credits, understanding tax-efficient investing, and navigating the latest IRS updates. We discuss why proactive tax planning is crucial, how to optimize retirement contributions for tax benefits, and strategies for minimizing capital gains taxes.

Additionally, we provide practical tips on organizing tax documents, avoiding common filing mistakes, and leveraging tax-advantaged accounts to keep more of your hard-earned money. Whether you're a business owner, freelancer, or individual taxpayer, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you simplify tax season and make smarter financial decisions.

Connect with Team at Asset Builder: https://assetbuilder.com/.

Setting SMART Goals: A Guide to Financial Well-being in 2025

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/.

Market Volatility

In this episode of Keep It Simple, hosts Joey Badinger and Adam Morse dive into the recent fluctuations in the market.

Market volatility is an inherent aspect of investing, characterized by fluctuations in asset prices over short periods. These fluctuations can be unsettling for investors, often leading to emotional reactions that result in poor decision-making and potential financial losses. 

 

[00:02:04] Market reactions and investor psychology.

[00:05:12] Rates in Japan's impact.

[00:07:48] Margin loans and market dynamics.

[00:12:23] Panic and decision-making in finance.

[00:14:39] Recognizing emotional states for decisions.

[00:18:04] Market volatility and withdrawal strategies.

[00:22:50] The enemy is ourselves.

[00:24:40] Market recovery time analysis.

[00:28:53] Bear markets as buying opportunities.

[00:31:50] Importance of staying invested.

[00:34:24] Control and fear in investing.

[00:38:23] Long-term investment strategies.

Make Good Easy, Make Bad Hard

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/.

 

Marriage & Finance

In this episode of 'Keep It Simple,' host Adam Morris, Janet Griffith and the team at Asset Builder, including special guest Director of Operations, Hannah Vickery, delve into the intersection of marriage and finance. They share personal experiences, advice, and techniques to help couples manage their finances effectively and reduce stress. Topics include the importance of open communication, different budgeting methods, the role of premarital counseling, and strategies to handle financial disagreements. The episode underscores the importance of being on the same financial team with your spouse to achieve shared goals while navigating life's unexpected challenges.

 

[00:34] Marriage and Finance: Today's Topic

[16:08] Combining Finances: Joint Accountability

[23:57] Handling Financial Stress and Goals

[31:18] Implementing Personal Budgets: The Burn Pile Method

[37:14] Choosing the Right Partner for Financial Harmony

[39:28] Common Financial Disagreements and Resolutions

[42:44] Planning for Retirement and Reducing Expenses

[53:10] The Importance of Open Communication in Budgeting

[54:05] Best and Worst Aspects of Working in Financial Services

[56:43] Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Young Investors

 

👉 Connect with Team at Asset Builder: https://assetbuilder.com/.

The Power of Roth Conversions

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/.

 

 

Tax Planning for the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act Sunset

In this episode of 'Keep It Simple,' the team discusses strategies for tax planning in anticipation of the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, set to phase out by the end of 2025.

 

Joined by advisors Adam Morris, Janet Griffith, and Joey Badinger, they explore potential changes in tax rates, deductions, and credits, emphasizing the need for individuals and businesses to plan ahead. The discussion extends to the implications for estate and gift taxes, and the episode offers insights into making strategic decisions to optimize tax positions. The advisors remind listeners that while they are not tax professionals, their insights aim to prompt thoughtful consideration and consultation with tax experts.

 

Key topics include maximizing tax brackets, leveraging charitable donations, understanding the shifting landscape of deductions, and the importance of early planning for estate taxes.

 

00:34 Special Topic: Tax Planning for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

01:09 Understanding the Sunset of Tax Provisions

04:08 Strategies for Tax Optimization Before 2026

12:25 Estate and Gift Taxation Changes

14:11 Long-Term Tax Planning Strategies

23:31 Utilizing Capital Gains and Loss Harvesting

26:35 Conclusion and Next Steps

Topics from Same as Ever

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

2023 Q3 Review

Gear up as we guide you through the fascinating world of financial trends, market volatility, and the simple pleasures of life, like attending a Baylor football game or organizing one's garage. We guarantee our casual yet in-depth discussion will not only enrich your understanding of asset classes and diversification but also shed light on the importance of gratitude in our lives. We'll chew over everything from fresh perspectives on investment strategies to the delights of ordering a pizza when you're worn out.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights into the performance of various asset classes in the third quarter, the volatility of markets, and the benefits of premium investing. We peel back the layers of market performance, revealing what's behind the numbers, and explore the strategy of buying and holding funds that target specific characteristics of stocks. Be prepared to question conventional wisdom as we debunk the reliability of market forecasts and underline the long-term stability of value stocks.

In our final segment, we reflect on the transformational power of gratitude. We share our thoughts on how an attitude of thankfulness can positively impact our lives and relationships. We discuss how social media has influenced our perceptions of gratitude and provide insights on cultivating a genuine sense of appreciation. Wrapping things up, we open the floor for your questions and comments. Don't miss out on this episode brimming over with thoughtful discussions, practical recommendations, and invaluable investment tips!

(00:00) Quarterly Review and Current Trends
(08:41) Asset Class Performance and Diversification Importance
(18:17) Market Volatility and Rebalancing Strategies
(26:51) Premium Investing and Stock Characteristics
(31:42) The Changing View of Economic Growth
(42:44) Adam and Janet's Farewell and Appreciation