Something More With Chris Boyd Show Podcasts

Tax Guide Offer – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry welcome listeners to an entertaining discussion announcing that the Something More Podcast is approaching its 1000 th episode. The pair share planning thoughts to celebrate the milestone. Chris and Jeff shift the discussion with an offer to listeners of a complimentary 2024 Income Tax Guidebook. Chris and Jeff summarize the topics in the guidebook, including tax brackets, exemptions, credits, records retention and more. The segment concludes with Chris telling a personal story of the excellent customer service he recently received from a local locksmith.

What Warren Buffet says – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry dig into Warren Buffett’s most recent letter to shareholders where he outlines some of the things that have made Berkshire so successful at picking the best companies to invest in over longer time periods, including having a clarity of purpose when choosing a stock, only focusing on quality investments, favoring companies run by good managers, holding onto investments for the longer term, and practicing fiscal conservatism (see related Morningstar article below). https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/warren-buffett-charlie-munger-realistic-investment- expectations-stocks-he-wont-sell #smwcb #warrenbuffet #morningstar #weg #financialadvisor #shareholders #investments

Are Interest Rates high or does it just feel like it? – Over the last few years, the rate on the average 30-year fixed-rate home mortgage jumped from less than 3% to more than 7%. Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry discuss the history of interest rates and debate whether rates are currently high (see related Bottomline article below). This dialogue shifts to what level of investment returns investors should plan for in the short and long term. Chris offers detailed commentary on the challenges of market declines in the years following retirement. https://www.bottomlineinc.com/money/economy/what-the-history-of-interest-rates-can- tell-us-about-todays-rates#   #interestrates #smwcb #weg #mortgage #financialpodcast

Family Finances – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry dig into the difficult topic of managing family finances. Chris starts off the segment with an introduction of the 50/15/5 rule (see link below) which suggests separating expenses into various categories to ensure you are not spending too much in any one area. After Chris and Jeff comment on each allocation category, the conversation shifts to how a married couple can get on the same financial page with positive conversations. Chris and Jeff reference the article from Kiplinger’s noted below. https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/spending-and-saving https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/how-a-couple-can-get-on-the-same- financial-page   #familyfinances #smwcb #weg #kiplingers #fidelity    

Tax Talk – In the midst of the income tax filing season, Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry review a number of 2023 deductions and credits. Jeff brings up that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) now allows taxpayers to establish an online account with the IRS. Chris and Jeff offer their thoughts on how long you are required to maintain tax records and supporting documentation. The conversation turns to tax planning for 2024. Chris offers a complimentary 2024 Tax Guide to listeners.   #smwcb #weg #taxtalk #financialpodcast

Brian Regan joins the show to review recent updates on Inflation and what investors should make of these reports.  Also discussed are Debt & Deficits.  With $34 Trillion in US Debt and perhaps as much as $2 Billion per day cost of the debt service, Brian shares thoughts on the ongoing challenges need practical solutions. 

With big earnings and stock movements from semiconductor makers, Brian Regan shared some insights into the industry, as well as how to invest smartly even if you weren’t in on the ground floor of some big market movers.  Chris also references American College of Financial Services survey reported on by Barron’s which answers the question, “Do Financial Advisors Really Improve Retirement Readiness?”  

Could a Government Shut Down be only days away?  Chris shares insights about the risks of a 3/1/24 deadline and what it should mean for investors if we do have a shut down.  Complicating negotiations are enormous deficits and growing debt.  Chris weighs in on declining global trade, the challenges of target date funds, and other items in this week’s news.

More Mail Bag Questions – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry dig into more questions from podcast and radio listeners. In this episode Chris discusses how too many investors are chasing yield, which may actually be adding more risk than is perceived. Chris and Jeff share their thoughts regarding total return versus income. The segment concludes with a dialogue of the dangers and costs of buying and owning a timeshare.   #InvestmentYield #TotalReturnVsIncome #FinancialInsights #InvestmentTips #RiskManagement #TimeshareRisks       Chasing Investment Yield Total Return vs. Income Debate Timeshare Ownership Risks Understanding Investment Risks Avoiding High-Risk Investments Timeshare Costs and Dangers Financial Planning Advice Investment Strategy Mistakes

Survey of the five worst things that harm your retirement plan – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry discuss a recent nationwide survey which asked workers and retirees about mistakes and major life events, and how it impacted their retirement. Chris and Jeff review the top five results and offer specific commentary on how to avoid making these mistakes and other ways to enhance your retirement financial plan. A copy of this article can be found at the link below: https://www.fool.com/retirement/2024/02/01/americans-label-these-5-things-as-their- worst-reti/   #RetirementPlanningMistakes #RetirementSurvey #FinancialPlanningTips #AvoidRetirementMistakes #RetirementSavings   Retirement Planning Mistakes Major Life Events Affecting Retirement Nationwide Retirement Survey Results Enhancing Retirement Financial Plans Avoiding Retirement Planning Mistakes Retirement Savings Tips Financial Planning for Retirees Workers and Retirement Survey Insights

Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry dig into questions from podcast and radio listeners. In this episode Jeff asks Chris about the merits of UITs/Defined Portfolios, Closed-End Funds, & other illiquid types of investments. Jeff also questions Chris about investment portfolios with an overly simplistic design, broad balanced funds, and portfolios with a concentration in a single fund family.   #InvestmentTrusts #DefinedPortfolios #ClosedEndFunds #IlliquidInvestments #InvestmentStrategies #BalancedFunds   Unit Investment Trusts (UITs) Defined Portfolio Investments Closed-End Fund Strategies Illiquid Investment Types Simplistic Investment Portfolios Broad Balanced Funds

Family Meetings – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry welcome Robert Mauterstock of Plan4Life to discuss when and why family members should be included financial planning meetings. The trio discusses real-life situations where including family members in meetings with financial advisors makes the most sense. Bob offers advice on what types of information should be shared with your children and in what context. The importance of estate planning is also highlighted.   #FamilyFinancialPlanning #EstatePlanning #FinancialAdvisors #FamilyFinance #Plan4Life #FinancialTips #FinancialInsights #EstatePreparation #FinanceForFamilies     Family Financial Planning Estate Planning Advice Financial Advisors Meetings Involving Family in Finance

Valentine’s Day and healthy marital finances – With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry dig into why and how good financial communication between spouses/partners is essential to a happy long-lasting relationship.  Jeff shares how he and his wife Lisa have a monthly financial review meeting.  The conversation turns to a study discussed at the link noted below from the Bowling Green State University’s National Center for Family & Marriage noting that 31% of those 65 and over are remarried. The article goes on to discuss important things to consider when remarrying later in life, including the need for a pre-nuptial agreement, revised estate planning documents and excellent communication between the spouses.  Chris and Jeff discuss common issues of family strife that occur when there is not clear financial expectations between the parties and their families.    https://www.aarp.org/money/investing/info-2023/financial-checklist-before-remarriage.html

“Live Long, Die Short” – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry welcome Dr. Roger Landry to the show. After a twenty-three year career in the Air Force, he became the President and Chief Content Officer of Masterpiece, which is an organization with the goal to research and change the perception on “health, change, and aging”. In addition, Dr. Landry is the author of “Live Long, Die Short: A Guide to Authentic Health and Successful Aging”. Dr. Landry focuses his comments on helping older adults achieve and maximize their true potential for healthy longevity, one that is based on research-backed content and lifestyle-focused measurements.  Dr. Landry calls his holistic approach to a “Health Portfolio” is driven by having a purpose, learning new things, engaging in physical movement, and maintaining strong social connections. 

In the news this week – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry start off the segment with a review of the record high level of stock market prices.  Chris and Jeff next talk about the upcoming Superbowl pitting the Kanas City Chiefs against the San Franciso 49ers.  The conversation transitions to the finances of the Superbowl, including the over $1B of economic stimulus to Las Vegas (site of the Superbowl) and the $26B projected to be wagered on the game.  The segment ends with commentary on reports from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimating that this year’s federal budget deficit will be $1.6T, and without changes to revenue or expenditures, the annual budget deficit in 2034 will rise to over $2.6T.  Chris and Jeff discuss at what level the growing national debt will be an issue to the financial markets.  

Should you consider downsizing in retirement? – All in the context of a comprehensive financial plan, the question of downsizing your home in retirement is dynamic and personal. Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry discuss the pros and cons of whether to downsize your residence in retirement. Over the course of the episode, Chris and Jeff cover the financial considerations of cash-flow, operating costs, capital needs, income taxes, and estate planning. Recognizing this decision is not strictly a financial decision, the duo discusses lifestyle considerations, such as climate, travel, closeness to family, and having a home that can meet future physical limitations. Lots of things to consider before making such an important financial and personal decision.

And the survey says… – Chris Boyd, Jeff Perry and Brian Regan dig into the details of the State Street Global Advisors survey of more than 1,500 investors to better understand their goals and concerns. The survey also provides data on their 12-month outlook on the economy and their own personal finances. The trio discuss the survey results which show that inflation remains the number one concern of investors (66%) followed by rising healthcare costs (48%), recession fears (46%), saving enough for a secure retirement (44%) and market volatility (35%). Chris, Jeff and Brian offer commentary of their thoughts on the subjects which concern them the most.       Investor Survey Analysis State Street Global Advisors Investment Concerns Economic Outlook Personal Finance Trends Inflation Impact on Investments Healthcare Costs and Investments Recession Fears Retirement Planning Concerns Market Volatility Insights    

In the Financial News this week – Never a lack of breaking financial news on the minds of investors. Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry review a few stories from the past week, starting off with the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep the Fed Funds rate steady. Jeff reviews several employment reports that may show a slowdown in hiring. The pair next discuss a House of Representatives vote which passed a bipartisan tax bill that would increase the Child Tax Credit to benefit millions of low income families, while also allowing for the favorable treatment of corporate tax deductions for certain research and development expenses. The episode closes with a conversation of Elon Musk's Neuralink implanted brain computer chip. This evolving technology uses a robot to surgically place a brain-computer interface (BCI) in a region of the brain that controls the intention to move. The initial goal is to enable people to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts alone.              

What is moving the Market – Senior Portfolio Manager Brian Regan joins Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry to review what has been moving the stock and bond markets recently. Topics in this episode include the Federal Reserve interest rate decision, rising tensions in the Middle East, geo-political impacts on trade and energy prices. The segment concludes with a summary of a recent webinar presented by Chris and Brian, which includes a conversation about the historical perspective on the markets and Presidential elections.       #MarketMovements #FederalReserve #MiddleEastTensions #TradeAndEnergy #GeoPoliticalImpacts #StockAndBondMarkets #ElectionEconomics #MarketHistory #InvestmentWebinar   Market Trends Analysis Brian Regan Federal Reserve Interest Rates Middle East Tensions Impact Trade and Energy Prices Geo-Political Market Effects Stock and Bond Market Insights Presidential Elections and Markets Historical Market Perspectives Investment Strategy Webinar Summary

While millions of Americans spend their working days dreaming about retirement, many fail to take the crucial financial steps they should before becoming a retiree.  Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry discuss a recent article (link below) titled, “Don’t even think about retiring until you have these three things paid off — and no, your mortgage isn't one of them.”  Chris and Jeff discuss the benefits of being debt-free in retirement and how one’s home can be a potential source of income or wealth. Jeff discusses using a “bucket” fund approach to save for a new car. Chris reviews different strategies for debt reduction. The segment ends with changes to student loans and strategies to consider for repayment of student loan debt.   https://www.aol.com/5-best-debt-consolidation-options-233533805.html