Investing Sense

A strange turn of events in the market this week after an abrupt shift in sentiment in the bond market. Bob and Andy, along with listeners, focus on the ups and downs in interest rates and discuss what it means for portfolios. Plus, with so many rules and regulations to follow, every retiree needs help when it comes to Social Security. Writer and claiming strategy expert Mary Beth Franklin joins the show to offer important insights and advice to help maximize your benefits!

Happy Memorial Day weekend from the entire Investing Sense pit crew! Today, the guys take a look at the market, and even though stocks are in bloom, there are very human reactions, such as loss aversion and recency bias, that could potentially derail your retirement plan. Also, our resident D.C. insider JT Taylor joins the show to discuss what you need to know about the upcoming mid-term elections, and Andy will explain what it means for the market.

Bob and Andy celebrate the men and women who serve because it’s Armed Forces Day in America! In the investing world, there’s much to celebrate, including positive news so far this earnings season and rebound in the stock market. Bill Tracy from the Financial Engines Research Center sits down to discuss Q1 earnings and their impact on the market. Also, with the help of Duke University professor Dan Ariely, the guys explore the concept of ”loss aversion” and how it can impact financial decisions.

Andy may have been on vacation, but that doesn’t mean the market took any days off! Back from breathtaking Scotland, Andy gives his take on recent market activity, the start of earnings season, and of course interest rates. Also, the guys dive deep into a well of topics with Don Luskin, CIO of Trend Macrolytics. Plus, are you avoiding the doctor simply to skip the bill? Be careful because this could end up costing even more.

As the calendar turns from winter to springtime, take a listen to some of the best segments from Investing Sense in what has been a wild 2018. From a very bullish start to the beginning of the year, to the recent rise in interest rates and stock market volatility, Andy and Bob have nailed the market action so far this year. Plus, hear some of the best listener conversations covering everything from target-date funds, company stock, and angry annuity salesmen!

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!

The goal of this show is to help hard-working Americans get to and through retirement. Due to the remarkable run of the market over the last 9 years, many investors are now ready to take the plunge into retirement, but may still need help taking that next step. Andy has an easy way for you to get started today! Plus, special guest Kyle Bingham joins the show to share how he helped his mother optimize her Social Security benefits.

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.

This year’s market feels different because last year’s was a “beauty.” But recently, the market has acted like a beast. Andy helps you place the recent volatility in historical perspective. Plus, analyst Bill Tracy is back to share insights from the Research Center, and producer Chris has a conversation with one of the most interesting and inspiring retired couples: The Senior Nomads!

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.

As the market continues on the path to recovery, Bob and Andy revisit Bill Miller’s call for a “melt up” in stocks. Also, the guys tackle a number of calls and emails about target-date funds and Andy breaks down a recent controversial news story about these funds that are common in 401ks and other retirement plans. Plus, an insurance salesperson emails the show to confront Andy about his anti-annuity stance!

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.

In a society that tends to focus on the negative, Andy continues to carry the torch and point out positive trends, especially when it comes to technology and medical advances. This week, the guys blast off and look into the amazing advances in the new space race and other breakthrough technologies that are leading the way. Also, former Olympic athlete and author Alex Allred joins the show to talk about caring for aging parents.

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.

The recent spike in market volatility has the financial media in a tizzy. But Andy has an almost controversial idea: the last few weeks in the market were actually NORMAL. Join the conversation as Bob and Andy dissect the reasons behind recent stock market activity, look at historical market corrections and dips, and explain why there is reason to see opportunity even when the media spreads fear.

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.

A controversial statement from Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, might have some investors re-thinking cash holdings, but Andy reiterates why financial planning requires long-term thinking and is much more personal than a trendy soundbite. Also, listen and learn from conversations with two special guests: Trend Macrolytics Chief Investment Officer, Don Luskin, gives his view on the tax cuts and the economy, while Washington insider JT Taylor returns to chat about the current kerfuffle on Capitol Hill.

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. You might be shocked by which brokers the Journal named in this story.

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.