Investing Sense

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?

Washington D.C. insider JT Taylor, senior policy analyst at Hedgeye Potomac Research, joins the show to talk about the potential impact of the Republican tax reform proposal and how it could impact your bottom line. The “funniest tax guy”, Ed Lyon, stops by to share some hilarious stories and practical tax advice that could save you thousands. Plus, what does Tom Petty have to do with your estate plan?

All year long Bob and Andy have been talking about the promise of technology and how it’s improving our lives, including the optimistic future of investing in that technology. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are no exception, as they, along with the stock market, continue making all-time highs. How can investors take advantage of this asset class? Also, real estate expert Greg Cooper is in studio to give advice and share stories about real estate investing.

What’s behind the most recent move to all-time highs in the stock market? One important factor is the growth of corporate earnings, particularly in the dynamic technology sector. Also, author Mike Haubrich joins the show to talk about the concept of career asset management, how to measure your value as an employee, and how to get a raise!

While the Amazon empire of robotic efficiency and delivery drones seems like it’s taking over the world, Best Buy has made a bounce back by re-introducing the human element to the retail experience. This human element is a big part of the potential value provided by financial advisors. Also, Financial Engines advisor Gary Murphy joins the show to talk about small, simple steps investors can take to help grow retirement savings regardless of income level.

Warren Buffett recently made a prediction that the Dow will reach 1,000,000 within 100 years. This has ruffled some feathers, but Andy wishes more individual investors would think like this, focusing not on where the market has been, but rather where the market is going. Also, with Medicare open enrollment right around the corner, the guys talk with Medicare expert Diane Daniels and explore many facets to saving for healthcare costs in retirement.

Bob and Andy continue on the topic of protecting yourself and your loved ones against financial scams. This week, FBI victim specialist and fraud expert Debbie Deem joins the show to talk about financial crimes, especially those committed against the elderly. Learn the red flags to look for so you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Also, Andy weighs in on the recent news about potential scams surrounding cryptocurrencies.

Even though there is a lot of good news in the market this week, our attention stays focused on the areas hit by the devastating hurricanes. Unfortunately, in the wake of any natural disaster, the inevitable scams are popping up. John Bunch, president of Financial Engines Advisors, joins the show with advice on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

It’s no secret that retirement is expensive, and there are so many variables: inflation, health care costs, pension dilemmas… Is there a magic number for a successful retirement? Instead of a nice round number to aim for, Andy explains a better way to think about it: the income gap. Plus, Financial Engines advisor Jeff Klever joins the show to share a real client story.>

As summer begins to roll over into fall, Bob and Andy are getting excited about the holiday weekend, but also extend thoughts and prayers to everyone in South Texas and Louisiana. In the wake of emergencies like this, we want to help people protect themselves. Please visit our Gulf Coast Help Center here: https://financialengines.com/harvey.