Simply Money
For more than 20 years, the Simply Money radio show has provided straightforward and entertaining explanations of how the economy and stock market affect your wealth. Join Allworth advisors Bob Sponseller and Brian James from our Cincinnati team as they offer unique financial perspectives—along with smart tax and estate planning strategies—to help you make the most of your money. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of the topics discussed. It should not be interpreted as personalized investment advice or relied upon as such. The information is not intended to convey any implicit or explicit guarantee or sense of assurance that, if followed, any investment strategies referenced will produce a positive or desired outcome. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. There can be no assurance that any investment strategy or decision will achieve its intended objectives or result in a positive return. It is important to carefully consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.
Episodes
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian reveal the four hidden forces that influence every major financial decision — even for the most seasoned, high-net-worth investors. Whether it's fear, guilt, social pressure, or family history, these emotional undercurrents can derail smart planning. Hear real-life stories, and learn how to spot and navigate the subconscious drivers behind your fin...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian challenge the traditional notion of retirement. Is it really about never working again? Or is the real dream having the freedom to work on your terms? They dig into why more high-net-worth families are choosing “financial flexibility” over full retirement, how to plan for that transition, and the hidden tax advantages that can make it work. P...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explore a simple phrase that could mean the difference between financial freedom and struggle: “the sooner the better.” They unpack new data around Gen X’s looming retirement crisis and what it means to be the first generation largely retiring without pensions. Then, they dive into a compelling new study showing how saving—not spe...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian take a deep dive into what really happened in 2025 — and why the investing fundamentals they shared all year long held up once again. From President Trump’s return and a new wave of tariffs, to a Federal Reserve caught between inflation and politics, to a stock market rally that rewarded patient investors — they told you what to expect,...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down one of the biggest misconceptions in investing: risk. What most people think is risk—market ups and downs—is actually just volatility. The real risk? Overspending your retirement, missing out on growth, or playing it too safe. Bob and Brian walk through the critical differences, offer real-life examples with hard math, and explain ...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian uncover the #1 mistake even successful savers and investors make: accumulating assets without a real strategy. They dig into what it means to truly have a plan — from organizing scattered accounts, to transitioning from mutual funds to tax-efficient ETFs, and dealing with concentrated stock positions using tools like direct indexing, exchange funds...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian take a deep dive into the surprising ways your brain might be sabotaging your financial future. From action bias and overconfidence to herd mentality and confirmation bias, they reveal how emotional traps become even more dangerous the larger your retirement nest egg grows. You’ll also hear how childhood money lessons still influence your decisions...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian expose the hidden financial risks that even financially comfortable families often overlook — like gaps in liability protection, cyber threats, and uncoordinated estate plans. They unpack why an umbrella insurance policy is a must-have, especially if your net worth has made you a target. Then, are your investments really diversified — or just...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian are joined by Allworth’s Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout to unpack why the latest inflation report might not be as positive as it seemed — including how a government shutdown may have warped the data. Plus, what the SEC just approved that could revolutionize how traditional investments are processed, and how Robinhood’s latest move ...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explore the hidden financial traps even the smartest, wealthiest investors fall into—often because of their own brains. From overconfidence and loss aversion to chasing performance and underestimating taxes, the co-hosts share real-life stories of multimillionaires who made emotional missteps that cost them dearly. They break down how even savvy ex...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down a surprisingly tame inflation report that has Wall Street (and maybe the Fed) rethinking the pace of rate cuts in 2026. But don’t get too comfortable—there are warning signs in the job market that suggest the economy is cooling, not roaring. The guys explain what it all means for interest rates, your mortgage, and long-term investi...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explore a simple phrase that could mean the difference between financial freedom and struggle: “the sooner the better.” They unpack new data around Gen X’s looming retirement crisis and what it means to be the first generation largely retiring without pensions. Then, they dive into a compelling new study showing how saving—not spe...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explore whether we’re living through another tech bubble — this time fueled by artificial intelligence. Is the massive investment in AI setting us up for a painful correction in 2026? They dig into market concentration, inflated valuations, and why companies like Nvidia, Oracle, and OpenAI are raising red flags for some investors. You’l...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explain why the smartest money on Wall Street is bracing for volatility in 2026 — and why you should be too. With midterm elections looming, sticky inflation, and unpredictable earnings, investors with millions in the market need to prepare for a rockier road ahead. They outline what a “happy but exposed” growth investor should be doing...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian are joined by a very special guest: Dr. Loretta Mester, former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and one of the most influential voices in monetary policy. Alongside Allworth's Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout, the team gets Dr. Mester’s exclusive insight on the Fed’s recent rate cut, where inflation is really he...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the Fed's latest interest rate cut—what it means for mortgages, savings rates, and why younger homebuyers may still feel squeezed. Then, they dive into a critical end-of-year financial planning reminder: take your required minimum distributions (RMDs) by December 31st or risk a 25% IRS penalty. They also tackle a headline-grabbing claim ...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian uncover the crucial differences between financial advisors who are just going through the motions and those truly playing offense—actively helping high-net-worth clients reduce taxes, build legacy plans, and take control of their financial futures. Learn the red flags that suggest your advisor may be stuck in the past and the proactive strategies&m...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian are joined by Allworth CIO Andy Stout to preview the Federal Reserve’s final meeting of the year. With a rate cut all but guaranteed, what really matters is how Jerome Powell sets expectations for early 2026—and how a divided Fed committee might shape the path ahead. Andy unpacks what high-net-worth investors need to watch in the upcoming dot...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian reveal what wealthy families are doing in December that most people completely overlook. While many go into coast mode during the holidays, high-net-worth individuals are making smart year-end moves—rebalancing their portfolios, harvesting tax losses (and gains), and donating appreciated assets through donor-advised funds.
They’ll also explai...
On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian introduce the “financial freedom test drive”—a bold way to rehearse retirement before you take the plunge. Learn why trying out your withdrawal strategy and lifestyle early could save you from major surprises later. Then, they tackle the “millionaire’s income problem,” where pulling money out of your portfolio the wron...
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