Simply Money

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

December 12, 2025 39 mins

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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian ask a powerful question: Are you just building wealth, or are you building a life? They explore the concept of "Return on Life" — and how many successful, high-net-worth families struggle to shift from accumulation to enjoyment. Through real stories and actionable advice, they help you confront financial fear, lifestyle paralysis, and the emotional...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian reveal a stunning stat: just two companies—Alphabet and Nvidia—are responsible for a third of the S&P 500’s returns this year. If you think you’re diversified just because you own an index fund, think again. They dive into the historical precedent for today’s market concentration, the real risks of overexposure to big te...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian dive into the latest economic data with Allworth’s Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout — who explains why the Fed might be flying blind without key data and what that means for interest rates, inflation, and your investments. Plus, find out why a growing number of AI tools are managing portfolios — and whether that's a smart move or a c...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down what most investors misunderstand about “risk” — and how that confusion could cost you more than any market drop ever will. They explore the real definition of risk, why sitting in cash might be riskier than you think, and how to create a retirement plan that accounts for volatility without derailing your future. Pl...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian challenge the traditional idea of retirement by asking: what if financial freedom isn’t about quitting work forever, but having the power to choose how you work, when, and with whom? They dive into the growing trend of financial flexibility and how high-net-worth individuals are redefining their retirement goals. From part-time consulting at GE to ...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian dive into the four hidden forces that subtly guide every high-stakes financial decision—especially for those with significant wealth. From emotional hang-ups and generational money mindsets to the quiet pressures of social comparison and analysis paralysis, the guys break down how even the most financially savvy families can be influenced in ways t...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian put on their “tough teacher hats” to deliver some advice you may not want to hear, but absolutely need to hear. Just because you’ve saved $2 million, $3 million, or even $5 million doesn’t mean you’re automatically set for life. Their lessons cover why retirement isn’t a vacation but a paycheck replacement plan, why yo...

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On today’s episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian dig into why more countries are pushing retirement later—and what that signals for your financial future. You’ve built a nest egg, maybe refinanced your home, maxed out your retirement accounts… but have you thought about when to retire? With governments around the globe delaying official retirement ages, is longevit...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the most common money mistakes they're still seeing in 2025 — and why even high-net-worth investors continue to fall into these traps. From chasing returns and emotional investing to poor tax planning, ill-advised Roth conversions, and overexposure to tech stocks, this conversation is packed with real-world examples and actionable takeaw...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian discuss how strong market performance in 2025 can actually lead to costly investor mistakes—if you're not careful. They unpack the concept of "portfolio drift," why it could mean you're taking on more risk than intended, and why now might be the right time to rebalance. They also walk through smart year-end tax strategies, from tax-loss harvesting ...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the true art of asset location—why it’s not just about what you invest in, but where you hold those investments. They walk through real-life scenarios for high-net-worth investors, explaining how to use pre-tax, Roth, and taxable accounts to build smarter, tax-savvy portfolios. Then, a surprising move from tech giants: Amazon, Alph...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian ask the question every long-term investor should be thinking about right now: while the headlines fixate on the Fed, are we focusing on the wrong thing? Plus, what a major move involving a Cincinnati-based company can teach us about handling company stock. Career expert Julie Bauke also joins to explain why helping your kids prepare for a caree...

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On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian ask: What happens when the Federal Reserve is flying blind? With key October data potentially lost due to the government shutdown, Allworth CIO Andy Stout weighs in on what that means for rate decisions and market volatility heading into 2026. Plus, they walk you through the brand-new retirement contribution limits, the blind spots in portfolios of high-...

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