In this podcast episode, Paul, Leigh, and Kyle explore how childhood dreams and values—especially fantasies of being superheroes—can shape adult careers and personal missions. Through stories of pretending to be Batman or inventing elaborate contraptions, the guests reflect on how those early passions evolved into careers in financial advising. Rather than just focusing on numbers, they emphasize the emotional and human side of their work: helping clients face fears, make meaningful decisions, and improve their lives. The conversation underscores empathy, care, and community as financial “superpowers.” It’s both heartfelt and humorous, blending nostalgia with purpose.

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The podcast features an interview with financial advisor Kevin Dingman III in Montana who previously had a 17-year career as a dentist before a freak accident changed his life. On Halloween night, a bottle of apple cider exploded in his hand, severing tendons, arteries, and nerves, ultimately ending his ability to practice dentistry. After multiple surgeries and unsuccessful attempts at recovery, he was forced to retire. Several friends and colleagues encouraged him to pursue financial advising, and after obtaining his licenses, he transitioned into the industry. The conversation highlights resilience, unexpected life changes, and how past experiences can shape new career paths.

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This podcast episode is a discussion about the benefits of dividend investing, particularly for young investors. Paul and Kyle challenge the common perception that dividend investing is only for older or retired individuals, emphasizing that starting early allows compounding returns to build significant wealth over time. They cite examples like a single $40 investment in Coca-Cola in 1919 growing to $21 million by 2022 and a janitor who amassed over $8 million by consistently investing in dividend stocks. The conversation stresses the importance of reinvesting dividends to leverage compound growth, and they encourage young investors to begin with small, consistent contributions. Practical advice includes seeking dividend-paying companies with a history of increasing payouts and using apps or brokerage platforms to automate reinvestment.

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This episode of Planning Made Simple discusses the Dow Jones Dividend 100 Index, which selects the top 100 U.S. dividend-paying stocks based on a defined methodology, including factors like yield, dividend history, free cash flow, and return on equity. Paul and Kyle highlight how this structured, rules-based approach to stock selection contrasts with broader indices like the S&P 500, which are based primarily on market capitalization. They also draw parallels to their own portfolio-building strategies, emphasizing the importance of planning, filtering, and thoughtful analysis in investing. The conversation touches on ETFs like Schwab’s Dividend ETF, noting it as a decent option for do-it-yourself investors, though not a substitute for direct stock ownership. Ultimately, the message underscores the value of having a clear investment plan and methodology.

This podcast episode discusses the often hidden costs of various investment products, including mutual funds, ETFs, annuities, CDs, and stocks. It highlights how mutual funds can have numerous fees beyond the publicly stated expense ratio, such as marketing fees, transaction costs, and cash drag. ETFs tend to have lower costs but still include hidden expenses like bid-ask spreads. Annuities, particularly variable annuities, can carry high annual fees through mortality and expense charges, administrative costs, and optional riders. Paul and Kyle emphasize the importance of understanding the full cost structure of investments to determine if the value received justifies the expenses. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to educate themselves and assess whether their chosen investments align with their financial goals.

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This podcast discusses the cost structures of financial advice and how value perception affects people's willingness to pay. Paul and Kyle compare financial advisor fees to other expenses, like trips to Disney World, highlighting how value often outweighs cost concerns. They break down common advisor fee models, including asset under management (AUM) fees, flat fees, and commission-based structures, noting how each impacts clients differently. The conversation emphasizes that while cost matters, the perceived value of personalized service, active management, and additional support often justifies higher fees. The episode concludes by setting up a follow-up discussion on the hidden costs of investment products like mutual funds, ETFs, and annuities.

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This episode of Planning Made Simple discusses the history and importance of dividends in the S&P 500, highlighting a shift in the market over time. Before the 1980s, dividends made up a significant portion (over 60%) of returns, but the rise of growth companies like Amazon and Tesla led many investors to focus more on stock price growth. However, dividends still account for around 40% of returns today, and there is a growing trend of large tech companies, like Meta, beginning to pay dividends. Dividend-paying stocks are often more resilient during market downturns and can provide reliable returns over time. Paul and Kyle emphasize that buying individual dividend stocks from the S&P 500 can outperform index funds due to the compounding effect of reinvested dividends.

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This episode of Planning Made Simple focuses on dividend growth investing tailored for retirees, emphasizing how it provides a reliable income stream and serves as a hedge against inflation through steadily increasing dividend payouts. The speakers discuss the importance of maintaining an income mindset and caution against panic selling during market downturns, as such actions can lead to significant wealth destruction. They also highlight the challenging transition period into retirement—often referred to as the "fragile years"—when individuals must shift from saving to spending, making disciplined planning crucial. Ultimately, the conversation reassures retirees that it can be acceptable to live off dividends rather than reinvesting them, provided their financial plan supports this approach.

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