This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/3VMFchP

In this episode of 'Thoughts on Money Today,' Sean Latimer and Sean Ullrich discuss a recent article by Trevor and Blaine. They explore topics ranging from the Guinness Book of World Records to more serious financial concepts like abnormal returns, investing versus speculating, and the importance of a disciplined investment strategy. The hosts emphasize the significance of having a solid financial plan and understanding market cycles, especially as they relate to high-tech companies and the impact of AI. They also highlight the necessity of educating investors about realistic return expectations and the dangers of speculative investments.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:41 Guinness World Records and Coin Flips 02:32 Understanding Abnormal Returns 03:04 Normal vs. Abnormal Returns 05:46 Investment Strategies: Speculation vs. Investment 06:28 Valuation and Market Cycles 08:22 Expectations and Realistic Returns 15:30 The Importance of a Solid Investment Plan 21:51 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Information

Links mentioned in this episode:

• http://thoughtsonmoney.com
• http://thebahnsengroup.com

This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/4mCBen4

Navigating Deal Breakers in Financial Planning: Taxes and Fees

In this episode of the Thoughts on Money podcast, hosts Trevor Cummings and Blaine Carver delve into the complex topics of taxes and fees within financial planning. Using a mix of personal anecdotes and professional experiences, they explore how deal breakers and stubbornness can negatively impact financial decisions. The discussion highlights the importance of considering multiple options, understanding tax implications, and weighing fees against potential benefits. They also emphasize that financial planning is a maze with multiple paths to the finish line, encouraging openness and prudence in decision-making.

00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts on Money Podcast

00:43 Deal Breakers in Financial Planning

05:04 Understanding Taxes and Unrealized Gains

17:04 Navigating Fees in Investment Strategies

23:50 The Importance of Openness and Prudence

32:29 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Links mentioned in this episode:

• http://thoughtsonmoney.com
• http://thebahnsengroup.com

This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/47RDUcM

Understanding Inflation: Beyond the Basics

In this episode of the Thoughts and Money Podcast, hosts Trevor Cummings and Blaine Carver delve into inflation, likening its effects to a treadmill, which constantly erodes purchasing power. Blaine shares insights from his recent Kansas City trip, using airport travelators as an analogy for inflation's constant presence. The discussion includes how inflation impacts investments, the importance of understanding real returns versus nominal returns, and effective strategies to combat inflation within portfolios. Trevor and Blaine also address common misconceptions about inflation, inflation's nuanced effects on everyday life, and the significance of expense-based planning. Notably, they emphasize the critical need for an investment strategy that can withstand inflation's long-term effects, drawing parallels to historical data showing stocks as an effective hedge against inflation. Throughout the episode, the hosts provide practical advice for retaining purchasing power and ensuring financial stability.

00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts and Money Podcast

00:13 Trevor's Kansas City Chiefs Trip

02:02 Inflation: The Silent Portfolio Killer

04:46 Understanding Nominal vs. Real Returns

05:08 The Impact of Inflation on Everyday Life

08:30 Strategies to Combat Inflation

15:26 The Role of Cash and Fixed Income in Portfolios

17:47 Convenience Costs and Subscription Services

19:38 Gold vs. Stocks: Inflation Hedges

20:35 The Wealth Gap and Investment Assets

21:51 Stocks as the Best Inflation Fighter

26:22 Balancing Stable and Growth Investments

28:23 The Rule of 72 and Personal Inflation

30:37 Generational Perspectives on Inflation

32:31 Final Thoughts on Inflation Awareness

Links mentioned in this episode:

• http://thoughtsonmoney.com
• http://thebahnsengroup.com