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

Finding Wisdom in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Navigating Investing, Emotions, and Technology

In this episode of the Thoughts and Money Podcast, host Trevor Cummings and co-host Blaine Carver delve into the implications of artificial intelligence on the stock market and broader economy. Cummings, who authored a blog post titled 'Looking for Wisdom in a World of Artificial Intelligence,' discusses the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) over IQ in investing, sharing insights on avoiding emotionally driven bad decisions. The discussion covers the risks and rewards of contrarian investing, emphasizing that being right is crucial, and the importance of wisdom and experience in financial planning. The episode concludes by exploring how AI can enhance, but not replace, the essential human element in financial advising and decision-making.

00:00 Introduction to the Thoughts and Money Podcast

00:17 The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in 2025

02:49 The Importance of Temperament in Investing

12:12 Contrarian Investing: Being Right Matters

20:12 The Both-And Philosophy at The Bahnsen Group

22:03 Embracing Technology with Timeless Wisdom

28:31 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Links mentioned in this episode:

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

This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/48y6UVz

Understanding Credit Scores: A Personal Journey and Practical Advice

In this episode of the Thoughts on Money Podcast, host Trevor Cummings and guest Blaine Carver explore the intricacies of credit scores. Trevor shares a personal story about discovering the complexities of credit scores when purchasing a second home. The discussion covers the surprising statistic that the average age of first-time home buyers is now 40, up from 28 in 1991. The episode delves into the various factors that impact credit scores, including payment history, derogatory marks, credit age, total accounts, hard inquiries, and credit usage. Practical advice is given on managing credit, highlighting the importance of being proactive in monitoring and optimizing one's credit score for better mortgage rates. This episode aims to educate listeners on the importance of credit scores and offers actionable tips to improve them.

00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts on Money Podcast

00:31 The Rising Age of First-Time Home Buyers

03:04 Understanding Credit Scores

06:45 The Importance of Credit Usage

07:12 A Personal Story: Buying a Second Home

11:46 Strategies to Improve Your Credit Score

17:31 The Impact of Simplicity on Credit Scores

18:33 Strategies to Increase Your Credit Limit

19:01 Understanding Credit History and Its Effects

20:33 The Importance of Monitoring Your Credit

21:31 Key Factors That Influence Your Credit Score

21:58 Real-Life Credit Score Challenges and Solutions

23:16 Proactive Steps to Improve Your Credit Score

25:38 The Role of Credit Mix and Total Accounts

29:50 Final Thoughts on Credit Scores and Home Buying

Links mentioned in this episode:

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

This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/4og2etf

Understanding the Kyle Busch vs. Pacific Life Insurance Controversy

In this episode of the Thoughts On Money Podcast (Tom), host Blaine Carver, joined by Sarah Leitzke, The Bahnsen Group’s Director of Risk, discusses Kyle Busch's lawsuit against Pacific Life. The conversation covers the roles and importance of life insurance, how it can be both beneficial and detrimental, and the complexities involved in different types of life insurance policies. Sarah elaborates on the mismanagement and misleading marketing in the Busch case, highlighting issues such as unpaid premiums, policy lapses, and the consequences of an improperly managed Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy. The episode encourages listeners to carefully examine financial advice, consider the qualifications of their advisors, and understand the intricate details of their insurance policies.

00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts On Money Podcast

00:09 Meet the Hosts: Blaine and Sarah

00:47 Understanding the Role of Director of Risk

01:46 Kyle Busch vs. Pacific Life: An Overview

02:06 The Metaphor of Insurance: Tools for Good or Harm

04:23 Breaking Down the Kyle Busch Case

07:26 Marketing and Mismanagement in Insurance

11:06 Term vs. Permanent Insurance: Key Differences

17:18 The Impact of Employment on Insurance Premiums

21:00 The Importance of Trustworthy Advice

29:24 Inside The Bahnsen Group's Risk Department

33:14 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Links mentioned in this episode:

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