Oil production with geo-political events

Rules of Thumb – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry dig into a variety of financial generalized
rules of thumb when it comes to personal finance ratios. Chris starts off by questioning
Jeff on his views about how much is too much regarding common family purchases such
as home costs and automobile buying. Chris and Jeff debate the best way to approach
student debt and student loans (they don’t exactly agree). Jeff asks questions to Chris
about common rules when it comes to how much one should be saving for retirement.
Jeff next asks Chris for his view of how risk exposure to stocks changes as an investor
grows older.

In the News – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry start of this segment with commentary
about the current state of the news in America and the lack of unbiased sources of
current events. The conversation shifts to the topic of the growing national debt. Jeff
highlights a variety of data points from the US Debt Clock (see link below). Chris and Jeff
reflect on recent statements by Jamie Dimon about the future negative economic
impacts of the national debt. Chris and Jeff turn to Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome
Powell’s statement and testimony to Congress this week and its impact on the markets.
Chris and Jeff discuss the assorted topics of interest rates, economic data and the
influences of elections and politics.

https://usdebtclock.org/

Tax Guide Offer – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry welcome listeners to an entertaining
discussion announcing that the Something More Podcast is approaching its 1000 th
episode. The pair share planning thoughts to celebrate the milestone. Chris and Jeff shift
the discussion with an offer to listeners of a complimentary 2024 Income Tax
Guidebook. Chris and Jeff summarize the topics in the guidebook, including tax brackets,
exemptions, credits, records retention and more. The segment concludes with Chris
telling a personal story of the excellent customer service he recently received from a
local locksmith.

Are Interest Rates high or does it just feel like it? – Over the last few years, the
rate on the average 30-year fixed-rate home mortgage jumped from less than 3% to more
than 7%. Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry discuss the history of interest rates and debate
whether rates are currently high (see related Bottomline article below). This dialogue
shifts to what level of investment returns investors should plan for in the short and long
term. Chris offers detailed commentary on the challenges of market declines in the years
following retirement.
https://www.bottomlineinc.com/money/economy/what-the-history-of-interest-rates-can-
tell-us-about-todays-rates#

#interestrates #smwcb #weg #mortgage #financialpodcast

What Warren Buffet says – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry dig into Warren Buffett’s
most recent letter to shareholders where he outlines some of the things that have made
Berkshire so successful at picking the best companies to invest in over longer time
periods, including having a clarity of purpose when choosing a stock, only focusing on
quality investments, favoring companies run by good managers, holding onto investments
for the longer term, and practicing fiscal conservatism (see related Morningstar article
below).

https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/warren-buffett-charlie-munger-realistic-investment-
expectations-stocks-he-wont-sell

#smwcb #warrenbuffet #morningstar #weg #financialadvisor #shareholders #investments

Family Finances – Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry dig into the difficult topic of managing
family finances. Chris starts off the segment with an introduction of the 50/15/5 rule (see
link below) which suggests separating expenses into various categories to ensure you are
not spending too much in any one area. After Chris and Jeff comment on each allocation
category, the conversation shifts to how a married couple can get on the same financial
page with positive conversations. Chris and Jeff reference the article from Kiplinger’s
noted below.

https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/spending-and-saving

https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/how-a-couple-can-get-on-the-same-
financial-page

#familyfinances #smwcb #weg #kiplingers #fidelity

Tax Talk – In the midst of the income tax filing season, Chris Boyd and Jeff Perry
review a number of 2023 deductions and credits. Jeff brings up that the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS) now allows taxpayers to establish an online account with the IRS. Chris
and Jeff offer their thoughts on how long you are required to maintain tax records and
supporting documentation. The conversation turns to tax planning for 2024. Chris offers
a complimentary 2024 Tax Guide to listeners.

#smwcb #weg #taxtalk #financialpodcast

Brian Regan joins the show to review recent updates on Inflation and what investors should make of these reports.  Also discussed are Debt & Deficits.  With $34 Trillion in US Debt and perhaps as much as $2 Billion per day cost of the debt service, Brian shares thoughts on the ongoing challenges need practical solutions. 

With big earnings and stock movements from semiconductor makers, Brian Regan shared some insights into the industry, as well as how to invest smartly even if you weren’t in on the ground floor of some big market movers.  Chris also references American College of Financial Services survey reported on by Barron’s which answers the question, “Do Financial Advisors Really Improve Retirement Readiness?”  

Could a Government Shut Down be only days away?  Chris shares insights about the risks of a 3/1/24 deadline and what it should mean for investors if we do have a shut down.  Complicating negotiations are enormous deficits and growing debt.  Chris weighs in on declining global trade, the challenges of target date funds, and other items in this week’s news.