Best Independentadvisor Podcasts (2025)

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523: Freedom After 50: Beyond the Pyramid—Rethinking Happiness in Retirement 29:21

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1h ago29:21

29:21

Many of us spend decades climbing Maslow’s pyramid — seeking security, comfort, and experiences — only to realize that the top is where true joy lives. Join us as we explore the “Happiness Hierarchy” and why lasting fulfillment comes not from what you buy or where you travel, but from who you become. In this episode, we discuss: How to shift from “…

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522: The Six Pillars to Living Longer & Healthier in Retirement with Dr. Bobby Dubois - Part 2 40:50

2h ago40:50

40:50

Living longer is one thing. Living well is another. In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Bobby Dubois, we unpack the final three pillars of his blueprint for longevity: mind-body harmony, heat & cold exposure, and social relationships. Dr. Bobby explains why practices like meditation, breathwork, and even walking in nature can calm the brain and l…

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521: 5 Timeless Proverbs for a Wise and Wealthy Retirement 30:47

2h ago30:47

30:47

What can ancient wisdom teach us about modern retirement? From budgeting with freedom to preparing for life’s surprises, tackling debt, planning wisely, and redefining generosity in retirement, insights of the past can show how true wealth goes beyond dollars. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of having a budget, even in retirement Emerge…

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520: The Six Pillars of Living Longer & Healthier in Retirement with Dr. Bobby Dubois - Part 1 1:01:10

10d ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Today, I’m speaking with Dr. Bobby Dubois. Dr. Bobby is a Harvard-educated physician, Board-Certified in Internal Medicine with over 25 years of experience. He’s an author, entrepreneur, wellness doctor, and Ironman Triathlete. Most recently, he led a health policy research organization in Washington, D.C. (National Pharmaceutical Council) as its C…

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519: Freedom After 50: How to Break Free from Your Old Story and Shape Wisdom That Lasts 28:35

16d ago28:35

28:35

Retirement isn’t the end — it’s your greatest opening. Join us as we explore how to break free from old stories, embrace wisdom, and turn life’s challenges into a legacy of meaning and impact. In this episode, we discuss: Why lifequakes = growth Fluid vs. crystallized intelligence How to redefine success in retirement The role of curiosity and enga…

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518: Beyond Investment Risk: Why Income Risk Could Change Your Retirement Plan 19:21

24d ago19:21

19:21

Most financial plans focus on how your investments perform, but what about the risks to your income along the way? Join us as we unpack groundbreaking research that shows why traditional retirement calculators and rules of thumb may be leaving you exposed. In this episode, we discuss: Traditional planning gaps The three types of income risk Risk Ca…

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517: Freedom After 50: The Need for Next—Finding Meaning Beyond Milestones 32:28

21d ago32:28

32:28

Why do so many retirees struggle to find fulfillment after leaving the workforce, and how do they break free from the traps of status, constant pleasure-seeking, and busywork? Together, we unpack practical strategies for moving beyond milestones to craft a retirement rich in purpose, connection, and legacy. In this episode, we discuss: The “need fo…

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516: Mind the Inflation Gap: Why Forecasts Fail and How to Hedge Smart 21:10

27d ago21:10

21:10

Inflation is unpredictable—and it doesn’t care what the experts think. Join us as we explore why traditional forecasting fails, how real assets like real estate and commodities can act as powerful inflation hedges, and whether Bitcoin truly deserves its "digital gold" title. In this episode, we discuss: Consumer vs. professional inflation expectati…

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515: The Soul of Wealth: Bridging the Gap Between Money and Happiness with Daniel Crosby, PhD 1:02:05

29d ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Today’s guest is Dr. Daniel Crosby, a leading psychologist and behavioral finance expert who helps individuals and organizations understand how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors intersect with the markets—and ultimately, our sense of purpose. He serves as Chief Behavioral Officer at Orion Advisor Solutions and is the bestselling author of The S…

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514: Freedom After 50: You Planned Wisely—But Is Your Money Aligned with What Matters Most? 41:08

2M ago41:08

41:08

What if true wealth isn't just about how much you’ve saved, but how wisely you’re living? Join us as we explore the WiseWealth Matrix, a tool built on six life “currencies” that go far beyond money. In this episode, we discuss: The WiseWealth Framework Wealth vs. Wisdom currencies The 4 zones of the Matrix And, an exciting announcement! Today's art…

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513: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What It Really Means for Your Retirement Taxes 49:26

1M ago49:26

49:26

What does the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” mean for your retirement? Find out how the latest tax legislation—from permanent TCJA extensions to surprising changes in charitable giving, Social Security taxation, 529 plan use, and more—could affect your tax strategy for years to come. In this episode, we discuss: Updated inflation adjustments Capital …

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512: Freedom After 50: The Sunk Cost Fallacies Sinking Your Future Vision 27:07

2M ago27:07

27:07

Have you ever held on to something just because you’ve “put too much into it to let it go”? Many of us fall into the sunk cost fallacy trap—the quiet force that keeps us tied to the past. Whether it’s a house full of memories that no longer fits your lifestyle, a career that defined your identity for decades, or a friendship that’s no longer life-g…

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511: Sequence Risk Meets RMDs: The Retirement Trap No One Talks About 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

Are your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) setting you up for failure? Find out how sequence of returns risk combines with RMD rules to create a hidden hazard—and how smart planning, asset allocation, and timely Roth conversions can help you sidestep it. In this episode, we discuss: Why RMDs are self-regulating The RMD tax chain reaction Why wi…

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510: Managing Investment Risk When You've Already Won The Game with William Bernstein 53:36

2M ago53:36

53:36

Today, I'm speaking with William Bernstein. Bill is a renowned investment advisor, author, and retired neurologist. He's the co-founder of Efficient Frontier Advisors, a leading voice in the world of personal finance, and the author of several acclaimed books, including The Four Pillars of Investing, The Investor's Manifesto, and The Intelligent As…

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509: Freedom After 50: 7 Practices to Help You Stop Hiding and Start Growing 40:04

2M ago40:04

40:04

What if your greatest growth in retirement didn’t come from doing more—but from finally sitting with who you are? Throughout this discussion, we explore the concept of the “shadow self”—the parts of yourself that you may avoid, hide, or ignore—and how bringing light to these areas can lead to true peace and deeper connection in the second half of l…

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508: More Control, Less Surprise: A Real Retirement Tax Wake-Up Call 23:00

2M ago23:00

23:00

What if you did everything “right” in retirement, but were still left surprised? That’s exactly what happened to Fritz Gilbert, one of our favorite past podcast guests. In this episode, we unpack his recent article, “My Biggest Surprise in Retirement,” and explore why his carefully planned Roth conversions didn’t make the impact he expected. This c…

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507: Freedom After 50: You’re Not Looking for Advice—You’re Looking for Alignment, Part 2 43:19

3M ago43:19

43:19

In this powerful follow-up episode, Casey Weade and Certified Retirement Coach Les McDaniel return to explore the deeper question behind advice-seeking: Are you truly looking for direction, or for alignment with your values? Drawing from real-life coaching stories, they unpack six invitations to help you pause, reflect, and realign your financial d…

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506: The Surplus Bucket Strategy: A Way to Spend More Confidently in Retirement 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

If you're like many retirees we meet with, you may struggle to spend confidently in retirement, even when you've saved enough. Here, we explore a potential strategy: an alternative to the annuity-based "License to Spend" model. In this episode, we discuss: The dynamics of underspending in retirement How to apply the “Funded Status Metric” and “Surp…

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505: Freedom After 50: You’re Not Looking for Advice—You’re Looking for Alignment, Part 1 28:12

3M ago28:12

28:12

Understanding your own story is the missing link between receiving advice and applying it meaningfully. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting direction and feeling overwhelmed by options, this episode offers a practical path toward clarity, purpose, and peaceful resilience. In this episode, we discuss: Advice vs. application A 3-step advice fra…

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504: How to Stay Sharp and Prevent Cognitive Decline in Retirement with Dr. Ross Andel 47:57

3M ago47:57

47:57

Today, I'm speaking with Dr. Ross Andel. Dr. Andel is a gerontologist, professor, and director of the PhD program at Arizona State University. Ross has spent decades researching aging, memory, and lifestyle-related cognitive health risks. In 2023, he was elected a lifetime fellow of the American Association for his achievements in the study of risk…

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503: Investing at the Sleeping Point: Finding Peace in Your Portfolio 16:41

4M ago16:41

16:41

After a sharp rebound in the market, you may still feel the lingering effects of recent volatility. But before the next tide of turmoil, now is an ideal time to deploy the "Sleeping Point" Strategy: adjusting your portfolio to a level where you can sleep soundly at night. In this episode, we discuss: The importance of reducing risk before panic How…

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502: Freedom After 50: The Hidden Cost of Delayed Gratification in Retirement 28:04

4M ago28:04

28:04

You're encouraged to save, delay gratification, and be disciplined with your spending—but what happens when that mindset becomes a roadblock in retirement? In this episode, we discuss: The psychology of postponement How to unwind a lifetime of discipline The “Joy Budget” concept Tools to reframe spending Today's article is from The Wall Street Jour…

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501: The Four Futures of Retirement: Which Path Are You On? 24:17

4M ago24:17

24:17

What does your future retirement look like? Whether your path includes unexpected challenges, careful frugality, or joyful surprises, it's vital to prepare for known unknowns, and build a resilient future that adapts to life’s curveballs. In this episode, we discuss: Why retirement isn’t linear How to plan for different potential retirement futures…

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500: Freedom After 50: 6 Crucial Signs You're Ready for a New Direction 38:38

4M ago38:38

38:38

Do you ever experience those moments when something doesn’t feel quite right? Your body and spirit have ways of alerting you when it's time for recalibration, often with persistent whispers that grow louder the longer you ignore them. In this episode, we discuss: The power of listening to your intuition Daily actions that can reconnect you to your …

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499: Retirement Income Strategies to Quell Inflation Fears and Spend Comfortably with David Blanchett 57:04

4M ago57:04

57:04

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome David Blanchett back to the podcast. David is the Managing Director and Head of Retirement Research at PGIM DC Solutions and one of the most respected voices in retirement income planning today. You've likely come across his work in Morningstar, Kiplinger, and our Weekend Reading series—and for good reason. His resear…

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498: 4 Ways to Cultivate Character Amid Market Chaos 25:22

4M ago25:22

25:22

How can you use the recent market crisis to refine both your portfolio and your character? In this episode, we discuss: Why times of turmoil are opportunities for personal growth How to reinterpret stressors as forward-thinking steps Inaction vs. action: How to decide which is best for your portfolio amidst times of turmoil Today's article is from …

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497: Freedom After 50: 5 Numbers Stealing Your Time, Wealth, and Joy 38:54

4M ago38:54

38:54

True financial and personal well-being requires alignment between your money, values, and purpose. But how do you bridge the gap between merely accumulating wealth and living a life rich with meaning? In this episode, we discuss: The 50/30/20 Rule and how to align it with your values Debt ratios: Is your debt for survival or for status? Meaningful …

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496: Claiming Social Security Early: Is it the Right Strategy for You? 22:46

5M ago22:46

22:46

Conventional financial wisdom encourages you to delay collecting Social Security benefits until age 70, but in certain cases, your “optimal” claiming age might actually be to pull benefits early. In this episode, we discuss: Factors that benefit filing early Your “breakeven” number of filing early vs. later How your rate of return should factor int…

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495: Freedom After 50: The World is Ending… What’s Next? 34:58

5M ago34:58

34:58

If you saw the amount of time you had left to live—whether it was one day or one year—how would you spend it? What would you worry about? In this episode, we discuss: How to let go of always trying to control your narrative Why the pursuit of contentment is greater than the pursuit of happiness 5 questions to help you find pure contentment in the p…

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494: Beyond the Headlines: How Retirees Can Navigate Investment Risks with Larry Swedroe 1:08:36

5M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

Today, I’m speaking with Larry Swedroe. Larry is the former Chief Research Officer at Buckingham Strategic Wealth, an accomplished author with 18+ books on investing, and a true pioneer in evidence-based investing. He’s also a well-known advocate for cutting through the financial media noise to focus on strategies that actually work. In Larry’s lat…

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493: Chaotic Markets: A 4-Point Checklist to Safeguard Your Retirement Savings 27:45

5M ago27:45

27:45

Are you feeling uneasy right now? If market turmoil is causing you stress, it’s time to determine if your retirement plan is truly built for the unexpected. In this episode, we discuss: How a process can give you greater investment and financial control How to assess your liquid/safe reserves Tax and inflation protection opportunities brought by ma…

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492: 3 Levels of Retirement Readiness: Where Do You Stand? 23:07

6M ago23:07

23:07

How would you rate yourself on the retirement readiness scale? When you understand where you are and how to proceed, you are more likely to feel elevated confidence to and throughout retirement. In this episode, we discuss: Financial vs. non-financial retirement readiness Why your income strategy is key Considerations for long term care insurance H…

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491: Freedom After 50: 8 Reasons the Month You Retire Matters 32:28

6M ago32:28

32:28

Before you make your transition into retirement, it’s important to dial in the ideal timing not just for your money, but your mind. In this episode, we discuss: Irrational reasons to not retire The “3 Cs” of retirement timing Family, health, and social considerations in retirement Listen in as Casey Weade is once again joined by Les McDaniel to exp…

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490: Retirement Withdrawal Strategies in Down Markets: Should You Shift Yours? 27:11

6M ago27:11

27:11

Market volatility is inevitable. Whether you’re 10 months or 10 years into retirement, it’s vital to ask: is your investment strategy prepared? In this episode, we discuss: Why market volatility is necessary When down markets no longer become an opportunity How to avoid sequence of returns risk 4% withdrawal rule flaws Today's articles are from The…

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489: Freedom After 50: The 4 Myths of Security Keeping You Stuck Today and Fearful of Tomorrow 27:06

6M ago27:06

27:06

For decades, you’ve been told that security is the key to a successful life; Work hard, save wisely, and one day, you’ll be able to retire with peace of mind. But what if the very idea of security is holding you back? In this episode, we discuss: The power of a decision-making framework Pitfalls of delayed gratification Financial security disillusi…

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488: From Accumulating to Spending: 20 Lessons for a Happy & Successful Retirement with Christine Benz 1:01:20

6M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Today, I'm very excited to welcome Christine Benz back to the podcast. Christine is the Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning at Morningstar. She has become a trusted voice in the industry and has been recognized as one of Barron’s Top 100 Most Influential Women in Finance and one of the Ten Most Influential Women in Wealth Managemen…

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487: Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? 26:42

7M ago26:42

26:42

Is it OK for you to bring debt into retirement? More specifically, what about your mortgage? To gain clarity, you must approach this decision from a financial and emotional perspective. In this episode, we discuss: Historical vs. potential future of mortgage rates Why a mortgage can be a valuable asset How to determine your mortgage value Today's a…

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486: Freedom After 50: How to Talk About the Tough Stuff—Money, Religion & Politics 31:22

7M ago31:22

31:22

In retirement and beyond, strong social connections are at the heart of human happiness and fulfillment. But to create those solid relationships, you often need to learn how to dig deeper with your conversations. In this episode, we discuss: Why quality of relationships is crucial for longevity and happiness How the “Coin’s Edge” philosophy helps y…

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485: Top 5 Retiree Regrets and How to Avoid Them 26:13

7M ago26:13

26:13

You want to ensure you have all your ducks in a row before entering retirement. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on the biggest retiree regrets so that they don’t become yours too. In this episode, we discuss: Do you need to be a millionaire to retire? The Social Security “breakeven” number Pros and cons of bringing debt into retirement Prepar…

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484: Freedom After 50: Fearless Freedom – Unlocking Radical Resilience for Life’s Next Chapter 22:46

7M ago22:46

22:46

What role does spirituality play in your life and how can it help you cultivate a purpose-driven retirement? Join us for a conversation about wisdom, the deeper truths that have endured across time, and why this is all central to a purposeful retirement. In this episode, we discuss: How spirituality and faith impact retirement When and where fear c…

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483: The Future of Tax Rates: How to Keep More of Your Money and Pay Less Taxes with Ed Slott 1:02:55

7M ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Today, I'm joined by one of the country's most renowned tax and retirement distribution experts—Ed Slott. Ed is a CPA, best-selling author, and the founder of Ed Slott and Company. He’s also the Professor of Practice at the American College of Financial Services and The Wall Street Journal has named him the best source for IRA advice. We discussed …

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482: Freedom After 50: How to Build a Legacy That Will Outlast You—Exploring the Wise Wealth Matrix - Part 4 31:24

8M ago31:24

31:24

Are you living a life that reflects the legacy you want to leave behind? Join us as we wrap up our exploration of the Wise Wealth Matrix with this final installment. In this episode, we discuss: Why most legacies fail How to leverage the Wisdom & Wealth pillars for legacy planning How to activate legacy with impact Listen in as Casey Weade is once …

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481: Comparing 4 Flexible Income Strategies for Retirement 27:35

7M ago27:35

27:35

If you want to spend your hard-earned dollars confidently in retirement, then you need an income plan that aligns with your personal goals. In this episode, we discuss: How income strategies have evolved Why retiree spending changes What makes an income strategy “flexible” How to know which income strategy is best for you Today's article is from Mo…

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480: Freedom After 50: The Shadow Side of Wealth - Exploring the Wise Wealth Matrix - Part 3 33:25

8M ago33:25

33:25

Are you using your net worth as a score card? Join us for Part 3 of our exploration of the Wise Wealth Matrix and find out how wisdom can help you redefine wealth as a tool for meaning, balance, and connection. In this episode, we discuss: 3 cultural norms most distorted by modern society Risks associated with the pursuit of “more” Pros and cons of…

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479: Our 2025 Market Predictions 23:00

8M ago23:00

23:00

It’s that time of year again in the finance world; time to ring in this year’s stock market predictions! Are analysts erring toward bull—or bear? We give you our take. In this episode, we discuss: How our past market predictions fared How today’s market activity compares to the 90s Why we could be due for a correction How technological advancements…

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478: Cracking the Code to Maximize Happiness By Finding Meaning and Purpose in Retirement with Jordan Grumet, MD 51:22

8M ago51:22

51:22

Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Jordan Grumet back to the podcast. Jordan is the Associate Medical Director at Unity Hospice, a financial blogger, and the host of the Earn and Invest Podcast. In his new book, The Purpose Code: How to Unlock Meaning, Maximize Happiness, and Leave a Lasting Legacy, he follows up his work in Taking Stock to explore…

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477: 10 Steps to Prepare Your Finances for Retirement 33:59

8M ago33:59

33:59

How should you modify your portfolio for retirement? It doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach, but let’s begin with the basics. In this episode, we discuss: How your emergency fund might change in retirement Why your income strategy is key to retirement success How to fill for your income “gap” Asset vs. tax allocation The “tax oasis” Today's a…

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476: Freedom After 50: Exploring the Wise Wealth Matrix - Part 2 30:35

8M ago30:35

30:35

What does it mean to be wealthy and wise in mid-life? Join us for part 2 of our exploration of the Wise Wealth Blueprint and discover how to pave the way for an intentional, purpose-filled life. In this episode, we discuss: What it means to let wisdom drive your life Three guiding principles of your purpose What it means to have “radical resilience…

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475: Freedom After 50: Exploring the Wise Wealth Matrix - Part 1 28:33

9M ago28:33

28:33

What does it mean to be wealthy and wise in mid-life? As part of our retirement coaching process, this is your opportunity to discover how to pave the way for an intentional, purpose-filled life by leveraging our Wise Wealth Blueprint. In this episode, we discuss: What it means to live in the “Freedom Zone” The power of “long life learning” The thr…

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474: The Reality of Investment Risk: Why Low Probability of Loss Doesn’t Equal Low Risk 23:31

9M ago23:31

23:31

What determines financial “success”? A major factor includes your ability to play financial defense and minimize the severity of potential investment failure. In this episode, we discuss: The definition of “investment risk” How to factor statistical anomalies into your investment plan What it means to mitigate risk in your retirement strategy Today…