Introduction

Take the guesswork out of financial decisions at every stage of life with Maxifi: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://maxifiplanner.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Designed by Economist Laurence Kotlikoff.

Professor Lawrence Kotlikoff talks with with Rob Berger, a luminary in the realm of personal finance and investing. Rob’s credentials are not just impressive; they speak to a deep-rooted expertise in helping individuals achieve financial independence. As a retired securities lawyer who turned to personal finance blogging full time after a successful 25-year career in Washington, DC, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He is the esteemed author of "Retire Before Mom and Dad" and, since 2007, has been sharing invaluable insights on investment strategies through his writing. His practical advice is not just academic; it’s born from his own journey and transitions in both career and personal financial management.

Topics Covered:

• Investment Strategies and Portfolio Diversification
• Personal Approaches to Investment and Retirement Planning
• Planning Tools and Economic Theories in Financial Decision-Making
• Retirement Planning and Social Security Strategy
• Investment Philosophy and Management of Living Standards
• Financial Planning Dynamics and Behavioral Aspects
• Rob Berger's Background and Approach to Personal Finance
• Uncertainties and Flexibilities in Retirement Plans
• Economic Principles of Consumption Smoothing and Happiness
• Insights into Economic Theory and Practical Application

Time Stamps:

• 04:38 Financial transformation sparked by Dave Ramsay's show.
• 08:17 Preparing for uncertain inflation with diversified investments.
• 12:58 Spending must match available resources, be cautious.
• 16:34 Adjust assumptions yearly, spend at your discretion.
• 18:11 Planning for longer life, adjusting assumptions annually.
• 22:54 Spending decreases with age, various financial approaches.
• 25:27 Software provides answers to economic theory's limitations.
• 27:48 Middle class peace of mind against stock market.
• 32:08 Taking risks with assumptions about longevity and returns.
• 35:37 Economists use dynamic programming for problem-solving.
• 39:07 Colleague running software, discussing present value.
• 41:40 Adjust saving for college and retirement strategically.
• 43:23 Prioritize oxygen mask before helping others. College funding and retirement savings dilemma.
• 47:57 Most people want stability in their lives.
• 50:20 Losing job is an emergency, temporary happiness.
• 54:38 Balancing continuity with long-term investment returns.
• 55:49 Allocate assets between risky and safe options.

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Laurence Kotlikoff is a Boston University Economist, a NY Times Best Selling Author, President of maxifi.com, and Author of Money Magic.

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