The Long Term Investor

Want a peek behind the scenes? Get my top 5 must-read financial articles that keep me ahead on innovative planning and investment strategies—exclusive, curated, and straight to your inbox bi-weekly when you sign up for my newsletter. -----  2024 brought its share of twists and turns for markets, leaving valuable lessons in its wake.   In this episode, I sit down with Michael Batnick, Managing Partner at Ritholtz Wealth Management, to reflect on the biggest headlines of the year and share actionable insights to help you prepare for whatever 2025 brings. Learn how to navigate uncertainty, stay grounded in your long-term plan, and position your portfolio for success.   Listen now and learn: Why market predictions are valuable—even when they’re wrong. The surprising role consumers played in shaping 2024’s economy. How to navigate tech dominance, stock-picking temptations, and market uncertainty.   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   TIMESTAMPS:  [00:42] Predictions: A Fun Reminder That No One Can Predict the Future [02:09] The Evolving Role of Advisors: From Investing to Planning [04:27] Interest Rates: How the Fed and Consumers Shaped 2024 [10:34] NVIDIA, AI, and Why Most Investors Should Avoid Stock Picking [15:40] Bitcoin ETFs and the Crypto Adoption Story [23:37] Diversification vs. U.S. Market Outperformance [26:15] 2025 Interest Rates and Presidential Elections: Staying Calm Through Uncertainty [30:07] Wrapping Up: Predictions, Lessons, and Looking Ahead to 2025

Proactive tax planning could save you thousands. If you're ready to hire an advisor, my team at Plancorp is here to help. Schedule a call today to learn more. -----  Avoiding tax surprises isn’t just about filing on time—it’s about planning ahead.    This episode shares six real life examples of how tax projections can potentially save you thousands on your future taxes and thoughtfully guide the bigger picture of your financial plan. Learn actionable strategies for reducing your tax liability, whether you’re managing retirement withdrawals, timing business expenses, or exploring Roth conversions.   Listen now and learn:   Why tax projections are essential for proactive financial planning. Strategies for minimizing taxes on Social Security, RMDs, and capital gains. How to use tax projections to optimize your financial decisions year-round. Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.

Thinking about hiring a financial advisor? It could be a great decision—if you know how to evaluate them. Get my free worksheet to follow a proven process and avoid common mistakes. -----  Navigating equity compensation can be tricky, especially when the year-end tax clock is ticking.    In this episode, Ally Jane Ayers, a leading expert in the complex world of equity compensation, shares tax-smart strategies to optimize your stock options, RSUs, and equity packages. Whether you hold RSUs, ISOs, or stock options at a private company, Ally’s insights will help you tackle tricky tax issues, reduce over-concentration risks, and align your equity with your financial goals.   Listen now and learn: Key tax considerations for equity compensation before December 31 How to avoid costly under-withholding on RSUs. Advanced strategies to diversify concentrated stock positions and preserve gains. The power of 10b5-1 plans for stress-free stock selling.   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   (00:37) Key Tax Considerations for Year-End Stock Compensation Planning (03:54) The Importance of Multiyear Equity Planning (09:24) Exercising Stock Options at Private Companies (14:10) Managing Risk with Equity Compensation (22:27) Advanced Strategies for Managing Mixed Equity Packages (25:38) Creative Ways to Preserve Gains and Minimize Taxes (32:49) Leveraging 10b5-1 Plans for Stress-Free Selling (34:56) Final Tips for Equity Compensation Holders

Want a peek behind the scenes? Get my top 5 must-read financial articles that keep me ahead on innovative planning and investment strategies—exclusive, curated, and straight to your inbox bi-weekly when you sign up for my newsletter. -----  Are you paying more in taxes than you need to?  As the year winds down, now’s an ideal time to make smart moves that can lower your tax bill—especially if you’re close to or in retirement. In this episode, I share simple, practical strategies to help you keep more of your money. From making the most of tax-friendly accounts to reducing the bite of capital gains, these tips can make a real difference in your finances while keeping your long-term goals on track. Listen now and learn: Easy ways to lower your tax bill before the year ends How to make sure you’re not paying more taxes on investments than necessary The best ways to plan for your retirement income and avoid costly tax surprises Common mistakes people make with taxes—and how to steer clear of them Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.

David Braun, a seasoned U.S. Generalist Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at PIMCO, shares his 30 years of investment wisdom. He discusses the vital role of core bonds in retirement planning, highlighting how rising yields present new opportunities. The conversation shifts to why active management is crucial over passive strategies in today's market. Braun also addresses the implications of growing U.S. national debt on bond yields and risk profiles, encouraging a reevaluation of fixed income strategies for a changing economic landscape.

What does it take to think clearly and stay rational in a world full of financial noise? This episode features part two of a rare conversation with Jason Zweig, acclaimed financial journalist and author of Your Money & Your Brain. From behind-the-scenes wisdom gleaned from Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger to the psychology driving your financial decisions, Jason delivers invaluable insights that will reshape how you think about investing.   Listen now and learn: Lessons from legendary investors and their surprising strategies How cognitive biases and dopamine affect your financial decisions Why creating investing rules is key to long-term success The future of finance: from indexing to cryptocurrency   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   TIMESTAMPS:  [00:30] Jason Zweig’s Unplanned Path to Financial Journalism [04:06] Pivotal Advice: “Don’t Get Anyone’s Blood on Your Hands” [07:31] Learning from Industry Giants: Wisdom from Buffett, Munger, and Others [11:10] Daniel Kahneman’s Work on Cognitive Illusions [15:20] Neuroeconomics: A Window (and a Mirror) into Investor Behavior [19:14] The Brain on a Hot Streak: Dopamine and Anticipation [24:10] Laughing at Wall Street: Creating The Devil’s Financial Dictionary [29:08] Questioning the Future of Finance [34:13] A Lesson from the Antiques Market: Not Everything Always Holds Value [39:05] Price Feels Like Proof: The Trap of Anchoring on Success [41:18] What Excites Jason Zweig About the Future of Investing

Are today’s markets testing your patience, or making you question your strategies? Jason Zweig believes that timeless investment wisdom is more relevant now than ever. In this episode, we’re recording live from the New York Stock Exchange as Zweig discusses why Benjamin Graham’s "The Intelligent Investor" remains a cornerstone of disciplined investing. Zweig shares insights on the psychological challenges investors face, the role of human nature in decision-making, and why mastering market psychology is key to achieving lasting success. Listen now and learn: Why core investment principles remain crucial in a fast-paced world How to make market psychology work for, not against, you Strategies to recognize and manage emotional biases in investing The true meaning of being an intelligent investor Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.

Markets are driven by countless factors—consumer demand, innovation, interest rates, global trade, and more. Sure, policies can create a little wind in the sails for certain segments of the market, or a bit of a headwind, but presidents don’t hold the wheel. Listen now and learn: The limited impact of politics on stock markets The challenges faced by the US economy How the US stacks up in the two most important drivers of economic growth Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.

Are we entering a decade of low returns?  Goldman Sachs projects that S&P 500 returns will average only 3% annually over the next ten years—far below the historical norm of 13% in the last decade. While I’m not a believer in predicting the future, there are several useful elements in their research worth discussing. In this episode, I’ll explore what’s behind this forecast and what it means for investors. Plus, how to adapt to the shifting landscape with strategies that go beyond the traditional S&P 500. Listen now and learn: How one goes about forecasting future returns in the first place Historical instances where stocks underperformed cash for more than a decade Implications and actionable considerations for a period of lower US stock returns Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.

What happens if the spouse who handles all the finances suddenly isn’t there? In this episode, Senior Wealth Manager Sara Gelsheimer of Plancorp joins us to explore why both spouses need to be involved in financial decisions. Whether due to sudden life changes or the realities of aging, having only one financial decision-maker can leave the other spouse unprepared for critical responsibilities. Sara shares practical steps and real-life examples that highlight the importance of financial involvement for both partners. Listen now and learn: The risks of relying on a single household financial decision-maker Actionable steps the “non-money” spouse can take to build confidence How couples can foster financial alignment and open communication The benefits of choosing an advisor both spouses trust Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions. [00:04] The Risks of Having Only One Financial Decision-Maker [02:24] Key Statistics on Women and Financial Literacy [04:41] The Benefits of Both Spouses Being Financially Informed [06:16] Real-Life Examples of Preparing Non-CFO Spouses [11:05] Actionable Steps for the Non-CFO Spouse [14:48] How the CFO Spouse Can Help Their Partner [18:33] How to Choose a Financial Advisor for Both Spouses [22:50] Resources for the Non-CFO Spouse