Simply Money

Simply Money

For more than 20 years, the Simply Money radio show has provided straightforward and entertaining explanations of how the economy and stock market affect your wealth. Join Allworth advisors Bob Sponseller and Brian James from our Cincinnati team as they offer unique financial perspectives—along with smart tax and estate planning strategies—to help you make the most of your money. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of the topics discussed. It should not be interpreted as personalized investment advice or relied upon as such. The information is not intended to convey any implicit or explicit guarantee or sense of assurance that, if followed, any investment strategies referenced will produce a positive or desired outcome. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. There can be no assurance that any investment strategy or decision will achieve its intended objectives or result in a positive return. It is important to carefully consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.

Episodes

January 7, 2026 38 mins

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian kick off the new year with the January Financial Stress Test: can your plan weather the unpredictability of 2026? With midterm elections looming, potential interest rate reversals, and market volatility ahead, they explore how to bulletproof your investments with strategies like bond duration diversification, buffered ETFs, and Monte Carlo simulations. P...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian reveal why January is the most strategic money month of the year. From harvesting capital gains and revisiting direct indexing strategies to maximizing donor-advised funds and managing idle cash, they break down the smartest financial moves you can make right now. Plus, they discuss why a bigger tax refund isn't necessarily a good thing, how poor timing ...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob, Brian, and Allworth Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout dig into what the economy and the markets might hold in 2026. Plus, Bob and Brian dive into the cognitive and health risks of retiring too early, the financial tune-ups every empty nester should consider, and why having five advisors isn’t a financial strategy—it’s a coordination problem. R...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian reveal the four hidden forces that influence every major financial decision — even for the most seasoned, high-net-worth investors. Whether it's fear, guilt, social pressure, or family history, these emotional undercurrents can derail smart planning. Hear real-life stories, and learn how to spot and navigate the subconscious drivers behind your fin...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian challenge the traditional notion of retirement. Is it really about never working again? Or is the real dream having the freedom to work on your terms? They dig into why more high-net-worth families are choosing “financial flexibility” over full retirement, how to plan for that transition, and the hidden tax advantages that can make it work. P...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explore a simple phrase that could mean the difference between financial freedom and struggle: “the sooner the better.” They unpack new data around Gen X’s looming retirement crisis and what it means to be the first generation largely retiring without pensions. Then, they dive into a compelling new study showing how saving—not spe...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian take a deep dive into what really happened in 2025 — and why the investing fundamentals they shared all year long held up once again. From President Trump’s return and a new wave of tariffs, to a Federal Reserve caught between inflation and politics, to a stock market rally that rewarded patient investors — they told you what to expect,...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down one of the biggest misconceptions in investing: risk. What most people think is risk—market ups and downs—is actually just volatility. The real risk? Overspending your retirement, missing out on growth, or playing it too safe. Bob and Brian walk through the critical differences, offer real-life examples with hard math, and explain ...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian uncover the #1 mistake even successful savers and investors make: accumulating assets without a real strategy. They dig into what it means to truly have a plan — from organizing scattered accounts, to transitioning from mutual funds to tax-efficient ETFs, and dealing with concentrated stock positions using tools like direct indexing, exchange funds...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian take a deep dive into the surprising ways your brain might be sabotaging your financial future. From action bias and overconfidence to herd mentality and confirmation bias, they reveal how emotional traps become even more dangerous the larger your retirement nest egg grows. You’ll also hear how childhood money lessons still influence your decisions...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian expose the hidden financial risks that even financially comfortable families often overlook — like gaps in liability protection, cyber threats, and uncoordinated estate plans. They unpack why an umbrella insurance policy is a must-have, especially if your net worth has made you a target. Then, are your investments really diversified — or just...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian are joined by Allworth’s Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout to unpack why the latest inflation report might not be as positive as it seemed — including how a government shutdown may have warped the data. Plus, what the SEC just approved that could revolutionize how traditional investments are processed, and how Robinhood’s latest move ...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explore the hidden financial traps even the smartest, wealthiest investors fall into—often because of their own brains. From overconfidence and loss aversion to chasing performance and underestimating taxes, the co-hosts share real-life stories of multimillionaires who made emotional missteps that cost them dearly. They break down how even savvy ex...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down a surprisingly tame inflation report that has Wall Street (and maybe the Fed) rethinking the pace of rate cuts in 2026. But don’t get too comfortable—there are warning signs in the job market that suggest the economy is cooling, not roaring. The guys explain what it all means for interest rates, your mortgage, and long-term investi...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explore a simple phrase that could mean the difference between financial freedom and struggle: “the sooner the better.” They unpack new data around Gen X’s looming retirement crisis and what it means to be the first generation largely retiring without pensions. Then, they dive into a compelling new study showing how saving—not spe...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explore whether we’re living through another tech bubble — this time fueled by artificial intelligence. Is the massive investment in AI setting us up for a painful correction in 2026? They dig into market concentration, inflated valuations, and why companies like Nvidia, Oracle, and OpenAI are raising red flags for some investors. You’l...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian explain why the smartest money on Wall Street is bracing for volatility in 2026 — and why you should be too. With midterm elections looming, sticky inflation, and unpredictable earnings, investors with millions in the market need to prepare for a rockier road ahead. They outline what a “happy but exposed” growth investor should be doing...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian are joined by a very special guest: Dr. Loretta Mester, former President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and one of the most influential voices in monetary policy. Alongside Allworth's Chief Investment Officer Andy Stout, the team gets Dr. Mester’s exclusive insight on the Fed’s recent rate cut, where inflation is really he...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the Fed's latest interest rate cut—what it means for mortgages, savings rates, and why younger homebuyers may still feel squeezed. Then, they dive into a critical end-of-year financial planning reminder: take your required minimum distributions (RMDs) by December 31st or risk a 25% IRS penalty. They also tackle a headline-grabbing claim ...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian uncover the crucial differences between financial advisors who are just going through the motions and those truly playing offense—actively helping high-net-worth clients reduce taxes, build legacy plans, and take control of their financial futures. Learn the red flags that suggest your advisor may be stuck in the past and the proactive strategies&m...

Mark as Played

The Latest News

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Two Guys, Five Rings: Matt, Bowen & The Olympics

    Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.