Financial Freedom With Tim Decker

What have you been doing amid the uncertainty? | 4/26/25

April 28, 2025 • 45 mins

• Tim asks, "As an investor, what have you been doing in recent weeks amid so much uncertainty and negativity?" • Bob from Iron Springs calls in to ask for some perspective on gold as an investment. Tim provides valuable insights by sharing the price history of gold and explaining that, historically, after adjusting for inflation, gold has experienced long periods in which it has underperformed significantly. • Longtime listener Jo...

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Risk vs. Reward | 4/19/25

April 21, 2025 • 44 mins

• Do you own individual stocks like Apple, Tesla, or Nvidia? Should you reconsider the risks versus rewards of doing so? • When a CD is maturing, should you reinvest it or consider investing elsewhere? Jean from Denver calls in for Tim's guidance on her CD. • Michael from Annville asks Tim how reinvesting dividends from mutual funds or stocks affects future taxes on capital gains. • Have you ever heard the term "bond vigilantes"? K...

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How does it work? | 4/12/25

April 14, 2025 • 45 mins

• Jim from Newport asks Tim to clarify how stock dividends work. Tim explains and discusses why this concept is often misunderstood by many people. • Have you ever heard of “shorting” stocks or the market? Joe from Harrisburg asks how this works and whether it is worth considering. • Joan, a loyal listener, calls in to share some valuable and interesting comments. • What is the ideal process for taking RMDs from an IRA? Kathy from ...

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Current Market Environment | 4/5/25

April 7, 2025 • 44 mins

• Tariffs, market declines, and heightened negative investor sentiment — what is an investor to do? • Boring bonds have once again come to life and are performing as intended. • Feeling overwhelmed, Victoria calls in seeking Tim’s advice on some investment decisions. • Are you worried about the current market environment? Tim discusses why investors with a sound, well-thought-out financial plan can weather these temporary declines ...

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The Importance of Diversification

March 31, 2025 • 42 mins

• Why do so many people, including advisors, seek advice from so-called expert analysts regarding market forecasts and stock picking? • Tim reflects on last week's market declines to highlight the importance of not investing only in the S&P 500 index or total stock market funds. • Ed calls in to ask about some derivatives he recently invested in, which did not turn out as he expected. • Tim shares an email from Carolyn, who is seek...

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Lessons Learned and Other Surprises

March 26, 2025 • 43 mins

Topics this week- • Tim continues discussing the important lessons learned from past market declines and how you should consider applying them today. • Do you know when some of the sharpest market surges in the past have occurred? You might be surprised. • What is one of the single biggest risks for investors? • Lisa from Dillsburg wants Tim's advice on finding a fee-only advisor to assist her and her husband. • Tim offers insights...

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