More for Your Money

John Berkley takes listeners on a financial history tour, examining tax law changes, government debt growth, and the introduction of IRAs, 401ks, and index funds. The episode also highlights a recent banking scam attempt, providing practical advice on protecting accounts and managing overdraft settings, while explaining the value of local, personalized retirement planning.

John Berkley and portfolio manager Greg Snyder explore recent market volatility, Federal Reserve policy, and rising interest rates. They break down the mechanics of the Fed, examine historical monetary actions, and discuss growing national debt concerns. Grounded in a disciplined philosophy, the team at Uncommon Cents Investing explains why value stocks and resource assets offer a strategic defens...

John Berkley and his brother Todd discuss volatile market shifts, sticky inflation, and rising interest rates. They break down performance trends in value versus growth stocks, examine how debt monetization impacts economic stability, and explore changing global perceptions of the US dollar. Additionally, they analyze key valuation metrics like the Dow-Gold ratio to help investors navigate market...

John Berkley breaks down how Uncommon Cents Investing manages portfolios in-house using individual stocks to minimize fees. Berkley contrasts risk management in retirement accounts with tax strategies in brokerage accounts. He also delves into the power and pitfalls of margin debt, drawing from personal experience to explain how leverage can magnify wealth or cause total loss.

In this episode, John Berkley and Sheena Hanson share what makes Uncommon Cents Investing different from impersonal national financial services. They discuss the power of hands-on, local relationship building, real-life client stories, and a proactive annual planning calendar. From help with weekend home offers to navigating pensions and long-term care, discover how truly local guidance can protec...

John Berkley and Krista Berkley help you navigate market corrections with confidence. They demystify Required Minimum Distributions and show how Qualified Charitable Distributions can lower your tax bill. Plus, learn how to jumpstart savings for kids and grandkids using 529 college plans and Minor Roth IRAs. Discover how customized wealth planning can help secure your family's financial future. Sp...

John Berkley explores the three freedoms: financial, time, and purpose. They discuss an article about a ski bum who learned that chasing time without money limits options. The episode also covers market volatility, mentorship, and reviewing life insurance policies.

Join John Berkley and Krista Berkley for an insightful discussion on finding the right financial partner. They explore the "advisor audition," highlighting essential questions regarding investment philosophy, risk management, and performance benchmarks. Discover the benefits of working with local, independent fiduciaries who prioritize your goals. Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

John Berkley and Sheena Hanson explore retirement distribution strategies, including the controversial four percent rule and bucket strategies. They discuss managing sequence of return risk, navigating different tax buckets, and the importance of flexibility when recreating a paycheck in retirement. As southern Wisconsin fiduciaries, the team emphasizes personalized planning for local retirees to...

Join host John Berkley for a deep dive into the $36 trillion national debt crisis. Berkley examines historical inflation patterns, the shift from the gold standard, and how rising deficits impact individual wealth. Learn why equities remain a key hedge against inflation and discover practical strategies for achieving financial independence. This episode offers common-sense economic analysis to hel...

John Berkley and Sheena Hanson share 15 essential pillars for financial freedom. They dive deep into risk management, exploring five levels of tolerance to ensure consistent long-term strategies. Sheena explains the legal importance of the fiduciary standard and demonstrates how strategic "householding" maximizes tax efficiency by intelligently placing assets across different account types to impr...

John Berkley challenges the myth that home ownership is always an asset, framing it instead as a potential liability. He shares his journey from a GM factory to financial advising, emphasizing discipline over quick wins. This episode explores mastering risk management and transitioning toward self-insuring as wealth increases. Discover why thinking differently than the masses is the key to buildin...

Join John Berkley for a deep dive into Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and its economic consequences. This episode explores the mechanics of inflation, deflation, and stagflation, alongside the history of the Federal Reserve. John discusses the risks of rising debt and the shift toward socialism, drawing on historical examples to highlight why disciplined investing and free-market principles are esse...

Join John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing for an insightful look at the fundamental principles of wealth accumulation. This episode explores the "enormous power" of compounding capital, illustrating how starting just ten years earlier can significantly impact your retirement savings. John discusses the real opportunity costs of college, the law of diminishing returns on consumption, and practi...

John Berkley welcomes Patrick Smith of Visiting Angels to discuss navigating the "next stage of life." They explore the nuances of veteran benefits, specifically the Aid and Attendance pension and VA health care for home care. The conversation moves into financial strategy, addressing how to manage significant windfalls—like tournament winnings—through tax-reduction techniques and maximizing retir...

John Berkley and the investment committee analyze a significant market rotation where small-cap stocks are outperforming mega-cap growth. The team explores "structural inflation" as a permanent government tool and discusses how AI-driven productivity gains might shift the labor market toward skilled trades. A major focus is the historic SpaceX IPO, highlighting the triumph of free enterprise over...

John Berkley analyzes a volatile week for Wall Street before exploring the financial wisdom of Charlie Munger and Jeff Bezos. The discussion delves into the power of compound interest, the pitfalls of envy, and U.S. tax subsidies. Berkley also provides a masterclass on the four stages of the business cycle: prosperity, recession, depression, and recovery. Featuring a moving D-Day tribute, this epi...

John Berkley and the investment committee explore the perplexing 2026 market surge. Despite warning signals from metrics like the Buffett indicator and Shiller CAPE, the S&P 500 and NASDAQ continue to hit record highs. The team analyzes economic risks, including massive federal spending gaps and potential stagflation. A highlight includes a deep dive into Jeff Bezos’s perspective on free enter...

John Berkley highlights the value of independent, local fiduciary advice. He explores market history, warning that rising national debt could marginalize future living standards, similar to the economic declines seen in Great Britain and Peru. Berkley provides essential guidance for younger investors, championing long-term equity strategies and the discipline to ignore emotional market fluctuation...

John Berkley and the investment committee navigate the "uncharted waters" of rising interest rates and structural inflation. They analyze the surge in treasury yields and the consequences of global deficit spending, framing inflation as a deliberate government policy. The team differentiates between secular and cyclical markets, advocating for a conservative, value-driven strategy using low-beta s...

In this episode of "More for Your Money," host John Berkley and financial advisor Krista Berkley explore the KISS philosophy: Keep It Simple Stupid. They emphasize returning to investment fundamentals to reduce financial stress and avoid the pitfalls of complex jargon. The duo cautions against trendy "get-rich-quick" schemes like crypto and gold, favoring proven long-term strategies instead. By di...

John Berkley explores how financial advisors act as "idea factories" to guide clients through life's transitions. This episode breaks down entrepreneurial essentials, from choosing business structures like LLCs to leveraging tax incentives like the "20% kiss." Berkley also champions self-education and "street smarts" over formal degrees, illustrating how the time value of money and a firm grasp of...

This episode explores the power of starting a business between ages 18 and 21 to exploit "risk insulation" and questions the ROI of traditional college degrees. The hosts provide strategic retirement advice, critiquing the 4% rule while advocating for delaying Social Security until age 70. Learn about tax-efficient investing with individual stocks and gain inspiration from Warren Buffett’s ten lif...

The Uncommon Cents Investing investment committee explores an "uncommon cents" approach to navigating extreme market volatility. The team analyzes recent surges in major indexes, cautioning against emotional, short-term reactions to geopolitical hype. Drawing on wisdom from legendary investors like Jim Rogers and Warren Buffett, the hosts emphasize the power of independent research and disciplined...

John Berkley examines the growing economic divide between the prosperous "Me Generation" and today’s younger workforce. Through an insightful look at rising national debt and global competition, Berkley challenges traditional financial paths. He advocates for specialized skill development and self-education over costly degrees, while exploring the philosophical sacrifices required for wealth accum...