Emotional Balance Sheet with Paul Fenner

Have you ever thought about the moments that help shape your beliefs and emotions? I want to share how being a dad to triplets (plus one!) has completely reshaped how I think about financial planning. From cheering at swim meets to navigating tough parenting moments, I've learned that raising kids isn't so different from guiding families through financial decisions. Both are emotional, both are me...

Do you ever feel like you and your partner speak different languages regarding money? You're not alone. Our resident psychologist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, is back for a conversation that's equal parts practical, personal, and surprisingly fun. We're talking about the classic clash between spenders and savers—why it happens, how to navigate it, and what it takes to turn financial friction into a s...

As summer heats up, two words are dominating headlines: the "Big Beautiful Bill" and—still hanging around—tariffs. In this episode, I break down: ·       What's really inside the new tax legislation ·       Why tariff uncertainty is rattling corporate decision-making ·       How political theater might spike volatility (just in time for the 4th of July) ·       Why long-term investors should stay...

What's the first thing you think about when you hear the term farmland?   Most people have likely never thought about investing in farmland, but today, I have the perfect guest to explain why you might want to consider it. Rob Moore, general manager at AcreTrader, dives into the details of farmland investing appeal as an asset class and why it can be a powerful addition to a diversified portfolio,...

In the ever-fluctuating world of economics, navigating the complexities of investment and savings often feels like treading turbulent waters. One of the critical aspects of managing these complexities is aligning your assets to match your liabilities for long-term financial stability.   Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for a child's college, or contemplating future investments, under...

What if you had a front-row seat to the world's stage in the Oval Office?   Sounds like a cool gig.   But what if it required giving up much of your personal life? I welcome back former AP White House correspondent Ben Feller for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of the media, the importance of journalistic integrity, and the personal journey of navigating high-stakes careers. Ben...

There feels like a pervasive nature of worry in today's world, particularly in politics, financial markets, and emotional well-being.   Now more than ever, we need to understand our emotional needs and what we are seeking out for advice.   Are we seeking advice that is personal or financial?   Are we looking to be heard?   Or do we want to feel comforted in an uncertain time? How we communicate wi...

Have you ever had a well-meaning conversation with a spouse, friend, child, or co-worker that went sideways?   What if we could help ourselves prepare for some of our most important conversations? Our resident psychologist expert, Dr. Jen Dragonette, is back with us to explore the nuances of communication in relationships, particularly focusing on the importance of language and emotional dynamics....

Morgan Housel has inspired a great deal of my thoughts on the intricacies between money and happiness. Today, I wanted to share a personal story about the interconnectedness of money and happiness, along with five key points that challenge the conventional wisdom around wealth and satisfaction. From understanding that money provides freedom rather than fulfillment to the notion that true wealth is...

What matters most when it comes to portfolio returns? Video Version Here's what it's not: who is President or the crisis of the day.   From the unpredictable daily swings of the S&P 500 to the long-term probabilities of success, I cover how aligning your assets with your objectives —whether short-term or for retirement—can safeguard your financial future.   Plus, I unfold an important factor that...

How do you bridge the gap between the anxiety you may be feeling and the realities of your current situation? Our resident therapist, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, explains the core principles of ACT, a behavioral therapy developed by Dr. Steven Hayes, designed to foster present-moment awareness, acceptance of reality, and cognitive diffusion.   Dr. Jen makes these concepts accessible, helping listener...

Modern life often throws us into "hair on fire" moments where stress feels insurmountable and overwhelming. Whether it's work demands, family responsibilities, or unforeseen challenges, we all experience these times when it seems impossible to maintain balance. Understanding and preparing for these "hair on fire" periods is crucial. Communicating with those around us can be beneficial when we anti...

Does the current stock market volatility have you wondering what's next? It's a normal emotional response to feel anxiety or even a little bit panicked when events around you seem to be in chaos, which can apply to personal events, politics, and, yes, the stock market. Dr. Jennifer Dragonette is back to walk us through how we can navigate these personal and financial anxieties.   We delve into fin...

What happens when two financial advisors get together for a conversation about non-financial planning topics?   A dynamic conversation that dives into current culture and the broader landscape of behavioral finance. My friend and colleague Matt Zeigler joins me for a first-of-its-kind Emotional Balance Sheet podcast episode.   There was no agenda, pre-scheduled questions, or thoughts on how the co...

What does rock climbing have to do with mental and financial health? While Dr. Jennifer Dragonette offers her compassionate expertise to communities in crisis, she also shares a passion for rock climbing—a pursuit that intertwines with her professional insights.   Dr. Jen explains how this adventurous sport complements her work as a therapist.   She reveals how rock climbing's demands for balance,...

As busy parents on the go, it's hard not to opt for the convenience of quick meals, which may not be the best option for our kids.   As chaotic as schedules can get, we still want to find the most optimal meal options for our kids. Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to break down why proteins are indispensable, not just for muscle maintenance and growth but also for brain health.   We discuss the ch...

We live in an age where the 24-hour news cycle perpetuates political controversy and sensational headlines.   It's tempting to believe that staying informed means consuming every detail these channels broadcast. Yet, in our personal and financial lives, this noise often creates anxiety rather than clarity.   It's crucial to recognize that not every news story or social media post warrants our atte...

Have you ever asked yourself what the best credit card to use for my family and me is?   I get this question a lot and it is a topic I have wrestled with myself. Today, I am talking with someone who can help all of us navigate the complexity of credit card points and rewards systems.   Spencer Howard is the founder of Straight To The Points.   Spencer has built an entire business around helping in...

Have you ever heard of the term "make sureing?" Today, we delve into a term coined by Dr. Jennifer Dragonette to describe our frantic attempts to control situations or emotions beyond our control.   Though often well-intentioned, we explore how this behavior can lead to unintended consequences, especially within family dynamics and relationships. Dr. Jen sheds light on the evolution of "make surei...

How do you manage stress in the face of small or large-scale traumatic events? Dr. Teryn Clarke is back with us to tackle a pressing issue—how to manage stress when trauma feels like it is all around us, especially in the face of large-scale traumatic events like the recent fires in California. Dr. Teryn, who is based in Orange County, shares firsthand accounts of the devastation, highlighting the...

Have you missed me on Instagram or Facebook? It's been two months since I shut down my accounts on those platforms, and I have not received one request for me to come back on. My point gets to the heart of the topic I am talking about today, the concept of 'noise' in decision-making, particularly in financial planning and portfolio management. There is a strong need to filter out irrelevant inform...

In this conversation, Dr. Jen Dragonette and Paul Fenner explore the pervasive issue of anxiety, particularly during the start of a new year and in the context of recent societal events. Dr. Jen highlights the physical manifestations of anxiety, the importance of understanding its nature, and the role of mindset in managing anxious thoughts. Our conversation emphasizes the concept of agency, the n...

We all know this time of year spurs great interest in setting goals and resolutions, but do you know the difference between the two? Dr. Teryn Clarke, our resident neurologist expert, walks us through the difference between goals and resolutions and why we should focus on goals and not resolutions.   Specifically, we address the acronym SMART when setting goals.   We explore the vital role of tiny...

Welcome to "Emotional Balance Sheet," and a Happy New Year to all our listeners! Back from a refreshing holiday break with my family, I wanted to take a retrospective look at the financial markets in 2024—a year marked by fascinating highs and lows. I'll break down the key moments that drove the S&P 500 to a 23% gain, highlighting just 16 critical trading days among 252. Most importantly, we'll di...

Do you wish you had more time?   If you did have more time for yourself, what would you do? Managing time and anxiety in a busy world, especially for parents, is an everyday occurrence.   Our resident therapist expert, Dr. Jennifer Dragonette, and I continue to press forward with our conversations around defining our purpose and supporting them with our time. During our conversation, we explore th...