More for Your Money

John Berkley discusses the strong 2026 market kickoff, highlighting significant gains in the Dow and Russell 2000 as the market broadens beyond the "Magnificent 7". Special guest Patrick Smith, owner of Visiting Angels, examines the growing preference for non-medical home care as a way to age at home. The episode provides a deep dive into long-term care insurance, covering the impact of the 1996 H...

In this episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley and the investment committee review 2025, noting S&P 500 total returns reached 17.8% and gold surged 64%. Transitioning into 2026, the team shares "guesses" for the year; Greg targets an S&P of 6,300, while Todd forecasts a 50% market decline and $6,000 gold. The discussion explores dollar devaluation, gold’s role as an inflation "measur...

In this episode of "More for Your Money," host John Berkley discusses navigating a market entering its third consecutive year of double-digit returns. Acting as an "idea factory," Berkley explores the "nuts and bolts" of complex financial products, emphasizing the necessity of auditing annuity contracts for hidden fees and missing beneficiaries. He details specialized tax strategies, including Net...

Join host John Berkley for a weekly market recap before diving into a history lesson on financial legends from the 1920s and 30s. The episode explores the lives of William Durant and Jesse Livermore, analyzing the risks of high-leverage margin debt and the infamous "Rascub’s Folly". Berkeley clarifies the critical difference between a market crash and a depression, citing the historical impact of...

This episode features the Investment Committee discussing the mixed market data and the potential rotation from growth stocks (like the MAG 7) to value stocks and the broader market (Russell 2000). The hosts explore current market valuations, noting the stock market is expensive with double-digit returns baked into current prices. A major theme is the hosts' commitment to long-term value investing...

John Berkley and Krista Berkley clarify the critical differences between fee-based and commission-based advisory models. The discussion emphasizes that understanding how your advisor is compensated and the underlying investment expenses is crucial, as the best platform—whether buy-and-hold commission or ongoing fee management—depends entirely on the client's needs and investment goals. Special Gue...

John Berkley discusses a strong market week before focusing on the major complexity added by a new Wisconsin state tax law. The law exempts up to $24,000 in retirement distributions per person (age 67 or older) from state tax. This significantly alters the decision to convert to a Roth IRA, as paying conversion taxes now means forfeiting the future state tax exemption on distributions. The discuss...

The More for Your Money panel reviewed a volatile week where all four major indexes declined, noting "mixed signals" indicative of a battle between bulls and bears. Guest Todd asserted that the market, by nearly every metric, is currently a bubble built on credit and debt, drawing historical parallels to 1929. A major concern discussed was liquidity risk, specifically identifying private equity/cr...

Guest Bob Clapper, a collector car expert, provides a pulse on the automotive market, which serves as a leading economic indicator. Clapper discusses his career shift from nearly 40 years in the retail car business to focusing on collector car sales and vintage restoration through his dealership, Clapper Motorcars. While the new car day supply is stable at an optimal 61 days, the market shows sign...

This special episode of More for Your Money features host John Berkley and Medicare Specialist Dave Bomkamp, focusing on the critical open enrollment period. They stress that listeners must "do your homework" to mitigate financial risk and navigate the "minefields" of available options. The discussion compares Supplemental (Medigap) plans, which augment traditional Medicare (A and B), offer no net...

John Berkley welcomes clinical psychologist Dr. Jim Burns to discuss the psychological forces driving today's expensive market. The conversation explores the current "meltup"—an extraordinarily rapid price increase detached from valuations—that is fueled by emotion, not rational behavior. A major focus is on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and TINA (There Is No Alternative), which have pushed investors...

Review the strong three-year bull market run, with the S&P 500 up 16.6% total return year-to-date. This episode discusses 3% annualized inflation and the strategy of tweaking portfolios toward resource stocks. Key topics include utilizing Roth IRA CDs for tax efficiency, understanding the Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) tax rule for highly appreciated 401k stock, and proper tax placement of...

John Berkley, Greg, and Todd discuss the "extraordinarily expensive" stock market and elevated valuations. Although the S&P 500 is up 13.3% year-to-date, they highlight that legendary investors are signaling caution: Jim Rogers has sold every equity, holding 100% cash, and Warren Buffett maintains a high cash position. The discussion emphasizes that in this high-risk environment, the focus mus...

John Berkley analyzes the sharp market selloff, largely triggered by tariff threats between the U.S. and China. The discussion moves to decoding the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBB). John explores crucial tax changes for investors, including the temporary increase in the SALT (State and Local Tax) limit up to $40,000, which enables the "leapfrog" itemizing strategy. Plus, understand new above-the-li...

Join John Berkley for a comprehensive look at crucial financial decisions. John reviews the rising markets and discuss the complexities of transitioning to fee-based investment platforms, warning against potentially higher costs. Learn how managing individual stock portfolios allows for greater tax efficiency, utilizing concepts like the step-up in basis. The show tackles global concerns, includin...

This episode of More for Your Money features host John Berkley and Krista Berkley. The discussion centers on the benefits of hiring a financial professional, focusing on the argument that good local service and expertise should pay for themselves. The hosts examine market activity, including the JDB indicator, and delve into detailed, subjective topics like Roth conversions and the debate over deb...

Join John Berkley and the Investment Committee (Todd and Greg) analyzing the market’s paradox, where indexes soar despite more stocks declining than advancing. The discussion turns to the Federal Reserve’s dilemma, as rate cuts push longer-term yields higher, signaling increasing inflation risk. The committee tackles the problem of "unsustainable" debt and structural inflation, which acts as an in...

In this episode, John Berkley and Sheena Hanson discuss current market trends, noting an expensive market driven by growth stocks. They cover crucial financial topics like the Rule of 55 for early 401k withdrawals and the importance of trusted contacts for clients. John shares his personal philosophical quotes on decision-making, risk, and consequences, emphasizing learning from others' experience...

More for Your Money is a weekly podcast from Uncommon Cents Investing, hosted by John Berkley. Each episode offers clear, practical advice on investing, retirement planning, and smart money decisions to help you build financial confidence.

This episode of "More for Your Money" provides a detailed discussion on the differences between value and growth stock investing. The hosts explore why value stocks, despite recent underperformance, have historically outperformed growth over a century, while noting the current trend favors growth stocks like AI and crypto. Key concepts like patience, emotional control, and discipline in investing...

This episode of "More for Your Money," hosted by John Berkley, features Attorney Mike Vogel discussing estate planning and elder law. Vogel clarifies Federal Gift Tax (Form 709), detailing the $19,000 annual exclusion and the $14 million lifetime exemption, noting gifts reduce this amount. He also addresses irrevocable trusts for Medicaid planning, explaining the 5-year look-back period while caut...

Join John Berkley and Todd Berkley for an in-depth discussion centered on Ray Dalio's "The Changing World Order". They explore Dalio's warnings about the incredible global debt crisis across federal, personal, and corporate levels, and its profound implications for the global financial system. The conversation also delves into the future of interest rates, particularly the divergence between short...

Join John Berkley and Sheena Hanson where they discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its influence on market valuations, noting its potential for "enormous productivity gains". Sheena shares practical examples of using AI daily as a "thinking partner" for tasks like packing lists and compliance logs. The episode also delves into bonds, describing them as a "very, very misunderstood" asset class...

This "More for Your Money" episode features a "fireside chat" with John Berkley, designed to equip the next generation. John delves into crucial advice on finding work that "trips your trigger", living within your means, and leveraging the power of early investing through vehicles like 401ks and Roth IRAs. The discussion also emphasizes learning from mentors and becoming aware of potential economi...

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