The Financial Philosophers

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny walk through several common pitfalls related to retirement plan contributions (401k, IRA, etc.), investment selections, and other financial behaviors. There are many misconceptions surrounding retirement plans, account types, and perceived "investment performance." These misunderstandings can often lead to hasty decisions or unnec...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Chris and Danny revisit the topic of inflation. With rising geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and signs of a potentially slowing economy, inflation is back in focus. They break down how it can impact your finances, what you can do about it, and close with a few thoughtful analogies and perspective-shifting ideas to help you see inflation in a whole new light. Sup...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Chris and Danny discuss the exploding popularity of investing in Pokémon cards. While it’s possible to make money buying and selling Pokémon cards, it doesn’t come without risk. They break down what investing in Pokémon cards actually looks like, the major risks involved, how this market differs from traditional asset classes, and what type of person might be b...

Send us Fan Mail Tax season is upon us! Preparing to file your taxes can be daunting. There’s a lot of information to gather and keep track of, and it’s not always easy to remember everything that happened in your financial life over the past year. Did you sell any assets at a gain? Take on a short-term contract job? Move to a new location? Many events can have tax consequences, even if they’re no...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny talk about what's currently on their minds as they look ahead to 2026, and why so many people feel uneasy about the financial and economic landscape right now. They touch on the growing political and economic tensions shaping the moment, from uncertainty around monetary policy and inflation to broader concern about debt, markets, and g...

Send us Fan Mail Before you (or someone else) surrender that permanent life insurance policy for its cash value, listen to this conversation. In today's episode, Chris and Danny walk through the real alternatives people rarely talk about: keeping the death benefit while using the cash value as a flexible asset, reduced paid up (RPU) options, switching an IUL/VUL from a growing death benefit t...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny discuss the newly proposed 50-year mortgage and what it could mean for homeowners and the housing market. While a 50-year loan could lower monthly payments, it may not be worth the trade-offs, such as slower equity growth, higher lifetime interest costs, and greater resale and refinancing risks. Chris and Danny also examine the “perfect mat...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny dig into the truth about tax deductions, what they are, why they matter, and how they can sometimes be overrated. Too often, people chase deductions without realizing they’re spending a dollar just to save a few cents. We share real-world examples, like the business owner who buys a new car every year “to beat the tax man,” and unpack why t...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny focus on the core characteristics of every investment. From liquidity and guarantees to predictability and control, they break down how different assets behave on a fundamental level. No matter what type of assets you are considering, this episode will help you think more clearly about where and why you allocate your capital, before you eve...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Chris and Danny discuss the government shutdown, its potential impact on your finances, and practical steps you can take to navigate the situation. Don’t lose hope, as there are always solutions to explore! Support the show Support the Show: patreon.com/TheFinancialPhilosophers If you would prefer the video version of this podcast, join us on our YouTube channe...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny discuss the importance of intentional spending and prioritizing quality over quantity. Much of financial planning focuses on being frugal, spending less, and saving more. However, it's equally important to remember that we live in the present and shouldn't ignore our deeply held life goals. Sometimes, this mindset can feel counter...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny discuss the current challenging vehicle market, and how one can better navigate the process of buying a car. Topics discussed include: current interest rates, vehicle prices, strategic down payment strategies, new vs. used vehicles, the influential psychology of car sales tactics, common pitfalls to be aware of, and many other nuanced facto...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Chris and Danny discuss the new Tips Deduction that was introduced as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. How does this new deduction work? What are the important rules to be aware of? What are the limitations? Does this new deduction make certain part-time jobs more attractive? This episode will answer these questions, and more!  Support the show Support t...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Chris and Danny finish their discussion around the new tax legislation (i.e., The One Big Beautiful Bill Act).  In this third episode, they unpack several additional key updates: changes made to student loans and borrowing restrictions, expansion of the 529 plan, changes to AMT, Section 168 Bonus Depreciation for business owners, and the increase and permanence...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Chris and Danny continue their discussion around the new tax legislation (i.e., The One Big Beautiful Bill Act).  In this second episode, they unpack several additional key updates: the expansion of the QBI deduction, expansion of the child tax credit, increased contribution limits to child and dependent care FSAs, and important changes to the premium tax credi...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny begin a two-part series exploring what’s inside the new tax legislation (i.e., The One Big Beautiful Bill Act) that's been making headlines. In this first episode, they unpack several key updates: the permanent extension of the TCJA tax brackets, a modest bump in the standard deduction, and notable changes to itemized deductions—includ...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Chris and Danny sit down with Shawn Surmick, founder of Reserved Investments, for an insightful deep dive into the world of collectible investing. From vintage toys, graded video games, and LEGO sets to rare coins and fine art, Shawn breaks down the unique challenges and opportunities in this highly speculative market. You'll learn how valuation in collectibl...

Send us Fan Mail Support the show Support the Show: patreon.com/TheFinancialPhilosophers If you would prefer the video version of this podcast, join us on our YouTube channel over at https://www.youtube.com/@financialphilosophers To contact us for Interviews or Business Inquiries, please refer to the About page of our Youtube channel.  --------------------------------------------------------------...

Send us Fan Mail Support the show Support the Show: patreon.com/TheFinancialPhilosophers If you would prefer the video version of this podcast, join us on our YouTube channel over at https://www.youtube.com/@financialphilosophers To contact us for Interviews or Business Inquiries, please refer to the About page of our Youtube channel.  --------------------------------------------------------------...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Chris and Danny dive into the complex decision of when to claim your Social Security benefits. Should you claim early, or is it better to wait? What are the financial implications of each choice, and how do they impact your long-term retirement plans? Many people make this once-in-a-lifetime decision without fully understanding all the pros and cons. Whether yo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Chris and Danny dive into the complexities of buying and selling small, closely-held family businesses. The pursuit of personal gain often leads both buyers and sellers down paths that result in less-than-ideal outcomes. One of the biggest hurdles? Accurately valuing a small business and selecting the right buyer—or inheritor—who will carry it forward. Drawing on...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny discuss the pros, cons, and important nuances around buying individual stocks. Many people love to buy stocks in the companies they know and love. However, most people don't understand what they actually own, why they own it, and the risks involved with doing so. If you are someone who is interested in buying individual stocks, today&a...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny answer an important question from one of their listeners about what kind of returns we should expect in the market. Many people are left wondering where their extra dollars should go. Should you invest it? Should you put it in a savings account? At times, it can be a tough question. Chris and Danny explore the concept of "safe and pred...

Send us Fan Mail  Let's talk about Tariffs. What are they, how might they affect us, and what steps can we take to prepare for them?  Support the show Support the Show: patreon.com/TheFinancialPhilosophers If you would prefer the video version of this podcast, join us on our YouTube channel over at https://www.youtube.com/@financialphilosophers To contact us for Interviews or Business Inquiri...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, Chris and Danny talk about the culture around the phrase "this is not advice." This phrase is used everywhere, and it often leaves the general public confused and frustrated. Chris and Danny peel back the curtains and talk candidly about the culture of compliance in financial planning, where the phrase "this is not advice" comes from, a...