Planning Made Simple

This podcast explores the concept of retiring on dividends and how to structure a plan that provides lasting income. Paul Durso and the other hosts discuss common misconceptions about retirement, including the focus on a “magic number” of savings instead of the income those savings can generate. They break down key steps such as calculating your lifestyle needs, identifying shortfalls, and determining the yield required to cover them. By focusing on dividend-paying stocks and sustainable yields, they emphasize building a portfolio that provides financial security without the fear of running out of money. Ultimately, the conversation stresses that retirement planning is less about chasing growth and more about creating reliable, stress-free income streams.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode explores the differences between dividends and bonds, breaking down their pros, cons, and how they fit into retirement planning. The hosts use relatable analogies—like renting versus owning a home—to explain how bonds provide steady but limited returns, while dividends offer both income and growth potential, though with added risk. They highlight inflation as a key factor, noting that bonds may lose purchasing power over time, whereas dividend-paying stocks can increase payouts and value. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that the right choice depends on individual goals, risk tolerance, and planning.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode explores the concept of Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs) and how they can help investors grow wealth automatically. The hosts explain how reinvesting dividends creates a compounding “snowball effect,” steadily increasing both share ownership and dividend payouts over time. They use analogies like money trees and groves to illustrate how portfolios can expand and provide lasting income. The conversation also highlights benefits such as dollar-cost averaging, tax considerations, and hybrid strategies for retirees, while encouraging listeners to turn on DRIPs as a simple, powerful wealth-building tool.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode explores the concept of Dividend Aristocrats—stocks that have increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years. The hosts explain why companies like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble are considered the “gold standard” for income investors, highlighting their reliability, resilience, and rising income. Listeners learn how these stocks have historically outperformed the market with less volatility, while also debunking common myths about dividend investing.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode explores the balance between yield and growth when it comes to building a strong retirement plan. The hosts break down the trade-off between choosing higher-yielding investments that provide immediate cash flow and lower-yielding options with the potential to grow significantly over time. Using clear examples, they show how a 4% dividend that grows steadily can eventually outperform a flat 7% yield, highlighting the importance of long-term planning. The discussion emphasizes finding the right blend of yield for today and growth for tomorrow to ensure both stability and sustainability in retirement.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode dives into the age-old debate of bonds versus dividends, exploring the pros and cons of each investment option. The hosts explain how bonds can provide predictable, stable income but lack growth and inflation protection, while dividends offer potential for increasing income and appreciation, though with more volatility and risk. They also discuss how factors like age, income needs, and risk tolerance should guide the right mix of bonds and dividends in a portfolio. The conversation emphasizes due diligence, understanding your financial goals, and balancing stability with growth.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode takes a deep dive into the risks and realities of leveraged ETFs, a flashy investment product that often promises sky-high yields. The hosts break down how these funds work, why they can be so tempting, and the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface—like volatility decay, principal risk disguised as income, and long-term underperformance. With clear explanations and real-world comparisons, they reveal how many leveraged ETFs are more hype than substance, often leaving investors worse off. Listeners will walk away with a sharper perspective on why “too good to be true” investments usually are.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode explores the “growth code,” weighing the trade-offs between high-yield dividend stocks and long-term dividend growth. The hosts break down why investors are often drawn to higher immediate payouts, but also highlight the risks of yield traps and unstable companies. Through examples and case studies, they show how dividend growth can build stronger, more sustainable income over decades, even if it starts smaller. The discussion also touches on pensions, legacy planning, and the importance of patience, discipline, and strategy in building lasting wealth.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode of Planning Made Simple explores the hidden costs behind the widely accepted "1% fee" in the financial industry. Paul Durso, along with Kyle Morgan and Niki Erb compare financial services to premium experiences like high-end restaurants, where value is emphasized over price, and explain how flashy ads and lavish offices are ultimately paid for by investors. They dig into industry data, revealing that the actual top-line revenue from financial services is closer to 10% of total assets. The conversation uncovers how fees—often buried in products like mutual funds, annuities, and 401(k)s—add up beyond the obvious advisory fee. It's a revealing look at where your money really goes in the world of finance.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode explores the hidden risks behind high-yield dividend stocks. While big yields may seem appealing to investors, they can often signal deeper issues like declining stock prices, excessive debt, or unstable management. Paul and Kyle explain how dividend yields are calculated and why a rising yield can be misleading if it's the result of a falling stock price. Real-world cases, such as AT&T and Walgreens, illustrate how chasing high dividends can lead to unexpected cuts and losses. Ultimately, the episode encourages thoughtful research over yield-chasing.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode of Planning Made Simple explores how corporate tax policy directly impacts dividend-paying companies and, ultimately, individual investors. Paul, Kyle, and Niki explain how higher taxes can reduce a company's ability to reinvest, grow, or maintain jobs, with dividends often prioritized over workforce retention. They highlight key historical tax reforms and their economic effects, noting that tax cuts have historically correlated with market growth. Practical advice is offered to investors about monitoring legislation, using research tools, and understanding that the effects of tax policy can take years to materialize. Overall, the conversation underscores the ripple effect tax policy has from corporations down to everyday portfolios.www.planningmadesimple.com

In this episode, Paul, Kyle, and Niki dive into the importance of free cash flow when evaluating a company's ability to sustain dividend payments. They explain that free cash flow—what's left after all expenses—acts as the company's “what’s in your wallet” metric, crucial for both investors and personal household budgeting. Using relatable analogies, they compare dividends to discretionary spending, highlighting that reliable dividends stem from actual profits, not just optimistic accounting. They emphasize the concept of the payout ratio and urge investors to ensure companies aren't over-leveraging to pay dividends. The episode drives home the point that confidence in dividend investing comes from understanding how cash flow supports consistent returns.www.planningmadesimple.com

In this episode, the hosts dive into the concept of finding peace of mind in a volatile stock market, particularly through dividend investing. They highlight the psychological and emotional toll market swings can have on investors and why dividends offer a sense of "tethering"—a consistent, tangible return even when the market is erratic. The discussion contrasts speculative investing with purpose-driven, income-focused strategies, emphasizing how regular dividend payments can provide stability and confidence. They also explore coping mechanisms, from walking to reviewing statements, and the importance of understanding what you actually own. Ultimately, the hosts encourage a return to financial fundamentals and planning to weather the storms of the market with clarity and reassurance.www.planningmadesimple.com

In this episode—a joint production with the Legacy Life Podcast—the hosts dive into the complexities and emotional nuances of legacy planning. They explore common misconceptions about wealth transfer and how individuals approach end-of-life planning in vastly different ways. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, the advisors illustrate the importance of having clear, intentional conversations about legacy early and often. From forgotten beneficiaries to chaotic probate situations, they emphasize how simple planning steps can spare loved ones years of confusion and hardship. Ultimately, they stress that legacy planning is about honoring people’s values and making decisions now that ensure peace later.

This episode is a unique crossover between two podcasts—Legacy Life and Planning Made Simple—featuring an in-depth conversation with Paul Durso, a financial advisor who shares his unconventional journey into the profession. Originally pursuing ministry, Paul reveals how he transitioned from youth ministry aspirations to the financial world, eventually finding that his calling wasn’t confined to a church pulpit but could thrive through serving others in business. He discusses his early dissatisfaction at Morgan Stanley, his spiritual turning point, and the decision to build a career rooted in faith, integrity, and authenticity. Paul also shares how shedding industry norms and embracing transparency helped him connect with clients more meaningfully. The episode highlights his blend of ministry, innovation, and education, offering a broader view of what it means to serve with purpose.

In this episode, Paul, Kyle, and Niki explore the emotionally charged topic of dividend cuts, using real-world examples like GE and Kohl's to highlight the warning signs and lessons learned. They emphasize that most dividend cuts are not sudden but are often preceded by red flags such as declining financials or industry shifts. The discussion covers how to prepare for and react to cuts, including the importance of having a strategy, managing emotions, and maintaining diversification. Through storytelling and candid reflection, they advocate for staying disciplined and adaptable in the face of uncertainty. The takeaway: have a plan, pay attention, and don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.www.planningmadesimple.com

In this episode, Pau Durso, Kyle Morgan, Kevin Wray, and Rob Rothrock dive deep into a long-standing investment philosophy: grow your assets early, then convert to income in retirement. They question whether this conventional wisdom still holds up, comparing it to an alternative approach—building dividend income from the start. Using data and real-world examples, including Warren Buffett’s investing style, they analyze how emotional decisions, market volatility, and timing can impact outcomes. The episode challenges listeners to rethink the “growth-first” mindset and consider whether focusing on income earlier could provide more stability and better long-term results.www.planningmadesimple.com

This podcast discusses the performance of different market sectors, focusing on dividend-paying stocks and their historical resilience. It explores Warren Buffett’s perspective on dividends, emphasizing his preference for companies that reinvest earnings rather than distributing them. Paul Durso and Kyle Morgan analyze sector trends, highlighting how dividends contribute to total returns and stability, particularly in uncertain economic times. They also touch on broader market conditions and the potential impact of interest rates on dividend stocks.www.planningmadesimple.com

In this episode, Paul Durso and Kyle Morgan discuss whether investors should reinvest dividends or take them as cash, especially as they approach retirement. They strongly favor reinvesting dividends due to the power of compounding, which consistently results in higher returns and share accumulation over time. They caution that taking dividends as cash and attempting to time the market can be risky, inefficient, and hard to manage without advanced tools. For retirees needing income, they recommend splitting accounts—one for reinvestment and one for cash flow—to optimize both growth and income. The overall advice emphasizes understanding individual income needs and choosing a strategy aligned with long-term goals.www.planningmadesimple.com

In this eposide, the Paul Durso, Kyle Morgan, and Corbin Lappin dive into a conversation about building both corporate and personal brands, using real-life examples and personal experiences. Corbin, the guest, shares the origin and evolution of his lifestyle brand “See You Out There,” inspired by his love of fly fishing and outdoor adventures. They discuss the importance of authenticity in branding, the balance between staying true to personal beliefs and appealing to an audience, and the risks of online engagement. The conversation also touches on branding missteps by major companies like Jaguar and Coca-Cola, emphasizing the dangers of alienating a loyal customer base. Ultimately, they stress that branding is about connection, consistency, and authenticity—both for individuals and businesses.www.planningmadesimple.com