Hosts: John and David Thompson

Episode Summary:

In this episode of SMPL Money, John and David take a unique approach to discussing finance by analyzing fun and interesting charts related to real estate, market trends, and even the Tooth Fairy Index. They explore how data can tell compelling financial stories and provide insights into topics like homeownership rates, insurance costs, stock market movements, and generational wealth shifts.

Whether you're a numbers person or just enjoy seeing trends visually, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on financial patterns and how they impact our daily lives.

• How U.S. home values have grown to nearly $50 trillion
• The surprising percentage of millennials who own homes
• Why homeowners insurance costs are rising and what it means for you
• How the stock market and the wealth effect influence spending habits
• The staggering number of people turning 65 daily in the U.S.
• The Tooth Fairy Index—does it really track with the stock market?

• [00:00:00] Introduction – A new approach to discussing finance with charts
• [00:01:00] Chart 1: The total value of U.S. homes hits $50 trillion
• [00:02:30] Chart 2: Millennials now own over 20% of U.S. homes
• [00:04:00] Chart 3: Rising homeowners insurance costs and what it means
• [00:06:30] Chart 4: The stock market’s impact on consumer spending
• [00:08:00] Chart 5: The number of people turning 65 daily and its financial impact
• [00:10:00] Chart 6: The Tooth Fairy Index – Does it mirror stock market trends?
• [00:14:00] Final thoughts – The power of data in financial decision-making

• U.S. Home Value Data – Understanding real estate trends
• Millennial Homeownership Stats – Breaking down generational wealth shifts
• Homeowners Insurance Costs – Why premiums are skyrocketing
• Stock Market & Wealth Effect – How market trends shape financial behavior
• Tooth Fairy Index Study – A lighthearted look at economic sentiment

Connect with Us: Reach out to John and David with your questions or feedback. SMPL Mortgage

Follow us on social media for updates and more insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to SMPL Money for more insightful discussions. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to unravel the complexities of finance in our lives.

Hosts: John and David Thompson

Episode Summary:

In this episode of SMPL Money, John and David dive into the topic of volatility—not just in financial markets, but in everyday life. They explore how market fluctuations, mortgage rates, and stock movements can impact decision-making, and why volatility is often an opportunity rather than a threat.

John shares insights on how younger and older investors should approach volatile markets differently, while David provides key takeaways on managing emotions, dollar-cost averaging, and making smart investment choices. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on handling uncertainty.

• What volatility really means and how it applies beyond finance
• How mortgage rates, stock markets, and crypto are affected by volatility
• Why younger investors have an advantage during market downturns
• The importance of time horizons when making investment decisions
• The psychology behind fear-driven selling and market dips
• Practical strategies like dollar-cost averaging and portfolio diversification

• [00:00:00] Introduction – What is volatility and why does it matter?
• [00:01:00] Volatility in markets, mortgage rates, and beyond
• [00:02:00] How financial volatility creates opportunities
• [00:04:00] The impact of volatility on younger vs. older investors
• [00:06:00] The connection between volatility and recessions
• [00:08:00] Why investors panic and how fear drives market drops
• [00:10:00] Strategies for handling market swings (dollar-cost averaging, diversification)
• [00:12:00] Final thoughts – Zooming out and staying consistent

• Japanese Candlestick Charting – Understanding market movements
• Dollar-Cost Averaging – A proven investment strategy
• Keith Fitzgerald's Advice – "Zoom out, the market always goes up"
• Stock Market & Crypto Volatility – Navigating investment swings

Connect with Us: Reach out to John and David with your questions or feedback. SMPL Mortgage

Follow us on social media for updates and more insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to SMPL Money for more insightful discussions. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to unravel the complexities of finance in our lives.

Hosts: John and David Thompson

Episode Summary:

In this episode of SMPL Money, John and David discuss the various types of insurance—why it is essential, how it works, and how to choose the right coverage based on your needs. They break down the misconceptions surrounding insurance and explain why having the right policies in place is a crucial part of financial planning.

• The purpose of insurance and why it is necessary
• Common misconceptions about insurance and how to view it as an asset rather than an expense
• Key differences between term life insurance, whole life insurance, and investment-based life insurance
• The importance of health insurance, employer-sponsored plans, and selecting the right policy
• How homeowners and renters insurance works and why coverage should be reviewed regularly
• The role of umbrella insurance and who should consider it
• When to start thinking about long-term care insurance and how it fits into financial planning
• The importance of disability insurance for income protection

[00:00] Introduction – Discussing public perception of insurance [01:30] Misconceptions about insurance – Why people often see it as unnecessary [03:00] Life Insurance – Types, benefits, and when to consider getting it [07:00] Health Insurance – Employer-sponsored plans, HSAs, FSAs, and choosing the right policy [10:00] Homeowners and Renters Insurance – Ensuring adequate coverage and avoiding common mistakes [14:00] Umbrella Insurance – What it covers and why it is beneficial [16:00] Long-Term Care Insurance – Why it matters and when to start considering it [18:00] Disability Insurance – How it protects your income and why it is often overlooked [19:00] Final Thoughts – Reviewing policies annually and seeking professional guidance

• Insurance Comparison Tools: Policygenius, NerdWallet, The Zebra
• Government Resources: Healthcare.gov for health insurance, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for general insurance guidelines
• Books on Insurance and Financial Planning:
  • The Truth About Money by Ric Edelman
  • The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Connect with Us: Reach out to John and David with your questions or feedback. SMPL Mortgage

Follow us on social media for updates and more insights. @smplmortgage

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to SMPL Money for more insightful discussions. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to unravel the complexities of finance in our lives