Episodes

  • What To Expect When You're Expecting
    Sep 6 2024

    This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/47bXUEB

    The Power of Expectations in Life, Finance, and Happiness

    In this episode of the Thoughts on Money (Tom) podcast, hosted by Trevor Cummings with guests Blaine Carver and Sean Latimer, the focus is on Trevor's article titled 'What to Expect When You're Expecting.' The discussion explores the impact of expectations on various aspects of life, including relationships, happiness, and investments. They delve into how expectations can shape experiences, using examples from personal anecdotes and the stock market. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding market efficiency, emotional investment, and the distinction between investing and speculating. The episode emphasizes the critical role of managing expectations for achieving financial and personal satisfaction.

    00:00 Introduction and Greetings

    00:13 Discussing Expectations

    03:22 The Impact of Expectations on Happiness

    05:47 Expectations in Finance

    07:59 Efficient Market Hypothesis

    24:08 Speculation vs. Investing

    26:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • http://thoughtsonmoney.com
    • http://thebahnsengroup.com
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    30 mins
  • Playing with House Money
    Aug 30 2024

    This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/3Z6Nowf

    Understanding the Power of Compounding and Legacy Planning

    In this episode of the Thoughts of Money (TOM) podcast, hosts Trevor Cummings and Blaine Carver discuss the concept of 'playing with house money' and how it relates to investing and compounding interest. They explain the importance of understanding compounding returns, providing visual analogies like a rolling basketball or snowball to illustrate the accelerating growth over time. The episode also delves into legacy planning, stressing the need for intentional decisions about how accumulated wealth will be used or passed down. Trevor and Blaine emphasize that planning for the descent—akin to planning for the drive home—is as crucial as the ascent in one’s financial journey. The episode aims to educate listeners on both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of managing and planning for their wealth long-term.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:26 The Concept of Playing with House Money

    00:58 Understanding Compounding Interest

    01:42 Visualizing Compounding with Real-Life Analogies

    04:10 The Importance of Legacy Planning

    06:04 Client Conversations and Financial Prudence

    07:30 The Millionaire Next Door

    11:56 The Power of Compounding Over Time

    15:35 Planning for the Descent: Legacy and Wealth Distribution

    21:19 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • http://thoughtsonmoney.com
    • http://thebahnsengroup.com
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    25 mins
  • Financial Milestones
    Aug 23 2024

    This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/3MidbtW

    Navigating Financial Milestones: From Youth to Golden Years

    In this episode of the Thoughts on Money Podcast, host Trevor Cummings and guests Blaine Carver and Sean Latimer discuss Blaine's article on financial milestones. The group humorously reflects on age-specific privileges and responsibilities that influence financial decisions. Covering milestones from childhood to retirement, they delve into the importance of starting investment accounts for minors, the benefits of different savings strategies, the significance of life and disability insurance, and tax planning. They also explore Roth conversions, estate planning, and the psychological impacts of money management, offering practical insights and a few personal anecdotes along the way.

    00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts on Money Podcast

    00:32 Discussing Financial Milestones

    02:28 Planning for Children's Future: UTMA vs. 529

    06:37 Creative Uses of 529 Plans

    10:55 Importance of Insurance in Early Adulthood

    13:53 Building Savings Habits

    18:38 Pre-Retirement Planning in Your 50s

    20:36 Understanding IRA Withdrawals and Penalties

    22:32 Navigating Social Security and Medicare

    26:11 Tax Planning Strategies in Your 60s

    30:02 Charitable Giving and Required Minimum Distributions

    33:39 Estate Planning and Financial Management in Your 70s

    40:50 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • http://thoughtsonmoney.com
    • http://thebahnsengroup.com
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    44 mins
  • Opportunity Costs
    Aug 16 2024

    This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/3M8Yj0S

    T-Bill and Chill vs. Market Returns: A Game Film Analysis

    In this episode of the Thoughts on Money Podcast, the hosts Trevor Cummings, Sean Latimer, and Blaine Carver discuss the 'T Bill and Chill' investment strategy and its opportunity costs over the past two years compared to the stock market's performance. They draw parallels between reviewing investment game film and analyzing critical decisions in NFL football, notably the Seattle Seahawks' controversial play in the 2015 Super Bowl. The hosts argue for having a structured investment framework and using financial planning to enhance investment returns while managing risk tolerance and behavioral biases. They also underscore the importance of patience and long-term strategies in achieving significant financial rewards.

    00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts on Money Podcast

    00:13 NFL Talk: The Infamous Seahawks vs. Patriots Super Bowl

    01:01 T-Bill and Chill: A Financial Strategy Revisited

    01:24 The Importance of Game Film in Investing

    05:54 Analyzing the T-Bill and Chill Strategy

    07:37 The Real Cost of Missing Market Upswings

    10:12 Balancing Risk and Return in Financial Planning

    16:08 Balancing Growth and Spending

    17:18 Risk Tolerance and Financial Planning

    18:07 The Role of Advisors

    19:49 Investment Strategies and Market Conditions

    22:16 Consistency in Investment Philosophy

    23:33 Behavioral Aspects of Investing

    29:26 The Importance of Patience

    32:37 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • http://thoughtsonmoney.com
    • http://thebahnsengroup.com
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    35 mins
  • Personal Finance 101
    Aug 9 2024

    This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/3YzxRos

    Personal Finance 101: Building a Strong Financial Framework

    In this episode of the Thoughts on Money podcast, host Trevor Cummings and co-host Blaine Carver dive into the basics of personal finance. The discussion centers around simplifying financial concepts and creating a solid framework for managing money, covering topics such as giving, saving, spending, and planning for the future. Trevor shares practical advice, anecdotes, and book recommendations to help listeners navigate their financial journeys. The episode emphasizes the importance of awareness, setting achievable goals, and considering long-term legacy planning.

    00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts on Money Podcast

    00:23 Back to Basics: Simplifying Personal Finance

    01:58 Navigating Financial Conversations with Clients

    03:15 Book Recommendations for Financial Literacy

    04:50 The Importance of Giving in Personal Finance

    10:13 Saving Strategies: Pay Yourself First

    13:59 The Debate on Budgeting

    17:23 Assigning Homework for Financial Awareness

    18:08 Tracking Expenses for Long-Term Success

    18:37 Freedom Within a Financial Framework

    19:46 Mentoring and Practical Financial Exercises

    20:55 Addressing Major Expenses First

    21:56 The Importance of Financial Handoffs

    23:36 Passing Down Wealth and Values

    26:07 Balancing Enjoyment and Financial Prudence

    32:35 Teaching Financial Principles to the Next Generation

    34:09 Final Thoughts and Simple Financial Frameworks

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • http://thoughtsonmoney.com
    • http://thebahnsengroup.com
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    39 mins
  • Next to Godliness
    Aug 2 2024

    This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/46y1Y1F

    Cleanliness in Finances: The Secret to a Tidy Portfolio

    In this episode of the Thoughts on Money Podcast, hosts Trevor Cummings and Sean Latimer discuss the importance of cleanliness and organization, both in day-to-day life and financial portfolios. They share personal stories and insights on chores and parenting, discussing how these lessons apply to maintaining a clean and efficient investment strategy. The episode emphasizes avoiding 'trinkets' in portfolios, the false sense of diversification, and ensuring every investment has a purpose. Tune in for a blend of personal anecdotes and professional financial advice.

    00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts on Money Podcast

    00:51 Parenting Challenges and Funny Stories

    09:22 The Concept of Cleanliness and Its Importance

    12:22 Financial Cleanliness: Simplifying Your Portfolio

    17:43 False Diversification and Common Portfolio Mistakes

    21:09 The Importance of a Common Thread in Investing

    26:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • http://thoughtsonmoney.com
    • http://thebahnsengroup.com
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    29 mins
  • Who's the Boss?
    Jul 26 2024

    This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/3Yf7XGt

    Who's the Boss: Mastering Self-Control in Life and Investing

    In this episode of the Thoughts on Money podcast, hosted by Trevor Cummings along with Sean Latimer and Blaine Carver, the trio dives into the importance of self-control and awareness in various aspects of life, including dieting, parenting, and investing. They explore how external influences like cravings, emotions, and even hunger can impact decision-making. Drawing from personal anecdotes and references to popular culture, including Batman and the fable of Hansel and Gretel, the hosts stress the significance of having a well-thought-out plan and staying true to it, especially in the volatile stock market. The episode underscores the importance of being the 'boss' of one's actions to avoid regretful decisions.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

    00:17 The Concept of Influence

    02:56 Diet and Cravings

    08:14 Parenting Challenges

    12:50 Emotional Triggers and Self-Control

    15:14 Legal Analogies and Financial Advice

    24:13 Market Warnings and Investment Strategies

    27:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • http://thoughtsonmoney.com
    • http://thebahnsengroup.com
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    31 mins
  • Knowledge is Power
    Jul 19 2024

    This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/3S8texp

    Power of Great Teachers: Insights from the Thoughts on Money Podcast

    In this episode of the Thoughts on Money (Tom) podcast, hosted by Trevor Cummings, along with Sean Latimer and Blaine Carver, they explore the crucial role of great teachers in personal and financial life. The discussion centers around distinguishing great teachers from ordinary ones and stresses the importance of having influential mentors. The episode also touches on the attributes of effective teachers, such as conviction, flexibility, curiosity, and the ability to simplify complex ideas. The hosts share personal experiences and movie references to illustrate their points, emphasizing continuous learning and mentorship's vital role in achieving success.

    00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

    01:00 Favorite Movies Discussion

    04:42 Importance of Great Teachers

    12:41 Conviction and Flexibility in Teaching

    16:30 Insatiable Curiosity in Learning

    17:41 The Power of Curiosity

    18:13 Learning from Others

    18:52 Curiosity in Practice

    19:43 Foundations and Flexibility

    21:57 Clarity and Simplicity

    28:02 Teaching and Mentorship

    31:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • http://thoughtsonmoney.com
    • http://thebahnsengroup.com
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    37 mins