Down the Middle

Gifting and charitable giving are great ways to make an impact. But how should you determine which people and causes to support? This month, Peter and Jonathan discuss how to become intentional about your giving. Plus, learn the benefits of establishing a donor-advised fund and why you might consider funding a Roth IRA for your teen.

In this episode of Down the Middle, Peter Mallouk takes on the role of interviewer as Jonathan Clements shares a significant life update. Through their personal and candid conversation, listeners will gain both an inspirational outlook and practical advice.

“Do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t work in most scenarios — and it certainly doesn’t work when teaching children about finances. Join Peter and Jonathan as they share personal stories and practical financial literacy lessons that can help the next generation learn fiscal responsibility.

Pave a clear path to a happy retirement by considering often overlooked elements of retirement planning on this episode of Down the Middle with Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements. Plus, learn about mortgage recasting and when it may be beneficial for you to consider it.

Join Peter and Jonathan as they explore how to determine the optimal balance between cash equivalents and other investments. While cash may be appealing to investors in the short term, learn why attempting to time the market isn’t advisable and gain valuable insights to help enhance your long-term investment strategy. Plus, explore whether a revocable living trust is the right choice for your estate planning needs.

Investing may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. This month, Peter and Jonathan dive into several major themes featured in Peter’s latest book, Money, Simplified. From home bias to market optimism, this discussion offers key takeaways for novice and savvy investors alike. Plus, discover why tax diversification of your retirement portfolio may give you added flexibility down the road.

As we witness unexpected market resilience and experience all-time highs for the first time in two years, many investors find themselves uncertain about their next steps. Join Peter and Jonathan as they dissect the driving force behind our recession-free status and explore not only the impact of political elections on markets but also the challenges of forecasting in an efficient market. Plus, discover why you might want to consider adjusting your home and auto insurance deductibles.

With the markets experiencing a significant rebound in 2023, many investors are wondering what lies ahead. Join Peter and Jonathan as they dissect the economic landscape heading into 2024, from the Federal Reserve’s surprising moves to the evolving role of inflation. Plus, gain insights into when and how to rebalance your investments during a market recovery.

Investing is all about managing risk, and one of the biggest risks we face is our reaction to the latest news, financial and otherwise. This month, Peter and Jonathan look ahead to possible developments in 2024 and the risks they pose. Plus, how much you should have in bonds when you receive other regular income and why you should ask your children ahead of time what “stuff” they’d like to inherit.

From worries about political upheaval to the viability of the traditional balanced portfolio, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements tackle four key questions currently on investors’ minds. Plus, a reminder about paying down debt and advice for staying calm in the face of market volatility.

Over the past 21 months, higher interest rates have hurt stock returns. But will that continue? Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements tackle this question on this month’s episode. Plus, Peter encourages listeners to “celebrate along the way” — and discusses the sad news prompting his advice.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss what factors help make a college degree “worth it,” when parents should pay for their children’s educations and whether students should get a job while in college. Plus, get tips for 529 plans and learn why you should always look into travel medical insurance when going abroad.

In light of recent research, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements revisit the age-old question of whether money can buy happiness and discuss the best way to spend one’s wealth. Plus, the case for umbrella insurance and a reminder to double-check your rental car insurance coverage.

From good health to a thriving social network, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss several key ingredients for a good retirement. Plus, learn two things you should do with your bucket list right now.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements explain how the debt ceiling came to be — as well as the likely consequences of a possible debt default — before Peter gives his prediction for how events will unfold. Plus, learn two things you can do to make things easier on your loved ones after your passing.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements explain what it means to be a reserve currency and give their take on whether the dollar’s days as the largest reserve currency are numbered, what a loss of status could mean for the U.S., and how you can hedge your risk. Plus, learn why you shouldn’t wait to create a “my Social Security” account.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss the ongoing regional banking crisis and its common thread. Plus, learn how to expand your FDIC coverage as well as why you should consider ceasing extra principal payments on your mortgage.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss when you should make the choice to spend and why you should consider gifting to loved ones and charities during your lifetime. Plus, learn how to set up a legacy contact on your iPhone as well as the benefits of writing a letter of last instruction.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements offer their take on the classic 60/40 portfolio, discussing the relative merits of bonds, U.S. stocks and international shares. Plus, learn how timing your charitable donations can potentially result in a larger tax break.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements take the road less traveled, giving you a list of what NOT to do in 2023. Plus, learn why early in the year is the best time to contribute to many investment vehicles.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss what’s in store for 2023 and how the bear market will end. Plus, learn what Sandra Bullock movies and bear markets have in common.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss investor sentiment 10 months into the current bear market, share why midterm elections aren’t cause for financial worry and provide useful tips for fraud prevention.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss how we ended up with high inflation, how stocks and bonds might fare in the decade ahead and how investors can benefit from today's market turmoil.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements detail implications of student loan forgiveness, share their thoughts on how much parents should bequeath to their children and stress the importance of creating and maintaining a healthcare power of attorney.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss today's widespread pessimism — and why it should make investors optimistic about the financial markets. They also discuss opportunities presented by this (and every) bear market and offer tips on Roth conversions and term life insurance.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss how high demand, low unemployment, and supply chain disruptions played into the current bear market, what this bear market has in common with bear markets past and why market timing doesn't work. Hear more on bear markets: https://creativeplanning.com/podcast/39-episode-39-why-this-bear-market-is-different/

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss how this bear market differs from others in recent history, what options to consider if you have extra cash to invest and why you might want to rebalance.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss inflation’s effect on everything from bonds to home prices and what actions you should — and should not — take to potentially mitigate your risk. Hear more on inflation here: https://creativeplanning.com/podcast/37-episode-37-the-potential-recession-the-personal-impact-of-inflation-and-the-role-of-bonds-in-your-portfolio/

Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss whether we are on our way into a recession, those hit hardest by recent inflationary pressure and the role of bonds in your portfolio.

This month, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss recent developments related to Russia’s attack on Ukraine and what they could mean for global markets.

2022 has seen the return of market volatility and concern about interest rate hikes. What should an investor make of it? In this episode, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements offer perspective on recent events and discuss where they see value in the markets. (Hint: It’s still not meme stocks and NFTs.)

As we enter a new year, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss what risks could await investors in the year ahead – inflation, market volatility, and overconfidence – and why having an investment plan that’s based on your needs is key to weathering the unknown. Plus, they offer a reminder to proactively monitor your portfolio taxes and identify opportunities to harvest losses throughout the year.

In this episode, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements reflect on what we’ve learned this year about inflation, bonds, stock performance, NFTs and other newly popular investments. Perhaps the biggest lesson of all is you can’t guess the short-term direction of either the markets or politicians. For their monthly tips, they offer advice on using appreciated stock for your charitable gifts and why you should let your family know the reason for any monetary gifts you give them for the holidays.

In this episode, Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss why our current economic environment is not a throwback to OPEC and disco, offer their opinions about how increasing legal immigration could alleviate the shortage of workers in many industries, and why the evolving tax and legislative landscape means you may want to talk with your wealth manager before year-end.

As we enter fall, Jonathan Clements and Peter Mallouk discuss what’s going on with the labor markets, inflation (again), and how Federal Reserve policy could impact both. Plus, their monthly tips include year-end considerations for your retirement accounts.

Lately, the story about market volatility is the lack of volatility. In this episode, Jonathan Clements and Peter Mallouk discuss the likelihood of a market correction in the near future and why you shouldn’t panic. They also offer tips about what to do with excess cash and fully funding your employer retirement accounts.

Inflation continues to top investors' worries. But is it transitory or here to stay? Creative Planning's Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss the different types of inflation, which can have long-term detrimental effects on your portfolio, and what you can do to help mitigate its effects.

Pundits have recently been slapping the “bubble” label on the real estate market. Should you be worried? Creative Planning’s Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss how real estate is part consumption and part investment, and the roles it can play within your overall financial picture. Also, Peter describes the motivation behind Creative Planning’s new financial education center, Pathway Financial Education.

Investors' latest fear: rampant inflation. Should we be worried--and what does it mean for our finances? Creative Planning's Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements look at the evidence of higher inflation and consider the implications.

Creative Planning's Peter Mallouk and billionaire Mark Cuban have two bets going, with the winner determined by performance over the next 10 years. Peter put his money on the S&P 500, while Mark backed two cryptocurrencies and two individual stocks. Who will win? In this month's podcast, Peter and co-host Jonathan Clements discuss the two wagers.

GameStop. Bitcoin. AMC. Special purpose acquisition companies. NFTs. These aren't just the hottest topics on Wall Street. As Creative Planning's Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements discuss, they're also great examples of key behavioral finance phenomena.

The economy is up, bonds are down and stocks are waffling. But what should investors do? Creative Planning's Peter Mallouk and Jonathan Clements take a look at the latest market action.

Peter and Jonathan discuss Reddit traders, hedge funds, skyhigh valuations, miserably low bond yields and the outlook for 2021.

Peter and Jonathan discuss what you shouldn't do in the year ahead, including listening to market pundits, loading up on recent investment winners and procrastinating on crucial financial tasks.

Peter and Jonathan discuss how 2020 has been unique in many ways, yet validates our long held beliefs.

The election results are unfolding and the markets are shrugging.

In this episode, Peter and Jonathan discuss • The election • Have the markets really moved beyond COVID-19? • Bond yields • Record home sales

Are Wall Street and Main Street disconnected? Elections and the markets. How to handle IRA beneficiaries under the new tax laws. We each give our tip of the month.

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast looks closely at why the markets are performing in ways that are surprising - and even counterintuitive - to what many investors and observers might expect. On a macro level, Peter and Jonathan discuss how the upcoming election season may influence the markets, and on a micro level, steps that individuals and families can take if they’re feeling insecure in their employment or their ability to meet their monthly expenses.

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast looks closely at where markets stand through several distinct Covid-19 phases. They also discuss how a few companies have swayed market indexes including the S&P 500; mid-year moves to better your family’s financial picture; and why rebalancing at predetermined times - like the end of a calendar quarter or year - can miss the point of rebalancing altogether.

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast looks closely at the far-reaching economic impacts of Covid-19. They also discuss the pandemic’s acceleration of brands’ transitions; why foreign bonds are currently a no-win proposition; and how you just might locate long-lost assets among the rubble.

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast looks closely at locking in financial benefits amid economic uncertainty. They also discuss what’s rallying the Bear Market; the types of companies that are leading the way; and the role of tech stocks and their sustainability.

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast looks at the coronavirus and its impacts on the markets. Our hosts discuss how investors can reasonably respond based on data and precedent, and what’s to be learned going forward. And of course, Jonathan and Peter share their tips of the month!

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast looks closely at the importance of routinely evaluating your estate plan and beneficiary choices. Life’s events both within and beyond our control, necessitate review of decisions made earlier and whether some fine-tuning is needed. Peter and Jonathan discuss the role of life insurance in an estate plan, and how to spend February 29 - that gift of an extra day occurring only once every four years. And of course, they share their tips of the month!

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast looks closely at why New Year’s-driven behavioral and financial goal-setting often fails, and how success can be supported instead. They also discuss how dynamic market conditions - and not the calendar - should guide you when you’re rebalancing a portfolio or harvesting tax losses.

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast looks closely at the escalating trend of company owners exiting via Private Equity instead of going public, and what this means to investors. They also discuss a simplified method for investing in real estate; why 2019 - 2020 may be a rare and brief opportunity to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA; and actions to take NOW AND BY DECEMBER 31 to impact your 2019 taxes.

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education Jonathan Clements and President Peter Mallouk, this month’s podcast takes a closer look at the ideal age to start receiving your Social Security benefits, and in particular, the variables that can affect your monthly payment. They also discuss how to cope with a financial emergency; the benefits of starting a Roth IRA at an early age; and their biggest financial regrets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips!

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education, Jonathan Clements and President, Peter Mallouk this month’s podcast takes a closer look at concentrated stock risk and how to thoughtfully mitigate that risk whether it’s in a taxable or retirement account. Peter and Jonathan also take a deeper look at retirement income generation and discuss why an income-only portfolio approach may not be the most appropriate strategy. Plus, stick around to hear their monthly tips!

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education, Jonathan Clements and President, Peter Mallouk this month’ s podcast takes a closer look at saving for and paying for college, college debt and cost inflation and the biases people have as adults from their childhood. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips!

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education, Jonathan Clements and President, Peter Mallouk this month’s podcast takes a closer look at if the market is fairly-valued, how much affect the sitting president has on the stock market and how they each got started with investing. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Time Stamps [0:00] – Market valuations [7:07] - Impact of the President on the Markets [12:50] - How Peter and Jonathan got started with investing [18:15] - Peter Mallouk tip of the month [20:33] - Jonathan Clements tip of the month Download from Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/2JfEcin Download from Google Play Music: http://bit.ly/2vvjjrd Download from Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2GnPs9i Important legal disclosure: http://bit.ly/2DC250b

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education, Jonathan Clements and President, Peter Mallouk this month’s podcast takes a closer look at emotional issues tied to money. Included is an in-depth discussion on how money does and does not make you happy according to research, having a healthy relationship with money and alternative investments. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Time Stamps [0:00] – Having a healthy relationship with money [6:43] – Money and happiness [13:25] – Alternative investments [20:52] – Peter Mallouk tip of the month [22:20] – Jonathan Clements tip of the month Download from Apple iTunes: https://apple.co/2JfEcin Download from Google Play Music: http://bit.ly/2vvjjrd Download from Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2GnPs9i Important legal disclosure: http://bit.ly/2DC250b

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education, Jonathan Clements and President, Peter Mallouk this month’s podcast takes a closer look at the financial media and what the media’s goals and responsibilities are. Included is an in-depth discussion on types of financial advisors, and some estate planning considerations as you select how to pass on assets to your loved ones. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Join us as we explore tax law updates, tax planning strategies and ways to avoid surprises from purchasing investment products! Time Stamps [0:00] – Perspective on Financial Media [7:40] – Fee-only advisors vs. Fee-based advisors vs. commission-based advisors [18:26] – Estate Planning [23:50] – Peter Mallouk tip of the month [24:23] - Jonathan Clements tip of the month Important legal disclosure: http://bit.ly/2DC250b

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education, Jonathan Clements and President, Peter Mallouk this month’s podcast takes a closer look into surprises clients encounter as Creative Planning onboards assets recommended by former advisors. Included is an in-depth discussion on suitability standards, used by most of the large brokerage houses compared to the fiduciary standard, used by Creative Planning all the time! Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Join us as we explore tax law updates, tax planning strategies and ways to avoid surprises from purchasing investment products!

Hosted by Creative Planning Director of Financial Education, Jonathan Clements and President, Peter Mallouk this month’s podcast takes a closer look into behavioral mistakes investors make that accompany both bull and bear markets. Included is an in-depth analysis on if Real Estate is a good investment and the polarizing effect it has on client advice. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Join us as we explore what academics have learned and improve your own investing strategies!

Hosted by Director of Financial Education, Jonathan Clements and President, Peter Mallouk this month’s podcast explores the recent shift in stock market pricing and what is on the mind of many Creative Planning clients. Is the market too expensive to join now? Included is a review of why investing only in what you know might hurt you in the long run. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Join us as we explore how Jack Bogle changed the industry and lessons to improve your own investing strategies!