America Talks Money | Financial Planning | Financial Advice | Money Management | Investment Advice

We all tend to believe the flashing headlines on our television screens, but when it comes to the market they’re almost always wrong. No one has the ability to time the market, not even journalists, but how do we avoid buying into the screaming propaganda? Today Kate Stalter shares how to avoid buying into our own biases, how to ignore the top headlines, and the most refutable sources for better investing. Tune into this episode of Better Money decisions if you want to learn how you can become a better investor.    Show Highlights:    News highlights that impact todays market  Why you shouldn’t trade based on news  The motive behind news channel headlines  Avoiding buying into confirmation bias  The worst thing you can do during a market downturn  How mistakes can devastate retirement  Why you shouldn’t use media as a tool for investing      Links:    “7 Behavioral Biases That May Hurt Your Investments” by Kate Stalter, US News & World Report  https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/mutual-fund

Many people don’t realize how blinding emotions can be, especially when it comes to the stock market. It’s easy to let temporary feelings and market fluctuations dictate long-term goals.    Today Kate Stalter talks about why we should put those emotional attachments aside and look at the stock market from a logical standpoint. Not only does she share how to navigate every aspect of your financial life, but this episode also covers how to avoid the emotional downturns that accompany it. Tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions to learn how to manage your emotions to live your best financial life.    Show Highlights:    Navigating all the qualitative aspects of financial life Basing investments on emotions instead of science  Why keeping with cash diminishes your spending power  Creating a life you value  How to avoid emotional traps heading into retirement  The importance of having a vision  Developing a philosophy about the market  Anticipating losses when investing  Riding through low points in the

It’s easy to get distracted by empty promises and stock brokers claiming they know “the next big thing”, but if it were that easy we’d all be millionaires. Learning how to decipher the difference between bad products and investments is necessary to help you avoid market timing. It’s vital to start tuning out these uneducated marketers now and to start making more logical investments. To learn more about how you can invest tactically, avoid market timing and being sold poor products, tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions with your host, Kate Stalter.  Show Highlights:  Why you shouldn’t listen to stock brokers  How people justify emotional investing  Embracing the logistics of investing  Avoiding using investing as entertainment  How to stop wasting your time, energy and money trying to outguess the market  The best way to capture market returns    Links:  Our proprietary Financial Wellness For Life program  www.https://bettermoneydecisions.com/financial-wellness-for-life/  Register for upcoming

There will always be outside sources that claim to know the next best thing when it comes to investing, but the best thing you can do is ignore them. No one knows what you need to reach your goals better than you do. In todays’ episode, Kate Stalter talks diversification and how to build a portfolio that correlates with the life you want. To learn more about how to take educated risks, avoid common mistakes and create a multi-faceted portfolio, tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions.  Show Highlights:  How the media botches portfolio construction  How diversification can improve your return  Owning international and global stocks  The most common mistakes investors make  How broad diversification came about  The risk you need to take to generate return  What qualifies as a diversified portfolio  Links:  Our proprietary Financial Wellness For Life program  www.https://bettermoneydecisions.com/financial-wellness-for-life/  Register for upcoming webinars and get your no-obligation portfolio review: 

Perhaps you’re one of the many people who don’t understand why bonds are necessary for your portfolio. Stocks on their own seem to be enough, but what many people don’t know is that bonds are much less volatile than stocks.  In fact, having a more diversified portfolio will increase the stability of your stocks in the future.  In today’s episode, Kate Stalter shares tips on how to help you identify which bonds are the most financially beneficial and why you should invest. If you want to retire in a position where you can have fun, give back to others, and enjoy the family and life you’ve built, tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions to enhance your probability of accomplishing those goals.  Show Highlights:  Why you need bonds  What happens when interest rates go up and you own bonds with lower rates  Primary reasons why long-term bonds are subject to greater interest rate risks than short-term bonds  Why you want to tilt towards a shorter-term bond  How debt effects bonds  How to identify junk and

Unlike cooking and doing the laundry, investing isn’t necessarily something instilled in us through life. Despite this, people tend to be embarrassed by not knowing how to invest, which causes them to continue to dabble in the stock market without ever reaching out to a professional. In today’s episode, Kate Stalter explains why “Do It Yourself” investing isn’t the best strategy and the importance of consulting a professional. If you want to learn how to invest in stocks that’ll drive high returns and avoid the most common investing mistakes tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions.    Show Highlights:    Why talking about becoming a better investor is important  Mistakes “Do it Yourself” Investors are prone to  Why investing based on political opinions is detrimental  How to know which investments are most likely to drive returns Differences in expected returns  Creating a financial plan and structuring investments  What drives returns’ in the stock market  Why sitting with cash isn’t a smart strate

It’s easy to let news programs and propaganda dictate our investment decisions, but these aren’t necessarily the most reliable sources. More often than not, current news is the most refutable source for investment decisions. In today's’ episode, Kate Stalter shares why you should stop trying to use current events to play the market and simply let the market work for you. Frankly, it’s that simple to avoid silly mistakes and set yourself up for complete financial wellness. If you’re interested in how you can do better in your investments and improve your returns, tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions.  Show Highlights:  Letting the market work for you  Identifying your reason to invest  Not letting short term news events dictate investments  Improving your returns by diversifying internationally  Aiming for broad market returns  Links:  Our proprietary Financial Wellness For Life program  www.https://bettermoneydecisions.com/financial-wellness-for-life/  Register for upcoming webinars and get you

Most people tend to think that past performance is a good indicator for future trajectory, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. When it comes to stocks, bonds, and other financial investments, there’s no telling what that market will look like in the future. This is why you should resist chasing past performance and rely on a diversified portfolio. In todays’ episode of Better Money Decisions, Kate Stalter shares more efficient ways to choose investments, why you shouldn’t depend on past winners, and avoiding riding out momentum. Tune in to learn more about how you can expand the variety of your portfolio and become a successful investor.    Show Highlights:    How to choose your investments  The effects of momentum on stocks  Why you shouldn’t chase past winners  Acknowledging diversification and avoiding clickbait  Being patient and focusing on the future      Links:    Our proprietary Financial Wellness For Life program  www.https://bettermoneydecisions.com/financial-wellness-for-life/  Register

Despite common belief, short-term investing isn’t the most profitable method. While it’s tempting to play the market “safe” and to undertake the risk of trying to outguess the market, it’s unlikely anyone can successfully do so. There are many other methods in which you will see higher returns long-term, and Kate Stalter shares them in this episode. If you want to become a better investor, live the life you deserve after retirement, and receive the returns you deserve, tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions with your host, Kate Stalter,      Show Highlights:    Why attempting to outguess the market isn’t rational  Throwing short term thinking out the window  Why picking cash isn’t the best method for investing  Calculating returns and comparing mutual funds  Taking advantage of public information  Having higher risk exposure and settling for a lower return  Getting the return you need to live the life you want after retirement      Links:  Our proprietary Financial Wellness For Life program  www.

In order to see returns on your investments, you have to learn how to play the market smart. In todays’ episode, Kate Stalter talks about how you can become a better and more tactful investor. She covers topics such as how supply and demand dictate equilibrium, expanding your portfolio, and remaining disciplined through market downturns, all based on research by Dimensional fund advisors. Tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions for more tips on how you can become a better and smarter investor.      Show Highlights:    Embracing market pricing  Prices adjusting according to previous buyers  How new information dictates the equilibrium price point  Accepting market prices and understanding returns  Building a well-diversified portfolio around drivers of returns  Remaining disciplined through declines in the market      Links:    Our proprietary Financial Wellness For Life program  www.https://bettermoneydecisions.com/financial-wellness-for-life/  Register for upcoming webinars and get your no-obliga

There are many factors that make up a good investor. Learning how to work the market without making hasty assumptions, attempting to outguess the market, and managing your emotions can take years, but it doesn’t have to.    In this episode, Kate Stalter introduces helpful strategies that will be further discussed on upcoming episodes. We’ll discuss important resources, such as credible sources for market statistics, how to eradicate emotions from investment decisions, and how to hold the right mix of assets. To learn more about how you can pursue a better investment experience, tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions with financial expert, Kate Stalter.        Show Highlights:    Why chaos in the market shouldn’t deter investors  Avoiding trying to outguess the market  Resisting chasing past performance  Not giving in to emotions to experience returns  Stocks vs. Bonds  How small companies outperform larger corporations  Keeping bonds short term and high-credit quality  Smart diversification  Stayin

As a woman it is equally as important to be well informed on your finances and to have a well-devised retirement plan set in place. There are many obstacles women are forced to overcome that men do not have to encounter. In this episode, Kate Stalter talks about how to plan according to these challenges, how to harness your spending power, and why women shouldn’t be reluctant to invest in stocks. To learn more about how you can prepare for your financial future and stay ahead of the financial market, join your host in this episode of Better Money Decisions.      Show Highlights:      The financial gap between men and women  Common stock market investment differences between men and women  Why men are more vulnerable to impulsive behavior Why women have lower risk tolerance  Staying ahead of inflation  How work years impact women’s savings for retirement  Why women should become more involved in monitoring retirement savings  How to know if you’re working with an advisor who is making investments that are rig

The market is constantly changing and adjusting to fit current economic circumstances in the US and internationally. While you could be discouraged by this fluctuation, you can also use it to your advantage.  In this episode, Kate Stalter talks about global market developments, expanding your portfolio to international investments, and why market declines aren’t necessarily a bad thing. To learn more about discerning the market and how to build a portfolio that will help you reach your financial goals tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions, with your host, Kate Stalter.  Show Highlights:  Global market developments  What is causing the growth decline in China  How international economic decline dictates the market  The effects of tariffs imposed  Having exposure to markets outside of the US  Why fluctuation in the market shouldn’t deter you  Factors to consider in international investments  Why timing the market isn’t reliable  The importance of rebalancing your portfolio regularly    Links:  Bett

Rumor has it that January is the most important month to dictate the course of the annual market. According to credible sources, such as the Stock Traders’ Almanac, these allegations seem to continuously prove to be true. Although, what’s even more important is how you choose to invest your money throughout the rest of the year. If you’re leery about bonds or simply aren’t sure whether or not they should be included in your portfolio, tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions with Kate Stalter to see how you can beneficially integrate bonds into your portfolio.  Show Highlights:  Tracking January’s performance to indicate the annual market  Bonds of fixed income variety  Dampening the volatility of stocks  Finding solutions to bond declines  Avoiding “junk bonds” Utilizing the exposure that bonds offers  Balancing equity risks  Shortening bond durations  Links:  www.https://bettermoneydecisions.com/financial-wellness-for-life/ https://www.stocktradersalmanac.com/  Visit us on social media: Facebook:

As many of you may already be aware, the founder and chief executor of the Vanguard group, Jack Bogel, has recently passed. What you may not be aware of is the significance behind his work and the investing methods in which he is known for proving to be effective.    This episode of Better Money Decisions explores the pioneering of index funds, why actively managed markets are not always stable, and the importance of acknowledging that there is no fool-proof method to investing. To learn more about index funds and how to manage your investments join your host, Kate Stalter, in this weeks’ episode of Better Money Decisions.      Show Highlights:   The purpose of an index fund  Why Jack Bogel invented the index fund  Why actively managed funds underperform  Why Jack emphasized investing in a broader market  Recognizing that systems are not fool-proof     Links:    www.https://bettermoneydecisions.com/financial-wellness-for-life/   

Many people think you have to be a multimillionaire or have diamonds in the bank to give charitably but that just isn’t the case. Arlene Cogen is a philanthropist, the author of the Amazon bestselling book, Give to Live, and is passionate about improving human welfare. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can give more generously or simply want to get started in philanthropy, this is a great introductory and informative episode. Join your host, Kate Stalter, in exploring charitable giving and eliminating any preconceived beliefs that limit you from supporting charities you believe in   Show Highlights: Moving from a career from Wall-street to a more traditional career  Finding a career that brings fulfillment  Consulting a career coach and networking  The disconnect between platforms and the gap in communication  Who should be considering philanthropic giving  Improving human welfare  Tactics to set up a significant charitable gift  Limiting objections to making donations  Determining the key

If you want to ensure that your finances are secure and in place to be ahead in 2019, this interview with Christine Benz can assist you with just that. Christine is the Director of Personal Finance for Morningstar and is the author of several personal finance books. She knows how to tactfully manage taxes and how to get your portfolio out of aggressive and detrimental positions. If you want to start off this next year with a well-organized portfolio by making educated tax-deductible decisions, listen in on this episode of Better Money Decisions with your host and financial advisor, Kate Stalter.      Show Highlights:    Things people need to do to wrap up 2018 and jumpstart 2019  Ways to improve your portfolio  Properly managing IRA accounts  Strategies for tax law holdings and gains  Working with wash sale rules  Why capital gains distributions within mutual funds can be a tax trap  Meeting redemptions from departing sale holders  Step up in cost basis to account for tax distributions  How inheriting money

For some reason, we prioritize our health, our home, our family, and often exclude one of the most important factors, our finances. Handling our money properly is crucial to being able to live the life we want, but it isn’t a task we should take on our own.  In this interview, Nick Stuller, author of “The Truth Shall Set Your Wallet Free”, explains the vitality of having a trustworthy financial advisor and how to identify red flags. Tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions with Kate Stalter to learn more about how to manage the market and your money strategically.  Show Highlights:  Recognizing how few people actually understand financial advisors.  The necessity for financial help.  The general public and investors being misinformed.  Different types of investor facing advisors.  The importance of outside objective input Becoming educated in your finances and seeking an advisor. How the market affects clientele  How to determine between a bad and professional advisor  Questions to identify red flags

The stock market can be wildly unpredictable but understanding patterns and algorithms can help any investor make better financial decisions. It can also be beneficial when understanding when it is better to invest or trade, when to make a move in your portfolio, and the best strategies to implement. Anne-Marie Baiynd, Chief technical strategist and CEO at thetradingbook.com, and author of The Trading Book, is known as the worlds’ most successful trader and has professional insight on todays’ market. If you’re interested in learning how to strategize trading, tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions with Kate Stalter.  Show Highlights:  What long term investors can learn from trading  The patience that comes with looking forward  How to be more strategic  The importance of simplicity  Price and volume action  Balancing why and evaluating patterns  Broadening perspective  How to discern between short-term and long-term market movements  Comparing and contrasting past market crashes to now  Foreign loa

As medicine and society has advanced, life expectancy has increased. This only makes the importance of preparing for the future that much more vital. In this episode of Better Money Decisions, strategies for long term investing, preparing for a market downturn, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and how to achieve happiness is discussed. If you’re striving to achieve a happy, healthy, and successful lifestyle then todays guests, Dr. Marissa Pei and the Dividend Sensei, have plenty of credible tips to help you accomplish that goal. Tune into this episode of Better Money Decisions with your host, Kate Stalter, to learn how you can generate a plan for your financial and future success.        Show Highlights:    Recognizing the complexity of the global economy  Confirmation bias  Following courses of asset class investment  Causes of financial crises and liquidity  Why 88% is the most achievable number for happiness  Tuning out negativity  Media being used as a weapon  The choice factor  How to ensure a happy and