Shows
Bullshit on Stilts: Tackling the bullshitology of financial decisions.Chicken Little's Guide to Terrified Investing (and Why It Fails)What if everything you thought you knew about investment risk was wrong? That's the fascinating premise we explore in this eye-opening episode that challenges conventional wisdom about what makes investing "risky."Most people equate risk with volatility—those stomach-churning ups and downs in your 401(k) statement. But as we unpack through lively discussion and real-world examples, that volatility is only risky when mismatched with your time horizon. For long-term investors, those same market fluctuations actually generate the superior returns that build substantial wealth over decades. The true danger lies in ourselves—our behaviors, perceptions, and emotional reactions that...2025-04-111h 01Bullshit on Stilts: Tackling the bullshitology of financial decisions.The Final Annuity Chapter: Taxes and TacticsAnnuities often appear in retirement planning discussions surrounded by jargon and overpromises. But what happens when you look beyond the glossy brochure? This episode cuts through the sales tactics to reveal what you actually need to know about annuity taxation.We dive deep into the practical differences between qualified and non-qualified annuities, explaining how each is taxed and when penalties might apply. Did you know non-qualified annuities use a "last in, first out" approach to taxation, meaning all your gains get taxed first? Or that even non-retirement annuities face that dreaded 10% penalty before age 59½? These critical details o...2025-03-2853 minBullshit on Stilts: Tackling the bullshitology of financial decisions.Annuity Riders: Customizing Your Retirement Safety NetReady to cut through the fog of annuity jargon? This comprehensive breakdown of annuity riders demystifies how these powerful contract features can transform your retirement strategy.Financial anxiety often centers on three major concerns: outliving your money, facing catastrophic healthcare costs, and losing purchasing power to inflation. The right annuity riders address each of these fears by transferring specific risks from your shoulders to the insurance company's balance sheet. But this peace of mind comes at a price – rider fees typically range from 0.5% to 1.5% annually and are deducted directly from your contract value.We dissect th...2025-03-1426 minBullshit on Stilts: Tackling the bullshitology of financial decisions.The Price of Peace of Mind: Total Costs of AnnuitiesAre you considering an annuity for your retirement plan? Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the hidden costs that might be lurking beneath the surface! In this enlightening episode, we unravel the complexities around annuity fees, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what to look out for.We begin by demystifying annuities, dissecting their layered fee structures and emphasizing the importance of knowing what comprises each cost. From surrender charges that penalize early withdrawals to administrative fees that cover the basic management of your policy, we expose the financial intricacies that can dictate your ov...2025-03-0118 minBullshit on Stilts: Tackling the bullshitology of financial decisions.Unpacking Annuities: From Roman Soldiers to Modern EnginesWhat if the secret to a financially secure retirement is hiding in plain sight? Grab your favorite drink and join us for the season kickoff of Bullshit on Stilts, where we unravel the intriguing world of annuities. Our guest brings fresh insights into these often-misunderstood financial tools, tracing their roots back to Roman soldiers and dissecting modern types, from the steady fixed annuity to the adventurous variable and the futuristic indexed. We promise a light-hearted yet informative discussion that will equip you with the knowledge to determine if annuities deserve a spot in your financial strategy.Get...2025-02-1434 minBullshit on Stilts: Tackling the bullshitology of financial decisions.Promo - Season 2 of Bullshit on StiltsEver felt like financial advice is written in a language more confusing than Egyptian hieroglyphs? Fear not, fellow Sniffers! Bullshit on Stilts is here to lead you through the tangled web of money matters with laughter as our companion. Join us as we embark on a candid, fun, and educational journey, arming you with the tools to ask the right questions and see through the murky world of cash flow, investments, and insurance. With our quirky blend of comedy and clarity, we're on a mission to make finance as fun and accessible as a rollercoaster ride through a financial...2025-02-0501 minBullshit on Stilts: Tackling the bullshitology of financial decisions.Estate Plans: Debunking Myths & Unpacking the Crap SpackleThink estate planning is just for the wealthy? Think again! We bust this and other common myths wide open in our latest episode, where we blend humor with insightful analysis to make estate planning a topic everyone can understand and appreciate. You’ll learn why estate planning isn’t just a financial tool for the elite but a vital step for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are respected and their loved ones are cared for, regardless of the size of their estate. We even throw in a playful playlist of estate-themed tunes to keep the mood light as w...2024-12-1626 min