Fixed, Indexed, or Variable? Understanding the 3 Types of Annuities

End-of-Year Financial Checklist + AssetBuilder Office Move Announcement In this practical end-of-year episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, Joey Badinger – Lead Advisor at AssetBuilder – sits down with Adam Morse (Senior Lead Advisor) and Tommy Williams (Associate Advisor) to walk through a clear, no-nonsense checklist you should review before December 31. Recorded from AssetBuilder’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, the team covers retirement contributions, Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, RMDs, charitable giving, portfolio rebalancing, and even thoughtful strategies for gifting to kids and grandkids—without accidentally harming your own retirement plan. They close with a major announcement: AssetBuilder is moving its headquarters to the Allen Tech Hub at Waters Creek—and explain what that means for clients, the team, and the next decade of growth. Whether you're a DIY investor or working with an advisor, this episode gives you a clean, actionable framework to finish the year financially strong. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & important disclosure 00:40 – Welcome from AssetBuilder HQ in Plano, TX 01:15 – Meet the team: Joey Badinger, Adam Morse (Senior Lead Advisor), and Tommy Williams (Associate Advisor) 02:00 – Conference recap: Vegas Financial Planning Conference & Alts Texas (CFA Society / Markets Group / CAIA) 06:50 – Hard pivot: why “boring, simple” tasks drive the biggest long-term results 08:00 – Checklist #1: Maxing out 401(k), IRA & Roth IRA contributions for 2025 11:45 – Checklist #2: Roth conversions – what they are, how they work, and ideal timing 15:45 – Checklist #3: Tax-loss harvesting – when it makes sense & when it doesn’t 18:30 – Checklist #4: RMDs, inherited IRA rules, and QCD charitable giving 22:30 – Checklist #5: Rebalancing, diversification, and handling concentrated stock positions 27:30 – Checklist #6: Reviewing beneficiaries, cash reserves & liquidity 31:45 – Smart gifting: helping kids without jeopardizing your own retirement 37:40 – Final recap: What to do if you haven’t done any of this yet 39:30 – Big announcement: AssetBuilder is moving to the Allen Tech Hub at Waters Creek 44:30 – New office details, build-out, and client experience upgrades 46:00 – Closing & how to get in touch with the AssetBuilder team Hosted by: Joey Badinger Featuring: Adam Morse, Senior Lead Advisor — Tommy Williams, Associate Advisor Podcast: Keep It Simple by AssetBuilder Location: Plano, Texas → moving to Allen Tech Hub (Waters Creek) Website: assetbuilder.com Questions? Email [email protected]  or book a consultation on the website. If this episode helped you prepare for 2026, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tap the bell—new episodes drop weekly with simple, evidence-based investing guidance. #YearEndChecklist #RetirementPlanning #RothConversion #TaxLossHarvesting #BehavioralFinance #AssetBuilder #KeepItSimplePodcast #IndexInvesting #WealthBuilding2025 #PersonalFinance

Are you accidentally sabotaging your own portfolio? In this must-watch episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, Joey Badinger – Lead Advisor at AssetBuilder – reveals the 4 behavioral biases that even professional investors battle every single day. Recorded from AssetBuilder’s headquarters in Plano, Texas, this short but powerful episode will help you spot and defeat the mental traps that cause most people to buy high, sell low, and underperform the market. Whether you’re a DIY investor or work with an advisor, understanding overconfidence, recency bias, herd behavior, and confirmation bias is the difference between building real wealth and just spinning your wheels. Timestamps (only the big 5-10 moments): 00:00 – Intro & Important Disclaimer 00:40 – Welcome from Joey Badinger (Plano, TX) 01:15 – Why even the pros at AssetBuilder aren’t immune to these biases 01:45 – Bias #1: Overconfidence – thinking you can consistently beat the market 04:50 – Bias #2: Recency Bias – “This time it’s different” & panic selling 06:50 – Bias #3: Herd Behavior (FOMO) – the GameStop lesson & buying high 08:50 – Bias #4: Confirmation Bias – only listening to news that agrees with you 10:15 – Final recap of all 4 biases + how to fight them daily 10:40 – Closing & how to contact the AssetBuilder team Hosted by Joey Badinger Podcast: Keep It Simple by AssetBuilder Location: Plano, Texas Official site → https://www.assetbuilder.com Have questions? Email [email protected] or book a free consultation on their site. If this helped you invest smarter, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the bell – new episodes drop every week with simple, evidence-based strategies that actually work. #InvestingPsychology #BehavioralFinance #Overconfidence #RecencyBias #HerdBehavior #ConfirmationBias #AssetBuilder #KeepItSimplePodcast #IndexInvesting #WealthBuilding2025 #PersonalFinance

Simplifying Investment Risk: Key Insights for Smarter Portfolios Description In this episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, host Joey Badinger , joined by Adam Morse, Janet Griffith, and Tommy Williams from AssetBuilder, explores the essentials of investment risk. Learn how to assess risk tolerance and capacity, understand key metrics like standard deviation and beta, and discover strategies for building a risk-adjusted portfolio. Whether you're a DIY investor or working with an advisor, this episode simplifies risk management to help you invest smarter. Email [email protected] or visit assetbuilder.com for more insights. Timestamps & Main Topics [00:00:00] Introduction to Risk in Investing [00:02:00] Assessing Risk Tolerance and Capacity [00:08:00] Tips for Self-Assessing Risk [00:16:00] What Is a Risk-Adjusted Portfolio? [00:20:00] Technical Risk Metrics [00:34:00] Role of Advisors in Risk Management Hashtags #KeepItSimplePodcast #AssetBuilder #JoeyBadinger #InvestmentRisk #RiskTolerance #FinancialPlanning #InvestingTips #PortfolioManagement Keywords Investment risk, risk tolerance, risk capacity, risk-adjusted portfolio, standard deviation, beta, value at risk, max drawdown, correlation coefficient, bond duration, credit risk, diversification, fiduciary advisor, efficient frontier, AssetBuilder, financial education, Joey Badinger , Adam Morse, Janet Griffith, Tommy Williams, Plano Texas financial advisor. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not an offer, solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement of any security, product, or service. Visit assetbuilder.com for more information.

Fixed, Indexed, or Variable? Understanding the 3 Types of Annuities Description: 🎙️ In this episode of The Keep It Simple Podcast, host Joey Badinger from AssetBuilder breaks down the three major types of annuities — Fixed, Variable, and Indexed — to help you understand how each one works, what guarantees they offer, and which risks to watch out for. You’ll learn: What annuities actually are and how they provide guaranteed income 💵 The difference between accumulation and payout phases How inflation, fees, and surrender periods affect your returns Key benefits and drawbacks of Fixed, Variable, and Indexed annuities Why annuities can be valuable for retirement income — and when they may not be Whether you’re nearing retirement or just trying to simplify your financial plan, this episode helps you keep it simple and invest smarter. 📩 Have questions? Email: [email protected] 🌐 Learn more: https://www.assetbuilder.com Timestamps: 00:00 – Disclaimer & Introduction 00:40 – What Is an Annuity? 01:30 – Fixed Annuities Explained 03:15 – Accumulation vs. Payout Phases 04:20 – Liquidity & Inflation Risks 05:00 – Understanding Variable Annuities 06:15 – Riders, Fees, and Death Benefits 08:30 – Indexed Annuities and How They Work 09:30 – Cap Rates, Participation Rates, and Growth Limits 10:30 – The Pros and Cons of Indexed Annuities 12:00 – Inflation, Risk, and Long-Term Strategy 13:00 – When Annuities Make Sense 13:40 – Final Thoughts & How to Get Advice Keywords: annuity types, fixed annuity, variable annuity, indexed annuity, guaranteed income, retirement planning, assetbuilder, Joey Badinger, annuity explained, financial education, investment podcast, fiduciary advisor, Plano Texas financial advisor, compound interest, annuity vs IRA, retirement income planning Hashtags: #KeepItSimplePodcast #AssetBuilder #JoeyBadinger #RetirementPlanning #FixedAnnuity #VariableAnnuity #IndexedAnnuity #FinancialEducation #InvestingSimplified #GuaranteedIncome

From AssetBuilder’s Plano HQ, host Joey Badinger sits down with Adam Morse, Janet Griffith, and Tommy Williams to unpack America’s debt picture—from household budgets to the federal balance sheet. We break down mortgages vs. auto/student/credit-card debt, what rising rates mean, how to use debt-to-income (DTI) the smart way (the 28/36 rule), and practical habits to avoid lifestyle creep and instant-gratification financing. You’ll learn: How much U.S. households owe (and where it sits by generation) Why mortgages can be “productive” debt—and why long car loans aren’t Current rate realities (mortgage, auto, student loans, credit cards) Exactly how to calculate your DTI (with target ranges) Behavior traps: BNPL, long auto terms, monthly-payment thinking What “deficits” mean at home and at the national level—and why they compound Hosts & Credentials: Joey Badinger (Lead Advisor), Adam Morse (Director of Advising), Janet Griffith (Senior Advisor), Tommy Williams (Associate Advisor), AssetBuilder, Plano, TX. Contact the show: https://www.assetbuilder.com Chapters 00:00 Intro & Disclaimer 00:32 Welcome, Hosts & Setup (Plano HQ) 01:00 What We’re Covering: Consumer vs. National Debt 02:00 U.S. Household Debt Snapshot (Totals & Averages) 03:15 Debt by Age Cohort (30–39, 40–49 peak, etc.) 05:10 Gen Z, Mortgages & Down Payments 06:00 Is Debt “Bad”? Productive vs. Dangerous Debt 07:20 National Debt vs. GDP (Post-WWII to Today) 09:40 Auto Loans Deep Dive (Long Terms, Delinquencies) 12:10 Average Loan Sizes (New vs. Used) 13:00 Deficits at Home & Nationally—What It Means 14:20 Growth Limits, Demographics & Reality Check 16:00 Rate Check: Mortgage, Auto, Credit Cards, Student Loans 18:30 Emergency Funds > High-APR Credit Cards 20:10 BNPL & Instant-Gratification Traps 21:10 Know Your Biases (Impulse, Overconfidence) 22:40 Budgeting Habits That Actually Stick 26:10 How to Calculate DTI (28/36 Rule) 28:30 Lender Approval vs. Healthy DTI 31:00 Why 70+ Debt Can Be Risky (Context Matters) 33:00 Depreciating vs. Appreciating Assets (Cars vs. Homes) 34:20 Action Steps: Start Small, Delay Gratification 36:00 How to Contact & Subscribe 36:30 Sign-Off & Disclosure Key Takeaways Debt is a tool, not a villain. Mortgages can raise quality of life; revolving/consumer debt at high APRs can snowball. Auto loans are 2nd-largest consumer debt and loan terms are stretching—be wary of “just the monthly.” Credit-card APRs >20% make balances dangerous; build emergency savings to avoid swipes under stress. DTI targets: ≤28% housing (PITI+HOA), ≤36% total debts is healthy; 50%+ is a red flag. Behavior beats hacks: budget regularly, delay gratification, prefer used cars/shorter terms, question “need vs. want.” Hashtags & Keywords Keywords: consumer debt 2025, debt to income ratio, 28/36 rule, mortgage vs rent, auto loan terms, credit card APR, student loans, national debt vs GDP, budgeting tips, AssetBuilder advisors Hashtags: #PersonalFinance #DebtFreeJourney #DTI #Mortgage #AutoLoans #CreditCards #Investing #Budgeting #KeepItSimplePodcast #AssetBuilder

The Big Beautiful Bill Basics Explained | Keep It Simple Podcast with Joey Bottinger 📌 Description In this episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, host Joey Badingerbreaks down the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it means for taxpayers, families, seniors, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. Recorded at Asset Builder headquarters in Plano, Texas, this short episode cuts through the complexity to give you clear, actionable takeaways in about 10 minutes. You’ll learn how the new law affects: Income tax brackets, deductions, and credits Seniors’ tax benefits and enhanced deductions Estate and gift tax exemptions for high-net-worth individuals Business owners and the Section 199A deduction Families, education planning, 529 plans, and ABLE accounts “Trump Accounts” (Treasury Accounts) created for newborns No tax on tips & overtime (through 2028) 👉 If you have questions or want personalized guidance, contact our team at assetbuilder.com. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Disclaimer & Introduction – Host Joey Badinger, Asset Builder Podcast 01:00 – Overview of the Big Beautiful Bill Act 02:00 – Tax provisions for all taxpayers (standard deduction, SALT cap, AMT, child tax credit, charitable deductions) 04:00 – Senior benefits: $6,000 enhanced deduction through 2028 05:00 – High-net-worth individuals: estate & gift tax exemption increases 06:00 – Business owners: Section 199A 20% QBI deduction made permanent 07:00 – “Trump Accounts” (Treasury Accounts) for children born 2025–2028 09:00 – Comparing Trump Accounts vs 529 Plans & Roth IRA options 10:30 – Updates to 529 Plans & ABLE Accounts 12:00 – No tax on tips and overtime pay (through 2028) 13:00 – Final thoughts & how to get advice from Asset Builder 🔑 Keywords for Discovery Big Beautiful Bill Act explained, Joey Badinger podcast, Asset Builder Keep It Simple Podcast, tax changes 2025, Trump Accounts explained, SALT deduction 2025, estate tax exemption 30 million, Section 199A business deduction, 529 plan updates 2025, ABLE accounts tax benefits, no tax on tips 2028

Keys to the Future: Navigating Today’s Housing Market Together In this Keep It Simple Podcast episode, host Joey Badinger joins advisors Adam Morse and Tommy Williams at AssetBuilder’s Plano HQ to unpack what’s really going on in today’s housing market—and how families can work together to help Gen Z and Millennials become homeowners. They trace the arc from early 20th-century mortgages to post-WWII suburbia, the 1970s rate shock, 2000s subprime bubble, post-COVID surge, and today’s challenging mix of higher rates, compressed affordability, insurance spikes, student debt, and constrained supply. What You’ll Learn Housing history in a hurry: From 5-year loans and big down payments to the 30-year mortgage, GI Bill suburbs, the 1970s rate peak, the subprime crisis, and COVID-era price jumps. Why affordability is strained now: Home-price-to-income ratios, higher mortgage rates vs. locked-in low-rate owners, insurance costs, and student debt. Supply vs. demand realities: Aging-in-place, building restrictions, private investors in starter homes, and why listings can rise even as affordability falls. Programs that help first-time buyers: Where to look for down-payment assistance, reduced-rate programs (e.g., HomeReady, Home Possible), and local buyer education courses. Family strategies that work: How grandparents/parents can gift earlier, reframe big-ticket events (e.g., weddings) vs. down payments, and coach smart savings habits. Episode Highlights Rates matter—but so does the price base. A 6–7% mortgage is tough; the bigger problem is prices outpacing wages. Locked-in effect: Owners with 2–3% mortgages aren’t moving—tightening the starter-home pipeline. Costs beyond the mortgage: Insurance premiums and maintenance have significantly outpaced wages. Education pays: City/county first-time buyer classes can prevent costly surprises (inspections, foundation/piping, etc.). Timing gifts can change trajectories: Front-loading support (within a plan) can beat waiting for inheritances. Chapters 00:00 – Disclaimer & intro 00:18 – Welcome from Plano HQ + today’s topic 01:02 – Why this matters to Gen Z & Millennials 02:04 – Housing history in 5 minutes (setup) 03:02 – Early 1900s: short loans, big down payments 03:40 – Post-WWII & GI Bill: the suburban boom 04:48 – 1970s shock: inflation & 18% mortgage rates 06:20 – 1990s–2000s: innovation → subprime bubble 08:08 – 2006–2012: crash, foreclosures, recovery 10:40 – 2020–2022: ultra-low rates, 40% price surge 11:50 – Today’s landscape: rates ~6–7%, slower demand 12:35 – Affordability math: price-to-income has doubled 13:45 – “Locked-in” owners with 2–3% mortgages 14:38 – Insurance & maintenance costs outpacing wages 15:28 – Student debt + wages: the squeeze on buyers 16:35 – Supply constraints, regs, and investor buyers 18:10 – What helps first-time buyers (overview) 18:38 – Down-payment assistance: HomeReady & Home Possible 19:30 – City/county first-time buyer education (why it matters) 20:28 – Family strategies: earlier gifting, matching, trade-offs 22:05 – Process over outcome: SMART savings goals 23:10 – Weekly money check: kill leaks, automate saving 24:12 – Build a “buy box”: price, payment, area, size 25:06 – Portfolio & plan check for parents/grandparents 26:02 – Action checklist (6 quick wins) 27:05 – Closing thoughts & how we can help 27:40 – Contact: assetbuilder.com to meet with an advisor. SEO Keywords & Hashtags Keywords: housing market 2025, first-time homebuyer tips, home affordability, mortgage rates vs prices, down payment assistance, HomeReady, Home Possible, starter homes shortage, budgeting for a house, Gen Z home buying. Hashtags: #HousingMarket #FirstTimeHomebuyer #HomeBuyingTips #MortgageRates #Affordability #PersonalFinance #WealthBuilding #GenZ #Millennials

Struggling to get control of your money? In this episode of The Keep It Simple Podcast, Joey Badinger shares three proven budgeting techniques that will help you manage your money, eliminate financial stress, and reach your goals faster. Whether you’re brand new to budgeting or looking for a smarter system, you’ll learn about: The 50/30/20 Rule a simple framework to balance needs, wants, and savings. The 80/20 Rule the “pay yourself first” mindset that ensures you save consistently. Zero-Based Budgeting – the most powerful way to give every dollar a purpose. Joey breaks down each method, explains how to apply it in real life, and shares tips to avoid common money leaks like forgotten subscriptions or overspending. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical steps to take control of your finances today. 👉 If you’re serious about building financial stability, growing your savings, and investing wisely, this episode is for you. Timestamps: [00:00] Disclaimer & Welcome [01:00] Why budgeting matters for financial stability [01:20] The 50/30/20 Rule explained [03:00] Why saving and debt repayment are critical [04:00] The 80/20 Rule: Pay yourself first [05:00] Automating savings, debt payments & investments [06:00] The power of Zero-Based Budgeting [07:30] How to stay disciplined with weekly money check-ins [09:00] Tools for budgeting (Monarch Money, YNAB) [10:00] Final thoughts & how to connect Resources & Links: Visit us: AssetBuilder.com Email questions: [email protected] Budgeting apps mentioned: Monarch Money , You Need a Budget (YNAB)  

In this episode of the Keep It Simple Podcast, host Joey Badinger is joined by advisors Adam Morse, Tommy Williams, and Janet Griffith as they dive into discussions aimed at simplifying investment strategies for listeners. The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter about the summer heat and everyone's plans for the weekend, including Adam's hunting trip and Janet's upcoming family getaway to Big Cedar Lodge with her grandson. The group emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and the joy of engaging in activities like fishing. Tune in for insights on how to destressify your investment approach while enjoying life's adventures! [00:02:01] Recent bear markets overview. [00:04:24] Psychological impact of bear markets. [00:07:50] Bear markets and investment strategy. [00:10:24] Market recovery times after downturns. [00:16:15] Herd mentality in investing. [00:17:23] Market strategies for investing. [00:20:33] Market recovery after Black Monday. [00:25:34] Missing the best market days. [00:30:41] Working with financial advisors. [00:32:30] Importance of working with advisors.

Have you ever felt your goals slipping away or wondered if your financial plan still matches your life? In this insightful episode, Joey Boding, alongside Adam Morris and Tommy Williams, discusses the concept of personal reconstitution—a valuable method inspired by passive investment strategies that helps you recalibrate your personal and financial goals. Learn why regular check-ins can significantly boost your chances of success, keep you aligned with your priorities, and help you celebrate meaningful progress. For detailed show notes, navigate using the timestamps below: [0:00] Introduction [1:00] Understanding financial reconstitution and its purpose [3:00] Potential downsides of passive fund reconstitution [6:30] Tax implications and volatility during reconstitution [10:00] Benefits and simplicity of periodic financial reconstitution [12:30] Why investors should regularly review fund holdings [15:00] Transition to personal reconstitution [16:30] Mid-year goal check-in and personal reflections [19:00] How frequent personal evaluations can keep you aligned [21:30] Questions to help you stay on track and aligned with values [24:00] Budgeting: the foundation of effective personal reconstitution [27:00] Identifying and eliminating financial leaks [30:00] Adjusting strategies and goals when life changes [32:00] Setting SMART goals and realistic expectations [35:00] Final tips for personal and financial success   For more information on Asset Builder, visit our website: https://assetbuilder.com