Warren Buffett is frequently misunderstood as either a pure growth investor or a market timer—but his real strategy is far more patient and disciplined.
In this episode, we break down Warren Buffett’s dividend strategy, explaining why he prioritizes strong balance sheets, predictable cash flow, and long-term dividend growth over flashy returns and short-term gains. We explore how Buffett stays calm during market downturns, why dividends can provide emotional and financial stability, and what everyday investors can realistically copy from his approach.
Whether you’re building income for retirement or trying to avoid emotional investing mistakes, this conversation highlights why time, quality businesses, and sustainable dividends remain Buffett’s greatest edge.
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Retirement often feels like the finish line—but for many people, it’s just the beginning of a brand-new set of challenges. In this episode, we explore what the first year after the paycheck disappears actually looks like, based on decades of experience walking clients through retirement transitions.
We discuss why practicing retirement income before you retire is so important, how dividends can replace a traditional paycheck, and why “budgeting” isn’t about spending less—it’s about knowing your business. We also unpack the emotional side of retirement, including anxiety, identity loss, and the temptation to overspend or panic when markets fluctuate.
Whether you’re one year away from retirement or already living it, this episode will help you navigate the most critical transition year with clarity and confidence.
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Are you thinking about buying a dividend stock? Before you chase the shiny yield or jump into what your buddy recommended, here are the 7 metrics the team checks every single time. These fundamentals help you avoid traps, understand the real health of a business, and invest with confidence.
We break each metric down with real-world context, examples from client portfolios, and why single-year snapshots often mislead investors. If you want a smarter, calmer, more long-term approach to dividend investing — this episode is your playbook.
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The episode continues the discussion on how to live in retirement on dividends, focusing on the difference between funding retirement and living in retirement. The advisors explain their two-account approach: a “paycheck account” that funds lifestyle entirely from dividends, and a “bonus/growth account” where dividends are reinvested to fuel long-term income increases. They emphasize the dangers of overspending principal—especially large, repeated withdrawals—which can undermine future income, security, and financial freedom. Much of the conversation explores the emotional side of retirement spending, including fear, guilt, lifestyle expectations, and the need for honest budgeting. Ultimately, they encourage retirees to know their numbers, build a simple plan, stick to guardrails, and understand how spending choices impact long-term freedom.
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Paul, Niki, Leigh, and Kyle discuss the major psychological shift that happens when someone moves from decades of saving for retirement to actually living on their investments. Many retirees struggle with anxiety as they transition from a predictable paycheck to relying on market-dependent income, especially when selling principal or watching account balances decline. They compare traditional retirees—who often rely on selling assets or the 4% rule—to dividend-focused retirees who can live more confidently on consistent income without touching principal. The episode emphasizes understanding your “shortfall,” building an income plan, and staying within guardrails to avoid unknowingly overspending. Ultimately, they frame dividend income as a stabilizing “retirement paycheck” that can reduce fear, create freedom, and help retirees live with clarity and confidence.
Building a dividend portfolio in 2026 starts with defining your goals—whether you want maximum income, strong growth, or a blend of both. The hosts explain that dividend investing includes three “pillars”: foundational growers like dividend aristocrats, high-yield income producers such as energy companies, and opportunity stocks like maturing tech firms or companies recovering from past dividend cuts. A smart portfolio typically balances these categories, with about half in foundational growers, 20–30% in income producers, and 10–15% in higher-risk opportunities. They warn against chasing high yields without checking financial health, especially earnings trends and payout ratios. Ultimately, success comes from patience, diversification, and letting reinvested dividends compound over time.www.planningmadesimple.com
This episode breaks down what really happens to your income during a bear market—whether you're investing for dividends or relying on mutual funds. The hosts explain why market volatility feels so emotionally overwhelming and how traditional withdrawal-based strategies can spiral when values drop. They contrast that with dividend investing, where income is tied to shares owned, not account balance, and explore the roles of “lifters,” “holders,” and “cutters” during downturns. You’ll also hear how rebalancing in scary markets can actually increase long-term income and why staying invested is often the smartest move. Overall, it’s a practical, calming deep-dive into navigating fear, volatility, and income stability during turbulent markets.
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This episode dives into the question of whether investors really need to diversify beyond dividend-paying stocks. The hosts break down the “diversification myth,” explaining how many people end up with portfolios full of redundant investments they don’t understand. Using relatable examples—from grocery shopping to pizza toppings—they highlight why true planning starts with knowing your income shortfall, not collecting random assets. They show how understanding your needs, strategy, and surplus creates real financial freedom. Ultimately, the episode empowers listeners to invest with purpose rather than pressure or fear.
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#dividends #investing #financialfreedom #stocks #dividendincome #wealthbuilding
High dividend yields can look tempting—but they don’t always mean you’re earning more. In this episode, we explain why focusing on yield percentage alone can lead investors astray, and why the real number that matters is the actual dollar payout. We unpack how stock prices, volatility, and emotional decision-making can distort your view of “income,” and share practical ways to build long-term dividend stability.
💡 Learn how to spot healthy dividend stocks, stay patient through market swings, and grow true wealth through discipline—not drama.
#dividends #investing #financialfreedom #stocks #dividendincome #wealthbuilding
In this episode, the hosts dive into the truth about monthly dividend-paying stocks, asking whether getting paid more often really matters. They explain that while monthly dividends may seem attractive, they’re often a marketing tactic rather than a sign of a stronger investment. The discussion explores the differences between REITs, BDCs, and traditional dividend stocks, warning listeners about potential red flags such as unsustainable payouts or returns of principal disguised as dividends. Ultimately, the hosts encourage investors to focus on quality, sustainability, and true income growth—not just payment frequency.
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In this episode, the hosts dive into how the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut is influencing the housing market and mortgage rates. Guest Jonathan Ramirez explains the often-misunderstood relationship between the federal funds rate and mortgage rates, breaking down how bond markets and economic reports drive real-time rate changes. The discussion explores how anticipation, inflation data, and job reports impact the market more than the Fed’s announcements themselves. The hosts also consider what buyers should expect heading into the next year, predicting stronger home sales and lower mortgage rates by year’s end. Listeners walk away with practical insights on why now may be a prime time to buy — and how to navigate the housing market with confidence.
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This episode explores the idea of picking five dividend-paying stocks to hold for the next 20 years. The hosts outline criteria such as a long history of dividend payments, strong brand recognition, solid cash reserves, and shareholder commitment. They discuss companies like Microsoft, Nucor, Coca-Cola, Franklin, and Invesco, weighing their strengths and risks. The conversation emphasizes that while this is a fun thought experiment, long-term investing requires monitoring and adaptability as markets and businesses evolve. Ultimately, it highlights the power of dividend growth investing but cautions against a rigid “set it and forget it” approach.
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This episode features a conversation with Jonathan Romero about the slowdown in the housing market and how rising interest rates have reshaped buyer and seller expectations. They discuss the dramatic shift from the pandemic-era housing boom, when homes sold instantly at record-low rates, to today’s more cautious environment with higher borrowing costs. Romero explains how affordability challenges, increased inventory, and negotiation opportunities are influencing market dynamics, while also noting the long-term strength of housing as an investment. The discussion closes with practical advice, urging buyers to make thoughtful, goal-driven decisions and trust both financial wisdom and personal conviction when considering a move.
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This podcast explores the concept of retiring on dividends and how to structure a plan that provides lasting income. Paul Durso and the other hosts discuss common misconceptions about retirement, including the focus on a “magic number” of savings instead of the income those savings can generate. They break down key steps such as calculating your lifestyle needs, identifying shortfalls, and determining the yield required to cover them. By focusing on dividend-paying stocks and sustainable yields, they emphasize building a portfolio that provides financial security without the fear of running out of money. Ultimately, the conversation stresses that retirement planning is less about chasing growth and more about creating reliable, stress-free income streams.
This episode explores the differences between dividends and bonds, breaking down their pros, cons, and how they fit into retirement planning. The hosts use relatable analogies—like renting versus owning a home—to explain how bonds provide steady but limited returns, while dividends offer both income and growth potential, though with added risk. They highlight inflation as a key factor, noting that bonds may lose purchasing power over time, whereas dividend-paying stocks can increase payouts and value. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that the right choice depends on individual goals, risk tolerance, and planning.
This episode explores the concept of Dividend Reinvestment Plans (DRIPs) and how they can help investors grow wealth automatically. The hosts explain how reinvesting dividends creates a compounding “snowball effect,” steadily increasing both share ownership and dividend payouts over time. They use analogies like money trees and groves to illustrate how portfolios can expand and provide lasting income. The conversation also highlights benefits such as dollar-cost averaging, tax considerations, and hybrid strategies for retirees, while encouraging listeners to turn on DRIPs as a simple, powerful wealth-building tool.
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This episode explores the concept of Dividend Aristocrats—stocks that have increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years. The hosts explain why companies like Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble are considered the “gold standard” for income investors, highlighting their reliability, resilience, and rising income. Listeners learn how these stocks have historically outperformed the market with less volatility, while also debunking common myths about dividend investing.
This episode explores the balance between yield and growth when it comes to building a strong retirement plan. The hosts break down the trade-off between choosing higher-yielding investments that provide immediate cash flow and lower-yielding options with the potential to grow significantly over time. Using clear examples, they show how a 4% dividend that grows steadily can eventually outperform a flat 7% yield, highlighting the importance of long-term planning. The discussion emphasizes finding the right blend of yield for today and growth for tomorrow to ensure both stability and sustainability in retirement.
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This episode dives into the age-old debate of bonds versus dividends, exploring the pros and cons of each investment option. The hosts explain how bonds can provide predictable, stable income but lack growth and inflation protection, while dividends offer potential for increasing income and appreciation, though with more volatility and risk. They also discuss how factors like age, income needs, and risk tolerance should guide the right mix of bonds and dividends in a portfolio. The conversation emphasizes due diligence, understanding your financial goals, and balancing stability with growth.
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This episode takes a deep dive into the risks and realities of leveraged ETFs, a flashy investment product that often promises sky-high yields. The hosts break down how these funds work, why they can be so tempting, and the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface—like volatility decay, principal risk disguised as income, and long-term underperformance. With clear explanations and real-world comparisons, they reveal how many leveraged ETFs are more hype than substance, often leaving investors worse off. Listeners will walk away with a sharper perspective on why “too good to be true” investments usually are.
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