The Long View

Latest Episodes:

Jonathan Clements: ‘Humility Is a Hallmark of People Who Are Financially Successful’ Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

On the podcast today, we welcome back Jonathan Clements, who was among our first guests when we launched this podcast back in 2019. Jonathan is the founder and editor of HumbleDollar, and he is also the editor of a new book called My Money Journey, which is a compilation of essays from 30 individuals about how they found financial freedom. Jonathan also sits on the advisory board of Creative Planning, one of the country’s largest independent financial advisors and is the author of nine personal finance books. Earlier in his career, Jonathan spent almost 20 years at The Wall Street Journal, where he was the newspaper’s personal finance columnist and six years at Citigroup, where he was director of financial education for the bank’s U.S. Wealth Management arm.

Background

Bio

HumbleDollar

My Money Journey, edited by Jonathan Clements

Current Conditions

“What I Don’t Own,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, March 4, 2023.

“Happy Talk,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Nov. 19, 2022.

“Behaving Badly,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Sept. 18, 2021.

“Nine Roads to Ruin,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, March 6, 2021.

“New Rules for Success,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Nov. 26, 2022.

“Pay It Down,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Aug. 17, 2019.

Indexing, Retirement, and Real Estate

“Four Questions,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Feb. 22, 2020.

“Jonathan’s Portfolio,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com.

“Mix and Match,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Dec. 4, 2021.

“Risking My Life,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Aug. 8, 2020.

“Jonathan’s Retirement,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com.

“How to Overhaul Your Retirement Portfolio in Just 7 Days,” by Jonathan Clements, money.com, Jan. 3, 2019.

“The Long Game,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Feb. 4, 2023.

“Jonathan’s Homes,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com.

Theory and Thrift

“Helpful in Theory,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Feb. 11, 2023.

“Don’t Overdo It,” by Jonathan Clements, humbledollar.com, Jan. 23, 2021.

Other

“Jonathan Clements: ‘It’s in Wall Street’s Interest to Make Everyday Investors Think That They Are Stupid,’” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, July 31, 2019.

“Credit Scores and Committed Relationships,” by Jane Dokko, Geng Li, and Jessica Hayes, federalreserve.gov, August 2015.

Morningstar Investment Conference 2023

If you’re looking for even more investing insights, data, and analysis, join us at this year’s Morningstar Investment Conference, April 25 through 27 in Chicago. We have a great agenda this year, featuring top financial minds from market gurus like Liz Ann Sonders to great investors like Steve Romick to retirement planning experts like Mary Beth Franklin and Dr. Laura Carstensen. There’s something for everyone looking to tackle the challenges and opportunities for investors in the current market. We’re in-person only this year. So, check out the link in our show notes to register. We’re looking forward to seeing you in Chicago.

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Tim Steffen: Smart Tax Moves for 2024 and Beyond Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Today on the podcast we welcome back Tim Steffen, who is the director of advanced planning for Baird. In that role, he researches, writes, and speaks about various planning and tax matters, including retirement planning, executive compensation, legislative changes, and overall best practices. Steffen originally joined Baird in 1999, serving in a variety of planning-oriented roles. He left Baird in 2019 to join the advisor education team at Pimco, then returned to Baird in 2021. Prior to 1999, Steffen worked in Arthur Andersen’s Private Client Services Group. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois. He’s a certified public accountant/personal financial specialist, a certified financial planner, and a certified private wealth advisor.

Background

Bio

“Tim Steffen: Tax-Saving Strategies for a Falling Market,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar, Sept. 20, 2022.

Tax Changes in 2024

“Highlights of the Secure 2.0 Act,” by Tim Steffen, Baird Wealth, September/October 2023.

“Secure 2.0 Act Summary: New Retirement Plan Rules to Know,” by Kelley R. Taylor, Kiplinger, July 17, 2023.

“A Smaller Tax Bill in 2024 Starts in 2023,” by Tim Steffen, Baird Wealth, Oct. 18, 2023.

“‘Tis the Season for Giving,” by Jonathan Raymon and Scott Grenier, Baird Wealth, Oct. 18, 2023.

“Pros and Cons of Donor-Advised Funds,” by Amy Arnott, Morningstar, Nov. 6, 2023.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

“Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A Comparison for Businesses,” IRS.gov.

“2024 Tax Brackets,” by Alex Durante, Tax Foundation, Nov. 9, 2023.

“State and Local Tax (SALT): Definition and How It’s Deducted,” by Michelle P. Scott, Investopedia, Oct. 29, 2023.

“Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Definition, How It Works,” by Jim Probasco, Investopedia, Jan. 2, 2023.

“Don’t Get Tripped Up by These Tax-Reporting Missteps,” Interview With Christine Benz and Tim Steffen, Morningstar, Jan. 8, 2019.

Tax-Efficient Portfolio Planning and Retirement

“Why Municipal-Bond Funds Are Worth a Look,” by Amy Arnott, Morningstar, Nov. 14, 2022.

“Understanding 401(k) Contribution Limits,” by Debbie Carlson, Paul Curcio, and David Tony, CNN, Nov. 15, 2023.

“The Three Tests Before a Roth Conversion,” by Tim Steffen, Baird Wealth, Oct. 16, 2023.

“Are IRA Conversions a Good Idea During Volatility?” Interview With Christine Benz and Tim Steffen, Morningstar, May 12, 2020.

“4 Timeless Tax Planning Insights for Advisors,” by John Manganaro, Think Advisor, Oct. 11, 2022.

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Ben Inker: What Looks Cheap and Dear in Today’s Market Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Our guest this week on The Long View is Ben Inker. Ben is the head of asset allocation at GMO, a Boston-based investment manager famous for its asset-class forecasting. Ben joined GMO in 1992 after completing his bachelor’s in economics from Yale. He’s been an analyst, a portfolio manager, and a CIO, and is a partner and board member for the firm.

Background

Bio

GMO U.S. Quality ETF

GMO Benchmark-Free Allocation III

Reflecting on the Past Few Years

“GMA Questions Links Between Higher Interest Rates and Value Stocks,” by Eric Rasmussen, fa-mag.com, March 27, 2021.

“GMO’s Inker: Why Investors Shouldn’t Fear a Recession in 2022,” by Jeff Berman, thinkadvisor.com, June 30, 2022.

“Profiting From a Bubble in Growth Stocks,” webcast with Jeremy Grantham, Simon Harris, Ben Inker, and Catherine LeGraw, GMO.com, March 25, 2021.

“GMO: There’s Joy in Missing Out,” by Julie Segal, institutionalinvestor.com, Jan. 31, 2023.

Current Outlook

“Update on the Bursting Bubble in Growth Stocks,” webcast with Jeremy Grantham, Simon Harris, and Ben Inker, GMO.com, June 15, 2022.

“Beyond the Landing,” by Ben Inker and John Pease, GMO.com, 3Q 2023.

“Value Is Really More Resilient in a Recession Than You Think,” by Ben Inker, Catherine LeGraw, and John Thorndike, GMO.com, June 6, 2023.

“Value Does Just Fine in Recessions,” by Ben Inker, GMO.com, June 1, 2023.

Non-U.S.

“Japan: This Time Really Is Different,” by Drew Edwards, Rick Friedman, and Ben Inker, GMO.com, Sept. 6, 2023.

Other

“Ben Inker: ‘The Portfolio We’re Running Today Is Abnormal Even for Us,’” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, July 28, 2020.

“Jeremy Grantham: The U.S. Market Is in a Super Bubble,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, Feb. 8, 2022.

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Dan Haylett: Retirement Planning = Life Planning Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Our guest on the podcast today is Dan Haylett. Dan is a financial planner and head of growth for TFP Financial Planning based in the United Kingdom. Dan focuses on financial planning, retirement planning, and life planning for people over age 50. He also hosts a podcast called The Humans vs. Retirement that is centered on the behavioral aspects of retirement. Prior to joining TFP, Dan occupied several positions in the asset-management industry.

Background

Bio

TFP Financial Planning

The Humans vs. Retirement podcast

Retirement

“How to Become a ‘Retirement Rebel’ for a Higher ‘Return on Life,’” by Dan Haylett, humansvsretirement.com.

“Retirement Is a Flawed Concept, With Carl Richards,” The Humans vs. Retirement podcast, humansvsretirement.com, June 19, 2023.

“Navigating the Changing Relationship With Your Spouse in Retirement, With Ashley Quamme,” The Humans vs. Retirement podcast, humansvsretirement.com, June 5, 2023.

Identity and Purpose

“Retiring With a Bang: Harvard’s 85-Year Study Unlocks Secrets to a Long and Happy Life,” by Dan Haylett, humansvsretirement.com.

“Happiness, Fulfillment, and Contentment in Retirement,” by Dan Haylett, humansvsretirement.com.

“The Anchors of Retirement Well-Being,” by Dan Haylett, humansvsretirement.com.

“Retirement Should Not Be Viewed as the Third and Final Phase of Life,” by Dan Haylett, humansvsretirement.com.

Psychology of Spending

“Understanding the Deep-Seated Fear of Running Out of Money and Its Impact on Retirement,” by Dan Haylett, humansvsretirement.com.

“From 4% Rule to 8% Fool: Unleashing Your Inner Retirement Spending Rockstar,” by Dan Haylett, humansvsretirement.com.

“The Psychology Behind Spending Money in Retirement,” by Dan Haylett, humansvsretirement.com.

“Annuitized Income and Optimal Asset Allocation,” by David Blanchett and Michael Finke, papers.ssrn.com, Sept. 22, 2017.

“Dan Haylett: Is It Good Advice to Give Money Away?” by Dan Haylett, essexcommunityfoundation.org.uk, July 27, 2022.

Other

“Lessons and Experiences Through the Lens of a Real-Life Retirement Journey, With Andy Murphy,” The Humans vs. Retirement podcast, humansvsretirement.com, June 26, 2023.

“6 Weeks Into His Retirement! An Inspirational Real Retirement Story With Neil Jones,” The Humans vs. Retirement podcast, humansvsretirement.com, Nov. 17, 2023.

“How to Light Your Retirement Torch With the Father of Life Planning, George Kinder,” The Humans vs. Retirement podcast, humansvsretirement.com, Oct. 6, 2023.

“Carl Richards: It Should Be OK to Relax Out Loud,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, July 27, 2021.

“Michael Kitces: How Higher Yields Affect Asset Allocation and Retirement Planning,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, May 9, 2023.

Mitch Anthony

Paul Armson

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Mike Moran: Taking the Temperature on Retirement Readiness Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Our guest on the podcast today is Mike Moran, managing director and pension strategist for Goldman Sachs. Mike focuses on areas such as plan-funded status, contribution activity, and asset allocation for both defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans. He also works directly with plan sponsors on issues specific to their retirement plans. Mike has worked at Goldman Sachs for more than 24 years in a variety of roles focusing on capital markets, asset allocation, and investment strategy. He is a CFA charterholder and has an MBA in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business, as well as a B.S. in accounting from Villanova University. Mike can speak to a wide range of retirement-related issues, but he is here today to discuss Goldman’s most recent retirement survey and insights report, titled “Diving Deeper Into the Financial Vortex: A Way Forward.”

Background

Bio

Survey

Retirement Survey and Insights Reports 2023: “Diving Deeper Into the Financial Vortex: A Way Forward,” Goldman Sachs Asset Management, gsam.com, 2023.

Retirement Survey and Insights Report 2022: “Navigating the Financial Vortex: Women & Retirement Security,” Goldman Sachs Asset Management, gsam.com, 2022.

“Retirement Survey and Insights Report 2021,” Goldman Sachs Asset Management, gsam.com, 2021.

“Despite Low Financial Literacy, Many Americans Manage Their Own Retirement,” Goldman Sachs, goldmansachs.com, Oct. 18, 2023.

Financial Vortex

“Financial Vortex Contributes to Looming U.S. Retirement Shortfalls,” by Michael Moran, fa-mag.com, Nov. 11, 2022.

“How to Avoid a ‘Financial Vortex’ in Retirement, According to Goldman Sachs,” by Alyssa Place, benefitnews.com, Sept. 19, 2023.

Investment Options

“No Time for Corporate Pension Complacency: An Interview With Michael Moran,” by Michael Moran, gsam.com, April 20, 2023.

“Why Most Americans Aren’t Saving Enough for Retirement,” Goldman Sachs Exchanges podcast with Mike Moran, goldmansachs.com, Oct. 3, 2023.

Other

NextCapital Group

Survey of Consumer Finances

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Tiffany Aliche: Helping People ‘Move Past the Shame’ Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

Our guest on the podcast today is Tiffany Aliche, also known as “The Budgetnista.” She is the author of The New York Times bestseller Get Good With Money, and she also has a new book called Made Whole: The Practical Guide to Reaching Your Financial Goals. Through her Live Richer movement, she has helped more than 2 million women save, manage, and pay off hundreds of millions of dollars. Tiffany co-hosts the podcast Brown Ambition, and she has been a fixture in the media, including on the Today show and Good Morning America. She was the first Black woman to appear solo on the cover of Money Magazine. She received her bachelor’s degree in business from Montclair State University and her master’s degree in education from Seton Hall.

Background

Bio

The Budgetnista

Get Good With Money, by Tiffany Aliche

Made Whole: The Practical Guide to Reaching Your Financial Goals, by Tiffany Aliche

Brown Ambition podcast

Personal Finance/Financial Wellness

LiveRicherChallenge.com

Live Richer Academy

Mentors

Lynette Khalfani-Cox

“Lynnette Khalfani-Cox: ‘There’s a Huge Wealth Gap in America,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, Sept. 28, 2021.

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John Rekenthaler and Amy Arnott: What’s a Safe Retirement Spending Rate Today? Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Hi, and welcome to The Long View. I’m Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar. Our guests on the podcast today are Amy Arnott and John Rekenthaler. Amy and John are two of the co-authors, along with me, of some recently released Morningstar research on retirement spending rates. The paper is called The State of Retirement Income, and it’s an update on some research that we published in 2021 and 2022. Amy and John are both long-tenured Morningstar researchers and part of Morningstar Research Services LLC, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar. Amy is a portfolio strategist and John is director of research for that group. They’re both contributors to Morningstar.com as well.

Background

“The State of Retirement Income 2023,” by Amy Arnott, John Rekenthaler, and Christine Benz, Morningstar.com, November 2023.

“Christine Benz and John Rekenthaler: How Much Can You Safely Spend in Retirement?” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, Dec. 21, 2021.

“Christine Benz and John Rekenthaler: Revisiting What Is a Safe Retirement Spending Rate After a Tough Year,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, Dec. 20, 2022.

“The State of Retirement Income,” by Christine Benz, Jeff Ptak, and John Rekenthaler, Morningstar.com, 2022.

“What’s a Safe Withdrawal Rate Today?” by Christine Benz and John Rekenthaler, Morningstar.com, Dec. 13, 2022.

Base Case Conclusions

“Determining Withdrawal Rates Using Historical Data,” by William Bengen, Financial Planning Association Journal, 2004.

“Bill Bengen: Revisiting Safe Withdrawal Rates,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, Dec. 14, 2021.

Dynamic Spending Strategies

“When It Comes to Retirement Spending, Flexibility Pays,” by Christine Benz, Morningstar.com, April 14, 2023.

“Want to Boost Your Retirement Income? ‘Guardrails’ Could Help,” by Christine Benz, Morningstar.com, May 5, 2023.

“Why Do People Spend the Way They Do in Retirement? Findings From EBRI’s Spending in Retirement Survey,” by Lori Lucas, ebri.org, Jan. 14, 2021.

TIPS Ladders, Inflation, and Portfolio Returns

“High TIPS Yields Are a Retiree’s Best Friend,” by John Rekenthaler, Morningstar.com, Oct. 16, 2023.

“What High Inflation Means for Your Portfolio,” by Amy Arnott, Morningstar.com, April 24, 2023.

“The Good News on Safe Withdrawal Rates,” by Amy Arnott, Morningstar.com, Nov. 13, 2023.

“Expenditure Patterns of Older Americans, 2001-2009,” by Sudipto Banerjee, EBRI Issue Brief, February 2012.

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Scott Burns: The Case for a Simple Retirement Plan Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

Our guest on the podcast today is syndicated personal finance columnist and author Scott Burns. Burns began his career as a newspaper columnist in The Boston Herald in 1977, where he was also the financial editor. In 1985, he joined the staff of The Dallas Morning News, where his column became one of the most widely read features in the paper. Along the way, he created what he called Couch Potato Investing, which involves buying and holding a broadly diversified portfolio of low-cost index mutual funds. Burns has authored or co-authored several books, including The Coming Generational Storm and Spend ‘Til the End, both of which he co-authored with Laurence Kotlikoff. He received bachelor’s degrees in humanities and biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Background

Bio

Couch Potato Investing

The Coming Generational Storm: What You Need to Know About America’s Economic Future, by Laurence J. Kotlikoff and Scott Burns

Spend ‘Til the End: Raising Your Living Standard in Today’s Economy and When You Retire, by Laurence J. Kotlikoff and Scott Burns

Bonds and Retirement

“Do Bonds Have a Future?” by Scott Burns, scottburns.com, May 14, 2022.

“Scott Burns: These Four Pillars of Investing Stand the Test of Time,” by Scott Burns, The Dallas Morning News, July 20, 2023.

Allan Roth

“TIPS Ladder Funds Don’t Yet Exist, but They Should,” by John Rekenthaler, Morningstar.com, June 16, 2023.

“Is America Hitting Peak Consumption?” by Scott Burns, scottburns.com, Oct. 12, 2023.

“The Pudding Report, 2022,” by Scott Burns, scottburns.com, Jan. 15, 2023.

“Examining the Tax Deferral Gift Horse,” by Scott Burns, scottburns.com, April 8, 2023.

Investing in Retirement

“What’s a Safe Withdrawal Rate Today?” by Christine Benz, Jeffrey Ptak, and John Rekenthaler, Morningstar.com, Dec. 13, 2022.

“The 4 Percent Rule Is Not Safe in a Low-Yield World,” by Michael Finke, Wade Pfau, and David Blanchett, SSRN, Jan. 15, 2013.

“The High Cost of Immortality,” by Scott Burns, scottburns.com, Dec. 18, 2022.

“Making a Plan to Retire Now, Not Later,” by Scott Burns, scottburns.com, April 25, 2022.

“Is Homeownership Bigger Than It Should Be?” by Scott Burns, scottburns.com, Nov. 14, 2020.

“Is Downsizing in Retirement Actually Possible?” by Scott Burns, scottburns.com, Nov. 21, 2020.

Other

Portfolio Visualizer

Center for Retirement Research at Boston College

Employee Benefit Research Institute

Kaiser Family Foundation

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JL Collins: Spotlighting the Many Paths to Financial Independence Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

Our guest on the podcast today is author and blogger JL Collins. He blogs about financial independence and other matters at jlcollinsnh.com. JL’s first book, The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life, was published in 2016 and has become something of a bible for people in the financial independence movement. His new book is called Pathfinders: Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence.

Background

Bio

Jlcollinsnh.com

“JL Collins: The Case for Simplicity,” The Long View podcast, Morningstar.com, April 5, 2022.

Pathfinders: Extraordinary Stories of People Like You on the Quest for Financial Independence—And How to Join Them, by JL Collins

The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life, by JL Collins

Saving, Spending, and Lifestyle Creep

Lifestyle Creep: What It Is, How It Works

“How ‘Geographic Arbitrage’ Can Make You Money,” by Eric Reed, smartasset.com, May 30, 2023.

“Why Your House Is a Terrible Investment,” by JL Collins, jlcollinsnh.com, Sept. 22, 2023.

“Higher for Longer vs. the Stock Market,” by Ben Carlson, awealthofcommonsense.com, Oct. 3, 2023.

Investing

“Things Important, and Unimportant,” by JL Collins, jlcollinsnh.com, March 1, 2023.

“Stocks—Part XXX: jcollinsnh vs. Vanguard,” by JL Collins, jlcollinsnh.com, Sept. 16, 2023.

Other

FI Chautauqua

Mr. Money Mustache

The Richest Man in Babylon, by George S. Clason

A Wealth of Common Sense

Quit Like a Millionaire, by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung

Mad Fientist

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Nizar Tarhuni: The State of Private Markets and Venture Capital Investing Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Nizar Tarhuni heads up research for PitchBook, which is a Morningstar affiliate. PitchBook is a premier provider of data on public and private markets. We’re going to focus a little bit more on private markets today because this topic is aligned with what we’ve been talking about recently at Morningstar relating to the evolving investor. The concept there is it’s not traditional financial outcomes, it’s also nonfinancial outcomes. It’s also not just public markets, it’s private markets. It’s another important dimension that advisors have to manage on behalf of their clients.

Background

Bio

Venture Capital, Public, and Private Companies

“Battle of the Funds: Do VC Specialists Outperform Generalists?” by Leah Hodgson, PitchBook, Sept. 21, 2023.

“Quantitative Perspectives: US Market Insights, Q3 2023,” PitchBook, Aug. 10, 2023.

“Analyzing the IPO Market Outlook: Examining Current Market Conditions to Highlight Potential Next Steps for VC-Backed IPOs,” PitchBook, Sept. 7, 2023.

Performance Trends

PitchBook Indexes

Q3 2023 PitchBook-NVCA Venture Monitor

Return Smoothing

“Return Smoothing in Private Markets: Estimating the True Volatility of Private Market Returns,” PitchBook, June 4, 2021.

Strategy and Manager Selection