John Berkley – Host of More for Your Money

Episode 9: Questions to Ask Financial Advisors - 2/22/25

February 22nd, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

account management, advisor fit, family-run firm, fee-based advisor, financial advisor questions, financial guidance, financial literacy, how to choose a financial advisor, investment philosophy, investment strategy, janesville wisconsin, john berkley, krista berkley, local advisor, money confidence, portfolio strategy, retirement planning, risk tolerance, third-party managers, uci, uncommon cents investing, value investing, wealth management

John Berkley is joined by his daughter and fellow financial professional Krista Berkley for a conversational and insightful episode focused on empowering listeners with the right questions to ask when meeting a financial advisor. Whether you’re just getting started or considering switching firms, Krista and John share their perspectives on investment philosophy, risk tolerance, how accounts are managed, and why fit and communication matter more than flashy sales pitches. This episode is all about giving you more confidence when choosing who to trust with your money.

Episode 8: Retirement Withdrawal Strategies - 2/15/25

February 15th, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

4% rule, bucket strategy, financial literacy, flexible planning, income planning, janesville wisconsin, john berkley, long-term investing, market volatility, portfolio strategy, retirement goals, retirement income, retirement planning, retirement withdrawal strategies, roth ira, sequence of return risk, sheena hanson, tax efficiency, uncommon cents investing, value investing

How do you turn your nest egg into a reliable paycheck in retirement? This week, John Berkley is joined by Sheena Hanson, CEO and CCO of Uncommon Cents Investing, for a deep dive into withdrawal strategies that help retirees make the most of their hard-earned savings. They explore the 4% rule, tax-smart distribution tactics, bucket strategies, and how to avoid common pitfalls like sequence of return risk. Whether you’re approaching retirement or already there, this episode will help you understand how to take money out without running out.

Episode 7: Senior Home Care with Visiting Angels with guest Patch Smith - 2/8/25

February 8th, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

aging in place, assisted living alternatives, caregiving careers, elder care options, elder law, healthcare in retirement, home care, in-home caregiving, janesville wisconsin, john berkley, long-term care insurance, long-term care planning, patch smith, respite care, retirement support, senior care, uncommon cents investing, va benefits, veteran care, visiting angels, wisconsin caregivers

Navigating senior care options can be overwhelming—but understanding your choices can make all the difference. In this episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley welcomes Patch Smith, co-owner of Visiting Angels in South Central Wisconsin, to explore the world of in-home care. From respite visits to full-time support, they break down what home care looks like, who it's for, and how it compares to institutional options like assisted living.

Patch also shares insights into long-term care insurance, how families can successfully access those benefits, and under-the-radar support available to veterans. Whether you’re planning ahead for a loved one or need immediate help, this conversation will help you understand your options and advocate for the care your family deserves.

Episode 6: Tariffs, Gold, and the Debt: What History Might Teach Us About the Road Ahead - 2/1/25

February 1st, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

bond market, deflation, economic history, economic theory, gold prices, government spending, inflation, interest rates, janesville wi, lacy hunt, long-term investing, market cycles, national debt, personal finance, reaganomics, roth ira conversions, stock market, tariffs, uncommon cents investing, value vs growth

In this week’s episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley is joined by the Uncommon Cents Investing committee—Greg, Todd, and Carson—for a wide-ranging, fast-paced discussion on market trends, inflation, gold, government debt, and the evolving role of tariffs in economic strategy.

Drawing on insights from respected economist Lacy Hunt, the team explores whether deflation might be the next curveball for investors and how today’s policies echo some surprising historical parallels—like the Reagan era’s early pain and long-term gain. Along the way, they unpack the gold market, discuss the hidden cost of inflation on the middle class, and debate whether tariffs can be both a financial and geopolitical tool.

If you’re looking to connect the dots between interest rates, debt, inflation, and long-term investing, this one’s for you.

Episode 5: Roth IRA Conversions: The Why, the Why Not, and the Rest of the Story - 01/25/2025

January 25th, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

estate planning, irmaa, janesville wi, john berkley, market timing, medical deductions, personal finance, qualified charitable distributions, retirement planning, roth conversion, roth ira, roth vs traditional ira, savers credit, tax strategies, uncommon sense investing

This week on More for Your Money, John Berkley and Kit Carson dive deep into a topic that generates more questions than answers: Roth IRA conversions. Should you convert? When does it make sense—and when does it not? With John's decades of experience and Carson's sharp curiosity, the duo takes listeners through a thoughtful, nuanced look at one of the most misunderstood moves in retirement planning.

Using the classic Paul Harvey style—“the rest of the story”—John highlights the lesser-known risks and hidden pitfalls of converting, like the impact of future tax law changes, state residency, IRMAA brackets, medical expense deductions, charitable giving strategies, and even market timing. And yes, he also shares smart, strategic situations where a Roth conversion does make good sense.

Episode 4: The Debt, Inflation, and Your Future: How to Stay Grounded in a Shaky Economy - 1/18/25

January 18th, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

debt-to-gdp, economic policy, federal reserve, financial literacy, inflation, inflation history, investing in inflation, janesville wi, john berkley, kit carson, market performance, monetizing debt, national debt, personal finance, u.s. deficits, uncommon sense investing

In this week’s More for Your Money, John Berkley and Kit Carson tackle a topic that’s often in the headlines—but rarely explained in a way that makes sense: national debt and inflation. With warmth, wisdom, and a little Wisconsin winter humor, John breaks down what 36+ trillion dollars of federal debt actually means for us as investors, taxpayers, and future retirees.

They walk through the history of U.S. debt levels—from post-WWII to today—and how inflation, interest rates, and government spending have played a role in shaping the economy. What does this mean for your money? How should individuals prepare in a world of structural inflation, slow-moving tax reform, and the possibility of higher interest rates?

John gets practical with a key takeaway: We can’t fix the national debt ourselves, but we can make smart decisions to protect our own finances.

Episode 3: Tipping, Taxes & Timely Advice: 2025 Planning and Everyday Financial Wisdom - 1/11/25

January 11th, 2025  |  52 mins 54 secs

estate planning, family finance, financial advisor, financial education, investment strategy, ira contributions, janesville wi, john berkley, money tips, more for your money, required minimum distributions, retirement planning, roth ira, sheena hanson, tax planning 2025, uncommon cents investing

John Berkley returns to the More for Your Money studio this week with a full house—welcoming co-host Carson back from a short sick break, and special guest Sheena Hanson (his daughter and Principal at Uncommon Cents Investing). The trio covers everything from market updates and tipping trends to detailed 2025 tax planning changes.

John revisits his now-famous "15 Financial Life Lessons" list, Sheena gives insight into how Uncommon Cents conducts thoughtful, personal annual reviews with clients, and the team walks through the latest tax brackets, deduction limits, and planning considerations for the year ahead.

John, Sheena, and Carson break down 2025 tax updates, reflect on life and financial lessons, and explain why trust and communication matter when working with a financial advis

Episode 2: Navigating Trusts, Special Needs Planning, and Estate Considerations with Atty Robb Leach - 11/02/24

November 11th, 2024  |  53 mins 4 secs

budgeting, cfp, economic insights, finance, financial advice, financial planning, investing, investment strategy, john berkley, money, personal finance, podcast, portfolio management, radio show, retirement, retirement planning, sheena hanson, uncommon cents investing, wclo, wealth management

Join John Berkley and Sheena Hanson of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money.

Episode 1: Navigating Your Medicare Choices: A Discussion on Supplements and Advantage Plans - 09/28/24

September 28th, 2024  |  53 mins 4 secs

budgeting, cfp, economic insights, finance, financial advice, financial planning, investing, investment strategy, john berkley, money, personal finance, podcast, portfolio management, radio show, retirement, retirement planning, sheena hanson, uncommon cents investing, wclo, wealth management

Join John Berkley and Sheena Hanson of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money.