web02.fireside.fm Wed, 06 May 2026 09:05:16 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) More for Your Money - Episodes Tagged with “Estate Planning” https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/tags/estate%20planning Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500 More for Your Money, hosted by John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing, is a weekly radio show airing Saturdays at 9:06 AM on WCLO. With over 40 years of experience in portfolio management, John shares expert insights on investing, retirement planning, and wealth-building strategies. Whether you're looking for smart ways to grow your portfolio, navigate market trends, or make informed financial decisions, this show delivers practical advice tailored to everyday investors. Tune in each week for thoughtful discussions, listener questions, and actionable strategies to help you make the most of your money. Disclosure: https://bit.ly/3Yc920O af episodic An Uncommon 'Cents' approach to investing Uncommon Cents Investing More for Your Money, hosted by John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing, is a weekly radio show airing Saturdays at 9:06 AM on WCLO. With over 40 years of experience in portfolio management, John shares expert insights on investing, retirement planning, and wealth-building strategies. Whether you're looking for smart ways to grow your portfolio, navigate market trends, or make informed financial decisions, this show delivers practical advice tailored to everyday investors. Tune in each week for thoughtful discussions, listener questions, and actionable strategies to help you make the most of your money. Disclosure: https://bit.ly/3Yc920O no More for Your Money, hosted by John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing, is a weekly radio show airing Saturdays at 9:06 AM on WCLO. With over 40 years of experience in portfolio management, John shares expert insights on investing, retirement planning, and wealth-building strategies. Whether you're looking for smart ways to grow your portfolio, navigate market trends, or make informed financial decisions, this show delivers practical advice tailored to everyday investors. Tune in each week for thoughtful discussions, listener questions, and actionable strategies to help you make the most of your money. Uncommon Cents Investing sheena@uncommoncentsinvesting.com Episode 50: Fee vs. Commission: Finding the Right Financial Advisor and Understanding Your Costs - 12/06/2025 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/50 4aee866a-56f7-4837-b9e9-a1baf0d454ca Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500 Uncommon Cents Investing full Uncommon Cents Investing Join John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money. 52:50 no <p>John Berkley and Krista Berkley clarify the critical differences between fee-based and commission-based advisory models. The discussion emphasizes that understanding how your advisor is compensated and the underlying investment expenses is crucial, as the best platform—whether buy-and-hold commission or ongoing fee management—depends entirely on the client's needs and investment goals. Special Guest: Krista Berkley.</p> Financial advisor compensation, fee-based advising, commission-based products, sales charge, upfront sales charge, annual management fees, ongoing fees, investment expense ratios, comparing advisor costs, old school investing, mutual funds, individual stocks, buy-and-hold approach, investment transparency, long-term investing, wealth accumulation, choosing a financial advisor, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), 401k rollover, Roth IRA. John Berkley and Krista Berkley clarify the critical differences between fee-based and commission-based advisory models. The discussion emphasizes that understanding how your advisor is compensated and the underlying investment expenses is crucial, as the best platform—whether buy-and-hold commission or ongoing fee management—depends entirely on the client's needs and investment goals.

Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

]]> John Berkley and Krista Berkley clarify the critical differences between fee-based and commission-based advisory models. The discussion emphasizes that understanding how your advisor is compensated and the underlying investment expenses is crucial, as the best platform—whether buy-and-hold commission or ongoing fee management—depends entirely on the client's needs and investment goals.

Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

]]> Episode 49: Roth IRA Conversions: The Wisconsin Tax Law That Changes Everything - 11/29/2025 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/49 23a92d7a-63f1-42c9-ac9c-8ff96d42dabf Sat, 29 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500 Uncommon Cents Investing full Uncommon Cents Investing Join John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money. 52:50 no <p>John Berkley discusses a strong market week before focusing on the major complexity added by a new Wisconsin state tax law. The law exempts up to $24,000 in retirement distributions per person (age 67 or older) from state tax. This significantly alters the decision to convert to a Roth IRA, as paying conversion taxes now means forfeiting the future state tax exemption on distributions. The discussion also covered year-end tax loss selling and complex estate planning issues, highlighting how the growing intricacy of tax and investment laws necessitates the help of a financial advisor. </p> Roth IRA conversion, Wisconsin tax law, state tax exemption, retirement distributions, age 67, $24,000 exclusion, tax planning, financial advisor, Uncommon Sense Investing, 401k contribution, pre-tax vs Roth, tax loss selling, capital gains, Schedule D, estate planning, stepped-up basis, gifting assets, beneficiaries, market review, S&P 500, NASDAQ, Russell 2000, 10-year bond, required minimum distributions, RMDs, continuity of income John Berkley discusses a strong market week before focusing on the major complexity added by a new Wisconsin state tax law. The law exempts up to $24,000 in retirement distributions per person (age 67 or older) from state tax. This significantly alters the decision to convert to a Roth IRA, as paying conversion taxes now means forfeiting the future state tax exemption on distributions. The discussion also covered year-end tax loss selling and complex estate planning issues, highlighting how the growing intricacy of tax and investment laws necessitates the help of a financial advisor.

]]> John Berkley discusses a strong market week before focusing on the major complexity added by a new Wisconsin state tax law. The law exempts up to $24,000 in retirement distributions per person (age 67 or older) from state tax. This significantly alters the decision to convert to a Roth IRA, as paying conversion taxes now means forfeiting the future state tax exemption on distributions. The discussion also covered year-end tax loss selling and complex estate planning issues, highlighting how the growing intricacy of tax and investment laws necessitates the help of a financial advisor.

]]> Episode 40: Local Service and Financial Freedom: The Case for Hiring a Financial Professional - 09/27/2025 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/40 79e865ee-0996-4084-8063-e15793dfb76a Sat, 27 Sep 2025 13:30:00 -0400 Uncommon Cents Investing full Uncommon Cents Investing Join John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money. 52:50 no <p>This episode of More for Your Money features host John Berkley and Krista Berkley. The discussion centers on the benefits of hiring a financial professional, focusing on the argument that good local service and expertise should pay for themselves. The hosts examine market activity, including the JDB indicator, and delve into detailed, subjective topics like Roth conversions and the debate over debt versus wealth accumulation. The conversation highlights the dynamic exchange between the two, noting that financial advice is highly personalized. They emphasize the need for knowledge, balance, and making good financial choices. Special Guest: Krista Berkley.</p> local financial advisor, financial planning, investment advice, return on advice, value stocks vs growth stocks, market report, S&P 500, inflation risk, interest rates, Roth conversions strategy, tax buckets management, asset allocation, estate planning, beneficiaries, debt versus wealth accumulation, social security benefits, pension options, second opinion financial advice, risk management, investment confidence, financial mentorship, managed accounts, personalized finance This episode of More for Your Money features host John Berkley and Krista Berkley. The discussion centers on the benefits of hiring a financial professional, focusing on the argument that good local service and expertise should pay for themselves. The hosts examine market activity, including the JDB indicator, and delve into detailed, subjective topics like Roth conversions and the debate over debt versus wealth accumulation. The conversation highlights the dynamic exchange between the two, noting that financial advice is highly personalized. They emphasize the need for knowledge, balance, and making good financial choices.

Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

]]> This episode of More for Your Money features host John Berkley and Krista Berkley. The discussion centers on the benefits of hiring a financial professional, focusing on the argument that good local service and expertise should pay for themselves. The hosts examine market activity, including the JDB indicator, and delve into detailed, subjective topics like Roth conversions and the debate over debt versus wealth accumulation. The conversation highlights the dynamic exchange between the two, noting that financial advice is highly personalized. They emphasize the need for knowledge, balance, and making good financial choices.

Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

]]> Episode 35: Attorney Mike Vogel on Estate Planning, Gift Tax, and Irrevocable Trusts - 08/23/2025 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/35 4dc754b9-5442-431a-a642-3de04ffed94e Sat, 23 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400 Uncommon Cents Investing full Uncommon Cents Investing Join John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money. 52:50 no <p>This episode of "More for Your Money," hosted by John Berkley, features Attorney Mike Vogel discussing estate planning and elder law. Vogel clarifies Federal Gift Tax (Form 709), detailing the $19,000 annual exclusion and the $14 million lifetime exemption, noting gifts reduce this amount. He also addresses irrevocable trusts for Medicaid planning, explaining the 5-year look-back period while cautioning against their "oversold" nature and significant disadvantages like loss of asset control. Vogel emphasizes maintaining financial flexibility and the importance of tax knowledge in estate planning. Special Guest: Michael Vogel.</p> estate planning, Mike Vogel, elder law, Federal Gift Tax, Form 709, irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, long-term care, annual exclusion, lifetime exemption, 5-year look-back, asset protection, LLCs, S corporations, corporate formalities, operating agreements, step-up in basis, Form 1041, tax knowledge, trust administration, Vogel Law Firm, financial planning, market update, interest rates, Federal Reserve This episode of "More for Your Money," hosted by John Berkley, features Attorney Mike Vogel discussing estate planning and elder law. Vogel clarifies Federal Gift Tax (Form 709), detailing the $19,000 annual exclusion and the $14 million lifetime exemption, noting gifts reduce this amount. He also addresses irrevocable trusts for Medicaid planning, explaining the 5-year look-back period while cautioning against their "oversold" nature and significant disadvantages like loss of asset control. Vogel emphasizes maintaining financial flexibility and the importance of tax knowledge in estate planning.

Special Guest: Michael Vogel.

]]> This episode of "More for Your Money," hosted by John Berkley, features Attorney Mike Vogel discussing estate planning and elder law. Vogel clarifies Federal Gift Tax (Form 709), detailing the $19,000 annual exclusion and the $14 million lifetime exemption, noting gifts reduce this amount. He also addresses irrevocable trusts for Medicaid planning, explaining the 5-year look-back period while cautioning against their "oversold" nature and significant disadvantages like loss of asset control. Vogel emphasizes maintaining financial flexibility and the importance of tax knowledge in estate planning.

Special Guest: Michael Vogel.

]]> Episode 26: Market Valuations, Financial Repression, and the Psychology of Investing - 06/21/2025 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/26 65ee1daa-e570-4f2b-92e8-1aca7494bf53 Sat, 21 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0400 Uncommon Cents Investing full Uncommon Cents Investing Join John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money. 52:50 no <p>This episode of "More for Your Money" features John Berkley, Greg, and Todd discussing market performance, historically high price-earnings multiples, and AI's influence on growth. Topics include "financial repression," structural inflation, income inequality, and contrarian economic views. Uncommon Cents Investing shares their approach of disciplined, long-term value investing in individual stocks, emphasizing the psychology of investing. Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.</p> investment advisory, fee-based firm, registered investment advisor, fiduciary standard, market performance, S&P performance, price-earnings multiples, elevated valuations, Artificial Intelligence (AI) impact, accelerating growth rates, financial repression, central bank actions, asset prices, structural inflation, government deficits, income inequality, value stocks, individual common stocks, long-term strategy, not timing the market, portfolio building, client objectives, time horizons, psychology of investing, contrarian economic views, Lacy Hunt, Jeremy Siegel, Ray Dalio, deflation, estate planning This episode of "More for Your Money" features John Berkley, Greg, and Todd discussing market performance, historically high price-earnings multiples, and AI's influence on growth. Topics include "financial repression," structural inflation, income inequality, and contrarian economic views. Uncommon Cents Investing shares their approach of disciplined, long-term value investing in individual stocks, emphasizing the psychology of investing.

Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

]]> This episode of "More for Your Money" features John Berkley, Greg, and Todd discussing market performance, historically high price-earnings multiples, and AI's influence on growth. Topics include "financial repression," structural inflation, income inequality, and contrarian economic views. Uncommon Cents Investing shares their approach of disciplined, long-term value investing in individual stocks, emphasizing the psychology of investing.

Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

]]> Episode 25: Estate Planning: Navigating Gift Tax, Irrevocable Trusts, and More with Attorney Mike Vogel - 06/14/2025 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/25 67760876-635b-49c5-99ac-c7e6a33ef160 Sat, 14 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400 Uncommon Cents Investing full Uncommon Cents Investing Join John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money. 52:50 no <p>Join John Berkley and Attorney Mike Vogel for an insightful estate planning discussion. Attorney Vogel clarifies federal gift tax (Form 709), including annual exclusions and lifetime exemptions. He also navigates irrevocable trusts, highlighting their overusage and significant disadvantages in Medicaid planning, such as loss of asset control and facility acceptance issues. The episode emphasizes fact-based advice. Special Guest: Michael Vogel.</p> estate planning, Mike Vogel, federal gift tax, Form 709, irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, asset protection, annual exclusion, lifetime exemption, elder law, long-term care expenses, Vogal Law Firm, Janesville attorney, LLC, S corporation, step-up in basis, Form 706, probate, trust administration, gift tax return, estate tax exemption, Wisconsin estate planning, financial flexibility, private pay, nursing home costs, corporate structures, tax knowledge Join John Berkley and Attorney Mike Vogel for an insightful estate planning discussion. Attorney Vogel clarifies federal gift tax (Form 709), including annual exclusions and lifetime exemptions. He also navigates irrevocable trusts, highlighting their overusage and significant disadvantages in Medicaid planning, such as loss of asset control and facility acceptance issues. The episode emphasizes fact-based advice.

Special Guest: Michael Vogel.

]]> Join John Berkley and Attorney Mike Vogel for an insightful estate planning discussion. Attorney Vogel clarifies federal gift tax (Form 709), including annual exclusions and lifetime exemptions. He also navigates irrevocable trusts, highlighting their overusage and significant disadvantages in Medicaid planning, such as loss of asset control and facility acceptance issues. The episode emphasizes fact-based advice.

Special Guest: Michael Vogel.

]]> Episode 23: Insurance, Bonds, and Social Security Strategies - 05/31/2025 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/23 24f97e7c-b8b7-4694-b0b7-668b6a4db357 Sat, 31 May 2025 14:45:00 -0400 Uncommon Cents Investing full Uncommon Cents Investing Join John Berkley of Uncommon Cents Investing as they share practical financial insights and strategies to help you get more for your money. 52:50 no <p>This episode of More for Your Money features John Berkley and Sheena Hanson discussing market performance and client situations. Topics include navigating complex estate planning and long-term care insurance, considering self-insurance for auto/home, decisions about exiting the market, understanding bond types, and Social Security strategies. They emphasize effective communication and leveraging resources. </p> Financial planning, investing, market recap, S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow, Russell 2000, 10-year bond, PE ratio, value vs growth investing, long-term care insurance, estate planning, self-insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, leaving the market, going to cash, bond types, corporate bonds, retail notes, secured bonds, unsecured bonds, Treasuries, Social Security strategies, widow's benefit, ex-spousal benefit, maximizing Social Security, filing strategies, risk tolerance, financial communication, financial resources, attorney referrals, tax advisor referrals This episode of More for Your Money features John Berkley and Sheena Hanson discussing market performance and client situations. Topics include navigating complex estate planning and long-term care insurance, considering self-insurance for auto/home, decisions about exiting the market, understanding bond types, and Social Security strategies. They emphasize effective communication and leveraging resources.

]]> This episode of More for Your Money features John Berkley and Sheena Hanson discussing market performance and client situations. Topics include navigating complex estate planning and long-term care insurance, considering self-insurance for auto/home, decisions about exiting the market, understanding bond types, and Social Security strategies. They emphasize effective communication and leveraging resources.

]]> Episode 5: Roth IRA Conversions: The Why, the Why Not, and the Rest of the Story - 01/25/2025 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/5 48dfbf16-0791-47b0-83d6-67b1c365dc15 Sat, 25 Jan 2025 16:15:00 -0500 Uncommon Cents Investing full Uncommon Cents 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. 52:54 no <p>If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I do a Roth IRA conversion?”—this episode is for you.</p> <p>John and Carson explore:</p> <p>Why “taxes are going up in 2026” might not be a strong enough reason<br> What most people forget about state income taxes and relocation in retirement<br> The danger of converting at market highs<br> How medical expenses and charitable giving can make traditional IRAs more tax-efficient<br> When Roth conversions do make sense—like during market downturns or low-income years<br> Why a Roth might be smart for people with large estates or trusts<br> The importance of having cash on the side to pay the tax bill<br> You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how Roth conversions fit into the big picture of retirement and tax planning—and why Uncommon Cents Investing takes an individualized, reason-first approach for every client.</p> <p>🧠 Notable Quotes<br> “We’re not against Roth conversions. We just want to do them for the right reason.” – John Berkley<br> “If you have a tax problem, you probably have a good problem—it means you have money.” – John Berkley<br> “Almost nothing turns out as expected in investing. So making decisions based on certainty about the future? That’s risky.” – quoting Harry Browne </p> Roth IRA, Roth conversion, retirement planning, tax strategies, market timing, medical deductions, IRMAA, Qualified Charitable Distributions, estate planning, savers credit, Roth vs traditional IRA, uncommon sense investing, John Berkley, Janesville WI, personal finance If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I do a Roth IRA conversion?”—this episode is for you.

John and Carson explore:

Why “taxes are going up in 2026” might not be a strong enough reason
What most people forget about state income taxes and relocation in retirement
The danger of converting at market highs
How medical expenses and charitable giving can make traditional IRAs more tax-efficient
When Roth conversions do make sense—like during market downturns or low-income years
Why a Roth might be smart for people with large estates or trusts
The importance of having cash on the side to pay the tax bill
You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how Roth conversions fit into the big picture of retirement and tax planning—and why Uncommon Cents Investing takes an individualized, reason-first approach for every client.

🧠 Notable Quotes
“We’re not against Roth conversions. We just want to do them for the right reason.” – John Berkley
“If you have a tax problem, you probably have a good problem—it means you have money.” – John Berkley
“Almost nothing turns out as expected in investing. So making decisions based on certainty about the future? That’s risky.” – quoting Harry Browne

]]> If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I do a Roth IRA conversion?”—this episode is for you.

John and Carson explore:

Why “taxes are going up in 2026” might not be a strong enough reason
What most people forget about state income taxes and relocation in retirement
The danger of converting at market highs
How medical expenses and charitable giving can make traditional IRAs more tax-efficient
When Roth conversions do make sense—like during market downturns or low-income years
Why a Roth might be smart for people with large estates or trusts
The importance of having cash on the side to pay the tax bill
You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how Roth conversions fit into the big picture of retirement and tax planning—and why Uncommon Cents Investing takes an individualized, reason-first approach for every client.

🧠 Notable Quotes
“We’re not against Roth conversions. We just want to do them for the right reason.” – John Berkley
“If you have a tax problem, you probably have a good problem—it means you have money.” – John Berkley
“Almost nothing turns out as expected in investing. So making decisions based on certainty about the future? That’s risky.” – quoting Harry Browne

]]> Episode 3: Tipping, Taxes & Timely Advice: 2025 Planning and Everyday Financial Wisdom - 1/11/25 https://moreforyourmoney.fireside.fm/3 3a8b623a-9a1c-46dc-a07c-5dfc7cdedc68 Sat, 11 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500 Uncommon Cents Investing full 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 52:54 no <p>In this episode of More for Your Money, John is joined by Sheena Hanson and Carson in the studio to kick off the new year with timely insights and a little family fun. They review the latest tax planning changes for 2025, from IRA contributions and capital gains rules to required minimum distributions and estate tax thresholds. Sheena explains how Uncommon Cents handles annual reviews and why financial communication doesn’t have to be complicated.</p> <p>Plus, John revisits his 15 financial life lessons—covering everything from saving early to mastering your emotions—and Sheena weighs in on why opinions can have value (despite what Plato might say).</p> <p>Whether you're sorting out your taxes or just want smart, down-to-earth financial conversation, this episode brings clarity and a little humor along the way. </p> 2025 tax updates, capital gains taxes, RMD rules, Roth IRA phase-out, retirement account strategies, investment accounts for kids, simple IRA vs 401(k), financial literacy, trusted financial advice, annual account reviews, saving for retirement, financial independence, money management tips, value investing, Wisconsin financial advisor In this episode of More for Your Money, John is joined by Sheena Hanson and Carson in the studio to kick off the new year with timely insights and a little family fun. They review the latest tax planning changes for 2025, from IRA contributions and capital gains rules to required minimum distributions and estate tax thresholds. Sheena explains how Uncommon Cents handles annual reviews and why financial communication doesn’t have to be complicated.

Plus, John revisits his 15 financial life lessons—covering everything from saving early to mastering your emotions—and Sheena weighs in on why opinions can have value (despite what Plato might say).

Whether you're sorting out your taxes or just want smart, down-to-earth financial conversation, this episode brings clarity and a little humor along the way.

]]> In this episode of More for Your Money, John is joined by Sheena Hanson and Carson in the studio to kick off the new year with timely insights and a little family fun. They review the latest tax planning changes for 2025, from IRA contributions and capital gains rules to required minimum distributions and estate tax thresholds. Sheena explains how Uncommon Cents handles annual reviews and why financial communication doesn’t have to be complicated.

Plus, John revisits his 15 financial life lessons—covering everything from saving early to mastering your emotions—and Sheena weighs in on why opinions can have value (despite what Plato might say).

Whether you're sorting out your taxes or just want smart, down-to-earth financial conversation, this episode brings clarity and a little humor along the way.

]]>