More for Your Money - Episodes Tagged with “Financial Literacy”

Episode 38: Uncommon Cents: Wisdom on Decisions, Risk, and Retirement Strategies - 09/13/2025

Uncommon Cents Investing — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode, John Berkley and Sheena Hanson discuss current market trends, noting an expensive market driven by growth stocks. They cover crucial financial topics like the Rule of 55 for early 401k withdrawals and the importance of trusted contacts for clients. John shares his personal philosophical quotes on decision-making, risk, and consequences, emphasizing learning from others' experiences. The episode also explores the emotional and practical aspects of retirement transition, spending habits, and the passion for one's work. Listeners are encouraged to review their financial plans and utilize the firm's website resources.

Episode 28: From Poverty to Prosperity: Edmund Halibi's American Journey - 07/05/2025

Uncommon Cents Investing — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0400

This motivational episode features Edmund Halibi, owner of The Italian House, sharing his extraordinary journey from extreme poverty in Liberia to success in the U.S.. Contrasting Liberia's political instability and lack of basic necessities with America's "bag full of tools" and free market opportunities, Edmund emphasizes hard work, saving, and investing. The discussion highlights the importance of appreciating the American system for wealth creation and personal growth.

Episode 26: Market Valuations, Financial Repression, and the Psychology of Investing - 06/21/2025

Uncommon Cents Investing — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0400

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 24: Graduation & Beyond: Developing Strong Financial Behaviors - 06/07/2025

Uncommon Cents Investing — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

John Berkley and Krista Berkley discuss the next chapter after graduation. They share advice on developing strong financial behaviors, including setting goals, creating budgets, building emergency funds, and investing early. John also critically examines the true cost of education and the time value of money.

Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

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

Uncommon Cents Investing — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0500

What should you ask before hiring a financial advisor? In this special episode, John Berkley welcomes Krista Berkley, a licensed advisor and family member with a slightly different business model, for a friendly but practical conversation about what truly matters when choosing someone to help manage your money. They break down key questions to bring into a first meeting—from investment philosophy and account rebalancing to risk tolerance and how your advisor gets paid.

Krista shares the importance of fit, transparency, and long-term strategy over trends or fancy plans. Plus, they highlight how different models (fee-based vs. commission, in-house management vs. third-party) can each serve a purpose depending on your goals. Whether you're new to investing or rethinking your current relationship, this episode helps you ask the right questions so you can make smart, confident decisions.

Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

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

Uncommon Cents Investing — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Retirement isn’t just about saving—it’s about creating a smart plan for how to use those savings. In this episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley and Sheena Hanson talk through the essential strategies for drawing down your investments in retirement. They cover the classic 4% rule (and its modern tweaks), bucket strategies, tax considerations, and how to manage volatility in early retirement.

You’ll also hear how different types of accounts—like Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts—play a role in creating a tax-efficient, sustainable retirement income. Whether your goal is to leave a legacy or spend it all, Sheena and John explain how to match your plan with your priorities.

From market timing and inflation to Medicare costs and behavioral habits, this conversation covers the moving parts that make retirement income planning both an art and a science.

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

Uncommon Cents Investing — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500

What does $36.2 trillion in federal debt mean for the average American? More than you might think.

In this timely episode, John Berkley shares:

How inflation has evolved since the gold standard days
Why today’s 123% debt-to-GDP ratio is historically alarming
The concept of “monetizing the debt” and its impact on your purchasing power
What past inflationary periods (like WWII and the 1970s) can teach us
The risk of structural inflation—and how it may quietly erode savings over time
Why interest rates might go higher than Wall Street thinks
What you can do: living within your means, saving smart, and investing intentionally
This is Economics 101—with a healthy dose of real-world application.

🔑 Key Quotes
“If the government spends more, you spend less. And if you don’t feel it through taxes, you’ll feel it through inflation.” – John Berkley
“We’ve monetized debt before—and it came with pain. The question is: can we do it again without major consequences?”
“We can’t fix the debt, but we can make better decisions—living within our means, saving, investing, and staying informed.”