Podcast
Planning Made Simple
Hosted by Planning Made Simple, created by Paul Durso · EN
Welcome to Planning Made Simple, where Paul Durso takes the stress out of important decisions. With a blend of wisdom and wit, Paul delivers insightful, easy-to-understand advice on everything you didn’t know you needed to know about the important aspects of life. Tune in weekly for conversations that are equal parts entertaining and educational, helping you navigate a complex world full of decisions—and maybe a laugh or two along the way!
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
K-1 Stocks Explained: Are The Higher Dividends Worth The Tax Headache?
1w ago00:16:06Tap to summarizeK-1 investments can confuse even experienced investors — especially during tax season. In this episode, the team breaks down what K-1s actually are, why they often pay significantly higher yields than traditional dividend stocks, and whether the extra tax complexity is truly worth it. They also explain the difference between owning shares of a corporation versus being treated like a partner in a business structure such as an MLP or LLC.You’ll learn:What a K-1 actually meansWhy K-1 investments often produce higher incomeThe tax pros and cons investors need to understandHow K-1s work inside IRAs and brokerage accountsWhy some investors avoid them entirelyThe long-term strategy behind using K-1 positions in dividend portfoliosIf you’ve ever received a mysterious tax form in March and wondered what to do next — this episode is for you.www.planninmadesimple.com
Transcribe →SCHD Isn’t as “Diversified” as You Think
2w ago00:22:17Tap to summarizeIs SCHD really the ultimate dividend ETF… or are investors overlooking some major tradeoffs?In this episode, we break down the truth about diversification, dividend yield, portfolio turnover, and what actually happens behind the scenes inside SCHD. We also discuss the emotional side of investing, why many investors misunderstand diversification, and whether owning individual dividend stocks may offer more control and long-term income stability.If you’re building a retirement income portfolio or trying to live off dividends, this conversation will challenge a lot of conventional investing wisdom.www.planningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →Starting at Fifty With Nothing and Still Being Able to Retire
3w ago00:24:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we break down the reality of starting late—and why it's NOT too late to retire. Whether you've gone through a setback, started saving late, or feel behind, this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and hope.We cover the emotional side of investing, how to calculate what you actually need for retirement, and why most people are in the exact same position (even if they don’t admit it). Plus, we dive into practical strategies to start building income immediately—even if you're starting small. It’s not about where you start. It’s about what you do next!www.planningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →5% Income Plan vs 4% Rule
4w ago00:21:36Tap to summarizeMost investors ask the wrong question: “How much can I withdraw?” But what if the better question is, “How much income can my portfolio generate?” In this episode, we break down the popular 4% rule, why it dominates the industry, and the hidden risks behind relying on withdrawals. We also compare income generation vs. selling assets—and how each approach impacts your long-term financial security. If you want clarity, confidence, and a strategy built to last, this conversation is a must-watch.www.planningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →Do You Really Need 1 Million Dollars to Retire?
Apr 3000:19:57Tap to summarizeIs $1 million really the magic number for retirement—or just a myth? In this episode, we break down where that number came from and why it may not apply to your life. We explore what actually determines financial independence, including income needs, lifestyle, and dividend strategies. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “on track” or behind, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence. Retirement isn’t about hitting a number—it’s about building reliable income.
Transcribe →The Power of Rebalancing
Apr 2300:20:16Tap to summarizeAre you hurting your portfolio by doing nothing?In this episode, we break down the power of rebalancing and why most investors completely overlook it. While many focus on buying and holding, the real advantage comes from strategically adjusting your portfolio over time.You’ll learn how rebalancing helps you:Lock in gainsTake advantage of market volatilityIncrease income potentialReduce long-term riskWe also dive into the hidden cost of doing nothing — and why passive investing without a strategy can actually hurt your growth and income.If you want to become a more disciplined investor and make smarter decisions, this episode is for you.planningmadesmiple.com
Transcribe →The Hidden Reason Investing Feels So Stressful!
Apr 1600:25:56Tap to summarizeWhy does investing feel so stressful—even when you’re doing everything “right”?In this episode of Planning Made Simple, we uncover the real reason behind financial stress—and it’s not the stock market.Joined by Jeff Holmsworth, we break down how lack of systems, emotional decision-making, and an unbalanced life create anxiety around money. From faith and family to fitness and finances, this conversation dives into what it actually takes to build a stable, confident financial life.If you’ve ever felt out of control with your money, this episode will help you understand why—and more importantly, how to fix it.Links:Planningmadesimple.com vigr8.com
Transcribe →Why Retirement Gets Harder at 3 Million
Apr 900:19:33Tap to summarizeMost people assume more money means less stress in retirement. But for many retirees, building a larger nest egg can actually create more complexity, especially when taxes, RMDs, inherited IRAs, Medicare surcharges, and long-term income planning all start colliding.In this episode, the team breaks down why retirement can get harder around the $3 million mark and why the real issue is not just wealth, but how that wealth is taxed, distributed, and passed on. They also explain why focusing only on this year’s tax bill can lead to much bigger problems later.If you want to better understand retirement income, tax strategy, dividend investing, and the long-term impact of RMDs, this conversation is packed with practical insight.www.planningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →Can You Really Live Off Of Dividend Income (The Honest Answer)?
Apr 200:16:33Tap to summarizeCan you really live off dividend income? The short answer: yes—but it’s not that simple.In this episode, we break down the real strategy behind living off dividends and why most investors misunderstand how it actually works. It’s not just about yield—it’s about designing a complete income plan for retirement.We cover:Why dividend income alone isn’t the full pictureThe role of Social Security, pensions, and other income streamsHow to calculate what you actually need to live onThe difference between “essential” expenses and lifestyle spendingWhy selling assets can create long-term riskHow to build a sustainable income strategyIf you’ve ever wondered whether dividends alone can fund your lifestyle, this episode gives you the honest answer—and the framework to figure it out for yourself.📩 Want help building your plan? Comment “Dividend Starter Kit” below.www.planningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →Do You Really Need to Have International Dividend Stocks?
Mar 2600:15:21Tap to summarizeDo dividend investors really need international stocks in their portfolio? In this episode, we break down one of the biggest assumptions in investing: that global diversification automatically makes your portfolio better. We talk through the real tradeoffs, including currency risk, foreign taxes, reinvestment limitations, political risk, and the emotional side of owning businesses you may not fully understand. If you’ve ever wondered whether international dividend stocks actually improve your income strategy—or just make things more complicated—this episode is for you. www.planningmadesimple.com
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