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!
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
4 Stocks You Should Watch Right Now
2w ago00:16:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Planning Made Simple, we break down four dividend-paying companies currently on our watch list: Bank of Nova Scotia, General Mills, Johnson & Johnson, and AbbVie. Rather than chasing the highest dividend yield, we explain why successful dividend investors focus on strong businesses, healthy balance sheets, consistent cash flow, and long-term income.You'll also learn why market declines can create opportunity, how to evaluate dividend safety, and why boring companies often become the best long-term investments.#DividendInvesting #DividendStocks #PassiveIncome #Investing #StockMarket #RetirementPlanning #FinancialFreedom #IncomeInvesting #LongTermInvesting #PlanningMadeSimple
Transcribe →Map Your Taxes
3w ago00:20:24Tap to summarizeYou spent decades saving, investing, and building your retirement nest egg. But what if a large portion of that money isn't actually yours?In this episode of Planning Made Simple, Paul, Kyle, and the team uncover one of the biggest retirement planning blind spots: taxes. From Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to the hidden tax snowball that can grow throughout retirement, they explain why many retirees unknowingly face larger tax bills than expected and what can be done years before retirement to prepare.If you've accumulated money in IRAs, 401(k)s, or other tax-deferred accounts, this conversation could change the way you think about retirement income forever.www.planningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →Multi-Generational Dividend Legacy Plans
4w ago00:22:35Tap to summarizeMost people think inheritance is about leaving money behind. But what if the real goal is leaving behind an income stream that lasts for generations?In this episode, the Planning Made Simple team explores how dividend investing can create a multi-generational legacy that continues producing income long after you're gone. They discuss the critical difference between passing down assets and passing down financial wisdom, why so many families lose wealth within a few generations, and how teaching your children about dividend income may be more valuable than the money itself.www.planningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →Dividend Barbell Strategy
Jun 1100:19:37Tap to summarizeIs the “Barbell Strategy” a brilliant investing framework… or just another flashy trend?In this episode, the team breaks down the growing popularity of barbell portfolios — putting most of your money into dividend investments while using a smaller percentage for speculative growth plays like crypto or aggressive investments.Most importantly, this episode challenges investors to stop starting with solutions before understanding the actual problem they’re trying to solve.www.planningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →Should You Change Your Dividend Portfolio
Jun 400:16:57Tap to summarizeShould you change your dividend portfolio when the market gets scary, a stock drops, or YouTube says it’s time to buy something new?In this episode, we break down the difference between smart portfolio management and emotional overactivity. From dividend cuts and free cash flow concerns to rebalancing, concentration risk, and fear-based selling, this conversation helps investors understand when patience matters — and when a real change may be. necessary.www.plannningmadesimple.com
Transcribe →K-1 Stocks Explained: Are The Higher Dividends Worth The Tax Headache?
May 2800:16:06Tap 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
May 2100:22:17Tap 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
May 1400:24:02Tap 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
May 700:21:36Tap 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.
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