PODCAST · business
Planning Made Simple
by Planning Made Simple, created by Paul Durso
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!
Episodes
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Dividend ETFs vs. Dividend Stocks: Which Is Better?
Dividend ETFs may seem like the easy way to generate passive income—but does a high yield tell the whole story? In this episode of Planning Made Simple, the team compares dividend ETFs with individual dividend stocks, examining income, portfolio growth, reinvestment, diversification, and control....
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How Interest Rates Can Make You Rich—or Poor—as a Dividend Investor
When CDs and money-market accounts offer attractive interest rates, why accept the volatility of dividend stocks? A guaranteed return can appear safer—but focusing only on today’s yield may cause investors to overlook long-term income growth, share-price appreciation, and the power of reinvesting...
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The Lost Decade: 10 YEARS. NO GROWTH.
What happens to your retirement plan when the stock market goes nowhere for an entire decade? From 2000 through 2009, investors endured the dot-com crash, three consecutive negative years and the financial crisis. For retirees who depended on selling investments for income, this “Lost Decade”...
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Should You Reinvest Dividends If You Make Under $60K?
Should you continue reinvesting dividends when your household earns under $60,000—or use that income to make life a little easier today? In this episode of Planning Made Simple, Paul and the team discuss why time may be your greatest advantage as a dividend investor. They explain when taking...
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How Much Should Be in My Emergency Fund?
How much money should you actually keep in your emergency fund? The traditional answer is three to six months of expenses—but the right number depends on your household, income, spending habits, and financial responsibilities. In this episode of Planning Made Simple, Paul, Kyle, and Cal explain…
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How Inflation Affects Dividend Investing
Inflation doesn’t have to arrive all at once to damage your retirement. Even at an average rate of 3%, prices can nearly double over roughly 24 years—meaning a fixed income that feels comfortable today may eventually fall far short. In this episode of Planning Made Simple, we explain why…
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The Debt Diet Cycle: Why You Keep Falling Back Into Debt
Have you ever paid off your debt—only to watch it slowly return? That’s the Debt Diet Cycle: the financial version of losing weight, abandoning the habits that worked, and gaining it all back. In this episode of Planning Made Simple, we explain why debt is often a symptom of a larger behavioral...
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Do You Know What's in Your 401K?
What if your retirement account bought a stock you never intended to own... and you didn't even know it happened? In this episode of Planning Made Simple, Kyle, Niki, Cal, and Mike explore how many 401(k)s, ETFs, and index funds automatically purchase companies based on algorithms and market...
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529 or Dividends: What’s the Best College Savings Plan?
Should you use a 529 plan or build a dividend portfolio to pay for your child’s education? In this episode of Planning Made Simple, we compare the tax advantages and structure of a 529 plan with the flexibility and income potential of a dividend-focused brokerage account. We discuss investment...
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How to Think About AI as a Dividend Investor
AI can analyze financial data, compare companies, and make dividend stock research faster—but should you trust the answers it gives you? In this episode of Planning Made Simple, the team explains how dividend investors can use AI as a powerful research assistant without treating it as an…
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Should You Use Your Dividends to Pay Off Debt?
Should you use your dividend income to pay off debt—or continue reinvesting it for the future? In this episode of Planning Made Simple, the team examines how the answer depends on the kind of debt you have, its interest rate, and your long-term financial goals. They compare high-interest credit...
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Rebuilding After Divorce: How Dividends Can Help You Start Over
Divorce can change nearly every part of your financial life—from your income and monthly expenses to your retirement goals and long-term plans. When emotions are high, however, making major financial decisions too quickly may create even more challenges. In this episode of Planning Made Simple…
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Transitioning From Growth to Dividends
You’ve spent years building wealth through growth stocks—but what happens when it’s time to turn that growth into dependable dividend income? For many investors, the biggest obstacle is taxes. Selling highly appreciated investments can create a significant capital gains tax bill, leaving some...
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The Dividend Strategy That Makes Early Retirement Possible
In this episode of Planning Made Simple, we explain why young investors may have a huge advantage when it comes to building lasting wealth. Instead of chasing the highest returns and hoping everything works out decades from now, learn why building a growing stream of dividend income can create…
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The Dividend Growth Gap: Why Market Drops Can Make You Rich!
What if seeing your portfolio fall could actually be a good thing? In this episode of Planning Made Simple, the team explains the "Dividend Growth Gap"—the difference between what investors feel is happening during a market decline and what's actually happening. Through a real client story and...
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4 Stocks You Should Watch Right Now
In 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...
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Map Your Taxes
You 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...
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Multi-Generational Dividend Legacy Plans
Most 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…
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Dividend Barbell Strategy
Is 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...
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Should You Change Your Dividend Portfolio
Should 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...
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K-1 Stocks Explained: Are The Higher Dividends Worth The Tax Headache?
K-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...
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SCHD Isn’t as “Diversified” as You Think
Is 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…
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Starting at Fifty With Nothing and Still Being Able to Retire
In 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…
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5% Income Plan vs 4% Rule
Most 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...
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Do You Really Need 1 Million Dollars to Retire?
Is $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...
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The Power of Rebalancing
Are 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...
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The Hidden Reason Investing Feels So Stressful!
Why 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…
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Why Retirement Gets Harder at 3 Million
Most 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…
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Can You Really Live Off Of Dividend Income (The Honest Answer)?
Can 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…
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Do You Really Need to Have International Dividend Stocks?
Do 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,...
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Will the Iran War Crush the Stock Market?
War headlines can create fear and uncertainty in the stock market—but history shows markets often react emotionally before stabilizing. In this episode, we break down what happens to the stock market during major geopolitical events and why dividend-paying stocks have historically been a place...
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Why We Hold Losers in a Dividend Portfolio
Seeing red in your portfolio can trigger panic. But does a falling stock price mean you should sell? In this episode, we explore the emotional vs. logical sides of dividend investing and explain why investors sometimes hold positions others might call “losers.” We discuss dividend cuts, sector...
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Social Security Decisions Without the Stress
Social Security is one of the biggest retirement decisions you’ll ever make — yet many people feel overwhelmed trying to “maximize” it. In today’s episode, we simplify the conversation and focus on what actually matters: your retirement timeline, income needs, and financial stress levels. We...
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Retirement Tax Blindspot
A large retirement balance can create a false sense of security. Many investors accumulate significant wealth inside tax-deferred accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s, but overlook the tax liability attached to those funds. In this episode, we explore the retirement tax blindspot — the reality that a...
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Listener Q&A: Your Top Dividend Questions Answered!
Are dividend stocks really boring, risky, or only for retirees? In this episode, we break down the biggest dividend investing myths, explain why high yield isn’t always better, and show how dividends actually outperform over time. If you’re serious about long-term wealth, this episode will change...
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What Your Favorite Teams Can Teach You.
What do football dynasties and dividend portfolios have in common? More than you think. In this episode, we use real-world sports analogies—from the Panthers and Bills to powerhouse programs and underdog teams—to explain how successful investing mirrors successful team-building. You’ll learn why...
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Is Social Security Really Going Away?
There’s a lot of fear online right now about Social Security “running out,” but how much of it is actually true? In this episode, we cut through the noise and explain what’s really happening behind the scenes with Social Security funding, government obligations, and what retirees can…
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The Myth of the Perfect Retirement Number
Most people believe there’s a magic number that guarantees a perfect retirement — but that idea may be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we break down why the “perfect retirement number” is a myth, how fear and market noise distort retirement planning, and why income, not net worth, is...
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The Case Against Stock Buybacks
Dividend investing can be one of the most powerful strategies for long-term income—but only if you avoid the traps. In this episode, we unpack why high dividend yields often signal danger, how dividend cuts create a triple-whammy for investors, and the emotional mistakes that cause people to...
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Avoiding Dividend Traps
Chasing high dividend yields can feel exciting — until the income disappears. In this episode, we break down dividend traps, why dividend cuts are so painful, and how investors get lured into unsustainable yields. We walk through the most common red flags, including high payout ratios, weak cash...
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Warren Buffett's Dividend Strategy
Warren Buffett is frequently misunderstood as either a pure growth investor or a market timer—but his real strategy is far more patient and disciplined. In this episode, we break down Warren Buffett’s dividend strategy, explaining why he prioritizes strong balance sheets, predictable cash flow…
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First Year After the Paycheck Stops
Retirement often feels like the finish line—but for many people, it’s just the beginning of a brand-new set of challenges. In this episode, we explore what the first year after the paycheck disappears actually looks like, based on decades of experience walking clients through retirement...
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7 Metrics to Check Before Buying a Dividend Stock
Are you thinking about buying a dividend stock? Before you chase the shiny yield or jump into what your buddy recommended, here are the 7 metrics the team checks every single time. These fundamentals help you avoid traps, understand the real health of a business, and invest with confidence. We...
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How to Live in Retirement on Dividends Part 2
The episode continues the discussion on how to live in retirement on dividends, focusing on the difference between funding retirement and living in retirement. The advisors explain their two-account approach: a “paycheck account” that funds lifestyle entirely from dividends, and a “bonus/growth...
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How to Live in Retirement on Dividends Part 1
Paul, Niki, Leigh, and Kyle discuss the major psychological shift that happens when someone moves from decades of saving for retirement to actually living on their investments. Many retirees struggle with anxiety as they transition from a predictable paycheck to relying on market-dependent…
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How To Build Your Dividend Portfolio in 2026
Building a dividend portfolio in 2026 starts with defining your goals—whether you want maximum income, strong growth, or a blend of both. The hosts explain that dividend investing includes three “pillars”: foundational growers like dividend aristocrats, high-yield income producers such as energy...
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Dividends in a Bear Market
This episode breaks down what really happens to your income during a bear market—whether you're investing for dividends or relying on mutual funds. The hosts explain why market volatility feels so emotionally overwhelming and how traditional withdrawal-based strategies can spiral when values…
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Do You Really Need to Diversify Beyond Dividend Stocks?
This episode dives into the question of whether investors really need to diversify beyond dividend-paying stocks. The hosts break down the “diversification myth,” explaining how many people end up with portfolios full of redundant investments they don’t understand. Using relatable examples—from...
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Why High Dividend Stocks Don’t Always Mean High Income
High dividend yields can look tempting—but they don’t always mean you’re earning more. In this episode, we explain why focusing on yield percentage alone can lead investors astray, and why the real number that matters is the actual dollar payout. We unpack how stock prices, volatility, and...
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The Truth About Monthly Dividend Paying Stocks!
In this episode, the hosts dive into the truth about monthly dividend-paying stocks, asking whether getting paid more often really matters. They explain that while monthly dividends may seem attractive, they’re often a marketing tactic rather than a sign of a stronger investment. The discussion...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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!
HOSTED BY
Planning Made Simple, created by Paul Durso
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Planning Made Simple have?
Planning Made Simple currently has 158 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Planning Made Simple about?
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...
How often does Planning Made Simple release new episodes?
Planning Made Simple publishes regularly with 158 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Planning Made Simple?
You can listen to Planning Made Simple on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Planning Made Simple?
Planning Made Simple is created and hosted by Planning Made Simple, created by Paul Durso.
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