More for Your Money

John Berkley explores how financial advisors act as "idea factories" to guide clients through life's transitions. This episode breaks down entrepreneurial essentials, from choosing business structures like LLCs to leveraging tax incentives like the "20% kiss." Berkley also champions self-education and "street smarts" over formal degrees, illustrating how the time value of money and a firm grasp of assets versus liabilities drive wealth. Discover an "uncommon cents" approach to managing retirement and building a foundation for lasting financial independence.

This episode explores the power of starting a business between ages 18 and 21 to exploit "risk insulation" and questions the ROI of traditional college degrees. The hosts provide strategic retirement advice, critiquing the 4% rule while advocating for delaying Social Security until age 70. Learn about tax-efficient investing with individual stocks and gain inspiration from Warren Buffett’s ten life lessons on integrity and patience. Discover how to transition from building an estate to doing what you love.

The Uncommon Cents Investing investment committee explores an "uncommon cents" approach to navigating extreme market volatility. The team analyzes recent surges in major indexes, cautioning against emotional, short-term reactions to geopolitical hype. Drawing on wisdom from legendary investors like Jim Rogers and Warren Buffett, the hosts emphasize the power of independent research and disciplined thinking over following the crowd. They also discuss the unique advantages of small-cap stocks and the technical nuances of trade execution. Finally, the experts address economic headwinds like inflation, urging listeners to prioritize sound strategy over hope.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

John Berkley examines the growing economic divide between the prosperous "Me Generation" and today’s younger workforce. Through an insightful look at rising national debt and global competition, Berkley challenges traditional financial paths. He advocates for specialized skill development and self-education over costly degrees, while exploring the philosophical sacrifices required for wealth accumulation. From understanding the law of marginal utility to navigating inflation, this program provides a realistic roadmap for achieving financial independence and protecting your future in a shifting economic landscape.

John Berkley analyzes five key factors shaping the U.S. economy: oil prices, private credit, the AI boom, consumer spending, and the national debt. He explains the shift from traditional IPOs to the "good old boy club" of private equity and shadow banking, using SpaceX as a prime example. Berkley also breaks down fiscal and monetary policy, cautioning against unsustainable debt.

John Berkley and the investment committee dive into current market volatility, analyzing whether we are facing a correction or a bear market. They explore the "Fed Trap," where massive debt forces a difficult choice between recession and inflation. The team shares their "Uncommon Cents" strategy, explaining why value investors view market pullbacks as opportunities to buy quality assets at a discount. Additionally, they discuss the role of gold and silver in preserving purchasing power and emphasize the importance of data-driven decisions over emotional reactions to ensure long-term financial success.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

John Berkley explores an "uncommon cents" approach to wealth management, emphasizing that insurance is a protection product, not an investment. He details strategies for self-insuring as net worth grows and explains the optimal timing for Roth conversions during market dips. Drawing on wisdom from Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett, Berkley highlights the importance of emotional stability and learning vicariously through others. For younger listeners, he encourages developing savings patterns and finding mentors rather than obsessing solely over retirement.

John Berkley concludes "the rest of the story" regarding his transition from General Motors to founding Uncommon Cents Investing. He analyzes recent market performance, describing current index declines as a "normal pullback." Berkley explores entrepreneurship, emphasizing that success requires a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for one’s endeavor. By sharing his experience finding a "niche" with school district employees, he illustrates how wealth accumulation provides the freedom and options to live life on your own terms.

John Berkley and the Uncommon Cents Investing team analyze recent market volatility as all four major indexes see weekly declines. They explore rising oil prices and interest rates while discussing the performance gap between value and growth stocks. The hosts explain key metrics like price-to-earnings ratios and the importance of a disciplined, long-term strategy. By focusing on buying quality stocks when they go "on sale" during pullbacks, the team emphasizes risk aversion over emotional market timing.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

Join John Berkley as he explains the mechanics of individual stock selection and personalized portfolio management. This episode explores ten vital lessons from economist Jim Grant, highlighting the cyclical nature of markets and human behavior. John discusses Jeremy Siegel’s research on long-term stock returns and emphasizes the "time value of money" for young investors. Learn how an independent, fiduciary approach focusing on tax efficiency and diversification helps navigate market noise to build lasting wealth.

John Berkley shares his personal journey into entrepreneurship, emphasizing that a burning passion is vital to survive the challenges of building a business. After a brief market report, John challenges traditional education and recounts the formative experience of losing his life savings in a bad college investment. He highlights the dignity of work, drawing from his time spot welding at General Motors, which provided more gratification than luxury travel. The episode underscores that success requires persistence, mentorship, and a sense of purpose.

Join host John Berkley and the Uncommon Cents Investing committee for an in-depth look at today’s shifting financial landscape. This episode explores the mechanics and risks of pre- and post-market trading, the current market rotation from "Mag 7" growth to small-cap value stocks, and how global debt trends from China and Japan may impact interest rates. The team also breaks down the Value Added Tax (VAT) versus the U.S. tax system and discusses why historical context and strategic portfolio "tweaks" are essential for navigating market volatility.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

Join host John Berkley on More for Your Money as he examines Treasury bonds, market valuations, and the benefits of a fiduciary, independent approach to financial planning,,. This episode features in-depth profiles of two investment legends: Jesse Livermore, the pioneer of momentum investing who believed market patterns reflect unchanging human nature, and Sir John Templeton, the legendary global value investor who shared 16 essential rules for success,,,. Berkeley also explores how a local, listening-first strategy can turn retirement into a permanent "snow day" filled with confidence and flexibility.

In this episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley and Kit Carson explore the "rest of the story" regarding Roth IRA conversions. Berkley outlines the "whys" of converting, such as legacy planning for adult children or protecting high-value estates, alongside "why-nots" like potential IRMAA increases or Social Security taxation. A major highlight is the new Wisconsin tax exemption, allowing residents 67 and older to exclude up to $24,000 of retirement income per person from state taxes. The duo emphasizes integrating these variables with investment strategies, reminding listeners that retirement planning requires thorough "homework" and professional consultation.

The Uncommon Cents Investing Committee explores the market’s transition from tech leaders to small caps and value stocks. The team critiques the "Greenspan Put" and historical market manipulations, warning that unsustainable global debt may soon trigger significant consequences. They analyze Japan’s bond market disruptions and the potential impact on the global carry trade. A deep dive into gold highlights its role in preserving purchasing power against the "weaponization of the dollar". Ultimately, the hosts stress that a disciplined strategy is vital for navigating market resets.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

In this episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley and Sheena Hanson discuss the "uncommon cents" approach to retirement. They contrast the complex investment "bucket theory" with their simplified single-portfolio strategy. The hosts also critique Department of Labor fiduciary regulations, noting how administrative rules can increase consumer costs. Real-world highlights include resolving poorly documented estates and navigating 64% premium hikes in long-term care insurance. By prioritizing listening over numbers, the team demonstrates how local, independent advisors help Rock County retirees manage complex financial transitions with confidence.

John Berkley discusses the strong 2026 market kickoff, highlighting significant gains in the Dow and Russell 2000 as the market broadens beyond the "Magnificent 7". Special guest Patrick Smith, owner of Visiting Angels, examines the growing preference for non-medical home care as a way to age at home. The episode provides a deep dive into long-term care insurance, covering the impact of the 1996 HIPAA Act, strategies for activating benefits, and navigating elimination periods to ensure policies function as assets rather than liabilities.Special Guest: Patrick Smith.

In this episode of More for Your Money, John Berkley and the investment committee review 2025, noting S&P 500 total returns reached 17.8% and gold surged 64%. Transitioning into 2026, the team shares "guesses" for the year; Greg targets an S&P of 6,300, while Todd forecasts a 50% market decline and $6,000 gold. The discussion explores dollar devaluation, gold’s role as an inflation "measuring stick," and weighting portfolios toward energy and non-US stocks. Grounded in math and history, the team prepares listeners for a volatile year.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

In this episode of "More for Your Money," host John Berkley discusses navigating a market entering its third consecutive year of double-digit returns. Acting as an "idea factory," Berkley explores the "nuts and bolts" of complex financial products, emphasizing the necessity of auditing annuity contracts for hidden fees and missing beneficiaries. He details specialized tax strategies, including Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) and managing distributions within the 12% marginal tax bracket to capitalize on 0% federal capital gains. Citing Dalbar research, Berkeley warns against emotional investing, urging listeners to plan for a retirement that feels like a "perpetual snow day".

Join host John Berkley for a weekly market recap before diving into a history lesson on financial legends from the 1920s and 30s. The episode explores the lives of William Durant and Jesse Livermore, analyzing the risks of high-leverage margin debt and the infamous "Rascub’s Folly". Berkeley clarifies the critical difference between a market crash and a depression, citing the historical impact of monetary policy. By sharing timeless wisdom from Phil Karee and Lucian Hooper, the show emphasizes that patience and a long-term perspective are the true keys to success. Ultimately, because human nature remains constant, Wall Street never truly changes.

This episode features the Investment Committee discussing the mixed market data and the potential rotation from growth stocks (like the MAG 7) to value stocks and the broader market (Russell 2000). The hosts explore current market valuations, noting the stock market is expensive with double-digit returns baked into current prices. A major theme is the hosts' commitment to long-term value investing, emphasizing the discipline to focus on data and math over the distracting "soap opera" narrative surrounding the Federal Reserve, despite recent dovish statements and changes in the federal funds rate. They also examine gold as a way to preserve long-term purchasing power in an inflationary environment, arguing it reflects the dollar's decline rather than just market movement. The conversation concludes by referencing the emotional lessons and high margin debt levels noted in the historical book 1929.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd 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.

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.

The More for Your Money panel reviewed a volatile week where all four major indexes declined, noting "mixed signals" indicative of a battle between bulls and bears. Guest Todd asserted that the market, by nearly every metric, is currently a bubble built on credit and debt, drawing historical parallels to 1929. A major concern discussed was liquidity risk, specifically identifying private equity/credit as a "hidden evil" due to its lack of regulation and transparency compared to public markets. The panel also debated a listener query regarding the risk of the federal government taking equity stakes in private strategic companies (like Intel) while managing massive national debt.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

Guest Bob Clapper, a collector car expert, provides a pulse on the automotive market, which serves as a leading economic indicator. Clapper discusses his career shift from nearly 40 years in the retail car business to focusing on collector car sales and vintage restoration through his dealership, Clapper Motorcars. While the new car day supply is stable at an optimal 61 days, the market shows signs of slowing. Alarming trends include 29% of trade-ins having negative equity, averaging $6,900. High interest rates, reaching 7.5% in 2024, are preventing consumers from chipping away at their loan balances, contributing to this negative equity. Customer loyalty has also dropped significantly—down 25%—due to 80% of customers paying sticker price or more and being charged unexpected fees during shortages.

This special episode of More for Your Money features host John Berkley and Medicare Specialist Dave Bomkamp, focusing on the critical open enrollment period. They stress that listeners must "do your homework" to mitigate financial risk and navigate the "minefields" of available options. The discussion compares Supplemental (Medigap) plans, which augment traditional Medicare (A and B), offer no networks, and provide freedom, versus Medicare Advantage plans. Advantage plans are privately run (sometimes misleadingly called Part C) and operate using specific networks (HMO/PPO). Listeners are warned about significant pitfalls: Advantage plans have a reported 20% denial rate for procedures Medicare would otherwise cover, and switching from an Advantage plan back to a Supplement typically requires medical underwriting, making this decision potentially irreversible. Finally, failure to take Part D (drug coverage) incurs a lifelong penalty of 1% per month.Special Guest: Dave Bomkamp.

John Berkley welcomes clinical psychologist Dr. Jim Burns to discuss the psychological forces driving today's expensive market. The conversation explores the current "meltup"—an extraordinarily rapid price increase detached from valuations—that is fueled by emotion, not rational behavior. A major focus is on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and TINA (There Is No Alternative), which have pushed investors out of bond equivalents and into risk assets. Dr. Burns notes that historical economic models assumed investors were rational, but financial decisions are often made emotionally. Berkeley emphasizes that current high valuations suggest expectations should be managed, and the key takeaway is the importance of adopting and adhering to a consistent investment strategy to avoid making poor choices based on market swings. The hosts also warn that the "backside" of a meltup can be severe.Special Guest: James A. Burns, PhD.

Review the strong three-year bull market run, with the S&P 500 up 16.6% total return year-to-date. This episode discusses 3% annualized inflation and the strategy of tweaking portfolios toward resource stocks. Key topics include utilizing Roth IRA CDs for tax efficiency, understanding the Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) tax rule for highly appreciated 401k stock, and proper tax placement of bonds and Treasuries. We also define money market funds.

John Berkley, Greg, and Todd discuss the "extraordinarily expensive" stock market and elevated valuations. Although the S&P 500 is up 13.3% year-to-date, they highlight that legendary investors are signaling caution: Jim Rogers has sold every equity, holding 100% cash, and Warren Buffett maintains a high cash position. The discussion emphasizes that in this high-risk environment, the focus must be on preservation. They dissect the inverted yield curve, noting its 100% accuracy in predicting recession, which typically occurs 12 to 18 months after the inversion. The panel also examines the historical impact of the "Greenspan Put" and the current dangers posed by high margin debt.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

John Berkley analyzes the sharp market selloff, largely triggered by tariff threats between the U.S. and China. The discussion moves to decoding the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBB). John explores crucial tax changes for investors, including the temporary increase in the SALT (State and Local Tax) limit up to $40,000, which enables the "leapfrog" itemizing strategy. Plus, understand new above-the-line deductions and the latest phase-outs that primarily benefit lower and middle-income earners. We also clarify the increased estate tax exclusion limits for 2025.

Join John Berkley for a comprehensive look at crucial financial decisions. John reviews the rising markets and discuss the complexities of transitioning to fee-based investment platforms, warning against potentially higher costs. Learn how managing individual stock portfolios allows for greater tax efficiency, utilizing concepts like the step-up in basis. The show tackles global concerns, including high federal debt, the risk of structural inflation, and the future status of the dollar. Finally, he explores why the U.S. stock market is shrinking due to regulations, and offer guidance on when to claim Social Security.

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.

Join John Berkley and the Investment Committee (Todd and Greg) analyzing the market’s paradox, where indexes soar despite more stocks declining than advancing. The discussion turns to the Federal Reserve’s dilemma, as rate cuts push longer-term yields higher, signaling increasing inflation risk. The committee tackles the problem of "unsustainable" debt and structural inflation, which acts as an indirect tax on citizens. Learn why experts recommend diversification, hard assets like gold, and reducing risk in today’s chaotic financial environment. Discover the strategy of tweaking your portfolio to find enduring value.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

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.

More for Your Money is a weekly podcast from Uncommon Cents Investing, hosted by John Berkley. Each episode offers clear, practical advice on investing, retirement planning, and smart money decisions to help you build financial confidence.

This episode of "More for Your Money" provides a detailed discussion on the differences between value and growth stock investing. The hosts explore why value stocks, despite recent underperformance, have historically outperformed growth over a century, while noting the current trend favors growth stocks like AI and crypto. Key concepts like patience, emotional control, and discipline in investing are emphasized, with insights from Benjamin Graham, John Bogle, and Warren Buffett. A significant segment is dedicated to the fascinating story of Jesse Livermore, a legendary speculator who became ultra-rich three times and went broke three times, ultimately dying broke by suicide. His life illustrates the allure and extreme risks of short-term speculation and trading, contrasting sharply with the long-term, deep value approach favored by Uncommon Cents Investing. The discussion also covers market timing, the emotional aspects of buying based on fear of missing out (FOMO), and the dangers of "style drifting" between different investment strategies. Listeners are encouraged to identify their own investment horizon and stick to a consistent strategy.

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.

Join John Berkley and Todd Berkley for an in-depth discussion centered on Ray Dalio's "The Changing World Order". They explore Dalio's warnings about the incredible global debt crisis across federal, personal, and corporate levels, and its profound implications for the global financial system. The conversation also delves into the future of interest rates, particularly the divergence between short and long rates, and its potential impact on mortgage rates. Todd explains how the US dollar's status as a reserve currency influences borrowing costs and how banks are incentivized to keep short-term rates low. Listeners will gain insights into current market performance and the historical cycles of empires, prompting consideration of wealth accumulation versus wealth preservation strategies in a complex economic landscape. The show emphasizes the importance of disciplined investing and understanding these critical financial issues.Special Guest: Todd Berkley.

Join John Berkley and Sheena Hanson where they discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its influence on market valuations, noting its potential for "enormous productivity gains". Sheena shares practical examples of using AI daily as a "thinking partner" for tasks like packing lists and compliance logs. The episode also delves into bonds, describing them as a "very, very misunderstood" asset class. They clarify bonds as a lending asset, explaining their historical underperformance due to inflation and their integral role in portfolios for income and stability, while detailing their varying risks and tax implications.

This "More for Your Money" episode features a "fireside chat" with John Berkley, designed to equip the next generation. John delves into crucial advice on finding work that "trips your trigger", living within your means, and leveraging the power of early investing through vehicles like 401ks and Roth IRAs. The discussion also emphasizes learning from mentors and becoming aware of potential economic and geopolitical challenges that could impact future opportunities for wealth accumulation.

The Uncommon Cents Investing difference: Local financial advisors provide comprehensive, holistic financial planning far beyond impersonal 1-800 services. Gain proactive support for pensions, Social Security, RMDs, QCDs, and navigating major life events. Experience personalized service, deep client relationships, and exceptional value.

This episode features John, Greg, and Todd discussing market dynamics, comparing growth versus value stocks and high P/E ratios. They examine small company stocks as a bargain, noting their historical outperformance post-bear markets and how Sarbanes-Oxley impacted IPOs. The team also clarifies market mechanics like bid/ask prices and limit orders, emphasizing their agile, value-based approach to investing.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.

This episode of "More for Your Money" features John Berkley and Krista Berkley, who share generational insights and practical financial wisdom. They discuss market trends, the impact of their previous show on global poverty, and their passion for educating young people on financial fundamentals like compounding capital and avoiding debt. The hosts also explain their unique family business model and address listener questions on rebalancing appreciated assets, mortgage payoff strategies vs. investing, and the risks of Bitcoin, emphasizing diversification.Special Guest: Krista Berkley.

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.

This episode recaps current market records across major indexes like the Dow and S&P, highlighting recent surges and new highs. John and Sheena delve into the "perplexing" challenge of determining price versus value in investing, examining historical price-to-earnings multiples. Plus, gain insights from FedEx founder Fred Smith's economic views on free enterprise versus government control and the impact of transfer payments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this Memorial Day edition of More for Your Money, join John Berkley and guests for a market review, discussing trends, debt, interest rates, and the housing market. The episode also features impactful, patriotic stories shared for the holiday weekend, alongside insights on personal finance decisions like home buying versus retirement savings.Special Guests: Greg Snyder and Todd Berkley.