Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial

In this episode of Simply Money, hosts Bob Sponseller and Brian James tackle the dangers of trying to time the market or individual sectors based on breaking news, using current geopolitical tensions—particularly around Iran—as a case study. They illustrate how sectors like energy, defense, and technology react unpredictably to global events, while even traditionally safe havens like gold can underperform during volatility. The hosts emphasize that reacting to headlines often means being too late, as market recoveries typically begin before positive economic data confirms them. They caution against overconcentration in volatile sectors and stress the importance of portfolio diversification and sticking to a proactive financial plan. Later, they discuss a proposed Department of Labor rule that could allow 401(k)s to invest in alternative assets like private equity and cryptocurrency, expressing concern that such changes could expose average workers to complex, risky investments without adequate understanding. The episode concludes with insights on spring real estate trends in Cincinnati, advice for handling inheritances, deferred compensation planning, donor-advised funds, and proactive tax strategies for 2026. Throughout, the central theme is clear: long-term discipline, simplicity, and avoiding emotional reactions to headlines are key to building real wealth.