Best The Commonwealth Fund Podcasts (2024)

1
The Cash Trap 41:59

3h ago41:59

41:59

If you were to be told 10 years ago that today you’d be earning more than 5% on a money market, you would probably laugh, but how this new reality and the resulting flood of money into risk free assets will impact investors in the long run is no laughing matter. Donna and Nathan discuss how Americans may be falling into the cash trap. Also on Money…

1
Client Portfolio Nightmares 42:05

3h ago42:05

42:05

Sometimes a client will come in thinking that their portfolio may need some slight adjustments, only to discover that what they really need is portfolio triage. Donna takes us through some examples of client portfolio nightmares, and how they came to pass. Also on MoneyTalk, what does retirement mean to you? Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air…

1
An Efficient Approach to Retirement Income 42:40

2d ago42:40

42:40

With more and more people saving a portion of their money on a Roth basis, the next generation of retirees will have greater opportunities for maximizing tax efficiency when it comes to taking retirement income. Donna and Nathan discuss the importance of order of distribution when it comes to drawing from your retirement assets. Also on MoneyTalk, …

1
Choosing Your Medicare Plan 42:17

6d ago42:17

42:17

The vast majority of Americans will eventually have to think about Medicare planning, and knowing the rules ahead of time can help you when trying to project your retirement expenses. Donna and Nathan explain how the different Medicare plans work, and what considerations you should have when choosing your coverage. Also on MoneyTalk, unwinding the …

1
Is This a Risky Investment? 41:43

7d ago41:43

41:43

With innovative new products entering the market every year, understanding how an investment impacts your portfolio risk can be a challenge. Donna discusses how to compare risk among various alternative investment products. Also on MoneyTalk, planning for the cost of healthcare in retirement. Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 6/17/2024…

1
Goals-Based Planning 41:55

7d ago41:55

41:55

The one element of financial planning that requires the most collaboration between advisor and client is goal setting, and to do it right takes time and thoughtful consideration. Nathan and Steve discuss how to approach the process of establishing and prioritizing your financial goals. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History Nathan and D…

1
Inheriting a Home 42:59

13d ago42:59

42:59

Having property passed down to you may sound like good fortune, but how to handle it is often not as straightforward as you may think. Donna and Nathan discuss considerations for those inheriting a home. Also on MoneyTalk, the European Central Bank announces their first rate cut in 5 years, the SEC puts pressure on meme stocks, and Stock Trivia: Tw…

1
Mutual Fund Translator 42:54

13d ago42:54

42:54

When shopping mutual funds, sorting through the vast number of categories can be a bit like picking from a ten page French restaurant menu. Nathan and Steve explain the differences between the various fund categories to help you make sense of the many available options. Also, on our MoneyTalk Moment in Financial History, our hosts tell the story of…

1
The Challenge of Diversification 42:28

13d ago42:28

42:28

To achieve diversification you need a mix of non-correlated assets, but over recent years the correlation gap between stocks and bonds has been closing, leaving investors unsure of where to go to manage their risk. Donna and Nathan discuss alternatives to bonds for those looking to build a well diversified portfolio. Also on MoneyTalk, family budge…

1
The Resurgence of Active Management 42:18

13d ago42:18

42:18

Inflows into actively managed funds have just surpassed those in passive funds for the first time in nearly 3 years, so why the sudden shift? Donna and Nathan discuss how the ongoing challenges within the bond market are creating opportunities for fund managers to add value. Also on MoneyTalk, how to plan for short term expenses, and Stock Trivia: …

1
Sharing the Wealth 42:03

13d ago42:03

42:03

For early baby boomers, the transfer of wealth to the next generation typically took place at death, but today we are seeing far more retirees beginning to transfer their wealth while still living, which can require a more complex estate planning process. Donna discusses estate planning considerations for those looking to begin the wealth transfer …

1
Retirement Planning for Business Owners 41:05

21d ago41:05

41:05

Small business owners often think of the company that they are growing as their ultimate retirement plan, only to discover too late that they’ve underestimated their future financial needs. Donna discusses retirement plan options for the self employed, and the importance of prioritizing yourself as you focus on building your business. Also on Money…

1
Repurposing Your 529 Funds 42:10

27d ago42:10

42:10

You might think that with the high cost of education today, having too much college savings would be the least of your concerns. But there are many circumstances in which 529 balances remain unused, particularly today when more and more children are opting to forgo college for alternate paths. Donna and Nathan discuss new options for unused 529 sav…

1
Retirement Planning Moves 42:21

30d ago42:21

42:21

Some approach retirement planning as a set -it-and-forget-it process, while others take an overly tactical approach, but a strategic retirement plan is a delicate balance of patience and prudent rebalancing. Donna and Nathan discuss some examples of calculated retirement planning moves intended to keep you on track for meeting your financial goals.…

1
Weighing Your Risks 41:32

1M ago41:32

41:32

Investing and risk go together like peas and carrots, and one of the jobs of your advisor is to weigh these risks against one another to develop a strategy that fits your particular investment profile. Donna discusses the process of weighing sequence of returns risk against the risk of market exposure. Also on MoneyTalk, Stock Trivia: Two Truths an…

1
Fighting Hunger Right Here at Home 41:58

1M ago41:58

41:58

On the MoneyTalk show or mission has long been to serve the community by promoting financial education, but we also like to acknowledge the organizations out there serving the health and welfare of our community directly every day. Nathan invites to the show Meghan Grady, Executive Director of Meals On Wheels of RI, to discuss the important work be…

1
Social Security Claiming Strategies 42:39

1M ago42:39

42:39

For nearly 9 decades, Social Security has been a critical part of the US retirement system, but like most entitlement programs, its inherent complexity requires thoughtful planning if you hope to use it to its full advantage. Donna takes us through Social Security planning strategies for those approaching eligibility age. Also on MoneyTalk, SECURE …

1
An Open Letter to Millennials 42:29

1M ago42:29

42:29

As we age, it’s only natural to look to the next generation with hopes that they won’t make the same mistakes that we did. Donna and Nathan reflect on the lessons we can impart on millennials as they struggle to pave their way through the challenges of today’s world. Also on MoneyTalk, how investors are attempting to navigate the choppy internation…

1
A New Day for Sickle Cell Patients 29:04

1M ago29:04

29:04

This month, a 12-year-old boy in Washington, D.C., became the first person in the world to undergo a grueling gene therapy treatment that could cure his sickle cell disease. It is a game-changer for a disease whose history has been plagued by the racism baked into our health care system. On The Dose podcast, host Joel Bervell sits down with Dr. Cec…

1
The Memes Strike Again 42:18

1M ago42:18

42:18

Just when you thought the stock market was feeling normal again, the meme stock craze has been resurrected with names like GameStop, AMC, and Beyond Meat capturing the favor of recreational investors looking to, once again, game the system. Donna and Nathan discuss the dynamics of this newest wave of social media driven investing, and whether we sh…

1
Can AI Help You Make Better Financial Decisions? 42:35

1M ago42:35

42:35

The jury is out on whether AI will replace certain professional careers, such as that of your financial advisor, but in its current state AI does have the power to enhance your financial planning if you know how to use it. Donna puts one of the top large language models to the test to see how they fair when faced with some of the common questions i…

1
A Guide to Social Security 42:02

1M ago42:02

42:02

Social Security is one of those universal retirement topics that touches just about everyone, and as such we like to give it its proper attention here on the MoneyTalk show. Nathan covers the information you need to know around Social Security rules, legislation, and the history of the program’s implementation. Also on MoneyTalk, lessons from Hans …

1
Traditional vs Roth IRAs 42:07

1M ago42:07

42:07

Even if you know all of the rules that govern Traditional and Roth IRAs, deciding on which to use and how to use them can still be a difficult one. Donna and Nathan discuss the differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs, and the types of questions you should be asking yourself when deciding how to incorporate them into your retirement planning. …

1
Dr. Betancourt’s Blueprint for an Equitable Health Care System 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

In Dr. Joseph Betancourt’s vision for the future of U.S. health care, “any patient who goes to any health care system around the country should get the highest quality of care, no matter who they are or where they’re from.” As the Commonwealth Fund’s new president, he’s tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the U.S. health system while try…

1
Getting Your Plan Off the Ground 41:52

2M ago41:52

41:52

The motivation to start your financial plan often comes after big life events, such as the start of a new career, your first child, marriage, or divorce, but if your upcoming retirement is the life event that kick starts your planning, you may find yourself behind the 8 ball. Donna and Nathan discuss the importance of prioritizing financial plannin…

1
What is an ESOP? 42:21

2M ago42:21

42:21

When you get a new job and are told about the company 401(k), you likely have a good idea of how it works. But if your company offers one of the less common types of employer sponsored retirement plans, you may be left with more questions than answers. Donna and Nathan discuss Employee Stock Ownership Programs, how they differ from traditional reti…

1
To Rent Or To Buy? 41:48

2M ago41:48

41:48

When you buy a home it can be a moment of great pride, but the allure of homeownership can also lead us into a financial hole that might’ve been avoided had you chosen to rent instead. Donna and Nathan discuss considerations for those trying to decide on whether to rent or to buy. Also on MoneyTalk, developing a diversification mindset, and Stock T…

1
Lived Experience Is a Key to Health Equity 25:15

2M ago25:15

25:15

As a physician, researcher, and educator, Dr. Cheryl R. Clark wants her students to understand what vision, love, and equity can bring to health care if we prioritize them — and why she believes doing so is critical to advancing health equity. In the latest episode of The Dose podcast, host Joel Bervell talks with Clark about how she brings health …

1
What Are You Retiring To? 41:44

2M ago41:44

41:44

Retirement planning tends to be disproportionally focused on finances, when one of the biggest issues that retirees struggle with is how to spend their time. Donna discusses retirement lifestyle management, as well as healthcare, income planning, and taxes. Also on MoneyTalk, considerations for a second home in retirement, and prioritizing savings …

1
10 Things You Should Know About Bonds 42:19

2M ago42:19

42:19

We typically only hear about bonds when we experience spikes in interest rates or inflation, but understanding how bonds work helps us to better understand how the economy functions. Nathan takes us through 10 things you should know about bonds. Also on MoneyTalk, lessons from Ben Carlson’s book, “Don’t Fall For It: A Brief History of Financial Sca…

1
Niche Retirement Communities 42:02

2M ago42:02

42:02

Gone are the days where retirement leads directly into a life of full time grand-childcare and quiet reflection. Today’s retirees are seeking a final act rich with community engagement where they can spend their time on activities that reflect their specific values. Donna and Nathan discuss how the trend of niche retirement communities is reshaping…

1
We Need More MoneyTalk With Our Kids 41:58

2M ago41:58

41:58

At age 18, we are put in a position to make financial decisions that we don’t fully understand, and some quickly learn how a few small mistakes can carry long term consequences. April is Financial Literacy Month, and in this episode, Donna and Nathan discuss topics geared towards young adults, including: career planning, managing student loans, and…

1
On the Need for Diversity in Medical Illustrations 25:11

2M ago25:11

25:11

In medical school, students learning about illness, pathology, and disease are trained almost exclusively on images of white patients. Even materials on illnesses that predominantly affect Black people, like sickle cell disease, and textbooks used in medical schools in countries where most people are Black, are filled with illustrations of white bo…

1
Planning for Your 40s, 50s & 60s 41:48

2M ago41:48

41:48

Each decade of our adult lives brings its own unique set of financial challenges, so as important as planning for retirement is, a good financial plan seeks to anticipate our coming needs in each stage along the way. Donna takes us through some of the financial priorities that turn up in our 40s, 50s and 60s. Also on MoneyTalk, how to determine if …

1
What Goes Into a Financial Plan? 41:55

2M ago41:55

41:55

Financial planning is something that we engage in every day when we budget and save for our various needs, but to experience the true value of financial planning we need to take a step back and look at all of our needs at once, prioritizing them so we can allocate our resources accordingly. Nathan walks us through the process advisors follow when c…

1
Money Management After Marriage 42:04

2M ago42:04

42:04

Getting married is one of the happiest and most exciting moments in life, but after the big day is over, many are unprepared for the transition to jointly managing their financial lives. Donna and Nathan discuss best practices for combining finances and managing shared expenses for newlyweds. Also on MoneyTalk, the pros and cons of borrowing from y…

1
On the Need to Reclaim Gynecology’s Troubled Legacy 25:30

2M ago25:30

25:30

Montgomery, Alabama’s capital, is known as the birthplace of gynecology. It’s a brutal history, as the field’s “founding father,” J. Marion Sims, advanced his work through the experimentation on enslaved women and babies. Artist and health care activist Michelle Browder has forced a reckoning with this legacy with one clear goal — we need to talk a…

1
Tackling Tax Time 41:49

2M ago41:49

41:49

The tax filing deadline is officially behind us, but for those who found themselves underprepared for the big day, it may be wise to start thinking about a better approach for next year. Donna offers tax prep tips, and ways you can get the most from your tax refund. Also on MoneyTalk, options for 529 holders who carry unused balances. Host: Donna S…

1
Why Bonds Deserve More Attention 42:08

2M ago42:08

42:08

The majority of financial news coverage is focused on the stock market, but to long-term focused investment professionals the bond market is also vastly important, and when it comes to conversations of government bailouts, fixed income is the place they turn to first. Nathan speaks with Jeffrey Hannah, CFA®, CFP®, manager of the Aquila Narragansett…

1
Is it Time to Bury the 4% Rule? 41:46

2M ago41:46

41:46

The 4% rule is a rule of thumb which states that a typical retirement portfolio can sustain a withdrawal rate of 4% per year for 30 years without running out of money. Donna and Nathan explain the data behind this theory, and some of the reasons why it may not hold up in today’s world. Also on MoneyTalk, how to decide if you should do a Roth conver…

1
Stock Buybacks 42:11

2M ago42:11

42:11

Over the past decade we’ve seen a major shift in companies moving away from issuing dividends in favor of stock buybacks, and although this practice has been criticized by some of the media, it’s hard for investors to know if this strategy should impact their decision about whether or not to invest in the companies that issue them. Nathan discusses…

1
How Different Types of Income Are Taxed 41:59

3M ago41:59

41:59

If you receive 100% of your income from your salary, the manner in which you are taxed is relatively straightforward, but most Americans receive income from multiple different sources, all of which are taxes a little differently. Donna and Nathan discuss how your tax liability is calculated on different types of income, including: social security, …

1
How to Improve Cancer Screening Among Young Adults 26:47

3M ago26:47

26:47

This year in the United States, an estimated 2 million people will receive a new cancer diagnosis, and a growing proportion will be younger adults and people of color. Many of these cases could be prevented — nearly 60 percent of colorectal cancers, for example, could be avoided with early detection. Physician and UCLA researcher Dr. Folasade May i…

1
Back 2 Basics 41:43

3M ago41:43

41:43

From the early days of MoneyTalk, Don Sowa used to say that investing doesn’t have to be complicated, and a successful money management strategy starts with focusing on the basics. Donna brings us back to the basics of investing, answering some common questions such as: How much do you need to start investing? Where should you invest your money whe…

1
Tough Times for HELOC Holders 42:06

3M ago42:06

42:06

The HELOC is one of the most popular types of home equity loan due to its flexibility, but many who are carrying old balances on their variable rate HELOCs are struggling with unmanageable payments due to our high interest rate environment. Donna and Nathan discuss options for managing variable rate home equity loan balances, and strategies for pay…

1
IRMAA, Retirement Regrets & Gray Divorce 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

Donna pulls from the MoneyTalk Listener grab bag to answer questions from listeners like you, including: How does IRMAA impact my Medicare premium? What are some of the biggest regrets of todays retirees? And, how do you adjust your retirement plan if you are a senior going through a divorce? Host: Donna Sowa Allard, CFP®, AIF®; Air Date: 4/1/2024.…

1
Rethinking How We Think About Money 41:57

3M ago41:57

41:57

We try our best to be intentional and calculated with how we manage our money, but until we acknowledge those involuntary forces behind our decisions, it’s hard to succeed in meeting our money goals. As a tribute to recently passed and highly regarded economist and writer, Daniel Kahneman, Donna and Nathan discuss his contributions to behavioral fi…

1
Irrational Exuberance for IPOs & Retirement Suitability 42:06

3M ago42:06

42:06

March has been a big month for IPOs, with Reddit defying expectations out of the gate and Trump Media’s SPAC receiving an inexplicable $8 billion valuation. Donna and Nathan discuss the disconnect between the public euphoria around IPO launches and their intrinsic value. Also on MoneyTalk, how conservative should you be in retirement? And, Stock Tr…

1
Episode 3: WW2 Italy stories of bravery 53:46

8M ago53:46

53:46

Host Harry Bucknall and his expert guests tell three incredible stories of courage during the World War Two Italian campaign, which began 80 years ago in 1943.By Army Benevolent Fund

1
Tackling Overtreatment and Overspending in U.S. Health Care 32:08

8M ago32:08

32:08

Overtreatment is a big problem in American health care. The proliferation of unnecessary medical tests and procedures not only harms patients but costs the United States billions of dollars every year. Between 2019 and 2021, Medicare spent as much as $2.4 billion on unnecessary coronary stents alone. At some hospitals, it’s estimated that more than…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Commonwealth Fund Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide