Planning Made Simple

Hosted by Planning Made Simple, created by Paul Durso

Business Investing

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Episodes

165

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the 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!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 11, 202619 min

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 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

June 4, 202616 min

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 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

May 28, 202616 min

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 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

May 21, 202622 min

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 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

May 14, 202624 min

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 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

May 7, 202621 min

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 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

April 30, 202619 min

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 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.

April 23, 202620 min

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 rebalancing helps you:Lock in gainsTake advantage of market volatilityIncrease income potentialReduce long-term riskWe also dive into the hidden cost of doing nothing — and why passive investing without a strategy can actually hurt your growth and income.If you want to become a more disciplined investor and make smarter decisions, this episode is for you.planningmadesmiple.com

April 16, 202625 min

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 an unbalanced life create anxiety around money. From faith and family to fitness and finances, this conversation dives into what it actually takes to build a stable, confident financial life.If you’ve ever felt out of control with your money, this episode will help you understand why—and more importantly, how to fix it.Links:Planningmadesimple.com vigr8.com

April 9, 202619 min

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 breaks down why retirement can get harder around the $3 million mark and why the real issue is not just wealth, but how that wealth is taxed, distributed, and passed on. They also explain why focusing only on this year’s tax bill can lead to much bigger problems later.If you want to better understand retirement income, tax strategy, dividend investing, and the long-term impact of RMDs, this conversation is packed with practical insight.www.planningmadesimple.com