In this “final episode” of the Doug Fabian podcast, I tell you how to approach your 2018 financial goals the way you would approach preparing for a big vacation trip.

Smart Financial Planning Moves Before Year End, Part III

This week’s episode includes a deeper dive into taxes, and how you can take steps now to manage your tax liability in 2018. Tactics such as quarterly meetings with your CPA and/or tax advisor are covered in detail in this episode.

Smart Financial Planning Moves Before Year End, Part II

Have you maximized your retirement plan contributions? Have you maximized your charitable deductions? What about funding a Roth IRA? What about a Roth IRA conversion? 

These are just some of the helpful financial planning moves you can make before year end.

Smart Financial Planning Moves Before Year End, Part I

In this week’s podcast, we talk all about how to build a better balance sheet, including ways to increase savings, reduce spending, manage your taxes and increase your income.

How to Build a Better Balance Sheet

My goal in this podcast is to help you ask the right questions, and bring up the right topics, so that you can begin formulating and improving your money plans for 2018.

It’s Time to Talk Turkey About Your Money

If you want a broad, yet detailed, overview of value stock essentials—including their relative outperformance vs. growth stocks—this podcast is for you.

What is Value Investing, and How Can It Work for You?

If you want to find out where the market stands, and more importantly, where the market likely goes from here, then this week’s show is for you.

Where Does the Market Go from Here?

In this week’s podcast, it’s all about tips, tricks and techniques to help you get your 2018 journey toward greater economic freedom started off right.

Planning for 2018

Topics addressed here are diverse, and include how to handle investing in educational funds such as 529 accounts; what constitutes cash alternatives, the best tools for generating income from existing cash assets, why higher-yield bonds equal higher risks, the importance of diversification… and much more.

Listener Questions

In this episode of the Doug Fabian podcast, I give you an update on inflation, including statistics over the past decade. Here you’ll find out what why even the subtle inflation we’ve seen since 2007 is robbing you of your total returns.

This ‘Silent Thief’ is Coming for Your Money

Doug Fabian's ETF Strategies Podcast: Exchange Traded Funds, ETFs, Investing, Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, Retirement Planning, Income Strategies

Doug Fabian’s ETF Strategies

1) The Post-Trump Trade
 Nearly all the pundits—both political and investing—got the election results wrong and the market reaction wrong. Most thought stocks would selloff hard on a Trump win while gold and bond prices would rise. Well, the exact opposite of that happened. In today’s leadoff segment, I talk about the election results, the market’s reaction, and how the different asset classes and market sectors did in this historic week. Plus, why the market is acting on classic behavioral economics.
 2) Expectations for 2017
 There’s a new president, but the first year of a new president is historically a mediocre year for the stock market. Meanwhile, bond returns are likely to be pressured next year, as their glory days of getting both income and price appreciation are likely over, too. So, what do you do with your money in 2017? In today’s second segment, I offer a few thoughts on how to reorient your thinking about what’s in store for the year ahead. Plus, why it’s a must you listen to my post-election presentation, “Your Path for Cash.”
 3) Buy Low, Sell High  
 Stocks in many sectors are going straight up in the wake of the Trump victory, but does that mean you should be buying those sectors? In today’s final segment, I talk about the contrarian ways to invest for a Trump presidency, and it all starts with looking at some of the areas that have sold off recently, but that are still very attractive sectors for the year ahead. Plus, why incremental purchasing is the best way to approach this market.

The Post-Trump Trade

1) The Fed Holds Steady 
 Stocks jumped this week, largely on a relief rally from the “no surprises” decision by the Federal Reserve on interest rates. While there’s about a 50-50 chance the Fed will hike in December, for now interest rates will likely remain calm. So, what happened in the bond market, commodities, currencies, international equities and the rest of the key market indicators? Find out in today’s leadoff segment. Plus, why you need to get things done, like Tyler. 
 2) My 5 Best Investing Ideas 
 The Fed is behind us, and the presidential election uncertainty is just starting. So, what should you do now with your money right now? While I can’t make specific recommendations for listeners, I can give you a few of my favorite ideas to “chew” on for potential digestion. In today’s must-listen second segment, I give you four of my favorite investing ideas, plus one key “bonus” idea for those of you with smaller investment accounts, or for those looking for a very well-researched investment.   
 3) What I Learned This Week 
 I love learning, and there is nothing I learn from more than my Personal Wealth Coaching sessions. In today’s final segment, I tell you about what I learned this week about the new estate tax rules. I also tell you why, with proper planning, you should never have to pay the full freight of estate taxes. 

The Fed Holds Steady

This is my final broadcast of the year, and it’s also perhaps the most important of the year. That’s because this week, it’s all about how to get your money—and your life—ready for 2017.
 So, where do you start? Well, the first place to start is to develop your 2017 “business plan.” This plan isn’t a typical business plan like you would have if you were running a company. Rather, it’s a financial plan that clearly states your goals, in concrete, numerical terms, including what kind of rate of return you need to make those goals a reality. 
 In today’s show, I present you with several big questions that only you can answer, questions that are key to your own big-picture financial plan. These questions include; your legacy needs, where you are with your “paperwork,” where you are with things such as wills, trusts, naming an executor, etc. Before you do anything else, you need to make sure you can answer the questions I pose in today’s show. 
 If you want to make sure you position yourself for financial and person success in 2017, then this show will likely be the most important of the year.
 Plus, how to identify your very own “investment policy statement.”

What You MUST Do to Be Successful in 2017

1) The Fed Hikes, Ratchets Up Expectations  
 The big market-moving news this week was the Fed, and its decision to raise interest rates for the first time in a year. That move was expected, but what wasn’t anticipated was the ratcheting up of rate hike expectations for 2017. So, how did the markets react to this news? Where were the winners, and where were the loser? What did the fund flows tell us? Find out the complete rundown in this week’s leadoff segment. Plus, the surprising rise in the U.S. dollar, and which areas of the market you should be looking at invest in right now. 
 2) Income Strategies Not Affected by Higher Rates    
 If you’re an income investor, then you likely know that the times they are a changin’ when it comes to interest rates, bond prices and bond total returns. Given this circumstance, we need to ask ourselves what could we own besides bonds to give us non-equity exposure that pays some decent income? In today’s second segment, I give you some specific names to consider that fit the aforementioned criteria. If you’re an income investor, you need to listen to this. 
 3) Preparing for 2017  
 What’s the key to success in 2017 (and in fact, any year)? The most important first step in this process is goal setting. In today’s final segment, I talk about the importance of setting goals, as your goals will dictate your choices. If you need help getting on track for the new year, this segment is aimed directly at you.

Income Strategies Not Affected by Higher Rates

1) Markets are Feeling International
 The first two weeks of the year have been good for stocks, not just at home, but also internationally in places such as Europe, Japan and particularly China. In today’s leadoff segment, we look at how the equity markets have done in the first two weeks of the year, and particularly how well the international markets have performed. You’ll also find out how commodities and bonds have done in this young year. Plus, how you can be a part of the “new look” of this podcast.
 2) How to Be a Better Investor in 2017  
 We all want to be better investors this year, but where do you start? In today’s second segment, I give you five ways to do just that… ways that were inspired by my friend, long-time colleague and new Editor of Successful ETF Investing, Jim Woods. In his article “5 Ways to Be Better in 2017,” he provides us some great thoughts on this subject, and I piggyback on those ways in this segment. I highly recommend you read this most-inspiring article. And, if you want to be moved, fired up and ready to conquer in 2017, this portion of the show is a must listen.
 3) The 2017 Success Task List: What’s Your Income Statement?  
 What do you need to do to be successful in 2017? Well, the first thing you need to do is to start working on your success task list. In today’s final segment, I talk about the importance of putting together your income statement, including what money you’re bringing in and what money you’re sending out. This is the second step toward knowing your financial situation—and to getting yourself on the path to achieving your financial and life goals in 2017.

How to Be a Better Investor in 2017

1) More on the Markets, the Elections, Bonds and Gold
 This week, markets continued to bounce around with just a slight decline, as traders continue to assess the economic data, a rise in bond yields and a decline in gold and precious metals. So, how did all of the markets shake out this week, and are there any new buying opportunities lurking in the wings? Find out in today’s leadoff segment. Plus, the latest on the presidential election polls, the betting odds, and which candidate the market thinks will win (and what will happen if the market is wrong). 
 2) Inflation Preparation  
 I’ve been telling listeners for the past few months that bonds are not going to be the long-term total return opportunity that they’ve been in the past. Part of that is because of rising interest rates, and those rising rates are likely to translate into inflation. Of course, there are other factors that could boost inflation, including higher oil prices. So, how can you prepare your portfolio for the possibility of higher inflation? Find out today in this must-listen segment. 
 3) What Are Your Feelings About Money? 
 Are your attitudes about money motivated by fear? Are they motivated by compassion? What about happiness? In today’s final segment, I tell you about some recent research I was presented that could very well help you understand your money motivation, and help you understand what you need to do to maximize your financial situation. Plus, why this understanding is a key part of our Personal Wealth Coaching program.

Inflation Preparation

Doug Fabian’s ETF Strategies is your go-to podcast for everything related to financial markets, investment trends, retirement planning and achieving economic freedom.

The Bullish View on Equities

1) The Markets and Pre-Election Jitters
 Stocks experienced another string of down days, with eight-consecutive losing sessions on the S&P 500. That hasn’t happened in years, but does it mean we are in for a more serious decline? The answer is no, and I explain why in today’s leadoff segment. Of course, I also give you the skinny on how all the major market sectors performed in this pre-election, jittery market. Plus, a few election thoughts before the vote.
 2) Thoughts from an ETF Conference     
 I attended a great ETF industry investment conference this week, and among the many things I learned this week is that many income investors are facing a dilemma. That dilemma is that the math in bonds is bad. Due to the rising interest rate environment, bonds prices are no longer going to go up the way they have in the past. That means your total returns are going to likely be less in bonds. In today’s second segment, we cover all the particulars regarding this bad bond math. Plus, why behavioral economics can explain self-destructive investor behavior.
 3) Getting Mentally Prepared for Risk  
 Risk is relative, and how much risk an investor is willing to take is dependent on a lot of factors. Yet for nearly every investor going forward, it is likely a reality that you must take on more risk going forward if want to get the same kind of returns you’ve been getting in recent years. In today’s must-listen final segment, I give you a few reasons why it’s important to get mentally prepared for taking on more risk. And, if you are holding a lot of cash the way so many investors are right now, the biggest risk is not putting that money to work. Plus, why you should never leave $40,000 just sitting on the sidewalk.

Getting Mentally Prepared for Risk

The Fed’s About to Hike
 The market is pricing in a 100%, yes, a guaranteed, rate hike when the Fed meeting concludes on March 15. But why is the Fed about to hike rates, and what does it mean for your money? Find out the complete rate-hike rundown on stocks, bonds, commodities and other interest-rate sensitive holdings in this week’s leadoff segment.
 When Investors Behave Badly  
 Investors make a lot of mistakes, but many times they aren’t even aware of those mistakes, nor are they able to keep from making those mistakes even if they know they’re behaving badly. In today’s must-listen middle segment, I talk about some of the more common bad behaviors investors engage in, including behaviors that have caused most individual investors to woefully underperform. Plus, why you should turn off financial TV.
 So, You’re in Your 30s?
 You got through those wild 20s, and now it’s time to get serious about your career and your financial life. In this week’s final segment, I offer a few tips about how to approach critical life decisions that will shape your financial life—not just right now, but for the next several decades leading up to retirement. If you are in your 30s, or if you have children, family members or friends in their 30s, this segment is aimed directly at you. Plus, how to know when it’s time to buy a house.

Investing Strategies for 30-Somethings

The Road Warriors Guide to Monitoring Your Investments

1) A Quick Look Back at 2016 
 The Dow is nearly at 20,000, and it was the Industrials that led the way higher in 2016. So, how did the rest of the equity markets close out the year? What about bonds, gold, emerging markets, developed markets, etc.? In today’s leadoff segment, we take a quick look back at the year that was. Plus, we also take a quick look at what’s in store for 2017.
 2) The Case for International Exposure
 President-Elect Trump is about to take office, and with him has come a strong U.S. dollar. That’s not really good for some U.S. stocks, but it is great for stocks in areas such as Europe, Japan and the Pacific region. In today’s second segment, I make the case for adding international exposure, and I give you a host of reasons why I think international equities are a great place to be in 2017. Plus, don’t forget to print out your 2016 ETF Report, available now at FabianWealth.com. 
 3) The 2017 Success Task List  
 What do you need to do to be successful in 2017? Well, the first thing you need to do is to start working on your success task list. In today’s final segment, I talk about the importance of putting together your balance sheet, as that’s the first step toward knowing your net worth—and to achieving your financial and life goals this year.
 Plus, why all my listeners should tune in to the Tim Ferriss podcast, and start learning all kinds of cool stuff about the world.

The Case for International Exposure

The 2017 Market Scoreboard
 The year-to-date numbers in the markets look very good, as stocks are off to a strong start in the nascent stage of 2017. Yet it’s not just Dow 20,000 that has market sentiment pinging positive. In today’s leadoff segment, we cover all the pertinent numbers on the domestic market, international markets, bonds, the dollar, gold, etc. Plus, tune in to hear the optimism in my voice! 
 The Biggest Mistake Investors are Making Right Now 
 What’s the biggest mistake investors are making right now? It’s not what you might think. In today’s must-listen middle segment, I tell you what I see as the biggest mistake investors are making right now. And, the good news is it’s a mistake that’s so easy to correct you will hate yourself for not doing it. Plus, the psychology of market corrections. 
 One More Assignment to Make 2017 a Great Year 
 Over the past several weeks, we’ve gone over a series of assignments I wanted you to undertake so that you can get yourself on the path to making 2017 a great year for your money. In today’s final segment, I tell you all about the last assignment you need to do—and that assignment is to determine your asset allocation.
 Plus, a special announcement about Fabian Wealth Strategies and our new partners, Mercer Advisors.

The Biggest Mistake Investors are Making Right Now

Halfway to Your Goals
 When it comes to your money, if you don’t have a destination, you’ll never know what the right road to take will be. Conversely, if you have sound financial goals in place, then mapping out the right road will be a lot easier.
 In today’s leadoff segment, we look back at the subject of our first show of the year, which was all about how to set your financial goals. And now that we are halfway through the year, it’s extremely important to reassess those 2017 goals to see if you are on the right road. Plus, the marital bliss of reviewing your goals together. 
 The Edge in Markets and Your Goals
 Over the past few weeks, we’ve asked ourselves where the edge is in markets. Here, I presented to you some interesting statistics on the performance of small-cap stocks vs. large-cap stocks, and on growth stocks vs. value stocks. In this week’s second segment, I show you how to apply that knowledge when it comes to making decisions that fit in with your financial goals. If you’re looking to gain an edge in markets, then this segment is a must. 
 The Virtue of Economic Freedom
 It’s Independence Day weekend, and the holiday celebrates the freedom we enjoy in America. But have you achieved economic freedom? What, precisely, does economic freedom mean to you? In this week’s final segment, I show you a few action steps to take right now that will get you on the correct road to celebrating your personal financial Independence Day.

The Virtue of Economic Freedom

The Roth IRA is one of the most beneficial retirement savings accounts an investor can use. Yet interestingly, most investors don’t really know why a Roth IRA is so powerful. Just about everyone listening right now can benefit from a Roth, and for a variety of reasons you may not know about.
 In this week’s show, I’m joined by Yvonne Wood, Senior Client Advisor at Mercer Advisors. Yvonne is a 24-year veteran of Mercer, and she’s been crowned the “Queen of the Roth IRA,” because of her deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and creative use of the Roth for her clients.
 Yvonne starts with the basics of Roth IRAs, including who is eligible, the contribution rules, withdrawal rules and guidelines for beneficiaries. She then covers deeper subjects such as traditional IRA to Roth conversions.
 Most importantly, Yvonne explains how she uses Roth IRAs for her clients in many creative ways, including gifting accounts to children or grandchildren, and using a Roth as part of a legacy strategy. 
 If you’ve ever been curious about a Roth IRA, or if you’ve been considering one but weren’t quite sure if it’s right for you, then this show is a must.

Everything an Investor Needs to Know About Roth IRAs

In this week’s episode, I tell you about what I think are the three keys to achieving economic freedom. These keys, or what I call factors, represent the three most important components to achieving and maintaining economic freedom.

The 3 Keys to Achieving Economic Freedom

How to Take Action with Your Money  
 Are you happy about the markets? Are you thrilled with the 13% post-election gain in the Dow? If you have money in the markets, then you are participating in the upside. Unfortunately, there are many people out there that have way too much cash in their portfolio, and hence they’ve missed out on a lot of gains. Well, don’t be passive anymore. In today’s leadoff segment, I give you a few thoughts, and one key question to ask, so that you can start taking the kind of action you need to take to make your money work for you.
 “Doug, I Can’t Buy at New Highs!”
 Yes, the market is at all-time highs. And unfortunately, many investors see that as an obstacle to putting their money to work. In today’s second segment, I give you a few thoughts on how to approach this market, and a few tactics on how to incrementally put money to work that makes you feel comfortable. Plus, why using the market’s current position is not a valid excuse for avoiding action.  
 A Few Common Mistakes
 Common mistakes are “common” because a lot of people make them. In today’s final segment, I review some of the more common “NIGO” mistakes (paperwork that’s Not In Good Order) that you can avoid by simply addressing a few general issues that will help you “take care of your stuff.”

How to Take Action with Your Money

Your Monthly and First Half Market Update
 Domestic stocks have had a good first half of 2017, and a lot of that had to do with the optimism surrounding President Trump and the Republican pro-growth economic agenda. Internationally, stocks also did well in the first half, and that was largely due to the optimistic global growth expectations.
 So, which stocks – domestic or international – did the best during the first half of 2017? 
 That’s what this week’s show is all about. In this market-focused podcast, we provide a rundown of all the action the major domestic and international markets. Plus, we also look at some of the best market sectors in June and year to date, and we take a look at the action in bonds, gold and other commodities.
 If you want the complete scorecard on markets so that you “know where you are before taking another step,” then this week’s show is a must listen.
 Now What Do You Do With It?
 Once you know where the markets have been during the first half, you have to ask yourself what you do with all that information. 
 In addition to a complete recap of the action year to date, this podcast also is designed to help give you a good basis for plotting out your next market moves. Plus, I offer up a good reminder for you on how to turn your market knowledge combined with the knowledge of where you are right now into the right motivation required to take action.

First Half Market Update

In this mini-podcast, I give you a complete rundown of the market action during the previous month, and year to date. More importantly, I provide you with a few key things to watch out for as we enter the often-volatile month of September.

August Market Recap

In this week’s episode, I tell you about the seven best ways I’ve found to increase your monthly cash flow.

How to Give Yourself a $1000 Raise

The best podcasts about ourselves as well as the world through the lense of Science. Specific topics include things about our brain, emotions to biology, physics and more!

Best Episodes on Science, Humans & The World

The best podcast episodes on Startups. For anyone working in a startup, or anyone interested in the incredible stories behind how people built companies like Instagram, and Facebook. Offering both practical advice and insights, as well as the stories for how many of the biggest startups got to where they are today. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!