This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/4tQ4xaA

Trevor Cummings hosts the Thoughts of Money Podcast with article author Blaine Carver and Brett Bonecutter, discussing Carver’s piece “Stock Market Expectations.” Using examples from relationships, premarital counseling, and sports fandom, they emphasize that expectations must be communicated early, clearly, and realistically to avoid disappointment, resentment, and poor decisions. They connect this to investing by explaining how stocks can fall even on good results when expectations are “priced to perfection,” why unrealistic return targets (e.g., 20–25% annually) break financial plans, and how compounding magnifies small percentage differences.

00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts on Money Podcast + Introducing Blaine & Brett

00:21 Under-Promise, Over-Deliver: Why Expectations Drive Everything

00:59 Vikings Season Story: Rock-Bottom Expectations → “Best” Year

02:05 From Football to Finance: Priced to Perfection & Pleasant Surprises

04:34 Expectations in Marriage (and Advisor-Client Relationships)

06:55 Unrealistic Return Targets: The 20% Conversation & Compounding Reality Check

10:39 Long-Run vs One-Year Thinking: Annual vs Annualized + Attribution

12:11 Strategy Whiplash: 2025 vs 2026 Reversal & Staying the Course

14:35 The Expectations Gap: Investors Want 12.6%, Advisors Model 7.1%

17:27 Why the Gap Exists: Valuations, History, and Risk Accountability (Bitcoin Example)

20:19 The “Road” Matters: Normal Drawdowns, Slow Recoveries, and the Bumpy Path

26:17 Coping Tools: Dividends, Business Fundamentals, and the 14% Intra-Year Drawdown

29:52 Optimists vs Pessimists: Experience, Confirmation Bias, and Fear of Running Out

37:37 Closing Reflections: Gratitude vs Grumbling + Final Thoughts & How to Reach Us

Links mentioned in this episode:

• http://thoughtsonmoney.com
• http://thebahnsengroup.com

This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/3ZQiqYm

In this episode of the 'Thoughts So Money' podcast, host Trevor Cummings, joined by Blaine Carver and Brett Bonecutter, discusses the perils of fad investing, drawing comparisons with the long-term success of a grounded investment philosophy. The conversation explores various speculative trends, including cryptocurrency and gold, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context and adhering to investment principles rooted in consistent cash flow and dividend growth. The team shares personal anecdotes and insights on why relying on speculative investments can be detrimental, while having a robust and historically proven strategy is key to financial success.

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:25 Fad Investing Explained

03:27 The Comfort of a Consistent Investment Philosophy

06:40 The Psychology of Investing

08:53 Artificial Intelligence and Investment

19:19 Gold as an Investment

23:12 Understanding Gold's Value

23:40 Speculation and Investment Philosophy

24:20 Cryptocurrency and Digital Gold

25:30 Speculative vs. Cash Flow Investments

29:02 Real Estate Investment Examples

31:11 The Risks of Speculative Investments

38:11 Investment Philosophy and Consistency

49:24 Concluding Thoughts and Advice

Links mentioned in this episode:

• http://thoughtsonmoney.com
• http://thebahnsengroup.com

This week's blogpost - https://bahnsen.co/4t4WLct

In this episode of the Thoughts and Money Podcast (TOM), host Trevor Cummings sits with Brett Bonecutter, author of the Thoughts and Money blog, to discuss practical mortgage insights. Brett shares five essential 'mortgage hacks' for navigating home loans and refinancing. The hacks include choosing the right lender, understanding rate quotes, and being cautious of flashy promotions. Brett emphasizes the importance of using a knowledgeable broker, exploring rate tables, and being aware of FICO score variations. This episode is designed to help listeners make informed decisions when buying a home or refinancing, and provides valuable tips for advising younger family members entering the market.

00:00 Welcome to the Thoughts and Money Podcast

00:47 Brett's Background and Midwest Roots

01:29 Real Estate and Interest Rates Overview

04:20 Trevor's Mortgage Mistake

07:07 Choosing the Right Mortgage Provider

09:02 The Role of Brokers in Mortgage Lending

16:56 Beware of Online Rate Quotes

19:31 The Need for Patience in Financial Decisions

19:53 The Impact of Instant Gratification on Society

20:58 Book Recommendation: Amusing Ourselves to Death

21:49 Guiding the Next Generation in Home Buying

22:38 The Shift Towards Analog Living

23:29 Understanding Mortgage Rates and Risk Buckets

36:40 The Importance of Knowing Your Credit Score

39:22 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

Links mentioned in this episode:

• http://thoughtsonmoney.com
• http://thebahnsengroup.com