About this episode
Tom kicks off with a check-in on bond market returns, reminding listeners that bonds are about stability, not yield-chasing. He’s joined by advisor Roxy Butner, who helps answer listener questions about fixed-allocation vs. target-date funds, how much international exposure is enough, Ameriprise “CL” fund share classes with high fees, and whether hybrid long-term care annuity products are worth considering. Together they emphasize cost awareness, simplicity, and aligning investments with real-life needs instead of sales-driven products. 0:04 Intro and bond returns update (BND, DFIGX, SWSBX) 2:30 Why bonds belong in portfolios despite modest returns 2:47 Mailbag intro with Roxy Butner 3:13 Shelly asks about fixed-allocation vs target-date funds 5:34 Balanced vs LifeStrategy funds and international exposure 7:01 Frank asks about U.S. vs international allocation split 8:23 AVGE, DFAW, and “overthinking” the international percentage 10:39 Decades of U.S. vs international performance 11:15 Angie asks about Ameriprise “CL” fund share classes 13:32 Expense ratios and fiduciary concerns 14:54 Comparing low-cost index alternatives 15:18 Ford asks about hybrid LTC annuity products 17:30 Income planning first vs peeling off money for LTC 18:34 Real-life client experiences with LTC riders 20:33 Policy complexity, surrender decisions, and care costs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices