Planning Made Simple

Planning Made Simple, created by Paul Durso
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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!

  1. 2D AGO

    Is Social Security Really Going Away?

    There’s a lot of fear online right now about Social Security “running out,” but how much of it is actually true? In this episode, we cut through the noise and explain what’s really happening behind the scenes with Social Security funding, government obligations, and what retirees can realistically expect in the coming decades.We discuss why Social Security isn’t going away, how the government has handled it historically, what the projected shortfalls actually mean, and why future changes are more likely to be gradual adjustments—not sudden cuts. If you’re worried about retirement, taxes, or whether Social Security will still exist for you, this conversation brings clarity without the panic. www.planningmadesimple.com

    17 min

  2. JAN 29

    The Myth of the Perfect Retirement Number

    Most people believe there’s a magic number that guarantees a perfect retirement — but that idea may be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we break down why the “perfect retirement number” is a myth, how fear and market noise distort retirement planning, and why income, not net worth, is the real foundation of financial freedom. We explore how lifestyle, inflation, health, and emotional decision-making all impact retirement far more than a single dollar figure ever could. If you’ve ever asked: “How much do I really need to retire?” “Will I outlive my money?” “What happens if markets drop or inflation rises?” “How do I retire with confidence instead of fear?” This episode will change how you think about retirement forever. www.planningmadesimple.com

    21 min

  3. JAN 22

    The Case Against Stock Buybacks

    Dividend investing can be one of the most powerful strategies for long-term income—but only if you avoid the traps. In this episode, we unpack why high dividend yields often signal danger, how dividend cuts create a triple-whammy for investors, and the emotional mistakes that cause people to abandon dividend investing altogether. www.planningmadesimple.com

    14 min

  4. JAN 15

    Avoiding Dividend Traps

    Chasing high dividend yields can feel exciting — until the income disappears. In this episode, we break down dividend traps, why dividend cuts are so painful, and how investors get lured into unsustainable yields. We walk through the most common red flags, including high payout ratios, weak cash flow, and poor balance sheets, and explain how to stress-test dividends before you invest. If you want to build long-term, reliable income and avoid emotional investing mistakes, this is a must-watch for dividend investors at any stage. www.planningmadesimple.com

    14 min

  5. JAN 8

    Warren Buffett's Dividend Strategy

    Warren Buffett is frequently misunderstood as either a pure growth investor or a market timer—but his real strategy is far more patient and disciplined. In this episode, we break down Warren Buffett’s dividend strategy, explaining why he prioritizes strong balance sheets, predictable cash flow, and long-term dividend growth over flashy returns and short-term gains. We explore how Buffett stays calm during market downturns, why dividends can provide emotional and financial stability, and what everyday investors can realistically copy from his approach. Whether you’re building income for retirement or trying to avoid emotional investing mistakes, this conversation highlights why time, quality businesses, and sustainable dividends remain Buffett’s greatest edge. 👉 Want our FREE Dividend Starter Kit? Comment “Dividend Starter Kit” below and we’ll send it to you. www.planningmadesimple.com

    17 min

  6. JAN 1

    First Year After the Paycheck Stops

    Retirement often feels like the finish line—but for many people, it’s just the beginning of a brand-new set of challenges. In this episode, we explore what the first year after the paycheck disappears actually looks like, based on decades of experience walking clients through retirement transitions. We discuss why practicing retirement income before you retire is so important, how dividends can replace a traditional paycheck, and why “budgeting” isn’t about spending less—it’s about knowing your business. We also unpack the emotional side of retirement, including anxiety, identity loss, and the temptation to overspend or panic when markets fluctuate. Whether you’re one year away from retirement or already living it, this episode will help you navigate the most critical transition year with clarity and confidence.  www.planningmadesimple.com

    21 min

  7. 12/25/2025

    7 Metrics to Check Before Buying a Dividend Stock

    Are you thinking about buying a dividend stock? Before you chase the shiny yield or jump into what your buddy recommended, here are the 7 metrics the team checks every single time. These fundamentals help you avoid traps, understand the real health of a business, and invest with confidence. We break each metric down with real-world context, examples from client portfolios, and why single-year snapshots often mislead investors. If you want a smarter, calmer, more long-term approach to dividend investing — this episode is your playbook. www.planningmadesimple.com

    18 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    How to Live in Retirement on Dividends Part 2

    The episode continues the discussion on how to live in retirement on dividends, focusing on the difference between funding retirement and living in retirement. The advisors explain their two-account approach: a “paycheck account” that funds lifestyle entirely from dividends, and a “bonus/growth account” where dividends are reinvested to fuel long-term income increases. They emphasize the dangers of overspending principal—especially large, repeated withdrawals—which can undermine future income, security, and financial freedom. Much of the conversation explores the emotional side of retirement spending, including fear, guilt, lifestyle expectations, and the need for honest budgeting. Ultimately, they encourage retirees to know their numbers, build a simple plan, stick to guardrails, and understand how spending choices impact long-term freedom. www.planningmadesimple.com

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Planning Made Simple, created by Paul Durso
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Planning Made Simple, created by Paul Durso
  • Show Website
    Planning Made Simple