Simple, but Not Easy

Feb 11 2025 124 ep. 35 mins 599
Simple, but Not Easy Podcast artwork

Hello, and welcome to Simple, but Not Easy, where we turn complicated financial developments into actionable ideas. This is a podcast from Morningstar’s Wealth Group, where we equip financial advisors with our best ideas to remove friction and help clients achieve goals.

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Financial Advisors Take Back Time with AssetMark

Feb 11 2025 43 mins  
Time is a financial advisor’s most valuable asset. As industry tailwinds push the profession toward greater client-centricity—and as clients demand more from their advisors—many are recognizing the benefits of outsourcing investment management. By doing so, they can focus on what truly drives their business: being in front of clients and strengthening relationships.

2025 Outlook: Rotating Between Defense and Offense

Dec 23 2024 38 mins  
Morningstar Wealth's Chief Investment Officer, Philip Straehl, and Head of Investments, Ricky Williamson share insights on the key themes shaping the investment landscape for 2025 and beyond.

Post-Election Recap: Diversification, Fundamental Analysis, and Valuations Will Likely Drive Future Success

Dec 06 2024 25 mins  
While presidential elections often create tension and leave many feeling on edge, the stock market didn’t share this level of apprehension. Remarkably, October was one of the least volatile months in history leading up to a presidential election. Although this might seem surprising, it’s not entirely unusual. Markets frequently display greater resilience than we might expect.

Strange Times in the US Housing Market – Breaking it All Down

Oct 29 2024 33 mins  
Some have called this the weirdest housing market in recent history due to the unusual mix of high interest rates and declining affordability. And yet, we still have record high home prices across the 20 largest housing markets in the country. This month, we're diving into the U.S. housing market, a topic very relevant to many investors given a house is often the largest single ass

Principles-Based Investing, Industry Trends, and Getting to Know Morningstar Wealth CIO, Philip Straehl

Sep 30 2024 31 mins  
Welcome back to Simple But Not Easy. We hope you had an enjoyable summer and are ready to finish the year on a high note. In today's episode, we're excited to dive deep into the world of investing, market strategies, and the future of wealth management. We'll start by getting to know Philip Straehl, Morningstar's new Chief Investment Officer of the Americas, as he shares insights f

Opportunity Awaits: A Midyear Outlook

Jul 16 2024 33 mins  
A special live episode from the Morningstar Investment Conference. Two of Morningstar Wealth’s investment leaders—Matt Wacher and Ricky Williamson—joined the show to help us dig into what’s already happened this year and where we may be headed. The topics covered included: • The Fed and where rates may be headed • Further discussion on fixed-income • US stocks are o

Lifetime Financial Advice: Enhanced Personalization by Considering Human Capital

May 07 2024 31 mins  
The evolution of financial advice in a few decades time has been nothing short of revolutionary. The industry's transformation has been driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes and evolving investor preferences. Traditional methods of in-person advice have been expanded to include digital platforms, providing investors with greater accessibility and customization. A

Baby Boomers to Millennials: Working Across Generations to Help Them Achieve Financial Goals

Mar 14 2024 41 mins  
Much of the discussion around financial advice tends to be around asset allocation, product selection, and fund structures. These are all worthy conversations and topics we’ve enjoyed discussing previously on this show. But one topic that feels underexplored: how do advisors deliver financial advice to clients across generations? A retired client in their 70s needs a much differe

U.S. Stocks: Beyond the Magnificent Seven

Feb 06 2024 28 mins  
The Magnificent Seven continue to capture the attention of advisors and investors, dominating U.S. equity performance over the last year. Will this trend continue throughout 2024? Will growth stocks continue to beat value? What about large versus small? And what is 2023's signal about where markets are headed this year? We're delighted to be joined by John Owens, Senior Portfolio M

2024 Outlook: Economy, Inflation, Best Ideas, and AI

Dec 08 2023 48 mins  
The topics we're discussing today align with the recent release of Morningstar Wealth's 2024 Market Outlook. A recession seemed to be the consensus view entering the year, but markets love to fool the masses, and a stock market rally followed. However, the rally was not evenly distributed. Bonds, for example, remain in a multi-year drawdown, and many investors are questioning thei