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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Paul, Niki, Leigh, and Kyle discuss the major psychological shift that happens when someone moves from decades of saving for retirement to actually living on their investments. Many retirees struggle with anxiety as they transition from a predictable paycheck to relying on market-dependent income, especially when selling principal or watching account balances decline. They compare traditional retirees—who often rely on selling assets or the 4% rule—to dividend-focused retirees who can live more confidently on consistent income without touching principal. The episode emphasizes understanding your “shortfall,” building an income plan, and staying within guardrails to avoid unknowingly overspending. Ultimately, they frame dividend income as a stabilizing “retirement paycheck” that can reduce fear, create freedom, and help retirees live with clarity and confidence.

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Building a dividend portfolio in 2026 starts with defining your goals—whether you want maximum income, strong growth, or a blend of both. The hosts explain that dividend investing includes three “pillars”: foundational growers like dividend aristocrats, high-yield income producers such as energy companies, and opportunity stocks like maturing tech firms or companies recovering from past dividend cuts. A smart portfolio typically balances these categories, with about half in foundational growers, 20–30% in income producers, and 10–15% in higher-risk opportunities. They warn against chasing high yields without checking financial health, especially earnings trends and payout ratios. Ultimately, success comes from patience, diversification, and letting reinvested dividends compound over time.www.planningmadesimple.com

This episode breaks down what really happens to your income during a bear market—whether you're investing for dividends or relying on mutual funds. The hosts explain why market volatility feels so emotionally overwhelming and how traditional withdrawal-based strategies can spiral when values drop. They contrast that with dividend investing, where income is tied to shares owned, not account balance, and explore the roles of “lifters,” “holders,” and “cutters” during downturns. You’ll also hear how rebalancing in scary markets can actually increase long-term income and why staying invested is often the smartest move. Overall, it’s a practical, calming deep-dive into navigating fear, volatility, and income stability during turbulent markets.

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This episode dives into the question of whether investors really need to diversify beyond dividend-paying stocks. The hosts break down the “diversification myth,” explaining how many people end up with portfolios full of redundant investments they don’t understand. Using relatable examples—from grocery shopping to pizza toppings—they highlight why true planning starts with knowing your income shortfall, not collecting random assets. They show how understanding your needs, strategy, and surplus creates real financial freedom. Ultimately, the episode empowers listeners to invest with purpose rather than pressure or fear.

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