Long Story Short
Burney Wealth Management
Long Story Short is a weekly financial planning and investing podcast from Burney Wealth Management.
Each week, your hosts Andy Pratt, CFA, CAIA and Adam Newman, CFA, CFP®, discuss the biggest questions they’re hearing from clients. They’ll occasionally bring in team members and interesting guests to discuss specialized topics like estate planning, business succession, and retirement income strategies.
Founded in 1974, The Burney Company is a fee-only investment advisory firm that manages $3 billion in assets. Learn more about comprehensive financial planning at burneywealth.com.
Each week, your hosts Andy Pratt, CFA, CAIA and Adam Newman, CFA, CFP®, discuss the biggest questions they’re hearing from clients. They’ll occasionally bring in team members and interesting guests to discuss specialized topics like estate planning, business succession, and retirement income strategies.
Founded in 1974, The Burney Company is a fee-only investment advisory firm that manages $3 billion in assets. Learn more about comprehensive financial planning at burneywealth.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 22, 2025 • 41min
YieldStreet Lessons and Retirement Withdrawal Strategies
Dive into the dramatic turmoil surrounding YieldStreet and the pitfalls of 'investing like the 1%.' Discover how some sophisticated investors faced huge losses and why choosing the right investment managers matters. Learn effective withdrawal strategies for retirement, especially during market downturns, and the importance of balancing inflation protection with downside risk. Finally, uncover why stocks can be a powerful hedge against inflation, even in turbulent times.
Aug 20, 2025 • 41min
AI Investing Themes and Smart Gifting Strategies
The AI investment theme is surging again but carries risks that may lead to disappointment. The conversation highlights the complexities of second home ownership and the emotional costs involved. It also covers smart gifting strategies, emphasizing tax benefits and the importance of thoughtful planning. From appreciating stocks to educational gifts, the hosts provide practical advice for helping loved ones without spoiling them. Listing diversification as a priority, they warn against chasing trends that could harm long-term investments.
Aug 8, 2025 • 29min
Alternative Investments Hit 401(k)s and Retirement Tax Planning
Alternative investments are making their way into 401(k) plans, raising questions about their benefits and risks for everyday investors. The discussion highlights concerns about transparency and high costs associated with these options. As retirement approaches, the tax burden shifts, creating unique planning opportunities. Strategies like Roth conversion and tax-efficient charitable giving are explored. Additionally, emerging trends in AI and the stabilization of tariffs are shaping market dynamics and investment strategies.
Aug 1, 2025 • 40min
Redefining Retirement: When Traditional Portfolio Advice Falls Short
Discover how retirement has evolved from ancient Rome to modern-day, potentially lasting longer than your working years. Delve into the psychology behind transitioning from earning to spending, and why traditional withdrawal strategies may fall short. Learn about the sequence of return risk and the innovative bucketing approach to manage volatility effectively. Explore various phases of retirement spending, along with tips on incorporating alternative investments to boost portfolio stability in challenging markets.
Jul 22, 2025 • 46min
Permission to Spend: Die with Zero, Dollar Cost Averaging, and 529 vs. UTMA Planning
Dive into the intriguing dance between spending and saving as hosts dissect financial advice that often clashes. They explore the 'Die with Zero' philosophy, urging listeners to invest in memorable experiences rather than hoarding wealth. A fascinating discussion unfolds on the psychology of investing at market highs and the benefits of dollar cost averaging for anxious investors. The episode wraps up by comparing education funding strategies, weighing the pros and cons of UTMA accounts versus 529 plans, all while encouraging proactive financial planning.
Jul 18, 2025 • 43min
Tax Law Changes, Dividend Income & When Should You Retire?
The hosts dive into the latest tax legislation, breaking down crucial changes that investors must understand. They unveil the truth about dividend income and its pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of total return over mere payouts. A real-life example illustrates the potential downsides of chasing dividends. They also tackle the complexity of retirement readiness, introducing a three-question framework to help listeners determine if they're truly prepared to retire. This discussion focuses on flexibility and personalized strategies for navigating retirement income.
Jul 11, 2025 • 29min
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What High Net Worth Families Need to Know | Ep 4
A massive new tax law, longer than War and Peace, shakes up financial planning for high net worth families. Key topics include the permanent extension of 2017 tax cuts, increased SALT deduction limits, and new rules for charitable giving. Taxpayers over 65 can benefit from an additional $6,000 deduction, while estate and gift tax exemptions have also risen. The discussion emphasizes the growing importance of annual tax planning to navigate these extensive changes.
Jul 3, 2025 • 37min
Tax Bills, Market Breadth & When to Actually Worry About Your Portfolio | Ep 3
Discover the intriguing ins and outs of the latest tax bill and its potential impacts on estate tax exemptions. Dive into the perplexing world of government debt and how geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, influence market behaviors. Learn about the crucial concept of market breadth and why it matters in your investment strategy. Plus, uncover how stress can impair decision-making and when you should realistically adjust your portfolio risk. It's a captivating mix of finance and psychology!
Jun 27, 2025 • 30min
Making Sense of Market Headlines: Geopolitics, Tariffs, and Long-Term Investing | Ep 2
Explore how to navigate the noise of market headlines and geopolitical events. Discover why historical data shows that markets often remain resilient despite turmoil. Learn the psychology behind investing and how pessimism can sometimes sound more rational, but optimism leads to better outcomes. Understand the significance of tariff impacts, how corrections are more common than you think, and why timing the market is nearly impossible. Get practical insights that will help you think clearly about long-term investing.
Jun 27, 2025 • 24min
From Beta Firm to Nearly $3 Billion: 40 Years of Investment Wisdom with Lowell Pratt | Ep 1
Join Lowell Pratt, President of Burney Company and investment industry veteran, as he shares his incredible 40-year journey from IT support to leadership. Discover how Burney became a beta firm for Advent Software and the military culture that shaped its values. Lowell talks about the importance of performance, lessons learned from mentors Jack Burney and Ted Rosenberg, and the evolving role of AI in advisory firms. He emphasizes that client peace of mind remains the top priority amidst the industry's rapid changes.
