On this episode of Simply Money presented by Allworth Financial, Bob and Brian break down the latest inflation data as CPI comes in hotter than expected at 3.8% year-over-year—driven largely by rising energy prices tied to global conflict—and what that likely means for interest rates, the Fed’s next moves, and your portfolio strategy. They also dive into the surge in annuity sales and why “guarantees” often come with trade-offs investors don’t fully understand. Plus, a deeper conversation on what your portfolio is actually supposed to do—and why focusing only on returns can lead you astray. The show also highlights how two families with identical wealth can end up with dramatically different outcomes depending on planning decisions around RMDs, taxes, concentrated stock, and estate strategies. Finally, listener questions cover navigating retirement’s impact on marriage, whether Roth conversions still make sense if tax rates rise, and how to know when it’s time to move on from a long-time advisor.