The Get Ready For The Future Show

"I plan to retire at 65 but may still work part-time. How do I plan income and taxes if I'm only partially retired?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! ✅ We just retired last year and are spending more than we expected. How do we rein in our budget before it becomes a problem? ✅ My wife doesn't work, but I do. Can I contribute to a Roth IRA on her behalf? ✅ We're 60 and still have 10 years left on our mortgage. Should we pay it off early, or just keep making the payments into retirement? All this straight talk and more LIVE, Wednesday at 11:30!

"We recently moved from Texas to Arkansas. Do we need to update our will or estate plan to match Arkansas laws?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! • I've always managed our finances, but now my health is declining. How do I make sure my spouse is prepared to take over? • I'm 52 and my company matches 6% in my 401(k). I'm contributing 10%, but should I be doing more — or putting extra into a Roth IRA instead? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 2/11/2026

Your tax refund in 2026 could be bigger than you think — and most people have no idea why. In this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down 5 major tax law changes from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that could increase your refund or lower what you owe this year. According to the Tax Foundation, the average refund could be up to $1,000 higher. But here's the real question: If you do get a bigger refund… what will you do with it?

"My 401(k) has grown a lot over the years. Should I consider rebalancing it now that I'm 60?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! • At 57 years old, what 401(k) percentage should I be contributing if I would like to retire at 60? • We're nearing retirement and not sure how much we should keep in cash vs. investments. What's the right balance? • My brother wants to borrow money from us to start a business. We're in our mid-50s. Is this ever a good idea? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 2/4/2026

Software stocks have officially entered bear market territory — and artificial intelligence is at the center of the fear. In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, we break down why software stocks are down nearly 30%, what sparked the sudden sell-off, and how AI developments from companies like Anthropic are reshaping investor sentiment. As fears grow that AI could replace traditional software, money has rushed out of software stocks and into semiconductors — creating a sharp market divergence. But is this panic justified?

Artificial Intelligence has driven market optimism for years—but the real opportunity may just be getting started. In this episode of Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the shift from AI buildout to AI adoption and why that transition could be a major driver of economic growth, productivity, and stock market performance in 2026.

"I'm 39 with $400,000 saved for retirement. I have a savings rate of 30%, and I have no debt. Based on my current savings rate and lifestyle, what's a realistic early retirement age for me?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! • If I don't need my RMDs for living expenses, what strategies can I use to minimize taxes? • I'm getting nervous about the market. Should I be increasing my cash position, and if so, what's the right percentage? • I work a normal 9-5 but I also have a couple of side gigs that produce a decent amount of money. What's the best way to reinvest my side income - back into the business or into my retirement accounts? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 1/21/2026

What is the bond market telling us about the health of the U.S. economy right now? In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down how recent geopolitical tension involving Donald Trump, proposed tariffs, and renewed trade-war fears rattled markets—and why bond market signals may matter more than stock market headlines.

"We're both in our early 60s and thinking of retiring abroad. What financial considerations should we keep in mind before making the move?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! • We're retiring soon and still have old 401(k)s at multiple companies. Should we consolidate them into one IRA or leave them where they are • I'm 56 and care for my elderly mother. Can I get any tax breaks or financial help for caregiving? • We're 65 and still paying premiums on a whole life policy we bought 30 years ago. Should we keep it, cash it in, or convert it? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 1/14/2026

Just because a bull market is aging doesn't mean it's about to end. In this episode of Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down what history tells us about the fourth year of a bull market, using data going back to 1949. With the S&P 500 up roughly 80% since the bull market began in October 2022, many investors are asking whether the run is running out of steam—or if there's still fuel left in the tank.

"I'm 63 and recently remarried. How do we handle merging finances, especially with different account balances and risk tolerances?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! • My wife and I are in our late 50s. We want to travel more in retirement — but how do we build that into our plan without overspending? • We're 68 and never bought long-term care insurance. At this point, should we still consider it or just self-insure? • I'm 50 and earn too much for a Roth IRA. Is a backdoor Roth worth the hassle? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 1/7/2026

Looking to kick off 2026 with better financial habits? In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down 5 smart money moves backed by real data that can help you build momentum toward long-term financial independence. We cover practical steps you can take right now, including: - How to set realistic financial goals that stick - Ways to free up cash by negotiating monthly bills - When and how to increase your retirement contributions - Why revisiting your budget can make a bigger impact than you think - The importance of checking your credit for costly errors

"We're in our 50s and never really created a financial plan. We have some money in our 401(k)s, but we don't have a plan at all. Is it too late to start one now?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! • I'm 47 and just started my own business. What's the simplest way to start saving for retirement now? • We are 48 and 46 and just received a $100,000 inheritance. Should we use it to pay off debt, invest, or keep it in savings? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 12/31/2025

What is the Santa Claus rally, and does it really matter for investors heading into 2026? In this final Fastest Four Minutes in Finance of 2025, Scott Inman breaks down the history behind the Santa Claus rally — the stock market's tendency to rise during the final week of the year — and what it may signal for January and the year ahead. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the Santa Claus rally is and where it came from • How often the stock market rises in the final week of the year • What past Santa Claus rallies have meant for January and annual returns • Why investors shouldn't rely on seasonal trends alone • What really drives markets as we head into 2026 As always, this episode is about perspective, not prediction — and helping investors stay focused on long-term financial independence.

2025 was anything but predictable — and the markets proved it. In this episode of Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the biggest trends that shaped the markets in 2025 and what investors should take with them into 2026. You'll learn: - Why the S&P 500 posted a third straight year of double-digit gains — something that's only happened eight times in the past 100 years - How artificial intelligence optimism pushed mega-cap stocks higher - Why tariff fears briefly rattled markets after President Trump's April announcement - The surprising reason international stocks outperformed U.S. markets in 2025 - Why interest rates broke the script, even after multiple Fed rate cuts - A tale of two commodities — why gold and silver surged while oil fell sharply As we head into 2026, this recap highlights an important reminder: markets don't move in straight lines, leadership rotates, and discipline still beats prediction.

“I'm 61 and my husband is 65. We've saved about a million dollars, but we're worried about taxes eating into our retirement income. How do we make our money last and stay tax-smart?” We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! Can you really trust retirement calculators that project $2.5 to $3 million by age 65 — or are those numbers giving you a false sense of security? If you're offered a buyout at 58, should you take the lump sum or stay a few more years for the benefits? How much risk should you still be taking as you get closer to retirement, especially with market volatility and rising costs of living? And what planning mistakes can turn a strong retirement into a stressful one if the timing is wrong? If you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228 — or email show@getreadyforthefuture.com. Your question could be featured on a future episode! Originally Aired : 2025.12.17

In this episode of Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down LPL Research's 2026 Market Outlook, which pushes back against recession fears while acknowledging a slower pace of growth ahead. According to LPL, the U.S. economy may cool early in 2026, but resilience from AI-driven investment, fiscal spending, and easing monetary policy could fuel a rebound later in the year.

"I'm 66 and still mostly invested in stocks. Should I start shifting into bonds now that I'm retired, or is that old-school thinking?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! We don't have kids and want to leave part of our estate to our church and a few nonprofits. What's the best way to do that while minimizing taxes? We're 64 and considering selling our home and moving into a smaller condo. How do we know if it will actually save us money in retirement? We're both retired and have some investment income. Are there situations where it makes sense to file taxes separately instead of jointly? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 12/10/2025

A new report just revealed something surprising about retirement: claiming Social Security doesn't actually mean people stop working. In fact, 40% of Americans work after they claim benefits, and many continue for years. So what does that mean for your retirement strategy — and your long-term financial independence?

Worried about a possible AI bubble? You're not alone — but the headlines may be missing the bigger picture. In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down why big market gains and big market pullbacks often go hand-in-hand, and why a correction doesn't automatically mean a bubble is about to burst.

"Every time I hear bad financial news, I panic and want to change my portfolio. How do I stop reacting emotionally to the news cycle?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! We have a paid-off home and decent savings. Our friends mentioned getting an umbrella policy, but we don't fully understand what it covers or if we need it? We're in our 60s and redoing our wills. How do we choose the right executor — and what should we consider if our kids live out of state? We've saved well and just entered retirement, but we've never tracked our spending closely. Do we really need a monthly budget now? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 11/26/2025

Is the housing market in a bubble that's about to burst? With home prices up 57% nationally since 2019 — and even higher in places like Knoxville (86%) and Northwest Arkansas (84.5%) — it's easy to wonder whether a crash is coming. In this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the numbers and explains why economist Brian Wesbury says a housing collapse is highly unlikely. We look at what's actually driving today's prices, including: Under-building vs. over-building — why today's inventory isn't anything like the 2008 bubble Government zoning and environmental restrictions tightening supply Economic slowdowns and recession concerns — and what they really mean for homeowners and investors The small 0.7% price dip this year — and why that's a ripple, not a crash If you're worried about home values, retirement planning, or your investment strategy, this episode gives you the context—not the headlines.

"I turn 73 next year and will have to start RMDs. Is there any way to reduce the tax impact if I don't need the money?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! Our youngest just started college, and we're 56 and 58. We want to help with tuition but still plan to retire at 65. How do we prioritize? We inherited a lake house from my parents, but we don't use it often and the upkeep is getting expensive. Should we keep it for the next generation or sell it now? I'm 67, retired, and my term life policy is expiring soon. Our house is paid off, and the kids are grown. Do we still need life insurance? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 11/12/2025

Worried about a potential downturn? You're not alone — and the latest data from major fund managers, market movements, and big-name investors shows 4 major yellow flags that every retirement investor should be watching. In this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, we break down what's really happening beneath the market's surface and why now is the time to reassess your risk.  Here's what we cover: Surreal complacency on Wall Street — Fund managers running nearly $500 billion are bullish, even while admitting stocks are overvalued and AI may be in a bubble. Conflicting signals on interest rates and tariffs — emotional investing may be taking the wheel. Big-name caution — Gundlach urges moving 20% to cash/T-Bills, and Burry quietly hedges against AI high-flyers. Early signs of market momentum breaking — S&P dips below its 50-day moving average, and the Nasdaq slides over 5% in days. These yellow flags don't guarantee a crash — but they DO mean it's time to ask the real question: Is your retirement plan built to withstand a 20%, 30%, or even 50% decline?

"I'm 58 and about 40% of my portfolio is in company stock from where I've worked for 25 years. Should I diversify even if it's been performing well?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I'm 66 and recently realized my IRA still lists my ex-spouse as the beneficiary. If I update it now, does that override my will — or do I need to change both? We're 60 and planning to move to another state after retirement. How do we compare the tax implications of different states before we move? We're both 65 and in good health, but we didn't buy long-term care insurance. Can we self-fund care if needed, and how much should we set aside? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 11/12/2025

Would you pay for your house for 50 years? The Trump administration is floating a plan to allow banks to offer 50-year mortgages—and while the headline sounds like “affordable homeownership,” the math tells a very different story. In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down what a 50-year mortgage really means for buyers, including: How much you actually save per month compared to a 30-year mortgage The massive spike in total interest you'd pay over the life of the loan Why it would take 30 years to build $100,000 of equity How today's affordability challenges compare across generations Why stretching debt longer isn't the solution—and what is If you're trying to make smart decisions about homeownership, rising costs, or long-term financial planning, this episode gives you the clear, level-headed breakdown the headlines aren't showing you.

"I'm 60 and feel paralyzed every time the market drops. I've missed several rebounds because I waited too long. How do I stop letting fear run my portfolio?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I'm 64 and financially ready to retire, but I just can't bring myself to stop working. How do you know when it's really time to step away? I'm 63 and just retired. I'm holding off on Social Security until 67. What's the best way to generate income in those four years without draining my retirement accounts too fast? Our daughter is 28 and still needs help with rent occasionally. We're both 60 and trying to stay on track for retirement. How do we know when to say no? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 11/5/2025

The S&P 500 has hit two all-time highs in the past two months — and it's surged 85% since October 2022. That kind of run has many investors wondering: Is a pullback coming soon? In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down key historical data showing why a year-end rally is actually the most likely outcome — not a crash. Since 1950, when the S&P 500 was up more than 10% through October, it kept rising in 30 out of 33 years, averaging another 4.8% gain before December closed. Even more striking — when it was up over 16% by the end of October, it finished higher 19 out of 19 times. That means if the market doesn't rise from here, it would be unprecedented in history.

"My spouse and I disagree on how much we need to retire. I think we're fine with $1 million, she's convinced we need $2 million. Who's right — and how do we find out?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I'm 66 and planning to downsize next year. We'll have about $200,000 left over after the move. Should we invest it or use it to generate income? I'm 61 and recently inherited an IRA from my brother. I've heard the rules are different for inherited IRAs now — what do I need to know? We're both 56 and still carrying a small mortgage and two car payments. Should we prioritize paying those off before retirement, or just keep the payments and keep investing? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired10/29/2025

Social Security checks are getting a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment in 2026 — but don't get too excited. That's only about $56 more per month for the average retiree. The problem? Healthcare costs are climbing faster than inflation, and Medicare premiums are expected to jump 11.6%, eating away nearly half of that “raise.” In this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman explains why your Social Security increase won't go as far as you think — and what you can do to keep your retirement income ahead of rising costs. Why COLA increases aren't keeping up with real expenses How Medicare and inflation erode your buying power Smart strategies to protect and grow your income in retirement

"I'm 64 and retiring soon. I have the option to take a lump sum from my pension or monthly payments for life. How do I evaluate which one is better for us?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! We're 67 and 65 and just paid off our house. We've heard that having a trust avoids probate, but our estate isn't that complicated. How do we know if a trust is worth the cost? We're in our early 60s and plan to sell a rental property in a few years. Should we be thinking about capital gains tax planning now, or wait until we're ready to sell? I'm 61 and recently divorced. I'm keeping the house, but it's still got a mortgage, and I have about $500,000 in retirement accounts. How do I rebuild my plan now that I'm on my own? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired10/22/2025

The U.S. national debt just crossed $38 trillion — up $3 trillion in only 12 months. What does that mean for interest rates, inflation, and your retirement savings? In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the real impact of America's exploding debt and why it's more than just a Washington headline. You'll learn: Why economists say the debt-to-GDP ratio matters more than the total number How rising interest costs threaten programs like Social Security Why an unchecked debt could weaken the U.S. dollar and your long-term wealth Don't miss this quick breakdown of one of the biggest financial threats facing America's future — and what it could mean for yours.

"I'm 65 and plan to work a few more years. I've got a good amount saved, but I've never actually thought through how I'll turn that into income. Where do I even start?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I've always contributed to a traditional 401(k), but my employer just added a Roth option. Should I switch, and if so, how much? We're in our 50s and want to help our grandchild with college in the future. What's the best way to do that without messing up our own retirement? We created a will when our kids were little, but now they're in their 30s and we haven't updated anything. We're both in our mid-60s. How often should estate plans be reviewed, and what needs to change now? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired10/15/2025

A new IMF report says President Trump's tariffs haven't hit the U.S. economy as hard as expected — and growth might even be stronger than feared. In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the numbers: GDP growth projections: 2% in 2025 and 2.1% in 2026 Inflation is cooling faster than expected New trade deals may be offsetting tariff pressure But the risk isn't gone — if companies start passing more costs to consumers, that could change fast. Scott explains what this means for investors, why market volatility will likely continue, and why staying invested for the long-term is still the smartest move.

"I'm 62, just retired, and don't plan to take Social Security until 67. Should I be converting some of my IRA to a Roth during these lower-income years?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! We're 70 and have three adult children. One is financially responsible, the other two—not so much. Can we structure our estate so that they're not getting a lump sum all at once? We're 68 and recently retired. With all the market ups and downs lately, we're nervous. Should we move more into cash, or is that just reacting emotionally? I'm 60 and managing most of our finances online — banking, investments, even our family photos. Should digital assets be part of our estate plan, and if so, how do we do it? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 10/8/2025

Are we living through another stock market bubble? With headlines warning of “frothy markets” and “sky-high valuations,” it's easy to feel like we've seen this movie before. But according to LPL Research, today's AI-driven rally looks very different from the dot-com boom of the 1990s. In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down: How the AI revolution compares to the internet craze of the 90s Why today's valuations, while high, are supported by stronger profits and real cash flow What history teaches us about staying disciplined through market highs The bottom line? Fear should never drive your investment decisions. A diversified portfolio and a written financial plan are your best defenses against market noise.

"I'm 54 and getting serious about retirement planning. We've got about $500,000 saved, but no clear budget for what retirement will actually cost us. How do we figure that out?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I keep hearing about rebalancing your portfolio, but I don't really understand what that means or when I'm supposed to do it. Can you explain? I'm 47 and just changed jobs. I rolled over my 401(k), but my new employer doesn't offer a match. Should I still use their plan or just go all-in on a Roth IRA? We're in our early 60s and thinking about retiring next year, but we've never worked with a financial advisor. What should we be looking for, and how do we know who's actually qualified? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 10/1/2025

A government shutdown began on October 1st, and while markets are still sitting at all-time highs, the impact could grow the longer it drags on. In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down: Why Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits keep flowing (but with possible delays) How a prolonged shutdown could trigger market volatility and impact Federal Reserve decisions The real economic cost — from furloughed workers missing paychecks to GDP shrinking Bottom line: short-term uncertainty can rattle investors, but sticking to your financial independence plan is key.

"My wife wants to retire next year at 62, but I'd like to keep working until 68. What's the best way to plan income and investments with two different timelines?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I'm 60 and have both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. When the time comes, how do I know which one to withdraw from first? I'm 66 and thinking about gifting money to our adult kids now, instead of leaving it to them later. Are there smart ways to do this without triggering taxes or regrets? We're both 55 and feel like we've done a decent job saving — about $600,000 so far. But we've never had an actual plan. How do we know if we're even on track? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 9/24/2025

Gold is having its “precious” moment, soaring more than 40% this year — its best run since 1979. But is it really the safe-haven hedge investors think it is? In this episode of The Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down: Why gold prices are skyrocketing (weaker dollar, Fed rate cut expectations, central bank demand) The risks of treating gold as a hedge or “can't lose” investment How gold compares to long-term stock market returns Before you rush to buy, remember: gold is speculative, volatile, and doesn't produce earnings or dividends. The bottom line? It may play a role in your portfolio, but it should never be driven by fear.

"I've got about $400,000 in an old 401(k) from a job I left years ago. Should I leave it where it is or roll it into something else now that I'm 55?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I'm 61 and worried about inflation eating into our savings. We've got about $850,000 saved, but how do we protect our purchasing power without taking on too much risk? We're 57 and got spooked by the market last year. We moved a big chunk of money into cash. Now we're not sure when—or if—we should get back in. Did we mess up? We're 63 and have some cash in the bank that we don't need right away. Is it better to park it in a high-yield savings account or invest it for growth? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 9/17/2025

The Fed has entered the second year of its rate-cutting cycle—so what does history tell us about stock market performance from here? In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down: How the S&P 500 has historically performed in year two of rate-cutting cycles. Why the outlook for 2026 depends heavily on avoiding a recession. The mix of tailwinds (AI, productivity, fiscal stimulus) and headwinds (deficit spending, job market risks, tariff challenges) shaping the road ahead. LPL Research suggests growth could continue, but uncertainty always remains. The key? Control what you can control—stay diversified and stick to your plan for true financial independence.

"How do you handle long term care if you don't qualify for long term care? What if I'm too old? What if I have health issues to preempt me from qualifying?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I'm 59 and recently remarried. We both have adult kids and separate finances. How do we make sure our assets are protected but still plan together for retirement? With so much of my financial life online now, how do I know if I'm really protected? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 9/10/2025

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates next week—possibly the first of several moves before Jerome Powell's term ends. But what does that mean for unemployment, inflation, and the stock market? In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down: Why unemployment and inflation data are pushing the Fed toward cuts How rate cuts could impact businesses, consumers, and recession risk The massive amount of cash sitting in money market funds—and what happens if it flows back into stocks Bottom line: while the Fed may be data driven, your portfolio should be plan driven. Staying invested through volatility is still the best path toward your long-term goals.* *All investing involves risk and no strategy assures success.

"I'm 58, own a small service company, and would like to retire around 65. I don't have a formal succession plan or buyer lined up. What steps should I take now to transition out without leaving value on the table?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! And we're joined by special guest Kaleigh Marsh, Employee Benefits Consultant with Gallagher, for help answering your benefits questions! I'm 51 and run a consulting business with just me and one part-time assistant. I already max out my Roth IRA, and my SEP IRA contributions vary based on income. I'd like to save more consistently—should I switch to a Solo 401(k), or consider taxable investments for more flexibility? I'm 47 and recently converted my business from sole proprietorship to an S-Corp. I'm taking a salary plus distributions, but I'm not sure I'm using the best tax strategy. What should I be thinking about from a financial planning standpoint? My wife and I are both 55 and run a family business together. Most of our net worth is tied up in the business, and we've fallen behind on personal retirement savings. How do we balance reinvesting in the business with securing our own future? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 9/3/2025

Is today's stock market priced too high? Economist Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors, has been warning that the market is overvalued by roughly 40% based on his fair value model of the S&P 500. In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down Wesbury's analysis: Why rising Treasury yields could drag stock values lower Why First Trust has set a year-end S&P 500 target of 5,200 (a potential 19% drop) What AI, big tech, and other sectors may mean for long-term growth opportunities Bottom line: Expect volatility in the coming months, but remember—the key is to stay invested for long-term growth while working with a financial advisor to make smart adjustments along the way.

"We're 53 and thinking about buying a rental property for income in retirement. What should we watch out for before jumping in?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I'm 59 and not in great health. Should I take Social Security early just in case, or wait and hope for the best? My husband wants to keep working part-time after retirement, mostly for the health insurance. Is that really the best reason to keep working? We're 65 and have Medicare, but we're unsure whether to stick with Original Medicare or switch to Advantage. What are the real trade-offs? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 8/27/2025

Consumer confidence just slipped to 97.4, sparking concerns about the economy. But is it time to panic—or stay the course? In this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down: What the consumer confidence index really measures Why younger Americans are driving the decline How tariffs and inflation are weighing on outlooks What investors should (and shouldn't) do when headlines turn negative The bottom line: Don't let short-term fears derail your long-term strategy. A well-diversified plan is your best defense in any economy.

"We're 60 and worried we're too conservative with our investments. We've got $850,000 but very little in stocks. Is it too late to adjust our risk?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! I'm 62 and just started collecting Social Security, but I also inherited a small IRA from my sister. What are the tax implications of that inheritance? I'm 45, remarried, and have kids from a previous marriage. How do I structure my estate plan so everyone's protected fairly? We're both retiring in two years, and we're not sure whether to move our 401(k)s to IRAs or leave them where they are. What's the difference? And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com! Originally aired 8/20/2025

Generation X may be headed toward retirement unprepared. According to recent studies, Gen Xers have lower savings, higher debt, and less financial confidence than other generations. In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the numbers and shares 4 practical action steps every Gen Xer should take right now to avoid falling behind: Eliminate Debt – Why creating margin is the single biggest move you can make. Build a Real Emergency Fund – How much you actually need and why it matters. Don't Count on an Inheritance – The risks of relying on future wealth transfers. Make a Retirement Plan – How to project your savings into real income for the future. Retirement success doesn't happen by accident.

Retirement savings are front and center in Washington — and President Trump's latest 401(k) proposals could impact how you save, invest, and access your money. In this week's Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Alec Daril breaks down the three biggest potential changes: Bigger Catch-Up Contributions – Why those 50+ could save even more before retirement. Expanded Investment Choices – The opportunities and risks of a bigger 401(k) menu. Penalty-Free Withdrawals – When you might access funds early without a 10% penalty. These changes aren't law yet, but they could reshape retirement planning for millions of Americans. Learn what they mean for your strategy — and why the fundamentals of retirement success still come down to consistent saving, smart investing, and avoiding early withdrawals.