The W.I.P.

The 2026 Social Security Trustees Report was released. What action is needed to keep benefits from being cut? Many Americans are unprepared for retirement. How do you buck that trend? Finally, Kevin Warsh's Fed had their first meeting this week. Why will his post meeting comments make for murky markets?

Warren Buffett's favorite stock market indicator is at an all time high. What does this mean for the market? SpaceX is going public today. Who is buying big time? Finally, May's CPI report showed an uptick in inflation. How high is inflation right now?

The two companies with the world's most used AI models are going public. Why is now the time for them to raise money? The May Jobs report has been released. What trend was established? Finally, we are halfway through a volatile year. How will the second half of 2026 look for financial markets?

The Fed's preferred gauge showed inflation was higher last month. Why is refocus toward inflation complicated? The heads of America's biggest banks see a remarkably strong US economy and consumer. Where do they see risks? Finally, Trusts are a great way to accomplish estate planning goals. What are some basics worth knowing?

Kevin Warsh is now the new chairman of the Federal Reserve. Why is the new chair in a tough spot? Crypto got a bump this week. What digital assets are back in the news? Finally, April's jobs report was better than expected. Where are the economic green shoots?

This week we drop another Q&A episode with my colleague, Mario Bernardi. In our conversation, Mario and I answer questions regarding What to Buy Right Now, The SpaceX IPO, and Managing Awards & Options.

The biggest companies in AI are increasing their investment. How did investors react? Economic growth picked up last quarter. Why is the devil in the details? Finally, The Fed's favorite inflation gauge ticked higher last month. What impact is inflation having on The Fed?

Apple announced a change in leadership. Who is taking over as CEO? Software and Chipmaker stocks are back in the news. What driving the volatility? Finally, the race to replace Jerome Powell as Fed Chair is ON. Why is the confirmation process far from certain?

The US stock market's return to record-breaking territory has some investors scratching their heads. How does this recovery compare to past rallies? Meme stocks are back in the news. Where is the craze happening now? Finally, first quarter earnings are being released. Why are banks the big winners so far?

The ups and downs in financial markets continued this week. How focused are investors on geopolitical headlines? Rotation is happening in the stock market. Why is another reversal on the cards? Finally, at long last the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge was released. Where were prices headed prior to the war in Iran?

Historically, springtime is the prime-time for the housing market. Where is the early trend for selling season pointing to? March's jobs report is set to be released. How will the war in Iran impact the labor market? Finally, recent volatility for stocks highlights the impact of market risk in retirement. What can investors do to protect themselves?

This week, The W.I.P drops a quarterly market outlook with our guest Mike Ochoa. In our conversation, Mike and I discuss the implications of higher oil prices, the psychology of money, and what investors can control themselves to better manage their outcomes amid the uncertainty.

Historically, certain investments have proved good hedges against rising oil prices. What will determine their effectiveness? The federal agency currently overseeing prediction markets is looking for guidance on the industry. Who is being asked to comment? Finally, International markets have continued 2026 where they left off last year. What could derail the outperformance of international vs. domestic stocks?

In the aftermath of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, oil futures have surged. What does this mean for your money? China announced flexible economic targets for the future. Why is the world's second biggest economy giving itself wiggle room? Finally, Paramount and Warner Bros. reportedly signed a merger agreement. What are the implications for the deal?

Mortgage rates dipped below 6% for the first time in three years. How important is this for the housing market? Oil prices have been volatile. What will determine where prices are headed next? Finally, AI bellwether Nvidia announced earnings. How did investors react to the news?

Trade deficits are back in the headlines. How have tariffs changed the way America consumes? Berkshire Hathaway reported its most recent investment moves. What dead industry did the company just invest in? Finally, Federal Reserve policymakers were in near-unanimous agreement to hold rates at their last meeting. Why were their meeting minutes more meaningful?

The dollar continues to lose value. What does this mean for your money? The Kraft-Heinz corporate split is on hold. Why is the food giant sticking together? Finally, the latest US jobs report was released this week. Why are the latest numbers high on hope?

Big Tech hit a blip this week. What has investors souring on technology stocks? Public and Private data shed light on the employment situation. How healthy is the Labor market? Finally, Kevin Warsh will likely become the next Fed Chair. What does this mean for your money?

Big tech earnings so far this week have sent a clear warning to companies. What has grabbed investor attention? Tesla appears to shifting its focus. Where is the EV giant pivoting to? Finally, ESG investing is at a critical moment. Why are socially responsible investments worth revisiting?

This week we drop another Q&A episode with my colleague, Mario Bernardi. In this episode, Mario and I discuss high yield savings, big purchase investing, and Roth vs. Pre-Tax 401(k).

The Justice Department has launched an investigation against the Federal Reserve and its chairman, Jerome Powell. Why is this bad for the economy now and in future? America's biggest banks released earnings this week. Who is leading amongst lenders? Finally, financial markets have had a muted response to recent geopolitical events. Why are stocks not concerned by the current headlines?

Heightened geopolitical tensions have increased investor expectations for a larger military budget. How much more spending is to be expected? A ban on institutional investors from buying single-family homes was proposed. Why might you be surprised the ban's impact? Finally, December's employment numbers are in. Where did the job market finish up last year?

A short message from Walter to say happy New Year and to preview some of the exciting content on The W.I.P. in 2026.

This week we drop a quarterly market outlook where I discuss Q4 talking points such as a possible AI bubble, Delayed Government Data, and the outlook for 2026.

A bidding war is taking place in Hollywood. Why is Warner Bros Discovery in demand? Major changes are coming in how the government approaches financial regulation and stability. How will these changes impact our financial system? Finally, the Fed had its final meeting of the year. What insight did they give on interest rate policy for 2026?

Amazon is considering ending its contract with the United States Postal Service and building out its own competing nationwide delivery network. How big a player is Amazon in parcel deliveries? Meta just poached an executive from another Mega Caps tech company. Why is this hire a big deal in big tech? Finally, the year end stock market phenomenon known as the Santa Claus rally is being closely watched. What could impact the market the markets year end performance?

The holiday week ended with a trading outage. Why do these stoppages happen? Prediction markets are becoming popular in American. What are prediction markets? Finally, Black Friday is here. How is the US consumer feeling going into the year's biggest shopping season?

Some relief could be coming to your grocery budget. Where could you see prices move lower? Jobs data withheld due to the government shutdown is slowly rolling in. Why is that information making it harder for the Fed to make a decision on rates? Finally, Nvidia released earnings this week. What message did their report send about AI investment?

New retirement plan limits for next year have been revealed. How much can you save in 2026? Stock market volatility returned this week. Why are investors seeing more movement in stocks? Finally, this week's questions asks about older investors and increased risk.

Tesla awarded Elon Musk with new pay package. Why are the details worth noting? Private companies supplied employment data for October. What did the numbers say about the health of the labor market? Finally, the current government shutdown is delaying the release of crucial economic data. How does the Fed make decisions in a data vacuum?

Hershey Company announced earnings. Why could their results spook investors? Investors had a range of reactions to Big Techs quarterly results. Who offered more tricks than treats? Finally, the Fed met this week and discussed a potentially worrying sign for the economy. What is the Fed watching out for?

A war of words regarding trade between the US and China is escalating. Why is the conversation heating up? Investors bought stocks amid recent trade related volatility. What caused investors to buy the dip? Finally, Q3 earnings rolled in a big way this week. Who reported and why should you take note?

The back and forth about who should own the world's favorite short-video app is nearly over. What are TikTok's new investors actually buying? It is almost time for Corporate America to get its quarterly report card. Which results are worth paying attention to? Finally, the government shutdown is into week number two. How much does a shutdown actually impact the economy?

This week, we drop our third quarter market outlook with our guest, Jeff Wierenga. In our conversation, we discuss stocks and gold hitting new highs, the Fed's policy decisions, as well as what you need to know regarding the one big beautiful bill.

Are 529 Plans the best choice to save for a child's education? We discuss the options. What to do with extra cash, pay down debt or invest? We give you what to consider. 401(k) catch up contributions are different this year. How so, and what changes are coming soon?

A "third mandate" for The Federal Reserve is being discussed. What does this mean for investors? Kids are back in school and expenses are higher than last year. How are savvy parents preparing? Finally, the Fed cuts rates this week. Why are the Fed's projections more important than their rate cut?

Inflation accelerated again last month. Where are consumers getting hit the hardest? Certain investors have concerns about crypto sneaking into their portfolio. Why should you be less worried? Finally, this week's question asks if the 60/40 portfolio is dead. Is it?

Google's antitrust ruling arrived this week. Who was the big winner? Changes are coming soon to Social Security. How is the retirement benefit changing? Finally, August's jobs report was released today. What is the trend for the labor market?

The federal government is considering taking stakes in defense contractors. Why should investor be wary? Tariffs on India took effect this week. What goods will and won't be impacted? Finally, Nvidia reported earnings this week. How is the AI bellwether performing?

Some very big retailers reported earnings this week. What did their quarterly updates say about the US consumer? Intel is luring new investors. Why is the chipmaker in the news? Finally, the Fed Chair gave his last keynote address at the Jackson Hole Symposium. How did markets react?

The cost of doing business is going up. Why should investors pay attention? Artificial Intelligence is moving at an accelerated rate. Where is AI headed? Finally, privatizing Fannie and Freddie is gaining steam. What does this mean for the housing market?

The Labor market is starting to show weakness. Why are Jobs causing Jitters? Tariffs on dozens of counties took effect this week. What comes next for ever shifting trade policy? Finally, this month's question is about alternative assets in 401(k) Plans. Should alternatives be a part of your retirement?

Expectations for interest rate changed this week. Why do investors think decreases are less likely? Retirees should expect sticker shock on healthcare costs in retirement. How can you prepare for the looming expense? Finally, big tech is blowing away earnings expectations. Who is having a breakout quarter?

This week was dubbed “Crypto Week” in Washington. Who are the winners from the week's legislation? June's inflation data showed that prices increased by more than expected. After months of decreases, what is pushing prices higher? Finally, companies have started to report their second quarter earnings. Why might you be surprised by the results?

The deadline for tariffs has been pushed back again. Who are the winners and losers from the extension? WK Kellogg is being bought. Why is the cereal maker being acquired? Finally, financial planning is growing in demand. When should you start a financial plan?

Municipal Bonds are boldly going where they haven't gone before. What is new with Munis? June's jobs report put an end to a rate cut this month. Why is the Fed backing off cutting rates? Finally, the first six months of 2025 were volatile. How should investors view the market's half-time performance?

This week we drop a quarterly market outlook. Our guest, Mario Bernardi, is currently an investment advisor who works with individuals, institutions, businesses, and not for profits. We discuss Q2 talking points such as volatility, the 10 Year Treasury, and domestic vs. international investing. Later on, we talk through how portfolio construction can mitigate risk.

Oil prices are on the rise. How high will they go? The Fed released its summary of economic projections. Why is everyone trying to connect the dots? Finally, corporate executives are selling shares in the companies they work for. What does this tell us about the market right now?

May's inflation report was positive and changed expectations on interest rates. How will the Fed react? Many American adults are financially illiterate. Why is this a growing concern? Finally, this month's question debates stocks vs. bonds right now. Which is better?

A tariff on steel and aluminum went into effect this week. How will consumers be impacted? Trade talks between the US and China are in danger of stalling. What can help break the impasse? Finally, May's jobs report was surprising. Why is last month's labor market making headlines?

America's credit rating has been downgraded. How does this downgrade effect your money? Bond vigilantes around the world are hard at work. Why do these market participants play a crucial role in global finance? Finally, this month's question is about investing for children. What is the best option for kids?