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There is over $33 trillion sitting in U.S. retirement accounts, yet millions of Americans leave their financial futures entirely in the hands of Wall Street. In this episode, Kris Krohn sits down with attorney and self-directed IRA expert Mat Sorensen to discuss how you can take total control of your retirement funds. Learn how to leverage self-directed IRAs and 401(k)s to build tax-free wealth through real estate and alternative investments, avoid costly legal mistakes, and stop settling for mediocre returns.
What does it really take to build a happy retirement? Join Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase on this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast as they blend retirement planning research with listener questions to explore the financial and lifestyle choices that may help shape life after work. • Learn how the five-step Retire Sooner Method brings together the financial and personal sides of retirement planning. • See how retirement "green zones" may help you think about savings, income, liquidity, and mortgage decisions. • Explore why core pursuits, strong friendships, and even better sleep have been linked to greater retirement satisfaction. • Hear practical conversations about written financial plans and other habits that may help reduce money-related stress. • Get answers to listener questions about AI financial tools, Roth conversions, bond funds versus money markets, spousal IRAs, retirement income, paying off a mortgage, reverse mortgages, and annuities. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast for more educational conversations about retirement planning, retirement investing, and personal finance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
P.M. Edition for July 22. WSJ special writer Theo Francis explains how startup founders, hedge-fund managers and Silicon Valley insiders are using IRAs to supercharge their wealth. Plus, trade uncertainty comes roaring back. WSJ trade and economic policy reporter Gavin Bade explains the Trump administration's new front on tariffs. And Journal reporter Sam Federman explains how the New York Mets turned baseball's highest payroll into its biggest waste of money. Danny Lewis hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
"Most of the money problems we talk about with Bitcoin — they're not money problems. They're time problems." Scott Dedels — founder of Block Rewards and author of The Age of Time — says the clock is a technology. It was invented about 600 years ago, and somewhere along the way we forgot it was ever invented at all. His claim: the problem of time is upstream of the problem of money. Fiat was downstream of a civilization that had already agreed to be ruled by a machine that only moves forward, in the direction of consumption. We went from asking what is time to only ever asking what time is it. We get into the Prague Orloj and the birth of mechanical time, the 1944 essay that turned time into a commodity, Saturn as civilization's invisible operating system, why we stopped building 300-year cathedrals, AI and the information hyperstream — and Bitcoin as a ten-minute heartbeat no one controls. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Could a tax surprise be waiting for you in retirement? On this episode from this past weekend’s radio show, Abe Abich explains why tax planning shouldn’t begin and end on April 15th. He discusses common reasons retirees may owe more in taxes than expected, including Social Security taxation, required minimum distributions, and inherited IRAs. Abe also explores buffered ETFs and structured notes, highlighting how some investors use these tools when seeking a balance between growth potential and risk management. Plus, hear real-world retirement planning examples and the importance of having a strategy that looks beyond tax filing season. Schedule your complimentary appointment today: TheRetirementKey.com Get a free copy of Abe’s book: The Retirement Mountain: The 7 Steps To A Long-Lasting Retirement Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Hidden Lightness with Jimmy Hinton – There are millions of real people wondering how they'll pay rent, afford groceries, purchase medication, or simply retire with dignity. President Trump recently signed an executive order establishing TrumpIRA.gov, a Treasury Department initiative designed to connect workers with high-quality, low-cost private-sector IRAs while expanding...
Can you really overhaul 50 years of money habits — and are the drivers paying the highest prices per gallon actually the ones hurting most from rising gas prices? Host Sean Pyles, CFP© and Elizabeth Ayoola are joined by senior news writer Anna Helhoski and joined by data studies Nerd, Kurt Woock, to unpack why the price on the sign at the gas station doesn't tell the whole story about how gas prices hit your budget. They break down why states like Wyoming, Oklahoma, Montana and Utah saw the biggest jumps in weekly gas spending this year — even though they don't have the highest prices at the pump — and why total spending, not the price per gallon, is what really matters when you're budgeting. Then, Sean and Elizabeth answer a question from a 50-year-old listener named David, who's trying to reset a lifetime of impulse spending and build a real retirement plan on a later timeline. They walk through catch-up contributions for IRAs, 401(k)s and HSAs, why automated savings buckets and an emergency fund matter more than ever at this stage, and how to think through the tradeoffs of claiming Social Security early versus waiting. Gas Costs (Not Just Pump Prices) Hit Some States Harder: https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/studies/2026-gas-prices-costs Catch-Up Contributions: How They Work and 2026 Limits: https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/learn/catch-up-contributions Average Retirement Savings by Age: https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/learn/the-average-retirement-savings-by-age-and-why-you-need-more Retirement Calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/investing/calculators/retirement-calculator How to Invest With Your HSA — And Why You Should: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/how-to-invest-hsa NerdWallet Wealth Partners, fee-only financial advisors: https://nerdwalletwealthpartners.com/smart Smart Money's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@nerdwalletsmartmoney Subscribe to our podcast's free email newsletter for bonus content and more from our hosts at https://smartmoney-nerdwallet.beehiiv.com/ Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. *The show notes were created with the assistance of AI. They have been reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Amos 3:3 asks, “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?” In context, the prophet is speaking of Israel's relationship with God. But the principle also reminds us of something important for marriage: a husband and wife cannot walk together well unless they are headed in the same direction. That is especially true when it comes to money. For many couples, finances become a source of tension, secrecy, resentment, or fear. But God designed marriage for unity. And when handled with wisdom, humility, and shared purpose, money can become one of the tools God uses to strengthen a couple's oneness rather than divide it. Matt Bell, Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing and author of Starting Strong: Discovering the Good That Money Can Do in Your Marriage, joined the show today to remind us that couples can begin to see money differently when they stop thinking in terms of “yours” and “mine” and begin embracing a unified “ours.” Why Money Can Divide a Marriage Couples do not enter marriage as blank slates. Each person brings a financial story with them. That story may include how their parents handled money, whether money felt scarce or secure growing up, how debt was viewed, what saving meant, and whether spending brought joy, stress, or conflict. One spouse may naturally lean toward saving, while the other is more comfortable spending. One may want to stretch for a larger home, while the other prefers a more conservative approach. Those differences do not have to become destructive. But they do need to be acknowledged. Money disagreements are often not just about numbers. They are about fears, hopes, expectations, habits, and deeply formed assumptions. That is why patience and honest conversation are so important. Unity does not usually happen by accident. It grows through prayer, listening, humility, and a shared commitment to honor God together. Start With a Shared Vision Before couples make decisions about accounts, budgets, debt, or spending, they need to begin with a bigger question: What are we trying to do with what God has entrusted to us? Matt encourages couples to start by casting a shared vision rooted in their faith. That means praying together and committing their financial lives to the Lord. It means agreeing that everything ultimately belongs to God and that they are stewards—not owners—of what He has provided. That foundation matters because financial unity is not merely about efficiency. It is about discipleship. A couple's financial decisions should reflect their shared desire to serve the Lord, follow His Word, care for one another, practice generosity, and walk together in faithfulness. When couples begin there, they are better prepared to work through practical questions because they have already agreed on the direction they want to go. Consider the Gift of Joint Accounts One practical question many couples face is whether to combine finances or keep accounts separate. While some accounts, such as IRAs, must remain individual, Matt strongly recommends joint checking and savings accounts wherever possible. Joint accounts can foster transparency, teamwork, and trust. They help prevent secrecy and reinforce the reality that husband and wife are approaching life together. Research from Indiana University found that couples who combined their finances experienced fewer financial fights and greater marital happiness. One surprising finding was that couples with combined finances were more likely to serve one another without expecting something in return. The researchers described this as a more “communal” relationship—one marked by responding to a spouse's needs simply because there is a need. That picture fits beautifully with a biblical vision of marriage. Combining finances is not merely an administrative choice. For many couples, it can be a tangible step toward oneness. Of course, if one spouse is hesitant, the answer is not pressure or blame. The better path is prayerful conversation. Couples can return to Scripture, talk honestly about fears, and ask what practices would best cultivate unity, trust, and transparency in their marriage. Hold Regular Money Meetings Unity also requires communication. A shared vision is important, but couples need regular rhythms to live it out. Matt recommends that couples take the time necessary to create a cash flow plan that reflects their commitments and goals. At first, that may require several conversations. Once the plan is in place, couples can schedule a monthly meeting—perhaps 60 minutes at the end of each month—to review how things went and what needs to change. Over time, those meetings may become shorter. But the goal is not simply to look backward and see what happened. The goal is to manage money intentionally throughout the month. That means checking the plan before spending. Before heading to the grocery store or buying clothes, couples can look at the relevant category and let that information guide their decisions. This kind of ongoing communication helps prevent surprises and keeps both spouses engaged. A cash flow plan should not feel like a punishment. It is not mainly about restriction. It is about direction. It gives couples more knowledge, more intentionality, and more freedom to use money for what matters most. Let Generosity Reorient Your Hearts Generosity is one of the most powerful ways couples can move from self-focus to God-focus. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Giving is not just a financial act; it is a spiritual one. It trains our hearts to remember that God is our provider, that everything belongs to Him, and that money is a tool for loving Him and serving others. For married couples, generosity can become a shared joy. When a couple gives together, they are reminded that their financial life is not merely about paying bills, reducing debt, or reaching personal goals. It is about participating in the work God is doing in the world. That does not mean couples should give out of guilt or ignore real financial responsibilities. But it does mean generosity should have a meaningful place in the conversation. Even in seasons of debt repayment or financial pressure, couples can prayerfully ask, “Lord, how would You have us live open-handedly with what You've entrusted to us?” The goal is not to win an argument. The goal is to walk together. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: How important is it to hold physical gold and silver for retirement? What percentage of a portfolio should be in precious metals, and is it better to invest in gold, silver, or both? My mom passed away, and my sister and I inherited her home, worth about $300,000 to $350,000. I'm currently living there, but I recently lost my job and likely wouldn't qualify for a loan to buy out my sister's share. I have unemployment income, a 401(k) I could roll into an IRA, and I plan to start Social Security early next year. Should I try to keep the house, or would it be wiser to sell it and downsize? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Sound Mind Investing Starting Strong: Discovering the Good That Money Can Do in Your Marriage by Matt Bell Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Welcome back to the Dollar Wise Podcast. In this episode, Andrew Barnhardt, CFP, and Brett Herron, CFP, take a deep dive into Roth conversions — what they are, why so many pre-retirees and retirees are asking about them, and when they do (and don't) make sense. Andrew and Brett walk through the core benefits of converting pre-tax retirement dollars to Roth, including lowering future required minimum distributions, creating a tax-free pot of money for large expenses, hedging against potential future tax increases, and leaving a tax-free inheritance to heirs. They also cover the practical side of paying the resulting tax bill, scenarios where converting may not be the right move — including charitable giving goals — and real examples of when conversions have paid off for clients. Throughout, they emphasize that Roth conversions are a personal, best-guess optimization strategy that should be made in coordination with a tax professional and financial advisor, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.Tune into this episode to also learn:● What a Roth conversion is and how it differs from a regular Roth contribution.● How Roth conversions can help reduce future required minimum distributions.● The most tax-efficient ways to pay for a Roth conversion when it comes due.● Why charitable giving goals can change whether a conversion makes sense.What we discussed● [00:00:31] Kicking off the episode: introducing today's topic, Roth conversions.● [00:00:50] What a Roth actually is — after-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free qualified withdrawals.● [00:03:27] What a Roth conversion is and how it differs from contributing directly to a Roth account.● [00:06:54] Advantage #1: how converting to Roth can lower future required minimum distributions (RMDs).● [00:09:13] Smoothing retirement income over time to avoid higher tax brackets and other income-based traps.● [00:09:54] Advantage #2: building a tax-free pot of money for large or unexpected expenses.● [00:11:46] Advantage #3: using conversions as a hedge against potential future tax rate increases.● [00:13:11] Advantage #4: tax-free inheritances and gifting Roth dollars to heirs.● [00:15:46] How to actually pay the tax bill on a conversion — cash, taxable accounts, and what to avoid.● [00:19:16] Three scenarios where a Roth conversion may not make sense.● [00:21:41] Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and leaving pre-tax IRAs to charity.● [00:23:36] A real client example: how consistent conversions during low-income years changed one business owner's retirement picture.● [00:24:13] Why peak earning years are usually the wrong time to convert.● [00:25:49] Closing thoughts: Roth conversions are a personal decision based on your own goals, not trends.3 Things To Remember1. Roth conversions are about optimization, not necessity — they're rarely what makes or breaks a retirement.2. Whether a conversion makes sense depends on your own tax bracket today versus your expected bracket later — not on trends or what your neighbor is doing.3. How you pay the tax on a conversion matters — paying from cash or a taxable account is generally more efficient than withholding from the conversion itself.Memorable moments:(00:06:54) "Roth conversions are a way of moving some of that income forward into your retirement to lower your RMDs, therefore lowering the tip that you give Uncle Sam."(00:11:46) "It's a hedge against future tax rate increases... if you convert money from pre-tax to Roth, you insulate yourself somewhat against some of those tax potentials in the future."(00:19:16) "If doing a Roth conversion is going to hurt you financially for your retirement, it would be more necessary to not do it."Useful LinksConnect with Brett Herron: bherron@hfmadvisors.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-herronConnect with Andrew Barnhardt: abarnhardt@hfmadvisors.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-barnhardt-cfpLike what you've heard...Learn more about HFM HERE: https://hfmadvisors.com/Schedule time to speak with us HERE: https://calendly.com/hfminquirycall/360102 WEST HIGH STREET, SUITE 200GLASSBORO, NJ 08028HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
Get 30 Days of Merlin free at MerlinCrypto.Com In this episode of the Age of Jeremy, I am diving into the hidden financial threats and mental roadblocks standing between you and your ultimate success!
In this episode of 'Retire with Style', Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau dive into tax planning strategies, focusing on Roth conversions, effective marginal tax rates, and withdrawal strategies for retirement. They discuss the implications of current tax rates, the importance of blending techniques in tax planning, and the necessity of tax diversification for a successful retirement. The conversation is driven by listener questions, providing practical insights for navigating complex tax scenarios in retirement. The conversation dives into various aspects of retirement planning, focusing on Roth IRAs, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and annuities. They discuss the rules surrounding Roth IRAs, particularly the five-year requirement for qualified distributions. The conversation shifts to HSAs, highlighting their tax benefits and strategies for spending versus saving. Finally, they explore the complexities of managing annuities in relation to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), emphasizing the importance of understanding contract values and the implications of delaying income streams from annuities. Listen to now to learn more! Takeaways Roth conversions can be beneficial for legacy planning. You need to work through the math of conversions. Tax rates are at a historical low right now. Blending techniques can optimize your tax strategy. You can't just solve it mathematically. It's complicated; we need better software. What's my tax rate today versus in the future? Forty percent might be reasonable for Roth conversions. You want to always be blending your distributions. Tax diversification is crucial for retirement planning. You need to have had a Roth IRA open for at least five years. Inheriting HSAs can lead to tax implications for beneficiaries. HSAs provide tax-free distributions for qualified medical expenses. It's important to keep receipts for HSA distributions. Using HSAs strategically can aid in tax planning during retirement. RMDs must be taken from both IRAs and annuities. Delaying income from annuities may not be the best strategy. Spending down annuity contract value can maximize benefits. Understanding contract value is crucial for annuity holders. RMDs from annuities can be complex and require careful planning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and World Cup Banter 01:49 Tax Planning Questions Begin 02:29 Roth Conversions and Tax Brackets 07:18 Analyzing Effective Marginal Tax Rates 11:23 Historical Tax Rates and Future Predictions 13:39 Withdrawal Strategies for Retirement 15:08 Blending Techniques in Tax Planning 21:08 The Importance of Tax Diversification 21:54 Understanding Roth IRA Rules 23:20 Navigating Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) 27:14 Tax Benefits of HSAs Explained 29:52 Strategies for Managing Annuities and RMDs Links
"21 million isn't a promise. It's a rule — and rules only hold if your node enforces them." Bitcoin Mechanic — of mining pool OCEAN — says Bitcoin is in a civil war, and most holders don't even know it's happening. The fight isn't over price. It's over who's actually in charge: Core or Knots, miners or developers — or the nodes that quietly outvote them all. We get into the Eye of Sauron turning toward Bitcoin, why 21 million is a rule and not a law of nature, what running Knots actually does, and the battle for the soul of Bitcoin. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
+ Reflexiones éticas en torno al aniversario del asesinato de Miguel Angel Blanco. Testimonio de la viuda de José Javier Múgica, asesinado en Leitza hace 25 años. + Una conferencia de Mons. Argüello sobre la crisis antropológica, presidente de la CEE desata las iras del Sr. Bolaños, vicepresidente del Gobierno de España. + Preguntas de los oyentes
In this episode of Money Matters, brought to you by Greenberg Financial Group, Dean phones in the monologue before Dave and Sebastian take the reins for a wide-ranging show. We open on the markets, where the rotation out of technology and into value has been the story of the summer, and where the chip stocks in particular have been testing everyone's patience with sharp swings in both directions. We talk through why that volatility comes with the territory in the AI space, how we think about it as long-term investors rather than getting shaken out of good companies, and why the earnings underneath all of it keep telling a story worth paying attention to. That leads into the bigger picture on the AI revolution, from the massive data center buildout that is really just getting started, to the eye-opening fact that a huge share of this quarter's earnings growth across the market is now tied to AI infrastructure. We get into the names in the middle of it all, the compute race playing out between the biggest companies, and why we still believe we are in the early innings of this cycle. The heart of this week is a conversation with our estate planning attorney we partner with, Jonathan Scibilia, and it is exactly the kind of thing that sets our one-stop-shop model apart. We dig into what happens when a minor is named as a beneficiary, why a conservatorship is a costly headache most families never see coming, and how the right trust structure can protect your heirs and keep more in the family. We also get into inherited IRAs and the ten-year rule, incentive trusts that reward the milestones you care about, and why getting this right up front saves so much down the road. We also cover the new Trump accounts now available for eligible kids, the ongoing situation with Iran and where oil goes from here, and a few individual stories moving stocks this week. And as always, we come back to the plan, because coordinating your investments, your taxes, and your estate under one roof is the whole point of what we do. If you have been thinking about taking us up on the free financial plan, this is exactly the kind of clarity it can bring. If you would like to contact us to learn more about our firm, our seminars, and our process - call us at 520.544.4909 or go to our website at www.Greenbergfinancial.com or email us at Contact@Greenbergfinancial.com Disclaimer: This show discusses different investment products and strategies. Every product and strategy has some type of inherent risk and we strongly encourage our listeners to properly understand these risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. The information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. The material covered on this program does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but is for general information purposes only. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. Greenberg Financial Group is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements.
Trump Accounts 2026: What Every Parent, Investor & Family Needs to Know Major new tax-advantaged savings accounts are now live, and they could significantly impact how families save for their children's future. In this informative interview, tax policy expert Adam Michel (Director of Tax Policy at the Cato Institute) joins the program to explain the new Trump Accounts that just launched, including the $1,000 government deposit, the hidden tax traps within the current rules, how it compares to traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, and what this means for the future of private savings.
Did you ever wonder why so many people didn't get out before the dot-com crash? It's an important question to ask yourself, especially if you believe you'll know exactly when to get out before any potential correction in today's AI and semiconductor stocks. The reality is that the dot-com bubble burst only 25 years ago. Human nature hasn't changed since then. Investors today are no smarter than investors were back then, and the same emotions that drove the bubble are showing up again. There were four major reasons so many people lost money during the tech bust. The first was that investors stopped focusing on earnings and price-to-earnings ratios. Instead, they justified sky-high valuations by looking at metrics like website traffic, page views, click-through rates, and the number of "eyeballs" on a screen. The assumption was that if revenue kept growing, profits would eventually follow. Many ignored the reality that businesses also have expenses, competition, and execution risk. The second reason was FOMO or the fear of missing out. Between 1995 and 2000, the Nasdaq surged roughly 400%. As people watched friends, coworkers, and investors make fortunes on tech stocks and IPOs, more and more money poured into the market. Institutional investors and retail investors alike stopped worrying about valuations. They simply saw stocks going up and didn't want to miss the ride. The third reason was the belief that "this time is different." You heard it everywhere: "You just don't get it. This is the new economy." Investors argued that traditional valuation metrics no longer mattered because the only thing that counted was gaining market share. Profitability could always come later. The fourth reason was the assumption that capital would never dry up. Few investors paid attention to where companies were getting their money. Many businesses were surviving on venture capital rather than sustainable profits. When funding slowed and investors became more selective, those companies had no profitable business model to fall back on. Many quickly went bankrupt. At the peak of the bubble, investors stopped asking basic questions. What am I paying for this company's earnings? What am I paying for its cash flow? In many cases, there weren't any. Yet investors convinced themselves the speculative frenzy would continue indefinitely. The biggest lesson is a humbling one. We like to believe we'll recognize the top and get out before everyone else. But investors in 2000 believed the same thing. Human psychology hasn't changed, which is why bubbles continue to repeat throughout history. Don't Build That Data Center in My Backyard The race to build AI infrastructure is running into an obstacle that many investors probably didn't see coming: local communities. Across the country, residents are protesting and filing lawsuits to stop new AI data centers from being built in their neighborhoods. One of the biggest concerns is something most people never think about, the constant noise. Data centers operate around the clock, with cooling fans, chillers, and backup generators creating a continuous hum 24 hours a day. That may not sound like a major issue until you have to live next to it. New York has become one of the focal points of this debate. While the state has plenty of available land for development, many communities are pushing back. Governor Kathy Hochul is even considering legislation that would place a moratorium on the construction of large data centers in certain areas. Public opinion reflects that growing resistance. According to recent polling, 44% of Americans oppose additional data center construction, while only 21% support it. When the question becomes more personal and whether people would support a data center being built in their own community, opposition jumps to 57%, while support falls to just 14%. Residents also question the long-term economic benefits. Building a data center may create thousands of construction jobs, but once the facility is complete, permanent employment may fall to just 100 to 200 workers. At the same time, these facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity. In some regions served by smaller utilities, a single data center could account for as much as 25% of total power demand, raising concerns about higher electricity costs and increased strain on the grid. The political landscape is becoming more challenging. Lawmakers in states including Arizona, Illinois, and Ohio have restricted or eliminated tax incentives that were previously used to attract data center investment. Even the companies building this infrastructure recognize the growing risk. The hyperscalers are expected to spend nearly $1 trillion on AI infrastructure this year, but increasing public opposition could slow those plans. Nebius Group, for example, warned in its 2025 annual report that rising resistance to data center projects in certain communities could become a headwind for future expansion. Investors have spent a great deal of time focusing on AI demand, chips, and software. However, another risk is emerging that deserves attention: if communities continue saying, "Not in my backyard," the pace of AI infrastructure growth may not be as smooth as many expect. Is Crypto Weakening One of America's Most Powerful Weapons? One of the United States' greatest geopolitical advantages isn't its military, it's the U.S. dollar. Roughly 90% of global foreign exchange transactions involve the U.S. dollar. That dominance gives the United States enormous leverage. When the U.S. imposes financial sanctions and cuts countries off from the dollar-based financial system, it becomes far more difficult for them to conduct international trade, finance military operations, or access global markets. That advantage is beginning to erode. Countries that have long opposed the United States such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies to bypass traditional financial channels. According to reports, their use of virtual currencies for cross-border transactions surged from roughly $12.5 billion in 2024 to more than $100 billion in 2025. Crypto gives sanctioned nations another way to move money. It can be used to purchase drones, weapons, military components, and fuel, while also helping finance operations such as smuggling oil and paying suppliers outside the traditional banking system. North Korea has become one of the world's most aggressive crypto thieves, using hacking and other cybercrimes to steal digital assets that can then be converted into funding for its military and weapons programs. Part of the challenge is that cryptocurrency wallets are identified by long strings of letters and numbers rather than names. While blockchain transactions are publicly visible, identifying the person or organization controlling a wallet can be extremely difficult without additional intelligence. That makes enforcement of financial sanctions much harder. Even terrorist organizations such as Hamas have, at times, solicited donations in cryptocurrency, illustrating how digital assets can be used to circumvent traditional financial controls. This is why I believe cryptocurrency has become more than just an investment story, it has become a national security issue. If Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were to experience a significant decline in value, it would reduce the purchasing power of those holding large crypto reserves, including sanctioned actors that rely on digital assets. While it would not eliminate their ability to use crypto, it could make this alternative financial system less effective and increase the relative importance of the dollar-based financial system. The stronger the role of the U.S. dollar in global commerce, the more effective financial sanctions remain as a non-military tool of foreign policy. With cryptocurrencies becoming more widely adopted, policymakers will need to consider the risk of weakening one of America's most effective forms of economic leverage. Even with oil off its recent peak, you still may not see cheaper airline tickets. You might assume that with the decline in oil prices, jet fuel costs are also declining, and airlines will pass those savings on to travelers through lower ticket prices. Oil and jet fuel prices have indeed come down, but don't expect airlines to slash fares anytime soon. The reason is simple: demand remains strong. Even after airlines raised fares eight times since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, analysts say the average round-trip domestic ticket climbed roughly 19% to about $638 yet demand barely changed. In other words, consumers have shown they are willing to pay higher prices to travel. If people keep buying tickets, airlines have little incentive to lower fares and give up those higher profit margins. Supply is also likely to remain constrained. Airlines aren't rushing to add flights because keeping capacity tight helps support higher ticket prices. The bankruptcy and downsizing of low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines has also reduced competition on many routes, making it easier for the remaining airlines to maintain pricing power. To be fair, airline pricing should be viewed over a longer time horizon. From 2019 through 2025, overall consumer prices rose about 26%, while average airfares actually declined roughly 3.5%. So, despite the recent increases, airline tickets are still relatively inexpensive compared with the broader rise in inflation over the past six years. The bottom line is that lower fuel costs alone don't guarantee lower ticket prices. As long as travel demand remains healthy and airlines keep capacity in check, consumers may not see much relief at the checkout screen. Letting Air Out of the Investment Portfolio Balloon Before It Pops At one point or another, we've all seen a balloon inflated until it finally bursts. The same thing can happen to an investment portfolio. Watching your portfolio grow is exciting, but every investor knows that markets don't go up forever. The challenge is that no one knows exactly when a portfolio has become too inflated. One of the biggest reasons investors refuse to sell is simple: they hate paying taxes. Believe me, I dislike paying taxes just as much as anyone else. But you should never let the tax bill dictate your investment decisions. Sometimes the smartest move is to relieve some of the pressure in your portfolio before the market does it for you. There are two simple ways to accomplish this: trim oversized positions and sell investments that have become significantly overvalued. The first strategy is reducing concentration risk. If you review your portfolio and discover that a single stock has grown to 10% or 12% of your total assets, it may be time to trim that position back to 7% or 8%. Yes, you'll likely owe capital gains taxes, but you'll also be reducing the risk that one investment can have an outsized impact on your portfolio if it suddenly declines. The second strategy is selling investments that have exceeded your target price and can no longer be justified based on their fundamentals. If the valuation has become stretched and the company's earnings outlook no longer supports the stock price, it may be time to take profits. Again, you'll probably owe taxes on the gain, but remember that capital gains are generally taxed at favorable rates. More importantly, paying a 20% or 25% tax on your profit is often far less painful than watching the entire investment lose 20% or more in value. That 20% decline occurs on the entire position rather than just the gain. No strategy is perfect. You may trim a position only to watch it continue climbing for another year or two. That's part of investing. Risk management isn't about perfectly timing the top, it's about ensuring that no single investment or sector can seriously damage your long-term financial plan. Consistently following a disciplined, conservative approach won't always maximize returns during bull markets, but it can significantly reduce risk over a full market cycle. When the next major correction inevitably arrives, your portfolio should be positioned to withstand it. That makes it far easier to stay invested, avoid emotional decisions, and continue building wealth instead of panic-selling after the damage has already been done. Successful investing isn't just about finding great investments. It's also about knowing when to reduce risk. Sometimes, letting a little air out of the balloon today is the best way to keep it from popping tomorrow. Is AI creating the next memory boom... or setting up the next bust? SK Hynix just pulled off the largest foreign ADR listing in U.S. history, pricing its American depositary receipts at $149 and raising $26.5 billion. That isn't just a fundraising event, it is fuel for one of the most aggressive semiconductor expansion plans the industry has ever seen. The company is pouring money into new factories, equipment, and advanced packaging capacity around the world. In the United States, SK Hynix is building its first manufacturing facility, a $4 billion advanced packaging plant in West Lafayette, Indiana, expected to be completed in 2028. Back home in South Korea, the spending is even more staggering. SK Hynix plans to invest up to $720 billion expanding memory production, including a $390 billion semiconductor cluster in Yongin. The company has also committed roughly $7.8 billion by the end of 2027 for additional extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, the highly specialized tools needed to manufacture cutting-edge HBM chips. These machines cost as much as $400 million each, are in extremely limited supply, and are only produced by ASML. The company is even accelerating its expansion timeline by more than a decade, with four new fabrication plants now expected to be completed by 2033. The question investors should be asking isn't whether AI demand is real. It clearly is. The real question is whether the industry is repeating a familiar pattern. Memory has always been one of the most cyclical businesses in technology. Every major technology revolution from the dot-com boom, to smartphones, to cloud computing created a surge in demand for memory chips. Manufacturers responded by rapidly expanding production. Eventually supply caught up, prices collapsed, profits disappeared, and investors who arrived late learned just how brutal the memory cycle can be. Today feels different... but that is often what every cycle feels like while it is happening. SK Hynix's market value has increased more than sevenfold over the past year as AI infrastructure spending has created a shortage of HBM. Revenue nearly tripled between 2023 and 2025 to roughly $65 billion, and Wall Street expects sales to surge again to approximately $235 billion in 2026. Those are incredible numbers. But when major memory producers start announcing massive capacity expansions, history suggests investors should at least consider what happens when today's shortage eventually becomes tomorrow's surplus. AI may create years of strong demand for memory, but the semiconductor industry has a long history of building too much capacity just as demand begins to normalize. The opportunity is enormous, but so is the risk if history repeats itself. Financial Planning: Simple vs Compounding Interest Loans Many people assume that choosing a simple interest loan over a compound interest loan will dramatically reduce the amount of interest they pay, but in most real-world lending situations, the difference is minimal. The reason is that the power of compounding only becomes significant when a balance grows over time because interest is being added to the principal. With most consumer loans, borrowers either make interest-only payments that keep the principal balance unchanged or make payments that reduce the principal over time. In either case, the interest charged during each payment period is based on the outstanding loan balance at that time, not on an ever-growing balance. Since the loan balance is remaining the same or steadily declining rather than increasing, there is little opportunity for “interest on interest” to accumulate. While compounding can become important if unpaid interest is capitalized and added to the loan balance, that is the exception rather than the rule. For most mortgages, HELOCs, auto loans, personal loans, and similar debt, borrowers should focus far more on the interest rate than on whether the loan is described as using simple or compound interest. Too Many People Are Using Target Date Funds in Their 401(k) For years, we've discussed the drawbacks of target date funds, including their higher fees and one-size-fits-all approach. Despite those concerns, they remain incredibly popular because they are simple and require very little effort from the investor. According to Vanguard, 61% of 401(k) participants invest in target date funds. On the surface, they sound like the perfect solution. If you plan to retire around 2045, you simply choose the 2045 Target Date Fund and let it manage your investments. The fund automatically adjusts your portfolio over time, gradually reducing your exposure to stocks and increasing your allocation to bonds as you approach retirement. Many investors don't realize how significant that shift can be. By the target retirement date, a target date fund may hold around 50% of its assets in bonds. The adjustments don't stop there. Reaching the target year doesn't mean the fund is liquidated or that you receive your money. Instead, the fund continues along its glide path and could increase its bond allocation to 70% or even 80% over the following years. That approach may have made sense decades ago, but retirement looks very different today. Many people will spend 20 years or more in retirement. Over that length of time, maintaining enough exposure to stocks can be critical to helping your portfolio grow and keep pace with inflation. A portfolio that becomes too conservative too quickly may struggle to provide the long-term growth many retirees need. Another limitation is that target date funds only manage the assets inside your 401(k). They don't take into account your IRAs, brokerage accounts, pensions, real estate, or other investments. As a result, your overall portfolio allocation could end up being far different than what is appropriate for your financial goals. The convenience of target date funds is appealing, but convenience shouldn't replace planning. A successful retirement requires understanding how your money is invested, estimating what your portfolio could be worth when you retire, and developing a strategy for how those assets will be invested throughout retirement, not just until you reach it. Is That Really Your Son or Daughter Calling You? You know your children's voices. You talk to them regularly. Then one day you get a frantic phone call from your son or daughter. They tell you they've just been in a serious accident. They need $15,000 immediately or they're going to jail. They tell you exactly how to send the money. Without hesitation, you wire the funds because you want to help your child. Unfortunately, you have just been scammed by AI. AI-powered scams are exploding. Reports show AI-related fraud surged more than 1,200% in 2025, and at the current pace, losses from AI scams in the United States could reach $40 billion annually by 2027. Another study found that one in four adults has already experienced an AI voice scam. Your first reaction may be, "That could never happen to me. I don't post anything on social media." But the problem may not be your online presence. It's your children. Many people regularly post videos on social media, and today's AI only needs about three seconds of someone's voice to create a convincing clone. Once scammers have that sample, they can make it sound like your son or daughter is saying almost anything. So how do you protect yourself? If you receive an emergency call asking for money, don't panic. Before sending anything, ask a question that only you and your child would know the answer to. Make it something that has never been shared publicly. For example, ask about a funny childhood memory that only the two of you remember. Don't use information like birthdays, graduation dates, wedding dates, or other facts that could be found online or in public records. Remember with all these data centers there is so much information that is being obtained and saved but used for the wrong purposes. Even better, establish a family safe word or passphrase today. Choose something simple that everyone can remember but that would never appear online. If you ever receive one of these calls, ask for the safe word. If they can't provide it, assume it's a scam until you can verify the situation by calling your child directly or contacting another trusted family member. As AI continues to improve, these scams will only become more convincing. The same technology powering innovation is also giving criminals new tools to exploit unsuspecting families. Stay alert. Verify before you trust. A few extra minutes could save you thousands of dollars and a great deal of heartache. Is It Boom or Bust for Micron? It is hard to argue with Micron's incredible stock performance. Through July 2, the shares were up 242% year to date and an astonishing 701% over the previous 12 months. Even after recently falling about 22% from their peak, investors are still debating whether the company has much more room to run. The good news is that Micron has locked in 15 new customers under long-term supply agreements, with some contracts extending as long as five years. Many of these agreements include customer deposits, giving the company excellent revenue visibility and reducing uncertainty over future sales. For investors, that is exactly the kind of stability they like to see. But every smart investor should also ask: What is the downside? While those contracts provide a strong foundation, they do not guarantee that demand will remain as strong over the long term. Unless a customer goes bankrupt, the contracts are largely locked in, but technology changes quickly. High prices and limited supply often encourage innovation, and the AI memory market is no exception. Several companies are developing new architectures that reduce or even eliminate the need for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which has been one of Micron's biggest growth drivers. As companies search for lower-cost and more efficient alternatives, demand for HBM could eventually soften. Nvidia also signaled in June that it is redesigning portions of its upcoming Vera Rubin AI platform to use memory more efficiently. While Nvidia remains a major customer for HBM, improvements in memory efficiency could reduce the amount of HBM required per AI system over time. Meanwhile, newly public chipmaker Cerebras has taken an entirely different approach. CEO Andrew Feldman has said the company's wafer-scale AI chips do not use HBM at all, arguing that it is too expensive and supply constrained. If other AI hardware companies pursue similar designs, it could create additional competition for HBM. None of this means Micron's growth story is over. The company's long-term contracts provide meaningful protection, and AI demand remains exceptionally strong today. However, investors should remember that today's shortages and premium pricing often inspire tomorrow's technological breakthroughs. The question for Micron investors is whether HBM remains the industry standard for years to come or whether innovation eventually reduces the need for it. If demand for HBM begins to slow, Micron's remarkable growth could also begin to moderate. Companies Discussed: Caterpillar Inc. (Ticker: CAT)
Tom's on vacation, but the listener questions are not. In this packed Q&A episode, Don tackles one of the most common retirement dilemmas: if your Social Security and annuity income already cover your expenses, do you still need a traditional emergency fund?From there, the questions keep coming. Don weighs in on what to do with “lazy money” earning only 3%, whether a MYGA is really a better deal than a CD ladder, how to structure a taxable brokerage account for long-term growth, and where to keep nearly $300,000 set aside for a home purchase in the next two to three years.He also takes on a thoughtful question about managing a taxable portfolio for elderly in-laws who need additional income for memory care, and wraps up with a step-by-step explanation of how inherited IRA money can potentially be used to fund backdoor Roth contributions.Along the way, you'll hear why “guaranteed” doesn't always mean what insurance companies want you to think it means, why simplicity often beats ETF overengineering, and why liquidity still matters—even in retirement.0:05 – Intro and why Tom is getting buried in listener questions while on vacation1:14 – Don thanks listeners and mentions Apple featuring Litreading1:58 – How to send recorded questions at TalkingRealMoney.com2:16 – Question 1: Do retired investors still need a six-month emergency fund if Social Security and annuities cover expenses?3:14 – Why Don still favors stable, liquid emergency money even in retirement4:30 – Question 2: What should retirees do with “lazy money” that's earning only about 3%?5:28 – Don's preference for CD ladders over MYGAs and why “guaranteed” doesn't mean risk-free7:33 – Question 3: How should a high-income investor build a long-term taxable portfolio at Vanguard?10:03 – Don's case for simplifying with AVGE or DFAW instead of mixing multiple ETFs11:24 – Question 4: Is a five-year MYGA better than a five-year CD ladder?12:01 – Why Don still leans toward CDs despite the higher MYGA yield and tax deferral pitch14:16 – Question 5: Best place to keep $291,000 earmarked for a home purchase in two to three years14:46 – Money market vs. high-yield savings vs. CDs vs. BND for short-term house money17:04 – Question 6: How to structure a $300,000 taxable portfolio for elderly in-laws who need extra monthly income for memory care18:37 – Why Don would keep lots of liquidity, use only a little equity, and skip muni bonds in a 22% bracket20:50 – Question 7: Can inherited IRA proceeds be used to fund a backdoor Roth for both spouses?22:40 – Don's step-by-step answer, including opening new IRAs and watching out for the pro-rata rule25:07 – Don plugs The Line Uncrossed and offers a free one-hour advisor meeting25:42 – Reminder to send questions and be patient while Tom is on vacationQuestions? Comments? Click!
Suze Orman's Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough To Listen)
On this highlight episode of Ask KT and Suze Anything, Suze answered your questions about beneficiaries of IRAs, student loans, filing taxes as a married couple and so much more. Learn more about the Ultimate Scam Protection here: SuzeOrman.com Watch Suze’s YouTube Channel Jumpstart financial wellness for your employees: https://bit.ly/SecureSave Protect your financial future with the Must Have Docs: https://bit.ly/3Vq1V3G Help with the Must Have Docs: Email:support@musthavedocuments.zendesk.com Phone: 888-510-0510 Get your savings going with Alliant Credit Union: https://bit.ly/3rg0Yio Get Suze’s special offers for podcast listeners at suzeorman.com/offer Join Suze’s Women & Money Community for FREE and ASK SUZE your questions which may just end up on the podcast. Download the app by following one of these links: CLICK HERE FOR APPLE: https://apple.co/2KcAHbH CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE PLAY: https://bit.ly/3curfMISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Using retirement accounts to build wealth doesn't have to mean handing everything over to Wall Street and hoping for the best. If you have an IRA or an old 401(k), you may be sitting on capital that could be used more strategically, buying real estate, holding precious metals, funding private deals, or even acting as the bank on a loan, all with powerful tax advantages. Today's guest, Kaaren Hall of uDirect IRA Services, has helped investors self-direct over $1.3 billion in retirement assets, and literally wrote the book on it: The BiggerPockets Guide to Self-Directed IRA Investing. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kaaren breaks down what self-directed IRAs are, how they work, and why most account holders have never been told this is even an option, despite being IRS-approved for over 50 years. She explains how entrepreneurs and professionals can roll over old 401(k)s and IRAs into self-directed accounts and use them to invest in rental properties, multifamily syndications, private placements, promissory notes, cryptocurrency, and precious metals. If you've ever found a great deal but thought, “I don't have enough cash to get into this,” Kaaren shows how your retirement money might be the funding source you're missing. Kaaren also walks through the rules and risks that come with this freedom. She explains prohibited transactions, who counts as a “disallowed person” (like you, your spouse, parents, and kids), and why self-directed IRAs are really a “game of keep away," keeping today's personal benefit off the table so your retirement account retains its tax advantages. She shares practical due diligence tips, including using AI tools to scan contracts, highlight potential pitfalls, and prepare better questions before you involve an attorney. Beyond the mechanics, Kaaren tells her personal story, from a divorced mom with a zero net worth and a mortgage to a CEO with multiple income streams, including a business, rental properties, whole life insurance with cash value, and robust retirement plans. She emphasizes micro-contributions, small consistent actions, and the power of compound interest over time. Inspired by Tony Robbins' principle of “massive action,” she encourages listeners to stop waiting for perfect timing and start taking real steps toward financial independence right now. https://youtu.be/PsaYh309uOM?si=GbwRUgnFggV2VZom If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or professional who wants more control over your retirement money, more diversified, tax-advantaged investments, and a clearer path to a high-quality life after work, this episode will expand your thinking. You'll discover what's really possible with self-directed IRAs, how to protect yourself by knowing the rules, and how to take the first actionable step toward a more empowered retirement strategy. Quotes: “Your IRA should never give you personal benefit today; it's all about later. Retirement accounts are designed so future-you can live well.” “If you want something, don't just do one thing, take massive action. Do everything you can think of toward that goal to make it happen.” “It's not so much about what you can do with your IRA, it's about what you can't do, and once you understand those rules, the possibilities really open up.” Contact Details: Schedule your Free Consultation or Open your Account Today with uDirect IRA Services Follow uDirect IRA on Facebook and Take the First Step Toward Smarter Retirement Investing Connect with Kaaren Hall on LinkedIn Follow uDirect IRA on X Subscribe to uDirect IRA on YouTube for Expert Guidance on Self-Directed IRAs Follow uDirect IRA Services on Instagram for Expert Tips on Self-Directed IRAs Grab a Copy of Self-Directed IRA Investing: A BiggerPockets Guide on Amazon
It's Q&A Wednesday, and Lance Roberts examines whether the momentum-driven rally in semiconductors can continue, how the Iran cease-fire breakdown could affect markets, and what investors should watch ahead of the FOMC decision. We also answer your questions on the differences between the NASDAQ VIX and S&P VIX, whether government policies continue to support elevated real estate prices, investing in Canadian companies through IRAs, the implications of a yield curve un-inversion, portfolio rebalancing strategies, dollar-cost averaging, maintaining the right cash allocation, the rise of inverse ETFs tied to the Magnificent Seven, recent SEC rule changes, and the lawsuit challenging NASDAQ's handling of the proposed SpaceX listing. We also discuss technology versus semiconductor sector leadership and why electricity demand and long-term power contracts are becoming increasingly important investment themes. 0:00 INTRO 1:02 - FOMC Meeting Preview - Iran Cease Fire is Done 5:00 - Consolidation Range Continues; Momentum Trade in mostly Semi-conductors 6:58 - Risks from Iran Action 11:34 - Fight to the death & swats in school 14:11 - NASDAQ VIX vs S&P VIX 16:07 - How much of Real Estate prices are supported by Govt.? 17:04 - Canadian Companies in IRA's? 19:12 - Yield Curve inversion & un-inversions & Risk of Recession 26:13 - Mistakes with Cash in Investing (Cash = Opportunity) 29:17 - The Problem with Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) 33:03 - Criteria for Rebalancing Portfolio 38:17 - Mag-7 Inverse ETF 39:42 - SEC Rule Changes 44:54 - The Cash Cushion Has Never Been Thinner 46:13 - Technology vs Semi-conductors as sectors 47:11 - Lawsuit against NASDAQ for fast-tracking Space-X 47:43 - Electricity Contracts Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/ua-paCoNRwo ------- Watch today's "Before the Bell" premarket commentary, "Momentum Cracks, But Markets Hold" https://youtu.be/nO2N4bdLifo ------- Watch our previous show, "Could You Spot a Ponzi Scam?" https://youtube.com/live/36xwcnfxPa0 ------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Margin Debt Risk: The Ratios That Mislead Investors," https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/margin-debt-risk-the-ratios-that-mislead-investors/ "Wage Growth As A Leading Inflation Indicator" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/wage-growth-as-a-leading-inflation-indicator/ "Mag 7 Stocks: Risk Or Opportunity In The Making?" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/mag-7-stocks-risk-or-opportunity-in-the-making/ --- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ ------- * REGISTER for our next Candid Coffee, "Narrative Busters: Market Stories Investors Should Approach With Caution," Saturday, July 18, 2026: https://streamyard.com/watch/RfJtCj2byfDr --- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN --- Subscribe to SimpleVisor : https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new --- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #MarketOutlook #Investing #Semiconductors #BeforeTheBell #FederalReserve #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning
If you've been enjoying The Independent Advisors podcast for a while now and want to take the next step in your financial journey, I'd encourage you to head to our website, jessupwealthmanagement.com (https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/) . Matt offers a 15-minute initial call where you can discuss your financial goals and see if JWM is a good fit for your needs.Scheduling is easy—once you land at jessupwealthmanagement.com (https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/) just click “Schedule Initial Call” and select a time that works best for you! There's a quick survey to fill out that will help guide the conversation and ensure your time is used efficiently.If you're ready to learn more, visit jessupwealthmanagement.com (https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/) and book your call today!Take advantage of our partnership with LifeLock and get discounts using our link: https://lifelock.norton.com/offers?expid=LLONEYEAR&promocode= JSPW24&VENDORID= _JESSUPWM&om_ext_cid=ext_partner_ JSPW24_Productpage $)Show Notes:Post on X from Ryan Detrick on 7.1.26 - https://x.com/RyanDetrick/status/2072147268589813875 Chart from JPMorgan Asset Management's “Guide to Retirement” 2026 slide deck - https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/adv/insights/retirement-insights/guide-to-retirement/ Chart From JPMorgan Asset Management's “Guide to Retirement” 2026 slide deck - https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/adv/insights/retirement-insights/guide-to-retirement/Article written by Jim Dahle on The White Coat Investor on June 9th titled “Great Reasons to have a Tax-Deferred Account” - https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/tax-deferred-accounts/ Market Performance & Economic Insights — July market trends, midterm-year patterns (01:00)New "530A" Child Retirement Accounts — $1,000 government seed money for kids' IRAs (03:30)Retirement Spending Variability & Portfolio Management — spending fluctuations, stock allocation strategy (09:30)Tax-Deferred Accounts & Strategic Tax Planning — pre-tax vs. Roth, QCDs, medical deductions (18:00)Hosts:Mark McEvily - Chief Investment Officer and Managing PartnerMatthew Jessup – Chief Executive Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Managing PartnerAddress: 35 Park Ave. Dayton, OH 45419Phone: 937-938-9105 https://www.jessupwealthmanagement.com/Social Media: Facebook: @JessupWealthManagement LinkedIn: @JessupWealthManagement Twitter: @jessupwealth Instagram: @jessupwealth
It's Q&A Wednesday, and Lance Roberts examines whether the momentum-driven rally in semiconductors can continue, how the Iran cease-fire breakdown could affect markets, and what investors should watch ahead of the FOMC decision. We also answer your questions on the differences between the NASDAQ VIX and S&P VIX, whether government policies continue to support elevated real estate prices, investing in Canadian companies through IRAs, the implications of a yield curve un-inversion, portfolio rebalancing strategies, dollar-cost averaging, maintaining the right cash allocation, the rise of inverse ETFs tied to the Magnificent Seven, recent SEC rule changes, and the lawsuit challenging NASDAQ's handling of the proposed SpaceX listing. We also discuss technology versus semiconductor sector leadership and why electricity demand and long-term power contracts are becoming increasingly important investment themes. 0:00 INTRO 1:02 - FOMC Meeting Preview - Iran Cease Fire is Done 5:00 - Consolidation Range Continues; Momentum Trade in mostly Semi-conductors 6:58 - Risks from Iran Action 11:34 - Fight to the death & swats in school 14:11 - NASDAQ VIX vs S&P VIX 16:07 - How much of Real Estate prices are supported by Govt.? 17:04 - Canadian Companies in IRA's? 19:12 - Yield Curve inversion & un-inversions & Risk of Recession 26:13 - Mistakes with Cash in Investing (Cash = Opportunity) 29:17 - The Problem with Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) 33:03 - Criteria for Rebalancing Portfolio 38:17 - Mag-7 Inverse ETF 39:42 - SEC Rule Changes 44:54 - The Cash Cushion Has Never Been Thinner 46:13 - Technology vs Semi-conductors as sectors 47:11 - Lawsuit against NASDAQ for fast-tracking Space-X 47:43 - Electricity Contracts Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/ua-paCoNRwo ------- Watch today's "Before the Bell" premarket commentary, "Momentum Cracks, But Markets Hold" https://youtu.be/nO2N4bdLifo ------- Watch our previous show, "Could You Spot a Ponzi Scam?" https://youtube.com/live/36xwcnfxPa0 ------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Margin Debt Risk: The Ratios That Mislead Investors," https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/margin-debt-risk-the-ratios-that-mislead-investors/ "Wage Growth As A Leading Inflation Indicator" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/wage-growth-as-a-leading-inflation-indicator/ "Mag 7 Stocks: Risk Or Opportunity In The Making?" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/mag-7-stocks-risk-or-opportunity-in-the-making/ --- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ ------- * REGISTER for our next Candid Coffee, "Narrative Busters: Market Stories Investors Should Approach With Caution," Saturday, July 18, 2026: https://streamyard.com/watch/RfJtCj2byfDr --- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN --- Subscribe to SimpleVisor : https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new --- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #MarketOutlook #Investing #Semiconductors #BeforeTheBell #FederalReserve #RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning
July is the perfect time to ask one important question: is your money actually doing what you want it to do? This is not about starting over, beating yourself up, or assuming the first half of the year was a financial disaster. It may have been just fine. You may be earning, saving, paying your bills, and doing a lot right. But sometimes “fine” is exactly where money gets stuck. In part one of this two-part mid-year money check-in, Shari Rash, founder of GWA Wealth, walks through how to review your cash flow, savings, and investments with more strategy and less shame. This episode is for the woman who has money coming in, is responsible with it, but still has the same questions sitting there six months later: What should I do with this cash? Should I be investing more? Am I saving too much? Am I on track? Why do I still feel like I do not have a clear plan? Shari explains why doing nothing is still a decision, why positive cash flow does not automatically mean your money has direction, and how to tell whether your cash is creating flexibility or sitting in limbo. You'll learn: Why a mid-year check-in is about strategy, not shame How to ask what has changed — and what has not changed — since January Why making good money and having a plan for your money are not the same thing How to review where your monthly surplus is actually going Why cash needs a clear job How to tell the difference between useful cash and idle cash Why waiting for perfect confidence before investing can cost you time and money What to check in your retirement accounts, IRAs, brokerage accounts, and old 401(k)s Why your future does not need perfection — it needs participation This is part one of a two-part series. Start here by reviewing your cash, savings, and investments. Then come back next week for part two of the mid-year check-in. Money should not just accumulate, disappear, or sit there because you are unsure what to do next. Money should be a tool that helps you live life on your terms. If you're ready for personalized, judgment-free financial guidance, learn more about working with Shari. Shari Rash is the founder of GWA Wealth, a virtual advisory firm helping women make confident, values-aligned decisions with their money. Visit GWA Wealth to explore your next step. Talkin' Points → where your money gets smarter. Real talk, practical tips, zero guilt straight to your inbox. Sign up here. Be sure to like and follow the show on your favorite podcast app! Keep the conversation going on Instagram @everyonestalkinmoney Shari Rash is a financial planner and Investment Adviser Representative of GWA Wealth, a Registered Investment Adviser. The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an advisory relationship with Shari Rash or GWA Wealth. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to specific investments, strategies, or securities are for illustrative purposes only and are not recommendations. You should consult your own financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney regarding your individual situation before making any financial decisions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Empowered Relationship Podcast: Your Relationship Resource And Guide
Money can be the silent partner in every relationship—often creating tension, stress, and confusion that can easily escalate into conflict. Beneath the numbers, every dollar spent or saved carries deeper questions about happiness, security, and the life we're working so hard to build together. How can couples bridge the gap between financial security and true personal fulfillment, especially when their instincts and money habits seem worlds apart? In this episode, listeners are guided through the core foundations of financial well-being and shown how to transform money conversations from battlegrounds into opportunities for connection. The discussion offers practical strategies for navigating differing money personalities, building trust and transparency, and creating shared goals. Listeners will learn why understanding the "why" behind spending habits matters as much as the "how" of budgeting, and how aligning values can lead to both financial security and genuine happiness in a partnership. Lori Atwood is the founder and CEO of Fearless Finance and a CFP® professional. Lori created Fearless Finance to make expert, fiduciary, hourly financial planning accessible to everyone with no sales, no minimums, and no judgment. Lori's been in finance for over 25 years, starting in investment banking, asset management, and private equity before starting Fearless Finance in 2016. Episode Highlights 05:03 Understanding deep-rooted money habits in relationships. 08:58 Merging finances: Transparency, trust, and relationship satisfaction. 11:04 The link between personal happiness and financial well-being. 14:19 Identifying the root causes behind spending and financial stress. 18:28 Exploring life changes: Navigating career shifts and financial decisions. 20:34 Overcoming financial paralysis: Bringing clarity to big decisions. 23:43 The five financial foundations every couple needs. 27:45 Negotiating financial priorities and the complexity of fairness. 30:51 Making deliberate financial choices and the power of data. 34:57 Empathy, non-judgment, and the importance of transparency. 36:53 Personalizing savings goals and uncovering hidden financial motivations. 41:35 Divorce, separation, and preparing for major financial transitions. 45:11 Individual happiness, financial security, and taking informed action. Your Checklist of Actions to Take Spend Less Than You Earn: Track your monthly income and expenses to ensure you consistently spend less than you bring in. Set Up an Oopsie Fund: Establish a cash reserve of $3,000–$5,000 in a separate account to cover unexpected expenses like car repairs or emergency travel. Build an Emergency Fund: Save three to six months' worth of living expenses in a high-yield savings or money market account to protect against major disruptions like job loss or illness. Contribute to Retirement: Allocate at least 15% of your pre-tax income to retirement accounts, using employer matches and Roth or traditional IRAs if available. Manage Consumer Debt: Pay off or create a plan to reduce unsecured debt, such as credit cards and personal loans, before setting other financial goals. Merge Finances for Transparency: If you're in a committed partnership, consider merging accounts to enhance trust, transparency, and shared financial management. Communicate Financial Priorities: Regularly discuss values, priorities, and spending plans with your partner to proactively address differences and prevent misunderstandings. Seek Fiduciary Financial Advice: Get unbiased financial guidance from fee-only, fiduciary advisors whose costs are transparent and posted upfront. Mentioned Common Cents: Bank Account Structure and Couples' Relationship Dynamics (Journal of Consumer Research) (article) Shifting Criticism For Connected Communication (free guide) Connect with Lori Atwood Website: fearlessfinance.com Facebook: facebook.com/fearlessfinance Instagram: instagram.com/fearlessfinance LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/fearless-finance X: x.com/fearlessfinance TikTok: tiktok.com/@fearlessfinance
Medicare brings peace of mind to millions of retirees, but for those with higher incomes, there's an added layer of complexity called IRMAA—the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) crosses certain thresholds, you may end up paying substantially more for your Medicare Part B and Part D coverage. In this article, we break down how IRMAA works, outline common scenarios that may unexpectedly raise your premiums, and offer actionable strategies to help you avoid unnecessary costs during your retirement years. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [02:14] How IRMAA works [04:09] IRMAA income brackets and premium increases [05:43] General strategies and limitations for avoiding IRMAA [09:49] Managing Capital Gains and Medicare costs [10:41] Understanding the possibility of unexpected large gains pushing income higher [12:37] Impact of spouse passing on taxes [14:54] Avoiding IRMAA surcharge What Is IRMAA, and How Does It Work? IRMAA adds a surcharge to your standard Medicare Part B and Part D premiums if your income exceeds specific limits. The calculation uses your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your federal tax return for the prior two years. For example, your 2026 Medicare premium is determined by your 2024 tax return figures. This "two-year lag" means financial decisions made today could impact your healthcare costs down the line. In 2024, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month. However, single filers reporting over $109,000 or married couples filing jointly above $218,000 pay $284 each per month, per person. Surpassing $137,000 (single) or $274,000 (joint) pushes your premium to $405.90—more than double the baseline. Part D premiums are also subject to surcharges, ranging from $14.50 to $91 per month at the highest income levels. Seven Scenarios That Can Trigger IRMAA—and How to Prepare While some situations are unpreventable, being aware of these common scenarios can help you make informed choices and potentially minimize your IRMAA exposure. 1. Municipal Bond Income: Not as Tax-Free as You Think Many investors favor municipal bonds for their federal tax-exempt status. Unfortunately, while this income is absent from your regular AGI, it is added back into your MAGI when calculating IRMAA. If you're relying heavily on munis in retirement, this could unexpectedly inflate your Medicare premiums. Consider alternative investments or relocating those assets into accounts or vehicles where this income is shielded, like certain annuities, after consulting with a qualified financial advisor. 2. Capital Gains on Your Home Sale When selling your primary residence, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain if single or $500,000 if married, provided you meet the two-out-of-five-years residency rule. Gains above these thresholds are taxable and count toward your MAGI. Good record-keeping for home improvements can help increase your cost basis and reduce the taxable gain, but there aren't many strategies to avoid this spike if a large gain is unavoidable. 3. Profits from Investment Property Sales Selling an investment property can generate significant capital gains. But unique to investment real estate, the IRS allows you to defer these gains through a 1031 exchange—selling one investment property and reinvesting the proceeds into another. This move postpones the tax hit and the associated IRMAA impact, possibly indefinitely if you use the stepped-up basis at death. 4. Surprise Mutual Fund Capital Gains If you own mutual funds outside retirement accounts, unexpected capital gains distributions from within the fund (for example, after large stock sales like Apple) could spike your MAGI. To mitigate this, consider shifting from mutual funds to individual stocks, bonds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which typically generate fewer surprise capital gains. 5. Roth Conversions are Great for Taxes, But Be Careful While Roth conversions can be powerful tax strategies, converting a sizable sum from a pretax IRA to a Roth IRA counts as income for IRMAA purposes. Carefully plan the size and timing of conversions to avoid pushing yourself into a higher premium bracket without realizing it. 6. The Financial Impact of Losing a Spouse Widowhood or widowerhood can be doubly difficult; not only do you suffer personal loss, but your filing status shifts to single, drastically lowering the income thresholds for IRMAA. If you expect changes in income or status, make proactive plans with your advisor to help smooth your MAGI. 7. Large, One-Time Retirement Account Withdrawals Big withdrawals from IRAs or 401(k)s—perhaps to buy a car or fund a vacation home—could catapult your income into a higher IRMAA tier. Consider spreading large purchases over several years or evaluating alternative financing options to keep retirement account withdrawals more manageable. Small Decisions Add Up While IRMAA might not be avoidable for everyone, being strategic about income sources, withdrawals, and investment choices can reduce surprises and keep more of your retirement income where it belongs—with you. Always consult with a financial advisor familiar with your unique situation before making significant financial moves. Keep your knowledge current and your planning proactive to support a more cost-effective retirement. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE 2026 Medicare Part B Premium Surprises, #282 7 Ways to Lower Your Income and Avoid the IRMAA Medicare Surcharge, #142 Mistakes To Avoid During Medicare Open Enrollment with Danielle Roberts, #229 Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact Subscribe to Retire With Ryan
Which term always messes with you — effective tax rate, backdoor Roth, cost basis, or RMDs? Write it below
What if your biggest retirement risk isn’t the market—but the tax bill waiting for you? JoePat Roop discusses financial independence, rising national debt, Roth conversions, tax-efficient retirement income, and why large IRAs can become future tax burdens. He breaks down strategies designed to simplify retirement planning and help retirees understand where their income and taxes may come from in the years ahead. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 704-946-7000 or visit BelmontUSA.com! Follow us on social media: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the 9Innings Podcast where we Educate, Empower and Engage. ON THIS WEEKS PODCAST: Trump Accounts have been pitched as a new way to help children build wealth, but what are they actually, and who benefits the most? In this episode of Facts Over Feelings, Kevin Thompson breaks down what Trump Accounts are, what they aren't, and three major ways they differ from other IRAs. We discuss the $1,000 government contribution, taxes, investment restrictions, and why parents may want to compare these accounts to a 529 plan if education is the goal. Are Trump Accounts a real wealth-building tool, or will the biggest benefits go to families who already have the money to contribute? These are the facts. You can decide how you feel about them. How Trump Accounts Work (00:01:40) Difference 1: No Earned Income Required (00:02:54) Difference 2: Restricted Investment Choices (00:04:17) Difference 3: The Money is Locked Up (00:07:02) Comparison with 529 Plans for Education (00:08:04) Kevin's Perspective: Are They Revolutionary? (00:10:24) What Should You Do? (00:12:51) NEWSLETTER (WHAT NOW): https://substack.com/@9icapital?r=2eig6s&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Follow Us: youtube: / @9icap Linkedin: / kevin-thompson-ricp%c2%ae-cfp%c2%ae-74964428 facebook: / mlb2cfp Buy MLB2CFP Here: https://www.amazon.com/MLB-CFP%C2%AE-90-Feet-Counting-ebook/dp/B0BLJPYNS4 Website: http://www.9icapitalgroup.com Hit the subscribe button to get new content notifications. Corrections: Editing by http://SwoleNerdProductions.com Disclosure: https://sites.google.com/view/9idisclosure/disclosure
Should you invest money you're saving for a house, or keep it in cash? How does an inherited IRA actually work when it's split between siblings? What should a single person think about differently when planning for retirement? And is SGOV a reasonable place to park your emergency fund? Joe and OG dig in. These aren't questions from this week. They're questions Stackers sent in over a year ago -- and people are still asking every single one of them. What You'll Walk Away WithThe house down payment question: why OG flips it around and asks what happens if the market is down 20% when you need the money -- and how the answer tells you exactly what to doWhy the juice-worth-the-squeeze question matters more than the optimal investment question when your timeline is three to five yearsHow inherited IRAs actually work: the 10-year rule, required minimum distributions, what happens when multiple siblings inherit the same account, and when it might make sense to just pay the tax and be done with itWhy a spouse inheriting an IRA follows completely different rules -- and why you cannot add to an inherited IRA even if you don't have one of your ownThe single person's financial plan: why disability insurance is the most important protection nobody thinks about, why your estate plan needs different beneficiary logic than a married person's, and why being your own backstop means advocating harder for your own incomeMichelle's numbers run through the Rule of 72: why a 35-year-old with $270,000 already saved may be closer to Coast FI than she realizesSGOV as an emergency fund: when treasury ETFs make sense as a cash alternative, when they don't, and why over-optimizing your cash flow can cost you more in overdraft fees than you ever gainedWhy keeping one to two months of expenses in your checking account isn't lazy -- it's a system that protects you from the chaos of a missed transferThe student loan bankruptcy debate: why Ron's argument has more merit than most people admit, and what the real structural problem isThe Edward Jones response: what's actually Joe's job in the headline segment and what belongs to a company's PR departmentWhy This Matters NowGood financial advice doesn't have an expiration date. These questions were relevant a year ago, they're relevant today, and they'll be relevant next year. If you've been putting off answering any of them for yourself, this is the episode.From the BasementJoe and OG work through the mailbag -- house down payments, inherited IRAs, single-person planning, SGOV, student loans, and a spirited defense of Edward Jones from an actual Edward Jones employee who has some notes. The trivia question is about Michael Jackson's best solo hit according to Billboard. Mom has the curtains drawn.Resources MentionedStacking Benjamins voicemail line -- leave your question; stackingbenjamins.com/voicemailSGOV -- iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF; referenced for emergency fund and cash management discussionStacking Benjamins Newsletter (The 201) -- stackingbenjamins.com/201OG financial planning calendar -- stackingbenjamins.com/ogStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Don and Tom take on the latest crypto hype cycle, arguing that Bitcoin remains speculation—not a reliable store of wealth—and that putting crypto inside retirement accounts is especially dangerous. They discuss a new self-directed IRA crypto platform, the risks of private equity and alternative assets in retirement plans, and why “get rich quickly” pitches should set off alarm bells.Then they answer two listener questions. First, Mark from Ohio asks how to prepare a retirement portfolio for a likely market downturn and how withdrawals and rebalancing should work once retirement begins. Later, Doug from Utah asks whether market-linked CDs make sense compared with Treasuries and whether the “no downside” promise is worth the tradeoffs. Don and Tom explain why they dislike market-linked CDs, how bank brokers get paid to sell them, and why simpler fixed-income tools often make more sense.They wrap up with a warning about growing bank-related scam tactics and a publishing scam Don has been seeing aimed at authors.0:05 – Intro: one-star Bitcoin review and why crypto losses are hard to ignore1:16 – Bitcoin's drop, crypto volatility, and retirement-account crypto pitches2:42 – Self-directed IRAs, IRA Financial, and the “get rich quick” problem5:27 – Why crypto, private equity, and alternative assets can be dangerous in retirement plans6:58 – Why most people bought Bitcoin: speculation, not currency utility10:29 – Hot money shifts: crypto, gold, semiconductors, and chasing momentum12:20 – Don's bottom line on crypto as speculation vs. wealth storage13:16 – Listener question from Mark: preparing for a market downturn before retirement15:32 – Is an 80/20-ish portfolio too aggressive with retirement four years away?17:13 – Bonds vs. cash/CDs: what fixed income should do near retirement18:56 – Withdrawal strategy during a downturn and how rebalancing fits in20:46 – Listener question from Doug: market-linked CDs vs. Treasuries23:47 – Why Don and Tom dislike market-linked CDs26:42 – The danger of taking investment advice from a bank salesperson29:18 – Building Treasury and CD ladders through a brokerage instead31:23 – Banks training tellers to spot scam victims before money is lost34:04 – Don's author scam warning: fake book clubs and fake promotional offersQuestions? Comments? Click!
Join the Wealthy Practitioner Tour with Dr. Stephanie Wigner this August! Visit the Wealthy Practitioner Tour to get your tickets today. It's time to build your family's future on a foundation of true health and freedom. Join us at Future Foundations—because your future generations deserve the best start to the mission that will outlive us… Check it out here. Use code FREEDOM25 for 25% off! Whether you're looking for tinctures, topicals or teas or a deeper connection to your INNATE healing capacity, Noble Task Homestead is here to serve you. Join the movement. Visit NobleTaskHomestead.com/noblestan today and enjoy a 10% discount on your order. San Diego area residents, take advantage of our special New Patient offer exclusively for podcast listeners here. We can't wait to experience miracles with you! Welcome to a new episode of the Future Generations Podcast, where Dr. Stanton Hom sits down with crypto educator and private structuring expert Oto Gomes to unpack the nervous-system impact of our current financial system. Oto shares his journey from 12 years as an accountant into 14 years in crypto, and how he discovered that "without health, there is no wealth," connecting financial sovereignty with embodiment, mindset, and lifestyle. Together, they explore how traditional, wartime-style banking creates a parasitic, scarcity-based relationship with money and how trust law, private structuring, blockchain, and regenerative "toroidal" wealth systems can help people break financial trauma patterns, reduce stress, and build aligned, passive income and generational wealth. Highlights: "Without health, there is no wealth." "I feel like most people are stuck in this like parasitic mindset." "Currency, this thing we call money, is infinite." "Are you the player in the game or are you the observer of the game or the one playing the game?" Timestamps: 00:02 – Introduction 01:21 – Oto's journey from accountant to crypto 03:36 – The link between money stress and health 05:21 – Generational money trauma 08:46 – Ownership vs stewardship 11:05 – Poverty mindset & scarcity 14:59 – Pyramid vs toroidal flow 22:27 – Inside Oto's 10‑week academy 37:08 – Passive income that replaces salaries 47:15 – IRAs, penalties & reclaiming control Resources: Remember to Rate, Review, and Subscribe on iTunes and Follow us on Spotify! Learn more about Dr. Stanton Hom on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstantonhom Website: https://futuregenerationssd.com/ Podcast Website: https://thefuturegen.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/drstantonhom LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanhomdc Stay Connected with the Future Generations Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuregenpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuregenpodcast/ About Oto Gomes: Oto Gomes is a crypto investor, mentor, and founder of the Crypto Freedom Academy, an online educational platform helping people learn crypto and increase their wealth. With over a 10+yrs of experience in the crypto industry, and 10+yrs before that as an accountant, Oto has persevered through the bull and bear markets of life to find true freedom. His goal is to help others become the most abundant versions of themselves. Oto is a voice for truth, sovereignty, and a holistic approach to creating a life and world of prosperity. His mission is to create heart centered interdependent and self accountable communities to become the bridges to help themselves and others in recreating their relationship to money and reinternalizing their self worth. SOCIAL LINKS: Personal Email: otogomesofficial@gmail.com Websites: https://otogomes.live https://whop.com/crypto-freedom-academy-free Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otogomes/ Youtube: https://youtube.com/otogomes Twitter: https://twitter.com/otogomes Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/otogomes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OFs8t55OV5WVv3noN5cu9 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oto-gomes-crypto-show/id1605821896 The desire to go off grid and have the ability to grow your own food has never been stronger than before. No matter the size of your property, Food Forest Abundance can help you design a regenerative layout that utilizes your resources in the most synergistic and sustainable manner. If you are interested in breaking free from the system, please visit www.foodforestabundance.com and use code "thefuturegen" to receive a discount on their incredible services. Show your eyes some love with a pair of daylight or sunset (or both!) blue-light blocking glasses from Ra Optics. They have graciously offered Future Generations podcast listeners 10% off any purchase. Use code FGPOD or click here to access this discount, and let us know how your glasses are treating you! One of the single best companies whose clean products have supported the optimal wellness of our family is Earthley Wellness. Long before there was a 2020, Kate Tetje and her team have stood for TRUTH, HEALTH and FREEDOM in ways that paved the way for so many of us. In collaboration with this incredible team, we are proud to offer you 10% off of your first purchase by shopping here. Are you concerned about food supply insecurity? Our family has rigorously sourced our foods for over a decade and one of our favorite sources is Farm Match and specifically for San Diego locals, "Real Food Club PMA". My kids are literally made from their maple breakfast sausage and the amazing carnitas we make from their pasture raised pork. We are thrilled to share 10% off your first order when you shop at this link. Another important way to bolster food security is by supporting local ranchers. Our favorite local regenerative ranch is Perennial Pastures. They have the best nutrient-dense meats that are 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised. You can get $10 off of your first purchase when you use the code: "FUTUREGENERATIONS" at checkout. Start shopping here.
Phillip Ramsey and Cody Kowalski explore strategies for asset allocation and asset location in the latest Uncommon Wealth Podcast. They discuss how asset location offers a tax-efficient approach to investment growth by strategically placing equities and bonds across Roth accounts, IRAs, and taxable accounts. Learn how this method can impact required minimum distributions and overall retirement planning. Perfect for those interested in optimizing their investment strategies, especially within higher tax brackets. Tune in to understand how to align your portfolio with your long-term financial goals.
Is Social Security really running out? And if changes are coming, what should you be doing now to prepare for retirement? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Rob Field and Chet Cowart of Nelson Financial Planning break down the latest Social Security Trustees Report and explain what it may mean for future retirees. They discuss why Social Security is not expected to disappear entirely, what could happen if no changes are made, and why it is more important than ever to build a retirement income plan that goes beyond one source of income. Rob and Chet also cover the importance of employer retirement plans, IRAs, Roth options, systematic investing, diversification, market expectations, AI and technology exposure, and how to answer the big retirement question: “Do I have enough?” Whether you are decades away from retirement or already thinking about turning your savings into income, this episode offers practical insight into how Social Security, investments, budgeting, taxes, risk tolerance, and lifestyle goals all work together in a successful retirement plan. In this episode, you'll learn: What the latest Social Security Trustees Report says about the future of benefits Why Social Security should be one part of a broader retirement income strategy How workplace retirement plans, IRAs, Roth accounts, and brokerage accounts can support your long-term goals Why systematic investing and “paying yourself first” can help build strong financial habits How diversification can help manage risk during changing market conditions Why retirement planning is about more than reaching a single account balance If you have questions about Social Security, retirement income planning, or how your investment strategy fits into your long-term goals, contact Nelson Financial Planning. We're here to help you make sense of life's decisions involving your dollars.
"Mining isn't just how Bitcoin gets made — it's a decentralized money printer." Kent Halliburton — CEO and co-founder of Sazmining — makes a claim that should bother everyone who only buys their Bitcoin: mining isn't just how Bitcoin gets made, it's a decentralized money printer anyone can run. He calls it hash punk. We get into why you get better Bitcoin when you mine it, his arc from solar to hosted mining, and the bigger thesis — Bitcoin isn't one zero-to-one innovation, it's two. This is Bitcoin against the machine. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Don and Tom tackle the blurry line between free speech and market manipulation after the conviction of prominent short seller Andrew Left. They debate whether financial influencers should be allowed to profit from public stock recommendations, discuss why members of Congress continue trading individual stocks despite widespread public opposition, and explain why ordinary investors should avoid trying to outsmart people with superior information or influence.The conversation then shifts into listener questions covering Roth employer matches, Roth IRA withdrawal rules, Roth conversion strategies for retirees, and whether paying taxes now simply to benefit heirs makes financial sense. Along the way, there's plenty of lighthearted banter about soccer, politics, podcast reviews, and Don's growing passion for his Litreading short story podcast.00:05 – Introduction and Independence Day reflections01:27 – Andrew Left convicted of stock market manipulation03:24 – Is market manipulation protected free speech?06:56 – Why Don opposes congressional stock trading09:18 – Congress made over 13,000 stock trades in 202512:29 – Why public officials should be held to a higher standard14:12 – The lesson for ordinary investors: you can't beat insiders15:27 – Podcast reviews, politics, and avoiding crypto17:12 – Florida's proposed property tax amendment18:22 – Transition to listener questions19:38 – Employer Roth 401(k) matching contributions20:10 – Can you withdraw Roth IRA money before age 59½?21:49 – Should retirees convert large IRAs to Roth accounts?24:52 – Soccer, World Cup talk, and the “laws” of the game26:44 – Don promotes Litreading and Short StoryversesQuestions? Comments? Click!
"Paper is where Bitcoin goes to die." James Caruso — co-founder and VP of Stamp Seed — joins the show with one of the most unlikely origin stories in Bitcoin: how a 70-year-old metal-stamping company stumbled into Bitcoin through its own search data, and became one of the most trusted cold-storage backups in the space. We get into why paper — and the gel pen you wrote your seed words with — is the weakest link in your stack, why titanium, what's actually in the box, and James's arc from get-rich-quick Robinhood trader to "it could drop 40% and I'm just buying more" conviction. Then the cold-storage deep end: single-sig versus multisig, planning for your heirs, and the most creative hiding spot we've ever heard — a seed plate disguised as a rock, sunk in a backyard pond. No batteries. No firmware. No third-party trust. Just a titanium-sized post-it. Subscribe so you never miss an episode.
Discover entrepreneurship, innovation, business growth, scaling, and intellectual property strategies from successful founders and industry leaders. Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show have this discussion with Professional Speaker and Multimedia Retail Consultant Craig Smith, Chris Ryan from Chris Ryan Fitness and Jeff Sibel from Wealth Agent. What makes people buy in an age of AI, algorithms, and endless marketing automation? Craig Smith, professional speaker, brand messaging expert, and veteran QVC host who has helped sell more than $1 billion in products across 4,500 live television broadcasts, reveals why storytelling and human connection still outperform technology. Craig shares the simple framework behind memorable brands—being clear, real, and repeatable—and explains how businesses can build loyal communities instead of chasing one-time sales. He also shares lessons from a major product launch failure, why authentic communication matters more than ever, and how entrepreneurs can create messages that customers actually remember.Read more at: https://www.craigsmithspeaks.com/ What does it really take to build lifelong health and fitness habits? Chris Ryan, Founder of Chris Ryan Fitness and one of America's Top 10 Trainers, shares why consistency matters more than motivation, how beginners can successfully start working out from home, and the mindset shifts that lead to lasting results. Chris discusses his journey from fitness modeling and national media appearances to becoming a founding trainer for Mirror, the fitness platform later acquired by Lululemon for $500 million. He also reveals practical advice on exercise, nutrition, habit formation, weight loss, and creating a supportive fitness community that helps people become healthier, stronger, and more confident at any age. Whether you're an entrepreneur, busy professional, parent, or someone looking to improve your health, this conversation delivers actionable strategies for building a better life through fitness. Read more at: http://chrisryanfitness.com/ What does it really take to retire comfortably without worrying about running out of money? Jeff Seibel, Founder of WealthAgent.com and creator of the Wealth Agent Institute, shares why he believes traditional retirement planning often falls short and how income-producing real estate can help create lasting financial security. Jeff discusses the importance of starting early, investing consistently, building retirement income instead of simply accumulating savings, and using real estate as a tool for long-term wealth creation. He also explains strategies involving rental properties, self-directed IRAs, 1031 exchanges, and retirement income planning that entrepreneurs, real estate professionals, and everyday investors can use to build a more predictable financial future. Read more at: https://www.wealthagent.com/ Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today's evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - What separates entrepreneurs who succeed and those who stall(00:00:17) - The San Antonio Spurs Throw Down the Knicks Fan(00:01:41) - Are Commencement Speakers Getting Booed?(00:02:59) - Dunkin Donuts Barbie Donut(00:03:54) - What's The Weirdest Food Trend?(00:04:37) - Caviar On Everything(00:06:18) - Fooled by Money(00:07:17) - The One Decision That Changed My Career(00:08:36) - What Decision Changed the Trajectory of Your Business?(00:12:56) - Craig Smith: Human Connection Is the Ultimate Competitive Advantage(00:17:28) - In the Elevator With QVC's Amy Holmes(00:18:24) - On Training QVC Hosts(00:22:42) - Car Shield(00:23:49) - Better Health Insurance for You(00:24:49) - Passage to Profit: Your Brand Message(00:28:34) - Craig Smith: Brand Messages that weren't Clear(00:33:12) - Craig Smith on ChatGPT(00:33:39) - AI Use Cases(00:34:58) - How to Use AI in Real Estate(00:38:56) - Real AI Use Cases Business Owners Roundtable(00:39:25) - Debt Relief Hotline(00:41:48) - The World Cup: What to Do About Intellectual Property(00:47:22) - Chris Ryan Fitness(00:50:38) - What do you tell people who hate Working Out?(00:53:01) - Trainers at Lululemon(00:54:21) - Chris Farrell on Contending With the Insane(00:57:03) - How to Eat Healthly While Exercising(00:59:14) - Chris Ryan on Helping People Through the Pain of Working Out(01:01:49) - 3 Foods That Are Destroying People's Health(01:04:24) - How to Retire Comfortable?(01:06:24) - Should Real Estate Agents Advise People to Buy Real Estate?(01:11:49) - Retirement Wealth: Real Estate vs. Stocks(01:13:52) - How to Plan for Retirement (Entreprene(01:15:28) - How to Pass Your 401k and Real Estate on to Your Agents(01:18:55) - Craig Smith: Secrets of the Entrepreneurial Mind(01:19:39) - Chris Ryan on How to Keep Your Success Secret(01:20:37) - How to Get Out There in the Real Estate World(01:21:20) - Be Prepared to Change Your Job
The $28K Fort Worth Note with Massive Equity PotentialAre you looking for a real estate investment strategy that lets you step in as the bank, bypass the heavy competition, and capture massive equity for pennies on the dollar? Welcome back to our 50 Deals in 50 Days series! Host Scott Carson dives deep into a unique, low-balance nonperforming note opportunity sitting right in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. Unlike typical cash-flowing performing notes, this distressed asset features a jaw-dropping dynamic: a rock-bottom legal balance on a property that is absolutely bursting with equity. If you want to maximize your returns using your IRA, savings, or investment capital, this episode reveals exactly how a $23,000 entry point could yield anywhere from a fast 21% ROI to a massive six-figure profit. Key Topics Covered in This Episode:The Anatomy of the Deal: A look into the 3-bedroom, 1-bath property in Tarrant County built in 1953, featuring an incredibly low legal balance of just $28,000 against a fair market value of $195,000–$205,000. The "Rehab the Borrower" Strategy: How a simple loan reinstatement or double-payment structure could instantly skyrocket your ROI to 23% or even 46%. Navigating Texas Foreclosure Laws: Capitalizing on the fastest foreclosure timelines in the country to secure a quick cash return or take the property back as an REO. The Power of Cash for Keys & Deeds in Lieu: Creative exit strategies to avoid court, obtain the deed directly from the borrowers, and take total control of the real estate. Turnkey Rental & Owner Financing Options: Analyzing market rents ($1,700/mo) and leaseback structures to create long-term cash flow. Partnering and Scaling up: How to utilize small-balance IRAs or partner directly with Scott to fund and flip these high-margin deals. Multiple Exit Strategies, Maximum FlexibilityThe true beauty of note investing is that you aren't locked into a single path. With this Fort Worth asset, you can play the role of the benevolent bank or the savvy real estate liquidator. If the vacant property heads to auction, a third-party bidder might pay off the debt, handing you a quick $5,000 profit in roughly 60 days (an annualized return of over 120%). "The real profit lies not taking this property to foreclosure... but taking the property back. When you buy the note, you don't own the real estate. You own the debt. But buying the note, you become the bank." — Scott Carson If no one outbids you, the property becomes a real estate owned (REO) asset. Suddenly, you are in control of a ~$200,000 home for just your initial note acquisition and light renovation costs. Whether you choose to fix and flip, rent it out for $1,700 a month, or offer owner financing back to the marketplace, the safety net of a 14% loan-to-value ratio ensures your capital is incredibly well-protected. Conclusion & Next StepsWhether you are an experienced investor or completely new to the space, small-balance nonperforming notes offer an unparalleled way to outmaneuver traditional foreclosure buyers. You get to skip the crowded courthouse steps and control the asset months before it ever hits the public market. Watch the Original VIDEO HERE!Book a Call With Scott HERE!Sign up for the next FREE One-Day Note Class HERE!Sign up for the WCN Membership HERE!Sign up for the next Note Buying For Dummies Workshop HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the Note Closers Show community today:WeCloseNotes.comThe Note Closers Show FacebookThe Note Closers Show TwitterScott Carson LinkedInThe Note Closers Show YouTubeThe Note Closers Show VimeoThe Note Closers Show InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest
Are you a real estate investor with a small self-directed IRA or limited savings, wondering how to get started in note investing? Stop chasing overpriced second liens! In this episode, Scott Carson breaks down Deal #2 of our "50 Note Deals in 50 Days" series, showcasing a phenomenal-performing small-balance first lien right in the heart of San Antonio, Texas.Discover why low-balance first liens offer incredible security, massive equity protection, and sky-high ROIs (we're talking 28%!) without the extreme risk of second positions. If you want to learn how to make your small money work like a powerhouse, this case study is exactly what you need.
Welcome back, real estate investors! Ready for a steady base hit to add to your portfolio? In today's episode of our 50 Note Deals in 50 Days series, host Scott Carson breaks down an incredible performing note deal located just 45 miles south of San Antonio in Charlotte, Texas. If you think you need millions of dollars to start buying notes, think again. This episode reveals how a small-balance investment can yield massive equity protection and double-digit returns. Key Topics CoveredThe Power of Asset Equity: This updated 1970 single-family home sits on nearly an acre of land and is valued at over $220,000, but has a tiny loan payoff balance of just $34,000—giving the borrower a massive 85% equity stake. Strong Performance History: Though it was once a non-performing loan, the owner-occupied borrower has been back on track and paying consistently on time for over 12 months. The Investment Breakdown: Learn how purchasing this note at an 80% discount (around $28,000 including fees) generates a strong 14%+ annual cash-on-cash return via passive monthly cash flow. First-Lien Security in Texas: Discover why the legal protections of a first-lien position in Texas make this a safe, high-upside play if the borrower ever defaults or opts for a cash-out refinance. Perfect for Self-Directed IRAs: Why small-balance notes under $50,000 are the ultimate hands-off, turnkey starter strategy for Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, or Solo 401(k)s. Conclusion & Next StepsDon't let your investment capital sit idle this summer. Whether you want to purchase a performing asset or fully master the note buying industry, taking action is your next step. Ready to submit an offer or learn more? To learn the ins and outs of the business, grab your $99 seat for the upcoming two-day workshop on August 29th & 30th at NoteBuyingForDummies.com. Go out, take action, and we'll see you at the top!Watch the Original VIDEO HERE!Book a Call With Scott HERE!Sign up for the next FREE One-Day Note Class HERE!Sign up for the WCN Membership HERE!Sign up for the next Note Buying For Dummies Workshop HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the Note Closers Show community today:WeCloseNotes.comThe Note Closers Show FacebookThe Note Closers Show TwitterScott Carson LinkedInThe Note Closers Show YouTubeThe Note Closers Show VimeoThe Note Closers Show InstagramWe Close Notes Pinterest
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tonya Edmonds.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tonya Edmonds.
Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tonya Edmonds.
Paul Merriman joins host Roben Farzad on Full Disclosure for a rare conversation alongside Ben Carlson, director of institutional asset management at Ritholtz Wealth and author of the new book Risk and Reward: How to Handle Market Volatility and Build Long-Term Wealth. Roben called it a “truth teller tandem” — the first time these two have sat down together — and the result is an hour of warm, candid, data-grounded talk about how individual investors can actually succeed.The conversation opens with a great question: does a century of S&P 500 history mean anything when index funds didn’t even exist for most of it? Paul explains why those long-run numbers still matter — not as a promise of the next ten years, but as a guide to the full range of what markets can do. From there, Paul and Ben trace just how far investing has come since Paul entered the business in 1966: the death of the 8.5% sales load, the arrival of IRAs and 401(k)s, fractional shares, and commission-free trading. As Ben puts it, the barriers to entry have been bulldozed, and today’s investor has a better shot at strong net returns than ever before.But more choices bring more temptation. Paul and Ben dig into diversification as a risk-management tool — why a tilt toward small-cap value and a meaningful allocation to international stocks can pay off over a lifetime, even when the S&P 500 is dominating the headlines. They revisit the lost decade of 2000–2009, the lessons of Japan’s 1989 peak, and the hard discipline of rebalancing into the pain when an asset class is out of favor.They also get practical about the things keeping investors up at night: inflation as one of the biggest risks most people underestimate, the real trade-offs in today’s bond market and long-duration Treasuries, and an honest look at the FIRE movement — including why meaning, longevity, and a 30- or 40-year retirement complicate the dream of retiring early. Throughout, Paul shares his own story, including why, at 82 and with more than he needs, he still holds half his portfolio in equities because of a caution he’s carried since his twenties.Ben closes with the thought that may stay with you longest: the most important thing an investor can understand is not the market — it’s themselves. Knowing which mistake you’d regret more, and what you can truly live with, is the foundation everything else is built on.
Vivian is doing a much requested diving deep into the world of investing and breaking down exactly how you should be handling your money, whether you've got an arsenal of financial advisors or you've never bought a single stock. From choosing the right account to understanding ETFs, index funds, and robo-advisors, this episode is your step-by-step guide to building wealth through investing without getting overwhelmed by Wall Street jargon. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. How to start investing from scratch, including the difference between brokerage accounts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and other investment accounts… and how to choose the right one for your goals. 2. Why finding the "perfect" stock is the wrong goal, how diversified investments like ETFs and index funds can help reduce risk, and what to look for when evaluating investment options. 3.How to build a long-term investing strategy that works in real life, including managing market volatility, balancing investing with debt repayment, understanding fees, and overcoming the fear that keeps so many people from getting started. Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok! Got a financial question you want answered in a future episode? Email us at podcast@yourrichbff.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices