Podcasts about raymond james financial services

Why own bonds in your portfolio? Earlier this year, we did an episode explaining bonds. But we often hear that folks understand what bonds are; the question is why do I want them in my portfolio, especially if stocks have historically produced higher long term returns? The answer starts with understanding that stocks and bonds have different jobs. A successful portfolio is not built by choosing one perfect investment. It combines investments that support different goals. Stocks generally provide long term growth. Bonds can provide stability, income, and flexibility. Stocks have delivered stronger returns over many decades, but those returns come with greater risk. Markets have experienced severe declines, including the technology crash, the 2008 financial crisis, and the rapid decline in early 2020. It is easy to claim comfort with risk when markets are rising. That confidence can change quickly during a major downturn. Bonds can help reduce portfolio volatility and make it easier to remain committed to a long term plan. The current interest rate environment also strengthens the case for bonds. For many years after the financial crisis, bond yields were extremely low. Bonds offered limited income, even though they still helped control risk. Higher interest rates now allow many high quality bonds to produce more meaningful cash flow. This can be especially valuable for retirees who depend on their portfolios to fund living expenses. Bonds also help address the danger of selling stocks during a market decline. A retiree with an all stock portfolio may be forced to sell investments at depressed prices to cover withdrawals. Those sales lock in losses and leave fewer shares available to benefit from a later recovery. A portfolio that includes bonds and cash may give the investor another source for distributions while stocks recover. This issue is known as sequence of returns risk. Two retirees can earn the same average return over 25 years and still experience very different results. The investor who suffers major losses early in retirement may run into trouble because withdrawals occur while the portfolio is declining. Bonds can provide income and liquidity during those periods. For example, a retiree with 40 percent in bonds and a 4 percent annual withdrawal rate may have roughly ten years of potential distributions available from the bond allocation, even before considering growth or rebalancing. The unusual market environment of 2022 does not mean diversification stopped working. Stocks and bonds both declined as the Federal Reserve raised interest rates aggressively to control inflation. Diversification is not designed to protect investors during every short period. It is designed to improve the range of possible outcomes over time. The central lesson is that successful investing is not about earning the highest return every year. It is about creating the greatest probability of reaching financial goals while taking only the risk that is necessary. Bonds are not competitors to stocks. They are complementary tools that can provide income, stability, and flexibility when markets become difficult. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices rise.Risk Considerations:There are special risks associated with investing with bonds such as interest rate risk, market risk, call risk, prepayment risk, credit risk, reinvestment risk, and unique tax consequences. To learn more about these risks and the suitability of these bonds for you, please contact our office.Bonds are subject to risk factors including:Default Risk - the risk that the issuer of the bond might default on its obligationRating Downgrade - the risk that a rating agency lowers a debt issuer's bond ratingReinvestment Risk - the risk that a bond might mature when interest rates fall, forcing the investor to accept lower rates of interest (this includes the risk of early redemption when a company calls its bonds before maturity)Interest Rate Risk - this is the risk that bond prices tend to fall as interest rates rise.Liquidity Risk - the risk that a creditor may not be able to liquidate the bond before maturity.Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190.Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A client came in with statements from more than ten different financial institutions. Her parents had passed away within six months of each other. The paperwork took nearly a year to sort through — and she later told John she never had the proper time to grieve because she was so buried in the chaos they left behind.That story drives everything about how John Pavelka runs his practice. After nearly 30 years in financial services, John has built a model around one question most advisors never ask deeply enough: What's important to you — and why? In this episode, John shares the frameworks, client stories, and hard-won lessons behind his book The Power of WHY: Transforming Your Life and Your Wealth.Gabe and John cover the difference between building wealth and giving it purpose, the emotional traps that derail even sophisticated investors, and why the flip from saver to spender is one of the hardest transitions a client makes — and how John helps them make it.About John PavelkaJohn Pavelka, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CEPA®, is the Managing Partner of The Cities Private Wealth Group, a private wealth advisory practice affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services in Bettendorf, Iowa. With nearly 30 years of experience in financial services, John leads a 15-person team that manages close to $700 million in assets. His team has been recognized on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list from 2023 through 2025. He is the author of The Power of WHY: Transforming Your Life and Your Wealth.What We CoverWhy the firm's guiding question — "What's important to you?" — goes far deeper than it sounds, and how John keeps peeling back the layers until he reaches the why behind the whatThe four-bucket strategy John uses to give every dollar a specific role — and the story of a client who walked into a meeting worried about a roof, a wedding, and a 20% market drop, and walked out hugging himWhy successful people so often feel disconnected from their wealth — and what John calls the "brother-in-law syndrome" that quietly derails even savvy investorsThe emotional wall between saving and spending in retirement, and why some clients need literal permission to book the trip or fly first classWhy John calls estate planning "an act of love" — and the statistic that 34% of millionaires don't have a willHow proactive tax planning (not just annual returns) saved one client over a million dollars in taxes his daughter would otherwise have inheritedResources MentionedBook: The Power of WHY: Transforming Your Life and Your Wealth by John PavelkaConnect with John PavelkaBook Website: thepowerofwhybook.comFirm website: tcpwg.comEmail: team@tcpwg.comSupport the show

In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we talk about the growing risk of modern scams and why the old advice of “I would never fall for that” no longer works. Scams have become more polished, more personal, and much harder to spot. Fake emails now look professional. Text messages can seem legitimate. Phone calls can appear to come from banks, credit card companies, hotels, or utilities. With artificial intelligence, scammers can now create convincing language and even clone voices. The tools have changed, but the goal has not. Scammers still want people to act before they think. Alex shares two recent close calls that show how sophisticated these scams have become. In one case, he received what appeared to be a fraud alert from American Express. The caller ID looked legitimate, and the representative sounded real. The call only became suspicious when the questions became more specific, including requests for parts of his Social Security number. Alex hung up, called American Express directly, and confirmed the call was fake. In another case, he received a text about a real hotel reservation. The message had the correct hotel name, dates, and details, but it included a deadline to update payment information. Alex contacted the hotel directly and learned their system had been hacked. We also talk about why these scams are so effective. They are no longer built from complete fiction. Criminals use real information from hacked systems, public records, or social media, then insert themselves into real events. That makes the scam feel believable. Caller ID spoofing, email spoofing, fake websites, and AI voice cloning all make the problem worse. Ed explains the best defenses. Slow down. Verify independently. Do not click suspicious links. Call the number on the back of your card or go directly to the company's website. Use multi-factor authentication where it matters most. Use strong, unique passwords, ideally with a password manager. Talk openly with family members, especially older relatives, about scams before they happen. The episode also covers the grandparent scam, where a caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble and asks for money quickly. With AI voice cloning, these calls can sound even more convincing. The best response is to have a family plan. Verify with another family member before sending money. The main message is simple. You do not have to understand every new scam or every new technology. You just have to recognize pressure, urgency, fear, or confusion. Pause, breathe, and verify before acting. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. If bonds are sold prior to maturity, you may receive more or less than your initial investment. Holding bonds to term allows redemption at par value. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and fixed income prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, fixed income prices fall and when interest rates fall, fixed income prices rise.Risk Considerations:There are special risks associated with investing with bonds such as interest rate risk, market risk, call risk, prepayment risk, credit risk, reinvestment risk, and unique tax consequences. To learn more about these risks and the suitability of these bonds for you, please contact our office.Bonds are subject to risk factors including:Default Risk - the risk that the issuer of the bond might default on its obligationRating Downgrade - the risk that a rating agency lowers a debt issuer's bond ratingReinvestment Risk - the risk that a bond might mature when interest rates fall, forcing the investor to accept lower rates of interest (this includes the risk of early redemption when a company calls its bonds before maturity)Interest Rate Risk - this is the risk that bond prices tend to fall as interest rates rise.Liquidity Risk - the risk that a creditor may not be able to liquidate the bond before maturity.Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190.Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we look at a question many investors are asking right now: why own international stocks when U.S. stocks have done so well for so long? We start with the reality behind the question. Over the past decade, the S&P 500 has far outpaced developed international markets, and that gap has made investors wonder whether international exposure still matters. Ed explains that this skepticism is understandable. Many large U.S. companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Amazon, already sell products around the world and benefit from global growth. That makes it easy to think a U.S. stock portfolio already provides enough global exposure. But the other side of the issue is concentration. The U.S. market now represents roughly 60 to 65 percent of global market capitalization, which means a U.S. only investor is choosing to leave out about 35 to 40 percent of the global stock market. Now, this is not an anti U.S. argument. U.S. companies remain dominant, innovative, and important. The point is that diversification asks whether it makes sense to concentrate entirely in one country, even one as strong as the United States. The discussion then turns to history. Alex explains that market leadership is never permanent, even though it often feels permanent in the moment. Investors are shaped by what they have recently experienced. Today, many younger investors have only known an environment where U.S. equities beat international markets. That can make diversification feel unnecessary. But in earlier periods, international stocks, emerging markets, and even fixed income led for meaningful stretches of time. The lesson is not that international stocks are guaranteed to outperform next. The lesson is that no one knows what will lead next. Alex describes diversification as an exercise in humility. We do not diversify because we know what is going to happen. We diversify because we do not know. Trying to build a portfolio around yesterday's winners can turn investing into performance chasing. That may work for a while, but history shows that trends change, valuations shift, currencies move, and leadership rotates. Our main takeaway is that diversification can feel frustrating during long periods when one asset class dominates. But its purpose is not to win every year. Its purpose is to build a portfolio that can handle many different market environments over time. International exposure remains part of that discipline because it adds different currencies, economies, industries, demographics, and market cycles to a long term investment plan. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we break down what growth stocks and value stocks really are, why they behave differently, and why investors often get tripped up trying to choose between them. Alex starts with the basics. Growth stocks are companies that are expected to increase earnings or revenue faster than the overall market. These businesses usually reinvest heavily into expansion, new products, or new markets, which means they often pay little or no dividend. Investors are usually willing to pay more for these companies today because of what they may become in the future. That potential can create strong upside, but it also makes growth stocks harder to value and often more volatile. We then contrast that with value stocks. These are usually more established businesses that trade at lower valuations relative to earnings or fundamentals. They tend to have steadier cash flow, more mature business models, and in many cases they return profits to shareholders through dividends. Value investing is usually less about big future expectations and more about what an investor is paying for right now. These stocks can feel less exciting, but that stability and predictability are often part of the appeal. From there, we explain why neither style is always better. Growth tends to do well when interest rates are low, optimism is high, and investors are more comfortable paying for future earnings. Value tends to hold up better when rates are higher, inflation is a concern, and investors care more about present cash flow and valuation discipline. Market leadership rotates because the economic environment changes, investor sentiment changes, and pricing changes with it. The heart of the episode is the warning against trying to time those rotations. Often, investors chase whatever has been working recently, only to shift right before leadership changes. The last several years have shown exactly how quickly that can happen, with growth leading, then value, then growth again, and now value showing strength in early 2026. That kind of movement feels obvious only in hindsight. The main takeaway is simple. Instead of trying to guess which style will win next, we are better served by owning a mix of both. A balanced portfolio, combined with regular rebalancing, creates discipline. It helps trim what has recently run up and add to what has lagged. That reduces performance chasing and keeps the portfolio aligned over time.  As always, successful investing is usually less about prediction and more about structure, patience, and staying diversified. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Longevity Planning with Eliot Weissberg Hosts Brad and Cory speak with Eliot Weissberg of The Investors Center Our guest on this episode is Eliot Weissberg. Eliot is President of The Investors Center, a financial planning and longevity planning practice. Their goal is to guide people to discover and leverage their capacity to age confidently, in part by utilizing "TimeLining" which Eliot created and trademarked in 2009. Eliot is a CFP and a CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist). He is a member of the National Aging In Place Council (NAIPC) and the MIT AgeLab They discuss:  What a Certified Aging in Place Specialist is  Longevity planning and how it can help grow your business  How to implement an investment strategy to compliment longevity, and to what age Contact Eliot: www.theinvestorscenter.com     Eliot Weissberg, CFP®, CAPS is a Branch Manager with Raymond James Financial Services and President of The Investors Center. He can be reached at 860-677-8808 / 70 E Main St. Ste 5, Avon CT, 06001. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James  Financial Services Advisors, Inc. The Investors Center is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

What are bonds? This is the next part of our ongoing breakdown of core investing building blocks, following stocks and gold in January and February, respectively. Bonds are often misunderstood, but at their core they are simple. Ed starts us off with the basics. A bond is a loan. When we buy a bond, we lend money to a government, corporation, or municipality. In return, they pay us interest over time and return our principal at maturity. Unlike stocks, we are not buying ownership or growth. We are buying predictability and stability. Next, the key components of a bond: We cover principal, which is typically $1,000 per bond, the coupon, which is the interest payment, and maturity, which is when we get our money back. Longer maturities usually come with higher interest because they carry more uncertainty. We also highlight a critical concept. Bond prices and interest rates move in opposite directions. When rates rise, bond prices fall. When rates fall, bond prices rise. This helps explain why bonds struggled in 2022 and how they can recover when rates decline. Why do bonds exist? From the issuer's side, they are a way to raise money for spending, projects, or refinancing debt. From the investor's side, bonds provide steady income, lower volatility than stocks, and diversification within a portfolio. They help create balance and reduce overall risk. Alex then explores different types of bonds. We cover U.S. Treasuries, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds. Treasuries are considered the safest. Municipal bonds can offer tax advantages. Corporate bonds provide higher yields but come with more risk. Further, within corporate bonds, we distinguish between investment grade and high yield, or junk bonds, which carry greater default risk but higher potential returns. We also explain the risks involved. These include credit risk, interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, and inflation risk. While bonds are more stable than stocks, they are not risk free. Understanding these risks is essential for proper portfolio planning. Finally, we emphasize the role bonds play in a portfolio. They provide income, stability, and psychological comfort during market volatility. They help investors stay disciplined and avoid emotional decisions.  Bonds may not be "exciting," but they can be a key portfolio piece  for balance and long term success. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a follow up to our last episode, we explore a simple but important question: "What is gold, really?" We begin by revisiting our broader discussion about understanding what we actually own in our portfolios. Last month we talked about stocks as ownership in real businesses. This month we shift our focus to gold and examine how it differs. We start with the history. Gold did not become valuable because governments declared it so. It became valuable because of its unique characteristics. It is scarce, durable, divisible, and universally recognizable. For thousands of years, these traits made it an effective store of value and a medium of exchange across cultures. Paper currency originally represented claims on physical gold under the gold standard. Over time, most countries moved to fiat currency, which is backed by trust in the issuing government rather than a physical asset. Even after that shift, gold remained part of the financial conversation because it exists outside the political system. It does not rely on promises. It simply exists. We then clarify a key distinction. Gold preserves value, but it does not create value. Unlike stocks, gold does not generate earnings, innovate, or grow. It does not produce income. Its price is largely driven by perception, including inflation expectations, interest rates, confidence in institutions, and fear. We discuss how gold peaked around $850 per ounce in 1980 and then took decades to recover that level. That example highlights that gold can experience very long periods of weak performance. At the same time, gold can also have strong years, especially during times of uncertainty. We explain that gold is best viewed as a tool, not a core growth engine. Because it often has a lower correlation with stocks, a small allocation can help reduce portfolio volatility. In many cases, that allocation may range from 1 to 5 percent. The purpose matters. Are we hedging inflation, extreme uncertainty, or simply seeking confidence? When used thoughtfully, gold can provide diversification and emotional stability during downturns. Every holding in a portfolio should have a purpose. Gold is not a magical solution, but it is not useless either. Understanding what we own and why we own it remains central to long term investment success. Note: Gold is subject to the special risks associated with investing in precious metals, including but not limited to: price may be subject to wide fluctuation; the market is relatively limited; the sources are concentrated in countries that have the potential for instability; and the market is unregulated. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this first episode of 2026, we dive deep into a foundational concept that often gets lost in the noise of day-to-day market headlines: what stocks actually are. We begin by reframing the way we view stocks—not as just numbers or tickers on a screen, but as tangible ownership in real businesses. Ed kicks off by breaking down what owning a share really means. When we buy stock, we're not just speculating—we're becoming part-owners in companies that employ people, generate revenue, and make real-world decisions. From baristas at Starbucks to corporate CEOs, all of them are working to create value for us—the shareholders.We explore how the value of a stock isn't just about its current price but about future earnings, innovation, and profitability. Markets move fast because they reflect new expectations instantly. But over the long haul, real business performance determines value. This is why Ed emphasizes that the stock market isn't a casino—it's a tool for owning productivity, growth, and innovation. He uses the analogy of starting a pizza shop to illustrate how raising capital and sharing ownership is the core concept behind public companies.We also talk about dividends—those are simply profits being shared with us as owners. Whether a company reinvests or pays out those profits depends on its growth opportunities. Tech companies tend to reinvest, while utilities often return more to shareholders.Alex then zooms out and takes us through a historical lens on how stock ownership evolved. We trace it from the 1600s Dutch East India Company to today's frictionless investing via apps like Robinhood. Initially reserved for elites, ownership became more widespread with the founding of exchanges, government regulations after the Great Depression, and eventually the creation of 401(k)s in the 1970s. That move away from pensions put the responsibility—and opportunity—of investing into the hands of everyday people.We reflect on how tools like mutual funds, index funds, and fractional shares have opened access even further. Today, over 60% of American households own stocks, mostly through retirement plans. Alex reminds us that the clients who succeed financially aren't necessarily the best investors—they're the best savers. Understanding that owning stock means owning real companies helps people stay grounded during market volatility and make smarter decisions.This episode is all about clarity—clarity in what we own, why we own it, and how the system evolved to work for more than just the elite. We're not just watching prices move—we're participants in the system of capitalism itself. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big goals often feel out of reach when life throws setbacks your way. But what if the obstacles are actually shaping the path forward? In this episode, Bryan Sweet sits down with Randy Carver, CRPC®, CDFA®, President & CEO of Carver Financial Services, and author of Limitless, to talk about persistence, mindset, and defining personal meaning. Randy shares how early health challenges shaped his outlook, how failure can become fuel, and why clarity matters more than circumstances. The conversation explores vision setting, daily habits, leadership, and using purpose to create momentum in business and life. Key takeaways: How early adversity reshaped his mindset and influenced long-term motivation and persistence Why defining personal meaning matters more than tools, talent, or starting circumstances Practical habits that help maintain focus, discipline, and forward momentum each day Lessons on leadership, delegation, and building teams that scale beyond the individual How service, generosity, and purpose can guide decisions and future direction And more! Connect With Randy Carver: LinkedIn: Randy Carver Website: Carver Financial Services Connect With Sweet Financial Partners: 1 (507) 235-5587 meetingwithsweet.com Sweet Financial LinkedIn: Bryan Sweet Facebook: Sweet Financial Partners Get our book, “Dream Architecture,” here About Our Guest: Randy Carver was born in New York City, grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and spent his teen years in Toronto, Canada. As a teenager, Randy started and ran several successful businesses, including a catering firm and two home renovation companies. He attended Oberlin College where he earned his degree in economics. Upon graduating in 1987, Randy opened a branch office for a regional brokerage firm in Mentor, Ohio. The office became one of the company's most successful within three years. In 1990, Randy founded Carver Financial Services to provide Personal Vision Planning® by offering clients unbiased investment information and a wide range of financial products and services through an international firm. He has offered securities through Raymond James Financial Services since 1990. Randy is a General Securities Principal (Series 24 license), Municipal Securities Principal (Series 53 license), holds Series 7 and Series 63 securities licenses, in addition to a series 31 futures license. He also holds a life, health, and annuity insurance license. Randy has earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselors CRPC® designation from the College for Financial Planning and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® practitioner, having completed the certification from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts earning the CDFA® designation. Randy has taught accountancy board-approved continuing education courses for certified public accountants, as well as Supreme Court Commission on Continuing Legal Education-approved courses for attorneys since 1989. Randy has appeared as a commentator on FOX Business, CNN, Yahoo Finance, Bankrate, Cheddar TV, Newsmax, and Fox News. He has been featured in the New York Times, Barron's, Forbes, Financial Times, The News-Herald, Crain's Cleveland Business, the Toledo Blade and The Wall Street Journal. Barron's has named Randy Carver one of the top 1200 advisors in the United States and one of the top 10 in Ohio every year since 2010. Factors included in the rankings: assets under management, revenue produced for the firm, regulatory record, quality of practice, and philanthropic work. Click here to see all the awards he has received from Barron's, Forbes, Financial Times, etc. Randy lives in Kirtland Hills, Ohio, with his significant other, Christine, and their three dogs, Brutus, Mongo, and Thor. His daughter Cid is living in Tel Aviv, Israel. Randy is a licensed private pilot, flying for both business and pleasure, and pursues other eclectic hobbies ranging from gourmet cooking to riding motorcycles. The opinions voiced in The Dream Architect Life Podcast with Bryan Sweet are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine what may be appropriate for you, consult with your attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor prior to investing. Guests on the show are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors.

In our final episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom for 2025, we take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of education and what that means for families planning ahead. College isn't what it used to be, and as we head into 2026, we unpack how demographic shifts, cost pressures, and emerging technologies like AI are reshaping higher education—and what families can do to stay ahead of the curve.Alex explains how college enrollment has been declining steadily since its peak in 2010. While part of that is due to lower birth rates post-2007, we focus on the bigger shift—young people increasingly turning toward trade careers, certifications, and alternative learning paths. Fields like HVAC, welding, and nursing are growing in demand, and students are seeking out stable, well-paying jobs that don't require a four-year degree.For those who do choose college, we're seeing a clear shift in preferred majors. STEM fields like engineering, computer science, and data science are growing, along with healthcare and business, while traditional liberal arts majors are shrinking. Rising costs are a huge part of the conversation, with many families questioning whether a $320,000 undergraduate degree truly delivers a return on investment. This economic pressure has pushed many toward more flexible paths like community college, online programs, or hybrid models that offer practical value without the high price tag.We also examine how universities themselves are evolving—sometimes in the wrong direction. From luxury dorms to reduced tenure-track faculty, schools are spending more to attract students but aren't always investing in what really matters: quality education. Alex shares a personal story from his alma mater, Washington University that perfectly illustrates this disconnect.Next, we turn to the financial side. Ed walks us through how 529 plans remain one of the best tools families can use, even in this uncertain educational landscape. These plans are far more flexible than many realize—they now cover trade schools, certifications, online degrees, and even some K–12 costs. Plus, any leftover funds can be rolled into a Roth IRA, offering tax-free growth and long-term retirement benefits for beneficiaries. The ability to change the plan's beneficiary and the favorable tax treatment make 529s an incredibly versatile, powerful savings option.Even if the future of education is less predictable, we agree the cost will still be significant. That's why saving early and often—while staying flexible—is more important than ever. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we explore the bold claim that retirees should hold nothing but stocks forever. Sparked by a recent Wall Street Journal article by Jason Zweig, the conversation centers around whether an all-equity portfolio is a sound retirement strategy, or just good theory that breaks down in the real world. We tackle the academic study Zweig references, which analyzed over a century of data across 39 countries, concluding that bonds have historically underperformed and added minimal diversification. At first glance, that makes a compelling case for stocks-only portfolios, even in retirement.But as we point out, average returns over a hundred years don't capture the emotional and practical realities retirees face. Markets move in cycles, and people's risk tolerance changes over time—especially when they stop contributing and start drawing income in retirement. When volatility hits, a paper loss becomes a real-life stressor, and if the timing is bad enough, it can ruin a retirement plan. The study fails to account for the psychological impact of watching your nest egg drop 30–40%, which often leads investors to panic and sell low. We emphasize that bonds, CDs, and cash aren't exciting, but they serve a critical purpose: they provide liquidity and peace of mind during market downturns.We share examples of possible outcomes for people who retired just before the 2008 crash—and how balanced portfolios helped them weather the storm while all-stock portfolios struggled. Those who were all-in on stocks or fled to cash at the wrong time are still trying to catch up—or never did. We also run a hypothetical example from 1999 to 2024 showing how a 60/40 split outperformed both a pure stock and pure bond strategy over 25 years, with regular withdrawals. The math alone doesn't capture the full picture. Sequence of returns risk is real, and so is the need for flexibility.Ultimately, we conclude that the best plan isn't the one with the highest theoretical return—it's the one you can stick with. A diversified portfolio might not always win in terms of raw numbers, but it gives you the best chance to live the life you want in retirement, regardless of market conditions. For us, true financial freedom comes from consistency, flexibility, and balance—not gambling on perfect market timing.You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190.Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management.  This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.   You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this month's episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we dig into a topic that's becoming more critical in today's investment landscape—concentration risk. We've talked about the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks—Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, and Tesla—before, but now we're zooming in on the downside of their dominance. While these mega-cap companies have driven much of the market's recent growth, their outsized influence poses a risk that many investors overlook.We start by revisiting the concept of diversification, which we believe is often misunderstood. As Alex explains, owning cash at different banks or multiple funds that move in lockstep isn't real diversification. What matters is what's inside those funds—are they all large-cap U.S. stocks, or do they include small caps, international equities, or different sectors? Too often, investors think they're diversified when, in reality, their holdings are heavily skewed toward the same handful of companies.We also discuss how concentration creeps in—especially through popular indexes like the S&P 500, which is now heavily weighted toward just a few tech giants. Ed points out a striking stat: Nvidia and Microsoft alone represent as much of the S&P 500 as the bottom 400 companies combined. This “index drift” means that even supposedly diversified portfolios—like target date retirement funds—may be overly reliant on the same names.To build resilience, we stress the importance of intentional diversification. That means expanding beyond large-cap U.S. stocks to include mid- and small-cap companies, international equities, and even alternative assets like gold, real estate, and commodities. Fixed income is also relevant again, with bonds and cash offering meaningful yield for the first time in years.We wrap up by emphasizing the need for proactive rebalancing. Don't try to time the market. Instead, rebalance regularly on a schedule to keep your allocation aligned with your goals. And understand that even strong companies stumble, so don't let recent winners dominate your portfolio.At the end of the day, this isn't about abandoning tech or being a contrarian—it's about knowing what you own and why you own it. Because building a durable portfolio isn't a one-time setup. It's an ongoing process that needs regular attention. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we head into fall, we take the opportunity to run a financial "fire drill"—not because we expect a crisis, but because we know volatility is inevitable. This episode is all about preparation: emotionally and strategically. Ed Lambert, Alex Cabot, and Jag kick things off with some seasonal banter, but quickly dive into why fall is a natural time to reassess our portfolios and our mindset around investing.Ed begins by reminding us that even in strong years, the market doesn't move in a straight line. The S&P 500 typically sees multiple 5% dips annually and about a 10% correction every year or two. But those drops aren't signs of failure—they're part of the process. He walks us through some of the scariest moments of the last 15 years—like the 2011 debt ceiling crisis, the COVID crash of 2020, and the recent sharp drop in April 2025—highlighting how each time, the market rebounded. The key, he says, is staying the course and not reacting emotionally. Emotional decisions—especially ones made in fear—almost always lead to poor outcomes.We focus heavily on the idea that emotional preparation is just as important as strategic allocation. Ed makes the point that volatility is the price of admission for long-term growth. He urges listeners to “zoom out” and look at the long-term trajectory of the market, where short-term declines barely register. Since 1980, despite multiple downturns, the market has averaged nearly 10% returns annually.Alex then picks up the second half of the fire drill analogy—portfolio preparation. He compares asset allocation to a smoke detector: you want it functioning before there's smoke. He explains that the right asset mix comes from evaluating three factors—your goals, your timeframe, and your risk tolerance. Importantly, risk tolerance has both a financial and emotional component, and the two don't always align. He gives practical examples for how these factors influence portfolio design—contrasting a 25-year-old saving for retirement with someone needing cash in six months for a car purchase.He also stresses the need to regularly rebalance portfolios. Just like a smoke detector can get out of sync, so can an asset allocation if left unattended. Ignoring this can lead to a portfolio that doesn't reflect your needs or goals. Whether it's a 5% dip or a 25% drawdown, a well-built and actively managed allocation keeps investors steady. Alex closes with an important reminder: every downturn in history has ended in recovery. The question isn't if volatility will come, but when—and how prepared we'll be.Have you ever had a smoke detector battery die in the middle of the night? We swap stories about that to cement our analogy.  You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we dive into the implications of the newly passed federal tax bill—also known asl the “big, beautiful bill.” While the name might suggest sweeping changes, the truth is more about maintaining the status quo and preventing an expiration of key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We break down what that means for retirees, investors, and anyone planning their financial future.We start with the basics. Alex explains that the bill keeps existing tax brackets intact through 2025. The seven current brackets—ranging from 10% to 37%—remain unchanged and will continue to adjust with inflation. This alone helps prevent tax hikes for most Americans. Next, we look at the standard deduction. It's staying high: $15,750 for individuals and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly in 2025. For seniors aged 65 and older, there's an added bonus—an additional $6,000 per person. That means some retired couples could deduct up to $43,500, significantly lowering their taxable income. However, this senior deduction phases out at incomes over $150,000 and disappears entirely at $250,000.Another highlight is a small but impactful update to tip and overtime tax treatment. Up to $2,500 in tips and $5,000 in overtime income will now be tax-exempt, a win for part-time workers and younger family members in service jobs. We also see an increase in the SALT (state and local tax) deduction cap—from $10,000 to $40,000—which could encourage some high earners in states like New York and California to start itemizing again.Ed takes over to unpack how this affects investments. Capital gains tax rates remain unchanged, with the familiar 0%, 15%, and 20% tiers, adjusted for inflation. The 3.8% net investment income tax—sometimes dubbed the Obamacare surcharge—still applies to higher-income earners. Importantly, the step-up in basis on inherited assets is untouched, preserving one of the most efficient methods of wealth transfer.The bill also maintains the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) option, allowing those over 70½ to donate up to $100,000 directly from IRAs without increasing taxable income. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) still begin at age 73. We round out with a reminder on smart asset location—keeping tax-inefficient investments in tax-deferred accounts and long-term strategies in taxable accounts.While the bill doesn't overhaul the tax code, it preserves favorable conditions for most Americans, especially retirees and investors. Our advice remains: understand how these provisions impact your specific situation and reach out to a financial professional for personalized planning. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, and Jon Gay and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

Discover how Concurrent is empowering RIAs with scalable solutions, autonomy, and strategic investments to drive business growth and enhance client service.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene talks with Nate Lenz, co-founder and CEO of Concurrent, a platform created to support independent wealth management firms. Nate explains how Concurrent has evolved from a consulting firm to a leading force in the RIA space, managing over $13 billion in assets. He discusses how Concurrent helps RIAs grow by providing crucial back-office support, technology, and even minority equity investments. If you're an advisor aiming to expand or shift to independence, this episode offers useful insights into how Concurrent's innovative platform can boost your practice.   Key Takeaways: → How Concurrent helps independent advisors gain the benefits of scale without sacrificing autonomy. → The role of technology, compliance, and operations in enabling advisors to focus on client relationships. → The strategic investment model and how Concurrent is offering minority equity stakes in affiliated RIAs. → Insights into the cultural shift in the wealth management space, with more firms leaving traditional models for independence. → The challenges and rewards of scaling an RIA platform and attracting top talent in a competitive market.   Nate Lenz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Concurrent, a $7 billion OSJ-turned-RIA recognized as an InvestmentNews Best Place to Work in 2023. With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Nate has built his career around supporting and empowering independent financial advisors to succeed without relying on traditional big-firm backing. Before launching Concurrent, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner at I&A Consulting, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and advisor recruiting. Earlier in his career, Nate served as Vice President of Succession Planning & Acquisitions at Raymond James Financial Services, where he led an in-house consulting team supporting more than 4,000 independent advisors. His experiences have fostered a strong commitment to helping advisors grow their businesses and navigate every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Nate: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how Concurrent is empowering RIAs with scalable solutions, autonomy, and strategic investments to drive business growth and enhance client service.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene talks with Nate Lenz, co-founder and CEO of Concurrent, a platform created to support independent wealth management firms. Nate explains how Concurrent has evolved from a consulting firm to a leading force in the RIA space, managing over $13 billion in assets. He discusses how Concurrent helps RIAs grow by providing crucial back-office support, technology, and even minority equity investments. If you're an advisor aiming to expand or shift to independence, this episode offers useful insights into how Concurrent's innovative platform can boost your practice.   Key Takeaways: → How Concurrent helps independent advisors gain the benefits of scale without sacrificing autonomy. → The role of technology, compliance, and operations in enabling advisors to focus on client relationships. → The strategic investment model and how Concurrent is offering minority equity stakes in affiliated RIAs. → Insights into the cultural shift in the wealth management space, with more firms leaving traditional models for independence. → The challenges and rewards of scaling an RIA platform and attracting top talent in a competitive market.   Nate Lenz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Concurrent, a $7 billion OSJ-turned-RIA recognized as an InvestmentNews Best Place to Work in 2023. With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Nate has built his career around supporting and empowering independent financial advisors to succeed without relying on traditional big-firm backing. Before launching Concurrent, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner at I&A Consulting, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and advisor recruiting. Earlier in his career, Nate served as Vice President of Succession Planning & Acquisitions at Raymond James Financial Services, where he led an in-house consulting team supporting more than 4,000 independent advisors. His experiences have fostered a strong commitment to helping advisors grow their businesses and navigate every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Nate: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how Concurrent is empowering RIAs with scalable solutions, autonomy, and strategic investments to drive business growth and enhance client service.   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene speaks with Nate Lenz, co-founder and CEO of Concurrent, a platform created to support independent wealth management firms. Nate explains how Concurrent has evolved from a consulting firm to a leading force in the RIA space, managing over $13 billion in assets. He discusses how Concurrent helps RIAs grow by providing crucial back-office support, technology, and even minority equity investments. If you're an advisor aiming to expand or shift to independence, this episode offers useful insights into how Concurrent's innovative platform can boost your practice   Key Takeaways: → How Concurrent helps independent advisors gain the benefits of scale without sacrificing autonomy. → The role of technology, compliance, and operations in enabling advisors to focus on client relationships. → The strategic investment model and how Concurrent is offering minority equity stakes in affiliated RIAs. → Insights into the cultural shift in the wealth management space, with more firms leaving traditional models for independence. → The challenges and rewards of scaling an RIA platform and attracting top talent in a competitive market.   Nate Lenz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Concurrent, a $7 billion OSJ-turned-RIA recognized as an InvestmentNews Best Place to Work in 2023. With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Nate has built his career around supporting and empowering independent financial advisors to succeed without relying on traditional big-firm backing. Before launching Concurrent, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner at I&A Consulting, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and advisor recruiting. Earlier in his career, Nate served as Vice President of Succession Planning & Acquisitions at Raymond James Financial Services, where he led an in-house consulting team supporting more than 4,000 independent advisors. His experiences have fostered a strong commitment to helping advisors grow their businesses and navigate every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Nate: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how Concurrent is empowering RIAs with scalable solutions, autonomy, and strategic investments to drive business growth and enhance client service.   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene speaks with Nate Lenz, co-founder and CEO of Concurrent, a platform created to support independent wealth management firms. Nate explains how Concurrent has evolved from a consulting firm to a leading force in the RIA space, managing over $13 billion in assets. He discusses how Concurrent helps RIAs grow by providing crucial back-office support, technology, and even minority equity investments. If you're an advisor aiming to expand or shift to independence, this episode offers useful insights into how Concurrent's innovative platform can boost your practice   Key Takeaways: → How Concurrent helps independent advisors gain the benefits of scale without sacrificing autonomy. → The role of technology, compliance, and operations in enabling advisors to focus on client relationships. → The strategic investment model and how Concurrent is offering minority equity stakes in affiliated RIAs. → Insights into the cultural shift in the wealth management space, with more firms leaving traditional models for independence. → The challenges and rewards of scaling an RIA platform and attracting top talent in a competitive market.   Nate Lenz is the CEO and Co-Founder of Concurrent, a $7 billion OSJ-turned-RIA recognized as an InvestmentNews Best Place to Work in 2023. With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Nate has built his career around supporting and empowering independent financial advisors to succeed without relying on traditional big-firm backing. Before launching Concurrent, he was Co-Founder and Managing Partner at I&A Consulting, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and advisor recruiting. Earlier in his career, Nate served as Vice President of Succession Planning & Acquisitions at Raymond James Financial Services, where he led an in-house consulting team supporting more than 4,000 independent advisors. His experiences have fostered a strong commitment to helping advisors grow their businesses and navigate every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Nate: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this mid-year episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we reflect on what 2025 has taught us about markets, economic conditions, and investor behavior. We're at the halfway mark of the year, and despite some rough patches, the financial landscape has shown surprising resilience. Alex kicks things off by detailing how the year began with a normal market correction followed by a sharp crash triggered by unexpected tariff announcements. Despite this, the S&P 500 has managed a modest gain of around 2.3% as of mid-June, largely powered by a few large tech and AI companies.Economic growth in the U.S. has remained steady, albeit modest, defying some analysts' recession predictions. Inflation has cooled significantly since its peak in 2022-2023, allowing the Fed to ease interest rates by 75 basis points. However, rate cuts have since paused as the Fed monitors inflation's remaining pressure, particularly in housing and services.We discuss how consumer sentiment is mixed. While spending continues, signs of fatigue are emerging amid ongoing uncertainty around trade policy and the political landscape. International markets, particularly in Europe and emerging regions, have outperformed U.S. stocks slightly this year—marking a shift from the trend of U.S. dominance.Within asset classes, small-cap and value stocks have underperformed, while bonds have been flat to slightly negative. Cash and money markets remain attractive for their yield, but their long-term return potential is limited. Real assets like gold have performed strongly, benefitting from trade-related fears.We emphasize that major institutional investors have responded to market turbulence by rebalancing rather than making drastic shifts—a strategy we support for retail investors too. When volatility hits, buying low through rebalancing beats the temptation to time the market. Chasing hot sectors, like tech and AI, is risky and often leads to poor results.Ed follows up with key takeaways. First, staying invested through volatility has paid off, reinforcing that time in the market beats timing it. Second, diversification remains essential, as relying on a few high-performing stocks can backfire. Finally, mindset is everything. Markets change fast, and the ability to remain disciplined and focused on long-term goals is critical to success. Whether it's Fed policy, geopolitical tensions, or surprise earnings, what matters most is how we respond—not how well we predict.The markets have reinforced what we preach every episode.  Have a plan, and don't give in to emotional or market temptation. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, and Jon Gay and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we shift focus from the hard numbers and take a deep dive into the psychological side of investing. Specifically, we explore loss aversion—the human tendency to feel the pain of financial loss more intensely than the pleasure of gains. As we've all seen in our work and our own portfolios, emotional reactions to market swings can often lead to irrational decisions. That's where understanding behavioral finance becomes a powerful tool in making smarter financial choices.We start with Ed breaking down the origins of loss aversion, rooted in the research of Kahneman and Tversky. Their work in the 1970s, which led to the development of prospect theory, shows that the average person perceives a $100,000 loss as twice as painful as a $100,000 gain is pleasurable. This cognitive imbalance causes two major pitfalls: people either avoid risk entirely and park money in cash—letting inflation erode value—or they panic-sell during downturns and miss out on rebounds, effectively locking in their losses.Ed walks us through real examples, including the volatility of April 2024, the pandemic crash of 2020, and the 2008 recession. He explains how our amygdala, hardwired to detect threats, doesn't differentiate between a market dip and a life-or-death situation, making our emotional reactions feel justified—even when they're counterproductive.Alex builds on this by offering techniques to manage this psychological bias. First, we need to build a financial plan with a properly diversified portfolio aligned to our specific timeline and goals. He emphasizes reframing our perspective—looking at a portfolio not as a cash balance but as ownership in companies that will likely be around for decades. He shares the analogy of home values: we don't sell our house when its Zestimate dips; likewise, we shouldn't rush to sell stocks when they temporarily fall.Other actionable strategies include pre-committing to actions like rebalancing during downturns, increasing contributions when prices are low, and resisting the urge to act impulsively. He underscores the power of long-term thinking—"expand the graph"—to see that every crash looks like a blip over decades. And finally, he recommends examining past mistakes. Nothing hits home more than seeing the dollars lost from a past panic sale.We close by reaffirming that while we can't guarantee outcomes, we can plan for volatility. The market is emotional in the short term but logical in the long term. With the right mindset and tools, we can better navigate the emotional terrain of investing and avoid letting fear dictate our strategy.Books Mentioned:Thinking Fast and Slow: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds: https://www.amazon.com/Undoing-Project-Friendship-Changed-Minds/dp/0393354776 You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, and Jon Gay and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode, we walk through a tumultuous April marked by heightened market volatility, significant tariff announcements, and growing concerns about inflation and recession risk. Alex kicks off by breaking down what happened in the markets. The month began with what initially looked like a standard correction, but quickly escalated into what he describes as a crash. On April 2nd, the administration announced far more aggressive tariffs than anticipated, especially targeting Chinese imports. The shock triggered a sharp market drop—more than a thousand points lost over two days. The volatility stemmed largely from the ambiguity those tariffs introduced, making it difficult to accurately value stocks and project cash flows. As Alex explains, investor confidence suffers when assumptions about capital costs and future growth become too uncertain to model.Despite the chaos, we emphasize the importance of staying invested. Alex reminds us of our previous discussions about how the best up days in the market often follow the worst down days—something we saw play out just days after the tariff announcement when markets rebounded sharply after a partial rollback on April 9th. That pattern is why timing the market remains a losing game.We also touch on the importance of client communication during turbulent periods. Alex and Ed talk about the proactive steps they took to prepare clients, including emails, webinars, and consistent messaging. This transparency helped reduce panic and reinforce the value of long-term planning.Ed then walks us through where we stand now. While the most extreme tariffs were pulled back, the new baseline is still historically high, with a 10% tariff on all imports and 145% on imports from China. These will likely impact consumer prices starting this summer, especially on goods like food or chemicals tied to supply chains in China. We're now facing the highest average tariff rate in a century.He also addresses the rising recession odds, now between 40–60% according to major banks—well above the post-war average, but still no guarantee. Economic forecasting, as he notes, is often no more reliable than market prediction. Finally, we explore the Fed's precarious position: hold rates and risk slowing growth, or cut rates and risk fueling tariff-driven inflation. Either choice comes with real trade-offs.We close by reinforcing the message we always deliver—don't try to outsmart the market. Stick to your long-term plan, stay diversified, and prepare for storms before they hit. That's what we've always done, and it's what we'll keep doing. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, and Jon Gay and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we dive headfirst into the recent stock market volatility and explore what's driving it—and more importantly, how investors should respond. We tackle the question on everyone's mind: "What the heck is going on with the market?"Ed kicks things off with a breakdown of recent market activity, noting that since the February 19 peak, the market has dropped roughly 9.5% as of April 1. He explains that this pullback is largely driven by elevated stock valuations and policy uncertainty. The S&P 500's forward P/E ratio is sitting well above its 30-year average, which has made the market more sensitive to any negative headlines. Add to that the confusion surrounding tariffs and trade policy—especially whether these moves are part of negotiation tactics or a longer-term shift toward protectionism—and we're looking at a market trying to digest a lot at once.Ed emphasizes the importance of sticking to a well-diversified portfolio and keeping allocations aligned with long-term goals. If your portfolio has drifted because of recent gains or losses, now is the time to rebalance. We revisit the idea of “fire drills,” a proactive approach Birch Run uses with clients to prepare for downturns before they happen.Alex then provides some critical historical perspective. He reminds us that every downturn—whether it's the Panic of 1907, the crash of 1929, or COVID in 2020—has been temporary. The key takeaway? Don't let short-term fear drive long-term mistakes. He shares how missing just the 10 best market days over a 30-year span could slash an example portfolio growth by nearly $1 million. And since many of those “best days” tend to cluster around the worst ones, jumping in and out of the market is a dangerous game.Alex and Ed both stress that timing the market is not only incredibly difficult (if not impossible), but often detrimental. Staying invested with a balanced strategy that fits your goals is almost always the right approach. While we can't predict where the market will go in 2025, we can recommend avoiding behavioral traps and sticking to the fundamentals.Listen through to the end of the show to hear how ice cream ties in to all of this. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, and Jon Gay and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

What is an annuity? Is it a good tool for my goals? Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis joins Certified Financial Planner, Matt Brown the branch manager of Raymond James in Cookeville to explore frequently asked questions about annuities. 304 Family Wealth |304 N. Washington Ave. Cookeville, TN 38501| 931.520.0778 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. 304 Family Wealth is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Matthew Brown and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred insurance contracts designed for retirement. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ may be subject to taxes and possible penalties. Any guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Contracts are subject to fees and limitations. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of variable annuities carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the variable annuity and its underlying funds. Prospectuses for both the variable annuity contract and the underlying funds are available from your financial advisor and should be read carefully before investing. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or a loss regardless of strategy selected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.

After sending congratulations to the Super Bowl champion Eagles, today we dive into a dense and important topic: the U.S. federal debt. There's a lot of fear and misinformation around this issue, so we break down what the numbers really mean and how they compare to history.Alex kicks things off by clarifying key terms. A deficit occurs when the government spends more than it brings in during a given year. The debt is the accumulation of all past deficits, minus any surpluses. The U.S. has run a deficit in 46 of the last 50 years, meaning it consistently spends more than it collects in revenue. To cover these shortfalls, the government borrows money by selling treasury securities to investors, institutions, and foreign governments. The debt's significance is often measured against the country's total economic output—its debt-to-GDP ratio—which has averaged about 64% since 1939 but has spiked dramatically at key moments in history.We've seen two major surges in debt-to-GDP: during World War II, when it reached 120%, and during COVID-19, when emergency spending pushed it to 125%. While this ratio has come down slightly since the pandemic, it remains historically high. Similarly, the deficit-to-GDP ratio, which measures the size of the annual shortfall relative to economic output, has averaged 3.4% over time but ballooned to around 6.4% in recent years.Ed walks us through the current numbers. As of 2025, the U.S. total debt stands at $36.2 trillion, with about $28.9 trillion held by the public and $7.3 trillion held by government programs like Social Security. Given that GDP is around $29 trillion, our debt-to-GDP ratio sits at 120%, nearly double its long-term average. The U.S. ran a $1.8 trillion deficit in 2024 and is on track for a similar shortfall in 2025. Experts believe a sustainable deficit level should be closer to 3% of GDP, meaning we'd need to close a $1 trillion annual gap through tax increases, spending cuts, or a mix of both.A common concern we address is the idea that foreign nations “own” the U.S. through debt holdings. In reality, only about 23% of U.S. debt is held by foreign countries, with Japan and China being the largest holders. However, they invest in U.S. debt not to control us but because U.S. treasuries are among the safest assets in the world.So, should we be panicking? Not necessarily. As Ed reminds us, people have been warning about a debt crisis for decades. Ross Perot famously made it a central issue of his 1992 presidential campaign when the debt was just $4 trillion.  And yes, we may have detoured for a moment into Ross Perot and "Dana Carvey doing Ross Perot" impressions.Today's debt and deficit numbers are bigger, but so is the U.S. economy. While the current trajectory isn't sustainable forever, it's not an immediate crisis either—more of an issue that will need to be addressed over time.If you're wondering how these macroeconomic trends impact your personal financial planning, feel free to reach out. Visit Birch Run Financial, email info@birchrunfinancial.com, or call 484-395-2190. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, and Jon Gay and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we kick off 2025 by discussing the economic highlights of 2024 and what lies ahead for the U.S. economy and markets. Ed provides an economic overview, while Alex dives into financial market performance and predictions.2024 saw significant progress in inflation reduction, with CPI falling from its 2022 peak of 9.1% to 2.8% by late 2024. While the Fed's soft landing approach avoided recession and brought inflation closer to its 2% target, uncertainties like potential tariffs remain. GDP growth for 2024 ended on a strong note at 2.7%, and economists project continued growth in 2025, with estimates ranging from 2.1% to 2.4%. The labor market, though slightly looser than in previous years, remains robust, with unemployment at 4.1%, still below historical averages.Interest rates, which peaked at 5.25% in mid-2023, were reduced incrementally to 4.25% by the end of 2024. While the Fed is not expected to cut rates further in early 2025, analysts predict additional rate reductions later this year, potentially lowering rates to around 3.25% by year-end.Turning to the markets, 2024 was a stellar year for U.S. equities, driven largely by the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants. The S&P 500 delivered an impressive 25% return, although most of this growth came from a small number of dominant stocks. In contrast, value stocks underperformed, returning 12.3%, while international stocks lagged with a modest 4.4% return. Other asset classes, including small and mid-cap stocks, bonds, and real estate, showed moderate gains. Gold, interestingly, mirrored the stock market's strong performance, rising by 25.5%.Looking ahead to 2025, major banks predict modest market growth, with the S&P 500 expected to yield returns of approximately 10%-12%. But despite a number of predictions - they are just that: predictions.  And Alex shares what he and the team think about these predictions. They are speculative, and market behavior is inherently unpredictable. The key takeaway is to remain diversified, stick to a long-term financial plan, and avoid reactionary decisions based on short-term market volatility.As always, staying prepared for market uncertainty while maintaining a balanced, goals-based strategy is critical for long-term success. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, and Jon Gay and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we delve into the timely topic of tariffs, their economic implications, and their resurgence in U.S. policy under President Trump's leadership. Alex Cabot and Ed Lambert of Birch Run Financial provide a clear breakdown of what tariffs are, who pays them, and their pros and cons.We begin by defining tariffs as taxes imposed on imported or exported goods. Alex clarifies a common misconception: while tariffs aim to promote domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive, it is the U.S. importer—not foreign governments or exporters—who pays these taxes. Importers often pass these costs on to consumers, leading to higher prices, though in some cases, businesses absorb the costs, reducing their margins.Tariffs have several objectives. They protect domestic industries by encouraging consumers to buy locally, generate government revenue, address trade imbalances, and promote national security. They can also support emerging industries and serve as negotiating tools in trade disputes. For instance, the current administration appears to be using tariffs as leverage in international trade negotiations, particularly with Mexico and China.Ed expands on the downsides of tariffs, including their potential to trigger trade wars, where reciprocal tariffs harm businesses and consumers on both sides. Tariffs can also disrupt global supply chains, drive inflation, and reduce economic efficiency. For example, industries reliant on imported materials may face squeezed profit margins or pass costs onto consumers, further exacerbating financial strain. Additionally, widespread tariffs can slow global economic growth by undermining the interconnectedness of modern economies.The discussion concludes with a balanced perspective. While tariffs can be a useful tool to protect strategic industries or as a negotiation tactic, blanket tariffs across all trading partners are generally counterproductive. Thoughtful implementation is critical to avoid unintended consequences.Alex and Ed emphasize their commitment to breaking down complex topics for listeners, encouraging questions, and offering consultations. For more insights, they invite listeners to connect via their website, email, or social media. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, and Jon Gay and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode of Nurturing Financial Freedom, we discuss how the markets responded to the certainty brought by the recent Presidential election and what history suggests about post-election market performance. While maintaining a nonpartisan lens, we explore the relationship between political outcomes and financial markets.Ed starts by analyzing market movements in the week following the election. He highlights that the clear election outcome brought a sense of relief and stability to the markets, avoiding the prolonged uncertainty seen in prior cycles. This certainty spurred optimism, particularly around potential corporate tax extensions and reduced regulation, both of which are expected to support corporate profits. Financial stocks and small-cap U.S. stocks were notable outperformers, buoyed by deregulation hopes and domestic market focus, respectively. However, bonds and international stocks underperformed due to rising bond yields and a strengthening U.S. dollar, which hurt returns on foreign investments.Alex then shifts the focus to historical trends, emphasizing that while markets typically perform well post-election, this is consistent with broader market behavior rather than directly attributable to election outcomes. He notes that since 1980, nine of 11 post-election years saw positive market returns, averaging 15.6%, higher than the overall market average. Yet, these gains often stem from broader economic conditions rather than the Presidency itself- correlation does not mean causation!He reminds us that the stock market, like a nimble speedboat, can react quickly to news, whereas the economy, more akin to a massive aircraft carrier, changes direction only with significant events. Regardless of political shifts, long-term economic fundamentals and corporate earnings drive market performance. Again, reactionary changes to investment strategies based solely on political outcomes are unwise.The discussion closes with a look ahead, noting that volatility can increase under a new administration but isn't guaranteed. Historical examples, such as the quiet markets of 2017 following Trump's first inauguration, illustrate the unpredictable nature of post-election market behavior.Throughout, we stress the importance of focusing on long-term investment strategies rather than short-term political or market fluctuations. For personalized guidance, Birch Run Financial invites listeners to reach out through their website or social media channels. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

Today, Alex Cabot and Ed Lambert from Birch Run Financial dive into the intersection of politics and financial markets, focusing on the upcoming election. We discuss widespread market myths and offer a data-driven approach to navigating political cycles as an investor.Alex begins by addressing common misconceptions about election years and market volatility. Despite popular belief, election years do not inherently cause heightened volatility. Examining the past nine presidential elections, Alex highlights that only three were more volatile than average—2000, 2008, and 2020—events driven not by elections, but by major economic crises such as the tech bubble burst, the financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.Another misconception Alex tackles is the belief that markets perform better under Republican administrations due to their perceived pro-business stance. Historical data shows that markets have actually done well under both Democratic and Republican presidencies. Staying invested throughout all political cycles, regardless of the party in power, yields better long-term results, as markets ultimately respond more to economic fundamentals than to political leadership.Ed wraps up the discussion with an optimistic outlook on the U.S. economy. He emphasizes that, no matter the election outcome, the U.S. will continue to be the world's dominant economic power. Key statistics reinforce this point: the U.S. GDP is currently 55% larger than China's, and the country leads in energy production and technological innovation. He also points to the U.S.'s demographic advantages, including high immigration rates, which help sustain economic growth compared to other developed nations with aging populations.The episode underscores the importance of remaining calm and focused on long-term financial goals, no matter the election results. The U.S. economy is resilient, and sound investment strategies should not be swayed by political fearmongering or short-term volatility. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode, we discuss the recent Federal Reserve rate cut and its implications for the market and economy. The Fed reduced its overnight lending rate by half a percentage point, bringing it down from 5.25% to 4.75%. This was the first rate cut since March 2020, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. The Fed's dual mandate—maintaining price stability and maximizing employment—guides its decisions. With inflation largely under control, the Fed is now able to focus on adjusting rates to support employment without risking economic stability.Ed explains that the current rate reduction is a strategic move, allowing the Fed flexibility to respond to future economic challenges. With rates still relatively high, the Fed has room to cut further if needed, but prefers a gradual approach to avoid destabilizing progress against inflation. He mentions the possibility of additional cuts later this year, barring any sudden spikes in inflation.Alex highlights how the market has reacted to the Fed's actions, noting that price-to-earnings ratios and bond yields adjusted even before the official rate cut. This preemptive adjustment is common as markets tend to "price in" expected policy changes. However, he cautions that predicting future interest rates accurately is challenging, and the Fed's projections often diverge from reality.We also explore the potential impact of these rate changes on the housing market. Higher interest rates have made borrowing more expensive, which affects home affordability. Many homeowners who refinanced at low rates may be reluctant to sell and take on a new mortgage at higher rates, constraining housing supply. Despite these challenges, Alex advises that personal financial decisions, such as purchasing a home, should be based on individual circumstances rather than solely on market conditions.Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of having a personalized, all-weather investment strategy that can withstand various economic scenarios. Rather than making reactive changes based on market fluctuations, maintaining a consistent and well-thought-out plan tailored to individual goals and risk tolerance is crucial. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode of "Nurturing Financial Freedom," we discuss the surprising market volatility that occurred in early August 2024 and explore what investors should take away from these events. But first, we actually met in person last month - for the first time after working together for over five years!The market's volatility in August was triggered primarily by two factors: weaker-than-expected economic reports and high market valuations. The Institute for Supply Management's report on business indicated declining confidence in the manufacturing sector, which, alongside a disappointing non-farm payroll report, caused investors to worry that the economy might be slowing too quickly in its fight against inflation. This led to a significant market pullback, particularly in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which dropped 2,000 points over a few days.  But even in the time between writing this episode and recording it, market volatility has calmed.Alex and Ed emphasize that while these reports sparked concern, the broader economic context remains positive. They remind listeners that market fluctuations are normal, and short-term downturns don't necessarily signal long-term issues. The key takeaway is the importance of maintaining a balanced and diversified portfolio to withstand such volatility. They also highlight the Federal Reserve's potential role in stabilizing the economy, noting that if a significant slowdown occurs, the Fed has the ability to cut interest rates to stimulate growth.  It's possible we see this after their next meeting in September.Predicting short-term market movements is extremely difficult, akin to forecasting the weather. Instead, the focus should be on long-term strategies and maintaining perspective during turbulent times. Ed advises against panicking during market volatility, stressing the importance of staying the course with a well-diversified investment plan. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors' abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

“The total relationship is about making life better for the client, focusing on what they need in the next 6 to 12 months, and helping them prioritize their financial decisions.” –Tyson RayThe finer details of this episode:The concept of the "total relationship" in financial planningThe importance of understanding clients' short-term goals and concernsThe role of wealth advisors in understanding clients' motivations and aspirationsProactive planning and collaboration between financial advisors, CPAs, and attorneysEducating clients about tax planning, investment decisions, and trade-offsSeeking deeper, more fulfilling connections beyond just financial mattersEpisode resources:Summit Virtual CFO by Anders website: https://www.summitcpa.net/If you have questions or would like to be a guest on the show, email us at mcpasuccessshow@anderscpa.comCheck out the Virtual CFO Playbook Course: https://vcfoplaybook.summitcpa.net/Connect with Tyson here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonray/Check out Form Wealth Advisors here: https://formwealth.com/Tyson's resources mentioned in the episode: https://totalrelationship.com/moderncpa Timestamps:The welcome and introduction (00:00:00)Introduction to the podcast and the mission of providing insights for accounting firms. Guest introduction and perspective (00:00:30)Discussion about the unique perspective of the guest, Tyson Ray, and the value he brings to the audience. Introduction to the show and guest (00:00:53)The host and guest host introduce themselves and welcome the audience to the show. Tyson Ray's background and mission (00:01:19)Tyson Ray introduces himself, his role, and his mission to help clients and the community. The total relationship and client value (00:02:43)Discussion about the importance of understanding the client's needs and building a valuable relationship. Expanding services and expertise (00:03:40)Tyson Ray's decision to expand his expertise and focus on business exit planning. The Total Relationship book (00:05:05)Introduction to the book "The Total Relationship" and its focus on client relationships and communication. Client-focused planning approach (00:06:31)Explanation of the three parts of the total relationship: life plan, wealth plan, and care plan. Client relationship parallels (00:08:10)Discussion about the similarities in client-focused approaches between wealth management and financial business services. Prioritizing client needs (00:08:31)The importance of prioritizing client needs and guiding them through their financial journey. Life plan and client background (00:10:04)Exploration of the life plan, including family, health, and personal goals, to better understand the client's needs. Client's family and personal life (00:11:28)The significance of understanding the client's family dynamics, including parents, children, and personal experiences. Life plan and client's lifestyle (00:14:18)Discussion about the life plan, including travel, recreation, home improvements, and major purchases, to enhance the client's lifestyle. Client's life plan and financial decisions (00:15:53)The importance of aligning financial decisions with the client's life plan and rewarding themselves for their hard work. The Total Relationship and client permission (00:17:10)Exploration of the client's permission to prioritize their life plan and the role of advisors in supporting their goals. Life Plan (00:19:16)Advisors asking forward-looking questions, encouraging clients to enjoy their wealth and plan for personal goals. Virtual CFO Playbook (00:19:57)Promotion of a comprehensive online series to equip firms with essential tools for scalable CFO services. Wealth Advisor Conversations (00:20:40)Discussing the process of building trust with clients, understanding motivations, and opening conversations about personal and business goals. Life Plan and Wealth Plan Intersection (00:22:03)Exploring the connection between life and wealth plans, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' personal and business needs. Wealth Plan Proactivity (00:23:58)Identifying cash management, business debt, and proactive planning to navigate financial crises and business transitions. Business Succession and Life Plan (00:27:03)Addressing business owners' plans for exiting their businesses, including transitions and contingency planning. Collaboration and Tax Planning (00:28:50)Highlighting the benefits of collaboration between financial advisors, CPAs, and law firms for better client outcomes. Future-Focused Financial Advice (00:30:44)Emphasizing the importance of future-focused financial advice and the collaboration between wealth management and tax planning. Caring for Financial Future (00:31:23)Reminding clients of their goals, proactive service, and helping clients make informed financial decisions. Personal Wealth Building (00:34:09)Encouraging clients to consider personal wealth-building options and the impact on business sustainability. Tax Planning and Client Education (00:35:01)Educating clients on tax deductions, structure, planning, and the importance of making informed financial decisions. Wealth Building Strategies (00:35:49)Encouraging personal wealth building for business owners to reduce stress and secure financial stability. Roth Tax-Free and Deductions (00:36:45)Navigating discussions on Roth tax-free options, deductions, and the impact on future tax liabilities. Client Engagement and Care Plan (00:37:48)Frequency of client engagement, revisiting life plans, and maintaining a standard cadence for care planning. Clients' Meeting Frequency (00:37:48)Tyson discusses the importance of tailoring meeting frequency to clients' needs and life events. Adjusting Meeting Frequency (00:38:42)Tyson explains how the frequency of client meetings should be adjusted based on the rhythm of life and life events. Over-servicing Clients (00:39:37)Tyson shares his experience of over-servicing clients and emphasizes the need to align service frequency with clients' actual needs. Client Scheduling Expectations (00:41:11)Jamie and Tyson discuss the importance of understanding clients' preferences for meeting schedules and setting expectations. Final Thoughts and Relationship Building (00:43:51)Adam and Tyson emphasize the value of building relationships and learning from professionals in different industries. Virtual Relationship Building (00:45:04)Tyson highlights the opportunity to build relationships virtually and reach clients beyond traditional demographics. Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc.  FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice. Podcast guest is Tyson Ray, CEO, Founding Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor at FORM Wealth Advisors. FORM Wealth Advisors is located at 431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147; 262-686-3005.  

This month, Alex Cabot and Ed Lambert of Birch Run Financial discuss the financial landscape of the first half of 2024. They delve into how economic conditions and market performance have evolved, noting that the year hasn't gone as initially expected, yet has yielded positive results overall.Ed begins by providing an overview of the year's economic and market developments. At the start of 2024, there was significant optimism due to a strong stock market rally in late 2023, driven by improving inflation data. This optimism led many to anticipate multiple interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. However, inflation progress stalled in the first quarter of 2024, delaying the anticipated rate cuts. Despite this, the market performed well, with the S&P 500 rising by roughly 15% in the first half of the year. Ed attributes this to resumed inflation progress, stable economic growth, and the strong performance of leading AI companies.Alex then provides a more detailed breakdown of asset class performances (info courtesy of YCharts). He highlights the disparity between growth and value stocks within the S&P 500, with growth stocks significantly outperforming value stocks. Notably, the top seven stocks in the S&P 500, primarily tech giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple, saw dramatic gains, significantly driving overall market performance. Mid-cap stocks returned 6.2%, while small-cap stocks slightly declined. International markets showed moderate gains, and bond markets saw slight declines due to the lack of expected rate cuts.The conversation shifts to the importance of diversification. Alex emphasizes that while concentrated investments in a few top-performing stocks can yield high returns, this strategy carries significant risks. He underscores the value of a diversified portfolio, which spreads risk across various sectors and asset classes, reducing the potential for substantial losses. Diversification, he explains, is designed to provide stability and steady growth over the long term, rather than capitalizing on short-term market trends.The hosts also touch on the emotional aspects of investing, discussing how fear and greed can drive poor financial decisions. They stress the importance of working with financial professionals who can offer objective, rational advice, helping investors navigate market fluctuations without succumbing to emotional impulses.Overall, the first half of 2024 has reinforced the value of diversification and the importance of maintaining a balanced investment strategy. Despite unexpected developments, a well-diversified portfolio has proven resilient and capable of delivering positive returns.Gold is subject to the special risks associated with investing in precious metals, including but not limited to: price may be subject to wide fluctuation; the market is relatively limited; the sources are concentrated in countries that have the potential for instability; and the market is unregulated. Bond prices and yields are subject to change based upon market conditions and availability. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more volatility than those of large company stocks. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users or members.

In this episode of "Nurturing Financial Freedom," we discuss the crucial topic of the dangers of putting too much money into a single investment, often referred to as concentration risk.Alex starts by explaining that concentration risk, while not unique to any one type of investment, is particularly prevalent in stocks. He dispels the common "eggs in one basket" analogy by emphasizing that diversification means more than just spreading investments across similar types. True diversification involves spreading investments across different asset classes to reduce risk.Alex outlines two main problems with overconcentration. First, the actual investment result can be highly unpredictable. While betting heavily on a successful company like Google or Amazon at the right time could have been life-changing, many other seemingly promising stocks like Pets.com or Copper Mountain did not deliver. The second problem is the moral hazard that success can create. If an investor gets lucky once, they might believe they are smarter than the market, leading to risky behavior that can eventually result in significant losses.Jag draws a parallel with gambling, noting that while investing done right has a positive long-term expectation, gambling generally does not. Alex agrees, stressing that concentrating money in a single security is akin to gambling and should be avoided.Ed then discusses two types of overconcentration: voluntary and automatic. Voluntary overconcentration happens when investors intentionally buy large amounts of a single stock, often due to recent performance. Automatic overconcentration occurs when employees accumulate large amounts of their employer's stock through compensation packages. He explains the psychological factors at play, including recency bias, where people expect recent trends to continue indefinitely, and loyalty to their company, which can cloud judgment.Ed also highlights the practical issues, such as tax liabilities and the emotional difficulty of selling high-performing stocks. He shares a cautionary tale of a pharmaceutical company whose stock plummeted due to unforeseen issues, causing employees to lose significant portions of their net worth and even their jobs. This example underscores the importance of not being overly reliant on any single company, especially one's employer.To mitigate these risks, Alex advises that no more than 5% of a portfolio should be invested in a single security, with a cautious approach to anything between 5% and 10%. Exceeding this 10% can make financial planning difficult, as the range of potential outcomes becomes too broad and unpredictable.Jag and Ed conclude by reinforcing the importance of a diversified portfolio for long-term financial success. They stress that while high-risk bets can occasionally pay off, the potential for catastrophic losses makes them unsuitable for most investors. Instead, maintaining a balanced and diversified investment strategy helps ensure financial stability and success. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.

In this episode of the Nurturing Financial Freedom podcast, we explore a topic that often gets lost amidst daily media noise: the long-term optimism about the future of the United States. We delve into why, despite current challenges, there's a compelling case for optimism.Ed Lambert kicks off the discussion by highlighting the quality of life in the U.S. in 2024.  Americans enjoy a standard of living unparalleled in human history. While acknowledging the country's challenges, Ed emphasizes the transformative impact of technology and innovation. Today's ubiquitous cell phones, powerful computers, and AI advancements exemplify this progress. These technologies, Ed argues, have dramatically increased productivity and will continue to do so, ensuring economic growth even as the labor force growth slows.Ed also addresses concerns about AI displacing jobs. He believes that while AI will disrupt certain sectors, it will also create new opportunities, much like the automobile did a century ago. People will adapt by transitioning to roles that leverage AI as a tool, enhancing productivity and economic efficiency.The discussion then shifts to the U.S.'s unique position in the global economy. Ed notes that declining birth rates and aging populations are global phenomena, but the U.S. remains an attractive destination for immigrants seeking better lives. This influx of talent fuels innovation and entrepreneurship, sustaining economic growth. Unlike its primary adversaries, China and Russia, the U.S. benefits from a favorable economic structure and remains a magnet for global talent and investment.Alex Cabot supports this optimistic outlook with data. He compares the U.S. economy today with past decades, showing significant growth in GDP and per capita income, even when adjusted for inflation. Alex paints a stark contrast between the living standards in 1955 and today, demonstrating massive improvements in housing, income, education, and life expectancy.He also broadens the perspective to a global scale, noting that extreme poverty has dramatically decreased worldwide. A century ago, 80% of the global population lived in extreme poverty; today, it's less than 10%. This decline is a testament to the positive impact of technological and economic advancements on humanity as a whole.In concluding, Alex argues that long-term optimism is crucial for financial planning. While media often highlights uncertainties and negative events, focusing on the broader, long-term trends reveals a trajectory of continuous improvement. And he uses Jag's favorite weather analogy.This episode reinforces the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on the future, grounded in data and historical context. The U.S., with its robust economy and culture of innovation, is well-positioned to continue thriving in the decades to come. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.

Today, we pivot from previous discussions on bull markets to delve into the topic of inflation, especially given the recent slowing of progress according to CPI data. Ed kicks off the discussion by highlighting that although we desire a linear decrease in inflation to the FED's 2% target, achieving this without economic recession is challenging. He points out the current robust state of the U.S. economy, with low unemployment at 3.8% and a significant GDP growth of 3.4% in the last quarter of 2023. Despite this, the struggle for median wage earners against inflation is real, accentuated by higher credit card interest rates and limited savings.Ed elaborates that the current economic conditions, including strong job markets and investment returns, inherently slow down the fight against inflation. He argues that while this scenario isn't ideal for every worker, it is preferable to the alternative—a recession marked by higher unemployment and reduced consumption, which would rapidly decrease inflation but at a greater cost.Alex then provides further analysis of recent economic data, emphasizing the variability within CPI's year-over-year report showing a moderated inflation rate at 4.1% for 2023. He discusses specific sectors like food and energy, highlighting significant disparities such as a decrease in energy costs and specific increases in costs of household goods. Alex reassures that despite prolonged higher interest rates, the market and economic outlook remains stable, supported by sustained job openings and steady real estate prices.Overall, our discussion underscores the complex interplay between economic growth, inflation, and the Federal Reserve's policies. We conclude that a slower reduction in inflation paired with economic stability is currently more beneficial than the drastic alternative of entering a recession.NEW: Birch Run Financial on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@birchrunfinancial You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.

Tyson Ray is the CEO of FORM Wealth Advisors, a hybrid advisory firm based out of Wisconsin that oversees approximately $900 million in assets under management for just over 800 client households. Tyson's unique "Total Relationship" planning approach emphasizes assessing clients' immediate lump sum spending needs, such as new car purchases or vacations, to ensure their portfolios maintain sufficient cash reserves for these goals. Listen in as Tyson talks about his firm's unique approach, their strategic growth through acquisitions, and the crucial lessons learned on due diligence. He also shares the operational challenges he experienced, as well as the solutions he found that have streamlined his firm's operations. For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/382 Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice. Podcast guest is Tyson Ray, CEO, Founding Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor at FORM Wealth Advisors. FORM Wealth Advisors is located at 431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147; 262-686-3005.    

David interviews Tyson Ray, the CEO of Form Wealth Advisors, about his journey in financial planning and his book The Total Relationship. Tyson shares how he started investing at a young age and bought his first firm at age 24. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' lives beyond finances through the "total relationship" approach. Tyson discusses implementing life plans, wealth plans, and care plans for each client. He also stresses the value of building trust through empathy and personalized service over traditional sales tactics.   This week on The Model FA Podcast: (0:02) Wealth management and providing meaningful value with Tyson Ray. (1:15) Entrepreneurship, investing, and personal growth. (5:53) Estate planning and prioritizing clients' interests. (11:26) Building a team for a successful financial planning business. (18:20) Finding the right people for a business venture. (20:13) Financial planning, coaching, and client service. (24:27) Building client relationships through empathy and personal connections. (29:29) Personalized financial planning and branding. (35:03) Financial planning and life goals with an advisor. (40:28) Financial planning, funding, and monitoring for clients. (45:30) Branding, marketing, and idolatry in financial planning. (52:27) The value of a relationship book and leaving reviews.   Connect with Tyson:   Website: https://www.totalrelationship.com Email: tyson.ray@formwealth.com   About the Model FA Podcast   The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams.    Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered.    Our Team: President of Model FA, David DeCelle If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm. Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc.  FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice. Podcast guest is Tyson Ray, CEO, Founding Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor at FORM Wealth Advisors. FORM Wealth Advisors is located at 431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147; 262-686-3005.

Tyson Ray joins today show to discuss his wealth management practice and Total Relationship Approach™ .  You can also grab a copy of his book The Total Relationship, and take advantage of several free resources with the link below:https://totalrelationship.com/internaluseonly/ Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc.  FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice. Investing involves risk regardless of the strategy selected. Podcast guest is Tyson Ray, CEO & Founding Partner at FORM Wealth Advisors and Senior Wealth Advisor with Raymond James. FORM Wealth Advisors is located at 431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147; 262-686-3005.

Today, we're discussing the current state of the market, which has seen impressive returns since last Halloween. The focus today is on the importance of maintaining discipline not just in downturns but also during strong market periods. Alex kicks off by highlighting the significant growth in the capital markets in 2023, following a challenging year. The S&P 500's substantial gains, especially in the last few months of 2023 and into this year, underscore the market's strong performance. This surge is attributed to decreasing inflation expectations and a boom in tech and AI sectors, lifting the broader market.Alex points out the necessity of rebalancing investment portfolios more frequently in such a bullish market to stick to original allocation targets. This is because different asset classes may not move in tandem, potentially skewing the portfolio away from its intended balance. However, he cautions against over-rebalancing, especially in taxable accounts, to avoid unintended tax liabilities, including the wash-sale rule. Rebalancing is about adhering to the original strategy, not changing it.Ed then shifts the conversation towards the psychological aspect of investing in such an environment. He stresses the importance of remaining cool-headed, noting that emotional investment decisions often lead to poor outcomes. Recognizing that all market runs eventually end, he advises investors to enjoy the growth but not become emotionally attached to it. Ed warns against the dangers of chasing performance and altering a well-diversified portfolio in pursuit of higher returns, using the late '90s tech bubble as a cautionary tale. He concludes by encouraging continued investment through dollar-cost averaging, highlighting the risks of trying to time the market and the potential to miss out on significant gains.In summary, our advice in this strong market is to appreciate the gains, continue rebalancing, and stick to your investment plan. It's crucial to prepare for all possible outcomes, recognizing that while the market's current trajectory is upward, it will inevitably shift at some point. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.

For most of us, we manage our investments with the goal of having a nice big nest egg when it's time to retire.  But we need to continue to stay invested throughout our retirement.  Often, investors are more afraid of running out of money than they are actually dying!  Today Alex Cabot and Ed Lambert of Birch Run Financial discuss how to lower that risk.Ed points out that psychologically, investors experience more anxiety around market changes right before and after retirement.  After all, the move from drawing income from a salary to drawing from investments is one of the biggest changes of your financial life.  If you retire at 65, your median life expectancy in retirement is 20 years.   And you have a 25% chance of living until age 90.  How do you make your money last? You need a growth component to your portfolio.  And while we plan for long-term market growth, we need to prepare for bumps in the road -things like the tech bubble bursting, the 2008 crisis, the "COVID Crash," and more.   Moreover, inflation is built into our economy by design.  We've seen a 2.4% core inflation rate over the last 20 years.  If you extrapolate that forward, $10,000/month in living expenses today will be $18,000 in 25 years, or $20,000 in 30 years!  You want to have enough income to live on, and in most cases, have something to pass down to your heirs.Alex speaks to the importance of diversification.  With the help of Morningstar, he looked at several different theoretical $1,000,000 portfolios over the last 25 years. Assuming a 2.4% rate of inflation, and a $40,000 annual distribution (adjusted for inflation), here's what he found. That million dollar portfolio, counting inflation and distributions, would be worth the following today, 25 years later.Stock only: $908kBond only: $360k60% stock 40% bond $1.3MT-bills: $0Alex breaks down these numbers, and explains why the diversified portfolio outperformed anything else on the list.Here's the article on diversification Alex referenced on his LinkedIn in today's episode: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/measuring-impact-portfolio-distributions-diversified-asset-cabot/ You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. Any rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.

Each year, we often take a holistic look at our finances.  Today, Alex Cabot and Ed Lambert of Birch Run financial break down what you should be looking at specifically, as we begin 2024.Alex gives us six ponts to consider:If you have an advisor, review your plan and prepare for the upcoming year.Make sure your asset allocation is balanced for your goals., timeframe, and risk tolerance.Ensure your cash is working for you  - there is yield to be found!Pay down your high interest rate debt, especially unsecured debt.Consider adding to your principal mortgage/debt payments -  or consider paying down certain debts slower!Don't pay ANY attention to market predictions for the year - a good allocation can buffer against market volatility.Next, Ed tells us how the Birch Run team is approaching this new year.  They are optimistic for the long term, but fairly neutral on 2024 specifically.   They believe technology will continue to drive growth over the next decades (as it has in the last 40 years).  Also, over the past 50 years, the S&P 500 has had a positive return in 78% of those years.   If this trend holds, you've got roughly a 3 in 4 change of gaining money this year, and a 1 in 4 chance of losing money.    The most important thing is to maintain an even-keeled approach in all types of market fluctuations.   And the benefit of working with a financial advisory team is they can  help keep you honest and take the emotion out of your money. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190.

Ed Mahaffy founded ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC. in 2007 after more than 23 years in the wealth management industry. Prior to launching ClientFirst, he spent 6 years as a portfolio manager and independent branch manager with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., 6 years as a vice president and portfolio manager with Merrill Lynch, and over 11 years as a financial advisor and fixed income portfolio manager with Stephens, Inc.Designated as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Chartered Financial Consultant, Ed holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Citadel and earned his MBA from the University of Arkansas. He has had articles published in numerous publications, including Barron's magazine. In 2020, Ed was recognized by Arkansas Money & Politics Magazine as one of "2020's Best Financial Advisors.” Also in 2020, ClientFirst made Investors.com's 2020 Top Financial Advisors Firms List.Ed is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) as well as the Financial Planning Association (FPA).At ClientFirst, Ed is president and senior portfolio manager. Listen to this insightful RIA episode with Ed Mahaffy about the art of fee-only financial advising.Here is what to expect on this week's show:- How it's important to stay informed about your clients' lives and adapt to their financial plans accordingly.- Why it's vital to follow market trends and read periodicals, research papers, and whitepapers.- How the increase of interest rates could impact the bond market.- Why financial planners should be fully immersed in financial markets.- How advisors should prioritize transparency, client education, and aligning financial strategies with clients' goals and risk tolerance. Connect with Ed:Links Mentioned:clientfirstwm.comLinkedInlinkedin.com/in/ed-mahaffyAll information provided through the following presentation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice; an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. Please consult a financial adviser for more complete information based on your personal circumstances and to obtain personal individual investment advice. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss.  Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website. www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/ Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ed Mahaffy founded ClientFirst Wealth Management, LLC. in 2007 after more than 23 years in the wealth management industry. Prior to launching ClientFirst, he spent 6 years as a portfolio manager and independent branch manager with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., 6 years as a vice president and portfolio manager with Merrill Lynch, and over 11 years as a financial advisor and fixed income portfolio manager with Stephens, Inc. Designated as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Chartered Financial Consultant, Ed holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Citadel and earned his MBA from the University of Arkansas. He has had articles published in numerous publications, including Barron's magazine. In 2020, Ed was recognized by Arkansas Money & Politics Magazine as one of "2020's Best Financial Advisors.” Also in 2020, ClientFirst made Investors.com's 2020 Top Financial Advisors Firms List. Ed is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) as well as the Financial Planning Association (FPA). At ClientFirst, Ed is president and senior portfolio manager.   Listen to this insightful RIA episode with Ed Mahaffy about the art of fee-only financial advising. Here is what to expect on this week's show: - How it's important to stay informed about your clients' lives and adapt to their financial plans accordingly. - Why it's vital to follow market trends and read periodicals, research papers, and whitepapers. - How the increase of interest rates could impact the bond market. - Why financial planners should be fully immersed in financial markets. - How advisors should prioritize transparency, client education, and aligning financial strategies with clients' goals and risk tolerance.   Connect with Ed: Links Mentioned: clientfirstwm.com LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/ed-mahaffy All information provided through the following presentation is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice; an offer to buy or sell any security or insurance product. Please consult a financial adviser for more complete information based on your personal circumstances and to obtain personal individual investment advice.   Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss.    Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website. www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/ Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month, Alex, Ed, and Jag delve into the financial landscape as 2023 draws to a close. The episode, recorded on December 14, reflects on the unexpected market rally in November and the overall performance of various asset classes throughout the year.In mid-November, we discussed the possibility of peak interest rates and high portfolio returns in short periods, based on Alex and Ed's experiences over the last 15 years. Surprisingly, our predictions seemed to materialize, as November witnessed a significant market rally. However, Ed clarifies that this was more due to luck than precise prediction. He emphasizes the importance of long-term investment strategies and staying the course during turbulent times, a philosophy we consistently advocate on the podcast.Ed further explains the concept of "Goldilocks financial data," which contributed to the market's positive performance in November. This term refers to economic conditions that are neither too hot nor too cold, leading to a balanced market scenario. Inflation slowed down, and the job market softened just enough to reduce inflation without triggering fears of an imminent recession. Additionally, the Federal Reserve's dovish statements led many to believe that the interest rate hikes that began in March 2022 might be coming to an end.Alex then provides a detailed analysis of the performance of various asset classes in November 2023. Remarkably, the returns for that month alone were comparable to what would typically be considered a good annual performance. This includes significant gains in large-cap stocks, international stocks, emerging market stocks, gold, commercial real estate, and aggregated bonds. We highlight the unpredictability of such rapid rebounds and the difficulty in timing the market effectively.We also touch on the concept of recency bias, where recent market trends can unduly influence investor expectations. Alex and Ed caution against this, advocating for a balanced and diversified investment approach. They discuss the benefits of rebalancing portfolios, which helps in maintaining a consistent asset allocation over time.In conclusion, prudent asset management, diversification, and staying the course are key to navigating the financial markets.  As always, whether you are a client or not, we invite you to contact the team at Birch Run Financial with any questions you have - financial literacy for all is crucial to our mission. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190.

(All data in today's podcast is courtesy of FactSet).More economists are suggesting that the FED is done raising interest rates.  While it's important to note that past returns do not indicate future results, today, we look at some historical data to form an opinion of what might happen after interest rates have peaked.  Alex and Ed sent a note out to clients outlining what the performance of the stock and bond markets in the 12 months following the last six rate hike cycles.   They also discussed 4 periods of very high stock returns over the last 15 years that many "market timers" missed.You can request a copy of this note by emailing Alex and Ed below, and we break it down in today's podcast.Alex mentions that after 5 of the last 6 rate hike cycles, The S&P 500 generated a positive return, averaging 20.6%. And immediate term bond returns made money in all six of these periods, averaging 14.6%.  Again, this does not guarantee future returns, but it's important to look at historical data.Ed then covers 4 recent unexpected high stock return periods.  These all occurred in different environments: March 2009 during the Great Recession,  October 2011 amid economic uncertainty overseas, late 2019 after a very bad Christmas Eve, and of course most recently during the pandemic in March 2020.Why does the market rise in such times of negativity? Ed explains the psychological conditions at play here, that we've seen play out historically.As always, Alex and Ed preach the values of diversifcation and a long term plan.  And trying to "time the market" can often be catastrophic for your financial future.You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne PA 19087 and can be reached at 484-395-2190. 

In this episode, Tyson Ray and I discuss exit planning for business owners, marrying business owners' sale with their other financial planning. Tyson is a founding partner of FORM and a financial advisor with over 25 years of experience guiding clients through life's events. Tyson is the author of Total Relationship, a book to help financial advisors fully understand their clients' needs. Tyson shares client experiences, and describes the elements of the Total Relationship, being their Life Plan, Wealth Plan, and Care Plan. Tyson emphasizes the need for early planning, succession grooming, and acquiring life insurance at a young age.Tyson received his Certification in Business Exit Planning to better support entrepreneurs and business owners in selling their business. He strives to help other business owners assess their future and business so they can monetize their life's work to enjoy a retirement they have worked hard to build.Tyson has obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification and his Certified Investment Management Analyst® Certification to apply knowledge with expertise to help make life better for his clients. He is passionate about having a complete with his clients and wants to help positively impact the financial industry. Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc.  FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice.Selling a business is the American dream, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the reward for years of hard work. Successful entrepreneurs make countless sacrifices in hopes that they would someday reap the benefits of their labor and live a new life of vacations, recreation, and prosperity. You only exit your business once, so you should feel confident passing this milestone. A successful business exit reflects the preparation done beforehand. Failing to plan is planning to fail. The owner of a privately held company has several alternatives on how to exit their business. In the absence of an exit strategy, events will inexorably dictate the final exit plan. A costly involuntary exit may be caused by death, disability, divorce, disagreement, or distress. Selling Your Business with David King will help you take control of the sale process and make it positive one.

In this episode, we talk with Steve Voss, CPA, Vice President, Business Consulting at Raymond James Financial Services.  We go over the different business structures advisors use to go independent, what happens when you bring new partners in, what happens with breakups and the effects on the partnership during those trying times.  We also go over the new buyouts that are taking place.  Steve dives into what are the main points to being successful when starting out and keeping things simple.  Hope you enjoy it!Did this podcast get you to take action in some way? I'd love your thoughts and feedback on this podcast.  I'm always looking to connect with like-minded creative people that are motivated and want to be better!  You can connect to me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmayer/or feel free to email me at foradvisorsbyadvisors@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram! @ForAdvisorsByAdvisors and YouTube For Advisors By Advisors

Guest host Stephanie Maas has felt like a bad sister lately, so she places a call via The Action Catalyst to her brother, Tommy Doerfler, CPA, CFP®, CEPA®, who reminisces about going from a college dropout, to a drummer touring the country in a van, to geeking out over numbers, breaking his body in endurance challenges, living up to your own belief system, the merits of conversation vs communication, and never losing your childhood curiosity.Mentioned in this episode:This episode is presented by Lighthouse Wealth Group. *Investment advisory services offered through SageSpring Wealth Partners, an independent registered investment adviser. SageSpring Wealth Partners and Lighthouse Wealth Group are not registered broker dealers are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states. *Any opinions are those of The Action Catalyst and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Registered branch address / phone number: 801 Crescent Centre Drive Suite 600 Franklin, TN 37067 615-861-6103Lighthouse Wealth GroupThis episode is presented by Lighthouse Wealth Group. *Investment advisory services offered through SageSpring Wealth Partners, an independent registered investment adviser. SageSpring Wealth Partners and Lighthouse Wealth Group are not registered broker dealers are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states. *Any opinions are those of The Action Catalyst and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Registered branch address / phone number: 801 Crescent Centre Drive Suite 600 Franklin, TN 37067 615-861-6103Lighthouse Wealth Group

A Middle Tennessee Business PodcastZach Hurd is Executive Vice President/Partner at SageSpring Wealth Partners and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. He helps provide clients with sound investment strategies designed to build wealth through comprehensive financial planning. Zach's integrity and commitment to excellence help him soundly advise his clients on a multitude of financial issues. His ethical approach, combined with his financial expertise, adds much to the overall financial guidance that his team provides. Zach holds the Series 7, 66, Life and Annuity Licenses and is registered as a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. One extremely important aspect of our team is that we are an INDEPENDENT team. By being completely independent, our allegiance is with the client and not with any particular product- as we are not obligated to sell any proprietary funds or products. Rather, we have access to thousands of Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds, Certificates of Deposits, Money Market Accounts, Section 529 College Savings Plans, fifty Private Money Management Firms, and thousands of Insurance Products on the market. Zach is originally from Portage, Michigan. He graduated from Bethel University in Minneapolis, MN with a degree in Finance and Economics. While at Bethel, Zach was a member of the university's basketball and soccer teams. He currently resides in Brentwood with his wife Jourdan, daughter Hallie and son Hutton, where they are involved with his local church, Midtown Fellowship Church. In his free time, Zach enjoys spending much of his time with his family and friends, golfing, and spending time on the lake. ***Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.***Follow Zach:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-hurd-cfp%C2%AE-06865740/*****SUBSCRIBE/RATE/FOLLOW What's Your Problem? PODCAST:www.whatsyourproblempodcast.comwww.instagram.com/whatsyourproblempodwww.instagram.com/jimmccarthyvosTiktok: @jimmccarthyvos ____________________________________________________________________________ Random 5 sponsored by IT'S YOUR SHOW.CO!www.itsyourshow.co You know you have a lot to share with the world, but how? What's your source? At It's Your Show.co, your source is a podcast that we help you create to ultimately extract micro-content for your brand! With our 20+ years of experience in podcast, video and radio production, we can churn out a bunch of content for your social platforms...from just one episode! Get started today:www.itsyourshow.co _____________________________________________________________________________ ****You hear Jim mention it on almost every episode, ME vs. WE and how 2023 will be 1943 all over again….order “PENDULUM:How Past Generations Shape Our Present and Predict Our Future”:https://a.co/d/7oKK7Ip ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Talking about the real problems (and possible solutions) of everyday business owners and professionals in and around Middle Tennessee and beyond...this is the What's Your Problem Podcast! WYP Intro VO: @johndavidwells #podcasts #podcast #podcasting #tennessee #nashville #podcastproduction #sales #selling #business #marketing #radio #production #voiceover #vo #fitness #bni #networking #nft #nonfungibletokens #crypto #cryptocurrency #applepodcasts #businesscoach #businessideas #businesslife #businesspassion #businesstips #countrymusic #entrepreneurlife #entrepreneurship #marketing #mindset #nashvegas #nashville #nashvillelife #nashvillemusic #nashvillescene #nashvilletennessee #nashvilletn #newpodcast #podcastaddict #podcasters #podcastersofin