Gimme Some Truth | Investing, Financial Advice for High-Net-Worth Families and Individuals

Thinking about gifting money or assets to your kids or other family members? Before you write that check or transfer that stock, there are some important tax rules and planning pitfalls you need to understand.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Nate, Evan, and Polly break down everything you need to know about lifetime gifting — from the 2026 annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000 per recipient) to the lifetime gift tax exemption ($15 million individual / $30 million for married couples). They explain when you need to file Form 709, what types of assets you can gift, and why gifting appreciated stock can actually backfire thanks to the step-up in basis trap.

The conversation goes beyond tax rules into the real-world side of gifting that most people overlook. How do you talk to your kids about receiving a large gift? What happens to your child's college financial aid if you gift them money at the wrong time? And why does relinquishing control over the gift matter more than most people realize?

They also cover custodial accounts vs. 529 plans, the tax implications of gifting real estate, and the most common pitfalls advisors see when clients try to gift without a plan. Whether you're thinking about helping your kids with a down payment, funding a grandchild's education, or simply passing along wealth while you're alive to see it enjoyed, this episode gives you the framework to do it the right way.

Topics covered:

- What assets you can gift (cash, stock, real estate, and more)

- 2026 annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000) and when to file Form 709

- Lifetime gift tax exemption ($15M individual / $30M married)

- The step-up in basis trap when gifting appreciated stock

- Real estate gifting considerations

- Why communication with gift recipients matters

- How gifting affects college financial aid and FAFSA

- Custodial accounts vs. 529 plans

- Why relinquishing control is essential

- Where to start before you gift

- Common gifting pitfalls to avoid

Check out the related blog post for additional information - https://walknercondon.com/blog/gifting-to-family-members-what-to-know-before-you-give/

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction & Evan's CFP Journey

1:49 – Polly's Milestone: First Tooth & the Tooth Fairy Economy

3:03 – What Assets Can You Gift?

4:50 – 2026 Annual Gift Tax Exclusion ($19,000) & Form 709

6:13 – Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption ($15M Individual / $30M Married)

6:50 – Gifting Stock: The Step-Up in Basis Trap

9:04 – Real Estate & Other Asset Gifting Considerations

9:57 – Why Communication with Recipients Matters

11:37 – Impact on College Aid & FAFSA

12:41 – Custodial Accounts & 529 Plans

14:52 – The Importance of Relinquishing Control

15:47 – Where to Start Before You Gift

18:13 – Common Gifting Pitfalls to Avoid

21:16 – Best Gifts We Ever Received

21:56 – Closing Thoughts & Contact Information

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What really happens when you retire? In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, hosts Nate Condon and Clint Walkner pull back the curtain on the social and financial realities of retirement — the identity shifts, emotional challenges, and money complexities that most people never see coming.

Retirement isn't just a financial milestone — it's a major life transition. From the identity crisis that hits when you no longer have a job title, to the emotional weight of watching your portfolio balance go down instead of up, Nate and Clint explore the retirement planning topics that financial advisors rarely talk about. They cover the psychological phases of retirement, how to build structure and purpose after leaving work, why the distribution phase is the most complex part of financial planning, and how stress testing your retirement plan can bring real peace of mind.

Whether you're 10 years out from retirement or stepping into it now, this conversation will help you understand what to expect — and how to prepare for the emotional and financial realities of life after work.

Topics covered: retirement identity crisis, emotional phases of retirement, retirement planning psychology, building routines in retirement, losing work community, retirement portfolio drawdown anxiety, retirement spending planning, financial advisor for retirees, distribution phase financial planning, non-linear retirement spending, stress testing retirement plan, retirement readiness.

📌 Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction & Why Retirement Is Harder Than It Looks

1:46 – The Phases of Retirement — When the "Vacation" Feeling Wears Off

2:00 – The Retirement Identity Crisis: Who Are You Without Your Job?

3:06 – Scheduling Your Day & Building New Routines After Work

4:06 – Losing Your Work Community & Why It Hits Harder Than Expected

6:29 – The Emotional Burden of Watching Your Portfolio Balance Decline

7:38 – Could You Be Retired Longer Than You Worked?

9:58 – Why You Need a Financial Advisor in Retirement & What to Look For

11:38 – The Distribution Phase: The Most Complex Part of Financial Planning

16:11 – Non-Linear Retirement Spending: Budgeting for Big Unexpected Expenses

18:37 – The Psychology of Big Money Movements in Retirement

21:14 – Stress Testing Your Retirement Plan for Peace of Mind

22:21 – Wrapping Up Part 1 & What's Coming in Part 2

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In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we explore the massive shift happening in the markets. For over a decade, Growth stocks have dominated, but Artificial Intelligence might be the very catalyst that brings Value Investing back to the forefront.

We break down the "AI Build-out" and why sectors typically labeled as "Value"—like Energy, Utilities, and Industrials—are becoming the backbone of the AI revolution. If you are worried about S&P 500 concentration risk and being too heavy in Big Tech, this episode is a must-watch.

What we cover in this episode:

- The Growth vs. Value Trade: Why the tide is turning after 15 years.

- AI Disruption: How AI is actually challenging the valuation of traditional growth companies.

- Concentration Risk: The dangers of a tech-heavy portfolio in today's market.

- The AI Infrastructure Play: Which value sectors stand to gain the most from the AI build-out.

- Market History: Lessons from past bubbles (2000, 2008) and how they apply to the AI boom.

Don't let recency bias dictate your strategy. We discuss why now is the time to review your portfolio and ensure you aren't over-exposed to a single trade.

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 Value vs Growth Returns01:22 AI Shakes Up Markets01:59 Hazel AI Fintech Example03:43 S&P 500 Concentration Risk06:02 Data Centers Favor Value07:12 Jobs Fed and Deflation10:44 Valuations Small Caps13:51 Index Funds Need Rebalance17:27 Pasta Picks Break20:21 Diversify Before Storms21:24 Disclosures and Outro#ValueInvesting #GrowthStocks #AIInvesting #StockMarket2026 #PortfolioDiversification #TechBubble #S500 #FinancialAdvice #GimmeSomeTruth #MarketRotation #ValueVsGrowthSubscribe  @walknercondon  Visit our website for more financial planning resources and educational information: https://www.walknercondon.com ————————————————ADD US ON:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/walkner-condon-financial-advisors-llc Facebook: https://facebook.com/walknercondon

#ValueInvesting #GrowthStocks #AIInvesting #StockMarket2026 #PortfolioDiversification #TechBubble #S500 #FinancialAdvice #GimmeSomeTruth #MarketRotation #ValueVsGrowth

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Join hosts Syl Michelin, CFA and Clint Walkner as they break down the key market themes from Q1 2026. In this episode, Syl and Clint cut through the headlines to focus on what the market is actually telling investors — covering geopolitical tensions, energy prices, AI infrastructure spending, the SaaS selloff, crypto, gold, bonds, and international stocks. From the 10% market correction to the value vs. growth repricing, they analyze what matters most for your portfolio in 2026.

Whether you're evaluating US mega cap tech valuations after the selloff, considering international diversification, or wondering if bonds deserve a place in your portfolio, this episode delivers data-driven market analysis you can act on.

Topics covered: Q1 2026 market recap, geopolitical risk and market corrections, oil prices in historical context, AI energy demand and infrastructure, SaaS creative destruction, value vs. growth investing, crypto and gold performance, market timing pitfalls, bond investing in 2026, international stocks vs. US stocks, non-USD diversification strategies.

📌 Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction & Q1 2026 Market Overview

0:29 – Disconnect Between Headlines & Market Reality

1:27 – Geopolitical Tensions & the 10% Market Correction

2:35 – Oil Prices in Historical Context

3:55 – AI Infrastructure & the Energy Demand Problem

7:20 – The SaaS Apocalypse & Creative Destruction

9:55 – Value vs. Growth Repricing in Q1 2026

10:40 – US Mega Cap Tech Valuations After the Selloff

11:10 – Crypto & Gold Selloff Explained

13:54 – Why Timing the Market Around Events Fails

16:34 – International Stocks vs. US Stocks

17:57 – The Case for Bonds in 2026

18:54 – International Bonds & Non-USD Diversification

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With Exact Sciences stockholders officially approving the merger with Abbott on February 20, 2026, the Q2 closing date is fast approaching. For employees, this means unvested RSUs are accelerating, 401(k) holdings are shifting to cash, and a significant "tax cliff" is looming in 2026.In this deep dive, Clint Walkner and Mitch DeWitt break down the strategic financial moves Exact Sciences employees can make now to protect their windfall and minimize the IRS’s cut.What We Cover:- The $105 Cash Payout: How the all-cash deal impacts your RSUs, PSUs, and ESPP.- The 2026 Tax Spike: Why accelerated vesting could push you into a higher tax bracket and how to "bunch" deductions to fight back.- 401(k) & HSA Strategies: Should you pivot to Pre-Tax or Roth during a windfall year?- Risk Management: How to handle the uncertainty of future roles and potential layoffs post-merger.- Charitable Giving: Using Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) to offset your 2026 gains.Timeline of the Deal:0:00 Deal Overview: The Abbott/Exact Sciences Merger1:00 Updates: What’s changed since the November announcement?3:43 Cash Deal Timing: Preparing for a Q2 2026 close5:12 2026 Tax Planning: Managing the "Windfall Year"9:04 Advanced Moves: Charity, DAFs, and Trading Windows10:43 Goal Assessment: What to do with the cash (Debt vs. Savings)14:12 Employment Risk: Liquidity and Emergency Reserves16:48 Next Steps: Coordinating with your Tax ProResources for Exact Sciences Employees:https://walknercondon.com/blog/what-happens-to-my-exact-sciences-stock-after-the-abbott-acquisition/Visit our website for more financial planning resources and educational information: https://www.walknercondon.com ————————————————ADD US ON:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/walkner-condon-financial-advisors-llc Facebook: https://facebook.com/walknercondon

Is the U.S. dollar losing its status as the world’s reserve currency — or is the de-dollarization narrative overblown?In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we separate fact from fiction on de-dollarization, global reserve currency shifts, and what the data actually says about the future of the U.S. dollar. With growing headlines about central banks buying gold, BRICS nations exploring alternatives, and tariff policies impacting currency markets, many investors are asking whether dollar dominance is fading.We examine reserve currency data, gold allocations, global liquidity dynamics, and why the U.S. dollar still represents roughly 55–60% of global reserves. More importantly, we discuss what this means for portfolio construction, currency diversification, international investing, and risk management in 2026 and beyond.If you’re concerned about currency risk, inflation, or global capital flows, this breakdown provides historical perspective and practical investment strategy.🎯 What You’ll Learn:- What de-dollarization really means- Why the de-dollarization narrative is trending now- The role of gold in central bank reserves- How tariff policy impacts U.S. dollar strength- Why the dollar remains the dominant global reserve currency (55–60%)- The liquidity advantage of U.S. capital markets- Where capital flows when investors reduce dollar exposure- How to position your portfolio for currency fluctuations💡 Key Insights:- Today’s dollar levels are similar to the 1990s — possibly normalization, not crisis- No viable alternative currency matches U.S. market depth and liquidity- Unhedged international stocks and bonds provide currency diversification- Every fiat currency depreciates over long time horizons- “The Death of the Dollar” narrative dates back to 1968📊 Portfolio Strategies for Currency Risk:- Invest in unhedged foreign equities and bonds- Consider precious metals and commodities as diversifiers- Understand how currency movements impact international returns- Maintain strategic global diversification⏱️ CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction 16:16 De-Dollarization Explained16:58 Why De-Dollarization Is Trending17:47 Gold & Global Reserve Currency Shifts18:39 U.S. Dollar Policy & Political Impact19:56 Tariffs and Their Impact on the Dollar21:15 Dollar Normalization vs. Crisis Narrative21:51 Where Capital Flows When Leaving the Dollar22:34 The Data: Why the Dollar Is Still Dominant23:57 Why There’s No True Alternative Reserve Currency25:18 Portfolio Construction for Currency Risk26:25 Foreign Stocks & Currency Exposure28:52 “The Death of the Dollar” (1968 Perspective)30:26 Historical Context & Long-Term Trends31:38 Precious Metals & Commodity Allocation32:38 Final Thoughts📚 Read the full analysis: https://walknercondon.com/blog/de-dollarization-rise-of-currency-alternatives/📞 Talk to an advisor: www.walknercondon.com#dedollarization #USDollar #CurrencyMarkets #GlobalInvesting #ReserveCurrency #PortfolioStrategy #InternationalInvestingSUBSCRIBE: @walknercondon For more on this topic and others check out the blog on our website: https://walknercondon.com/blog/ Visit our website for more financial planning resources and educational information: https://www.walknercondon.com ————————————————ADD US ON:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/walkner-condon-financial-advisors-llc Facebook: https://facebook.com/walknercondon

What are alternative investments — and should they be part of your portfolio?

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we break down alternative investments, including private equity, private debt, real estate, and venture capital, and explain how they compare to traditional stocks and bonds. If you're exploring portfolio diversification strategies or wondering whether alternative assets make sense for retail investors, this episode covers what you need to know.

As alternative investments become more accessible, investors are increasingly considering them for non-correlated returns, asymmetric upside potential, and long-term wealth building. However, alternatives also come with unique risks — including liquidity constraints, higher fees, regulatory considerations, and complexity.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

What alternative investments are (private equity, private debt, venture capital, real estate)

Why alternative assets matter in modern portfolios

Private equity vs. private debt explained clearly

Liquidity risks and lock-up periods

Historical access limitations and regulation changes

Interval funds as a retail investor entry point

How much of your portfolio to allocate (5–10% guideline)

Non-correlation and diversification benefits

Fee structures and due diligence considerations

The future of alternatives including tokenization

⏱️ CHAPTERS:

0:00 Introduction

0:35 What Are Alternative Investments? (Definition Explained)

1:41 Why Alternative Investments Matter Today

3:17 Private Equity vs. Private Debt Explained

5:05 Historical Access & Regulatory Changes

6:30 Liquidity Risks & Lock-Up Periods

8:02 Financial Planning Considerations

8:52 Interval Funds for Retail Investors

9:18 How Much to Allocate to Alternatives (5–10% Rule)

10:35 Non-Correlated Returns & Diversification Benefits

11:30 Understanding Fee Structures

12:04 The Future of Alternative Investments

12:20 Tokenization & Financial Innovation

13:45 Why Working with a Financial Advisor Matters

14:46 Wrap Up & Additional Resources

📚 Read the full Market Outlook article: https://walknercondon.com/blog/rise-of-alternative-investments/

📞 Schedule a consultation: www.walknercondon.com

#AlternativeInvestments #PrivateEquity #PrivateDebt #PortfolioDiversification #WealthManagement

SUBSCRIBE: @walknercondon

For more on this topic and others check out the blog on our website: https://walknercondon.com/blog/

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In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we dive deep into the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and its immediate effects on global markets and the economy. Geopolitical events move fast, and while the instinct may be to react, history tells a much more nuanced story about market resilience.

We break down the central role of oil prices, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and why the U.S. economy's shift toward being an energy exporter changes the math on GDP drag compared to decades past.

In this video, we discuss:

- Historical Precedents: How markets recovered after the Gulf War, 9/11, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

- Safe Haven Assets: Why gold, U.S. Treasuries, and the Dollar behave the way they do during uncertainty.

- Sector Winners/Losers: A look at defense-related stocks, value stocks, and the potential for an AI value rotation.

- The Power of Diversification: Why avoiding recency bias and sticking to a long-term plan is your best defense against volatility.

Protect your portfolio from emotional decision-making. Watch until the end to hear our outlook on the "Soft Landing" and why leaning on professional advice is critical during times of war.

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 Iran War Market Impact

01:18 Oil Shock and Market Whiplash

03:23 History of War and Stocks

05:59 Oil Prices and GDP Drag

07:01 Safe Havens and Defense Plays

10:11 Soft Landing and Outlook

12:22 Diversification and Recency Bias

14:53 AI Value Rotation Teaser

15:49 Wrap Up and Disclosures

#IranWar #StockMarket #Investing #OilPrices #Geopolitics #GoldPrice #MarketVolatility #FinancialPlanning #GimmeSomeTruth #Economy2026 #defensestocks

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What will drive markets in 2026?

In this February 2026 episode of Gimme Some Truth, hosts Nate Condon and Clint Walkner examine five major market catalysts investors should watch this year: elevated U.S. equity valuations, international market rotation, a potential new Federal Reserve Chair, inflation’s evolving target, and AI-driven volatility.

The discussion expands on their published article featured in Walkner Condon’s 2026 Market Outlook, outlining why stretched U.S. stock valuations may require record earnings growth to justify further gains — and why earnings misses are being punished more severely. They explore the reemergence of developed, emerging, and frontier international markets, the impact of a weakening U.S. dollar, and whether dollar strength could return later in 2026.

Read the 2026 Market Outlook - https://walknercondon.com/market-outlook-guide-2026/

They also analyze the implications of a potential new Fed Chair, the political dynamics surrounding Jerome Powell, and how changes in Federal Reserve leadership could influence interest rates and overall market stability.

On inflation, they consider whether the effective target is closer to 2.5%–3% and discuss how artificial intelligence may introduce longer-term deflationary forces. Finally, they examine the transition from large language models (LLMs) to agentic AI implementation in 2026 — and what automation, SaaS repricing, AI IPO activity, and increased market volatility could mean for investors.

If you're focused on diversification, global equity exposure, Federal Reserve policy, inflation trends, AI investing, or the 2026 stock market outlook, this episode provides timely perspective.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 2026 Market Outlook

01:52 Stretched U.S. Valuations & Earnings Risk

03:54 International Market Rotation & Dollar Trends

05:41 New Fed Chair & Policy Uncertainty

08:01 Inflation Target Debate: 2% vs 2.5–3%

09:29 AI Implementation Era & Market Volatility

15:42 IPO Risks, Diversification & What’s Next

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For more on this topic and others check out the blog on our website: https://walknercondon.com/blog/

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The S&P 500’s top 10 companies now represent over 40% of the index — the highest market concentration in modern history. What does that mean for investors?

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we break down market concentration risk, the CAPE ratio (Shiller P/E), and how today’s valuations compare to the dot-com bubble. With U.S. large-cap stocks trading at historically elevated levels, we explore whether international diversification, emerging markets, and value-oriented strategies may offer better risk-adjusted opportunities.

If you’re concerned about overexposure to the Magnificent Seven, high valuations, or portfolio risk heading into 2026, this discussion will help you think strategically about global asset allocation and long-term investing.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

- What market concentration risk means for the S&P 500

- How today compares to the 2000 dot-com bubble

- What the CAPE ratio (Shiller P/E) tells us about valuations

- U.S. CAPE (~40) vs. Germany (~19.7) and emerging markets

- Why international diversification may matter more than ever

- Lessons from 2000–2009 (U.S. -1% vs. emerging markets +9% annually)

- How we are positioning portfolios for 2026

📊 Key Investment Insights:

- S&P 500 forward P/E: ~31.5x

- Portfolio positioning: ~18–19x P/E

- Increased exposure to developed and emerging international markets

- Rotation toward quality stocks, value investing, and dividend strength

- Maintaining U.S. exposure while reducing concentration risk

⚖️ A Balanced Perspective:

- AI may be structurally transformative (not just hype)

- Mega-cap tech companies remain strategically positioned

- Diversification does not mean abandoning U.S. markets

- Global allocation may reduce volatility and valuation risk

⏱️ CHAPTERS:

0:00 Introduction

17:47 Market Concentration Risk Explained

18:17 Understanding the CAPE Ratio (Shiller P/E)

18:51 Historical S&P 500 Concentration Levels

19:44 Dot-Com Bubble Comparison (2000 vs Today)

20:52 Why the CAPE Ratio Matters for Investors

21:15 U.S. vs International Valuations

22:06 Emerging Markets Opportunity

22:49 Lessons from 2000–2009 Market Returns

27:14 Our Portfolio Strategy for 2026

28:17 Quality & Value Rotation Explained

29:21 Why We’re Not Abandoning U.S. Markets

30:10 Portfolio Valuation Metrics Compared to S&P 500

31:36 AI & Long-Term Growth Potential

33:04 India vs U.S. Market Valuations

35:07 Final Thoughts on Diversification

📚 Read the full Market Outlook: https://walknercondon.com/blog/the-rise-of-us-large-caps-2009-2025/

📞 Schedule a portfolio review: www.walknercondon.com

#MarketConcentration #Diversification #InternationalInvesting #CAPERatio #SP500 #PortfolioManagement #InvestmentStrategy

SUBSCRIBE: @walknercondon

For more on this topic and others check out the blog on our website: https://walknercondon.com/blog/

Visit our website for more financial planning resources and educational information: https://www.walknercondon.com

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