This week’s podcast opens with a market update as we break down earnings from the tech giants and what those results signal about growth expectations in the months ahead. We’ll also discuss Wall Street’s response to President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair, and what the debate means for interest rates, inflation, and the future direction of monetary policy. Plus, we take a closer look at Friday’s sharp selloff in gold and silver, separating short-term headline reactions from longer-term portfolio considerations.

Insurance is designed to provide protection—but over time, it can quietly become a drag on your financial plan. In this conversation, we examine extended warranties and common coverage decisions, how to evaluate which risks truly need to be insured, and when self-insuring may make more sense. We’ll also walk through the different types of insurance and what coverage is essential for long-term peace of mind.

We’ll then turn to Elon Musk’s latest move to reshape his business empire, combining SpaceX with artificial intelligence startup xAI as the new entity positions itself for what could be one of the largest IPOs in history. We’ll discuss what a vertically integrated AI, aerospace, and satellite internet company could mean for investors, how the merger changes the risk profile of both businesses, and why regulatory scrutiny may become an increasingly important part of the story. As always, we’ll separate the headline excitement from the underlying fundamentals as AI spending and capital requirements continue to rise.

And finally, the Big Game isn’t just about football—it’s shaping up to be one of the largest betting events of the year. We’ll talk about how sportsbooks are pricing the Seahawks vs. Patriots matchup, where public and professional money are landing, and the types of bets drawing the most attention heading into the weekend.

Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty. 

Henssler Money Talks — February 7, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 6

Timestamps and Chapters

• 6:11: Profit Reports, Policy Shifts, and a Metal Meltdown
• 26:03: The Price of Protection and Peace of Mind
• 52:40: Rockets, Orbital Data Centers, and a Trillion-Dollar Bet
• 59:57: Big Game Bets

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The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts explore why investors so often fall in love with certain companies—and how nostalgia, personal experience, and compelling stories can quietly override sound investment discipline. They discuss the real risks of concentrated single-stock positions, why familiarity often feels safer than it truly is, and why long-term investing success often requires behavior that runs counter to human instinct.

Original Air Date: January 31, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/when-loyalty-and-legacy-create-portfolio-risk 

We start by exploring why investors so often fall in love with certain companies—and how nostalgia, personal experience, and compelling stories can quietly override sound investment discipline. We’ll discuss the real risks of concentrated single-stock positions, why familiarity often feels safer than it truly is, and why long-term investing success often requires behavior that runs counter to human instinct.

Proxy voting rarely gets much attention, yet it’s one of the few direct ways investors actually exercise ownership. We’ll break down what proxy voting is, how it works, and what really happens to your vote when you own stocks through mutual funds or ETFs rather than directly. We’ll also examine why firms like JPMorgan are rethinking the role of proxy advisory services, the rise of in-house and AI-driven voting tools, and why regulators are taking a closer look at who’s influencing corporate decision-making.

A listener question takes us deeper into a strategy we’ve mentioned before—but haven’t fully unpacked: “superfunding” a 529 plan. We’ll explain what superfunding is, how it works under current gift-tax rules, and when it may—or may not—make sense for families looking to fund education efficiently. We’ll walk through the potential benefits, key tradeoffs, and planning considerations investors should understand before committing large sums to a 529.

We wrap up with this week’s market update, focusing on two forces shaping investor sentiment: monetary policy and earnings. The Federal Reserve concludes its two-day FOMC meeting with interest rates left unchanged, but markets are paying closer attention to the Fed’s language and what it signals about the path ahead. At the same time, fourth-quarter earnings season accelerates with reports from Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Tesla. We’ll discuss what investors will be watching most closely—particularly whether ongoing investments in artificial intelligence are translating into sustainable profits and long-term value.

Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty. 

Henssler Money Talks — January 31, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 5

Timestamps and Chapters

• 7:42: Nostalgia, Narratives, and Portfolio Risk
• 21:13: The Power Behind the Proxy
• 33:36: Front-Loading College Savings: The 529 Superfunding Strategy
• 43:54: Signals from the Fed and Silicon Valley

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Front-loading retirement contributions can feel like a smart move—especially in volatile markets. But is it always the best strategy? The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts walk through when front-loading can help, when it can hurt, and why discipline and cash-flow planning matter just as much as market timing. 

Original Air Date: January 24, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/is-front-loading-your-401k-a-smart-move-or-a-cash-flow-trap 

President Trump set a deadline for banks to slash credit card APRs to 10%—but now that the date has arrived, most issuers haven’t moved. In this episode, we unpack why average rates remain near 20%, what a government-imposed cap could mean for consumers, and why banks argue it may actually restrict access to credit for millions of Americans. We also look at the market response, including pressure on bank stocks, and separate the political headlines from the financial realities investors and families need to understand.

Next, we walk through three common ways homeowners and savers consider accessing cash: cash-out refinancing, HELOCs and home equity loans—or (gasp!) borrowing from a 401(k). Each option comes with its own costs, risks, and long-term trade-offs. We discuss when a lower fixed rate might make sense, when flexibility matters more, and why tapping retirement savings can be far more expensive than it appears on the surface.

After the break, listener questions drive the conversation. First, we break down why utility funds surprised investors in 2025—and whether that kind of outperformance is sustainable heading into 2026. Then we tackle a classic retirement planning question: should you front-load your retirement contributions or spread them evenly throughout the year? We walk through the market, cash-flow, and behavioral considerations that matter most.

Finally, global headlines rattled markets this week as renewed tariff threats and geopolitical tensions pushed volatility higher. We examine what’s driving investor sentiment, how markets are reacting as policy rhetoric collides with economic reality, and what long-term investors should keep in focus amid the noise.

Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty. 

Henssler Money Talks — January 24, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 4

Timestamps and Chapters

• 9:24: Credit Card Caps: Promise vs. Reality
• 18:54: When You Need Cash: Choose Carefully
• 40:57: Listener Q&A: Utility Funds and Front Loading Contributions
• 54:58: Tariffs, Tensions, and Market Volatility

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A timely listener question also sparked a deeper discussion about how we evaluate market-moving headlines—and why news alone doesn’t automatically trigger changes to a well-constructed portfolio. The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts walk through the critical distinction between short-term trading and long-term investing. We explain how Henssler evaluates stocks using multi-point criteria and in-depth fundamental analysis, and why that approach aligns with our long-term financial planning philosophy, the Henssler Ten Year Rule.

Original Air Date: January 17, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/reacting-to-headlines-or-investing-with-purpose

This week’s market update dives into several key economic signals, including the latest readings on inflation through CPI, PPI, along with the kickoff of fourth-quarter earnings season. Major banks are among the first to report, offering early insight into both the health of the economy and the broader market backdrop.

A timely listener question also sparked a deeper discussion about how we evaluate market-moving headlines—and why news alone doesn’t automatically trigger changes to a well-constructed portfolio. Using recent developments involving Venezuela as an example, we walk through the critical distinction between short-term trading and long-term investing. While geopolitical events can drive near-term volatility, our investment decisions are grounded in a disciplined, research-driven process. We explain how Henssler evaluates stocks using multi-point criteria and in-depth fundamental analysis, and why that approach aligns with our long-term financial planning philosophy, the Henssler Ten Year Rule.

We’re also unpacking a developing story that’s drawing attention on Wall Street and in Washington. Reports indicate the U.S. attorney’s office is reviewing testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, a move that’s quickly become part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to pressure the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. We’ll discuss what this could mean for the Fed’s independence, why markets are paying close attention, and why—despite the headlines—monetary policy is intended to be guided by data, not politics.

Finally, we take a closer look at today’s auto market, where new car prices have jumped more than 30% since 2020, pushing average sticker prices past $50,000. We break down what’s driving record-high monthly payments now averaging well over $750, the growing use of eight-, nine-, and even 10-year loan terms, and why these trends matter well beyond the dealership.

Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty. 

Henssler Money Talks — January 17, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 3

Timestamps and Chapters

• 9:43: Markets, Inflation, and the Earnings Pulse
• 16:12: Investing vs. Trading: Why Headlines Don’t Drive Our Portfolios
• 36:46: The Fed Under Fire
• 45:23: The Real Cost of Driving New

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Divorce can bring emotional stress—and financial decisions made too quickly can have lasting consequences. Asset division, especially when real estate is involved, is more complex than it may appear. The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts address a question involving divorce, home equity, and family planning: What should you consider before transferring ownership of a house to an adult child?

Original Air Date: January 10, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/divorce-decisions-can-create-long-term-financial-consequences

We wrap up the year by settling an important score: who takes the crown for the 2025 Super Official Board of Predictions after a year of weekly “market up or down” calls? From there, we look back at the major trends we predicted for 2025 and how they actually played out.

Then it’s time to look ahead. The team shares their 2026 predictions—personal outlooks and opinions on what may lie ahead in the markets. We also put our discipline to the test as we randomly assign resolutions for 2026, raising the real question: How long can anyone actually stick to a new habit?

In our market recap, we discuss developments involving Venezuela and their potential impact on global markets and the economy, including geopolitical tensions, energy resources, and broader economic implications.

We close the episode with a listener question involving divorce, home equity, and family planning: What should you consider before transferring ownership of a house to an adult child?

It’s a wide-ranging conversation that blends reflection, forecasts, practical financial planning, and a bit of fun as we close one year and look toward the next.

Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty. 

Henssler Money Talks — January 10, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 2

Timestamps and Chapters

• 0:00: 2025 Super Official Board of Predictions Winner
• 5:27: Crystal Ball Check & Recalibration
• 30:18: Accountability, Assigned
• 35:21: Energy, Economy, and International Tensions 
• 43:48: Listener Question: More Than a Deed

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There’s a baby boom happening at Henssler—and it sparked an important conversation exploring how welcoming a child changes your financial life and the critical first steps every new parent should take. From putting the right legal protections in place and reviewing insurance coverage, to understanding new tax benefits and when it makes sense to start saving for college, this episode offers a clear financial starting point during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Original Air Date: January 3, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/laying-the-financial-groundwork-for-a-growing-family