Henssler Money Talks

How much national debt is too much? The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts start with a listener question inspired by an economics lesson from the 1970s, comparing the nation’s debt with the size of the economy and discussing what could signal that the debt burden is becoming harder to sustain. We also examine the bond market’s role in keeping government borrowing in check and what could eventually threaten the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s dominant reserve currency.

Original Air Date: August 29, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/dont-panic-over-40-trillion-dont-ignore-it-either

How much national debt is too much? We start with a listener question inspired by an economics lesson from the 1970s, comparing the nation’s debt with the size of the economy and discussing what could signal that the debt burden is becoming harder to sustain. We also examine the bond market’s role in keeping government borrowing in check and what could eventually threaten the U.S. dollar’s status as the world’s dominant reserve currency.

Then, Henssler Mortgage Advisors’ Shanna Squires joins us to break down mortgage rate buydowns. From paying points for a permanently lower rate to temporary buydowns and seller concessions, we look at what buyers are actually paying for, what goes in to calculating your break-even point, and why plans to sell or refinance can change the equation.

Finally, a listener considering a sizable charitable gift asks whether it makes more sense to donate cash or highly appreciated stock. We explore the potential tax advantages of donating appreciated securities, why selling the stock first can change the outcome, and whether donating the shares and then buying the investment back could provide an opportunity to reset cost basis while maintaining market exposure.

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 August 29, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 35

Timestamps and Chapters

• 6:51: $40 Trillion in Debt: How Worried Should We Be?
• 25:16: Buying Down Mortgage Rates: Worth It or Waste?
• 38:01: Turning Stock Gains into Charitable Giving

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“Henssler Money Talks” is brought to you by Henssler Financial.

Sign up for the Money Talks Newsletter: https://www.henssler.com/newsletters/ 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

See important disclosures at Henssler.com

The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts turn their attention to the financial advice filling social media feeds. “Finfluencers” can introduce younger investors to valuable concepts like building credit, saving, and opening a Roth IRA, but popularity doesn’t necessarily equal expertise. We discuss how to distinguish useful financial education from advice that’s oversimplified, self-serving, or potentially risky — and why good financial habits still matter no matter where you get your advice.

Original Air Date: August 22, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/finfluencers-and-financial-advice-who-should-you-trust 

Credit cards can be a useful financial tool, but between rewards, premium perks, and an endless stream of advice about how to use them, it’s easy for the basics to get lost. We start with the habits that matter most, from budgeting and consumer protections to paying balances in full, and discuss why how you use a credit card may matter more than which card you choose.

Then, we look at the growing appeal of premium credit cards, particularly among younger consumers willing to pay hefty annual fees for airport lounges, travel credits, dining perks, and points. When do those benefits justify the price, and when does chasing rewards simply encourage more spending?

Finally, we turn to the financial advice filling social media feeds. Finfluencers can introduce younger investors to valuable concepts like building credit, saving, and opening a Roth IRA, but popularity doesn’t necessarily equal expertise. We discuss how to distinguish useful financial education from advice that’s oversimplified, self-serving, or potentially risky — and why good financial habits still matter no matter where you get your advice.

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 August 22, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 34

Timestamps and Chapters

• 6:06: Playing Your Cards Right
• 17:45: Points, Perks & Premium Prices
• 33:40: Good Advice, Bad Advice & the Finfluencer

Follow Henssler:  

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HensslerFinancial/ 
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/HensslerFinancial 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henssler-financial/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hensslerfinancial/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hensslerfinancial?lang=en 
• X: https://www.x.com/hensslergroup 

“Henssler Money Talks” is brought to you by Henssler Financial.

Sign up for the Money Talks Newsletter: https://www.henssler.com/newsletters/ 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

See important disclosures at Henssler.com

With the stock market continuing to reach record territory, the “Henssler Money Talks” hosts tackle a familiar question: What do you do with fresh cash when stocks are already at all-time highs? From rebalancing and paying down high-interest debt to fixed income, diversification, and putting money into the market gradually, we explore ways to put your next dollar to work without trying to predict the next correction. 

Original Air Date: August 15, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/market-all-time-highs-dont-put-your-financial-plan-on-hold 

Some financial decisions can’t be made by looking at just one number. This week, we start with major changes coming to federal student loan repayment and why married borrowers may need to consider not only their monthly payment, but how their tax-filing status affects both their cash flow and bigger financial picture.

Then, a listener asks whether it’s time to rethink a healthcare fund he’s owned for 25 years. We examine what’s changed in the sector, how artificial intelligence could reshape parts of the healthcare industry, and why deciding whether an investment still belongs in your portfolio requires looking beyond recent performance to your allocation, goals, and time horizon.

Finally, with the stock market continuing to reach record territory, we tackle a familiar question: What do you do with fresh cash when stocks are already at all-time highs? From rebalancing and paying down high-interest debt to fixed income, diversification, and putting money into the market gradually, we explore ways to put your next dollar to work without trying to predict the next correction. We wrap up with a look at the latest market moves and what’s been driving them.

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 August 15, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 33

Timestamps and Chapters

• 6:07: For Better or for Worse… and for Student Loans
• 13:00: Healthcare Stocks: Look Back or Look Ahead?
• 27:12: All-Time Highs Aren’t a Stop Sign
• 36:21: What’s Been Moving the Market

Follow Henssler:  

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HensslerFinancial/ 
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/HensslerFinancial 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henssler-financial/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hensslerfinancial/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hensslerfinancial?lang=en 
• X: https://www.x.com/hensslergroup 

“Henssler Money Talks” is brought to you by Henssler Financial.

Sign up for the Money Talks Newsletter: https://www.henssler.com/newsletters/ 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

See important disclosures at Henssler.com 

The “Henssler Money Talks” host take a closer look at securities-backed lines of credit and the heightened risks of borrowing against a concentrated stock position, including maintenance calls and forced sales when the share price falls. 

Original Air Date: August 8, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/securities-backed-lines-of-credit-convenient-but-not-without-risk 

Accessing cash, building savings, and planning for retirement all involve choices between what we need today and what we may need tomorrow. We begin with securities-backed lines of credit and the heightened risks of borrowing against a concentrated stock position, including maintenance calls and forced sales when the share price falls. 

Next, we examine Radish, a proposed employer-funded savings plan designed to help workers save without contributing from their paychecks and consider how it compares with 401(k)s, pensions, and cash compensation. 

Finally, we look beyond the alarming headlines surrounding Social Security to explain what the projected shortfall could mean for Gen X — and how investors can prepare for an uncertain outcome without assuming their benefits will disappear.

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 August 8, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 32

Timestamps and Chapters

• 5:05: Borrowing Against Your Portfolio: Strategic Liquidity or Risk on Top of Risk?
• 25:39: Could Radish Take Root? A New Approach to Workplace Savings
• 36:35: Will Social Security Be There for Gen X?

Follow Henssler:  

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HensslerFinancial/ 
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/HensslerFinancial 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henssler-financial/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hensslerfinancial/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hensslerfinancial?lang=en 
• X: https://www.x.com/hensslergroup 

“Henssler Money Talks” is brought to you by Henssler Financial.

Sign up for the Money Talks Newsletter: https://www.henssler.com/newsletters/ 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

See important disclosures at Henssler.com

The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts discuss one of the most common challenges investors face: balancing competing priorities like income, growth, downside protection, and liquidity. We look at the tradeoffs behind every investment decision, why you can’t compare your portfolio to the benchmark, and your asset allocation really needs to start with your financial plan.

Original Air Date: August 1, 2026

Read the Article: https://www.henssler.com/portfolio-tradeoffs-there-is-no-unicorn-investment

Technology continues to shape both the markets and the investment landscape. We begin with a look at the week’s biggest headlines—from Apple’s new leasing strategy and a strong earnings season to renewed pressure on global semiconductor stocks. 

After the break, we discuss one of the most common challenges investors face: balancing competing priorities like income, growth, downside protection, and liquidity. We look at the tradeoffs behind every investment decision, why you can’t compare your portfolio to the benchmark, and your asset allocation really needs to start with your financial plan.

Finally, we talk about several high-profile prediction market cases and what they reveal about market integrity, manipulation, and the value of information.

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 August 1, 2026  |  Season 40, Episode 31

Timestamps and Chapters

• 5:44: Market Roundup: AI, Apple, and the Chip Race
• 37:12: You Can’t Have It All: Investment Tradeoffs
• 51:37: Can Prediction Markets Be Manipulated?

Follow Henssler:  

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HensslerFinancial/ 
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/HensslerFinancial 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henssler-financial/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hensslerfinancial/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hensslerfinancial?lang=en 
• X: https://www.x.com/hensslergroup 

“Henssler Money Talks” is brought to you by Henssler Financial.

Sign up for the Money Talks Newsletter: https://www.henssler.com/newsletters/ 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

See important disclosures at Henssler.com