This week on Life in the Markets, we unpack a relatively quiet week for stocks, key economic data on jobs and mortgage rates, and a record move in gold prices. We also explore the renewed debate around capping credit card interest rates, examining the issue through historical, economic, and biblical perspectives. Finally, we look ahead at how today’s AI-driven market compares to the Dot-Com bubble and what that means for investors and faithful stewards.

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The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this market update, Tim Russell and Stephen Rohrer review the major economic, policy, and market developments that shaped 2025, including inflation, tariffs, jobs, and performance across stocks, bonds, real estate, and international markets. They also look ahead to 2026, discussing potential risks and opportunities related to AI, gold and silver, and important tax considerations for investors. Throughout the episode, they offer a steady, biblically grounded perspective that encourages diversification, disciplined risk management, and confidence in God’s unchanging faithfulness.

Visit the Show Notes page.

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

The “warmth of collectivism” sounds appealing, until reality sets in. From Venezuela’s collapse to early warning signs here at home, we examine how ideology shapes economies, why markets always respond, and why Christians should care. Scripture, history, and economics all point to the same conclusion, making these lessons timely, uncomfortable, and impossible to ignore.

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Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

Markets ended the week nearly flat heading into Christmas, with stocks treading water while gold and silver posted notable gains and inflation data offered little meaningful clarity. In this episode, we unpack what last week’s economic reports really tell us and discuss the case for broadening beyond high-valuation growth stocks. We also close with a timely year-end discussion on capital gains distributions, mutual funds, ETFs, and what investors should understand about the tax implications as the year comes to an end.

Read The Show Notes Here

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

Markets shrugged off a widely anticipated rate cut as leadership rotated from large cap growth to small cap and value stocks. We break down what’s happening beneath the surface, especially the shifting yield curve, and why falling short term rates don’t necessarily mean lower mortgage rates. We’ll also discuss what these signals may reveal about risk, stability, and wise financial stewardship.

Read The Show Notes Here

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

This week, market volatility jumped as the VIX surged into the high 20s, signaling growing investor uncertainty. We break down what’s driving the turbulence, from consumer strain and small-business job losses to new details on the Trump Accounts and the upcoming Fed meeting. Join us for a clear, level-headed look at what matters most for your money right now.

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode, we break down the growing concentration risk hiding inside the S&P 500 and explain why the top 10 mega-cap companies now dominate nearly 40% of the index. We explore how AI-driven valuations have reshaped “diversified” passive investing—and what that means for your portfolio. Finally, we discuss steps investors can take to reduce risk, including how BRI portfolios naturally mitigate this overexposure.

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode, we unpack a volatile week in the markets as the VIX jumps, stocks slip, and inflation pressures re-emerge. From retail winners and losers to shifting consumer sentiment, we explore what’s driving the jitters, and why there are still reasons to stay grounded and thankful in the midst of uncertainty.

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

In this episode, Tim breaks down why the proposed 50-year mortgage is a dangerous illusion of affordability. He explains how longer loan terms actually raise interest rates, increase total borrowing costs, and trap homeowners in decades of extra debt. Plus, we cover the newly released 2026 contribution limits for 401(k)s, IRAs, SIMPLE plans, and HSAs.

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC

The markets are showing two very different stories... booming AI giants and struggling real-world industries. At the same time, New York City just elected a socialist mayor promising that government can fix everything. In this episode, we unpack what both trends reveal about the state of our economy and our nation.

Watch on YouTube

Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast

Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward

Visit TheLifeGroup.org

The topics discussed in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations.  Investing and investment strategies involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.  All information herein is from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed for accuracy or completeness. The team assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this material. Information is as of the date stated and subject to change without notice. Securities and advisory services offered through GWM, Inc, Member FINRA/SIPC