Life, Money, and Living Well

What happens when oil prices, interest rates, and the U.S. dollar all rise at the same time? And what could that mean for investors?

In the debut episode of Market Perspectives, a new series within Life, Money, and Living Well, host Ben Beshear welcomes LiveWell Capital Portfolio Manager Brian Hicks, CFA, PhD, for a deeper look at the markets, the economy, and the forces influencing investment decisions.

Brian introduces what he calls the "dark triad": oil prices, interest rates, and the dollar. He explains how these three forces interact, why their simultaneous rise can signal tightening financial conditions, and what he believes investors should be watching as the economy moves forward.

Ben and Brian also explore stock market valuations and whether strong corporate earnings can justify higher prices. They discuss why rising interest rates can actually benefit savers, how artificial intelligence could transform corporate productivity and the labor market, and whether economic growth can help address America's mounting national debt.

The conversation also covers international investing, diversification, Brian's personal investment approach, and his outlook for the future. Despite the challenges and uncertainties facing investors, Brian shares why he remains cautiously optimistic about the long-term opportunities ahead.

And because this is Life, Money, and Living Well, Ben closes by asking Brian what living well means to him beyond the markets.

Topics include:

• The "dark triad" of oil prices, interest rates, and the U.S. dollar
• Higher interest rates and opportunities for savers
• Stock valuations, corporate earnings, and market expectations
• AI's potential impact on productivity, employment, and economic growth
• America's national debt and the role of economic growth
• U.S. versus international investing and diversification
• Finding balance between financial success and living well

Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

What if etiquette has less to do with knowing which fork to use and more to do with how you make people feel? In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well, Ben sits down with Tiffany Adams, Founder and President of the Cincinnati Etiquette & Leadership Institute, author of Polished: The Guide to Excellence for the Modern Professional, and an expert in business etiquette, leadership, and international protocol. Find Tiffany's book (an Amazon Bestseller) Polished: The Guide to Excellence for the Modern Professional https://a.co/d/0gFRq35X (Amazon Link) Tiffany explains why people skills may be becoming more valuable in a world increasingly shaped by screens, remote work, social media, and AI. She and Ben explore self-awareness, body language, first impressions, curiosity, listening, and the power of three simple words: "Tell me more." They also discuss how to disagree without damaging relationships, why handwritten notes still matter, what most people get wrong at business meals, and the small behaviors that can quietly build or erode trust. Because ultimately, good etiquette isn't about memorizing rules. It's about paying attention, showing respect, and becoming the kind of person who makes other people feel seen, comfortable, and valued. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, we bring to life an article by David Schimberg exploring 10 important questions to consider before making the transition into retirement. Retirement readiness involves much more than reaching a certain age or hitting a number in your portfolio. From Social Security and Medicare to monthly spending, withdrawal strategies, taxes, investment risk, and long-term care, there are important financial decisions that can shape the decades ahead. But some of the biggest questions aren't strictly financial. How will you spend your time? Have you and your spouse talked about what retirement will actually look like? Is your estate plan in order? And have you prepared for the possibility of a long retirement? These 10 questions provide a practical starting point for thinking through the financial and personal pieces of retirement so you can approach your next chapter with greater clarity and confidence. Because ultimately, a successful retirement isn't just about having enough money. It's about having a plan for the life you want to live. Read the article here: https://www.livewellcapital.com/ten-questions-before-you-retire Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

The question is, what hasn't David Githuku done? He earned a PhD in Polymer Engineering at Texas A&M. He had a 26 year career at Procter & Gamble, eventually becoming the VP of Research and Development. In 2020, he founded the ACE SME Foundation, focused on equipping underserved business founders with funding, training, and mentorship to build sustainable, socially impactful businesses. With a special focus on Africa, ACE is helping change communities by investing in entrepreneurs. ACE has helped launch over 20 small and medium enterprises in Africa and continues to grow. Besides ACE, David serves as a Board Chair, a scalable business advisor, and a brilliant business strategist and consultant. Today, we're talking about success—and the importance of investing in the success of others. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

What if your financial plan could make you happier, not just wealthier? In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, we bring to life an article by Ben Beshear exploring a surprising pattern among some of the happiest people we've had the privilege of serving. Over the years, we've noticed that many of these clients approach money with a similar mindset. They prioritize generosity, consistently save for the future, and intentionally keep their fixed expenses under control. The result isn't just healthier finances. It's greater freedom, purpose, and peace of mind. In this episode, Ben introduces the simple "20-20-20 Rule," a practical framework for balancing giving, saving, and spending. He also shares why automation matters, why small steps still count, and how organizing your finances around your values can help you enjoy what you have without constant financial stress. Because ultimately, living well isn't about keeping every dollar. It's about making sure your money serves the life you want to live. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

What if you could know what was coming down the line? What if you could plan for the next stage of your life? What if you could learn that the wins and losses you were experiencing right now were perfectly normal? What if life was... well... surprisingly predictable? That's what my guest, Bobb Biehl, believes. And he has the resume to prove it. For nearly 50 years, Bobb has been an executive mentor, helping thousands of leaders clearly define, and reach, their dreams. Since 1976, he has consulted with over 500 clients—Chick Fil A, the European Leadership Forum, and Logos Software just to name a few—and over 5,000 executives. He's the author of 35 leadership and management tools in the area of personal and organizational development, and has been on the executive staff for World Vision Inc and a board member for Focus on the Family. Bobb's Book: Decade by Decade (affiliate link) Bobb has spent his life helping others, and along the way, has gained invaluable insights into the predictability of life. His newest book, Decade by Decade, walks readers through what to expect at each stage of life. As you learn what is "normal," it brings perspective to your own life, and it builds empathy for what your family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors are experiencing in their respective phases of life as well. With a goal to help us confront the unpredictable, so we can enjoy the life we have right now, Bobb's book is a game changer. After 20 years as a financial services professional and completing thousands of financial plans for clients…Ben shares the secrets to building wealth, but more importantly building a fulfilling life. Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

What if one of your biggest retirement challenges isn't running out of money... but paying too much in taxes? In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, we bring to life an article by John Brannon exploring a retirement planning issue many diligent savers never see coming: Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs. For decades, you've contributed to traditional IRAs and 401(k)s, allowing your investments to grow tax-deferred. But eventually, the IRS requires you to begin taking money out, whether you need it or not. Those distributions can increase taxable income, raise Medicare premiums, and create unexpected tax consequences later in life. John walks through several strategies that can help reduce the impact of future RMDs, including Roth conversions, Qualified Charitable Distributions, Health Savings Account transfers, and the often-overlooked 72(t) strategy. Along the way, he challenges listeners to think about more than just tax efficiency. Because great financial planning isn't simply about minimizing taxes. It's about aligning your resources with the life you want to live, while you still have the opportunity to live it.

Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

Ben Beshear recently sat down with former CIA officer David Bridges for one of the more fascinating conversations we've hosted yet. This wasn't just a conversation about intelligence… it was a conversation about leadership, decision-making, risk, and what makes America unique.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll hear:

🇺🇸 Is being a CIA operative anything like the movies?

🌍 How has the geopolitical landscape changed—and how are drones reshaping modern warfare?

🤫 How much can undercover operatives actually tell their own families?

🧠 What does 25 years in intelligence teach you about making better decisions?

📈 Why does David remain optimistic despite everything he's seen around the world?

⭐ And perhaps our favorite discussion… what makes America so special?

There were also a few topics we intentionally didn't cover. We agreed to stay away from domestic politics, and naturally there are aspects of David's career that remain confidential. Even with those boundaries, this conversation covered an incredible amount of ground.

As our nation celebrates 250 years of the American experiment, we couldn't think of a better time to hear the perspective of someone who spent a career protecting it.

Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

What if the secret to spending less has nothing to do with budgeting?

In this episode of Life, Money, and Living Well Reflections, we bring to life an article by Davie Cochran exploring an often-overlooked cause of lifestyle creep: too much unstructured time.

Many professionals assume that financial success is simply a matter of earning more. Yet as income rises, spending often rises right alongside it. The challenge isn't always a lack of discipline. Sometimes it's boredom, stress, and the natural tendency to fill free time with expensive habits and purchases.

This episode introduces the idea of "positive spending distractions" — meaningful activities that provide purpose, connection, growth, and fulfillment without putting constant pressure on your finances. From physical activity and skill-building to deeper relationships, passion projects, and intentional downtime, Davie shares practical ways to create a richer life while avoiding the trap of lifestyle inflation.

Because ultimately, the way you spend your time has a profound impact on the way you spend your money.

Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.

What if the most important thing a coach builds isn't a winning team, but better people?

In this episode, Ben Beshear talks with Calvin Renfroe, Head Football Coach at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and the National Christian School Athletic Association's National Coach of the Year.

Known for building a culture rooted in faith, discipline, brotherhood, and joy, Calvin shares the leadership principles that have shaped both his program and his life. Together, Ben and Calvin discuss identity, parenting, resilience, purpose, and why athletics remains one of the most powerful tools for developing character in the next generation.

This conversation isn't really about football. It's about leadership, culture, and becoming the person you were created to be.

Brief legal disclaimer: This podcast is intended for informational purposes only. The ideas and opinions on this episode do not constitute tax, legal or investment advice. Listeners should seek the input of their own tax, legal, and financial planning professionals before acting on any of the information provided. Any speaker on this podcast expresses ideas that are subjective to the time of the recording, and are subject to change without notice, and are not always indicative of the opinions of the underwriters of this show. This episode should not replace the diligence of a full financial plan with a financial planning professional that can take your specific situation into account.