In this thought-provoking episode of Markets, Money & Meaning, hosted by Casey V. Fulp, CFP®, the discussion explores the forgotten significance of the Spring Equinox as the original new year, rooted in ancient agrarian cycles, and its connection to modern traditions like April Fools’ Day. Casey delves into how civilizations like the Babylonians and Romans aligned their calendars with nature, the disruptive shift to the Gregorian Calendar, and the curious origins of April Fools’ as a mockery of those who clung to the old ways.

The episode also examines a darker theme, “The Date of Aggression,” highlighting a chilling pattern of historical violence from April 16–22, including events like the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the Oklahoma City Bombing, and the Columbine Massacre. Casey ties these themes to a call for reconnecting with natural rhythms and reflecting on time’s deeper meaning. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their relationship with nature’s cycles and how financial decisions should be thought about this time of year.

Defining financial freedom is personal. Your plan for achieving it should be, too.

Casey Fulp, CFP® explains how many financial advisors or planners are more focused on creating a systemic approach to running their business, and this comes at your expense. The journey you take to achieve your goals needs to account for the nuance and detail individual to you.

View the full video here: https://youtu.be/cqtMow2aRiQ

Alan Watts, the brilliant philosopher, described two types of people and approaches in life: the “prickly” types, who crave structure, rules, and definition, and the “gooey” types, who flow with openness, creativity, and adaptability. Both are essential, he argued, and life is about balancing the two—becoming prickly goo or gooey prickles. This philosophy is particularly resonant in financial planning, where the interplay between rigidity and flexibility determines long-term success.

The key to long-term financial success lies in blending structure with flexibility. A robust financial plan acts as a sturdy framework (prickles) that gives you the confidence to adapt to life's uncertainties (goo) without losing sight of your goals.

Markets, Money, and Meaning explores the intersection of personal financial planning, investment markets, and the deeper purpose of building wealth. Hosted by a fully independent, fee-only CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, the show champions individual liberty and strives to bring clarity to a financial world that often feels needlessly complex and misleading. 

From current events and market trends to the philosophy of money and its role in shaping our lives, each episode unpacks the issues that matter most to your financial journey. We explore the quirks of human behavior that can lead to poor financial decisions and provide actionable strategies to help you avoid these common pitfalls.

Whether you're passionate about achieving financial independence, curious about market dynamics, or seeking a fresh perspective on the purpose of wealth, this podcast is your guide to navigating money with clarity, purpose, and confidence.