🎯 Rethink your financial future with the Money Matters Podcast, hosted by Wes Moss and Connor Miller. This episode shares real-world strategies to help you stay focused, informed, and better prepared for retirement—without the jargon.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

• Stay alert to shifting market sentiment tied to central bank leadership and evolving economic policies.

• Watch inflation trends that remain relatively controlled despite modest recent increases.

• Track earnings season highlights from banks, airlines, and semiconductors as corporate profits hold steady.

• Monitor projections of $1 trillion in stock buybacks and $640 billion in dividends, reflecting corporate capital allocation trends.

• Learn how buybacks may influence shareholder yield and earnings per share over time.

• Consider a multi-asset class income investing approach designed to generate income from various asset classes.

• Celebrate a new chapter as producer Mallory welcomes her baby to the Money Matters family.

• Examine near-record-low unemployment and steady wage growth supporting consumer strength.

• Explore accelerating AI adoption and its potential impact on worker productivity.

• Follow continued consumer momentum with rising retail and dining sales.

• Evaluate how recent tax legislation and tariff frameworks might shape long-term fiscal stability.

• Recognize that market volatility could accompany positive returns.

• Note a healthier market with nearly half of stocks outperforming benchmarks.

• Reinforce the value of diversification as bonds resume their role in offsetting equity swings.

• Explore building a total return strategy blending income and growth for added balance.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for practical insights to help support your long-term financial confidence.

Transform your financial future with Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd in this action-focused episode of the Money Matters Podcast. Break down the newly passed "One Big Beautiful Bill" and explore its potentially wide-ranging impact on taxes, retirement planning, and long-term financial flexibility.

• Examine what OBBB means for future tax rates.

• Take advantage of higher SALT deduction limits, potentially reducing your tax burden.

• Utilize new tax treatment for tips and overtime income, helpful for both retirees and part-time earners.

• Accelerate business growth with expanded immediate expensing for investments.

• Plan more confidently for the future with a higher estate tax exemption.

Understand how these changes may create new planning opportunities—and why markets seem to remain resilient despite fiscal uncertainty.

🎧 Listen and subscribe, and start building a future you can feel good about. Visit yourwealth.com to connect with the Money Matters team.

On today’s episode of the Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase unlock powerful retirement and investment moves that could help shape your financial future. Today, they:

• Explore how a couple with $5M in assets can consider early retirement while balancing tuition payments and uncertain markets.

• Calculate the power of the 4% rule and see how $5M can potentially yield $200,000 annually in sustainable withdrawals.

• Learn why emotional timing and slow investing may not always serve you best in today's interest rate environment.

• Discover the real purpose of a financial manager—and why it's not about “beating” the S&P 500.

• Examine the peace of mind that can come come from a 6-9 month investment strategy instead of stretching it over years.

• Hear from a retired law enforcement officer with a $4,200/month pension weighing travel vs. keeping property—find out why selling his home may unlock nearly $90K/year in income.

• Understand how capital gains exclusions might work when selling a primary residence before moving abroad.

• Get clarity on using the new 529-to-Roth rollover rule—how parents can repurpose unused college funds for their working children.

• Adjust your withdrawal strategy based on life expectancy—learn how shorter horizons (like 20 years) might allow for higher withdrawal rates, up to 5.5%.

• Evaluate pension options that vary in payout length and amount—see how selecting the right one could impact your long-term cash flow.

• Align retirement timing with market conditions—hear why one couple may want to delay retirement to avoid locking in stock losses.

• Balance equity-heavy portfolios before retirement to help avoid relying too heavily on market performance.

• Plan major home renovations before retiring—discover why waiting could turn into a costly trap.

• Examine harnessing low-income years to help strategically harvest long-term capital gains—while possibly staying in the 0% tax bracket.

• Use tax loss harvesting to offset gains and rebalance portfolios more efficiently.

• Hear a real success story: consistent $1,000/month investing for 20 years yields over $2M—now learn how to effectively shift from aggressive to conservative assets.

• Understand the difference between Roth contributions and Roth conversions—and avoid costly mix-ups.

👉 **Don’t miss this episode if you're ready to take control of your retirement with purpose, clarity, and confidence. Listen, download, and **SUBSCRIBE!

What if the most strategic life and retirement decisions aren’t based on instinct—but on data? In this fascinating episode of the Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss is joined by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz—acclaimed author, economist, and data scientist—to explore what big data reveals about our hidden motivations, happiness triggers, and real-world success stories.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• The Truth Behind Google Searches: What anonymous search data tells us that surveys and social media can’t.

• Why Childhood Can Shape Sports Fandom: The age when loyalty locks in—and how fantasy sports are rewriting the rules.

• Climate & Mental Health: How living in warmer areas can measurably reduce depression, especially in winter.

• Why We Make the Wrong Big Decisions: Gut feelings often mislead—see what the numbers say about more effective choices.

• The Real Keys to Relationship Success: What data says actually predicts long-term happiness in love.

• Who Really Gets Rich: More than actors or Wall Street bankers—learn how regional business owners quietly rise to the top 1%.

• What Shapes Your Kids’ Future: Why neighborhoods and mentors matter more than parenting styles.

• A Better Retirement Blueprint: Strong relationships and time near the water may be the real keys to joy in retirement.

• Surprising Myths Busted by Big Data: From who finishes the books they buy to how parents treat sons vs. daughters.

🔍 Action Step: Want more retirement tools and insights? Visit yourwealth.com.

Hit play now to start building a data-backed life—and purpose-filled, happy retirement.

Dive into this episode for practical insights, updated research, and actionable retirement anecdotes. 🚀

Wes Moss and Connor Miller cut out the financial jargon and help you jumpstart your strategy. Discover:

• Groundbreaking new findings from the Money and Happiness in America study—including how much liquid savings may land you in the “green zone” of retirement happiness.

• The evolving benchmarks for financial comfort and the plateau effect of wealth on happiness.

• Why uncontrollable economic circumstances often top retirees' list of worries.

• How geopolitical events and oil prices could intertwine with retirement planning

• Surprising stats about the happiness levels of Americans near retirement and why simply reaching retirement might boost happiness dramatically.

• The persistent “fear of running out of money”—even among high-net-worth individuals.

• A look at today’s tough job market for recent college grads and the impact of AI.

• The widening gap between market optimism among Republicans and Democrats.

• What history says: Staying invested usually beats trying to time the market based on politics.

• Free new ebook guide for retirement planning by decade, available at yourwealth.com

Wondering what today’s financial headlines mean for your retirement plan? Wes Moss and Connor Miller break down the biggest economic stories, without the jargon, to help you chart a course on your quest to retire happier and sooner.

In this episode:

• Wes runs into Will Ferrell at the driving range—and shows why keeping your cool can matter in life and investing.

• Trump reportedly slams Fed Chair Powell as a “numbskull”—what that might mean for interest rate policy in 2025.

• New tariffs: How are they really impacting U.S. importers and everyday consumers?

• Inflation ticks in a little above 2%, but is housing and rent data making the number look better than reality?

• Why eggs are still more expensive in 2025—and what vending machine prices might say about persistent inflation.

• Are we in a new bull market—or has it been running since October 2022? Get the latest market insights.

• AI data centers are fueling a boom in natural gas deals across the Southeast—what it could mean for the energy sector.

• Q1 2025 retirement account data reveals Americans are contributing more, even as account balances fluctuate.

• First-time homebuyers face rising regret—why affordability and market stress seem to be weighing on new homeowners.

• 50 years of Jaws: How a broken shark model and Steven Spielberg changed film forever and redefined the summer blockbuster.

🎧 Listen now to stay ahead of the headlines—and start building a happy retirement.

Cut through market fear, witness inspiring stories, and tackle the challenging housing market with optimism and insight. Gain the clarity you need to seek financial freedom and retirement happiness. Wes and Jeff explore the week’s essential themes, including:

• The S&P 500, dividend stocks, and bonds posting gains that were higher than many had feared. After a sharp drop in April, markets rebounded strongly, marking the best May in 35 years.

• Inflation hit a four-year low, calming fears and fueling market optimism.

• A pop-up chicken stand that became Dave’s Hot Chicken, is now valued near $1 billion. Is chicken catching up to beef in the world of fast food?

• Long-term stock investing continues to demonstrate effectiveness: no 12-year period in the S&P 500 over the last 90 years has shown a loss.

• Home buying is becoming more challenging for younger Americans. What has the new median first-time buyer age risen to?

• U.S. housing transactions have plummeted. Is it due to high mortgage rates? Low mobility? Both?

• Can a pension can be treated like a bond in a retirement allocation strategy?

• A listener from Idaho highlights how millions of Americans with pensions may benefit from tailored planning beyond 401(k)s.

• Jeff and Wes wrap with favorite burger spots—and the effect that Sunday closures seem to have on Chick-fil-A.

Wes and Jeff dive into the major economic events shaping the first half of the year. They offer insights on everything from labor markets and inflation to the rise of AI and takeout culture, then break down complex financial news into actionable analysis to help plan for a happier retirement. Highlights include:

• Focusing on financial education by cutting through jargon and empowering listeners to make effective retirement and investment decisions 🎯

• Recapping major 2025 news: new U.S. administration, ongoing tariffs, S&P 500 volatility, low inflation, persistent geopolitical tensions, and repeated U.S. credit downgrades

• Debunking the "Sell in May and Go Away" market adage, noting that May has outperformed expectations in recent years

• Explaining the critical role of economic growth, Hauser's Law, and government deficits in shaping tax revenue and fiscal health

• Spotlighting a significant shift in the labor market, with job openings and seekers nearing equilibrium, essential for controlling wage inflation

• Sharing Wes Moss’s family’s 30-day Summer Challenge for personal and educational growth

• Discussing the rise of "Takeout Nation": Much of restaurant traffic is now takeout, delivery, or drive-thru, fueled by technology, apps, and AI

• Exploring the restaurant industry's transformation—booming sales, more delivery jobs, and tech-driven convenience, without harming overall job growth

• Previewing upcoming research on habits of happy versus unhappy retirees, with “fear of running out of money” revealed as a top concern across all wealth levels

Wes and Connor deliver timely insights on U.S. debt, tax reform, interest rates, and practical strategies for family life and financial planning. From economic breakdowns to a creative summer challenge for kids, this episode blends national headlines with personal empowerment, including:

• Honor and Reflect: As Memorial Day passes, remember the brave service members who gave their lives for our country

• Assess the Moody’s Downgrade: Understand the implications of the latest U.S. debt downgrade and why it matters for your investments.

• Track Interest Rates: Learn how rising interest rates are shaping the market and impacting U.S. debt payments.

• Unpack the New Tax Bill: Dive into the proposed tax reforms and how they could affect deficits and economic growth.

• Explore Economic Math: Review real government revenue vs. spending figures and why the math might give room for hope.

• Leverage Hauser’s Law: Discover why federal tax revenues have been shown to stay consistent as a percentage of GDP, regardless of tax rates.

• Promote Economic Growth: Realize that boosting GDP, not tax hikes, may be the most effective way to reduce deficits.

• Launch a Summer Challenge: Get inspired by Wes’s 30-day happy retiree family summer challenge to keep kids engaged, productive, and learning life skills.

• Design Financial Plans: Evaluate your own retirement options and financial plans.

• Compare Global Productivity: Learn why U.S. tech leads the world—and why Europe may be falling behind in innovation and private funding due to its legacy-based corporate structure.

Wes Moss and Conner Miller provide historical context and perspective on the latest financial news, including:

• The markets staged a dramatic V-shaped recovery following tariff fears. Investors, take note: Volatility can reverse quickly. Once you’ve chosen a solid strategy, it’s often more productive to stay the course rather than letting fear drive decisions.

• The S&P 500 dropped nearly 20% in April but rebounded in just six weeks. Panic rarely helps—history shows that recoveries can be swift and sharp.

• Tariffs triggered the downturn, but remember: trade makes up a smaller portion of the U.S. economy than one might assume. Try not to overreact to short-term headlines that struggle to reflect long-term fundamentals.

• Despite massive sell-offs, 97% of Vanguard investors made no trades. Their commitment to a long-term plan possibly helped them avoid reactionary moves in turbulent markets.

• Institutional investors—not individuals—were the primary sellers. Over $27 billion exited U.S. equities in a week, but 72% of that came from institutions, not retail investors. Individual discipline can sometimes work as an effective edge.

• Wes’s "school of fish" analogy illustrates market chaos. A few hedge funds dart, and the entire market reacts. Rather than being the panicked fish, it can often be productive to swim steadily with long-term conviction.

• “30 for 30” rule confirmed again: Historically, 30% of gains occur in the first 30 days after a decline. This recovery was even faster—don’t miss out by being on the sidelines.

• Happy retirees often win with the help of certain principles, such as:

a. Have a clear plan with long-term goals.

b. Diversify across asset classes.

c. Maintain balance with “dry powder” (safe assets) to ride out volatility.

• Bonds are back. With the 10-year U.S. Treasury yielding 4.5%, fixed income might become a meaningful part of your portfolio. Rebalance thoughtfully.

• Tariffs are likely here to stay. Even with deals and pauses, a 10% baseline tariff remains in place. Prepare your portfolio for a world where moderate tariffs are the norm.

• Real-world example: How tariffs affect prices. A hypothetical 25% tariff on Mexican avocados could raise a Chipotle bowl price by 40 cents. The message: some impact, but not catastrophic. And don’t forget that guacamole is delicious.

• Inflation remains under control for now. The future is uncertain, but April CPI rose only 2.3% year-over-year, the lowest since early 2021. Gas, groceries, eggs, used cars, and airfare all declined. Stay grounded in the data.

• Recession odds have been lowered by Wall Street economists. That’s helping push interest rates up, but also reflects growing optimism. Adjust your expectations accordingly.

• Global bond markets exceed $100 trillion, more than twice the size of U.S. equities. Understand your fixed income options—it’s not just about stocks.

• Final takeaway: Individual investors often win by thinking long-term. If you’ve got 5, 10, or 30 years before needing your money, you've got time on your side. It can be productive to stick with your strategy and stay invested.