Whether you’re 25 or nearing retirement age, you’ll learn something new about how to maximize social security and plan for the future in today’s show. Wes introduces you to Mary Beth Franklin, one of the country’s leading specialists on social security and Medicare and a popular guest on Wes’s Retire Sooner podcast. In this conversation, Mary Beth answers questions such as, why do you think Social Security has become so confusing and difficult for so many people to make sense of as they get ready to retire? What are some actionable steps to take right now to prepare for or maximize their social security? And what you need to know when it comes to spouses and social security.

During this episode, Wes shares details from his new book, What The Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life. He also explains how he collected his research and studies for the book, why he studies happy and unhappy retirees, and what we can learn from happy retirees. He gives additional insights into the habits of the happiest retirees, how to discover your core pursuits, and shares a personal story about a friend’s emotional struggle without work.

On today’s episode of Money Matters, Wes is joined by co-host and producer Jeff Lloyd. Wes exalts his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, for hiring Bill Belichick. That leads them to discuss the rising salaries of college coaches and the rapid growth of NIL money for athletes. Next, they review the latest market trends, including a new all-time high for the NASDAQ. They delve into the most recent inflation update, including its specific consequences, and search for ways to hedge the gap between wage growth and rising costs. Will the Fed continue to cut interest rates?

Producer and Co-host Jeff Lloyd joins Wes in the studio on today’s episode. They dig into smart financial habits such as avoiding impulsive decisions and staying disciplined in investing. They examine the importance of resisting unnecessary purchases, practicing patience with investments, and avoiding the trap of "FOMO Freddy"—chasing past winners in the market. They discuss the concern about tariffs, the tense situations in France and South Korea, Cyber Monday, and even Jim Cramer’s comical quote about pizza. Finally, they point out the historical productivity of long-term planning, diversification, and focusing on consistent strategies to achieve sustainable growth rather than reacting to short-term trends or emotional pressures.

In today’s episode of Money Matters, Wes is joined by Edd and Cynthia Staton. Their retirement plans were disrupted by the 2008 Financial Crisis, leading them to create a Plan B. In 2010, they moved to Cuenca, Ecuador, where they enjoy a comfortable and affordable lifestyle. Their experience reflects a broader trend: the number of retirees receiving Social Security outside the U.S. surged 40% between 2007 and 2017. Now seen as experts in expat retirement, the Statons have authored best-selling books, featured in major media, and run an online program called Retirement Reimagined!

Wes is joined in the studio by co-host and Producer Jeff Lloyd on today’s episode of Money Matters. Compiling a list of what the Retire Sooner Team is thankful for this year, they mention the myriad of S&P 500 all-time highs. Then, they show gratitude for a less top-heavy market, as equity earnings have spread beyond the Magnificent Seven into small- and mid-cap stocks. They reflect on anxiety relief coming on the heels of a tense election. They identify the positive effects of lower inflation, less volatility, and a healthy unemployment rate and are hopeful for an extended trend toward mortgage-friendly interest rates. Finally, they give thanks for the collective Army of American productivity and the way it drives not only growth, innovation, and net income but also significant dividends that can make an impact on protecting purchasing power over time and in retirement.

Wes is joined today by co-host, producer, and new Uncle Jeff Lloyd. They toss out the pumpkins, string up the holiday lights, and examine the plethora of recent market highs. For perspective, they chart market returns dating back to William McKinley in 1896. Next, they dig into the housing market and discover a concerning revelation. But, they point out that some positive shifts may be on the horizon. Though lowering interest rates has yet to lead to the beneficial effects some had hoped for, a new administration sometimes brings different priorities. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Treasury is preparing to unleash roughly $700 billion from its general account (TGA) into the economy. This cash injection could possibly result in lower treasury bond yields, which could potentially help to lower mortgage rates. Finally, Wes describes the details of a retirement life map a happy retiree recently showed him and how her willingness to daydream and plan with discipline helped her retire without regrets. 

On today’s episode of Money Matters, Wes welcomes Connor Miller, Capital Investment Advisor’s Chief Investment Officer, to join him for financial analysis about the recent presidential election. They point to inflation as a probable motivation for a large swath of voters looking to make a change. They examine initial market reactions, including a “certainty pop,” with US stocks adding $1.62 trillion the following day. They analyze what this election might mean for the future of interest rates, debts, deficits, and investing. They zoom in on specific market sectors that could be significantly impacted and how it all might affect retirees planning for their future.

Co-host and Producer Jeff Lloyd joins Wes on today’s episode of Money Matters to deliberate election indicators, market predictions, advances in stem cell research, and the impact of daylight savings and inflation on everyday life. They assess predictive tools like S&P 500 performance, the Misery Index, and the rising popularity of betting markets. They review the historical resilience of the U.S. stock market, noting how changing political environments don’t necessarily impact long-term market growth. Finally, they explain that time in the market typically generates more productive results than attempting to time the market.

Money Matters Co-host and Producer Jeff Lloyd joins Wes on today’s show. They jump into the economics of Halloween spending vs. holiday spending. They review the misery index and where it currently stands. They discuss the housing log jam, existing home sales, and how interest rates contribute to those outcomes. They dig into the unemployment rate and what it means for job-seekers and employers. They reflect on the hot stock market finally having some down days. They examine how different election outcomes have influenced the market. Finally, they delve into a Harvard Business Review article about a decade-long retiree study.