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.

Jeff Lloyd joins Wes to tackle the week’s critical issues, such as:

• Celebrate Mother’s Day with purpose! From heartfelt shout-outs to family meal plans, honoring Mom is always a worthwhile investment.

• Tariffs hit home—literally! Wes’s son tackled the “Guac Tax” in a school project on avocado tariffs. Learn how trade policies might hit your wallet.

• Warren Buffett steps down—but his wisdom endures. Find out to whom he passed the torch and reflect on 60+ years of effective investing.

• Buffett vs. S&P: the numbers tell the story. Berkshire Hathaway’s 5.5 million% cumulative return (yes, million!) vs. the S&P 500’s 39,000%—a masterclass in compounding and consistency.

• Buffett’s love for cash isn’t fear—it’s strategy. Berkshire’s $300 billion in cash isn’t panic—it’s patience. A reminder: having dry powder lets you seize opportunity quickly.

• Examine the most enduring lessons from Warren Buffett.

• The Fed holds steady—why that’s a bold move. Does the Fed's decision to “actively do nothing” show confidence in a stable economy?

• AI can’t replace good judgment. Buffett trusts a seasoned colleague over the world’s most advanced AI—experience and human intuition still matter.

• Student loan defaults vs. $70K high school offers?! The High School Job Draft is real: employers are recruiting skilled trades students right out of high school with competitive starting offers. Why take on $100K in student debt when you can go pro as a welder? Plus, are those jobs harder for AI to replace?

• Retirement isn’t the end—it’s a pivot point. Whether you love your job or are ready to walk away, define retirement on your terms. Find purpose. Enjoy the ride. Create your next chapter.

🎧 Tune in now to hear stories, stats, and effective financial planning that could reshape your future. Subscribe, share it with a friend, and take one step closer to your happy retirement.

Call 800-805-6301 to leave a voicemail or contact us HERE for a chance to have your question featured in an upcoming episode.

Jeff Lloyd joins Wes to explore the latest news, compelling financial insights, and human psychology:

• Consider the Mappiness Project—What truly brings you joy? Are you building a life that includes high-ranking endeavors?

• Rediscover Your Core Pursuits—Jeff recounts his lifelong love for Pearl Jam concerts and music tourism, including a trip with Wes to see Chris Stapleton. What passions keep you energized?

• Review 2025 Market Performance So Far—Are your investments tracking with the broader market’s progress?

• Break Down Sector Trends—Explore what’s working and what’s not in today’s market. Which industries are thriving, and where should you be cautious?

• Look back on Microsoft’s 50-Year Journey—From a garage startup to a trillion-dollar titan—Wes and Jeff highlight lessons investors can learn from Microsoft’s evolution.

• Think ‘Companies, Not Stocks’—Are you investing in businesses with real value or just chasing ticker symbols? A powerful mindset shift for long-term wealth building.

• Evaluate The 5 P’s of Financial Planning—Planning, Portfolio, Protection, Passing It On, and Payments.

• Reimagine Your Time Horizon—What if your retirement horizon is only 20 years instead of 35?

• Learn the Power of Staying Invested—An investment in the S&P 500 in 1975 would be worth what today? Can you commit to the long game?

• Avoid the Perfection Trap—You don’t need to pick the next Microsoft. Wes reminds us: Participation in the market typically beats perfection.

🎧 Tune in now to hear stories, stats, Microsoft puns, and effective financial planning that could reshape your future, but don’t just listen—act! Subscribe, share it with a friend, and take one step closer to your happy retirement. Call 800-805-6301 to leave a voicemail or contact us HERE for a chance to have your question featured in an upcoming episode.

Connor joins Wes to analyze essential current events:

• Connor asks, "Are We Having Fun Yet?" with the constant scary headlines and market volatility from tariff repercussions.

• Stress from the ongoing uncertainty in trade talks with China.

• Understanding the VIX (fear index) and its historical spikes.

• The administration’s intermittent public criticism and praise for Jerome Powell and the Fed, and how it’s affecting markets.

• Bond market turbulence, duration risk, and the relative perceived safety of gold.

• The crucial role asset allocation plays in investment portfolios.

• When it comes to income investing, is it true that yield is destiny?

Finally, Wes tells the story of real-life happy retirees to illustrate that even when starting small, folks can utilize aggressive savings, frugal living, and multiple income streams to achieve financial freedom and structure a post-retirement life full of core pursuits and new purpose.

Call 800-805-6301 to leave a voicemail or contact us at https://www.yourwealth.com/contact/schedule-appointment/ for a chance to have your question featured in an upcoming episode.

Analyze how inflation may prevent nearly half of Americans from dying Easter eggs and why consumer sentiment may be out of alignment with the reality on the ground. Discover how the most popular benchmark for measuring market performance may not be the most efficient one. Zoom out to examine historical trends and gain perspective on where your portfolio stands despite the current tariff uncertainty. Gather the latest on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s interest rate outlook, as well as his ability to remain in the job despite pressure from the current administration. Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd guide you through these essential topics and more.

Witness market volatility and the economic seesaw! Navigate the complexities of trade negotiations and their widespread impact. Untangle the inverse relationship between bond prices and interest rates. See how tariffs can affect prices and fuel uncertainty.

Harness the power of balance and diversification to help fortify your investments. Decipher the VIX (fear index) and its historical implications for market returns. Contemplate the lessons from the 2020 market crash and recovery. Analyze the details of ongoing global trade negotiations and potential outcomes. Note the influence of consumer and business confidence amidst tariff changes.

Marvel at the unchanging prices of egg salad sandwiches at the Masters Tournament and the hot dog/soda combo at Costco. Tune in to the Money Matters Podcast, hosted by Wes Moss, Jeff Lloyd, and Connor Miller, to explore securing your financial future.

Navigate the market's recent swings, sparked by major tariff announcements and a significant stock sell-off. Examine the impact of balanced portfolios, learn why bonds are back in action, and explore how diversification might help you minimize losses during turbulent times.

Tariffs may create higher prices for consumers and small businesses, but could the new revenue pave the way for substantial tax cuts for both corporations and individuals? Unpack the potential silver lining in these challenging times.

Understand how the VIX (volatility index) behaves during major market shifts and why, historically, market performance tends to improve after sharp increases in volatility.

Despite the market ups and downs, Wes, Jeff, and Connor emphasize why staying balanced and diversified can be critical to your long-term investment strategy. Tune in for actionable strategies and work toward securing happiness in your financial future.

Dive into an eye-opening discussion about confidently navigating the financial landscape. Unpack the latest market trends, tackle productive investment strategies, and uncover a potential key to building lasting wealth. Get insights on making your money work harder, optimizing your retirement plan, and sidestepping common financial pitfalls. Whether planning your next big financial move or just trying to keep up with economic shifts, this episode delivers knowledge to help you take control. Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd turn complex financial topics into actionable steps for your financial future.