Money Talk

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen look at why classic diversification struggled as stocks, bonds, and even gold moved together, and why holding cash with a real plan may matter more than ever. We talk about the rise in hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts and what that reveals about financial stress across the country. We also break down major global tensions, shifting oil flows, and the latest economic data that is shaping markets. Plus, segments on navigating financial conversations with family and how to leverage your health as your greatest wealth.

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down whether the latest Fed minutes truly put another rate hike back on the table, all while markets juggle rising geopolitical tension with Iran and attention on Japan’s massive U.S. investment commitments. They’ll dig into the data, from falling jobless claims and a widening trade deficit to signs of a manufacturing rebound, as well as what demographic shifts mean for companies like Molson Coors and Harley-Davidson. Plus, they explore the growing turf war between Amazon and Walmart and what it signals for consumers and investors alike. Other segments include tax moves before the deadline, and a new $6,000 deduction for seniors.

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen unpack Japan’s political shake‑up, where a landslide election win is clearing the way for food‑tax cuts and potential changes to the nation’s post‑war constitution. They turn to the U.S. next, tackling rising economic pressures, from a growing federal deficit and tariff‑driven price hikes to a housing market still millions of homes short. Finally, they sift through the latest data and corporate earnings to reveal what’s really happening on the ground as consumers pull back, mortgage stress creeps up, and businesses split between AI‑powered momentum and tariff‑strained margins. Plus, two bonus segments: AI investing strategies for high‑net‑worth portfolios and key tax moves ahead of the 2025 deadline.

It was a whirlwind week in politics and economics, from shutdown fallout and delayed labor data to a surprise rebound in U.S. manufacturing. In our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down major Trump-era developments, including a proposed minerals stockpile, a pathway‑to‑ownership housing plan, and an India trade deal shaped by energy and geopolitics. We also cover Fed leadership changes, rising tensions with Iran, what it all means for markets and workers, and a timely segment on charitable giving with Maggie Tate-Techtmann, Executive Director at HAWS.

During our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down the new tariff threats from President Trump, a weaker U.S. dollar, and a landmark trade deal between the European Union and India. We also cover the Federal Reserve holding rates steady while signaling a mixed economic picture. On the data front, slowing job growth, plunging consumer confidence, and the weakest population growth since COVID point to rising uncertainty about the U.S. economy. Plus, segments on the new "Trump Accounts" and rolling over 401(k) plans.

We take a deep dive into the political developments that defined the week, with Davos setting the agenda. From tariffs and Greenland to housing policy, credit cards, crypto, and global markets, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break it down in our Week in Review. As always, we round it out with key international reactions, important data points shaping the macro-outlook, and segments on retroactive tax strategies and preparing for the Silver Tsunami.

From Trump’s surprise call for a 10% cap on credit‑card interest to the DOJ’s subpoenas aimed at Jerome Powell, it was a week packed with political and market-moving headlines. Inflation kept cooling, and corporate earnings stayed upbeat, even as consumers grew more cautious. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen walk through it for our Week in Review, and we dive into how ACA subsidies are affecting people under 65.

The Santa Rally skipped town this year, but the January Effect is making waves, especially for small caps. Markets are buzzing after U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s president Maduro, fueling bold oil ambitions despite steep challenges. Plus, trade tensions and tariff twists continue, and younger workers being affected by AI-exposed occupations. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break it all down in this Week in Review, along with segments on key milestone ages for retirement planning and avoiding online scams.

China’s economy hit a rough patch with deflation fears, while U.S. markets soared despite historic tariff hikes and a few headline-grabbing scares. Mark Beck and Brian Jacobsen break down the headlines into the new year with our Week in Review. Gold and silver had a banner year, Bitcoin stumbled, and AI kept stealing the spotlight. Next year looks even bigger for AI with new models from OpenAI and Meta set to shake things up. Also, how could the 4% rule help you in retirement, and how you can be prepared if you are single in your later years.

This week’s show takes a look back at 2025 and noted how the markets have broadened heading into 2026. We explore decisions high net worth people face, as well as considerations when selling assets. We also explore “money guilt” – the uncomfortable feeling of second-guessing spending decisions.