Money Talk: The Annex Wealth Management Show - SWFL

Finally, some data!  The CPI release that determines the 2026 cost of living adjustment for Social Security Benefits is out. Foreign data is still rolling in. China’s challenges are evident…and likely to get worse unless there’s a deal.  Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen will break it down in our Week in Review.  Also on the show, myths about taxes. Was getting a big refund check a good idea?  Later in the show, we'll talk with Deanne Phillips about taking advantage of tax benefits and resources if you are a caregiver for someone in your home.

Treasury Secretary Bessent said the department is prioritizing payments in its system in order to allow for US military staff to be paid.  Also, banks have said loan quality is pretty good.

The government shutdown.  TSA agents are calling in sick. That ended the shutdown in 2019.  Will it this time?  ACA subsidies are the sticking point. That and anxious investors drive gold prices above $4,000 an ounce, marking its best year since the 1976.

Could the government shutdown signal deeper cuts to federal employment? Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break it down in our Week in Review. Also on the show: Smart planning strategies for medical professionals, meaningful ways grandparents can support their grandchildren, and an inside look at the Annex process for High-Net-Worth clients.

With the federal government's fiscal year-end nearing and no compromise in sight, join Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen for our Week-in-Review. This episode also explores the 4% retirement rule, Warren Buffett-style estate planning, why your 401(k) isn’t a piggy bank, and common myths about trusts.

Economic growth may have already weathered its toughest challenges, with brighter days likely ahead. In our Week-in-Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen discuss the Federal Reserve’s latest decision. The show also examines 529 plans for education savings, key steps to selling a business, estate planning considerations for remarriage, and strategies to ensure a fulfilling retirement.

Did Spring 2024 to Summer 2024 have a mini recession? Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen discuss how the Bureau of Labor Statistics significantly overestimated employment figures in early 2024, missing signs of a slowdown that may have bordered on one. With the Federal Reserve likely to cut interest rates soon, there's an emphasis on the importance of transparency in economic data, and the Fed’s challenge in balancing inflation control with supporting a cooling economy. Also, how to "age in place," and what to be aware of with lifestyle creep.

U.S. job growth slowed in August, reflecting a weakening labor market, with a net loss of 13,000 jobs reported in June. Join Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen for our Week-in-Review. Also on today's show: exploring the stages of retirement, supporting adult children, and key retirement planning tips—three things to do now and three things that can wait.

Earnings season is wrapping up, and the results are promising. FactSet reports that 81% of S&P 500 companies surpassed earnings expectations, with 58% raising their full-year 2025 earnings guidance. The “beat and raise” trend has been music to investors’ ears. Join Brian Jacobsen for our Week-in-Review, where we break down the latest market insights. This week, we also explore why some people claim Social Security earlier than recommended, tackle the question of how much insurance you really need, and check in with Todd Voit, Chief Investment Strategist, for his expert perspective.

The housing market grapples with low builder confidence due to high mortgage rates and regulatory costs, alongside rising starts, falling permits, and high cancellations. In our Week-in-Review, Brian Jacobsen discusses these housing challenges, followed by separate insights on equity compensation and the rise in 'gray divorce.'