Dating in America just got a lot more expensive — and it's revealing something bigger about the state of personal finances in this country.

The average cost of a first date has climbed to $189 in 2026, up 12.5% from last year — outpacing overall inflation. Millennials are spending an average of $252 per date, and social media is making expectations even more extreme.

Meanwhile, the U.S. personal savings rate has dropped to 3.6% — the lowest since COVID — household debt sits at $18.8 trillion, and credit card balances have hit $1.25 trillion.

Your personal finances are personal. Don't let social media make your money decisions for you.

Don't let financial habits from 10 years ago determine your wealth today. From outdated long-term care policies to untapped HSA power - small blind spots compound into big losses.

This week on Get Ready For The Future Show:

• Helping your adult kids invest in their 20s WITHOUT enabling bad habits

• Walter's LTC policy hasn't been reviewed in 15 years - here's why that's a problem

• Is your HSA secretly your most powerful retirement account? (Most people get this wrong)

• Small business owner at 48 with no retirement plan? Here's exactly how to catch up

Originally aired 5/23/2026

The doomsayers say stocks are overvalued. The data says something very different.

As of May 8th, 447 S&P 500 companies reported Q1 earnings — 84% beat estimates, with average earnings growth of 26.8%. Meanwhile, the forward P/E ratio actually dropped nearly 4%, meaning stocks are cheaper today than they were at the start of the year.

LPL Research Portfolio Strategist George Smith breaks down why the relationship between price and earnings is the most important dynamic in markets right now — and what it means for your long-term investing plan.

The facts don't lie. Tune out the noise.

What if spending too little in early retirement is the real mistake? 👀

This week, four listeners asked the questions most people are afraid to bring up:

✅ Is spending more while you're healthy reckless — or just good planning?

✅ My spouse won't meet with a financial advisor. How do I bring her on board?

✅ I'm 66, just widowed, and my husband handled all the finances. Where do I begin?

✅ We want to move into a retirement community early. How do we run the real numbers?

If any of these sound familiar, this one's for you.

📩 Submit your question: [email protected]

#retirementplanning #financialadvisor #personalfinance #investing

Originally Aired: 2026.05.16

In this week’s episode of The Get Ready For The Future Show, we tackle a pressing question: Is the stock market on the brink of a dot-com-level crash? Join me, Scott Inman, as I compare the current AI boom to the explosive growth of the internet in the 1990s. We’ll delve into the similarities and differences between these two tech revolutions and what they mean for investors today. Drawing insights from LPL Research, I’ll highlight key factors like stronger leadership, grounded valuations, and rational IPOs that differentiate the AI landscape from the past. While volatility is expected, I’ll explain why we believe this bull market still has significant momentum. Tune in to gain clarity on the future of technology investments and how to navigate these turbulent waters.

Are you in your 50s and still on autopilot with a target-date fund? You might be taking on more risk than you think — and missing the income plan you'll actually need.

This week on The Fastest Four Minutes in Finance:

✅ Target-date funds — what they get right, and where they quietly fail after 50

✅ Deferred compensation at 60: tax tool or future headache?

✅ No kids, no heirs — how to make sure your estate funds what matters most to you

✅ Two retirement dates, one household — how couples plan when timelines don't match

"At some point, your portfolio stops being a scoreboard and starts being a paycheck." — that shift starts here.

📩 Got a question? Email us to be our next Question of the Week and win a GRFTFS tumbler!

#retirementplanning #financialadvisor #investing #financialindependence #targetdatefunds

Originally Aired: 2026.04.29

Oil prices are down — so why is the physical market telling a completely different story? 🛢️

Since mid-March, actual barrel prices have been running significantly higher than futures prices. The Strait of Hormuz has seen barely 1.5 days of normal oil flow since March 1st. Japanese refiners started buying U.S. crude. Chinese buyers drove Vancouver shipments to record highs. Indian refiners grabbed whatever Venezuelan crude they could find.

When sophisticated traders stop negotiating on price and just need barrels — that's not a Wall Street story. That's a supply crisis.

Plus: the "death of the petrodollar" headlines are everywhere right now. We slow down and look at what the data actually says — and it's not what the headlines suggest.

Georgia Stuart breaks it all down in under 4 minutes.

In this episode of The Get Ready For The Future Show, I dive into the essential topics of insurance, life policies, and the unique challenges of going solo in retirement. As the financial landscape evolves, it's crucial to stay informed about how your insurance policies can impact your retirement planning. I discuss the significance of life insurance, the intricacies of universal life policies, and the importance of assessing your coverage as you approach retirement age. Additionally, we explore strategies to manage your financial future effectively, ensuring you are well-prepared for the realities of retirement living. Join me for insights that will empower you to make informed decisions and take charge of your financial independence.

Americans say you need $1.46 million to retire comfortably in 2026 — up $200,000 from last year. But is that number real? 🤔

Here's the problem: 60–70% of your net worth is locked in your home, inflation has cut the dollar in half since the '90s, and your retirement number isn't the same as your neighbor's.

In this week's Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down:

✅ Why the $1.46M "magic number" is misleading

✅ The home-equity trap hiding in your net worth

✅ Why $1 million today ≠ $1 million 30 years ago

✅ The income question that actually decides retirement

There is no magic number. But there IS one that works for you.

#retirementplanning #financialindependence #financialadvisor #investing #fastestfour

"My wife and I both have pensions. How should we coordinate those with our Social Security and investments?" We’re answering YOUR questions on this week’s Get Ready For The Future Show!

✅ I’m 55 and still have $30,000 in student loans. Should I pay them off or focus on maxing my 401(k)?

✅ We’re retiring next year and wondering how much we should keep in cash vs. invested. What's a good rule of thumb?

✅ We’ve never tracked our expenses, but we know we’re spending more than we should. How do we start budgeting without getting overwhelmed?

All this straight talk and more LIVE, Wednesday at 11:30! 🎙️

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❓ Have your own questions? Call or text us at 501.381.5228 or email [email protected]

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We’re here to help you navigate the journey to true financial independence. See you there!

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