The stock market is near all‑time highs—but consumer confidence is near historic lows. So, what's really going on?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down the growing disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street—and reasons booming markets don't necessarily mean households feel financially secure.

If you've ever wondered why the market is up but your confidence feels down, this episode will help you understand the mechanics—and more importantly, how to think about your own financial structure in today's environment. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → [email protected]

--------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#financialliteracy #stockmarket #investing #economy #wealthmanagement #personalfinance #financialplanning #markets #inflation #investorpsychology

What if one of your biggest retirement risks isn't the market… but how you take income from your portfolio? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down the retirement paycheck stress test—a smarter way to turn your nest egg into a reliable income stream without relying on guesswork, outdated rules, or flashy products. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → [email protected] --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#retirementplanning #retirementincome #financialplanning #socialsecurity #investingforretirement #annuities #wealthmanagement #financialeducation #retirementsavings #falconwealthadvisors

Most people focus on retiring as soon as possible — but what if waiting could improve your life and your financial plan? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down the often-overlooked benefits and drawbacks of delaying retirement. From compounding returns and higher Social Security benefits to burnout, health uncertainty, and lost "go‑go" years. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → [email protected]

--------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#retirementplanning #financialindependence #workoptional #socialsecurityplanning #retirementsavings #financialliteracy #wealthmanagement #retiringright #personalfinance #uptickspodcast

Bitcoin has crashed. Gold and silver are surging. Headlines are loud—but what actually matters for long-term investors? Jake and Cory break down what's happening with Bitcoin, gold, and silver—and why chasing hype can quietly derail a solid financial plan.

We talk about: • Why Bitcoin has no intrinsic value (and why that matters) • What's really driving the surge in gold and silver prices • The difference between speculation and smart diversification • How professional investors think about "insurance assets" • Why singles and doubles beat home runs in real-world investing

This conversation isn't about predictions or quick wins. It's about cutting through noise, understanding risk, and building a portfolio that can better withstand multiple economic cycles. --------------- Complimentary 'Retiring Right' ebook: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#bitcoin #goldinvesting #silverinvesting #financialplanning #investingeducation #portfolio diversification #wealthmanagement #marketvolatility #financialliteracy

We believe hot tips fade, but rules can endure. In this episode, Jake and Cory share principles that can actually drive results: how our analysts read earnings, how we construct portfolios (and ways diversification wins), what can really put markets at risk, and how policy headlines fit into the plan. If you want a durable, rules‑based way to invest, start here. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → [email protected]

--------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#investing #portfolio #diversification #financialliteracy #retirementplanning #wealthmanagement #earnings #marketrisk #federalreserve #falconwealthadvisors

Most people in today's housing market are asking the wrong question and it could be costing them thousands. Jake and Cory break down the real math behind mortgages, refinancing, downsizing, renting out homes, and reasons your cash flow—not interest rates—should drive big housing decisions.

If you've ever wondered: • Should I wait for mortgage rates to fall? • Does refinancing actually save me money? • Should I keep my low rate and rent my home instead of selling it? • Is downsizing in retirement even worth it anymore? • How do I know if a housing decision truly improves my financial plan? …this episode gives you a clear, simple framework—without guessing, without relying on headlines, and without getting trapped by emotional or "rule of thumb" thinking. --------------- Complimentary 'Retiring Right' ebook: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=newsletter_subscribe#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM Contact our team: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/contact.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=contact_us#ID6rJkMgTJ1jVvl9lxUsddri --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#mortgagerates #refinance #housingmarket #retirementplanning #cashflow #financialplanning #downsizing #realestate2026 #wealthbuilding #upticks

In this episode, Jake and Cory discuss the concept of financial nihilism, particularly among Gen Z, who feel disillusioned with traditional economic systems. They explore the psychology behind gambling behaviors in younger generations, the impact of student debt, and the importance of investing versus gambling. The conversation emphasizes the need for financial literacy and the power of compounding in building wealth, while also addressing the cultural shift towards gambling as a perceived solution to financial instability. --------------- Complimentary 'Retiring Right' ebook: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook Subscribe to Jake's blog: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=newsletter_subscribe#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM Contact our team: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/contact.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=contact_us#ID6rJkMgTJ1jVvl9lxUsddri --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

Discover the 5 major tax changes hitting in 2025/2026—and what they could mean for your money. Todd Laytham, CPA joins us to break down new deductions, side‑hustle rules, retirement updates, and important IRS changes. --------------- Complimentary 'Retiring Right' ebook: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC member FINRA and SIPC. Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not intended or written to provide and should not be relied upon or used as a substitute for tax or legal advice. Information contained herein does not consider an individual's or entity's specific circumstances or applicable governing law, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and be subject to change. Clients are urged to consult their tax or legal advisor for related questions.

Discover the 7 habits that quietly wealthy retirees use to help build lasting financial confidence—without flashy spending or stress. Jake and Cory cover practical strategies for living below your means, prioritizing health, staying invested, giving thoughtfully, and planning for longevity.

"Organize Your Retirement in 30 Days—Actionable Steps" https://youtu.be/AaSQ6qITr0s --------------- Complimentary 'Retiring Right' ebook: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=newsletter_subscribe#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM Contact our team: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/contact.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=contact_us#ID6rJkMgTJ1jVvl9lxUsddri

--------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#retirementplanning #wealthmanagement #financialwellness #investing #healthyhabits #charitablegiving #longevityplanning #financialliteracy #quietwealth #falconwealthadvisors

Explore this inflation debate with Jake and Cory as they break down CPI, personal cost-of-living realities, Fed policy, and market consolidation. Discover what "cooling" inflation really means—plus listener questions on future Fed leadership and more. --------------- Complimentary 'Retiring Right' ebook: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=newsletter_subscribe#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM Contact our team: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/contact.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=contact_us#ID6rJkMgTJ1jVvl9lxUsddri --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#inflation #financialplanning #retirement #fedpolicy #markettrends #costofliving #assetallocation #wealthmanagement #economicupdate #falconwealthadvisors