Today’s episode is called “9 Predictions for 2025” where we discuss the new administration, expected congressional action, oil and gas prices and the state of interest rates as well as the economic outlook for GDP, inflation and the markets. Will 2025 be a continuation of the hot market from last year, or does the Bull need to sit down of a minute and rest?

Today’s episode is called “Year End Planning” where we discuss the upcoming end of year deadlines for IRAs, Required Minimum Distributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions and Roth Conversions, certain tax planning tips that may reduce your overall tax bill, and an increase in Social Security. With less than 30 days to go before we wrap up the year we’ll arm you with the information needed to give you a jump start on 2025.

Today’s episode is called “America Votes: Insights on the Presidential Showdown” where we discuss the recent election along with the potential red wave seizing control of both the House and the Senate, Jay Powell’s decision for cutting interest rates further, and the market’s reaction to it all. Why did this take so many people by surprise and are we in the throes of political party reinventions?

Today’s episode is called “Welcome to the Battle of AI and US Shipping Ports” where we discuss the Fed’s newest move to start cutting interest rates, the latest challenge to the economy with the potential longshoremen’s strike that could shut down US ports all along the east coast, what the union wants besides the 77% wage increase, and why the use of AI in other ports around the world has the union unnerved. Is the US at risk of falling behind and ignoring the AI train that’s coming down the track and why is the administration suddenly silent?

Today’s episode is called “From the Hum Drum to Stranger than Fiction” where we discuss the Fed’s shift in focus from inflation to the other half of the dual mandate, maximum employment, the 2 week countdown to the first Fed rate cut since March 2020, and election Moneyball strategy that reveals what paths each side has to gain the White House and one very real possibility of a electoral college tie. If you think it’s been weird so far, just wait, we’ll let you know what could happen and how the founding fathers anticipated this in 1804.

Today’s episode is called “It’s not when, but why?” where we discuss the forgone conclusion of a rate cut in the month of September and how the market may react short term vs long, the uncomfortable position of Jay Powell cutting rates just before an election, and the welcome distraction of the Summer Olympics. If you thought this election year was full of drama so far…..just wait. The temperature is about to rise.

Today’s episode is called “Financial Literacy Crisis in America” where we discuss the Milken Institute study highlighting the disturbing fact that financial literacy in the US is alarmingly low and shows little indication of improvement. We’ll look at the facts, discuss the challenge and point out why this subject is so important..... Are Americans doomed to financial ignorance and missteps or can the proper plan of action right the ship for upcoming generations?

Today’s episode is called “Divergence of Policy” where we discuss the Eurozone’s divergence from the US policy of higher for longer as the EU plans for rate cuts in June, the conundrum of how to please 20 members of the EU when one member has inflation of only 2.5% while another is still at 9.5%, and the effect that all of this may have on the US. Is Europe really ahead of us in the inflation fight, or is all this talk of rate cutting a desperate move to avert a European recession.

Today’s episode is called “Threatened Independence” where we discuss the recent article in the Wall Street Journal about the Federal Reserve Board and a desired change by some that would challenge the Boards independence. Would it be better for the Federal Reserve to be more in line with the administrations it serves, or would that just reduce the most powerful government agency to a mere pawn in the messy game of politics

Today’s episode is called “New Beginnings” where we discuss the decision for the Fed on when to cut interest rates and the danger of waiting too long, the Baltimore Bridge collapse and how even if only a minor impact to GDP means just more evidence to cut sooner than later, and why staying the course in your portfolio is usually wiser than you may know. Am I the only one to notice that this past 5 years was wickedly bazaar, but oh ...so... profitable? 

Andrea Carroll joins me as we discuss that and more