What really happens to the stock market when the U.S. government shuts down? In this video, Certified Financial Planner Tim Hilterman breaks down the truth behind the headlines — separating political drama from economic reality.

We’ll cover:

✅ What a government shutdown actually means and what stops vs. what continues

✅ How shutdowns have historically affected the economy and GDP growth

✅ Why markets often shrug off shutdown fears and rebound quickly

✅ What the Federal Reserve is doing with interest rates and monetary policy

✅ What smart investors should (and shouldn’t) do during uncertain times Since 1976, there have been 20 shutdowns — yet the U.S. market has always recovered and moved forward.

Whether you’re investing for retirement, planning for income, or just trying to make sense of the noise, this episode will help you see the big picture with confidence. 📈 Stay calm. Stay invested.

Stay focused on your plan. Because political headlines come and go — but sound financial principles never change.

We are one of Ramsey Solutions and ‪@TheRamseyShow‬ largest Smartvestor Pros in the country because we live and believe in the process that Dave Ramsey and his team teach to provide people financial freedom.

We also have a ‪@TheRamseyShowEpisodes‬ Financial Coach on staff to help with budgeting and debt pay-down strategies. You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, Ltd. (“RIA Firm”) is a registered investment adviser in Ohio that serves clients nationwide through our relationship with Dave Ramsey and Ramsey Solutions. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, Ltd. may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements.

All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. ​ This information are provided for guidance and information purposes only. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy.

This website and information are not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. ​ Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice. Consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed. ​ Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Whitaker-Myers Insurance Agency Inc. and Whitaker-Myers Benefit Plans, LLC, and individually licensed and appointed insurance agents.

This video explains how Ohio’s new 2.75% flat-rate income tax creates opportunities to accelerate retirement savings. By lowering the state tax burden, more of your income can be redirected toward IRAs, 401(k)s, or other investment accounts—helping you build long-term wealth faster.

Key Takeaways

✅ Ohio is moving to a 2.75% flat income tax – By 2026, most residents earning above $26,500 will pay a single flat rate, while those below that threshold will pay no state income tax, potentially saving thousands for higher earners.

✅ Tax savings can supercharge retirement – Even modest annual savings redirected into retirement accounts like a Roth IRA can compound significantly over decades, turning a few hundred or thousand dollars a year into hundreds of thousands by retirement.

✅ Ohio becomes more competitive regionally – With one of the lowest state income tax rates in the Midwest, Ohio could attract businesses and workers, strengthening the economy, stabilizing the housing market, and supporting retirees.

We are one of Ramsey Solutions and ‪@TheRamseyShow‬ largest Smartvestor Pros in the country because we live and believe in the process that Dave Ramsey and his team teach to provide people financial freedom.

We also have a ‪@TheRamseyShowEpisodes‬ Financial Coach on staff to help with budgeting and debt pay-down strategies. You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, Ltd. (“RIA Firm”) is a registered investment adviser in Ohio that serves clients nationwide through our relationship with Dave Ramsey and Ramsey Solutions. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, Ltd. may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements.

All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. ​ This information are provided for guidance and information purposes only. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy.

This website and information are not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. ​ Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice. Consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed. ​ Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Whitaker-Myers Insurance Agency Inc. and Whitaker-Myers Benefit Plans, LLC, and individually licensed and appointed insurance agents.

When it comes to your money, not all financial advisors are created equal. The title “financial advisor” isn’t tightly regulated, which means almost anyone can use it — even if they don’t have the training, accountability, or fiduciary duty you’d expect. That’s where the CFP® designation makes all the difference.

This week, we break down why choosing a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) matters, what it takes to earn the designation, and the hidden dangers of working with someone who simply calls themselves an advisor.

Here are the key takeaways:

✅ The title “financial advisor” isn’t well regulated — anyone can use it, which puts you at risk of biased advice, limited expertise, and outdated strategies.

✅ The CFP® designation is the gold standard in financial planning — requiring rigorous education, a difficult exam, years of experience, and a fiduciary and ethical commitment.

✅

Why choosing a CFP® matters for you — CFP® professionals deliver comprehensive planning, put your best interests first, and provide accountability you can trust.

We are one of Ramsey Solutions and ‪@TheRamseyShow‬ largest Smartvestor Pros in the country because we live and believe in the process that Dave Ramsey and his team teach to provide people financial freedom.

We also have a ‪@TheRamseyShowEpisodes‬ Financial Coach on staff to help with budgeting and debt pay-down strategies. You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, Ltd. (“RIA Firm”) is a registered investment adviser in Ohio that serves clients nationwide through our relationship with Dave Ramsey and Ramsey Solutions. Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers, Ltd. may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements.

All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. ​ This information are provided for guidance and information purposes only. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy.

This website and information are not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. ​ Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal or accounting advice. Consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed. ​ Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Whitaker-Myers Insurance Agency Inc. and Whitaker-Myers Benefit Plans, LLC, and individually licensed and appointed insurance agents.

In this week’s Your Financial Journey video, Tim Hilterman shares smart ways to put your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to work. From reinvesting after-tax RMDs into low-cost ETFs, to using Qualified Charitable Distributions for tax savings, to funding 529 plans for grandchildren or even purchasing life insurance to leave a legacy—Tim highlights how strategic planning can turn mandatory withdrawals into meaningful opportunities for your family and future.

#RetirementPlanning #FinancialPlanning #SmartRMDStrategies #TaxEfficientPlanning #LegacyBuilding #CharitableGiving #FutureEducationFunding#TimHiltermanCFP

You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

You can find more information about Tim Hilterman at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/our-te...

This information is provided for guidance and information purposes only. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy. This website and information are not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. ​ Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed. ​ Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Whitaker-Myers Insurance Agency Inc. and Whitaker-Myers Benefit Plans, LLC, and individually licensed and appointed insurance agents.

In his latest Your Financial Journey video, Tim Hilterman explains why keeping your beneficiaries up to date is essential to protecting your legacy. He shares when to review your designations, key life events that should prompt updates, and how proper planning helps ensure your assets go exactly where you intend.

This quick reminder underscores how a simple review can prevent future complications for your loved ones.

#FinancialPlanning #EstatePlanning #BeneficiaryUpdate #WealthManagement #LegacyPlanning #TimHiltermanCFP

You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

You can find more information about Tim Hilterman at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/our-te...

This information is provided for guidance and information purposes only. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy. This website and information are not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. ​ Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers is not giving tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult a professional tax or legal representative if needed. ​ Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Whitaker-Myers Insurance Agency Inc. and Whitaker-Myers Benefit Plans, LLC, and individually licensed and appointed insurance agents.

In this week’s video, Tim Hilterman, CFP®, breaks down one of the most overlooked updates in the new 2025 tax law: the tax bracket changes. Tim dives into a possible double secret inflation tweak impacting the first two tax brackets—something that could quietly affect millions of Americans. He unpacks why this hidden adjustment could mean more of your income gets taxed at a lower rate, and how higher earners might actually benefit more than you'd expect.

👉 If you're looking to understand what this change means for your financial strategy, tax planning, or paycheck—this episode is a must-watch.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your questions!

#TaxLaw2025 #TaxBracketChanges #TimTalksTax #FinancialPlanning #AlwaysBePlanning

Sign up for the webinar here: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/webinars

You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

You can find more information about Tim Hilterman at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/our-te...

In this week’s video, Tim Hilterman breaks down the New Big Beautiful Bill—highlighting 4 key changes you need to know and how they could impact your financial strategy. From tax updates to planning opportunities, Tim cuts through the noise to bring you clear, practical insights to help you stay on track and make smart moves going forward.

#WhitakerMyersWealthManagers #YourFinancialJourney #personalfinance #stockmarket #investing #BigBeautifulBill

Sign up for the webinar here: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/webinars

You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

You can find more information about Tim Hilterman at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/our-te...

In this week’s Your Financial Journey, Tim Hilterman addresses a question on many investors' minds: What should I do when the market hits an all-time high? Tim cuts through the noise with historical data, real numbers, and practical perspective—focusing on facts over fear. He shares key insights and tips to help you stay confident and grounded in your financial plan, no matter what the headlines say.

#WhitakerMyersWealthManagers #YourFinancialJourney #personalfinance #stockmarket #investing

You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

You can find more information about Tim Hilterman at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/our-te...

In this episode of Your Financial Journey, Tim Hilterman unpacks the essentials of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in a way that’s easy to understand. He highlights how ETFs offer the trading flexibility of stocks and the portfolio diversification of mutual funds—all without the confusing financial jargon. Whether you're new to investing or looking to sharpen your knowledge, this is a great place to start.

#WhitakerMyersWealthManagers #YourFinancialJourney #personalfinance #etfs #investing

You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

You can find more information about Tim Hilterman at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/our-te...

In this week’s Your Financial Journey video, Tim Hilterman highlights key financial milestones worth celebrating—from saving your first $1,000 to paying off your home and giving generously. Along the way, he shares the importance of progress, including saving more than 15% for retirement and building lasting financial freedom.

You can find more information about Whitaker-Myers Wealth Managers at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com

You can find more information about Tim Hilterman at: https://www.whitakerwealth.com/our-te...