We've made our list, and checked it twice...

This week is our annual Holiday Gift-Giving Show. Jim Inman joins David for a fun hour of gift ideas for the young and the young-at-heart - books, games, phone apps, collectibles and more. There are even a few specialty gifts for your billionaire family members as well (a trip to space, anyone?)...

We have a full list of the gift ideas on our website, so you can get more information about the different items discussed. 

David is back from attending the Ed Slott Elite IRA conference, and he has plenty to share on a variety of topics - catch-up contributions, standard deductions, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and its impact on IRAs and some potential year-end planning tips for 2025.

Also, you've likely heard of the 10-, 15- and 30-year mortgage - but what about a 50-year option? Is this a far-fetched idea, or something that might be worth considering?

Plus, there's just a few weeks left in 2025 - have you taken care of your year-end financial needs - Health Savings Account and IRA contributions, charitable donations, qualified charitable distributions and more? David will have a list of things to check off... 

Before heading off to the Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor conference this week, David recorded a show on a variety of topics.

The government shutdown continues (November 6 marks 36 days of closure), the Fed cut interest rates and tariffs continue to appear in the headlines. How is the US economy doing with all this going on? David will discuss that and share insights from a recent Wall Street Journal article.

Also, as the holidays approach, many families will be gathering in-person - and that can be a good time to talk with parents about their wishes for their financial plans and potential long-term care. The aging process is different for everyone - and David will talk about handling conversations on these subjects. 

David is back in the studio this week, and there is much to cover!

Social Security continues to be on the minds of millions of Americans - and David will share about a conversation he recently held with a state representative on the important subject.

Also, the Wall Street Journal recently had an article on the evolution of the American worker - David will discuss some details on those changes.

Plus, David will be attending the Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor workshop next week - so David will share some of the important topics being discussed by the members of group.

All this – plus the Fed dropped interest rates and a review of the markets - this week! 

Gold is a topic on the minds of many people in every corner of the world. This week Doug Hughes leads the show as he welcomes Max Belmont, Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst for First Eagle Investments.

Doug and Max will discuss the history of gold, why it is so valued across the globe and the differences in gold and Bitcoin. Max also shares his insights on US and global debt, the role of central banks and what he expects to see in the short- and long-term future.

This is a unique opportunity to hear from someone working with gold on a daily basis - and the discussion will interest anyone curious about the long-term effects of gold. Be sure to listen to the show!

The government shutdown is entering its second week - how have the markets been impacted? David will have a market update, as well as details on what parts of the federal government are shutdown and what is still operating.

Have you ever found a $20 bill in a coat pocket? It's money you likely forgot about... so how do people forget $2.1 trillion in their 401(k) accounts? David shares his thoughts on a recent USA Today article detailing the situation.

Also, daylight saving time is nearing... how does it impact you and your daily life? David will talk about the challenges it brings to many people 

Next week begins a key period for individuals receiving Medicare benefits - the Open Enrollment period. From October 15 through December 7, Medicare recipients can make a variety of updates and changes without penalty.

To help share awareness on Medicare Open Enrollment, David welcomes Josh Norris from the office to give the basics and specifics on why Medicare recipients should look at their plan, what different plans are available for prescriptions, employer benefits and more.

If you are not a Medicare recipient, but have a loved one who is, encourage them to listen to the show to learn how to maximize the window for making any adjustments to their Medicare plan. 

This week David Hays had planned to welcome Jolene Dixon from the Bloomington Social Security office to the show... but the government shutdown that began on October 1 cancelled those plans.

So, instead David pivots to The Variety Show!

What actually happens in a government shutdown? What's the different between the debt ceiling and a shutdown? David and Jim Inman will give a history lesson on modern government shutdowns and the reasons behind them. 

David and Jim will also touch on Social Security - the pros and cons of delaying enrollment, what's expected for the COLA (cost of living adjustment) and some strategies for married couples. Plus, FAFSA applications are now being accepted - what does that mean for someone pursuing higher education? David and Jim will talk on all of this and more...

This week David shares about a variety of news coming out of Washington, DC and across the country - how consumer auto loans are defaulting and Elon Musk's recent comments about the national debt.

David will also share about his upcoming meeting with Ed Slott to learn new insights on IRA planning - especially given the new legislation from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Plus - is your teenager ready for the financial aspects of adulthood? David will share some tips with listeners...

This week David provides a history lesson on the markets, taken from the New York Times newspaper over the past 100 years. Does history repeat itself, as the old saying goes? David will have some interesting stories and headlines to share. 

Rod Holloway from CFCI will also be calling in with a market update. Gold continues to be a big topic - in fact, the US Treasury has $750B in gold that has not been revalued since 1973. 

Plus, David will preview the upcoming Retirement Planning Today classes at Ivy Tech's Center for Lifelong Learning. These classes provide a variety of information on retirement planning.