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.  

Mortgage rates have been on the decline since mid-July, and the 10-year Treasury has also seen a decrease. What could that be signaling? David will discuss debt-to-income ratios and share some history on mortgages over the last 50 years.

Also, David participated in a webinar with Ed Slott this week on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act - and there are more details from the legislation to share from Ed and his team.

Do you know what a self-directed IRA is? Do you know what's allowed and not allowed in the investment? David will talk about the rules and risks involved.

It's been just two months since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law... but questions remain about various aspects of the legislation. What are the financial accounts for newborns? How is overtime going to work in the future... and are there ways to prevent people from abusing the feature? Is tipping going to become a new method of employment, if there is no taxing on tips? How do Americans over 65 benefit from the legislation? What is permanent and what is temporary - and can that change? There's a lot to talk about, and David will bring it to the air this weekend.

David will be discussing what investments can be owned in an IRA - and what the potential risks and rewards might be. Plus, Rod Holloway from CFCI will be on with a market update. 

As we head into the long weekend - and the first weekend of Indiana University football - it's time for the next Question-and-Answer Show. David and Jim Inman will be in the studio with a number of your questions, including:

• What's the difference between a 529 plan, an UTMA and an UGMA?
• What happens to the funds in a Health Savings Account (HSA) when someone passes away?
• Why is it important to determine what account to take money from?
• Should you adjust your financial plan if you don't intend to retire?
• How does an IRA transfer work when it goes from one sibling to another?

There are several other questions to discuss - remember you can always send your questions to [email protected]. We'll get them answered as quickly as possible and may use them on a future episode!

You've heard of CPI - the Consumer Price Index - but have you heard of PPI - the Producer Price Index? This week David welcomes Rod Holloway to kick-off the show and talk about how the two indices are telling different stories.

The seventh IRA commissioner of 2025 has been appointed - what does the non-partisan Tax Foundation have to say about the upheaval?

Plus - there is still time to consider a Roth IRA conversion if you haven't already... American farmers are aging, and what that means to our food supply... and David's upcoming conversation with Senator Todd Young. There's much to share on the show!