#68 – Passion, Planning, and Portfolio Power: Lessons from Microsoft, Market Trends, and the Mappiness Project
Jeff Lloyd joins Wes to explore the latest news, compelling financial insights, and human psychology: Consider the Mappiness Project—What truly brings you joy? Are you building a life that includes high-ranking endeavors? Rediscover Your Core Pursuits—Jeff recounts his lifelong love for Pearl Jam concerts and music tourism, including a trip with Wes to see Chris […]
#250 – Fear, the VIX, And The Bungee Market Of 2025: Why Staying Invested Still Wins
Explore ways fear can sometimes subside in financial markets. Examine how missing the worst days, not just the best ones, can lead to less productive gains over time. Wes and Christa analyze: Why 2025’s market feels more like a “bungee cord” than a rollercoaster. How to use the VIX (fear index) to gauge investor […]
#67 – Are We Having Fun Yet? Market Volatility, Trade Wars, the VIX, Bond Risks, And Real-Life Happy Retirees With The Power Of Purpose
Connor joins Wes to analyze essential current events: Connor asks, “Are We Having Fun Yet?” with the constant scary headlines and market volatility from tariff repercussions. Stress from the ongoing uncertainty in trade talks with China. Understanding the VIX (fear index) and its historical spikes. The administration’s intermittent public criticism and praise for Jerome Powell […]
#249 – Bear Market Retirement Guide: Investment Strategies, Tax Moves, Vacation Decisions, Timing, And Understanding Portfolio Benchmarks
Make informed decisions about your retirement plans, even in a bear market. Learn whether to cancel your vacation plans due to stock market concerns and discover how to manage your investments effectively. Explore strategies like layering for early retirement and understand the implications of drawing down your TSP defined contribution plan. Examine rebalancing your taxable […]
#66 – Easter Eggflation, Market Benchmarks, Tariffs, And The Fed: Zoom Out On Portfolio Performance And Investor Sentiment
Analyze how inflation may prevent nearly half of Americans from dying Easter eggs and why consumer sentiment may be out of alignment with the reality on the ground. Discover how the most popular benchmark for measuring market performance may not be the most efficient one. Zoom out to examine historical trends and gain perspective on […]
#248 – Don’t Miss The Market Rebound: Invest Through Tariff Volatility, Absorb The Mappiness Project, and Answer Listener Questions
Explore the latest developments in the tariff tumult, including how a lack of clarity may have led to both market meltdowns and a melt-ups: a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Learn the key takeaways from a complicated situation and discover how to potentially navigate your path to financial independence in retirement. Headlines are temporary, but […]
#65 – Investing Through Market And Masters Swings: VIX, Tariffs & How to Protect Your Portfolio
Witness market volatility and the economic seesaw! Navigate the complexities of trade negotiations and their widespread impact. Untangle the inverse relationship between bond prices and interest rates. See how tariffs can affect prices and fuel uncertainty. Harness the power of balance and diversification to help fortify your investments. Decipher the VIX (fear index) and its […]
#247 – Retire with Confidence: Tackle Inflation, Family Planning, and Staying Calm in a Noisy Market
Max out your financial insight with real-world retirement strategies and listener Q&A. Learn how to respond to shifting interest rates and weigh the pros and cons of working part-time during retirement. Explore ways to manage Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), understand Social Security’s 35-year formula, and decide when to tap into pensions. Get strategic about funding […]
#64 – Market Turbulence: How Tariffs, Bonds, and Diversification Can Potentially Protect Your Financial Future
Navigate the market’s recent swings, sparked by major tariff announcements and a significant stock sell-off. Examine the impact of balanced portfolios, learn why bonds are back in action, and explore how diversification might help you minimize losses during turbulent times. Tariffs may create higher prices for consumers and small businesses, but could the new revenue […]
#246 – Maximize Your Retirement: 4% vs. 5% Withdrawal Rate, Inflation, Social Security, and Market Timing Explained
Take control of your financial future. Learn how to determine the withdrawal rate for your retirement. Should you stick to the classic 4% rule, or is a 5% withdrawal rate possible? Hear why flexibility is key and how different spending approaches can impact your long-term security. Discover the impact of inflation, the pursuit of optimizing […]
