529 plans are getting more flexible in 2026, and on this episode of BullCast we break down what families need to know before making education funding decisions. We kick things off with a fun list of real college classes that sound fake (but aren't) to get everyone excited about all the different paths education can take. Then we dive into the updated 529 rules, including the increase to the K–12 annual withdrawal limit and why 529 funds can now be used in more ways than many people realize, so you can feel confident saving smarter and planning for whatever comes next. The fees, expenses, and features of 529 plans can vary from state to state. 529 plans involve investment risk, including the possible loss of funds. There is no guarantee that an education-funding goal will be met. In order to be federally tax free, earnings must be used to pay for qualified education expenses. The earnings portion of a nonqualified withdrawal will be subject to ordinary income tax at the recipient’s marginal rate and subject to a 10 percent penalty. By investing in a plan outside your state of residence, you may lose any state tax benefits. 529 plans are subject to enrollment, maintenance, and administration/management fees and expenses. The List: Real College Classes That Sound Fake (But Aren’t) Hashtags: #529plans #educationalsavings #education #savings #newepisode #The529Refresh  Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Happy New Year! We’re ringing in 2026 by looking ahead at some of the biggest moments of the year, like America 250 and the Winter Olympics. Then, we cover classic good luck foods, our resolutions, and what you can expect from BullCast in 2026. And of course, we take a quick nod to “Auld Lang Syne”—because times gone by matter, and we’re grateful for every minute with you. The List: The Big Three Events of 2026 Hashtags: #HappyNewYear #Goodbye2025 #Hello2026 #WinterOlympics #America250 #WorldCup #AuldLangSyne #Cheers Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Sixty years after it first aired, A Charlie Brown Christmas remains one of the most meaningful holiday traditions of all time. In this special Christmas episode of BullCast, we revisit the moments, music, and messages that made this quiet cartoon endure, from the sad little tree and Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz score to Charlie Brown’s timeless question about what Christmas is really all about. As the year winds down, this episode invites listeners to slow the season down, reflect on what truly matters, and remember that the best parts of Christmas can’t be bought or perfected.   The List: Christmas Specials That Defined Generations Hashtags: #merrychristmas #christmas #charliebrown #acharliebrownchristmas #linus #vinceguaraldi #charliebrowntree   Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Christmas is a season of giving, reflection, and family traditions, which makes it a natural time to ask a deeper question: what are we really passing down to the next generation? In today’s episode, we’re talking about the values you want to leave behind. We start with a fun look at some of the best families in Christmas movies, then shift into redefining what family legacy really means, what families worry about, and why they often avoid these conversations. We also discuss how creating a family mission statement can help bring clarity and intention to what you pass on, because values and life lessons are some of the most important things you can leave behind.   The List: The Best Families in Christmas Movies Hashtags: #BullCast #ChristmasReflections #FamilyLegacy #WhatMattersMost #ValuesMatter #ChristmasMovies   Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

We all know the saying, “Find a penny, pick it up, and all the day you'll have good luck,” but that luck may be running out. As of November 12, 2025, the United States has officially ended production of the penny. In this episode, we dive into what happens now that “Honest Abe” is no longer being minted, explore the history of the penny, the psychology behind the classic .99 pricing trick, and what this change could mean for your wallet and everyday life.   The List: Famous Penny Idioms & Sayings Hashtags: #endofthepenny #penny #honestabe #99cents #pennyforyourthoughts   Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

In this episode, we’re stepping outside the world of numbers and into something every professional encounters daily: style. We’re joined by Estelle Winsett, former attorney turned fashion consultant, who helps women elevate their confidence, presence, and professionalism through intentional wardrobe choices. Estelle shares her journey from the legal field to the world of style, the importance of showing up authentically at work, and how to build a signature look that fits your life and your budget. Whether you're reinventing your professional image or simply hoping to feel more confident in your daily wardrobe, this episode delivers inspiration and practical strategies you can start using today!   The List: The Best Dressed Female Film Characters Hashtags: #styling #styleconsultant #style #newepisode #bullcastpodcast #guest #AudreyHepburnStyleIcon   Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Happy Thanksgiving from BullCast! Whether you’re stirring gravy, driving to lunch, or sneaking off for a moment of peace, we’re here to keep you company. In this holiday special, we’re serving up a hearty mix of turkey trivia, Thanksgiving history, and Black Friday chaos. From turkey pardons and “Franksgiving” to the Butterball hotline and the rise of the modern shopping season, we’ve got plenty of fun facts to fuel your feast. So grab a plate, settle in, and dig into this hearty episode with us!   Hashtags: #happythanksgiving #thanksgiving #thanksgivingpodcast #newepisode #WeCallTheButterballHotline Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

For years, Wall Street had a bedtime: 4 p.m. Eastern. But that era may be coming to an end. Major exchanges like the NYSE, Nasdaq, and the London Stock Exchange are weighing plans to push trading deep into the night. So what happens if the market doesn’t sleep? Today, Katie & Cort unpack why this shift is happening, the human and operational challenges behind it, and what a round-the-clock market could mean for investors. The List: Movies About Time & Pressure Hashtags: #BullCast #24HourTrading #StockMarket #AfterHoursTrading #MarketsNeverSleep #FinancePodcast #Investing Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

In October, the Social Security Administration announced the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) — and no, we don’t mean the fizzy kind. COLA is the annual increase that helps retirees’ benefits keep pace with inflation. Before diving into how it all works, the BullCast crew kicks things off with a play on words in their pop culture list of the Brief History of Coca-Cola Prices. Then, they break down what drives cost-of-living changes, how COLA is calculated, who it helps, and why it matters for millions of Americans. The List: A Brief (and Bubbly) History of Coca-Cola Prices Hashtags: #cola #costofliving #cocacola #CortLovesDietCoke  Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

In today’s episode, the BullCast team breaks down the real economics behind America’s two major food assistance programs — WIC and SNAP. We’ll explore how these initiatives help families meet basic nutritional needs, support public health, and strengthen communities. From household budgets to national spending, this conversation reveals how food security shapes financial stability and long-term economic growth. The List: The Real Cost of Famous Meals Hashtags: #snap #wic #foodforthought #feedingamerica #bullcastthepodcast #newepisode #financialliteracy #krabbypatty Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

The Jobs Report is one of the most important snapshots of America’s economic health, but what do all those numbers really mean? In this episode, the BullCast crew breaks down how the report is created, the difference between its two key surveys, and why payrolls, wages, and unemployment rates tell such a powerful story about the state of the economy. The List: The Biggest Fictional Corporations Hashtags: #BullCast #FinancialLiteracy #TheJobsReport #JobsReport #NewEpisode #JobsFriday Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

We’ve all heard about “the 1%,” but how much money does it actually take to get there? This week on BullCast, we’re breaking down what the top 1% really looks like. We start with some of our favorite fictional billionaires, then dive into the real numbers, income, net worth, spending habits, and how people build and keep that kind of wealth. Because understanding the 1% isn’t about comparison, it’s about context. The List: The Top Fictional Billionaires Hashtags: #BullCast #FinancialLiteracy #NewEpisode #MoneyTalk #PersonalFinance #FinancePodcast Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

You’ve seen the headlines, but what does a government shutdown really mean for you? In this episode of BullCast, we break down how we got here, what happens during a shutdown, what government functions stop or continue, and how it affects the economy and everyday Americans. Tune in for a straightforward, no-spin look at what’s happening in Washington and what to watch for next. The List: A Look at Past Government Shutdowns Hashtags: #governmentshutdown #washington #economicimpact Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Artificial intelligence is changing the financial landscape, but can technology ever replace the value of real human advice? In this episode, the BullCast crew explores the rise of AI in finance while emphasizing why empathy, experience, and understanding your personal story still matter most. They dive into the world of robo-advisors, smart investing tools, and retirement “calculators,” and explain why the best financial strategies still start with a human connection. The List: Famous Robots in Pop Culture Hashtags: #ai #artificialintelligence #humanconnection #finance #terminator Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Today we welcome a special guest, Byron Winsett, Civil Litigation Lead at Pickler Law. Byron spends much of his time in real courtrooms, which makes him the perfect guest to explore how artificial intelligence is already reshaping the legal profession. We kick things off with a look at some of the most iconic courtroom moments in pop culture. Then Byron takes us through the big picture of AI in law — the benefits, the risks, and how attorneys are adapting to this powerful new tool. AI is here to stay, but as Byron reminds us, attorneys remain essential. The List: Iconic Courtroom Moments Hashtags: #civillitigation #law #attorney #AI #AIinTheCourtroom #YouCantHandleTheTruth #PicklerLaw Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

What happens when money meets the law? In this special crossover episode, the BullCast crew teams up with Ed Brundick, attorney and host of Bar Essentials, Pickler Law’s podcast that makes legal insight simple and approachable. Together, they explore famous wills and inheritances in pop culture, how financial planning and legal planning go hand in hand, why wills and contracts matter just as much as budgets and investments, and the everyday pitfalls people face when they ignore one side of the equation. Because whether it’s your wallet or your will, it pays to plan ahead. The List: Famous Wills & Inheritances in Pop Culture Hashtags: #crossover #bullandbar #bullcast #baressentials #WhenMoneyMeetsLaw #knivesout Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

Today we’ve got a special guest climbing aboard from Pickler Wealth Advisors: Luke Murrah, our Financial Planning Assistant and resident history buff. One of his favorite topics is the Titanic, and both the real ship and the blockbuster movie have fascinated him for years. We’ll sail through fun behind-the-scenes facts from James Cameron’s epic film before Luke helps us navigate the history itself, from its construction and ill-fated maiden voyage to the wealth divide among passengers and the famous names on board. More than a century later, the Titanic continues to make waves in both history and pop culture, and we’re excited to bring you along for the voyage. The List: Fun Facts About the Movie Titanic Hashtags: #titanic #titanichistory #titanicmovie #shipofdreams #jackandrose #IllNeverLetGo #LukeLovesHistory #LukeShutsDownTheDoorDebate Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

We recently spotlighted APEF’s very own heroes, Miles & Captain Cashflow, who prove that financial literacy is the ultimate superpower. That got us thinking: what would it actually cost to suit up as a superhero in the real world? In this episode, we assemble the numbers to uncover who the richest hero really is, the jaw-dropping price tags on high-tech suits, gadgets, and vehicles, and the legal battles and medical bills that follow after saving the day and accidentally smashing a city in the process. If you are a fan of Iron Man, Black Panther, or Batman, this episode is guaranteed to be a marvel with no super serum required.   The List: The World's Richest Superheroes   #SuperheroLife #MarvelVsDC #CostOfBeingSuper #SuperheroSpending #IronMan #BlackPanther #Batman #PodcastEpisode #FinancialLiteracy   Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com   Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors   Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

In today’s digital-first world, scams are everywhere, and they’re more convincing than ever. In this episode, we’re unpacking how to spot fraud before it catches you. We revisit some of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxes, break down the sneaky tricks scammers use today, and share simple tips to recognize red flags. You don’t need to live in fear, but being scam-smart is one of the best ways to protect yourself and the people you care about. The List: Famous Scams & Hoaxes Hashtags: #internetscams #protectingyourself #WhoRemembersFyreFestival Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

In today’s episode of BullCast, we sit down with TJ Green, the animator behind The Adventures of Miles & Captain Cashflow, to explore the creative journey of bringing stories to life through animation. We start with our list of our favorite animated duos from Bugs Bunny & Daffy Duck to Timon & Pumbaa. Then TJ shares how he first got into the world of animation, the influences that shaped his artistic style, and the unique process of turning ideas into vibrant, moving stories. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the passion, imagination, and skill that turn simple sketches into characters that inspire and connect with audiences. The List: Our Favorite Animated Duos Hashtags: #animation #creativejourney #apef #dynamicduos #storytellingthroughart Visit us online: www.bullcastpodcast.com Produced by Cameron Spann | Powered by Pickler Wealth Advisors Sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com