Searching for clear context around retirement planning, investing decisions, and household finance questions? In this episode of the Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase walk through commonly discussed financial planning scenarios using an educational, long-term framework grounded in real listener questions. • Examine how mortgage payoff considerations are often weighed against investing after-tax dollars in taxable brokerage accounts. • Explain how 401(k) providers typically track traditional and Roth contributions and why contribution records can matter over time. • Compare UGMA, UTMA, and 529 accounts by outlining ownership rules, flexibility trade-offs, and financial-aid considerations. • Describe how fund expense ratios and asset-based fees are commonly reflected in investment performance reporting. • Outline frequently discussed approaches to working with fiduciary financial planners, including hourly services versus ongoing advisory relationships. • Discuss how portfolio risk and asset allocation are often evaluated as investors approach retirement. • Illustrate how dollar-cost averaging is commonly referenced when investing lump sums amid market uncertainty. • Review dividend reinvestment options by distinguishing between automatic reinvestment and manual cash allocation decisions. • Clarify spousal IRA contribution rules that are often cited when one spouse has limited or no earned income. Listen to this episode of the Money Matters Podcast for a practical, educational conversation about retirement planning and investment decision-making. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast to stay connected to ongoing discussions focused on clarity, context, and long-term financial thinking.

Want clearer context around today’s most discussed retirement planning questions—without hype or shortcuts? In this episode of the Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase address listener questions and planning scenarios that illustrate how retirement income, investing decisions, and lifestyle priorities are commonly evaluated over time. • Explore how holiday traditions and intentional rest are often discussed as elements of lifestyle planning throughout retirement. • Review early retirement scenarios by outlining how asset allocation, withdrawal considerations, and legacy goals are typically framed in planning conversations. • Compare alternatives to 529 plans for grandchildren by discussing custodial Roth IRAs, joint accounts, and UTMA accounts, along with commonly referenced considerations. • Clarify how financial advisors are frequently described beyond investment selection by addressing coordination, decision-making support, and long-term planning oversight. • Explain how the Rule of 55 is commonly referenced when discussing early access to retirement accounts and retirement timing considerations. • Illustrate an international retirement example through “Almost Free Freddie,” reviewing how cost-of-living assumptions, pensions, VA income, and rental properties are often evaluated. • Discuss the role of small- and mid-cap stocks within diversified portfolios and how companies may evolve across market cycles. • Reassess the “happy retiree” home-value benchmark by placing housing inflation and mortgage status into broader retirement planning context. Designed to provide clarity, perspective, and education—not predictions—this episode adds structure to complex retirement topics. Listen to the Money Matters Podcast and subscribe for ongoing discussions centered on retirement planning, investing principles, and long-term financial decision-making.

Economic data, market trends, and retirement planning topics are often discussed without sufficient historical context. In this episode of the Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd present an educational discussion that places recent economic releases and market observations within a long-term analytical framework. • Review the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release by situating current inflation readings within more than 80 years of historical inflation data. • Examine the historical development of the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation target by comparing it with observed inflation outcomes across multiple economic periods. • Discuss how recent government shutdowns delayed scheduled economic data releases and why temporary reporting gaps can affect short-term market narratives. • Explain commonly referenced employment metrics by outlining the differences between the household survey and the establishment survey used in labor market reporting. • Evaluate the employment-to-population ratio (EPOP), including prime working-age participation, as a frequently cited measure of labor market conditions. • Illustrate how year-over-year and multi-year inflation rates can demonstrate the compounding effect of price changes on purchasing power over time. • Compare historical inflation trends with long-term S&P 500 dividend growth to provide context on income-oriented equity characteristics. • Revisit balanced 60/40 portfolio performance in historical discussions to reinforce diversification as a commonly referenced investment framework. • Place the current bull market within a broader historical context by reviewing average cycle durations and the range of outcomes observed over time. • Observe market behavior following spring volatility, including changes in sector participation within the S&P 500. • Highlight ongoing public discussion around artificial intelligence and its potential role in productivity and efficiency across multiple economic sectors. • Review publicly reported fiscal stimulus expectations, including projected changes to tax refunds in 2026 and their possible macroeconomic implications. • Consider housing and real estate themes for the coming year by outlining economic and demographic factors commonly associated with market activity. • Summarize research-based observations on retiree well-being, including written planning approaches, engagement in meaningful activities, and social connection. For listeners seeking discussion about inflation, employment data, market history, and retirement planning concepts, this episode provides structured context grounded in long-term observations. Listen to the Money Matters Podcast and subscribe to stay informed about highly searched financial topics.

In this episode of the Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss and Connor Miller offer an educational discussion on current financial market headlines, retirement planning considerations, and developments in artificial intelligence. • Review publicly reported details of Disney’s collaboration with OpenAI and discuss how large media organizations are evaluating AI-enabled content tools. • Examine Time Magazine’s recognition of the collective “Architects of AI” as 2025’s Persons of the Year and what that designation reflects about technology’s growing prominence. Then, reflect on past Time Person of the Year selections to provide cultural and economic context across different market eras. • Discuss widely cited data on the increase in millionaire 401(k) accounts and explain how market conditions and contribution patterns can sometimes influence account balances. • Summarize the Federal Reserve’s recent monetary policy decision, often described as a “hawkish cut,” including how commentators interpret interest-rate signaling. • Compare the recent performance of the Magnificent Seven stocks with the broader S&P 500 to illustrate changes in market concentration over time. • Highlight market data showing broader participation in equity returns, with a greater share of S&P 500 companies posting positive performance. • Revisit common asset allocation discussions involving balanced portfolios, including equities and fixed income, in long-term planning contexts. • Explain how short-term and long-term interest rates can respond differently to policy changes and why those distinctions are often referenced in borrowing discussions. • Review current U.S. labor market indicators—such as jobless claims, labor force participation, and wage growth—based on widely followed economic releases. • Outline health insurance marketplace open-enrollment timelines and general considerations individuals often review when evaluating coverage options. • Discuss survey-based research identifying an association between having a written retirement plan and reported retirement satisfaction, without implying causation. • Consider how economists and analysts describe AI’s potential role in productivity and economic growth, acknowledging uncertainty and variability. • Preview commonly discussed themes for 2026, including historical patterns around election cycles, market volatility, and consumer spending behavior. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for ongoing discussions that help frame financial topics within a broader, long-term perspective.

Year-End Money Moves, Market Shifts, and Tax Changes: What’s Shaping Retirement Conversations Description: Get ready for a clear, well-structured look at today’s widely searched financial and retirement topics. In this episode of the Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd provide informational context on market history, tax rules, consumer data, and economic developments—without forecasting or suggesting strategies. Review the Enron collapse as a historical case study and explain how Nvidia’s position in the S&P 500 reflects the routine rebalancing and evolution of major market indexes. Outline the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cycle and describe recent policy decisions as part of the current economic backdrop. Summarize Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending figures to illustrate how consumer activity is monitored during peak shopping periods. Note how changes in gas prices may affect household cash flow and day-to-day spending considerations. Highlight that all S&P 500 sectors reported positive performance this year and acknowledge the sectors that showed stronger historical results, without implying any future performance or recommendations. Present scheduled 2026 tax provisions and identify areas often reviewed by taxpayers, including SALT deduction parameters and charitable contribution thresholds. Explain updates related to HSA eligibility and outline expanded flexibility introduced within 529 plan guidelines. Clarify the timing requirements associated with the 30% clean energy credit for qualifying home improvements completed within the current tax year. Describe the reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation for certain types of business equipment under current tax law. This episode offers an informational overview for listeners who want to stay aware of economic and financial topics relevant to retirement planning conversations. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast to continue receiving clear, well-framed discussions about markets, taxes, and long-term financial structures.

Ready to stay informed about today’s highly searched retirement topics and financial planning questions? The latest Money Matters Podcast with Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase brings together real-world case studies, retirement strategies, and economic context to help listeners think clearly about long-term decisions. • Reconsider how to frame financial inheritance and lifelong money habits by emphasizing independence, planning skills, and non-monetary lessons. • Reflect on a story about balancing parental support with maintaining retirement priorities, including decisions around student loan assistance for adult children. • Review how Target Date Funds work—covering structure, glide paths, and withdrawal considerations—and assess how often individuals may revisit retirement plans based on lifestyle or market changes. • Track the ongoing conversation around backdoor Roth IRA strategies and compare the broader points often considered in the Roth vs. Traditional IRA evaluation, from FIRE approaches to traditional retirement timelines. • Observe how artificial intelligence is reshaping labor market trends and identify emerging fields—technology, agriculture, home services, estate planning—affected by demographic shifts and innovation. • Examine the considerations related to managing one-time payments such as settlements or back pay, including the potential impact of timing on taxable income. • Enjoy a light segment on popular apple varieties as an illustration of everyday value-focused consumer choices. • Clarify how to think about retirement readiness by evaluating predictable income sources alongside your total savings picture. This episode provides grounded, educational context without predictions or guarantees. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast to stay informed and connected to today’s most relevant conversations in personal finance and retirement planning.

Ready to explore** the financial topics shaping today's retirement conversations? Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd provide grounded discussion and practical context around widely searched themes in retirement planning, economic trends, and market behavior.** • Explore the often-referenced “zero-year saving plan” inspired by Baby Larry, and consider how early saving habits are discussed within long-term planning frameworks. • Review current economic themes—including steady corporate earnings, moderating inflation data, and ongoing innovation—that contribute to today’s financial landscape. • Observe developments in AI and technology markets, such as commentary around Nvidia and bitcoin, to understand how fast-changing sectors influence broader market narratives. • Examine media coverage of full IRA-to-Roth conversions, noting how tax brackets and individual situations factor into evaluating various planning approaches. • Discuss the rise of AI-generated content and the continuing role of human interpretation in financial planning contexts. • Consider Thanksgiving travel trends and the ways travel activity may reflect broader consumer behavior. • Highlight recent updates concerning dividend-paying companies and how payout changes are incorporated into retirement-related discussions. • Acknowledge key indicators such as wage growth, consumer spending, and labor-market conditions that help shape economic understanding. • Review global engagement with the U.S. economy, including demand for U.S. Treasuries and the dollar, within an international economic context. • Note how periods of market volatility often prompt broader conversations about long-term planning philosophies and market dynamics. • Stay aware of government updates, employment data, and financial benchmarks that contribute to a fuller view of today’s economic environment. This episode offers clear, contextual discussion for listeners following the financial topics influencing retirement planning today. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast to stay connected to ongoing conversations in the ever-evolving financial landscape.

Get ready for a focused, fact-driven breakdown of the trends reshaping retirement planning, housing affordability, and market expectations in 2025. Wes Moss and Connor Miller bring forward clear context, fresh data points, and timely observations to help listeners understand today’s shifting financial landscape. • Examine why 50-year mortgages are gaining attention, outline how stretching payments over five decades changes total interest obligations, and discuss how some households are assessing this structure amid historically high home prices. • Review how today’s “K-shaped economy” reflects widening differences in income and asset growth, and highlight demographic shifts—including the rising age of first-time buyers—that show how access to homeownership is evolving. • Compare how mortgage length, rate volatility, and affordability pressures interact to shape monthly housing costs and broader financial planning decisions. • Reference long-term savings and investment participation data to illustrate how steady financial engagement has historically contributed to stronger overall preparedness. • Summarize how recent government shutdown developments intersected with market sentiment, and describe how Federal Reserve rate considerations may be influenced by delayed or incomplete economic data. • Emphasize that comprehensive, well-organized financial planning consistently appears in research as a characteristic reported by retirees who experience greater financial structure and clarity. Stay engaged with thoughtful, research-backed conversations that help to support informed financial decision-making. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for ongoing context on retirement planning, market behavior, and today’s evolving economic environment.

In this Money Matters Podcast episode, hosts Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd provide research-backed insights on current market trends, retirement planning, and savings strategies, helping listeners evaluate financial information and consider potential options within a structured, risk-aware framework. • Review Elon Musk’s Tesla compensation plan, why it might increase his chances of becoming a trillionaire, and the performance milestones associated with corporate targets, without implying expected outcomes. • Learn why turkey prices have risen 75% this Thanksgiving, including regional production and supply factors that may influence retail prices. • Examine what the Q ratio indicates about historical market valuations and how it can sometimes provide context for long-term investment planning. • Explore historical patterns showing that the S&P 500 has often experienced stronger returns from November through April, while noting that past performance does not guarantee future results. • Understand how market concentration, with the top 10 S&P 500 companies representing nearly 40% of the index, may affect diversification considerations in a portfolio. • Consider how Federal Reserve rate adjustments near market highs have historically influenced market behavior, though individual results may vary. • Assess retirement savings milestones, including 401(k) accumulation targets and suggested contribution guidelines, to support disciplined long-term planning. • Reference practical financial rules of thumb that can help structure savings and investment decisions while remaining adaptable to individual circumstances. • Reinforce the value of consistent, long-term investing as one approach among many to support personal financial objectives. Gain thoughtful, research-informed perspectives to help frame your financial decisions. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast in the search for reliable, educational discussions that encourage careful consideration of your financial journey.

Ready to explore retirement strategies and financial fundamentals—while making sense of AI’s market influence, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and the changing world of work? In this week’s Money Matters episode, Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd translate today’s financial headlines into clear, thoughtful discussion—helping listeners better understand the connections between markets, innovation, and long-term planning. • Clarify financial concepts. Hear how terms like Q ratio and basis points fit into broader market conversations and how understanding these ideas can support informed decision-making. • Balance knowledge with humor. Enjoy lighthearted moments as Wes and Jeff share Halloween stories, family costume ideas, and insights on the Super Bowl halftime show—all while keeping perspective on what really matters financially. • Explore AI’s influence on the workforce. Review current data from the World Economic Forum on how artificial intelligence is shaping employment trends—highlighting both areas of automation and new job creation. • Understand AI-driven market concentration. Learn how the growth of AI-focused companies within the S&P 500 has shifted index dynamics, and how investors may think about diversification using equal-weighted ETFs, mid-caps, or small-caps. • Put Federal Reserve policy in context. Examine the Fed’s latest rate cut and its historical relationship to market activity—without speculation—offering perspective on interest rate cycles and their potential economic implications. • Compare retirement savings benchmarks. Explore average 401(k) balances across generations and consider how consistent saving habits and age-based planning can contribute to financial preparedness over time. • Review Social Security updates. Understand the latest cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and how these annual changes aim to align benefits with inflation trends. • Identify evolving industries. Discover which fields—such as healthcare, cybersecurity, agriculture, food service, and logistics—are projected to evolve as technology continues to advance. • Reframe the future of work. Look beyond AI-related concerns to discuss how innovation may shift, rather than eliminate, opportunities across multiple sectors. Stay informed, stay balanced, and stay engaged with Money Matters—where Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd help to bring clarity and research-driven insight to your financial questions. Listen and subscribe for thoughtful conversations on markets, retirement planning, and the economy—without the hype or jargon.

Looking for a clearer way to think about markets, AI, and retirement? In this week’s Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss and Connor Miller explore current market themes, technological shifts, and retirement realities—offering context to help listeners make informed, thoughtful financial decisions. • Explore how artificial intelligence continues to shape productivity, innovation, and investor sentiment across industries. • Understand what recent highs in the S&P 500 may reflect about market dynamics and long-term investor behavior. • Compare cap-weighted and equal-weighted indices to better understand how market composition can influence overall index performance. • Evaluate the importance of maintaining appropriate diversification and avoiding excessive exposure to any single sector or theme. • Clarify how index investing works and why awareness of underlying holdings supports more intentional portfolio construction. • Recognize that sectors beyond technology—such as industrials and utilities—also play an important role in a balanced investment approach. • Be inspired by the story of Tom Sillo, the 58-year-old college football player whose journey illustrates how purpose and growth can continue through every stage of life. • Reimagine what retirement can look like through activities, learning, and community that align with your personal interests and goals. • Review shifts in the U.S. real estate market, including areas where buyer and seller dynamics have recently changed. • Consider conducting a regular portfolio review to help ensure your strategy remains aligned with your objectives, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. Stay informed and intentional. Listen to this episode of the Money Matters Podcast for balanced discussions on markets, retirement, and financial decision-making. Subscribe today to stay connected with thoughtful conversations that can help bring clarity to your financial life.

Interested in understanding the latest trends shaping retirement and investing? This episode of the Money Matters Podcast with Wes Moss and Connor Miller offers an educational discussion designed to help listeners stay informed about developments in retirement plans, private equity, and artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s markets. Gain perspective—not predictions—on how these topics may influence the financial landscape over time. • Examine how 401(k) plans are evolving and why private equity is being discussed as a potential addition to certain retirement plan structures. • Explore how certain organizations are engaging in conversations around expanding access to specific private market investments. • Understand the potential advantages and limitations of private equity, including liquidity, valuation practices, and investor eligibility considerations. • Recognize that only about 40% of Americans are familiar with private equity, underscoring the importance of continued financial education and awareness. • Review the role of collective investment trusts (CITs) and target-date funds, and how these vehicles are used within employer-sponsored retirement plans. • Hear how artificial intelligence is being applied in business settings, including a large retailer’s use of AI and IoT technology in an attempt to improve supply chain logistics. • Consider how AI-related business investments may influence efficiency, operational performance, and capital expenditures over time. • Reflect on life expectancy trends and the importance of longevity planning as part of a thoughtful retirement income strategy. • Explore how diversified, multi-asset income approaches may help support long-term portfolio sustainability and withdrawal planning. • Review why income-focused frameworks, such as the 4% rule of thumb, continue to serve as points of reference in retirement planning discussions. Retirement planning is a personal, ongoing process that depends on each individual’s goals, time horizon, and circumstances. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for balanced, educational conversations that promote understanding and confidence in your financial decision-making process.

Wall Street may love its complex jargon, but Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd try to simplify financial planning with insights designed to help listeners make informed decisions. This episode of the Money Matters Podcast reviews market trends, retirement planning, and tax considerations within the context of long-term wealth management. • Examine how the three-year bull market has affected the S&P 500’s market capitalization and consider historical market trends. • Review 2026 tax brackets and expanded income thresholds to understand potential implications for tax planning and retirement planning. • Compare performance of dividend stocks, bonds, and gold over the past three years to provide context for portfolio management. • Observe wealth concentration among top earners and its effect on average investment outcomes. • Consider historical bull market durations and average returns to provide perspective for financial planning. • Identify patterns in all-time highs as part of broader stock market momentum analysis. • Analyze current valuations of mega-cap tech and AI-driven companies within the context of long-term market trends. • Explore price-to-earnings ratios across small, midsize, and large S&P 500 firms for insight into portfolio diversification. • Monitor labor market slowdowns, cooling home prices, and Federal Reserve actions as factors influencing economic conditions. • Verify AI-generated financial information to support accurate research and planning. • Track inflation adjustments and updates to tax and capital gains brackets that may affect retirement planning and tax planning. • Assess periodic portfolio rebalancing as one approach to align with risk tolerance and retirement objectives. • Understand the value of a tailored financial plan to support long-term financial well-being. • Examine strategies for addressing common retirement concerns, including market variability, withdrawal considerations, and legacy planning. • Review upcoming consumer stimulus and potential effects of macroeconomic events, including the World Cup and monetary policy updates, on financial planning decisions. Stay informed on retirement planning, portfolio management, and market trends—listen to this episode of the Money Matters Podcast. Subscribe to Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd for ongoing financial insights designed to help you make informed decisions with perspective and clarity.

Explore retirement and financial planning with Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd on the Money Matters Podcast! Gain research-informed insights that can help you consider how economic trends and personal decisions may influence your long-term financial journey. • Examine historical patterns of government shutdowns on the economy and stock market since 1976, and observe how the S&P 500 has generally responded during these periods. • Assess rising living costs—including housing, healthcare, and childcare—and how they may affect retirement preparedness. • Explore the "retirement squeeze" in Goldman Sachs and Investopedia reports, and evaluate what the $5 million American dream represents today. • Compare savings strategies and consider the potential benefits of starting investments early. • Learn about the Year Zero Savings Plan, which initiates retirement savings from a child’s first year. • Review SECURE Act 2.0 updates allowing certain 529 plans to convert into Roth IRAs under specific conditions. • Consider how delayed milestones—homeownership, marriage, parenthood—may influence retirement timelines. • Analyze Q3 stock market trends and sector performance for context on current conditions. • Explore ideas that may support thoughtful retirement planning at any stage of life. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for research-informed perspectives on retirement and investing, and consider how these insights could apply to your own financial planning decisions.

Ready to cut through the noise and get clear on today’s financial markets and retirement planning trends? On this episode of the Money Matters Podcast, Wes Moss and Connor Miller share perspectives on market performance, economic updates, and planning frameworks that can help inform your financial decision-making. • Review how the S&P 500’s recent run compares to historical stock market returns. • Reflect on how past market performance can offer perspective, while recognizing it does not predict future results. • Learn about the 0.01% Rule—a spending framework designed to encourage intentional financial choices tied to net worth. • Explore the balance between frugality and valuing your time in retirement. • Look at recent updates on interest rates, mortgage rates, job market data, and rental prices. • Understand how Federal Reserve policy decisions interact with interest rates across the economy. • See how seasonal stock market patterns have varied since 1928. • Compare dividend-paying stocks with broader indexes in different market environments. • Hear perspectives on the role of artificial intelligence in financial planning, including its potential and limitations. • Access retirement planning resources that can help you bat different stages of life. Stay informed about the economic forces that shape your financial world. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast to keep learning each week.

Looking for a clear perspective on retirement, investing, and the economy? Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd bring real-world conversations designed to add clarity and context to today’s financial headlines. • Unpack the latest Fed rate cut and what it may mean for loans and markets. • Question what Jerry Greenfield’s exit from Ben & Jerry’s suggests about values-driven business. • Compare today’s mortgage rates with record lows and see why many homeowners may feel “locked in.” • Understand the tight housing market and its implications for buyers and sellers. • Examine how markets have historically reacted after rate cuts, backed by data. • Reflect on the psychological effects of inflation and volatility, and explore ways to maintain perspective. • Apply foundational retirement planning principles like the 4% rule of thumb, the rich ratio, and diversification. • Revisit your financial plan to adjust for rising costs and shifting markets. • Explore why concerns about running out of money can affect savers at every wealth level, and what factors may ease those concerns. • Anticipate how potential stimulus and tax refunds could influence consumer spending. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Listen to the Money Matters Podcast today—and subscribe to keep your financial knowledge up to speed.

Get the clarity and confidence you need as Wes Moss, Connor Miller, and Christa DiBiase break down today’s swirling economic landscape and answer your most critical money questions. This episode of Money Matters turns today’s complex headlines and listener challenges into clear, actionable insights for retirement planning. • Track how today’s economic crosscurrents—including recession chatter, jobs data, and inflation—may be shaping the outlook for U.S. growth. • Examine the importance of jobless claims, payroll growth, and recent BLS revisions that could shift how investors and retirees view the labor market. • Spot how declining mortgage rates and strong housing demand could provide potential tailwinds for the broader economy. • Measure the role of residential construction jobs as a potential recession signal and why current numbers may suggest stability. • Understand the impact of the coming 2026 consumer tax refund surge tied to new legislation and how it may influence household spending. • Break down how higher labor productivity and technological shifts like artificial intelligence could affect corporate profits and inflation trends. • Review listener Q&A on brokerage accounts, investment tools, tax-efficient withdrawals, mortgage decisions, and strategies for early retirement account access. • Compare the flexibility of withdrawals across Roth, 401(k), IRA, and brokerage accounts to support informed financial decision-making. • Clarify the rules for accessing retirement funds before 59½, including the Rule of 55 and 72(t) distributions, and what they may mean for both traditional and Roth accounts. Stay informed and proactive—listen now to strengthen your understanding of retirement, investing, and today’s economy. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for weekly conversations that keep you engaged with the latest financial and economic trends.

Curious how sports valuations reflect broader financial trends? On this episode of Money Matters, Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd break down the rising value of NFL teams—including the Atlanta Falcons—contrasting economic trends, and tax changes that could shape your financial outlook. • Track skyrocketing NFL team valuations and discover insights into broader financial trends. • Contrast corporate America’s strength with the rising jobless claims in the broader labor market. • Review recent market performance and identify which sectors beyond technology are driving growth. • Examine the new OBBA tax bill and what its provisions could mean for retirees and families. • Navigate long-term capital gains brackets while considering strategies like tax gain and tax loss harvesting. • Consider a real-world hypothetical illustrating the new senior deduction and its potential impact on planning decisions. • Weigh the limitations of artificial intelligence in tax forecasting and the ongoing value of working with a CPA. • Explore top-performing stocks over the past 30 years and reinforce the benefits of broad portfolio diversification. Stay informed and proactive about your financial future. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast today to keep gaining perspective and knowledge for a more confident retirement.

Discover the factors shaping productivity, markets, and the economy with Wes Moss and Connor Miller on the Money Matters Podcast. Stay informed and explore discussions about today’s economic and financial landscape. • Hear how Labor Day connects to America’s productivity trends and why cultural moments like football season and the Cracker Barrel logo can illustrate broader market sentiment. • Examine Nvidia’s earnings and its growing role within the S&P 500. • Track revisions in U.S. GDP growth and what they could indicate about economic trends. • Explore how productivity continues to rise even as manufacturing employment shifts. • Reflect on technological advances once imagined by the Jetsons and how they relate to today’s economy. • Review recent Federal Reserve actions, interest rate changes, and potential impacts on housing and first-time buyers. • Analyze corporate stock buybacks, for example by companies such as JP Morgan, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Apple, and consider distinctions between buybacks and dividends. • Compare historical stock and bond performance over 45 years, including long-term trends, income, and inflation considerations. • Observe how bonds contribute to portfolio stability and how diversification has historically enhanced resilience during market downturns. • Highlight trends in American manufacturing and how Midwest companies contribute to productivity trends. • Assess the expansion of ETFs, shifts from mutual funds, and what the variety of available funds suggests for investors. • Hear from Wes Moss, Connor Miller, and the Money Matters team about topics shaping markets and economic trends. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast to hear discussions about markets, investing, the economy, and financial topics shaping today’s world. Stay informed and stay engaged with the conversations that seek to provide perspective on today’s economic landscape.

Prepare for an engaging look at today’s markets and the evolving world of retirement living on this episode of Money Matters! Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd unpack key economic signals before Wes sits down with senior living specialist Jen Franks to explore retirement care and housing options with clarity and practicality. Analyze how Jerome Powell’s dovish speech at Jackson Hole may have influenced markets and what it might suggest for potential Fed rate changes. Evaluate housing trends as a driver for U.S. economic growth and what rising building permits may indicate. Examine the Cracker Barrel logo controversy and learn how market sentiment can sometimes affect stock performance independently of business fundamentals. Review labor data and immigration shifts to understand their possible impact on employment and the Fed’s cautious approach to inflation. Clarify the meaning of the neutral rate and its potential implications for interest rates and financial planning. Comprehend the difference between “restrictive” and neutral rates and how each has affected savers, borrowers, and retirees in the past. Assess the effects of tariffs on inflation and why the Fed may maintain a “wait and see” stance. Explore potential shifts in Fed leadership in 2025 and the possible influence on monetary policy. Discover the distinctions between independent living, assisted living, memory care, and CCRCs with the insights and experience of Jen Franks’ from Serving Seniors. Compare senior living costs across luxury and mid-tier options, highlighting amenities, services, and care levels included. Investigate rental versus buy-in models for retirement housing and the role of personal finances in selecting an effective fit. Recognize the importance of early financial preparation for senior care and strategies to manage compressed planning timelines. Identify ways adult children can support aging parents in selecting appropriate senior living arrangements when time is limited. Stay informed and empowered for retirement planning, market awareness, and family financial decisions. Listen now and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for practical, clear insights on your wealth, retirement, and future.