The Santa Rally skipped town this year, but the January Effect is making waves, especially for small caps. Markets are buzzing after U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s president Maduro, fueling bold oil ambitions despite steep challenges. Plus, trade tensions and tariff twists continue, and younger workers being affected by AI-exposed occupations. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break it all down in this Week in Review, along with segments on key milestone ages for retirement planning and avoiding online scams.
China’s economy hit a rough patch with deflation fears, while U.S. markets soared despite historic tariff hikes and a few headline-grabbing scares. Mark Beck and Brian Jacobsen break down the headlines into the new year with our Week in Review. Gold and silver had a banner year, Bitcoin stumbled, and AI kept stealing the spotlight. Next year looks even bigger for AI with new models from OpenAI and Meta set to shake things up. Also, how could the 4% rule help you in retirement, and how you can be prepared if you are single in your later years.
This week’s show takes a look back at 2025 and noted how the markets have broadened heading into 2026. We explore decisions high net worth people face, as well as considerations when selling assets. One team interview explores “money guilt” – the uncomfortable feeling of second-guessing spending decisions. We also interview Chellee Siewert from Capture Sports Management, who helps athletes and entertainers find their “why.” Finally, we take a look at what you might consider as you enter retirement: what are your first steps?
Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen unpack distorted economic data and what shifting payroll trends could mean for the labor market in our Week in Review. Inflation may be taking a breather, but consumer spending is holding strong as we head into the holidays. Plus, we preview earnings season, explore what to expect in your first meeting with a wealth manager, and dive into creating a lasting ‘living legacy.’”
The Fed trimmed rates but hinted it’s ready to pause for now. In our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen dive into why a brighter outlook on productivity could ease the Fed’s path, what the latest board moves reveal, and why markets are already talking cuts in 2026. We’ll also discuss the buzz around balance sheet changes. Also, practical tips for family money talks and explore why 2026 could be a big year for estate planning.
Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen walk you through a week where strong shopping meets mixed economic news in our Week in Review. They also cover tariff updates, election stories, challenges facing retailers and small businesses, a big moment in charitable giving. Later, trending discussions about equity compensation and planning for solo aging.
This week’s Week in Review covers major political moves, from President Trump’s planned trip to Beijing to the launch of the Genesis Mission and the latest readings on growth, confidence, inflation, and business sentiment. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen also unpack notable corporate stories, evolving consumer behavior, the data to watch in the week ahead, plus segments on smart ways to gift money and how to think about “Alignment” versus “Accumulation” in retirement.
Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down everything from tariff-driven grocery relief to mixed economic signals heading into the holidays for the Week in Review. They’ll help make sense of what matters now, and what might matter next. We also talk about how parents can build a real plan to help their kids tackle student loans. And later, smart end-of-year decisions for high-net-worth families looking to get organized before 2026.
Mark Beck and Brian Jacobsen tackle a busy week of headlines in our Week in Review. Everything from the shutdown delay and shifting tariffs to new housing ideas like portable mortgages. We’ll also dig into what small businesses and big-name earnings are signaling as we head into the holidays. And later, we break down “equity compensation” and whether it’s something you’d actually want as part of your pay.
This week, we’re digging into the “K-shaped” economy—who’s rising, who’s struggling, and what the latest numbers reveal. In our Week in Review, Wealth Advisor Austin Grandinetti and Chief Economic Strategist Dr. Brian Jacobsen sort through layoffs, earnings, tech turbulence, and political headlines shaping the markets. Plus, smart tax moves later in life, including lessons from a couple in their 80s, and whether it ever makes sense to hit pause on your 401(k) contributions, and how to get back on track if you do.
Central banks were in the spotlight this week with rate cuts, policy holds, and new signals about the path ahead for quantitative tightening. The Fed made another move, and investors are already asking what could come next in 2025. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down what it all means in this week’s Week In Review. Plus, a look at the surprising “Labubu Trend” sweeping the collectibles world — and what lessons it offers for investors. Later in the show, we’ll explore six key benefits of incorporating trusts into a comprehensive financial plan.
At last, we’ve got some numbers to work with. The new CPI report is out, setting the stage for the 2026 Social Security cost of living adjustment. Meanwhile, global data keeps coming in, and China’s struggles are becoming clearer, and could deepen without some movement on trade. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen will unpack it all in our Week in Review. We’ll also tackle a few tax myths. Is getting that big refund check really a win? And later, Deanne Phillips joins us to share smart ways to use tax breaks and resources if you’re caring for someone in your home.
Beige Book Blues. This qualitative data may be the best we can get during the data draught. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen discuss in our Week in Review. Also, banks have said loan quality is pretty good. You'll hear how to be prepared for a longer life in retirement. Health and financial planning are very much connected. Mike Kirk talks about how to prepare if you retire at 65, but live into your 90s.
The government shutdown. Mark Beck and Brian Jacobsen break it down in our Week in Review. TSA agents are calling in sick. That ended the shutdown in 2019. Will it this time? ACA subsidies are the sticking point. That and anxious investors drive gold prices above $4,000 an ounce, marking its best year since the 1976. Also, how is your 401k looking? Things have recently changed with how you can use it to your advantage. Deanne Phillips joins the show to talk about being single in retirement.
Growth: Shutdown slowdown
There may be more to this government shutdown than meets the eye - this time, it could signal deeper cuts to federal employment. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break it down in our Week in Review. Also on the show: How much insurance is enough? Our financial planning team takes a closer look. And Deanne Phillips shares thoughtful ways grandparents can make a lasting impact on their grandchildren.
As the October 1 deadline approaches, a compromise seems unlikely. Join Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen for our Week-in-Review, covering the looming shutdown. Plus, get a preview of next weekend's Divorce Workshop and explore the Great Baby Boomer Wealth Transfer.
Tariff-related inflation is unlikely to spike suddenly; instead, it’s expected to build gradually as companies cautiously adjust pricing to gauge market tolerance. In our Week-in-Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen discuss the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut rates by 25 basis points. The show also explores the role of 529 plans in higher education planning and answers the question, “Do I need an LLC?” with a detailed look at the key considerations.
Did Spring 2024 to Summer 2024 have a mini-recession? Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen discuss how the Bureau of Labor Statistics significantly overestimated employment figures in early 2024, missing signs of a slowdown that may have bordered on one. With the Federal Reserve likely to cut interest rates soon, there's an emphasis on the importance of transparency in economic data, and the Fed’s challenge in balancing inflation control with supporting a cooling economy. Also, planning for Generation X. What do you need to consider?
Revised figures show a summer slowdown, with 13,000 jobs lost in June. What's that mean? Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break it down in their Week-in-Review. Also on the show, High Net Worth families aren't immune to unexpected cash flow challenges—learn what’s driving these issues and how to address them. Plus, Deanne Phillips examines the growing trend of parents financially supporting adult children, revealing a striking surge in monthly expenses.
Brian Jacobsen dives into our Week-in-Review, unpacking the latest Q2 GDP revisions that offer hope but reveal clouds behind the silver lining. Despite a slight uptick in new home sales, consumer confidence is waning. The episode also explores the growing trend of claiming Social Security earlier than advised and shares practical tips to protect yourself and loved ones from senior scams.