Amplified Wealth

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Apr 2026

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Amplified Wealth is your monthly dose of actionable financial insight, where financial experts dive into a wide range of money matters in an informal, yet informative manner. Join us each month as we discuss various, timely financial topics - breaking them down to be more accessible and engaging for everyone.

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April 27, 20261 hr 0 min

AI, Hackers & the Cybersecurity Investment Boom: Insights from First Trust's Ryan Issakainen

In this episode of Amplified Wealth, Austin Hagaman and Mark Lucci welcome Ryan Issakainen, CFA, Senior Vice President and ETF Strategist at First Trust, for a timely conversation on cybersecurity as an investment theme - from AI-driven cybercrime and critical infrastructure risks to why cybersecurity spending has become a non-discretionary cost of doing business in today’s digital world.Episode Highlights:🔐 Cybersecurity: More Than Antivirus SoftwareWhy the cybersecurity ecosystem spans everything from identity verification and endpoint protection to defending power grids and infrastructure.📊 Why Cybersecurity Spending Is So DurableUnlike other areas of tech, cybersecurity has become a non-discretionary cost of doing business, with industry revenues projected to grow ~13–14% annually.🤖 AI: Threat or Tailwind?How artificial intelligence is being used by both hackers and cybersecurity firms—and why AI may actually strengthen the competitive moat for established cybersecurity companies.💰 Why Some Cybersecurity Stocks May Be MispricedRyan explains why the recent sell-off in software stocks may be unfairly impacting cybersecurity companies despite strong fundamentals.⚡ Cybersecurity as Modern InfrastructureReal-world examples—from pipeline shutdowns to dam breaches—show how cyber attacks can have very real physical consequences.📈 How Investors Can Access the ThemeWhy traditional indexes like the S&P 500 offer surprisingly little exposure to cybersecurity—and why a basket approach may make sense.And Much More!If cybersecurity is becoming one of the defining technological and geopolitical themes of the next decade, investors may want to understand how this rapidly evolving industry fits into the broader market.Timestamps:00:00: Introduction05:27: What is an ETF?08:55: Cybersecurity deep dive16:49: Cybersecurity revenues and spending19:40 Software companies sell-off and disruption from AI27:40 Cybersecurity costs and infrastructure33:30 Real life cyberattacks, deepfakes and quantum computing40:50 How do investors get exposure to cybersecurity companies?49:25 The technology sector in 10-15 years53:25 Basket approach to cybersecurity investing and closingNothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

March 17, 202654 min

401(k) Rollover Rules, Taxes & Mistakes to Avoid | According to Plan

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth’s According to Plan, hosts Kate Fishbein and Tom Farrell tackle an important retirement planning question: what should you do with your 401(k) when you leave an employer?From old workplace plans and rollover IRAs to tax traps and planning opportunities, they walk through the key decisions individuals should consider before making a move.Episode Highlights:🔎 Don’t Forget Old 401(k)s:Learn why so many retirement accounts get left behind — and how the Department of Labor’s Lost and Found tool may help you track them down.🏢 Why Leave Funds in a 401(k)?Kate and Tom explain several potential advantages, including creditor protection, possible loan provisions, Rule of 55 access, and delayed RMD opportunities for some workers.🔄 When an IRA Rollover May Make Sense:Explore why some investors prefer rolling old 401(k) assets into an IRA for greater investment flexibility, easier consolidation, and simplified account management.⚠️ Avoid Costly Rollover Mistakes:Not all retirement dollars are the same. The episode breaks down the importance of properly handling pre-tax, Roth 401(k), and after-tax funds to help avoid unnecessary taxes and penalties.📉 Fees, Investment Options and Hidden Costs:Find out what to review inside your 401(k), from administrative fees to fund expense ratios, and why comparing those costs to an IRA matters.🚨 Special Situations to Watch Closely:From backdoor Roth strategy considerations to employer stock and NUA rules, Tom and Kate highlight a few areas where one wrong move could have lasting tax consequences.And much more!Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction3:15 - Advantages of Leaving Funds in 401(k)22:40 - Advantages of Rolling Over into an IRA37:35 - Things to Watch Out For if Rolling Over50:15 - Wrap Up & ConclusionNothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

February 27, 202654 min

Volatility & Valuations - What's Next for Stocks & Bonds - Insights from BlackRock's Mark Peterson

In this episode of Amplified Wealth, we’re joined by Mark Peterson, Director of Market & Portfolio Insights at BlackRock, for a practical breakdown of what’s driving markets—and how investors can keep perspective as we look ahead.Episode Highlights:📈 Three Strong Years in a Row:How rare are three consecutive years of 15%+ stock market gains—and what does history suggest could come next?🎯 Why “Average Returns” Rarely Happen:Stocks may average ~10% over time, but they rarely land near the average in any given year—understanding the range can help set better expectations.🌪️ Volatility in Plain English (2% Days):A simple way to understand market turbulence, what typically causes it, and why volatility is often the “price of admission” for long-term growth.💻 Tech, Valuations & Earnings:How today’s tech leadership compares to the dot-com era—and why strong earnings growth can change the valuation conversation.🧩 Market Broadening Beyond Mega-Caps:Why market leadership may be expanding beyond the biggest names—and what that could mean for diversified investors.🛡️ Diversification vs. Single-Stock Risk:Even in strong markets, many individual stocks lose money—this segment puts concentration risk into perspective.💵 Bonds After the Rate Reset:Why 2022 was so painful for fixed income—and why higher yields may improve the outlook going forward.From setting realistic expectations to reinforcing the value of diversification, this episode is packed with timely market insights.Timestamps:(0:00) Intro:(5:18) U.S. Stocks Posting 15%+ Gains for Three Straight Years(10:09) U.S. Stocks Annual Averages(12:45) Stock Market Volatility(19:20) Technology Stocks - Performance and Valuations(28:11 Benefits of Diversification(35:46) Current and Past Economic Expansions(41:51) U.S. Bonds Outperformed in 2025(43:17) Interest Rates & Long-Term Bond Returns(51:59) Closing ThoughtsNothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

February 13, 20261 hr 1 min

Quarterly Market Update Webinar | Winter, 2026

Markets entered 2026 with momentum, as resilient consumer spending, easing monetary policy, and continued investment in AI and infrastructure have helped extend the current bull market. Yet beneath the surface, tensions are building - from rising affordability pressures to lingering questions around tariffs, employment trends, and the long-term impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce.With mid-term election dynamics on the horizon, how durable is today’s optimism - and what risks could disrupt the outlook for stocks, bonds, and the broader economy?Catch up on the market on demand with this webinar replay - originally aired live on January 28th, 2026 - as we examine the forces shaping the year ahead, assess potential volatility and seasonal opportunities, and discuss portfolio strategies designed to navigate an evolving economic and market landscape.======Timestamps:Introduction & Firm Overview (00:00:00)Wall Street Forecasts - In Perspective (00:02:03)Geopolitical Tensions & Market Impact (00:11:11)Silver & Gold (00:21:57)US vs. International - A Long Cycle of Outperformance (00:40:58)Small Cap vs. Large Cap (00:51:38)Q&A and Closing Remarks (00:57:35)Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

December 22, 20251 hr 2 min

Understanding the One Big Beautiful Bill - What Families Should Know

In this special collaboration episode of Amplified Wealth, Austin Hagaman joins According to Plan co-hosts, Tom Farrell and Kate Fishbein to explore major changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) - and what they mean for your financial plan.Episode Highlights:👶 Trump Accounts – A New Tool for Kids:Learn about this new tax-advantaged account designed for children under 18, including how to qualify, the $5,000 contribution cap, and when to expect availability. 🎁 Charitable Giving Under OB3:Discover new guardrails around deductions starting in 2026, including floors, caps, and key timing considerations.🧓 Bonus Senior Deduction Explained:Starting in 2025, seniors may receive a valuable new deduction - up to $12,000 for qualifying couples. But income thresholds apply, and this benefit sunsets after 2028.🏡 State and Local Tax (SALT) Relief:OB3 temporarily raises the SALT deduction cap from $10K to $40K through 2029 - but with phaseouts for higher earners. Learn how to maximize your deduction before it’s gone.From planning for the next generation to maximizing deductions today, this episode is packed with timely tax strategies.Timestamps:00:00Cold Open and Introduction02:25Understanding Trump Accounts08:00Trump Accounts - Investment Strategies and Compounding Benefits19:25Understanding the New Senior Deduction24:50Navigating Charitable Deduction Changes36:30Temporary Increase in SALT Deductions51:20SALT Deduction - Income Phaseouts59:50Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

November 18, 202554 min

According to Plan: RMD Rundown - Withdraw Wisely

In this episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Kate and Tom get “back to basics” with a topic that impacts millions of retirees: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).Whether you're approaching RMD age or just want to be prepared, we cover:• The latest Secure Act 2.0 updates• How to calculate your RMD• Aggregation rules for multiple IRAs, 401(k)s, and inherited accounts• When it might make sense to delay (or not)• Charitable giving strategies like QCDs• Tax impact, planning tips, and penalty pitfallsTimestamps00:00 | Intro – Fall Foliage Lesson, RMDs and Why They Matter03:48 | What Is a Required Minimum Distribution?07:40 | Tax-Deferred Growth and the IRS “Deal”08:30 | Secure Act 1.0 and 2.0 – RMD Age Timeline12:25 | Required Beginning Date – April 1 Rules17:00 | How RMDs Are Calculated (Divisors, Tables, and More)24:30 | Penalties for Missing Your RMD26:35 | Aggregation Rules – IRAs, 401(k)s, Inherited Accounts31:37 | Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s – RMD Exemptions36:00 | Tax Withholding & Avoiding Surprises38:30 | Impact on AGI, IRMAA, Social Security Taxation40:22 | Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)43:03 | Taking RMDs In-Kind48:04 | Timing & Coordination with Roth Conversions51:06 | Still Working? RMD Exceptions for 401(k)s53:30 | Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysNothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

October 31, 202559 min

Fall 2025 Market Update Webinar

Listen to the replay of our Fall 2025 Market Update Webinar - and catch up on the market at your convenience. Originally recorded live on October 22nd, 2025 - we examine the crossroads of policy, inflation, and growth, and discuss strategies to help investors navigate the uncertainty ahead.Markets wrapped up the summer on a strong note, fueled by expectations of Fed rate cuts, steady U.S. consumer demand, and easing inflation pressures. Still, concerns linger as a softer labor market, China’s slowdown, and ongoing trade policy headwinds raise questions about the durability of global growth and the path of inflation.How long can the optimism last - and what could shifting economic conditions mean for equities, bonds, and international markets?Here's what was discussed!Introduction & Firm Overview (00:00:00)AI Investment Boom - Spending, Risks, Bubbles and Discipline (00:04:00)Valuations (00:24:55)S&P 500 Index Profit Margin vs. P/E Ratio (00:28:21)Consumer Sentiment (00:34:33)Valuations - Deeper Dive (00:39:40)Silver & Gold (00:48:30)Govt Shutdown, Q&A and Closing Remarks (00:53:47)Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

October 16, 20251 hr 23 min

The AI Boom: Investing, Innovation & Everyday Applications with Tejas Dessai of Global X and Andrea Mondello of Withum

The AI BoomInvesting, Innovation & Everyday ApplicationsArtificial Intelligence is often described as the most transformative technology of our time - but how much of that is real today, and what’s still years away? In our latest episode of Amplified Wealth, we bring you two in-depth conversations on AI’s future:Tejas Dessai – GlobalX Director of ResearchTejas covers disruptive technologies and thematic investing. He shares his perspective on AI as an “economic turbocharger,” the infrastructure challenges (chips, power, and data centers), and why the U.S. still leads the global AI race.Andrea Mondello – Withum’s Data & AI Services LeaderAndrea brings the conversation back to the business world, showing how companies are actually applying AI today. From voice analysis to AI-driven field reporting, she explains what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid “AI FOMO.”Together, these conversations give you both the investment lens and the practical business lens - a rare, full-spectrum look at where AI stands now. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.----Timestamps: 00:39 — Intro & introducing Global X's Tejas Dessai 07:14 — AI as both productivity booster and massive capex wave 13:29 — AI adoption pace, usage stats & US–China race 20:18 — AI value chain & infrastructure build-out 44:59 — Introducing Andrea Mondello from Withum - humanoid robots & companion AI 49:22 — Business-first AI wins & governance 56:45 — Field ops + pro services automation - AI case studies 01:04:41 — Richer RAG, agents, buy-vs-build & ethics Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

September 24, 202542 min

According to Plan: Roth Revealed - Converting with Confidence

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth: According to Plan, Kate Fishbein, CFP®, and Tom Farrell, CFP®, AEP®, CEPA, welcome special guest Amy Pastorino, CFP® for a deep dive on Roth IRAs and conversion strategies.🎯 Topics Covered:The why behind Roth conversions: tax flexibility and legacy planningHow Secure Act changes impact inherited IRAs and distribution timelinesThe “Tax Now, Tax Later, Tax Never” framework for asset locationReal-world case study: How one client used slow-and-steady conversions to diversifyWhen not to convert, and why CPA coordination is criticalWhether you're planning your own retirement or thinking about what you’ll leave behind, this episode breaks down the key considerations to help you make informed decisions about your Roth strategy.Timestamps:00:00Introduction to Roth IRAs03:48Understanding Traditional vs. Roth IRAs06:48Reasons for Roth Conversions: Tax Flexibility and Legacy07:54The Impact of the Secure Act on Inherited IRAs12:43Tax Location: Understanding Tax Buckets15:37Case Study: Tax Diversification16:46The Importance of a Slow and Steady Approach21:29When to Consider Roth Conversions21:52Long-Term Growth Strategies for Roth IRAs22:02Reasons to Consider Delaying Roth Conversions31:12Contributions vs. Conversions: Understanding Your Options40:07Navigating Tax Implications of Roth Conversions41:53Key Considerations for Roth ConversionsNothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.

September 10, 20251 hr 1 min

Fed in the Hot Seat: Trump, the Economy, Recession or Rally with JP Morgan's Jack Manley

In the latest episode of Amplified Wealth, we welcome Jack Manley - Executive Director and Global Market Strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management.Jack joins hosts Austin Hagaman and Mark Lucci to unpack today’s most pressing questions:Are we heading into a recession or just slowing down?What do rising credit delinquencies really say about the consumer?Is immigration policy an underappreciated inflation driver?What’s next for the Fed, and is a rate cut actually bullish?And, with all this uncertainty, where should investors put their excess cash?From economic headwinds and labor supply constraints to long-term investment positioning, Jack’s sharp analysis and global perspective offer timely guidance for investors at every level.Timestamps:Introducing Jack Manley: (0:30)Unpacking 2025's Economic Data (4:50)Wall of Worries and Cracks in Consumer: (12:35)Labor Market: (18:18)Immigration & the Labor Market: (24:30)Tariffs, Inflation & Recession: (26:30)The Fed's Next Moves: (31:49)Trump, Headlines and the Fed's Credibility: (42:36)One Big Beautiful Bill (47:57)Investment Strategy - Bonds / Bullish on Stocks (50:52)Conclusion and Wrap Up (58:48)Nothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation. Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm. To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing. The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.