Down the Middle

Hosted by Peter Mallouk and Jeff Stolper

Business Investing Management EducationInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

About the show

Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 31, 202613 min

Bubble or Breakthrough?

This month, Peter and Jeff dig into the AI question everyone’s arguing about: Is this the internet in 1996 or the internet in 1999? They get into how the winners and losers may shake out, what AI could actually do to the broader economy and why oil prices are swinging. Plus, get their tip of the month. Twelve minutes, straight down the middle. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

June 30, 202614 min

Trump Accounts, Social Security and Market Correlation

This month, Peter and Jeff unpack the new Trump Accounts, dig into what the latest Social Security report means for future retirees, and explain why so many asset classes have suddenly been moving in lockstep. Plus, you won’t want to miss their tips of the month. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

May 29, 202614 min

Hot Money: Private Credit and the IPO Frenzy

Summer is heating up, and so are the markets. This month, Peter and Jeff break down two of Wall Street’s hottest topics: the boom in private credit and the return of the IPO. What’s fueling the frenzy, where’s the risk and what should investors watch? Get the answers to these questions plus their tips of the month. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

April 30, 202612 min

One America, Two Economies

The stock market just hit another record high; so did your grocery bill. That’s the K-shaped economy in one sentence. One American is getting richer, while the other can’t keep up with rent. Peter and Jeff dig into who’s actually winning, why the gap keeps widening and what it means for your paycheck, your portfolio and your plans. Stick around for their tips of the month. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

April 1, 202611 min

What Does Conflict With Iran Mean for Investors?

Over the past several weeks, tensions in the Middle East have intensified, raising concerns about energy supply disruptions and the potential for broader regional conflict. Peter and Jeff discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran and what it may mean for investors. Plus, get their tips of the month. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

February 27, 202622 min

Why Investors Are Moving Away From U.S. Stocks

After a decade of outperformance, U.S. stocks have recently cooled. Peter and Jeff name several factors contributing to this shift, share major factors in the United States’ favor long term and discuss where else investors are going with their dollars. Plus, get their tips of the month. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

January 30, 202611 min

How Oil Prices Impact the Markets and Economy

Peter and Jeff share how oil is priced into everything we do, discussing the factors influencing cost, what the political interest is and who the winners and losers are when prices are volatile. Plus, learn why you should consider maintaining insurance outside your workplace. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

December 31, 202512 min

AI, the Magnificent 7, Tariffs and Looking Ahead to 2026

From the imposition of sweeping tariffs to Nvidia becoming the first $4 trillion — and later $5 trillion — market cap company, 2025 was an eventful year with much to take in. In this episode, Peter and Jeff discuss the Magnificent 7’s recent performance, the future of AI, where interest rates might be headed and more. Plus, each provides a tip of the month to help support your well-being in the year ahead. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

December 1, 202511 min

Long-Term Mortgages, the Magnificent 7 and More

In this jam-packed episode, Peter and Jeff discuss 50-year mortgages, the Magnificent 7’s recent pullback and low consumer sentiment before offering their tips of the month. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com

October 31, 202512 min

How Does the Government Shutdown Impact the Markets?

This month, Peter and Jeff discuss two trending topics — the government shutdown and the likelihood of a recession — and the impact they're having on the markets. Plus, hear smart money moves to consider implementing before year-end. Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips! Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/ Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ podcasts@creativeplanning.com