News, planning insight, and forward thought on the economy, markets, and wealth management.
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August 15, 2026Episode 21234 min
Saturday, August 15th. Cooler Inflation, Hotter Markets, Colder Consumers
Cooling inflation. Climbing markets. A consumer that may be starting to pull back. This week's economic data gave investors and policymakers plenty to think about. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen examine the latest inflation readings, softer retail sales, strengthening small-business confidence, and what all of it could mean for the Federal Reserve and the broader economy in the months ahead. This discussion is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Plus, segments on selling assets in retirement and is the 4% rule of withdrawal still a good strategy?
August 8, 2026Episode 21134 min
Saturday, August 8th. Earnings Results and Moving Ahead with The Fed
This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a market landscape full of mixed signals. From a historic U.S.-Japan intervention to support the yen to oil's sharp reaction to renewed tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, they explain what the latest global developments could mean for investors. They also earnings results and the impact of the new Fed chair. Plus, avoiding costly rollover mistakes and avoiding "money guilt".
August 1, 2026Episode 21034 min
Saturday, August 1st. The Fed Says Little, Markets Hear Plenty
For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a rate pause from the Fed, AI producing both big winners and notable losers, and consumers continue to send mixed signals about the economy. They'll also discuss oil prices and earnings season results. Microsoft and Amazon proved AI spending can pay off, while Meta and Apple reminded investors that growth still has to meet expectations. Plus, segments on smarter money habits and when retirement planning should actually start.
July 25, 2026Episode 20933 min
Saturday, July 25th. Tariff Talk is Back.
This week, CEO Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss the market impact of renewed Middle East tensions, including rising oil prices and concerns over key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. They examine how higher energy costs are influencing inflation expectations, bond yields, mortgage rates, and Federal Reserve policy. Later on, the team discusses the renewed focus on tariffs and their potential impact on inflation, explains recent changes in U.S. tariff policy, and explores the possibility of additional tariffs related to excess industrial capacity in countries such as China.
July 18, 2026Episode 20834 min
Saturday, July 18th. What’s Next for Markets and Mortgage Rates?
This week, Dr. Brian Jacobsen breaks down the biggest takeaways from earnings season and what they could mean for investors in the months ahead. He’s joined by Director of Financial Planning Eric Strom for a discussion on the latest housing market trends and where mortgage rates may be headed. Plus, we examine why more employed adult children are living at home and share key considerations for evaluating life insurance coverage so you can make confident, informed financial decisions.
July 11, 2026Episode 20733 min
Saturday, July 11th. AI Winners, Energy Losers, and the Fed Reset.
This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a U.S. economy that's cooling from a sprint to a sustainable jog, examine what the latest labor data, IMF forecasts, and AI-driven growth trends mean for investors, and explore the widening gap between the global winners and losers of the next economic cycle. Plus, we unpack the Federal Reserve's emerging policy playbook and why a new generation of Fed leadership could fundamentally change how markets interpret interest-rate decisions. Also, segments on the new Trump accounts and retirement confidence being low.
July 4, 2026Episode 20634 min
Saturday, July 4th. June Jobs Numbers and The Economy Turns 250.
For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss earnings, the jobs numbers from June and what you should keep an eye on now that we're in the second half of the year. America is turning 250, so we take a look at the people, innovations, and economic turning points that transformed a young nation into the world's largest economy. We also discuss how to simplify and manage multiple investment accounts, break down the often-misunderstood rules surrounding Roth conversions, and share practical financial planning tips for families preparing to help pay for a wedding. History, investing, and real-world financial decisions, all in one conversation.
June 27, 2026Episode 20533 min
Saturday June 27th: Greenspan’s Legacy, AI Chip Volatility & Smart Roth/401(k) Moves
This episode of Money Talk opens with hosts Dave Spano and Chief Economic Strategist Dr. Brian Jacobson paying tribute to Alan Greenspan, who lived to 100. They discuss his long Fed tenure, the evolution of central bank communication (from the “briefcase indicator” to today’s heavy transparency and dot plots), his 1996 “irrational exuberance” warning, and interesting parallels with today’s AI boom and potential productivity gains.Markets & EconomyAI “Tech Wreck” & Memory Boom: Focus has shifted from semiconductors (Nvidia etc.) to memory chips (Micron and Korean firms). Micron posted blowout earnings with ~85% gross margins, showing strong pricing power — but any slowdown fears trigger sharp stock swings. This demand is now hitting consumers: Apple raised iPhone/MacBook prices, Microsoft and Sony increased Xbox/PlayStation costs, and electronic goods prices rose ~10% YoY per the PCE index.Data Center Backlash: Rapid buildout faces local, state, and potential federal moratoriums — adding election-year volatility.Global Snapshot: UK political instability post-Brexit with rising populism (Nigel Farage/Reform UK gaining); Middle East — ships resuming through Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices on a “round trip” back to pre-conflict levels (~$74–75 Brent); flattening Treasury yield curve signals possible slower growth ahead.Financial Planning HighlightsRoth Conversions: Senior Wealth Advisor & CFP Mike Kirk explains when conversions make sense (current vs. future tax brackets, RMD preparation, legacy goals). Key points: no earned income needed for conversions (unlike contributions), strategic timing around market dips or life events, and creative ways to pay the tax bill. Significant long-term savings are often possible with proper planning.401(k) Rollovers & Old Plans: Director of Retirement Plan Services Tom Parkes walks through options when leaving an employer — leave it, roll to new 401(k), or move to IRA. IRAs usually offer more investment choices and control (especially for larger balances), while 401(k)s may have limited menus. Emphasis on consolidation to avoid losing track of accounts, understanding fees, beneficiary flexibility, and avoiding early cash-outs.Additional SegmentsAmerica 250 History: Dr. Jacobson covers 1913 — creation of the Federal Reserve after the 1907 Panic, 16th Amendment (income tax at 7% on the ultra-wealthy), 17th Amendment (direct Senate elections), Prohibition, WWI, and America’s shift to global creditor.Upcoming Events: In-person “Single in Retirement” and Women in Wealth sessions, plus a July 2 Instant Insights webinar on the early employment report.The show reinforces Annex Wealth Management’s fee-only fiduciary model and in-house planning expertise, encouraging listeners to click “Get Started” at annexwealth.com. It delivers a balanced mix of timely market insight, practical retirement tactics, and historical context.
June 20, 2026Episode 20434 min
Saturday, June 20th. Warsh’s Fed, Trump’s Deal, and the Great Consumer Squeeze.
For our "Week in Review", Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down Kevin Warsh’s debut at the Fed, a unanimous decision, new internal task forces, and a leadership style that invites open disagreement. We then turn to Trump’s surprise Iran memorandum, a move that’s already easing energy market fears but raises major political and funding questions that could shape global stability and defense supply chains. Finally, we connect the dots between rising inflation, shifting consumer behavior, and a reopening IPO window led by SpaceX, as falling energy prices could reset the economic narrative heading into the second half of the year.
June 13, 2026Episode 20334 min
Saturday, June 13th. Inflation, Iran & IPOs: Interpreting the Market’s Mixed Signals
This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack a mix of political tension, highlighted by developments in Iran, and a wave of fresh economic data shaping the market outlook. Inflation remains elevated, consumer sentiment is softening, and small business optimism is slipping, even as housing and trade show pockets of strength. We also explore what rising IPO activity, from AI leaders like OpenAI to more traditional brands, may signal about where investors are placing their bets next. Plus, segments on deciding who should be the taxpayer if you're married and why people are raiding their 401(k) accounts.
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