The Money Alchemist Podcast

Hosted by Ben Jones & Brent Gargano

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Oct 2026

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Join two dudes, Ben and Brent, to discuss current market events and savvy financial strategies to build wealth consistently over time. Now on Video -> https://www.youtube.com/@TheMoneyAlchPod __ Submit your questions HERE: https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true About your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karastick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Comments or questions? Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com Socials: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@themoneyalchemistpodcast?_r=1&_t=ZP-93mdovEr0vu https://www.youtube.com/@TheMoneyAlchPod/videos

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October 24, 2026Episode 691 hr 8 min

EP 67: Should Politics Change How You Invest? | The Money Alchemist Podcast

Should politics change how you invest? Election seasons bring plenty of headlines, predictions, polls, and strong opinions. But when politics starts influencing investment decisions, emotions can quickly take over. In Episode 67 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano, CFP® and Ben Jones, CFP® look at the relationship between elections and the stock market, including what history tells us about midterm election years, market volatility, and what tends to happen after the votes are counted. They also discuss why investors can get into trouble trying to move in and out of the market based on political expectations, how prediction markets compare with traditional polling, and why the economic experience of Main Street can look very different from what is happening on Wall Street. Plus, Brent and Ben cover: Why political bias can affect investment decisions What historical market returns tell us about election cycles Why midterm election years tend to bring more volatility The risk of getting too conservative when markets feel uncertain Why being early on a market call can be just as painful as being wrong Cost-of-living pressure and the squeeze on middle-class households The growing concentration of wealth and asset ownership AI, technology stocks, and market concentration Why prediction markets have become part of the election conversation How to stay focused on a long-term financial plan when politics dominates the headlines The takeaway: elections have consequences, but your political emotions do not have to determine your investment strategy. Have a question you’d like Brent and Ben to discuss on a future episode? Submit it through the link on our page. Questions or Want to Learn More? https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group Website: NWMG Advisors Newsletter: The Karat Stick X: @thekaratstick LinkedIn: Ben Jones - NWMG Email: ben@nwmgadvisors.com Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter Questions or comments? comments@moneyalchemistshow.com Resource: https://kalshi.com/category/elections https://polymarket.us/midterms https://predictionmarketspicks.com/midterms-2026 00:00 Should Politics Change How You Invest? 10:00 AI, Earnings & What’s Moving Markets 25:00 Why Fear Can Hurt Long-Term Investors 27:00 Tariffs, Politics & Trying to Time the Market 36:00 Which Presidents Had the Best and Worst Markets? 43:00 The Cost-of-Living Election & Wall Street vs. Main Street 50:00 What Midterm Elections Historically Mean for Stocks 57:00 Prediction Markets, Polls & the Midterm Outlook Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.

October 10, 2026Episode 681 hr 11 min

EP 66: Should You Rent or Buy? Rethinking the American Dream | The Money Alchemist Podcast

Should You Rent or Buy? Rethinking the American Dream Homeownership has been treated as part of the American Dream for generations. But does buying a home still make sense for everyone? In Episode 66 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano and Ben Jones take a deeper look at the rent-vs.-buy decision and challenge the assumption that owning a home is automatically the better financial move. They discuss why renting can provide valuable flexibility and cost certainty, especially earlier in your career, while homeownership can provide stability when you are ready to stay somewhere for the long term. The conversation also gets into the costs people often leave out of the equation. Mortgage payments are only part of homeownership. Repairs, maintenance, closing costs, renovations, insurance, liquidity, and the opportunity cost of tying up cash can all change the math. Brent and Ben also discuss: - Why renting is not necessarily “throwing money away” - When buying a home starts to make more sense - Why career flexibility matters for younger adults - How long you should expect to stay in a home - The danger of putting too much money into a down payment - Why fixer-uppers can become financial money pits - The emotional side of homeownership - Renting during retirement - How home appreciation compares with investing - Why buying a house should be a lifestyle decision as much as a financial one The takeaway is not that everyone should rent. It is that homeownership should fit your circumstances rather than simply being treated as the next required financial milestone. Questions or Want to Learn More? https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group Website: NWMG Advisors Newsletter: The Karat Stick X: @thekaratstick LinkedIn: Ben Jones - NWMG Email: ben@nwmgadvisors.com Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter Questions or comments? comments@moneyalchemistshow.com Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.

September 19, 2026Episode 671 hr 8 min

EP 65: What Does 40 Years of Compounding Actually Do to Your Money? | The Money Alchemist Podcast

Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest the extra money instead? That is one of the biggest financial decisions people get wrong because compounding is much harder to understand over 20, 30, or 40 years than it looks on paper. In Episode 65 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano, CFP®, and Ben Jones, CFP®, break down how compounding affects investing, home equity, cash, inflation, retirement planning, and long-term wealth. They start with simple examples of compounding over time, including Disney tickets, home prices, and long-term stock market returns. The bigger point is that small differences in annual returns can create huge differences over 20, 30, or 40 years. Brent and Ben then compare paying extra toward a mortgage versus investing the difference. In one example, an extra $1,000 per month toward the mortgage could save about $400,000 in interest, while historically investing that same amount over 30 years would have grown to about $2.36 million. They also cover common mistakes like keeping too much cash in checking, taking too little appropriate risk when young, and prioritizing a paid-off mortgage over liquidity and long-term investing. Later, the conversation shifts to financial independence and a different problem: what happens when your wealth keeps growing beyond what you actually need? That leads to a bigger question: What is your money actually for? Brent and Ben discuss why good financial planning is not just about building the biggest possible portfolio. It is also about deciding how your money should support your life, your goals, and the people or causes that matter to you. About Your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter They also cover: Why the 10-year Treasury matters for mortgage rates Why Fed rate changes do not directly control long-term mortgage rates How inflation and higher energy costs affect markets Why financial assets can compound differently than everyday goods How to automate investing instead of relying on budgeting discipline Why young investors may underestimate the value of taking appropriate risk How financially independent people can give their wealth a purpose Have a question you’d like Brent and Ben to discuss on the show? Submit it through the link on our page. Chapters 00:00 - Market Update: Fed, Inflation, Bonds & AI 19:00 - Why Compounding Is So Powerful Over Time 36:30 - Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest? 48:00 - 3 Common Money Mistakes That Hurt Long-Term Wealth 53:30 - What Happens When Your Money Outgrows Your Needs? Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly. #CompoundInterest #Investing #FinancialPlanning #Mortgage #RetirementPlanning #WealthBuilding #MoneyAlchemist

September 5, 2026Episode 661 hr 3 min

EP 64 Why Are Young People Less Happy Than Older Generations? | The Money Alchemist Podcast

Learn More / Submit Questions: https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true Why are younger generations reporting lower levels of happiness and flourishing than people decades older than them? In Episode 64 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano, CFP®, and Ben Jones, CFP®, dig into Harvard’s Global Flourishing Study and what more than 200,000 participants across 22 countries can teach us about happiness, money, relationships, purpose, health, and what it actually means to live a good life. One of the most surprising findings is the growing happiness gap between generations. Younger adults ages 18–29 are reporting significantly lower flourishing scores than adults in their 60s, a reversal from the pattern researchers historically expected to see. Brent and Ben explore what may be contributing to that shift, including smartphones, social media, constant comparison, and Jonathan Haidt’s work in The Anxious Generation. They also look beyond the generational divide to ask a bigger question: What actually makes a good life? The conversation covers the six areas of human flourishing, how much money really contributes to happiness, why financial security matters without guaranteeing fulfillment, and the role that relationships, community, employment, marriage, health, and having a sense of purpose can play. Plus, Brent and Ben cover several major market stories, including inflation and Federal Reserve policy, Treasury buybacks, NVIDIA earnings, recent strength in healthcare, and why short-term stock-price movements can often be more noise than useful information. About Your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter In this episode: Why younger adults may be flourishing less than older generations What Harvard’s Global Flourishing Study measures How smartphones and social media may be affecting younger people Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation How much money actually contributes to happiness Why financial stability matters without guaranteeing a good life The importance of relationships and community Why purpose and having a definition of success matter Inflation, Federal Reserve policy, Treasury buybacks, NVIDIA, and the latest market updates Global Flourishing Study: https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/global-flourishing-study Subscribe to The Money Alchemist Podcast for more conversations about investing, retirement, financial planning, markets, and how money fits into the life you actually want to live. Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

August 29, 2026Episode 6535 min

Are You Wasting Money Just to Save on Taxes? | W/Guest Catherine Tindall | The Money Alchemist Podcast at FPA All Ohio (Part 2)

Is saving money on taxes always a good financial decision? What if you're spending money you otherwise wouldn't spend simply to get the deduction? In Part 2 of The Money Alchemist Podcast at FPA All Ohio, Brent Gargano, CFP® and Ben Jones, CFP® sit down with Catherine Tindall, CPA of Dominion to discuss what thoughtful tax planning can look like for financial advisors and business owners. Catherine explains why tax planning shouldn't simply be about finding another deduction. Before looking at more complicated strategies, business owners need to understand their financial infrastructure, projected tax liability, and where their money may actually create the greatest return. From there, the conversation gets much bigger than taxes. Brent, Ben, and Catherine discuss when it may make more sense to pay the tax, when reinvesting in the business could be worthwhile, how to identify bottlenecks, when outsourcing makes sense, and why the owner's own time can become one of the biggest constraints on growth. Ultimately, it's a conversation about treating your business as an asset and making more intentional decisions about where your next dollar should go. About Your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter Subscribe to The Money Alchemist Podcast for more conversations about investing, financial planning, retirement, markets, and building wealth consistently over time. In This Episode What good tax planning actually looks like Why bookkeeping and financial infrastructure come first Forecasting your tax liability Spending money just to get a tax deduction Cashless vs. cash-based tax strategies Paying the tax vs. reinvesting in your business Evaluating the return on business expenditures Finding bottlenecks in your business When outsourcing makes sense Why the owner's time can limit growth Thinking like an investor in your own business Building a business with value beyond its owner FPA All Ohio Series This is Part 2 of our five-part FPA All Ohio series, featuring conversations with guests from across the financial planning profession. A special thank you to FPA All Ohio, the FPA Cincinnati chapter, and everyone who helped make these conversations possible. We still have three more guests to come, so subscribe or follow The Money Alchemist Podcast wherever you listen. Have a Question for Brent & Ben? Have a question about investing, retirement, financial planning, taxes, or the markets that you'd like Brent and Ben to discuss on a future episode? Submit your question through the link in our show bio. Your question could be featured in an upcoming episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast. Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

August 22, 2026Episode 641 hr 10 min

The Investing Advice That Came Right Before the 1929 Crash | The Money Alchemist Podcast Ep. 63

Learn More / Submit Questions: https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true What can investing advice published just before one of the worst stock market crashes in history teach us about building wealth today? In Episode 63 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano, CFP® and Ben Jones, CFP® look back at John Raskob’s famous 1929 article, Everybody Ought to Be Rich. Published just weeks before the market peaked, Raskob encouraged people to consistently save and invest in diversified baskets of high-quality companies. The timing could hardly have been worse. But was the underlying advice actually wrong? Brent and Ben use the story to explore the behaviors that can help or hurt investors across bull markets, bear markets, bubbles, and crashes. They discuss the fearful saver who never gets invested, the speculator constantly searching for the next big winner, and the investor who eventually gets frustrated and throws in the towel. The conversation also takes Brent to New York City and the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, with stories about Wall Street, Peter Tuchman, the Empire State Building, and what history can teach us about markets that feel unstoppable right before they change. Before the main discussion, Brent and Ben cover several current market and economic stories, including recent S&P 500 earnings, the Federal Reserve holding rates steady, the K-shaped economy, and SpaceX moving back above its IPO price. They finish with a practical Tip of the Week for anyone preparing to buy a car: shop financing before you ever walk into the dealership. - John Raskob and "Everybody Ought to Be Rich" - Investing immediately before the 1929 stock market crash - The fearful saver, wildcat speculator, and towel thrower - Dollar-cost averaging and long-term investing - Why emotions can become an investor's biggest enemy - Bull markets, bear markets, and stock market bubbles - Brent's visit to the New York Stock Exchange - The Empire State Building and lessons from financial history - S&P 500 earnings and the current market - The Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision - The K-shaped economy - SpaceX moving back above its IPO price - Why investors can become emotionally attached to individual stocks - How starting to save earlier changes the amount you need to contribute - Shopping credit unions and auto loan rates before buying a car Submit Your Questions Have a financial, investing, retirement, or market question you'd like Brent and Ben to discuss on a future episode? Submit your question through the link in our show bio. Your question could be featured in an upcoming episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast. About Your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter Subscribe to The Money Alchemist Podcast for more conversations about investing, financial planning, retirement, markets, and building wealth consistently over time. 00:00 "I Never Make Money When I Invest" 01:15 Welcome to Episode 63 03:00 Brent's Trip to New York 07:00 The New York Stock Exchange & Wall Street 13:00 Current Market & Economic Updates 18:00 The K-Shaped Economy 21:30 S&P 500 Earnings 24:30 The Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady 27:00 SpaceX Moves Back Above Its IPO Price 31:30 John Raskob & "Everybody Ought to Be Rich" 33:00 The Fearful Saver 37:45 The Wildcat Speculator 40:30 Getting Emotionally Attached to Stocks 42:20 "I Never Make Money When I Invest" 44:40 Affordability vs. Expectations 46:55 Why Starting to Save Earlier Matters 48:40 Investing Advice Right Before the 1929 Crash 50:35 What If You Invested Before the Great Depression? 55:00 Bull Markets, Bear Markets & Bubbles 59:00 The Empire State Building & Lessons From Market History 1:05:35 Tip of the Week: Shop Your Auto Loan Before Buying a Car Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

August 8, 2026Episode 6348 min

How AI Is Changing Financial Advice | W/Guest Dennis Mosley-Williams | The Money Alchemist Podcast at FPA All Ohio (Part 1)

Learn More / Submit Questions: https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true Welcome to The Money Alchemist Podcast at FPA All Ohio, a special interview series featuring conversations recorded live at one of the Midwest's premier financial planning conferences. Hosted by Brent Gargano, CFP® and Ben Jones, CFP®, this playlist brings together financial advisors, industry leaders, authors, consultants, and innovators to discuss the future of financial planning, investing, retirement, client relationships, behavioral finance, artificial intelligence, practice management, and the ideas shaping the advisory profession. These conversations go beyond markets and portfolios to explore how advisors can create greater value for the people they serve while adapting to an ever-changing financial landscape. A special thank you to the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Cincinnati for welcoming us to the FPA All Ohio Conference and helping make these conversations possible. About Dennis Mosley-Williams Dennis Mosley-Williams is the founder of Dennis Mosley-Williams Strategic Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that works predominantly with financial advisors on customer experience, client transformation, and creating greater value beyond traditional financial planning. He is also the author of Serious Shift. About your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter Subscribe to The Money Alchemist Podcast for more interviews, investing insights, retirement planning strategies, and conversations with some of the brightest minds in financial planning. Have a financial question you'd like Brent and Ben to discuss on a future episode? Submit it through the link in our bio. Your question could be featured in an upcoming episode. Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

August 1, 2026Episode 621 hr 4 min

Money Optimization Obsession: Why Focusing on the Wrong Things Is Costing You Wealth | The Money Alchemist Podcast Ep. 62

Comments or questions? Submit to our link in our show bio Are you spending too much time trying to optimize the wrong parts of your financial life? In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano and Ben Jones discuss one of the biggest mistakes they see investors make: obsessing over financial decisions that have very little impact while overlooking the habits that actually build long-term wealth. From budgeting and investment returns to Social Security timing, retirement planning, taxes, and asset allocation, they explain why focusing on the fundamentals often produces better financial outcomes than chasing the "perfect" strategy. They also break down this week's biggest market headlines, including the Federal Reserve meeting, SpaceX trading below its IPO price, inflation, Apple reclaiming the top market cap, and what's happening across the AI and semiconductor landscape. In this episode: Why reverse budgeting can be more effective than tracking every dollar Why your saving rate often matters more than investment returns Financial behaviors that have the biggest long-term impact Social Security timing and retirement planning The difference between optimizing your finances and overcomplicating them Estate planning, tax efficiency, and asset allocation This week's market and economic updates Tip of the Week: Back-to-school sales tax holidays The biggest gains in personal finance rarely come from finding a better investment. They come from consistently making better decisions over decades. About your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

July 18, 2026Episode 611 hr 0 min

What Wealthy Americans Do Differently (And What You Can Copy) | Building Wealth for the Long Term

Millions of Americans dream about building wealth, but what do wealthy families actually do differently? In this episode, Brent Gargano and Ben Jones break down a recent survey of more than 1,400 Americans with over $3 million in invested assets. They explore the habits, decisions, and long-term mindset that consistently separate wealthy households from everyone else—and, more importantly, which of those habits anyone can begin applying today. Topics include: • Why ownership is the foundation of wealth • The power of long-term investing and compounding • Why wealthy families value flexibility over lifestyle inflation • Legacy planning and thinking beyond your own retirement • Why successful people build a team of trusted advisors Plus, the hosts discuss current market headlines, including: • Trump's new investment accounts • Early Q2 earnings from major banks • SpaceX trading below its IPO price • The return of Anthropic's Fable 5 • Recent developments affecting global markets Tip of the Week American Express Blue cardholders may be eligible for a monthly streaming credit. Brent and Ben explain how to take advantage of the benefit. If you enjoy conversations on investing, retirement planning, and building long-term wealth, subscribe to The Money Alchemist Podcast for new episodes every week. Have a financial question you'd like us to discuss on the show? Submit it through the link in our bio or leave a comment below. About your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Comments or questions? Submit to our link in our show bio Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

July 4, 2026Episode 601 hr 4 min

Does the 4% Rule Still Work? | Retirement Income, Safe Withdrawal Rates & Investing | Ep 60

The 4% Rule has guided retirement planning for decades, but does it still make sense in today's market? In Episode 60, Ben Jones and Brent Gargano break down the origins of the 4% Rule, Bill Bengen's original research, the Trinity Study, and how retirees can think about safe withdrawal rates and spending guardrails throughout retirement. The conversation also covers recent developments in the markets, including inflation concerns, the latest updates surrounding the SpaceX IPO, and what investors should be watching. To wrap up the episode, Ben and Brent share a practical tip on how to check for unclaimed funds that may be waiting for you. Submit Your Questions: https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true Topics include: The history of the 4% Rule Bill Bengen's research The Trinity Study Safe withdrawal rates Spending guardrails Inflation updates SpaceX IPO update Market news How to check for unclaimed funds About your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 Comments or questions? Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com Disclosure: The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

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