Upticks: A Financial Planning & Investment Podcast

Hosted by Jake Falcon

Business InvestingInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

404

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to Upticks, your podcast for financial insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC® and Cory Bittner, CRPC®, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax strategies, and timely market topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that empower your financial literacy. Disclaimer: Securities offered through HighTower Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC, HighTower Advisors, LLC is a SEC registered investment Adviser

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 39941 min

Teach a Man to Fish

Teach a man to fish… or give him everything? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory tackle one of the most misunderstood truths in financial planning: there's no one "right" answer—only better questions. We break down the real trade-offs behind major financial decisions, including: • Is real estate better than stocks—or just more work? • How much international exposure could your portfolio need? • Are "boring bonds" still worth owning in today's market? • Should you retire the moment you can… or wait? • And one of the biggest debates of all: Do you spend your money… or leave it behind? From concentrated risk and hidden ROI to legacy planning and financial independence, this conversation challenges many investor questions. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors #financialplanning #investing #retirementplanning #wealthbuilding #realestateinvesting #stockmarket #personalfinance #financialliteracy #wealthmanagement #upticks

May 29, 2026Episode 39838 min

7 Popular Investment Strategies Put to the Test

Most people follow "common sense" financial advice… But what if some of those rules are actually costing you money? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down some of the most popular financial questions and strategies—and challenge whether they make sense. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors     #retirementplanning #financialadvice #wealthmanagement #investingstrategy #moneymistakes #mortgagetips #indexfunds #financialfreedom #retirementtips #moneyeducation

May 21, 2026Episode 39732 min

Retirement Planning Myths Some Smart People Still Believe

Are smart, successful professionals unknowingly making retirement planning mistakes? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down some of the most common retirement myths. Even the ones high earners and financially savvy individuals may still believe. From assuming your expenses will drop in retirement to relying on outdated rules of thumb, these misconceptions can quietly derail your long-term financial plan. They also unpack a popular strategy used by ultra-wealthy investors where they borrow against their stock instead of selling it. They explain reasons why it may not be as safe or accessible as it sounds. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors #retirementplanning #financialliteracy #retirementmyths #wealthmanagement #financialstrategy #personalfinance #retirementincome #investingsmart #moneydecisions #falconwealthadvisors

May 14, 2026Episode 39334 min

The $2M Retirement Gap for Corporate Executives

Are you a corporate executive or high earner wondering if your nest egg is truly enough for retirement? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory dive deep into the "$2 Million Retirement Gap" The hidden risks and blind spots that can derail even the most well-funded retirement plans. Discover reasons net worth isn't the whole story, ways income structure and tax efficiency shape your financial future, and the critical mistakes to avoid with employer stock and withdrawal sequencing. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors     #retirementplanning #financialliteracy #wealthadvisors #corporateexecutives #taxstrategy #incomeplanning #stockmarketrisk #falconwealth #financialconfidence #uptickspodcast

May 8, 2026Episode 39536 min

Caring for Aging Parents with Don and Elaine Minter

Caring for aging parents can be overwhelming—especially when families are forced to make big decisions during moments of crisis. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory sit down with Don and Elaine Minter of Senior Care Authority to unpack the real challenges families face when navigating senior care, assisted living, memory care, and long-term planning. 👉 Want help or resources for your family? Email luke@falconwealthadvisors.com and we'll connect you with the right people. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors     #agingparents #sandwichgeneration #seniorcareplanning #retirementplanning #familyfinance #memorycare #assistedliving #financialplanning #eldercare #longtermcare

April 30, 2026Episode 39438 min

Our Biggest Money Mistakes

What if learning to build wealth didn't start with perfect decisions—but with real mistakes? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory pull back the curtain and share the biggest personal financial mistakes they've made—from early career missteps to hard‑earned lessons about investing, debt, and money mindset. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors     #financialmistakes #personalfinance #moneylessons #financialplanning #wealthmanagement #investingmistakes #retirementplanning #financialliteracy #moneyhabits #fiduciary

April 24, 2026Episode 39344 min

Could a $10M Net Worth Leave You Broke in Retirement?

Most people chase net worth—but few stop to ask whether it might actually pay them in retirement. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down a mistake they see all the time: confusing a big balance sheet with sustainable retirement income. Using real‑world examples (and an unexpected stroller analogy), they explain why a high net worth might not automatically mean financial freedom—and how it could create a false sense of security as retirement approaches. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors     #retirementplanning #retirementincome #financialliteracy #networth #wealthstrategy #taxplanning #socialsecurity #financialindependence #retirementready #moneyeducation

April 17, 2026Episode 39236 min

Reasons Financially Secure People May Be Afraid to Retire Anyway

Many people assume that once you're financially secure, retirement should feel easy. In reality, some of the most financially prepared people struggle the most with the decision to retire. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down the real psychological reasons financially secure individuals might be afraid to retire—even when the numbers say they're ready. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors     #retirementplanning #financialindependence #wealthmindset #retirementfear #financialsecurity #retirementpsychology #financialliteracy #investmentplanning #falconwealthadvisors #uptickspodcast

April 10, 2026Episode 39137 min

Reasons Volatility Feels Different Once Withdrawals Begin

Market drops feel very different once you retire—and that fear is real. If you're no longer contributing to your portfolio and instead relying on it for income, volatility doesn't just feel uncomfortable… it feels threatening. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down reasons market swings hit harder in retirement and what can help retirees regain confidence during uncertain markets. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors     #retirementplanning #marketvolatility #retirementincome #financialplanning #investorpsychology #cashflowplanning #wealthmanagement #bondstrategy #financialeducation #uptickspodcast

April 3, 2026Episode 39034 min

The Hidden Tax Bill No One Plans For

Most retirees focus on how much they've saved but overlook the hidden tax bill that can quietly drain their income for decades. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down reasons two people with the same net worth can have wildly different retirements, all because of how, and when, they pay taxes. From required minimum distributions (RMDs) and Social Security taxation to Medicare IRMAA surcharges, they explain ways poor tax planning can turn the IRS into your biggest retirement expense. Checkout Upticks 379: https://youtu.be/i6IqYOMt1Zg --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524        https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en        https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc        https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors     #retirementplanning #taxplanning #financialplanning #retirementtaxes #wealthmanagement #rmds #rothconversion #socialsecuritytaxes #medicareirmaa #falconwealthadvisors Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC member FINRA and SIPC. Hightower Advisors, LLC or any of its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. This material is not intended or written to provide and should not be relied upon or used as a substitute for tax or legal advice. Information contained herein does not consider an individual's or entity's specific circumstances or applicable governing law, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and be subject to change. Clients are urged to consult their tax or legal advisor for related questions.