Money Talk

Saturday, October 10th. Near Record Highs, Then Reality Hits As markets flirted with record highs before stumbling on renewed inflation and oil price concerns, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down the week's biggest economic and market-moving developments. They discuss the AI trade's sudden wobble, crude oil's march toward $100 a barrel, rising consumer inflation expectations, and what the latest Fed minutes signal about the path of interest rates. Plus, they examine Treasury market trends, surging bond yields, and what it all means for investors navigating an increasingly uncertain landscape. We also discuss life insurance planning and how to decide who gets listed as the taxpayer in a marriage.

Saturday, October 3rd. The COO Of The Brewers Joins The Show Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a third quarter that looked strong on paper but told a very different story underneath. From the narrowing market rally and shifting AI narrative to rising Treasury yields, renewed Fed tightening, and persistent geopolitical uncertainty, they separate the headlines from the fundamentals. They also explore why corporate profits and the labor market remain remarkably resilient even as consumer confidence continues to lag. Plus, Marti Wronski, Chief Operating Officer of the Milwaukee Brewers, joins the show to share her leadership journey and what it takes to help run a Major League Baseball organization. Also, when a co-worker retires, what are they planning and how did they get there financially?

Saturday, September 26th. The Name's Bond. Treasury Bond. Stocks surged on AI enthusiasm, Treasury yields climbed to levels not seen since before the financial crisis, and oil volatility reignited fears that inflation could stick around longer than expected. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss the current state of tariffs, the Fed, energy markets, and the economic forces shaping the weeks ahead. Plus, using the new Trump accounts and how the high-net worth look at spending money later in life.

Saturday, September 19th. Fed Goes Higher for Longer, but How Long? CEO Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack the Fed’s latest rate hike, explain why inflation still isn’t passing the sniff test, and discuss what rising long-term interest rates mean for investors. They break down surprisingly strong U.S. economic data, from hot retail sales to business spending, while contrasting it with China’s ongoing economic struggles. The conversation also explores how oil market disruptions, global geopolitics, and policy uncertainty could shape markets in the months ahead. Plus, segments on entering the 'Retirement Red Zone' and how the younger generation is looking at investing.

Saturday, September 12th. Markets Caught Between Tariffs and Oil Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada are heating up, with new tariffs and import bans threatening supply chains and businesses on both sides of the border. Meanwhile, escalating conflict in the Middle East is driving oil prices higher and raising fresh inflation concerns. We break down what it could mean for consumers, investors, and the Federal Reserve. Plus, retirement age milestones and how to deal with the upcoming "Silver Tsunami".

Saturday, September 5th. Higher Yields, Higher Stakes, Higher Job Numbers. Mark Beck and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a week that shook up Wall Street as investors dramatically shifted their expectations for the Federal Reserve following Chair Warsh's Jackson Hole comments, pushing Treasury yields to their highest levels in more than a year and sparking fresh debate about the path of interest rates. They also examine a labor market stuck in a "no-hire, no-fire" mode, rising oil prices tied to growing Middle East tensions, and what the Fed's latest Beige Book reveals about the AI boom's impact on the real economy. Plus, practical planning topics including how to make the most of your Health Savings Account and smart strategies for tackling student loan debt.

Saturday, August 29th. Jackson Hole, Bond Market Volatility, and AI Momentum This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack the biggest economic and market stories, including Fed Governor Kevin Warsh's closely watched Jackson Hole remarks and the implications for interest rates. They discuss stubborn inflation, signs of a slowing consumer, and why stronger-than-expected second quarter spending data paints a different picture than current sentiment. They also cover Treasury buybacks, falling oil prices, Nvidia's latest surge, and what it all means for investors. Plus, we discuss the proposed Trump account regulations and how to approach retirement planning when your career goals and workplace direction no longer align.

Saturday, August 22nd. The Bond Market Revolt: Why Bessent Stepped In Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stepped into a bond market rattled by soaring long-term yields and a federal debt load that has now surpassed $40 trillion, but did his intervention solve anything or simply expose a bigger problem? This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack the drama in the Treasury market, the Fed's increasingly hawkish stance, and what a weaker dollar, rising gold prices, and surging oil could mean for investors. Plus, they examine the growing divide in the consumer economy as Walmart stumbles, Target surges, and Wall Street searches for the next signal on the health of the U.S. economy. We also discuss planning for the rising costs of healthcare and your first year of retirement.

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.

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".

Saturday, August 1st. The Fed Says Little, Markets Hear Plenty For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen will 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.

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.

Saturday, July 18th. What’s Next for Markets and Mortgage Rates? This week, Dr. Brian Jacobsen breaks down the key themes emerging from earnings season and what they could mean for investors. He’s joined by Director of Financial Planning Eric Strom to discuss the housing market and mortgage rates. Plus, we explore the growing number of employed adult children living with their parents and provide practical guidance for evaluating life insurance policies so you can make more informed financial decisions.

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.

Saturday, July 4th. The Economy Turns 250 and the June Job Numbers 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.

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.

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.

Title: SpaceX and Jobs Take Center Stage In this Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen dig into SpaceX’s headline-grabbing IPO—and why the bigger story may be its bold (and unproven) AI ambitions. They also explore the intensifying AI arms race, from trillion-dollar valuations to Nvidia’s push into everyday tech, and what it means when even standout earnings fail to impress. Plus, a look at shifting tariffs and a two-speed economy, where strong manufacturing momentum meets growing uncertainty beneath the surface. Also, a segment on structuring student loan plans.

In this week's Money Talk, Dave Spano joins the show to talk about the volatility of the ever changing market including the energy market, the tech landscape, as well as the importance of being patient in this dynamic market. The crew also talks about the 'in between' incomes and how the results of the markets impact those 'in betweeners' more than anyone else.

What Does a new Fed Chair Mean? This week we unpack a fast-moving mix of global headlines and what they really mean for your money, from rising tensions overseas to new policy shifts that could reshape housing and trade. We break down the latest economic data and what the Federal Reserve is signaling about inflation, interest rates, and where things may be headed next. We also connect it all to the real world, from AI driven deals and IPO buzz to what businesses are seeing right now, and the essential money habits every parent should be teaching their kids beyond just saving.

The End of an Era at the Fed Big global moves this week as the US and China reopen trade channels on beef, oil, and agriculture, even as tensions flare over Taiwan. Meanwhile, political shakeups hit both sides of the Atlantic with Kevin Warsh narrowly taking the helm at the Fed and the UK prime minister stepping down after market jitters. Back home, Trump pushes a gas tax pause and cheaper beef while economists flag the risks of populist policies, and housing data barely ticks higher. Also, how to navigate the ups and down of the retirement smile along with contribution strategies.

The Standoff Continues This week’s episode sharpens the focus on major, politically driven developments, from the SEC’s push to rethink decades-old reporting rules to the high-stakes uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack key economic signals, including tighter bank lending standards and what they reveal about business confidence and credit conditions. And on Main Street, we connect the dots of rising costs, housing affordability challenges, war-driven hesitation in spending, and a deeper question lingering beneath it all: why retirement confidence is starting to slip.

Powell's Swan Song This week Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a high-stakes geopolitical and monetary situation, from rising Middle East tensions and OPEC fractures to the puzzling drumbeat for rate hikes with high oil prices. We unpack a divided Fed, increasingly hawkish signals from global central banks, and what may be Chair Powell’s final act as leadership transitions are ahead. Economic data remains solid, with resilient GDP growth and jobless claims evoking a “Summer of ’69” moment for the labor market. Plus, myths about filing an extension and tools for finding long-term care for a loved one.

Saturday, April 25th. Retirement Confidence Is Low. What Do We Do? This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen look ahead to what less Fed forward guidance could mean for rate volatility, why strong balance sheets may become a market advantage, and how global energy flows could quietly shift away from geopolitical chokepoints. Plus, the political noise shaking markets and why retirement confidence has sunk to a ten‑year low, as rising costs and growing uncertainty leave workers feeling increasingly uneasy. Additional segments on being tax savvy and Required Minimum Distribution Strategies.

Saturday, April 18th. What a Rally We Had! This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss the sudden halt of Kevin Warsh’s nomination hearing and a huge recovery in the markets. We unpack soft housing data, jittery small businesses, cautious hiring, rising input costs, and a Beige Book full of uncertainty, and if the economy feels less like a recession. Special guest, and former Navy SEAL John Choate, joins the show and things he's seen overseas.

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down where income taxes hit hardest, why a third of Americans pay zero federal income tax, and how mandatory spending quietly dominates the budget. Plus, a two‑week U.S.–Iran ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz, and why geopolitics still has markets, and policymakers, on edge. What is "Retirement Subtraction", and what are the strategies to guide you through it? Also, how can donor-advised funds help with your tax filing plan for next year?

Saturday, April 4th. How Oil Prices Affect the Economy This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack President Trump’s calls for the U.S. to step back from policing Middle East energy security, his push to exit the Iran conflict after taking away its nuclear and military capabilities, and Tehran’s demand for guarantees to prevent future aggression. We explore why oil price shocks hurt the economy far less than they used to, how U.S. energy efficiency has transformed since the Gulf War era, and why the Fed is content to “wait and see” rather than react to short‑term supply disruptions. Plus, a timely Labor Department proposal that could open 401(k) plans to private equity, private credit, crypto, and other alternatives, offering clearer fiduciary cover for plan managers. Also, segments on direct indexing and plans for rich retirees.

For the Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack a busy week where energy markets once again broke the rules, with negative prices in parts of the US echoing the shock of April 2020 and showing how oil profits can help offset losses in gas. They also take a look at fast moving global developments, from sudden shifts in US Iran dynamics to Turkey considering sales of its gold reserves to support its currency. Plus, practical conversations on smart ways to put a bigger tax refund to work and how to plan ahead for the rising costs of weddings.

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss rising fuel costs, Iran’s attacks on energy infrastructure, and Powell’s defiant stance at the Fed. We break down why backward‑looking data may matter less in a post‑Iran world and new proposals on bank capital and SEC reporting. Plus, we look beyond oil to Nvidia’s trillion‑dollar ambitions, Macy’s surprising “shrink‑to‑grow” strategy, and why Americans might be outsourcing steak‑risk to restaurants.

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down the nonstop developments out of Iran, from a new leader to massive U.S. military spending and a global scramble to replace disrupted oil and fertilizer flows through the Strait of Hormuz. We also unpack why the IEA’s historic 400‑million‑barrel release may not calm markets, how shaky private‑credit headlines are starting to snowball, and why economic data like CPI and jobs reports are already outdated in a $100‑oil world. Plus, we explore surprising shifts in consumer behavior as giants like McDonald’s and Dollar General chase customers on both ends of the income spectrum amid mounting travel, trade, and supply‑chain strains. Also, segments on the trend of people raiding their 401(k) accounts and "retirement subtraction".

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen look at why classic diversification struggled as stocks, bonds, and even gold moved together, and why holding cash with a real plan may matter more than ever. We talk about the rise in hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts and what that reveals about financial stress across the country. We also break down major global tensions, shifting oil flows, and the latest economic data that is shaping markets. Plus, segments on navigating financial conversations with family and how to leverage your health as your greatest wealth.

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down whether the latest Fed minutes truly put another rate hike back on the table, all while markets juggle rising geopolitical tension with Iran and attention on Japan’s massive U.S. investment commitments. They’ll dig into the data, from falling jobless claims and a widening trade deficit to signs of a manufacturing rebound, as well as what demographic shifts mean for companies like Molson Coors and Harley-Davidson. Plus, they explore the growing turf war between Amazon and Walmart and what it signals for consumers and investors alike. Other segments include tax moves before the deadline, and a new $6,000 deduction for seniors.

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen unpack Japan’s political shake‑up, where a landslide election win is clearing the way for food‑tax cuts and potential changes to the nation’s post‑war constitution. They turn to the U.S. next, tackling rising economic pressures, from a growing federal deficit and tariff‑driven price hikes to a housing market still millions of homes short. Finally, they sift through the latest data and corporate earnings to reveal what’s really happening on the ground as consumers pull back, mortgage stress creeps up, and businesses split between AI‑powered momentum and tariff‑strained margins. Plus, two bonus segments: AI investing strategies for high‑net‑worth portfolios and key tax moves ahead of the 2025 deadline.

It was a whirlwind week in politics and economics, from shutdown fallout and delayed labor data to a surprise rebound in U.S. manufacturing. In our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down major Trump-era developments, including a proposed minerals stockpile, a pathway‑to‑ownership housing plan, and an India trade deal shaped by energy and geopolitics. We also cover Fed leadership changes, rising tensions with Iran, what it all means for markets and workers, and a timely segment on charitable giving with Maggie Tate-Techtmann, Executive Director at HAWS.

During our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down the new tariff threats from President Trump, a weaker U.S. dollar, and a landmark trade deal between the European Union and India. We also cover the Federal Reserve holding rates steady while signaling a mixed economic picture. On the data front, slowing job growth, plunging consumer confidence, and the weakest population growth since COVID point to rising uncertainty about the U.S. economy. Plus, segments on the new "Trump Accounts" and rolling over 401(k) plans.

We take a deep dive into the political developments that defined the week, with Davos setting the agenda. From tariffs and Greenland to housing policy, credit cards, crypto, and global markets, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break it down in our Week in Review. As always, we round it out with key international reactions, important data points shaping the macro-outlook, and segments on retroactive tax strategies and preparing for the Silver Tsunami.

From Trump’s surprise call for a 10% cap on credit‑card interest to the DOJ’s subpoenas aimed at Jerome Powell, it was a week packed with political and market-moving headlines. Inflation kept cooling, and corporate earnings stayed upbeat, even as consumers grew more cautious. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen walk through it for our Week in Review, and we dive into how ACA subsidies are affecting people under 65.

The Santa Rally skipped town this year, but the January Effect is making waves, especially for small caps. Markets are buzzing after U.S. forces captured Venezuela’s president Maduro, fueling bold oil ambitions despite steep challenges. Plus, trade tensions and tariff twists continue, and younger workers being affected by AI-exposed occupations. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break it all down in this Week in Review, along with segments on key milestone ages for retirement planning and avoiding online scams.

China’s economy hit a rough patch with deflation fears, while U.S. markets soared despite historic tariff hikes and a few headline-grabbing scares. Mark Beck and Brian Jacobsen break down the headlines into the new year with our Week in Review. Gold and silver had a banner year, Bitcoin stumbled, and AI kept stealing the spotlight. Next year looks even bigger for AI with new models from OpenAI and Meta set to shake things up. Also, how could the 4% rule help you in retirement, and how you can be prepared if you are single in your later years.

This week’s show takes a look back at 2025 and noted how the markets have broadened heading into 2026. We explore decisions high net worth people face, as well as considerations when selling assets. We also explore “money guilt” – the uncomfortable feeling of second-guessing spending decisions.

Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen unpack distorted economic data and what shifting payroll trends could mean for the labor market in our Week in Review. Inflation may be taking a breather, but consumer spending is holding strong as we head into the holidays. Plus, we preview earnings season, explore what to expect in your first meeting with a wealth manager, and dive into creating a lasting ‘living legacy.’

The Fed cut rates but signaled it’s ready to hit pause for a while. In our Week in Review, Tom Parks and Brian Jacobsen break down why their upbeat tone on productivity could make their job easier, what the board’s mindset might be, and why market expectations for 2026 cuts are already taking shape. Also, segments on solo aging, the rules of gifting money and creating a "living legacy".

Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen walk you through a week where strong shopping meets mixed economic news in our Week in Review. They also cover tariff updates, election stories, challenges facing retailers and small businesses, a big moment in charitable giving. Later, trending discussions about equity compensation and planning for solo aging.

This week’s Week in Review covers major political moves, from President Trump’s planned trip to Beijing to the launch of the Genesis Mission and the latest readings on growth, confidence, inflation, and business sentiment. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen also unpack notable corporate stories, evolving consumer behavior, the data to watch in the week ahead, plus segments on smart ways to gift money and how to think about “Alignment” versus “Accumulation” in retirement.

Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down everything from tariff-driven grocery relief to mixed economic signals heading into the holidays for the Week in Review. They’ll help make sense of what matters now, and what might matter next. We also talk about how parents can build a real plan to help their kids tackle student loans. And later, smart end-of-year decisions for high-net-worth families looking to get organized before 2026.

Mark Beck and Brian Jacobsen tackle a busy week of headlines in our Week in Review. Everything from the shutdown delay and shifting tariffs to new housing ideas like portable mortgages. We’ll also dig into what small businesses and big-name earnings are signaling as we head into the holidays. And later, we break down “equity compensation” and whether it’s something you’d actually want as part of your pay.

This week, we’re digging into the “K-shaped” economy—who’s rising, who’s struggling, and what the latest numbers reveal. In our Week in Review, Wealth Advisor Austin Grandinetti and Chief Economic Strategist Dr. Brian Jacobsen sort through layoffs, earnings, tech turbulence, and political headlines shaping the markets. Plus, smart tax moves later in life, including lessons from a couple in their 80s, and whether it ever makes sense to hit pause on your 401(k) contributions, and how to get back on track if you do.

Saturday, November 1st Central banks were in the spotlight this week — with rate cuts, policy holds, and new signals about the path ahead for quantitative tightening. The Fed made another move, and investors are already asking what could come next in 2025. Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down what it all means in this week’s Week In Review. Plus, a look at the surprising “Labubu Trend” sweeping the collectibles world — and what lessons it offers for investors. Later in the show, we’ll explore six key benefits of incorporating trusts into a comprehensive financial plan.