The Money Alchemist Podcast

Geopolitics and Portfolios: Inflation, Oil Prices, and What It Means for Markets

In Episode 52 of The Money Alchemist, Ben and Brent walk through the latest market developments, including inflation trends, labor data, and shifts in private credit.
They also discuss the market implications of recent geopolitical events, including Operation Epic Fury, and how these dynamics are influencing oil, global trade, and investor sentiment.
The episode closes with a practical tip of the week and a broader perspective on how these moving pieces connect back to portfolios.
 
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 
 
Agenda:
What’s happening in 10 minutes
Inflation returning - Jan PPI moves up (Core at 3.6%), oil up +50% YTD
Employment data not hot but resilient - March 6 BLS report
Wage inflation moves higher from 3.7 to 3.8%
Unemployment up from 4.3 to 4.4%
Labor participation dipped to 62% - lowest since 12/2021
Job cuts hit nearly all sectors, healthcare hardest hit due to Kaiser Permanente strike
Private Credit exodus - duration mismatch in evergreen funds apparent, banks enter space in 2022-2023 increasing competition, lowering spreads and covenant quality - older loans, especially to software co.s affected by AI.  Retail requesting redemptions in mass.  Solvency issue at the fund level, not the issuer level - middle market showing financial strength 
Consumer spending up 3.2% YoY
Broadening trade widens
Transition to Operation Epic Fury
BlackRock (HLEND), Blue Owl (OBDC II) & Blackstone BCRED have all frozen redemptions
 
Topic du jour - Operation Epic Fury market implications
Over 5,000 targets struck - more than Desert Storm & Operation Iraqi Freedom - rumor is traffic cameras provided critical intel 
Interim acting Supreme Leader in limbo (Mjtaba Khamenei or Alireza Arafi).  Tehran continues to reject unconditional demands 
7 service members KIA.  March 10 reported to be most intense day of strikes yet
Politically, Trump Admin frame “short-term” campaign message to garner public support - initially 2-weeks, now 4
Control of global oil shipments is a major objective, albeit not publicly highlighted - Oil must trade primarily in dollars to maintain dollar hegemony - Iran/Venezuelan oil trade fell largely outside of U.S. dollar system
Crude Oil futures (April 26 contract) on NY Mercantile peaked around $95 before pulling back to sub $90.  
USD largely unchanged YTD but strengthening since launch of operation - speculate continued strength
Strait of Hormuz effectively ‘closed’ in game of chicken.  Threats are the primary leverage.   Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy using small boats & drones for hit and run - estimated 5 ships have been hit. 
 
Tip of the week
If planning an expensive vacation (i.e. resort package), upgrade to an Executive Membership at Costco & book through Costco Travel using the Citi Rewards card.  This will net you back 5%.  New cardholders can sometimes take advantage of one-time promos and stack benefits
 
Sources: 
 
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/09/one-big-reason-ships-and-insurers-are-unwilling-to-risk-strait-of-hormuz.html
 
https://www.worldometers.info/oil/us-oil/
 
https://www.macrotrends.net/1369/crude-oil-price-history-chart
 
https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/average-hourly-earnings-yoy
 
https://www.bls.gov/ppi/home.htm
 
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.

What’s Next for U.S. Tariff Policy: The Supreme Court Decision Reshaping Trade

Money Alchemist EP 51: What’s Next for U.S. Tariff Policy
In Episode 51 of Money Alchemist, Ben and Brent dive into the shifting landscape of U.S. trade policy following a landmark Supreme Court decision. They break down the legalities of tariffs, analyze the real-world impact on consumer goods like the iPhone, and discuss why international markets are seeing a 2026 surge.
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
 
 
Agenda:
What’s happening now
Market Shift: Cintrini Research report on AI’s impact on software sends ripples through the markets.
International Growth: Total International Market index funds are up 10% so far in 2026.
Geopolitical Tension: Monitoring the impact of ongoing violence in Mexico.
Constitutional Ruling: The use of IEEPA to set tariff policy has been ruled unconstitutional.
 
 
Topic du jour - What’s Next for Tariffs
The SCOTUS Decision: A 6-3 ruling deems the Executive Branch's use of IEEPA for broad tariffs unconstitutional under the Major Questions Doctrine.
Trade Act of 1974 (Section 122): Understanding "balance of payments" authority—15% tariffs for 150 days (requires Congressional extension).
Section 301 Investigations: How the U.S. Trade Representative determines unfair trade practices.
National Security (Section 232): The Dept. of Commerce’s role in retaliation measures regarding national security threats.
Trade Winners: Why Canada and Mexico are likely to benefit as "economic threat" cases become harder to prove.
The China Impact: With $308.4 Billion in annual imports, is the impact of China tariffs being overstated?
Case Study (iPhone 17 Pro Max): Despite a 125% tariff, the 2026 price remains steady at $1,199. Why haven't prices increased?
Tip of the Week:
Roast Your Own Coffee: Save money and improve quality by roasting at home. The SR800 Coffee Roaster by FreshRoast is a great entry-level option.
Sourcing: Order green coffee beans directly from cooperatives like Green Coffee Collective or even via Amazon.
 
To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, 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.
 
 
Tax planning strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone and could change due to updates in tax laws or regulations; always consult a qualified tax professional or CPA for advice tailored to your specific situation.
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.

Top 10 Tax Myths Causing You Stress

In Episode 50 of Money Alchemist, Ben and Brent cover market updates, a story about Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway, and break down the most common tax myths that continue to confuse and stress investors.
 
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
 
Agenda: 
What’s happening in 10 minutes
Superbowl highlights 
S&P 500 up almost 2% YTD led by digital storage manufactures, with market breadth widening (consumer staples doing well) - MU contributing most YTD
Low-hire, low-fire jobs report sign of cooling labor market and peak cycle
Story - How Warren Buffett bought Berkshire Hathaway, a textile company  Topic du jour - Top 10 tax myths
No requirement to file - only to pay - but always file (3-year statute of limitations begins upon filing)
Extensions are NOT bad - in fact they can reduce your error rate and chance at audit 
Tax deferral is not a no-brainer and can hurt investors - IRD assets do not pass tax-efficiently (Section 1014 - step-up in basis at death)
Charitable contributions only help up to the first $1,000, but then cannot be deducted beyond this if using standard deduction
Social Security is NOT tax free 
Forms tell the whole story 
Tax brackets apply across all income
 Owning real estate can offset earned income
Not discussed but intended:
The income tax may go away because of tariff revenue
There’s a secret loophole that the wealthy people use to dodge taxes
Juicy Topics
Jeffrey Epstein as a ‘tax-expert’ - what advice did he actually give and was it worth $158 million, as Leon Black paid him (note over annual & lifetime exemptions)
Valuation discount abuse - what IRS permits (illiquidity discounts, 
How rampant is fraud and do most people get away with it? 
Illiquidity (DLOM), minority interest, key person, easements, etc
Should attain a qualified appraisal 
 
 
Tip of the Week:  
Use your AI tool to plan vacations - very good results with Claud reported.  Describe your budget, the amount of people and makeup, travel preferences and originations.  
 
Cohen Recycling:  did you know you can take all your used TVs/appliances to Cohen to have them recycled?  They will even pay for metal by weight. 
 
Variable pricing protection - online retailers track you to maximize how much you will pay. Use VPNs and tracker blocking browsers like Brave to limit some of this - browse without logging in whenever possible.  Brave also blocks YouTube ads!  
 
 
Sources:
IRS Dirty Dozen: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-tax-scams-for-2025-irs-warns-taxpayers-to-watch-out-for-dangerous-threats 
 
National Debt Clock.org
https://usdebtclock.org/ 
  
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.
Tax planning strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone and could change due to updates in tax laws or regulations; always consult a qualified tax professional or CPA for advice tailored to your specific situation.
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. 

American Sentiment Is Shifting. What It Means for Markets

In this episode of Money Alchemist, Ben and Brent take a step back to examine the current American mood and what shifting consumer sentiment may signal for the broader economic landscape.
They begin with a look at recent market activity, including a strong start to the month for stocks, evolving global trade conversations, and continued movement in precious metals. The discussion also touches on brand perception, geopolitical developments, and areas of strength emerging within equities.
The main focus centers on the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey, which currently reflects a reading of 56. Ben and Brent explore what this measure captures, why confidence matters, and how sentiment can influence economic behavior over time.
The episode also includes a practical tip of the week featuring tools that support digital security and organization, followed by a well known story about Jim Carrey that serves as a reminder of the role belief can play in long term success.
This discussion is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
Subscribe for ongoing conversations about markets, planning, and long term thinking.
 
Segments:
What’s happening - 10 min tops
The Snowmagedon 
1st month stocks positive so far 
Tesla brand damage 
Latest market events - 10 min
Trade deal between Europe and India 
Tensions over Greenland 
Gold topping $5k / precious metals popping
Smid rally 
Topic du jour - 20 to 25 min
U of M consumer sentiment survey
Currently at reading of 56
Pull up on Y Charts
Tip of the week - 5 min
Firewalla 
Browser favorite folders 
End on inspiration story
Young Jim Cary writes himself a $10M check
 
Sources
https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/files/featured-chart_large-906bd993.png
 
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: 
 
Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. 
 
All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
 
The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.

2026 Financial Planning: What Families Should Know About the Market, Fed & Housing

In this episode, we break down the "pretext" behind the legal pressure on Jerome Powell and analyze a surprise GDP beat. Then, we shift gears to our Topic de Jour: Goal Setting. If you want 2026 to be your best financial year yet, you need a framework that goes beyond simple resolutions.
In this episode, we cover:
The Holiday Recap: Catching up with Ben and Brent after the break.
Geopolitical Shockwaves: The capture of Venezuelan President Maduro and its immediate impact on global oil prices.
The Fed Under Siege: Why Jerome Powell is facing a Grand Jury over headquarters renovations and the "political pretext" involved.
GDP & Tariffs: Analyzing the 4.3% Q3 GDP beat and how the shrinking trade deficit is driving growth.
The Mortgage Market: Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac’s potential $200B purchase plan and what it means for the housing market.
Topic De Jour: 2026 Goal Setting: How to use the SMART framework and end-result visualization to hit your targets.
Listener Q&A: The guys take on your most pressing financial questions in the "Stump the Planner" challenge.
Tip of the Week: A simple hack for Costco DoorDash gift cards.
__
About Your Hosts
Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group
Web: www.nwmgadvisors.com
Newsletter: www.karatstick.com
X: @thekaratstick
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/
Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning
Web: www.infinitewealthplanning.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573
Newsletter: Join Brent's Monthly Newsletter
Comments or questions? Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com
Team Members
Trevor Gargano (The Digital QB)
Email: Trevor@trevorgargano.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/
Web: TheDigitalQuarterback.com
Follow Our Socials
Support the podcast and see extra clips and announcements!
Instagram: @moneyalchemistpod
X: @moneyalchpod
Facebook: The Money Alchemist Podcast
 
 
Disclosure
Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.

2026 Financial Predictions: 60 Minutes of Market Forecasts & AI Trends with Brent and Ben

What does 2026 hold for your wallet? In this episode, Brent and Ben conduct a "Topic de Jour" deep dive into their 2026 Financial Predictions. Following their successful 2025 forecast—where they correctly predicted the AI counter-revolution and the crypto bear market—the guys are looking ahead at the next big shifts in the global economy.
From the Supreme Court tariff ruling to the AI trade fracturing, we break down why a diversified portfolio is your best defense in a shifting market. Plus, we discuss why the "Value Rotation" is finally here and what the Fed’s latest rate cuts mean for the "debasement trade."
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The 2025 Retrospective: What we got right (and the one thing we got wrong).
AI’s "Human Counter-Revolution": Why the "froth" is breaking down and where the real value lies.
Geopolitical Shifts: The potential China rebound and the impact of the House swinging Blue.
The Isaac Newton Lesson: A historical cautionary tale about the smartest man in the room losing it all.
Timestamps COMING SOON
 
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 Monthly Newsletter:
https://40221980.hs-sites.com/join-infinite-wealth-plannings-newsletter
 
Comments or questions?  Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com 
  
__________________
 
Editor:
 
Trevor Gargano (The Digital QB)
Email: Trevor@trevorgargano.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/
Website: TheDigitalQuarterback.com
 
____________________________
 
Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/
X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483
 
 
Disclosure: 
 
Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. 
 
All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
 
The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.
 

Six Figure Poverty: Is $140,000 Enough to Raise a Family Today?

This Week's Agenda:
What’s happening in 10 min 
Record Black Friday Sales
11.8B up 9.1% from 10.8B in 2024 (Adobe Analytics)
Higher in-store component (1.7% up since last year)
Alphabet surpasses Microsoft as 3rd most valuable company in the world
Concept of circular financing dominating headlines
Fed rate cut in December jumped to 80 - 85% Dec 9 - 10
Topic de jour - Is $140k the new poverty line?
Listener Q&A - 
What should I do if my computer/Mac has been compromised?
Tip of the week
https://www.auctionzip.com/
 
_____
 
 
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 Monthly Newsletter:
https://40221980.hs-sites.com/join-infinite-wealth-plannings-newsletter
 
Comments or questions?  Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com 
  
__________________
 
Editor:
 
Trevor Gargano (The Digital QB)
Email: Trevor@trevorgargano.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/
Website: TheDigitalQuarterback.com
 
____________________________
 
Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/
X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483
 
 
Disclosure: 
 
Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. 
 
All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
 
The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.

Surviving Holiday Dinner Conversations

This Week's Agenda:
What’s happening 10 min 
50 year mortgage idea announced to unpopular fanfare 
Bitcoin down 35% from highs, down 5% on the year.  Crypto markets erase over $1.1T in market cap. 
Government shutdown hits 43 days, ended when House of Reps passed a continuing resolution that would make it through the Senate. 
No BLS jobs data ever for period.  
Michael Burry announcing major AI short on Palantir and NVDIA then closes hedge fund shortly thereafter 
Topic de jour - top financial questions to bring up at Thanksgiving
What investment should I buy?
I need to reduce my taxes, how are all people doing this?
The stock market is rigged, why should I bother?
I hate the mortgage debt/payment and just want to pay it off, why shouldn’t I do that?
My advisor has been recommending annuities, is that a good idea?  
My friend/acquaintance has made so much money trading, where should I start?
TikTocker/YouTuber says we’ve peaked.  Time to get out, the crash is coming. 
The housing market is going to crash, terrible time to buy. 
The US debt ($38T) is too great and the American dollar is going to collapse.  I’m buying gold.  Prove me wrong. 
What about this AI bubble?  What’s that about? 
Listener Q&A - 
I’ve maxed out my 401(k) by summer and was told I might be missing out on company match.  Will I continue to get a company match?
Tip of the week
Learn how to login to your payroll portal and figure out split deposits
https://www.auctionzip.com/
https://simplelogin.io/ 
 
_______
 
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 Monthly Newsletter:
https://40221980.hs-sites.com/join-infinite-wealth-plannings-newsletter
 
Comments or questions?  Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com 
 
___________________
 
Editor:
 
Trevor Gargano (The Digital QB)
Email: Trevor@trevorgargano.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/
Website: TheDigitalQuarterback.com
 
____________________________
 
Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/
X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483
  
Disclosure: 
 
Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. 
All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.

What To Do About Healthcare: Essential Strategies for Workers and Retirees

Agenda
What’s happening 10 min 
Gov’t shutdown - no BLS employment data 
Bitcoin now in bear market collapsing to below $100k 
Michael’s Burry’s new big short 
Healthcare premium inflation 
Jester “Jack” Daniels - how he built an empire and did not survive to reap the reward 
Topic de jour - Cost of healthcare for workers vs retirement, long-term care
Listener Q&A - 
I’ve maxed out my 401(k) by summer and was told I might be missing out on company match, will I continue to get a company match?  
All my neighbors are putting their homes in a trust or giving them to their kids so the nursing home doesn’t take the money, should I do that? 
Tip of the week
Understand how you pay for a mortgage - not all refis are the same.  
___
 
Sources 
 
https://communications.fidelity.com/wi/tools/retirement-health-care/
Healthsherpa.com 
https://www.carescout.com/cost-of-care
 
_____
 
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 
Join Brent's Monthly Newsletter:
https://40221980.hs-sites.com/join-infinite-wealth-plannings-newsletter
 
Comments or questions?  Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com 
 
___________________
 
Editor:
 
Trevor Gargano (The Digital QB)
Email: Trevor@trevorgargano.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/
Website: TheDigitalQuarterback.com
 
____________________________
 
Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/
X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483
  
Disclosure: 
 
Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. 
All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.

Don’t Waste Your Money: Common Annual Enrollment Mistakes

Agenda:
What’s happening 10 min 
All asset classes are up: bonds, stocks, precious metals, crypto 
Valuations at ATH
Brent’s new baby
Equity flows from funds to bonds
Crypto crunch in October - Bitcoin in corrective territory from ATH
Tariff threat with China last week. 
This week’s most interesting money story - Alfred Nobel 15 min
Topic de jour - Open enrollment season - Optimize your choices 20 min
Listener Q&A - 
“We are buying a new home, what do we do with our old home.  Should we rent it out or sell it to fund goals or reduce the mortgage balance on the new home”
Tip of the week
Don’t use your HSA - defer it 
Backup, Hidden savings of online delivery 
529 plan payroll deduction 
Resources:
Employer Benefits Checklist: https://www.fppathfinder.com/checklists/respond/423a7a8d-e99e-4201-b7da-80e337855dce
 
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 
Join Brent's Monthly Newsletter:
https://40221980.hs-sites.com/join-infinite-wealth-plannings-newsletter
 
Comments or questions?  Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com 
 
___________________
 
Editor:
 
Trevor Gargano (The Digital QB)
Email: Trevor@trevorgargano.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/
Website: TheDigitalQuarterback.com
 
____________________________
 
Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!
 
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Disclosure: 
 
Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. 
All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.