The Money Alchemist Podcast

The 5 Only Accounts You'll Ever Need: Simple Investing and Financial Planning Explained

What accounts do you actually need to build wealth?
In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Ben and Brent break down the idea that simplicity often beats complexity when it comes to financial planning and investing.
They discuss why many investors end up chasing gimmicks, opening too many accounts, and overcomplicating their finances....when in reality, only a handful of account types tend to do most of the heavy lifting over time.
The conversation walks through the core account structures they believe are most important for long-term wealth building and why understanding the purpose of each account matters more than constantly searching for the next strategy.
 
 
What’s happening in 10 minutes
• Earnings growth accelerating across the S&P 500• AI hardware demand surging with renewed focus on infrastructure• Micron, Intel, AMD, and Broadcom seeing increased attention• GameStop’s reported interest in eBay and why the market reacted negatively• PCE inflation coming in hotter than expected• 30-year Treasury bond hovering around 5%• Fed rate expectations and the outlook for future policy decisions
 
About Your Hosts
Ben Jones, CFP®Managing Director, National Wealth Management Groupwww.nwmgadvisors.comSign up for Ben’s newsletter: www.karatstick.comFollow him on X @thekaratstickhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/
Brent Gargano, CFP®Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planningwww.infinitewealthplanning.comhttps://linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573
 
Topic Du Jour
The 5 Only Accounts You’ll Ever Need
• Checking Accounts• High-Yield Savings Accounts• Non-Qualified Brokerage Accounts• Roth Retirement Accounts• Pre-Tax Retirement Accounts• Bonus: HSA Accounts (if eligible)
Additional Topics Discussed
• Simplicity vs sophistication in investing• Why too many accounts can create confusion• The danger of gimmick chasing• Common traits of successful long-term investors• The role each account type plays in financial planning
Tip of the Week
• Use VRBO to find properties, then search for the property manager’s direct booking website to potentially save money• Pursue contractor bids during the fall when demand is often lower compared to spring and summer
 
Sources & Links
Andrew Ross Sorkin Interview with GameStop CEO:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmj2PaxX24E
FactSet Earnings Update:https://insight.factset.com/sp-500-earnings-season-update-may-1-2026
 
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 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, including Forms ADV and CRS, please visit www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.
To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email: comments@themoneyalchemistshow.com

What TV Gets Right and Wrong About Financial Planning: Taxes, Investing, and Wealth Strategies

What does TV get right… and wrong… about financial planning?
In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Ben and Brent break down popular wealth strategies featured in Beef (Season 2) and separate what’s realistic from what’s not.
They walk through concepts like buy, borrow, die, 1031 exchanges, and the use of entities, explaining how these strategies actually work in real life and where they’re often misunderstood.
They also discuss the ethical and practical considerations behind some of the scenarios portrayed, and what viewers should take away when thinking about their own financial plan.
What’s happening in 10 minutes
• S&P 500 back to positive territory after recent volatility• Market rebound driven by institutional flows and retail participation• International markets still leading year-to-date• CPI rising to 3.3% — highest in two years• Earnings growth accelerating across the S&P 500• Shifting dynamics between the MAG 7 and the broader market
Topic Du Jour
Netflix Season 2 Beef Wealth Strategies Explained
• Buy, Borrow, Die — legit, but anyone can use• 1031 Transfers — legit, but anyone can use• Embezzlement & the ethics of JTTEN account with elderly parent• Shell companies — legit, works in real life and in the show• Healthcare for HCEs but not rank and file — not compliant with ACA
Tip of the Week
Smartwool socks — buy them at Sierra Trading Post:https://www.sierra.com/all/s~smartwool/?page=1&overrideSort=TopSellersScore
Strategies Covered
• Buy, Borrow, Die• 1031 Exchanges• Use of entities and shell companies• Ethical considerations in financial decision-making• Healthcare access differences and regulatory realities
About Your Hosts
Ben Jones, CFP®Managing Director, National Wealth Management Groupwww.nwmgadvisors.comSign up for Ben’s newsletter: www.karatstick.comFollow him on X @thekaratstickhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/
Brent Gargano, CFP®Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planningwww.infinitewealthplanning.comhttps://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 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, including Forms ADV and CRS, please visit www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.
To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email: comments@themoneyalchemistshow.com

CFP® Meets Reddit: Real Personal Finance Questions Answered by Professional Advisors

Topic of the Day
CFP® Meets Reddit
 
What can real questions from Reddit teach us about personal finance?
In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Ben and Brent review real posts from r/personalfinance and walk through how a CFP® professional would approach them. From navigating a major increase in income to thinking about long-term wealth, they break down practical decision-making in real-world scenarios.
They also cover current market and economic updates, including developments around the Artemis II mission, comparisons between NASA and SpaceX, recent shifts in MAG 7 valuations, and the latest geopolitical headlines.
If you’ve ever wondered how a financial advisor would think through real-life money questions, this episode offers a clear and practical look into that process.
What’s happening in 10 minutes
• Artemis II mission updates and cost considerations• NASA vs SpaceX: different approaches to space exploration• MAG 7 valuations amid recent market movement• Latest developments from recent geopolitical headlines
 
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 
 
Tip of the Week
www.CollegeAidPro.com 
 
Sources/Links:
Reddit Post 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1sejscz/roth_401k_contribution/
 
Reddit Post 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1s6x28g/massive_jump_in_salary_need_advice/
 
Citrini Report:
https://www.citriniresearch.com/p/strait-of-hormuz-a-citrini-field
 
Comments or questions?  Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com 
 
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.
 
 

How Much Financial Advisors Make: Fees, Clients, and What They Actually Do | MAP Episode 53

How much do financial advisors actually make?
In this episode of Money Alchemist, Ben and Brent break down how advisors are compensated, how many clients they can realistically serve, and what their day-to-day work actually looks like. They also cover current market conditions, including recent S&P 500 movement, rising gas prices, and shifting expectations around interest rates.
The conversation touches on broader economic themes like productivity, inflation, and the growing role of government debt.
Whether you’ve worked with an advisor before or are simply curious how the industry operates, this episode provides a clear look at how the business of advice really works. Watch the full episode on our channel.
Subscribe for more conversations on markets, investing, and financial planning.
 
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
 
Raw Agenda:
What’s happening in 10 minutes S&P 500 in correction - down -5.9% from ATH led by MAG-7 declines
Gas prices up, Fed rate cut forecasts slashed - chances of next move being a hike higher than a cut K-shape Economy - hot now but been going on for awhile
Chuck Noris, seeking greater challenges, decides to die at 86 Productivity down (wages tend to drive inflation with productivity being the offset) & what this means for inflation
Government debt hits $39T, growing by $2.78T since Trump took office
Topic du jour - How Much Financial Advisors Make Brokers vs agents vs fiduciaries
How many clients can an actual advisor handle?
What do they typically do Advice models - which is best?
Tip of the week Athropic Acadamy -
https://www.anthropic.com/learn
General Education -
udemy.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.

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
 
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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.