Between global conflicts, shifting interest rates, and constant media noise, it’s easy to feel like your retirement portfolio is under siege. When the headlines get scary, the temptation to "go to cash" is stronger than ever—but is that actually the safest move?

In Season 8, Episode 119 of the Pennywise Financial Podcast, we are joined by David Georgiev, Partner at Monarch Wealth Management and author of the popular Defeating Goliath blog. Together, we cut through the emotional panic of the 24/7 news cycle and look strictly at the hard data.

If you are nearing or in retirement and rely on your portfolio for income, this episode is your ultimate "Wealth Playbook."In this episode, we break down:

📉 The Staggering Cost of Panic: Why trying to "time" the market is a losing game, and how missing just the 10 best days of the market can cut your returns in half.

🌍 Geopolitics & Your Portfolio: A historical look at how the S&P 500 actually responds to major wars and geopolitical shocks, plus how oil spikes act as a "hidden inflation tax."🏦 The Fed’s New Yield Reality: Why the days of risk-free, high-yield CDs are shifting, and how to avoid the "cash trap" that silently destroys your purchasing power.

🛡️ The Income Antidote: How high-net-worth investors ($1M–$5M+) are moving beyond the traditional 60/40 portfolio by using non-correlated assets—like private credit and real estate—to build a bulletproof income floor. It’s time to stop letting the headlines dictate your financial future.

Tune in to learn how to operate out of wisdom, not fear, and ensure your portfolio is built to weather the storm.

📖 Read Dave’s latest blog post, "Staring down the Goliaths of the Global Market": https://www.monarchwealthmanagement.com/post/staring-down-the-golilaths-of-the-global-market

🌐 Learn more about Monarch Wealth Management: www.monarchwealthmanagement.com

📞 Schedule a consultation to stress-test your portfolio: https://www.monarchwealthmanagement.com/constantineIf you found value in today's episode, please hit the SUBSCRIBE button, leave us a 5-star review, and share this with a friend or family member who needs to hear it!

#PennywiseFinancial #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #Investing #MarketVolatility #FinancialAdvisor #MonarchWealth #PassiveIncome #AlternativeInvestments

In this packed episode of Pennywise, we navigate the intersection of a wartime economy, historic policy shifts, and the golden moments that define American excellence. From the front lines of the Middle East to the front rows of the State of the Union, we are breaking down what these headlines actually mean for your brokerage account and your family’s future.The Macro Breakdown: SOTU & The New EconomyWe step inside the House Chamber to analyze the economic pillars of the latest State of the Union address. Leaving the political noise at the door, we focus on the raw data:The Tariff Transition: Understanding the shift toward domestic production and how trade barriers are reshaping global supply chains.Supreme Court Impact: A look at the recent SCOTUS rulings on regulatory overreach and what they mean for corporate "breathing room."Energy Costs: Analyzing the 80-million-barrel influx and why energy dominance is the current anchor for cooling inflation.The Great Rotation: Where the Money is MovingThe "Magnificent Seven" era is taking a breather, and the "Great Rotation" is in full swing. We discuss:Sector Shifts: Why capital is flowing out of high-valuation tech and into Small Caps (Russell 2000) and Real Assets.The Defense Rollercoaster: A deep dive into the war against Iran. We compare the projected 12–24 month returns of Aerospace & Defense stocks (LMT, RTX, NOC) against the S&P 500, highlighting the "Replenishment Cycle" and why this trade requires a tactical exit strategy.The Wealth Playbook: Taxes & Trump AccountsStrategy is nothing without tax efficiency. We break down the technicals of keeping more of what you earn:Short-Term vs. Long-Term: The "tax trap" of high-frequency trading in non-retirement accounts and how to avoid it.The 530A "Trump Accounts": Who qualifies for these new tax-free growth vehicles, the $5,000 annual contribution limits, and why this is a generational game-changer for American families.Backflips and Blue Lines: A Celebration of ExcellenceFinally, we find inspiration in the "Gold Standard."Olympic Glory: Celebrating the historic sweep by the U.S. Men’s and Women’s teams—a reminder of what happens when talent meets discipline.A Personal Note: I share a moment from my son’s journey in youth hockey and the pure excitement of seeing his idol, Jack Eichel, recognized at the SOTU. It’s a reminder that our heroes—whether on the ice, the battlefield, or the first response line—drive the spirit of this country forward.

Welcome back to the show! We are kicking off Season 8 shivering in the studio because, let’s be honest, this is the coldest winter Rochester has seen in a decade. But while the temperatures are dropping, we’re looking at what's heating up (and cooling down) in the markets.

In Episode 117, we shake off the rust and dive into the "Kitchen Table" economics—what it actually costs to buy a gallon of milk or fill up your tank right now. Plus, we’re breaking down the new 2026 contribution limits and a specific "gotcha" in the Secure Act 2.0 that high earners need to know about immediately regarding their catch-up contributions.

Grab a coffee (or two), stay warm, and let’s get your money right for the year.

In this episode, we cover:

❄️ The Weather Report: Why this is the coldest winter in recent memory and how Electric Vehicles (EVs) are actually handling the sub-freezing temps (Spoiler: Range anxiety is real).

📈 Market Scorecard: YTD performance for the S&P 500, Dow, Russell 2000, and why International funds might finally be waking up.

🛒 Inflation Watch: The real cost of living check—Gas, Eggs, Milk, and Bread prices.

🏠 Rochester Real Estate: Average home prices, market trends, and an update on Governor Hochul’s gas stove ban for new builds.

💰 Retirement Alerts:

• Secure Act 2.0: The new "Roth Catch-Up" rule for high earners (over $145k).

• 2026 Limits: New caps for IRAs and HSAs.

• Insurance: Why your NY health insurance premium just jumped 15%.

Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & The "Deep Freeze"5:00 - Market Updates (S&P, Dow, Gold/Silver)15:00 - The "Kitchen Table" Inflation Check22:00 - Rochester Real Estate & NY News30:00 - Secure Act 2.0 & Contribution Limits38:00 - EVs in the Cold & Savings Tips

Disclaimer:This video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. I am laid back, but money is serious—always consult with your own financial advisor or tax professional before making big moves!

#Finance #Investing #RochesterNY #MarketUpdate #SecureAct #RetirementPlanning #Inflation #RealEstate #Podcast #Season8

Is the "One Big Beautiful Bill" actually beautiful for your bank account, or is it just a beautiful mess?This week on Pennywise Financial, we are joined by David Young, CPA (aka "The Tax Colonel") from Young & Associates in Rochester, NY. As a retired Lieutenant Colonel and forensic accountant, David brings military discipline to a tax code that just got a massive overhaul.We’re cutting through the noise of the new legislation. The "No Tax on Tips" and "No Tax on Overtime" headlines sound great, but the fine print on the SALT Cap and Pass-Through Entity rules might be where you lose money if you aren't paying attention.If you are a business owner or high-income earner wondering how the 2025 laws affect your 2026 filings, this is your briefing.IN THIS EPISODE:The "Big Beautiful Bill" Reality Check: What actually passed? Breaking down the new deductions for car loan interest, tips, and overtime—and who actually qualifies.The SALT Cap Trap: The cap is up to $40,000, but if you earn over $500k, you might still be stuck at $10k. We explain why the NY PTE (Pass-Through Entity) Election is still the heavyweight champion of tax strategies for business owners.Retirement & Charity (The QCD Strategy): Hate paying taxes on money you don't need? David explains how to use a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to satisfy your RMDs, give to charity, and lower your taxable income dollar-for-dollar.Bookkeeping Bootcamp: Why "shoebox accounting" is the fastest way to get audited in the AI era, and why accurate wage reporting is now your first line of defense.Integrity First: David’s philosophy on why "aggressive" tax planning shouldn't mean "illegal" tax planning.ABOUT THE GUEST: David Young is a Partner at Young & Associates, LLP and a retired Lieutenant Colonel (US Army Reserve) with over 30 years of experience. A decorated combat veteran, he applies the principles of integrity, discipline, and strategy to forensic accounting and tax planning. He also serves as the Executive Director of Heart of God Haiti, supporting orphaned children in Haiti.Connect with David Young:Website: https://youngandcompany.net/Phone: 585-427-0210Charity: Heart of God HaitiCHAPTERS: 0:00 - Intro: The Tax Colonel Reporting for Duty 2:30 - The "Big Beautiful Bill": Tips, Overtime & Car Loans 12:45 - The SALT Cap Explained ($40k vs $10k) 21:00 - Why You Still Need the PTE Election 34:15 - The QCD Play: Don't Pay Tax on RMDs 45:00 - Military Discipline in Bookkeeping 55:00 - Integrity & "The Sleep at Night Factor"#TaxStrategy #SmallBusiness #CPA #DavidYoung #SALTcap #BigBeautifulBill #RMD #TaxSeason2026 #RochesterNY #MilitaryDiscipline #ForensicAccounting

Wavelengths, Wellness, and Witty Adjustments are topic of conversation with our guest, Dr. Sam Camarata. Tune in for an incredibly energetic and uplifting conversation with Dr. Sam from Camarata Chiropractic and Family Wellness Center! This isn't your typical health chat—Dr. Sam brings his infectious joy to the mic as we dive deep into the world of proactive wellness and high-performance living.What We Crack Open:Vibe Check! Dr. Sam kicks off the episode by discussing the "wavelengths" (or vibes!) that people put out and how this energy plays a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in your overall health and feeling good.The Salt Secret: Get the scoop on a simple wellness hack: adding salt additives to your water to significantly enhance hydration, improve digestion, and boost vitamin absorption.Grounding and Household Health: We touch on the practical, low-tech ways you can enhance your wellness journey, including grounding techniques and using common items like blankets and pillows to improve your everyday experience.Preventative Power: While Dr. Sam absolutely treats chronic pain and injury, his true passion and focus are on prevention and ongoing enhancement. Learn how to stop treating problems after they happen and start building the foundation for a life of optimal performance, confidence, and pain-free living.If you’re ready to stop treating and start thriving, this episode is your blueprint. Dr. Sam’s positive energy is a dose of wellness all by itself!🔗 Find Dr. Sam Camarata: https://www.camaratachiropractic.com/https://www.facebook.com/camaratachiropractic/https://www.instagram.com/camarata_chiro/https://www.youtube.com/c/SamuelCamarataDC🎧 Listen on all major platforms.

https://linktr.ee/MonarchWealthManagementLLC

#Chiropractic #Wellness #PreventativeHealth #Vibes #DrSamCamarata #Hydration #SaltHacks #Grounding #Performance

From Marketing to the Mat. Join Constantine and Dave as they talk with Phil Misetti of Shogun West BJJ. Phil gets real about the struggles of being a self-employed business owner, why he left the corporate world behind, and how his strong ties to his community and church guide his approach to business. We also explore the deeper reasons why so many people are joining the BJJ world today.Guest Info:

Website: https://www.shogunwestbjj.com

Email: info@shogunwestbjj.com

It's all about "Friction, Full Gamut and Buy Now." Tune in and you'll know too. Navigating the world of mortgages and real estate can be a challenge, but in this episode, we're here to help! I'm joined by the fantastic Matthew Merrick from AnnieMac Home Mortgage and managing partner David Georgiev from Monarch Wealth Management, LLC for a fun and insightful conversation.We cover everything you need to know, from the current state of mortgage rates and the loan process to understanding different types of loans and real estate trends. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a cash-out refinancer, or an investor looking at residential and commercial properties, Matthew shares valuable insights and advice. Tune in for a great chat that will get you up to speed on the housing market and mortgage landscape.

Matthew Merrick's contact info:

Book a meeting: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/bk_mmerrick@annie-mac.com/bookings/

Website: https://annie-mac.com/lo/mattmerrick/

Email: mmerrick@annie-mac.com

Office Phone: (585) 505-8499

Mobile Phone: (585) 509-6849

Licensed Address: 1200 Jefferson Road Suite 205 Rochester, NY 14623

This week on Pennywise Financial, we're heading back to school and taking a serious look at the market's report card! 🍎 I'm joined by my partner in financial crime from Monarch Wealth Management, LLC to give you our post-mid-year check-up.We'll break down the factors that could send the market to the principal's office and those that show we're on a path to a stellar grade. From the top-performing sectors that are leading the class to the political influences that are making things... complicated, we've got you covered. Tune in for a fun, lively conversation that will help you ace the second half of the year and get your portfolio ready for what's next! 🎓📈