With headlines dominated by tariffs, inflation fears, and wild market swings, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. In this episode of Retirement Approved, Matt and Steve break down the ongoing tariff situation, how markets have reacted, and what it means for your financial future.

They unpack the rollercoaster of conflicting government messages, fake news headlines, and sudden reversals that have sent markets on a wild ride in recent weeks. From a record-setting 10% market rebound to panic-fueled selloffs, this episode explores why emotional reactions can lead to long-term mistakes and why staying calm and strategic is key. The Pauls also dig into rising interest in gold, its historical performance, and how it compares to the stock market and even Bitcoin.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

⚠️ Why timing the market off headlines is risky

📉 What to do (and what not to do) during volatility

🧠 The power of staying invested through uncertainty

📊 How diversification protects you from chaos

💰 Gold’s hype vs. actual historical performance

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

This week on Retirement Approved, Matt and Steve break down the latest market volatility, the first quarter’s performance, and what’s driving investor sentiment in 2025. With ongoing uncertainty around tariffs and the potential for more market pullbacks, what should investors expect in the months ahead?

Tune in as we review predictions from top financial institutions and compare them to recent market trends. The guys also revisit their own forecasts from earlier this year and make a few new ones. Plus, they discuss the potential for further volatility and why a well-structured investment strategy is key to long-term success, even when fear dominates the headlines.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

2:23 – Market volatility & investor reactions

5:42 – Financial institutions’ predictions & market corrections

8:47 – Matt and Steve’s 2025 predictions

10:52 – Ignoring market noise

18:33 – NVIDIA & Bitcoin predictions

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

Is AI advancing faster than we can control? That’s what people are wondering as AI has dominated the conversation in tech for some time now. In this episode, Matt and Steve discuss the future of artificial intelligence, from large language models (LLMs) to agentic AI and the potential risks of artificial general intelligence (AGI).

We’re going to cover how AI is transforming industries, whether we’re headed toward a Jetsons utopia or iRobot chaos, and how deepfake scams, automation, and geopolitical risks are reshaping our financial and personal security. Plus, we dive into the AI investment boom, whether Nvidia’s stock is in a bubble, and how to position your portfolio for the AI revolution.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:10 – Large language models

3:59 – The scary AI model

6:06 – Short term risks

7:38 – AI tech stocks

11:40 – AI web of companies

15:42 – Massive innovation risk

17:55 – Are we still early?

21:21 – What’s next?

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

We’re excited to welcome the man behind our firm to share invaluable insights on what it means to find fulfillment in retirement. Rich Paul, CFP® CRPC® authored The Fulfillment Factor and we want to find out how he’s applying those lessons and messages to his own retirement. As we dive into the topic, it’s clear that retirement is not just a financial milestone but a significant life transition that requires thought and planning.

The 'Fulfillment Factor' is crucial, as it encompasses both financial stability and personal satisfaction. As Rich puts it, "What now?" becomes the pressing question for many retirees. That’s why he encourages everyone to embrace the quirks of aging with humor and to stay proactive about their health and social engagement. The takeaway is clear: retirement should be a time of exploration, joy, and fulfillment, and planning for it holistically can lead to a more satisfying life.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:18 – Background on the Fulfillment Factor

2:45 – Health

7:14 – Rich’s health scare

10:43 – Retirement personalities

13:10 – Lesser-known Medicare benefit

14:35 – What other hobbies is Rich taking on?

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

As we step into a new year, the financial landscape is rife with forecasts from various analysts and institutions. But how reliable are these forecasts, and should investors base their strategies on them? In this episode, Matt and Steve will look back at how 2024 performed compared to predictions and explain why you shouldn’t make investment decisions based on what people think might happen.

Matt and Steve also share their predictions for 2025, offering insights into potential market trends. While Matt remains optimistic, anticipating another double-digit year, Steve expresses caution due to looming inflation concerns and geopolitical risks. Both agree on the importance of staying informed and adaptable, as the market's unpredictability can lead to unexpected opportunities and challenges.

For investors, the key takeaway from this episode is clear: focus on having a solid plan and strategy rather than getting caught up in the noise of predictions.

What do you think might happen? Leave a comment and let us know.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:18 – Should you listen to predictions?

1:14 – 2024 prediction recap

10:15 – Our 2025 predictions

17:15 – Stay diversified

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

The world of cryptocurrency has always been a rollercoaster, and the recent surge of Bitcoin to $100k has everyone talking. It’s been a huge topic in our office as well but is it just a flash in the pan?

Today we’re going to discuss the growing confidence in digital currencies, spurred by a new administration that seems more crypto-friendly than ever. This political shift could pave the way for more innovation and less restrictive regulation, potentially transforming the crypto landscape.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:18 – Mining Bitcoin

5:18 – How to get BTC exposure

8:47 – Ethereum

10:00 – Crypto friendly administration

15:58 – How high can we go?

20:50 – Losing sectors

21:25 – What’s our strategy?

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

It’s getting down to crunch time in 2024 so what needs to be on your financial planning checklist before we hit the end of the year? As the year draws to a close, it's time to take a closer look at your financial plans and ensure you're on track for a secure future.

In this episode, Matt and Steve provide a comprehensive end-of-year financial checklist that covers everything from maximizing retirement contributions to exploring tax-saving strategies. You might not need to check everything off this list, but reviewing all of these areas will keep your on track for a secure financial future.

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:58 – Max contributions

3:17 – Tax-loss harvesting

5:10 – Check RMDs

7:19 – Charitable contributions

9:18 – HSA & FSA contributions

12:07 – Roth conversions

14:46 – Rebalance

16:25 – Review insurance

18:18 – Pay off debt

20:07 – Gifting strategies

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51

In the latest episode of Retirement Approved, Matt and Steve dive into the glittering world of gold investing. As gold prices reach new heights, we’ll explore the reasons behind this surge and what it means for investors. Gold has always been a hot topic in the investment world, often seen as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty. But how should it fit into your retirement portfolio?

Here’s what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:41 – Price of gold

3:15 – The S&P 500 compared to gold

5:48 – Geopolitical factors

8:18 – Gold compared to the money supply

11:03 – Rules for owning gold

13:52 – How do you acquire gold?

17:15 – Other precious metals

Get our ebook ‘Nuggets of Wisdom’ at RetirementApproved.com

Learn more about us: https://www.rwpaul.com/our-firm

Contact Matt & Steve: https://www.rwpaul.com/contact

Phone: 248-305-9911

Find us on YouTube: https://bit.ly/481OA51