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?

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.

This week, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen dig into family spending trends. They also break down the State of the Union’s most concrete policy news: a revamped retirement match program modeled after the Thrift Savings Plan, offering up to $1,000 for eligible workers. Finally, we discuss the rapid‑fire shifts in U.S. tariff strategy, and what the new 15% rate means for global supply chains and everyday consumers. Plus, segments on the new IRS policy on paper checks and rollover mistakes you should avoid when it comes to your 401(k).