This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack where income taxes really hit hardest, why nearly a third of Americans owe nothing in federal income tax, and how mandatory spending has quietly taken over the budget. They also look at the fragile U.S.–Iran ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz, and why geopolitics still has markets, and policymakers, on edge. Plus, investing in the world of AI, and should you ever pause your 401(k) contributions?

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down calls from President Trump to step back from Middle East security, his push to exit the Iran conflict after crippling its nuclear and military capabilities, and Tehran’s demand for guarantees to prevent future aggression. We also look at why today’s oil price shocks matter less than they once did, how the U.S. economy has become far more energy‑efficient since the Gulf War era, and why the Fed is inclined to “wait and see” rather than react to temporary supply shocks. Plus, a timely policy shift from the Labor Department as new rules move 401(k) plans closer to private equity, private credit, crypto, and other alternatives, providing clearer fiduciary cover for plan managers. Also, segments on "Direct Indexing" and who should be listed as the taxpayer in your household?

Four our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a volatile week where energy markets defied logic, with negative prices in parts of the US recalling the shock of April 2020 and highlighting how oil profits can sometimes cushion gas losses. We also unpack fast moving geopolitical developments, including shifts in US Iran relations and Turkey weighing the sale of gold reserves to stabilize its currency. Plus, segments on smart ways to use larger tax refunds, and ways to plan for wedding costs.