Saturday June 27th: Greenspan’s Legacy, AI Chip Volatility & Smart Roth/401(k) Moves

This episode of Money Talk opens with hosts Dave Spano and Chief Economic Strategist Dr. Brian Jacobson paying tribute to Alan Greenspan, who lived to 100. They discuss his long Fed tenure, the evolution of central bank communication (from the “briefcase indicator” to today’s heavy transparency and dot plots), his 1996 “irrational exuberance” warning, and interesting parallels with today’s AI boom and potential productivity gains.Markets & EconomyAI “Tech Wreck” & Memory Boom: Focus has shifted from semiconductors (Nvidia etc.) to memory chips (Micron and Korean firms). Micron posted blowout earnings with ~85% gross margins, showing strong pricing power — but any slowdown fears trigger sharp stock swings. This demand is now hitting consumers: Apple raised iPhone/MacBook prices, Microsoft and Sony increased Xbox/PlayStation costs, and electronic goods prices rose ~10% YoY per the PCE index.Data Center Backlash: Rapid buildout faces local, state, and potential federal moratoriums — adding election-year volatility.Global Snapshot: UK political instability post-Brexit with rising populism (Nigel Farage/Reform UK gaining); Middle East — ships resuming through Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices on a “round trip” back to pre-conflict levels (~$74–75 Brent); flattening Treasury yield curve signals possible slower growth ahead.Financial Planning HighlightsRoth Conversions: Senior Wealth Advisor & CFP Mike Kirk explains when conversions make sense (current vs. future tax brackets, RMD preparation, legacy goals). Key points: no earned income needed for conversions (unlike contributions), strategic timing around market dips or life events, and creative ways to pay the tax bill. Significant long-term savings are often possible with proper planning.401(k) Rollovers & Old Plans: Director of Retirement Plan Services Tom Parkes walks through options when leaving an employer — leave it, roll to new 401(k), or move to IRA. IRAs usually offer more investment choices and control (especially for larger balances), while 401(k)s may have limited menus. Emphasis on consolidation to avoid losing track of accounts, understanding fees, beneficiary flexibility, and avoiding early cash-outs.Additional SegmentsAmerica 250 History: Dr. Jacobson covers 1913 — creation of the Federal Reserve after the 1907 Panic, 16th Amendment (income tax at 7% on the ultra-wealthy), 17th Amendment (direct Senate elections), Prohibition, WWI, and America’s shift to global creditor.Upcoming Events: In-person “Single in Retirement” and Women in Wealth sessions, plus a July 2 Instant Insights webinar on the early employment report.The show reinforces Annex Wealth Management’s fee-only fiduciary model and in-house planning expertise, encouraging listeners to click “Get Started” at annexwealth.com. It delivers a balanced mix of timely market insight, practical retirement tactics, and historical context.