PODCAST · business
Signal or Noise?
by Charlie Bilello, Peter Mallouk, Creative Planning
Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what's happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.
Episodes
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When Concentrated Stock Creates Concentrated Risk
With the SpaceX IPO putting concentrated wealth in the spotlight, Charlie and Creative Planning Chief Investment Strategist Ramesh Poola discuss how concentrated stock positions develop, why they can create significant risk and strategies investors can consider to diversify while managing tax...
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Rate Hikes, Recessions and the Biggest Risk
Peter and Charlie discuss what’s driving expectations for higher interest rates, what rate hikes could mean for investors, and how markets performed over the past decade before sharing what each sees as the biggest risk facing investors today.
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The $40 Trillion Question
With the United States’ national debt now topping $40 trillion, Peter and Charlie discuss how we got here, whether we can grow our way out of it, what an actual debt crisis would look like and more. Plus, get their take on whether a U.S. debt crisis is a signal or just noise.
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How to Make Your First Million
From saving early to investing in your health, Peter and Charlie share 10 practical tips for building wealth and working toward long-term financial success. Plus, discover where you can see Peter and Charlie live at a regional CONNECT26 event.
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The Mark Cuban Bet (That Became an Investing Lesson)
An April 2021 Twitter exchange between Peter Mallouk and Mark Cuban resulted in two $1,000,000 bets. Peter and Charlie discuss how the bets came about, how things are going and what investors can learn from them.
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The Madness of Crowds
With signs of frenzied speculation everywhere, Peter and Charlie discuss SpaceX’s recent IPO, abnormally high semiconductor index returns and the danger of chasing performance before explaining why heavily equity-based diversified portfolios have enjoyed outsized performance over the last decade.
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How to Think About Investing in IPOs
From why companies are staying private longer to whether most IPOs live up to the hype, Peter and Charlie answer four key questions to help guide how you think about investing in IPOs.
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What Is Gold?
You’ve likely heard that gold is an inflation hedge. Peter and Charlie unpack that narrative and the nuanced reality behind the metal's role in a portfolio.
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5 Lessons From “Money, Simplified”
From why you should own the haystack to why you shouldn’t fear new market highs, Peter and Charlie discuss five key lessons from Peter’s recently re-released book, Money, Simplified.
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10 Ways to Save on Your Taxes
10 Ways to Save on Your Taxes From maxing out your retirement accounts to working with a proactive tax planner, Peter and Charlie share 10 ways to potentially pay less in taxes.
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The Fog of War
The Fog of War With the U.S. involved in military conflict, Peter and Charlie discuss rising uncertainty — and what it could mean for oil, consumers, stocks, inflation, interest rates and Fed policy.
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The State of the Markets
Peter and Charlie discuss the stock market, the bond market, the Fed, inflation, the economy and more on this special episode of Signal or Noise.
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The Ultimate Guide to Volatility and Corrections
With the markets once again experiencing volatility, Peter and Charlie walk through what’s causing fear today and discuss what investors should expect in terms of volatility, corrections and drawdowns. Plus, learn what you should do when these periods occur.
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6 Questions for 2026
From anticipated Fed rate cuts to the staying power of international stocks, Charlie and Peter cover six topics on the minds of investors as we kick off 2026. Plus, discover where you can see Peter and Charlie live by attending a regional CONNECT26 event.
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The Ultimate Financial Checklist for Peace of Mind
After hearing many stories from clients this year about how Creative Planning helped them navigate the loss of their parent or spouse, Charlie and Peter share seven actions that can help create financial peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
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7 Lessons From 2025
From why you shouldn’t fear all-time market highs to the reason we diversify, Charlie and Peter discuss seven important lessons from 2025. Plus, a good reminder that time is worth more than money.
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The Great Divergence: Consumer Gloom vs. Market Boom
In this episode, Charlie and Peter examine why consumer sentiment is so low even with stocks at all-time highs — it’s a gap unlike anything we’ve seen before. Is this low consumer sentiment a signal or just noise?
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Are We in an AI Bubble?
In this episode, Charlie and Peter examine whether we’re in an AI bubble, discussing how a speculative bubble is defined, the warning signs of a bubble, the possibility that this is actually an AI revolution, and what investors should do.
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10 Charts Every Investor Should Frame
Covering topics spanning the power of compounding to why you shouldn’t bet against America, Charlie and Peter examine 10 charts illustrating important investment principles all investors should understand.
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5 Things That Should Be Required Learning in High School
From how a credit card works to how to add value to any organization, Charlie and Peter discuss five important things to teach your children before they turn 18. Plus, the government shutdown: is it a signal or just noise?
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How to Invest Cash on the Sidelines
With a record $7.7 trillion sitting in money market accounts, Charlie and Peter discuss the opportunity cost of sitting in cash, the odds that waiting for a market correction will allow you to buy in at a better price and other considerations for investing your own cash on the sidelines. Plus…
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Rate Cuts, Recessions and Risks
After a year of pressure to cut rates, the Fed seems poised to lower rates by 0.25%-0.50% next week. Peter and Charlie discuss the logic behind this imminent rate cut as well as the likelihood of a recession and the biggest risk for investors. Plus, is rising unemployment from a cycle low a…
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How to Make Housing Affordable Again
With home prices far outpacing wages over the last decade, Charlie and Peter discuss the record housing affordability gap and its wide-ranging implications before turning to potential solutions and the barriers that may prevent or postpone implementing them. Plus, discover where you can see Peter...
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Is This as Good as it Gets?
With investors seeing another all time high in the market, many are left wondering what’s next and how long this can last. Charlie and Peter share their analysis, plus discuss earnings, the tech revolution, strong international markets and the low unemployment rate. They wrap up with a reminder…
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Triumph of the Optimists
Charlie and Peter dive into the triumph created from long-term investing, including why it’s better to be an owner than a lender and the importance of global diversification. Together they offer insights into the behavior of investors, the cost of pessimism, and economic indicators that influence...
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10 Lessons for Living
Charlie and Peter shake things up by pressing pause on their usual market commentary to instead discuss 10 important life lessons from Peter Mallouk. Plus, discover how you can see Peter and Charlie live by attending a CONNECT25 event near you.
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10 Lessons From Jonathan Clements
Charlie and Peter are joined by noted Wall Street Journal columnist and Creative Planning Director of Education Jonathan Clements to discuss 10 valuable lessons handpicked from his many contributions to the world of personal finance. Plus, learn how you can contribute to Jonathan's charitable...
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Deficit Nation
On this episode, Charlie and Peter examine how the bill recently passed by the House could further impact the national deficit and why addressing spending patterns is crucial for long-term fiscal health.
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The End of an Era
With Warren Buffet announcing he’ll be stepping down as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of this year, Charlie and Peter discuss seven new lessons we can glean from his legacy. Plus, we’ve seen one of the most significant market rebounds in history since the bear market low in April. Is…
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How to Invest During a Recession
With much debate still surrounding whether we’re heading into a recession, Charlie and Peter give their thoughts and share five tips for investing in the face of an economic downturn. Plus, is the international stock surge a signal or just noise?
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What Matters in the Long Run
Tariffs may grab headlines, but what’s the real story for investors? In this episode, Charlie and Peter cut through the noise to dive into the ripple effects of trade tensions on the markets — what investors should watch in both the short and long run. Plus, they discuss the recent slide in the...
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How to Invest During a Bear Market
Amid this week's tariff-induced market volatility, Peter and Charlie share their bear market playbook for long-term investors, addressing market timing, tax-loss harvesting and rebalancing opportunities.
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The Tariff Tantrum and 3 Possible Outcomes
As markets respond to the administration’s sweeping tariff announcements, Peter and Charlie break down the details. Their discussion covers the basics of how tariffs work, the realities of implementing widespread tariffs, whether tariffs can effectively bring jobs back to the U.S., and potential...
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A Checklist for Corrections
As we endure the 30th market pullback of more than 5% since the March 2009 low, Charlie and Peter take this opportunity to discuss the ins and outs of market corrections and provide you with a checklist of five things to think about each time the market experiences a correction.
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The Price of Admission
On this episode, Charlie and Peter discuss one of the most important fundamentals of investing and the one constant for investors: risk. Without it, there can be no reward. Plus, they explain how corrections are completely normal and how you can go from being a good investor to a great investor…
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5 Questions on DOGE
On this episode, Charlie and Peter answer several questions they've received regarding the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including whether DOGE cuts may tip the U.S. into a recession. Plus, an update on meme coin mania and a good reminder of why a diversified portfolio...
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Investing Lessons From the Great Peter Lynch
When it comes to investing, it’s not just knowing what you own but also why you own it. On this episode of Signal or Noise, Charlie and Peter discuss this and other valuable lessons from investor and philanthropist Peter Lynch, whose common sense investing wisdom should be a foundation of your...
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5 Lessons Every Investor Should Know
On this episode of Signal or Noise, Charlie and Peter discuss five lessons learned from investor and author Howard Marks, whose writings are widely admired in the investment community. They'll share how Mark's lessons are practical advice that should be considered when evaluating your investing...
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5 Questions for 2025
On our first episode of 2025, Charlie and Peter discuss five key questions shaping the current economic and financial landscape. Together they offer insights into potential market trends, investment strategies and economic indicators to watch as you navigate the complexities of the new year. They...
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How to Get Rich Without Getting Lucky
On the final episode of Signal or Noise for 2024, Charlie and Peter switch things up by sharing 10 lessons from entrepreneur and investor Naval Ravikant on how to get rich without getting lucky. They explore the connections between wealth, money and status and discuss the importance of owning...
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The 7 Lessons Learned From 2024
On this episode of Signal or Noise, Charlie and Peter share seven key lessons from 2024, offering their insights on annual returns, price targets, diversification, the value of time and more. They also have a lively discussion on the new national debt record of $36 trillion. Is it a signal or…
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The Election and What Comes Next
With the election decided, many are wondering what the results could mean for taxes, government spending, the economy and more. On this episode of Signal or Noise, Peter and Charlie discuss eight major policy areas and what impact they may have on your finances before closing with a review of...
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Easing Into a Melt-Up
With the market hitting all-time highs and another round of rate cuts on the horizon, the common denominator is the diminishing value of the dollar. Charlie and Peter discuss this topic before making good on their promise from last episode, sharing their thoughts on how to avert a debt crisis...
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Great AI Expectations
Baseball playoff banter sets the stage for investment advice from Charlie and Peter, where they outline five critical tips for investors to punch above their weight: starting early, generating tax alpha, owning assets, avoiding trends and extending time horizons. They also discuss the U.S.…
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Die With Zero?
In this episode, Charlie and Peter explore the widespread economic ripple effects of the dock strike, which could have cost the U.S. economy up to $4.5 billion per day. The real issue isn't compensation — it's job automation, a disruption that could reshape the industry in the long run. They also...
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The Easy Money Has Been Made
But has it? This famous quote gets challenged by Charlie and Peter as they discuss the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio and avoiding attempts to outsmart the market. Plus, with the presidential election looming, they discuss the historical relationship between administrations and...
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The #1 Way Americans Become Millionaires
Do you know the number one way Americans become millionaires? Charlie Bilello gets Peter Mallouk’s insider take on this topic and on a couple of recent tweets, leading to an economic lesson and a lively discussion about communism, food prices and taxing the wealthy. They conclude by considering…
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The $35 Trillion Elephant in the Room
There’s an elephant in the room that keeps growing — but no one wants to talk about it. On this episode of Signal or Noise, Charlie Bilello and Peter Mallouk discuss the $35 trillion national debt, which Peter views as the biggest threat to the U.S. economy and Western civilization. They also…
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Embracing Panic
With all that’s happening in the market, you’ll want to tune in to this episode of Signal or Noise as Charlie Bilello and Peter Mallouk share how long-term investors can embrace panic. They also cover the impending rate cut, a costly rollover mistake and a new topic to show — love, marriage and...
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Is Now a Good Time to Rebalance?
Is Now a Good Time to Rebalance?
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what's happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.
HOSTED BY
Charlie Bilello, Peter Mallouk, Creative Planning
CATEGORIES
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