Wealth Vision 20/20 Podcast

Today’s episode is called “When the Oxygen Runs Out”… where we take a hard look at what a blockade actually does—not in theory, but in reality… what happens when you deliberately restrict the flow of energy, cash, and trade into a hostile system… how long a regime can survive when you start pulling away its economic life support… and what happens when oil has nowhere to go—and production itself starts getting shut in.Because war doesn’t always require direct conflict… sometimes you just cut off the oxygen… and wait.We’ll also talk about the much-anticipated shift at the Federal Reserve… and whether Jerome Powell is actually on his way out—or not.Two systems… both reliant on support… and both about to find out what happens when it’s pulled away.

Today’s episode is called “The Slow Path to a Nuclear Weapon” where we break down how North Korea moved from a so-called civilian program to a functioning nuclear arsenal, the critical moments where the world had a chance to act but chose not to, what that timeline reveals about Iran’s current position, how markets and oil are reacting to rising geopolitical risk, and why the Federal Reserve may now be constrained from cutting interest rates this year…Are we watching history repeat itself in real time — or just another headline markets will eventually shrug off?

Today’s episode is called “When Time Runs Out: Epic Fury” where we break down how years of tension between Iran, Israel, and the United States brought us to this moment, what history quietly teaches about ignoring incremental aggression, how oil and markets are responding, and whether the Federal Reserve’s next move just became more complicated…

Today’s episode is called “There’s a New Sheriff in Town.”With the announcement that Kevin Warsh will replace Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve this May, we take a hard look at what this change really means.We’ll break down the four major think-tank traditions that shape policy across the Federal Reserve, Congress, and the White House and explain where Warsh fits in that lineage.We’ll also place Warsh in context against the last five Federal Reserve chairs, exploring how their philosophies shaped markets, how policy drifted over time, and which assumptions may finally be challenged.Is this just another routine transition at the Fed — or are we about to see monetary reform unlike anything in the last 45 years?

Today’s episode is called “Short Term Noise, Long Term Signal” where we discuss the latest economic data for unemployment, GDP, and Inflation and what it means as we close out this year, tailwinds that should help growth in 2026 stemming from new tax legislation, and AI bubble talk that I hope we can put to rest once and for all,  along with our prediction for how the markets will end 2026. Will this be the 4th year in a row of double digit returns, or is a pause in the cards?

Today’s episode is called “Santa & the Federal Reserve” where we discuss the intense focus on the Fed and whether they will lower interest rates despite limited information caused by the government shutdown, will Jay Powell soon learn who his replacement will be 5 months before his term expires, and how is the market poised as Santa decides if we were naughty or nice and if we deserve a Santa Clause rally to end the year. And lastly, we’ll point out planning items to keep in mind as 2025 comes to a close.

Today’s episode is called “Shutdowns, Filibusters and all things Dysfunctional” where we take a deep dive into Government shutdowns and why modern day politicians have no desire to change that, a little known mistake made in 1806 that enabled all of this chaos, and what the stock market thinks of it all……… Is it just me, or does this feel more like hostage negotiations than budget battles, with the American people as the hostages?

Today’s episode is called “Up, Up and Away” where we discuss breaking the standoff of high interest rate policy, what it means to have our first rate cut for 2025 and what’s likely next, the stock market's ascent to an all time high along with what that tells us, and the question on everyone’s mind, is Ai a bubble about to burst or just a boom that has legs?

Today’s episode is called “The Turning Point” where we discuss the interest rate path being telegraphed by The Fed, the shaky link between tariffs and inflation, and the stock markets belief that the bull market is strong and vibrant. With all of the turmoil surrounding hypersensitive politics, are we missing the forest from the trees?

Today’s episode is called “The Powell Paradox” where we discuss the economic numbers, where we stand on inflation as well as tariffs and the browbeating by the President for Powell to lower interest rates. Could we be witnessing the phenomenon called Reactancy Bias, where the more you are pressured the less likely you are to take a certain course of action even if it’s the right thing to do?

Today’s episode is called “Bombs away!” where we discuss the action taken by the US to cripple Iran’s nuclear program, a quick history of how we got there, and the internal tension between Islamic nations dating back to 632AD. With recent events coming to a boiling point we’ve just altered the course of history. But is that for the better or the worse?

Today’s episode is called “Oh Jay…..wake up!” where we discuss the fluctuations of GDP from imports reacting to tariffs, the progress on inflation and the idea that the Fed may be sacrificing the good for the perfect, and the market recovery that looks a lot like the baby brother of the Covid correction. With a policy lag of up to 9 months, is it high time that the Fed do something to prepare for 2026 or wait until it starts raining and then go find some umbrellas. 

Today’s episode is called “Wired for Panic” — where we unpack how your brain, emotions, and even your biology can sabotage rational decision-making… especially when it comes to money.We’ll look at how ancient fear circuits like the amygdala still run the show, how chronic stress reshapes the part of your brain that controls memory and logic, and why negative news doesn’t just inform you — it rewires you.We’ll also revisit some classic behavioral experiments that reveal just how easy it is to manipulate perception… and how all of this plays out in markets and client portfolios today.If you’ve ever felt like you knew better but still acted out of fear — this episode is for you.

Today’s episode is called “Tariffs, Tantrums and the Crocodile Brain” where we discuss the newly released tariffs on 90 countries, the markets reaction to this new order, potential interest rate outcomes as the Fed monitors the situation, and what to do and not do in these situations.  

Today’s episode is called “Taxes, Real Estate, and the Pause that Refreshes” where we discuss the upcoming income tax and deadlines for all things IRA and 401k, Powell, the Federal Reserve, and his recent testimony on Capital Hill, thoughts on housing and the stock market’s reaction to it all. After the S&P 500’s stellar return of over 25% in 2024, will we have a repeat or will the market pause or even see a bit of turbulence?

Today’s episode is called “New World, New Vision-Here we Come” where we discuss the new Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent’s framework for achieving economic success known as the 3-3-3 plan. We’ll tell what each of those 3’s mean, how they will work together and the ultimate result if they do. Also, we’ll discuss China’s shocking DeepSeek AI model and how we may have just reached a “Sputnik Moment”.  Is the US behind in this AI race, or did DeepSeek just poke the Bear? 

Today’s episode is called “9 Predictions for 2025” where we discuss the new administration, expected congressional action, oil and gas prices and the state of interest rates as well as the economic outlook for GDP, inflation and the markets. Will 2025 be a continuation of the hot market from last year, or does the Bull need to sit down of a minute and rest?

Today’s episode is called “Year End Planning” where we discuss the upcoming end of year deadlines for IRAs, Required Minimum Distributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions and Roth Conversions, certain tax planning tips that may reduce your overall tax bill, and an increase in Social Security. With less than 30 days to go before we wrap up the year we’ll arm you with the information needed to give you a jump start on 2025.

Today’s episode is called “America Votes: Insights on the Presidential Showdown” where we discuss the recent election along with the potential red wave seizing control of both the House and the Senate, Jay Powell’s decision for cutting interest rates further, and the market’s reaction to it all. Why did this take so many people by surprise and are we in the throes of political party reinventions?

Today’s episode is called “Welcome to the Battle of AI and US Shipping Ports” where we discuss the Fed’s newest move to start cutting interest rates, the latest challenge to the economy with the potential longshoremen’s strike that could shut down US ports all along the east coast, what the union wants besides the 77% wage increase, and why the use of AI in other ports around the world has the union unnerved. Is the US at risk of falling behind and ignoring the AI train that’s coming down the track and why is the administration suddenly silent?

Today’s episode is called “From the Hum Drum to Stranger than Fiction” where we discuss the Fed’s shift in focus from inflation to the other half of the dual mandate, maximum employment, the 2 week countdown to the first Fed rate cut since March 2020, and election Moneyball strategy that reveals what paths each side has to gain the White House and one very real possibility of a electoral college tie. If you think it’s been weird so far, just wait, we’ll let you know what could happen and how the founding fathers anticipated this in 1804.

Today’s episode is called “It’s not when, but why?” where we discuss the forgone conclusion of a rate cut in the month of September and how the market may react short term vs long, the uncomfortable position of Jay Powell cutting rates just before an election, and the welcome distraction of the Summer Olympics. If you thought this election year was full of drama so far…..just wait. The temperature is about to rise.

Today’s episode is called “Financial Literacy Crisis in America” where we discuss the Milken Institute study highlighting the disturbing fact that financial literacy in the US is alarmingly low and shows little indication of improvement. We’ll look at the facts, discuss the challenge and point out why this subject is so important..... Are Americans doomed to financial ignorance and missteps or can the proper plan of action right the ship for upcoming generations?

Today’s episode is called “Divergence of Policy” where we discuss the Eurozone’s divergence from the US policy of higher for longer as the EU plans for rate cuts in June, the conundrum of how to please 20 members of the EU when one member has inflation of only 2.5% while another is still at 9.5%, and the effect that all of this may have on the US. Is Europe really ahead of us in the inflation fight, or is all this talk of rate cutting a desperate move to avert a European recession.

Today’s episode is called “Threatened Independence” where we discuss the recent article in the Wall Street Journal about the Federal Reserve Board and a desired change by some that would challenge the Boards independence. Would it be better for the Federal Reserve to be more in line with the administrations it serves, or would that just reduce the most powerful government agency to a mere pawn in the messy game of politics

Today’s episode is called “New Beginnings” where we discuss the decision for the Fed on when to cut interest rates and the danger of waiting too long, the Baltimore Bridge collapse and how even if only a minor impact to GDP means just more evidence to cut sooner than later, and why staying the course in your portfolio is usually wiser than you may know. Am I the only one to notice that this past 5 years was wickedly bazaar, but oh ...so... profitable?  Andrea Carroll joins me as we discuss that and more

Today’s episode is called “When Doves Cry” where we discuss the surprising stubbornness in the inflation number, the Fed’s backing off of early rate cuts along with what their “Dot Plot” reveals, and the markets nervousness that maybe it went a little too high a bit too quickly. Is the market looking to pause a bit or is the bull market still intact? 

Today’s episode is called “Running with the Bulls” where we discuss the latest economic data that has the Fed eyeing victory over inflation, the hot debate over when the Fed’s first rate cut will be and the stock market blasting past it’s all time highs. It’s 2024 and we’re running with the Bulls. Could it be, that the  S&P500 breakout on January 19th is the beginning of the new Bull Market? 

Todays episode is called “Santa, the Grinch and all Things China” where we discuss the Santa Clause rally which sent at least one of the market averages back to it’s all time high, the Fed’s new concern as inflation seems under control but the EU flirts with recessionary GDP numbers, and a January election in Taiwan that could have serious implications on US, China and Taiwan relationsAndrea Carroll joins me as we discuss that and more

Today’s episode is called “Year End Planning” where we discuss the upcoming end of year deadlines for IRAs, Required Minimum Distributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions and Roth Conversions, certain tax planning tips that may reduce your over all tax bill, and an increase in Social Security. With less than 30 days to go before we wrap of the year we’ll arm you with the information to give you a jump start on 2024.Andrea Carroll joins me as we discuss that and more

Today’s episode is called “Pivot Point” where we discuss the Fed’s double pause and what that means, 3rd quarter earnings and how the market is interpreting them, and a new Speaker of the House and what that means for the legislative priorities in congress for the remainder of the year.

Today’s episode is called “Turmoil on Capitol Hill and in Detroit” where we discuss the Fed’s rate hike pause, the pressures that the economy may be exposed to with one Debt Ceiling crisis after another, the UAW strike and what that means both economically and for the fed’s calculations and the market’s reaction to it all as it sets its sights on 2024. Could we see the all time high touched by the end of this year, or will earnings disappoint and put the recovery on hold?

Today’s episode is called “Drugs and Money” where we discuss the stock market’s rise as earning come out better than expected, the Fed’s hint that we may have done enough to squash inflation and the upcoming battle between the Federal Government who is entering into negotiations with the drug companies to lower the cost of 10 major prescription drugs for Medicare recipients……….. Tune in as we layout the arguments on both sides so that you can better understand the debate as it rages forward.

Today’s episode is called “You Are Cleared For Landing” where we discuss the Fed’s interest rate cycle hikes that appear to be ending, Inflation that has cleared a hurdle and now stands at 3%, GDP that surprisingly increased over the last quarter and 2nd Quarter earnings that are coming in a bit better than expected. Is it possible that Jay Powell has engineered the elusive “soft landing”?  

Today’s episode is called “And Then There Were None” where we discuss the Fed’s pause and whether that means the rate hikes are over or the pace has simply been slowed down, the stock markets narrow leadership and what that means for a diversified portfolio, and the challenging environment for Real Estate as the Fed signals that rates will remain higher for longer. Andrea Carroll joins me as we discuss that and more.

Today’s episode is called “The Sausage Factory” where we discuss the final version of the Debt Ceiling Bill and look at what is all included in it, the Fed’s upcoming pivot or pause decision as more members of the board express dissenting opinions on raising rates further, and the stock markets’ reaction to it all. Could it be that all of the drama and hype was a bit overdone?  …..again?

Today’s episode is called “The Pause that refreshes” where we discuss the latest Fed signaling that the end of rate hikes is either near or already here, the stress on the mid-sized banking system from those rate hikes and the delicate balance to not go too far and create a new problem, and the effort to increase the debt ceiling for a whopping 79th time. Is all this drama and rhetoric unnecessary or does it somehow serve and important purpose?

Today’s episode is called “It’s darkest before the dawn” where we discuss the workings of the bond market and why it just produced its worse return in 188 years, the collapse of Silicon Valley bank and how that related directly to the ailing bond market, the latest inflation numbers that point to the Federal Reserve soon wrapping up their rate hikes and the stellar first quarter results of both the stock and bond markets.  

Today’s episode is called “When Good News is Bad News” where we discuss the strong jobs numbers, strong retail spending, greater than expected GDP growth, and the smallest rate hike from the fed in 11 months. Could it be that all this good economic news is actually bad news? Welcome to the upside-down world.  We’ll also update you on the Ukraine war now that it has stretched past a year Andrea Carroll joins me as we discuss that and more. 

Today’s episode is called “Preparation, Preparation, Preparation ” where we discuss tax time, which is right around the corner and how you should prepare for it, the 8th Fed rate hike which has ramped down and may be one the last hikes before their long awaited pause, and the Market's great start for 2023 which no one has noticed. Could it be that the light at the end of the tunnel is something other than a train coming our way?Andrea Carroll joins me as we discuss that and more. 

Today’s episode is called “A Break for the Taxpayer” where we discuss the 2023 changes in the tax tables, increased standard deduction amounts, a new required minimum distribution age, new IRA and 401(k) contribution limits, and a new solution to overfunded 529 plans. Could it be that the IRS became just a little bit friendlier?  Andrea Carroll joins me as we discuss that and more. 

Today’s episode is called “Economic jigsaw puzzle” where we discuss the intricacies in US and EU sanctions which are about to institute a cap on the price of Russian oil, China’s failed zero Covid policy and how they are likely to maneuver out of it amid the riots and discontent spreading among their populace, and the first sign that the Federal Reserve is looking to moderate their rate hikes giving a bit of clarity while traveling down this foggy road and the markets reaction to that. ...........Tune in as we discuss that and more.

Today’s episode is called “Year End Planning” where we discuss the upcoming end of year deadlines for IRA Required Minimum Distributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions and Roth Conversions, certain tax planning tips that may reduce your over all tax bill, and the most sizeable increase in Social Security since the 1980’s. and wait for it….no increase in Medicare premiums. With less than 60 days to go before we wrap of the year we’ll arm you with the information to make help good decisions.......Tune in as we discuss that and more. 

Today’s episode is called “New Ways Forward” where we discuss the new guidance by the Fed for when they will wrap up the interest rate hikes, the stock markets negative reaction to that new guidance, the upcoming mid term elections where we make predictions on the House and Senate outcome and a new venture by Elon Musk that just might make it more difficult for totalitarian regimes to censor information. The two word tweet from Elon over Iranian censorship that said ……“Activating Starlink”

Today’s episode is called “Chess Match” where we discuss the Fed’s final chess moves to secure a checkmate on inflation, the difference between headline inflation and the Fed’s core inflation and why it’s different, and the complicated moving target called semiconductor chips and why the end of the shortage is far more elusive than you might think. .........Tune in, as we discuss that and more. 

Today’s episode is called “Recession or No Recession, that is the Question” where we discuss the implications of 2 quarters of negative GDP and the real definition of a recession, the delusion on capital hill that we can kill inflation without sacrificing jobs, the consumer spending spree, and a stock market that just posted its best month all year.  ......Tune in as we discuss that and more. 

Today’s episode is called “2nd Half Jitters” where we discuss the absence of peak inflation, the meteoric rise in mortgage rates, the compression of PE ratios, and the Growth/Value cycle.  Is the Fed on the brink of finally decreasing demand as desired or is the consumer not going to cooperate and just keep spending?  Tune in as we discuss that and more. 

Today’s episode is called “Freebies” where we discuss the proposal for a college loan forgiveness program along with all its complications, new weapon systems about to be shipped to Ukraine from the U.S. as well as Germany, the war on inflation including its effect on the stock market, and upcoming client events from summer to fall.......tune in as we discuss that and more

Today’s episode is called “Wicked Problem” where we discuss China President XI Jinping’s “zero-covid” policy, it’s likely failure, and the repercussions of the new wave of lock downs affecting more than 300 million Chinese people, the stock markets 3rd quarter earnings and future guidance, GDP dropping from 6.9% to -1.4%, stubborn inflation that has yet to peak, and the pickle the Fed finds themselves in.  ...........Tune in as we discuss that and more.

Today’s episode is called “The Long And Windy Road” where we discuss the latest jobs report signaling more growth ahead, inflation numbers pointing to the worst inflationary backdrop in 40 years, the Fed's first move in its war on inflation and the market’s resilience in the face of it all. Is the end of inflation anywhere in sight or are we in store for a longer struggle than we think?........Tune in as we discuss that and more.