Wealthy Behavior

February may have been the shortest month of the year, but it delivered no shortage of market-moving events. Bob Weisse joins Sammy Azzouz to break down what’s driving today’s financial markets—and what it could mean for investors. A pessimistic report from Cetrini Research, 2028 Global Intelligence Crisis, raised concerns about artificial intelligence’s economic impact, sparking stock market sell-offs, sector rotations, and widespread debate. Sammy and Bob share their perspective on the findings and the broader implications of technological disruption.Escalating conflict in the Middle East prompted swift reactions in both stock and bond markets. We discuss what long-term investors should consider amid heightened volatility and uncertainty.Bond yields have risen while bond prices have declined. We explain what’s driving this unusual dynamic in fixed income markets. Visit us at www.heritagefinancial.net

In this month’s Market Update, CIO Bob Weisse joins Sammy Azzouz to unpack what’s driving today’s financial markets—and what it could mean for investors going forward.Tune in as they discuss:President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed ChairmanIf the economy appears strong, why are rate cuts still on the table?Where we are in the current market cycle—and how much longer markets could runUncharted territory: how sweeping technological change could reshape companies, economies, and investment opportunitiesWhy U.S. value stocks are leading the market (up ~5% YTD)A practical primer on foreign fixed income: what it is and when it may make sense in a portfolioSend your questions to [email protected]

In this first episode of the new year, Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, joins CEO Sammy Azzouz to reflect on 2025 market performance and share insights for the year ahead. 2025 was a strong year for investors. U.S. equities delivered a third consecutive year of double-digit returns, international equities finally outperformed the U.S., and fixed income produced solid positive returns. So, what’s in store for 2026? Bob examines emerging trends and outlines Heritage’s 2026 Capital Market Assumptions—our long-term return forecasts—and explains how to evaluate the data, balance risk and return expectations, and use these assumptions to inform portfolio allocation decisions. Plus, with gold shining brightly in 2025, Bob shares his perspective on investing in gold, including potential risks and returns, when it may add value, and when it may fall short.Send your questions to [email protected] us at www.heritagefinancial.net

Bob Weisse, Chief Investment Officer at Heritage Financial, joins President & CEO Sammy Azzouz for a timely conversation on private markets. Together, they break down private credit and private equity, explore emerging risks across these asset classes, and share expectations for what lies ahead.The discussion then turns to our 2025 market outlook—what was forecasted, what actually unfolded, and how current market and economic conditions are shaping future expectations. Bob offers his perspective on:What’s driving weakness in today’s labor marketWhether tariff concerns and Fed fears were overblownWhether we’re in an AI bubbleWhat the data suggests for the future of international equities—and moreSend your questions to [email protected] us at www.heritagefinancial.net

We often think of U.S. presidents as financially savvy and immune to money worries—but the truth is, they’re a lot like us: each striving in their own way to achieve the elusive “American Dream.” Some built wealth through discipline and strategy, while others struggled to manage it.In this episode, Megan Gorman, founding partner of Chequers Financial Management and author of All the Presidents’ Money: How the Men Who Governed America Governed Their Money, shares insights from her deep dive into the personal finances of more than 30 U.S. presidents.From frugal founders to big spenders, Megan reveals which presidents built fortunes, who faltered, and how some first couples balanced each other’s financial strengths and weaknesses.Tune in for a fascinating look at how America’s leaders handled their money—perfect for history buffs and personal finance fans alike.Send your questions to [email protected], don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Eight-digit passwords are out—randomized 20+ alphanumeric passwords are in. Cybercrime has exploded into a $10.5 trillion global industry, and experts estimate it will double in the next three years. Even more alarming: today’s most sophisticated schemes aren’t just coming from overseas. Local criminals are adopting the same high-level tactics, putting all of us at greater risk. Mark Hurley, CEO of Digital Privacy & Protection LLC, joins to break down the latest scams, the evolving role of AI in cybercrime, and the practical steps you can take to stay safer online.  How AI is reshaping cybercrime—and making attacks harder to spotWhy simply booking a hotel could end up costing you more than your stayWhether data protection services are worth the investmentIf some devices (iOS vs. Android) are truly more secureHow password managers work—and whether Google and Apple’s randomized passwords are safe to useSend your questions to [email protected], don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has officially become the longest in history, creating new uncertainties and economic pressure points. Yet, markets have remained surprisingly resilient. In this episode, Chief Investment Officer Bob Weisse joins to discuss:What true diversification looks like when global indices remain heavily weighted toward U.S. companies.Key insights from J.P. Morgan’s Capital Market Forecast, including Bob’s perspective on its findings and projections.Highlights from Heritage Financial’s recent Market Outlook webinar, covering the Fed’s latest moves, inflation trends, the weakening dollar, and more.Send your questions to [email protected], don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Heritage Financial is celebrating 30 years of helping clients build, protect, and enjoy their wealth. To mark this milestone, CEO Sammy Azzouz sat down with some of our seasoned financial advisors to share their favorite pieces of investing wisdom — the kind of timeless advice that can guide you through decades of market cycles and through life itself.Whether you’re just starting your investment journey or a seasoned investor, you’ll walk away with practical insights and enduring principles you can rely on for years to come.Send your questions to [email protected]And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

2025 has been a strong year for investors, and the third quarter kept that momentum going. Markets are viewing things through rose-colored glasses, pricing in plenty of good news—but risks remain.Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, joins CEO, Sammy Azzouz, to break down what’s fueling today’s market strength and what could challenge it. They discuss why investors shouldn’t ignore lingering risks like the ongoing government shutdown, which—if prolonged—could start to weigh on the economy.They also explore why investors should be cautious about chasing yield in the bond market, even amid strong performance, and share insights on today’s “gold rush,” including ways to gain exposure without buying the metal itself.Finally, as a preview of our next episode, Bob closes by sharing one of his favorite pieces of timeless investment wisdom.Send your questions to [email protected], don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Ken Shinoda, Portfolio Manager at DoubleLine Capital, returns to Wealthy Behavior to share his perspective on the current state of the bond market, today’s economy, and the outlook for mortgages. In this episode, he discusses: Key risks facing the bond marketThe Fed’s independence and policy expectationsThe weakening dollar and its impact on bondsThe rapid expansion of private creditWhat really drives mortgage rates—and what the new “normal” might look likeVisit us at www.heritagefinancial.net. Send your questions to [email protected],And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

It’s been a strong year for the markets—but the ride hasn’t been smooth. Yields continue to be pulled in opposite directions: lower on expectations of rate cuts, but higher on concerns about sticky inflation, labor market weakness, and elevated Treasury debt levels.In this episode of Wealthy Behavior, Heritage Financial’s CIO Bob Weisse joins CEO Sammy Azzouz to discuss the current state of the markets and economy, including:Key takeaways from Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speechGoldman Sachs’ recent research on U.S. fiscal worries: “Is This Time Different?”A reminder of true Wealthy Behavior: after a strong run in stocks, don’t let the tax tail wag the dogWhat investors should be watching for in the months aheadPortfolio moves our investment team made to help manage today’s risksVisit us at www.heritagefinancial.net. Send your questions to [email protected],And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Markets remain near all-time highs, and investor sentiment is strong — but a softer July jobs report, along with downward revisions to prior months, points to a cooling labor market. Heritage Financial CIO, Bob Weisse, joins CEO, Sammy Azzouz, to discuss what this means for the Fed, the economy, and investors. They also break down key valuation metrics (CAPE vs. PE ratios), share views on market efficiency, and examine the potential impact of new tariffs. Tune in for timely insights on markets, economic data, and how they’re influencing portfolio strategy today.Send your questions to [email protected],Visit us at www.heritagefinancial.net.And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

In this episode, Ed Jastrem, Heritage Financial's Chief Planning Officer, joins Sammy Azzouz to break down the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and what it means for your financial future. They discuss what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how individuals and business owners can make the most of planning opportunities.Topics include:Key changes taking effect in 2025 vs. 2026Misconceptions around Social Security and taxationExpiring and new tax creditsWhy 529 plans just got more attractiveCharitable giving opportunitiesBusiness owner provisions, including depreciation and capital expensesWhat actions to take before the end of 2025 to avoid surprises at tax timeHow scenario planning helps clients stay aheadWhether you're planning for retirement, running a business, or just want to avoid surprises at tax time, this episode is packed with insights.Send your questions to [email protected],Visit us at www.heritagefinancial.net.And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Markets continued their upward trend in June, reflecting investor resilience despite ongoing global uncertainty.In this episode, Bob Weisse, Heritage Financial's CIO, joins Sammy Azzouz, CEO, to explore what’s driving strong market performance, offering historical context and some investment opportunities.He also discusses how the investment landscape has evolved—many products once reserved for institutions, such as interval funds, are now more accessible to individual investors.Bob shares his framework for evaluating alternative investments, often called the “third pillar” of investing. But is diversification alone enough to justify their place in a portfolio? He breaks down the wide range of strategies, fee structures, and market exposures to consider.Plus, we answer a listener question: Why aren’t we investing in gold right now?Send your questions to [email protected],Visit us at www.heritagefinancial.net.And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

You can have a solid financial plan and a great estate plan—but if they aren’t aligned, neither may work as intended. Liz Meyer, JD, Heritage Financial’s Estate Planning Specialist, shares strategies to strengthen your estate plan, common mistakes, and answers the questions she hears most often.We cover:Why estate planning matters—both during your life and afterKey estate planning documentsHow beneficiary designations interact with your estate plan and can override your intentionsWhat is included in your taxable estate and ways to help reduce estate taxesThe annual gift exclusion—how it works and why it mattersWhat to know if you own property in multiple statesHow transparent you should be with your children and familyDon’t wait to protect what you’ve worked so hard for—your family, your future, and your peace of mind.Send your questions to [email protected], Visit us at www.heritagefinancial.net.And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Despite unsettling headlines and ongoing market volatility, both stocks and bonds are in positive territory year-to-date—led by international markets outpacing the U.S. Since April’s dip, markets have rebounded, giving investors a second chance to reassess their portfolios, consider global diversification, and revisit their risk tolerance. In this episode, Sammy and Bob break down what’s driving the markets and dive into:Why the growing U.S. budget deficit matters to bond investorsThe role of real assets in a diversified portfolioA new opportunity our team is analyzing in foreign bondsSend your questions to [email protected]And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Barry Ritholtz — Co-founder, Chairman, and Chief Investment Officer of Ritholtz Wealth Management, and host of the Masters in Business podcast — joins Sammy to discuss his new book, “How Not To Invest: The ideas, numbers, and behaviors that destroy wealth – and how to avoid them”.Barry blends behavioral finance with data analysis to uncover some of the most common (and costly) investing mistakes — and how to steer clear of them. Tune in for actionable takeaways on failing better, managing market noise, and navigating the world of financial “experts.”Plus, Barry explains why the childhood advice “Don’t take candy from strangers” also holds true for grown-up investors.Send questions to [email protected] and don’t forget to rate the show!And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Bob Weisse, CIO of Heritage Financial, joins Sammy Azzouz to break down the latest market trends and what investors need to know. While markets have shown improvement in recent weeks, signs of weakness remain, raising concerns about a potential recession.Bob discusses the factors behind the Q1 GDP contraction and what it could signal for the broader economy. He also offers insights on how investors can navigate uncertainty and volatility, including an explanation of the difference between fundamental and technical price movements.In addition, Bob shares his perspective on the small-cap market and, in light of Warren Buffett’s announcement that he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, reflects on timeless investment lessons from one of history’s most influential investors.Send questions to [email protected] and don’t forget to rate the show!And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

We usually advise against mixing politics and portfolios, but since the April 2 tariff announcement, politics—not fundamentals—have been driving the markets. Sammy Azzouz sits back down with Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, to unpack what’s happened since “Liberation Day” and answer some FAQs about the state of the investment universe today. If you’re wondering what just happened to your portfolio—and what could come next—tune in!Send questions to [email protected] and don’t forget to rate the show!And, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.

Diversification proved its worth in Q1. While U.S. markets struggled, dragged down by a tech-sector sell-off, international and fixed-income markets delivered strong returns. Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, breaks down the Q1 results and highlights why diversification remains crucial in today’s environment of heightened risks, policy uncertainty, and elevated U.S. equity valuations.In this episode, we:✅ Share some glimmers of hope✅ Explain market momentum—why winners tend to keep winning and losers keep losing✅ Explore how direct indexing can be a smart solution for investors with idle cash, high capital gains, or those preparing to sell a businessJoin us for insights that can help you navigate today’s complex market with confidence.Plus, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

Erratic Policy Swirl, S&P 500 Pullback, and What Investors Might Be Missing.Michael Santoli, Senior Markets Commentator at CNBC, joins us to break down today’s turbulent headlines. Is the U.S. experiencing a market correction, or is something bigger on the horizon? We dive into recent volatility, the S&P 500’s pullback, the “Magnificent 7” stocks rolling over, and hot topics like DOGE and Tesla. Plus, Michael highlights key market trends that aren’t getting enough attention—but should be.With over 30 years covering Wall Street at Barron’s, Yahoo Finance, and Dow Jones Newswires, Michael Santoli brings deep market expertise, which he shares regularly on CNBC’s Business Day programming and as a featured contributor to CNBC.com and CNBC PRO.*BONUS* How To Build Your Next Million, our free ebook, teaches investors about the tools that can help them SAVE more, GROW more, KEEP more, and PROTECT more. Get your copy today!We’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, ideas, or feedback to [email protected].

Increasing uncertainty, rising inflation, and slowing economic growth are causing concern among investors, leading them to take a more defensive approach—reducing risk, shifting equity exposure, and turning to fixed income. Many are asking: What’s driving the moves? And how should investors respond?In this episode, CEO Sammy Azzouz shares client questions, while CIO Bob Weisse breaks down the latest updates on U.S. and international stock and bond markets. They’ll discuss how our investment team is positioning portfolios, what data they’re watching, and what investors should—and shouldn’t—do in uncertain times. Tune in for insights to help you navigate today’s landscape.Plus, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

Could this be the year international markets outshine the U.S.? Jeffrey Kleintop, Chief Global Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, believes a new cycle has begun—one that could make global investing more rewarding than it’s been in years. In this episode, Jeff explains why international markets are gaining momentum, what’s driving global growth and earnings, and how overseas valuations stack up against the U.S. He also puts tariffs and their impact on companies and stock markets into perspective—are they more bark than bite?—and shares what investors should keep an eye on in the months ahead.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth. We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Markets started strong in 2025, but uncertainty and volatility loom. How should investors respond?In this episode, Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, and CEO, Sammy Azzouz, break down what’s happening in the markets and how to make smarter investment decisions in today’s environment, including:The latest on Fed policy and what it means for your portfolioFixed income investing—why it matters, the risks, and how to invest in different sectorsThe danger of chasing recent winners and how to avoid common mistakesBehavioral finance basics that every investor should knowPlus, don’t miss our free ebook and video course, How To Build Your Next Million—packed with expert insights on saving, investing, and protecting your wealth.Have questions or topics you’d like us to cover? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

Full valuations, index concentration and the potential for a resurgence of inflation have set the stage for a fragile market environment. Can prices rise further from here? Absolutely. Yet the possibility of setbacks is equally real, underscoring the importance of durability in 2025. In this episode, we spotlight an audio replay of our 2025 Market Outlook webinar titled Bridging the Divide. Bob Weisse, Heritage Financial’s CIO, and Brad Long, CIO at Fiducient Advisors, discuss today's markets and economy, and share expectations for 2025 and beyond.Read more detail in our written 2025 Market Outlook: Bridging the Divide.Get a head-start on your financial resolutions with our new video course and our ebook, How To Build Your Next Million! These resources highlight the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

In this first episode of the new year, Sammy and Bob recap 2024's market performance and share insights for the year ahead. Will 2025 bring strong returns, or are we heading for a correction? A wide range of outcomes are possible, so preparation is key. Bob dives into the data driving both short- and long-term outlooks, including:Stocks vs. bondsU.S. vs. international marketsPortfolio risk management strategiesRecent currency moves and future predictionsAnd because it seems no one can stop talking about it, Bob wraps up with his take on the Cybertruck.Tune in for insights, strategy, and a touch of tech talk as we set the stage for 2025!

In this special episode of Wealthy Behavior, we are wrapping up a great year of amazing guests, excellent listener questions, and delivering insight to listeners by highlighting 6 enduring, valuable investment strategies and lessons from our 2024 episodes: The building blocks of financial literacy, the importance of investing internationally, the truth about dollar-cost averaging, a primer on private equity vs venture capital, private credit, and some non-monetary advice for those 5-10 years out from retirement. Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth. We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Sammy and Bob discuss the market’s reaction to the election results and what might lie ahead. Taxes, tariffs, and immigration lead the new administration’s agenda, and related announcements are already moving markets. With the Republican sweep, there is potential for significant changes happening under Trump’s administration compared to a divided government. Given the wide range of outcomes, we expect some near-term market volatility. Bob also shares actionable insights on portfolio strategies for stocks and bonds, helping investors navigate this uncertain landscape. Plus, they dive into Elon Musk’s potential influence on the government, Fed rates, inflation trends, and the S&P 500's momentum.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Join Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, and CEO, Sammy Azzouz, as they discuss Tuesday’s election results and the potential market and economic impact of the policies President-Elect Donald Trump discussed on the campaign trail. Stock markets responded positively to the potential for new tax cuts, extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and deregulation, which could benefit economic growth. On the other hand, the rise in bond yields signals worry that fiscal stimulus, anticipated tariff increases, and immigration reform may lead to higher debt, inflation, and slowing global trade.  Tune in as we discuss the markets, economy, and strategies to help protect your investment portfolio during this time of uncertainty.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth. We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Women face unique challenges and setbacks compared to men when it comes to finances. From longer life expectancies, to earning less, and greater caregiving responsibilities, on this episode Kenzie Ferris, CFP, CLTC, AWMA and Wealth Manager at Heritage Financial, shares some common financial challenges faced by women and ways to get ahead of them.  Would you rather avoid this conversation? You aren’t alone. Talking about finances can be uncomfortable and complicated. But the fact is that over 90% of women will be solely responsible for their finances at some point in their lives. Talking about your money, your goals, your worries, and planning for the expected-and unexpected-can help you feel more confident and empowered. Let’s start the conversation!Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth. We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

With only a quarter left to go, investors are pleased with 2024’s stock and bond markets thus far. Heritage Financial’s Chief Investment Officer, Bob Weisse, joins CEO, Sammy Azzouz, to discuss recent performance and:  David Tepper’s call to “buy everything related to China”The health of the US consumerBonds are no longer ugly-get your bond allocation rightWhat to look for when investing in small cap stocksDeveloping ways to be more tax efficient Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth. We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

We are honored to welcome Christine Benz, author of How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement and director of personal finance and retirement planning at Morningstar, to our podcast. Whether you are planning for retirement or already retired, you’ll gain insight on how to find success in retirement financially and otherwise, from those who have studied retirement for decades.How to think about retirement spendingAvoiding common retirement challengesThe connection between relationships and success in retirement and lifeThe bucket approach to asset allocation – how to think about it and how it can add valueLong-term care decision making and options to exploreHow covid has impacted retirement, financially and non-financiallyTake your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Michael Waldron, Heritage Financial’s Director of Portfolio Management, joins Sammy Azzouz to discuss what’s going on in the markets and investment universe today.What are carry trades and why they impacted global markets so dramatically in August.Rebalancing portfolios to capitalize on today’s stock and bond markets.The Feds messaging and the impact its already had on rates.Market performance during election years and what to pay attention to instead of which party gets elected.And finally, both avid readers, Michael and Sammy discuss their recent reads.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Special guest, Sam Ro, financial writer and founder of the finance newsletter TKer, joins to help investors of all experience levels cut through today’s noisy headlines and make sense of what’s really happening in today’s markets and economy.Though economic indicators are starting to cool, the economy and consumer spending are still strong and signs are pointing toward future growth. Sam and Heritage Financial CEO, Sammy Azzouz, discuss the macro economy, the most recent corporate earnings results and the messages individual investors can get from reading and listening to earnings reports. Sam also shares takeaways from the early August market meltdown, his view on investing during an election year, and the data he’ll be monitoring in the coming months and quarters to get a feel for the direction of the economy.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].*BONUS* How To Build Your Next Million, our free ebook, teaches investors about the tools that can help them SAVE more, GROW more, KEEP more, and PROTECT more. Get your copy today!Like what you heard and want to join the Tker community?Tker has both a free and paid subscription and Sam is offering Wealthy Behavior listeners 3-months of free access to a premium newsletter subscription. Visit www.tker.co/subscribe to subscribe to the free newsletter. Once you get an email confirmation, reply to that with a note saying you heard about TKer on the Wealthy Behavior podcast.*Heritage Financial is not affiliated with Tker.co and no compensation has or will be provided in exchange for any subscriptions.

The weaker than expected CPI report released early in the month bolstered investor confidence for rate cuts in September. This favorable data combined with slowing economic growth and higher unemployment, led to a sharp drop in yields and a big rotation trade among stock market performers. In fact, small cap stocks experienced their largest single day of outperformance in over 40 years. With markets adjusting to recent data and recession fears increasing, markets are becoming more volatile.Tune in to hear our CEO, Sammy Azzouz, and CIO, Bob Weisse, discuss recent market moves, what they mean for investors, and answer a listener question – Do you really need to update your allocation to be more conservative as you get older?Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Kyla Scanlon, writer, podcaster, and the author of the book In This Economy? How Money & Markets Really Work, believes that human behavior is the ultimate driver of the economy, and that misinformation is driving people to make poor decisions.Kyla joins this episode to discuss her book, thoughts on today’s economy, and the importance of financial education, which she has a great passion for. She wrote her book to serve as an introductory guide to understanding the economy and to provide the basic tools people need to better understand the world they are a part of. Kyla’s ability to break down complex topics like the financial markets, inflation, labor market, and the economy at large into understandable content has amassed quite a following. Tune in to find out why!Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

There’s a saying that the Fed takes interest rates up on an escalator (smooth increases) and down on the elevator (larger, quick drops). We are around peak interest rates, the market is expecting the Fed to cut rates twice this year, and based on slowing economic data it looks like the cuts should begin soon. What will give the Fed the green light to start? Tune in to hear Heritage Financial CIO, Bob Weisse, and CEO, Sammy Azzouz, discuss what has stood out to recently, including:The latest on interest rates and inflationRecent narrowing of stock market leadership and what’s driving the winnersWhy a diversified fixed income portfolio is imperative, especially nowA primer on private credit–a detailed discussion about what is it and how can it fit in a portfolioTake your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act is set to sunset at the end of 2025. For many people, this expiration of tax cuts will mean more of your money will be going toward taxes. Heritage Financial’s Chief Planning Officer, Ed Jastrem, joins Sammy Azzouz to discuss the “use it or lose it” window of time that is left to save on taxes and shares the impacts this could have on your wealth, your habits, and your legacy. What does the TCJA sunset mean for 2026 and beyond?Could legislation be proposed to halt the sunset, or parts of it?2026 is over a year away, why start planning now?What are the downsides to pre-planning if something does change with the sunset?For the most personalized and strategic plan that best meets your needs, we recommend collaborating with your wealth manager, tax advisor, and estate planner. Content in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

A series of weaker labor market and housing data, better than expected inflation data, and resilient corporate earnings have all contributed to May’s healthy market performance. While inflation has been sticky, signs of a slowing economy are emerging. Heritage Financial CIO, Bob Weisse, and CEO, Sammy Azzouz, discuss these signs, global market valuations and why it could be a good time to rebalance, and explain the how, what, and why of stock splits.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Allison Schrager, economist and author of "An Economist Walks into a Brothel: And Other Unexpected Places to Understand Risk," joins Sammy to discuss how principles of risk used in finance relate to all industries, and ways to measure it, control it and maximize it.They also discuss some of the biggest risks in retirement including the projected depletion of social security and some ways to fix the problem, what spending looks like in retirement and how it’s financed, and advice on how to balance competing goals.Allison is also a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a regular contributor to the Economist, Reuters, and Bloomberg Businessweek, and co-founder of LifeCycle Finance Partners, LLC, a risk advisory firm.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

The April jobs report shows that the U.S. unemployment rate rose and wage gains slowed more than expected. Markets reacted favorably to this news. Why be happy that more people are out of work and earning less? These are two signals that the strong labor market may be starting to soften. The markets are hoping that a labor market slowdown will nudge the Fed closer to begin lowering interest rates.Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, and CEO, Sammy Azzouz, also discuss how the Feds comments can move markets, the impacts the housing market and upcoming election may have on the Feds moves, and answer a client question– If you have the choice, should you invest a lump sum all at once or wade into the market by dollar cost averaging?Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Lately we’ve noticed similar themes across the questions we are getting asked most often. In this episode Heritage Financial’s CEO, Sammy Azzouz, and CIO, Bob Weisse, address the topics and answer the questions on top of investors’ minds.April’s inflation and economic data shows that inflation may be stickier than expected and rates could stay higher for longer. What does this shift in data mean for the markets?The problem with the housing market and why it may not improve anytime soon. - The Magnificent 7 stocks are getting all the attention. They have performed well, they are great companies, why not just buy them?A lesson in FOMO.Why the cost of auto insurance is surging.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

With the first three months of the year posting strong market returns, most investors are pleased with the start to 2024. Equity markets have seen a broadening of market winners and in March bonds posted their first positive monthly return of the year. 2023 was the story of the magnificent seven tech stocks leading the bulk of the total market return. This year, those concentrated returns from mega-cap tech stocks have diverged and we’ve seen a broadening of market leaders across sectors-generally a healthy sign for investors. Leading economic indicator data released for the month of February also showed a change in direction and shifted positive. Despite these encouraging signs, ample recession and market risks remain and must be monitored.In addition to sharing the latest market and economic news, Sammy and Bob discuss the artful skill of being patient with your investments without being blind, red flags that should alert investors to dig deeper, and to kick-off Financial Literacy month a discussion of the book “The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money” by Ron Lieber.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Special guest Jeffrey Kleintop, Chief Global Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, is excited for investors in international markets. It has been a bullish start to the year across global markets and we are seeing encouraging trends toward a broader outlook for performance both in the U.S. and abroad. But we won’t get there without navigating through a year full of risks and concerns. Jeff provides an update on global markets and economies and what investors should be paying attention to: The “Swift” expansionGlobal election impact—voters representing more than half the world’s population are expected to head to the polls this yearWhat inflation looks like overseas and expectations of central banksWhy the AI driven tech rally is primarily benefitting U.S. companiesConsequences of home country biasTake your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You'll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, and CEO, Sammy Azzouz, revisit February’s U.S. and international stock and bond market moves and discuss reasons behind year-to-date performance. The Fed has gotten better at their job, they have history on their side, and they’ve learned their tools have a delayed effect on the economy. Bob shares historical research on Fed rate hiking cycles and performance of the S&P 500 following final rate hikes through rate cuts. While markets expect the Fed to begin cutting rates this year, we must consider the motive and ramifications of doing so, so we can prepare for future market impacts.At Heritage Financial, we have been investing in private equity for over 15 years as we believe the asset class can add value to investors’ portfolios. Bob and Sammy dive into the differences between private equity and venture capital that investors should know, what we look for when investing, risks, fees, performance, management, and what Bob sees on the horizon.Take your wealth to the next level with How To Build Your Next Million, our educational video course and ebook. You'll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Caleb Silver, Editor in Chief at Investopedia, joins to share some practical advice on personal finance and discuss the hierarchy of financial literacy. Throughout his career as a journalist Caleb has spoken with many business leaders, authors, and industry experts. Caleb shares some of his favorite advice and metaphors learned, and he offers some thought-provoking questions for listeners to reflect on and answer. Get the inside scoop on what people are searching for on Investopedia.com today, some unique indicators Caleb follows for signs of what’s to come, and how he recommends staying informed given today’s never-ending stream of content.Caleb is an Emmy-nominated business journalist who previously worked as the Director of Business News at CNN, the Executive Producer of CNN Money, and a Senior Producer at Bloomberg Television. He is a frequent guest on CNBC, MSNBC, CNN, and ABC News Radio. Hear more from Caleb each weekly on The Investopedia Express podcast.Take your wealth to the next level with How to Build Your Next Million, our educational video series and ebook. You’ll learn the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth. Visit www.heritagefinancial.net to access these free resources.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].*Sammy Azzouz was recognized as an Investopedia Top 100 Advisor on July 11, 2023 for the year 2023. No compensation has been exchanged for placement on this ranking.

In the U.S., the economy is doing well, inflation is moderating, and the S&P 500 hit a new all-time high in January. 2024 is off to a strong start. Now all eyes are focused on the Fed as they are expected to begin cutting rates this year. When will they begin? And how much will they cut by year-end? Investors will be listening closely hoping to glean hints into the future.In this episode, Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, and CEO, Sammy Azzouz, also address:If the economy is doing well, why stimulate the economy by cutting rates?When markets are at a high, does our advice to investors change?Asset LOcation - Where to position your assets to help reduce your tax bill.A brief overview of 529 plans.Changes to portfolio allocations the investment team has been making.Get a head-start on your financial resolutions with our free ebook, How To Build Your Next Million, and video course! These resources highlight the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

In this episode, we offer an audio replay of our 2024 Market Outlook webinar. Bob Weisse, Heritage Financial’s CIO, and Brad Long, CIO at Fiducient Advisors, discuss today's markets and economy, and share expectations for 2024 and beyond.Read more detail in our 2024 Market Outlook: Prepare Not Predict.Get a head-start on your financial resolutions with our new video course and our ebook, How To Build Your Next Million! These resources highlight the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

A combination of favorable inflation reports and the Fed recognizing the good reports, paired with a more balanced labor market, led to strong fourth quarter results across markets in general.2023 was dominated by financial uncertainty surrounding inflation, rising interest rates, volatile markets, and the possibility of a recession. Today, we have the benefit of hindsight. In this episode, Heritage Financial’s CIO, Bob Weisse, and CEO, Sammy Azzouz, discuss takeaways from the markets in 2023, preview our 2024 market expectations, and discuss REITS, interest rates, and changes we are seeing in the residential real estate market.We’ll discuss our asset class expectations in more detail during our 2024 Market Outlook webinar on January 17th at 12pm ET. Be sure to register and if you can’t attend live, we’ll send you the recording.Get a head-start on your financial resolutions with our new video course and our ebook, How To Build Your Next Million! These resources highlight the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected].

Special guest Lance Lambert, CEO & Co-Founder at ResiClub, a research company dedicated to in-depth tracking, reporting, and analysis of the U.S. housing market, joins this episode to discuss the state of the U.S. housing market from pre-pandemic to today. Lance breaks down the biggest drivers of the real estate market—Pricing, Affordability and Inventory, headwinds and tailwinds in today’s market, how mortgage rates are determined, and where he sees them normalizing at for the long-term. And finally, Lance discusses data-driven research on how inventory in regional real estate markets today, compared to pre-pandemic levels, can help predict what may happen in the market next year.We’d love to hear from you! Email us questions, ideas, or feedback at [email protected] a head-start on your financial resolutions with our free ebook, How To Build Your Next Million, and video course! These resources highlight the financial tools and strategies that will help you SAVE more, KEEP more of what you earn, GROW your portfolio, and PROTECT your nest egg to enhance your overall wealth.