Money & Stuff

A fast food combo crossing $10 might seem small, but it says a lot about today’s economy.  In this episode, Sam Rodriguez and Conor Shepard break down why things still feel expensive even as inflation slows. From why prices rarely come down to the gap between wage growth and rising costs, they connect what you’re feeling to what’s actually happening. If your money doesn’t seem to go as far anymore...

Even with unemployment holding near 4%, many Americans feel worse off than ever and the numbers tell a different story. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard unpack what’s really happening in today’s labor market. From the rise of gig and “fractional” work to the disappearance of entry-level jobs, they break down how AI, inflation, and shifting employer demands are reshaping what...

If you’re a Gen X or millennial parent, college costs are no longer a distant concern: they're on your doorstep.    In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard walk through four essential steps to help Gen X and millennial parents avoid overpaying for college. With tuition costs rising and financial aid more confusing than ever, they break down how to stay in the driver’s seat and...

 Gen X is starting to inherit trillions… and most people have no idea what to do with it.  Inheriting money is emotional:  Grief. Guilt. Pressure. And if you’re not prepared, that money can disappear fast.   In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down the biggest mistakes people make with an inheritance and how to avoid them.  You’ll learn what to do before you spend a dime,...

In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard  break down how Generation X’s financial journey compares to those of boomers and millennials, and why it feels so different. They dive into the timing of economic downturns, shifting family roles, and how these factors have shaped Gen X’s retirement outlook. Plus, they share some practical steps Gen Xers can take to navigate the challenges a...

 Making a high income doesn’t always mean peace of mind.  In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard unpack why so many people who appear financially successful still feel anxious and behind. They explore what real wealth actually looks like—and how to redefine success on your own terms.  Watch On YouTube: WHY DON'T I FEEL WEALTHY? Want to talk to an advisor about something you h...

 Juggling the financial and emotional demands of aging parents, growing kids, and your own future can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down the realities of being a part of the sandwich generation , share strategies to avoid common financial pitfalls, and offer practical ways to protect your own financial well-being without sacrificing your loved one...

 Kick off 2025 with Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard as they tackle one of the hottest questions on everyone’s mind: Is now the right time to buy a house? From mortgage rates to housing supply, they break down the key factors shaping today’s market. Plus, get practical, no-nonsense tips to help you decide if this is your year to take the leap into homeownership!  In this episode, they discus...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are wrapping up 2024 by talking about some popular "tax strategies" circulating TikTok and why they may be more risky than beneficial depending on your situation. In this episode, they discuss: The 6000 pound vehicle deduction and why it could cost more overall than what you end up saving in taxes Using an LLC to write off anything under the sun an...

With the election right around the corner, Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are back to talk about what election years mean for the stock market as well as the misconceptions surrounding them. In this episode, they discuss: Why there tends to be more market volatility during election years compared to non-election years Some of the misconceptions surrounding this dynamic & what contribu...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are back with another great topic! In this episode, they go through 7 of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to their retirement and what you can do to avoid them. They discuss: The importance of having a plan for your retirement and the ramifications of retiring without any plan The dangers of prioritizing saving for your child's college ove...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are back!  In this episode, they talk about some interesting data which found that Baby Boomers seem to watch more television on average compared to younger generations. They discuss: Reasons for why Baby Boomers have the highest amount of time watching television among different generations Discrepancies in the results and other factors that could explain w...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are wrapping up the year with 3 tax to-do items that could help your situation. They discuss: How your 401K contributions affect your taxes and what strategies you could employ to position yourself in a more favorable position Strategies for grouping your donations/deductions to maximize your potential deduction position The benefits of contributing to an HS...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard continue their discussion on housing and focus on the reasons (for some) why renting may be better than buying a home. They discuss: Benefits of renting vs buying a home Why money isn't the only factor to consider when looking at renting vs buying What factors to consider before deciding to commit to either choice Watch Here: https://youtu.be/rdbzByZXQY...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are talking about the housing market and 5 reasons you should buy a house. They discuss: Positive benefits from home ownership The opportunity cost associated with buying vs renting What factors to consider before deciding to commit to a home purchase Watch Here: https://youtu.be/Uic_htZgHig Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episod...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are talking home prices and what could be causing the continued rise in home pricing. They discuss: 5 possible causes for the continued rise What factors are involved that can add to the confusion  What to look for before considering a home buy Watch Here: https://youtu.be/9KwryhZ1NrM Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reac...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard dig into 5 things that leave many Americans confused when it comes to retirement. They discuss: 5 major questions and concerns Americans have about retirement What factors are involved that can add to the confusion  Tips on how to avoid the confusion and keep your financial life on track Watch Here: https://youtu.be/SAPcAbUmDjA Want to talk to an advisor abo...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  is joined by Brian Krukiel (co-founder of Foundation Wealth Partners) to talk more about bonds and the potential opportunities they can offer. They discuss: Why the bond market has more appeal and what factors contributed to the change What the opportunities are available and why it may not last forever Watch Here: https://youtu.be/LOdd_wPmydc Want to talk to an advisor about s...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard talk about the recent increase in foreclosures among Americans. They discuss: What factors could be influencing the foreclosure rate The driving forces behind recent changes in American's economic outlook How the foreclosures are related to other recent events in the economy Watch Here: https://youtu.be/72rng9YkY3A Want to talk to an advisor about somet...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  is joined by Brian Krukiel (co-founder of Foundation Wealth Partners) to talk through the stock market's current state. They discuss: The state of the stock market today and what that could mean to regular investors Whether or not the markets are overvalued and what this means for future events Watch Here: https://youtu.be/1M0tlZ-inBA Want to talk to an advisor about somet...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard talk about 9 middle-class money traps many people find themselves in and how you can avoid them. They discuss: The dangers of "keeping up with the Joneses"  The risks of taking on too much expensive debt (ex. credit cards) How falling into one trap can inevitably slide into another trap if someone doesn't take action Watch Here: https://youtu....

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are talking about why more and more Americans think they'll never be able to retire and what to do about it.  They discuss: Recent surveys that show the increasing number of Americans who feel they'll never be able to retire What factors could be causing the increase and what it could mean long term Possible solutions and actions you can take if yo...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are talking about Disney's recent decline in park attendance and the likely factors behind it. They discuss: Disney World's business model and target demographics How Covid and lockdowns impacted their strategies Whether or not "greedflation" is involved with Disney's most recent changes Watch Here: https://youtu.be/nDn3Ap8JlNc Want...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard dig into the reasons why a tax-free retirement may not be the best option for you. They discuss: The differences between a tax-diversified retirement vs a tax-free retirement Why a tax-free retirement can actually be damaging to your plan How tax diversification can benefit you before and after retirement Watch Here: https://youtu.be/TUuuOIc8y_Y Want to talk...

Sam Rodriguez CFP®  & Conor Shepard are spending some time on the debt ceiling and what it means to you. They discuss: What the "debt ceiling" is and why it was established How it has changed over time and become more and more politicized What a default could mean for individuals & the economy Watch Here: https://youtu.be/71XzXLQnTT0 Want to talk to an advisor about something you...