The Real Investment Show (Full Show)

Financial illiteracy is no longer just a personal challenge—it’s a growing national risk. With U.S. household debt exceeding $18 trillion and nearly 40% of Americans unable to cover a $400 emergency, the consequences are becoming impossible to ignore. Lance Roberts & Jon Penn break down how a lack of basic financial education is driving poor decision-making, rising debt levels, and long-term econo...

Markets have surged back to all-time highs—but now comes the key decision: chase the rally, or fade it? Lance Roberts breaks down whether this rally has staying power or if investors should be cautious at current levels. We analyze short covering vs. true accumulation, sector rotation, and the impact of falling oil prices and changing inflation expectations. Key topics include: 0:00 - INTRO 1:01 -...

Longevity risk is now measurable. The Longevity Preparedness Index, developed by the MIT AgeLab, scores how ready you are to live a long life. The average result is just 60 out of 100, signaling a major gap in retirement planning. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty explain what drives that score, where most people fall short, and how to improve it. From Social Security timing to guaranteed income, f...

With inflation trends shifting, economic data sending mixed signals, and markets hovering near key levels, the big question is: what will the Federal Reserve do next? Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz break down the Fed’s current dilemma—balancing inflation control with economic growth—and what it means for interest rates, equities, and bonds. Key topics include: 0:00 - INTRO 1:04 - Markets Hit 5th...

It’s Q&A Wednesday, and with Tax Day here, we’re tackling your biggest questions on markets, taxes, and financial strategy in real time. Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff field questions, from navigating today’s market volatility to making smart, last-minute tax decisions, this episode is driven by what matters most to you. We break down current events, investor concerns, and practical steps you can t...

Are financial advisor fees really worth it—or are you paying more than you should? Lance Roberts & Jon Penn break down the true value behind advisory fees and what investors should expect in return. It’s not just about investment performance. A good advisor delivers portfolio construction, risk management, tax efficiency, and long-term financial planning—all designed to help you build and protect...

The S&P 500 just surged 8.2% off its March lows—reclaiming key technical levels and sitting within striking distance of all-time highs. But is this the start of a sustained move higher, or just a reflexive rally before another pullback? Lance Roberts & Jonathan Penn break down what drove the rally—from extreme bearish sentiment and a volatility reset, to easing geopolitical tensions—and why those...

Receiving an inheritance can be life-changing—but without a clear plan, it can also lead to costly mistakes. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty walk through the critical steps to take after inheriting money, from protecting the assets and understanding tax implications to building a long-term financial strategy. Key topics include: 0:00 - INTRO 0:19 - Smarties Candies & Holographic Tombstones 3:21 -...

Markets are reacting fast to signs of a potential resolution between the U.S. and Iran—but what should investors actually focus on next? A ceasefire or diplomatic breakthrough can spark a powerful short-term rally, driven by falling oil prices, easing geopolitical risk, and improved sentiment. But history shows these moves are often just the beginning—not the end—of the real story. Jon Penn & Mich...

Buying your first home, planning a wedding, managing insurance changes, and starting a career—these are the real financial decisions young adults are facing right now. Jon Penn & Danny Ratliff are "Two Dads on Money," walking through a real-life scenario: from choosing to buy instead of rent in a limited market. Key topics include: 0:00 - INTRO 0:51 - Markets Respond to Iran Ceasefire 8:57 - Money...

AI is changing how consumers discover businesses, make decisions, and trust information. Lance Roberts visit with Joseph Levi, Co-founder & CEO of Noise Media, about how advertising inside AI platforms like ChatGPT could reshape marketing, SEO, and brand building. Lance and Joseph explore whether businesses can influence AI-generated answers, the difference between the best answer and a paid answe...

AI is not hype — it is the most consequential economic shift since the Industrial Revolution, and it is rewriting the investment playbook. Lance Roberts and special guest, Blackrock's Brian Dunlap, break down the full AI and tech stock story: how we got here, where the money is flowing, and what investors need to know right now. From the infrastructure build-out and enterprise adoption to physical...

Markets are hitting a critical inflection point—and the stakes are rising fast. A major policy speech from Donald Trump sparked volatility, just as markets tested a key cluster of technical resistance. Now investors are facing a bigger question: is the market environment shifting from a short-term rally to something more structural? Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz break down: Why elevated oil pri...

What happens when the wives take over the show? For this special April Fool’s Day edition of #TheRealInvestmentShow, the tables are turned as Michelle Ratliff & Christina Roberts step in to answer the questions investors never hear. From what Lance and Danny would really be doing outside of wealth management, to what happens if they suddenly win the lottery, we blend humor with surprisingly real f...

A major shift is happening in how younger investors approach the markets—and it may be the most important risk investors are ignoring. From AI-driven investing decisions to social media influencers shaping financial behavior, markets are increasingly influenced by speculation, speed, and hype. At the same time, the rise of options trading, crypto, and leveraged products is blurring the line betwee...

Lance Roberts breaks down the growing stress in private credit markets, rising default risks, and the recent wave of gated withdrawals across major funds. With comparisons to the 2008 financial crisis gaining traction, investors are asking a critical question: are we facing Subprime Crisis 2.0? We examine what made the 2008 collapse so catastrophic—leverage, derivatives, and systemic contagion—and...

Most retirement plans focus on savings and returns—but that’s not what truly puts retirement at risk. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty break down the four biggest threats retirees face: longevity, inflation, market volatility, and emotional decision-making, and more importantly, how to navigate them. Hosted by RIA Advisors Director of Financial Planning, Richard Rosso, CFP, Produced by Brent Clant...

Will artificial intelligence spark the next economic boom—or trigger a crisis rivaling the Great Depression? A growing debate on Wall Street is emerging after research scenarios like the “Global Intelligence Crisis” raised concerns about a potential AI-driven economic shock. The core question is simple but critical: Will AI create unprecedented productivity and prosperity, or will it displace jobs...

Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff answer your biggest questions about the markets, investing, and personal finance in today’s rapidly changing economic environment. From stock market volatility and interest rates to long-term investing strategies and risk management, nothing is off limits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, this session is built around what you want to know right no...

Lance Roberts and Jon Penn tackle the most pressing portfolio questions investors and retirees are asking right now: Challenge the assumption that older investors should automatically shift to ultra-conservative allocations Whether every account in a multi-account household needs the same investment strategy why Roth IRAs may warrant a more aggressive growth posture How much weight each equity pos...

The S&P 500 just broke its 200-day moving average. Is this a bear market signal or a historic buying opportunity? The answer depends on a clear set of warning indicators – and right now, only two of six are flashing red. Lance Roberts comments in real-time as news of a delay in miliary strikes on Iran power stations affects pre-market action. Lance also breaks down every 200-DMA break since 2000,...

Most people think about taxes once a year. Smart investors think about them every year. Richard Rosso & Sarah Buenger break down the critical difference between tax preparation and true tax planning, and why that distinction could be worth thousands of dollars to your portfolio over time. We'll walk through real-world anonymous case studies from our client work, including how we helped one client...

The private credit market has exploded from under $500 billion a decade ago to $1.2 trillion domestically and $1.7 trillion globally — and stress is building fast. Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz break down exactly what private credit is, who the major players are, and why rising credit stress could force the Federal Reserve's hand — even if inflation and unemployment don't justify it. Hosted by...

Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff break down today's most pressing market and personal finance topics: selling pressure signals, credit spreads as a leading risk indicator, why chasing S&P 6,900 could cost you, and a private credit teaser. They evaluate REITs and AG&C valuations, profit-taking discipline, oil prices and airline costs, and which companies are most likely to mishandle AI. On the retirem...

Is your financial plan built to survive a market crash — or a $5,000 emergency? Lance Roberts & Jon Penn break down what retirees and younger workers both need to know about protecting their money when the economy sends mixed signals. Whether you're protecting a nest egg or just starting to build one, this episode gives you a practical framework for financial resilience — no matter what the market...