Upticks: A Financial Planning & Investment Podcast

In this episode, Jake and Cory dig into reasons smart, successful people still make bad investment decisions. Pointing to recency bias, overconfidence, and financial media that markets fear and greed instead of sound strategy.  They break down their belief of compound interest (not stock picking) being a better path to retirement, and ways "save first, spend second" can solve more money problems t...

What does financial freedom really look like? Are we chasing wealth or just the appearance of it? In this episode, Jake and Cory dive into the psychology behind money decisions, from homeownership and lifestyle inflation to raising financially independent children and resisting the urge to keep up with the Joneses.  The conversation also tackles a question many parents wrestle with: when does help...

Are Roth conversions a smart tax strategy or one of the most overhyped ideas in retirement planning? Should retirees stay invested aggressively? Do most people really need an annuity? And when is the right time to claim Social Security? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory tackle some of the biggest debates in retirement and financial planning. Drawing from decades of combined experience work...

In this milestone 400th episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory celebrate how far the show has come and dive straight into what matters most: answering listener-driven questions shaping today's financial landscape. This episode is packed with sharp insights on one of the biggest themes in investing right now: the surge of AI-related IPOs. With companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic dominating head...

Teach a man to fish… or give him everything? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory tackle one of the most misunderstood truths in financial planning: there's no one "right" answer—only better questions. We break down the real trade-offs behind major financial decisions, including: •    Is real estate better than stocks—or just more work? •    How much international exposure could your portfoli...

Most people follow "common sense" financial advice… But what if some of those rules are actually costing you money? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down some of the most popular financial questions and strategies—and challenge whether they make sense. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_so...

Are smart, successful professionals unknowingly making retirement planning mistakes? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down some of the most common retirement myths. Even the ones high earners and financially savvy individuals may still believe. From assuming your expenses will drop in retirement to relying on outdated rules of thumb, these misconceptions can quietly derail your long...

Are you a corporate executive or high earner wondering if your nest egg is truly enough for retirement? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory dive deep into the "$2 Million Retirement Gap" The hidden risks and blind spots that can derail even the most well-funded retirement plans. Discover reasons net worth isn't the whole story, ways income structure and tax efficiency shape your financial fu...

Caring for aging parents can be overwhelming—especially when families are forced to make big decisions during moments of crisis. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory sit down with Don and Elaine Minter of Senior Care Authority to unpack the real challenges families face when navigating senior care, assisted living, memory care, and long-term planning. 👉 Want help or resources for your family...

What if learning to build wealth didn't start with perfect decisions—but with real mistakes? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory pull back the curtain and share the biggest personal financial mistakes they've made—from early career missteps to hard‑earned lessons about investing, debt, and money mindset. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvi...

Most people chase net worth—but few stop to ask whether it might actually pay them in retirement. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down a mistake they see all the time: confusing a big balance sheet with sustainable retirement income. Using real‑world examples (and an unexpected stroller analogy), they explain why a high net worth might not automatically mean financial freedom—and h...

Many people assume that once you're financially secure, retirement should feel easy. In reality, some of the most financially prepared people struggle the most with the decision to retire. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down the real psychological reasons financially secure individuals might be afraid to retire—even when the numbers say they're ready. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's...

Market drops feel very different once you retire—and that fear is real. If you're no longer contributing to your portfolio and instead relying on it for income, volatility doesn't just feel uncomfortable… it feels threatening. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down reasons market swings hit harder in retirement and what can help retirees regain confidence during uncertain markets. --...

Most retirees focus on how much they've saved but overlook the hidden tax bill that can quietly drain their income for decades. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down reasons two people with the same net worth can have wildly different retirements, all because of how, and when, they pay taxes. From required minimum distributions (RMDs) and Social Security taxation to Medicare IRMAA s...

We believe the market will fall again (someday) — the real question is whether your plan is built to survive it. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down reasons trying to predict market crashes is a losing game and what can truly separate investors who panic from those who stay standing. They discuss reasons timing the market doesn't work, ways portfolio construction and cash flow pla...

Why would two advisors walk away from big firms, turn down large offers, and start over from scratch? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory share the real story behind Falcon Wealth Advisors — where they came from, why they built the firm the way they did, and how their philosophy puts long‑term client relationships first. This conversation goes beyond credentials and performance. ------------...

High performers don't break under pressure—they adapt. In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory sit down with former NFL athlete Jon McGraw to unpack what it really takes to perform when the stakes are highest. From elite sports to investing, Jon shares how the brain and body respond under pressure—and why mindset alone isn't enough. --------------- Complimentary 'Retiring Right' ebook: https://f...

The stock market is near all‑time highs—but consumer confidence is near historic lows. So, what's really going on? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down the growing disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street—and reasons booming markets don't necessarily mean households feel financially secure. If you've ever wondered why the market is up but your confidence feels down, this epis...

What if one of your biggest retirement risks isn't the market… but how you take income from your portfolio? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down the retirement paycheck stress test—a smarter way to turn your nest egg into a reliable income stream without relying on guesswork, outdated rules, or flashy products. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https:/...

Most people focus on retiring as soon as possible — but what if waiting could improve your life and your financial plan? In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down the often-overlooked benefits and drawbacks of delaying retirement. From compounding returns and higher Social Security benefits to burnout, health uncertainty, and lost "go‑go" years. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling...

Bitcoin has crashed. Gold and silver are surging. Headlines are loud—but what actually matters for long-term investors? Jake and Cory break down what's happening with Bitcoin, gold, and silver—and why chasing hype can quietly derail a solid financial plan. We talk about: •    Why Bitcoin has no intrinsic value (and why that matters) •    What's really driving the surge in gold and silver prices •...

We believe hot tips fade, but rules can endure. In this episode, Jake and Cory share principles that can actually drive results: how our analysts read earnings, how we construct portfolios (and ways diversification wins), what can really put markets at risk, and how policy headlines fit into the plan. If you want a durable, rules‑based way to invest, start here. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bests...

Most people in today's housing market are asking the wrong question and it could be costing them thousands. Jake and Cory break down the real math behind mortgages, refinancing, downsizing, renting out homes, and reasons your cash flow—not interest rates—should drive big housing decisions. If you've ever wondered: •    Should I wait for mortgage rates to fall? •    Does refinancing actually save m...

In this episode, Jake and Cory discuss the concept of financial nihilism, particularly among Gen Z, who feel disillusioned with traditional economic systems. They explore the psychology behind gambling behaviors in younger generations, the impact of student debt, and the importance of investing versus gambling. The conversation emphasizes the need for financial literacy and the power of compoundin...

Discover the 5 major tax changes hitting in 2025/2026—and what they could mean for your money. Todd Laytham, CPA joins us to break down new deductions, side‑hustle rules, retirement updates, and important IRS changes. --------------- Complimentary 'Retiring Right' ebook: https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook  -----...