Payne Points of Wealth

In Episode 232 of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan and Chris Payne sit down with two industry heavyweights leading the charge in America’s critical minerals resurgence: Gary Evans, Chairman & CEO of United States Antimony Corporation (UAMY), and Paul Huet, Chairman & CEO of Americas Gold and Silver Corporation (USAS). In one of the most energetic and eye‑opening conversations we’ve ever hosted, Gary and Paul reveal how their newly announced joint venture is poised to reshape U.S. supply chains for antimony—a mineral essential for defense, electrification, battery technology, solar, and the rapidly expanding AI-driven economy. Together, they walk us through: The global silver shortage – why the world has been undersupplied by 200 million ounces per year for five straight years, and why silver under $50 may be gone forever. A behind-the-scenes look at their 30‑day whirlwind deal – how two American companies moved faster than anyone expected to launch a first‑of‑its‑kind U.S. antimony processing partnership. Why this may be the beginning of a commodity super-cycle – and why mining equities may still be dramatically undervalued even after silver’s massive run. How U.S. companies are racing to reduce dependence on China – from Project Vault to new domestic refining technologies. Reviving Idaho’s historic Silver Valley – including upgrading decades-old mines, modernizing extraction methods, tripling output, and unlocking a 100‑year district. The real bottleneck in critical minerals – not technology, but feedstock, and why partnerships like this could become the new template. The role of defense spending, allies, and national security in America’s next industrial revolution. Stories from decades in mining, deal-making, and global operations, including Gary’s wild experiences sourcing antimony around the world, and Paul’s journey from underground driller in Canada to CEO. Plus, Paul shares the song that changed his worldview growing up and tells the unbelievable story behind his mining tattoos and how he ended up running some of the top mining companies globally. This episode is fast-paced, loaded with insights, and captures a moment that could shape America’s mineral independence for decades to come. If you care about how commodities can play a vital role in your investment portfolio, national security, or the future of U.S. manufacturing, this is a must-listen.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Adam Johnson, Portfolio Manager of the Bullseye American Ingenuity Fund and author of the widely followed Bullseye Brief. Adam brings his signature 1980’s Wall St. energy as we dive deep into current market dynamics, the power (and pitfalls) of short sellers, the AI productivity boom, inflation surprises, and what investors should brace for in 2026. We kick things off with Adam sharing some of his biggest surprises from the past year—including why several of his high‑conviction names stalled out despite strong fundamentals. From Toast to SMCI, Adam breaks down how aggressive short-selling and the removal of the SEC’s old “uptick rule” have reshaped market behavior in the age of algorithmic trading. From there, we zoom out to the macro landscape: Why falling oil prices were the real inflation antidote in 2025 How AI is already creating meaningful productivity gains Why profit margins remain at historic highs despite tariffs, geopolitical tension, & political chaos And why, even after a massive run, the AI trade may only be in a consolidation phase—not the end of the story Then we look ahead. Adam reveals his two biggest predictions for 2026: 1. A market that climbs far higher than anyone expects thanks to accelerating earnings and a surprisingly strong U.S. economy. 2. A political “blue wave” scare in Q2 that could spark a sudden 20% pullback—only to set up an even more powerful rally as spending ramps up. We also get into: Whether oil is headed for the low $50s—and why that could be wildly bullish The “everything rally” and where value, growth, international, and commodities fit in now Why investor sentiment still isn’t too hot… and why that matters The biggest real risks no one is talking about How to stay disciplined when the market tries to shake you out Finally, Adam shares the moment he knew he’d fully matured as a portfolio manager—and why long-term conviction is the ultimate superpower in the face of noise. This is one of our most wide-ranging, high-energy conversations of the year. If you care about where markets are headed—and how to position for the year ahead—you don’t want to miss it.

In this inspiring episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan sits down with Jimmy Chen—founder and CEO of Propel, the groundbreaking fintech company modernizing America’s social safety net and serving millions of low‑income families each month. Jimmy shares his remarkable journey from arriving in Kansas City as a four‑year‑old immigrant from China with parents who had just $200, to becoming a Stanford graduate, early product manager at LinkedIn and Facebook, and ultimately the creator of one of the most impactful social‑good tech companies in the country. You’ll hear: How Jimmy’s childhood shaped his relationship with money, scarcity, and grit—including his early “entrepreneurial” idea to sell his toys to avoid being a burden on his family   His realization that Silicon Valley was building tech for people like themselves, not for the millions relying on programs like SNAP.   The company’s 11‑year journey—from 60 investor rejections and a $12,000 Kickstarter, to raise $90 million from top VCs and investors like Serena Williams and Kevin Durant.   Why Jimmy hires self-reliance, resilience, and at least one successful —not pedigree.   The massive role AI now plays in Propel’s product, customer support, and internal operations.   What he believes the future of education, work, and technology will look like in an AI‑driven world. Jimmy also opens up about the “chip on his shoulder” to succeed, his father’s work ethic, why frugality helped and hindered him, and the music that shaped him as a kid, navigating life in a new culture. This is a powerful story of ambition and purpose—proof that game‑changing ideas don’t just come from Silicon Valley, but from childhood uncertainty and a deep commitment to help those less fortunate in our country.   Tune in for a conversation that’s heartfelt, eye‑opening, and packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone navigating big decisions about money, purpose, and impact

In this episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan and Chris Payne sit down with Aleks Musika — renowned menswear designer and Co‑Founder of luxury label Musika New York. Aleks shares how a childhood fascination with style set him on a path that led from working in retail to joining the Tom Ford Made-to-Measure program, where he honed the craftsmanship and eye for detail that would shape his career. Aleks walks us through how he built his brand from the ground up, transforming an Instagram fashion blog into one of the fastest‑growing bespoke menswear houses in the world. Today, Musika New York is recognized for its bold, modern tailoring and has dressed major celebrities and athletes — including Jay‑Z, Stephen Curry, Kevin Hart, Michael B. Jordan, and Lewis Hamilton. From leaving Miami to build his company in New York, to creating custom pieces for high‑profile clients, Aleks reveals the grit, creativity, and relentless drive behind his success. If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, fashion, branding, or the mindset it takes to break into a competitive industry, this is a must‑listen conversation.

2025 was a stellar year for investors—but will the same playbook work in 2026? In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan Payne, Bob, Chris, and special guest Aaron Dessen kick off the new year by reflecting on an unexpected, across‑the‑board winning year in markets—and then pivot to what really matters now: what could derail your portfolio in 2026. The team breaks down 5 key hurdles investors must watch in the coming year, including geopolitical shocks, Fed rate cuts, the dangers of sitting in cash, speculative “casino‑like” market behavior, and the growing risk of chasing last year’s returns. From surprise upside volatility during global conflicts to why money markets are not a long‑term solution, this episode challenges many of today’s popular investing assumptions. You’ll also hear a candid discussion on: Why no one—not even experts—can reliably predict markets The hidden risks of FOMO in late‑stage bull markets Whether gold, silver, and commodities still belong in portfolios after a big run The difference between investing and speculating in leveraged ETFs and momentum trades Why diversification and discipline matter more than ever in hot economic conditions In the second half of the show, the team performs a real‑world Financial Autopsy, analyzing the portfolio of a retired couple in their late 70s. Aaron walks through how excessive equity exposure, high‑fee mutual funds, and poor tax efficiency put retirees at serious risk—despite “good performance” on paper. The group highlights how reallocating toward income, reducing downside risk, and aligning investments with actual retirement goals can dramatically improve peace of mind. This episode is a powerful reminder that: Bull markets reward confidence—but they also hide risk. Whether you’re approaching retirement, already retired, or just wondering how to position your portfolio for an unpredictable 2026, Episode 228 delivers timely perspective, practical insights, and a healthy dose of market realism. Don’t miss this essential start‑to‑the‑year conversation.

Markets are printing fresh highs, yet some investors are getting crushed—how does that happen? In this roundtable, Ryan Payne, Bob Payne, Courtney Garcia, and Frankie Lagrotteria break down a real case of a couple in their late 50s whose “do‑anything‑to-go-faster” portfolio relied on leverage and crowd‑favorite names…right as they approach full retirement. We dissect why speculation masquerading as strategy can implode even in up markets, why “know what you own and why you own it” matters more than ever, and how to rebuild a plan centered on durable income and disciplined risk management. You’ll hear why the “Ozempic portfolio” analogy fits—everyone wants the quick fix—but lasting wealth still requires basics: diversified exposure, sensible cash flow, and rules that keep emotions out of the driver’s seat. We also cover today’s opportunities to generate income (value, small caps, international, REITs, and bonds at still‑elevated yields), our 5% rebalance discipline, and the investor psychology traps that move the goalposts until a margin call makes the decision for you. As Bob puts it: time passes, markets operate—embrace that principle, and you’ll stop chasing the cool kids and start compounding with the rich ones. What we cover: Why leverage is a “rocket booster” on both gains and losses—and how portfolios can sink while indexes rise The danger of fashion FOMO: copying friends, gym talk, or headlines instead of a plan Income blindness: several million invested but only ~$4K/year in cash flow—why that’s a retirement red flag Today’s income playbook: value, small caps, international, REITs, and bonds (with yields still attractive) Discipline over drama: our 5% rebalance trigger and rules that keep feelings from running your money Investor psychology: goalpost‑moving, “being right twice” in speculation, and volatility as the fee for long‑term returns Practical steps to audit and de‑risk before retirement Key takeaways: Know what you own and why. Double‑levered bets can fall even when the market is up—understand the mechanics before you buy. Build real cash flow. Retirement works best when your portfolio pays you, so diversify toward durable income sources. Write your rules. Pre‑commit to rebalance triggers, position limits, and exit criteria to avoid emotional decisions. Approximately right beats precisely wrong. You don’t need to predict the next macro move; you need a plan you can stick to. Calls to action: If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, run a leverage and income audit on your portfolio. Want help building a rules‑based, income‑focused plan? Schedule a consult with the Payne Capital team and let’s put discipline to work: paynecm.com/financialplan/ — Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review Payne Points of Wealth on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and share this episode with a friend who’s chasing “quick wins” instead of compounding.

In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, we sit down with Songe LaRon, a dynamic New York City tech entrepreneur, Co-Founder and CEO of SQUIRE Technologies—the world’s leading all-in-one barbershop business management system. Songe shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Manhattan with artist parents, to earning a J.D. from Yale, practicing law at a top firm, and ultimately making the leap from a more certain future in corporate America to launch a tech company that’s transforming an entire industry.   We explore how his upbringing shaped his relationship with money, the entrepreneurial spark that led to founding SQUIRE in 2015, and the challenges of breaking into tech without a technical background. Songe reveals how he and his team scaled SQUIRE to serve over 32,000 professionals across three continents, raised nearly $150M in funding, and built a culture of innovation that now integrates AI to revolutionize barbershop operations.   This episode is packed with insights on funding a startup, lessons from running an actual barbershop, personal wealth philosophies, and the mindset required to turn an idea into an industry leader. Plus, Songe shares his thoughts on the future of AI in business and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship.

Is the AI Bubble Finally Here??? The Roundtable We Needed In episode 225 of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan, Bob, and Chris tackle one of the most fundamental—and often overlooked—principles of investing: diversification. Why do so many investors ignore this simple rule and chase the hottest trends like AI stocks? We break down the psychology behind FOMO, the dangers of over-concentration, and why rebalancing your portfolio is one of the hardest—but most important—moves you can make. You’ll hear real-world examples, including a financial autopsy of a couple in early retirement who were unknowingly taking on massive risk. Plus, we share why protecting what you’ve built matters more than chasing the next big thing and how being “approximately correct” beats being “precisely wrong” every time. If you want to avoid costly mistakes and build true financial independence, this episode is a must-listen!

In this week’s episode, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney sit down with Mihailo Bozic, a dynamic 25-year-old entrepreneur whose journey from Australia to New York City embodies the classic immigrant founder story. With Serbian roots and a background in Finance and Economics from the University of Western Australia, Mihailo has already launched two impactful startups tackling real-world problems. From his first venture Envited, a social media app revolutionizing student event planning, to his current company Migrate Mate, a job board helping immigrants find visa-sponsored roles in the U.S., Mihailo shares how he bootstrapped his way to $500K ARR in just three months and built a community of over 16,000 job seekers. We dive into: The challenges of startup funding and scaling How viral LinkedIn marketing helped Migrate Mate explode Building a 15M+ follower base from a meme page Lessons from pitching to VCs as an immigrant founder Given the uncertainty surrounding today’s labor market, the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, evolving U.S. immigration policies, and the shifting landscape of American entrepreneurship, this episode offers timely and thought-provoking insights into the state of the modern U.S. economy. Whether you’re an investor, an aspiring entrepreneur, an immigrant chasing opportunity, or simply someone who loves a good hustle story—this conversation is packed with inspiration, practical wisdom, and real-world perspective.

All right, all right, all right—this week, it’s just the Payne Capital crew, no guests, no filters, just real talk. After a string of great interviews, we’re bringing it back to the roundtable to tackle the question everyone’s asking: Are we in an artificial intelligence bubble? Bob dives into market history and draws parallels to the tech boom of the '90s. Courtney shares what Wall Street strategists are saying and why the AI narrative is dominating every segment. Chris gives us the pulse from clients—some are all-in on AI, others are bracing for a crash. Ryan calls out the all-or-nothing mindset and why predicting the top is a fool’s game. We also dissect a real financial plan in our Financial Autopsy segment, helping a couple in their late 60s shift from aggressive growth to income-focused investing—without triggering massive tax bills. From margin debt mania to gold’s surprise rally, from diversification myths to emotional investing traps, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and actionable advice.   Tune in to hear:   ✅ Are we in 1995 or 1999? Bob reads the market tea leaves. ✅ Why diversification still matters—even if AI is hot. ✅ How to avoid living by the sword and dying by the sword in your portfolio. ✅ The emotional toll of bear markets and how to prepare before they hit. ✅ A real-life case study on reducing risk, increasing income, and optimizing for taxes. Don’t miss this one—because when the tide goes out, you’ll want to be wearing the right financial swimwear.  

In this week’s episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, and Chris sit down with Sara Uy, the dynamic 28-year-old founder of SellingSara, a New York-based sales training program. Together, they unpack the shifting landscape of the job market, the rise of AI in hiring, and why soft skills and emotional intelligence are more valuable than ever. Sara shares her firsthand insights into Gen Z’s job search struggles, the disconnect between employer expectations and hiring realities, and why Artificial Intelligence still can’t replace human intelligence—especially in sales. From cold calling in the age of call screening to what makes a top-performing salesperson, this episode delivers sharp insights, humor, and a front-line perspective on how AI is reshaping today’s labor market—and why human skills still matter more than ever.

In this electrifying episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, and Chris sit down with Gary C. Evans, a serial entrepreneur and the current Chairman & CEO of United States Antimony Corporation (USAC). Gary shares his rollercoaster journey from the high-stakes world of Texas oil to leading one of America’s most strategically vital mineral companies. We dive into: His early days as a bold Texas oilman and the lessons running 8 public companies. The recent meteoric rise of USAC stock, fueled by: A $25 million capital raise A $245 million U.S. government contract for antimony supply The potential to become one of the largest antimony producers outside China A massive 400% expansion of their Montana smelter Gary’s story is one of grit, vision, and relentless innovation. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or just love an exciting American business success story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. 🔊 Tune in now to hear how Gary is reshaping America’s critical mineral supply chain—and why Wall Street is paying close attention.

This week on the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney are joined by Washington Examiner columnist and sharp political commentator Tiana Lowe-Doescher for a deep dive into the complex intersection of politics and financial markets. We explore the Trump administration’s push to lower interest rates — and why the Federal Reserve no longer dictates long-term yields like mortgage rates. Instead, it’s the bond market calling the shots, driven by the sheer scale of our national debt. With 31% of the $29.7 trillion in marketable debt maturing within the next year, every 1% rise in interest rates could cost taxpayers nearly $100 billion — roughly the annual budget of the entire Department of Homeland Security. So, who really holds the reins on our national debt? Investor confidence has been shaken by the Trump administration’s attempts to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Meanwhile, we are headed to unknown territory as the government attempts to manage the US’s $2 trillion annual deficit. We also break down how markets are responding to the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff strategy. Despite implementing the steepest tariff regime in nearly a century, President Trump has defied economists’ dire expectations — inflation hasn’t surged, and economic growth remains resilient. Why? In part, thanks to tens of billions in savings from sweeping deregulation. Tiana helps us unpack the nuanced market reactions: investors are increasingly distinguishing between tariffs used to offset new debt issuance — which markets favor — and those aimed at shrinking trade deficits, which can disrupt the current account surplus and push Treasury yields higher. It’s never easy! It’s a timely, thought-provoking conversation on monetary policy, fiscal discipline, and the political forces shaping America’s economic future. Don’t miss it.

This week on Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney dive into the evolving dynamics of the U.S. labor market. Despite predictions of a slowdown, companies are hesitant to lay off workers—even as hiring remains sluggish. Is this a sign of economic weakness, or are deeper demographic shifts like an aging population and reduced immigration reshaping the workforce?   We also unpack Wall Street’s push to make alternative investments more accessible to everyday investors—a movement often branded as “democratization.” While financial firms tout the benefits of private equity and other alternatives, few are talking about the risks. In fact, as retail investors are being encouraged to buy in, institutional giants are quietly heading for the exits. Yale’s $41.4 billion endowment is unwinding nearly $3 billion in alternative holdings.   Meanwhile, private credit—a market that barely existed a decade ago—is surging toward $2 trillion. Firms like Apollo and Blackstone are now lending directly to businesses, consumers, and real estate investors, giving regular investors unprecedented access. But is this truly a golden opportunity, or a hidden risk to your retirement? We break down the opaque, illiquid nature of these investments and what they could mean for your long-term financial future.   Tune in for our take on what’s really happening in the job market and whether Wall Street’s latest pitch is worth your hard-earned dollars.

In this week’s episode, Bob, Ryan & Chris dive into the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut. Was it a necessary move to support a slowing economy—or is Jerome Powell just spiking the punch bowl? With all major U.S. stock markets sitting at all-time highs, the trio debates whether investors are too focused on the “AI trade,” pouring into names like Nvidia, Tesla, Palantir, and meme stock Opendoor, while overlooking new bull markets hiding in plain sight. Meanwhile, money market fund assets have ballooned to $7.28 trillion, but yields are falling fast as inflation ticks up. That means real returns on short-term instruments are collapsing—so where will all that cash go next? As economic growth picks up, the dollar weakens, and short-term rates fall, Bob, Ryan & Chris break down the smartest strategies to grow and protect your wealth. Whether you're planning for retirement or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the shifting financial landscape.

In this week’s episode, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney dive into the paradox of modern investing: why are so many investors chasing assets like Gold, Bitcoin, and Nvidia, which offer little to no income—while ignoring the historical power of dividend-paying stocks? We unpack a revealing JP Morgan study showing that concludes 55% of the S&P 500’s total return since 1987 came from re-invested dividends. Contrary to popular belief, high-flying tech stocks haven’t been the primary engine of long-term market returns. In fact, the best-performing U.S. stock over the past 40 years, Altria Group (ticker: MO), formerly known as Philip Morris, is an old-school producer and marketer of tobacco products. From 1985–2025, Altria stock returned an incredible 2,033,839%, a $1,000 invested in 1985 would be worth over $20 million today! Even more remarkably, over 80% of that return can be attributed to dividend reinvestment. But here’s the twist—dividend paying value stocks have been underperforming their growth stock counterparts over the past decade, driven by themes like AI, have dramatically outperformed. Is this just a temporary anomaly? Will markets revert to the mean? Are dividend stocks about to make a comeback? Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is betting big on income-rich sectors like healthcare and energy instead of chasing the current hype around the Magnificent 7. With many high-yielding stocks trading at steep discounts to the tech-heavy S&P 500, is now the time to lean into income? We give you the “Payne Perspective.” We also tackle the recent signs of weakness in the labor market—and what it really reveals about the underlying health of the economy. Are Wall Street economists missing the mark yet again? The stock market is hitting all-time highs, economic growth is accelerating, and corporate profits are trending upward, all forward-looking indicators that point to a continued expansion. So, do we truly need more rate cuts? Or is the Federal Reserve simply spiking the punch bowl—risking an overheated economy and inflated asset prices? We break it all down and share exactly what we think. 💰 Warren Buffett’s latest moves—abandoning the Magnificent 7 and doubling down on value-rich healthcare, homebuilder & energy stocks 📉 The recent labor market weakness—what it really signals about the economy 📈 Why Wall Street strategists might be missing the mark (again) 🏦 Whether the Fed is about to overdo it with rate cuts, risking an overheated economy If you’re wondering where the smart money is headed and how to position your portfolio for long-term success, this episode is a must-listen.

This week on Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney unpack what Ryan’s recent trip to MetLife Stadium to see his favorite band, Oasis, reveals about the current state of the economy. Yes, even a rock concert can be an economic indicator! We dive into Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s surprising pivot toward cutting interest rates this fall. What does this mean for economic growth and the stock market? Is this the fuel the bull market really needs to keep melting higher? Plus, retail investors are now responsible for 18% of all stock market trades—nearly double the amount of 2010, according to estimates by Sifma, a Wall Street trade group.  Are individual investors becoming smarter, or are we seeing classic late-stage bull market behavior? We weigh in with our decades of experience navigating market psychology. And in our Financial Autopsy segment, we dissect a real-life financial plan to spotlight one of the biggest mistakes investors make: overloading on low-yield or declining cash flow investments. Income is king when it comes to financial independence—are you building your portfolio the right way today?  Tune in for insights, hot takes, and actionable advice to help you build real wealth in today’s market.

Common Sense Capitalism with John Catsimatidis Jr. In this week’s episode of Payne Points of Wealth, we sit down with John A. Catsimatidis Jr., President and COO of Red Apple Group, a $7 billion powerhouse spanning energy, supermarkets, media, real estate, and investments. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how John applies elements of Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy to his own portfolio management. We forecast the direction of energy prices and their impact on inflation, and explore what Fed interest rate cuts could mean for an ailing real estate market. We also dive into Gen Z’s affordability crisis and how to solve the current New York City housing shortage without resorting to socialism. John’s approach to life, business, and investing is refreshingly straightforward—rooted in common sense, the ability to integrate principles across many disciplines, driven with clarity & conviction. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or just curious about the current forces shaping our economy, this episode offers invaluable insights from one of NYC’s rising business leaders. 🎧 Tune in for a fascinating conversation that blends big-picture thinking with practical wisdom.

In this week’s episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, & Courtney dive into President Donald Trump’s controversial new executive order that opens the door for private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds to be included in your retirement account. Is this a golden opportunity to supercharge your portfolio—or just another Wall Street scheme to rake in higher fees with less transparency? We break it all down and give you our take. 💥 Plus, we tackle the ongoing debate around inflation. With consumer prices less hot than expected, is inflation finally behind us—or is this just the calm before the storm? Economists predicted a summer spike due to tariffs, but so far, they’ve missed the mark. Meanwhile, oil prices are plunging, helping to offset rising costs elsewhere. We’ll help you navigate this uncertainty and position your portfolio accordingly. 🔍 And in our Financial Autopsy segment, we dissect a real-life financial plan to highlight the dangers of parking your money in CDs and cash—especially with the Fed potentially cutting rates again. Sitting on the sidelines could seriously derail your retirement goals. We’ll give you a blueprint for allocating your capital for both growth and safety in today’s market 📈 Don’t miss this episode—it’s packed with insights to help you make smarter financial decisions in uncertain times.

This week on the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, and Chris dive into Trump’s reign of tariffs, unpacking the economic ripple effects of his aggressive import tax strategy. From business impacts to what it means for your wallet and investments, we break down the real-world consequences of the ongoing trade war. We also tackle the high-stakes dilemma facing Fed Chair Jerome “Jay” Powell. With political pressure mounting from the Trump administration, will the Fed cut rates at the September meeting? Should they? And what would a rate cut mean for the markets, the economy, and your portfolio? Plus, we explore the wild world of corporate finance as companies start raising debt to buy Bitcoin. Is this a genius hedge or financial madness? And what about the rise of stablecoins like Circle’s USDC—are they a threat to the traditional banking system, or just another crypto fad that won’t end well? And don’t miss our signature segment: the Financial Autopsy. We dissect a real-life financial plan, exposing some of the most common—and costly—mistakes people are making today when building and protecting their retirement wealth. From being sold an annuity to underestimating the true risk in their portfolio, we highlight the pitfalls you need to avoid.  This episode is packed with insights, hot takes, and practical advice you won’t want to miss. We cover everything you need to know right now to stay ahead of the curve.