RHP Market Talk

The midterm elections are behind us, but what’s really driving the markets as we approach 2027? In this episode of RHP Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer at RHP Wealth Management, welcomes Glenn Royal, Partner and Chief Investment Officer, to discuss the market’s reaction to the election, shifting economic conditions, and what investors should be watching as the new year approaches.

From the growing questions surrounding artificial intelligence investments to inflation, Federal Reserve policy, and corporate earnings, Natalie and Glenn explore the forces influencing both stock and bond markets. They...

Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer at RHP Wealth Management, welcomes back Apollo Lupescu, Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, for a timely conversation about the 2026 midterm elections and their potential impact on financial markets.

With control of Congress at stake and political emotions running high, investors may be wondering whether it's time to rethink their portfolios. But does history support making investment decisions based on election outcomes?

In this episode, Natalie and Apollo explore:

Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer, and Glenn Royal, CFP® Partner and Chief Investment Officer, break down the market moves everyone's talking about this month!

Bond yields just hit their highest level since 2010, and if your 60/40 portfolio hasn't felt like itself lately, you're about to find out why. Natalie and Glenn dive into what's really fueling the sell-off, the behind-the-scenes move Washington is making to steer rates before the midterms, and whether this bull market still has legs.

What is really driving the markets in 2026? In this episode of RHP Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer, and Glenn Royal, CFP®, Partner and Chief Investment Officer, look beyond the headlines to explore the forces shaping today’s market—from oil and inflation to interest rates and corporate earnings. They also discuss how AI-driven profit growth can coexist with high bond yields and how RHP remains thoughtfully positioned without reacting to every swing in the news.

What separates successful business owners from those who constantly feel like they're chasing the next challenge?

In this episode of RHP Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer (CXO) of RHP Wealth Management, sits down with Mark Andersen, CPA and founder of Know Your Number Accounting to discuss the financial habits, key metrics, and decision-making processes that help business owners build stronger, more profitable companies.

Whether you're focused on growth, preparing for a future liquidity event, or simply looking to make more informed business decisions...

In this episode of Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer at RHP Wealth Management, is joined by Kim Hegwood, Managing Attorney at Your Legacy Legal Care in Houston, Texas, to unpack one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of financial planning: protecting your legacy.
 
Together, they go beyond wills to explore the real risks families face without proper planning, including incapacity, guardianship, and family conflict. From trusts and power of attorney to special needs planning and blended families, this conversation delivers practical guidance to help you make confident, infor...

In this episode of RHP Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Partner and Chief Experience Officer, and Glenn Royal, CFP®, Partner and Chief Investment Officer, revisit the recent period of geopolitical-driven volatility and examine how markets have responded in the weeks since.
 
With greater clarity now emerging, they explore the resilience of equity markets, signals from the bond market, and the reemergence of earnings as the primary driver of investor sentiment. The discussion underscores a central principle: while uncertainty is inevitable, a disciplined, long-term investment approach remains essential to navigating evolving market conditions.

If you found this he...

In this timely episode of RHP Market Talk, CXO Natalie Picha, and CIO Glenn Royal, CFP® discuss the recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran and what investors should focus on when global events create market volatility. Drawing on historical data and decades of market experience, they explain why reacting emotionally to headlines can often be the biggest risk to long-term investment success.

In this episode:

• What history tells us about markets during geopolitical conflicts and why declines are often short lived.

• The key indicators investors should watch...

Fast news cycles. Political noise. AI hype. So how do you stay focused as an investor? Apollo Lupescu from Dimensional is back with Natalie and Glenn to talk about:

If you find yourself tempted to let headlines influence your financial decisions, this one’s for you.

Experience the difference of working with a firm that empowers your li...

The housing market has a profound effect on nearly every family, the economy, and the markets. 

In this special episode, Natalie Picha, CXO, is joined by Steel Door Group, Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty's Brittany Waterman and Ashley Graves to break down Texas’s real estate market: what really shapes affordability, why pricing may normalize into 2026, and the areas where buyers hold leverage. Natalie, Brittany, and Ashley discuss:

• How the Texas market differs from other markets nationally

• Inventory psychology and how it differs for various areas

• Buy...

Are we in the new roaring 20's? In our latest episode,  Natalie Picha, CXO, and CIO, Glenn Royal, CFP®, look back on the markets in 2025 and look ahead to what 2026 might bring. From changes in inflation and a friendlier Fed to a shift from AI hype to real productivity, 2026 is shaping up to be an interesting year. Natalie and Glen explore:

• where leadership may rotate
• why the grid is the new bottleneck
• how they are structuring tax-smart, resilient portfolios

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In this episode, Natalie Picha, CXO, sits down with Kevin Jenkins, CPA, of Jenkins Associates Certified Public Accountants, to discuss recent tax law changes and updates, including: 

• What changes the OBBBA brings, and what it makes permanent

• How the SALT cap jump might revive itemizing

• Super catch-up contributions for ages 60-63

Plus, learn how having your CPA work with your financial advisor may help you save money over time. 

If you enjoy our podcast, please take a moment to subscrib...

In our most recent episode, Natalie Picha, CXO, interviews Apollo Lepescu, Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors, one of the world's premier investment managers with close to $900 billion in assets under management. Apollo is known for his ability to simplify complex topics into more digestible concepts, and in this episode he helps listeners understand: 

• What history teaches us about what happens after market highs (hint: it's not a crash)

• Why it's important to use the right measuring stick/benchmark when looking at the performance of your total portf...

While the markets keep buzzing about AI, we look at what's happening and ask the question: What are sky-high AI returns hiding? 

Natalie Picha, CXO, sits down with our CIO, Glenn Royal, CFP® to separate signal from noise as mega-cap tech drives returns, rates tilt toward cuts, and policy shifts reset the playing field for defense, infrastructure, and the power grid behind modern computing. Our conversation covers: 

• AI-led gains versus broader market breadth

• Rate cuts, earnings growth, and valuation pressure

• Circular financing and hyperscal...

In the 50th Episode of RHP Market Talk, CXO Natalie Picha and CIO Glenn Royal, CFP®, examine September's historical market weakness and how a potential government shutdown might impact investors during this traditionally difficult month.

• How a record 911,000 job revision could signal an existing economic slowdown

• What will be the Fed's response as it faces a dual mandate challenge with sticky inflation despite employment concerns

• How concerned should we be about Fed independence?

• Our counsel to clients during times of uncertainty 

If you enj...

In Episode 49 of RHP Market Talk, CXO Natalie Picha and CIO Glenn Royal, CFP®, discuss what keeps driving this surprising market, where valuations are approaching dot-com levels while bond spreads have collapsed to historic lows. Other topics include:

• The disconnect between retail and institutional investors, and who has been right

• Have we seen the true impact of Trump’s tariffs?

• The impact of cryptocurrencies becoming legitimate institutional investments

• The long-term consequences of the politicization of the Fed 

If you enjoy our podcast, please subscribe, l...

In Episode 48 of RHP Market Talk, CXO Natalie Picha and CIO Glenn Royal, CFP®, discuss how the global financial landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since April, with markets stabilizing after the turbulence of the trade war, driven by abundant liquidity seeking investment opportunities. We examine the key factors that will shape investment strategies for the remainder of 2025.

• Tariff impacts are gradually filtering through the economy without dramatic inflation pressure so far

• Fed has paused rate changes for four consecutive meetings, but the next move is likely to be a cut...

In this installment of Market Talk, Co-Founder and CXO Natalie Picha talks to Brian Hickey, Vice President of Medicare Back Office, a team of dedicated, licensed insurance agents providing nationwide Medicare advice. Their discussion includes: 

• The differences between Part A and Part B, and how to decide if you need a Medicare Supplement plan

• What is Medicare Advantage, and what does the county I live in have to do with anything? 

• The importance of annual reviews of your Medicare benefits

• When you should start exploring your options

Exper...

We discuss the unprecedented market volatility following the announcement of across-the-board tariffs, examining the fundamental shift in how the US conducts global trade and what it means for investors.

• What the bond market can tell us about the economy

• Is US exceptionalism at risk?

• What Wall Street strategists are saying

• Which bonds are most attractive in this market

• The importance of diversification

Experience the difference of working with a firm that empowers your life—a firm that focuses on what matters most—you.

Whether you are beginning...

Markets aren't designed to move in a straight line, as evidenced by the recent 3% decline in the S&P 500 and 4% drop in the NASDAQ composite. And while some movement is expected, huge swings may make investors nervous. 

In Episode 45, Natalie Picha, Partner and CXO, and Glenn Royal, CFP® Partner and CIO, discuss recent market turbulence and how to approach the market for the remainder of 2025.

Key Highlights: 

• Trump's tariff plans aim to transition the US economy to a smaller government with increased domestic manufacturing 

• Th...

RHP Market Talk Episode 44 dives into the essential role of financial planning in achieving long-term success, emphasizing that it is not exclusive to the wealthy. Natalie Picha, Partner and CXO, and Matt Berti, CFP®, CPWA® Associate Wealth Advisor, discuss misconceptions surrounding planning, emotional barriers clients face, and strategies that can transform one's financial future. 

• Importance of combining financial planning with investment strategies 
• Financial planning as an accessible resource for everyone, not just the wealthy 
• Good money habits and their impact on financial health 
• Emotional challenges people face when engaging in fi...

Discover the surprising twists of the financial markets as we kick off 2025 with an essential conversation featuring Natalie Picha, Partner and CXO, and Glenn Royal, Partner and CIO.

Explore why the market is defying expectations with rising interest rates despite Federal Reserve cuts and how a new administration's policies could shake things up. We'll dissect the recent end-of-year sell-off and early January market movements, all in the context of inflation and high valuations. With "America First" tariffs and potential new tariff policies on the horizon, we promise valuable insights into their possible impact on inflation and market...

What drives the markets: politics or the economy?

In Episode 24 of RHP Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Chief Experience Officer, and Glenn Royal, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer, discuss the recent election results and the changes they will bring.

What implications do these changes have for tariffs, cryptocurrency, and the bond markets? 

Experience the difference of working with a firm that empowers your life—a firm that focuses on what matters most—you.

Whether you are beginning your financial journey now or have already taken steps...

With just 1 week left until the crucial 2024 Presidential Elections, the tension is palpable, and the stakes are high.

Natalie Picha, Chief Experience Officer, and Glenn Royal, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer, discuss uncertainty in financial markets during election cycles, proposed tax changes, and the U.S. deficit.

This new episode of RHP Market Talk is a big one!

Additionally, we are providing links below to articles discussed in this podcast for your convenience.

Link to the BlackRock 2024 Election Year Special

Link to U.S. D...

The recent 50 basis point cut in interest rates was another encouraging sign that the US economy is continuing to grow, but how will this affect everyone's finances?

In Episode 40 of RHP Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Chief Experience Officer, and Glenn Royal, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer, discuss the recent interest rate cut and an intriguing market conversation about where the economy goes from here during an election year.

Experience the difference of working with a firm that empowers your life—a firm that focuses on what mat...

Join us for Episode 39 of RHP Market Talk, where Natalie Picha, Chief Experience Officer, and Glenn Royal, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer, discuss the bond market, the risk associated with Nvidia, and the intriguing concept of market contrarianism. 

Click the link below to listen to our latest podcast.

Experience the difference of working with a firm that empowers your life—a firm that focuses on what matters most—you.

Whether you are beginning your financial journey now or have already taken steps toward your ultimate life goals...

In Episode 38 of RHP Market Talk, Natalie Picha, Chief Experience Officer, interviews Dean Ed Waller, Professor of Finance at the University of Houston – Clear Lake, sharing stories from his extensive career and how institutes of higher learning can work with RIA's to build community.

With a wealth of experience in finance, Dean Ed Waller's journey began in the research department of the Federal Reserve during the Reagan years when he was fresh out of college. Throughout his career, he has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of technology on financial markets and th...

"Do you love taxes?" is a question that most people would answer with a resounding "no." 

However, Natalie Picha, the Chief Experience Officer, and Michelle Graham from Michelle Graham CPA LLC have some tips to make this tax season less stressful and scary. They understand that taxes are always challenging, especially when figuring out small business deductions. It can be a painful experience, but the value of having a good CPA cannot be overstated. 

The best advice is to start early and seek expertise to ensure you get th...