Money Talk: The Annex Wealth Management Show - Milwaukee

From global uncertainty to corporate earnings, we take a closer look at the key forces influencing today's investment environment. We also cover retirement asset-sale strategies, the role government policy plays in market performance, and the long-term opportunities and challenges AI presents for investors.

This week, semiconductor stocks helped lead the market lower as investors navigated a fresh wave of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Oil prices surged amid escalating tensions involving Iran, growing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, and reports of potential U.S.-Israel military planning, while developments in Ukraine-Russia peace talks offered a measure of optimism. Meanwhile, mixed U.S. economic data, rising Treasury market volatility, and shifting expectations for Federal Reserve policy fueled a risk-off environment that weighed on technology shares and investor sentiment. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down what these global developments could mean for...

Inflation is heating up again, with rising gas prices pushing the latest inflation readings above expectations while signs of a slower economy begin to surface. CEO Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down what the latest data, market reaction, and global economic risks mean for investors, including concerns about mounting fiscal pressures overseas. Plus, practical insights on contribution strategies and how direct indexing can help investors personalize their portfolios.

As markets flirted with record highs before stumbling on renewed inflation and oil price concerns, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down the week's biggest economic and market-moving developments. They discuss the AI trade's sudden wobble, crude oil's march toward $100 a barrel, rising consumer inflation expectations, and what the latest Fed minutes signal about the path of interest rates. Plus, they examine Treasury market trends, surging bond yields, and what it all means for investors navigating an increasingly uncertain landscape.  We also discuss life insurance planning and how to decide who gets listed as the taxpayer in a m...

Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a third quarter that looked strong on paper but told a very different story underneath. From the narrowing market rally and shifting AI narrative to rising Treasury yields, renewed Fed tightening, and persistent geopolitical uncertainty, they separate the headlines from the fundamentals. They also explore why corporate profits and the labor market remain remarkably resilient even as consumer confidence continues to lag. Plus, Marti Wronski, Chief Operating Officer of the Milwaukee Brewers, joins the show to share her leadership journey and what it takes to help run a Major League Baseball...

Stocks surged on AI enthusiasm, Treasury yields climbed to levels not seen since before the financial crisis, and oil volatility reignited fears that inflation could stick around longer than expected. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss the current state of tariffs, the Fed, energy markets, and the economic forces shaping the weeks ahead.  Plus, using the new Trump accounts and how the high-net worth look at spending money later in life.

CEO Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack the Fed’s latest rate hike, explain why inflation still isn’t passing the sniff test, and discuss what rising long-term interest rates mean for investors. They break down surprisingly strong U.S. economic data, from hot retail sales to business spending, while contrasting it with China’s ongoing economic struggles. The conversation also explores how oil market disruptions, global geopolitics, and policy uncertainty could shape markets in the months ahead.  Plus, segments on entering the 'Retirement Red Zone' and how the younger generation is looking at investing.

Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada are heating up, with new tariffs and import bans threatening supply chains and businesses on both sides of the border. Meanwhile, escalating conflict in the Middle East is driving oil prices higher and raising fresh inflation concerns. We break down what it could mean for consumers, investors, and the Federal Reserve.  Plus, retirement age milestones and how to deal with the upcoming "Silver Tsunami".

Mark Beck and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a week that shook up Wall Street as investors dramatically shifted their expectations for the Federal Reserve following Chair Warsh's Jackson Hole comments, pushing Treasury yields to their highest levels in more than a year and sparking fresh debate about the path of interest rates. They also examine a labor market stuck in a "no-hire, no-fire" mode, rising oil prices tied to growing Middle East tensions, and what the Fed's latest Beige Book reveals about the AI boom's impact on the real economy. Plus, practical planning topics including how to make...

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack the biggest economic and market stories, including Fed Governor Kevin Warsh's closely watched Jackson Hole remarks and the implications for interest rates. They discuss stubborn inflation, signs of a slowing consumer, and why stronger-than-expected second quarter spending data paints a different picture than current sentiment. They also cover Treasury buybacks, falling oil prices, Nvidia's latest surge, and what it all means for investors.  Plus, we discuss the proposed Trump account regulations and how to approach retirement planning when your career goals and workplace direction no longer align.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stepped into a bond market rattled by soaring long-term yields and a federal debt load that has now surpassed $40 trillion, but did his intervention solve anything or simply expose a bigger problem? This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack the drama in the Treasury market, the Fed's increasingly hawkish stance, and what a weaker dollar, rising gold prices, and surging oil could mean for investors. Plus, they examine the growing divide in the consumer economy as Walmart stumbles, Target surges, and Wall Street searches for the next signal on the health of the...

Cooling inflation. Climbing markets. A consumer that may be starting to pull back. This week's economic data gave investors and policymakers plenty to think about. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen examine the latest inflation readings, softer retail sales, strengthening small-business confidence, and what all of it could mean for the Federal Reserve and the broader economy in the months ahead. This discussion is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice.  Plus, segments on selling assets in retirement and is the 4% rule of withdrawal still a good strategy?

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a market landscape full of mixed signals. From a historic U.S.-Japan intervention to support the yen to oil's sharp reaction to renewed tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, they explain what the latest global developments could mean for investors. They also earnings results and the impact of the new Fed chair.  Plus, avoiding costly rollover mistakes and avoiding "money guilt".

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a rate pause from the Fed, AI producing both big winners and notable losers, and consumers continue to send mixed signals about the economy. They'll also discuss oil prices and earnings season results.  Microsoft and Amazon proved AI spending can pay off, while Meta and Apple reminded investors that growth still has to meet expectations. Plus, segments on smarter money habits and when retirement planning should actually start.

This week, CEO Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss the market impact of renewed Middle East tensions, including rising oil prices and concerns over key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. They examine how higher energy costs are influencing inflation expectations, bond yields, mortgage rates, and Federal Reserve policy. Later on, the team discusses the renewed focus on tariffs and their potential impact on inflation, explains recent changes in U.S. tariff policy, and explores the possibility of additional tariffs related to excess industrial capacity in countries such as China.

This week, Dr. Brian Jacobsen breaks down the biggest takeaways from earnings season and what they could mean for investors in the months ahead. He’s joined by Director of Financial Planning Eric Strom for a discussion on the latest housing market trends and where mortgage rates may be headed.  Plus, we examine why more employed adult children are living at home and share key considerations for evaluating life insurance coverage so you can make confident, informed financial decisions.

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a U.S. economy that's cooling from a sprint to a sustainable jog, examine what the latest labor data, IMF forecasts, and AI-driven growth trends mean for investors, and explore the widening gap between the global winners and losers of the next economic cycle. Plus, we unpack the Federal Reserve's emerging policy playbook and why a new generation of Fed leadership could fundamentally change how markets interpret interest-rate decisions.  Also, segments on the new Trump accounts and retirement confidence being low.

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss earnings, the jobs numbers from June and what you should keep an eye on now that we're in the second half of the year.  America is turning 250, so we take a look at the people, innovations, and economic turning points that transformed a young nation into the world's largest economy. We also discuss how to simplify and manage multiple investment accounts, break down the often-misunderstood rules surrounding Roth conversions, and share practical financial planning tips for families preparing to help pay for a wedding. History, investing, and r...

This episode of Money Talk opens with hosts Dave Spano and Chief Economic Strategist Dr. Brian Jacobson paying tribute to Alan Greenspan, who lived to 100. They discuss his long Fed tenure, the evolution of central bank communication (from the “briefcase indicator” to today’s heavy transparency and dot plots), his 1996 “irrational exuberance” warning, and interesting parallels with today’s AI boom and potential productivity gains.

Markets & Economy

For our "Week in Review", Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down Kevin Warsh’s debut at the Fed, a unanimous decision, new internal task forces, and a leadership style that invites open disagreement. We then turn to Trump’s surprise Iran memorandum, a move that’s already easing energy market fears but raises major political and funding questions that could shape global stability and defense supply chains. Finally, we connect the dots between rising inflation, shifting consumer behavior, and a reopening IPO window led by SpaceX, as falling energy prices could reset the economic narrative heading into the se...

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack a mix of political tension, highlighted by developments in Iran, and a wave of fresh economic data shaping the market outlook. Inflation remains elevated, consumer sentiment is softening, and small business optimism is slipping, even as housing and trade show pockets of strength. We also explore what rising IPO activity, from AI leaders like OpenAI to more traditional brands, may signal about where investors are placing their bets next. Plus, segments on deciding who should be the taxpayer if you're married and why people are raiding their 401(k) accounts.

In this Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen dig into SpaceX’s headline-grabbing IPO—and why the bigger story may be its bold (and unproven) AI ambitions. They also explore the intensifying AI arms race, from trillion-dollar valuations to Nvidia’s push into everyday tech, and what it means when even standout earnings fail to impress. Plus, a look at shifting tariffs and a two-speed economy, where strong manufacturing momentum meets growing uncertainty beneath the surface.

Inflation is still running hot while real incomes quietly slip, creating a growing disconnect beneath record market levels. This week Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down why investors are focused on strong corporate results even as consumers grow more selective with their spending across retailers like Costco, Dollar Tree, and Best Buy. Plus, we dive into the widening gap between AI winners and worriers and what it signals for the next phase of the market. Plus, segments on the importance of Roth accounts and selling assets in retirement.

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack a fast-moving mix of global headlines and what they really mean for your money, from rising tensions overseas to new policy shifts that could reshape housing and trade. We break down the latest economic data and what the Federal Reserve is signaling about inflation, interest rates, and where things may be headed next. We also connect it all to the real world, from AI driven deals and IPO buzz to what businesses are seeing right now, and the essential money habits every parent should be teaching their kids beyond just...

Big global moves this week as the US and China reopen trade channels on beef, oil, and agriculture, even as tensions flare over Taiwan. Meanwhile, political shakeups hit both sides of the Atlantic with Kevin Warsh narrowly taking the helm at the Fed and the UK prime minister stepping down after market jitters. Back home, Trump pushes a gas tax pause and cheaper beef while economists flag the risks of populist policies, and housing data barely ticks higher.  Also, how to navigate the ups and down of the retirement smile along with contribution strategies.

This week’s episode sharpens the focus on major, politically driven developments, from the SEC’s push to rethink decades-old reporting rules to the high-stakes uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack key economic signals, including tighter bank lending standards and what they reveal about business confidence and credit conditions. And on Main Street, we connect the dots of rising costs, housing affordability challenges, war-driven hesitation in spending, and a deeper question lingering beneath it all: why retirement confidence is starting to slip.

This week Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down a high-stakes geopolitical and monetary situation, from rising Middle East tensions and OPEC fractures to the puzzling drumbeat for rate hikes with high oil prices. We unpack a divided Fed, increasingly hawkish signals from global central banks, and what may be Chair Powell’s final act as leadership transitions are ahead. Economic data remains solid, with resilient GDP growth and jobless claims evoking a “Summer of ’69” moment for the labor market.  Plus, myths about filing an extension and tools for finding long-term care for a loved one.

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen look ahead to what less Fed forward guidance could mean for rate volatility, why strong balance sheets may become a market advantage, and how global energy flows could quietly shift away from geopolitical chokepoints. Plus, the political noise shaking markets and why retirement confidence has sunk to a ten‑year low, as rising costs and growing uncertainty leave workers feeling increasingly uneasy. Additional segments on being tax savvy and Required Minimum Distribution Strategies.

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss the sudden halt of Kevin Warsh’s nomination hearing and a huge recovery in the markets. We unpack soft housing data, jittery small businesses, cautious hiring, rising input costs, and a Beige Book full of uncertainty, and if the economy feels less like a recession.  Special guest, and former Navy SEAL John Choate, joins the show and things he's seen overseas.

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down where income taxes hit hardest, why a third of Americans pay zero federal income tax, and how mandatory spending quietly dominates the budget. Plus, a two‑week U.S.–Iran ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz, and why geopolitics still has markets, and policymakers, on edge.  What is "Retirement Subtraction", and what are the strategies to guide you through it?  Also, how can donor-advised funds help with your tax filing plan for next year?

This week, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack President Trump’s calls for the U.S. to step back from policing Middle East energy security, his push to exit the Iran conflict after taking away its nuclear and military capabilities, and Tehran’s demand for guarantees to prevent future aggression. We explore why oil price shocks hurt the economy far less than they used to, how U.S. energy efficiency has transformed since the Gulf War era, and why the Fed is content to “wait and see” rather than react to short‑term supply disruptions. Plus, a timely Labor Depa...

For the Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen unpack a busy week where energy markets once again broke the rules, with negative prices in parts of the US echoing the shock of April 2020 and showing how oil profits can help offset losses in gas. They also take a look at fast moving global developments, from sudden shifts in US Iran dynamics to Turkey considering sales of its gold reserves to support its currency. Plus, practical conversations on smart ways to put a bigger tax refund to work and how to plan ahead for the rising costs...

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen discuss rising fuel costs, Iran’s attacks on energy infrastructure, and Powell’s defiant stance at the Fed. We break down why backward‑looking data may matter less in a post‑Iran world and new proposals on bank capital and SEC reporting. Plus, we look beyond oil to Nvidia’s trillion‑dollar ambitions, Macy’s surprising “shrink‑to‑grow” strategy, and why Americans might be outsourcing steak‑risk to restaurants.

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Dr. Brian Jacobsen break down the nonstop developments out of Iran, from a new leader to massive U.S. military spending and a global scramble to replace disrupted oil and fertilizer flows through the Strait of Hormuz. We also unpack why the IEA’s historic 400‑million‑barrel release may not calm markets, how shaky private‑credit headlines are starting to snowball, and why economic data like CPI and jobs reports are already outdated in a $100‑oil world. Plus, we explore surprising shifts in consumer behavior as giants like McDonald’s and Dollar Gener...

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen look at why classic diversification struggled as stocks, bonds, and even gold moved together, and why holding cash with a real plan may matter more than ever. We talk about the rise in hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts and what that reveals about financial stress across the country. We also break down major global tensions, shifting oil flows, and the latest economic data that is shaping markets.  Plus, segments on navigating financial conversations with family and how to leverage your health as your greatest wealth.

This week, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen dig into family spending trends. They also break down the State of the Union’s most concrete policy news: a revamped retirement match program modeled after the Thrift Savings Plan, offering up to $1,000 for eligible workers. Finally, we discuss the rapid‑fire shifts in U.S. tariff strategy, and what the new 15% rate means for global supply chains and everyday consumers.  Plus, segments on the new IRS policy on paper checks and rollover mistakes you should avoid when it comes to your 401(k).

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down whether the latest Fed minutes truly put another rate hike back on the table, all while markets juggle rising geopolitical tension with Iran and attention on Japan’s massive U.S. investment commitments. They’ll dig into the data, from falling jobless claims and a widening trade deficit to signs of a manufacturing rebound, as well as what demographic shifts mean for companies like Molson Coors and Harley-Davidson. Plus, they explore the growing turf war between Amazon and Walmart and what it signals for consumers and investors alik...

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down whether the latest Fed minutes truly put another rate hike back on the table, all while markets juggle rising geopolitical tension with Iran and attention on Japan’s massive U.S. investment commitments. They’ll dig into the data, from falling jobless claims and a widening trade deficit to signs of a manufacturing rebound, as well as what demographic shifts mean for companies like Molson Coors and Harley-Davidson. Plus, they explore the growing turf war between Amazon and Walmart and what it signals for consumers and investors alik...

For our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen unpack Japan’s political shake‑up, where a landslide election win is clearing the way for food‑tax cuts and potential changes to the nation’s post‑war constitution. They turn to the U.S. next, tackling rising economic pressures, from a growing federal deficit and tariff‑driven price hikes to a housing market still millions of homes short. Finally, they sift through the latest data and corporate earnings to reveal what’s really happening on the ground as consumers pull back, mortgage stress creeps up, and businesses split between AI‑pow...

It was a whirlwind week in politics and economics, from shutdown fallout and delayed labor data to a surprise rebound in U.S. manufacturing. In our Week in Review, Dave Spano and Brian Jacobsen break down major Trump-era developments, including a proposed minerals stockpile, a pathway‑to‑ownership housing plan, and an India trade deal shaped by energy and geopolitics. We also cover Fed leadership changes, rising tensions with Iran, what it all means for markets and workers, and a timely segment on charitable giving with Maggie Tate-Techtmann, Executive Director at HAWS.