Money & Stuff

If Inflation is Down, Why Are Prices Still High?

A fast food combo crossing $10 might seem small, but it says a lot about today’s economy.  In this episode, Sam Rodriguez and Conor Shepard break down why things still feel expensive even as inflation slows. From why prices rarely come down to the gap between wage growth and rising costs, they connect what you’re feeling to what’s actually happening. If your money doesn’t seem to go as far anymore, this will help explain why.  Watch On YouTube: If Inflation is Down, Why Are Prices Still High? [https://youtu.be/oQQAWqRBPmk] Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us:  www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact [https://www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact] Interested in hearing Sam & Conor talk about specific money or stuff topics, or want to be on the show? Send Conor an Email Today: cshepard@foundationwealthpartners.com   Have Questions? Book a Complimentary Strategy Session: https://oncehub.com/FWPIntroMeeting [https://oncehub.com/FWPIntroMeeting] PODCAST DISCLOSURES [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d0e799d9-c00f-42a2-94a7-51ac486d6eb0] Investment advice offered through Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council and registered investment advisor. Foundation Wealth Partners and Advisor Resource Council are separate entities. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure Site at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109 [https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109]. All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.   ©2025 Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council, All rights

The Hidden Job Crisis: Unemployment, AI, and the Next Generation

Even with unemployment holding near 4%, many Americans feel worse off than ever and the numbers tell a different story. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard unpack what’s really happening in today’s labor market. From the rise of gig and “fractional” work to the disappearance of entry-level jobs, they break down how AI, inflation, and shifting employer demands are reshaping what it means to be “employed.” Whether you’re graduating, changing careers, or just trying to make sense of what’s happening in the job market, this episode helps you see the bigger picture and what it means for your financial future. Watch On YouTube: The Hidden Job Crisis [https://youtu.be/CWJXg13qQRo] Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us:  www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact [https://www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact] Interested in hearing Sam & Conor talk about specific money or stuff topics, or want to be on the show? Send Conor an Email Today: cshepard@foundationwealthpartners.com   PODCAST DISCLOSURES [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d0e799d9-c00f-42a2-94a7-51ac486d6eb0] Investment advice offered through Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council and registered investment advisor. Foundation Wealth Partners and Advisor Resource Council are separate entities. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure Site at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109 [https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109]. All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.   ©2025 Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council, All rights reserved.

No Way We're Old Enough For This: 4 Keys to help Gen X/Millennials Pay for College

If you’re a Gen X or millennial parent, college costs are no longer a distant concern: they're on your doorstep.    In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard walk through four essential steps to help Gen X and millennial parents avoid overpaying for college. With tuition costs rising and financial aid more confusing than ever, they break down how to stay in the driver’s seat and making sure you don’t let a 17-year-old make a six-figure decision on their own. Learn how to take control of the process, protect your own financial future, and help your kids make smarter college choices. Watch On YouTube: 4 Keys to help Gen X/Millennials Pay for College [https://youtu.be/GSeBTwNePeQ] Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us:  www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact [https://www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact] Interested in hearing Sam & Conor talk about specific money or stuff topics, or want to be on the show? Send Conor an Email Today: cshepard@foundationwealthpartners.com   PODCAST DISCLOSURES [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d0e799d9-c00f-42a2-94a7-51ac486d6eb0] Investment advice offered through Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council and registered investment advisor. Foundation Wealth Partners and Advisor Resource Council are separate entities. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure Site at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109 [https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109]. All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.   ©2025 Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council, All rights reserved.

How Not to Blow Your Inheritance

Gen X is starting to inherit trillions… and most people have no idea what to do with it.  Inheriting money is emotional:  Grief. Guilt. Pressure. And if you’re not prepared, that money can disappear fast.   In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down the biggest mistakes people make with an inheritance and how to avoid them.  You’ll learn what to do before you spend a dime, how to avoid the tax traps, and how to turn a windfall into lasting peace of mind, not regret.  Watch On YouTube: HOW NOT TO BLOW YOUR INHERITANCE [https://youtu.be/pioFe1_4PoI] Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us:  www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact Interested in hearing Sam & Conor talk about specific money or stuff topics, or want to be on the show? Send Conor an Email Today: cshepard@foundationwealthpartners.com   PODCAST DISCLOSURES [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d0e799d9-c00f-42a2-94a7-51ac486d6eb0] Investment advice offered through Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council and registered investment advisor. Foundation Wealth Partners and Advisor Resource Council are separate entities. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure Site at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109 [https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109]. All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.   ©2025 Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council, All rights reserved.

Why Gen X Feels Behind

In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard  break down how Generation X’s financial journey compares to those of boomers and millennials, and why it feels so different. They dive into the timing of economic downturns, shifting family roles, and how these factors have shaped Gen X’s retirement outlook. Plus, they share some practical steps Gen Xers can take to navigate the challenges and build a solid plan for the future.  Watch On YouTube: WHY GEN-X FEELS BEHIND [https://youtu.be/EwQHWQfWnmI] Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us:  www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact Interested in hearing Sam & Conor talk about specific money or stuff topics, or want to be on the show? Send Conor an Email Today: cshepard@foundationwealthpartners.com   PODCAST DISCLOSURES [https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d0e799d9-c00f-42a2-94a7-51ac486d6eb0] Investment advice offered through Foundation Wealth Partners, a DBA of Advisor Resource Council and registered investment advisor. Foundation Wealth Partners and Advisor Resource Council are separate entities. Additional information, including management fees and expenses, is provided on our Form ADV Part 2 available upon request or at the SEC’s Investment Advisor Public Disclosure Site at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109 [https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/164109]. All content presented is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement of any third party or such third party’s views, or as a solicitation or offer to sell securities or provide investment, tax, legal, or consulting services, and should not be acted upon without obtaining specific advice from a qualified professional. We believe the information presented to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Any opinions or statements by third parties are their own and may not be representative of the experience of others or indicative of future investment performance or success. No compensation has been exchanged for any testimonials, endorsements, and/or recognitions.