May 2026 Market Internals | Strong On Top, Broken Underneath

May 2026 Market Internals | Strong On Top, Broken Underneath

In the May 2026 market update, Branden emphasizes the importance of systematic financial strategies and methodical decision-making within a dynamic market economy. We explore how adhering to predefined rules in your financial life is crucial, especially when navigating the stock market. Understanding investment strategy is essential for achieving financial success, particularly when considering the potential for a market bubble and the benefits of long-term investing. The second half turns into a practical bubble and behavior conversation. We talk AI concentration, Shiller PE valuation extremes, and the uncomfortable truth that bubbles can keep expanding even when everyone can “see” them. Finally, we go deep on the SpaceX IPO: EchoStar as a proxy, low float dynamics, index fund rule changes, and how forced passive buying could set up a synthetic short squeeze that rewards pros and punishes FOMO. If you’re going to take a swing, we push one theme the whole way through: size the risk to your financial plan, not your emotions. If this helped you think more clearly about rates, stocks, or the SpaceX IPO, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review so more investors can find the show. Find Du Charme Wealth Management here: https://ducharmewealth.com Phone:  (435) 288-3396 DISCLAIMER: Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. Encompass More Asset Management LLC is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. 0:00 Why Rules Beat Reactions 5:30 The Dollar Channel And Asset Choices 9:26 No One Wants Downside Protection 15:42 AI Concentration And Bubble Math 20:45 Valuations And Behavioral Traps 26:29 SpaceX IPO Buzz And EchoStar Proxy 33:26 Index Rule Changes And Forced Buying 39:02 FOMO Risk Lockups And A Game Plan 46:30 Bumpy Rides Ahead And Closing

The Passive Income Lie Landlords Don't Want You Hearing

Many people often misunderstand the true nature of real estate ventures, particularly rental property investing. This discussion clarifies that owning rental properties is not a passive income stream, but rather an active real estate business requiring dedicated effort. We explore why this type of income generating asset often involves more work than initially perceived, emphasizing the job-like aspects of property management and how to make money effectively in this field. We also get honest about the drawbacks and risks: liquidity, long hold periods, the impact of interest rates, supply surges from boom-time development, and even cultural shifts like minimalism and generational cleanouts. Finally, we compare private storage deals to publicly traded REITs and talk about what “seat at the table” really means, along with the importance of conservative underwriting when appreciation isn’t guaranteed. If you want sharper thinking about commercial real estate, self-storage, and building a portfolio that supports your goals instead of trapping your time, listen now. Subscribe, share this with a friend who calls rentals “passive,” and leave a review with your biggest real estate lesson so far. Find Du Charme Wealth Management here: https://ducharmewealth.com Phone:  (435) 288-3396 DISCLAIMER: Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. Encompass More Asset Management LLC is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. 0:00 Passive Income Myth 5:20 The Storage Problem Customers Kept Asking 8:50 Why Self Storage Fits Portfolios 14:00 Using Marketing And Data To Win 18:50 Liquidity And The Long Hold Reality 23:50 Interest Rates And Supply Headwinds 28:40 Minimalism, Boomers, And Demand Risk 33:10 Consolidation And Buying An Edge 41:00 Public REITs Versus Private Ownership 48:10 Cap Rates And Small Operator Advantage 53:20 The True Cost Of Rental Cash Flow 57:40 Closing Thoughts And How To Connect

Your Budget Probably Isn't Working Because You're Doing It Wrong

Most people avoid two simple documents their entire financial life — and it's costing them more money than they realize. If you've ever felt like managing your personal finance is more complicated than it should be, you're not alone. The problem usually isn't complexity — it's a lack of clarity. In this episode, Branden  Du Charme and Carisa Bertrand break down the two foundational tools that turn financial confusion into a clean, organized money management system: a net worth statement and a cash flow statement. No software required, no complicated formulas — just honest answers to the two questions most people never sit down to answer: What do I own, and what do I owe? Here's the trap most people fall into with their personal finances: they assume small accounts don't matter, that real estate wealth means financial security, and that budgeting works the same way for everyone. It doesn't — and the gap between what people think their money situation looks like and what it actually looks like is where most wealth management mistakes are made. What we cover in this episode: •Net worth statement basics — assets, liabilities, and the math that creates instant money clarity •What to include, what to simplify, and why "small" accounts can have big tax and estate planning consequences •How a net worth statement protects a spouse or partner in a financial emergency •The asset-rich, cash-poor trap — especially common for real estate owners building wealth •Cash flow statement fundamentals — personal finance simplified to income minus expenses •Rigid budgeting vs. reverse budgeting — which money management approach fits your life •Why taxes and planned savings are the most commonly missed line items in any budget •Setting a real retirement planning spending target and avoiding the mistake of working longer than you need to •Using both statements together to manage wealth, plan withdrawals, and reduce financial stress •Long-term tax opportunities hiding in your numbers — Roth conversions and RMD planning for retirement Whether you're just starting to build wealth, planning for retirement, or trying to get a clear picture of your money for the first time, this episode gives you the foundation every solid financial plan starts with. Find Du Charme Wealth Management here: https://ducharmewealth.com Phone:  (435) 288-3396 DISCLAIMER: Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. Encompass More Asset Management LLC is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. 0:00 Net Worth Statement In Plain English 5:20 What To Include And What To Skip 9:51 Organization That Protects Your Family 12:36 Cash Flow Explained Without Fancy Tools 19:40 Budgeting Versus Reverse Budget Reality 22:35 Retirement Targets And Real World Tradeoffs 30:54 Taxes, Roth Moves, And Keeping It Simple

The Social Security Claiming Mistake Almost Every Retiree Makes

Should you claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? That single decision can change your lifetime retirement income by $500,000 or more—and it's permanent. In this episode, Branden sits down with Steve Durdin, a New Jersey financial planner and Social Security expert, to break down exactly how to make this choice. With 11,000 Americans turning 65 every day, most people are claiming too early and leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table. We explain the three claiming ages—62 (early with permanent reduction), 67 (full retirement age), and 70 (maximum delayed credits)—and show you how to calculate which one makes sense for YOUR situation, including: ✅ How your highest 35 earning years determine your benefit ✅ Why claiming at 62 reduces your check by ~30% permanently ✅ How delayed retirement credits boost benefits 8% per year after 67 ✅ Spousal benefits (50% of PIA cap) and why timing matters for couples ✅ Survivor benefits—why the higher earner's decision protects the surviving spouse ✅ Divorced spouse rules (10-year marriage requirement) ✅ Social Security taxation traps that catch even wealthy retirees ✅ Why you need to set up your SSA.gov account TODAY Find Harvest Well Financial Partners here: https://www.stevedurdin.com/ sdurdin@harvestwellfp.com Find Du Charme Wealth Management here: https://ducharmewealth.com Phone:  (435) 288-3396 DISCLAIMER: Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. Encompass More Asset Management LLC is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. 0:00 Claiming Ages And Program Pressure 3:06 Insolvency Myths And Trust Fund Math 10:04 Key Terms FRA PIA Earnings Record 14:28 Spousal Benefits And Timing Rules 24:07 Survivor Benefits And The Delay Advantage 30:18 Divorced Spouse Rules And Deemed Filing 35:53 Social Security Taxes And Planning Traps 42:17 Finding Help And Final Takeaways

Paying Off Your Mortgage Early: The Part Nobody Tells You

Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest the extra cash? The answer isn't as simple as the math suggests — and making the wrong call can quietly cost you flexibility when life gets complicated. In this episode, we answer real audience questions on the real estate decisions that sound straightforward but get complex fast once taxes, risk, and liquidity enter the picture. What we cover: •Pay off mortgage vs. invest — why after-tax returns change the break-even math •Optionality and liquidity — why extra principal payments are harder to undo than people realize •Mortgage recasting as a way to lower required payments while keeping flexibility •Using a HELOC or cash-out refi to buy structured notes — and the hidden risks behind the yield •Why a paid-off home doesn't mean zero monthly payment (property taxes, insurance, escrow) •Why using home equity as a retirement income tool can backfire through cash flow and tax exposure •Rent vs. buy in a higher-rate environment — how to "pay yourself" the spread •Setting a hurdle rate using the risk-free rate plus a real market risk premium •Modeling rental ROI with NOI — including capex budgeting, vacancy, and collection losses •How real estate cash flow and appreciation stack up against stocks, bonds, REITs, and other alternatives The through line: manage downside risk first, set a realistic hurdle rate, and let the upside take care of itself over time. 📌 If this helped you, subscribe so you don't miss future Q&A episodes. 💬 Drop your real estate question below — we read every one. 📤 Share this with a friend wrestling with a mortgage or rental decision. DISCLAIMER: Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. Encompass More Asset Management LLC is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. [00:00:00] Can Leverage Get You Ahead [00:02:49] Pay Off The Mortgage Or Invest [00:08:35] Structured Notes Using Home Equity [00:15:01] Property Taxes And Insurance Reality [00:23:20] Renting Versus Buying Without FOMO [00:27:58] Other People's Money Equals Leverage [00:32:42] Setting Return Targets And Hurdle Rates [00:39:00] Modeling NOI Capex Vacancy And Taxes [00:50:18] Manage Downside Risk And Wrap Up