How to Invest When the World Feels Unstable

What the SpaceX IPO and Social Security Changes Mean for Your Money

This week on Investment Friday, Hannah Chapman, CFP®, and Brad Haines, CFA, FRM, tackle two of the biggest financial stories currently making headlines: the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO and the latest update on Social Security's long-term solvency. First, Brad breaks down why the SpaceX IPO has captured so much investor attention, what makes this offering unique, and why investors should expect significant volatility in the months ahead. Then, Hannah and Brad pivot to Social Security, discussing the latest trustee report, what it actually means for current and future retirees, and why thoughtful retirement planning matters now more than ever. Learn: * Why the SpaceX IPO is generating so much excitement * How IPO allocations actually work * How private markets are changing the IPO landscape * What the latest Social Security report revealed * Why Social Security's trust fund projection moved closer * How much of Social Security benefits could still be paid even if reserves run out * Potential solutions lawmakers may consider * Common Social Security mistakes retirees make * Why retirement income planning requires more than just claiming benefits Ready to work with a fiduciary CFP to build your long-term wealth strategy? Hannah is currently accepting new clients at X² Wealth Planning. Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://calendly.com/hannahrchapman/25-minute-get-to-know-you-call Hannah Chapman, CFP®, APMA®, CRPC® | hannah.chapman@x2wealthplanning.com | x2wealthplanning.com Connect with Brad at bhaines@juncturewealth.com and online at https://www.juncturewealth.com

SpaceX Is Going Public: What Investors Need to Know

This week's Investment Friday episode explores one of the most anticipated financial events of the year: the potential IPO of SpaceX—and what it could signal for the future of investing, AI, and public markets. Hannah and Brad break down how IPOs actually work, why today's private mega-cap companies are going public at valuations never seen before, and what investors need to understand before chasing the excitement surrounding companies like SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI. They also discuss the risks, opportunities, and market implications of trillion-dollar IPOs, including what happens when index funds are forced to buy these massive companies. What You'll Learn * What an Initial Public Offering (IPO) actually is * Why companies choose to go public * How investors gain access to IPO shares * Why SpaceX's valuation is making headlines * What happens when trillion-dollar companies enter public markets * How IPO allocations work for individual investors * Why many IPOs struggle immediately after going public * The role of index funds in mega-cap IPOs * Potential implications for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 * Why valuation matters—even for great companies * How SpaceX compares to past IPOs like Meta (Facebook) * The potential future relationship between Tesla and SpaceX Ready to work with a fiduciary CFP to build your long-term wealth strategy? Hannah is currently accepting new clients at X² Wealth Planning. Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://calendly.com/hannahrchapman/25-minute-get-to-know-you-call [https://calendly.com/hannahrchapman/25-minute-get-to-know-you-call] Hannah Chapman, CFP®, APMA®, CRPC® | hannah.chapman@x2wealthplanning.com | x2wealthplanning.com [http://x2wealthplanning.com] Connect with Brad at bhaines@juncturewealth.com and online at https://www.juncturewealth.com

Why Bonds Matter Again (And Most Investors Don’t Understand Them)

This week's Investment Friday episode takes a deep dive into one of the most overlooked—but critically important—parts of portfolio construction: fixed income and bond strategy. Hannah and Brad unpack why rising bond yields matter, how inflation and interest rates are impacting markets right now, and why many investors don't fully understand the role bonds are supposed to play inside a portfolio. They also explore the difference between individual bonds vs bond funds, why higher yields create both risk and opportunity, and how thoughtful fixed income management can help create stability and income during retirement. What You'll Learn * Why summer markets often become more volatile * How inflation and oil prices are affecting interest rates * What the yield curve actually means (in plain English) * Why mortgage rates follow Treasury yields * How rising yields impact bond prices * The difference between individual bonds and bond ETFs * Why fixed income should prioritize safety and stability * The risks of floating-rate and lower-quality bonds * How active bond management differs from “set it and forget it” investing * Why bonds become more important near retirement * The unique experience and perspective Brad's Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation brings to Juncture Wealth Strategies and X² Wealth Planning Connect with Hannah at Hannah.Chapman@x2wealthplanning.com and online at https://x2wealthplanning.com Connect with Brad at bhaines@juncturewealth.com and online at https://www.juncturewealth.com

AI, Inflation & Market Highs: What’s Really Happening?

This week's Investment Friday episode dives into one of the biggest tensions in today's economy: strong corporate earnings and booming AI investment alongside a growing divide between corporate profitability and everyday household pressure. Hannah and Brad unpack why markets are continuing to hit all-time highs, what the latest inflation data means for interest rates, and why the Federal Reserve may have a much harder job ahead than many investors realize. The second half of the episode explores the rapidly evolving AI landscape—from Anthropic and ChatGPT to the real-world limitations of artificial intelligence, labor productivity, and the future of human-centered work. Learn: * Why markets are still reaching new highs * What strong earnings are signaling about the economy * How inflation came in hotter than expected again * Why the Fed may not be able to lower rates soon * How AI spending is contributing to inflationary pressure * The difference between AI hype and current reality * Why AI still “hallucinates” and makes errors * How the AI revolution compares to the internet boom * Why data centers and infrastructure take years to build * Which careers may become more valuable in an AI-driven world * Why human connection and trust still matter deeply in financial planning Connect with Hannah at Hannah.Chapman@x2wealthplanning.com and online at https://x2wealthplanning.com Connect with Brad at bhaines@juncturewealth.com and online at https://www.juncturewealth.com

How to Invest When the World Feels Unstable

This week's episode is a powerful reminder that uncertainty is always present in investing—even when markets are hitting all-time highs. Despite geopolitical tension in the Middle East, ongoing oil market volatility, and continued concerns around inflation, the markets surged again this week. Hannah and Brad unpack why that's happening, what's driving earnings growth right now, and why investors often underestimate their biggest long-term risk: inflation. The second half of the episode shifts into a deeply important financial planning conversation around inheriting wealth, sitting on large amounts of cash, and the emotional process of learning to trust an investment strategy over time. You will learn * Why markets rallied to new highs this week * The impact of Iran ceasefire negotiations and oil prices * Why earnings growth continues to support equities * What happens when countries leave OPEC * How oil supply impacts inflation and global GDP * Why inflation—not volatility—is often the bigger long-term risk * The emotional side of inheriting wealth * Why many investors stay in cash too long * A practical framework for easing into investing * How long-term investing overcomes fear-based decision making Connect with Hannah at Hannah.Chapman@x2wealthplanning.com and online at https://x2wealthplanning.com Connect with Brad at bhaines@juncturewealth.com and online at https://www.juncturewealth.com