The Fiscal Physical Retirement Podcast

Is the Middle Class Getting Squeezed? Wages vs. the Cost of Living

Is the middle class really getting squeezed, or is that just a headline? In this episode, Ryan looks at what has actually happened to middle-class buying power over the past few decades and why housing has become the single biggest pressure on most family budgets. He and Aaron separate the real strain from the noise, including why your personal inflation rate can look very different from the number you see on the news. The goal here is perspective, not panic. Understanding where the squeeze is real, and where it is overstated, helps you focus your budget and your plan on the things that actually move the needle for your household. Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Fiscal-Physical-Becoming-Financially/dp/B0CMTN59M9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZA4IWMBJLO8Q&keywords=fiscal+physical&qid=1702328858&sprefix=Fiscal+phy%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1] If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com And, as always, Stay the Course!

The Paper Ceiling: Why Degree Requirements Are Changing in Hiring

The paper ceiling is the invisible barrier that keeps qualified workers without a college degree from being considered for jobs they are fully capable of doing. Ryan explains how it compares to the glass ceiling, which typically involves race or gender bias, and why degree inflation, the practice of adding degree requirements to roles that do not actually need one, has made the problem worse over time. Ryan and Aaron look at the issue from both sides. From the candidate's perspective, it is a filter that removes you before you get a shot at the interview. From the employer's perspective, it is a practical screening tool that may be cutting out the best person for the job. Skills-based hiring is the alternative gaining traction. Ryan notes that some roles genuinely require formal credentials, but many others do not, and employers who screen by skills rather than degrees tend to build stronger teams. Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Fiscal-Physical-Becoming-Financially/dp/B0CMTN59M9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZA4IWMBJLO8Q&keywords=fiscal+physical&qid=1702328858&sprefix=Fiscal+phy%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1] If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com And, as always, Stay the Course!

BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street: Do They Really Own the Market?

BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street manage trillions of dollars, but they do not own the market. Ryan explains what asset managers actually are: intermediaries who run funds on behalf of investors. When you put money into a Vanguard index fund, Vanguard holds the underlying shares in trust for you. They charge a fee to do it; they do not own what is inside the fund. The more legitimate concern Ryan raises is not ownership but influence. Because these firms hold voting rights on behalf of massive pools of assets, they have significant say in corporate governance. Ryan and Aaron walk through why this matters, how it compares to how any advisory firm operates, and why low-cost, diversified investing in these funds is still a sound strategy for most people. A calm, clear response to something that often gets exaggerated online. Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Fiscal-Physical-Becoming-Financially/dp/B0CMTN59M9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZA4IWMBJLO8Q&keywords=fiscal+physical&qid=1702328858&sprefix=Fiscal+phy%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1] If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com And, as always, Stay the Course!

Pre-Retirement Checklist: What to Do in the Year Before You Retire

A 64-year-old listener planning to retire in about a year asked Ryan for a practical checklist. Ryan's answer covers eight areas: gather all your data first, including pensions from multiple states and any old retirement accounts; get clear on your spending and goals; build your income plan; think through the tax and Social Security interplay; understand Medicare, IRMAA, and healthcare costs; review your insurance; make sure your estate documents are current; and keep enough cash on hand for the transition. Ryan is honest that 12 months goes fast, especially when tracking down old pension balances across multiple states and plan administrators. The consistent message throughout is that retirement is a beginning you will continue to manage, not a finish line. Talk to your financial advisor, CPA, and an estate attorney to work through the pieces most specific to your situation. Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Fiscal-Physical-Becoming-Financially/dp/B0CMTN59M9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZA4IWMBJLO8Q&keywords=fiscal+physical&qid=1702328858&sprefix=Fiscal+phy%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1] If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com And, as always, Stay the Course!

Quarterly Earnings Reports Explained: What the Numbers Actually Mean

Every publicly traded company is required to release its financial results every quarter. Ryan explains the four numbers investors pay attention to: revenue (total sales), earnings (what is left after expenses), profit margins (a measure of efficiency), and guidance (management's forecast for the next period). Guidance is often just as market-moving as the results themselves. Ryan and Aaron discuss why there is real theater involved in these reports, with some companies treating them as polished presentations and others keeping it dry. The practical advice for long-term investors is not to overreact to a single quarter. One bad report from a company you hold in a diversified portfolio is rarely a reason to sell. Context and trend matter far more than any single data point. Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Your-Fiscal-Physical-Becoming-Financially/dp/B0CMTN59M9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZA4IWMBJLO8Q&keywords=fiscal+physical&qid=1702328858&sprefix=Fiscal+phy%2Caps%2C192&sr=8-1] If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com And, as always, Stay the Course!