The Money Alchemist Podcast

Why We Buy Things We Don't Need: Consumer Psychology & Money with Dr. Bryan Buechner | MAP Ep 58

Have you ever bought something and immediately wondered, "Why did I spend money on that?" In Episode 58 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent sits down with Dr. Bryan Buechner, marketing professor at Xavier University and expert in consumer psychology, to explore the hidden forces that influence our financial decisions every day. Together they discuss how marketing shapes behavior, why self-control is more complicated than simply "spending less," and how consumers can make better purchasing decisions in a world filled with endless choices, targeted advertising, social media, AI recommendations, and subscription services. They also dive into topics such as Costco's cult-like customer loyalty, the rise and fall of Peloton, the psychology of pricing, consumer biases, AI shopping assistants, decision fatigue, loyalty programs, and how understanding consumer behavior can ultimately help you become a better steward of your money. Whether you're trying to spend more intentionally, improve your financial habits, or simply understand why companies market the way they do, this episode offers practical insights that can help you make better decisions with your money. About your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com] Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com [http://www.karatstick.com] Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/] Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com [http://www.infinitewealthplanning.com] https://linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 [https://linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp%C2%AE-2067b573] Comments or questions? www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com].

Organic Advisors Are Cooked: How AI Is Changing Financial Advice Forever

Is AI about to replace financial advisors? In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, we explore how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok are beginning to influence investing, financial planning, and the way people search for financial advice online. We compare how AI responds to both simple and complex financial questions and discuss where these tools may be useful — and where they can still fall short compared to experienced advisors. We also dive into markets, inflation, rising interest rates, prediction markets, consumer spending, and the growing role technology is playing across finance and decision-making. What’s happening in 10 minutes • Kevin Warsh confirmed by the Senate • Long-term Treasury yields spike above 5% • What higher bond yields could mean for mortgage rates • Consumer spending reaches new highs as inflation remains elevated • Bank of America insights on market behavior and spending trends • US-China summit developments and market implications • 60 Minutes segment on prediction markets and insider trading concerns About your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com] Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com [http://www.karatstick.com] Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/] Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com [http://www.infinitewealthplanning.com] https://linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 [https://linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp%C2%AE-2067b573] Comments or questions? https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/i-asked-chatgpt-to-manage-a-stock-portfolio-heres-how-it-did-0d62900b [https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/i-asked-chatgpt-to-manage-a-stock-portfolio-heres-how-it-did-0d62900b] Bank of America Insights: https://institute1.bofa.com/C/?q=e4SyKUJSHPg [https://institute1.bofa.com/C/?q=e4SyKUJSHPg]   Disclosure The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including Forms ADV and CRS, please visit www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com].

The 5 Only Accounts You'll Ever Need: Simple Investing and Financial Planning Explained

What accounts do you actually need to build wealth? In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Ben and Brent break down the idea that simplicity often beats complexity when it comes to financial planning and investing. They discuss why many investors end up chasing gimmicks, opening too many accounts, and overcomplicating their finances....when in reality, only a handful of account types tend to do most of the heavy lifting over time. The conversation walks through the core account structures they believe are most important for long-term wealth building and why understanding the purpose of each account matters more than constantly searching for the next strategy.     What’s happening in 10 minutes • Earnings growth accelerating across the S&P 500 • AI hardware demand surging with renewed focus on infrastructure • Micron, Intel, AMD, and Broadcom seeing increased attention • GameStop’s reported interest in eBay and why the market reacted negatively • PCE inflation coming in hotter than expected • 30-year Treasury bond hovering around 5% • Fed rate expectations and the outlook for future policy decisions   About Your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com/] Sign up for Ben’s newsletter: www.karatstick.com [http://www.karatstick.com/] Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/] Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com [http://www.infinitewealthplanning.com/] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmj2PaxX24E [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmj2PaxX24E] FactSet Earnings Update: https://insight.factset.com/sp-500-earnings-season-update-may-1-2026 [https://insight.factset.com/sp-500-earnings-season-update-may-1-2026]   Comments or questions? Email us at: www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com/] or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email: comments@themoneyalchemistshow.com

What TV Gets Right and Wrong About Financial Planning: Taxes, Investing, and Wealth Strategies

What does TV get right… and wrong… about financial planning? In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Ben and Brent break down popular wealth strategies featured in Beef (Season 2) and separate what’s realistic from what’s not. They walk through concepts like buy, borrow, die, 1031 exchanges, and the use of entities, explaining how these strategies actually work in real life and where they’re often misunderstood. They also discuss the ethical and practical considerations behind some of the scenarios portrayed, and what viewers should take away when thinking about their own financial plan. What’s happening in 10 minutes • S&P 500 back to positive territory after recent volatility • Market rebound driven by institutional flows and retail participation • International markets still leading year-to-date • CPI rising to 3.3% — highest in two years • Earnings growth accelerating across the S&P 500 • Shifting dynamics between the MAG 7 and the broader market Topic Du Jour Netflix Season 2 Beef Wealth Strategies Explained • Buy, Borrow, Die — legit, but anyone can use • 1031 Transfers — legit, but anyone can use • Embezzlement & the ethics of JTTEN account with elderly parent • Shell companies — legit, works in real life and in the show • Healthcare for HCEs but not rank and file — not compliant with ACA Tip of the Week Smartwool socks — buy them at Sierra Trading Post: https://www.sierra.com/all/s~smartwool/?page=1&overrideSort=TopSellersScore [https://www.sierra.com/all/s~smartwool/?page=1&overrideSort=TopSellersScore] Strategies Covered • Buy, Borrow, Die • 1031 Exchanges • Use of entities and shell companies • Ethical considerations in financial decision-making • Healthcare access differences and regulatory realities About Your Hosts Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com] Sign up for Ben’s newsletter: www.karatstick.com [http://www.karatstick.com] Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/] Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com [http://www.infinitewealthplanning.com] www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com] or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email: comments@themoneyalchemistshow.com

CFP® Meets Reddit: Real Personal Finance Questions Answered by Professional Advisors

Topic of the Day CFP® Meets Reddit   What can real questions from Reddit teach us about personal finance? In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Ben and Brent review real posts from r/personalfinance and walk through how a CFP® professional would approach them. From navigating a major increase in income to thinking about long-term wealth, they break down practical decision-making in real-world scenarios. They also cover current market and economic updates, including developments around the Artemis II mission, comparisons between NASA and SpaceX, recent shifts in MAG 7 valuations, and the latest geopolitical headlines. If you’ve ever wondered how a financial advisor would think through real-life money questions, this episode offers a clear and practical look into that process. What’s happening in 10 minutes • Artemis II mission updates and cost considerations • NASA vs SpaceX: different approaches to space exploration • MAG 7 valuations amid recent market movement • Latest developments from recent geopolitical headlines   About your Hosts    Ben Jones, CFP®  Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group  www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com/]   Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com [http://www.karastick.com/]   Follow him on X @thekaratstick [https://x.com/TheKaratStick]  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/]     Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning   www.infinitewealthplanning.com [http://www.infinitewealthplanning.com/]  linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp%C2%AE-2067b573]    Tip of the Week www.CollegeAidPro.com [http://www.collegeaidpro.com]    Sources/Links: Reddit Post 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1sejscz/roth_401k_contribution/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1sejscz/roth_401k_contribution/]   Reddit Post 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1s6x28g/massive_jump_in_salary_need_advice/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1s6x28g/massive_jump_in_salary_need_advice/]   Citrini Report: https://www.citriniresearch.com/p/strait-of-hormuz-a-citrini-field [https://www.citriniresearch.com/p/strait-of-hormuz-a-citrini-field]   Comments or questions?  Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com [comments@moneyalchemistshow.com]    The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.  The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions. Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com [http://www.nwmgadvisors.com] or contact us directly. To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.