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The US just launched strikes on Iran. Oil spiked from $70 to over $120 a barrel. The Strait of Hormuz is shut down. And your portfolio? Brent, Matthew, and Josh break down exactly what the Iran conflict means for your retirement — and why panic-selling might be the riskiest move of all. First up: the oil shock. The guys walk through why crude prices jumped 63% in 10 days, why gas went from $3 to $3.45 nationally (and close to $6 in California), and what that means for everything from supply chains to your grocery bill. Josh pulls in a Landman reference to explain why oil touches every corner of the economy — and why markets got so nervous so fast. Then the conversation turns to the big question every client is asking: should I move to cash? Matthew lays out what history actually tells us about war and markets — stocks have held up better than most people think, thanks to the "war machine" effect on GDP. But this time there's a wrinkle: consumer confidence just hit a 12-year low, unemployment ticked up to 4.4%, and if oil stays elevated, inflation could push back above 3%. The team discusses the stagflation scenario, why the Fed's backward-looking data is making things worse, and what the new Fed chair could mean for rates. The practical segment is where it gets actionable. Brent explains his rebalancing strategy and why he's been sitting on cash since November waiting for this kind of pullback. Josh makes the case for sticking to your plan and not turning off retirement contributions. And Matthew talks Roth conversions — why a market dip could actually be the perfect time to convert at a lower amount. All three share what they're personally doing (or not doing) in their own portfolios right now. The episode wraps with personal updates: Brent's back at Orangetheory and feeling better than he has in two years, Josh just finished Landman Season 2 (perfect timing with the oil talk), and Matt's daughter learned to ride a bike in about an hour using a Guardian balance bike. Timestamps 0:00 — Intro 1:30 — Oil prices spike: what happened and why it matters 3:00 — How oil affects everything (the Landman breakdown) 5:30 — The Strait of Hormuz shutdown and supply chain fears 6:00 — Should you be worried? Time horizon is everything 7:00 — What history says about war and the stock market 10:00 — Will this be a short war? Political dynamics and midterms 11:00 — Stagflation risk: inflation up, jobs down, Fed stuck 12:00 — Recession odds and why Matt's not buying it 13:00 — What we're telling clients right now 14:00 — Rebalancing strategies and sitting on cash 16:00 — Don't panic-sell Trump — the pattern since 2019 18:00 — Why retail investors are calmer than institutions 19:30 — Practical steps: time horizon, bucket strategy, Roth conversions 21:00 — Gold at all-time highs: insurance, not a bet 23:00 — What Brent, Matt, and Josh are doing in their own portfolios 25:00 — Evermont Recommends: Orangetheory, Landman Season 2, Guardian Bikes Key Takeaways Oil spiked 63% in 10 days after the Strait of Hormuz shut down — but markets haven't cratered the way most people expected, and history shows stocks tend to hold up during wartime. The bigger risk isn't the war itself — it's stagflation. If oil stays elevated, inflation could push back above 3% while the labor market weakens. The Fed is behind the curve. Don't panic-sell. Every major correction under this administration has reversed. If your time horizon is 10+ years, stick to your plan. This could actually be a good time to rebalance and consider Roth conversions — converting when the market is down means you convert at a lower amount and benefit more from the recovery. Gold is at all-time highs because of uncertainty, not fundamentals. Keep it to 5-10% of your portfolio as insurance, not a core position. Links & Resources Evermont Wealth: https://evermont.com Call Us: (909) 296-7977 Subscribe & Review on Apple

After a long break from the studio, Brent, Matthew, and Josh are back — and they've got a lot to catch up on. First up: Roth conversions. They're everywhere on social media, and clients are walking in the door asking about them. But should you actually do one? The guys break down when a Roth conversion makes sense, when it doesn't, and why paying the tax bill out of pocket changes the entire equation. Matthew shares a recent client projection that showed a million-dollar difference in inherited wealth — but it's not a slam dunk for everyone. Then the conversation shifts to AI — and it gets real. Brent tells the full story of how he used Claude to negotiate a car purchase entirely through text messages, landing the best price, the best rate, and catching a $3,000 paperwork error the dealership missed. Matthew talks about using AI to analyze his genetics and build a kid-friendly meal plan. And the team discusses how AI is already replacing medical scribes, editing podcasts, and doing the day-to-day work that used to take hours. They also get into the darker side of AI and social media — bots, AI slop, dead internet theory, and why arguing in comment sections might mean you're talking to a computer. The episode wraps with personal updates: Matt's reffing AYSO soccer, Josh's son just started T-ball on the Dodgers, and Brent's savoring his last season as Little League president before his son ages out. Timestamps 0:00 — Intro 1:00 — We're back! What happened and why 4:00 — Roth conversions: When they make sense (and when they don't) 5:00 — The social media hype around Roth conversions 7:00 — Writing a check to the IRS: The real test 8:00 — A million-dollar Roth conversion projection 9:30 — AI beyond ChatGPT: Where things are headed 11:00 — The leap from late 2025 to today 12:30 — How Matthew used AI to refresh the podcast 14:30 — Clients showing up with ChatGPT-generated financial plans 16:00 — AI for meal plans, grocery lists, and travel booking 17:00 — Brent's car negotiation story (using Claude) 21:00 — Human + AI vs. human alone 23:00 — AI in medicine: Scribes replaced, blood work analyzed 25:00 — AI fears vs. AI reality 27:00 — Dead internet theory and AI slop 29:00 — Why companies using AI are actually working more 31:00 — Paid vs. free AI models: Why it matters 33:00 — Personal updates: Kids, sports, and Orangetheory 39:00 — Closing Key Takeaways Roth conversions aren't for everyone — the real question is whether you can afford to write the tax check out of pocket, and whether inheritance planning is a priority for you. AI has leaped past "fix my email" — it can now negotiate, analyze, plan meals, and handle complex multi-step tasks in your daily life. If you're still using the free version of an AI tool, you're working with technology that's 2-3 years behind the paid models. The human + AI combo beats a human alone every time — for now. Social media drove the Roth conversion craze, and the tax cuts ended up getting extended anyway. Links & Resources Evermont Wealth: https://evermont.com Show Notes: https://retirementplanplaybook.com Call Us: (909) 296-7977 Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the biggest tax updates from the newly passed legislation—including enhanced deductions, a new investment account for newborns, and how these changes impact retirees, business owners, and investors. Plus, the team discusses how the market rebounded to all-time highs, what AI is fueling next, and why financial planning is more essential than ever. 📊 Here’s what we cover: 🧾 The SALT deduction cap is back (and higher!)—who benefits and who gets phased out 👴 A new $12,000 deduction for retirees—what to know before you file 🏦 Estate tax exemption locked in at $15M per person—what it means for families 👶 Newborn “Trump Accounts”—seed money from the government, tax-deferred growth, and major flexibility 📈 Why the market is at all-time highs despite volatility, tariffs, and war chatter 📉 Should you rebalance now or keep buying into strength? Plus: Travel tips, TSA pre-check wins, and a debate over Real IDs you didn’t know you needed. 👉 Feeling unsure how this new tax law affects your financial plan? Visit evermont.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.📲 Subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find retirement advice that actually works.

Despite geopolitical tension, a trade war scare, and inflation noise, the market is holding steady—and the tax landscape just shifted big time. In this episode of Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk unpack the surprising strength in markets, the economic signals investors should pay attention to, and how the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” could reshape retirement and tax planning. 🎯 In this episode: 📰 Middle East conflict & World War III fears – What’s priced in and what’s not 💥 Tariffs fade, markets rebound – Why staying invested is paying off again 📉 Inflation cooling & rate cut signals – Are we heading for stability or slowdown? 🏛️ The “Big Beautiful Bill” – What’s in the tax extension and why it matters 👶 MAGA Accounts (yes, really) – $1,000 for every newborn starting in 2025? 💼 Social Security tax credit workaround – What retirees need to know 📈 IPO fever returns – AI, crypto, and fintech startups are fueling investor excitement Plus, the guys talk about family travel tips, educational vacations, and the value of showing kids real history vs. just poolside relaxation. 👉 Need help adjusting your retirement plan for taxes, market changes, or new legislation? Visit evermont.com to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover smart, timely retirement guidance.

Just weeks after the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs, the market snapped back with one of the biggest rallies in modern history—and if you followed the playbook, you were ready. In this episode of Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the market rebound, the political pivot, and how diversification, patience, and AI-powered earnings helped investors come out ahead. 📈 Here’s what we cover: 📰 The 90-day tariff pause that sparked a 12% S&P rally 🧠 Why panic-selling during volatility destroys long-term wealth 🌍 International and emerging market stocks—are they still holding up? 🏠 Housing gridlock: Why nobody’s moving, and how to think about real estate today 🤖 AI earnings, job growth, and economic resilience: What’s real and what’s hype? 📊 GDP contraction vs. private investment surge—are we slowing or just adjusting? Plus, we talk about retirement timing, recession fears, and why more people are hitting pause—not on retirement, but on making any decision at all. 👉 If you're unsure how to adjust your portfolio or plan after the tariff chaos, visit evermont.com for a free retirement consultation. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review! It helps others find smart, timely advice for a stronger financial future.

Tariffs are back—and they're not subtle. In this emergency episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the sudden and aggressive return of U.S. tariffs, the economic chaos they’ve already triggered, and how investors should respond. From market drops to rising prices, supply chain shakeups, and a looming recession, the guys unpack it all—with sharp insight, strong opinions, and real strategies for staying on track. 📉 Here’s what we get into: 🚨 Trump’s tariff shock: What was announced and why it blindsided markets 📈 Are we already in a recession? Larry Fink thinks so 🧾 Tariffs = Taxes: What this means for U.S. consumers and businesses 🛠 Can manufacturing come back to the U.S.—or is that just a fantasy? 🔁 What investors should (and shouldn't) do right now: rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, cash management 💣 How this could affect the election, Congress, and Powell’s next move This episode is your full breakdown of what just happened, why it matters, and how to respond with a level head. 👉 Need help navigating this storm? Visit evermont.com to schedule a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review to stay informed—and stay ready.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk cover the spring 2025 financial landscape—from filing taxes to hot market trends like gold, Chinese stocks, and AI IPOs. Whether you’re wrapping up your return or wondering where to invest next, this episode offers clarity in a time of questions. 📊 Here’s what we cover: 🧾 Tax season tips – What you can still do before the deadline 📈 High interest savings & unexpected tax bills – Why you might owe this year 🔒 Proactive tax planning for 2025 – Reduce next year’s bill by starting now 🪙 Gold & Chinese stocks – Flash in the pan or a long-term play? 🌍 The return of international markets – Is diversification finally paying off? 🚀 AI IPO excitement – CoreWeave is going public... is the window opening? Plus, we debate, investing psychology, Disney vs. California Adventure, and which streaming shows are dominating right now. 👉 Want to make 2025 your most financially confident year yet? Visit www.evermont.com to schedule your complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay informed and stay in control of your financial future.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk tackle the latest market pullback and what it means for investors. Is this a normal correction, or are we headed for something bigger? More importantly—what should you do (or NOT do) right now? 🔍 Here’s what we cover: 📉 Why the market is down & what’s fueling volatility 🧠 Investor psychology – How emotions impact your financial future 🔥 Is this a buying opportunity or time to pull back? 📊 Historical trends – How does this market drop compare to past corrections? 🏡 Housing market debate – Will interest rate cuts push home prices up or down? Plus, we discuss political influences, tariffs, and the latest AI-powered tools reshaping the financial landscape. 👉 Nervous about the market? Now is the time to review your strategy. Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay informed, stay invested, and keep your retirement plan on track.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk break down the biggest financial concerns shaping 2025. With economic shifts, political changes, and market volatility, investors are growing increasingly nervous—so what does it all mean for your portfolio and retirement plan? 🔍 Here’s what we cover: 📉 Stock market turbulence – Why are markets reacting so sharply to new policies? 💰 Government spending cuts & layoffs – How is Washington impacting job security? 🔎 Social Security fraud uncovered – A shocking look at where taxpayer dollars are going 🏦 Recession fears & interest rate cuts – Is the Federal Reserve about to pivot? 🤖 AI’s role in the economy – Will automation create more job losses or new opportunities? Plus, we discuss the importance of reassessing your investment strategy, how to prepare for uncertainty, and why now might be a great time to rebalance your portfolio. 👉 Feeling uncertain about your retirement strategy? Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay ahead of the market and your financial future with expert insights every week.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk explore whether 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years to retire. With strong market performance, rising Social Security benefits, and the continued evolution of AI, this year presents unique opportunities—and challenges—for those considering retirement. What we cover in this episode: 🔥 Market momentum & economic stability – Is now the right time to retire? 💰 The impact of inflation & government spending cuts – How does it affect retirement income? 🏡 Housing & mortgage trends – Should you sell or stay put? 🧠 AI & workplace shifts – Will AI change the job market and influence retirement decisions? 📉 Windfall Elimination Provision changes – How will it impact government pension holders? Plus, we discuss: 🎤 Golf tournament experiences & Super Bowl reactions 🍔 AI-powered recipe searches & the future of tax filing automation ⚡ Tech recommendations, including air fryers & must-have gadgets for parents 👉 Thinking about retiring or optimizing your financial plan? Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay ahead in your retirement journey with expert insights, real-world strategies, and engaging financial discussions.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk dive into what 2025 has in store for the economy, markets, and retirement planning. From navigating California’s devastating wildfires to discussing inflationary trends and the impact of AI on technology and investments, this conversation is packed with timely insights and actionable advice. Here’s what we cover: The aftermath of California wildfires: Community impact and recovery challenges Inflation concerns, interest rates, and their effect on retirement planning 2025 market outlook: Why experts are optimistic despite volatility AI as a driver for innovation and market growth: Is it the “new internet moment”? Trade, tariffs, and the new administration’s impact on market trends Plus, we share personal health tech tips, investment strategies, and predictions for the year ahead. If you’re looking to stay ahead in your retirement planning and understand the forces shaping this year’s economy, this episode is for you. Contact Us: 📞 Call us at 909-296-7977 🌐 Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Let us help you build a better future, one episode at a time.

In this final episode of 2024, Brent Pasqua and Matthew Theal take a reflective dive into the major events and financial highlights of the year. From top year-end planning strategies to the evolution of AI and its impact on finance, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking discussions. They also share personal anecdotes, client success stories, and exciting plans for 2025. Tune in for insights that will help you close out the year strong and set the stage for success in the year ahead! Timestamps: [00:00:00] Welcome and End-of-Year Announcements [00:02:00] The Claremont Wine Walk: A Community Engagement Highlight [00:05:00] Year-End Financial Planning Strategies Maxing out 401(k) contributions Tax loss harvesting tips [00:11:00] Rebalancing Your Portfolio and Taking RMDs [00:13:00] The Importance of Updating Your Estate Plan [00:14:00] The Case for Gifting: How to Share Wealth Strategically [00:16:00] Reflecting on 2024: Market Trends, AI, and Political Events [00:24:00] Financial Lessons from Elon Musk and Technological Breakthroughs [00:27:00] Bitcoin and Crypto in 2024: ETF Approval and Market Growth [00:28:00] Cancer Vaccine Innovations: A Look at Biotech Progress [00:32:00] Family and Gift Ideas: What’s Hot This Holiday Season [00:41:00] Closing Remarks and New Year Wishes Thank you for joining us throughout 2024. We’ll be back in 2025 with more insights, strategies, and exciting new content! Happy holidays! Resources Mentioned: Evermont Wealth Website: www.evermont.com Complimentary Consultation: Call us at (909) 296-7977 Learn more about retirement planning at retirementplanplaybook.com Don’t forget to subscribe to The Retirement Plan Playbook for more expert financial insights and actionable strategies.

In this episode of The Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk of Evermont Wealth take you on a comprehensive journey through the world of financial planning, the current stock market landscape, and the evolving role of Bitcoin as an investment asset. Key topics include: Stock Market Trends: Insights into the S&P 500’s performance and strategies for managing portfolio gains as the year wraps up. Bitcoin’s Bull Run: A detailed discussion about Bitcoin’s historic rise, its growing institutional backing, and how it could fit into your investment strategy. Rental Properties vs. Bonds: Why traditional rental property investments might not make sense in today’s market and how Treasury Bills offer an alternative for steady returns. Year-End Tax and Rebalancing Strategies: Practical tips for rebalancing your portfolio, taking profits, and preparing for tax season. Personal Insights: Fun anecdotes from the hosts, including Brent’s journey as a new “dog dad” and tips for holiday decorations. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to plan for retirement, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable tips to help you navigate today’s complex financial landscape. Key Quotes: “When you see new market highs, it's not a reason to sell—it's often a reason to buy.” “Bitcoin is evolving into a legitimate financial asset, akin to digital gold.” “The math just isn’t adding up for rental properties in this market.” Resources Mentioned: Evermont Wealth Website: www.evermont.com Complimentary Consultation: Call us at (909) 296-7977 Learn more about retirement planning at retirementplanplaybook.com Don’t forget to subscribe to The Retirement Plan Playbook for more expert financial insights and actionable strategies.

In this episode, Brent, Matthew, and Joshua dive into the 2024 election results and discuss how the political changes may impact financial markets, investment strategies, and retirement planning. From analyzing tax implications to exploring market shifts, they offer insights to help listeners make sense of the evolving financial landscape. [00:01:00] Introduction to the Election and Market Sentiment The team discusses initial reactions to the election results. Observations on the impact of leadership changes on investor confidence. [00:04:30] Polling Surprises and Election Trends A look at surprising poll results and prediction markets. Analysis of how the election outcomes differ from expectations. [00:08:00] Financial Market Response: Stocks, Banks, and More Insight into why bank stocks surged post-election. Sectors that may benefit from policy shifts, including banking, value stocks, and technology. [00:15:00] Potential Tax Changes and Policy Shifts How anticipated changes in tax policies could impact portfolios. Estate tax discussions and the broader implications for high-net-worth individuals. [00:20:00] Key Concerns: Inflation, Tariffs, and Economic Growth Discussion on possible inflation trends and tariff impacts. Exploring potential inflation control strategies and how they could affect future markets. [00:28:00] Closing Thoughts and Market Outlook Brent, Matthew, and Joshua provide their final takes on the election’s long-term implications. What investors should consider in their financial plans amid these political changes. Connect with Evermont Wealth:  [email protected] [email protected] (909) 296-7977 Evermont.com LinkedIn: Matthew Theal LinkedIn: Brent Pasqua LinkedIn: Joshua Winterswyk LinkedIn: Evermont Wealth

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the importance of gifting and inheritance strategies. They explore how families can effectively transfer wealth, minimize tax burdens, and create meaningful impact through well-timed gifts. They also discuss the psychological and emotional aspects of giving and how to approach conversations around wealth transfer with loved ones. Key Topics Covered: World Series Discussion The hosts kick off the show with a light discussion about the Dodgers’ return to the World Series and how baseball brings joy and nostalgia. Negativity and Financial Media Brent, Matthew, and Josh discuss the pervasive negativity in both the media and in personal financial perspectives, particularly how clients often assume the worst, even when their portfolios are doing well. Gifting and Generational Wealth Transfer The conversation shifts to the main topic: gifting. The hosts discuss the emotional reluctance many older clients feel when it comes to gifting money to their children, and how families often struggle with the idea of wealth transfer. Strategies for Effective Gifting The hosts explain strategies to minimize taxes when gifting, including gifting shares with low-cost bases to children in lower tax brackets. They also highlight the benefits of front-loading 529 plans for education savings. Encouraging Gifting as a Positive Legacy Brent emphasizes the importance of not only gifting financially but also creating shared experiences. He encourages older generations to consider family vacations or experiences while they’re still able to enjoy them together. How to Start Conversations Around Gifting Joshua raises the point that families often don’t communicate enough about finances, which can lead to missed opportunities. The hosts offer advice on how to initiate these important discussions with parents or grandparents. Practical Gifting Examples and Financial Planning Insights Real-life examples of clients who have successfully used gifting strategies are discussed. The team also explains how to integrate gifting into an overall financial plan without disrupting the retirement lifestyle of the giver. Wrap Up and Recommends The hosts wrap up the show with a positive message about the benefits of well-planned gifting, both financially and emotionally. They also share their personal recommendations, including holiday lights and technology tips. Connect with Evermont Wealth:  [email protected] [email protected] (909) 296-7977 Evermont.com LinkedIn: Matthew Theal LinkedIn: Brent Pasqua LinkedIn: Joshua Winterswyk LinkedIn: Evermont Wealth