Wealth Unplugged

"If in our job, we got a retirement plan 88% wrong, I think we would rightfully lose our jobs, or at least I would hope we should."In today’s installment of Market Chatter, Joey Loss and Adam Van Wie of Strivus Wealth Partners dissect the Bureau of Labor Statistics revision that wiped out 258,000 jobs—88% of the reported job creation from the past two months—and what this institutional failure means for Fed policy, market volatility, and your portfolio.The timing couldn't have been worse. Wednesday, Powell stands firm on no rate cuts, despite two dissenters on his board (the first time since the 1990s). Friday, the BLS essentially admits: "Oops, those jobs we've been counting? Most of them never existed." The original forecast called for 100,000 new jobs; reality delivered around 70,000. But the real bombshell is that revisions have erased nearly 90% of previously reported job growth.More than bureaucratic incompetence, this is market-moving mayhem. The Fed makes critical policy decisions based on these numbers. Investors gauge economic health through this lens. When your data is 88% wrong, everyone's flying blind. The CME Fed Watch tool went haywire, swinging 60% in both directions within 48 hours.Joey and Adam pivot to portfolio implications. Growth stocks continue their mysterious dominance—up 17% last quarter, while some value funds actually lost money. Historical patterns suggest owning both, but timing the switch is a fool's errand. The Mag Seven defy gravity in every economic environment, while small caps languish in a 15-year slump.There’s a silver lining, though. The democratization of investing through zero-fee trading has created an army of dip-buyers. Robinhood deserves credit—when you can invest $10 with zero fees into funds owning thousands of companies, wealth-building becomes accessible to everyone.Looking ahead, expect volatility through September (traders returning from the Hamptons), but Q4 historically delivers Santa Claus rallies. With housing markets shifting from seller's paradise to buyer's opportunity and rate cuts now virtually guaranteed, positioning matters more than ever. Key Topics:Fed Meeting on Rate Cuts & Two Dissenters (00:52)Market Reaction & Institutional Incompetence (03:32)Rate Cut Probability Swings (12:10)Housing Market Shifts (14:01)Diversification Matters (16:58)Zero-Fee Trading Revolution (18:52)Seasonal Volatility Patterns (22:51) This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“When you understand taxes, there’s so much that you can do that when you add them together, they really do make a difference.”Today, Joey breaks down 15 key changes in the new 900-page tax bill—what’s already in effect, what’s changing, and how it impacts your income, investments, business, and retirement.First, the big picture: the U.S. deficit sits at $36 trillion. This tax bill, while aimed at economic growth, is expected to add another $5 trillion to the deficit in the next decade.Joey walks through three possible deficit solutions—print money (hello, inflation!), raise taxes (bad for growth), or cut taxes and encourage spending. The bill leans into the third. Tax brackets stay low, tips and overtime see new exemptions, and universal deductions for charitable giving finally throw a bone to the 90% who don’t itemize.Adjusted gross income (AGI) gets a break with smarter 529 rules and the new MAGA account—a $500–$1,000 government-funded growth account for each US Citizen born between 2025 and 2028.Seniors win big with a bonus standard deduction that effectively erases taxes for those living on Social Security. Business owners can breathe easier with a now-permanent 20% QBI deduction. And if you’re living in a high-tax state, the SALT cap just jumped from $10K to $40K.Caveat: EV credits vanish after September, so act fast. Meanwhile, the estate exemption stays at $15M per person, avoiding massive tax burdens for wealth transfers—at least for now.Tax policy may be nerdy, but smart planning can meaningfully boost your nest egg over time. Don’t ignore the small stuff—it adds up.Key Topics:U.S. Deficit & Economic Strategy (00:05)New Tax Brackets & Income Planning (06:58)Tips, Overtime & Investment Income (10:37)Universal Charitable Deduction (12:50)529 Expansion & MAGA Accounts (14:40)Senior Deductions & Social Security (19:31)QBI Deduction & SALT Cap (21:54)EV Credit Expiration (25:50)Estate Tax Exemption Made Permanent (26:53)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

When the economy zigs, the headlines zag.Our hosts, Joey Loss and Adam Van Wie, decipher today’s market highs and trade war fears, revealing why the market keeps trending upward, even as tariffs dominate the news cycle.They zoom in on more than just tariff talk. They explain how policies limiting chip exports to China are part of a bigger play: keeping America competitive in AI and defense. It’s not just about taxing imports—it's about national strategy.Enter the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a proposed stimulus-style tax policy favoring immediate deductions on capital expenditures. The logic? Make 2025 look too good to delay. It’s a bet on growth—manufacturing, employment, and GDP—all without waiting on the Fed to cut rates.Speaking of which, inflation remains low by global standards (1.84%), and though rate cuts aren’t imminent, Joey and Adam caution against overconfidence in predictions. What’s truly surprising is that the job market’s still chugging along, even as government jobs dip. Wage growth at 3.9%? That’s nothing to sneeze at.Their advice? Don’t let politics—or panic—drive your portfolio. Diversification and long-term thinking are winning again. The drama may be noisy, but the fundamentals remain quietly strong.Key Topics:Tariffs, Chips, and Strategic Trade Policy (02:04)Business Stimulus and the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (05:14)Inflation, Fed Cuts & Global Comparison (08:41)Jobs Report: What's “Just Right”? (17:34)Long-Term Investing & Staying the Course (21:56)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“The healthier you are, the cheaper it is. The younger you are, the cheaper it is. When you get some sort of disease, the more premium you’ll have to pay. There is no workaround for that.”Our host, Joey Loss, interviews Peachie Thompson, founder of Peach Insurance Services, on why life and disability insurance are foundational for sound financial planning, especially for young families.Peachie makes it clear that the younger and healthier you are, the cheaper insurance is. Yet, many delay action until it’s too late.She tells the story of a 24-year-old woman who qualified for top-tier rates but delayed payment. When diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, she lost eligibility for affordable coverage—an avoidable outcome. Another example includes a COVID-era surge in insurance interest when people suddenly faced their mortality. Unfortunately, many were uninsurable by then. Without a doubt, timing is everything.Peachie also gives her thoughts on disability insurance and how it protects income when illness or injury prevents work. It's crucial for single-income households and is often misunderstood. Many rely on employer-sponsored group plans without realizing limitations, like caps and tax implications. Private coverage, Peachie explains, is portable, customizable, and often essential to supplement group plans.It’s important to build your foundation during those “boring” healthy years—before triggering events force reactive decisions. This also includes structuring insurance payouts through trusts to protect beneficiaries from future spouses, lawsuits, or creditors.After all, the cost of ignoring life or disability insurance can far outweigh the premiums. It’s not just financial coverage—it’s peace of mind and protection for the people who matter most.Key Topics:Why You Need to Be Thinking About Life Insurance Now (00:00)What Happens When You Take Too Long to Buy Insurance? (10:00)Disability Insurance: What It Covers and Why It’s Misunderstood (20:20)Group vs. Private Disability Coverage (24:42)How Insurance Complements Estate Planning (36:17)Resources:PeachInsurance.netPeachie Thompson on LinkedInThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

The past month has brought a staggering V-shaped market recovery—one sharper and faster than even the post-COVID rebound. As Joey Loss and Adam Van Wie discuss, it serves as a reminder that markets don’t just bounce; they whiplash in ways that defy headlines, sentiment, and short-term logic.Despite being just a few points off their all-time highs, the S&P, Dow, and NASDAQ are surging not on hype, but on breadth. This isn’t just the Mag 7—it’s a recovery touching unloved sectors and small caps alike. Even international markets have shown surprising strength. But the core message? Don’t mistake momentum for certainty.Tariff fears, inflation concerns, and a Moody’s downgrade have made noise, but history shows that markets often rally in the face of doubt. As Adam notes, the smartest investors weren't market timing; they were quietly rebalancing portfolios, letting discipline, not panic, guide strategy. That’s where the wins were.Retail sentiment, social media echo chambers, and political divides muddy perception. Yet the fundamentals tell a clearer story: inflation is trending down, optimism is rising, and earnings will be key. Momentum may carry the market, but valuations demand scrutiny.Whether you're navigating trade policy, rate cut speculation, or the ever-louder digital noise, the same lesson holds true: stick to the plan. Don’t react to every scare. Stay diversified. The market may be rigged—but it’s rigged in favor of those with patience, perspective, and a long-term view.Key Topics:The Current State of the Market (00:00)Winners and Losers Over the Past Month (04:49)Fundamentals That Have Shaped the Market in the Last 4 Weeks (09:27)Why It’s Dangerous to Try to Time the Market (11:57)Escaping Your Echo Chamber (14:04)Is Inflation Going Up Or Down? (19:59)Key Economic News (23:14)What We Currently Know About Changes to the Tax Law (26:57)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“The market is a rigged game—but it’s rigged in your favor.”Today, Adam Van Wie and Joey Loss of Strivus Wealth Partners break down the sudden upswing in the S&P 500 and Dow Jones that’s led to a rare ten-day rally. They trace the roots of today’s geopolitical tensions through a historical lens and give their thoughts on why we might just be entering the third year of a bull market.As macro data show mixed signals—like a Q1 GDP dip offset by strong business investment and steady job numbers—there’s a key lesson: Reacting to short-term turbulence can undermine long-term success.From fears of a recession to tariff tensions and shifting trade policies, the past six months have been a rollercoaster of geopolitical and economic volatility. Yet, Adam’s advice remains consistent: Don’t chase headlines. The markets are forward-looking and notoriously unpredictable. Instead of scrambling after every dip or rally, investors should stay diversified and focused on their time horizons.With AI-driven growth in tech, evolving global trade talks, and a potential rate cut from the Fed on the horizon, conditions remain dynamic. But the real takeaway? As tempting as it is to react, history proves the best outcomes often come from disciplined patience, not panic.So ignore the noise and stick to the plan.Key Topics:Are We Looking at a Bull Market in 2025? (00:00)What the Latest Reports Tell Us (04:51)Why Joey and Adam Are Optimistic About Geopolitics So Far (06:20)Looking Forward (11:10)Adam’s Investment Philosophy (16:38)What Trump’s Tariffs Mean for Investors Going Forward (21:29)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

Tariffs are back in the headlines—and markets aren’t handling it well.A new wave of trade penalties, including a universal 10% import tariff and a steep 25% on Canadian and Mexican goods, has triggered a ripple of fear through global markets. The result? A skittish S&P, a tech-heavy NASDAQ off 13%, and investor sentiment near historic lows. But beneath the surface panic lies a tale of two economies.Those who entered the COVID era with assets—homes, portfolios, pensions—are emerging stronger. But renters, young families, and blue-collar workers are bearing the brunt of inflation and now face what amounts to a regressive tax. Tariffs, by their nature, raise prices, and those who spend more of their income on essentials feel it most. In other words: the economic divide is deepening.Yet even amid uncertainty, opportunity exists. Utilities, commodities, and international markets—especially Europe—are quietly outperforming. And with inflation moderating and potential rate cuts on the horizon, the Fed may have room to maneuver.What’s the play? Diversify. Rebalance. Think long-term. If you’re heavily concentrated in a few tech names, this might be your chance to reassess. Sharp drawdowns tend to reward patient investors—those who ignore the headlines and focus on fundamentals.Yes, the noise is deafening. Yes, the future is murky. But that’s often when portfolios are quietly built, not broken.Bottom line: stay the course. History favors the disciplined, and panicking rarely pays.Key Topics:The Problem with Living in the Post-COVID World (01:29)What Exactly Are Tariffs? (05:54)The Current State of the Market (10:45)How These Tariffs Could Impact the Near Future (14:24)Implications of the Latest Michigan Consumer Confidence Survey (22:57)Closing Thoughts (35:05)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

Markets tanked, small caps got crushed, and investors were left scrambling. What triggered the chaos?“Liberation Day,” a bold and controversial move by the Trump administration that slapped a blanket 10% tariff on all imports—plus targeted penalties for countries deemed unfair trade partners. The result? A sharp 34% market drop by Friday morning and a wave of uncertainty for global investors. Our host Joey Loss, along with business partner Adam Van Wie, break it down.While the policy aims to correct imbalanced trade relationships, critics argue it’s built on a flawed premise. Trade deficits, they point out, aren’t inherently negative. What matters more is reciprocity—when U.S. goods face stiff barriers abroad but foreign products enter American markets freely, the playing field is skewed.But amid the panic, the message to investors is clear: don’t react emotionally. History has shown time and again that attempting to time the market during moments like this only worsens losses. Sharp declines often pave the way for strong rebounds, and those who stay invested typically come out ahead.Recession chatter is growing—JPMorgan just raised its odds to 60%—but there are bright spots. Job numbers remain solid, inflation appears to be cooling, and there’s still hope that tariffs are being used as leverage rather than long-term policy. If that’s the case, we could be staring at a rare buying opportunity.Bottom line: hold steady. Diversify. Think long-term. The worst financial decisions are made in panic—and the best are made when others are panicking.Key Topics:What is Liberation Day? (00:00)Our Thoughts on Reciprocal Tariffs (06:54)What Investors Can Do (08:09)Current Job Numbers (15:26)A Balanced Portfolio is Your Best Friend (22:19)The Story We’re Not Being Told Being the Tariff Regime (25:00)Is This An Excellent Buying Opportunity? (30:08)Resources:Truflation ToolThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“You cannot predict what the market is going to do. Your investment experience must be built on expected outcomes and formed around things that you can control.”Our host Joey Loss is joined by Skylar Liang from Dimensional Fund Advisors to discuss best practices for investing success in the long-term.“So little of the market’s behavior is in our control. The only thing that is in our control is our behavior towards the market.”They dive into the merits of diversification and maintaining a big-picture perspective amidst the changing tides of the market, especially with the ever-evolving geopolitics we’re currently facing, as well as the recent explosion of new retail investors.“When it comes to investing, you need uncertainty. Without uncertainty, you might as well own cash and bonds. There would be no premium for being in stocks.”Joey and Skylar also explore Dimensional's evolution from its institutional beginnings in the 1980s to becoming a key partner to today’s financial advisors. Skylar shares insights into the company's “backend” strategies, distinguishing them from traditional index funds by emphasizing cost reduction and optimized returns. She discusses the importance of balancing strategic investment approaches with flexibility, avoiding headlines, and being married to only one or two stocks.Key Topics:About Skylar Liang and Dimensional Fund Advisors (00:00)Defining “Value Investing” (03:32)Dimensional’s Outlook on the Market (09:33)The Valuation Equation (12:30)Controlling Your Behavior Towards the Market (18:00)Why Uncertainty is a Good Thing (23:37)The Value of Financial Planners (27:40)Dimensional’s Foray Into the Advisor Space (29:01)Dimensional’s ETF Lineup (33:43)Considerations Around Index Funds (34:42)Resources:Dimensional WebsiteThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“Don’t make long-term investment decisions based on short-term events. It will only lead to losses.”Have the unpredictable market swings in recent months been giving you whiplash?Today, Joey Loss and Adam Van Wie unpack the current state of the NASDAQ, S&P 500, and emerging markets, all while navigating through the geopolitical storms fueled by tariff threats and unexpected European Central Bank decisions. They also give their thoughts on looming recession fears from Wall Street and beyond, as well as the impact of extended tariffs on various sectors of society.Throughout the conversation, Adam and Joey stress the importance of understanding how shifting your focus from short-term market jitters to long-term investment strategies can make all the difference in your portfolio (and your sanity).You can’t rely on textbook theories and “rules” when managing a portfolio. After all, the real world is unpredictable. It requires us to embrace pragmatism and the ability to pivot quickly if we don’t want to get left behind.At the same time, our decisions as investors must be based on a sound, long-term strategy with an emphasis on diversification. That way, we protect ourselves from wild swings in the market, not only in today’s turbulent geopolitical and economic environment, but tomorrow’s as well.Key Topics:Navigating the Market in Times of Uncertainty (00:00)Headlines (04:03)The Impact of Tariffs on Different Areas of Spending (05:35)The European Spending Splurge (08:57)Ever-Increasing Debt in the Post-COVID Era (13:31)Adam’s Market Forecast (14:40)How Strategic Asset Allocation Protects You From Wild Market Swings (20:15)Today’s Market Analysis and Tariff News (21:38)Making Wise Investment Decisions Going Forward (23:36)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.