Are you letting fear drive your investment decisions? Or are you prepared to navigate market volatility with confidence and clarity? In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric discuss the emotional rollercoaster of the stock market, from historical bear markets to innovative diversification investment strategies. You'll hear insights from timeless charts like the First Trust Bull and Bear Markets chart, the J.P. Morgan Guide to the Markets, and the colorful Quilt Chart that illustrates why no single asset class wins annually. Whether you're worried about downturns or looking to turn volatility into opportunity, this conversation will help you stay grounded, informed, and focused on your long-term financial goals.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and introduction
• (00:53) Discussing stock market volatility and investment strategies
• (03:17) Ethan refers to a First Trust Chart from 1942, which charts the Bull and Bear Markets
• (07:14) Eric refers to the Quilt Chart and discusses asset allocation
• (11:32) Jeb discusses the Crisis and Events Chart and the J.P. Morgan Guides to Markets Chart

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Market volatility is normal and recurring. Market downturns—5 %, 10%, or even 20% declines—are typical. Ethan noted that a 5% drop happens about three times a year, while a 20% decline occurs roughly every five and a half years. Despite their frequency, these downturns are typically followed by recoveries, often leading to new market highs. Consider this information when making investment strategies.
• Bear markets are opportunities, not just risks. Rather than fearing market declines, the hosts suggest viewing them as opportunities to invest at a discount. Jeb and Ethan both stressed the importance of staying invested during downturns to avoid missing out on the early stages of recovery, which often carry significant gains.
• Diversification and asset allocation help smooth the ride. Since no single asset class consistently outperforms, spreading investments across stocks, bonds, and other assets helps manage risk and capture returns over time.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Ep. 8 - Long Term Wealth Building: How to Stay Resilient in Uncertain Times

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from Wharton.

Ethan...

Are you feeling the pinch from rising insurance premiums, especially regarding home and automobile rates? In this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric sit down with Allen Smith of Blue Valley Insurance to explain why insurance rates are climbing and what you can do about it. From the impact of frequent roof damage claims to the hefty premiums that come with insuring teen drivers, Allen shares insights you need to know. You’ll learn how insurance rates are determined, the difference between independent and captive agents, and practical steps you can take to help lower your insurance premiums. Whether you're a homeowner, a parent of a new driver, or simply looking to understand your policy better, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Introduction and opening
• (02:01) Allen provides a backstory of what has caused insurance rates to rise
• (07:17) Discussion of insurance claims for roof damage
• (13:47) Discussion of how insurance rates are determined
• (16:27) The difference between an independent agent and a captive agent, and a discussion of automobile rates for teen drivers
• (24:38) Discussion of what a consumer can do to lower the rising insurance premium amount

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Home and auto insurance premiums have skyrocketed in recent years, driven by inflation, increased claim frequency, and higher repair or rebuild costs due to supply chain issues and material/labor price hikes.
• Frequent roof replacement claims—often triggered by minimal hail damage—are straining insurance providers. Companies are tightening coverage rules and increasing deductibles to curb widespread losses.
• When adding a young driver to your insurance policy, expect a substantial rate increase—potentially $200 or more per month before assigning them a vehicle. However, don't despair. Be proactive and shop around,

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Blue Valley Insurance Agency - Website

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific situation with a qualified tax or legal advisor.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Al joined Blue Valley Insurance in 2008 as a Personal and Commercial Lines Agent, where he enjoys educating clients and building lasting relationships. In 2013, he earned his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, recognizing him as one of the industry’s most knowledgeable professionals. Since 2011, Al has consistently received the Five Star Professional Award—an honor given to fewer than 7% of KC-area insurance professionals based on outstanding customer satisfaction.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of the Entrepreneur...

Have you ever thought about the lasting impact of your words on your loved ones? On this episode of Metcalf Money Moment, hosts Jeb, Ethan, and Eric sit down with Blake Brewer to explore the power of the Legacy Letter—a heartfelt parent-child letter filled with meaningful words that stand the test of time. Blake shares his deeply personal story of loss and how a letter from his late father changed his life, inspiring him to help others leave behind a legacy of love and wisdom. From the essential components of crafting a letter to the profound influence it can have on future generations, this conversation will leave you inspired to put pen to paper.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Opening and introduction
• (01:28) Blake reveals how the Legacy Letter came to be and the heartbreaking way his dad passed
• (08:57) Blake shares when he wrote his letter and decided to found Legacy Letter
• (11:28) The components of compiling meaningful words to leave as a legacy and the timing of giving the letter of reflection
• (17:53) It’s never too late to write the letter, and Blake discusses the partnership with Metcalf Partners
• (22:05) Blake shares an example of the results of a Parent-Child letter

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Blake Brewer’s life was profoundly impacted by a letter his father wrote to him before passing away unexpectedly. This letter provided love, guidance, and hope during his darkest moments, helping him grieve in a healthy way.
• Blake turned his tragedy into a mission to help others. He founded The Legacy Letter, intending to assist a million people in writing impactful letters to their children and loved ones, ensuring their voices and values live on.
• Writing a legacy letter is a powerful and emotional process that can profoundly impact both the writer and the recipient, even if its full significance isn't realized immediately.

RESOURCES:

Metcalf Partners - Website

Jeb Graham - LinkedIn

Ethan Hutchison - LinkedIn

Eric Wymore - LinkedIn

Legacy Letter - Website

Blake Brewer - LinkedIn

Legacy Letter Challenge - Instagram

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Blake Brewer is a visionary leader and the founder of Legacy Letter Challenge, an organization with a mission to help 1 million people write at least one Legacy Letter to their children. Blake's powerful story and mission have touched the hearts of many, and he continues to share it with organizations, businesses, and communities across the country. Most recently, he was featured on the "Dads Got This" segment on NBC's Today Show.

ABOUT THE HOSTS:

Jeb Graham:

Jeb is the CEO and Managing Partner at Metcalf Partners Wealth Management. Before founding Metcalf Partners, he was a financial advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. Active in the Kansas City community, Jeb serves on the Kansas City Chapter Board of Entrepreneur Organization (EO). He holds a finance degree from Kansas State University and a CFP® designation, and he received additional executive education in retirement planning from