In this episode of Money Alchemist, Ben and Brent take a step back to examine the current American mood and what shifting consumer sentiment may signal for the broader economic landscape.

They begin with a look at recent market activity, including a strong start to the month for stocks, evolving global trade conversations, and continued movement in precious metals. The discussion also touches on brand perception, geopolitical developments, and areas of strength emerging within equities.

The main focus centers on the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey, which currently reflects a reading of 56. Ben and Brent explore what this measure captures, why confidence matters, and how sentiment can influence economic behavior over time.

The episode also includes a practical tip of the week featuring tools that support digital security and organization, followed by a well known story about Jim Carrey that serves as a reminder of the role belief can play in long term success.

This discussion is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.

Subscribe for ongoing conversations about markets, planning, and long term thinking.

Segments:

1. What’s happening - 10 min tops

• The Snowmagedon
• 1st month stocks positive so far
• Tesla brand damage

• Trade deal between Europe and India
• Tensions over Greenland
• Gold topping $5k / precious metals popping
• Smid rally

• U of M consumer sentiment survey
• Currently at reading of 56
• Pull up on Y Charts

• Firewalla
• Browser favorite folders

• Young Jim Cary writes himself a $10M check

Sources

https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/files/featured-chart_large-906bd993.png

About your Hosts

Ben Jones, CFP®

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com 

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karastick.com 

Follow him on X @thekaratstick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Brent Gargano, CFP®

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning 

www.infinitewealthplanning.com

linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

Comments or questions? Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com

Disclosure:

Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.

In this episode, we break down the "pretext" behind the legal pressure on Jerome Powell and analyze a surprise GDP beat. Then, we shift gears to our Topic de Jour: Goal Setting. If you want 2026 to be your best financial year yet, you need a framework that goes beyond simple resolutions.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Holiday Recap: Catching up with Ben and Brent after the break.

• Geopolitical Shockwaves: The capture of Venezuelan President Maduro and its immediate impact on global oil prices.

• The Fed Under Siege: Why Jerome Powell is facing a Grand Jury over headquarters renovations and the "political pretext" involved.

• GDP & Tariffs: Analyzing the 4.3% Q3 GDP beat and how the shrinking trade deficit is driving growth.

• The Mortgage Market: Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac’s potential $200B purchase plan and what it means for the housing market.

• Topic De Jour: 2026 Goal Setting: How to use the SMART framework and end-result visualization to hit your targets.

• Listener Q&A: The guys take on your most pressing financial questions in the "Stump the Planner" challenge.

• Tip of the Week: A simple hack for Costco DoorDash gift cards.

Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

• Web: www.nwmgadvisors.com

• Newsletter: www.karastick.com

• X: @thekaratstick

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning

• Web: www.infinitewealthplanning.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

• Newsletter: Join Brent's Monthly Newsletter

Comments or questions? Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com

Trevor Gargano (The Digital QB)

• Email: Trevor@trevorgargano.com

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

• Web: TheDigitalQuarterback.com

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• Facebook: The Money Alchemist Podcast

Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.

What does 2026 hold for your wallet? In this episode, Brent and Ben conduct a "Topic de Jour" deep dive into their 2026 Financial Predictions. Following their successful 2025 forecast—where they correctly predicted the AI counter-revolution and the crypto bear market—the guys are looking ahead at the next big shifts in the global economy.

From the Supreme Court tariff ruling to the AI trade fracturing, we break down why a diversified portfolio is your best defense in a shifting market. Plus, we discuss why the "Value Rotation" is finally here and what the Fed’s latest rate cuts mean for the "debasement trade."

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 2025 Retrospective: What we got right (and the one thing we got wrong).

• AI’s "Human Counter-Revolution": Why the "froth" is breaking down and where the real value lies.

• Geopolitical Shifts: The potential China rebound and the impact of the House swinging Blue.

• The Isaac Newton Lesson: A historical cautionary tale about the smartest man in the room losing it all.

Timestamps COMING SOON

Ben Jones, CFP®

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com 

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karastick.com 

Follow him on X @thekaratstick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

__

Brent Gargano, CFP®

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning 

www.infinitewealthplanning.com

linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

Join Brent's Monthly Newsletter:

https://40221980.hs-sites.com/join-infinite-wealth-plannings-newsletter

Comments or questions? Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com

__________________

Trevor Gargano (The Digital QB)

Email: Trevor@trevorgargano.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

Website: TheDigitalQuarterback.com

____________________________

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC.

All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.

The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.