Retirement Math: Are Your Spending Habits Sabotaging Your Future?

How much does it really take to live comfortably—and avoid costly mistakes—in retirement? This episode explores the realities behind budgeting models, the challenges facing small business owners, and the risks of big-ticket spending from retirement accounts. Hosts Joe and Julia Valenzuela break dow…

Market Highs or Market Illusion? The Truth Behind the Numbers

Is the stock market’s record-breaking run just an illusion? This episode exposes why a handful of tech giants drive market highs, the hidden risks of concentrated portfolios, and the costly mistakes that can sabotage your retirement. Learn how simple missteps—like weak passwords or ignoring inflati…

How Many Income Streams Does Your Retirement Really Need?

What if your retirement plan had as many layers of protection as your home’s smoke alarms? This episode dives into why multiple income streams—Social Security, pensions, annuities, investments, and even part-time work—are essential for a secure retirement. Discover how federal and state employees, …

Are Seven Stocks Holding Your Retirement Hostage?

What happens when your retirement nest egg is riding on just seven stocks? This episode explores the risks of concentrated portfolios, the reality of market overvaluation, and how a sudden correction could impact your future. Joe and Julia Valenzuela break down common financial habits that can age …

Gold, Markets, and the Math That Matters

Is complacency the biggest risk to your portfolio when markets hit new highs? Joe and Julia Valenzuela break down why emotions and opinions can sabotage your financial future, and how true money management means more than chasing the latest trend. This episode explores the math behind risk, the rea…

Red Flags, Roadmaps, and Retirement: Are You Ready for What’s Next?

Is your 401(k) working for you—or just stuck in place? This episode unpacks common retirement planning mistakes, market red flags, and why “prior planning pays” for your financial future. Julia Valenzuela shares real-world advice on maximizing your savings, tackling year-end checklists, and avoidin…

Seven Retirement Mistakes That Haunt Your Future

What are the seven moves that can wreck your retirement plan? Julia Valenzuela dives into the financial fears haunting retirees, from market “melt-ups” to missed paychecks and costly mistakes. Learn why relying only on a 401(k), letting headlines drive decisions, and ignoring tax strategies can der…

Recession Closer Than You Think: Are You Ready?

What if the next recession is closer than you think—and the stock market’s optimism is just a mirage? This episode unpacks the disconnect between Wall Street highs and economic realities, exploring why household debt, overvalued markets, and shifting cycles demand a fresh look at retirement plannin…

Debt-Free Isn’t Enough: Rethinking Your Financial Finish Line

What if paying off your mortgage isn’t the finish line, but just the start of smarter financial choices? This episode explores the real cost of the American dream, why debt-free living means more than zero balances, and how self-directed brokerage accounts can reshape your retirement strategy. Joe …

Trust Issues: Can You Really Rely on the Market for Retirement?

What happens when you stop trusting the market with your retirement? Joe and Julia Valenzuela dive deep into the fears, risks, and realities of managing your nest egg in uncertain times. Discover how to balance principal protection with growth, why trust and education matter, and how a customized i…