The markets are climbing, the government is still shut down, and the data we usually rely on just isn't coming in. So how do investors make smart decisions when the information pipeline has gone dark—and what does record leverage in the system mean for the months ahead?

In this podcast, Hannah Chapman CFP®, APMA®, CRPC® and Brad Haines, CFA, FRM and Chief Investment Officer of Juncture Wealth Strategies talk about what's really driving markets during the shutdown, how margin and leveraged ETFs can magnify both gains and losses, and when using borrowed money in your portfolio makes sense—and when it absolutely doesn't.

• The U.S. government shutdown has officially hit week three — what that really means for the economy, and why investors are flying blind without key data releases.
  

• CPI data is (finally) back on the calendar — even though most government agencies are still closed, a few analysts got called in just to crunch the numbers.
  

• With record levels of margin debt — over $1.1 trillion — investors are borrowing more money than ever against stock portfolios. We break down what margin really means and why it's a double-edged sword.
  

• What happens when too much of the market is built on borrowed money? A look at how high leverage can make markets rise (and fall) faster than expected.
  

• The hidden risk in leveraged ETFs and why “hot money” — borrowed funds chasing quick profits — can add fuel to market volatility.
  

• Practical insights for investors: when leverage can actually work in your favor, when it can backfire, and how to know the difference.
  

• Why margin loans might make sense for some high-net-worth investors — especially as a tax strategy — but only if used carefully and intentionally.

Connect with Brad here:

Website: https://www.juncturewealth.com

Email: bhaines@juncturewealth.com

Connect with Hannah here:

X² Wealth Planning Website: https://x2wealthplanning.com/

Expansive CEO: https://expansiveceo.com/

Hannah's Website: https://hannahrchapman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah.chapman.cfp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahchapmanfinancialadvisor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahrchapman/

Trust can feel thrilling—and terrifying. How do you feel safe enough to be seen, set boundaries with love, and keep passion alive without losing yourself? Especially after 40?

In this episode, Hannah Chapman, CFP®, APMA®, CRPC®, is joined by Shana James, MA (Psychology)—relationship coach of 20 years, TEDx speaker (“What 1,000 Men's Tears Reveal…”), host of Man Alive & Practicing Love, and author of Honest Sex and Power & Pleasure.

Together they unpack how to build real safety, move from independence to interdependence, and use honest conversation (and body-led yes/no) to create connection you can actually trust.

Learn more:

• Why “trust” often feels risky—and how to find safety in your own body first

• The difference between forcing connection vs. following a genuine yes

• Boundaries that sound loving (and actually deepen intimacy)

• Moving from “I've got this alone” to healthy interdependence

• Business as a spiritual practice: letting strategy serve your nervous system

• Sex talk without the shock factor: presence, honesty, attunement

• How to date (or re-date) after 40 without twisting yourself into a pretzel

• Tiny experiments to test trust—before you hand over your heart

Connect with Shana:

Quiz: What Keeps You From Having the Best Love and Sex of Your Life After 40?

Free copy of the Honest Sex book: https://shanajamescoaching.com/free

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-james-3004065

Website: https://shanajamescoaching.com

Connect with Hannah here:

X² Wealth Planning Website: https://x2wealthplanning.com/

Expansive CEO: https://expansiveceo.com/

Hannah's Website: https://hannahrchapman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah.chapman.cfp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahchapmanfinancialadvisor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahrchapman/

Markets are sitting near all-time highs… while the U.S. government is shut down. Tariff headlines are bouncing back and forth, inflation data is frozen, and the Fed's next move could set the tone for the rest of the year — but what does any of that actually mean for your portfolio?

In this week's Investment Friday, Hannah Chapman CFP®, APMA®, CRPC® and Brad Haines, CFA, FRM and Chief Investment Officer of Juncture Wealth Strategies break down what's really happening beneath the noise — from Trump's proposed 100% tariffs on China and the ripple effects on rare earth minerals, to how the government shutdown is distorting access to economic data and why that uncertainty fuels short-term market swings. They also share the practical steps investors can take right now: rebalancing portfolios, tax-loss harvesting, and making confident year-end decisions even when the data isn't flowing.

Learn about:

• Tariffs are back in the headlines — but what do they really mean for prices, profits, and portfolios?

• The government shutdown has frozen official economic data, leaving markets flying a little blind — we share where we're finding reliable information anyway.

• Inflation is still running above target, but rents are falling fast. We talk about why housing data takes months to show up in the numbers.

• The Fed's next meeting is coming up, and we dig into why the story around a rate cut can matter even more than the cut itself.

• It's Q4 — time to check your portfolio mix, take profits where it makes sense, and harvest losses to trim your tax bill.

• Mutual funds are about to start paying out capital gains… and we explain how that surprise tax bill sneaks up on investors every year.

• How patience, process, and a clear plan help you make smart decisions, even when headlines are loud and data is scarce.

Connect with Brad here:

Website: https://www.juncturewealth.com

Email: bhaines@juncturewealth.com

Connect with Hannah here:

X² Wealth Planning Website: https://x2wealthplanning.com/

Expansive CEO: https://expansiveceo.com/

Hannah's Website: https://hannahrchapman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah.chapman.cfp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahchapmanfinancialadvisor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahrchapman/