Have you ever noticed how some people remain remarkably calm during market volatility, while others panic? The difference often comes down to having a solid financial plan. In this enlightening episode, Greg Farrall draws on his extensive trading experience, spanning multiple financial crises—from the peso devaluation to the dot-com bubble and the 2020 pandemic—to explain why financial planning fosters stability during uncertain times.

Greg walks listeners through the six essential components of comprehensive financial planning, revealing how each element works together to create both economic security and a sense of peace of mind. You'll discover why understanding your cash flow forms the foundation of all planning, how proper risk management protects what you've built, and why estate planning shouldn't be postponed, regardless of your age or wealth level.

Beyond the technical aspects, Greg addresses common objections to financial planning with refreshing candor. His analogy between financial advisors and physicians provides a compelling framework for understanding why professional guidance matters: just as doctors monitor vital health metrics, financial advisors watch critical financial indicators that might otherwise go unnoticed until problems develop.

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or approaching retirement, this episode offers valuable insights into creating stability amid market turbulence. As Greg powerfully reminds us, "Everyone in Indiana has a will—either one you created or one the state created for you." Don't miss this opportunity to take control of your financial future before someone else does.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

The disconnect between market sentiment and economic reality has never been more pronounced. While headlines scream recession and investors feel like markets have collapsed, the S&P is only down about 13% from its peak – painful but far from catastrophic. This striking gap between how we feel about the economy and what the data actually shows forms the central focus of today's exploration.

After a rollercoaster week that saw the Dow surge over 1,000 points in a single session, we dive deep into what's really happening beneath the surface of market volatility. The hard economic data tells a surprisingly resilient story: PMIs remain above the critical 50 threshold, consumer spending shows strength despite inflation concerns, business investment indicators remain stable, and employment figures continue to defy pessimistic predictions.

What would signal a true economic "hard landing"? We break down the specific metrics that would need to deteriorate consistently – from PMIs dropping below 50 for multiple months to employment numbers showing significant weakness – none of which have materialized despite pervasive negative sentiment. While acknowledging the unique challenges of our current environment (nobody has traded through exactly this combination of pandemic aftermath and trade tensions before), the economic foundation appears far stronger than headlines suggest.

For investors struggling to separate signal from noise, this examination of the sentiment-data gap provides crucial perspective. Subscribe to Money Matters with Greg for ongoing insights that look beyond headlines to help you make sound financial decisions based on economic realities rather than market emotions.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

Market turbulence hit historic levels last week, creating what financial experts are calling the wildest trading environment since World War II. The S&P 500 experienced a jaw-dropping 10% trading range within a single week, including a 9.5% surge on April 9th—the largest one-day gain since 1950.

What's behind this extraordinary volatility? The sudden announcement of potential new tariffs, particularly affecting trade with China, has sent shockwaves through global markets. Companies across virtually every sector are scrambling to understand how these policies might impact their supply chains, pricing strategies, and future earnings. This uncertainty has created a perfect storm of market anxiety, with the VIX volatility index spiking to 60, levels not seen since the early pandemic days of 2020.

Having traded through numerous crises—from the pharmaceutical crash and dot-com bubble to the Great Recession and pandemic—I've developed perspective on navigating troubled waters. The current market resembles "a body that's had surgery," requiring time to heal before resuming normal function. While many investors feel like they're "catching a falling knife" trying to time this market, opportunities exist for those with patience and discipline. American-made products and services are already pivoting their marketing strategies to highlight domestic production, potentially benefiting from the changing trade landscape.

Despite short-term turbulence, my outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with year-end S&P targets potentially reaching the 6,200 range. For investors feeling overwhelmed, remember that quality companies often emerge stronger from periods of volatility. This is precisely when disciplined investment approaches prove their worth. Looking for value among the volatility while maintaining your long-term strategy is the pathway to financial success during these unprecedented times.

Ready to make sense of today's volatile markets? Subscribe to Money Matters with Greg for weekly insights on navigating your financial future during these uncertain economic times.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.