Jobs reports often move markets, but few understand exactly why. Today's "Goldilocks" employment number of 144,000 new jobs strikes the perfect balance - strong enough to show economic resilience but sufficient to keep September rate cut expectations alive. For wealth managers overseeing millions in client assets, these details matter greatly for portfolio positioning.

The market' s reaction tells the story: a modest gain into the holiday weekend, suggesting investor confidence in the economic outlook despite recent warning signs. After yesterday' s alarming negative ADP report, today' s government data offered reassurance that we' re maintaining the delicate balance between growth and policy support. With the S & P up roughly 5% year- to- date, we remain on track toward our projected 8-10% annual return goal.

Beyond market analysis, I shared my transformative experience graduating from Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program. Launched in 2009 after the financial crisis, this intensive 11-week curriculum provides comprehensive business education to established entrepreneurs ready for growth. Goldman Sachs has invested millions in this program, supporting education, services, and capital access through Community Development Financial Institutions. (CDFI's)

The curriculum, developed by Babson College (America' s top- ranked entrepreneurship school), guides participants through specialized modules covering financial analysis, leadership, operational efficiency, marketing strategy, and capital access. Each participant creates a detailed growth plan - mine focused on launching specialized wealth management services for student-athletes navigating NIL opportunities.

Small business owners generating at least $ 75, 75,000 annually with two or more employees should definitely consider applying at 10 ksb. com. The program yields impressive results: 72% of alumni increase their revenues within 18 months (compared to 53% of typical small businesses), and nearly half create new jobs within six months of graduation. Beyond statistics, you' ll gain strategic clarity, confidence, and access to a robust nationwide network of fellow entrepreneurs. #10ksb

As we celebrate America' s independence this weekend, I am reminded that understanding economic indicators and supporting small business growth are two sides of the same prosperity coin. Whether you' re an investor monitoring market signals or an entrepreneur seeking growth strategies, clarity and community are your most valuable assets.

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.

Ready for some good news from Washington? The SECURE Act 2.0 might be the most significant retirement legislation of our lifetime, and it's packed with opportunities you need to know about.

Have you ever wondered why politicians can't agree on anything? Well, they finally found common ground: Americans simply don't save enough for retirement. The result is a rare piece of legislation that actually works in your favor, with provisions rolling out between now and 2033 that could significantly improve your financial future.

For business owners, enhanced tax credits make offering retirement plans more affordable than ever. Companies with under 50 employees can receive credits for 100% of contributions (up to $1,000 per employee). This powerful incentive might be exactly what your small business needs to attract and retain top talent while building your own retirement security.

The legislation also addresses real-world obstacles that prevent Americans from saving. Student loan debt holding you back? Employers can now match your loan payments with retirement contributions. Worried about accessing your money in emergencies? New provisions allow penalty-free emergency savings within your 401(k). Have leftover 529 education funds? You can roll them into Roth IRAs (up to $35,000 lifetime).

Other key improvements include raising the Required Minimum Distribution age to 75 by 2033, reducing RMD penalties from 50% to 25% (with further reduction to 10% for timely corrections), and creating enhanced catch-up contributions for ages 60-63.

Whether you're building wealth through your small business, navigating mid-career planning, or approaching retirement, these changes create meaningful opportunities to strengthen your financial foundation. Don't wait to take advantage of these provisions – connect with qualified professionals to determine which strategies align with your financial goals.

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 financial markets just experienced what might be the fastest bear-to-bull transition in modern history, and Farrall Wealth's leadership team is here to explain it all.

Dubbed the "tariff tempest" by Chief Investment Officer John Farrall, this extraordinary period saw major indices plummet as much as 22% following President Trump's April 2nd tariff announcements before staging a remarkable recovery. What appears calm on the surface - with the S&P 500 and NASDAQ up about 1% year-to-date - masks some of the most dramatic market swings since World War II.

We dive deep into how this volatility manifested in real businesses. We share the story of a client whose shipping container barcode business saw weekly revenue collapse from $4,200 to just $200 during trade tensions. The subsequent 90-day "timeout" on tariff implementation and positive developments like the UK trade deal and major business announcements during Trump's Middle East trip have fueled a sustained market recovery.

Looking forward, we explore where the smart money is flowing now. Small-cap stocks, which fell 27% and remain 12% below previous highs, may represent continued buying opportunities. On the international front, we're seeing a strategic pivot away from China-heavy portfolios toward countries positioned to benefit from supply chain reorganization - namely South Korea, Thailand, India, Vietnam, and potentially Mexico.

The fundamental outlook remains positive, with large and mid-cap companies sporting historically strong balance sheets. Despite 80% of companies lowering future guidance during the market uncertainty, corporate America's underlying financial health suggests this brief bear market was more of a mid-cycle correction than the beginning of a sustained downtrend.

Want more insights on navigating these dynamic markets? Visit farrallwealth.com or reach out directly to greg@farrallwealth.com with your questions. Subscribe to Money Matters with Greg wherever you get your podcasts to ensure you never miss our quarterly market updates.

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.

Dive into the fascinating world of Modern Portfolio Theory with wealth management expert Greg Farrall as he breaks down this Nobel Prize-winning investment framework into digestible, practical insights. Using engaging analogies from cooking to championship sports teams, Greg demonstrates how diversification creates resilient portfolios that can weather market volatility while still pursuing meaningful growth.

The timing couldn't be more relevant as Greg shares a comprehensive market update highlighting the dramatic shift in sentiment over the past month. With the S&P 500 surging approximately 10%, volatility decreasing, and fear indicators transforming into greed readings, we're witnessing a remarkable pivot from "lost decade" pessimism to surprising optimism. Greg unpacks the factors behind this shift, including AI chip optimism, advancing tax legislation, improving international trade relations, and significant investment announcements like Qatar's planned $1.2 trillion commitment to the US economy.

Behind this market analysis lies the fundamental wisdom of Modern Portfolio Theory – that successful, Nobel Peace Prize-winning investing isn't about finding that one perfect stock but creating a balanced team of investments that work harmoniously toward your goals. Just as a chef combines ingredients in the ideal proportion or a gardener plants diverse species to ensure something is always blooming, MPT helps investors design portfolios where risk and reward find their optimal balance.

As CEO and founder of Farrall Wealth, Greg approaches wealth management through four essential quadrants: growing money, protecting money, distributing money in life, and distributing money after death. This comprehensive framework addresses the 13 key financial concerns facing high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families.

Connect with Greg at greg@farrallwealth.com to discuss your financial situation and portfolio strategy or to request his homemade salsa recipe. After all, the right mix of ingredients makes all the difference, whether crafting investment portfolios or cooking for family.

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.

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.

Tommy Grisafi brings a wealth of commodity trading knowledge to this eye-opening discussion on agricultural markets, global economic trends, and the realities facing American farmers. As spring planting season approaches in the Midwest, Tommy offers a candid assessment of what producers can expect: "How are farmers going to make money this year? They may not."

The conversation explores how commodity markets are responding to major global forces. Gold has reached all-time highs while money flows out of American investments toward international markets. Cattle prices have surged to record levels due to reduced herd sizes – a direct consequence of rising interest rates forcing ranchers to sell animals to pay down operating loans that tripled in cost. Meanwhile, corn may offer modest profitability while soybeans struggle against South American competition and wheat prices collapse as the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows signs of potential resolution.

Tommy reveals where agricultural wealth truly accumulates – not necessarily in annual profits but in land values that have tripled over 15 years. "You may lose $100,000 farming in a year, but as long as land values stay high, which there's no sign of them necessarily falling apart, people are still tripping over themselves to buy land because they're not making any more of it." This long-term perspective explains farmers' resilience through difficult seasons. The episode concludes with a remarkable anecdote about a farm sale where $700,000 worth of stored corn was nearly overlooked – highlighting the "squirrel mentality" of saving that characterizes many successful agricultural operations. For anyone interested in markets, farming economics, or understanding where your food comes from, this conversation offers valuable insights beyond typical financial news.

Some highlights:

• Cattle prices have reached all-time highs due to reduced herd sizes, partly caused by higher interest rates forcing ranchers to sell animals to pay down debt
• Gold has hit all-time highs as investors diversify away from US markets, with money flowing to global assets and other markets like Germany
• Corn may offer some profitability this year, while soybeans face intense competition from South America and wheat prices have fallen as the Russia-Ukraine conflict shows signs of resolution
• Despite challenging commodity prices, farmland values have tripled over the past 15 years, creating substantial wealth for landowners
• The upcoming March 31st USDA planting intentions report will be crucial, with early indications suggesting farmers plan to plant substantial corn acreage
• Interest payments on US national debt now exceed the entire defense budget at approximately $1.1 trillion annually

Follow Tommy on social media and RFD TV as "Ag Bull" for market updates and analysis.

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.