In this episode of Derrick Thoughts, I share my honest perspective on the markets as we head into 2026—and why trying to predict what will happen next often does more harm than good.

Every year, investors are flooded with bold forecasts, confident predictions, and “sure bets” for the coming year. The reality? Markets don’t move on calendars, headlines, or opinions. They move on uncertainty, human behavior, and events no one sees coming.

I break down why forecasting the markets is so difficult, the common mistakes investors make when they rely too heavily on predictions, and what actually matters more when positioning your portfolio for a new year. This episode isn’t about calling the next big winner—it’s about thinking clearly, managing risk, and staying disciplined when the future is uncertain.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by market noise or unsure who to believe as a new year approaches, this episode will help you reset your perspective and focus on what you can control.

For educational and informational purposes only. This podcast does not constitute investment advice.

In this episode of The WealthWise Show, we break down one of the most misunderstood retirement benefits available to eligible employees: DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program).

I explain, in plain language, what DROP actually is, how it works, and why the decisions you make during your DROP period can have a lasting impact on your retirement. From how your pension is calculated to what happens to your DROP balance, we walk through the key details many people overlook.

More importantly, we talk about strategies to help maximize your DROP—not just during the DROP years, but when you exit and transition into retirement. This includes how DROP fits into your overall retirement plan, common mistakes to avoid, and why having a coordinated investment, tax, and income strategy matters.

Whether you’re thinking about entering DROP, already in it, or approaching your exit date, this episode will help you better understand your options and make more informed decisions about your future.

For educational purposes only. This podcast does not constitute financial or investment advice.

In this episode, Derrick breaks down the Florida Retirement System Pension Plan in plain English—no jargon, no confusion. You’ll learn how the pension formula works, how your years of service and AFC affect your benefit, what early retirement really means, and how to avoid costly mistakes before you leave the system. If you’re a teacher, first responder, state employee, or county worker relying on FRS for your retirement income, this episode gives you the roadmap you deserve.