Can the economics of socialism be discussed without becoming partisan? Should the Federal Reserve hold interest rates steady? And does residential real estate offer the returns many investors assume?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory discuss why affordability has made simple political promises more appealing, how monetary policy and consumer behavior interact, and why real estate returns should be evaluated after accounting for leverage, expenses, taxes, concentration, and limited liquidity.
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Get your complimentary guide to retirement
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

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Question for Jake and Cory?
Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory
https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#economics #interestrates #realestateinvesting #financialliteracy #uptickspodcast

What should you do with a 401(k) after leaving an employer? Should private equity be included in workplace retirement plans? And when does a Roth conversion deserve consideration?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory discuss three financial decisions that are often treated as automatic answers. They explain why each choice should instead be evaluated within the context of an individual financial plan, including investment strategy, access to retirement funds, taxes, liquidity, and long-term goals.
---------------
Get your complimentary guide to retirement
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

Get Jake's weekly blog
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Question for Jake and Cory?
Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory
https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#401k #retirementplanning #rothconversion #privateequity #uptickspodcast

What happens when leverage, confidence, and speculation collide? Jake and Cory begin this episode by discussing a highly leveraged hedge fund and the risks of investing with borrowed money. They also explain how options strategies may help executives manage concentrated company stock before turning to a deeper question: Is retiring as early as possible really the right goal?

The conversation explores the difference between financial independence and leaving work, why purpose remains important in retirement, and why a complete retirement plan should address what you are retiring to—not only whether you can afford to stop working.
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Get your complimentary guide to retirement
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

Get Jake's weekly blog
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=upticks#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory?
Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory
https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#retirementplanning #financialindependence #investing #stockoptions #uptickspodcast

What separates a successful retirement plan from one that's simply invested?

In this solo episode of Upticks, Jake shares five practical lessons he's learned from more than 20 years of helping clients prepare for retirement. He explains why financial organization, tax planning, flexibility, and aligning your investments with your personal goals often matter more than chasing market performance.

Whether you're approaching retirement or simply looking to improve your financial plan, this episode offers practical ideas you can apply today.
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Get your complimentary guide to retirement
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

Get Jake's weekly blog
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=upticks#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory?
Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake
https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en

#retirementplanning #financialplanning #retirement #investing #uptickspodcast

In this episode, Jake and Cory begin by revisiting the growing conversation around private investments inside 401(k) plans and why they remain skeptical of the trend. They also discuss the rise of index investing and understanding what you own.

They debate whether high earners should own vacation homes, when renting may make more sense than buying, and ways lifestyle decisions can have a bigger impact than financial projections alone.

Finally, at what point does money stop changing your life? Drawing from years of client experience, they discuss the differences between financial security, purpose, cash flow, and happiness.
---------------
Get your complimentary guide to retirement
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

Get Jake's weekly blog
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=upticks#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory?
Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory
https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#retirementplanning #networth #401k #financialindependence #wealthmanagement

In this episode, Jake and Cory react to a listener-submitted article about proposed 401(k) changes that could make private equity and other alternative investments more accessible. They explain why they believe retirement plans should stay simple and discuss the risks of adding complexity to long-term investing.

The conversation then turns to retirement planning, including a debate on the biggest risks retirees face, the challenge of "golden handcuffs," and why decisions about retirement can often involve more than just money. They wrap up with a discussion on mega backdoor Roth contributions and when they may—or may not—make sense.
---------------
Get your complimentary guide to retirement
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

Get Jake's weekly blog
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=upticks#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory?
Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory
https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/
#retirementplanning #goldenhandcuffs #401k #rothira #financialfreedom

In this episode, Jake and Cory dig into reasons smart, successful people still make bad investment decisions. Pointing to recency bias, overconfidence, and financial media that markets fear and greed instead of sound strategy.

They break down their belief of compound interest (not stock picking) being a better path to retirement, and ways "save first, spend second" can solve more money problems than people realize.

The conversation wraps with a candid look at money in relationships. Reasons joint vs. separate accounts matter less than actually talking about finances, and ways couples can get aligned instead of avoiding the conversation altogether.
---------------
Get your complimentary guide to retirement
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

Get Jake's weekly blog
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=upticks#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory?
Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube
https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory
https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#investingwisely #wealthbuilding #financialfreedom #retiresooner #smartmoneymoves

What does financial freedom really look like? Are we chasing wealth or just the appearance of it?

In this episode, Jake and Cory dive into the psychology behind money decisions, from homeownership and lifestyle inflation to raising financially independent children and resisting the urge to keep up with the Joneses.

The conversation also tackles a question many parents wrestle with: when does helping your children become enabling them? Jake and Cory share perspectives on teaching financial responsibility, setting healthy boundaries, and preparing the next generation for independence.

Plus, they examine why some multimillionaires still feel broke, how consumer culture influences spending habits, and reasons your most valuable asset may not be your money but your time.
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📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right
https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook
📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory?
Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com
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Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy.
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Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™
https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524       
https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en       
https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc       
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors    

#financialplanning #retirementplanning #personalfinance #wealthbuilding #financialfreedom #moneymindset #investing #financialeducation #moneymanagement #uptickspodcast