Learn More / Submit Questions: https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true

Welcome to The Money Alchemist Podcast at FPA All Ohio, a special interview series featuring conversations recorded live at one of the Midwest's premier financial planning conferences.

Hosted by Brent Gargano, CFP® and Ben Jones, CFP®, this playlist brings together financial advisors, industry leaders, authors, consultants, and innovators to discuss the future of financial planning, investing, retirement, client relationships, behavioral finance, artificial intelligence, practice management, and the ideas shaping the advisory profession.

These conversations go beyond markets and portfolios to explore how advisors can create greater value for the people they serve while adapting to an ever-changing financial landscape.

A special thank you to the Financial Planning Association (FPA) of Cincinnati for welcoming us to the FPA All Ohio Conference and helping make these conversations possible.

Dennis Mosley-Williams is the founder of Dennis Mosley-Williams Strategic Consulting, a boutique consulting firm that works predominantly with financial advisors on customer experience, client transformation, and creating greater value beyond traditional financial planning. He is also the author of Serious Shift.

About your Hosts

Ben Jones, CFP®

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com 

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com 

Follow him on X @thekaratstick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Brent Gargano, CFP®

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning 

www.infinitewealthplanning.com

linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter

Subscribe to The Money Alchemist Podcast for more interviews, investing insights, retirement planning strategies, and conversations with some of the brightest minds in financial planning.

Have a financial question you'd like Brent and Ben to discuss on a future episode? Submit it through the link in our bio. Your question could be featured in an upcoming episode.

Disclosure:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions.

Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.

To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

Comments or questions? Submit to our link in our show bio

Are you spending too much time trying to optimize the wrong parts of your financial life?

In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano and Ben Jones discuss one of the biggest mistakes they see investors make: obsessing over financial decisions that have very little impact while overlooking the habits that actually build long-term wealth.

From budgeting and investment returns to Social Security timing, retirement planning, taxes, and asset allocation, they explain why focusing on the fundamentals often produces better financial outcomes than chasing the "perfect" strategy.

They also break down this week's biggest market headlines, including the Federal Reserve meeting, SpaceX trading below its IPO price, inflation, Apple reclaiming the top market cap, and what's happening across the AI and semiconductor landscape.

• Why reverse budgeting can be more effective than tracking every dollar
• Why your saving rate often matters more than investment returns
• Financial behaviors that have the biggest long-term impact
• Social Security timing and retirement planning
• The difference between optimizing your finances and overcomplicating them
• Estate planning, tax efficiency, and asset allocation
• This week's market and economic updates
• Tip of the Week: Back-to-school sales tax holidays

The biggest gains in personal finance rarely come from finding a better investment. They come from consistently making better decisions over decades.

About your Hosts

Ben Jones, CFP®

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com 

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com 

Follow him on X @thekaratstick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Brent Gargano, CFP®

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning 

www.infinitewealthplanning.com

linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

Join Brent's Newsletter: https://forms.infinitewealthplanning.com/join-brents-newsletter

Disclosure:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions.

Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.

To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

Millions of Americans dream about building wealth, but what do wealthy families actually do differently?

In this episode, Brent Gargano and Ben Jones break down a recent survey of more than 1,400 Americans with over $3 million in invested assets. They explore the habits, decisions, and long-term mindset that consistently separate wealthy households from everyone else—and, more importantly, which of those habits anyone can begin applying today.

Topics include:

• Why ownership is the foundation of wealth • The power of long-term investing and compounding • Why wealthy families value flexibility over lifestyle inflation • Legacy planning and thinking beyond your own retirement • Why successful people build a team of trusted advisors

Plus, the hosts discuss current market headlines, including:

• Trump's new investment accounts • Early Q2 earnings from major banks • SpaceX trading below its IPO price • The return of Anthropic's Fable 5 • Recent developments affecting global markets

Tip of the Week

American Express Blue cardholders may be eligible for a monthly streaming credit. Brent and Ben explain how to take advantage of the benefit.

If you enjoy conversations on investing, retirement planning, and building long-term wealth, subscribe to The Money Alchemist Podcast for new episodes every week.

Have a financial question you'd like us to discuss on the show?

Submit it through the link in our bio or leave a comment below.

About your Hosts

Ben Jones, CFP®

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com 

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com 

Follow him on X @thekaratstick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Brent Gargano, CFP®

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning 

www.infinitewealthplanning.com

linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

Comments or questions? Submit to our link in our show bio

Disclosure:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions.

Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.

To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

The 4% Rule has guided retirement planning for decades, but does it still make sense in today's market?

In Episode 60, Ben Jones and Brent Gargano break down the origins of the 4% Rule, Bill Bengen's original research, the Trinity Study, and how retirees can think about safe withdrawal rates and spending guardrails throughout retirement.

The conversation also covers recent developments in the markets, including inflation concerns, the latest updates surrounding the SpaceX IPO, and what investors should be watching.

To wrap up the episode, Ben and Brent share a practical tip on how to check for unclaimed funds that may be waiting for you.

Submit Your Questions: https://info.moneyalchemistshow.com/SubmitQuestion-Contact-AC?test=true

• The history of the 4% Rule
• Bill Bengen's research
• The Trinity Study
• Safe withdrawal rates
• Spending guardrails
• Inflation updates
• SpaceX IPO update
• Market news
• How to check for unclaimed funds

About your Hosts

Ben Jones, CFP®

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com 

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com 

Follow him on X @thekaratstick

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Brent Gargano, CFP®

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning 

www.infinitewealthplanning.com

linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

Comments or questions? Email us at comments@moneyalchemistshow.com

Disclosure:

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions.

Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including our Forms ADV and CRS, please visit our website www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.

To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email us at comments@themoneyaltchemistshow.com.

In Episode 59 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent Gargano and Ben Jones discuss one of the largest IPOs in history as SpaceX officially goes public, raising billions and pushing Elon Musk's net worth to unprecedented levels.

The conversation explores how IPOs work, why companies go public, what investors should know about IPO volatility, and whether participating in high-profile public offerings is actually a good investment strategy.

The episode also covers new stock market highs, recent developments in the Middle East, the growing debate around AI regulation, and what today's headlines may mean for investors.

In Episode 59, topics include:

• The SpaceX IPO • Elon Musk's Net Worth • How IPOs Work • IPO Risks & Volatility • Private vs Public Companies • Stock Market All-Time Highs • AI Regulation & Anthropic • Investing Psychology • Portfolio Diversification • Wealth Building Principles

About Your Hosts

Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com

Sign up for Ben's newsletter at www.karatstick.com

Follow Ben on X @thekaratstick

Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com

Questions or comments?

comments@moneyalchemistshow.com

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome Back & Episode Introduction

02:35 Recapping Episode 58 with Dr. Bryan Buechner

04:45 Consumer Psychology & Investing

12:00 Middle East Updates & Market Impact

15:00 Why Markets Keep Hitting New Highs

18:45 AI Adoption & Career Implications

22:15 Anthropic, AI Regulation & Government Intervention

30:00 SpaceX IPO Explained

34:30 How IPOs Actually Work

38:30 Elon Musk Becomes The World's First Trillionaire

46:30 Should Investors Participate In IPOs?

49:00 Why IPOs Often Struggle After Launch

53:00 Valuations, Dilution & Share Issuance

57:30 Concentration vs Diversification

59:30 Final Thoughts

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions.

Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including Forms ADV and CRS, please visit www.nwmgadvisors.com.

Have you ever bought something and immediately wondered, "Why did I spend money on that?"

In Episode 58 of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Brent sits down with Dr. Bryan Buechner, marketing professor at Xavier University and expert in consumer psychology, to explore the hidden forces that influence our financial decisions every day.

Together they discuss how marketing shapes behavior, why self-control is more complicated than simply "spending less," and how consumers can make better purchasing decisions in a world filled with endless choices, targeted advertising, social media, AI recommendations, and subscription services.

They also dive into topics such as Costco's cult-like customer loyalty, the rise and fall of Peloton, the psychology of pricing, consumer biases, AI shopping assistants, decision fatigue, loyalty programs, and how understanding consumer behavior can ultimately help you become a better steward of your money.

Whether you're trying to spend more intentionally, improve your financial habits, or simply understand why companies market the way they do, this episode offers practical insights that can help you make better decisions with your money.

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com https://linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

Comments or questions? www.nwmgadvisors.com.

Is AI about to replace financial advisors?

In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, we explore how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok are beginning to influence investing, financial planning, and the way people search for financial advice online.

We compare how AI responds to both simple and complex financial questions and discuss where these tools may be useful — and where they can still fall short compared to experienced advisors.

We also dive into markets, inflation, rising interest rates, prediction markets, consumer spending, and the growing role technology is playing across finance and decision-making.

• Kevin Warsh confirmed by the Senate • Long-term Treasury yields spike above 5% • What higher bond yields could mean for mortgage rates • Consumer spending reaches new highs as inflation remains elevated • Bank of America insights on market behavior and spending trends • US-China summit developments and market implications • 60 Minutes segment on prediction markets and insider trading concerns

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com https://linkedin.com/in/brent-gargano-cfp®-2067b573

Comments or questions? https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/i-asked-chatgpt-to-manage-a-stock-portfolio-heres-how-it-did-0d62900b

Bank of America Insights: https://institute1.bofa.com/C/?q=e4SyKUJSHPg

The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The views expressed here are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of National Wealth Management Group, LLC or its affiliates.

Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy discussed will be successful or profitable. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Economic discussions are based on current data and opinions, which are subject to change and may not accurately predict future events. We encourage listeners to conduct their own research and seek guidance from a certified financial advisor before making any decisions.

Advisory services are offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC. For more information about National Wealth Management Group including Forms ADV and CRS, please visit www.nwmgadvisors.com.

What accounts do you actually need to build wealth?

In this episode of The Money Alchemist Podcast, Ben and Brent break down the idea that simplicity often beats complexity when it comes to financial planning and investing.

They discuss why many investors end up chasing gimmicks, opening too many accounts, and overcomplicating their finances....when in reality, only a handful of account types tend to do most of the heavy lifting over time.

The conversation walks through the core account structures they believe are most important for long-term wealth building and why understanding the purpose of each account matters more than constantly searching for the next strategy.

• Earnings growth accelerating across the S&P 500 • AI hardware demand surging with renewed focus on infrastructure • Micron, Intel, AMD, and Broadcom seeing increased attention • GameStop’s reported interest in eBay and why the market reacted negatively • PCE inflation coming in hotter than expected • 30-year Treasury bond hovering around 5% • Fed rate expectations and the outlook for future policy decisions

About Your Hosts

Ben Jones, CFP® Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group www.nwmgadvisors.com Sign up for Ben’s newsletter: www.karatstick.com Follow him on X @thekaratstick https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-nwmg/

Brent Gargano, CFP® Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning www.infinitewealthplanning.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmj2PaxX24E

FactSet Earnings Update: https://insight.factset.com/sp-500-earnings-season-update-may-1-2026

Comments or questions? Email us at: www.nwmgadvisors.com or contact us directly.

To connect with Ben Jones or Brent Gargano directly, email: comments@themoneyalchemistshow.com