5-12-26 Five Questions for Smarter Money Decisions
The Real Investment Show Podcast
Release Date: 05/12/2026
8-13-26 Does the Inflation Report Give the Fed More Time?
The Real Investment Show Podcast
The latest inflation report came in largely as expected, giving the Federal Reserve something increasingly valuable: more time. Inflation was neither soft enough to eliminate concerns about price pressures nor hot enough to force the Fed's hand. That leaves investors asking what comes next for interest rates, the economy, and markets. Lance Roberts examines what the latest inflation data means for Fed policy, whether officials can remain patient, and what investors should watch as the debate over inflation and interest rates continues. 0:00 INTRO 0:50 - CPI & Bond Auction Action 4:00 -...
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8-13-26 Retail Investors Are Chasing Again | Before the Bell
The Real Investment Show Podcast
Markets remain near record highs, but after a powerful run since April, the S&P 500 is trading more than two standard deviations above trend and has stalled in a tight range. At the same time, retail investors are aggressively buying dips and returning to many of the stocks and sectors that previously burned them. That enthusiasm can keep markets elevated, but stretched conditions warrant caution. As midterm elections approach, investors should avoid chasing the rally, rebalance where necessary, and focus on managing portfolio risk. Hosted by RIA Chief Investment Strategist, Lance...
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8-12-26 Q&A Wednesday - Is Inflation Back in Control?
The Real Investment Show Podcast
Fresh inflation data later this morning puts the Federal Reserve and the economy back in focus: Can inflation continue to cool despite higher energy prices? Is the weakening labor market increasing pressure on the Fed to cut rates? And with markets near record highs, should investors remain bullish, rebalance portfolios, or prepare for more volatility? Lance Roberts and Danny Ratliff answer your live questions on inflation, interest rates, the economy, markets, portfolio risk, and what investors should be watching next. 0:00 INTRO 1:01 - Inflation Day - CPI Preview 3:45 -...
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8-12-26 Why Bearish Headlines Keep Losing | Before the Bell
The Real Investment Show Podcast
Markets are consolidating after their recent surge, but the underlying trend remains bullish. Momentum is on a buy signal, moving averages are rising, earnings remain strong, credit spreads are tight, and liquidity continues to support stocks. From tariffs and geopolitical conflicts to recession fears, bearish narratives have repeatedly challenged investors over the past five years. Yet staying out of the market because of scary headlines has been costly. Lance Roberts explains why earnings, liquidity, credit conditions, and market trends matter more than predictions, and why investors should...
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8-11-26 What Really Drives Markets?
The Real Investment Show Podcast
What really drives bull and bear markets? Lance Roberts & Jon Penn examine why corporate earnings remain one of the most important forces behind market performance. Rising profits can support bull markets, while significant earnings declines have historically accompanied the most severe bear markets. We also examine calls for “sound money” and a return to the gold standard. While concerns over debt, deficits, inflation, and dollar debasement are legitimate, a gold-backed dollar could have significant consequences for credit, economic growth, and investors. The key is separating...
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8-11-26 Market Highs Come With a Warning | Before the Bell
The Real Investment Show Podcast
Markets have broken out to new all-time highs after two months of consolidation, a bullish development that could support higher prices over the next six to twelve months. But the rapid advance has also pushed markets back toward overbought conditions. Volatility is deeply suppressed, investor fear is scarce, and money flow and market breadth have surged toward levels where they have historically peaked. That does not mean a market crash is coming, but it does argue for greater attention to portfolio risk. We explain why the longer-term outlook remains bullish, what could trigger a correction,...
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8-10-26 Internet Scams You Need to Know - The Ari Schwartz Interview
The Real Investment Show Podcast
Internet scams are evolving faster than ever, with artificial intelligence making phishing emails, fake phone calls, and fraudulent videos more convincing than traditional scams. Jon Penn and Venable Cybersecurity Services Managing Director, Avi Schwartz explain the most common online scams targeting consumers, investors, retirees, and businesses, along with practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your finances. We discuss AI-enhanced phishing attacks, deepfake voice and video scams, business email compromise, texting scams (smishing), elder fraud, and payment fraud involving gift...
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8-7-26 Aging in Place - What to Consider
The Real Investment Show Podcast
8-7-26 Aging in Place - What to Consider More Americans want to age in place, but is staying in your home the best financial and lifestyle decision? Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty explore the real costs, benefits, and planning strategies behind one of retirement's biggest decisions. We discuss how neighborhoods, community connections, and changing retirement goals influence aging in place, while comparing the costs of home modifications with assisted living. We also examine emerging technologies—including AI companions, telehealth, smart-home monitoring, and wearable...
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8-6-26 Hidden AI Debt: Is the Risk Overblown?
The Real Investment Show Podcast
Has Wall Street been looking at hyperscaler debt all wrong? Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz examine claims that the "hidden debt" of AI hyperscalers has surged to $1.65 trillion through off-balance-sheet obligations, including long-term leases and infrastructure commitments. But does that mean the AI investment thesis is breaking down? We'll separate the headlines from the fundamentals by comparing the financial strength of Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Oracle. While hidden obligations deserve attention, not all debt carries the same risk, and not every hyperscaler should...
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8-6-26 Time to Rebalance? | Before the Bell
The Real Investment Show Podcast
The S&P 500 has broken out to fresh all-time highs after months of consolidation, triggering a new momentum buy signal. But after one of the strongest five-day rallies since April 2025, should investors keep buying, or start taking profits? In today's Before the Bell, we discuss why this is an ideal time to review your portfolio's risk, rebalance strategically, and trim oversized winners. We explain why rebalancing shouldn't be mechanical, how to distinguish quality companies from long-term laggards, and why understanding why a stock is underperforming matters just as much as its...
info_outlineShould you pay off debt, invest more in your 401(k), or do both?
Lance Roberts & Jon Penn walk through five real-world financial decisions that millions of Americans face every year. Using new Vanguard research and simple math, we break down how to prioritize credit cards, mortgages, student loans, retirement savings, and employer matches to maximize long-term wealth.
We also discuss why the mathematically correct answer is not always the emotionally correct one, and how personal priorities, risk tolerance, and peace of mind factor into financial planning.
Key topics include:
0:00 - INTRO
1:12 - Six Weeks of Market Advances - What Happens in Week-7?4:36 - Economic Data Review
5:30 - Narrow market Rally Poses Portfolio Risk
10:35 - Birthday Table & Coming Attractions
12:00 - Five Questions to Help You Make Better Financial Decisions
13:45 - Everybody Starts from Scratch
18:20 - Invest or Pay off Debt?
20:54 - Not Everybody Contributes to 401k Plan
25:50 - The Number One Asset is Time
30:21 - Taking a Loan Against Your 401k? (NO!)
32:51 - Margo Has Money Troubles & Other Streaming Treats
35:12 - Inherited Money: Pay Off Mortgage? (NO!)
43:04 - Healthy Debt vs Unhealthy Debt
Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Jonathan Penn, CFP
Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer
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Articles Mentioned in Today's Show:
"Commodity Supercycle: The Enemy Of The Bull Thesis (Part 1)"
https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/commodity-supercycle-the-enemy-of-the-bull-thesis-part-1/
"Earnings Estimate Revisions Are Very Optimistic"
https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/earnings-estimate-revisions-are-very-optimistic/
"Parabolic Semiconductor Rally Is Pricing In 2028 Already"
https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/parabolic-semiconductor-rally-is-pricing-in-2028-already/
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https://youtu.be/rZ1lej68NvE
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Watch today's "Before the Bell" feature, "Tech Rally Risk Is Rising" here:
https://youtu.be/RU_xjKIGiDs
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Watch our previous show, "Annuities: Smart Move or Costly Mistake?"
https://youtube.com/live/6Rag3wz8r3k
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* REGISTER for our next Candid Coffee, Saturday, May 16: "Financial Organization Made Simple:"
https://streamyard.com/watch/SA6aj2aMdMhf
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