Libsyn Directory

6 Stock Market Predictions For 2026, #286

Release Date: 12/30/2025

Should You Add a Transfer on Death Beneficiary to Your Assets? #298

Retire With Ryan

On the show this week, I’m talking all about the topic of probate and how adding a Transfer on Death (TOD) or Payable on Death (POD) beneficiary designation to certain assets can help you avoid your estate being tied up in the probate process. You’ll learn which types of accounts allow for TOD or POD beneficiaries, why these designations might be preferable to joint tenancy, and the pros and cons of setting them up. I break down step-ups in cost basis, the impact on estate taxes, and touch on differences across states—plus considerations to make sure your estate plan actually fits your...

Tax Extension Mistakes to Avoid This Filing Season, #297

Retire With Ryan

In the last episode, I discussed seven mistakes to avoid when filing your 2025 taxes. So in this episode, I'm going to discuss the tax-filing mistakes people can make when filing an extension. Here are the four most common extension errors that could cost you money, including misconceptions about payment deadlines, underestimating taxes, and the importance of understanding state-specific extension rules. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Mistakes that people can make if they're filing an extension [01:41] Importance of filing for an extension by...

7 Tax Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Your 2025 Taxes, Ep#296

Retire With Ryan

Tax season is here, and if you’re just now gathering your documents to file your return—or preparing them for your CPA—this is the time to slow down and make sure you’re not making costly mistakes. In this episode, I walk through seven tax mistakes I frequently see both tax preparers and self-filers make when filing their returns. Some of these errors seem simple on the surface, but they can lead to penalties, missed deductions, delayed refunds, or paying more taxes than necessary. My goal in this episode is to help you avoid these pitfalls so you can file confidently and keep more of...

What We Still Don’t Know About Trump Accounts, Ep#295

Retire With Ryan

If you watched President Trump’s recent State of the Union address, you probably heard about the new Trump accounts, also known as 530A accounts. In this episode, I break down how these tax-advantaged investment accounts are designed to work, who qualifies, and—just as importantly, what we still don’t know. There’s been a lot of excitement, especially around the $1,000 seed money for eligible children. But before you rush to open one, there are several unanswered questions that deserve your attention. What Are Trump Accounts—and Who Qualifies? Trump accounts were introduced...

Is It Wise to Gift My Children Money While I’m Alive? Ep#294

Retire With Ryan

If you have children and you’ve been thinking, “Why wait until I’m gone to help them financially?”—this episode is for you. In Episode 294, I walk through the biggest things to consider before making gifts to your kids while you’re still alive, and I break down some of the smartest ways to do it without triggering unnecessary taxes. I’m seeing this trend more and more with my clients, and it makes sense. Financial markets have performed well, real estate has surged, and many retirees are in a stronger position than generations before them. But just because you can gift money...

Learn the ABCs of Medicare, Ep293

Retire With Ryan

If you’re approaching age 65, Medicare can feel overwhelming fast. Between Parts A, B, C, and D and the timing rules tied to each—it’s easy to make a costly mistake if you don’t understand how the pieces fit together. In this episode, I walk through the Medicare “alphabet,” explaining what each part does, when enrollment matters most, and how your decisions interact with the rest of your retirement plan. We also cover common questions that come up when clients transition from employer-sponsored coverage to Medicare for the first time. Whether retirement is right around the corner...

6 Changes To Social Security Happening in 2026, #292

Retire With Ryan

The landscape of Social Security is changing yet again. As we enter 2026, six big changes will impact both current and future retirees. I break down everything from the new cost of living adjustment (COLA), increases in the earnings test limit, and updated eligibility requirements, all the way to shifts in the full retirement age and the solvency projections for the Social Security Trust Fund. You’ll also hear practical tips on maximizing your Social Security benefits, how to prepare for what’s ahead, and why it’s more important than ever to have a solid retirement plan in place. ...

Protecting Your Schwab Accounts From A RAT Attack, #291

Retire With Ryan

Have you ever fallen victim to a RAT attack? No, not the furry kind, a Remote Access Trojan attack. I’m discussing how cybercriminals use social engineering to target victims, and the real-world impact these threats can have on your investment accounts and personal information. I reveal the latest tactics scammers use, and, most importantly, offer practical tips to help you recognize warning signs, safeguard your accounts, and minimize your risk, whether you’re an individual managing your retirement nest egg or a business owner overseeing company assets. You will want to hear...

Can I Contribute to My 401(k) and a Traditional IRA in the Same Tax Year?, #290

Retire With Ryan

A listener recently wrote in with a common and important retirement planning question: If I’m already maxing out my 401(k), can I also contribute to a traditional IRA in the same year? The short answer is yes—but whether it makes sense, and how much benefit you receive, depends on your income, tax situation, and long-term goals. In this episode, I break down how traditional IRA contributions work alongside employer-sponsored retirement plans, when those contributions are deductible, and what options are available if your income is too high for a deduction. We also explore alternative...

Top 5 Growth ETFs to Own For 2026 and Beyond, #289

Retire With Ryan

Last week, we covered the best investments to preserve your money, but this week we are shifting gears to focus on growth. For retirees, the goal is to have an income that outpaces inflation, and historically, the best way to achieve that is by having 50% to 70% of your portfolio invested in stock funds. In this episode, I break down five specific Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that can help you grow your wealth in 2026. I discuss why I prefer ETFs over mutual funds, specifically focusing on cost, transparency, and liquidity, and provide the exact ticker symbols and expense ratios for the funds...

More Episodes

As we turn the calendar to 2026, I reveal my forecasts for the stock market, interest rates, and top asset classes, and take a look back at how my 2025 predictions stacked up against reality.

From the S&P 500’s rollercoaster performance to the ongoing rivalry between growth and value stocks, and even a showdown between bitcoin and gold, I break down what the numbers were, where I hit the mark, and where I missed. You’ll also hear my insights on international versus U.S. stocks, the outlook for small caps, and what the Federal Reserve might do with interest rates in the year ahead.

Get ready for smart strategies, listener thank-yous, and a dose of investing reality as I help you set expectations (and goals) for the year to come!

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

00:00 Happy New Year!
04:34 S&P 500 Trends and Predictions.
07:49 Market Trends & 2025 Predictions.
08:54 Bitcoin vs Gold & Stock Returns.
11:17 Importance of diversifying with international stocks.
14:20 Investment Predictions for 2026.
17:36 Stay invested to make the best financial gains.

How did my 2025 market predictions fare?

2025 turned out to be another rollercoaster, with both triumphs and challenges for investors. Beginning with an impressive performance, the S&P 500 flirted with a 20% annual return, after two previously remarkable years (+25% in 2023 and +23% in 2024). Volatility struck early in April due to concerns about tariffs and political tensions, leading the index to drop as much as 18% year-to-date before rebounding sharply.

The market often experiences significant intra-year declines, on average, 14-15% since the 1970s, so these swings are more common than many investors realize. Despite underestimating the final S&P 500 return in my 2025 prediction, it’s important to stick with your plan through turbulence.

Growth vs. Value

One of the perennial debates in investing is whether growth stocks (think Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft) or value stocks (like JPMorgan, Walmart, and Berkshire Hathaway) will come out on top. While value historically outperformed over the long term, the last decade and a half has belonged to growth. I predicted value would outperform in 2025, but growth eked out the win yet again, maintaining its streak. The ETF comparison, Vanguard’s VONG for growth and VONV for value, shows just how close the race was, with both categories putting up strong numbers.

Large vs. Small Caps: The Size Dilemma

Size matters in investing, particularly when it comes to large-cap (S&P 500) versus small-cap (Russell 2000) stocks. I expected small caps to shine in 2025, but large caps led for the fifth consecutive year. The good news is that small caps narrowed the gap, hinting that a turnaround could be on the horizon as economic and regulatory shifts potentially favor these underdogs.

Bitcoin vs. Gold

For those seeking diversification, Bitcoin and gold are often top contenders. After years of jaw-dropping surges and gut-wrenching drops for Bitcoin, 2025 saw gold steal the spotlight with a phenomenal gain, its best showing since the 1970s, while Bitcoin stumbled. Still, I believe Bitcoin’s day in the sun isn’t over and predict it will bounce back in 2026.

U.S. vs. International

Global diversification hasn’t paid off for U.S. investors in recent years, as U.S. stocks consistently outpaced their international counterparts. In 2025, the tides turned and international stocks delivered their strongest performance in 15 years, besting the S&P 500’s return. It’s a timely reminder not to ignore the opportunities abroad, even if I feel U.S. equities still have the edge for 2026 due to ongoing innovation and growth potential.

Interest Rates and Federal Reserve

Few factors move markets like interest rate decisions. Predicting three cuts and a year-end rate of 3.5–3.75%, I called it accurately for 2025. Looking to 2026, I expect another two cuts, with possible changes in leadership at the Fed adding an extra dose of uncertainty.

Key Takeaways for 2026

So, what’s the game plan for the coming year? I predict a tempered 8.5% return for the S&P 500, a possible value and small-cap renaissance, Bitcoin’s comeback, U.S. stocks leading, and a cautious but optimistic approach to interest rates. But the most valuable advice is to stay invested. Market timing is notoriously difficult, and missing just a few of the market’s best days can devastate long-term returns. For those investing for a comfortable retirement, discipline and diversification remain your best allies.