Libsyn Directory

6 Stock Market Predictions For 2026, #286

Release Date: 12/30/2025

3 Ways To Make The Most of Your Restricted Stock Units, #317

Retire With Ryan

On the show this week, I answer a listener question about restricted stock units, or RSUs—what they are, how they're taxed, and the best strategies for managing them as they vest. I'll take an in-depth look at different types of vesting schedules, tax implications, and the practical choices you have when your RSUs become available. This episode is all about giving you clear guidance to help you make informed decisions about RSUs and making sure your retirement strategy is on the right financial track. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... 00:00 Explanation of...

Accessing Your 401k Early With The Rule of 55, #316

Retire With Ryan

For many Americans, the idea of retiring before age 59 and a half often seems out of reach, particularly when the bulk of their savings sits in an employer-sponsored 401(k) or 403(b) plan. Traditionally, the tax code penalizes early withdrawals from these accounts. However, the Rule of 55 could open the door to a more flexible, penalty-free early retirement. On this episode, I’ll share more about this IRS provision, who qualifies, how to use it wisely, and potential hazards to avoid. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Overview of the Rule of 55 and...

How To Avoid Taxes On The Sale Of Your Primary Residence, #315

Retire With Ryan

For many retirees, their home isn't just a place of comfort, it’s one of the largest assets on their balance sheet. However, beyond the emotional value and the years of accumulated equity, there's an often-overlooked reality: selling your primary residence can bring an unexpected tax bill. If you’re contemplating a sale or want to ensure you’re planning wisely, understanding the IRS’s primary residence capital gains exclusion is essential. On the show this week, I break down what this exclusion means, who qualifies, how to maximize its benefits, and the critical planning steps to avoid...

Give Your Child or Grandchild A Head Start On Retirement With a Trump Account, #314

Retire With Ryan

On July 4, 2026, a groundbreaking opportunity opened for parents and guardians aiming to give their children a head start on their financial journey: Trump Accounts. Created as part of the OBBA Tax Act (“One Big Beautiful Bill” Tax Act) of 2025, these tax-advantaged investment vehicles provide a unique way to grow wealth for minors. In this episode, I break down what Trump Accounts are, who’s eligible for generous bonuses, how to get started, and how they compare to other common savings options like 529 plans. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00]...

Avoid These 7 Scenarios to Keep Your Medicare Premiums Lower In Retirement, #313

Retire With Ryan

Medicare brings peace of mind to millions of retirees, but for those with higher incomes, there’s an added layer of complexity called IRMAA—the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) crosses certain thresholds, you may end up paying substantially more for your Medicare Part B and Part D coverage. In this article, we break down how IRMAA works, outline common scenarios that may unexpectedly raise your premiums, and offer actionable strategies to help you avoid unnecessary costs during your retirement years. You will want to hear this...

Do Actively Managed Funds Perform Better Than Index Funds In Volatile Markets? #312

Retire With Ryan

When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most commonly faced decisions is how to invest for long-term growth and stability. In turbulent times, market volatility often generates renewed debate on whether index funds, or their actively managed counterparts, offer the better path for accumulating wealth. On this episode of the show, I’m unpacking what index funds are, how they stack up against actively managed funds, and what the latest data reveals about performance during both quiet and volatile markets. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... ...

Is Your Money Safe With Schwab or Fidelity? #311

Retire With Ryan

This week, I’m tackling a question that’s on the minds of many investors: How safe is your money with major brokerage firms like Fidelity and Charles Schwab? In light of recent high-profile bank collapses and widespread concerns about financial security, I discuss how banks and brokerage firms operate differently, what protections exist for your investments, and what would happen if a major brokerage firm were to collapse. Whether you’re considering how best to safeguard your assets or wondering about the real risks of brokerage failures, this episode will provide the clarity and peace...

How To Make Your Brokerage Account Work Like A Roth IRA, #310

Retire With Ryan

When it comes to planning for retirement, Roth IRAs have gained widespread attention for their tax-advantaged status and the promise of tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Financial experts, YouTubers, and podcasters have been touting the benefits of contributing to or converting assets into Roth accounts for years. But an often-overlooked vehicle could empower you to manage your investments just as efficiently: the humble taxable brokerage account. Surprisingly, with the right strategy, you can even pay 0% capital gains tax, mirroring one of the biggest appeals of a Roth. You...

5 Reasons To Not Invest Your Retirement Savings In Variable Annuities, #309

Retire With Ryan

Variable annuities are often promoted as a secure way to generate guaranteed income during retirement, drawing the attention of retirees seeking stability for their nest eggs. But beneath the surface, these products frequently come with complications and costs that can erode your savings and limit your financial flexibility. In this episode, I share the details of the often-overlooked downsides of variable annuities and give you some important insights every investor should consider. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [03:14] What is a Variable Annuity?...

Avoid These 4 Scams To Protect Your Retirement Savings, #308

Retire With Ryan

This week, we tackle the alarming rise in financial scams targeting retirees and their hard-earned savings. With insights straight from the FBI and real-world examples of scam attempts, I break down the key tactics used by fraudsters and reveal the subtle ways they can gain access to your retirement accounts. From sophisticated account takeovers to fake invoice emails, you'll learn the warning signs to watch for—and, most importantly, practical strategies to protect yourself and your financial future. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] How...

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.