Why you have it and what to do about it.

Financial stress is a response to a specific, often temporary, financial problem that can be resolved through specific action. As an example, you are about to close on a home purchase and are uncertain if loan underwriting will be completed in time. These stressors can be quickly alleviated with the right course of action and often resolve themselves in time.

Financial anxiety involves more pervasive worry that can paralyze action, making it difficult to address the core of a financial issue. We may not even be conscious of our anxiety, but it manifests itself through a general discomfort that can lead to suboptimal decision making.

Think of someone desperate to earn the approval of another, and in doing so unnaturally acquaint themselves with avarice. While not necessarily financially devastating, it can lead someone down a path into personal ruin.

It’s important to confront your anxiety to address its genesis. Only then can you begin to improve the quality of your life and move on to the next stage of your development.

This is the topic of discussion in today’s episode. Ben and Brent talk about how they’ve addressed financial anxiety and what to do when you inevitably face this ubiquitous force.

Sources:

https://www.kitces.com/blog/distinguish-financial-stress-from-anxiety-and-client-communication-strategies-to-help/

______

About your Hosts

Ben Jones

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karastick.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

Learn more about Brent and follow his newsletter --> https://infinitewealthplanning.net/about-us/#founder

______

Editor

Trevor Gargano

Financial Advisor Marketer

Trevor@nwmgadvisors.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

______

Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

______

Disclosure:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Advisors associated with National Wealth Management Group may be either (1) registered representatives with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisor representatives of National Wealth Management Group; or (2) solely investment advisor representatives of National Wealth Management Group, and not affiliated with LPL Financial. Investment advice offered through National Wealth Management Group, a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

​The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation or specific advice.

Another year, different in how you make it.

2025 is here and so are the renewed pressures of the ego to break through yet another motivational barrier. The root of the word sublime stems from Latin to mean, roughly, high threshold. The things that are most worth doing are not easy.

Sublime is a subjective word. It’s true meaning found at that point where your aspirations meet the outset edge of your competency. To find it, you need to be introspective and self-aware.

This is the ethos of effective goal setting. Goals are not fun to set because they invite discomfort through a tolerable degree of invitational suffering. But through them we discover that extraordinary things can be achieved through incremental efforts.

While setting goals starts with an honestly aware self, meeting those goals requires consistent action of the most ordinary kind. Almost mundane, really, which is what can make accomplishment so tough.

In 2025’s first MAP episode, Brent and Ben discuss their thoughts on the subject with the hope that some can find encouragement. It also serves to hold ourselves accountable to our goals for the content they deliver.

Happy New Year and may you discover your own personal sublimity through this new 12-month journey in time!

______

About your Hosts

Ben Jones

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karastick.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

Learn more about Brent and follow his newsletter --> https://infinitewealthplanning.net/about-us/#founder

______

Editor

Trevor Gargano

Financial Advisor Marketer

Trevor@nwmgadvisors.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

______

Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

______

Disclosure:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA & SIPC.. Advisory services offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Brent Gargano is solely an investment advisor representative of National Wealth Management Group, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial. Any opinions or views expressed by Brent Gargano are his own and are not those of LPL Financial

Ben and Brent wrap up 2024 with a conversation on the state of the housing market. Prices of single family homes continue to edge higher, being up 6% year over year. This is on top of a record increase in median single family home prices over the past decade which now totals 102% according to Freddie Mac.

While unaffordability infects already strained budgets, forcing some households to quarantine in low rate mortgages or rents, we continue to see enough demand on low inventories push prices higher. Homes are still selling quickly and people are moving despite 7% mortgage rates.

The same irresistible natural force that drives birds to their nesting habitats recently drove Brent and his family from the inner 275 loop to the suburbs of Northern Cincy. Ben is in the midst of buying a home and about to list his family’s West Chester home of 11 years in search of status and garage space.

Are they making mistakes abandoning their sub 3% mortgage rates in pursuit of quality of life improvements? Or are they moving with the natural flow of the market incentives as part of the “great capitulation”?

Listen in to find out the answers to these questions and much more!

______

About your Hosts

Ben Jones

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com

Sign up for Ben’s newsletter at www.karastick.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

Learn more about Brent and follow his newsletter --> https://infinitewealthplanning.net/about-us/#founder

______

Sources:

Lending Tree, Mortgage Statistics: 2025

https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/u-s-mortgage-market-statistics/

Redfin, 12/12/2024 Homebuyer Press Release

https://investors.redfin.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1233/redfin-reports-homebuying-demand-sitting-near-highest-level

Redfin, 2025 Predictions

https://investors.redfin.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1228/redfins-2025-predictions-pent-up-demand-will-lead-to

______

Editor

Trevor Gargano

Financial Advisor Marketer

Trevor@nwmgadvisors.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

______

Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

______

Disclosure:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA & SIPC.. Advisory services offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Brent Gargano is solely an investment advisor representative of National Wealth Management Group, LLC, and not affiliated with LPL Financial. Any opinions or views expressed by Brent Gargano are his own and are not those of LPL Financial

There was a lot to discuss with family this Thanksgiving. The election, stocks ripping, the return of crypto mania, and, of course, the evergreen subject of ‘the culture war’. In many households, Thanksgiving takes its shape as thoughtsgiving as outspoken opinions crowd out any notion of contentment.

Few things can be as goading as that one relative who works in their trading fortunes into any conversation, conflating luck with genius. You’ll definitely know by the end of the conversation how much they claim to be worth. You’ll also know who will be the least generous person come gift giving season in a month’s time.

This begs the question, what money topics are appropriate to discuss with friends and family? When should you be cautious, and when is a good time to disclose? These are not simple questions and the answers require nuance to address.

______

About your Hosts

Ben Jones

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com

Author, www.karastick.com

@thekaratstick

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

Follow Ben's Financial Newsletter 'Karat Stick' - https://www.karatstick.com/

__

Brent Gargano, CFPⓇ

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning

www.infinitewealthplanning.com

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

Read Brent's latest blog post, 'Election Update: What To Expect For Investments,' and follow his newsletter for more content --> https://infinitewealthplanning.net/election-update-what-to-expect-for-investments/

______

Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

______

Editor

Trevor Gargano

Financial Advisor Marketer

Trevor@nwmgadvisors.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

______

Disclosure

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Please consult with a qualified legal professional to find out if any of the strategies discussed are right for you. Neither Ben or Brent are licensed attorneys and cannot provide legal advice.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA & SIPC.. Advisory services offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

In this episode, Ben and Brent discuss some of the possible economic implications of the election along with common year-end best tax optimization practices. As we approach the end of the year and the start of 2025, one thing becomes clear: change is on the horizon. Like viewing a hurricane from the shoreline, it’s tough to gauge the strength of its winds and the endurance of the force, but we know it is coming.

Download Our 2024 Year End Checklist - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LoVkEDMscu6Lo-u91u-NxVh2cYdeQdKL/view?usp=sharing

______

About your Hosts

Ben Jones

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com

Author, www.karastick.com

@thekaratstick

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

Follow Ben's Financial Newsletter 'Karat Stick' - https://www.karatstick.com/

__

Brent Gargano, CFPⓇ

Founder & Advisor, Infinite Wealth Planning

www.infinitewealthplanning.com

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

Read Brent's latest blog post, 'Election Update: What To Expect For Investments,' and follow his newsletter for more content --> https://infinitewealthplanning.net/election-update-what-to-expect-for-investments/

______

Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

______

Editor

Trevor Gargano

Financial Advisor Marketer

Trevor@nwmgadvisors.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

______

Disclosure

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Please consult with a qualified legal professional to find out if any of the strategies discussed are right for you. Neither Ben or Brent are licensed attorneys and cannot provide legal advice.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA & SIPC.. Advisory services offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

As we approach the end of the year and the season of generosity, it is appropriate to address the topic of gifting. Gifting money and assets is not as straightforward as it may seem. Assuming you will receive a tax deduction for charitable contributions is often incorrect and can result in a reduced charitable contribution than otherwise intended.

Also, there’s no hard and fast rule that you must give to 501(c)(3) organizations. Sometimes effective giving means looking beyond the tax savings so see how you can effect the most good for the people around you. Join Ben and Brent as they delve into this subject and we hope you glean a thing or two from the conversation.

______

About your Hosts

Ben Jones

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com

Author, www.karastick.com

@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

______

Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

______

Editor

Trevor Gargano

Trevor@nwmgadvisors.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

______

Disclosure:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA & SIPC.. Advisory services offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

What is your default setting when confronted with the prospect of saving more? Do you immediately think about how you can cut expenses or do you think about different ways to increase your income? There is a limit to how much you can reduce your expenses, especially if you have dependents. Your ability to earn, on the other hand, is open ended. There are realistic limits, of course, but many never reach their true income potential. Join Ben and Brent as they discuss some different ways you can do this.

______

About your Hosts

Ben Jones

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com

Author, www.karastick.com

@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

______

Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

______

Editor

Trevor Gargano

Trevor@nwmgadvisors.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

______

Disclosure:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA & SIPC.. Advisory services offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Low cost investment providers such as Vanguard have commoditized investing, pushing wealth managers to broaden their scope to deliver value. When “S&P and chill” effectively summarizes a sensible approach to wealth building, what more is there for advisors to do? Just as Warren Buffett’s advice “be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful” is easy in concept, difficult in application, so is optimal wealth management.

Managing wealth effectively involves much more than selecting investments. It involves managing emotions, career, tax liabilities, and purpose. Growing advice practices have embraced all aspects of managing wealth using a holistic life coaching approach. Effective Advisors understand that there are just some needs the “S&P and chill” approach cannot address and seek to fulfill qualitative human needs.

______

About your Hosts

Ben Jones

Managing Director, National Wealth Management Group

www.nwmgadvisors.com

Author, www.karastick.com

@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

______

Sources

McKinsey & Company Wealth Management 2030 Study:

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/on-the-cusp-of-change-north-american-wealth-management-in-2030

Summary:

• 420k advisors in the US and Canada
  • 80,000 are CFPs
• Advisors aging - down to 25% under 44 years old from 33% in 2010
  • 7,000 advisors expected to retire in the next 5 years
• Advisors will need to cater more to Millenials and Gen X as wealth transfers
• Planning is shifting to be more goal based, requiring the integration of behavioral coaching/mindset management
  • Only 39% of affluent families have a written financial plan
• Fees are shifting to be more subscription focused or ongoing vs one time and commissions
• Advisors are becoming more diverse - Women currently represent 33% but likely to be 50% over time, minorities currently 20% go to 40%, and 50% will be 30-40 years old
• Advisors will shift from investment managers to focus on insurance, banking, healthcare, protection, estate, and tax.
• Advisors will have more transparent user ratings, as opposed to word-of-mouth business
• Successful advisory firms will be able to leverage technology to drive costs down to remain competitive as automated options become more prevalent
  • 2 models that can win:
    • Broader servicing larger amounts of clients at scale
    • Hyper focused planning for HNW clients - currently 60% of the revenue generated by advisors

______

Follow our socials to support the podcast; see extra clips and announcements!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyalchemistpod/

X: https://twitter.com/moneyalchpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556458987483

______

Editor

Trevor Gargano

Trevor@nwmgadvisors.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-gargano-72727b67/

______

Disclosure:

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA & SIPC.. Advisory services offered through National Wealth Management Group, LLC a registered investment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.