Retirement Plan Playbook

The US just launched strikes on Iran. Oil spiked from $70 to over $120 a barrel. The Strait of Hormuz is shut down. And your portfolio? Brent, Matthew, and Josh break down exactly what the Iran conflict means for your retirement — and why panic-selling might be the riskiest move of all. First up: the oil shock. The guys walk through why crude prices jumped 63% in 10 days, why gas went from $3 to $3.45 nationally (and close to $6 in California), and what that means for everything from supply chains to your grocery bill. Josh pulls in a Landman reference to explain why oil touches every corner of the economy — and why markets got so nervous so fast. Then the conversation turns to the big question every client is asking: should I move to cash? Matthew lays out what history actually tells us about war and markets — stocks have held up better than most people think, thanks to the "war machine" effect on GDP. But this time there's a wrinkle: consumer confidence just hit a 12-year low, unemployment ticked up to 4.4%, and if oil stays elevated, inflation could push back above 3%. The team discusses the stagflation scenario, why the Fed's backward-looking data is making things worse, and what the new Fed chair could mean for rates. The practical segment is where it gets actionable. Brent explains his rebalancing strategy and why he's been sitting on cash since November waiting for this kind of pullback. Josh makes the case for sticking to your plan and not turning off retirement contributions. And Matthew talks Roth conversions — why a market dip could actually be the perfect time to convert at a lower amount. All three share what they're personally doing (or not doing) in their own portfolios right now. The episode wraps with personal updates: Brent's back at Orangetheory and feeling better than he has in two years, Josh just finished Landman Season 2 (perfect timing with the oil talk), and Matt's daughter learned to ride a bike in about an hour using a Guardian balance bike. Timestamps Key Takeaways Links & Resources

After a long break from the studio, Brent, Matthew, and Josh are back — and they've got a lot to catch up on. First up: Roth conversions. They're everywhere on social media, and clients are walking in the door asking about them. But should you actually do one? The guys break down when a Roth conversion makes sense, when it doesn't, and why paying the tax bill out of pocket changes the entire equation. Matthew shares a recent client projection that showed a million-dollar difference in inherited wealth — but it's not a slam dunk for everyone. Then the conversation shifts to AI — and it gets real. Brent tells the full story of how he used Claude to negotiate a car purchase entirely through text messages, landing the best price, the best rate, and catching a $3,000 paperwork error the dealership missed. Matthew talks about using AI to analyze his genetics and build a kid-friendly meal plan. And the team discusses how AI is already replacing medical scribes, editing podcasts, and doing the day-to-day work that used to take hours. They also get into the darker side of AI and social media — bots, AI slop, dead internet theory, and why arguing in comment sections might mean you're talking to a computer. The episode wraps with personal updates: Matt's reffing AYSO soccer, Josh's son just started T-ball on the Dodgers, and Brent's savoring his last season as Little League president before his son ages out. Timestamps Key Takeaways Links & Resources https://evermont.comhttps://retirementplanplaybook.com

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the biggest tax updates from the newly passed legislation—including enhanced deductions, a new investment account for newborns, and how these changes impact retirees, business owners, and investors. Plus, the team discusses how the market rebounded to all-time highs, what AI is fueling next, and why financial planning is more essential than ever. 📊 Here’s what we cover: 🧾 The SALT deduction cap is back (and higher!)—who benefits and who gets phased out 👴 A new $12,000 deduction for retirees—what to know before you file 🏦 Estate tax exemption locked in at $15M per person—what it means for families 👶 Newborn “Trump Accounts”—seed money from the government, tax-deferred growth, and major flexibility 📈 Why the market is at all-time highs despite volatility, tariffs, and war chatter 📉 Should you rebalance now or keep buying into strength? Plus: Travel tips, TSA pre-check wins, and a debate over Real IDs you didn’t know you needed. 👉 Feeling unsure how this new tax law affects your financial plan? Visit evermont.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.📲 Subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find retirement advice that actually works.

Despite geopolitical tension, a trade war scare, and inflation noise, the market is holding steady—and the tax landscape just shifted big time. In this episode of Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk unpack the surprising strength in markets, the economic signals investors should pay attention to, and how the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” could reshape retirement and tax planning. 🎯 In this episode: 📰 Middle East conflict & World War III fears – What’s priced in and what’s not 💥 Tariffs fade, markets rebound – Why staying invested is paying off again 📉 Inflation cooling & rate cut signals – Are we heading for stability or slowdown? 🏛️ The “Big Beautiful Bill” – What’s in the tax extension and why it matters 👶 MAGA Accounts (yes, really) – $1,000 for every newborn starting in 2025? 💼 Social Security tax credit workaround – What retirees need to know 📈 IPO fever returns – AI, crypto, and fintech startups are fueling investor excitement Plus, the guys talk about family travel tips, educational vacations, and the value of showing kids real history vs. just poolside relaxation. 👉 Need help adjusting your retirement plan for taxes, market changes, or new legislation? Visit evermont.com to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover smart, timely retirement guidance.

Just weeks after the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs, the market snapped back with one of the biggest rallies in modern history—and if you followed the playbook, you were ready. In this episode of Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the market rebound, the political pivot, and how diversification, patience, and AI-powered earnings helped investors come out ahead. 📈 Here’s what we cover: 📰 The 90-day tariff pause that sparked a 12% S&P rally 🧠 Why panic-selling during volatility destroys long-term wealth 🌍 International and emerging market stocks—are they still holding up? 🏠 Housing gridlock: Why nobody’s moving, and how to think about real estate today 🤖 AI earnings, job growth, and economic resilience: What’s real and what’s hype? 📊 GDP contraction vs. private investment surge—are we slowing or just adjusting? Plus, we talk about retirement timing, recession fears, and why more people are hitting pause—not on retirement, but on making any decision at all. 👉 If you're unsure how to adjust your portfolio or plan after the tariff chaos, visit evermont.com for a free retirement consultation. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review! It helps others find smart, timely advice for a stronger financial future.

Tariffs are back—and they're not subtle. In this emergency episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the sudden and aggressive return of U.S. tariffs, the economic chaos they’ve already triggered, and how investors should respond. From market drops to rising prices, supply chain shakeups, and a looming recession, the guys unpack it all—with sharp insight, strong opinions, and real strategies for staying on track. 📉 Here’s what we get into: 🚨 Trump’s tariff shock: What was announced and why it blindsided markets 📈 Are we already in a recession? Larry Fink thinks so 🧾 Tariffs = Taxes: What this means for U.S. consumers and businesses 🛠 Can manufacturing come back to the U.S.—or is that just a fantasy? 🔁 What investors should (and shouldn't) do right now: rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, cash management 💣 How this could affect the election, Congress, and Powell’s next move This episode is your full breakdown of what just happened, why it matters, and how to respond with a level head. 👉 Need help navigating this storm? Visit evermont.com to schedule a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review to stay informed—and stay ready.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk cover the spring 2025 financial landscape—from filing taxes to hot market trends like gold, Chinese stocks, and AI IPOs. Whether you’re wrapping up your return or wondering where to invest next, this episode offers clarity in a time of questions. 📊 Here’s what we cover: 🧾 Tax season tips – What you can still do before the deadline 📈 High interest savings & unexpected tax bills – Why you might owe this year 🔒 Proactive tax planning for 2025 – Reduce next year’s bill by starting now 🪙 Gold & Chinese stocks – Flash in the pan or a long-term play? 🌍 The return of international markets – Is diversification finally paying off? 🚀 AI IPO excitement – CoreWeave is going public... is the window opening? Plus, we debate, investing psychology, Disney vs. California Adventure, and which streaming shows are dominating right now. 👉 Want to make 2025 your most financially confident year yet? Visit www.evermont.com to schedule your complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay informed and stay in control of your financial future.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk tackle the latest market pullback and what it means for investors. Is this a normal correction, or are we headed for something bigger? More importantly—what should you do (or NOT do) right now? 🔍 Here’s what we cover: Plus, we discuss political influences, tariffs, and the latest AI-powered tools reshaping the financial landscape. 👉 Nervous about the market? Now is the time to review your strategy. Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay informed, stay invested, and keep your retirement plan on track.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk break down the biggest financial concerns shaping 2025. With economic shifts, political changes, and market volatility, investors are growing increasingly nervous—so what does it all mean for your portfolio and retirement plan? 🔍 Here’s what we cover: Plus, we discuss the importance of reassessing your investment strategy, how to prepare for uncertainty, and why now might be a great time to rebalance your portfolio. 👉 Feeling uncertain about your retirement strategy? Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay ahead of the market and your financial future with expert insights every week.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk explore whether 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years to retire. With strong market performance, rising Social Security benefits, and the continued evolution of AI, this year presents unique opportunities—and challenges—for those considering retirement. What we cover in this episode: Plus, we discuss: 👉 Thinking about retiring or optimizing your financial plan? Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay ahead in your retirement journey with expert insights, real-world strategies, and engaging financial discussions.

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk dive into what 2025 has in store for the economy, markets, and retirement planning. From navigating California’s devastating wildfires to discussing inflationary trends and the impact of AI on technology and investments, this conversation is packed with timely insights and actionable advice. Here’s what we cover: Plus, we share personal health tech tips, investment strategies, and predictions for the year ahead. If you’re looking to stay ahead in your retirement planning and understand the forces shaping this year’s economy, this episode is for you. Contact Us: 📞 Call us at 909-296-7977 🌐 Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review. Let us help you build a better future, one episode at a time.

In this final episode of 2024, Brent Pasqua and Matthew Theal take a reflective dive into the major events and financial highlights of the year. From top year-end planning strategies to the evolution of AI and its impact on finance, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking discussions. They also share personal anecdotes, client success stories, and exciting plans for 2025. Tune in for insights that will help you close out the year strong and set the stage for success in the year ahead! Timestamps: Thank you for joining us throughout 2024. We’ll be back in 2025 with more insights, strategies, and exciting new content! Happy holidays! Resources Mentioned: www.evermont.comretirementplanplaybook.com Don’t forget to subscribe to The Retirement Plan Playbook for more expert financial insights and actionable strategies.

In this episode of The Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk of Evermont Wealth take you on a comprehensive journey through the world of financial planning, the current stock market landscape, and the evolving role of Bitcoin as an investment asset. Key topics include: Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to plan for retirement, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable tips to help you navigate today’s complex financial landscape. Key Quotes: Resources Mentioned: www.evermont.comretirementplanplaybook.com Don’t forget to subscribe to The Retirement Plan Playbook for more expert financial insights and actionable strategies.

In this episode, Brent, Matthew, and Joshua dive into the 2024 election results and discuss how the political changes may impact financial markets, investment strategies, and retirement planning. From analyzing tax implications to exploring market shifts, they offer insights to help listeners make sense of the evolving financial landscape. [00:01:00] Introduction to the Election and Market Sentiment [00:04:30] Polling Surprises and Election Trends [00:08:00] Financial Market Response: Stocks, Banks, and More [00:15:00] Potential Tax Changes and Policy Shifts [00:20:00] Key Concerns: Inflation, Tariffs, and Economic Growth [00:28:00] Closing Thoughts and Market Outlook Connect with Evermont Wealth: matthew@evermont.comjoshua@evermont.comEvermont.comLinkedIn: Matthew ThealLinkedIn: Brent PasquaLinkedIn: Joshua WinterswykLinkedIn: Evermont Wealth

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the importance of gifting and inheritance strategies. They explore how families can effectively transfer wealth, minimize tax burdens, and create meaningful impact through well-timed gifts. They also discuss the psychological and emotional aspects of giving and how to approach conversations around wealth transfer with loved ones. Key Topics Covered: World Series Discussion The hosts kick off the show with a light discussion about the Dodgers’ return to the World Series and how baseball brings joy and nostalgia. Negativity and Financial Media Brent, Matthew, and Josh discuss the pervasive negativity in both the media and in personal financial perspectives, particularly how clients often assume the worst, even when their portfolios are doing well. Gifting and Generational Wealth Transfer The conversation shifts to the main topic: gifting. The hosts discuss the emotional reluctance many older clients feel when it comes to gifting money to their children, and how families often struggle with the idea of wealth transfer. Strategies for Effective Gifting The hosts explain strategies to minimize taxes when gifting, including gifting shares with low-cost bases to children in lower tax brackets. They also highlight the benefits of front-loading 529 plans for education savings. Encouraging Gifting as a Positive Legacy Brent emphasizes the importance of not only gifting financially but also creating shared experiences. He encourages older generations to consider family vacations or experiences while they’re still able to enjoy them together. How to Start Conversations Around Gifting Joshua raises the point that families often don’t communicate enough about finances, which can lead to missed opportunities. The hosts offer advice on how to initiate these important discussions with parents or grandparents. Practical Gifting Examples and Financial Planning Insights Real-life examples of clients who have successfully used gifting strategies are discussed. The team also explains how to integrate gifting into an overall financial plan without disrupting the retirement lifestyle of the giver. Wrap Up and Recommends The hosts wrap up the show with a positive message about the benefits of well-planned gifting, both financially and emotionally. They also share their personal recommendations, including holiday lights and technology tips. Connect with Evermont Wealth: matthew@evermont.comjoshua@evermont.comEvermont.comLinkedIn: Matthew ThealLinkedIn: Brent PasquaLinkedIn: Joshua WinterswykLinkedIn: Evermont Wealth

Hosts Brent, Matthew, and Josh introduce the show, focusing on investment strategies, retirement planning, and current events. They discuss the importance of adaptability in volatile times, especially during political and economic uncertainty. [00:01:00] - Social Media and Distractions - The team discusses the distractions of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, highlighting how modern social media can clutter your life and be a source of misinformation. [00:03:30] - Political Events and Market Volatility - Discussion about the recent dock strike, unrest in the Middle East, and how these geopolitical events spooked the market. - Impact on oil prices and how the market reacts to major global events. [00:07:00] - Election Talk: Trump vs. Harris - The team dives into the upcoming election, debating whether the election results will have significant effects on the market. - Mention of Vegas odds favoring Trump by 3%, followed by speculation on how political changes could impact future market performance. [00:10:30] - Does Politics Really Affect the Market? - Brent and Matthew share historical data on how the market performs under Democratic versus Republican presidencies. - Key stat: Staying invested through different political regimes yields better long-term results than trying to time the market based on elections. [00:14:00] - How Presidents Impact Market Performance - Analysis of market performance under different presidents, including Bush, Obama, Clinton, and Reagan. - Discussion on how long it takes for presidential policies to affect the market and how much control a president really has over economic outcomes. [00:19:00] - Volatility Before and After Elections - The hosts discuss how volatility spikes before elections, especially in September and October, and how markets tend to calm down after elections through Inauguration Day. [00:21:00] - Diversification and Safe Haven Assets - The team stresses the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio during times of uncertainty, with safe haven assets like gold and treasury bonds being key components. - Matthew's take on investing in gold, and whether physical gold or gold ETFs are better options. [00:26:00] - Thematic and Political ETFs - The hosts introduce the concept of political and thematic ETFs, where you can invest in companies based on states or political ideologies, like the Texas-only ETF. - Insight into how political themes can influence stock performance and fund creation. [00:30:00] - Election Investment Strategies - Josh shares practical strategies for navigating election-related uncertainty, such as staying diversified, investing in safe havens, and adjusting portfolio allocations as needed. [00:33:00] - Betting on States: Texas vs. California - Fun debate on which states would be better for long-term investment, particularly with many companies leaving California for Texas. [00:35:00] - The Role of Behavioral Investing - The team discusses how investing behaviorally, with moves like allocating 5-10% of portfolios into gold or state-based funds, can psychologically relieve concerns during election periods. [00:36:00] - Wrapping Up: Diversification is Key - Final thoughts on the importance of staying invested and diversified through elections, global crises, and market volatility. Connect with Evermont Wealth: matthew@evermont.comjoshua@evermont.comEvermont.comLinkedIn: Matthew ThealLinkedIn: Brent PasquaLinkedIn: Joshua WinterswykLinkedIn: Evermont Wealth

Join the team from Evermont Wealth as they take you behind the scenes of the Future Proof Conference, the largest gathering of financial advisors and FinTech leaders. Hosted by seasoned financial planners Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk, this episode delivers key insights on the latest advancements in AI, wealth management technologies, and strategies for staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. [00:00] - Introduction: Hosts Brent, Matthew, and Joshua introduce the episode and discuss the Future Proof Conference. [00:01:30] - Overview of the Future Proof Conference: Importance of the event and its focus on cutting-edge FinTech. [00:02:30] - The Conference Experience: The beachside location and ease of attending close to home. [00:03:30] - Major Themes: AI advancements, new technologies, and tools for financial advisors. [00:05:00] - Networking and Learning from Vendors: Value of in-person meetings with vendors and its impact on client services. [00:06:00] - Notable Speakers: Insights from key industry figures like Jeffrey Gundlach and Dan Ives. [00:08:30] - The Role of Technology and AI: AI's role in wealth management over the next 2-3 years. [00:10:00] - Recap of Key Speakers: Takeaways from prominent speakers and their contrasting views. [00:12:00] - CNBC Moment: Brent shares a personal story of being on CNBC during the live broadcast. [00:14:00] - Financial Markets & Federal Reserve: Discussion on interest rate cuts and their impact. [00:16:30] - Real Estate and Bond Markets: The impact of rate cuts on real estate and bond markets. [00:22:00] - Apple Event Recap: Reflections on Apple's latest iPhone and AI features. [00:29:00] - Purchasing an iPhone: Best practices for buying a new iPhone. [00:33:00] - Annuities: Pros, cons, and how annuities are often mis-sold. [00:39:00] - Final Thoughts on Annuities: Appropriate uses for annuities and warnings on aggressive sales tactics. [00:42:00] - Recommendations of the Week: Joshua recommends upgrading to the new iPhone; Brent suggests adding electrolytes for hydration, Matthew suggest Camphor. Connect with Evermont Wealth: matthew@evermont.comjoshua@evermont.comEvermont.comLinkedIn: Matthew ThealLinkedIn: Brent PasquaLinkedIn: Joshua WinterswykLinkedIn: Evermont Wealth

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, hosts Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk discuss Kamala Harris tax proposal, stock market seasonality and changes to interest rates. The episode wraps up with a conversation about NFL season, a recent breakfast event for nurses, and product recommendations. 00:37 Hawaii Vacation Recap 05:25 Unexpected Apple Charges 13:28 Kamala Harris's Capital Gains Proposal 20:58 Seasonal Trends in the Stock Market 25:22 Federal Reserve Rate Cuts 27:53 Financial Planning Breakfast Event 30:02 NFL Season Predictions 31:13 Evermont Recommends Connect with Evermont Wealth: matthew@evermont.comjoshua@evermont.comEvermont.comLinkedIn: Matthew ThealLinkedIn: Brent PasquaLinkedIn: Joshua WinterswykLinkedIn: Evermont Wealth

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, hosts Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk delve into the complexities of the current stock market drop and its implications for the rest of the year. They analyze the recent market volatility, discussing the significant events such as an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, Biden's drop from the race, and the Japanese market crash. The trio offers comprehensive insights into how these factors contribute to market fluctuations and provide strategies on handling investments during such turbulent times. Additionally, the episode touches on global market interconnections, upcoming potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, and the importance of diversification to mitigate risks. The discussion also includes lighter moments, reflecting on the Olympics, LA's future host status, and personal recommendations for a well-rounded lifestyle. 01:06 Olympics Recap and Personal Reflections 04:52 Market Volatility and Economic Concerns 07:31 Tech Sector Analysis and Future Outlook 16:27 Federal Reserve's Rate Cut Speculations 16:49 Market Reactions and Economic Data 19:08 Investor Strategies Amidst Economic Uncertainty 19:54 Global Market Impacts and Diversification 22:09 Understanding the Yen Carry Trade 23:39 Managing Emotions and Market Timing 30:00 Market Recovery and Election Year Trends 30:37 Personal Recommendations and Final Thoughts Connect with Evermont Wealth: matthew@evermont.comjoshua@evermont.comEvermont.comLinkedIn: Matthew ThealLinkedIn: Brent PasquaLinkedIn: Joshua WinterswykLinkedIn: Evermont Wealth

In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, financial planners Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk from Evermont Wealth discuss the importance of teaching children about money. They provide practical tips for instilling financial literacy at different ages—from toddlers to adult children. The episode also touches on current market events, including the implications of a recent software crash by CrowdStrike and rising past due credit card balances. The hosts emphasize the importance of building emergency funds, understanding credit, and starting retirement savings early. Additionally, they recommend watching the Olympics Gold Zone and a trip back to the movies with 'Twisters.' 00:00 Catch-Up and Personal Updates 01:19 Introduction to the Retirement Plan Playbook 02:17 Teaching Kids About Money 03:32 Olympics 05:06 CrowdStrike Incident 08:28 Credit Card Balances and Economic Concerns 09:54 Stock Market Update and Political Uncertainty 12:53 Financial Literacy for Kids 18:44 Teaching Kids About Money: Allowance and Savings 19:03 Bank Visits and Financial Literacy for Preteens 20:41 Understanding Credit and Taxes for Teens 23:54 Gamifying Financial Education for Kids 26:21 Financial Planning for Adult Children 31:44 Saving and Retirement Planning 35:07 Evermont Recommends: Entertainment and More Connect with Evermont Wealth: matthew@evermont.comjoshua@evermont.comEvermont.comLinkedIn: Matthew ThealLinkedIn: Brent PasquaLinkedIn: Joshua WinterswykLinkedIn: Evermont Wealth