Happy New Year! We’re kicking off 2026 with a reality check on where your money stands right now.
The Good News: Gas prices dropped below $3/gallon. Inflation cooled to 2.7%. The Fed cut rates again. GDP grew 4.3% (surprisingly strong). Gold hit $4,500 an ounce. And 19 states raised minimum wages.
The Not-So-Good: Health insurance jumped 10-18%. Unemployment ticked up. Mortgage rates are stuck around 6.2%. And 80% of homeowners are unlikely to sell because they locked in rates below 6%.
The Big Picture: The stock market is outperforming the economy.
How It Affects You: I call it “millionaire malaise.”
Your 401k looks great. Your home equity is through the roof (no pun intended). If you bought before 2022, your assets look good on paper.
Yet you’re stressed out at the grocery store.
Everything costs more – insurance, groceries, everything except gas. Jobs are stagnant. People are stuck.
We’re experiencing the difference between wealth and income.
This is 2026: Wealthy on paper. Broke at the checkout line.
Whether you’re new to money management or a long-timer looking for clarity, this episode cuts through the noise to tell you what actually matters for your finances this year.
Download the free resource: AffordAnything.com/financialgoals
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Warren Buffett’s retirement
Gold hitting record highs above $4,500/oz in December
Stock market outperforming the broader economy
US inflation at 2.7% in December
Fed rate cut in December
Fed’s inflation expectations for 2025
Unemployment at 4.6% in November
JOLTS data and November jobs data
Commerce Department releases GDP numbers at 4.3%
Minimum wage increases in 19 states
Gas prices hitting record lows
Mortgage rates holding around 6.20%
Health insurance premiums up 10% (employer) and 18% (individual)
$12 billion USDA aid package for farmers
Timestamps
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(00:00) Welcome to 2026 and Your Top Financial Goal
(00:41) What This Podcast Covers and First Friday Format
(01:33) Warren Buffett’s Retirement and Investing Lessons
(04:48) November Jobs Report and Rising Unemployment
(06:11) JOLTS Data and Labor Market Churn
(08:04) Gold Hits Record Highs Above $4,500
(11:30) Inflation Rate December 2025
(12:54) Fed Rate Cut and Internal Disagreement
(15:46) GDP Grows 4.3 Percent
(17:00) Stock Market Outperforming the Economy
(19:11) Gas Prices Drop Below $3 Per Gallon
(21:20) Mortgage Rates Around 6.2 Percent and the Lock In Effect
(26:29) Minimum Wage Increases in 19 States
(28:23) Health Insurance Premiums Rising
(31:15) USDA Aid Package for Farmers
(33:16) Workers Over 50 Gaining Tech Skills
(35:20) Consumer Confidence Update
(36:28) Millionaire Malaise Wealth Versus Income
(37:54) Free Financial Goals Resource and Closing Advice
(40:22) Final Thoughts and Sendoff
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