Henssler Money Talks is your trusted resource for your money, your future, your life. We discuss current market conditions and financial planning encompassing spending, saving, taxes, investments, insurance, retirement, estate plans, and more. We are here to answer your financial questions—email drgene@henssler.com or call 1-855-429-9166. Money Talks: Your trusted resource for your money, your future, your life.
What is the Fed, and why does Jerome Powell seem to have Wall Street on speed dial? This week, the “Henssler Money Talks” hosts unpack the power and purpose of the Federal Reserve—who runs it, who appoints them, and how their decisions ripple through everything from Treasury bonds to your credit card APR. We break down the rates the Fed actually co…
What is the Fed, and why does Jerome Powell seem to have Wall Street on speed dial? This week, we unpack the power and purpose of the Federal Reserve—who runs it, who appoints them, and how their decisions ripple through everything from Treasury bonds to your credit card APR. We break down the rates the Fed actually controls (spoiler: it’s not all …
Leasing isn’t just for cars anymore—it’s becoming a business model for everything from HVAC systems to washers, dryers, refrigerators, and water heaters. While leasing can ease upfront costs, it often comes with long-term financial drawbacks. We explore when it makes financial sense to lease instead of buy, the impact on your cash flow, and why eve…
When it comes to money decisions, the numbers don’t always win. This week, we’re diving into how behavioral finance influences the way we approach big purchases—like deciding whether to buy, lease or finance a car or home renovation that stretches the budget. While one option might make the most sense on paper, your lifestyle, habits, and even emot…
On this episode, K.C. breaks down what it really means to retire with a pension. While guaranteed income sounds great, he highlights the often-overlooked downsides—like inflation risk, limited control, and the danger of not saving enough on your own. The Henssler Money Talks hosts also explain why even pensioned workers should consider saving indep…
Three weeks ago, we dug into the details of what pet ownership can cost over the lifetime of a pet; however, those totals didn’t include what fines you might get if your pet decides to run wild! We look at some cases of animals on the loose in Atlanta, including pet baboons, buffaloes, and pythons. According to the 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey…
In this episode, we sit down with Justin Wagner, AIF®, Henssler Financial’s Director of Business Development, to explore the real value of offering—and participating in—a 401(k) plan. For employers, we discuss the end of traditional pensions and why the shift toward defined contribution plans like the 401(k) makes sense today. Justin explains how c…
A mid-year review isn’t just about catching up; it’s about getting ahead. The “Henssler Money Talks” experts walk through what you should be reviewing with your adviser now: spending, saving, taxes, investments, and any major life changes. From rebalancing your portfolio to making smart tax moves, small adjustments now can make a big difference by …
This week, we dive into Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation packed with bold promises: historically large tax cuts, rising wages, lower spending, tougher border security, and protections for Medicaid. We unpack what’s actually in the bill—and how it could affect your paycheck, your benefits, and the broader economy. Ov…
There’s a lot of cash sitting on the sidelines in low-yield savings accounts, earning next to nothing. Instead of settling for 0.5% interest, we explore smarter options like high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, short-term CDs, and Treasury bonds. We break down the difference between saving and investing—and why your idle Venmo balance m…
There’s a lot of cash sitting on the sidelines in low-yield savings accounts, earning next to nothing. Instead of settling for 0.05% interest, we explore more savvy options like high-yield savings accounts, money market funds, short-term CDs, and Treasury bonds. We break down the difference between saving and investing and why your idle Venmo balan…
Amid alarming headlines about the U.S. dollar losing its status as the world’s reserve currency, the “Henssler Money Talks” hosts break down the realities behind the rhetoric. From the strength of multinational earnings to the unlikely viability of a BRICS-backed currency, we explain why the dollar’s dominance—and your portfolio—remain on solid gro…
June 14, 2025: Discord in Margaritaville, Trade Tensions, and the Dollar Debate We’re back this week with a mix of headlines and hard truths—from estate drama to economic indicators that could shake the markets. We kick things off with a real-world look at just how messy estate planning can get—even when it’s done in advance. Jimmy Buffett’s widow …
We sit down with estate planning attorney Christopher Reeves of Reeves Law, P.C. to break down the essentials of protecting and transferring wealth. From the core documents every estate plan needs — like wills and powers of attorney — to the differences between probate and non-probate assets, Chris explains it all in plain English. Original Air Dat…
In this episode of “Henssler Money Talks, we kick things off with a market update covering the latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment readings, and ongoing trade talks impacting global markets. Then, we sit down with estate planning attorney Christopher Reeves of Reeves Law, P.C., to break dow…
The “Henssler Money Talks” hosts examine the rise of artificial intelligence in the financial services industry. While AI could bring greater efficiency, it also introduces new risks related to privacy and cybersecurity. Could investors one day be onboarded by an adviser’s AI assistant? It’s possible—but the value of personal relationships and huma…
Market futures surged from Wednesday night into Thursday morning after the Court of International Trade halted Trump’s tariffs—adding another twist to the ongoing trade policy saga. We explore how President Trump’s tariff threats and announcements have repeatedly sparked market volatility, often leading to sharp declines followed by rebounds when h…
On May 16, after the market closed, Moody’s became the third major credit rating agency to downgrade the U.S. government’s debt rating. The cut comes at a time when global confidence in U.S. debt is wavering, and Congress is debating a tax bill that could further increase the national debt. We examine what this downgrade means and whether it reflec…
Did you know that the median retail investor spends only six minutes researching a stock before buying it? Most of that time is spent staring at a price chart—often just the current day’s movement. Nick compares the limited “research” many individual investors conduct to the extensive analysis performed by Henssler’s research analysts. K.C. then ta…
“Henssler Money Talks” hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, consider how artificial intelligence is transforming industries—and if the electric utility sector is next? As data centers power the future, utilities may see rising demand and revenue. But is this a strategic move or just market timing in disgui…
We kick off with the latest developments in U.S.–China trade talks. The government just cut tariffs by 115%, effectively returning us to the original 30% rate where this economic game of chicken began. Is this The Art of the Deal in action—persistence, bluffing, and pushing boundaries to secure favorable “deals”? Next, AMC is trying to lure movie b…
We explore what it really means to work with a financial adviser in retirement—going beyond investments to examine every aspect of your financial life. From rolling over your 401(k) to building a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and risk capacity, it’s a deep dive that compares to a financial root canal—but one that can set you up for …
It was a strong week for the markets, with the S&P 500 posting solid gains, driven by upbeat economic data and a newly announced trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K. The April jobs report surpassed expectations, with steady unemployment, while the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, citing caution amid shifting global conditions. We als…
We’re breaking down the price-to-earnings ratio—one of the most popular ways investors try to gauge if a stock is a good buy. Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, as they explain that P/E isn’t a silver bullet; interest rates, earnings growth, and market d…
In this week’s market discussion, we kick things off with listener questions on historical price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios—specifically, whether there are “new norms” for determining if a stock is overvalued—and how the rise in gold over the past 50 years compares to major stock indices. We also cover the recent market volatility and the factors dri…
Nearly half of U.S. parents are still footing the bill for Gen Z and millennials—shelling out an average of $1,500 a month. Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, as they unpack the latest data, explore why working-age Gen Z is receiving the most support, an…
Nearly half of U.S. parents are still footing the bill for Gen Z and Millennials—shelling out an average of $1,500 a month. We’ll unpack the latest data, explore why working-age Gen Z is receiving the most support, and ask: How is it impacting parents’ annual spending and financial plans? Piggybacking off of supporting your adult children, we’re al…
Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, join K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, who brings together his two favorite topics: college sports and finance. Nico Iamaleava was essentially forced off the University of Tennessee’s football team over a dispute tied to an NIL agreement. He potentially lost millions before ever seeing a dime—which begs the q…
With tariff headlines changing by the day, it's tempting to react—but that could be a costly mistake. We’ll break down why chasing policy noise is a fool’s game, why our stance at Henssler remains grounded in facts not forecasts, and how our Henssler Ten Year Rule is designed to help you ride out this kind of manufactured volatility. Despite ongoin…
Can you fund your retirement by selling Air Jordans? We learned that Hermès Birkin bags have averaged an annual increase in value of 14.2%, outperforming the S&P 500—but are they truly investments? Investors often view illiquid assets positively because they’re tangible, whereas stock investments can be up one minute and down the next. We explore t…
It has been a wild ride in the markets since “Liberation Day.” With global reactions to Trump’s aggressive tariff plan, intraday swings ranging from 2% to 10%, and a surprise 90-day suspension of tariffs, the volatility is far from over. In this episode, we discuss Trump’s escalating trade war with China, the massive moves in the bond markets, what…
Special guest Jacob Keen, CFA, Henssler’s Director of Investments, joins Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, to take a deep dive into Henssler’s portfolio strategy, explaining how diversification plays a crucial role in managing risk. Original Air Date: April 5, 202…
In this episode, we dive into Trump’s proclaimed ‘Liberation Day,’ a bold move that slapped tariffs ranging from 10% to 90% on key imports—aimed at reshaping trade relationships, addressing imbalances, and bolstering domestic manufacturing. Joining us is special guest Jacob Keen, CFA, Henssler’s Director of Investments, who not only unpacks the pot…
Watching the tariff war shift from day to day can give investors whiplash. On Henssler Money Talks, Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, along with Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, discuss what tariffs are, their potential impact on businesses and consumers, and the administration’s broader economic str…
Is Your Genetic Makeup for Sale? 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and customers are flocking to the site to delete their data. However, the company says it won't change how it protects customer information. But what happens if someone buys the company? How much of your data is out there? We explore how to protect your personal informati…
Imagine being relatively confident that when you need to sell your investments for liquidity, the market would be up! On “Henssler Money Talks,” Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, explain our Henssler Ten Year Rule strategy, which allows investors to stay invested …
We start with a detailed breakdown of the Henssler Ten Year Rule, explaining how it allows investors to weather downturns without selling equities. Then, we break down the latest market volatility, how inflation uncertainty is affecting the Producer Price Index and consumer Sentiment, and the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain monetary policy. …
Original Air Date: March 15, 2025 From AI to GameStop to marijuana stocks, thematic investing has driven some of the hottest market trends in the last five years—but are these themes still delivering? The “Henssler Money Talks” show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barke…
Henssler Money Talks — March 15, 2025 Season 39, Episode 11 This week on "Henssler Money Talks," show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, discuss the subscription economy, what services we’re using and their perceived value, and how price hikes could change co…
Original Air Date: March 8, 2025 The “Henssler Money Talks” show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, discuss the market’s volatility. Despite only being down 5% from the all-time high, many investors want to pull back their equity exposure as emotions are driv…
Henssler Money Talks — March 8, 2025 Season 39, Episode 10 This week on "Henssler Money Talks," show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, discuss the market’s volatility. Despite only being down 5% from the all-time high, many investors want to pull back their …
Original Air Date: March 1, 2025 The “Henssler Money Talks” show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, explore the idea circulating in Washington of creating a Sovereign Wealth Fund for the United States. They examine the potential benefits and drawbacks, includ…
Henssler Money Talks — March 1, 2025 Season 39, Episode 9 This week on "Henssler Money Talks," show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, discuss the week’s major news, including Nvidia’s earnings, consumer sentiment, and the latest cost-cutting measures from th…
Original Air Date: February 22, 2025 The “Henssler Money Talks,” show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, welcome Matthew Reed, CPA/ABV, a Tax Director with Henssler CPAs & Advisers, to join them in a strategy session about investors facing a key tax decision.…
Henssler Money Talks — February 22, 2025 Season 39, Episode 8 This week on "Henssler Money Talks," show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, welcome Matthew Reed, CPA/ABV, a Tax Director with Henssler CPAs & Advisers, to discuss the benefits of having your fina…
Original Air Date: February 15, 2025 The “Henssler Money Talks” show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, answered key questions from seniors about required minimum distributions (RMDs)—specifically, whether it's better to take them at the beginning of the year…
Henssler Money Talks — February 15, 2025 Season 39, Episode 7 This week on "Henssler Money Talks," show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, examined the impact of reciprocal tariffs on Consumer Sentiment. They also reviewed the latest earnings reports and the …
Original Air Date: February 8, 2025 The "Henssler Money Talks," show hosts, Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, discuss relationship investment scams, offering advice on warning signs to watch for and how working with a trusted financial adviser can help protect aga…
Henssler Money Talks — February 8, 2025 Season 39, Episode 6 This week on "Money Talks," show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, reviewed the week’s market movements in response to earnings announcements, new U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, and China’s retalia…
Original Air Date: February 1, 2025 This week on "Henssler Money Talks," show hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, shed light on when and why investors should consider selling their stocks. When a market disruptor shakes investor confidence, suddenly everyone i…