Upticks: A Financial Planning & Investment Podcast

How do you know whether you have enough money to retire? And what questions should you be asking your financial advisor?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake Falcon is joined by Jake Cross, CFP®, Director of Financial Planning and Partner at Falcon Wealth Advisors, to answer common financial planning questions.

They discuss why comparing your savings with others can be misleading, how to determine retirement readiness using spending and cash flow, and why a financial plan should guide investment decisions rather than simply chasing returns.

They also explore long-term care insurance, healthcare costs, tax planning, artificial intelligence, speculative investments, and why regular financial planning meetings remain important even when life seems unchanged. ---------------

📘 Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html

📩 Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

📰 Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html

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#retirementplanning #financialplanning #retirementincome #wealthmanagement #uptickspodcast

How do investment professionals evaluate individual stocks, and what matters most when deciding whether a company belongs in a portfolio?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake Falcon is joined by Falcon Wealth Advisors' Chief Investment Officer, Conner Hanlon, CFA®, for a conversation about the financial markets and the research behind investment decisions.

They discuss corporate earnings, AI infrastructure spending, inflation, higher interest rates, geopolitical developments, and the risks associated with concentrated market exposure. Conner also walks through how the investment team evaluates potential holdings, including diversification, financial performance, debt, management, and long-term business prospects.

The discussion concludes with their outlook for 2027 and how AI-driven productivity could influence companies across different industries. ---------------

📘 Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html

📩 Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

📰 Get Jake's weekly blog

https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html

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#stockmarket #fundamentalanalysis #investing #artificialintelligence #uptickspodcast

Should you begin collecting Social Security at 62 because you're concerned about future benefit cuts?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory examine the projected Social Security funding shortfall and what it could mean for people approaching retirement. They discuss the trade-offs between claiming early and delaying benefits, why a future funding issue does not necessarily make early claiming the right decision, and how financial plans can account for uncertainty.

The conversation also explores hypothetical benefit reductions, the importance of maintaining spending flexibility, potential changes to Social Security funding, and why predicting what Congress will do is not a substitute for financial preparation. ---------------

📘 Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html

📩 Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

📰 Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html

📱Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/ https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#socialsecurity #retirementincome #financialplanning #retirementplanning #uptickspodcast

The 10-year Treasury yield is above 5%. Does that mean retirees should reduce stock exposure and rely more heavily on bonds?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory discuss why an attractive Treasury yield does not automatically eliminate the need for diversification. They examine liquidity, interest-rate risk, bond ladders, long-term growth, and the different purposes served by stocks, bonds, and cash.

The full conversation also explores what households should review in a higher-rate environment, including debt, cash management, borrowing assumptions, home purchases, and whether a primary residence should be evaluated like a traditional investment. The larger takeaway is that higher rates create more options—but each asset and liability still needs to support the complete financial plan. --------------- 📘 Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

📩 Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

📰 Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html?utm_source=libsyn&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=notes_from_jake

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#treasurybonds #retirementincome #interestrates #investing #uptickspodcast

How much information should parents share with their adult children about money, estate plans, accounts, and a possible inheritance?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory discuss how to prepare family members to step in without revealing every dollar or encouraging someone to depend on a future inheritance. They explore what a spouse or adult child should know, what may reasonably remain private, and why awareness of a financial plan is different from having legal authority to act.

The complete conversation also covers what younger adults may need when they begin investing, when professional financial guidance may become appropriate, how inheritance expectations can affect behavior, and how a family meeting can create greater clarity.

---------------

📘 Get your complimentary guide to retirement

https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html

📩 Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

📰 Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html

📱Follow Jake and Cory

https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/

https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#familyfinances #financialplanning #inheritanceplanning #generationalwealth #uptickspodcast

What should someone approaching retirement do after the Federal Reserve raises interest rates?

Jake and Cory agree that a single Fed decision should not automatically cause someone to abandon a thoughtfully constructed financial plan. They disagree, however, about how much influence monetary policy has over inflation, consumer behavior, housing prices, and broader financial conditions.

In this episode of Upticks, they discuss what higher rates can mean for borrowers and savers, whether retirees may be tempted to hold too much cash, why the Fed does not directly determine every consumer interest rate, and why long-term financial decisions should not depend on a short-term rate prediction. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#retirementplanning #interestrates #federalreserve #investing #uptickspodcast

How can parents and grandparents give the next generation a stronger financial starting point? Is the financial system truly rigged—or does it simply reward people who already own assets? And should investors take extraordinary cryptocurrency and national-debt predictions seriously?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake shares what he learned from opening a 529 plan and Trump Account for his newborn son. Jake and Cory also examine a speculative cryptocurrency theory and discuss why asset ownership, financial literacy, access to advice, and early action can significantly influence someone's future financial opportunities. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#529plan #trumpaccounts #financialliteracy #assetownership #uptickspodcast

Can the economics of socialism be discussed without becoming partisan? Should the Federal Reserve hold interest rates steady? And does residential real estate offer the returns many investors assume?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory discuss why affordability has made simple political promises more appealing, how monetary policy and consumer behavior interact, and why real estate returns should be evaluated after accounting for leverage, expenses, taxes, concentration, and limited liquidity. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#economics #interestrates #realestateinvesting #financialliteracy #uptickspodcast

What should you do with a 401(k) after leaving an employer? Should private equity be included in workplace retirement plans? And when does a Roth conversion deserve consideration?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory discuss three financial decisions that are often treated as automatic answers. They explain why each choice should instead be evaluated within the context of an individual financial plan, including investment strategy, access to retirement funds, taxes, liquidity, and long-term goals. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/retiring-right-e-book.html

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/notes-from-jake.html

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#401k #retirementplanning #rothconversion #privateequity #uptickspodcast

What happens when leverage, confidence, and speculation collide? Jake and Cory begin this episode by discussing a highly leveraged hedge fund and the risks of investing with borrowed money. They also explain how options strategies may help executives manage concentrated company stock before turning to a deeper question: Is retiring as early as possible really the right goal?

The conversation explores the difference between financial independence and leaving work, why purpose remains important in retirement, and why a complete retirement plan should address what you are retiring to—not only whether you can afford to stop working. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#retirementplanning #financialindependence #investing #stockoptions #uptickspodcast

What separates a successful retirement plan from one that's simply invested?

In this solo episode of Upticks, Jake shares five practical lessons he's learned from more than 20 years of helping clients prepare for retirement. He explains why financial organization, tax planning, flexibility, and aligning your investments with your personal goals often matter more than chasing market performance.

Whether you're approaching retirement or simply looking to improve your financial plan, this episode offers practical ideas you can apply today. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en #retirementplanning #financialplanning #retirement #investing #uptickspodcast

In this episode, Jake and Cory begin by revisiting the growing conversation around private investments inside 401(k) plans and why they remain skeptical of the trend. They also discuss the rise of index investing and understanding what you own.

They debate whether high earners should own vacation homes, when renting may make more sense than buying, and ways lifestyle decisions can have a bigger impact than financial projections alone.

Finally, at what point does money stop changing your life? Drawing from years of client experience, they discuss the differences between financial security, purpose, cash flow, and happiness. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#retirementplanning #networth #401k #financialindependence #wealthmanagement

In this episode, Jake and Cory react to a listener-submitted article about proposed 401(k) changes that could make private equity and other alternative investments more accessible. They explain why they believe retirement plans should stay simple and discuss the risks of adding complexity to long-term investing.

The conversation then turns to retirement planning, including a debate on the biggest risks retirees face, the challenge of "golden handcuffs," and why decisions about retirement can often involve more than just money. They wrap up with a discussion on mega backdoor Roth contributions and when they may—or may not—make sense. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=upticks#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/ #retirementplanning #goldenhandcuffs #401k #rothira #financialfreedom

In this episode, Jake and Cory dig into reasons smart, successful people still make bad investment decisions. Pointing to recency bias, overconfidence, and financial media that markets fear and greed instead of sound strategy.

They break down their belief of compound interest (not stock picking) being a better path to retirement, and ways "save first, spend second" can solve more money problems than people realize.

The conversation wraps with a candid look at money in relationships. Reasons joint vs. separate accounts matter less than actually talking about finances, and ways couples can get aligned instead of avoiding the conversation altogether. --------------- Get your complimentary guide to retirement https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html

Get Jake's weekly blog https://falconwealthadvisors.com/index.html#ID2GUSO1Sj8Upy1QWdqVxHOM

Question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Watch clips of this episode on YouTube https://youtube.com/@uptickspodcast?si=H2Nj_aq7Jdh9AIc4

Follow Jake and Cory https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/corybittnerkc/

#investingwisely #wealthbuilding #financialfreedom #retiresooner #smartmoneymoves

What does financial freedom really look like? Are we chasing wealth or just the appearance of it?

In this episode, Jake and Cory dive into the psychology behind money decisions, from homeownership and lifestyle inflation to raising financially independent children and resisting the urge to keep up with the Joneses.

The conversation also tackles a question many parents wrestle with: when does helping your children become enabling them? Jake and Cory share perspectives on teaching financial responsibility, setting healthy boundaries, and preparing the next generation for independence.

Plus, they examine why some multimillionaires still feel broke, how consumer culture influences spending habits, and reasons your most valuable asset may not be your money but your time. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#financialplanning #retirementplanning #personalfinance #wealthbuilding #financialfreedom #moneymindset #investing #financialeducation #moneymanagement #uptickspodcast

Are Roth conversions a smart tax strategy or one of the most overhyped ideas in retirement planning? Should retirees stay invested aggressively? Do most people really need an annuity? And when is the right time to claim Social Security?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory tackle some of the biggest debates in retirement and financial planning. Drawing from decades of combined experience working with retirees, they break down popular financial strategies and explain reasons the right answer often depends on your personal goals, cash flow needs, and long-term plan.

The discussion covers the pros and cons of Roth conversions, the myth that age should determine your investment allocation, reasons annuities remain controversial, and key factors to consider when deciding when to start Social Security benefits. Jake and Cory also explore a topic that affects nearly every retiree: spending habits. They discuss why retirement spending doesn't always decrease as expected

Whether you're preparing for retirement, already retired, or simply looking to make more intentional financial decisions, this episode offers practical insights designed to help you think differently about your money. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#retirementplanning #financialplanning #rothconversions #socialsecurity #investmentstrategy #wealthmanagement #taxplanning #retirementincome #personalfinance #falconwealthadvisors

In this milestone 400th episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory celebrate how far the show has come and dive straight into what matters most: answering listener-driven questions shaping today's financial landscape.

This episode is packed with sharp insights on one of the biggest themes in investing right now: the surge of AI-related IPOs. With companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic dominating headlines, Jake and Cory go beyond the hype to help investors explore whether these record-breaking debuts could actually move the market or simply fuel speculation.

They tackle the growing "democratization" of IPO investing, questioning whether easier access is empowering investors or exposing them to unnecessary risk. From market concentration and index inclusion to the realities of profitability versus excitement, this discussion is grounded in experience-based perspective. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com

Teach a man to fish… or give him everything?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory tackle one of the most misunderstood truths in financial planning: there's no one "right" answer—only better questions.

We break down the real trade-offs behind major financial decisions, including: • Is real estate better than stocks—or just more work? • How much international exposure could your portfolio need? • Are "boring bonds" still worth owning in today's market? • Should you retire the moment you can… or wait? • And one of the biggest debates of all: Do you spend your money… or leave it behind?

From concentrated risk and hidden ROI to legacy planning and financial independence, this conversation challenges many investor questions. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#financialplanning #investing #retirementplanning #wealthbuilding #realestateinvesting #stockmarket #personalfinance #financialliteracy #wealthmanagement #upticks

Most people follow "common sense" financial advice…

But what if some of those rules are actually costing you money?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down some of the most popular financial questions and strategies—and challenge whether they make sense. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#retirementplanning #financialadvice #wealthmanagement #investingstrategy #moneymistakes #mortgagetips #indexfunds #financialfreedom #retirementtips #moneyeducation

Are smart, successful professionals unknowingly making retirement planning mistakes?

In this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory break down some of the most common retirement myths. Even the ones high earners and financially savvy individuals may still believe. From assuming your expenses will drop in retirement to relying on outdated rules of thumb, these misconceptions can quietly derail your long-term financial plan.

They also unpack a popular strategy used by ultra-wealthy investors where they borrow against their stock instead of selling it. They explain reasons why it may not be as safe or accessible as it sounds. --------------- 📘 Get Jake's bestselling book — Retiring Right https://falconwealthadvisors.com/jake-falcon-book-signup.html?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=rr_ebook 📩 Have a question for Jake and Cory? Email Luke directly → luke@falconwealthadvisors.com --------------- Upticks is your podcast for financial planning insights. Hosted by Jake Falcon, CRPC™ and Cory Bittner, CRPC™, who discuss the philosophy of wealth management, exploring tailored retirement plans, tax planning, and timely industry topics. Join us for concise, understandable discussions that help empower your financial literacy. --------------- Connect with Jake Falcon, CRPC™ https://www.facebook.com/jake.falcon.524 https://www.instagram.com/jake_falcon_crpc/?hl=en https://twitter.com/jakefalconcrpc https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakefalconfalconwealthadvisors

#retirementplanning #financialliteracy #retirementmyths #wealthmanagement #financialstrategy #personalfinance #retirementincome #investingsmart #moneydecisions #falconwealthadvisors