Mark Struthers

The Oedipus Effect & Self-Fulling Prophecy

The Oedipus Effect The Oedipus Effect refers to the phenomenon where a prediction or belief about an event influences behaviors in a way that causes the prediction to come true. The term is inspired by the story of Oedipus in Greek mythology, where attempts to avoid a prophecy inadvertently lead to its fulfillment. “What walks on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon, and three at night?” The answer is man. But what may be more of a riddle is why what makes America so strong also…

The Fed: Tariffs & Transitory

Tariffs & Transitory: Insights from the Latest Fed Meeting “Inflation can be volatile month to month, and we do not overreact to one or two readings that are higher or lower than anticipated.” — Fed Chair Jerome Powell In the Fed’s latest meeting, they left interest rates unchanged at 4.25%-4.5%. But what mattered more was what he said. The stay-the-course tone was well-received by the market, with the battered S&P 500 up 1.1% at the close. The Fed left interest rates unchanged, as expected,…

A Tarriff Tantrum

Tariff Tantrum Boy, That Escalated Quickly – Ron Burgundy How quickly things changed. Concerns over tariffs, inflation, a slowing economy, and even the s-word… stagflation have changed everyone’s mood. Sentiment dropped like a rock From Y-Charts So did PE Ratios (price you pay for earnings) From Y-Charts The first two and half months of the year have seen the tech-heavy Nasdaq down almost 10% and the S&P 500 down over 5%, both well off their all-time highs, if not in correction territory,…

Love & Money

https://youtu.be/KeAM2q_mJWA Summary In this conversation, Mark Struthers discusses the intricate relationship between love and money, emphasizing the importance of communication, trust, and shared financial goals in maintaining a healthy partnership. He provides practical tips for navigating financial discussions, such as creating a safe space for conversations, setting shared goals, and delegating financial responsibilities. Additionally, he …

Love & Money Read More »

Cash Flow Pre-Retirement

https://youtu.be/RY77nIwrxP8 Summary In this conversation, Mark Struthers discusses the importance of financial planning, particularly focusing on cash flow management as individuals approach retirement. He emphasizes the need for tracking expenses, understanding investments, and aligning financial goals with life stages to ensure a healthy and wealthy retirement. Struthers provides insights into the complexities of retirement planning, …

Cash Flow Pre-Retirement Read More »

Navigating Retirement: Insights from The Book ‘Being Mortal’

https://youtu.be/5GuoHl_lR2k Summary In this conversation, Mark Struthers discusses the intersection of healthcare decisions and retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of being an active participant in both areas. He explores the themes presented in the book ‘Being Mortal’ by Atul Gawande, highlighting key questions that individuals should consider regarding their fears, hopes, and understanding of their …

Navigating Retirement: Insights from The Book ‘Being Mortal’ Read More »

Retirement Expenses: The Floor & Ceiling

https://youtu.be/2va-ji6Qttk Summary In this conversation, Mark Struthers discusses various models for managing expenses and withdrawals in retirement. He emphasizes the importance of understanding retirement expenses, particularly healthcare costs, and presents different strategies such as inflation adjustment, retirement spending smile, guardrails, and floor and ceiling models. Each model has its advantages and is tailored to help …

Retirement Expenses: The Floor & Ceiling Read More »

Maximizing Retirement: The Role of Guardrails

https://youtu.be/pg17W9cJKi4 Summary In this conversation, Mark Struthers discusses retirement guardrails, strategies designed to help retirees manage their withdrawal rates and spending to maximize their portfolio longevity and enjoyment during retirement. He emphasizes the importance of adjusting withdrawal rates based on market performance and the potential benefits of starting with a higher spending rate. The discussion …

Maximizing Retirement: The Role of Guardrails Read More »

Expenses In Retirement: Retirement Stages

https://youtu.be/DMF5zRSJrmk Summary In this conversation, Mark Struthers discusses the often-overlooked topic of retirement expenses, emphasizing the importance of understanding spending patterns before and during retirement. He introduces two primary models for predicting retirement spending: the Retirement Spending Smile and the Retirement Spending Stages. Struthers explains how inflation affects retirement budgets and the necessity of planning …

Expenses In Retirement: Retirement Stages Read More »