Trends with Benefits

Explore U.S. fiscal uncertainty, tariff shifts, Fed changes, and why stronger emerging market fundamentals may offer diversification despite tighter spreads.

Explore how fintech and AI expand access to personalized financial guidance, regardless of wealth level, and why human connection is vital in the age of AI with Connective CEO Ian Rosen. 00:00 Introduction 02:49 The Gaps in Financial Education and Advisory Services 09:08 Building Trust in Financial Services 13:03 Addressing Financial Anxiety and Health 14:37 The Journey to Founding Connective 23:08 The Future of Human Connection in Wealth Management 31:36 The Ripple Effect of Financial Support 32:31 The Need for Financial Professionals 42:24 Trend or Fad?

Explore Bitcoin's recent price drawdown, the four-year halving cycle, leverage unwinds, market structure shifts, and why long-term Bitcoin adoption continues to advance despite near-term volatility.

Explore today's ETF landscape, including retail usage, AI in portfolios, market outlook, regulations, and the rise of active ETFs with President and Director of Research at ETF.com, Dave Nadig. 00:00 Introduction 02:27 ETF Awards and Innovations 04:41 State of the ETF Landscape 12:01 Regulatory Changes and ETF Launches 17:59 Active ETFs and Market Trends 32:04 Navigating the Challenges of Private Investments 38:05 Emerging Trends in Investment Products 40:23 The Impact of AI on Investment Strategies 53:18 Trend or Fad?

Learn about the importance of behavioral finance in understanding investor emotions, decision-making, and common behavioral mistakes investors make with Chief Behavioral Officer, at RFG Advisory, Brendan Frazier. 00:00 Introduction 03:29 Journey into Behavioral Finance 12:21 Behavioral Mistakes Investors Make 14:17 The Impact of Past Experiences on Financial Behavior 22:43 The Rivalry Between Current and Future Sel 25:15 Understanding Client Goals and Motivations 30:50 The SAFE Framework for Clients 38:11 Setting Expectations to Mitigate Fear 42:39 The Impact of Technology on Human Behavior 44:56 Trend or Fad?

Hear how understanding individual money stories and shared contributions helps couples build a healthier relationship with each other through money, with Money Together authors Douglas and Heather Boneparth. 00:00 Introduction 02:06 The Book Launch and Reception 10:59 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Financial Views 21:05 Navigating Difficult Conversations About Money 31:39 The Importance of Financial Knowledge 32:11 Joint vs. Separate Accounts 34:26 Navigating Financial Agency 36:23 Addressing Non-Financial Risks 39:43 Planning for Future Caregiving 42:01 The Impact of Technology on Relationships 44:30 Trend or Fad?

Learn how online investing is redefining transparency, trust, and community for the next generation of retail investors from Blossom CEO Max Nicholson. 00:00 Introduction 02:22 What Is Blossom? 07:14 Privacy vs. Transparency 09:20 Blossom Origin Story 19:59 Where Blossom Fits in the Investor Lifecycle 22:05 Can Tech Help Advisors Serve Smaller Accounts? 29:45 Covered-Call & Single-Stock ETFs: Education vs. Yield-Chasing 34:00 Is the Meme-Stock Era Over? 35:57 Diversification vs. Thematics 39:45 Long-Term Retail Trends 47:24 Trend or Fad?

Hear how women breadwinners can take control of their finances through intentional planning, clear goals, and confidence.

In this episode of Trends with Benefits, Ed Lopez sits down with Larry McDonald, Founder of the Bear Traps Report, to discuss the current state of financial markets. Larry dives into signals pointing to potential economic turbulence, from mounting consumer credit pressures to persistent inflation. He shares insights on the growing investor shift toward hard assets amid de-dollarization and global tensions and weighs in on how demographics are reshaping asset allocation. The conversation also touches on the future of AI, energy infrastructure, and the changing dynamics of passive investing, highlighting why reading market signals is more critical than ever.

Steph Guild, CIO and Director of Investment Strategy at Robinhood, shares insights on AI, next-gen investors, market shifts, and financial education.