The Get Ready For The Future Show

Fastest Four: Is the Bubble Going to Pop?

Are we living through another stock market bubble? With headlines warning of “frothy markets” and “sky-high valuations,” it’s easy to feel like we’ve seen this movie before. But according to LPL Research, today’s AI-driven rally looks very different from the dot-com boom of the 1990s.
In this week’s Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down:
How the AI revolution compares to the internet craze of the 90s
Why today’s valuations, while high, are supported by stronger profits and real cash flow
What history teaches us about staying disciplined through market highs
The bottom line? Fear should never drive your investment decisions. A diversified portfolio and a written financial plan are your best defenses against market noise.

GRFTFS: Figuring Out How Much Retirement Will Cost?

"I’m 54 and getting serious about retirement planning. We’ve got about $500,000 saved, but no clear budget for what retirement will actually cost us. How do we figure that out?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
I keep hearing about rebalancing your portfolio, but I don’t really understand what that means or when I’m supposed to do it. Can you explain?
I’m 47 and just changed jobs. I rolled over my 401(k), but my new employer doesn’t offer a match. Should I still use their plan or just go all-in on a Roth IRA?
We’re in our early 60s and thinking about retiring next year, but we’ve never worked with a financial advisor. What should we be looking for, and how do we know who’s actually qualified?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 10/1/2025

Fastest Four: The Government is Shut Down

A government shutdown began on October 1st, and while markets are still sitting at all-time highs, the impact could grow the longer it drags on. In this week’s Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down:
Why Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits keep flowing (but with possible delays)
How a prolonged shutdown could trigger market volatility and impact Federal Reserve decisions
The real economic cost — from furloughed workers missing paychecks to GDP shrinking
Bottom line: short-term uncertainty can rattle investors, but sticking to your financial independence plan is key.

GRFTFS: Planning for Two Retirement Timelines?

"My wife wants to retire next year at 62, but I’d like to keep working until 68. What’s the best way to plan income and investments with two different timelines?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
I’m 60 and have both a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. When the time comes, how do I know which one to withdraw from first?
I’m 66 and thinking about gifting money to our adult kids now, instead of leaving it to them later. Are there smart ways to do this without triggering taxes or regrets?
We’re both 55 and feel like we’ve done a decent job saving — about $600,000 so far. But we’ve never had an actual plan. How do we know if we’re even on track?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 9/24/2025

Fastest Four: Gold Prices Are Up…

Gold is having its “precious” moment, soaring more than 40% this year — its best run since 1979. But is it really the safe-haven hedge investors think it is? In this episode of The Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down:
Why gold prices are skyrocketing (weaker dollar, Fed rate cut expectations, central bank demand)
The risks of treating gold as a hedge or “can’t lose” investment
How gold compares to long-term stock market returns
Before you rush to buy, remember: gold is speculative, volatile, and doesn’t produce earnings or dividends. The bottom line? It may play a role in your portfolio, but it should never be driven by fear.

GRFTFS: What to Do with $400,000 in an Old 401(k)?

"I’ve got about $400,000 in an old 401(k) from a job I left years ago. Should I leave it where it is or roll it into something else now that I’m 55?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
I’m 61 and worried about inflation eating into our savings. We’ve got about $850,000 saved, but how do we protect our purchasing power without taking on too much risk?
We’re 57 and got spooked by the market last year. We moved a big chunk of money into cash. Now we’re not sure when—or if—we should get back in. Did we mess up?
We’re 63 and have some cash in the bank that we don’t need right away. Is it better to park it in a high-yield savings account or invest it for growth?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 9/17/2025

Fastest Four: The Fed Cut Rates, Again…

The Fed has entered the second year of its rate-cutting cycle—so what does history tell us about stock market performance from here? In this week’s Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down:
How the S&P 500 has historically performed in year two of rate-cutting cycles.
Why the outlook for 2026 depends heavily on avoiding a recession.
The mix of tailwinds (AI, productivity, fiscal stimulus) and headwinds (deficit spending, job market risks, tariff challenges) shaping the road ahead.
LPL Research suggests growth could continue, but uncertainty always remains. The key? Control what you can control—stay diversified and stick to your plan for true financial independence.

GRFTFS: What if You Don't Qualify for Long-Term Care?!

"How do you handle long term care if you don't qualify for long term care? What if I'm too old? What if I have health issues to preempt me from qualifying?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
I’m 59 and recently remarried. We both have adult kids and separate finances. How do we make sure our assets are protected but still plan together for retirement? With so much of my financial life online now, how do I know if I’m really protected?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 9/10/2025

Fastest Four: Interest Rates Are Going Down?

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates next week—possibly the first of several moves before Jerome Powell’s term ends. But what does that mean for unemployment, inflation, and the stock market?
In this week’s Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down:
Why unemployment and inflation data are pushing the Fed toward cuts
How rate cuts could impact businesses, consumers, and recession risk
The massive amount of cash sitting in money market funds—and what happens if it flows back into stocks
Bottom line: while the Fed may be data driven, your portfolio should be plan driven. Staying invested through volatility is still the best path toward your long-term goals.*
*All investing involves risk and no strategy assures success.

GRFTFS: Steps for a Business Succession Plan?

"I’m 58, own a small service company, and would like to retire around 65. I don’t have a formal succession plan or buyer lined up. What steps should I take now to transition out without leaving value on the table?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! And we're joined by special guest Kaleigh Marsh, Employee Benefits Consultant with Gallagher, for help answering your benefits questions!
I’m 51 and run a consulting business with just me and one part-time assistant. I already max out my Roth IRA, and my SEP IRA contributions vary based on income. I’d like to save more consistently—should I switch to a Solo 401(k), or consider taxable investments for more flexibility?
I’m 47 and recently converted my business from sole proprietorship to an S-Corp. I’m taking a salary plus distributions, but I’m not sure I’m using the best tax strategy. What should I be thinking about from a financial planning standpoint?
My wife and I are both 55 and run a family business together. Most of our net worth is tied up in the business, and we’ve fallen behind on personal retirement savings. How do we balance reinvesting in the business with securing our own future?
And if you've got a question you want answered on the show, call or text 501.381.5228! Or email your question to show@getreadyforthefuture.com!
Originally aired 9/3/2025