The Get Ready For The Future Show

Fastest Four: Stock Market Over-Valued?

Is today’s stock market priced too high? Economist Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors, has been warning that the market is overvalued by roughly 40% based on his fair value model of the S&P 500.
In this week’s Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down Wesbury’s analysis:
Why rising Treasury yields could drag stock values lower
Why First Trust has set a year-end S&P 500 target of 5,200 (a potential 19% drop)
What AI, big tech, and other sectors may mean for long-term growth opportunities
Bottom line: Expect volatility in the coming months, but remember—the key is to stay invested for long-term growth while working with a financial advisor to make smart adjustments along the way.

GRFTFS: Rental Property for Retirement Income?

"We’re 53 and thinking about buying a rental property for income in retirement. What should we watch out for before jumping in?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
I’m 59 and not in great health. Should I take Social Security early just in case, or wait and hope for the best? My husband wants to keep working part-time after retirement, mostly for the health insurance. Is that really the best reason to keep working? We’re 65 and have Medicare, but we’re unsure whether to stick with Original Medicare or switch to Advantage. What are the real trade-offs?
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 8/27/2025

Fastest Four: Consumer Confidence Down?

Consumer confidence just slipped to 97.4, sparking concerns about the economy. But is it time to panic—or stay the course?
In this week’s Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down:
What the consumer confidence index really measures
Why younger Americans are driving the decline
How tariffs and inflation are weighing on outlooks
What investors should (and shouldn’t) do when headlines turn negative
The bottom line: Don’t let short-term fears derail your long-term strategy. A well-diversified plan is your best defense in any economy.

GRFTFS: Too Conservative with Our Investments?

"We’re 60 and worried we’re too conservative with our investments. We’ve got $850,000 but very little in stocks. Is it too late to adjust our risk?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
I’m 62 and just started collecting Social Security, but I also inherited a small IRA from my sister. What are the tax implications of that inheritance? I’m 45, remarried, and have kids from a previous marriage. How do I structure my estate plan so everyone’s protected fairly? We’re both retiring in two years, and we’re not sure whether to move our 401(k)s to IRAs or leave them where they are. What’s the difference?
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 8/20/2025

Fastest Four: The Next Gen Isn't Ready

Generation X may be headed toward retirement unprepared. According to recent studies, Gen Xers have lower savings, higher debt, and less financial confidence than other generations.
In this week’s Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the numbers and shares 4 practical action steps every Gen Xer should take right now to avoid falling behind:
Eliminate Debt – Why creating margin is the single biggest move you can make.
Build a Real Emergency Fund – How much you actually need and why it matters.
Don’t Count on an Inheritance – The risks of relying on future wealth transfers.
Make a Retirement Plan – How to project your savings into real income for the future.
Retirement success doesn’t happen by accident.

Fastest Four: Trump's 401(k) Changes

Retirement savings are front and center in Washington — and President Trump’s latest 401(k) proposals could impact how you save, invest, and access your money. In this week’s Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, Alec Daril breaks down the three biggest potential changes:
Bigger Catch-Up Contributions – Why those 50+ could save even more before retirement.
Expanded Investment Choices – The opportunities and risks of a bigger 401(k) menu.
Penalty-Free Withdrawals – When you might access funds early without a 10% penalty.
These changes aren’t law yet, but they could reshape retirement planning for millions of Americans. Learn what they mean for your strategy — and why the fundamentals of retirement success still come down to consistent saving, smart investing, and avoiding early withdrawals.

GRFTFS: Have We Missed the Boat On Life Insurance?

"We’re 58 and have never had life insurance. Is it still worth looking into, or have we missed the boat?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show!
We're in our early 60s and just sold our business and netted about $1.4 million. How do we turn that into sustainable retirement income without blowing it? My spouse is risk-averse, but I’m more comfortable with market risk. How do we find a retirement strategy we can both live with? I’m 50, work in healthcare, and my employer offers a pension. How does this fit with my other savings?
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 8/6/2025

Fastest Four: 7 Urgent Market Updates Investors Can’t Ignore

The markets are moving fast—and so should your strategy. In this week’s Fastest Four Minutes in Finance, John Shrewsbury breaks down seven key developments shaping the investment landscape in August 2025:
Fed Rate Cut Watch – Why the next move could come in September
Slowing U.S. Economy – Consumer weakness and rising delinquencies
Big Tech Dominance – AI-powered earnings are lifting the S&P 500
The AI Investment Surge – Billions are transforming business productivity
Tariff Tensions Return – Trade risks with India, Brazil, and Switzerland
Treasury Debt Strategy – What $6 trillion in T-bills means for investors
S&P 500 Technical Trends – Volatility ahead, but also opportunity

GRFTFS: Self-Employed with No Formal Retirement Plan?

"I’ve been self-employed for years and never set up a formal retirement plan. At 55, is it too late to catch up — or should I just invest in a brokerage account?" We're answering YOUR questions on this week's Get Ready For The Future Show! ✅ We’re 57 and have a paid-off house worth $500,000, but not much in retirement savings. Should we consider a reverse mortgage later on? ✅ We’re 63 and thinking about converting part of our IRA to a Roth before RMDs hit. How do we know if it’s the right time? ✅ I’m 48 and earn too much to contribute to a Roth. Should I look into backdoor Roth strategies, or just focus on my 401(k)? All this straight talk and more LIVE, Wednesday at 11:30!🎙️ - ❓ Have your own questions? Call or text us at 501.381.5228 or email show@getreadyforthefuture.com. We're here to help you navigate the journey to true financial independence. See you there!
 
Originally Aired 2025.07.30

Fastest Four: Trump Tariffs & Investor Reactions

The U.S. economy roared back in Q2 with a surprising 3% GDP growth, but don’t be too quick to celebrate. In this week’s Fastest 4 Minutes in Finance, Scott Inman breaks down the mixed signals behind the headline number—from falling investment and cautious inventory spending to the lingering effects of President Trump’s tariff policy. We’ll unpack: - Why the 3% GDP growth may be misleading - How tariffs and private inventory drops are shaping the economic outlook - What investors and retirees should really focus on ➡️ Watch now to understand what these economic trends mean for your financial future, and why your long-term financial independence plan matters more than ever. 📌 Subscribe for weekly updates on the markets, the economy, and how to plan smart through the noise. 🚨 Get updates like this straight to your inbox every Friday! Visit Fastest4.com to sign up for FREE