It's a new year, and financial uncertainty continues to be a pressing topic for investors. Questions around interest rates, inflation, tariffs, artificial intelligence, and global market stability continue to dominate headlines, leaving many retirees and pre-retirees wondering how to position their portfolios for what comes next.

That's why we're incredibly grateful to have Michael Arone on the podcast today. Mike is the Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at State Street Investment Management and has over three decades of experience navigating market cycles. From other down periods like the dot-com bubble, the global financial crisis, and the pandemic, Mike brings a historically grounded perspective to today's environment.

In our conversation, Mike shares how State Street is thinking about the economic outlook for 2026, including the Federal Reserve's policy direction, the likelihood of recession, and why he describes the current market setup as "uncomfortably bullish." He explains why inflation may remain sticky but manageable, how tariffs have potentially been misunderstood, and what investors should realistically expect from equities after several strong years.

You'll also hear why Mike believes that portfolio diversification matters more than ever, how tangible assets like commodities and precious metals can help improve portfolio resilience, and why time horizon remains one of the most powerful drivers of long-term investment success.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why State Street expects continued economic growth and no near-term recession in 2026.
• How Federal Reserve policy, inflation trends, and labor dynamics are shaping the market outlook.
• Why fears around tariffs and inflation may be overstated.
• The role real assets and alternatives can play in boosting portfolio resilience.
• How lessons from past market crises help investors navigate future uncertainty.
• Why long-term discipline matters more than short-term market predictions.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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For many investors, 2025 has raised difficult questions about safety, inflation, global instability, and how to protect wealth in an increasingly unpredictable environment. With gold posting some of its strongest performance in decades, many are wondering whether it belongs in their portfolios.

So today, SHP Financial's Matthew Peck is joined by Senior Portfolio Analyst David Hathaway to break down the factors behind gold's surge. From geopolitical tensions to inflation concerns, David explains why gold has historically served as a store of value, how it behaves in crisis periods, and why it often shines when uncertainty is at its highest.

In this conversation, you'll also learn how investors can actually access gold, whether through ETFs, physical metals, or alternative allocations; what percentage ranges may make sense inside a diversified portfolio; and how SHP evaluates when to introduce or increase exposure. 

Matthew and David also compare gold with assets like Bitcoin and discuss its role in alternative investments. They outline why a disciplined, research-based approach—not a fearful approach—is essential when evaluating gold's place in long-term planning.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• The forces driving gold's surge in 2025, including geopolitical tension and central bank buying.
• How inflation pressures, weakening currencies, and rate cuts often boost demand for gold.
• The most common ways to invest in gold and why ETFs are typically the most efficient.
• Typical allocation ranges for gold and how it fits within an alternatives bucket.
• How gold differs from Bitcoin in correlation and diversification benefits.
• Why SHP uses a careful, research-based process before adding or increasing gold exposure.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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For many young adults and new parents, getting their savings or investment plans started can feel intimidating. Despite all the information available online, most don't realize that setting aside small amounts early—$25 a week or $100 a month—can grow into a lifetime of financial security through the power of compound interest.

In today's episode, SHP's VP of Advisory Solutions, Nick Nelson, is back to explain why building strong saving habits early makes a huge difference later in life. He details simple steps for young savers, how low-cost index funds help, and why consistency beats market timing for long-term success.

In this conversation, you'll also learn the best vehicles for helping children build long-term wealth—from 529 plans and UTMAs to custodial Roth IRAs—and how families can begin meaningful, healthy conversations around money. They also discussed other important topics, such as when a young investor may need an advisor, how to create financial goals effectively, and why a simple, consistent plan can make early savers dramatically more successful over a lifetime.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why starting your savings plans early—even with small amounts—creates extraordinary long-term advantages.
• How compound interest can turn $100 or $250 per month into millions over a lifetime.
• The best accounts for young savers, including 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, brokerage accounts.
• How parents and grandparents can use 529 plans, UTMAs, and custodial Roth IRAs to help with their children's education costs.
• Why timing the market is a losing game and what young investors should do instead.
• How to keep investing simple by using low-cost index funds and long-term discipline.
• When a young investor may need a financial advisor and when they might not.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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For many investors approaching or navigating retirement, the world of private markets can feel intimidating. Over the past 30 years, the number of public companies in the capital markets has declined by 30% while private markets have grown at the same rate. This means failing to understand the rapidly growing asset class of private markets and alternatives could mean missing opportunities for diversification, income, and potential returns in retirement.

In this episode, we're welcoming Jon Diorio, Head of Alternatives for BlackRock's U.S. wealth management business. Jon shares valuable insights into the massive shift in capital markets and explains why private equity, private credit, and other alternative investments are becoming increasingly relevant for everyday investors—not just institutions.

In this conversation, Jon breaks down the trends driving private market growth, the different types of alternative investments investors should have on their radar, how new product structures have improved accessibility, and what today's retirees should know before considering alternatives and private markets in their portfolios.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why private companies now outnumber public companies and what that means for diversification.
• How private credit has surged as banks retreat from lending.
• The benefits and tradeoffs of new "evergreen" and semi-liquid fund structures.
• Why due diligence, liquidity awareness, and manager selection matter in alternatives.
• How BlackRock's HDMA framework (Hedge, Diversify, Modify, Amplify) helps identify the right type of alternative investment for your goals.
• What investors should know before adding private equity or private credit to their retirement plan.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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For many families, estate planning creates a feeling of anxiety, which is a big reason why they put it off for another day. From probate costs to nursing home spend-downs, failing to plan can leave loved ones vulnerable to unnecessary taxes, legal fees, and stress.

In this episode, SHP's Laura Russo is joined by returning guest Attorney David Chaves to share actionable tips and strategies for reducing estate taxes. Dave discusses how his real-life experiences shaped his commitment to helping families secure their financial futures and preserve what they've worked for.

Together, they unpack the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, how often an estate plan should be updated, and effective ways to reduce your estate's value through gifting and education savings.

Whether you're protecting a family home or simply hoping to pass more to your loved ones, this episode will give you the clarity to take action now—before it's too late.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why wills often guarantee probate and how trusts can help your family avoid it.
• The key differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts.
• How the Massachusetts estate tax exemption has changed and what it means going forward.
• The benefits of A-B trusts and how they preserve more of your wealth.
• How Charitable Remainder Trusts and gifting strategies can reduce taxes while building your legacy.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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For most of your life, retirement planning has likely centered around saving and building wealth. But what happens when the paychecks stop and it's time to start replacing your income withdrawing from your retirement savings and investments? 

In this episode, SHP Financial Co-Founder Derek Gregoire is joined by Kyle Britton, Lead Advisor at SHP Financial. Together, they explore what it truly means to go beyond the Xs and Os of investing and step into retirement with purpose, clarity, and confidence.

You'll hear Derek and Kyle talk about how the biggest retirement challenges are often psychological, not financial. They discuss why so many retirees struggle to give themselves permission to spend what they've earned, and how purpose and identity—two things often tied to careers—must be redefined as we enter this next phase of life. 

Drawing from real client stories and recent research, Kyle highlights what truly drives happiness in retirement and how to create a plan that supports both your finances and your fulfillment. 

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why retirement planning goes far beyond investments and tax strategies.
• The biggest psychological hurdle retirees face: giving themselves permission to spend.
• How to shift your mindset from "Do I have enough?" to "What's possible?" in retirement.
• The four key ingredients of a fulfilling retirement, according to a recent MassMutual study.
• How to redefine your purpose and legacy in the next chapter of your life.

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To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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The housing market has undergone significant changes in recent years, leaving many homeowners and prospective buyers feeling uncertain about its future direction. Interest rates have risen from historic lows, making affordability a pressing issue, and discussions about the possible privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are sparking new concerns about the future of housing and mortgages in America.

In this episode, we welcome back Nathan Hartseil of Main Street Home Loans. Nate explains the complex role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the housing market, including how they provide liquidity and stability, why they have remained under government conservatorship since 2008, and what could happen if they were to transition to private control.

From the potential impact on interest rates and borrowing standards to how privatization could shape opportunities for first-time buyers, investors, and empty nesters, Nate shares his thoughts and insights into how this shift could affect anyone who may need mortgage financing in the near future.

Whether you're considering buying your first home, refinancing, or making a change in retirement, this conversation sheds light on a pivotal topic that could redefine the housing landscape for years to come.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed under government conservatorship in 2008 and their role in stabilizing the housing market.
• How privatization could impact mortgage rates for both borrowers with healthy and unhealthy credit scores.
• The effect of higher interest rates on affordability, refinancing, and downsizing decisions.
• What the return and popularity of non-qualified mortgages means for today's lending environment.
• The innovation and challenges that competition from private investors could bring to the mortgage industry.

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Losing a spouse is one of life's most painful experiences, and in the midst of grief, surviving partners are often faced with overwhelming financial decisions. From settling estates to adjusting to changes in income, the process can feel like an impossible burden to carry alone. Without a plan in place, surviving spouses may find themselves vulnerable to financial missteps at a time when clarity is hardest to find.

In this episode, SHP Financial's Derek Gregoire is joined by Planning Advisor Alina Osokhovska, CFP® to explore the critical importance of financial planning for widows. With years of experience guiding families through difficult transitions, Alina explains how proper planning can bring stability, reduce stress, and provide widows with the confidence to focus on healing rather than paperwork.

In this conversation, Derek and Alina unpack the key financial considerations after the loss of a spouse, from estate settlement and tax bracket changes to Social Security benefits and cash flow adjustments. They also discuss proactive strategies for couples to ensure that if the unthinkable happens, surviving spouses are not left unprotected. 

Whether you are preparing for the future or currently walking through loss, this episode offers compassionate guidance and practical steps to ease the burden during one of life's most difficult transitions.

In this podcast interview, you'll learn:

• Why women are statistically more likely to become widows and the financial challenges that come with it.
• The critical first steps when settling an estate after the loss of a spouse.
• How income and cash flow change when pensions, Social Security, or other benefits are reduced or lost.
• The hidden tax consequences widows often face and how proactive planning can help mitigate them.
• Advanced planning strategies for couples, including estate exemptions, step-up in basis, and inherited IRA considerations.

Want the Full Show Notes?

To get access to the full show notes, including audio, transcripts, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit SHPfinancial.com/podcast

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