A fast food combo crossing $10 might seem small, but it says a lot about today’s economy. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez and Conor Shepard break down why things still feel expensive even as inflation slows. From why prices rarely come down to the gap between wage growth and rising costs, they connect what you’re feeling to what’s actually happening. If your money doesn’t seem to go as far anymore, this will help explain why. Watch On YouTube: If Inflation is Down, Why Are Prices S...
Mar 18
37 min
Even with unemployment holding near 4%, many Americans feel worse off than ever and the numbers tell a different story. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard unpack what’s really happening in today’s labor market. From the rise of gig and “fractional” work to the disappearance of entry-level jobs, they break down how AI, inflation, and shifting employer demands are reshaping what it means to be “employed.” Whether you’re graduating, changing careers, or just trying to make s...
Nov 14, 2025
31 min
If you’re a Gen X or millennial parent, college costs are no longer a distant concern: they're on your doorstep. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard walk through four essential steps to help Gen X and millennial parents avoid overpaying for college. With tuition costs rising and financial aid more confusing than ever, they break down how to stay in the driver’s seat and making sure you don’t let a 17-year-old make a six-figure decision on their own. Learn how ...
Sep 17, 2025
17 min
Gen X is starting to inherit trillions… and most people have no idea what to do with it. Inheriting money is emotional: Grief. Guilt. Pressure. And if you’re not prepared, that money can disappear fast. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down the biggest mistakes people make with an inheritance and how to avoid them. You’ll learn what to do before you spend a dime, how to avoid the tax traps, and how to turn a windfall into lasting pea...
Jul 24, 2025
15 min
In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down how Generation X’s financial journey compares to those of boomers and millennials, and why it feels so different. They dive into the timing of economic downturns, shifting family roles, and how these factors have shaped Gen X’s retirement outlook. Plus, they share some practical steps Gen Xers can take to navigate the challenges and build a solid plan for the future. Watch On YouTube: WHY GEN-X FEELS BEHIND Want t...
Jun 3, 2025
32 min
Making a high income doesn’t always mean peace of mind. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard unpack why so many people who appear financially successful still feel anxious and behind. They explore what real wealth actually looks like—and how to redefine success on your own terms. Watch On YouTube: WHY DON'T I FEEL WEALTHY? Want to talk to an advisor about something you heard in this episode? Reach out to us: www.foundationwealthpartners.com/contact ...
Apr 21, 2025
33 min
Juggling the financial and emotional demands of aging parents, growing kids, and your own future can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard break down the realities of being a part of the sandwich generation, share strategies to avoid common financial pitfalls, and offer practical ways to protect your own financial well-being without sacrificing your loved ones’ needs. Watch On YouTube: STUCK BETWEEN GENERATIONS Want to talk to an advisor about...
Mar 11, 2025
17 min
Kick off 2025 with Sam Rodriguez, CFP®, and Conor Shepard as they tackle one of the hottest questions on everyone’s mind: Is now the right time to buy a house? From mortgage rates to housing supply, they break down the key factors shaping today’s market. Plus, get practical, no-nonsense tips to help you decide if this is your year to take the leap into homeownership! In this episode, they discuss: What mortgage rates look like in 2025 and how it compares to historical rates&...
Jan 27, 2025
20 min
Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are wrapping up 2024 by talking about some popular "tax strategies" circulating TikTok and why they may be more risky than beneficial depending on your situation. In this episode, they discuss: The 6000 pound vehicle deduction and why it could cost more overall than what you end up saving in taxesUsing an LLC to write off anything under the sun and how this can end up coming back to bite you down the roadHow charitable donations relate to your tax ...
Dec 17, 2024
33 min
With the election right around the corner, Sam Rodriguez CFP® & Conor Shepard are back to talk about what election years mean for the stock market as well as the misconceptions surrounding them. In this episode, they discuss: Why there tends to be more market volatility during election years compared to non-election yearsSome of the misconceptions surrounding this dynamic & what contributes to the increased volatilityHow election years compare to non-election years in overall pe...
Oct 8, 2024
26 min
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