Episodes

  • US National Debt Explained: Facts, Myths, and Real Concerns

    US National Debt Explained: Facts, Myths, and Real Concerns
    Jul 14 2026
    The U.S. national debt is one of the most talked-about and least understood numbers in the country. In this episode, Ryan explains what the national debt actually is, how it differs from a household's debt, and which common worries are overblown versus genuinely worth watching.

    He and Aaron cut through the political noise and stick to the mechanics: who the country owes, what the debt funds, and why the size of the number alone does not tell the whole story. The goal is a clear, balanced understanding so you can read the headlines with perspective instead of alarm.

    Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon

    If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com

    And, as always, Stay the Course!
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    19 mins
  • The Gold Standard Explained: What It Was and Why It Ended

    The Gold Standard Explained: What It Was and Why It Ended
    Jul 7 2026
    The gold standard shaped money for generations, then disappeared. In this episode, Ryan explains what the gold standard actually was, how it tied a country's currency to a fixed amount of gold, and why the United States ultimately moved away from it.

    He and Aaron walk through the trade-offs in plain language: the discipline gold imposed, the flexibility it took away, and how its end shaped the dollar you carry today. A clear, story-driven history that makes a confusing economic topic click, and helps you make sense of the gold debates that still pop up now and then.

    Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon

    If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com

    And, as always, Stay the Course!
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    15 mins
  • Are We in a Recession? Separating the Headlines From History

    Are We in a Recession? Separating the Headlines From History
    Jun 30 2026
    Recession fears make for scary headlines, but how worried should you actually be? In this listener-question episode, Ryan tackles whether the economy is in a recession and how today's picture differs from the 2008 financial crisis.

    He and Aaron put the current worry in historical context, explaining what a recession really is, why this moment looks different from 2008, and why a long-term investor does not need to react to every alarming headline. Calm and grounded, this is a follow-up to their earlier talk on market crashes, and the message is steady: zoom out, stick to your plan, and focus on what you can control.

    Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon

    If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com

    And, as always, Stay the Course!
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    20 mins
  • 3 People Who Shaped Money in America: Hamilton, FDR, and Bogle

    3 People Who Shaped Money in America: Hamilton, FDR, and Bogle
    Jun 23 2026
    A handful of people quietly shaped the money system we all use today. In this episode, Ryan tells the stories of three of them: Alexander Hamilton, who built America's financial credibility and credit; Franklin Roosevelt, whose New Deal gave us Social Security, FDIC insurance, and the SEC; and Jack Bogle, who put low-cost index investing within reach of ordinary people.

    Ryan and Aaron connect each figure to something you use or rely on right now, from the safety of your bank deposits to the funds in your retirement account. A short, story-driven history that makes the modern financial world make a lot more sense.

    Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon

    If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com

    And, as always, Stay the Course!
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    25 mins
  • Money Myths Debunked: 3 Common Beliefs That Hold You Back

    Money Myths Debunked: 3 Common Beliefs That Hold You Back
    Jun 16 2026
    Some of the most common money beliefs are flat wrong, and they quietly hold people back. In this episode, Ryan and Aaron break down three of the biggest: that investing is just gambling, that you should always pay off debt as fast as possible, and that budgeting means restriction.

    For each one, Ryan explains the kernel of truth, where the myth goes off the rails, and how to think about it more clearly. Investing and gambling are not the same thing. The fastest debt payoff is not always the smartest one. And a good budget is about freedom, not punishment. A myth-busting episode that can change how you handle your money.

    Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon

    If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com

    And, as always, Stay the Course!
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    21 mins
  • How to Prepare Financially for a Layoff Before It Happens

    How to Prepare Financially for a Layoff Before It Happens
    Jun 9 2026
    The best time to prepare for a layoff is before it ever happens. In this episode, Ryan walks through a step-by-step plan to get financially ready, starting with your survival number, the bare-minimum amount your household needs to cover each month.

    From there he covers building an emergency fund that fits that number, trimming fixed costs ahead of time, and knowing your options for health coverage like COBRA and what to do with a 401(k) when you leave a job. The point is to replace fear with a plan, so a job loss becomes a setback you are ready for instead of a crisis. This is education, not personal advice, so tailor the steps to your own situation.

    Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon

    If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com

    And, as always, Stay the Course!
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    23 mins
  • Money in Your 20s: What I'd Do Differently If I Started Over

    Money in Your 20s: What I'd Do Differently If I Started Over
    Jun 2 2026
    If you could restart your financial life at 22, what would you do differently? In this episode, Ryan answers that honestly, and the takeaways work for anyone who wants to build wealth, not just recent grads.

    His list is refreshingly simple: start investing early so time does the heavy lifting, automate your savings so good habits run on autopilot, always capture your full employer match, keep lifestyle creep in check as your income grows, and lean on Roth accounts while your tax rate is low. Aaron adds his own take, and the two keep it practical. This is education, not personal advice, so build your own plan around your situation.

    Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon

    If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com

    And, as always, Stay the Course!
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    24 mins
  • Is the Middle Class Getting Squeezed? Wages vs. the Cost of Living

    Is the Middle Class Getting Squeezed? Wages vs. the Cost of Living
    May 26 2026
    Is the middle class really getting squeezed, or is that just a headline? In this episode, Ryan looks at what has actually happened to middle-class buying power over the past few decades and why housing has become the single biggest pressure on most family budgets.

    He and Aaron separate the real strain from the noise, including why your personal inflation rate can look very different from the number you see on the news. The goal here is perspective, not panic. Understanding where the squeeze is real, and where it is overstated, helps you focus your budget and your plan on the things that actually move the needle for your household.

    Find "Your Fiscal Physical" the book on Amazon

    If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at: Podcast@AlchemyWealth.com

    And, as always, Stay the Course!
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    24 mins