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As we head into 2026, what lessons can we take from a year of major change?

In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison break down the biggest developments of 2025 and what they mean for planning ahead. The discussion focuses on the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), including permanent tax law changes, higher standard deductions, new benefits for seniors, expanded SALT caps, and important incentives for business owners.

Mike also explains the major increase in federal estate and gift tax exemptions and why this may be a unique window for advanced estate planning. The episode wraps up with a look at market performance, economic trends, and key factors to watch in 2026—highlighting why proactive, coordinated planning is more important than ever.

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Most people think financial advice is something you do once — get a plan, make a few changes, and move on. In reality, that mindset can cost you tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.

In this episode, Mike and Madison unpack why ongoing financial planning matters far more than people realize. They dive into the hidden tax mistakes even smart retirees make, how withdrawal and Social Security decisions can quietly drive lifetime taxes higher, and why tax planning is a year-by-year strategy — not a one-time fix.

The conversation then shifts to the financial planning industry itself, including the rise of private equity, the decline of true independence, and what Bob Veres calls “the great stall.” Mike shares firsthand insight into why so many advisors sell, what actually happens after a firm is acquired, and why Yardley Wealth Management chose internal succession over private equity.

If you’ve ever wondered what real financial planning looks like — or what’s happening behind the scenes in the advisory world — this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Not Just Numbers, Mike and Madison sit down to unpack the world of stock market pundits, the personalities who make sweeping predictions that often grab headlines but rarely stand the test of time. From Jospeh Granville’s market-moving calls to Michael Burry’s dramatic warnings, Madison and Mike explore why bold voices attract so much attention, why even the most famous forecasters struggle to repeat their “big win,” and how relying on these predictions can lead investors astray. Mike breaks down the psychology behind overconfident gurus, the dangers of reacting emotionally to extreme forecasts, and why long-term fundamentals consistently outperform dramatic market timing attempts. Whether you’ve ever wondered if you should “sell everything” after a scary headline, or why influencers with millions of views aren’t necessarily credible, this episode offers a grounded, insightful look at what really matters for building lasting wealth: discipline, diversification, and sticking to a plan.

Link to Wall Street Journal Article: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-tariff-deadline-08-07-2025/card/predicting-market-crashes-for-fun-and-profit-uKs2Dee6njQx9hbj5PkM?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=ASWzDAjXc9QSZVwwBdxh1CJb3maJSeTBH7An4Abo-iMs55L_zD8wGvP7j23j&gaa_ts=68a33fcb&gaa_sig=bkwa-pgMaml3j7i_yFSL8GixDTX_8IAdnfvX4iT8m_P-NyMqsQKZNaBOoSvRu3YE-z7Bu54Q1bvgG4pRAsGZ8w%3D%3D