Signal or Noise?

10 Ways to Save on Your Taxes From maxing out your retirement accounts to working with a proactive tax planner, Peter and Charlie share 10 ways to potentially pay less in taxes.

The Fog of War With the U.S. involved in military conflict, Peter and Charlie discuss rising uncertainty — and what it could mean for oil, consumers, stocks, inflation, interest rates and Fed policy.

Peter and Charlie discuss the stock market, the bond market, the Fed, inflation, the economy and more on this special episode of Signal or Noise.

With the markets once again experiencing volatility, Peter and Charlie walk through what’s causing fear today and discuss what investors should expect in terms of volatility, corrections and drawdowns. Plus, learn what you should do when these periods occur.

From anticipated Fed rate cuts to the staying power of international stocks, Charlie and Peter cover six topics on the minds of investors as we kick off 2026. Plus, discover where you can see Peter and Charlie live by attending a regional CONNECT26 event.

After hearing many stories from clients this year about how Creative Planning helped them navigate the loss of their parent or spouse, Charlie and Peter share seven actions that can help create financial peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

From why you shouldn’t fear all-time market highs to the reason we diversify, Charlie and Peter discuss seven important lessons from 2025. Plus, a good reminder that time is worth more than money.

In this episode, Charlie and Peter examine why consumer sentiment is so low even with stocks at all-time highs — it’s a gap unlike anything we’ve seen before. Is this low consumer sentiment a signal or just noise?

In this episode, Charlie and Peter examine whether we’re in an AI bubble, discussing how a speculative bubble is defined, the warning signs of a bubble, the possibility that this is actually an AI revolution, and what investors should do.

Covering topics spanning the power of compounding to why you shouldn’t bet against America, Charlie and Peter examine 10 charts illustrating important investment principles all investors should understand.

From how a credit card works to how to add value to any organization, Charlie and Peter discuss five important things to teach your children before they turn 18. Plus, the government shutdown: is it a signal or just noise?

With a record $7.7 trillion sitting in money market accounts, Charlie and Peter discuss the opportunity cost of sitting in cash, the odds that waiting for a market correction will allow you to buy in at a better price and other considerations for investing your own cash on the sidelines. Plus, see how investing at the “worst” time every year, historically, would have performed compared to sitting in cash.

After a year of pressure to cut rates, the Fed seems poised to lower rates by 0.25%-0.50% next week. Peter and Charlie discuss the logic behind this imminent rate cut as well as the likelihood of a recession and the biggest risk for investors. Plus, is rising unemployment from a cycle low a signal or just noise?

With home prices far outpacing wages over the last decade, Charlie and Peter discuss the record housing affordability gap and its wide-ranging implications before turning to potential solutions and the barriers that may prevent or postpone implementing them. Plus, discover where you can see Peter and Charlie at an upcoming CONNECT25 event.

With investors seeing another all time high in the market, many are left wondering what’s next and how long this can last. Charlie and Peter share their analysis, plus discuss earnings, the tech revolution, strong international markets and the low unemployment rate. They wrap up with a reminder to not get too comfortable and provide five investor takeaways to help you remain prepared.

Charlie and Peter dive into the triumph created from long-term investing, including why it’s better to be an owner than a lender and the importance of global diversification. Together they offer insights into the behavior of investors, the cost of pessimism, and economic indicators that influence your portfolio. Plus, the continued growth of AI and new all-time highs.

Charlie and Peter shake things up by pressing pause on their usual market commentary to instead discuss 10 important life lessons from Peter Mallouk. Plus, discover how you can see Peter and Charlie live by attending a CONNECT25 event near you.

Charlie and Peter are joined by noted Wall Street Journal columnist and Creative Planning Director of Education Jonathan Clements to discuss 10 valuable lessons handpicked from his many contributions to the world of personal finance. Plus, learn how you can contribute to Jonathan's charitable Getting Going on Savings Initiative while furthering your own financial education.

On this episode, Charlie and Peter examine how the bill recently passed by the Housecould further impact the national deficit and why addressing spending patterns is crucialfor long-term fiscal health.

With Warren Buffet announcing he’ll be stepping down as the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of this year, Charlie and Peter discuss seven new lessons we can glean from his legacy. Plus, we’ve seen one of the most significant market rebounds in history since the bear market low in April. Is it a signal or just noise?

With much debate still surrounding whether we’re heading into a recession, Charlie and Peter give their thoughts and share five tips for investing in the face of an economic downturn. Plus, is the international stock surge a signal or just noise?

Tariffs may grab headlines, but what’s the real story for investors? In this episode, Charlie and Peter cut through the noise to dive into the ripple effects of trade tensions on the markets — what investors should watch in both the short and long run. Plus, they discuss the recent slide in the U.S. dollar index and what it could mean for your portfolio.

Amid this week's tariff-induced market volatility, Peter and Charlie share their bear market playbook for long-term investors, addressing market timing, tax-loss harvesting and rebalancing opportunities.

As markets respond to the administration’s sweeping tariff announcements, Peter and Charlie break down the details. Their discussion covers the basics of how tariffs work, the realities of implementing widespread tariffs, whether tariffs can effectively bring jobs back to the U.S., and potential economic outcomes.

As we endure the 30th market pullback of more than 5% since the March 2009 low, Charlie and Peter take this opportunity to discuss the ins and outs of market corrections and provide you with a checklist of five things to think about each time the market experiences a correction.

On this episode, Charlie and Peter discuss one of the most important fundamentals of investing and the one constant for investors: risk. Without it, there can be no reward. Plus, they explain how corrections are completely normal and how you can go from being a good investor to a great investor by seizing opportunities during times of volatility.

On this episode, Charlie and Peter answer several questions they've received regarding the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including whether DOGE cuts may tip the U.S. into a recession. Plus, an update on meme coin mania and a good reminder of why a diversified portfolio remains a sound investment strategy.

When it comes to investing, it’s not just knowing what you own but also why you own it. On this episode of Signal or Noise, Charlie and Peter discuss this and other valuable lessons from investor and philanthropist Peter Lynch, whose common sense investing wisdom should be a foundation of your wealth strategy. Plus, get Charlie and Peter's take on all the tariff talk. Is it a signal or just noise?

On this episode of Signal or Noise, Charlie and Peter discuss five lessons learned from investor and author Howard Marks, whose writings are widely admired in the investment community. They'll share how Mark's lessons are practical advice that should be considered when evaluating your investing strategy, including how there's no such thing as a sure bet. Plus, get Charlie and Peter's take on the recent meme coin mania. Is it a signal or just noise?

On our first episode of 2025, Charlie and Peter discuss five key questions shaping the current economic and financial landscape. Together they offer insights into potential market trends, investment strategies and economic indicators to watch as you navigate the complexities of the new year. They wrap with a Signal or Noise rewind and their thoughts on whether high investor optimism is a signal or just noise.

On the final episode of Signal or Noise for 2024, Charlie and Peter switch things up by sharing 10 lessons from entrepreneur and investor Naval Ravikant on how to get rich without getting lucky. They explore the connections between wealth, money and status and discuss the importance of owning equity to compound wealth — a principle that extends beyond finances. Charlie and Peter also discuss the power of specialization in creating wealth and the role intelligence, energy and integrity play in setting yourself up for success in 2025.

On this episode of Signal or Noise, Charlie and Peter share seven key lessons from 2024, offering their insights on annual returns, price targets, diversification, the value of time and more. They also have a lively discussion on the new national debt record of $36 trillion. Is it a signal or just noise?

With the election decided, many are wondering what the results could mean for taxes, government spending, the economy and more. On this episode of Signal or Noise, Peter and Charlie discuss eight major policy areas and what impact they may have on your finances before closing with a review of post-election market moves — are they a signal or just noise?

With the market hitting all-time highs and another round of rate cuts on the horizon, the common denominator is the diminishing value of the dollar. Charlie and Peter discuss this topic before making good on their promise from last episode, sharing their thoughts on how to avert a debt crisis (spoiler alert: the answer isn’t taxes). They close with their perspective on mass media influence and discuss the election’s potential impact on the market. Is it a signal or just noise?

Baseball playoff banter sets the stage for investment advice from Charlie and Peter, where they outline five critical tips for investors to punch above their weight: starting early, generating tax alpha, owning assets, avoiding trends and extending time horizons. They also discuss the U.S. national debt and the impact of AI before educating viewers on tight credit spreads, ultimately determining whether they’re a signal or just noise.

In this episode, Charlie and Peter explore the widespread economic ripple effects of the dock strike, which could have cost the U.S. economy up to $4.5 billion per day. The real issue isn't compensation — it's job automation, a disruption that could reshape the industry in the long run. They also dive into the Fed's rate cut, housing market shifts and why America can't sustain a "two-economy" divide. They close with insights from the book Die With Zero and tackle the big question of whether picking stocks based on presidential candidates is a signal or just noise.

But has it? This famous quote gets challenged by Charlie and Peter as they discuss the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio and avoiding attempts to outsmart the market. Plus, with the presidential election looming, they discuss the historical relationship between administrations and market performance, including why it doesn't matter which party wins. The episode wraps up with a look at whether the recently ended longest yield curve inversion in history is a signal or just noise.

Do you know the number one way Americans become millionaires? Charlie Bilello gets Peter Mallouk’s insider take on this topic and on a couple of recent tweets, leading to an economic lesson and a lively discussion about communism, food prices and taxing the wealthy. They conclude by considering the record U.S. household allocation to stocks — is it a signal or just noise?

There’s an elephant in the room that keeps growing — but no one wants to talk about it. On this episode of Signal or Noise, Charlie Bilello and Peter Mallouk discuss the $35 trillion national debt, which Peter views as the biggest threat to the U.S. economy and Western civilization. They also cover concentrated stocks and eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security income before wrapping up with a signal or noise on the VIX.

With all that’s happening in the market, you’ll want to tune in to this episode of Signal or Noise as Charlie Bilello and Peter Mallouk share how long-term investors can embrace panic. They also cover the impending rate cut, a costly rollover mistake and a new topic to show — love, marriage and bank accounts. They end with a signal or noise you may be familiar with: using bonds as a hedge.

Is Now a Good Time to Rebalance?

Gaining an awareness of cognitive biases is just the first step. Overcoming these biases is the real challenge — don’t let them negatively impact your investment success! Join Peter Mallouk and Charlie Bilello as they explore these biases as well as their impact, why investors often fall prey to them and practical solutions for overcoming them. Additionally, learn about the latest changes in 401k savings that could affect your financial planning.Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what’s happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ [email protected]

Would you keep a 401k payout if you weren’t the intended beneficiary? Peter and Charlie share the story of a seven-figure signature and the lesson we can all learn from it in this episode of Signal or Noise. They also discuss seven key insights from the pioneer of index fund investing, "Saint" Jack Bogle, and provide data to help you navigate your investments during an election year.Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what’s happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.Request your FREE Wealth Path Analysis here: https://creativeplanning.com/charlie/Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ [email protected]

A new survey shows many Americans aren’t feeling positive about the economy, the stock market or employment — but the data tells a different story. Join Peter and Charlie as they discuss why perception and reality aren't matching up. They also explore some recently proposed tax incentives for home buyers and the implications such policies would have on the housing market. Plus, get insights into the resurgence of meme stocks and more in this episode of Signal or Noise.Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what’s happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ [email protected]

Warren Buffett earned an estimated $10 billion dollars from investments he made during the global financial crisis in 2008. How did he achieve such remarkable success? Join Peter and Charlie in episode 26 of Signal or Noise as they uncover ten insightful lessons investors can learn from the "Oracle of Omaha." They also explore why negativity often fuels online media consumption and whether "Dr. Copper" reaching an all-time high is a signal or just noise.Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what’s happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ [email protected]

With the Federal Reserve signaling a prolonged period of higher interest rates, Peter and Charlie assess the potential ramifications for investors on this episode of Signal or Noise. They also discuss the growing national debt and its impact on taxation policies, delve into the risks associated with long-duration bonds and analyze the unprecedented correlation between stocks and bonds.Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what’s happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ [email protected]

The amount of money Americans believe they need for retirement has markedly increased in recent years. Peter and Charlie delve into historical data from the Great Depression to the dot-com bubble, demonstrating that a diversified portfolio can withstand even the most difficult periods of market turbulence. They also explore America's fascination with the lottery, drawing parallels between gambling and risky investments, and share their insights on the recent stock market pullback.Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what’s happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ [email protected]

In a soaring market, are we truly in a stock picker’s paradise? Join Peter and Charlie as they discuss the series of all-time market highs we witnessed in quarter one, examining pivotal insights from Tesla’s and Apple’s performance data. They also delve into the Federal Reserve’s potential rate cuts and the looming shadow of national debt. Plus, don’t miss Charlie’s vision to simplify tax returns on episode 23 of Signal or Noise.Which financial headlines are signals of something bigger, and which are just noise you should tune out? Creative Planning Chief Market Strategist Charlie Bilello and President & CEO Peter Mallouk break down what’s happening in the markets and economy and let you know which headlines you should actually be paying attention to. Come for the approachable analysis and entertaining conversation. Stay for the sharp insights. Become a more informed investor.Important Legal Disclosure: creativeplanning.com/important-disclosure-information/Have questions or topic suggestions? Email us @ [email protected]