Get the clarity and confidence you need as Wes Moss, Connor Miller, and Christa DiBiase break down today’s swirling economic landscape and answer your most critical money questions. This episode of Money Matters turns today’s complex headlines and listener challenges into clear, actionable insights for retirement planning. • Track how today’s economic crosscurrents—including recession chatter, jobs data, and inflation—may be shaping the outlook for U.S. growth. • Examine the importance of jobless claims, payroll growth, and recent BLS revisions that could shift how investors and retirees view the labor market. • Spot how declining mortgage rates and strong housing demand could provide potential tailwinds for the broader economy. • Measure the role of residential construction jobs as a potential recession signal and why current numbers may suggest stability. • Understand the impact of the coming 2026 consumer tax refund surge tied to new legislation and how it may influence household spending. • Break down how higher labor productivity and technological shifts like artificial intelligence could affect corporate profits and inflation trends. • Review listener Q&A on brokerage accounts, investment tools, tax-efficient withdrawals, mortgage decisions, and strategies for early retirement account access. • Compare the flexibility of withdrawals across Roth, 401(k), IRA, and brokerage accounts to support informed financial decision-making. • Clarify the rules for accessing retirement funds before 59½, including the Rule of 55 and 72(t) distributions, and what they may mean for both traditional and Roth accounts. Stay informed and proactive—listen now to strengthen your understanding of retirement, investing, and today’s economy. Subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for weekly conversations that keep you engaged with the latest financial and economic trends.