Explore retirement and financial planning with Wes Moss and Jeff Lloyd on the Money Matters Podcast! Gain research-informed insights that can help you consider how economic trends and personal decisions may influence your long-term financial journey. • Examine historical patterns of government shutdowns on the economy and stock market since 1976, and observe how the S&P 500 has generally responded during these periods. • Assess rising living costs—including housing, healthcare, and childcare—and how they may affect retirement preparedness. • Explore the "retirement squeeze" in Goldman Sachs and Investopedia reports, and evaluate what the $5 million American dream represents today. • Compare savings strategies and consider the potential benefits of starting investments early. • Learn about the Year Zero Savings Plan, which initiates retirement savings from a child’s first year. • Review SECURE Act 2.0 updates allowing certain 529 plans to convert into Roth IRAs under specific conditions. • Consider how delayed milestones—homeownership, marriage, parenthood—may influence retirement timelines. • Analyze Q3 stock market trends and sector performance for context on current conditions. • Explore ideas that may support thoughtful retirement planning at any stage of life. Listen and subscribe to the Money Matters Podcast for research-informed perspectives on retirement and investing, and consider how these insights could apply to your own financial planning decisions.