Money Matters with Greg

Greg Farrall

Needing guidance on finances, or just curious about investments? Join CEO and Owner of Farrall Wealth, Greg Farrall, as he dives into all things relating to money and often interviews interesting people he is fortunate enough to call his friends. Thanks for listening! Please share, review, and subscribe! Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. 

  1. APR 15

    Episode 182: Seven Straight Up Days For Stocks With Two Red Flags

    Seven up days in a row for stocks can make the world feel suddenly calmer but the market rarely gives a single, clean signal. I walk through what’s powering the recent S&P 500 rebound, from ceasefire negotiations to better than feared inflation data and early Q1 earnings strength from major banks and household names. Then I slow it down and ask the question serious investors have to ask: are other asset classes confirming the rally? We look at why elevated oil prices and higher Treasury yields can contradict a bullish stock move, and what that tension can mean for interest rates, consumer spending, and the broader market outlook. I also share a simple way to filter “real news” that changes fundamentals from emotional noise that only drives whiplash. Because the calendar matters too, I close with Tax Day thoughts and practical tax planning reminders, including why it pays to coordinate your financial advisor, CPA, and tax attorney if you want to minimize taxes legally and keep your plan aligned with your values. Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review with the one market indicator you’re watching most right now. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

    21 min
  2. APR 8

    Episode 181: How To File IRS Form 4547 For A Newborn Trump Account Before April 15

    A newborn could qualify for a $1,000 head start but only if you handle the paperwork on time. We walk through the practical steps behind “Trump Accounts,” including the April 15 tax deadline, what details you need on hand, and how IRS Form 4547 fits into getting the account set up for a child or grandchild. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or you simply know someone with a baby born in 2025, this is the kind of money move that’s easy to miss and frustrating to learn about too late. Then we switch gears to the markets, because the last few weeks have been a roller coaster. I break down how the U.S. Iran ceasefire news hit oil prices and why stocks rallied fast, and I explain what that reaction can reveal about expectations already baked into prices. We also talk about why a single headline doesn’t “fix” volatility, especially when negotiations stay tense and energy markets carry a lingering risk premium. To make this useful for real world investing, we connect the dots to inflation and Federal Reserve policy, including how commodity spikes can keep interest rates higher for longer. I also flag pressure points I’m watching closely, like private credit liquidity limits and AI stock anxiety as investors demand results. We end with a disciplined, trend focused framework and research themes like nuclear energy, the power grid, and data center infrastructure that support long term AI growth. Subscribe, share the episode with a new parent, and leave a review if it helps you think more clearly about your next financial decision. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

    25 min
  3. MAR 4

    Episode 179: How The Iran War Is Moving Oil, Risk, And Your Portfolio

    Headlines are loud, but your plan should be louder. We break down the Iran war’s fast‑moving developments, the jump in oil, and what all of it really means for stocks, bonds, and your day‑to‑day budget. Greg draws on decades in the markets—from the pits in Chicago through the tech bust, the Great Recession, the pandemic, and everything between—to separate signal from noise and show how disciplined investors navigate uncertainty. First, we set the scene: coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes, retaliatory drone and missile activity, and a rapid shift in risk sentiment. Rather than fixating on every twist, we map the channels that matter: crude moving from the 60s toward 80, gasoline prices rising at the pump, and the way global, fungible oil flows transmit shocks even when direct Iranian exports are limited. We also put today into context with a quick tour of past crises, reminding ourselves how often markets wobble, reprice, and find a new equilibrium. Then we turn to practical moves. For households, lock in near‑term fuel buys and revisit cash flow to cushion higher transportation costs. For portfolios, lean on diversification across U.S. and international equities, quality bonds, short‑duration Treasuries, and select real assets. We explain why direct exposure to Iran is minimal for most investors, why second‑order risks like shipping lanes and China’s sourcing matter more, and how the U.S.’s leading role in oil and natural gas production helps absorb external shocks. You’ll hear how to use rebalancing, liquidity reserves, and a clear rules‑based process to keep fear from driving decisions. Markets rarely reward panic. They often reward preparation. If you want a grounded view on geopolitics, oil, inflation hedges, and risk management—without the noise—this conversation is your playbook for staying invested with purpose. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs calm in the chaos, and leave a review to tell us what money question you want answered next. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

    27 min
  4. FEB 21

    Episode 177: From Tailwind To Headwind: How AI Shook Stocks

    Markets don’t fear innovation; they fear paying too much for it without proof. We dig into why stocks whipsawed to start 2026, how a string of data points moved sentiment, and where the AI narrative flipped from easy tailwind to hard questions about ROI, competition, and disruption risk. From softer retail sales to steadier jobs, from chip margin pressure to mortgage rates slipping below six percent in some regions, Greg connects the dots between headlines and the tape so you can separate noise from signal. We walk through the mechanics of the AI repricing: giant CapEx plans that once guaranteed multiple expansion, growing scrutiny of payback periods, and the outsized role of a few buyers in fueling order books. Then we get practical about competitive dynamics after Gemini’s strong benchmarks and the push toward proprietary silicon, exploring what that could mean for demand at chip suppliers, cloud platforms, and software vendors. The conversation doesn’t stop at tech. We trace cannibalization fears into brokers, transports, and professional services, outlining where automation may compress revenue models and where it can unlock real productivity gains that stick. Most importantly, we map the signposts that could steady markets: clean disclosures that tie AI investment to recurring revenue, utilization and margin trends that improve quarter to quarter, and proof that new tools enhance—rather than erode—core profit pools. Along the way, Greg shares a pragmatic playbook: keep quality exposure to AI infrastructure and platforms, size for execution risk, favor diversified cash generators with pricing power, and look for software that charges on outcomes, not seats. Want a clearer lens on volatility and a checklist for what to watch next? Tune in, subscribe, and tell us where you see the most durable AI earnings power this year. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

    27 min
  5. FEB 21

    Episode 178: AI, Money, And Safer Choices

    Scammers sound like your kids now. Emails read perfectly. Vendors “change banks” with spotless instructions. We’ve hit a turning point where AI raises both the ceiling on productivity and the floor on fraud—so we sat down with AI strategist Debra Peters-Smith and the owner of Easy as ABC Computing to draw a clear line between fear and smart adoption. The plan is refreshingly simple: assess first, automate second, and verify every money move. We walk through how most teams already own the right tools. CRMs, email suites, and PDF editors now ship with powerful AI features that go unused. By mapping bottlenecks—where time vanishes, errors crop up, and compliance wobbles—you can turn on what you already pay for and capture 20–25 percent efficiency before buying anything new. From meeting summaries and faster drafts to resume screening and structured interviews, AI compresses routine work, giving people space to do higher-value thinking. That’s how careers advance without fear: skill up, keep humans in the loop, and let the system handle the heavy lifting. Security runs through every topic we cover. With voice cloning and realistic phishing on the rise, we outline low-friction guardrails for families and firms: slow down urgent requests, hang up and call back on known numbers, set a shared safe word, and confirm bank changes by phone before moving funds. For business owners, we frame AI around three outcomes—protect revenue, reduce friction, and scale capacity. After-hours voice agents that book appointments, on-site AI that qualifies leads, and automated review flows that route unhappy feedback to a manager before it hits Google can lift bookings, calm tempers, and prevent burnout. If you’re ready to get traction without taking on tool sprawl, start by listing your top three friction points. Turn on the features inside your current stack, stitch small automations between steps, and pilot one change with clear metrics. Relief means you chose well; stress means you moved too fast. Subscribe, share this with a friend who runs a team, and leave a quick review telling us which task you’ll automate first. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

    32 min
  6. 12/11/2025

    Episode 175: Estate Planning Made Simple

    Estate planning doesn’t have to be scary or expensive to be effective. Greg sits down with attorney Tyler Gluth to demystify the essentials—what really belongs in a basic plan, how to keep your loved ones out of court, and why beneficiary designations can quietly override everything you wrote in your will. We get real about the documents every adult should have, the pitfalls that create family rifts, and the simple steps that turn confusion into clarity. We start with the foundation: a will or a revocable living trust, plus two powers of attorney that spring into effect if you’re incapacitated. Tyler explains how financial and healthcare POAs protect your bills, benefits, and medical choices without resorting to costly guardianships. From there, we dig into titling and beneficiaries—how IRAs, life insurance, and joint property pass outside probate—and why updating those forms may be the highest‑ROI move in your entire plan. For listeners juggling blended families or homes in multiple states, we explore trusts as a practical “hub” that keeps assets organized and avoids duplicate probates. You’ll hear the tradeoffs between naming a relative as executor versus hiring a corporate fiduciary, including typical fee structures, the value of neutrality, and the moments when paying a professional prevents years of conflict. Along the way, we cover specific bequests the right way, the true drivers of probate costs, and the hard lessons of intestacy when the state’s default rules decide for you. If you’ve been putting this off, this conversation gives you a clear path: make a plan, work the plan, and keep it current. Subscribe for more practical money guidance, share this with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a review to tell us what step you’re taking this week. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

    23 min
  7. 12/11/2025

    Episode 174: Real Estate Reality Check With Matt Evans

    Housing decisions aren’t made on interest rates alone. Greg invited Valparaiso broker-owner Matt Evans to break down the real levers behind today’s market: monthly costs that hide in plain sight, the changing shape of local supply, and the life events that won’t wait for a perfect APR. From the practical “date the rate, marry the home” mindset to the math behind taxes, HOAs, and insurance, we map the budget items that determine whether a home truly fits. We explore why new construction has become pricier—due to land, labor, and materials—and how local efforts are expanding the availability of attainable housing to rebuild equity for first-time buyers. Matt shares where inventory is tight, why luxury lots matter to a balanced ecosystem, and how updates to zoning and comprehensive plans guide future growth. We also look at the powerful pull from Illinois: better South Shore Rail service, transit-oriented development, and the Valpo Dash keep Chicago within reach while preserving Northwest Indiana’s pace and value. For investors, we compare hands-on strategies with hands-off options. REITs offer diversified exposure and potential dividends, while local rentals benefit from sound structures such as LLCs. Flipping hasn’t vanished, but slimmer spreads and higher rehab costs mean only true value-add projects pencil out—cosmetic flips are rarely enough. Along the way, we underline the costs that most often surprise buyers and second-home owners, including rising insurance premiums and HOA assessments that can double or triple over time. Ready to make more innovative moves with precise numbers and realistic expectations? Tap play, subscribe to new episodes, and share this conversation with someone weighing their next step. Your feedback helps us bring more grounded, valuable insights to your feed—leave a quick review and tell us what topic we should tackle next. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

    20 min
  8. 12/09/2025

    Episode 173: How HR Software Cuts Costs And Stress

    Hiring shouldn’t feel like juggling chainsaws, and payroll shouldn’t require a spreadsheet rodeo. In today's episode, Greg Farrall, CEO and Owner of an independent wealth management firm, Farrall Wealth,  sat down with HR consultant Mike Ramian from Paylocity to show how small and mid-sized businesses can streamline the entire employee lifecycle, save real money, and sleep better at night.  From recruiting to retirement, we connect the dots on what to centralize, automate, and cut so your team can focus on the work that grows the business. We dig into the high cost of noncompliance and why the rules shift by state and headcount. Mike explains how Illinois biometric consent differs from Indiana requirements and how missing a step can lead to fines and lawsuits. Then we move to the practical upside of modern HRIS platforms: automated compliance checkpoints, cleaner onboarding, and faster time-to-productivity. With AI built into the workflow, HR leaders can generate sharper job descriptions, screen candidates more effectively, and fill roles sooner—often cutting 25 to 50 percent off the time spent in early hiring stages. Retirement plans get a refresh, too. Instead of clunky census pulls and back-and-forth emails, open APIs enable 180- and 360-degree integrations, so demographic changes, eligibility, and deductions sync without manual re-entry. That matters for plan sponsors, advisors, and TPAs who need accurate, real-time data. Mike shares a standout case study: a nonprofit reduced software sprawl and reclaimed up to $100,000 annually by consolidating tools and tightening integrations. The result was fewer licenses, fewer errors, and a smoother payroll process that actually pays people on time. If your HR stack feels bloated or brittle, this conversation offers a blueprint for change: map your tools, measure the manual handoffs, and unify where it counts. Subscribe, share with a business owner who needs it, and leave a review to tell us which HR headache you want solved next. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. The opinions voiced in this podcast are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may suit you, consult the appropriate qualified professional before deciding.

    17 min
4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Needing guidance on finances, or just curious about investments? Join CEO and Owner of Farrall Wealth, Greg Farrall, as he dives into all things relating to money and often interviews interesting people he is fortunate enough to call his friends. Thanks for listening! Please share, review, and subscribe! Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. 

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