Retirement Plan Playbook

Matthew Theal, Brent Pasqua, Joshua Winterswyk
  • 5.0 (27)
  • INVESTING

Dive into the world of financial and retirement planning with the experts at Evermont Wealth. Led by President Brent Pasqua, alongside CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk, each episode is packed with insightful discussions on money, life, and securing your retirement. Tune in to ”The Retirement Plan Playbook” for advice that turns financial goals into achievements, ensuring you’re well-equipped for a prosperous retirement.

  1. 2D AGO

    War and Your Portfolio (Ep.126)

    The US just launched strikes on Iran. Oil spiked from $70 to over $120 a barrel. The Strait of Hormuz is shut down. And your portfolio? Brent, Matthew, and Josh break down exactly what the Iran conflict means for your retirement — and why panic-selling might be the riskiest move of all. First up: the oil shock. The guys walk through why crude prices jumped 63% in 10 days, why gas went from $3 to $3.45 nationally (and close to $6 in California), and what that means for everything from supply chains to your grocery bill. Josh pulls in a Landman reference to explain why oil touches every corner of the economy — and why markets got so nervous so fast. Then the conversation turns to the big question every client is asking: should I move to cash? Matthew lays out what history actually tells us about war and markets — stocks have held up better than most people think, thanks to the "war machine" effect on GDP. But this time there's a wrinkle: consumer confidence just hit a 12-year low, unemployment ticked up to 4.4%, and if oil stays elevated, inflation could push back above 3%. The team discusses the stagflation scenario, why the Fed's backward-looking data is making things worse, and what the new Fed chair could mean for rates. The practical segment is where it gets actionable. Brent explains his rebalancing strategy and why he's been sitting on cash since November waiting for this kind of pullback. Josh makes the case for sticking to your plan and not turning off retirement contributions. And Matthew talks Roth conversions — why a market dip could actually be the perfect time to convert at a lower amount. All three share what they're personally doing (or not doing) in their own portfolios right now. The episode wraps with personal updates: Brent's back at Orangetheory and feeling better than he has in two years, Josh just finished Landman Season 2 (perfect timing with the oil talk), and Matt's daughter learned to ride a bike in about an hour using a Guardian balance bike. Timestamps 0:00 — Intro 1:30 — Oil prices spike: what happened and why it matters 3:00 — How oil affects everything (the Landman breakdown) 5:30 — The Strait of Hormuz shutdown and supply chain fears 6:00 — Should you be worried? Time horizon is everything 7:00 — What history says about war and the stock market 10:00 — Will this be a short war? Political dynamics and midterms 11:00 — Stagflation risk: inflation up, jobs down, Fed stuck 12:00 — Recession odds and why Matt's not buying it 13:00 — What we're telling clients right now 14:00 — Rebalancing strategies and sitting on cash 16:00 — Don't panic-sell Trump — the pattern since 2019 18:00 — Why retail investors are calmer than institutions 19:30 — Practical steps: time horizon, bucket strategy, Roth conversions 21:00 — Gold at all-time highs: insurance, not a bet 23:00 — What Brent, Matt, and Josh are doing in their own portfolios 25:00 — Evermont Recommends: Orangetheory, Landman Season 2, Guardian Bikes Key Takeaways Oil spiked 63% in 10 days after the Strait of Hormuz shut down — but markets haven't cratered the way most people expected, and history shows stocks tend to hold up during wartime. The bigger risk isn't the war itself — it's stagflation. If oil stays elevated, inflation could push back above 3% while the labor market weakens. The Fed is behind the curve. Don't panic-sell. Every major correction under this administration has reversed. If your time horizon is 10+ years, stick to your plan. This could actually be a good time to rebalance and consider Roth conversions — converting when the market is down means you convert at a lower amount and benefit more from the recovery. Gold is at all-time highs because of uncertainty, not fundamentals. Keep it to 5-10% of your portfolio as insurance, not a core position. Links & Resources Evermont Wealth: https://evermont.com Call Us: (909) 296-7977 Subscribe & Review on Apple

    33 min

  2. FEB 26

    We're Back: Roth Conversions, AI That Negotiated a Car Deal, and What We've Been Up To (Ep. 125)

    After a long break from the studio, Brent, Matthew, and Josh are back — and they've got a lot to catch up on. First up: Roth conversions. They're everywhere on social media, and clients are walking in the door asking about them. But should you actually do one? The guys break down when a Roth conversion makes sense, when it doesn't, and why paying the tax bill out of pocket changes the entire equation. Matthew shares a recent client projection that showed a million-dollar difference in inherited wealth — but it's not a slam dunk for everyone. Then the conversation shifts to AI — and it gets real. Brent tells the full story of how he used Claude to negotiate a car purchase entirely through text messages, landing the best price, the best rate, and catching a $3,000 paperwork error the dealership missed. Matthew talks about using AI to analyze his genetics and build a kid-friendly meal plan. And the team discusses how AI is already replacing medical scribes, editing podcasts, and doing the day-to-day work that used to take hours. They also get into the darker side of AI and social media — bots, AI slop, dead internet theory, and why arguing in comment sections might mean you're talking to a computer. The episode wraps with personal updates: Matt's reffing AYSO soccer, Josh's son just started T-ball on the Dodgers, and Brent's savoring his last season as Little League president before his son ages out. Timestamps 0:00 — Intro 1:00 — We're back! What happened and why 4:00 — Roth conversions: When they make sense (and when they don't) 5:00 — The social media hype around Roth conversions 7:00 — Writing a check to the IRS: The real test 8:00 — A million-dollar Roth conversion projection 9:30 — AI beyond ChatGPT: Where things are headed 11:00 — The leap from late 2025 to today 12:30 — How Matthew used AI to refresh the podcast 14:30 — Clients showing up with ChatGPT-generated financial plans 16:00 — AI for meal plans, grocery lists, and travel booking 17:00 — Brent's car negotiation story (using Claude) 21:00 — Human + AI vs. human alone 23:00 — AI in medicine: Scribes replaced, blood work analyzed 25:00 — AI fears vs. AI reality 27:00 — Dead internet theory and AI slop 29:00 — Why companies using AI are actually working more 31:00 — Paid vs. free AI models: Why it matters 33:00 — Personal updates: Kids, sports, and Orangetheory 39:00 — Closing Key Takeaways Roth conversions aren't for everyone — the real question is whether you can afford to write the tax check out of pocket, and whether inheritance planning is a priority for you. AI has leaped past "fix my email" — it can now negotiate, analyze, plan meals, and handle complex multi-step tasks in your daily life. If you're still using the free version of an AI tool, you're working with technology that's 2-3 years behind the paid models. The human + AI combo beats a human alone every time — for now. Social media drove the Roth conversion craze, and the tax cuts ended up getting extended anyway. Links & Resources Evermont Wealth: https://evermont.com Show Notes: https://retirementplanplaybook.com Call Us: (909) 296-7977 Subscribe & Review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

    40 min

  3. 07/24/2025

    Big Tax Wins, Newborn Accounts, and Why the Market’s Hitting Highs (Ep.124)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the biggest tax updates from the newly passed legislation—including enhanced deductions, a new investment account for newborns, and how these changes impact retirees, business owners, and investors. Plus, the team discusses how the market rebounded to all-time highs, what AI is fueling next, and why financial planning is more essential than ever. 📊 Here’s what we cover: 🧾 The SALT deduction cap is back (and higher!)—who benefits and who gets phased out 👴 A new $12,000 deduction for retirees—what to know before you file 🏦 Estate tax exemption locked in at $15M per person—what it means for families 👶 Newborn “Trump Accounts”—seed money from the government, tax-deferred growth, and major flexibility 📈 Why the market is at all-time highs despite volatility, tariffs, and war chatter 📉 Should you rebalance now or keep buying into strength? Plus: Travel tips, TSA pre-check wins, and a debate over Real IDs you didn’t know you needed. 👉 Feeling unsure how this new tax law affects your financial plan? Visit evermont.com to schedule your complimentary consultation.📲 Subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find retirement advice that actually works.

    42 min

  4. 06/19/2025

    Inside the Big Beautiful Bill – Tax Cuts, MAGA Accounts, and What It Means for Retirees (Ep. 123)

    Despite geopolitical tension, a trade war scare, and inflation noise, the market is holding steady—and the tax landscape just shifted big time. In this episode of Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk unpack the surprising strength in markets, the economic signals investors should pay attention to, and how the newly passed “Big Beautiful Bill” could reshape retirement and tax planning. 🎯 In this episode: 📰 Middle East conflict & World War III fears – What’s priced in and what’s not 💥 Tariffs fade, markets rebound – Why staying invested is paying off again 📉 Inflation cooling & rate cut signals – Are we heading for stability or slowdown? 🏛️ The “Big Beautiful Bill” – What’s in the tax extension and why it matters 👶 MAGA Accounts (yes, really) – $1,000 for every newborn starting in 2025? 💼 Social Security tax credit workaround – What retirees need to know 📈 IPO fever returns – AI, crypto, and fintech startups are fueling investor excitement Plus, the guys talk about family travel tips, educational vacations, and the value of showing kids real history vs. just poolside relaxation. 👉 Need help adjusting your retirement plan for taxes, market changes, or new legislation? Visit evermont.com to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover smart, timely retirement guidance.

    34 min

  5. 05/08/2025

    Tariff Market Rebound – Why Staying Invested Paid Off Big (Ep.122)

    Just weeks after the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs, the market snapped back with one of the biggest rallies in modern history—and if you followed the playbook, you were ready. In this episode of Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the market rebound, the political pivot, and how diversification, patience, and AI-powered earnings helped investors come out ahead. 📈 Here’s what we cover: 📰 The 90-day tariff pause that sparked a 12% S&P rally 🧠 Why panic-selling during volatility destroys long-term wealth 🌍 International and emerging market stocks—are they still holding up? 🏠 Housing gridlock: Why nobody’s moving, and how to think about real estate today 🤖 AI earnings, job growth, and economic resilience: What’s real and what’s hype? 📊 GDP contraction vs. private investment surge—are we slowing or just adjusting? Plus, we talk about retirement timing, recession fears, and why more people are hitting pause—not on retirement, but on making any decision at all. 👉 If you're unsure how to adjust your portfolio or plan after the tariff chaos, visit evermont.com for a free retirement consultation. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review! It helps others find smart, timely advice for a stronger financial future.

    35 min

  6. 04/07/2025

    Tariff Tantrum – What It Means for Your Money (Ep. 121)

    Tariffs are back—and they're not subtle. In this emergency episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk break down the sudden and aggressive return of U.S. tariffs, the economic chaos they’ve already triggered, and how investors should respond. From market drops to rising prices, supply chain shakeups, and a looming recession, the guys unpack it all—with sharp insight, strong opinions, and real strategies for staying on track. 📉 Here’s what we get into: 🚨 Trump’s tariff shock: What was announced and why it blindsided markets 📈 Are we already in a recession? Larry Fink thinks so 🧾 Tariffs = Taxes: What this means for U.S. consumers and businesses 🛠 Can manufacturing come back to the U.S.—or is that just a fantasy? 🔁 What investors should (and shouldn't) do right now: rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, cash management 💣 How this could affect the election, Congress, and Powell’s next move This episode is your full breakdown of what just happened, why it matters, and how to respond with a level head. 👉 Need help navigating this storm? Visit evermont.com to schedule a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe and leave a review to stay informed—and stay ready.

    35 min

  7. 03/27/2025

    Tax Time, Gold, and AI IPOs—What’s Hot in Spring 2025 (Ep.120)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk cover the spring 2025 financial landscape—from filing taxes to hot market trends like gold, Chinese stocks, and AI IPOs. Whether you’re wrapping up your return or wondering where to invest next, this episode offers clarity in a time of questions. 📊 Here’s what we cover: 🧾 Tax season tips – What you can still do before the deadline 📈 High interest savings & unexpected tax bills – Why you might owe this year 🔒 Proactive tax planning for 2025 – Reduce next year’s bill by starting now 🪙 Gold & Chinese stocks – Flash in the pan or a long-term play? 🌍 The return of international markets – Is diversification finally paying off? 🚀 AI IPO excitement – CoreWeave is going public... is the window opening? Plus, we debate, investing psychology, Disney vs. California Adventure, and which streaming shows are dominating right now. 👉 Want to make 2025 your most financially confident year yet? Visit www.evermont.com to schedule your complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay informed and stay in control of your financial future.

    36 min

  8. 03/13/2025

    Stock Market Drops—Should You Be Worried? (ep.119)

    In this episode of the Retirement Plan Playbook, Brent Pasqua, Matthew Theal, and Joshua Winterswyk tackle the latest market pullback and what it means for investors. Is this a normal correction, or are we headed for something bigger? More importantly—what should you do (or NOT do) right now? 🔍 Here’s what we cover: 📉 Why the market is down & what’s fueling volatility 🧠 Investor psychology – How emotions impact your financial future 🔥 Is this a buying opportunity or time to pull back? 📊 Historical trends – How does this market drop compare to past corrections? 🏡 Housing market debate – Will interest rate cuts push home prices up or down? Plus, we discuss political influences, tariffs, and the latest AI-powered tools reshaping the financial landscape. 👉 Nervous about the market? Now is the time to review your strategy. Visit www.evermont.com for a complimentary consultation. 📲 Subscribe & leave a review! Stay informed, stay invested, and keep your retirement plan on track.

    35 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Dive into the world of financial and retirement planning with the experts at Evermont Wealth. Led by President Brent Pasqua, alongside CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Matthew Theal and Joshua Winterswyk, each episode is packed with insightful discussions on money, life, and securing your retirement. Tune in to ”The Retirement Plan Playbook” for advice that turns financial goals into achievements, ensuring you’re well-equipped for a prosperous retirement.

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Theal, Brent Pasqua, Joshua Winterswyk
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright RPA Wealth Management
  • Show Website
    Retirement Plan Playbook

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