The Economy at a Crossroads: Here’s What’s Ahead

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This has been a very odd year. Lots of pundits were predicting a bad stock market for the first part of this year as inflation and high interest rates pushed the economy into a recession.

Nope.

At the end of July, the S&P 500 was up nearly 20%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite was up 30%.

Another thing the pundits advised: The Fed would stop raising interest rates by mid-year. Some “experts” even thought they’d be falling by now.

Nope.

On July 26 we got yet another boost in interest rates. They’re now higher than they’ve been in a generation.

So, is there a recession on the horizon? Or will we have a soft landing, with the economy slowing enough to defeat inflation but avoid a severe downturn? Is the Fed done raising rates? Is it too late to get into stocks?

These are a few of the things we’re going to explore in this special podcast episode.

Host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. This week’s special guest is Stash Graham, managing director and chief investment officer with Graham Capital Wealth Management.

As you listen, remember, this isn’t financial advice. So make sure to do your own research and consult your own experts before acting on anything you hear.

You can download the episode wherever you get your podcasts:

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Google Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

What’s happening in the economy?

It’s obviously important to know how the economy could potentially affect you. Here are some articles offering insight into what’s going on and potential moves you should be making.

• 4 Groups Who Say the Economy Is Wrecking Their Mental Health
• How to Stand Out and Land a Job in a Tough Economy
• 3 Signs Consumers Are Wobbling in Today’s Economy
• 32 Inflation Hacks to Save You Money in an Economic Downturn
• It’s Now Much Harder for First-Time Buyers To Afford a Home Here
• 15 Cities Where Homebuyers Are Most Impacted by Rising Interest Rates
• 10 Best Moves for Rising Interest Rates
• What the Volatility Index Says About the Economy and Markets
• The Best Investments for Rising Interest Rates

How to manage your money for the last part of the year

Now you know what might happen, it’s time to figure out how to manage your money for the last part of the year. We have some helpful resources on taxes, savings, smart spending and investing that can help you get more for your money during the last part of the year.

• 7 Year-End Tax Tips That Could Save You Thousands
• 7 Year-End Financial Planning Moves to Consider Now
• 7 of the Best Ways to Lower Your 2024 Taxes Today
• 11 Tax Deductions You Can Claim Without Itemizing
• 5 Tax Deductions Every Homeowner Should Know About
• 6 Things Every Self-Employed Worker Should Know About Taxes
• 5 Simple Software Solutions to Get Your Taxes Done Fast
• Saving Is Not Enough: Why You Need to Invest
• Investing in Gold and Gold IRAs: 5 Things You Need to Know
• How to Choose Between Active and Passive Investing
• 10 Depression Era Hacks and Frugal Living Ideas To Save Money Now
• Frugal Living Guide: How to Have Less Stuff and Save Money
• 10 Ways to Change Bad Spending Habits and Save Money
• Money in Flexible Spending Accounts Will Soon Evaporate

Meet this week’s guest, Stash Graham

Stash Graham is managing director of Graham Capital Wealth Management and has over 16 years of experience in the asset management space.

Graham is a seasoned asset manager whose experience includes both public and private markets. He started his career as a financial analyst at Health and Estate Advisors before serving as a vice president of Investments at J.P. Turner prior to the founding of Graham Capital Wealth Management in 2016. Graham holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in finance from La Salle University, as well as a Master of Science in Finance from Johns Hopkins University.

• LinkedIn

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About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He’s a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She’s been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.