Why Is Inflation Still rising And What’s Behind The Surge?

Why Is Inflation Still rising And What’s Behind The Surge?

What’s Fueling the Inflation Surge?: 5:40–8:20

Inflation is heating up again, but what’s really behind the latest surge? While some everyday prices are falling, others are climbing at an alarming pace—and one major factor is putting renewed pressure on the economy.

In this episode, the WWM Financial team uncovers inflation’s biggest driver, examining how rising energy prices, gasoline costs, and unexpected inflation reports are affecting consumers and investors. Could energy costs be keeping inflation higher than expected?

Plus, what does rising inflation mean for the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and the stock market? The team explores how shifting economic conditions could influence investment decisions and what investors should be watching next.

Also in this episode:

  • Why inflation remains a concern for the Federal Reserve

  • How AI stocks and market volatility are affecting investors

  • What rising Treasury yields could mean for retirement income planning

  • How consumer spending is holding up despite higher prices

  • Why understanding economic trends matters for your investment strategy

Tune in to discover what’s driving inflation in 2026 and what it could mean for your financial future.

Date Recorded: 10/15/26

Disclosure:

WWM Financial is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry and how we may be able to assist. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. wwmfinancial.com | 760.692.5190

Do We Have Enough to Retire? 3 Questions to Ask Before You Stop Working

Do We Have Enough to Retire? 3 Questions to Ask Before You Stop Working

Retirement is finally within reach. You’ve worked hard, built your savings, and started imagining life without a nine-to-five schedule. But there’s one question that can make even the most prepared retirees hesitate: Do you actually have enough to retire?

Leaving your paycheck behind can be exciting—and a little nerve-racking. How do you know your savings will last? Can you afford to travel, maintain your lifestyle, and enjoy retirement without constantly worrying about running out of money?

In this episode, Catherine Magaña and Rachel Ivanovich break down 3 essential questions to ask before you stop working and explains why retirement readiness involves much more than reaching a certain savings number.

In this episode:

• How to estimate retirement expenses, including travel, healthcare, and inflation

• Where retirement income comes from, including Social Security, pensions, and investments

• Why withdrawal strategies, taxes, and market downturns matter

• How to make sure your retirement plan works for both spouses

• Why thoughtful planning can help you retire with greater confidence Before you say goodbye to your paycheck, find out what it really takes to retire with confidence.

Date Recorded: 10/01/26

Disclosure:

WWM Financial is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry and how we may be able to assist. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. wwmfinancial.com | 760.692.5190

What Should Investors Do With Interest Rates This High?

What Should Investors Do With Interest Rates This High?

⏱ Interest Rates, Bond Yields & Market Update — 0:51–11:21

What should investors do with interest rates this high? With bond yields elevated, inflation still in focus, and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve, investors are facing a very different environment for stocks and bonds.

In this episode, the WWM Financial team breaks down what today’s higher interest rates could mean for investors. We look at rising Treasury yields, CDs versus Treasuries, the outlook for Fed rate decisions, and why bonds are getting more attention as yields become increasingly attractive.

We also explore the forces putting pressure on the stock market—including inflation, oil prices, and geopolitical uncertainty—and what investors may want to watch as earnings season approaches.

In this episode:

  • What high interest rates could mean for investors

  • Why rising bond yields matter for stocks

  • Stocks vs. bonds in a higher-rate environment

  • How inflation and oil prices could influence Fed decisions

  • What investors should watch as earnings season begins

  • Retirement planning and Roth IRA considerations

If you’ve been wondering what higher interest rates could mean for your investments—or whether the changing rate environment should have you thinking differently about stocks and bonds—this episode is worth a watch.

Date Recorded: 10/01/26

Disclosure:

WWM Financial is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry and how we may be able to assist. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. wwmfinancial.com | 760.692.5190

How Bond Yields Impact Stocks And Investors

How Bond Yields Impact Stocks And Investors

What happens when bonds start competing harder for investors’ attention? As yields climb, the effects can reach beyond the bond market—shaping stock valuations, investor decisions, and expectations for where markets could go next.

In this episode, the WWM Financial team discusses why the 10-year Treasury approaching 5% matters and how higher yields can create pressure for stocks, particularly growth stocks. They also explore how changing yields can influence the tradeoff investors face between stocks and bonds.

⏱️ Bond Yields, Stocks & Investors: 5:08–10:36

The conversation covers what could keep yields elevated, including inflation, oil prices, government and corporate bond issuance, and the outlook for interest rates. Plus, the team discusses individual bonds, bond ladders and bond funds, along with year-end tax planning, Roth catch-up contributions, estate planning, and the latest economic and market signals.

As markets face changing yields, understanding the connection can help investors put today’s market moves into perspective.

Date Recorded: 9/10/26

Disclosure:

WWM Financial is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry and how we may be able to assist. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. wwmfinancial.com | 760.692.5190

Could Your Money Work Harder Than Paying Off Your Mortgage?

Could Your Money Work Harder Than Paying Off Your Mortgage?

Paying off your mortgage may feel like the obvious financial move—but is it always the right one? In this episode, the WWM Financial team explores the factors that can make this decision more complicated than it seems. From low interest rates and taxes to opportunity cost, cash flow, and peace of mind, there’s more to consider before saying goodbye to your mortgage. The bigger question isn’t simply whether you can pay it off—it’s what makes the most sense for your overall financial picture.

Plus, the team discusses:

  • The market tug-of-war between inflation, interest rates, earnings, and economic growth

  • Why investors could see continued market volatility

  • Tax considerations when selling a longtime family home

  • Planning opportunities when moving into a continuing care retirement community

  • Potential changes to the capital gains exclusion on home sales

Sometimes the most obvious financial move deserves a second look. Question the payoff, understand the tradeoffs, and make the decision that fits your bigger financial picture.

Date Recorded: 9/03/26

Disclosure:

WWM Financial is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor

The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry and how we may be able to assist. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. Any past performance discussed during this program is no guarantee of future results. As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. Tax considerations presented may not be appropriate every individual circumstance. A tax professional should be consulted before making any decisions about your tax liability. wwmfinancial.com | 760.692.5190