Walkner Condon Financial Advisors

Join hosts Syl Michelin, CFA and Clint Walkner as they break down the key market themes from Q1 2026. In this episode, Syl and Clint cut through the headlines to focus on what the market is actually telling investors — covering geopolitical tensions, energy prices, AI infrastructure spending, the SaaS selloff, crypto, gold, bonds, and international stocks. From the 10% market correction to the value vs. growth repricing, they analyze what matters most for your portfolio in 2026.Whether you're evaluating US mega cap tech valuations after the selloff, considering international diversification, or wondering if bonds deserve a place in your portfolio, this episode delivers data-driven market analysis you can act on.Topics covered: Q1 2026 market recap, geopolitical risk and market corrections, oil prices in historical context, AI energy demand and infrastructure, SaaS creative destruction, value vs. growth investing, crypto and gold performance, market timing pitfalls, bond investing in 2026, international st

With Exact Sciences stockholders officially approving the merger with Abbott on February 20, 2026, the Q2 closing date is fast approaching. For employees, this means unvested RSUs are accelerating, 401(k) holdings are shifting to cash, and a significant "tax cliff" is looming in 2026.In this deep dive, Clint Walkner and Mitch DeWitt break down the strategic financial moves Exact Sciences employees can make now to protect their windfall and minimize the IRS’s cut.What We Cover:- The $105 Cash Payout: How the all-cash deal impacts your RSUs, PSUs, and ESPP.- The 2026 Tax Spike: Why accelerated vesting could push you into a higher tax bracket and how to "bunch" deductions to fight back.- 401(k) & HSA Strategies: Should you pivot to Pre-Tax or Roth during a windfall year?- Risk Management: How to handle the uncertainty of future roles and potential layoffs post-merger.- Charitable Giving: Using Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) to offset your 2026 gains.Timeline of the Deal:0:00 Deal Overview: Th

Is the U.S. dollar losing its status as the world’s reserve currency — or is the de-dollarization narrative overblown?In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we separate fact from fiction on de-dollarization, global reserve currency shifts, and what the data actually says about the future of the U.S. dollar. With growing headlines about central banks buying gold, BRICS nations exploring alternatives, and tariff policies impacting currency markets, many investors are asking whether dollar dominance is fading.We examine reserve currency data, gold allocations, global liquidity dynamics, and why the U.S. dollar still represents roughly 55–60% of global reserves. More importantly, we discuss what this means for portfolio construction, currency diversification, international investing, and risk management in 2026 and beyond.If you’re concerned about currency risk, inflation, or global capital flows, this breakdown provides historical perspective and practical investment strategy.

What are alternative investments — and should they be part of your portfolio?In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we break down alternative investments, including private equity, private debt, real estate, and venture capital, and explain how they compare to traditional stocks and bonds. If you're exploring portfolio diversification strategies or wondering whether alternative assets make sense for retail investors, this episode covers what you need to know.As alternative investments become more accessible, investors are increasingly considering them for non-correlated returns, asymmetric upside potential, and long-term wealth building. However, alternatives also come with unique risks — including liquidity constraints, higher fees, regulatory considerations, and complexity.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we dive deep into the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and its immediate effects on global markets and the economy. Geopolitical events move fast, and while the instinct may be to react, history tells a much more nuanced story about market resilience.We break down the central role of oil prices, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and why the U.S. economy's shift toward being an energy exporter changes the math on GDP drag compared to decades past.In this video, we discuss:- Historical Precedents: How markets recovered after the Gulf War, 9/11, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.- Safe Haven Assets: Why gold, U.S. Treasuries, and the Dollar behave the way they do during uncertainty.- Sector Winners/Losers: A look at defense-related stocks, value stocks, and the potential for an AI value rotation.- The Power of Diversification: Why avoiding recency bias and sticking to a long-term plan is your best defense against volatility.Protect your portfolio from emot

What will drive markets in 2026?In this February 2026 episode of Gimme Some Truth, hosts Nate Condon and Clint Walkner examine five major market catalysts investors should watch this year: elevated U.S. equity valuations, international market rotation, a potential new Federal Reserve Chair, inflation’s evolving target, and AI-driven volatility.The discussion expands on their published article featured in Walkner Condon’s 2026 Market Outlook, outlining why stretched U.S. stock valuations may require record earnings growth to justify further gains — and why earnings misses are being punished more severely. They explore the reemergence of developed, emerging, and frontier international markets, the impact of a weakening U.S. dollar, and whether dollar strength could return later in 2026.Read the 2026 Market Outlook - https://walknercondon.com/market-outlook-guide-2026/ They also analyze the implications of a potential new Fed Chair, the political dynamics surrounding Jerome Powell, and how changes in Federal Res

The S&P 500’s top 10 companies now represent over 40% of the index — the highest market concentration in modern history. What does that mean for investors?In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we break down market concentration risk, the CAPE ratio (Shiller P/E), and how today’s valuations compare to the dot-com bubble. With U.S. large-cap stocks trading at historically elevated levels, we explore whether international diversification, emerging markets, and value-oriented strategies may offer better risk-adjusted opportunities.If you’re concerned about overexposure to the Magnificent Seven, high valuations, or portfolio risk heading into 2026, this discussion will help you think strategically about global asset allocation and long-term investing.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, the Nate and Clint discuss the 2026 Market Outlook, Walkner Condon’s annual market outlook publication, and the key themes shaping the year ahead.Read the 2026 Market Outlook here: https://walknercondon.com/market-outlook-guide-2026/ The conversation explores insights from the 2026 Market Outlook, including diversification, concentration risk, taxation, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in financial markets. Listeners are encouraged to evaluate their portfolios against these factors and consider how emerging risks and uncertainties may impact long-term strategy.This episode offers context around the thinking behind Walkner Condon’s 2026 Market Outlook and how investors can use it as a framework for navigating changing market conditions.00:00 Introduction and Early-Year Market Reflections00:33 Market Sentiment and Recent Financial Developments01:36 2026 Market Outlook Overview01:54 Building the 2026 Market Outlook Guide04:13 Key Themes: Diversification, Risk,

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Clint, Keith, and Nate take a deep dive into one of the most debated topics in finance today: investment bubbles. From historical manias to the modern AI boom, this episode unpacks how bubbles form, why they burst, and what investors should watch for in today’s elevated market environment.We explore classic examples like Tulip Mania, the Dot-Com Bubble, and other notable periods of irrational market enthusiasm. The team also examines current concerns surrounding AI valuations, cryptocurrency speculation, and whether today's market dynamics mirror past bubbles.You’ll learn:What defines a financial bubbleHow investor psychology, FOMO, and high valuations fuel unsustainable growthWhether modern trends like AI and crypto show signs of bubble behaviorHow bubbles can form even during strong economic conditionsPractical strategies for navigating “frothy” marketsWhy diversification and discipline matter more than everTimestamps:00:00 — Introduction to Investment Bubbles00:37 —

Welcome to a new episode of Gimme Some Truth, filmed in our upgraded Verona studio! In this episode, we break down the recent surge in gold prices and why precious metals are once again dominating investor conversations.Clint and Nate explore key drivers behind gold’s rally—including market uncertainty, inflation pressures, global demand, and central bank gold purchases. We analyze how gold and silver behave during different market cycles, compare them to other asset classes, and discuss the risks, volatility, and long-term strategy considerations for investors.Whether you're evaluating gold as a hedge, a diversifier, or a tactical investment, this episode offers data-driven insights to help you make informed decisions in today’s shifting financial landscape.Timestamps:00:00 — Welcome to the New Studio00:36 — Why Precious Metals Are Heating Up02:07 — Gold’s Price Surge & Market Drivers04:15 — How to Approach Gold Investing07:56 — Gold as a Portfolio Diversifier13:41 — Final Thoughts & Investor Tak

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Nate, Andrew, and Clint take a deep dive into the rapidly growing world of prediction markets—a space sitting at the intersection of investing, betting, and financial innovation.We explore how prediction markets first emerged from political forecasting and academic research, how companies like Kalshi and Polymarket are shaping the U.S. landscape, and what the regulatory environment looks like today.The conversation also covers how prediction markets actually work, their impact on sports betting and investment portfolios, and whether they could eventually disrupt traditional gambling platforms and investment products.From potential returns and real-world use cases to risks, volatility, and long-term outlook, this episode breaks down everything investors need to know about this evolving asset class.Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction to Prediction Markets00:36 — Origins in Politics & Academia01:49 — U.S. Regulation & Emerging Companies03:51 — Evolution & Future of Pr

The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction is getting its biggest update in years. In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Clint, Alicia, and Nate break down the new law that raises the federal SALT cap from $10,000 to $40,000 starting in 2025, with limits that phase out for higher-income households and a temporary window that currently runs through 2029. You’ll learn what counts as SALT (property taxes, state income taxes, and certain local taxes), who benefits most in high-tax states, and why the expanded cap could make itemizing attractive again—even for filers who have taken the standard deduction in recent years. The team also explains key planning moves like timing property tax payments, bunching deductions, and coordinating SALT with charitable and other itemized strategies to maximize tax savings before year-end. Whether you’re a high-income earner navigating the phase-out rules or a homeowner wondering if itemizing finally pays off, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance to help you take advan

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, hosts Clint and Nate sit down with insurance veteran Rod Crandall to explore how long-term care insurance can protect your financial future.Rod breaks down common misconceptions, explains how long-term care coverage fits into retirement planning, and shares his personal experience purchasing a policy. The conversation also covers:✅ Current costs of long-term care in Wisconsin✅ Different types of long-term care insurance (traditional vs. modern hybrid options)✅ Underwriting and eligibility considerations✅ Why proactive planning matters for financial security and family protectionIf you’re wondering whether long-term care insurance makes sense for your situation—or how to start planning—this discussion is a must-watch.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, hosts Clint Walkner, Stan Farmer, and Ian Beardsley are joined by Meb Faber, Chief Investment Officer of Cambria Investment Management, for an in-depth discussion on utilizing Section 351 to seed newly launching exchange-traded funds—a mechanism that can provide a tax-efficient approach to diversifying concentrated stock and ETF positions.The conversation explores the mechanics, potential benefits, and use cases for these funds, and how they may fit into broader portfolio management and diversification strategies. Meb also shares his perspective on global investing themes, market observations, and future developments in the investment landscape.

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Clint and Nate dive into the world of pledged asset lines—also known as securities-backed loans. They break down how these loans work, when investors might consider using them, and how they compare to traditional lending tools like home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).You’ll learn:

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Nate Condon and Clint Walkner are joined by Mitch DeWitt, CFP®, MBA. Together they help break down the complex world of equity compensation. We explain what equity compensation is, why it matters for financial planning, and the different types of stock options employees may encounter.The discussion covers the tax implications of stock options, potential pitfalls to avoid, and key strategies to incorporate equity compensation into a long-term plan. Whether you’re an employee receiving stock options or simply interested in understanding how they fit into wealth-building, this episode provides practical insights to navigate equity compensation with confidence.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Equity Compensation01:22 – Understanding Stock Options04:44 – Types of Stock Options and Their Tax Implications10:31 – Common Pitfalls and Planning Strategies16:48 – Conclusion and Final ThoughtsREAD THE BLOG POST FOR MORE INFO: https://walknercondon.com/blog/six-things-to-know-about-emp

How does Epic's employee stock program work—and what do you need to know about taxes, loans, 83(b) elections, and long-term planning?In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, financial professionals Clint Walkner, Alicia Vande Ven, CFP® (former Epic HR), and Mitch DeWitt, CFP®, break down the complexities of Epic employee stock, including vesting, tax implications, exit planning, and risk management. Whether you're an Epic employee, former staffer, or simply navigating equity compensation, this episode offers structured insight into managing your equity in 2025 and beyond.Check out our new Epic Stock Financial Planning Guidewww.walknercondon.com/epic

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, Clint, Nate, and Syl break down the Q3 market recap and share their Q4 stock market outlook. They discuss the continued strength of U.S. and international equities, the resilience of the economy despite tariffs and global challenges, and how potential Federal Reserve rate cuts may shape the months ahead.They also dive into currency pressures, inflation trends, consumer spending, and real estate dynamics—plus the growing influence of AI and reshoring initiatives on the broader economy. Packed with insights for both experienced investors and new market participants, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the final quarter of the year.Key Topics CoveredQ3 Market Recap – Momentum in U.S. and international stocksGlobal Market Trends – International equities and broader outlookEconomic Resilience – How the economy withstands tariffs and headwindsFederal Reserve & Rates – Possible interest rate cuts and their impactInflation & Currency Shifts – Managing volat

In this episode of Gimme Some Truth, we take a closer look at the future of Social Security and what it means for retirement planning. Mitch shares insights into the projected depletion of the Social Security Trust Fund by 2033, highlighting that while the headlines can be alarming, Social Security payments have never been missed.We explore the origins of Social Security, the impact of demographic shifts, and the political and funding challenges shaping its outlook. The conversation also reviews potential legislative reforms — including retirement age adjustments, tax changes, and benefit modifications.Finally, we emphasize the importance of stress-testing financial plans so individuals can prepare for possible changes and uncertainties in the system.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction and Topic Overview00:50 – Current State of Social Security02:07 – Historical Context and Trust Fund Details05:26 – Future Projections and Potential Solutions07:07 – Political Challenges and Demographic Impact12:54 – Possible Changes