Who’s really responsible for managing, protecting, and overseeing your investments? In this episode of the Your Bread & Butter Podcast™, Andrew R. Beaudry, CFP® and Ryan T. Cummings, CFP® break down the key roles involved in your financial life — from Financial Advisors and Broker-Dealers to Custodians and, most importantly, you as the investor.

We discuss:• What a Financial Advisor actually does• The role of a Broker-Dealer and compliance oversight• How Custodians safeguard your assets and maintain records• The difference between Broker-Dealers and RIAs• Investor protections, regulations, and checks & balances• Why understanding these relationships can help you make better financial decisions

Whether you’re new to investing or simply want a clearer picture of how your accounts are managed behind the scenes, this episode provides a practical overview of the investment ecosystem and the responsibilities of each party involved.

What happens to your portfolio when the world feels chaotic?

In this episode of the Your Bread & Butter Podcast™, Andrew and Ryan tackle one of investors’ biggest emotional triggers: war and geopolitical uncertainty. When headlines are filled with conflict, volatility, and fear, it can feel like drastic portfolio changes are the only answer. History tells a different story.

We break down how markets have historically reacted during times of war, why uncertainty often creates more fear than actual long-term damage, and what disciplined investors should focus on instead of reacting emotionally.

In this episode, we cover:
• Why wars feel uniquely dangerous to investors• Historical market performance during major conflicts• The difference between short-term shocks and long-term outcomes• The two biggest mistakes investors make during uncertainty• Why rebalancing may be your most underrated tool• How liquidity and diversification create peace of mind• Why strategy beats prediction every time

The key takeaway:
War is chaotic — your portfolio shouldn’t be.

Successful investing isn’t about reacting to headlines. It’s about staying disciplined, grounded in history, and focused on your long-term goals.

If you’ve ever wondered whether market fear should change your investment strategy, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Listen now and subscribe to Your Bread & Butter Podcast™ wherever you get your podcasts.

🌐 Learn more at Private Financial Design

Is the U.S. economy heading toward a recession—or setting up for a soft landing?

In this episode, we break down historical labor market trends and compare them to today’s economic environment. Looking at key periods like the postwar slowdown, the 1970 recession, the dot-com era, and the 2008 financial crisis, a clear pattern emerges: hiring slows before layoffs rise—and that’s often where recessions begin.

📊 What we cover:

• How past recessions were signaled by labor market “stall” periods
• Why unemployment in the 4–5% range can be a warning sign
• The role of Federal Reserve policy and economic tightening
• What makes today’s labor market (2025–2026) unique
• Key risks: geopolitical tension, policy shifts, and post-pandemic dynamics

⚠️ Where we stand today:

• Low unemployment (~4.4%)
• Slowing or declining payroll growth
• A “low hire, low fire” environment

📉 Historically, about 87% of similar conditions have led to a recession within 12 months—but this cycle may not follow the script.

🔍 Possible outcomes:

• Recession scenario: Job growth turns negative, unemployment rises
• Soft landing: Slow, steady cooling without a major downturn

Bottom line:The economy is at a critical inflection point. The next 6–12 months will be key in determining the direction of growth, markets, and investment strategy.

👍 Like, subscribe, and follow for more economic insights and market breakdowns.