In this episode, we tackle the reality of structurally higher interest rates and how they impact wealthy retirees. For years, investors operated under the assumption that rates would always return to near zero. That mindset no longer works. With federal debt now surpassing $38 trillion, persistent deficits, and political gridlock, rates are likely to remain elevated for the foreseeable future. We look at how this shift creates both challenges and opportunities for income planning, equity investing, tax strategy, and legacy planning.

📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k

⏱️Chapters & What You'll Learn
(00:00) Introduction & Overview of the “Interest Rate Trap”
(01:50) National Debt and Structural Interest Rates
(04:39) Impact of Higher Rates on Stock Valuations
(05:45) Retirement Income Planning in a High-Rate World
(07:02) Estate Planning & Tax Strategies in the New Environment
(08:41) Action Steps for Wealthy Retirees
(12:55) Closing Thoughts & Contact Information

We begin by outlining why rates are unlikely to return to their pre-2020 lows. The bond market is demanding higher yields in response to runaway government spending and global infrastructure investment. Those hoping for a return to 2% inflation and near-zero borrowing costs are ignoring the structural changes underway. For retirees, this higher-rate world changes how we view asset allocation, borrowing, and risk. Bonds now offer reliable income, but equity valuations face downward pressure—especially for smaller companies with thin profit margins and high capital costs.

From there, we shift focus to how retirees should build portfolios in this environment. A ten-year income ladder using high-yield fixed income allows for predictable cash flow, but that strategy needs to be balanced with equities to hedge long-term inflation. Strategic tax planning becomes even more critical. We advocate for converting pre-tax accounts into Roth IRAs while tax rates remain low under current law. This preserves flexibility, reduces future tax burdens, and supports cleaner estate transitions.

The conversation moves into legacy strategies. Wealthy families are acting now, taking advantage of a $15 million per-person estate tax exemption and a $19,000 annual gift exclusion. Advanced tools like life insurance retirement plans and Roth conversions are helping them leave tax-free inheritances. Beneficiary planning also plays a bigger role, with disclaimers and contingent strategies enabling tax-efficient, multi-generational transfers.

Finally, we emphasize the importance of a foundational financial plan. Before making large gifts or reallocating capital, families need to define how much is required to support their lifestyle and how much can be safely transferred. The key takeaway is to act now, with tax windows open and interest rates providing both headwinds and opportunities. Doing nothing is no longer a viable plan.

For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/

Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/

Or call them in their Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or their Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342.

For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/

Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/

Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved.

#ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

In this episode, we continue our conversation about stablecoins and explore how they’re positioned to revolutionize the financial system. If you haven’t listened to part one, we strongly recommend going back for the foundational context. Today, we shift from theory to real-world applications, diving into the impact of stablecoins on everyday transactions, the infrastructure being developed around them, and the growing intersection with AI.

📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps
(00:00) Welcome & Part One Recap
(00:46) Friction in the Financial System
(02:27) Real-World Adoption — JPMorgan & Digital Dollars
(04:55) The Next Big Shift: AI Meets Stablecoins
(07:32) Everyday Life with AI Agents
(10:02) How Stablecoins and AI Will Transform Work & Society
(12:58) Preparing for the Future & How to Connect with Hosler Wealth

We begin by looking at the friction points in our current financial system—lengthy processes, wire fees, and outdated systems like checks. Bruce outlines how stablecoins, backed by the GENIUS Act and blockchain regulation—not government-controlled like CBDCs—eliminate these inefficiencies. We see how major institutions like JPMorgan are already moving over a billion dollars a day using stablecoins.

Jason walks us through how financial infrastructure is evolving. From checkbooks to swiping credit cards, we now move into a digital realm where transactions are seamless and instant. He highlights how the entire ecosystem—acquiring, saving, spending—is being rebuilt to accommodate stablecoins, with all the major financial players involved.

The conversation then takes a futuristic turn as we explore the rise of AI agents. These digital assistants will handle everything from booking flights to managing bills, all while using stablecoins without requiring any personal data. Bruce and Jason explain how this drastically changes privacy, convenience, and financial autonomy. From recurring utility payments to shopping online, AI agents will manage tasks quickly, securely, and autonomously, with the user simply setting parameters.

We also examine the broader societal changes. While there are fears of AI displacing jobs, we agree the real transformation is in the nature of work itself—those who adapt and leverage AI tools will thrive. The episode closes with a call to action: change is accelerating, and now is the time to prepare, not panic. Whether it’s understanding stablecoins, AI, or new digital infrastructure, the key is awareness and proactive planning.

For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/

Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/

Or call them in their Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or their Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342.

For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/

Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/

Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved.

#ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler

In this episode of Protecting and Preserving Wealth, we dive into the rapidly evolving world of stablecoins and why they matter for the future of digital finance. Bruce and Jason Hosler break down what stablecoins are, how they differ from other cryptocurrencies, and why the recently passed GENIUS Act is a game-changer for the space.

We begin by clarifying that stablecoins aren't just another cryptocurrency. Unlike cryptocurrencies, which are known for their volatility, stablecoins are pegged to the US dollar or backed by US treasuries. This makes them more stable in value, and importantly, useful for real-world applications like instant, low-cost transactions on the blockchain. We explain how stablecoins serve as a bridge between traditional currency and the speed and efficiency of blockchain technology.

A major focus is the GENIUS Act — short for Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins — which was passed in July 2025 and becomes effective in 2027. This legislation provides a critical regulatory framework for stablecoins, including mandatory third-party audits of reserves and consumer protection measures. By ensuring that every stablecoin is fully backed by real-world assets, the GENIUS Act brings confidence and legitimacy to this technology, opening the door for broader adoption.

We also explore how stablecoins eliminate the need for traditional banking infrastructure. You can transfer funds globally 24/7 for a fraction of the cost of traditional wire transfers. The implications are massive, especially for people in countries with unstable currencies or limited access to US dollars. And with major financial players like Visa already integrating stablecoins into their payment systems, this isn't hypothetical — it's already happening.

Jon draws a parallel between stablecoins and podcasting, comparing how both have democratized access — one to finance, the other to media. The analogy holds as we discuss how stablecoins make it easier and cheaper for anyone with internet access to interact with digital dollars.

We close by emphasizing that this is just the beginning. Part two of this series will cover the practical applications of stablecoins in everyday life. For now, we want our listeners to walk away with a better understanding of how this financial innovation works, why it’s growing so fast, and how regulation is finally catching up to support it.

📚 Get Bruce’s Book: Moving To Tax-Free (on Amazon) https://amzn.to/4msRo2k

⏱️Chapters & What You'll Learn
(00:00) Welcome & Introduction
(00:31) What Exactly Are Stablecoins
(01:56) Backing, Value, and How They Work on Blockchain
(04:30) Real-World Uses — Payments, Speed & Lower Fees
(07:32) The GENIUS Act & New Regulations
(10:02) Global Adoption and What’s Coming Next

For more information about anything related to your finances, contact Bruce Hosler and the team at Hosler Wealth Management: Visit us online at https://www.hoslerwm.com/

Contact Our Team: https://hoslerwm.com/contact-us/

Or call them in their Prescott office at (928) 778-7666 or their Scottsdale office at (480) 994-7342.

For more podcast episodes, visit our podcast website at https://hoslerwm.com/protectingwealthpodcast/

Limitation of Liability Disclosures: https://www.hoslerwm.com/disclosures/

Copyright © 2022-2026 Hosler Wealth Management | All Rights Reserved.

#ProtectingWealthPodcast #ProtectingandPreservingWealthPodcast #HoslerWealthManagement #BruceHosler