Monthly Minute
April 2026
Tariffs, Change, and the Global Economy
The Iran war has sent oil prices up 40%, yet the S&P 500 is up about 1%. So, what gives? In this edition of The Monthly Minute, Ryan Kropog breaks down why the market has been resilient so far, what historical patterns tell us, and what we’re watching to stay ahead if conditions change. [VIDEO WAS RECORDED ON 4/14/2026]
March 2026
Economic Update
In this edition of The Monthly Minute, Chris Rodriguez reviews how recent labor data and geopolitical issues may force the Federal Reserve to make some hard decisions.
February 2026
SECURE Act 2.0 | New Provisions and How They May Affect Your Taxes
In this edition of The Monthly Minute, Courtney Valentine explains how some newly implemented provisions, introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act, may affect your taxes.
November 2025
An Evolving World – and Labor Market – Is a Reminder To Have an Emergency Fund
The U.S. labor market is undergoing a rapid transition, largely thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). In this edition of The Monthly Minute, Ryan Kropog addresses how an evolving world and labor market should serve as a reminder to have an adequate emergency fund.
October 2025
Recent Fed Moves
The Federal Reserve recently lowered its benchmark interest rate by 0.25%. While this move may ease borrowing costs for consumers and small businesses, the Fed has indicated that future cuts will depend on evolving economic data.
In the latest edition of The Monthly Minute, “Recent Fed Moves,” Chris Rodriguez reviews the recent Federal Reserve rate cut decision and a potential path forward.
August 2025
The Shifting Economic Landscape
The U.S. has expanded tariffs to support domestic production, which may raise costs for businesses and consumers. This could affect profits, wages, or spending, depending on how companies respond. While the economy remains resilient, the Fed may cut interest rates if conditions weaken.
In this edition of The Monthly Minute, “The Shifting Economic Landscape,” Courtney Valentine theorizes how tariffs could shape the economy ahead.