EP 028
Mastering Market Risk: How to Build an Investment Strategy That Works — Without Guessing
with Jay Coulter, CFP®, CIMA®
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INSIDE THIS EPISODE
In this episode of the RichLife Retirement Show, Beau Henderson welcomes RichLife Advisors’ Chief Investment Strategist, Jay Coulter, for an eye-opening conversation on how to navigate today’s markets with clarity and confidence. Together, they break down what every investor needs to understand about managing risk in 2025 — and how to develop an investment system that isn’t based on luck or emotion.
Beau kicks off the episode with a powerful quote: “It’s the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind, that determines which way we’ll go.”
Using the metaphor of a sailboat, Beau and Jay explore how thoughtful, rules-based adjustments — not wild guesses — can keep your financial journey on course, no matter which way the market wind blows.
Jay outlines five key factors that smart investors are watching this quarter:
- Rising core inflation and its influence on Federal Reserve policy
- A sharp pullback in AI and tech stocks
- The resurgence of value stocks over growth stocks
- Undervalued opportunities in small-cap companies
- A notable shift in capital flows toward bonds, gold, and international markets
The heart of the conversation centers on how to build an investment system that helps reduce uncertainty and increases the likelihood of achieving your retirement goals.
Jay walks listeners through five core principles: minimize taxes and fees, remove emotion, reject media hype, and stay diversified. It’s a refreshing reminder that boring often means better when it comes to portfolio design.
Beau and Jay also tackle one of the most important — and least understood — questions in retirement planning: Is your advisor earning their fee?
Drawing on Vanguard’s long-standing Advisor Alpha study, they break down where real value lies: behavioral coaching, tax-smart asset location, efficient withdrawal strategies, and aligning your investments with your life goals.
Listeners are challenged to rethink what they’re paying for — and whether they’re actually receiving the full value of what a skilled advisor can deliver. The takeaway? Financial advice should be personal, disciplined, and centered around helping you feel confident about your future.
Whether you’re nearing retirement or already in it, this episode offers clear, practical guidance to help you stay grounded — even when the market gets choppy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
00:00 – Setting the Stage:
Beau opens the show with a sailing metaphor and the need for an investment system that doesn’t rely on guesswork.
03:15 – Market Trends for Q2 2025:
Jay Coulter introduces 5 market signals every investor should be watching right now.
04:00 – Inflation on the Rise:
Why core PCE matters, and what the Fed’s inflation signals mean for your retirement plan.
05:00 – Cracks in the AI Boom:
AI and semiconductor stocks slump — is the tech bubble losing steam?
06:30 – Value Stocks Take the Lead:
Growth stocks drop; value stocks gain ground. What it could mean for your portfolio.
07:45 – Small-Cap Value Opportunities:
Small-cap and small-value stocks may be the hidden gems of 2025.
09:00 – Defensive Market Posture:
Money is moving into bonds, gold, and international equities — what investors may be signaling.
12:22 – Building an Investment System:
The power of using rules, not gut feelings, to create consistent long-term results.
14:00 – The 5 Golden Rules of Investing:
Minimize taxes and fees, stay diversified, and keep emotion and media hype out of the plan.
17:30 – The RichLife Philosophy:
How ETFs, global diversification, and disciplined rebalancing drive better outcomes.
18:25 – Personalization Is Everything:
Why aligning investment strategy with your life goals builds true financial confidence.
21:00 – The 6 Macro Indicators That Matter:
The economic benchmarks RichLife uses to adjust strategy — from GDP to the 10-Year Treasury.
23:53 – Is Your Advisor Earning Their Fee?:
Bo and Jay break down what financial professionals should be doing for their clients.
27:53 – Real Advisor Value Explained:
Vanguard’s Advisor Alpha study shows where smart advice adds the most measurable value.
30:36 – The Power of Behavioral Coaching:
Avoiding panic and emotional decisions can improve returns by 2% or more.
32:55 – Smart Tax & Withdrawal Planning:
How coordinating income, taxes, and strategy can deliver over 3% in added value.
33:53 – The One Question to Ask Your Advisor:
“Tell me how you’re compensated.” Then be quiet — and listen closely.
36:00 – Listener Questions (AskBo.com):
Topics include delaying Social Security, charitable giving in retirement, and income clarity.
45:00 – Final Thoughts:
Why excitement isn’t the goal — a calm, confident retirement is.
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW
CONNECT
Connect with Beau, Jay and the RichLife Team:
LINKS & RESOURCES
To schedule a “RichLife Retirement Rodamap Review”: Text “RRR” to 877-731-7424 to set up a comprehensive retirement planning review with the RichLife Advisors team.
To get a copy of Beau’s Book, “Social Security Clarity”: visit SocialSecurityClarity.com
For retirement planning questions: visit the “AskBeau.com” mailbag to submit your questions.
DISCLOSURES
Investment advisory services offered through Fiduciary Capital, Inc., a state registered investment advisor.
* Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. Maximizing your Social Security Benefits assumes foreknowledge of your date of death. If, as an example, you wait to claim a higher monthly benefit amount but predecease your average life expectancy, it would have been better to claim your benefits at an earlier age with reduced benefits.
** RichLife Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstances.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
Investing in securities involves risk, including potential loss. No investment strategy can guarantee returns or eliminate risk. Investment values and income can fluctuate with market conditions. Past performance does not predict future results.
References to protection or steady income apply only to fixed insurance products, not securities or investment advisory products. Guarantees depend on the insurance company’s financial strength. Surrender charges apply for early withdrawal, which is taxed to ordinary income and may incur a 10% federal tax penalty if taken before age 59 and a half.