Beat The Bell

Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify The Week That Could Change Your Portfolio Air Date: Monday, October 27, 2025 Host: Dominique Broadway | Runtime: 17 minutes EPISODE DESCRIPTION The perfect storm hits your portfolio this week: Five tech giants report earnings, the Fed decides on interest rates, and the government shutdown enters week four. Dominique breaks down what's happening, why it matters to YOUR money, and the specific actions to take right now. WHAT'S COVERED [0:00] Opening - Why this week is critical for your portfolio [1:00] The Fed's Rate Decision   Expected 25bp cut to 3.75%-4.0% on Wednesday  Mortgage rates hit 13-month low at 6.19%  What this means for savers vs. borrowers  Government shutdown creating data blackout [4:30] Tech Earnings Tsunami   Wednesday 4PM: Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta  Thursday 4PM: Amazon, Apple  Why these 5 companies = 30% of your S&P 500 fund  87% of companies beating expectations so far [8:30] Government Shutdown Reality Check   Day 27 of shutdown - second longest in history  42M Americans on SNAP (funding ends Nov 1st)  1.4M federal workers affected  Guidance for impacted workers [11:00] Other Market Movers   Trump-Xi Summit Thursday  Canadian tariffs impact  Missing economic data [12:30] The 3-2-1 Challenge   3 Things to Check: Portfolio exposure, savings rates, debt situation  2 Decisions: Investment strategy, backup plan  1 Thing to Learn: Research one earnings company [13:30] Key Takeaways   Three major market drivers converging  Rate cuts help borrowers, challenge savers  Expect volatility despite good earnings   KEY DATES & STATS 📅 Wednesday, Oct 29, 2:00 PM: Fed decision 📅 Wednesday, Oct 29, 2:30 PM: Powell press conference 📅 Wednesday/Thursday, 4:00 PM: Major tech earnings 📅 Friday, Nov 1: SNAP benefits funding expires 📊 Current 30-year mortgage: 6.19% 📊 Expected Fed rate: 3.75%-4.0% 📊 Rate cut probability: 98.3% 📊 Earnings beat rate: 87% COMPANIES IN FOCUS Reporting This Week: Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Coinbase, Reddit, Procter & Gamble, Honeywell, GE ACTION ITEMS ✅ Check your 401(k) tech exposure ✅ Compare high-yield savings rates ✅ Review how rate cuts affect your debt ✅ Federal employees: Call bank about hardship programs ✅ Set calendar alerts for Fed decision & earnings CONNECT & SHARE 📱 Text your questions: 202-217-1035 🌐 Website: financesdemystified.com 📱 Instagram: @DominiqueBroadway Next Episode: Friday, October 31 - Week in Review ABOUT DOMINIQUE Self-made first-generation multimillionaire and founder of Finances Demystified. 20+ years investment experience. Educated 600,000+ people on building wealth. Author of The Wealth Decision. Found this helpful? Subscribe for Monday look-aheads + Friday recaps. Share with someone who needs to understand their money this week! #BeatTheBell | Because the markets don't wait, and neither should you.   This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. 

Major tariffs take effect tomorrow (October 14) on furniture, cabinets, and lumber – if you're planning home renovations, act NOW. Plus, the big banks kick off earnings season Tuesday with critical insights into the real economy. Here's what you need to know to position your portfolio this week. [0:00] Opening - Why this week matters for your money [0:45] Tariff Alert - What's hitting tomorrow and how it affects you 10% tariffs on lumber and wood products (effective Oct 14) 25% tariffs on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, upholstered furniture (effective Oct 14) Rates increase again on January 1, 2026 Additional 100% tariffs on Chinese goods (effective Nov 1) Action items: Buy furniture NOW before prices jump [3:15] Earnings Week Preview - Big banks take center stage Monday: Fastenal (FAST) reports Tuesday: JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Bank of America earnings What to listen for: consumer spending, loan quality, business confidence Why bank CEOs' commentary matters more than ever [5:15] Shutdown Update & Investment Strategy - Week 3 with no end in sight Senate vote scheduled for Tuesday How to position your portfolio defensively Focus on quality companies with pricing power [6:15] Closing - Key takeaways and what's coming Wednesday ✅ Act now if renovating - Furniture and home improvement costs jump tomorrow  ✅ Watch Tuesday's bank earnings - Best real-time economic indicator we have  ✅ Stay defensive - Keep 5-10% cash, focus on quality stocks  ✅ Don't chase at all-time highs - Too much uncertainty to FOMO into speculative plays 📋 ⁠Free Federal Worker Financial Survival Kit⁠ - Emergency cash flow strategies How to talk to creditors during shutdown Credit score protection checklist Back pay planning resources Fastenal (FAST) JPMorgan Chase (JPM) Wells Fargo (WFC) Bank of America (BAC) Home Depot (HD) Lowe's (LOW)   📱 Follow Dominique ⁠@dominiquebroadway⁠  ✉️ Send your money questions: hello@financesdemystified.com  ⭐ Leave a review and help others find the show Remember: The opening bell rings at 9:30, but smart money gets there early. 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Beat The Bell is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Always consult with a financial professional before making investment decisions.

Beat The Bell - Monday, September 29, 2025 Show Notes: "Week Ahead - Government Shutdown Looms" Host: Dominique Broadway Episode Type: Monday Weekly Preview Duration: 13 minutes Release Date: September 29, 2025 📝 Episode Summary A perfect storm hits this week: potential government shutdown Wednesday, major earnings from Nike and Carnival, and critical economic data that could be delayed. Dominique breaks down what to watch and five strategies to protect your money and profit during uncertainty. 🎯 What's Covered Government Shutdown Crisis Deadline: Midnight Tuesday, September 30 What's different: Permanent layoffs (not temporary furloughs) Who's affected: 1.4M work without pay + 900K furloughed No backpay guarantee this time Major Earnings Carnival (Monday AM): Test of consumer experience spending Nike (Tuesday PM): 60% earnings decline, tariff impact revealed Economic Data Tuesday: ISM Manufacturing PMI Thursday: ISM Services PMI Friday: Jobs Report (if govt open) - expecting only 39K jobs 💡 Five Strategies to Navigate This Week 1. Build Cash Buffer: 3-6 months expenses minimum 2. Review Income: Diversify beyond single paycheck 3. Watch Opportunities: Volatility transfers wealth to the prepared 4. Audit Portfolio: Know government contract exposure 5. Protect Insurance: ACA subsidies expire Dec 31 📊 Key Numbers Nike expected: $0.26-0.28 EPS (down 60%), ~$11B revenue Carnival expected: $1.32 EPS Sept jobs expected: 39,000 (after just 22,000 in Aug) Federal workers affected: 2.3 million total ISM Manufacturing (Aug): 48.7 (below 50 = contraction) 📅 Week Ahead Calendar Monday: Carnival earnings (before open) Tuesday: ISM Manufacturing PMI (10 AM) + Nike earnings (after close) Wednesday: Government shutdown begins (if no deal) Thursday: ISM Services PMI (10 AM) Friday: Jobs Report (8:30 AM) - if govt open 🎯 Action Items Immediate Verify 1+ month emergency fund (federal workers) Check portfolio for govt contract exposure Set price alerts on Nike, Carnival, defense stocks Strategic Identify side income opportunities Review health insurance subsidy impact Build cash for buying opportunities 💬 Key Quote "Market volatility doesn't destroy wealth. It transfers wealth from people who panic to people who are prepared." 📱 Connect Instagram: @DominiqueBroadway Next Episode: Friday, October 4 - Full week recap Join Our next Investing Masterclass! I will show you how to create your first investment portfolio! 📚 Terms Explained in This Episode Tariffs: Extra taxes on imported goods Earnings Per Share: Profit made per share of stock Basis Points: 1/100th of a percent Bellwether: Leading indicator for an industry PMI: Purchasing Managers Index (above 50 = expansion) Consumer Discretionary: Non-essential spending Pricing Power: Ability to raise prices without losing customers Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not personalized financial advice. Consult professionals for individual guidance.

"Fed Cuts, But Questions Remain" Host: Dominique Broadway Episode Type: Friday Weekly Recap Duration: 14 minutes Release Date: September 26, 2025 📝 Episode Summary This week delivered the Fed's first rate cut of 2025, major earnings surprises, and fresh inflation data. Dominique breaks down what these developments actually mean for your money, cuts through the market noise, and gives you actionable strategies to protect and grow your wealth in an uncertain economic environment. 🎯 Key Topics Covered Federal Reserve Rate Cut Analysis Quarter-point cut to 4.00-4.25% range Split decision (10-9 vote) signals Fed uncertainty Real impact on your debt and savings accounts Labor market concerns behind the decision Major Earnings Winners & Losers CarMax crash: -20% after massive earnings miss Costco strength: Beat expectations with loyal customer base Pfizer's big bet: $4.9B acquisition of weight-loss company Metsera Economic Data & Market Outlook PCE inflation data release and Fed implications Labor market revision: Nearly 1 million fewer jobs than reported Q4 2025 outlook and investment strategy adjustments 💡 Key Takeaways 1. Fed Walking a Tightrope Rate cut is a "warning shot," not victory lap Prepare for multiple economic scenarios Keep cash ready for opportunities, maintain inflation hedges 2. High-Yield Savings Party Ending 4%+ savings rates about to decline Time to consider CD ladders, bond funds, Roth IRA funding Decision time for parked cash 3. Labor Market Weakness Changes Everything Build bigger emergency funds (3-6 months expenses) Be strategic about career moves Invest in recession-proof skills 📊 Market Data Mentioned Fed Funds Rate: Cut to 4.00-4.25% CarMax Earnings: $0.64 vs $1.05 expected CarMax Revenue: $6.6B vs $7.0B expected Costco Earnings: $5.87 per share (beat expectations) Costco Membership Growth: +14% fee income Pfizer-Metsera Deal: $4.9B initial, up to $7.3B total Expected Core PCE: ~2.9% annually August Job Creation: Only 22,000 new jobs 🛠 Action Items for Listeners Immediate Actions (This Weekend) Calculate rate cut impact on your variable debt and savings Audit subscription services for potential price increases Review emergency fund - ensure 3-6 months coverage Consider CD laddering before rates drop further Investment Strategy Updates Look for companies with pricing power and customer loyalty Add inflation hedges to portfolio if not already included Maintain international diversification despite volatility Keep cash ready for potential buying opportunities Career & Income Planning Secure next opportunity before job hopping Build recession-proof skills Time major purchases strategically (before tariff impacts) Consider multiple income streams 🎪 Interactive Challenge: #FedRateChallenge How to Participate: Calculate impact: Multiply variable debt balances by 0.0025 for annual savings Calculate losses: Do same for savings accounts and money market funds Share strategy: Post your creative approach to the net effect Tag: Use #FedRateChallenge and @DominiqueBroadway Win: Best strategy gets 1-on-1 session with Dominique Example Strategies: Move savings to pay down debt faster Lock in CD rates before they drop Open I-bond accounts Rebalance investment allocations 📈 Companies & Stocks Mentioned Earnings Highlights CarMax (KMX): Major miss, stock down 20% Costco (COST): Beat expectations, strong membership growth Pfizer (PFE): Major acquisition in obesity space Metsera (MTSR): Acquisition target, weight-loss drugs Investment Themes Value retailers vs. commodity-sensitive businesses Pricing power as recession indicator Obesity drug market growth potential ($100B by 2030) Subscription model resilience 🔮 Week Ahead Preview Economic Calendar Q3 earnings season begins Fed officials speaking throughout the week Key economic indicators to watch What to Monitor Company guidance cuts in earnings calls Management commentary on pricing power Consumer spending patterns in retail earnings Labor market data updates 📚 Resources & Links Educational Content Beat The Bell Community: Share strategies and learn together Monday Episode: Week ahead preview and earnings analysis #FedRateChallenge: Community engagement and learning Follow-Up Actions Subscribe to Beat The Bell for weekly market insights Share episode with someone who needs financial clarity Join community discussions on social media 🎵 Episode Highlights & Quotes "When the Fed starts using phrases like 'risk management cut,' they're basically saying 'we're worried but we don't want to panic y'all.'" "Volatility creates wealth transfer, not wealth destruction. Be ready to act when others are panicking." "We're in a transitional moment where the easy money era is ending, but we don't yet know what's replacing it." "That's not fear-based thinking – that's wealth-building thinking." 📱 Connect with Dominique Instagram: @DominiqueBroadway Challenge Tag: #FedRateChallenge Community: Beat The Bell listeners Next Episode: Monday morning preview ⚠️ Important Disclaimers Content for educational purposes only Not personalized financial advice Past performance doesn't guarantee future results Consult financial professional for individual guidance Market conditions can change rapidly Next Episode: Monday, September 29, 2025 - "Week Ahead: Earnings Season Kickoff and Key Economic Data"

Beat The Bell - Episode 1 Show Notes Fed Cuts, Consumer Panic - Your First Beat The Bell Breakdown Episode Overview Welcome to the very first full episode of Beat The Bell! Dominique was too excited to wait for the regular Monday launch - there's too much happening in the markets right now. Join her as she breaks down what's unfolding after the Fed's rate cut and what it means for your money. Episode Length: 11 minutes Host: Dominique Broadway Release Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2025 Episode Type: DEBUT EPISODE   🎧 What You'll Learn in This Episode 📉 Consumer Sentiment Reality Check Consumer sentiment drops to 55.4 - lowest point since May 60% of consumers bringing up tariffs unprompted in surveys Long-term inflation expectations jump to 3.9% - well above Fed's 2% target Why this creates both challenges and opportunities for smart investors 🏦 Fed Rate Cut Aftermath Fed cut rates by 0.25% to 4.0-4.25% last Wednesday The disconnect between Fed actions and consumer confidence How markets are reacting to mixed economic signals What happens when employment and inflation concerns collide 📊 This Week's Key Data Points Today (Wednesday): Durable goods orders, revised GDP, jobless claims Friday's main event: Core PCE inflation data (Fed's preferred measure) Friday: Final Michigan consumer sentiment reading Corporate earnings insights on tariff impacts and consumer demand   🎯 Dominique's First Beat The Bell Predictions Prediction #1: Core PCE Reading Forecast: Core PCE comes in at 2.8% year-over-year (cooler than CPI's 2.9%) Why it matters: Could give Fed more room to cut rates without inflation fears Prediction #2: Consumer Sentiment Final Reading Forecast: Final Michigan sentiment will be worse than preliminary 55.4 Why it matters: Economic uncertainty and tariff concerns are spoking consumers Prediction #3: Fed Official Commentary Forecast: At least one Fed official will sound more concerned about inflation than Powell did Why it matters: Rising inflation expectations can't be ignored Prediction #4: Market Direction Forecast: Market ends the week lower as investors realize Fed's complicated path ahead Why it matters: Reality check on expectations for easy rate-cutting cycle We'll check these predictions on Friday's episode!   💡 Key Personal Finance Takeaways 💰 Your Savings Strategy High-yield savings rates dropping since Fed cut - act now if you haven't moved money CDs still attractive compared to recent years, but window closing Rate environment changing - position cash strategically 🏠 Mortgage Market Reality 30-year fixed around 6.3% - didn't drop as much as expected after Fed cut Friday's PCE data crucial - cooler inflation could mean lower mortgage rates Timing matters for purchases and refinancing decisions 📈 Investment Opportunities Dollar-cost averaging works especially well in uncertain times Don't let volatility derail your long-term investment plan Companies maintaining growth in this environment will stand out Debt relief coming but takes time to filter through to credit cards/loans   📋 About the Show Format 🗓️ Regular Schedule (Starting Next Week) Mondays: Week-ahead preview with market calendar and personal finance implications Fridays: Week recap with results, surprises, and forward-looking insights Every Episode: 15 minutes or less of actionable financial intelligence 🎯 What Makes Beat The Bell Different Predictions with accountability - specific forecasts checked every Friday No financial jargon - complex topics made accessible First-gen wealth focus - perfect for those building wealth for the first time Practical application - how macro events affect your actual money   🔗 Resources & Links 📚 Free Investing Masterclass What you'll learn: How to read market signals like those discussed in today's episode Portfolio positioning for different economic scenarios Staying calm and strategic during market volatility Building wealth as a first-generation investor [🎯 Reserve Your FREE Spot Here →] Limited spots available for personalized attention   📱 Connect with Dominique Instagram: @DominiqueBroadway Website: financesdemystified.com Send Questions: hello@financesdemystified.com - answered on future episodes!   🎧 Subscribe to Beat The Bell Apple Podcasts: [Link] Spotify: [Link] Google Podcasts: [Link] Website: [Link]   📈 Market Data Referenced Key Economic Indicators Consumer Sentiment: 55.4 (September preliminary, down from 58.2 in August) Fed Funds Rate: 4.0-4.25% (cut 0.25% on September 17) Long-term Inflation Expectations: 3.9% (up from previous reading) 30-Year Mortgage Rate: ~6.3% (per Freddie Mac) This Week's Economic Calendar Wednesday: Durable Goods Orders, GDP (revised), Jobless Claims Friday: Core PCE Price Index (August), Personal Income & Spending, Final Consumer Sentiment 💬 Episode Quotes "I was just too eager to get started! There's so much happening in the markets right now." "When 60% of consumers are bringing up tariffs unprompted, that tells us tariffs aren't just Washington talk - they're hitting people's everyday lives." "This is the kind of environment where understanding what's really happening gives you a huge advantage." "Knowledge is your superpower, especially when you're the first in your family to build wealth."   🔮 Coming Up Next Friday, September 27 - Episode 2 Prediction check-in: How did Dominique's forecasts play out? PCE data breakdown: What the Fed's preferred inflation measure revealed Market recap: Winners, losers, and surprises from the week Looking ahead: What to watch for in the following week Regular Schedule Begins Monday, September 30 Mondays: Your financial week-ahead guide Fridays: What moved your money and why   🎯 Action Items for Listeners 📊 Track Friday's PCE data - see if it matches Dominique's prediction 💰 Review your savings strategy - are you maximizing current rates? 📈 Don't panic - use this uncertainty as a learning opportunity 🎓 Sign up for the free investing masterclass - limited spots available 📱 Send your questions - Dominique answers them on future episodes! Beat The Bell is your 15-minute financial intelligence briefing. Subscribe now and never miss a market move again! Remember: The opening bell rings at 9:30, but smart money gets there early.

Welcome to Beat The Bell: Your Financial Head Start Begins Now Welcome to Your Financial Head Start Episode Overview Welcome to the very first episode of Beat The Bell! Join Dominique Broadway, self-made first-generation multimillionaire and founder of Finances Demystified, as she introduces the podcast that will give you the financial intelligence you need before the market makes its move. Episode Length: 15 minutes Host: Dominique Broadway Release Date: September 24, 2025 What You'll Learn in This Episode 🎯 Why Beat The Bell Exists Get clarity before the chaos hits your portfolio Understand market moves before they impact your money Access the same financial intelligence that smart money uses Perfect for first-generation wealth builders and experienced investors alike 📊 What You Get Every Episode Mondays: Week-ahead preview covering: Earnings releases that could move your 401k Economic data that might change your mortgage rate Fed meetings impacting everything you're building Fridays: Week recap including: What actually happened vs. expectations Surprise market moves and their causes What it all means for your money going forward ✨ The Beat The Bell Promise Clarity: What's actually important vs. financial noise Context: Why market events matter for YOUR investments Action: Concrete steps you can take with every piece of information No Jargon: Complex topics translated into understandable insights No Judgment: Safe space for investors at every level 💡 What Makes This Different 15 minutes or less - we respect your time Focused on practical, actionable insights Bridges the gap between macro events and personal finance Specifically designed for first-generation wealth builders Host accountability with weekly predictions and results About Your Host: Dominique Broadway 🏆 Self-made first-generation multimillionaire 📚 Author of "The Wealth Decision" 🎓 Master's in Financial Management, University of Maryland 💼 Former financial planner at UBS and Edelman 🌟 Helped over 600,000 people build wealth 📺 Featured in Forbes, Time, USA Today, Black Enterprise, and more Dominique walked away from working with ultra-wealthy clients to help everyday people - especially those who are the first in their family to build wealth. She's known for making complex financial topics simple and helping people make "stacked decisions" to become wealthy. Key Takeaways 💭 "Whether you're the first in your family to invest, the first to buy property, or the first to build real generational wealth, we're going to figure this out together." 🔑 Success isn't about having: Rich parents Ivy League education Endless hours in the day A brilliant business idea Money already in the bank 📈 It IS about: Understanding market forces before they move your money Having access to the right information at the right time Making informed decisions with confidence Building wealth strategically and consistently How to Engage 📧 Send Your Questions Have a financial question? Wondering about a market move? Planning a major purchase? Send your questions to [email] - Dominique answers listener questions on the air! 📱 Connect on Social Instagram: @DominiqueBroadway Website: financesdemystified.com