Why the Wealthiest People in the Room Are Often the Most Miserable — And What to Do About It

 After 40 years managing money for some of the most successful people on Wall Street, Matt Ludmer came to a conclusion that surprised even him: accumulating more rarely made his clients happier. Motley Fool analyst Rachel Warren sits down with Matt Ludmer — founder of Aligned Wealth Management and author of The Right Mountain — to explore the gap between financial achievement and genuine fulfillment. They dig into the three-pot portfolio strategy Matt developed after managing insurance company money that changed how his clients think about market volatility, why crossing wealth thresholds rarely reduces financial anxiety, and what it actually means to be on the right mountain. Host: Rachel Warren Guest: Matt Ludmer Producers: Bart Shannon, Lauren Budabin Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this next installment of our Financial Planning Challenge, Host Robert Brokamp and guest Fool Amanda Kish discuss fourth-quarter tax planning to make sure you are paying as much as you’re supposed to – but not a penny more. Topics discussed:-Maxing out tax-advantaged savings accounts-Tax-loss harvesting-Donating appreciated stock, and new rules for deducting charitable contributions for 2026-Getting your withholdings right to avoid penalties-Roth conversions-And more! Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAGuest: Amanda Kish, CFA, CFP®Engineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We discuss what we’ve learned about the economy and markets through the first three quarters of 2026. Then we turn to Nike’s latest quarter (which was terrible), Netflix’s growth concerns, and we play “Over/Under”. As always, we end with the stocks on our radar. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Jason Hall discuss: - What We Learned Thru Q3 - Consumer Health - Is Nike Toast? - Over/Under - Netflix Growth - Stocks On Our Radar Companies discussed: Nike (NKE), Netlfix (NFLX), Meta Platforms (META), Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), Accenture (ACN), CareTrust REIT (CTRE). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Lou Whiteman, Jason Hall Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, Wall Street has wanted to be able to sell private assets to more individual investors. This week, the Securities and Exchange Commission just made some major rule changes that could make it possible. Lou, Jon, and Tyler break down who actually benefits from these proposed changes, and what investors need to look out for if they dabble in private assets. Plus, Accenture bucks the AI narrative (for now) and a listener question about portfolio sizing Have a question? Email us; [email protected] Tyler Crowe, Lou Whiteman, and Jon Quast discuss: - Accenture earnings surprise - Did we sell to early? - New rules to make private assets available to everyone - Tips for investing in private assets vs. public equities - Mailbag: How much speculation is the right amount? Companies discussed: ACN, IT, TTD, SPCX, AMZN, NFLX, TSLA Host: Tyler Crowe Guests: Jon Quast, Lou Whiteman Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OpenAI introduced Dots yesterday following Meta’s Muse becoming a smash hit over the past month. But is this a desperate attempt to stay relevant or a breakthrough in AI? We discuss that and cover Anthropic’s latest numbers and the delayed IPO of Aura. Travis Hoium, Rachel Warren, and Lou Whiteman discuss: - Dots Are Here! - Should Muse Worry? - Anthropic’s Prospectus Leak - What We’re Looking For in the S-1 - Aura’s IPO Delay - A Closing Window Companies discussed: Meta Platforms (META). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Rachel Warren, Lou Whiteman Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If it was just one airline, it would be an outlier, but the entire airline industry is moving towards premiumization of the cabin. Alaska Airlines was the most recent company to announce that it is investing to cater to wealthier clientele with better (and more) first class cabins. Lou, Matt, and Tyler break down the strategy behind this industry wide move and whether it finally makes the airline industry a worthwhile investment. Plus, do you buy what these companies are selling and a lister question on growth in essential sectors.Have a question? Email us; [email protected] Crowe, Lou Whiteman, and Matt Frankel discuss:- The strategy of premium everything in airlines- Will airlines ever make great buy-and-hold stocks?- Do you Buy it? Delayed IPOs, AI safety, big investment plans, orbital compute- Mailbag: Growth in consumer staplesCompanies discussed: ALK, DAL, UAL, LUV, AER, ULCC, SPCX, COST, ADM, PM, NVDAHost: Tyler CroweGuests: Lou Whiteman, Matt FrankelEngineer: Dan BoydDisclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, when NVIDIA announced that its board of directors had approved the largest share repurchase authorization in the market’s history, it was going to make some headlines. But does that number really matter to a $5 trillion company? Lou, Rachel, and Tyler argue that NVDIA’s buyback may have been a little…light. Plus, navigating the new reality of the defense & security industry and the mailbag. Have a question? Email us; [email protected] Tyler Crowe, Lou Whiteman, and Rachel Warren: - NVIDIA’s $150 billion buy back plan - The case for a $500 billion buyback - NVIDIA’s AI safety plan and what the market doesn’t like - What to make of all these new defense companies - Mailbag: Thoughts on Klarna? Companies discussed: NVDA, GOOGL, META, AMZN, BEAG, RKLB, KLAR Host: Tyler Crowe Guests: Lou Whiteman, Rachel Warren Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people assume Apple's retail dominance comes from great products. Ron Johnson, the man who actually built the Apple Store alongside Steve Jobs, says that's only half the story. Motley Fool host Jason Moser sits down with Ron Johnson — creator of the Apple Store and author of Shop Different — to explore what Steve Jobs really cared about, why Apple's new CEO John Turnus doesn't need to be in a hurry, and what Ron's very public stumble at JCPenney taught him that two decades of success at Target and Apple never could. Host: Jason Moser Guest: Ron Johnson Producers: Bart Shannon, Lauren Budabin Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Robert Brokamp is joined by Motley Fool contributor Dan Caplinger to answer financial planning questions sent in from listeners, including:-Is it better to invest in Treasury bills directly or through an ETF or fund?-How to avoid the 10% early distribution penalty if retiring before age 59 1/2-The pros and cons of closed-end funds-Is 90% in stocks too aggressive for a portion of a retirement portfolio?-Sell stocks or take out a loan to pay for graduate school?-Do Roth conversions make sense in your 60s? Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAGuest: Dan CaplingerEngineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meta had a big week as Muse continues to be the hottest product in AI and Meta Connect introduced new glasses, a VR headset, and a charm all powered by Muse. But is this another AI flash in the pan or a fundamental change in how we use technology? Plus, we discuss Oracle’s data center problem, the best tech hardware of 2026, and TPUs in space. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Emily Flippen discuss: - Meta’s New Hardware - Muse’s Future - Oracle Declard Force Majeure - Ranking Tech Hardware - TPUs in Space - Stocks On Our Radar Companies discussed: Meta Platforms (META), Alphabet (GOOG), Stitch Fix (SFIX), Royal Caribbean (RCL), Oracle (ORCL). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Lou Whiteman, Emily Flippen Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices