Our newest episode of the Main Street Money podcast is live, and it’s a timely one.

If the recent market moves have caught your attention, you’re not alone. Over the past week we’ve seen renewed volatility in the S&P 500, sharp swings in gold and silver, and notable moves from some of the largest technology companies. In this episode, Andrew Gay, Gilbert Pies, and Zachary Green unpack what’s been happening in the markets and why it matters for everyday investors, not just Wall Street headlines.

We also take on one of the most important — and least understood — retirement risks: sequence of returns risk. It’s a concept that can sound complicated, but it has very real implications for anyone taking income from an investment portfolio. We explain how poor returns early in retirement can impact long-term income, why required withdrawals from traditional IRAs can add pressure during market downturns, and what thoughtful planning can do to help manage these risks.

At Texas Hill Country Advisors, our goal is to help people gain clarity and confidence around their income, especially in retirement. This conversation is meant to educate, spark awareness, and help you ask better questions about your own plan.

Tune in, join the conversation, and share the episode with someone who could benefit from a clearer understanding of today’s markets and retirement income planning.

This week, Andrew Gay, Gilbert Paiz, and Zachary Green break down what’s really going on in the markets—and what actually matters for long-term investors.

Here’s what we cover:

-Why the 10-year Treasury near 4.3% is surprising a lot of investors (and why Fed rate cuts don’t always mean long-term rates fall)

-What recent market volatility tells us about investor psychology—and why reacting to headlines can hurt returns

-How focusing on the short term vs. long term completely changes how market data looks

-A surprising bright spot: small-cap stocks so far this year

-Updates on inflation, Fed expectations, and what to watch next week

-Why today’s 529 plans are no longer just for college—and how recent rule changes have expanded their flexibilitySmarter, more tax-aware options for cash sitting in the bank

Big takeaway — Markets move daily, but successful investing is about discipline, perspective, and staying aligned with your long-term plan.

Listen now and let us know your thoughts

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#MainStreetMoney #InvestorPsychology #MarketVolatility #FinancialPlanning #TexasHillCountryAdvisors #LongTermInvesting #529Plans

📊 Markets, Insurance & the Big Picture | Main Street Money Podcast

2026 has gotten off to a solid start for markets—but after three straight years of 10%+ gains, many investors are asking the same question:
How long does this last, and how do I protect myself without overreacting?

On this episode of Main Street Money, we talk through:
• What’s driven markets so far this year
• Why short-term volatility doesn’t change long-term planning
• Where life insurance and annuities can (and should not) fit into a portfolio
• Why insurance products are tools—not good or bad on their own
• The importance of viewing insurance decisions as part of a holistic financial plan, not in isolation

We also break down a key issue we see often:
👉 Insurance products being presented without considering the full financial picture.

Just like you wouldn’t sit down at a restaurant and let someone tell you what to eat without seeing the menu, you shouldn’t make major financial decisions without understanding all your available options—from investments and 529 plans to insurance strategies that may or may not make sense for your situation.

🎙️ Whether you’re concerned about market risk, curious about annuities, or just trying to make more informed decisions, this episode is designed to educate—not sell.

Listen now and let us know what questions you’d like us to cover next.

📍 Texas Hill Country Advisors | Kerrville, TX
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