January 24, 2026

President Trump set a deadline for banks to slash credit card APRs to 10%—but now that the date has arrived, most issuers haven’t moved. In this episode, we unpack why average rates remain near 20%, what a government-imposed cap could mean for consumers, and why banks argue it may actually restrict access to credit for millions of Americans. We also look at the market response, including pressure on bank stocks, and separate the political headlines from the financial realities investors and families need to understand.

Next, we walk through three common ways homeowners and savers consider accessing cash: cash-out refinancing, HELOCs and home equity loans—or, yes, even borrowing from a 401(k). Each option comes with its own costs, risks, and long-term tradeoffs. We discuss when a lower fixed rate might make sense, when flexibility matters more, and why tapping retirement savings can be far more expensive than it appears on the surface.

After the break, listener questions drive the conversation. First, we break down why utility funds surprised investors in 2025—and whether that kind of outperformance is sustainable heading into 2026. Then we tackle a classic retirement planning question: should you front-load your retirement contributions or spread them evenly throughout the year? We walk through the market, cash-flow, and behavioral considerations that matter most.

Finally, global headlines rattled markets this week as renewed tariff threats and geopolitical tensions pushed volatility higher. We examine what’s driving investor sentiment, how markets are reacting as policy rhetoric collides with economic reality, and what long-term investors should keep in focus amid the noise.

Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty.

Timestamps and Chapters

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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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