May 30, 2026
Some financial decisions come with clear answers. Others require balancing risks, opportunities, and a healthy dose of uncertainty. In our episode “May 30, 2026: Mortgages, Money Transfers & Monetary Policy,” we explore three areas where the right decision depends as much on context as it does on the numbers — from adjustable-rate mortgages and wealth transfers to the Federal Reserve’s ongoing fight against inflation.
Adjustable-rate mortgages are making a comeback, but this isn't a repeat of the housing bubble era. With special guest Shanna Squires from Henssler Mortgage Advisors, we break down how today's ARMs differ from the products that helped fuel the financial crisis, why some homebuyers are turning to them in a world of elevated mortgage rates, and whether they represent a smart strategy or a risky gamble on lower rates ahead.
Next, we tackle a listener's question about inheriting and gifting money. From estate taxes and inheritance taxes to annual gift exclusions and lifetime exemptions, we'll explain what the rules actually are—and just as importantly, what they aren't. If you've ever wondered how families can pass wealth to the next generation without creating unnecessary tax headaches, this conversation is for you.
Finally, we examine a question many investors are asking: What happens when inflation is driven by supply shortages rather than consumer demand? With oil prices and geopolitical tensions once again influencing inflation expectations, we discuss the limits of Federal Reserve policy, why interest rates remain the Fed's primary tool for combating inflation, and the difficult trade-offs policymakers face when the source of inflation lies largely outside their control.
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.
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Timestamps and Chapters
- 3:48: ARMs: Smart Strategy or Warning Sign?
- 18:08: Passing Down Wealth Without Passing Down Problems
- 34:11: Fighting Inflation with the Wrong Tools?






