October 11, 2025

With the government still halted, economic news has been sparse—but markets seem to be shrugging off the shutdown, showing relatively subdued moves. Still, it’s spooky season, and we’re digging into just how much Americans spend on Halloween—from the 12-foot lawn skeletons to the endless bags of mini-Snickers. With spending expected to hit record highs this year, we ask: where are all those giant decorations stored the other 11 months of the year? Could this be why storage units are in such high demand? We break down the economics of Halloween—and what our obsession with spooky décor says about consumer behavior.

Meanwhile, OpenAI—the creator of ChatGPT—is pouring billions into data centers and infrastructure to power the AI revolution, driving a surge in construction, power generation, and tech development. But there’s one catch: OpenAI isn’t yet profitable. Investors are betting big on future returns—but what happens if the AI boom cools off or takes longer to deliver? Who foots the bill for all that power and expansion? AI may feel like a sure bet, but there are plenty of financial “what-ifs” to consider.

And in our final segment, we tackle a listener’s big question: How do I make sure my money lasts through retirement? We explore how spending shapes your financial plan, the importance of cash flow projections, and why revisiting your plan regularly can keep you on track. Plus, we share how we determine a client’s “maximum spending” threshold—and what it means if you’re getting too close to that line.

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

  • 4:18: Shrugging off a Shutdown
  • 7:15: Cost of Keeping it Creepy
  • 18:19: The AI Boom: Smart Bet or Costly Hype
  • 41:10: Out of Money or Out of Time

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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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