The Greg O'Donnell Financial Hour

01/14/2026

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset and get organized financially. After the busy holiday season and year-end to-do lists, now is a great opportunity to start fresh and bring a little clarity to your finances.

Simple steps like updating your contact information, reviewing subscriptions and automatic payments, going paperless, and refreshing account passwords can make a big difference. You may also want to sort through important documents and check your credit report for any errors.

A little financial housekeeping now can help you feel more in control — and set you up for a smoother, less stressful tax season ahead.

01/13/2026

How to Build a Meaningful Retirement Life Without a Work Schedule

One of the most underestimated challenges of retirement is not financial but personal. After decades of structured workdays, many retirees find themselves asking, “What now?” While the initial freedom can feel liberating, the absence of a daily routine can quickly lead to boredom, lack of purpose, or even depression and heart disease! Creating a meaningful daily life in retirement may be just as important as planning for the financial aspects.

One of the most underestimated challenges of retirement is not financial but personal. After decades of structured workdays, many retirees find themselves asking, “What now?” While the initial freedom can feel liberating, the

01/10/2026

01/08/2026

Special Update: Venezuela, Oil, and the Impact on Portfolios

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents an unexpected and significant geopolitical event. As has been widely reported, the U.S. military successfully conducted an operation that detained Maduro on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption. President Trump stated in a press conference that the United States will “run” Venezuela and work to expand its oil production.

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces represents an unexpected and significant geopolitical event. As has been widely reported, the U.S. military successfully conducted an operation that detained Maduro on charges related to drug trafficking and corruption. President Trum...

01/07/2026

Every year millions of people set new year’s resolutions. However, very few are able to stick to their resolutions long term. A study done by the University of Scranton found that 23% of people quit their resolution after 1 week. Only 19% stick to their resolution for at least 2 years.

The key to staying consistent with your New Year’s goal is to first start by defining your “why”. When a goal is tied to something meaningful — your health, family, or future — it becomes much easier to stay committed. Next, take time to create a realistic plan that outlines how you’ll get there. Build in accountability by sharing your goal with someone who can encourage and support you.

I wish you all a Happy New Year — may we all be in the 19% to accomplish our resolutions.

12/29/2025

5 Pillars of a Well-Constructed Retirement Plan

A well-planned retirement is not a single event, but a comprehensive strategy built on several interconnected pillars. As we look ahead for 2026 and the years to follow, it’s more important than ever to ensure your plan is built for stability and flexibility. Beyond simply saving money, a truly successful retirement blueprint addresses five critical elements that work together to create a secure and comfortable future.

A well-planned retirement is not a single event, but a comprehensive strategy built on several interconnected pillars. As we look ahead for 2026 and the years to follow, it's more important than ever to ensure your plan

12/25/2025

While headlines often focus on the Fed’s next rate decision, much of the debate on both Wall Street and in Washington is around what the Fed’s role should be. The Fed’s mandate has evolved over time in response to financial crises and business cycle trends. For many investors, this can be a controversial topic, with natural disagreements over the scope of the Fed’s authority and what policy actions it should take today on interest rates and the money supply.

Looking ahead into next year, these topics matter because they shape not just near-term policy decisions, but the future of the Fed itself. What context do investors need as Fed headlines dominate the news in the coming months?

For long-term investors, the Federal Reserve plays a key role in supporting the economy and financial system. This will be especially important in 2026 since Jerome Powell's term as Fed Chair ends in May, creating an opportunity for the White House to reshape the central bank's leadership and direct...