The Lebenthal Report Episode #150: John Lee Hooker Jr.'s Journey

On this noteworthy episode of The Lebenthal Report, hosts Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella welcome acclaimed blues musician and author John Lee Hooker Jr. to the show. John shares insights from his compelling new book, offering a deep dive into his journey through music, life, and personal redemption. He discusses the inspirations behind his writing, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the impact of his legendary father, John Lee Hooker, on his career.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with wisdom, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Plus, find out where you can purchase his book and get your own copy of this remarkable memoir.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Lebenthal Report!

The Lebenthal Report Episode #149: Markets, Tariffs and Trades—Oh My!

From Black Swan events and Trump’s tariffs to Bitcoin’s future and AI in biotech—this week’s episode of The Lebenthal Report has it all. Returning guest Michael "Macro Mike" LoGalbo brought his expertise on geopolitical risks, inflation, and investment strategies. The discussion covered market volatility, the potential impact of stock buybacks, the rise of sovereign wealth funds, and how investors can navigate uncertainty with gold, oil, and Bitcoin. Don’t miss this deep dive into the forces shaping today’s global economy!

The Lebenthal Report Episode #148: AI (Artificial Intelligence): Fact or Fiction

This week on The Lebenthal Report, Michael and Dominick welcomed Amanda Gallagher, Managing Director, Global Head of Data and Tech Solutions at New York Life Investments, for an in-depth discussion on AI’s growing influence in finance, medicine, cybersecurity, and beyond.

Together they analyzed the market’s performance in January and debated the impact of Deep Seek, a Chinese AI company claiming to revolutionize the field with low-cost, energy-efficient generative AI.

They also explored AI’s role in investment strategies, market efficiency, and the potential risks and rewards in various industries. This episode is sure to help you stay ahead of the curve with expert insights into AI’s impact on investing and the market.

Catch the full episode now!

The Lebenthal Report Episode #147: Breaking Down the Job Market

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael and Dominick welcome back guest Scott Passeser. Scott is an accomplished executive recruiter with extensive experience hosting Jobline on News 12 and Radio Jobline on LI News Radio. Together, they discuss the current state of the job market and economy, including the impact of job numbers, market performance, and mass deportations. They dive into the importance of networking, the need for more women in financial services, and how hybrid work is reshaping the workplace. Tune in for expert insights, candid conversations, and maybe even a few unexpected laughs along the way!

January is Financial Wellness Month

💵✨ January is Financial Wellness Month! ✨💵

After the hustle and stress of the holidays, it’s the perfect time to slow down and focus on your financial health. Let’s start the year strong by:

✔️ Reflecting on how you earn, spend, save, and invest.

✔️ Setting smart goals to prepare for a prosperous year ahead.

✔️ Building healthy habits to keep your finances on track all year long.

Take control of your finances today and set the stage for a successful year ahead!

The Lebenthal Report Episode #146: 2025 Estate Planning Playbook

On our first episode of 2025, Michael and Dominick welcomed back a client favorite, Harold A. Bollaci, esteemed attorney specializing in estate planning, elder law, and asset protection strategies. The episode dives into critical financial and legal topics, including updates to state tax laws, market performance in 2024, and the potential impact of a new administration's policies. The discussion emphasized the importance of regularly reviewing and updating estate planning documents, such as wills, trusts, healthcare proxies, and beneficiary designations, to reflect current wishes and circumstances. Strategies for mitigating estate taxes were explored, including annual gifting and the use of trusts, with a focus on special needs trusts for beneficiaries with specific requirements. The team also delved into the distinctions between revocable and irrevocable trusts, Medicaid implications, and asset protection strategies to avoid government clawbacks. The episode concluded with actionable advice for listeners and plans for future collaboration with legal experts.

For more information, please contact Harold Bollaci, P.C. at (516) 538-9700.

The Lebenthal Report Episode #145: 2024 in Review and Looking Ahead to 2025

The final podcast episode of the year reflected on 2024's market resilience and set the stage for 2025. Michael and Dominick discussed strong performances in sectors like technology and communication services, the impact of AI on energy demand, and potential investment opportunities in natural gas and infrastructure. They emphasized actionable steps, including rebalancing 401(k)/403(b) accounts, monitoring geopolitical risks, and exploring opportunities in healthcare and small to medium-sized US companies. Looking ahead, they stressed the importance of adapting portfolios to evolving economic trends and Federal Reserve policies.

Thank you for tuning in to The Lebenthal Report throughout the year. We are optimistic about 2025 and encourage our listeners to approach the new year with confidence and a clear financial plan.

The Lebenthal Report Episode #144: Trump, Tariffs and Taxes

This week on The Lebenthal Report, Michael and Dominick analyzed the stock market's performance, highlighting trends in the S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq, and the strength of smaller companies in the Russell 2000. They discussed the economic implications of tariffs, "America First" policies, and potential changes to tax laws, including estate taxes and capital gains as the 2017 tax law approaches its 2026 sunset. They also emphasized retirement plan composition, adapting portfolios to navigate the shifting political and economic landscape, and the importance of addressing the national debt and monitoring consumer spending.