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Down the Middle

Peter Mallouk and Jeff Stolper

Hosted by Creative Planning’s Director of Financial Planning, Jeff Stolper, and President, Peter Mallouk, this podcast takes a closer look into topics that affect investors. Included are in-depth discussions on financial planning issues, the economy and the markets. Plus, you won’t want to miss each of their monthly tips!

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21 episodes
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Avg 13 min
English

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#91
September 30 · 12 min
Private Investments in 401(k)s and the Consumer Confidence Disconnect
Peter and Jeff dig into the push to bring private investments into 401(k)s and what investors should know before jumping in. They also unpack the disconnect between falling consumer confidence and continued spending — and what it could mean for the markets. Plus, get their tips of the month.
#90
August 31 · 8 min
$40 Trillion and Counting
This month, Peter and Jeff take on the United States’ $40 trillion national debt, discussing how we got here, what it could mean for the economy and whether AI-fueled growth could offer a way out. Plus, get their tips of the month for helping children and grandchildren get a financial head start.
#89
July 31 · 13 min
Bubble or Breakthrough?
This month, Peter and Jeff dig into the AI question everyone’s arguing about: Is this the internet in 1996 or the internet in 1999? They get into how the winners and losers may shake out, what AI could actually do to the broader economy and why oil prices are swinging. Plus, get their tip of the month. Twelve minutes, straight down the middle.
#88
June 30 · 14 min
Trump Accounts, Social Security and Market Correlation
This month, Peter and Jeff unpack the new Trump Accounts, dig into what the latest Social Security report means for future retirees, and explain why so many asset classes have suddenly been moving in lockstep. Plus, you won’t want to miss their tips of the month.
#87
May 29 · 14 min
Hot Money: Private Credit and the IPO Frenzy
Summer is heating up, and so are the markets. This month, Peter and Jeff break down two of Wall Street’s hottest topics: the boom in private credit and the return of the IPO. What’s fueling the frenzy, where’s the risk and what should investors watch? Get the answers to these questions plus their tips of the month.
#86
April 30 · 12 min
One America, Two Economies
The stock market just hit another record high; so did your grocery bill. That’s the K-shaped economy in one sentence. One American is getting richer, while the other can’t keep up with rent. Peter and Jeff dig into who’s actually winning, why the gap keeps widening and what it means for your paycheck, your portfolio and your plans. Stick around for their tips of the month.
#85
April 1 · 11 min
What Does Conflict With Iran Mean for Investors?
Over the past several weeks, tensions in the Middle East have intensified, raising concerns about energy supply disruptions and the potential for broader regional conflict. Peter and Jeff discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran and what it may mean for investors. Plus, get their tips of the month.
#84
February 27 · 22 min
Why Investors Are Moving Away From U.S. Stocks
After a decade of outperformance, U.S. stocks have recently cooled. Peter and Jeff name several factors contributing to this shift, share major factors in the United States’ favor long term and discuss where else investors are going with their dollars. Plus, get their tips of the month.
#83
January 30 · 11 min
How Oil Prices Impact the Markets and Economy
Peter and Jeff share how oil is priced into everything we do, discussing the factors influencing cost, what the political interest is and who the winners and losers are when prices are volatile. Plus, learn why you should consider maintaining insurance outside your workplace.
#82
Dec 31, 2025 · 12 min
AI, the Magnificent 7, Tariffs and Looking Ahead to 2026
From the imposition of sweeping tariffs to Nvidia becoming the first $4 trillion — and later $5 trillion — market cap company, 2025 was an eventful year with much to take in. In this episode, Peter and Jeff discuss the Magnificent 7’s recent performance, the future of AI, where interest rates might be headed and more. Plus, each provides a tip of the month to help support your well-being in the year ahead.
#81
Dec 1, 2025 · 11 min
Long-Term Mortgages, the Magnificent 7 and More
In this jam-packed episode, Peter and Jeff discuss 50-year mortgages, the Magnificent 7’s recent pullback and low consumer sentiment before offering their tips of the month.
#80
Oct 31, 2025 · 12 min
How Does the Government Shutdown Impact the Markets?
This month, Peter and Jeff discuss two trending topics — the government shutdown and the likelihood of a recession — and the impact they're having on the markets. Plus, hear smart money moves to consider implementing before year-end.
#79
Sep 30, 2025 · 13 min
What Does the Fed’s Recent Move Mean for Markets?
The Federal Reserve recently lowered interest rates despite the market remaining near all-time highs — something that’s occurred only 20 times previously. Peter and Jeff discuss the potential reasoning for this move as well as the outcome seen 100% of the time historically. Plus, Peter shares the news of Jonathan Clements’ recent passing.
#78
Aug 29, 2025 · 15 min
Looking Back on Jonathan Clements’ Best Moments
Peter Mallouk recalls when he first learned of Jonathan Clements and how the two became close friends before introducing a clip show of Jonathan’s finest Down the Middle wisdom. He also shares the plan for Down the Middle moving forward amid Jonathan’s continued health struggles.
#77
Jul 31, 2025 · 11 min
Concentration Risk, U.S. vs. International and the Bond Market Warning
We've seen weak performance from U.S. large-cap tech companies this year, but based on their stock market value, these companies still dominate the U.S. market. Peter and Jonathan discuss whether we should be concerned about concentration risk or if having a top-heavy market is a common phenomenon. Plus, hear why you might consider contributing to a Roth IRA for your working child.
#76
Jun 30, 2025 · 16 min
Keys to a Happier Life
In recent decades, there’s been a lot of academic research on the topic of happiness — and the resulting insights can benefit us all. Peter and Jonathan share these insights and more as they discuss the keys to a happier life. Plus, learn why you might consider consulting or working part time during retirement.
#75
May 30, 2025 · 15 min
The Federal Budget Deficit
With the recent downgrade on U.S. government debt by Moody’s and a tax bill making its way through Congress that’s projected to widen the federal deficit by a quarter trillion dollars per year over the next decade, how worried should we be about the federal government budget deficit? Peter and Jonathan discuss the deficit, its possible consequences and how we can potentially balance the budget. Plus, learn about the Jonathan Clements Getting Going on Savings Initiative.
#74
Apr 30, 2025 · 10 min
Seizing Opportunities Amid Market Volatility
Why do many feel this year’s stock market volatility rivals much worse declines of the past? And why are the market’s moments of weakness such a gift for the individual investor? Peter and Jonathan answer these questions and provide their tips for the month.
#73
Mar 31, 2025 · 12 min
U.S. Stocks: Where Do We Go From Here?
The U.S. stock market has had a rocky start to the year, with some indexes falling more than 10%. Peter and Jonathan discuss what triggered the decline and whether share prices are likely to struggle in the months ahead. Plus, each gives their tip of the month.
#72
Feb 28, 2025 · 13 min
All About Alternatives
Peter and Jonathan discuss what defines an “alternative investment” and what investors can potentially get from these assets that they can't get elsewhere. Plus, a reminder to keep politics out of your portfolio and why it might be worth taking a second look at your tax return.

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