Upticks: Charitable Giving, Retirement Conversations, Buying Used Cars, and Home Equity Insights

By Jake Falcon on November 21, 2024

On this episode of Upticks, Jake and Cory discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of charitable giving, including the concept of a “helper’s high.” They review individuals to consult before retiring and debate the necessity of them.

Jake and Cory also explore the potential advantages of buying used cars versus new ones and share their personal experiences. Finally, they discuss the current state of the housing market and the historically increased equity held by some homeowners.

Thank you for joining us this week! If you have a topic that you would like Jake and Cory to discuss or debate live on Upticks, please email it directly to me at luke@falconwealthadvisors.com and I’ll be sure to ask them to bring it up on the show!


Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!

Click here to contact us!

Click here to order ‘Retiring Right’!


Read a summary of the conversation below:

Buy Happiness—by Giving Your Money Away

Jake and Cory discuss the psychological and physical benefits of donating to charity. They highlight the concept of a “helper’s high,” where giving boosts mood and reduces stress through the release of endorphins. Additionally, regular acts of generosity can improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and increase lifespan. However, they also caution against the potential downsides, such as feeling pressured to donate or becoming overly reliant on the positive feelings from giving.

The People to Speak to Before You Retire—and the Key Questions to Ask Them

The hosts review an article from the Wall Street Journal that emphasizes the importance of consulting with key individuals before making the decision to retire. These include your spouse, adult children, doctor, HR chief, siblings, financial advisor, trusted colleague, and yourself. Jake and Cory debate the necessity of consulting so many people, suggesting that a smaller, trusted circle might be more effective to avoid conflicting advice.

The $20,000 Reason to Buy a Used Car

Jake and Cory explore the potential financial benefits of buying a used car over a new one. They discuss how used cars can save buyers up to $20,000 and may avoid the steep depreciation that new cars face. While Jake shares his experience of buying a new car for long-term reliability, Cory talks about his preference for leasing new cars due to the convenience and updated technology. Noting that the decision to buy or lease is separate from the decision to buy new or used.

America’s Homes Are Piggy Banks That Few People Can Afford to Raid

Finally, Jake and Cory dive into the current state of the housing market, noting that a significant amount of home equity is held by older homeowners. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of tapping into home equity, especially for those looking to downsize. Jake emphasizes that a home should not be viewed as an investment but rather as a personal and emotional decision.

Thank you for tuning in, we hope you have a great week!


Third-party links and references are provided solely to share social, cultural and educational information. Any reference in this post to any person, or organization, or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this post to the web site of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of Falcon Wealth Advisors or Hightower Advisors, LLC, or any of its affiliates, employees or contractors acting on their behalf. Hightower Advisors, LLC, do not guarantee the accuracy or safety of any linked site.


Falcon Wealth Advisors is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC (member FINRA and SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC.

This is not an offer to buy or sell securities, nor should anything contained herein be construed as a recommendation or advice of any kind. Consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment process or investment opportunities will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index.

These materials were created for informational purposes only; the opinions and positions stated are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily the official opinion or position of Hightower Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (“Hightower”). Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and based on generic assumptions. All data or other information referenced is from sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified. Information provided is as of the date referenced and is subject to change without notice. Hightower assumes no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to this information. Hightower makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. References to any person, organization, or the inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement (or guarantee of accuracy or safety) by Hightower of any such person, organization or linked website or the information, products or services contained therein.

Click here for definitions of and disclosures specific to commonly used terms.

Let's Explore Your Path to Wealth Together

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today

GET STARTED