The Economy: Data vs Sentiment
Human behavior and feeling is not always driven by numbers and data. This is especially true when we think about consumer sentiment compared to the economy we review in numbers and charts. In this episode of Financial Clarity for Doctors, hosts Corey Janoff and Rachelle Vanderzanden discuss current economic sentiment, current economic conditions, and why those two things seem to be harder and harder to reconcile.
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Early Retirement Basics:
- What is early?
- Social Security Full Retirement Age is now Age 67.
- Age 65 is still fairly standard.
- Age 60 is early retirement! If you are thinking about retiring even earlier, the challenges compound.
- Being prepared to quit work earlier means you will have fewer years to save, fewer years for your money to grow, and more years to support yourself without earned income. This is the challenge!
- Every situation is different, but for most people, that means you must save a large percentage of your gross income for retirement.
- This reduces the lifestyle you need to maintain in retirement and helps your savings grow faster.
This is a complicated and nuanced topic with lots more to learn! To learn additional early retirement strategies, listen to the full episode. As always, we encourage folks to focus on what they can control – spending, savings, and potentially earnings.
How are we feeling and what do the numbers show?
- A University of Michigan survey earlier this year showed that consumer sentiment is at its lowest point since 1978 (strong employment, but high inflation and a weak dollar).
- Reasons include fears of new technology (will AI take our jobs?), interest rates/federal reserve, lingering effects of inflation, geopolitical conflict, and domestic political differences.
- BUT:
- Unemployment is ~4.3% – low historically, but higher than a couple years ago.
- But job addition numbers are low.
- S&P 500 is at an all-time high as of mid-April 2026.
- Almost two thirds of people are investing in stocks.
- Inflation is about 3%. Very close to average, but we are still feeling the lingering effects of the last couple years.
- Wages have grown faster than inflation.
- Unemployment is ~4.3% – low historically, but higher than a couple years ago.
- Despite the positive economic data, lots of things can make our “sentiment” more negative, especially if it affects us directly. That can include things like:
- Feeling like buying a home is no longer affordable.
- Being stuck in a job you don’t like, because there are limited job opportunities.
- Experiencing more localized effects of things like decreased tax revenue – cuts in schools for example.
As always, these topics are large and nuanced. We have little to no control over larger economic trends. Try to focus on what you can control, whether that’s your own personal finances or the causes you choose to support. Listen to the full episode to learn more.
For more financial planning tips from Corey and Rachelle, find them on social media!
LinkedIn: @CoreyJanoff and @RachelleVanderzanden;
Instagram: @CoreyJanoff and @VanderzandenRachelle;
and Twitter: @CoreyJanoffCFP and @RachelleFinance
Discussions in this show should not be construed as specific recommendations or investment advice. Always consult with your investment professional before making important investment decisions. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Finity Group, LLC is a separate entity from LPL Financial.