The Table with Anthony ONeal

What happens to your investments when the stock market crashes? And should you sell everything, hold cash, or keep investing? 
In this episode of The Table, Anthony O’Neal sits down with investing expert Courtney Hale to break down 5 stocks and ETFs that could help protect your portfolio during a market downturn. From Walmart and Coca-Cola to dividend and utility ETFs, Courtney explains how defensive investing works, why panic-selling can cost you thousands, and how to start building protection with just $100. They also reveal why missing just five of the market's best days could dramatically reduce your long-term returns, how wealthy investors prepare for economic uncertainty, and why protecting your money matters as much as growing it. The goal isn't to predict the next crash. It's to have a strategy before it happens.

Mentioned Here:
📖 Order "Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck" (+$275 in free bonuses): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/book 
📈 Start Investing Today: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/invest 
🎙️ Have an investing question for Anthony & Courtney? Submit yours for a chance to be featured: https://anthonyoneal.com/ask
📺 Learn to invest with confidence! Subscribe to Courtney Hale's Investing Uncomplicated YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Courtney-Hale
📈 Join Courtney Hale's FREE Investing Webinar and learn practical strategies to build long-term wealth: https://7figureportfolio.investinguncomplicated.com/

KEY POINTS 
00:00 – 5 defensive investments to help protect your portfolio during a market downturn.
02:15 – Why sitting on cash could cost you more than staying invested.
03:50 – How missing just 5 of the market's best days could cut your returns in half.
07:30 – Why panic-selling your investments is the wrong move.
09:00 – Why Walmart and Coca-Cola could hold up during economic uncertainty.
16:30 – The recovery math: why a 50% loss requires a 100% gain.
17:45 – How XLU, SCHD, and XLP can add defensive exposure to your portfolio.
24:30 – Courtney's $100 investing strategy: splitting it between XLP and XLU.
26:00 – When to shift back toward growth investments and why staying invested matters.
31:30 – How Courtney and Anthony are preparing their families and finances for a downturn.

QUOTES: 

“We have to put defense in place to protect our money. And watch this: that defense then becomes offense because it grows, right?” – Anthony O’Neal

“Although cash isn't moving, prices are still moving, opportunities are still moving, and the biggest risk to your money is not having your money invested when the market goes down.” – Courtney Hale

ABOUT ANTHONY ONEAL:
Anthony O'Neal is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with Anthony O'Neal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Banking and is a professor of Consumer Economics at Virginia Union University. Since 2014, he's helped millions of people get out of debt, build wealth, and break generational poverty. His mission is to help you maximize your income, eliminate debt, and create a life of freedom and legacy.

📅 BOOK ANTHONY TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT: bookings@anthonyoneal.com 
🤝 SPONSOR THE TABLE PODCAST: partnerships@anthonyoneal.com 

Connect With Anthony:
👉 Website: https://www.anthonyoneal.com 
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal 
🎵 TikTok: @_anthonyoneal 

FREE TOOLS & RESOURCES:
📊 Budgeting & Wealth Tracker: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/wealthbudget 
🧠 Book a FREE 15-Minute Financial Plan: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/getmyplan 
📞 Call In & Be On The Show: (771)-224-8131

TRUSTED PARTNERS:

These tools help you win with money:
- SoFi High-Yield Savings (Earn 4.6% APY): https://anthonyoneal.com/savings 
- Dovly (Credit repair made simple): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/dovly 
- Kikoff (Build credit the smart way): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/kikoff 
- MooMoo (Start investing + get 5 FREE stocks): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/moomoo 
- Ethos Life Insurance (Term life in minutes): https://link.anthonyoneal.com/ethos 
- BetterHelp (Affordable online therapy): https://link.anthonyoneal.com/betterhelp 

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Many offer special discounts for my community!

⚠️ GENERAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Please do your own research and consult a certified professional before making financial decisions.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A $500 course helped Rodney go from earning $41,000 in healthcare to a $120,000 construction career without a four-year degree, but the investment was only the beginning. 

On this episode of The Table, Rodney shares how losing his job, preparing for fatherhood and wanting to build a debt-free home gave him the purpose to follow through. He and Anthony unpack career training, interview preparation and why a bigger paycheck matters most when it creates ownership, family security and freedom. 

Mentioned Here:
🚀 Ready to make your next career move? Explore Course Careers at anthonyoneal.com/coursecareers. 
📖 Order "Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck" (+$275 in free bonuses): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/book

KEY POINTS 
00:00 – Introduction: Rodney’s $79K salary jump and career pivot
03:27 – Jobless with a baby on the way: the pressure to make a change
04:51 – A debt-free home became the goal behind his career move
13:39 – The $500 course that helped him break into a new field
17:00 – Why money alone wasn’t enough to finish his first course
21:11 – Being rich versus being free: the power of ownership
28:00 – Inside the training: skills, support and job-search preparation
35:01 – Failing the exam, trying again and navigating 14 interviews
43:51 – Why Anthony is rethinking his mortgage and choosing freedom

QUOTES: 

“I always say to my audience and to my community that freedom is always to me better than being rich.” – Anthony O’Neal

“I could either pay to learn and go to school for it, or I could try to break into the industry and get paid to learn. And that's exactly what I'm doing now. Every day is like class.” – Rodney 

ABOUT ANTHONY ONEAL:
Anthony O'Neal is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with Anthony O'Neal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Banking and is a professor of Consumer Economics at Virginia Union University. Since 2014, he's helped millions of people get out of debt, build wealth, and break generational poverty. His mission is to help you maximize your income, eliminate debt, and create a life of freedom and legacy.

📅 BOOK ANTHONY TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT: bookings@anthonyoneal.com 
🤝 SPONSOR THE TABLE PODCAST: partnerships@anthonyoneal.com 

Connect With Anthony:
👉 Website: https://www.anthonyoneal.com 
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal 
🎵 TikTok: @_anthonyoneal 

FREE TOOLS & RESOURCES:
📊 Budgeting & Wealth Tracker: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/wealthbudget 
🧠 Book a FREE 15-Minute Financial Plan: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/getmyplan 
📞 Call In & Be On The Show: (771)-224-8131

TRUSTED PARTNERS:

These tools help you win with money:
- SoFi High-Yield Savings (Earn 4.6% APY): https://anthonyoneal.com/savings 
- Dovly (Credit repair made simple): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/dovly 
- Kikoff (Build credit the smart way): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/kikoff 
- MooMoo (Start investing + get 5 FREE stocks): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/moomoo 
- Ethos Life Insurance (Term life in minutes): https://link.anthonyoneal.com/ethos 
- BetterHelp (Affordable online therapy): https://link.anthonyoneal.com/betterhelp 

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Many offer special discounts for my community!

⚠️ GENERAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Please do your own research and consult a certified professional before making financial decisions.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Anthony breaks down his five-phase escape plan to get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, eliminate consumer debt, build your Freedom Exit Number, invest consistently, and ultimately create a legacy. Using the example of a woman earning $60,000 a year with $43,000 in consumer debt, he shows how changing the order of your money can turn $1,700 a month in payments into money working toward your future. If you’re earning money but still don’t feel financially free, Anthony explains the order he believes can help you get your paycheck back, create margin and finally start building wealth that serves you and your family.

Mentioned Here:
- 📖 Order "Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck" (+$275 in free bonuses): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/book 
- 🔵 Freedom Circle™ - Build your financial future with weekly coaching, accountability, and a proven roadmap: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/freedomcircle 
- 📱Download the In The Black App (your daily money coach): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/intheblack 

KEY POINTS 
00:00 – Introduction
04:59 – The 300 Rule: monthly lifestyle × 300 = your financial freedom number
10:14 – Can you actually reach your number—and how eliminating payments makes it smaller
14:30 – The order: save 1 month → pay off consumer debt → build 3–6 months → invest
18:30 – What will your number cost you? Anthony opens up about losing relationships while chasing success
20:04 – The four seats at your table: spouse, children, faith, and your circle
26:10 – When you hit your number, will you stop—and what are you stopping for?
31:45 – Decide what your freedom is for before you reach it

QUOTES: 
“Being debt-free is not the end goal, but it is the starting line.” – Anthony O’Neal
“I don't want you serving the lender with your paycheck. I want your paycheck serving you, your family.” – Anthony O’Neal

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What if the financial goal you’re chasing is actually costing you the life you’re trying to build? 
Anthony O’Neal gets personal about making $1 million in year one, $2 million in year two, and realizing he had no target, no finish line, and no idea what he was really running toward. In this episode, Anthony breaks down how to calculate your own financial number using the 300 rule, determine whether you can realistically get there, shrink the number by eliminating consumer debt, and decide what your life should look like once you reach it. Financial freedom isn’t about chasing more forever. It’s about knowing your number, counting the cost, and building a life where your money gives you back your time, family, faith, and freedom. 

Mentioned Here:
📖 Order "Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck" (+$275 in free bonuses): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/book 
🔵 Freedom Circle™ - Build your financial future with weekly coaching, accountability, and a proven roadmap: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/freedomcircle 
Download the In The Black App (your daily money coach): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/intheblack

KEY POINTS 
00:00 – Introduction: Why becoming debt-free is the starting line for financial freedom
04:46 – Why getting your paycheck back starts with getting out of consumer debt
10:08 – How a $60K salary can eliminate $43K of consumer debt
15:09 – How eliminating debt gives you $1,700/month back
20:29 – Building 3–6 months of take-home pay for real financial margin
25:37 – Why investing while carrying high-interest consumer debt can keep you stuck
30:31 – From debt freedom to legacy

QUOTES: 

“I was running towards no target, no finish line. Simply, I was just chasing more and more and more with no target.” – Anthony O’Neal

“Your number is going to have a price, and you need to know that price before you even pay it.”
– Anthony O’Neal

ABOUT ANTHONY ONEAL:
Anthony O'Neal is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with Anthony O'Neal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Banking and is a professor of Consumer Economics at Virginia Union University. Since 2014, he's helped millions of people get out of debt, build wealth, and break generational poverty. His mission is to help you maximize your income, eliminate debt, and create a life of freedom and legacy.

📅 BOOK ANTHONY TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT: bookings@anthonyoneal.com 
🤝 SPONSOR THE TABLE PODCAST: partnerships@anthonyoneal.com 

Connect With Anthony:
👉 Website: https://www.anthonyoneal.com 
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal 
🎵 TikTok: @_anthonyoneal 

FREE TOOLS & RESOURCES:
📊 Budgeting & Wealth Tracker: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/wealthbudget 
🧠 Book a FREE 15-Minute Financial Plan: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/getmyplan 
📞 Call In & Be On The Show: (771)-224-8131

TRUSTED PARTNERS:

These tools help you win with money:
- SoFi High-Yield Savings (Earn 4.6% APY): https://anthonyoneal.com/savings 
- Dovly (Credit repair made simple): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/dovly 
- Kikoff (Build credit the smart way): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/kikoff 
- MooMoo (Start investing + get 5 FREE stocks): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/moomoo 
- Ethos Life Insurance (Term life in minutes): https://link.anthonyoneal.com/ethos 
- BetterHelp (Affordable online therapy): https://link.anthonyoneal.com/betterhelp 

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Many offer special discounts for my community!

⚠️ GENERAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Please do your own research and consult a certified professional before making financial decisions.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A bigger paycheck can make you look successful, but it does not automatically make you wealthy. Anthony breaks down the difference between income and net worth, sharing how he once made six figures and still had nothing left by the end of the month. He explains how lifestyle creep, car payments, and consumer debt quietly eat every raise, then lays out the order for turning income into actual wealth: build margin, create a 3–6 month freedom fund, eliminate consumer debt, and start buying assets that work for you. Financial freedom isn't about how much money passes through your hands; it is about how much stays and what you do with it. 

Mentioned Here:
📖 Order "Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck" (+$275 in free bonuses): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/book 
💰 Calculate Your Wealth Number: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/start-investing#calculator


KEY POINTS
00:00 – Introduction: Why a good salary and a strong net worth are not the same thing
03:49 – The number most people never track: what you own minus what you owe
10:23 – Why margin matters more than a raise—and how payments keep eating your income
17:37 – The wealth-building shift: let your income rise while keeping your expenses flat
22:19 – How lifestyle creep can leave you looking successful but owning nothing
24:25 – Build margin → save 3–6 months → kill consumer debt → buy assets
27:52 – Why building wealth usually looks boring, unsexy, and consistent

QUOTES: 

“Your income tells you what passes through your hands. Your net worth tells you what stayed.” – Anthony O’Neal

“A payment is your income converting into somebody else's asset.” – Anthony O’Neal

“More income with the same habits builds a more expensive version of the life you are trying to live.” – Anthony O’Neal

ABOUT ANTHONY ONEAL:
Anthony O'Neal is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with Anthony O'Neal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Banking and is a professor of Consumer Economics at Virginia Union University. Since 2014, he's helped millions of people get out of debt, build wealth, and break generational poverty. His mission is to help you maximize your income, eliminate debt, and create a life of freedom and legacy.

📅 BOOK ANTHONY TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT: bookings@anthonyoneal.com 
🤝 SPONSOR THE TABLE PODCAST: partnerships@anthonyoneal.com 

Connect With Anthony:
👉 Website: https://www.anthonyoneal.com 
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal 
🎵 TikTok: @_anthonyoneal 

FREE TOOLS & RESOURCES:
📊 Budgeting & Wealth Tracker: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/wealthbudget 
🧠 Book a FREE 15-Minute Financial Plan: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/getmyplan 
📞 Call In & Be On The Show: (771)-224-8131

TRUSTED PARTNERS:

These tools help you win with money:
- SoFi High-Yield Savings (Earn 4.6% APY): https://anthonyoneal.com/savings 
- Dovly (Credit repair made simple): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/dovly 
- Kikoff (Build credit the smart way): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/kikoff 
- MooMoo (Start investing + get 5 FREE stocks): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/moomoo 
- Ethos Life Insurance (Term life in minutes): https://link.anthonyoneal.com/ethos 
- BetterHelp (Affordable online therapy): https://link.anthonyoneal.com/betterhelp 

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Many offer special discounts for my community!

⚠️ GENERAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Please do your own research and consult a certified professional before making financial decisions.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy