Insight in Indian Country Podcast
Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations
What exactly is a “soft landing” in the economy? This episode, REDW National Tribal Practice Leader Wes Benally and Wealth Management Principal Paul Madrid are discussing economic outlook for Tribal Nations in 2024, covering potential economic slowdowns, inflation outlooks, fixed income investments, and more. 🎧 Tune in for expert insights on financial planning. 💸🫰
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:48 Economic Slowdown and Soft Landing
06:18 Considerations for Financing Projects
08:31 Maximizing Cash on Hand
12:41 US Equities and Non-US Equities
16:59 Reevaluating Risk and Asset Allocation
20:36 Risks in an Election Year
25:29 Considerations for Inflation
26:51 Final Thoughts
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Episode Takeaways
- A soft landing in the economy is a slowdown without a recession, and it is the current expectation for 2024.
- When considering financing for projects, it may be beneficial to wait for interest rates to potentially decrease or explore floating rate loans.
- Having excess cash on hand can be an opportunity to generate income through investments such as US government bonds.
- Diversifying equity investments within the US and non-US markets can help manage risk and capture potential upsides.
- Regularly reevaluating risk and asset allocation is important to ensure alignment with financial goals and minimize surprises.
- Election years can bring volatility to the market, so it is important to be prepared and consider diversification.
- Inflation is an important metric to consider when budgeting and making financial decisions.
- Regularly reviewing and adjusting financial strategies with the help of an advisor can help optimize financial outcomes for Tribal Nations.
Meet Your Host
Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA
REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader
As the leader of REDW’s National Tribal Practice, Wes is committed to improving financial literacy throughout Indian Country and hosts the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. He oversees audits of a wide range for Native American communities, state and local government agencies, and non-profits, nationwide, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Advisory Committee and serves as an instructor with Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute. In addition, as a Board member for a tribal gaming entity that operates in two states, Wes keeps up with regulatory issues important to tribal gaming operations. Wes is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
Compensation Studies—Your Key to Hiring & Retaining Top Talent.
It’s important to attract—and retain—the best employees to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your tribal organization. And given an exceptionally competitive labor market and the usual budget constraints, this means basing your employee compensation and benefits programs on relevant and reliable data.
The results are in! Learn more about REDW’s Tribal Compensation Survey Reports for Tribal Governments and Tribal Gaming.
More from Insight in Indian Country
- “Tribal Finance Is Much More Than Just Budgeting.” Inside OSU’s Tribal Finance & Accounting Certificate with Lindsey RayWhat does it take to truly prepare a professional to work in Tribal finance and governance? For Lindsey Ray, Senior Tribal Programs Manager at Oklahoma State University, the answer started with a needs assessment, a gap in the market, and a partnership that grew into something much bigger than anyone expected.
- 3rd Annual Tribal Leadership ConferenceREDW is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 3rd Annual Tribal Leadership Conference, June 1–4, 2026, in Chandler, AZ. Join our National Tribal Practice team in the exhibit hall and at four expert-led sessions covering technology, audit, HRstrategies for tribal leaders.
- “We’re all fighting for our people.” Economic Growth, Diversification, and the Future of Indian Country with Chris JamesChris speaks candidly about the role gaming has played as a transformational economic driver — and why Tribes are increasingly looking beyond it to federal contracting, technology, agriculture, tourism, and citizen entrepreneurship.
- Spring 2026 Single Audit ReadinessIf your organization receives federal funding — whether you’re a Tribal government, local government, or nonprofit — 2026 is a year to pay close attention to your Single Audit readiness.
- NAFOA 44th Annual ConferenceREDW is proud to return as a Gold Sponsor of NAFOA’s Spring Conference, taking place April 27–28 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. Join us as we connect with tribal leaders and industry experts to discuss the economic issues shaping Indian Country — and don’t miss REDW Principal and Cybersecurity expert John W. Graham’s session, “What Could Go Wrong? Cybersecurity Essentials for Tribal Governments,” on April 28.
© 2024 REDW Wealth LLC. This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Information and instruction shared in the article above do not guarantee outcomes, performance, or quality of services provided to REDW Wealth Management clients by REDW Wealth Management or its employees. Adherence to our fiduciary duty is not a guarantee of client satisfaction or any particular outcome. Advisory, Assurance, and Tax is offered through REDW LLC. Wealth Management is offered through REDW Wealth LLC.
