Episode 102 - Understanding Semi-Liquid Investments
Building Wealthy Habits
In this episode, Laura and Jeremiah Lee break down semi-liquid investments: What they are, why people buy them, and where investors get surprised. Using a SWOT analysis, they walk through the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of investments that can be accessed, but often only with restrictions, delays, or a loss of value. You’ll hear real-world examples like REITs, restricted stock units (RSUs), and the IPO/lockup dynamics that can impact your timeline, taxes, and flexibility. If you’re considering any semi-liquid strategy, this episode will help you evaluate liquidity...
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Episode 101 - Evaluating Alternative Investments During Market Uncertainty
Building Wealthy Habits
In today’s episode, Laura and Jeremiah Lee break down what’s really driving market uncertainty right now—and why seeing wealthy investors “step back” can mess with your confidence if you’re not anchored to a plan. They talk through the danger of chasing headlines, the reality that the economy moves in cycles, and why trying to time the market usually costs more than it pays. You’ll also hear a practical discussion on common “safe haven” moves—cash, precious metals, and private placements—including what each option can (and can’t) do for your portfolio. Bottom line: the...
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Episode 100 - Risk Is Everywhere: How To Respond Without Panicking
Building Wealthy Habits
Risk is everywhere in investing — valuations, geopolitics, inflation, even currency moves. In this episode, Jeremiah Lee and Randy Barkley break down the most common “yellow flags” investors face and explain how to respond without letting emotions drive the decision. You’ll learn why market corrections are normal, why trying to time the market usually backfires, and how diversification and a long-term plan can help you stay steady when headlines get loud. In this episode: Fear of loss can cause people to freeze or overreact Market corrections are a normal part of investing Naming the...
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Episode 99 - Going Beyond the Fiduciary Standard
Building Wealthy Habits
What does “fiduciary” actually mean—and is it enough to protect your long-term plan? In this episode, we break down the fiduciary role, why transparency matters, and why many people eventually need more than an advisor who simply “babysits” their money. As your life gets more complex—taxes, estate planning, investments, business income, retirement distribution strategy—you need proactive guidance, not just basic oversight. If you’re evaluating a financial advisor (or wondering whether your current relationship is still the right fit), this conversation will help you ask better...
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Episode 98 - Warning Signs That Your Financial Team Isn’t Growing With You
Building Wealthy Habits
In episode 98 of Building Wealthy Habits, hosts Laura, Randy and Jeremiah discuss the signs that indicate when individuals and business owners have outgrown their financial teams, including their financial advisors, CPAs, and attorneys. They emphasize the importance of recognizing the need for change as financial situations become more complex and the necessity of having proactive advisors who can adapt to these changes. The discussion also covers the importance of ongoing relationships with financial advisors and the need for them to challenge clients and provide new insights as their...
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Episode 97 - Keep the IRS from being your Biggest Beneficiary
Building Wealthy Habits
As tax season looms, there is one thing most people are thinking about: Keeping the IRS out of their pockets! That’s why this week Randy Barkley and Jeremiah & Laura Lee break down what really happens—tax-wise—when you inherit money, investments, and other assets. They walk through step-up in basis for stocks and real estate, why some taxes effectively “disappear” at death, and where they absolutely do not. The conversation covers annuities, life insurance, qualified accounts, RMD rules, and the organizational headaches that come with sorting through multiple accounts,...
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Episode 96 - The Weakest Link in Your Estate Plan
Building Wealthy Habits
In Episode 96 of Building Wealthy Habits, Randy Barkley and Jeremiah & Laura Lee unpack what real estate planning looks like in today’s world—beyond a stack of documents in a binder. They talk through why the best estate plans are less about legal checklists and more about clear communication, access, and preparing the next generation for the responsibilities they’re stepping into. From blended family dynamics to managing digital assets and online accounts, this episode tackles the practical issues most families don’t talk about until it’s too late. If you’ve ever wondered...
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Episode 95 - The Conversations You Can't Avoid
Building Wealthy Habits
Around every corner, it feels like the world is more divided than ever. Politics, economics, culture, identity, and even holidays can become battlefields of ideas. In this episode, we step back from the noise and look at division and conflict through a historical lens, exploring how power, money, and narrative shape the relationship between those at the top and the everyday people underneath. In this episode: 🧠 Why it feels like “we’ve never been this divided” and how history tells a more complicated story 🧠 How conflict over ideas has always existed and why it often...
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Episode 94 - The Contrarian Mindset
Building Wealthy Habits
Most people think wealth comes from buying more investments — but sometimes, the smartest move is to sell, hold cash, and wait. In this episode, Randy Barkley, Jeremiah Lee, and Laura Lee reveal why successful investors often take the opposite approach of the crowd. They dive deep into how a contrarian mindset, smart cash management, and deliberate patience can set you apart from the average investor. You’ll learn: 💰 Why “cash is king” — and how liquidity can be your best opportunity engine 🧠 The mindset shift that helps wealthy people stay calm during market chaos 💵...
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Episode 93 - Advanced Tax Strategies for Business Owners
Building Wealthy Habits
In this episode of Building Wealthy Habits, Jeremiah and Laura Lee break down one of the most overlooked areas of wealth strategy — estate planning for business owners. If you own a business or hold significant private assets, passing wealth to the next generation isn’t as simple as naming a beneficiary. Without proper planning, your heirs could face a 40%+ tax hit, especially when your estate exceeds the current $30M exemption threshold. We discuss: Why lifetime shifts of assets are critical for tax efficiency How to think about transitioning ownership of private companies The difference...
info_outlineIn Episode 96 of Building Wealthy Habits, Randy Barkley and Jeremiah & Laura Lee unpack what real estate planning looks like in today’s world—beyond a stack of documents in a binder.
They talk through why the best estate plans are less about legal checklists and more about clear communication, access, and preparing the next generation for the responsibilities they’re stepping into. From blended family dynamics to managing digital assets and online accounts, this episode tackles the practical issues most families don’t talk about until it’s too late.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your family would actually know what to do, where to go, or who’s in charge if something happened tomorrow, this conversation is for you.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Why effective estate planning is more than just signing a will or trust
- How communication can prevent confusion, conflict, and delays
- The importance of making sure everyone knows where the estate documents are
- How to think about roles and responsibilities (successor trustee, executor, POA, etc.)
- Special considerations for blended families and complex family dynamics
- Why digital assets (logins, subscriptions, crypto, photos, domains, social accounts) must be part of your plan
- How regular check-ins and family meetings can keep your plan current and clear
- When and why to bring in professional guidance to navigate tricky situations
Check Out These Key Moments:
00:00 – Estate Planning: More Than a Basic Checklist
03:06 – Why Communication Is the Real Engine of a Good Estate Plan
06:10 – Where Are the Documents? Access, Storage, and Digital Assets
09:01 – Defining Roles: Successor Trustees, Executors, and Key Responsibilities
12:04 – Blended Families, Second Marriages, and Complex Dynamics
14:57 – When to Call in the Pros: Getting Help with Complex Estate Issues
Reach out at contact@tricordadvisors.com
Connect with Jeremiah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiahjlee/
Email: Jeremiah@tricordadvisors.com
Connect with Laura:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lee-59a83610/
Email: Laura@tricordadv.com
Connect with Randy:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rkbarkley/
Email: Randy@tricordadv.com
Information and ideas discussed are general comments and cannot be relied upon as pertaining to your specific situation, do not constitute legal/financial advice, and do not create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship. Examples discussed are fictional. You should consult your own advisor/attorney and do your own diligence prior to making any decisions. Investments involve risk and the possibility of loss, including the loss of principal. All situations are different, and results may vary. Randy Barkley is a life insurance agent CA license # 0518567 and Jeremiah Lee is a California licensed attorney and is responsible for this communication. Advisory services offered through TriCord Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisory firm.