Exploring Alternative Investments and Building a Long Term Vision - Replay
Common Sense Financial Podcast
Release Date: 10/29/2025
Special Announcement: 3 Insights Every Investor Needs to Help Secure Their Financial Future
Common Sense Financial Podcast
Brian Skrobonja closes out the year with a milestone episode that marks the final episode of 2025 and the conclusion of this version of the show. He shares the gratitude he feels for the listeners who have supported the mission, the team whose work brought each idea to life, and the recognition the podcast received from Forbes as one of the top shows by financial advisors. Tune in to hear Brian reflect on why he started this podcast, how the mission has been accomplished, and why this moment isn’t an ending but the beginning of a bigger vision that will unfold in 2026. He also shares the...
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Tax Deferred to Tax Free: Navigating Taxes in Retirement - Replay
Common Sense Financial Podcast
In this milestone 100th episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja delves into the critical topic of managing taxes in retirement. The episode focuses on strategies for minimizing tax liabilities, especially for retirees with tax-deferred accounts facing potential hefty tax bills. Brian emphasizes the importance of sustainable income creation during retirement and the role of tax optimization in this process. Most people envision their retirement to be built from predominantly tax-free income, but after many years of deferring taxes, retirees are facing a sizable tax...
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Are You Prepared for the Evolution of Retirement? - Replay
Common Sense Financial Podcast
In this podcast episode, Brian Skrobonja takes us on a thought-provoking journey through the evolving concept of retirement. As we dive into the past, present, and future of retirement, Brian helps us unravel the complexities of this modern-day concept which, though deeply ingrained in our society, is relatively new in human history. This episode is essential for anyone planning for retirement, offering a fresh perspective on how to approach this significant life stage in the context of rapid societal shifts, economic developments, and increasing human longevity. We start off by exploring the...
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The Three Retirement Mindsets That Could Have A Negative Impact On Your Retirement Plans - Replay
Common Sense Financial Podcast
In this episode, Brian Skrobonja goes over the three main retirement mindsets that could negatively impact your retirement plans. He sheds light on what most retirees get wrong about retirement planning, why being confident doesn’t eliminate investment risks, and what to consider when hiring a financial planner. Brian goes over three retirement mindsets that have the potential to derail even the best-laid retirement plans. He starts by explaining that there is more to the conversation around retirement than just having a permanent vacation. Retirement is not a destination; it’s a...
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Investing with Guardrails: The Rise of Defined Outcome ETFs and Structured Income Notes
Common Sense Financial Podcast
Brian Skrobonja sits down with Phon Vilayoune to unpack buffered ETFs and income notes. Phon is the Founder and CEO of VETA Investment Partners, where they currently oversee over $5.5 billion in assets. They discuss the benefits of positioning your portfolio for growth and safety, how to protect your nest egg in volatile markets, and practical strategies for optimizing gains while limiting downside risk. Tune in to hear professional insights on ETFs, income notes, and actionable frameworks for navigating today’s complex market cycles. Phon explains how he entered the investing world and now...
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My Story - Replay
Common Sense Financial Podcast
In this podcast episode, Brian shares his remarkable journey from his parents' middle-class immigrant background to achieving financial freedom through decades of learning and building businesses. He recounts his early aspiration for an opulent lifestyle and the pivotal moment when he realized the importance of creating income-producing assets. Through content creation, including three books and the Common Sense Financial Podcast, Brian's financial wisdom and expertise have garnered recognition and awards, providing valuable insights into wealth, financial freedom, and the pursuit of life's...
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The 5 Key Performance Indicators To Help Measure The Health Of Your Retirement Plan - Replay
Common Sense Financial Podcast
In this episode we talk about the importance of using key performance indicators beyond just investment performance to gauge the health of one's retirement plan. There are five crucial data points that form the foundation of a successful retirement strategy: passive income, effective tax rate, cash flow ratio, banking capacity, and horizontal asset allocation. By focusing on these metrics, you can adopt a comprehensive approach to retirement planning that factors in various financial variables and bridges the gaps in your financial plan. Business owners use KPIs or key performance indicators...
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Certificates of Deposit: What to Consider and How to Use Them - Replay
Common Sense Financial Podcast
In this episode on Certificates of Deposit (CDs) as investments, we talk about the nuanced decision-making involved in purchasing CDs and whether or not CDs are good investments, particularly in a rising interest rate environment, and we explain why interest rates are the only factor you need to consider. Wealth creation isn't solely dependent on CD rates, and we need to consider the impact of inflation and interest rates to gain a comprehensive financial perspective. The episode also explores how government strategies to combat inflation by adjusting interest rates impact not only investors,...
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The Midlife Shift: How To Go from Surviving to Thriving
Common Sense Financial Podcast
Brian Skrobonja talks about the hidden trap of survival mode: that quiet, familiar mindset that keeps you safe but small. He explains why so many people in midlife mistake control for security, and how shifting from a scarcity mindset to a mentality of abundance changes everything about how you earn, spend, and live. Tune in to hear what it really takes to move from survival to strategy, from managing scarcity to creating abundance, and why your next level of wealth starts in your mind, not your bank account. Brian starts by explaining how time sneaks up on us. One day you’re in your 20s,...
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Exploring Alternative Investments and Building a Long Term Vision - Replay
Common Sense Financial Podcast
In this episode, Brian Skrobonja explains what alternative investments are and why they are the fastest route to growing your assets or retirement savings. He sheds light on how the most successful investors in the world keep getting wealthier and how to use an endowment like strategy to position your retirement assets. Brian explores alternative investments opportunities. He goes over what larger investors are doing to diversify away from the public market in an effort to help clients protect downside risks. The shift in investment philosophy amongst the largest investors is something...
info_outlineIn this episode, Brian Skrobonja explains what alternative investments are and why they are the fastest route to growing your assets or retirement savings.
He sheds light on how the most successful investors in the world keep getting wealthier and how to use an endowment like strategy to position your retirement assets.
- Brian explores alternative investments opportunities.
- He goes over what larger investors are doing to diversify away from the public market in an effort to help clients protect downside risks.
- The shift in investment philosophy amongst the largest investors is something to pay attention to as it could offer valuable insights on how to position your retirement assets.
- Brian explains why it's prudent for investors to adopt an endowment like model.
- The wealthiest and most successful investors in the world keep getting wealthier, not because they are lucky or privileged, but because they are playing a different game than the average investor.
- According to Brian, with medical advancements extending life beyond what we have seen in the past, we are entering a longevity dilemma as people may find themselves living longer than their assets.
- For Brian, the traditional retirement age tied to social security eligibility has longevity implications that are being overlooked.
- The 4% rule suggests you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually with the assumption that the balance in your account will sustain you for 30 years.
- Brian shares why he believes the 4% rule is not sustainable in the modern age.
- There's risk with any type of investment and alternatives are no exception.
- Brian talks about portfolio diversification and why we need to expand the definition of diversification.
- Brian talks about alternative investments and why you should consider having a portion of your savings in private equity, private debt, real estate trusts, and even oil and gas.
- For Brian, the stock market may be a core component of a portfolio, but it cannot be the only holding.
- Should investors get out of public markets entirely?
- According to Brian, investors should not get out of the market entirely, but should acknowledge that there are many investment opportunities that are far better than the stock market.
- We are seeing the world change before our eyes. The way we invest today needs to be forward looking to consider the changes that are underway.
Mentioned in this episode:
Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube
Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify
References for this episode:
kiplinger.com/article/investing/t047-c032-s014-to-succeed-at-investing-do-what-yale-does.html
wsj.com/finance/investing/pension-funds-stocks-bonds-679b8536
imf.org/external/pubs/ft/wp/2000/wp0018.pdf
weforum.org/agenda/2022/04/longer-healthier-lives-everyone/
nmhc.org/industry-topics/affordable-housing/apartment-supply-shortage/
sealynet.com/news/sealy-company-small-industrial-spaces/
nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/inflation-and-debt
nasdaq.com/articles/revisiting-the-classic-60-40-portfolio-as-challenges-loom
Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS.
Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.
The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Madison Avenue Securities, LLC
This material contains forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. Consider your risk tolerance and specific situation before investing.
Investments in securities are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Prices of securities may fluctuate from time to time and may even become valueless. Carefully read all of the relevant investment product’s offering documents and information before investing. Seriously consider investment suitability by referencing your financial position, investment objectives, and risks profile before making any investment decision.
Alternative investments may be subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual’s net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment’s trading profits. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio presents the opportunity for significant losses including in some cases, losses which exceed the principal amount invested. Also, some alternative investments have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors. Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not ensure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. Endowment funds are managed for institutions not individuals. An endowment-like strategy is not an endowment or an endowment fund.