Money Tree Investing
Get new ideas every week from Money Tree Investing Podcast! Come find out why our smart listeners love us. We find the top minds of investing and personal finance to join us on our show. Our guests and panelists talk about investing and personal finance ideas like how to find great investment ideas, building passive income, investing in real estate, financial independence, alternative investments, personal finance, money management, retirement, and finding new investment trends that are not yet mainstream.
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Bedroom Real Estate: How This Unique Rental Strategy Earns $50,000 a Month
07/04/2025
Bedroom Real Estate: How This Unique Rental Strategy Earns $50,000 a Month
Ryan Chaw shares his bedroom real estate rental property strategy. As a pharmacist-turned-real estate investor Ryan shares how he built a successful portfolio of 14 rental properties generating $50,000/month in income by renting out homes by the bedroom to students and professionals near college campuses. Now financially free, he spends his time coaching others and maintaining a disciplined approach to growth while avoiding low-quality competition and preserving strong tenant relationships. Today we discuss... Ryan Chaw transitioned from a pharmacist to a real estate investor inspired by his grandfather’s success in Bay Area real estate. He began investing in 2016 with a $262,000 property in Stockton, California, renting it by the bedroom to maximize cash flow. His strategy involves converting 3-bedroom homes into 5- or 6-bedroom rentals and leasing them to students and professionals. Ryan now owns 14 rental properties generating $50,000 per month in income and has fully replaced his pharmacist salary. Most of his tenants come from word-of-mouth referrals, especially from student communities at nearby colleges. Properties that would rent for $1,500–$2,200 annually generate $4,000+ per month when rented by the room. Competition in his niche is limited and often low quality, with few landlords offering the same level of service. Ryan sees consistent long-term demand with students signing multi-year leases and bringing in future tenants. Ryan targets neighborhoods favored by graduate students and healthcare professionals by researching Reddit forums for off-campus housing recommendations. He rents to both students and healthcare workers, often securing two-year leases from medical residents and fellows. He continues to acquire at least one new property per year and currently owns 14 rentals. He recommends keeping $7,000 to $10,000 per property in reserves to cover unexpected maintenance like HVAC or roof issues. He clusters tenants by category (e.g., pharmacy students, dental students, healthcare workers) to foster a sense of community. His four key success factors for student rentals are proximity to campus, neighborhood safety, affordability, and tenant community. Ryan uses VAs to triage maintenance requests and relies on a vetted contractor network to address issues within 24 to 48 hours. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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2025 End of Quarter Performance… How Did You Do
07/02/2025
2025 End of Quarter Performance… How Did You Do
Today we talk the end of quarter performance for quarter two of 2025. How did you do? We also cover a wide range of economic and market topics, beginning with the complexities of investing in artificial intelligence, lessons on succession planning, leadership transitions, and the importance of understanding demographic and power dynamics in both politics and investing. We note that large-cap growth, tech, and industrials led Q2 performance, while energy and real estate lagged. Mounting debt, rising delinquencies, and wage garnishment were cited as signs of economic stress, especially among younger and lower-income Americans, but the U.S. is still regarded as one of the best places to live. Today we discuss... AI emerges as a hot investing theme, but it’s difficult to get meaningful public equity exposure to the trend. We talks lessons for business owners on succession planning and the difference between operators and visionaries. You should invest in yourselves, learn how to work with AI, and become irreplaceable in the workforce. They conclude that unlike past tech revolutions, understanding AI is more about mindset, prompting skills, and creative application than simply buying stock exposure. Warren Buffett can be both the greatest investor of all time and underperform over the last 25 years. Buffett’s investment challenges are partly due to managing massive capital, but he also strayed from his original strategy. Buffett should have retired decades ago and left day-to-day decisions to others. This is a parallel between aging leaders in investing and aging politicians who refuse to step down. The Baby Boomer generation is described as unintentionally draining economic resources through demographic trends. Understanding leadership transitions and generational shifts is crucial for evaluating companies and markets. Q2 market performance shows large-cap growth outperforming small-cap and value stocks. Sectors like industrials, communications, and tech led, while energy, real estate, and healthcare lagged. High beta, momentum, and pure growth factors outperformed, while high dividend and low volatility underperformed. Treasury bonds, especially international, were among the best-performing fixed income assets. Precious metals like gold, silver, and uranium led commodities; agricultural products like corn and wheat lagged. Many top-performing countries are printing money, boosting markets, despite geopolitical or structural issues. Biotech investing is highly complex due to multiple layers of science, regulation, and operational risk. Investors don't need to invest in every trendy sector—understanding is more important than participation. Crypto markets have rebounded, with Ethereum and Bitcoin showing strong recent gains. The "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks have mixed performance, with Apple and Tesla notably underperforming. The market is entering a historically strong July–August window, buoyed by trade optimism. U.S.–China relations show signs of improvement, including mutual resource access. Buy Now, Pay Later services are beginning to impact credit scores and consumer financial stability. Over 2.3 million households are delinquent on mortgage payments, with foreclosures up 34%. Renters face growing pressure, with 21% behind on payments and eviction filings surging. Mounting debt burdens are fueling disillusionment among younger Americans, increasing support for socialism. Inflation has cooled from 9% in 2022 to 2.4% in April 2025. Despite challenges, the U.S. is still viewed as one of the best places to live. For more information, visit the show notes at Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X:
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The Art of Shaving with Eric Malka
06/27/2025
The Art of Shaving with Eric Malka
Eric Malka shares his journey from arriving in the U.S. as a 17-year-old immigrant with $100 to co-founding The Art of Shaving, a brand that redefined men’s grooming by turning shaving into a premium ritual experience. He explains how a chance job in men’s grooming and exposure to traditional shaving culture in London inspired him to bring the concept to the U.S., where he and his wife opened their first store using natural ingredients and a four-step shaving system. Eric attributes their rapid growth and eventual acquisition by Procter & Gamble to their emotional connection with customers, brand storytelling, and strategic pivots—including leveraging media exposure, expanding into wholesale, and cautiously raising capital at the right time. We discuss... Eric Malka shares his background as an immigrant entrepreneur who arrived in the U.S. at 17 and eventually sold his company to Procter & Gamble. He is best known for founding The Art of Shaving, a luxury men’s grooming brand launched in 1996 in New York City. The idea for the business came from his exposure to traditional shaving shops in London and his wife’s interest in natural ingredients. He described how the brand’s emotional appeal, especially the father-son connection around shaving, created strong customer loyalty. Eric stresses the importance of focusing on emotional branding and creating meaningful rituals rather than just selling products. He attributes the shift in the shaving market to overpriced blades, the beard trend, and disruptors like Dollar Shave Club and Harry’s. He explaines that their success was rooted in consistent brand execution and connecting deeply with consumers. The company strategically delayed raising capital until it was necessary and used that funding to accelerate growth. Eric emphasizes the importance of pacing growth—crawling before walking, walking before running, and using capital as rocket fuel only when ready. Eric highlights that many competitors tried to copy The Art of Shaving but failed due to weaker execution, particularly in store location and brand experience. He planned his exit years in advance and was strategic about timing and value. Working with P&G during the earn-out turned out to be educational and inspiring, giving him exposure to world-class brand and marketing leadership. Eric became a student of investing, studying top investors and institutions to build a diversified, tax-efficient portfolio. Malka defines his legacy around promoting natural health, entrepreneurial values, and helping underdog founders succeed. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Phil Weiss | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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AI Just Taught Me This Cool Thing… It is Amazing
06/25/2025
AI Just Taught Me This Cool Thing… It is Amazing
AI just taught me this cool thing... keep on listening to find out what it is! Today we talk about the massive and fast-moving implications of AI. We share the personal experiences with how AI challenges traditional business structures and workflows, requiring users to reimagine how work is done. We also explores how AI may replace many functions within organizations, from marketing to operations, while still lacking in areas like math accuracy and sales conversations. We also talk about Mary Meeker’s AI report, noting unprecedented user adoption, the rapid rise of global competitors like China’s DeepSeek, and the prediction that LLMs will become personal, customizable, and nearly costless. We need to rethink AI’s role in business, its deflationary impact on cost, and how fast-changing technology may render old tools and concepts obsolete. We discuss... How humor and sarcasm could be the final frontier in distinguishing AI from humans. The greatest investment in AI is learning how to use it personally and professionally. How limited human imagination, not technology, is the biggest barrier to innovation with AI. AI’s limitations in math were noted, with a warning not to fully trust it as a CFO despite its operational usefulness. AI isn’t quite ready for high-touch sales calls but is rapidly closing the gap in other business areas. Global AI adoption is surging, with China’s DeepSeek gaining ground quickly through much lower-cost models. Token costs have dropped nearly 100% in two years, and energy efficiency in GPUs has improved drastically. With the penny going out of circulation, it might be time to start saving them as collectibles. AI development curves are moving much faster than traditional SaaS models, making this a truly disruptive moment in tech. Meta’s LLaMA has been downloaded 1.2 billion times in 10 weeks, with over 100,000 derivative models created. The performance gap between open-source and closed AI models is shrinking rapidly, with DeepSeek nearly matching OpenAI on benchmarks. The AI ecosystem is becoming decentralized, much like the shift from centralized platforms to blockchain-based alternatives. Decentralization is praised for enabling free speech, innovation, and diversity of thought, unlike centralized control. Most employees are already using AI tools like ChatGPT personally, even if companies haven’t officially adopted them. AI is increasing personal productivity, but there’s concern it may ultimately compress work rather than improve quality of life. Over 60,000 new AI-related job titles have emerged in just two years, indicating a massive career reshuffle. Without earned knowledge, people can misuse powerful tools like AI, just as they did with nuclear weapons. The future with AI could resemble either Skynet or Star Trek, and no one truly knows which way it will go. There is risk of psychological strain and social dysfunction if people are displaced without purpose. AI tools can now bypass paywalls and summarize articles, challenging traditional media revenue models. The current wealth gap and collapse of the middle class is unprecedented, even before full-scale AI disruption. Decentralized AI (e.g., having your own local models) is seen as essential to maintain independence and avoid manipulation. A growing imbalance of more sellers than buyers suggests further downward pressure on real estate prices. Political pressure is influencing Fed policy, with previous rate cuts seen as potentially timed to impact elections. Global conflict, such as recent Middle East tensions, is having surprisingly little impact on the stock market. Investors should focus on risk management given the unpredictability and detachment from fundamentals. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Commodity Cycles And Investor Sentiment Secrets
06/20/2025
Commodity Cycles And Investor Sentiment Secrets
Mukarram Mawjood is here to share on commodity cycles and investor sentiment secrets. He discusses his focus on alternative assets including precious metals, crypto, and real estate, highlighting silver as his top current pick due to its price lag behind gold and significant upside potential. He explains how gold’s recent surge has largely priced in geopolitical risk, while silver remains undervalued despite industrial demand. He also touches on market psychology, gold-to-silver ratios, and how cryptocurrencies are increasingly competing with gold as alternative stores of value. We discuss... Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Phil Weiss | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X:
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War in the Middle East. Is AI the Cause?
06/18/2025
War in the Middle East. Is AI the Cause?
There is war in the middle east again! Today we talk about the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, with speculation that the U.S. may be involved indirectly. Media narratives are particularly frustrating, with uncertainty and conflicting reports make it difficult to know what’s truly happening. This definitely parallels the financial markets, particularly with how differing narratives shape reactions during times of volatility with many often making moves on perception rather than confirmed facts. The war could potentially impact on oil prices and inflation among other global economic repercussions despite the U.S. being more energy independent. We discuss... War has reignited in the Middle East, with Israel attacking Iran and missiles flying in both directions. There's confusion about U.S. involvement, with implications that support for Israel exists behind the scenes. The biggest economic concern is the potential for rising oil prices and inflation due to conflict. Oil futures spiked shortly after the attack, raising suspicions of insider trading among politicians. The discussion draws parallels between the chaos of war and financial markets—both are driven by incomplete, misleading, or rapidly evolving information. The role of algorithms and the lack of liquidity are blamed for severe price swings during market disruptions. Humans feel compelled to understand market movements even when there may be no clear explanation. Market price is the most honest signal, but its drivers are often unknowable or misleading. The U.S. is stepping back from global policing, reinforcing an “America First” geopolitical posture. China is rapidly overtaking Western industries like autos, robotics, and nuclear energy. Global money printing continues to fuel equity markets despite mixed economic signals. Investment strategy should focus on capital flows, not moral preferences or outdated macro narratives. ESG investing appeals to emotions, but maximizing returns and funding good later may be more effective. Google quietly changed its algorithm to penalize independent contractors on major media platforms. Search is undergoing a dramatic transformation due to AI, fundamentally changing how users and companies interact with information. Google’s ad business is threatened as users shift from browsing search results to receiving direct AI-generated answers. New technologies upend existing industries, especially if introduced abruptly without time to adapt. The global AI race—especially against China—is accelerating progress beyond what’s safe or manageable. AI will likely displace workers not all at once, but gradually as its capabilities expand and efficiencies are realized. AI thinks differently than humans—it doesn’t require order or structure to understand inputs. Learning how to think and work with AI is becoming a crucial new skill set. For more information, visit the show notes at Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Phil Weiss | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X:
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Breaking Finance with Blockchain with Matthew Le Merle
06/13/2025
Breaking Finance with Blockchain with Matthew Le Merle
Matthew Le Merle joined the podcast to discuss his journey from a consulting background to breaking finance with blockchain. He explains how he and his wife Alison pivoted to blockchain after recognizing it as the next major wave of digital value creation following the internet era. He breaks down the differences between blockchain, crypto, and DeFi, and shares how the financial industry is slow to adapt due to outdated systems and vested interests. While adoption may seem slow, it's actually progressing rapidly by historical standards, and transformation remains inevitable no matter what. We discuss... Matthew Le Merle transitioned from a career in consulting and digital innovation to blockchain venture investing after identifying it as the next major wave of value creation. He and his wife began investing in blockchain over a decade ago, seeing it as the foundation for digitalizing commerce and finance. Blockchain, or distributed ledger technology (DLT), complements the internet by enabling secure, trust-based value transfers. Crypto is a subset of digital assets—usually natively digital—enabled by tokenization on blockchain infrastructure. Tokenization allows any asset to be digitally represented and transacted without paper or manual processes. DeFi (Decentralized Finance) enables financial transactions through code rather than intermediaries, potentially removing banks and middlemen from the equation. The current financial system is deeply entrenched with inefficiencies and intermediaries that profit from friction and delay. Incumbent institutions like banks face both technological and incentive-based challenges in adopting blockchain solutions. Just as digital communication disrupted legacy industries, blockchain is likely to disrupt banking and finance despite institutional resistance. While adoption of smart contracts and blockchain applications has been slower than expected, it's following a similar long development arc as the early internet. Digital assets are designed to function natively on digital infrastructure, enabling real-time, frictionless movement. Discounted cash flow models can now be used to estimate intrinsic value for platforms like Ethereum and Solana. Bitcoin’s value is more abstract, deriving from its role as a hedge against government control, inflation, and confiscation. Blockchain investing spans six asset classes: early, mid/late, and public stages for both equity and token-based investments. Entry-level exposure to crypto can be done via small Bitcoin allocations, as recommended by BlackRock and others. The biggest blockchain fortunes have come from early-stage investments, not public market trading. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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The #1 Investment You Can Make in AI is…
06/11/2025
The #1 Investment You Can Make in AI is…
AI is causing a big disruption but the number 1 investment you can make in AI is learn it before you get left behind! Today we talk on the cultural, societal, and economic disruption caused by AI, comparing its transformative potential to that of the industrial age. While traditional frameworks—like working for purpose, identity, and productivity—are deeply ingrained in modern life, AI is rapidly eroding these norms by replacing jobs and altering what it means to be valuable in the workforce. Despite the uncertainty and anxiety around obsolescence, the best current investment is learning how to effectively use AI—not just dabble in it, but truly understand and apply it—as this will separate the empowered from the obsolete in the coming years. We discuss... Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Phil Weiss | Douglas Heagren | Megan Gorman | Tim Baker | Jeff Hulett | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X:
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The Money-Smart Solopreneur with Laura Adams
06/06/2025
The Money-Smart Solopreneur with Laura Adams
Laura Adams shares her journey into personal finance, podcasting, and authorship with her new book Money-Smart Solopreneur. She shares how she transitioned from corporate finance aspirations to helping individuals improve their money management through writing and podcasting. She discusses the evolution of book publishing, the growing need for supplemental income due to inflation and stagnant wages by starting side businesses, and practical advice on identifying marketable skills. We discuss... Laura Adams has worked in personal finance for nearly 15 years, transitioning from a corporate finance path after noticing even smart professionals struggled with money basics. Her passion for financial education led her to blogging and podcasting in the mid-2000s, eventually growing the "Money Girl" community. Writing books is a major undertaking that requires deep effort, especially when promotion is involved. Her dream of seeing her book on bookstore shelves motivated her to pursue traditional publishing, despite the changing landscape of book promotion. How the financial pressures facing many Americans today, especially due to inflation. Laura encouraged people to consider starting a side business to supplement income and access tax advantages. Side businesses should ideally be enjoyable since they often take place during personal time. Starting small and testing the market with minimal upfront investment is a smart approach to launching a side hustle. People should leverage existing skills and interests when brainstorming side business ideas. If your goal is quick income, practical gigs like freelancing, tutoring, or becoming a virtual assistant may be for you. Many people feel intimidated by starting a business but advised against overthinking early-stage logistics. Wait until a side business earns around $10,000 annually before worrying about formal structures like LLCs or accountants. Market research through conversation can spark ideas and reveal where your talents might fill a gap. Iterative experimentation are a great way to discover what business ideas are both enjoyable and viable. For more information, visit the show notes at Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X:
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AI Will Change Your Life in Surprising Ways
06/04/2025
AI Will Change Your Life in Surprising Ways
AI will change your life! Are you ready? Today we dive into the evolving landscape of AI, the capabilities and limitations of current AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Gemini, and why most users don't get the results they truly want. While AI is a very powerful but immature tool, learning how to use it effectively will help you to stay relevant in the workforce and can benefit your personal life as well. AI disruption is inevitable and potentially beneficial but it also raises serious questions about human adaptability for a rapidly changing future. We discuss... Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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How the MLS is Destroying Your Real Estate Investment Strategy
05/30/2025
How the MLS is Destroying Your Real Estate Investment Strategy
Barbara Friedberg | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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AI Is Getting Smarter—But Are We Ready for It?
05/28/2025
AI Is Getting Smarter—But Are We Ready for It?
Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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The Hidden Costs of Bad Estate Planning with Lauren Klein
05/23/2025
The Hidden Costs of Bad Estate Planning with Lauren Klein
Your bad estate plan is going to cost you! In today's episode, Lauren Klein, a Florida-based tax and estate planning attorney, discussed the critical components of effective estate planning. She debunks myths about revocable trusts, touches on the importance of regularly updating estate plans, and shares on the unethical financial incentives some attorneys may have to let plans fall short. We also talk the strategic use of irrevocable trusts, asset titling, and state-specific protections like Florida’s homestead laws for enhanced asset security. We discuss... Lauren Klein is a Florida-based tax, trust, and estate attorney who works nationally, helping clients with estate planning, probate avoidance, and tax strategies. Probate happens when someone dies owning assets solely in their name without a beneficiary or trust. Probate adds stress during grief and often sparks disputes—especially if there’s no clear plan or distant relatives get involved. Family fights usually come from unresolved issues, emotional baggage, or greed. Clear planning helps prevent conflict, though it can’t always stop it. Many assume a will or trust avoids probate, but trusts must be properly funded—assets need to be retitled into the trust or have it listed as beneficiary. The estate planning industry is too transactional—clients get documents but little follow-up. After a death, families often struggle to locate and transfer assets legally while grieving. It requires attorneys, paperwork, and patience. A common myth is that revocable trusts protect assets from taxes or lawsuits. They don’t during your lifetime—but they help avoid probate and add control. Revocable trusts shine when passing assets to kids. They can protect inheritances from divorce or lawsuits and become irrevocable (and stronger) after death. Trusts are especially helpful for blended families and young kids. You can distribute assets in stages and add estate tax protection with proper planning. Irrevocable trusts offer stronger protections but are more complex and better suited for high net worth or special planning needs. Asset protection varies by state—Florida, for example, offers homestead and tenancy protections. Even how you title a car can matter. Retirement accounts and life insurance have some protection, but it depends on the state. Listing all assets is key to building a strong estate plan. Crypto is showing up more in estate planning. It requires special steps to protect and transfer securely. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Phil Weiss | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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China Tariffs Are Causing Big Problems In This Sector
05/21/2025
China Tariffs Are Causing Big Problems In This Sector
China tariffs are causing big problems right now. Today we talk about the recent developments in U.S.-China trade relations, particularly the temporary pause in tariffs and the broader implications for investor sentiment and economic narratives. The fear over supply chain disruptions quickly faded once tariff discussions resumed—even though actual inventory issues remained unresolved. We also analyzed a new Republican tax bill, highlighting key proposals like eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, allowing deductions for car loan interest, and introducing a “MEGA account” to support education, home buying, and small business loans. We discuss...
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Filing for Bankruptcy the Right Way with Ashley Morgan
05/16/2025
Filing for Bankruptcy the Right Way with Ashley Morgan
Ashley Morgan is here to share on filing for bankruptcy the right way. There has been a rising demand for bankruptcy services amid job losses and contracting challenges in the D.C. area, particularly among government contractors, and Ashley's VA based Law Practice has been doing a lot of work on these cases for both individuals and businesses. Ashley explains how bankruptcy can offer a fresh start, protect certain assets like homes or retirement accounts, and in some cases discharge tax and SBA debt. The conversation also covers the complexity of student loan discharge, the importance of asset protection and planning before filing, and misconceptions around credit damage post-bankruptcy. We discuss... Ashley Morgan, a bankruptcy attorney near D.C., discussed the rising demand for her services amid increasing job losses, particularly among government contractors. The economic slowdown in the D.C. area is creating a trickle-down effect, impacting local small businesses as stable government money dries up. Bankruptcy is a legal, court-supervised process to eliminate or restructure debt, offering individuals a fresh financial start. The U.S. system allows broader bankruptcy relief compared to many other countries, though outcomes depend heavily on income, assets, and debt type. Common types of bankruptcy include Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 13 (repayment plan), Chapter 11 (business restructuring), and Chapter 12 (for farmers/fishermen). Chapter 11 is often used by large businesses to renegotiate leases, restructure payments, or close unprofitable locations. Small business owners can file Chapter 7 to shut down a business, but Chapter 11 can be cost-prohibitive for many. Personal credit isn't always impacted by business bankruptcy unless the owner personally guaranteed business debt. Bankruptcy doesn’t automatically ruin credit—many filers see credit scores rebound shortly after filing. Asset protection during bankruptcy varies by state; homestead exemptions can protect homes, but limits differ widely. Timing and transparency are critical—transferring assets before filing may trigger fraudulent conveyance issues. Retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k)s, IRAs) are often protected and can be used strategically before filing. Student loans are generally not dischargeable, though rare exceptions exist through adversary proceedings under "undue hardship." SBA and certain tax debts may be dischargeable under specific conditions, like being sufficiently old and properly filed. Ashley emphasizes the importance of early education, legal consultation, and realistic expectations about outcomes when considering bankruptcy. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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This Hidden Bull Market Is Hiding In Plain Sight
05/14/2025
This Hidden Bull Market Is Hiding In Plain Sight
This hidden bull market is actually lying in plain sight! Find out what it is today as we discuss media fear-mongering, unhelpful propaganda, Bitcoin and gold, and more. The central banks continue accumulating gold, emphasizing its historical role as a long-term store of value, and noting that despite the rise of digital assets like Bitcoin (which the U.S. now holds as a reserve), gold's cultural and material significance remains deeply embedded worldwide. Oh, and we also got a new Pope! We discuss... A new Pope from the U.S., Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Prevost of Chicago), was elected, contradicting Jim Cramer's confident prediction. The Pope had a 1% chance in betting markets, showing how off-market odds can be and how unexpected outcomes can deliver large returns. A widely shared headline warned that Earth will run out of oxygen, but buried in the article was the timeline—1 billion years from now. Climate change is a hard-to-measure issue that’s often politically weaponized and based on unprovable long-term models. Propaganda exists across all eras and agendas, including pro-America messages like those in 80s movies such as Top Gun. Spotting propaganda and political messaging can be useful for investors trying to understand broader narratives and their market implications. Governments often downplay crises right before they hit, and historically, such reassurances can be a red flag to start worrying. Recognizing themes in media, like global warming or military conflicts, can help investors anticipate policy moves or market shifts. Nuclear energy is an example of a rational solution ignored for political reasons, illustrating how policy can ignore practical options. Wealthy investors and central banks are buying more gold, reinforcing gold's role as a long-term store of value. Gold continues to be culturally significant and trusted across civilizations, unlike newer assets like Bitcoin. The U.S. government has decided to hold confiscated Bitcoin as a reserve asset, further legitimizing it in financial circles. There's growing speculation that Bitcoin could evolve into a reserve asset for central banks, similar to gold. Banks have transitioned from resisting Bitcoin to finding ways to monetize it, suggesting institutional acceptance is rising. Gold has significantly outpaced wage growth since 2000, reinforcing its strength as a store of value amid stagnant real income. Crypto has displaced silver as the inflation-hedge asset of choice among younger investors, hurting silver’s narrative. Long-term tailwinds for silver include green tech applications like solar panels and EVs, which could reignite demand. Gold and silver miners have underperformed despite rising bullion prices, with some major miners currently unprofitable. Mining companies face structural inefficiencies, making many poor business models despite gold’s rise. Institutional caution, reflected in moves by figures like Warren Buffett, indicates potential market hesitancy despite retail optimism. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Venture Capital in the Age of AI with Anthony Georgiades
05/09/2025
Venture Capital in the Age of AI with Anthony Georgiades
Anthony Georgiades shares the future of venture capital in the age of AI. He shares his journey from an early failed startup to becoming a deeply technical investor focused on frontier technologies. He emphasizes the importance of technical literacy in venture capital, especially when evaluating deep tech. We also touch on the economic and existential risks of AI, emphasizing the need for governance, transparency, and decentralized control, while pointing to robotics as a slower-moving but ultimately transformative force in the physical economy. We discuss... Anthony Georgiades shared his background in business, venture capital, and a technical pivot into computer science and robotics. A failed early startup experience drove him to gain deeper technical proficiency to better assess and build emerging technologies. He emphasized the importance of deeply understanding deep tech and being able to speak fluently with technical founders. Web3 use cases are becoming more real, with examples like decentralized AI inference, verifiable model outputs, and on-chain computation. He highlighted the importance of decentralized GPU marketplaces and AI-native blockchains as potential disruptors. Web3’s decentralized financial infrastructure enables instant, global, and permission-less access to financial instruments. Banks remain entrenched due to regulatory, compliance, and sovereign monetary systems, despite growing disruption. Crypto is unlikely to replace fiat overnight due to legal, infrastructure, and fractional reserve complexities. AI is seen as the most inevitable trend, already impacting industries across the board. The exponential development of foundation models and the importance of proprietary data are creating a winner-take-most dynamic. Web3, though earlier in development, is viewed as more disruptive due to its potential to create new markets and rewrite institutional frameworks. He acknowledged real short- and long-term risks with AI, including economic displacement, misinformation, and loss of control. Existential AI risk stems from misaligned goals, where intelligent systems could pursue objectives with harmful side effects. Open models, auditable systems, and decentralized infrastructure are key to safer AI development. Robotics is considered the “final frontier” of disruption, especially as intelligent machines become capable of operating in the physical world. Use cases like autonomous farming are emerging as impactful applications of robotics innovation. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Phil Weiss | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Central Banks Are Hoarding This Asset Expecting Trump’s Next Move
05/07/2025
Central Banks Are Hoarding This Asset Expecting Trump’s Next Move
Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Emotional Discipline for Trading Success with Diana Perkins
05/02/2025
Emotional Discipline for Trading Success with Diana Perkins
Diana Perkins shares how you can master your emotions through discipline for trading success. Her journey has taken her from a childhood fascination with finance to building a career in trading and eventually launching her own trading education business. She mentors aspiring traders and emphasizes that long-term success is overwhelmingly about emotional discipline and risk management. We discuss... Diana Perkins shares that she knew finance was her calling from a young age, charging her sister interest on loans at age nine. She fell in love with trading stock options and derivatives, and mentors hundreds of aspiring traders. Today, Diana runs her own trading education business focused on teaching new traders with an emphasis on risk management. Most traders, particularly currency traders, tend to blow up at least one account as a "rite of passage." Fear, greed, and mindset are much bigger factors in trading success than simply knowing technical skills. Diana works extensively with options traders, helping them overcome the initial intimidation of options complexity. She emphasized the importance of discipline and emotional control in trading over just understanding strategies. Her favorite strategy when trading professionally is vertical spreads because of their limited risk and “set it and forget it” nature. She shared that she still trades today, both in her own account and through a virtual portfolio for her stock-picking service. Most people’s natural instincts — fear, greed, impatience — are what make trading so challenging. Even random stock picks can perform well if trade management and discipline are handled properly. Diana emphasizes that discipline, probability, and risk management are at the core of successful trading, not just stock picking. It's important to focus on the amount of premium at risk rather than the number of contracts or shares controlled. Verticals require holding to expiration to capture full profit potential since gains are capped. Implied volatility (IV) can often cause seemingly "off" prices, particularly around earnings and major events. Consistency over time is critical to profiting from strategies like IV trading, much like "sell in May" seasonality trades. While AI tools can assist, she double-checks everything manually due to her auditing background and mistrust of "black box" systems. Although past performance isn't predictive, understanding human psychology — fear and greed — can offer powerful trading insights. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Big Move In This Shiny Asset
04/30/2025
Big Move In This Shiny Asset
This is a big move in this shiny asset! While everything else in the market is seeing big changes, gold is not different. We are also in earnings season, and major companies' reports can influence markets. Business uncertainty, especially around tariffs, has caused a dramatic slowdown in corporate spending. Forecasting has become very difficult, but there are signs of a potential recession, yet it's still important to avoid echo chambers when forming investment views. We discuss... Inflation has significantly raised prices at restaurants between 2020 and 2025, with breakfast items like IHOP pancakes seeing an 82% price increase. Companies are cautious during the current earnings season, often dampening future expectations due to economic uncertainty and tariffs. A North American manager reported that customer spending and shipping orders have frozen up worse than during COVID, threatening layoffs. People seek confirmation of their beliefs and the danger of echo chambers in investing and life. Successful investors should seek out contradictory evidence rather than self-confirming narratives. Value stocks like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola have been resilient and largely unaffected by tariffs. Investors should examine their ETFs' holdings and individual stock performance closely. Many mega-cap tech stocks have struggled despite strong revenue growth since 2021. A new generation of investors is facing real market pullbacks for the first time, leading to potential emotional decision-making. Risk is always present in markets, regardless of "risk on" or "risk off" environments. Diversification and proper risk management should be done before volatility hits, not after. Technology stocks are especially vulnerable to liquidity tightening and reduced spending. Global liquidity is showing signs of increasing outside the U.S., helping international markets outperform. Recessions, though painful, are necessary for economic health and market resets. Gold has been very strong recently, staying above its 200-day moving average. The gold-to-silver ratio is historically high, suggesting silver is extremely undervalued relative to gold. Proper ratio trades remove general market movement risk but require strong discipline and understanding. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Long Term Care or Roll The Dice?
04/25/2025
Long Term Care or Roll The Dice?
We're joined by Frances Reaves, who shares insights from her work in estate and Medicaid planning, on how to get your parents ready for long term care. Frances explains the importance of preparing for elder care before it's urgently needed, sharing her personal experience with her own parents and husband, who is currently navigating Alzheimer's care. The conversation dives into the realities of elder care, including the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the high costs of in-home versus facility care, and the value of long-term care insurance. We discuss... Francis Reads is an elder law attorney specializing in estate and Medicaid planning. She founded a service within her law firm called “Parent Your Parents” to support elder care planning. Elder care generally begins around age 65, when Medicare becomes available. A major challenge in elder care is systemic apathy and poor communication in facilities. In-home care is the gold standard if money is no object, costing $12,000–$15,000 per month. Reverse mortgages and long-term care insurance are common strategies to fund elder care. Long-term care insurance works similarly to car insurance—ideally unused but crucial. The cost of long-term care and facilities can quickly deplete even sizable retirement savings. The best age to purchase long-term care insurance is between 55 and 60. For-profit facilities are incentivized to keep patients alive, not necessarily to improve their quality of life. If you have no one to care for you, plan ahead with long-term care insurance, savings, and legal documents like power of attorney and healthcare proxy. People who choose to provide full-time care often risk financial ruin if long-term care plans or savings are not in place. There’s potential to arbitrage life expectancy in financial tools like reverse mortgages or life insurance. Many elders struggle with losing independence, especially around giving up driving. Adult children often become parental figures to their own parents, which can create emotional strain. Financial advisors and lawyers play a key role in spotting and preventing elder financial abuse. Professionals should watch for signs of undue influence or financial exploitation and speak up if concerned. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Phil Weiss | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Good Friday… Good Times… Bad Markets
04/23/2025
Good Friday… Good Times… Bad Markets
Good times... Bad markets! Today we talk about recent volatility in the market, particularly in the bond market, as there is a lot of geopolitical uncertainty that are coming with Trump’s economic moves. There may be a market downturn of up to 40% and the Fed will respond most likely respond by cutting rates, a familiar cycle in which political and monetary forces intervene to stabilize markets. Ultimately, if there's a recession, we still don't need to panic, the US markets are still strong so invest accordingly! We discuss... Market volatility recently spiked to levels not seen since COVID, driven by geopolitical and fiscal uncertainty. Trump’s unpredictable moves reintroduced risk into the markets, which had become too complacent. The Fed is currently in a wait-and-see mode, which markets interpret as a lack of proactive response. Trump criticized the Fed for not following the ECB in cutting rates, claiming it weakens U.S. competitiveness. The podcast host believes the market can handle high rates and criticized Powell’s pre-election rate cut as political. A continued market selloff is expected, with potential drops of 30–40% in the S&P 500 this year. If markets decline significantly, the Fed is likely to step in and cut rates to stabilize things. Historically, market declines have been followed by Fed intervention, which then props markets back up. A mild recession is likely before any recovery, but the overall economy remains fundamentally strong. Tariffs are currently painful for businesses but are viewed as a negotiation tactic rather than a permanent fixture. Markets dislike uncertainty, and the next six months are expected to be rocky before clarity returns. Keeping cash on hand is advised to take advantage of potential lower asset prices Americans are generally uncomfortable with negotiation and volatility compared to the rest of the world. Manufacturing may not fully return to the U.S., but diversification is critical for national security. Time dilation and recency bias cause people to misjudge the permanence of current events like tariffs. Leaders like Trump and Powell are motivated by legacy, not destruction. A stronger dollar could hurt gold and hard assets but elevate the U.S. as the most stable economy. Investors should routinely reassess their holdings to see if they would still buy them today. Always identify the potential exit point for any investment to manage risk. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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The New Global Paradigm Shift And How To Invest
04/18/2025
The New Global Paradigm Shift And How To Invest
Dan Rasmussen returns to talk about how to invest during this global paradigm shift. Rasmussen shares how the post-2008 investment environment has shifted, with international markets now outperforming, volatility spiking, and the dollar weakening. He critiques the AI investment narrative, challenges in AI profitability, the misalignment between AI hype and real-world economic value, and the implications of rising geopolitical and market uncertainty. We discuss... Dan Rasmussen runs the hedge fund Verdad, focusing on microcap value, credit, and market-neutral strategies. His new book, The Humble Investor, compiles insights from a decade of writing research notes. How the post-2008 market was defined by low volatility, strong U.S. equity performance, and growth stock dominance. In 2025, international markets have started outperforming U.S. equities, signaling a potential regime shift. As AI skepticism grows, tech giants have seen declining returns due to increased capital intensity. The profitability of AI investments remains unclear, with few killer applications and unsustainable infrastructure costs. Chipmakers like Nvidia require enormous customer spending just to justify current valuations. The long-term viability of AI, citing high operational costs and uncertain end-user benefits. Rising market volatility, potentially driven by politics and the dollar, is pushing investors toward safer, lower-volatility assets. Despite years of underperformance, international investing may be entering a comeback phase. Google is testing a shift from a pay-per-click to a pay-per-lead ad model in select zip codes. ChatGPT is becoming a preferred tool for research due to speed, accuracy, and reduced noise compared to Google. The uncertainty around AI profitability makes current tech valuations speculative and potentially risky. Potential large-scale layoffs in government and academia could ripple through the broader economy. Shifting public-sector workers to private-sector roles is uncertain and may not offset job losses. Despite Trump’s influence, AI is seen as a more dominant force for markets than political shifts. Japan is highlighted as a promising international market due to undervalued stocks with fortress balance sheets. Gold has become a favored allocation, with some portfolios holding as much as 35% due to recent strong performance. Today's Panelists: Megan Gorman | Douglas Heagren | Kirk Chisholm | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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A Second Big Move In The S&P 500 Will Change How You Think About Stock Investing
04/16/2025
A Second Big Move In The S&P 500 Will Change How You Think About Stock Investing
There's a second big move in the S&P 500 and it's going to change things! Today we reflect on a historic and volatile week in the markets, highlighting dramatic swings that included 40- to 50-year extremes. We also talk investor psychology, client reactions, and the importance of focusing on long-term planning rather than daily market noise. There's also been a mystery investment that has quietly outperformed this year despite a lack of media attention so it's important to pay attention to all the trends, even the ones that aren't getting mainstream attention. We also share on Warren Buffett’s enduring success, Trump’s negotiation tactics, and how to spot overlooked opportunities by tracking what isn't crashing when everything else is. We discuss... A mystery investment that's performed exceptionally well in 2024 but has received zero media attention. How under-the-radar assets often outperform when no one is paying attention. Billionaires lost large amounts of money this year—except Warren Buffett, who gained $12.7 billion. Charts from the previous week showed bond-related assets and corn among top performers, while energy and cannabis sectors lagged. Some Dow stocks barely moved during the selloff—specifically Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. We encourage investors to look for stocks that remain resilient during market downturns as potential buying opportunities. Trump’s negotiation tactics with China are giving markets a breather while keeping pressure on. Strength in gold miners, healthcare, and food & beverage was cited as areas to watch moving forward. Social media sentiment is largely negative, with most companies underperforming regardless of size. Low volatility stocks are the notable outliers, performing better than other equity factors. Alternative assets like preferreds and hedge funds are also experiencing significant declines. Gold is the surprise top-performing asset this year, up sharply and widely ignored by even gold enthusiasts. Financially strong companies are likely to outperform in uncertain markets and come out stronger. U.S. processed food is often lower quality than international versions, yet less regulated domestically. The 200-day moving average is a key rule of thumb—nothing good tends to happen below it. Global equity markets, particularly Europe and Latin America, remain positive year-to-date despite recent pullbacks. European stocks may offer opportunity, but the speaker expresses skepticism over Europe’s long-term competitiveness. The U.S. dollar is down 4% year-to-date and recently broke below its multi-year trading range. Crypto has been mixed, with Bitcoin holding up better than Ethereum but still failing to protect during downturns. Short-term U.S. Treasuries are a reasonable safe option, but cash in one’s own currency is the best defense. Investors should stay cautious and avoid big risks during uncertain times, even amid major rebounds. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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What 96% of People Get Wrong About Social Security Planning
04/11/2025
What 96% of People Get Wrong About Social Security Planning
Beau Henderson joins us to dive into the often misunderstood world of Social Security planning. Beau highlights how only 4% of people claim their benefits in a way that maximizes lifetime value. We discuss why Social Security is so confusing: its overly complex rules, lack of personalized advice from the SSA, and the financial planning industry's limited focus on optimization due to low compensation incentives. Beau also breaks down a three-step process to make better Social Security decisions. We discuss... Beau Henderson worked in retirement planning for over 25 years, focusing heavily on Social Security optimization. A mentor’s poor Social Security decision inspired Beau to dig deeper into the system and help others avoid costly mistakes. Many people take Social Security based on incomplete or misleading advice, often lacking proper context. The Social Security Administration cannot legally give personalized advice, which leaves many without adequate guidance. There are over 500 possible combinations of how a household can claim Social Security benefits. Beau breaks Social Security planning into three key steps: organize your financial picture, understand the rules for your household, and model different claiming scenarios. Most households leave over $200,000 on the table due to suboptimal Social Security decisions. Social Security decisions should be integrated with income distribution planning and tax strategy. Sometimes taking benefits earlier can make sense if it supports personal goals like retiring earlier. Many people don’t realize that the Social Security decision affects not just them but their spouse’s future as well. Common fear about Social Security cuts are largely media-driven; legislation changes tend to happen slowly. The worst-case scenario is likely a 20% benefit reduction, not elimination, and future generations will see more significant changes. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefit may be taxable depending on your income level. Proactive tax planning, like Roth conversions, can help reduce the tax burden on Social Security income. Survivor benefits are an important yet often overlooked aspect of Social Security planning. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Phil Weiss | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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A Big Move In The S&P 500 Is Coming
04/09/2025
A Big Move In The S&P 500 Is Coming
Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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The Growth of Global Investing with Ladislas Maurice
04/04/2025
The Growth of Global Investing with Ladislas Maurice
Ladislas Maurice joins us today to discuss the benefits of global investing. He shares his experience in emerging markets, and the investing benefits of getting a second citizenships. He shared insights on identifying macro opportunities in various countries, such as Uzbekistan's stock market and Egypt's real estate deals. He emphasized diversification to manage risk and shares the benefits of second citizenships, including access, security, and generational opportunities. Today we discuss... Ladislas Maurice shared his background in law, business, and his expat career with Nestlé before transitioning into global investing. He has spent the last eight years traveling full-time, investing in emerging markets, real estate, and exploring residency and citizenship solutions. Ladislas' investment approach involves spotting macro opportunities and then determining how best to play them on the ground. The importance of diversification in emerging markets to mitigate risks and handle portfolio volatility. How international real estate can offer residency and even citizenship benefits in some countries. Panama as a popular residency option, especially for Americans looking to hedge political uncertainty. The cyclical nature of Americans seeking second residencies based on political shifts in the U.S. People should not make rash decisions but instead take a step-by-step approach to investing and relocating abroad. The benefits of second citizenships, including travel freedom, access to opportunities, and protection against geopolitical risks. Countries offering citizenship through investment, including Turkey, Egypt, and Caribbean nations. Birthright citizenship in places like Mexico, Canada, and Brazil can be a strategic option for families. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Phil Weiss | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Is Your Social Security Safe From DOGE?
04/02/2025
Is Your Social Security Safe From DOGE?
Is your social security safe from DOGE? Today we talk about the big changes coming to the Social Security Administration and how (or if) they impact you! We talk about social securities origins as a safety net, its current insolvency trajectory by the early-to-mid 2030s, and the political challenges of reform. We critique the past government inaction and explores potential solutions. Don't worry, your social security won’t disappear overnight so make rational decisions rather than reacting to media-driven fear. We discuss... Market volatility and the significance of quarter-end movements. Tax-loss selling at year-end can lead to market bottoms in certain assets. Social Security was originally created as a safety net for those unable to support themselves. A demographic imbalance is stressing Social Security’s financial stability. Without intervention, Social Security is projected to be insolvent by the early-to-mid 2030s. Potential solutions include extending eligibility ages and adjusting benefits. Some proposals suggest cutting administrative costs rather than benefits. Future reforms may involve income-based benefit reductions or delayed eligibility. The likelihood of Social Security disappearing entirely is extremely low. We advise against making rash Social Security decisions based on media fear-mongering. Social Security planning remains a critical topic, with past loopholes removed as the government adapts to prevent system exploitation. Previously, retirees could take Social Security early at 62, repay it later, and reset their benefits, but this strategy has been eliminated. The decision to take Social Security early or delay it depends on individual financial needs and life expectancy. Break-even analysis suggests waiting until full retirement age (67) can be beneficial for those with longer life expectancy. Raising the full retirement age to 70 could extend Social Security solvency by billions of dollars. Adjustments to cost-of-living calculations have historically been used to slow benefit inflation and extend program viability. The current Social Security payroll tax cap of $160,000 could be raised or removed to increase funding. Increasing payroll tax rates slightly could help stabilize the program’s finances. Social Security has one of the lowest administrative costs among government programs, with about 99% of funds going directly to benefits. Historical tax changes under Reagan and Clinton increased Social Security taxation thresholds, and further increases remain possible. Legislative changes to Social Security, including benefit reductions or age increases, can happen quickly with little warning. Market volatility continues to be a major concern, with seasonal patterns and large equity inflows despite broader uncertainty. Investors should be cautious of overpaying for stocks with declining growth while seeking undervalued opportunities. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Investment Management in a Volatile Market with Shelby McFaddin
03/28/2025
Investment Management in a Volatile Market with Shelby McFaddin
Shelby McFaddin is here to discuss investment management for your portfolio in 2025's volatile stock market. Shelby discusses her time at Motley Fool Asset Management and shares her journey from studying economics and international affairs to working in private and public equity before transitioning to her current role. She shared insights on her investment strategy, highlights the challenges of stock picking in today's market, and emphasizes the importance of quality over chasing trends. She also talks the impact of macroeconomic factors, inflation, and interest rates on investing, and the housing market’s unexpected resilience. We discuss... Shelby McFaddin shared her background in economics and international affairs, detailing her transition from institutional asset management to stock picking at Motley Fool Asset Management. She focuses on retail and consumer-exposed stocks, driven by her interest in human behavior and its impact on economic trends. Shelby follows a "growth at a reasonable price" (GARP) approach, balancing valuation considerations with growth potential. She highlights the difficulty of value investing in recent decades and how she evaluates opportunities by comparing industry peers rather than relying solely on historical valuations. Dividend-paying and shareholder-friendly companies play a role in her strategy, particularly those with strong cash flows and capital return policies. Inflation is expected to remain elevated and interest rates to stay higher for longer, shaping her investment outlook. The paradox of the housing market, where high interest rates have not lowered home prices but instead frozen supply and affordability. The Fed’s role in the economy may require more government intervention than people expect. AI is being integrated into business operations to streamline processes and increase efficiency. Investors are becoming more discerning about companies delivering on cloud and data center promises. The market punishes companies for missing expectations but not as severely as before. The concentration of stock market gains in a few companies raises concerns about broader growth. Lack of analyst coverage and institutional interest limits small-cap stock visibility. Investors are looking for companies that can efficiently allocate capital expenditures. The lack of movement in small-cap stocks is attributed to systemic rather than company-specific issues. Retail and institutional investors struggle to justify small-cap exposure due to risk and liquidity concerns. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Barbara Friedberg | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at
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Extreme Overvaluation In These Stocks May Shock You
03/26/2025
Extreme Overvaluation In These Stocks May Shock You
There are some overvaluation in these stocks that may shock you! Today we discuss concerns over the stock market's high valuations, with a historical P/E ratio of around 17 now sitting at roughly 35, indicating extreme overvaluation comparable to the tech bubble. There is a risk of a potential 50% market correction and those who have only experienced rising markets, may be unprepared for downturns. We talk about the importance of hedging, reassessing portfolios, and understanding that economic conditions, stock markets, and politics do not always align. We discuss... Current market valuations, with the P/E ratio at historically high levels near 35. A 50% stock market decline would bring valuations back to historical averages. Many investors are overly reliant on continued market growth. Differentiating between politics, the economy, and the stock market, and avoiding emotional investing. Institutional investors shifting into safer assets like short-term treasuries. Highlighted increasing institutional interest in private credit and alternative investments. Investors with capital are preparing opportunistically rather than out of fear, ensuring flexibility to take advantage of market shifts. The US market has dominated for two decades, but historical trends suggest international markets could rotate into favor. European markets have performed exceptionally well this year, with countries like Germany, Spain, and the UK posting double-digit gains. US-centric investing is common, but diversification into international markets is crucial for risk management. The US market is currently underperforming, with the S&P 500 down approximately 8-10% year-to-date. Emerging markets, including India, Mexico, and parts of Africa, are experiencing significant GDP growth. Investors should be cautious with emerging markets due to political instability and economic volatility. A potential 30-40% market correction in the next two years raises concerns about finding safe investment havens. Bonds may not provide the usual refuge if yields and prices continue their current trends. Stagflation could create an unpredictable economic environment, similar to the confusion of the 1970s. The shift from US to international investing remains an ongoing trend, with Europe currently showing strong performance. People often fail to understand market dynamics, where news-driven price movements often lead to selling once the news is out. The U.S. government has declared Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a strategic reserve but says it won't sell them unless necessary. Markets are unpredictable, with current patterns possibly indicating a topping phase, signaling potential future downturns. The job market shows signs of weakening, with decreasing job openings and increasing layoffs, which could indicate economic challenges ahead. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Douglas Heagren | Follow on Facebook: Follow LinkedIn: Follow on Twitter/X: For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/overvaluation-in-these-stocks-697
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