The Wealth Effect

 In this episode of The Wealth Effect Podcast, we step away from structure and embrace the flow of thought. This is less about answers and more about questions. Less about a roadmap and more about snapshots from the journey. If you’ve ever found clarity in a scribbled note.

Revenue looks good on paper, it sounds impressive at conferences, and it makes headlines in the business world. Revenue grabs attention, but it’s profit and cash flow that keep the company alive.

We live in a world where comparison is constant. Scroll through social media, walk into your office, or glance at your neighbor’s driveway, and the subtle weight of measuring yourself against others. Comparison has a cost. It shapes our decisions, warps our financial habits, and too often leaves us chasing a life that isn’t our own.

 We explore the tension between morality and wealth. From ancient philosophy to modern social media outrage, we unpack why wealth makes people uncomfortable, what responsibility comes with it, and whether having money inherently means taking from others.  

In this Pocket Byte, we strip away the buzzwords and get to the heart of blockchain. Too often, it’s framed as either a get-rich-quick scheme or a confusing tech fad. But blockchain is bigger than speculation; it’s a new form of trust, ownership, and information. We’ll explore where blockchain came from, why it matters, and how it’s reshaping the way value moves across the globe. From the early days of Bitcoin to the decentralized applications that are challenging old institutions.

What if I told you there’s a force influencing your financial life every single day, and you might not even notice it? From the cost of your mortgage to the return on your savings, from the depth of your credit card debt to the threat of a recession, interest rates shape it all.

In this episode of Pocket Byte, we challenge a widely accepted belief: that financial literacy alone is the key to economic freedom. From budgeting basics to investing strategies, we’ve been taught that knowing more will automatically lead to doing better. But what if that’s only half the story? We explore why knowledge isn’t power without behavior change, why emotions often override logic, and how the modern economy is designed to test us.

In this quick episode of The Wealth Effect, we break down the concept of net worth, not as a buzzword, but as your personal financial GPS. Too often, people confuse income with wealth. But real wealth is measured by what you keep, not just what you earn. We’ll explore: What net worth truly is and why it matters The simple formula to calculate it (and why most people avoid it) How understanding your net worth can change your relationship with money Why tracking it over time is more important than any single number Whether you're just starting out or already investing, knowing your net worth is your first step to building intentional, lasting wealth.

Is the American Dream still alive, or has it evolved into something else? We journey through the origins of the American Dream, its shifting meaning across generations, and whether today’s economy still rewards effort the way it once did. From wage stagnation to skyrocketing home prices, from generational divides to the influence of social media on our financial expectations, this Pocket Byte explores whether we're chasing a dream that's no longer real… or simply redefining what success looks like in the 21st century.

 Welcome to The Wealth Effect. In today’s episode, we dive headfirst into one of the most pressing questions of our generation: Is college still worth it? With student debt soaring, tuition fees skyrocketing, and alternative paths to success multiplying, many are rethinking the traditional higher education route. We break down the true costs, opportunity costs, and potential rewards of college and compare them with the rising viability of trade schools, entrepreneurship, self-education, and digital careers.

In this Pocket Byte, we unpack one of the most counterintuitive financial truths: making more money doesn’t guarantee wealth. In fact, many high earners are living paycheck to paycheck, trapped in lifestyles they can’t afford, chasing status symbols that drain their accounts, and ignoring the fundamentals of long-term financial freedom.

Welcome back to The Wealth Effect. We live in an era where your financial mindset is shaped as much by Instagram and TikTok as it is by banks and books. But is all that advice online helping you, or hijacking your wallet? In this episode, we explore the growing influence of social media on personal finance. From “finfluencers” promising fast wealth to algorithm-driven hype cycles, we break down: Why viral advice is often dangerous The difference between perception and reality online How to identify financial misinformation and emotional manipulation The rise of lifestyle FOMO and the hidden cost of “looking rich” Practical tools to build digital financial literacy and reclaim your focus This isn’t just about money, it’s about mindset. It’s about stepping back from the algorithm, questioning what you consume, and learning to lead your financial journey with clarity, not comparison. Because in today’s content economy, attention is currency. And misused attention is expensive.  

Welcome back to The Wealth Effect. In today’s episode, we dig into a question that challenges the way most people think about wealth: What is the real value of your money? It’s not how much you have. It’s what that money can do. This episode is about purchasing power, the true measure of financial strength. From inflation to lifestyle creep, from salary illusions to global cost-of-living differences, we explore why your money today might be worth less than you think… and what you can do about it. You’ll learn: Why inflation erodes wealth—even in a growing bank account How to think in real dollars, not just nominal ones Why investments, not savings, are essential to preserve value How lifestyle inflation quietly traps the middle class What digital currencies and global mobility mean for your future If you want to protect your standard of living, your future retirement, and your financial freedom, this is the episode for you.

In this episode of The Wealth Effect, We unpack one of the most misunderstood financial tools in modern life: the credit card. Are they a trap designed to exploit human psychology? From the invention of the Diners Club in 1950 to today’s tap-and-pay digital wallets, we explore the evolution, psychology, and hidden costs behind credit card usage. You’ll learn how interest rates, minimum payments, and social comparison can quietly sabotage your wealth—and how to flip the script with discipline, awareness, and strategy. Whether you're a seasoned cardholder or just getting started, this is a financial reality check you can’t afford to miss.  

Day trading is sold as the modern path to wealth, fast money, freedom, and financial independence, all from your laptop. But behind the flashy screenshots and influencer hype lies a hard truth: most day traders lose. In this episode of The Wealth Effect, the dream turns into a nightmare for the vast majority. We explore the psychology behind the rush, the sobering statistics no one shares, the hidden costs, emotional, financial, and mental, and why most "trading gurus" profit more from selling hope than stocks. You'll hear about survivorship bias, the rise of machines, and the brutal reality of competing against algorithms in milliseconds. Is day trading worth it? For 95% of people, the answer is no.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone tempted by the allure of quick gains and a cautionary tale for those chasing freedom through fast trades.

In this Byte-sized episode of The Wealth Effect, we explore a powerful and misunderstood force in economics: the Invisible Hand. Coined by Adam Smith, this concept explains how individual self-interest can unintentionally benefit society as a whole, without planning or intending to.

In this Pocket Byte episode of The Wealth Effect, we explore a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship: investing beyond your business. An often overlooked pillar of entrepreneurial success is the investment portfolio. As an entrepreneur, you're already betting on yourself and your business. But what happens when the market shifts, clients pause spending, or growth stalls? As today’s episode reveals, building an investment portfolio is not just wise; it’s essential. We explore: Why business success doesn’t always equal financial freedom The dangers of tying your entire net worth to one asset How diversification can protect and grow your wealth Whether you're just launching or already scaling, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your financial future. Listen in and start building wealth beyond your business.

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of The Wealth Effect, Dr. Kimberly Harms joins us to share her powerful life journey from a career in dentistry to navigating profound personal loss. A former commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service and a successful dental practice owner, Dr. Kim opens up about financial experiences. This conversation goes far beyond money. Dr. Kim vulnerably shares her experience of becoming a widow, the devastating loss of her son to suicide, and her path through grief, depression, and healing. She offers practical and emotional wisdom on estate planning, end-of-life care, and the importance of open communication with family to avoid conflict and preserve legacy. We discuss why planning for death is not about fear, it's about living with purpose and peace. This episode is a moving guide on how to prepare practically for life’s most difficult moments. 🔗 Resources Mentioned Dr. Kimberly Harms' website: DrKimberlyHarms.com  Rethinking Death: https://rethinkingdeath.life/ Upcoming book: Rethinking Death.Life

In this episode of The Wealth Effect, we sit down with Julius, a digital content creator whose artistic vision is shaped by a life rich in culture, travel, and transformation. Born in South Africa during a time of great change, Julius brings a global perspective to creativity and entrepreneurship. We explore how his experiences with high-profile projects and his decision to become a full-time artist in 2021 have influenced his approach to content, brand building, and digital NFTs. Website: https://fineart.juliusjooste.com/ Social Media: juliusjooste.com/contact NFTs: https://fineart.juliusjooste.com/nfts/ Julius' Show notes: https://fineart.juliusjooste.com/articles/interviews/the-wealth-effect-an-interview-with-julius-jooste/  

Why do smart people make irrational financial choices? Why do we stick with doomed projects, failing investments, or toxic commitments, just because we’ve already spent money, time, or energy on them? You’ll learn the psychology behind sunk costs, including loss aversion and cognitive dissonance.