Money Tree Investing

A bull market in cash is coming! Gary Zimmerman, founder and CEO of Max, explains how he discovered major inefficiencies in the cash-deposit market and built a platform that helps clients earn higher yields while staying fully FDIC-insured. We explore how broker-dealer incentives shaped the "always be invested" mindset, why RIAs take a more fiduciary approach to cash, and how most advisors dramatically underestimate how much cash clients actually hold in outside bank accounts. We also dive into the strategic role of cash in portfolios, the psychology and behavioral finance behind loss aversion, and why many investors keep cash in low-yield big banks despite far better options. We discuss... Gary Zimmerman shares his path from aspiring biochemist to investment banker and ultimately founder of Max. Gary describes how Max helps advisors and clients earn higher yields on cash while staying fully FDIC-insured. The conversation highlights the structural differences between broker-dealers and fiduciary RIAs in how they treat cash. Cash is both the "worst" asset class (low returns) and the "best" (strategic flexibility and optionality). Gary emphasizes that many advisors are unaware of large "held-away" cash balances clients keep at big banks. Research shows high-net-worth households keep roughly 25% of their liquid assets in cash—far above portfolio models. Behavioral finance plays a major role as clients publicly want risk but privately hoard cash for emotional comfort. Cash helps investors sleep better, reduce loss-aversion anxiety, and feel less trapped in work or life decisions. Gary explains that deposit pricing inefficiency exists because large banks don't need or want more deposits. The system also keeps client deposits below insurance limits by spreading funds across multiple banks. They explore how most households either have no emergency reserve or keep excessive idle cash earning too little. Cash reserve needs vary dramatically by life stage, career stability, and complexity of financial obligations. Senior professionals may need years of cash cushion because job searches take longer at higher levels. Behavioral mistakes in downturns often stem from being over-invested relative to one's psychological risk capacity. Gary argues that post-pandemic money-supply expansion suggests more inflation is still embedded in the system. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Diana Perkins | Trading With Diana Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/bull-market-in-cash-gary-zimmerman-768 

The economy is breaking, and today we discuss the signs. We explore the challenges of navigating today's markets, highlighting the volatility and skepticism around AI-driven companies, overinflated stock valuations, and earnings season dynamics where "beating expectations" often masks underlying realities. It's important to be cautious investors over high P/E ratios, unsustainable growth, and market timing. You need to focus on risk management over speculation. Critical thinking is also imperative while evaluating data and it's important to question assumptions and focus on market behavior rather than blindly trusting reported numbers. We discuss... Volatility in November and the flat performance in October, with a mixed outlook for the remaining six weeks of the year. Historical trends in presidential cycles, noting that the second year is statistically the worst for stock market performance, while years one, three, and four tend to perform better. The impact of earnings season on markets and how companies often beat expectations by managing guidance strategically, which can mislead retail investors. The market's reaction to AI-related companies, the skepticism around reported growth, revenue, and inter-company financing "shenanigans." Historical parallels to the late 1990s internet bubble, where vendor financing inflated revenues before companies ultimately collapsed. The difficulty of individual stock investing, noting that growth rates slow as companies mature and valuations often contract over time. The risk of focusing on long-term predictions without timing, being "right too early" can result in significant opportunity costs and losses. Michael Burry's recent hedge fund moves, his short positions on AI-related stocks like Nvidia and the implications for investors skeptical of inflated earnings. Timing is critical in investing, caution with high-growth sectors and risk management rather than speculative bets are needs. Investors should not blindly trust government or corporate data, but instead focus on market behavior and price trends to assess reality. There's importance in distinguishing between what is factually true and what the market believes. Apply critical thinking, question assumptions, and focus on present market realities rather than speculative long-term projections. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-economy-is-breaking 

John Bartleman, the CEO of TradeStation, is here today to talk about how AI will transform the future of trading. John shares his background and the evolution of TradeStation from early backtesting software to a full-service broker, while explaining how its roots in systematic trading differentiated it from competitors. He outlines major industry shifts, along with the benefits and challenges of dark pools and institutional order flow. We also dive into how AI is transforming trading, as John describes his own use of MCP-enabled AI agents for research, portfolio analysis, trade structuring, and more. AI may radically reshape fintech analytics and asset management, enabling traders to work more efficiently and pushing the industry toward fewer traditional money managers and more AI-driven decision systems. We discuss...  Record money market fund levels are being widely misinterpreted, as the balances often represent defensive positioning rather than pent-up buying power. Many investors mistakenly assume large cash balances automatically signal a coming equity influx, ignoring the behavioral reasons people hold cash. The tariff headline created rapid swings in futures markets, revealing how sensitive positioning is ahead of the election. A sharp crypto drawdown triggered widespread stop-loss cascades across major tokens, amplifying downside pressure in a classic liquidity vacuum. Seasonal trends typically provide a tailwind this time of year, but macro uncertainty is preventing markets from fully leaning into the pattern. Investors are observing a notable rotation away from mega-cap tech and toward value-oriented and small-cap sectors. The dispersion between the top seven tech stocks and the rest of the index remains near historic extremes. Elevated cash levels and volatility suggest institutional investors are selectively adding risk rather than buying broadly. Market breadth is improving modestly, but not enough yet to signal a durable trend reversal. Short-term traders are capitalizing on intraday volatility spikes driven by headlines and algos. Longer-term investors remain focused on earnings resilience and margin stability across sectors. Companies with global exposure are expressing concern about potential policy shifts after the election. Energy and industrials are gaining attention as potential beneficiaries of a reflationary environment. Tech remains bifurcated between AI-driven leaders and more traditional software names experiencing deceleration. Crypto markets continue to influence risk appetite, even among investors who do not directly hold digital assets.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Diana Perkins | Trading With Diana Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-future-of-trading-john-bartleman-766

The stock market is broken! Today we talk about a broad range of economic, market, and behavioral topics, beginning with the cognitive bias of sunk costs and how it affects personal decisions, investing, and business choices, emphasizing the importance of recognizing losses and cutting them early. We also explore recent market signals, including distress in the credit and auto-loan markets, and the K-shaped economy. We also critique media and policy narratives, pointing to propaganda around climate change and the pivot to nuclear energy. It's important to be aware and prudent in your observations in uncertain times. We also remark on the rising cost of living, currency devaluation (the end of the penny), and market performance trends. We discuss...  Sunk cost bias was illustrated with examples in plumbing repairs, investing in stocks like QQQ, and hiring ineffective marketers in business. People often continue bad relationships or investments due to the psychological discomfort of admitting mistakes. Non-decisions are still decisions, and it's important to consciously choose a path rather than defaulting to inaction. The conversation shifted to propaganda in media and politics, including discussions about global warming and COVID messaging. Nuclear energy is the only scalable solution for energy needs if climate change is real, and that AI and technology interests influenced the shift in media focus. We discussed deliberate and coincidental market messaging, citing examples of Fed statements and past financial crises like 2008. Michael Burry's recent fund positions and put options on Nvidia and Palantir were discussed as a signal for investors to pay attention, though not necessarily to follow blindly. Extreme caution in investing is recommended, particularly in markets or sectors one does not fully understand, such as the stressed auto-loan market. Signs of market stress were highlighted, including unusual moves in the SOFR rate and subprime auto-loan distress, though not on the scale of the 2008 mortgage crisis. The K-shaped economy was explained, where asset holders benefit from price inflation while those without assets see income stagnation and rising expenses. Rising housing costs and mortgage challenges were linked to declining fertility rates and generational effects on college and workforce participation. Indicators of market sentiment, including CNN's Fear and Greed Index, were analyzed, with a caution not to follow them blindly as they often lag or mislead. Observations were made on shifting consumer behaviors, including declining cash usage and businesses refusing pennies as payment. Future discussion topics were teased, including REIT investment opportunities and year-to-date market performance insights.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/stock-market-is-broken 

Mark Salisbury shares the secrets to spending less on the cost of college! As the founder of TuitionFit, explains how the college pricing and financial aid system is designed to favor schools over families. He describes how emotional marketing, opaque pricing, and complex financial aid forms create confusion and limit families' leverage. he outlines how students and parents can regain control by defining their price range first, using resources like TuitionFit and net price calculators, and strategically managing assets, timing, and financial disclosures. He also covers how income, savings, and family structure affect aid, and more! We discuss...  Mark Salisbury explains how the college pricing system is intentionally vague, designed to benefit schools rather than families. This conversation exposes how the financial aid process operates like a hidden marketplace where families unknowingly pay vastly different prices for the same education. Mark explains the difference between a school's sticker price, discount rate, and net price, emphasizing that the last is what truly matters. He details how the FAFSA and CSS Profile collect information that can be used by colleges to assess a family's financial "willingness to pay." Timing and disclosure of assets can dramatically impact how much financial aid a family receives. Families with business ownership structures may have advantages in how assets and income are reported. Fnancial aid formulas often penalize savings while rewarding debt. Salisbury argues that families should start with their budget first, then find schools that fit within that price range—rather than applying and hoping for aid. Tools like TuitionFit help families compare real financial aid offers and discover the true market price for college. He advises against oversharing financial information before admission decisions are made to preserve negotiation leverage. Negotiating college costs is compared to buying a car—where informed consumers who know their target price get better deals. Transparency and data sharing among families are key to fixing the broken college pricing system. Mark calls for systemic reform to make higher education pricing fairer, more transparent, and tied to real market value. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Diana Perkins | Trading With Diana Jack Wang | Smart College Buyer   Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/secrets-to-spending-less-on-the-cost-of-college-mark-salisbury-764 

Should the S&P go higher? Today we discuss that and more in this wide-ranging episode. We talk the markets, and warn that investors often cling to bad positions instead of reassessing when wrong, noting that current valuations are stretched and the market appears overextended. There is rising corporate caution during earnings season, weak performance among consumer staples and cyclicals, and the growing dominance of the "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks in driving the S&P 500's gains. AI-related capital expenditures and record margin debt levels suggest heightened risk, so you should remain defensive and patient as market conditions soften despite entering a historically strong seasonal period. We discuss...  New York City's election of a socialist-leaning mayor and question how it might impact the city's historically capitalist foundation. Drawing a parallel to investing, we stress the need to reassess assumptions when investments go against you instead of clinging to them. The current market is overextended, with valuations significantly above historical trends and a concentration in a few large tech stocks. Consumer cyclicals and staples, normally defensive areas, have underperformed, suggesting caution for risk-averse investors. The "Magnificent Seven" tech stocks are disproportionately driving the S&P 500's performance, masking weakness in the broader market. AI-related capital expenditures are rising sharply, but returns on these investments remain minimal, highlighting potential overhype. Margin debt has reached record levels, indicating elevated risk if market sentiment shifts. Earnings season shows that even companies beating expectations may see stock declines, signaling that much of the positive news is already priced in. Weak market breadth—many stocks declining while a few outperform—indicates fragility and higher potential volatility. While a correction is possible, seasonal trends historically make late November through January a strong period for markets. Inflation is picking up modestly, while interest rates are being lowered, creating a complex environment for fixed-income investors. Private credit and real estate markets are showing early signs of stress, particularly as products are increasingly marketed to retail investors. Investors are advised to watch for opportunities in mispriced assets but remain cautious due to market overvaluation and potential downside risks. Overall, the discussion emphasizes patience, caution, and careful risk management amid uncertainty in politics, markets, and emerging technologies.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/should-the-sp-500-go-higher-763 

Lily Vittayarukskul shares her remarkable journey from working at NASA in her teens to founding a company that innovates with AI to transform long-term care planning. We explore why long-term care remains one of the most misunderstood and underserved areas in wealth management, despite being one of the biggest retirement risks. We break down how long-term care works, who needs it most, the pros and cons of self-funding versus insurance products, and why many families fail to plan until it's too late. We discuss... Lily Vittayarukskul shared her early fascination with aerospace engineering, including work recognized at age 12 and a role at NASA's JPL by 16. A personal long-term care event in her family at age 16 prompted her pivot from aerospace to healthcare. She built technical expertise in genetics and AI at Berkeley before founding a company focused on long-term care solutions. The ideal candidates for long-term care planning are typically 40–60 years old, upper-middle-class individuals with $2–5 million in assets. Many financial professionals avoid long-term care due to its complexity, morbid nature, and time-consuming conversations. Traditional long-term care policies and hybrid/lump-sum products each have advantages depending on individual circumstances and predicted care needs. Self-funding long-term care is an option, but many clients are risk-averse and ultimately prefer a structured insurance plan. Lily's company uses decades of data to predict long-term care events and costs, helping advisors map policies to individual client needs. Long-term care planning is as much about protecting family members and legacy as it is about financial strategy. Conversations about long-term care should start with a professional, involve spouses, and eventually include children or trusted family members. Many clients struggle with the emotional and logistical burdens of caregiving, which can impact their own health and quality of life. The topic is often avoided culturally because it forces acknowledgment of aging, mortality, and potential loss of autonomy. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors   Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/transform-long-term-care-lily-vittayarukskul-762 

The stock market bubble is going to pop! And we're going to tell you when. In today's episode we discuss that price is the ultimate indicator of market truth. Charts, narratives, and data often distort reality, while price alone reflects what investors truly believe. Don't overcomplicate investing with speculative indicators, fear-based "chart crimes," and emotional herd behavior, especially in areas like AI stocks that echo the dot-com bubble. Fundamentals and narratives often mislead, while disciplined attention to price direction and risk management yields better results. We discuss...  Price is the purest and most reliable truth in markets, capturing the collective judgment of all participants and filtering out misleading narratives. Investors often get trapped by "chart crimes," forcing technical patterns or trends that confirm what they want to see rather than what the market is actually showing. Investors often believe that deeper analysis means better insight, but in truth, simplicity and clarity around price direction outperform complex models. There are strong parallels between the current AI investment boom and the late-1990s dot-com bubble. Euphoric narratives around transformative technologies tend to overinflate valuations before reality catches up. AI enthusiasm is driving herd behavior, where investors fear missing out on perceived "once-in-a-lifetime" gains, leading to speculative excess and distorted valuations. Most investors misjudge risk, confusing volatility with opportunity, and failing to respect the message that price declines are often early warnings of deeper structural problems. There are under-appreciated risks building in private markets, especially private credit and private equity, which have grown rapidly outside the scope of traditional regulation. Private credit lacks transparency, liquidity, and oversight, creating potential systemic vulnerabilities if credit conditions tighten or defaults rise. In contrast, regulated banks, though unpopular, are more transparent and stress-tested, making them safer in relative terms despite their public scrutiny. Investors chasing yield in private markets are ignoring the lessons of past crises, mistaking the illusion of stability for real safety. Liquidity is an often-overlooked advantage, allowing investors to act decisively when market conditions change instead of being trapped in illiquid positions. Stay grounded in simplicity, price truth, and discipline, avoid the noise of narratives, the allure of complexity, and the comfort of consensus thinking.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/stock-market-bubble-761 

Have you thought about investing into space? Mark Boggett, CEO of Seraphim, shares the investment opportunities in the rapidly expanding space industry. He explains how innovations led by SpaceX dramatically lowered launch costs and increased access to space, catalyzing growth in satellite constellations and data-driven applications for defense, climate, and communications. He emphasizes that near-term investment potential lies in defense and climate-related uses of satellite data, rather than speculative ventures like space travel or asteroid mining. He also highlights the growing importance of sustainability, debris management, and more. We discuss...  Mark Boggett is a career technology investor who founded Seraphim Space, the world's first space-focused investment fund. Seraphim Space operates a global accelerator, a private venture fund, and a publicly listed growth fund on the London Stock Exchange. Boggett shifted focus to space investing after recognizing how technologies like AI, telecommunications, and 3D printing were transforming the sector. SpaceX revolutionized space access by reducing launch costs from $86,000 to $1,000 per kilogram and dramatically increasing launch frequency. Smaller, cheaper satellites now enable massive constellations that provide real-time Earth observation and global connectivity. Investment opportunities in space fall into three categories: upstream (launch and satellites), downstream (data and applications), and in-space (future lunar and interplanetary activities). The most investable areas today are defense and climate-related satellite data applications rather than speculative space travel or mining. The falling cost of launch is paving the way for large-scale space infrastructure, including future data centers powered by solar energy. Space debris is an emerging challenge, driving new industries focused on monitoring, avoiding, and removing defunct satellites. Regulatory changes now require satellite operators to deorbit defunct satellites within five years, accelerating growth in orbital cleanup services. Defense is a major driver of demand for satellite technology in intelligence, communications, navigation, and asset protection. The "in-space" category includes lunar landers, space stations, and eventual habitation or mining ventures, though these remain long-term prospects. NASA's new funding model relies on private companies like Axiom Space and Voyager to build commercial space stations. Boggett concludes that while long-term prospects like lunar mining are exciting, the current trillion-dollar opportunity lies in satellites, data, and communication serving Earth-based customers. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/investing-into-space-mark-boggett-760 

There are record levels of money market funds, but it doesn't mean quite what you think. Today we also explore recent market volatility sparked by Trump's brief tariff announcement and a sharp crypto sell-off that triggered stop-loss cascades. We also analyze seasonal trends, the rotation from mega-cap tech into value and small-cap stocks, and why most active managers underperformed the S&P 500 this year. We talk the importance of diversification, understanding risk tolerance, and viewing corrections as part of normal market cycles rather than reasons to panic. We discuss... Markets experienced sharp volatility following Trump's brief tariff announcement and a cascading crypto sell-off. How stop-loss triggers and algorithmic trading can amplify short-term market moves. Gold and silver pullbacks are healthy corrections within a long-term bullish thesis on precious metals. Portfolio allocation and risk management are critical to surviving sharp market drawdowns. Seasonal patterns are examined and late-year volatility can set up strong year-end rallies. Underperformance of active managers relative to the S&P 500 comes from narrow market leadership. Don't chase short-term moves, instead focus on long-term positioning. We explore how investor psychology and herd behavior can magnify both rallies and declines. The episode touched on how retail investors often get whipsawed when reacting emotionally to news-driven moves. The conversation compared current market sentiment to prior bubbles in meme stocks and crypto. Diversification is the best protection against unpredictable volatility events. How market manipulation and liquidity gaps can distort short-term price signals. The discussion linked rising geopolitical uncertainty with the growing appeal of hard assets. We underscore the importance of having a clear thesis and sticking to it through market noise. Volatility should be viewed as opportunity, not danger, for prepared investors. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/record-levels-of-money-market-funds-759 

CPA Rachel Farris joins us to talk about how you can benefits from Puerto Rico's Act 60 tax incentives by becoming bona fide residents of the island. Rachel explains how the program was created to attract capital and talent to Puerto Rico, the rules around residency and post-move appreciation, and the common pitfalls people face when trying to qualify. She also discusses lifestyle differences, cost of living, and more, as the Act requires genuine relocation and compliance with IRS rules to be done correctly.  We discuss...  Rachel Farris explains Puerto Rico's Act 60 tax incentives and how they allow U.S. citizens to pay 0% on capital gains, interest, and dividends. The program offers a 4% corporate tax rate for businesses relocated to Puerto Rico. Rachel details the legal requirements for becoming a bona fide Puerto Rican resident. The conversation covers the importance of distinguishing pre-move and post-move capital gains for tax purposes. Kirk and Rachel discuss common pitfalls people face when trying to qualify for Act 60 benefits. They explore how Act 60 was designed to attract capital, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals to Puerto Rico. Rachel outlines lifestyle differences between the mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico. The discussion includes the island's cost of living, housing options, and healthcare quality. Education systems and family considerations for those relocating are reviewed. Rachel emphasizes the need for real relocation and compliance with IRS residency rules. They touch on hurricane preparedness and infrastructure realities of island living. The episode concludes with insights on how to properly structure a business move to maximize Act 60's benefits. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/puerto-ricos-act-60-rachel-farris-758 

Today we dive into earnings season investing secrets. Learn the investing secrets that will grow your wealth as we dive into market analysis highlighting accounting red flags and potential overvaluation risks. Financial engineering often signals late-cycle behavior recessions, though unpopular, are necessary to clear economic "dead wood." We also examined current earnings trends in the financial sector, technical market patterns like resistance and support levels in small caps and metals, and the importance of balancing fundamental and technical analysis. We also talk investor psychology—how emotion, bias, and sentiment often drive poor timing and decision-making in markets. We discuss...  The Kolbe test, which measures instinctive strengths and natural problem-solving styles rather than personality or intelligence. Businesses use Kolbe results to build better teams by pairing complementary working styles. We also talked current market conditions, drawing comparisons between today's tech boom and the late-1990s dot-com bubble. How Nvidia's vendor financing arrangements resemble accounting maneuvers from the dot-com era, raising concerns about inflated revenues and future write-down risks. The hosts noted signs of late-cycle behavior in markets, including excessive optimism, overleveraged valuations, and creative corporate accounting. Recessions serve an essential economic function by clearing out inefficiencies and "dead wood," creating healthier long-term growth. A segment focused on earnings season, particularly the uneven performance in the financial sector and what it signals about underlying economic momentum. We analyzed technical market patterns, such as key resistance and support levels in small-cap indexes and precious metals. How gold and silver might act as contrarian signals or safe havens amid market uncertainty. The discussion emphasized the interplay between fundamental and technical analysis, stressing that investors should use both to form a complete market view. They highlighted the danger of emotional decision-making, noting that fear and greed often lead investors to buy high and sell low. The episode closed by underscoring the importance of maintaining discipline and objectivity, especially during euphoric or panic-driven market phases. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/earnings-season-investing-secrets   

As a college planning expert, Jack Wang breaks down major changes coming to college financial aid under the new "big, beautiful bill." Jack explains how new borrowing limits for parents and graduate students could upend traditional funding strategies and push more families toward the private loan market. He shares insights on how colleges decide who gets aid—revealing the "moneyball" game of enrollment management—and why being wanted by a school matters more than just being accepted. Jack offers practical advice on how families can spend less on college by targeting schools that align with their financial and academic profiles.  We discuss...  Jack Wang explains how his personal experience navigating college costs during a divorce inspired him to become an expert in college financial aid planning. He discusses the new "big, beautiful bill," which introduces sweeping changes to college funding and borrowing rules beginning in 2026. Parent PLUS loans will soon be limited to $20,000 per year and $65,000 total, ending the previous system of virtually unlimited borrowing. Many families focus on helping their child get accepted into college without understanding how they will actually afford it afterward. Jack encourages families to prioritize schools that offer the most generous financial aid rather than chasing prestige or name recognition. He clarifies that financial aid isn't just for low-income families—colleges often give significant aid to higher-income households if the student fits their goals. Colleges operate like businesses using "enrollment management," a strategy to attract certain types of students who align with institutional priorities. Jack explains that being wanted by a college often leads to larger scholarships than simply being accepted. Signs a school may want your student include launching new majors, building new facilities, or heavily recruiting from your region. Families should be cautious about applying to overcrowded majors like business, which typically receive less financial aid because demand is already high. Understanding each college's scholarship policies and true costs upfront helps families make smarter, more affordable decisions. Jack stresses that financial planning should begin as early as freshman year of high school, since aid decisions rely on sophomore-year tax data. Visiting campuses and showing consistent interest can improve a student's appeal and increase their chances of receiving aid. He concludes that families will either spend the time planning early or spend far more money later if they fail to prepare. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/college-planning-strategies-756 

Right now, you should invest in anything but the S&P 500... Today we talk about what you should invest in instead. We focus was on market dynamics, particularly the strong performance of precious metals like gold and silver, the technical risks of recent market breakouts, and the caution needed after periods of rapid gains. We examine broader market trends, highlighting the relatively stronger performance of European and emerging market stocks versus the U.S., the importance of diversification, and more. We discuss... Precious metals, especially gold and silver, have been performing strongly, but recent market breakouts are showing signs of weakness, signaling caution for over-leveraged investors. September was a high-gain month, leading many investors to become overextended, with earnings season potentially introducing volatility. The precise reasons for gold's rise are unclear, though factors like central bank purchases and possible stablecoin-backed demand may contribute. Gold acts as a fear indicator rather than a production-based asset, with rising prices reflecting concerns over fiat currency and economic uncertainty. Historical comparisons show current gold-to-oil ratios are anomalous, echoing aspects of the 1970s stagflation period while oil prices remain low. U.S. stock market gains are outpaced by European and emerging markets this year, emphasizing the importance of global diversification. Average S&P 500 returns differ from actual realized returns due to volatility and sequence-of-returns risk, affecting long-term retirement planning. Electricity prices have surged in most U.S. states, highlighting structural energy supply challenges and rising costs for consumers. AI expansion is creating unprecedented energy demand, potentially driving electricity prices higher and stressing grid capacity. Nuclear energy development is critical to meet growing energy needs, yet decades of poor policy and infrastructure deficiencies hinder progress. Media narratives on energy and investment trends can be manipulated, requiring investors to critically evaluate information. Historical tech and AI boom comparisons suggest caution, as overhyped markets with high valuations may lead to significant losses. Investors should manage risk carefully, use first-principles thinking, and avoid greed-driven overexposure to emerging trends like AI.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/invest-in-anything-but-755 

JJ Kinahan, CEO of TastyTrade shares some tasty option strategies for 2025. JJ shares his journey from floor trader at the CBOE to CEO of TastyTrade under IG North America. He discusses the evolution of the brokerage industry—from the days of shouting in trading pits to today's retail-driven, commission-free environment—and how access to education has empowered individual investors. JJ emphasizes the importance of starting small, defining risk, and learning gradually when trading. We also talk why certain option types are miscategorized as "risky," the influence of retail investors since the meme stock era, and how futures trading offers hedging and round-the-clock opportunities.  We discuss...  JJ Kinahan discusses his journey from being a floor trader on the CBOE to leading roles at ThinkorSwim and TD Ameritrade, and now serving as CEO of TastyTrade under IG North America. The real differentiator for traders now is education, not access, and that platforms like TastyTrade prioritize teaching users how markets actually work. The conversation highlights how TastyTrade continues that mission by combining content, community, and trading functionality in one ecosystem. JJ stresses the importance of understanding "defined risk" in options trading—knowing exactly how much you can lose before entering a trade. Calendar spreads can help traders take advantage of time decay and volatility differences between expiration cycles. JJ notes that the "meme stock" era of 2020–2021 changed market dynamics by bringing millions of new retail participants into the market. JJ warns that while accessibility is great, it can lead to overconfidence, so risk control and continuous learning are critical. JJ shares insights on how professional traders manage emotions and avoid letting losses dictate decision-making. Traders who survive long-term tend to manage downside risk far better than they chase upside potential. The conversation explores how automation and data analytics have reshaped trading, but that human intuition still matters in volatile environments. Building good habits—like journaling trades, reviewing setups, and setting stop levels—is key to developing consistency. He encourages investors to find strategies that fit their personality, risk tolerance, and time commitment rather than copying others. JJ leaves listeners with a simple message: focus on learning, define your risk, and don't let one trade define your trading journey. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/tasty-options-strategies-for-2025   

This bull market is crashing and no one is talking about it! We kick off the fourth quarter by talking about how the government shut down has impacted the market. Precious metals—particularly gold, silver, and mining stocks—continue to surge in a largely overlooked bull market. We also critique flawed data interpretations and talk the dangers of drawing false conclusions and the importance of treating data as correlation, not truth. We urge you to think critically about information in both science and finance.  We discuss... Markets have largely ignored the government shutdown, even moving higher despite it. Gold, silver, and mining stocks are in a powerful bull market that most investors are overlooking. Data shows correlation, not truth, and conclusions must be questioned. Investors should focus on price action and risk management, not the "why" behind moves. Private equity firms are overleveraged, with declining returns and cash flow–negative companies. While some private equity opportunities may exist, most are poor deals for average investors. Examples like JoAnn Fabrics and Red Lobster are cited as once-strong businesses destroyed by debt-heavy private equity ownership. Public backlash is growing as stories emerge of private equity "ruining" local businesses, hospitals, and jobs. The Big Ten Conference is reportedly exploring selling part of its media rights to private equity for short-term funding. Private investors could demand control over athletic or academic decisions, clashing with university missions. A lack of ethical grounding and values fuels these destructive financial practices. Many societal problems stem from short-term greed and moral decay rather than lack of opportunity. They review sector strength, noting broad participation and strong 52-week highs as signs of market health. Market breadth is strong, showing that many stocks—not just the "Magnificent 7"—are participating in gains. A "bull market behavior checklist" shows most indicators remain positive, suggesting momentum continues. Seasonal charts show typical market strength in early and late-year periods, but be cautious against overreliance on averages. They warn investors to be cautious even in strong markets, as low defensive positioning can precede pullbacks. Wealth preservation depends not just on building assets but structuring them to last. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/this-bull-market-is-crashing  Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast  

Hillary Seiler joins us today to discuss the finances of athletes and NFL players. She shares her journey from personal financial struggles in college to building a career helping athletes, students, and employees improve their financial wellness. She shares how supporting friends who went pro in the NFL led her into creating financial literacy programs for professional teams, eventually expanding into universities and corporate America. She talks the lack of financial education for athletes, the misconceptions around their earnings, and the systems now in place to protect players from going broke.  We discuss... Hillary is a financial education coach who began working with pro athletes and later expanded to universities and corporate America. She was inspired by her own financial struggles during her mother's illness, which gave her perspective on money management. The NFL now mandates financial education sessions for rookies and younger players to prevent bankruptcy and poor financial decisions. Many athletes face misconceptions about their earnings, with most NFL players earning far less than the public assumes. Financial downfall is often tied to lack of education, poor money management, divorce, and being targeted for bad investments. Hillary teaches athletes to evaluate deals by requiring full business plans and consulting financial advisors before investing. Support systems and career planning are critical to helping athletes adjust to life after sports and avoid identity loss. Studies show Olympic silver medalists often stay motivated while gold medalists can struggle with depression and identity loss after reaching the pinnacle. Professional athletes and military veterans face similar challenges when retiring, often losing their sense of purpose. There has been debate about requiring athletes to save in pensions or annuities, but concerns remain about limiting free will. The NFL and NBA encourage saving with strong 401k matching programs, but players cannot access funds until age 45. The Pro Athlete Community (PAC) helps retired athletes manage money and avoid financial pitfalls. Despite education programs, some athletes still make costly mistakes or fall for scams, learning lessons the hard way. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-finances-of-athletes-hillary-seiler

Your financial advisor hates this bull market! Find out what it is as we talk the recent market conditions as well as the potential upcoming government shutdown, noting that while shutdowns once spooked markets, investors have become largely desensitized as they rarely have major lasting effects outside of government employees and contractors. Shutdowns have historically been used as political tools, sometimes causing GDP drag and reputational costs, but now often register as background noise. We also chat about seasonal and cyclical inflection points—like quarter-ends, tax-loss selling, and earnings season—that can drive short-term volatility. It's important to keep your perspective, recognizing political drama as a "circus," and instead focusing on underlying market cycles. Today we discuss... Government shutdowns used to trigger fear in markets but now typically cause little more than short-term noise. Politicians increasingly use shutdowns as leverage tools in budget negotiations rather than genuine fiscal concerns. Past shutdowns have shown temporary GDP drag but very little lasting structural harm to markets. Markets tend to quickly recover after shutdown drama fades, reinforcing investor desensitization. The real drivers of volatility now are cyclical factors like quarter-end portfolio adjustments and tax-loss harvesting. Earnings season consistently creates inflection points for markets, often outweighing political headlines. Seasonal forces can exaggerate short-term market swings, particularly in September and October. Positioning between defensive stocks and growth stocks is more critical for risk management than reacting to shutdown fears. Broader global market trends often matter more than U.S. political events. U.S. small-cap stocks have underperformed compared to large caps and international equities, reflecting structural weaknesses. Investors should focus on long-term positioning rather than reacting to short-lived shutdown volatility. Shutdowns reveal the widening gap between political theater and actual economic fundamentals. Short-term market noise from shutdowns can actually create opportunities for disciplined investors. Shutdowns are best understood as temporary disruptions, not trend-defining events.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/your-financial-advisor-hates-751 

Dr. Kimberly Harms discusses the importance of end of life planning. She shares her journey from dentistry to becoming a grief counselor, death doula, mediator, and life coach after personal loss, emphasizing the importance of preparing for death and leaving a meaningful legacy. She explains how avoiding conversations about death often leads to family conflict, highlighting the need for clear wills, healthcare directives, letters of intent, and honest family discussions. Beyond finances, she stresses that legacies should center on love, resilience, forgiveness, and teaching life skills to future generations.  We discuss...  Dr. Kimberly Harms transitioned from a 30-year dental career to grief counseling and becoming a death doula after personal health issues and loss. She emphasizes the importance of preparing for death to prevent family conflict and ensure a peaceful legacy. Clear wills, healthcare directives, letters of intent, and family discussions are critical to avoiding post-death disputes. Legacy goes beyond money, including love, resilience, life skills, and emotional guidance for future generations. Grief is a process that requires active effort, time, and sometimes professional help to work through. Celebrating life after grieving can bring joy and help loved ones move forward. Discussing death openly with family, including children, helps prepare them and reduces misunderstandings later. Emotional affairs, forgiveness, and reconciliation should be addressed while alive to avoid burdening loved ones. Material possessions should be organized or distributed before death to minimize conflict. True legacy is remembered in the hearts and minds of loved ones, not through wealth or public recognition. Giving back through acts like teaching, volunteering, or creating positive impact can extend one's legacy beyond family. Preparing now—financially, emotionally, and relationally—ensures loved ones can thrive after one's passing. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/end-of-life-planning-kimberly-harms-750 

This week we cover the hidden bull market that the billionaires know about. Are you in on it? We also cover the Fed's recent rate cut and how markets reacted with little real impact, highlighting skepticism about the Fed's effectiveness and the risks its policies create for wealth disparity and asset inflation. We emphasize the importance of questioning financial "half-truths" as outcomes often depend on assumptions rather than blanket rules. Gold, silver, and mining stocks are strong but under-appreciated trends, while tariffs are having far less economic impact than public debate suggests. We discuss... The Fed's latest rate cut had almost no real impact on markets, revealing investor skepticism about monetary policy effectiveness. Fed policies have unintentionally widened the wealth gap by inflating asset prices that primarily benefit the wealthy. Asset bubbles created by easy money policies pose future risks for average investors who lack diversification. The idea that Roth IRAs are always better than traditional IRAs is a half-truth since tax outcomes depend on future income and assumptions. Financial advice that paints with broad strokes often fails to account for personal circumstances. Gold has surged in value, reflecting distrust in fiat currencies and central bank credibility. Silver and mining stocks are also strengthening, though they lag behind gold and remain overlooked. Precious metals serve as both a hedge against inflation and a store of value when trust in the Fed declines. Tariffs are often overblown in the media, with real economic impact being far less dramatic than public debate suggests. The bigger risk to markets is not tariffs but systemic distortions caused by prolonged monetary policy intervention. Investors should prepare for volatility, especially given how fragile sentiment has become. Timing is critical in retirement planning, as retiring during a market downturn can devastate portfolios. Critical thinking is essential for navigating half-truths in financial media and mainstream narratives. Complacency is dangerous in today's environment of uncertainty and shifting economic conditions. Owning tangible assets like real estate, commodities, or productive businesses is one of the best hedges against inflation and Fed-driven distortions.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/hidden-bull-market-749