The Real Retirement Podcast

Get more of your retirement questions answered here: https://birchwoodcapital.com Why is it so hard to beat the market? 🤔 In this episode, we break down the real data behind active investing vs. index investing and why even professional fund managers struggle to outperform the S&P 500 over the long run.  We cover: -The shocking statistics from the SPIVA study -Behavioral biases that hurt investors (anchoring, overconfidence, gambler's fallacy) -Why Wall Street's biggest firms still have an edge -The power of market-cap weighting and momentum -Why a small percentage of stocks drive most long-term returns   If you've ever wondered whether stock picking, newsletters, or market timing can truly outperform index funds, this episode will help you understand what the evidence actually says and how to position your portfolio wisely for long-term success.

When should your kids inherit money? And more importantly… how do you know they're ready? In this episode, we break down the key factors parents and grandparents should consider before passing down a substantial inheritance. Instead of focusing on a specific age, we share a practical "Ready to Inherit Test" built around five critical traits: work ethic, personal motivation, financial responsibility, resilience through setbacks, and a healthy identity not tied to wealth. If you're concerned about how a large inheritance could impact your children's maturity, motivation, or long-term financial success, this conversation will give you a thoughtful framework to guide your estate planning decisions. Whether you're navigating family wealth, trust distributions, or multigenerational financial planning, this video will help you think beyond tax strategies and focus on what matters most—preparing your kids to handle wealth wisely.   Get more of your retirement questions answered here: https://birchwoodcapital.com

Get more of your retirement questions answered here: https://birchwoodcapital.com Are there really "secret" investments only available to the ultra-wealthy? Or is that just great marketing? In this episode, we break down how ultra high net worth investors actually invest—from private equity and venture capital to hedge funds and private real estate—and whether those exclusive opportunities truly outperform simple, low-cost index funds. We cover: -The difference between accredited investors and qualified purchasers -What Tiger 21 members (ultra-wealthy peer group) actually own -The truth about private equity, venture capital, and alternative investments -Liquidity risks (including 15–20 year lockups) -Real performance data: private vs. public markets -Why low-cost index funds still dominate long-term results If you've ever wondered whether you're missing out on elite wealth-building strategies—or if public markets are "good enough"—this video gives you a data-driven answer. 👉 Because when it comes to investing, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Watch episodes on YouTube! Check out more writings at: https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/ Birchwood Family Office

Everyone wants a bold market prediction for 2026 — we're doing the opposite. In this anti-outlook episode, Stephen and Matt explain why price targets, market timing, and "secret strategies" miss the point of successful long-term investing. Instead, they break down what actually matters: disciplined investing, diversification, rebalancing, and avoiding emotional decisions during market volatility. You'll learn why missing just a handful of the market's best days can crush long-term returns, whether the classic 60/40 portfolio is still relevant, how to think about bubbles and valuations, and why boring, consistent strategies often outperform flashy ones. If you're worried about market crashes, AI hype, valuations, or what the next 20–30 years could look like for investors — this episode is for you. Topics covered: • Why we don't set a 2026 price target • Market timing vs. buy-and-hold investing • Rebalancing and emotional discipline • Is the market in a bubble? • The truth about picking "winners"  • Is the 60/40 portfolio dead? • Long-term investing philosophy for real people Perfect for investors, retirees, and anyone looking for clarity instead of predictions.   To learn more, visit: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ https://birchwoodfamilyoffice.com/

Are popular tax strategies actually helping you—or just adding complexity? In this episode, Stephen Nelson and Matt Higbie break down some of the most overhyped tax strategies high-income investors hear about—like direct indexing, customized portfolios, and long-short strategies—and explain why they often don't deliver the results promised. We also share one tax strategy that does work for the right person, combining donor-advised funds and Roth conversions to reduce taxes in a meaningful way. If you're a high-net-worth investor looking for simpler, smarter tax planning, this episode will help you cut through the noise.   To learn more, visit: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ https://birchwoodfamilyoffice.com/

Most folks need to make car purchases over the course of their retirement. If stepping onto a dealer lot makes your palms sweat or you find yourself agreeing to paying big dealer mark-ups, then buckle up because I think I can help you save some money off your next car purchase by knowing a few strategies.   To learn more, visit: https://birchwoodcapital.com/

Today, let me share what a real retirement portfolio looks like. Yes, actually! This is what I use at my firm for my clients.   Referenced WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/stock-market-craziness-alternative-funds-7df17b9c   Learn more about Birchwood: https://birchwoodcapital.com/

If you've saved, invested, and achieved some level of wealth through hard work and luck, you might still feel a bit weird for having more money than most. How should we deal with this?   Read more at: https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/  

In this month's episode, we discuss how we can actually achieve the goals that we want: saving for retirement college wedding building friendships traveling, being a generous person     Learn more at https://birchwoodcapital.com/writings/

Today's episode we chat through the Social Security Fairness Act and the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you worked in the private and public sector (teacher, police officer, fire fighter), then perk your ears up. This is HUGE!   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

Today we discuss Roth Conversions vs. Roth Contributions. You'll be able to tell the difference between the two and when to implement each one.     Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

Last episode in our back-to-basics series.   Today, it's all about how to invest.    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

Back-to-basics serious continues!    Today, it's all about fees. I share a story highlighting the effects of fees on an investment portfolio.

We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this 3rd episode.   Today, we're talking about Why Money Makes Us Anxious   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

We're continuing our back-to-basics series with this second episode.    Today, we're talking about "savings."  Where to do it How much to save How to become a saver And how to knock 7 years off your mortgage    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.    

Today we're kicking off our back to basics series. Where I'm going through different personal finance topics. Things like: net worth, budgeting, debt, savings, and investing.  You might think that you're beyond these and maybe so, but in putting this together even I found some great reminders about the basics. So let this be a reinforcement of what you believe or an opportunity to share it with someone else. Maybe a son, daughter, grandkid or family friend.  Today, we're talking about wealth, budgets and spending plans.    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

Today we discuss how to earn tax-free income from your bond and money market funds. You may be familiar with Treasury or Municipal bonds, but you might not be getting the tax credit that you are owed. This is especially important in places like California!   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

Today, we discuss the main issues you need to have nailed down before you retire. Cash Flow Healthcare Investment issues Tax issues Long-term planning issue    Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

On today's episode, we're talking about what happens to your investments if a brokerage firm like Charles Schwab or Fidelity failed? Is there something we need to do in case this should happen? What protections are in place to help me not lose my money?   Be the first to know about how you can retire more confidently by heading over to: www.birchwoodcapital.com/writings.

Today, I share how we currently absorb financial news is detrimental to our long-term strategies. And I offer a better way!   Resources: JP Morgan: Guide to the Markets JP Morgan: Long-term Capital Market Assumptions How to read financial news - Robert Martorana, CFA