Creating Wealth

Alternative investments (also known as “alts”) are gaining traction with investors who want to go beyond the traditional 60/40 portfolio. But what exactly are they? And are they a good fit for your financial goals? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about alternative investments. We’ll explain what qualifies as an alt, how they differ from stocks and bonds, and why they’ve become more popular and accessible in recent years. You’ll also learn about different types of alts, from real estate and private equity to cryptocurrencies and collectibles, and the potential benefits and risks of adding them to your portfolio. We’ll walk through: What counts as an alternative investment How alts are different from traditional assets Real estate, hedge funds, private equity, crypto, collectibles, and more Why some investors use alts to hedge against inflation and diversify Risks to watch out for: liquidity, fees, complexity, and lock-up periods Who alts are best suited for, and what questions to ask before investing If you're curious about alts, this episode will help you make smarter, more informed decisions. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit. For future podcast topics, you can email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Groberg, founder and CEO of BookSmarts Accounting, to talk about what it really means to feel confident with your finances. Jenny brings both strategic know-how and real-life perspective as a CEO, financial educator, and mom of five. We discuss how personal and business finances differ (and why it matters), how AI is transforming bookkeeping and accounting, and what financial habits truly build long-term success. Jenny also shares empowering advice for women and younger professionals who want to feel more in control of their money, plus one common financial myth she wishes everyone would leave behind. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit. For future podcast topics, you can email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Jenny's company: BookSmarts Accounting & Bookkeeping BookSmarts Instagram: @Booksmartspro Jenny's Instagram: @thejennygroberg 

Are you still helping your adult children financially while also trying to plan for your own retirement? You’re not alone. A recent AARP survey found that 75% of parents with adult children provide some financial support, often averaging more than $7,000 a year. In this episode, we explore how today’s financial landscape is shifting parenthood later into life and what that means for your long-term financial well-being.  We’ll talk about: Why more parents are supporting adult kids longer What conversations you should be having with your children How to evaluate what’s help and what’s enabling What you should do if you are supporting your adult children financially How to foster financial independence If you have adult children, will soon have adult children, or are someone receiving parental support yourself, this episode will help you understand balancing love with financial responsibility and long-term planning. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit. For future podcast topics, you can email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com.

Is America on the decline, and what does that mean for your financial future? In this thought-provoking episode, we unpack key ideas from billionaire investor Ray Dalio’s Principles for Dealing with The Changing World Order: Why Nations Succeed and Fail and explore how rising global powers, growing debt, and historical cycles could reshape the economy in the years ahead. We break down the indicators Dalio uses to measure a nation's strength and examine how the U.S. stacks up today. We also explore what it means if the U.S. loses its reserve currency status, and how everyday investors can protect their wealth through diversification, hard assets, and financial resilience. Whether you're curious about global economics or just want to better prepare for the future, this episode offers practical insights inspired by one of the world's most respected financial minds. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who wants to stay ahead of economic changes. For future podcast topics, you can email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com.

What’s the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and why is it making U.S. headlines? In this episode, we break down this new major tax law and explore how it affects financial planning for individuals, families, business owners, and retirees. From changes to deductions and the SALT cap, to new opportunities for saving and investing, we’ll discuss what’s in the bill, why it matters, and the steps you might want to take now to prepare for 2025 and beyond. If you’re a U.S. taxpayer curious about how the OBBBA may affect your wallet, or you want to understand how this may impact the U.S. economy and standing within the world order, this episode will help you understand the key takeaways from this major piece of legislation. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is and why it’s important How tax changes affect everyday taxpayers New deductions and savings strategies Practical steps you can take now to prepare for 2025 tax planning Related Episodes AI in 2025: What's New, What's Next, and What It Means For You, Part One  All About Tariffs: What They Are and Why They Matter to You Raising Kids Without Breaking the Bank: Where Finances Meet Family If you enjoyed this episode and want to stay ahead of financial planning changes, subscribe to the podcast, leave us a review, and share this episode with a friend or colleague who could benefit from the discussion.

Can money actually buy happiness? In this episode, we explore the surprising science behind happier spending, based on insights from the book Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton. We dive into five key principles—like buying experiences instead of things, making indulgences rare, and investing in others—to help you make financial decisions that actually enhance your well-being. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with a friend who wants to spend more meaningfully. You can email us with any comments, questions, or topics for future episodes at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Related episodes: What Really Makes Us Happy? Insights from Yale's Science of Well-Being, Part One From Theory to Practice: How to Increase Your Well-Being Every Day, Part Two Resources: Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton

In today’s digital age, financial misinformation is everywhere, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. In this episode, we’re diving into the growing problem of financial misinformation online and how it can seriously impact your financial future.  Join us as we discuss what financial misinformation is, how common it is for people to seek financial advice online, and the most popular money myths circulating today. We’ll also break down the real-life consequences of following bad advice and what you should know before taking action on any financial information you find online. In this episode, you’ll learn: What counts as financial misinformation Why social media is a hotspot for misleading money advice The most common personal finance and investing myths online How bad advice can derail your financial goals How to evaluate financial advice found online Before you act on that next viral money tip, listen to this essential conversation on protecting your finances from misinformation. Questions or feedback? Email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com and don’t forget to subscribe and share if you find this helpful!

What if your biggest financial obstacle isn’t your income or expenses, but your mindset? In this re-released episode, we're revisiting one of our most popular conversations. Originally recorded in 2020 as a follow-up to our discussion on having an abundance mentality, this episode explores how your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions around money can directly shape your financial future. Bill and Anastasia break down the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways negative beliefs about money can hold you back. You’ll hear practical strategies for identifying limiting thoughts, shifting into an abundance mindset, and staying positive. Whether you're working toward financial independence or simply trying to feel more confident with your money choices, this episode will help you reset your mindset and approach wealth creation with intention. Topics Covered: How negative beliefs about money develop (and how to reframe them) The impact of social media and news on financial confidence Why abundance thinking is essential for long-term success Simple mindset shifts that can change your financial trajectory Questions or feedback? Email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com and don’t forget to subscribe and share if you find this helpful! Related Episodes: Having an Abundance Mentality 5 Reasons You Should Have an Abundance Mentality  

Ever thought about leaving your 9-to-5 and building a business of your own? In this episode, we sit down with co-host and seasoned entrepreneur Bill Taber to explore what it really takes to succeed as a small business owner. With over 25 years of experience running a successful Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm, Bill shares hard-earned lessons on shifting from employee to entrepreneur, the habits that helped him stay grounded, and the biggest mindset changes he's made along the way. We dive into questions aspiring business owners often wrestle with: How do you know if you're ready to launch? What financial basics should you have in place? What do people often misunderstand about being your own boss? And what's still exciting about business ownership even after two decades? Whether you're just starting to consider a career pivot or you're already building something of your own, this episode is packed with real-world insights and encouragement to help you stay the course. Topics covered: What inspired Bill to start his own firm The mindset shift from W2 employee to business owner Habits that have supported long-term success Signs someone may not be ready to start a business yet How to balance daily operations with long-term growth What's still exciting after 25+ years in business Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone dreaming of starting their own business! Our previous episodes on small business and well-being:  Starting Your Own Business Common Challenges of Small Business Owner What Really Makes Us Happy? From Theory to Practice: How to Increase Your Well-Being Every Day Resources: Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What To Do About It by Michael Gerber Exponential Organizations: Why new organizations are ten times better, faster, and cheaper than yours (and what to do about it) by Salim Ismail Exponential Organizations 2.0  by Salim Ismail

Confused about Roth accounts? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in retirement planning in the U.S.  We’ll walk through the key differences between Roth and Traditional accounts, income limits for Roth contributions, and how Roth 401(k)s compare to Roth IRAs. You’ll also learn when it makes sense to contribute to a Roth, how the backdoor Roth strategy works, and when a Roth conversion might benefit your long-term plan. Plus, we’ll cover early withdrawal rules, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and how to incorporate Roth accounts into your overall retirement and tax diversification strategy. Whether you’re building your retirement roadmap or fine-tuning your portfolio, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you make the most of your money—now and in the future. We cover: The difference between Roth and Traditional accounts Roth IRA vs. Roth 401(k): Which one fits your goals Income limits for Roth contributions How and when to use a backdoor Roth What Roth conversions are and when they make sense Early withdrawal rules and how to avoid penalties How to include Roth accounts in a long-term retirement and tax diversification strategy Enjoy the show? Please subscribe, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend! Got questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com—we’d love to hear from you.

Welcome to our annual AI update! A lot has changed in just a year, and in 2025, artificial intelligence is advancing faster than ever—impacting how we work, live, and interact with the world around us. In this two-part series, we break down the biggest developments in AI, how it’s becoming embedded in our everyday lives, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. In Part One, we focused on how AI has evolved over the past year, the most important trends to watch over the next 12–18 months, and what the average person should understand about the current pace of AI development. We also shared how we’ve personally been integrating AI tools into our daily lives—both professionally and at home. In Part Two, we’ll explore how AI is transforming the job market, which roles are being affected most (both positively and negatively), and the ethical concerns that are rising along with the technology. We’ll wrap with practical advice on how to stay informed and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing AI-driven world. For questions, comments, or feedback, email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review to stay updated on future episodes. Check out our previous episodes on AI: 2024 - Navigating the AI Revolution: Insights for Investors and Workers, Part One 2024 - Navigating the AI Revolution: Insights for Investors and Workers, Part Two 2023 - Are You Prepared for the AI Revolution?

Welcome to our annual AI update! A lot has changed in just a year, and in 2025, artificial intelligence is advancing faster than ever—impacting how we work, live, and interact with the world around us. In this two-part series, we break down the biggest developments in AI, how it’s becoming embedded in our everyday lives, and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve. In Part One, we focus on how AI has evolved over the past year, the most important trends to watch over the next 12–18 months, and what the average person should understand about the current pace of AI development. We also share how we’ve personally been integrating AI tools into our daily lives—both professionally and at home. In Part Two, we’ll explore how AI is transforming the job market, which roles are being affected most (both positively and negatively), and the ethical concerns that are rising along with the technology. We’ll wrap with practical advice on how to stay informed and remain adaptable in a rapidly changing AI-driven world. For questions, comments, or feedback, email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review to stay updated on future episodes. Check out our previous episodes on AI: 2024 - Navigating the AI Revolution: Insights for Investors and Workers, Part One 2024 - Navigating the AI Revolution: Insights for Investors and Workers, Part Two 2023 - Are You Prepared for the AI Revolution?

In this episode, we talk about how to take control after a job loss and make smart decisions for your financial future and career. We discuss what to do in the immediate aftermath, including addressing the emotional impact of job loss and what key financial steps to take. You’ll also hear practical advice on how to start planning your next move, especially if your industry is evolving or no longer viable. Whether you’ve just been laid off, are navigating a major career pivot, or you’re supporting someone who is, this episode is here to guide you through those uncertain moments. For questions, comments, or feedback, email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review to stay updated on future episodes.

In this insightful episode, we tackle one of life’s most consequential decisions: "Should I Have Kids?" with the help of our special guest, Ann Davidman—a seasoned marriage and family therapist from the San Francisco Bay Area. Together, we delve into the process of choosing or not choosing parenthood, and the role of financial readiness. Whether you're on the fence about starting a family or simply curious about the balance of emotional and financial preparedness, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you make a thoughtful, informed decision. Ann Davidman is a seasoned expert who has spent years working with others on this very topic. Ann earned her graduate degree from San Francisco State University. She’s a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and maintains a successful private psychotherapy practice in the San Francisco Bay area. She’s been featured in numerous publications, including Vox, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Fatherly, Refinery 29, Baby Center, ABC Australia, +Lifehacker, The Daily Mail, and more.  Have questions or comments? Reach out to us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review. Tune in now for an essential conversation that could shape your future. Resources: Ann Davidman's website Book - "Motherhood: Is it for Me?"  Connect with us on LinkedIn: Bill Taber and Anastasia Taber

Welcome to a very special episode of our podcast! We’re taking a break from our usual deep dives into personal finance to explore a fun, unconventional perspective—through the eyes of Anastasia's toddler daughter (and Bill's granddaughter). We'll skip over the advanced classes in baby finances and jump straight to Baby Finances 401, where we ask the hard and existential questions about money. For questions, comments, and topics, you can email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Don't forget to subscribe and review us—your support helps us bring more joy and insightful conversations to our community!

Welcome back to our March series on well-being, inspired by Yale’s renowned Science of Well-Being course by Professor Laurie Santos. In our last episode, we debunked common myths about happiness and explored how our brains sometimes lead us astray in our pursuit of joy. In Part Two, we’re making it practical by delving into research-backed strategies that can boost your happiness and well-being.  We unpack the concept of “rewirements” and discuss how small, intentional habits like practicing kindness, savoring positive moments, and daily gratitude can counteract hedonic adaptation. We’ll explore the power of resetting your reference points, the benefits of meditation, and offer actionable tips to seamlessly integrate these happiness habits into your everyday life. Whether you’re seeking an abundance mindset or looking for practical ways to enhance your personal well-being, this episode is packed with insights to help you cultivate lasting happiness. Tune in now to discover the one key takeaway that could transform your approach to living a better life! For questions, comments, or topic suggestions, email us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Enjoy the episode! Resources: The Science of Well Being course (free) The New Era of Positive Psychology TED Talk by Martin Seligman (2004) The Surprising Science of Happiness TED Talk by Dan Gilbert  Learn your character strengths Use your strengths to boost happiness Connect with us on LinkedIn: Bill Taber and Anastasia Taber

Welcome to our March series on well-being, inspired by Yale’s renowned Science of Well-Being course by Professor Laurie Santos. In this first episode, we dive into the core misconceptions about happiness and explore how our minds can sometimes trick us into chasing the wrong goals—like believing that a promotion or more money will automatically bring joy. We break down the science behind what truly makes us happy, discussing what factors play critical roles in boosting our overall well-being. We also examine the impact of social media on our perceptions of happiness and share actionable mindset shifts that can help you adopt an abundance mentality. Given the wealth of information offered in this course, we are splitting this conversation into two episodes. Part One will focus on what are misconceptions about happiness, how our minds trick us, and what actually makes us happy. Part Two will focus on how to apply practical strategies to increase your well-being and happiness. Tune in and join us on this journey to rethink what truly brings joy and to set the stage for a more fulfilling year! For questions or comments, reach out to us at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Enjoy the episode! The Science of Well Being course (free) The New Era of Positive Psychology TED Talk by Martin Seligman (2004) The Surprising Science of Happiness TED Talk by Dan Gilbert  Learn your character strengths Use your strengths to boost happiness Connect with us on LinkedIn: Bill Taber and Anastasia Taber

Welcome back to the podcast! In this re-released episode, we revisit one of our most popular discussions—"Regulating Emotions During Jumpy Markets"—with fresh context for 2025. With the U.S. stock market at all-time highs and investment returns in 2023 and 2024 rivaling those of the dot-com boom, our conversation on market volatility has never been more relevant. In this episode, Bill shared his personal insights on the turbulent market conditions of May 2022—when inflation began to surge. He even drew a compelling analogy between Mito Pereira’s 2022 PGA Championship loss and the resilience required to navigate challenging market conditions. We also discussed whether it was time for investors to adjust their strategies amid ongoing economic uncertainties. If you’re feeling the market jitters or simply seeking guidance on maintaining focus on your long-term financial goals, this episode provides practical strategies for regulating your emotions and staying on course. For any questions or comments, feel free to reach out at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Tune in for timely insights that help you navigate the ups and downs of today’s market! Resources: Connect with us on LinkedIn: Bill Taber and Anastasia Taber

Thinking about getting married? Before saying "I do," it’s crucial to have honest conversations about communication, finances, and long-term goals to build a strong foundation for your marriage. In this episode, Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski, senior pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, IA, joins us to share his insights from years of pre-marital counseling experience. We’ll discuss: - The most common areas of conflict in marriage and how to address them early - Key questions couples should ask each other before getting married - How to improve communication and navigate financial differences - Steps to grow together emotionally and spiritually as a couple If you’re engaged, newly married, or planning for the future, this episode will help you prepare for a successful marriage with practical tips and expert advice. Have thoughts on this episode or a question for us? We’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on LinkedIn or send us an email at askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others find the show!  Resources: Connect with us on LinkedIn: Bill Taber and Anastasia Taber About Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski

Tariffs—what are they, and why do they matter to you? In this episode, we break down the basics of tariffs, explaining why governments use them and how they impact everything from the price of everyday goods to job opportunities. If you’re wondering whether certain products will get more expensive or how global trade policies affect your financial future, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also dive into real-world examples, exploring how tariffs on industries like steel and electronics have shaped markets and consumer prices. Plus, we’ll discuss what these policies mean specifically for Millennials and Gen Z, from the impact on jobs to the cost of living. If you’ve ever wanted to make sense of the headlines and understand how trade decisions impact your daily life, this episode is for you! Don't forget to subscribe or share this episode with a friend. Have questions, thoughts, or ideas for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you--reach out on social media or send us an email to askcreatingwealth@taberasset.com. Resources: Connect with us on LinkedIn: Bill Taber and Anastasia Taber AP: What are tariffs and how do they work? National Bureau of Economic Research paper NBC: Tariffs contribute to job losses in American manufacturing, Fed report shows Yahoo Finance: Tariffs could raise car prices quickly What is the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act?