Troutwood Podcast

Join Troutwood CEO Gene Natali for a quick episode on how to build a budget and build it well - in 3 steps! Wondering how to get started on this easy 3-step budget? Listen to this episode of the Watching Trees Grow podcast to find out.  Don't be intimidated by finance lingo. A budget is a plan for saving and spending money, and it doesn't need to be overly complex for it to work. A simple budget shows your income and your expenses. The BIG goal is for your expenses to be less than your income. 

What is a 529 plan and why do you need one? On this week's episode, Gene calls on the Mary Morris, CEO of the Virginia 529, to discuss the in's and out's of the plan and why everyone can, and should, have one! A four year college might not be for everyone, but that doesn't mean you can't have a plan. Apprenticeships, living expenses, certifications… the list goes on. Listen to hear why Mary and Gene agree that a 529 plan is a great investment into your, and your family's, futures!    Read more on the blog: https://blog.troutwood.com/2022/04/11/what-is-a-529/  

In this Speaker Series episode, Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst for bankrate.com, joins the podcast. Greg is an advocate for financial literacy and education and has made it his life work to help bring resources and financial tools to young people. Greg talks about his favorite Bankrate: Guiding you through life's financial journey tools, tips for opening your first credit card, maintaining a good credit score and the importance of saving. Nervous about credit, debt, and how to get started? This episode is for you!   Did you know? You will also see Greg's name on the back cover of Gene's award winning book, The Missing Semester. First published in 2013, and updated in 2020, Greg provided an editorial review for the book.   Learn more at https://www.bankrate.com

Gene continues last week's conversation on the importance of emergency preparedness. Rachel joins Gene on the podcast to talk more in depth about accessing your assets in an emergency. When does liquidity and easy access to your money become too tempting and too accessible?

What is Emergency preparedness? Maybe you're prepared for an environmental emergency, but what about a health emergency or job loss? Gene and Jeff were inspired by the student questions while teaching a course at Grove City College. Gene answers some of those questions in this episode and how YOU can be prepared for anything!   0:26 Welcome 0:40 What is emergency preparedness? 1:05 – What inspired this episode 2:05 – Two most common emergency situations 2:32 – Two categories 2:45 – Financial capital and human capital 3:10 – Question to students: How do I even know where to start? 3:23 – Nine categories for the financial capital portion 4:46 – 401k 5:29 – Roth IRA 5:47 – Asset Allocation 6:17 – Sources of income 6:59 – Reducing and prioritizing debt 7:37 – Mandatory bills and expenses 8:17 – Recap of 9 Catagories for Financial Capital 9:00 – Human Capital 9:06 – What is human capital? 9:17 – Why human capital maters 10:53 – Certifications, job training, higher education 11:43 – Recap human capital 12:39 – End  

Gene and Kweku discuss the ABC's of investment Consulting, and share lessons that individual investors can learn from investment consultants. Marquette Associates is an investment consultant based in Chicago, Illinois. The company consults on 255 billion dollars of client assets. Kweku is a managing director for Marquette Associates and serves on the firm's board of directors. Individuals can learn a great deal from the institutional investment model, and the approach that investment consultants apply to client portfolios. Gene and Kweku are uniquely positioned to have this important conversation.   In addition to a combined nearly 40 years of institutional experience, both have authored financial literacy books for students, and are passionate about helping individuals better understand their money choices. Kweku's book, “Talking about the ABC's of Financial Literacy” served as inspiration for the episode title.

Becoming a life-long investor doesn't happen over night. We know that. That's why we made a simulation for you to practice! In this episode, Gene and Jeff talk about the inspiration behind Buy Sell Hold and how you can use it to up your investing game!   Download the game here! https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/buy-sell-hold/id1530137002   Timestamps 0:29 - Intro 0:58 - Jeff explaining Buy Sell Hold 1:39 - Data points that helped build BSH 2:21 - Learning about investing in the class, this game is for you 2:41 - Can you beat Finn? 3:17 - It takes 30-60 seconds to play a single game 3:43 - Only 2% of players beat Finn 3:54 - Over 100 years worth of data 4:11 - Educators, parents, grandparents, and kids 4:34 - Prior to Troutwood, Gene and Jeff share their history 5:22 - Why aren't individuals getting ahead like institutional investors with their money? 5:56 - This isn't your typical influencer bragging about a 10% return on a stock  7:09 - Gene has students play BSH in the classroom every week 7:53 - Challenge to educators 8:20 - You can start the game at $1, $5, or $10 per day 9:33 - two most powerful lessons from BSH 10:15 - end

What are the right financial questions to ask as you start your first job? How do you start to file your own taxes for the very first time? And more importantly, to whom do you ask these questions? In this episode, Gene tackles an email from a student that includes a lot of the "right questions" to ask about being an adult! Listen in to hear Gene's insights. Have questions of your own? Email Gene at gene.natali@troutwood.com

Only 15% of high school seniors will graduate with a financial plan, but 100% will make personal financial decisions. Are your debt decisions helping or hurting your long-term financial goals? Gene talks about the importance of understanding types of debt and using debt to your advantage.

Interest rates have been in the news recently. How does a change in the federal interest rate affect me? From students to homeowners, everyone can feel an impact. Gene covers the basics in this short episode about interest rates and debt!

You took out the student loans. Got the degree. What now?  Gene and Rachel sit down to continue the conversation about student loans, this time from a “post grad” perspective.   “I got three or four different options, but it turned out that income based repayment was the best for me.”   Rachel recommends: https://studentaid.gov/

Student loans can be daunting when you're in college. How do you know you're not making any student loan mistakes? Will you encounter student loan issues?   Rachel and Gene have a candid discussion about the fears and apprehension of making student loan mistakes. Rachel shares her personal experience and talks about what she did to take control of her financial future.   #studentloans #finance #financialfreedom #financialliteracy #loans

In this episode, Gene has a conversation with special guest Andrew Marano, Vice President of Retail at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Andrew's passion grew with his experiences and led him to a place of leadership within the local non-profit sector. He tells us first-hand how impactful it is to receive different types of donations: time, money, physical goods, and even personal skills/talent. How valuable is a used sweater? You might be surprised! You can learn more about Goodwill of Southwestern PA at www.goodwillswpa.org

Maggie wrote her own financial plan and accomplished it! How did she do it? How much time did it take? You can make one too, listen to find out how Maggie got started

Are you nervous about student loans? Unsure what questions to ask, where to ask them and who to ask?   In this episode, Gene chats with Sarah Cullen, Director of Panthers Forward and Maggie Mayer, Panthers Forward alum. They discuss: Common questions about debt The importance of having a plan The balance between saving and paying off debt (hint: it is not an either/or decision) Why Panthers Forward has been successful for 98% of its participants! If you'd like more information on Panthers Forward, or would like to sign up for a personalized goal planning session, click the link here!

Simone Quinerly, Troutwood CFO joins the podcast to talk taxes and philanthropy with Gene.

As a student or young professional, how can you best support the organizations and social causes you care most about? While there is no right or wrong answer, when you are young, it is typically easier to give time than money - and doing so can be extremely helpful to non-profits. These organizations depend on volunteers as much as, if not more-so, than monetary donations.    How can you help the causes you care most about?

What are the long-term affects of using your credit card the WRONG way? In this episode, Gene is joined by Christen Malone, Troutwood Brand and Marketing Officer. Christen lets us in on her credit card pitfalls. From getting her first card in college, to defaulting on a payment later on, she shares her journey of learning credit mistakes the hard way. Listen to find out how she repaired her credit in order to ultimately purchase her first home.  

Have you ever considered what happens behind the scenes AFTER you apply for a credit card? Troutwood Co-founder & Chief Strategist, Jeff Davidek joins the podcast to share the difference between a hard and soft credit inquiry. Listen in, this conversation isn't just for first time applicants!

We left off with Maggie & Aruj applying for their first Credit Card.  Listen in as both share the results from their recent Credit applications. Will they be approved? Do either Maggie or Aruj NOW have their first credit card?  What factors determine Credit eligibility? Join Aruj and Maggie on a quest to find out!

Aruj Bhargava and Maggie Mayer join the podcast in a continuation of a multi-part series on credit cards.  Neither Maggie nor Aruj have a credit card, but both are pondering the possibility of applying for one. In this episode they share their “Top 3” cards with Gene and discuss the experience of researching a first credit card.

Are you nervous about credit cards?  If yes, you aren't alone! Troutwood intern, Aruj Bhargava, a college junior majoring in Finance and Accounting, joins the podcast.  Aruj has a self-professed knowledge about credit cards of 2, with 10 being most knowledgeable.   Listen and learn from Aruj's questions and join us next episode as we continue the conversation.   

For an 18-year old high school senior, what is the opportunity cost of buying a $13,000 car instead of a $10,000 car?  In this episode, Gene and Rachel discuss that first big money purchase many of us make - our first car.  What happens if that senior chooses to buy the $10k car even though they can afford a $13k car?  Tune in to find out . . .   This special Mailbox Series features questions from the Troutwood community. Each episode is designed to answer your most popular questions, giving you just what you need to know.  Your money choices have consequences. Will you choose wisely?

In this episode of Watching Trees Grow, Gene sits down with Mr. Craig Slaughter, CFA, CIMC, and  Executive Director of the WVIMB, a fund with over $24 billion in assets under management, to discuss Craig's distinguished career path and how he got to where he is today. This discussion has actionable tips and advice for high school and college aged students about having a summer job, investing like an institution, growing with your career, and much more!

Troutwood sits down with nationally recognized FIRE expert, Jackie Cummings Koski, to learn about her journey to financial freedom. Jackie came from an underprivileged single parent household in rural South Carolina. Despite the cards she was dealt, she was able to achieve financial independence before the age of 50 because of her personal finance decisions. If becoming financially independent and retiring early is a goal of yours, listening to Jackie's life story and her expertise on the topic is a must!

Troutwood CEO Gene Natali has a conversation with Jonathan Brelsford, SVP of Finance and Investments for the Pittsburgh Foundation. They unpack the complexity of the institutional investment model and discuss key take-aways for individuals. Jonathan talks about his role at the Pittsburgh Foundation, the path that ultimately led him there (at one point he had plans to be an astronaut), and gives an inside look at the Pittsburgh Foundation and the great work that the organization does.

Greg's passion for passing on knowledge and information about what it takes to become a leader is evident in this great conversation. For high school and college students looking to better themselves and jumpstart their careers, this is a must-watch interview. Watch the episode on YouTube with additional facts and resources.

Dr. Naomi Boyd is the Fred T. Tattersall Chair of Finance and the Associate Dean for Innovation, Outreach, and Engagement at the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics. Learn more about West Virginia's annual "Finance University," Dr. Boyd's impact on college students at WVU and the path that led her to West Virginia. Finance University is an week-long summer program for K-12 educators, led by Dr. Boyd.

Have you ever wondered how institutions manage billions of dollars? What type of approach they use and the philosophy that they apply? Each institution is different, but there are similarities and lessons that we as individuals can learn from. Vince Barfield is chairman of the investment committee and Trustee for the Hawaii Employees Retirement System. Vince's passion for financial education and his interest in sharing his knowledge from an accomplished career in finance, shines through in this conversation. A military veteran and longtime resident of Hawaii, Vince recently retired after 27-years at The Bank of Hawaii.

Tim Ranzetta is the co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF), an organization that is revolutionizing financial literacy education across the United States. Learn more about how to access the suite of NGPF classroom tools, teacher training, and how you can help NGFP accomplish “Mission 2030.” During this conversation, Gene & Tim speak passionately about financial education, and the impact it can have today, tomorrow and for generations to come. Troutwood Tip: Future Entrepreneurs, don’t miss the last 15-minutes!

In this episode of Troutwood LIVE, Troutwood CEO Gene Natali spotlights S&P 500 Company PNC Bank. Guest Jenn Daurora is a VP of Business Banking at PNC. The presentation covers banking basics and overcoming adversity. Jennifer shares her personal encounters with adversity, her love for small businesses and how she was able to continue that passion at PNC. Additional topics covered include basic essentials of banking and debunking popular myths about banking and opening a bank account.

In this episode of Troutwood LIVE, Troutwood CEO Gene Natali spotlights S&P 500 Company Howmet and discusses women in technology with Angela Foglia, an IT Director at Howmet. She shares her personal experience within the aerospace industry while sharing an overview of Howmet and her role at the company.

In this episode of Troutwood LIVE, Troutwood CEO Gene Natali spotlights S&P 500 Company Raytheon Technologies and discusses “The Importance of Service” with Finance Manager, William Maston. William is a navy veteran who shares his personal experiences within the U.S. military service while sharing an overview of Raytheon Technologies and his role at the company.

In this episode of Troutwood LIVE, Troutwood CEO Gene Natali spotlights S&P 500 Company Ingersoll Rand and interviews Sales Engineer Haley Mennes. Haley talks about the importance of company culture while sharing an overview of Ingersoll Rand and her role at the company. A 2020 graduate from the University of Minnesota, Haley graduated in the midst of Covid.

Charmaine Loh, Senior Financial Analyst at Ansys joins Troutwood LIVE to discuss women in finance, and the difference between bull markets and bear markets.

In this episode, Troutwood teaches the finance term, "What is a share?" and spotlights a guest from S&P 500-member company, PPG Industries. Guest Drew Kicinski shares tips for financial literacy and financial wellness, what PPG does and talks about eggplants helping pick paint colors for airplanes. Students used the Troutwood map of the stock market to find the share price of PPG.

In this episode of Troutwood LIVE, Troutwood teaches what a stock ticker symbol is and spotlights S&P 500 member company, BNY Mellon. Special guest, George Emanuele, shares tips for success, what it is like working at BNY, and answers students' questions like "Do you have to be a finance person to work at a bank?"

In this episode, Gene and Jay discuss how summer jobs can help kickstart your path to financial independence and teach you critical skills.

Today, Gene and Jay meet up to discuss how we can begin to invest on ourselves during this difficult time.

In this episode, Gene and Jay visit North Hills High School and discuss common feelings about student loans in addition to providing advice on how to manage them.

Investing through a crisis is easier said than done. Gene and Jay discuss the realness of fear originating from the COVID-19 crisis. It's ok to be afraid, but let's not lose sight of the choices we have control over. #strongertogether

Gene and Jay discuss how money is often mismanaged and how we can best start a productive conversation to fix this.

Today Gene and Jay discuss the ways that investing can change your life.

In Troutwood's first podcast, "We Believe in Goals", Jay Morrison and award-winning author, Gene Natali, Jr. (The Missing Semester) sit down to talk about financial empowerment, reasons young adults get discouraged or don't invest, and the importance of setting goals and believing in yourself to get on the right track. We believe that you can do it!