Podcasts about CFA

Hey friends,   We're back! After pushing pause for 6 months, we are back and better than ever. I have my colleague, Matt Higbie, CFA, CFP joining us. Today's episode touches on tax strategies that are overrated. Thanks for listening!   To learn more, visit: https://birchwoodcapital.com/ https://birchwoodfamilyoffice.com/

Le Gabon souhaite renforcer ses liens économiques avec la Côte d'Ivoire. Après les secteurs du transport aérien et du transport routier, les investisseurs ivoiriens entendent participer à l'objectif d'autosuffisance alimentaire du pays voulu par les autorités de Libreville. Avec notre correspondant à Libreville, C'est une véritable offensive économique que la Côte d'Ivoire lance au Gabon et le timing n'a pas été choisi au hasard, Libreville ayant annoncé récemment une réforme en profondeur de son agriculture pour limiter l'importation massive de produits alimentaires. La Côte d'Ivoire entend en effet exporter son modèle agricole au Gabon, à commencer par la production de semences. « Par exemple, la qualité des semences produites qui sont à haut rendement permet de réduire les surfaces cultivées pour assurer le gain des petits producteurs, des agro-industriels, etc. », explique le professeur Da Costa Kouassi, chercheur principal au Centre national de recherche agronomique de Côte d'Ivoire. Au Gabon, les investisseurs ivoiriens se positionnent notamment dans la production de denrées alimentaires. Solange Amichia, directrice générale du Centre de promotion des investissements en Côte d'Ivoire : « Nous sommes venus présenter les opportunités d'investissement sur plusieurs projets. Ce sont des projets de plantations et d'usines intégrées pour la production de manioc, d'ignames, de bananes plantain, d'aliments pour animaux, mais également de l'aquaculture. Ce sont des projets qu'on fait en Côte d'Ivoire et qu'on peut répliquer ici au Gabon ». L'agriculture n'est pas le seul secteur qui intéresse les Ivoiriens. Au terme du forum, Ghislain Mouandza Mboma, directeur général de l'Agence gabonaise de promotion des investissements, s'est dit satisfait des engagements économiques de la partie ivoirienne : « En intentions d'investissements, nous ne sommes pas loin d'une enveloppe de 200 milliards de francs CFA. Il s'agit des secteurs de la cimenterie, de la production de poulets de chair ou de la construction d'hôtels haut de gamme : on a des intentions claires là-dessus. Maintenant, nous allons continuer le dialogue pour réussir à concrétiser cela. » Le Gabon et la Côte d'Ivoire construisent le modèle parfait pour la souveraineté économique de l'Afrique, estime Henri Claude Oyima, ancien ministre gabonais de l'Économie et des Finances. « Le partenariat entre la Côte d'Ivoire et le Gabon est un exemple de ce que le continent peut accomplir lorsqu'il choisit l'ambition plutôt que l'attentisme, la coopération plutôt que la dépendance et la transformation plutôt que l'exportation brute de richesses agricoles et minières », commente-t-il. La Côte d'Ivoire ne découvre pas le marché gabonais. Ses entreprises sont présentes dans le secteur bancaire, le transport aérien et la construction des routes. À lire aussiGabon: coup d'envoi d'un vaste projet de Zones à forte productivité agricole

Thank you to our sponsor, Mantle!Mantle is launching the Global Hackathon 2025 to accelerate the future of Real-World Assets. With a $150k prize pool, backing from a $4B treasury, and direct access to Bybit's 7M+ users, this is the ultimate ecosystem for builders. Sign up here! In this year-end Bits + Bips roundtable, hosts Austin Campbell and Chris Perkins are joined by John D'Agostino, Head of Strategy at Coinbase Institutional, for a wide-ranging and often contentious look at what 2026 may hold for crypto. They debate whether a major global brand will launch its own stablecoin, whether altcoins are structurally doomed—or secretly set up for a Wall Street–driven resurgence—and whether a major crypto hack is coming. The conversation also explores how tokens accrue value and whether there will be a new M&A trend that'll reshape the industry as we know it. Plus: don't miss what they have to say about NFTs, financial nihilism, and whether we'll see all-time highs for bitcoin in 2026. Hosts: Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Austin Campbell, NYU Stern professor and Founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Guest: John D'Agostino, Head of Strategy for Coinbase Institutional Timestamps

Jeremy Keil explains the 5 steps you can take if you are planning to retire in 2026 or 2027. If you've been planning to retire in 2026 or 2027, it might feel like you still have plenty of time. But in reality, retirement has a way of showing up earlier than expected — and when it does, the people who feel the most confident are the ones who prepared well in advance. In this episode of Retire Today, I walk through five things you should do before you quit working if retirement is anywhere on your near-term horizon. These steps aren't about picking a perfect retirement date. They're about being ready — even if your plans change. Why You Should Prepare Earlier Than You Think Two important statistics shape this entire conversation. First, the stock market is historically up about 70% of the time in any given year. That also means it's down about 30% of the time. If you're retiring soon, there's a real chance that your account balances could be lower at retirement than they are today. Second, most Americans retire about three years earlier than they expect. Health changes, job shifts, burnout, or family needs often move retirement forward — whether planned or not. That's why I encourage people to prepare for retirement three years ahead of time, even if they believe they'll work longer. Planning early gives you flexibility. Waiting too long removes it. 1. Create a Written Retirement Plan The first and most important step is to put your plan in writing. Many people have a retirement date in mind, but when asked how everything will actually work, they don't have clear answers. A written plan forces clarity. This is where the 5-Step Retirement Plan comes in: What you'll SPEND What you'll MAKE What you'll KEEP after taxes How you'll INVEST What you'll LEAVE behind Writing this down helps turn vague ideas into an actionable roadmap — and exposes gaps before they become problems. 2. Build a Lifetime Income Plan Retirement isn't about having a big account balance — it's about knowing where your income will come from every month. Before you retire, you should know: How much income you need Where that income will come from Which accounts you'll use first How taxes affect each withdrawal At a minimum, you should map out the first 12 months of retirement income in detail. That includes Social Security, pensions, savings, brokerage accounts, and retirement accounts — and the tax rules that apply to each one. Surprises here are costly. Planning removes them. 3. Make Your Retirement Plan Tax-Smart Many people assume their taxes will automatically go down in retirement. Sometimes that's true — but not always. Pensions, Social Security, required minimum distributions, and investment income can push retirees into higher tax brackets than expected. The key is understanding when you'll have flexibility and using it intentionally. Retirement often creates opportunities to: Shift income between tax years Take advantage of lower tax brackets Manage Roth conversions strategically Plan around healthcare subsidies Taxes don't disappear in retirement — they change. Planning ahead helps you adapt. 4. Plan Your Retirement Healthcare Healthcare is one of the biggest unknowns in retirement. Before you retire, you should know: What coverage you'll use immediately What it will cost How that coverage changes over time When Medicare becomes part of the picture Options may include employer coverage through a spouse, COBRA, retiree health plans, ACA plans, or Medicare — and each comes with different costs and rules. Healthcare planning isn't just about insurance. It's about understanding how medical costs interact with your tax plan and your income strategy. 5. Create a Retirement Investment Plan Retirement changes your investment timeline. You're no longer investing only for growth — you're investing for income and stability, too. That means separating your money into: Short-term funds for near-term spending Long-term investments for growth over decades Money you'll need soon shouldn't be exposed to short-term market swings. At the same time, money you won't need for many years still needs growth to keep up with inflation. The right investment plan balances both — and helps prevent panic decisions when markets get volatile. The Bottom Line If you're planning to retire in 2026 or 2027, now is the time to prepare. Not because something bad will happen — but because preparation gives you options. Retirement doesn't have to be so stressful. With a written plan, a clear income strategy, smart tax planning, healthcare clarity, and a thoughtful investment approach, you can step into retirement with confidence — whenever it arrives. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337 Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA® is a financial advisor in Milwaukee, WI, author of the bestseller Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps and host of both the Retire Today Podcast and Mr. Retirement YouTube channel Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Create your retirement master plan in 5 simple steps: www.5StepRetirementPlan.com  Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

Créer une entreprise au Congo-Brazzaville relevait du parcours du combattant, avec beaucoup de formalités à remplir. Pour faciliter la tâche aux opérateurs économiques, le gouvernement vient de lancer une plateforme pour faciliter la création d'entreprise en ligne. Elle est accompagnée d'un numéro vert fournissant toutes les informations. Avec notre correspondant à Brazzaville, Loïcia Martial Entrepreneurs, membres du gouvernement… En tout, plus d'une centaine de personnes sont venues assister au lancement de la plateforme de création des entreprises en ligne. Emeriand Dieu-Merci Kibangou est le directeur général de l'ACPCE, l'Agence congolaise pour la création des entreprises, qui se charge de la gestion du site : « La plateforme de création d'entreprises en ligne permet en réalité à ce que tous les acteurs du secteur privé, qu'ils soient Congolais, qu'ils habitent au Congo ou pas, puissent être capables d'avoir la vraie information sur que faire et comment faire pour créer leur entreprise. Cette plateforme permet à ce que chacun, de sa maison du Congo ou de l'extérieur du Congo, puisse véritablement créer l'entreprise. » La plateforme est accompagnée d'un numéro vert 1730 fournissant aux demandeurs toutes les informations requises. Désormais une entreprise peut être créée en 24 heures, dans n'importe quel domaine d'activité. Une vraie révolution, estime Emeriand Dieu-Merci Kibangou : « Pour créer une entreprise, il y a quelques années, c'était le parcours du combattant. Il fallait même avoir un avis de la sécurité d'État parce que nous revenons d'un pays avec un passé communiste. Donc, ça faisait que ce n'était pas forcément évident. Ce n'était pas bien vu. » À lire aussiDévelopper les PME en Afrique: le défi de l'investissement Le seuil financier nécessaire pour la création d'une entreprise a baissé, ce qui permettra d'encourager de nombreuses petites sociétés à s'enregistrer, se félicite également la ministre en charge du commerce informel. « Autrefois, pour créer une entreprise, il fallait avoir au moins 500 000 francs CFA (762 euros). Mais, aujourd'hui, avec 25 000 francs CFA (38 euros) on peut créer une entreprise. Cela arrange les acteurs de l'économie informelle », explique Inès Nefer Bertille Voumbo Yalo. Dirigeant d'une entreprise informatique, Max Abraham Charlemagne Lepa juge que cette plateforme encouragera les jeunes à créer leur société. « Aujourd'hui, on a mis un système en place pour pouvoir pousser les jeunes entrepreneurs congolais à créer quelque chose, afin que cette jeunesse puisse vivre de ça et aller de l'avant », analyse-t-il. L'Agence congolaise pour la création des entreprises a été mise en place pour faciliter la tâche aux entreprises. Le nombre d'entreprises au Congo-Brazzaville est passé de 1 800 en 2021 à plus de 5 000 entreprises cette année. À lire aussiCongo-Brazzaville: la SFI et Bank of Africa s'associent pour financer l'essor des PME

Thank you to our sponsor, Mantle!Mantle is launching the Global Hackathon 2025 to accelerate the future of Real-World Assets. With a $150k prize pool, backing from a $4B treasury, and direct access to Bybit's 7M+ users, this is the ultimate ecosystem for builders. Sign up here! In this year-end Bits + Bips roundtable, hosts Austin Campbell and Chris Perkins are joined by John D'Agostino, Head of Strategy at Coinbase Institutional, for a wide-ranging and often contentious look at what 2026 may hold for crypto. They debate whether a major global brand will launch its own stablecoin, whether altcoins are structurally doomed—or secretly set up for a Wall Street–driven resurgence—and whether a major crypto hack is coming. The conversation also explores how tokens accrue value and whether there will be a new M&A trend that'll reshape the industry as we know it. Plus: don't miss what they have to say about NFTs, financial nihilism, and whether we'll see all-time highs for bitcoin in 2026. Hosts: Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Austin Campbell, NYU Stern professor and Founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Guest: John D'Agostino, Head of Strategy for Coinbase Institutional Timestamps

Prescribed Fire in the Catskills: Restoring a Lost ToolIn this episode, Brett sits down once again with Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services at the Catskill Forest Association, to explore the surprising ecological value of prescribed fire in the Northeast. Recorded fireside at the Kaatscast studio, this conversation digs into the science, history, and cultural memory of fire in the Catskills, and why small, carefully managed burns may be key to healthier forests, richer wildlife habitat, and a more resilient landscape.Key TopicsWhy fire disappeared from Northeastern land management — and why that's a problemHow Indigenous communities shaped ecosystems with fireWhat “pyrogenic species” like oak and chestnut need to thriveThe Catskill Forest Association's new prescribed burn programHow controlled burns can improve wildlife habitat and biodiversityThe challenges of permits, insurance, and public perceptionWhat early‑successional habitat is — and why we're losing itLessons from the Albany Pine Bush and Shawangunk RidgeAbout the CFA Prescribed Burn ProgramRyan outlines CFA's cautious, incremental approach to reintroducing fire on private lands — starting with low‑complexity field burns, building community familiarity, and navigating the regulatory and insurance landscape. The goal: restore a long‑missing tool to the Catskills' silvicultural toolbox.

What if nonprofits didn't have to scramble for funding every time a good opportunity appeared?In this episode of The Phoenix Pod, host Jovica Djurdjevic sits down with Rohit Padmanabhan, CFA, founder of Lotus Asset Management, to unpack why the Phoenix Club created an endowment and how it fundamentally changes the way the organization supports nonprofits.Rohit shares the thinking behind moving beyond one-off fundraising, the challenges of building an endowment from the ground up, and the guardrails required to protect capital while still putting it to work. Together, they explore how permanence, predictability, and disciplined stewardship allow the Phoenix Club to fund grants faster, partner more effectively with nonprofits, and build long-term community impact that outlasts any single board or donor.

Logan Gilland of CFA at Joule Financial reviews stock market performances for 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

À Dakar, les Sénégalais se préparent aux festivités du 31 décembre. Même si beaucoup considèrent que ce soir-là n'est pas vraiment « leur » fête. C'est un jour ordinaire au regard du calendrier musulman, et 95 % de la population est musulmane. En pratique, la capitale et ses habitants marquent le passage à 2026.  De notre correspondante au Sénégal,  La machine à coudre tourne dans cet atelier du quartier résidentiel de Mermoz. Au milieu des chutes de tissus, une cliente s'impatiente. « Lui, il ne respecte jamais les dates, tu dois venir ici pour pleurer ! », s'exclame une cliente. « C'est parce qu'il y a beaucoup de travail », répond le tailleur. « Et en plus, je reviens, c'est ça le pire », ajoute-t-elle en riant.   Même si son éducation et sa culture ne reconnaissent pas le 31 décembre comme une fête à part entière, souvent assimilée aux catholiques au Sénégal, cela n'a pas empêché Ndieme, 18 ans, de commander une tenue spéciale pour ce soir : un tailleur beige, assorti de talons hauts. « La Tabaski ou la Korité, c'est la religion, mais le 31 c'est pas la religion, c'est juste la tendance », poursuit la cliente.  Le mois de décembre représente un pic d'activités dans cet atelier, bien après les grandes fêtes religieuses de l'année. À mesure que la célébration se démocratise, Modou, tailleur expérimenté, remarque une occidentalisation des codes vestimentaires. « Pour le 31, ce que les gens veulent, c'est copier des modèles plutôt portés par les Blancs d'habitude. Avant, on importait les tenues venues d'Italie par exemple, mais il y a beaucoup de tailleurs qualifiés ici au Sénégal. Alors maintenant, on les coud nous-mêmes, pour des soirées de gala, c'est des robes moulantes, des tailleurs, des vestes, des jupes trois quarts... », explique-t-il.  Les autorités veulent éviter « une guerre des pétards » À quelques rues de là, la fête se prépare autrement. Des groupes d'enfants vont et viennent dans l'entrée de cette maison familiale. Ici, le stand de feux d'artifice tenu par Rokhaya est une institution. « Ça fait plus de dix ans que je vends ça, moi- même j'ai grandi avec ça, ça me faisait plaisir et puis j'ai commencé à vendre. Ça rapporte beaucoup, ça je ne te le cache pas ! Si tu dépenses 50 000 francs CFA, tu peux en tirer 100 000 francs CFA ou plus », précise Rokhaya.   Affaire conclue pour Fallou, huit ans, et ses amis. Inconcevable pour les plus petits de passer la soirée sans leur lot de boules de feu et autres pétards, explique Moussa, qui appuie sa mère derrière le stand familial : « Tu peux voir jusqu'à deux heures, trois heures du matin, des gens allumer des pétards. Même les enfants de trois, quatre ans. Souvent, ils sont accompagnés par les parents eux-mêmes. C'est leur manière à eux de marquer la fin d'année, par rapport à nous les adultes. » Cette année, les autorités veulent éviter que cette parenthèse de liberté ne vire à « une guerre des pétards » entre groupes de jeunes. Une dérive observée l'année passée. Lundi 29, le ministre de l'Intérieur a annoncé des patrouilles renforcées pour encadrer les festivités. À lire aussiCentrafrique: le réveillon à Bangui, un hommage à la résilience et à la chaleur humaine

The Daily Brief is on break till January 1. In the meanwhile, allow us to introduce the writing team.Today, we're talking to Kashish Kapoor.Kashish is the only one even slightly qualified to do this job, which is to say, he's finished CFA level 1.

Rajat Soni is a CFA with 10+ years of experience who simplifies complicated concepts with weekly insights on personal finance and Bitcoin with his audience of 250K+ followers.› https://x.com/Rajatsoni› https://www.youtube.com/@rajatsonifinancePARTNERS

Ever wondered how to bridge the gap between vision and execution in your business? In this conversation with Rafael Pinho and Brandon Moon, co-founders of TD Pine Advisors, Cam and Otis explore the art of scaling founder-led businesses with clarity and sustainable momentum."Scaling is not just about growth; it's about clarity and structure," Brandon explains, drawing from his extensive experience in operational upgrades and team alignment. Rafael adds, "Understanding your numbers is key to unlocking enterprise value," highlighting the importance of financial clarity in strategic decision-making.What makes this episode particularly valuable is their combined approach to business growth. From discussing the nuances of cash flow modeling and valuation to sharing insights from "Coffee with My TD Pine Advisor," Rafael and Brandon offer practical strategies for business owners ready to scale, sell, or stabilize.Whether you're a founder seeking to enhance operational efficiency or a business leader looking for financial insights, this episode provides a roadmap for building businesses that rise with confidence and clarity.More About Rafael:Rafael Pinho is a seasoned finance executive and CFA charterholder who brings a sharp analytical lens and deep strategic insight to every business challenge. As co-founder and CFO of TD Pine Advisors, Rafael helps founder-led companies understand their numbers, unlock enterprise value, and prepare for scalable growth or a successful exit. With a background in corporate finance, investment analysis, and business valuation, Rafael excels at translating complex financials into clear, actionable strategies. He's built a reputation for asking the right questions, grounding decisions in data, and helping business owners see both the forest and the trees. At TD Pine, Rafael leads the financial clarity work, whether it's cash flow modeling, valuation, capital strategy, or long-term planning, so that founders can stop guessing and start building with confidence.More About Brandon:Brandon Moon is a strategic operator with a proven track record of helping founder-led businesses scale with clarity, structure, and sustainable momentum. As the co-founder and COO of TD Pine Advisors, he specializes in bridging vision and execution, guiding clients through operational upgrades, team alignment, and enterprise value growth. With a background spanning family-business scalability, leadership development, and organizational change, Brandon brings a grounded, results-first perspective to business growth. His approach is relationship-focused focused ensuring that every business is built to rise and every founder has the clarity they need to lead. Known for his coffee-fueled insights, Brandon is also the voice behind Coffee with My TD Pine Advisor, where he answers real questions from real business owners who are ready to scale, sell, or simply stabilize.#10xyourteam #FounderLedBusiness #BusinessScaling #VisionToExecution #OperationalExcellence #FinancialClarity #EnterpriseValue #LeadershipDevelopment #StrategicGrowth #CashFlowManagement #BusinessAdvisoryChapter Times and Titles:Introduction to TD Pine Advisors [00:00 - 10:00]Meet Rafael Pinho and Brandon MoonThe journey to founding TD Pine AdvisorsBridging vision and execution in businessScaling with Clarity and Structure [10:01 - 20:00]Operational upgrades and team alignmentThe importance of sustainable momentumInsights from family-business scalabilityFinancial Clarity and Enterprise Value [20:01 - 30:00]Understanding numbers for strategic growthCash flow modeling and valuation explainedPreparing for scalable growth or a successful exitCoffee-Fueled Business Insights [30:01 - 40:00]Highlights from "Coffee with My TD Pine Advisor"Real questions from real business ownersPractical strateg

As 2025 wraps up, Carson is joined by Adams Wealth Partners' Spencer Provow, CFP®, and Anthony Breen, CFA®, to recap the year and look ahead to 2026. They cover the top-performing sectors of 2025, key takeaways for investors, and what's next with the Magnificent 7, space-based data centers, and the IPO market.This conversation provides clear insights on market trends, investment opportunities, and potential risks for the year ahead.

Stijn Schmitz welcomes Brett Rentmeester to the show. Brett is the Founder of WindRock Wealth Management. Their conversation centers on the current economic landscape, highlighting critical challenges facing the global financial system, particularly the United States. Rentmeester argues that the economy has fundamentally changed since the mid-1970s, when the dollar decoupled from gold. Since then, the economic system has relied increasingly on debt and money printing, creating an unsustainable financial structure. He points to several systemic issues, including declining real wages, skyrocketing costs in healthcare and education, and massive government debt that is increasingly difficult to service. Stijn explores potential scenarios for economic transformation, presenting two primary paths: proactive systemic change or a potential catastrophic reset. Brett suggests we are in a “fourth turning” moment—a generational shift where existing institutions are losing public trust and facing potential fundamental restructuring. A key theme is the potential return to “sound money,” potentially through tokenized gold, cryptocurrency, or a new monetary system backed by hard assets. Brett believes there’s a significant likelihood of monetary reimagination within the next five to ten years, driven by increasing public dissatisfaction with current economic structures. For individual investors, he recommends a diversified approach: maintaining investments in traditional assets while also acquiring hard assets like gold, silver, and real estate. The strategy involves having “one foot in the existing system and one foot out,” preparing for potential significant economic disruption. Regarding potential global conflict, Rentmeester hopes for a collaborative reset rather than a destructive war cycle, emphasizing the importance of proactive monetary reform. His overall message is one of cautious preparation, understanding that while the current system faces significant challenges, there are potential pathways to a more stable economic future. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:03 – Times of Great Change 00:02:33 – Debt Saturation Discussion 00:04:33 – Cracks in Society 00:08:11 – Demographic Challenges 00:11:16 – Fiat Money Creation 00:12:31 – Gold Standard History 00:14:00 – Central Banks Gold Buying 00:15:38 – Crony Capitalism Critique 00:16:44 – US Debt Mathematics 00:20:50 – Why Now Inflection 00:24:56 – Future Paths Outlined 00:28:42 – Global Power Shifts 00:42:03 – Portfolio Construction Strategies Guest Links: Website: https://windrockwealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettrentmeester/ Brett Rentmeester founded WindRock Wealth Management to bring tailored investment solutions to investors seeking an edge in an increasingly uncertain world. Mr. Rentmeester is a veteran and entrepreneur in the investment business. Through his career, including as a co-founder of Altair Advisers and manager at Arthur Andersen, he was a trusted confidant for business owners, entrepreneurs and family offices. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create and build a number of successful companies in the financial services industry through partnership with the Jaggi Family Office, where he serves as the Chief Investment Officer. Throughout his career, he has focused on the importance of strong relationships, strategic thinking, and an expertise in alternative investments. Mr. Rentmeester's media appearances include appearances on the PBS Nightly Business Report program, the Chicago Tribune, and the World Presidents' Organization. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona with a degree in Finance and earned his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. He has been a multiple-year recipient of the Chicago Magazine Five Star Wealth Award, is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder (CFA®) and has the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designation (CAIA®).

In this special Christmas Day edition of The Balancing Act Podcast, Andy shares a holiday message and introduces listeners to his other podcast, Money Lessons with Andrew Temte, PhD, CFA. Money Lessons is a weekly show where he distills complex financial concepts through historical storytelling and practical examples. Each bite-sized episode builds on the last, creating a comprehensive foundation for smarter financial decisions. Whether you're just starting your career or planning for retirement, these lessons will change how you think about money. Subscribe to Money Lessons with Andrew Temte on your favorite podcast service. Join us next week on The Balancing Act when we return with regularly scheduled programming and a conversation about entrepreneurship with Jeff Meade of Paul Quinn College.

Jeremy Keil weighs the opportunities and risks associated with giving your money away to your kids and charity. Most retirees I talk with don't worry about whether they can give money away.They worry about whether they should. When you've worked hard, saved diligently, and reached a point where you have more than you need, a new question quietly creeps in:What's the purpose of the extra? In this episode of Retire Today, I walk through what I see every day in real retirement plans — the good, the bad, and the unintended consequences of giving money to kids and to charity. Because while giving can be deeply meaningful, it can also backfire if it's not done intentionally. Giving to Kids: Blessing or Burden? When it comes to kids, I hear two very common philosophies. One group says, “I'm not trying to leave money to my kids. If there's something left, that's fine.”The other says, “I worked hard for this money, and I want to make sure it helps my family.” Both sound reasonable. But what actually happens is often more complicated. In practice, most giving to kids happens by default, not by design — through inheritance. The problem is timing. If you pass away in your 80s or 90s, your kids are likely in their late 50s or 60s. Statistically, that's when incomes and net worth tend to be the highest. In other words, that may be the moment they need your money the least. I've also seen well-intentioned gifts create unintended pressure. Large down payments on homes can raise a child's lifestyle without raising their income — leading to higher expenses, more stress, and sometimes less financial stability. Giving feels generous, but it can quietly shift responsibility away from your kids and onto you. A better rule of thumb?Give in ways that remove a burden, not create one. Education costs, health care needs, or meaningful experiences often help without inflating expectations or expenses. Experiences, especially shared ones, tend to create far more joy — for you and for them — than writing a check and hoping it helps. Giving to Charity: Now, Later, or Both? Charitable giving tends to be more intentional, but still incomplete. Many people plan to leave money to charity someday, yet never think through what that looks like or how it fits into their broader retirement plan. Others give modest amounts each year but leave significant sums later — without ever telling the charities involved. What I've seen repeatedly is this:When people give with intention, their stress goes down and their satisfaction goes up. In fact, people who have clarity around where their money will go often feel lighter — as if a quiet financial worry has been resolved. When charities know they're part of your long-term plan, relationships deepen. You stay informed, feel more connected, and often find joy in seeing the impact of your giving while you're still here. There's also strong evidence that giving makes people happier. Whether happier people give more, or giving makes people happier, may be up for debate — but in practice, generosity consistently shows up alongside fulfillment. The Bigger Question Isn't “How Much?” Most people ask me, “How much can I give?”That's usually the wrong question. The better questions are: Should I give? When should I give? How do I give in a way that actually helps? Giving later through inheritance is easy. Giving earlier — thoughtfully and intentionally — is far more impactful. You get to see the benefit, adjust if needed, and align your money with what matters most to you. In retirement, money isn't just about security.It's about purpose. When giving is done well, it doesn't create regret — it creates meaning. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337 Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA® is a financial advisor in Milwaukee, WI, author of the bestseller Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps and host of both the Retire Today Podcast and Mr. Retirement YouTube channel Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “Die with Zero” by Bill Perkins Die With Zero by Bill Perkins | Discover the Ultimate Guide to Living Life to the Fullest – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel “More Than Enough” by Dave Ramsey “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas Stanley and William Danko How much can I give my kids before paying IRS Gift Tax? – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel What is the IRS gift tax limit in 2025? – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel What is the IRS Gift Tax Limit for 2026? – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel The “I Hate Budgets” Retirement Plan: Retire Intentionally with Zac Larson – Retire Today Podcast Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

What really makes a business attractive to buyers? Buyers weigh more than just financials. They consider risk, operations, and whether the business can run without you. Colin King and Joe Van Deman, Principals at Circle City Capital Group, Inc., know this firsthand. They've built a portfolio of 15 companies by acquiring businesses that many others have overlooked. Colin, a CPA and CFA, and Joe, a former Google employee, bring complementary skills for buying and growing companies. Their perspective offers owners a rare look at how serious buyers evaluate opportunities and negotiate deals.   In this episode, you will: Hear how buyers assess both financial and emotional factors in a deal Learn what makes a business unappealing to buyers right away Find out what makes a partnership last through tough deals   Highlights: (00:00) Meet Colin King and Joe Van Deman (02:29) How a Craigslist ad launched their partnership (07:37) Lessons from their first chaotic acquisition (11:32) What makes a business partnership work (15:50) How Circle City Capital Group is different from private equity (23:08) Turning risky businesses into profitable opportunities (33:03) Favorite companies in their portfolio (36:13) What instantly turns buyers off during negotiations (44:20) The changes that make businesses more sellable   Resources: For past guests, please visit https://www.defendersofbusinessvalue.com/   Follow Colin: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-king-cpa-cfa-37045a38/   Follow Joe:  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joevandeman/ Check out their portfolio of companies: Circle City Capital Group: http://circlecitycapitalgroup.com Profit Mastery: http://profitmastery.net The Vermont Flannel Company: https://www.vermontflannel.com/ Vermont Teddy Bear: https://vermontteddybear.com/ All American Clothing Co.: https://www.allamericanclothing.com/ Gusset Brand: https://gusset.com/ Silk Flower Depot: https://e-silkflowerdepot.com/ Dried Decor: https://www.drieddecor.com/ Montessori 'n Such: https://www.montessori-n-such.com/ Follow Ed: Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmysogland/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defendersofbusinessvalue/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bvdefenders

Thank you to our sponsor, Mantle. Sign up for their hackathon here!After a “weird” year in the markets, hosts Ram Ahluwalia and Christopher Perkins are joined by Ava Labs' President John Wu for a candid debate about where crypto really is in the cycle—and what needs to happen next. The panel wrestles with a question many investors are quietly asking: has the market washed out enough to set up the next move, or is something still missing? They explore why momentum has faded, what signs would suggest it's coming back, and why 2026 keeps coming up in long-term conversations—even as near-term enthusiasm remains divided. Plus, why TGEs are “dying” and, with the rise of super apps, does Coinbase has an edge on Web2 players like Robinhood?  Hosts: Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Guest: John Wu, President of Ava Labs Links: Unchained:  Circle Acquires Interop Labs Team, Excludes Axelar Foundation and Token  Aave's Rushed Governance Vote Draws Backlash UNI Token Rallies as Voting Begins on UNIfication Proposal Bitcoin's Demand Boom is Fading: CryptoQuant Alex Thorn predicts BTC will reach $250K by end of 2027  Memento's research on TGEs  Jeff Dorman on X: “I don't know a single liquid fund that has bought a new token on TGE in over 2 years.” CoinDesk: Coinbase rolls out stock trading, prediction markets and more in bid to become the 'Everything Exchange' The Block:  Coinbase to acquire prediction markets startup The Clearing Company AAVE token holder proposes 'poison pill' for DAO to absorb Aave Labs amid contentious revenue debate Timestamps:

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ann Lentell, CFA, AFC®️, CFP®️ — a financial professional whose career bridges equity research, nonprofit leadership, and deeply human financial coaching.Ann shares how a childhood curiosity about markets led to a lifelong passion for personal finance, and how a transformative college class sparked her commitment to helping families build savings and stability.We dive into her decade at Compass Working Capital, where she scaled financial coaching programs for families in federally subsidized housing, and explore how culturally competent, client-centered coaching can shift lives.Ann also reflects on her journey to the AFC®️, what drew her to AFCPE's mission, and how raising the bar for financial education brings greater access and equity to communities nationwide. Plus, she gives us a look ahead at her vision as AFCPE's incoming Board President.This episode is filled with heart, strategy, and a powerful reminder that every financial story deserves dignity and high-quality guidance.Show Notes:03:31 – Get to know AFCPE's 2026 Board President, Ann Lentell07:26 – What drew Ann to AFCPE12:39 – Brandy reflects on Ann's impact on the AFCPE board12:58 – How nonprofits can raise financial education standards13:37 – The role of credentials and combating misinformation online17:11 – Why the AFC pathway matters17:58 – Ann's 2 CentsWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Welcome back and Happy Holidays!

À l'approche de Noël, tous les enfants n'attendent pas un cadeau au pied du sapin. Dans de nombreuses localités rurales, la fête se vit avec sobriété, loin des vitrines et des jouets. Illustration à Tafiré, dans le centre-nord de la Côte d'Ivoire. Dans cette commune majoritairement musulmane, située à plus de 500 km d'Abidjan, l'offre de cadeaux reste limitée et les prix souvent élevés. Certains parents font l'effort, d'autres n'ont tout simplement pas le choix.  De notre envoyé spécial à Tafiré,  À quelques heures de Noël, difficile de trouver des jouets dans le marché de Tafiré. Entre les étals de vivres et de condiments, Euphrasie fait figure d'exception. Elle est l'une des rares vendeuses à proposer des cadeaux pour enfants. Sur sa table, des dînettes, des poupées africaines, quelques voitures en plastique. Mais les clients ne se bousculent pas. « Les dînettes et les bébés africains, c'est ce que les gens aiment le plus. Mais c'est un peu cher : ça commence à 15 000 francs CFA et ça peut aller jusqu'à 35 000. Ça sort un peu, pas trop… Comme Noël n'est pas encore passé, j'espère que d'autres clients vont venir », explique Euphrasie. Un peu plus loin, à l'ombre d'un arbre, Emmanuel et Chris, sourire aux lèvres, font rouler leurs petites voitures sur la terre battue. Ces jouets, leur mère Élodie a tenu à les acheter, malgré des prix qu'elle juge élevés. « Les cadeaux aussi sont chers. Pour les deux garçons, j'ai dépensé 25 000. Une voiture à 12 500 francs CFA mais on fait avec parce que quand tu donnes un cadeau à un enfant, il joue avec. Il va le déposer peu de temps, il va le prendre encore, donc tu sens qu'il est en joie », affirme-t-elle. « Mes enfants n'ont pas eu de cadeau » Mais à Tafiré, tous les parents ne peuvent pas se le permettre. Clémence, mère de six enfants, n'a pas acheté de cadeaux cette année. Pour elle, la priorité reste de nourrir sa famille. « C'est difficile ici. Mes enfants n'ont pas eu de cadeau. Je vends du charbon pour acheter à manger. Je ne peux pas laisser la nourriture pour acheter un cadeau de Noël. Les enfants pleurent, mais si je cède, on va manger comment ? Je suis impuissante », regrette-t-elle. Pour soutenir les familles les plus démunies, la municipalité organise chaque année un arbre de Noël, afin d'offrir quelques présents aux enfants. Et le jour de la fête, une autre tradition s'est installée à Tafiré : le partage entre communautés, dans cette commune majoritairement musulmane. « Le jour de Noël, on fête ensemble. Comme nous, on fête avec les Dioulas, eux aussi fêtent avec nous. On mange ensemble. On partage le poulet ou la viande. Nos amis musulmans qui ne mangent pas de porc, on leur donne autre chose. Ici, on n'a pas de problème », explique Yélé Touré. En attendant, à Tafiré, les habitants se donnent rendez-vous demain mercredi, devant les écrans, pour oublier un instant les difficultés du quotidien et pousser les Éléphants vers la victoire à la CAN, dès leur entrée en lice. À lire aussiAu Kenya et en Côte d'Ivoire, l'effervescence des retours en province pour passer Noël en famille

COP30 took place in Belém, Brazil, at the heart of the Amazon, setting the stage for high-stakes climate negotiations amid one of the planet's most critical ecosystems. This episode of Fixed on ESG examines the summit's defining outcomes: the formal acknowledgment that the 1.5°C target is no longer attainable without overshoot, debates over fossil fuel phase-outs, and the shifting balance of influence as emerging markets assert a stronger role amid the absence of U.S. leadership. We also explore new climate finance pledges, adaptation funding, and the launch of the Tropical Forests Forever initiative, alongside the EU's trade measures and revised emissions targets—analyzing how these developments could shape the trajectory of global climate action. PGIM's John Ploeg, CFA, Co-Head of Fixed Income ESG Research, hosts this discussion with Roma Wilkinson, ESG Specialist. Recorded on December 9, 2025.

Ralph Cole, CFA®, Director of Research and Portfolio Management at Ferguson Wellman Capital Management, reflects on the firm's 50-year history, core values, and the lessons learned across market cycles. He discusses what differentiates Ferguson Wellman, how the firm serves ultra-high-net-worth clients, its thoughtful approach to adopting AI, and how it plans to stay on the leading edge as the industry continues to evolve.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Alex Pikoulas, CFA from Munjarra Capital about the day's sharemarket action and asks, is the Santa rally here?

Closing Out 2025: Setting the Stage for 2026 As 2025 comes to a close, the economic landscape offers both reassurance and reason for vigilance as we look ahead to 2026. Inflation has been the defining theme of the year, and recent data suggests meaningful progress. The latest CPI reading for November showed inflation at 2.7% year-over-year, below expectations of 3.1%. While this data should be interpreted cautiously due to missing October inflation and unemployment figures, the broader takeaway is clear: inflation remains below 3% and is not rebounding aggressively, even amid ongoing tariff concerns. This marks a productive year in the fight against inflation. However, history suggests the story may not be over. Inflation has often moved in waves, with pauses followed by renewed surges. Current trends indicate we may be in one of those pause periods. Previous inflationary eras, such as those beginning in 1910, 1939, and 1972, saw inflation reaccelerate after similar lulls. One underappreciated factor bears close watching: money supply growth. Currently expanding at roughly 4.6%, money supply has historically been a leading indicator of renewed inflationary pressure. Should inflation move higher in 2026, it would likely remain a central driver of market behavior and Federal Reserve policy uncertainty. This is a dynamic that will continue to shape economic headlines and investment decision-making in the year ahead. Lower Gas Prices and a Tailwind for Holiday Travel One encouraging contributor to easing inflation is the recent decline in gas prices, welcome news during the busiest travel season of the year. AAA estimates that approximately 122.4 million Americans will drive more than 50 miles from home between now and year-end. On a typical day, the U.S. consumes about 376 million gallons of gasoline, a figure expected to rise significantly during this peak travel period. Even small changes in gas prices have an outsized economic impact. A 10-cent decrease at the pump translates into roughly $40 million in daily savings for the U.S. economy. Over the past year, gas prices have fallen about 10%, while oil has dropped more than 30%. This gap suggests gas prices may have further room to decline as they catch up with oil's sustained downward trend. Lower fuel costs provide a dual benefit: easing inflationary pressure heading into 2026 and giving consumers a financial tailwind during the holiday shopping season. For households and the broader economy alike, this trend is a timely and positive development. Market Rotation and the Santa Claus Rally As the year winds down, attention often turns to the so-called “Santa Claus rally,” a seasonal market pattern that spans the final five trading days of the year and the first two trading days of the next. This rally does not begin until Christmas Eve, meaning expectations should remain measured until that window arrives. Historically, markets have tended to post gains during this short period, though outcomes are never guaranteed. Still, performance during these days is often viewed as an indicator heading into the new year. Beyond seasonal trends, market rotation has been a notable feature of recent months. While headline indexes may appear to have stalled in November and December, the underlying story is more constructive. The top-performing 10% of stocks from January through October, leaders for much of the year, have recently underperformed, while previously lagging segments have begun to outperform. This broadening of leadership is a hallmark of a healthier market. Recent milestones underscore this rotation. Bank of America reached an all-time high for the first time since 2006, and Cisco achieved a new high for the first time since 2000, nearly 25 years. These examples are not about individual stock recommendations and are about illustrating how leadership is spreading across sectors and styles, reinforcing the durability of the broader market environment. Greg Powell, CIMA® President and CEO Wealth Consultant Email Greg Powell here Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA® Managing Director Wealth Consultant Email Bobby Norman here Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF® Chief Investment Officer Wealth Consultant Email Trey Booth here Ty Miller, AIF® Vice President Wealth Consultant Email Ty Miller here Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted. No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss. Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.The post Closing Out 2025 first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.

#ThisMorning | The #Link Between #Emotions and #Money | Shane Enete, CFA, CFP, Biola University | #Tunein: broadcastretirementnetwork.com #Aging, #Finance, #Lifestyle, #Privacy, #Retirement, #wellness

Et si cette année le plus beau cadeau de Noël se trouvait… dans une brocante ? Ces espaces où l'on vend des objets de seconde main souvent importés d'Occident. Entre décorations intemporelles, appareils domestiques et autres jouets recyclés, plusieurs clients y trouvent leur compte en cette période de fêtes dans la capitale camerounaise. De notre correspondant à Yaoundé, Au carrefour Obili, Marie attend les clients dans sa brocante, une pièce d'environ 5 m², bien achalandée. On y retrouve des meubles, des appareils électroniques, des ustensiles, des vélos, mais aussi des décorations de Noël. Du matériel de seconde main, importé d'Europe. « Les guirlandes que j'avais importées l'année dernière sont restées. J'essaie de les liquider cette année. Je n'ai pas voulu commander encore d'autres guirlandes. Cette année, j'ai préféré me concentrer sur les jouets, sur les nounours. C'est ce qui se vend le plus. Un enfant, pendant les fêtes de Noël, a droit à son cadeau. Les guirlandes aussi sortent un peu plus rapidement, car 1 000, 2 000 francs CFA, ça passe. Par contre, les sapins, c'est compliqué », explique Marie. Son choix est plutôt bien calculé, car à l'approche de Noël, les clients recherchent surtout des objets de décoration et des cadeaux pour leurs proches. Nombreux sont les Camerounais qui, comme Achille, choisissent les brocantes. « Moi, je trouve que dans les brocantes, c'est d'abord une meilleure qualité. C'est pas neuf, c'est une meilleure qualité. Les achats dans les brocantes sont moins chers. Je préfère aller dans les brocantes car je trouve mon compte. Aujourd'hui, comme c'est la fête de Noël, j'ai acheté un sapin et des guirlandes et tout ce qui va avec, des petites décorations originales », raconte Achille.  Faire du neuf avec du vieux n'est pas sans risque : il peut arriver qu'on achète un appareil en bout de vie, ou alors qu'on tombe sur un trésor, explique Fabrice, un féru de brocante : « N'oublions pas que ce sont des choses qui ont été utilisées ailleurs et qui se retrouvent maintenant au Cameroun. Forcément, il n'y a pas de garantie. Il faut être observateur, connaisseur et patient. » Au Cameroun, les brocantes sont ravitaillées par la diaspora établie en Europe, en Amérique et au Canada. En cette fin d'année, les objets qu'ils expédient font le bonheur de leurs compatriotes restés au pays.  À lire aussiLa diaspora investit: au Cameroun, comment orienter les investisseurs de la diaspora?

Manny Bobe joins Jeff to break down the fast-emerging world of vibe coding — AI-guided software creation that's turning non-technical people into product builders. Manny shares his journey from CFA to data scientist to AI evangelist, explains why coding skills became his career unlock, and shows how AI removes the need for complex environments, dev setup, and backend knowledge. Together they explore real-world examples from RevOps, sales, and product teams using vibe coding to solve problems instantly and build tools no SaaS vendor ever would.

Episode Summary Host: Melissa Chase, Senior Content Marketing Manager, Morningstar Sustainalytics Lindsey Stewart, CFA, Director, Institutional Investor Content Guests: Angela Flaemrich, Director, Stewardship Matteo Felleca, Analyst, Stewardship Ignacio Garcia Giner, Senior Analyst, Stewardship  Bonus Episode: 20-25 Proxy Season Review In this episode, recorded earlier this year, Lindsey sat down with Angela Flaemrich, Matteo Falleca and Ignacio Garcia Giner from Morningstar Sustainalytics' ESG Proxy Voting Overlay team to discuss their insights from the most recent proxy season. Insights from the discussion include: The decline in the number of sustainability-focused resolutions Changes to the regulatory landscape Increasing support for resolutions related to shareholder rights Lower support for proposals related to climate and DEI issues Key Moments 00:00:04 Introduction. 00:02:12 Highlights of the sustainability-related proposals from 2025 proxy season. 00:04:55 Insights on support levels for sustainability-related proposals. 00:08:31 Insights on the changing topic mix in the 2025 proxy season. 00:11:12 Overview of climate proposal trends. 00:14:52 Overview of social proposal trends. 00:19:04 Thoughts on the 2026 proxy season.   Links to Selected Resources Can Big Tech Keep Its Climate Commitments as Data Centers Scale? Investor Views on AI Oversight Voice of the Asset Owner Survey 2025 Qualitative Insights Voice of the Asset Owner Survey 2025 Quantitative Analysis   

Private asset-based finance (ABF) is the catch-all of credit markets—a diverse and complex segment offering a wide range of investment opportunities. In this follow-up to our previous ABF discussion, we delve deeper into the asset class and what it takes to be successful from origination to underwriting and portfolio construction. We discuss investment areas of interest—as well as those we're apt to avoid—and examine the convergence of structured products and corporate credit through the lens of AI and data center finance. This episode also explores market dynamics, risk management, and where private ABF fits into multi-asset portfolio construction. PGIM's Brian Barnhurst, CFA, Head of Global Credit Research, hosts Oliver Nisenson, Head of Asset-Based Finance. Recorded on November 26, 2025.

Jeremy Keil explains the top 3 tax efficient strategies for charitable giving in 2025. Most people give to charity because it's meaningful to them — not because of the tax break. And that's the right mindset. But if you're already giving, it makes sense to be intentional and structure that giving in a way that helps you keep more of your hard-earned money. In this episode of Retire Today, I walk through the top three charitable giving strategies for 2025, especially in light of new tax rules taking effect in 2026 and important changes already happening this year. With only a limited window left before year-end, now is the time to understand your options. The key is planning — not reacting in April. Why 2025 Is a Unique Giving Year Late in the year, you usually have a clear picture of your income and tax bracket. That makes it the perfect time to decide when and how to give. With upcoming changes like: A new 0.5% AGI floor on charitable deductions starting in 2026 A cap on the value of deductions for high earners A higher SALT deduction limit already in effect 2025 offers an opportunity to be proactive instead of passive. Depending on your income, it may make sense to pull future giving forward — or delay certain gifts until next year. But that decision should be made intentionally, not by default. Strategy #1: Bunch Your Charitable Deductions Bunching means combining multiple years of charitable giving into a single tax year to exceed the standard deduction and unlock itemized deductions. For example, if you normally give $10,000 per year to charity but don't itemize, you may get no tax benefit at all. But by contributing two to four years of giving in one year, you may be able to itemize and deduct the full amount. The most effective way to do this is through a donor-advised fund (DAF). A DAF lets you: Take the tax deduction now Give to charities later, on your preferred schedule Keep your giving consistent for the organizations you support This separates the timing of your tax deduction from the timing of your charitable gifts — a powerful planning tool when income fluctuates. Strategy #2: Donate Appreciated Investments Instead of Cash One of the most tax-efficient ways to give is donating long-term appreciated investments from a taxable brokerage account. When you sell an investment that has gone up in value, you owe capital gains tax. When you donate that same investment directly to charity (or to a donor-advised fund), you: Avoid paying capital gains tax Receive a charitable deduction for the full market value Remove a concentrated position from your portfolio This strategy is especially effective after strong market years like 2023, 2024, and 2025, when many investors are sitting on significant unrealized gains. To qualify, the investment must be held for more than one year (long-term capital gain). Many custodians automatically select the most tax-efficient shares when processing these donations, making the strategy easier to implement than most people expect. Strategy #3: Use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) For those age 70½ or older, Qualified Charitable Distributions are often the most powerful giving strategy available. A QCD allows you to send money directly from your traditional IRA to a qualified charity. That money: Never shows up as taxable income Can satisfy Required Minimum Distributions (once applicable) Reduces future RMDs by shrinking your IRA balance Many retirees make the mistake of taking IRA withdrawals, depositing the money into checking, and then writing checks to charity. That approach often increases taxable income, affects Social Security taxation, and can raise Medicare premiums — even if a charitable deduction is available. QCDs avoid those issues entirely by keeping the income off your tax return in the first place. Even if you're not yet subject to RMDs, starting QCDs early can still make sense if part of your regular spending includes charitable giving. Putting It All Together These three strategies often work best in combination: Use donor-advised funds to bunch deductions Fund those DAFs with appreciated investments Use QCDs once you reach age 70½ But none of this should be done blindly. The right approach depends on: Your income this year and next Whether you itemize or take the standard deduction Your charitable goals Your long-term retirement and tax plan The most important step is projecting your tax situation before the year ends and making decisions on purpose — not by default. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337 Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA® is a financial advisor in Milwaukee, WI, author of the bestseller Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps and host of both the Retire Today Podcast and Mr. Retirement YouTube channel Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Could Change Retirement FOREVER!” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel “Maximize your Tax Benefits by BUNCHING Charitable Donations!” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel “How the SALT Deduction Cap Works If You Make Over $500,000 (2025 Tax Update)” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel “QCDs: The Tax-Smart Way to Give in Retirement (2025 Qualified Charitable Distributions Guide)” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel “What is the 2025 QCD Limit? (Qualified Charitable Distributions” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA is joined by Shiloh Bates, CFA, Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Flat Rock Global, for a deep dive into collateralized loan obligations and their role in insurance portfolios. Shiloh explains how CLOs function as structured credit vehicles, the problems they solve in the private credit market, and how different tranches offer distinct risk-return profiles for investors. The conversation explores current market dynamics, including elevated default rates, spread behavior, and where Shiloh sees potential opportunities across CLO equity and junior debt. Shiloh also discusses underwriting discipline, diversification benefits, rated feeder structures, and how insurers can think about CLOs relative to direct loan exposure when constructing resilient, risk-aware portfolios.

Thank you to our sponsors, Mantle!On this episode of Bits + Bips, hosts Ram Ahluwalia, Austin Campbell, and Chris Perkins are joined by Elisabeth Kirby, Head of Market Structure at Tradeweb, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of crypto markets — and who will control them. They unpack why US market structure legislation stalled, how the SEC's enforcement-first approach shaped the last cycle, and what it signals that JPMorgan, BlackRock, and others are moving forward with tokenization.  The group debates whether Ethereum's institutional edge is durable, whether Canton can scale beyond early adopters, and why Solana's “decentralized Nasdaq” vision still faces hard questions. The episode closes with a sober look at macro conditions, risk appetite, and why crypto may be stuck waiting, even as the long-term institutional thesis quietly strengthens. Hosts: Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Austin Campbell, NYU Stern professor and founder and managing partner of Zero Knowledge Consulting Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Guest: Elisabeth Kirby, Head of Market Structure at Tradeweb Links: The S.E.C. Was Tough on Crypto. It Pulled Back After Trump Returned to Office. Timestamps:

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I'm joined by Kristof Gleich, President and Chief Investment Officer at Harbor Capital Advisors, for a deep dive into the human capital factor and its impact on business value and investment performance. Kristof explains how Harbor's partnership with Irrational Capital led to the development of the HAPI ETFs and walks through the seven subfactors that make up the human capital score: organizational effectiveness, innovation, direct management, alignment, engagement, emotional connection, and extrinsic rewards. We get into the data behind the factor, including the use of large-scale employee sentiment surveys and proprietary analytics, the index construction process that identifies the top 150 companies, and the annual reconstitution methodology. Kristof also shares performance insights – from Morningstar recognition to how HAPI has compared with the S&P 500. We also talk about why this factor has the potential to generate real alpha and how investors, private equity firms, and valuation professionals are beginning to incorporate human capital metrics into underwriting and deal analysis. If you're interested in how people truly drive enterprise value, how human capital data can shape portfolios, and what this means for investors, advisors, and dealmakers, this episode offers practical, data-driven insights you can use. About Our Guest: Kristof Gleich is the president and CIO of Harbor Capital Advisors, Inc. Kristof oversees all Investment, Distribution & Marketing and Executive Office functions at Harbor. He provides insight while helping lead Harbor's strategic growth plan. Prior to joining Harbor, Kristof was a managing director and global head of manager selection at JP Morgan Chase & Co. He received a B.S. in Physics from University of Bristol. Kristof is a CFA® charterholder and is FINRA Series 7 and 63 licensed. About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.  Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.  He's on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people's contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company's most valuable asset.” Dave's book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He's also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.

In this Ask Monument Anything episode, we're answering real questions from listeners of the show. From a question about Michael Burry's bold predictions and why they continue to draw attention, to a discussion of Bitcoin's unusual performance in 2025 and the renewed curiosity around gold as a potential safe-haven asset, the conversation then shifts to private credit's emerging role inside 401(k) target-date funds.   Key takeaways: • The patterns that show up again and again when attention-grabbing forecasts circulate • Forces that pushed Bitcoin into an unexpected direction this year • A renewed focus on gold as investors look for steadier ground • Some new considerations for retirement savers as private credit enters target-date funds • Shifts in interest rates that reshape valuations and private-market activity • Context that helps separate meaningful insight from fast-moving headlines   Please see important podcast disclosure information at https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/disclosures   Episode Timeline/Key Highlights:   0:00 – Your Questions Answered in This Episode 2:58 – The Michael Burry Obsession and Timing Challenges 10:20 – Consistency Over Hero Trades 12:40 – Bitcoin's 2025 Divergence and Crypto Volatility 20:10 – Supply, Demand, and the Case for "Own It or Don't" 23:15 – Private Credit in 401(k)s: Fees, Liquidity, and Hidden Risks 34:05 – Bonus Question: Rate Cuts and Private Equity Connect with Monument Wealth Management:    Visit our website: https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/   Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monumentwealth/#   Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/monument-wealth-management/   Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonumentWealthManagement   Connect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MonumentWealth#Fit   Subscribe to our Private Wealth Newsletter: https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/subscribe/   About "Off the Wall":    Markets are noisy. Your time is limited. Off The Wall cuts through the clutter. Hosts Dave Armstrong, CFA and Nate Tonsager, CIPM bring you straightforward, candid insights about what's really moving markets and why it matters for successful investors. From economic shifts to portfolio positioning, we break down the complexities so you can invest with intention and stay grounded when headlines and life feels chaotic.   Learn more about our hosts on our website at https://monumentwealthmanagement.com 

Anna Martirosyan, strategy and transactions manager at EY Parthenon, speaks with guest host Lotta Moberg, CFA, about the ethical foundations of AI in finance, including fairness, transparency, model governance, and the risks that arise as firms automate more decisions. Drawing on her chapter in AI in Asset Management: Tools, Applications, and Frontiers, Anna explains how practitioners can use AI responsibly while navigating evolving global regulations. Tune in to hear their full conversation. Read the complete book online: https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/themes/technology/ai-in-asset-management Follow the Financial Thought Exchange podcast for more expert perspectives: https://sites.libsyn.com/545057/site

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA sits down with Noelle “Elle” Sisco, Managing Director, Portfolio Manager, and Lead Portfolio Strategist at First Eagle Napier Park, to discuss where structured credit can offer real value for insurance investors and where caution is warranted. Elle shares her background across public and private credit markets and explains how First Eagle Napier Park approaches alternative credit within a multi-strategy investment framework.   The conversation explores how insurers can evaluate structured credit through disciplined underwriting, with a focus on collateral analysis, liquidity management, and active portfolio positioning. Elle also addresses late-cycle dynamics, elevated idiosyncratic risk, emerging collateral types, and the importance of separating true underwriting skill from beta-driven returns when constructing resilient insurance portfolios.

‘เงินเกษียณไม่พอใช้' คือ ความจริงที่คนไทยจำนวนไม่น้อยกำลังเผชิญอยู่ ทำให้ ‘การวางแผนเกษียณ' จึงเป็นเรื่องสำคัญและต้องเริ่มทำทันที ‘Life Path' หรือ แผนลงทุนสมดุลตามอายุ จะมาช่วยตอบโจทย์ในเรื่องนี้ได้อย่างไร? เพื่อให้มั่นใจว่าเงินที่เรามีอยู่จะเติบโตและพอใช้ไปจนถึงวันสุดท้ายของชีวิต   ‘ลงทุนนิยม' ชวนมาหาคำตอบไปพร้อมๆ กันกับ คุณวิน พรหมแพทย์, CFA ประธานกรรมการบริหาร, KAsset #WealthMeUp #ลงทุนนิยม #KAsset #LifePath #PVD #เกษียณ #ลงทุน #มนุษย์เงินเดือน  คำเตือน: ผู้ลงทุนโปรดทำความเข้าใจลักษณะสินค้า เงื่อนไขผลตอบแทน และความเสี่ยงก่อนตัดสินใจลงทุน โดยขอรับหนังสือชี้ชวนได้ที่ www.kasikornasset.com

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, is joined by Cindy Beaulieu, Chief Investment Officer of Conning North America, and Matt Reilly, Managing Director and Head of Insurance Solutions at Conning. Together, they explore the complex economic, policy, and portfolio construction themes shaping insurance investment strategies heading into 2026. With volatility receding and consumption staying strong, Conning sees cautious optimism grounded in fundamental, long-term portfolio planning.   The discussion covers key topics including the rising complexity of insurance portfolios, the expanding role of private assets, and the importance of core fixed income as a risk ballast. Cindy and Matt offer insight into how insurers are balancing liquidity needs, capital requirements, and regulatory scrutiny while adapting to a structurally different rate and policy environment. With real-world examples and a thoughtful look at long-term strategy, this episode provides valuable perspective for insurance investors navigating today's market challenges.

December 12, 2025 - Zach and Asheef discuss the current landscape of international value investing, focusing on the unique perspectives that come from investing outside the US.Asheef Lalani as an independent director to the board of Sailfish Royalty Corp. Mr. Lalani graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics and Masters of Accounting, earned the CA/CPA designation in 2002 and is a CFA charterholder since 2003. Asheef first started his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1998 and went on to become a portfolio manager at UBS Securities. Currently, Mr. Lalani is the Chief Investment Officer at Berczy Park Capital – a private family office in Toronto, Canada.

Get your customized planning started by scheduling a no-cost discovery call: http://bit.ly/calltruewealth Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s are powerful tools — but most people use them without a clear strategy. In this episode, Tyler Emrick, CFA®, CFP®, breaks down how to think about Roth accounts before retirement, after retirement, and even how they impact your spouse and your legacy. We'll explore how to decide between pre-tax and Roth contributions while you're still working, why your tax bracket today may not be your tax bracket in the future, and how early retirees can position assets to maximize ACA healthcare credits Then, in retirement, we dive into one of the biggest planning questions: Should you prioritize Roth conversions or taxable gain harvesting? We explain the differences, how each affects your tax bill, and why IRMAA, NIIT, and future cash-flow needs all play a major role. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:

#667: Home prices have outpaced wages for more than a decade, and first-time buyers are stretching further every year. Now a new idea is entering the conversation, the 50-year mortgage. It promises lower monthly payments, yet it reshapes everything from equity growth to long-term risk. In this episode we sit down with Karsten Jeske, PhD, CFA from Early Retirement Now, a former Federal Reserve economist known for forensic financial modeling. Together we walk through when a 50-year mortgage might make sense, when it clearly does not, and why the math is rarely as simple as “higher payment versus lower payment.” We also dig into how ultra-long mortgages could push home prices even higher, and what this means for today's buyers and tomorrow's retirees. If you've wondered whether extended loan terms offer real affordability or just disguise the cost, this conversation gives you a clearer lens. Key Takeaways Why stretching to a 50-year mortgage can look affordable on paper yet leave you with far slower equity growth in the years that matter most. The few cases where a longer mortgage term can support a deliberate strategy, such as freeing cash flow to invest, and why this only works for certain borrowers. How inflation, appreciation, and opportunity cost change the “true” math behind 30-year versus 50-year loans. Why ultra-long mortgages may raise home prices more than they help buyers and what this means for generational wealth. How late-life mortgage decisions, downsizing, and step-up in basis reshape your legacy far more than the length of the loan itself. Resources and Links Early Retirement Now blog, Karsten's research and mortgage modeling. Chapters Note: Timestamps are approximate and may vary greatly across listening platforms due to dynamically inserted ads. (00:00) 50-year mortgage debate begins (02:52) Karsten says it expands options for sophisticated investors (05:42) Paula focuses on owner-occupants who can't afford houses (11:03) Equity difference: $80K vs $20K after 10 years (18:26) Lower payments could fund other investments (25:17) Lenders package mortgages for institutional investors (29:18) US doesn't issue 100-year bonds despite stability (34:00) Small term premiums create huge returns (43:31) Paying more interest isn't automatically bad (48:08) First-time buyers now average age 40 (56:08) Geographic arbitrage enables mortgage payoff (01:00:20) 50-year mortgages could inflate home prices (01:04:51) Supply constraints drive housing affordability crisis (01:07:29) Fed might pause rate cuts in December Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Keil explores 7 money moves you can consider before the new year to lower your taxes and keep more of your money in retirement. Every December, people scramble to finish holiday shopping, travel plans, and year-end tasks. But one of the most important deadlines — your December 31st tax deadline — often gets overlooked until it's too late. And once the calendar flips to January 1st, many of the smartest tax moves disappear. In this episode of Retire Today, I walk through seven year-end tax steps you should consider to make sure April brings fewer surprises and more savings. With new tax laws taking effect, the stock market sitting near all-time highs, and contribution limits shifting in the coming years, this is the perfect moment to take control of your finances. 1. Manage Your Tax Bracket Before the Year Ends Your income may fluctuate from year to year — especially in retirement. Some retirees have unusually high-income years due to bonuses, pension payouts, early retirement packages, stock vesting, or unexpected distributions. Others have abnormally low-income years. If you're experiencing a higher income year, now is the time to pull deductions forward. Charitable giving, donor-advised fund contributions, and other deductible expenses can help lower your taxable income. If you're in a lower income year, you might choose to accelerate income instead — such as doing a Roth conversion or taking extra withdrawals at a better tax rate. Year-end planning starts with projecting your tax return and understanding which direction to go. 2. Harvest Capital Losses — and Sometimes Gains Even in years when the market is high overall, you may still have individual positions sitting at a loss. Harvesting those losses can offset gains or reduce taxes now or in the future. On the flip side, some retirees find themselves in the 0% long-term capital gains bracket, which creates the perfect opportunity to harvest capital gains on purpose. When you're in a low tax bracket and gains cost nothing, you can reset your cost basis without additional tax. This is one of the most underused year-end strategies — especially when markets have been climbing. 3. Review Mutual Fund Capital Gain Distributions Many mutual funds issue their capital gain distributions in December. You may not receive the money in cash, but it still counts as taxable income. Look up the estimated year-end distributions from your fund companies and double-check your brokerage account. Mutual fund distributions have surprised many retirees — and they can lead to unnecessary underpayment penalties if tax withholding isn't adjusted in time. 4. Get Your Tax Withholding Correct Years ago, tax underpayment penalties weren't a big deal. But with high interest rates today, penalties now operate more like expensive interest charges for not paying taxes in the proper quarterly schedule. If you expect to owe money for 2025, you may want to adjust withholding from your paycheck, pension, Social Security, or IRA distributions. For retirees over 59½, using IRA withholding is one of the easiest ways to catch up — and it is treated as if it was paid evenly all year. To avoid penalties, don't wait until spring. Make corrections before December 31st. 5. Use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) If you're age 70½ or older, QCDs allow you to donate directly from your traditional IRA to charity tax-free. This is often better than taking withdrawals and giving afterward — especially if you use the standard deduction. Even if you're not yet required to take RMDs, QCDs can reduce your future RMD burden and help you give in a more tax-efficient way. With 2025 bringing updated QCD limits and ongoing rule changes, it's smart to review your giving strategy now. 6. Make Annual Exclusion Gifts Before Year-End In 2025, the annual exclusion gift limit is $19,000 per person — and it remains the same for 2026. If you're planning to help your children or grandchildren, consider spreading the gifts across the end of this year and the beginning of next year to maximize tax-free amounts. For education planning, 529 plans also allow “superfunding,” letting you front-load up to five years' worth of gifts. Year-end is an ideal time to execute these strategies thoughtfully. 7. Rebalance Your Investments (Especially After a Big Market Year) When markets rise sharply, your portfolio may drift into a risk level you never intended. A portfolio that started at 60% stocks may now sit at 68% or higher. That's more risk than you signed up for — especially if you are nearing retirement. Rebalancing is a critical part of your year-end checklist. It brings your risk back in line, prepares your portfolio for the next year, and supports the long-term stability of your retirement plan. The Bottom Line Year-end planning isn't just about taxes — it's about taking control. Whether it's adjusting your income, harvesting gains or losses, fixing withholding, giving strategically, gifting to family, or rebalancing your investments, December is your opportunity to make meaningful changes before the window closes. Don't let the deadline sneak up on you. Start now so April feels predictable — not painful. Enjoying these episodes? Make sure to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337 Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA® is a financial advisor in Milwaukee, WI, author of the bestseller Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps and host of both the Retire Today Podcast and Mr. Retirement YouTube channel Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps “QCDs: The Tax-Smart Way to Give in Retirement (2025 Qualified Charitable Distributions Guide)” – Mr. Retirement YouTube Channel Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. Any trademarks or service marks mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. Additional Important Disclosures

In this season 5 episode of First Look ETF, Stephanie Stanton ‪@etfguide‬ examines the latest ETF marketplace trends with NYSE and guests. The guest lineup for this episode includes:1. Maital Legum, NYSE2. Chris Wilson, CFA, Head of Product & Strategy for Voya IM3. Sriram Reddy, Head of Client Portfolio Management, Discretionary, Man Group4. Wayne Plewniak, Managing Director and Head of Gabelli Fixed Income*********First Look ETF is sponsored by the New York Stock ExchangeLearn more at https://www.ETFCentral.comWatch us on YouTube (Link http://www.youtube.com/etfguide)Follow us on Twitter @ETFguide (Link https://twitter.com/etfguide)Visit us at ETFguide.com (https://www.etfguide.com)

Thank you to our sponsors! Uniswap Mantle Hosts Ram Ahluwalia, Austin Campbell, and Chris Perkins dig into why interest rates may not fall as quickly as markets hope, why oil demand could surprise to the upside, and how retail keeps buying every dip—even while consumer confidence hits new lows. The trio also breaks down the growing collision between TradFi and crypto: whether banks can compete with blockchain-native distribution, how BlackRock's staked ETH ETF filing could reshape the market, and how yields on Ethereum and Solana represent a brand-new financial primitive. Plus, they examine Ripple's controversial raise, Citadel's push to regulate DeFi, and why major incumbents are now in a frantic race to choose their crypto “dance partners.” Hosts: Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Austin Campbell, NYU Stern professor and founder and managing partner of Zero Knowledge Consulting Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Links: Unchained:  BlackRock Files S-1 for Staked ETH ETF Berachain Kept Secret a $25 Million Refund Right to a Brevan Howard Fund CoinDesk:  Citadel Challenges DeFi Framework in Letter to SEC, Sparking Industry Outrage Bloomberg:  Wall Street Hedged Big Crypto Bet in $500 Million Ripple Deal (XRP) Bitcoin Options Show Traders Hunkering Down for Crypto Winter Timestamps:

I'm joined once again by Phil Weiss, Founder of Apprise Wealth Management — a CFA, CPA, and RLP® who brings heart, honesty, and deep purpose to every financial conversation.Phil's mission was shaped by his own family's story — stepping in to support his mom through stage 4 breast cancer and helping navigate the financial chaos that followed. That experience inspired his passion to help women feel financially confident and secure, especially during times of transition.In this episode, we talk about:What it really means to reclaim your financial powerHow creating a life plan can bring clarity and peaceThe story of “Linda” — and how her plan transformed her lifeThe question we all need to ask: Do I have enough life?Learn more about Phil:Facebook: AppriseWealthInstagram: @phweiss11Tiktok: apprisewmYouTube: philipweiss9408   

This week, Phil is joined by Loukas Ganas and Ben Dennis, CFA from the Ladenburg Research team to discuss 2025's unexpected economic twists and the what the latest inflation data reveals.

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, co-host Sivana Brewer sits down with Richard Scheele, CFA, CFP, Managing Partner at Next Level Planning Group and longtime COO Alliance member.Richard takes us inside more than a decade of leadership evolution, from starting as an intern to stepping into the Managing Partner seat of a fast-growing financial planning firm. He shares candid stories about redefining his role, building systems around EOS, and learning to lead beyond his comfort zone. The conversation explores what happens when you outgrow your title, how teams mature into strategic thinkers, and why clarity—real clarity—changes everything.You'll hear how Richard and his team rebuilt their communication rhythms, created a shared playbook for decision-making, and shifted their mindset around accountability and alignment. It's an honest, practical look at what it really takes to scale without losing culture, trust, or your own sense of direction.Whether you're a second in command stepping into bigger shoes or a CEO looking to strengthen your leadership infrastructure, this episode will spark ideas you can use immediately.Timestamped Highlights00:00 The leadership lesson Richard wishes he'd learned earlier.02:10 Richard's growth from intern to Managing Partner.04:12 Why changing his title was critical for true alignment.06:25 How EOS reshaped communication and accountability.08:40 The value of an outside implementer for early EOS adopters.11:03 Richard's background in teaching economics and how it shaped his leadership style.13:18 Creating a decision-making playbook for future clarity.15:45 Balancing vision, strategy, and the daily operational grind.18:20 How curiosity and vulnerability strengthen team culture.21:03 Turning strategy into a team-driven discipline.23:30 The evolution of Next Level Planning Group's internal structure.27:05 Richard's biggest lessons from leading a rapidly growing organization.Resources MentionedEntrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)About the GuestRichard Scheele, CFA, CFP, is the Managing Partner at Next Level Planning Group, where he leads daily operations, strategic initiatives, and organizational coordination. Starting his career as an assistant portfolio analyst, Richard moved through roles in service, analysis, and financial planning before stepping into leadership. His background in teaching economics and his analytical approach to decision-making shape the way he develops talent, drives alignment, and supports long-term firm growth.

Monday's selloff rattled the entire market—Bitcoin, equities, commodities, you name it. But beneath the volatility, something more structural may be happening. In this week's Bits + Bips, Austin Campbell, Ram Ahluwalia, Chris Perkins, and B+B OG previous host Alex Kruger break down one of the most confusing macro weeks of the year. They debate why high-beta assets snapped, whether a rotation into quality is underway, why institutions seem unfazed even as retail stays skittish, and share initial thoughts on Vanguard finally allowing clients to buy crypto. The crew also unpacks Strategy's chaotic comments about selling BTC, the Clarity Act's political hurdles, the CME outage that exposed systemic fragility, and the never-ending debate over Tether—profitability, reserves, and what institutions actually want from a stablecoin issuer. Sponsors: Uniswap Mantle Hosts: Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Austin Campbell, NYU Stern professor and founder and managing partner of Zero Knowledge Consulting Christopher Perkins, Managing Partner and President of CoinFund Guest: Alex Kruger, founder of Asgard   Timestamps: