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Nigeria's Securities and Exchange Commission is spearheading efforts to create a more transparent, welcoming investment environment. We talk to 'Timi Agama, Director General of the SEC and one of the key architects of Nigeria's new Investments and Securities Act, about building investor confidence in Nigeria's markets, and potentially unleashing a flood of domestic and international capital.We also discuss the leading global role Nigeria hopes to play in the future of digital assets.
In this episode of the Power of Zero Show, host David McKnight addresses the claim that sees Paul Atkins owning 54 life insurance policies for an astounding 10% of his $327 million net worth. Someone may ask themselves why someone with such a massive net worth would own so many life insurance policies…and even why someone who has equity in Chinese tech giant Alibaba, holdings in cryptocurrency, and stakes in venture capital firms would also want their wealth growing in cash value life insurance policies. Looking at Atkins, who's President Trump's nominee to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission, can help understand how the ultra-wealthy view taxes and wealth accumulation. One possibility could be that Paul Atkins may have exhausted all of the usual sources of tax-deferred and tax-free growth available to him through government-sponsored retirement plans. Something worth remembering: Cash Value Life Insurance policies don't have any income threshold, and they have no contribution limits at all. A second potential scenario that has led Atkins to have over 50 life insurance policies is that he might be looking for a way to diversify his holdings. David points out to the fact that owning shares in single stocks like Alibaba – like Atkins does – can be a fairly risky proposition. Cash value and life insurance policies like whole life or IULs, on the other hand, aren't exposed to market risk. There's yet another possibility: Atkins may not be the insured on all the policies. According to the ethics filings, the cash value of the policies in question ranges from as low as $1,000 to well over $1 million. For some experts, that may be a sign that Atkins is investing in life settlements. The final potential scenario is the one in which Atkins owns all the policies for the purpose of estate planning. David points out that there are many more efficient ways to purchase life insurance policies than buying 54 separate contracts David shares that he understands the concept of wanting to spread your risk out among multiple carriers, but feels that doing so through the purchase of 54 different policies is a bit extreme. David points out that diversifying away from the stock market with some of your portfolio is, typically, a good idea. Want safe and productive growth without the risks associated with traditional bond allocations? Look at cash value life insurance policies, says David. Remember: cash value life insurance can also be beneficial because many carriers allow you to receive your death benefit in advance of your death. While it's true that cash value life insurance isn't for everyone, Paul Atkins ethics disclosure shows that it can play a critical role in someone's long-term wealth-building strategy. Mentioned in this episode: David's national bestselling book: The Guru Gap: How America's Financial Gurus Are Leading You Astray, and How to Get Back on Track DavidMcKnight.com DavidMcKnightBooks.com PowerOfZero.com (free video series) @mcknightandco on Twitter @davidcmcknight on Instagram David McKnight on YouTube Get David's Tax-free Tool Kit at taxfreetoolkit.com Paul Atkins Alibaba
This week we talk about kidnappings, ransoms, and bitcoin.We also discuss crypto wealth, robberies, and memecoins.Recommended Book: The Status Game by Will StorrTranscriptIn 2008, a white paper published by someone writing under the pen name Satoshi Nakamoto proposed a method for making a decentralized asset class called a cryptocurrency that led to the creation of bitcoin, which was implemented and began trading in 2009.While there were other variations on this theme, and attempts to create something like a cryptocurrency previously, bitcoin is generally considered to be the first modern incarnation of this asset class, and its approach—using a peer-to-peer network to keep track of who owns what tokens on a publicly distributed ledger called a blockchain—led to the development of many copycats, and many next-generation cryptoassets based on similar principles, or principles that have been iterated in all sorts of directions, based on the preferences and beliefs of those assets' founders.In its early days, bitcoin didn't make much of a splash and was considered to be kind of an anomaly, mostly interesting to a very small number of people who speculated about alternative currencies and how they might be developed and implemented in the real world, but as of mid-May 2025, the global market cap for all cryptocurrencies is $3.39 trillion, bitcoin accounting for more than $2 trillion of that total.That said, there are tens of thousands of cryptocurrencies available, these days, though the majority of them have been formally discontinued or simply allowed to go fallow, becoming functionally inactive.That's partly the consequence of a surge in interest during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the price of bitcoin popping from just over $5,000 at the start of the pandemic to around $68,000 in late-2021.Bitcoin and most of the other crypto-assets that sprung up during that tumultuous period then collapsed when the US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates, intending to temper inflation, which had the knock-on effect of reining in risky bets on things like seed-level startups and alternative assets classes, like crypto—bitcoin dropped to less than $17,000 in 2023, partly as a result of that move—but as inflation levels cooled and investors started to look for assets that might pay out big time again, there was another wave of crypto-asset launches, especially of the ‘meme coin' variety, which basically means a crypto token that's launched either as a joke, or to try to make some money off something that's trending—the most famous meme coin is probably Dogecoin, which was originally released in 2013 as a joke, but then boomed in popularity and price during the pandemic.Through it all, and well before most people knew what bitcoin or cryptocurrencies were, Coinbase has served as a central pillar of the crypto-asset ecosystem.The company was founded in 2012 by a former Airbnb engineer as a crypto exchange: a place where you can swap crypto assets for other crypto assets, but importantly, where you can also sell those assets for real world money, or buy them for real world money.And that's what I want to talk about today, and more specifically a recent hack of Coinbase, and the potential implications of that hack.—In mid-May of 2025, Coinbase reported, in a legally required Securities and Exchange Commission filing, that their company was hacked, and that the hack may end up costing Coinbase between $180 and $400 million, all told.According to that filing, Coinbase received an email from the hacker on May 11, saying that they'd obtained a bunch of information about Coinbase customers and their accounts, alongside other Coinbase documentation related to their account management systems and customer service practices. The hacker demanded $20 million from the company, which the company refused to pay.Coinbase officials have been keen to note that passwords and private keys were not compromised in the hack, so the hackers couldn't just log into someone's account and empty their crypto wallets or the real-deal money they might be keeping there, but they did access names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, alongside the last four digits of some users' social security numbers, their government ID images, like drivers licenses and passports, and their account balances.All of which isn't as bad as passwords and private keys being stolen, but it's not good, either. The hackers, or people working with them, have reportedly been launching phishing attacks against some of the higher net-worth individuals whose information was stolen, those attacks—which usually involve tricking victims into divulging other information, like passwords—made a million times easier because the folks doing the attacks had that stolen information.What's more, and this isn't necessarily obvious from reading the pieces published about this hack, but it's important context surrounding all of this, people who have a lot of money in crypto-assets are increasingly likely to be targeted for other sorts of crimes, compared to people with a lot of wealth in conventional assets, like money, homes, and stocks.Case in point, in early May of this year, a trio of Florida teens kidnapped a man at gunpoint in Las Vegas, drove him to a remote desert area about an hour away, and then stole about $4 million in crypto and other digital assets, like NFTs.They apparently waited for him at his apartment complex and when he pulled up, they threatened him, and said they had his dad, and would kill him if he didn't get in their car, and then they got his account passwords and other information from him, once he was away from any possible help.In Canada, back in early November of 2024, the CEO of a crypto company based in Toronto was kidnapped during rushhour, forced into the kidnappers' vehicle and forced to pay a million dollars in ransom before he was released.According to a security firm that specializes in protecting wealthy people with crypto-assets, that CEO's kidnapping was the 171st instance of criminals using physical violence, including kidnapping, but also other types of robbery, to steal crypto assets; they also said there tend to be more such cases when the price of these assets is high.Well, the price of a bitcoin is high right now, more than $103,000 per coin, as of the day I'm recording this, and France and other Western European nations are seeing a spate of kidnappings of high net-worth crypto-holders, some of which have resulted in mutilation, as was the case with a 60-year-old man who was kidnapped in broad daylight, at 10:30am in Paris—four men in ski-masks pushed him into the back of a delivery van, and his kidnappers demanded his crypto-millionaire son pay a ransom; they cut off the older man's finger during the ordeal.The kidnappers demanded something like 5-7 million euros, which wasn't paid, and they were eventually captured by police. But law enforcement is seeing a lot of this sort of thing all over the world right now, people who made fortunes in crypto being kidnapped, and in some cases their friends and family, or partners, also being kidnapped, or kidnapped instead. Whatever the specifics, the person with the crypto-wealth is then hit up for a ransom.Often, the people being targeted are known to be wealthy because their wealth, their gains in this particular asset market, is publicized.The big concern amongst many people in the crypto-world right now, then, is that although the Coinbase hack didn't result in lost passwords or keys, the information that was stolen, including the balance of users' accounts, could make these users targets, giving anyone with access to this stolen data a list of people they might steal from, and information about where to find them, how to contact them, and how much they can probably hit them up for.On top of that, they can see who has had large balances in the past, how much cash they sold their holdings for, and who maybe previously had large holdings on Coinbase, but then transferred those assets to a private wallet—so even if they don't have large Coinbase balances, they possibly have large balances hidden on a harddrive somewhere.Crypto wealth is generally considered to be easier to steal, and to get away with said theft, because of its very nature; it's largely disconnected from traditional banking systems and many traditional banking regulations, and it's often simpler to launder crypto assets than real money, converting bitcoin into stable coins into other coins before then converting those assets into real money, for instance.So while Coinbase seems to be doing what they can to make their users whole, including paying back users whose information was lost in the breach, that information then used to phish them, successfully—so if you were conned out of money because the hackers got this information and then tricked you—Coinbase will pay you back what you lost.But it's not really possible to undo other, non-immediate damage, like the new level of threat some of these hacking victims maybe face, as the global economy gets weird, job security is iffy for many people in many industries, at best, and there's this list of people who seem to have plenty of money, that money held in more-stealable-than-usual assets, alongside what amounts to a map to where they can be found, and all sorts of information that paints an incomplete, but potentially leveragable, portrait of their lives.Show Noteshttps://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001679788/000167978825000094/coin-20250514.htmhttps://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/15/coinbase-says-hackers-bribed-staff-to-steal-customer-data-and-are-demanding-20-million-ransom.htmlhttps://techcrunch.com/2025/05/15/coinbase-says-customers-personal-information-stolen-in-data-breach/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/magazine/crybercrime-crypto-minecraft.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Hk8.UV7K.VEEqHFsUu24g&smid=url-sharehttps://www.yahoo.com/news/florida-teens-kidnap-las-vegas-200918594.htmlhttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/kidnapping-toronto-businessman-cryptocurrency-1.7376679https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/04/french-police-investigate-spate-of-cryptocurrency-millionaire-kidnappingshttps://www.advisor.ca/investments/market-insights/the-reasons-behind-bitcoins-surge/https://www.statista.com/statistics/863917/number-crypto-coins-tokens/https://www.forbes.com/digital-assets/crypto-prices/?sh=c86585d24785https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coinbasehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryptocurrencyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitcoinhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378437122005696https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme_coin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe
What's up Model FAs?! This week David interviews Ed Kuresman from Mai Capital Management about his career journey. Ed started in finance during the tech bubble, interned at Madison Financial Advisors, and grew the firm from $20 million to over $1 billion in assets. During this period Ed emphasized the importance of client referrals, a positive culture, and strategic partnerships. In 2024, Madison joined Mai, adding operational expertise and expanding to 33 people. During this episode, Ed highlighted the significance of long-term planning and the impact of Phil Knight's "Shoe Dog" on his approach to business. He also discussed handling market volatility by focusing on financial planning and client education. Connect with Ed: Email: ed.kuresman@mai.capital Website: https://mai.capital/team/edward-kuresman/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-kuresman-cfa-7646931/ About the Model FA Podcast The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. Did you like this conversation? Then leave us a rating and a review in whatever podcast player you use. We would love your feedback, and your ratings help us reach more advisors with ideas for growing their practices, attracting great clients, and achieving a better quality of life. While you are there, feel free to share your ideas about future podcast guests or topics you'd love to see covered. Our Team: President of Model FA, David DeCelle If you like this podcast, you will love our community! Join the Model FA Community on Facebook to connect with like-minded advisors and share the day-to-day challenges and wins of running a growing financial services firm. MAI compliance signed off on the recording, with one ask; in the podcast description can you include the following disclosure language: MAI Capital Management, LLC (“MAI”) is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The opinions and analyses expressed herein are subject to change at any time. Any suggestions contained herein are general, and do not take into account an individual's or entity's specific circumstances or applicable governing law, which may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and be subject to change. Distribution hereof does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, investment or other professional advice. Recipients should consult their professional advisors prior to acting on the information set forth herein.
Dan Busby, Chief Operating Officer, OCC leads a fireside chat with The Honorable Hester M. Peirce, Commissioner, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Repair shop owners today face a new kind of complexity: how to keep up with rapidly advancing vehicle technology without falling behind in training, tools, or talent.As modern vehicles become “computers on wheels,” the pressure to repair them properly is growing. Systems like ADAS and interconnected sensors demand up-to-date knowledge and precise calibration—raising the stakes for every technician in the bay.Join Matt Di Francesco and Pam Oakes, SME Auto technical app engineering consultant $ business intelligence, as they explore what it takes to stay ahead in a high-tech repair world—and why elevating the industry's image starts with investing in continuous learning.Matt and Pam also talk about:(02:23) The risks body shops face when repair protocols aren't followed(03:05) Why body shops should commit to training(05:24) The worst thing that a technician can ever experience(07:58) Why ASE Certification matters more than a recommendation(14:44) Why we won't see a fully autonomous car in the next 5 years(23:34) Why today's technicians are comparable to rocket scientists(24:12) How younger technicians bring fresh ideas to the shop(25:10) How can independent shops thrive in the future(27:46) An important reminder when searching for training onlineConnect With Pam OakesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamoakesase-eet/Website: https://www.autoINENG.ioEmail: autoINENG@gmail.comConnect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYoutube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:Pam Oakes is a Subject Matter Expert Consultant in Automotive App Engineering and Business Intelligence at autoINENG.io, where she helps drive innovation across the automotive industry. With decades of hands-on experience, Pam specializes in ADAS and HVAC systems and serves on the National Science Foundation's NCAT advisory committee as well as the SAE International Task Force.In addition to her consulting work, Pam is a developer designer at Automotive Aids, where she and her team hold two pending patents for OEM sensors and have created a nationally recognized invention that is now available in major retail outlets like Ace Hardware. Pam is passionate about equipping the automotive industry with cutting-edge solutions and sharing her expertise to elevate standards and practices across the field.Disclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC. Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Oral Arguments for the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States Securities and Exchange Commission v. Sripetch
Life when you're gone… an uncomfortable conversation most people prefer to avoid. Why isn't that a good idea? How can estate planning help you ensure that things are taken care of once you aren't around anymore? Listen to learn about big mistakes people make, the different elements that make up the estate plan puzzle, the three primary areas of cash flow, and the type of plan you should have in place. When it comes to end of life financial planning, many people tend to put it off because it's an uncomfortable conversation to have. Even though the process for end of life planning is relatively simple in nature, Brian recommends getting professional help to deal with the details, which can be complex. Despite every situation being different, there are several core aspects of estate planning that everyone should consider. The first has to do with title and legal work. Brian has noticed that many people have a complete misunderstanding of the role legal work plays within their planning. Then, there's life insurance. Many households rely on two incomes – or people – contributing to the family's ecosystem. Their contribution to the family must be replaced when they're gone, and that's where life insurance comes into play. Another important, but often overlooked, aspect to an estate plan is budgets and cash flow. Brian doesn't recommend planning in terms of weeks or months for it… rather, to plan in terms of years. “Your cash flow can be broken down into three primary areas,” says Brian. “Reoccurring obligations, irregular obligations, and savings.” Debts and investments are an additional area that makes up the estate plan puzzle. Brian stresses the importance of cash flow and shares a couple of examples that illustrate its key role. End of life planning is a difficult topic to address. Brian's suggestion is to take steps to protect your loved ones by creating a custom comprehensive plan with the help of professionals. After that, the next step is to communicate the plan with your partner and family members – then, enjoy the peace of mind that comes along with knowing you have done everything in your power to provide for your loved ones. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Estate Planning Checklist Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of future performance.
Hi, and welcome to The Long View. I'm Dan Lefkovitz, strategist for Morningstar Indexes. Our guest this week is Arunma Oteh, currently of the University of Oxford Saïd Business School. Arunma is a former treasurer of the World Bank and also served in various leadership roles in the African Development Bank. In 2010, she became Director General of Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission, and she led that apex regulator for several years following the global financial crisis. She writes about the experience in the recently published book All Hands on Deck: Unleash Prosperity Through World Class Capital Markets. Arunma is a graduate of the University of Nigeria, UNN Nsukka, and Harvard Business School.BackgroundBioAll Hands on Deck: Unleash Prosperity Through World Class Capital MarketsNigeria's “Iron Lady”“Nigeria's Iron Lady Takes on Fraudsters,” by Caroline Duffield, bbc.com, July 1, 2010.“Changing the World One Bond at a Time,” Rita Stankeviciute and Kathleen Manahan, worldbank.org, July 18, 2018.“Nigeria SEC Boss, Arunma Oteh, Fights Back,” YouTube video, March 15, 2012.OtherSecurities and Exchange Commission, NigeriaNigerian Exchange Group NGXFMDQ Group“A Tale of 2 Exchanges: As FMDQ Thrives NGX Plays Catch Up,” by Bala Augie, moneycentral.com, Oct. 2, 2021.
Oral Arguments for the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Doe v. United States Securities and Exchange Commission
With cryptocurrency's increasing popularity, it's crucial to be aware of the prevalence of crypto scams. Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that uses cryptography to secure transactions. However, the rise of crypto has also led to a surge in scams. It's important to stay alert to spot these scams and avoid falling victim to them. Links: Report any crypto scams you encounter to any or all of the agencies below: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ https://www.cftc.gov/complaint https://www.sec.gov/submit-tip-or-complaint/tips-complaints-resources/report-suspected-securities-fraud-or-wrongdoing https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Index Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast. One important thing to note about cryptocurrency is the U.S. government does not back it. If your crypto account gets hacked or the company that provides storage for your wallet goes out of business, your money is gone. The government has no obligation to step in and help you get your money back. In comparison, U.S. dollars deposited into an FDIC or NCUA-insured account are safe. Those coverages insure deposits up to $250,000 in the event of a financial institution failure. That said, it's important not to fall for a cryptocurrency scam. Here are some common scams and their warning signs. First, suppose someone you're considering doing business with only accepts cryptocurrency payments. That should be a red flag, especially if the company demands that you send the payment before receiving any product or service. A common crypto scam is an investment scam. If someone asks you to invest in a new crypto coin that guarantees quick and significant returns, it's most likely a scam. Crypto investment scams can come in many forms. A scammer might pose as an investment manager promising to make you rich if you buy cryptocurrency and transfer it to their account. They might even create a fake website to trick you further. It's also known that scammers have tried to impersonate celebrities, offering to multiply any cryptocurrency you send them. Scammers will also go on dating apps to find their targets. They might seem interested in you, but it's a red flag if they start talking about crypto and try to get you to invest with them. Rug pull scams are also very common with cryptocurrency. Rug pull scams are when investment scammers pump up a new NFT or coin to raise funds. Once they get the money that people invested, they disappear. The way these "investments" are coded prevents people from being able to sell or trade them, making them effectively worthless. Another crypto scam is when fraudsters impersonate a business or the government. They might say they're from Amazon, EZ-Pass, or even your financial institution and claim that there's fraud on your account or your money is at risk. They'll say that to fix the issue, you have to send them crypto. Don't click links or respond to their messages; it is a scam. One last crypto scam is blackmail. Scammers might contact you saying that they have compromising photos, videos, audio, or information about you. If you don't send them crypto, they'll send it all to your friends, family, place of work, and school. Don't do it and report it to the FBI immediately. If you encounter a crypto scam, there are a few things you should and shouldn't do. First of all, don't engage with the scammer. Many of these scams are mass messages that the scammer sends out and are not explicitly targeted at you. Responding to the scammer lets them know you exist and can be targeted for their scam. What you should do is ignore the message. You can also report the fraud to multiple places, including the Federal Trade Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internet Crime Complaint Center, and the cryptocurrency exchange company you encountered the scam on. Links to all of these resources will be available in the show notes. If there are any other tips or topics you'd like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Also, remember to like and follow our Making Money Personal Facebook and Instagram to share your thoughts. Finally, remember to look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union, on Facebook and LinkedIn. Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday. Check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.
In this episode, LYB Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Andrea Brown shares her perspective on the evolving sustainability landscape and how LYB is turning ambition into action with "Vision to value". With decades of global experience—from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development to the GHG Protocol—Andrea brings a rich perspective to this year's Sustainability Report and the theme “Vision to value.” Tune in as Andrea shares: Her global sustainability journey and leadership insights Why sustainability is mission-critical in today's regulatory and economic climate How turning vision into value is shaping the LYB company strategy and business outcomes Milestones from the past year—and what she's most proud of Real-world examples of sustainability driving commercial success Read the full LYB sustainability report on LYB.com and stay updated with all related news and future podcast episodes. Subscribe and don't miss an episode! Connect with us on social media: LinkedIn: LyondellBasell Facebook: LyondellBasell Instagram: LyondellBasell X: @LyondellBasell Forward-looking statements The statements in this podcast relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management of LYB, which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. When used in this podcast, the words “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. 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Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the Risk Factors section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which can be found at www.lyb.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov.There is no assurance that any of the actions, events, or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LYB at the time the statements are made. LYB does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change, except as required by law. This podcast contains time-sensitive information that is accurate only as of the date hereof. Information contained in this release is unaudited and is subject to change. We undertake no obligation to update the information presented herein, except as required by law. Our reported emissions and expected reductions are based on a combination of measured and estimated data and are based on industry standards and best practices, including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and guidance from the American Petroleum Institute. Emissions reported are estimates only, and data is subject to change as methods, data quality, and technology improvements occur. Our goals to reduce emissions are good-faith efforts based on current relevant data and methodology, which could be changed or refined as we evolve our approach to identifying, measuring, and addressing emissions.
Unusual Whales Pod Ep. 60: Tariff Developments and Potential Trade Deals sponsored by ETFsThis episode of the Unusual Whales Pod was recorded Live on March 26th, 2025. Nicholas is joined by the CIO of Tema ETFs Yuri Khodjamirian, sponsored by Tema ETFs who manages the American Reshoring ETF Trading Symbol: $RSHO. Along with Yuri and a panel of experts, Nicholas explores the topics of tariffs, reshoring, nearshoring, and the global macroeconomic implications amidst ongoing tariff uncertaintyPanel:Yuri Khodjamirian https://x.com/YuriKhodjamAdam Ozimek https://x.com/ModeledBehaviorMarko Bjegovic https://x.com/MBjegovicBen Golub https://x.com/ben_golubBrad Freeman https://x.com/StockMarketNerdHosted by: Nicholas FNS: https://twitter.com/NicholasFNSUnusual Whales: https://twitter.com/unusual_whalesThis Pod is not financial advice. Unusual Whales Inc. is not registered as a securities broker-dealer or an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) or any state securities regulatory authority. The stock market is risky, and any trade or investment is expected to have some, or total, loss. Please do research before any trade. Do not use this information for financial decisions or for investing. You should consult your legal or tax professional regarding your specific situation.Unusual Social Media:Discord: https://discord.com/invite/unusualwhalesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/unusualwhalesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusualwhales/Reddit: https://old.reddit.com/r/unusual_whales/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unusual_whalesTwitter: https://twitter.com/unusual_whalesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/unusualwhales/Merch: https://unusual-whales.creator-spring.com/
DIY exit planning is a path many independent collision shop owners take—especially when they're looking to sell to key employees or keep the transition “in-house.” But without the right structure and support, these plans often stall out or fall apart entirely, leaving owners frustrated and without the outcome they hoped for.In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco shares a real-life story of a shop owner who initially engaged with his process to sell the business to key employees—but ultimately decided to go it alone. Matt explains why these do-it-yourself exit plans rarely succeed and what shop owners overlook when they try to navigate the process without professional guidance.Join Matt as he unpacks why DIY strategies so often lead to disappointment, what a successful transition really takes, and how the right team can help you exit your business on your terms—with confidence and clarity.Matt also talks about:(01:22) The dangers of DIY Exit Planning(02:06) How a lack of expertise can lead to failure(02:40) How emotional involvement can lead to unrealistic expectations(04:34) Why a shop's revenue means nothing to your valuation(05:47) The importance of understanding your market(07.04) How shops are leaving money on the table without expert negotiation(07:56) Why having sufficient succession planning is critical(08:38) Why you can't set unrealistic time frames when it comes to exit planning(10:01) Why it's crucial to have a clear picture of the life you want post-exit(12:17) How working with a team that can guide your transition lead to successConnect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialDisclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategies discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC. Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
House Republicans are pushing a plan to dismantle the US audit board and send its watchdog duties to the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of a federal budget-cutting process. It's not the first GOP attempt to rein in the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, but this time it comes against the backdrop of the Trump administration's sweeping drive to cut regulations and downsize government. Congress set up the board in the early 2000s to restore investor trust following high-profile corporate accounting scandals at Enron Corp. and WorldCom Inc. The move to eliminate PCAOB threatens to derail independent oversight of auditors charged with vetting the financial reports of public companies worth trillions in stock value, according to Bloomberg Tax senior reporter Amanda Iacone. On this episode of Talking Tax, Iacone speaks with Benjamin Freed, Bloomberg Tax team lead for state tax and financial accounting, about why the PCAOB is being targeted now, previous attempts to curb its influence, and what a potential disbanding could mean for audit firms. Do you have feedback on this episode of Talking Tax? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.
In this video, we perform a stock analysis on 10 of the top stocks that may be best to buy now in 2025. The super investors featured include Warren Buffett, Michael Burry, Chris Davis, and David Tepper. Their stocks? Ulta Beauty (ULTA), Veeva Systems (VEEV), Copart (CPRT), Atlassian (TEAM), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Lam Research (LCRX), Applied Materials (AMAT), Alibaba (BABA), Salesforce (CRM), and Home Depot (HD). Want to support Global Value? https://www.interactivebrokers.com/mkt/?src=gvp1&url=%2Fen%2Fwhyib%2Foverview.phphttps://www.patreon.com/GlobalValueAre these the best growth stocks to buy now? Do "super investors" know something we don't? Find out in the video above!Thank you for watching. ❤️ Please support the channel by checking out our affiliates. All commissions are reinvested to improve the quality of videos!- TIKR is the website I use for financial data in my videos. Join me and 250,000+ investors worldwide by using TIKR in your investment analysis. Referral link - https://www.tikr.com/globalvalue- Check out Seeking Alpha Premium and score an exclusive 20% off plus a free 7 day trial! Affiliate link - https://www.sahg6dtr.com/H4BHRJ/R74QP/- Try Sharesight https://www.sharesight.com/globalvalue (remember you get 4 months free if you sign up for an annual subscription!)#growthstocks #superinvestors #growthstocks2025 #stockmarket2025 #stocks2025 #stockmarket #stocks #investing #valueinvesting #investor #invest #finance #valueinvestor #stockanalysis #fundamentalstockanalysis #topstocks2025 #beststocks2025 #beststockstobuynow #growthstockstobuy #topgrowthstockstobuynow
Emergencies and retirement. This is what we're taught to save for. But what if you created a different system, which allowed you to pay for the expenses you will incur between now and retirement age – without losing the ability to build wealth? Find out why you may need to rethink your financial planning approach and what you should do about the “Missing Middle.” According to popular opinion, sound financial planning advice typically consists of two main steps: saving for emergencies and saving for retirement. Brian found this to be slightly misleading because of the phenomenon he refers to as “The Missing Middle.” Think about how life generally goes: there are car payments, furniture, credit cards, tuition… you also have money going into an account that you can't touch until you're 60 and then, before you know it, you have thousands of dollars of debt. And that's by following general advice. However, opting for a less traditional and more customized approach allows you to pay for the expenses you incur between now and retirement – the middle of your life, without entirely losing the ability to build wealth. Brian believes that the real benchmark you're going to use should be based on your personal needs, goals, and financial situation. When there are big expenses people don't account for in their regular cash flow, one of two things happens. People either continually deplete savings in order to pay for the things in cash (constantly funneling money back into their bank account to replenish the emergency fund). Alternatively, they finance everything with bank loans and credit cards. Neither option leads to wealth being created. Brian is convinced that you should model your entire financial life around your actual life, instead of around arbitrary concepts or ideas that don't fit into the puzzle of what you're actually trying to create (Brian calls this Your Life Cycle Model). In the Life Cycle Model individuals allocate resources over their lifetime with the aim of avoiding sharp changes in their standard of living, while avoiding debt and simultaneously building wealth. Brian explains how using the so-called build banking instead of a traditional bank can help you leverage the Life Cycle Model (and why you shouldn't compare it to the stock market). People tend to separate their money into two buckets: saving and spending. Brian explains why that may not be the best of approaches – and what to do instead. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com BuildBanking.com How Long Will My Money Last in Retirement Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of future performance.
In this video, we perform a stock analysis on 10 of the best dividend stocks that may be best to buy now in 2025. Super investors like Ted Weschler from Berkshire Hathaway have even bought some of these stocks. What are they? Ethan Allen Interiors (ETD), Oxford Industries (OXM), Energizer Holdings (ENR), TFS Financial Corporation (TFSL), Vail Resorts (MTN), Dillard's (DDS), Open Text (OTEX), Skyworks Solutions (SWKS), Best Buy (BBY), and Tyson Foods (TSN).Want to support Global Value? https://www.interactivebrokers.com/mkt/?src=gvp1&url=%2Fen%2Fwhyib%2Foverview.phphttps://www.patreon.com/GlobalValueAre these the best growth stocks to buy now? Do "super investors" know something we don't? Find out in the video above!Thank you for watching. ❤️ Please support the channel by checking out our affiliates. All commissions are reinvested to improve the quality of videos!- TIKR is the website I use for financial data in my videos. Join me and 250,000+ investors worldwide by using TIKR in your investment analysis. Referral link - https://www.tikr.com/globalvalue- Check out Seeking Alpha Premium and score an exclusive 20% off plus a free 7 day trial! Affiliate link - https://www.sahg6dtr.com/H4BHRJ/R74QP/- Try Sharesight https://www.sharesight.com/globalvalue (remember you get 4 months free if you sign up for an annual subscription!)#dividendstocks #dividends #superinvestors #dividendstocks2025 #stockmarket2025 #stocks2025 #stockmarket #stocks #investing #valueinvesting #investor #invest #finance #valueinvestor #stockanalysis #fundamentalstockanalysis #topstocks2025 #beststocks2025 #beststockstobuynow #dividendstockstobuy #topdividendstockstobuynow #bestdividendstocks
John Ruiz's company, MSP Recovery, has notified the Securities and Exchange Commission that has six months left before it shutters its doors. As Billy Corben loudly shouts "I TOLD YOU SO!" about the man and character that is John Ruiz...he brings on 1st Amendment lawyer Ari Cohn to double down on the fact that Billy told you so. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Click On Picture To See Larger Picture The detox is happening and consumer sentiment is falling, this will quickly change and you see consumer sentiment start to rise. China is panicking, they are feeling the weight of the tariffs. They will be ready to talk to Trump soon. Bitcoin has entered the economic picture in the US and around the world. The [DS] is trying to control the executive branch by using rogue Judges. Trump is showing the people the criminal syndicate system. Trump wants the people to demand change in the judiciary. Trump always gives the the [DS] players to do the right thing, if not then the military is the only way forward. Everything is being prepped to have trials, if the federal system is drained then the write of habeas corpus will be used because the courts are not functioning, many of the [DS] players will be designated enemy combatants. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1915467022374412498 23.2 points, or 31%. Current conditions fell 7.3 points, to 56.5, the lowest since June 2022 and the second-lowest in history. Consumer expectations fell 5.4 points, to 47.2, the second-lowest since May 1980. Consumer sentiment is at crisis levels. https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1915621260266029113 https://twitter.com/ImMeme0/status/1915437215498330283 https://twitter.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1915708640050217159 Federal Reserve withdraws restrictive crypto guidance for banks The U.S. Federal Reserve has pulled back on rules that previously made it harder for banks to work with cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. In a press release published by the agency on Apr. 24, the Federal Reserve said it will no longer require state member banks to give advance notice before launching or participating in crypto-related activities. Instead, these activities will now be reviewed under the usual bank supervision process. This move marks a shift from the Fed's earlier stance, which called for extra caution due to potential risks tied to digital assets. The Fed also canceled its 2023 guidance that limited how banks could engage with stablecoins, or “dollar tokens.” In addition, the Fed, alongside the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, withdrew from two joint statements made the same year. This policy change follows a wider shift in Washington. In January, the Securities and Exchange Commission rolled back a rule that had forced banks holding crypto to list it as a liability, easing pressure on institutions. The Fed's latest move comes as the Trump administration continues to position itself as pro-crypto. President Trump has publicly vowed to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet,” signaling that more regulatory changes could be on the way. Source: crypto.com Political/Rights https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1915647254519795869 President of this Century.” I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if it's possible for The Atlantic to be “truthful.” Are they capable of writing a fair story on “TRUMP”? The way I look at it, what can be so bad – I WON! https://twitter.com/BehizyTweets/status/1914484116957049108 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1915434008361787728 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1915528668866035926 https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/1915447959921070511 https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1915559976229052564 https://twitter.
Story of the Week (DR):CEOs to the rescue?Trio Of Top CEOs Warn Trump Tariffs Will Empty Store ShelvesDuring a private meeting in the Oval Office on Monday, the CEOs of Walmart, Target and Home Depot reportedly told the president that supply chains could freeze and prompt stores' shelves to go barren if he doesn't rein in his sharp tariff plans, and meddles with the Federal Reserve.Target CEO Brian Cornell (25%): Mr. The Gay Pride Display Is Too Expensive Because THere are Too Many Colors (719:1)Home Depot CEO Ted Decker (25%): Mr. Charlie Munger Would Hate Him because He Got a BA in English (443:1)Walmart CEO Doug McMillon 6%: (They should have sent a Walton family member) Mr. Racism Was Solved So It's Time to Move on from DEI (976:1)Elon Musk says he's stepping back from DOGEElon Musk was supposed to work in government as a special employee for 130 days. He just pledged to spend ‘a day or two' per week for the remainder of Trump's 4-year termAfter spending three months trying to radically reshape the federal government and its workforce, Elon Musk on Tuesday said he would soon be stepping back from the White House DOGE office."Starting next month, I will be allocating far more of my time to Tesla," Musk said during Tesla's earnings call, adding that "the major work of establishing the Department of Government Efficiency" was done.Tesla profit drops 71% as carmaker warns ‘political sentiment' could impact future demandBusiness Roundtable urges SEC to amend proxy-voting process MMThe Securities and Exchange Commission should reform the proxy-voting process by making it more difficult for certain shareholder proposals to make it onto company proxy ballots, according to an April 23 report from the Business Roundtable.“The current state of the proxy process is unsustainable,” the advocacy group comprising more than 200 CEOs said in its report. “Companies are being forced to divert significant resources and attention toward responding to a flood of ideology-driven shareholder proposals — resources that would be better spent driving long-term value creation. These escalating costs ultimately fall on shareholders, yet there is little evidence that such proposals yield meaningful economic benefits.”Median US CEO pay hits record $16.8 million on soaring stock awardsMedian pay among top U.S. CEOs rose 7.5% to a record $16.8 million for 2024, a new study found, as big stock grants boosted leaders' reported earnings well beyond the pay received by U.S. workers. Study looked at 320 companies in the S&P 500 with pay data filed so far this yearESG Pope has died: Pope Francis Pushed ESG. How the Church's Investments Did.The Vatican's investments are generating a profit, perhaps from a renewed focus—led by the late pontiff—on social values aligned with the Catholic Church. Francis died on Monday at age 88 after a long health crisis.Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Subaru Is Bringing Back Physical Knobs and Buttons in Its Cars MM DRDR: Twinkies' New Owner Courts a Novel Group of Snackers: StonersMM: Tesla whistleblower wins legal battle against Elon MuskAssholiest of the Week (MM):OpenAI DRWhen asked to generate assholes of the week, ChatGPT suggested as the FIRST ASSHOLE: OpenAI's “Safety Is Optional” StrategyLaunched GPT-4.1 with zero safety report—claiming it's not “frontier.”Updated its Preparedness Framework to say it might lower safety standards if rivals do.Former staff filed an amicus brief supporting Elon Musk's lawsuit, saying for-profit incentives undermine safety.Also stopped safety testing of fine-tuned models unless released openly.This is tech's version of “if the other kids jumped off a bridge...”In 2025… OpenAI updated its safety framework—but no longer sees mass manipulation and disinformation as a critical riskNot to be outdone by other college dropout middle school losers, OpenAI considering its own social network to compete with Elon Musk's XIt's not OpenAI, it's Sam Altman, college dropoutRemember when they had a board?Blaming ChinaElon Musk worries Chinese companies will fill out the world's top 10 robot makers—but claims Tesla is, and will stay, No. 1Google says DOJ's proposal for breakup would harm U.S. in 'global race with China'Trade war woes: Boeing stock sinks after China reportedly blocks plane deliveriesWispy stache middle school manflakes who are going to MAKE you like them, whether you want to or notDamion will rate whether these headlines make him finally like the techbro manflakes:Elon Musk Reportedly Sends DMs on Twitter Offering Women the Chance to Have His BabiesTesla really wants the Cybertruck to be a working man's truckElon 'rattled' as he's brutally trolled in gaming livestream from private jetHuge Number of People Who Used to Like Elon Musk Now Detest Him, Polling ShowsSomeone Is Hacking Crosswalk Buttons to Speak in the Voice of Elon Musk Lamenting the Terrible Sadness in His LifeMeta co-sponsors White House Easter Egg Roll amid blockbuster antitrust trialTrump lashes out at British hedge fund for betting against Truth SocialTrump Media wants the SEC to investigate a hedge fund that has a $105 million short on the companyJokes on you, LuigiUnitedHealth stock craters as CEO calls disappointing results 'unusual and unacceptable' (he blamed the Biden administration)UnitedHealth CEO's pay jumps 12% to $26.3M as company revenue hits record $400BUnitedHealth spent $1.7 million on executive securityRewriting historyI literally hate this: How Did Elon Musk Make His Money?“Many people would have simply taken this larger-than-life fortune and retired, but not Musk. Instead, he invested $100 million to start SpaceX, $70 million to found Tesla and $10 million in SolarCity.”HE DID NOT FOUND ITTesla was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc TarpenningThey built the first roadster and got fundedMusk INVESTED in Tesla in the Series A and became chair of the boardMusk didn't actually run the company - until he appointed himself CEO in 2007, four years after he initially invested and after he raised a lot of money for themMusk kicked out the actual founderEberhard actually SUED Musk because Musk refused, like a big fucking diaper baby, to acknowledge that Eberhard founded the companyEberhard actually built the first mobile charging devices for Teslas, tooThat's how he works - Musk raises money from friends and lies about what he actually does - he's a big fat fraud, just like with video gamesHeadliniest of the WeekDR: Priscilla Chan's tuition-free school that championed DEI is closing after 10 yearsIn a statement on its website, the Primary School didn't indicate why it was closing its East Bay and East Palo Alto locations at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year and said only that it was a "very difficult decision" that came "after much deliberation."DR: Ralph Lauren's CEO says sometimes employees need to be ‘hit by a 2×4 across the forehead' to get important feedback to sink in: Patrice Louvet DR MMMM: Facebook Pushes Its Llama 4 AI Model to the Right, Wants to Present “Both Sides”Isn't this just saying “we wish the people we stole from to make the model were more conservative, so we'll just make it more that way”? Like, Zuck just doesn't like actual people?MM: Zuckerberg Encourages Theatergoers to Use Their Phones While Movie Is PlayingWho Won the Week?DR: Stoners: 4/20, Twinkies, and physical nobs in SubarusMM: Hall monitors - Roblox CEO says he wants to protect your kids — but you're going to need to pitch in, too.PredictionsDR: Business Roundtable urges SEC to adopt annual meeting rule requiring investors to memorize a unique 40-digit PIN that gains them entry into the meeting roomMM: Meta's oversight board rebukes company over policy overhaul - Meta said it will respond to oversight board's distress about community notes and policy shifts in 60 days. The prediction: Meta's response will be to shut down the oversight board. OVERSIGHT IS SO 2019.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is understaffed. Why is Wall street's Watchdog losing its bite? Apple is making a pivot toward India. How is Apple changing its manufacturing plans? Finally, companies are shutting down their earnings guidance. What is causing uncertainty for corporate America?
【欢迎订阅】 每天早上5:30,准时更新。 【阅读原文】 标题:Tesla's Remarkably Bad Quarter Is Even Worse Than It Looks 副标题:Reality is catching up with Elon Musk. 正文:It's a rare thing to shoot yourself in the foot and win a marathon. For years, Elon Musk has managed to do something like that with Tesla, achieving monumental success in spite of a series of self-inflicted disasters. There was the time he heavily promoted the company's automated factory, only to later admit that its “crazy, complex network of conveyor belts” had thrown production of the Model 3 off track; and the time a tweet led him to be sued for fraud by the Securities and Exchange Commission; and the time he said that the Tesla team had “dug our own grave” with the massively delayed and overhyped Cybertruck. Tesla is nonetheless the most valuable car company in the world by a wide margin. 知识点:shoot oneself in the foot to do something that unintentionally harms oneself. 搬起石头砸自己的脚 e.g. By refusing to compromise, he shot himself in the foot and lost the deal. 他因拒绝妥协而自毁前程,失去了这笔交易。 获取外刊的完整原文以及精讲笔记,请关注微信公众号「早安英文」,回复“外刊”即可。更多有意思的英语干货等着你! 【节目介绍】 《早安英文-每日外刊精读》,带你精读最新外刊,了解国际最热事件:分析语法结构,拆解长难句,最接地气的翻译,还有重点词汇讲解。 所有选题均来自于《经济学人》《纽约时报》《华尔街日报》《华盛顿邮报》《大西洋月刊》《科学杂志》《国家地理》等国际一线外刊。 【适合谁听】 1、关注时事热点新闻,想要学习最新最潮流英文表达的英文学习者 2、任何想通过地道英文提高听、说、读、写能力的英文学习者 3、想快速掌握表达,有出国学习和旅游计划的英语爱好者 4、参加各类英语考试的应试者(如大学英语四六级、托福雅思、考研等) 【你将获得】 1、超过1000篇外刊精读课程,拓展丰富语言表达和文化背景 2、逐词、逐句精确讲解,系统掌握英语词汇、听力、阅读和语法 3、每期内附学习笔记,包含全文注释、长难句解析、疑难语法点等,帮助扫除阅读障碍。
In this video, we'll look at 12 of the best stocks in Europe to consider in 2025. These stocks earn the most money of any companies in Europe.Want to support Global Value? https://www.interactivebrokers.com/mkt/?src=gvp1&url=%2Fen%2Fwhyib%2Foverview.phphttps://www.patreon.com/GlobalValueWe'll also try to figure out what a reasonable fair intrinsic value is for each European stock. And try to answer are these European stocks the best stocks to consider as buys at the current price? Find out in the video above!Thank you for watching. ❤️ Please support the channel by checking out our affiliates. All commissions are reinvested to improve the quality of videos!- TIKR is the website I use for financial data in my videos. Join me and 250,000+ investors worldwide by using TIKR in your investment analysis. Referral link - https://www.tikr.com/globalvalue- Check out Seeking Alpha Premium and score an exclusive 20% off plus a free 7 day trial! Affiliate link - https://www.sahg6dtr.com/H4BHRJ/R74QP/- Try Sharesight https://www.sharesight.com/globalvalue (remember you get 4 months free if you sign up for an annual subscription!)- Discover investing resources by shopping at my Amazon storefront! Affiliate link - https://www.amazon.com/shop/globalvalue#Europeanstocks #Europestocks #Europestockmarket #Europeanstocks2025 #stockmarket #stocks #investing #valueinvesting #investor #invest #finance #valueinvestor #stockanalysis #fundamentalstockanalysis #stocks2025 #beststocks2025 #beststockstobuynow
Tech Bro NonsenseFormer Google CEO Tells Congress That 99 Percent of All Electricity Will Be Used to Power Superintelligent AIbillionaire tech tycoon and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt comments to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce: "What we need from you is we need the energy in all forms, renewable, non-renewable, whatever. It needs to be there, and it needs to be there quickly.""Many people project demand for our industry will go from 3 percent to 99 percent of total generation... an additional 29 gigawatts by 2027 and 67 more gigawatts by 2030. If [China] comes to superintelligence first, it changes the dynamic of power globally, in ways that we have no way of understanding or predicting.”Meta Says It's Okay to Feed Copyrighted Books Into Its AI Model Because They Have No "Economic Value"In the ongoing suit Richard Kadrey et al v. Meta Platforms, led by a group of authors including Pulitzer Prize winner Andrew Sean Greer and National Book Award winner Ta-Nehisi Coates, the Mark Zuckerberg-led company has argued that its alleged scraping of over seven million books from the pirated library LibGen constituted "fair use" of the material, and was therefore not illegal.Meta's attorneys are also arguing that the countless books that the company used to train its multibillion-dollar language models and springboard itself into the headspinningly buzzy AI race are actually worthless. Meta cited an expert witness who downplayed the books' individual importance, averring that a single book adjusted its LLM's performance "by less than 0.06 percent on industry standard benchmarks, a meaningless change no different from noise." Thus there's no market in paying authors to use their copyrighted works, Meta says, because "for there to be a market, there must be something of value to exchange," as quoted by Vanity Fair — "but none of [the authors'] works has economic value, individually, as training data." Other communications showed that Meta employees stripped the copyright pages from the downloaded books.Tellingly, the unofficial policy seems to be to not speak about it at all: "In no case would we disclose publicly that we had trained on LibGen, however there is practical risk external parties could deduce our use of this dataset," an internal Meta slide deck read. The deck noted that "if there is media coverage suggesting we have used a dataset we know to be pirated, such as LibGen, this may undermine our negotiating position with regulators on these issues."Lauren Sánchez in Space Was Marie Antoinette in a Penis-Shaped RocketKaty Perry Boasts About Ridiculous Rocket Launch While NASA Is Scrubbing History of Women in Space“It's about a collective energy and making space for future women. It's about this wonderful world that we see right out there and appreciating it. This is all for the benefit of Earth.”Last month, the Orlando Sentinel first reported, NASA scrubbed language from a webpage about the agency's Artemis missions declaring that a goal of the mission was to put the first woman and first person of color on the Moon; just a few days later, NASA Watch reported that comic books imagining the first woman on the Moon had been deleted from NASA's website.A webpage for "Women at NASA" is still standing, but pictures of women and people of color — astronauts, engineers, scientists — have reportedly been removed from NASA's real-world hallways amid the so-called "DEI" purge. Per Scientific American, the word "inclusion" has been removed as one of NASA's core pillars. And as 404 Media reported in February, NASA personnel were directed to remove mentions of women in leadership positions from its website.OpenAI NonsenseOpenAI Is Secretly Building a Social NetworkOpenAI has been secretly building its own social media platform, which The Verge reports is intended to resemble X-formerly-Twitter — the social media middleweight owned by CEO Sam Altman's arch-nemesis, Elon MuskOpenAI updated its safety framework—but no longer sees mass manipulation and disinformation as a critical riskOpenAI said it will stop assessing its AI models prior to releasing them for the risk that they could persuade or manipulate people, possibly helping to swing elections or create highly effective propaganda campaigns.The company said it would now address those risks through its terms of service, restricting the use of its AI models in political campaigns and lobbying, and monitoring how people are using the models once they are released for signs of violations.OpenAI also said it would consider releasing AI models that it judged to be “high risk” as long as it has taken appropriate steps to reduce those dangers—and would even consider releasing a model that presented what it called “critical risk” if a rival AI lab had already released a similar model. Previously, OpenAI had said it would not release any AI model that presented more than a “medium risk.”Saying 'please' and 'thank you' to ChatGPT costs OpenAI millions, Sam Altman saysBeing nice to your AI chatbot requires computational power that raises electricity and water costsAltman responded to a user on X (formerly Twitter) who asked how much the company has lost in electricity costs from people being polite to their models: “Tens of millions of dollars well spent — you never know,” the CEO wrote.AI models rely heavily on energy stored in global data centers — which already accounts for about 2% of the global electricity consumption. Polite responses also add to OpenAI's water bill. AI uses water to cool the servers that generate the data. A study from the University of California, Riverside, said that using GPT-4 to generate 100 words consumes up to three bottles of water — and even a three-word response such as “You are welcome” uses about 1.5 ounces of water.Antitrust NonsenseTrump DOJ's plan to restructure Google hurts consumers, national security, says exec: 'Wildly overbroad'Kent Walker, Google's president of global affairs: "We're very concerned about DOJ's proposal. We think it would hurt American consumers, our economy, our tech leadership, even national security. The proposed reform from DOJ "would result in unprecedented government overreach that would harm American consumers, developers, and small businesses — and jeopardize America's global economic and technological leadership at precisely the moment it's needed most."8 revelations from Mark Zuckerberg's 3 days on the witness stand in Meta's antitrust trialThe FTC alleges Meta "helped cement" its illegal monopoly in the social media market with its acquisition of Instagram and the messaging app WhatsApp more than a decade ago.8 revelations:Antitrust worries surfaced years agoTwo years before the FTC initially sued Meta over allegations that it violated US competition laws, Zuckerberg considered breaking Instagram out into its own company to avoid potential antitrust scrutiny, according to a 2018 internal email revealed by the government at trial."I wonder if we should consider the extreme step of spinning Instagram out as a separate company," Zuckerberg wrote in the email to company executives. "As calls to break up the big tech companies grow, there is a non-trivial chance that we will be forced to spin out Instagram and perhaps WhatsApp in the next 5-10 years anyway." If a break up were to happen, Zuckerberg wrote, history showed that companies could end up better off.Asked about this view at trial, Zuckerberg said, "I'm not sure exactly what I had in mind then."A 'crazy idea' to boost Facebook's relevanceZuckerberg's "crazy idea" for Facebook in 2022 involved purging all users' friends. The CEO — fearful that Facebook was losing cultural relevance — made the proposal in a 2022 email to the social network's top brass."Option 1. Double down on Friending," Zuckerberg wrote in the message. "One potentially crazy idea is to consider wiping everyone's graphs and having them start again."Sheryl Sandberg wanted to play Settlers of CatanZuckerberg once offered to give Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Meta, a tutorial in the board game Settlers of Catan.The lesson offer came up in 2012 messages in which the two discussed the fresh $1 billion purchase of Instagram, partially redacted missives presented by the FTC during Zuckerberg's testimony showed."We would love it. I want to learn Settlers of Catan too so we can play," Sandberg told Zuckerberg in the message. He responded: "I can definitely teach you Settlers of Catan. It's very easy to learn."Meta's rivalry with TikTok has only just begunDuring his testimony, Zuckerberg hammered home Meta's argument that the tech giant faces massive competition from other apps, especially TikTok."TikTok is still bigger than either Facebook or Instagram," Zuckerberg testified. "I don't like it when our competitors do better than us. You can sort of bet that I'm not going to rest until we are doing quite a bit better than we are doing now.”Facebook Camera app struggles were a source of worryInstagram's early rise shook Zuckerberg. As his company struggled to mount its response with the Facebook Camera app, the CEO began to lose his patience."What is going on with our photos team?" Zuckerberg wrote in a 2011 message to top executives, as revealed by the FTC in court. Zuckerberg then described a number of individuals, whose names were redacted, as being "checked out." He added another person didn't want "to work with this team because he thinks this team sucks."In May 2012, Facebook launched a photo-sharing app called Facebook Camera, which aims to make it simpler for the social network's users to upload and browse photos on smartphones. Only weeks after Facebook spent $1 billion on a similar photo-sharing app called Instagram. Zuckerberg tried to buy Snapchat for $6 billionZuckerberg's failed bid to buy Snapchat was highlighted by the government to bolster its argument that Meta sought to maintain its dominance in the social media market through acquisitions rather than competition.Facebook isn't really for friends anymoreWhile under questioning by the FTC, Zuckerberg said that Facebook had greatly evolved since he launched the platform more than 20 years ago and that its main purpose wasn't really to connect with friends anymore.The FTC argues that Meta monopolizes the market for "personal social networking services.""The friend part has gone down quite a bit," Zuckerberg testified. He said the Facebook feed has "turned into more of a broad discovery and entertainment space."Not impressed by WhatsApp cofounderZuckerberg wasn't too impressed with one of WhatsApp's cofounders after a 2012 meeting he had with company leadership."I found him fairly impressive although disappointingly (or maybe positive for us) unambitious," Zuckerberg wrote in an email to colleagues after the meeting, it was revealed at trial.Jan Koum and Brian Acton cofounded WhatsApp in 2009. Zuckerberg said in his testimony that he thinks he was referring to Koum. Asked about his email, Zuckerberg seemed uneasy. He said that Koum was clearly smart but that he and Acton were staunchly opposed to growing their messaging app enough to be a real threat to Facebook. Zuckerberg would go on to buy WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion.Mark Zuckerberg's Meta Platforms adds former Trump advisor to the board days before an antitrust showdown with the FTCMeta Platforms is further boosting its lineup of heavy hitters with the additions of Stripe CEO Patrick Collison and Dina Powell McCormick to the mix. Powell McCormick was the former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump during his first term. Married to Republican Senator Dave McCormick, former CEO of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world's largest hedge fundsStakeholder/shareholder activism NonsenseBP suffers investor rebellion at first AGM since climate strategy U-turnBP suffered an investor rebellion on Thursday after facing shareholders for the first time since abandoning its climate strategy at a meeting marred by protest.About a quarter of shareholders (24.3%) voted against the chair, Helge Lund, which marked the first time in at least a decade that more than 10% of BP's shareholders voted against the re-election of the chair.The outgoing chair told shareholders that the company had “pursued too much while looking to build new low-carbon businesses” but that “lessons have been learned”.BP's CEO Murray Auchincloss (2.7% against), repeated his previous claim that BP's optimism in the global green energy transition was “misplaced”, and that the board's “one simple goal” was to “grow the long-term value of your investment”.Mark Van Baal, the founder of the green activist investor group Follow This, said shareholders had “made it clear that weakening climate commitments is unacceptable”. He added: “This historical result serves as a wake-up call to BP's board and emphasises investor expectation for robust governance mechanisms and genuine leadership on ESG issues.”Starbucks CEO faces major backlash after details of his work routine are revealed: 'Ill-conceived decision'A press release from the National Center for Public Policy Research reported on the hypocrisy of Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's transportation practices when considering the company's public commitment to eco-friendly practices.Niccol travels regularly from his home in Newport Beach, California, to Starbucks' headquarters in Seattle, Washington, via private jet. Each 2,000-mile round-trip commute releases nearly nine tons of carbon dioxide.The National Center for Public Policy Research's Free Enterprise Project's director Stefan Padfield pointed out the discrepancy of policy and practice during his presentation of Proposal 8 requesting an annual report on emissions congruency. He noted that each round trip made by Niccol "is roughly the annual energy-consumption footprint of the typical American household."This analogy paints a vivid picture of the hypocrisy between Starbucks' public environmental commitments and the practices of the CEO. Gaps are apparent. Target CEO Cornell meets with Sharpton to discuss DEI rollback as civil rights leader considers boycottCEO Brian Cornell met with the Rev. Al Sharpton in New York on Thursday as the retailer faces calls for a boycott and a slowdown in foot traffic that began after it walked back key diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the civil rights leader told CNBC Wednesday.The meeting, which Target asked for, comes after some civil rights groups urged consumers not to shop at Target in response to the retailer's decision to cut back on DEI. While Sharpton has not yet called for a boycott of Target, he has supported efforts from others to stop shopping at the retailer's stores.“You can't have an election come and all of a sudden, change your old positions,” Sharpton told CNBC in a Wednesday interview ahead of the meeting. “If an election determines your commitment to fairness then fine, you have a right to withdraw from us, but then we have a right to withdraw from you.”IBM Informs Staff of DEI Retreat as Trump-Era Scrutiny GrowsEmployees were told of the changes earlier this week, in a memo that cited “inherent tensions in practicing inclusion.” Legal considerations and shifting attitudes to DEI were among the factors for the company. IBM CEO Arvind Krishna discussed the changes in his monthly video update to employees Thursday.Anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck said he first contacted the company in February to question its policies. IBM confirmed it discussed its changes with Starbuck.The company (-10% gender influence gap) also disbanded a diversity council that represents the views of employee groups as part of its reevaluation.Exxon Faces No Shareholder Proposals for First Time in 25 YearsThe absence of requests in Exxon's proxy statement comes a year after the company sued two climate-focused investors to remove what it described as their “extreme agenda.” It also tracks with the US Securities and Exchange Commission's decision to back guidelines that make it easier for corporations to block votes on shareholder resolutions at their annual meetings.Exxon said in a statement late Monday that it received only one proposal this year and the SEC agreed it should be discarded because “it tried to micromanage the company.”Occidental Petroleum Corp., Valero Energy Corp. and Dow Inc. are other companies with no shareholder proposals up for vote at this year's annual meetings.Exxon said this year marks “the first time in recent history that our proxy includes zero proposals from activists.” It was just four years ago that a small fund scored a victory over Exxon, placing three directors on the company's board.Climate activist shareholder group Follow This pauses big oil campaignClimate activist shareholder group Follow This said on Thursday a lack of investor appetite has forced it to suspend its nearly decade-long campaign seeking stronger commitments from major oil and gas producers to emission cutsHarley-Davidson slams activist investor, saying its campaign is messing up its CEO searchIn early April, H Partners' Jared Dourdeville, who had been a Harley director since 2022, abruptly resigned from the board, saying among other things that Harley had “cultural depletion” because of its work-from-home policies and the exit of several senior leaders. And that was not his only point of contention with the rest of the board.Investment firm H Partners, a major investor with 9.1% of Harley's shares, in an open letter filed on Wednesday, urged fellow shareholders to remove three longtime directors from Harley's eight-member board at its annual meeting in mid-May by withholding votes for them. H Partners said the board had not held Harley CEO Jochen Zeitz accountable for what it called his repeated “strategic execution failures” and “severe underperformance.”CEO/Chair Zeitz (2007, 30%)Lead DIrector Norman Thomas Linebarger (2008, 13%)Sara Levinson (1996, 20%)"We believe Mr. Zeitz, Mr. Linebarger, and Ms. Levinson should be held accountable for the destruction of shareholder value,"Harley's bylaws stipulate that directors who win less than 50% of votes in an election must tender their resignations.Harley announced last week that Zeitz, CEO since 2020 and board member for 18 years, would resign but stay in his role until a successor is found. H Partners wants him out now.That followed a letter issued a day earlier by Harley-Davidson, which accused H Partners of “publicly campaigning” against it and saying that those efforts are also “adversely impacting the CEO search process and ongoing execution of the Hardwire strategic plan,” referring to a turnaround plan it launched in 2021.Harley said that it began a CEO search late last year after Zeitz expressed interest in retiring and has interviewed three potential CEOs, including one supported by Dourdeville, but declined to offer any the job. The company has also said that Dourdeville had cast only one vote against the majority during his time as a director and that as recently as November 2024 he had expressed support for Zeitz.Harley-Davidson faces board fight from H Partners amid calls for CEO to exit soon
Dave & Buster's (NASDAQ: PLAY) has been beat up, ignored, and traded like it's one bad quarter away from Game Over. But is that fair? In this episode, I dig into the business model, financials, recent management shake-ups, and the actual numbers that Wall Street seems to be missing.No hype, no fluff — just a straight-up analysis of whether PLAY is a misunderstood cash machine or a neon-lit money pit. We talk comps, cash flow, economics, and what the future could look like if they get their act together.Want to support Global Value? https://www.interactivebrokers.com/mkt/?src=gvp1&url=%2Fen%2Fwhyib%2Foverview.phphttps://www.patreon.com/GlobalValueThank you for watching. ❤️ Please support the channel by checking out our affiliates. All commissions are reinvested to improve the quality of videos!- TIKR is the website I use for financial data in my videos. Join me and 250,000+ investors worldwide by using TIKR in your investment analysis. Referral link - https://www.tikr.com/globalvalue- Check out Seeking Alpha Premium and score an exclusive 20% off plus a free 7 day trial! Affiliate link - https://www.sahg6dtr.com/H4BHRJ/R74QP/- Try Sharesight https://www.sharesight.com/globalvalue (remember you get 4 months free if you sign up for an annual subscription!)#superinvestors #superinvestorstocks #stockmarket2025 #stocks2025 #stockmarket #stocks #investing #valueinvesting #investor #invest #finance #valueinvestor #stockanalysis #fundamentalstockanalysis #topstocks2025 #beststocks2025 #beststockstobuynow #topstockstobuynow
Brian Skrobonja talks about the true meaning of purpose in retirement. He shares why aligning your financial strategy with your life's purpose is key to a fulfilling retirement and how purpose, not just money, impacts your longevity and satisfaction. Tune in to discover practical insights on creating a retirement plan that empowers you to live with confidence, clarity, and meaning. Brian starts by explaining why the modern approach to retirement is wrong. Retirement isn't about reaching a final stop. It's about transitioning—and if we don't plan that transition right, what starts as a dream can easily become a nightmare. Brian talks about the loss of purpose and explains how, for many, retirement isn't just about leaving a job; it's the loss of purpose, too. According to Brian, the big problem with most retirees is that they retire financially ready but emotionally unprepared. They focus on leaving the job behind but forget to plan for what's next. Brian shares an analogy: retirement is like halftime in a game. If you retire at 60 and live until 100, you're just getting to the halfway point. The first half of life is all about building your career. The second half is about finding purpose, making an impact, and creating a new legacy. However, this only works if you stop seeing retirement as an "escape" and start seeing it as a fresh start. The question to ask instead of “When can I retire?” Brian urges a mindset shift: instead of asking when you can retire, ask, what's in store for me in this next phase of life? How retirement without a purpose can lead to unexpected struggles. Brian reveals what happens when people retire without purpose. At first, it's all fun—sleeping in, golfing, traveling, but eventually, that excitement fades. The days blur together, and with them, the feeling of purpose begins to fade, too. Studies show that 28% of retirees experience depression, often due to this loss of direction. Brian explains why purpose isn't just good for your soul, it's the key to living longer. Brian stresses that your purpose needs financial backing. A strong purpose without funding is like a car without gas—it won't get you far. Brian explains that without clarity on what you want retirement to look like, all the money in the world will be useless. A fulfilling retirement is not just about the financials—it's about how your money can empower you to live a purposeful life. How to plan for retirement in a way that actually works. Brian reveals why traditional retirement planning falls short. It's not just about accumulating wealth for the future—it's about adjusting your mindset for the next phase of life. Brian highlights the biggest challenge many retirees face: moving from a growth-only mindset to an income-first approach. According to Brian, planning shouldn't begin with the numbers. It should begin with YOU—your values and your purpose. When your financial strategy aligns with your purpose, that's when you start creating the legacy you've always dreamed of. Brian on legacy: Stop stressing too much about the money you leave behind. Focus more on the lessons you teach, the values you model, and the inspiration you provide while you're still here. Brian explains that estate planning is important, but it's not enough. It secures your assets and legal wishes, but it doesn't pass on your values. It doesn't prepare your family emotionally or relationally for the responsibility they'll inherit. To create a lasting legacy, you need intentional generational planning. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com SkrobonjaFinancial.com SkrobonjaWealth.com BUILDbanking.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify References for this episode: https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/volunteering-may-reduce-odds-older-adult-depression#:~:text=Marked%20variation%20in%20the%20prevalence,43%20percent%20rate%20of%20decline https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6632139/#:~:text=Of%206985%20individuals%20included%20in,hazard https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-shook/2023/08/24/dont-risk-it-all-areas-of-focus-for-high-net-worth-families Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Our firm is not endorsed by or affiliated with any government agency.
Clean Wisconsin has been keeping track of the many attacks on bedrock environmental safeguards being carried out by the Trump Administration. Dozens of rules and regulations that protect our air, water, land, endangered species and more are being targeted. With so much happening in such a short time, how do you know what's important, what's just a lot of bluster, and what's even legal? Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Brett Korte, Clean Wisconsin attorney Resources for You: Running list of attacks on environmental safeguards 1/20 Freeze All In-Progress Standards EO - Freezes in-progress climate, clean air, clean water (including proposed limits on PFAS in industrial wastewater) and consumer protections. 1/20 Energy Emergency Declaration EO - Authorizes federal government to expedite permitting and approval of fossil fuel, infrastructure, and mining projects and circumvent Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act requirements. 1/20 Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement EO - Reverses the US' international commitment to tackling climate change and reducing pollution. 1/20 Revokes Biden Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice Executive Actions EO - Reverses U.S. commitment to fight climate change and its impacts, and protect overburdened communities. 1/20 Attacks on Clean Car Standards EO - to stop clean car standards that required automakers to reduce tailpipe pollution from vehicles beginning in 2027. 1/20 Resumes LNG Permitting EO - Expedites Liquid Natural Gas export terminal approval over analysis finding exports raise energy costs for consumers. Attacks Climate and Clean Energy Investments from IRA and BIL EO - Freezes unspent funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and directs agencies to reassess. 1/20 Attacks NEPA Protections EO - Rescinds order requiring White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to assess environmental and community impacts and allow community input into federal infrastructure projects. 1/21 Expands Offshore Oil Drilling EO - Reopens U.S. coastlines to offshore drilling. 1/21 Terminate American Climate Corps EO - Ends all programs of the American Climate Corps, which created thousands of jobs combatting climate change and protecting and restoring public lands. 1/21 Freezes New Wind Energy Leases EO - Withdraws wind energy leasing from U.S. waters and federal lands. 1/21 Open Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other Alaska Lands for Drilling EO - Reopens sensitive federal lands and waters in Alaska to drilling. 1/28 EPA's Science Advisory Panel Members Fired Memorandum - Acting EPA administrator James Payne dismisses members of the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and Science Advisory Board, which provides independent expertise to the agency on air quality standards and sources of air pollution. 1/28 EPA Suspends Solar For All Grants Memorandum - The EPA halted $7 billion in contractually obligated grants for Solar For All, an Inflation Reduction Act program that delivers clean energy and lower prices to vulnerable communities 1/31 Trump administration scrubs "climate change" from federal websites Memorandum - Mentions of climate change have been removed from federal websites such the Department of Agriculture, which includes the Forest Service and climate-smart agriculture programs, and the EPA. 2/3 Trump requires removal 10 existing rules for every new rule EO - The order requires that when an agency finalizes a new regulation or guidance they identify 10 existing rules to be cut. 2/3 Interior secretary weakens public lands protections in favor of fossil fuel development Sec Order - After Trump's "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, Interior Secretary Burgum ordered the reinstatement of fossil fuel leases, opened more land for drilling, and issued orders weakening protections of public lands, national monuments and endangered species, and overturned advanced clean energy and climate mitigation strategies. 2/5 Energy secretary announces review of appliance efficiency standards Sec Order - Energy Secretary Wright ordered a review of appliance standards following Trump's Day One order attacking rules improving the efficiency of household appliances such as toilets, showerheads, and lightbulbs as part of a secretarial order intended to increase the extraction and use of fossil fuels. 2/5 Army Corps of Engineers halts approval of renewables Guidance via DOD - The Army Corps of Engineers singled out 168 projects – those that focused on renewable energy projects – out of about 11,000 pending permits for projects on private land. Though the hold was lifted, it was not immediately clear if permitting had resumed. 2/6 Transportation Department orders freeze of EV charging infrastructure program Memorandum - A Transportation Department memo ordered the suspension of $5 billion in federal funding, authorized by Congress under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, for states to build electric vehicle chargers. 2/11 SEC starts process to kill climate disclosure rule Memorandum - The acting chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission paused the government's legal defense of a rule requiring companies to identify the impact of their business on climate in regulatory findings. The rule was challenged in court by 19 Republican state attorneys general and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright's Liberty Energy, among others. 2/14 EPA fires hundreds of staff Memorandum - The Trump administration's relentless assault on science and career expertise at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continued today with the firing of almost 400 staff who had ‘probationary' status. 2/14 DOE issues the first LNG export authorization under new Trump administration DOE Secretary Wright issued an export authorization for the Commonwealth LNG project in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, despite a 2024 DOE report finding that unfettered LNG exports increase energy bills and climate pollution. 2/18 Trump issues order stripping independent agencies of independence EO - Trump signed an executive order stripping independent regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of their independence, moving them to submit proposed rules and final regulations for review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and granting the attorney general exclusive authority over legal interpretations of rules. The order is likely to be challenged as Congress created these agencies specifically to be insulated from White House interference. 2/19 Zeldin recommends striking endangerment finding Memorandum - After Trump's "Unleashing American Energy" executive order, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has told the White House he would recommend rescinding the bedrock justification defining six climate pollutants – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride – as air pollution to be regulated by the Clean Air Act. 2/19 Trump administration moves to rescind all CEQ regulatory authority Rulemaking - The Trump administration has moved to rescind the Council on Environmental Quality's role in crafting and implementing environmental regulations, revoking all CEQ orders since 1977 that shape how federal agencies comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which requires the government to consider and disclose environmental impacts of its actions. 2/19 Trump directs agencies to make deregulation recommendations to DOGE EO - Trump issues executive order directing agencies to work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to make recommendations that will accelerate Trump's efforts to dismantle regulations across the federal government as part of his 10 out, 1 in policy. Among the protections likely to be in DOGE's crosshairs are those that keep polluters from ignoring environmental laws and protect clean air and water. 2/19 FEMA staff advised to scrub "changing climate" and other climate terms from documents Memorandum - A Federal Emergency Management Agency memo listed 10 climate-related words and phrases, including "changing climate," “climate resilience,” and “net zero," to be removed from FEMA documents. The memo comes after USDA workers were ordered to scrub mentions of climate change from websites. 2/21 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Director Placed on Administrative Leave Guidance - According to media reports, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin has put the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) director on administrative leave. The GGRF is a $27 billion federal financing program that addresses the climate crisis and is injecting billions of dollars in local economic development projects to lower energy prices and reduce pollution especially in the rural, urban, and Indigenous communities most impacted by climate change and frequently left behind by mainstream finance. 2/27 Hundreds fired as layoffs begin at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Guidance - On Thursday, February 27, about 800 employees at NOAA, the agency responsible for the nation's bedrock weather, climate, fisheries, and marine research, were fired in the latest round of Trump administration-led layoffs. The layoffs could jeopardize NOAA's ability to provide life-saving severe weather forecasts, long-term climate monitoring, deep-sea research and fisheries management, and other essential research and policy. 3/10 Energy secretary says climate change a worthwhile tradeoff for growth Announcement - Speaking at the CERAWeek conference, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the Trump administration sees climate change as “a side effect of building the modern world,” and pledged to “end the Biden administration's irrational, quasi-religious policies on climate change." 3/10 Zeldin, Musk Cut $1.7B in Environmental Justice Grants Guidance - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the cancellation of 400 environmental justice-related grants, in violation of a court order barring the Trump administration from freezing "equity-based" grants and contracts. 3/11 EPA eliminates environmental justice offices, staff Memorandum - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin ordered the closure of environmental justice offices at the agency's headquarters and at all 10 regional offices and eliminate all related staff positions "immediately." The reversal comes just days after the EPA reinstated environmental justice and civil rights employees put on leave in early February. 3/12 EPA Announcement to Revise "Waters of the United States" Rule Announcement - The EPA will redefine waters of the US, or WOTUS, to comply with the US Supreme Court's 2023 ruling in Sackett v. EPA, which lifted Clean Water Act jurisdiction on many wetlands, Administrator Lee Zeldin said 3/14 Zeldin releases 31-rollback ‘hit list' Memorandum (announced, not in effect as of 4/10) - EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced plans to dismantle federal air quality and carbon pollution regulations, identifying 31 actions ranging from from soot standards and power plant pollution rules to the endangerment finding – the scientific and legal underpinning of the Clean Air Act. 3/14 EPA halts enforcement of pollution rules at energy facilities Memorandum - According to a leaked memo, the EPA's compliance office has halted enforcement of pollution regulations on energy facilities and barred consideration of environmental justice concerns. The memo states: "Enforcement and compliance assurance actions shall not shut down any stage of energy production (from exploration to distribution) or power generation absent an imminent and substantial threat to human health or an express statutory or regulatory requirement to the contrary.” 3/14 Trump revokes order encouraging renewables EO - Trump signed an executive order rescinding a Biden-era proclamation encouraging the development of renewable energy. Biden's order under the Defense Production Act permitted the Department of Energy to direct funds to scale up domestic production of solar and other renewable technologies. 3/17 EPA plans to eliminate science staff Memorandum - Leaked documents describe plans to lay off as many as 1,155 scientists from labs across the country. These chemists, biologists, toxicologists and other scientists are among the experts who monitor air and water quality, cleanup of toxic waste, and more. 3/16 EPA invites waivers on mercury pollution and other hazardous pollutants Memorandum - The EPA invited coal- and oil-fired power plants to apply for exemptions to limits on mercury and other toxic pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Mercury is an extremely dangerous pollutant that causes brain damage to babies and fetuses; in addition to mercury, pollution from power plants includes hazardous chemicals that can lead to cancer, or damage to the lungs, kidneys, nervous system and cardiovascular system. 4/3 Trump administration adds "deregulation suggestion" website A new page on regulations.gov allows members of the public to submit "deregulation" ideas. The move is the latest in the Trump administration's efforts to slash public health, safety, and climate safeguards, and comes soon after the administration offered companies the opportunity to send the EPA an email if they wished to be exempted from Clean Air Act protections. 4/8 Series of four EOs to boost coal EO - Under the four orders, Trump uses his emergency authority to allow some older coal-fired power plants set for retirement to keep producing electricity to meet rising U.S. power demand amid growth in data centers, artificial intelligence and electric cars. Trump also directed federal agencies to identify coal resources on federal lands, lift barriers to coal mining and prioritize coal leasing on U.S. lands. In a related action, Trump also signed a proclamation offering coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from federal requirements to reduce emissions of toxic chemicals such as mercury, arsenic and benzene. 4/9 Executive Order Attacking State Climate Laws EO - Directs the U.S. Attorney General to sue or block state climate policies deemed "burdensome" to fossil fuel interests — including laws addressing climate change, ESG investing, carbon taxes, and environmental justice. 4/9 New expiration dates on existing energy rules EO - The order directs ten agencies and subagencies to assign one-year expiration dates to existing energy regulations. If they are not extended, they will expire no later than September 30, 2026, according to a White House fact sheet on the order. The order also said any new regulations should include a five-year expiration, unless they are deregulatory. That means any future regulations would only last for five years unless they are extended. 4/17 Narrow Endangered Species Act to allow for habitat destruction The Trump administration is proposing to significantly limit the Endangered Species Act's power to preserve crucial habitats by changing the definition of one word: harm. The Endangered Species Act prohibits actions that “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect” endangered plants and animals. The word “harm” has long been interpreted to mean not just the direct killing of a species, but also severe harm to their environment
In this video, we perform a stock analysis on the 10 Best Stocks that Barron's lists as buys in 2025. Super investors who own the stocks include Warren Buffett, Michael Burry, Chris Davis, Li Lu, and David Tepper. Their stocks? Alibaba (BABA), Alphabet (GOOGL), ASML Holdings (ASML), Berkshire Hathaway (BRKB), Citigroup (C), Everest Group (EG), Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), Moderna, MRNA, Schlumberger (SLB), and Uber Technologies (UBER)Want to support Global Value? https://www.interactivebrokers.com/mkt/?src=gvp1&url=%2Fen%2Fwhyib%2Foverview.phphttps://www.patreon.com/GlobalValueAre these the best stocks to buy now? Do these "super investors" know something we don't? Find out in the video above!Thank you for watching. ❤️ Please support the channel by checking out our affiliates. All commissions are reinvested to improve the quality of videos!- TIKR is the website I use for financial data in my videos. Join me and 250,000+ investors worldwide by using TIKR in your investment analysis. Referral link - https://www.tikr.com/globalvalue- Check out Seeking Alpha Premium and score an exclusive 20% off plus a free 7 day trial! Affiliate link - https://www.sahg6dtr.com/H4BHRJ/R74QP/- Try Sharesight https://www.sharesight.com/globalvalue (remember you get 4 months free if you sign up for an annual subscription!)#superinvestors #superinvestorstocks #stockmarket2025 #stocks2025 #stockmarket #stocks #investing #valueinvesting #investor #invest #finance #valueinvestor #stockanalysis #fundamentalstockanalysis #topstocks2025 #beststocks2025 #beststockstobuynow #topstockstobuynow
First tariffs, next taxes? In the latest episode of Potomac Perspective, Stifel Chief Washington Policy Strategist Brian Gardner and co-host Neil Shapiro discuss what's shaping up to be the next great debate in Washington. This material is prepared by the Washington Policy Strategy Group of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated (“Stifel”). This material is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy discussed herein. The information contained is taken from sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed by Stifel as to accuracy or completeness. The opinions expressed are those of the Washington Policy Strategy Group and may differ from those of other departments that produce similar material and are current as of the date of this publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Stifel does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice and clients are advised to consult with their accounting, tax, or legal advisors prior to making any investment decision. Additional information is available upon request. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated is a broker-dealer registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is a member SIPC & NYSE. ©2025See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What comes to mind when you think about retiring? Is it enjoying your "golden years?" That's an outdated approach, says today's guest Dean Jackson! He joins host Brian Skrobonja to discuss a new way to think about retirement – and how doing things this way will change your life – the concept of "pre-tiring," two types of economy, and what "money hobby" and self-managing companies are all about. The idea of the conversation with Dean came to Brian as the result of conversations he has been having with clients, plus the increased longevity and the outdated models that are still presented as the tools to approach retirement planning. From an early age, Dean realized the difference between what Dan Sullivan calls the time & effort economy, and the results economy. In the first type of economy. you get paid a fixed amount for your time and effort, whereas in the latter. you're paid by the results you create. Dean has been “pre-tiring” since 1999, splitting his time between Canada and Florida. For Dean, trying to define what success means to you and what your ideal lifestyle looks like are key aspects to reflect on. Society has been structured in a way where people worked with an eye on retirement, where they would spend their golden years. Now, things have changed. As Dean points out, there are billions of definitions of what "a perfect life" looks like, and "everyone's in possession of what could be a perfect life in their definition." The key is filling the blank, using your own situation and words, in regards to the sentence "I know I'll be successful when ____." Rehearsing for retirement is one of the things Brian has been helping clients with. Retirement is a transition, so being prepared for it is crucial. Dean believes that one of the important steps to take to prepare for the transition into retirement is what he calls "money hobby." Find something you're truly passionate about and look at whether you can turn it into some kind of business, like the Ryan's Toys YouTube channel, for example. Brian thinks that retirement isn't an age but a mindset. You can retire at 65 or at 35 if you have the right mindset and path to run down to create passive income. Citing Dan Sullivan's ideas and work, Dean and Brian touch upon the whole idea of life extender and making your future bigger than your past. For Dean, it isn't about how to do something but who can get something done for your company. You should decide whether you want to find a who that can help you with a specific thing – you can then turn into a business – or become that who yourself, for someone else's business, and do the what you really love. Dean talks about the so-called eight profit activators, a blueprint that's universally applicable to all businesses. It's about looking for opportunities to activate profits in any of the eight areas. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Previous episode - Retirement is Not an Age DeanJackson.com Dan Sullivan - StrategicCoach.com/our-team/#/people/dan-sullivan Tony Robbins' New Money Master program Thomas Leonard Shopify.com Ryan's World on YouTube Chat GPT Brian, Dean Jackson and MAS are not affiliated entities. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained here in provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by our firm. Any media logos and/or trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners and no endorsement by those owners of Brian Skrobonja is stated or implied. The awards, accolades and appearances are not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of future performance. Each of these awards have set criteria for their nominations and eligibility requirements. “Best Wealth Managers” and “Future 50 Company” are annual surveys conducted by Small Business Monthly. The winner is chosen by an online vote of the general public and no specific criteria is utilized to determine the winner other than number of votes. Some voters may not be clients of Brian Skrobonja and Skrobonja Financial Group. These awards are not representative of any one client's experience and is not indicative of future performance.
It seems we have reached an inflection point in the fight to adopt what President Trump has called an “America First Investment Policy”: Last week, two influential Wall Street financiers appear to have broken with their colleagues' determination to continue investing in China first. Friday morning, Shark Tank personality Kevin O'Leary objected to the unfairness of Communist Chinese companies enjoying privileged access to U.S. capital markets. He demanded that Paul Atkins, the Securities and Exchange Commission's newly confirmed chairman, ensure that they instead comply with our laws and regulations – just as O'Leary's companies and everybody elses' must. Later that day, BlackRock chairman Larry Fink declared that “nefarious” Chinese companies should be delisted from our capital markets. If he now walks the walk, and divests his company's vast holdings propping up Xi Jinping's regime, we may finally stop underwriting our enemy. This is Frank Gaffney.
Host Christine Lee breaks down the latest news in the crypto industry after U.S. President Donald Trump raise tariffs against China to 145%.Bitcoin fell below $80,000 Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump raise tariffs against China to 145%. Plus, crypto friendly Paul Atkins is confirmed as the new chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and Pakistan seeks to utilize up to 10,000 megawatts of surplus energy for Bitcoin mining. CoinDesk's Christine Lee hosts "CoinDesk Daily."-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Christine Lee and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Planning for life after shop ownership is something many independent collision shop owners overlook—until they're already in the process of selling. But without a clear vision, the transition can be overwhelming and leave former owners wondering, “What's next?”In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco shares insights from the Northeast Conference, where he and Laura Gay led a discussion on preparing for life beyond the shop. They addressed common concerns from shop owners, including burnout, the challenges of third-party sales, and the uncertainty of what comes after stepping away from the business.Join Matt as he shares key takeaways from the event, explores the questions that resonated most with attendees, and guides shop owners on designing a fulfilling and purposeful post-shop life.Matt also talks about:(01:50) Why most shop owners fail to design their post-shop life(02:25) The importance of having a post-shop vision before you sell(03:00) The power of planning your exit the right way(04:09) The first step in planning(05:06) Life after the sale: What comes next?Connect With Matt DiFrancesco:matt@highliftfin.com(814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialDisclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategies discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC. Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"A premiere true American...with integrity in all his pursuits.”SponsorsRoutable - http://ohmyfraud.promo/routableRightworks Rightnow 2025 - https://ohmyfraud.promo/rightnow2025 (use code OMF15 for 15% OFF)(00:00) - Introduction and CPE Credit Information (01:30) - Welcome to Oh My Fraud (02:34) - Listener's Confession (06:15) - The Story of William Neil Gallagher Begins (08:07) - The Rise of Gallagher Financial Group (20:04) - The Investigation Begins (21:19) - Uncovering the Ponzi Scheme (26:52) - Gallagher's Downfall and Legal Consequences (35:37) - The Aftermath and Lessons Learned (42:55) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts HOW TO EARN FREE CPEIn less than 10 minutes, you can earn 1 hour of NASBA-approved accounting CPE after listening to this episode. Download our mobile app, sign up, and look for the Oh My Fraud channel. Register for the course, complete a short quiz, and get your CPE certificate.Download the app:Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.appJoin Caleb and Greg live in New Jersey NJCPA Convention & Expo [NJCPA]CONNECT WITH CALEBTwitter: https://twitter.com/cnewquistLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebnewquist/Email us at ohmyfraud@earmarkcpe.comSources:Cleansing of the Temple [Wikipedia]Money Doctor Neil Gallagher Gets a Bad Checkup [D Magazine]The Texas Preacher's $24 Million Ponzi Scheme [Bloomberg]The Money Doctor — Parts I and II [The Perfect Scam]Securities and Exchange Commission v. William Neil "Doc" Gallagher, Gallagher Financial Group, Inc., and W. Neil Gallagher, Ph.D. Agency, Inc. [SEC]Securities and Exchange Commission v. William Neil “Doc” Gallagher [PACER, Case 3:19-cv-00575-K, retrieved March 13, 2025, SEC]One of D-FW's best-known financial advisers is in Dallas County jail, with bail set at $1 million [Dallas Morning News]Confession [The State of Texas v. William Neil Gallagher]William Neil 'Doc' Gallagher: Sentenced to 25 Years, $10.3 Million Restitution [Texas State Securities Board]13 things you need to know about Doc Gallagher, the Bernie Madoff of North Texas [Dallas Morning News]A Christian talk show host promised to enrich clients. His Ponzi scheme bilked them out of millions. [Washington Post]Now that prosecutors have put Doc Gallagher in prison for life, focus turns to his mistress [Dallas Morning News]Mistress of "Doc" Gallagher Sentenced to Life in Prison [Tarrant County, Texas]RECEIVER'S INITIAL STATUS REPORT AND FIRST QUARTERLY REPORT [GFG Receivership]The Money Doctor [Bloomberg Investigates]Gallagher Financial Group Receivership [GFG Receivership]
Send Jay comments via textWhat happens when a burnt-out attorney with $200,000 in student loan debt decides to completely transform her life as an empty nester? Join us as Jessica Medina candidly shares her experiences burdened with a staggering average student loan debt of $145,000. She discusses the emotional weight of student loans and why they require special consideration, alongside practical strategies for parents approaching college funding conversations with their children.The conversation takes a personal turn as Jessica prepares for her own empty nest. After raising twins as a single mom while juggling her legal career, she found love and began plotting her “second chapter” with her husband, which included developing the financial skills necessary to leave law behind and pursue their dream of vineyard ownership in Asheville, North Carolina.Highlights:The emotional burdens associated with student debt and its impact on effective financial planning.Strategies for open conversations about college funding expectations with children.Key Takeaways:Addressing student loan debt requires unique strategies and emotional awareness.Early discussions about college funding can alleviate future stress and miscommunication.Join us for this insightful episode as we explore Jessica's journey and her wisdom on navigating the challenges of student debt, redefining personal identity in mid-life, and building a vibrant community as an empty nester. Jessica Medina's BioJessica Medina is a lawyer turned Accredited Financial Counselor on a mission to help attorneys create the financial freedom they need to do big things. She graduated from Columbia Law School in 2004 as a single mom of twins with over $200,000 in student loans and went straight to work at a Biglaw firm. After eight years she switched roles and became Senior Counsel at the Division of Enforcement at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. She left the government to work in an area of the financial industry outside of the securities world and now teaches other lawyers how to use their money to finance their dream lives.You can find Jessica online: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, WebsiteSupport the showFREE WORKBOOK3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life ENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. LOVE THE SHOW?Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swagReview us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we'd appreciate your support greatly.CONNECT WITH JAYEmail, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok
Armed conflict is challenging enough, but when the very battlefield is a more significant threat than the enemy, the stakes are significantly raised.On this episode, US Air Force LtCol Jahara "Franky" Matisek and retired US Coast Guard LCDR Jeremy McKenzie explain how military operations in the Arctic present unique challenges. Temperatures well below freezing not only make basic survival a struggle, but LCDs on avionics and electronics quit working, as do most lubricants, and a dropped wrench can shatter upon impact.As the strategic importance of the Arctic increases, military operations there—and before long, perhaps Antarctica—require substantial consideration and investment that cannot be put off until the day before shooting begins.For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach Mindel at zmindel@forumfinancial.com, (630) 474-3599, or visit https://www.forumfinancial.com/profile/zachary-mindel/Zach Mindel, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor with Forum Financial Management, a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither specialized services nor adherence to the fiduciary standard of conduct should be interpreted as a guarantee of specific outcomes. The success and effectiveness of planning services depend on various factors, including but not limited to the timing and manner of implementation, collaboration with the client and their other professionals, and market conditions. Military service benefits may have eligibility requirements. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investing comes with risk, including risk of loss. For more information, visit our website at www.forumfinancial.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
I am absolutely thrilled to introduce you to the incredible Marcia Dawood today! Marcia is a force of nature—author of Do Good While Doing Well, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and early-stage investor who serves on the Securities and Exchange Commission's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee. She is also a venture partner with Mindshift Capital and the chair emeritus of the Angel Capital Association (ACA), a global professional society for angel investors. In addition, Marcia is an associate producer on the award-winning documentary Show Her the Money. In this enlightening conversation, Marcia and I dive into: - What is an angel investor, and women's share in this space - How to secure funding as an angel investor - Equity crowdfunding: Can you raise funds as a startup or small business? - Researching companies to invest in with alignment to your values - Strategies for women entrepreneurs to generate more interest and support - Navigating challenges when raising capital Get ready for a conversation full of wisdom, empowerment, and inspiration! Subscribe now so you'll never miss an episode and leave us a review! It really helps us know which content resonates with you the most. Join our Feminine Business Magic Facebook Group (https://tinyurl.com/ygdkw7ce) with your host, Julie Foucht. This is a community of women dedicated to connecting, supporting, and celebrating each other in growing businesses that honor their Divine Feminine while filling their bank accounts abundantly. Resources mentioned: Take the Witchpreneur Quiz and discover which Feminine Magic is your Key to Financial Success. (https://bit.ly/witchpreneur-quiz) Purchase Love-Based Feminine Marketing (https://tinyurl.com/ydmzb6qz) Marcia Dawood's Free Gift: Claim Free First chapter of Marcia's book at www.marciadawood.com **Contact Marcia Dawood via Facebook or https://www.marciadawood.com/** **Connect with Julie Foucht via Facebook (https://tinyurl.com/yeb82uuj) or email at https://juliefoucht.com/**
Last Friday, the Securities and Exchange Commission held its first-ever crypto roundtable, a discussion with industry leaders and skeptics to answer a grand question: how should the SEC regulate crypto? Should SEC officials regulate crypto tokens like bonds and stocks? The agency under President Donald Trump is taking what many see as a friendlier approach to cryptocurrency and has already dropped a number of lawsuits against various crypto exchanges initiated during the Biden Administration. Axios reporter and author of the Axios Crypto newsletter, Brady Dale, returns to the show to discuss why the question of regulating crypto like a security asset is a very complicated one to answer.
Last Friday, the Securities and Exchange Commission held its first-ever crypto roundtable, a discussion with industry leaders and skeptics to answer a grand question: how should the SEC regulate crypto? Should SEC officials regulate crypto tokens like bonds and stocks? The agency under President Donald Trump is taking what many see as a friendlier approach to cryptocurrency and has already dropped a number of lawsuits against various crypto exchanges initiated during the Biden Administration. Axios reporter and author of the Axios Crypto newsletter, Brady Dale, returns to the show to discuss why the question of regulating crypto like a security asset is a very complicated one to answer.
Since taking office, Donald Trump has made transforming federal policy on cryptocurrency a priority for his administration.The Securities and Exchange Commission dropped lawsuits against two of the biggest crypto companies in the U.S. and dismissed investigations into others.Last week, Trump announced the creation of a reserve of Bitcoin and other digital currencies — an estimated $17 million stockpile made up of Bitcoin that the U.S. has seized in legal cases over the years. It's a far cry from his previous statements about crypto. In 2021, Trump called crypto a scam and "potentially a disaster waiting to happen." We discuss what's changed and the President's personal investments in the crypto industry. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
On this episode of Animal Spirits: Talk Your Book, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are joined by JD Gardner, CIO and Founder of Aptus Capital Advisors to discuss who Aptus is, shifting to riskier portfolios using options, using single stock options to hedge risk, misconceptions about option-based strategies, and much more! Find complete show notes on our blogs... Ben Carlson's A Wealth of Common Sense Michael Batnick's The Irrelevant Investor Feel free to shoot us an email at animalspirits@thecompoundnews.com with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation. Check out the latest in financial blogger fashion at The Compound shop: https://www.idontshop.com Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. See our disclosures here: https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/ The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Aptus Disclosures: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC (“Aptus”) as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Information in the podcast is provided for information purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security, product or service. Aptus reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs. The information is based on data obtained from sources believed to be reliable but are not guaranteed as being accurate and do not purport to be a complete summary of the available data. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This should not be construed as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Aptus does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult with a professional in these areas with regard to specific tax, accounting, or legal questions and obligations. Aptus Capital Advisors, LLC (“Aptus”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Aptus' investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, both of which are available upon request. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3067: Vicki Cook & Amy Blacklock emphasize that controlling your finances is key to securing your future, but simply saving money isn't enough to build long-term wealth. Inflation erodes purchasing power, making it essential to take calculated financial risks for better returns. By understanding risk tolerance, diversifying investments, and aligning strategies with financial goals, even risk-averse individuals can grow their net worth while maintaining financial security. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://womenwhomoney.com/why-is-taking-some-financial-risk-important/ Quotes to ponder: "While a savings account or CD seems like a low-risk money move, losing buying power over time is still risky." "Putting all your (financial) eggs in one basket isn't a wise thing to do." "If you can't risk losing any of your money, you should reconsider your plan to invest." Episode references: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): https://www.finra.org U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Investor.gov: https://www.investor.gov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The F-35B Lightning ll is an aircraft like no other—going from a short takeoff to a supersonic dash to hovering in midair, all in seconds. And in the hands of a proficient US Marine Corps pilot, not only does this ability ensure winning in combat, it is sure to amaze at airshows.On this episode, Marine Majors Craig "Brembo" Norris and Craig "Chuckles" Turner explain the STOVL F-35 variant and how they fly it at airshows to inspire the next generation of Marine Corps pilots.Check out the AirshowStuffVideos used in this interview here.For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach Mindel at zmindel@forumfinancial.com, (630) 474-3599, or visit https://www.forumfinancial.com/profile/zachary-mindel/Zach Mindel is a Financial Advisor with Forum Financial Management, a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither specialized services nor adherence to the fiduciary standard of conduct should be interpreted as a guarantee of specific outcomes. The success and effectiveness of planning services depend on various factors, including but not limited to the timing and manner of implementation, collaboration with the client and their other professionals, and market conditions. Military service benefits may have eligibility requirements. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investing comes with risk, including risk of loss. For more information, visit our website at www.forumfinancial.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations
This week, the U.S. government takes another L in court as a judge rules that handing out personal data like free candy to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is, in fact, a privacy violation. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Holmes and Sunny Balwani's dreams of walking free are crushed as a judge upholds their fraud convictions and massive fines. Sorry, no Silicon Valley redemption arc for you. Over in crypto, Bitcoin took a wild nosedive, sending traders into full panic mode before bouncing back. Trump Coin also rode the rollercoaster but, let's be honest, it's still circling the drain.In corporate chaos, Warner Bros. Discovery slashed its gaming division, Google axed more employees while crying about AI costs, and an AI-generated video of Trump sucking on Musk's toes somehow took over HUD office TVs. Speaking of Musk, federal tech staffers are resigning en masse rather than work for DOGE, and the FAA is cozying up to SpaceX while pretending it's totally not a conflict of interest. Over in Big Tech, Chegg is suing Google for stealing their content, and Meta can't stop Instagram from flooding users' feeds with violent and NSFW Reels. Also, Grok 3, Musk's AI pet project, handed out chemical weapon blueprints like a particularly unhinged WikiHow before xAI scrambled to cover their tracks.On the media front, Andor is coming back with a binge-friendly release schedule, Kathleen Kennedy is finally exiting Lucasfilm, and Daredevil: Born Again is getting early buzz. YouTube now claims a billion monthly podcast viewers, Fyre Festival 2 is happening because we clearly learned nothing from the first one, and Jeff Bezos has decided The Washington Post will now be his personal capitalism fan club. Meanwhile, Microsoft's AI Copilot is helpfully explaining how to pirate Windows, Skype is getting sent to the great app graveyard in the sky, and Google is making it slightly less impossible to remove your personal info from search results. All that, plus Paramount+ is giving us 50 classic MTV Unplugged episodes because nostalgia is the only safe investment these days. Buckle up, it's a wild ride.Sponsors:Factor - Get started at FactormMeals.com/FACTORPODCAST and use code grumpy50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. DeleteMe - Head over to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use the code "GOG" for 20% off.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/686FOLLOW UPJudge: US gov't violated privacy law by disclosing personal data to DOGEHolmes and Balwani's appeal falls flat as court upholds fraud convictionsIN THE NEWSBitcoin's slide continues as traders eye further big falls aheadWarner Bros Discovery slashes gaming business, closing three studiosGoogle announces layoffs in its HR, cloud units as part of ongoing cost cutsAI Video of Trump Sucking Musk's Toes Blasted on Government Office TVsIRS Employees Told They Must Respond to Musk's Bizarre Email by MidnightFederal technology staffers resign rather than help Musk and DOGEAmid a Musk-led overhaul, the FAA starts doing business with SpaceXEducational tech company Chegg sues Google over AI OverviewsGrok blocked results saying Musk and Trump ‘spread misinformation'Elon's Grok 3 AI Provides "Hundreds of Pages of Detailed Instructions" on Creating Chemical WeaponsAnthropic reportedly ups its next funding round to $3.5BThere's Something Very Weird About This $30 Billion AI Startup by a Man Who Said Neural Networks May Already Be ConsciousNorth Korea Stole $1.4 Billion in Largest Crypto Heist Ever, Researchers SayFyre Festival 2 is coming, and it already sounds bananas (and not in a good way)The SEC is dropping an investigation into RobinhoodThe Securities and Exchange Commission issued guidance on Thursday saying it does not view most meme coins, which are crypto tokens that originated fromJeff Bezos Announces That Washington Post Opinions Will Now Exclusively Celebrate the Glories of CapitalismMEDIA CANDYThe White LotusAndor | Season 2 Trailer | Streaming April 22 on Disney+Andor Season 2 Will Drop in 3-Episode Weekly ‘Chapters'Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy to Retire, Ushering in a New Era for Star WarsMarvel's new Disney+ series 'Daredevil: Born Again' is drawing glowing first reactions by members of the press.YouTube passes 1 billion monthly active podcast viewersWill TrentParamount+ adds 50 classic MTV Unplugged episodesMax reverses course, won't charge extra for live sports and newsFCC Launches Probe Into iHeartMedia's Alleged Payola PracticesAPPS & DOODADSSilicon Valley's next act: bringing 'vibe coding' to the worldMeta confirms Instagram issue that's flooding users with violent and sexual ReelsPSA: Google Is Making It Easier to Remove Your Personal Information From Search ResultsiPhones are briefly changing 'racist' to 'Trump' due to an iOS dictation issueMicrosoft's AI offers help with pirating WindowsCopilot exposes private GitHub pages, some removed by MicrosoftMicrosoft brings an official Copilot app to macOS for the first timeSkype will take its final curtain (and video) call May 5See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Most military members spend their careers enmeshed in their own branch with scant exposure to their sister services. Not Judge.Jim "Judge" Dresner, originally a Royal Marine has been trained by, operated in, and/or deployed with the Royal Navy and Air Force, the British Army, and even the U.S. Marine Corps during his illustrious career flying helicopters to jump jets. His is a story of interoperability, resilience, and modesty.For financial planning questions or assistance, contact Zach Mindel at zmindel@forumfinancial.com, (630) 474-3599, or visit https://www.forumfinancial.com/profile/zachary-mindel/Zach Mindel is a Financial Advisor with Forum Financial Management, a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither specialized services nor adherence to the fiduciary standard of conduct should be interpreted as a guarantee of specific outcomes. The success and effectiveness of planning services depend on various factors, including but not limited to the timing and manner of implementation, collaboration with the client and their other professionals, and market conditions. Military service benefits may have eligibility requirements. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investing comes with risk, including risk of loss. For more information, visit our website at www.forumfinancial.com.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-fighter-pilot-podcast/donations