Podcasts about Ria

And they've weakened since the outbreak of war in Iran?Could they be on the verge of a larger correction?While unknowable for certain, portfolio manager Michael Lebowitz and his team at RIA are starting to decrease their equity exposure.He and I discuss why, as well as the recent disappointing payroll data, rising private credit fears, the strengthening US dollar and falling bond prices, as well as his firm's latest trades.For everything that mattered to markets this week, watch this video.LAST CHANCE! REGISTER FOR THOUGHTFUL MONEY'S SPRING ONLINE CONFERENCE AT THE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT PRICE at https://www.thoughtfulmoney.com/conferenceStock prices have been stuck in a trading range for five months now.#jobsreport #iranwar #privatecredit _____________________________________________ Thoughtful Money LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor Promoter.We produce educational content geared for the individual investor. It's important to note that this content is NOT investment advice, individual or otherwise, nor should be construed as such.We recommend that most investors, especially if inexperienced, should consider benefiting from the direction and guidance of a qualified financial advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators who can develop & implement a personalized financial plan based on a customer's unique goals, needs & risk tolerance.IMPORTANT NOTE: There are risks associated with investing in securities.Investing in stocks, bonds, exchange traded funds, mutual funds, money market funds, and other types of securities involve risk of loss. Loss of principal is possible. Some high risk investments may use leverage, which will accentuate gains & losses. Foreign investing involves special risks, including a greater volatility and political, economic and currency risks and differences in accounting methods.A security's or a firm's past investment performance is not a guarantee or predictor of future investment performance.Thoughtful Money and the Thoughtful Money logo are trademarks of Thoughtful Money LLC.Copyright © 2026 Thoughtful Money LLC. All rights reserved.

Hair might seem trivial, but for many of us it carries history, identity, and meaning far beyond keratin. In this week's episode, both of our storytellers explore the unexpected power their hair holds.Part 1: Being half Navajo and half white, Carissa Sherman turns to genetics to better understand her identity. As she questions where she belongs, her hair becomes a quiet but powerful marker of how she sees herself.Part 2: Growing up, Ria Spencer believed “good hair” meant long hair but when a medical condition forces her to shave it all off, she's challenged to rethink what that belief really means.Carissa Sherman is Diné (Navajo) and from Arizona. She's a rising 5th year PhD Candidate in the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Carissa is a member of Dr. Katrina Claw's Lab. Her current work has involved community-based participatory research gathering perspectives of genetics research as well as examining population-level pharmacogenetic variation. Her research interests include examining ethical, legal, social and cultural implications of genetic research and learning potential ways to advance inclusivity and equity in public health medicine. She is interested in science policy and/or academia. Carissa and her husband like to craft, draw, go to renaissance fairs, and have two cats; she loves horror movies! Ria Spencer is an aspiring world traveler and wannabe foodie who's spent years belting classic rock and sweet soul music for marginally sober audiences with her band Girls on Top. She's also delighted to be a grown-ass woman who's lived long enough to have some stories to tell. Ria produced and hosted Where Are They Now: The GenX Years in the New York Frigid Festival and has also appeared in the No Name Comedy/Variety Show, RISK!, Better Said Than Done, Dead Rock Stars and The Volume Knob.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's easy to promise yourself you'll “get serious” about money next month—until life gets loud. In Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, hosted by Avik, recorded on January 30th, Sayan sits down with financial planner Monica Kaufman to explore why money struggles are often identity struggles in disguise—and how real change begins in the mind, not the bank account. This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in overspending, avoidance, or financial anxiety. You'll hear practical systems that build accountability, a powerful reframe about “future you,” and a gentle but honest invitation: stop letting your inner child run your financial life—put the adult back in charge. About the Guest: Monica Kaufman is a certified financial planner and the founder of Harmony Wealth Academy. She is also Director of Financial Planning at Harmony Asset Management (an RIA) and teaches a mindset-first approach to building financial independence. Episode Chapters: 00:06:55 — Why “National Quitting Day” kills most money goals 00:08:13 — Motivation fades; systems keep you aligned 00:09:43 — The daily accountability ritual: facing your numbers 00:11:24 — Tracking spending patterns and the “reality check” moment 00:13:37 — Money identity: beliefs formed early shape adult outcomes 00:19:18 — “Future you must matter as much as present you” 00:22:30 — Building financial defenses: protecting what you've built Key Takeaways: Replace motivation with a simple system: review accounts daily or weekly to build awareness and choice. Track real spending by category for 30–60 days before you “guess” where money goes. Shift identity first: ask, “Who am I being when I spend, avoid, or overwork?” Make future you a priority: decisions change when tomorrow matters as much as today. Build “financial defenses” (risk protection, decision authority, identity protection) before chasing big goals. Start small to avoid overwhelm: five minutes a day is often enough to begin momentum. How to Connect With the Guest: Email: mkaufman@harmonyam.com  Website: https://www.harmonywealthacademy.com/  Harmony Asset Management (RIA) - details on website Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate. With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

GPT-5.4 llega a ChatGPT con herramientas para Excel, agentes autónomos y mayor precisión en tareas profesionalesPor Félix Riaño @LocutorCoOpenAI anunció una nueva versión del modelo que impulsa ChatGPT. Se llama GPT-5.4 y está diseñado para trabajar dentro de programas que muchas personas usan todos los días en la oficina. Por ejemplo, hojas de cálculo, documentos o presentaciones.Una de las novedades más llamativas es que ChatGPT ahora puede trabajar directamente dentro de Excel o Google Sheets. Eso significa que puede analizar datos, proponer fórmulas o ayudar a construir modelos financieros sin salir de la hoja de cálculo.OpenAI afirma que esta versión comete menos errores y entiende mejor preguntas complejas. También puede buscar información en varias fuentes y combinarla para responder de manera más organizada.La pregunta que aparece en muchas conversaciones es inevitable. ¿Estamos frente a una herramienta que ayuda a trabajar mejor… o frente a una inteligencia artificial que empieza a competir con algunos trabajos de oficina?Pero esta inteligencia artificial ahora puede actuar dentro del computadorHasta ahora, muchas personas usaban ChatGPT como si fuera una enciclopedia conversacional. Se le preguntaba algo, respondía, y el usuario copiaba la información para usarla en otro programa.Con GPT-5.4 ese modelo empieza a cambiar. La inteligencia artificial ya no se limita a responder preguntas. También puede ejecutar tareas dentro de las herramientas que usamos para trabajar.Por ejemplo, una persona puede pedirle que revise una hoja de cálculo con datos financieros. El sistema puede interpretar las tablas, detectar patrones y proponer fórmulas o gráficos para analizar la información.Después puede escribir un informe explicando los resultados. Y luego preparar una presentación para exponer ese análisis.Todo eso dentro del mismo flujo de trabajo.La idea de OpenAI es que ChatGPT deje de ser un simple asistente de conversación y pase a convertirse en una especie de compañero digital que ayuda a completar proyectos completos.Ese cambio tiene un efecto inmediato: aumenta la preocupación sobre el impacto de la inteligencia artificial en el trabajo profesional.Durante muchos años se pensó que la automatización iba a reemplazar tareas físicas repetitivas. Robots en fábricas, máquinas en líneas de producción.Ahora la automatización empieza a entrar en los trabajos que dependen del análisis, la escritura o el manejo de información.En pruebas internas realizadas por OpenAI, el nuevo modelo logró resolver tareas que normalmente realizan profesionales en áreas como finanzas, programación, investigación o redacción.La discusión entonces cambia de tono.Algunas personas ven estas herramientas como una especie de “supercalculadora intelectual” que permite a los profesionales trabajar más rápido.Otras personas temen que estas capacidades terminen reduciendo la necesidad de ciertos puestos de trabajo, sobre todo en tareas que siguen reglas claras o procesos repetibles.La realidad probablemente estará en un punto intermedio.Como ocurrió con muchas tecnologías anteriores, es posible que estas herramientas transformen los trabajos antes de reemplazarlos completamente.GPT-5.4 también introduce una función que cambia bastante la relación entre humanos y software.Este modelo puede interactuar con un computador de manera directa. Puede interpretar capturas de pantalla, mover el cursor, escribir comandos y navegar entre aplicaciones.Es decir, puede operar programas de una forma parecida a como lo haría una persona frente al teclado. Ese tipo de funciones abre la puerta a lo que muchos investigadores llaman “agentes de inteligencia artificial”. Sistemas que pueden completar procesos completos paso a paso. Por ejemplo, buscar información, organizarla en una hoja de cálculo, escribir un informe y preparar una presentación.Todo dentro de un mismo proceso automatizado.OpenAI también está cambiando la forma en que organiza sus modelos.Algunas versiones están diseñadas para responder rápido en conversaciones cotidianas. Otras versiones están pensadas para analizar problemas complejos con más calma y profundidad.Así, ChatGPT empieza a funcionar como una herramienta con distintos modos de trabajo, dependiendo de lo que necesite el usuario.Otra mejora importante tiene que ver con la memoria del sistema durante una conversación larga.Los modelos anteriores podían perder el hilo cuando el diálogo se volvía muy extenso o cuando la tarea tenía muchos pasos.GPT-5.4 mantiene mejor el contexto de la conversación. Eso permite trabajar con instrucciones largas o proyectos que requieren varias etapas de análisis.También mejora la forma en que el sistema usa herramientas externas. En lugar de intentar hacerlo todo dentro del mismo texto, puede consultar programas o servicios especializados cuando los necesita.En términos simples, la inteligencia artificial empieza a parecerse menos a un generador de texto y más a un coordinador de herramientas digitales.OpenAI también está apostando por un mercado muy específico: el trabajo profesional.Muchas de las nuevas funciones están diseñadas para analistas financieros, programadores, investigadores o equipos que trabajan con grandes cantidades de datos.Esto refleja un cambio estratégico en toda la industria de la inteligencia artificial.Las empresas ya no compiten solamente por crear el chatbot más entretenido. Ahora compiten por construir el asistente de trabajo más útil.)GPT-5.4 muestra hacia dónde se dirige la inteligencia artificial: herramientas que colaboran directamente en el trabajo diario. ChatGPT ahora puede operar programas, analizar datos y preparar documentos dentro del mismo flujo laboral.El debate apenas comienza. ¿Será un aliado del trabajo humano o su sustituto en algunas tareas?Cuéntamelo y sigue el pódcast Flash Diario.ChatGPT ahora puede trabajar dentro de Excel y programas de oficina. GPT-5.4 acerca la inteligencia artificial al trabajo diario.—BibliografíaAxiosThe VergeZDNetEngadget VentureBeat TechRadarConviértete en un supporter de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/flash-diario-de-el-siglo-21-es-hoy--5835407/support.Apoya el Flash Diario y escúchalo sin publicidad en el Club de Supporters. 

On this week of The Bugle, Andy is joined by Ria Lina and Anuvab Pal as they unpack the turbulent week just gone, with attacks across the Middle East and the death of the Ayatollah, the supreme leader of Iran. The trio discuss Trump's next moves as well as it's clear to see he hasn't taken the Nobel Peace snub very well! And there's news from India that Kerala will now on go by a new name, but don't worry it's not too hard to remember. That's Bugle issue number 4370!

Kiera is joined by Derick Van Ness of Big Life Financial to talk about taxes, and how to handle them beyond simply thinking of them as a necessary evil. The pair discuss knowing your numbers, utilizing tax credits, the magic touch of a CPA, and more. Episode resources: Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Schedule a Practice Assessment Leave us a review Transcript: The Dental A Team (00:00) Hello, Dental A Team Listeners, this is Kiera. And today I am super excited. This is one of our top favorite guests that has been on the podcast. We're bringing him back on because there are some new updates and our clients love him. I love him. He is incredible. Derick Van Ness, he is with Big Life Financial. And you might have heard him on the podcast before talking about R &D credits, tax saving ideas, CPA.   This man does a lot of your wealth and how to build and keep your wealth. So I always love our conversations and just like his good information. Plus, if I remember right, he might know Garrett Gunderson. So obviously I've been a fangirl since day one. Derick, welcome back to the show. How are you today?   Derick Van Ness (00:42) Well, I'm doing great and really happy to be here with you, Kiera. I'm not Garrett Gunderson because he is taller and better looking, but I'm a good second place.   The Dental A Team (00:48) Ha ha ha!   I think that you're great. The fact that you know Garrett Gunderson, that already just has elevated you. I mean, I think it was one of our first conversations we ever had. And I was like, have you ever read like Killing Sacred Cows? And you're like, I actually know Garrett Gunderson. I was like, what? Fangirling. So ⁓ anyway, Derick, for those who have not met you, haven't heard your episode, because we do have new listeners to the podcast. Just kind of give them a little intro of who is Derick Bennis? What is Big Life Financial? And give the listeners a little intro to who you are.   Derick Van Ness (01:20) Okay, well outside of being ⁓ in love with my wife, in love with art and in love with racing sailboats, what I do professionally is I help ⁓ doctors and dentists to be smarter with their money. So what does that mean? That means how do you, not so much to make it, I mean we do help people scale, but once you make the money, which is something a lot of dentists are good at, how do you keep it through tax savings? How do you grow it and how do you protect it, right?   And today we're going to talk a little bit about how do you keep more what you make? Because honestly, for dentists, even though taxes seem boring when you don't have to write that $50,000 or $100,000 or $200,000 check, it gets a lot cooler. If you would have told me I'd be a tax and financial guy when I was a kid, I probably would have just taken an early exit somewhere and jumped off a bridge. But I really see money in what we do as a lifestyle business. It's not about money.   The Dental A Team (02:01) Yeah.   Derick Van Ness (02:17) If you have enough, then money is what it is. When you don't have enough, it's a problem. And I just find for a lot of people, it's the reason or excuse that they constrain themselves. They don't spend time with family. They don't think do things that they want to do. They don't have the experiences that are going to change their life. So when we can get money out of the way, then you can live your big life, which is why the company's big life financial, because it doesn't matter if you have more or less money. The question is, what's the life you're living? What's your quality of life?   And so taxes are a big piece of that. Obviously we can't talk about everything on a podcast like this, because you'd be buried under a ton of bricks. But that's what I do is I try to make this stuff easy. I try to make it fun. And I want you to realize that the whole point of all this money stuff is so that you can live a life you want to   The Dental A Team (02:55) You   Which Derick, that's why we have connected. You have met my husband. have had personal conversations outside of the podcast because I very much align and subscribe to this lifestyle and this mode of thinking. I believe that practices should work for us and us not work for our practices. I believe that we became business owners to have these big lives and these, audacious dreams. And yet I feel so many people live below their, their potential. They are trapped. They are.   Derick Van Ness (03:33) Mm-hmm.   The Dental A Team (03:34) It's crazy. I ⁓ had a client and she actually made so much money last year, which was amazing because the year before she was like, Kiera, I want to make more. So I was like, great, we're going after profit and production like blinders on. Don't talk to me about anything else. And she had like a crazy year and she's like, great. Now I have this huge check. I've got to write in taxes. And I was like, not my problem. Like you need better CPA help on that, but glad we made you the money. But I bring that up because one, it was a huge win for a client, but two,   Derick Van Ness (03:52) I don't know.   Yep.   The Dental A Team (04:02) I think that people being able to keep the money that they make, hold on to more money that they make. Like I love that we live in America and it's a free country and that we get to pay taxes. Like I'm so freaking grateful for that. With that said, I do not want to pay one penny more than I need to. And I want to maintain and keep as much as I possibly can to live the life I want and to not feel the guilt of being a successful business owner and to do the fun things that I always imagined and dreamed of doing without the guilt of doing it. And I think so many people are so scared of.   Derick Van Ness (04:11) Yep.   The Dental A Team (04:32) being financially free, they're scared to spend money. They get hit with tax burdens left and right. I can't tell you how many dentists that I hear at the end of their career and they've had great careers, but they have no financial stability. like, Derick, this is the stuff that stresses me out and keeps me up at night and which is why you're on the podcast because I want people to be smarter. want them to be more educated and I want them to live happier lives. So let's walk through like R and D credits and CPA and like how people can live a more enriched   Derick Van Ness (04:33) Mm-hmm.   Yep.   The Dental A Team (05:02) big life today rather than waiting. I think it's just a fun topic to talk about. I'm intrigued, so let's talk about it.   Derick Van Ness (05:07) Yeah   Well, let's do. mean, we can start generally with taxes and then we can kind of move into the credits piece because it is like a it's just a small very segmented piece of what you do with your taxes. overall, the biggest thing I see is most people see taxes as like a necessary evil. This is the thing I have to deal with. When people see something as a necessary evil, what do they do? They do the minimum. Right. And what that really turns into is   You're not talking with your CPA. You're not coordinating with them. You're not being proactive. At the end of the year, you just want to do the least. So you just hand them all your stuff. I realize people don't come in boxes anymore. Now it's like, here's my QuickBooks password. Or I add you to my account. ⁓ And then they tell you how much you owe. But if you ran your business that way, if you just didn't look at anything all year, and at the end of the year, you're like, I wonder how we did. Wouldn't go so well if you didn't talk to your team about anything. What's that?   The Dental A Team (06:01) People do that though, Derick. They do it all the   time. This is not abnormal. They do it all the time. They're like, my gosh, I owe how much? my gosh, we didn't hit goal. And I'm like, ⁓ let's at least look at our numbers. Like that's step one. Step two, let's talk to our team. You're not wrong. I'm just shocked at how many people do this in real life. And I'm like, hey, there's a different way of living. like, maybe let's take that path. Just try it out. It's like t-shirt. Try that one on. It might feel better than your current oversized, like two baggy of clothes that don't fit. And then you're angry.   Derick Van Ness (06:11) I know.   The Dental A Team (06:30) the time. anyway go on didn't mean to interrupt the rant.   Derick Van Ness (06:32) What if I'm gonna be   a Gen Z VSCO girl? I I want the Oversight T-shirt and the angst.   The Dental A Team (06:36) Well, as I said it, as I   said it, I was like, well, that's like the current style. Like what's uncomfortable clothing? Maybe it's like the wool scratchy. I just came back from Iceland and I'll tell you what, I didn't buy a single shirt there. I was like, that is gonna scratch me. I know it's warm, but I'm not wearing that for the rest of time. Like there are softer clothes in this world that are equally as warm. Like I'll choose that. So that maybe you're wearing a wool scratchy sweater. Cause you never look at your numbers. You're always irritable. You're always angry.   Maybe you might get the oversized hoodie that's way more comfy. Maybe that's the better analogy for today.   Derick Van Ness (07:07) Well, and so you help them look at their numbers, right? What's your P &L? What are your KPIs? There are tax numbers too, right? Like I'm usually meeting with clients in September-ish to say, OK, how much have you made so far this year? What does that put us on track for December 31st? And then we have November, I'm sorry, September, October, November, December to do things to get that number at the end where you want it to be. I'm not talking about go out and spend $1.   to save $0.40, right? People do that. Oh, go buy a car. If you don't need a car, that's just a waste of money. I literally had someone who's like, should I just buy a G-Wagon? I'm like, only if you were going to buy a G-Wagon anyway. They want the tax break, but.   The Dental A Team (07:45) I mean, I asked that question too.   I mean, I do. I do ask it as well, but it's unnecessary. You're right. Like, so I can repel you you're not going to do it. Don't just because you get the tax benefit. You just have to pay the money. So, but I do ask because I want to know, just tell me I can buy the boat, Derick.   Derick Van Ness (07:58) Yeah.   Well, boats are totally different. They're way more fun, but they're also way more expensive to maintain. So I love boats. I absolutely do. But they are not cheap, right? As the saying goes, break out another 1,000. That's what boat stands for. Just go to the ocean and throw $1,000 in it every month. That's what owning a boat's like if you don't use it.   The Dental A Team (08:05) They are not. I know.   gosh, I've never heard that.   That's hilarious.   That's hilarious. I've heard like the best day and worst day of owning a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it. Like that's the only best days. I have a boat. I do love the boat. It is an older boat. things I'm not... Maybe mine's like break out a 10 because we've got a much older boat. But like, know, when we upgrade then we'll be in the thousand realm. ⁓   Derick Van Ness (08:28) So.   Yep.   Yeah.   Yes, yes. So boats are great. Not usually the best tax strategy. But the big thing here is when you sail a boat or when you drive a car, I heard this the other day and I thought it was perfect. It's like when you drive a car, what's bigger, the windshield or the rear view mirror? Most people are doing taxes in the rear view mirror. That is not about your expansive future. That's about recording your past, right? And so if you just did business planning one year at a time,   Like you wouldn't ever buy the building. You wouldn't ever invest in the equipment. You wouldn't ever invest in the education, right? It's the same thing for taxes. It is part of a cohesive and ongoing plan. ⁓ so when you want to plan that, we have to look into the future. And so looking into the future allows you to control your income, control your expenses. But you have to know your numbers to your point, right? Like if you don't understand a P &L,   It's really hard to do tax work because we don't know what your income is. And I have some clients who come in that way. And I have to really get them to understand that if you don't have good books, you don't have good data, it's like trying to do dentistry without a diagnostic. You just go in and start drilling teeth to see what's happening. No, you wouldn't do dentistry that way. Don't do that way with your taxes either. should I just buy this and I'll just buy that and randomly and I help those work out?   Your P &L is really like your diagnostic, right? Both on the income side, but also that's related to taxes. And so I think the big thing for people is think of taxes as an additional income stream. If you do this right, you can keep, like a lot of dentists pay 40 % or more in taxes, right? So if we can cut that from 40 down to 20 to 25 % on average, that's 15 % straight to your bottom line.   And it probably takes an average of two hours a month at most, which is pretty good, right? Like if you could add a new service into your business, no employees, no marketing, no overhead, two hours a month, but profits went up by 15%, would you take it? Most dentists would say, yeah, that six figures is pretty good.   The Dental A Team (10:53) As long as I'm not going to jail, Derick,   I don't want to go to jail. That's my only line. Like, how is this legal? Because so many people talk about tax strategy and my line is I'm willing to live in the gray, I'm just not willing to go to jail. So how do you go from 40 to 20 that's legal and ethical?   Derick Van Ness (11:01) you   Yeah, we don't want to go to jail.   Yeah, so there's two things. There are lots of little things. So research and development credits, which we'll get to in a minute, is one of those things. It's not little. I would call it a medium thing. For a lot of dentists, it's worth between $10, depending on the size of your clinic, $10,000 $50,000 a year. So it's sizable. And then there's all the pay your kids, cost segregation, salary and dividends, all that kind of stuff. And those things stack up. If you pay your kids right, then that can save you   The Dental A Team (11:21) I agree, I would too.   Mm-hmm.   Derick Van Ness (11:40) 10, 15 grand if you're in a state where you can pay your state taxes and have a federal write-off that might save you 10, 15, 20 thousand dollars a year. Taking a salary, the proper salary versus dividends that might save you another 10 or 15 thousand. So these things start to stack up but when you're in that 500,000 plus tax bracket there are things like and I can't totally get into details because this is stuff for accredited investors and I don't know who the listeners are and all that but there are   Investments you can make that have big tax breaks, right? And that could be everything from energy types of things to short-term rentals, different types of real estate. There's a lot of different stuff, right? So that sort of depends on what's the life you want to build and aligning that. ⁓ There are lots of charitable and donation type strategies where you can create some really big tax breaks. There's entity structuring, ⁓ where you take your income and how you take your income matters.   So you can really layer all of this stuff and make huge chunks, take huge chunks out of your business. The bigger you are, the bigger you can do with these things. And honestly, once you get over a million plus in income, then there's another layer of stuff you can do. It's just a lot of times the setup costs, you have to have enough tax burden to make it worth it. But there's some really neat stuff out there. And some of the stuff with the big, beautiful bill. ⁓   bringing back bonus depreciation. There's some really neat things where, oh, if you do a solar thing, you can get some credits, but then you can also get all the depreciation in the first year. And so you put in $100,000 into this type of investment. You may not make a lot of money, but you might get $150,000, $175,000, $200,000 worth of write-offs on your taxes. And when I say write-offs, mean dollars you don't pay, like true credit dollar for dollar. That could be huge, right? Things like that.   The Dental A Team (13:10) Yes.   Right.   Derick Van Ness (13:38) that a lot of people are just unaware of. And don't take that as an investment advice. I'm just telling you about things that exist in the world that may or may not be for you. Check with your financial professional. But yeah, you start stacking all these things up and you go from, I wrote $150,000 check to, I wrote a $60,000 check. And then what I like to do is help people take that 90 grand you would have given to the government. And now let's add that to what you would already save. And for a lot of people, that's   The Dental A Team (13:47) That's amazing.   Derick Van Ness (14:07) a lot more than they were already saving. So we more than doubled their savings rate. And the fastest thing you can do to build wealth is just get more money into the equation. So that's really it is we're trying to create money that you can then put to work for you outside your business. Because what nobody ever tells you is, even if you're an amazing dentist and you make all this money and you sell your practice for top dollar, and you get all that money, you become a professional investor.   The Dental A Team (14:27) you   Derick Van Ness (14:36) And if you don't have any investment skills, if you don't know how to put that money to work, if you don't know how to protect it, you're just a lamb to the slaughter. You know, everybody shows up, they got an idea. Your brother-in-law wants to start a coffee shop or a brewery. Your neighbor has the next best tech app. And all of a sudden, all this money just starts disappearing because you're not seasoned. So one of the things we like to do is get people doing these types of investments, learning, getting a skill set around it so that when you do get that big   big shot when you sell your business or you have those huge tax or those huge years and you don't pay all the taxes, you know what to do with the money. Because that's a whole different skill set than running a dental clinic.   The Dental A Team (15:17) I don't disagree. And that's why Derick, I love having you on here. And I think your comment of the goal is to get more money to put into the equation. What are the things like, I have 90 grand or I have 150. What are some of those investments that, again, realize that we're being generic and there's a reason you have to be generic is because there are rules that financial planners, advisors, CPAs have to abide by. in general terms, Derick, what are some of the ways that   Derick Van Ness (15:25) Mm-hmm.   The Dental A Team (15:45) you found to generate higher levels of wealth? We're putting more money into the equation, but what's the equation that's going to get it? And again, I know this is very, I would say like vanilla. We're just talking very much basic.   Derick Van Ness (15:56) Yeah, yeah, I'll just   give you the principles, right? The philosophy behind it. One of the things is we always, all of our lives we've heard diversify your assets. Diversify, diversify, diversify.   The Dental A Team (16:06) all weather portfolio, Ray Dalio, right? Like you got to get it everything, have it all. What is it like? think eight uncorrelated assets or something like that is what it should be. Anyway, there you go. Okay.   Derick Van Ness (16:09) Yep.   8 to 16 non-correlated asset   classes. Yep. And the idea here is this. It used to be that you could put your money in the stock market. And each individual stock did its thing based on what its performance was. Since the late 90s, early 2000s, everything's kind of gotten grouped together. Almost everybody just buys the S &P 500 or just buys index funds, which is basically the whole market.   And so if you look at the top five stocks, which are usually the Google, Apple, Tesla, Nvidia, depending on one or two others, ⁓ whatever they're doing is usually what the market's doing, right? It all has a tendency to ebb and flow together because it's all been chunked together. So I don't see those all as different asset classes anymore. How I personally invest, I'm not saying you need to buy into my ideas, but so you can have money there. But then I do think you want to have money in other things.   that maybe aren't tied to the stock market. Maybe you've got some oil and gas. Maybe you've got some farming communities in Central America. Maybe you've got someone who's doing senior living homes, someone who's developing all these empty office buildings. And they're all tied to different things. So that way, if the stock market takes a dump and goes down, that's not all your portfolio. Maybe it's 15 or 20%.   if real estate takes a hit. Yeah, your real estate takes a hit, but maybe something else does well. Having things in your portfolio that if some of them struggle during inflation, some of them do well during inflation, right? Things like gold that holds its value. And so the idea is to be able to put your money to work in a way where it's in a bunch of different buckets that aren't all tied to the same thing. And what that really creates is stability, right? And why that's so important is when you're growing your money,   The Dental A Team (17:46) Mm-hmm.   Derick Van Ness (18:09) You can have the ups and downs a little bit, but when you go to start pulling money out, the volatility, the ups and downs are what really kill your ability to pull money out, because you have to always protect against the downside. And it's why if you look at the market historically, it'll go up, depending on who you ask, 6 to 8%. But when you're pulling money out of the stock market in retirement, the numbers say sustainably over the long term, you can only pull 3 to 4%. Why is that? You would think, ⁓ I can pull.   The Dental A Team (18:21) Mm-hmm.   Right.   Derick Van Ness (18:38) six to eight, but it's three to four because of the volatility. If you are counting on that, it crashes that year and you sell. Then when the market recovers, you have less money to recover with. And over time that stacks up. So the idea there is to work with someone who has the ability to put you into different asset classes, help educate you. This also gives you a chance to try different things. So you can start to get that seasoning we were talking about and learn how money really works because   The Dental A Team (18:43) Right.   Derick Van Ness (19:09) You know, money, health and relationships are the three things that really dictate the quality of your life. And it's funny, we don't spend a lot of time in them in school, right? And so, ⁓ so it's something you have to learn, just like if you don't learn how to take care of your health, you suffer. If you don't learn how to have good relationships, you suffer. And money is another thing. All of those you can get help with, but at the end of the day, you have to be able to be competent enough.   to get the results you want. And money is just one of those things.   The Dental A Team (19:40) Yeah. No, Derick, that's a, think it's such a good way to look at it. And I will say, I was very much a baby investor and I think I still would qualify myself as pretty naive. But it is, they say like, I don't know, what is it? The eighth wonder of the world is compound interest. And it's crazy because when you start out and you just get started on your investments, it feels like this is stupid. At least I have, I've so told many financial advisors, feel like they like,   Derick Van Ness (20:04) Mm.   The Dental A Team (20:07) money monster. So it's like the cookie monster. Like I give my money to you. I never can get it back. I have no clue how to access this money. And then you start to see it and you're like, wow, that started to compound and this started to become different. And we had our first year with it. We didn't have to write such a large check to the IRS and done legally and ethically. And I was like, wow, this is a very different world that I'm living in than I have been. And it wasn't as hard as I thought. And so I, like you said, I do feel like you're   Derick Van Ness (20:11) Yeah.   The Dental A Team (20:33) comfort level and they do say that women tend to be better investors than men because women, we just put money in, we give it to you. We're like, here you go. We don't ever like go check it and watch the stocks. Stocks. Whereas men are like, cons I'm like looking at those stocks, like my husband checks it like 10 times a day. And I'm like, just don't even look at it. Like I don't even, it's the cookie monster, the money monster. You take the money. I know you haven't like taken it. People get angry with me. They're like, Kiera, we can't legally take your money. And I'm like, no, but I just have no clue how to access it. They're like you email. And I'm like, I know.   Derick Van Ness (20:44) Right.   Yep. In your brain, right?   The Dental A Team (21:02) but it like stocks and then I got to pay taxes and I don't understand any of it. But I will say, I think it's like PNLs, the language of money, the language of investing. It's a skill that you are learning. And I do agree, the younger you can learn this, the more time you have to recover if you make mistakes and versus having to be perfect later on in life. So I really very much subscribe to your model of thinking. And I love that. I love that you've talked about taxes, how to save, how to get it into   Derick Van Ness (21:11) Mm-hmm.   The Dental A Team (21:31) Again, I remember I sat in a Tony Robbins wealth mastery thing. Ray Dalio was in the room. had no clue who half like Paul Tudor Jones. I think that's his name. Like so freaking smart. I had no clue who these people were. And like here you've got like five billionaires sitting in the room with us. And I was like, I had no clue. And they start talking about this stuff. And I feel like an idiot, but I will say it's an idiot that I love to be because the more I learn about the more I'm involved in it, the more you expose yourself, the more you learn how it works.   Derick Van Ness (21:38) John Paul Tudor, yeah.   Yeah, I remember.   The Dental A Team (22:00) And I think like what you're saying, Derick, I just hope people talk to your financial advisors, get your uncorrelated assets, start building that portfolio because time, like they say, you only have so much time and the best time to plant a tree was like a hundred years ago. The next best time is today. And I just, I don't want to be that person when it comes to my portfolio where I wish I would have started. All of us will wish we started sooner, but I am grateful that we started as young as we were and are building it the way we have versus   Derick Van Ness (22:23) Yes.   The Dental A Team (22:28) waiting until like, and I don't care if you haven't started then start today. If you've been doing it, figure out how you can do more. ⁓ But I think Derick, I have a question of, I always live in scarcity. So what do you tell a client like myself where I'm always afraid that I'm going to run out of money. I don't know where it comes from. It doesn't matter how much I have. I have acorns upon acorns upon acorns. I swear like you've probably can find money in my couch. I'm not that bad. I don't have it in the couch, but like,   Derick Van Ness (22:32) Yep.   The Dental A Team (22:54) How do you get to a level where you feel comfortable spending money rather than just always saving for retirement and not living today? What's the balance of that?   Derick Van Ness (23:03) Yeah, so what I've discovered working with over 2,500 people on all of this, Kiera, is like money problems don't like quote unquote go away. They just change. In the beginning, it's like, how do I make money? I don't have enough money. How do I manage the car payment or whatever? Then you make a little bit more and you're like, okay, now I'm past survival. Like, how do I start to grow? Right? So you invest in yourself, your business, your education, whatever. Then you start to grow some more.   Then you start saying, okay, now I'm growing and I'm making money and I'm living a decent life, but how do I build for the future? So it's not just the now, then it's the future, right? And then what happens is you definitely get to a point, at least I've seen this for myself and a lot of clients is you start to make a good amount of money and the problem becomes how do I make sure that this doesn't ever go away?   Right? Like now I'm living this really good life and I can travel and I can spend time with family and I can do the things that I want to do. And I can buy nice clothes or go to nice dinner or do nice things for my kids or whatever your thing is. And I don't have to think about money. But then there's this fear of like, what if I lose that? Right. And going back. And so the money problems just change. I believe it's an instinct that's built into us. Like the monkeys that ate bananas and then just stopped worrying and didn't hoard them.   ended up dying faster than the ones that hoarded them, right? And so, like, I think it's an instinct to be paranoid, to be fear-driven, and that's where we have to, as humans, understand our wiring and say, my wiring is for survival, not for happiness and fulfillment, right? Because survival is what reproduced. Happiness and fulfillment, especially in a scary world of survival, ⁓ doesn't do very well.   The Dental A Team (24:27) Sure.   Derick Van Ness (24:52) Right? So, so we have to try to rewire our brain as much as we can. ⁓ And I think the biggest thing is to focus on a big future, a big vision. When you're moving towards something, then you're not focused on moving away from something. When you're in fear, you're, moving away from something. I'm moving away from failure. I'm moving. I'm trying to avoid losing money. I'm trying to avoid running out, trying to avoid making a mistake. You know, this about business ownership, like you can't avoid the mistakes. You just try and minimize them.   and learn from them as fast as you can. Like making mistakes is part of success and nobody says it that way, but I think it's really, really important to get that. And when you're moving towards something, you're in abundance, you're in striving, you're in goal oriented, whatever your thing is. And that doesn't have to be about money. That could be, I wanna be a great parent. I wanna get in better health. I wanna have more free time and make the same money.   So this isn't like just a money conversation, but when you're moving toward those, you have a tendency to lose your fear. I think it's when we aren't sure where to go next that we get afraid of losing ground and we do that. And so I think sometimes it's just a matter of clarity and reminding yourself, where do I want to go? What am I building? Like once you get past a certain point, like, you know, once you get past a certain amount of income or a certain amount of wealth, it's not about money anymore.   Right. It's really about contribution. It's about impact. And I think when we, our mind can really only focus on one thing at a time, especially as men, ⁓ women are much better at seeing the big picture. ⁓ But, but really when you're focused on something that holds your attention and then it doesn't drift to some of the other stuff as much, it doesn't mean you won't. Cause I'll tell you, I'm at my most vulnerable when I wake up in the morning and my brain starts doing payroll and all these other things. And like you said,   The Dental A Team (26:26) you   Derick Van Ness (26:47) I have enough cash stored away that I could not make a dollar for a year and still pay for my whole business and do the whole thing and be fine. But that doesn't mean that that instinctual part of me doesn't freak out for a minute until I come in and say, hey, we're building massive things. We're changing people's lives. Let's just focus on that and let the rest take care of itself. That really is the best thing for me is to focus on where I'm going, not where I'm afraid I might end up.   The Dental A Team (27:15) Absolutely. I   think that was good. Good wisdom there. You are the person, if you guys have heard me talk about it on the podcast, this came from Derick. He's the one who's told me it's a return on emotion, not necessarily a return on investment and like what helps you sleep at night, what helps you stay there. And I love that you talked about like it is a survival instinct. It's not a bad instinct. so loving that side, but also tempering it so that way we can enjoy the fulfillment. And again, I also think that there becomes confidence in yourself. I think enough.   enough business crashes, enough mistakes, enough things where you come back from it also teach you that there's certainty within yourself that no matter what comes your way, ⁓ you know that you'll be able to survive it, you'll be able to come. Someone told me once, it's not unsafe, it's just uncomfortable. Unless someone's running at you with like a knife and it's truly life threatening, it's like if the stock market crashes, that's like we're still safe, it's just going to be pretty dang uncomfortable for a little bit. If we become bankrupt,   Derick Van Ness (27:47) Mm-hmm.   Mm-hmm.   The Dental A Team (28:13) We're not unsafe, we're just uncomfortable. And that has given me a lot of, I think, temperance on when you think about finances, like that'd be uncomfortable, but I am still safe and I would still be alive and we can come back and we can figure things out. So Derick, I know we wanted to pivot gears and talk R &D credits, because this is something that's new. yeah, let's kind of chat that because I think we've gone through tax strategy, building wealth mindset around ⁓ how to maintain and have that.   Derick Van Ness (28:30) Well, yeah, we'll keep it short here.   The Dental A Team (28:42) return on emotion and building those skills. And I really love that you just said money issues don't ever go away, they just change shape. And I think that that's the same as business, right? Business problems just become a different flavor and different color. ⁓ But now let's talk about like some R &D credits because we've talked about R &D. I've seen several clients do very well on R &D credits. So was excited to hear like, they're back and they're back again, and they look a little different. So I'm excited to hear if you guys don't know what they are, Derick will definitely explain them and how you can.   Derick Van Ness (29:02) Yep.   The Dental A Team (29:08) Dental practices are ripe for the picking of R &D, it's exciting to have a resource for dental practices.   Derick Van Ness (29:15) Yeah, dental practices really are because the R &D credits are designed when you do new things in your business that are based in technology. And that could be computer science, engineering, biological science, or physical science, like chemistry, ⁓ which dentists are doing all of that stuff. So when you do new stuff in your business, the government realizes you're taking a risk. You're trying a new implant system. You're trying a new ⁓   a new type of diagnostic, you're trying a new flow for your patients, whatever. Sometimes it blows up in your face. I everybody listening here has tried a new piece of software and after six weeks you wanted to throw the computer out the window and you're like, we're going back to the other one, we got to find something else, right? ⁓ Or we tried 3D printing and it was just really, really hard and like some people love it, some people hate it. But at the end of the day, every time you take that risk, the government knows that you could lose money.   The Dental A Team (29:57) Totally.   Derick Van Ness (30:11) So the R &D credits are really their effort to say, don't stop innovating. Don't stop trying to get better. We know you're going to take some skin, knees, and elbows along the way. And we're willing to give you some credits to help with that. so ⁓ dentists, like dentistry is moving so fast. I don't have to tell the listeners that. There's new stuff every single quarter, every single year. Five years ago, everybody was getting crowns to be milled. Now they're 3D printing teeth and doing all, you know.   digital scans and all the other stuff and pretty quick here, think we have robots doing surgery. I don't necessarily want to be the first person to try that, but.   The Dental A Team (30:45) Yeah, me neither. I'm like number   like 200,000. I'll try it at that point. I'm usually like number two jumping off a cliff if the first person's alive, then I'll jump. Unlike innovative robots, I only have 28 teeth left, so I'll just let them practice a bit more before they come to me. It's okay. Stick with the drill and fill. Yeah, the drill and fill, I'm okay with it. It's all right. It's better.   Derick Van Ness (30:51) Yeah.   Yeah.   Yep.   I'll just pay a little more for the people.   Yes. so effectively, most dentists just don't realize they're qualifying for these credits. And so what we try to help them do is we do a free estimate to help you understand, OK, let's go through the different things that you did in your practice. It takes maybe a half an hour to identify the different things you've done. And right now, there's a window. And this is why we wanted to talk about this today, that closes on the 4th of July of 2026. So we've got about three or four months left.   where you can go back and you can file for 2022, 2023, and 2024. I don't want to bore everybody, but effectively when they did the 2017 tax rewrite, the first Trump tax rewrite, it broke the R &D credits in 2022. You could file for them, but the downside was bigger than the upside, so it wasn't worth doing. Now, they kind of did that on purpose to balance the budget, and they thought, oh, we'll change it before 2022, and then COVID happened, so they never changed it.   So it got broken. So they came back and they fixed it and said, hey, you guys can go back and claim this, but you really only have until the 4th of July. So they gave us one year to do it. ⁓ And so it's a big opportunity, a big window right now where you can get three years worth of credit. So you can literally go back. The government will send you a check for taxes you've overpaid, and you can get that money back. I won't tell you the IRS is really fast at processing this stuff, but they do get to all of them.   The Dental A Team (32:23) Wow.   No.   Derick Van Ness (32:34) And the checks come in, and we've done over 1,000 of these for clients. So it's definitely a legit thing. And the credits have been around since the 80s. They became a permanent part of the tax code in 2015. So they were kind of new. They've been around about 10 years. But the first couple of years, nobody knew. then over the last couple of years, they've become more and more popular. But then they kind of screwed them up in 22 through 24. So the reason I wanted to talk about them is if somebody is a dentist, they're not claiming these credits. But they are doing.   The Dental A Team (32:38) Wow.   Derick Van Ness (33:04) Innovative things upgrading equipment trying new software trying new techniques new implant systems new Diagnostics, whatever you probably got all these credits sitting there. You don't know about and It's worth getting a free estimate to see what's on the table. Yes You do have to amend your taxes, which is a very small pain in the butt But your total time into this should be an hour or two, which is really a short conversation You send over tax returns ⁓ A team like ours would give you an estimate   And if it seems like it's worth doing it, then you do it. You just let them do their thing and you write the check for the fee, right? So it's pretty hard to beat bang for your buck hour for hour. And like I said, for a lot of practices, it's between 1 to 2 % of your gross revenue. This is not a quote. This is just like what I've generally seen. So if you have a million dollar practice, it's probably 10 to 20 grand a year if you're doing these types of things. I mean, I have some. We just did a doctor who's got   Six offices they're getting almost a half a million dollars back right it can be it can be major and Doesn't take him any longer than to take someone with one office so you know it's it's just a big window of opportunity that I wanted to try and squeeze in here and People who haven't done this or unaware. It's like hey, we got a big opportunity and you can do this for 2025 moving forward every year. It's it's back indefinitely and so my hope is   The Dental A Team (34:07) It's incredible.   Derick Van Ness (34:32) People can do the catch up. And then from here forward, you don't even have to amend. You just party your tax return. You just don't pay the taxes. Just like you depreciate equipment or anything else and just get the tax break, the difference is tax credits are dollar for dollar. So if you get $10,000 tax credit, it's just $10,000 you don't pay in taxes, not a $10,000 write off, which might be worth $3,000 or $4,000.   The Dental A Team (34:40) awesome.   Mm-hmm.   Totally. No, and I think Derick, I'm so glad you brought this up. And at first I was creeped out by you. I'm not going to lie. Like when you first started talking about it, was like, are these like, I don't know, what are they called? The opportunity zones. And like, I heard a lot of people got their shorts burned on those. And I was like, do I even put this on the podcast? But I will say, Derick just said he's done thousands of them. They have had great success. I have seen clients tell me, thank you. So that's why I wanted Derick to come on because any client that comes from Dental A Team does get preferred.   Derick Van Ness (35:03) you   huh.   The Dental A Team (35:26) I don't know treatment. don't know what you guys do, but I do know that there's, ⁓ you guys get, you just said you get pushed to the front of line. If you mentioned you heard on Dental A Team podcast, we also have a link with big life financial. I'm pretty sure Derick, if I remember right, I'm pretty sure we do. ⁓ but definitely wanted you guys to have that, especially with a closing in July. And it's something where I love that Derick will just like, he's met with me and my husband several times to talk about multiple things. Derick is non pushy. And I appreciate that about you, Derick. You ⁓ educate.   Derick Van Ness (35:27) Treatment, yep, yep, front of the line.   We do. Yep.   The Dental A Team (35:56) and then give people the information and then you're to make the decisions on your own. So I think like, why not? Why not reach out to Derick? Why not just like see what it looks like? And then you have their resources. They're not going to file unless you want them to. You don't have to break up with your CPA if they file for you. I'm pretty sure. Is that right? Like you don't have to switch.   Derick Van Ness (36:09) Correct.   No, no, yeah,   you don't have to. We can amend it for you. But in a lot of cases, it makes sense to just have your CPA do it. They've got all your information. So but we can handle it either way.   The Dental A Team (36:25) So I think like on that, I just feel it's very much worthwhile. And I know Big Life Financial does a lot. do. I'll let you like take it because I know you guys are added to more services. But I think like if nothing else, we want to have the call to action of like, just look into the R &D credits. Like I said, I have seen multiple checks go to practices. They have not been audited. ⁓ Things have gone very smoothly for them. I was skittish. But I mean, Derick, we've been talking about this, I don't know, almost five years now, if not longer, that we've been telling practices about it. So.   Derick Van Ness (36:52) Yep.   The Dental A Team (36:54) very excited, but Derick, kind of tell about the makeup of what Big Life Financial is and then how people can reach out to you, especially in particular to the R &D credits.   Derick Van Ness (37:04) Yeah, so for the R &D credits, just go to, it's just BigLifeFinancial.com So BigLifeFinancial.com/DAT D-A-T right? Dental A Team. And all you got to do is just set up a time there to talk with myself or someone on my team. It's like a 15 minute call. And we'll just screen it, see if it makes sense. Beyond that, we do offer full service taxes if for some reason you're looking for tax breaks or you feel like you're, for one reason or another, you need to make a change.   then we can do that. We do also work with an RIA. So if you're looking for some of these investments that might have tax breaks or other diversification or whatever, we have those capabilities as well. So we really try to be front to back like what we call like a family office or a fractional family office, which is what the super rich people have. They just have an attorney and a CPA and a   Uh, an insurance guy, an investment guy, or probably 10 investment guys who all just work for them. Obviously most people can't afford to have an entire team that just works for them. So we work with a limited number of people, but we have a coordinated team that way. And, and it's taken me like 10 years to find the right people to do that. That's, that's really it because the Uber wealthy have those people, the people who are making 50 or a hundred thousand bucks a year, they don't need it. We really work in this sweet spot where a lot of people make.   300,000 400,000 on the low end to 2 3 million on the high end. And they're kind of in between, not rich enough to have the team that's all working together all the time, but rich enough that you really need it. Like this segment of the population is the one that just gets crushed on taxes. ⁓ And so we're really doing our best to help minimize that. So that's why we work so much with dentists and doctors.   The Dental A Team (38:56) That's amazing. I love that Derick. And I think for everybody, it was BigLifeFinancial.com slash DAT. We'll be sure to like link that in the show notes and also add it for you guys. But, and Derick, love, I didn't know what a family office was at first. And then I found out hanging out with a lot of wealthy people, what it is. And so for you to provide that, think worth conversations ⁓ and definitely appreciate the insights today. It was a really fun episode. I'm glad we got back together. It's been too long. ⁓ And like truly guys, just reach out.   Again, I would do it as exploration. would do it as like, just find out anytime I hear things like this, I just go book meetings. It doesn't mean I need to actually execute on it. But I think again, learning the language of business, learning the education, seeing if it fills right for you. Now you can ask a million people, but like I said, Derick and I have been doing this for about five years and every client that has been referred to Big Life Financial has gone through, has told me how much they've been grateful for it. So Derick, I appreciate you. Any last wrap up thoughts today as we wrap up today? I appreciate our time so much today together.   Derick Van Ness (39:55) No, I think it's just understanding that part of building wealth is beyond just making income, right? Just making income won't build the life you want to live. Once you earn the money, you got to take care of it. And there's a lot of pieces to that. So whether it's with us or someone else, just take that on for your family's sake. It's not just about making it. It's keeping it and being smarter with it. And if you do that, you're going to be in good hands.   The Dental A Team (40:20) amazing. Well, Derick, thank you so much for being here today. Thank you all for listening. I love what Derick said, like it's not just enough to make the money, we need to figure out how to keep the money and set yourselves up for the great lives that you've been building and to truly have that big life as Derick has described it. So for all of you listening, I hope that today you don't just passively listen, but you actively take action and commit to having the wealth of your life, the wealth of your dreams to have that life that really ⁓   is the life of your dreams. there's a quote from my mirror from when I was little where I said, don't just dream, do. And I think that that's how I'll leave you today. So for all of you listening, thank you for listening and we'll catch you next time on the Dental A Team Podcast.

Fluent Fiction - Hindi: Finding Family: Ria's Heartfelt Holi in Mumbai Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hi/episode/2026-03-05-23-34-02-hi Story Transcript:Hi: मुंबई की चहल-पहल भरी गलियों में, जहाँ होली की तैयारियों की हलचल थी, एक अनाथालय था।En: In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where the excitement of Holi preparations was in the air, there was an orphanage.Hi: इस अनाथालय में रिया रहती थी, जो एक दयालु और चार्मिंग किशोरी थी।En: Ria lived in this orphanage, a kind and charming teenage girl.Hi: वह अक्सर रंग-बिरंगे कपड़े पहनने और त्योहार के बीच खुशी महसूस करने के सपने देखती थी, खासकर होली के दौरान।En: She often dreamt of wearing colorful clothes and feeling joy amidst the festival, especially during Holi.Hi: लेकिन उसे याद रहता था कि उसके पास एक परिवार नहीं है, जिससे वह इस खुशी को बांट सके।En: But she always remembered that she didn't have a family to share this joy with.Hi: रिया के सबसे अच्छे दोस्त, माया, एक समझदार और विचारशील लड़की थी, जो रिया के सपनों और चिंताओं को साझा करती थी।En: Ria's best friend, Maya, was a wise and thoughtful girl who shared Ria's dreams and concerns.Hi: दोनों दोस्तों के बीच गहरा जुड़ाव था।En: There was a deep bond between the two friends.Hi: अनाथालय में अक्सर सहायता करने वाला एक खुश-मिजाज स्वयंसेवक, आरव, भी था।En: There was also a cheerful volunteer at the orphanage, Aarav, who frequently helped out.Hi: आरव चाहता था कि बच्चे होली का पूरा आनंद लें।En: Aarav wanted the children to fully enjoy Holi.Hi: लेकिन अनाथालय के पास सीमित संसाधन थे।En: However, the orphanage had limited resources.Hi: एक दिन, आरव अनाथालय आया और बच्चों के लिए नए कपड़े खरीदने का प्रस्ताव दिया।En: One day, Aarav came to the orphanage and proposed buying new clothes for the children.Hi: रिया ने खुद को उसे कपड़े चुनने में मदद करने की पेशकश की, जिससे उसे उससे जुड़ने और अपने दिल की बातें कहने का मौका मिला।En: Ria offered to help him choose the clothes, giving her a chance to connect with him and share her heart.Hi: बाजार में खरीदारी के दौरान, रिया ने आरव से कहा, ""होली पर नए कपड़े और रंग खेलना असली उत्सव जैसा होता है।En: During the shopping trip in the market, Ria told Aarav, ""Wearing new clothes and playing with colors on Holi feels like a real celebration.Hi: लेकिन कई बार लगता है कि इससे एक परिवार का हिस्सा होने का एहसास होता है।"En: But sometimes, it also feels like being part of a family."Hi: आरव मुस्कराया। ""रिया, मैं चाहता हूँ कि तुम सब खुशी महसूस करो।"En: Aarav smiled. "I want you all to feel happy, Ria," he said.Hi: जैसे ही वे खरीदारी कर रहे थे, रिया को पता चला कि आरव ने अनाथालय के लिए एक सरप्राइज होली आयोजन रखा है। इसमें रंग, मिठाईयाँ और संगीत सब होगा।En: As they continued their shopping, Ria discovered that Aarav had planned a surprise Holi celebration for the orphanage with colors, sweets, and music.Hi: जिस दिन होली की पूर्वसंध्या आयी, अनाथालय रंग-बिरंगे होली के सजावट से सजाया गया था।En: When Holi's eve arrived, the orphanage was adorned with colorful Holi decorations.Hi: सभी बच्चे नए कपड़े पहन कर सज-धज कर बाहर आए।En: All the children came out dressed in new clothes, ready to celebrate.Hi: आरव ने सभी को रंगों के पैकेट और मिठाईयाँ बाँटी।En: Aarav distributed packets of colors and sweets to everyone.Hi: जैसा सूर्य ढल रहा था, रिया ने रंगों से खेलते हुए और संगीत पर नाचते हुए एक खास भावना महसूस की।En: As the sun was setting, Ria felt a special emotion while playing with colors and dancing to music.Hi: उसने महसूस किया कि जरूरी नहीं है कि परिवार केवल माता-पिता वाला हो।En: She realized that a family doesn't have to be just parents.Hi: परिवार वो है जहाँ प्यार और अपनापन हो।En: A family is where there is love and belonging.Hi: उसके चारों ओर मौजूद दोस्त, आरव का स्नेह, और माया का समर्थन उसे उस परिवार के रूप में मिला, जिसने उसे सच्चा आनंद दिया।En: The friends around her, Aarav's affection, and Maya's support became the family that brought true joy to her.Hi: इस तरह, रिया की होली में एक नई चमक आ गई और उसने अनाथालय के लोगों को सच में अपना परिवार मान लिया।En: Thus, Ria's Holi gained a new brightness, and she truly considered the people at the orphanage her family.Hi: मुंबई की आवाज़ों में खोया उसका अनाथालय अब उसे बाकी शहर जितना ही अपना लगने लगा था।En: Lost in the sounds of Mumbai, her orphanage now felt as much a part of her as the rest of the city.Hi: होली ने उसे एक ऐसा घर दिया, जो रंगों से भरा था और प्यार से सजीव था।En: Holi gave her a home filled with colors and alive with love. Vocabulary Words:bustling: चहल-पहल भरीexcitement: उत्साहorphanage: अनाथालयcharming: चार्मिंगdreamt: सपने देखतीamidst: बीचconcerns: चिंताओंbond: जुड़ावcheerful: खुश-मिजाजvolunteer: स्वयंसेवकfrequently: अक्सरproposed: प्रस्ताव दियाconnect: जुड़नेdiscovered: पता चलाadorned: सजाया गयाdistributed: बाँटीemotion: भावनाbelonging: अपनापनaffection: स्नेहsupport: समर्थनgained: आ गईbrightness: चमकconsidered: मान लियाalive: सजीवresources: संसाधनfully: पूराfeels: महसूसeve: पूर्वसंध्याpacket: पैकेटlost: खोया

MacBook Neo cuesta 599 dólares y usa chip A18 Pro en apuesta educativa masivaPor Félix Riaño @LocutorCoApple presentó el MacBook Neo como su portátil más económico. Parte desde 599 dólares y 499 dólares para estudiantes. Usa el chip A18 Pro del iPhone y promete hasta 16 horas de batería. Llega con 8 GB de memoria y 256 GB de almacenamiento. La pregunta es: ¿es una ganga real o un anzuelo para entrar al ecosistema?Apple decidió entrar de frente al terreno de los portátiles de 599 dólares. Lo hizo con el nuevo MacBook Neo. Es un equipo de 13 pulgadas, con pantalla Liquid Retina de 2.408 por 1.506 píxeles y brillo de 500 nits. Pesa 1,2 kilogramos y mide 1,27 centímetros de grosor. Tiene dos puertos USB-C, con una diferencia incómoda: uno es USB 3 de hasta 10 gigabits por segundo y el otro es USB 2 de 480 megabits por segundo.El procesador es el A18 Pro, el mismo que usa el iPhone 16 Pro. Viene con 8 GB de memoria unificada y 256 GB de almacenamiento en su versión base. La batería promete hasta 16 horas de reproducción de video y 11 horas de navegación web. El precio oficial es 599 dólares, y con descuento educativo baja a 499 dólares.Apple afirma que es hasta 50 por ciento más rápido en tareas cotidianas que el portátil más vendido con Intel Core Ultra 5, según pruebas con el benchmark Speedometer. Pero aquí viene la pregunta: ¿estamos ante un nuevo estándar de valor o ante un Mac recortado con buen marketing?Un Mac accesible… con recortesApple no solía competir en esta franja. El MacBook Air más reciente con chip M5 parte desde 1.099 dólares. El salto hasta 599 dólares es grande. La diferencia son 500 dólares. Eso cambia el público. Ahora hablamos de estudiantes, familias y personas que antes miraban un Chromebook o un portátil con Windows.El MacBook Neo mantiene el chasis de aluminio. Se siente como un Mac. Viene en colores como Citrus, Blush, Indigo y plata. Esa decisión recuerda al iBook G3 de principios de los años 2000. Apple está enviando un mensaje: este es el Mac juvenil.La pantalla conserva buena resolución y brillo. Tiene cámara de 1080p. Tiene altavoces con Dolby Atmos. Pero empiezan los ajustes: el teclado no tiene retroiluminación. El trackpad es mecánico, no háptico. Solo admite un monitor externo en 4K a 60 hercios. No tiene puerto MagSafe. Y el Touch ID solo aparece en el modelo de 512 GB que cuesta 699 dólares.Apple no está escondiendo que hubo concesiones. Está diciendo que el precio lo justifica. ¿Te parece suficiente?Aquí está el punto delicado. El MacBook Neo usa un chip de iPhone, no un chip de la serie M. Eso rompe la lógica que Apple venía construyendo desde 2020, cuando migró todos sus Mac a Apple Silicon con arquitectura pensada para computadores.El A18 Pro tiene seis núcleos de CPU. Dos de alto rendimiento y cuatro de eficiencia. Tiene cinco núcleos de GPU y soporte para trazado de rayos. En tareas ligeras como navegar, escribir y ver video, va a rendir bien. Pero en edición de video 4K, en modelado 3D o en grandes proyectos de programación, puede quedarse corto frente a un MacBook Air con chip M.Además, los 8 GB de memoria son el límite. No hay opción de 16 GB. En 2026, muchos usuarios ya consideran 8 GB como el mínimo justo. Si abres muchas pestañas, videollamadas y apps al mismo tiempo, vas a notar presión en el sistema.Otro detalle: solo uno de los puertos USB-C es USB 3. El otro es USB 2. Eso significa que puedes conectar un monitor o tener transferencia rápida, pero no todo a la vez con la misma velocidad. Para un equipo pensado para estudiantes, puede ser suficiente. Para alguien que quiere crecer con el equipo, puede sentirse limitado.Entonces surge la duda real: ¿es una puerta de entrada inteligente o una forma de segmentar más el mercado para empujar después al usuario hacia modelos más caros?Apple no improvisó este movimiento. El mercado de portátiles económicos estaba dominado por Chromebook y por equipos Windows de menos de 700 dólares. Muchos de ellos ofrecen buena batería y rendimiento aceptable. Lo que Apple aporta aquí es construcción premium, integración con iPhone y acceso completo a macOS Tahoe.El MacBook Neo permite copiar y pegar entre iPhone y Mac. Permite usar apps del ecosistema. Está preparado para Apple Intelligence. Eso significa que Apple quiere que el usuario joven entre al ecosistema temprano y luego, cuando necesite más potencia, suba a un Air o a un Pro.Desde el punto de vista estratégico, tiene lógica. Desde el punto de vista técnico, hay límites claros. Si eres estudiante que escribe, navega y hace trabajos en la nube, este equipo puede ser suficiente durante varios años. Si eres creador de contenido, diseñador o desarrollador exigente, probablemente vas a necesitar un modelo con chip M y más memoria.El precio de 599 dólares lo convierte en el Mac más accesible de la historia en lanzamiento oficial. Eso cambia la conversación. Pero también redefine qué entendemos por “Mac completo”.La decisión final no es emocional. Es práctica. ¿Qué vas a hacer con él todos los días?El lanzamiento ocurrió junto a otros anuncios como el iPhone 17e y los nuevos MacBook Pro con chip M5 Pro y M5 Max. El contraste es fuerte. Mientras el Neo baja a 599 dólares, el MacBook Pro de 16 pulgadas puede superar los 7.000 dólares en configuraciones altas.El Neo pesa 1,2 kilogramos. Es el mismo peso que el MacBook Air. Su batería es de 36,5 vatios hora. Apple afirma hasta 16 horas de video. Esa cifra suele medirse en condiciones controladas, con brillo moderado y aplicaciones optimizadas. En uso real puede variar.En Reino Unido y la Unión Europea, el cargador no viene incluido en la caja. Solo el cable USB-C. En Estados Unidos sí incluye adaptador de 20 vatios. Ese detalle reduce costos logísticos y ambientales, pero también puede generar molestias.El descuento educativo baja el precio a 499 dólares. Eso lo pone en territorio de iPad Air. Apple está compitiendo contra su propio catálogo. Si alguien duda entre un iPad con teclado y un MacBook Neo, ahora la diferencia es menor.Y algo más: solo soporta un monitor externo. Para quien usa dos pantallas, esto es un límite concreto. No es un detalle menor.Todo esto configura un producto atractivo, pero muy medido. Apple calculó cada concesión.El MacBook Neo abre la puerta de entrada al ecosistema Mac desde 599 dólares. Ofrece buen diseño y rendimiento suficiente para tareas básicas. Tiene límites claros en memoria y puertos. Antes de comprar, revisa qué uso real le vas a dar.Cuéntame qué opinas y sígueme en Flash Diario.Resumen para TikTok (20 palabras)MacBook Neo cuesta 599 dólares, usa chip de iPhone y apunta a estudiantes. Buen precio, pero con límites claros.BibliografíaWallpaperWiredThe TelegraphTechRadarMacRumorsPCMagMacworldCreative BloqConviértete en un supporter de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/flash-diario-de-el-siglo-21-es-hoy--5835407/support.Apoya el Flash Diario y escúchalo sin publicidad en el Club de Supporters. 

On this week of The Bugle, Andy is joined by Ria Lina and Anuvab Pal as they unpack the turbulent week just gone, with attacks across the Middle East and the death of the Ayatollah, the supreme leader of Iran. The trio discuss Trump's next moves as well as it's clear to see he hasn't taken the Nobel Peace snub very well! And there's news from India that Kerala will now on go by a new name, but don't worry it's not too hard to remember. That's Bugle issue number 4370!

What's the secret to growing a successful wealth management business? It's not just about the investments, it's about the deep relationships and personalized service you provide to clients. On this episode of The Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, host Seth Greene sits down with Adam Spiegelman, CFP®, Wealth Advisor at Spiegelman Wealth Management, who shares insights from his 25-year journey in the financial services industry, focusing on his recent transition to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). From managing $440 million in assets to building an RIA from the ground up, Adam reveals the challenges and strategies behind his firm's success. Tune in for valuable advice on client engagement, business growth, and the importance of personalized financial planning. Key Takeaways: → The breakaway decision is as emotional as it is operational. → “Living wealthy” is about permission, not just money. Enjoy the wealth you've spent decades building, whether that means travel, volunteering, or small lifestyle upgrades. → Transitioning away from third-party models allows for greater customization, cleaner fee structures, and stronger alignment with client goals. → Growth must align with values, not ego. Emphasize stabilizing systems and client experience before pursuing expansion, ensuring growth never compromises service quality. → Consistent saving beats flashy investment schemes. Save regularly, max out retirement accounts, and avoid chasing unrealistic returns. Adam Spiegelman is a Wealth Advisor with Spiegelman Wealth Management, which offers investment and wealth management programs and services for high-net-worth clients. The company's mission is to develop enduring relationships with clients by providing professional guidance for a lifetime of financial security. Adam Spiegelman can help create a complete financial plan - whether a client is focused on managing current financial success, or on protecting and preserving assets over the long term. Connect With Adam: Website: https://www.spiegelmanwealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamspiegelman/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most CEO stories start with an Ivy League credential and a tidy career ladder, but this one starts with a blackjack table.Before Natalie Wolfsen was running Orion, she was dealing cards to pay for college. At the time, she had no idea that the lessons she was learning on that casino floor would follow her all the way to the C-suite.In this episode, Natalie opens up about the chapters that don't fit neatly on a résumé and why she believes those are often the most important ones.Listen in to hear: How she parlayed casino marketing into a career in financeWhy she walked away from a thriving role at American Express to try entrepreneurshipThe startup that failed in 8 months and why she'd do it again in a heartbeatHow saying yes to "inconvenient" opportunities compounded into a career she never could have plannedMore about Natalie Wolfsen: Natalie Wolfsen joined Orion Advisor Solutions as CEO in October 2023 and is a member of the firm's Board of Directors. She is the former CEO of AssetMark and has nearly 30 years of financial services industry experience. For over 25 years, Natalie has served independent advisors (RIA and broker-dealer affiliated) with more than a decade of working with independent and insurance broker-dealers. Prior to joining AssetMark in 2014, Natalie previously held digital and investment platform development, investment solution management, strategy and marketing roles at First Eagle Investment Management, Pershing, Charles Schwab and American Express. Natalie has an MBA from University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of California, Berkeley. ---Running a fund is hard enough.Ops shouldn't be.Meet the team that makes it easier. | billiondollarbackstory.com/ultimus- - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap

Gafas Meta bajo lupaInvestigación revela que gafas Meta envían videos íntimos a revisores humanos para entrenar inteligencia artificialPor Félix Riaño @LocutorCoUn reportaje de medios suecos destapa cómo videos capturados con gafas inteligentes Meta Ray-Ban pueden terminar en manos de anotadores de datos en Kenia. El material incluye escenas privadas y datos financieros que usuarios no sabían que se estaban compartiendo.Las ves en anuncios. Las ves en redes sociales. Un deportista famoso se las pone y les pregunta quién es el mejor jugador de hockey de Suecia.Parecen gafas normales. Pero no lo son.Son las gafas inteligentes de Meta, creadas junto a Ray-Ban. Prometen ayudarte a traducir idiomas, identificar objetos y responder preguntas con solo decir: “Hey Meta”.La promesa es clara: tú tienes el control.Pero una investigación de los diarios suecos Svenska Dagbladet y Göteborgs-Posten cuenta otra historia. Según su trabajo, parte del video que capturan estas gafas termina siendo visto por personas reales que trabajan entrenando inteligencia artificial.Y algunas de esas imágenes muestran momentos muy privados.La pregunta es sencilla y directa: cuando hablas con la IA de tus gafas… ¿quién más podría estar viendo?Pero la inteligencia artificial necesita ojos humanos.En septiembre de 2025, en Menlo Park, California, el director de Meta presenta las nuevas gafas como el futuro de la empresa. En pantallas gigantes se ve el mundo desde sus ojos mientras camina hacia el escenario.Las gafas prometen traducción en tiempo real, reconocimiento de objetos y hasta ayuda para el trabajo diario.En 2025 se vendieron cerca de siete millones de unidades, después de que en 2023 y 2024 se vendieran juntas unos dos millones. El crecimiento fue rápido.Para que la inteligencia artificial entienda lo que ve la cámara, necesita entrenamiento. Ahí entran los llamados “anotadores de datos”.En Nairobi, Kenia, empleados de la empresa Sama revisan imágenes y videos. Dibujan cuadros sobre objetos, etiquetan personas, clasifican escenas. Es un trabajo repetitivo. Pero es la base de muchos sistemas de visión artificial.El problema es que, según la investigación sueca, no todo lo que llega a sus pantallas son flores y señales de tránsito.Varios trabajadores contaron que han visto escenas íntimas capturadas por las gafas. Personas en el baño. Personas cambiándose de ropa. Tarjetas bancarias visibles al pagar en una tienda.Algunos empleados dijeron que muchas veces creen que quienes aparecen en los videos no saben que están grabando.Uno de ellos afirmó: “Vemos todo. Desde salas de estar hasta cuerpos desnudos”.Meta explica en sus términos de uso que algunas interacciones con sus sistemas de IA pueden revisarse de forma automática o manual. Es decir, por personas.Cuando periodistas probaron las gafas en Suecia e intentaron usarlas sin conexión a internet, la función de inteligencia artificial no funcionó. Al analizar el tráfico de red, detectaron comunicación frecuente con servidores de Meta en Suecia y Dinamarca.Eso contradice lo que algunos vendedores dijeron en tiendas, donde afirmaban que todo se quedaba en el teléfono.En Europa rige el Reglamento General de Protección de Datos, conocido como GDPR. Esta norma exige transparencia sobre cómo se procesan los datos personales y dónde se almacenan.Expertos consultados por los periodistas señalaron que muchos usuarios no son plenamente conscientes de que el video puede enviarse a servidores externos y revisarse por humanos.Además, antiguos empleados de Meta indicaron que los sistemas que difuminan rostros pueden fallar, sobre todo con poca luz.Eso abre un riesgo evidente: imágenes que deberían estar protegidas podrían no estarlo.Meta respondió que el contenido se maneja según sus políticas de privacidad y términos de uso. También afirmó que filtra datos para proteger la privacidad antes de cualquier revisión.Pero no ofreció detalles específicos sobre cuánto tiempo se guardan los videos ni exactamente quién puede acceder a ellos.Las autoridades europeas han sido informadas del caso. Legisladores han pedido aclaraciones sobre la transferencia de datos fuera de la Unión Europea, especialmente hacia países que aún no cuentan con reconocimiento formal de protección equivalente.Mientras tanto, el debate no es solo legal. Es social.En universidades de Estados Unidos ya hay preocupación por el uso de estas gafas en campus. Algunos estudiantes dicen sentirse incómodos al no saber si alguien los está grabando. En una escuela de Texas se prohibió el uso de tecnología vestible en 2025 por temor a trampas académicas y grabaciones no autorizadas.La tecnología avanza rápido. Las normas sociales van más despacio.Y la confianza se construye con transparencia.Este caso también muestra algo que a veces olvidamos: la inteligencia artificial no se entrena sola.Detrás de cada sistema hay miles de personas etiquetando datos. En muchos casos, en países con salarios bajos.Sama ya había estado en el centro de polémicas anteriores relacionadas con moderación de contenido para grandes plataformas tecnológicas. Ahora su labor se centra en visión artificial.El trabajo es estricto. Según los testimonios, los empleados no pueden entrar con teléfonos ni grabar nada en la oficina. Firmaron acuerdos de confidencialidad.Al mismo tiempo, la propia política de Meta indica que no se deben compartir datos sensibles con la IA. La responsabilidad recae en el usuario.Eso plantea una situación compleja.Si alguien activa la IA sin saber que la cámara sigue captando imágenes durante algunos segundos más, ese material puede entrar en el sistema de entrenamiento.Y una vez que los datos se usan para entrenar modelos, recuperarlos o eliminarlos no es sencillo.La discusión ya no es solo técnica. Es ética.¿Qué significa consentimiento cuando hablamos de cámaras que parecen gafas normales?¿Cómo se informa de forma sencilla a millones de usuarios sobre procesos técnicos complejos?Y una más: ¿estamos leyendo realmente lo que aceptamos cuando pulsamos “aceptar”?Las gafas inteligentes ofrecen funciones útiles y sorprendentes. Pero esta investigación recuerda que cada avance trae responsabilidades.La privacidad no es un detalle pequeño. Es parte de tu vida diaria.Antes de activar cualquier asistente con cámara, conviene preguntarse qué datos salen de tu dispositivo y a dónde viajan.Te leo en comentarios y te invito a seguir el pódcast Flash Diario para entender juntos cómo la tecnología afecta nuestra vida.Investigación revela que gafas Meta envían videos privados a trabajadores en Kenia para entrenar inteligencia artificial.BibliografíaSvenska DagbladetGöteborgs-PostenGizmodoEngadget9to5MacNewsweekForbesThe DecoderDigWatchConviértete en un supporter de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/flash-diario-de-el-siglo-21-es-hoy--5835407/support.Apoya el Flash Diario y escúchalo sin publicidad en el Club de Supporters. 

Ria Spencer, Mindy Myers and Josh Connors share stories about learning to feel at home in your body.

Send a textWe share the five biggest mistakes from our early years in real estate and the systems that prevent them now. From termites and fire damage to scripts and title work, we break down exact steps to protect profit, trust, and time.• starting broke and door knocking pre‑Google• first deals, lucky wins, and early blind spots• why education beats noise and hype• paperwork that protects both investor and seller• scripts for homeowners, banks, buyers, and contractors• title companies, clear title, and clean closings• inspection essentials: termites, fire, water, mold, foundation• building a local team via RIA and referrals• protecting margins and saying no to bad buyers• creating generational wealth with fewer mistakesOne two three fourclosures dot com forward slash goldmine — you invest in that and I will invest in you. Leave a five‑star review, subscribe, and write “Dwan is amazing, wonderful. Her tips are so great.” Support the showThanks again for listening. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a FIVE-STAR review.Head to Dwanderful right now to claim your free real estate investing kit. And follow:http://www.Dwanderful.comhttp://www.facebook.com/Dwanderfulhttp://www.Instagram.com/Dwanderful http://www.youtube.com/DwanderfulRealEstateInvestingChannelMake it a Dwanderful Day!

Scaling an advisory firm is often framed as a tradeoff - more clients and complexity in exchange for less time and flexibility. This episode explores how advisors can grow in a way that protects the lifestyle they want. Andy Panko is the owner of Tenon Financial, an RIA based in Metuchen, New Jersey, that oversees $323 million in assets under management for 105 client households. He joins the show today to share why he chose to hire two additional advisors (even though his solo practice already met his lifestyle goals), as well as why he prioritized hiring mid-career professionals who could operate independently and stay for the long haul. We also discuss how his flat-fee model makes it easier to evaluate the time-and-revenue tradeoffs of adding clients, paying competitive salaries, and growing the team, as well as how he fuels a steady prospect flow through content creation, combats the loneliness of a small remote firm, and has adjusted his workload across seasons of life to be able to focus on his highest priorities. For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/479

In this episode of the Model FA podcast, host David DeCelle spoke with Allen Darby, CEO and founder of Allaris Acquisitions, to discuss the evolution of the wealth management M&A landscape. Allen, an industry veteran who completed nine acquisitions as an RIA owner, provided insights on the surge in buyers and the changing mindset of sellers over the last four to five years. He detailed Allaris Acquisitions' shift from a traditional auction model to a compatibility-focused approach designed to save time and ensure a cultural fit for sellers. The conversation also covered the impact of rising interest rates on deal focus, the dynamics of "Franken-firms" created by aggressive aggregators, and a deep-dive on the potential disruptive power of AI on advisory businesses and valuations.   In this episode: • Wealth Management M&A has fundamentally changed, with a surge of credible buyers and "through the roof" capital availability over the last four years. • RIA Sellers are more sophisticated, realizing that independence after a sale exists on a "spectrum of autonomy" instead of a binary loss of control. • Rising rates are forcing M&A Buyers to intensely focus on Organic Growth, with many now filtering out firms below a 5–7% net new asset growth rate. • The traditional "financial auction" model is being replaced by a compatibility-focused approach that ranks partners by objective factors like fee model and tech stack to ensure a better cultural fit. • Sellers must weigh "business lift" against autonomy, as highly acquisitive "Franken-firms" often lead to a "bumpier ride" with operational chaos due to less integration. • AI's Impact on Valuations: AI is predicted to automate many RIA roles—potentially eliminating staff within 6–12 months—which will increase profitability and may make highly scalable, high-margin practices more valuable. • The Biggest Disruptor is the threat AI poses to the Advisor Moat of "guidance," as the value of "knowledge" approaches zero and LLMs become more empathetic. • This looming AI disruption and the potential for "uberization" of the industry may encourage RIA owners to accelerate their sale timeline within the next three to five years. #RIAMergers #FinancialAdvisor #WealthManagement #AllarisAcquisitions #ModelFA #RIAAcquisitions #FinancialPlanning #OrganicGrowth #FinancialServices #AITrends #FinancialTechnology #PrivateEquity #BusinessStrategy #M&A #SuccessionPlanning Connect with Allen Darby and Allaris Acquisitions: Website: AllarisAcquisitions.com Email: Allen.Darby@AllarisAcquisitions.com --- 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.  

In this episode of Building the Billion Dollar Business, Ray Sclafani delivers a direct message to advisory firms. Market appreciation is not the same as real growth. When AUM climbs because of a bull market, it may boost revenue, but it does not automatically build enterprise value.Ray challenges firms to separate capital market lift from true organic growth. Real growth comes from net new relationships, expanded wallet share, stronger engagement, and intentional investments in business development and marketing.He outlines the practical shifts the best firms make, including tracking net new assets accurately, funding growth strategically, upgrading marketing from SEO to AEO, and setting ambitious targets that are not dependent on market momentum.The message is clear: growth is not accidental. It is earned through deliberate choices, disciplined execution, and a mindset that refuses to confuse momentum with mastery.Key Takeaways70% of RIA channel growth over the past decade has come from capital markets.Firms must clearly distinguish net new assets from capital appreciation.Tracking client acquisition, retention, wallet share, and lifetime value is critical.Advisors must know their CAC (client acquisition cost) and LTV (lifetime value).Firms that build organic growth muscles win new clients even when markets stall.Questions Financial Advisors Often AskQ: What is the difference between market-driven growth and real organic growth for RIAs? A: Market-driven growth occurs when portfolios expand due to a bull run and AUM increases because of capital appreciation. Real organic growth is the kind that builds enterprise value by adding new ideal clients, increasing wallet share from existing clients, creating deeper engagement, and expanding capacity to serve more clients.Q: How can advisory firms accurately measure organic growth? A: Firms should separate net new assets from capital appreciation, monitor actual client acquisition and retention, track wallet share and client lifetime value, and analyze numbers as if the market did not change.Q: What reports should advisory firms review to track real growth? A: Firms should be able to track net new assets from existing clients, new assets from new clients, and opportunity reports showing client meetings and new opportunities created. They should generate reports that clearly distinguish net new assets from capital appreciation.Q: What should financial advisors do immediately to improve organic growth? A: Strip market gains from reports and analyze numbers without market lift. Develop a focused business development strategy with defined roles and funding. Audit marketing strategy, including SEO to AEO and AI usage. Define an ambitious growth target tied to new relationships and revenue streams.Q: What growth rate should firms target for real organic expansion? A: Firms serious about organic growth should pursue mid to high teens year-over-year growth, minus capital markets and inorganic growth.Find Ray and the ClientWise Team on the ClientWise website or LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeTo join one of the largest digital communities of financial advisors, visit exchange.clientwise.com.

The value of national currencies has always plummeted to zero in the course of history, usually because of money printing and inflation. There has also never been an international fiat currency. This is what the role of cryptocurrency plays and why it is ultimately indestructible. Crypto has no issuer, so therefore cannot be destroyed. It also has finite supply, so will likely continue to appreciate, perhaps significantly. Chris Snook, Managing Partner of Atomiq, helps RIA's, High Net Worth investors, and family offices makes sense of the new world order. Chris helps people build, protect, and maintain their wealth as markets, AI, geopolitics, and blockchain are changing the investment landscape. 

The Way to Eden (Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), S3 E20) was recommended by Ria, who said: Listen to the Joy of Trek BrotherListen to the Joy of Trek BrotherStar Trek Episodes Not everybody likesKay & Khaki talk about the joys that they findChief Engineer Greg keeps them both in line.Yea, gay brothers, yeaHello, Keiko and Kai Winn and with just enough Scottish blood to warrant the title, Chief Engineer Greg. This is Ria from beautiful Phoenix, AZ USA where citrus trees abound and it is very easy to become an actual lemon stealing whore if one is not vigilant. If you recognized the little diddy earlier than you probably guessed the episode I'm recommending is TOS 320, the Way to Eden.I grew up on TOS and I always loved this episode without question and it was only within the last six to eight years that I was shocked to find out this is not considered to be a good episode? I wholeheartedly disagree. This is the original Star Trek musical, you have catchy songs that are great to sing along to, you've got purple-haired aliens, aliens with bizarro ears, you've got awesome hippie costumes, a shirtless Charles Napir, Chekov with an old flame. You've got Herberts, fabulous one-liners, you've got the tension between an increasingly mechanized and artificial society and our inherent human desire to remain close to nature. You've got a somewhat nerdy and uptight Captain Kirk, you've got Biblical references, Spock jamming on the Vulcan lyre and showing off his Vulcan hippie side. What is there not to love?So if you're not Herberts, man, and we reach, how bout a session on the way to Eden? It would sound!Do not give up your search for Eden. I have no doubt you will find it, or make it yourselves.The Way to Eden first aired on February 21, 1969, written by story by D. C. Fontana[b] and Arthur Heinemann, teleplay by Arthur Heinemann, and directed by David AlexanderThe Enterprise is hijacked by a criminal doctor and his loyal, hippie-like followers who are attempting to find paradise.The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)Send us your recommendations, or support us on Patreon.Find us at joyoftrek.com · Twitter · Facebook

Host Jason Pereira joins Nitrogen Wealth CEO Dan Zitting to discuss the company's evolution from a niche risk-scoring tool into a comprehensive AI platform. Dan outlines how Nitrogen is leveraging a new agentic AI engine to automate the advisor meeting lifecycle, effectively shrinking hours of manual preparation into minutes. Beyond technical updates, the conversation dives into Nitrogen's expanded suite—covering everything from portfolio research to tax education—and Dan's vision for overcoming the data and compliance hurdles that currently slow down AI adoption in wealth management.This episode is a must-listen for financial advisors and RIA owners looking to reclaim their schedules through automation, as well as fintech enthusiasts interested in how legacy brands successfully navigate a total AI-centric pivot.Resources:Facebook – Jason Pereira's FacebookLinkedIn – Jason Pereira's LinkedInWoodgate.com – SponsorNitrogen WealthLinkedIn - Dan Zitting's LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apple presenta el iPhone 17e con 256 GB, chip A19, cámara de 48 MP y precio sin aumentoPor Félix Riaño @LocutorCoApple acaba de presentar el iPhone 17e. Es la versión más accesible de la familia iPhone 17. Va a costar 599 dólares en Estados Unidos y 719 euros en Europa. Va a traer 256 gigabytes de almacenamiento desde el modelo básico. Eso es el doble que el modelo anterior al mismo precio. Incluye el nuevo chip A19, el módem C1X diseñado por Apple y una cámara de 48 megapíxeles con zoom 2x en calidad óptica. También suma MagSafe, carga inalámbrica de hasta 15 vatios y funciones satelitales para emergencias. Las reservas van a comenzar el 4 de marzo y la venta en tiendas va a arrancar el 11 de marzo. La pregunta es sencilla: ¿es una ganga real o es el mínimo necesario para competir en 2026?Pero hay detalles que cambian la conversaciónApple decidió mantener el precio de 599 dólares y duplicar el almacenamiento base. Pasar de 128 a 256 gigabytes puede sonar técnico, pero en la práctica significa más espacio para miles de fotos en alta resolución y horas de video en 4K. El chip A19 está fabricado con tecnología de 3 nanómetros. Eso quiere decir transistores más pequeños y más eficientes. Apple promete hasta el doble de velocidad frente al iPhone 11, que salió en 2019. También integra el nuevo módem C1X, que según Apple es hasta dos veces más rápido que el C1 del iPhone 16e y consume 30 % menos energía que el del iPhone 16 Pro. La pantalla mantiene las 6,1 pulgadas con tecnología OLED y un brillo máximo de 1.200 nits en HDR. Y sí, ahora el modelo “e” por fin incluye MagSafe.Aquí viene la parte incómoda. El iPhone 17e sigue teniendo una sola cámara trasera. Es un sensor de 48 megapíxeles que permite un recorte para lograr un zoom 2x con calidad óptica. Funciona bien en teoría, pero no es un teleobjetivo dedicado. Otros fabricantes en este rango de precio ofrecen dos o tres cámaras físicas. Además, el diseño prácticamente no cambia frente al 16e. En Europa cuesta 719 euros. En Alemania se habla incluso de 699 euros según algunos medios. Eso lo pone en competencia directa con equipos Android que ofrecen pantallas de 120 hercios, varias cámaras y baterías más grandes. Apple apuesta por su ecosistema, por Apple Intelligence y por la integración con iOS 26. La duda es si eso basta para quien compara especificaciones fríamente.Apple está jugando una estrategia muy calculada. Mantener el precio y subir la memoria es un mensaje potente en un año donde los costos de componentes están subiendo. Además, integrar el A19 significa que este modelo económico va a recibir funciones de Apple Intelligence, como traducción en tiempo real en Mensajes y FaceTime, filtros de llamadas desconocidas y herramientas de edición con inteligencia artificial. También incluye funciones satelitales para emergencias durante dos años desde la activación. Eso puede marcar diferencia para quienes viajan o viven en zonas rurales.El iPhone 17e va a estar disponible en más de 70 países desde el 11 de marzo. Colores: negro, blanco y rosa suave. Apple también va a ofrecer planes de pago mensuales y descuentos por entregar modelos antiguos. En Estados Unidos, cambiar un iPhone 13 puede dar hasta 599 dólares de crédito con operador. Con Apple Trade In, el crédito puede llegar a 195 dólares. La estrategia es clara: facilitar el salto al nuevo modelo sin tocar la etiqueta principal de precio.Este lanzamiento forma parte de una semana intensa para Apple. También presentó el nuevo iPad Air con chip M4. Ese modelo mantiene precios de 599 dólares para 11 pulgadas y 799 dólares para 13 pulgadas. Apple está reforzando su gama media. Según CNBC, el iPhone 17e es importante para competir en mercados sensibles al precio frente a Samsung, Google y fabricantes chinos.El 17e incluye resistencia al agua y polvo con certificación IP68, que permite inmersión hasta 6 metros durante 30 minutos en condiciones de laboratorio. La carga rápida por USB-C puede llevar la batería al 50 % en unos 30 minutos con adaptador de 20 vatios o superior. El vidrio Ceramic Shield 2 promete tres veces más resistencia a rayones frente a la generación anterior.También hay un ángulo ambiental. El dispositivo usa 30 % de materiales reciclados, 85 % de aluminio reciclado en la carcasa y 100 % de cobalto reciclado en la batería. La fabricación emplea 55 % de electricidad renovable en la cadena de suministro. Apple quiere avanzar hacia su meta de neutralidad de carbono para 2030.El iPhone 17e mantiene el precio y duplica la memoria. Mejora potencia y suma MagSafe. Tiene límites en cámara y diseño. ¿Vale la pena para ti? Cuéntame qué opinas y escucha más tecnología cada mañana en Flash Diario.BibliografíaApple NewsroomUSA TodayCNBCBFMTVBildSternConviértete en un supporter de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/flash-diario-de-el-siglo-21-es-hoy--5835407/support.Apoya el Flash Diario y escúchalo sin publicidad en el Club de Supporters. 

Luna roja 2026El eclipse lunar total de marzo 2026 será visible en América, Asia y OceaníaPor Félix Riaño @LocutorCoLa única luna roja de 2026 ocurrirá el 3 de marzo y millones podrán verla en directo.En la madrugada del 3 de marzo de 2026 vamos a tener un espectáculo que no ocurre todos los meses: un eclipse lunar total. Es decir, la famosa luna roja o “luna de sangre”. Durante casi una hora, nuestro satélite va a verse de color cobrizo mientras cruza por la sombra más oscura de la Tierra.La fase total va a comenzar a las 11:04 en Tiempo Universal Coordinado y va a alcanzar su punto máximo a las 11:33. En total, el eclipse completo va a durar 5 horas y 39 minutos.La noticia tiene un detalle importante: no todo el planeta va a poder verlo. América, el este de Asia, Australia y Nueva Zelanda sí. Europa y África no. ¿Por qué ocurre eso si la Luna es la misma para todos?La mala noticia: no todos podrán verla.Un eclipse lunar total ocurre cuando el Sol, la Tierra y la Luna quedan alineados. La Tierra se coloca en el medio y su sombra cubre completamente la Luna. Esa sombra tiene dos partes: una más suave llamada penumbra y otra más oscura llamada umbra.Cuando la Luna entra en la umbra, comienza la fase parcial. Parece como si alguien estuviera dando un mordisco al disco lunar. Luego, cuando queda completamente dentro de la umbra, empieza la totalidad.En esta ocasión, la totalidad va a durar 58 minutos. Eso significa que durante casi una hora vamos a ver la Luna teñida de rojo. Según datos recopilados por NASA y por Time and Date, más del 40 % de la población mundial va a poder observar al menos parte de la fase total. Estamos hablando de más de tres mil millones de personas.La mejor vista va a estar en el oeste de América del Norte, en la región del Pacífico y en Oceanía. Allí la Luna va a estar alta en el cielo durante la totalidad.Aquí viene el contraste. En Europa, incluida España, Alemania, Francia o Italia, la Luna va a estar bajo el horizonte durante la fase total. Eso significa que no va a ser visible. Lo mismo va a ocurrir en África.En América Latina la situación va a variar mucho según la ciudad. En México se va a ver completa. En ciudades como Bogotá o Santiago de Chile, la Luna va a estar muy baja y el amanecer va a competir con el color rojizo. En Buenos Aires el eclipse va a ser apenas penumbral, es decir, el cambio de brillo va a ser muy leve.Además, hay un factor que nadie controla: las nubes. En algunas ciudades la probabilidad histórica de nubosidad en esa fecha es alta. Eso puede arruinar la experiencia aunque el fenómeno esté ocurriendo.Y hay otra confusión frecuente. Mucha gente cree que la Luna se vuelve roja por “algo raro” o por contaminación. En realidad es pura física. La atmósfera de la Tierra dispersa más la luz azul y deja pasar la roja. Es el mismo efecto que vemos en los atardeceres. Como explica la NASA, es como si todos los amaneceres y atardeceres del planeta se proyectaran al mismo tiempo sobre la superficie lunar.La buena noticia es que ver un eclipse lunar total es completamente seguro. No se necesitan gafas especiales, a diferencia de los eclipses solares. Se puede observar a simple vista. Unos binoculares o un pequeño telescopio van a ayudar a notar mejor los matices del color.Si vives en América, Asia oriental o Australia, conviene buscar un lugar con poco brillo artificial y con el horizonte despejado. En el este de Estados Unidos la Luna se va a ocultar durante la totalidad, así que habrá que madrugar mucho. En la costa oeste va a verse con mayor comodidad.Y si estás en Europa o África, todavía hay opciones. Muchos observatorios van a transmitir el evento en línea. El Griffith Observatory y otros centros científicos suelen ofrecer transmisiones en directo.Después de este evento, la próxima luna roja visible a gran escala no va a llegar hasta finales de 2028. Eso convierte a la de marzo de 2026 en la única oportunidad del año para ver una totalidad.El eclipse va a coincidir con el llamado Wurmmond o Luna de Gusano, nombre tradicional del plenilunio de marzo en culturas de Norteamérica. Marca el momento en que la tierra empieza a descongelarse y aparecen los primeros gusanos tras el invierno.En India, un eclipse lunar recibe el nombre de Chandra Grahan. En algunas tradiciones antiguas se interpretaba como el momento en que un ser mitológico “devoraba” la Luna. Hoy sabemos que se trata de una alineación orbital perfectamente predecible.Los eclipses siguen ciclos llamados Saros, que duran alrededor de 18 años. Gracias a estos ciclos, los astrónomos pueden calcular con precisión cuándo y dónde será visible cada fenómeno.Además, durante la totalidad la Luna pierde brillo. Eso hace que estrellas cercanas se vuelvan más visibles de lo habitual. En esta ocasión, el eclipse ocurrirá cuando la Luna esté en la constelación de Leo. Será una buena oportunidad para ubicar a Regulus, una de sus estrellas más brillantes.El 3 de marzo de 2026 vamos a vivir la única luna roja del año. América, Asia oriental y Oceanía van a tener el mejor espectáculo. Europa y África deberán seguirlo en línea. Marca la fecha y prepara el despertador.Y si te gusta entender el cielo sin complicaciones, sigue el pódcast Flash DiarioEl 3 de marzo de 2026 la Luna se volverá roja durante casi una hora y no todos podrán verla.Conviértete en un supporter de este podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/flash-diario-de-el-siglo-21-es-hoy--5835407/support.Apoya el Flash Diario y escúchalo sin publicidad en el Club de Supporters. 

If you’re thinking about retirement — or already living in it — one of the biggest questions you face is how to generate consistent income from your portfolio without running out of money. On this special edition of The Financial Hour of The Tom Dupree Show, hosts Tom Dupree Jr., Mike Johnson, and James Dupree dive deep into why dividend investing has become the foundation of how Dupree Financial Group builds retirement portfolios. From understanding how dividends actually work to why emotional decisions can cost you decades of returns, this episode is packed with insights for anyone who wants their money to keep working — even when markets get rocky. What Is a Dividend and Why Does It Matter in Retirement? Before diving into strategy, it helps to understand what a dividend actually is. As Mike Johnson explained on the show, “A dividend is just a portion of the earnings that are paid out to shareholders of a company. When you own shares of X, Y, Z company, you are an owner of that company.” Here’s the distinction that matters most for people in retirement: when a company declares a dividend, they declare a dollar amount per share — not a percentage. This means if you own 100 shares of a company paying $1 per share annually, you receive $100 in income regardless of what happens to the stock price. The yield percentage you see quoted on financial news is simply the dividend payment relative to the current share price. This is a critical concept for retirement income planning. As the SEC’s investor education resources explain, understanding the difference between yield and dollar-per-share income can fundamentally change how you approach portfolio withdrawals. How Dividends Protect Your Retirement Portfolio During Market Downturns One of the most common concerns for retirees is what happens to their income when markets decline. Mike Johnson addressed this directly: “When you have a period where the price goes down, and you’re taking withdrawals — if it’s not paying a dividend, you’re forced to liquidate something to produce that withdrawal. But with the dividends, if the share price goes down, unless there’s something wrong with the company, it’s still paying the dividend.” This is what investment professionals call avoiding the negative compounding of withdrawing principal — selling shares at depressed prices to fund living expenses, which permanently reduces your portfolio’s ability to recover. Dividend income allows retirees to meet their cash flow needs without being forced to sell at the worst possible time. Key takeaways on how dividends protect retirement income: Income stability in down markets: Dividend payments are determined by the underlying business, not short-term stock price movements driven by politics, tariffs, or market fear. Avoiding forced liquidation: Retirees who rely on selling shares for income are most vulnerable during the exact periods when selling hurts the most. Opportunity during volatility: When quality dividend stocks decline due to broad market selling, it creates opportunities to buy at higher current yields — which is exactly what Dupree Financial Group did during the April market pullback. Inflation protection through dividend growth: Companies with long histories of raising dividends often increase payouts faster than the rate of inflation, providing a natural cost-of-living adjustment that bonds cannot offer. What to Look for in a Quality Dividend-Paying Company Not every company that pays a dividend deserves a place in a retirement portfolio. On the show, the team walked through the characteristics they look for when evaluating dividend-paying companies: consistent and growing cash flow, disciplined management that keeps the payout ratio low enough to sustain the dividend through downturns, and a long track record of not just paying but raising the dividend year after year. When a company’s long-term dividend growth rate outpaces inflation — say 7% annually versus inflation running at 2–2.5% — it provides the kind of real purchasing power growth that fixed-income investments simply can’t match. That built-in inflation adjustment is one of the key reasons dividend-paying stocks can be a powerful complement to bonds in a retirement portfolio. This is the type of company-level research that sets personalized investment management apart from autopilot approaches. At Dupree Financial Group, the team regularly conducts direct calls with company investor relations departments — sometimes 15 or more in just a few weeks — to understand the quality of the underlying business, the consistency of cash flow, and the sustainability of the dividend. As Tom Dupree emphasized: “The bottom line is you want to be invested in a company that is a good business, and if you’re going to pay dividends, that they’re not paying everything out in dividends. What is the underlying business that’s generating the cash flow that’s paying those dividends? That’s what you want to know.” Dividends Have Driven Nearly Half the S&P 500’s Total Return The numbers behind dividend investing are striking. According to data discussed on the show and supported by research from S&P Dow Jones Indices, dividends have accounted for approximately 42% of the S&P 500’s total return from 1930 through 2017. Looking at a more recent window — from 1960 through 2024 — reinvested dividends accounted for roughly 85% of cumulative total return. As Mike put it, “Almost the majority of the return has come from reinvested dividends. And you think about it too — a lot of the companies that don’t pay dividends because they didn’t make it to that mature business, those are the ones that end up being a big goose egg.” This long-term data reinforces why Dupree Financial Group’s approach to retirement portfolio management centers on dividend-paying quality companies rather than chasing momentum stocks or speculative trends. The Emotional Cost of Market Timing — and How Dividends Help One of the most powerful segments of the episode focused on the role emotions play in investment returns. James Dupree brought up a statistic that Mike had independently prepared: over a 30-year period ending June 2025, the S&P 500 delivered an annualized return of 8.4%. But missing just the 10 best trading days — out of nearly 11,000 — dropped that return to 5.6%. Miss the best 20 days and you’re down to 3.7%. Miss 30 days and you’re barely keeping pace with inflation at 2.1%. Resources from FINRA’s investor education center consistently reinforce this point: the cost of trying to time the market far exceeds the discomfort of staying invested through volatility. James Dupree highlighted the communication side of this equation: “The result of the education is also very good communication, and through that communication, it takes a lot of the mystery out of the process. What you own and why. And as a result, when the market goes wonky, which it inevitably does, our phones do not ring off the hook because there is confidence in the process.” This kind of relationship — built on education, transparency, and regular communication — is what separates working with a local financial advisor who provides direct access to your portfolio managers from being assigned to an investment counselor at a large national firm. When you know the people managing your money and understand the strategy behind every holding, you’re far less likely to make the emotional mistakes that derail long-term returns. You can hear from other clients about their experience on our client testimonials page. Why Target Date Funds and Autopilot Investing Fall Short in Retirement The episode also addressed a common trap for people approaching retirement: staying in target date funds or other autopilot investment vehicles. Mike explained that a target date fund is an open-end mutual fund — essentially a fund of funds — that automatically adjusts its allocation based solely on a target retirement date. It takes no account of the investor’s personal situation, current market conditions, or individual income needs. As Mike pointed out, “They probably filled that form 30 years ago, and they haven’t updated it since. And now they’re getting closer to retirement, and they still have that target date fund. That’s autopilot.” This is one of the key reasons Dupree Financial Group uses separately managed accounts rather than mutual fund packages. Each client owns individual stocks and bonds in their own account — real companies with real dividends — rather than being pooled into a one-size-fits-all product. This approach allows for active portfolio management, tax-efficient decisions, and the kind of personalized attention that a fee-based fiduciary advisor can provide. Not All High-Yield Stocks Are Created Equal An important caution from the episode: high dividend yield alone is not a reason to buy a stock. Mike emphasized, “We concentrate on quality — quality of the income, quality of the cash flow of the company, and the quality of management. If you’re looking for things just because it has a high yield, that can get you into big trouble.” The Dupree team actively manages current yield across the portfolio, trimming positions that have appreciated significantly (and whose yield has declined) in favor of quality companies offering higher current income. This dynamic approach — grounded in ongoing company research and regular client reviews — is part of what makes a personalized portfolio analysis so valuable for people approaching or living in retirement. Schedule Your Complimentary Portfolio Review If you’re thinking about retirement or are already retired and want to understand whether your portfolio is positioned to generate reliable income through market ups and downs, schedule a complimentary portfolio review with Dupree Financial Group. The team will walk you through what you own, why you own it, and how a dividend-focused income strategy could work for your situation.

Artificial intelligence is shaking up the stock market — and if you’re in retirement or thinking about retirement, you need to understand what it means for your portfolio. On this week’s episode of The Financial Hour of The Tom Dupree Show, hosts Tom Dupree Jr., James Dupree, and Mike Johnson break down how a single AI research report triggered a major Nasdaq sell-off, why “HALO” stocks are emerging as the safe haven trade for retirement investors, and how a dividend income strategy provides the stability that pure growth investing simply cannot match during volatile markets. With the Nasdaq down nearly 2.75% year to date and the Dow dropping over 645 points in a single session, the team at Dupree Financial Group explains how their income-focused approach and hands-on research process has helped client portfolios outperform the major indices — with significantly less risk. How One AI Research Report Rattled the Entire Market The week’s biggest market story centered on a research report from Rinni, a small boutique research firm, that painted a grim picture of AI-driven economic disruption. Written from the perspective of 2028, the report described a scenario where AI causes mass white-collar layoffs, creating a self-perpetuating economic spiral with no natural correction mechanism. As Mike Johnson explained on the show: “It was well written, and it was probably written by AI. Essentially AI causing mass layoffs, white collar jobs specifically, and causing a vicious cycle in the economy where there’s no self-correcting mechanism that you have with a normal economic downturn.” The report called for a potential 38-40% market decline, and the reaction was swift — particularly in expensive technology stocks that had been treated as safe havens for the past several years. James Dupree noted what this reveals about market psychology: “What it shows is how sensitive the market is right now, especially in some of these expensive areas of the market. The big tech companies were considered the safe haven for the last several years. Now you’re seeing the flip side of that.” This kind of volatility is exactly why working with an advisor who does independent research matters. Unlike large national firms where you may be assigned an investment counselor following a one-size-fits-all model, Dupree Financial Group conducts its own research and gives clients direct access to their portfolio managers — the same people making the investment decisions. Why History Says AI Won’t Destroy the Economy While the Rinni report spooked markets, the Dupree Financial team took a longer view — one informed by decades of watching technological disruption play out in real time. Mike Johnson put the situation in historical context: “You look back historically on what’s happened when you’ve had new technology disrupt an economy. You have upheaval in certain markets, but the unemployment rate has not gone up since you’ve had these displacements.” From farming equipment to spreadsheets replacing bookkeepers to e-commerce disrupting brick-and-mortar retail, the pattern has been consistent: displaced workers move to other industries, and companies become more efficient and more profitable. As an investor, that increased profitability is ultimately what drives returns. The team also drew parallels to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s — noting that while some technology companies will thrive, others building out AI infrastructure at enormous cost may see those investments fail to generate returns. This potential destruction of capital is a real risk for investors who chase momentum without understanding the underlying business. HALO Stocks: The New Safe Haven for Retirement Portfolios One of the most actionable insights from this episode is the emergence of the “HALO” investment framework — Heavy Asset, Low Obsolescence. These are companies that, as Tom Dupree put it, “you can’t AI out of existence.” HALO stocks include sectors like oil and gas, physical real estate, grocery stores, telecom companies, and industrial manufacturers like Caterpillar and Cummins. These companies own tangible assets and operate businesses that require a physical presence regardless of what happens in the virtual world. Tom offered a memorable perspective on why the physical world will always hold value: “The physical world has to exist and be maintained regardless. Everybody that is betting on AI in such a big way, it’s like betting on the side bet in a bigger way than on the actual game.” This HALO approach has been a significant contributor to Dupree Financial Group’s portfolio performance this year. Understanding how this investment philosophy works — owning individual stocks in carefully researched companies rather than being packaged into mutual funds — is one of the key differences between personalized investment management and the mass-market approach used by larger national firms. Dividend Income vs. Pure Growth: Why It Matters When You’re Taking Withdrawals Perhaps the most important segment for anyone in retirement or approaching required minimum distributions was the team’s detailed comparison of income-focused investing versus pure growth strategies. Mike Johnson broke down the math clearly: “With an RMD, you have to take X amount out every year. From a pure growth perspective, you have no idea what the price is gonna be over the course of that year. But by having an income focus, we can say with better conviction and better certainty what’s gonna be generated from income over this year.” The key insight is this: if your portfolio’s dividend income matches or exceeds your required withdrawals, the price of the underlying stocks becomes less critical in the short term. You’re not forced to sell into a down market. With a pure growth approach — even a traditional 60/40 allocation — you may have to sell stocks or bonds at unfavorable prices just to meet your distribution requirements. This is the kind of personalized portfolio analysis that makes a real difference for people in retirement. It’s not a one-size-fits-all allocation model — it’s a strategy built around your specific income needs and withdrawal requirements. The Hidden Risks of High-Yield Covered Call Funds The team also issued a timely warning about a popular product category that may look attractive on the surface: covered call funds with sky-high stated yields. James Dupree highlighted one particularly egregious example: “There’s one fund called Yield Max that had a 114% listed dividend. The fund is just gonna go down for the most part.” Mike Johnson explained why: “That’s the difference between a synthetic yield versus a real yield. A real yield of a company where the dividend comes from the earnings — that’s a real dividend.” If you’ve been living off a covered call fund’s “dividend” while the share price steadily declines, you’ve essentially been spending your principal without realizing it. This is a critical distinction that many investors — and even some advisors at large national firms — fail to make clear. FINRA’s investor education resources can help you understand the difference between income sources in various fund structures. Key Takeaways from This Episode A single AI research report from Rinni triggered a significant Nasdaq sell-off, exposing how sensitive expensive tech stocks have become to disruption narratives. History consistently shows that technological disruption displaces workers into new industries while making companies more efficient and profitable — not the doomsday scenario some predict. HALO stocks (Heavy Asset, Low Obsolescence) — including oil, real estate, grocery, telecom, and industrials — have emerged as the new safe haven trade and are driving strong portfolio performance. Dividend income strategies provide retirees with greater certainty around withdrawals than pure growth approaches, especially when required minimum distributions are in play. High-yield covered call funds with eye-popping stated dividends may actually be returning your own capital — not real income from company earnings. The 10-year Treasury yield dropping below 4% confirms that U.S. government bonds remain a safe haven during market sell-offs. Mortgage rates approaching 5.75% could help housing markets, but alone won’t solve the fundamental supply and affordability challenges facing homebuyers. Conducting thorough research on individual companies — rather than chasing momentum or buying based on headlines — remains the foundation of sound retirement investing. Frequently Asked Questions What are HALO stocks and why do they matter for retirement investors? HALO stands for Heavy Asset, Low Obsolescence. These are companies that own physical assets and operate businesses that cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence — think oil companies, real estate, grocery stores, telecom providers, and industrial manufacturers. For retirement investors, HALO stocks offer stability because their core business models are not at risk of technological disruption, making them a reliable component of an income-focused portfolio. How does a dividend income strategy protect my retirement withdrawals? When you’re taking required minimum distributions or regular withdrawals in retirement, a dividend income strategy means your portfolio generates cash from company earnings regardless of what stock prices do in any given year. This means you’re less likely to be forced to sell holdings at a loss just to meet your withdrawal needs — a risk that pure growth strategies carry during market downturns. Are covered call funds safe for retirement income? Not necessarily. While covered call funds may advertise attractive yields — sometimes exceeding 100% — the “dividends” often come from capital gains or options premiums rather than actual company earnings. Over time, many of these funds experience significant price declines, meaning investors are effectively spending their principal. It’s important to understand the difference between a synthetic yield and a real dividend backed by company cash flow. Will AI cause a stock market crash? While AI disruption is real and will create winners and losers across industries, historical precedent suggests that technological change tends to make the overall economy more productive rather than destroy it. Workers displaced by new technology historically move into new roles and industries. The bigger risk for investors is overpaying for AI-related companies that fail to generate returns on massive capital expenditures — similar to what happened during the dot-com era. How is Dupree Financial Group positioned during this market volatility? The team has been proactively raising cash and bond positions in client portfolios, which helped cushion the recent sell-off. Combined with holdings in HALO stocks, dividend-paying companies with conservative balance sheets, and Treasury positions that benefit from safe haven flows, client portfolios have outperformed the major indices year to date with significantly less volatility. You can listen to more market commentary or schedule a consultation to learn more. Don’t Guess — Know What You Own and Why You Own It As Tom Dupree said during the show: “The key isn’t timing the market. It’s understanding what you own and why you own it.” If you’re in retirement or thinking about retirement and you’re not sure whether your portfolio is built to generate reliable income — or if you’re wondering how AI disruption could affect your holdings — the team at Dupree Financial Group is here to help. With 47 years of investment experience, personalized separately managed accounts, and direct access to your portfolio managers, you’ll get the kind of hands-on attention that large national firms simply can’t provide. Schedule your complimentary portfolio review today: Call (859) 233-0400 Visit dupreefinancial.com Book directly at dupreefinancial.com/book Dupree Financial Group is a registered investment advisor (RIA). All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The information provided in this blog post and podcast episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The post AI Market Disruption, the HALO Investment Strategy, and Why Dividend Income Still Wins for Retirees appeared first on Dupree Financial.

Jim Weil, Managing Partner at Private Vista, shares how the firm's culture and core values shape the client experience, outlines how he monitors key risks, and discusses the most significant trends emerging in the RIA space. He also explains how Private Vista is leveraging technology and innovation to enhance its practice—while preserving the personalized service that clients expect.

With Jim Dickson — Founding Partner and CEO, Elevation Point Overview Louis Diamond speaks with the founder and CEO of Elevation Point about building a next-generation independent platform focused on ownership, minority capital, data strategy, and scalable, durable advisory firms. Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. Watch… https://youtu.be/D0-y8Q-DYvg About this episode… For decades, advisors operated under the assumption that there was a single path to success—a defined route dominated by the largest and most prominent firms. Over time, the landscape of options expanded, and the independent space matured. With it came a new set of challenges: how to turn the pursuit of freedom and control into something durable, scalable, and ultimately into a true enterprise. Jim Dickson has been thinking through that challenge for most of his career. After two decades at Merrill, Jim went on to found Sanctuary Wealth (a story we shared earlier in this series), where he played a central role in shaping what supportive independence could look like for growing advisory teams. Today, his own journey has entered a new chapter with Elevation Point—a next-generation independent platform focused on helping advisors take business ownership to a new level, with alignment, scalability, and long-term value at the core. In this episode, Jim and Louis Diamond talk about what led Jim to this new chapter, including: Elevation Point's unique value proposition—and how it fills a gap in the landscape. The value of capital—and how Elevation Point adds value along the way. Increasing enterprise value—and what advisors can do to grow without sacrificing control. Ownership and alignment—and why “how much of the pie you actually own” becomes more important as firms grow. Growth and partnership—and what it really means to build a firm intentionally over time. AI, data, and technology—and how each can support better decision-making. This is a story about yet another evolution in the landscape of options available to advisors—and why the future of independence is less about exits and more about elevation. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources The Right Way to Build a TeamThree strategies to create a foundation designed to foster long-term alignment and growth—and, ultimately, a legacy. MaxCeV™: How to Maximize Your Career Enterprise ValueThis tool breaks down four key factors that contribute to career enterprise value, offering a framework for advisors to conceptualize and achieve their full potential. An Advisor's Guide to 2026: What 2025 Set in Motion and What Comes NextAs 2026 comes into focus, advisors face a new set of strategic questions. This Industry Update explores the forces reshaping growth, deal structures, and enterprise value—and what those shifts may signal for the new year and beyond. JIM DICKSON FOUNDING PARTNER AND CEO  Jim Dickson is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, private investor, and innovator in wealth management with over four decades of experience in the financial services industry. Renowned for his advocacy for independent financial advisors, Jim is a visionary leader with experience in designing and implementing high-growth strategies for advisory firms.  Jim's deep understanding of the industry landscape positions him as a driving force behind transformative change, empowering advisors and firms to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. His growth mindset for RIAs and independence-seeking advisors prioritizes an “advisor-first” approach, tailored to an advisor's values and long-term vision.  Jim co-founded Elevation Point with Mark Penske in 2024 to serve as a value-aligned growth partner to independence-focused advisors and RIAs. Jim previously founded and built nationally recognized wealth management firm Sanctuary Wealth, which he launched in 2018. He was the visionary behind Sanctuary Wealth's Partnered IndependenceSM platform, providing elite advisors with all of the tools, services, and resources needed to fully and effectively serve their clients. Under Jim's leadership, it grew rapidly into one of the industry's top RIA firms, with more than $25 billion in assets and 76 partner firms in 28 states by 2023, when he left the firm.  Prior to Sanctuary Wealth, Jim spent 20 years as a senior divisional executive building and leading strategy for Merrill Lynch in Indianapolis and Chicago. He began his career as an accountant at Ernst & Young in Indianapolis.  Jim received his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Butler University, where he later served on the Board of Trustees for six years. He has been a leadership conference judge for FFA, a national non-profit organization preparing middle and high school students for careers in agricultural science, business, and technology.

A rising sport, a three-time champion, and a community that turns winter into a season of possibility—this conversation with Macie Elliott is a masterclass in how paddle tennis blends strategy, resilience, and partnership. Join Annie as she talk through Macie's early roots playing tennis with her family in Evansville, Indiana,  to her Division 1 tennis career at SMU and into paddle, where she has found the sweet spot where the screens rewrite shot selection and patience outplays power. We delve into the mental side of the game and how racquet sports build resilience and determination. You'll love her take on accountability and composure—and her habit of reflection and adjustment. Strategy fans get a window into patterns, tempo shifts, and why the screens create both more strengths and more weaknesses to exploit.We also face the access question head-on. Paddle's reputation as a country club sport isn't about culture, it's about cost. Macie points to public facilities like Cleveland's model, youth clinics, streaming, and regional camps as the levers that can expand the map across the colder half of the country. Whether you're a seasoned player or screen-curious, you'll leave with tools for better shot choices, stronger partnerships, and a steadier mind under pressure. Join us at Canoe Brook March 6–8, cheer on the women's draw, and help grow the game. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share with your team, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find us.About R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. was founded in 1984 by Richard Seelaus, originally as a municipal bond broker-dealer. The firm has since become a certified women's business enterprise ("WBE") and has grown into a full-service financial firm that is mission driven in its commitment to creating more opportunities for women in the financial services. R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries offer investment advisory, asset management, capital markets, brokerage, fixed income and equity trading, institutional sales, leveraged finance and insurance services. The R. Seelaus & Co., LLC subsidiary is a broker dealer registered with the SEC and member of FINRA, and the subsidiary Seelaus Asset Management, LLC, is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor ("RIA"). With various fixed income trading desks and more than seventy professionals, both entities serve individuals, families, public and private companies, non-profit organizations, and institutional investors. The firm has offices in NJ, CT, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, South Carolina, and Massachusetts. For more information about R. Seelaus & Co., and its subsidiaries visit www.rseelaus.com

This episode of Cider Chat explores the growing Maine cider scene through Absolem Cider Company in Winthrop, a farm-based cidery helping shape New England's evolving cider identity. Located on a 60-acre farm in Winthrop, Maine, Absolem Cider Company is a cidery that expresses place, heritage apples, and hospitality. In this episode, Ria sits down with cider maker Zach Kaiser to explore how Absolem blends traditional inspiration with modern experimentation. From wild-foraged apples and native fermentations to wine-inspired co-ferments and Basque-style pours, Zach shares how Maine's apple history is shaping a new generation of New England cider. 00:00 Intro Cask Cider 00:06 Meet the Guest 01:27 How Cask Service Works 03:08 Why Absolem Uses It 04:07 Episode Roadmap 04:48 Ciderville News MOFGA Workshops 07:19 Listener Shoutout Chalkys Cider 08:29 Featured Chat Begins 09:23 Absolem Farm and Tasting Room 10:31 Where Winthrop Fits in Maine 12:42 Zachs Cider Origin Story 14:24 Founding Absolem Through COVID 16:34 Coferments and Wine Blends 18:13 Wend Wild Apple Cider 22:32 Fermentation Yeast and Malo 24:57 Beer Hybrids and Collabs 25:39 Flagship Ciders to Try 27:18 Sidra Style Foeder Program 28:40 Taproom Vibe and Winter Maine 29:21 Year Round Tasting Room 29:31 Local Bar Vibe 30:41 Lake Town Tourism 31:41 Cider As Experience 32:22 Ice Cider And Mistelle 32:47 Brandy Barrel Aging 34:36 Lodging And Visits 35:14 Signature Events Calendar 35:30 Bembel Fest Details 37:57 Anniversary And Collabs 39:30 Pressing And Production 41:36 Heating And Expansion 42:58 Five Year Vision 44:30 New England Cider Association 50:12 Wrap Up And Links Find the full show notes for this episode at CiderChat.com Episode 492: https://ciderchat.com/podcast/492-absolem-cider-company/ Listen to Episode 492 of Cider Chat® wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss what's coming next in Ciderville. Prefer to watch? Find Cider Chat on YouTube for more cider stories, orchard adventures, and global cider culture.

This week, David Lau talks with Brian Saunders, Managing Director and Head of Private Equity at Atlas Merchant Capital, about how private equity investors are adopting innovation across financial services and why infrastructure, technology, and better client outcomes are driving the next wave of growth. They also discuss the evolving RIA landscape, the shift toward holistic advice, and how technology is reshaping everything from insurance and retirement planning to crypto and digital assets. Learn more at https://www.dplfp.com/series/advisor-revelations-podcast.

What does it really take to grow an advisory firm without losing control of culture or client experience? Growth can look attractive from the outside, but building something sustainable requires discipline, structure and long-term thinking. In this episode of the RIA Edge Podcast, host David Armstrong interviews JC Abusaid, president and CEO of Halbert Hargrove, about building a $4.2 billion RIA through disciplined organic growth. He shares how centralized operations, a well-structured internship pipeline and flexible minimums fuel sustainable expansion. JC also explains his employee-ownership model, his perspective on private equity pressure and how AI and technology investments are shaping the firm's next phase. Key takeaways: Why centralized operations create scale, consistency and firm-wide efficiency How lowering minimums for younger advisors drives long-term client growth Building a structured internship program that becomes a hiring pipeline Managing teams without advisor-led management to protect culture Using AI and technology as productivity accelerators, not cost controls Resources: Listen to the RIA Edge Podcast on Wealth Management Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Apple Podcasts Listen and Subscribe to the RIA Edge Podcast on Spotify Connect With David Armstrong: Wealth Management LinkedIn: Wealth Management LinkedIn: David Armstrong Twitter: David Armstrong LinkedIn: Informa Connect With JC Abusaid: LinkedIn: JC Abusaid LinkedIn: Halbert Hargrove Website: Halbert Hargrove About Our Guest: JC Abusaid is the CEO and President of Halbert Hargrove, a wealth advisory firm founded in 1989. JC earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Finance emphasis from the Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administracion in Bogota, Colombia, and his MBA from the University of Redlands School of Business. He was awarded the ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY designation by the University of Pittsburgh-affiliated Center for Fiduciary Studies. In 2016, JC earned a LEAD Certificate in Corporate Innovation from Stanford Graduate School of Business, and in 2021, he took part in BlackRock's first Emerging Leader Lab.

Building a Financial Advisory Firm That Puts Clients First: An Inside Look at the Process Meta Description: Discover why Tom Dupree founded Dupree Financial Group in Lexington, Kentucky—focusing on personalized investment management, team accountability, and retirement planning for local clients. For pre-retirees and retirees in Kentucky searching for personalized investment management, understanding the “why” behind your financial advisor matters just as much as the “how.” In this special episode of The Financial Hour of The Tom Dupree Show, Tom Dupree Jr. and Mike Johnson share the founding story of Dupree Financial Group—a journey that began with a simple walk in the woods near Natural Bridge in Kentucky in February 2002 and evolved into a comprehensive wealth management approach designed specifically for Lexington-area retirement investors. The Origin Story: From Brokerage Dissatisfaction to Independent Registered Investment Advisor Tom Dupree recalls the pivotal moment that sparked the creation of Dupree Financial Group. Walking through the woods with his young son James on his shoulders, he realized the traditional brokerage firm model wasn’t aligned with the future he envisioned for his family and clients. “I got this joy, this excitement in my heart thinking about doing this,” Tom explains. “I was in no position to do it at all. I didn’t have any money. Strangely, my banker approved me for a loan to actually go get the office space and get it fitted up. And that fit-up is still the same fit-up we’re using. We have not changed it.” The firm officially opened in 2003, but Tom identifies 2010 as the true beginning of Dupree Financial Group as it exists today. That’s when the firm disassociated from an outside brokerage and became an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). “In 2010, we disassociated ourselves with an outside brokerage firm and became what’s called an RIA, a Registered Investment Advisor, which meant that now we’re not paying 25% of our revenues to an outside firm,” Tom shares. “That enabled us to do a lot more internally, and it really was the beginning of the firm that we know today.” Key Takeaways: Why Dupree Financial Group Started Client-focused mission: Created to serve average retirement investors who wouldn’t necessarily get attention from major brokerage firms Cost structure advantage: Lower overhead means smaller accounts receive meaningful attention and personalized service Local accountability: Designed specifically to respond to clients in Lexington, Kentucky, and the surrounding region Team approach: Built from the ground up to provide collaborative service rather than single-broker relationships Independence: Becoming an RIA in 2010 eliminated the pressure to use proprietary products and allowed true fiduciary responsibility Personalized Investment Management vs. Mass-Market Approaches One of the core distinctions Tom emphasizes is the difference between Dupree Financial Group’s model and the mass-market approach taken by larger national firms. Rather than assigning clients to investment counselors within a large hierarchy, Dupree Financial Group provides direct access to portfolio managers who actually research and select the investments. “When you’re talking to somebody, to one of us, the team that you’re talking to is also the team that is designing your investment portfolio, actually helping pick stocks and bonds to own in the portfolio,” Tom explains. “Now why is that a big deal? Well, when I was with Brand X, they had a guy in New York who was brilliant, and he really was brilliant, and he was a stock picker. You didn’t ever talk to him, but he would publish a list of things that you ought to buy.” That approach failed catastrophically during the 2001-2002 market downturn, when many clients saw portfolios decline 50% with little communication or accountability from their advisors. “It wasn’t so much the fact that everything went down, although that was a big part of it, but it was the lack of communication,” Tom notes. “It was not being willing to be accountable for what really had happened, and they just clammed up.” The Dupree Difference: Direct Access and Transparency Mike Johnson highlights several critical advantages of the Dupree Financial Group model: Team collaboration: Multiple professionals work together on research and portfolio management, producing better outcomes than single-advisor approaches Direct communication: Clients speak directly with the team members who make investment decisions Own investment selection: The firm conducts its own research and calls companies directly rather than relying on buy lists from headquarters Local presence: All revenues stay local and are reinvested in client services rather than flowing to Wall Street firms “The service team is way more aligned with the investment team,” Mike explains. “It’s not two separate functions sitting in the same room.” Investment Philosophy: Focus on Income and Risk Mitigation for Kentucky Retirement Planning Unlike money managers competing to beat specific indices, Dupree Financial Group takes a different approach focused specifically on retirement investors’ needs. This investment philosophy prioritizes income generation and risk mitigation over performance rankings. “We’re not trying to beat any index. We’re just investing in things that we see are good that we think meet our parameters for what we’re looking for,” Tom states. “The why is it’s a focus on risk mitigation, and it’s a focus on income. Those things actually make it pretty easy for us once we tie down the parameters of what we’re looking for.” Mike Johnson references a quote from investment manager Howard Marks that encapsulates a key industry problem: “If you want to be in the top 5% of money managers, you have to be willing to be in the bottom 5% too.” That statement, Mike explains, highlights the perverse incentives created when advisors chase index performance rather than focusing on actual client needs. Real Portfolio Examples: How the Strategy Works The team shares several examples of their investment approach in action: The 6.5% Dividend Stock: “We bought it in June. This company, our listeners would be familiar with. At the time, it had a six-and-a-half percent dividend yield, and the valuation was attractive when you look at the hard assets that they had. We felt some things could go right for the company over the next couple of years. And in the meantime, the stock had gone down significantly, so there was a lot of bad news priced in already. Since then, the stock has gone up to what we thought it would go up to over the next two to four years. It just did it in four months.” The Grocery Company: “We invested in a company the other day—it was a grocery company well known within Central Kentucky. It’s gotten cheap. We just knew it as being a household name that pays a small dividend.” The Clothing Brand: “It’s kind of a clothing company, well-known. It puts out some major, well-known brands. The thing’s gone from a hundred dollars to 30-something, so we decided to take a look there. That one pays a pretty good dividend.” These examples demonstrate the value-focused, income-oriented approach that differentiates Dupree Financial Group from index-chasing strategies. The Team Approach: Building Long-Term Relationships Over Transactions A fundamental principle at Dupree Financial Group is the shift from transactional relationships to ongoing partnerships. Tom explains how his years at major brokerage firms taught him what he didn’t want to replicate. “One thing that I learned in the big firms was that it’s always about the transaction. It’s about the trade,” Tom recalls. “You were constantly having to pursue that trade, do this trade with this client, do that trade with that client. I didn’t want it to be about the trade anymore. I wanted it to be about the relationship.” This philosophy manifests in several concrete ways: Regular review process: Unlike transactional brokerage relationships, Dupree Financial Group built systematic client reviews into the firm’s DNA from the beginning No pressure to sell: Because clients have already committed to the process, meetings focus on education and information rather than sales Team accountability: Multiple team members take responsibility for each client rather than the single-broker model Transparent communication: When investments don’t work out, the team explains why openly rather than avoiding difficult conversations “When our clients come in for a review or they call with a question, they know we’re not trying to sell them anything,” Mike emphasizes. “It’s informational. It’s actually something they can use.” Direct Company Research: An Uncommon Practice One aspect of Dupree Financial Group’s approach that sets them apart is their practice of directly contacting companies they invest in—something Tom notes is rare among medium and small-sized investment advisors. “We do calls with these companies. In some cases, we’ve gone to visit them—the actual company itself that we’re investing in,” Tom explains. “That would’ve been unheard of in our previous setup. A big part of what we do is talk to the clients—I say clients, the businesses that we invest in. We talk to them, we want to find out what they’re doing, learn a little bit about management and do the best we can to really do our due diligence.” This hands-on research approach provides insights that buy lists and analyst reports simply cannot match. Four Generations of Financial Service: The Dupree Family Legacy The commitment to serving clients runs deep in the Dupree family history. Tom shares how his grandfather entered the investment business around 1920 in Louisville, Kentucky, selling preferred stock for Louisville Gas and Electric directly to the public before moving into municipal bonds. “My grandfather was the first one of our line that was in the investment business,” Tom explains. “Then my dad got into the business after being in the navy, I think it was around 1955 in Harlan, Kentucky. Then me and now my two sons are in the business.” Tom’s father moved the family to Lexington in 1963 and founded Dupree and Company, which managed municipal bond issues and eventually started the Kentucky Tax Free Mutual Fund in 1979. “Their idea was always to make a thing for clients that the clients could use, that was a retail thing,” Tom notes. “And so I carried that concern for the clients into what I did when we started Dupree Financial Group.” This multi-generational focus on creating client-centered investment solutions forms the foundation of the firm’s culture today. Tom’s sons, Clark and James, are involved with Dupree Financial Group, making the fourth generation of Duprees in the investment business. The Evolution: Early Struggles to Established Success Tom is refreshingly transparent about the challenges of the firm’s early years. After opening in 2003, success didn’t come easily or quickly. “It certainly was frightening during those early days of opening the firm and wondering if anybody would ever show up,” Tom recalls. “We did all these seminars, lots of them, over a hundred. People would show up, and now and then we’d get a client out of it. It took a lot of work.” The firm began regular radio broadcasts around 2008, which helped build awareness and credibility in the Lexington community. But the real transformation came in 2010 with the transition to RIA status. “When we became an RIA, it opened up possibilities for investment options that we didn’t have before,” Mike reflects. “It got the pressure of the heavy hand off to use proprietary products. That hand was always on you. And so that was lifted. It was like the skies opened up that you had this flexibility now.” Mike adds a crucial point about this transition: “At the same time, that was a sobering feeling. Now it was on you. You can’t blame it on anybody. But from our client’s standpoint, that was something that was a positive because the accountability increased for the firm.” Client Retention: The Ultimate Validation Perhaps the strongest validation of Dupree Financial Group’s approach is client retention. Tom notes that the firm keeps clients longer and longer—a testament to the relationship-building model. “We seem to be keeping clients longer and longer, so evidently we did something right,” Tom observes. “Once we got the buggy built, we really haven’t fooled with it much. We’ve tried to do some tweaks here and there, but the basic chassis has served us pretty well.” Why the “Why” Matters for Kentucky Retirement Investors For pre-retirees and retirees evaluating financial advisors, understanding the “why” behind a firm’s approach provides crucial insight into what kind of service you’ll receive. Dupree Financial Group’s founding principles remain consistent today: Serve retirement investors who might not get attention from large brokerage firms Maintain local presence and accountability in Lexington, Kentucky Provide team-based service rather than single-advisor relationships Focus on income and risk mitigation rather than index performance Conduct independent research and select individual investments Build long-term relationships rather than pursuing transactions Communicate transparently about both successes and setbacks As Tom reflects: “It really wasn’t about the investment performance. It’s about the touch, it’s about the accountability, those sorts of things. And that’s the kind of thing we’ve set up. That was what I envisioned when I started this thing—that we would give the clients more of what they should have been getting at the Wall Street firms.” Ready to Experience the Dupree Financial Group Difference? If you’re approaching retirement or already in retirement and want a local financial advisor who prioritizes transparency, accountability, and personalized service, Dupree Financial Group invites you to experience the difference that a client-first approach makes. Schedule your complimentary portfolio review today: Call: (859) 233-0400 Visit: www.dupreefinancial.com Get Personalized Analysis: Request your portfolio consultation Don’t settle for mass-market investment approaches or impersonal service from distant Wall Street firms. Work with a team of Kentucky financial advisors who do their own research, communicate directly with you, and keep your retirement goals at the center of every decision. Explore more insights on Kentucky retirement planning strategies and listen to additional episodes in our Market Commentary archive. Frequently Asked Questions About Dupree Financial Group What makes Dupree Financial Group different from large brokerage firms? Dupree Financial Group operates as an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), meaning the firm doesn’t pay commissions to Wall Street parent companies and doesn’t face pressure to use proprietary products. The team that meets with clients is the same team that researches and selects investments, providing direct accountability and transparency. All revenues stay local and reinvest in client services rather than flowing to distant corporate headquarters. Why did Tom Dupree start his own financial advisory firm? Tom founded Dupree Financial Group in 2003 after 19 years with a major brokerage firm, where he witnessed the limitations of the transactional, sales-focused model. He envisioned creating a firm that would serve average retirement investors with personalized attention, team-based accountability, and a focus on long-term relationships rather than individual trades. The firm became truly independent in 2010 when it transitioned to RIA status. What is the investment philosophy at Dupree Financial Group? Unlike money managers competing to beat specific indices, Dupree Financial Group focuses on income generation and risk mitigation for retirement investors. The team conducts its own research, including direct calls to companies they invest in, and selects individual stocks and bonds based on dividend yield, valuation, and margin of safety rather than trying to match or beat market benchmarks. How does the team approach at Dupree Financial Group benefit clients? The team model means clients receive the collective expertise of multiple professionals rather than relying on a single advisor’s perspective. Multiple team members share responsibility for each client account, improving service levels and ensuring continuity. This collaborative approach produces better research outcomes and provides clients with consistent access to knowledgeable professionals. What types of clients does Dupree Financial Group serve? Dupree Financial Group specializes in serving pre-retirees and retirees, particularly those who might not receive personalized attention from large brokerage firms. The firm’s cost structure allows them to provide meaningful, customized service to clients with retirement accounts of various sizes, with a focus on the Lexington, Kentucky area and surrounding regions. How often does Dupree Financial Group communicate with clients? Regular client reviews are built into the firm’s DNA from the beginning. Unlike transactional brokerage relationships where communication happens only when making trades, Dupree Financial Group maintains ongoing dialogue with clients through systematic review processes. These meetings focus on education and information rather than sales, since clients have already committed to the firm’s investment process. Does Dupree Financial Group charge fees or commissions? As a fee-based Registered Investment Advisor, Dupree Financial Group operates under a fiduciary standard, meaning it’s legally required to act in clients’ best interests. This fee-based structure eliminates conflicts of interest inherent in commission-based brokerage relationships and aligns the firm’s success with client outcomes. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Please consult with a qualified financial professional regarding your specific situation. The post Why Independent Financial Advisors Choose Income Over Index Performance for Retirement Portfolios appeared first on Dupree Financial.

Markets moved higher this week while continuing to work through a longer-term consolidation phase that has defined much of the year so far. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3%, the S&P 500 rose 1.1%, and the Nasdaq advanced 1.5%. Year to date, the Dow leads at +3.3%, the S&P 500 is up 0.9%, and the Nasdaq remains down 1.5%. From a technical perspective, the S&P 500 continues to trade within the consolidation range discussed on recent programs. Resistance near 7,000 remains intact, while the 50-day moving average has acted as a recurring support level. By week's end, the index moved back above that average, reinforcing the pattern of sideways movement rather than sustained decline. The Money Wise guys emphasize that this type of consolidation following strong prior gains is typical in market cycles, allowing valuations to normalize and confidence to rebuild. Technology stocks, which drove much of the prior advance, are also becoming more attractively valued after multiple compressions, creating selective opportunities within the sector. Market Resilience During Policy Shifts A major development during the week was the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs tied to the April 2025 trade actions. The Court struck down the specific legal provision previously used, but markets absorbed the news calmly as the administration moved quickly to implement tariffs through other existing authorities. The guys note that the muted market response reflected investors' understanding that trade policy direction remains largely unchanged despite the legal shift. In the second hour, the Money Wise guys explore RIA vs. Broker. You don't want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

Summary: In this episode of PRess Play: The StreetCred Podcast, hosts Elena Krasnow and Jimmy Moock sit down with Shannon Spotswood, chief executive officer of RFG Advisory. Shannon takes us on an incredible ride, from her early fascination with Wall Street at age 14 to the pivotal career and life decisions that ultimately led her to the helm of RFG Advisory. She reflects on learning to get comfortable being uncomfortable, her dynamic experiences across hedge funds and investment banks and the decision to step away from finance entirely before embarking on building the RIA of the future in Birmingham, Alabama.  We cover: How Shannon became so passionate about supported-independence for advisors Shannon's early formative experience working for a woman-led hedge fund Her move to Birmingham, Alabama and how that led to her favorite chapter of her career  What makes Shannon tick and why she loves building from the ground up The importance of building a brand that is deeply tied to people's values  …and much more! Don't miss this captivating conversation which reveals how each of these chapters shaped Shannon's leadership philosophy and her belief in building firms rooted in purpose, positivity and growth. Topics: (0:36) Meet Shannon Spotswood (1:33) What's for lunch? (1:45) The most perfect homemade granola  (2:28) A creature of habit  (2:59) You had me at hot honey (3:30) Saving her spirit of innovation for the business realm  (5:42) How Shannon entered the industry (6:10) At age 14, she knew she wanted to be on Wall Street  (8:25) The move to San Francisco to work at a hedge fund under one of the few female-led portfolio managers  (9:00) Learning how to trade IPOs and model companies  (9:40) The anti-Wallstreet Investment Bank, taking Netscape public  (10:50) Dream job came knocking in her second hedge fund job  (11:52) Learning how to get comfortable being uncomfortable (13:00) Hitting the wall and needing a change  (14:00) Pivot into luxury children's clothing  (14:45) Moving back to Birmingham, Alabama  (15:40) What Shannon loves about building RFG (16:00) Whoever would have thought the RIA of the future would be born and built in Birmingham, Alabama (17:05) The thread that knit it all together  (17:51) What makes her tick?  (18:44) Seeking the intangible  (19:49) “I am either all in or I'm out” (20:11) What it was like when Netscape went public   (22:15) “Everyone on your team has to be a driver”  (25:25) The importance of building a brand that people can connect with  (25:50) What clients are looking for in their advisors  (28:50) The biggest opportunities for advisors who want to grow in today's environment (29:00) “Stop undervaluing your time”  (29:55) Michael Kitces map  (30:42) The financial advisor's superpower  (33:00) Lessons for those looking to find their voice and carve out their own path (34:00) Get over the imposter syndrome  (36:00) Having a disproportionately positive impact on the industry, her partners and the world  (38:10) The detriment behind procrastination  (39:40) Mindset has a 24 hour shot clock on it (40:45) The power of momentum  (41:58) Time for our Play segment! (42:35) Shannon would have run a commercial construction company  (43:20) “I love any -ing”  (44:16) Moment of gratitude   Connect with StreetCred PR:   Contact Us: https://streetcredpr.com/contact/  StreetCred PR Website: https://streetcredpr.com/  Elena Krasnow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-krasnow/  Jimmy Moock on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-moock-3103162/  StreetCred PR on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetcred-publicrelations/  Subscribe to PRess Play on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StreetCredPR    Connect with Shannon Spotswood:   RFG Advisory: https://rfgadvisory.com/  Shannon Spotswood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonspotswood/    About our Guest:  Shannon Spotswood is a 25-year veteran of the financial services industry with experience spanning investment banking, hedge fund management, professional management and business development. As CEO of RFG Advisory, she leads RFG 2.0, the firm's fully integrated platform for independent advisors, and drives the strategic initiatives that power advisor growth. Since joining RFG in 2015, Shannon has blended her entrepreneurial background with a passion for building an innovative, advisor-focused RIA of the future—helping grow the firm from $1.2 billion to more than $7 billion in AUM. Publishing Tags: PRess Play, StreetCred PR, Podcast, Financial Journalism, Financial Media, Elena Krasnow, Jimmy Moock, Wealth Management, RIA, RIA of the Future, Supported Independence, Financial Advisors, Women in Leadership, Shannon Spotswood, RFG Advisory  

5 Local bands headline Lovers Fest at the Aggie Theater for Valentine's Day. Find out more as Ria and Mia from the KCSU music department interview members of Kevin?, Ember, Snow Day, Planet Claire, and Freaky Stella. 

“Personalization” has become one of the most overused words in wealth management and one of the hardest promises to actually deliver. Clients want portfolios that reflect their goals, values, tax realities, and life events. Firms want scale, efficiency, and fewer operational landmines. Too often, those two goals collide. In this episode of The WealthStack Podcast, host Shannon Rosic sits down with Joshua Allen, CEO of TCP Asset Management, to unpack what real portfolio personalization looks like inside a fast-growing RIA and why most firms underestimate the operational cost of getting it wrong. Josh shares how TCP moved beyond model-only workflows, where automation actually helps (and where it doesn't), and why saying no to most technology is critical to scaling personalization without creating an ops headache. Key takeaways: How hiring a director of advisory services strengthened tech integration Why deeper use of existing tech beats adding more tools to the stack How personalized portfolios are driving referrals across generations Why most “personalized portfolios” still feel identical to clients What's real vs hype when it comes to AI in portfolio management Resources: Listen to WealthStack on Wealth Management Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Apple Podcasts Subscribe and listen to WealthStack on Spotify Connect with Shannon Rosic: Shannon Rosic WealthStack website Wealth Management Connect with Joshua Allen: LinkedIn: TCP Asset Management Website: TCP Asset Management About Our Guest: As a founding Partner and  Chief Executive Officer of TCP Asset Management, Josh Allen is charged with leading a team of wealth advisors in practice management, business development, and innovative planning solutions. These solutions have provided our clients with the resources and flexibility needed to deliver a personalized financial planning experience that is fluid and dynamic. Josh and his team have developed and refined a process that is comprehensive in nature and ties together: investment management, risk management, retirement income planning, estate planning, business and family legacy planning, and philanthropy. This exclusive process allows them to put together all the pieces of the financial puzzle for their clients as their lives unfold and be engaged when their needs evolve. Josh received a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University in Family Resource Management. He also received a certificate in Financial Planning from Boston University. Upon completion of the education, examination and experience requirements, Josh obtained the Certified Financial Planner, CRPC® and CRPS® designations. His securities licenses include the series 7,9,10 and 66 and State of Ohio insurance license. Josh is married to Branda, who is also one of his business partners. They together have three children, two dogs and two cats. As a family they love the outdoors, whether it is on the beach or in the mountains, they are always up for an adventure.

There are multiple pathways into the RIA model.Each with pros and cons.One of the pathways is to join an existing RIA.When I first note the latter to advisors, there is often a misconception about what that entails.I'll often hear… “I don't want to sell my practice.”That “flavor” of RIA exists, but it's by no means the only flavor available.In fact, there are over a dozen variables that distinguish one RIA from another.Some RIA offerings will be of no interest to you, whereas others could be very appealing.In this episode (#142) of the Transition To RIA question & answer series I explain how to evaluate an RIA to potentially join.Come take a listen!P.S. Prefer video? You can find this entire series in video format on Youtube. Search for the TRANSITION TO RIA channel.Show notes: https://TransitionToRIA.com/how-do-i-evaluate-an-ria-to-join/About Host: Brad Wales is the founder of Transition To RIA, where he helps financial advisors between $50M and $1B understand everything there is to know about WHY and HOW to transition their practice to the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model. Brad has 20+ years of industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in Compliance, Finance and Business Development. He has an MBA and has held the 4, 7, 24, 63 & 65 licenses. The Transition To RIA website (TransitionToRIA.com) has a large catalog of free videos, articles, whitepapers, as well as other resources to help advisors understand the RIA model and how it would apply to their unique circumstances.

While Artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer financial advisors the prospect of greater operational efficiency, the real opportunity goes beyond saving time. This episode explores practical ways advisors can use AI not only to streamline workflows, but also to elevate the client experience with clearer insights, stronger storytelling, and deliverables that make a firm's value instantly tangible to prospects and clients. Christopher Haigh is the CEO of Iconoclastic Capital, an RIA based in Rochester, New York, that oversees approximately $60 million in assets under management for 120 client households. Listen in as Christopher shares how he's adopted AI tools across his tech stack, including how he leverages AI inside planning, investment analysis, and tax software, as well as how he uses generalist AI tools to create and refine dynamic presentations that better communicate his firm's brand and value proposition. For show notes (including examples of the deliverables Christopher uses with prospects and clients) and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/477

Comprometido divulgador de los valores naturales, culturales y sociales de toda la Montaña de Riaño, esta semana charlamos en "León, hacia rutas salvajes" con el profesor Carlos Cuenya González, excepcional testigo de la dramática ola de incendios que también golpeó este pasado verano a la vertiente leonesa de los Picos de Europa. Acompañados de nuestro naturalista de cabecera, Manu González, hablamos con él sobre todo aquello que las llamas destruyeron y acerca de cómo está evolucionando el terreno medio año después.

SPRING TOUR TICKETS > barstoolsports.com/events/bestshowonearthtour. Ria's Friends Experience review (00:00-13:47). The Quad God's shocking free skate at the Winter Olympics (13:48-18:51). Fran danced on stage at the Dancing with the Stars Tour (20:28-41:09). The Traitors S4 E9 recap (42:32-1:09:08). Tell Me Lies S3 E7 recap (1:10:25-1:22:28). Weekly Watch Report: Wuthering Heights, Love Island: All Stars, Summer House, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette + more! (1:22:29-2:08:54). CITO LINKS > barstool.link/chicks-in-the-office.You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/chicks-in-the-office

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Sedora and Jeff Emrich, Partners and Financial Advisors at Vantus Wealth, to explore a more connected approach to financial planning. Born from a desire to bring clarity and collaboration to every part of clients' financial lives, Vantus Wealth is an independent RIA built on the idea of gaining a higher perspective—*vantage*—while keeping the focus on ‘us': the client, their family, and their trusted circle of professionals. Andy and Jeff share how this philosophy shapes the way they advise, partner, and help clients make confident, well-aligned financial decisions.???? Connect with Andy Sedora & Jeff Emrich: ✅ Website: https://vantuswealth.com/ ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vantuswealth/ ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vantus-wealth/ Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great. ???? Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://StreamYard.CastAhead.net ➡️ Get your FREE copy of Ben McClure and Jeff Giagnocavo's book - "Sleep Better" https://gardnersmattressandmore.com/sleep-betterLIVE SHOW PODCAST & REPLAYS: ???? Connect with Lancaster Connects:✅ Official: https://lancasterconnects.com/ ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LancasterConnects ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-connects✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LancasterConnectsLancaster Connects is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead:  https://CastAhead.net #LancasterCounty #LancasterPA #LancasterCountyPA #LancasterConnects #Community #RetailExperience

With Joe Duran – Managing Partner, Rise Growth Partners Overview What does it take to build something enduring—more than once? In this special replay, Joe Duran reflects on the mindset behind reinvention, the lessons from selling United Capital to Goldman, and why the most successful leaders never stop questioning their assumptions. Watch… Listen in… > Download a transcript of this episode… NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. About this episode… Joe Duran's career has always been about reaching new heights—and then helping others climb on their own. A proverbial mountain climber himself, Joe built and sold two of the most successful firms in the RIA space: Centurion Capital and United Capital. Today, Joe sees himself as a sherpa—guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs through his latest venture, Rise Growth Partners. His story is one of constant reinvention, relentless curiosity, and the humility to keep asking one simple question: “What if I'm wrong?” Joe first joined us on the show back in 2020, shortly after the sale of United Capital to Goldman Sachs. Now, with the benefit of both hindsight and foresight, Joe revisits that experience and explores the mindset behind building truly world-class firms, including: The Goldman experience—and what he learned from the sale of United Capital. The development of Rise—and how he sees it helping to shift the narrative in the industry. Learning from your clients instead of your competitors—and why that's the real key to building a world-class firm. Finding an investor that can “really help you—and why you need to look beyond “financiers.” Adding services without adding staff—and when you shouldn't look in-house for solutions. Challenging your assumptions—and how to stay relevant in an industry that never stops changing. And why being great doesn't necessarily mean being the biggest. Joe also reflects on how the industry can avoid the risk of mega-RIAs repeating the mistakes of the wirehouses. It's a candid and thought-provoking conversation about reinvention, leadership, value creation, and what it means to evolve from mountain climber to sherpa from one of the industry's trailblazers. Want to learn more about where, why, and how advisors like you are moving? Click to contact us or call 908-879-1002. Related Resources Why Settle for “Good Enough” When Great is Possible? In a vastly expanded industry landscape with more high-quality options than ever before, some advisors settle for “good enough” when the potential for “great” is often within reach. What's holding them back? Limitless Growth: Building the Business You Want and the Life to Match Stephanie Bogan, founder of Limitless Advisor, offers a glimpse into the advice and perspective she shares with advisors and business leaders in the wealth management world, focusing on mindset and methods, and their relationship to achieving one's best business life. Wealth Management Landscape at a Glance The wealth management industry offers more options than ever, making it challenging to identify and compare the various models. We created this “at a glance” continuum infographic—to help you navigate the different models and understand how their features stack up. Joe Duran Managing Partner Joe Duran is a serial entrepreneur and an industry visionary in wealth management and wealthtech. Early in 2024, Joe and his team launched Rise Growth Partners (‘Rise'), the industry's first harmonious financial partner. With firsthand experience in building nationally recognized registered investment advisers (RIAs), Rise's team partners with middle-market RIAs, providing capital and strategic expertise. Previously, Joe was a Partner at Goldman Sachs, serving as Co-Head of the Workplace and Personal Wealth business. He founded and served as CEO of United Capital, one of the nation's largest independent wealth management firms, which Goldman Sachs acquired in July 2019. Prior to that, he built and sold Centurion Capital–one of the first turnkey asset management platforms–to General Electric, where he served as President of GE Private Asset Management (now listed as NYSE: AMK). Joe is the author of three bestselling books on investing and entrepreneurship. He is a sought-after conference and podcast speaker and appears frequently on a broad spectrum of media, ranging from CNBC to Goop. Joe has MBAs from Columbia University and UC Berkeley, as well as an undergraduate degree from Saint Louis University. He is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the Young President's Organization (YPO), the world’s largest leadership community of chief executives. A Yogi for decades, he meditates daily and is an avid beach volleyball player. Joe and his wife Jennifer cherish their three daughters and share a love of frequent travel, dining, dancing and live concerts. Also available on your favorite podcast app and other media sites

Andy Fisher spent 25 years leading operations at a Fortune 500 company before launching Path Setter Financial, a fee-only RIA built on clarity, transparency, and calm.In this episode, we talk about his transition from corporate leadership to advisory firm owner—and what engineering discipline taught him about building better financial planning processes.We discuss how fee structures influence outcomes, why fiduciary advice truly changes the conversation, and how Andy structures discovery to help couples align spending with values. His philosophy is simple: the math is straightforward, but behavior drives results.We also get into real advisor topics—navigating stock comp, pensions, and early retirement windows; launching an RIA; early operational mistakes; implementing a CRM; outsourcing strategically; and the role peer groups play in momentum and accountability.If you're building or refining your firm, this conversation offers practical insight into process design, client communication, and helping families move from analysis to action.If you found it valuable, follow the show, share it with another advisor, and leave a quick review.Andy's Social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-fisher-16522410/Music from this episode was obtained through Bensound.

Seekord on meil külas Riigi Infosüsteemi Ameti peadirektori asetäitja küberturvalisuse alal ja RIA küberturvalisuse keskuse juht Gert Auväärt, kellega rääkisime teemadest, mis on kirja saanud RIA värskesse küberturvalisuse aastaraamatusse. Kui episood kuulatud, loe lähemalt: https://www.ria.ee/kuberturvalisuse-aastaraamat-2026-----Jaga meile enda jaoks olulisimat mõtet episoodist meie Discord kanalis: https://discord.gg/8X5JTkDxccEpisoodi veavad Priit Liivak, Martin Kapp ja Erik JõgiAlgorütmi toetavad LHV https://www.lhv.ee/Nortal https://nortal.com/Codeborne https://codeborne.com/

Your finances have layers—investments, taxes, planning for the future. If you want a second set of eyes, Peter opened up a few spots for a quick, no-obligation call. Grab yours now. -----  If you ever hire help, how do you tell whether you're getting a high-quality advisor? Ranie Verby, Plancorp's Director of Practice Management, joins the show to explain what "financial advisor" can really mean, how to spot a true fiduciary at an RIA, and why the best advice shows up when life gets messy, not when markets are calm. Listen now and learn: ► The quickest screening questions that reveal whether an advisor is transparent, fiduciary, and actually aligned with you ► The firm-structure red flags that signal thin service, weak continuity, and no real succession plan ► Why "owned outcomes" matter more than portfolio picks when you hit a major life event ► How Plancorp uses behavioral finance and AI to improve the client experience without burning out advisors   Visit www.TheLongTermInvestor.com for show notes, free resources, and a place to submit questions.   (01:30) How to choose a high-quality financial advisor: fiduciary duty and RIA screening  (04:51) Signs of a great advisor: trust, continuity, and why a team matters  (08:26) Behavioral finance in financial planning: tough conversations, estate planning, and family decisions  (13:44) DIY investing vs hiring an advisor: accountability, decision support, and owned outcomes  (16:29) How Plancorp uses AI in financial planning to save advisor time and improve meetings  (21:49) Advisor burnout and capacity: why it affects client experience and continuity  (26:23) Financial advisor red flags and green flags: team size, succession plan, and relationship fit  (29:08) Integrated financial planning under one roof: investing, taxes, and estate coordination  (32:22) For advisors: how to evaluate your firm and build a sustainable advisory career  (36:20) Choosing a financial advisor: fiduciary in writing and meet the full team  (37:08) Where to follow Ranie Verby    Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠)   Disclosure: This content, which contains security-related opinions and/or information, is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in any manner as professional advice, or an endorsement of any practices, products or services. There can be no guarantees or assurances that the views expressed here will be applicable for any particular facts or circumstances, and should not be relied upon in any manner. You should consult your own advisers as to legal, business, tax, and other related matters concerning any investment. The commentary in this "post" (including any related blog, podcasts, videos, and social media) reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the Plancorp LLC employees providing such comments, and should not be regarded the views of Plancorp LLC. or its respective affiliates or as a description of advisory services provided by Plancorp LLC or performance returns of any Plancorp LLC client. References to any securities or digital assets, or performance data, are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. Charts and graphs provided within are for informational purposes solely and should not be relied upon when making any investment decision. Past performance is not indicative of future results. The content speaks only as of the date indicated. Any projections, estimates, forecasts, targets, prospects, and/or opinions expressed in these materials are subject to change without notice and may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed by others. Please see disclosures here.

What happens when a $16 billion RIA decides to double down on leadership, integration, and “advisor intelligence” in the middle of an AI-driven vortex of change?   In this episode of the Registered Investment Advisor Podcast, Seth Greene interviews Jennifer des Groseilliers, CEO of The Mather Group, who shares how her path from Vermont to law school to leadership roles at Ameriprise, MetLife, and a MassMutual franchise ultimately led her to the helm of The Mather Group, a $16 billion fee-only RIA. As a key leader at The Mather Group, Jennifer oversees a 190-person team, 40 wealth advisors, and a growth engine built on 23 acquisitions, an integrated planning platform, and a niche focus on Fortune 200 executives nearing retirement. She discusses leadership development, behavioral finance, and the rise of AI in wealth management—explaining why “advisor intelligence” is now the real differentiator for firms that want to win the next decade.   Key Takeaways: → How taking over compliance, portfolio management, and back-office operations for acquired firms frees advisors to focus on client-facing work and deep planning. → Why it's essential to bifurcate sales and advice and how that structure enhances both growth and advisor effectiveness. → How AI is creating a vortex of change in financial services and why advisor intelligence around values, behavior, and trust matters more than ever. → Why The Mather Group sees itself as an integrator, not an aggregator. → How carefully refined and consistent platform allowed the firm to scale to roughly $16 billion in AUM.   Jennifer des Groseilliers is the Chief Executive Officer of The Mather Group. Jen cultivates a collaborative culture through inclusive and supportive leadership. Her unwavering commitment to keeping clients at the center of all efforts drives her approach. Jen's extensive professional experience includes serving as a Managing Partner in the MetLife Premier Client Group in 2013, leading a team of over 160 financial advisors. She became the CEO of MassMutual Illinois in 2016 and, in 2020, after a merger with WestPoint Financial Group, assumed the role of Partner and Chief Experience Officer, leading various departments, including Investments, Compliance, Practice Development, and Financial Planning.   Connect With Jennifer:   Website: https://www.themathergroup.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtmgwealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TMGTheMatherGroup LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferadesgroseilliers/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/themathergroup   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Womanology! In today's episode, Ria sits down with content creator Eisha Nikole to discuss her incredible journey from being a full-time caregiver to achieving viral success. Eisha opens up about the raw challenges of balancing motherhood, caregiving for her parents through cancer and kidney failure, and battling postpartum depression—all while building a thriving brand in the social media space. We also dive into the "discipline of the gym," the power of saying "no," and why the St. Louis creator community is essential for growth. In this episode, they discuss: -The First Camera: The life-changing gift from her partner Michael that sparked her journey. -Healing Through Creation: How watching Orlando content creators provided an escape during her darkest days. -Overcoming the "People PTSD": Dealing with imposter syndrome and learning to work with others again. -Brand Collaborations: The secret to landing deals with names like Universal and Six Flags Fright Fest. -Modern Parenting: Why "open lines of communication" are the key to breaking generational cycles.   Hit the new voicemail ‪(314) 649-3113‬ Follow Womanology on Instagram (@womanology_Podcast) Email the show at straightolc@gmail.com                  Hit the Voicemail at 641-715-3900 Ext. 769558 Follow SOLC Network online Instagram: https://bit.ly/39VL542    Twitter: https://bit.ly/39aL395    Facebook: https://bit.ly/3sQn7je    To Listen to the Podcast Podbean https://bit.ly/3t7SDJH                     YouTube http://bit.ly/3ouZqJU                     Spotify http://spoti.fi/3pwZZnJ                    Apple http://apple.co/39rwjD1                     Stitcher http://bit.ly/3puGQ5P                  IHeartRadio http://ihr.fm/2L0A2y1 

This CEO Built A $30B Money Management FirmGuest STAN GREGOR Chairman & CEO Website: https://summitfinancial.com/AUM$26-27B in assetsSUMMIT FINANCIAL CEOStan Gregor is the CEO of Summit Financial LLC. As a senior executive with over 30 years of experience, Stan has operated in banking, private wealth management, investment management, fiduciary trust services, fixed income trading, investment banking, retirement services, insurance, financial planning, and public finance. He has also been involved in acquiring and integrating some of the largest and most complicated banking, wealth management, insurance, and capital markets businesses and cultures with a demonstrated track record of increasing productivity, profitability and shareholder value.Most recently, Stan was the founder and co-CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald Wealth Partners (CFWP). Under his leadership, CFWP grew to over $5 billion in assets in less than two years through several strategic acquisitions of RIA's, independent advisors, and wire house teams.Prior to joining Cantor Fitzgerald, Stan was the Head of Wells Fargo Wealth Management -Eastern US Markets and President of Wachovia Wealth Markets. He provided executive leadership to the Eastern U.S. Markets and headed up the Wealth Insurance Division overseeing: the private bank, wealth brokerage, investment management, fiduciary trust services, financial planning, and insurance. Stan was responsible for leading nearly 5,000 team members generating revenues of $2.5 billion with $69 billion of investment fee-based AUM, $19 billion of deposit balances, and $16 billion of loans.Prior to Wachovia, Stan was CEO of Commerce Capital Markets, where he directed private wealth management, brokerage, asset management, fixed income trading, derivatives, investment banking, retirement services, insurance, and public finance.Subsequently, Stan was CEO of Quick and Reilly (Q&R) as one of the visionaries that transformed Q&R from a transactional discount broker to a full-service advisory company. When Q&R was acquired by Bank of America, Stan stayed on as co-CEO of Bank of America Investment Services until 2005.Over nearly a decade at Citigroup, Stan had several senior executive level roles leading different divisions including consumer banking, private wealth management, and Citigroup as Northeast Group Executive Vice President. He is also a member of the Fast Company Executive Board.Company BioSummit Financial is a preeminent investment advisory firm proud to continue our predecessors' four-decade legacy helping advisors elevate their businesses and deliver robust client experiences.

Building an advisory firm that can outlast its founder often requires challenging decisions, especially for entrepreneurs who intentionally left prior partnerships to lead a firm on their own. This episode explores what it looks like to design succession on your own terms, balance growth with cultural clarity, and make partnership, hiring, and operating-system choices that can lead to sustainable growth. Kathy Longo is the founder of Flourish Wealth Management, an RIA based in Edina, Minnesota, that oversees $455 million in assets under management for 163 client households. Listen in as Kathy shares why she chose to bring on a partner after previously leaving a partnership at a previous firm to build a business she could drive individually (while also applying lessons learned from her own experience), how she completed an acquisition while minimizing risk by bringing on clients in smaller tranches, and how she adjusted her firm's operational, hiring, and career development practices to build a firm that can thrive for the long haul. For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/476

[정정사항] 21:22 내용 중 'RIA계좌를 지금 증권사 가면 만들 수 있나요?'라는 진행자의 질문에 대해 '어쨌든 신설을 사전에 할 수 있습니다.'라는 답변은 'RIA 계좌 개설이 가능하다'는 의미가 아닌, '사전 이벤트로 발급 신청을 할 수 있다'는 의미 입니다. 현 시점에서 증권사를 통한 RIA 계좌 개설은 불가능한 것이 맞습니다. 정보 전달에 혼선을 드려 죄송합니다. [깊이 있는 경제뉴스] 1) 늘어나는 달러 구독료, 환율·물가도 자극한다 2) 李 “등록 임대에 영구 혜택 의문".. 임사자 매물 유도? 3) RIA 계좌, 이달 내 출시 어렵다.. 이유는? - 김치형 경제뉴스 큐레이터 - 조미현 한국경제신문 기자 - 정지서 연합인포맥스 기자

Tax planning has become an integral part of a comprehensive financial planning service offering and a way for advisors to offer hard-dollar value for their clients. In this episode, we explore how integrating tax preparation, proactive tax planning, and outside tax expertise can deepen client value, diversify revenue, and accelerate firm growth. Erik Brenner is the CEO of Hilltop Wealth and Tax Solutions, an RIA based in Mishawaka, Indiana, overseeing approximately $600 million in AUM for 830 client households. Listen in as Erik shares how he doubled his firm's AUM in three years in part by building a comprehensive, three-pronged tax strategy that combines in-house tax preparation, advisor-led tax planning analysis, and outsourced expertise for complex cases. We also discuss why he chose to launch a separate but integrated tax business that is profitable in its own right rather than treating tax prep as a loss leader, how in-person dinner seminars focused on retirement tax strategies drive nearly half of the firm's new clients, and how taking a systematic approach has helped Erik's firm boost the number of Google and other online reviews it receives. For show notes and more visit: https://www.kitces.com/475