Podcasts about Vanguard

This is the final episode in a special three part series live from the PowerCast stage at CLEANPOWER 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona where Consensus in Conversation host Conor Gaughan sat down with Kevin Doffing, Founder and CEO of Project Vanguard, to discuss how veterans are uniquely positioned to drive America's energy transition. Former Army Infantry Officer turned clean energy advocate, Kevin Doffing shares how Project Vanguard is empowering veterans in the renewable energy sector through cutting edge careers, policy advocacy, and community leadership. Discover why veterans excel in clean energy roles, how they are shaping community perceptions, and why energy independence is so important for national security.Join us for a compelling conversation with Kevin Doffing on: How Project Vanguard is uniting veterans nationwide to power America's clean energy workforce and strengthen energy security.Why veterans are uniquely equipped for careers in renewable energy — and how their skills and mindset align with industry needs.Practical ways veterans are building trust and community support for local clean energy projects across the country.How renewable energy development can help reduce global conflict and reinforce national security.What the clean energy industry and policymakers can do right now to better support veteran hiring, apprenticeships, and leadership opportunities.Learn more at projectvanguard.com Connect with Conor Gaughan on LinkedIn and Threads @ckgone This is the third episode in a three-part series recorded live from CleanPower 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. Don't miss the first two episodes: Sandhya Ganapathy & Tristan Grimbert: Lessons from Innovators Leading the Energy Transition; and Miguel Prado & Frank Macchiarola: Strengthening the Grid for Tomorrow's Energy Demands, both now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.Consensus in Conversation is hosted and executive produced by Conor Gaughan. This episode was produced by Kate Tucker for Consensus Media in partnership with American Clean Power. Special thanks to our PowerCast production team: ACP's Senior Manager of Powercasts – Hannah Papp, James Lamparter of Diamond Pro Audio, and Paul Pollard of SlideSpiel.Gratitude as always to the team at Consensus Media including Greg Herrigel on research and Patrick Gallagher on strategy.If you liked this episode, please consider leaving a review, it helps us build consensus, and great conversations!

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don't already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you'll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you're already a Vanguardista, we salute you.  ‘F1', or ffffwan, as nobody is calling it—is racing onto cinema screens this week, so listen up for Mark's verdict on this high-speed blockbuster. And we've got a review of ‘M3GAN 2.0'—the first of what could be many sequels to the dollfaced genre-mashing horror hit. Can they keep shoehorning numbers into their titles? Looks like we might be about to find out.  Our special guest this week is Maxine Peake, who stars in ‘Words of War'--a bold biopic of murdered Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, whose work was critical of the Kremlin and the Russian army. She talks to Simon about telling Anna's powerful story, why the film ditched the fake Russian accents, and being married to Jason Isaacs—onscreen only! You can catch Mark's review straight after their chat too.   Top takes in the Box Office Top 10 this week—and fans of 80s radio nostalgia are in for a treat from Simon, so listen out. Plus, 28 Years Later fans, don't miss Take 2 for yet more spoiler-tastic chat unpacking the film everyone's talking about—including lots of you in your top correspondence. Keep it coming!     Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):  M3GAN 2.0 Review: 09:16  Box Office Top Ten: 14:55  Maxine Peake Interview: 25:10  Words of War review: 40:45  F1 Review: 51:52  You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo  Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  A Sony Music Entertainment production.      Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts    To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Interactive Brokers' Steve Sosnick and Invesco's Brian Levitt break down the momentum and what could keep it going as the S&P 500 approaches record high. U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff discusses potential off-ramps to conflict in the Middle East and the state of the Iran-Israel ceasefire. PIMCO's Pramol Dhawan weighs in on global markets and emerging risks. Vanguard Chief Global Economist Joe Davis lays out his midyear outlook for rates, growth, and asset allocation. Plus, Scott Cohn reports from Meta's sprawling new data center campus in Louisiana, examining which states are winning the AI infrastructure race. 

Market speculation is at an all time high, yet there are economic surprises in store that could shake things up. There is now an illusion of economic strength. Lance discusses the recent reversal of the Death Cross in the S&P and NASDAQ; the Gold Cross is at an all time high. Lance and Danny address the new push to make private equity investing available for "the little guy," and the illusion of limited volatility. Beware the "good deals;" Wall Street will always find something to sell you if you want to buy it. The fallacy of "above average" gains in private equity; you never hear about the deals that go sour. A political sidetrack into the supposed fate of the Big Beautiful Bill and Term Limits. Danny and Lance review a Vanguard report on the average balances of 401k's (beware "average" comparisons!). SEG-1: Market Speculation Has Gone Bonkers SEG-2: The Private Equity Push SEG-3: The Fallacy in "Above Average" Gains SEG-4: How Does Your 401k Compare to National Averages? RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Financial Advisor Danny Ratliff, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch today's video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ-J2YfNC5w&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=1s ------- Articles mentioned in this show: "Iran Struck By U.S.: Markets, Risk, and Rational Investing" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/iran-stuck-by-u-s-markets-risk-and-rational-investing/ "The Dollar's Death Is Greatly Exaggerated" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/the-dollars-death-is-greatly-exaggerated/ "Oil Price Rise, Not Tariffs, Will Cause CPI To Tick Up" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/oil-price-rise-not-tariffs-will-cause-cpi-to-tick-up/ "The Iran-Israel Conflict And The Likely Impact On The Market" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/the-iran-israel-conflict-and-the-likely-impact-on-the-market/ ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Markets' Trajectory Remains Bullish," is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRzdiS6C1vc&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- Our previous show is here: "Is WW III Off the Table?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTZR3PEvaxc&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1&t=3s ------- Register for our next live webinar, "Financial Independence Candid Coffee," June 28, 2025: https://streamyard.com/watch/BUr4UuRVt6Uj ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketRally #BullishMarket #BuyTheDip #IranIsraelConflict #WorldWar3 #GeopoliticsAndMarkets #WarImpactOnStocks #GlobalConflict #FinancialMarketsToday #GeopoliticalRisk #StockMarketNews #IranUSConflict #401k #PrivateEquity #PrivateEquityETF #SpaceX #SuperSavers #SmartInvesting #MarketVolatility #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the S&P 500 nearing a new record high but trouble could be brewing under the surface. More Americans tap 401(k)s for emergencies according to Vanguard.Student loan delinquencies hit record as late payments pile up. A shrinking housing market means upheaval for buyers. Tesla's EU sales slumped in May despite EV market growth. BP shares jump 8% on report it is in early-stage talks to be acquired by Shell.

Matt Zeigler and Ben Tuscai of Sunpoint Investments take a different approach to wealth management. Instead of just managing money, they combine deep financial planning with investment consulting to build real relationships and help clients make smarter decisions.Their paths into the industry were unique—Matt was a music major, and Ben worked for the Phillies before spending eight years at Vanguard. That experience helps them think more broadly about client needs. At Sunpoint, they helped redesign the firm's service model to go beyond portfolios and address the full picture of a client's life.They work with everyone from young professionals to billion-dollar families, applying the same core principles: track cash flow, build strong balance sheets, plan for life events, and manage risk. For ultra-wealthy families, they focus on education—teaching kids as early as sixth grade to understand money and avoid entitlement.They call it “garden glove service”—hands-on, practical, and focused on building something meaningful. They also emphasize five types of capital: financial, human, intellectual, social, and wisdom.Their planning helps clients avoid tax mistakes, close insurance gaps, and navigate big life transitions. As Matt says, they often just “stand between clients and stupid.”You can follow Ben on LinkedIn or The Advisor Dads YouTube channel, and Matt on Linkedin and Twitter @cultishcreative.Music in this episode was obtained from Bensound.

Don flies solo from Florida while Tom continues his Euro-tour, tackling the deep flaws in Morningstar's mutual fund and target-date fund ratings. He skewers their cozy relationship with high-fee fund companies and explains how commission-based funds keep getting top honors while cheaper, investor-friendly alternatives like Vanguard are buried down the list. Don also fields live calls about asset allocation, inherited IRA distribution rules, Roth IRA contribution strategies, and the all-too-real pain of annuity surrender charges—some as high as 12.5% in year one. 0:04 Don opens solo—Tom's in Germany—and reflects on aging and the Maytag repairman 1:05 A brief history of Don's 40+ year career in financial media and advice 3:05 Praise for Morningstar's data, but heavy criticism of its ratings system 5:04 Morningstar's bias: high-fee target-date funds getting gold medals 9:12 American Funds ranked above Vanguard despite massive commissions 11:01 Don breaks down absurd rankings: T. Rowe, PIMCO, J.P. Morgan all above Vanguard 13:37 Morningstar's “medal” approach ignores cost—key to long-term returns 14:34 When paying more makes sense (hint: not fund fees) 16:41 Why commissions offer zero investor value 18:24 Share class shell games: A-shares vs. C-shares deception 20:40 Call: AVUV vs VT allocation—Don recommends 10% in AVUV 23:43 Weather sarcasm, caller hesitation, and the “Seattle call effect” 25:16 Tease: Surrender charges on annuities—what you don't know can cost you 27:09 Annuities: “safe”… but how safe is 12.5% surrender in year one? 29:35 Call: 43-year-old saving $2,400/year in a Roth and wants to do better 32:39 Don's advice: open an outside Roth, invest in VT, and take the risk quiz 34:39 Call: Inherited IRA RMD rules—Don corrects a past mistake 37:07 Why inherited IRA rules are a legal labyrinth—CPA strongly advised Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Kroeger joins Dr. Sandie Morgan as the two discuss how anyone can find their unique role in fighting human trafficking without changing careers, using the metaphor of grabbing a handle on an ancient Greek pithari jar. Andrew Kroeger Andrew Kroeger is a podcast producer with over a decade of experience and a proud Vanguard alum. Before podcasting, he worked in book publishing as an editor and spent years as a live sound engineer. He's also passionate about global missions, having spent many summers living in Romania, doing outreach work for the past eight years. Andrew has been the invisible force behind this podcast, editing every episode, managing the website, and ensuring content reaches listeners in over 170 countries. What's fascinating is how Andrew never set out to work in anti-human trafficking - this opportunity came to him through his existing skills and connections. Key Points Andrew's journey into anti-trafficking work began as a Vanguard student doing live sound for events, which led to connections that eventually brought him to podcast production work eight years later. The pithari metaphor illustrates how fighting human trafficking requires many people finding their unique "handle" - you don't need to carry the entire burden alone, just find where your skills fit. Andrew emphasizes that people don't need to change careers or entire life directions to make a meaningful impact in anti-trafficking work - opportunities often come through existing skills and connections. His global mission experience, particularly in Romania and Egypt's "Garbage City," gave him firsthand perspective on trafficking issues that keeps him passionate about the work. Eight years of editing every episode has transformed Andrew from a "tech guy" into a content expert who can now play an editorial role in shaping the podcast's message. Working consistently with anti-trafficking content can lead to emotional numbing, requiring intentional effort to maintain compassion and avoid becoming cynical about the work. The podcast's focus on hope and human dignity, rather than just statistics and outcomes, sets it apart from other anti-trafficking content and prevents burnout. Andrew's favorite episodes are those featuring Romania because they connect to his personal mission experience, and the recent AI episode with David Tyre because it showed how emerging technology can help rather than hinder anti-trafficking efforts. The podcast is transitioning to video format to reach more students and young professionals who prefer visual content and want to share episodes with friends and classmates. Finding your "handle" means recognizing opportunities that come to you naturally rather than forcing your way into anti-trafficking work - partnership is often more effective than starting from scratch. Resources Connect with Andrew 282 – Crisis Prevention of Ukraine Refugee Trafficking, with Ioana Bauer 341 – Following the Money: How Financial Crime Investigations Disrupt Human Trafficking Transcript [00:00:00] Sandie Morgan: Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast here at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice in Orange County, California. I'm Dr. Sandie Morgan, and this is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. [00:00:24] Today I'm flipping the script and putting our producer Andrew Kroeger in front of the microphone. Andrew is a podcast producer with over a decade of experience. And a proud Vanguard alum. Before podcasting, he worked in book publishing as an editor and spent years as a live sound engineer. He's also passionate about global missions, having spent many summers living in Romania, doing outreach work for the past eight years. [00:01:05] Andrew has been the invisible force behind this podcast. He's been editing every episode, managing our website,

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don't already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you'll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you're already a Vanguardista, we salute you.  It's not quite 28 years, but we have been waiting a whole 23 for a Danny Boyle helmed sequel to the 2002 zombie apocalypse classic ‘28 Days Later'. He and Jodie Comer, who stars in the new horror shocker, join Simon to discuss ‘28 Years Later'. It's the first in a trilogy of follow ups set amongst the new society that has developed on the remote Holy Island after the Rage Virus has rendered mainland Britain uninhabitable. Danny and Jodie unpack the horrifying and fascinating world of the film, and we'll be bringing you The Good Doctors' verdicts on it too. We can guarantee you a spoiler-free review in Take 1—but tune in to Take 2 sharpish if you're after a spoiler-tastic deep dive...   More reviews this week of ‘The Last Journey'—a Swedish documentary about one son's bid to help his father regain a zest for life via an elaborate road trip adventure—and ‘Elio', an intergalactic new Pixar offering that sees a misfit kid appointed as Earth's ambassador to the universe. Plus our usual rundown of the Box Office Top 10 with Mark's takes and yours, more alleged ‘hilarity' from The Laughter Lift, and top correspondence from you lot on everything from your cinemagoing antics to films that just need a slap.     Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):  The Last Journey Review: 06:47  Box Office Top Ten: 12:59  Danny Boyle and Jodie Comer Interview: 24:27   28 Years Later Review: 38:35  Elio Review: 52:32  You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo  Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  A Sony Music Entertainment production.      Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts    To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They're now the default investment in many 401(k)s, and millions of Americans are using them without really understanding how they work. So, are they a smart choice… or just the easiest one?   Important Links: Website: http://www.yourplanningpros.com Call: 844-707-7381   ----more---- Transcript:    Marc: Target-date funds just passed $4 trillion in assets. They're now the default investment in many 401Ks for millions of Americans, who are using them without really understanding how they work. So this week on Plan With The Tax Man, let's talk target-date funds.   Hey, everybody. Welcome to the podcast with Tony Mauro and myself as we talk investing, finance and retirement. Of course, Tony is the Tax Man, and if you've got questions or concerns or need some help when it comes to today's topic, or any other, make sure you're talking with a qualified professional like Tony and his team at Tax Doctor Inc. You can find them online at yourplanningpros.com. That's yourplanningpros.com. Tony's got 30 plus years of experience as a CPA, CFP, and an EA, so a great resource for you to tap into.   Tony, my friend. What's going on buddy? How are you?   Tony Mauro: I'm well. Enjoying the summer so far, and as we're recording, that's getting closer to the July 4th holiday, so things are good.   Marc: That's true.We'll drop this one this week about two weeks early, and then we'll drop another one, probably right around there.   So what do you think about that? 4 trillion bucks, man, in target-date funds? That's a lot of dough.   Tony Mauro: That's a lot of money. It seems that clients are starting to ask about them more. Basically, what is it? Do you think it's a good idea?   Which is why I wanted to talk about it a little bit just to shed some light on all this.   Marc: Because the question is, Tony, is it the smart choice or is it the easy choice?   So they were created for that purpose, to be easy, I think. I think that's part of it because... Well, we give some back history here, just a little teeny bit. Again, according to Morningstar, hit $4 trillion in assets. In fact, it says eight out of every 10 Vanguard 401k investors hold one today. So start at the beginning a little bit. What exactly is a target-date fund? Give us just a quick breakdown.   Tony Mauro: It's as the name implies, is basically they set a date, and they have all these different funds. So for example, if you're 50 years old, and they have a fund that they put a date on it, so 15 years from now they'll call it the 2040 fund, and then the '45 and on and on and on.   Marc: Which we're used to seeing, right?   Tony Mauro: That's what you see. And really what they're designed to do, is based on your age, they basically take a portfolio growth-oriented as you're younger, if you've got a lot of time left, and then as you age, it becomes more and more conservative, and shifts on its own to more and more conservative funds. With the theory that is that as you get closer to retirement, you want to take less risk, and you want to make sure that a down little blip in the market two to five years is not going to kill you as far as that goes.   So, it makes it really appealing to a lot of investors with this whole thing. Talk about set it and forget it. This fund is that exactly.   Marc: It's definitely that. So they call it the glide path, so it's designed. But I think there's some misnomers in there. So part of that, but based on what you were just saying, sometimes people say... Okay, well let's just go with an easy number here, Tony. We'll just say the 2050 fund. So it's 25 years from now, so I've got 25 years before I'm going to retire. I'm set to retire in 2050. So that'll work great, I'll just do that. Again, if you're doing nothing, I think these target-date funds can be cool, but some of the downside is that risk tolerance you were just talking about.   First of all, they don't go all the way down to zero. So I think some people feel like there's this, "Oh, well, if they're reducing my risk as I get closer to my target-date, I'll be really, really no risk by the time I get there."   And that's not usually the case. Usually, what? It's about 50/50 I think is about where they stop at.   Tony Mauro: That's usually what it is, what I see, even in the most conservative, say the last two to five years. And I do think people, because they're marketed as the set it and forget it, they don't really look at some of that stuff.   So, while they offer the simplicity and the chance to rebalance, I don't think they're all the same. And I think this is where, rather than... It's better than doing absolutely nothing. Let's get that on the table. But if you're going to use one of those, as many people do, I think you should work with your advisor to make sure that this is something you really want. You need to look at the fee structure you need to look at...   Marc: That's another great point.   Tony Mauro: ... The asset mix as you get a little closer to retirement, is that maybe it's too conservative? Maybe it's too aggressive.   To me, with our clients, I like to have a little bit more, I don't want to say control, but yet...   Marc: Well, that's what it is though, right? Well, so all right, so you're thinking about... You just mentioned...   Okay, a couple of positives, let's do that. So it's very easy if finance isn't your thing, you just want to pick something, and so you can roll, and that way you're putting in your 401k at work, and you're getting the match, and blah, blah, blah, and you're earning something for retirement, great. Okay, very easy. Good to do.   The auto rebalancing, again, another benefit. So that makes it easy. You don't have to worry about that too much, because they auto due, but you just mentioned the fees. These are managed and so they come with fees, correct? Higher fees, sometimes.   Tony Mauro: Sometimes they come with higher fees, because based on how the fund is structured, and what their fund is supposed to do, they may be moving in and out of securities more often than not.   And I think the other thing, too, is a lot of people don't really look at how long the fund's been around some of the maybe longer-term performance. Just even as the managers, because you certainly don't want to buy a real laggard=type of target-date fund if they don't have a good record as managers. But most of them are going to be okay to a little above average.   But the point is to take a look and delve into some of this stuff, because it's something you got to watch out for.   Marc: Definitely.So you've got the fee structures conversation, does it actually fit your needs? So I think that's part of it.   So let me rephrase it this way, Tony, you've been doing this for 30 plus years as I mentioned earlier, I think if you're a younger person, if you're in your twenties, thirties, maybe even your forties, and you've taken a new role, new gig someplace, and you're setting up the account, and as I mentioned, more and more companies now are automatically... You have to check to opt out of a target-date fund. So check that whenever you're setting up with HR and all that stuff.   I think they can be useful. You're getting it going. You're busy, you've picked the target-date fund for the year that you're going to turn 65, but I think as you get closer, and you mentioned this a minute ago about your clients, I think once we get to 50 plus, maybe there's better options out there for us to be looking at doing it. Is that fair?   Tony Mauro: I think that's fair. And I think it's especially prevalent, and we have cases like this all the time. If a person is maybe behind, in other words, we do a plan, and we figure out where they want to be and figure out that they don't have enough to get to that goal, we may need to change up some things, assuming the risk tolerance and everything else aligns with that. And the target-date fund wouldn't be a fit for that at all. We wouldn't be able to get to where we're going.   But in all of our meetings, as we're setting up the investments part, we do talk about target funds. And I don't mind using them for a small portion of the portfolio to start, just as a little bit of a buffer as the set it and forget it part. So there is a fit. So I'm not come off totally against them,   But I think in most cases, especially above 50, especially when you get to the distribution stage, we certainly don't want to leave our money in the target-date funds, because most of the time you're looking for as much yield as you can get for that income distribution. So I think they have their fit.   I think too many people are just like you say, just saying, "You know what? I don't know anything about any of this. I'm just going to throw my money in that."   That's not a bad option. I think the better option is to talk to somebody and to work with your advisor to see if that is the best fit for you and diversify even more.   Marc: And I had just seen not long ago, and I was trying to find it so that I could cite the place that it came from, but it said over the last five years that more and more target-date funds are automatically shifting to a higher aggressive stance to begin with. Probably because the market had been doing well, plus with the bond trouble that bonds had been experiencing for a couple of years.   So again, to your point about allocation, and about risk tolerance, and all that stuff, that's where some of the misnomer comes in. People feel like, okay, this is going to be probably a fairly safe bet. It's going to be a 60/40, it's going to stay that way, 60/40 split's going to stay that way. And then as I get closer to retirement, it's going to drop down to 70/30, 70 being safer. And that's just not always the case.   So you really want to talk with an advisor and dig into it. So do you guys, when you're working with people that come in for the first time, and you're going through their list of assets, do you look into those and see what's going on there?   Tony Mauro: We do if they have those in their 401k. And then we'll usually pull a report just to let them know what that fund is about and what its makeup is, what its asset allocation is, and based on everything else that we'll do in our planning software, is that the right fit for them in the portfolio? A lot of times it is. But if that's their only one, generally we'll suggest some other things, at least for the future.   Marc: What typically is in some of these bigger ones, typically it's going to be a lot of large cap and stuff, isn't it, Tony?   And so I was thinking about this the other day. So if you're picking a 2040, 2050 fund, but then you're also going and getting some investments on the side. Let's say you want to do some extra stuff and you're like, "oh, I'm going to go get a mutual fund through Schwab" or whomever.   A lot of times you wind up buying the same stuff, because you're probably picking a mutual fund that you're looking at to see, hey, it's doing fairly decent and it's probably all around, well, lately, tech, and these large-cap companies, the S&P, and whatnot.   Tony Mauro: It is. And I think so many people don't look at that. They think they've got a ton of diversification in their mutual funds, [inaudible 00:10:08]   Marc: "I got that from Schwab, myself, and my target-date funds through Fidelity." I'm just making stuff up. But then they think, "Okay, two different companies, two different mutual funds, two different sets of stuff. Cool. I'm more diversified."   But often it's not.   Tony Mauro: It's really not. And when you delve into it a little bit, you can point some of that stuff out, and it's a little aha moment for them just to basically say, "Look, if there's nothing wrong with this, but you really don't have as much diversification as you think, and based on how we want the plan to go, we might just to make some tweaks."   Marc: Gotcha. Okay. All right. Any final thoughts? I don't want to belabor the point too much.   I like this thought that I have to wrap this up, Tony, and then I'll let you tell me what you think. Look, they're easy as we said, but sometimes that's the problem. And with so much money riding in a one-size-fits-all strategy, I think it's worth asking the question, are you planning for retirement or are you coasting towards it? What do you think?   Tony Mauro: I would say that's definitely true. I would say from a planner standpoint is we try to get a little more intentional with it, and we don't really want to... Not that the default is a bad thing, but we want to make sure it's the right fit for you. So I definitely think there should be at least a little dissecting before you just coast rather than plan.   Marc: And I think definitely age has something to do with it. So like a lot of things in finance, what you're doing in your twenties, and thirties, and forties may be fine if you're going with the one size fits all easy, low-hanging fruit. But as we get to 50, we start thinking about things a little bit differently and maybe it's a little worthwhile to start really getting somebody to look under the hood, so to speak, and really dissect that a little further.   So, you got some questions with that stuff, need some help, reach out to Tony and his team at Tax Doctor Inc. Get yourself onto the calendar by simply going to their website, yourplanningpros.com. Or you can call them at 844-707-7381. 844-707-7381.   And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple, or Spotify, or whatever podcasting platform app you enjoy using. Just type in "Plan With The Tax Man" in the search box, or just simply go to the website, yourplanningpros.com.   Tony, my friend, thanks for breaking it down. As always, I appreciate you.   Tony Mauro: Okay, we'll see you next time.   Marc: We'll see you next time right here on Plan With The Tax Man with Tony Mauro.   Securities offered through Avantax Investment Services SM, member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory Services. Insurance services offered through an Avantax affiliated insurance agency. Investment strategies discussed in this episode may not be suitable for all investors. Please consult with a financial professional.

Your business is growing—but is your personal wealth strategy keeping up?In this episode, I sit down with Mark Cecchini, a wealth advisor who works with high-growth founders, to break down what it really means to build a personal capital stack.

While we await updated Fed Day data, we renew our call for the Fed to cut rates, discuss the muted market response to international conflicts, and examine the important role of bonds in providing stability in investment portfolios. We also talk about Vanguard's less-than-stellar market forecast as we continue to stress the importance of maintaining a diversified, long-term investment approach  Key Takeaways [00:17] - It's time for the Fed to cut rates [04:07] - The market reacts to Israel, Iran, and oil [13:35] - Fools errands: forecasts & short-term strategies [22:56] - The role of bonds in investment portfolios View Transcript Links Around 26% of the world's oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Markets NOT viewing Israel/Iran as safe haven event, but a crude oil supply shock story. Vanguard forecasts US stocks to return 3.9% annually over the next decade.   Connect with our hosts Doug Stokes Greg Stokes Stokes Family Office Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify lagniappe.stokesfamilyoffice.com Disclosure The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate, qualified professional prior to making a final decision. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies referenced in our blogs/podcasts) or any other investment and/or non-investment-related content or services will be profitable, equal any historical performance level(s), be suitable or appropriate for a reader/listener's individual situation, or prove successful. Moreover, no portion of the blog/podcast content should be construed as a substitute for individual advice or services from the financial professional(s) of a reader/listener's choosing, including Stokes Family, LLC, a registered investment adviser with the SEC, with which the blogger/podcasters are affiliated.

A short little after show where we talk a little bit about what just happened during episodes 1-3.

Vor ziemlich genau 50 Jahren hob John "Jack" Bogle den Indexfonds – ein Vorläufer des ETF – aus der Taufe. Und nicht nur das: Er ist auch Gründer von Vanguard. Zum 50. Geburtstag haben wir Sebastian Kuelps (Head of Germany and Northern Europe) eingeladen. Von ihm wollen wir wissen, ob Bogles Grundsätze noch Bestand haben, welche Erfolge und Misserfolge Vanguard über die Zeit verzeichnete und wie er selbst anlegt. Dazu die alles entscheidende Frage: Wird der FTSE All-World bald noch günstiger? ++++++++ Im neuen Extra-Magazin findest du alle goldenen Regeln der Geldanlage. Plus: Erfahre welcher Broker das beste Aktiensparplan-Angebot hat und vieles mehr. Jetzt bestellen: https://shop.extraetf.com/collections/einzelausgaben ++++++++

Don and Tom tackle the behavioral trap of “home bias” in investing—why U.S. investors tend to overinvest domestically and why it's dangerous. They compare global fund allocations across countries, poke fun at nationalist investing instincts, and explain why international diversification is essential. Listener calls cover early Social Security regret, 72(t) withdrawals, covered calls on Palantir, and what happens to target date funds after they “expire.” 1:52 Home bias explained: Americans (and Australians) overweight U.S. stocks 2:58 U.S. vs global stock market value debate 3:42 Fund companies pander to investor bias 4:14 Vanguard Australia fund: 42% Aussie stocks?! 5:25 Why home bias hurts—Australia's 25% bank exposure 6:26 Dimensional and Avantis global tilt: 70% U.S. 7:52 Long-term global diversification reduces volatility 8:17 The 2000s: Global funds outperformed U.S. funds 9:21 Call: Donna in AZ – Regret over early Social Security filing 11:29 Don confesses he took his at 69: “I'm weak” 12:02 Donna's still in great shape—no panic needed 13:04 Timing Social Security: Only critical if it's most of your income 14:45 Emotional investing vs logic—why home bias persists 15:51 Japan: Home bias disaster, zero returns since 1990 16:07 Call: Kyle in TX – 72(t) withdrawals and bond reluctance 18:21 Tom explains why bonds matter when pulling from a shrinking stock portfolio 19:51 Call: Jason the Tesla Bull – Covered calls on Palantir 21:15 Covered call mechanics explained 23:14 Don's 1980s crash story: When covered calls fail 24:14 Covered calls appeal to greed, often backfire 25:20 Palantir's PE ratio? Try 1,058—yikes 26:30 Meme stocks vs megacaps: Palantir's government dependency 27:05 Call: John in OH – Fidelity fee confusion update 28:16 John's advisor can't see the same statements—sus? 30:32 Make sure to bring statements and get written answers 31:29 Don's birthday, Father's Day gripes, and Twain wisdom 32:22 Call: Elizabeth in SC – What happens to a 2010 target date fund? 33:37 Vanguard 2010 funds merge into 70/30 “retirement income” fund 35:14 Performance? ~5% annualized—above inflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building on last week's discussion about why rolling over your old 401(k) into an IRA could be a smart move, this episode flips the script. It explores seven compelling reasons you might want to leave your 401(k) with your previous employer instead. I break down factors like fees, company stock advantages, penalty-free withdrawals, legal protections, and unique investment options that could all influence your decision.  If you're approaching retirement or just planning your next career move, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the best choices for your financial future.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [04:12] Leave company stock in 401k to use net unrealized depreciation, potentially saving on taxes via long-term capital gains. [08:55] Consider keeping company stock in an old 401(k) to avoid taxes and penalties if under 59.5 years. [10:01] IRA withdrawal exemptions and strategies. [16:01] Consider keeping your old 401 (k) for potential loan access, but check if your provider permits non-employee loans. [17:50] Deferring 401(k) distributions explained. When to Leave Your Old 401(k) With Your Previous Employer Changing jobs often means making quick decisions about retirement savings. While rolling over your old 401(k) into an IRA is a common choice, there are significant advantages to leaving it where it is. This week, I'm discussing the situations when maintaining your previous employer's retirement plan is advantageous.  1. Potential for Lower Fees If you worked for a large organization, their 401(k) plan might offer exceptionally low administrative and investment fees, especially if they've chosen robust menus with index fund options. While IRA costs have dropped due to strong competition among major financial institutions like Schwab, Fidelity, and Vanguard, some large employer plans still offer a lower cost.  Always compare fees before making a move; sometimes, your old 401(k) will be the most cost-effective option available. 2. Tax Benefits of Company Stock (Net Unrealized Appreciation) Do you have significant company stock in your 401(k)? You could benefit from the unique tax break called Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA). This allows you to pay lower long-term capital gains rates on your stock's growth instead of higher ordinary income rates. However, to take advantage of NUA, you must carefully roll out your stock and be mindful of any 10% penalty if you're under 59½. Know your stock's cost basis and consult with a tax professional to determine if waiting is best, especially if your cost basis is higher. 3. Penalty-Free Access Between Age 55 and 59½ Left your job between 55 and 59½? Here's a little-known benefit: you can tap your old 401(k) penalty-free before age 59½. If you roll the balance into an IRA, that door closes, unless you qualify for rare exceptions. This rule can be crucial if you need those funds to bridge the gap to retirement, so consider leaving at least part of your balance in the plan until you turn 59½. 4. Enhanced Creditor Protection Federal law (ERISA) offers 401(k) plans strong protection from creditors and judgments, even in bankruptcy. While rollover IRAs are also protected under federal and many state laws, the details can get complicated. Certain states may limit IRA protections, so it's wise to investigate your state's rules. Segmenting rollover IRAs from contributory IRAs can also help simplify tracking and protection. 5. Access to Stable Value Funds Some 401(k) plans offer stable value funds, a low-risk investment choice that often comes with a guaranteed minimum rate of return. While money market funds are currently paying more, that could change if interest rates drop. In lower-rate environments, stable value funds could offer an edge and a safe harbor for your retirement assets. 6. Possible Loan Availability Need to borrow against your retirement savings? Some plans allow you to take a loan from your 401(k), even after leaving the company. However, this isn't universal, since loan repayments are usually tied to payroll. Check with your plan administrator to see if this benefit applies; if it does, it could be an important safety net. 7. Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Deferral if Still Working If you work past age 73, keeping your funds in a 401(k) with your current employer lets you defer required minimum distributions (RMDs). That's not the case with IRAs. Consolidating old 401(k)s into your current plan can simplify RMD timing and let your funds grow tax-deferred a bit longer. Make an Informed Move Rolling over your 401(k) may seem automatic, but there are times when staying put is the better choice. Carefully assess fees, tax implications, creditor protections, and your unique needs. Most importantly, consider working with a fiduciary, fee-only financial advisor who understands your entire financial picture. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  Charles Schwab Fidelity Vanguard Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

Mike Loukas, CEO of TrueMark Investments, weighs in on the growing debate over buffer products and highlights TrueShares’ innovative structured outcome ETFs.  VettaFi's Roxanna Islam covers a range of topics, including Schwab's fee cuts, Vanguard's multi-share class filing, the rise...

In this episode, I chat with Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence and author of The Bogle Effect. We dive into the life and legacy of Jack Bogle, the founder of Vanguard, and explore the evolution of Bitcoin ETFs. ––– Offers & Discounts ––– Theya is the world's simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/Matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Eric Balchunas on X: https://x.com/EricBalchunas ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - Eric's Background: Journalism to Finance 05:53 - Investing Philosophy and Personal Strategy  09:24 - Exploring The Bogle Effect  12:09 - Comparing Bogle and Satoshi  22:19 - Origin Story of Vanguard  24:45 - Launching the First Index Fund  28:51 - The Sacrificial Ethos of Bogle 34:46 - Buffett's Tribute and Endorsement  37:03 - Who Are the Bogleheads?  42:09 - Bogle's Take on ETFs and Trading  44:59 - Frankenstein's Monster: Thematic ETFs  49:46 - The Art of Doing Nothing  50:56 - Inflation, Bitcoin, and the Real Return  53:18 - Comparing Bitcoin and U.S. Stocks 54:45 - Bogle's Take on Trustless Money and Banks  58:33 - Eric's Journey into Bitcoin via ETF Filings  01:04:55 - TradFi's Shift After the Bitcoin ETF Approval  01:05:37 - BlackRock, Fidelity & the Legitimization of Bitcoin  1:13:17 - ETFs response to a Major Drop in Bitcoin's Price  1:19:40 - The Two Things that Convinced Eric About Bitcoin  1:24:10 - How Has Bitcoin Changed Eric  DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode are our own and DO NOT reflect the opinions/views of any of our guests or sponsors.  I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing.  Thank you for listening!

Vanguard's Joseph Davis talks about megatrends, including the tug of war between AI and US government deficits. UBS's Mark Haefele discusses investing where governments spend.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is it that Black Rock, Vanguard and State Street are at the heart of every land grab? Today from the Eastern Plains of Colorado.

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don't already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you'll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you're already a Vanguardista, we salute you. Our guest this week is the prounciationally challenging but very lovely Domnhall Gleeson, who sits down with Simon to talk about his new Apple TV+ thriller ‘Echo Valley'. In it, he plays the sinister dealer Jackie to Sydney Sweeney's addict Claire—no more nice Domnhall. He and Simon talk accents, improv, and looking like a psychopathic Ronan Keating—don't miss it. Mark reviews ‘Echo Valley', along with two more of the biggest big-screen releases this week. First up, ‘Tornado', a Scottish Samurai tale starring Jack Lowden and Tim Roth as criminal heavies, and Kôki as the titular Tornado they are chasing down. Plus, ‘How to Train Your Dragon': Mark delivers his verdict the live action (except for the dragon) remake starring Nick Frost, Gerard Butler and more. Some more excellent Jason Isaacs content too, and an iWttr mystery solved... Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free): Tornado Review: 10:24 Box Office Top Ten: 16:46 Domhnall Gleeson Interview: 26:53 Echo Valley Review: 43:21 How To Train Your Dragon Review: 52:50 You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com And to find out more about Sony's new show Origins with Cush Jumbo, click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Filmmaker Emilija Gašić joins VIFF's Vanguard series programmer Sonja Baksa to discuss 78 Days, a found-footage film that won the Vanguard Award at VIFF 2024. Shot on hi-8 tapes in her native Serbia, the film follows three sisters documenting their lives during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999. Inspired by her own childhood memories, Gašić's decision to use analog tape lent to the "docufiction" quality of the film.In this conversation, Sonja and Emilija unpack the film's unconventional process and the Vanguard series' focus on "films that are pushing the boundaries of cinema", and how Gašić's journey from Lord of the Rings fan to NYU Tisch grad shaped her voice as a director.This episode was recorded during the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival. This podcast is brought to you by the Vancouver International Film Festival.Presented on the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.

Don and Tom dig into America's $1.7 trillion in forgotten retirement accounts—29 million of them! They walk listeners through how to search for their own missing funds and share their own finds (or lack thereof). They answer questions about where to park $100K in short-term savings, when (or if) to convert to a Roth in your 70s, the pros and cons of ETFs versus mutual funds in taxable accounts, and the murky territory of backdoor Roth timing and the pro-rata rule. A listener also calls in with praise—and a gentle challenge—to donate or support the show, leading to reflections on how to really help Talking Real Money thrive. 0:05 Welcome back—same truth, new week: invest simply, diversify, and stop overthinking 1:24 Financial complexity is mostly unnecessary—simple portfolios work best 2:37 Listeners have lost $1.7 trillion in forgotten 401(k)s—here's how to find yours 4:34 Don checks the retirement lost & found—comes up empty 6:33 Tom finds $29 from Starbucks—through a different database 7:36 Sites to check: National Registry, Lost & Found DB, MissingMoney.com 9:15 Caller Alan: What should I do with $100K in liquid, short-term funds? 11:30 Don's “Three Easy Pieces” ladder strategy: savings + 1-year + 2-year CDs 14:13 Alan's happy—Bread Savings gets a shout-out 15:43 Talking Real Money Friday Q&A is the listener favorite 17:00 Caller Joel: Should I switch my Vanguard mutual funds to ETFs? 19:14 Yes—especially in taxable accounts, for better tax efficiency 20:44 Caller Sue: At 77, is it too late to convert $100K from IRA to Roth? 27:05 Probably not worth it—tax impact likely the same or worse 29:51 Rethinking retirement tax math—it's not “your” money until it's taxed 33:19 Don checks reviews—guess who's back with a grudge? 33:49 Caller Ray: Can I move IRA to 457 to avoid pro-rata on backdoor Roth? 36:40 Caller Jim: Mom's advisor switched to LPL—should I worry? 38:59 Jim's suggestion: listeners donate to a favorite charity in TRM's name 40:04 Victory Capital funds: Don's not a fan of their approach 42:41 Why broad diversification beats thematic ETFs with 100 holdings 44:12 Wrap-up: Where to listen, how to submit questions, and why reviews matter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, Paul Merriman reflects on six decades of financial evolution, sparked by his son's 60th birthday. He draws fascinating comparisons between life and investing in 1965 and today, offering invaluable insights for every investor.What You'll Learn:A Look Back at 1965: Paul revisits societal norms, income levels, and the investing landscape of 60 years ago, including startling facts about mutual fund loads and stock commissions.The Evolution of Investing: Understand the monumental shift from individual stock picking to the dominance of mutual funds and the revolutionary impact of index funds since their inception.Market Returns & Bear Markets: Gain perspective on historical S&P 500 returns, including adjustments for inflation, and a review of major bear markets over the past decades.The Power of Low Costs: Discover how investment costs, from loads to commissions, have drastically reduced, making it easier and more affordable for today's investors.Modern Investment Tools: Paul highlights the advent of crucial financial tools like IRAs, 401(k)s, and target-date funds that weren't available in 1965, empowering today's investors.Academic-Driven Investing: Explore the rise of academic influence in investing, with a focus on firms like Vanguard, DFA, and Avantis, and why their approach offers a trustworthy path to your financial future.The Role of AI in Your Financial Journey: Paul shares his perspective on how Artificial Intelligence can empower investors to make informed decisions and find reliable financial guidance.Top Financial Education Resources: Learn about the highly recommended (and free!) "Rebel Finance School" by Alan and Katie Donoghan for new investors, and explore how to access financial literacy programs like iGrad.The Importance of Financial Literacy: Paul emphasizes that financial literacy is often overlooked in traditional education and is essential for building a robust portfolio that will support you for a lifetime.DIY Investing Philosophy: Paul reaffirms his core mission as a teacher, empowering listeners to "do it yourself" and build their financial future with confidence.Truth Tellers: Paul asked our listeners for recommendations for Truth Tellers as well as providing the list of our Truth Tellers in the show notes.Our Truth TellersWilliam J. BernsteinBen Carlson, CFA Jonathan Clements, Financial Writer/AuthorLarry Swedroe, Author, Speaker, Chief Research Officer Dr. James Dahle, MD and the founder of The White Coat Investor Morningstar – Christine Benz and John Rekenthaler, Financial Writers Stan The Annuity Man, Annuity ExpertGeorge Sisti, Certified Financial Planner® Rob Berger, podcaster, writer and author Tim Ranzetta, ngpf.orgTwo CentsTom Cock and Don McDonald VestoryBen FelixDon't miss this insightful episode filled with historical context, practical advice, and forward-looking strategies for your wealth-building journey.

What if financial independence was simpler than you think? In this powerful episode Craig Curelop reconnects with a prominent figure in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement J.L Collins, whose best-selling book The Simple Path to Wealth has helped millions unlock freedom through frugality and investing in index funds.  This is not just a rehash—J.L. drops updates on Pathfinders, the upcoming Simple Path to Wealth 2.0, and how staying the course in a volatile market is still the winning strategy. You will walk away with timeless principles of wealth-building, practical investment tips (like using VTSAX), and motivation to pursue Financial Independence regardless of income level. Perfect for anyone in the FIRE movement, new investors, or anyone questioning the value of good debt, savings rates, and lifestyle inflation. PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: [03:15] Book update and reflections on investing mindset [7:28] Avoiding lifestyle creep and how saving saved him [11:17] 4 percent rule and retirement income planning [16:12] How market volatility shapes disciplined investing long-term [25:27] Vanguard's VTSAX index fund remains JL's top investing pick [32:52] Staying the course when market drops test your resolve [38:03] Pushback on simplicity and myths about wealth accumulation [43:57] Financial independence is about freedom not early retirement age [47:27] Advice to young investors on maximizing savings from start [53:04] Stock market cycles and emotional control with investing [58:26] Meditation mindset helps maintain financial course in crashes  HOST Craig Curelop    

With freshwater becoming more and more limited, our planet turns its sights to decentralized water solutions. Brian Sheng, Co-Founder and CEO of Aquaria, has developed a technology to capture the vapor in the air and turn it into liquid water. Joining Corinna Bellizzi, he shares how their Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) does its wonders to make clean water more accessible to all, from disaster relief efforts to residential homes. Brian also discusses the proper way to install, maintain, and power an AWG to maximize its output and potential.About Guest:Brian Sheng is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aquaria, building air-water infrastructure to produce scalable water systems that create clean drinking water from the air. Aquaria's mission is to safeguard and unlock global access to clean water. As a serial entrepreneur, Brian co-founded The Vanguard, Fresh VC, and he founded Asia Horizon. Additionally he served as a General Partner at The Arcview Group. Brian's seed stage portfolio is valued at over $3B with 2 IPOs, Fiscalnote and Clever Leaves. While attending Princeton University, Brian wrote his thesis on atmospheric water generation. Brian was honored as a member of Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2024, and Aquaria was named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2024.Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sheng/Guest Website: https://aquaria.world/Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquariaawg/https://www.instagram.com/aquariaawgShow Notes: Raw audio00:02:35 - Brian Sheng Of Aquaria00:06:19 - How Atmospheric Water Generator Works00:12:03 - Using Air Water To Put Out Forest Fires00:14:35 - AGW Infrastructure And Energy Requirements00:19:10 - How It Compares To Municipal Water00:21:21 - Installing AGW For Home Use00:30:08 - Lessons From The Private And Public Sectors00:34:54 - Aquaria's Pursuit For A Better World00:37:06 - Becoming A Public Benefit Corporation00:41:30 - Encouraging Potential Competitors00:46:23 - Proper Maintenance Of AGW Unit00:47:46 - Pushing Forward And Legacy Building00:49:56 - Creating More Things Out Of Thin Air00:51:24 - Keeping An Optimistic And Hopeful Vision00:52:27 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing WordsJOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE:

It's time for another Listener Questions session! This week we cover commercial property in pensions, ethical investing, inherited pensions and so much more. Shownotes: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/QA16    01:02  Question 1 Hi Peter / Roger, Many thanks for all the wisdom plus superb book, you two really make my week with the banter. I always hear about DB and DC pensions but wondered if you'd ever cover the following: Many business owners like myself own buildings outright (as a pension) within a Commercial Sipp and then loop back into this rental payments. Also, within this using a GIA for diversified investments including cash lump sums for tax relief when possible. I'm heading North of sixty soon and feel its time to start thinking of the exit plus implications. It would be fantastic to hear your advice on these in the future. Best Regards, Steve 05:47  Question 2 Hello Pete Can ethical investing beat inflation? Myself and my husband are both 63.  We retired at the end of last year, having sold the business we have run for the majority of our working lives. We have some small DC pensions and a SSAS which includes a commercial property.  We both have cash ISAs. I've done some research, helped massively by your podcasts and YouTube videos, so thank you so much for these. From what I have learned I understand that  we need to invest the cash from the business sale in Global Equities.  We also need to look at the investments within the SSAS which, up to now, the SSAS provider has managed.  Cash in the SSAS also needs to be invested. Is there a way of picking a Global Index Tracker which is ethical and will beat inflation and that requires minimal management to keep fees low?  I realise that we need to look at our cash accounts too with this in mind. Many thanks for all your excellent resources and advice, the fog of financial planning is starting to clear and I'm feeling less panicked about being able to manage the money for our future. Kind regards, Rachel 12:52  Question 3 Dear Pete and Rog, Your podcasts have been a real source of steadiness for me over the past few years - a pair of reliable voices amidst the wider financial chaos. I'm writing with a question about nominee (beneficiary) pensions. Sadly, my father passed away recently, and I've inherited half of his private pension pot - around £70k from a total of £140k. It's been set up as a nominee pension, which I understand allows the money to remain invested and grow tax-free, with flexible access at any age. This has been a significant and unexpected legacy, and it's opened up the possibility of scaling back to part-time work well before the official retirement age. (I'm in my late 30s, so there's still a way to go, but it's a big deal for me and brings more options for me) I don't plan to draw from the pot for many years. My intention is to let it grow. The catch, however, is that the provider, without naming names, (let's just say three letters, last one P), is expensive compared to what I'm used to (I invest monthly in a Vanguard LifeStrategy ISA). When I've done some projections I can see that if leave the money where it is indefinitely, the fees will quietly erode a decent chunk of the long-term gains. There's a 6-year early exit charge, so for now I'm content to leave it be. I'm still dealing with bereavement and all the admin of being an executor, so pressing pause on any big financial decisions feels like the right call at this early stage. But when that 6-year period ends, I'll be weighing up whether to stick or twist. My question is: can nominee pensions be transferred to another provider without losing the key benefits, like the tax-free growth and the ability to access the funds flexibly before retirement age? I've looked into alternatives- transferring into my ISA would take years due to the annual limit; a general investment account loses the tax perks; and a conventional pension would lock the funds away until age 55+, which undermines the very flexibility that makes this pot so helpful for future semi-retirement plans. I'd be really grateful for any ideas or thoughts you might have on this. All the best, Alan 19:29  Question 4 Hi guys, I am 31 years old and currently investing 15% of my gross income into my retirement. 6.8% via my employer's DB CARE scheme, and the other 8.2% into my SIPP. My wife and I also contribute £200pm  into a S&S ISA for our son. We hope by the time he is 18 (3 months old now) this fund could pay for university, travel, driving - whatever he wants to do (within reason!). By age 60, I would like to be in a position to retire, whether I do that or not is another question, but I would at least like the option to. I often see YouTube videos titled "SIPP vs ISA which is better?" but I don't see much about how to use them in tandem. Do you have any advice on the optimal weighting between an ISA and SIPP given I'd like to retire before State/DB pension age and therefore, should I be splitting the 8.2% with a S&S ISA too? Thank you! John 24:08  Question 5 Hi Pete & Roger, I'm a big fan of the podcast, it's been a great source of advice for me - thanks for that. I'm currently 55 and probably not looking to draw down anything from my pension until I'm 60 at the earliest. I hadn't paid into my pension for a number of years and now trying to contribute as much as I can to catch up a bit. My main SIPP is £130,000 with Vanguard in a FTSE Global All Cap Index Accumulation Fund and is 100% equity as I'm looking for as much growth as possible over the next 5-10 years and beyond. I also have £25k in another SIPP, a small NEST workplace pension and approximately £60k in a Stocks & Shares ISA, all of which are in various global tracker funds. My main question is, is it a good idea to have everything in global index funds because of the heavy weighting to the USA, especially in tech stocks? I had considered changing my Vanguard fund to their LifeStrategy 100 fund which has a bit more of a UK weighting. I know you probably can't suggest specific products, but I wondered what your general advice would be on this, especially with all the uncertainty in the USA under the Trump administration? Thanks in advance, Alex Wilson 30:29  Question 6 Hi Pete and Rog, Love the podcast and I've been listening for a good few years now, so I thought I'd throw my hat into the ring with a question. I was hoping you could give a quick overview of Qualifying Corporate Bonds, what characteristics the bonds need to have to qualify, what the tax treatment is and where to invest etc. I'm in the fortunate position of having made my contributions in full to my ISAs and Pensions and I'm looking for a tax efficient way to invest an extra few £s. I've heard that they are effectively treated like Gilts but was hoping you could illuminate. Thanka, Adam from Skipton, North Yorkshire

Bryce set himself a big task this year: turn $500 into $5,000.It's been a bumpy ride, but as we halfway through the year we're checking in to hear how he's going.That's not all we cover in today's episode:$1m for the average Aussie houseMonash IVF's shocking mix-upCoffee prices are risingCore portfolios from BlackRock, Vanguard & Betashares—------Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a message—------Want more Equity Mates? Across books, podcasts, video and email, however you want to learn about investing - we've got you covered.Keep up with the news moving markets with our daily newsletter and podcast (Apple | Spotify)Check out our latest show: Basis Points (Apple | Spotify | YouTube) and read the accompanying Basis Points email—------Looking for some of our favourite research tools?Read our free ETF Investing HandbookDownload our free 4-step stock checklistFind company information on TIKRScreen the market with GuruFocusResearch reports from Good ResearchTrack your portfolio with Sharesight—------In the spirit of reconciliation, Equity Mates Media and the hosts of Equity Mates Investing acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.—------Equity Mates Investing is a product of Equity Mates Media.This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes. Any advice is general advice only, and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances, needs or objectives. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. And if you are unsure, please speak to a financial professional.Equity Mates Media operates under Australian Financial Services Licence 540697. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Return to Tales of Vanlig The Phantom Vanguard.Some years have passed since the incidents of Oakridge and our young adventurers have been going to school and training at the guild. Learning how to fight speak new languages, and even how to use magic now the time has come for them to undergo Trial week and attempt to join the Phantom Vanguard Guild as Pitdogs.

  Dr. Brenda Navarrete and a group of Vanguard University students join Dr. Sandie Morgan as they reflect on their study abroad trip to Spain, where they partnered with Fiat to learn about trauma-informed care, survivor empowerment, and global anti-trafficking efforts. Dr. Brenda Navarrete and Students Dr. Brenda Navarrete is a professor and research associate at Vanguard University and an expert in trauma-informed survivor care. She teaches in the university's Online Human Trafficking Certificate program. Her knowledge and cultural insight helped shape a meaningful and immersive learning experience for the Vanguard students during their study abroad program. Key Points The study abroad trip to Madrid gave Vanguard students firsthand experience with global anti-trafficking work through a partnership with Fiat, a nonprofit serving survivors in Spain. Students emphasized learning trauma-informed principles, such as avoiding re-victimization and respecting survivor autonomy. Art therapy and creative expression were highlighted as effective and healing methods used at the safe home, with students witnessing their calming and empowering effects. The cultural value of acomodida—a spirit of humble, proactive service—became a guiding principle for student engagement with survivors. Students learned that trauma-informed care includes mutuality and empowerment, where survivors also offer and give, creating meaningful connection. Activities like cooking, sharing stories, and doing art together fostered authentic relationships and mutual respect. Projects like the Tree of Life and vision boards allowed survivors to express their roots, hopes, and dreams in empowering and therapeutic ways. The behind-the-scenes roles at Fiat, from psychologists to accountants to legal teams, revealed the extensive support system needed to care for survivors effectively. The experience helped students connect their faith, education, and career goals with real-world advocacy and social justice work. Multiple students reflected on how the trip inspired them to pursue their dreams, shift their career direction, and deepen their commitment to anti-trafficking work. Dr. Brenda and Dr. Sandie both emphasized the mutual transformation that occurred during the trip—for both the survivors and the students—through shared humanity and humility. Students left with a renewed sense of purpose, hope, and vision for how they can contribute to justice and healing in their own communities. Resources Trip photos on the GCWJ Facebook page Transcript [00:00:00] Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast. I'm Dr. Sandie Morgan, and this is the show where we equip you to study the issues, be a voice and make a difference. In the Fight to End human trafficking here at the Global Center for Women in Justice at Vanguard University and wherever you are. [00:00:22] In this special episode, we're joined by a passionate group of Vanguard University students, Bella Luzi, Alba, deiz Alvarado. Itel Monroy, Delaney Menninger, and Ariana Johnson. Along with professor and research associate Dr. Brenda Navarrete. They were all on the recent study abroad trip to Madrid, Spain. During this trip, we partnered with Fiat, an amazing nonprofit dedicated to preventing human trafficking and supporting survivors. [00:01:05] This experience gave our students a firsthand look at the realities of global anti-trafficking efforts, what prevention looks like in real communities, how frontline nonprofits operate, and the importance of collaboration. [00:01:25] Let's listen in as they reflect on how this journey shaped their learning, their faith, and their future advocacy. [00:01:35] Sandie Morgan: I [00:01:35] have been in Spain for the last 11 days with a Vanguard University Global Center for Women and Justice Study Abroad team. They have been working with the organization called Fiat, here in Madrid, Spain.

Saoirse Grace was one of the first successful in vitro pregnancies in Massachusetts. In this episode, Saoirse is joined by her Compton's Cafeteria Riot play costar, Shane Zaldivar. The two share short versions of their respective life stories and how they got to the Bay Area and San Francisco. Then we dig into the history of the Compton's Cafeteria riot, followed by a conversation on the play about the riot, their roles in it, and the actual lived experiences of trans people today. Saoirse, who plays Collette in the play, was born in Boston and grew up a little there, and a little in San Diego. But she got into some trouble in school and was sent to reform school in Austria, near her ancestral homeland in the Dolomites. After high school, not exactly wanting to come back to the US, she went to France for college, where she studied Spanish language literature. This whole time, Saoirse was a professional actor. She started acting in third grade. By seventh grade or so, she knew that acting was something she loved to do. After about a decade of just acting, Saoirse joined an aerial circus, where she was a trapeze artist for a group in Texas called Sky Candy. After a few years in Austin, working and doing circus performances, Saoirse came to San Francisco to go to law school. She says, perhaps half-jokingly, that she still wanted to perform, but to do so in a way that made more money than acting. She went to USF and did some police accountability work, but ultimately, practicing law didn't work out. And so, after a short time in Las Vegas doing porn and sex work, Saoirse came back to The Bay to do a PhD program to become a professor. It was another opportunity to have an audience, but to also make more money than other performing careers. But that also didn't pan out. This run with the Compton's Cafeteria Riot play is Saoirse's first foray back into acting in more than a decade. Backing up a little, I ask Saoirse about her first move to San Francisco and what she thought of it. She shares the story of leaving Austin, packing up as much as she could fit on her bicycle in Seattle, and riding down the Pacific coast to get here. Wow. At the end of that roughly 1,000-mile ride, she arrived in The City during the Pride parade in 2013. The timing! She soon found work as a bicycle mechanic, something Saoirse still does more than a decade later. Then we get to know Shane Zaldivar, who plays Rusty in Compton's Cafeteria Riot. Shane was born and raised in Florida, where she spent time between there and Belize, where a lot of her family is from. Her mom had Shane when she was relatively young, and so she spent a lot of time with her mom's family, both in Belize and in the US. Life in Florida was rough for Shane. She was bullied a lot early in life for her femininity. She says that when she visits now, she gets no joy out of the place except to be with family members. Belize was much more hospitable for her. She went to middle school and high school in the Central American country. But she ended up getting a scholarship to attend college at Florida International University, which she says is a diverse place. It was at college that Shane had several awakenings—her sexuality, her love of doing drag. But she says her biggest realization, the one that led her to the Bay Area, was around cannabis. Where she had previously bought into the idea that weed was this terrible thing, from the first time Shane tried it, it changed everything for her. Shane set out to learn everything she could about the plant and its medicinal, healing properties. She took a college class in Florida on hallucinogens and in that class learned about a school in Oakland called Oaksterdam University. That's what led Shane to The Bay. She raised money for the flight and registration at her new school. Once here, she patched together a liberal arts degree in Oakland, studying such topics as hospitality, theater, and anthropology. It was 2014, and she lived in Oakland, too. But it dawned on her later that San Francisco was only a bridge away. After moving around from hostel to hostel, she found an affordable place of her own in The City. It didn't take Shane long to fall in love with the Bay Area. She soon discovered events like Folsom Street Fair and spots like The Stud. She got a job in the Ferry Building and found a place to live, a place she still resides in 10 years later. She says that San Francisco is where she really got to explore her art and her activism. In addition to being in a band, Shane is the Pop-up Drag Queen, a local fixture who performs al fresco, usually in front of the Ferry Building. Then we talk about her foray into acting, something that came about relatively recently in Shane's life. From the first time she acted, back in Florida, she felt an intense joy that has stayed with her. It marked the first time she played with gender. Today, she identifies as a trans woman. The first run of Compton's, back in 2018, was her return to the art and her first really serious acting gig. We wrap up Part 1 with the historical event behind the Compton's Cafeteria riot, the basis of the play. It was August 1966, so nearly 60 years ago. No one is sure of the exact date, but it was a weekend. “The Tenderloin at the time was the Vegas of San Francisco,” Saoirse tells us. The neighborhood was also the only place that drag queens and trans women were allowed to exist. There was less of a distinction between the two back then—something important to understand, both in this conversation and also in the play. Similarly to the story of Stonewall in New York (which took place two years after Compton's), police did their best not to let these folks exist. The cops commonly conducted raids and sweeps, both on the street and in otherwise safe spaces, which Compton's Cafeteria was. But on that day in August 1966, a trans woman at Compton's decided to fight back, throwing a mug of hot coffee on an officer. Her tight-knit community had her back, as did Vanguard (a radical queer and trans youth organization), and the riot had begun. Check back next week for Part 2 with Shane and Saoirse. And find tickets to the Compton's Cafeteria Riot play here. We recorded this podcast inside the performance space on Larkin in the Tenderloin where Compton's Cafeteria Riot is having its 2025 run. Photography by Jeff Hunt

In today's episode, I'm diving into a topic that's top-of-mind for anyone who's switched jobs: what should you do with your old 401(k) plan? I discuss five key reasons why moving them into an IRA could simplify your financial life, from consolidating accounts for better control to gaining access to a broader range of investment options, reducing fees, optimizing Roth and after-tax funds, and making it easier to work with a financial advisor.  Whether you're planning your next career step or just want to make your retirement savings work harder for you, this episode is packed with practical advice to guide your decision. Stick around until the end, and don't forget to tune in next week when I cover situations where rolling over your 401(k) might not be the best choice! You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] Vested retirement funds offer four options: keep them in the plan, or withdraw and pay taxes [04:46] Rolling over a 401(k) to an IRA offers more control and access to your retirement funds, preventing forgotten accounts as you change jobs [06:41] Consolidate investments for simplicity and control; update records if keeping old retirement accounts [12:05] Convert Roth contributions to a Roth IRA to start the five-year period and ensure future gains grow tax-free, especially for after-tax funds in a 401(k) without in-plan Roth conversions [13:13] Rollovers to an IRA can facilitate Roth conversions and allow financial advisors to manage retirement accounts. Consolidate Old 401ks for a Smoother Future When you change jobs, it's important not to leave your old retirement accounts behind. For many Americans, the primary vehicle for saving for retirement is their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. But what should you do with that 401(k) once you've moved on? Rolling it into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) may be the smart move, offering control, flexibility, potential cost savings, and tax advantages. Let's walk through five compelling reasons why a 401(k) rollover into an IRA might make sense for you. 1. Greater Control and Account Consolidation One of the biggest headaches of changing jobs multiple times is having various retirement accounts scattered across different institutions. Not only is it difficult to keep track of these accounts, but there's the risk that you might forget about them entirely. By rolling old 401(k)s into a single IRA, you consolidate your investments, making it easier to manage and monitor your retirement savings. With all your funds in one place, you'll have more control over your asset allocation and will be better positioned to implement a cohesive investment strategy. Additionally, consolidating accounts reduces the administrative burden of managing multiple logins and statements. 2. Expanded Investment Choices and Flexibility Most employer-sponsored 401(k) plans offer a fairly limited menu of investment options, typically ranging from a dozen to twenty funds. These may or may not align with your preferred asset allocation strategy, and some plans are more limited than others. By rolling over your 401(k) into an IRA at a major discount broker like Schwab, Fidelity, or Vanguard, you unlock a much broader universe of investment possibilities, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stocks, bonds, CDs, and more. This flexibility lets you fine-tune your portfolio, properly diversify, and better tailor your investments to your risk profile and retirement timeline. 3. Potential for Lower Investment Costs 401(k) plans, particularly those from smaller employers, often feature higher administrative and fund expenses, sometimes reaching 1% or more in annual fees. These extra costs chip away at your investment returns over time. With an IRA, especially when investing in low-cost ETFs or mutual funds, you can often significantly reduce the expense ratios you pay. Over decades, even a modest reduction in annual fees can translate into thousands more in retirement savings due to the power of compounding. 4. Managing Roth and After-Tax Contributions Many 401(k) plans now offer a designated Roth component as well as avenues for after-tax contributions. When you roll over your account, this is a valuable opportunity to ensure your Roth and after-tax money are treated with optimal tax efficiency. For example, rolling Roth 401(k) funds into a Roth IRA starts the five-year clock for tax-free withdrawals on earnings, which is critical for planning your retirement withdrawals. Additionally, an IRA rollover can be structured to split after-tax contributions into a Roth IRA, giving those funds tax-free growth potential rather than the more limited advantages offered inside the 401(k). 5. Access to Professional Management If you want professional help managing your retirement investments and financial planning, rolling your assets into an IRA is almost always a prerequisite. Advisors generally cannot manage assets held within a former employer's 401(k) platform, but with funds consolidated in an IRA at a major custodian, they can actively manage your investments, make ongoing adjustments, and assist with tax planning and distributions as you transition into retirement. Assess Your Situation Before Moving While rolling over your old 401(k) to an IRA offers considerable advantages, it's not always the perfect solution for everyone. Each situation is unique, and certain protections or features (such as early withdrawal options or creditor protections) may be stronger inside a 401(k) for some individuals. Be sure to review your specific circumstances carefully, ideally, with a trusted financial advisor, before making any big moves. A well-considered rollover could make your road to retirement much smoother, giving you more control, lower costs, and better investment options along the way. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  Schwab Fidelity  Vanguard Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

In today's episode, an ongoing concern - where should you store your cash? One of Clark's favorite children (discount brokers) has just launched a new offering worthy of your attention. Also today, dealing with debt collectors. Some are legit, some not so much. Know what to do if the debt is indeed yours, or if it is a mistake. Clark has key information for handling collectors in a way that protects your rights and your credit.  Vanguard Cash Plus: Segment 1 Ask Clark: Segment 2 Debt Collectors: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Vanguard Cash Plus Account | Vanguard Uni - One Toll Pass. 19 States. Car Insurance Archives - Clark Howard Association for Independent Agents | IIABA How To Send a 'Drop Dead' Letter to a Collection Agency What to Do When You're Being Harassed About an Old "Zombie Debt" We've still got some protections against medical debt collectors National Association of Estate Planners & Councils - NAEPC What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor and Do I Need One? What's the Best Way To Exchange Dollars for Foreign Currency? What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don and Tom explore the evolution, promise, and pitfalls of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). While ETFs have become the dominant investment vehicle, boasting $8 trillion in assets and more than 4,000 choices, the duo cautions against the “novelty trap” that lures investors into trendy, high-cost, low-diversification funds. They advocate sticking with time-tested providers like Vanguard, Schwab, and Avantis, and urge listeners to focus on strategy over hype. The episode also covers listener questions on Facet Wealth's alternative investments and Roth IRA income limits, ending with a light jab at Portland's real estate collapse and Don's growing jet lag. 0:04 Opening banter and the rise of ETFs as mutual fund successors 1:28 ETF history from SPY to the $8 trillion juggernaut 2:21 Why ETFs caught on: low cost, tax efficiency, index focus 3:45 When Wall Street noticed: strategic beta and rule-based funds emerge 4:59 The novelty problem: gimmicky single-stock and crypto ETFs 6:57 How to filter the 4,000 ETFs to a trustworthy handful 7:34 Which fund families to consider—and which to avoid 8:58 Active vs. passive: the murky middle and the “passively active” dilemma 10:01 Conflicts of interest in ETF endorsements and advertising bias 11:19 ETF investing principles: keep it simple, diversified, and strategic 12:09 Why the industry lumps Dimensional and Avantis with active managers 14:09 Brief detour into Austin, Silicon Valley, and Portland real estate 15:22 Final ETF takeaway: old, boring, and proven beats shiny and new 17:01 Listener Q1: Is Facet Wealth's alternative income strategy a red flag? 22:01 Listener Q2: Roth IRA income limits, backdoor Roths, and best next moves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Too restrictive or a key part of a military families financial planning? Today's episode is a no-holds-barred discussion about the pros, cons, and real-life strategies behind 529 plans. Episode Summary: In this episode, Spencer and Jamie dive deep into the world of 529 college savings plans—a tax-advantaged tool designed to save for qualified education expenses. They explore the basics of how 529 plans work (after-tax contributions, tax-free growth, and penalty-free withdrawals on qualified education expenses) and highlight recent changes that expand their flexibility beyond just college tuition. The conversation unfolds as Spencer raises his skeptical questions, while Jamie defends the plan's benefits by sharing personal experiences and strategies. From multi-generational planning to overcoming the challenge of overfunding, the discussion covers everything you need to know to determine if a 529 plan fits into your family's financial strategy. Key Discussion Points & Takeaways: Understanding 529 Fundamentals: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but the account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses (college, K–12 tuition, apprenticeship programs, computer equipment, and internet access) remain tax-free. Jamie explains the flexibility and evolving nature of 529 plans, including options to roll over funds to a Roth IRA (subject to annual limits and other restrictions) if the money isn't immediately needed for education. Flexibility vs. Restriction: Spencer shares his concerns about the plan's restrictions and whether the benefits favor high-income families more than those who might truly need the tax advantages. Jamie counters by emphasizing that the primary goal is to ensure your child's educational expenses are covered, while also noting that any “overfunding” isn't a total loss—it comes with backup options like beneficiary changes and penalty adjustments if funds are withdrawn for non-qualified purposes. Practical Money Management: Real-life insights on how to balance your overall financial strategy: build a solid retirement plan, clear debt, and then contribute to a 529 plan once you've established your own financial security. Jamie outlines his personal approach, including how much he's contributed over the years and his strategy for managing contributions as his children get closer to college age. Discussion of exit strategies: potential rollovers, transferring balances between beneficiaries, and even using scholarship funds to unlock part of the 529 savings without penalties. Generational and Strategic Considerations: Beyond college savings, the episode explores whether 529 plans can serve as a mechanism for a multi-generational legacy—providing educational support for nieces, nephews, or future grandchildren. The balance between maximizing tax-free growth and maintaining account flexibility is a recurring theme, with both hosts stressing the importance of aligning a 529 plan with your broader financial plan. Actionable Insights for Listeners: Evaluate Your Priorities: Before you start pouring funds into a 529 plan, ensure you've taken care of high-priority items like debt repayment and retirement savings. Start Early: Open an account when your child is young. Even small, regular contributions can accumulate significantly over time. Customize According to Your Needs: Understand that the “perfect” plan isn't one-size-fits-all. Consider factors like potential state tax deductions, investment options (like Vanguard 529's low-cost index fund style), and your own financial situation. Plan for Flexibility: Keep in mind exit strategies (such as rollovers to Roth IRAs and changing beneficiaries) so that if your situation changes, you're not locked into funds you can't use as intended. If this episode sparked some thoughts about your child's educational future or your family's financial planning, drop us a message on Instagram or visit our website at MilitaryMoneyManual.com.  Links mentioned: Kate Horrell's College Savings resources Episode 124 w/ Kate Horrell Episode 165 w/ Daniel Kopp FINRED flyer on 529s For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Our new TSP course is live! Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. Learn how to get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards from American Express in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

This week, Scott talks to Motley Fool analyst Ed Vesely about globally-focused ETF, the Vanguard MSCI International ETF (ASX:VGS).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don't already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you'll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you're already a Vanguardista, we salute you. It's a 20th anniversary special for this ‘ere podcast—yes, we have been in your ears via download since 2005. That's two whole decades ago. Whew. To celebrate we've got a bumper correspondence special for you with lots of lovely stuff from you loyal listeners—including some who have valiantly put up with us for the entire duration. Alongside our usual box office top 10, we'll be rolling back the clock to see what was in the charts this time two decades ago, and there will be reminiscences aplenty. Reviews aplenty too: First up, 'Ballerina', the latest instalment in the world of John Wick, this time with a twist--or should we say a pirouette? Plus, a double whammy of new horror releases: 'Clown In A Cornfield' adds another creepy clown to the conematic cannon of coulrophobia, and 'Dangerous Animals' is asks 'hmmm what would Jaws be like with an added serial killer?". Check out the Good Doctor's top takes on the lot. Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free): Ballerina review: 10:32 Box Office Top Ten: 18:01 Clown in a Cornfield review: 37:39 Dangerous Animals review: 53:14 You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com And to find out more about Sony's new show Origins with Cush Jumbo, click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don and Tom unpack Morningstar's latest “5 of the Best” investing methods, praising the simplicity of balanced and target-date funds but warning against high-fee versions. They emphasize that no portfolio fits everyone and push for low-cost index solutions. Listeners call in with 401k rollover questions and political discomfort around financial firms—sparking a candid, occasionally funny chat about ethics, emotions, and retirement realities. The episode wraps with a challenge to fix Social Security and a request for more five-star Apple Podcast reviews before Don dies on the mic. 1:07 Morningstar's ‘5 of the Best' investing methods reviewed 1:48 Balanced funds and target-date funds: pros and cautions 2:48 Three-fund and custom-fit portfolios discussed 4:08 Critique of Morningstar's recommended balanced funds 6:19 Expense ratios of target-date funds and better alternatives 7:17 Morningstar's risky allocation advice near retirement 9:17 Why one-size-fits-all portfolios don't work 10:14 Caller Sally: Should we move from T. Rowe Price 401k? 12:56 T. Rowe Price vs. Vanguard fee comparison 14:03 How to roll over a 401k into an IRA 17:39 Custom portfolios vs. simplicity and human behavior 21:42 Caller Lynn: Political discomfort with Schwab as custodian 26:26 Keeping an advisor despite ideological concerns 28:38 Raising the retirement age: Denmark vs. U.S. 32:48 Fixing Social Security: remove the wage cap 35:29 Listener reviews, crypto hate, and ETF conspiracy theories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can the shareholder-owned discount brokerage giant parlay its investments in enterprise and cloud infrastructure into an AI-enabled expansion into new markets while improving productivity and service delivery? CIO Nitin Tandon explains the global workforce strategy underpinning the effort. 

Return to Tales of Vanlig The Phantom Vanguard.Our young survivors are rescued by the Grand Master of the Phantom Vanguard, but what will happen to them now? The Guild seems kind enough to offer them a place in the world and to teach them how to survive and hone their skills.

IPS DEPROGRAM 6/1/25 News Bending PsyopsThe episode began with the host announcing the launch of a new AI agent called the IPS stenographer in the Discord server. This bot is designed to automatically summarize the latest comments and create infographics every four hours, posting them in a dedicated summary room. Users can also get a synopsis on demand using a specific command. The host mentioned previously doing this manually and used ChatGPT and Grok to help automate the process. They noted that Grok can elaborate on prompts and assisted in activating the bot on Discord.A core theme of the discussion is the analysis of current events and media through the lens of predictive programming and a concept called the "meta script," which is described as the big story that becomes history. The host views media, including movie trailers and news, as different forms of propaganda – entertainment propaganda parallel to information propaganda – that are interconnected and reveal a larger narrative. By looking at these things holistically, they aim to arrive at subtexts and bigger pictures.The conversation delved into numerous examples and recurring symbols observed in media and events:Movie trailers discussed included Sinners, Mickey 17, Captain America: Brave New World, Fantastic Four, Final Destination: Bloodlines, The Home, and Welcome to Derry.Recurring symbols and themes highlighted were the Space Needle (linked to EMP, the Electronic Music Project, movie plots, and the sinking of the West), EMP events, the eye/iris and needle into the eye (appearing in movie posters and montages), three pillars/masts (seen in the International Hotel, Space Needle, and a Mexican Navy ship), space interpreted as inner space or mind control, the sinking of America or the West (symbolized by the Titanic, the boat hitting the bridge, the Space Needle, and One World Trade Tower), and various numbers and dates (such as 6-11, 11-6, 84, 216, and 33).Specific events analyzed through this lens included the Trump shooting in Butler (linked to the Riddler, Ave Maria, and specific numbers), a Mexican Navy ship hitting the Brooklyn Bridge (noting the three masts and the death of a cadet named America), the East Palestine train derailment (compared to the Netflix movie White Noise and recent lawsuits against BlackRock and Vanguard), the JFK assassination (connected to Trump symbolism, dates, Macbeth, and a home movie allegedly showing his "death"), and the Reagan shooting (noting the 33-year delay in James Brady's death being ruled a homicide).The host discussed the concept of the "auto-hoaxer" and observed media attempts to frame it negatively. They also touched on "Psychic Driving", the "political horseshoe theory" as a deliberately implemented model, and interpreting world events through the lens of WWE kayfabe.The host mentioned the upcoming release of PSYOP trading cards.

Ep 67: The boys discuss even more shakeups in the sign industry and what you should be aware when it comes to servicing any future equipment purchases.Check out the featured products:Nekoosa NextBondNekoosa RTapeMetaMark Products"Your podcast is the best podcast in the business." - Jared Granberry, President, GSG (Graphic Solutions Group)Voted #1 by Signman (standing on a van on top of 18 pallets changing a lightbulb over a movie theater sign)https://www.wensco.com/company/slightly-serious-sign-podcast616.785.3333The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Wensco Sign Supply. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The "Wensco Sign Supply" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Things to note on the statement. Wensco owns all rights to video or audio for Slightly Serious Sign broadcast and cannot be used without the written authorization from Wensco Administration.The Slightly Serious Sign Podcast is hosted by Mike Hull, Tyler Hull, and Domingo Tobar and produced, recorded, shot, and edited by Rick Villanueva with sponsorship from Wensco Sign Supply.

The episode began with the host announcing the launch of a new AI agent called the IPS stenographer in the Discord server. This bot is designed to automatically summarize the latest comments and create infographics every four hours, posting them in a dedicated summary room. Users can also get a synopsis on demand using a specific command. The host mentioned previously doing this manually and used ChatGPT and Grok to help automate the process. They noted that Grok can elaborate on prompts and assisted in activating the bot on Discord.A core theme of the discussion is the analysis of current events and media through the lens of predictive programming and a concept called the "meta script," which is described as the big story that becomes history. The host views media, including movie trailers and news, as different forms of propaganda – entertainment propaganda parallel to information propaganda – that are interconnected and reveal a larger narrative. By looking at these things holistically, they aim to arrive at subtexts and bigger pictures.The conversation delved into numerous examples and recurring symbols observed in media and events:Movie trailers discussed included Sinners, Mickey 17, Captain America: Brave New World, Fantastic Four, Final Destination: Bloodlines, The Home, and Welcome to Derry.Recurring symbols and themes highlighted were the Space Needle (linked to EMP, the Electronic Music Project, movie plots, and the sinking of the West), EMP events, the eye/iris and needle into the eye (appearing in movie posters and montages), three pillars/masts (seen in the International Hotel, Space Needle, and a Mexican Navy ship), space interpreted as inner space or mind control, the sinking of America or the West (symbolized by the Titanic, the boat hitting the bridge, the Space Needle, and One World Trade Tower), and various numbers and dates (such as 6-11, 11-6, 84, 216, and 33).Specific events analyzed through this lens included the Trump shooting in Butler (linked to the Riddler, Ave Maria, and specific numbers), a Mexican Navy ship hitting the Brooklyn Bridge (noting the three masts and the death of a cadet named America), the East Palestine train derailment (compared to the Netflix movie White Noise and recent lawsuits against BlackRock and Vanguard), the JFK assassination (connected to Trump symbolism, dates, Macbeth, and a home movie allegedly showing his "death"), and the Reagan shooting (noting the 33-year delay in James Brady's death being ruled a homicide).The host discussed the concept of the "auto-hoaxer" and observed media attempts to frame it negatively. They also touched on "Psychic Driving", the "political horseshoe theory" as a deliberately implemented model, and interpreting world events through the lens of WWE kayfabe.The host mentioned the upcoming release of PSYOP trading cards.

Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry might be most recognized from his long term associations with both the Maria Schneider and Vanguard Jazz Orchestras, but where he truly shines is fronting his quartet with pianist Gary Versace, bassist Jay Anderson, and Vanguard band mate John Riley on drums and cymbals. In this episode of LINER NOTES we discuss the music and musicians on Progression, his fourth recording on the Steeplechase label with this line-up.  

Don fields a fresh batch of listener questions in this all-audio edition. A longtime fan asks whether a municipal bond ETF (VTEB) is a smarter place than a money market fund for short-term cash—Don explains why liquidity and risk matter more than yield. Another listener wants help navigating how much cash retirees should keep and when to use it—Don breaks it into two simple buckets: one for living, one for emergencies. A third caller gets a red flag for being pitched Cliffwater's CCLFX fund by a so-called fiduciary. Don pulls no punches on high-fee, opaque, risky private lending funds—and questions the advisor's motivations. Later, a listener asks about Vanguard's old-school actively managed funds like Wellington and PrimeCap, and whether they still have a place in a modern index-based portfolio. And finally, a TIPS investor wonders if he's overcommitted to inflation protection. Spoiler: maybe. Don wraps by reflecting on 40 years in talk radio and thanking the show's loyal, growing audience. 0:10 Don introduces the many ways listeners can submit questions 2:21 Q1: SPAXX vs. VTEB for short-term savings—liquidity vs. yield 5:34 Why money market wins for money needed within 2–3 years 6:27 Q2: How much cash should retirees keep—and when to use it? 7:25 Retirement cash strategy: living cash vs. true emergencies 9:31 Q3: Advisor recommends Cliffwater CCLFX—should I worry? 11:01 CCLFX breakdown: 10% yield sounds sexy, but what's the cost? 13:27 A thousand times the cost of Vanguard bonds—yes, really 15:41 Don: this “fiduciary” isn't acting in your best interest 17:01 Q4: Do Vanguard's active funds still belong in a portfolio? 18:18 PrimeCap vs. VTI—higher cost, same return, less diversification 19:56 Active funds are legacy products—and not built for the long game 20:25 Q5: TIPS bonds—smart inflation hedge or overweight risk? 22:48 Equities already provide inflation protection—TIPS should be a slice, not half 24:03 Don reflects on 40 years in talk radio—and thanks loyal listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Paul Merriman details his upcoming presentations at Western Washington University, where he will be connecting with students, professors, and staff about the critical importance of personal finance education. Paul also gives practical investing advice, including a hands-on guide to using Morningstar's chart and comparison tools to analyze mutual funds and ETFs.Special Feature: Free Online Financial Literacy CoursePaul spotlights a fantastic, free multi-week financial literacy course led by Alan and Katie Donoghan—nationally recognized educators from the UK. This course is perfect for first-time investors of any age, as well as anyone looking to build a solid foundation in personal finance.Course Dates:The next session starts 2 June 2025 at 8pm UK time. Sessions run weekly throughout the summer.What's included: Engaging lessons on investing basics, budgeting, mortgages, and money management—delivered in a fun, approachable style.Format: Live online sessions (with replays on YouTube), each followed by an expert Q&A.Who's it for: Anyone—from college students to adults in their 40s or 50s—looking to take control of their financial future.Previous students give rave reviews: Over 15,000 people have enrolled, with glowing testimonials from participants who now feel confident and empowered about their finances.How to join: Register here for free and find the intro video and full schedule. All sessions are accessible worldwide.Morningstar Tools & Tables Referenced:Paul walks listeners through using Morningstar's chart and comparison features, specifically referencing the following funds and time periods:VFINX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund):Time period: From August 31, 1976 to May 23, 2025Used to illustrate long-term S&P 500 performanceTESIX (Franklin Mutual Shares Fund):Time period: From August 31, 1976 to May 23, 2025Compared side-by-side with VFINX to show how a value fund performed versus the S&P 500 over nearly 50 yearsDFLVX (DFA US Large Cap Value Fund):Time period: From 1993 to 2025Compared with TESIX and VVIAX for large cap value performanceVVIAX (Vanguard Value Index Fund):Time period: From 1993 to 2025Used for comparison with DFLVX and TESIXDFSVX (DFA US Small Cap Value Fund):Time period: From 2000 to 2025Compared with TESIX for small cap vs large cap value performanceAVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF):Time period: From 2021 to presentCompared with DFLVX and VVIAX for recent small cap value performanceHow Paul Uses Morningstar:On Morningstar, Paul suggests:Navigating to the “Chart” tab for each fundSelecting “Max” to see the longest available performance historyEntering ticker symbols (like VFINX, TESIX, DFLVX, VVIAX, DFSVX, AVUV) in the “Compare” box to view multiple funds together- make sure any funds being compared to the primary fund have a track record from a date at least as long as the primary fundUsing Morningstar's Chart and Compare tools:Compare VFINX vs TESIX (1976–2025)Compare DFLVX, VVIAX, and TESIX (1993–2025)Compare DFSVX vs TESIX (2000–2025)Compare AVUV vs DFLVX and VVIAX (2021–present)PDF showing the above comparisons

Tom takes a break from vacationing to join Don in a deep dive on target date funds—the good, the mediocre, and the fee-loaded ugly. They break down performance data, highlight major fund differences, and remind listeners why understanding your own risk tolerance still matters. Listener questions spark advice on Roth IRAs for young investors and strategies for holding large tax payments. All with classic banter, bad jokes, and a quick jab at the Raiders. 0:04 Tom's back (briefly), and the banter's already off the rails1:42 Target date funds: the set-it-and-forget-it investing strategy3:06 $4 trillion invested—do they actually work?4:29 Performance since 2010: solid but not spectacular4:52 Fees dropping, but some funds still gouge6:06 Comparing returns: Vanguard, Hancock, American Funds, Voya7:39 Hidden loads and fees—legal, but not ethical7:59 Target date trouble: they don't know you9:03 Asset allocation assumptions can misfit your real risk9:44 Most funds overweight large U.S. companies11:14 What Vanguard 2025 actually holds (spoiler: little value)12:43 Better than nothing—but not better than customized13:38 Final take: decent for novices, but beware high fees and mismatched risk16:15 Listener Q1: Roth IRAs in only VFIAX—good idea for young investors?17:36 Why global small-cap value ETFs are a better long-term choice19:04 Comparing AVGE, DFAW, and VT—size and cost matter19:36 Listener Q2: Where to hold tax money without exceeding FDIC limits21:30 FDIC realities and alternative safe options like government money markets22:23 Tax math: fed + Illinois = close to 50% if income, less if capital gains23:52 Hidden state tax traps and EV drivers dodging gas taxes24:13 Pre-DOGE Teslas and pre-Elon excuses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DAMIONLet's start with a softball: Tesla's Europe sales plunge 49% on brand damage, rising competition. Who Do You Blame?ElonLiberals Who Hate ElonTrump 2.0The Tesla board (I'm looking at you Robyn and Kimbal)Apathetic Tesla investorsNobody. Share price is king. MMISS backs Dynavax directors in board fight with Deep Track CapitalDeep Track Capital, which is Dynavax's second largest shareholder with a nearly 15% stake, is pushing on with a proxy fight and wants new directors to prioritize development of the company's hepatitis B vaccine instead of pursuing new acquisitions."Vote for all four management nominees," ISS wrote in a note to clients that was seen by Reuters. "The dissident has failed to present a compelling case that change is necessary at this meeting."Despit that "There has been a stall in momentum" and that "the market has in no way rebuked the company's strategy" even though Dynavax's stock price has fallen 18% over the last 12 months.Who Do you Blame?ISS, for an inability to articulate big ideas with data.Dynavax's current board knowledge profile: while pretty balance overall with science-y stuff like Medicine and Dentistry (14%); Biology (15%) along with a reasonable amount og Economics and Acounting (12%), the board notably lacks Sales and Marketing (0%).Deep Track Capital nominee probably fits that bill: an experienced drug development and commercialization professional most as interim CEO/COO at Lykos Therapeutics, including overseeing the commercialization of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine and marketing and sales at Sanofi PasteurISS, again, for ignoring the presence of 15-year director and Nominating Committee chair Daniel Kisner. Why is this guy allowed to maintain dominance over the selection of new directors?Especially consider the presence of fellow long-tenured director Francis Cano on the committee who is 80 and has served for 16 yearsCano had 29% votes against in 2018, but then only 4% in 2021 and 8% in 2024 The board's atrocious lack of annual elections. While the company celebrities the appointments of two new directors in early 2025, one of them, Emilio Emini, will not be up for shareholder review until the 2027 AGMCan I blame DeepTrack (14%), BlackRock (17%), Vanguard (7%), and State Street (6%) = 44%PepsiCo Is Pushing Back its Climate Goals. The Company Wants to Talk About ItPepsiCo said Thursday it pushed back by a decade its goal to achieve net-zero emissions from 2040 to 2050, as well as a handful of delays on plastic packaging goals, to name a few of the shiftsJim Andrew, chief sustainability officer, said PepsiCo's ability to make progress at the rate it would like to “is very very dependent on the systems around us changing.” He added the “world was a very different place” when it was working on these goals in 2020 amid a completely different political and regulatory landscape.Who Do You Blame?Pepsi's very large board of 15 directorsmost governance experts and research converge around an ideal range of 7 to 11 directors. Which really means 9?Beyond 11, boards often suffer from slower decision-making and diluted accountability.Pepsi's completely protected class of directorsAccording to MSCI data: no current director has received more than 9% votes against since the 2015 AGM. Average support is over 97%Despite hitting .400 overall (peers hit .581): .396 carbon (vs. 473) and .180 on controversies (vs. 774)The fact that the company is named Pepsico and not Pepsi which is kinda irritatingPepsi's Gender Influence Gap of -11%In fact, of the top 7 most influential directors, 6 are men with 68% aggregate influenceThe woman is Dina Dublon (11%), the former CFO at JPMorgan Chase, who has been on the board for two decades. I guess her experience as a director on the Westchester Land Trust is not enough to sway the gentlemen.The Land Trust is chaired by Wyndham Hotels director Bruce Churchill, whose experience at DirectTV must really be crucial in the protection of the natural resources of Westchester CountyWhat Makes a Great Board Director? It's Hard to Define, but It Has Rarely Been More Crucial. Who Do you Blame?The WSJ for still failing to define it appropriately despite being the effing WSJ!Proxy advisory firms, for not having the data that could better inform shareholdersThe SEC/listing exchanges for not requiring data that could better inform shareholdersEvery person in the world who does not use Free Float Analytics data2025 U.S. Proxy Season: Midseason Review Finds Sharp Drop in Shareholder Resolutions on BallotTrump 2.0Darren Woods and ExxonThe anti-ESG shareholder proponents for depressing us with their political theaterApathetic investorsMATTBall CFO to depart after less than 2 years in roleHoward Yu: The departure is not related to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its accounting practices, financial statements, internal controls, or operations.Because everyone leaves in less than 2 years when they're happy? Who do we blame!:Ball's Audit Committee - only 29% of company influence, but maybe they're too busy to pay attention to the CFO at all? We know audit committee roles are hugely time consuming, so Cathy Ross (ex CFO FedEx) on two audit public audit committees, John Bryant (ex CEO of Kellogg) on FOUR audit committees, Michael Cave (ex Boeing exec from 787 Max days) on just Ball audit, and Todd Penegor (current CEO of Papa Johns) on THREE boards AND an acting CEOBall's Nominating Committee - 48% of company influence, maybe they suck at their jobs? Stuart Taylor, who's been on the board since 1999, Dune Ives, Aaron Erter, and… Cathy Ross and John Bryant, also on the audit committeeHoward Yu, who departed unrelated to “any disagreement with the Company” on anything he actually did thereCEOCathy Ross and John Bryant93% of U.S. Executives Desire Board Member ReplacementsOld people: There are 14,440 non executive directors in the US on boards with an average age of 63 years old and 2,569 executive directors with an average age of 58.298 companies in the US have at least ONE director over the age of 80. Directors over the age of 80 have on average 9% influence on the board and on average 19 years of tenure - old and no one actually listens to them.Two US directors - Tommy Thomson (82 years young) and John Harrington (87 years young) are on THREE boards eachMeyer Luskin is 100 years old on the OSI Systems board - he is UCLA class of 1949 and has 6% influence after 35 years on the boardMilton Cooper is 95 years old on TWO boards - Getty Realty and Kimco Realty, where he has 53 and 34 years of tenureImagine being a 58 year old CEO and chair of your board and showing up to have to listen to John Harrington and Meyer LuskinOutlandishly outsized influencersOf 24,000 US directors, 591 have more than 50% influence on their boards. Those boards average 7 other people - is there a point to those 7? Connected directors hating on unconnected directorsThere are 575 directors on boards who are connected to 50% or more of the board… A fun example - at Target, 92% of the directors are connected through other boards or trade associations - that's 11 out of 12 directors. Do you think the board just hates Dave Abney for having no obvious connections to them?Shrill womenThere are 7,450 female directorships on US public boards596 have advanced degrees from elite schools80 of them are non executives at widely held corporations with no ties to the company or family with zero known connections to the existing board membersDon't the other directors just wish they weren't there being smart asses?Meta Buys 650 MW of Renewable Energy to Power U.S. Data CentersAES, the woke Virginia based energy company with 5 women and 6 men on the board where 63% of the board has advanced degrees and four of the board members aren't even AmericanArkansas, the woke state that allowed solar energy to get built thereMeta AI, because AI can't even discriminate against renewable energy because it's so wokeMark Zuckerberg, the dual class dropout dictatorMark Zuckerberg, the government ass kisser, MAGA convert, and attendee at the oil state Qatari meetup with Trump who set up this purchase, like, BEFORE the world hated woke, so it's not his fault because he's REALLY super into oil and stuff

Have you ever wondered why, despite having access to advanced AI tools, your marketing strategies still don't hit the mark? Could it be that you're focusing on the wrong data and missing the emotional connections that truly drive consumer behavior? Today we're exploring the intersection of AI, emotional intelligence, and marketing with Joshua Goldberg, EVP of Strategy at Zenapse. We'll dive into how Large Emotion Models (LEM) are revolutionizing consumer engagement and delivering impressive marketing results. About Josh GoldbergJosh brings over 25+ years of leadership roles in strategy, marketing, and digital delivery. He leads Zenapse business development and channel partnerships. Josh specializes in strategy, business acceleration, digital media, and marketing. He has delivered plans for rapid business improvements and insights to many companies including: Vanguard, Capgemini, Applied Materials, Fisher Price, J.D. Power, Reuters, Viacom, and Wunderman Thompson. RESOURCES Zenapse: https://www.zenapse.com https://www.zenapse.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brandsOnline Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrandDon't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company