Wealth Actually (Frazer Rice)

The municipal bond market has been long-prized as a stable, tax advantaged income generator for individuals, After years of a low interest rate environment, the asset class is getting renewed attention . . . And it’s not just from investors! Tech disruptors are eyeing the space and they see a massive, disjointed uncoordinated market in need of modernization. I spoke with STEPHEN WINTERSTEIN on the state of the municipal bond market. He has a 360 degree view of the muni bond space. Steve is the Founder of SP Winterstein and Associates which advises dealers and buy-side firms on municipal fixed income data and technology procurement, vendor engagement, workflow, and market structure. He has over 35 years experience in municipal SMA and mutual fund management, electronic trading, fintech. Most recently, he was head of municipal fixed income at MarketAxess and head of Capital Markets at Alphaledger. We’ll tackle his view of thoughtful municipal fixed income management, the size, delivery and fractionalization of the market and the technological challenges faced. Finally, we’ll get some input on where Steve thinks AI, Blockchain, LLM's and some of the other buzzy words out there may have some real world impact on the asset class. Background Take us through your career . . . and your start in the Municipal Bond space Portfolio Manager - Meridian Asset Management Managing Director & Senior Vice President, Head of Municipal Fixed Income - PNC Head of Municipal Fixed Income Strategy & Research - Wilmington Trust Head of Municipal Fixed Income - MarketAxess Head of Capital Markets - Alphaledger Managing Partner - SP Winterstein & Associates, LLC Investing Process Discussing the two pillars of Muni Investing - Credit and Duration Fallacy of being able to predict interest rates Spending Calories on Credit Research "Bus Map"- incorporating client input in the design/choice of investment constraints The Municipal Bond Market The Size of the Muni Market and the challenges that causes The fractionalized nature of muni market Typical means tf transacting Brokerage vs SMA vs fund Problems with indexing Where can technology help? Pipe-building, blockchain, AI review of docs, what else? Where are the initiatives of improvement?  What is holding things back? In your mind What is the solvable low-hanging fruit?  What isn't? Where does this help the municipality? Where does this help the market participant? Where does this help the investor? Going Forward With interest rates normalizing- any glimpses into Steve's crystal ball? Getting rid of tax exemption solves the paradox of the heterogenous borrowing base (institutions of all flavors and sizes) and the homogenous lending base (individuals) by broadening the lending base. While removing the tax favored status would raise borrowing costs, it would improve liquidity - which problem do you want to solve in a world where infrastructure so desperately needs funding? How do listeners reach out to you to find out more? STEPHEN WINTERSTEIN ON LINKEDIN https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Episode 146 - Roles and Responsibilities in Trust and Estate Documents with Jenny Rozelle What if you are named in a will or a trust? In the world of estate planning, many people who are written into important roles don't know they are mentioned in documents or what is expected of them. These roles can be a lot of work, thankless and carry significant liability. What happens if you are part of someone's estate plan? What If you are named in a will or trust? JENNY ROZELLE helps us get a handle on the roles and responsibilities that are out there. Jenny is the founder and owner of the Indiana Estate and Elder Law. We talk about the role of executor, trustee and beneficiary and the pluses and minuses of each. (More on being an individual trustee here: https://frazerrice.com/ep-75-marguerite-lorenz/) Jenny's Background Terms Executor  -What does executing a will mean? How long does it take?-What do executors have to do? Do I have to accept the role?-What type of people are good with this?-Are you paid? -Are there risks (can people sue me)?-Whom do you hire to help with this? (lawyer, accountant valuation expert) Trustee -What does a trustee do? Administer/safeguard assets, invest assets, distribute assets-What type of people are good with this?-Are you paid? Are there risks (can people sue me)?-Whom do you hire to help with this? (lawyer, accountant valuation expert) Beneficiary -If I'm a beneficiary, what should I ask from the trustee?-What provisions should I focus on?  (Distributions (mandatory vs discretionary etc . . )-When asking for something from the trust, what is a good process for that?-Do I have recourse if I think things are being managed poorly? Summary of other roles -Successor Executor-Successor Trustee-Trust Protector How do we find Jenny? Firm: INDIANA ESTATE AND ELDER LAW Twitter: JENNY ROZELLE (@jennyrozelle) https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Episode 147 DAVID WASSERMAN of the COOK POLITICAL REPORT on Analyzing the Crazy 2024 Elections How should we be analyzing the crazy 2024 elections? Coming off of the Iowa Caucuses and with almost a week before the New Hampshire Primary, the United States is in full swing for one of the zaniest election cycles in memory. With histrionics coming from both sides, it's hard to separate the signal from the noise. The stakes for the 2024 election cycle couldn't be higher, but the confusion and distrust around the process is at its all-time highs. Enter David Wasserman. David is Senior Editor & Elections Analyst for The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Recognized as one of the nation's top election forecasters, David leads the development of key data visualizations and new product development. He manages CPR’s coverage of the US House of Representatives and redistricting developments. Founded in 1984, The Cook Political Report provides analyses of Presidential, U.S. Senate, House and gubernatorial races. The New York Times has called the Report "a newsletter both parties regard as authoritative." Polling- ANALYZING THE CRAZY 2024 ELECTIONS Polling is an intimate look at the mindset of the population (or at least a certain part of it). However, it is far from a perfect science. What is involved in polling and what are the common poll limitations? Are there significant changes with technology in the way polling has been conducted or are the questions different? The current state for the presidential candidates, congress and major state races What are the things we should look for during primary season? With that in mind, what are the battle ground states and counties? How much does Gerrymandering fit into the outcome this cycle (NY case- especially with Congress)? What are the Six States We Should Focus on? Arizona Georgia Nevada Michigan Pennsylvania Wisconsin Who are some of the Dark Horses? Against this backdrop, do you have any Crazy Predictions? To stay on top of this, where do we find David Wasserman? COOK REPORT WEBSITE TWITTER (@redistrict) https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ NEW Audiobook version out now!

EP-148 LALIT PANDA on Optimizing Supply Chains in a Chaotic World and the Steps to Protect and Improve Company Operations Defining the term "supply chain" and understanding what a company should control and what to outsource has never been more important to a business. Optimizing supply chains in a chaotic world is a huge challenge. Strategists at the executive and board level face: Major global flare ups that threaten inputs Huge pools of data to analyze, and Increased complexity of logistics as customer preferences develop (almost to the point of irrationality). LALIT PANDA has spent his career safeguarding, managing, de-risking and optimizing supply chains. Having worked with major companies like Sony and Altria on these problems, he joins us today to discuss the challenges and opportunities of in today's supply chain framework. Lalit is an Operations and Technology executive with leadership experience across 7 different industries at companies of all sizes that were Public, PE and VC backed. As a Chief Operations Officer or a Chief Information/Digital Officer in global companies, he has led digital and operational transformations at scale. Companies where he had roles range from large public companies like Sony and Altria to mid-size firms like Harman, Denon, Tronox etc. He has also been in late stage startups, ranging from consumer products to industrial chemicals and medical devices. He is a blogger and thought leader on supply chain and digital transformation topics. These are increasingly important in a world of rapidly changing technology and geopolitical risks. Latit holds degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and the National Institute of Technology. Based in Princeton, he co-chairs the programs committee of the Private Directors Association NY/NJ and the Technology and Industrial SIGs of The Executive Forum. Intro Background Supply Chain Definition What is the definition of Development? How do we categorize Planning, Sourcing, and Delivery? What is the importance of Execution? What goes into the Making of the Product? Finally, what are the complications around the Delivery of the Product? Traditional Notions and Recent Shocks With Recent geopolitical impacts, how are companies mitigating risk? What are the opportunities with recent Transportation advances? Are companies taking advantage of recent Advances in information technology and logistics management (last mile) What has been the impact of Covid / Work From Home (WFH)? What do companies traditionally get wrong when optimizing supply chains in a chaotic world ? Where is Strategic Perspective (and Oversight)? How can there be a Lack of Board Representation ? Looking into your crystal ball- what are the ways to improve supply chains amidst instability? How do listeners find you? LALIT PANDA LINKEDIN LALIT PANDA TWITTER - @latitpanda PRIVATE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATION https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Episode 148: Aon's Latanya Simmons Aon's LaTanya Simmons on Florida and California Property Insurance The challenging Florida and California property insurance environment is a huge topic of conversation. Anyone looking to insure a property knows that this has become tricky business in the last five years. Floods, hurricanes, wildfires and mold have are major problems for successful families' homes. These and other conditions have driven up premiums if you can find insurance at all. Add into the mix the complexity around the liability and the long term viability of the insurers. It becomes obvious that you need an expert to help navigate these risks. LATANYA SIMMONS is an Atlanta native and 2nd generation risk management professional. As the National Sports Practice Director and Private Risk Advisor with AON Private Risk Management, LaTanya provides expert personal property and casualty insurance advice and advocacy for successful individuals. executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers and family offices nationwide count among the people that she serves. We discuss the Florida and California phenomenon and what she sees as the future of the property and casualty insurance market in the high net worth space. The Florida and California Property Insurance Challenge Tell us what is going on in the Florida and California property insurance markets? What is the impact on customers? Are Florida and California (and New York) just the beginning for the risk markets? What strategies should those and others contemplating moves or purchases in other states consider beforehand? How has the insurance market changed over the last 5 years (and specifically in the last 2)? Where do you see it going? Will states like Texas, Colorado and Georgia feel this? Where do you identify the biggest insurance risks for highly successful individuals? How often should insurance policies and programs be reviewed, including the health of their insurer? Many clients are high profile due to their or their family’s success and involvement in the community. This puts them in the spotlight often – in the news, on social media, front page of their company website. What risks do higher profile people need to be thinking about? What other guidance you can share for successful individuals and families when it comes to managing the risk around their homes, autos, collections, and other property? Contact LaTanya LaTanya Simmons LINKEDIN AON Other "Wealth Actually" insurance discussions: https://frazerrice.com/ep-106-ahmet-bidav/ For More . . . https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ The new audio version is out now!

Episode 150 DAVID LESPERANCE AND MELVIN WARSHAW In this 150th Episode, we revisit the topic of citizenship and expatriation and try to answer the question, "Should I expatriate?." Establishing a life outside the friendly confines of the United States is a popular wealth conversation.. In the last few years, fueled by local dissatisfaction, political polarization, wealth divide animosity and positive "working abroad" experiences, "Expatriation" is now a big word in the cocktail party circuit. It's a word that shouldn't be taken lightly. Done correctly, it is a multi-year decision and planning process with significant consequences. Long-time friend of the podcast, DAVID LESPERANCE and fellow cross-border tax expert, MELVIN WARSHAW, share their expertise on the three levels of "detachment" from the USA. They will set out the administrative and tax consequences of moving up the ladder of recission from the United States. (David's previous interview here EP-76 Citizenship Diversification) What factors have caused a dramatic increase in Wealthy Families seeking second citizenships and residence as "Fire Insurance"? Tax the Rich proposals, Rising racism and anti-semitism, political polarization, mass shootings etc. What are the tax consequences of being a United States citizen? How does one obtain a second residence? What factors to consider? How does one obtain a second citizenship? What factors to consider? What are the types of "Fire Escape Plans"? (i.e. Go Bag option, American Living Abroad, Expatriation)  What are the Tax consequences of leaving the United States vs a full "Expatriation"? What are possible factors that may cause one to trigger their Fire Escape Plan? (SCOTUS decision in Moore, Election mayhem, natural disasters, election results etc.) What is the impact on the US of Wealthy Americans triggering Fire Escape Plans? Should I Expatriate? Contact David Lesperance on Linkedin Melvin Warshaw on Linkedin https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Episode 151 - MARK HOUSE Cryopreservation and wealth was once the purview of science fiction and Hollywood. Freezing one's self to be revived in the future is not just something out of Issac Asimov book or a Ridley Scott movie. The science, estate planning, and economics of this "call option on immortality" are here right now. There are legitimate and current issues with cryopreservation and wealth- fascinating ones at that! Science, estate planning, ethics, governance, economics and good old-fashioned drafting are in focus as I speak with Scottsdale-based attorney MARK HOUSE. We're going to get our arms around the misconceptions of the freezing process and what that means legally and practically. With that background, we'll dive into the structuring and drafting considerations to effectuate this amazing concept. Finally, we have some fun by guessing at what the world may look like with revived citizens hundreds of years from now. INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND -How did Mark get into estate planning and how did he get into cryonics? CRYONICS -Let's define freezing "pre-death" vs "post-death." -Behind the Science: GREG FAHY'S WORK and BIO -What is the legal and funding process? ESTATE PLANNING AROUND CRYOPRESERVATION AND WEALTH -Usually when people die (and the being's existence terminates), the assets transfer to beneficiaries. However, here something different happens. -Is there a difference between being kept alive but in "suspended animation" and dying? -Does having various features including DNA maps serve as the basis for a new being? DIRECTED TRUSTS -Ownership in a trust should be able to provide the structure that allows the Grantor to be resuscitated when the science catches up. -Trusts have a Grantor, Trustee, Corpus (literally in this case) and beneficiaries. -Trustees must administer, invest and distribute.  -How does a directed trust allow the Grantor's intent to persist? TRUST REQUIREMENTS -Perpetuity and a Good Trust Protector Structure are vital. -With that in place, trustees must have distribution flexibility and discretion around "beneficiary determination" -Why is it important to have broad Trustee choice? -If we're making guesses about the future, why is nimble decision-making process around "science determinations" important? -When talking about investment flexibility, is endowing a future being a "prudent investment'? If so, how does a trustee sign off on that? CRYOPRESERVATION AND WEALTH ISSUES -Who pays the freezer? How much does this cost? -Once we know that, how does the trust pay for it? -When should a person use life insurance? When employed, does the presumption of death change anything? -What happens if you run out of funds? -Does it make sense to (also) endow the future persons' lifestyle? If not, how will they function in the future? -Should other the trust not include future beneficiaries to reduce a potential future conflict -How do you staff this? (See here for an interview with Betsy Brown on Corporate Trustees designed to deal with tricky situations: https://frazerrice.com/ep-63-betsy-brown/) -What if the individual or corporate trustees cease to exist? (Trust protector) -Is there liability for the science committee if they unfreeze too soon?  Can other beneficiaries then be added? Should they be? -Are private trust companies common in these situations? BEST PRACTICES AROUND CRYOPRESERVATION AND WEALTH -What’s the best way to get started? OUTRO - How do listeners find Mark House? MARK HOUSE CONTACT INFORMATION ARTICLE ON CRYONICS TIM URBAN'S ARTICLE OUR TRUST AND ESTATES PROFESSOR, JEFFERY PENNELL Firms that do this ALCOR- https://www.alcor.org/ https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Dr. RICHARD HAASS takes us on a tour of The World's Hot Spots. We also discuss the U.S. in 2024 and the concept of citizen ship.

The transition of wealth between generations has put the spotlight squarely on fiduciary roles. With the rapid changes in the financial services space, directed trustees and independent administrative trust companies have exploded in popularity. The Evolving World of Directed Trustees Most advisors, wealth management firms, and clients under-appreciate the responsibility and risks of proper trusteeship. They remember a culture and business model that existed decades ago. These days, individuals trustees usually can't handle the rigors of the job and law firms are leaving the space for liability reasons. Finally, in an environment where clients want more flexibility and control, the large bank-owned trust departments provide a cumbersome experience and high turnover, With this in mind, modern estate planning has unbundled traditional investment, administrative and distribution trustee roles. There is a huge appetite for jurisdictional planning and best-in-class providers. With all of this change, it is confusing for the advisor to know who is responsible for what and how much it should cost. The Problem for RIAs RIA's do not have the resources to advise or service clients with this complexity. The administration and oversight of these structures is a distraction. Building a trust company to solve this problem does not make business sense in a private equity-backed RIA aggregation environment. Moreover, using conflicted trust providers is out of the question for fear of putting client relationships at risk. An increasingly popular option for RIAs and wealthy families is the use of directed trustees and the independent administrative trust company. CHRISTOPHER HOLTBY is a co-founder of an independent trust company that works specifically with wealth advisors and directed trustees. Not only do we highlight the best practices for identifying and partnering with an administrative trustee, but we also discuss the typical workflow between an RIAs and directed trustees. Chris' Background with Directed Trustees How RIAs work with directed trustees and an independent trust company: 1/ What are the basic requirements of independent trust company? 2/ Accordingly, which "value adds" should RIA firms should look for? 3/ Are there key attributes to spot when deciding to work/partner with an independent trust company? 4/ Lastly, should you be aware of any "Gotchas" in the space? How Do We Stay in Touch with Chris? WEALTH ADVISORS TRUST COMPANY Video of the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YyqlULg1GA "Wealth Actually" is now on Video! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Artificial intelligence and healthcare have been intertwined for a long time. The public has finally noticed. With the emergence of OpenAI and other Large Language Model platforms, we are on the forefront of more huge changes in the business of health care. Healthcare and elder issues are the major concerns for most families planning for their futures. Artificial intelligence has permanently changed the method and pace of research, the role of privacy, the choice and delivery of treatment, and the way people interact with the healthcare community. To better understand these issues, I spoke with Chris Heye. who is working in the space. Background Dr CHRIS HEYE is the CEO and Founder of both Whealthcare Solutions, Inc. and Whealthcare Planning LLC. He is a proven entrepreneur with extensive experience starting and growing technology companies. After confronting dementia in his own family and witnessing elder financial abuse in friends, Chris decided that older adults needed more protection. Chris and I take a look at this intersection. The advances are exciting. Having surveying the landscape, we marvel at the leaps forward to come and worry about the issues that they create. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsGlUlYQG84&t=7s Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare Against that backdrop, we take on these questions: How is the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare changing medical research? Is artificial intelligence shifting the methodology and processes of healthcare and is it for the better? After sharing our experiences with dementia and loved ones, Chris and I wonder about the future of dementia management. Will the intersection assist patients with their day-to-day lives? Is artificial intelligence widening the gap between retirement, late stage health and death? Knowing the pernicious effect of ageism, can the financial planning industry properly account for the length and expense of elder living? What can we expect in the near future and what should we look out for? https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT Further Wealth Actually updates HERE

The intersection of Technology and Estate Planning is now a dominant talking point in the wealth management space. The pressure for advisors to deliver more client value is intense. As the wealth management industry wrestles with establishing relevance, value, and control with the next generation, the emergence of Technology and Estate Planning to assist the advisor is a central theme in the RIA space and "Fintech." Combining centuries old "analog" concepts with new "digital" tools is the new silver bullet for reaching and keeping clients. Therein lies one of the biggest challenges in delivering this value. The formulation and communication of estate plans and wealth structures for clients and the next generation is tricky business. It requires experienced practitioners and tools that streamline a labor intensive (and often unprofitable) process. Once the picture of one's plan develops, it now requires ongoing maintenance and detailed administration as life marches on and risks and opportunities emerge. I spoke with DAVID BARNARD to understand the state of the art in creating, presenting and managing personalized trust & estate strategies for complex clients with Luminary’s digital collaboration platform. Technology and Estate Planning Issues The challenges in visualizing complicated concepts, Storytelling and the importance of communication in a world of numbers and graphs Helping the advisor have equal footing with other professionals The importance of collaboration (and not competition) with the legal and accounting world in providing coordinated advice Staying on the safe side of unauthorized legal or accounting advice and broader staffing issues The future of administrating wealth. DAVID BARNARD is the CEO and Founder of Luminary- the winner of two awards at the 2024 Family Wealth Awards . He previously led private wealth management for AllianceBernstein, overseeing more than $100 billion in client assets, and has served multiple philanthropic organizations as a director or trustee. Luminary's website is here: https://www.withluminary.com https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

PROPUBLICA has taken on the role abdicated by most mainstream news organizations. Its long form journalism, while controversial, takes on many special interests that escape public scrutiny. While I often don't agree with the slant that they take, ProPublica represents a new frontier for the fourth column. Traditional news outlets make less and less business sense. I wanted to find out more about how long form journalism is going to work going forward and how it will apply to financial regulation. So I spoke to JUSTIN ELLIOTT, an Investigative Reporter at ProPublica. Justin has won the Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism, the Selden Ring Award for a series on the American Red Cross and, with the “Trump, Inc.” podcast team, a duPont-Columbia Award. He co-wrote the story revealing tech mogul Peter Thiel’s multibillion-dollar Roth IRA which we talk about here. Justin's Path to Reporting The Role of PROPUBLICA in Long Form Journalism What are its origins? What is its mandate? How is it funded? What is the Role of Journalism in (Re) Establishing Accountability in Society? What is Congress' (and the other branches of government) role in fixing the issues that journalism uncovers? Peter Thiel's $5 Billion Roth What happened? (How did Thiel get assets into a Roth IRA with a $2K cap?) How did this work? (Funding a Roth IRA with low value Founders' shares) The "Law", the Intent of the "Law" and the Variability around the "Law"? Is this a valuation issue as much as a legal issue? Is it wrong? How should we correct a distortion like this? What's next for Justin and ProPublica and how do we find him? 2024 Election Coverage Justin at ProPublica Justin at Twitter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1YOe9GV0MY https://youtu.be/Ao33oyZJuC8 https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT Buy "Wealth Actually" Paperback, Kindle and Audio

"Family Office" recruiting is one of the most difficult subsets of wealth management. Loaded with mystery and allure, many wealthy families want to "have" a family office. It's a different story when the family has to determine the ROI of the project, lay out the costs and, ultimately, staff one. This is actual work. Family offices are expensive and require deep strategic thought and long term purpose and budgeting by the family. As we will learn here, family offices call for the identification, acquisition, and support of talent that is not readily available. This new talent can also be risky. A new structure with new people subjects large amounts of personal wealth to the domain of outsiders and public risk. Failure is often embarrassing (and expensive). https://open.spotify.com/episode/5IBc5iTzMNHHSoQqp8Ufhe?si=PUFi51DIR361WrnlEoJyRQ I went to a source with a unique viewpoint. BRIAN C. ADAMS is a Principal at Mack International, a leading executivesearch, and human capital consulting firm that serves the familyoffice/wealth management markets. Along with his background in family office, Brian has co-founded two real estate private equity firms, Excelsior Capital and Priam Properties, and has assembled a portfolio of over $600 million in real estate assets. Brian's Background and Unique Path into Family Office Recruiting The Nuts and Bolts SUCCESSION PLANNING AND NEXT GENERATION DEVELOPMENT TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND ACQUISITION/ STRATEGIES FOR RETAINING KEY TALENT COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION PACKAGES AND HOLISTIC COMPENSATION APPROACHES GLOBAL TRENDS THAT IMPACT THE FUTURE OF FAMILY ENTERPRISES How "fully formed" is the vision for the office by the time they begin actually recruiting? Is this coming from the lawyer? The tax professional? The banker? Or from family office consultants? What is the ROI on a family office? Should it be a profit center? A "break-even" cost of doing business? A loss-leading accomodation? Is the family driving the search or a consultant? Do they often hire a CEO and they run the lower level searches?  How do you get a family to think about a family office's linkage with (or separation from) a family business?  Should it be funded out of liquidity or operating cash? Complications with Family Office Recruiting What happens if the job mandate doesn't feel right? How much are you dealing with the family and how much is it the consultant? Are the structures already built? Eddie Marshall's 3 x 3 rule "problem" for Family Offices: 3 years / Over 3M and you still don't know what you have? LEARN MORE HERE What are the real costs? Do families understand the expense? Who is developing the budget? Threading a needle- Identifying the talent and skills Cultural Fit Compensation terms - Salary vs Upside The accounting spine VS "the guy to analyze deals" VS a large, full service situation What happens if the fit is bad after 6 months? Searches for new (de novo) family offices Turnover due to retirement vs, turnover due to cultural problems Searches for executives vs. technicians Do searches for positions ever include family members to engender competition Private or Public Company Board experience - is a lack of it a red flag? Technology building and security experience Any major best practices (or worst) for families exploring which functions to internalize and which to outsource? Family offices and the trends toward outsourcing and MFO's How does one deal with "scope creep"? What if the family gets sick of the expense?  Do you look for other families to use services and share in the expense? https://youtu.be/O3qFi0YhuFI?si=nu5iQJ_Hnuno0zjX How To Find Brian Adams BRIAN ADAMS LINKEDIN BRIAN ADAMS MACK INTERNATIONAL https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

"Empowered Entitlement" with Christian Broyhill

Artificial intelligence is a charged term- one that has been around, but has taken on new meaning in the last couple of years. As the first crossovers of AI and HUMAN RESOURCES emerge, many issues are coming out. People are both excited and afraid of its implications. Employees and their managers are afraid of cultural and measurement shifts (and career arcs in general). Executives are worried about missing out on ways to increase the top and bottom line. Boards are concerned about threats to corporate strategy and new and unseen risks that could put the company (and them) on the front page of the Wall Street Journal However, the news isn't all scary and the world is not becoming Skynet yet! SUSAN YOUNGBLOOD is an expert on the intersection of AI and Human Resources. Equipped with broad executive experience and board expertise, she is the ideal person to help us get our arms around the AI/HR intersection at the employee, manager, executive and board level. I spoke with her on the conundrum that decision-makers face as technology and people collide. SUSAN is a technology CHRO who has launched, acquired, and transformed companies at Fortune 50 and FTSE 100 companies such as IBM, BNY Mellon (BK), and London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG.L) as well as a tech startup, As a leader in the HR field, Susan enabled high growth and faster time to market by navigating teams through the human capital agenda at critical inflection points: New company launches, Rapid scaling, M&A, Global expansion, Digital transformation, and Large-scale cost reduction. Having dealt with company strategic issues, Susan has also managed global crises and assisted companies in mitigating extensive risks. https://open.spotify.com/episode/092y3urUEfDav5JTaraAbI?si=2a6c0eb7905747c2 Wealth Actually on Spotify Susan's Background AI and Human Resources How are companies are leveraging AI today? When implementing AI, what are some of the risks companies take? What are some big mistakes companies have made with AI ? Proper governance: what should it look like within businesses? How are boards responding to the AI and Human Resources implications? Are the scary things about AI for workers? What are the implications for various types of workers: The General Workforce Managers Middle Managers Executives With all of this worry, are there opportunities for the workforce? How do you prepare your workforce to embrace AI? https://youtu.be/HmdN8jL7iOY?si=ALUnFs0lbo0cV38x How do we find Susan? SUSAN YOUNGBLOOD LINKEDIN Additional Background on Susan Susan serves on the Board of Directors for Cornell University’s ILR school, is onthe Advisory Council for SUNY College of Optometry, and she is an angel investor. Sheholds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vassar College and a Master ofIndustrial and Labor Relations (MILR) degree from Cornell University, where shewas also the assistant coach of the women’s tennis team. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

With the Supreme Court's recent ruling in the Loper Bright Case, courts no longer have to defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous laws. This is a massive change in the way administrative law is practiced at the federal level. The Loper Bright Case touches almost every area regulated by the Untied States government.

How have our Presidents' money stories affected their lives and trajectories before, during, and after their terms? Have the Presidents' finances affected policy? What stories do they teach the rest of us? https://www.amazon.com/All-Presidents-Money-Governed-America-ebook/dp/B0D3T7TGMZ/ Megan Gorman's Presidents' Relationship with Money As we head into election season, MEGAN GORMAN has released a terrific book on US Presidents and their personal finances. She is a tax attorney and wealth manager – takes readers on a rollicking ride, full of history and personal finance lessons, to understand the intimate money stories of our most famous presidents in her highly anticipated new book, ALL THE PRESIDENTS’ MONEY: How the Men who Governed America Governed Their Money Megan Gorman's "All The Presidents' Money" Megan has spent her career advising some of the wealthy. She parlayed her interest in history and politics with her career expertise to analyze our Presidents relationship with money. The stories of our Presidents' personal finances not only give insight into their leadership style, but they teach lessons for the rest of us as well. What inspired you to write about the US presidents' relationship with money? Since I was six, I’ve always been obsessed with learning about the presidents. There’s an archetype that I was drawn to: a man from an ordinary background that through hard work and luck makes his way to the top. We have many presidential examples in our history: Lincoln, Eisenhower, Grant, Johnson, Truman, Ford, Reagan, and on. Could this same story happen now?  Maybe, but it’s not as easy as it was before. How did you approach researching the book, since financial details are often private? I usually started by reading a book on the president and looking for little items – education, jobs, homes – and then ferreting out primary source documents. But the most useful items are the letters.  Letters were where a lot of financial discussions occurred, from Jefferson and his financial challenges to Harry Truman lamenting to his future wife about whether he will ever find financial success. The presidential libraries and museums’ archives were also unbelievable.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvMoUuruCzU Did you notice any common themes or patterns in the presidents' financial behaviors and decision-making? A lot of bad financial decision making occurs when emotion controls the situation. For example, President George Washington asked James Monroe to go to France. Monroe agreed even though he had a substantial plantation at home that needed significant management. Monroe got to France and realized that to succeed, he needs gravitas. In 1790s France, that means having the right home to entertain in. So he went out and bought a house for the US with his own money – doesn’t ask permission and doesn’t think about the obligations back home. His salary doesn’t cover half of what he is spending. When Monroe’s appointment is over, he sells the house at a loss. Money is emotion – and managing it is very hard for all of us. You write in All The Presidents' Money that "wealth happens at the intersection of opportunity and discipline." What do you mean? We talk a lot about financial literacy and having strong financial skills. But the truth is you could be the greatest budgeter in the world, but if you have no money coming in, it’s a moot point.  Budgeting, risk tolerance, connecting with your future self – all of those things are the framework of finance – but you need your shot at wealth building, to put it in Hamilton parlance. You need to have the ability to make a living.  If you have that, and you use financial literacy, you can build financial resilience. Sounds easy, but in the current stage we are in the US, it’s gotten a lot harder. Several presidents had a strong aversion to debt. Do you think this is a valuable mindset for financial success?

The pace, scale and sophistication of RIA marketing has accelerated into hyperspace in the last 10 years. There are new business models in wealth management and, thus, new voices and sources of trust. The speed of content creation and publishing is increasing- especially with newer artificial intelligence tools. Social media has made the scope and reach of marketing efforts enormous -- and required firms to be data scientists as much as financial advisers. Finally, where once the firm drove the branding in the RIA space, there appears to be a move back to the star system - where recognizable names create the light that attracts clients. Enter RICHARD HEFT, President of EXT MARKETING - His firm focuses on marketing for RIA's, asset managers, and other financial institutions. The development and execution of marketing strategies are accelerating well past the leadership of the typical RIA. They have to prove to the market that their inorganic growth efforts are real and sustainable in a crowded (and often bland and undifferentiated) space. Richard tells us what he is seeing in the RIA Marketing space. Background- What does EXT do? Richard Heft EXT Marketing What was the opportunity you saw? What is "Marketing" vs Marketing for Financial Institutions? vs. RIA Marketing? Differences Regulation Other cultural issues Where does RIA Marketing stop and PR start as part of larger strategy? How do you combat the "sea of sameness" and "Lowest common denominator" factors in RIA Marketing? Boats, Piers, Forests Couples at the Beach New demographics, new ideas Measurement - What does marketing success look like from the agency perspective? Is there a difference in the clients' perspective? How do you bridge that gap and make sure there is agreement on metrics? Digital - After putting strategy, into action, what is the importance of data integrity and maintenance? Having established a visibility strategy, how does one convert eyeballs to dollars? How do we get around the "consulting class" fluff? Success stories The new sophistication of the referrer and the consumer / client. https://open.spotify.com/episode/79qDVNuUC0ixgHJIIhVAyD?si=33170e765cc44bdd The art of segmentation? B2B vs B2COI B2B vs B2C? How much can (or what should) be outsourced to an agency vs hiring someone internally? The necessity of 3rd party credibility and how to get it (and get credit for it) "RIA Marketing" Trends going forward? Artificial Intelligence and other tools Social Media (How an UHNW adviser uses podcasts) Will there be a move away from referrals to "legitimate" digital lead generation? Where does traditional media fit in? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuhdR2xJ0bw "RIA Marketing" with Richard Heft Outro: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ "RIA Marketing" on Wealth Actually

Sports media is decentralizing. However, "Sports Podcasts" are exploding in audience growth. Stephen A. Smith, Pat McAffe and Barstool Sports are household names. Legacy names, like ESPN, are figuring out how to hold on to their audiences and find new ways to expand them. Out of this high profile world, there are many lessons to learn in managing one's own career and how to harness the possibilities of media for your own businesses. BRAM WEINSTEIN (the "Voice of the Washington Commanders") is the founder of Ampire Media and can be heard weekdays from 3-6 PM EST on "The Bram Weinstein Show" on ESPN 630 DC. As part of his 24 year (and counting) on air career, he spent 7 years at ESPN mainly as an anchor of "Sportscenter" and has appeared on a  variety of programs including "Like it or Not" on Fox 5 in Washington DC, "The Bram Weinstein Show" on The Team 980, as well as analyst roles on NBC Sports Washington.  When not performing, Bram produces for and consults with various content providers in traditional and new media for his firm AMPIRE MEDIA. We also get to nerd out a little on the Washington Commanders and their improbable fast start this year! https://open.spotify.com/episode/2rW0FF84wRQZ8O8qZEyptt?si=bc2c29518f96414e Bram Weinstein "Voice of the Commanders" on Sports Podcasts Bram Weinstein's Background - How did you get into broadcasting? Take us through the route with the career to get back to DC. What does a life in sports media look like? The arc of a broadcaster's career and the need to develop equity. https://youtu.be/OxKRSXB2lFI?si=OwyNPG2ZyrC0O3D_ Bram Weinstein on Wealth Actually Sports Podcasts (and Beyond) AMPIRE MEDIA- Going from talent, to production, to ownership. Aggregating other voices.Where did the idea for the media company come from? Specific experience or advice that informed the project? Where do you see the path to profit coming from? Bridging Traditional Media and the Sports Podcast Business- How do you manage the time?What are your ultimate ambitions for Ampire?What have been the challenges so far?Lawyer in me asks how you stay in the good graces of everyone, contract and IP-wise? Has the attitude of the Sports Media Companies changed about "talents' other activities?? Lessons from Sports Podcasts for other businesses in their marketing strategies. Joe Gibbs and the Washington Redskins The Washington Commanders (and their fast start!) Finally, I'm duty bound to ask some #Commanders questions. Having been a fan back in the glory days, what is your favorite memory or favorite player? There is so much new with the Commanders in the last two years: Owner, GM, Coach, QB, a lot of the roster! What does this season looks like with this "crazy good" start . . . and Jayden Daniels? Outro- Sports Podcasts How do listeners find and support you.https://www.ampiremedia.com/ AMPIRE on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8jmCnWViN0Y?si=mKy4NPASYiRKfLZ5 MEDIA DISRUPTION and VENTURE CAPITAL https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

"How to Retire" (by Christine Benz) deals with a concept full of fear, emotion, math and uncertainty: retirement. Even the wealthiest, who have a margin of safety, run into issues of purpose, time management and legacy. Layer onto that the risks of longevity, dementia, divorce, managing cash and investments in inflationary times, and navigating the byzantine health and elder care systems. No wonder "retirement" is a scary topic. Christine Benz' new book "How to Retire" is here to help get our arms around this topic. With 20 interviews with experts in the field, Christine has written a terrific reference for retirees to get their arms around this stage in life. Her book covers the numbers, the emotion and the structure for people entering the golden years. CHRISTINE BENZ is director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar and senior columnist for Morningstar.com. In that role, she focuses on retirement and portfolio planning for individual investors. She also co-hosts a podcast for Morningstar, "The Long View", which features in-depth interviews with thought leaders in investing and personal finance. https://www.amazon.com/How-Retire-lessons-successful-retirement-ebook/dp/B0CP5X3TYK/ How to Retire How to Retire with Christine Benz The Numbers (Funding Retirement and Resilient Investing) The Transition to Retirement (AKA "The Countdown") With a plan in mind, what is the role a Dry Run with Retirement? The Buy-In: Getting consensus from spouses and family on what life will look like The First 2 years: The Importance of a Detailed Calendar How Are You Going to Use the Time? Having entered the role of caregiving, retirement may be more of a "job" than you think "End of Life": When Should you Give up the Keys and Long Term Care with CAROLYN MCCLANAHAN Estate Planning (with past "Wealth Actually" guest JENNY ROZELLE) With all of this frre time, how do spouses adjust to spending so much time together? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN5C7Ko6XBY https://open.spotify.com/episode/50ZO3JLl4bAdf95b64UQIZ?si=XJEYU2h4ToG8rL_Qkou6eA https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ Frazer Rice's "Wealth Actually"

Author and investment expert, JARED DILLIAN, joins the podcast for the second time to discuss his new collection of short stories, NIGHT MOVES. We talk about his talent for moving across formats and between fiction and non fiction. We go into the need for story-telling and the importance of holding an audience. Finally, we look for crossovers in his writing from his personal history, his move to South Carolina and his experiences in the Coast Guard and Lehman Brothers. https://www.amazon.com/Night-Moves-stories-Jared-Dillian-ebook/dp/B0DDLB49X1/ "Night Moves" by Jared Dillian From his military experience and investment experience to his DJ'ing prowess and obvious for multi-faceted talent for writing, Jared is a creator and a Renaissance Man- and a terrific, no nonsense person to speak with about the ins and outs of publishing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7pratxa3EY Writing across formats and how that led to NIGHT MOVES?  Non fiction  Novel  Short story - is the format a challenge or an opportunity? Newsletter - The daily grind of the Daily Dirtnap How to move between the daily pressure of writing a newsletter to the longer form content in non-fiction? Then, how do you move to the character development and world-building involved with fiction? Themes in NIGHT MOVES Sex, desperation, wistfullness Writing in a women's voice (how do you get into that headspace?) What does research consist of for short stories? Genre Favorites? Where you end the story determines whether it’s a comedy or tragedy Do you start knowing where you want to end up? What does the format of a writing day look like?  Ie do the newsletters get in the way or help with other projects? Do you get stuck?  (Is there where it’s convenient to have the newsletters) Music and Writing- The Crossover into NIGHT MOVES DJ’ing composing - what are the similarities in that process? Any crossover to investing? Where do we find the book and how else can people keep track of JARED? JARED'S SUBSTACK DAILY DIRTNAP Jared on "Wealth Actually" talking about his previous book, "NO WORRIES" https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ "Wealth Actually" by Frazer Rice

Welcome to the first episode of the Frazer Rice Podcast (Trust me . . . I'm working on getting a snappier title!). Expect to see more interviews with artists, entrepreneurs, commentators and tastemakers from New York and beyond. Today we have an interview with Jayne Merkel, contributing editor for the Architectural Record and author of the monograph Eero Saarinen. We discuss the evolution of New York City's skyline and downtown redevelopment, trends for the future and our favorite neighborhoods and buildings. Among the highlights . . . Manhattan's newest and most controversial residential tower- 432 Park Avenue An afternoon photo of one of NYC's "Old Faithfuls"- the Flatiron Building A night photo of the Union Square Pavilion with the Zeckendorf Towers in the background THE NEXT PODCAST WILL FEATURE CRIME NOVELIST, TERRENCE MACCAULEY, WHO WILL TALK ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK, "SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL". https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

EPISODE 2: Crime Novelist, TERRENCE MCCAULEY Crime Novelist, Terrence McCauley Meet Terrence P. McCauley. He is a part of a new breed of crime fiction writers. This up-and-comer is one to watch. His acclaimed new thriller SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL will be published by Polis Books in July 2015. Sympathy for the Devil (New from Polis Books) Polis is also republishing Terrence's first two award-winning crime novels set in 1930 New York City - PROHIBITION and SLOW BURN. In 2008, Terrence won the TruTV 'Search for the Next Great Crime Writer' contest. In 2014, he won three New Pulp Awards for Best Short Story, Best Novel and Best Author. Terrence has had short stories featured in Thuglit, Shotgun Honey, Spinetingler Magazine, Atomic Noir and Big Pulp among other places. A proud native of The Bronx, NY, he is currently working on his next work of fiction. (Topics:  Writing process, influences, favorite three books, favorite three movies) https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

In the latest Podcast, I speak with Steve Wilamowsky about the development and current state of bankruptcy law. Steve Wilamowsky is a partner in Chapman and Cutler's Litigation, Bankruptcy and Restructuring Group. For over twenty years, clients have relied on Steve to guide them through complex corporate reorganizations, distressed asset transactions, and bankruptcy-related litigation. We track his road into legal practice, go into detail about the landscape of bankruptcy law and muse about its future. You can read more about Steve's background here. Enjoy! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

John Williams, Principal of the Williams Law Group and President of IncNow.com I sat down with my colleague and fellow Emory Law graduate, John Williams, to talk about the differences and challenges of driving both a law firm and an online incorporation business. We spoke about trends in the legal industry and peered into our respective crystal balls about the direction of Delaware corporate law and the opportunities and issues that entrepreneurs face. What percentage of the day is spent lawyering and what percentage is spent running Incnow? What is does your law practice look like? Delaware Corporate law; we hear about other jurisdictions -what is still advantageous about incorporating in Delaware? Corp v. LLC v. Partnership- what steps should people go through in deciding which entity to use? If I’m from New York or any other state, why would I have my business entity incorporated in Delaware? Talk about the formation of your business Incnow- what need does your your business fulfill? Having a law firm to deal with nuance associated with Incnow makes a lot of sense . . . Does that component get used a lot? Technological hurdles? Staffing hurdles? Compliance issues? Challenges of running law firm v. start-up business? Benefits and challenges of being located in Delaware? Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg using LLC instead of a foundation for his charitable arm? Will we see that more? http://charitylawyerblog.com/2015/12/15/llcs-as-philanthropic-vehicles/ In addition to traditional S and C Corps, What about B-Corps also known as Public Benefit Corps that are chartered to have a broader purpose beyond shareholders- emerging trend or fad? Increased scrutiny of entities and shell companies; increased banking laws and Treasury scrutinizing property purchases - what are you seeing in your business? What appears to be on the horizon on this front? (See some of my commentary on the subject from a past article here-Anonymity and Real Estate) Delaware has always had a competent and efficient judiciary which is one of the attractions for many companies locating their corporate situs there . . .What else is Delaware doing to innovate? https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Michael Monaghan, Co-Founder and CEO of Beartooth What an exciting thing to watch the launch of a business. It represents the beginning of a new, scary and wonderful challenge. It also culminates years of innovation, planning, preparation and hard work.  Today, Beartooth launches officially for the public. It is the brainchild of Michael Monaghan, a friend I have known for years. An idea borne out Michael's experiences both as a financier at Goldman Sachs and as a devout skier and outdoorsman, Beartooth builds on the promise of handheld phone use off the typical cellular grid. It is a tech company based in Bozeman, Montana! I spoke to Michael recently on his experience starting the business, the challenges of being an entrepreneur and probed to hear his thought process on a variety of new business issues. Below are some of the points that we covered: An introduction into what the Beartooth radio does [How Beartooth Works]: What does Beartooth do? "Beartooth is a small device that works with an existing smartphone to communicate when you have no service. You can talk, text, use maps, and share location to Beartooth users within range when you have no cellular service. Beartooth also works as a backup battery for your smartphone. Whether you are skiing fresh powder in the backcountry or dancing at Coachella, you can now reliably stay in contact with your group in ways that were previously unavailable. Beartooth allows for peer-to-peer communication between the devices, completely bypassing the Wi-Fi and cellular network." What problems does Beartooth solve? Where did you get the idea and develop the product/meet your co-founder? How do you go from a Goldman Sachs background to an entrepreneur? What is it like raising money? What is it like having the responsibility of having employees? How do you find and interact with investors? How do you surround yourself with expertise? When bombarded with advice- how do you pick who you listen to? What is it like dealing with the government and how did you learn about the various approval processes involved with a media product? What is it like living and working in Bozeman? What are the pluses and challenges of Bozeman?  How does Bozeman impact the attraction of talent/capital? Beartooth sounds like it applies to rural and adventure settings- what are the uses for technology in urban environments? What are the benefits of having "redundant" VHF/UHF benefits? What are some of the technical features involved? What are the applications to industry, leisure, military? What are the real life experiences that could be enhanced with Beartooth? Festivals, skiing, hiking, lake, ocean, golf courses, vineyards? Are there any potential information security benefits? (texts that don't go through a plan/stored through iCloud? I.e. Device to device texting?) Are there any battery life improvements that Beartooth adds? How do you go about your marketing strategy? What are your marketing ideas? What segments are you working on? Mass retail application? To learn more about Beartooth, check out their website here: BEARTOOTH.COM And check out more about their story below . . . Beartooth profiled in OUTSIDE Beartooth covered by TECHCRUNCH https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

I recently spoke with Scott Johnston about his transition from banking to entrepreneurism and two of his technology projects. WAYIN is Scott's venture co-founded with Scott McNealey. They help major companies aggregate and understand the date generated by consumers and their social media presence. That data can then be used by the company to better focus their marketing efforts and sell more efficiently. LiquidSky is Scott's venture that seeks to more efficiently allocate the world's computing power. The company employs a subscription model and delivers computing and processing speeds on an "as-needed" basis. Liquidsky hopes to help people, businesses, universities and governments accomplish their computing goals without making huge equipment investments that could quickly become obsolete. Scott and I have known each other for years having interacted in the political arena and on the golf course. In this episode we cover . . . The transition from Wall Street to technology entrepreneurism The genesis of Wayin- how does one take an idea and turn it into a business? What problems does Wayin solve for marketers and advertisers? Can Wayin apply to other arenas like politics? How did Scott find the idea for LiquidSky? How did he develop the talent to turn this idea from a twinkle in the eye to a viable business that could solve "Billion Person Problems?" What is the impact of the video gamer? How big is that market? What is the impact of their influence on media production? What are some tips and issues for investors to note if they are interested in investing or being involved in young companies? Scott also collects his thoughts in his "Naked Dollar" Blog Enjoy! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

I spoke with director, William Wedig, who is starting to make a dent in the world of movies. Having done work for brands such as PBS, MTV, Sports Illustrated, People Magazine and Time Magazine, his work has been shown on broadcast and cable television, in AMC and Clearview theaters, on Times Square billboards and in festivals such as Sundance and the Toronto Film Festival. In 2012, William began his television-directing career. 145 shoot days, 550 script pages and 5,000 shots later, William completed directing 26 episodes of the half-hour action-comedy kids show, Team Toon, set for release winter 2013 on Cartoon Network. Utilizing a mixed-format presentation, the show fuses live-action with animation to allow for the adventures of four friends whose imaginations tend to blur the line between reality and cartoon. Part Scooby-Doo-style mystery, part monster madness action, Team Toon was a technically challenging show as well as a lengthy and action-packed production. Most recently, William co-directed and edited the show Exposure: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2011. Starring Brooklyn Decker, Irina Shayk, Hillary Rhoda and 14 other supermodels, the show is available on the Playstation Network and DVD. In 2011, Wedig's feature film, Forged, was released theatrically. Forged won Best Film at the HBO New York Latino Film Festival and the Outstanding Film Award at the Providence Latin American Film Festival, and screened in the Los Angles Latino International Film. The film stars Manny Perez and Emmy award winner Margo Martindale. Variety's Ronnie Scheib said that the film's powerful ending build kinetically and that lead-actor Manny Perez is frighteningly convincing as a man ruled by desperation. For more, visit www.ForgedMovie.com. He also post-supervised Josh Crook's La Soga, which is opened at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival and was released in theaters in August of 2010 through 7th Floor. In the fall of 2008, he completed editing on a one hour documentary for This Old House and PBS,The Life a House Built: The 25th Anniversary of the Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project. The film details the experiences of volunteers and homeowners working to rebuild the Gulf Coast in connection with Habitat for Humanity in the summer of 2008. William began his career with his thesis film from the School of Visual Arts, entitled Rise of the Dead. The film was released through Lions Gate Entertainment in November of 2007. The film has been described as a "smart and original take on an equally old genre" (Fangoria) and William's directing as "a breath of fresh air" (C.H.U.D.). William was also post-production supervisor on Salvage, a horror-thriller, which premiered to a packed house at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. The foreign distribution deal included a theatrical release and Echo Bridge Entertainment handled domestic distribution. He graduated with a degree in film from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and lives in Brooklyn. We covered a lot of ground in this one! William's background- where are you from and how did you get to NY, How did you get bitten by the filmmaking bug? Take us through what you have worked on . . . When do you know you have a project you are interested in directing? Are you writing it? How do you read a screenplay and know if it's good? If it's for you? How do you interact with the writers, producers, talent? What makes a good partnership? How would you describe your working style? When did you know you were good? And could make a go of this? How do you keep the business angle from overwhelming the creative process? When do you compromise v. digging your heels in? Impact of the Editing background- how does that help? Surfing and SI Swimsuit work- what did you learn from those experiences? Use of light, how do you make people or landscapes look good, how do you drive a story? Animation- what makes that difficult or interesting? How do you interact with the artists and voice talent- is it...

I recently spoke with Michael Devlin, adviser to Urban Seed (www.urbanseedvegas.com) We covered a variety of topics related to agribusiness and food policy. Urban Seed's mission is to become the premier supplier of locally grown, low carbon impact, fruits, vegetables, and micro greens in the local market using proprietary and innovative technology & processes with modular, easily expandable structures which provide opportunities for unlimited growth. Their philosophy is to prioritize the "Made in the USA" concept. Their proprietary modular system provides superior quality and larger volumes in the same footprint allowing Urban Seed to grow 30 to 50 times the amount of produce than that of traditional farming without use of chemicals or pesticides. Facilities will be as close to the customer base as possible to reduce cost of transportation & delivery which can run as much as 75% of total operating costs for traditional farm to market operations. 1) We went though a description of the traditional timeline from food to fork. Most produce travels 1,500 miles from farm to fork. - High carbon footprint - Nutritional values falls over time - Shorter shelf life = high food waste - Lower freshness = bland taste 2) We laid out a broad gamut of food production challenges: - Burgeoning world population, - Water scarcity, - Global warming, - High pesticide use. - Lack of access to fresh produce is highly correlated to rising BMI - especially in poor communities. 3) Opportunities - Where are some of the investment opportunities in the food world? - We spend time defining the concept of urban farming 4) Finally, we describe what Urban Seed does - Farm to fork in 12 hrs - No chemicals - herbicides or pesticides - All non-GMO seeds (why is this important?) - Grown under glass with no supplemental light - very power efficient. - 30x crop yield vs traditional farming - Uses 90% less water - Extremely Profitable - Each 6,500sf greenhouse generates $1mm annual revenues and ~$500k EBITDA - Tax benefits for buildings / urban settings?Jobs? https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

It was a genuine pleasure to speak with Blake Morgan about the state of the music industry . . . we spoke for an hour and could have kept going for much longer! Native New Yorker Blake Morgan is a recording artist, record producer, and the founder and owner of ECR Music Group, a global music company which operates under an elemental principle unprecedented in the music world: all of its artists and labels own one-hundred percent of their master recordings. On the heels of his sold-out eight-month run at New York City's Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3, Blake Morgan now embarks on his first large-scale West Coast solo tour of the United States. The New York Times calls Morgan “Disarmingly unselfconscious, while Billboard Magazine writes, “Blake Morgan has a voice that was made to be heard on the radio-inspired songwriting and passionate performances.” The Washington Post adds, He's got killer pop-rock instincts, something that leaps out at you - a natural when it comes to fashioning sharp melodies and catchy choruses.” Blake Morgan's 2016 West Coast Tour will run from August 22nd until September 3rd, with Morgan performing ten concerts in nine cities. Morgan returns to Rockwood Music Hall's Stage 3 on September 14th, for Season Two of his ongoing artist-in-residence concert series in New York City. We covered a lot of ground . . . Here is a framework of the topics covered. What is the process of developing musicians now? How do people access music in this day and age? How do you reconcile the different definitions of success in your artists? How do musicians get paid now? What is the difference between "songwriting" and "mechanicals" What is the role of outside interests?  Sponsorships, merchandise, acting / books etc . . . And how is that different from the past? Regarding the impact of technology on the previous music industry business model, the dilemma it poses now for emerging musicians, and the impact of #irespectmusic . . . How have the innovations of Napster on through to iTunes/ Pandora/ Spotify/ Youtube impacted artists What are the positive and negative aspects? How does this impact artists and their ability to earn? How does the law protect artists currently? Is it outdated? What have been your legislative efforts? Is this a chance for actual bipartisan work from Congress? What is that political process like? How do you educate our leaders about the importance of music and protecting the artist's livelihood? What can the artists do to help protect themselves? Finally a little discussion on ECR and future plans What is your vision for the modern record label - what is its role and how does it work in this day and age? What are the signs of optimism for recording artists in the future? Where do you see the future of music going? How can people support #IRespectMusic? WWW.BLAKEMORGAN.COM Blake Morgan (Facebook) Blake Morgan (Twitter) IRESPECTMUSIC.ORG and via hashtag (#irespectmusic) on most social media platforms. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Podcast #10 was a fun and intense conversation with Foreign Policy and International Relations Expert, Andrew Peek. Andrew is the Director of the Washington Program at Claremont McKenna and an Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine. He is also a former Captain in the US Army and Strategic Advisor to General Joe Allen. He has written and appeared widely in the media and can be found on Twitter at @AndrewLPeek. We conducted a brief primer on Foreign policy and the Election starting with a quick summary of what we know about the candidates' viewpoints and approach to working with foreign countries We started with Hillary Clinton and the evolution of her foreign policy approach. What do we need to know about Hillary's world view? What is the impact of her vast experience and relationships? What is the impact of Bill's presence if she wins office? Our next line of discussion analyzed what we know about Donald Trump- what informs his world view? How would he go about staffing his foreign policy apparatus? How does the volatility and inconsistency of message  play out on the world stage? How would he relate to the military? Finally we embarked on a quick tour around the world . . . Terrorism in France and Germany - Nice, Normandy, Paris, Orlando, etc Germany and Syrian refugee policy Vlad Putin and Syria/Ukraine/East Europe/Trump Cybersecurity Middle East / ISIS Israel Europe (NATO) China South America/Mexico It is a wide ranging discussion with terrific analysis from an expert who lives and breathes these issues and has helped form and implement foreign policy at the highest levels. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

I was thrilled to speak with election lawyer, Bryan Sells a week or so ahead of the big confrontation between Trump and Clinton. We talked about the process and importance of voting and the issues with the current election and future trends in our country's voting. Based in Atlanta, Bryan is a civil rights lawyer specializing in voting rights, election law, and redistricting. He represents individual voters, civil rights organizations, political parties, candidates, and campaigns.  Before founding his own firm, Bryan was been a senior litigator at the Department of Justice and the ACLU. Bryan posts frequently on twitter at @SellsBryan and his firm's website is www.BryanSellsLaw.com. INTERVIEW -How did the practice of voting law get your attention? -How did your background point you in the direction of election law? What were your other influences? -Explain why it's important to have a full and fair representation in the political process Many people assume that voting is as easy as registering to vote and then showing up at a polling location and casting a ballot. However, many times it's not that easy. -What is the actual process of voting? -How is it run at the federal, state, and local level? -How and why can that get distorted? -Where are the greatest injustices/blockades to access right now? -What about the notion of dead people voting and "pre-voted" voting machines -Redistricting and gerrymandering? -One of the great unintended consequences of our system- -How does it disenfranchise voters? -How do we rewrite the rule book on this? -Two party system continues to dominate- how do other parties and ideas begin to penetrate the system? -Term Limits- what are the arguments for and against? Is it time to have them at the federal -Finally, technology and voting? Are they the cause of or solution to voter fraud?  Or a little of both?  What should we be looking for when thinking about technology and the expense of voting? QUICK NOTES: With Trump's shocking win, let's see what I was thinking back BEFORE he took the nomination: Trump: The Yard Sale.  This was published 9/7/2015- well over a year ago and with no expectation that Donald Trump had a chance (at the nomination!) . . . boy, I was wrong.  but there was some interesting thinking in there. This podcast was the first done by telephone.  I liked the results and it opens the podcast to a bunch of interesting participants.  Look for more shortly. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

With the excitement of Tiger Woods' return in the Bahamas, it was time to do a podcast around golf. Welcome to Podcast #12, where I spoke with Eddy Lui. Eddy is a fellow golf fanatic who has founded a new golf platform called 18Birdies. We were able to get a round in this summer at Winged Foot and then record this interview about the company shortly afterward. 18Birdies can be downloaded on most mobile platforms and their website is www.18Birdies.com.   The "Live Engine for Golf", 18Birdies is a mobile golf platform that enhances the experience between golfers & the courses they love to play. The platform incorporates cutting edge technology, social elements, and gaming to take golf into the next generation. A deeper discussion of the company can be found is his article in Golf Inc. Eddy began his career at the global consulting firm Bain & Company and then at Fairlook Capital. He spent 20 years successfully building and growing technology startups, Now Eddy is combining his business experience with his passion for golf with 18Birdies. I had a terrific time learning about his combination of golf, technology and entrepreneurism- three things that I enjoy.  We go into detail about the the challenges of driving the business and have some fun discussing the state of the game and the frontiers of the sport for 'millennials" in an internet age. The format is below . . . Questions Golf- tell us how you fell in love with the game How did you become involved with technology and startups? Let's talk about 18Birdies- How does the platform help the golfer increase enjoyment? Where does the technology come into play? How does the social component work? How does the gaming component work? Discussion of bringing high end tournament experience to the everyday player Multi-course tournaments/leagues, having the leaderboard in your pocket, expanding network of other golfers Based in San Francisco, one of the great golfing cities in this country- how does that help? How do you bring on brand ambassadors and get the word out? Lots written on the decline of golf-How does 18 Birdies address these issues? Steep learning curve in the sport: Too much time, Too expensive, Too hard to access (public/private; men/women, minorities )- how can 18Birdies address these issues? Talk about your association with Matty18UndaPar and growing the game. Bring social (and video) to a closed community- what are the challenges in breaking the "private course" code? What are some of the other trends that you are seeing? How do you intersect with the governing bodies? USGA, PGA, LPGA, MGA, AJGA Talk about some of the golf professionals like Darrell Kestner and Kris Tschetter that surround the brand Is 18Birdies something that can be incorporated into scholastic golf? What do the next few years look like for growth? How do you begin to bring in revenue? Favorite Golfer? Tiger Woods Who is your favorite of the Young Guns? Patrick Reed Best Round of golf ever? Best shot? Strengths and weaknesses of your game? Favorite Courses? Is Tiger coming back? Who is going to have a big year next year? How do we keep track of 18Birdies? 18Birdies.com and downloadable app on most platforms. For more on TIGER WOODS' re-emergence . . . see his blistering 65 in the Bahamas below! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

I spoke on my podcast with noted psychotherapist, Will Meyerhofer. He deals with heavy hitters on Wall Street, the NYC legal world and entertainment professionals. He pulls no punches. While I have written before on the psychological perils of legal practice and Wall Street (The Death of a Profession: Law's Long, Bitter Descent and Its Tragic Human Toll), there is nothing like speaking with someone who is in the trenches helping people deal with the modern (and misunderstood) strains of the professions. Will has been there and walks the walk. Will holds a BA, magna cum laude, from Harvard University, a JD from the New York University School of law and a Master of Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work. Since 2005, he has been operating his private practice, A Quiet Room, offering individual, couples and group psychotherapy from his home, a loft in TriBeCa, in Lower Manhattan. In late 2010 Will released his first book, Life is a Brief Opportunity for Joy, an introduction to the concepts and philosophy underlying psychotherapy.  During 2011, Will released a second book, Way Worse Than Being a Dentist: the Lawyer's Quest for Meaning, based on material from his columns on law and psychotherapy from AboveTheLaw.com.  A former associate in the General Practice group at Sullivan & Cromwell LLC, Will is an acknowledged expert on psychotherapy and lawyers, Will writes a regular column for the popular legal website, AboveTheLaw.com, as well as a blog of his own, The People's Therapist, reflecting a psychotherapist's take on the world. INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: Tell us a bit about your background . . . How did you go from working at a white shoe law firm in NYC to becoming a psychotherapist? A sizable part of your practice comes from the worlds of NYC lawyers, Wall Street and business. These are intense people, many of them unique in their own ways. Are there any universal traits that surround them? Why do they come to you? What are your clients struggling with? How do you discuss vulnerability for these types of clients. Do you have a process to help them open up? Are there times when they never open up? Long hours + "talent" should equal success, which should lead to money, prestige, fame. What happens when their progress doesn't measure up to their expectation? How do you help clients who feel inadequate when their numbers don't measure up to their neighbors? What happens when they feel behind, passed over or a sense of failure? What happens when the numbers and the trappings aren't enough? Are they trapped by success?  Have they taken on more responsibility at work and at home and built golden cages? Do they feel Impostor syndrome?  I.e. How do they reconcile that luck can be involved with success? Do they belittle their own achievement? Do they have trouble appreciating the forces that are beyond their control? For the client that "feels unhappy" or "lost" and has trouble verbalizing their problems- how do you structure the conversation to get them to tell you their truth (even if they don't quite know what that is)? The practice of law is far different than what is portrayed in the media (and even in law school). Do you notice clients that feel cheated or misled by that phenomenon? We know by conjecture the punishing hours involved and the litter of paradoxes and inequities. What else is it about the practice of law and finance that creates such hurt? What traits in your clients seem to be universal? How do you unwind depression and cognitive distortion issues from chemical issues?  For the uninitiated, does one drive the other? You deal with artists, writers and other creative types, is there anything about their endeavors that makes their problems different? Is the currency of their self-esteem different from the other professionals? Is financial hardship measured differently? And does it have more impact? For those that need help, what is the best thing for them to do?

It was a treat to talk to my friend, Robert A. George, about the political landscape washing over New York, Washington, and the rest of the country. We cover Donald Trump and his initial stumbles, the departure of Preet Bharara, the future of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the re-election prospects of Mayor Bill DiBlasio among other topics. Lots of fun in the world of politics! Robert is an editorial writer for the New York Daily News (and formerly for the New York Post) and a conservative/libertarian blogger and pundit. He was born in Trinidad and lived in the United Kingdom before moving to the United States. A graduate of St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, George worked for the Republican National Committee and, following the 1994 midterm elections, Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich. In addition to his newspaper work, George also has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, Fox and regularly appears on other political affairs programs. George has written for the conservative National Review, the libertarian Reason and the Huffington Post. He also sponsors his own group political/cultural blog, Ragged Thots. In addition, George occasionally moonlights as a stand-up comic and improviser. The Donald, Leader of the Free World Former US Attorney Preet Bharara looking skyward Governor Andrew Cuomo feeling good about the future Mayor Bill DiBlasio ponders the future https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

I recently met and spoke with New York City playwright, Jonathan Leaf, about the challenges and success of his new play DECONSTRUCTION. He has written numerous plays and most recently had a successful run for DECONSTRUCTION which played at the Storm Theater in New York City. I was lucky enough to see it and experience firsthand the intelligent thought provocation that his work achieves.  DECONSTRUCTION dives into the one of the main scandals in the field of literary criticism . . . "Set in 1949, the play imagines the rumored love affair between famous novelist Mary McCarthy and young aspiring academic Paul de Man. Later in his life, de Man gained worldwide notoriety as the foremost American promoter of deconstruction, a concept inspired by German philosopher Martin Heidegger. The story exposes de Man's hidden past in war-torn Belgium, where he was suspected as an embezzler and Nazi collaborator."   The play has been extremely well received: " . . .Jonathan Leaf's Deconstruction Bravely and Brilliantly Delves into the Difficulties of Truth . . ." - Victoria Ordin, Broadway World "... an erudite detective story, an inquiry into a man's personality wrapped up in an in inquiry about philosophical concepts ... Leaf strikes a rare balance between narrative and thesis, between action and thought. - Kyle Smith, The New Criterion "Peterson and Dobbins handle their roles admirably, particularly as the emotional pitch of events escalates. Dobbins is a convincing McCarthy, shifting seamlessly between vulnerability and icy wit, while Peterson's amorphous de Man manages to be both repulsive and pitiable. These subtleties are facilitated by Leaf's smart script and the simple set, constituted largely of scattered books." - Ian Tuttle, National Review " ... a REFRESHING and CONTEMPORARY take on love and philosophy."  Ed Malin, Theatre In The Now Jonathan Leaf has been nominated for "Best Original Full-Length Script" by the New York Innovative Theatre Awards for his play "The Caterers." His plays have been produced and performed at 59E59 Theaters, the 29th Street Rep, the Arclight Theater and The Mint. As a journalist and critic, he has written for The New Yorker, The Weekly Standard, National Review, The New York Post, New York Press, New York Daily News, New York Sun, The American, Humanities Magazine, City Journal, City Arts, Forbes.com, NewPartisan, TheStream, EdgeMedia, ContemporaryThinkers.org, and Mosaic Magazine, among other publications. A Tikvah Fellow and Yale graduate, he is the author of the play "The Germans in Paris," which was the highest-rated play in audience surveys on TheaterMania.com during its run. You can follow his exploits here:  http://jonathanleaf.weebly.com/ We covered a lot of ground in a short period of time . . . here is the format of the podcast: You grew up Trenton and went to Yale- where did you get bitten by the writing bug? How did your experience as a teacher influence you? Let's talk about Deconstruction- where did you get the idea to take on this affair in 1949? What are you trying to communicate to the audience? What do you want them to think about or stubble with? What are the themes that predominate in your plays? Are there any taboos or sacred cows that are in your crosshairs? When you sit down to write a play how do you go through the exercise? Do you have a set process? Then there is the process of producing a play- that seems daunting in and of itself. Take us through the story of how Deconstruction got from the blank page onto the stage? How does the casting process work? Do you find yourself writing parts with certain people in mind? What is the next step for the play? You have written a well received book on the Politically Incorrect History of the 60's. How is that different from writing plays? Given your playwright background, are you interested in TV or movies. How does that differ from the play process? Or is it similar enough that the distinctions are more form over substance...

I recently spoke with Ashley Koff.  A registered dietitian, Ashley is not only one of the top people in the nutrition field, but she's a terrific entrepreneur as well. We have known each other since college so it was particularly fun to catch up on her exploits. [In typical Frazer fashion, the last time we saw each other was in a NYC steakhouse . . . which must have been real fun for a top nutritionist!]. Ashley is a Registered Dietitian and one of the top Nutritionists in the country. In addition to major corporate clients and individuals, Ashley advises many Hollywood and TV productions on better nutrition. She is the author of two books and acts as a spokesperson for many brands. She launched the Ashley Koff Approved brand to house and manage the many facets of her practice. You can find information about her programs and projects at https://www.ashleykoffapproved.com/. With all of that, I wanted to pick her brain on two fronts: 1) What are the trends in nutrition and healthy living that we should focus on and 2) How have you turned your expertise into a successful business? Nutritionist/Dietitian questions-  When do people make the decision to see you? How do you get them think about their goals?  Number on the scale vs. performance/energy vs appearance goals? When someone walks in to your office, what is your process to assess where they are and where they should go with their nutrition? Once you have an idea of a person's situation, what are the next steps in implementing a process for them? Concept of a balanced diet- vitamins vs. calories vs. person's physical attributes- How detailed does your analysis go? Picking a theme and sticking with it Overflow of information- fad diets Vegetarians vs. vegans vs. pescatrians vs Paleos Herbs/Vitamins- how do you focus on the important details (and ignore the less important ones) Water consumption Caffeine Nutrasweet Speed of eating Timing of eating Portion control Rest Exercise Grocery stores: Buying fresh v. organic v. what we normally see Avoiding processed foods- what does "processed" mean now? Restaurants: how do you teach good habits in navigating those environments? Competing with time challenges when preparing foods Budget issues- expensive to eat well Demonization of Fat v. sugar and carbs Fruits and vegetables- obvious benefits, but can you overdo it? Cleanses Are there true superfoods that you can't go wrong with? Business Questions Clients are individuals, companies, brands, organizations in addition to media products- How do you organize your time? How did you come up with the AKA brand? How do you incorporate employees or partners in your concept and vision? What was the role of media and books in building your brand? Was there a big break? Does social media work for you? How does that translate into business? What are your broader plans? Does that include a prepared foods line? Exercise programs? Other partnerships? https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

(This appeared in Rick Lazio's Ignite Blog back in July of 2011 . . . I reread it and liked it, so I thought I would repost it.) MATHLESSNESS - AMERICA'S FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM by Frazer Rice. Modern Americans are largely innumerate. They are, to borrow Richard Posner's felicitous phrase, mathless- most can't use or judge the effects of numbers. Such ignorance would be of little concern, except that math permeates everything and ignorance of it imperils both America and Americans. For example, mathless Americans can't understand or interpret statistics popularly discussed in the media, thereby disabling their ability critically to assess what's reported. Nor can they comprehend the scale of the numerical problems addressed in government budgets, leaving them to the not-so-tender mercies of craven politicians funding government programs through deficit spending. Most importantly, mathless Americans lack the quantitative tools to prosper financially and avoid bad investments, critical skills of self-reliance in a non-welfare state. If you want to see this in action, watch a lawyer try to equitably divide the bill and calculate a tip at a nice restaurant. It takes twenty minutes and they usually have to consult an accountant … by phone. Consider the millions of people who bought houses they couldn't afford. Cautionary tales abound about people making $50k/year who were living in $400K houses that are now in foreclosure. The analysis exposing such folly isn't rigorous: Assume (optimistically) after-tax income of $37,000, or $3,125 per month, that the buyer paid 10% of the purchase price ($400,000) at closing, which leaves $360,000 remaining. With an interest-only mortgage of 5% (historically low, but a reasonable figure), the buyer pays at least $1,500 in monthly interest, which is nearly half his or her take-home pay (you do get to deduct the interest, but you don't see that until the following year). The above scenario is unmercifully tight, especially if income taxes or the cost of living increases and/or income declines. Financial common sense bristles at such a position. Unfortunately, most Americans lack such common sense. And that is the core of the problem: math can help lead logical decision-making by spelling out future realities that predatory lenders hawking teaser rates don't want you to consider. Lotteries, casinos and the investment banks thrive in part because Americans can't or don't want to think about math. As Homer Simpson put it when told that having mayonnaise and whiskey at the same time was a bad idea, That's a problem for Future Homer. Obviously, one can't prepare for every eventuality, but more mathematical common sense could have prevented people from committing what amounted to financial suicide. The ability to see the immediate snapshot of a mathematical situation isn't the glaring problem for America. Intuition and the advice of others tend to get most past square one. The real issue is getting people to conceptualize the numbers governing their lives in such a way that they can anticipate future consequences of financial decisions. For that task they are ill equipped. Mathless Americans are also increasingly outstripped by foreign competitors. There are 98.8 color televisions for every 100 U.S. households. Television is the most important thing in America! There used to be over 70 US TV manufacturers. However, in 1995, Zenith sold to LG. That brought the number of U.S. TV manufacturers to zero. Only tiny startup Olevia assembles Asian TV parts in this country. In the business world, being deficient in math is going to be like running a race with no legs. According to Time Warner Cable's Connect a Million Minds program, eighty percent of jobs created in the next decade will require math and science skills. Furthermore, the American education system isn't up to the task. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, the United States ranks thirty-fifth in terms of the mea...

Podcast #18 gives us a chance to speak with hedge fund manager and documentary producer, John Fichthorn, about his documentary, "Betting on Zero".   John co-founded Dialectic Capital Management, LLC in 2003 and serves as its Portfolio Manager. "Betting on Zero" offers an inside look at the controversy behind multi-level marketing companies and the gamesmanship that occurs on Wall Street. The documentary follows Bill Ackman, principal of Pershing Square, and the impact on Herbalife after Ackman makes a billion dollar bet against the company. The film documents the short position and the conflict it causes between Ackman, Herbalife CEO Michael Johnson and Wall Street titan, Carl Icahn.  BOZ also follows the stories of former distributors and employees of Herbalife and provides examples of the controversial impacts Herbalife has had on the communities it serves.  The film is available on iTunes, Google Play and Netflix. We cover a lot in a short amount of time including what made the story interesting for John and how he and director, Ted Braun, were able to get the amazing access.  Finally, we hear about the business (or lack thereof) of documentaries and some of John's future plans. [*THERE IS NO INVESTMENT ADVICE IN THE PODCAST] QUESTIONS Bill Ackman is a huge figure in the shadowy world of hedge funds and his flirtation with Herbalife has become the stuff of legends. How did you become interested in the man and this particular trade? Why was it important to produce a documentary on the subject? You have a pretty high stress day job . . . How did you become involved with the project? How was the team assembled?  How was the director, Ted Braun, chosen and who were the other driving factors behind the project? The film ultimately comes down to two strong-minded characters, Michael Johnson, then CEO of Herbalife, who believes in the promise and growth of Herbalife, and Bill Ackman who has bet a substantial amount of money that company will fail. In short strokes, take us through why there is such a divergence of opinion as to whether Herbalife is thriving business or a recipe for failure. The film takes great pains to present the various impacts that Herbalife has on its employees, customers and investors. How were these constituencies assembled? In a world of regulations, compliance and other red-tape snarls, I was stunned that Johnson and Ackman provided as much access as the did. How did you get these two figure heads to agree to appear? How did you get them comfortable with the idea of a documentary? One of the key subplots, is there emergence of Carl Ichan, another famous financier, who emerges later in the process and seems to relish, not only profiting on the other side of the Ackman trade, but in embarrassing him as well. How much of that goes on in finance?  When the investments become emotional/personal? When does it become a bet more than an investment? Since the film was released, Michael Johnson has left Herbalife. Governmental investigations haven't yielded any particular smoking guns. Without having to get too specific, what are the implications of these events? What do you see going forward? The film has a had a nice reception at the Southampton and Tribeca Film festivals. And it's now on Netflix . . . What is the plan for the documentary now? I was part of a low-budget horror movie and I learned first-hand that movie-making isn't for sissies. Now that you have one under your belt, has it become an addiction? Are there any other stories that you would like to see told? What is the best way for people to see Betting on Zero? [*THERE IS NO INVESTMENT ADVICE IN THE PODCAST] https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

It is impossible to come away from a conversation with Marisa Arredondo and not be impressed.  She is the founder of skincare and lifestyle brand PHACE BIOACTIVE. After graduating from Stanford University, Marisa worked as an analyst on Wall Street for 12 years to research and invest in cosmetic, drug and biotech companies. There, she learned about skin biology, ingredient technology, and pH balance as it relates to anti-aging. She also graduated from Harvard Business School, where she conceived the business plan for PHACE BIOACTIVE. You can also check out the brand here: PHACE INSTAGRAM and PHACE FACEBOOK We touch on a host of topics: The joys and hardships of entrepreneurship, When she knew she was ready to give it a go, The evolution of the business past the startup stage, The evolution of the brand and using her unique experience to drive the story of the company Learning how to manage people and processes and when and how to delegate Getting ones arms around the marketing strategy and the importance of social media and TV. QUESTIONS Describe your how you discovered and developed your product- What need did you see that needed to be filled? How did your personal experience allow you to see this? At what point did you see the competition and decide- I have something that's different and better? How did you know it was time to take the plunge? In brushing up on Phace Bioactive, you are involved in every aspect of the company. It's rare that a person is a good at one or two things, but you seem to be on top of the science, finance, marketing, distribution and many other facets of the company.  How did your background inform these different areas of expertise? When do you decide that it's time to bring in other experts and delegate? Once you felt like you had the product right, how did you think about your marketing plan? Once you have the formula right, how do you make sure it's manufactured consistently? You had a great run on QVC where you presented extremely well- how did you get involved with them? What made them attractive? How did you prepare for that experience? How do you know when you have good advisors around you? How do you select them? Who has been helpful in mentoring you as you reach various stages of business development? How has the advice changed since you have gone from planning to liftoff to growth? As an entrepreneur, what was the thing or things that you ended up being the least prepared for? Or what was your biggest surprise? What were you most prepared for? How has your experience changed as you begin to manage more people? What are the plans for Phace Bioactive's future- where do you see your next avenues for growth? I notice on the site that you have a section that deals with lifestyle branding around the product.  How does that relate to your future plans? What is the best way to find PHACE BIOACTIVE? https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

I recently spoke to Matt Cooney at NICKERSON PR about the development of Virtual and Augmented Reality. We charted the differences and Matt made predictions about the future of this technology on a variety of industries and businesses including real estate. This is fascinating stuff and vital as we try to understand where the trends in economic growth and employment are going. Forming and engaging communities has been the common thread in Matthew Cooney's career path. He has built and scaled social media communities for organizations including the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at M.I.T., iRobot, and Monster. Prior to joining NICKERSON, an award-winning full service marketing and communications agency, as Director of Social Media and Emerging Technologies, he served as a subject matter expert on virtual reality technology at Dell EMC. Today, he works at the intersection of real estate and emerging technologies, witnessing firsthand how virtual and augmented reality technologies are disrupting social media and the way we live and interact in both the real and digital worlds. Samantha Wolfe provides quick definition of Virtual and Augmented Reality HERE and a list of the typical tools and interface points HERE QUESTIONS - How did you get started in the technology space? - VR versus AR: what they are/what's the difference? - What are practical applications for both? - How are they being used?  Entertainment, Education, Enhancement -How can these technological concepts be developed? -Who are the major players? -Where are the hotbeds of innovation? -What are the hurdles to adoption? -Technological limitations? -Ethical concerns? -Are there multiple approaches to the same problem? -What are the security concerns? -How does this intersect with the major leaps made recently with Artificial Intelligence? Big Data? -How does this intersect with the advances made in robotics and exoskeleton/cybernetic technology? -What does the future hold, both near term and within the next five years, and beyond? -What is exciting in space? -What is worrisome? -What industries are are in the crosshairs? -What will the impact be on social media? -Specifically, how we consume and share content, and congregate and interact online? -How do we keep up to date on NICKERSON and what you are working on? https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Podcast #21 features a fascinating conversation with Bart Stephens on the emergence of Bitcoin and blockchain. Bart is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of BLOCKCHAIN CAPITAL, the first VC firm to raise a venture fund through an ICO, and the most active VC investor in the sector, with 72 portfolio companies across three funds. Bart is also a Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Stephens Investment Management, a family owned and operated hedge fund and venture capital firm. Bart has a background of 20 years as both an operating entrepreneur and a venture capitalist. Bart earned a B.A. in Political Science from Princeton University. We touch on a host of issues as I try to better understand the blockchain, its application to Bitcoin and its impact on industry in general. Interesting stuff as we try to peer into the future. INTRO- QUESTIONS- - Bart, you have a diverse background You started out at E-Trade and come from a deep background of operating and investing in technology based venture capital. What lessons did you pick up from your early experiences? - Now onto the blockchain is a continuously growing list of records, called blocks, which are linked and secured using cryptography. - The term usually is the second word mentioned after hearing Bitcoin and Etherium and other digital currencies that have become popular in the last 5+ years. - But it's the blockchain system of recording and verifying transactions and data that seems to be the exciting game-changer across many industries. - Bart, perhaps a brief rundown of understanding what the blockchain is and how it works Help us understand the problem that blockchain helps to solve. From a 30,000 foot view, "How does it work? What are the terms we need to be familiar with? What is the benefit of block chain's decentralization and affirmation of data by consensus? How does that disintermediate current manual processes and improve security over the system Public blockchain systems vs. private systems- can you make money on the public systems or is it the private systems where you have to play? What will Blockchain impact? What is the general bottleneck or way of doing things that the blockchain fixes or makes more efficient? Benefits for recording of events, Helping with medical records, Helping with identity management, Helping with transaction processing Improvements for provenance or basis tracking Other examples? Back to the currencies- where do you see the potential for Bitcoin, etherium and other ICO's? Jamie Dimon's comment Banking in underserved markets More frictionless and cheaper e-commerce transactions Impact on Western Union and traditional banks? Conflict with money laundering, banking secrecy laws? Where are blockchain advancements really going to affect financial institutions? Where are the opportunities? Describe some of the themes and businesses that are interesting What are the dangers? What seems like a fad or a business theme that is going in the wrong direction? Is there a risk that computational power can't keep up with the explosion of data? Without centralized records, is that a problem? What if we get an EMP? What is the best way to follow the development of blockchain? How do we stay in touch with you? www.blockchain.capital @pbartstephens @blockchaincap OUTRO https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Podcast #22 features Norb Vonnegut, wealth management practitioner turned novelist and journalist at the Wall Street Journal.  Besides talking finance and the future of wealth management, we talked a lot about his fiction writing.  He is the author of three Wall Street thrillers: The Trust Top Producer The Gods of Greenwich He also works on non-fiction. As a contributing columnist for WSJ.com, Norb probes wealth management issues ranging from Cybersecurity to The gender pay gap among industry professionals to The clash between Wall Street and Silicon Valley for market share of investment management. Norb knows what he is talking about.  He spent ten years in Private Wealth Management in New York City, where he developed an international practice with over $1 billion in assets under management. QUESTIONS Background Norb, we both come from a wealth management background, but you have morphed into a formidable writer covering wealth management and other topics. Take us through your background and how you got into the industry How did you scratch the writing bug?  What were your first experiences in getting published? Fiction writing - Your work centers around adventures of wealth managers that get in trouble around their rich clients Take us through your process in structuring plot and developing your characters? What is it like to come from an industry and dealing with an editor and customs of the publishing industry? What was it like to get your first edits and comments from your editor? Your attention to the details of the industry reminds me of John Grisham or Tom Clancy. How do you research the ins and outs of the wealth details that make your novels vivid and ring true? What are your plans for the series? Could this be the cornerstone of a movie or TV series? Non-Fiction You write a robust wealth management column for the WSJ- what is the process and timing for articles? How do you and the paper decide what is newsworthy and how does that square with what is intellectually interesting to you? Or what might be a niche issue but could have significant impact? Any plans for collecting your experiences/research for the broader reader? Trends in Wealth Management You must talk to a lot of professionals, clients and commentators- what are the broad trends that the industry is struggling to solve Evolving business models Justification for fees / compression issues Next-Gen Robo-Advice Fiduciary roles Technology Information asymmetry/synthesis Active v. Passive (Commoditization of investment management advice) Impact Investing Regulation Demographic shifts (aging advisor population) Destruction of free agency (Dismantling of Protocol, who owns the client, does this affect advice?) Others How do we stay in touch with you and how do we find/buy your work? WWW.NORBVONNEGUT.COM https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

On Podcast #23, we have Eiland Glover, founder of Kowala. He helps us sort through the cryptocurrency noise, sets out the problems to be solved, and challenges us to think about cryptocurrencies in the future. Eiland Glover is the CEO and Cofounder of KOWALA, creator of the world's first autonomously stabilizing cryptocurrency: kUSD. Eiland has spent his career creating systems and companies at the intersection of finance, technology, education, game theory, and human psychology.  He is a firm believer that new technologies must be consciously designed and utilized to empower humans. In 2012, Eiland learned about Bitcoin and wondered why this amazing technology had not become ubiquitous. He co-created Kowala based on his belief that a decentralized stable coin is necessary for the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. As a lead up to our discussion, we referred to broader issues that affect cryptocurrencies: Outgrowth of the use of blockchain to add integrity in peer to peer transfers of digital information (and, more specifically, value) That has led to the development of cryptocurrencies which have exploded in popularity in recent years most acutely in the last year. Bitcoin, Ether, Dash, Ripple and many others have stormed the headlines as the curious have sought ways build on the promise of crypto currencies (and maybe get rich quick as well!) However as we have seen in recent weeks, volatility, hacking and generally uncertainty have become a bigger part of the crypto currency picture KOWALA'S kUSD VIDEO PREVIEW https://player.vimeo.com/video/252176369 QUESTIONS Eiland's background and how he got interested in the space. A quick history of cryptocurrencies and their function and how we got to this point. Bitcoin, et al- how did we go from intellectual exercise to solve integrity issues in peer to peer information transfer to intangible value transfer? Obstacles of mass adoption of cryptocurrency What does the business person who would like to embrace cryptocurrecy as a method of payment need to be worried about? What does the casual cryptocurrency investor need to be worried about? What does the consumer who would like to pay in cryptocurrency need to worry about? (wait for?) Stable coin - its vital role in next phase of development in blockchain and cryptocurrency sector Speed of transfer- How do you get the distributed ledger participants to ratify block transactions faster so that commerce can flow more smoothly? Security of coin storage and value transfer- how does one minimize hacking, theft, double counting, broken hard-drives, lost passwords etc . . . Non-volatile store of wealth?  What is the value in being pegged to a country-backed currency?  Why not just be in the currency itself? Will countries cut out the middle man? And employ crypto currency features in their own currencies?  Would that work? Tipping point for adoption: will it be when it is common place to buy real estate with it?  Candy bars? Used as wages? - Different stable coins models, other coins compare to Kowala Which ones are out there?  What makes them good or bad? Digital coins melded to different state-backed currency? What happens if the USD goes haywire?  Can that be a source of volatility? How do miners help kUSD?  As important parts of the blockchain ratification process, how do you keep them happy? -How do we stay in touch with you, KOWALA, and kUSD? (THERE IS NO INVESTMENT ADVICE IN THIS PODCAST OR POST) https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Today we were able to speak with Leslie Danks Burke. She is a public advocate and the Founder and President of  TRAILBLAZERS PAC :  a political action committee dedicated to finding and supporting candidates for local political office beyond typical party ideology and structure. Based in Horseheads, NY, Leslie's goal is to improve the quality of candidates and the political discourse in this country, one municipality at a time.   Their mission statement states: "Trailblazers PAC reconnects citizens with democracy by moving politics out of the back room and onto the front porch. We educate candidates on building an honest donor relationship with their own voters. We invest in candidates for local office who take action for clean government." She is here to help us make sense of the current political environment, its impact on the current political apparatus, and the direction of grass root campaigns going forward QUESTIONS Background Where are you located? Work Background Interest in politics Frustrations with the System Consensus between parties being thwarted Quality candidates scared off by a poor process Lack of new ideas / good ideas thwarted Entrenched interests Impact of money Issues The Impact of Trump on the Political Industrial Complex Big gov't v. small gov't Changes in the media and distortions in "story distribution" Gerrymandering / obstructionist voting laws and other distortions Lobbying interests Schisms in voters along income, education and cultural fault lines The pull of better economics (and weather!) in other states How do you establish consensus-common ground The Opportunities for Positive Change What does Trailblazers seek to do? What type of races are interesting What geography? Is there an ideology? Improving candidate quality/interparty dialogue? Predictions for the future How do we keep track of your progress? TRAILBLAZERSPAC.COM FACEBOOK.COM/TRAILBLAZERSPAC @TRAILBLAZERSPAC @LDANKSBURKE   https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

In Podcast #25, I was able to speak with Bill Yoh, the author of "OUR WAY". https://www.amazon.com/Our-Way-Life-Story-Spike-ebook/dp/B0786QGZ6K/ In the book, Bill tells the story of Spike Yoh, the driving force behind Day & Zimmermann with un-sugarcoated candor. An embattled son becomes a patriarch. An untested employee becomes a CEO. A husband becomes a caregiver. A student becomes a teacher, and ultimately a student. Spike Yoh's life story paints a vivid picture of the profound and very human forces that shape leadership. From a troubled childhood that would have propelled most into a cycle of broken relationships and self-doubt, he rewrote the rules of his own life, and in the process built his father's company into a billion-dollar enterprise. Author, Bill Yoh serves as a speaker, biographer and strategist, helping other family business owners navigate the opportunities and challenges that inevitably arise when personal and professional lives intersect. As a third-generation owner of Day & Zimmermann, his family's 43,000-employee, century-old family business, Bill has a rare and personal view of the complex and human dynamics behind today's multi-generational family businesses. INTRO Background: Tell us a little bit about your background How did your career evolve? How did writing become a part of it? How did the story and the principles of Spike Yoh become a focus? Day and Zimmerman Tell us a little about where Day & Zimmermann came from and what they do Recount some of the fulcrum moments of Spike's leadership Importance of the motto Difficulties that were surmounted Successes celebrated Involvement with the community (and family) and its importance to corporate mission How did Spike first begin to involve the family in the decision-making around the family and the wealth? What worked and what didn't? What moments in his life may have informed some of the choices made? Process of succession of the business Operational Succession v. Ownership succession How was the future management of the business chosen? Tradition v. Qualification?  Inside v. outside? Tenure v. new blood? Direction- growth v. income?  Focus v. Diversification? Public v. Private? How were family members chosen within that context? Aptitude, Ability, Interest, Capacity, Temperament Stories around successes and issues here How was ownership succession chosen? Every one equal or each according to need, none of the above? Was there structure around the wealth to try to prevent bad habits/encourage good ones? How did you surround yourself with advice around that?  You obviously had formal advice (legal, banking, accounting etc . . .).  But did you have a shadow cabinet or a set of like-minded executives with similar experiences that you could lean on for their advice?  How was the board involved? Was philanthropy part of the equation? How were decisions made within the family?  How was the process of socialization/buy-in? Other shareholders? How were the other stakeholders incorporated in the decision-making? (employees, customers, vendors, community)? Familytics What are the issues you see with families with succession issues What are best practices that you have seen with your family and others that can apply? What are the various tools and communication practices that can be useful in helping families on that journey? How does FAMILYTICS work? Contact How can we get a hold of "Our Way"? AMAZON How do we find out more about Familytics FAMILYTICS How do we keep track of your whereabouts? BILL YOH, AUTHOR OUTRO- https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

With the 2018 midterm elections around the corner, I spoke with Ben Phillips about the impact of policy on the investment world. Ben Phillips serves as the CIO of EventShares, overseeing research and portfolio management for the U.S. Policy Alpha ETF (PLCY). Mr. Phillips previously worked for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he had portfolio management responsibilities across several multi-sector total return funds. Prior to GSAM, he held senior investing roles at Providence Equity Partners and Lord Abbett. Mr. Phillips is a CFA charterholder and received an MBA and BSBA in Finance from the University of Missouri. Mr. Phillips works in the firm's New York office. Background: How do you think about investing at Eventshares? (What is the effect of Policy on the markets) Government affects everything.  How do you break this down and organize your thinking? Once your themes are established how do you implement your findings into good investment ideas? Onto the 2018-2019 political environment: First, what do we make of the general political environment and the effect of Trump? Second, what is the current thinking on the midterms? Onto the specific policy themes that affect investments: Policy themes outlined by Ben: Trade: "Trade continues to be the biggest potential headwind to the market. We expect headline volatility to linger, as markets attempt to decipher if Trump is bluffing on tariffs. While negotiations play out, we prefer to hold U.S. focused companies with minimal foreign currency exposure." Immigration: "Border arrests trended down in 2017 after Trump assumed office pledging an immigration crackdown. However, 2018 border arrests are increasing as the administration doubles down on its agenda and strengthens border enforcement. We expect this to impact U.S.-Mexico relations and be a defining issue in the midterm elections." Trucking: "Electronic logging devices (ELDs) continue to be implemented, which we believe will slow trucker productivity. In our view, ELDs are compounding a driver shortage, which will force trucking companies to increase compensation and turn down freight. We prefer to own asset-light companies with exposure to the spot freight market, as well as companies involved in the intermodal and rail markets." Defense: "The FY 2019 appropriations process is underway in Washington D.C. We continue to expect companies involved in the defense industry to grow their revenues over the upcoming years due to the long lead time of defense contracts and the added tailwind from foreign demand. In our view, aircraft manufacturers and shipbuilders are best positioned to benefit from increased spending." Refining Spreads: "The U.S. energy boom continues to redefine the energy market. Drilling companies in the Permian Basin are extracting record amounts of oil, but pipeline capacity issues mean not all of it is moving out of the area. Trucking shortages (see above) are exacerbating the issue, causing some drillers to sell at the local Midland spot price to refining companies. The refining companies may then be able to capture the spread by selling the oil at WTI or Brent benchmark prices." Financial Deregulation: "The Trump administration continues to focus efforts on dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which is responsible for consumer protection in the financial sector. In our view, this will continue to benefit specialty finance companies, non-traditional lenders, and select regional banks." Healthcare: "The Affordable Care Act (ACA) continues to be a long-tail policy. After years of fighting the ACA, Republicans appear slightly more willing to expand Medicaid and Medicare, but only under their terms. While risk reduction payments were recently in the headlines after a New Mexico court ruling, we don’t believe they will be stopped under the ACA. In our view, these two items will help stabilize the insurance exchanges and insurer business models....

Here is something that is a little bit new!  I was interviewed on my new book "Wealth, Actually by Josh Jalinksi on his Financial Quarterback show on 710 WOR ad on #iheartradio.  We discussed estate planning, family dynamics, investing and a host of tools that could helpful in making good decisions about wealth.  Thanks again, Josh! To buy "WEALTH, ACTUALLY" on AMAZON, click BELOW . . . Feel free to leave Amazon Reviews (hopefully good ones!).  They help the algorithm. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT      

https://frazerrice.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Frazer-Rice-FB-Live.mp4 Thanks to David Grasso, Scott Richmond and the team at Bookstr for having me on their Facebook Live channel.  It's always a pleasure to discuss "Wealth, Actually." A link to the book is here and don't forget to leave comments on the Amazon site. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

"MUNICIPAL BONDS: THE ORIGINAL IMPACT INVESTMENT?" For this first WA episode, I spoke with Matt Posner the Director of the Impact Coalition.  We attack a bunch of topics centered around the emergence of the municipal bond markets' increased relevance in the impact investing world.  Matt is helping to coordinate through the efforts of the Impact Coalition. THE IMPACT COALITION (www.theimpactcoalition.com) is working with the largest underwriters, investors, and state and local governments to build a new language to analyze public infrastructure projects. The Coalition allows market practitioners to have a universally recognized Social Rate of Return on projects that improve the daily lives of our communities, and as a result, lower the costs for those that are raising funds for the public good. Matt has spent the last 15 years analyzing the intersection of public policy, financial markets and state and local governments. Prior to the Impact Coalition, Matt was Head of Market Strategy for a venture-backed start-up aiming to modernize public finance through technological advances, called Neighborly. During his tenure there, the firm successfully raised a Series A round and started an asset-management firm with a focus on socially responsible investing. It was during this time that Matt dove into the impact space and realized its true potential to help make positive community changes around the world. Prior to Neighborly, Matt started a consulting and research firm, Court Street Group, which provides weekly analysis of public finance along with several municipal bond market veterans. He is an Advisor to that company and writes for them. He began his career writing about Nuclear Energy and was a Managing Director at a boutique public finance research firm, Municipal Market Advisors. Matt has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance on infrastructure finance problems facing the country and spent years educating staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission, among others, on public policy and market implications. Matt has been quoted on his views and published in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Bloomberg News, The Bond Buyer, the Municipal Finance Journal, and the Government Finance Officers Association's Government Finance Review, among others. Matt doesn't lack for international experience!  He spent most of his childhood abroad in Senegal, The Gambia, Bolivia and Peru. He is a graduate of Georgetown University with degrees in Government and History. The format of our discussion is below. Questions Background: Tell us a little bit about your background How did your career evolve? The Impact Coalition: What problem was it formed to solve?  Why do we need a new language for public infrastructure? What does it do? Who is a part of it? Various issues in the Municipal Space Vast number of public issues Some universal language, some language particular to state law Problems with indexing Intensive manual reading and credit analysis Predicting interest rates Different levels of information Emerging technology AI, ML Active v. Passive Management How would the IC's work help the RIA community? What is there problem in dealing with clients fixed income needs? Fixed income ignored? Difficult to tell the fixed income story? Difficult to tell the ESG story?  Municipals:  The Original Impact Investment? Munis simply a tax free income play or something more? Tech issues International Investing community Confused by lack of universal vernacular around public infrastructure Interest in infrastructure- unsure about "impact" Little experience in munis- Americans have long retail history- don't understand the disconnect Grappling with increasing interest rates? Better to go with high dividend equity infrastructure on after tax basis? Contact

This is a special "Wealth Actually" podcast.  I spoke with an author and educator that has had a major impact on financial literacy and wealth management.  He is also a terrific guy to boot!  Over the course of our discussion, While I felt like I was nodding my head in agreement a lot (that's the whoosh near the microphone), My guest's nuanced views on wealth and his consistent and deep writing taught me a lot about the importance of great advice, clear thinking and long-term planning. Jonathan Clements is the founder and editor of HUMBLEDOLLAR.COM. He’s also the author of eight personal finance books, including his latest, “From Here to Financial Happiness.”  Born in England and educated at Cambridge University, Jonathan spent almost two decades at The Wall Street Journal in New York, where he was the newspaper’s personal finance columnist. He also worked for six years at Citigroup as Director of Financial Education for the U.S. wealth management business.  You can find him on on Twitter (@ClementsMoney) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ClementsMoney) FROM HERE TO FINANCIAL HAPPINESS Background: Tell us a little bit about your background How did your career evolve? How did writing become a part of it? "From Here to Financial Happiness . . . in 77 Days" Where did the need for this book come from? "Just because it's not complicated doesn't mean it's easy!" The Power of Compounding- why it's vital. I'm impressed with the structure of the book and breaking down self-improvement steps in a series of days.  How did you decide on that? Enjoyed the saving for retirement section.  It has to happen first even though it's a liability that is farthest away. What works and what doesn't when trying to teach financial discipline to people whose After tax, After fee, After Inflation (spending); why is it so hard for wealth managers to frame things in these terms? Estate planning - necessary for everyone Friendly debate . . . whole life insurance as a way to save for LTC (instead of LTC insurance);  The emergence of HSA's . . . Where should you expect an advisor to add value?  Robo-advice, tax advice, sounding board, investment performance State of the wealth management industry . . . fee compression, business models, the role of the advisor, consolidation, service standards Humble Dollar- terrific blog on investing and general financial literacy- what can we do as a country to help make people make better decisions? Contact How can we get a hold of "From Here to Financial Happiness." How do we find out more about your other writings? How do we keep track of your whereabouts? To find my book, "Wealth, Actually", click below! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1/dp/1619618605/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1539574775&sr=1-2&keywords=wealth+actually  

I recently spoke with kick-butt entrepreneur, Storey Jones.  She is an expert on divorce and family planning and has founded a company around her expertise.  I'll let her bio from her startup DTOUR.LIFE tell the story: INTRODUCTION "Been there. Done that. Survived and thrived. In 1998 Storey Jones married a technology entrepreneur. By 2001 his company had executed a successful IPO and then an accounting scandal brought everything crashing down leaving her in a highly complex seven-year legal quagmire that included every unimaginable financial and emotional challenge including a protracted high-conflict divorce and custody battle. Though she lost everything including her home, possessions, savings & retirement, she gained a purpose. She recognized the glaring chasm between the human experience of divorce and the legal system; she developed a new business model as a divorce consultant to assist men and women in becoming far more informed, prepared and supported as they navigate their own unique processes. She also worked closely with divorce legal teams to help their clients be better prepared participants in their own divorce. After 12 years as a divorce consultant in the San Francisco Bay area, Storey has now leveraged that experience to build the first holistic end-to-end platform for divorce to bring innovation and technology to an outdated system. She is determined to change the experience by providing education and smart efficiency with expansive day-to-day tools that are designed so both clients and professionals can seamlessly work on and understand the same financial and other case-related data. dtour.life is designed from the ground up to fundamentally redefine this life transition for both spouses and professionals. Prior to founding Lemon Tree Advisors and dtour.life, Storey was president of Addis, a bay area brand strategy and design firm where for 13 years she was integral to its growth and vision. Storey now lives in New York City with her teenage son; she has a B.A. from Colgate University." We covered an enormous amount of ground and I'm excited for you to hear her story: Tell us a little bit about your background and help us understand how you came to start dtour.life "I have a business background and when I found myself quite suddenly and surprisingly in the middle of a highly complex, expensive and protracted divorce at a young age. I realize now how naïve I was, and through my process, I was horrified at the system, the inefficient process and the lack of accountability of the professionals. It was one of those classic “If only I knew then what I know now,” and I couldn’t bear to think of anyone else going through it with the blind faith in the system that I had, so I developed a divorce consultancy to work with families. I had a consultancy for about 10+ years in the SF Bay area. Then, during those years, with a front row seat to the day-to-day workflow process, I had my second epiphany when I realized what was actually the root cause of so much of the massive cost and protracted timelines…that is what led me to develop and found dtour.life…)" How does the process of divorce typically play out?  There are four fundamental layers to divorce: Emotional Financial Children Post-Divorce Lifestyle   Who are the advisers that surround this process?  Traditionally, everyone believes they just need a lawyer, is that still true? Are there other advisors to be considered? I prefer a team model, and at first that might sound expensive, but in fact, it is the most efficient and cost-effective model. Every case has a unique set of factors be It the psychological dynamic between the spouses, the complexity of a financial issue, the ownership of a business, difficult child emotional or schedule issues, etc.   As we discussed earlier, divorce is this huge lifestyle arc that affects every single aspect of your life. It so far exceeds simply the legal issues that I encourage ever...

  We're back with another "Wealth, Actually" podcast.  This time I got to speak with John Farr, a man who blended his love of movies with the world of movie house restoration.  John Farr has helped restore one historic cinema (The Avon in Stamford) and did it again for the BEDFORD PLAYHOUSE in Bedford, NY.  Boasting a half-century love of great film and a career in advertising, John guides smart audiences to smart films through his website – BEST MOVIES BY FARR. Quick bio- what was your background? Ties to Bedford, career in advertising to interest in movies and that industry . . . Best Movies by Farr . . . tell us how this came to be and what it is. How did you go from being in advertising to becoming urban planner / real estate developer / media mogul? Concept of movie theater as cultural center for a town Brief history of the theater and the closing in 2015.   History of Bedford Playhouse – opened in 1947, It survived my frequent attendance! from 1980 on . . .  What happened in 2015?   Experience with the Avon Theater in Stamford, Jacob Burns in Pleasantville, how did that translate to Bedford? How did you get the various stakeholders around a reinvigorated concept?  How did you meet Ken Horn and how did he get involved? Groundswell and Description of process post-2015. Challenges. What can we look forward to in 2019 and beyond.   What are some of the interesting features that we should be on the lookout for? Favorite movies generally:  Hitchcock, Notorious, Vertigo, Cary Grant Oscar picks How do we stay in touch with the Playhouse, Best Movies by Farr and your other exploits? www.bestmoviesbyfarr.com www.bedfordplayhouse.org Twitter: @BedfordPlayHse Instagram:  @bedfordplayhouse Some additional notes on the history of the Bedford Playhouse: The Bedford Playhouse is a former movie theater located in Bedford, New York which first opened its doors back in April 1947 to much fanfare. It operated continuously in the village for close to seventy years. It had a state of the art sound system and projection, “modern” air conditioning and an exterior designed to blend in with the historic village of Bedford. The owner and designer, Joseph H. Stearns, was a resident of Pound Ridge. In 1983, the theater was divided into two smaller theaters, and much of its majesty and historic nature was lost. In early 2015, the theater closed. A grass roots organization was formed under the leadership of Bedford resident John Farr, with the goal of transforming it into a not-for-profit arts house cinema, cultural center, and community hub. Over $8 million has been raised since then and construction of the new facility began in Spring, 2017. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Frazer Rice and Tyrone Ross in the studio for "Wealth, Actually" Welcome back to the "Wealth, Actually" podcast. (Reminder:  There is no investment advice here!) Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have come back into the news as they have jumped around in price in the last two years.  To help us understand the crypto phenomenon, I spoke with Tyrone Ross of Noblebridge Wealth. An extra special thank you to Tyrone for his unique insight, not only into cryptocurrencies, but in describing his personal journey in the wealth management space. There are powerful lessons to be learned here. Website: tyroneross.io Twitter: @TR401 Tyrone is a start up investor and financial consultant. He has developed a deep expertise in the cryptocurrency space He has been a go-to expert for many financial advisors as the space evolves.  In addition to his cryptocurrency niche, Tyrone has carved out a burgeoning media and twitter presence with his outspoken and impactful views on the need for inclusion in the closed off world of financial advice.  Tyrone is also officially the fastest person I have ever interviewed as he was an Olympic Qualifier in the 400m back in 2004! (For those looking for excellent primer on the blockchain and how Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies work, check out BLOCKCHAIN BASICS: A NON-TECHNICAL INTRODUCTION IN 25 STEPS by Daniel Drescher.  You will know more about how Crytpocurrencies and other technologies work [and their limits) than 99.9% of the public.  I also explored the subject in two terrific WA podcasts with Blockchain investor, BART STEPHENS and the CEO and Co-Founder of the Kowala, EILAND GLOVER.) Background: Tell us a bit about your professional background . . . Educational / Family experience Olympic experience- what did you take from it?  How did you use it? How does that inform your advice to clients? How did you get interested in cryptocurrencies? Let's get right to cryptocurrency. What is the appeal of cryptocurrencies? How is the world adopting cryptocurrencies into use cases? How do you distinguish between the use of crypto and investing in crypto? Describe what the market has done in the last couple of years . . . How do we distinguish between Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and the other currencies? Who is equipped to parse through the differences? Do you need to understand code?  How many people really get the underlying structure of the cryptocurrencies? Is blockchain- the technological underpinning behind cryptocurrencies and other uses- a better bet? How would you get exposure to that space? What are you telling clients? Media and Marketing When did you "know" you were an entrepreneur? What was your marketing plan and how have you developed your practice? We met through twitter and I am amazed at the power of that medium- what is your take? Relationships within the #fintwit and media community (Josh Brown, Justin Castelli and Doug Boneparth, among others)- what are your impressions? You tweeted an amazing video on the role of privilege and background in the investment community and lots of great media appearances- Where should these discussions be taking us?  What's next? How do we stay in touch with you? Website: tyroneross.io Twitter: @TR401   DON'T FORGET TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF WEALTH ACTUALLY- THE LINK IS BELOW. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

First, this is the first podcast with some formatting changes (including making it easier to subscribe via iTunes and Google Play) and the addition of music . . . let me know what you think of it . . . now back to the podcast. One of the main themes in 2019 is the focus on effective philanthropy amongst the wealthy.  Following the example of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation among others, measurable outcomes, specific examples of positive change and solutions delivered at scale are more and more important to the people making philanthropic investments.  Interested in seeing an example of a difficult philanthropic problem identified and addressed, I spoke with Jasmine Nahhas di Florio, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships, of EFE-Global.  It's difficult to not be impressed by Jasmine's background and the accomplishments of EFE.  Founded by Ron Bruder after a successful career in real estate development, Jasmine and EFE have devoted their efforts to providing opportunity and structure to men and women in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).  Listen with me as we learn about the problems in the area, the challenges overcome and some of the successes that they have been able to achieve in an area that many hear about, but few understand. Below are some of the stories and links to EFE on Twitter and Facebook. https://efe.org/success-stories/alumni-stories Twitter: @EFE_Global https://www.facebook.com/EFEGlobal/ 1)  Introduction Jasmine Nahhas di Florio has over 20 years of experience spanning the nonprofit, philanthropy, government and private sectors. Having joined EFE in 2005, she has worked closely with the organization’s Founder and Chairman, Ronald Bruder, since its startup and is currently Senior Vice President for Strategy & Partnerships. Today, EFE is the leading youth employment and nonprofit job placement network in the Middle East and North Africa. Previously, Jasmine ran programs for private donors in Afghanistan for Afghan Women Leaders Connect at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and Arzu, a carpet social enterprise. Earlier in her career, Jasmine was a corporate attorney at the international law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, and she also served as an attorney-advisor at the U.S. Department of Treasury. Jasmine consulted the United Nations (UNFIP) on private-public sector partnerships. A Rhodes Scholar, Frank Knox Scholar and Fulbright Scholar, she is a graduate of the University of Alberta, Oxford University and Harvard Law School. She also completed the Columbia Business School's Social Enterprise Program Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals and currently serves on the board of the Middle East Children’s Institute. Jasmine’s expert commentary on economic opportunity, women’s empowerment and youth issues has been featured in The Financial Times, Forbes, Stanford Social Innovations Journal, and Finance Middle East, among others. 2)  How did the EFE come about and how did you become associated with it? 3)  We watch the news and intuit the the economic situation in parts of the Middle East / North Africa are desperate.  How does this relate to the problem that EFE tries to solve? (EFE's WHITE PAPER ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION) 4)  This seems to be a widely supported goal- what are the challenges in addressing the regions? 5)  What are the different options for programs? 6)  How do you select your initiatives? 7)  Describe some of the successes? 8)  What are some of the future initiatives that are being considered? 9)  How do we stay in touch with you and find out ways to be involved with EFE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZNdOo28u4c&feature=youtu.be https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT  

In a new regular feature on the "Wealth, Actually" Podcast, Haven Pell and I will take on a topic.  (For our first one, we discuss the concept of "College" in modern American Society) With some fun questioning and debate, we'll try to make some sense of a subject that has some controversy, broad policy implications and a little bit of hypocrisy to unwind.  Hopefully, it's weighty and important.  We hope to tackle things that are both evergreen and timely. MEET HAVEN HERE:  https://pundificator.com/haven-pell/ In this first segment, we take on "College". A broad, wide-ranging topic?  You bet. We address: The cost The pressure (on applicants and graduates) The Insider vs the Outsider Viewpoint STEM vs Liberal Arts The Impact on Culture A Year of Service A Venue for People over 60? Sports and University Life Broader Ramifications on the Future of the U.S. Look forward to WEALTH ACTUALLY and the PUNDIFICATOR as regular feature . . . as we take on current events and and some of the big concepts and issues facing society today.  SUBSCRIBE, TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND LEAVE COMMENTS. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT          

In this edition of "Wealth, Actually", I was able to speak with Leslie and Mark Begert of the newly launched, Fabulingua.  The company helps to accelerate the learning of second languages through a unique blend of technology, storytelling and gamification.  The program is initially focussing on English and Spanish, but the Begerts have big plans for the company in the future.  Today we get to hear more about their journey, the nuts and bolts of the company, and, finally, what it's like being married entrepreneurs.  Enjoy! Here is the best way to learn about the company: Device download link via App Store or Google Play Store: https://fabulingua.app.link/XMJRpLZ9h2 Website: https://www.fabulingua.com/ FB:  https://www.facebook.com/fabulingua IG:  https://www.instagram.com/fabulinguakids/ Leslie Omana Begert and Mark Begert of Fabulingua Co-founders of Fabulingua, a company borne out of her deep linguistics and psychology training. Fabulingua is devoted to providing a revolutionary way for kids to learn a second language. It uses many of the features of traditional natural story reading and modern gamified learning techniques so popular today. Backgrounds: Raised in Barcelona, Leslie is a true polymath with academic backgrounds linguistics, psychology and anthropology from Oxford and Cambridge. She further cultivated her professional experience at Goldman and L’Oreal. She has turned her attention to developing a better way for kids to learn a second language by founding Fabulingua with her husband, Mark. Mark began his career in finance and worked internationally (especially in China with wireless company, Linkstone) before locating in Austin. He began focusing on the clean energy economy at Long Branch Capital and then Meridian Solar before starting Fabulingua The Importance of being bi-lingual today . . . How does FabuLingua work? What if there are no other native speakers in the household? There are many products out there (Rosetta Stone, Pimsluer, Duoligo)- what makes FabuLingua different and better? How does the gamification work?  How does the storytelling accelerate the learning process?  Answers to FAQ's about the site can be found here:  https://www.fabulingua.com/faq-fabulingua What is the plan for the business?  Where can we start seeing it? Describe running your own business and entrepreneurship.  How do you balance the raising a family with entrepreneurship?  What is it like working with your husband? What is the best way for us to keep track of your progress or try FabuLingua out? Interesting Facts about the Begerts. Outro: You will notice a new format for the podcast.  I hope you enjoy it. Extra special thanks to Matt Passy who has been extremely helpful in helping me reboot. Please subscribe, tell your friends and leave comments, https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Haven and Frazer discuss Brexit and its Implications First, some quick housekeeping: "Wealth, Actually" is setting the schedule to post content every Thursday. Interviews with entrepreneurs, experts, and tastemakers AND Haven Pell and I will take on noteworthy and timely topics. SUBSCRIBE today on most major podcast venues. Tell friends, leave comments and get in touch! Second, HAVEN PELL and I are discussing Brexit. We take on . . . . England's Political Process (and how we got here)Some of the Personalities Behind the Election (Boris et al . . . )Labour vs. Tories (and others)5 Years of Labour?Ramifications for the UK and the EUPotential Implications for the US (and the big decisions coming up in our electoral process) Here are a couple of articles that are useful in understanding what just took place: BRITISH ENDGAME: BRITISH VOTERS BACK BORIS AND BREXIT https://pundificator.com/the-u-k-election-wont-solve-brexit/ Find Frazer's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Welcome back to the "Wealth, Actually" podcast and Happy New Year! As we start 2020, Haven ("The Pundificator") and I are taking on "Impeachment". With Nancy Pelosi's withholding of the Articles of Impeachment from the Senate and the resultant delay in the Senate trial, Americans have had a couple of weeks to focus on the holiday season and away from this segment of political theater. Can Donald Trump withstand the latest attacks on his presidency? Will Nancy Pelosi and/or Mitch McConnell's constituencies pay a price for this political gamesmanship? Here's the chance to review what is happening before the media cycle revs back up. First, here are some quick links on . . . THE IMPEACHMENT PROCESS: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/us/politics/what-is-impeachment-process.html THE ELECTION CLIMATE: https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/16/trump-2020-reelection-086033 WE'LL TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF: Where we stand right now in the processWere there other options?The probability of President Trump being removedWhat does removal mean? The strategy and tactics for the Democrats, Republicans and the President around this processPotential ramifications in the 2020 electionPotential ramifications for the use of impeachment in the future We hope you enjoy it! And a reminder to subscribe- the podcast is on major platforms. PS- I got the chance to be a part of Meb Faber's "Best Investment Writing, Volume 3. I created an audio version of Chapter 3 of "Wealth, Actually". The link is below. I hope you like it. https://mebfaber.com/2019/12/30/the-best-investment-writing-volume-3-frazer-rice-preparing-for-the-hurricane-of-wealth/ https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Haven (https://pundificator.com/) and I (frazerrice.com) took on 2019/2020- here is a quick summary Spring Forward, Look Back . . . FRAZER'S WINNERS: Amazon- the category 5 hurricane in American Consumerism- AMZN continues to charge forward. Kylie Jenner- She sold 51% of her company for $600mm to Coty- this could be the apex of influencer branding. FRAZER'S LOSERS The Federal Reserve- With the patina presidential intervention (and long term low rates), the independence of the institution is up for debate. Online Privacy – Facebook, Google, Alexa Financial Institutions have called into question the public’s trust and opened the door to gov’t regulation. (Extra Credit- I'm convinced that there will be a "Deepfake" incident that takes down a major public figure. When it turns out to be debunked (a la the movie "Rising Sun"), there will be a fundamental shift in the way people view the social media and the "trustworthiness" of video. FRAZER'S PREDICTIONS Nuclear Power will have a renewed place in the climate change debate The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will shine a glaring light on the China/Hong Kong tensions Marvel/Star Wars will take a big breather after a big and "climactic" 2019. . . . And the Knicks will continue to break my heart. . . HAVEN'S WINNERS And Washington Sports in general The Stock Market +29% HAVEN'S LOSERS Populism both Right and Left Political Industrial Complex and their new challenges HAVEN'S PREDICTIONS Political Industry Makes a ton of money in 2020 Longer from Journalism may start to come back . . . Rumsfeld- Knowing about the unknown unknowns will be even more important AND, FINALLY, MY POOR KNICKS . . . https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/12/9/21002375/an-11-point-plan-to-save-new-york-knicks-david-fizdale-fired My Poor Knicks https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

It didn't take long for Haven and I to reach back across the pond for a topic to chew on . . . and this week we wrangle over the mess of the potential "departure" of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan (and son, Archie) from the official royal duties of the British Monarchy. NY TIMES: The Crisis . . . . after the Crisis https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/world/europe/harry-meghan-megxit-brexit.html Page Six opines! https://pagesix.com/2020/01/13/meghan-markle-reportedly-pushed-for-megxit-prince-harry-heartbroken Canada Shrugs: https://www.wsj.com/articles/megxit-causes-global-uproar-canada-shrugs-11579136511 We take some time to go over The implications of this kind of move to the families, the institution of the monarchy and Britain in general.The risks of a "Sussex Royal" brandThe poor Queen Mum having to deal with this . . . Some of the potential motivations behind it,And the likely chaos that could be coming in it's wake . . . We also put on our family governance hats and mused as to what we would do if we were dropped into the family situation and could advise the Royals on a course of action. Hopefully it would produce some short term successes, lay the groundwork for future harmony and, finally, restore some stability and long-term planning and structure for the Crown and its relationship to the country. Enjoy! And if you like the podcast, like, subscribe, comment and refer it to friends. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

HOUSEKEEPING: Podcasts are scheduled to post every Thursday morning just before the EST commute . . . and now for this week's podcast. Occasionally, you get to look at someone's vision for the future and it fires one's intellectual synapses. In this case, we came across a post at the beginning of the year that fit the bill. It comes from New York venture capitalist, FRED WILSON. In this podcast, we take each of his prognostications in turn . . . his list of ten themes and the full (and interesting) post is linked below. Enjoy and let us which themes we should all be thinking about. https://avc.com/2020/01/what-will-happen-in-the-2020s/ Fred Wilson: What Will Happen In The 2020s 1/ The looming climate crisis will be to this century what the two world wars were to the previous one. 2/ Automation will continue to take costs out of operating many of the services and systems that we rely on to live and be productive. 3/ China will emerge as the world’s dominant global superpower leveraging its technical prowess and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. Conversely the US becomes increasingly internally focused and isolationist in its world view. 4/ Countries will create and promote digital/crypto versions of their fiat currencies, led by China who moves first and benefits the most from this move. 5/ A decentralized internet will emerge, led initially by decentralized infrastructure services like storage, bandwidth, compute, etc. 6/ Plant based diets will dominate the world by the end of the decade. Eating meat will become a delicacy, much like eating caviar is today. Much of the world’s food production will move from farms to laboratories. 7/ The exploration and commercialization of space will be dominated by private companies as governments increasingly step back from these investments. 8/ Mass surveillance by governments and corporations will become normal and expected this decade and people will increasingly turn to new products and services to protect themselves from surveillance. 9/ We will finally move on from the Baby Boomers dominating the conversation in the US and around the world and Millennials and Gen-Z will be running many institutions by the end of the decade. 10/ Continued advancements in genetics will produce massive wins this decade as cancer and other terminal illnesses become well understood and treatable. " SUBSCRIBE AND TELL A FRIEND ABOUT THE PODCAST . . . https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Another reminder that the "Wealth, Actually" podcasts come out on Thursday morning before the EST commute. You can subscribe on most major podcast platforms . . . and now on with the show! Remember Todd Marinovich? He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated as the archetype for early specialization and "guaranteed success" in sports . . . his story started out nicely, but ended in a horrible flame out. Here is a recent update on his progress from Rick Telander . . . https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/1/15/18386050/todd-marinovich-story-is-a-cautionary-tale-for-parents In this Episode, Haven and I engage our society's thirst for sports success, the pressure it puts on early sports specialization and the damage it can cause. We tackle: The role of sports in social mobilityHow colleges and the admissions process have played a role in sports machineThe benefits of team activities in overall developmentThe lottery-like odds of successThe nature of injuries and the risk of specializationThe benefits of specialization and the risk of being left behind Let us know what you think! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

This week we have a special interview with Peter Goodrich on the tax ramifications of working with crypto-currencies. We packed a lot of information and debate in this quickly evolving field. PETER GOODRICH is a Manager in the Tax Department of Prager Metis CPAs, a member of Prager Metis International LLC.  He specializes in tax planning, consulting, and structuring with domestic and international businesses, whether they are mature or startups, high net worth individuals, and trusts and estates tax planning. He assists and advises on complex business transactions.  He has expertise in several industries including blockchain/ cryptocurrency, entertainment, manufacturing, defense contracting, technology, hedge funds, automotive, hospitality and real estate.  Here is a brief outline of what Peter and I covered: INTRO 1)  Peter, how did you got into accounting and where did your interest in the crypto-space come from? 2)  What we are talking about when we say "crypto"? 3)  What makes the taxation of crypto currencies interesting/controversial?  Is it a currency? Is it property? Is it a security? Is it a collectible? What rules apply? Are there meaningful differences between the different currencies? 4)  The IRS decided that Crypto is essentially property with capital gains implications.  Is there any nuance around that?  Do the same "Long Term/Short Term" concepts apply? 5)  Is there a difference in trading between crypto-currencies vs transacting for goods?  I.e. if I buy a painting with bitcoin and sell it in bitcoin, how is that treated? 6)  Everyone's situation is different, but if someone has a big gain, how should they think about it from a tax perspective?   7)  We always worry about the gains, but can you take losses? The IRS determined that Crypto incorporates "property" tax concepts, but are there wash sales (which would be more of a "security" tax concept)? 8)  Crypto-Currencies are supposed to be "off the grid"? Is this really the case? What about penalties for non-reporting!  It looks like there is a disclosure box in this year's forms? 9) What are the state implications for crypto-taxation? How does one determine and deal with nexus for state tax purposes? 10)  Vision for the future?  Will the government eventually accept payment in crypto? Or adopt their won?  Any other trends? 11)  What's the best way to stay up to date on what you are doing and the direction of crypto-taxation? OUTRO ADDITIONAL READING: Here are a couple of notices on cryptocurrency and taxation from the IRS and a good article from the American Bar Association (written by PARKER TAYLOR and his team from Hughes Hubbard and Reed) on the trustee and fiduciary issues related to cryptocurrencies and estate planning: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON VIRTUAL CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS REPORT NO. 1433: IRS REPORT ON CRYPTO_CURRENCY ESTATE PLANNING ISSUES WITH CRYPTO-CURRENCY For more on this and other wealth topics, check out my book "Wealth, Actually" here: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

A quick reminder to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play and Android! Podcasts normally drop on Thursday mornings before the EST commute. Haven's blog can be found here: PUNDIFICATORNothing on the blog or podcast is investment advice The Democratic Party is in full swing with Bernie Sanders making an early run in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada. However questions about his ideas and electability persist. Joe Biden has stumbled out of the blocks. Elizabeth Warren tries to re-establish her initial leap forward. Mayor Pete, Tom Steyer, and Amy Klobuchar are trying to build additional momentum as the make their case. And Michael Bloomberg lurks with the great political equalizer . . . money. Lots of it made as he built his media empire. He also has a record of achievement as the Mayor of New York and as a poor debater after his performance in Nevada. After watching Donald Trump sweep through a traditional Republican slate in 2016 and shock the world by beating Hillary Clinton in the general election, what should we make of this? What will happen in South Carolina, Super Tuesday and beyond? Check out the latest polling at https://www.realclearpolitics.com/ HAVEN AND I TAKE A LOOK AT THESE ISSUES: - The Democratic Party's tension between the need to "Beat Trump" vs. the negatives of "Buying the Election." - What is the coming DNC dilemma with Bernie Sanders? - Is the debate format counterproductive? - What would be the advice to Mayor Bloomberg at this point? - Without having the benefit of talking to him, what is Trump’s reaction to all of this?  Bloomberg's Presence Would Soon Be Felt . . . https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-am-bc324364-4a0f-47e6-9302-d32f7a37647a.html?chunk=0&utm_term=emshare#story0 https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Haven and I reached back into the archives (December) as we discuss GLOBALIZATION: (To reiterate we are NOT providing investment advice, just a discussion of international relations issues that we find interesting) We heavily reference the below presentation from Ken Mehlman's group. It is worth opening up in a new tab. https://mehlmancastagnetti.com/wp-content/uploads/De-Global-2019.pdf 1) The World: Leadership & Direction Up for Grabs 2) Major Economies: Aging Fast 3) Internet Policy: Regionalism Replacing Globalism 4) Populism: The New Path to Power 5) U.S. Politics: Anti-Globalists Ascendant 6) U.S.-China: The Great Decoupling 7) Business: Evolving Strategies for Braving the New World 8) Government Economists: Fewer Fiscal / Monetary Tools 9) Leadership: New Global Players Emerging 10) Super-Disruptors: Climate, Debt, Technology & Urbanization Other interesting issues pop up around our discussion of China as the news of the CORONAVIRUS was in its infancy and nowhere near the level of publicity that is occurring right now. Another concept that we touch on throughout this presentation is "Are things better than we think?" Stephen Pinker has written a book on that topic . . . https://stevenpinker.com/taxonomy/term/4265?page=1 We also discuss Sarah Chase and the impact on the regression of trust in governmental institutions. . . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Chayes Enjoy . . . and don't forget to subscribe! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

The Impact of Fanboys, Haters and Cancelling on Social Media and Internet Culture- Haven and I hit these topics . . . . Fanboys and Haters in Wealth Management and Financial Twitter Hater Culture in Politics Creating Adversaries as a Marketing Strategy (Us vs. the World) Do Presidents make Markets or Economies (The Head Coach Analogy) The "New News Cycle" and what it does to the markets Brady, Belicheck and the Patriot Effect Recessions and Economies in Political Cycles Moneyball for Politics (Michael Lewis, Bill Clinton and other examples) Binary politics and the destruction of nuance https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Housekeeping: Podcasts should land generally land on Thursdays. You can subscribe to the podcasts on major podcast networks. HAVEN PELL'S Blog can be found here: PUNDIFICATOR On this week's podcast, we have some back and forth on the emerging prevalence of public relations and its increasing importance in corporate strategy. Discussion outline below . . . The Dangers of the "Spindustry".The use of avatars to represent climate change- are they created or natural occurring representatives.Naomi Seibt- as the counterpoint to Greta Thurnberg on climate change- is she a "created" representative. NYPOST: GRETA vs NAOMIThe Potential Damage to Unwitting Avatars (especially those pulled out of central casting)Coronavirus- Catastrophists vs. Slow Adopters. How did views change so quickly? (This was recorded before the Rudy Gobert news and the cancellation of the major sports events)The Innovation of Adoption Lifecycles- Innovators, Early adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, Laggards."Abundance of Caution" vs "Self Quarantines Don't Work in Democracies."How does one project calm and competence (before having proved these traits)?What happens when people have to actually rethink their lives?Is there a consequence to being over-confident?The Tylenol case- a good example of PR driving the corporate strategy.Crisis Management: Doing the right thing, being smart legally and defending the brand and the business. The tension between the PR strategy and the legal strategy . . .Strategy by Avatar may not work- I can't remember Naomi Seibt's name!!! ESG investing and Public Relations- how is reputation/PR scored?Is it reputation well understood in the investment world? Significant? https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Housekeeping: Podcasts drop on Thursday usually in time for your commute- you can subscribe on most of your favorite outlets. HAVEN PELL's blog can be found here: PUNDIFICATOR (Ep.47 was recorded in early December before the primary season and the onset of the Corona Virus and the market tumult . . .) SUSAN PAGE in the USA TODAY from Early December on the Divided America- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/hiddencommonground/2019/12/05/hidden-common-ground-americans-divided-politics-seek-civility/4282301002/ The Divided America- Is "Partisanship" as bad as it feels?Centrists as the new radicalsRancor FatigueIs the skill of nuanced debate a lost art?Strong (economic) motivations for polarized partiesDoes instagram fame lead to argumentative success?Has the Bell Curve fallen to the concept of Long Tail (Niche) Marketing?Does cable viewership really tell you what the middle of the Bell Curve are thinking?Running out of money in the political process?98% of the job in politics is fundraising- is that right?Parallels in hiring- would you use the political process to hire someone?Is the popularity contest a good proxy for the skills in the job?69% of Americans deal with disagreements in a destructive way and it's getting worse! Public accountability for one's online presence . . .Philip Howard- has the country devolved with mindless compliance? Can individuals be responsible for their own thoughts? Outcomes vs Rules-Based rule-making? Has compliance culture created anger in the constituents AND the regulators? Am I only allowed to do what I'm told?Political parties as businesses. Third Parties . . . . Duopolies protecting themselves. Ross Perot. John Anderson. Jill Stein. Bloomberg and the ill-fated "path to the math." WEALTH ACTUALLY CAN BE FOUND BELOW . . . https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

First off, we're sending best wishes to our listeners. Hopefully, everyone is getting by with the onset of the coronavirus. We have a long way to go to get back to some semblance of normalcy, so take care of yourselves. As always, Haven Pell's writings can be found here: PUNDIFICATOR. In this podcast, Haven and I take on the coronavirus' various impacts on society. We got a taste of the generation gap when we heard about the spring-breakers in Florida: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa4i9Ap6dCg John Branch — normally a sports writer, but with no sports to write, wrote an interesting article on the "late adopters" to the public health crisis that has changed the world: Deniers and Disbelievers: "If I Get Carona, I Get Carona" Between these two examples, we try to take the politics out of it and make sense of where "normal life" fits in the pandemic world now . . . and later when the world assimilates the new virus reality into everyday life. Some of the activities affected in the virus' progression: rock climbing, Mardi Gras, strip club/lap dance, cherry blossoms, self-quarantine The NYC experience (social distancing): Trader Joe’s vs Whole Foods and the recognition of crowding dangers for older people   DC walk- the parks getting used- packed, in fact! "Essential travel": Essential to all . . . or to me?  Remote work: Positive developments to come from this experience Remote work and the hope that technology (ex. Zoom) for the concept improve.  The difference between “in person” and “on camera’ skills  Media presences . . . is the online / on camera experience going to be even more important in regular jobs going forward if we are all teleconferencing? Collegiate environment . . . What does college look like now that it's online. Are we going to be missing the personal interactions on campus? How are we absorbing media on this? Is a little the right amount? Should we hear from anyone other than professionals and analysts? We certainly like to hear from doctors on issues of "Public health!" STAY SAFE, EVERYONE! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

In the latest episode of the Wealth Actually podcast, we get to sit down with Scott Johnston the author of Campusland. This is Scott's second appearance on WA, but the first where Scott discusses his book. It made it to #15 on the New York Times best seller list and #1 in the humorous books section. In the first part of the podcast, we talked about the incident at his alma mater that got him to write his newest book. We also dove into the business of being an author and the typical hurdles that new authors face. Finally, we spent some time reviewing the typical timetable and scheduling that goes into the production and launch of a book. In the second part, we probed some ground around Campusland's subject matter: the new environment of the college campus and what that means today. A description of the problem Scott saw on campuses and why it was great material to write about.The effect of wealth in the collegiate process both at the endowment and the student level.What are the numbers and the data behind the college environment?How did the admissions numbers game get so lopsided?When did the college campus environment change from the goals of inclusion and diversity of thought to other agendas?What is the impact on the politics of this country?Do alumni have any other options than to divorce themselves and their checkbook from their schools?Was the recent admissions bribery scandal to be expected?What is the impact of online learning? Coronavirus absences?The coming financial difficulties for smaller collegesCan a major university close down? Should it close down?What is the way forward? Are repurposed college campuses an interesting solution for our seniors?How do we keep track of you and Campusland? Scott is on Twitter (@SJohnston60) and CAMPUSLAND can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Campusland-Novel-Scott-Johnston-ebook/dp/B07MYX3GXM/ WEALTH, ACTUALLY can be found below . . . https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

The country is in the midst of a debate between confinement and distancing in the name public health and the reopening of the country to re-establish the health and stability of the American economy. To that end, Haven Pell (PUNDIFICATOR) and I thought it would be interesting to discuss the ramifications of the choices American businesses are making right now. These are choices related to message, action and communication. Tracking off a study done by Glover Park Group in Washington, we look at some of the trends found in polling of what is important to Americans right now and what will be important in their decision-making around firms and commerce going forward. COVID- 19: An In-Depth Conversation with the American Voter https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/6821088/GPG-COVID19-Caucus-Insights-0326202.pdf Here are some of the main points that we discuss: Business actions today will shape corporate reputation for years to come. Americans say they will remember who stepped up and made sacrifices for the greater good.Coronavirus has put debates on the social safety net and paid leave front and center. Americans want industries who receive aid to repay that goodwill in how they act and behave. Many worry about their health and the economy but prioritize the needs of those on the frontlines.Americans are grateful for services of essential employees and medical professionals and demand we do more to support them.Be deeply empathetic.It’s not business as usual, so don’t communicate as if it is.Identify what relevant capability or area of expertise you can deploy to play your part.Pass the loyalty test.Remember the lessons of 2008. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

We are all trying to make sense of the difficult environment created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Uncertainty, economic difficulty, loss of routine, new roles and uncomfortable environments have us all on out heels. I thought it would be educational to speak with an expert who is on the front lines helping people deal with life's "normal" problems and the new set of issues that our friendly Coronavirus has dropped in our laps. Dr. Maggie Vaughan is an award-winning, NYC-based psychotherapist with over 15 years of experience offering therapy to adults and specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and relationships.  She is also the founder and executive director of Happy Apple, a Manhattan-based psychotherapy center which provides an array of services to children, teens, families, and adults.   In addition to working with her New York clients, Dr. Vaughan works online with clients in California, Delaware, and New Jersey, the other states in which she’s licensed.  She holds degrees in political science, marriage and family therapy, and clinical psychology.   Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets including The New York Times, The Learning Channel, and The Huffington Post.  Currently, she is providing consultation to companies who employ essential workers, to help ensure the ongoing well-being and adjustment of those employees throughout the social distancing phase of COVID-19.  She can be found on Social Media: INSTAGRAM: HERE and HERE FACEBOOK: HERE Here is the outline of our discussion . . . I hope you enjoy it and take away some useful points as you and your family adjust to our "little disruption." Introduction: What are your clients concerned about and are these issues amplifying problems they are currently facing in relationships and other issues? Fear of the Virus:   Health issues for family (older members / pre-existing issues)Business / Job / Income issues - am I going to be financially ok?Safety issues for those who are aloneUncertaintyOCD / germaphobes - how do they get around this?How we take in information- people questioning the very information that they are receiving The Break Up of Routine (Much) Closer proximity to family, zero proximity to friends, colleagues etc . . .Work From Home (This is what you do all day?!?)New functions- home-schooling, houseworkDistortion of timeLoneliness - ability to perform job functionDifferent regions responding differently (NYC vs elsewhere- some more seriously than others- jealousy) For Professionals Working From HomeLoss of community with work environmentChange in the way people will work in the future- am I outmoded?Am I able to keep up my responsibilities for my employees, customers, vendors etc . . .  Stigma Strange phenomenon where inconsistent testing has created a weird set of haves and have nots Will people "want" to get it (like chickenpox) to re-enter society Benefits Great way to re-evaluate prioritiesGood time to deepen relationships, re-establish intimacyCheck in on faded relationships, Hit the reset button on areas where communication had been ignoredInteresting dry run for retirement (living post career)Interesting time to think about business / side gigs / career Using The Time Well Exploring long set-aside interests or new onesGoing deeper into your field- extra study, zoom conferences, making new contacts within your fieldDeveloping skills just outside of your field that can make you even more dangerous in your jobDeveloping contacts outside of your field that might be helpful (industry associations etc . . . )Developing expertise in your non-career interests (do you have a book in you, podcasts, painting etc)Can those be linked together in the future?Spending time with family and friends (even virtually), so that your support community is in place during this time AND after.Rest/exercise where possibleDry run for retirement Coming Out of the Abyss

In this episode we dive into the world of real estate development and the use of LED conversions to save money and drive returns.  Joining us is Judd Stensrud. Judd is the founder and CEO of LUMEN GLOBAL.  The firm uses energy efficiency to help drive real estate returns.  Judd has an undergraduate degree from Duke University in economics and an MBA from the University of Chicago.  However, it wasn’t until he got to Costa Rica in the early 2000's that he began to truly grasp the impact of costs within a vast portfolio of income producing real estate.  Using these tools later in his career, Judd Helped renegotiate a half billion dollar loan with The Bank of China, Was the lead asset manager for The Plaza Hotel in New York, and Led a process where Bill Gates and the Four Seasons Hotels invested over $300 million into a project that was his brainchild. Recognizing the typical reasons that investors miss out on maximizing their profits led him to found Lumen Global. Background- Tell us a little about how your Costa Rica experience and how that impacted your view on managing real estate.How did this and your other experiences lead you to found Lumen Global?Process What does Lumen do to add value? While Lumen Global utilizes a number of energy efficiency measures to help increase your bottom line, we believe there is not a better available tool than converting to LED lighting technology. Why?  What is Your Process? Energy Efficiency measures drop 100% to your bottom line. Most deals have an IRR of 50% to over 100%. Cash outlay, if any, is generally returned within one year. We are a turnkey process… no work for your team. How? We begin with a lighting analysis. We feel the best place to invest your money is through LED light technology. We count all lights on your property. We come back to you with an analysis. We estimate how much you are spending per year buying lights and installing them. We show your total spend on lighting per year and how much you will spend after converting to better looking LED technology. Our analysis will show the turnkey cost to convert to LED. Our professional bonded and insured electricians install the new material. We process all incentive paperwork and use this to decrease the total job cost. Examples Office Buildings Multi-Family Properties Shopping Centers Warehouse Industrials Restaurants Hotels Medical Facilities Parking Lots Interesting Stories McDonald's Warehouse Conversion Others OutroHow do we keep tabs on Lumen Global?For those who want to use you or get involved, how do they contact the firm? LUMEN GLOBAL WEBSITE judd@lumenglobal.com   https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Leanna Haakons is a financial marketing expert, entrepreneur and author of bestseller, Young, Fun & Financially Free. In addition, Leanna is the EIC of TheWellthyMindset.com, and says Millennials those in their (20’s-40’s) don’t need to panic now because they should be thinking about their long term financial goals with plenty of time for their investments to bounce back. Leanna hosts a regular segment on Yahoo Finance and is a seasoned TV guest appearing on CNBC, Bloomberg, ABC News and dozens of other publications. https://www.amazon.com/Young-Fun-Financially-Free-Kick-Ass/dp/0998854638 COVID-19 and Disruption How has this impacted your business? Cash flow (potential job loss / reduction of work) What are you telling your clients and listeners on how to gear up for what looks like a rough set of months coming up? Cash positions (reiterating the importance of having 6 months+ of expenses) Evaluate Expenses (now is a good time to sharpen the pencil on things that you need vs the things that you want) Leverage and borrowing- taking a hard look at the various interest rates that you have and strategizing around them. For those that can, is this a good time to refinance your mortgage? (I'd say yes if you can) Market drops and volatility Saving for retirement and other goals based investing- (I'd argue that this is a great time to continue to do this . . . or start) Is now a good time to invest? (I'd argue yes, if you have the cash flow and time horizon to be able to do so) Using the time well Going deeper into your field- extra study, zoom conferences, making new contacts within your field Developing skills just outside of your field that can make you even more dangerous in your job (Examples: media/PR skills, coding, taking courses in important subjects like contracts etc . . .?) Developing contacts outside of your field that might be helpful (industry associations etc . . . ) Developing expertise in your non-career interests (do you have a book in you, podcasts, painting etc. . . .?) Can those be linked together in the future? Spending time with family and friends (even virtually), so that your support community is in place during this time AND after. Rest/exercise where possible Coming out of the Abyss Trying to envision what the future looks like in six months If you have a business, what should you be doing to stabilize it? What are the various programs out there that might be of help? Outro Leanna- how do we keep tabs on you? Where should we find you on social media? Leanna Haakons - Media Reel www.blackhawkfinancial.ca / www.youngfunfree.com Instagram @leanna_hawk / Twitter @leannablackhawk

What if the 2020 election was delayed or cancelled? Haven and I take on this scary, and not-out-of-the-question, possibility . . . The mechanics of a delay or a cancellation are complicated. Here are three good articles for context on the topic from: Anthony Fisher, from Business Insider ("We need a backup plan to ensure all Americans can vote in November's presidential election. Our democracy could depend on it.") and . . . https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-we-need-backup-plan-voting-november-presidential-election-2020-4 Ian Millhiser from Vox ('Can Trump Cancel the Election?") https://www.vox.com/2020/3/21/21188152/trump-cancel-november-election-constitution-coronavirus Haven Pell on the Pundificator (World War Three at a Time) https://pundificator.com/world-war-three-at-a-time/ Here is an outline of the potential chaos. Fighting The Three Political Wars and where an Electoral Dysfunction may fit in . . . Novel Coronavirus / Covid-19~1.8/2.0 MM cases in the world 525k/550k in the US~110,000 deaths in the world 20,000 in the USLimited testingVaccines a long way offContinuing though perhaps diminishing fearGenerally good compliance with lockdown, social distancing etc.Dueling Daily Trump and Cuomo briefings. Discussion politicizedR’s lean toward reopeningD’s lean toward public safetyPeople’s lives vs. the stock marketReopening the Country16 MM filed for unemployment in three weeks. Highest by a multiple of 10Stock Market down 36% peak to trough (2/19-3/23)21% peak to today (2/19-4/9)Same today as June 2019, April 2018, November 2017Significant concerns about small businesses e.g. restaurantsSignificant and disruptive long-term changes possible to highly likely Remote workResiliency of supply chains over costAnti-globalist sentimentBusiness travelTourismWhen country reopens how fast will people/customers come backPolitics / ElectionsD primaries essentially fizzled out when Sanders withdrewBiden 49% Trump 43% RCP AverageDemocrats hate Trump more than almost any other President everRepublicans hammering Biden for gaffes, mental infirmitiesNo traditional campaigning during lockdown Conventions – will they happen? Do they need to?Ds Milwaukee 8/17-20Rs Charlotte 8/24-27Who wants to bring thousands of potentially infected travelers into a swing state? There are 535 House members and Senators plus the presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Only 1/3 of the Senate runs, but assume each seat is contested. Eleven governors are up for electionHouse = 435 x 2 = 870Senate = 33 x 2 = 66President Vice President = 2 x 2 = 4Governors 11 x 2 = 22Total candidates = 962Countless candidates for state legislative seatsSince political candidates tend to be older and since they might not be observing public health guidelines, what are the odds on at least one if not several dying during the campaign? https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

The COVID-19 phenomenon has created worldwide economic upheaval and problems for many business owners. One area where the coronavirus has created opportunity is in the field of estate planning. I was able to speak with AARON FLINN about the opportunities that exist right now. We will go into some of the tools in his toolkit (including the use of preferred jurisdictions like Tennessee) to help successful, and often complicated, families take advantage of a difficult economic environment. Aaron is a partner of WALLER, a full-service business law firm based out of Nashville, Tennessee with offices across the Southeast and Texas. He specializes in trust and estate work, wealth preservation, business succession and family office structuring. Why is right now is an optimal time to review estate planning affairs and wealth structure? 1)  The shutdown has been a rare quiet time to think about the how families want to set up future affairs and have internal discussions about the investment, use, direction and purpose of the wealth. 2)  Lower valuations: With markets generally lower across the board, the valuations of most family assets has decreased as well. This provides added flexibility when using estate planning tools and government defined exemptions to shift wealth out of an estate into the ownership of the next generation. 3)  Generationally low interest rates: As the government has lowered interest rates to stimulate the economy, many of the standard interest rates used in estate planning have fallen as well. Government defined "Applicable Federal Rates" (AFR's) are the lowest they have ever been. The amplify the effectiveness of even the simplest of planning techniques. As part of that planning, there are lots of instruments, jurisdictional choices and legal devices to effectuate a family's wishes. What makes Tennessee an interesting state for families to consider? The Friendly Trust Environment of Tennessee The theory behind Tennessee's trust law The interaction of the Bar, Trust Industry, and the Regulators Directed Trusts  Specialized control of a trust's investments - why is that important? Involving Trusted Advisors on Distribution Decisions - why is this important? Why does the use of an Independent Trust Company for administrative purposes make sense? Avoiding State Income Tax on Accumulated Income and Capital Gains How does this work with clients from other states? What should we think about with source income Asset Protection Beneficiary Creditors Self Settled Trusts Distribution Flexibility Perpetual Trusts Flexibility for Family wishes Decanting Trustee Removal Silence Specialized Protection for Independent Advisors Special Purpose Entities (SPE) for investment direction advisors Special Purpose Entities (SPE) for Distribution Advisors Tennessee as an Excellent Environment for Private Trust Companies What is a Private Trust Company? In building these out what is the best way to ensure the multi-generational success of this flexible structure? Jurisdictional and Regulatory "Understanding of the Space" Well-suited legal and corporate fiduciary support located locally as required. COMMENTS or QUESTIONS Aaron can be contacted here: AARON FLINN Additionally, I can be contacted here (FRAZER RICE) or here (FRAZER RICE) for further comments and questions. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

https://mehlmancastagnetti.com/wp-content/uploads/After-COVID-Mehlman-Q2-2020.pdf The political consulting firm, Mehlman Castagnetti, put together an interesting presentation on what a post-COVID world is going to look like. HAVEN and I synthesized some of the highlights and broke down what we saw as important. The link is above and it's useful to have in front of you as we deliver our comments. Here is a quick outline of what is covered: SECTION 1: WE WERE NOT PREPARED "Recreational government" is neglecting what the true government functions are. Our system is overly focussed on luxuries and there doesn't seem to be any political will until disaster is upon us. SECTION II- M/C's PREDICTIONS #1- New Psychology- what will the population's mindset look like going forward? #2- "Deglobalization"- Will there be a retrenchment? #3- Freedoms Trade-Off: Can you be worried about the virus, the economy and political freedoms at the same time? #4- "Techlash" - will the suspicion of tech companies persist? It may pause but will return in earnest when our situation stabilizes- #5- Asset Bubbles as search for yields and stability becomes paramount. #6- COVID Inequalities Widen Social Divisions #7- Initiatives will move away from the state SECTION III: REASONS FOR HOPE #1- Americans Stepping Up: Fauci, Front- Liners, Community #2- Innovators Stepping Up #3- Government Trying to Step Up- Even If Incompetently OUR BIG ASK- More Cooperation Between Public and Private Spheres as we look for solutions to the virus and revitalize the economy? A reminder that you can subscribe to the podcast on most major platforms. More from Haven on his PUNDIFICATOR blog below. . . https://pundificator.com/ And "Wealth, Actually" can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Alive-Jim-Harberson/dp/1913359166/

With the tensions brought on by the confinement, new roles and financial pressures of the Coronavirus, I thought it would be good to take a new look at one of the greatest threats to wealth . . . Divorce. High-end family law attorney, EVAN SCHEIN, and I got to sit down and talk about what is happening in the world of divorce. Evan is an expert in the field as Partner and Head of the Litigation Department of New York-based divorce firm, BERKMAN BOTTGER NEWMAN and SCHEIN. He has seen it all in the space. Here is a quick outline of what we covered: Are confined spaces and the quarantine causing an increase in the interest in divorces- what are you seeing in your practice?How has the lockdown impacted the process of divorce?What is the process looking like in the new Zoom Conference world?Is there anything new in the legal landscape of divorce?Planning before the wedding generally- what are best practices? What is the best way to be a good client?Asset titling is this still a useful tool?The use of trusts- has this expanded in this day an age?What is the best way to integrate other advisors? Wealth Advisors, Lawyers, Accountants, Business Advisors, Agents?Pre and/or post nuptial agreements- how should one think about pre-nuptial agreements? How do you have that uncomfortable discussion?If you are feeling like divorce is becoming an option in your relationship, what should you do?How do you advise people in communicating with the children in this difficult circumstance?Any crazy stories that you can share?Personalities in the divorce practice?  EXTRA POINTS: Finally, (since I'm running this!), Evan and I take a quick tour of our favorite sports teams and how they are dealing with the sports disruption. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

As businesses and business owners struggle the impact of COVID-19 on operations going forward, I thought it would be useful to revisit the issue of asset protection for wealthy families. Liability is around every corner and the best laid plans can be wrecked with a car accident, an employee suit, or the discovery of asbestos in an investment property. Joining me is IKE DEVJI to discuss some of the ways to address this issue. He is a prominent attorney in Scottsdale, Arizona who focusses on asset protection for executives, business owners, athletes, entertainers, and other high visibility people that can be the object of creditors. Ike has personally practiced from Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona for over 17  years as an Asset Protection-only lawyer and helps protect a national client base of thousands of clients representing nearly $6 Billion in personal assets. He can be found at PRO ASSET PROTECTION DAVIS MILES MCGUIRE & GARDENERTwitter: @IKE_DEVJILinkedin: IKE DEVJI A) What is there to worry about? Here are some real examples of the “impossible” that actually happened and resulted in large claims: Parents away for the weekend return to find that a teenager died at their home during a party their child had from the drugs he brought with him;Chiropractor adjusts a patient’s hip and the woman dies on table from cardiac arrest-he is sued for wrongful death;Long time, most trusted employee of medical practice molests a minor female patient during treatment;Employees of moving company get drunk and severely beat another employee and lock him in company truck in company yard over weekend;LLC for real estate development is pierced and a passive member is held jointly and severally liable for the actions of the other members;Dentist works on elderly patient who goes home and dies of unrelated heart attack hours later, dentist sued for wrongful death. B) What are Ike's three layers to good Asset Protection planning? Clean LivingIdentifying the risks that are part of your daily life (and business)Being a good citizen and acting responsibly where at all possible Avoiding behavior that would cause harm and get you suedPutting in processes and procedures around riskier behaviorInsure against the risks you can reasonably identify (and afford)Put structures around and compartmentalize your wealth C) What are the big tactical missteps people make that Ike sees? 1. FAILING TO ACT (Timing)  (AKA - waiting for the tort to happen)The importance of the term: Fraudulent Conveyance 2. THINKING YOU’RE NOT RICH ENOUGH   Many larger high net worth families can absorb a large hit to their net worth and not suffer a reduction in lifestyleFor those people with net worths in the 500K-5mm range, a $1mm settlement can have catastrophic consequences on lifestyle 3. RELYING ON YOUR TRADITIONAL ESTATE PLANNING 4. TOO MANY EGGS IN ONE BASKET What happens if an accident happens on one investment property but you own 8 others? 5. SQUARE PEG ROUND HOLE – USING THE WRONG TOOL 6. DRAGGING LIABILITY INTO YOUR PLAN Ike brings up a terrific example where having your business own your vehicles may be great tax planning in allowing you to deduct those expenses, but it can be terrible asset protection planning if they are used personally and cause a lawsuit. The assets of the business will have been exposed to the action. 7. RELYING ON GIFTING TO RELATIVES (SEE ALSO FAILING TO ACT) 8. USING UNPROVEN, POORLY STRUCTURED TOOLS OR SCAMS LIKE “FRIENDLY LIENS” 9. RELYING ON INSURANCE ALONE OR FAILING TO ADEQUATELY INSURE. WHY CAN’T WE SIMPLY INSURE OUR WAY TO SAFETY? Premiums are expensive The "Business of Insurance" to collect premiums and try to pay out claims as little as possible)If you look hard enough you can find liability everywhere - there isn't enough any to insure away EVERY risk.Having a good P&C Insurance expert is important to makes sure that you have enough insurance to...

In this episode of "Wealth, Actually", we get to dive into the comic-book industry with Gevian Dargan. Gevian is about to launch his comic imprint, Animated Concepts, which is focusing on getting some of the great comic stories from people of color that are out there, but not getting the attention they deserve. The industry itself is going through significant upheaval as the economics of developing IP come under considerable question and distribution systems face significant challenges with digital competitors and a new view of what makes a cool (and monetizable) story. Gevian and I tackle this subject as well as the magic of growing up with the excitement of going to your "local", discovering characters and forming tastes. It's this formative development that we wonder aloud that might be missing and may make it difficult to develop the next Marvel, DC, Harry Potter or other franchise. Here's Gevian on the "Thinking Critical" podcast talking about reaching new black comic readers. (This is a terrific interview BTW) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGQw9Z7qOO0 Here's the outline of our fun conversation (we recorded for over an hour, spoke for two and probably could have gone on all day): Quick introduction- what are you're doing now and dramatic foreshadowing of your Animated Concepts project-Where did the love of comics come from? Talk about the relationship with the Comic Book ShopWhere you used to buy comics and where you buy them now? Challengers Comics + Conversations: www.challengerscomics.com; First Aid Comics: www.firstaidcomics.com; Dark Tower Comics & Collectibles: www.darktowercomics.com;Alternate Reality Comics: www.myalternatereality.comFavorite Characters / and what drew you to them?RobinShazamFavorite Issues/ StoriesFavorite Artists  Who are the artists and writers we should really be looking out for?History, Craft, and Business of Comics (Diamond, New Readers, Promotion, Writing, Drawing, etc.)-How the COMIC BOOK industry has become so tribal politically, whereas before it used to be Marvel vs. DC vs. Indies (just weird now)MCU vs. DCEU What does the future of the comic industry look like?Animated Concepts - Tell us the concept behind it and what are your plans for it?How do we keep in touch with you? INFO@ANIMATEDCONCEPTS.BIZ (Focus Groups are forming in July- reach out to Gevian for more information)FACEBOOK: GEVIAN DARGANTWITTER: @GEVIANDARGAN A quick aside: many of you know of my love of comic books and the myth-making engine of that industry. My pal, Jim Harberson, and I (written under a pseudonym) dipped our toe in the water of the industry with our book, Stay Alive. We wrote our first (the horror/comedy, Stay Alive) and published it through the UK-based, Markosia Enterprises. It was a great experience to work with the multitalented and super-nice Stephen Baskerville. His art is amazing. The industry itself is tough. It's opaque and the chances of publishing, let alone success, are slight. Here's our first foray . . . https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Alive-Jim-Harberson/dp/1913359166/ and here are some of Gevian's favorite covers:

Judy Pearson is the Founder and CEO of Nomadx. Nomadx helps fiduciaries, officers, directors, trust companies and law firms identify the risks in their practices and insure them against liability. She has over 37 years of experience with Chubb, AIG and was a pioneer in the development of directors and officers liability coverage for AON.   We're going to be focussing on the liability issues facing fiduciaries, including individuals, law firms, corporate trustees and private trust companies. Trustee Roles and Responsibilities   The words Trust and Trustee- are big "all encompassing" words that mean different things to different people. Let's try to break it down a bit:   A trust in general has three main roles: Grantor (Person forming the trust) Trustee (Person or entity in charge of running the trust) Beneficiaries (Those people who will benefit from the trust) Insurance Perspective From an insurance perspective, what do you see as the responsibility of the trustees?   What are the duties (i.e. who is the client reporting to?) and risks? Duty of Loyalty (to the trust) Duty of Care (to the trust and the different beneficiaries) Safeguarding the Assets Reporting on the Assets Prudently Investing the Assets Distributing the Assets When dealing with the risks, what do modern trustees do to protect themselves from liability? Good policies, procedures, record keeping around decision making and action (operating with the risks) Setting up good structures to shield liability and get adequate support from experienced trustee providers to help with the job (transferring the risk) Identifying reasonable risks and getting reasonable insurance (insuring against the risk) How does trustee liability insurance look? Are there parallels to E&O and D&O insurance)? And what are the common misconceptions of the trustee insurance market? You don't need insurance Your umbrella policy covers you Your traditional E&O, D&O policies will cover you Trust Protector / Power of Attorney might not be in traditional insurance Belief of Indemnification - Is there an agreement? Can we indemnify beyond the law?  Gross Negligence? Good Insurance advances defense costs to get out of Gross Negligence Reasonable risks:  What are modern trustees worried about? TOLI’s and Life Insurance Distribution questions Interfamily loans Investing and reporting Reg BI Conflict between SEC and state standards 5 states of adopted their own rules and 12 additional states expected to adopt their own rules is 2020 Investment performance will be reviewed in 2020 hindsight Reporting to beneficiaries (look at SEC guidance) Cases to watch Divorce case testing South Dakota Privacy Laws and Asset Protection Breach of Fiduciary Duty Prudent investing internal funds vs. external funds Conflict of interest, mutual fund selection Direction Structures Deep understanding of roles and responsibilities Execution vs. structure of document Beneficiaries - making sure they are educated Future Trends Hybrid solutions with corporate trusteesSpecial Purpose Entities Insurance pooling? Conclusion We've presented a lot of scary scenarios! For current trustees and future trustees what is a good first step they should take in analyzing their situation? How do we keep track of you and Nomadx? WEBSITE: NOMADX LINKEDIN: JUDITH PEARSON https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

In the age of COVID-19, there has been a renewed focus on Health Care Directives. The communicability and finality of the disease have opened up all sorts of fears and uncertainty for many people- especially among the elderly. To that end, I am excited to present the conversation I had with TIFFANY MCKENZIE. She is a partner in the Private Client Group at Bryan Cave in Atlanta. We talked about planning in the COVID-19 environment with extra attention on the often-overlooked health care directives. Description of the Current COVID Environment for Planning The speed and communicability of the diseaseThe higher death rates Many times people enter hospital unaccompanied A Quick Reminder for Listeners: What are the Usual Documents that Need Updating: WillTrustsPowers of AttorneyAnd Health Care Directives Health Care Directives How are this different from a Power of Attorney?Designating Health Care PreferencesDesignating a Health Care Proxy Preferences- What criteria for decision-making should we include?What are  Proxy Who should be in this Role?When does this person make decisions?What should be considered in a COVID environment? Communication issues Being comfortable with remote methodsDeveloping a relationship with doctors and institutions and their decision-makingPreferences for choosing drugs, services Intubations -  What is the process for ventilators?Triage v. Best Efforts What else are should be thinking about in emergency situations? Where can we reach you and keep track of your writings? TIFFANY MCKENZIE BIO TIFFANY ON "HEALTH DIRECTIVES" CHAMBERS COMMENTS

As summer is starting to wane (before it ever really got going!), I took the time to try to look around the corners of wealth management for clients with BILL SWEET. We discussed today's estate planning environment and the many challenges and opportunities that currently exist and why it's important to get going on that process now. Bill is the CFO of RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT. Founded by Josh Brown and Barry Ritholtz, RWM has burst onto the wealth scene with a media savvy and marketing push that is different than most in the wealth management space. Bill manages the finances of RWM and is the resident expert on taxes for the firm's clients. Bill was also a Captain in the U.S. Army where he presided over $12mm pieces of rolling thunder as a Tank Commander! Military Experience Bill's Experience as a Tank CommanderThe benefits of hiring Veterans and people with military experience:DisciplineExperience with StructureResponsibilityHonor / PrinciplesPhD in Getting Things DoneReady pool of experienced employees Links to Veterans Groups at the bottom for those with further interest. Our veterans are an amazing resource of talent in this country. The Estate Planning Environment Bill and I went into a wide-ranging discussion of the benefits of getting one's estate planning done now and what might change in the near future. Interest Rates are at generational lows which provides extra leverage and flexibility in moving assets out of an estate.This applies to many estate planning and intrafamily loan techniques that have incredible estate and wealth planning powerThe current AFR rates are here: AFR RATES and IRSValuations for assets are low due to the recent market volatility, which means a well-thought out plan can get more intrinsic value out of an estate.Federal Estate Tax Exemptions are at all-time highs: $11.58 million per individual, or $23.16 million per coupleFederal and State finances are going to require more revenue implying an INCREASE IN TAXES. (and probably at all levels)The elections in November could have a massive impact on the generosity and flexibility of the current estate tax climate at the Federal AND State level.States hard hit by the COVID-19 epidemic may face particular economic and social concerns that require extra funding. (New York is a good example)There will be increased State scrutiny for those using low tax jurisdictions for INCOME AND CAPITAL GAINS TAX PLANNING.Very brief discussion of domicile and residence and the art and science of personal state tax planningIt is more than just 180+ days and changing your car registration.Here is a recent Supreme Court Case on the potential for double taxation at the state level: Edelmans’ New York Connecticut Residency Tax CaseThere is going to be a mad rush for a lot of families to accomplish their estate planning before the end of the year (and thus a mad rush around the advisors to implement this planning)Beware of the 9/15 and 10/15 tax deadlines . . . accountants are just now catching their breath from PPP planning and the extended 7/15 deadlineLawyers and financial institutions have not seen a potential crush like this since 2012. We anticipate EXTREME stress on entity formation, trust drafting and reviews, KYC processes and account opening. Waiting until November could be a big mistake.NYS Estate Tax CliffIf you have a net worth of $5mm or higher in NYS, you need to revisit your plans to ensure that your STATE estate tax liability is as low as it can be and if there are any steps you can take to reduce it. My quick primer is HERE.Having health directives etc . . . in place because of COVID illnessesI covered this in detail here: HEALTH DIRECTIVESGetting deposits in on nursing homes to make sure you have a spot locked in etc . . . Final thoughts on getting started even if you aren't in the "1%" Veteran's Groups For veteran's employment programs especially in finance,

Part of the fun of the Wealth Actually podcast is to delve into topics around wealth management and better ways to help families understand the intersection between wealth and the fulfillment of goals and ideals. I also get to speak to people as they describe their entrepreneurial journeys- which in itself provides many lessons on the path to success. Occasionally, you get both in one conversation. Enter Betsy Brown. In this episode, we talk about: Betsy's background at larger institutions and the entrepreneur "bug" The changing Wealth Management Industry The desperate need for independence and customization for clients The appeal of Tennessee as a legal jurisdiction, a growing business haven, and a nexus for diversified businesses How this led her to the formation of Pendleton Square Trust Company. The development of her support system and the importance of having a community of entrepreneurs to lean on and share ideas (and opportunities!). The importance of story-telling in communicating, not just to the families she speaks with, but the market at large The influencers in her life that provide her "north star". This is a particularly fun I get to see this up close as I work with Pendleton Square Trust Company to bring the message of benefits of Tennessee law to the advisors for family offices, foundations and fiduciaries in the Northeast and beyond. More information about the firm and Betsy can be found on the links below: LINKEDIN: BETSY BROWN Transcript Tell us about the origin of the firm and what makes it special: We chartered Pendleton Square Trust Company in October of 2015- so we are about to celebrate our 5 year anniversary! Happy Birthday, Pendleton Square! We are a chartered trust company regulated by the TN Department of Financial Institutions. The opportunity came about from listening to families frustrated with the traditional corporate trustee options.  We also studied and implemented accounting and administration technology platforms to build our dream independent trust company. I always use the term “we” because it took a team. My partner Derek Church is a genius- he is an attorney and oversees regulatory, compliance and operation side of the business- our board and investors believed in us and supported our plans to build a best in class independent trust company. Our trust officers and team members are serving our families and building efficient processes. I want to stress that we are an independent trust company- our definition of independent is that we are not affiliated with other banks or financial institutions- we focus on trust administration and we do not manage the liquid assets. As a fiduciary we are held by law to the highest standard of responsibility. Our model is designed to avoid conflicts of interest and provide a natural system of checks and balances, we are not managing assets or drafting estate planning documents. In addition- our fee structure is simple and transparent. I also want to share how the concept of INTERdependence is extremely important for our model. We are interdependent on the network of advisors surrounding the family- the financial advisors, estate planning attorneys, family CPAs, insurance specialists. There is constant communication and collaboration with our partners as we serve the family. In many cases, the financial advisor is the quarterback of the relationship- we are there to assist and provide the backbone of trust and estate services. How did you get into the trust business? I cannot believe that I am approaching 25 years in the financial services industry.  I grew up in the traditional big bank environment- and I am so thankful for my strong credit and analysis background. I spent 10 years in Debt Capital Markets- a true transaction business- but my mentor always told me I should be in the long-term relationship business. I transitioned to private wealth and trust business for the next 1...

In this episode of "Wealth Actually", I speak with George Hubbard. George is the Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Algonquin Advisors, a Registered Investment Adviser that focusses on large families, foundations, endowments and other pools of money. He and his firm bring a unique approach to family investment management that uses tried and true institutional principles. Pay special attention to our discussion around alternative assets and the role of the asset class for family investments. George also talks about bringing "trustee" principles to investment implementation. And in honor of the U.S. Open at Winged Foot, we talk about what his dream foursome would be and where it would be played. Introduction Algonquin Advisors T21 Trustees What are the differences between institutional investment thinking and HNW thinking? Taxation Issues Time horizons Liquidity needs (Yale model) Return expectations Access/Deal Flow Position sizing "Real" Due Diligence (how much time/resources should one expect to expend in researching a manager/deal?) The power of concentration to build wealth Where alternatives fit in asset allocation Function of Alternatives Diversification Other types of risk the traditional investor is missing? The ultimate importance of having the private equity portion of a portfolio fund future vintages out of current private equity distributions. (While this is obvious in the institutional world, this kind of thinking is largely absent from most advice to investors who are "sold" private equity!). What can be borrowed from institutional processes to help Individuals make fewer rookie mistakes? Starting at the Beginning: The Investment Policy Statement and The Asset Allocation The Importance of a "Forensic Review" What comprises a "Forensic Review"? The Importance of "Intentional" Investment Decisions How should a trustee think about these things in a true "fiduciary" capacity? Importance of cash management, lock-ups, multiple time horizons, multiple beneficiaries, multiple interests What are the Alternative Asset Classes that investors are focussing on now? -Private Equity (LBO, Venture) -Private Credit -Hedge Funds / derivatives -Managed Futures  -Commodities -Real Estate -Infrastructure -Collectibles -Insurance T21 and the Importance of Getting the Right People into Fiduciary Roles for Families George's Golf Dream Foursome How do we keep track of George and the firms? ALGONQUIN ADVISORS GHUBBARD@ALGADV.COM T21 TRUSTEES GHUBBARD@T21TRUSTEES.COM https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

When you have the chance to spend an hour with Jim O'Shaughnessy, you grab it with both hands. Most of us feel like we know him personally based on his thoughtful opinions and Twitter acumen (@JPOSHAUGHNESSY). But Jim is obviously more than just memes and GIFS. Jim is the Principal, Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer, Portfolio Manager of O’Shaughnessy Asset Management ("OSAM"). He is a four-time author including the seminal investing book “What Works on Wall Street” and hosts the INFINITE LOOPS PODCAST with Jamie Catherwood. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NASI8S/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 I knew about a decent amount about his career and what his company does. However, Jim is a Renaissance Man and a perpetual student who's mind can't get enough. I wanted to get behind his thinking as he made the move from a once mighty investment bank to starting (and building) his own firm. How does someone with ferocious curiosity make joint decisions with family, with colleagues. How did he use his own attributes and processes that helped him build a successful business to help him build a successful family with his wife and kids? Finally, how does someone like Jim think about the inclusion of the family in his business? Who is going to run the business as he has gets older? Finally, how did he get to the ultimate decision of handing the reigns of the firm to his son, Patrick? I hope you enjoy this episode. This is the story family businesses should hear. While the road is littered with family businesses left in tatters due to dysfunction, Jim talks about some of things that worked for him and his family. I include our outline below, but beware. We veer away from the script early and often. Amazingly, by the time we are done we cover many of the questions I had. Ownership and Operational Succession What does OSAM do?Background on your expertise- Take us throughDevelopment of the CompanyWhat is the company focusing on now?CANVASPositive SumInvest Like The Best / Infinite LoopsCapital Camp Managing Transition You’re 60 now!  What has been your thought process about where the company is?  And where it’s going to be?It seems like you embrace younger people – What does this do for you? Energy, new ideas?How have youAt what point did you start to think about the company with you not at the helm?How have you dealt with your other kids on the participation of the business?Did they self-select in or out? Skills?How do you reconcile what you think vs what they want to do?How is your wife’s input on your decision-making?When did Patrick start looking ready to take on the roles that he’s taking?How have you handled it when someone disappoints another?How do big decisions get made at the company?What does a conflict look like?  Who holds the tie-breaker vote?Do you have a board?  Formal or informal? One of your most endearing traits is your open-mindedness.  How do you get to say no?Managing portfolios vs Managing the BusinessWhat are you good at?What are you bad at?Twinges of mortality- what do you want your legacy to be when you look back on life?What are the values that you want your kids and grandkids to have?What have been the challenges there?  How do you get your kids to communicate about the issues related to the business and their roles in it?How have you involved spouses in family decisions?Whom do you go to help you think through the role of the business in the family?Friends, colleagues, professional advisors?How do you think about the ownership of the company going forward?What do you see as the biggest challenge in managing the transition of the company and your role in it going forward? Fun Questions: What haven’t you achieved yet that you would like to?What does an average Tuesday look like for you?Three people (excluding family) alive or dead that you would invite to dinner. I also went ahead and got a loose transcription for those who want...

Trustee Issues with Crypto-Currency (with Matthew McClintock) Family offices, trust companies and opportunistic individuals are dealing with a new and exciting asset class: cryptocurrencies. New Bitcoin multi-millionaires are "minted" by the day as interest in the space has captured the public's imagination. It has created a host of challenges for the owners of that wealth as they use the usual wealth management tools for intergenerational planning, asset protection, and tax structuring. Bitcoin's Meteoric Rise from 2010 (From ~$0 to ~$10,500 as of 10/2/20) (Here is a quick primer on Bitcoin - A HISTORY OF BITCOIN, INCLUDING PRICING. Today's podcast isn't a discussion of the merits of cryptocurrencies as investments or where they fit in a portfolio). Bitcoin and the other cryptocurrencies are controversial. Cryptocurrencies are grounded in a logical technology workflow (blockchain), but they have a shadowy origin and crypto's intrinsic value is rooted in public confidence around that blockchain workflow, not the usual confidence in the strength of the country that supports fiat currency. However, crypto's popularity has exploded and its value (and volatility) has rocketed along with it. What is unquestionable is that significant wealth has been created with the rapid increase in value of many crypto-currencies. The financial services industrial complex has not kept up and it puts many crypto-wealthholders at risk. There are 13,290 BTC addresses with more than $1mm according to this GlassNode REPORT and this does not include other coins like Ethereum, Ripple and the rest. Much of that wealth has been created in the last five years. Those owners are asking lawyers, accountants, and crypto-exchanges how to protect it, use it, borrow against it, diversify it and transfer it to the next generation or their selected interests. The owners of that crypto-currency wealth are getting older and looking for structures to protect this wealth for future generations. These structures include trusts and involve individual and corporate fiduciaries who have major responsibilities around the safeguarding and reporting of assets (including tricky ones like crypto-currency), the prudent investment of assets, and distribution of assets according to the terms of a trust and, where silent, in accordance with their best discretion. Besides the investment bona fides, what are the issues that these fiduciaries should be worried about? How do institutions, trustees, and others who have responsibility for others' wealth deal with this complex asset. To find out more, I spoke with MATTHEW McCLINTOCK- Partner at the law firm of EVERGREEN LEGACY PLANNING. Based in Evergreen, CO and Newport Beach, CA. The firm focuses on generational wealth planning for affluent clients. Importantly, Matthew has on-the-ground experience planning for cryptocurrency wealth, including clients with crypto-wealth in nine figures. We talk a little bit about the asset class, but focus on spotting the issues for the advisors that have to help client's navigate the high stakes world of crypto-wealth. The outline for our conversation: Matthew, tell us a little about your background- How did you get interested / experienced in cryptocurrency? What makes cryptocurrency so unique as an asset?  What are the properties that make it like a Currency? Property? Commodity? Very quickly, how does one buy, hold and sell crypto currency? How big are crypto-fortunes right now? With intergenerational wealth, often times trusts are used for tax, asset protection and other forms of planning. Trusts are “located” in a jurisdiction, contain assets, have a grantor, a trustee and beneficiaries. The Trustee must safeguard/custody, invest and distribute the assets per the trust. Are people funding trusts with Cryptocurrencies? Being responsible for crypto-wealth

https://thegamehers.com/ Video games were a formative part of my upbringing, but I have gotten away from them since my Atari 2600 and Nintendo/Sega habits. I was surprised to learn that the video game industry earned approximately $160B in 2019. It has out-earned the movie and music industries COMBINED for the last 10 years. It is estimated that there are over 2B gamers worldwide. Most telling, and maybe the most surprising to the uninitiated, women represent almost 50% of the gaming community. (The industry is made up of Publishers, Distributors, Retailers, Hardware Manufacturers, the Gamers themselves, and many other constituencies. Here is the Entertainment Software Association's deeper dive into the emerging demographics of the Video Game Industry Data. And Newzoo's is Here.) And if you weren't sure if the female gaming community was ready to "cross-over", Congresswomen, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, played the video game "Among Us" on Twitch. With 12 hours notice, the event drew 440,000 concurrent viewers and represents one of the high-water marks in female gaming so far. Superstars like Pokimane (24yrs old) have gigantic followings (Twitter 2.5mm, IG 5.3mm, YouTube 5.8mm, Twitch 6.6mm). The major talent agencies like CAA, WME and UTA have divisions to represent these people. I wanted to find out more about this phenomenon, so I spoke with REBECCA DIXON one of the Co-Founders and Chief Marketing Officer at TheGAMEHERS. They can also be found on other social media platforms at @thegamehers (facebook, twitter, linkedin, twitch, youtube). Her company, TheGAMEHERs, is "a women-led community dedicated to amplifying and centering the voices of women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women. This is a sexist-free space for the casual players, the hardcore gamers, the techies, the streamers, the designers, the cosplayers, the developers, and programmers. Their mission is to advance the role, voice, image, and power of all the*gameHERs in the gaming world." Enjoy the discussion- I'm sure it will open your eyes! Rebecca and TheGameHers are a group to watch in the female gaming space. Introduction Rebecca, tell us a bit about your background . . . How did you get into the gaming world? What Does the Gaming World Look Like Now?   How do you break down the various gaming communities / size of the market? Women habitually underrepresented in the space- describe what the demographics in the space look like and what they look like for women? Intersection with Social Media- what are the relevant platforms? How are the platforms used?  And how does GameHers intersect with them? What is GameHers Intersection with the Gaming Companies? Whom do you get involved with in video game development?  What are they looking for? Talent Agencies? UTA, CAA, WME Who is big in female video-game field? @Pokimane @annhandLA @br The @Pokimane example ESports Twitch, Twitter, and the "Power Users" of Discord With open source coding and other tools, what are the avenues for women to get involved? What Are Some of GameHers' Initiatives? Community, and Awards, Podcasts, Advocacy: combatting exclusion, bullying, and hypersexualization Advertising as their start to revenue and talent development. What is your path to revenue/profit? What is the next step for GameHers?   And how do we keep track of your Progress? @thegamehers (facebook, twitter, linkedin, twitch, youtube) Fun Question: What was your favorite video game growing up? The GAMEHER's Co-Founders Laura Deutsch, Rebecca Dixon, Verta Maloney, and Heather Ouida https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

The election is finally past us and for wealth advisors the work and the uncertainty is probably just beginning. JORY BARD ZIMMERMAN joins us to discuss some of the tools to help wealthy clients take advantage of the tools available in 2020, incorporate philanthropy in in one's planning and get a rolling head start into an interesting looking 2021. Jory is an attorney with expertise in trusts, estates and wealth planning. She has deep experience in advising high net-worth clients on their personal, tax savings and philanthropic goals. Here is the outline of our discussion: —> Year-end gift planning: eg. using exemptions now, if possible, before they change: Applicable Federal estate and gift tax exemption for persons dying or gifts made in 2020 is $11.58 Million per individual, or @$23MM per couple (no claw-back).  For transfers made after December 31, 2025, Federal exemption will revert to $5M, adjusted for inflation (@ $6MM in 2026), or maybe back to $3.5MM Current thinking: exemptions may be reduced as early as next year to provide funds needed for stimulus and due to COVID. Interest Rates plus lower Asset Valuations: Pandemic volatility in the financial markets plus low interest rates may be an opportunity to consider transferring depressed-value investments to family members through a GRAT, where little or no exemption may be required to effect the gift; remainder at end of GRAT term may go to family or a continuing trust. Will unused exemptions be lost? It's not exactly 2012 again: Most clients made gifts outright back in 2012; Now more clients are using a trust to receive gifts (control + access) Don't forget about the Annual Exclusion! $15K or $30K per couple per beneficiary  (that can add up quickly) - using the Educational / Medical exemptions are also a powerful tool. For New York: $5.85MM estate tax exemption with an ESTATE TAX CLIFF, tax over @$6.2MM in assets (no gift tax but 3 year add-back until 12/2025). See more about how that works HERE: —> Charitable planning and COVID: In these uncertain times, charitable organizations need assistance more than ever plus clients may be seeking an income tax advantage (deduction). This is the time when charities need you the most. For 2020 (CARES Act), $300 per individual above the line deduction ($600 married couple, no itemizers, no AGI % limitation, must be to public charity, not a Donor Advised Fund. Also, 100% of cash contributions, no AGI % limitation (consider contributions of Long Term Capital Gain property subject to 30% of AGI), must be to public charity, not Donor Advised Fund. For 2020 (SECURE Act), no more â€œstretch IRA’s” (limited to 10 years + certain eligible beneficiaries), may name CRUT as an IRA beneficiary to mimic the “stretch”. This is the time to review and revise IRA beneficiary designations. Biden is talking about eliminating capital gains and taxing them as ordinary income (proposed rate of 39%), may be better to donate appreciated assets to charity (proposals from the Obama Green Book, e.g.., carryover basis, cap gains at death, like a sale, roll-back exclusion, GST’s limited to 50 years so no dynasty trusts). Time will tell what this looks like with a divided government. For New Yorkers, consider giving a dollar amount of the estate over â€œcliff” to charity, so that you don't fall off the cliff and create an additional NYS estate tax burden. —> Diversifying trusts by situs + Directed Trusts:  Trust friendly jurisdictions with no income tax, e.g.. Delaware (basically) and Tennessee appeal to greater NY-area grantors, South Dakota and Nevada are used more by California clients. For example, creating SLAT’s (Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts), each spouse create a trust for the other. There is a need to diversify by different states to enhance creditor protection and to use different terms, jurisdictions assets and trustees to avoid the IRS's recipr...

It's important to speak to people who are having success exploiting other asymmetries. Many opportunities come when the world devolves into chaos. (Bill Ackman recently made gigantic money by buying insurance against corporate defaults related to COVID.) Sometimes there are opportunities when economies start to recover. Enter PHILIP READE. He is the Co-Manager of HELM INVESTMENT PARTNERS, an investment firm that focuses on emerging markets that collapsed and have developed a narrative for recovery. What made Philip's story interesting to me was not only his half Brazilian / half British geopolitical bent, but his application of recovery narratives into usable investment themes. Philip's Background Co-Manager the Partnership (Helm Investment Partners). Investor and board member of Cultura Inglesa Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil’s leading English as a second language school networks, backed by 3G founder Jorge Paulo Lemann. For 7 years, until February 2016, Philip was a Partner, Co-Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of the Investment Team at Tarpon Investimentos, Brazil´s largest independent equities fund with over USD 3 billion (21.7% US$ net annual return, May/2002-April/2017). At Tarpon Philip served as: Chairman of the Board of Omega, Tarpon´s renewable energy platform / Chairman of the Board of Cremer, a publicly traded company and Brazil´s leader in the disposable health care sector / Chairman of the Board of Somos Educação, a publicly traded company and Brazil´s leader in the K12 educational market / Board Member of Tarpon Investimentos, the publicly traded GP / Board Member of Metalúrgica Gerdau, a publicly traded company and the largest long steel producer in the Americas and the second largest globally / Board member of Tempo Participações, a publicly traded company and Brazil´s leader in the Roadside and Home assistance businesses Prior to Tarpon, Philip was the Head of the Brazilian operations of a NY-based hedge fund, Marathon Asset Management, focused on private and public equities as well as structured credit. Prior to Marathon, Philip worked for Goldman Sachs in Sao Paulo, as part of the Investment Banking division, participating in over 20 M&A and capital market transactions in Financial Services, Real Estate, Telecom, Power Generation and Consumer. Before that, Philip founded and ran Brasilis Seafood, a company that financed seafood processing plants in Brazil and raised US$ 2 million in venture capital from one of Brazil’s larger institutional investors. Philip started his career at Brazilian Banco Garantia, founded by Brazilian entrepreneur and 3G founder Jorge Paulo Lemann and then at McKinsey & Co. He went to Sevenoaks School in England, holds an Economics Degree from the University of Sao Paulo (top ranked student in the history of the University, as of 1996 graduation, award for the best graduation thesis and class representative) and an MBA from Stanford. Helm Investment Partners Tell us about the firm and where did you see the opportunity? What does a typical EM manager do?  How do you differ? You look for Crisis conditions . . . what does a crisis look like to you?  How do you quantify "trouble"? When screening for good or bad governments, what do you look for?  What are the countries you are focused on? Ex. Argentina, Greece, et al . . . The Concept of Going from "horrible" to "bad" Process Down 50% "Country-wide"  What does this actually mean?  How do you account for currency?  If a currency devalues, how do you stay away from the trap that it will rarely recover? Looking for Narratives that Change Perception- what do those look like? Finding ways to invest in that narrative- what is the "bottoms-up approach" to finding companies?  Why do you focus on Utilities, Telco, Retail, Consumers, and Banks? Trying to avoid being too early - how do you prevent tactical "short term downward swings" from battering your...

For a few years, the wealth advisory and asset management worlds have been captivated by three letters . . . ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance. ESG has been an exploding trend as investors want to align their personal values with their investments. The principle is that one's investments can do well by "doing good." Against that backdrop, asset managers are looking for new criteria to evaluate investment opportunities in the context of ever increasing difficulties in beating indexes over time. To some, ESG is a marketing gambit. To others, it is a framework to unlock greater returns and create positive social impact while doing it. To many, it is somewhere in between. To help make sense of this phenomenon, I spoke with John Rosenberg who has direct experience in asset management and the ESG world. John worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and has had a long career in banking and now works as an investment manager at a single family office and manages the LOUGHLIN WATER PARTNERS LP - an investment fund focused on technologies and assets that provide clean water and alternative energy. (Early on, John worked as a ski bum which he declares to be the most honest job on the resume!) Outline Could you give me some background on ESG Investing? We hear a lot of different terms bandied about such as Sustainable, Impact, ESG, or even SRI. Where did the term come from and how has it evolved? Are ESG stocks different from other stocks? Is there some particular differentiation? Are the letters all equal? A few weeks ago marked the 50th Anniversary of the Milton Friedman's essay on Shareholder Theory where he states that the corporation's social responsibility should be focused on profits. (The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits). Do you agree with that? Milton Friedman thought corporations should be focused on profits, not other social responsibility initiatives. What is the driving theory behind ESG investing? Do you believe it actually promotes virtuous behavior? How do you parse the difference between a company that does many things well, but has a problem underpinning it's ESG score (i.e. tobacco bonds that fund good causes, but have dubious sources of revenue or a top notch company with an executive with a checkered record?) Are there data services to evaluate whether or not companies are engaging in responsible behavior? How does one deal with one data service vs another? How much of the analysis is qualitative? How do you get past the "check the box" or "greenwashing" phenomenon? You have been doing this, in one form, for a while now. What do you think of new entrants to the space? Jeff Uben, formerly of Value Act, made some comments critical of ESG investors awhile back. What do you think about that?  https://www.barrons.com/articles/activist-investor-jeff-ubben-departs-valueact-to-focus-on-esg-51592936937 Do you think we are entering our could enter an ESG Bubble much like every other style of investing that catches on? Are the ESG criteria factorable and therefore quickly assimilated into indexes? ESG- Fad, Trend, or Is It Here to Stay? Fun Question. Additional reading on the pros and cons of ESG in investment performance and the role of corporations and the assimilation of ESG principles. Morningstar indicates that ESG Funds Outperform Their Indexes How Strong are the Links between ESG factors and Outperformance? Wharton: Why ESG Investors are Happy to Settle for Lower Returns https://frazerrice.com/blog/january-2014-book-review-lynn-stouts-the-shareholder-value-myth/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007PIZ8IO/ https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

After a slew of podcasts about structuring, estate planning, investment themes and politics, I thought it would be fun to dive into a sport with a long, regal. and unusual history- COURT TENNIS (or "Real Tennis"). Descended from handball, and equal parts tennis (players face each other unlike squash and racquetball), platform tennis (where the walls are part of the court), the sport has all sorts of peculiar rules. It has strange looking racquets, arcane rules and courts with unusual and idiosyncratic dimensions. There are less than 50 courts in the world and roughly 10,000 players. Longtime friend of the podcast, Haven Pell, joins us to talk about its interesting origins, where the sport is now and where it's going. He is part of a team that is building a new court in Washington and has written about that process in his blog, THE PUNDIFICATOR. He even shares the story of how Court Tennis gave us the Left and Right side of the aisle in American politics! https://pundificator.com/around-the-world-in-50-courts-a-brief-detour/ We cover . . . the equipment The "Off-Center" Racquet The Rules The Crazy Dimensions of the Courts The History of the Sport Some of the Best and Most Famous Players in the World And here is a little sample of some high level play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1RK9fuGZgI https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Here is the first video foray for the "Wealth Actually" podcast (a bit by accident! We had to switch formats midstream . . . so I decided to experiment with the video format). I interviewed Christopher Ott on #Cybersecurity for the Ultra High Net Worth, High Net Worth and Family Office space. We talk about how one should view their own digital risks, how to protect yourself, and what to do when you have been compromised. We kept it to 40 minutes and probably could have discussed issues for more than three hours. Chris is a partner at Rothwell Figg, the litigation firm based in Washington, D.C. Successfully litigating complex data security matters, conducting hundreds of investigations, and winning dozens of appeals, Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Ott held various influential positions at DOJ including Supervisory Cyber Counsel to the National Security Division of the DOJ, In these roles, he investigated and charged the largest known computer hacking and securities fraud scheme and the hack of Yahoo by Russian intelligence operatives, the largest data breach in history, https://youtu.be/XzYwkjA1qiA BASICS   Cybersecurity- the main concerns are around the ability to control access and use of information. Everybody has at least three types of information PREDICTIVE DATA This is data that will help predict what you are going to do. This is especially useful for hackers and other criminals as they figure out how to access your data. CONTROLLING DATA This is data that regulates the access to a client's information. This can include: Passwords (and the need for two factor control, Phones (with automatic password access that can be migrated), and "Deep Fake" video and voice that can trick the gatekeepers into relinquishing access INFLUENCE This can include social, political, or economic influence. THREE TYPES OF ADVERSARIES Criminals Spies Hybrid hackers -Russian Type -Chinese Type SPECIAL CONCERNS FOR HNW INDIVIDUALS More data More control Much more influence ·         Direct socio-political ·         Indirect socio-political WHAT IS IMPORTANT? §  Control ·         Analog passwords ·         Never take shortcuts ·         Device security §  Two Factor INFORMATIONAL AUDITS (DATA MAPPING) §  What do I have? §  How do I control it? §  Who else has access to it? CONVENIENCE VS. SECURITY §  BEC §  Sim Jacking §  Deep fake audio and video WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED Understand What You Have and What Your Risks Are Have Advisors In Place Don't Panic- Assess the Situation Implement Action Plan Some Quick Ideas to Protect Yourself and Your Business . . . Establish an action plan in case of a breach or other compromise. Emphasize personal relationships with all business transactions. Make sure that you have personal relationships with your advisors and transactors so that there is layer of common sense behind communications. Audit what you and your family put out in the world of social media both from a cybersecurity AND from a PERSONAL security standpoint. Consider having a policy- even if informal- to prevent predators having access to physical information. Use multi-factor authentication procedure to confirm and verify instructions (ESPECIALLY for wire transfers or money transactions). Encrypt emails that include private information such as bank details, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.  Back up all data off-site on a regular basis. Regularly change passwords and use different passwords for platforms so that one breach doesn't turn into a cascading data breach on other systems. Perform regular cyber audits to make sure confidential information is secure and that accessible information to the public is properly scrutinized. Avoid clicking on links and being suspicious of attachments...

Occasionally, I get to speak with someone in the industry that both affirms my experiences, but also pushes my thinking and worldview. DAVID C WELLS JR, CEO of Family Capital Strategy, fits that bill on the topic of advising families. I met him in Nashville early in 2020 and stayed in touch. When I heard he was writing a book, I knew we were kindred spirits having gone through that process myself. That book, "When Anything is Possible", just came out and I couldn't be happier for him. I think it is a terrific companion to those looking to forestall the "Shirtsleeves to Shirtsleeves" phenomenon and help business owners and their families structure and build lives of purpose. In this podcast, we discuss some of his insights and the book-writing process itself. https://www.amazon.com/When-Anything-Possible-Wealth-Strategic/dp/173568130X/ Introduction Chapter 1 Wealth Strategy: Defining the Terms Section One: Wealth Structure Chapter 2 Wealth and What It Is Chapter 3 Level of Wealth Chapter 4 Psychology: Money’s War on Our Brains Chapter 5 Coming Into Wealth Section Two: Wealth Identity Chapter 6 How You Feel About Yourself Affects How You Feel About Wealth Chapter 7 Defining Your Wealth Identity Section Three: Wealth Strategy Chapter 8 How to Spend It Chapter 9 How to Invest Chapter 10 Giving to the Next Generation Chapter 11 Philanthropy Chapter 12 Building a Life of Intention Here are a few recent blog posts which introduce concepts from the book: The Challenge and Complexity of Entitlement Adjusting to Life After The Liquidity Event Creating a Wealth Surplus to Pass to Future Generations What You Should Know Before Marrying Rich You can find David here: Book - whenanythingispossible.com Website: www.familycapitalstrategy.com Newsletter - FIFTEEN ON FRIDAY - Twitter: @DavidCWellsJr https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

EUAN RELLIE is on the podcast today. We went around the world in half an hour and probably could have solved the worlds problems over drinks if we had the time. Alas, we only get a taste of Euan's informed worldview and his story of building a business and advising clients as they solve the puzzle of doing business in Asia and around the world successfully. We do get a hear a bit about of his love for Arsenal Football at the end. For those who want to hear more from Euan, he is an excellent twitter follow . . . @EUANRELLIE. He is quoted often on matters of finance, fashion and culture- recently in the New York Times and the South China Morning Post. In his day job, Euan is an investment banker with the firm he founded, BDA Partners. Since founding BDA in 1996, he has lived in New York and London, and Singapore, and has worked in China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, India and across the Middle East. 1990-1996, he worked for Schroders, the UK investment bank now part of Citigroup, in New York, London and Singapore. He was Head of SE Asia Execution for Schroders Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Group. Our discussion covered a wide range of topics- I wish we had longer! Economic Outlook What are some of the good and difficult data points that you are focussing on? Background- How did you get into the world? How did your London background prepare you for New York? BDA's Function Focus on Asia and helping firms on the sell side. Helping firms access the capital and expertise in Asia and around the world Prospects for Asia- What does the U.S./China dynamic look like long term? What do American businesses get wrong doing business far from home? United States Politics- What should we take away from this tumultuous last few months? What can we expect in the post-Trump world? What should we feel optimistic about? Arsenal Football How do the prospects for this season look? What does the future look like? BDA Partners Website: https://www.bdapartners.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

The 75th "Wealth Actually" Podcast . . . Wow . . . it seems like I just started this project a few months ago. It has been 4 and a half years since the first one . . . it's alarming how fast time flies. Hopefully, I have improved over time! This 75th recording is an industry specific interview, but it has wide ramifications. In getting up to speed on a different project, I stumbled across the book "Ethics for Trustees 2.0" by MARGUERITE LORENZ. Based in California, Marguerite is a Master Trustee and the Managing Partner of LORENZ PRIVATE TRUSTEES. https://www.amazon.com/Ethics-Trustees-2-0-Guide-Trustee/dp/172837278X/ Ethic for Trustees 2.0 is a quick and extremely informative read on the roles and responsibilities of a trustee and the establishment of good practices around decision-making that involves judgment and discretion. It also went into some detail about the California licensing component of individual trustees- something I knew little about. So in typical "me" fashion, I called up Marguerite to find out more about the book and her firm's unique practice. That led to her gracious appearance on the latest "Wealth, Actually" podcast. We covered: -Her unique background and the formation of her private trustee business. (It has its own unique succession story too!) -Marguerite's rationale and experience in writing the book -The Definitions of a Trust, their uses and some of the nomenclature -The Duties of a Trustee/Fiduciary- (many of which trustees aren't aware of)! -What makes a good trustee?  How does one deal with arguing beneficiaries? Tricky assets? -The Origin of CALIFORNIA LICENSING FOR PROFESSIONAL TRUSTEES (and why it may be important for normally exempted attorneys and CPAs to get licensed. -When does advice graduate from being to transactional to ongoing and how does it relate to administration of structures and discretionary decision-making? -Traps for the unwary trustee  -What functions or areas of trustee responsibility are good to ask for help? When do you bring in outside experts? -Useful Resources and Groups: INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE ALLIANCE ESTATE PLANNING GROUP NETWORK -How do we stay in touch? MARGUERITE LORENZ LINKEDIN LORENZ PRIVATE TRUSTEES (WEBSITE) MARGUERITE LORENZ TWITTER https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

I see the concept of locating wealth and assets at the state level all the time for a variety of reasons . . . There has been only occasional talk of U.S. citizens exploring other citizenships. At the federal level, US citizens are taxed on worldwide income no matter where they live. However, with a new regime in Washington (and wealth tax initiatives) , there seems to be more interest in foreign citizenship options. To help make sense of the myths and the current climate, I spoke with David Lesperance. He is a top International Tax and Immigration Advisor with his Gadanz, Poland based firm, LESPERANCE AND ASSOCIATES. Citizenship Diversification -Who should be interested in this and why? -How prevalent is it?  6045 in 2020 (How many estate tax returns were there?) Jurisdictional Arbitrage -Why would you do it?  Taxes, ideology, other reasons? -If you are a US citizen, what's the process?  -How much does it cost? (Including the calculation of exit tax of 40 pc of net worth) -What are the usual places to "go"? -What are the rules of engagement once you're "out"? -What is the concept of "back-up citizenship?" Future legislation- -Are you putting yourself on "Bad Lists"? -The Dangers of a Wealth Tax for wealthy people . . . -Step Up in basis removal? -The increasing cost of "Citizenship Insurance" https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

I'm thrilled to have Ted Seides on the show to discuss his new BOOK, his wildly successful PODCAST, his FIRM'S media and coaching focus and the world of capital allocation. Ted has a unique perspective in the asset management world, having worked for the legendary David Swensen at the Yale Endowment, having conducted thousands of interviews with portfolio and investment managers and having capital allocation responsibility both for others (at Protege Partners) as well as himself. He takes a look back at what he learned and peers into the future of a space that has many challenges. https://www.amazon.com/Capital-Allocators-worlds-managers-invest-ebook/dp/B08N56SPN6/ Introduction Ted's Background- His experience at the Yale Endowment with David Swensen and lessons learned. What does your BUSINESS do today?  Any particular lessons going strictly from the allocation industry into more of a media focus? How have you taken the amazing access you have to the capital allocation system and used it to build your media focus? With this being your second book (the first is "So You Want to Start a Hedge Fund"), take us through the book writing process- how did you use the podcast to source material and whom were you writing the book for? (As an aside, David is famous for having a [losing] bet with Warren Buffett that his allocation to hedge funds would beat an S&P 500 Index- he has talked about that frequently in other venues and WROTE ABOUT IT HERE.) More specific questions on the Asset Allocation Space- In synthesizing lessons from your interviews and balancing against your own experience, what was the most surprising common theme that resonated through them?  Overcoming adversity (Pulling the plane out of the death spiral) . . . in the interviews and your experiences, how do allocators stop negative momentum?  Does career risk act as a natural stabilizer?  How big a threat is career risk for the asset manager and the allocator and how do you minimize that in the decision-making? Manager selection as "predicting evolution" . . . how do you diagnose skill in a snapshot of time vs a culture of process evolution that will continue to persist? The job description of CIO . . . (A question I didn't ask, but should have was "Have you ever had anyone from the search industry on?" . . . how do they navigate this insular world where neutrality and discretion is often pried?) The Impact of ESG, not on investments necessarily, but the managers themselves?  What percentage of asset managers are people of color?  Women?   It is six times more difficult for a manager to get a face-to-face meeting with an institutional allocator than a high school senior to gain acceptance at Yale or Harvard.  What is the future for new and emerging managers in this environment?  Who is doing good work on manager inclusiveness? How does politics impact decision-making at the Board Level, Allocator Level, Portfolio Manager level? Is there a study on the impact of life events on investment performance / process?  Is there a correlation?  Character- What percentage of CIO’s / managers are divorced/getting divorced?  Death in the family?  Have you hired private investigators to “peer under the hood”?  How prevalent are questionable practices / fraud?  How does that information get whispered? Do you have a couple of trends in the allocator/asset management space that we should watch out for? I thought your end section compared well with Jon Winokur’s book "The Portable Curmudgeon" on famous quotes (I loved it- particularly Greg Fleming's "Optimism is Moral Courage") . . . What were your favorite quotes from experts on various topics? How to find Ted: www.capitalallocators.com TWITTER: @tseides https://capitalallocatorspodcast.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

On the referral of a colleague, I interviewed the Nashville-based, LEONORA WILLIAMSON. She is an expert in family business dynamics, corporate citizenship and executive coaching and she has unique insights into the world of family business succession. Aside from advising families on the myriad issues, she has lived them herself with her family's own business. She is the founder of PLATINUM RULE ADVISORS and a Lecturer at Vanderbilt University on the topics of Negotiation and Corporate Social Responsibility for their undergraduate business program. She is also a board member of Sabre Yachts and has uniques insights into the running and transition of this family business. This was another episode where we scratched the surface of the issues we have seen and the lessons to be learned. I'll have to have her on again! Introduction What were some of the lessons you took from this when forming Platinum Rule? Getting the "Human" part of Human Resources right Using assessments and analytics to get a hold of the full family picture The Three Big Parts of the Venn Diagram Frameworks for getting one's arms around a big and complicated situation The Business - Is it healthy? Where is it Going? The Governance - How are decisions made in terms of ownership and operation? Who is in charge of strategy and who implements that strategy? The Family - How are decisions made at the family level? How does this intersect with the business? Intersection of "Family Wealth" and "Executive Coaching" In family enterprises, the "Human" component can be complicated by family dynamics. What issues do families need to be aware of ? Are there warning signs? How do you counsel families and businesses on information asymmetry (need to know vs want to know) when transparency is a goal, but some won't have the tools/discretion to deal with the important information? What happens when wealth and ownership structure doesn't interact well with operational structure?  Developing Human Capital How do you help executives that work in family organizations deal with change when it's clear that there is a personality clash or obvious performance problem? What happens if geography limits the talent pool? What if you have a leader that has the "raw material", but is new to being an executive or comes with a different leadership style?  Human Capital Trends? How do family businesses think about the important benefits of diversity and inclusion? Where do you think "Work From Home" fits in? Are relationships even more important in this landscape- how do you foster them in this new world?  How do you identify / develop talent via zoom? Contact Information www.platinumruleadvisors.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/platinum-rule-advisors/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonora-zilkha-williamson/ https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/