Blake Harris shares tips for how to improve your asset protection! The conversation delves into how offshore trusts differ from domestic ones. Blake also dispels misconceptions about offshore trusts, emphasizing their legality and utility for asset protection rather than tax evasion. We explore how these trusts work, the best jurisdictions for establishing them, and the practical benefits for individuals seeking robust asset protection. 

Today we discuss...

Offshore trusts help protect assets from lawsuits and divorces while allowing clients to retain control over their investments. Asset protection trusts are designed to prevent courts from easily seizing assets. Offshore trusts offer stronger protection compared to domestic trusts by shifting control to foreign trustees in jurisdictions like the Cook Islands. Offshore trusts provide access to foreign investments and international diversification opportunities. Unlike older practices of hiding money offshore, these trusts comply with IRS reporting requirements and are not used for tax evasion. Countries like the Cook Islands, Nevis, and Belize offer asset protection laws, but the Cook Islands are regarded as the strongest jurisdiction. Domestic trusts are weaker because U.S. courts can compel trustees to hand over assets. Offshore trusts can help clients negotiate favorable settlements or avoid lawsuits altogether. Compliance with offshore trust regulations involves some reporting but is manageable with expert guidance. Asset protection trusts primarily safeguard cash, stocks, bonds, crypto, gold, and silver in Swiss bank accounts. Cryptocurrency can be held under a Cook Islands trust via self-custody, third-party vaults, or Swiss bank accounts. Real estate is typically held in LLCs tied to the trust, with options for further protection through equity stripping. Divorces are treated as "super creditor" cases, but Cook Islands trustees can refuse to release funds under duress. Clients comply with court orders but trustees protect assets by requiring sworn statements of no duress. U.S. courts cannot force clients to perjure themselves, further securing trust assets. Over 10 million lawsuits are filed annually in the U.S., creating a need for robust asset protection strategies.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/asset-protection-blake-harris-670 

Where is the Santa Clause Rally and why isn't it here yet? What is here however, is drones! Today we talk about the current events including drone sightings and assassinations. We highlight the lack of transparency in politics, corporate media, and Wall Street - there definitely needs to be critical thinking. We also address the "Santa Claus rally" phenomenon since it could be anecdotal as it lacks consistent data. We talk bullish market trends, year-end tax-loss selling, and being mindful of market seasonality and timing.

Today we discuss...

• High-profile events and media narratives around it.
• The wealth concentrated around Washington, D.C., highlighting systemic corruption.
• The "Santa Claus rally" phenomenon and its historical market impact.
• Analysis of seasonal market trends, including tax-loss harvesting and year-end buying opportunities.
• Observations on the rise of 401(k) millionaires, with caution about potential biases in data reporting.
• The Euphorometer shows that the stock market's current euphoria level is the highest in the last 30 years, warranting caution.
• Despite some bearish signals, the market is generally bullish with strong momentum.
• Foreign holdings of U.S. assets are at historic highs, signaling confidence in the U.S. economy.
• Job numbers are showing some signs of softness, which requires monitoring.
• Investors need a clear plan, whether it’s buy-and-hold or other strategies, and should stick with it through market fluctuations.
• Consumer bullishness is at odds with expectations for income growth, creating divergence in sentiment.
• The stock market’s sentiment is very strong, but investors should be cautious of potential over-optimism.
• The idea of having a flexible plan for market shifts, especially around year-end, is highlighted.
• The 60/40 portfolio model is becoming outdated as it struggles to balance volatility in bullish times.
• Momentum investing has its risks, as trends can change unexpectedly. The U.S. deficit is rising rapidly, with projections suggesting a $3.5 trillion deficit.
• Inflation-adjusted home prices are at historical highs, with housing prices showing significant growth since the late 90s.
• The income needed to afford a home has nearly doubled over the past decade, limiting demand.
• Despite challenges in the housing market, stock market expectations remain high, driven by hope rather than data.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/where-is-the-santa-clause-rally 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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Rod Griffin shares how credit impacts your daily life! As a consumer education and advocacy expert at Experian, Rod discuss the critical role of credit in financial health, particularly during the holiday season. This conversation covers best practices for managing credit and credit scores, including maintaining low credit utilization, paying bills on time, and understanding credit reports. He also talk tips to avoid holiday overspending.

Today we discuss...

• Rod Griffin, with 27 years at Experian, shares insights into the company's diverse services beyond credit scores, including fraud prevention, identity theft recovery, and automotive history.
• Rod's journey from journalism to consumer advocacy at Experian, highlighting the role of information as a key driver of global economies.
• The importance of using credit as a financial tool during the holiday season to avoid overspending and access better financial opportunities.
• Rod advises on planning and budgeting, including making lists and avoiding impulse purchases, to manage holiday spending effectively.
• Key tips for maintaining strong credit scores include paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding the myth of needing to carry a balance.
• Using tools like free credit reports and risk factors from credit scores to understand and improve their financial standing.
• How credit scores assess payment history, credit utilization, credit mix, and recent behavior to gauge risk for lenders.
• Consistency in financial habits—such as paying in full and maintaining low utilization—is essential for building good credit over time.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/credit-impacts-your-daily-life-rod-griffin-668 

Thanksgiving is over and now we're heading into Christmas season! Today we touch on financial planning, likening it to solving a maze by starting at the end: envisioning life goals and working backward to build a plan. We talk about the concept of a "Misogi" or a major annual goal to focus on, aligning it with strategies like bucket lists and planning retirement activities early to maximize fulfillment. Financial freedom isn't just about amassing wealth but about enabling experiences and meaningful life choices and these choices are even important during Christmas! 

Today we discuss... 

• Time is the most valuable resource because it cannot be created or extended, unlike money.
• Social engagement and new activities are crucial for mental well-being, especially in retirement.
• Retirement follows five stages, from anticipation to reflection on health and family as priorities.
• Over-spending is common in the early retirement phase due to increased free time and enthusiasm.
• Financial planning should begin with identifying life goals and working backward to achieve them.
• A "bucket list" approach helps ensure meaningful experiences are prioritized early in life.
• Start financial planning by envisioning retirement goals and deconstructing them into actionable steps.
• Inflation, taxes, market volatility, longevity, liquidity, and spending are critical risks to consider in financial planning.
• Longevity compounds other risks like inflation, taxes, and volatility, making it crucial to plan for extended lifespans.
• Extending working years is another strategy, but it is subject to factors like health and employment opportunities.
• Spending adjustments are a common way people adapt to financial limitations, underscoring human resilience.
• Behavioral finance plays a significant role in managing wealth and mitigating emotional biases.
• Leveraging Bitcoin or other assets on a company’s balance sheet can offer growth opportunities but requires careful risk assessment.
• Many financial planners fail to address college and housing costs effectively, leading to unnecessary wealth loss.
• A long-term focus and proactive planning are essential for achieving financial and familial goals.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/thanksgiving-is-over-667 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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John Palmer delves into his extensive career in banking, and highlights the golden opportunity that lies in small and mid-sized banks. He highlights trends like consolidation, regulatory evolution, and technological advancements. Looking ahead, he is optimistic about the banking sector’s recovery cycle and its capacity for sustained growth, even amid challenges like commercial real estate pressures and emerging fintech innovations. 

Today we discuss...

• John Palmer shared his extensive experience in the banking industry, including his career start at KPMG and his transition to founding a banking-focused investment fund in 1996.
• How the banking industry has undergone massive consolidation since the 1990s driven largely by efficiency and cost-saving opportunities.
• Key trends like stricter regulations, higher capital requirements, improved loan underwriting, and the transformative impact of technology on banking operations.
• The causes of the recent crises at Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and First Republic, emphasizing asset-liability mismanagement during rapid rate hikes.
• Blockchain technology acknowledged as a potential long-term asset for banks and skepticism about the role of cryptocurrency in traditional banking.
• The current banking stock cycle entering an upward phase, with profitability projected to grow steadily through 2026.
• Bank earnings and stock performance are rising, driven by factors like margin expansion and easing deposit costs.
• Banks with $1-$10 billion in assets are attractive targets for M&A due to cost savings and growth opportunities.
• Major banks are expanding branch networks in rural areas, targeting low-cost deposits, while smaller banks focus more on digital channels.
• The Midwest and Mideast regions show the most M&A activity, though the Southeast and California are also of interest.
• Investments focus on public banks with shareholder lists amenable to proxy support for structural changes.
• Banking regulation relief under a new administration could lower compliance costs and ease capital requirements.
• A normalized yield curve is boosting loan repricing and margins, contributing to earnings growth.
• Bank valuations remain attractive compared to broader markets, with banking stocks trading at significant discounts to earnings.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/golden-opportunity-john-palmer-666 

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management

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We're in a turkey hangover but that won't stop us from diving into investing strategies. We share how, by playing to their strengths and finding external support for areas of weakness, investors can reduce risk and enhance returns. We also talk niche investment opportunities in private companies and specific sectors, such as SpaceX and Stripe appearing in mutual funds, which is why you need to stay informed about evolving markets. 

Today we discuss...

• Kirk Chisholm reflects on a relaxing Thanksgiving filled with family time, turkey football, and setting up a backyard hockey rink.
• Doug Hagran shares his Thanksgiving highlights, including a successful deer hunting trip and attending a Minnesota Vikings game.
• Doug criticizes Ohio State's strategy after the loss against Michigan, emphasizing the failure to adapt and utilize their strengths against Michigan.
• How investors should align their strategies with their personal psychology and avoid imitating others, like Warren Buffett or hedge fund managers.
• Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses is critical for reducing risk and enhancing financial success.
• Using funds or managers for areas outside one's expertise can optimize returns and minimize risks.
• Private companies are being included in mutual funds, offering potential new investment opportunities for retail investors.
• Private equity investments often face challenges like high costs, illiquidity, and limited transparency.
• Liquidity is crucial in uncertain markets to avoid being trapped in illiquid investments during downturns.
• End-of-year tax-loss selling provides opportunities to buy undervalued stocks as investors offload losses.
• Macroeconomic factors like government cost-cutting and debt management significantly influence market trends and investment strategies.
• Growth stocks currently outperform due to optimism and favorable interest rate environments, but risks persist.
• Gold is noted for being less volatile than Bitcoin, but Bitcoin's upside has been stronger.
• The importance of moving on from losses, whether in elections, investing, or other domains, is underscored as a path to better decision-making.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/turkey-hangover-665

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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Tony Greer is here to share Macro Trading opportunities based on his insights from his dynamic career as a trader, spanning roles in FX and more, to his transition to founding The Morning Navigator newsletter. Tony reflects on the challenges of trading during the dot-com bubble, emphasizing the lessons learned from navigating volatile bear markets and adapting to shifts in trading technology. Tony explains how he thrives in today’s fast-paced trading environment, benefiting from volatility to capitalize on market moves. 

Today we discuss...

• Tony Greer divided his career into two halves: trading FX and commodities at Goldman Sachs, then moving into equity sales while consistently writing about markets.
• His independent trading firm during the 2000 tech bubble was an 18-month break-even experience, offering valuable lessons in market volatility and sentiment.
• Tony’s enduring passion is his market commentary, culminating in his newsletter The Morning Navigator, now in its ninth year.
• Tony attributes his trading success to learning from both bull and bear markets, emphasizing that bear markets require a different, more challenging skillset.
• Tony highlights the evolution of trading, from transparent electronic montages in the early 2000s to today’s opaque markets dominated by dark pools and hidden orders.
• His approach relies heavily on technical analysis, using risk-reward setups and trailing stop-loss strategies to navigate volatile markets.
• Tony’s macro calls are driven by observing market sentiment and trends.
• With the rise of ETFs, options, and daily expirations, Tony notes that markets have become more dynamic and unpredictable, fueling opportunities for active traders.
• Markets often telegraph political outcomes, as seen when Trump’s polling surge triggered a market breakout.
• Post-election market moves often reflect emotional reactions and capital deployment in favored sectors.
• Bank stocks and financials surged on election news, signaling bullish sentiment with substantial sector-wide moves.
• A steepening yield curve is a sign of economic health, often correlated with improving data and rising interest rates.
• The S&P’s consistent earnings growth supports its role as a robust inflation hedge and investment choice.
• Trading strategies vary across time horizons, with different accounts dedicated to day trading, mid-term investments, and long-term positions.
• Success in trading requires passion, discipline, and finding a personal methodology that works for the individual.
• Markets thrive on diversity in strategies—there’s no single “right way” to trade or invest.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/macro-trading-tony-greer-664

As the Friday before Thanksgiving unfolds, we are seeing cryptocurrency up and gold down! The markets are in a reflective yet volatile state. The emergence of Bitcoin options sparks intrigue and skepticism, with aggressive call-to-put ratios suggesting speculative fervor but also significant risk. Amid these market shifts, a broader discussion unfolds on the profitability of writing versus buying options, with no definitive data but a clear invitation for insights from more experienced market participants. 

Today we discuss... 

• The Thanksgiving holiday week is historically a peculiar time for trading, with irregular schedules impacting market activity.
• The introduction of Bitcoin options has sparked curiosity, with high premiums signaling extreme market expectations but posing significant risks.
• Bitcoin's potential inclusion as a U.S. reserve asset has revived discussions, despite being a long-standing topic without concrete developments.
• Options trading serves as a tool for managing risk, with ongoing debate about whether option writers consistently outperform buyers.
• Advanced data and analysis on options market outcomes could provide valuable insights for seasoned investors.
• The Ethereum market has rebounded to a normal range but has underperformed Bitcoin.
• Bitcoin has benefited from two factors: election outcomes and speculation about its potential role as a reserve asset.
• Trump was strongly pro-Bitcoin, while Harris has shown lukewarm support, affecting market perceptions.
• Speculation on Bitcoin's role as a reserve asset has driven short-term price spikes.
• There are significant challenges to making Bitcoin a reserve asset due to its price volatility and speculative nature.
• Bitcoin's fixed supply and hoarding behavior contribute to its price volatility and limit its practicality as a currency.
• The U.S. government could use confiscated Bitcoin for reserves without impacting the market.
• Michael Saylor's leveraged Bitcoin strategy demonstrates the high-risk, high-reward nature of such plays.
• Bitcoin is increasingly seen as an asset class rather than a functional currency.
• The limited liquidity in Bitcoin due to speculative holding patterns mirrors challenges in other markets with reduced float.
• Small-cap stocks have performed well post-election, partly due to optimism about domestic economic policies.
• Small-cap indexes like the S&P 600 are stricter on profitability compared to the broader Russell 2000, impacting valuation clarity.
• Structural differences in today's IPO and investment landscape may affect the long-term potential of small caps.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/cryptocurrency-up-663 

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management

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Anne Lester is here to discuss the retirement solutions and challenges that are facing each generation. Ann shares insights into the challenges of saving for retirement, influenced by her personal experiences as a former "terrible saver." There is a lot the anxiety surrounding retirement savings, the pitfalls of focusing on "the number," and the importance of understanding personal spending flexibility and failure lines. Ann discusses generational differences in retirement preparedness and highlights strategies for building retirement savings, such as saving future raises and adjusting spending priorities. 

Today we discuss...

• How Anne helped create the JP Morgan Smart Retirement Target Date Fund. Retirement challenges, including income uncertainty and spending in later life.
• Understanding personal "failure lines" and acceptable lifestyle adjustments.
• Generational wealth differences, with Gen Z and Millennials saving more early.
• The importance of employer-sponsored 401(k) plans for wealth building.
• Younger generations face challenges saving for retirement but are encouraged to stay the course for long-term stability.
• The housing market imbalance is influenced by limited supply, high prices, and generational trends in homeownership.
• Starter homes are increasingly unaffordable, forcing many young buyers to rely on financial help from family.
• The housing market could improve in 5-10 years as demographics and housing supply gradually shift.
• Multifamily housing and smaller new builds are growing trends, potentially offering more affordable options for buyers.
• Behavioral economics and AI have the potential to assist individuals in managing spending habits and savings strategies.
• Credit availability and understanding its consequences play a significant role in financial outcomes for younger generations.
• Boomers struggle with transitioning from saving to spending in retirement, often leaving unused funds.
• Generational differences in attitudes toward spending, saving, and credit reflect diverse economic experiences.
• Future perspectives on bonds may involve alternative strategies as economic conditions evolve.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/retirement-solutions-anne-lester-662

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Jeff Hulett | Finance Revamp

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The Trump presidency is going to affect your investments and today we discuss how! We talk about focusing on shifting paradigms, market trends, and the need for pragmatic investing. We criticize tech stocks, social media’s evolving role in information dissemination, and reflections on media partisanship. Our overarching goal is for you to focus on investment opportunities created by policy changes rather than being swayed by ideology. 

Today we discuss...

•     Reflections on self-awareness and understanding societal perceptions after the election.
•     Observations about the market downturn, especially in tech stocks.
•     Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and its cultural implications.
•     The significance of comedy and free speech in maintaining societal balance.
•     Discontent with corporate media as biased propaganda, regardless of political alignment.
•     Concerns about the long-term sustainability of pensions, Medicare, and Social Security in the 2030s.
•     Inflation’s impact on savings and purchasing power as a critical financial concern.
•     Discussion of policy proposals like free college and their feasibility in a paradigm-shifting era.
•     The potential economic disruptions from AI and other transformative technologies.
•     Shifts in investment strategies to align with anticipated policy changes under new leadership.
•     The importance of separating politics from investment decisions to maximize financial outcomes.
•     The strategic approach to capitalizing on corporate tax cuts and their impact on major companies.
•     Critique of ideological investing for potentially leaving significant financial gains on the table.
•     Nuclear energy is gaining bipartisan support due to its reliability as a load power source.
•     Abundant, cheap energy is critical for societal progress, as scarcity leads to economic stagnation and conflicts over resources.
•     Proposals like replacing income tax with tariffs reflect the trade-offs inherent in policy changes.
•     Recognizing the populist movement as a response to frustrations with big institutions and a desire for greater voter control.
•     Misinformation in charts and emphasizing skepticism when analyzing data visuals online.
•     Identifying signs of euphoria in market sentiment as a potential warning for cautious investing.
•     Contrarian investing during periods of extreme optimism or pessimism as a timeless strategy.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/trump-presidency-661 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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Marco Santarelli returns to share real estate opportunities you should be jumping on in 2025! Despite rising interest rates, Marco remains optimistic about real estate as one of the best opportunities to be a part of. He explains that high demand and low supply in many U.S. markets create opportunities, particularly in non-tier-one markets, and encourages investors to focus on "where" to invest rather than "when" to start. Most people who do start investing in real estate regret that they didn't invest even more! 

Today we discuss... 

• Marco Santarelli shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur with a primary focus on real estate investing, specifically in turnkey investment properties.
• Rising interest rates and their impact on real estate affordability.
• Focusing on location rather than timing the market, as there are always opportunities in specific markets.
• A lack of supply has created high demand in many U.S. housing markets, which is unlikely to be balanced before 2030.
• How affordability challenges affect buyers and investors, especially in expensive tier-one markets.
• Marco argues that even with higher mortgage rates, real estate investments continue to offer wealth protection, growth, and tax benefits.
• The current economic backdrop, including inflation and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy, and its effects on real estate.
• Real estate investments are viable at any interest rate if the numbers work and the location is right.
• Housing demand is high due to an underbuilt market, with 2.1 million units needed to meet current demand.
• Industrial real estate is performing well, while commercial properties struggle with vacancies.
• Small-scale residential properties (1-4 units) are ideal for most investors due to financing benefits and availability.
• Effective property management is essential; consider tenants as customers and research property managers’ services, reputation, and fees.
• Real estate offers long-term benefits through cash flow, equity, and tax advantages, and consistent education is key for successful investing.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/real-estate-opportunities-marco-santarelli-660 

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management

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