GDS Unplugged Podcast

GDS Unplugged
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Investing
  • Updated Biweekly

Build wealth. Navigate major life decisions. Stay informed. The Wealth Brief features conversations on investing, retirement, business, leadership, and more, including the flagship series GDS Unplugged with financial veterans Glen Smith and Robert Casey. Learn more at gdswealth.com.

  1. Aug 12 ·  Video

    Big Wealth Firm or Boutique Advisor? Which Is Right for You? [Ep. 32]

    About This Episode:  Choosing a wealth management firm is one of the most important financial decisions you'll make. The right advisor can help you navigate retirement, taxes, investments, estate planning, and major life transitions with confidence. But before evaluating individual advisors, many investors find themselves asking a more fundamental question:  Should I work with a large national wealth management firm or a boutique wealth management firm?  It's a comparison more people are making than ever before. While large Wall Street firms offer recognizable names, decades of history, and extensive resources, independent boutique firms have experienced also become an increasingly prominent part of the wealth management industry, offering personalized advice, transparent fees, and long-term relationships.  In a recent episode of GDS Unplugged, Glen Smith, Founder, CEO & CIO of GDS Wealth Management, and Vice President Robert Casey explored this question from a unique perspective. Having spent more than a decade at a major wirehouse before building an independent, fee-only Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), they shared firsthand insights into the strengths, limitations, and common misconceptions surrounding both models.   Related Resource: If you're researching financial advisors, our companion article takes a deeper look at what defines a boutique wealth management firm, how the fee-only fiduciary model differs from many traditional firms, and what to consider before choosing an advisor, read our companion article: Boutique vs. Big Firms: Why a Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor May Be the Right Choice for You  Continue Learning About Boutique Wealth Management: If you'd like a deeper look at what sets boutique wealth management firms apart, our companion article explores the differences in service models, ownership structures, fiduciary advice, fee transparency, and the personalized client experience that distinguishes many independent firms from larger financial institutions.  Continue Reading: Boutique vs. Big Firms: Why a Fee-Only Fiduciary Advisor May Be the Right Choice for You  Disclosure:  GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Statements regarding boutique and large wealth management firms reflect general opinions and personal experiences; firms vary in their services, resources, fees, compensation arrangements, conflicts, and regulatory obligations. References to client experiences may not be representative of other clients, and no compensation was provided for any quoted statements. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Market timing and other investment decisions should be evaluated based on each investor’s individual circumstances. For more information about GDS’s services, fees, conflicts, and disclosures, please visit www.gdswealth.com.

  2. Jul 29 ·  Video

    Are Financial Advisors Worth it? [Ep. 31]

    About This Episode  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, Glen Smith and Robert Casey address one of the financial profession’s most uncomfortable questions: Why do so many people distrust financial advisors?  They discuss product sales, commissions, unclear fees, performance expectations, and recommendations that were not always centered on the client. They also explain what a valuable advisory relationship should provide instead: transparency, thoughtful planning, empathy, and consistent follow-through.  The point is not that every advisor is untrustworthy. It is that trust should be earned, not assumed simply because someone has a title.  For high-income investors, an advisor may make sense when the relationship brings clarity, coordination, discipline, and sound judgment to a financial life that has become too complex to manage casually.  Watch the Full Episode  This overview captures the main themes, but the full conversation goes deeper into sales incentives, financial scars, fees, performance promises, artificial intelligence, comprehensive planning, and the emotional weight people bring into an advisor’s office.  Watch the complete episode of GDS Unplugged to hear Glen Smith and Robert Casey discuss what has damaged trust, and what financial advice should look like going forward.  Also, explore additional resources in The Wealth Brief Learning Center.  If you would like to discuss your situation in more detail, you can schedule a complimentary consultation.  Disclosure  GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The views expressed are those of the speakers as of the recording date and may change. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not personalized investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or pursue any strategy. Client examples and planning outcomes are illustrative, may be anonymized, and are specific to the circumstances described. Results will vary, and no outcome is guaranteed. Any client statement reflects that client’s individual experience, may not be representative of others, and was not compensated. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Consult your investment, legal, and tax professionals regarding your circumstances. Additional information about GDS’s services, fees, and conflicts of interest is available in its Form ADV at adviserinfo.sec.gov. For more information about GDS, please visit www.gdswealth.com.

  3. Jul 15 ·  Video

    How High-Income Couples Stay Financially Aligned (And Avoid Costly Mistakes) [Ep. 30]

    About This Episode  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, Robert sits down with Victoria Geiger, a Certified Financial Planner® with GDS Wealth Management, to talk about one of the most personal parts of financial planning: marriage and money.  Victoria walks through eight conversations couples should have before and after marriage, from combining accounts and managing spender-saver tension to second marriages, beneficiaries, estate planning, and prenuptial agreements.  The heart of the conversation is simple: the earlier couples talk honestly about money, the better prepared they are to build a life together.  Watch the Full Episode  The full episode goes deeper into the real-life stories behind these topics.  Watch the complete episode of GDS Unplugged to learn how to approach marriage and finances with more clarity, honesty, and confidence. Also, explore additional resources in The Wealth Brief Learning Center.  If you would like to discuss your situation in more detail, you can schedule a complimentary consultation.  Disclosure GDS Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or estate planning advice, or as a recommendation to buy or sell any security or adopt any particular investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own as of the date of recording, are subject to change without notice, and are intended for general informational purposes only. The information discussed may not be applicable to every individual's circumstances. Any examples discussed are for illustrative purposes only, have been anonymized where appropriate, and are not representative of all client experiences or future results. Tax laws, retirement plan limits, and estate planning rules are subject to change. Please consult your financial, legal, tax, or other professional advisers regarding your individual circumstances before implementing any strategy discussed. For additional information about GDS Wealth Management, including its services, fees, and Form ADV, please visit adviserinfo.sec.gov.

  4. Jul 1 ·  Video

    $100,000 Mistakes Home Sellers Make Before Listing | Gina Mullen

    About This Episode: Gina Mullen, founder of the Gina Mullen Realty Group, joins Robert Casey for a practical conversation on the seller side of today’s real estate market.  Gina brings a unique background to real estate. Before building her real estate business, she spent more than 20 years in the legal industry, including time running a high-volume litigation department. That experience shaped the way she thinks about contracts, disclosure, negotiation, documentation, and the small details that can become major problems if they are missed.  In this GDS Unplugged episode, Gina walks through what sellers need to understand before listing a home, why preparation matters more in the current market, and how preparation and planning may help sellers navigate the process more effectively.  Watch the Full Episode:  This overview captures the highlights, but the full conversation goes deeper into inspections, seller disclosure, pricing strategy, buyer behavior, agent selection, and the mindset sellers need in today’s real estate market.  Watch the complete conversation with Gina Mullen to hear the stories, examples, and practical guidance behind selling a home with more clarity and fewer surprises.  Disclosure:  GDS Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and are subject to change. Nothing discussed should be construed as investment, legal, tax, mortgage, insurance, or real estate advice. Real estate markets and economic conditions change over time, and no future results or outcomes are guaranteed. Please consult your professional advisors regarding your specific situation.

  5. Jun 17 ·  Video

    How Great Companies Scale: Leadership, Accountability & Growth with Mark Winters

    About This Episode: Entrepreneur, EOS Implementer, business coach, and Rocket Fuel co-author Mark C. Winters joins Glen Smith for a conversation on leadership, accountability, business growth, and the challenges entrepreneurs face as their companies evolve.  Mark's path to entrepreneurship did not begin with a startup. It began at Procter & Gamble, where he was quickly moving up the corporate ladder. After a difficult experience with management that challenged his assumptions about the future he had planned for himself, he began exploring entrepreneurship. That decision ultimately led him to start, buy, or help build more than 15 companies.  Today, Mark is one of the most recognized voices in the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) community. In this episode, he shares lessons from decades of business ownership, coaching, and leadership development, along with practical insights from his books Rocket Fuel and The Visionary.  Watch the Full Episode:  This overview highlights some of the biggest lessons from our conversation, but the full episode dives deeper into entrepreneurship, EOS, leadership teams, accountability, delegation, and the relationship between visionaries and integrators.  Watch the complete conversation with Mark C. Winters to hear the stories, lessons, and leadership insights behind building a business that lasts. Disclosure:  GDS Wealth Management ("GDS") is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Mark C. Winters is not a client of GDS and is compensated by GDS for consulting services. His participation in this content should not be construed as a testimonial, endorsement, or recommendation of GDS or its advisory services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and may not reflect the views of GDS. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, accounting, business, or other professional advice. References to EOS®, Rocket Fuel®, The Visionary®, and other third-party products, services, organizations, or publications are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by GDS. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. For additional information regarding GDS's services, fees, and disclosures, please visit www.gdswealth.com.

  6. Jun 3 ·  Video

    From NFL to Navy SEAL: Lessons on Discipline, Leadership, and Risk

    About This Episode: Former NFL player, Navy SEAL officer, entrepreneur, and leadership speaker Clint Bruce joins host Glen Smith for a wide-ranging conversation on hardship, preparation, leadership, faith, and what it means to steward the time you’ve been given.  From being a fifth-string middle school football player to earning a spot at the Naval Academy, spending time in the NFL, and later becoming a Navy SEAL, Clint’s story is not one of ease. It is a story of choosing the harder path when the harder path is the right one.  Along the way, he shares lessons from football, military service, fatherhood, and business, offering a clear reminder: elite performance is rarely built in dramatic moments. It is built through discipline, humility, curiosity, and countless small decisions made when no one is watching.  Watch the Full Episode:  This overview captures the highlights, but the full conversation includes Clint’s stories from football, SEAL training, 9/11 deployment, fatherhood, leadership, and the people who shaped his life.  Watch the complete conversation with Clint Bruce to hear the humor, conviction, and hard-earned perspective behind one simple charge: run at the hard things.  Disclosure: GDS Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, legal, or other professional advice. The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the views of GDS Wealth Management. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal.

  7. May 20 ·  Video

    SSDI Explained: How to Qualify & Avoid Costly Mistakes [Ep. 29]

    About this Episode  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, we break down Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, including what it is, how it works, who may qualify, and why many people overlook a benefit they may have already paid into throughout their working years.  SSDI can be a complex topic because it sits at the intersection of government benefits, disability planning, taxes, and retirement income. For individuals and families facing a serious medical event, it can also become an important source of income. The key is understanding that the benefit exists, knowing how the process works, and being prepared if you ever need to apply.  Keep Learning and Stay Connected  For more insights on Social Security, retirement planning, and long-term financial strategy, explore additional resources in our Learning Center and follow GDS Unplugged.  If you would like to discuss your situation in more detail, you can schedule a complimentary consultation.  Disclosure  GDS Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. This podcast and transcript are for informational purposes only and are not personalized investment or tax advice, nor an offer or solicitation for advisory services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers are subject to change and may not apply to your situation. All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Discussion of Social Security and SSDI is based on current rules that may change, and eligibility will vary; GDS does not represent individuals before the Social Security Administration. Examples are illustrative only and not indicative of future results. Additional information, including fees and conflicts, is available in our Form ADV at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

  8. May 6 ·  Video

    Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor? (Honest Answer) [Ep. 28]

    About this Episode  In this episode of GDS Unplugged, we take an honest look at a common question: Do you actually need a financial advisor?  The answer isn’t always, “yes”. Some people are fully capable of managing their own finances. But doing it well requires more than just picking investments. It involves managing risk, staying disciplined during market swings, understanding taxes, and building a long-term plan that adapts over time.  This conversation breaks down the key areas to consider so you can decide what makes the most sense for your situation. At the end of the day, it’s not about doing it yourself or hiring an advisor. It’s about making the right decision with full awareness of what each path requires.  Keep Learning & Stay Connected  For more insights on investing, financial planning, and long-term wealth strategy, explore additional resources in our Learning Center and follow along with GDS Unplugged.  If you’re unsure whether managing your finances on your own is the right approach, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss how these concepts apply to your financial plan.  Disclosure  GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment, legal, tax, or financial planning advice. The views expressed are general in nature and may not be appropriate for every individual. Nothing discussed should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any security or adopt any specific strategy, and any examples are illustrative and not indicative of future results. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Any discussion of tax or estate planning is general in nature and subject to change; listeners should consult their own professional advisers before making any decisions. For additional information about GDS, including services, fees, and conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A.

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5
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About

Build wealth. Navigate major life decisions. Stay informed. The Wealth Brief features conversations on investing, retirement, business, leadership, and more, including the flagship series GDS Unplugged with financial veterans Glen Smith and Robert Casey. Learn more at gdswealth.com.

Information

  • Creator
    GDS Unplugged
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    GDS Unplugged Podcast

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