The Practitioner's Brief with John Cervantes, CFA

John Cervantes, CFA
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Investing
  • Updated Daily

The Practitioner’s Brief, the intersection life, money, and markets. As an active investment professional John doesn’t just study the markets, he helps everyday people navigate them. This isn't a show about complex algorithms or "trading" strategy; it’s a show about making the complex simple. Building investment frameworks that survive the test of time. If you want to understand the why behind the markets and the how of your financial plan, you’re in the right place. No jargon, no ego, just practical, forward-thinking perspectives for everyday life.

Episodes

  1. May 18

    The Semiconductor Boom | What Every Investor Needs to Understand

    👉 Need Help? Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/jcervantes-primefinancial/30min 📊 Full Interactive Brief: https://www.practitionersbrief.com/insights/what-your-portfolio-is-actually-made-of-part-2-the-capex-boom 0:00 Introduction and the big shift 1:22 Historical capital investment cycles 2:23 Size of the AI capex cycle 3:56 Hyperscaler spending and free cash flow 5:14 Semiconductor profit explosion 6:46 Prisoner’s dilemma and new entrants ©2026 Prime Capital Financial. The views and information contained herein are (1) for general educational or informational purposes only, (2) are not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any investment, and (3) should not be construed or acted upon as investment or tax advice. The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness.Investing involves risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of comparable future results.No guarantees expressed or implied. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Fixed insurance and annuity product riders, features, and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations.Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. Tax planning and preparation services are offered through Prime Capital Tax Advisory. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness | Family Office | Tax Advisory.

    8 min

  2. May 5

    San Antonio Real Estate 2026: A Practitioner's Conversation with Jaffar Chughtai

    📊 Full Interactive Brief: https://www.practitionersbrief.com/insights/south-texas-real-estate-update 👉 Need Help? Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/jcervantes-primefinancial/30min0:00 San Antonio real estate 2026 overview 0:00 Intro — Meet Jaffar Chughtai1:00 San Antonio housing market by the numbers3:30 Duplex case study: why rentals don't cashflow6:00 ARV mistakes and wholesaler traps9:00 How to manage contractors11:00 Best San Antonio neighborhoods to flip13:30 Austin vs San Antonio housing market16:30 San Antonio commercial real estate23:00 Industrial flex space strategy31:00 Where San Antonio is growing next©2026 Prime Capital Financial. The views and information contained herein are (1) for general educational or informational purposes only, (2) are not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any investment, and (3) should not be construed or acted upon as investment or tax advice. The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness.Investing involves risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of comparable future results.No guarantees expressed or implied. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Fixed insurance and annuity product riders, features, and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations.Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. Tax planning and preparation services are offered through Prime Capital Tax Advisory. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness | Family Office | Tax Advisory.

    35 min

  3. Apr 7

    What is your Portfolio Actually Made of? | The Shift To Asset-light Business Models

    📊 Full Interactive Brief: https://www.practitionersbrief.com/insights/what-your-investment-portfolio-is-actually-made-of 👉 Need Help? Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/jcervantes-primefinancial/30min 92% of the S&P 500 is built on things you cannot see, touch, or verify. In 1975 that number was 17%. Most investors never consciously chose this. The market just changed around them. This is Part 1 of a four-part series on what your portfolio is actually made of and why it matters right now.0:00 The question nobody asks about your portfolio0:40 The 92% number and what it means1:27 Why the economy shifted from physical to intangible2:34 The businesses that defined the era6:15 The question nobody is asking right now©2026 Prime Capital Financial. The views and information contained herein are (1) for general educational or informational purposes only, (2) are not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any investment, and (3) should not be construed or acted upon as investment or tax advice. The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness.Investing involves risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of comparable future results.No guarantees expressed or implied. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Fixed insurance and annuity product riders, features, and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations.Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. Tax planning and preparation services are offered through Prime Capital Tax Advisory. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness | Family Office | Tax Advisory.

    8 min

  4. Mar 9

    The Iran War and Your Portfolio: History, Energy Risk, and What to Watch

    📊 Full Interactive Brief: https://www.practitionersbrief.com/in...👉 Need Help? Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/jcervantes-prime...Investing Through the Iran War: What History Actually Says About Military Conflict and MarketsThe US and Israel began joint air attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. Equity markets dropped just 2% in the first week. Financial media is citing average post-conflict returns, but averages obscure the range of outcomes and miss what actually matters this time.In this episode, I break down why the "do nothing" playbook carries more risk than usual, what the crude oil forward curve is telling us in real time, and the five signals I am watching to determine whether this is a short-term disruption or a durable energy supply shock.Topics covered:• Why average post-conflict market returns are practically useless• Four conditions that make this conflict different from past geopolitical shocks• The China-Iran relationship and what it means for investors• Three common knee-jerk reactions and how to think about each one• Five real-time indicators to monitor going forwardThis is not financial advice. It is one practitioner's perspective on navigating uncertainty with discipline.0:00 Iran conflict and the first week of market reaction1:12 What history actually says about investing through war2:26 Why the "do nothing" playbook is riskier this time5:10 Three knee-jerk reactions and how to think about them7:07 Five signals I am watching right now©2026 Prime Capital Financial. The views and information contained herein are (1) for general educational or informational purposes only, (2) are not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any investment, and (3) should not be construed or acted upon as investment or tax advice. The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness.Investing involves risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of comparable future results.No guarantees expressed or implied. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Fixed insurance and annuity product riders, features, and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations.Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. Tax planning and preparation services are offered through Prime Capital Tax Advisory. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness | Family Office | Tax Advisory.

    9 min

  5. Feb 20

    Back to Basics: Bonds +AI Disruption

    Markets are in the middle of an “AI disruption repricing” – with agents, automation, and new workflows hitting legal, finance, logistics, and more in real time. In this Back to Basics episode, I connect that volatility to what’s changed in bonds since the 2022 bear market and how to actually use fixed income in 2026 and beyond. We’ll look at barbell portfolio construction, two long-term AI/interest rate scenarios, and practical ways to ladder bonds around real-life cash needs. 📋 Full Brief: https://www.practitionersbrief.com/in... 0:00 – AI disruption repricing and recent market volatility3:20 – Building a barbell portfolio: AI‑driven growth plus durable legacy businesses4:50 – What’s changed in bonds: roles, rates, and the post‑2022 bear market6:20 – Two long‑term scenarios for AI, growth, inflation, and interest rates9:35 – When and why to own bonds today (laddering, time horizons, and retirement cash needs)©2026 Prime Capital Financial. The views and information contained herein are (1) for general educational or informational purposes only, (2) are not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any investment, and (3) should not be construed or acted upon as investment or tax advice. The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness.Investing involves risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of comparable future results.No guarantees expressed or implied. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Fixed insurance and annuity product riders, features, and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations.Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. Tax planning and preparation services are offered through Prime Capital Tax Advisory. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness | Family Office | Tax Advisory.

    12 min

  6. Feb 5

    How to Invest in 2026: The S&P 500

    The S&P 500 isn't diversified anymore—it's a concentrated bet on 7 tech stocks at historically high valuations. In this video, I break down why normalized P/E ratios suggest negative returns over the next decade, where the market rotation is heading, and how to think about positioning your portfolio for 2026.We'll cover: Why 35% of your "diversified" index sits in just 7 companies. The 7% annual return gap between market cap and equal weight S&P. What the AI spending boom means for Mag 7 margins. The software vs. semiconductor divergence you need to watch. This is broad education, not individualized advice. Seek out a qualified professional for your specific situation.©2026 Prime Capital Financial. The views and information contained herein are (1) for general educational or informational purposes only, (2) are not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any investment, and (3) should not be construed or acted upon as investment or tax advice. The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness.Investing involves risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of comparable future results.No guarantees expressed or implied. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Fixed insurance and annuity product riders, features, and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations.Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. Tax planning and preparation services are offered through Prime Capital Tax Advisory. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness | Family Office | Tax Advisory.

    13 min

  7. Jan 27

    40 Years on the Front Lines: A conversation with Marilou Moursund

    Mary Lou Morrison, CFA, MBA with over 40 years of experience, shares her journey from managing mortgage-backed securities in 1983 during the Savings and Loan crisis to founding the prominent RIA, Crossvault Capital Management, in 1999. The conversation explores the evolution of the investment industry, the benefits of active equity management, and the strategic decision to partner with Prime Capital Financial to ensure long-term stability and growth. ©2025 Prime Capital Financial. The views and information contained herein are (1) for general educational or informational purposes only, (2) are not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any investment, and (3) should not be construed or acted upon as investment or tax advice. The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. Investing involves risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of comparable future results.No guarantees expressed or implied. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Fixed insurance and annuity product riders, features, and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations. Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. Tax planning and preparation services are offered through Prime Capital Tax Advisory. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness | Family Office | Tax Advisory.

    1h 2m

  8. Jan 24

    Health is Wealth | A conversation with Jeremy Tucker: Creating physical capacity as we age

    📊 JEREMY'S BACKGROUND:• Founder, Elite Strength & Conditioning (Elite CrossFit) - San Antonio, TX• 33rd Fittest 50-54 Year Old Worldwide (CrossFit Open)• 23+ years as fitness business owner• Father of 3 girls, husband, and community builder• Survived COVID gym closures and thrived🏋️ WHY THIS MATTERS FOR YOUR WEALTH:Your retirement plan assumes you'll live to 90+. But what's the point of accumulating wealth if you can't enjoy it? Health span—the years you're physically capable and vibrant—is just as important as your investment portfolio. This conversation bridges the gap between financial planning and physical longevity. (00:00) Introduction: Meet Jeremy Tucker, Elite CrossFit Founder(00:17) The 33rd Fittest "Old Guy" in the World(01:00) Health Span vs. Lifespan: Why Your Assets Need a Healthy Body(02:09) Why CrossFit? 18 Years of the Methodology(04:44) Infinitely Scalable: How 75-Year-Olds and Elite Athletes Train Together(06:12) The Importance of Professional Coaching as a Career(07:43) Personal Training and Tailored Programs for Individual Goals(08:45) Meet "The Legends": Staying Fit at 75 and Beyond(13:04) Consistency is a Superpower (Even if You Hate Burpees)(15:12) Community & Camaraderie: The Respect of the Grind(18:56) From Managing Globo Gyms to Owning a Business(20:14) The Scary Leap: Moving Out of the Garage and Signing the First Lease(23:35) Navigating COVID: 59 Days of Uncertainty and Construction(27:04) Shrink to Grow: The Hard Decision to Consolidate Locations(31:45) Balancing Business with Family and Being a "Navigating Star"(34:16) The Future of Elite CrossFit in 2026(36:04) The Evolution of the CrossFit Parent Organization(37:55) Finding Your Physical Passion: From Jiu-Jitsu to Ultra-Running(45:59) How to Start: Finding the Right Coach and Staying Sustainable ©2025 Prime Capital Financial. The views and information contained herein are (1) for general educational or informational purposes only, (2) are not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any investment, and (3) should not be construed or acted upon as investment or tax advice. The information contained herein was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness.Investing involves risk. Investors should be prepared to bear loss, including total loss of principal. Diversification does not guarantee investment returns and does not eliminate the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of comparable future results.No guarantees expressed or implied. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Fixed insurance and annuity product riders, features, and guarantees are subject to the claims paying ability of the issuing company. This information does not constitute legal advice. Prime Capital Financial and its associates do not provide legal advice. Individuals should consult with an attorney regarding the applicability of this information for their situations.Advisory products and services offered by Investment Adviser Representatives through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC (“PCIA”), a federally registered investment adviser. Tax planning and preparation services are offered through Prime Capital Tax Advisory. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., Suite 150, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Prime Capital Financial | Wealth | Retirement | Wellness | Family Office | Tax Advisory.

    49 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

The Practitioner’s Brief, the intersection life, money, and markets. As an active investment professional John doesn’t just study the markets, he helps everyday people navigate them. This isn't a show about complex algorithms or "trading" strategy; it’s a show about making the complex simple. Building investment frameworks that survive the test of time. If you want to understand the why behind the markets and the how of your financial plan, you’re in the right place. No jargon, no ego, just practical, forward-thinking perspectives for everyday life.

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