Money Tree Investing

Money Tree Investing Podcast
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Money Tree Investing

The weekly Money Tree Investing podcast aims to help you consistently grow your wealth by letting money work for you. Each week one of our panel members interviews a special guest on topics related to money, investing, personal finance and passive income. Episodes end with a panel discussion on the content of the interview, which allows us to give you a deeper understanding of what has been said by looking at it from different perspectives. If you are ready to take control of your own financial situation, then the Money Tree Investing podcast is just the thing for you! Taken together, our expert panel has decades of experience in money matters. Add to that the valuable insights that our weekly guests will be able to provide, and you got yourself one vast source of knowledge, all available to you for free.

  1. Long Term Care or Roll The Dice?

    2D AGO

    Long Term Care or Roll The Dice?

    We're joined by Frances Reaves, who shares insights from her work in estate and Medicaid planning, on how to get your parents ready for long term care. Frances explains the importance of preparing for elder care before it's urgently needed, sharing her personal experience with her own parents and husband, who is currently navigating Alzheimer's care. The conversation dives into the realities of elder care, including the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the high costs of in-home versus facility care, and the value of long-term care insurance.  We discuss...  Francis Reads is an elder law attorney specializing in estate and Medicaid planning. She founded a service within her law firm called “Parent Your Parents” to support elder care planning. Elder care generally begins around age 65, when Medicare becomes available. A major challenge in elder care is systemic apathy and poor communication in facilities. In-home care is the gold standard if money is no object, costing $12,000–$15,000 per month. Reverse mortgages and long-term care insurance are common strategies to fund elder care. Long-term care insurance works similarly to car insurance—ideally unused but crucial. The cost of long-term care and facilities can quickly deplete even sizable retirement savings. The best age to purchase long-term care insurance is between 55 and 60. For-profit facilities are incentivized to keep patients alive, not necessarily to improve their quality of life. If you have no one to care for you, plan ahead with long-term care insurance, savings, and legal documents like power of attorney and healthcare proxy. People who choose to provide full-time care often risk financial ruin if long-term care plans or savings are not in place. There’s potential to arbitrage life expectancy in financial tools like reverse mortgages or life insurance. Many elders struggle with losing independence, especially around giving up driving. Adult children often become parental figures to their own parents, which can create emotional strain. Financial advisors and lawyers play a key role in spotting and preventing elder financial abuse. Professionals should watch for signs of undue influence or financial exploitation and speak up if concerned. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast   For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/long-term-care-h-frances-reaves-706

    1h 2m
  2. Good Friday… Good Times… Bad Markets

    4D AGO

    Good Friday… Good Times… Bad Markets

    Good times... Bad markets! Today we talk about recent volatility in the market, particularly in the bond market, as there is a lot of geopolitical uncertainty that are coming with Trump’s economic moves. There may be a market downturn of up to 40% and the Fed will respond most likely respond by cutting rates, a familiar cycle in which political and monetary forces intervene to stabilize markets. Ultimately, if there's a recession, we still don't need to panic, the US markets are still strong so invest accordingly! We discuss... Market volatility recently spiked to levels not seen since COVID, driven by geopolitical and fiscal uncertainty. Trump’s unpredictable moves reintroduced risk into the markets, which had become too complacent. The Fed is currently in a wait-and-see mode, which markets interpret as a lack of proactive response. Trump criticized the Fed for not following the ECB in cutting rates, claiming it weakens U.S. competitiveness. The podcast host believes the market can handle high rates and criticized Powell’s pre-election rate cut as political. A continued market selloff is expected, with potential drops of 30–40% in the S&P 500 this year. If markets decline significantly, the Fed is likely to step in and cut rates to stabilize things. Historically, market declines have been followed by Fed intervention, which then props markets back up. A mild recession is likely before any recovery, but the overall economy remains fundamentally strong. Tariffs are currently painful for businesses but are viewed as a negotiation tactic rather than a permanent fixture. Markets dislike uncertainty, and the next six months are expected to be rocky before clarity returns. Keeping cash on hand is advised to take advantage of potential lower asset prices Americans are generally uncomfortable with negotiation and volatility compared to the rest of the world. Manufacturing may not fully return to the U.S., but diversification is critical for national security. Time dilation and recency bias cause people to misjudge the permanence of current events like tariffs. Leaders like Trump and Powell are motivated by legacy, not destruction. A stronger dollar could hurt gold and hard assets but elevate the U.S. as the most stable economy. Investors should routinely reassess their holdings to see if they would still buy them today. Always identify the potential exit point for any investment to manage risk.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/good-times-bad-markets-705

    50 min
  3. The New Global Paradigm Shift And How To Invest

    APR 18

    The New Global Paradigm Shift And How To Invest

    Dan Rasmussen returns to talk about how to invest during this global paradigm shift. Rasmussen shares how the post-2008 investment environment has shifted, with international markets now outperforming, volatility spiking, and the dollar weakening. He critiques the AI investment narrative, challenges in AI profitability, the misalignment between AI hype and real-world economic value, and the implications of rising geopolitical and market uncertainty.  We discuss... Dan Rasmussen runs the hedge fund Verdad, focusing on microcap value, credit, and market-neutral strategies. His new book, The Humble Investor, compiles insights from a decade of writing research notes. How the post-2008 market was defined by low volatility, strong U.S. equity performance, and growth stock dominance. In 2025, international markets have started outperforming U.S. equities, signaling a potential regime shift. As AI skepticism grows, tech giants have seen declining returns due to increased capital intensity. The profitability of AI investments remains unclear, with few killer applications and unsustainable infrastructure costs. Chipmakers like Nvidia require enormous customer spending just to justify current valuations. The long-term viability of AI, citing high operational costs and uncertain end-user benefits. Rising market volatility, potentially driven by politics and the dollar, is pushing investors toward safer, lower-volatility assets. Despite years of underperformance, international investing may be entering a comeback phase. Google is testing a shift from a pay-per-click to a pay-per-lead ad model in select zip codes. ChatGPT is becoming a preferred tool for research due to speed, accuracy, and reduced noise compared to Google. The uncertainty around AI profitability makes current tech valuations speculative and potentially risky. Potential large-scale layoffs in government and academia could ripple through the broader economy. Shifting public-sector workers to private-sector roles is uncertain and may not offset job losses. Despite Trump’s influence, AI is seen as a more dominant force for markets than political shifts. Japan is highlighted as a promising international market due to undervalued stocks with fortress balance sheets. Gold has become a favored allocation, with some portfolios holding as much as 35% due to recent strong performance. Today's Panelists: Megan Gorman | The Wealth Intersection Douglas Heagren | Pro College Planners Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/global-paradigm-shift-dan-rasmussen-704

    1h 20m
  4. A Second Big Move In The S&P 500 Will Change How You Think About Stock Investing

    APR 16

    A Second Big Move In The S&P 500 Will Change How You Think About Stock Investing

    There's a second big move in the S&P 500 and it's going to change things! Today we reflect on a historic and volatile week in the markets, highlighting dramatic swings that included 40- to 50-year extremes. We also talk investor psychology, client reactions, and the importance of focusing on long-term planning rather than daily market noise. There's also been a mystery investment that has quietly outperformed this year despite a lack of media attention so it's important to pay attention to all the trends, even the ones that aren't getting mainstream attention. We also share on Warren Buffett’s enduring success, Trump’s negotiation tactics, and how to spot overlooked opportunities by tracking what isn't crashing when everything else is.  We discuss... A mystery investment that's performed exceptionally well in 2024 but has received zero media attention. How under-the-radar assets often outperform when no one is paying attention. Billionaires lost large amounts of money this year—except Warren Buffett, who gained $12.7 billion. Charts from the previous week showed bond-related assets and corn among top performers, while energy and cannabis sectors lagged. Some Dow stocks barely moved during the selloff—specifically Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. We encourage investors to look for stocks that remain resilient during market downturns as potential buying opportunities. Trump’s negotiation tactics with China are giving markets a breather while keeping pressure on. Strength in gold miners, healthcare, and food & beverage was cited as areas to watch moving forward. Social media sentiment is largely negative, with most companies underperforming regardless of size. Low volatility stocks are the notable outliers, performing better than other equity factors. Alternative assets like preferreds and hedge funds are also experiencing significant declines. Gold is the surprise top-performing asset this year, up sharply and widely ignored by even gold enthusiasts. Financially strong companies are likely to outperform in uncertain markets and come out stronger. U.S. processed food is often lower quality than international versions, yet less regulated domestically. The 200-day moving average is a key rule of thumb—nothing good tends to happen below it. Global equity markets, particularly Europe and Latin America, remain positive year-to-date despite recent pullbacks. European stocks may offer opportunity, but the speaker expresses skepticism over Europe’s long-term competitiveness. The U.S. dollar is down 4% year-to-date and recently broke below its multi-year trading range. Crypto has been mixed, with Bitcoin holding up better than Ethereum but still failing to protect during downturns. Short-term U.S. Treasuries are a reasonable safe option, but cash in one’s own currency is the best defense. Investors should stay cautious and avoid big risks during uncertain times, even amid major rebounds. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/second-big-move-in-the-sp

    47 min
  5. What 96% of People Get Wrong About Social Security Planning

    APR 11

    What 96% of People Get Wrong About Social Security Planning

    Beau Henderson joins us to dive into the often misunderstood world of Social Security planning. Beau highlights how only 4% of people claim their benefits in a way that maximizes lifetime value. We discuss why Social Security is so confusing: its overly complex rules, lack of personalized advice from the SSA, and the financial planning industry's limited focus on optimization due to low compensation incentives. Beau also breaks down a three-step process to make better Social Security decisions. We discuss... Beau Henderson worked in retirement planning for over 25 years, focusing heavily on Social Security optimization. A mentor’s poor Social Security decision inspired Beau to dig deeper into the system and help others avoid costly mistakes. Many people take Social Security based on incomplete or misleading advice, often lacking proper context. The Social Security Administration cannot legally give personalized advice, which leaves many without adequate guidance. There are over 500 possible combinations of how a household can claim Social Security benefits. Beau breaks Social Security planning into three key steps: organize your financial picture, understand the rules for your household, and model different claiming scenarios. Most households leave over $200,000 on the table due to suboptimal Social Security decisions. Social Security decisions should be integrated with income distribution planning and tax strategy. Sometimes taking benefits earlier can make sense if it supports personal goals like retiring earlier. Many people don’t realize that the Social Security decision affects not just them but their spouse’s future as well. Common fear about Social Security cuts are largely media-driven; legislation changes tend to happen slowly. The worst-case scenario is likely a 20% benefit reduction, not elimination, and future generations will see more significant changes. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefit may be taxable depending on your income level. Proactive tax planning, like Roth conversions, can help reduce the tax burden on Social Security income. Survivor benefits are an important yet often overlooked aspect of Social Security planning. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/social-security-planning-beau-henderson-702

    48 min
  6. A Big Move In The S&P 500 Is Coming

    APR 9

    A Big Move In The S&P 500 Is Coming

    There is a big move coming in the S&P 500. In today's episode we dive into the recent market volatility triggered by geopolitical tensions, tariffs, and investor sentiment. We talk on the challenge of predicting markets and the importance of investing discipline, especially amid fear-driven reactions. And despite a possible short-term bounce, the market may remain in a downtrend. Tariffs also play a role in all of this so it's important to note real intent behind economic policy shifts, and how media narratives often distort the bigger picture. Learning to separate political bias from financial decision-making is key.  We discuss... The title “Big Move in the S&P 500 is Coming” turned out to be timely despite being chosen a week in advance. Recent market volatility was attributed to unexpected tariffs and general investor fear. The S&P 500 remains significantly overvalued, with a current PE ratio around 34 versus a historical average of 17. A 50% drop in the market would return valuations to historically normal levels. Investor psychology suggests more panic-selling could happen early in the following week before a potential bounce. Markets typically don’t move in straight lines and operate within up-and-down momentum cycles. Conservative positioning is advised; sitting on the sidelines may be the safer play for now. The only assets showing strength recently are crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum), the VIX, bonds, and a few niche equities like corn and select homebuilders. Investors should separate political views from market expectations—markets don’t move based on who's in office alone. Hedge fund selling contributed to the rapid downturn, but circuit breakers were not triggered. New tariffs aim to support U.S. employment and reduce reliance on China but will likely raise import prices and disrupt supply chains. Decoupling from China is a long-term goal, but current policy actions are more blunt than strategic. Trump’s unpredictable comments can swing markets dramatically, underscoring the need to focus on fundamentals over headlines. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the market downturn, but the market was already overheated prior to 2020. The U.S. government may benefit from locking in lower rates on its debt, providing some relief if the economy slows Tariffs and market volatility may lead to long-term disruptions, affecting investments like 401(k)s, as negotiations continue. Gold is considered a secret bull market amid chaos, with institutional and government demand increasing. Bonds are not performing as strongly as in previous market downturns, indicating ongoing challenges in fixed-income markets. The crypto market has shown unexpected resilience despite a broader market selloff, which could be a slightly bullish indicator. China and the US are in a trade conflict, with the US trying to counter unfair tariffs, but this may lead to shifts in global supply chains to countries like Vietnam and India.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/big-move-in-the-sp-701

    48 min
  7. The Growth of Global Investing with Ladislas Maurice

    APR 4

    The Growth of Global Investing with Ladislas Maurice

    Ladislas Maurice joins us today to discuss the benefits of global investing. He shares his experience in emerging markets, and the investing benefits of getting a second citizenships. He shared insights on identifying macro opportunities in various countries, such as Uzbekistan's stock market and Egypt's real estate deals. He emphasized diversification to manage risk and shares the benefits of second citizenships, including access, security, and generational opportunities. Today we discuss...  Ladislas Maurice shared his background in law, business, and his expat career with Nestlé before transitioning into global investing. He has spent the last eight years traveling full-time, investing in emerging markets, real estate, and exploring residency and citizenship solutions. Ladislas' investment approach involves spotting macro opportunities and then determining how best to play them on the ground. The importance of diversification in emerging markets to mitigate risks and handle portfolio volatility. How international real estate can offer residency and even citizenship benefits in some countries. Panama as a popular residency option, especially for Americans looking to hedge political uncertainty. The cyclical nature of Americans seeking second residencies based on political shifts in the U.S. People should not make rash decisions but instead take a step-by-step approach to investing and relocating abroad. The benefits of second citizenships, including travel freedom, access to opportunities, and protection against geopolitical risks. Countries offering citizenship through investment, including Turkey, Egypt, and Caribbean nations. Birthright citizenship in places like Mexico, Canada, and Brazil can be a strategic option for families. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast  For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/global-investing-ladislas-maurice

    57 min
  8. Is Your Social Security Safe From DOGE?

    APR 2

    Is Your Social Security Safe From DOGE?

    Is your social security safe from DOGE? Today we talk about the big changes coming to the Social Security Administration and how (or if) they impact you!  We talk about social securities origins as a safety net, its current insolvency trajectory by the early-to-mid 2030s, and the political challenges of reform. We critique the past government inaction and explores potential solutions. Don't worry, your social security won’t disappear overnight so make rational decisions rather than reacting to media-driven fear. We discuss...  Market volatility and the significance of quarter-end movements. Tax-loss selling at year-end can lead to market bottoms in certain assets. Social Security was originally created as a safety net for those unable to support themselves. A demographic imbalance is stressing Social Security’s financial stability. Without intervention, Social Security is projected to be insolvent by the early-to-mid 2030s. Potential solutions include extending eligibility ages and adjusting benefits. Some proposals suggest cutting administrative costs rather than benefits. Future reforms may involve income-based benefit reductions or delayed eligibility. The likelihood of Social Security disappearing entirely is extremely low. We advise against making rash Social Security decisions based on media fear-mongering. Social Security planning remains a critical topic, with past loopholes removed as the government adapts to prevent system exploitation. Previously, retirees could take Social Security early at 62, repay it later, and reset their benefits, but this strategy has been eliminated. The decision to take Social Security early or delay it depends on individual financial needs and life expectancy. Break-even analysis suggests waiting until full retirement age (67) can be beneficial for those with longer life expectancy. Raising the full retirement age to 70 could extend Social Security solvency by billions of dollars. Adjustments to cost-of-living calculations have historically been used to slow benefit inflation and extend program viability. The current Social Security payroll tax cap of $160,000 could be raised or removed to increase funding. Increasing payroll tax rates slightly could help stabilize the program’s finances. Social Security has one of the lowest administrative costs among government programs, with about 99% of funds going directly to benefits. Historical tax changes under Reagan and Clinton increased Social Security taxation thresholds, and further increases remain possible. Legislative changes to Social Security, including benefit reductions or age increases, can happen quickly with little warning. Market volatility continues to be a major concern, with seasonal patterns and large equity inflows despite broader uncertainty. Investors should be cautious of overpaying for stocks with declining growth while seeking undervalued opportunities.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast   For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/social-security-safe-from-doge-699

    46 min
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    About

    The weekly Money Tree Investing podcast aims to help you consistently grow your wealth by letting money work for you. Each week one of our panel members interviews a special guest on topics related to money, investing, personal finance and passive income. Episodes end with a panel discussion on the content of the interview, which allows us to give you a deeper understanding of what has been said by looking at it from different perspectives. If you are ready to take control of your own financial situation, then the Money Tree Investing podcast is just the thing for you! Taken together, our expert panel has decades of experience in money matters. Add to that the valuable insights that our weekly guests will be able to provide, and you got yourself one vast source of knowledge, all available to you for free.

    Information

    • Creator
      Money Tree Investing Podcast
    • Years Active
      2014 - 2025
    • Episodes
      709
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Money Tree Investing
    • Show Website
      Money Tree Investing

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