Category: Education
Private Commercial Real Estate After the Market Reset with PGIM’s Andrew Garten (Ep. 104)

Private Commercial Real Estate After the Market Reset with PGIM’s Andrew Garten (Ep. 104)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Commercial real estate has repriced, but the opportunity isn’t the same across every property type or market. 

What should investors weigh before adding it to a long-term portfolio?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Andrew Garten, Alternative Investment Specialist at PGIM, about the case for private commercial real estate after the 2022 to 2024 market reset. They cover where PGIM sees demand across housing, senior living, medical offices, logistics, and necessity-based retail.

Andrew explains how core real estate may combine income, growth, tax deferral, and lower correlation with stocks and bonds. They also address liquidity, allocation ranges, manager selection, and why local supply and demand can shape results.

Andrew discusses:

  • Why the 2022 to 2024 market reset may have improved pricing across selected commercial real estate sectors
  • How senior housing, student housing, medical offices, and logistics reflect essential demand and limited supply
  • How core real estate may combine income and growth while behaving differently from public stocks and bonds
  • Why depreciation may defer part of private REIT income and affect an investor’s cost basis over time
  • How liquidity needs, retirement timing, and portfolio goals can influence an appropriate real estate allocation
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with PGIM :

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Andrew Garten is an Alternative Investment Specialist at PGIM, the asset management business of Prudential Financial. With more than 20 years of experience, he focuses on helping investors understand opportunities across private markets, including commercial real estate. In his role, Andrew draws on PGIM’s global real estate platform and long operating history to explain how property type, location, income potential, tax treatment, and liquidity can affect an investment. He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business Technology, International Studies, and French from the Pamplin College of Business.
Behavioral Finance and Better Investment Decisions with Devin Ekberg, CFA, CPWA, CIMA (Ep. 103)

Behavioral Finance and Better Investment Decisions with Devin Ekberg, CFA, CPWA, CIMA (Ep. 103)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Have you ever wondered why making good financial decisions can feel so difficult, especially when markets become uncertain? 

Even experienced investors can find emotions influencing their decisions during uncertain markets.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes Devin Ekberg, Senior Vice President and Senior Consultant in Advisor Education at PIMCO, for a thoughtful discussion about behavioral finance and the psychology behind investing. Together, they explain how fear, excitement, cognitive bias, and decision-making influence financial outcomes. 

They explore how advisors help clients stay focused during periods of uncertainty, why process often matters more than prediction, and how thoughtful guidance can help people make clearer financial decisions over the long term.

Key takeaways:

  • How emotional and cognitive biases influence investment decisions during uncertain markets
  • Why having a written investment process helps reduce reactive financial decisions over time
  • How financial advisors help clients reframe fear into thoughtful, productive action
  • Why trust, communication, and behavioral coaching strengthen long-term financial planning
  • Books and behavioral finance concepts that help investors understand their own decision-making
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Devin Ekberg:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Mr. Ekberg is a senior vice president and senior consultant in advisor education at PIMCO. He provides training to financial professionals on advanced wealth planning topics, including retirement strategies, alternative investments, and goals-based wealth management. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2021, Mr. Ekberg was chief learning officer and managing director of professional development for the Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI), where he led the advisor education programs for advanced credentials in the financial industry. During his tenure at IWI, he oversaw the Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA) certification education at the University of Chicago and led the acquisition and development of the Retirement Management Advisor (RMA) certification. He has 20 years of investment and financial services experience and holds a master’s degree from Creighton University. He is a CFA charterholder and holds the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) and CPWA designations.
Protecting Your Portfolio During Market Drawdowns with James St. Aubin, CFA®, CAIA® (Ep. 102)

Protecting Your Portfolio During Market Drawdowns with James St. Aubin, CFA®, CAIA® (Ep. 102)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

What happens to your retirement portfolio when the next major market downturn arrives? Markets can spend years moving higher, making it easy to forget how quickly conditions can change. Preparing for uncertainty often starts long before volatility returns.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with James St. Aubin, CFA®, CAIA®, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Ocean Park Asset Management, about protecting portfolios during market declines without relying solely on traditional diversification. 

They explore trend following strategies, downside risk management, investor psychology, portfolio construction, changing stock and bond correlations, the strengths and limitations of AI investment tools, and why maintaining a disciplined investment process becomes increasingly important as retirement approaches.

Key points:

  • How trend following strategies seek to reduce large portfolio drawdowns through disciplined investment rules
  • Why diversification alone may not provide enough protection during certain market environments
  • How retirement timing changes an investor’s ability to recover from significant portfolio losses
  • What recent bond market performance reveals about changing stock and bond correlations
  • Why AI investing tools should support, rather than replace, thoughtful financial decision making
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with James St. Aubin:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

James St. Aubin, CFA®, CAIA®, is Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager for Ocean Park Asset Management. He has oversight of all Investment Management department activities, in collaboration with Co-founders David Wright and Kenneth Sleeper.

An experienced investment management executive, his career of more than 20 years includes leadership roles in asset allocation, manager research, and portfolio construction.

James earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from DePaul University and is a CFA® and CAIA® Charterholder.
Private Credit and Its Role in a Diversified Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 101)

Private Credit and Its Role in a Diversified Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 101)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Private credit has become one of the fastest-growing areas of investing, yet it’s also surrounded by headlines that often create uncertainty.

How should long-term investors evaluate the opportunity? When does media attention reflect genuine risks, and when does it distract from the bigger picture?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®, Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions at Cliffwater, to discuss private credit and its growing role in diversified portfolios. They explain why recent headlines about defaults, liquidity, and valuations deserve context, how private credit differs from traditional fixed-income investments, and why institutional investors continue to allocate to the asset class. 

They also explore how long-term discipline, diversification, and a rules-based investment process can help investors separate meaningful information from market noise.

Key takeaways:

  • Why private credit has expanded as banks reduced lending to middle-market businesses
  • How private credit generates returns through contractual income rather than stock-like appreciation
  • Why institutional investors continue increasing allocations despite concerning headlines
  • How diversification and manager selection can help reduce borrower-specific risks
  • Why long-term discipline often leads to better investment decisions than reacting to headlines
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Phil Huber:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®, is the Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions at Cliffwater, where he focuses on research, portfolio construction, and helping advisors and investors better understand private markets and alternative investments. He regularly analyzes topics including private credit, private equity, and portfolio diversification, translating complex investment concepts into practical insights for long-term investors. Through his research and industry commentary, Phil helps financial professionals evaluate alternative investment opportunities within disciplined, diversified portfolio strategies.
How AI Robotics Could Change Investing and Everyday Life with Brendan Ahern (Ep. 100)

How AI Robotics Could Change Investing and Everyday Life with Brendan Ahern (Ep. 100)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

What happens when artificial intelligence moves beyond software and into the physical world?

As technology continues to evolve, many investors are asking how artificial intelligence could influence businesses, markets, and everyday life in the years ahead.

In this special 100th episode of The Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Robert Curtiss welcomes Brendan Ahern, Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares, to explore how AI-powered robotics are already being adopted across Asia and what those developments could mean for investors. Brendan shares firsthand observations from his firm’s research and his travels throughout Asia, discussing automation, manufacturing, demographics, healthcare, regulation, and the evolving relationship between the United States and China.

Together, they examine how looking beyond headlines can help investors better understand long-term opportunities.

Key takeaways:

  • How AI-powered robotics are already being used across healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing
  • Why demographic changes are accelerating automation in several countries around the globe
  • How robotics manufacturing and AI technology create opportunities across different investment markets
  • Why regulations will likely influence the pace of AI adoption across industries and countries
  • How data-driven research can help investors separate headlines from long-term market trends
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Brendan Ahern:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Brendan Ahern is the Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares. Brendan joined KraneShares in 2013. Brendan leads the firm’s research and education efforts and actively works with investors on a variety of subjects ranging from asset allocation to trading to articulating the growing influence that index providers hold in the asset management industry. Prior experience includes over ten years with Barclays Global Investors (subsequently BlackRock’s iShares), which he joined in 2001 during the rollout of their ETF business. His career has spanned a period of tremendous growth for ETFs, which has contributed to his profound knowledge of the ETF landscape. 

Brendan is considered a preeminent expert in global financial markets with a particular focus on China. He is a frequent visitor to China and actively maintains daily contact with a deep local research network comprised of investment banks, brokers, and regional and boutique research firms. He produces a daily update called China Last Night, which also appears as a column on Forbes.com. He is often sought after by leading business and financial outlets and regularly appears on CNBC and Bloomberg to discuss China’s capital markets. He is a frequent guest of Bloomberg Radio’s Daybreak Asia, and he is quoted in The Wall Street Journal and Investor’s Business Daily.

Brendan graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and has a Master of Science in Financial Analysis from the University of San Francisco.
Understanding the Latest Tax Law Changes with Nicole Green (Ep. 99)

Understanding the Latest Tax Law Changes with Nicole Green (Ep. 99)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Tax laws change often, but knowing which updates actually affect your finances can be difficult.

How do you know which deductions still apply, which strategies are worth considering, and when it’s time to have a planning conversation instead of simply filing a return?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes Nicole Green, Tax Advisor at Robert Hall, to discuss several tax law changes that could affect individuals, retirees, and business owners. They explain how recent updates may influence deductions, charitable giving, required minimum distributions, bonus depreciation, and year-round tax planning. They also explore why proactive collaboration between financial advisors and tax professionals can help people make better decisions before the end of the year instead of reacting during tax season.

Key takeaways:

  • How recent SALT deduction changes may affect taxpayers in higher tax states and income brackets
  • Ways bonus depreciation can fit into long-term planning instead of focusing on one tax year
  • Why charitable giving strategies can reduce taxable income more efficiently than standard donations
  • How tax planning conversations throughout the year may reduce unwanted surprises at filing time
  • Why financial advisors and tax professionals often produce better outcomes when working together
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Nicole Green:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science with a focus in Education, Nicole Green went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education and Educational Theory. Her love for learning led her into the tax industry. With the ever-evolving tax code and continual education, it was a perfect match for her.

With almost a decade of experience in the tax world, Nicole Green holds a federal license as an Enrolled Agent tax practitioner, where she can advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and any other entity with tax-reporting requirements. Her knowledge in tax has been recognized in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, HomeLight—an online real estate company that matches clients with local agents and provides home loans—and impact.com, a platform that helps influencers and content creators manage partnerships. Nicole has been featured in these outlets for her insightful tax advice and industry knowledge.

Outside the office, Nicole is an avid traveler. She’s been to all 7 continents spanning 50 different countries. She enjoys cooking and trying new cuisines at food festivals around the world. Some of her other favorite activities include attending sporting events and the occasional shopping spree.
Market Momentum, AI Growth, and What’s Driving Markets Higher in 2026 (Ep. 98)

Market Momentum, AI Growth, and What’s Driving Markets Higher in 2026 (Ep. 98)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Markets continue reaching new highs, yet many investors remain hesitant to put money to work. 

With headlines dominated by geopolitical conflict, rising oil prices, and rapid technological change, how do you separate emotion from opportunity?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Miles Clark, Senior Analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, to discuss the forces shaping today’s market environment. They explore momentum investing, relative strength, semiconductor leadership, AI-driven growth, energy sector performance, and market participation trends. 

Miles shares how momentum strategies identify strong-performing assets, why all-time highs may not be a reason to stay on the sidelines, and what narrowing market leadership could signal for investors moving forward.

Key takeaways:

  • How relative strength identifies leadership across equities, commodities, fixed income, and global markets
  • Why semiconductor stocks continue driving market gains despite concerns about concentration levels
  • How momentum strategies seek large winners while limiting the impact of underperforming holdings
  • Why historical market performance often remains positive despite geopolitical conflict and uncertainty
  • What narrowing market participation may reveal about the durability of the current market advance
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Miles Clark:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Miles currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. Since 1987, DWA has been a recognized expert in relative strength and momentum through the application of Point & Figure (XO) charting, as well as a thought leader in tactical portfolio construction.

Miles joined the DWA team as an intern in 2021 and now creates technical-based analysis and client-facing research in the firm’s Daily Market Analysis segment, with more focused coverage in the communication services, industrials and cryptocurrency spaces. Other areas of involvement to note include supplementing broad-based technical indicator and research projects and the creation of weekly media distributed to prospective clients.

FEATURE IMAGE
Estate Planning Isn’t Done When You Sign the Papers with Brad Repinsky (Ep. 97)

Estate Planning Isn’t Done When You Sign the Papers with Brad Repinsky (Ep. 97)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Many people assume their estate planning is “done” once the documents are signed, but that’s actually only the beginning. This conversation explores what actually happens when financial, tax, and estate planning are all aligned.

In this episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with Brad Repinsky to break down how integrating financial planning, estate planning, and tax strategy can help create a more coordinated decision making for families over time.

Key takeaways:

  • Why a clear net worth snapshot can uncover gaps in your current plan
  • How account titling and beneficiary designations can override estate documents
  • What “estate ease” means and why it matters for your family
  • When strategies like QCDs and Roth conversions may help manage taxes
  • How to think about wealth transfer across generations in a more intentional way
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Brad Repinsky:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Brad Repinsky is the Director of Estate, Tax, and Financial Planning at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors. With over 20 years of experience, including roles at Goldman Sachs and Fidelity, Brad specializes in helping high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families navigate complex planning decisions. As a former attorney, he brings a unique perspective to integrating estate planning, tax strategy, and wealth management to help clients create clarity, efficiency, and long-term alignment with their goals. 
Private Credit, AI Concerns, and the Power of Diversification with Mark Gatto (Ep. 96)

Private Credit, AI Concerns, and the Power of Diversification with Mark Gatto (Ep. 96)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Markets shift, headlines create noise, and uncertainty rises, but what actually matters when building a resilient portfolio?

How do you separate real risks from exaggerated fears and position yourself for long-term growth?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Mark Gatto, Chief Executive Officer at CION Investments, to discuss the growing attention to private credit and the role of diversification in uncertain markets. They explore how AI concerns are shaping investor sentiment, why fund structure and liquidity matter, and how infrastructure investing offers long-term opportunity. 

Mark also shares insights on manager selection, underwriting discipline, and how individual investors can access strategies once reserved for institutions.

Key takeaways:

  • How private credit continues gaining attention and why concerns around AI disruption may be overstated
  • Why understanding fund structure, liquidity limits, and redemption mechanics is critical for investors
  • How diversification across sectors and geographies helps reduce risk in changing market conditions
  • The difference between direct investing and allocating capital to other managers in private markets
  • Why infrastructure investing presents long-term growth potential across multiple sectors and assets
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mark Gatto:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Mark Gatto is Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Co-President of CION Investment Group, CION Investment Corporation (CIC), and CION Grosvenor Infrastructure Fund.

He is also a Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund (CADC). Mr. Gatto serves on the investment committee of CIC and the investment allocation committee of CADC.

Mr. Gatto joined CION in 1999. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Acquisitions Officer from May 2007 through January 2008. He served as Executive Vice President of Business Development from May 2006 through May 2007 and Vice President of Marketing from August 2005 through February 2006. He was also Associate General Counsel from November 1999 until October 2000.

Previously, Mr. Gatto served as an executive at a leading international product development and marketing company from 2000 through 2003. Later, he co-founded a specialty business-consulting firm in New York City, where he served as its managing partner before re-joining CION in 2005. He was also an attorney in private practice prior to joining the firm.

Mr. Gatto received an M.B.A. from the W. Paul Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, and a B.S. from Montclair State University.

FEATURE IMAGE
When Success Feels Like a Trap: The Hidden Emotional Side of Wealth with Stacey Inal (Ep. 95)

When Success Feels Like a Trap: The Hidden Emotional Side of Wealth with Stacey Inal (Ep. 95)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

You can have the career, the income, and the life that looks perfect on paper, yet still feel something is missing.

Why do high achievers feel stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly unhappy despite their accomplishments?

In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Stacey Inal, MA, MBA, LMFT, Licensed Psychotherapist and Women’s Career Coach, about the intersection of financial decisions and emotional health. They explore how burnout shows up in high performers, why social media fuels anxiety, and how “golden handcuffs” keep people stuck. Stacey also shares practical ways to reset your nervous system, reconnect with yourself, and take the first step toward a more aligned life.

Key takeaways:

  • How high achievers can feel trapped by financial obligations despite outward success and stability
  • Why burnout in successful people often hides behind high performance and daily productivity
  • How social media and constant noise contribute to anxiety and poor decision-making
  • The connection between emotional stress and financial behaviors like overspending or hoarding
  • Simple practices to reset your mindset and reconnect with what you truly want
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Stacey Inal:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Stacey Inal is a Licensed Psychotherapist, MBA, and Women’s Career Coach who works at the intersection of mental health, career transitions, and financial identity. With a background in corporate sales and business strategy, she brings both clinical insight and real-world experience to her work, helping high-achieving individuals, especially women, navigate moments when outward success no longer feels aligned internally. Stacey supports clients through burnout, life reinvention, and major transitions by helping them reconnect with what they truly want and build a path forward with clarity and purpose.

Archives

Categories