Category: Education

FEATURE
What the Second Half of 2025 Could Mean for Investors with Peter Repetto (Ep. 79)

What the Second Half of 2025 Could Mean for Investors with Peter Repetto (Ep. 79)

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Markets have been anything but predictable in 2025, yet resilience continues to surprise investors. 

In this midyear outlook episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Peter Repetto, Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, to unpack where the economy stands and where it may be heading next.

With deep insights drawn from Peter’s team-wide strategy review, they explore how markets are absorbing trade volatility, policy shifts, and inflation risks and why there’s room for optimism. They also dive into key opportunities across both public and private markets, including middle-market buyouts, infrastructure, and asset-based lending.

What to expect in this episode:

  • Why “American exceptionalism” may still hold firm
  • What risks to watch for in the second half of 2025
  • Where private market opportunities are gaining traction
  • How to approach portfolio allocation in a data-driven, uncertain world
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Peter Repetto:

About Our Guest:

Peter is a Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, focusing on developing and delivering research, investment ideas, and thought leadership content for external and internal audiences on behalf of iCapital’s Investment Strategy team. Prior to joining the firm, Peter spent over eight years at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he contributed to their asset allocation strategy and macroeconomic research. Peter holds a BA in Economics from Fairfield University.

FEATURE
The Ongoing Demand for Infrastructure Investments (Ep. 78)

The Ongoing Demand for Infrastructure Investments (Ep. 78)

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A power shift is underway. And it is not just political or technological. 

In this episode of The Millionaire Next Door, host Robert Curtiss sits down with Michael Underhill, Chief Investment Officer at Capital Innovations, to explore the seismic transformation in infrastructure and energy investing.

With humor, historical context, and deep industry insight, Michael compares this moment to Led Zeppelin’s debut, when a once-niche phenomenon suddenly became the main event. The episode unpacks the $112 trillion global energy transition, the exponential rise of AI-fueled electricity demand, and how public and private capital must unite to power the next generation of growth.

Expect insight into:

  • Why energy demand is expected to jump 14x by 2030
  • The accelerating rise of nuclear, natural gas, and methane recapture
  • How digital infrastructure (data centers, 5G, fiber) is reshaping investing
  • Why the U.S. infrastructure report card is a wake-up call and an opportunity

This conversation is more than a forecast. It is a call to understand the world you are retiring into and how to invest in what is coming next.

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Michael Underhill:

About Our Guest:

Michael Underhill is the Chief Investment Officer of Capital Innovations, a firm focused on infrastructure, energy, and ESG-aligned strategies. With decades of investment experience, Michael brings a deep understanding of macro trends and emerging opportunities in private and public markets. His team manages infrastructure-focused portfolios designed to align long-term capital with long-term value creation.

FEATURE
How You Can Build Better Returns in an Uncertain Economy with Zachary Levenick (Ep. 77)

How You Can Build Better Returns in an Uncertain Economy with Zachary Levenick (Ep. 77)

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In today’s financial world, headlines shift by the hour, and uncertainty feels like the new norm. 

But what if this volatile environment is actually full of opportunity?

In this insightful episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Zachary Levenick, a seasoned hedge fund executive turned family office investor, about why today’s market isn’t just chaotic, it’s promising. From his global experience managing funds in New York, London, and Latin America, Zach shares his perspective on why volatility may actually signal better potential returns, if you know where to look.

They explore everything from small-cap inefficiencies and underpriced opportunities to the dangers of chasing overvalued giants. Plus, Zach shares why he’s cautious on private credit and where the democratization of alternatives is heading next.

What to expect in this episode:

  • Why wide outcome ranges can unlock better returns
  • What most investors miss about market cycles and timing
  • Where public and private market inefficiencies are hiding
  • How individual investors can access institutional-quality alternatives
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Zachary Levenick:

About Our Guest:

Before joining THG, Mr. Levenick was a Principal of Taconic Capital Partners, LP (“Taconic”), a multi-billion dollar New York-based private investment firm. Mr. Levenick co-managed the firm’s London-based European operations and was Portfolio Manager for European Equities investing, where focus areas included consumer products, retail, and general industries. He also established and oversaw Taconic’s public and private investment efforts in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, where focus areas included education and logistics. While at Taconic, Mr. Levenick also developed extensive experience in special situations and cross-asset class investing. Mr. Levenick spent 18 years at Taconic, after joining the firm in 2002 as a research associate. Before his career at Taconic, Mr. Levenick worked at J.P. Morgan in investment banking.

Mr. Levenick is a former Director of Barnes and Noble Education (NYSE: BNED).

Mr. Levenick graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude with a degree in History and Literature (Medieval).  He resides with his family in Southern California.  They support a number of educational, outdoor, and local philanthropies in the US and UK.

FEATURE
What You Need to Know About Private Credit with Mark Gatto (Ep. 76)

What You Need to Know About Private Credit with Mark Gatto (Ep. 76)

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With public markets still shaky despite recent rebounds, many investors are looking for more stability, without sacrificing returns. 

In this timely episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with Mark Gatto, co-founder and co-CEO of CION Investments, to unpack how private credit and infrastructure investing can offer stable, reliable alternatives for individual investors.

They discuss the growing accessibility of alternative investments, the yield potential of private credit, and why “boring” may be the new smart in today’s market. Mark also shares how CION’s platform was designed specifically for individual investors, unlike most institutions that only cater to the ultra-wealthy.

What to expect from this episode:

  • Why the majority of high-performing companies are still private—and how to access them
  • How regulatory changes post-2008 created opportunity in private credit
  • The appeal of yield-focused alternatives in a volatile equity environment
  • What to look for when choosing private market managers
  • 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 was an executive for 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
Identity Theft: Why It’s Inevitable And What You Can Do About It with Robert Brennan (Ep. 75)

Identity Theft: Why It’s Inevitable And What You Can Do About It with Robert Brennan (Ep. 75)

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It’s not if you’ll face identity theft, it’s when. 

In this powerful episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with seasoned trial attorney Robert Brennan, an experienced professional in identity theft cases, to unpack the alarming realities of this modern-day crime. From fraud rings targeting disaster victims to the surprising statistic that nearly every American’s data is already on the dark web, Brennan delivers a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they’re immune.

You’ll hear real-life stories of how identity theft happens, often from the people you trust most, and learn practical, actionable steps to safeguard your financial life. Robert also shares essential insights on the legal remedies available when the unthinkable happens, and why building a strong team of trusted professionals can make all the difference.

What to expect from this episode:

  • The top misconceptions about identity theft—and the hard truths
  • Why monitoring your credit is no longer optional
  • How to protect elderly family members from scams
  • Why vigilance and proactive action are your best defence
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Brennan:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Southern California’s leading law firm in consumer protection law and serious personal injury cases. Robert Brennan is a trial attorney, setting him apart from about 98% of practicing attorneys who don’t want to take cases to trial. He has successfully tried several serious personal injury cases and has a series of 7-figure verdicts and settlements. He also has seven-figure and high-six-figure results in Fair Credit Reporting Act cases (false information on credit reports), Identity Theft cases, and Lemon Law cases (defective cars, boats, RVs, and motorcycles that the manufacturer cannot fix under warranty). The firm reviews most cases free of charge to see if they can assist. 99% of the practice is in the greater Southern California area.

FEATURE
Reading the Market’s Pulse: Breadth, Signals, and Smart Strategy with Miles Clark (Ep. 74)

Reading the Market’s Pulse: Breadth, Signals, and Smart Strategy with Miles Clark (Ep. 74)

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What do market recoveries, pilot training, and emotional discipline have in common? 

In volatile times, they all remind us that trusting your instruments and your process can make all the difference.

In this quarterly market check-in, host Robert Curtiss, CFP®, welcomes back recurring guest Miles Clark of Dorsey Wright to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface of recent market turbulence. From sector rotations to investor behavior, this episode brings clarity without the noise.

Here’s what you can expect to learn by listening:

  • Why the S&P’s recent rebound may be masking deeper shifts in market breadth and volatility
  • What a 50-year data point reveals about average returns versus real-life experience
  • How international equities and commodities are quietly gaining strength—and what that could mean for portfolios
  • What it takes to stay objective and clear-headed when fear and headlines start to take over
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Miles Clark :

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 indicators and research projects, and the creation of weekly media distributed to prospective clients.

FEATURE
2025 Economic Insights From Senior Economist, Strider Elass (Ep. 73)

2025 Economic Insights From Senior Economist, Strider Elass (Ep. 73)

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Where is the economy headed amidst all this uncertainty? 

Well, who better to ask than a Senior Economist!

Robert Curtiss sits down with Strider Elass, a Senior Economist from First Trust, to navigate the financial landscape we’re seeing so far in 2025. They discuss the implications of recent policy decisions, historic market volatility, and what they could mean for your investments.

Other key conversation points include:

  • The impact of COVID-19 shutdowns and subsequent policy decisions on the current economic climate [04:17]
  • The “payback period” we’re entering due to recent economic stimuli [04:55]
  • The role of the Magnificent Seven companies in stock market fluctuations [08:39]
  • The transformative power of AI across different sectors, reminiscent of the dot-com boom [11:09]
  • Strategies for navigating economic slowdowns and the importance of diversification in uncertain times [18:13]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Strider Elass:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Strider Elass is Senior Economist and part of the First Trust Economics Team that Bloomberg has consistently ranked as one of the top forecasters of the U.S. economy over the past decade plus.

At First Trust, Strider is responsible for analyzing economic indicators, writing economic commentaries, and building content. In 2022, The First Trust Economic Team was rated the Most Accurate Economic Forecasters in the United States by Consensus Economics.

The team also won multiple Gold Medals from Financial Advisor IQ in both 2020 and 2021 for Macro Commentary, overall content, and commentary and was also rated 2nd for Thought Leadership by Fuse Research.

The First Trust Economics Team has been awarded the “Crystal Ball Award” by Zillow® in partnership with Pulsenomics over multiple years for accurate home price predictions. In 2017, First Trust’s thought leadership material was ranked as number one for most read and most shared by financial professionals with colleagues or clients in the “Top 10 Financial Providers for Thought Leadership Activity.”

Strider was instrumental in researching for the book, It’s Not As Bad As You Think, published in 2009 by First Trust’s Chief Economist, Brian Wesbury. Strider’s contribution to the team’s success goes beyond his research responsibilities. He is also a highly sought-after speaker and regularly presents at broker and retail events across the country and abroad, sharing his experience with a wide audience.

FEATURE
How To Cut Through Modern-Day Financial Noise with Gary Sinderbrand (Ep. 72)

How To Cut Through Modern-Day Financial Noise with Gary Sinderbrand (Ep. 72)

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In a world filled with financial noise, how do you know which signals actually matter? 

Join Robert Curtiss as he chats with Gary Sinderbrand, a seasoned financial professional with roots going back to their days at Merrill Lynch. 

They unravel years of insights on keeping your financial journey on track. Delving into tales from the trading floor to personal anecdotes from the ski slopes, Curtiss and Sinderbrand uncover strategies for managing financial anxieties and the importance of a disciplined, rules-based approach.

Key discussion points include:

  • Navigating financial fear in today’s world [00:05:00]
  • Effective strategies for overcoming biases in investing [00:07:00]
  • The significance of process and discipline in wealth management [00:31:00]
  • Analyzing market signals amidst the noise [00:33:00]
  • Real-world examples of market volatility and client management [00:41:00]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gary Sinderbrand:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Gary Sinderbrand brings a rare combination of elite production experience and transformative training expertise to your doorstep. As the co-creator of the influential Payne-Sinderbrand Program at Merrill Lynch—which helped shaped the careers of over 12,000 Financial Advisors—he has a proven ability to develop systems that drive extraordinary results at scale.

Gary’s journey spans decades as both a top-tier producer and a practice management innovator. This dual perspective allows him to see opportunities others miss and implement strategies others can’t teach because they haven’t lived them.

At BetterPath Training, we meet you exactly where you are. For next-generation advisors building books from scratch, Gary provides battle-tested client acquisition methodologies that bypass years of costly trial and error. For seasoned FAs preparing for succession, you can expect comprehensive frameworks for legacy planning, revenue optimization, and workload management that protect the practice you’ve worked so hard to build.

Your path to exceptional results starts with exceptional guidance. That’s the BetterPath promise.

FEATURE
Behind the Mic: Robert Curtiss’ Journey (Ep. 71)

Behind the Mic: Robert Curtiss’ Journey (Ep. 71)

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Who is the man behind the mic?

In today’s episode, we pull back the curtain on Robert Curtiss’s journey—from a public policy graduate to a trusted financial advisor. Along the way, he shares hard-earned lessons on diligence, adaptability, and finding harmony between career and personal life.

Robert dives into the intersection of marriage and money, emphasizing the power of shared values, mutual respect, patience, and flexibility in building a strong financial foundation with your partner.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, real-life experience, and practical advice on navigating life’s biggest milestones—without sacrificing financial security or personal fulfillment.

Key takeaways include:

  • His childhood journey and financial ambition. [02:33]
  • The pivotal role of discipline and curiosity in his career. [13:39]
  • Effective financial habits for twenty-somethings. [16:49]
  • Balancing present joys with future savings. [20:00]
  • Navigating finances in relationships. [23:40]

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

FEATURE
How to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®(Ep.70)

How to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®(Ep.70)

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Are you ready to unlock the potential of alternative investments in your portfolio?

Join Robert Curtiss as he sits down with repeat guest Phil Huber from Cliffwater to explore the dynamic world of alternative investments. 

The episode delves into the benefits of diversification, the current volatility in global markets, and the strategic role of private debt and equity. Discover why modern investors can’t afford to ignore these opportunities and how they’ve helped portfolios remain robust amidst market uncertainty.

Other key discussions include:

  • Broad asset allocation outlook and capital market assumptions [00:01:52]
  • The role and expectations of traditional versus private asset classes [00:05:22]
  • Differences in stock valuation between US and non-US stocks [00:05:53]
  • Performance insights and misconceptions about private markets [00:22:17]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Phil Huber:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Phil is a Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions for Cliffwater, based in their Chicago office. In this role, Phil leverages his prior experience as a wealth management CIO to produce and curate investment research, advise on product strategy and positioning for the firm’s growing platform, and help establish and strengthen relationships with the nation’s leading wealth management firms.

Prior to joining Cliffwater, Phil was the Chief Investment Officer for Savant Wealth Management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, has attained his Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

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