Category: Financial Services

How to Tap into Private Investments with Bob Long (Ep. 61)

How to Tap into Private Investments with Bob Long (Ep. 61)

Private markets are no longer just for the financial elite—they’re now within reach of individual investors. But how do you make the most of this opportunity without missing out on serious growth?

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Bob Long, CEO of StepStone Private Wealth, explains how innovative structures like evergreen funds are making it easier to access private equity, credit, real estate, and infrastructure. With features like seamless entry, daily asset valuation, and simplified tax reporting, these investments are transforming how investors build their portfolios.

Find out why diversifying into private markets is more important than ever as public company listings decline while learning how these investments could fuel growth, offer stable income, and protect against inflation.

Key topics discussed include:

  • The growing accessibility of private market investments for individual investors
  • Understanding the distinctions among private equity, credit, real estate, and infrastructure
  • Benefits of StepStone’s evergreen funds for seamless investing
  • Global trends shaping private infrastructure investments
  • Key considerations for accredited investors, including liquidity and advisory collaboration
  • Reasons having a financial advisor in your corner can make all the difference
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Bob Long:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Bob Long is the CEO of StepStone Private Wealth. Bob has three decades of experience in the private markets and has led investment teams for global firms in both the general partner and limited partner roles. He has served as the CEO of two publicly traded companies focused on expanding private market access for high-net-worth investors.

Prior to joining StepStone, Bob was the CEO of OHA Investment Corporation, a publicly traded specialty finance company. Previously, he co-founded Conversus Capital, the largest publicly traded fund of third-party private equity funds with $3 billion of AUM, and served as its CEO. Previously, Bob led Bank of America’s $7 billion strategic capital division. Early in his career, Bob served as the lead in-house counsel for a large portion of Bank of America’s Investment Banking Division and worked as a securities lawyer for a major law firm.

How to Protect Your Loved Ones: Special Needs Trusts Explained with April Rosenberry (Ep. 60)

How to Protect Your Loved Ones: Special Needs Trusts Explained with April Rosenberry (Ep. 60)

As the 2026 estate tax law changes inch closer, the risk of costly financial missteps is rising for those who don’t plan ahead. 

Failing to act now could mean losing millions in taxes.

Robert Curtiss welcomes back April Rosenberry, Director of Estate, Tax, and Financial Planning, to offer valuable insights into the upcoming tax exemptions and what they really mean for estate owners.  Together, they examine why proactive estate planning is more critical than ever—especially for families with special needs beneficiaries. 

Tune in as they also explore SEIA’s unique, holistic approach, revealing how a collaborative strategy can bring peace of mind in the face of an ever-changing financial landscape.

Key topics discussed include:

  • How 2026’s estate tax law changes will reduce exemptions and why early planning is critical
  • The role of special needs trusts when it comes to protecting beneficiaries without losing access to government aid
  • SEIA’s commitment to working with legal professionals to provide tailored, stress-free estate planning
  • Why flexible trust language is vital for adapting to changing family circumstances
  • How a proactive, all-inclusive approach can secure your family’s long-term financial stability
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with April Rosenberry:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

April Rosenberry has been a tax attorney for over 25 years. With Bar licenses in California and New York, April specializes in estate planning, company structuring, and litigation. She has represented banks and corporations in court, earning recognition and numerous awards.

April excels in developing departments for companies, expanding client offerings, and managing legal teams in law firms, financial institutions, and wealth advisory firms. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CSUN in 1995, a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 1998, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from USD School of Law in 1999.

Recognized in Modern Luxury magazine, April has received a Trifecta Award and is designated a Five Star Professional. She contributes to scholarly articles for the American Bar Association and the ACFLS Journal, in addition to speaking engagements and pro bono work for Wills for Heroes. A member of various associations, she enjoys yoga, performing arts, and traveling with her family.

The Five Pillars of Performance with PJ Nestler (Ep. 59)

The Five Pillars of Performance with PJ Nestler (Ep. 59)

Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m not a runner” or “I can’t”?

We’ve all been there. 

But this episode of The Millionaire Next Door is about identifying these limiting beliefs to ultimately embrace and enhance our lives! 

Tune in as Rob Curtiss explores these concepts with PJ Nestler from XPT Life. They unveil how holistic strategies can impact our financial and personal success while uncovering insights on financial planning, breaking mental barriers, and adopting a growth mindset for a more fulfilling life. 

Talking points include: 

  • How limiting beliefs can restrain our potential and ways to overcome them
  • Leveraging a growth mindset to enhance resilience and perseverance in all areas of life
  • Exploring the relationship between holistic health practices and overall performance
  • Strategies for integrating these concepts into our financial planning and personal development journey
  • And more! 

Resources:

Connect with PJ Nestler:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

PJ Nestler enjoys solving complex problems, building systems for organizational leadership, and democratizing comprehensive methodologies from human performance into frameworks and tools to empower fitness professionals and consumers. In his current role as the Vice President of Performance at FitLab Inc., he is responsible for building education curriculums and translating the world’s best training systems from iconic athletes into authentic and exciting consumer experiences.

PJ is a human performance specialist, international speaker, educator, and coach with extensive experience preparing the world’s top athletes for competition. During his 18+ years in the industry, he’s trained hundreds of athletes from the UFC, NFL, and NHL, along with dozens of other professional, Olympic, and collegiate sports. Over the last decade, PJ has evolved into education as a speaker and consultant in the areas of performance breathing, human performance, combat athlete preparation, mindset, and recovery working with US Military Special Operations groups, professional sports teams, and executives around the world.

How To Invest Smart in Uncertain Times with Miles Clark (Ep. 58)

How To Invest Smart in Uncertain Times with Miles Clark (Ep. 58)

A 50-basis-point rate cut has shaken up the market — so what does that mean for your investments? 

With 11-12 rate hikes since March 2020 and a rapidly evolving economic landscape, uncertainty looms. The key to staying ahead lies in understanding how different assets respond to these shifts. 

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Rob Curtiss teams up with Miles Clark from Nasdaq Dorsey Wright to reveal the strategies and tools you need to navigate the current economic landscape with confidence.

Key Highlights:

  • The Impact of Rate Cuts: While rate cuts stimulate the economy, the effect varies across asset classes — fixed-income tends to benefit, while equities may face mixed outcomes depending on economic strength
  • Technical Analysis & Relative Strength: Learn how Dorsey Wright’s point-and-figure charting can help you identify market leaders, much like selecting top athletes for a fantasy team
  • Market Participation & Seasonality: The months of November and December are typically strong, and broadening market participation is a positive sign for 2024
  • Investment Discipline: A systematic, rules-based approach becomes essential during periods of uncertainty, particularly with an election on the horizon. Sticking to a disciplined strategy can help investors focus on long-term success, filtering out short-term noise
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Miles Clark:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Miles Clark is a recognized expert in technical research at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, specializing in point-and-figure charting and relative strength analysis. His years of experience have helped investors navigate complex market dynamics with confidence, making him a trusted voice in the industry.

The World of International Parental Abduction with Fahi Takesh Hallin (Ep. 57)

The World of International Parental Abduction with Fahi Takesh Hallin (Ep. 57)

International parental abduction sounds like something reserved for Netflix documentaries. 

But unfortunately, it’s more common than you think.

In this installment of The Millionaire Next Door, Rob Curtiss dives into the complex world of international parental abduction with family law expert Fahi Takesh Hallin, a partner at Harris Ginsburg LLP. Fahi shares knowledge and various real-life scenarios regarding this often-overlooked area, providing you with vital information on how to safeguard against child abduction and what to do if it occurs.

Rob and Fahi discuss:

  • The intricacies of the Hague International Abduction Convention and its role in resolving international child abduction cases
  • Red flags that may signal a possible abduction and practical steps parents can take to prevent it
  • The legal process for seeking the return of a child and the exceptions that might prevent their return
  • Practical advice on drafting travel agreements and understanding the importance of timely legal actions
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Fahi Takesh Hallin:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Fahi Takesh Hallin is a Partner at family law firm Harris Ginsberg LLP. She has focused on family law for nearly 30 years. Recognized as a Southern California Rising Star by Los Angeles Magazine from 2006 to 2009, she has been named a Super Lawyer annually since 2010.

Fahi is a part of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and has extensive experience in international family law. She has lectured at Continuing Legal Education seminars, served as a Mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Court, and chaired the Family Law Section of the Santa Monica Bar Association in 2006. Fahi has been listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2011 and was named one of the Top Women Attorneys in Southern California by Los Angeles Magazine in 2012, a title she continues to hold.

Getting the Most Out of Your Life Insurance Policy with Rob Haynie (Ep. 56)

Getting the Most Out of Your Life Insurance Policy with Rob Haynie (Ep. 56)

Many believe that once you no longer need or can afford your life insurance policy, your only option is to let it lapse or surrender it for its cash value. 

But there’s a better way – life settlements!

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss sits down with Rob Haynie, the Managing Director of Life Insurance Settlements, Inc., to discuss the concept of life settlements and how they can provide a financial alternative for policyholders. 

Tune in and discover what a life settlement is, the key factors that influence its value, and how it could potentially turn your outdated policy into a blooming financial asset.

Episode talking points include: 

  • The basics of what a life settlement is and how it applies to life insurance policies that are no longer needed or affordable
  • How insurance policies are evaluated and what factors can influence their market value
  • Real-life scenarios where clients benefited from choosing a life settlement over surrendering or lapsing their policies
  • The evolving life settlement market and how new regulations and investor interest are shaping its future
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Rob Haynie:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

For over 30 years, Rob Haynie has been a prominent figure in the life settlement industry, currently serving as the Owner and Managing Director of Life Insurance Settlements, Inc., a leading life settlement brokerage. He is also a member of Forbes Councils, a mentor at InsuranceWebX, and frequently speaks at global forums on life settlements.

Rob’s mission is to assist individuals in understanding the value of their existing life insurance policies and to offer them a viable option to sell these policies for cash rather than surrendering or letting them lapse. He has been recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential People in Life Settlements by The Life Settlement Review and by his peers. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors and the public policy council of the Life Insurance Settlement Association, the trade organization for the life settlement industry. His extensive expertise encompasses retirement, financial planning, public speaking, social media networking, and insurance.

Navigating Alternative Investments with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 55)

Navigating Alternative Investments with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 55)

Private equity might sound complex, but it simply means investing in companies that aren’t listed on public stock exchanges.

Are you ready to uncover the world of private equity and alternative investments?

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss, CFP®, welcomes Phil Huber from Cliffwater to explore the fascinating world of private equity and alternative investments. 

Tune in as they cover the potential advantages of private investments while mentioning ways they can represent a valuable addition to a well-rounded portfolio, especially for those seeking a work-optional lifestyle. 

Rob and Phil discuss:

  • The dynamics between public and private equity markets and why private equity is becoming increasingly attractive
  • The evolution of Cliffwater and its commitment to providing accessible, diversified private debt and equity opportunities
  • Some intricacies of alternative investments, including co-investments and secondary transactions
  • Insights into how even the ‘millionaire next door’ can benefit from sophisticated investment strategies historically reserved for large institutions
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Phil Huber:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

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.

Phil has been featured in a number of notable media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, InvestmentNews, CityWire RIA Magazine, and Bloomberg TV. From 2018-2020, he was named one of Investopedia’s Top Financial Advisors. Phil was also named CIO of the Year by RIA Intel in 2023.

The Art of Understanding Fear with Kristen Ulmer (Ep. 54)

The Art of Understanding Fear with Kristen Ulmer (Ep. 54)

Think fear holds you back? 

Think again. The real obstacle isn’t fear itself but your relationship with it. 

Much like the Olympians who are gearing up for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, Kristen Ulmer, a thought leader and former world-class extreme skier, has worked through her fair share of fear and anxiety leading up to big moments.  

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Kristen and Rob Curtiss dive into mastering your relationship with fear. Get ready to gain valuable insights into how the principles she learned over her life and now teaches can provide a unique perspective on managing fear, overcoming obstacles, and entering a flow state to make smarter life and financial decisions.

Rob and Kristen discuss:

  • Kristen’s background in professional skiing and how it shaped her understanding of fear
  • Understanding the different types of fear and how it presents itself
  • The role of fear and anxiety in decision-making both in life and investments
  • How to transform fear into a powerful ally rather than something to be conquered
  • Tips on developing a healthy relationship with fear to enhance overall well-being
  • And so much more!

Resources:

Connect with Kristen Ulmer:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Kristen Ulmer is a thought leader, high-performance facilitator, and fear/anxiety expert who draws from her tenure as the Hall of Fame’s most ‘fearless’ woman extreme skier in the world for 12 years, from studying Zen for 15 years, and from facilitating over ten thousand clients on the subjects of fear, anxiety and achieving flow states.

Her remarkable work has been featured in such media as NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, Tim Ferriss’s Tribe of Mentors, The Robb Report, The Megyn Kelly Show, over 150 podcasts, and many more. Kristen is now also an author, having published her book, The Art of Fear: Why Conquering Fear Won’t Work and What to Do Instead, which radically challenges existing norms about what to do about this misunderstood emotion.

Balancing Health and Wealth, Catching up with Rob Curtiss (Ep. 53)

Balancing Health and Wealth, Catching up with Rob Curtiss (Ep. 53)

From discussing the world’s top countries by GDP to tips for elevating your morning routine, this week’s episode is all about what’s on the mind of your host, Rob Curtiss.

In this installment of the Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Rob dives into a detailed analysis of the world’s largest economies by GDP, the intricacies of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s balance sheet expansion, and pressing concerns surrounding the future of Social Security. 

So, follow along to hear about Rob’s recent outreach to clients and how he plans to build upon those relationships. (Remember to stick around to also learn more about his daily routine!)

Episode highlights include: 

  • The top 10 global economies by GDP and their growth rates
  • The Federal Reserve’s balance sheet and its historical expansion
  • The solvency projections and challenges facing Social Security
  • Rob’s experience in working with and getting to know different clients
  • Rob’s morning routine and tips on adopting a balanced routine for personal well-being and professional effectiveness
  • And more! 

Resources:


Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Unpacking Today’s Market Trends with Will Gibson (Ep. 52)

Unpacking Today’s Market Trends with Will Gibson (Ep. 52)

Research indicates that markets have risen approximately 75% of the time during election years since 1928. 

So, what does this mean for your investing efforts today?

Join Robert Curtiss as he welcomes back Will Gibson, senior analyst with Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, to dive into today’s investment market, the impact of election cycles, and the importance of objective investing. 

Tune in and hear real-life stories and data to help guide you through these times!

Rob and Will discuss:

  • May market performance 
  • The concentration of market gains among mega-cap stocks
  • The anticipated effects of the upcoming election on market volatility
  • The importance of objective, rules-based investing (and why it’s wise to avoid emotional decision-making)
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Will Gibson:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Will Gibson, CFA, currently works as a Senior Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative capital market strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. He joined the team as an intern in 2018 and now produces macro technical research for the firm’s clients and Daily Market Report. Other involvements include indicator testing, adaptive modeling, and furthering the firm’s media/educational efforts.