Category: Retirement

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.

Essential Steps in Estate Planning with Roger Silk (Ep. 51)

Essential Steps in Estate Planning with Roger Silk (Ep. 51)

Did you know that more than two-thirds of adult Americans have yet to implement any form of estate planning? 

Even high-profile figures like Prince and Pablo Picasso faced chaotic and costly consequences because they lacked a proper plan.

Join Rob Curtiss alongside Roger Silk, CEO of Sterling Foundation Management LLC, for a deep dive into the essentials of estate planning. 

Get ready to learn how to set up a secure and impactful legacy, understand the implications of the upcoming 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and explore strategies to mitigate taxes and avoid probate, all while ensuring your wishes are honored.

Rob and Roger discuss:

  • The value of having a well-structured estate plan to avoid unnecessary legal battles and high taxes
  • Real-life stories of high-profile individuals who faced estate planning disasters
  • Insights into the 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and its potential impact on estate and gift taxes
  • Strategies for managing and diversifying highly appreciated assets to minimize tax liabilities
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Roger Silk:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Roger Silk, Ph.D., is the CEO of Sterling Foundation Management, LLC, and President of Lifetime Perspectives, Inc. Roger is widely recognized as a leading expert and innovator in the emerging field at the intersection of finance and philanthropy. 

Roger has more than three decades of experience working with and advising wealthy clients, high-net-worth families, and the advisors who work with them on a variety of issues ranging from the use of private foundations to the integration of sophisticated charitable planning into multi-generational estate plans. He has worked with numerous investment, accounting, financial planning, and legal professionals to educate them, their firms, and their clients about the benefits and characteristics of a full suite of solutions, entities, and planning tools.

Episode 50 Special: Caring for Aging Loved Ones with Mary Winners

Episode 50 Special: Caring for Aging Loved Ones with Mary Winners

Did you know that 78% of people in assisted living still feel lonely despite the communal environment? 

This underscores the importance of not only financial planning but also emotional and social planning as we age.

Join Rob Crutiss as he welcomes Mary Winners, founder of About Senior Solutions™, to discuss the complexities of aging and the importance of comprehensive planning for diminished capacity, whether physical or mental. 

Get ready to hear practical advice and real-life anecdotes to learn how you can prepare for the future and strive for a brighter outcome for yourself and your loved ones.

Rob and Mary talk about:

  • The significance of proactive planning to avoid crises as you age
  • Physical and mental challenges of the elderly, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia 
  • Insights into developing a personalized care plan that acknowledges your wishes
  • The role of technology and community in supporting aging individuals
  • The costs and common struggles associated with caring for the elderly
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mary Winners:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Mary Winners has over a decade of experience in healthcare. While physicians and nurses provide medical recommendations, Mary understands the other side of health care-the confusing maze of healthcare options and unknowns. She has extensive knowledge in acute care hospitalization, Gero-psychiatric issues, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice, assisted living, and other senior care options. 

As a noted speaker and adviser, Mary has provided expert services to a wide variety of seniors in every economic category. Her ability to accurately pinpoint and guide families as they deal with emotionally life-changing events gives Mary unparalleled insights.

In 2023, Mary was appointed Commissioner for Older Adults by The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Market Trends with Will Gibson (Ep. 49)

Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Market Trends with Will Gibson (Ep. 49)

In a time when economic textbooks preach the inevitability of risk in pursuit of reward, the current state of the financial markets tells a different story. 

Follow along as Rob Curtiss sits down with returning guest Will Gibson, chartered financial analyst (CFA) and research analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, for an insightful conversation on the fascinating state of the financial markets. 

From the subtle trends shaping the future of investing to the compelling force of interest rates and commodities, Will brings a wealth of knowledge and clarity to the complex world of finance. 

Listen in as they explore the critical elements affecting your investments and how you can navigate these shifting tides with a better understanding.

Episode talking points include:

  • Rising interest rates and their implications for investors and the broader economic outlook
  • The current state and potential future of US equities, including the impact of recent pullbacks
  • Popular commodities in the market, what’s driving their momentum, and ways they could impact your investment strategy
  • Investors’ behavior and market speculation, drawing parallels from historical records to today’s market dynamics
  • 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.

Lessons From the Past: Exploring US Financial History with Mark Higgins, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 48)

Lessons From the Past: Exploring US Financial History with Mark Higgins, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 48)

Have you ever thought about how financial history can impact your investment decisions? 

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss speaks with Mark Higgins, CFA, CFP®, and author of “Investing in U.S. Financial History: Understanding the Past to Forecast the Future.” 

Mark delves into his journey of researching and writing about US financial history and the significance of understanding the past to make informed decisions in the present financial environment. So, tune in as Rob and Mark offer valuable perspectives for investors and financial professionals alike.

Rob and Mark discuss:

  • The journey behind Mark’s book
  • The value of understanding financial history
  • Past financial crises and how they relate to current economic challenges
  • The evolution of market efficiency
  • The resilience of the United States economy
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Mark Higgins:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Mark J. Higgins, CFA, CFP, is an author, financial historian, and frequent contributor to Enterprising Investor. His work draws from his upcoming book, Investing in U.S. Financial History. 

Before writing Investing in U.S. Financial History, Mark served as a senior investment consultant for more than 12 years. In this role, he advised the trustees of large pension plans, foundations, endowments, and insurance reserves that had aggregate assets of more than $60 billion. As a consultant, he discovered that understanding financial history proved much more valuable than tracking the latest economic data.

Process-Oriented Financial Insights For Long-term Success with Will Gibson (Ep. 47)

Process-Oriented Financial Insights For Long-term Success with Will Gibson (Ep. 47)

Do you need help to make sense of all the financial noise in the market?

Cut through the noise and learn tips and tricks to make informed investment decisions with clarity and confidence by playing this week’s episode of The Millionaire Next Door. 

Listen as Will Gibson, chartered financial analyst (CFA) and research analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, joins host Robert Curtiss to navigate the world of technical analysis and trend-following strategies in investment management. 

This episode offers valuable insights into leveraging data-driven decision-making and sticking to a systematic process to navigate market complexities effectively. 

Rob and Will discuss:

  • The value of following disciplined and systematic processes in financial planning
  • Point figure charting for objective buy and sell signals
  • Leveraging technical analysis to eliminate market noise 
  • Challenges of emotional decision-making and market timing
  • Compounding and timing wealth management
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Will Gibson:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Will Gibson, CFA, 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 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. 

Safeguard Your Wealth: Unraveling the Complexities of Estate Planning with April Rosenberry (Ep. 46)

Safeguard Your Wealth: Unraveling the Complexities of Estate Planning with April Rosenberry (Ep. 46)

How to protect your assets and legacy from potential financial abuse and undue influence? 

Do you know?

In the latest edition of The Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Rob Curtiss is joined by April Rosenberry, director of estate tax and financial planning at SEIA, to explore the complexities of estate planning and the importance of comprehensive financial strategies to safeguard your wealth and loved ones. 

April shares her experience and insights on upcoming tax law changes while providing valuable tips to help you navigate the intricate world of estate planning.

Rob and April discuss:

  • Estate planning to protect assets and prevent financial abuse
  • Federal estate tax laws and upcoming changes
  • Different estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxy
  • Financial elder abuse and undue influence in estate planning
  • The value of proactive planning
  • And 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.