Category: Savings

FEATURE
Financial Trends to Watch in 2025 with Miles Clark (Ep.66)

Financial Trends to Watch in 2025 with Miles Clark (Ep.66)

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What does the future hold for the stock market in 2025? 

Robert Curtiss chats with Miles Clark, a research analyst from Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, known for their expertise in technical analysis and momentum-based trading. Dive into the emerging financial themes of 2025 as Miles offers a glimpse into the factors impacting the market landscape, emphasizing the art of reading the ‘Weight of the Evidence’ and what that data means moving into the next quarter.

Rob and Miles discuss:

  • The significance of momentum and how winners often keep winning
  • The evolving role of small caps and the concerns about participation drying up
  • The influence of a stronger U.S. dollar on international equities and commodities
  • The importance of staying objective and focusing on long-term goals amidst market noise

Resources:

Connect with Miles Clark:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Miles Clark 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
Mastering the Art of Listening with Matt Halloran (Ep. 65)

Mastering the Art of Listening with Matt Halloran (Ep. 65)

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What happens when you truly listen? Are you truly listening or just waiting for your turn to speak?

Robert Curtiss speaks with Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth, about the art and power of listening. Matt, fresh off releasing his new book “Shut the F Up and Listen,” dives into the epidemic of loneliness and how improved listening skills can pave the way to deeper connections and understanding.

Discussion points include: 

  • The art of “Listening to Listen” and not just to respond 
  • Understanding the five types of communicators: skydivers, hang gliders, water skiers, snorkelers, and scuba divers 
  • How holding space can enhance your listening ability 
  • Practical exercises for honing your listening skills
  • The surprisingly fun eavesdropping exercise for developing a listening focus
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Matt Halloran:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Matt Halloran is a co-founder and chief relationship officer at ProudMouth, the world’s leading influence accelerator for financial advisors.

Matt is an in-demand speaker who has appeared on over 1,000 podcasts and given hundreds of speeches. He hosts ProudMouth’s Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he and industry leaders empower advisors to become trusted, recognized authorities.

Matt is the author of The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors, the first social media book for financial services. His new book, “Shut the F Up and Listen,” is also available now!

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Elevate Your Business with Insightful Accounting and Planning Tips with Ilona and Takaya Brunner (Ep. 64)

Elevate Your Business with Insightful Accounting and Planning Tips with Ilona and Takaya Brunner (Ep. 64)

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How do you run a successful business without sacrificing your personal life?

 Many struggle to find the answers to this question…

Robert Curtiss brings on Ilona and Takaya Brunner, a dynamic CPA duo, to share their inspiring journey and unique approach to balancing work and life as business owners. They dive into how they help fellow entrepreneurs by taking the stress out of back-office tasks so business owners can focus on what truly matters. 

From building a thriving practice while enjoying family life to seamlessly managing client relationships, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable insights! 

Talking points include: 

  • Juggling Family and Business: How Ilona and Takaya manage their CPA practice alongside family life to maintain balance
  • Full-Service Client Care: Their approach to offering comprehensive support that relieves business owners from financial headaches
  • The Power of Core Values: The importance of knowing your business values and using them to drive success
  • Setting Profit Goals: Strategies for understanding personal and business finance to alleviate stress
  • And more! 

Resources:

Connect with Ilona and Takaya Brunner: 

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guests:

Ilona and Takaya Brunner have built a family-owned business that values their relationships with their children, clients, colleagues, and referral partners. They started Brunner Accounting to manage life and business on their terms. 

Ilona’s passion for serving business owners and individuals fueled her desire to open her own practice after spending 8 years in Big Four public accounting and 3 years at a local CPA firm in Burbank. Her services include tax return preparation, tax planning and consulting, IRS and state audit assistance, bookkeeping, and business management.

Takaya helps individuals and companies draw insights from their finances and data. For the last 10 years, he has used his experience as a CPA to execute initiatives with C-level executives by bridging the gap between finance, IT, development, analytics, and business operations. He specializes in helping organizations analyze their financial statements to improve their products, processes, and governance.

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Why the Future of Financial Planning is Relationship-Focused with Mike Cy (Ep. 63)

Why the Future of Financial Planning is Relationship-Focused with Mike Cy (Ep. 63)

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As the financial world becomes increasingly interconnected, true wealth management goes beyond portfolios—it’s about clarity, relationships, and forward-thinking strategies.

Robert Curtiss and Mike Cy take us into the heart of their holistic approach to financial planning, showcasing the tools and processes that empower clients to achieve confidence in their financial futures. They uncover how cutting-edge technology and adaptability redefine wealth strategies, even in a post-COVID world, while fostering enduring, multi-generational success.

Tune in and discover how a client-first, innovation-driven approach transforms financial advisory into a tool for lasting impact!

Key topics discussed include:

  • Building aligned relationships through the Fit Process
  • Enhancing client experiences with high-tech onboarding strategies
  • Using the Sounding Board Service for proactive financial guidance
  • Simplifying complexities with the Value-Added Support Team (VAST)
  • Unlocking exclusive private market opportunities with alternative investments
  • Adapting virtual engagement tools for seamless client support
  • Creating long-lasting multi-generational financial plans
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.:

About Our Guest:

Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services industry. Mike is a passionate and energetic leader who enjoys developing business refinement and practice management strategies and thrives on helping his clients achieve their goals.

He got his start in the industry at a large insurance marketing organization, where he consulted financial advisors across the country on product and marketing solutions for their businesses. During his time with this firm, he was introduced to Pareto Systems and began learning about the Pareto Process.

After six years of coaching and consulting advisers, Mike decided to become a financial advisor himself and built a practice with his father in Overland Park, KS. Together, they managed millions of dollars of assets and utilized various insurance-based products. Mike knew the value of creating professional contrast in an incredibly competitive marketplace and began implementing many of Pareto’s processes.

FEATURE
Precision, Performance, and People: Inside SEIA’s Process with Vince Reyes and Tony Nguyen (Ep. 62)

Precision, Performance, and People: Inside SEIA’s Process with Vince Reyes and Tony Nguyen (Ep. 62)

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As financial markets grow more complex, the difference between a good trade and a great one lies in precision, relationships, and cutting-edge tools.

Robert Curtiss welcomes Vince Reyes, Director of Trading Operations, and Tony Nguyen, Senior Trader at SEIA, to uncover the meticulous strategies behind SEIA’s trading desk. Together, they break down how high-touch execution, trusted dealer relationships, and advanced tools drive superior client outcomes—even in volatile or illiquid markets.

So, tune in as they explore SEIA’s finely tuned trading operation, revealing how their client-first approach ensures precision and performance in every trade while adapting to an ever-changing financial landscape!

Key topics discussed include:

  • Mastering high-touch trading for precision in large or illiquid orders
  • Leveraging relationships with bond dealers to obtain better execution for fixed-income trades
  • Using advanced tools like RFQ to achieve competitive pricing on ETF block trades
  • Implementing robust compliance systems, including quarterly best execution reviews and real-time trade monitoring
  • Delivering a “white-glove” client experience through tailored, relationship-driven strategies
  • Insights into evolving client needs, including increasing demand for sophisticated strategies like options trading
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Vince Reyes:

Connect with Tony Nguyen:

About Our Guests:

Vincent Reyes, CMFC®, is the Director of Trading Operations at SEIA. Since joining SEIA in 2007, Vincent has overseen and managed all trading operations in the Century City, Pasadena, Newport Beach, Redondo Beach, and Virginia offices. Vincent previously worked as a NASDAQ Market Maker and Proprietary Trader at two major brokerage firms from 1993 to 2007. He has handled many institutional clients, including hedge funds, pensions, and mutual funds. He has also worked directly with specialists and floor brokers on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Chicago Board of Exchange (options), and other regional exchanges. Vincent is a Bloomberg Certified user and is well-versed in using many electronic trading systems.

Tony Nguyen is the Senior Trader in the SEIA Trading Department. Tony works closely with the firm’s financial advisors and portfolio managers to provide efficient trade executions in fixed-income securities. Before joining SEIA, Tony was a trader for Banc of America Securities on the institutional fixed-income desk serving the Los Angeles and San Diego regions. His clients included Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, and insurance companies.

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

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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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