Tag: Financial Education
Opportunity Zones Explained: What’s Changing in 2027 and Why It Matters with Michael O’Shea (Ep. 91)

Opportunity Zones Explained: What’s Changing in 2027 and Why It Matters with Michael O’Shea (Ep. 91)

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For investors facing concentrated wealth or future liquidity events, understanding tax-aware planning options matters long before decisions are required. Opportunity Zones are one of the most talked-about and least understood tools in that conversation.

In this episode of The Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Robert Curtiss sits down with Michael O’Shea, CFA, Head of Private Wealth at Origin Investments, to unpack one of the most misunderstood and potentially powerful tax planning tools available today: Qualified Opportunity Zones.

Together, they walk through how Opportunity Zones work, why the original structure created a temporary pause in interest, and why upcoming changes beginning in 2027 may reopen the door for investors facing large capital gains. The conversation focuses on real-world planning scenarios, including concentrated stock positions, private business exits, and highly appreciated real estate.

Michael explains how Opportunity Zones differ from 1031 exchanges, what the long-term benefits may look like when paired with professionally managed real estate development, and why advanced coordination with tax and legal advisors matters. This episode is designed as an evergreen educational resource for investors who want to understand their options well before a liquidity event occurs.

Key takeaways:

  • How Qualified Opportunity Zones work and why they were created
  • What’s changing in Opportunity Zone legislation starting in 2027
  • How Opportunity Zones may help address large capital gains from stocks, businesses, or real estate
  • Why long-term real estate development and coordinated planning are key to using this strategy effectively
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Michael O’Shea:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

 

About Our Guest:

Michael brings more than 18 years of real estate and capital markets expertise to Origin as Director and Head of Private Wealth Solutions. In this role, he leads the firm’s capital raising initiatives, oversees the sales strategy, and develops strategic partnerships with Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) to expand Origin’s investment platform.

Previously, Michael served as the head of Origin Exchange, the firm’s 1031 Exchange Platform. During his career in the alternative investment sector, Michael has played key roles with various real estate sponsors, facilitating the syndication of more than $10 billion in commercial real estate investments, including over $500 million in 1031 tax-deferred exchanges.

Michael holds an MBA with dual concentrations in Finance and Real Estate Investment from DePaul University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and is a CFA® charterholder.

A resident of Elmhurst, Michael lives with his wife Lauren and their three children Declan, Alice, and Tristan. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, Chicago sports, and spending time with his family.

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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.

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The Future of Venture Capital with Anthony Giambrone and Stephen West (Ep.68)

The Future of Venture Capital with Anthony Giambrone and Stephen West (Ep.68)

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Want to know how venture capital is reshaping the future? Join us as we explore this dynamic landscape with industry experts.

Robert Curtiss, CFP®, sits down with Stephen West and Anthony Giambrone from StepStone to demystify venture capital. They explore how this dynamic sector, historically the reserve of institutions, is becoming more accessible. Discover how venture opportunities can diversify your portfolio and how the VC landscape has transformed over the past decade.  

Top takeaways include:

  • Difference between Private Equity and Venture Capital and why VC matters [04:58]
  • Today’s VC landscape and the democratization of investment accessibility [12:38]
  • Insights into innovative sectors like AI and aerospace [15:06]
  • Real-world examples of tech advancements reshaping industries [18:21]

Resources:

Connect with Anthony Giambrone and Stephen West:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guests:

Mr. Giambrone is a member of the private equity team, focusing on venture capital and growth equity investments.

Prior to joining StepStone, Mr. Giambrone was a principal with Greenspring Associates, a venture capital and growth equity investment firm that merged with StepStone in 2021. Previously, he was a senior associate at Mercato Partners, a leading growth-stage, venture capital fund based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Before that, he was an investment banking analyst with Deloitte Corporate Finance (formerly McColl Partners).

Mr. West is a member of the private equity team, focusing on venture capital and growth equity investments.

Prior to StepStone, Mr. West was a member of the research team at Greenspring Associates, a venture capital and growth equity investment firm that merged with StepStone in 2021. Prior to that, Mr. West was a technology investment associate at JMP securities focused on cybersecurity and an associate management consultant within the strategy and organization practice at Booz Allen Hamilton. Mr. West served as a human intelligence officer in the Marine Corps.

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How To Save Your Way To Freedom with Tyson Ray (Ep. 41)

How To Save Your Way To Freedom with Tyson Ray (Ep. 41)

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Wealth isn’t about just numbers…

Would you agree?

Join host Robert Curtiss and special guest Tyson Ray, CFP®, CExP®, and CIMA® from FORM Wealth Advisors in this eye-opening episode of The Millionaire Next Door!

Together, they unravel the lesser-known aspects of wealth management while talking about their approach to guiding individuals toward a life of choice and comfort beyond the balance sheet.

Rob and Tyson explore:

  • Changing the meaning of financial success to match wealth with personal goals and dreams
  • Moving from careful saving to spending with confidence
  • The value of client-advisor communication when planning for a strong financial future
  • The role of financial advisors when helping their clients create meaningful legacies and increasing the happiness that comes from their wealth
  • Key lessons from Tyson’s book “The Total Relationship” 
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Tyson Ray:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About  Our Guest:

FORM Wealth Advisors | CEO, Founding Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor

Over the past 25+ years, Tyson Ray has sought to expand his knowledge and expertise through Yale School of Management, Investment Management Theory & Practice, CIMA Certification Registration Education Program, including obtaining the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) Certification and through the College for Financial Planning for the CFP® Certification, including obtaining CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification. Tyson received his Certification in Business Exit Planning to better help entrepreneurs and business owners make the transition of selling their life’s work.

Tyson has been named a 2018-2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor**, 2021-2023 Barron’s Top 1200*, and a 2005-2023 Chairman’s Council Advisor***. He is also a member of the Financial Planning Association of Wisconsin. He has been recognized for his many philanthropic endeavors in the community, including the Invest in Others Global Community Impact Award and REP. Magazine’s Advisor with a Heart Award for Sustainable Charity for his ongoing work with Ray’s non-profit, Children’s World Impact.

Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc.  FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice. Form Wealth Advisors is located at 431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147 and you can reach the office at 262-686-3005.

Tyson Ray was named to the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 edition of the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors. Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors 2023, is based on the period from 09/30/2021 – 09/30/2022 and was released on 03/15/2023. 5,630 nominations were received and 1,200 won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://www.raymondjames.com/awarddisclosures/#2023-barrons-top-1200.

Tyson Ray was named to the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 edition of the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors. 2023 Forbes Top Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, developed by Shook Research, is based on the period from 6/30/2021 to 6/30/2022 and was released on 4/4/2023. 39,007 nominations were received and 7,321 advisors won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://go.rjf.com/3KsXbF7. Please see https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.

Tyson Ray was named as a Chairman’s Council Advisor, 2005-2023. Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually. The ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of advisor’s future performance. No fee is paid in exchange for this award/rating.

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