Tag: Financial Planning

FEATURE
How to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®

How to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®

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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.

FEATURE
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.

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!

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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