Tag: Financial Planning

FEATURE
Identity Theft: Why It’s Inevitable And What You Can Do About It with Robert Brennan (Ep. 75)

Identity Theft: Why It’s Inevitable And What You Can Do About It with Robert Brennan (Ep. 75)

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It’s not if you’ll face identity theft, it’s when. 

In this powerful episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with seasoned trial attorney Robert Brennan, an experienced professional in identity theft cases, to unpack the alarming realities of this modern-day crime. From fraud rings targeting disaster victims to the surprising statistic that nearly every American’s data is already on the dark web, Brennan delivers a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they’re immune.

You’ll hear real-life stories of how identity theft happens, often from the people you trust most, and learn practical, actionable steps to safeguard your financial life. Robert also shares essential insights on the legal remedies available when the unthinkable happens, and why building a strong team of trusted professionals can make all the difference.

What to expect from this episode:

  • The top misconceptions about identity theft—and the hard truths
  • Why monitoring your credit is no longer optional
  • How to protect elderly family members from scams
  • Why vigilance and proactive action are your best defence
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Brennan:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Southern California’s leading law firm in consumer protection law and serious personal injury cases. Robert Brennan is a trial attorney, setting him apart from about 98% of practicing attorneys who don’t want to take cases to trial. He has successfully tried several serious personal injury cases and has a series of 7-figure verdicts and settlements. He also has seven-figure and high-six-figure results in Fair Credit Reporting Act cases (false information on credit reports), Identity Theft cases, and Lemon Law cases (defective cars, boats, RVs, and motorcycles that the manufacturer cannot fix under warranty). The firm reviews most cases free of charge to see if they can assist. 99% of the practice is in the greater Southern California area.

FEATURE
Reading the Market’s Pulse: Breadth, Signals, and Smart Strategy with Miles Clark (Ep. 74)

Reading the Market’s Pulse: Breadth, Signals, and Smart Strategy with Miles Clark (Ep. 74)

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What do market recoveries, pilot training, and emotional discipline have in common? 

In volatile times, they all remind us that trusting your instruments and your process can make all the difference.

In this quarterly market check-in, host Robert Curtiss, CFP®, welcomes back recurring guest Miles Clark of Dorsey Wright to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface of recent market turbulence. From sector rotations to investor behavior, this episode brings clarity without the noise.

Here’s what you can expect to learn by listening:

  • Why the S&P’s recent rebound may be masking deeper shifts in market breadth and volatility
  • What a 50-year data point reveals about average returns versus real-life experience
  • How international equities and commodities are quietly gaining strength—and what that could mean for portfolios
  • What it takes to stay objective and clear-headed when fear and headlines start to take over
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Miles Clark :

About Our Guest:

Miles 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
2025 Economic Insights From Senior Economist, Strider Elass (Ep. 73)

2025 Economic Insights From Senior Economist, Strider Elass (Ep. 73)

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Where is the economy headed amidst all this uncertainty? 

Well, who better to ask than a Senior Economist!

Robert Curtiss sits down with Strider Elass, a Senior Economist from First Trust, to navigate the financial landscape we’re seeing so far in 2025. They discuss the implications of recent policy decisions, historic market volatility, and what they could mean for your investments.

Other key conversation points include:

  • The impact of COVID-19 shutdowns and subsequent policy decisions on the current economic climate [04:17]
  • The “payback period” we’re entering due to recent economic stimuli [04:55]
  • The role of the Magnificent Seven companies in stock market fluctuations [08:39]
  • The transformative power of AI across different sectors, reminiscent of the dot-com boom [11:09]
  • Strategies for navigating economic slowdowns and the importance of diversification in uncertain times [18:13]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Strider Elass:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Strider Elass is Senior Economist and part of the First Trust Economics Team that Bloomberg has consistently ranked as one of the top forecasters of the U.S. economy over the past decade plus.

At First Trust, Strider is responsible for analyzing economic indicators, writing economic commentaries, and building content. In 2022, The First Trust Economic Team was rated the Most Accurate Economic Forecasters in the United States by Consensus Economics.

The team also won multiple Gold Medals from Financial Advisor IQ in both 2020 and 2021 for Macro Commentary, overall content, and commentary and was also rated 2nd for Thought Leadership by Fuse Research.

The First Trust Economics Team has been awarded the “Crystal Ball Award” by Zillow® in partnership with Pulsenomics over multiple years for accurate home price predictions. In 2017, First Trust’s thought leadership material was ranked as number one for most read and most shared by financial professionals with colleagues or clients in the “Top 10 Financial Providers for Thought Leadership Activity.”

Strider was instrumental in researching for the book, It’s Not As Bad As You Think, published in 2009 by First Trust’s Chief Economist, Brian Wesbury. Strider’s contribution to the team’s success goes beyond his research responsibilities. He is also a highly sought-after speaker and regularly presents at broker and retail events across the country and abroad, sharing his experience with a wide audience.

FEATURE
How To Cut Through Modern-Day Financial Noise with Gary Sinderbrand (Ep. 72)

How To Cut Through Modern-Day Financial Noise with Gary Sinderbrand (Ep. 72)

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In a world filled with financial noise, how do you know which signals actually matter? 

Join Robert Curtiss as he chats with Gary Sinderbrand, a seasoned financial professional with roots going back to their days at Merrill Lynch. 

They unravel years of insights on keeping your financial journey on track. Delving into tales from the trading floor to personal anecdotes from the ski slopes, Curtiss and Sinderbrand uncover strategies for managing financial anxieties and the importance of a disciplined, rules-based approach.

Key discussion points include:

  • Navigating financial fear in today’s world [00:05:00]
  • Effective strategies for overcoming biases in investing [00:07:00]
  • The significance of process and discipline in wealth management [00:31:00]
  • Analyzing market signals amidst the noise [00:33:00]
  • Real-world examples of market volatility and client management [00:41:00]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Gary Sinderbrand:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Gary Sinderbrand brings a rare combination of elite production experience and transformative training expertise to your doorstep. As the co-creator of the influential Payne-Sinderbrand Program at Merrill Lynch—which helped shaped the careers of over 12,000 Financial Advisors—he has a proven ability to develop systems that drive extraordinary results at scale.

Gary’s journey spans decades as both a top-tier producer and a practice management innovator. This dual perspective allows him to see opportunities others miss and implement strategies others can’t teach because they haven’t lived them.

At BetterPath Training, we meet you exactly where you are. For next-generation advisors building books from scratch, Gary provides battle-tested client acquisition methodologies that bypass years of costly trial and error. For seasoned FAs preparing for succession, you can expect comprehensive frameworks for legacy planning, revenue optimization, and workload management that protect the practice you’ve worked so hard to build.

Your path to exceptional results starts with exceptional guidance. That’s the BetterPath promise.

FEATURE
Behind the Mic: Robert Curtiss’ Journey (Ep. 71)

Behind the Mic: Robert Curtiss’ Journey (Ep. 71)

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Who is the man behind the mic?

In today’s episode, we pull back the curtain on Robert Curtiss’s journey—from a public policy graduate to a trusted financial advisor. Along the way, he shares hard-earned lessons on diligence, adaptability, and finding harmony between career and personal life.

Robert dives into the intersection of marriage and money, emphasizing the power of shared values, mutual respect, patience, and flexibility in building a strong financial foundation with your partner.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, real-life experience, and practical advice on navigating life’s biggest milestones—without sacrificing financial security or personal fulfillment.

Key takeaways include:

  • His childhood journey and financial ambition. [02:33]
  • The pivotal role of discipline and curiosity in his career. [13:39]
  • Effective financial habits for twenty-somethings. [16:49]
  • Balancing present joys with future savings. [20:00]
  • Navigating finances in relationships. [23:40]

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

FEATURE
How to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®(Ep.70)

How to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®(Ep.70)

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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.

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