Welcome to the Financial Detox® Show—a show that’s dedicated to helping you retire with confidence. Your host, Jason Labrum is a Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Intelligence Driven Advisers. For over 20 years, he’s shown people how to steer clear of toxic advice, achieve financial peace of mind, and manage their wealth for maximum impact—and now, he wants to empower YOU to do the same! Join Jason and his co-host Alex Klingensmith every other week, as they simplify the complex, share industry secrets, and provide proven strategies that will take YOU from financial insecurity to financial independence. Topics will cover retirement planning, financial planning, estate planning, tax saving strategies, investment management, 401K, alternative investments, stocks, bonds, portfolio allocation, business strategies, business advice, and much more.
Private credit. Private debt. Direct lending. Interval funds.
If those terms sound confusing, you're not alone.
Private credit has become one of the fastest-growing asset classes in investing, with institutions and endowments allocating billions of dollars to it. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and should everyday investors pay attention?
Today on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex sit down with Todd Trabocco of StepStone to break down private credit in plain English. Together they explain why private lending has exploded in recent years, how it differs from traditional bonds, and what investors need to understand before allocating money to this increasingly popular asset class.
What they cover today: 📌 What private credit actually is (and why it's different from public bonds) 📌 Why banks stepped back and private lenders stepped in 📌 Direct lending vs. private credit—what's the difference? 📌 Why institutions have embraced private markets for decades 📌 The tradeoff between liquidity and volatility 📌 Understanding interval funds, redemption limits, and "gating" 📌 How private credit can fit into a diversified portfolio 📌 The risks, misconceptions, and headlines investors should ignore
Private credit isn't a magic investment, but it may be one of the most misunderstood asset classes available to investors today. If you've been hearing more about private markets and want to separate the facts from the hype, this episode is for you.
💬 Want Help Building a Better Diversified Portfolio? If you'd like to learn whether private investments are appropriate for your financial plan—or see how alternatives fit into a professionally managed portfolio—schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with the IDA Wealth team: https://www.idawealth.com/contact/
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Episode Disclosure: The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
Our guest, Todd Trabocco, is a Managing Director at StepStone Group and is not affiliated with Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA"). He appeared as an independent industry expert; his views are his own and do not necessarily reflect IDA's views. IDA has not compensated Mr. Trabocco or StepStone for this appearance and is not aware of any material conflicts of interest arising from this discussion.
References in this episode to historical returns, recovery rates, or redemption/distribution levels for private credit — including the guest's personal recollection of a fund's experience during the 2008–2009 financial crisis and any related hypothetical illustrations — are general, illustrative, and based on one individual's recollection rather than audited fund results. They do not represent the performance of any IDA client account and are not a guarantee of future results, redemption amounts, or outcomes in any future market downturn.
Private credit, private debt, direct lending, interval funds, and BDCs involve unique risks, including illiquidity, limited redemption rights, valuation uncertainty, and potential loss of principal, and are not suitable for every investor. Speak with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decision based on strategies discussed here.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance or a guarantee of results.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. IDA is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com
You can do everything right and still run into trouble in retirement.
Many investors spend decades building wealth, only to discover that the biggest risks arrive right as they stop working.
Today, on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in retirement planning: sequence of returns risk.
Two retirees can have the exact same portfolio, earn the exact same average return, and withdraw the exact same amount of income, yet one runs out of money while the other remains financially secure.
Why?
Because the market doesn't care when you retire.
What we cover today:
📌 What sequence of returns risk actually means 📌 Why the first 5-10 years of retirement matter so much 📌 The retirement "danger zone" most investors never plan for 📌 Why average returns can be misleading 📌 How poor timing can permanently damage a retirement plan 📌 Why relying on rules of thumb like the 4% rule can be dangerous 📌 How intelligent rebalancing can reduce retirement risk 📌 The role alternative investments can play in managing volatility 📌 Why retirement income planning is more than just generating yield 📌 How a stress-tested financial plan can help protect your future
If you're within 10 years of retirement, or already retired, this episode will help you understand the risks most advisors never explain and show you how to build a more resilient retirement strategy.
💬 Want Help Reviewing Your Retirement Readiness? If you'd like a copy of the slides discussed in this episode or want a second opinion on your retirement plan, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with the IDA Wealth team: https://www.idawealth.com/contact/
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. The visual illustrations presented in this episode were created with AI assistance using data and concepts sourced from the following third-party publications including First Trust, Bloomberg, CNBC, and OpenPR.
The retiree examples presented are hypothetical illustrations only and do not represent the experience of any actual IDA Wealth client. Hypothetical examples assume a $1,000,000 starting portfolio balance, $50,000 in annual withdrawals, and a 6% average annual return with varied sequences of loss. These figures do not account for investment advisory fees, fund expenses, taxes, or transaction costs, which would reduce returns. Results will vary based on each individual's specific circumstances, goals, and market conditions. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 large-cap U.S. companies and is not available for direct investment; index returns do not reflect fees, expenses, or transaction costs. The S&P 500 performance referenced for the period 2000–2009 sourced from Dimensional. Volatility and return figures referenced in the discussion of alternative investments and the efficient frontier are based on historical data for the 15 year period ending 12/31/2024 and are for illustrative purposes only. The observation that lower-volatility portfolios tend to perform better over longer time periods reflects general historical data and is not a guarantee of future results. Private market and alternative investments are not suitable for all investors and involve significant risks including illiquidity, limited transparency, and potential loss of principal; manager selection materially affects outcomes and results will vary. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance or a guarantee of results. Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. IDA is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com.
Do you really need the SpaceX IPO in your portfolio?
With SpaceX expected to become the largest IPO in history, investors everywhere are asking the same questions:
Today, on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex separate hype from reality and explain what most investors misunderstand about IPO investing.
The truth is that the biggest risk may not be missing the IPO, it may be chasing it for the wrong reasons.
The conversation goes beyond SpaceX and explores why companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Stripe, and Databricks are changing the way investors think about public and private markets.
What we cover today:
📌 Why everyone is talking about the SpaceX IPO
📌 How the public stock market has shrunk over the last 20 years
📌 Why private equity is delaying or replacing traditional IPOs
📌 The three biggest mistakes investors make with IPOs
📌 Why most people never actually get the IPO price
📌 The hidden risk of the six-month lockup period
📌 Why FOMO is not an investment strategy
📌 How private markets can provide earlier access to innovation
📌 Why a disciplined investment philosophy matters more than headlines
The goal isn't to predict whether SpaceX will soar or stumble after it goes public. The goal is to help you build a portfolio that doesn't depend on chasing the latest hot investment.
Because great investing isn't about owning every exciting company. It's about having a repeatable process and making decisions that fit your long-term financial plan.
💬 Want Help Building an Investment Strategy That Doesn't Rely on Headlines?
If you'd like to learn more about how private markets, alternative investments, and disciplined portfolio construction fit into a comprehensive financial plan, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with the IDA Wealth team: https://www.idawealth.com/contact/
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Episode Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
The views expressed in this episode regarding IPOs, private market investing, and specific companies, including SpaceX, reflect the opinions of the speakers at the time of recording and are subject to change. They are intended as general education only and do not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. IPO and private market investments are not suitable for all investors and involve additional risks including illiquidity, lack of transparency, and potential total loss of principal. Certain IDA clients currently hold positions in SpaceX through private markets, which represents a potential conflict of interest in the context of this discussion. The effect of the SpaceX IPO on any existing private market positions is unknown, and no outcome — positive or negative — should be assumed.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance or a guarantee of results. Private market investments and IPOs are not suitable for all investors and involve significant risks including illiquidity and potential loss of principal.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. IDA is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com.
Most people think they have a financial plan.
But when you ask what that plan actually is, the answer is usually: "Some mutual funds, ETFs, a broker… and hopefully retirement works out."
That is not a financial plan.
Today, on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex break down the massive difference between simply owning investments and having a true, interactive financial plan designed around your life, taxes, spending, goals, and long-term decision-making.
You'll see how real planning works: Modeling lifetime income and spending Stress testing for volatility and inflation Analyzing taxes and future cash flow Testing retirement scenarios in real time Creating clarity around what you can actually afford
The goal is not just portfolio growth. The goal is freedom, confidence, and the ability to make decisions without fear.
What we cover in this episode: 📌 Why most investors do NOT actually have a financial plan 📌 The difference between investments and integrated planning 📌 How interactive planning changes retirement decisions 📌 Why stress testing matters more than market predictions 📌 The role inflation plays in future spending power 📌 How detailed cash flow analysis creates confidence 📌 Why great planning helps clients enjoy life more today
If you've ever wondered: "Am I actually okay financially?" or "How much can I really spend in retirement?"
This episode will completely change how you think about financial planning.
💬 Want Help Building a Real Financial Plan? Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with the IDA Wealth team: https://www.idawealth.com/contact/
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Episode Disclosure: The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise or guarantee of future performance.
Probability of success figures reflect Monte Carlo simulation results and are hypothetical and illustrative only. They do not represent actual investment results and are not a guarantee of future performance. Outcomes will vary based on market conditions, individual circumstances, and the assumptions used; simulations do not account for all possible market scenarios, fees, taxes, or changes in your financial situation. Client scenarios and plan illustrations referenced are hypothetical or anonymized, do not represent any specific client's experience, and should not be interpreted as a testimonial or endorsement.
References to financial planning in this episode are intended to be educational and to encourage listeners to understand what a comprehensive financial plan is. Many qualified financial professionals offer comprehensive planning services, and we encourage listeners to ask questions and ensure they understand the scope of planning they are receiving.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. IDA does not provide specific tax or legal advice. For more information, including our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, visit www.idawealth.com.
Private credit is suddenly everywhere in the headlines.
Redemption requests are rising. Retail investors are panicking. And many people who don't even understand private credit are suddenly convinced something is "breaking."
So what's actually happening?
In this special episode of Financial Detox, Jason and Alex sit down with Phil Huber, Managing Director & Head of Portfolio Solutions at Cliffwater, one of the leading firms in the private credit space, to unpack what private credit really is, how it works, the risks investors should understand, and why today's headlines may not tell the full story.
What we cover today: 📌 What private credit actually is, and why it exists 📌 How the 2008 financial crisis changed lending markets 📌 Why banks pulled back from middle-market lending 📌 The difference between private credit and traditional bonds 📌 What "redemption panic" really means in semi-liquid funds 📌 The real risks investors should understand before allocating 📌 Why yield and risk are always connected 📌 How private credit performed during the GFC, COVID, and rising rates 📌 Why institutional investors continue allocating heavily to alternatives 📌 The importance of manager selection and diversification
Phil also explains how private credit funds manage liquidity, what default rates actually look like today, and why investors should think about private credit as a long-term portfolio complement, not a replacement for traditional assets.
If you've been hearing alarming headlines about private credit, interval funds, or redemptions, this episode will help you separate emotional narratives from actual portfolio construction principles.
💬 Want Help Reviewing Your Portfolio? If you want to better understand whether alternatives, private credit, or private markets belong in your portfolio, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with the IDA Wealth team:
🔗 Learn more about Cliffwater and private credit research
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Episode Disclosure: The information in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
This episode features Phil Huber, Managing Director at Cliffwater, appearing in an unpaid capacity. Cliffwater is one of multiple fund managers IDA evaluates and utilizes, and IDA does not maintain an exclusive relationship with Cliffwater. All statements made by Phil Huber regarding Cliffwater, its funds, or the private credit market reflect the views and opinions of Cliffwater and its representatives only and should not be interpreted as an independent endorsement by IDA of Cliffwater or any of its products.
Any references to historical performance, yield figures, index returns, credit loss statistics, or capital market assumptions discussed in this episode are sourced from Cliffwater and reflect Cliffwater's own research and proprietary index data. For full methodology, performance history, and supporting documentation, visit cliffwater.com. All performance figures represent the opinions of Cliffwater and are not guaranteed. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and there is no guarantee that historical return or loss patterns will continue.
Any statements by IDA suggesting the firm may add value for clients reflect general expressions of the firm's investment philosophy and are not a guarantee of any specific outcome or return. Actual results will vary based on individual client circumstances, market conditions, and other factors outside IDA's control.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance, or a guarantee of results.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For more information, including our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, visit www.idawealth.com.
Is AI helping your finances… or quietly hurting them?
Tools like ChatGPT, Claude and other AI-driven platforms are exploding in popularity, and for good reason. They're fast, accessible, and incredibly powerful. But when it comes to financial decisions, there's a dangerous gap most people don't see.
Today on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex break down the hidden risks of using AI for investing, tax planning, and portfolio decisions, and why "good advice in theory" can be devastating in real life.
What we cover today:
📌 Why AI creates a dangerous illusion of personalized advice
📌 How asking the wrong question leads to the wrong financial outcome
📌 The critical gaps AI misses (tax strategy, timing, coordination)
📌 Why tax drag, asset location, and execution matter more than principles
📌 How AI can push investors into yield-chasing and bad decisions
📌 The hidden flaws in "standard" portfolio recommendations (like 60/40)
📌 Why accountability and human advice still matter in high-stakes decisions
AI can make you smarter, but it can also give you false confidence.
If you're using AI to make financial decisions (or thinking about it), this episode will help you understand where it adds value, and where it can quietly cost you.
💬 Want Help Reviewing Your Portfolio?
If you want a second opinion on your portfolio, tax strategy, or financial plan ,especially in a world where AI is influencing decisions. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team.
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Episode Disclosure:
The information in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
This episode discusses the use of AI tools in personal financial decision-making, including topics such as Roth IRA conversions, tax-efficient investing, yield-focused investing, and portfolio construction. All AI prompts and scenarios referenced are for illustrative purposes only. AI-generated output does not constitute financial advice and does not account for your individual tax situation, risk tolerance, time horizon, or personal circumstances. Consult a qualified financial or tax professional before making any financial decisions.
References to investment products (including REITs, BDCs, high yield bonds, and ETFs) are educational only and do not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Higher yield does not guarantee higher returns. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance, or a guarantee of results.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For more information, including our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, visit www.idawealth.com.
Does high yield actually mean high income?
A lot of investors see a high-yield bond, REIT, BDC, dividend stock, or income product and assume the same thing: higher yield means better income and better returns.
But that assumption can be dangerous.
Today on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex break down the hidden risks behind chasing yield, why high-yield investments are often misunderstood, and how investors can end up taking on far more risk than they realize.
What we cover today:
📌 Why "high yield" does not automatically mean strong total return
📌 Jason's personal mistake chasing a 10% yielding investment
📌 How return of capital can create the illusion of income
📌 Why leverage can quietly turn yield into risk
📌 The difference between yield, cash flow, and total return
📌 Why high-yield products often hide complexity in the fine print
📌 How market volatility can expose weak income strategies
📌 Why understanding the source of yield matters more than the percentage itself
If you've ever been tempted by a high-yield investment or wondered whether income products are really as safe as they sound, this episode will help you think more clearly about the tradeoffs, the risks, and the right way to evaluate yield.
💬 Want Help Reviewing Your Portfolio?
If you'd like help understanding whether the yield in your portfolio is sustainable, or whether you may be holding more risk than you realize, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team.
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
This episode discusses "yield" versus "total return" using historical examples for illustrative purposes only. These examples do not represent the performance of any specific investment or client portfolio. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and actual outcomes will vary based on market conditions, fees, and individual circumstances.
Data presented is sourced from third-party providers, including Bloomberg, Preqin, and J.P. Morgan Asset Management (including "U.S. Private Credit vs. U.S. High Yield," data as of May 9, 2024, and "Correlations, Returns and Yields"). These sources are believed to be reliable but have not been independently verified and are provided for informational purposes only.
Higher risk or volatility does not guarantee higher returns, and investments with greater risk may experience greater losses. References to the "risk-free rate" or yields on U.S. Treasury securities (e.g., "in the high 3% range") reflect general market conditions at a point in time, are subject to change, and are not guaranteed.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance, or a guarantee of results.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com.
Is AI the next dot-com bubble?
The rise of artificial intelligence has created massive excitement in the markets. Investors are pouring into AI stocks, valuations are expanding, and a handful of companies are dominating performance.
Sound familiar?
For many, it feels a lot like the late 1990s. But is this truly a repeat of the dot-com bubble, or is something fundamentally different this time?
Today on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex break down the similarities, the differences, and what investors need to understand before making big decisions in today's AI-driven market.
What we cover today:
📌 How today's AI boom compares to the 2000 dot-com bubble
📌 Why market concentration in the top stocks is a growing risk
📌 The key difference: real earnings vs speculative hype
📌 Why the "Magnificent 7" may already be breaking down
📌 The 10-17 year recovery periods investors often forget
📌 How investor psychology shapes decision-making over decades
📌 Why diversification matters more than ever right now
📌 The role of private markets in accessing the next wave of innovation
If you're wondering whether AI investing is a once-in-a-generation opportunity or a potential bubble, this episode will help you step back, think clearly, and avoid the long-term mistakes many investors made in 2000.
💬 Want Help Reviewing Your Portfolio?
If you'd like to understand how concentrated your portfolio is, whether you're overexposed to AI or tech, or how to build a diversified strategy that aligns with your long-term plan, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team.
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
Charts referenced in this episode were sourced from Yahoo Finance - "The AI Bubble May Be Bigger Than The Dot Com Bubble"; Goldman Sachs - "10 Largest Companies as Share of S&P 500"; and Y Charts - "Leadership Underperformance".
The chart titled "Leadership Underperformance" does not reflect the deduction of advisory fees or other expenses and is provided solely to illustrate the actual stock performance of the "Magnificent Seven" as reported by YCharts for the period from December 31, 2024 through March 6, 2026.
The discussion of investor psychology—such as reacting to market headlines, short-term volatility, or attempting to time the market—is provided for illustrative purposes only and is intended to highlight the potential impact of investor behavior. Actual investor experiences and results will vary based on individual circumstances.
The S&P 500 Index is a market index that tracks the performance of approximately 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies and is commonly used as a broad measure of the U.S. stock market. The index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not reflect the deduction of advisory fees, trading costs, taxes, or other expenses that would reduce actual investor returns.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance, or a guarantee of results.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com.
Should you hold cash and wait for the next market crash?
The idea of keeping "dry powder" cash on the sidelines waiting for the perfect moment to invest sounds smart. Many investors believe they can step aside during uncertain markets and jump back in when prices fall.
But there's a major problem with that strategy.
You never know when the market's best days will occur, and missing just a few of them can dramatically reduce your long-term wealth.
Today on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex break down the real cost of holding too much cash, why timing the market rarely works, and what the data actually shows about staying invested.
What we cover today:
📌 What "dry powder" and "cash on the sidelines" really mean
📌 Why timing the market is harder than most investors think
📌 The $10,000 → $2 million investing example
📌 How missing just a few of the market's best days crushes returns
📌 Why the stock market wins roughly 70–74% of the time
📌 When holding cash actually does make sense (short-term goals)
📌 Why a living, interactive financial plan matters more than market predictions
If you've been wondering whether you should move to cash and wait for a better entry point, this episode will help you understand why patience, discipline, and a well-constructed portfolio usually outperform trying to time the market.
💬 Want Help Reviewing Your Portfolio?
If you'd like help evaluating how much cash you should hold, how your portfolio is positioned for long-term growth, or how your investments align with your financial plan, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team.
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
Charts and data referenced in this episode are provided by First Trust: "Growth of $10k" and "S&P 500 Index: Positive and Negative Years". The analysis of missing the best days assumes continuous investment over the referenced time period, which may not be feasible for all investors. References to markets being positive approximately 74% of the time are based on historical observations of calendar-year returns for the S&P 500 Index and are not a guarantee of future market behavior. These examples are intended to illustrate the potential impact of investor behavior, such as reacting to market headlines, short-term volatility, or attempting to time the market. Actual investor experiences and results will vary based on individual circumstances.
The S&P 500 Index is a market index that tracks the performance of approximately 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies and is commonly used as a broad measure of the U.S. stock market. The index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not reflect the deduction of advisory fees, trading costs, taxes, or other expenses that would reduce actual investor returns.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance, or a guarantee of results.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com.
Is this the next 2000? The next 2008? The next 2022?
Markets have been on an extraordinary run. When prices rise for years, investors begin to feel invincible. But as volatility starts creeping back into the headlines, the question we are hearing more than ever is simple:
Should we get out and wait?
Today on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex unpack what volatility really means, why it is normal, and how understanding it can dramatically improve your long-term results.
What we cover today:
📌 Why 70% of years end positive despite scary headlines
📌 What 50 years of market crises actually show
📌 How volatility differs from real long-term risk
📌 Why sitting on the sidelines rarely works
📌 The boat throttle analogy for portfolio risk
📌 How rebalancing and proper planning reduce emotional mistakes
📌 A real 2020 client story that proves discipline wins
If you are wondering whether this is "different this time," this episode will help you step back, think clearly, and make decisions based on data instead of fear.
💬 Want Help Reviewing Your Portfolio?
If you would like a copy of the slides discussed or want to see how your current allocation aligns with your financial plan, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team: https://www.idawealth.com/contact/
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
Charts and data referenced were provided by First Trust: "Crises & Events," "Intra-Year Declines vs. Calendar Year Returns," "S&P 500 Index Volatility" and "S&P 500 Index: Positive and Negative Years".
References to "the market" refer specifically to the S&P 500 Index unless otherwise stated. The S&P 500 Index is a market index that tracks the performance of approximately 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies and is commonly used as a broad measure of the U.S. stock market. The index is unmanaged, cannot be invested in directly, and does not reflect the deduction of advisory fees, trading costs, taxes, or other expenses that would reduce actual investor returns.
Any client example discussed in this episode is provided for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate the role of investor discipline and behavioral coaching during periods of market volatility. This example is not representative of all client experiences and is not a guarantee of future results. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on factors including timing, asset allocation, investor behavior, fees, taxes, and market conditions.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance, or a guarantee of results.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com.
A lot of investors follow instructions to the letter, work hard, save carefully, and increase their 401(k) or IRA balance. Few people are aware, however, that this well-meaning tactic can covertly result in a retirement tax trap.
Today on Financial Detox, Jason and Alex explain how decades of pre-tax saving can lead to higher taxes in retirement, just as required distributions and Social Security begin. The result? Less flexibility, fewer options, and a larger tax bill than expected.
What we talk about today:
📌 What the retirement tax trap is and how it forms
📌 The difference between traditional and Roth retirement accounts
📌 Why Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can push retirees into higher tax brackets
📌 The "sweet spot" years where proactive planning can make the biggest impact
📌 How Roth conversions can reduce lifetime taxes by millions in some cases
📌 Why coordination between your advisor and CPA matters more than ever
If you've saved well for retirement but haven't planned for taxes after retirement, this episode will help you understand your options and how to regain control before it's too late.
💬 Book a FREE consultation with us
Concerned about falling into a retirement tax trap?
Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team to review your retirement and tax strategy.
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
Certain examples or statements in this episode may reference outcomes experienced by actual clients; however, these examples are general in nature, may not be representative of all clients, and are for illustrative purposes only. The sample financial plan discussed in this episode was hypothetical and does not represent actual client results. The illustration was based on a 35-year time horizon, an assumed 24% tax bracket, an assumed annual rate of return of 6.3% net of fees, and the assumption that current tax laws remain unchanged. These assumptions may not apply to all investors.
Actual outcomes will differ based on individual circumstances, market conditions, investor behavior, fees, taxes, and changes in law. This example does not guarantee future results and is not a prediction of what any client will achieve.
Roth conversions and contributions are not appropriate for everyone and are subject to eligibility rules, tax consequences, and changing tax laws. Do not rely on this content as specific investment or tax advice. Consult a qualified tax or financial professional before making decisions. IRS guidance on Roth IRAs is available at: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance, a guarantee of results, or a guarantee of tax outcomes.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com.
Most investors focus on performance, but far fewer focus on what they actually keep after taxes. Today, Jason and Alex break down one of the most overlooked threats to long-term wealth: tax drag. Unlike a single tax bill, tax drag quietly compounds over time, steadily eroding portfolio returns through ordinary income, capital gains, turnover, and poor asset placement.
If you've ever heard the phrase "It's not how much you make, it's how much you keep," this conversation explains exactly why that matters — and what you can do about it.
Today, we walk through:
📌 What tax drag is and why it compounds over time
📌 How a 1–2% annual tax drag can reduce lifetime wealth by 30–50%
📌 Why high-yield investments and mutual funds often create hidden tax costs
📌 How direct indexing and ongoing tax-loss harvesting reduce erosion
📌 Why tax-sensitive asset location matters more than most investors realize
📌 How coordinating your advisor and CPA can materially improve after-tax results
For disciplined investors, improving after-tax efficiency doesn't require taking more risk, it requires better structure and better coordination. This episode shows you where to start.
💬 Book a FREE consultation with us
Concerned that taxes may be quietly eroding your returns?
Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team to review your portfolio through an after-tax lens.
📺 Watch us on YouTube
Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice.
Certain examples or statements in this episode may reference outcomes experienced by actual clients; however, these examples are general in nature, may not be representative of all clients, and are for illustrative purposes only. The Tax Drag illustration referenced was sourced from Envestnet. Tax drag is the reduction of potential investment returns due to taxes. This illustration is based on a 20 year time horizon at a 7.5% hypothetical growth rate, net of fees, and illustrates the impact of an average tax drag of 1% and 2% per year. The sample financial plan discussed in this episode is hypothetical and based on a 12-year time horizon, a 24% tax bracket, and a 6.3% assumed annual rate of return net of fees. The tax savings illustrated reflects the hypothetical impact of a Roth IRA conversion under those assumptions. Roth conversions and contributions are not appropriate for everyone. Eligibility rules, tax consequences, and individual circumstances vary, and tax laws may change. For official IRS guidance, see: www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras.
The S&P 500 Index is a market index that tracks the performance of approximately 500 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies and is commonly used as a broad measure of the U.S. stock market.
Please note that actual outcomes will differ materially based on individual circumstances, market conditions, investor behavior, fees, taxes, and changes in applicable laws. This example does not guarantee future results and should not be interpreted as a prediction of what any client will achieve. While effective planning, discipline, and professional guidance may help improve the investor experience, no strategy or adviser can eliminate investment risk, guarantee outperformance, or ensure positive investment results.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. No statement in this episode should be interpreted as a promise of performance, a guarantee of results, or a guarantee of tax outcomes. Tax strategies discussed may not be suitable for everyone. Consult a qualified tax or financial professional before implementing any strategy.
Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide specific tax or legal advice. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest, please review our Form ADV Part 2A and Form CRS, available at www.idawealth.com.
Every December, investors ask the same question: "Is it still safe to stay invested, or should I move to cash?"
Today, Jason & Alex break down one of the most common (and dangerous) behavioral questions investors face. With markets at or near all-time highs and uncertainty ahead in politics, global events, and the economy, it's completely natural to feel nervous. But the data tells a very clear story, and it might surprise you.
We walk through:
📌 Why market timing consistently destroys investor returns
📌 What 100+ years of bull and bear market history reveals
📌 Why behavioral mistakes are the #1 detractor of long-term wealth
📌 How often markets are positive vs negative
📌 Why endowments & family offices invest differently than the average investor
📌 What you should be doing with your portfolio before year-end
📌 How alternatives can improve risk-adjusted returns
📌 Why now is the time to get a second opinion on your strategy
If you've been wondering whether it's time to "jump to cash," this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to make an informed, long-term-focused decision.
💬 Want a personalized review of your year-end planning? Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with our IDA Wealth team.
📺 Prefer to watch us on YouTube
Learn More:
Jason Labrum – Founder, Financial Detox Alex Klingensmith – Partner & Wealth Advisor, IDA Wealth
📘 Financial Detox by Jason Labrum
IDA Wealth https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure:
The information presented in this episode of Financial Detox is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice. Charts, data, and illustrations are provided for general context only and are not intended to predict or guarantee future results. Certain examples may reference outcomes experienced by actual clients; however, these examples are general in nature, may not be representative, and are not a guarantee of future performance.
References to having "better odds" when investing are based on historical market data showing that, over approximately the past 100 years, the S&P 500 Index experienced positive calendar-year returns in roughly 74% of years. This information reflects historical data only and does not guarantee future results. Market losses are possible in any period, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Charts referenced during this podcast are sourced from First Trust.
Statements regarding the potential benefits of avoiding behavioral mistakes and working with an adviser are based on research suggesting that behavioral coaching and disciplined planning may improve investor outcomes relative to self-directed decision-making. This perspective is informed by multiple industry studies, including research from (1) Value of an Adviser Report | 2019 – Russell Investments; (2) Alpha, Beta, and Now…Gamma | Aug 2013 – Morningstar; (3) Putting a Value on Your Value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor's Alpha® | July 2022 – Vanguard; (4) Capital Sigma: The Advisor Advantage | 2019 – Envestnet; (5) Know Your Alternatives | 2019 – J.P. Morgan; and (6) Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior (QAIB) – DALBAR. While professional guidance and discipline may help improve the investor experience, no strategy or adviser can eliminate investment risk, guarantee outperformance, or ensure positive investment results. Actual outcomes will vary based on market conditions, investor behavior, fees, taxes, and individual circumstances.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Tax-related strategies involve specific rules, limitations, and risks and may not be appropriate for every individual. Intelligence Driven Advisers ("IDA") does not provide tax or legal advice; viewers should consult a qualified professional before implementing any strategy discussed. Intelligence Driven Advisers is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Please review our Form ADV and Form CRS at IDA Wealth for additional information about our services, fees, and potential conflicts of interest.
If you're a business owner, high-income earner, or someone who simply wants to stop leaving money on the table, this episode lays out six powerful year-end tax strategies you can still take advantage of before December 31. These are the moves that help reduce taxes, create long-term advantages, and bring real clarity to your financial picture.
In this quick yet high-impact conversation, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith break down the exact steps our clients take every December, from fully funding retirement plans and executing Roth conversions to using donor-advised funds and maximizing tax-loss harvesting. Each strategy can create meaningful tax savings when implemented correctly and tailored to your financial situation.
If you've ever wondered, "What should I be doing before year-end to avoid overpaying the IRS?" This episode is your guide.
What We Cover in This Episode
📌 How fully funding retirement plans can still reduce 2024 taxable income
📌 When Roth 401(k) and Roth conversions make sense
📌 Why business owners should consider cash balance and defined benefit plans
📌 How a cost segregation analysis can put hundreds of thousands back in your pocket
📌 The right way to use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
📌 Tax loss harvesting strategies, and the biggest mistakes to avoid
📌 Why donor-advised funds are a powerful tool for high earners and families focused on legacy
Every one of these strategies becomes more effective when tailored to your goals, especially for entrepreneurs and successful professionals who want clarity and confidence in their financial decisions.
💬Book a Consultation with us
Want a personalized review of your year-end planning?
Schedule your free, no-obligation Retirement Clarity Session today and discover what's possible with cash-flow based planning, tax strategies, and a life-first approach.
📺 Watch us on YouTube
📬 Contact Jason directly: Jason@financialdetox.com
🌐 Learn more: https://idawealth.com
___________________________
Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC ("IDA"), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA's views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
📅 Get your FREE Retirement Clarity Session: https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/LeadGen/Welcome/1fe6a74e-64ab-4070-bfca-112732c0fca1
🔔 Subscribe for more expert retirement planning insights: https://www.youtube.com/@idawealth?sub_confirmation=1
🧠 Discover how to avoid toxic financial advice and plan your dream retirement today!
Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith from IDA Wealth dive deep into one of the most critical transitions in life – the first 1,000 days of retirement.
Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or already navigating life after work, this episode will help you make smarter financial and emotional decisions.
💬 What You'll Learn: • The biggest emotional and psychological shifts when entering retirement • How to avoid common mistakes like under-living and overspending • The 3 core risks in retirement: 1️⃣ Sequence of Returns Risk 2️⃣ Overspending vs. Under-living 3️⃣ Tax Traps & Strategic Withdrawal Planning • How to reframe your portfolio as your new paycheck • Why having purpose is more important than just having a financial plan • Real-life stories from retirees and young professionals for inspiration • The difference between fiduciary advice and commission-based “advice”
💼 Need help with your retirement plan? Schedule your free, no-obligation Retirement Clarity Session today and discover what’s possible with cash-flow based planning, tax strategies, and a life-first approach. 👉 https://wealth.emaplan.com/ema/LeadGen/Welcome/1fe6a74e-64ab-4070-bfca-112732c0fca1
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and right here on YouTube. 👍 Like, comment, and share if you found value in this episode!
#FinancialDetox #RetirementPlanning #PurposefulRetirement #WealthManagement #FiduciaryAdvice #RetireSmart #First1000DaysRetirement
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/
______________________________ More on Financial Detox: Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________ More on IDA Wealth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC ("IDA"), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
✅ Get Your Personalized Holistic Financial Plan Click below to start your journey toward investing well and living freely. 👉 https://idawealth.com/holisticfinancialplanning/
Jason and Alex dive deep into the intersection of AI, politics, media influence, and your financial freedom. Are you making financial decisions based on truth—or sensationalism?
💬 In this episode, we cover:
🔹 The AI revolution: threat or opportunity for investors? 🔹 How media echo chambers skew your financial perspective 🔹 Why AI does matter—even for retirees 🔹 What it means to be a “political capitalist” 🔹 Escaping emotional decision-making in volatile times 🔹 Jason’s Mt. Whitney climb & the real meaning of freedom 🔹 Why mindset is the true multiplier of wealth 🔹 How to create a financial plan that lets you live freely
📌 Subscribe for more real talk on wealth, mindset, freedom & smart investing.
#FinancialDetox #InvestWellLiveFreely #AIandFinance #MoneyMindset #FinancialFreedom #HolisticPlanning #MediaDetox
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox:
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC ("IDA"), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
Whether you live in California or elsewhere, understanding how a trust works can protect your assets, prevent costly probate, and ensure your wishes are honored.
From successor trustees to buy-sell agreements for business owners, Jason and Alex share real-life stories — some tragic, some uplifting — that illustrate why planning ahead is critical.
They explain: 🔹 Why trusts matter in California and how to avoid the probate process (and its high costs) 🔹 The role of a successor trustee and how to choose the right one 🔹 How trusts can protect your family during incapacity or after death 🔹 Why business owners need succession plans and buy-sell agreements 🔹 The differences between a will and a trust 🔹 Common mistakes people make — and how to avoid them
If you own a home, business, or any significant assets, this conversation is a must-watch. A well-crafted trust isn’t just for the wealthy — it’s a smart, practical way to safeguard your financial legacy and keep family relationships intact.
💼 Work with us: Visit https://FinancialDetox.com to learn more about how we can help you create or update your trust, design a succession plan for your business, and manage your investments and taxes.
👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share this video if you found it helpful — and leave your questions in the comments below.
#FinancialDetox #EstatePlanning #CaliforniaTrust #Probate #SuccessorTrustee #WillVsTrust #BusinessSuccession #FinancialPlanning
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/
______________________________ More on Financial Detox: Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4
_____________________________ More on IDA Wealth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC ("IDA"), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
Effective 2024, certain 529 plan assets may be eligible for rollover to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, subject to IRS requirements and limitations. Specific rules apply regarding account age, contribution history, and annual/lifetime limits. Not all 529 account owners or beneficiaries will qualify. Please consult a tax professional to determine eligibility and implications based on your personal situation.
For additional details, see IRS guidance: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-guidance-on-rollovers-from-529-plans-to-roth-iras
Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith share how to align parenting strategies with financial education across the four major phases: Caretaker, Cop, Coach, and Consultant.
From 529 plans to allowance systems and Roth IRAs, learn how to prepare your kids for a lifetime of smart financial decisions. Whether you have toddlers or teens, this episode gives you practical tools to raise financially empowered young adults.
📥 Download our Family Financial Stewardship Starter Kit at: https://www.idawealth.com/raising-financially-wise-kids/
💼 Give your kids the financial foundation they need — with real-world examples, proven strategies, and a healthy dose of optimism.
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
#FinancialDetox #MoneyForKids #FinancialParenting #RaisingSmartKids #529Plan #AllowanceTips #InvestingForTeens
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/ ______________________________ More on Financial Detox: Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= _____________________________ More on IDA Wealth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers ___________________________
Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC. The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change. IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
Effective 2024, certain 529 plan assets may be eligible for rollover to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary, subject to IRS requirements and limitations. Specific rules apply regarding account age, contribution history, and annual/lifetime limits. Not all 529 account owners or beneficiaries will qualify. Please consult a tax professional to determine eligibility and implications based on your personal situation.
For additional details, see IRS guidance: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-guidance-on-rollovers-from-529-plans-to-roth-iras
Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith unpack the AI-driven wealth explosion, spotlighting where the real opportunities are—and the hidden dangers investors can’t afford to ignore.
💰 With Nvidia topping $3.8 trillion and AI fueling growth across sectors, now is the time to understand the shift, adjust your portfolio, and avoid costly mistakes.
📲 Connect with us: 🌐 https://financialdetox.com 📧 Email: Jason@financialdetox.com 📞 Call: (877) 707-8889
👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you're ready to detox your finances and grow your wealth the smart way.
#AIInvesting #FinancialDetox #WealthManagement #PrivateEquity #StockMarket2025 #investmentrisks
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/
More on Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/
______________________________ More on Financial Detox:
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox
_____________________________ More on IDA Wealth: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________ Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith reveal why sitting on cash in 2025 might be a costly mistake. Discover how smart investors are using financial planning tools and alternative investments to take control and create financial freedom.
What You’ll Learn: • Why 💵 cash is NOT king anymore • How 🧠 long-term investing beats market timing • When 🕒 cash is actually smart — and when it’s not • What 🧰 tools help visualize your entire financial picture • How 📈 private markets may outperform traditional assets • Real-world 🧪 planning simulations that show the difference • Steps to turn 💡 financial confusion into confident action
👉 Learn why institutions are going heavy into private markets — and how you can do the same to grow smarter and reduce risk in 2025.
📬 Contact Jason directly: Jason@financialdetox.com🌐 Learn more: https://financialdetox.com
🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below with your questions!
#FinancialDetox #Investing2025 #PrivateMarkets #CashStrategy #WealthPlanning #timeinthemarket
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox:
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
The real estate market is shifting—and not everyone understands how. In this episode of Financial Detox, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith break down what's really happening across the real estate landscape, from single-family homes at all-time highs to commercial and multifamily properties that are facing serious headwinds.
👉 Whether you're already invested in real estate or just thinking about entering the market, this is a must-watch conversation on:
Jason and Alex don’t just talk market trends—they give actionable insights for investors looking to maximize yield, manage risk, and align real estate with long-term financial goals.
📬 Want a second opinion on your real estate holdings? Reach out to Jason directly at Jason@FinancialDetox.com for a personalized analysis.
🌐 Learn more about Financial Detox: https://financialdetox.com 👉 Discover how IDA can help achieve your financial goals: https://idawealth.com
#RealEstate2025 #FinancialDetox #CommercialRealEstate #WealthStrategy #RealEstateInvesting
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox:
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC. The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change. IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein. The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
Join Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith as they expose the hidden tax mistakes costing investors real money—and how to fix them. This isn’t generic advice… it’s practical, high-impact strategy used by smart investors, business owners, and executives.
💡 In This Episode:
🔹What is Tax Drag and how it impacts long-term returns 🔹How to maximize gains with real-time Tax Loss Harvesting 🔹Tax-smart asset location: Roth vs. IRA vs. taxable accounts 🔹The 5 biggest tax mistakes investors make (and how to avoid them) 🔹Mutual funds vs ETFs: which saves more in taxes 🔹How to leverage donor-advised funds and gifting strategies 🔹Why your CPA and advisor MUST collaborate
➡️ Get a personalized second opinion on your portfolio today 👉 https://www.idawealth.com 📧 Jason@financialdetox.com
👍 Like this episode? Subscribe and turn on notifications for more wealth-building tips!
#FinancialDetox #TaxPlanning2025 #SmartInvesting #WealthBuilding #taxstrategies
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox: Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________ Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC. The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change. IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein. The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
In this value-packed episode of Financial Detox, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith team up to tackle a topic that’s on everyone’s mind this time of year — TAXES!
🎯 Whether you're a business owner, executive, or high-income earner, you'll learn the 7 key tax strategies that could help you keep more of what you earn in 2025 and beyond. The team at IDA Wealth is on a mission to demystify the tax code and empower you to avoid toxic financial advice.
🧠 What You'll Learn in This Episode
✔️ The truth about tax planning vs. tax preparation ✔️ Why waiting until April is too late for 2024 tax savings ✔️ How to use Tax Loss Harvesting the right way ✔️ The power of rebalancing portfolios strategically ✔️ Maximizing Roth conversions and tax-deferred accounts ✔️ Smarter charitable giving strategies (like donor-advised funds) ✔️ How to review deductions, credits, and leverage your CPA relationship ✔️ Why semi-annual tax check-ins are critical for business owners
📈 Real Stories, Real Impact Jason and Alex share client stories that illustrate how proper tax planning saved real people tens — even hundreds — of thousands of dollars in taxes. Plus, learn how making one smart move today could result in millions saved over a lifetime.
📥 FREE DOWNLOAD 📄 Grab your "7 Tax Strategies Every Investor Should Know" checklist
🔗 Visit Us: https://www.idawealth.com 📧 Get in Touch: jason@financialdetox.com 📈 Work with a Fiduciary: https://www.idawealth.com
Learn about IDA Wealth and our mission to deliver client-first investment advice.
#FinancialPlanning #MarketVolatility #TariffsExplained #LongTermInvesting #fiduciaryadvisor
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox: Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith dive deep into the chaos of today’s markets, unraveling the real impact of tariffs, behavioral finance, and long-term investment success. In this episode, recorded during a dramatic market drop, Jason and Alex deliver powerful insight on:
✅ How to navigate market volatility without panic
✅ What tariffs under the Trump administration mean for global trade, inflation, and U.S. jobs
✅ The psychology of investing – understanding and managing emotional decisions
✅ Why time in the market beats timing the market every time
✅ What makes a truly diversified portfolio beyond the S&P 500 and the Magnificent Seven
✅ Why investor behavior is the biggest factor in long-term returns
✅ Real-life client stories on how financial planning creates freedom
💼 Learn how to stay grounded with a solid financial plan, why fear is normal (but manageable), and how today’s headlines shouldn't derail your investment future.
🎯 Whether you’re worried about tariffs, the Fed, or your 401(k), this episode gives you actionable strategies and a refreshing dose of calm in a noisy financial world.
🔗 Visit Us: https://www.financialdetox.com
📧 Get in Touch: jason@financialdetox.com
📈 Work with a Fiduciary: https://www.idawealth.com
Learn about IDA Wealth and our mission to deliver client-first investment advice.
#FinancialPlanning #MarketVolatility #TariffsExplained #LongTermInvesting #fiduciaryadvisor
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox: Website: https://www.financialdetox.com
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC. The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change. IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein. The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
Whether you're just beginning to think about your legacy or you've already created a trust, this conversation offers actionable insights and expert advice to help you protect your wealth, your wishes, and your loved ones.
🏠 Don’t let your wealth become a burden or get lost in probate court. Learn how to create a plan that reflects your values and sets up future generations for success.
If you’ve never created an estate plan, or it’s been years since your last update, this episode is a must-watch. Jason and Alex break down complex financial concepts into clear, relatable advice — all from real-world experience helping clients through life’s biggest transitions.
#EstatePlanning #FinancialFreedom #AvoidProbate #WealthManagement #FinancialDetox
👉 Connect with us: 📧 Jason@financialdetox.com 🌐 https://financialdetox.com
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/ Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth:Website: https://www.idawealth.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
Welcome to another episode of Financial Detox, where Jason Labrum, founder of Financial Detox and co-founder of IDA Wealth, is joined by the brilliant Alex Klingensmith, Partner and President at IDA Wealth, for a wide-ranging discussion on all things markets. In this dynamic episode, they tackle the current financial landscape, behavioral finance, and how political noise affects investment decisions.
📈 What’s Inside This Episode:
🔹 The Tesla stock controversy: Elon Musk, politics, and why Tesla matters to American investors
🔹 Tariffs: Are they a threat or a benefit to the U.S. economy?
🔹 Cognitive bias & echo chambers: How social media and news shape investor behavior
🔹 Stock market valuations: Are we in bubble territory?
🔹 International vs. U.S. stocks: What’s working and what’s not in 2025
🔹 AI's role in business and finance: Threat or massive opportunity?
🔹 Real estate outlook: Are we nearing a turning point in the market?
🔹 Financial planning strategies: Stress testing your portfolio for peace of mind
🔹 Diversification pitfalls: Why the S&P 500 alone isn’t enough
🔹 Investing with clarity: How to focus on what you can control, not the noise
💡 Whether you’re an experienced investor, a federal worker facing change, or someone seeking clarity in a noisy world, this episode delivers actionable financial wisdom, behavioral insights, and clarity on how to navigate today’s volatile markets with confidence.
👉 Connect with us:
📧 Jason@financialdetox.com
🌐 https://financialdetox.com
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox:
Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth: Website:
https://www.idawealth.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
In this episode, we’re diving deep into Roth conversions—a game-changing tax strategy that could potentially save you millions over your lifetime.
🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Roth conversions work and why they can be so powerful
✅ A real-life client example that added $1.5M to their portfolio
✅ The impact of tax planning on your long-term wealth
✅ How most financial advisors overlook taxes—and why that’s a costly mistake
✅ Why effective tax planning is a must-have in your financial strategy
💡 Did you know? Many investors have large IRA or 401(k) balances without a tax strategy in place—resulting in huge tax burdens later in life! We’ll show you how smart planning today can help you maximize tax-free growth and minimize unnecessary taxes.
🚀 Key Takeaways:
📈 Roth conversions can smooth out your tax burden over time
💰 You could be saving hundreds of thousands in taxes
🔄 Smart financial planning = greater long-term wealth
🤯 Most advisors ignore this crucial strategy—don’t make the same mistake!
👉 Are Roth Conversions Right for You? This strategy isn’t for everyone, but if your advisor isn’t talking to you about it, you could be missing out on significant tax savings. At Ida Wealth, we integrate CPAs and financial advisors to ensure a comprehensive tax strategy for our clients.
📞 Get Your Free Consultation!
📍 Visit IdaWealth.com
📞 Call us at (877) 707-8889
🎥 Subscribe & Like for More Expert Financial Advice!
💡 Hit the LIKE button if you found this valuable! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more in-depth financial strategies!
#RothConversion #FinancialPlanning #TaxStrategies #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #FinancialDetox
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox:
Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth:
Website: https://www.idawealth.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
We will be talking about trending investment topics including the recent AI disruption of DeepSeek and how it's affecting investors, what role the Fed will be playing this year and how it all plays into Trump and his administration. What should investors be thinking about, what actions should they be taking and what should they ignore.
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox:
Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth:
Website: https://www.idawealth.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
___________________________
Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
In this episode, we dive into the key financial topics shaping 2024 and beyond:
● Bitcoin’s Surge: Breaking down the “Trump Bump” in cryptocurrency and what a $100K+ Bitcoin means for investors.
● AI Innovations: How AI is reshaping industries and investment opportunities—should you dive in or exercise caution?
● Market Predictions: From S&P 500 to MSCI World Index, our team makes bold predictions for the year ahead (with a dose of humor and realism).
● Election Aftermath: What the 2024 elections mean for market stability, deregulation, and global security.
● Building a Financial Plan: Avoid toxic advice and create a strategy to align your investments with your long-term goals.
🎯 Learn how to navigate the sensationalism of media and stay focused on a sound investment philosophy that withstands short-term volatility.
Hosted by IDA Wealth, this episode is packed with actionable insights on financial planning, alternative investments, cryptocurrency, and more. If you're ready to detox your finances, we’ve got you covered!
📈 Get in Touch: Visit us at FinancialDetox.com for a free, no-obligation portfolio review, or email Jason directly at Jason@FinancialDetox.com.
🎄 Happy Holidays and New Year from Financial Detox!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert financial advice! #FinancialDetox #CryptoInvesting #AIInvestments #MarketInsights #Bitcoin2024 #wealthmanagement
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
______________________________
More on Financial Detox: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
_____________________________
More on IDA Wealth: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
#markets #business #stockmarket #investment #money #news #politics #finance #financialplanning #financial detox
_____________________________
Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
In this episode of Financial Detox, host Jason Labrum and co-host Alex Klingensmith are joined by Bob Long, CEO of StepStone Private Wealth, for an insightful conversation on the role of alternative investments in today’s unpredictable markets. They discuss the value of diversifying portfolios with private equity, private credit, and infrastructure, especially as traditional markets face increased volatility.
Bob highlights the unique advantages of private investments, such as their potential for higher returns and enhanced diversification, making them a powerful tool for high-net-worth investors. The conversation also covers the evolution of Evergreen Funds, which give individual investors access to institutional-level opportunities without the usual complexities of private markets.
Beyond finance, Bob shares his philanthropic work with Gift of Adoption and emphasizes the importance of meaningful giving. The episode concludes with key advice on partnering with fiduciary advisors to navigate complex financial landscapes and make sound investment decisions.
Bob Long's Wife's Family Farm: https://www.tryonmountainfarms.com/shop
Tune in for a conversation that blends personal stories with professional insights, designed to help you avoid toxic financial advice and achieve true financial peace of mind.
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/ ______________________________
More on Financial Detox: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/ Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= _____________________________
More on IDA Wealth: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers #markets #business #stockmarket #investment #money #news #politics #finance #financialplanning #financial detox ___________________________
Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
Welcome to a special episode celebrating 15 years of IDA Wealth! 🎉
In this video, we dive deep into the journey of building a successful wealth management firm and reflect on the lessons learned from over 27 years in the financial industry. Co-hosts Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes in guiding clients to avoid toxic financial advice and achieve maximum impact in managing their wealth.
We touch on:
• The evolution of wealth management over the past 15 years
• Strategies from Jason's book, Financial Detox, that can help investors make smarter decisions
• How the firm helps clients avoid common financial mistakes and provides holistic wealth management solutions
• Insights on being a fiduciary and why it matters to clients’ financial success
• The growing trend of independent advisory firms and the shift toward true fiduciary responsibility
🔍 Whether you're an investor, a financial advisor, or someone curious about the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to secure their financial future.
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/ ______________________________
More on Financial Detox: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= _____________________________
More on IDA Wealth: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
#markets #business #stockmarket #investment #money #news #politics #finance #financialplanning
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC. The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change. IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein. The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
#WealthManagement #FinancialDetox #Investing #Fiduciary #FinanceJourney #FinancialAdvisor #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom
Welcome to Financial Detox with your hosts, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith. In this episode, we dive deep into the current financial landscape, discussing the importance of detoxifying your financial life and managing your wealth for maximum impact. From understanding market volatility and the fragility of global markets to the intricacies of the Japan carry trade, we cover it all.
We also explore the effects of geopolitical turmoil, such as the potential implications of rising interest rates in Japan and the ongoing tensions between China, Iran, and the US. Learn why staying the course and avoiding panic during turbulent times is crucial for long-term financial success.
Join us as we delve into:
• Market volatility and its implications
• The importance of being financially detoxified
• Analyzing global market trends and investor sentiment
• Strategies for managing wealth in uncertain times
Source: https://www.ftportfolios.com/Retail/Commentary/CommentaryArchiveList.aspx?CommentaryTypeCode=CRKINVT&CommentaryCategoryCode=INSIGHTS_COMMENTARY
More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/ and Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
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More on Financial Detox:
Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= _____________________________
More on IDA Wealth: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers
#markets #business #stockmarket #investment #money #news #politics #finance #financialplanning
___________________________
Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC. The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change. IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein. The S&P 500, or Standard & Poor's 500, is a stock market index that measures the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. These companies are selected based on their market capitalization, liquidity, and industry representation, making the index a broad indicator of the overall U.S. stock market and economy. The S&P 500 is widely regarded as a benchmark for the performance of the U.S. equity market, and it includes companies from a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer goods. The index is weighted by market capitalization, meaning that companies with larger market values have a greater impact on the index's overall performance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sp500.asp
In this special episode, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingon Smith tackle the shocking news of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and discuss its potential implications on the financial markets and your investments. Join us as we delve into:
00:00 - Introduction to Financial Detox 00:53 - Overview of the Trump Assassination Attempt 02:14 - Historical Context of Presidential Assassinations 04:05 - The Impact of Political Events on Financial Markets 06:24 - Importance of Diversified Portfolios During Turmoil 09:49 - Market Volatility in Election Years 12:00 - Strategies for Managing Investments Amid Uncertainty 16:00 - The Role of Alternative Investments in Protecting Wealth 20:18 - Addressing Inflation and Investment Adjustments 30:10 - The Importance of Common Sense in Politics and Investments 32:51 - Closing Remarks and Call to Action More on Jason Labrum https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlabrum/
Alex Klingensmith https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-klingensmith-cfp%C2%AE-94986b7/
More on Financial Detox: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/financial-detox/
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Financial-Detox-Achieve-Independence-Maximum-ebook/dp/B0795B2WX4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any videos from Financial Detox: https://youtu.be/o0BzlQxatVE
More on IDA Wealth: Website: https://www.idawealth.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idawealth/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idawealth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntelligenceDrivenAdvisers #markets #business #stockmarket #investment #money #news #politics #finance #financialplanning Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC. The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change. IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
In this special 40-minute episode, of Financial Detox® Jason Labrum and Co-hosts Alex Klingensmith team up with Brian Raftery, a partner in Dentons' Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation practice and currently serves as co-leader of the US Region. Together, they tackle the ins and outs of estate planning with precision and expertise. Join the trio as they delve into the essential aspects of estate planning, uncovering common pitfalls and emphasizing the proactive approach needed for success. Brian sheds light on the importance of a revocable living trust and asset transfer strategies, providing listeners with invaluable insights. The discussion extends to the intricate realm of estate taxes, examining potential legislative changes and their implications for estate planning strategies. With a focus on California's unique landscape, they explore complex topics such as estate tax exemptions, foundational documents, and advanced techniques like spousal lifetime access trusts (SLATs). Additionally, the episode delves into sophisticated strategies like utilizing LLCs and discounting to optimize estate planning outcomes. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:14 Defining Estate Planning and Common Mistakes 05:19 The Importance of a Revocable Living Trust 07:31 Avoiding Probate and Ensuring Asset Distribution 10:22 Understanding Estate Taxes and Potential Changes 15:50 State-Specific Estate Tax Laws 19:35 Foundational Estate Planning Documents 21:38 Potential Changes to Estate Tax Exemptions 23:24 Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) 25:06 Utilizing SLATs for Estate Planning 31:41 Maximizing Estate Tax Benefits with LLCs and Discounting 39:05 The Importance of a Comprehensive Estate Planning Team More on Financial Detox Buy the Book Subscribe and view episodes on Youtube Follow and learn more about our IDA Wealth Advisers: Website Linkedin Instagram Facebook Youtube More on our guest Brian E. Raftery is a partner in Dentons' Trusts, Estates and Wealth Preservation practice and currently serves as co-leader of the US Region. He is also the global co-leader of the Dentons Family Office and High Net Worth sector which provides cross-practice services to family offices and high net worth individuals. He was also awarded Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates in 2020-2024. #markets #financialplanning #financialdetox #Idawealthadvisers #estateplanning #revocablelivingtrust #assets #SLATs #sunsettax #gifttax #clifftax #californiaestatetax #tax #TCGA #trust
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Disclosure The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC. The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change. IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.
In this episode of Financial Detox® Jason Labrum joins Co-hosts Alex Klingensmith to discuss common mistakes that investors make. They emphasize the importance of asset allocation and diversification, as well as the need to avoid recency bias. They also highlight the potential risks of moving all investments to money markets and the importance of having clear expectations for different asset classes.
Key Takeaways
*Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.*
For more financial advice connect with us
@ Financial Detox
Website
Buy the Book
Youtube Channel
@ IDA Wealth
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Linkedin
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Facebook
Youtube Channel
In this episode of Financial Detox® Jason Labrum joins Co-hosts Alex Klingensmith to discuss the upcoming presidential election and its potential impact on the markets. They emphasize the importance of focusing on long-term goals and not getting caught up in the noise and volatility of election cycles.
They provide historical data showing that the markets have generally performed well during election years, regardless of the outcome.
They also highlight the need to avoid emotional investing by thinking long-term, and the importance of working with a fiduciary advisor who can help navigate market uncertainties.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Financial Detox
00:48 The Importance of Making Better Investment Decisions
03:11 The Impact of the Upcoming Election on Financial Planning
06:37 The Importance of Emotional Preventative Maintenance
08:09 The Unprecedented Nature of the 2020 Election
11:23 The Lack of Inspiring Candidates in the Election
13:08 The Influence of Social Media and Cognitive Bias
14:33 The Historical Performance of Markets During Election Years
16:11 The Performance of the S&P 500 During Election Years
20:51 The Importance of Focusing on Personal Financial Goals
22:41 The Role of a Fiduciary Wealth Advisor
24:37 The Importance of Being Intentional with Time and Information Consumption
27:15 The Natural Volatility of Markets and the Need for a Long-Term Perspective
29:03 The Value of Seeking Professional Advice and Planning Ahead
30:46 Conclusion and Wishing Happy Easter
*Disclosure
The Financial Detox podcast is provided by Intelligence Driven Advisers, LLC (“IDA”), an SEC registered Investment Adviser; however, such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Any references to SEC registration are not an endorsement or indication of approval by the SEC.
The information presented in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as specific tax, legal or investment advice. Participants are strongly encouraged to consult with their personal advisers regarding their specific financial and tax situation. Investing involves risk and there is always the potential for loss. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Information provided reflects IDA’s views as of a particular time. Such views along with tax laws and regulations are subject to change at any point and IDA shall not be obligated to provide notice of any change.
IDA makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented in this podcast. The firm disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the information or for any actions taken in reliance on the information provided herein.*
For more financial advice visit our website and follow us on
Linkedin, FB, and Instagram.
In this episode of Financial Detox® Jason Labrum joins Co-hosts Alex Klingensmith, and Darcy Wadsworth to discuss various financial topics, including retirement savings, rising expenses, the importance of financial planning, and the incorporation of alternative investments. They emphasize the need for a dynamic and comprehensive financial plan that adapts to changing circumstances. Additionally, they highlight the excitement and transformative power of financial planning in helping individuals achieve their goals and live their best lives.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update
03:00 Do I Have Enough Money Saved in Retirement?
08:00 The Impact of Inflation and Rising Expenses
18:00 The Importance of Building a Financial Plan
25:00 Incorporating Alternative Investments
31:00 The Excitement of Financial Planning
34:00 Closing Remarks
For more financial advice visit our website and follow us on
Linkedin, FB, and Instagram.
Welcome to Financial Detox®- video addition. Financial Detox® (FD) has been podcasting for years and recently decided to add video content to our show. We hope you enjoy! Our show is geared to education of all important topics related to Wealth Management and how to maximize your wealth for TOTAL PEACE OF MIND!
This week we reflect on the past year and what made IDA's clients successful. Jason Labrum (CEO of Intelligence Driven Advisers) and Co-Host Alex Klingensmith (President of Intelligence Driven Advisers) discuss the latest and hottest topics surrounding wealth management, tax planning, and financial planning. We hope you enjoy!
For more financial advice visit our website and follow us on
Linkedin, FB, and Instagram.
For more financial advice visit our website and follow us on
Linkedin, FB, and Instagram.
Welcome to Financial Detox®- video addition. Financial Detox® (FD) has been podcasting for years and recently decided to add video content to our show. We hope you enjoy! This week we kick off a Summer Series on FD discussing how the idea of Financial Detox came about and what it really means to investors. Jason Labrum (CEO of Intelligence Driven Advisers) and Co-Host Alex Klingensmith (President of Intelligence Driven Advisers) discuss the latest and hottest topics surrounding wealth management, tax planning, and financial planning.
Find us online at: Financialdetox.comEmail us at:jason@financialdetox.com
Call us at: (877) 707-8889
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Show Title:The Benefits of Fully Integrating Your Taxes and Wealth Management
· Who are your team of advisers?
· What a typical CPA experience is like
· What a fully integrated tax and wealth experience looks like
· Case studies of successful integrated experiences
Show Title:What is True Financial Peace of Mind and How to Accomplish It
· What is the purpose of setting goals?
· What is the difference between “good” and “bad” goal setting?
· How to think about the various parts of your life.
· How to evaluate your level of fulfillment in each area.
· How to prioritize them and then set SMART Goals for each area.
· 8 Actions you can take to improve your personal financial goals this year
Financial Detox presents new micro learning series today with an explanation of the Fed and raising of interest rates. Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith with IDA discuss the relationship of the raising Fed rates to the markets and what investors should consider for hedging against inflation.
Let's talk about the FED. Its very clear the our economy is in a "bear market" and these times will determine if you are successful investor or not. The fed just raised the rate another 75 basis points yet the markets reacted by going up that particular day. The reason the fed has raised rates is to control inflation or slow inflation. The US Economy has been in what is considered a "easy monetary" policy since early 2000; lower rates, easy to borrow, and the economy has been stimulated by these actions. Then throw in COVD where the government flushed the economy with trillions of dollars into the system. At the same time production of goods and supplies became limited therefore driving the costs of goods and services. Listen to todays shows to hear what to expect and what investors can do.
Jason and Alex kick off todays' show discussing a survey returned by Dimensional Funds that includes 13,000 investors and some of the important data that was derived from the survey. Find out what is important to people with regards to their advisor relationships.
What attributes are most valued in a Financial Advisor:
1. Understand Financial Needs and Goals
2. Explains financial concepts in a manner that I can understand
What does sense of security and peace of mind mean to you:
1. Not running out of money (60% responded this way)
2. Being able to maintain lifestyle
In this show you will learn about:
- Strategies to extract value from your business while you are building and running it
What tax strategies can you focus on to ensure that you are getting the most value out of owning your own business?
How can an accountable reimbursement plan help you and your sales teams?
-What kind of company retirement plans exist to help owners extract value via retirement savings?
-What is EBOC and why does it matter?
-What role does net operating income, or profitability, play in getting the best valuation?
-What are acquirers looking for? How does this vary across industries?
-How to navigate the next phase after business ownership
In this show you will learn about:
o Inflation still dominates much of the headlines in the news. Google searches for “Inflation” are up over 100% and has dominated company conference calls by and increase of 350% for S&P 500 companies
o More than half of the total increase in CPI over the past two months has been due to used cars, rental cars, hotels, and airfare.
o These large price jumps in these small categories are due to reopening and supply chain disruptions, HOWEVER both of these are temporary
o When looking back to historical data, the last 30 years have actually experienced very little volatility in CPI and lower than average levels of inflation, (the average being 2.9% since 1926) so we should expect an increase and look at it as a sort of rebalancing. Too low of inflation can also even be a bad thing.
o One thing to point out is how everyone talks about what’s been going up in price, however there are some key sectors that have actually gone down in price being health insurance, airline fares, tickets to sporting events
o Health care costs take out a large portion of most people's paychecks and this decrease in costs isn’t talked about enough
o All in all, inflation is looking to be more transitory than long term with lumber prices dropping 40% in June alone
o Why own them?
o The current status of the bond market
o 10-year Treasury yields have dropped significantly since late May, which at the time were at almost 1.75 to almost 1.2 as of late July (roughly a 30% drop) ○ This leads to the continued push and pull between Growth and Value stocks, however we maintain our barbell approach and direct exposure to Developed Market value stocks
o What is causing the massive increase in prices locally?
o What are some of the best ways to incorporate real estate into your overall investment strategy given the current market conditions?
Commodities
Equities
Alternative Investments
Welcome to Financial Detox, where host Jason Labrum and co-host Alex Klingensmith simplify the complex, share industry secrets and provide proven strategies designed to take you from financial insecurity to financial independence. Today’s episode begins with an introduction to Jason and Alex and how they began this podcast. The world of financial advisory can feel convoluted and overwhelming, but this show aims to educate listeners and clarify fundamental concepts that will help you achieve financial success and peace of mind.
Our hosts dive right into some fascinating topics, beginning with Cryptocurrency and Blockchain technology, and how it will change the way we think of and use money over the next ten years. They discuss the role of government regulation in currency, China’s refusal to accept Bitcoin due to their inability to manipulate it as a medium of exchange, and why socialism always fails as an experiment. You’ll also hear about the importance of allowing free market capitalism to play out, having a diversified portfolio, and investing in Cryptocurrency only if you are comfortable with a higher degree of volatility.
Jason and Alex then move on to the very real topic of inflation. Warren Buffett recently stated that we are seeing substantial inflation and higher prices, but Jason and Alex explain that there are ways to adjust your portfolio to prepare for this. Certain assets perform better in inflationary environments, such as inflation protected bonds, real estate, stocks, and commodities.
They also break down the four main components of a proposed tax increase under the current administration: Doubling capital gains tax rate; increasing corporate tax rate; increasing state tax rate and decreasing the exemption amount; and changing or eliminating step-up in basis. They explain why increasing corporate tax rates will be prohibitive for business owners, forcing them to spend less on innovation, computers, and hiring employees. Changes in state tax will also involve an estate tax, meaning people will have to pay even more tax on their hard earned income after they pass away, leaving less than 30% for their heirs. Eliminating the step-up in basis also means that those heirs will have to pay significantly more tax on the dividends of their inheritance as time goes on. And doubling capital gains tax simply punishes people for investing, and prevents them from using those gains to invest in local businesses, create jobs, and feed more families. There are certain strategies you can use to mitigate the effects of these possible tax increases, however, so be sure to ask your advisor about incorporating these tactics into your financial plan moving forward.
For more podcasts and information, visit FinancialDetox.com. You can also call (877) 707-8889 with questions, comments, or feedback. Thank you for listening.
In this show you will learn about:
-Cryptocurrency and government regulation of currency
-Impending inflation
-Proposed tax increases under the current administration
Links:
Financial Detox website
Show Description:
Jason and Alex start off the show addressing a question that has been asked by more than one private client over the past couple of weeks. Given the US National Debt equal to 28.2 Trillion and the Federal Deficit at $4.5 Trillion and tack on all the recent stimulus money and Federal spending, what will be the effects on the market in the next 12 to 18 months? The topic for today’s show is based on the Federal debt, government spending and the effects it will have on the markets.
Alex shares his perspective on stimulus money and the concept that stimulus money will make its way back into the market through the purchasing of goods and services. Jason interjects with adding that the real question is when does this artificial stimulus approach end? When will the country get back to making the economy work for itself? Alex reminds Jason that pre pandemic the economy was healthy, maybe the best economy we have ever experienced. Jason adds that the unemployment rates were the lowest across all ethnicities pre pandemic.
After the first commercial break Jason and Alex respond to the question with optimism and more detail, stating that the public typically does not care about the current US National Debt, more interested in how much are they able to buy and spend. So, stimulus money will be positive in the short term. However, at some point taxes will have to increase. Jason and Alex spend some time discussing taxes and who pays for what currently and the effects it is having on further dividing our country. Will the current tax structure work to reduce the deficit? Jason brings up the question where is the government getting money? Besides printing money and with interest rates at all-time lows will servicing the existing debt become an issue. Alex adds that if the government becomes crippled by debt service it will hurt us in other ways. Things that we rely on the government to maintain like infrastructures, national defense, and education.
If the government can borrow money at an incredibly low rate of 1.7% for 10 years, should they borrow a bunch of money and invest it ways to grow a higher rate of return. Alex responds that yes; with the first part of stimulus money, it is a bet on the people. A bet that the people will spend, and companies will invest, increasing the GDP growth. Jason brings to the conversation that free money tends to create laziness amongst many, further debilitating strong work ethic within the U.S.
Jason and Alex close the question and show with a strong Intelligence Driven Advisers belief that trying to predict or time the market does not work. Creating a globally diversified investment portfolio that is designed to weather changes within the economy and other unknown events is the best solution to continued success with capital market investing.
In this show you will learn about:
Government Spending
Interest Rates
Investment Diversification
Show Description:
Jason and Alex started the show by taking a step back and reminding listeners and themselves why IDA’s team does not pick individual stocks and try to time the market. There are always unpredictable events that will happen with individual companies, such as Cox communication’s internet going down for multiple days unexpectedly. One of the biggest questions that clients and prospective clients have been asking is “What are you going to do to fight back against inflation?” Jason explained one of the main reasons that people are getting nervous about inflation is because the 10-year Treasury yield rose from approximately 0.5% up to around 1.7% in just a few months.
Jason and Alex discussed the amount of debt in the U.S. that has grown to over $28 Trillion after the latest stimulus package. They explained how inflation is a general increase in prices and a fall in the purchasing value of money. A few examples of items that would be negatively affected would be food, gas, travel, real estate, etc. Jason talked about the crippling effect of shifting back to a country that is dependent upon other countries for oil and gas production, and this will really hurt the trucking industry and other workers that rely upon affordable gas prices to provide for their families at a sustainable level.
Alex asked a good question to find out what investments perform well during periods of higher inflation. This is a crucial aspect of the financial planning process to ensure IDA’s clients are able to keep pace with the purchasing power through the strategic allocation of their investment strategy. Jason explained how gold and broad commodities, natural resources, hard (tangible) assets such as real estate, and certain types of inflation protected bonds historically have performed much better during inflationary periods. Jason even touched on Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies in general being a good potential inflationary hedge in the coming years. This is still a speculative asset class to an extent, but it could become a more important piece of the overall portfolio in the near future. Jason also explained that now more than ever it is crucial to be careful with the types of bonds to own because we have been in a great 40-year period of bond performance while interest rates have been coming down and have remained low historically. Alex and Jason talked about the importance of not only being well diversified on the stock side of the portfolio, but also being well diversified on the fixed income or bond side of the portfolio.
They stressed the importance of meeting with a Fiduciary adviser regularly, like the ones on the IDA team, especially at a time like this, to make sure that one’s financial plan is fully on track. Alex explained how now is not the time to have a large amount of cash in a client’s portfolio if a client’s main worry or risk is inflation.
In this show you will learn about:
What should investors do to prepare for inflation?
Impacts of inflation
Types of investments that thrive in an inflationary period
Stress testing an investment portfolio to prepare for inflation
Show Description:
Jason kicks off the show with giving an overview of when to look towards the topic to today’s discussion, alternatives. Alternative Investments become a viable option for investing when the public markets start to look too high, and questions arise as to how long this market run up can continue.
Alex joins the discussion with stating the reality for most, alternatives are difficult and can continue to stump even the most astute investors. So, Alex opens the discussion with a question for Jason; Who should look to alternatives as an investment vehicle and who should not? Jason responds with clarifying first, what alternative investments are. It is an investment that is not available in the traditional marketplace with traditional liquidity. Traditional meaning publicly traded stocks, bonds, cash, and CDs. Alex reminds listeners that our core investment philosophy at Intelligence Driven Advisers is based on investing in efficient markets, stocks, and bonds. So, Alex reiterates to Jason when do we dabble in alternatives and how do we do that with conviction? Alex confirms with Jason that alternatives are inefficient markets. Inefficient markets are defined as an investment opportunity where you are potentially able to capitalize on the inefficiencies of an investment. Jason adds, finding value where others do not and reminds listeners that with traditional investing, we at IDA believe that the markets are basically efficient, meaning that the price you pay for stock in a publicly traded company is fairly priced.
After the break, Jason begins to answer Alex’s question as to why and when to use alternatives in a portfolio by describing non-correlated investments that have desirable return characteristics and how they add diversification to a correlated portfolio. Shifting the efficient frontier. When to invest in alternatives tends to be hinged on government regulations. Alternative investments have investor qualification requirements based on the nature of the investment. For some alternative investments there is an accredited investor requirement and for “most” alternative investments there is a qualified investor requirement. To be a qualified investor, one must have 5 million dollars of investable assets not including your primary home. Many alternative investments are illiquid for an extended period where you cannot gain access to your initial investment. The regulations are in place to protect the public.
Alex circles the call back to crypto currency and asks if this is a poor man’s version of alternative investing. Jason responds as yes basically and reflects on the E*TRADE commercials where the baby is buying everything with the simple click of a button and ends up losing his investments. Point being, you need to do your due diligence on any investment, especially non-publicly traded investments.
Jason spends some additional minutes on crypto currency and on the due diligence he has personally done. Gives his perspective on where the future may be for an alternative currency.
Private equity has been a market in the alternatives space that Jason shares insight on. Stating that companies that in the past may have gone public quickly are staying as a private entity for longer than they ever had previously creating demand for private equity investors. Companies are changing ownership two even three times before going public, creating huge private equity capital gains events.
Jason and Alex close this week’s show with reiterating the illiquidity of most alternatives and how important it is to be smart with your decisions do your due diligence if you plan to invest in alternatives.
In this show you will learn about:
Alternatives
Crypto Currency
Private Equity
Show Description:
Jason and Alex started off the show by saying that we are not going to execute on any investment strategy or implement a philosophy unless they have a substantial amount of data to back this up. They discussed how too many investors implement an investment strategy that is driven and based off emotions, feelings, and news headlines. In an environment like we are in currently with so much uncertainty in the market, the global economy, and from an everyday life standpoint, it is easy to get wrapped up in the rapidly changing news headlines and get uneasy.
Jason talked about how one of the most repeated questions that he gets from clients is “what should we do now?”. He discussed how the answer to that question never changes no matter what is going on in the world around us. People should make sure that their financial plan is comprehensive in nature with specific goals being on track, and they have a solid, diversified investment strategy in place to accomplish those goals and ride through periods of volatility and uncertainty. Jason explained how the real question people should be asking themselves is if they should hire an adviser or not. They talked about how the market has continued to go up and for a lot of individuals it seems like it is easy to make a ton of money in the stock market, when this IS NOT the case over longer periods of time. They invited listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889, and they will send them the Investor Behavior Study. Also, we will conduct an initial complimentary discovery meeting to answer some initial questions, find out about IDA’s comprehensive range of services, and establish if there is a good mutual fit to accomplish their goals and objectives. They also discussed how IDA is looking to grow and has a core mission of helping as many people as possible while not letting the level of service and experience dip for existing clients.
Jason did a great job comparing a story of his son saying something he should not have to a classmate and not wanting to admit it was inappropriate to a client not wanting to admit they made an emotional investment decision based on emotions or outside influences when they should not have been reactive. One of the hardest things in life is admitting that you don’t know something, or you need help with something. Our team is able to provide individuals with so much financial peace of mind when they are fully able to let go and allow us to guide them down a path to a prosperous investment experience. They explained how it will not always be smooth, but it will ultimately be successful if we stay true to an investment philosophy and a strategic process.
Jason and Alex finished by talking about a client that is still suffering from the trauma of selling at the bottom back in 2008, and how it has taken years of coaching to get him back on track. The ultimate purpose of Financial Detox is to detoxify people from toxic financial guidance or news.
In this show you will learn about:
Why should you hire an adviser?
How to achieve a successful investment outcome.
The importance of behavioral coaching.
The road to a peaceful investment journey.
In this show you will learn about:
- GameStop Short Squeeze
- Options Investing
- Robinhood vs Discount Brokerages vs Wirehouses
- The Nasdaq likened to a Porsche
Show Description:
Today’s show starts off with Jason and Alex sharing stories about trucks and the potential benefits of depreciating company vehicles warming into the topic for discussion. Tax Planning.
Jason begins the discussion by reminding listeners that now is the right time to start tax planning for 2021 tax year, while you are doing your taxes for 2020. Alex adds that tax planning is one of the least enjoyable planning exercising and unfortunately most individuals are just happy to get it over with and not investigate forward planning. Alex suggests that when you are with your tax advisor completing your 2020 returns ask for a list of action items that you could have done in 2020 that would have reduced your taxable exposure.
Tip #1
Max out your retirement savings. Maxing out your 401(k) contribution allows you to defer taxable income. In 2021 you can defer 100% of your income up to $19,500 or 26,000 if you are 50 years or older. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) are also an investment vehicle not to be overlooked and can be utilized up until tax filing deadline of April 15th. Contribution limits for 2020 and 2021 in these investment vehicles are 6,000 and 7,000 for individuals 50 years old or older.
Jason and Alex continue to share tax benefit options for different types of professions and businesses. Alex introduces Cash Balance and Defined Benefit Plans to the conversation and asks Jason to share his experience working with key self-employed clients on their complex business and retirement planning. Jason shares the benefits of these tax-deferred retirement vehicles and the large dollar amounts that can be deferred when tax planning is executed properly. Jason also touches on geographically relocating in retirement to reduce tax obligations. Alex chimes in sharing his experience while working with business owners and that although these retirement vehicles may be a bit intimidating and difficult to comprehend at first, it is worth checking out because it can be a huge game changer.
Profit Sharing in a 401(k) is another component that is worth evaluating and utilizing if you are a business owner. Jason shares a story about a group of doctors and their experience utilizing the profit-sharing component within their group 401(k). Alex adds that the small business owner is the heartbeat of the country and like most individuals they are also looking for ways to not pay too much of their earnings toward taxes. This is a conversation worth starting up with IDA. The best tax advantaged investment vehicles available are offered to business owners. Jason adds that they are not too complex and well worth the time to understand. So please call Intelligence Driven Advisers to start a conversation.
The last tax planning investment vehicle discussed is a Health Savings Account (HAS). If you have a high deductible health insurance plan you most likely are eligible to contribute to an HAS account. For 2021, maximum contribution for a family is 7200. Funded with pretax dollars and distributions eligible to be tax free if used for qualified medical expenses. This investment vehicle over a 30-year life span this will generate significant tax savings.
Jason and Alex close the show with discussing some of the tax strategies that Intelligence Driven Advisers implements with all clients, specifically tax harvesting and the steps involved in properly executing this strategy.
In this show you will learn about:
Individual Retirement Investment Vehicles
Tax advantaged Investment Vehicles for Business Owners
Benefits of Tax Planning
Show Description:
Jason and Alex started off the show by welcoming Jim Pupillo, a Senior Wealth Adviser at IDA, who has a ton of industry experience, and specializes in providing his clients with regular Fiduciary advice pertaining to the company retirement and private wealth areas of the business. Jason discussed how the IDA investment committee spends countless hours stress testing and analyzing the asset allocation of the client portfolios to make sure that they are optimized given the current environment. Jim and Jason discussed how the rating systems for investment funds is not always the best aspect of analysis to be looking at when choosing investments.
Jim discussed how you cannot just use the star rating of a mutual fund solely and then pick investments for a portfolio. There must be a comprehensive analysis done using numerous different metrics to make sure you know exactly what area of the stock and bond market that fund is targeting. He explained that this is a crucial step in building a great asset allocation. Jim explained that the ratings agencies use either returns based style analysis or holdings-based style analysis, and those are used to determine the fund attributes or factors of a specific fund. Jim also used a great analogy comparing building the appropriate investment asset allocation to building a cake, and you must have the right pure ingredients (factors), proper allocation amounts, and right mix of investments to have a well-built cake.
Alex explained how it is our job as a Fiduciary investment management team to filter all the available information and investment options down through a well thought out, precise process to build our client portfolios. Jim stressed the importance of finding a professional who truly knows how to use these investment analysis tools because if they don’t it is like giving a machine gun to a toddler and hoping for a positive outcome. Jason chimed in and said that a lot of investment advisors at some of the larger firms are still constructing portfolios how they were building them back in the 90s and early 2000s, and with no care and concern for allocations to specific factors. Some examples of factors are size, value, momentum, minimum volatility, quality, and profitability, and these specific factors play a crucial role in constructing an investment portfolio. These factors allow us to extract returns from the global financial markets in a well-diversified manner to achieve the maximum risk adjusted returns for our clients.
Jim and Jason explained what liability driven investing is and the process of solving for a clients required rate of return. This is so important in the financial planning process to make sure that IDA clients live a financially peacefully life.
In this show you will learn about:
Importance of proper mutual fund analysis.
Role of a Fiduciary investment management team in fund analysis and information siphoning.
What is factor investing and why this is extremely important.
The importance of investing to achieve a target rate of return.
Show Description:
In this episode, Jason and Alex open the show up to listener questions. Every couple months Jason and Alex collect questions from listeners, clients and firm advisers that are getting asked the most to share on the air.
Question #1 - What should I expect from my portfolio if inflation happens?
Inflation – Jason shares his thoughts and concerns around printing money and the growing deficit. Alex interjects stating that the government desensitized us with trillion-dollar figures. Regarding your investment, a well-diversified portfolio should contain hedges for inflation built into it. Jason continues with sharing some stories from older advisers from when he first entered the industry and thoughts from the tech bubble.
Question #2 – One of the advisers in the firm, proposed a question around Crypto Currency. Is this something that we should be considering within our client’s portfolios? Jason comments, “this is a tricky one” and shares that he does own some bitcoin. Jason also, shares that there is an argument and a case for Bitcoin / Crypto Currency and Block Chain Technology. This is revolutionary technology and the process behind this technology will most likely have an impact on our day to day lives and usage of money. Alex adds that it is a purely speculative investment. Jason adds that currently, it is difficult to add bitcoin as a position within IDA client portfolios. Premiums are high within a bitcoin ETF, but eventually this will change. Jason and Alex add that as Bitcoin continues to stabilize and prove itself, you may want to put 1 or 2 percent of your portfolio toward it as a good inflation hedge.
Between questions, Jason shares a new client experience. A new client to the firm that had created significant wealth over his career and is now retired. A client who had always had an advisor but had never received a comprehensive financial plan. For the first time, this investor could see the purpose of his years of investing through planning and “what if” scenarios. Jason closes this story with reminding listeners that too many investors and advisers focus only on the investments and not the planning process. The investment is only secondary to the bigger picture or financial well-being.
Question #3 – Based on what the new administration seems to be focused on, what should I be looking out for? Jason responds that you must be willing to tilt your portfolio based on the global macro-economic environment. This does not mean you go in or out of the market completely. You keep your core portfolio is tact and make slight adjustments to remove where risks exist. IDA has the privilege of using a risk analyst tool that is the most sophisticated tool in the industry.
Jason and Alex close the show with reminding listeners that whatever administration is in place, people with continue to use Amazon, buy cars, and participate in consumer buying. Human ingenuity will continue to prevail and if you are invested in a well-diversified portfolio you will do well. Especially if it is tied to professional management.
In this show you will learn about:
Inflation Investing
Crypto Currency
Risk Analysis
Show Description:
Jason and Alex reminisced on Joe Biden being inaugurated as the next President of the United States, and then signed 17 executive actions. Jason talked about there being a real problem in this country where we are being fed information and bias from a propaganda media machine. He said our country is turning more into countries like China and Venezuela, where the government only provides us with what they want us to hear. Alex and Jason talked about the importance of remaining informed as a wealth management team to make sure that our portfolios are representative of the changes in the global macroeconomic environment. Jason specifically talked about how IDA has strategic tilts in our portfolios to accomplish this and remain aligned with macroeconomic themes.
Jason talked about the hypocrisy and barrage of misinformation from the mainstream media and difference of media opinions regarding the capitol riots and the “peaceful protests” that were not peaceful in fact. Jason and Alex talked about how 90% of all Americans would agree on most aspects of what they would want in life, generally speaking and politically, and there doesn’t need to be so much hatred and animosity. Alex brought up the great point of controlling what you can control, especially when it comes to investments and one’s personal relationships, because there are so many aspects of this life that we cannot control. They invited listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
Alex posed questions surrounding what this new presidency and shift in power means for the next four years from an investment outlook standpoint. Jason talked about how even though there is a Democratic President, House, and Senate there is still somewhat of a balance in power due to centrist leaning democrats in office that hopefully will not just say yes to any radical leaning or socialist agendas. We cannot predict the future, but Jason said that there could be some major shifts in production levels internationally versus the United States, particularly when it comes to oil and energy.
Alex and Jason talked about how our firm bases all financial planning and investment recommendations on academic and historic evidence. There is consequential evidence that shows trying to guess and time the market is ultimately a fool’s errand. Our firm specializes in investment and planning strategies that are time-tested, and strategically aligned to provide clients with the most peaceful investment experience. The most important aspect of one’s financial life should be making sure that their financial plan is still on track to never run out of money for the rest of their lives while accomplishing any of their specific goals.
In this show you will learn about:
The dangers of the media propaganda machine
What does a Democratic sweep mean for IDA’s investment outlook
Financial planning and investment strategies for periods of uncertainty
The importance of updating a financial plan with regularity
Jason and Alex recap some of the predictions made by strategists in 2020. If there was ever a year that we were reminded of the difficulty of making stock market predictions, it was 2020. To exemplify the difficulty of making market forecasts, we can look in the rear-view mirror at several examples of 2020 market forecasts and see how they turned out. A well-known financial publication surveyed 10 Wall Street strategists to gather their outlook, below are a few takeaways:
Another interesting highlight was that while the dramatic downturn was swift and steep, with the S&P 500 falling 33.79% from peak to trough, the recovery would be just as quick, as the index followed that up with its best 50-day period in history and returned 70.18% from March 24th through year end.
Jason and Alex remind listeners that success in the market doesn’t require making accurate predictions, it requires the ability to stay in the game. An investor who is able to stay disciplined with their financial plan that their adviser sets out for them will be better off than one who constantly makes decisions based on “expert” market forecasts.
Then the show gets interesting. Jason and Alex, against their better judgement and purely for entertainment purposes, attempt to make predictions about how 2021 will play out. These predictions are not meant to be investment advice in any way, shape or form. In fact the point they are making is how fun it will be to see how their predictions pan out. Fun being the objective and not meant for a successful, long term investment strategy. Enjoy the show!
This information is provided for registered investment advisors and institutional investors and is not intended for public use. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP is an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This information is not meant to constitute investment advice, a recommendation of any securities product or investment strategy (including account type), or an offer of any services or products for sale, nor is it intended to provide a sufficient basis on which to make an investment decision. Investors should consult with a financial professional regarding their individual circumstances before making investment decisions.
Past Performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment.
Today’s show kicks off with Jason and Alex introducing guest Rick Labrum, founding adviser to Intelligence Driven Advisers also Jason’s Dad and mentor. Today’s show discusses Smart Goals for 2021. Jason shares a story of how he and his boys applied a S.M.A.R.T. goal to make the game of golf more enjoyable for young players.
Using the acronym S.M.A.R.T. to help define a goal.
Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
Achievable (agreed, attainable).
Relevant (reasonable, realistic, and resourced, results-based).
Time bound (time-based, time limited, tie/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).
After briefly describing the smart goals acronym and how it can be used to structure a goal, Jason and Alex ask Rick to share his thoughts. Rick comments that, it is very structured and that you would probably be successful if you used it, but in addition, it needs to be “Exciting and Fun” and not supposed to look like work. Rick continues that with visualizing the achievement of a goal it should create excitement and the excitement is the motivator to complete the goal. Alex adds how he came up with the topic for this show and shares some of the new year initiatives that IDA has set in place for its employees.
After the break, Alex ties the discussion into applying these goals towards better financial wellbeing by providing three actionable goals to ideally complete within 30 days. The thirty-day challenge. Jason interjects and reverse engineers the discussion by using Rick’s earlier comments and asks the question, “Why” or what is the excitable motivator when it comes to achieving financial goals. Rick interjects that it starts with looking back and evaluating what you did last year and to create a list of things that you would like to improve on. Jason adds that incorporating the S.M.A.R.T. acronym to all aspects of your life will provide the necessary structure to achieve success. The conversation goes further into discussing the need for goals in general and the experiences each adviser has had from goal setting reviews with clients.
The show closes with presenting the listeners with three actionable goals or the thirty-day challenge:
1) Build a comprehensive financial plan that takes into consideration your investments, estate, tax, insurance, cash flow, and forecasts your entire future with the key objective to never run out of money.
2) Determine your target rate of return and savings goals to accomplish your financial plan.
3) Craft and implement an investment strategy that gives you the highest probability of successfully reaching your target rate of return across your lifetime.
In this show you will learn about:
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Levels of Goal Planning
Financial Goal Recommendations
Jason and Alex kick off the show sharing stories of family and staying safe around the holidays attempting to hold on to the traditions that we all have, while recognizing the current COVID protocols. With this intro, the show segues into the “Season of Giving” a discussion around charitable giving and the benefits associated to reduce your taxable liabilities.
Alex references some charitably inclined billionaires and the strategies that they have implemented to give back to society. Jason interjects that we are the most charitable country on the face of the earth and that even smaller charitable donations can and will add up. With clients, IDA has been creating family foundations that require (per the client’s wishes) a 5% donation every year to a specified non-profit charitable organization. An awesome way for them to save a little bit on tax, but truly a way to be focused on giving for years to come.
There were big changes in 2020 regarding the number of deductions that you can take. The IRS moved the deductible amount to 100% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), up from 60%. In addition, there is discussion around the $300 dollar “above the line” deduction if you choose the standard deductions on your tax return. Alex adds that these adjustments were, in his opinion, a smart foresight by the legislators to recognize that this year will be an incredibly difficult year for non-profit organizations given the business closures and loss of income by many.
Alex asks, what can individuals do to participate in charitable giving? Jason responds, that if you are donating to a qualified 501c3 charitable organization, you are participating and will receive the tax deduction. Jason also interjects, that he is a proponent of letting people decide what to do with their money rather than imposing higher taxes. By keeping taxes low and incentivize giving, you will better help the poor and less fortunate. Jason shares his experiences of being a board member of The Boys and Girls Club and the programs the organization has been able to provide. Alex adds his experience from this year’s Boys and Girls Club Gala and the amount of generosity given. Jason closes by saying that if people are left to their own devices, many will be inclined to give.
Jason and Alex recap the topics covered, creating a Family Foundation, additional deductions offered in 2020, and individual 501c3 charitable giving. Jason elaborates on how wonderful and rewarding a family foundation can be if set up correctly. Jason closes the show discussing the benefits of donating highly appreciated stock. Gifting a highly appreciated asset to a qualified charitable organization will remove the tax liability on appreciation and allow the recipient to sell the asset with no capital gain tax. Alex adds that this can also be an available benefit when taking required minimum distributions (RMD). Jason reminds the listeners that this is a great time to get with a professional adviser and incorporate a charitable aspect into your financial plan. Which may be the most rewarding legacy you can leave.
In this show you will learn about:
Family Foundations
Charitable Giving 2020 Enhancements
Individual 501c3 Charitable Giving
Gifting Highly Appreciated Assets
Jason and Alex talked about our proprietary 401(k) solution called Future Ready 401(k), which is for an any person participating in a 401(k) plan. This 401(k) retirement solution would bring benefits to the participants/employees, human resources department managers, corporate owners, controllers, directors of finance, etc. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
Alex asked Jason what prompted him to want to create a better 401(k) experience for individuals. They explained that the Future Ready 401(k) experience is one in which all aspects of the 401(k) are bundled into one solution, so it is structed as transparent as possible and designed to make life easier for all parties involved in the 401(k) plan and corresponding processes. Jason also explained that he has been in business for about 22 years and has helped participants with all aspects of their 401(k) plans. This includes the investment selection, retirement education, contribution specifics, and plan design that is involved with the complexities of a company 401(k) plan. Jason continued to break down the main components of a 401(k) plan. This includes the adviser, who makes sure that the plan is fully on track and the investments are maximized, recordkeeper, where the participant goes to login to view their accounts, and the third-party administrator (TPA), who helps the plan with testing and other aspects of the plan. As a full time 100% Fiduciary firm, we do not receive commissions on ANY of the investments that we put our participants hard earned money into, and a lot of the 401(k) companies thrive on revenue sharing structures. In the 401(k) world, Jason explained that we navigate and make sure that we have the best, lowest cost investments for company participants to choose from, and that we provide employees with the highest level of transparency that we can.
Jason explained that IDA just reached the incredible milestone of reaching $1 Billion in client assets under management (AUM). A major reason our firm has been able to reach this milestone is because we have constantly invested in the latest and greatest technology for our clients to make sure the client experience is in the top tier in the financial industry. Future Ready 401(k) is an all-inclusive solution to make the 401(k) planning/ongoing implementation processes as smooth as possible. Jason explained that IDA’s 401(k) solution is much different than a bundled solution in many ways. This is because those larger plans tend to be concentrated in that companies’ investment fund lineup, there could be several revenue sharing pricing structures in place, and the plan will typically end up with a 1-800 number customer service line where participants do not have a relationship with a lead adviser, leading to the participant being confused on the best path to retirement and improperly educated on the importance of contributing towards their retirement in the 401(k) plan.
Jason and Alex also explained that Future Ready 401(k) provides investment solutions that are based off numerous factors that are tailored to a participant’s specific goals and objectives. This was built based on participants investing and contributing towards specific future goals. This is not just based off a specific retirement year how most target date funds are invested. Jason and the IDA 401(k) team have built a multi-factor approach to 401(k) investing that builds a customized investment portfolio for each participant within a 401(k) plan. This is extremely unique in the industry, and there are very few, if any, advisers that are providing innovative 401(k) solutions to their clients to provide this level of additional value.
Show Description:
Jason and Alex started by talking about how this year has brought their family’s closer together with one another. There have been a lot of ups and downs this year and it has been filled with tremendous hardship for a lot of people, and much prosperity for others. Jason talked about how negativity and people having negative attitudes is at an all time high, and how it is almost trendy to talk about the doom and gloom. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
Jason explained that our IDA team serves a vast range of clients ranging from very high net worth clients to more mass affluent households, and we are always ready to serve new individuals with their financial goals and financial challenges. They made the joke that we work best with clients ages 1 to 100, but it is very true because we provide multi-generational wealth planning to numerous families. Alex talked about how it is very important for people not to fall asleep at the wheel during the holiday months or at the end of the year. There are several tax planning opportunities and deadlines, investment strategies, and other aspects of client’s financial plans that need to be properly attended to by year end.
Alex changed the course of conversation to the hardest questions that were received throughout the year. Jason explained that the average year has about 14% volatility in U.S. Large Cap stocks from peak to trough in any given year over the span of the past 40 plus years. He also explained that markets go up and down every day, but a lot of clients had forgotten what market volatility was over the past ten years because the markets have been so strong, especially the U.S. stock markets. Alex brought up a great question that was received by a prospective client earlier in the year amidst all the market volatility. “What does your firm do when there is a once-in-a-generation event like a global pandemic.” Jason reminisced on his answer by explaining that we stick to our core investment philosophy by maintaining a well-diversified portfolio, focusing on strategic asset allocation, implementing the most sophisticated investment tax strategies, and making sure to rebalance to make sure the portfolio is aligned with a client’s financial plan. This investment philosophy is rooted in data and evidence, and it is extremely crucial not to get wrapped up in media headlines.
Jason and Alex talked about the countless clients that were reaching out asking if they should get out of the market when the market was down 20-30%. As a result of all the turmoil surrounding the COVID global pandemic and its affect on the global stock market, clients were getting emotional with their investments out of well-justified fear. Alex talked about a client’s investment horizon being much longer than when they simply reach retirement. A client’s investment horizon is really the rest of their lives, so if they are planning to live into their 80s and 90s, then there will be several more periods of market volatility that they will need to be patient through. Jason responded by saying that investing is not easy, and most individuals associate risk of losing their money with volatility. In order to succeed as an investor, you have to remain disciplined and stay true to your investment philosophy.
In this show you will learn about:
Lessons learned from 2020
Great questions asked from the past year
Strategies that were implemented in 2020
Show Description:
This week’s show starts off with Jason and Alex sharing what they are thankful for and what IDA will be doing as a give back to the community. “Wreaths Across America” a benefit that honors past veterans, by placing holiday wreaths onto their grave sites. The employees of Intelligence Driven Advisers and their families will be placing wreaths on over 400 veteran grave sites at the Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery in Fallbrook Ca. This patriotic gesture leads the conversation into respect for our country and the sacrifices that were made for the better of mankind and the ability to practice freedom of speech.
After the introduction, Jason and Alex segue into discussing what it means for a financial firm to deliver value by introducing a Delivering Value Series. This week’s show focuses on rebalancing as a value add. Jason challenges listeners to ask their current advisers how they approach rebalancing their clients’ accounts, to see if they can eloquently explain the process or even have a process in place. Jason continues to explain the basics of rebalancing by using a simplified pie chart with two assets classes only, stocks and bonds. A portfolio made up of 50% stocks and 50% bonds as the initial investment. Fast forward one year and reevaluate the weightings between stocks and bonds. In a positive stock growth year, the portfolio will be out of balance with stocks representing a higher percentage of the total portfolio, say 60%. A rebalance would be required to maintain the original intent of the portfolio (50/50). You would sell 10% of the stocks and with the proceeds buy bonds to rebalance back into a 50/50 portfolio. Alex challenges the thought by asking the question, why would you sell something that has been going up and buy something that has been performing poorly? Jason responds with how important it is to have a rebalance strategy. Yes, it may feel wrong to sell something that is performing well, but rebalancing a portfolio is a necessary ongoing task to maintain a properly balanced portfolio. It cannot be an emotional knee jerk reaction. A systematic approach is necessary and is probably worth on average 1-2% a year. Alex adds that it even ties into behavioral coaching because it can be such an emotional thing. IDA can take an unemotional approach and have processes in place, but if this were his own money, it can be difficult to make decisions to buy and sell without letting your emotions get in the way.
Jason reminds the listeners that all clients at IDA have discretionary trading in place. This means the firm trades all accounts on the client’s behalf. Jason continues by giving a more in-depth explanation of IDA’s proprietary rebalancing program called Tolerance Band Rebalancing a software that looks at each individual asset class separately and sets tolerance bands based on historical returns for each asset class. To properly execute this strategy, you must have discretion on all accounts under management. Alex adds that, within the industry, most assets are still traded as non-discretion which is highly inefficient. A non-discretion trade requires an advisor to contact the account owner and receive authorization prior to executing the trade.
Jason and Alex close this week’s show with wishing all listeners a Happy Thanksgiving and to be thankful for all we have here in America. Also wishing that all people reconcile their differences, whether it be politically or any other way.
Please send questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
In this show you will learn about:
Rebalancing
Tolerance Band Rebalancing Strategy
Discretionary / Non-Discretionary Trading
Show Description:
Jason and Alex began by saying the main purpose of the show is to help individuals steer clear of toxic advice, prevent them from making great behavioral mistakes, and helping individuals create disciplines and philosophies to think about building wealth. Jason talked about how most advisors do not do tax planning, such as tax loss harvesting in a client’s portfolio, until the end of the year, which may be too late. Many of those advisors have already missed opportunities to save their clients thousands and thousands of dollars over the span of their financial lives.
They pivoted and started talking about the TRUE value that we brought to our clients back in March when we had one of the fastest selloffs in market history. It is hard to quantify in numbers the true value of bringing peace of mind to our clients during periods of economic and market distress. If a client makes one of the greatest behavioral mistakes and sells to cash at a market bottom, this is not a few hundred dollar decision, this could be in the tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars compounded range of a decision. They discussed that these feelings/emotions are real and justified during these periods of market uncertainty, and it is our job as advisers to be sounding boards and a voice of reason within the storm.
Alex explained that we are financial coaches that lead our clients to focus on the things that we can control because there are so many aspects of this rapidly changing world that we cannot control. He also talked about the two key areas of our business that are financial planning and investment management, and even though that does not sound interesting, they are both equally important and crucial to our clients achieving financial success. The financial planning is important because it puts everything into perspective and creates a road map for client’s financial goals and objectives. On the other hand, the investment management is the strategic execution of how we invest our client’s hard-earned money, another crucial role in achieving one’s financial goals and getting to a place of peace of mind.
Alex and Jason explained that taxes are an aspect of a client’s financial plan that can be controlled to an extent. They went into greater detail about what tax lost harvesting really is. Tax loss harvesting is when you have a portfolio position that went down temporarily, an example of this would be small cap stocks being down 40% or more back in March, and then you purposely sell that investment and go buy another investment that is not substantially similar to remain in that area of the market because you believe in owning it long term. You can use that loss to offset ordinary income or future/current long/short term gains. They explain how this could save large amounts of tax dollars if executed correctly year in and year out. Alex explained that here at IDA we scan for these opportunities every single day. Even though we do not trade every single day, we are looking for these opportunities regularly. Four major investment companies quantified the value of tax loss harvesting and tax sensitive asset location to be up to potentially 1.5% of additional value directed to client’s pockets. This is a huge deal and is a very important aspect of strategic asset management that is commonly missed by most advisors. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
In this show you will learn about:
Delivering value through tax planning/execution throughout the year
Quantifying the value that we bring as a Fiduciary Adviser
Tax loss harvesting and the strategic, controllable benefits
Show Description:
Jason starts the show with stating that, “if you’ve recently sold a business, have a stock position with a lot of long-term capital gains, or thinking about selling a piece of real estate with a lot of appreciation, you need to listen to this show and pay tons of attention”. Alex chimes in stating, that this is one of those opportunities that is relatively new. Only three years old. Alex mentions the beginnings of 401(k)s and 1031 exchanges as examples. If you have a potential liquidity event coming up, you may want to pump the brakes before paying the taxes and investigate Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund (“QOZs”).
Jason explains that basically, three years ago, legislation was enacted through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, that focuses on creating growth and job opportunities in underserved communities, into which new investments may be eligible for enhanced tax treatment. Alex adds that this is not only a tax benefit but also provides a new investment to invest in and helps our country. Jason states “Profit with a Purpose” stealing a line from Urban Communities, a real estate partner. He continues that Urban Communities purpose is to totally renovate communities and create an unbelievable lifestyle for their residents with new apartment homes, workout classes and gardens. Alex adds that energy efficiency is also a big topic of this program. Jason circles back, calling out to investors who have sold a business or have a concentrated stock position with large capital gains, QOZs will give you some tax benefits. QOZs have been designated across all fifty states. Currently there are 87 hundred QOZ funds available. However, you need to be careful about who you invest with. Alex adds that there are pros and cons to this and to think about where you are investing. Typically, these are areas where no one has wanted to invest in previously. What are the benefits of this investment? Does this real estate group have a track record of adding benefit to underserved communities?
Jason segue’ s into the three major tax benefits of QOZs: deferral of the recognized capital gains, reduction of capital gains, and elimination or tax-free returns on QOZ investment. He further goes into outlining the timing of investment and time periods required to gain full benefits. Alex mentions that from what he is hearing from Jason, this is not something that an individual will be reviewing on their own. A team of investment professionals will be required to execute due diligence and research on all the investment options. He adds that Intelligence Driven Advisers is currently reviewing a QOZ fund that is looking to raise a billion dollars. Big players are involved in this space. Jason adds that real estate developers involved are some of the biggest companies in the country with long track records. Players like, Clarion and Related. He adds that he would ONLY invest in a company or group with a long-term track record. Alex asks for clarification, as earlier mentioned, QOZs have only been around for a short time. Alex and Jason confirm that you should look for companies that have a history in “substantial or original development”. Jason further drills down into the renovation requirements placed on the development companies. Basically, the purchase of a 20-million-dollar building will require an additional 20 million in renovation to qualify as a Qualified Opportunity Zone. Jason goes on to share his personal experience with an investment into an underserved community and how moving it was to see an area that was rundown go through gentrification. Jason continues with breaking down the potential tax benefits with giving examples based on dollar figures and how the deferrals can provide other investment opportunities.
Jason closes out the show with stating, there is way too much to cover in a twenty-five-minute show, so please contact us if you have additional questions. Jason invites listene
Show Description:
Jason started the show by introducing a special guest Estee Gubbay, who is a luxury travel expert with Luxurist Travel. Thomas Ohanesian, a wealth adviser on the Financial Detox team at IDA, also joined Estee and Jason in the studio. He talked about how everyone is fed up with talking about the elections and all the nonsense that is going on around the world, so it is perfect timing to pivot and talk about wealth management and bearing the fruits of hard work by traveling. Estee is a travel specialist who just wrote the exciting book Your Travel Bucket List, which will be available on Amazon. The book is a combination of a travel guide, self-development tool, and portfolio planner for travel all built into one book. Jason and Estee discussed the challenges and their experiences with writing their books, and how it is a very challenging process that takes a lot of patience over time.
Estee talked about how it is the perfect time to start talking about travel again because everyone has been cooped up for so long. Thomas talked about his fortunate experience of being able to sneak in his honeymoon to Thailand and got back February 28th, which was right before the travel lockdown was in effect. Estee talked about whether or not it was safe to travel right now. She explained that it was a big, resounding YES because all the necessary safety precautions at home are the exact same precautions that you would take on a vacation or trip. The travel industry is doing everything they can to make the stay as safe and comfortable as possible, and it is almost like a private vacation when staying at most of these hotels right now.
Jason talked about the mission of Financial Detox, which is to help people make smart decisions with their money while maximizing their financial lives. Estee and Jason explained how clients work so hard to earn money and achieve financial success all their lives, and they deserve to spend their money on travel, having experiences, learning about different cultures, and simply enjoying life. They agreed that it is very important to properly budget before heading on a trip, and Estee does a great job of this throughout her travel planning process. A major aspect of the financial planning process is helping clients determine their life’s purpose. Estee talked about how the experience working with her to plan travel is different than most “travel agents” because she helps clients plan for their future planning goals, just like a financial planner does.
One of the major value adds that IDA brings is helping clients achieve the best financial lives they can, and typically, at the center of that conversation is talk about travel. They invite listeners to send their questions or call Estee directly at 858-381-7713 to learn more about her comprehensive travel services. For a small planning fee, Estee will help clients with every aspect of planning their next memorable trip!
In this show you will learn about:
Fiduciary wealth management and bearing the fruits of hard labor through travel
Estee Gubbay’s book Your Travel Bucket List
Maximizing your financial life through experiential travel
The major role that travel budgeting and goal establishment play in a financial plan
Show Description:
Jason starts this week’s show off with an introduction to special guest speaker Brian McArthur from Bridlewood Insurance Services, a Medicare Insurance Agent.
Jason asks Brian to set the record straight with the timing of enrollment and the choices available. Brian takes Jason’s lead and explains that Medicare is a deadline driven industry that markets with fear to obtain your business. By age sixty-four, be prepared to receive more marketing material than you could ever imagine. Be proactive and reach out to an agent sooner than later to begin the process of learning what options will be best suited for your health insurance needs. Alex joins the conversation and reinforces the need to speak with a Medicare insurance specialist and adds that the complexities within this space are difficult to comprehend without the support of a subject matter expert.
Jason continues the conversation by outlining Brian’s role as a Medicare Insurance Specialist and confirms that you cannot go direct to Medicare to purchase insurance. The purchase of this health insurance needs to go through an agent. Brian continues by stating that one of the values is understanding what the government is going to cover and not going to cover based on a client’s financial outlook. Brian adds that, while he cannot claim to be a full fiduciary as he is a commissioned insurance agent, he always works in the client’s best interest. Jason takes this moment to reiterate the basis of the show Financial Detox and the values that the show is based on.
After a short commercial break, the show segues into the planning process for Medicare and the approximate fees a client can expect to pay. Brian spends a good amount of time outlining what one can expect to pay towards supplements and how the expenses can vary given annual income and one-time liquidity events. Jason reviews some of the figures mentioned to drive home the point with listeners that having an income plan and making good choices can help to manage Medicare expenses. Jason adds that so often, he sees clients and advisers approach planning for Medicare expenses as a kind of,” back of the napkin” approach. This lack of detail can create a significant short fall in retirement planning. The show continues drilling into the numbers, with Alex asking, what is the number for Medicare Inflation? With Brian’s response, the show goes into a deeper explanation of Medicare payment schedules.
Jason wraps up the show with stating that Medicare is a semi complex decision in retirement that needs to be tied to your financial plan. Given the unique complexities, it is best to work with a qualified insurance agent that specializes in Medicare. Brian McArthur is who IDA uses and recommends.
Jason offers to provide listeners with a complimentary investment portfolio analysis/stress test second opinion, and the opportunity to have a draft of their financial plan built out. They also invite clients to reach out for a complimentary initial introduction conversation with Clay Willits to see if there are potential benefits of further tax planning. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
Show Description:
Jason and Alex started by talking about quantifying how we deliver true value to our clients as Fiduciary advisers. Jason explained how numerous clients have reached out to him because they were very nervous about the market around the election. They explained how some of these behavioral mistakes are not just 1,2,3 percent negative decisions. This could result in much more than 10, 20, 30+ percent negative decisions. Jason talked about not being able to time the market in a reliable manner, and even if you get it right the first time, there are no guarantees that you will get it right the second time. It is the job of a Fiduciary adviser to tell their clients no when they want to time the market, and stand up and protect their clients. Jason explained how his clients are afraid of a Biden win or a Trump win, and the market going down. He talked about the contrarian, strategic approach of buying more stocks when the market goes down because there will be areas of the market that will be cheap and attractive from a long-term return perspective.
Jason explains how people should desire to have an adviser that will be confident enough to tell them the things that they do not want to hear. This will ultimately protect them from blowing themselves up from an investment or financial planning standpoint. Jason compares this to a doctor telling someone to stop eating sugar because they are overweight and will die if they continue down this path. Some people would be offended by this approach, but most should appreciate the doctor looking out for their patient’s best interests because they truly care about their health. This is exactly how we treat our clients, while maintaining our integrity and caring attitudes.
Jason and Alex discuss how there is an average drop of 14% every year when talking about peak to trough. Volatility is natural and normal and is part of investing. Sometimes it lasts for a very short period, and other times it drags on for a few years. Investing is an emotional journey that is not meant to be fun. They discuss that this can be a miserable, and investors mainly want to know that they are protected, and it will all end up okay in the end. A time horizon is extremely important when implementing the appropriate investment strategy because investing is meant to be a process over time, not based on a moment in time or a single election.
One of the major pillars of investing is diversification, and they discuss how this is so important to help smooth out volatility and risk. Diversification is the best way to grow wealth over time. Jason explains that alternative investments can play an important role in a well-diversified portfolio for certain clients. Examples of these types of investments are private equity, private debt, real estate, etc. These investments are in areas of the market that are not publicly traded. There are risks associated with these types of investments, but there are a lot of positives in the private markets. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
In this show you will learn about:
Delivering value through intelligent asset allocation and behavioral coaching.
The negative effects of timing the market.
The hard truths that come from a Fiduciary adviser.
Alternative investments and their potential role in a well-diversified portfolio.
Show Description:
This show launches show number one of the series. “Financial Detox Investing 101”. Jason shares a recent experience while traveling with some individuals who are well versed in business but have been misinformed based on the overload of information when it comes to investing. Information that is presented in multiple mediums, none of which is pointed and direct in helping them understand what they should be doing with their accumulated wealth.
Alex enters the conversation by stating that often people will, quoting the phrase, “buy what you know”. People tend to buy stock in companies that they know or products that they use and trust. This series will cover five necessary components. Things that you or your adviser should be doing daily to manage your assets. This show, one of a series of five, will focus on Asset Allocation.
Alex and Jason go into defining the different asset classes and how many sub-asset classes there are. Jason directs the focus of today’s show on Large Asset Classes. Alex and Jason will cover Cash, Bonds, Publicly Traded Stocks, and Alternatives. Jason defines Alternatives by offering some examples and Alex adds that this assets class tends to attract investors with exciting products but can also cause the most damage if not properly understood.
After the first commercial break, Jason and Alex continue the topic of allocation and use the correlation of life and having multiple things that you enjoy to asset classes and being diversified in how you should invest. Alex poses some question; Why should you use multiple asset classes? Why does it matter? And can I just buy stocks? Jason responds and shares some insight on how the firm builds and manages portfolios along a spectrum. A spectrum that covers all investment needs from capital preservation to aggressive.
Alex brings the discussion back to asset allocation and asks Jason to further describe the major asset classes in a typical IDA portfolio and how many asset classes one expects to see. After responding, Jason spends some time discussing bonds and some sub asset classes within the bond market. While discussing the types of bonds available, Jason takes the conversation deeper and touches on yield and the need and desire for some investors and advisers to chase yield. Unknowingly exposing their portfolios to excessive risk.
Jason and Alex segue into equites and the sub asset classes within the equities market. Jason shares the benefits of being globally diversified based on historical data, even though the current U.S. equity markets have been a successful investment.
Alex closes the show with stating that the point of this series is to learn to control what you can control, diversify, and follow evidence based proven facts and data when building a successful portfolio.
In this show you will learn about:
Asset Allocation
Alternatives
Bonds
Equities
Jason and Alex started by talking about how they were excited for the 1st presidential debate, but they slowly became more and more disappointed that Trump and Biden are the best representatives that this country can offer its great citizens. Jason talks about how he was watching the debate with his wife and kids, and they had to turn it off because it was not something appropriate or positive for his young boys to be watching. Alex asked if Jason’s kids Dax -9 and Luke -11 had shared their perspective on the debate, and he talked about how he has observed that his kids and most kids almost always mirror the views and ideas they observe from their parents.
Jason and Alex discussed how politics have become a show at this point, and how our country’s founding fathers talked about how it would lead our country down a bad path if we ever got so divided that both parties essentially couldn’t work together in any capacity. They discussed how capitalism is a beautiful thing that can spread prosperity and opportunity for all, but when taken to the extreme it can be very bad if there are no boundaries or regulations. Alex discussed how the media, especially the political-based media, is nearly 99% opinion and is designed that way to rile listeners up. There needs to be more regulations and disclosures surrounding the broad based media sources because it is almost like they are able to put any information, even if it isn’t 100% factual, out to the general public in a convincing manner.
Jason and Alex discussed how it is so important to have regulations in the financial industry. The SEC is the governing body over IDA, and we are legally bound and obligated to do what is in our clients very best interests. This is extremely important in our industry because there are so many potential conflicts of interest, especially if an advisor works at a firm that has a broker dealer offering a list of products. Jason explains that most insurance salespeople have product bias, and they tell their clients not to worry because there are no fees and the insurance company pays them.
Alex then ties this regulation back to the media and said that they are not paid to report the truth, they are paid to report what will sell. Jason and Alex explain that conflicts of interest are present in the financial world, social media, and all other sources of media. They talked about the importance of seeking the truth no matter what the source is because there is so much information available, and a good portion of this information is bad and doesn’t have the end person’s best interests in mind. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
In this show you will learn about:
Summary of the 1st presidential debate
The importance of regulations surrounding capitalism and political media sources
The importance of regulations in the financial industry
The conflicts of interest present in the financial world, social media, and all other sources of media
The end of the year is near. The time is now to prep for year-end decisions.
Today’s show covers topics around year-end planning and reviews the things that you have control of within your financial plan.
Alex starts the show with discussing interest rates. Rates are at historic lows in terms of borrowing and you should be exploring your options to take advantage of this low rate environment.
Jason shares a story about a client that he recently spoke with were it did not make financial sense to refinance and to watch out for toxic information. This client was initially led into thinking that since everyone has been talking about refinancing. She should as well refinance. This is not always the case and working with a trusted professional is key. Alex discusses how banking institutions are requiring investment assets to be moved into the lending bank prior to loan approval to potentially qualify for a reduced mortgage rate. Unfortunately, this scenario does not guaranty a loan approval and can disrupt a well-managed investment portfolio. Jason adds, not to mention, the potential tax implications of selling securities with gains to satisfy the lender’s request. Closing take away; be sure to work with trusted professionals that work together to manage your best interest.
Jason segued into the topic of paying off your loan early and how it typically does not make good financial sense given the current low interest rate environment and the potential average rate of return in an investment account. Alex adds that those focused on paying off their loan tend to under fund retirement accounts and miss out on compounding interest and growth.
Rebalancing your portfolio is the second topic discussed. Jason posed the question, how many clients that manage their own investments, properly rebalance using a strategy or philosophy? AND how many advisers do account rebalancing the right way? Jason further explains tolerance band rebalancing used in Intelligence Driven Advisers (IDA) portfolios and the benefits associated. Alex discusses how this year has been an incredible example of portfolio management through rebalancing and utilizing tax loss harvesting as another component of rebalancing.
Tilting your portfolio to stay in line with global macroeconomic themes, is the third topic that Jason and Alex introduce. Where are we in the economic cycle? Politics, protests and movements are events that you need to be aware of, but do not let these short-term events dictate big moves in your portfolio. No, rather, make small tilts. Jason uses the analogy, of fine tuning the frequency of an old radio to make the signal sound crystal clear. Jason provides further explanation of tilting positions within your portfolio.
Alex and Jason close the show with reminding listeners to save, given the current COVID environment many activities such as vacationing have been cancelled creating additional cash flow. Individuals should have more money available. Unfortunately, many are spending money on items that they do not need. Instead, use those savings to max out your retirement accounts and add to your investment accounts.
In this show you will learn about:
Interest Rates and Refinancing
Portfolio Rebalancing
Tilting Portfolios
Jason and Alex start the show by talking about a movie The Social Dilemma, a film first played at the Sundance Film Festival. The movie was created by a group of tech mogul executives and others members of the major social media companies. They discussed how we use social media for IDA as a business, but they are conflicted internally about whether or not social media is a good arena to share content based on how it is destroying everything good in our country right now.
The average child has a cell phone at age 9, and they are exposed to YouTube and all major social media sites at such a young age, where their minds and opinions are molded. Jason humbly expressed that we are not proclaimed social media experts, but we are investment experts. He also explains that these platforms are designed to distract and reward distraction and keep us hooked. This is done at the expense of our well-being while collecting as much data as possible. They are then able to sell more adds and more specifically tailored adds to people, which makes the end company very wealthy. Alex remembered that the movie pointed out that there are only two businesses that call their clients “users”, drug dealers and software providers. This is mildly disturbing when you connect the two because they are using us as individuals to sell ads to the end “user”.
Jason and Alex talk about the democracy dilemma. Political polarization and divisiveness are a direct result of content on these social media platforms that strongly promote fear, greed and drive further engagement. Jason and Alex tied this to financial media sources and how the truth is boring. They only make money if they can stir up fear and emotions in their listeners or viewers because it causes them to take action. Most of the time, this is not good action, it is poorly timed, and very costly. They talk about how the right way to invest is not meant to be like going to Vegas to get that gambler’s rush, it is meant to be consistent and reliable over periods of time.
Jason talks about how there is so much damage being caused by social media because it is further enhancing the political divide that is present in our country. It is so easy to find information and content that promotes conspiracy, outrage and deception, and these platforms have algorithms that continue to feed more information to the users based on their tendencies. This drives more clicks to make more money at our expense. Alex discusses that the original goal of these companies was to connect people and allow people to congregate no matter where they are geographically located.
Jason discusses how Wall Street and the major financial media sources are designed to get people engaged negatively, just like social media sources. Markets and how they operate have evolved over time from the barter system to the efficient markets we have today. Those systems are still necessary, but the toxicity surrounding those systems causes
major mental health problems for people today. They explain how the biggest companies are making tons of money every day by getting investors convinced that they have all the answers, even if it is not the best way to invest. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
In this show you will learn about:
The Social Dilemma
The toxic role of social media in people’s lives
The social media dilemma relating to democracy
The mental health issues associated with social and financial media sources
Show Description:
Jason and Alex open the show with the analogy, as one problem goes away, new issues arise. Like a never-ending problem.
Jason touches on the election and how people choose to process information. Information such as the current issues in our economy and the issues that we are facing as a society.
Alex and Jason cover some of the biggest questions that are being asked by clients during these unprecedented times.
Jason comments on clients wanting the firm to recognize that, these times feel different and that we are in a period in the market not like anything previous. Jason and Alex continue with discussing the benefits of having an adviser that provides a strategy and a consistent process that guides them through difficult times. Jason continues with discussing the ideologies of Intelligence Driven Advisers (IDA) the investment firm associated with Financial Detox.
The discussion Segway’s into how markets perform during election years and if there are any patterns. Jason provides some historical data on election years and states that, what we do know is, “control what you can and ignore what you can’t”.
Alex and Jason continue with a discussion on controllable factors within investing. The discussion goes deeper into factor investing and being cognizant to global macroeconomic themes.
Jason reviews the concept, Financial Detox. Jason correlates toxic foods with toxic thoughts and how a toxic thought process can cause you to make investment blunders, financial mistakes and potentially destroy your long-term investment returns.
Jason refers to a comment that Alex made at the beginning of the show, “problems will keep coming back”. From here the discussion goes into looking back at history and all the radical events that seemed very different at the time, but were they really? In the end, are companies going to continue to produce goods and services and are we as consumers going to continue civilization as we know it. Definitively, yes.
The show closes with “yes”, there will always be a Three Headed Hydra out there but stay focused, get a financial plan and stay the course.
Jason offers to provide listeners with a complimentary investment portfolio analysis/stress test second opinion, and the opportunity to have a draft of their financial plan built out. They also invite clients to reach out for a complimentary initial introduction conversation with Clay Willits to see if there are potential benefits of further tax planning. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
In this show you will learn about:
Election Patterns
Controlling what you can control
Global macroeconomic themes and factor investing
Historical events and the effects that they had on the market
In this show, Jason and Alex talk about the importance of integrating and closing the circle of advisers for a client. It is extremely important for a financial adviser to be working with the CPA to collaborate on behalf of the client to make sure their financial lives are maximized. Clayton “Clay Willits” was a guest speaker on the show, and he is IDA’s newest member of the team and leader of IDA Tax. He got his CPA license back in 1984 in CA and has been working in public accounting, tax, and then went back into the private industry as a CFO for several industries. The last 18 years, he has been working with individuals completing their tax returns and assisting with various levels of tax planning. Clay was a board certified flight-instructor.
Jason explains that incorporating the tax advice and financial planning together as a one stop shop is so beneficial for our clients. Alex explained how we always bring the CPA in as much as possible even when they are not in house to make sure that the best possible decisions are being made. IDA Tax is the in-house IDA tax division. Jason and Clay explain that this is a powerful proposal to be able to offer a sit-down meeting with both the financial adviser and the CPA in one meeting to maximize the time for the client.
Jason, Alex and Clay discuss specific end of the year tax strategies. End of the year is the perfect time for tax planning, especially for business owners that have businesses and business entities such at S-Corps, LLCs, Sole Proprietorships, etc., as they are the individuals that are able to utilize more complex tax planning strategies. Clay explained further that W-2 employees are more limited with their options to save money on taxes. He also stressed the importance of meeting with the CPA in November or December to discuss transactions they may enter into for business purposes such as purchasing a new vehicle or purchasing other capital expenditures to take advantage of bonus depreciation.
Jason explains that it is also important for younger individuals making large sums of money to start planning for their retirement now, and there are more complex savings strategies that can be implemented to save much more money on taxes than the traditional 401(k), IRA, or SEP IRA account structures. In the proper situation, a solo 401(k)/profit sharing plan, Cash Balance plan, or Defined Benefit plan can be included, and this could allow clients to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax savings over an extended period of time, and also save MUCH more for retirement. These more complex plans must be setup sooner, and the funding doesn’t have to happen by year end. A lot of times this can happen by the time they file their tax return, even if they file an extension.
Clay talks about some of the biggest pitfalls for financial advisers in relation to tax planning. One of the biggest mistakes that he has seen is in the timing of realizing capital gains and capital losses. He had a client that sold a piece of real estate for a large gain in one year, but didn’t tell the financial adviser about the transaction, and there were substantial temporary capital losses that could have been realized in the taxable account. Clay emphasized that these losses MUST be realized in the year the gain occurs. This is also known as tax loss harvesting, which this strategy is utilized every day at IDA for our clients.
In this show you will learn about:
Introduction to Clayton “Clay” Willits, Lead CPA of IDA Tax
The importance of collaboration between a client’s Financial Adviser and CPA.
Specific strategies for business owners to save money on taxes, and the best time for tax planning.
Some of the biggest pitfalls in tax planning for Financial Advisers and CPAs
Jason Labrum opens the show with a story about a new prospective client who at the end of 2019 had 2.9M in investable assets drop to 900k within nearly nine months. After looking into what the portfolio was comprised of, is was apparent that the client had been working with a broker dealer who had sold them two highly commissionable products. The products were BDCs (Business Development Corporations) and Non-Traded REITS. A commission to the broker upwards of 15%.
Alex Klingensmith adds that at a one-million-dollar investment the commission would be paid to the broker dealer first and the client would start with 850k investment. In addition, and unfortunately for this client, these products did not experience the rebound that the market experienced during that nine-month period.
Jason and Alex continue the topic of, Investment Products, a discussion that will help their listeners think about, what is being sold to them and who is selling it. Jason adds that you need to be very wary when buying an upfront commissionable product and ask yourself, “How come there needs to be an upfront commission to sell these products”.
The two products that are highlighted in this show are BDCs (Business Development Corporations) and Non-Traded REITS. These two products seem to continue to be associated with lawsuits and bad press.
Jason begins the discussion on BDCs with a broad overview of the investment product. Alex adds some personal experiences on BDC products that have been brought to the firm by clients and the unfortunate outcomes (small business loans, liquor licenses, and taxicab licenses).
The show continues with Jason and Alex opening a deeper discussion in to BDCs.
Alex shares some history on BDCs and a look into The Investment Act of 1940 and the amendments that were made in the 1980s to allow for BDCs. Jason and Alex discuss further the lack of rules around BDCs.
Jason shares how broker dealers can up sell clients on all the bells and whistles that become available to the BDC investor, like access to private markets and venture capitalists.
Alex adds that catch phrases like, “Private Markets and Venture Capitalist” sound cool to the investor and can make them more interested in buying into the product, making a small investor feel like he can invest like “rich people”.
Jason closes with what BDCs typically invest in and the speculative nature of the investment.
Jason and Alex bring the discussion back to asking, “Why”. Why can this product advertise potential yields of 8% to 10% when traditional bonds are yielding 2% or 3% maybe 4%? You must go back to one of the fundamental principles of investing. Risk and return are related.
Jason and Alex segway into Non-Traded REITS stating that these products are popular and that there are a lot of Non-Traded REITS currently being offered.
Jason shares that there is a big well-known San Diego advisor whose whole book of business was built on Non-Traded REITS.
Jason goes into describing the mechanics of Non-Traded REITS and the similarities to BDCs. He further describes the difference between buying these products from a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) and a Broker Dealer. Outlining the commission structures associated with broker dealers, calling this “toxic”.
Jason sums up the topic of BDCs and Non-Traded REITS with specific reasons to avoid these products. For example, hidden commissions, lack of regulation and no requirement to disclose financials. Jason and Alex close the show with some straightforward advice, “Do not buy a Non-Traded REIT or BDC from anyone other than a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA)”.
In this show you will learn about:
Business Development Corporations (BDC) as a commissioned product
Pros and Cons of BDCs
Non-Traded REITS a commissioned product
Reasons to avoid Non-Traded REITS
In this show, Jason and Alex talk about stress testing portfolios and how to invest for the future. This is extremely important given all the uncertainty surrounding potential election results, and the future of our economy. The main goal is to stress test client financial plans and investment strategies to truly achieve financial peace of mind. This allows investors to make good financial decisions by cleansing their financial mindsets to focus on things they can control. Alex discusses that highly contentious elections, civil rights movements, and democracy aren’t new things, but the way that investors and leaders choose to act around those major events is an opportunity to build and improve on experiences from the past.
Jason and Alex talk about what a financial plan really is. They define a financial plan as taking all financial information in one’s life and programming it into a very sophisticated software that models out ANY potential scenario. This would include all assets, all liabilities, income sources, taxes, inflation, expenses, all expectations about markets and performance of specific markets, rental real estate specifics, buy/sell business and real estate transactions, etc. Jason explains that the software has the ability to analyze and show the output for ANY potential financial decision, and show the cause and effect relationship between crucial decisions surrounding saving more, spending less, investing more aggressively, retiring at different ages, and insurance coverage just to name a few. Jason compares this to several hundred engineers sitting in a room analyzing a client’s financial situation.
Jason explains that it doesn’t matter if someone has hundreds of millions of dollars to invest or five hundred thousand of investable assets, a financial plan should be the cornerstone of any person’s investment strategy. He explains that Monte Carlo analysis is also known as probability analysis, and this involves taking into account hundreds of factors to show what is the probability of success within one’s financial life.
Alex explains that one of the number one financial fears is running out of money. The main goal of Monte Carlo analysis is to show the probability of not running out of money, and then good financial decisions can be made based on the proposed outcome. Jason explains a financial plan is run through 1000 random variations and sequences of returns looking back over 40 years of outcomes. If the success ratio is too high, then there are specifics ways for clients to maximize their financial life. Long term goals and objectives and a client’s target rate of return are based heavily on the probability of success.
Jason and Alex talk about the Aladdin portfolio analysis tool that has the ability to stress test a client’s portfolio in a wide range of different ways to show what would have happened during historical periods and through potential major economic events/changes in the future.
Jason offers to provide listeners with a complimentary second opinion, and the opportunity to have a draft of their financial plan built out. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889.
In this show you will learn about:
The accurate definition of a comprehensive financial plan
Monte Carlo analysis and investment analysis tools used to stress test a financial plan and investment strategy
How to determine the appropriate investment strategy and target rate of return for a client
The Aladdin analysis tool and its capabilities to show shocks to an investment portfolio
Markets are at an almost ALL time high, there is an upcoming election and the Pandemic is still present. Jason Labrum and co-host Alex Klingensmith discuss the market and why it continues to tick up. The focus of the show today will discuss New School Factor Portfolio’s and what that means to investors.
Markets are forward looking mechanisms- taking all the collective knowledge of the entire universe and the market participants who are researching, analyzing, and forecasting to get a clear picture of what to expect.
Today’s topic focuses on the evolution of science in investing- Factor Investing. Invest your portfolio with the lowest possible cost, maximum tax efficiency with the best potential returns for the amount of volatility and risk you are willing to accept. New School Factor Investing is not new in the sense that it’s never been done before, its more of an evolution of science and data and how to best accomplish rates and returns given the lowest volatility possible.
Bonds are traditionally bought because they are lower volatility than stocks. Bonds have a lower volatility where stocks have a higher rate of volatility and both have risk associated. So the question becomes, how much of my portfolio should be bonds. What is your target rate of return? In other words what is the return you need to achieve the financial life and the purpose you've set forth for yourself. We help you design that through the financial planning process. And then we decide how much bonds versus equity goes in the portfolio in order to achieve that return with the least amount of volatility possible.
What is factor investing? It is the continued evolution of investing that is long time tested, philosophically driven data driven, proven investment strategy. This strategy assumes we will continue to change and model as new information becomes available, as research becomes better, as technology becomes better as markets change.
There are certain characteristics of portfolios that have yielded additional returns over time, or there is some measurable benefit to having a portfolio with those characteristics.
Factors Include:
MOMENTUM, VALUE STOCKS , SIZE FACTOR, COUNRTY DOMICILE, MINIMUM VOLITITLY, PROFITABILITY OR QUALITY OF COMPANIES
Factor Investing applies tilts to these specific factors or characteristics that have proven over time to have an impact on return in a portfolio.
In this show you will learn about:
When to use Bonds, How to use Bonds, and Why to Use Bonds?
Dollar Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum Investing
What is Factor Investing?
-Risk and Return ARE Related
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In this show Jason and Alex answer questions from listeners. They invite listeners to send their questions to jason@financialdetox.com or call 877-707-8889. The goal of Financial Detox is to provide consumers with access to quality and complimentary financial education.
Alex offers sage advice to listeners who have a relationship with a financial advisor: Do not hesitate to ask the genuine questions that are on your mind.
He then shares a listener question that has been on many minds: “Considering the upcoming election, what is the plan if things tank?” Jason importantly breaks the question down into 2 parts. First, he educates listeners with the fact that election year outcomes are not correlated to stock market performance. It is impossible to predict how the market is going to perform according to which party in office. Historically the data shows no correlation. Second, the Financial Detox team’s plan is to stick to the long-term financial plan and investment strategy already in place. A common is mistake investors make is changing their investment plan according to the news, events, and hype out there. Alex points out fear and greed naturally, as human beings, cause people to make significant investment mistakes. Jason stresses that investors should take action on a regular basis, as needed, according to an investment philosophy; not in reaction to events. For example, investors should continue to re-balance the amount in each investment according to a target amount.
They share a second listener question, which is similar to the first: “Why shouldn’t I make tactical changes to a portfolio?” Dimensional Funds, a respected provider of investment research, uses a metaphor to effectively answer this question. They point out the similarities between making tactical changes in a portfolio and betting on sports; making tactical investment changes in response to news is like betting. Each tactical decision and sports bet take quite a bit of stress, energy and luck; imagine trying to keep repeating that over time. Jason stresses the importance of having a portfolio and an investment philosophy that gets you through good times and bad. Some tactical aspects, such as considering themes like the technology revolution, should be included when creating a portfolio. However, the tactical aspects should not be driven by events; they should be driven by investment philosophy.
Jason shares the importance of first creating a financial plan that shows what rate of return need is needed to meet ones’ goals. Only after that is done can an investment strategy be properly created.
Alex offers a pressure-free and complimentary video meeting to listeners who are stressed and looking for help in these times of global economic turmoil. Jason cautions that there are huge differences in quality of financial advice; always get second opinions because there are good advisors and bad advisors out there.
In this show you will learn about:
Why investors should not change their investment strategy in response to news and events
How election year outcomes are not correlated to stock market performance
Tactical changes that are good for investors to make and which should be avoided
The importance of seeking a second opinion when hiring a professional for financial advice or managing a portfolio on your own.
In this show Jason and Alex debunk the common perception that performance of markets is correlated to which political party is in office. They warn against misinformation out there surrounding this topic; investors may make costly mistakes when they make changes to their portfolio based on prediction of election results.
They present historical data, since the S&P 500 was created, that show there is no pattern of market growth or decline according to which party is in office. Jason offers to share this Investing During Election Years report with listeners. Interested listeners should email him at jason@financialdetox.com for a complimentary copy of it.
Jason and Alex then stress the importance of focusing on what investors can control, amidst the shut-down of the global economy. They offer a complimentary second opinion to any listener who would like advice on their portfolio, including a risk analysis. The Financial Detox team has a world class risk analysis tool.
In this show you will learn about:
How performance of markets is not correlated to which political party is in office
Why investors should be invested for the long run and why they should not make changes based on predictions of election results
Why investors should be discerning of information disseminated by the media
The importance of focusing on what can be controlled in a portfolio amidst the global economic shut down
In this show Jason and Alex educate consumers on how to avoid the common pitfalls of annuities, and the uncommon reasons why one could be an effective part of a portfolio.
They begin by warning listeners that most people who sell annuities are highly compensated for selling them, via commissions paid by the consumer. Thus, they prioritize selling them over other financial solutions. Jason offers to listeners free education about annuities via a phone conversation. Listeners can call the Financial Detox team for the unfiltered and unbiased truth about annuities, as they are full-time fiduciaries. They do not sell many annuities, but they do occasionally recommend them to clients when they are appropriate. In the rare case they do recommend an annuity, they do not allow their advisers to take large compensation upfront. Rather, they allow them to take small compensation up front and level it over time so there are no biases to recommend certain products. He also lets listeners know they can learn the unbiased truth about annuities from his complimentary book, Financial Detox, which can be obtained by emailing him at jason@financialdetox.com.
Jason warns listeners that seeking advice on or signing up for an annuity from a person who is not a full-time fiduciary should be avoided. Annuity Salespeople who are not full-time fiduciaries typically claim, to the consumers they sell annuities to, that the insurance company pays them. They typically mislead consumers by not truthfully disclosing how they are compensated.
Alex then presents pros and cons of annuities, and how their features can be very complicated.
They then discuss whether investors should insure their portfolios just as they would insure their cars or homes. Also, whether returns from annuities can be large enough to surpass taxes, inflation, and fees. They come back to their stead- fast principal that annuities do not make sense for most people. They only make sense for investors who truly can’t stomach volatility and can accept the cons, such as dismal returns.
Jason ends the show by reminding listeners that the guiding principal for all investors should be to first build a customized financial plan. He stresses the importance of seeking advice from full time fiduciary advisers at businesses who are Registered Investment Advisers, who provide advice on a personal basis.
In this show you will learn about:
The common pitfalls of annuities
The uncommon reasons why an annuity could be an effective part of an investors’ portfolio
Pros and cons of annuities
When seeking financial advice, why it is important to seek advice from full time fiduciaries at businesses who are Registered Investment Advisers
Jason and Alex commiserate with the audience on the resurgence of COVID-19 cases across the country. In a world that seems to be changing rapidly they bring the conversation back to focusing on what we can control, taxes and insurance being the focus of today’s show. They start by addressing insurance because many investors are asking about principal protection and alternative asset classes. While annuities do provide principal protection and guaranteed income for life, they explore the various issues that surround them. Jason reminds listeners that one of the things that makes him most frustrated with annuities is the people that sell them and how they fail to disclose their compensation. They also tend to not fully explain how investors miss out on the power of the markets and forego liquidity of their money by purchasing annuities. Alex reminds listeners of his learning experience being in the annuity only industry 15 years ago and how important it is to have a process based financial planning approach to identify whether an annuity makes sense or not. If it does, the financial plan is so helpful in making the initial recommendation and in reinforcing the decision when reviewing and monitoring the plan over time. This process is missing with many annuity salespeople which is highly problematic. The show shifts to the CARES Act next. Jason and Alex speak about the provision where 2020 Required Minimum Distributions, or RMD, has been waived. This presents a significant opportunity for listeners who are 72 or older and have RMD. You do not have to take RMD this year. If you already took it you can roller it back into your IRA. You can also convert the amount into a Roth IRA if you are ok with the tax. Unfortunately, the devil is in the details with IRAs and the CARES Act. The Act also changed Inherited IRAs by shortening the length of RMDs for Inherited IRAs to 10 years. This is a far cry from the previous term of the beneficiary’s life expectancy, which in some cases could be 50 years or more. Jason and Alex go on to explore these tax planning pros and cons and the need for many to see if there are any opportunities to do some tax planning.
In this show you will learn about:
- The pros and cons of annuities
- The importance of using a financial planning process to determine if you could benefit from an annuity or an alternative investment
- Tax planning strategies under the CARES Act, especially for those over 72 years old
- Whether 2020 is the year to do a Roth conversion
In this show Jason and Alex provide listeners with a high-level process for building an optimal portfolio. They educate listeners on the importance of understanding and applying behavioral science and factors to this process.
Jason and Alex begin by sharing where their educational videos for consumers can be found: on the financial detox webpage: https://www.idawealth.com/learn/the-financial-detox-show/ and on the IDA’s You Tube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_uyRpMCu6GIpq_YiwL_Ibw.
They bring to light how important discipline is to investor success. Success in investing requires having a disciplined investment philosophy, and continuously working to improve it. Understanding behavioral finance and factors are vital to this.
Jason and Alex discuss some types of behavioral mistakes investors typically make. They highlight regret, due to the importance of freeing investors lives of unnecessary stress and investment mistakes. They discuss how behavioral finance shows people should control the things they can and ignore the things they can’t control.
They then educate listeners on what factors are, and share examples of types of factors. Successful investors need to determine which factors have persistent higher probabilities of having better performance, based on long term historical data. Jason shares with listeners that factor index investing is now offered to investors. Traditional index investing is weighted by capitalization (size of business). Now factor investing is available to give investors low cost, tax efficient exposure to stocks with minimum volatility.
Jason then brings the discussion back to the vital principal of starting with a financial plan before building a portfolio of investments. First the rate of return needed for a person’s goals need to be determined through a comprehensive financial plan. Only then can the optimal investment portfolio be built to achieve those goals.
Alex points out there is an often overlooked easier and more successful way to manage investments through crises: prepare for the worst-case scenario before it happens. It is important to stress test financial plans ahead of crises to have peace of mind throughout the crises. He also reminds listeners to
keep in mind, during crises, that not all publicly traded companies will cease to exist at the same time, and if they do, then we all have much greater problems.
They close the show by offering listeners a financial plan and comprehensive risk analysis of their investments, both complimentary. IDA has access to a top-quality risk analysis tool. It deconstructs risk in portfolios, looking at risks to portfolios such as pandemics, inflation, etc.
In this show you will learn about:
The importance of understanding and applying behavioral science and factors to investment management
Examples of behavioral mistakes investors are prone to making
How factor index investing is now available to investors
Examples of factors in investing
The importance of stress testing financial plans
Jason and Alex invite special guest Scott Palka to the show, to help small business owners amidst the “new normal” of continuous change. They announce that IDA is now filming all shows, to provide an additional educational resource to consumers.
Jason begins the show by introducing Scott, jedi master of helping business owners financially plan. He is the creator of an innovative model that helps small business owners with high level financial planning. This simple, short term projection tool provides a range of estimates for different scenarios, to help business owners make better decisions.
Jason points out how difficult it is to be a successful investor without a quality financial plan, and the consequences are even more severe for business owners who lack a proper financial plan.
Scott shares a common mistake he has seen small business owners make in these times – focusing on how to accomplish PPP forgiveness, at the expense of focusing on what is going to get the business through the crisis into next year. The modeling tool helps business owners run a variety of scenarios to see what they need to do to ensure viability of the business going forward. He cautions business owners to do this when they have money so they can make adjustments and get to the recovery from this crisis; don’t wait until money has run out to find out the business isn’t working.
Jason points out how great the correlation is to financial planning for people’s life savings – projections and scenarios are vital to run for success.
Scott brings to light how business owners can get help with financial planning if they do not have a CFO. He offers to share his “do it yourself” modeling spreadsheet and his webinar that shows how to use it, with listeners. Please contact IDA via the "contact us" form in this post if you would like to receive these. He specifies it is designed for business leaders to use themselves to determine directional strategy and model potential scenarios. It is not for sending to financial professionals to use. Scott advises business owners look at the big picture first, then have accounting professionals drill down for more detail.
Scott then shares a real-life example of how his model helped a local restaurant create a plan for how to get through the crisis this year.
They close the show by sharing the important fact that financial planning helps business owners sleep better at night amidst the new normal of continuous change. Agile businesses will not only survive but thrive. Alex stresses the importance of optimism about the future amidst the different challenges people face from the pandemic.
In this show you will learn about:
- How business owners can financially plan for different scenarios amidst the new normal of continuous change to survive the crisis and thrive
- What types of financial planning business leaders should do for themselves, and what types should be outsourced to accounting professionals.
- Some common mistakes small business owners are making and the importance of focusing on financial planning to get a business through the crisis rather than how to get their PPP loan forgiven.
- A modeling spreadsheet Scott built (complimentary to listeners), and how it can be used to help small business owners survive and thrive
- How running projections and scenarios in financial planning are vital to both personal and business financial success
In this show Jason and Alex present what investors should do amidst all that is happening in the world, in these uncharted waters.
They begin by sharing the purpose of the show, which is to advocate for consumers by providing financial education free from any conflicts of interest. Jason brings to light that most financial radio shows’ purpose is to sell commission based, high profit products. IDA does not any sell products, as they are full time all the time fiduciaries who objectively build comprehensive financial plans that optimize their clients’ financial lives.
Jason and Alex discuss how relevant Jason’s book, written multiple years ago, is to the present crisis, as it lays out a plan for how investors can successfully navigate uncharted waters amidst crisis. They discuss how important it is for investors to have a financial plan and make intelligent and disciplined decisions with their life savings in uncertain times. Alex educates listeners by suggesting investors block out all noise and focus on the basics of what they need to do to get through the crises successfully. Jason offers a free book to listeners, to help them avoid making common mistakes with their life savings, especially as mistakes are so common during crises.
Next Jason and Alex answer a listener’s question: “Why should I continue to invest globally, as international investments have performed dismally over the past 5 years?” They answer the question by sharing the data, that shows trying to time which asset class is going to perform best next is a recipe for failure. Investors are more successful when they diversify in a way that matches their personal financial situation – their financial plan. Chasing performance does not work, as different asset classes perform better in different times and there is no way to predict which will do best at a given time.
Jason shares an example of how chasing performance does not work. Most 401k participants pick their investments within the plan by looking at short term performance (1 to 3 years). Alex points out that we are all trained as consumers to do this, i.e. read recent reviews, although it is detrimental to success in investing. Investors succeed rather by investing in a globally diversified portfolio and having, and sticking to, a financial plan that works to achieve personal goals.
They close the show with beautiful fact that sticking to basics, your long-term financial plan, in unchartered water not only yields financial success but importantly, peace of mind during stressful crises.
In this show you will learn about:
IDA’s mission to provide objective, non-biased financial education to consumers
How important a personal financial plan and discipline are to investor success in uncertain times amidst crises
Why investors should diversify their invested assets globally
Why selecting investments based on how they have performed short-term is a mistake
Jason and Alex begin the show by discussing a concern on many peoples’ minds amidst the pandemic: how will probable inflation from stimulus programs affect our life savings? They highlight the importance of having a plan in place to protect life savings from inflation amidst sky high fiscal stimulus. Not only during a crisis and after, but most importantly before. They begin by explaining why we need to plan for inflation, as inflation is a major way life savings are diminished if not properly planned for. Jason points out inflation has been 4% on average annually over the last 50 years. Bottom line is peoples’ dollars need to earn more or their value will be eroded over time.
NBA and philanthropic super star Brad Holland joins the show, bringing an authentic perspective on the challenges families and non-profit organizations, and businesses, are facing amidst the pandemic. CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad, Brad shares his concerns about not knowing where the economy is headed, as he works hard to keep the local Boys and Girls Club’s doors open to 800 kids a day who need their services. He also shares his concerns for his own family’s financial lives. One of which is higher taxes. Jason agrees that tax strategy is even more important nowadays, in a portfolio and financial plan.
Jason and Alex then present specific financial strategies to keep in mind nowadays. Including the timeless importance of having an optimal plan for your life savings in place before crises, and sticking with it during and after, while rebalancing allocation as needed. They caution investors to not take any wild reactive actions like going into all gold or cash, or changing asset allocation. They end the show by stressing the importance of people having faith in the long-term resilience of capitalism, when making decisions regarding their life savings. And how running scenarios in financial planning, like not having social security benefits in retirement, can help to reduce stress during times like this, and help families prepare for the potential effects of economic crises They also discuss how stocks, commodities, real estate and cryptocurrency perform in inflationary times.
In this show you will learn about:
The importance of having a financial plan in place before, during and after times of economic crisis
What you can do strategically to protect your life savings from inflation
How running scenarios in financial planning can help to reduce stress and plan for potential effects of economic crises on life savings
On this show Jason and Alex welcome special guest Scott Heinila, Regional Direction at Producer’s Choice Network. Scott joins the show as an insurance expert, particularly in the field of long term care. They discuss the importance of having a comprehensive conversation in the form of a financial plan in order to be prepared to recommend proper insurance solutions. Jason points out that many insurance professionals in his past experience have tended to do a poor job at this. Instead of assessing the entire client situation, they push insurance products as the total solution, possibly because that is the only licensed specialty that they possess. Scott shares why his firm has developed a niche in long term care mainly as the result of the boomer market demanding it. He shares that the headwind of filling this demand is actually coming from the financial advisers of the boomers. He shares a statistic of a recent study done by Lincoln Financial, a leader in the space. 62% of boomers today are having conversations about long term care with their friends and family, but only 5% of clients are having the conversation with their financial advisers. Scott explains the importance of proper education for both the adviser and the client regarding this conversation. There are many myths surrounding long term care, including the one that misinforms us that long term care is only useful if you are in an assisted living facility. In fact, most claims are for services rendered to people that are still living at home and require skilled nursing, which is covered by their policy. Another one is the lack of education around the traditional “use it or lose it” policies compared to the new “asset based” policies that are becoming more and more popular due to their flexible benefit nature and the fact that the repositioning of assets can leverage their estate far beyond what used to be possible. Anyone who has had the conversation about long term care, or is even thinking about it should tune in to this show.
In this show you will learn about:
Expert advice on how to talk about long term care
The reasons why there is lack of information on the topic
The difference between “use it or lose it” and “asset based” long term care
Why long-term care is becoming more and more important to understand and prepare for it
Show Description: Jason and Alex pick up where they left off on last show with other financial advisers as their target audience. They begin by reminding listeners that the Financial Detox team at Intelligence Driven Advisers have a purpose to educate, empower and eliminate toxic financial advice. This purpose rings true in their communication with advisers and investors alike. They begin by addressing the fact that the mega firms that we all know do not tend have a guiding investment philosophy. Instead they are more like a grocery store that has a wide spectrum of products that they offer. Advisers are the shoppers, able to select any product they would like in these stores full of various product types. Their decisions determine what the end client experience will look like. Through both bear and bull markets they are on their own in shopping and building out an investment philosophy. Imagine what the client experience must be like. Another real problem exists with the conflicts of interest that are prevalent in the methods of compensation from the product manufacturers to the firms and their sales force. If one product pays a firm, or their sales force, more than another there will always be a bias that could alter the recommendation given to the client. The show also goes into the importance of establishing a business plan built on the foundation of purpose, values and a vision. Jason shares the framework of the IDA business plan and gives some examples of how decisions are made and based off of it. At times like these when a crisis hits that plan is vital to fall back on and guide us through it, all the while adhering to discipline and processes that were built to stand up to good times and tough ones.
In this show you will learn about:
-The Purpose, Values and Vision of the Financial Detox team at Intelligence Driven Advisers
-How financial advisers are like shoppers in a grocery store and why could be a problem
-The importance of having a business plan for your advisory practice
Jason and Alex are almost always speaking to investors, but in this show they shift gears and focus on talking to the financial advisers out there. There are many types of advisers, and advisors, out there. Independent financial advisers, financial consultants at large wire house firms and low-cost brokerage houses, insurance professionals, and the list goes on and on. There are so many types of professionals that work in these various forms, both individually and as teams. The quest to serve clients and provide clients the best possible financial advice unites all of them. Jason shares his story of spending six years at Merrill Lynch, then another six years at Smith Barney, now Morgan Stanley. He recalls the silo environment, the lack of transparency in how the firm received revenue from both clients and the industry, and how that created massive conflicts of interest thus resulting in biased investment experiences for investors. There appeared to be no uniformity on what an investor experience was supposed to look like so advisers were left to pick from a menu of options that seemed endless and riddled with conflicts of interest. There were dozens of advisers in one office, hardly any of which shared the same investment philosophy. This must have been incredibly confusing for the investor. He talks about how he didn’t even know what a fiduciary was at that time and how little education there was about the topic. Alex shares his story of starting out in the insurance industry as his first career out of college. He talks about how his experience during this most recent market drop has been so much different than the prior one in 2009 when his only focus was providing fixed insurance solutions for clients. Owners of fixed index annuities were not nearly as panicked as investors who owned stock and bond portfolios. This short-term reprieve from volatility was replaced with much lower expectations on long term growth. It was only after meeting Jason in 2012 that his eyes were opened to the world of what a full-time fiduciary wealth management client experience was, and how powerful it could be when combined with a comprehensive financial planning process. These stories are shared to personalize their journeys to listeners and remind them that we all have origin stories. Our stories help to guide us in making decisions in how we serve clients. Listeners who are not financial advisers can glean perspective from learning how these foundations drive what financial advisers do for their clients. All advice is truly not created equal.
In this show you will learn about:
The financial adviser “origin stories” of Jason and Alex
The difference between advisers who work at large wire house firms and the independent adviser
How working as a full-time fiduciary can truly benefit both the client and the adviser, creating a long term sustainable business model
How working on a team can bring and adviser peace of mind when confronting extreme market volatility
Show Description: Today’s show captures some of the emotions felt by Jason and Alex during the recent shut-in. Jason is fired up and unleashes his opinions and disagreement on some of the recent decisions and news being spread across the country. He talks about why it’s so important to source information and act on confirmed data rather than emotionally charged information that may or may not be true. He points out the potential conflicts that hospitals have in their reporting of COVID-19 deaths and how that might be skewing statistics that many of us rely on to gain comfort around containment of the virus. They also discuss how inconsistent and problematic it is for state and city officials to open, and then close, some beaches and how those decisions may actually be politically motivated rather than objective in nature. None of this disagreement is meant to lack compassion for those who are threatened by the virus. They shift gears away from politics and healthcare and back to their expertise, investing. Investors have been faced with more volatility since the Great Depression and Great Recession in less than two months and it’s completely normal to feel anxiety and the impulse to take action. These emotions stem from our most primal instincts – fear and greed. The world of investing presents us with many decisions to make, what asset classes to own, how much stock versus bonds to own, even whether it makes sense to invest in entire countries or not. With events like these, Jason and Alex reveal their own emotions based on current events and explore their thought process in how important it is to reinforce emotions, information, and ultimately investment decisions with processes and procedures meant to stand the test of time and to weather all storms. Without spoiling the rest of the show, we remind you of the show’s purpose: Educating, Empowering and Eliminating Toxic Financial Advice.
In this show you will learn about:
- How Jason and Alex feel about certain recent news and decisions being made regarding COVID-19
- How to navigate the emotions that we are all feeling and channel them into sound investment making decisions
- What the future might hold for investors and how important it is
- Will “Made In America” start to matter more than ever before?
Show Description:
In this episode Jason and Alex revisit the concept of stress, especially as it pertains to investing. At times like these that test our emotions, it is more important than ever to focus on the things that we can control and accept what we can. It’s also easy to get caught up in the massive amount of information that is everywhere regarding COVID – 19. We are all trying to become experts as quickly as possible, but the truth is that very few of us are qualified sources for this type of information meant to be giving advice to others. The same can be true of those who give investment advice. One of the most stressful things an investor face is being invested at times when markets are dropping. It feels like you are out of control and that you are losing hard earned and saved money. This feeling motivates some to sell out of fear. Then the fear of losing ends and a new, much scarier fear replaces the old fear. The fear of not being invested when the markets recover and skyrocket to new and higher levels than ever before. Investors know that they face this emotional test and know that being invested means a greater chance of accomplishing their financial goals. The actions that we take are ours to control as are the emotions that come along with them. Jason and Alex talk about things that you can do if you did sell and go to cash or move to all bonds when that wasn’t part of your investment strategy prior to the recent drop. They also explore the concept of using annuities and other alternative asset classes to further diversify a portfolio. Some common messages resurface in this episode. You need to have a financial plan that takes all factors into consideration. Your investment strategy should be determined by this plan and when emotions run high the best thing you can do is go back and reference your plan.
In this show you will learn about:
The stress associated with being invested compared with the stress of not being invested, especially during extreme market events like COVID-19
Things that you can do now if you did sell at, or near, the most recent market bottom
How to use an evidenced based investment philosophy to support adding an alternative investment to your portfolio
Show Description: In today’s show Jason and Alex start by reminding listeners that in this time of Easter and Passover many people find themselves in a very strange situation. Holidays like these are ones that many of us are accustomed to being together for, and unfortunately many of us can’t this year. One of the positive things that we hope to come away from this with is a much stronger sense of appreciation for sharing these kinds of experiences with one another. We will not take them for granted in the future. On January 11th China state media reported the first known death from what was then an unknown new virus. On January 30th the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global health emergency. Since then investors have been on the rollercoaster ride of market swings in the double-digits. Daily! On February 19th the S&P 500 hit an all time high of 3386, dropping by 34% to the most recent bottom on March 23rd. A mere 14 (market) days later (April 9th) it’s up over 25%. Other major indices like the Dow Jones and MSCI All World index were right in line with similar numbers. Jason shares with listeners what The Financial Detox Team at Intelligence Driven Advisers (IDA) was doing before, during and after these major milestone dates. As history unfolds it is more important than ever to have an evidenced based investment philosophy backed by a consistent, measurable process to implement, monitor and execute upon. The team’s mission is “To Steward True Financial Peace of Mind For All”. In this vein IDA is making a bold offer; free investment management and financial planning to all new clients for six months. More details on this offer can be found here. If there was ever a time to evaluate your financial plan and investment strategy, it is now!
In this show you will learn about:
What the IDA Client Experience is like (Free for six months!)
What our team was doing for investors before and during COVID-19
What we will be doing for investors after COVID-19
How quick markets swing; 28% in 14 days!
Show Description:
On this show Jason and Alex discuss the massive stimulus program called the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. One of the components of the Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Another component that peaked the interest of many is the provision to send most Americans direct payments of $1,200, or $2,400 for joint filers, plus $500 for each child. The amount of the payments will be reduced for those with higher incomes. For individuals filing taxes as singles, the reduced amount begins at an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 per year and is completely phased out at $99,000. For joint filers, the reduced amount begins at $150,000 and payment is eliminated at $198,000. Your AGI will be determined by your 2019 tax filing (or 2018, if 2019 is unavailable). Yet another component that many people have started asking questions about are the provisions that have relaxed some of the retirement account rules. Jason cautions listeners to consider this as a last resort because the impact of using retirement money could have major negative affects on long term financial success. The show is simply not long enough to cover the numerous provisions to the stimulus and Jason and Alex remind listeners that the Financial Detox team at Intelligence Driven Advisers has a network of specialists dedicated to being a resource to any individual or business that has questions or needs guidance on the program.
In this show you will learn about:
The CARES Act and a few of the provisions that might impact you
How the Act aims to help small businesses
How the Act aims to help most Americans via direct payments
Some of the retirement account changes that have relaxed some of the rules
Show Title: IQ, EQ and FQ and why FQ Matter Right Now
Show Description: This show explores the definitions and relevance of an investor’s IQ, EQ and FQ. Major market events like the one that we have been experiencing these past few weeks puts us to the test on all three. The DALBAR Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior Study uncovers data that explains the mistakes that investors make. These mistakes tend to be driven by emotions and have caused investors to underperform broad markets significantly over the past 20 plus years. The show starts by discussing our intelligence quotient (IQ) which is a total score derived from a set of standardized tests designed to assess human intelligence. Next is our EQ. An average EQ score ranges from 90-100, with a perfect score measuring 160. Those who score high on this test tend to demonstrate tendencies to make an effort to understand and empathize with others. Those with below average EQ scores can increase their emotional intelligence by learning to reduce negative emotions. Finally, there is our FQ. Financial Quotient (FQ), also referred as financial intelligence (FI), financial intelligence quotient (FiQ) or financial IQ, is the ability to obtain and manage one's wealth by understanding how money works. Like emotional quotient (EQ), FQ derived its name from IQ (intelligence quotient). Our financial wellbeing is the consequence of large and small financial decisions. A higher FQ score can be obtained and enhanced through education. Jason and Alex help listeners understand the importance of FQ, especially during times like these.
In this show you will learn about:
How an investor’s IQ, EQ and FQ all play a role in their investment experience
Why the average investor has underperformed the broad markets
How to improve your Financial Quotient
Show Description: This show marks week three of COVID-19 for our country. These are the times that test us most. On this show Jason and Alex remind listeners that humanity has persevered through many very difficult forms of adversity and we will persevere through this, too. Our ability to do so relies on our resolve to control the things that we can while accepting what we can not. The show focuses on correlating this concept to investing. Jason and Alex start with what we did before COVID. Build a comprehensive financial plan that determined an investment strategy that matches your personal plan. This financial plan and investment strategy would then take into consideration the probability of success of weathering all past major market events and preparing for more of them to come. Now that a major market event has hit, this investment strategy needs to be managed in a way to control what we can. The show provides a few examples of strategies that we can do right now. Strategy one is don’t bet on luck and don’t panic. If you built your portfolio as described earlier, then the investments that you own will recover, and they will recover at different times and different speeds. Selling to cash or attempting to time the market is not a strategy that has proven to yield long term success. Don’t chase sectors or stocks because that too has very low odds of success and relies on luck. Strategy two is a Roth conversion. Depending on your circumstances this might make more sense than ever right now. The conversion will trigger taxation this year, but at a lower value than before. The recovery and appreciation will then take place inside of the Roth IRA, which is tax free forever (provided you follow all IRS guidelines). Strategy three is to actively rebalance your portfolio with tolerance band logic in place. This results in selling high and buying low across asset classes throughout this volatility and all the while bringing your portfolio back to your initial desired allocation. By following a process rather than emotions or luck, this strategy has proven to deliver results over time in both good markets and bad ones. Strategy four is tax loss harvesting. This strategy works in non-retirement accounts only and works by selling a position when it’s down intentionally and locking in a loss. Unlink market timing, you then immediately buy another position that is similar, but not substantially the same, maintaining the initial asset allocation. The investment strategy is thus intact, and the tax loss is locked in allowing you to offset other gains throughout the year. We do not know what is to come and we never will. We do know that the markets will continue to be predictive in nature, moving faster than feels logical and might make us feel helpless at times. We do have control over some things and should strive to focus our time and energy there. We are an amazing species and will persevere through this and come out even stronger than we were before.
In this show you will learn about:
- Why you shouldn’t bet on luck right now
- How a Roth conversion might make more sense than ever right now
- How implementing the process of tolerance band re-balancing will guide you through even the most challenging of market times
- The benefits of Tax Loss Harvesting
Show Description: This week has brought so much uncertainty and even panic for the American public. In today’s show Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith hope to bring some reality to the situation with regards to the financial markets and what this means going forward for investors. During this time the advantages of free market capitalism and the American public’s opportunity to make an action plan have become a huge asset to every American. Although the markets are shaky and declining history shows us, they WILL recover. Even more important if an investor misses the best days of the market, which history shows come during the Bear Markets and the recovery, the returns are so much lower. Getting in and out of the market/ timing the market will harm investors returns. The goal of this show is reinforcing the principles of proper investing.
-What to do before major markets events: Have a Financial Plan with a Fiduciary Adviser
-What to do during major market events: Don’t panic and make sure you have a fiduciary adviser. Revisit principles of investing and how markets work- Talk with your Adviser
-What to do after major market event: Stay the course with your financial plan
In this show you will learn about:
What should investors do with their portfolios when markets dramatically decline?
Why its so important to have a financial plan?
"A rear view mirror is only good when you turn it on yourself to evaluate how you behaved during volatile markets"- Liz Ann Sonders- Chief Investment Strategist - Charles Schwab
Show Description: Jason and Alex directly address the recent volatility caused by the Coronavirus. The engine behind the Financial Detox team is their wealth management firm Intelligence Driven Advisers (IDA). The beginning of every client relationship with IDA focuses on setting a foundation of expectations and perspective. Investors should be prepared for markets going up and markets going down. The long term expectation is that they will continue growing as history has shown us. This does not make times like these easier to bear. Jason talks about the average growth of the S&P 500 six and twelve months after previous major disease outbreaks such as SARS, the Avian Flu, HIV, etc. Six months later the average increase was 8.8% higher, twelve months later it was 13.6% higher. These results are not meant to be predictive, but rather to caution investors to take actions based off emotions or information that is not aligned with their personal situations. Another data point that Alex goes on to share was the performance of a diversified 60/40 portfolio post the September 11, 2001. After one year, the portfolio was down 1%, three years later it was up 40% and after five years it was up 81%. The message that they show is meant to communicate to listeners is that while “it is different this time”, it really is not. Markets weather all storms. Focus on what you can control and accept what you cannot.
In this show you will learn about:
How markets performed through other major disease epidemics
How markets performed through other major market events
How to control what you can and accept what you can not
What a full time fiduciary adviser can do for you in markets like these
Show Description:Jeff has a long history with MG Properties Group and is responsible for investment transactions, investment strategies and partner relations. Jeff was previously Director of Investments, responsible for corporate equity and debt strategies and was an Acquisition Manager sourcing and underwriting new investment opportunities. Jeff has also served in asset management, regional management and onsite property management roles. Prior to joining MGPG, Jeff worked in apartment investment sales at CBRE, the country’s largest apartment brokerage firm, where he oversaw the sale of over $500 million in Southern California multifamily properties. Jeff has a Business Degree, with an emphasis in finance and management from the University of Southern California, while also completing internships at CBRE and Berkadia Real Estate Advisors. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Real Estate from the University of San Diego Burnham Moores School of Real Estate. Jeff holds a California Real Estate Broker license and LEED Green certification.
In this show you will learn about:
· MG properties investment philosophy and recent activity
· Investing in Multifamily Real estate
· Current Market Fundamentals
Show Description: In this episodeJason and Alex discuss the trending and complex topic of opportunity zone investing. This strategy is particularly interesting if you fall into any of the following categories. If you recently sold a business or if you are selling a business in the near future. If you have recently realized large capital gains in stocks or are considering doing so. If you have recently sold highly appreciated real estate or are thinking about selling it. All these situations present the opportunity to explore whether investing in an opportunity zone makes sense. This all started with the Investing in Opportunity Act, part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It was enacted as a way for the government to stimulate private investment in low income communities across the nation. With this strategy you have the potential for three very powerful tax benefits; Deferral, Permanent Reduction and Elimination of Capital Gains taxes. These unique tax benefits are rarely found in one investment strategy, but in this case all three are combined into one. These zones are being identified throughout the country and can be found in cities that you might not necessarily consider low income. The decision to diversify into a direct real estate or private business is not a simple or straight forward one. By having a comprehensive financial plan and a full-time fiduciary adviser, and investor can explore what portion of their portfolio might benefit from Opportunity Zone Investing. The team spends the show highlighting how these zones work, where they came from and what to do if you think this might be worth exploring for your situation.
In this show you will learn about:
Why Opportunity Zone investing was created in the first place
The potential tax benefits of investing capital gains into Opportunity Zones
Some ways to explore options for investing in Opportunity Zones
Show Description:
History has shown there’s no compelling or dependable way to forecast stock and bond movements, and 2019 was a case in point.
Rather than basing investment decisions on predictions of which way debt or equity markets are headed, a wiser strategy may be to hold a range of investments that focus on systematic and robust drivers of potential returns. Investors who were broadly diversified across asset classes and around the globe were in a position to potentially enjoy the returns that the markets delivered in 2019. Executive Chairman and Founder of Dimensional, David Booth, discusses the lessons from 2019 that investors can apply to 2020 on the Dimensional Perspectives blog. 2019 served up many examples of the unpredictability of markets, as a way to showcase this, we revisit a few 2019 Market Forecasts and Outcomes below.
We hope this is helpful in client conversations and would be happy to set up a call to discuss further.
2019 Market Forecasts & Outcomes 2019 Global Market Outlook: Mind the Gap (Charles Schwab)
· FORECAST: “Global growth is likely to slow in 2019 as economic cycle nears a peak…International stocks may continue to see heightened volatility and could enter a bear market if key indicators continue on their current path.”
· REALITY: Charles Schwab correctly predicted that global growth would slow in 2019—global GDP grew 2.2% in 2019,1 down from 3.0% in 20182. The MSCI All-Country World ex USA Index experienced flat volatility in 2019 (12.71% versus 12.72% in 2018) but this was lower than the annualized standard deviation it has experienced over the last 20 years of 16.62%. Additionally, annualized returns were significantly higher in 2019 (21.51% versus -14.20% in 2018)3. Vanguard Economic and Market Outlook for 2019: Down but not Out (Vanguard)
· FORECAST: “In the United States, we still expect the Federal Reserve to reach terminal rate for this cycle in the summer of 2019, bringing the policy rate range to 2.75%–3% before halting further increases in the face of nonaccelerating inflation and decelerating top-line growth.”
· REALITY: The Fed cut interest rates 3 times in 2019, ultimately lowering the benchmark rate to a range of 1.50% to 1.75%.4 Barron's 2019 Outlook: Professionals Sense Recession Risk (Barron’s via Forbes)
· FORECAST: Barron’s asked strategists from banks and asset managers for a single-point, 2019 year-end S&P 500 projection. The results ranged from 2,750 to 3,100.
· REALITY: The S&P 500 finished the year at 3,231, outpacing many of the most bullish targets.5 Byron Wien Announces Ten Surprises for 2019 (Blackstone)
· FORECAST: “The better tone in the financial markets discourages precious metal investors. Gold drops to $1,000 as the equity markets in the United States and elsewhere improve.”
· REALITY: Gold rallied, breaking the $1,500 barrier in August 2019 for the first time in six years and ending the year at approximately $1,522.6 Gundlach's Forecast for 2019 (Advisor Perspectives)
*For more FORECAST/ REALITY please visit https://www.idawealth.com/learn/the-financial-detox-show/
· 1. Data provided by The World Bank · 2. “Another lackluster year of economic growth lies ahead”, The Economist · 3. Data provided by Morningstar 4. “Federal Reserve cuts interest rate for a third time this year in effort to boost U.S. economy”, Washington Post · 5. S&P 500 Index data provided by Morningstar · 6. Gold Spot Price data provided by Morningstar · 7. “Dollar index records smallest ever annual move in 2019”, Reuters · 8. Data provided by Morningstar · 9. Data provided by Morningstar
Show Description:
Jason and Alex welcome special guest Mike Battin. Mike is a founder, partner and business attorney of Navigato & Battin based out of San Diego. Casual conversation about intermittent fasting and ketosis transitions into the newly implemented employer law dictating employee classification between independent contractors and W2 employees. This crucial topic affects thousands of California businesses and is a very important law to get right. The previous law consisted of an 18-step test to determine classification. That law has now been narrowed to a three-step test commonly called the ABC test. This makes it easier to navigate but easier to flunk. Mike explains the tests this in detail going into how they measure whether an employer exerts control over the employee, whether the worker has an independent business and regularly engages in that business and if the employee is in the same business of the employer. The ABC test is a test that every business owner or control person needs to become an expert at as soon as possible. The consequences of not getting this right could mean significant taxes, penalties and interest owed by the employer at both the federal and state levels. It could also trigger a domino audit effect that paralyzing the business. The next topic that Mike dives into is what to do when you get sued as a business owner. Mike shares some great general advice on the topic previewing his upcoming book A Business Person’s Guide To Being Sued. His advice includes 1) Don’t ignore it, 2) Get a Lawyer, 3) Tender the claim to insurance if at all possible, 4) Take steps to preserve all relevant evidence. This advice from business attorney Mike Battin is a really wonderful insight into the importance of having a great adviser on your business employment needs. The Financial Detox team works with several business owners of various sizes and having a solid partner like Mike makes financial peace of mind that much easier to accomplish.
Mike Battin, Esq. Contact: 619-233-5365 or email at mike@navbat.com Bio: Founder, Partner and Attorney at Navigato & Battin Attorneys since 1997
http://navbat.com/
In this show you will learn about:
A review of the new laws that went into effect Jan. 1st which impact businesses (mainly, labor laws)
An analysis and discussion of “AB-5,” the new law that dramatically changes how and whether businesses can use independent contractors or not
What to do when you are sued as a business owner
Show Description: Politics and investing intersect in this show where Jason and Alex pose a tough but important question to investors. Is your investment philosophy impeachable? Impeachment is defined as the act of calling into question the integrity or validity of something. Markets have been extremely kind to investors in recent history which may be causing many to have a false sense of confidence. A rising tide lifts all boats. One of the more common investment philosophies is to have an extreme home bias towards a US only portfolio. We buy what we know. While US Large cap and FAANG investors have been rewarded by recent market performance, Jason shares evidence over both 10 and 48 year time frames where a globally diversified portfolio performed significantly better than an all US Large Cap one. The lost decade was a clear example of how important it is to think bigger than just the US when it comes to your portfolio. It could mean the difference between a -9% ten year total return compared to a +50% one during that same time frame. There are other investment philosophies that also warrant a closer look. If you had a 17% chance of success vs an 85% one, which would you choose? Jason and Alex take it one step further and ask investors to look closer at whether their adviser is impeachable. If your adviser is operating within suitability guidelines and isn’t serving you as a full time fiduciary adviser, you might benefit from spending some time considering the alternatives. Would you rather have a preferable adviser or one that is just suitable? Another critical and potentially impeachable situation might be present if your adviser tells you what you want to hear rather than follow a disciplined philosophy rooted in confidence, conviction and a solid foundation to weather all seasons. Listeners should come away with actionable questions to bring to their investment philosophy and their adviser with the purpose of knowing whether they are impeachable or well positioned for what’s to come.
In this show you will learn about:
Why a home bias in your portfolio may not be the best long term strategy
How to look at history and craft an investment philosophy that has a higher likelihood of success
How to evaluate if your adviser is working in your best interest above their own
Why it’s important to have an adviser to sticks to their philosophy in good times and in times of volatility
Show Description:
2020 is off to the races and the markets continue to break record highs. Is it time to sell and capture profits? Jason and Alex explore this question and many others that investors are asking themselves with balancing both comedy and academic evidence in their responses. They discuss the past and how looking back can be helpful when making decisions about the future. Election years tend to evoke many emotions about what could happen depending on who is elected into office. Recent tensions in Iran and what could spark a war most certainly do as well. The acceleration of technology and how it’s forcing entire industries to evolve and remain relevant have investors speculating more than ever on emerging industries.. What are we to do with all this information? And what predictions can we make about the future as it pertains to investing? Jason also tackles a very important concept; how we define risk and volatility can govern our decision making and be the difference between success and failure. Understanding when there is more risk vs less risk (in the market) may also be very helpful when facing forces that are out of our control. We are likely to be at the riskiest times when our personal life events intersect with market uncertainty. The team shares their opinion on what the “right way to invest” is and how they serve clients to steward true financial peace of mind in times of uncertainty, volatility and even at market highs.
In this show you will learn about:
How to navigate uncertainty and volatile times
How to know when markets have more risk vs less risk
Some of the things that you can control when investing
Show Description:
Jason and Alex kick off the new year by reframing the purpose of Financial Detox and conclude that it is “Helping You Make the Most of Your Wealth”. They proceed further by talking about the importance of having a purpose in how you invest and how to best set goals for success. Some studies show that 80% of new year’s goals are abandoned after one month and only 8% of these goals are even achieved by the end of the year. In an effort to help you not become that statistic, Jason and Alex share time tested goal setting techniques such as “The Wheel of Life” introduced by good friend Mark Robertson. Having a balanced approach to goal setting leads to a balanced life. They take it one step further by wrapping in the well-known concept of SMART goal setting and that by using this foundation you will have a much higher likelihood of accomplishing your goals and increasing your fulfillment of a well-balanced life. One of Jason and Alex’s goals is that every client of their wealth management firm, Intelligence Driven Advisers, has a comprehensive financial plan that is monitored on an ongoing and interactive manner. By accomplishing this they feel that clients can best achieve financial peace of mind thus enhancing a well-balanced life. Jason introduces the concept of a preferable adviser as compared to one that is just suitable. Credit for this brilliant wordsmithing goes to Brooks Hamilton, Erisa attorney in his commentary of a Dan Solin LinkedIn post. The confusion around the word fiduciary has reached a point where simplifying the difference may help. Would you rather have a preferable adviser or one that is merely suitable. The show then gives reference to a recent Geico commercial where the doctor is recently reinstated and carries with him a rather cavalier attitude about his patient’s upcoming surgery. Just ok is not ok. The show challenges listeners to set their first SMART goal of 2020, find out by the end of the day if their adviser is preferable or just a suitable one.
In this show you will learn about:
· The purpose of Financial Detox for you
· How to set well balanced goals with The Wheel of Life
· Why using SMART goal setting techniques will improve your odds of success
· The difference between a preferable adviser and one that is just suitable
Show Description:
Jason and Alex welcome back Agustin Lebron, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Essilen Research. Agustin is also a member and active investor in Tech Coast Angels San Diego and author of The Laws of Trading. In this episode they explore the popular topic of private equity. The market run up has allowed for unprecedented levels of private equity activity, combined with easier access than ever for an investor to become a private equity investor. They discuss the ever-important question – just because you can do something, should you – in detail. It starts with the information and they discuss the importance of understanding where good information does, and does not, come from. These “too good to be true” opportunities to participate are almost always just that. Once you have filtered your sources down to reliable, consistent experts in their field the next wave of considerations must be pondered – when does it make sense to allocate towards this asset class, how much of your overall net worth makes sense and finally which opportunity makes the most sense for you and your specific situation. Finally, the show regroups to help listeners really understand the stark contrast between investing in a globally diversified, low cost, tax efficient portfolio compared with a private equity opportunity. While private equity may present a tremendous upside potential, it has also proven to wield overwhelmingly negative odds to investors. Listeners are left with guidance on how to navigate decision making around this highly marketed asset class.
In this show you will learn about:
Where to get good information from regarding Private Equity
The difference between Private Equity and Public Markets when investing your money
When to consider adding Private Equity as an asset class to your portfolio
If it makes sense for you, how much of your net worth makes sense to allocate into Private Equity
Show Description:
Rich Gaines with Legacy Legal joins Jason Labrum in the studio today to discuss ALL things tax, legal and financial advice. Rich specializes in working with tax law to benefit people in protecting and preserving their wealth for generations. Legacy Legal collaborates with IDA to assist in the creative planning process so clients have a holistic plan when it comes to their future and their wealth.
Exercise your constitutional right to pay the least amount of taxes possible!
In this show you will learn about:
Show Description: Jason and Alex welcome IDA’s newest wealth adviser, Cari Leamy to the show for her first time. Also back on the show is Director of Portfolio Management at IDA, Andrew Grant. Andrew starts off the show talking about a technical year end must do, evaluating potential capital gains exposure. These capital gains are something that mutual funds pass on to investors on their record dates. They become relevant at the end of the summer but becomes especially important when deciding to buy or sell mutual funds this time of year because buying a fund right before the date may not make sense. The show then transitions into the spirit of giving that the holiday season tends to bring to all of us. Alex talks about how you can donate to your favorite charities via a direct qualified contribution from your IRA. This strategy fits very well for those who are being forced to take RMD and could use this strategy instead of donating cash from the bank. The tax savings can be substantial when done correctly. Another donation strategy if RMD is not a consideration would be to donate highly appreciated investments from your nonretirement accounts. These year end decisions could save you significant amounts of taxes while giving back to those less fortunate than you. Jason elaborates on the tremendous lifetime impact of front-loading donations in the case of major liquidity events that business owners may have achieved this year. Donor advised funds, family foundations and other special trusts can create generational tax benefits. Cari closes out the show talking about the importance of year end financial planning with the future in mind. The value that financial planning brings to individuals and families is a huge passion of hers and she shares stories of the impact that planning has had on clients in her professional experience.
In this show you will learn about:
Making charitable donations from your investment or retirement accounts and the tax benefits associated with doing so
A reminder to take RMDs from retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, Inherited IRA & Inherited Roth, etc)
Strategies to mitigate taxes that take place on the record dates for Mutual Fund Capital held in non-retirement accounts
The power of good financial planning
Show Description: Jason and Alex tackle two of the most important questions that an investor can ask themselves. 1) Which is more important, financial planning or investment management? And 2) What kind of experience should you be getting from a financial adviser on each? Jason and Alex share why they place such a strong emphasis on beginning every client relationship with financial planning and continually monitor the plan throughout the entire lifetime of their clients. Investment Management is a critical component of a good, comprehensive financial plan, but it’s not the only component. By building a plan that encompasses all of your assets, liabilities, income, expenses, taxes and inflation you can best determine the investment strategy that makes sense for your situation. This strategy should take the least amount of risk and volatility necessary for you to accomplish your lifetime financial goals. Just as life changes, so does your financial plan. The continual process of updating your plan and your investment strategy is critical. Your plan should have montecarlo capabilities that stress test the success rate across your entire lifetime taking into account as much historical data regarding volatility available. Another part of ensuring that you are making the best financial decisions is by using your financial plan to model what if scenarios, particularly around major life events such as buying or selling a home, retiring, or selling a business.
Alex shares a recent story of a high net worth client who engaged the IDA team for a financial plan only relationship with the expectation that IDA would never manage the client’s assets. Proceeding along these clear guidelines Alex and his team built the plan and delivered the recommendations across all components of the client’s financial lives. The client saw the sophisticated nature of IDA’s investment management, the value and comprehensive nature of the relationship and decided to turn over a portion of their assets to manage. Jason and Alex encourage any listener to the show to take the same approach. There is no need to assume and all or nothing approach, IDA would rather build you a complete financial plan at a competitive cost to demonstrate what the client experience is like and deliver on holistic recommendations than the alternative – do nothing at all. Too many investors are fearful or apprehensive to start this conversation and need not be.
In this show you will learn about:
The importance of having a good financial plan
What constitutes a good financial plan
How to determine the proper investment strategy
How to maintain and test a financial plan
How a planning only relationship might be the right thing for you
Show Description: This week’s Financial Detox show starts off with appreciating our country’s Veterans and admiration of General John Kelly. His famous “Six Second Speech” reminds us all of the service, bravery and sacrifice that our armed forces demonstrate on a daily basis. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude for the freedom provided to us all through their valiant actions. On the topic of Thanksgiving and giving thanks, Jason and Alex share their appreciation of IDA’s amazing clients and talk about the annual Thanksgiving Pie Client Appreciation Event. This open house is held the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week, this year falling on 11/26 from 3-5pm at the Carlsbad office. They welcome listeners to come to the event, have a sample of the famous Carlsbad Village Pie Shoppes delicious pies, mingle with clients and meet some of the IDA team. Jason discusses the mission of IDA and it’s pursuit to deliver value and a better investment experience to clients. There are thousands of financial advisers across the country, but by intentionally and persistently serving clients through the collective wisdom of the entire firm’s team, clients truly have a unique experience from the norm. So often the typical adviser, while working for a mega financial firm, is operating in a silo susceptible to their own behavioral blunders and conflicts of interest. There are several other components to the Financial Detox Client Experience, including Behavioral Coaching, Asset Class Selection, Lower Cost Investments, Tolerance Band Rebalancing, Asset Location & Tax Efficient Withdrawal Strategy and Tax Loss Harvesting. The show outlines the importance of having a full-time fiduciary adviser team whose purpose and mission is to relentlessly deliver value to their clients.
In this show you will learn about:
General Kelly’s Six Second Speech
IDA’s Annual Client Appreciation Thanksgiving Pie Event
The IDA Mission to Deliver Value to it’s clients
The difference between teamwork and a silo experience
The Components to the IDA Client Experience
Show Description:
Jason and Alex host a different kind of show this week, one that allows listeners to hear more about their personal lives and some of the areas that they find joy in life. In the first story Alex shares his weekend with the Cahuilla tribe of Bear Nation, an Adventure Princess group of the YMCA Ecke in Encinitas. He let his daughter Avery shave his head into a mullet as part of the weekend themed event. Jason then shares about his upcoming Labrum boy’s deer hunt that he is set to leave on the next day. The hunt marks an annual meaningful family tradition where the three generations of Labrums share an outdoor adventure experience just outside of their hometown of Richfield, Utah. The show eventually gets into some financial topics such as Schwab’s bold move to continue the race to zero and the importance of a “Real Financial Plan”. In addition Schwabs theory that having the lowest revenue per client in the industry will benefit all clients. This has become the evolution and creative way of our industry to serve and satisfy clients ultimate goals.
The message of the show is that we all have goals and meaning to our lives that are only defined by us. The role of an excellent adviser is to help their clients succeed by their own definition giving them financial peace of mind to live their best lives. Furthermore the memories and experiences we share with our family, friends and loved ones enrich our lives and having financial peace will allow us to enjoy what matters most.
In this show you will learn about:
Why Alex got his head shaved
All about the annual Labrum boys Deer Hunt
Schwab continues the race to zero
What a “Real Financial Plan” is and why it’s so important
Show Description: In this show we have two very special guests, Dax and Luke Labrum. Dax and Luke are the sons of Intelligence Driven Advisers & Financial Detox Founder Jason Labrum. This show offers listeners a glimpse into the values that the Labrum family places around financial education. Dax and Luke, ages 10 and 9, share their opinions on saving and investing and how they are learning to navigate their own decisions around these important concepts.
In this show you will learn about:
The benefits of education your children early and often on the importance of saving and investing wisely
The potential negative impact of not doing this at all
Tips on where and how to save for your children
Tips on how to teach them about saving and investing
Dax and Luke’s perspectives on the concepts of saving and investing
Show Description: Bonnie is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in finance with an emphasis in investments. Through her 21-year career in the financial services industry Bonnie has worked for several wealth management firms and joined IDA in 2015. Bonnie is passionate about philanthropy, connecting local women with other women through women’s groups, supporting education through scholarships and making a lasting impact on women in San Diego. She is committed to volunteer work with numerous organizations, including; International Rescue Committee Youth Programs Scholarship (IRC), Ninety-Nines Scholarship Chair and Women’s Empowerment San Diego.
In this show you will learn about:
- Some of the main reasons that trigger women to hire a financial adviser.
- What women look for when searching for a financial adviser.
- Best practices for women that are in need of financial advice.
Show Description:
Modern Portfolio Theory + Efficient Market Hypothesis = An Evidence Based Investment Philosophy.
In this show you will learn about:
The importance of having ONE Investment Philosophy and evidence that supports what happens if you, or your advisor/adviser, does not have one. - Modern Portfolio Theory explained. Opposing views to the Theory - Behavioral Finance - Efficient Market Hypothesis explained. Opposing views to the Hypothesis - Random Walk Style
How to properly combine the two in your Investment Strategy.
Show Description
Brian McArthur is the President of the McArthur Group at Bridlewood Insurance. His team and he work exclusively with financial advisers to navigate clients through their Medicare enrollment under the watchful eye of, and in partnership with the client’s financial advisor.
In this show you will learn about:
Why Medicare is so important to address in your financial plan.
Why Medicare is the most overlooked part of your financial plan and why many financial advisers avoid the topic of Medicare.
What you should know as you approach Medicare eligibility at age 65 and to navigate the Medicare maze.
Strategies around reducing the taxation of your Medicare and Social Security benefits.
The importance of having a team of advisers who can solve for your Medicare needs.
Show Description:
Now that the 2nd decade of the 21st century is coming to a close we can reinforce timeless market lessons once again. The “Lost Decade” is a common example used when describing “the worst of times” for the S&P 500 where it returned an annualized rate of -0.95% from January 2000 through December 2009. Fast forward from January 2010 to June 2019, almost a full decade later, and the same index returned an annualized rate of +13.08%. In this show we will discuss the performance of some other parts of the market including small cap, value, international, and emerging markets. As investors we know that we should have a long-term perspective toward investing and that by maintaining that discipline through all seasons of investing we will increase our chances of success.
In this show you will learn about:
· The “Lost Decade” and how other parts of the global markets performed
· The following decade and how the global markets performed
· Alternatives to investing in the S&P 500
· How to be invested for the next decade and for the rest of your life
Show Description: Jason and Alex discuss the three most common paths that we have in pursuing the best investment experience.
Option 1 is the “do it yourselfer”, this person never sought professional financial advice and chose instead to manage their own investments and financial plan.
Option 2 is the person who sought professional advice from a “big company name”. They have followed this advice and guidance their entire lives.
Option 3 is the person who sought financial advice from an independent fiduciary adviser or adviser team, a full time fiduciary. They have also followed this advice and guidance their entire lives.
Each one of these people made decisions on which path to pursue. The results and experience tend to vary dramatically as evidenced by industry studies such as DALBAR’s Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior. In the show Jason and Alex objectively compare the three paths to help listeners determine which path they are on and how to best navigate the present and the future of their investment journeys.
In this show you will learn about:
The services and costs associated with “doing it yourself” compared to the “big company names” compared to the Independent, full time fiduciary RIA”
How to best navigate any of these paths in a way that makes the most sense for you
The things that you can and can’t control and what to do along the way
Show Description: Gabriel Katzner navigates the complex climate of recent estate planning law (proposed) changes. Jason and Alex crossfire questions at Gabriel in an attempt to better understand the potential implications on all of us as it pertains to taxation effects of our retirement assets, creditor protection on those same assets and much more.
In this show you will learn about:
What is The SECURE Act – what’s it all about and what are its key provisions
The benefit of conduit trusts, and why they are so ubiquitous, is that when a conduit trust is used, while RMDs are subject to creditor claims, the undistributed account balance is protected from creditors, predators, or simply bad choices made by beneficiaries.
Several Good approaches to address key concerns that will take effect with The Secure Act
The Bottom Line – while the income tax aspects are important, we should keep our eye on the fundamental reason we created a trust in the 1st place – and that’s to protect our beneficiaries, typically ultimately our children, from all the downside that comes along w/great wealth when unable to handle it. Accumulation trusts address this issue and, with The SECURE Act, are going to play a vitally important role in a modern and sophisticated estate plan
Show Description:
We are excited to announce our 10 Year Anniversary! Our original founders Jason Labrum and Rick Labrum, Darcy Wadsworth and Jordie Czapinski founded what was then called Labrum Capital Advisors in September of 2009.
Over the past 10 years our clients and team have evolved to shape what has become one of the largest independent fiduciary wealth management firms in Southern California. This year we were named the 6th fasted growing RIA in the country and couldn’t be more proud to celebrate that honor with our clients.
In this show you will learn about:
· The origins of IDA and Founder Jason Labrum
· What the biggest challenges were over the past 10 years
· What were the biggest successes
· What does the future of IDA look like
Show Description:
In recent years investors have shifted to index funds from active fund managers in a big way. Some, including Michael Burry – which was the story of the “Big Short”, believe that small-cap and particularly small-cap value is the place to be given the rush to index funds. Why? Most index funds are capitalization weighted which means the largest stock, gets the largest percentage of the portfolio. This ends up putting most of the money invested into generally larger capitalization companies. Is there a better way than active and indexing? We believe so and will cover in this show.
In this show you will learn about:
· Indexing vs. “smart” indexing
· How most indexes are created
· Where does your money goes when you invest in and index?
· Why are investors moving out of actively managed funds?
· A way you can invest and get the best of both active and passive
Show Description:
IDA currently serves over 1200 families and 100 companies as their fiduciary adviser team. Our clients rely on us through good market seasons and stressful ones. Through an ongoing and interactive financial planning process and an evidence-based investment philosophy our mission is to create financial peace of mind through all seasons of investing. This past 2 weeks have been some of the most volatile we have seen in recent years and is causing very real emotions in investors. It is at times like these that IDA exists to serve as a coach and a resource to determine what you should do and what you shouldn’t when it comes to your investments.
In this show you will learn about:
· Why investment performance important is.
· What the right way to define performance is. What are not the right ways to define performance.
· How to think about it properly as it pertains to your short term and long term goals.
· How to properly compare your performance to “the market”.
· What to do if your performance is not meeting your expectations.
Show Description:
IDA currently serves over 1200 families and 100 companies as their fiduciary adviser team. Our clients rely on us through good market seasons and stressful ones. Through an ongoing and interactive financial planning process and an evidence-based investment philosophy our mission is to create financial peace of mind through all seasons of investing. This past 2 weeks have been some of the most volatile we have seen in recent years and is causing very real emotions in investors. It is at times like these that IDA exists to serve as a coach and a resource to determine what you should do and what you shouldn’t when it comes to your investments.
In this show you will learn about:
· The difference between risk and volatility
· What has happened in the past and how investors fared for better and for worse
· How to set the right expectations around what “normal” volatility is supposed to look like
· Things that you can and can’t control when it comes to investing
· What to do about the things that you can’t control
· What to do if you’re not confident in your current investment strategy
Show Description:
IDA currently serves as a full-time fiduciary adviser team to several inter-generational families. The families that engage us for this experience typically have three or four generations that they are planning with and for. Their primary goals are to ensure that their values and wealth are transferred far beyond the current generations. By talking about these topics openly and with experts, we strive to make the experience one that allows thought, education, collaboration and for the families to strengthen their financial peace of mind. The IDA adviser team is comprised of four generations itself and is uniquely qualified to understand and communicate to each generation accordingly.
In this show you will learn about:
· The most important things to focus on financially at this stage of life (approximately ages 65 to 95)
· How to start family focused conversations that focus on how you want your values carried on to the younger generations of your family.
· Gaining alignment within the family of your intentions.
· Identifying the roles of the key decisions makers and communicating clear expectations.
· How to fairly transfer your legacy to your different family members and across multiple generations.
· How to navigate these conversations with blended families or mitigating risk of spendthrift significant others.
Show Description:
At Intelligence Driven Advisers we serve as a full-time fiduciary team to several multi-generational families who engage us for ongoing family governance. The families that go through this experience typically have three or four generations that they are planning for with goals to ensure that their values and wealth are transferred far beyond the current generations. By talking about these topics openly and with experts, we strive to make the experience one that allows thought, education, collaboration, and families to strengthen their financial peace of mind. Our adviser team is comprised of four generations and is uniquely qualified to understand and communicate with each generation accordingly. Part 2 of this series will be followed by an offer to experience this for yourself.
In this show you will learn about:
· The most important things to focus on financially at this stage of life “the sandwich generation” (approximately ages 45 to 70)
· How to think about your children when it comes to financial support. How to know when they are actually financially independent and don’t and won’t need your help again.
· How to think about your parents when it comes to financial support. What are some of the ways to best help aging parents who didn’t save enough to support themselves?
· How to prioritize your children, your parents and you!
· How do you know when you can retire?
At Intelligence Drive Advisers, we’re in the process of designing what we’re calling Family Wealth Legacies: getting multiple generations in the same room to talk about what money is, why it matters, how we feel about it, and how we handle it. We see it as a phenomenal value add, and we’re excited to share it with you.
Over the course of this multi-part series, we want to dig deep into how wealth affects families across generations and intertwine this knowledge to help families weave money into their important conversations.
In this first part of the podcast, we want to address how these topics matter to the youngest generation - children and grandchildren. We discuss the importance of education (financial and otherwise), landing entry-level jobs (and leaving them without burning bridges), the dangers of debt, and how to start investing.
Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll discuss the unique issues that affect parents of these children.
In today’s conversation, here’s what you’ll learn:
If you were an investor back in 2008, I want you to take a moment to think about how you felt when you watched your portfolio’s performance during the Great Recession. If it went down 20, 30, or even 50%, how did that make you feel? I remember watching things go down more and more - and felt like my resolve was truly being tested.
However, capital markets don’t just change, even in the event of a recession. What can change, however, is how you can invest to achieve financial peace of mind. Many advisors will create portfolios that put you right at the brink of your risk tolerance - and we all know that this is a terrible strategy.
In today’s podcast, we dig into why people are so prone to reacting to market downturns, try and fail to time the markets, and cling to the past as they make future decisions. We’ll also share with you our systematized approach to take risk on and off the table as needed, no matter what the headlines read.
In today’s conversation, here’s what you’ll learn:
● Why most advisers build such risky portfolios - and why this often leads to their clients losing years of savings to market volatility.
● The reason so many smart people associate their current portfolios with past experiences - and why the biggest up years always come after the greatest negatives.
● Why long-term averages never change - and headline-based investing is almost always gambling.
● What we would say to someone who lost big in 2008 - and the unique circumstances that stopped so many people from benefiting from the subsequent market recovery.
● What you should think about instead of risk tolerance - and how to take comfort in volatility.
The content of this radio show is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any types of securities. Mr. Labrum and Labrum Wealth Management/Financial Detox are not responsible for the consequences of any decisions or actions taken as a result of information provided in this radio show and do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The information discussed today reflects the views of Mr. Labrum and his guest(s) as of the date of this show and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any forward looking statements or forecasts are based on assumptions and actual results may vary from any such statements or forecasts. No reliance should be placed on any statements or forecasts when making any investment decision. Accordingly, listeners should not rely solely on the information provided today in making any investment decision.
There is a risk of loss from investing in securities, including the risk of loss of principal. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will be profitable or suitable for a particular investor's financial situation or risk tolerance. Asset allocation and portfolio diversification cannot assure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses.
Show Description
Show hosts, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith bring you over 2 decades of experience as Financial Advisers, helping you achieve financial peace of mind through financial planning & investment management. Today’s show goes into detail, hopefully not too much detail, about defining risk vs. volatility. The topic of financial planning and investing around risk and traditional risk tolerance questions is interesting and we believe it is TOTALLY BROKEN. There is a better way to invest and it’s financial planning based around a target rate of return. Once you identify your goals and objectives you can then establish a targeted rate of return you need to achieve those specific goals and objectives. Jason and Alex also discuss the benefits you can achieve by trimming profits and allocating money toward assets classes that have not performed well. Yes, Jason gets to use his favorite term, Tolerance-band re-balancing.
In Today’s conversation, here’s what you’ll learn:
Agustin Lebron is a man of many talents. After working for many years as an engineer, he became a trader and researcher at the height of the recession. Now, as the cofounder and manager of Esselin Research, he helps growing tech companies make better decisions using his knowledge of trading.
In his new book, The Laws of Trading, he uses his unique experience to teach people how to become formidable decision-makers, make great decisions in real-time, and leverage their unique skills and knowledge.
Agustin joins today’s episode of the Financial Detox Podcast to dive deep into his philosophy of trading. You’ll learn how to meaningfully apply the mindsets successful traders use to win in the markets to your personal, professional, and financial life - even if you never trade stocks in your life.
Show Description
Financial Advisers Jason and Alex discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of investing in Real Estate as part of your portfolio. A walk through the different options such as local real estate, multifamily, single family or even commercial and industrial will be explored. How do most investors do it? Do they succeed or could they be doing better?
In today’s conversation, here’s what you’ll learn:
· The right way to think about Real Estate at part of your investment portfolio
· How to calculate your rate of return on your real estate
· The benefits of leverage, tax deduction and diversification with Real Estate
Find us online at: Financialdetox.com
Email us at:jason@financialdetox.com
Call us at: (877) 707-8889
Listen to Us on: KCBQ the Answer AM1170 or FM 96.1 - Saturdays at 1:30pm or at FINANCIALDETOX.COM
Lots of people see investing as a hobby. Some of them, like my grandmother, are in investment clubs, where they talk about companies they like and buy and sell stocks. However, they rarely make any money from this. They buy high and sell low - seemingly at completely random times.
Today, we want to propose an alternative: what if people like my grandmother invested based on evidence, got great performance from their stocks, and came up with phenomenal returns?
On today’s episode of the Financial Detox Podcast, we discuss the common mistakes people make when buying stocks (or entrusting others to buy stocks for them), and how to build a portfolio designed to provide you with great returns, no matter what the market does.
In today’s conversation, here’s what you’ll learn:
● Why conventional investing is basically random - and the reason so few hobbyist investors make any money from the stock market.
● The reason hedge funds, which claim to be wiser than the market and highly sophisticated, mostly just charge you tons of fees without beating the benchmark.
● Why small value stocks consistently outperform larger cap stocks.
● The behaviors that consistently lead investors (and advisers) to make major mistakes - and how to avoid them.
Interview Resources
● Dogs of the Dow
● DALBAR's Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior
● American Funds
● Dimensional Fund Advisors
● Berkshire Hathaway
We’re all human. We all make mistakes - even us here at the Financial Detox Podcast - and we’ve learned the hard way that if we’re not detoxed ourselves, we can’t best serve our clients.
Today, we dig into eight absolutely irrefutable, toxic mistakes we’re predisposed to making when we make investments, whether they’re major purchases, like homes or cars, stocks, or suspect financial products. You’ll discover the exact mindsets that people fall into when we make bad decisions, how we get taken advantage of, and how to avoid these pitfalls as we go about our daily lives - financial and otherwise.
Labrum Wealth Management has some exciting news! The firm is expanding and growing and has now added a Scottsdale office. Jim Pupillo and the team at LDI have teamed up with Labrum Wealth Management to form IDA (Intelligence Driven Advisers). This acquisition will provide many benefits for the clients of LWM (now IDA) such as: increased team collective knowledge, greater specialization within our team members, a larger more capable firm with approximately $800 million in assets under management, a new Scottsdale AZ office location and several other benefits. The investment philosophy will remain anchored in evidence and time-tested strategies, while the character, mission and vision will remain focused on serving clients as a Fiduciary with undivided loyalty.
Finally, we’re hosting another webinar at 12:30 PM on December 12. Click [here] to learn more and sign up.
In today’s conversation, here’s what you’ll learn:
At Labrum Wealth Management, we talk to many potential advisors about joining our firm, and there’s one question that really helps us determine if they might be a good fit: Do they care passionately about what their clients are ultimately paying - and what their net returns are?
Today, trader Andrew Grant joins the podcast to talk about how to take control of the elements you can control - and potential red flags you should be on the lookout for when you evaluate your relationships with brokers or financial advisors. We also dig into why you should take our Portfolio Challenge if you haven’t already and the benefits of tax loss harvesting.
For more information, visit FinancialDetox.com
With the midterm elections, we’ve returned to a time of market volatility. That means that there’s even more toxic financial advice out there than usual, and a lot of smart individuals are making not-so-smart decisions.
Volatility and stress knock out your habits. Even if you’ve been disciplined and strategic for years, many people throw all of that out the window at the first sign of change. However, you can still invest extremely successfully and beat most investors while taking away your stress - and on today’s podcast, we’re going to show you how.
For more information, visit FinancialDetox.com
Everyone’s financial life is a unique combination of assets, liabilities, and situations. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution guaranteed to get you the best possible results - and not all financial advice is created equally.
At Labrum Wealth Management, we take a truly independent, personalized approach to our clients’ portfolios. In today’s episode of the podcast, we get in to how we buck the trends of what normally happens in advisor/client relationships in order to best serve our clients. We also return to the issue of market timing, what it makes it such a bad idea, and the surprising fact about market downturns that no one on television seems to ever think to mention.
For more information, visit FinancialDetox.com
Right now, the markets are at all-time highs. However, when we ask, “How are the markets doing?” we’re often referring to a very small subset of the overall market. Very few people who say the markets are doing well are thinking about not just the U.S. stock market, but the bond market or international markets of any kind.
Furthermore, with markets at an all-time high, we want to talk about what you can do to prepare for the inevitable decline - or recession - and the best things you can do to prevent it from damaging your overall financial health. In today’s episode, we dive into all of this and more.
For more information, visit FinancialDetox.com
Joe Pecore is a Professor of Business at the Rady School at UCSD. There, he teaches accounting and personal finance - including basic financial planning, the time value of money, how money grows exponentially, budgeting, how to track spending, banking, credit, investing, retirement, and housing - to undergraduates and graduates alike.
Alex and I visited his class, and we found that it was hugely valuable for college and grad students. Furthermore, it would be an amazing resource for many adults as well. Today, Joe joins the podcast to talk about teaching financial planning, what so many people of all ages get wrong, and the steps you can take to get on the right track to position yourself for exponential growth over your lifetime.
For more information and to get the full show for today's episode, visit FinancialDetox.com.
At Labrum Wealth Management, we want our clients to think holistically about wealth management - and that’s why today’s episode isn’t just about finances and investing. It’s about how the components of our lives are interconnected, and the fact that how we invest and build wealth is directly linked to our families, our communities, and our jobs.
Few people know this better than today’s guest, Paul Thompson. Paul is the Executive Director of the BetterWorld Trust, which envisions a world in which everyone has access to the opportunity, education and nourishment needed to experience a healthy and vibrant life and partners with great organizations to make it happen.
Paul brings his enormous amount of experience in leadership and life skills to the podcast today, sharing his wisdom on marriage, nonprofit organizations, and more. No matter where you’re at in life or what you aspire to build, it’s a must-listen.
To get access to more episodes of Financial Detox, visit FinancialDetox.com
Lots of very, very smart people try to time the market - that is, try to get in and out at the exact right time to achieve the greatest returns. However, studies have shown, again and again, that unless you happen to get extremely lucky, you’re going to end up getting worse results with more volatility.
Embracing the power of the markets and building a portfolio that’s a mix of stocks and bonds that meets your tolerance for risk and ties into your financial plan is not sexy. It can be hard, and it can be painful - but in the long run, it’s how we avoid behavioral blunders and achieve long-term growth. Today’s Financial Detox is all about why the world wants us to believe that we can time the markets - and why this is simply a bad idea.
To get access to today's show notes, including links to resources mentioned, visit FinancialDeotx.com
54% of the world’s equities and capitalization - in other words, the goods and services being sold - are based in the United States. We look at many portfolios from prospective clients, and the number one mistake we see is a lack of exposure to the world economy - the other 46% out there.
International investments reduce risk and volatility, improve returns, and connect you to booming economies all over the world. Today, Financial Detox co-host Alex Klingensmith joins us from Spain - where he’s been living for the last three weeks - to tell us all about what he’s learned in his time there, the flourishing world economies he’s seen firsthand, and how you can buy international stocks and mutual funds.
Get access to the full show notes, visit LabrumWealth.com.
401(k) plans are becoming a bigger and bigger part of retirement plans. We handle lots of them at Labrum Wealth Management, and we see lots of problems and deficiencies within 401(k) plans: unclear commissions, a lack of education, and a general savings crisis among many working Americans. In fact, the majority of 401(k) plans in San Diego are held by advisors who handle less than two 401(k)s!
That’s why we’ve dedicated today’s episode to 401(k)s - and we’ve brought on 20-year 401(k) veteran Kent Colewell to dissect Fidelity’s 9th annual Plan Sponsor Attitudes Survey. You’ll learn how to make better plans, look out for potential problems, and find out all about recent developments in this particular field.
For more information about Labrum Wealth Management, visit LabrumWealth.com
As investors, many of us want to take action, even when doing nothing is sometimes better. To make matters worse, even in a relatively flat, unsensational financial year, news shows are always looking for something sensational to talk about.
At Labrum Wealth Management, we want you to be able to make smart, informed decisions in alignment with your financial goals, regardless of what’s going on in the world. That’s why in today’s show, we’re going in-depth on bonds: what they actually are, what they do, and whether or not they belong in your portfolio.
For more information about Labrum Wealth Management, visit LabrumWealth.com
At Labrum Wealth Management, we’re passionate about helping you live the best financial life possible. We know that there’s a lot of bad, outdated, and just plain broken advice in the financial industry right now, especially in terms of what clients end up getting from their advisors. That’s why today, we’re tackling a very broad, multi-part question from a listener with a million-dollar estate: “How should I invest my money?”
To get access to the full show notes for today's discussion, visit FinancialDetox.com
The Financial Detox team at Labrum Wealth Management talks a lot about growing money over time and protecting wealth - and a big component of that is often giving to others in your community.
That’s why today, I’m speaking with a very special guest: my good friend and NBA Champion Brad Holland. Brad is the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad - of which I have been a board member since 2002 - and manages over $3 million in funds supplied almost entirely through private donations to provide services to over 800 students a day through a variety of outreach and engagement programs.
He joins the podcast today to discuss not only his journey through the world of pro sports, but how he leads a 501c3 non-profit run totally by donors - and the many benefits of giving back to your community with your wealth, no matter where you are or what you do.
This year, as investors and advisors, we were all reminded what volatility looks like. It's totally normal, but it feels abnormal after years without it. Despite this volatility, it’s practically a universal truth that if you invest in a great, diverse portfolio of companies - or institutions through bonds - you are going to do very well.
However, people have been scared lately - and as a result, over the last 3-4 months we’ve been receiving a lot of questions about annuities. That’s why today, we’re focusing specifically on annuities: why we love (and hate) them, whether it’s worth cashing them out and moving your money into more traditional investments, and the serious red flags, conflicts of interest, and other potential issues surrounding how they’re bought and sold.
To get access to today's show notes, transcript, and resources mentioned, FinancialDetox.com
The Financial Detox team at Labrum Wealth Management does A LOT of tax planning. And no wonder, as it's such an important part of wealth management, especially as your situation changes over the years and you enter the first phase of your retirement.
We’ve been getting a lot of tax inquiries since the passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, which substantially changed America’s tax code for the first time in decades. It has left a lot of people wondering how to best utilize their options as they plan for retirement, begin receiving payments, or even re-enter the workforce in a part-time capacity. That’s why today’s focus is all about tax planning. We’re answering questions and sharing simple strategies that you can use to make smarter investment decisions.
To get access to today's show notes, transcript, and resources mentioned, FinancialDetox.com
JASON LABRUM, CFP®, AIF® PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER ALEX KLINGENSMITH, CFP® SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR/COO Jason and Alex discuss the significant impact taxes have on your overall financial plan. Contact jason@labrumwealth.com to get your Free Tax Plan today!
JASON LABRUM, CFP®, AIF® FOUNDER/CEO ALEX KLINGENSMITH, CFP® SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR/COO Jason and Alex discuss how important it is to find out what your advisor SPECIFICALLY gets paid. It's so important to have transparency in fees as they ultimately will have an impact on your returns.
Financial Detox events on Marcy 27th and March 29th. Register at Financialdeotx.com
JASON LABRUM, CFP®, AIF® FOUNDER/CEO ALEX KLINGENSMITH, CFP® SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR/COO Jason and Alex discuss the current political and media noise and how to filter through whats real and what is nonsense. Today's Financial Detox® also discusses what it takes to hire the right kind of Financial Advisor.
JASON LABRUM, CFP®, AIF® FOUNDER/CEO ALEX KLINGENSMITH, CFP® SENIOR WEALTH ADVISOR/COO Financial Advisors from Labrum Wealth Management break down the differences between Real Estate and Investing in the Market. Listen to this podcast to learn the disadvantages and advantages of holding Real Estate assets vs. putting the proceeds in the market. How will that impact your financial plan?
JASON LABRUM, CFP®, AIF®, Founder and CEO of Labrum Wealth Management is joined in the studio with his Co-host Alex Klingenmsmtih, CFP®, Senior Wealth Advisor and COO to discuss recent Market Volatility and how to prepare for volatility. This show will help listeners to get on track or stay on track with a solid investment plan and avoid making behavioral mistakes that will strip investors of returns. Learn more at an upcoming Financial Detox® Event
Register for a Free Educational Event Here
There is so much information to filter with regards to your financial plan for your retirement. In this episode Jason Labrum has Colleen Decker, Insurance Specialist with Labrum Wealth Management to debunk Life Insurance myths and talk about the costs associated.
Enjoying a comfortable and well-deserved retirement can be an exciting thought, but the preparations are a lot of work - work that needed to start yesterday.
Many people struggle with creating a financial plan and investing in the future, whether that means paying for the kids' college or making plan for the golden years - and a toxic industry doesn't make it any easier. Of course, this leads to more than enough stress for anyone.
Southern California Financial Advisors, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith discuss common behavioral blunders investors make that ultimately impact returns.
Why investors need to stay calm and stay the course! Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith talk about the importance of staying disciplined and adhering to your financial plan to avoid common behavioral blunders.
Financial Detox focuses on simplifying the investment process and filters all toxic information for investors so they can focus on what matters; getting market like returns or better. How do you do that? Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder of Labrum Wealth Management simplifies what it takes to achieve wealth management success. Joined in the studio by Alex Klingensmith, Senior Wealth Advisor and COO, of Labrum Wealth Management. Having the right asset allocation and risk tolerance for your portfolio is key to set yourself up for financial success.
The Financial Detox Team talks about behavioral blunders and how they can destroy an investors ability to get great returns. What are behavioral blunders? Learn today on Financial Detox. Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder, and Alex Klingensmith, COO and Senior Wealth Management, of Labrum Wealth Management in the studio discuss recent headlines and current events.
Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder, and Alex Klingensmith, Senior Wealth Advisor and COO of Labrum Wealth Management welcome two trusted sponsors in the studio today. The fellas are talking about Real Estate, Mortgages and how the new tax laws affect these portions of your life. Client and listener are asking, should we get out of the market. Jason discusses the importance of having the right investment portfolio that delivers an amount of volatility you can live with so you can take the least amount of risk while reaching your goals. -JR Phillips with The JR Phillips Group http://www.jrphillipssells.com/ -Mark Roberts, Branch Manager with Caliber Home Lending https://caliberhomeloans.com/loan-consultant/california/encinitas/mrobertson
Jason Labrum, Founder and CEO of Labrum Wealth Management opens up this weeks podcast talking about market returns and why its so important to stay disciplined and weed out financial toxic information. Alex Klingensmith, COO & Senior Wealth Advisor joins Jason in the studio to talk news headlines and Financial Detox! Sandi Shaner, "The Rocking Business Coach" joins Jason and Alex in the studio to discuss the Business Plan 2018 - Rocking the New Year Conference taking place in San Diego January 24th and 25th.
Jason Labrum, CEO and President of Labrum Wealth Management discusses the 8 STEPS TO FINANCIAL DETOX! Kent Colwell, Director of 401(K) and Retirement Plan Solutions at Labrum Wealth Management joins Jason in the studio to discuss asset allocation and how your portfolio needs to be diversified for 2018 to be successful. Also, what happens when volatility comes back to the market and the difference between active money management and passive money management.
Jason Labrum Founder and CEO of Labrum Wealth Management welcomes Colleen Decker, Insurance Planning Specialist, into the studio to discuss Life Insurance Planning and how that relates to financial planning.
The Financial Detox Team at Labrum Wealth Management dispels Bitcoin misinformation and explains what it actually is. Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder and Alex Klingensmith, COO and Senior Wealth Advisor welcome Tom Lombardi into the studio to discuss all things block chain technology and should you own any of these cryptocurrencies in your portfolio?
Jason Labrum, Co-founder and President is joined by Alex Klingensmith, COO and Senior Wealth Advisor, at Labrum Wealth management to discuss todays market and if its at the top? Should you get out when there is a downturn? How do you recognize a downturn? Is my Financial Advisor able to predict the top or bottom? How can you save on your mortgage?
Jason Labrum CEO and President of Labrum Wealth Management welcomes Kent Colwell, Director of 401(K) and Retirement Plan Services at LWM. Topics of conversation today cover, tax reform, Fiduciary Advisors and Financial Planner as well as 401(k) and retirement plans.
CEO and President of Labrum Wealth Management, Jason Labrum and Co- host and Senior Wealth Advisor Alex Klingensmith break down what it means to properly Financially Detox and why you should have a FULL time Fiduciary working for you.
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! Join Jason Labrum, CEO of Labrum Wealth Management and Alex Klingensmith, Senior Wealth Advisor at Labrum Wealth management in the studio. 10 Questions you have to ask your self as an Investor! These questions are important to help you filter the toxic information available today with regards to the markets and investing.
Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder, and Alex Klingensmith, Senior Wealth Advisor at Labrum Wealth Management are joined by two of LWM's newest team members on this week's show. Kim Surber, Wealth Advisor & Divorce Financial Planner, and Kent Colwell, Director of 401(k)Retirement Plan Solutions share their insight on divorce planning and retirement planning. We hope you enjoy!
Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder, and Alex Klingensmith Senior Wealth Advisor at Labrum Wealth Management welcome Richard Muscio, CPA, motivational speaker, and Bestselling author in the studio. We hope you enjoy this week's show!
Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder, and Alex Klingensmith Senior Wealth Advisor at Labrum Wealth Management welcome Brenda Geiger J.D., Managing Attorney, with Geiger Law Office in the studio to discuss estate planning and taxes. Also in this weeks podcast Jason breaks down what makes Labrum Wealth Management unique. As a true fiduciary, LWM provides the highest level of financial advice, financial planning, and investment precision for it's clients everyday.
Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder, and Alex Klingensmith Senior Wealth Advisor at Labrum Wealth Management welcome Mark Robertson, Branch Manager, with Caliber Home Loans in the studio to discuss one of the most important purchases of your life, a home. Mark Robertson specializes in home financing and educates the listeners on the housing market and what to expect in the next year. Mark discusses the importance of understanding your mortgage and how you can set yourself up for success in a mortgage transaction.
Jason Labrum, CEO and Founder, and Alex Klingensmith Senior Wealth Advisor at Labrum Wealth Management for a discussion about the 30 year anniversary of Black Monday and the market crash. JR Phillips with The JR Phillips Real Estate Group joins the Financial Detox team to discuss home ownership and how its done correctly as an investment. In addition he answers the question...Is it better to rent or own in this higher rate and higher priced home market.
Join Jason Labrum CEO and Founder and Alex Klingensmith Senior Wealth Advisor at Labrum Wealth Management for a discussion on Investor Behavior and how it will undoubtedly effect portfolio returns. Have you played the Jelly Bean game? Maybe? Probably not with this topic in mind. Enjoy the Podcast and get Financially Detoxed!
CEO and President of Labrum Wealth Management, Jason Labrum and Co- Host and Senior Wealth Advisor Alex Klingensmith welcome guests to talk about about some detailed aspects of planing. In the stuido today is Rich Gaines with Legacy Legal talking about the need to do something everyday for your wealth plan to be successful. Also Shannon Brady with Brady College Counseling discusses the importance of planing for your child's education and when you should start getting prepared.
CEO and President of Labrum Wealth Management, Jason Labrum and Co- host and Senior Wealth Advisor Alex Klingensmith break down what it means to properly Financially Detox and why you should have a FULL time Fiduciary working for you.
Jason Labrum and Co-host Alex Klingensmith describe the importance of working with a FULL TIME Fiduciary. How to understand the difference between a suitable investment advisor vs. a fiduciary advisor. Also how to take the least amount of volatility possible and get the most out of your portfolio and why you should know what your internal expenses are in your portfolio. Oh and how do you save all your passwords for the many websites you visit? Financial Detox has an answer for you! Lastly, Jason and Alex answer your questions on the show.
Jason Labrum and Co- host Alex Klingensmith talk current events; North Korea, Anti-Trump Messages, and Bitcoin. Also Bonnie Moseley, an Advisor, with Labrum Wealth Management is a guest today. She discusses the women advisor perspective and how the media influences thoughts and opinions in a financial portfolio.
Jason Labrum and co-host Alex Klingensmith drill down on EVERYTHING there is to know about your 401(K.). What type of investments you should own in your 401(k) as well as what you should be paying in fees. In addition they discuss what your responsibilities are as a business owner with regards to 401(k), information you likely have not heard before. Listeners questions are getting answered to round out the program.
Jason Labrum talks with guest Joe Pecore, Professor at UCSD, about how individuals need to live within or below your means to create wealth. Saving and how compounding interest is the 8th wonder of the world. Also, Rick Labrum, Senior Wealth Manager at Labrum Wealth Management stops by the studio.
Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith discuss how you can get the most return for the risk you are willing to take. Also, what type of life insurance is necessary and how you can determine what is best for your situation.
Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith breakdown why its imperative to hire a fiduciary advisor as well as electing to have a 401(k) Roth, and the difference between Proactive and Reactive Investing.
Jason and Alex are joined by JR Phillips on this week's edition of Financial Detox. We hope you enjoy!
This week on Financial Detox, Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith are joined by special guest Sean Courtney. We hope you enjoy this show!
Jason Labrum and Alex Klingensmith are joined by Labrum Wealth Management's Director of Operations and Compliance, Jordie Czapinski. We hope you enjoy the show!
Financial Detox's host Jason Labrum and co-host Alex Klingensmith discuss the Fiduciary rule. We hope you enjoy this week's show!
On this week's edition of Financial Detox, host Jason Labrum is joined by a special co- host, Rich Gaines. We hope you enjoy the show!
On this edition of Financial Detox, host Jason Labrum and Co-host Alex Klingensmith teach you how to build and manage your portfolio. We hope you enjoy this week's show!
Jason Labrum and Co-host Alex Klingensmith weigh in on the Trump tax plan. Enjoy this week's edition of Financial Detox!
Jason Labrum is joined by Co-host Alex Klingensmith during this week's show. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
Another beautiful day in San Diego freeing you from the financial toxins that cause great behavioral blunders.
Flying Solo, Jason breaks down how to create Financial Piece of Mind and Pursuing Better. Enjoy!
I may have temporarily turned into a purple Minion due to a full Rock Star energy drink - Normally I do not drink caffeine. Great having our special guest Tom Lombardi and we definitely had fun doing this show, hope you enjoy.
Jason Labrum and Co-host Alex Klingensmith bringing you the Financial Detox. Alex, does a great job and as usual it's a fun show. Hope you enjoy.
Breaking down some of common financial toxins such as differentiating between performance and cost basis, tax bracket and net tax rate. Also, two great guest, JR Phillips and Sarah Goforth discussing the Real Estate and Mortgage market respectively. Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy the show.
Our first show back on the air, this time Bigger and better on AM760 KFMB every Saturday at 6pm. Join us an get Financially Detoxified then tune in every Saturday to stay cleansed. Oh ya, doesn't that feel good!
We had a super fun show with Dr. William Meade discussing the connection between physical and financial wealth. Also, we had special guest JR Phillips and Sarah Goforth to help us navigate the real estate and mortgage landscape.
Financial Detox - Survival of the Fittest & Behavioral Mistakes Investors Make - 05.13.16 by Jason Labrum
A fun show with some great people, including Stumblefoot brewery, JR Phillips and Alex Klingensmith. Hope you enjoy!
Financial Detox - Does History Repeat Itself in the Markets? - 03.22.16 by Jason Labrum
Volatility in 2016! Don't make mistakes because of the media - 01.22.16 by Jason Labrum
Helping investors make better investment decisions, especially, during a time of increased volatility.
This election cycle will certainly prove to be entertaining, but should you change your investments because of it?
Covering a lot of data so hold on. If you would like to discuss in more detail how our method of pursuing a better investment strategy can work for you, call 877-707-8889
Talking about the three phases of your financial life. And, of course the role of a fiduciary advisor in your life.
401k may end up being your biggest source of retirement income, so it's time to pay attention and make some good choices.
There are so many different types of annuities, and at LWM we provide objective advice that is unbiased as to whether or not an annuity is right for you.
You are likely paying too much for your investments. Let LWM show you how you can have intelligently managed portfolios that are rooted in academic and historic evidence of how you can increase the probabilities of your success.
Multi-Generational Wealth: How do you make wealth last 7 generations? - 4.10.15 by Jason Labrum
The ART of Creating & Preserving Wealth with Jason Labrum show is about wealth, health and happiness. How do you work hard and play hard? Some people are too focused on saving or planning… Some are playing and not saving at all… this show is about BALANCE.