The Millionaire Next Door: Recent Episodes
Robert Curtiss
Welcome to The Millionaire Next Door Podcast with Robert Curtiss, CFP®, AIF® from Signature Estate and Investment Advisors. In this podcast, we help successful wealth accumulators like you looking to transition to a work-optional lifestyle by helping you build strategies for growing and maintaining your wealth. Robert draws from years of experience and fiduciary responsibility, and interviews guest experts to help you build reliable strategies to grow and maintain your wealth.
Private credit has become one of the fastest-growing areas of investing, yet it’s also surrounded by headlines that often create uncertainty.
How should long-term investors evaluate the opportunity? When does media attention reflect genuine risks, and when does it distract from the bigger picture?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®, Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions at Cliffwater, to discuss private credit and its growing role in diversified portfolios. They explain why recent headlines about defaults, liquidity, and valuations deserve context, how private credit differs from traditional fixed-income investments, and why institutional investors continue to allocate to the asset class.
They also explore how long-term discipline, diversification, and a rules-based investment process can help investors separate meaningful information from market noise.
Key takeaways:
- Why private credit has expanded as banks reduced lending to middle-market businesses
- How private credit generates returns through contractual income rather than stock-like appreciation
- Why institutional investors continue increasing allocations despite concerning headlines
- How diversification and manager selection can help reduce borrower-specific risks
- Why long-term discipline often leads to better investment decisions than reacting to headlines
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Phil Huber:
- LinkedIn: Phil Huber
- Website: Cliffwater
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®, is the Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions at Cliffwater, where he focuses on research, portfolio construction, and helping advisors and investors better understand private markets and alternative investments. He regularly analyzes topics including private credit, private equity, and portfolio diversification, translating complex investment concepts into practical insights for long-term investors. Through his research and industry commentary, Phil helps financial professionals evaluate alternative investment opportunities within disciplined, diversified portfolio strategies.
What happens when artificial intelligence moves beyond software and into the physical world?
As technology continues to evolve, many investors are asking how artificial intelligence could influence businesses, markets, and everyday life in the years ahead.
In this special 100th episode of The Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Robert Curtiss welcomes Brendan Ahern, Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares, to explore how AI-powered robotics are already being adopted across Asia and what those developments could mean for investors. Brendan shares firsthand observations from his firm’s research and his travels throughout Asia, discussing automation, manufacturing, demographics, healthcare, regulation, and the evolving relationship between the United States and China.
Together, they examine how looking beyond headlines can help investors better understand long-term opportunities.
Key takeaways:
- How AI-powered robotics are already being used across healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing
- Why demographic changes are accelerating automation in several countries around the globe
- How robotics manufacturing and AI technology create opportunities across different investment markets
- Why regulations will likely influence the pace of AI adoption across industries and countries
- How data-driven research can help investors separate headlines from long-term market trends
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Breakneck by Dan Wang
- Daily Note: China Last Night powered by KraneShares
Connect with Brendan Ahern:
- LinkedIn: Brendan Ahern
- Website: KraneShares
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Brendan Ahern is the Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares. Brendan joined KraneShares in 2013. Brendan leads the firm’s research and education efforts and actively works with investors on a variety of subjects ranging from asset allocation to trading to articulating the growing influence that index providers hold in the asset management industry. Prior experience includes over ten years with Barclays Global Investors (subsequently BlackRock’s iShares), which he joined in 2001 during the rollout of their ETF business. His career has spanned a period of tremendous growth for ETFs, which has contributed to his profound knowledge of the ETF landscape.
Brendan is considered a preeminent expert in global financial markets with a particular focus on China. He is a frequent visitor to China and actively maintains daily contact with a deep local research network comprised of investment banks, brokers, and regional and boutique research firms. He produces a daily update called China Last Night, which also appears as a column on Forbes.com. He is often sought after by leading business and financial outlets and regularly appears on CNBC and Bloomberg to discuss China’s capital markets. He is a frequent guest of Bloomberg Radio’s Daybreak Asia, and he is quoted in The Wall Street Journal and Investor’s Business Daily.
Brendan graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and has a Master of Science in Financial Analysis from the University of San Francisco.
Tax laws change often, but knowing which updates actually affect your finances can be difficult.
How do you know which deductions still apply, which strategies are worth considering, and when it’s time to have a planning conversation instead of simply filing a return?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes Nicole Green, Tax Advisor at Robert Hall, to discuss several tax law changes that could affect individuals, retirees, and business owners. They explain how recent updates may influence deductions, charitable giving, required minimum distributions, bonus depreciation, and year-round tax planning. They also explore why proactive collaboration between financial advisors and tax professionals can help people make better decisions before the end of the year instead of reacting during tax season.
Key takeaways:
- How recent SALT deduction changes may affect taxpayers in higher tax states and income brackets
- Ways bonus depreciation can fit into long-term planning instead of focusing on one tax year
- Why charitable giving strategies can reduce taxable income more efficiently than standard donations
- How tax planning conversations throughout the year may reduce unwanted surprises at filing time
- Why financial advisors and tax professionals often produce better outcomes when working together
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Nicole Green:
- LinkedIn: Nicole Green
- Website: Robert Hall & Associates
- Nicole.Green@roberthalltaxes.com
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science with a focus in Education, Nicole Green went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education and Educational Theory. Her love for learning led her into the tax industry. With the ever-evolving tax code and continual education, it was a perfect match for her.
With almost a decade of experience in the tax world, Nicole Green holds a federal license as an Enrolled Agent tax practitioner, where she can advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and any other entity with tax-reporting requirements. Her knowledge in tax has been recognized in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, HomeLight—an online real estate company that matches clients with local agents and provides home loans—and impact.com, a platform that helps influencers and content creators manage partnerships. Nicole has been featured in these outlets for her insightful tax advice and industry knowledge.
Outside the office, Nicole is an avid traveler. She’s been to all 7 continents spanning 50 different countries. She enjoys cooking and trying new cuisines at food festivals around the world. Some of her other favorite activities include attending sporting events and the occasional shopping spree.
Markets continue reaching new highs, yet many investors remain hesitant to put money to work.
With headlines dominated by geopolitical conflict, rising oil prices, and rapid technological change, how do you separate emotion from opportunity?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Miles Clark, Senior Analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, to discuss the forces shaping today’s market environment. They explore momentum investing, relative strength, semiconductor leadership, AI-driven growth, energy sector performance, and market participation trends.
Miles shares how momentum strategies identify strong-performing assets, why all-time highs may not be a reason to stay on the sidelines, and what narrowing market leadership could signal for investors moving forward.
Key takeaways:
- How relative strength identifies leadership across equities, commodities, fixed income, and global markets
- Why semiconductor stocks continue driving market gains despite concerns about concentration levels
- How momentum strategies seek large winners while limiting the impact of underperforming holdings
- Why historical market performance often remains positive despite geopolitical conflict and uncertainty
- What narrowing market participation may reveal about the durability of the current market advance
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Miles Clark:
- LinkedIn: Miles Clark
- Nasdaq Dorsey Wright
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Miles currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. Since 1987, DWA has been a recognized expert in relative strength and momentum through the application of Point & Figure (XO) charting, as well as a thought leader in tactical portfolio construction.
Miles joined the DWA team as an intern in 2021 and now creates technical-based analysis and client-facing research in the firm’s Daily Market Analysis segment, with more focused coverage in the communication services, industrials and cryptocurrency spaces. Other areas of involvement to note include supplementing broad-based technical indicator and research projects and the creation of weekly media distributed to prospective clients.
Many people assume their estate planning is “done” once the documents are signed, but that’s actually only the beginning. This conversation explores what actually happens when financial, tax, and estate planning are all aligned.
In this episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with Brad Repinsky to break down how integrating financial planning, estate planning, and tax strategy can help create a more coordinated decision making for families over time.
Key takeaways:
- Why a clear net worth snapshot can uncover gaps in your current plan
- How account titling and beneficiary designations can override estate documents
- What “estate ease” means and why it matters for your family
- When strategies like QCDs and Roth conversions may help manage taxes
- How to think about wealth transfer across generations in a more intentional way
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Brad Repinsky:
- LinkedIn: Brad Repinsky
- LinkedIn: Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Brad Repinsky is the Director of Estate, Tax, and Financial Planning at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors. With over 20 years of experience, including roles at Goldman Sachs and Fidelity, Brad specializes in helping high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families navigate complex planning decisions. As a former attorney, he brings a unique perspective to integrating estate planning, tax strategy, and wealth management to help clients create clarity, efficiency, and long-term alignment with their goals.
Markets shift, headlines create noise, and uncertainty rises, but what actually matters when building a resilient portfolio?
How do you separate real risks from exaggerated fears and position yourself for long-term growth?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Mark Gatto, Chief Executive Officer at CION Investments, to discuss the growing attention to private credit and the role of diversification in uncertain markets. They explore how AI concerns are shaping investor sentiment, why fund structure and liquidity matter, and how infrastructure investing offers long-term opportunity.
Mark also shares insights on manager selection, underwriting discipline, and how individual investors can access strategies once reserved for institutions.
Key takeaways:
- How private credit continues gaining attention and why concerns around AI disruption may be overstated
- Why understanding fund structure, liquidity limits, and redemption mechanics is critical for investors
- How diversification across sectors and geographies helps reduce risk in changing market conditions
- The difference between direct investing and allocating capital to other managers in private markets
- Why infrastructure investing presents long-term growth potential across multiple sectors and assets
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Mark Gatto:
- LinkedIn: Mark Gatto
- CION Investments
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Mark Gatto is Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Co-President of CION Investment Group, CION Investment Corporation (CIC), and CION Grosvenor Infrastructure Fund.
He is also a Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund (CADC). Mr. Gatto serves on the investment committee of CIC and the investment allocation committee of CADC.
Mr. Gatto joined CION in 1999. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Acquisitions Officer from May 2007 through January 2008. He served as Executive Vice President of Business Development from May 2006 through May 2007 and Vice President of Marketing from August 2005 through February 2006. He was also Associate General Counsel from November 1999 until October 2000.
Previously, Mr. Gatto served as an executive at a leading international product development and marketing company from 2000 through 2003. Later, he co-founded a specialty business-consulting firm in New York City, where he served as its managing partner before re-joining CION in 2005. He was also an attorney in private practice prior to joining the firm.
Mr. Gatto received an M.B.A. from the W. Paul Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, and a B.S. from Montclair State University.
You can have the career, the income, and the life that looks perfect on paper, yet still feel something is missing.
Why do high achievers feel stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly unhappy despite their accomplishments?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Stacey Inal, MA, MBA, LMFT, Licensed Psychotherapist and Women’s Career Coach, about the intersection of financial decisions and emotional health. They explore how burnout shows up in high performers, why social media fuels anxiety, and how “golden handcuffs” keep people stuck. Stacey also shares practical ways to reset your nervous system, reconnect with yourself, and take the first step toward a more aligned life.
Key takeaways:
- How high achievers can feel trapped by financial obligations despite outward success and stability
- Why burnout in successful people often hides behind high performance and daily productivity
- How social media and constant noise contribute to anxiety and poor decision-making
- The connection between emotional stress and financial behaviors like overspending or hoarding
- Simple practices to reset your mindset and reconnect with what you truly want
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Stacey Inal:
- LinkedIn: Stacey Inal
- Website: Stacey Inal
- Instagram: @staceyinal_inspiringwomen
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Stacey Inal is a Licensed Psychotherapist, MBA, and Women’s Career Coach who works at the intersection of mental health, career transitions, and financial identity. With a background in corporate sales and business strategy, she brings both clinical insight and real-world experience to her work, helping high-achieving individuals, especially women, navigate moments when outward success no longer feels aligned internally. Stacey supports clients through burnout, life reinvention, and major transitions by helping them reconnect with what they truly want and build a path forward with clarity and purpose.
Technology is moving fast, and it’s raising big questions about how decisions get made.
Can tools replace human judgment, or do they simply change how we think, plan, and act?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Michael Cy, advisor consultant, about how artificial intelligence is shaping financial services and what it means for clients. They explore how AI improves efficiency, speeds up research, and enhances communication, while emphasizing the lasting importance of personal advice. The conversation also covers market uncertainty, client anxiety, and how a structured process helps people stay grounded and focused on what they can control.
Key takeaways:
- How AI speeds up research, tax analysis, and document review, saving hours of advisor time
- Why client relationships and personal context still matter more than data alone
- How advisors help filter noise from media, headlines, and misleading information
- The role of structured processes in keeping clients calm during market uncertainty
- Why AI works best as a support tool, not a replacement for thoughtful decision making
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Michael Cy:
- LinkedIn: Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.
- LinkedIn: Pareto Systems
- Pareto Systems
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Michael Cy works closely with financial advisors across the country, helping them refine their processes and strengthen how they serve clients. With years of experience supporting advisory firms, he focuses on improving efficiency, enhancing client communication, and integrating practical tools that elevate day-to-day operations. His perspective blends technology with a strong emphasis on relationships, helping advisors balance innovation with the human side of financial planning.
Markets can feel calm on the surface while powerful shifts happen underneath. Are recent pullbacks a warning sign, or simply part of a broader rotation?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Miles Clark of Nasdaq Dorsey Wright to break down sector rotation, weakening tech leadership, and renewed strength in international equities. They explore how momentum strategies respond to shifting trends, why AI spending faces rising scrutiny, and what participation indicators reveal beneath flat index performance.
The conversation also covers sentiment signals, precious metals, crypto volatility, and the importance of selecting the right benchmark.
Miles shares key insights:
- Why six sectors now outperform the S&P 500 after years of narrow tech leadership
- How momentum strategies adapt when former winners begin to weaken
- What sentiment data suggests when bears begin to outnumber bulls
- The impact of massive AI infrastructure spending on tech valuations
- Why benchmark selection matters more than chasing index headlines
- And more!
Resources:
Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Miles Clark :
- LinkedIn: Miles Clark
- Nasdaq Dorsey Wright
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Miles currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. Since 1987, DWA has been a recognized expert in relative strength and momentum through the application of Point & Figure (XO) charting, as well as a thought leader in tactical portfolio construction.
Miles joined the DWA team as an intern in 2021 and now creates technical-based analysis and client-facing research in the firm’s Daily Market Analysis segment, with more focused coverage in the communication services, industrials and cryptocurrency spaces. Other areas of involvement to note include supplementing broad-based technical indicator and research projects and the creation of weekly media distributed to prospective clients.
Long-term investing can feel more difficult when headlines are loud and markets seem unpredictable.
What happens when investors stop reacting to daily noise and start thinking like institutions that plan decades ahead?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes Chris Schelling, CAIA, Managing Director at Aksia, to explore how private markets have shaped institutional portfolios and why some individual investors may now gain access to approaches like those used by institutions, depending on account type, regulatory eligibility, and minimum investment requirements. They break down private equity, private credit, liquidity planning, diversification across vintages, and the importance of manager selection.
The conversation also touches on volatility, long-term return expectations, and what advisors and investors should look for when evaluating alternative investments.
Key takeaways:
- How institutional investors approach private markets — and what does that mean for access and implementation for individual investors with long-term horizons and diversified portfolios
- Why private equity and private credit returns differ from public markets over multi-year periods
- The role of liquidity planning and why private investments are not truly locked up for a decade
- Why manager selection matters more in private markets than in public equities
- How simplified structures have made private investments easier for individual investors to access
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Chris Schelling:
- LinkedIn: Christopher Schelling
- Website: Aksia
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Chris Schelling is an investor, advisor, and published author. With degrees in psychology, business, and finance, Chris is an expert at incorporating insights from behavioral finance into investment decision-making. During his 20+ year tenure in the investment industry, building portfolios, mostly focused on alternatives, Chris has met with over 4,000 managers and allocated roughly $7 billion, generating top quartile to top decile returns across hedge funds, real assets, private credit, and private equity.
For investors facing concentrated wealth or future liquidity events, understanding tax-aware planning options matters long before decisions are required. Opportunity Zones are one of the most talked-about and least understood tools in that conversation.
In this episode of The Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Robert Curtiss sits down with Michael O’Shea, CFA, Head of Private Wealth at Origin Investments, to unpack one of the most misunderstood and potentially powerful tax planning tools available today: Qualified Opportunity Zones.
Together, they walk through how Opportunity Zones work, why the original structure created a temporary pause in interest, and why upcoming changes beginning in 2027 may reopen the door for investors facing large capital gains. The conversation focuses on real-world planning scenarios, including concentrated stock positions, private business exits, and highly appreciated real estate.
Michael explains how Opportunity Zones differ from 1031 exchanges, what the long-term benefits may look like when paired with professionally managed real estate development, and why advanced coordination with tax and legal advisors matters. This episode is designed as an evergreen educational resource for investors who want to understand their options well before a liquidity event occurs.
Key takeaways:
- How Qualified Opportunity Zones work and why they were created
- What’s changing in Opportunity Zone legislation starting in 2027
- How Opportunity Zones may help address large capital gains from stocks, businesses, or real estate
- Why long-term real estate development and coordinated planning are key to using this strategy effectively
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Michael O’Shea:
- Origin Investments
- LinkedIn: Michael O’Shea
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Michael brings more than 18 years of real estate and capital markets expertise to Origin as Director and Head of Private Wealth Solutions. In this role, he leads the firm’s capital raising initiatives, oversees the sales strategy, and develops strategic partnerships with Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) to expand Origin’s investment platform.
Previously, Michael served as the head of Origin Exchange, the firm’s 1031 Exchange Platform. During his career in the alternative investment sector, Michael has played key roles with various real estate sponsors, facilitating the syndication of more than $10 billion in commercial real estate investments, including over $500 million in 1031 tax-deferred exchanges.
Michael holds an MBA with dual concentrations in Finance and Real Estate Investment from DePaul University, where he graduated summa cum laude. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and is a CFA® charterholder.
A resident of Elmhurst, Michael lives with his wife Lauren and their three children Declan, Alice, and Tristan. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, Chicago sports, and spending time with his family.
Markets are entering a year shaped by crosscurrents, shifting signals, and unresolved questions. Economic strength, policy decisions, and investment concentration all point to a period that demands close attention and thoughtful positioning.
In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Peter Repetto, Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, about their 2026 economic and market outlook. They explore slowing labor trends alongside strong GDP growth, the role of AI investment, and how fiscal and monetary policy may influence markets.
The conversation also covers inflation risks, tariffs, and why selectivity across asset classes matters heading into a midterm election year.
Key takeaways:
- How slowing job growth contrasts with strong GDP readings and what that tension could mean for 2026
- Why AI capital spending remains a key growth driver, but requires careful company selection
- The impact of tariffs, fiscal policy, and court decisions on rates and equity markets
- Why earnings growth, not valuation expansion, may define equity returns next year
- How private markets and alternative strategies may help address concentration and volatility
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Peter Repetto:
- LinkedIn: Peter Repetto
- iCapital
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Peter is a Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, focusing on developing and delivering research, investment ideas, and thought leadership content for external and internal audiences on behalf of iCapital’s Investment Strategy team. Prior to joining the firm, Peter spent over eight years at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he contributed to their asset allocation strategy and macroeconomic research. Peter holds a BA in Economics from Fairfield University.
Reliable income is harder to find when markets shift, and traditional tools feel less predictable. Many investors are looking for new ways to generate cash flow without stepping away from equity exposure altogether.
This week, Robert Curtiss welcomes Matt Kaufman, Head of ETFs at Calamos Investments, to explain how auto-callable strategies work and why they are gaining attention. They break down how equity-linked income differs from bonds, how coupons are generated, and where these tools may fit inside a portfolio. The conversation also covers risk considerations, tax treatment, and how ETFs are changing access to structured strategies.
Key points:
- How equity markets can be used to generate consistent monthly income instead of relying on bonds
- Why auto callable strategies trade upside participation for predictable cash flow
- How downside barriers work and when coupons may pause or resume
- Tax treatment differences compared to traditional fixed income
- Where auto-callable ETFs may fit alongside equities, munis, or covered call strategies
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Matt Kaufman:
- LinkedIn: Matt Kaufman
- Website: Calamos Investments
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Matt Kaufman serves as SVP, Head of ETFs at Calamos Investments, where he leads the firm’s ETF business.
Matt joined Calamos Investments in 2023 as an accomplished financial services executive with more than 20 years of experience serving the asset management and insurance industries across North America, Europe, and Asia. Matt has designed, led, and helped build hundreds of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), unit investment trusts (UITs), indexes, variable insurance trust funds, registered index-linked annuities, fixed annuities, and closed-end funds. He is also a sought-after source by leading financial publications and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events.
Prior to Calamos, Matt spent more than a decade at Milliman, Inc., where he served as President of the firm’s broker/dealer (Milliman Investment Management Services LLC) and as a principal of the firm’s $170b RIA (Milliman Financial Risk Management LLC). Matt also draws from his prior experience at PowerShares ETFs, where he helped the firm grow during the formative years of the ETF ecosystem.
Matt earned a B.A. in Public Administration and Economics from Cedarville University and maintains Certified ETF Advisor (CETF®) and Professional Certified Marketer® designations through The ETF Institute and American Marketing Association, respectively. He also holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 24 and CFTC Series 3 licenses.
If you own investment property in California, you may have wondered how to handle the built-up gain without losing a significant portion to taxes.
Robert sits down with Damian Gallagher, Senior Vice President at Blue Rock, for a grounded, practical walkthrough of 1031 exchanges and DSTs. The conversation opens with the history of 1031 rules, then moves into what actually happens when you sell, how timelines work, and why so many investors struggle with the 45-day identification window.
Damian also explains DSTs in plain language, including when they might help reduce hands-on management and how they fit into long-term estate planning.
What to expect:
- How like-kind rules truly work
- The 45-day and 180-day deadlines are explained in real terms
- When DSTs may help simplify life for aging investors
- The lesser-known 1033 disaster exchange option
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Damian Gallagher:
- LinkedIn: Damian Gallagher
- Bluerock Capital Markets, LLC.
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
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It is not often that an economic moment feels this confusing for everyday people, and Robert Curtiss knows it.
That is why he brings economist Bryce Gill, economist and national speaker with First Trust Advisors, into a conversation that puts words to the shifts everyone is sensing but few can explain clearly. Robert approaches the discussion the same way he approaches client conversations. He slows things down, asks the questions people are wrestling with, and pulls out insights that make a complicated world easier to understand.
Together, Robert and Bryce explore how global supply chains are being rebuilt, why inflation feels so different from what the data suggests, and how AI and automation are reshaping opportunities for younger workers.
What to expect from this release:
- How global reshoring and demographic changes are reshaping inflation and economic growth
- Why younger workers are struggling to find traction and how AI is influencing hiring
- What rising regional shifts inside the United States reveal about long-term economic power
- How market concentration within a handful of companies may affect future returns and consumer behavior
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Bryce Gill:
- First Trust
- LinkedIn: Bryce Gill
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
A resident of Austin, Texas, Bryce graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a bachelors degree in economics and received an MBA from the University of Texas. An economist and designated national speaker with First Trust he works directly with his colleague Brian Wesbury in the creation of the firm’s widely read weekly “Monday Morning Outlook.” In 2022, First Trust’s work was recognized by its receiving the highly coveted Consensus Economics Award for most accurate economic forecasting.
With a highly energetic speaking style and a scholar’s understanding of current economic matters, Bryce is a frequent guest on financial related podcasts and other media platforms, as well as a speaker at numerous public forums with his listeners remarking upon his ability to make the often difficult to understand both understandable and interesting.
In his presentation on “The Dawn of the Era of Volatility” Bryce will be focusing in his talk on describing the coming changes in the global and US economy and how investment advisors can best prepare their investor’s portfolios for those changes in the years to come.
When most investors think about private credit, they picture direct lending. But as Tod Trabocco, Head of Private Debt Advisory at StepStone Group, makes clear, it’s much more nuanced than that.
With over two decades in the space, Tod walks us through the four silos of private credit, including corporate, asset-based, asset-backed, and risk-sharing strategies, using unforgettable examples like leasing aircraft and monetizing Van Halen’s music catalog.
Listeners will learn:
- Why private credit offers control that public markets don’t
- How bilateral negotiation changes risk dynamics
- What recent high-profile defaults reveal (and what they don’t)
- Why institutions are doubling down on asset-based finance
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Tod Trabocco:
- StepStone Group
- LinkedIn: Tod Trabocco, CFA
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Mr. Trabocco is Head of Private Debt Advisory for StepStone Private Debt. He is responsible for helping public and private pension plans, endowments, and foundations build private credit portfolios and sits on the Private Debt Advisory Investment Committee.
Prior to joining StepStone Private Debt, Mr. Trabocco served as a consultant and product specialist at Aksia, where he sat on the firm’s credit fund investment committee. Prior to Aksia, he served as Head of Product for ITE Management, a leading transportation leasing fund. Prior to that, he was Cambridge Associate’s first Head of Private Credit, and chaired that firm’s Credit Investment Committee. He began his career in private credit in 2005 as Head of Research and Underwriting for LBC Credit Partners, now CIFC’s direct lending unit.
He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a MALD from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Why do 90% of heirs walk away from their parents’ advisor?
Robert Curtiss welcomes Natasha Kennedy, a former Wall Street professional turned mental health therapist, to explore why the Great Wealth Transfer is at risk of becoming the Great Disconnect.
With $124 trillion poised to change hands in the next two decades, this episode tackles the emotional, behavioral, and generational blind spots advisors must navigate to retain relationships across family lines.
Expect insights on:
- Why wealth transfer isn’t just about documents and dollars
- How silence, secrecy, and emotional discomfort disrupt legacy
- Small, powerful actions advisors can take to build trust with heirs
- What younger generations actually want from a financial advisor
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- The Five Pillars of Performance with PJ Nestler (Ep. 59)
- “The Comfort Crisis” by Michael Easter
- “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason
- Let’s Communicate Before We’re Gone with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 31)
- From Denial to Deliberate: Planning for Life’s Final Moments with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 42)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Natasha Kennedy:
- LinkedIn: Natasha Kennedy
- Citron Hennessey Therapy
About Our Guest:
Natasha believes that growth is inevitable for those who patiently seek it. She also knows that change is usually messy, non-linear, and almost always uncomfortable. Said differently, she is profoundly aware of the vulnerability and trust required to explore the intricacies and contradictions of your inner world with another person. Natasha’s ultimate goal is to provide you with a warm and compassionate space to engage in this work together.
Natasha, perhaps unexpectedly, spent the first decade of her career working in finance. Along this journey, she received her MBA from Columbia Business School. Prior to this, she received her BA in English and Psychology from Georgetown University, where her interest in storytelling and the human condition truly began. She is now pursuing her Master’s in Counseling and Mental Health from Northwestern University.
Her therapeutic style draws from several theories, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy. It is extremely important to her that she tailors her therapeutic approach to best fit your individual needs, timeline, and desired outcome. It is her privilege to be entrusted with your story, and she commends you for courageously stepping toward the life you want for yourself.
Is private equity still worth it, and can everyday investors finally get access without the complexity?
Robert Curtiss, CFP,® welcomes back Phil Huber, Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions at Cliffwater, to unpack the rise of evergreen private equity funds, an innovation reshaping the private investing landscape.
Phil explains how Cliffwater’s newly launched Evergreen Private Equity Index is giving advisors better visibility into performance, while opening doors for accredited and even unaccredited investors to tap into long-term private market strategies.
Expect an honest look at tradeoffs, manager due diligence, and the evolution of access, with a side of market context as the AI boom and public market concentration unfold.
What to expect:
- Why private equity has outperformed public markets over time
- How evergreen structures are simplifying access for investors
- What Cliffwater’s new index reveals about fund performance and dispersion
- Key factors that determine success or failure in private equity portfolios
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- How to Build a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 70)
- Navigating Alternative Investments with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep. 55)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Phil Huber:
- LinkedIn: Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®
- Bps and pieces | Incremental Investing Insight with Phil Huber
About Our Guest:
Phil is a Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions for Cliffwater, based in their Chicago office. In this role, Phil leverages his prior experience as a wealth management CIO to produce and curate investment research, advise on product strategy and positioning for the firm’s growing platform, and help establish and strengthen relationships with the nation’s leading wealth management firms.
Prior to joining Cliffwater, Phil was the Chief Investment Officer for Savant Wealth Management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, has attained his Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
As markets surge on the backs of the Magnificent Seven, are investors missing what’s happening off the radar?
Robert Curtiss, CFP®, is joined by Andrew Hull, CFA, Vice President and ETF Strategist at First Trust, to unpack overlooked investment opportunities that may hold stronger long-term value than today’s most-hyped tech names.
Andrew explains how today’s market is historically concentrated and why that creates risk and opportunity. From the reshoring of American industry to massive grid upgrades and the rise of water-cooled data centers, this conversation clarifies themes that may shape the future of returns.
What to expect in this episode:
- How AI’s energy demand is disrupting grid infrastructure planning
- Why tariffs and trade policy are driving a rebirth of U.S. manufacturing
- The surprising institutions most vulnerable to cyberattacks
- How water usage is becoming a critical factor in chip and data center expansion
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Andrew Hull:
LinkedIn: Andrew Hull, CFA
About Our Guest:
Andrew Hull is a seasoned financial professional with a robust background in exchange-traded funds and commercial banking. Currently serving as Vice President and ETF Strategist at First Trust, he has cultivated a deep understanding of monetary authorities and central banking dynamics. With over a decade of experience at First Trust, including roles as an Economic Analyst, Andrew has demonstrated a strong commitment to financial strategy and analysis. Prior to this, he held a Vice President position at Columbia Bank, where he honed his skills in commercial banking. Andrew graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics, which laid the foundation for his analytical expertise. His career reflects a blend of strategic leadership and technical financial acumen, positioning him as a valuable asset in the finance sector. He is particularly interested in the intersection of finance and emerging technologies, aiming to leverage innovative solutions in investment strategies. Andrew’s professional journey exemplifies adaptability and a dedication to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving industry.
When electricity demand in the U.S. hit a record-breaking high on July 28th, 2025, it wasn’t a blip; it was a signal.
In this powerful follow-up to Episodes 69 and 78, Robert Curtiss welcomes back Michael Underhill, founder and CIO of Capital Innovations, to unpack the megatrends shaping the future of investing.
From surging AI-driven capital expenditures to the multi-trillion-dollar rebuild of America’s power grid, Michael outlines why infrastructure is no longer a “nice to have” but an essential portfolio diversifier. He explores how interest rate cycles, inflation, and the evolving definition of risk are impacting investor behavior and how private infrastructure may offer consistent returns, lower volatility, and true non-correlation in today’s concentrated markets.
What to expect:
- Why is electricity demand rising faster than forecasted?
- The three infrastructure megatrends to watch through 2050
- How to think like an institutional investor with alternatives
- The real reason private infrastructure may outperform in downturns
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- The Role of Infrastructure in a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Matthew Moreno and Jake Kelsall (Ep. 69)
- The Ongoing Demand for Infrastructure Investments (Ep. 78)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Michael Underhill:
- Capital Innovations
- LinkedIn: Michael Underhill
About Our Guest:
Michael Underhill is the Chief Investment Officer of Capital Innovations, a firm focused on infrastructure, energy, and ESG-aligned strategies. With decades of investment experience, Michael brings a deep understanding of macro trends and emerging opportunities in private and public markets. His team manages infrastructure-focused portfolios designed to align long-term capital with long-term value creation.
What happens when public markets no longer provide the diversification they once promised? In this episode, Robert Curtiss, CFP®, is joined by Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute, to explore the tectonic shifts transforming private markets.
Tony shares insights from decades of experience working with institutional capital, family offices, and advisors. He breaks down the evolution of private equity, real estate debt, and evergreen structures and why today’s investors may be missing out on an illiquidity premium worth 3–5% per year.
From secondaries to real estate, digital infrastructure to target-date funds, this conversation offers a masterclass in building smarter portfolios in an uncertain world.
What to expect in this episode:
- Why diversification is broken and what’s replacing it
- The rise of evergreen investment structures for individuals
- How institutions use illiquidity to their advantage
- What 401(k) plans and retirement models could look like soon
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- “Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity, Private Credit, and Private Real Estate” by Tony Davidow
- “The cost of being too liquid” by Tony Davidow & Priya Thakur
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Tony Davidow:
- LinkedIn: Tony Davidow, CIMA®
- Franklin Templeton
About Our Guest:
Tony Davidow is responsible for developing and delivering the Franklin Templeton Institute’s insights on the role and use of alternative investments through independent research, participating in industry conferences, webinars and engaging directly with key partners and clients. He also serves as the host of the Alternative Allocations podcast series. The Franklin Templeton Institute harnesses the depth and breadth of the firm’s global investment expertise and extensive in-house research capabilities to deliver unique investment insights to our clients.
Prior to his current role, Davidow was retained by Franklin Templeton to develop a comprehensive Alternative Investment educational program for financial advisors. He previously held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim, and Schwab, among other firms. Davidow began his career working for a New York-based family office and has worked directly with many institutions and ultra-high-net-worth families over the years. He is a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation, and portfolio construction, as well as goals-based investing.
It’s the dog days of summer, but the market hasn’t gone to sleep.
Robert Curtiss welcomes back frequent guest Miles Clark from Dorsey Wright for a timely conversation on where we are and where we might be headed.
From all-time market highs to yellow-flag participation levels, this episode dives into the realities behind performance, volatility, and how history favors the long view.
You’ll hear:
- Why staying invested may beat trying to time the market
- A 70+ year study that shows the power of consistent participation
- What sector strength and declining breadth are signaling now
- The surprising leadership of international equities and green energy
- And more!
Resources:
- Reading The Market’s Pulse: Breadth, Signals, And Smart Strategy with Miles Clark (Ep. 74)
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- 2025 Midyear Outlook from Dorsey Wright
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Miles Clark :
- LinkedIn: Miles Clark
- Nasdaq Dorsey Wright
About Our Guest:
Miles currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. Since 1987, DWA has been a recognized expert in relative strength and momentum through the application of Point & Figure (XO) charting, as well as a thought leader in tactical portfolio construction.
Miles joined the DWA team as an intern in 2021 and now creates technical-based analysis and client-facing research in the firm’s Daily Market Analysis segment, with more focused coverage in the communication services, industrials, and cryptocurrency spaces. Other areas of involvement to note include supplementing broad-based technical indicators and research projects, and the creation of weekly media distributed to prospective clients.
Markets have been anything but predictable in 2025, yet resilience continues to surprise investors.
In this midyear outlook episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Peter Repetto, Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, to unpack where the economy stands and where it may be heading next.
With deep insights drawn from Peter’s team-wide strategy review, they explore how markets are absorbing trade volatility, policy shifts, and inflation risks and why there’s room for optimism. They also dive into key opportunities across both public and private markets, including middle-market buyouts, infrastructure, and asset-based lending.
What to expect in this episode:
- Why “American exceptionalism” may still hold firm
- What risks to watch for in the second half of 2025
- Where private market opportunities are gaining traction
- How to approach portfolio allocation in a data-driven, uncertain world
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- iCapital Market Pulse: Mid-Year Outlook: Top of mind questions for investors in 2H ’25
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Peter Repetto:
- LinkedIn: Peter Repetto
- iCapital
About Our Guest:
Peter is a Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, focusing on developing and delivering research, investment ideas, and thought leadership content for external and internal audiences on behalf of iCapital’s Investment Strategy team. Prior to joining the firm, Peter spent over eight years at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he contributed to their asset allocation strategy and macroeconomic research. Peter holds a BA in Economics from Fairfield University.
A power shift is underway. And it is not just political or technological.
In this episode of The Millionaire Next Door, host Robert Curtiss sits down with Michael Underhill, Chief Investment Officer at Capital Innovations, to explore the seismic transformation in infrastructure and energy investing.
With humor, historical context, and deep industry insight, Michael compares this moment to Led Zeppelin’s debut, when a once-niche phenomenon suddenly became the main event. The episode unpacks the $112 trillion global energy transition, the exponential rise of AI-fueled electricity demand, and how public and private capital must unite to power the next generation of growth.
Expect insight into:
- Why energy demand is expected to jump 14x by 2030
- The accelerating rise of nuclear, natural gas, and methane recapture
- How digital infrastructure (data centers, 5G, fiber) is reshaping investing
- Why the U.S. infrastructure report card is a wake-up call and an opportunity
This conversation is more than a forecast. It is a call to understand the world you are retiring into and how to invest in what is coming next.
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Michael Underhill:
- Capital Innovations
- LinkedIn: Michael Underhill
About Our Guest:
Michael Underhill is the Chief Investment Officer of Capital Innovations, a firm focused on infrastructure, energy, and ESG-aligned strategies. With decades of investment experience, Michael brings a deep understanding of macro trends and emerging opportunities in private and public markets. His team manages infrastructure-focused portfolios designed to align long-term capital with long-term value creation.
In today’s financial world, headlines shift by the hour, and uncertainty feels like the new norm.
But what if this volatile environment is actually full of opportunity?
In this insightful episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Zachary Levenick, a seasoned hedge fund executive turned family office investor, about why today’s market isn’t just chaotic, it’s promising. From his global experience managing funds in New York, London, and Latin America, Zach shares his perspective on why volatility may actually signal better potential returns, if you know where to look.
They explore everything from small-cap inefficiencies and underpriced opportunities to the dangers of chasing overvalued giants. Plus, Zach shares why he’s cautious on private credit and where the democratization of alternatives is heading next.
What to expect in this episode:
- Why wide outcome ranges can unlock better returns
- What most investors miss about market cycles and timing
- Where public and private market inefficiencies are hiding
- How individual investors can access institutional-quality alternatives
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Zachary Levenick:
- THG Securities Advisors, LLC.
- (626) 765-9950
- ir@thgsallc.com
About Our Guest:
Before joining THG, Mr. Levenick was a Principal of Taconic Capital Partners, LP (“Taconic”), a multi-billion dollar New York-based private investment firm. Mr. Levenick co-managed the firm’s London-based European operations and was Portfolio Manager for European Equities investing, where focus areas included consumer products, retail, and general industries. He also established and oversaw Taconic’s public and private investment efforts in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, where focus areas included education and logistics. While at Taconic, Mr. Levenick also developed extensive experience in special situations and cross-asset class investing. Mr. Levenick spent 18 years at Taconic, after joining the firm in 2002 as a research associate. Before his career at Taconic, Mr. Levenick worked at J.P. Morgan in investment banking.
Mr. Levenick is a former Director of Barnes and Noble Education (NYSE: BNED).
Mr. Levenick graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude with a degree in History and Literature (Medieval). He resides with his family in Southern California. They support a number of educational, outdoor, and local philanthropies in the US and UK.
With public markets still shaky despite recent rebounds, many investors are looking for more stability, without sacrificing returns.
In this timely episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with Mark Gatto, co-founder and co-CEO of CION Investments, to unpack how private credit and infrastructure investing can offer stable, reliable alternatives for individual investors.
They discuss the growing accessibility of alternative investments, the yield potential of private credit, and why “boring” may be the new smart in today’s market. Mark also shares how CION’s platform was designed specifically for individual investors, unlike most institutions that only cater to the ultra-wealthy.
What to expect from this episode:
- Why the majority of high-performing companies are still private—and how to access them
- How regulatory changes post-2008 created opportunity in private credit
- The appeal of yield-focused alternatives in a volatile equity environment
- What to look for when choosing private market managers
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Mark Gatto:
- LinkedIn: Mark Gatto
- CION Investments
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Mark Gatto is Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Co-President of CION Investment Group, CION Investment Corporation (CIC), and CION Grosvenor Infrastructure Fund.
He is also a Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund (CADC). Mr. Gatto serves on the investment committee of CIC and the investment allocation committee of CADC.
Mr. Gatto joined CION in 1999. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Acquisitions Officer from May 2007 through January 2008. He served as Executive Vice President of Business Development from May 2006 through May 2007 and Vice President of Marketing from August 2005 through February 2006. He was also Associate General Counsel from November 1999 until October 2000.
Previously, Mr. Gatto was an executive for a leading international product development and marketing company from 2000 through 2003. Later, he co-founded a specialty business-consulting firm in New York City, where he served as its managing partner before re-joining CION in 2005. He was also an attorney in private practice prior to joining the firm.
Mr. Gatto received an M.B.A. from the W. Paul Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University, a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, and a B.S. from Montclair State University.
It’s not if you’ll face identity theft, it’s when.
In this powerful episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with seasoned trial attorney Robert Brennan, an experienced professional in identity theft cases, to unpack the alarming realities of this modern-day crime. From fraud rings targeting disaster victims to the surprising statistic that nearly every American’s data is already on the dark web, Brennan delivers a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they’re immune.
You’ll hear real-life stories of how identity theft happens, often from the people you trust most, and learn practical, actionable steps to safeguard your financial life. Robert also shares essential insights on the legal remedies available when the unthinkable happens, and why building a strong team of trusted professionals can make all the difference.
What to expect from this episode:
- The top misconceptions about identity theft—and the hard truths
- Why monitoring your credit is no longer optional
- How to protect elderly family members from scams
- Why vigilance and proactive action are your best defence
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Robert Brennan:
- LinkedIn: Bob Brennan
- Law Offices of Robert F. Brennan, APC
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Southern California’s leading law firm in consumer protection law and serious personal injury cases. Robert Brennan is a trial attorney, setting him apart from about 98% of practicing attorneys who don’t want to take cases to trial. He has successfully tried several serious personal injury cases and has a series of 7-figure verdicts and settlements. He also has seven-figure and high-six-figure results in Fair Credit Reporting Act cases (false information on credit reports), Identity Theft cases, and Lemon Law cases (defective cars, boats, RVs, and motorcycles that the manufacturer cannot fix under warranty). The firm reviews most cases free of charge to see if they can assist. 99% of the practice is in the greater Southern California area.
What do market recoveries, pilot training, and emotional discipline have in common?
In volatile times, they all remind us that trusting your instruments and your process can make all the difference.
In this quarterly market check-in, host Robert Curtiss, CFP®, welcomes back recurring guest Miles Clark of Dorsey Wright to unpack what’s happening beneath the surface of recent market turbulence. From sector rotations to investor behavior, this episode brings clarity without the noise.
Here’s what you can expect to learn by listening:
- Why the S&P’s recent rebound may be masking deeper shifts in market breadth and volatility
- What a 50-year data point reveals about average returns versus real-life experience
- How international equities and commodities are quietly gaining strength—and what that could mean for portfolios
- What it takes to stay objective and clear-headed when fear and headlines start to take over
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- How To Cut Through Modern-Day Financial Noise with Gary Sinderbrand (Ep. 72)
- Financial Trends to Watch in 2025 with Miles Clark (Ep. 66)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Miles Clark :
- LinkedIn: Miles Clark
- Nasdaq Dorsey Wright
About Our Guest:
Miles currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. Since 1987, DWA has been a recognized expert in relative strength and momentum through the application of Point & Figure (XO) charting, as well as a thought leader in tactical portfolio construction.
Miles joined the DWA team as an intern in 2021 and now creates technical-based analysis and client-facing research in the firm’s Daily Market Analysis segment, with more focused coverage in the communication services, industrials, and cryptocurrency spaces. Other areas of involvement to note include supplementing broad-based technical indicators and research projects, and the creation of weekly media distributed to prospective clients.
Where is the economy headed amidst all this uncertainty?
Well, who better to ask than a Senior Economist!
Robert Curtiss sits down with Strider Elass, a Senior Economist from First Trust, to navigate the financial landscape we’re seeing so far in 2025. They discuss the implications of recent policy decisions, historic market volatility, and what they could mean for your investments.
Other key conversation points include:
- The impact of COVID-19 shutdowns and subsequent policy decisions on the current economic climate [04:17]
- The “payback period” we’re entering due to recent economic stimuli [04:55]
- The role of the Magnificent Seven companies in stock market fluctuations [08:39]
- The transformative power of AI across different sectors, reminiscent of the dot-com boom [11:09]
- Strategies for navigating economic slowdowns and the importance of diversification in uncertain times [18:13]
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Strider Elass:
- LinkedIn: Strider Elass
- First Trust
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Strider Elass is Senior Economist and part of the First Trust Economics Team that Bloomberg has consistently ranked as one of the top forecasters of the U.S. economy over the past decade plus.
At First Trust, Strider is responsible for analyzing economic indicators, writing economic commentaries, and building content. In 2022, The First Trust Economic Team was rated the Most Accurate Economic Forecasters in the United States by Consensus Economics.
The team also won multiple Gold Medals from Financial Advisor IQ in both 2020 and 2021 for Macro Commentary, overall content, and commentary and was also rated 2nd for Thought Leadership by Fuse Research.
The First Trust Economics Team has been awarded the “Crystal Ball Award” by Zillow® in partnership with Pulsenomics over multiple years for accurate home price predictions. In 2017, First Trust’s thought leadership material was ranked as number one for most read and most shared by financial professionals with colleagues or clients in the “Top 10 Financial Providers for Thought Leadership Activity.”
Strider was instrumental in researching for the book, It’s Not As Bad As You Think, published in 2009 by First Trust’s Chief Economist, Brian Wesbury. Strider’s contribution to the team’s success goes beyond his research responsibilities. He is also a highly sought-after speaker and regularly presents at broker and retail events across the country and abroad, sharing his experience with a wide audience.
In a world filled with financial noise, how do you know which signals actually matter?
Join Robert Curtiss as he chats with Gary Sinderbrand, a seasoned financial professional with roots going back to their days at Merrill Lynch.
They unravel years of insights on keeping your financial journey on track. Delving into tales from the trading floor to personal anecdotes from the ski slopes, Curtiss and Sinderbrand uncover strategies for managing financial anxieties and the importance of a disciplined, rules-based approach.
Key discussion points include:
- Navigating financial fear in today’s world [00:05:00]
- Effective strategies for overcoming biases in investing [00:07:00]
- The significance of process and discipline in wealth management [00:31:00]
- Analyzing market signals amidst the noise [00:33:00]
- Real-world examples of market volatility and client management [00:41:00]
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- If the Public Only Knew Podcast with Gary Sinderbrand
Connect with Gary Sinderbrand:
- LinkedIn: Gary Sinderbrand
- BetterPath Training
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Gary Sinderbrand brings a rare combination of elite production experience and transformative training expertise to your doorstep. As the co-creator of the influential Payne-Sinderbrand Program at Merrill Lynch—which helped shaped the careers of over 12,000 Financial Advisors—he has a proven ability to develop systems that drive extraordinary results at scale.
Gary’s journey spans decades as both a top-tier producer and a practice management innovator. This dual perspective allows him to see opportunities others miss and implement strategies others can’t teach because they haven’t lived them.
At BetterPath Training, we meet you exactly where you are. For next-generation advisors building books from scratch, Gary provides battle-tested client acquisition methodologies that bypass years of costly trial and error. For seasoned FAs preparing for succession, you can expect comprehensive frameworks for legacy planning, revenue optimization, and workload management that protect the practice you’ve worked so hard to build.
Your path to exceptional results starts with exceptional guidance. That’s the BetterPath promise.
Who is the man behind the mic?
In today’s episode, we pull back the curtain on Robert Curtiss’s journey—from a public policy graduate to a trusted financial advisor. Along the way, he shares hard-earned lessons on diligence, adaptability, and finding harmony between career and personal life.
Robert dives into the intersection of marriage and money, emphasizing the power of shared values, mutual respect, patience, and flexibility in building a strong financial foundation with your partner.
Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, real-life experience, and practical advice on navigating life’s biggest milestones—without sacrificing financial security or personal fulfillment.
Key takeaways include:
- His childhood journey and financial ambition. [02:33]
- The pivotal role of discipline and curiosity in his career. [13:39]
- Effective financial habits for twenty-somethings. [16:49]
- Balancing present joys with future savings. [20:00]
- Navigating finances in relationships. [23:40]
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Are you ready to unlock the potential of alternative investments in your portfolio?
Join Robert Curtiss as he sits down with repeat guest Phil Huber from Cliffwater to explore the dynamic world of alternative investments.
The episode delves into the benefits of diversification, the current volatility in global markets, and the strategic role of private debt and equity. Discover why modern investors can’t afford to ignore these opportunities and how they’ve helped portfolios remain robust amidst market uncertainty.
Other key discussions include:
- Broad asset allocation outlook and capital market assumptions [00:01:52]
- The role and expectations of traditional versus private asset classes [00:05:22]
- Differences in stock valuation between US and non-US stocks [00:05:53]
- Performance insights and misconceptions about private markets [00:22:17]
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Navigating Alternative Investments with Phil Huber, CFA, CFP® (Ep.55)
Connect with Phil Huber:
- LinkedIn: Phil Huber, CFA, CFP®
- Bps and pieces | Incremental Investing Insight with Phil Huber
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Phil is a Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Solutions for Cliffwater, based in their Chicago office. In this role, Phil leverages his prior experience as a wealth management CIO to produce and curate investment research, advise on product strategy and positioning for the firm’s growing platform, and help establish and strengthen relationships with the nation’s leading wealth management firms.
Prior to joining Cliffwater, Phil was the Chief Investment Officer for Savant Wealth Management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, has attained his Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
What if you could tap into the infrastructure of tomorrow, today?
As Americans, it’s fair to say that some of our infrastructure and urban grids are outdated and must be invested in and updated. How can you incorporate infrastructure in your portfolio?
Join Robert Curtiss and portfolio managers Matthew Moreno and Jake Kelsall from StepStone Group as they unpack the robust world of private infrastructure. From bustling airports to critical utilities and the intricacies of renewable energies, this episode uncovers why private capital is taking the reins from government efforts in evolving our global infrastructure.
- Discussing Overlooked Opportunities: Tap into the vast potential of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure assets across the globe. [04:00]
- Navigating Infrastructure Demand: Explore how key sectors are experiencing rapid growth, driven by electrification and globalization. [09:23]
- Investing Strategies and Risk Management: Learn how StepStone opens the infrastructure asset class to all scale investors and manages the inherent risks. [15:19]
- Correlation and Resilience: Discover the relative resilience of infrastructure investments despite global economic disruptions. [25:36]
- Portfolio Diversification: Understand how adding infrastructure could fortify your portfolio against inflation and market volatility. [31:39]
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with StepStone Group:
- StepStone Group
- LinkedIn: Jake Kelsall, CFA
About StepStone Group:
StepStone Group explores, evolves, and solves with its partners and clients, bringing together diverse specialists and perspectives to cover all of the private markets — uncovering what others may not. StepStone has a unique way of seeing, thinking about, and acting within the world of private markets. These attributes form the foundation of how the firm collaborates and helps clients succeed.
StepStone fosters an environment where everyone feels informed, confident, and empowered to act, applying their curiosity and skills to solve even the most complex challenges. The firm is deeply immersed in data, understanding that intelligence is everything — from the source and quality of data to the advanced tools used to analyze it. StepStone’s rigor, transparency, and proprietary technology yield sharper insights, which in turn inform better strategies and decisions.
Reaching and realizing the most compelling opportunities requires a platform with true breadth and depth, spanning all asset classes, strategies, and structures. That’s why StepStone built one — to provide greater vision, flexibility, and customization. The firm is truly global, with experts on the ground wherever its clients need to be. Now operating in 16 countries with 26 offices worldwide, StepStone’s presence attracts a powerful network of LPs and GPs, granting it distinctive views on every aspect of the private markets.
Want to know how venture capital is reshaping the future? Join us as we explore this dynamic landscape with industry experts.
Robert Curtiss, CFP®, sits down with Stephen West and Anthony Giambrone from StepStone to demystify venture capital. They explore how this dynamic sector, historically the reserve of institutions, is becoming more accessible. Discover how venture opportunities can diversify your portfolio and how the VC landscape has transformed over the past decade.
Top takeaways include:
- Difference between Private Equity and Venture Capital and why VC matters [04:58]
- Today’s VC landscape and the democratization of investment accessibility [12:38]
- Insights into innovative sectors like AI and aerospace [15:06]
- Real-world examples of tech advancements reshaping industries [18:21]
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Anthony Giambrone and Stephen West:
- LinkedIn: Anthony Giambrone
- LinkedIn: Stephen West
- StepStone Group
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guests:
Mr. Giambrone is a member of the private equity team, focusing on venture capital and growth equity investments.
Prior to joining StepStone, Mr. Giambrone was a principal with Greenspring Associates, a venture capital and growth equity investment firm that merged with StepStone in 2021. Previously, he was a senior associate at Mercato Partners, a leading growth-stage, venture capital fund based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Before that, he was an investment banking analyst with Deloitte Corporate Finance (formerly McColl Partners).
Mr. West is a member of the private equity team, focusing on venture capital and growth equity investments.
Prior to StepStone, Mr. West was a member of the research team at Greenspring Associates, a venture capital and growth equity investment firm that merged with StepStone in 2021. Prior to that, Mr. West was a technology investment associate at JMP securities focused on cybersecurity and an associate management consultant within the strategy and organization practice at Booz Allen Hamilton. Mr. West served as a human intelligence officer in the Marine Corps.
What are the mistakes you could be making when selling your home?
Host Robert Curtis sits down with Michael Bell, a seasoned real estate broker from Sotheby’s in Southern California and author of “Seller Mistakes: What You Were Never Told About Selling Your Home and Why It Should Matter to You.” Michael brings to light surprising insights and common pitfalls in the real estate industry that most sellers overlook.
Top takeaways include:
- The truth behind common real estate practices and why they might not serve your best interests [00:01:49].
- Why interviewing multiple agents is crucial for a successful home sale [00:07:09].
- Hidden dangers and diminishing returns of traditional tactics like open houses and real estate signs [00:15:35].
- How negotiating agent commission could reflect your potential sale negotiations [00:13:28].
- The importance of understanding dual agency in real estate transactions [00:27:55].
Resources:
- Amazon: Seller Mistakes: What You Were Never Told About Selling Your Home and Why It Should Matter to You by Michael Bell
- National Association of Realtors Questionnaire
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Michael Bell:
- michael.bell@sir.com
- (626) 796-4100
- LinkedIn: Michael Bell
- Website: Michael Bell
- Blog: Michael Bell
- Sotheby’s International Realty
- LinkedIn: Sotheby’s International Realty
About Our Guest:
Michael Bell is the #1 ranked residential broker with Sotheby’s International Realty – Greater Pasadena Brokerage, specializing in high-level fiduciary services for single-party seller representation and marketing to the world’s wealthiest audience. As the top 0.3% of all Sotheby’s agents in 2023, he has completed over 600 sales in his 25-year career. In addition to his role as an expert broker, Michael is a #3 Wall Street Journal Best-Selling author of Seller Mistakes and offers complimentary copies to clients and readers. He also serves as a part-time instructor at Pasadena City College and holds multiple industry designations, including GRI, CPS, and SRES.
Michael’s career path began with a BBA in Finance from Gonzaga University, progressing through roles in credit union volunteering, CMBS underwriting, and private institutional lending. After flipping homes, he founded a brokerage, later selling it to a Top 5 firm.
What does the future hold for the stock market in 2025?
Robert Curtiss chats with Miles Clark, a research analyst from Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, known for their expertise in technical analysis and momentum-based trading. Dive into the emerging financial themes of 2025 as Miles offers a glimpse into the factors impacting the market landscape, emphasizing the art of reading the ‘Weight of the Evidence’ and what that data means moving into the next quarter.
Rob and Miles discuss:
- The significance of momentum and how winners often keep winning
- The evolving role of small caps and the concerns about participation drying up
- The influence of a stronger U.S. dollar on international equities and commodities
- The importance of staying objective and focusing on long-term goals amidst market noise
Resources:
- Educational videos
- Top 3 Investment Themes to Watch for in 2025
Connect with Miles Clark:
- LinkedIn: Miles Clark
- Nasdaq
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Miles Clark currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. Since 1987, DWA has been a recognized expert in relative strength and momentum through the application of Point & Figure (XO) charting, as well as a thought leader in tactical portfolio construction.
Miles joined the DWA team as an intern in 2021 and now creates technical-based analysis and client-facing research in the firm’s Daily Market Analysis segment, with more focused coverage in the communication services, industrials, and cryptocurrency spaces. Other areas of involvement to note include supplementing broad-based technical indicators and research projects and the creation of weekly media distributed to prospective clients.
What happens when you truly listen? Are you truly listening or just waiting for your turn to speak?
Robert Curtiss speaks with Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth, about the art and power of listening. Matt, fresh off releasing his new book “Shut the F Up and Listen,” dives into the epidemic of loneliness and how improved listening skills can pave the way to deeper connections and understanding.
Discussion points include:
- The art of “Listening to Listen” and not just to respond
- Understanding the five types of communicators: skydivers, hang gliders, water skiers, snorkelers, and scuba divers
- How holding space can enhance your listening ability
- Practical exercises for honing your listening skills
- The surprisingly fun eavesdropping exercise for developing a listening focus
- And more!
Resources:
- “Shut the F Up and Listen” by Matt Halloran
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Matt Halloran:
- ProudMouth
- LinkedIn: Matt Halloran
- Twitter: Matt Halloran
- LinkedIn: ProudMouth
- Facebook: ProudMouth
- Twitter: ProudMouth
- YouTube: ProudMouth
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Matt Halloran is a co-founder and chief relationship officer at ProudMouth, the world’s leading influence accelerator for financial advisors.
Matt is an in-demand speaker who has appeared on over 1,000 podcasts and given hundreds of speeches. He hosts ProudMouth’s Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he and industry leaders empower advisors to become trusted, recognized authorities.
Matt is the author of The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors, the first social media book for financial services. His new book, “Shut the F Up and Listen,” is also available now!
How do you run a successful business without sacrificing your personal life?
Many struggle to find the answers to this question…
Robert Curtiss brings on Ilona and Takaya Brunner, a dynamic CPA duo, to share their inspiring journey and unique approach to balancing work and life as business owners. They dive into how they help fellow entrepreneurs by taking the stress out of back-office tasks so business owners can focus on what truly matters.
From building a thriving practice while enjoying family life to seamlessly managing client relationships, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable insights!
Talking points include:
- Juggling Family and Business: How Ilona and Takaya manage their CPA practice alongside family life to maintain balance
- Full-Service Client Care: Their approach to offering comprehensive support that relieves business owners from financial headaches
- The Power of Core Values: The importance of knowing your business values and using them to drive success
- Setting Profit Goals: Strategies for understanding personal and business finance to alleviate stress
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Ilona and Takaya Brunner:
- LinkedIn: Ilona Brunner
- LinkedIn: Takaya Brunner
- Brunner Accounting Group
- hello@brunneraccounting.com
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guests:
Ilona and Takaya Brunner have built a family-owned business that values their relationships with their children, clients, colleagues, and referral partners. They started Brunner Accounting to manage life and business on their terms.
Ilona’s passion for serving business owners and individuals fueled her desire to open her own practice after spending 8 years in Big Four public accounting and 3 years at a local CPA firm in Burbank. Her services include tax return preparation, tax planning and consulting, IRS and state audit assistance, bookkeeping, and business management.
Takaya helps individuals and companies draw insights from their finances and data. For the last 10 years, he has used his experience as a CPA to execute initiatives with C-level executives by bridging the gap between finance, IT, development, analytics, and business operations. He specializes in helping organizations analyze their financial statements to improve their products, processes, and governance.
As the financial world becomes increasingly interconnected, true wealth management goes beyond portfolios—it’s about clarity, relationships, and forward-thinking strategies.
Robert Curtiss and Mike Cy take us into the heart of their holistic approach to financial planning, showcasing the tools and processes that empower clients to achieve confidence in their financial futures. They uncover how cutting-edge technology and adaptability redefine wealth strategies, even in a post-COVID world, while fostering enduring, multi-generational success.
Tune in and discover how a client-first, innovation-driven approach transforms financial advisory into a tool for lasting impact!
Key topics discussed include:
- Building aligned relationships through the Fit Process
- Enhancing client experiences with high-tech onboarding strategies
- Using the Sounding Board Service for proactive financial guidance
- Simplifying complexities with the Value-Added Support Team (VAST)
- Unlocking exclusive private market opportunities with alternative investments
- Adapting virtual engagement tools for seamless client support
- Creating long-lasting multi-generational financial plans
- And much more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- How to Protect Your Loved Ones: Special Needs Trusts Explained with April Rosenberry (Ep. 60)
- The World of International Parental Abduction with Fahi Takesh Hallin (Ep. 57)
- 42 Things We Do for You
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.:
- LinkedIn: Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.
- LinkedIn: Pareto Systems
- Pareto Systems
About Our Guest:
Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services industry. Mike is a passionate and energetic leader who enjoys developing business refinement and practice management strategies and thrives on helping his clients achieve their goals.
He got his start in the industry at a large insurance marketing organization, where he consulted financial advisors across the country on product and marketing solutions for their businesses. During his time with this firm, he was introduced to Pareto Systems and began learning about the Pareto Process.
After six years of coaching and consulting advisers, Mike decided to become a financial advisor himself and built a practice with his father in Overland Park, KS. Together, they managed millions of dollars of assets and utilized various insurance-based products. Mike knew the value of creating professional contrast in an incredibly competitive marketplace and began implementing many of Pareto’s processes.
As financial markets grow more complex, the difference between a good trade and a great one lies in precision, relationships, and cutting-edge tools.
Robert Curtiss welcomes Vince Reyes, Director of Trading Operations, and Tony Nguyen, Senior Trader at SEIA, to uncover the meticulous strategies behind SEIA’s trading desk. Together, they break down how high-touch execution, trusted dealer relationships, and advanced tools drive superior client outcomes—even in volatile or illiquid markets.
So, tune in as they explore SEIA’s finely tuned trading operation, revealing how their client-first approach ensures precision and performance in every trade while adapting to an ever-changing financial landscape!
Key topics discussed include:
- Mastering high-touch trading for precision in large or illiquid orders
- Leveraging relationships with bond dealers to obtain better execution for fixed-income trades
- Using advanced tools like RFQ to achieve competitive pricing on ETF block trades
- Implementing robust compliance systems, including quarterly best execution reviews and real-time trade monitoring
- Delivering a “white-glove” client experience through tailored, relationship-driven strategies
- Insights into evolving client needs, including increasing demand for sophisticated strategies like options trading
- And much more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Vince Reyes:
- LinkedIn: Vince Reyes
- SEIA: Vincent Reyes, CMFC®, Director of Trading Operations
Connect with Tony Nguyen:
- LinkedIn: Tony Nguyen
- SEIA: Tony Nguyen, CMFC®, Senior Trader
About Our Guests:Vincent Reyes, CMFC®, is the Director of Trading Operations at SEIA. Since joining SEIA in 2007, Vincent has overseen and managed all trading operations in the Century City, Pasadena, Newport Beach, Redondo Beach, and Virginia offices. Vincent previously worked as a NASDAQ Market Maker and Proprietary Trader at two major brokerage firms from 1993 to 2007. He has handled many institutional clients, including hedge funds, pensions, and mutual funds. He has also worked directly with specialists and floor brokers on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Chicago Board of Exchange (options), and other regional exchanges. Vincent is a Bloomberg Certified user and is well-versed in using many electronic trading systems.
Tony Nguyen is the Senior Trader in the SEIA Trading Department. Tony works closely with the firm’s financial advisors and portfolio managers to provide efficient trade executions in fixed-income securities. Before joining SEIA, Tony was a trader for Banc of America Securities on the institutional fixed-income desk serving the Los Angeles and San Diego regions. His clients included Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, and insurance companies.
Private markets are no longer just for the financial elite—they’re now within reach of individual investors. But how do you make the most of this opportunity without missing out on serious growth?
This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Bob Long, CEO of StepStone Private Wealth, explains how innovative structures like evergreen funds are making it easier to access private equity, credit, real estate, and infrastructure. With features like seamless entry, daily asset valuation, and simplified tax reporting, these investments are transforming how investors build their portfolios.
Find out why diversifying into private markets is more important than ever as public company listings decline while learning how these investments could fuel growth, offer stable income, and protect against inflation.
Key topics discussed include:
- The growing accessibility of private market investments for individual investors
- Understanding the distinctions among private equity, credit, real estate, and infrastructure
- Benefits of StepStone’s evergreen funds for seamless investing
- Global trends shaping private infrastructure investments
- Key considerations for accredited investors, including liquidity and advisory collaboration
- Reasons having a financial advisor in your corner can make all the difference
- And much more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- “The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy)” by Admiral William H. McRaven
- “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know” by Adam Grant
Connect with Bob Long:
- LinkedIn: Bob Long
- StepStone Group
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Bob Long is the CEO of StepStone Private Wealth. Bob has three decades of experience in the private markets and has led investment teams for global firms in both the general partner and limited partner roles. He has served as the CEO of two publicly traded companies focused on expanding private market access for high-net-worth investors.
Prior to joining StepStone, Bob was the CEO of OHA Investment Corporation, a publicly traded specialty finance company. Previously, he co-founded Conversus Capital, the largest publicly traded fund of third-party private equity funds with $3 billion of AUM, and served as its CEO. Previously, Bob led Bank of America’s $7 billion strategic capital division. Early in his career, Bob served as the lead in-house counsel for a large portion of Bank of America’s Investment Banking Division and worked as a securities lawyer for a major law firm.
As the 2026 estate tax law changes inch closer, the risk of costly financial missteps is rising for those who don’t plan ahead.
Failing to act now could mean losing millions in taxes.
Robert Curtiss welcomes back April Rosenberry, Director of Estate, Tax, and Financial Planning, to offer valuable insights into the upcoming tax exemptions and what they really mean for estate owners. Together, they examine why proactive estate planning is more critical than ever—especially for families with special needs beneficiaries.
Tune in as they also explore SEIA’s unique, holistic approach, revealing how a collaborative strategy can bring peace of mind in the face of an ever-changing financial landscape.
Key topics discussed include:
- How 2026’s estate tax law changes will reduce exemptions and why early planning is critical
- The role of special needs trusts when it comes to protecting beneficiaries without losing access to government aid
- SEIA’s commitment to working with legal professionals to provide tailored, stress-free estate planning
- Why flexible trust language is vital for adapting to changing family circumstances
- How a proactive, all-inclusive approach can secure your family’s long-term financial stability
- And much more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Safeguard Your Wealth: Unraveling the Complexities of Estate Planning with April Rosenberry (Ep. 46)
- Rainman
Connect with April Rosenberry:
- LinkedIn: April C. Rosenberry, JD, LL.M. in Taxation
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
April Rosenberry has been a tax attorney for over 25 years. With Bar licenses in California and New York, April specializes in estate planning, company structuring, and litigation. She has represented banks and corporations in court, earning recognition and numerous awards.
April excels in developing departments for companies, expanding client offerings, and managing legal teams in law firms, financial institutions, and wealth advisory firms. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CSUN in 1995, a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 1998, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from USD School of Law in 1999.
Recognized in Modern Luxury magazine, April has received a Trifecta Award and is designated a Five Star Professional. She contributes to scholarly articles for the American Bar Association and the ACFLS Journal, in addition to speaking engagements and pro bono work for Wills for Heroes. A member of various associations, she enjoys yoga, performing arts, and traveling with her family.
Have you ever found yourself saying, “I’m not a runner” or “I can’t”?
We’ve all been there.
But this episode of The Millionaire Next Door is about identifying these limiting beliefs to ultimately embrace and enhance our lives!
Tune in as Rob Curtiss explores these concepts with PJ Nestler from XPT Life. They unveil how holistic strategies can impact our financial and personal success while uncovering insights on financial planning, breaking mental barriers, and adopting a growth mindset for a more fulfilling life.
Talking points include:
- How limiting beliefs can restrain our potential and ways to overcome them
- Leveraging a growth mindset to enhance resilience and perseverance in all areas of life
- Exploring the relationship between holistic health practices and overall performance
- Strategies for integrating these concepts into our financial planning and personal development journey
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- “The Comfort Crisis” by Michael Easter
- “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Connect with PJ Nestler:
- LinkedIn: PJ Nestler
- YouTube: Coach PJ Nestler
- XPT Life
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
PJ Nestler enjoys solving complex problems, building systems for organizational leadership, and democratizing comprehensive methodologies from human performance into frameworks and tools to empower fitness professionals and consumers. In his current role as the Vice President of Performance at FitLab Inc., he is responsible for building education curriculums and translating the world’s best training systems from iconic athletes into authentic and exciting consumer experiences.
PJ is a human performance specialist, international speaker, educator, and coach with extensive experience preparing the world’s top athletes for competition. During his 18+ years in the industry, he’s trained hundreds of athletes from the UFC, NFL, and NHL, along with dozens of other professional, Olympic, and collegiate sports. Over the last decade, PJ has evolved into education as a speaker and consultant in the areas of performance breathing, human performance, combat athlete preparation, mindset, and recovery working with US Military Special Operations groups, professional sports teams, and executives around the world.
A 50-basis-point rate cut has shaken up the market — so what does that mean for your investments?
With 11-12 rate hikes since March 2020 and a rapidly evolving economic landscape, uncertainty looms. The key to staying ahead lies in understanding how different assets respond to these shifts.
This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Rob Curtiss teams up with Miles Clark from Nasdaq Dorsey Wright to reveal the strategies and tools you need to navigate the current economic landscape with confidence.
Key Highlights:
- The Impact of Rate Cuts: While rate cuts stimulate the economy, the effect varies across asset classes — fixed-income tends to benefit, while equities may face mixed outcomes depending on economic strength
- Technical Analysis & Relative Strength: Learn how Dorsey Wright’s point-and-figure charting can help you identify market leaders, much like selecting top athletes for a fantasy team
- Market Participation & Seasonality: The months of November and December are typically strong, and broadening market participation is a positive sign for 2024
- Investment Discipline: A systematic, rules-based approach becomes essential during periods of uncertainty, particularly with an election on the horizon. Sticking to a disciplined strategy can help investors focus on long-term success, filtering out short-term noise
- And much more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Unpacking Today’s Market Trends with Will Gibson (Ep. 52)
- Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Market Trends with Will Gibson (Ep. 49)
- Process-Oriented Financial Insights For Long-term Success with Will Gibson (Ep. 47)
Connect with Miles Clark:
- LinkedIn: Miles Clark
- Nasdaq Dorsey Wright
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Miles Clark is a recognized expert in technical research at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, specializing in point-and-figure charting and relative strength analysis. His years of experience have helped investors navigate complex market dynamics with confidence, making him a trusted voice in the industry.
International parental abduction sounds like something reserved for Netflix documentaries.
But unfortunately, it’s more common than you think.
In this installment of The Millionaire Next Door, Rob Curtiss dives into the complex world of international parental abduction with family law expert Fahi Takesh Hallin, a partner at Harris Ginsburg LLP. Fahi shares knowledge and various real-life scenarios regarding this often-overlooked area, providing you with vital information on how to safeguard against child abduction and what to do if it occurs.
Rob and Fahi discuss:
- The intricacies of the Hague International Abduction Convention and its role in resolving international child abduction cases
- Red flags that may signal a possible abduction and practical steps parents can take to prevent it
- The legal process for seeking the return of a child and the exceptions that might prevent their return
- Practical advice on drafting travel agreements and understanding the importance of timely legal actions
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Understanding the Hague Convention
- International Parental Abduction
- Travel.State.Gov
- U.S. Department of State
Connect with Fahi Takesh Hallin:
- LinkedIn: Fahi Takesh Hallin
- FHallin@Harris-Ginsberg.com
- Phone: 310-444-6333 ext. 318
- Harris Ginsburg LLP
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Fahi Takesh Hallin is a Partner at family law firm Harris Ginsberg LLP. She has focused on family law for nearly 30 years. Recognized as a Southern California Rising Star by Los Angeles Magazine from 2006 to 2009, she has been named a Super Lawyer annually since 2010.
Fahi is a part of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and has extensive experience in international family law. She has lectured at Continuing Legal Education seminars, served as a Mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Court, and chaired the Family Law Section of the Santa Monica Bar Association in 2006. Fahi has been listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2011 and was named one of the Top Women Attorneys in Southern California by Los Angeles Magazine in 2012, a title she continues to hold.
Many believe that once you no longer need or can afford your life insurance policy, your only option is to let it lapse or surrender it for its cash value.
But there’s a better way – life settlements!
This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss sits down with Rob Haynie, the Managing Director of Life Insurance Settlements, Inc., to discuss the concept of life settlements and how they can provide a financial alternative for policyholders.
Tune in and discover what a life settlement is, the key factors that influence its value, and how it could potentially turn your outdated policy into a blooming financial asset.
Episode talking points include:
- The basics of what a life settlement is and how it applies to life insurance policies that are no longer needed or affordable
- How insurance policies are evaluated and what factors can influence their market value
- Real-life scenarios where clients benefited from choosing a life settlement over surrendering or lapsing their policies
- The evolving life settlement market and how new regulations and investor interest are shaping its future
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- The Art of Understanding Fear with Kristen Ulmer (Ep. 54)
- Unlocking the Hidden Value of Your Life Insurance Podcast
Connect with Rob Haynie:
- Life Insurance Settlements, Inc
- LinkedIn: Rob Haynie
- X (Twitter): Rob Haynie
- Instagram: Rob Haynie
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
For over 30 years, Rob Haynie has been a prominent figure in the life settlement industry, currently serving as the Owner and Managing Director of Life Insurance Settlements, Inc., a leading life settlement brokerage. He is also a member of Forbes Councils, a mentor at InsuranceWebX, and frequently speaks at global forums on life settlements.
Rob’s mission is to assist individuals in understanding the value of their existing life insurance policies and to offer them a viable option to sell these policies for cash rather than surrendering or letting them lapse. He has been recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential People in Life Settlements by The Life Settlement Review and by his peers. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors and the public policy council of the Life Insurance Settlement Association, the trade organization for the life settlement industry. His extensive expertise encompasses retirement, financial planning, public speaking, social media networking, and insurance.
Private equity might sound complex, but it simply means investing in companies that aren’t listed on public stock exchanges.
Are you ready to uncover the world of private equity and alternative investments?
This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss, CFP®, welcomes Phil Huber from Cliffwater to explore the fascinating world of private equity and alternative investments.
Tune in as they cover the potential advantages of private investments while mentioning ways they can represent a valuable addition to a well-rounded portfolio, especially for those seeking a work-optional lifestyle.
Rob and Phil discuss:
- The dynamics between public and private equity markets and why private equity is becoming increasingly attractive
- The evolution of Cliffwater and its commitment to providing accessible, diversified private debt and equity opportunities
- Some intricacies of alternative investments, including co-investments and secondary transactions
- Insights into how even the ‘millionaire next door’ can benefit from sophisticated investment strategies historically reserved for large institutions
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Is Private Lending the Future of Investments? with Phil Hasbrouck (Ep. 35)
Connect with Phil Huber:
- LinkedIn: Phil Huber
- Cliffwater
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Prior to joining Cliffwater, Phil was the Chief Investment Officer for Savant Wealth Management. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, has attained his Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation, and is a member of the CFA Society of Chicago.
Phil has been featured in a number of notable media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, InvestmentNews, CityWire RIA Magazine, and Bloomberg TV. From 2018-2020, he was named one of Investopedia’s Top Financial Advisors. Phil was also named CIO of the Year by RIA Intel in 2023.
Think fear holds you back?
Think again. The real obstacle isn’t fear itself but your relationship with it.
Much like the Olympians who are gearing up for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, Kristen Ulmer, a thought leader and former world-class extreme skier, has worked through her fair share of fear and anxiety leading up to big moments.
This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Kristen and Rob Curtiss dive into mastering your relationship with fear. Get ready to gain valuable insights into how the principles she learned over her life and now teaches can provide a unique perspective on managing fear, overcoming obstacles, and entering a flow state to make smarter life and financial decisions.
Rob and Kristen discuss:
- Kristen’s background in professional skiing and how it shaped her understanding of fear
- Understanding the different types of fear and how it presents itself
- The role of fear and anxiety in decision-making both in life and investments
- How to transform fear into a powerful ally rather than something to be conquered
- Tips on developing a healthy relationship with fear to enhance overall well-being
- And so much more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- “The Art of Fear” by Kristen Ulmer
Connect with Kristen Ulmer:
- KristenUlmer.com
- Instagram: Kristen Ulmer
- Facebook: Kristen Ulmer
- LinkedIn: Kristen Ulmer
- Phone: (385) 355-4176
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Kristen Ulmer is a thought leader, high-performance facilitator, and fear/anxiety expert who draws from her tenure as the Hall of Fame’s most ‘fearless’ woman extreme skier in the world for 12 years, from studying Zen for 15 years, and from facilitating over ten thousand clients on the subjects of fear, anxiety and achieving flow states.
Her remarkable work has been featured in such media as NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, Tim Ferriss’s Tribe of Mentors, The Robb Report, The Megyn Kelly Show, over 150 podcasts, and many more. Kristen is now also an author, having published her book, The Art of Fear: Why Conquering Fear Won’t Work and What to Do Instead, which radically challenges existing norms about what to do about this misunderstood emotion.
From discussing the world’s top countries by GDP to tips for elevating your morning routine, this week’s episode is all about what’s on the mind of your host, Rob Curtiss.
In this installment of the Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Rob dives into a detailed analysis of the world’s largest economies by GDP, the intricacies of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s balance sheet expansion, and pressing concerns surrounding the future of Social Security.
So, follow along to hear about Rob’s recent outreach to clients and how he plans to build upon those relationships. (Remember to stick around to also learn more about his daily routine!)
Episode highlights include:
- The top 10 global economies by GDP and their growth rates
- The Federal Reserve’s balance sheet and its historical expansion
- The solvency projections and challenges facing Social Security
- Rob’s experience in working with and getting to know different clients
- Rob’s morning routine and tips on adopting a balanced routine for personal well-being and professional effectiveness
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- First Trust
- LinkedIn: Andy Galpin
- LinkedIn: Andrew Huberman
- LinkedIn: Matthew Walker
- LinkedIn: Richard Bernstein
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Research indicates that markets have risen approximately 75% of the time during election years since 1928.
So, what does this mean for your investing efforts today?
Join Robert Curtiss as he welcomes back Will Gibson, senior analyst with Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, to dive into today’s investment market, the impact of election cycles, and the importance of objective investing.
Tune in and hear real-life stories and data to help guide you through these times!
Rob and Will discuss:
- May market performance
- The concentration of market gains among mega-cap stocks
- The anticipated effects of the upcoming election on market volatility
- The importance of objective, rules-based investing (and why it’s wise to avoid emotional decision-making)
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Essential Steps in Estate Planning with Roger Silk (Ep. 51)
- Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape of Market Trends with Will Gibson (Ep. 49)
- Process-Oriented Financial Insights For Long-term Success with Will Gibson (Ep. 47)
- NASDAQ Composite Index
Connect with Will Gibson:
- LinkedIn: Will Gibson
- Nasdaq Dorsey Wright
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Will Gibson, CFA, currently works as a Senior Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative capital market strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. He joined the team as an intern in 2018 and now produces macro technical research for the firm’s clients and Daily Market Report. Other involvements include indicator testing, adaptive modeling, and furthering the firm’s media/educational efforts.
Did you know that more than two-thirds of adult Americans have yet to implement any form of estate planning?
Even high-profile figures like Prince and Pablo Picasso faced chaotic and costly consequences because they lacked a proper plan.
Join Rob Curtiss alongside Roger Silk, CEO of Sterling Foundation Management LLC, for a deep dive into the essentials of estate planning.
Get ready to learn how to set up a secure and impactful legacy, understand the implications of the upcoming 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and explore strategies to mitigate taxes and avoid probate, all while ensuring your wishes are honored.
Rob and Roger discuss:
- The value of having a well-structured estate plan to avoid unnecessary legal battles and high taxes
- Real-life stories of high-profile individuals who faced estate planning disasters
- Insights into the 2025 sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and its potential impact on estate and gift taxes
- Strategies for managing and diversifying highly appreciated assets to minimize tax liabilities
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Let’s Communicate Before We’re Gone with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 31)
- From Denial to Deliberate: Planning for Life’s Final Moments with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 42)
- Safeguard Your Wealth: Unraveling the Complexities of Estate Planning with April Rosenberry (Ep. 46)
- “Managing Foundations and Charitable Trusts” by Roger D. Silk and James W. Lintott
- “The Investor’s Dilemma Decoded” by Roger D. Silk and Katherine A. Silk
- “Politicians Spend, We Pay” by Roger D. Silk
- “Creating a Private Foundation” by Roger D. Silk, James W. Lintott, Andrew R. Stephens, and Christine M. Silk
Connect with Roger Silk:
- Sterling Foundation Management
- LinkedIn: Roger Silk
- 703 437-9720
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Roger Silk, Ph.D., is the CEO of Sterling Foundation Management, LLC, and President of Lifetime Perspectives, Inc. Roger is widely recognized as a leading expert and innovator in the emerging field at the intersection of finance and philanthropy.
Roger has more than three decades of experience working with and advising wealthy clients, high-net-worth families, and the advisors who work with them on a variety of issues ranging from the use of private foundations to the integration of sophisticated charitable planning into multi-generational estate plans. He has worked with numerous investment, accounting, financial planning, and legal professionals to educate them, their firms, and their clients about the benefits and characteristics of a full suite of solutions, entities, and planning tools.
Did you know that 78% of people in assisted living still feel lonely despite the communal environment?
This underscores the importance of not only financial planning but also emotional and social planning as we age.
Join Rob Crutiss as he welcomes Mary Winners, founder of About Senior Solutions, to discuss the complexities of aging and the importance of comprehensive planning for diminished capacity, whether physical or mental.
Get ready to hear practical advice and real-life anecdotes to learn how you can prepare for the future and strive for a brighter outcome for yourself and your loved ones.
Rob and Mary talk about:
- The significance of proactive planning to avoid crises as you age
- Physical and mental challenges of the elderly, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Insights into developing a personalized care plan that acknowledges your wishes
- The role of technology and community in supporting aging individuals
- The costs and common struggles associated with caring for the elderly
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Measuring Longevity Risk: Here’s What You Need To Know About SEIA’s Wealth GPS with Julia Fahlen (Ep. 28)
- Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors
- Positive Approach® to Care Training
- Understanding and supporting a person with dementia – Alzheimer’s Society
Connect with Mary Winners:
- About Senior Solutions
- LinkedIn: Mary Winners
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Mary Winners has over a decade of experience in healthcare. While physicians and nurses provide medical recommendations, Mary understands the other side of health care-the confusing maze of healthcare options and unknowns. She has extensive knowledge in acute care hospitalization, Gero-psychiatric issues, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospice, assisted living, and other senior care options.
As a noted speaker and adviser, Mary has provided expert services to a wide variety of seniors in every economic category. Her ability to accurately pinpoint and guide families as they deal with emotionally life-changing events gives Mary unparalleled insights.
In 2023, Mary was appointed Commissioner for Older Adults by The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
In a time when economic textbooks preach the inevitability of risk in pursuit of reward, the current state of the financial markets tells a different story.
Follow along as Rob Curtiss sits down with returning guest Will Gibson, chartered financial analyst (CFA) and research analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, for an insightful conversation on the fascinating state of the financial markets.
From the subtle trends shaping the future of investing to the compelling force of interest rates and commodities, Will brings a wealth of knowledge and clarity to the complex world of finance.
Listen in as they explore the critical elements affecting your investments and how you can navigate these shifting tides with a better understanding.
Episode talking points include:
- Rising interest rates and their implications for investors and the broader economic outlook
- The current state and potential future of US equities, including the impact of recent pullbacks
- Popular commodities in the market, what’s driving their momentum, and ways they could impact your investment strategy
- Investors’ behavior and market speculation, drawing parallels from historical records to today’s market dynamics
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- “The Pitfalls of Speculation” by Thomas Gibson
- “Confusion de Confusiones” by Josef De La Vega
- Process-Oriented Financial Insights For Long-term Success with Will Gibson (Ep. 47)
- Huberman Lab Podcast
Connect with Will Gibson:
- LinkedIn: Will Gibson
- Nasdaq Dorsey Wright
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Will Gibson, CFA, currently works as a Senior Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative capital market strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. He joined the team as an intern in 2018 and now produces macro technical research for the firm’s clients and Daily Market Report. Other involvements include indicator testing, adaptive modeling, and furthering the firm’s media/educational efforts.
Have you ever thought about how financial history can impact your investment decisions?
This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss speaks with Mark Higgins, CFA, CFP®, and author of “Investing in U.S. Financial History: Understanding the Past to Forecast the Future.”
Mark delves into his journey of researching and writing about US financial history and the significance of understanding the past to make informed decisions in the present financial environment. So, tune in as Rob and Mark offer valuable perspectives for investors and financial professionals alike.
Rob and Mark discuss:
- The journey behind Mark’s book
- The value of understanding financial history
- Past financial crises and how they relate to current economic challenges
- The evolution of market efficiency
- The resilience of the United States economy
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- “Investing in U.S. Financial History: Understanding the Past to Forecast the Future” by Mark Higgins
Connect with Mark Higgins:
- LinkedIn: Mark Higgins
- EnlightenedInvestor.com
- Mark’s Blog
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Mark J. Higgins, CFA, CFP, is an author, financial historian, and frequent contributor to Enterprising Investor. His work draws from his upcoming book, Investing in U.S. Financial History.
Before writing Investing in U.S. Financial History, Mark served as a senior investment consultant for more than 12 years. In this role, he advised the trustees of large pension plans, foundations, endowments, and insurance reserves that had aggregate assets of more than $60 billion. As a consultant, he discovered that understanding financial history proved much more valuable than tracking the latest economic data.
Do you need help to make sense of all the financial noise in the market?
Cut through the noise and learn tips and tricks to make informed investment decisions with clarity and confidence by playing this week’s episode of The Millionaire Next Door.
Listen as Will Gibson, chartered financial analyst (CFA) and research analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, joins host Robert Curtiss to navigate the world of technical analysis and trend-following strategies in investment management.
This episode offers valuable insights into leveraging data-driven decision-making and sticking to a systematic process to navigate market complexities effectively.
Rob and Will discuss:
- The value of following disciplined and systematic processes in financial planning
- Point figure charting for objective buy and sell signals
- Leveraging technical analysis to eliminate market noise
- Challenges of emotional decision-making and market timing
- Compounding and timing wealth management
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Will Gibson:
- LinkedIn: Will Gibson
- Nasdaq Dorsey Wright
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Will Gibson, CFA, currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative capital market strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. He joined the team as an intern in 2018 and now produces macro technical research for the firm’s clients and Daily Market Report. Other involvements include indicator testing, adaptive modeling, and furthering the firm’s media/educational efforts.
How to protect your assets and legacy from potential financial abuse and undue influence?
Do you know?
In the latest edition of The Millionaire Next Door Podcast, Rob Curtiss is joined by April Rosenberry, director of estate tax and financial planning at SEIA, to explore the complexities of estate planning and the importance of comprehensive financial strategies to safeguard your wealth and loved ones.
April shares her experience and insights on upcoming tax law changes while providing valuable tips to help you navigate the intricate world of estate planning.
Rob and April discuss:
- Estate planning to protect assets and prevent financial abuse
- Federal estate tax laws and upcoming changes
- Different estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxy
- Financial elder abuse and undue influence in estate planning
- The value of proactive planning
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with April Rosenberry:
- LinkedIn: April Rosenberry
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
April Rosenberry has been a tax attorney for over 25 years. With Bar licenses in California and New York, April specializes in estate planning, company structuring, and litigation. She has represented banks and corporations in court, earning recognition and numerous awards.
April excels in developing departments for companies, expanding client offerings, and managing legal teams in law firms, financial institutions, and wealth advisory firms. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CSUN in 1995, a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 1998, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from USD School of Law in 1999.
Recognized in Modern Luxury magazine, April has received a Trifecta Award and is designated a Five Star Professional. She contributes to scholarly articles for the American Bar Association and the ACFLS Journal, in addition to speaking engagements and pro bono work for Wills for Heroes. A member of various associations, she enjoys yoga, performing arts, and traveling with her family.
In today’s rapidly evolving market landscape, investors are often confronted with the challenge of making informed decisions amidst a plethora of options and the noise of market fluctuations.
In this insightful episode of The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss is joined by certified financial analyst and ETF analyst at First Trust, Ryan Issakainen. Together, they jump into the intricacies of thematic investing — a strategy that can potentially offer investors a pathway to capitalize on emerging market trends.
By dissecting the impact of behavioral biases on investment choices, Ryan provides listeners with strategies to identify undervalued companies that may thrive even in light of economic downturns.
Rob and Ryan discuss:
- Thematic investing and market opportunities
- The composition of ETFs and the importance of quality and risk management in investment decisions
- The future of infrastructure investment and the strategic shift in supply chains within the United States
- Looking beyond the S&P 500 for investment opportunities
- Cybersecurity as an increasingly vital investment theme
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Ryan Issakainen:
- LinkedIn: Ryan Issakainen
- First Trust
- First Trust Investment Insights Blog
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Ryan Issakainen is in his 25th year at First Trust, where he serves as the ETF Strategist.
Throughout his enduring tenure, Ryan has solidified his position as a dedicated professional committed to guiding investors through the complexities of the market. In his role, he focuses on providing insightful perspectives to help investors navigate the multitude of available choices, aiming to align ETF selections with their specific investment objectives.
With a wealth of experience, Ryan’s strategic approach involves meticulous analysis of market trends and fund performance, making him a trusted advisor. His enduring commitment to empowering investors reflects not only his financial acumen but also his genuine passion for assisting clients in realizing their financial goals within the dynamic landscape of investment opportunities. Ryan Issakainen’s journey at First Trust stands as a testament to his expertise and unwavering dedication in the ever-evolving world of finance.
Alternative investments are investments that only some people hear about often.
But we can change that…
With a commitment to assist clients throughout their investment journey, in this episode of The Millionaire Next Door, Robert Curtiss sits down with Joe Carey, alternative investment specialist at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC.
Rob and Joe explore the role of alternative investments in portfolio diversification, covering private equity, private credit, real estate, and hedge funds. They tackle the complexities and due diligence required in these less regulated spaces, emphasizing the importance of professional guidance.
Talking points include:
- What are alternative investments
- Characteristics and challenges associated with alternative investments
- Benefits and risks linked to less liquid and less regulated assets
- Recommendations for portfolio allocation
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- The Benefits of 1031 Exchanges for Real Estate Investors with Joe Carey, CFA® (Ep. 40)
Connect with Joe Carey:
- LinkedIn: Joe Carey
- (213) 370-0332
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
In May 2018, Joe Carey earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance at Siena College, achieving the Academic Excellence Award – Finance, which is awarded annually to the graduating student with the highest program GPA.
Since graduating, he has committed to continuing his education through enrollment in the CFA Program, obtaining his charter in 2022. Currently, Joe is an Investment Officer at NYSTRS in the Investment Risk division, where he focuses on the ~$150 billion portfolio’s active risk, liquidity position, solvency during stressed markets, and asset allocation mix.
Additionally, Joe is a leading member in the development of NYSTRS’ climate risk strategy, reporting, and assessment processes.
Have you considered the significance of safeguarding your capital and managing risks during retirement? How does capital preservation play a role in maintaining a stable stream of income?
Join Rob Curtiss and his guest, David Marra, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Markin Asset Management, LP, as they navigate the connection between finance and technology, specifically delving into David’s expertise in quantitative investment research and machine learning.
But that’s not everything! David and Rob also explore the importance of capital preservation and effective risk management, focusing on ensuring a stable stream of retirement income.
Rob and David touch on:
- David’s career and how it led to his focus on capital preservation and quantitative investment research
- The importance of capital preservation leading up to retirement
- Mitigating risk during market volatility
- Ways the pandemic impacted investment strategies
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with David Marra:
- LinkedIn: David Marra
- Markin Asset Management
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
David Marra is the Chief Investment Officer at Markin Asset Management, LP. David has been an invited speaker on quantitative asset management at numerous family offices, hedge funds, conferences, and organizations, including ALTSLA, NAPFA, and the Financial Planning Association (FPA).
Throughout his career, David has developed a unique ability to explain complex portfolio concepts in a language allocators can use in client communications. David previously founded a quantitative research firm serving institutional asset managers and funds. His three decades of experience include advising C-level executives at some of the world’s leading asset management and pharmaceutical firms as a Principal with The Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Earlier in his career, he was the Founder & CEO of a search engine technology firm overseeing over 70 researchers and technologists. David received an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, where he was a Fellowship recipient.
We like to plan for education, weddings, raising children, and even retirement. But no one likes to plan for (or even talk about) the end of life.
It’s overwhelming…but also immensely important!
Join host Robert Curtiss and returning guest Pat Miles Zimmerman, author of “Before All Is Said and Done: Practical Advice on Living and Dying Well,” as they highlight the numerous challenges that follow the unexpected death of a loved one and help you plan for them — so you don’t have to learn them the hard way.
Rob and Pat explore:
- The need to overcome denial of death and plan ahead, irrespective of age
- Personal stories and advice from Pat’s book
- The importance of attending to the details (e.g., managing passwords and subscriptions)
- How an intention letter can avoid major family conflicts down the road
- How to NOT leave behind a “trail of tears” for your loved ones after you’re gone
- And much more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- “Before All Is Said and Done: Practical Advice on Living and Dying Well” by Pat Miles Zimmerman and Suzanne Watson
- “From A Bird’s Eye View” by Suzanne Watson
- Let’s Communicate Before We’re Gone With Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 31)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Pat Miles Zimmerman, esteemed for her professionalism by viewers, listeners, and colleagues, became one of the Minneapolis region’s premier television news anchors and radio talk hosts.
After earning her master’s degree in journalism at the University of Missouri, Pat worked in both radio and television news in Colorado before joining WCCO TV in 1978 as a reporter and weekend anchor. Her intelligent reporting and authoritative delivery soon brought her to the anchor desk of WCCO’s 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM newscasts.
She covered every major news event for WCCO TV but was most proud of A Time to Weep, her documentary on the famine in Africa. In 1990, she moved to KARE TV, where she anchored the 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM newscasts and developed A Pat Miles Special, using her writing and interviewing prowess to tell the stories of notable Minnesotans.
When she left TV news in 2001, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the host of The Pat Miles Show on weekday mornings on WCCO Radio.
A role model for women in the industry, Pat has received numerous honors for her work in broadcasting and the community, including the National Television Academy’s Silver Circle Award. She is also in the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame.
Wealth isn’t about just numbers…
Would you agree?
Join host Robert Curtiss and special guest Tyson Ray, CFP®, CExP®, and CIMA® from FORM Wealth Advisors in this eye-opening episode of The Millionaire Next Door!
Together, they unravel the lesser-known aspects of wealth management while talking about their approach to guiding individuals toward a life of choice and comfort beyond the balance sheet.
Rob and Tyson explore:
- Changing the meaning of financial success to match wealth with personal goals and dreams
- Moving from careful saving to spending with confidence
- The value of client-advisor communication when planning for a strong financial future
- The role of financial advisors when helping their clients create meaningful legacies and increasing the happiness that comes from their wealth
- Key lessons from Tyson’s book “The Total Relationship”
- And much more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Trust and Transparency: The Foundation of a Successful Advisor-Client Relationship with Mike Cy (Ep. 39)
- “The Total Relationship” by Tyson Ray
- “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom
Connect with Tyson Ray:
- LinkedIn: Tyson Ray
- FORM Wealth Advisors
- 262-686-3005
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
FORM Wealth Advisors | CEO, Founding Partner, Senior Wealth Advisor
Over the past 25+ years, Tyson Ray has sought to expand his knowledge and expertise through Yale School of Management, Investment Management Theory & Practice, CIMA Certification Registration Education Program, including obtaining the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) Certification and through the College for Financial Planning for the CFP® Certification, including obtaining CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Certification. Tyson received his Certification in Business Exit Planning to better help entrepreneurs and business owners make the transition of selling their life’s work.
Tyson has been named a 2018-2023 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisor, 2021-2023 Barron’s Top 1200, and a 2005-2023 Chairman’s Council Advisor. He is also a member of the Financial Planning Association of Wisconsin. He has been recognized for his many philanthropic endeavors in the community, including the Invest in Others Global Community Impact Award and REP. Magazine’s Advisor with a Heart Award for Sustainable Charity for his ongoing work with Ray’s non-profit, Children’s World Impact.
Securities through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. FORM Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James and its advisors do not provide tax advice. Form Wealth Advisors is located at 431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147 and you can reach the office at 262-686-3005.
Tyson Ray was named to the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 edition of the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors. Barron’s Top 1,200 Financial Advisors 2023, is based on the period from 09/30/2021 – 09/30/2022 and was released on 03/15/2023. 5,630 nominations were received and 1,200 won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://www.raymondjames.com/awarddisclosures/#2023-barrons-top-1200.
Tyson Ray was named to the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 edition of the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors. 2023 Forbes Top Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, developed by Shook Research, is based on the period from 6/30/2021 to 6/30/2022 and was released on 4/4/2023. 39,007 nominations were received and 7,321 advisors won. Neither Raymond James nor any of its advisors pay a fee in exchange for this award. More: https://go.rjf.com/3KsXbF7. Please see https://www.forbes.com/best-in-state-wealth-advisors for more info.
Tyson Ray was named as a Chairman’s Council Advisor, 2005-2023. Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually. The ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of advisor’s future performance. No fee is paid in exchange for this award/rating.
Have you heard about 1031 exchanges? Leveraging this strategy correctly could help investors sell and reinvest without facing capital gains taxes — thereby preserving wealth.
Join Robert Curtiss with guest Joe Carey, alternative investment specialist at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors, LLC, as they talk about the benefits and complexities of 1031 exchanges, a tax deferral strategy for real estate investors.
Rob and Joe discuss:
- When should real estate investors consider using a 1031 exchange as a tax deferral strategy
- Why would clients benefit from utilizing a 1031 exchange
- What are the costs associated with different types of Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)
- Ways 1031 exchanges add value to long-term wealth planning
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Joe Carey:
- LinkedIn: Joe Carey
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
In May 2018, Joe Carey earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance at Siena College, achieving the Academic Excellence Award – Finance, which is awarded annually to the graduating student with the highest program GPA.
Since graduating, he has committed to continuing his education through enrollment in the CFA Program, obtaining his charter in 2022. Currently, Joe is an Investment Officer at NYSTRS in the Investment Risk division, where he focuses on the ~$150 billion portfolio’s active risk, liquidity position, solvency during stressed markets, and asset allocation mix.
Additionally, Joe is a leading member in the development of NYSTRS’ climate risk strategy, reporting, and assessment processes.
Advisors, are you currently evolving your business?
What opportunities and information might your clients miss if you don’t continue growing your practice?
This week, Rob Curtiss brings back Mike Cy, a returning guest and business consultant at Pareto Systems. Rob and Mike discuss the importance of communication and building relationships with clients and explain why it is valuable to both of them.
Listen in as they touch on the value of aligning and personalizing services to their client’s unique needs while addressing all things market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and alternative investment strategies.
Rob and Mike explore:
- Reasons advisors should continually evolve their financial advisory practice depending on their client’s unique needs
- Client engagement as an essential financial planning component
- The comprehensive role of a financial advisor beyond basic financial advice
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Let’s Communicate Before We’re Gone With Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 31)
- Here’s What You Need To Know About Value-added Service Teams With Mike Cy (Ep. 27)
- Being Coachable With Mike Cy (Ep. 16)
Connect with Mike Cy:
- LinkedIn: Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.
- LinkedIn: Pareto Systems
- Pareto Systems
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services industry. Mike is a passionate and energetic leader who enjoys developing business refinement and practice management strategies and thrives on helping his clients achieve their goals.
He got his start in the industry at a large insurance marketing organization, where he consulted financial advisors across the country with product and marketing solutions for their businesses. It was during his time with this firm that he was introduced to Pareto Systems and began learning about the Pareto Process.
After six years of coaching and consulting advisers, Mike decided to become a financial advisor himself and built a practice with his father in Overland Park, KS. Together, they managed millions of dollars of assets and utilized various insurance-based products. In an incredibly competitive marketplace, Mike knew the value of creating professional contrast and began implementing many of Pareto’s processes.
Having a retirement plan is the first step in building your future. But do you have the right plan? How can small parts of a plan work together to transform a few hundred thousand into a seven-figure retirement fund? Get ready to explore retirement planning, wealth accumulation, and tax deduction strategies with Jordan Cross, the …
At 37 episodes, The Millionaire Next Door Podcast has explored a multitude of topics, from financial planning tips to life-changing experiences and lessons. Each conversation contains helpful information and resources you can use and refer to! In this episode, Rob Curtiss shares his top-of-mind topics, ranging from general finances to estate, tax, and investment planning. …
Whether you or a loved one is reaching a point where you need more care, it may be challenging (but not impossible!) to find the right plan for your needs. What strategy is the best? How much will it cost? Should you move to a senior home or hire caretakers? In this episode, Rob Curtiss … Continue reading Revolutionizing Financial Planning For The Aging Population with Tom West (Ep. 36) →
Are you interested in exploring the future of the financial and investment landscape and the contribution the private lending arena can bring to the field? In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by Phil Hasbrouck, the co-head of Cliffwater’s asset management business. Phil sheds light on the growing private lending market and what Cliffwater brings … Continue reading Is Private Lending the Future of Investments? with Phil Hasbrouck (Ep. 35) →
Have you ever come across a news article that highlights the latest investment opportunities? Or seen news reports warning about certain stocks that could impact your portfolio? The real question you should be asking is if that information truly benefits your portfolio and long-term goals. In this episode, Robert Curtiss discusses the importance of a … Continue reading The Impact of The Media on Investment Decisions (Ep. 34) →
Financial and investment advisors are all about creating the best financial plan for their client’s needs. But how does Signature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA) set themselves apart from the crowd? In this episode, Robert Curtiss is back to basics! Rob talks about SEIA’s services and approach while emphasizing their independence and fiduciary responsibility to … Continue reading Unveiling the Fiduciary Approach of Signature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA) (Ep. 33) →
Think about what attracts us to products: From the people talking about it to the social media content promoting it. The truth is that content creators and content creation plays a significant role in successful marketing and promotion. In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Chase Griffin, a student-athlete and national NIL athlete of the … Continue reading Brand Advocacy: Here’s Everything You Need To Know with Chase Griffin (Ep. 32) →
Can you imagine being in a situation where your spouse passes away, and you have no idea about their finances? It can be an overwhelming and complex journey, to say the least. In this episode, Pat Miles Zimmerman joins Rob Curtiss to talk about her experience losing her husband and the struggle of sorting out … Continue reading Let’s Communicate Before We’re Gone with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 31) →
We all want to save as much as possible before heading into retirement. So, how to protect the wealth we save from high tax rates? In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Tony Watson, senior tax consultant at Robert Hall & Associates. This week, Tony explains how to protect wealth and decrease taxation. He … Continue reading Saving on Taxes to Retain Wealth with Tony Watson (Ep. 30) →
With market volatility and political uncertainty being a few reasons, the truth is that the investment market doesn’t always cooperate with our portfolios.
But as an advisor, how can alternative investments protect our client’s portfolios? Do you know?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Sam talks about the role of alternative investments in building (and diversifying) a portfolio and the ways they are being integrated within existing client investment plans.
Sam discusses:
- What you need to know about alternative investments
- The four key tenets of SEIA’s due diligence process
- What kind of income and volatility do alternative investments face compared to public stock markets
- How institutional investment strategies have trickled down to investment advisory firms and the changes that have been made for individuals rather than institutions
- The value of identifying what’s important to your clients
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Sam Miller:
- LinkedIn: Sam Miller
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.
Your health and longevity play a crucial role when it comes to your financial future, especially when it comes to retirement planning.
Get ready to explore the fascinating world of longevity risk and why it’s becoming an increasingly important topic for people of all ages in this episode of The Millionaire Next Door.
This week, Robert Curtiss is joined by fellow team member and wealth coordinator at SEIA, Julia Fahlen, to unpack the ins and outs of the firm’s Wealth GPS and its role in measuring their clients’ longevity risk to ensure they don’t run out of money in retirement.
Rob and Julia discuss:
- Ways SEIA Wealth GPS provides a holistic approach to evaluating their clients’ financial picture
- The firm’s cash flow modeling system and reasons it’s a critical component when it comes to financial planning
- Tips for handling finances (and spending) going into and in retirement
- The value of being mindful of your finances
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Julia Fahlen:
- LinkedIn: Julia Fahlen
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Julia Fahlen, CPA, is a Wealth Coordinator in SEIA’s Pasadena office. She assists with gathering information needed to create client profiles for financial reports and plans.
Previously, Julia worked at Deloitte Tax LLP in the National Federal Tax Services group, assisting companies deduct transaction costs.
Professionals collaborating with other professionals can lead to more creative solutions, more innovative ideas, and ultimately better results for advisors and their clients.
In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by returning guest and business consultant at Pareto Systems, Mike Cy, to talk about value-added service teams while referring to the importance of advisors collaborating with like-minded advisors to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.
Listen in and discover how Rob’s relationship with his clients goes beyond their investments and the ways he leverages strategic partnerships within his business.
Rob and Mike discuss:
- Ways the financial planning strategy they have been building together can benefit you and your clients
- Why (and how) to incorporate life coaching aspects into your client’s financial planning process
- Tips and tricks you need to build valuable connections with other professionals within your industry
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Being Coachable with Mike Cy (Ep. 16)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Connect with Mike Cy:
- LinkedIn: Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.
- LinkedIn: Pareto Systems
- Pareto Systems
About Our Guest:
Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services industry. Mike is a passionate and energetic leader that enjoys developing business refinement and practice management strategies and thrives on helping his clients achieve their goals.
He got his start in the industry at a large insurance-marketing organization where he consulted financial advisors across the country with product and marketing solutions for their businesses. It was during his time with this firm that he was introduced to Pareto Systems and began learning about the Pareto Process.
After six years of coaching and consulting advisers, Mike decided to become a financial advisor himself and built a practice with his father in Overland Park, KS. Together they managed millions of dollars of assets and utilized various insurance-based products. In an incredibly competitive marketplace, Mike knew the value of creating professional contrast and began implementing many of Pareto’s processes.
Want to know how to personalize and customize your investment portfolio while potentially gaining tax benefits?
Let us introduce you to direct indexing!
In this episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA), to talk about direct indexing and its advantages for investors.
Listen in as they delve into various cases of direct indexing, including its tax benefits, ESG customization, and active engagement with companies.
Sam discusses:
- Direct indexing and how it allows investors to personalize and customize their portfolio with individual stocks while applying ESG aspects
- Various cases of direct indexing, including setting a tax budget, customizing portfolios based on ESG or faith-based values, and active engagement with companies through proxy voting
- The minimum required for direct indexing
- Direct indexing as a flexible and customizable tax-efficient tool (which can be used in various investment scenarios, including in IRAs).
- And more!
Resources:
- What You Should Know About ESG and SRI in Investment Planning with Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® (Ep. 23)
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Sam Miller:
- LinkedIn: Sam Miller
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.
Planning out your insurance can widely vary, from home to auto, business, and even cyber security insurance.
What to consider when planning or adding someone to your insurance policy? Do you know?
In this episode, Rob Curtiss speaks with Dana Dattola, a business insurance broker at Weaver & Associates. Dana details the ins and outs of insurance policies and outlines how it fits within financial and tax planning.
Listen in as Dana shares tips for managing and understanding your insurance policy while highlighting some must-know tips to increase your insurance protection.
Dana discusses:
- The most important tips you need to know about insurance
- How moving assets into an LLC changes an insurance coverage
- The insurance coverage that’s often missed and neglected by business owners
- The importance of maintaining documentation when it comes to home updates and renovations
- What you should know about commercial, property, and cyber security insurance
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Dana Dattola:
- dana@weaverinsurance.com
- LinkedIn: Dana Dattola
- Weaver & Associates
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Dana Dattola is a Certified Insurance Consultant (CIC) and Certified Risk Manager (CRM). Born & Raised in Los Angeles, she is a third-generation property & casualty insurance broker. Weaver & Associates specializes in assisting growth-focused Southern California-based businesses where the owner(s) are actively involved in the operations and value a culture of safety and improvement.
The age requirement is only one of the changes made in the SECURE Act 2.0.
In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Emily Vincent, President of Douglas M. Farr and Company. Emily unpacks the retirement planning changes reflected in the SECURE Act 2.0. Additionally, when it comes to businesses and business owners, Emily reveals how the size of the company impacts the benefits of providing retirement plans to employees.
Emily discusses:
- How the changes to the SECURE Act 2.0 impacts older retirement plans
- Who is included in the automatic opt-in for company retirement accounts
- How to make the most out of company retirement accounts
- Ways the SECURE Act 2.0 is changing its approach towards spousal-related companies
- What you should know about Long-Term Part-Time Employees (LTPTs)
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- SECURE Act 2.0: Here’s What To Do Differently in 2023 (Ep. 22)
Connect with Emily Vincent:
- LinkedIn: Emily Vincent
- Douglas M. Farr and Company
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
President of Douglas M. Farr & Company, Inc, Emily Vincent’s focus is retirement plan design and administration for businesses with 1-500 employees.
The idea of aligning our money with our goals is a common practice. However, the focus today is aligning our investments with what we are truly passionate about.
In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Together they unpack the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and socially responsible investing (SRI) within portfolio planning and how personal beliefs influence investment planning.
Sam discusses:
- How the term ESG entered the mainstream media
- The value of aligning our ESG and SRI investments with what we are passionate about
- How to implement ESG and SRI investments within our portfolio
- What you should know about the different financial planning vehicles and their role in how financial plans are built
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Sam Miller:
- LinkedIn: Sam Miller
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.
The SECURE Act 2.0 has brought significant changes to retirement planning in 2023 and beyond, especially in IRA and 401(k) plans.
In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares key highlights from the SECURE Act 2.0 and how you can use the new provisions to save in taxes, contribute more effectively to your retirement accounts, and improve your overall retirement picture.
Rob discusses:
- How’s the SECURE Act 2.0 impacting required minimum distributions (RMDs)
- When you might be able to accelerate your retirement savings
- Legislative changes starting in 2024 (which you should start thinking about now)
- Major changes around 529 plans, catch-up contributions, and Roth conversions
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- The Guide You Need to Take Advantage of Your Retirement Planning Benefits with Kevin Manahan, ASA, EA, MSEA (Ep.13)
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
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As time passes, client needs (and government regulations) surrounding retirement accounts change.
So, what are some considerations advisors need to think about when it comes to building future retirement accounts?
In this episode, Robert Curtiss looks into the future. From company improvements to how government changes to retirement accounts will impact 401(k) contributions. Rob shares how he balances service to others with service to himself while still focusing on providing clients the financial care they need.
Rob discusses:
- His approach to creating an impeccable experience for his clients
- What makes him different from other practices
- His focus on financial planning as the needs of his client base shifts
- Ways the increase in retirement contribution will change retirement planning
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Looking Into The Future of The Millionaire Next Door (Ep.18)
- The “Huberman Lab” Podcast
- “Future Shock” by Alvin Toffler
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Building tax strategies around investment plans provide a layer of security to reduce the cost of returns while allowing you to further invest that money.
In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Sam unpacks the different types of investment options clients can consider, how they fit within portfolio planning, and the importance of including a tax planner in your investment planning.
Sam discusses:
- His role at SEIA and his approach to portfolio construction and investment selection
- How he separates alternative investments based on how fiduciarily responsible they are for their clients
- What additional elements have opened up in the wake of inflation to diversify portfolios
- Strategies to liquefy a singular long-term investment while avoiding a huge tax cost
- The tax planning associated with capital gains and qualified opportunity zone funds
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Sam Miller:
- LinkedIn: Sam Miller
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Sam Miller, CFA®, CFP®, CAIA® is the Director of Research & Marketing and a member of the SEIA investment management and research department, where he contributes thought leadership and expertise to the due diligence, portfolio construction, and investment selection processes. He works closely with SEIA’s Investment Committee to formulate and communicate opinions on the economic and investment environment.
With everything that has happened in the past few years, financial planning firms have evolved — not only in the way they serve but also in where they are heading.
In this episode, Robert Curtiss explores the past and future of his practice. He shares some areas his firm has expanded on, touching on aspects outside of traditional finance, such as his podcast and all things client experience.
Rob discusses:
- The elements he has added to his practice for the benefit of his clients
- Ways he develops the relationship with clients to make the financial planning process easier
- Some financial planning improvement areas he’s looking to focus on
- A new way to look at actions taken today and how they will bloom in the future
- What you should know about his practice management approach
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
- Being Coachable with Mike Cy (Ep. 16)
- Jim Rohn
- C.S. Lewis
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
Humans have a longer life expectancy today compared to the last 20 years.
However, the cost of long-term care and an increase in patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s has changed the way we consider long-term care planning.
In this episode, Anthony Ridd from Crump Life Insurance Services joins Robert Curtiss to explain the role of long-term care planning when it comes to financial planning. Anthony shares how the current life expectancy and a higher consciousness towards mental and physical health play a role in the what, when, where, and how of long-term care.
Rob and Anthony discuss:
- How to start the conversation around long-term care policies and funding options
- When is the right time to start planning for long-term care
- Ways health conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s have impacted the way people plan for long-term care
- Return of premiums and ways they fit within long-term care planning
- And more!
Resources:
- Educational videos (bottom of the page)
Connect with Anthony Ridd:
- anthony.ridd@crump.com
- LinkedIn: Anthony Ridd
- Crump Life Insurance Services
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Anthony Ridd is with Crump Insurance Services, a national insurance broker-dealer. His role is to support a select group of financial professionals, including Robert Curtiss and SEIA, in the area of risk management. Robert regularly uses his services and brings him in where appropriate for client conversations as part of his Value Added Support Team (VAST).
Whether it’s sports or business, a good coach or mentor can help you challenge yourself and raise the bar for your professional growth. A year ago, Robert Curtiss started working alongside a coach to up his business and come up with several systems and processes to better serve clients. In this episode, Rob sits down … Continue reading Being Coachable with Mike Cy (Ep. 16) →
The role of an HR professional has changed over the past few decades. While hiring the best talent is just one aspect of the job, the role of the human resources specialist now covers everything from legal compliance to workforce motivation. In this episode, Annissa Deshpande, the CEO of lōglab, LLC, joins Rob Curtiss to … Continue reading Modernizing The Human Resources Role with Annissa Deshpande (Ep. 15) →
When the waves become rocky, clients turn to their advisors for stability within their investments. But what about financial advisors? How do they feel when faced with the same situation? In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares insight into the role of financial advisors for clients, both in financial planning and as a pillar when the … Continue reading Facing The Investment Storm (Ep.14) →
How flexible is your retirement plan? Would you send money to the government or your employees? In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Kevin Manahan, vice president actuary at CMC Pension Professionals. Rob and Kevin unveil their collaborative approach to optimizing retirement plans for business owners and their employees with a focus on cash … Continue reading The Guide You Need to Take Advantage of Your Retirement Planning Benefits with Kevin Manahan, ASA, EA, MSEA (Ep.13) →
Finding the right financial advisor who understands each individual needs can be a challenge for clients. Learn how Signature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA) creates an effective strategy when meeting potential clients in this week’s episode of The Millionaire Next Door. This week, Robert Curtiss shares his approach to finding the right client and building … Continue reading Finding The Right Fit (Ep. 12) →
We hear about stock prices, inflation, taxes, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the news — all this with lots of numbers and information. Luckily, here’s where financial advisors like Rob Curtiss untangle the numbers to help clients move forward. In this episode, Rob dives into current world events, revealing their impact on … Continue reading Financial Concerns For The Current Generation (Ep.11) →
Our approach to saving for retirement and investing our money differs from the past. In this episode, Robert Curtiss dives into retirement and social security, revealing how current events impact where investments lie and individual priorities when it comes to savings. Robert unveils the different types of retirement accounts, the ways each is influenced by … Continue reading The 2022 Retirement Plan (Ep.10) →
If there is one thing financial advisors have learned from the pandemic, it is the importance of adapting to their client needs. In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares his latest endeavors in refining and enhancing the client experience at Signature Estate and Investment Advisors. Rob reveals what his clients are looking for within their financial … Continue reading Refining The Client Experience (Ep.9) →
In business, having the ability to replicate a process benefits more than the company. This process becomes the groundwork for building a business higher. In this episode, Robert Curtiss dives deeper into the creation of his business, revealing why he created a process and the replication possibilities. He shares how surfing influenced his process, focusing … Continue reading The Creation Of A Business Process (Ep. 8) →
As we look back to the past year, the knowledge gained from past experiences allows us to move forwards as we enter 2022. In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares the discussions he had over the past year and what his company is looking forward to in the new year. He recounts personal stories throughout the … Continue reading Stepping Into The New Year With Meaningful Conversations (Ep. 7) →
With 2021 coming to a close, we are looking towards the new year with hope — and walking along the path of our goals is an important part of our future. In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares his personal goals and expectations for 2022. He reveals his hopes for his business, his advice to clients … Continue reading 6. Goodbye 2021, Hello 2022! →
A solid financial planning process leads to financial security. But, who do you go to when you come across a step you are not familiar with? In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares everything you need to know about his financial planning process. Revealing the insights he has gathered from others and their influence within his … Continue reading 5. Do You Have The Right Financial Planning Process? →
Feeling tired midday is one sign that you don’t have a very good work/life balance. The same goes for your financial planning—burnout will impact the success of your plan. But, having a process is key to granting you the success you want. In this episode, Robert Curtiss dives into the importance of having a process … Continue reading 4. How Self Care Can Improve Your Workflow →
A financial plan needs to be tailored to your individual needs. If you’re wondering where to start and how to build your personalized plan, Robert Curtiss’ wealth management pyramid approach could provide you with the guidance you need. In this episode, Robert reveals how he has helped his clients navigate the different stages of their … Continue reading 3. How To Reach The Peak of Your Wealth Management Pyramid →
Choosing your financial advisor out of the hundreds pushing their services can be daunting. What should you be looking for as a prospective client? In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares how he works with clients, from the first meeting to building long-standing relationships. Robert discusses the lessons he has learned from clients and other advisors … Continue reading 2. From Prospect to Client – Welcome to SEIA →
Welcome to The Millionaire Next Door, a podcast designed to help successful wealth accumulators looking to transition to a work-optional lifestyle by helping you build strategies for growing and maintaining your wealth. In this inaugural podcast, meet Robert Curtiss, CFP®, AIF®, CWS®, a financial advisor with Signature Estate and Investment Advisors, LLC. Robert shares how … Continue reading 1. Introducing The Millionaire Next Door with Robert Curtiss, CFP®, AIF®, CWS® →