Catholic Money Mastermind - Financial Planning conversations with Catholic CFP® Practitioners

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Sep 2026

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Professional (and Catholic) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ discuss the relationship between faith and finances. A production of the Catholic Financial Planners Network - catholicfinancialplanners.com

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October 28, 202633 min

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Steward of Money? | John Gugle

Deb welcomes John Google of Google Wealth Advisory to explore how Catholic families can approach tax planning, investing, generosity, and major life transitions with greater intentionality. John shares practical strategies for business owners, including employing children and helping them fund Roth IRAs, while emphasizing the importance of teaching financial stewardship from an early age. The conversation also explores charitable giving through appreciated investments, donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, and strategic lifetime gifting, with John encouraging families to experience the impact of their generosity while they are still alive. Drawing on lessons from Warren Buffett, John discusses disciplined investing, avoiding excessive leverage, and resisting the temptation to follow the crowd during periods of market exuberance. He also shares how his own divorce and annulment transformed the way he works with clients facing major life transitions, emphasizing empathy, patience, healing, and careful financial decision-making. Ultimately, John argues that Catholic stewardship is not about accumulating the highest possible net worth, but about using the gifts and resources entrusted to us to serve others, practice generosity, and glorify God. Key Takeaways: • Earned income can create an opportunity for young people to contribute to a Roth IRA and begin investing decades before retirement. • Earned income can create an opportunity for young people to contribute to a Roth IRA and begin investing decades before retirement. • Families struggling to save should examine both sides of their cash flow: controlling unnecessary spending and considering opportunities to increase income. • Donor-advised funds can allow families to contribute appreciated assets now while distributing those charitable dollars to eligible organisations over time. • Generosity does not have to wait until death. John encourages families to consider giving during their lifetimes so they can witness the impact their resources have on others. • Catholic stewardship is ultimately not measured by the size of someone's net worth. John describes it as using the talents, wealth, and other gifts entrusted to us to help others and make the world better. Key Timestamps: (01:09) – Family and Taxes (10:21) – Charitable Giving (16:09) – Giving to Heirs (17:53) – Lessons from Buffett (20:10) – Divorce (26:13) – Faith and Finances (30:49) – Being a Good Steward of Money Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://guglewealth.com/about More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

September 23, 202640 min

The Pope's Warning: Why Catholic Investors Should Be Worried | KJ Smith

Today, Ben Martinek and new co-host Deb Meyer welcome KJ Smith of Ethos Logos Investments for a thoughtful conversation on artificial intelligence through the lens of Catholic social teaching. Using a recent papal document on AI as their guide, they explore a question that reaches far beyond technology itself: what makes us human, and how can we ensure AI serves rather than diminishes our humanity? KJ explains why the Church’s concerns are not a rejection of AI, but an invitation to consider how rapidly advancing technology affects human relationships, creativity, responsibility, dignity, and the common good. Together, Ben, Deb, and KJ examine the dangers of replacing authentic community with frictionless artificial interactions, concentrating enormous power within unaccountable technology companies, allowing algorithms to make consequential decisions without a moral compass, and prioritizing efficiency and profit over human flourishing. They also consider AI’s tremendous potential, from eliminating menial work and synthesizing information to improving medicine and helping professionals become more productive, while sharing practical examples of how they use AI in their own lives and businesses. The conversation ultimately calls Catholics to neither fear nor blindly embrace artificial intelligence, but to engage it thoughtfully—preserving human judgment, accepting responsibility for how it is used, considering its impact on the poor and vulnerable, and remembering that no technology, however sophisticated, can replace the dignity, creativity, relationships, and capacity for love that belong uniquely to the human person. Key Takeaways: • The Church’s concerns about AI are not an argument that using artificial intelligence is inherently sinful. • Catholic social teaching provides a framework for evaluating new technologies according to enduring truths about human dignity and the common good. • AI can appear authoritative and objective while still reflecting biases within its data and development. • Human accountability must remain part of AI-assisted decision-making rather than allowing people or institutions to deflect responsibility onto an algorithm. • Deb’s experience with AI note-taking illustrates the importance of continually reassessing whether a technology actually improves human presence and professional service. • AI should ultimately remain subordinate to human flourishing: efficiency, productivity, and profit are valuable, but they cannot replace love of God, love of neighbor, human judgment, or responsibility. Key Timestamps: (01:28) – Encyclical, Not Anti-AI (04:30) – What Makes Us Human (10:52) – AI Bias and Homogenization (14:00) – Accountability and Regulation (24:08) – AI Benefits and Guardrails (34:36) – Investing with Caution and Ethics Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://ethoslogosinvestments.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kj-smith-cfp-qpfc/ Ethos Logos Investments provides Investment Advisory Services through Discipline Wealth Solutions, an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See full disclosures at disciplinewealth.com/disclosure More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

August 26, 202635 min

SBLOCs Explained: How Wealthy Investors Borrow Without Selling Stocks | Michael Acosta

Michael Acosta joins Ben to explore an often-overlooked financial planning strategy: using a securities-backed line of credit (SBLOC) to unlock the value of a taxable brokerage account without selling appreciated investments. Together they explain how these lending arrangements work, when they may be appropriate, and how they compare to alternatives like home equity lines of credit, 401(k) loans, and cash value life insurance. The conversation covers the benefits of avoiding capital gains taxes, preserving long-term compounding, managing sequence of returns risk in retirement, and maintaining financial flexibility, while also addressing the risks of leverage, margin calls, and interest costs. Throughout the episode, Ben and Michael emphasize that borrowing against investments is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather another planning tool that can help investors make more informed decisions when used prudently within a comprehensive financial plan. Key Takeaways: • A securities-backed line of credit (SBLOC) allows investors to borrow against a taxable brokerage account without selling investments. • Avoiding the sale of appreciated assets can defer or potentially eliminate capital gains taxes through a future step-up in basis. • Bond-heavy portfolios generally qualify for higher borrowing limits than portfolios concentrated in individual stocks. • Conservative borrowing—using well below the maximum available credit—helps reduce margin call risk. • Alternative liquidity sources include HELOCs, 401(k) loans, Roth IRA contributions, 457 plans, and cash value life insurance. • The decision to use leverage should reflect both sound financial analysis and an individual's comfort with debt and investment risk. Key Timestamps: (01:24) – Why Brokerage Money Feels Locked (05:00) – Introducing SBLOC Basics (06:30) – Loan-to-Value Explained (10:22) – Rates and No Closing Costs (14:14) – Repayment Flexibility and Step-Up in Basis (18:53) – When Borrowing Beats Selling (26:50) – Other Ways to Access Liquidity Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

July 29, 202637 min

Financial Planning Is More Than a Job—It’s a Vocation | Daniel Campos

Today, Ben sits down with Daniel Campos for a deeply reflective conversation on vocation, discernment, and what it truly means to place Christ at the center of one’s professional and personal life. Daniel shares how daily Mass, consistent prayer, spiritual direction, and intentional silence have shaped his ability to hear and respond to God’s call, both in his work as a financial advisor and in the broader responsibilities of family life. Together, they explore the challenge of discerning God’s voice amid the noise and distractions of modern life, emphasizing the importance of creating space to listen, seeking wise counsel, and remaining attentive to the subtle nudges of the Holy Spirit. The discussion also examines the concept of fiduciary duty through a distinctly Catholic lens, arguing that serving clients well requires more than meeting legal standards—it requires a moral commitment to act in another person’s best interest as if they were family, and ultimately as if Christ Himself were sitting across the table. As the conversation unfolds, Ben and Daniel connect financial stewardship, generosity, ethical decision-making, and spiritual growth, proposing that financial advisors can play a unique role in helping individuals align their resources with God’s will. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to pursue holiness through their daily work, trust God’s guidance, and view every professional responsibility as an opportunity to faithfully serve both others and the Lord. Key Takeaways: • Discernment begins with developing a consistent prayer life. Daily Mass can provide clarity, direction, and spiritual grounding. • Spiritual direction helps confirm whether promptings are truly from God. • Generosity should be guided by wisdom as well as good intentions. • Financial advisors can help clients align money decisions with their values. • Every person will ultimately give an account of how they used their gifts and responsibilities. • Following God's will requires attentiveness, courage, and ongoing discernment. Key Timestamps: (01:16) – Meet Daniel Campos (04:23) – Daily Mass Routine (12:15) – Living the Liturgical Year (14:49) – Hearing God’s Call (26:36) – Fiduciary Duty and Conscience (34:37) – Financial Spiritual Direction Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://camposfinancialgroup.com/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

June 24, 202643 min

Why Legacy Planning for Catholic Families Requires More Than Estate Documents | Matthew Bearth

Today, Ben welcomes Matthew Bearth for a thoughtful conversation on estate planning, legacy, and the deeper purpose behind wealth stewardship. Together, they explore how financial planning extends far beyond simply passing down money, instead centering on how families can communicate values, intentions, and faith across generations. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preparing not only legal and financial documents, but also ethical wills and letters of instruction that help heirs understand the meaning and responsibility attached to inherited wealth. Ben and Matthew also reflect on the temporary nature of material possessions, encouraging listeners to view money through the lens of eternity rather than control or accumulation. As the conversation develops, they unpack charitable giving strategies—particularly donor-advised funds—and how families can use them to create lasting impact, involve children in philanthropic decisions, and steward assets in a tax-efficient way. From business liquidity events and appreciated stock positions to retirement assets and inheritance planning, the episode highlights practical tools that can help families simplify complexity while remaining aligned with their values. Ultimately, Ben and Matthew invite listeners to approach estate planning not as a cold legal exercise, but as an act of love, clarity, and intentional discipleship that blesses both family and community long after they are gone. Key Takeaways: • Estate planning is about more than distributing assets. Financial planning should consider both temporal and eternal priorities. • Ethical wills can communicate values and intentions to heirs. • Nonprofits and ministries depend on ongoing donor support. • Donor-advised funds help families delay charitable decisions while securing deductions. Families can use charitable planning to create multigenerational impact. • Good financial advisors help clients align money with personal values. Financial guidance can include emotional, spiritual, and relational coaching. • Clear plans and communication create peace of mind for both families and beneficiaries. Key Timestamps: (02:00) – No-Plan Consequences (04:13) – Probate Costs and Trusts (08:37) – Defining Legacy Values (12:46) – Stewardship and Readiness (17:32) – Ethical Will and Letters (24:17) – Lifetime Giving Strategy (32:25) – Donor-Advised Funds Basics (40:56) – Wrap-Up and Contact Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://www.boxfinancialadvisors.com/team/matthew-bearth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewbearth/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com Branch is located at 901 MARQUETTE AVE SUITE 2800 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402. Matthew Bearth is a Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Wealth Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

May 27, 202647 min

Stop Missing These Costly Tax Mistakes | Leyder “Aiden” Murillo

Today, Ben welcomes Aiden Murillo of Wolfpack Wealth Management for a timely, post–tax season conversation on what actually defines a good tax professional—and why many people may be settling for less than they realize. Drawing from real client experiences, the two unpack the difference between transactional tax preparation and relationship-driven advisory work, highlighting how missed details, lack of communication, and blind trust can lead to costly errors or lost opportunities. Aidan shares examples ranging from mishandled cryptocurrency losses to “ghost preparers” who don’t sign returns, while Ben emphasizes how incomplete information, misunderstood tax documents, or even incorrect W-2 reporting can create downstream issues. Together, they stress that taxpayers ultimately bear responsibility for what they sign, making it essential to work with someone who not only prepares returns accurately, but explains positions, asks deeper questions, and understands the full financial picture. They also challenge common misconceptions—like judging a preparer based on refund size—and instead encourage listeners to prioritize transparency, education, and ongoing relationships. Ultimately, this conversation reframes tax preparation from a box-checking exercise into a critical component of long-term financial stewardship, where the right advisor can help clients avoid mistakes, reduce stress, and make more informed decisions year after year. Key Takeaways: • Tax season is high-pressure, deadline-driven work for professionals. Many taxpayers treat filing as a simple “check-the-box” task. • “Ghost preparers” who don’t sign returns are a major red flag. • Payroll or W-2 errors can create unexpected tax liabilities. • Refund size is not a valid measure of tax preparation quality. • As financial complexity increases, advisory-level service becomes more important. • The best tax outcomes come from transparency, education, and ongoing collaboration. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Post Tax Season Reset (04:57) – Fast Returns Red Flags (07:35) – Crypto Loss Missed (11:52) – Why Relationships Matter (19:26) – Taxpayer Responsibility (24:55) – Ghost Preparer Red Flags (28:40) – Backdoor Roth Mistakes (36:08) – When Tax Forms Are Wrong (38:48) – Payroll Exempt Withholding Mistake (43:15) – Refunds Don’t Measure Quality (45:04) – How to Contact Aiden Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Wolfpack Wealth Management: https://www.wolfpackwealth.net/ Wolfpack Tax and Accounting: https://www.wolfpacktaxaccounting.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leydermurillo/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

April 22, 202640 min

Make Money Serve Your Marriage, Not Control It | Kenny Senour

Today, Ben sits down with Kenny Senour of Legacy Wealth Partners for a candid and deeply practical conversation on the role money plays within married life—and how couples can transform it from a source of conflict into a foundation for unity. Drawing from his personal upbringing and professional experience, Kenny explores why financial tension so often emerges in marriage, especially when couples bring different habits, expectations, and values into the relationship. Together, they unpack the Catholic framework of stewardship, detachment, and personal responsibility, emphasizing that money is not an end in itself but a tool meant to serve the vocation of marriage and family life. The discussion highlights the dangers of secrecy, avoidance, and “financial infidelity,” while offering a hopeful path forward through shared planning, honest communication, and values-based decision-making. From practical tools like budgeting systems and “personal spending” categories to deeper conversations around identity, status, and trust, Ben and Kenny show how couples can align their finances with their faith and their shared mission. Ultimately, they invite listeners to see money not as a scoreboard or source of control, but as an opportunity to grow in unity, freedom, and mutual self-gift within the sacrament of marriage. Key Takeaways: • Money is one of the leading sources of conflict in marriage. Couples often enter marriage with different financial habits and expectations. • “Financial infidelity” (hidden debt, secret spending) can erode trust. Avoiding money conversations can lead to deeper relational problems. • Values-based exercises can uncover motivations behind financial behaviors. • Allocating “guilt-free” personal spending money can reduce tension. • Marriage requires shared ownership of financial decisions and outcomes. • Healthy financial habits can strengthen—not just support—a marriage. Key Timestamps: (03:05) – Why Money Breaks Marriages (04:38) – Church Teaching on Money (13:02) – Money Serving the Marriage (17:48) – Financial Infidelity and Secrecy (23:30) – How Advisors Help Couples (25:01) – Values Exercise and Communication (33:44) – Shared vs Personal Spending (38:07) – Wrap Up and Where to Find Kenny Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://lwp-llc.com/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

March 25, 202639 min

Faithful Stewardship, Catholic Generosity, and Tax Strategies for Charitable Giving | Shane Littleton

Today, Ben welcomes Shane Littleton of Clarity Wealth Development for a rich and practical conversation on charitable giving—why Catholics are called to give, and how to do so with both generosity and prudence. Drawing from Shane’s unique background in seminary formation and years working inside Catholic nonprofits, the two explore the spiritual foundation of stewardship through the lens of the parable of the talents, the universal call to serve the broader family of God, and the interior freedom that comes from detachment. From there, they move into the mechanics: recurring giving, legacy bequests, donor-advised funds, bunching strategies, appreciated stock donations, qualified charitable distributions, and recent legislative updates affecting deductions. Shane offers an insider’s perspective on how charities operate, why administrative costs matter more than many assume, and how thoughtful tax strategy can amplify impact without compromising personal financial security. Together, they remind listeners that generosity is not merely transactional—it is transformative—and that wise planning allows Catholics to scale their giving over time in ways that align faith, family, and long-term stewardship. Key Takeaways: • Charitable giving flows from stewardship, not ownership. The parable of the talents provides a framework for responsible generosity. • Administrative expenses are not inherently wasteful—they support mission delivery. • Leaving pre-tax retirement accounts (like IRAs) to charities can maximize tax efficiency. • Employer matching programs can significantly increase charitable impact. • Donations of property (vehicles, goods-in-kind) may require documentation or appraisal. • Generosity shapes the giver as much as it supports the recipient. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Why Catholics Give (07:03) – Shane’s Faith Journey (09:32) – How Nonprofits Use Gifts (16:49) – Donor Advised Funds (22:30) – Donate Appreciated Stock (27:47) – QCDs and RMD Strategy (31:24) – More Ways to Give (35:08) – New 2025 Tax Law Changes Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://claritywealthdevelopment.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-littleton-a0ba19126/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

February 25, 202635 min

The Stewardship Shift That Strengthens Families, Not Just Finances | Dominick Anton

Today, Ben sits down with Dominick Anton, a Catholic financial advisor based in Boise, Idaho, for a wide-ranging conversation that traces Dominick’s vocational journey into financial planning and the deeper convictions that shape his work. Dominick shares how his early experiences, professional formation, and faith gradually converged into a calling centered on service, prudence, and long-term stewardship rather than salesmanship or short-term results. Together, they explore the importance of aligning financial advice with a client’s values, the role of trust and relationship in the advisor–client dynamic, and how Catholic social teaching informs Dominick’s understanding of money, responsibility, and human dignity. The discussion also touches on the challenges advisors face in a performance-driven industry, the temptation to overcomplicate solutions, and the quiet power of consistency, discipline, and moral clarity. Throughout the conversation, Ben and Dominick return to a shared conviction: financial planning, when done well, is not merely about portfolios and projections, but about helping families make confident decisions that support a stable, faithful, and well-ordered life over the long run. Key Takeaways: • Financial planning is best understood as a vocation rooted in service. • The financial industry can reward speed and performance over prudence. • Catholic social teaching provides a moral framework for financial advice. • Financial advice should reflect the dignity and individuality of each client. • Long-term thinking is a competitive advantage in financial advice. • Well-ordered finances support a well-ordered life. Key Timestamps: (01:12) – Faith, Finances, and Family (08:42) – Generational Woundedness and Healing (17:10) – The Role of a Financial Advisor (25:16) – The Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes (32:07) – Catholic Family Finances Initiative Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/dominick-anton/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

January 28, 202640 min

The Myth of Easy Money—Does the Best Investment Strategy Have to Feel Boring? | Joe Petry & Nick Shiver

Today, Ben is joined by fellow Catholic Financial Planners Network members Joe Petry and Nick Shiver for a thoughtful conversation on the enduring relationship between risk and reward—and how prudence, discipline, and faith shape wise financial decision-making. Together, they unpack why higher returns always require greater risk, why “get rich quick” strategies prey on greed and impatience, and how human psychology often works against us when markets feel exciting or urgent. Drawing from economics, philosophy, and lived client experience, Joe and Nick emphasize the importance of having a clear financial plan, understanding which risks are truly compensated, and building guardrails that prevent emotion, boredom, or fear of missing out from derailing long-term goals. They explore the value of boring, diversified strategies, the proper role of alternatives and speculative “play money,” and why excitement is often a warning sign rather than a virtue in investing. Woven throughout the discussion is a call to embrace discipline, simplicity, and trust—recognizing that true stewardship is not about chasing easy money, but about aligning risk, effort, and expectations with a life well ordered toward lasting purpose. Key Takeaways: • Risk and reward are inseparably linked—higher returns always require greater risk. Investments that claim “no risk” with high returns should be dismissed immediately. • Humans are wired poorly for risk assessment, especially under fear or excitement. • Risk should be understood, planned for, and managed—not avoided entirely. • A small “play” or “cowboy” account can scratch the itch for speculation without endangering the plan. • Alternatives and real estate can have a role—but never as the foundation of retirement planning. • There are no shortcuts that bypass effort, patience, or sacrifice. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – The Relationship Between Risk and Reward (09:17) – Balancing Optimism and Caution (17:24) – The Dangers of Get Rich Quick Schemes (21:07) – Guardrails and Financial Plans (28:57) – The Benefits of a Simple, Boring Life (34:08) – Alternative Investments and Diversification Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Joe Petry: https://www.mayfair-financial.com/ Nick Shiver: https://www.calmwateradvisors.com/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

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