Money Tree Investing

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865

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Oct 2026

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About the show

The weekly Money Tree Investing podcast aims to help you consistently grow your wealth by letting money work for you. Each week one of our panel members interviews a special guest on topics related to money, investing, personal finance and passive income. Episodes end with a panel discussion on the content of the interview, which allows us to give you a deeper understanding of what has been said by looking at it from different perspectives. If you are ready to take control of your own financial situation, then the Money Tree Investing podcast is just the thing for you! Taken together, our expert panel has decades of experience in money matters. Add to that the valuable insights that our weekly guests will be able to provide, and you got yourself one vast source of knowledge, all available to you for free.

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October 23, 2026Episode 8621 hr 20 min

Is Private Equity Hiding a Financial Crisis?

Tiffany Cianci discusses the growing risks in private equity and private credit, including excessive debt, questionable valuations, limited transparency, and struggling investment funds that cannot exit their holdings. She explains how continuation funds and shadow banking may be concealing financial problems while shifting risks onto pension funds and everyday investors. We also examine speculative AI investments, unprofitable data centers, rising borrowing costs, and the potential consequences of allowing private equity and private credit into more 401(k) plans. Tiffany shares practical steps investors can take to question their retirement plan trustees, evaluate investment risks, and advocate for greater accountability. We discuss... The growing risks in private equity and private credit, including excessive debt, questionable valuations, and limited transparency. How private equity firms are increasingly struggling to sell their investments, leading to a growing backlog of unsold businesses and greater reliance on continuation funds. Continuation funds can create conflicts of interest when firms move assets between funds to provide liquidity to existing investors. Weak oversight and limited disclosure make it difficult for investors to assess the true value and risks of private equity and private credit investments. How private equity firms use leverage and repeated acquisitions to increase debt burdens and potentially push businesses toward bankruptcy. Rising interest rates and adjustable-rate debt are putting additional pressure on private equity-backed companies and private credit lenders. The expansion of private credit has created a shadow banking system that operates with fewer safeguards and transparency requirements than traditional banks. How allowing private equity and private credit into more 401(k) plans could shift investment losses onto everyday Americans and retirement savers. High management and performance fees can significantly reduce returns for individual investors compared with traditional index funds. Pension funds are exposed to private market risks, with reported returns sometimes falling far short of the estimates used to justify investments. Concerns about financial arrangements between AI companies, chipmakers, and data center operators that may obscure underlying risks. How corporate consolidation and lobbying can create monopolies that harm small businesses and consumers. How regulation can be used by dominant corporations to limit competition and drive smaller businesses out of the market. The need to enforce antitrust laws and improve oversight without imposing disproportionate regulatory burdens on small businesses. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Greg Dupont | Advocate Wealth Solutions Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/private-equity-tiffany-cianci-862

October 21, 2026Episode 86155 min

The World Is Ending Tomorrow... Or The Next Day... I Think

The world is ending tomorrow! Or maybe it was the next day... We talk the risks of AI hype and the fear surrounding it, with many thinking it may be used by technology companies and politicians to justify government regulation, limit competition, and protect valuations. We also discuss it's potential benefits and limitations, the importance of measuring real productivity gains, the risks of over-reliance on AI in education and professional decision-making, and why AI should enhance human capabilities rather than replace critical thinking. We also talk the including the growing gap between mortgage payments and rents, economic growth forecasts, concentrated stock market returns, the relative appeal of bonds, real estate valuations, and historical election-year market patterns. Market weakness beneath rising indexes signals an unhealthy market, so keep your investments diversified, watch your risk management, and be patient rather than chasing expensive AI stocks or taking excessive risks. We discuss... How fear surrounding AI may be used by technology companies and politicians to influence public opinion and justify government regulation. Whether AI companies are exaggerating existential risks to accelerate development, attract investment, and discourage competition. That AI should be viewed as a software tool rather than a human-like entity capable of independently taking over the world. How AI could transform existing software businesses by integrating new capabilities rather than making established companies obsolete. Why AI is particularly effective at repetitive tasks and iteration, including coding, scientific research, drug development, and generating creative content. Why businesses should measure AI's actual return on investment rather than assume that adopting the technology automatically improves performance. Why AI should support human capabilities rather than replace the effort and experience needed to develop expertise. Whether AI companies should be held legally responsible for harm caused by their products and whether liability protections undermine accountability. Concerns about AI companies entering biological research and the potential risks of developing powerful technologies without sufficient safeguards. Caution against relying on AI to make investment decisions, arguing that it can assist with research but remains limited in qualitative analysis and judgment. The widening gap between mortgage payments and rental costs, noting that mortgage payments have risen much faster than rents and wages since 2019. International GDP growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027, questioning the assumptions behind projections for Iran's economic recovery. The concentration of stock market returns, with a small number of companies accounting for most of the S&P 500's gains. How higher Treasury yields make bonds more competitive with stocks and provide investors with an alternative source of income. The relationship between Treasury yields and rental property capitalization rates, suggesting that higher bond yields could pressure real estate valuations. The sharp decline in mortgage applications from pandemic-era peaks as housing affordability deteriorates. The growing influence of AI-related stocks in the S&P 500 and the risks associated with elevated valuations and speculative enthusiasm. The broad weakness beneath rising market indexes, noting that most Russell 3000 stocks have experienced declines of at least 10%. Why healthy markets typically feature broad participation in rising prices rather than gains concentrated in a handful of stocks. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/world-is-ending-tomorrow

October 16, 2026Episode 8601 hr 15 min

Stop Chasing Money and Build Wealth That Matters

John Demartini discusses how understanding your personal values can help you build confidence, find purpose, and achieve financial success. He shares his journey overcoming dyslexia and learning challenges, explaining how obstacles can become opportunities when you focus on your strengths and intrinsic motivations. John explores why people often prioritize immediate gratification over long-term financial independence, the importance of investing and compound growth, and how aligning your goals with your highest values can improve decision-making and fulfillment. He also explains how to identify your most meaningful and productive activities, delegate low-priority tasks, and structure your time around what you do best to create a more successful and rewarding life. We discuss... John Demartini's journey overcoming dyslexia and learning challenges to become an educator, author, and international speaker. Hw perceived weaknesses and obstacles can become opportunities for personal growth and achievement. How understanding your personal hierarchy of values can reveal what motivates you and helps you succeed. Why people often struggle to achieve their goals when their actions do not align with their true priorities. The difference between intrinsic motivation and relying on external pressure or encouragement to succeed. Why people often confuse the desire for financial independence with the desire for an expensive lifestyle and immediate gratification. How investing, compound interest, patience, and deferred gratification can help build lasting wealth. The importance of letting your money work for you rather than becoming financially burdened by your lifestyle. Strategies for identifying your strengths, building confidence, and choosing career paths that align with your values. How comparing yourself to others and pursuing goals that do not reflect your priorities can lead to frustration and self-doubt. How understanding your values can help young people identify their interests and make more informed career decisions. How prioritizing meaningful, high-value activities and delegating lower-priority tasks helped him grow his business and increase profitability. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/build-wealth-that-matters-john-demartini-860

October 14, 2026Episode 85958 min

ZERO Jobs Will Be Lost to AI... Here's Why

Zero jobs will be lost to AI and we will tell you the reason why as we discuss the future of AI and the growing risks of investing in the AI boom. We talk how AI could improve existing software, why specialized robots may be more practical than humanoid designs, and how overhyped expectations could lead to an AI market bubble. We also examine the concerns about AI companies lobbying for regulations that could limit competition, the risks of relying on AI for learning and communication, and the dangers of overbuilding data centers and infrastructure. I nvestors should be warned about excessive AI exposure, concentrated portfolios, and rising interest rates. We discuss... Whether AI will eliminate jobs or primarily change how people work. The AI boom compared to the dot-com bubble and how excessive investment can lead to overbuilding and market crashes. How AI could improve existing software platforms by making company data easier to access and analyze. Whether expensive AI models can maintain their competitive advantages as open-source alternatives improve. How AI companies may use fear-based marketing and regulatory lobbying to protect their businesses from competition. How excessive reliance on AI can weaken critical thinking, learning, writing skills, and knowledge retention. Practical ways to use AI for research, productivity, and data analysis without becoming overly dependent on it. The AI bubble as a risk to investing, unrealistic growth expectations, excessive infrastructure spending, and potential financial risks. Concentrated investment portfolios and the risks of putting too much money into a single company or technology sector. Weakening real estate markets and how rising interest rates are putting pressure on property valuations. Why investors should compare the returns on risky investments with relatively safe U.S. Treasury yields. Higher interest rates could put further pressure on stock prices and other income-producing investments. The importance of managing risk, questioning market hype, and maintaining a cautious approach to investing. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/zero-jobs-will-be-lost-to-ai-859

October 9, 2026Episode 8581 hr 9 min

The Strategy That Can Win When Stocks Crash

David Miller discusses the unexpected strategy that can win when stocks are at their lowest. David shares about trend following, managed futures, and the importance of combining investment strategies that perform differently across market environments. He explains how Catalyst Mutual Funds uses trend following alongside equities to help reduce drawdowns, the challenges of whipsaw markets, and why diversification should mean combining uncorrelated strategies rather than simply owning more stocks. We also talk the impact of the Iran war, oil prices, gold, interest rates, and the upcoming midterm elections on markets. We discuss... David Miller shares his journey from an early passion for investing to launching Catalyst Mutual Funds. Catalyst was built around the idea of using free cash flow yield and return on capital to identify attractive companies. Trend following can perform particularly well during major bear markets when traditional equities are struggling. Combining managed futures with equities can create a portfolio with stronger risk-adjusted returns and smaller drawdowns. Investors should think of diversification as combining uncorrelated strategies rather than simply owning more stocks. Mean-reversion strategies can complement trend following by performing better when markets are volatile but lack a clear direction. How oil prices, gold, interest rates, and the Iran war have affected markets in 2026. Why the U.S. economy has been more resilient to higher oil prices because the country is now a major oil exporter. How the upcoming midterm elections could influence U.S. policy, oil prices, inflation, and the Federal Reserve. Investors should build portfolios that can perform across different economic and market environments rather than relying on a few high-growth stocks. Combining complementary strategies may be more practical than trying to predict the next Apple or Nvidia. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/strategy-that-can-win-david-miller-858

October 7, 2026Episode 85754 min

AI Companies Are Worth Zero… Here's Why

AI companies are worth zero and we are going to tell you why. Today we discuss the rapid evolution of AI, what AI and AGI actually mean, and the importance of clean, reliable data. We also talk the risks of AI hallucinations and misinformation, privacy concerns, and the possibility that open-source models will eventually become good enough to challenge expensive frontier models. We also ask if AI companies really have durable competitive advantages, it's impact on jobs, the parallels to the internet bubble, and the difficulty of knowing which companies will ultimately benefit from AI. Investors should remain cautious as always and avoid chasing AI hype and expensive valuations. Protect yourselves from the eventual market revaluation, and recognize that future opportunities may emerge after the current AI boom loses momentum. Today we discuss... AI as an advanced form of machine learning and an interactive interface for analyzing large amounts of data. Why clean, reliable data is essential for AI to produce useful results. Whether artificial general intelligence has a clear definition and whether current AI has already surpassed traditional versions of the Turing test. How AI can create value by identifying patterns in large datasets that would be difficult for humans to analyze manually. The AI boom compared to the early internet and argue that today's leading AI companies may not necessarily be the long-term winners. Open-source AI models could eventually become good enough for most users and eliminate the need for expensive frontier models. Whether calls for AI regulation could partly be an attempt by large companies to limit competition and create regulatory capture. AI's potential impact on employment, arguing that most jobs will likely change rather than disappear entirely. The importance of protecting private information and avoiding putting sensitive data into public AI systems. Whether AI-generated content and AI agents could create a declining chain of increasingly unreliable information. Being bullish on AI technology does not necessarily mean being bullish on AI stocks or companies. The possibility of overinvestment in AI-related computing infrastructure and semiconductors. An eventual AI market revaluation could create significant losses but also produce major investment opportunities. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/ai-companies-are-worth-zero-heres-why-857

October 2, 2026Episode 85658 min

Tax Planning for High Earners Goes Beyond the 401(k)

Colin Steinberg discusses tax planning for high-earning W-2 employees. He focuses on executive compensation and non-qualified plans. He explains how deferred compensation plans can help executives save additional income on a pre-tax basis beyond traditional 401(k) limits, the eligibility requirements, investment options, and the risks associated with having deferred assets tied to the financial health of an employer. We also talk after-tax strategies such as life insurance, how companies can use tax-efficient compensation to retain key employees, and why understanding tax planning opportunities before accepting a promotion, changing jobs, or receiving a large bonus can play an important role in long-term wealth building. We discuss... Colin Steinberg explains his transition from financial advising to tax planning and executive compensation strategies. Tax-saving opportunities available to high-earning W-2 employees beyond traditional retirement accounts. Deferred compensation plans allow eligible executives to save additional income on a pre-tax basis beyond 401(k) limits. Non-qualified plans are generally designed for highly compensated employees, including executives and high-earning sales professionals. Deferred compensation plans can offer investment options similar to a 401(k), with some additional opportunities in private markets and alternative investments. A key trade-off of deferred compensation is that the money can be tied up for many years and remains subject to the financial health and creditors of the employer. Companies can use tax-efficient compensation strategies to reward and retain key employees without simply increasing their taxable salaries or bonuses. Life insurance can provide an additional after-tax vehicle for tax-deferred growth and potentially tax-free withdrawals in retirement. W-2 employees should generally maximize available qualified retirement plans and employer matches before exploring additional tax-planning strategies. Companies can potentially combine multiple compensation and tax-planning strategies to address issues such as partner buyouts, employee retention, and executive compensation. Proactive tax planning and working with knowledgeable advisors can help high-income individuals make more informed decisions about building long-term wealth. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/tax-planning-for-high-earners-colin-steinburg-856

September 30, 2026Episode 85551 min

AI Fake News

Today we bring the AI fake news as we talk the growing impact of AI on investing, education, privacy, creativity, and everyday life. AI can improve research and productivity but it's also flattening individual creativity, encourage overreliance, and create risks when users feed sensitive information into public AI models. We explore the importance of protecting private data, keeping valuable information separated from AI tools, and using AI as a supplement rather than a substitute for learning and critical thinking. We also talk rising interest rates, inflation, oil prices, tariffs, market volatility, global financial pressures, and the risks of becoming emotionally attached to an investment thesis. We discuss... How AI can make research, content creation, and productivity easier, but it can also flatten creativity and make everyone's work look the same. The "golden rule" of AI is to avoid using it to save yourself time by wasting someone else's time with low-quality content. Overreliance on AI can prevent people from developing the knowledge, skills, creativity, and critical thinking that come from doing the work themselves. Sensitive personal, financial, business, and intellectual property information should be kept away from public AI models because data shared with AI may not remain private. Open-source AI models are becoming increasingly capable and can provide alternatives to expensive frontier models. AI is disrupting education as students increasingly rely on it for homework and assignments, raising concerns about declining math, reading, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. AI may be most useful as leverage for existing knowledge rather than a replacement for learning and independent thinking. Changing expectations for another Federal Reserve rate hike and the potential effects of tighter monetary policy on employment, housing, and markets. Market strength beneath the surface, including technology and AI leadership, institutional positioning, short covering, and risks in emerging markets. How historical market comparisons, including similarities to 2008, need to be considered in the context of today's different economic conditions. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/ai-fake-news-855

September 25, 2026Episode 8541 hr 4 min

Innovative ETF Investing Strategies

Matthew Tuttle discusses his approach to ETF investing strategies. He includes his innovative H.E.A.T. formula of hedges, edges, asymmetry, and themes. He explains why he launched inverse ETFs targeting high-profile investors, how he looks for investment opportunities by identifying emerging themes and bottlenecks in areas like AI, photonics, memory, robotics, and space. We also discuss managing risk through position sizing and diversification, using puts and VIX calls as tail-risk hedges, finding persistent market edges through behavioral strategies and options. Matthew also shares his views on the future of the ETF industry, including the growth of increasingly specialized thematic and innovative ETFs, while emphasizing the importance of balancing exposure to high-growth opportunities with disciplined risk management. We discuss... The creation of inverse ETFs targeting Cathie Wood and Jim Cramer and the thinking behind taking the opposite side of popular investment narratives. Matt's H.E.A.T. investment philosophy, which stands for hedges, edges, asymmetry, and themes. How investors can find emerging opportunities by looking beyond obvious winners to their suppliers, suppliers' suppliers, and industry bottlenecks. Similarities between today's tech-driven market and the late-1990s technology boom, including the concentration of market gains in technology stocks. How Matt approaches portfolios during periods of uncertainty by combining equities, crypto, alternative exposures, tail-risk protection, and other diversifying assets. Why Matt considers puts on the S&P 500 and calls on the VIX to be more reliable hedges than traditional assets such as bonds or gold. How advanced options strategies can help reduce the cost of maintaining long-term portfolio hedges. Different ways to find market edges, including behavioral strategies, selling puts, and opportunities created by volatility-related exchange-traded products. How the ETF industry is evolving toward increasingly specialized thematic strategies and more innovative product structures. Research, diversification, and disciplined position sizing when investing in popular or highly volatile themes. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/etf-investing-strategies-matthew-tuttle-854

September 23, 2026Episode 85348 min

Stock Market Stuck In Neutral... Here Is When It Might Break

We've been seeing the stock market stuck in neutral so right now we're focusing on rising inflation, interest rates, government debt, and growing risks across the economy and financial markets. Today we talk the Fed's unanimous 25-basis-point rate hike alongside our concerns about the persistent inflation we've been seeing. We also discuss why bonds are becoming more attractive for income, and the difference between high inflation and hyperinflation. We also explore the media sensationalism and how it can distort perceptions of risk and seasonal market patterns around the coming midterm elections. We discuss... How inflation, economic growth, and currency devaluation could be used to reduce the burden of the massive national debt. The potential impact of higher inflation on asset owners, real estate, debt, and investment returns was explored. The difference between high inflation and hyperinflation was explained, along with why hyperinflation is viewed as unlikely in the U.S. Why bonds have become more attractive for retirement income as yields have risen. Media sensationalism and the way news coverage can distort perceptions of risks such as terrorism, crime, COVID, and other causes of death were examined. Growing market concentration and unusually high household exposure to equities were highlighted as potential sources of market fragility. Weakening real consumer purchasing power as inflation continues to outpace wage growth. Rising national debt and the rapid pace of additional borrowing were examined as growing long-term economic concerns. Historical market seasonality around midterm elections and the tendency for markets to strengthen later in the year. The Nasdaq's sideways performance, the Russell 2000's recent weakness, and potential opportunities in small-cap stocks. Gold and silver as markets that may require patience following periods of strong performance and consolidation. Bitcoin and the hosts' differing levels of confidence in various cryptocurrencies, including XRP. Rising 30-year mortgage rates and their potential impact on housing affordability and home prices. The housing market is increasingly strained by high mortgage rates, elevated home prices, declining buyers, and rising listings. Investors should remain cautious and pay attention to market signals rather than assuming current calm conditions will continue. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/stock-market-stuck-853

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