Power Up Wealth

Hosted by Smedley Financial

Business Investing

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Episodes

108

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Power Up Wealth podcast, where we provide impactful insight and expert opinions on timeless financial principles and timely investment topics--preparing you to make smarter decisions with your money. Reach out to us at smedleyfinancial.com for additional information and all disclosures. The views expressed are Smedley Financials and should not be construed, directly or indirectly, as an offer to buy or sell any securities or services mentioned herein. Investing is subject to risks, including loss of principal invested. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. No strategy can assure a profit nor protect against loss. Please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should only be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Smedley Financial Services, Inc.® Osaic Wealth is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth . Smedley Financial is located at 102 S 200 E Ste 100 in Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Call us today at 800-748-4788. You can also find us on the web at Smedleyfinancial.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 11413 min

Direct Indexing: Tax Efficiency for the Modern Investor

James Derrick and Mikal Aune delve into the growing popularity of direct indexing in this podcast episode that outlines its benefits for investors with sizable non-retirement portfolios. The discussion centers on using direct indexing to harvest losses intentionally, offsetting gains with a method previously exclusive to the affluent. The importance of technology and reduced trading costs is underscored in making direct indexing accessible. Mikal explains the mechanics of the strategy, including replication of indices like the S&P 500, while advisors play a critical role in planning and optimizing tax outcomes to benefit clients significantly.

May 27, 2026Episode 11314 min

Will Housing Slow the Economy?

This podcast episode explores the current state of the housing market, highlighting a 9% decline in home sales and the resulting pressure on policymakers. James Derrick, President of Smedley Financial and a financial strategist, discusses potential solutions, including increasing housing supply, allowing 401k funds to be used for home purchases, and federal involvement in mortgage-backed securities to reduce interest rates. The conversation also touches on innovative financing ideas like the 50-year mortgage and portable mortgages, though these face significant hurdles. While cautioning against using home equity to fund retirement, James emphasizes the importance of maintaining affordable, stable housing to support the overall economy.

May 12, 2026Episode 11212 min

Good Debt, Bad Debt: Know the Difference

Join James Derrick and Parker Thompson as they unravel the complexities of debt in this informative podcast episode. The duo breaks down various types of debt, concentrating on actionable advice for managing personal debt effectively. They outline what constitutes good debt, such as housing and education investments with potential long-term value, versus bad debt from quickly depreciating items. Listeners learn about smart repayment strategies to tackle high-interest debt and tailored advice on maintaining a balanced financial state. This episode serves as a valuable guide for making informed decisions that bolster financial growth and security.

April 30, 2026Episode 11111 min

Navigating Your 20s to 60s: Timeless Financial Advice

This podcast episode features James Derrick and financial expert Amy Hansen discussing financial strategies tailored to each decade of life, from your 20s to your 60s and beyond. The conversation stresses the importance of establishing healthy financial habits early and adjusting them as you grow older. Key topics include avoiding excessive debt, deciding whether to buy or rent a home, and the importance of retirement planning. Special focus is also given to understanding the right time to claim Social Security and how to ensure you don't outlive your assets, all while emphasizing the significance of seeking professional financial advice.

April 17, 2026Episode 11013 min

Unlocking Generational Wealth: Beyond Money

In this insightful podcast episode, James Derrick and Mikal Aune discuss the challenges families face in maintaining their wealth over generations. Unfortunately, 90% of family wealth is lost by the third generation. They highlight the need to redefine wealth as not merely financial capital but also human and intellectual capital. By shifting focus from simple inheritance to stewardship, families can instill a seventh-generation mentality that emphasizes passing on values and education. They stress the importance of ongoing conversations about wealth within families, using meetings to align values, enhance communication, and ensure the preservation of family wealth beyond mere financial inheritance.

April 7, 2026Episode 10915 min

Skydiving into Financial Freedom: Knowing Your Retirement Number

In this lively podcast episode, skydiving enthusiast and Vice President at Smedley Financial, Jordan Hadfield, shares insightful parallels between skydiving and financial planning. Host James Derrick explores the importance of knowing your 'number' in both skydiving and retirement, highlighting the significance of thorough pre-planning to ensure safety and success. Jordan discusses the essential steps to calculating a general retirement goal and the role of various factors like taxes and inflation. He also shares his personal journey from skydiving into finance, driven by a passion for helping people achieve financial security and freedom.

March 24, 2026Episode 10814 min

From Tulips to AI: The Cyclical Nature of Market Bubbles

In a discussion on the SFS Power Up Wealth podcast, James Derrick and Jordan Hadfield explore the phenomenon of market bubbles, with a specific focus on the emerging AI bubble. The episode delves into how bubbles, although often risky and unstable, can drive rapid innovation and progress. Both James and Jordan provide historical examples, like the tulip mania and the Internet bubble, to explain the cyclical nature of such economic events. They highlight the importance of managing investments wisely amidst the excitement, emphasizing the need for cautious risk assessment and the danger signs of high levels of debt.

March 17, 2026Episode 10720 min

AI and Financial Planning: Navigating the Future of Financial Planning

In this episode of the SFS PowerUp Wealth podcast, James Derrick, Parker Thompson, and Jordan Hadfield dive into the growing influence of AI in financial management. The discussion explores whether AI poses a threat to jobs in finance, drawing parallels with previous technological disruptions like the internet. While AI can optimize data and offer general advice, the human element in financial advising remains invaluable, particularly for managing unexpected events and emotional nuances. The panel agrees that AI is a tool, not a replacement, and that advisors who integrate AI into their workflow will outpace those who don't.

March 6, 2026Episode 10610 min

Kickstart Your Financial Fitness Journey

In this episode of the SFS Power Up wealth podcast, James Derrick and Shane Thomas discuss the importance of a financial wellness checkup as we step into the new year. They emphasize the significance of assessing your financial health by looking at savings, debt management, and retirement planning. The dialogue underscores the value of goal setting and communication, urging listeners to make everyone aware of financial plans, especially in emergencies. Shane also touches on the need for emergency savings, the strategy for paying off high-interest debts, and when professional financial advice becomes crucial as financial plans grow complex.

February 23, 2026Episode 10512 min

The Best is Yet to Come: Navigating Financial Storms

In this episode of the SFS Power Up Wealth Podcast, James Derrick and Mikal Aune discuss the challenges of financial planning during times of global chaos and economic uncertainty. They explore how negative news and fear can paralyze decision-making and offer strategies for focusing on personal values and goals. Mikal, an optimist by nature, emphasizes the importance of staying invested and viewing market volatility as an opportunity for growth, especially using dollar-cost averaging. The conversation highlights the significance of having a solid plan, adapting to changes, and maintaining hope in American innovation and resilience.