Episode 11 – First Principles of Investing | Real World Retirement Podcast

In this episode of Real World Retirement, host Alexander Pushman sits down with Foguth Financial advisor Leyland Lindie for a wide-ranging conversation that blends bold real-life stories with a fresh take on financial planning.

Leyland shares an unforgettable moment from early in his career—when a client confidently wired $1 million to “buy the market” at the height of the COVID panic in April 2020. While the world was melting down, this client was calmly executing a strategy prepared well in advance. The story highlights the power of preparation and having a trusted advisor who understands the bigger picture.

From there, the conversation dives into Leyland's contrarian approach to financial planning using “first principles thinking”—a problem-solving mindset rooted in engineering. Instead of following the status quo or conventional advice, Leyland explains how breaking down each element of a financial plan to its core truths can lead to more customized, confident decisions.

Whether you’re new to planning or looking for a deeper philosophy behind the numbers, this episode will challenge your assumptions and help you think more intentionally about your future.

👉 Tune in now to hear why rethinking the rules—and the timing—could be the smartest move you make.