In today’s episode, we dive into the following:

- The recent shift toward market fear and what it really means for investors.

- Why pullbacks are a normal part of the market cycle.

- The dangers of emotional decision-making.

- Why the biggest risk to long-term wealth is often our own behavior.

- How discipline, patience, and focusing on great businesses can help investors avoid interrupting the power of compounding.

Here’s to wise investing.

We’re back for 2026 with a straight-up look at what really drove markets in 2025—and what actually matters now. We recap last year’s strong returns, revisit the 2022 bear market and rapid Fed hikes, and explain why that backdrop still matters today.

Then we shift to our 2026 outlook, touching on AI and jobs, gold’s recent run, the gap between solid economic data and shaky investor sentiment, and what history tells us as a bull market moves past year three.

Listener challenge: Send us your S&P 500 year-end 2026 prediction by February 15—the closest guess wins an Iron Gate prize.

Here's to wise investing,

Iron Gate Global Advisors

Hello Friends!

In our final wrap-up of 2025, we’re cutting through the noise of the AI market. While the big names are seeing a healthy correction, the speculative "no revenue" bubble is starting to hiss. At Iron Gate, we aren't chasing the hype—we're following the legends.

The Big AI Takeaway

•The Correction is Here: Major players like Nvidia and Meta have pulled back 10-15%.

•Speculative Stocks are Sliding: Companies with "concepts" but zero revenue, like Oklo, have dropped over 50%.

•Our Strategy: We’re patient. We’d rather miss the first third of a rally to ensure we're buying a fundamentally sound business.

Investing Like a Legend

We’re sticking to two core principles inspired by Joel Greenblatt and Charlie Munger:

•Rule #1: Know the Value. Figure out what a business is worth and buy it for significantly less.

•Rule #2: Don't Be a Fool. It’s hard to be a genius, but it’s easy to not be a fool. Avoid emotional traps like envy and FOMO.

Your Financial "No-Nonsense" Checklist

To secure your future, Spencer recommends these three pillars:

1. Live Within Your Means: If you spend more than you make, stop.

2. Pay Yourself First: Automate your savings before the bills hit.

3. The Emergency Fund: Keep 3-6 months of cash in a high-yield account for those inevitable rainy days.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We'll see you in 2026.

Everyone’s asking the same question right now: Are we in an AI bubble – and is it about to pop?

In this episode, we unpack the recent market sell-off, sky-high valuations, and the growing chorus of “this time feels different” warnings. We separate real risks from media noise and look at what actually drives today’s volatility.

Then we flip the script:

• Why accelerated computing and agentic AI are structural, not speculative

• How today’s spend compares to dot-com era (spoiler: it’s very different)

• What history tells us about surviving – and profiting from – tech revolutions

If you’re trying to decide whether AI is the next dot-com bust or the start of a multi-decade transformation, this episode gives you the clarity you need to invest with conviction.

Here's to wise investing,

Brett, Brian, and Mike

In our latest episode, we’re talking about the government shutdown — what it means for the economy, the markets, and your financial plan.

Yes, this shutdown is causing some short-term pain for federal workers, contractors, and parts of the economy. It may even bring some market volatility in the near term. But here’s what’s important to remember: there are no knowable structural problems in the market today that suggest a bear market is forming.

In times like these, the key is to stay focused on your long-term plan. Volatility isn’t something to fear — it’s an opportunity. Long-term investors who remain disciplined and take advantage of temporary declines are the ones who build lasting wealth.

Listen now to hear how we’re navigating this environment and why patience, perspective, and planning remain your best financial assets.

Here’s to wise investing,

Brian, Mike, & Brett

The stock market just keeps climbing — but have we gone too far? In this episode, we dig into whether today’s valuations are signaling opportunity or the makings of another bubble, especially in the world of AI.

We’ll also explore why paying close attention to the CEO behind the company might be one of the most overlooked (and most important) factors in long-term investing.

Finally, we break down the three tailwinds currently fueling the market:

1. Falling interest rates

2. Potential tax cuts becoming permanent

3. A wave of deregulation

It’s a conversation that blends discipline, optimism, and realism — giving you clarity in a market that’s anything but simple.

Here's to wise investing,

The Iron Gate Global Team

No one knows how long this rally will last — but history shows that the best returns come to those who lean into value, not emotions. Chasing what feels “safe” often leads to buying high and selling low. The real edge comes from staying disciplined when headlines and emotions are screaming the opposite.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Why your brain interprets up-markets and down-markets backwards — and how that instinct can quietly sabotage long-term results.

• How price and value diverge during volatility — and why falling prices often mean growing opportunity.

• The mindset shift that turns falling markets into opportunity — practical ways to reframe risk so you can act rationally when it matters most.

• Lessons from history — what past market cycles can teach us about the link between discipline, patience, and wealth building.

As always, thank you for listening, learning, and trusting us with your financial journey.

Here's to wise investing,

The Iron Gate Global Team

In this round-robin style episode, we tackle some of the hottest questions in finance today:

- Bull or Bear? We kick things off with the question everyone’s asking: “What’s the market going to do?” Our take on where overall returns could be headed.

- Tariffs Are Back and they are BIG. $87 billion collected this year — and projections hit $300 billion for 2025. Is this a smart economic lever or a drag on growth?

- Interest Rates & Trump vs. Powell. Everyone’s wondering when the Fed will pivot. We explore the timeline — and the political subplot playing out behind the scenes.

- BBB Breakdown. While the Big Beautiful Bill covers many social issues, we ignore those and focus on the economic. We each discuss one thing that we like about the bill that can help spur the market and economy.

Fast-paced, opinionated, and full of insights — this episode is a must-listen for investors trying to make sense of it all.

Here's to wise investing,

Brett, Brian, and Spencer

In 1979, the Los Angeles Lakers were purchased for just $67 million. Today, they’re reportedly worth $10 billion. That’s an incredible return—but how does it compare to a simple investment in the S&P 500 over the same period?

We dig into the numbers and break down what makes public equities one of the most unbeatable long-term investments.

Also in this episode:

- What really drives massive returns over decades.

- Why Steve Ballmer—yes, the former Microsoft CEO—is being called one of the greatest investors of all time.

- The surprisingly simple principle behind his investing success (and how you can apply it).

Here's to wise investing,

Brett Pattison, Brian Hunsaker, and Spencer Nelson

One of the most powerful and consistent forces pushing stock prices higher over time isn’t just earnings or interest rates — it’s human ingenuity. From the invention of the wheel in 3500 BC, to Gutenberg’s printing press in 1440, to Space Travel in 1969, and now the rise of Artificial Intelligence, innovation has been the engine of progress.

And nowhere is the impact of innovation more directly reflected than in the stock market.

Unlike real estate, bonds, or Treasuries, which often lag behind in capturing the upside of breakthrough ideas, stocks give investors a front-row seat to benefit from human creativity and technological advancement — especially in the innovation-rich landscape of America.

In this episode, we look back at some of history’s greatest breakthroughs and look forward to how emerging technologies could shape not just the world — but your portfolio.

Tune in and learn how to align your investments with the most powerful force on Earth: the endless spark of human ingenuity.

Here's to wise investing,

Brett Pattison & Brian Hunsaker