Money Tree Investing

Matthew Le Merle joined the podcast to discuss his journey from a consulting background to breaking finance with blockchain. He explains how he and his wife Alison pivoted to blockchain after recognizing it as the next major wave of digital value creation following the internet era. He breaks down the differences between blockchain, crypto, and DeFi, and shares how the financial industry is slow to adapt due to outdated systems and vested interests. While adoption may seem slow, it's actually progressing rapidly by historical standards, and transformation remains inevitable no matter what.

We discuss...

• Matthew Le Merle transitioned from a career in consulting and digital innovation to blockchain venture investing after identifying it as the next major wave of value creation.
• He and his wife began investing in blockchain over a decade ago, seeing it as the foundation for digitalizing commerce and finance.
• Blockchain, or distributed ledger technology (DLT), complements the internet by enabling secure, trust-based value transfers.
• Crypto is a subset of digital assets—usually natively digital—enabled by tokenization on blockchain infrastructure.
• Tokenization allows any asset to be digitally represented and transacted without paper or manual processes.
• DeFi (Decentralized Finance) enables financial transactions through code rather than intermediaries, potentially removing banks and middlemen from the equation.
• The current financial system is deeply entrenched with inefficiencies and intermediaries that profit from friction and delay.
• Incumbent institutions like banks face both technological and incentive-based challenges in adopting blockchain solutions.
• Just as digital communication disrupted legacy industries, blockchain is likely to disrupt banking and finance despite institutional resistance.
• While adoption of smart contracts and blockchain applications has been slower than expected, it's following a similar long development arc as the early internet.
• Digital assets are designed to function natively on digital infrastructure, enabling real-time, frictionless movement.
• Discounted cash flow models can now be used to estimate intrinsic value for platforms like Ethereum and Solana.
• Bitcoin's value is more abstract, deriving from its role as a hedge against government control, inflation, and confiscation.
• Blockchain investing spans six asset classes: early, mid/late, and public stages for both equity and token-based investments.
• Entry-level exposure to crypto can be done via small Bitcoin allocations, as recommended by BlackRock and others.
• The biggest blockchain fortunes have come from early-stage investments, not public market trading.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/breaking-finance-with-blockchain-matthew-le-merle-720

AI is causing a big disruption but the number 1 investment you can make in AI is learn it before you get left behind! Today we talk on the cultural, societal, and economic disruption caused by AI, comparing its transformative potential to that of the industrial age. While traditional frameworks—like working for purpose, identity, and productivity—are deeply ingrained in modern life, AI is rapidly eroding these norms by replacing jobs and altering what it means to be valuable in the workforce. Despite the uncertainty and anxiety around obsolescence, the best current investment is learning how to effectively use AI—not just dabble in it, but truly understand and apply it—as this will separate the empowered from the obsolete in the coming years.

We discuss...

• AI is positioned as a disruptive force akin to the Industrial Revolution, challenging long-standing societal frameworks.
• Modern systems—from schools to corporations—are still rooted in Industrial Age models built for efficiency, not creativity.
• Innovation comes from the small percentage of society willing to think differently, even if they seem eccentric.
• AI represents a fundamental shift in how we think about productivity, identity, and purpose.
• Most people need purpose, and work has traditionally served that function—AI may disrupt this connection.
• People who understand how to use AI will replace those who don't, creating waves of obsolescence.
• The rise of AI may force society into an identity crisis as traditional roles and functions disappear.
• Many people won't be able to re-skill fast enough to keep up with AI's rapid displacement of labor.
• Investing in AI is challenging because major players are private or already priced for perfection.
• The best AI investment today is learning how to use it yourself to create value directly.
• AI can replace high-salary roles with low-cost automation—great for businesses, threatening for workers.
• Replicating your brain in AI gives you a major edge in decision-making and productivity.
• Privacy concerns are fading as people get used to sharing personal data with AI for performance gains.
• Investing in your understanding of AI is the most valuable thing you can do today.
• AI is easy to use—success comes down more to willingness than difficulty.
• Human interaction is the hardest part of work for AI to replicate.
• AI futures range from utopian to dystopian—avoid extreme views and prepare with skills instead.
• The Elon Musk–Donald Trump "bromance breakup" shows how political and business alliances can impact markets.
• "Second-level thinking" is crucial to interpreting events beyond surface-level headlines.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/1-investment-you-can-make-in-ai

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management
• Douglas Heagren | Pro College Planners
• Megan Gorman | The Wealth Intersection
• Tim Baker | Metric Fin
• Jeff Hulett | Finance Revamp

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Laura Adams shares her journey into personal finance, podcasting, and authorship with her new book Money-Smart Solopreneur. She shares how she transitioned from corporate finance aspirations to helping individuals improve their money management through writing and podcasting. She discusses the evolution of book publishing, the growing need for supplemental income due to inflation and stagnant wages by starting side businesses, and practical advice on identifying marketable skills.

We discuss...

• Laura Adams has worked in personal finance for nearly 15 years, transitioning from a corporate finance path after noticing even smart professionals struggled with money basics.
• Her passion for financial education led her to blogging and podcasting in the mid-2000s, eventually growing the "Money Girl" community.
• Writing books is a major undertaking that requires deep effort, especially when promotion is involved.
• Her dream of seeing her book on bookstore shelves motivated her to pursue traditional publishing, despite the changing landscape of book promotion.
• How the financial pressures facing many Americans today, especially due to inflation.
• Laura encouraged people to consider starting a side business to supplement income and access tax advantages.
• Side businesses should ideally be enjoyable since they often take place during personal time.
• Starting small and testing the market with minimal upfront investment is a smart approach to launching a side hustle.
• People should leverage existing skills and interests when brainstorming side business ideas.
• If your goal is quick income, practical gigs like freelancing, tutoring, or becoming a virtual assistant may be for you.
• Many people feel intimidated by starting a business but advised against overthinking early-stage logistics.
• Wait until a side business earns around $10,000 annually before worrying about formal structures like LLCs or accountants.
• Market research through conversation can spark ideas and reveal where your talents might fill a gap.
• Iterative experimentation are a great way to discover what business ideas are both enjoyable and viable.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/money-smart-solopreneur-718

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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AI will change your life! Are you ready? Today we dive into the evolving landscape of AI, the capabilities and limitations of current AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Gemini, and why most users don't get the results they truly want. While AI is a very powerful but immature tool, learning how to use it effectively will help you to stay relevant in the workforce and can benefit your personal life as well. AI disruption is inevitable and potentially beneficial but it also raises serious questions about human adaptability for a rapidly changing future.

We discuss...

• Frustrations around AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, and DeepSeek, especially when users expect too much without giving clear input.
• The importance of context and prompting in getting valuable responses from AI.
• Most people use AI poorly, often giving it vague or vanity prompts without depth.
• Our industrial-era mindset doesn't prepare us to use AI effectively, and adaptation is essential.
• AI can assist with tasks like job postings or report generation, results depend heavily on user input.
• AI disruption will be massive, though adoption will happen gradually over time.
• The first wave of job losses will hit those who don't learn how to use AI tools.
• Identity—such as being a provider, parent, or worker—could be threatened by AI taking over meaningful roles.
• Ego and confirmation bias could limit AI's effectiveness as a truth-telling tool.
• While AI can process inputs and generate useful outputs, it still requires thoughtful human analysis.
• The U.S. housing market has shown nearly 500,000 more sellers than buyers — the largest gap on record.
• Credit conditions has deteriorated — 2.3 million borrowers have dropped into subprime credit territory
• Student loan delinquencies have spiked sharply since collections resumed in May.
• Nearly $100 million has been collected by Treasury and the Department of Education from defaulted borrowers.
• Average rent prices have declined, yet overall consumer stress has risen due to financial pressure.
• Housing prices remained elevated, but affordability has deteriorated, putting pressure on cash-strapped households.
• Mortgage availability remains key to housing demand, as the majority of buyers rely on loans, not cash.
• Google search trends reveal more people are asking AI and search engines basic "adulting" questions, like how to use a mop or credit card.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/ai-will-change-your-life-717

Kurt Carlton discusses the inefficiencies of the MLS for a good real estate investment strategy. It's currently hard to find good deals, an MLS doesn't show the scale of vacant housing in the U.S., and some sellers often prefer off-market options that avoid inspections and repairs. We also talk broader market dynamics as today's challenges stem not from distressed sellers, as in 2008, but from an aging housing stock and a severe shortage of new construction. Local real estate investors are best positioned to help restore inventory by rehabilitating vacant homes, offering a scalable solution to a long-term housing crisis.

We discuss...

• Kurt Carlson has nearly 20 years of experience in real estate, specializing in distressed and value-add residential properties.
• Unlike the MLS, Kurt's real estate platform targets off-market and undervalued properties not suited for traditional homebuyers.
• The MLS is inefficient for distressed properties, as typical buyers are discouraged by repairs and inspections.
• Investors view property issues as opportunities to create value through design, rehab, and operational efficiency.
• Many realtors prefer listing distressed homes on Kurt's marketplace rather than handling inspections and contractor coordination.
• Local investors can rehab properties more efficiently and cost-effectively than distant or uninformed sellers.
• There are roughly 15 million vacant homes in the U.S., presenting massive hidden inventory potential.
• Despite high housing demand, new construction is at historic lows—fewer homes are being built now than in 1992.
• Builders face high regulatory costs, land expenses, tariffs, labor shortages, and unpredictable demand cycles.
• Government programs often inflate demand rather than addressing supply constraints in affordable housing.
• Local real estate investors are critical to solving the housing crisis by repurposing vacant homes into livable inventory.
• Supply-demand imbalance persists because builders can't profitably create affordable housing in high-demand areas.
• There is plenty of capital in the market, but the housing market is not clearing due to mismatches in pricing and affordability.
• Out of all homes sold in the U.S., one in five is purchased by a real estate investor, the majority of whom buy fewer than 10 homes per year.
• The perception that Wall Street is dominating the housing market is misleading; most activity is by small business operators.
• There is strong demand for single-family rentals (SFR), especially for families who don't want to live in apartments.
• Revitalizing a few homes in neglected neighborhoods can start a chain reaction that attracts more investment and increases values.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/real-estate-investment-strategy-kurt-carlton-716

AI is getting smarter, but are we ready? Today we deep dive into the evolution of tools like ChatGPT—from early, academic-sounding outputs to more recent capabilities that include humor, sarcasm, and nuanced storytelling. We explore how AI is rapidly improving but still faces a gap in practical, transformative use cases for the average person. The adoption curve is slow, but so it has been for past innovations like video games, the internet, and crypto. While AI is becoming more accessible, it hasn't yet reached full mainstream integration, but it eventually will.

We discuss...

• The explosion of AI interest since ChatGPT's launch and its shift from novelty to everyday tool.
• How AI is getting better at sarcasm, creativity, and sounding more human unlike early AI with bland writing and a poor grasp of humor and nuance.
• The challenge of finding truly impactful AI use cases beyond convenience tools.
• The tech adoption spectrum, from everyday users to coders, and how AI fits into that.
• How AI follows a familiar tech adoption curve—past early adopters, not yet fully mainstream.
• Comparisons between AI today and early stages of gaming, internet, or crypto adoption.
• The idea that we're still just scratching the surface of what AI can do in daily life.
• ChatGPT commands the most attention, Claude comes in a distant second, and Gemini is barely on the radar.
• Google is quietly testing a lead generation product (likely Local Services Ads) as a new revenue source.
• AI hasn't yet reached the point of autonomously solving problems without user guidance.
• AI tools can produce mediocre output by default but become shockingly good with proper input and structure.
• AI isn't replacing jobs yet, but people who know how to use AI are replacing those who don't.
• There are viral examples of teens using AI to launch apps with multi-million dollar revenues.
• The more specific the prompt, the better the AI's output—clarity is key.
• Business tasks like running scenarios, correlations, and planning can be done instantly with AI.
• There's huge potential for public-facing AI avatars to field press, lead webinars, or handle customer interactions.
• Users respond well to AI when it's honest about being non-human—transparency builds trust.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/ai-is-getting-smarter-715

Your bad estate plan is going to cost you! In today's episode, Lauren Klein, a Florida-based tax and estate planning attorney, discussed the critical components of effective estate planning. She debunks myths about revocable trusts, touches on the importance of regularly updating estate plans, and shares on the unethical financial incentives some attorneys may have to let plans fall short. We also talk the strategic use of irrevocable trusts, asset titling, and state-specific protections like Florida's homestead laws for enhanced asset security.

We discuss...

• Lauren Klein is a Florida-based tax, trust, and estate attorney who works nationally, helping clients with estate planning, probate avoidance, and tax strategies.
• Probate happens when someone dies owning assets solely in their name without a beneficiary or trust.
• Probate adds stress during grief and often sparks disputes—especially if there's no clear plan or distant relatives get involved.
• Family fights usually come from unresolved issues, emotional baggage, or greed. Clear planning helps prevent conflict, though it can't always stop it.
• Many assume a will or trust avoids probate, but trusts must be properly funded—assets need to be retitled into the trust or have it listed as beneficiary.
• The estate planning industry is too transactional—clients get documents but little follow-up.
• After a death, families often struggle to locate and transfer assets legally while grieving. It requires attorneys, paperwork, and patience.
• A common myth is that revocable trusts protect assets from taxes or lawsuits. They don't during your lifetime—but they help avoid probate and add control.
• Revocable trusts shine when passing assets to kids. They can protect inheritances from divorce or lawsuits and become irrevocable (and stronger) after death.
• Trusts are especially helpful for blended families and young kids. You can distribute assets in stages and add estate tax protection with proper planning.
• Irrevocable trusts offer stronger protections but are more complex and better suited for high net worth or special planning needs.
• Asset protection varies by state—Florida, for example, offers homestead and tenancy protections. Even how you title a car can matter.
• Retirement accounts and life insurance have some protection, but it depends on the state. Listing all assets is key to building a strong estate plan.
• Crypto is showing up more in estate planning. It requires special steps to protect and transfer securely.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/bad-estate-planning-lauren-klein-714

China tariffs are causing big problems right now. Today we talk about the recent developments in U.S.-China trade relations, particularly the temporary pause in tariffs and the broader implications for investor sentiment and economic narratives. The fear over supply chain disruptions quickly faded once tariff discussions resumed—even though actual inventory issues remained unresolved. We also analyzed a new Republican tax bill, highlighting key proposals like eliminating taxes on tips and overtime, allowing deductions for car loan interest, and introducing a "MEGA account" to support education, home buying, and small business loans.

We discuss...

• Trump temporarily paused tariffs on China for 90 days, reducing tensions and prompting speculation on political motives.
• Despite ongoing inventory lags, public and media attention has waned following the tariff pause announcement.
• People often react to headlines and political gestures without examining the actual impact or facts on the ground.
• Wall Street quickly shifted from fear to optimism despite unresolved issues, illustrating emotional market swings.
• Consumer sentiment has rapidly reversed from bearish to bullish, reflecting how quickly perception can change.
• Buffett's principle of being fearful when others are greedy remains relevant in today's sentiment-driven market.
• The proposed GOP tax bill includes a "No Tax on Tips" provision, widely supported as fair for service workers.
• A new "MEGA Account" is proposed to help with education, small business loans, and first-time homebuyer costs.
• The IRS uses audits not primarily to collect money but to scare people into compliance, as stated by an IRS official.
• Low-income taxpayers are disproportionately audited due to earned income tax credit claims.
• Wealthy individuals can afford legal support, making IRS audits less impactful for them compared to lower earners.
• The U.S. housing market is now at its most unaffordable level in recorded history.
• Mortgage rates are back to their historical average and unlikely to drop meaningfully.
• The Fed's long-term involvement in mortgage-backed securities has distorted the housing market.
• Interest rates remain high, and the Fed has yet to significantly cut, raising questions about the rationale for past rate cuts.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/china-tariffs-are-causing-big-problems-713

Ashley Morgan is here to share on filing for bankruptcy the right way. There has been a rising demand for bankruptcy services amid job losses and contracting challenges in the D.C. area, particularly among government contractors, and Ashley's VA based Law Practice has been doing a lot of work on these cases for both individuals and businesses. Ashley explains how bankruptcy can offer a fresh start, protect certain assets like homes or retirement accounts, and in some cases discharge tax and SBA debt. The conversation also covers the complexity of student loan discharge, the importance of asset protection and planning before filing, and misconceptions around credit damage post-bankruptcy.

We discuss...

• Ashley Morgan, a bankruptcy attorney near D.C., discussed the rising demand for her services amid increasing job losses, particularly among government contractors.
• The economic slowdown in the D.C. area is creating a trickle-down effect, impacting local small businesses as stable government money dries up.
• Bankruptcy is a legal, court-supervised process to eliminate or restructure debt, offering individuals a fresh financial start.
• The U.S. system allows broader bankruptcy relief compared to many other countries, though outcomes depend heavily on income, assets, and debt type.
• Common types of bankruptcy include Chapter 7 (liquidation), Chapter 13 (repayment plan), Chapter 11 (business restructuring), and Chapter 12 (for farmers/fishermen).
• Chapter 11 is often used by large businesses to renegotiate leases, restructure payments, or close unprofitable locations.
• Small business owners can file Chapter 7 to shut down a business, but Chapter 11 can be cost-prohibitive for many.
• Personal credit isn't always impacted by business bankruptcy unless the owner personally guaranteed business debt.
• Bankruptcy doesn't automatically ruin credit—many filers see credit scores rebound shortly after filing.
• Asset protection during bankruptcy varies by state; homestead exemptions can protect homes, but limits differ widely.
• Timing and transparency are critical—transferring assets before filing may trigger fraudulent conveyance issues.
• Retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k)s, IRAs) are often protected and can be used strategically before filing.
• Student loans are generally not dischargeable, though rare exceptions exist through adversary proceedings under "undue hardship."
• SBA and certain tax debts may be dischargeable under specific conditions, like being sufficiently old and properly filed.
• Ashley emphasizes the importance of early education, legal consultation, and realistic expectations about outcomes when considering bankruptcy.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/filing-for-bankruptcy-ashley-morgan-712

This hidden bull market is actually lying in plain sight! Find out what it is today as we discuss media fear-mongering, unhelpful propaganda, Bitcoin and gold, and more. The central banks continue accumulating gold, emphasizing its historical role as a long-term store of value, and noting that despite the rise of digital assets like Bitcoin (which the U.S. now holds as a reserve), gold's cultural and material significance remains deeply embedded worldwide. Oh, and we also got a new Pope!

We discuss...

• A new Pope from the U.S., Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Prevost of Chicago), was elected, contradicting Jim Cramer's confident prediction.
• The Pope had a 1% chance in betting markets, showing how off-market odds can be and how unexpected outcomes can deliver large returns.
• A widely shared headline warned that Earth will run out of oxygen, but buried in the article was the timeline—1 billion years from now.
• Climate change is a hard-to-measure issue that's often politically weaponized and based on unprovable long-term models.
• Propaganda exists across all eras and agendas, including pro-America messages like those in 80s movies such as Top Gun.
• Spotting propaganda and political messaging can be useful for investors trying to understand broader narratives and their market implications.
• Governments often downplay crises right before they hit, and historically, such reassurances can be a red flag to start worrying.
• Recognizing themes in media, like global warming or military conflicts, can help investors anticipate policy moves or market shifts.
• Nuclear energy is an example of a rational solution ignored for political reasons, illustrating how policy can ignore practical options.
• Wealthy investors and central banks are buying more gold, reinforcing gold's role as a long-term store of value.
• Gold continues to be culturally significant and trusted across civilizations, unlike newer assets like Bitcoin.
• The U.S. government has decided to hold confiscated Bitcoin as a reserve asset, further legitimizing it in financial circles.
• There's growing speculation that Bitcoin could evolve into a reserve asset for central banks, similar to gold.
• Banks have transitioned from resisting Bitcoin to finding ways to monetize it, suggesting institutional acceptance is rising.
• Gold has significantly outpaced wage growth since 2000, reinforcing its strength as a store of value amid stagnant real income.
• Crypto has displaced silver as the inflation-hedge asset of choice among younger investors, hurting silver's narrative.
• Long-term tailwinds for silver include green tech applications like solar panels and EVs, which could reignite demand.
• Gold and silver miners have underperformed despite rising bullion prices, with some major miners currently unprofitable.
• Mining companies face structural inefficiencies, making many poor business models despite gold's rise.
• Institutional caution, reflected in moves by figures like Warren Buffett, indicates potential market hesitancy despite retail optimism.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/hidden-bull-market-711