Money Tree Investing

Joey Isaacson joins us to discuss the next trend in crypto with the rapidly growing world of stablecoins and how they are reshaping the future of finance and payments. We explore what stablecoins are, how they function as a bridge between traditional cash and cryptocurrencies, and why they are gaining traction for global transactions, trading, and blockchain-based financial systems. Joey explains how stablecoins are backed by assets like Treasury bills, the ongoing regulatory battles surrounding interest payments, and why major banks and governments are paying close attention to the technology. We also dive into privacy concerns, CBDCs versus privately issued stablecoins, wallet security, and how faster, more efficient financial infrastructure could transform everyday banking and payments over the next decade. Today we discuss...

• Joey Isaacson explains how stablecoins emerged as a way to reduce the volatility problems associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
• We discuss how stablecoins act as a bridge between traditional cash and blockchain-based assets.
• Joey breaks down why stablecoins are useful for fast, low-cost international transactions compared to traditional bank wires.
• The conversation explores how stablecoins help crypto traders move quickly without waiting for traditional banking systems to settle transfers.
• We examine how stablecoins are backed by assets like U.S. Treasury bills and other real-world assets.
• Joey explains the importance of audits, transparency, and trust in determining whether a stablecoin is truly backed one-to-one.
• We discuss how companies like Circle generate revenue from stablecoin issuance and Treasury bill yields.
• The episode covers the debate over whether stablecoin holders should receive interest generated from the underlying Treasury assets.
• Joey shares how stablecoins could disrupt traditional banks by pulling deposits away from low-interest savings accounts.
• We talk about the regulatory battle surrounding stablecoins, including the Clarity Act and broader crypto legislation.
• The discussion compares privately issued stablecoins with government-controlled CBDCs and the privacy implications of both.
• Joey explains how privacy works on blockchain networks and the tradeoffs between convenience and anonymity.
• We explore whether companies like Visa and Mastercard could eventually be disrupted by blockchain payment rails.
• The conversation covers how self-custody wallets work and the risks of losing access to private keys.

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 full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-next-trend-in-crypto-joey-isaacson-820

This mega bubble may explode soon! Find out what it is as we talk growing market uncertainty driven by rising interest rates, inflation concerns, and global conflict, while warning investors about the risks developing in the bond market and increasingly narrow stock market leadership. We explore how higher Treasury yields, stubborn inflation, housing weakness, and mounting global debt pressures could impact both stocks and bonds, while also breaking down why investors should remain cautious despite strong performance in select sectors like semiconductors and AI. We cover consumer stress, leverage building in the markets, Japan's bond challenges, concerns surrounding global liquidity, and the importance of avoiding emotional reactions to sensational economic "chart crimes" and extreme market predictions. Today we discuss...

• Why rising Treasury yields and bond market volatility are becoming a major concern for investors.
• Inverted versus normal yield curves and what they signal about the economy and lending conditions.
• How higher oil prices and ongoing geopolitical conflict could keep inflation elevated.
• Concerns that higher interest rates could pressure both stocks and bonds at the same time.
• Why traditional diversification strategies are struggling in today's correlated market environment.
• How a small group of semiconductor and AI stocks are driving most of the stock market gains.
• The growing stress facing consumers from inflation, mortgage rates, and rising debt burdens.
• Weakness in the housing market and the impact of high mortgage rates on affordability.
• Concerns about China reducing its holdings of US Treasuries and the implications for bond markets.
• Japan's rising bond yields and the risks tied to global debt and liquidity markets.
• Whether current inflation trends could resemble the inflationary environment of the 1970s.
• Why many alarming economic charts online can be misleading "chart crimes" driven by correlation rather than causation.
• How government stimulus during COVID contributed to inflation by increasing consumer spending power.
• How inflation impacts everyday expenses like healthcare, childcare, education, and housing more than electronics or technology.
• Growing leverage and speculative behavior in global markets as investors chase returns.
• The role of the US dollar as a macroeconomic pressure gauge rather than a simple trading indicator.
• Why investors should stay cautious, avoid emotional reactions, and focus on risk management during uncertain market conditions.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/mega-bubble-may-explode-821

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance
• Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/real-estate-to-reduce-college-costs-lance-morgan-818

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/strong-earnings-season-817

Jon Grishpul joins us to discuss rentals vs ADUs (accessory dwelling units), and the growing trend of converting garages and unused spaces into flexible living areas. Relaxed zoning laws in states like California are helping address housing shortages while creating new opportunities for homeowners. We explored the challenges faced when managing construction projects, from finding trustworthy contractors and comparing bids to understanding contracts, permits, insurance, payment schedules, and cost overruns. Jon shares his practical advice for vetting contractors, avoiding common renovation pitfalls, handling unexpected issues during projects, and building long-term relationships with reliable professionals to protect both your investment and your peace of mind.

We discuss...

• Jon explains how ADUs provide flexible living spaces that can be used for family, rental income, home offices, gyms, or studios.
• Jon outlined the key differences between detached, attached, and garage conversion ADUs.
• The conversation covered how homeowners should carefully define the scope of a renovation project before contacting contractors.
• Homeowners should compare contractor bids and ensure each estimate reflects the same project scope.
• Jon explained why contractor estimates can vary dramatically depending on materials, labor, experience, and profit margins.
• The discussion highlighted the importance of verifying contractor licenses, insurance, bonds, and references before hiring.
• We talked about common renovation surprises such as mold, dry rot, and structural issues hidden behind walls.
• There are strategies for preventing contractors from disappearing mid-project through milestone-based payment schedules.
• Jon explained how poor communication early in the bidding process can signal problems during construction.
• We discussed the pros and cons of homeowners sourcing their own construction materials versus letting contractors manage procurement.
• We explored how contractors and homeowners can negotiate fairly when mistakes or unexpected issues arise during construction.
• We discussed how inspections, third-party evaluations, and punch lists help ensure quality control on renovation projects.
• Jon encouraged homeowners to take their time vetting contractors and focus on building long-term relationships with reliable professionals.

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/rentals-vs-adus-jon-grishpul-816

There is one reason to invest in space, and we share it today! Also, freshly released UFO files dropped and are a great reminder for how investors should critically evaluate information, media distractions, and geopolitical developments rather than blindly trusting official stories or market reactions. We also talk the ongoing war and energy disruptions, rising oil prices, and the possibility that markets are underestimating inflation and recession risks. We also examined the risks of concentrated AI spending, declining cash flows among major tech companies, rising retail speculation, smart money moving toward cash and value opportunities, and potential distress in commercial real estate and non-traded REITs. Patience, caution, independent thinking, and selective investing always prevail over chasing momentum in an increasingly fragile and narrowly driven market environment.

We discuss...

• Why investors should question why information is released at certain times and avoid blindly trusting government or media messaging.
• Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and energy disruptions may be worse than markets currently believe.
• Rising oil and energy prices could continue pressuring consumers, corporate margins, and global economic growth.
• Major S&P 500 sectors breakdowns show that many areas of the market remain flat or weak despite bullish headlines.
• The discussion highlighted how semiconductor stocks have dramatically outperformed while software and other technology subsectors have lagged.
• Venture capital and speculative investment historically flow toward high-risk opportunities like AI rather than stable cash-generating businesses.
• Retail investors are aggressively chasing options and speculative trades while institutional investors appear more cautious.
• The bond market was identified as a major warning signal, with rising Treasury yields potentially creating significant economic and market stress.
• If inflation and interest rates continue rising, housing, borrowing, and economic activity could slow sharply.
• Many commercial real estate valuations may still be overstated despite large discounts in secondary markets.
• Liquidity problems and refinancing pressures could create further downside risks in commercial real estate assets.
• How "smart money" appears to be raising cash, rotating toward value opportunities, and looking internationally for better upside potential.
• Investors should remain selective, independent-minded, and focused on risk management in an increasingly volatile and speculative market environment.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/reason-to-invest-in-space-815

Richard Duncan is here today to discuss global macro developments as he outlines a long-term macro framework, arguing that the modern global economy has shifted from traditional capitalism to a system driven by credit expansion. He explains how, since the 2008 financial crisis, government borrowing and Federal Reserve money creation have replaced the private sector as the primary engine of growth, fueling massive asset inflation and a historic surge in wealth, but also creating an "everything bubble" highly dependent on low interest rates. Duncan warns that rising inflation could push interest rates higher and trigger a collapse in asset prices and a severe recession. Richard emphasizes that the greatest systemic risk is a contraction in credit and argues that sustained investment in innovation may be the only path to outgrow the debt burden before a long-term crisis emerges.

We discuss...

• Richard Duncan explains his macro framework, arguing the global economy shifted from gold-backed discipline to a credit-driven system after 1968.
• Credit expansion, rather than productivity, has been the primary driver of economic growth for decades.
• Globalization and trade deficits helped suppress inflation, enabling lower interest rates and more debt growth.
• Following the 2008 crisis, government borrowing and Federal Reserve intervention replaced the private sector as the main engine of credit expansion.
• Massive stimulus and quantitative easing fueled a historic surge in asset prices and household wealth.
• The U.S. now faces an "everything bubble," with asset valuations stretched relative to income.
• War in the Middle East could drive higher energy, fertilizer, and food costs, worsening global inflation.
• Higher rates threaten to pop the credit-fueled bubble and trigger a significant recession.
• Deglobalization and reshoring manufacturing would likely be highly inflationary and destabilizing to the system.
• Despite high debt levels, the system can continue functioning as long as credit keeps expanding.
• Richard suggests a future shift from "creditism" to a new system driven by artificial intelligence and exponential gains in cognition.
• Gold's rise is attributed both to the broader asset bubble and declining global trust in U.S. financial dominance.
• Central banks are increasingly accumulating gold as a hedge against geopolitical and monetary risk.
• The biggest overlooked risk is a contraction in credit, which could collapse the entire economic system.
• Duncan argues that aggressive investment in innovation and technology is key to outgrowing the debt burden.
• Without continued credit expansion or productive investment, the system risks a severe long-term depression.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management
• Marc Walton | Forex Mentor Pro

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/urgent-global-macro-development-richard-duncan-814

Today we're here to share some war investing wisdom with you as we deal with an unusually volatile and fragmented market environment. Distinct "market paradigms" have rapidly rotated month-to-month, creating confusion for investors as sectors behave inconsistently. Despite a strong earnings week and resilient equities, underlying concerns are building, including rising interest rates, surging energy costs, and early signs of economic slowdown that could pressure consumers and corporate margins over time. There is a growing disconnect between market performance and economic reality, warning of potential earnings compression as higher costs and weakening demand squeeze companies. Remain cautious and selective, as the market is difficult to handicap. Right now, patience may be the most prudent strategy. Today we discuss...

Markets are behaving unusually in 2026, driven more by sentiment and geopolitical events than consistent trends. War has disrupted typical market patterns, yet equities have rebounded back to all-time highs. Distinct "pre-war, war, and post-war" paradigms have created sharp, month-to-month sector rotations. Tech and semiconductors have led the recent rally, despite broader inconsistency across sectors. A major earnings week showed mixed results, with strong performance overall but clear winners and losers. Economic data signals a slowing economy, though not yet strong enough to confirm a recession. Rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions are increasing inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. Consumers are beginning to feel pressure from higher costs, especially energy, which could impact spending. A "margin squeeze" risk is emerging as companies face rising costs and slowing revenue growth. Markets remain resilient despite weakening underlying fundamentals, creating a growing disconnect. Big Tech continues to generate strong cash flow but faces uncertainty due to heavy AI-related capital spending. Emerging markets and rate-sensitive sectors face elevated risks in the current environment. Corporate earnings quality may deteriorate through lowered expectations or financial adjustments. Housing and consumer data remain weak, signaling underlying fragility in the economy. The biggest forward risk to markets is earnings compression rather than inflation or the war itself. Seasonality and historical patterns suggest potential weakness in the coming months.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/war-investing-wisdom-patience-and-caution-813

Dylan Taylor is here to talk about the space economy. As CEO of Voyager Technologies and a commercial astronaut, he shares his journey into the space industry and outlines the rapidly evolving opportunities within it. Dylan highlights commercial space stations as a major frontier, enabling breakthroughs in microgravity research that can drive advancements in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and manufacturing by producing higher-quality inputs that improve processes back on Earth. Dylan underscores the economic and technical challenges of scaling space-based industries, the likely consolidation of space companies, and the critical role of reusable heavy-lift rockets in unlocking growth, while projecting realistic timelines for lunar return and Mars missions. Ultimately, he frames space not just as an investment frontier, but as a transformative domain that can reshape humanity's perspective and deliver meaningful benefits back on Earth.

We discuss...

• Dylan Taylor shares his background as CEO of Voyager Technologies, commercial astronaut, and founder of Space for Humanity.
• His early fascination with space was inspired by science fiction and the idea of expanding humanity's potential.
• The rapid increase in satellite launches is creating massive datasets, linking space opportunities with AI-driven insights.
• Commercial space stations like Starlab are emerging as key platforms for research and manufacturing in microgravity.
• Microgravity enables higher-quality outcomes in pharmaceuticals, materials science, and fiber optics by reducing defects.
• Space-based research often produces intellectual property and "seed" inputs that enhance production back on Earth.
• Commercial space stations will operate through shared lab capacity across industries, especially biopharma.
• Automation, astronaut rotation, and future robotic avatars will make long-duration space experimentation more feasible.
• Orbital data centers are an emerging opportunity due to natural cooling and abundant solar energy.
• Water extraction on the moon could support fuel production and sustained human presence.
• Economic viability will determine the pace of lunar development and broader space commercialization.
• Landing and returning from the moon remain the primary technical challenges, not reaching orbit.
• Competition between the U.S. and China is likely to accelerate lunar exploration and development.
• The space industry is expected to undergo consolidation similar to early railroad expansion.
• Reusable, low-cost heavy-lift rockets are the key bottleneck being solved, primarily by SpaceX.
• Chemical rockets are highly inefficient for deep space, making nuclear propulsion a likely future solution.
• Human missions to Mars could realistically occur around 2030, though timelines remain uncertain.
• Asteroid mining is technically possible but more likely to be executed by autonomous robots than humans.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management
• Diana Perkins | Trading With Diana

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-space-economy-dylan-taylor-812

As war continues on, we talk the impact of oil on the economy. Ongoing and often confusing geopolitical developments are driving sharp, sentiment-driven market swings. Markets initially following a "great rotation" into defensive sectors were shifting into broad selloffs during war uncertainty, and now are in a rapid "chase" back into growth and tech as investors repositioned after being caught offside. Despite strong headline earnings underlying data shows slowing economic activity, mixed sector performance, weakening housing, and uneven credit conditions, suggesting a late-cycle environment. With correlations breaking down, traditional diversification less effective, and tech valuations complicated by rising capital expenditures, caution and incremental positioning are important.

We discuss...

• Markets reacted sharply to conflicting war headlines, showing how sentiment, not fundamentals, is driving short-term moves.
• Rely on frameworks rather than predictions, since forecasting the future is inherently unreliable.
• Current market strength is concentrated in tech, while most other sectors remain flat or weak.
• Strong earnings reports are being driven in part by lowered expectations rather than true outperformance.
• Economic data is softening, with slowing manufacturing, services, and forward-looking business activity.
• Credit markets show mixed signals, with business borrowing strong but housing and consumer trends uneven.
• The economy appears to be in a late-cycle phase, marked by narrow growth and increased fragility.
• Traditional diversification is less effective as stock and bond correlations have turned positive.
• Big tech faces scrutiny due to rising capital expenditures and uncertain returns on AI investments.
• Market behavior is increasingly driven by positioning, psychology, and institutional flows.
• Upcoming earnings from major companies are expected to add further volatility to markets.
• Midterm election cycles historically bring choppy market conditions, reinforcing uncertainty.
• The current rally may be a temporary bounce rather than a confirmed long-term trend.
• Investors are encouraged to avoid chasing gains and instead scale into positions.
• Holding cash and waiting for clearer signals is presented as a valid strategy.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-impact-of-oil-811