Money Tree Investing

The Trump presidency is going to affect your investments and today we discuss how! We talk about focusing on shifting paradigms, market trends, and the need for pragmatic investing. We criticize tech stocks, social media’s evolving role in information dissemination, and reflections on media partisanship. Our overarching goal is for you to focus on investment opportunities created by policy changes rather than being swayed by ideology. 

Today we discuss...

•     Reflections on self-awareness and understanding societal perceptions after the election.
•     Observations about the market downturn, especially in tech stocks.
•     Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter and its cultural implications.
•     The significance of comedy and free speech in maintaining societal balance.
•     Discontent with corporate media as biased propaganda, regardless of political alignment.
•     Concerns about the long-term sustainability of pensions, Medicare, and Social Security in the 2030s.
•     Inflation’s impact on savings and purchasing power as a critical financial concern.
•     Discussion of policy proposals like free college and their feasibility in a paradigm-shifting era.
•     The potential economic disruptions from AI and other transformative technologies.
•     Shifts in investment strategies to align with anticipated policy changes under new leadership.
•     The importance of separating politics from investment decisions to maximize financial outcomes.
•     The strategic approach to capitalizing on corporate tax cuts and their impact on major companies.
•     Critique of ideological investing for potentially leaving significant financial gains on the table.
•     Nuclear energy is gaining bipartisan support due to its reliability as a load power source.
•     Abundant, cheap energy is critical for societal progress, as scarcity leads to economic stagnation and conflicts over resources.
•     Proposals like replacing income tax with tariffs reflect the trade-offs inherent in policy changes.
•     Recognizing the populist movement as a response to frustrations with big institutions and a desire for greater voter control.
•     Misinformation in charts and emphasizing skepticism when analyzing data visuals online.
•     Identifying signs of euphoria in market sentiment as a potential warning for cautious investing.
•     Contrarian investing during periods of extreme optimism or pessimism as a timeless strategy.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/trump-presidency-661 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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Marco Santarelli returns to share real estate opportunities you should be jumping on in 2025! Despite rising interest rates, Marco remains optimistic about real estate as one of the best opportunities to be a part of. He explains that high demand and low supply in many U.S. markets create opportunities, particularly in non-tier-one markets, and encourages investors to focus on "where" to invest rather than "when" to start. Most people who do start investing in real estate regret that they didn't invest even more! 

Today we discuss... 

• Marco Santarelli shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur with a primary focus on real estate investing, specifically in turnkey investment properties.
• Rising interest rates and their impact on real estate affordability.
• Focusing on location rather than timing the market, as there are always opportunities in specific markets.
• A lack of supply has created high demand in many U.S. housing markets, which is unlikely to be balanced before 2030.
• How affordability challenges affect buyers and investors, especially in expensive tier-one markets.
• Marco argues that even with higher mortgage rates, real estate investments continue to offer wealth protection, growth, and tax benefits.
• The current economic backdrop, including inflation and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy, and its effects on real estate.
• Real estate investments are viable at any interest rate if the numbers work and the location is right.
• Housing demand is high due to an underbuilt market, with 2.1 million units needed to meet current demand.
• Industrial real estate is performing well, while commercial properties struggle with vacancies.
• Small-scale residential properties (1-4 units) are ideal for most investors due to financing benefits and availability.
• Effective property management is essential; consider tenants as customers and research property managers’ services, reputation, and fees.
• Real estate offers long-term benefits through cash flow, equity, and tax advantages, and consistent education is key for successful investing.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/real-estate-opportunities-marco-santarelli-660 

Today's Panelists:

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

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The election results are in and the real winners are the American people who do not have to watch politics ads anymore! Today we dive into the aftermath of the recent elections and what happens next for the markets. We talk about the ineffectiveness of government spending and the evolving view of political parties. There needs to be greater personal accountability and unity in navigating the nation's political landscape. No matter what we will be sure to see the impact of political dynamics on society and markets. The market will definitely respond to the political events of the next four years. 

Today we discuss... 

• Relief after the recent election, especially from political advertising overload.
• How a record-breaking $15.9 billion was spent on U.S. political ads this election cycle.
• Frustrations over high campaign spending and suggests such funds could better support social causes.
• Critiques of the U.S. political system's reliance on private contributions and its potential to sway policy.
• Comedians like Jon Stewart for addressing political hypocrisy across the spectrum.
• The American political system seems to shift over time, with parties taking on opposite stances on issues like war.
• Bipartisan acceptance of differing opinions and the preservation of First Amendment rights are essential for a healthy society.
• Freedom of speech includes both expressing opinions and facing possible negative reactions.
• Extremist views on both political sides have made rational discussion harder.
• Polarized societies often see suppressed opinions emerge during pivotal events, like elections.
• Market reactions to election results can indicate future performance trends.
• Specific sectors post-election, like coal, banks, and crypto, provides insights on economic sentiment.
• Election outcomes impact short-term market volatility, but fundamentals drive long-term trends.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/election-results-659 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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Mark Lumpkin is here to discuss real estate investing through creating a successful AirBNB. He delves into what it means to be a "super host," by enhancing a property's visibility and appeal. If you have a unique properties that can serve as part of the travel experience, you can find yourself a niche in the industry, and tailor your property for maximum appeal and profitability. Many new investors rush in, lured by promises of high yields but lack a strategic approach. Mark shares the secrets of how to maximize your success.

Today we discuss... 

• Mark explains his and his wife's travel experiences that led them to prefer short-term rentals over traditional hotels.
• How, inspired by their experiences, they decided to invest in short-term rentals and became Airbnb superhosts.
• How short-term rentals have made previously uneconomical properties profitable by offering daily rentals instead of long-term leases.
• The importance of having unique, high-quality properties to remain competitive and mitigate downturn risks.
• Focusing on mid-range properties, rather than luxury or low-end ones, often yields the best financial results.
• How unique, non-duplicatable properties avoid direct competition with identical listings.
• Market risks such as natural disasters, insurance costs, and operational expenses specific to high-tourism areas.
• The premium pricing strategy on weekends in vacation destinations for maximum yield.
• Catering to unique needs, like wheelchair accessibility or family-friendly amenities, can attract a premium.
• Balancing seasonal properties across markets with varying peak seasons can stabilize cash flow.
• Managing a short-term rental requires a strong on-ground team for cleaning, maintenance, and guest support.
• Listing properties on multiple platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, booking.com, etc.) increases exposure and revenue opportunities.
• Building a brand and direct-booking options, supported by social media, is a growing trend among property owners.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/successful-airbnb-mark-lumpkin-659 

The election just happened and that means there will be some shenanigans after the election! Today we talk divisiveness in political discourse, the inefficiencies in government spending, and the challenges posed by increasing national debt and interest payments. The inefficiency in government spending and decision-making extends across the board so you need to be aware of your own finances and investments. Focus on your pragmatic investment strategies amidst economic uncertainty, especially after the election, and you'll be on a better track. 

Today we discuss... 

• How politics is largely unhelpful for investing discussions. Today’s society often discourages open, contradictory opinions.
• Election results are here, and market stability would benefit from a decisive winner.
• Government spending has increased while private sector growth lags.
• Government debt interest payments have surpassed national defense spending.
• The economy faces challenges as more jobs shift to government, education, and healthcare.
• Older generations dominate U.S. power structures, limiting opportunities for younger leaders.
• Economic solutions are limited to either growth, inflation, or reduced spending.
• The government, healthcare, and education sectors often suffer from inefficiency due to regulation.
• Technological advances in housing and nuclear energy are slowed by regulatory oversight.
• Crypto has been highly volatile, though fixed-income investments have also been risky in recent years.
• Significant donations from the crypto sector went to both political parties in the last election cycle.
• The market’s response to election results is likely stable unless there is a contested outcome, which could trigger volatility.

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/after-the-election-657

Richard Duncan is back to share the concept of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, an idea to drive national economic growth through large-scale public investment in emerging industries and technologies. Recent bipartisan support from both the Trump and Biden camps highlights growing momentum for this initiative, and Richard thinks it could accelerate technological breakthroughs in fields like AI, quantum computing, and biotech. Such a fund would not only help reduce the national debt but also bolster U.S. competitiveness against China’s rapid advancements in technology and defense. 

Today we discuss...

• The concept of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, a proposal he has supported for years as a means of boosting national economic growth.
• Concerns that government programs already incentivize private sector growth, like R&D tax credits and preferential funding, but face inefficiencies.
• How a U.S. sovereign wealth fund would act as a venture capital source for private companies, similar to successful models in Singapore.
• How under-investment could allow China to become the dominant superpower, citing parallels to Europe's unpreparedness for Hitler’s rise.
• The effects of inflated debt and the fragility of the U.S. economy, highlighting government intervention as a key reason it hasn’t collapsed.
• If credit contracts, a recession could turn into a depression, risking significant economic instability.
• Each time private sector defaults threaten contraction, such as in 2008 and 2020, government intervention prevents economic collapse.
• Advocates of austerity overlook that spending cuts can cripple consumption, investment, and job creation, leading to economic decline.
• The speaker argues that large-scale investment, rather than austerity, is essential for growth and national security.
• America's economic resilience stems partly from government debt; alternatives could risk societal collapse.
• Future U.S. prosperity and competitiveness, especially against China, depend on substantial investment in science and technology.
• The risk of economic misallocation, using overemphasis on pharmaceuticals as an example.
• Balancing private sector decisions and government financing could ensure effective investment in essential industries.
• The U.S. must innovate in energy, particularly nuclear and fusion, to meet growing demands from sectors like AI.
• America's past reliance on globalization reduced inflation, but future economic stability may require adapting to changing global conditions.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/sovereign-wealth-fund-richard-duncan-656 

Today's Panelists:

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

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There's a problem with the election and it's not just about you, it's me too. Our conversation today highlights how U.S. political party priorities have evolved with shifts in censorship power dynamics now seen in tech and government interactions. Voter turnout patterns by state reveal high engagement in blue states, sparking a discussion on potential impacts and a reflection on whether blockchain could offer fairer and more secure elections.

Today we discuss...

• Most recent information is likely to be unreliable, especially with the election looming.
• Historical context regarding political party evolution highlights significant shifts in the Democratic and Republican parties over the years.
• The potential for implementing blockchain technology in voting is suggested as a way to enhance transparency and prevent voting irregularities.
• When investing in the market, your biases—whether bullish or bearish—can distort your perception of reality.
• Confirmation bias leads investors to seek information that supports their beliefs while ignoring opposing viewpoints.
• Historical examples highlight how both individuals and groups can rationalize harmful choices based on their biases.
• Recent trends show a belief that investing solely in the S&P 500 or real estate is the only way to achieve financial success, neglecting historical performance data.
• Many investors, including Warren Buffett, are reevaluating their holdings based on new data, which suggests current market valuations may be overly optimistic.
• Historical performance metrics show that various asset classes, including gold and emerging markets, may outperform current popular investments.
• A shareholder proposal suggests Microsoft should consider holding Bitcoin instead of cash, reflecting a shift towards cryptocurrency among corporations.
• Leveraging Bitcoin or any asset carries significant risks, particularly if market conditions change abruptly.
• Despite increasing investments in Bitcoin, its price has remained relatively stable, indicating complex market dynamics.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/problem-with-the-election-655 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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Today I'm joined by my good friend, The Tax Goddess to discuss the Profit First system. Shauna Wekherlien's background in helping people legally minimize taxes and maximize savings and focuses on the Profit First system, a financial management approach for businesses and individuals. We explain how this system promotes discipline by prioritizing profit before expenses. Shauna also shares strategies to reduce tax bills legally. Today we discuss...

• Shauna Wekherlein shares her work as a tax strategist, helping people manage money and keep it away from the government legally.
• The Profit First system is a simple financial framework for both businesses and individuals.
• Shauna explains the process of setting aside a percentage of revenue for profit before paying expenses.
• Profit First encourages using multiple bank accounts to separate funds for profit, taxes, and other expenses.
• Kirk shares his positive experience with the Profit First system, calling it life-changing.
• How the system is customizable, allowing users to start small and increase their profit percentage over time.
• Shauna emphasizes the importance of having a separate bank account for taxes.
• The value of financial strategies to reduce tax bills while still ensuring funds are available for payments.
• Shauna highlights how business owners and individuals can use the Profit First method to achieve personal and financial goals.
• The conversation covers common financial challenges like lifestyle inflation and debt, and how Profit First can help avoid them.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-profit-first-system-shauna-wekherlien-654 

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance
• Megan Gorman | The Wealth Intersection

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Where is Bitcoin going next? Today we discuss Bitcoin and how it's currently crashing and what that means for it's future! We also talk about how consumer confidence fluctuates based on political affiliation and reflect on how political leanings shape people's perception of reality. We analyze charts "chart crimes," emphasizing how misleading technical analysis can be. We also touch on America's ever growing debt.

Today we discuss...

• There's only two weeks between Halloween and the election!
• The University of Michigan Consumer Expectations Index reveals an inverse correlation between political party expectations based on who is in power.
• How political bias colors people's perception of reality.
• A shift in political leanings of tech executives is observed, with a historical trend toward Democrat support but a recent swing toward conservatism in 2024.
• The current state of leadership, with a lack of strong leaders across political lines.
• The concept of "chart crimes", where misleading technical analysis charts often deceive inexperienced investors.
• Bitcoin technical analysis is debunked, explaining that chart setups are not guaranteed predictions.
• The U.S. may face bankruptcy within 5 to 10 years, which could trigger significant inflation and financial hardship.
• The velocity of money and the trust in currency are key indicators to watch for potential hyperinflation or financial instability.
• Bitcoin's recent rise is correlated with an increase in M2 money supply, and both Bitcoin and gold are seen as potential hedges against inflation.
• There's uncertainty about how Bitcoin will perform in future recessions since it hasn't faced a major economic downturn yet.
• Consumers are struggling with high core inflation, impacting necessary expenses like utilities and food, despite overall inflation rates declining.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/where-is-bitcoin-going-653 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners

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Jenny Groberg joins us to share how she has because a master of balancing business and family. Her journey led her to starting a consulting business from home while raising five children and navigating financial challenges due to her husband's medical school and residency. Jenny talks financial literacy, highlighting how she and her husband quickly paid off $250,000 in loans by living below their means. 

We discuss... 

• Jenny Groberg is a mother of five, married for 21 years, whose husband's medical school and residency led her to start her own business out of necessity.
• She started consulting from home and built a successful business employing hundreds of women across the US who also work remotely from home.
• Jenny's company taps into a highly educated female workforce, breaking barriers in finance and challenging traditional male-dominated spaces.
• She is passionate about empowering women, especially during times of economic hardship, as many women are returning to work due to rising costs and inflation.
• Jenny highlights the flexibility and adaptability of women who juggle family and professional responsibilities while navigating challenges like maternity and remote work.
• The accounting field is shrinking, but Jenny sees opportunities in helping businesses improve financial literacy and manage their finances better.
• She emphasizes the importance of focusing on profitability over growth and ensuring businesses maintain financial discipline for long-term success.
• Jenny shares her personal story of paying off $250,000 in student loans in two years by maintaining a strict budget and avoiding lifestyle inflation.
• She believes that staying out of debt and managing finances conservatively can lead to long-term financial freedom and stability.
• Jenny encourages business owners to regularly monitor their financials, manage payroll efficiently, and make conservative financial decisions to ensure business survival and growth.
• She warns against relying on adjustable-rate loans and stresses the importance of saving for unexpected financial changes.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/balancing-business-and-family-jenny-groberg-652 

Today's Panelists:

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

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast

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Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast