As a college planning expert, Jack Wang breaks down major changes coming to college financial aid under the new “big, beautiful bill.” Jack explains how new borrowing limits for parents and graduate students could upend traditional funding strategies and push more families toward the private loan market. He shares insights on how colleges decide who gets aid—revealing the “moneyball” game of enrollment management—and why being wanted by a school matters more than just being accepted. Jack offers practical advice on how families can spend less on college by targeting schools that align with their financial and academic profiles. 

We discuss... 

• Jack Wang explains how his personal experience navigating college costs during a divorce inspired him to become an expert in college financial aid planning.
• He discusses the new “big, beautiful bill,” which introduces sweeping changes to college funding and borrowing rules beginning in 2026.
• Parent PLUS loans will soon be limited to $20,000 per year and $65,000 total, ending the previous system of virtually unlimited borrowing.
• Many families focus on helping their child get accepted into college without understanding how they will actually afford it afterward.
• Jack encourages families to prioritize schools that offer the most generous financial aid rather than chasing prestige or name recognition.
• He clarifies that financial aid isn’t just for low-income families—colleges often give significant aid to higher-income households if the student fits their goals.
• Colleges operate like businesses using “enrollment management,” a strategy to attract certain types of students who align with institutional priorities.
• Jack explains that being wanted by a college often leads to larger scholarships than simply being accepted.
• Signs a school may want your student include launching new majors, building new facilities, or heavily recruiting from your region.
• Families should be cautious about applying to overcrowded majors like business, which typically receive less financial aid because demand is already high.
• Understanding each college’s scholarship policies and true costs upfront helps families make smarter, more affordable decisions.
• Jack stresses that financial planning should begin as early as freshman year of high school, since aid decisions rely on sophomore-year tax data.
• Visiting campuses and showing consistent interest can improve a student’s appeal and increase their chances of receiving aid.
• He concludes that families will either spend the time planning early or spend far more money later if they fail to prepare.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management
• Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/college-planning-strategies-756 

Right now, you should invest in anything but the S&P 500... Today we talk about what you should invest in instead. We focus was on market dynamics, particularly the strong performance of precious metals like gold and silver, the technical risks of recent market breakouts, and the caution needed after periods of rapid gains. We examine broader market trends, highlighting the relatively stronger performance of European and emerging market stocks versus the U.S., the importance of diversification, and more.

We discuss...

• Precious metals, especially gold and silver, have been performing strongly, but recent market breakouts are showing signs of weakness, signaling caution for over-leveraged investors.
• September was a high-gain month, leading many investors to become overextended, with earnings season potentially introducing volatility.
• The precise reasons for gold’s rise are unclear, though factors like central bank purchases and possible stablecoin-backed demand may contribute.
• Gold acts as a fear indicator rather than a production-based asset, with rising prices reflecting concerns over fiat currency and economic uncertainty.
• Historical comparisons show current gold-to-oil ratios are anomalous, echoing aspects of the 1970s stagflation period while oil prices remain low.
• U.S. stock market gains are outpaced by European and emerging markets this year, emphasizing the importance of global diversification.
• Average S&P 500 returns differ from actual realized returns due to volatility and sequence-of-returns risk, affecting long-term retirement planning.
• Electricity prices have surged in most U.S. states, highlighting structural energy supply challenges and rising costs for consumers.
• AI expansion is creating unprecedented energy demand, potentially driving electricity prices higher and stressing grid capacity.
• Nuclear energy development is critical to meet growing energy needs, yet decades of poor policy and infrastructure deficiencies hinder progress.
• Media narratives on energy and investment trends can be manipulated, requiring investors to critically evaluate information.
• Historical tech and AI boom comparisons suggest caution, as overhyped markets with high valuations may lead to significant losses.
• Investors should manage risk carefully, use first-principles thinking, and avoid greed-driven overexposure to emerging trends like AI.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/invest-in-anything-but-755 

JJ Kinahan, CEO of TastyTrade shares some tasty option strategies for 2025. JJ shares his journey from floor trader at the CBOE to CEO of TastyTrade under IG North America. He discusses the evolution of the brokerage industry—from the days of shouting in trading pits to today’s retail-driven, commission-free environment—and how access to education has empowered individual investors. JJ emphasizes the importance of starting small, defining risk, and learning gradually when trading. We also talk why certain option types are miscategorized as “risky,” the influence of retail investors since the meme stock era, and how futures trading offers hedging and round-the-clock opportunities. 

We discuss... 

• JJ Kinahan discusses his journey from being a floor trader on the CBOE to leading roles at ThinkorSwim and TD Ameritrade, and now serving as CEO of TastyTrade under IG North America.
• The real differentiator for traders now is education, not access, and that platforms like TastyTrade prioritize teaching users how markets actually work.
• The conversation highlights how TastyTrade continues that mission by combining content, community, and trading functionality in one ecosystem.
• JJ stresses the importance of understanding “defined risk” in options trading—knowing exactly how much you can lose before entering a trade.
• Calendar spreads can help traders take advantage of time decay and volatility differences between expiration cycles.
• JJ notes that the “meme stock” era of 2020–2021 changed market dynamics by bringing millions of new retail participants into the market.
• JJ warns that while accessibility is great, it can lead to overconfidence, so risk control and continuous learning are critical.
• JJ shares insights on how professional traders manage emotions and avoid letting losses dictate decision-making.
• Traders who survive long-term tend to manage downside risk far better than they chase upside potential.
• The conversation explores how automation and data analytics have reshaped trading, but that human intuition still matters in volatile environments.
• Building good habits—like journaling trades, reviewing setups, and setting stop levels—is key to developing consistency.
• He encourages investors to find strategies that fit their personality, risk tolerance, and time commitment rather than copying others.
• JJ leaves listeners with a simple message: focus on learning, define your risk, and don’t let one trade define your trading journey.

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 show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/tasty-options-strategies-for-2025   

This bull market is crashing and no one is talking about it! We kick off the fourth quarter by talking about how the government shut down has impacted the market. Precious metals—particularly gold, silver, and mining stocks—continue to surge in a largely overlooked bull market.

We also critique flawed data interpretations and talk the dangers of drawing false conclusions and the importance of treating data as correlation, not truth. We urge you to think critically about information in both science and finance. 

We discuss...

• Markets have largely ignored the government shutdown, even moving higher despite it.
• Gold, silver, and mining stocks are in a powerful bull market that most investors are overlooking.
• Data shows correlation, not truth, and conclusions must be questioned.
• Investors should focus on price action and risk management, not the “why” behind moves.
• Private equity firms are overleveraged, with declining returns and cash flow–negative companies.
• While some private equity opportunities may exist, most are poor deals for average investors.
• Examples like JoAnn Fabrics and Red Lobster are cited as once-strong businesses destroyed by debt-heavy private equity ownership.
• Public backlash is growing as stories emerge of private equity “ruining” local businesses, hospitals, and jobs.
• The Big Ten Conference is reportedly exploring selling part of its media rights to private equity for short-term funding.
• Private investors could demand control over athletic or academic decisions, clashing with university missions.
• A lack of ethical grounding and values fuels these destructive financial practices.
• Many societal problems stem from short-term greed and moral decay rather than lack of opportunity.
• They review sector strength, noting broad participation and strong 52-week highs as signs of market health.
• Market breadth is strong, showing that many stocks—not just the “Magnificent 7”—are participating in gains.
• A “bull market behavior checklist” shows most indicators remain positive, suggesting momentum continues.
• Seasonal charts show typical market strength in early and late-year periods, but be cautious against overreliance on averages.
• They warn investors to be cautious even in strong markets, as low defensive positioning can precede pullbacks.
• Wealth preservation depends not just on building assets but structuring them to last.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/this-bull-market-is-crashing 

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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Hillary Seiler joins us today to discuss the finances of athletes and NFL players. She shares her journey from personal financial struggles in college to building a career helping athletes, students, and employees improve their financial wellness. She shares how supporting friends who went pro in the NFL led her into creating financial literacy programs for professional teams, eventually expanding into universities and corporate America. She talks the lack of financial education for athletes, the misconceptions around their earnings, and the systems now in place to protect players from going broke. 

We discuss...

• Hillary is a financial education coach who began working with pro athletes and later expanded to universities and corporate America.
• She was inspired by her own financial struggles during her mother’s illness, which gave her perspective on money management.
• The NFL now mandates financial education sessions for rookies and younger players to prevent bankruptcy and poor financial decisions.
• Many athletes face misconceptions about their earnings, with most NFL players earning far less than the public assumes.
• Financial downfall is often tied to lack of education, poor money management, divorce, and being targeted for bad investments.
• Hillary teaches athletes to evaluate deals by requiring full business plans and consulting financial advisors before investing.
• Support systems and career planning are critical to helping athletes adjust to life after sports and avoid identity loss.
• Studies show Olympic silver medalists often stay motivated while gold medalists can struggle with depression and identity loss after reaching the pinnacle.
• Professional athletes and military veterans face similar challenges when retiring, often losing their sense of purpose.
• There has been debate about requiring athletes to save in pensions or annuities, but concerns remain about limiting free will.
• The NFL and NBA encourage saving with strong 401k matching programs, but players cannot access funds until age 45.
• The Pro Athlete Community (PAC) helps retired athletes manage money and avoid financial pitfalls.
• Despite education programs, some athletes still make costly mistakes or fall for scams, learning lessons the hard way.

For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-finances-of-athletes-hillary-seiler

Your financial advisor hates this bull market! Find out what it is as we talk the recent market conditions as well as the potential upcoming government shutdown, noting that while shutdowns once spooked markets, investors have become largely desensitized as they rarely have major lasting effects outside of government employees and contractors. Shutdowns have historically been used as political tools, sometimes causing GDP drag and reputational costs, but now often register as background noise. We also chat about seasonal and cyclical inflection points—like quarter-ends, tax-loss selling, and earnings season—that can drive short-term volatility. It's important to keep your perspective, recognizing political drama as a “circus,” and instead focusing on underlying market cycles. Today we discuss...

• Government shutdowns used to trigger fear in markets but now typically cause little more than short-term noise.
• Politicians increasingly use shutdowns as leverage tools in budget negotiations rather than genuine fiscal concerns.
• Past shutdowns have shown temporary GDP drag but very little lasting structural harm to markets.
• Markets tend to quickly recover after shutdown drama fades, reinforcing investor desensitization.
• The real drivers of volatility now are cyclical factors like quarter-end portfolio adjustments and tax-loss harvesting.
• Earnings season consistently creates inflection points for markets, often outweighing political headlines.
• Seasonal forces can exaggerate short-term market swings, particularly in September and October.
• Positioning between defensive stocks and growth stocks is more critical for risk management than reacting to shutdown fears.
• Broader global market trends often matter more than U.S. political events.
• U.S. small-cap stocks have underperformed compared to large caps and international equities, reflecting structural weaknesses.
• Investors should focus on long-term positioning rather than reacting to short-lived shutdown volatility.
• Shutdowns reveal the widening gap between political theater and actual economic fundamentals.
• Short-term market noise from shutdowns can actually create opportunities for disciplined investors.
• Shutdowns are best understood as temporary disruptions, not trend-defining events.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/your-financial-advisor-hates-751 

Dr. Kimberly Harms discusses the importance of end of life planning. She shares her journey from dentistry to becoming a grief counselor, death doula, mediator, and life coach after personal loss, emphasizing the importance of preparing for death and leaving a meaningful legacy. She explains how avoiding conversations about death often leads to family conflict, highlighting the need for clear wills, healthcare directives, letters of intent, and honest family discussions. Beyond finances, she stresses that legacies should center on love, resilience, forgiveness, and teaching life skills to future generations. 

We discuss... 

• Dr. Kimberly Harms transitioned from a 30-year dental career to grief counseling and becoming a death doula after personal health issues and loss.
• She emphasizes the importance of preparing for death to prevent family conflict and ensure a peaceful legacy.
• Clear wills, healthcare directives, letters of intent, and family discussions are critical to avoiding post-death disputes.
• Legacy goes beyond money, including love, resilience, life skills, and emotional guidance for future generations.
• Grief is a process that requires active effort, time, and sometimes professional help to work through.
• Celebrating life after grieving can bring joy and help loved ones move forward.
• Discussing death openly with family, including children, helps prepare them and reduces misunderstandings later.
• Emotional affairs, forgiveness, and reconciliation should be addressed while alive to avoid burdening loved ones.
• Material possessions should be organized or distributed before death to minimize conflict.
• True legacy is remembered in the hearts and minds of loved ones, not through wealth or public recognition.
• Giving back through acts like teaching, volunteering, or creating positive impact can extend one’s legacy beyond family.
• Preparing now—financially, emotionally, and relationally—ensures loved ones can thrive after one’s passing.

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 show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/end-of-life-planning-kimberly-harms-750 

This week we cover the hidden bull market that the billionaires know about. Are you in on it? We also cover the Fed’s recent rate cut and how markets reacted with little real impact, highlighting skepticism about the Fed’s effectiveness and the risks its policies create for wealth disparity and asset inflation. We emphasize the importance of questioning financial “half-truths” as outcomes often depend on assumptions rather than blanket rules. Gold, silver, and mining stocks are strong but under-appreciated trends, while tariffs are having far less economic impact than public debate suggests.

We discuss...

• The Fed’s latest rate cut had almost no real impact on markets, revealing investor skepticism about monetary policy effectiveness.
• Fed policies have unintentionally widened the wealth gap by inflating asset prices that primarily benefit the wealthy.
• Asset bubbles created by easy money policies pose future risks for average investors who lack diversification.
• The idea that Roth IRAs are always better than traditional IRAs is a half-truth since tax outcomes depend on future income and assumptions.
• Financial advice that paints with broad strokes often fails to account for personal circumstances.
• Gold has surged in value, reflecting distrust in fiat currencies and central bank credibility.
• Silver and mining stocks are also strengthening, though they lag behind gold and remain overlooked.
• Precious metals serve as both a hedge against inflation and a store of value when trust in the Fed declines.
• Tariffs are often overblown in the media, with real economic impact being far less dramatic than public debate suggests.
• The bigger risk to markets is not tariffs but systemic distortions caused by prolonged monetary policy intervention.
• Investors should prepare for volatility, especially given how fragile sentiment has become.
• Timing is critical in retirement planning, as retiring during a market downturn can devastate portfolios.
• Critical thinking is essential for navigating half-truths in financial media and mainstream narratives.
• Complacency is dangerous in today’s environment of uncertainty and shifting economic conditions.
• Owning tangible assets like real estate, commodities, or productive businesses is one of the best hedges against inflation and Fed-driven distortions.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/hidden-bull-market-749 

Josip Rupena talks about how his company Milo, created the world's first Crypto mortgage. Josip shares how his background in investment banking led him to found his company, which solves financing challenges for high-net-worth international clients and later Bitcoin holders who struggle to qualify for traditional mortgages despite significant wealth.

He explains how Milo created the world’s first crypto mortgage in 2022, allowing clients to buy U.S. real estate without selling Bitcoin. Josip highlights that Milo’s products give clients flexibility, preserve upside in both real estate and Bitcoin, and address gaps left by legacy financial institutions in a changing economy. 

We discuss..

• How Josip's career in investment banking exposed him to the challenges high-net-worth individuals face when trying to access traditional lending, especially international clients with wealth but no U.S. credit history.
• He founded Milo to address these gaps, initially focusing on helping global investors buy U.S. real estate without relying on outdated borrower requirements set by legacy banks.
• Traditional banks are reluctant to serve clients outside narrow profiles—such as W-2 earners with U.S. tax records—leaving wealthy entrepreneurs and international investors underserved.
• In 2022, Milo pioneered the first crypto mortgage, allowing Bitcoin holders to directly purchase U.S. real estate without liquidating their coins.
• By using Bitcoin as collateral, clients can avoid triggering capital gains taxes while continuing to benefit from potential long-term appreciation.
• Milo structures its loans with institutional partners and securitization, bridging the gap between innovative lending products and traditional capital markets.
• Crypto-backed loans offer borrowers quick access to liquidity while being overcollateralized to protect Milo and its investors from volatility risks.
• Milo’s approach demonstrates how fintech can expand financial inclusion by designing products around real client needs rather than forcing clients into rigid bank standards.
• By enabling clients to hold both real estate and Bitcoin, Milo gives them a way to compound upside across two asset classes while maintaining flexibility and financial control.

Today's Panelists:

• Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth
• Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors
• Diana Perkins | Trading With Diana

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 For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/crypto-mortgage-with-josip-rupena 

There's a silent bull market right now that no one is talking about. Gold has had a powerful breakout and silver’s lagging but still strengthening. Gold has surged from $2,000 to $3,600 since 2023, driven largely by central bank buying amid global distrust of U.S. reserves. Investors should approach metals through ETFs rather than individual picks unless you have deep expertise. We also talk the likelihood of rate cuts under political pressure, persistent “slow burn” inflation from tariffs and supply issues, de-dollarization, and the need for diversification beyond passive index funds. Inflation isn’t dead, passive portfolios are under strain, and active allocation to precious metals may be one of the most underpriced opportunities available.

We discuss... 

• Gold has staged a historic breakout, climbing from around $2,000 in 2023 to roughly $3,600, with central bank buying acting as the primary driver.
• Global distrust in the U.S. dollar and concerns about the credibility of U.S. reserves are pushing sovereign nations toward gold accumulation.
• Unlike gold, silver remains more dependent on retail participation and industrial demand, leaving it lagging but positioned for potential catch-up.
• Silver faces supply constraints that limit downside, with demand tied to solar, electronics, and other industrial uses, making it a dual-purpose metal.
• Mining stocks were highlighted as structurally poor businesses due to high costs and weak capital discipline, yet they are soaring as leveraged plays on rising metals.
• Junior miners offer the most explosive upside but come with extreme risks, making them closer to speculative lottery tickets than investments.
• For most investors, ETFs and broad metals exposure were recommended as the safer approach compared to individual mining stock selection.
• Inflation is not “dead” but a persistent, slow-burn phenomenon fueled by tariffs, supply chain issues, and ongoing policy shifts.
• Political pressure makes interest rate cuts increasingly likely, regardless of whether inflation is fully under control.
• A broader theme of de-dollarization is accelerating gold’s role in global reserves as nations seek alternatives to U.S. dominance.
• Passive index funds were critiqued as over-reliant on historical correlations that no longer hold, leaving portfolios vulnerable.
• The hosts concluded that gold, silver, and related hard assets remain one of the most underpriced and overlooked opportunities for active investors today.

Today's Panelists:

Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | Mergent College Advisors

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For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/silent-bull-market-747