As wealth transfers across generations, cybercriminals are positioning themselves to intercept it.

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, host Marc Bautis is joined by Robert Siciliano, one of the nation’s most trusted authorities on cybersecurity, identity theft, and fraud prevention.

Robert is a private investigator, Certified Speaking Professional, bestselling author, and the creator of The Strategic Human Firewall™. You’ve likely seen him on CNN, MSNBC, Fox, or The Today Show, helping millions understand how cybercriminals think — and how to stay one step ahead of them.

Together, Marc and Robert explore why affluent families are increasingly targeted by fraudsters, how denial and misplaced trust make people vulnerable, and why AI-driven scams like deepfake voices and impersonation are changing the threat landscape entirely.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why “It won’t happen to me” is one of the most dangerous mindsets in cybersecurity — and how denial quietly increases risk.
• Why affluent families and older generations are prime targets right now.
• How modern scams actually work, including wrong-number texts, romance scams, and long-game trust-building tactics.
• What practical steps can be taken to reduce risk immediately.
• The role adult children and trusted advisors play in protecting aging parents without taking away independence.
• And more!

Tune in for a candid, eye-opening conversation about why situational awareness — not paranoia — is the new baseline for protecting wealth, identity, and family legacy in a digital world.

Resources:

Episode Transcript & Blog | protectnowllc.com | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Paying investment fees is normal. Not knowing what you’re paying isn’t.

Research shows that many investors underestimate — or completely overlook — the true cost of investing, with more than 20% believing they pay no fees at all.

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, co-host John Williams, CFP®, breaks down the often-misunderstood world of investment fees. He explains the different ways fees show up, where to find them, and how to evaluate whether the value you’re receiving truly justifies the cost.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The three primary types of investment fees — expense ratios, advisory fees, and trading costs — and how each one works.
• Why expense ratios apply regardless of where your investments are held and how they can vary widely by fund type.
• How advisory fees differ based on the level of service, from investment management to comprehensive financial planning.
• Practical steps to identify what you’re actually paying, including how to review statements and ask the right questions.
• How to assess whether your fees align with the value you’re receiving, including expertise, time savings, peace of mind, and performance.
• Why understanding fees is essential to making confident, informed financial decisions.
• And more!

Tune in for a clear, honest conversation about investment fees.

Resources: 

Episode Transcript & Blog | Schedule an Introductory Call | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Are gold and silver simply relics of the past, or critical tools for navigating what may be the next major shift in the global monetary system?

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, host Marc Bautis is joined by David Morgan, a precious metals analyst and monetary system critic with more than four decades of experience. David is the co-author of The Silver Manifesto, publisher of The Morgan Report, and creator of the documentary Silver Sunrise. Together, they cut through the hype to explore what precious metals really represent, why they’re surging, and how they may fit into a modern financial plan.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why today’s market environment may represent a historic confidence shift, not just another economic cycle — and what that means for currencies, assets, and investors.
• How gold and silver act as financial barometers, signaling stress in the monetary system before it shows up elsewhere.
• What’s driving the surge in silver and gold demand, from industrial shortages and institutional buying to central banks quietly preparing a “Plan B.”
• How individual investors can think about precious metals practically, including physical ownership, ETFs, and why a modest allocation can serve as portfolio insurance.
• And more!

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on money, markets, mining, and the psychological forces behind inflation — plus a grounded perspective on how precious metals can provide balance, liquidity, and peace of mind during uncertain times.

Resources:

Episode Transcript & Blog | themorganreport.com | silversunrise.tv | The Silver Manifesto | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

What if the real problem with education isn’t that students aren’t learning enough — but that they’re learning the wrong things for today’s workplace? Too many graduates are prepared for exams, but not for collaboration, uncertainty, or real-world decision-making — including money

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by Simon Holzapfel, co-founder and CFO of L-EAF Lab, an innovation incubator designed to give students real-world, hands-on experience before they ever enter the workforce.

Simon brings decades of experience from independent schools, leadership roles, and advisory work with families and institutions. At L-EAF Lab, he applies agile and evolutionary principles to education — helping students build practical skills, confidence, and adaptability in an economy that’s changing faster than ever.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why traditional education often prepares students for tests — but not for teamwork, ambiguity, or modern workplace realities.
• How L-EAF Lab helps students break the “no experience, no job” paradox by working on real business problems and building verifiable skills.
• Why soft skills — collaboration, feedback, adaptability, and resilience — are becoming more valuable than technical skills in an AI-driven economy.
• How experiential learning, agile practices, and even financial literacy can better prepare young people for careers, leadership, and long-term success.
• And more!

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about reimagining education, expanding access to opportunity, and giving young people the tools they actually need to succeed in the real world — not just the classroom.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional thinking about the future of work, this episode offers practical insights into how learning can evolve to meet today’s challenges.

Resources: 

Episode Transcript & Blog | LinkedIn | www.l-eaflab.org/ | www.l-eaf.org/ | https://simonholzapfel.substack.com/ | https://www.crowboxpartners.com | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

What if the biggest communication breakthroughs have less to do with what you say — and more to do with how well you listen?

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, the Bautis Financial team discusses another book in their Book Club series: Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit.

As conversations around AI, polarization, and digital communication continue to grow louder, this episode explores why human connection — and the ability to communicate effectively — has never been more important.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why miscommunication happens so often — and how the “matching principle” can help you recognize and align with the type of conversation you’re actually having.
• How every conversation is a negotiation, whether it’s about information, emotions, or expectations.
• Why the best communicators are the best listeners, and how techniques like looping build trust and psychological safety.
• How to hear emotions that aren’t being said out loud, including the role of nonverbal cues, vulnerability, and authenticity.
• How to stay connected amid conflict, even when no one is changing their mind
• And more!

Throughout the conversation, the team shares powerful stories from the book — including examples from the CIA, NASA, hedge fund managers, and deeply polarized social debates — and connects them to real-life applications in personal relationships, professional environments, and financial planning conversations.

If you’ve ever felt like you were talking past someone, struggled to navigate difficult conversations, or wanted to become a better listener in high-stakes situations, this episode offers practical insights you can start applying right away.

Resources:

Episode Transcript & Blog | Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection | The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

AI is reshaping the business world — but for small business owners, the biggest danger isn’t the technology itself. It’s adopting it without truly understanding your processes.

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by David Quick — IT veteran, founder of Total Cover IT, and author of Winning with Tech in the Age of AI. David shares insights from 25 years in technology and business, revealing how small businesses can leverage AI safely, strategically, and profitably.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why AI won’t fix a broken process — it will amplify it.
• The smartest (and safest) ways small businesses can begin using AI today.
• How cybersecurity threats are evolving as hackers also adopt AI — and how to protect your business.
• The biggest tech mistakes small businesses make, and how to avoid shiny-object syndrome.
• And more!

Tune in for a grounded, practical look at where AI is headed — and what business owners can do now to stay efficient, secure, and competitive.

Resources: 

Episode Transcript & Blog | totalcoverit.com |totalcoverit.com/winningwithtech | totalcoverit.com/meetdavidquick | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Navigating senior care can be overwhelming — but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by Melina Owusu, Certified Senior Advisor and owner of CarePatrol of Metro North New Jersey, who helps families find safe, personalized senior living options — from independent living to assisted living and memory care — at no cost to the family.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The key differences between independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
• How to assess your loved one’s needs and determine the right time for a transition.
• Common mistakes families make and why planning ahead is essential.
• Practical strategies for gathering critical information and resources to reduce stress during transitions.
• And more!

Tune in for expert insights on how to navigate senior care with confidence, protect your family’s well-being, and make informed decisions that provide safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Resources:

Episode Transcript & Blog | CarePatrol of Metro North New Jersey | Melina Owusu | Contact Melina: [email protected] (973) 281-2946 | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Most entrepreneurs look for flashy industries with big margins… but what if the real opportunity is hiding in the last place you’d ever think to look?

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by David Sauers, co-founder of Royal Restrooms — the company that transformed the portable restroom experience from dreaded necessity to unexpected luxury.

David shares the origin story behind Royal Restrooms, how he scaled a simple idea into a national franchise, and what entrepreneurs can learn from building a business in the most unlikely of places.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How one frustrating experience at a public event inspired the creation of a luxury portable restroom business.
• What differentiates Royal Restrooms from traditional porta-potties — and why upgraded facilities can significantly boost event revenue.
• How David scaled from two trailers to more than 50 franchise locations across the country.
• The biggest challenges in shifting public perception and creating a new category within an established industry.
• What it really takes to become a successful Royal Restrooms franchisee — and why community involvement is key.
• And more!

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, and finding opportunity where no one else is looking.

Resources:

Episode Transcript & Blog | royalrestrooms.com | davidsauers.com | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Most people have heard of trusts — but few truly understand whether they need one, how they work, or what they actually solve.

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, John Williams is joined by Tom Szieber, a North New Jersey estate planning attorney who helps families build thoughtful, tax-efficient, and practical estate plans. Together, they break down the real purpose of trusts, when they make sense, and how to know which type may be right for you.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why so many families are now exploring trusts – and why probate avoidance has become a major driver.

• The three core roles in every trust and how they work together.
• The key differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts (and what most people misunderstand about each).
• How titling, beneficiary designations, and pour-over wills determine what actually happens to your assets. 
• And more!

Tune in for a clear, practical conversation that demystifies trusts and helps you understand how they fit into a modern estate plan.

Resources:

Episode Transcript & Blog | Law Offices of Peter G. Aziz & Associates | Tom Szieber, Jr., Esq. | LinkedIn | Instagram | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

What if the next major wave of entrepreneurship is happening 400 feet above your head? The drone industry is unlocking six-figure business opportunities for early movers.

In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, John Williams is joined by Damon Darnall — “The Drone Boss” — to explore where the drone industry is heading, how entrepreneurs are capitalizing on emerging verticals, and why automation, AI, and air-mobility systems are shaping a multi-billion-dollar future.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to get started in the commercial drone industry with just a $1,500 drone and build a profitable business.
• The steps to earn your FAA Part 107 license and why it’s the first essential step before launching a drone business.
• Which industries and verticals are most promising for drone services, from real estate and agriculture to inspections and cinematography.
• How focusing on results, not just technology, helps drone entrepreneurs stand out and win clients.
• What the “low-altitude economy” is and how autonomous drones will change the way businesses operate in the next few years.
• And more!

Tune in now for a fascinating glimpse into the future of drones — and the business and investment opportunities that will follow.

Resources:

Episode Transcript & Blog | dronecommandlive.com | The Drone Boss | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call

Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc