Uncommon Wealth Podcast

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Philip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive deep into practical wisdom, illustrating the importance of considering multiple perspectives before making judgments. They explore an ancient proverb, "Even a paper has two sides," emphasizing how this principle applies to everyday situations, especially in relationships and decision-making. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analogies, they underline the significance of understanding different viewpoints to provide balanced counsel.

The conversation kicks off with the introduction of the proverb and its relevance in modern times. Philip and Arron then recount personal experiences, showcasing how easily misunderstandings can arise when we overlook the fact that everyone has a unique perspective. They discuss practical applications of this wisdom in various aspects of life, particularly in marriage and conflict resolution. This episode is packed with enlightening discussions aimed at guiding you to think more broadly and empathetically.

• Two Perspectives in Every Situation: Understanding that there are always two sides to every story can lead to better judgment and decision-making.
• Personal Anecdotes on Perspective: Arron shares a college experience where his narrow perspective affected his roommate’s view of his future wife.
• Importance in Relationships: In relationships, particularly marriage, it’s crucial to recognize and understand your partner's perspective to improve communication and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Counsel with Caution: Providing counsel should come from a place of understanding both sides of the story for more balanced and effective advice.
• Impact of Communication: How what one says can be different from what the other person hears, stressing the need for clear and empathetic communication.

1. "There's an ancient proverb, and it says even a paper has two sides. Meaning even a piece of paper has two sides. So when you hear of a situation, know that there's always two sides." - Philip Ramsey
2. "If my roommate would have asked my wife about those same things, there's two sides to every story." - Arron Cramer
3. "I love looking at things in this way. We all have shaded, like, sunglasses on. Like, let's say I have blue shaded sunglasses, and you have red shaded sunglasses." - Philip Ramsey
4. "You got to learn how to talk to your wife so she hears what you actually say and vice versa." - Arron Cramer
5. "Flip that piece of paper over, read that other side, then give your counsel." - Philip Ramsey

• Uncommon Wealth Partners: The official website for Philip Ramsey and Arron Cramer’s financial planning services and resources.

Continue listening to the Uncommon Wealth Podcast to gain more insights and strategies for living an uncommon life. Stay tuned for further episodes that promise to inspire and guide you toward achieving your unique dreams and financial goals.

Jason Staner is a dynamic entrepreneur who, together with his wife Tammy, owns and operates Freddie's Popcorn. Prior to taking over Freddie's Popcorn in 2022, Jason worked as a paramedic and in auto repair. He brings a wealth of experience in customer service and business management, which he leveraged to successfully rebrand and manage the legacy popcorn business. Jason is also involved in volunteer paramedic services in his hometown.

In this engaging episode of Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey interviews Jason Staner from Freddie's Popcorn. Jason shares his journey from paramedics and automotive repair to owning a beloved popcorn business. Known for his observant nature, grateful attitude, and easy-going personality, Jason navigates the challenges and triumphs of rebranding and expanding Freddie's Popcorn.

Jason recounts the origins of Freddie's Popcorn, detailing how his in-laws first purchased the business and their vital role in its early success. He discusses the hurdles they faced, including dealing with supply chain issues that forced them to pull their best-selling product off the shelves for over two months. Despite these challenges, Jason and his team pressed forward, emphasizing the importance of customer service. They have plans to expand their business nationally while maintaining a strong local presence in northeast Iowa.

• Family Legacy: Jason reveals how Freddie's Popcorn was initially bought by his in-laws and has become a family-run business, growing and adapting over time.
• Customer Service: Jason's diverse background has taught him the importance of customer service, which remains a cornerstone of Freddie's Popcorn's operations.
• Supply Chain Challenges: The episode explores the significant challenges faced by Freddie's Popcorn, including a supply chain crisis that hit their best-selling product.
• Resilience: Despite obstacles, Jason and his wife Tammy remain dedicated, resilient, and focused on growth and quality.
• Business Expansion: Future plans for Freddie's Popcorn include national distribution and strategic marketing to make their product a household name across the United States.

1. "You can tell why I like him... He's grateful, super grateful for where he's at and all the things in his life, even the bad things." – Phillip Ramsey
2. "Luckily, all of her family members pretty much knew that that was going to happen because we'd been there with it all the time." – Jason Staner
3. "Really having each other in there to kind of help bounce it off. Now we can both kind of bounce it off each other and work our way through it." – Jason Staner
4. "Everybody has a memory with popcorn... we want to make sure that people relive those memories and incorporate Freddie's Popcorn into it." – Jason Staner
5. "Whether you're running a business, there's always little crises that come up." – Jason Staner

• Freddie's Popcorn Website: freddiespopcorn.com

For more insights and personal stories on navigating business challenges and achieving growth, be sure to listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the Uncommon Wealth Podcast!

In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, co-hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer delve into the complexities of portfolio management versus fund management, aiming to simplify these concepts for their listeners. Phillip and Arron discuss how Uncommon Wealth Partners uniquely positions itself in the financial planning industry, offering customized advice that aligns with each client's individual goals and risk tolerance.

The episode begins with Phillip introducing the topic of managing clients' money and the confusion surrounding different financial management terms. Aaron elaborates on the different titles financial professionals use, such as financial advisors, wealth managers, and fund managers, and what those titles signify about their service offerings. Together, they clarify that Uncommon Wealth Partners focuses on personalized financial planning and portfolio management. Phillip and Aaron emphasize the importance of understanding fees associated with financial services and how excessive charges can impact overall investment performance. Their goal is to provide clients with low-fee, high-value services that align with each client’s financial plan.

• Understanding Financial Management Roles: Clear distinction between financial advisors, portfolio managers, and fund managers.
• Importance of Customized Financial Plans: Uncommon Wealth Partners prioritize personalized plans to align with clients' unique goals and risk tolerance.
• Fee Structures in Financial Services: Insight into different fees associated with fund management and the importance of transparent fee structures.
• Risk Tolerance and Portfolio Balance: The significance of balancing investments with different risk profiles to achieve financial goals.
• Client-Centric Approach: Emphasis on building long-term relationships with clients through transparency and personalized service.

1. "We do manage people's money. That's what we do here at Uncommon Wealth. We also give people customized plans for them to live their most uncommon life." - Phillip Ramsey
2. "Investments are just a tool. Like, it's one tool of many. So with a plan, you really get to hound in." - Arron Cramer
3. "Fees are a huge importance. Make sure that you know the fees that you are being charged." - Phillip Ramsey
4. "We don't have a crystal globe knowing what's going to happen, so you got to diversify within there to meet and attack all those times and possibilities that could happen in the future." - Arron Cramer
5. "We are in the business to get clients for life, and I think that we're doing a good job with that." - Phillip Ramsey

• Uncommon Wealth Partners: uncommonwealth.com

In this fast-paced episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer explore the nuanced difference between knowledge and wisdom. Kicking off with an intriguing analogy, they delve into why knowing a tomato is a fruit doesn’t necessarily mean it belongs in a fruit salad. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the importance of applying practical wisdom alongside theoretical knowledge.

Throughout, Phillip and Arron emphasize the value of street smarts versus book smarts, emphasizing that experiences and trials often yield profound wisdom that far surpasses academic knowledge. Offering insights into how to best use knowledge in real-world scenarios, they inspire listeners to continually seek practical wisdom in their own lives. Tune in as they unpack this succinct yet deep concept in just five minutes.

• Knowledge vs. Wisdom: Understanding the difference between having information and knowing how to apply it practically.
• Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts: Why practical experience often trumps theoretical understanding.
• Practical Application: Encouragement to apply knowledge wisely and read the situation rather than just rely on bookish information.
• Acquiring Wisdom: Learning from mentors and real-life experiences to gain true wisdom.
• Hesitation and Evaluation: The importance of evaluating the value of your knowledge before acting on it.

1. "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing it shouldn’t go in a fruit salad." - Phillip Ramsey
2. "It takes a certain level of intelligence to recognize intelligence." - Arron Cramer
3. "What I think I gravitate towards, even if they are a little bit rough around the edges, is the people that have sound wisdom." - Phillip Ramsey
4. "You could have the practical knowledge of things, but applying it is a whole different story." - Arron Cramer
5. "Maybe hesitate on the knowledge that you have to see if it's truly valuable." - Phillip Ramsey

• Visit Uncommon Wealth Partners to learn more about Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer’s wealth management services.
• Connect with Uncommon Wealth Partners on social media for more insightful content and updates.

Colton Sleister is the founder and co-owner of Sleister Music, a company specializing in renting, repairing, and selling musical instruments to support school band programs. Colton began his entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 14. He is a graduate of Drake University with a degree in chemistry and has a deep passion for both music and business. Colton also actively performs with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, demonstrating his continued dedication to the musical arts.

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey sits down with Colton Sleister, a young entrepreneur and founder of Sleister Music. Starting his business at only 14 years old, Colton shares his journey from a high school student looking for a better trombone to a successful business owner specializing in musical instruments for school band programs. The episode delves into his early influences, especially his father, a serial entrepreneur who had a significant impact on him. Listeners will gain insights into Colton's entrepreneurial spirit, his approach to scaling Sleister Music, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Throughout the episode, Colton reflects on overcoming common business challenges, from managing a growing team to navigating product market fit. He also talks about the critical role of customer relationships and school partnerships in the success of Sleister Music. Colton emphasizes the importance of creating a low-barrier, month-to-month rental model that makes it easier for children to try out musical instruments. With a clear vision for the future, Colton aims to make Sleister Music the most trusted and valued partner for school band programs in Iowa. Tune in to hear about his successes, setbacks, and the strategies he employs to sustain and grow his business.

• Early Entrepreneurship: Colton started Sleister Music at age 14 by selling used trombones through platforms like Craigslist.
• Family Influence: His father, a serial entrepreneur, played a crucial role in shaping his business acumen and providing initial financial support.
• Product Market Fit: One key to Colton's success was identifying and meeting a specific need within the local school band community.
• Customer-Centric Approach: The month-to-month rental model offers a low-barrier entry for parents and students, demonstrating a thoughtful, customer-focused business strategy.
• Future Goals: Colton aims to make Sleister Music the top partner for school band programs in Iowa, continually improving their services and expanding their reach.

1. "Everybody who's joining band for the first time in this part of the country, central Iowa, most of them, they'll start in the month of September." - Colton Sleister
2. "I was frugal. I hated spending money because I could make it into more money." - Colton Sleister
3. "One reason that was a great fit, me going to Drake University, is that I could, after classes, take the calls, line up appointments to show them instruments." - Colton Sleister
4. "We'll be able to make partnerships with more and more schools, more and more parents like yourself in those schools, and word of mouth, us reaching out to them." - Colton Sleister
5. "If you're dealing with people, at some point, you're gonna have people issues, probably right away." - Colton Sleister

In this riveting episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer delve into the complexities of investing during a presidential election year. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, emotions are running high from both sides of the political aisle. The hosts aim to shed light on whether these emotions should impact investment strategies and how history has shown us otherwise.

Phillip and Arron specifically discuss the research and data provided by the Capital Group regarding market behavior during election years. They explore how social media amplifies emotional responses and the potential for market volatility. Yet, they stress that staying invested, and perhaps even taking advantage of lower prices during volatile periods, is generally the most effective strategy. They also highlight which market sectors tend to perform well around election periods and identify the types of investors who usually thrive in such conditions. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone looking to navigate the stock market during election time without succumbing to fear or speculation.

• Historical Market Behavior: Over the past 90 years, US stocks have generally trended up regardless of whether a Republican or Democrat won the White House.
• Volatility and Recovery: Markets tend to be volatile before elections but often rebound strongly after, especially in the first year following the primaries.
• Investment Strategies: Investors who stay fully invested or use dollar-cost averaging tend to do better than those who sit on the sidelines.
• Sector Performance: The energy sector tends to perform exceptionally well post-election, while consumer discretionary sectors fare well before elections.
• Psychological Resilience: Taking the emotion out of investing and focusing on long-term goals is crucial during election seasons.

1. "Do elections really matter all that much when it comes to investing?" - Phillip Ramsey
2. "Markets are emotional, so it doesn't surprise me that people get hesitant to invest in an election year." - Arron Cramer
3. "Investors that get nervous and go to the sidelines during election years don't tend to do as well." - Phillip Ramsey
4. "The companies don't just sit back and take a break during election years; they plan through whoever's going to be in office." - Arron Cramer
5. "Try to take the emotion out of investing in an election year." - Phillip Ramsey

• Uncommon Wealth Partners Website
• Capital Group: American Funds Research

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make informed investment choices during an emotionally charged election

The Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosted by Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer, dives deep into the concept of compounding interest, famously dubbed the 8th wonder of the world. This episode is a quick yet profoundly informative guide on the power of compounding interest, essential for anyone looking to optimize their financial growth. With lively anecdotes and practical advice, Phillip and Arron make this complex topic accessible and engaging.

Understanding compounding interest is crucial for financial success, yet it's often misunderstood. Phillip and Arron discuss how this concept starts slow but eventually leads to exponential growth. They urge listeners to utilize compounding interest calculators to visualize potential growth. They also draw enlightening parallels between financial growth and personal development, emphasizing that small, consistent investments can lead to significant returns over time. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone eager to enhance their financial literacy and personal growth, underlining the importance of patience and persistence in both arenas.

• Power of Compounding Interest: Compounding interest can seem slow initially, but over time, it leads to substantial financial growth.
• Practical Application: Utilize online compounding interest calculators to see how small investments can grow exponentially.
• Parallel to Personal Growth: The concept of compounding interest applies to personal development too—investing in yourself and your relationships over time yields significant rewards.
• Credit Card Warning: Understand how compounding interest works against you with credit card debt, emphasizing the importance of paying off high-interest debts quickly.
• Investment Options: Explore various accounts like brokerage accounts or high-yield savings accounts to benefit from compounding interest.

1. "The best asset you have to achieve your dreams is you." — Host
2. "The power of compounding interest is fascinating... the problem is, it doesn't start out fast, and that's kind of how we're wired." — Phillip Ramsey
3. "Think about a credit card. Why are credit cards so hard to pay off? They have compounding interest but going in the opposite direction of your favor." — Arron Cramer
4. "Nothing worth having comes quickly." — Arron Cramer
5. "Small things add up to being big things, end up being big things." — Phillip Ramsey

• Compounding Interest Calculators: Accessible online tools that help visualize the growth potential of investments.
• Uncommon Wealth Partners: Visit uncommonwealth.com to learn more about their services and how they can help you achieve financial growth.

Don't miss this eye-opening episode on the power of compounding interest. Tune in to discover how you can leverage this financial principle to build your wea

Brittany Todd is a dedicated entrepreneur and the current owner of Mill Street Mocha in Decorah, Iowa. Brittany's career journey spans from professional photography to coffee shop ownership. She and her husband, Nathaniel, also own the beloved local ice cream shop, Sugar Bowl. Brittany is deeply involved in her community, focusing on delivering personalized service and forging genuine connections. She is also the brain behind the Reset Business Conference, aimed at empowering rural entrepreneurs with valuable insights and tools.

In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes Brittany Todd, the dynamic owner of Mill Street Mocha and co-owner of Sugar Bowl ice cream shop. Brittany candidly shares her journey from entrepreneurship in photography to successfully managing multiple local businesses. She explores the importance of being genuinely connected to the community and the personal fulfillment derived from operating small businesses. This episode is packed with insightful stories, reflecting Brittany's passion for creating a service-oriented business environment.

Brittany discusses the unexpected but rewarding path to owning Mill Street Mocha, shedding light on the complexities and lessons learned from business acquisitions. With keywords like "entrepreneurship," "community engagement," "business acquisition," and "work-life balance," this episode serves as a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Brittany also highlights the significance of making incremental changes, emphasizing that understanding and empathy towards staff can lead to sustainable business growth. Key themes of resilience, community connection, and strategic planning are woven throughout the conversation.

• Building and maintaining a business significantly benefits from genuine community engagement and personalized customer service.
• Entrepreneurship often involves unexpected opportunities and requires the ability to adapt and learn on the go.
• The importance of having systems and processes in place to prevent burnout and ensure business sustainability.
• Involving and understanding the needs of staff members can greatly enhance operational efficiency and morale.
• For those contemplating a career change or business venture: Small incremental steps and doing thorough research can pave the way for a successful transition.

• "I've never been hired for a real job. If nobody will hire me, I'll just create one."
• "Nothing can make up for lost time, relationships, people. There is, you don’t take it with you when you go."
• "It's a vibe about that community within that building."
• "You can give a gift card to anyone who asks for one, but is that really what their organization needs? Maybe they actually need something completely different."
• "Nothing is going to be your vision, but it's gonna somehow end up better than that."

• Brittany Todd on Instagram
• Mill Street Mocha - Brittany's website
• Reset Business Conference - More information on Brittany's conference aimed at fostering entrepreneurial growth in northeast Iowa.

To capture the full depth of Brittany Todd's entrepreneurial journey and glean actionable insights from her experiences, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring dialogues on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast as we continue to bring you closer to individuals who are living life on their own terms.

Phillip and Arron break down their top three characteristics, or "superpowers,” and assess how these traits contribute to their success as financial advisors while also identifying points where these strengths might become hindrances. Through candid conversation and shared anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of balance, as well as the need for ongoing personal and professional development.

• Understanding and leveraging personal strengths is crucial for achieving an uncommon life.
• Self-awareness of how these strengths can also act as weaknesses is key to personal growth.
• The dynamic of being both an encourager and a leader can promote teamwork but also risk manipulating situations for selfish gain.
• Continuous learning is vital, but it should not immobilize taking action and serving clients.
• Competitiveness can drive success but may also lead to unnecessary complication of simple tasks.

1. "You don't really worry about money, although you do get money. And then you don't really worry about retirement because you love what you do every day." – Phillip Ramsey
2. "If you're using your giftings every day, you don't really worry about money." – Arron Cramer
3. "Sometimes you feel like you've got handcuffs on because you're loyal almost to a fault." – Arron Cramer
4. "I can compete with you, want you to do your best, encourage you to do your best, and still want to beat you." – Phillip Ramsey
5. "It's really easy to run to what is comfortable for you." – Arron Cramer

• Uncommon Wealth Partners
• "The Five Love Languages" book mentioned during the conversation.

To dive deeper into understanding how your best attributes can also be your worst enemies and to learn strategies for leveraging strengths while avoiding pitfalls, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast!

In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into the critical topic of self-care and its impact on our ability to help others. The discussion takes inspiration from safety protocols in aviation and lifeguarding, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing one's health and well-being before trying to assist others. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies that highlight the importance of self-preservation for sustained service to others.

Phillip and Arron dissect the metaphor of putting on your oxygen mask first, drawing parallels to everyday situations where neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness in professional and personal life. With candid anecdotes, including Phillip's own revelation about managing stress-induced high blood pressure, the hosts stress the importance of sustainable practices and healthy boundaries. This enriching conversation will resonate with listeners who find it challenging to balance altruism with self-preservation.

Key Takeaways:

Self-care is Essential: Understanding the importance of taking care of yourself first in order to effectively help others.

Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing the need for a sustainable approach to helping others without sacrificing your own health and well-being.

Healthy Boundaries: The importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure long-term ability to serve.

Practical Strategies: Real-life examples and strategies for integrating self-care into your daily routine to maintain peak performance.

Mindset Shift: Encouraging a shift in mindset from viewing self-care as selfish to seeing it as a crucial element of sustained service and contribution.

Notable Quotes:

"When there's an emergency and there's oxygen that comes down from the plane, what do they say first? Put the mask on yourself." – Phillip Ramsey

"If you're knocked out, you can't help anybody." – Phillip Ramsey

"Are you going down a sustainable path for you? Because if you're not, what can you do to put the oxygen mask on yourself first?" – Phillip Ramsey

"When you have a serving mindset and you just want to help people, the thought of, like, putting yourself first feels selfish." – Arron Cramer

"Being a good steward of what God's given to me, my body, that was a good wake-up call." – Phillip Ramsey

Resources:

Visit Uncommon Wealth Partners to learn more about their services.

Follow Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer for more insights and discussions on pursuing an uncommon path.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with the balance between self-care and serving others. Tune in to the Uncommon Wealth Podcast for more inspiring content and practical advice on living an uncommon life. Don't miss out on upcoming episodes—subscribe now!