Wealth Formula Podcast

People have a misconception of what the tax code is. While there are a few pages devoted to telling you when you must pay taxes, the majority of it is about the situations in which you can avoid them. That's why it's important to find a competent tax professional. And that's not as easy as you might expect. You see, most high-paid professionals get their tax professionals from referrals from other professionals. And, most high-paid professionals like doctors are very risk-averse when it comes to anything financial. So they tend to go to the "conservative" CPA—the one who never gets audited. Well, that CPA has the easiest job in the world. He's got all sorts of high-paid clients who want him not to do his job, which, in my opinion, involves trying to find you deductions. Now, let me be clear. I'm not suggesting that you try to find someone who is going to break the law for you. You just need someone who is willing to look at the tax code and find out where there are opportunities to save you on taxes. When you go down that rabbit hole, though, you also need to have your guard up. Some of the strategies used by CPAs can get a little too risky. The last thing you want is to end up paying penalties and end up paying more money than you would have in the first place. In addition, even if the tax code is used appropriately, it may be the case that the end operator is not going to make the theoretical benefit actually happen. Let's take oil and gas for example. The advantages of investing in drilling programs are very clear in the tax code. The problem is finding an opportunity that might actually pay you a return. Of the multiple investments I've made in oil and gas, I've NEVER made money. In fact, I've never even gotten my principal back. My conclusion over the years has been that the best way to save on taxes is actually good planning. As Tom Wheelwright, author of Tax-Free Wealth, says, if you want to change your tax, you have to change your facts. Bottom line: there are plenty of ways to save on taxes if you think bigger and plan smarter. You don't have to do anything crazy or controversial. Just be strategic, understand the rules, and always, always know your risks. Remember, in the world of taxes, pigs get fat, and hogs get slaughtered. So be aggressive, but be smart about it. Your future wealthy self will thank you. This week's podcast is going to give you some good ideas and, in my opinion, some very bad ones!

When I started this podcast a decade ago, I was completely focused on real estate. I had some pretty dogmatic views back then and didn't really consider other investment options. That mindset worked for me. I've been a real estate investor since 2010, and while the market's in a tough spot right now, we did enjoy over a decade of a bull market. That's just how investing goes—ups and downs, and you hope the good times outpace the bad. Regarding real estate, I believe we're essentially back in 2010. The markets have taken a beating, and if you can stomach it, this is a prime time to buy. History shows that people who act when things look grim often reap big rewards down the line. That said, I'm more open to other types of investments these days. As this cycle eventually recovers, I want to share more than just real estate opportunities with you. There's a whole world of potential out there, and it's important for both of us to stay informed. Lately, I've been especially interested in tech. I did my surgical residency in San Francisco and knew plenty of Silicon Valley folks about 15 years ago, but I regret not digging deeper into that scene. Back then, I didn't have the money to invest, so I never thought to learn more. Better late than never, right? Now I'm in a position where I can invite really smart people onto this podcast to chat about fascinating topics. Over the next few years, that's what I plan to do. I want to make an effort to learn about new things with you that might also help us financially. This week's podcast is a great example. It was a blast because I learned so much in such a short period of time, and it really sparked my curiosity about opportunities in tech—maybe through angel investing or venture capital. To do anything like that, you need to get educated. And talking to my guest this week was a right step in that direction. In less than one hour, I learned why tech investors panicked last week when China's AI platform, DeapSeek, revealed its superiority and cost-effectiveness compared to leading American AI platforms. I finally understood what the big deal about quantum computing is. And I became further convinced that Ethereum will eventually get wrecked by Solana. That is a HUGE ROI on time spent! So, expect more episodes like this. I hope you're up for it. For now, check out my conversation with Arun Krishnakumar—it's the most interesting conversation I've had in a while!

For most people, taxes are nothing more than a necessary evil—a burden to be minimized and avoided at all costs. But that mindset might not be the most productive one to take. Consider that the tax code might not just be a drain on your resources but a roadmap to creating wealth. The truth is that the tax code is nothing more than a series of incentives. It's filled with opportunities for those who understand how to use it. As painful as it may be, think of the government as a business partner offering rewards for certain behaviors. Invest in housing, create jobs, or produce energy, and you're rewarded. These aren't loopholes or tricks but deliberate strategies to stimulate economic growth. But most people miss the opportunity. Why? Because they treat taxes as a once-a-year obligation rather than a year-round strategy. They react instead of plan. And in doing so, they leave money on the table—money that could be used to fuel their financial future. Every financial decision has tax implications. Whether it's how you structure your business, where you invest, or how you time your expenses, the choices you make today ripple through your financial future. When you approach taxes strategically, they become more than just a line item on a balance sheet—they become a tool for helping you achieve financial freedom. That's what separates those who feel trapped by taxes from those who use them as a springboard for wealth. It's not about avoiding responsibility; it's about understanding the rules of the game and playing it well. In this week's episode of Wealth Formula Podcast, I explore the latest incentives with someone who knows the game as well as anyone: Tom Wheelwright. He's a tax and wealth strategist who has helped countless entrepreneurs and investors transform their approach to taxes, unlocking incredible opportunities in the process. If you're ready to stop dreading tax season and start leveraging it to your advantage, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.

Let's talk about a fundamental difference in the way traditional investors think versus those of us who invest in alternative assets. The traditional investor sees the stock market, bonds, and mutual funds as the safe and stable way to grow wealth over time. And look, stability is not a bad thing. But here's the problem: how many people do you know who have become truly wealthy by just sticking with traditional investments? Sure, you can retire comfortably if you're disciplined, but are you really changing your socioeconomic place in life with a 6% or 7% annual return? Probably not. Now, alternative asset investors? We play a different game altogether. We know that the big wins in traditional markets are rare. In alternative investments, we aren't just chasing stability — we're chasing some level of asymmetry. Yes, we still face risks and sometimes we find ourselves in cycles like the last couple of years where we may lose, but the potential upside of alternative investing can be disproportionate to what you put in. These are the kinds of opportunities that can accelerate wealth creation far beyond what traditional investments can offer. Think about it this way: the traditional investor spends their entire career trying to fill up a big cup of water — a portfolio large enough to sip from in retirement. Their hope is that they won't run out of water before they die. That's the game plan. Save enough, live conservatively, and pray the cup doesn't run dry. But for us as alternative investors — especially cash flow investors — the goal is fundamentally different. We're not looking to hoard a finite supply of water. We're building streams. Streams of cash flow that keep running no matter what. Streams that don't dry up. Streams that allow us to live our lives without constantly worrying about running out. It's a completely different mindset. It's not about rationing — it's about abundance. The differences in this type of thinking become pretty clear in this week's episode of Wealth Formula Podcast. Do me a favor, listen to this show until the very end. I was so baffled by this interview that I asked our own Rod Zabrieski of Wealth Formula Banking fame to help me understand my confusion!

As intelligent people, we often overcomplicate things? Whether it's in business, health, or relationships, we're constantly seeking advice, following trends, and trying to use complex strategies to optimize our results. As you may know, I am deeply entrenched in the longevity space. As a physician and science person, I am fascinated by this stuff. And while there are all sorts of drugs, supplements and tactics that could incrementally add to our lifespans, right now it is pretty clear that the most impactful principals to live a long healthy life are still pretty boring: Follow a good diet, get lots of exercise and make sure you do what you can to get a good night's sleep. Of course I have plenty to say when we drill down on each one of those issues but the point is that, right now, focusing on eating, exercising and sleeping are far more impactful than any pill you could take or tactic you could could employ. As is the case for most things in life, the fundamentals are often what really matter and they are not often hard to see. In personal finance, the principals are also pretty basic. For most of your investments, stay disciplined, rely on data, and avoid the allure of the "next big thing." This week, I talk to someone practices the art of sticking to fundamentals while challenging the status quo in investing. Dan Rasmussen, the founder of Verdad, is a quantitative investor with a knack for cutting through the hype and finding real value. Drawing on his experience at firms like Bridgewater Associates and his own billion-dollar fund, Dan's approach is all about stripping away emotion, following the data, and learning from history. While his expertise may focus on public markets, the lessons he shares apply to any investor—whether you're buying rental properties or managing a stock portfolio. So, let's dive into the conversation and see what we can all learn about investing with humility and discipline.

Wealth Formula Nation, First and foremost, let me start by wishing you a Happy New Year! It's 2025, and as we shake off the confetti and champagne from the celebrations, we step into a year full of possibilities—and, let's be honest, plenty of question marks. Every new year brings its own share of challenges and opportunities, but this one feels particularly charged. We're looking at a world where the economic landscape is being rewritten in real time. There's a new administration in Washington, which always stirs up the pot, but this time, it's not just a change in leadership—it's a potential sea change in policy. So, what's ahead? Will we see sweeping tax cuts as promised? And if so, how will those affect deficits, inflation, and interest rates? Can the economy sustain the heat, or are we looking at overheating and runaway inflation? Then there's the topic of spending cuts—are they realistic, or will they end up being all talk and no action? And tariffs—will they be wielded as an economic weapon, and if so, how much will they impact everyday consumers? These aren't just academic questions—they have real-world implications for your investments, your business, and your financial future. For example, real estate investors are watching interest rates like hawks. The Fed said they were going to lower them throughout 2025 but then backed off on those statements in the last meeting, taking more of a wait-and-see position. Meanwhile, deregulation could create new opportunities for businesses, but will it go far enough to make a real difference? It's a lot to unpack, and that's what this week's guest on Wealth Formula Podcast will help us do. Joining me is Howard Yaruss, an economist, professor, and author of Understandable Economics, a book that breaks down economic concepts in a way that's accessible to all of us. Howard has the ability to take complex ideas and make them relatable, and he's here to share his insights on what we might expect in 2025.

Like everyone else, as the new year approaches, I become a bit reflective. I'm not really the kind of guy to have heroes nor do I fawn over celebrities. In fact, there is only one person in the world who I credit with fundamentally changing the course of my adult life: Robert Kiyosaki. I've had the privilege of meeting Robert multiple times over the years and have been fortunate enough to have some meaningful private conversations with him. But the real impact he made on me was through his book called "Cashflow Quadrant." Had I not read that book, I doubt I would have ever started this podcast. Honestly, I'd probably be an academic surgeon somewhere with little interest in the economy or investing. What's truly remarkable is the incredible impact his books have had on so many people. Kiyosaki's teachings, especially "Rich Dad Poor Dad," have been a game-changer for countless individuals worldwide, sparking a revolution in financial thinking. His emphasis on building businesses and creating assets has been a wake-up call for many. I've heard numerous stories of people leaving traditional careers to venture into entrepreneurship, building successful real estate portfolios, and overcoming long-held limiting beliefs about money and success. It's astounding how his teachings have ignited a wave of financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit. Now, as a middle-aged guy, I find something else about Kiyosaki perhaps equally inspirational: The fact that he published "Rich Dad Poor Dad" at age 50. It's a powerful reminder that it's never too late to learn, grow, and achieve financial success. Remember this the next time you think you might have missed your chance. If you haven't already, I urge you to pick up a copy of "Cashflow Quadrant" and experience it for yourself. It might just change your life as it did mine. In the meantime, this week's Wealth Formula Podcast features my latest conversation with Robert Kiyosaki.

Like everyone else, as the new year approaches, I become a bit reflective. I'm not really the kind of guy to have heroes nor do I fawn over celebrities. In fact, there is only one person in the world who I credit with fundamentally changing the course of my adult life: Robert Kiyosaki. I've had the privilege of meeting Robert multiple times over the years and have been fortunate enough to have some meaningful private conversations with him. But the real impact he made on me was through his book called "Cashflow Quadrant." Had I not read that book, I doubt I would have ever started this podcast. Honestly, I'd probably be an academic surgeon somewhere with little interest in the economy or investing. What's truly remarkable is the incredible impact his books have had on so many people. Kiyosaki's teachings, especially "Rich Dad Poor Dad," have been a game-changer for countless individuals worldwide, sparking a revolution in financial thinking. His emphasis on building businesses and creating assets has been a wake-up call for many. I've heard numerous stories of people leaving traditional careers to venture into entrepreneurship, building successful real estate portfolios, and overcoming long-held limiting beliefs about money and success. It's astounding how his teachings have ignited a wave of financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit. Now, as a middle-aged guy, I find something else about Kiyosaki perhaps equally inspirational: The fact that he published "Rich Dad Poor Dad" at age 50. It's a powerful reminder that it's never too late to learn, grow, and achieve financial success. Remember this the next time you think you might have missed your chance. If you haven't already, I urge you to pick up a copy of "Cashflow Quadrant" and experience it for yourself. It might just change your life as it did mine. In the meantime, this week's Wealth Formula Podcast features my latest conversation with Robert Kiyosaki.

Artificial intelligence isn't just a passing trend—it's a revolutionary force reshaping industries, driving innovation, and changing the way we live. But as investors, we face a critical challenge: how do we capitalize on this seismic shift without falling into the trap of picking winners and losers in an unpredictable landscape? History has shown us how tough it is to get it right with emerging technologies. The dot-com era gave us Amazon and Google—grandslam investments that transformed early believers into billionaires. But for every Amazon, there was a Pets.com, a tale of overhyped potential that never materialized. With AI, the stakes are even higher. We know the technology is real, and we know it will grow exponentially. But betting on individual AI companies can be like playing the lottery. What we do know with certainty, however, is that AI is an energy beast. The computing power required to train and run large AI models is staggering—and it's only going to increase. That's why I believe one of the smartest ways to invest in AI might not be through AI stocks at all. Instead, it could be by focusing on the foundation AI cannot exist without: low-cost energy. While solar, wind, and traditional energy sources will play a role, one energy source stands out as particularly intriguing: uranium. Nuclear energy powered by uranium is not only incredibly efficient but also one of the most consistent and scalable sources of clean energy. As demand for reliable energy surges to support the AI revolution, uranium could become an unsung hero in this story. To explore this idea in more depth, I recently sat down with a uranium expert. We discussed the global energy landscape, why nuclear power is gaining traction as the world looks for low-carbon solutions, and how uranium might play a critical role in fueling the next wave of technological innovation. [00:00] Introduction. [01:19] The challenges of investing in AI's growth. [02:06] Energy's critical role in AI development. [04:04] Uranium as a scalable and clean energy source. [05:12] Guest introduction: Ben Feingold from Ocean Wall. [06:46] Uranium market trends and driving factors. [11:05] Public safety concerns and nuclear advancements. [13:06] Overview of small modular nuclear reactors. [16:14] Kazakhstan's dominance in uranium production. [20:48] Kazakhstan's underutilized uranium resources. [21:47] Projections for uranium market growth. [24:10] Policy perspectives on nuclear energy. [26:09] Investment considerations for uranium. [27:50] About Ocean Wall's investment services. [30:02] Closing thoughts on uranium's potential and energy needs.