Category: Finance

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Tariffs, Trade & Trump: Canada vs. the U.S. with Kim GC Moody (Ep.105)

Tariffs, Trade & Trump: Canada vs. the U.S. with Kim GC Moody (Ep.105)

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How is Canada’s approach to tariffs shaping its economic landscape?

Join Brent Mekosh on Smart Money Simplified as he unpacks the complexities of tariffs and trade between the US and Canada with renowned Canadian tax expert Kim Moody, founder of Moody’s Private Client. Dive into a conversation brimming with insights, from the chaotic effects of tariff policies to political shifts in Canada and their implications for the future of North American trade. 

Brent and Kim discuss:

  • The impact of US-Canada tariffs on businesses [00:01:45]
  • Canada’s political climate and its effects on international trade [00:05:14]
  • The future of energy policies in Canada [00:16:40]
  • Tax reform possibilities under different political leaderships [00:28:24]
  • Media’s role in shaping public perception [00:41:40]
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Kim Moody:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest: 

The antithesis of the status quo, Kim is driven to innovate new and better ways to do things for the clients he serves, the advancement of the firm, and other professionals in tax. His relentless obsession with knowing everything in the Tax Act makes him a highly sought-after resource for peers and clients. In March 2020, Kim published his first book, Making Life Less Taxing: Pay Attention To Your Taxes So You Can Pay Less Tax and Build a Strong, Smarter Canada – an Amazon bestseller in a number of categories.

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Beyond the Basics: Cutting-Edge Strategies for Portfolio Growth & Risk Control with Joe Cortese. (Ep.104)

Beyond the Basics: Cutting-Edge Strategies for Portfolio Growth & Risk Control with Joe Cortese. (Ep.104)

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What makes some financial advisors stand out from the pack? It’s time to discover a unique approach to investment management and portfolio construction.

Join Brent Mekosh as he teams up with Joe Cortese from Fiducient Advisors to discuss mastering risk management and improving investment strategies. They share lessons learned, how to incorporate AI in financial advising, forward-thinking insights, and actionable advice.

Key discussion points include:

  • Risk management strategies and unexpected market downturns [00:01:01]
  • Fiducient’s unique approach to portfolio construction and diversification [00:06:10]
  • The role of active and passive management in today’s financial markets [00:22:16]
  • The rising importance of alternative investments and AI integration [00:28:41]
  • Key differences that separate top financial teams from the rest [00:36:42]
  • And so much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Joe Cortese: 

About Our Guest:

Joe Cortese joined Fiducient Advisors in 2008. He provides investment consulting services to other financial advisory firms as one of the leaders of Fiducient Advisors’ Financial Institutions practice. Joe also provides consulting services to family offices, high net worth individuals and nonprofit organizations. He gives advice and expertise on all facets of effective investment program design including establishing investment objectives, asset allocation and portfolio design, investment research and due diligence and overall practice management.

Prior to joining the firm, Joe worked for Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management Office and as a Managing Director for an investment management firm implementing a value-focused, long/short equity strategy based on University of Chicago Booth research. Joe earned his MBA with concentrations in Analytic Finance and Accounting from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BBA with a Certification in Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Iowa. Joe is a former member of UNICEF’s NextGen Junior Board and the University of Iowa’s J.P.E.C. Alumni Board, as well as Co-Founder of the Hawkeye Business Development Group of Chicago. Joe is currently serving as President of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Alumni Club of Chicago and as an elected member of River Forest School District 90 Board of Education.

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Why High Achievers Feel Empty & What They Can Do About It with Andy Maurer (Ep.103)

Why High Achievers Feel Empty & What They Can Do About It with Andy Maurer (Ep.103)

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What does it truly mean to pursue wholeness as a leader? 

This week, Brent Mekosh chats with Andy Maurer, a leadership dynamics and emotional well-being professional. Discover how reconciling high performance with emotional connection can transform leadership and personal fulfillment.

Brent and Andy also unravel the complexities of leadership isolation and the importance of emotional maturity. They explore how past trauma can impact present success and why many successful leaders still feel empty. 

Andy Maurer shares insights from his innovative work merging therapy and executive coaching to help leaders achieve true wholeness.

Gain insight as this episode covers:

  • The hidden toll of leadership isolation [00:01:00]
  • Merging therapy with leadership coaching [00:04:30]
  • The paradox of depression and leadership [00:08:00]
  • Identifying and embracing emotional neglect [00:11:00]
  • Breaking free from performance-based identity [00:25:30]
  • Understanding and overcoming self-sabotage [00:29:30]
  • And more!

Previous Episodes of Interest:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect With Andy Maurer:

About Our Guest:

As a former therapist, Andy has combined cutting-edge neuroscience and performance research with executive coaching to develop the Pursue Whole® Coaching Model. His unique framework offers clarity, relief, and growth to high-pressure leaders facing emotional, relational, and mental challenges. Andy is deeply passionate about helping leaders discover their unique identity and purpose, transforming the way they approach life, leadership, and relationships.

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Beyond the Bull Market: Smart Investment Moves for 2025 with Bill Tucker (Ep.102)

Beyond the Bull Market: Smart Investment Moves for 2025 with Bill Tucker (Ep.102)

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What does the future of investing look like in 2025?

Brent Mekosh sits down with Bill Tucker on Smart Money Simplified to tackle the pressing issues shaping today’s financial landscape. From the growing risks of market concentration to innovative asset diversification strategies, this episode delivers key insights for investors navigating an uncertain economy.

Brent and Bill discuss:

  • The fragility of stock market concentration and its potential implications for investors [00:02:56]
  • The rising importance of alternative investments in a changing financial environment [00:05:02]
  • Political and economic shifts shaping 2025, including tariffs and fiscal policies [00:06:48]
  • The impact of the Jobs Cut and Tax Act expiration on estate taxes and business planning [00:15:37]
  • Strategic diversification into international markets and small-cap stocks [00:28:48]

Unlock a wave of financial foresight as the episode dives into themes like the ‘Age of Alpha’ and the changing financial tides under the new administration. Perfect for entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, or anyone keen on understanding the evolving economy—this episode promises a wealth of knowledge wrapped in engaging dialogue. Tune in, stay informed, and prepare for a future full of financial possibilities.

🎧 Tune in now!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

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Inside Arizona’s Ultra-Luxury Real Estate Market with Caroline Van Arsdale (Ep.101)

Inside Arizona’s Ultra-Luxury Real Estate Market with Caroline Van Arsdale (Ep.101)

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What’s sparking the Arizona real estate market despite rising interest rates? 

In this episode, Brent Mekosh sits down with Caroline Van Arsdale, a seasoned realtor from Silverleaf Realty, to unravel the dynamics of Arizona’s luxury real estate scene. From understanding the cash-rich high-end market to analyzing the motivations behind homeowners’ shifts due to economic and environmental factors, they paint a vivid picture of the area’s evolving landscape. 

Brent and Caroline dive into:

  • The resilience of Arizona’s luxury real estate [00:03:32]
  • Shifts in housing demands and market influences [00:06:54]
  • California’s impact on Arizona’s housing influx [00:07:14]
  • The evolution of real estate commissions and buyer-seller dynamics [00:14:08]
  • Insights into the broader Phoenix market as a future hotspot [00:12:15]
  • And more

Connect With Caroline Van Arsdale:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Caroline came to Silverleaf Realty in 2021 with more than 15 years of experience in luxury sales and nearly a decade in high-end real estate. Most recently, she led residential home sales and marketing for a boutique commercial and residential real estate company in the Valley. 

Caroline began her career in the service industry and honed her sales skills at some of the most iconic Arizona properties, including the Silverleaf Club and El Chorro Lodge. Her success was largely due to her keen ability to intuit her clients’ needs and visions — a skill her real estate clients find invaluable.

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Celebrating 100 Episodes of Smart Money Simplified With Eddy Augsten (Ep.100)

Celebrating 100 Episodes of Smart Money Simplified With Eddy Augsten (Ep.100)

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How can the right processes transform your investment strategy and elevate client relationships?

In this landmark 100th episode of Smart Money Simplified, Brent Mekosh explores this topic with special guest Eddy Augsten from Concurrent. Together, they delve into crafting cohesive investment frameworks and integrating institutional processes into wealth advisory practices. Tune in and gain an inside look at scaling up your practice, the significance of emotional detachment in the investment process, and how alternative investments can reshape future RIAs. Discover innovative strategies that promise to make your practice more resilient and client-focused.

Eddy discusses:

  • [06:34] Establishing a successful formal investment process 
  • [09:09] Differences in managing institutional clients vs. high net-worth families
  • [21:14] The growing role of alternative investments and private markets
  • [32:36] Enhancing portfolio performance through tax efficiency and direct indexing
  • And more

Connect With Eddy Augsten:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Eddy Augsten, CIMA, CAIA, MSF, is the Managing Director of Investments at Concurrent, where he leads a small, driven team dedicated to supporting independent financial advisors through funding, technology, and community.

Before joining Concurrent, he founded WealthEngage, gaining valuable experience as an entrepreneur and CIO. This background provides him with deep insight into his current role, allowing him to collaborate effectively with RIAs. His team remains highly attuned to the needs of independent advisors, helping them serve their clients, compete with larger financial institutions, and grow their practices to their desired scale.

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Giving with Impact: The Power of Philanthropy with Ryan Corry (Ep. 99)

Giving with Impact: The Power of Philanthropy with Ryan Corry (Ep. 99)

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What’s driving the spirit of community and kindness in your neighborhood? 

Brent Mekosh has an enlightening conversation with Ryan Corry, the Chief Philanthropy Officer at St. Vincent de Paul. Ryan shares insights from his journey into philanthropy, illustrating how early volunteering led him to a lifelong commitment to service. Together, Brent and Ryan discuss the organization’s mission to feed, clothe, house, and heal, detailing their expansive services like medical and dental clinics and transitional housing programs aimed at restoring stability for their clients.

Brent and Ryan discuss:

  • The interconnected world of philanthropy and financial planning [00:02:18]
  • The founding and mission of St. Vincent de Paul [00:06:19]
  • Successful strategies for tackling homelessness [00:15:15]
  • The innovative ‘Angels on Call’ app and its impact [00:30:59]
  • Charitable giving, tax credits, and community engagement [00:26:42]
  • And more

Connect With Ryan Corry:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Ryan Corry is a dedicated nonprofit leader passionate about connecting those in need with those willing to help. During his decade of leadership at St. Vincent de Paul, he helped expand the organization’s reach nearly fivefold, strengthening efforts to feed, clothe, house, and heal the community.

Driven by curiosity, Ryan focuses on creating value for others, forging strong partnerships, and inspiring people to find joy and meaning in service. He firmly believes that more people can give than need help—and his mission is to facilitate those connections.

To scale this impact, he founded Southwest Philanthropy Partners, equipping fundraisers and nonprofit professionals with the tools, strategies, and systems to raise more money, serve donors better, and find fulfillment in their work. By supporting fundraisers—the brokers of community good—Ryan empowers them to create lasting change and build a stronger, more generous society.

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Beyond Stocks and Bonds: Alternative Investing with John Hampton (Ep. 98)

Beyond Stocks and Bonds: Alternative Investing with John Hampton (Ep. 98)

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What makes alternative assets so valuable? Let’s find out with our latest guest!

Brent Mekosh dives into an enlightening conversation with John Hampton, Executive Director at Campbell Corp, to uncover the fascinating world of alternative asset classes. 

With 2022 and 2024 bringing unexpected market correlations and disruptions, Brent and John explore why diversifying beyond traditional stocks and bonds can offer compelling strategies for portfolio management.

Discussion points include:

  • The definition and benefits of alternative assets and strategies
  • The role of commodity trading advisors and their global approach
  • Insights into the systematic algorithms used to manage investments 
  • A look at Campbell Corp’s innovative trading and risk management techniques
  • How increased market participants impact liquidity and trading strategies 
  • The evolving role of AI and machine learning in financial markets 
  • And more!

Resources:

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Shut the ! Up and Listen: The Power of True Connection with Matt Halloran (Ep. 97)

Shut the ! Up and Listen: The Power of True Connection with Matt Halloran (Ep. 97)

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What does it truly mean to listen, and how can it transform your personal and professional relationships?

Brent Mekosh sits down with Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth, the company producing this very podcast, and a long-time advocate for effective communication. Their conversation weaves through the art of listening with depth—and how it can address the epidemic of loneliness prevalent today. 

Matt’s new book, “Shut the F Up and Listen,” introduces seven types of listening that can revolutionize how we connect with others. Get ready for a deep dive into how thoughtful communication can not only enhance your relationships but also enrich your professional life in the financial sector.

Key discussions with Matt include:

  • Techniques for engaged listening in a world obsessed with self-promotion
  • The role of social media in modern communication and maintaining engagement
  • Practical exercises from Matt’s book to hone listening skills
  • Challenges in male communication and the impact on personal connections
  • Real-life applications of listening techniques to save lives and strengthen bonds
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Matt Halloran:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Matt Halloran is a co-founder and chief relationship officer at ProudMouth, the world’s leading influence accelerator for financial advisors.

Matt is an in-demand speaker who has appeared on over 1,000 podcasts and given hundreds of speeches. He hosts ProudMouth’s Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he and industry leaders empower advisors to become trusted, recognized authorities.

Matt is the author of The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors, the first social media book for financial services. His new book, “Shut the F Up and Listen,” is also available now!

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Are We Already in World War III? Insights with Geopolitical Professional Semaj McDowell (Ep. 96)

Are We Already in World War III? Insights with Geopolitical Professional Semaj McDowell (Ep. 96)

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Are we on the brink of World War III, or are we already in it? 

Many believe that a modern world conflict would heavily mimic those of the past, yet today’s global dynamics suggest a much more intricate design. Brent Mekosh and Semaj McDowell are here to clarify why the landscape is dramatically different this time around.

With a focus on the volatile situations in regions like the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe, this conversation highlights how various alliances and strategic movements could shape the future, providing listeners with a clearer understanding of current geopolitical dynamics and potential outcomes. 

Key discussions include: 

  • Understanding the dynamics of global alliances and tensions amid escalating conflicts
  • The complex relationship and strategic positioning of major world powers like Russia, China, and NATO
  • Insights on the broader implications of international decisions and their potential impacts on global stability
  • The role of geopolitical strategies in shaping future peace or conflict scenarios on the global stage
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Semaj McDowell:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Geopolitical Enthusiast – National Security, Defense, Foreign Policy, and International Politics. 

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Semaj McDowell has been interested in politics since a young age. While growing up, he witnessed events both in his community and around the world that informed his views on equity and justice.

Semaj firmly believes leadership is crafted through service and empowering others to succeed.

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