Category: Investing

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
Celebrating 100 Episodes of Smart Money Simplified With Eddy Augsten (Ep.100)

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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
Giving with Impact: The Power of Philanthropy with Ryan Corry (Ep. 99)

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

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
Beyond Stocks and Bonds: Alternative Investing with John Hampton (Ep. 98)

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

By |

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:

Connect with John Hampton:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
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)

By |

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!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
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)

By |

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
Harvesting Returns: The Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture with Craig Wichner (Ep. 95)

Harvesting Returns: The Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture with Craig Wichner (Ep. 95)

By |

Can regenerative agriculture save the planet and your portfolio? 

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Craig Wichner, Founder & Managing Partner of Farmland LP, reveals how transitioning from conventional farming to organic and regenerative practices is reshaping agriculture and creating stable, high-return investment opportunities.

Craig conveys why healthier soil leads to healthier ecosystems—and stronger portfolios. He also explains how regenerative farming drives environmental progress while offering compelling returns through innovative strategies like carbon credits and partnerships with top-tier buyers.

Curious about how Farmland LP could work for your portfolio?

Craig outlines accessible opportunities for investors to align profit with purpose, paving the way for a sustainable future!

Key Highlights:

  • Restoring the Land: Regenerative agriculture revitalizes soil through crop rotation, livestock integration, and reduced chemical dependency, creating healthier ecosystems
  • Superior Returns: Organic farmland can generate up to five times more revenue per acre than conventional farming
  • A Stable Asset Class: Farmland LP delivers consistent 11% annual returns with low volatility, offering a safe, reliable investment
  • New Revenue Streams: Carbon credits and partnerships with top buyers like Driscoll’s add unique value to farmland investments
  • Scaling Sustainability: Farmland LP’s large-scale transition to organic farming is set to expand its portfolio to $3 billion, creating measurable environmental and social impact
  • And much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Craig Wichner:

About Our Guest:

Craig Wichner is responsible for day-to-day management, business strategy, and all investment activity. An experienced technology and real estate investor, Craig has helped build numerous companies over the past 30 years. But it was his work on California farms as a teenager that ultimately inspired him to start Farmland LP. Craig’s mission has not changed since day one – prove that regenerative farming is more profitable and maximizes returns for investors.

Craig strives to ensure that investors and consumers can look beyond misleading labels and support beneficial farming practices. His efforts were recognized in 2021 when Farmland LP achieved the highest sustainability rating among 10,000+ global corporations reviewed by HIP (Human Impact +Profit) Investor. Craig has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a minor in Economics, from the University of California, San Diego.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
Digital Networks to Power Grids: Investing in Modern Infrastructure with Steve Pointer (Ep. 94)

Digital Networks to Power Grids: Investing in Modern Infrastructure with Steve Pointer (Ep. 94)

By |

Infrastructure investments might be the stability boost your portfolio needs—are you ready?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Steve Pointer, Regional Director at Cantor Fitzgerald, explains why assets like power grids, water systems, and digital networks are redefining essential investments for today’s markets.

Steve shares three key trends reshaping the landscape:

  • Digital Transformation: Skyrocketing demand for data infrastructure
  • Energy Shift: Renewables and nuclear are paving the way forward
  • Modernizing Aging Systems: Revitalizing U.S. infrastructure with significant investments

Want to make these resilient assets work for you? 

Steve explains accessible fund options and tax strategies for diversifying and deferring capital gains, no matter the market conditions.

Key Highlights:

  • The New Era of Infrastructure: Insights on expanding infrastructure to include digital networks, water systems, and beyond, opening up a wider range of investment opportunities
  • Stabilizing Through Diversification: How infrastructure and real estate investments provide non-correlated returns, adding stability to portfolios in volatile markets
  • Reliable Returns with Government Support: Infrastructure investments benefit from stable, long-term government-backed contracts, making them a dependable choice
  • Greater Access for Investors: Cantor Fitzgerald’s interval funds allow both average and high-net-worth investors to participate in these resilient asset classes
  • Tax-Efficient Real Estate Strategies: How Section 721 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) enable investors to defer capital gains, diversify portfolios, and potentially achieve tax-free growth
  • And much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Steve Pointer:

About Our Guest:

Steve Pointer is a Senior Vice President and Regional Director at Cantor Fitzgerald Asset Management, a global financial services and wholesale distribution firm. Steve brings over 15 years of experience in working with wealth management, accounting, tax, and legal professionals on the education and implementation of sophisticated private and public market solutions, including Real Estate, Infrastructure, 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges, Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds, Mutual Funds, Exchange Traded Funds, and Separately Managed Accounts.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
Raising Resilient Kids: Parenting Strategies for Today’s Mental Health Crisis with Dr. Andrea Mata (Ep. 93)

Raising Resilient Kids: Parenting Strategies for Today’s Mental Health Crisis with Dr. Andrea Mata (Ep. 93)

By |

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Dr. Andrea Mata, clinical child psychologist and founder of BrightSpot Families, joins Brent Mekosh to unpack the teen mental health crisis while sharing practical strategies to help parents raise resilient, adaptable children.

Dr. Mata highlights three critical areas reshaping parenting today:

  • The Alarming Trends: Half of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14; 42% of teens experience persistent sadness; 22% have seriously considered suicide
  • Parenting in Crisis Mode: How overprotective parenting styles are hindering kids’ problem-solving skills and resilience
  • Building Resilience: Simple yet impactful strategies like letting kids tackle small challenges, setting high expectations, and fostering warmth and consistency
  • And much more!

(Don’t miss out — stream the entire conversation now and discover how you can get your hands on Dr. Mata’s insightful book!)

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Dr. Andrea Mata, Ph.D.:

About Our Guest:

Dr. Andrea Mata, statistically, should not be as successful as she is. The daughter of a Mexican immigrant, she grew up in a gang-infested nine-block unincorporated neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Dr. Mata learned the value of having a strong and loving family early and attributes much of her success to her close-knit and sarcastic family.

Dr. Mata graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree from Valparaiso University. While there, she majored in Psychology and minored in Criminology and Urban Studies. Dr. Mata completed her Doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology at Kent State University. She had the fortunate experience of interning at Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, where the mission is to save children and heal families.   

Dr. Mata was a college professor at the University of Findlay for 9 years until she realized she needed to fulfill her mission of fortifying the family. She joined the Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Toledo and founded BrightSpot Families. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
Peptides, Wellness, and the Fight Against America’s Health Crisis with Shiran Romero (Ep. 92)

Peptides, Wellness, and the Fight Against America’s Health Crisis with Shiran Romero (Ep. 92)

By |

Ultra-processed foods. 

Skyrocketing obesity rates. 

A growing health crisis. 

It’s time to ask: What can you do to fight back?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh is joined by wellness professional Shiran Romero, who unveils powerful, science-backed strategies to transform your health. 

Brent also opens up about his remarkable health journey, sharing how cutting-edge peptide therapies like Tirzepatide and Semaglutide helped him regain energy, normalize his bloodwork, and return to his Ironman weight.

If you’re ready to ditch fad diets and discover practical, life-changing solutions, this episode is your ultimate guide to taking charge of your health and thriving!

Key Highlights:

  • A Nation in Crisis: How rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are reshaping the conversation around health
  • Peptides to the Rescue: Discover how GLP-1 agonists are empowering patients to lose weight, reduce inflammation, and feel their best
  • The Food Connection: Why America’s processed food culture is at the root of the problem—and how peptides could help you break free
  • A Personal Victory: Brent’s journey back to health, featuring normalized blood sugar, improved cholesterol, and renewed vitality
  • Expert Tips for Quality Care: The importance of choosing trusted compounding pharmacies like Red Rock Pharmacy for affordable, high-quality peptide therapy
  • Wellness Beyond Peptides: Explore innovative treatments like IV therapy, microneedling, and personalized wellness plans with expert Shiran Romero
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Shiran Romero:

About Our Guest:

Shiran Romero is a wellness expert specializing in anti-aging and metabolic health. With a focus on personalized care, she provides advanced treatments such as peptide therapy, IV nutrient therapy, and radiofrequency microneedling. Shiran is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve optimal health through tailored fitness, dietary guidance, and cutting-edge therapies designed to enhance vitality, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

FEATURE - USE THIS ONE
How Global Tensions and National Debt May Shape Your Financial Future (Ep. 91)

How Global Tensions and National Debt May Shape Your Financial Future (Ep. 91)

By |

Global tensions may be more relevant to you than you realize—are you prepared?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Brent Mekosh shares some eye-opening takeaways from his recent trip to South Korea, where he saw the country’s booming economy, high-tech ports, and welcoming culture firsthand. 

(A visit to the DMZ was a stark reminder of global tensions we often overlook!)

Back in the U.S., Brent breaks down pressing issues like the national debt and what the upcoming election could mean for markets. 

His take? 

In unpredictable times, a balanced, diversified approach is still your best bet for financial well-being. Brent shares practical tips for staying resilient—no matter what’s going on around us.

Key Highlights:

  • South Korea’s Economic & Technological Prowess: Firsthand insights from Seoul and Busan’s automated ports and South Korea’s stronghold in global trade
  • Tensions on the Korean Peninsula: Vivid reflections from the DMZ and symbolic stories highlighting Korea’s divide
  • Global Tensions & Economic Ripple Effects: How conflicts like Taiwan-China and Russia-Ukraine impact markets worldwide
  • Election Cycles & Market Behavior: Historical market stability across administrations, emphasizing the power of a balanced approach
  • National Debt & Fiscal Policy: Tackling the $35 trillion debt through efficient, innovation-driven strategies
  • Investment Moves for Uncertain Times: Proven tactics to keep your financial strategy resilient amid volatility
  • And much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS | More

Archives

Categories