The Deceptive Allure of Investing Like the 1% (How We Get Conned) SB1726
whatshot 13 snips
Aug 25, 2025
Explore the traps in the mantra of 'invest like the 1%' and how it can lead to scammers. Hear cautionary tales like a small-town Ponzi scheme and the fallout from high-yield real estate bets. Get practical tips to spot shady investments and the risks of adding private equity to your retirement. Learn why a solid financial plan beats flashy schemes every time, and enjoy some humorous banter along the way. Finally, discover insights into long-term care insurance and economic strategy, serving up financial wisdom with a side of laughs.
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Small-Town Ponzi Using Local Trust
Miles Burt Marshall ran a hometown "8% fund" promising guaranteed returns and used local trust to pull in investors.
He ended owing ~ $95M to nearly 1,000 people and organizations after the scheme collapsed.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Small Grabs Add Up To Big Losses
OG and Joe recount real examples of scams targeting older or trusting people, including a Bitcoin-gas-station incident.
These stories show scammers use urgency and familiarity to extract money in small increments.
insights INSIGHT
Why 'Invest Like The 1%' Misleads
The "Invest like the 1%" pitch misleads retail investors about risk and downside protection.
The wealthy can absorb big losses or diversify, but most retail investors cannot afford those risks.
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Ever think, “If I just followed the playbook of the ultra-wealthy, I’d be set for life”? Turns out, that’s exactly the kind of thinking that can lead you straight into the arms of a scammer. In this episode, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG break down the traps hidden inside the “invest like the 1%” mantra (and other similar phrases), complete with real-life cautionary tales, including a small-town Ponzi scheme that could’ve been ripped from a Netflix docuseries, and the spectacular belly flop of some YieldStreet real estate bets.
But it’s not all doom and gloom in the basement. You’ll also get the scoop on a controversial proposal to let private equity sneak into your 401(k), practical tips for spotting shady pitches before they drain your wallet, and the reminder that a boring-but-solid financial plan beats a flashy scam every time. Plus, the guys field a listener question on long-term care insurance and unpack the often-overlooked basics of HSAs.
Between headlines, trivia detours, and a dash of movie talk, this episode arms you with the street smarts to dodge the next “too good to be true” investment opportunity. It’s a masterclass in protecting your money—without having to hide it under your mattress.
The psychological tricks scammers use to lure in even savvy investors
Why “invest like the 1%” can backfire for everyday Stackers
How to evaluate alternative investments (and when to walk away)
The risks and realities of adding private equity to retirement accounts
Key questions to ask before buying long-term care insurance
Why a strong, clear financial plan is your best defense against cons
Questions to Ponder During Today's Show:
Have you ever been tempted by an investment pitch that felt “exclusive”?
Would you want private equity options inside your 401(k)? Why or why not?
How do you decide whether an alternative investment is worth the risk?
What’s your personal “red flag” that makes you walk away from a deal?
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