Wealth Unplugged

Markets tanked, small caps got crushed, and investors were left scrambling. What triggered the chaos?“Liberation Day,” a bold and controversial move by the Trump administration that slapped a blanket 10% tariff on all imports—plus targeted penalties for countries deemed unfair trade partners. The result? A sharp 34% market drop by Friday morning and a wave of uncertainty for global investors. Our host Joey Loss, along with business partner Adam Van Wie, break it down.While the policy aims to correct imbalanced trade relationships, critics argue it’s built on a flawed premise. Trade deficits, they point out, aren’t inherently negative. What matters more is reciprocity—when U.S. goods face stiff barriers abroad but foreign products enter American markets freely, the playing field is skewed.But amid the panic, the message to investors is clear: don’t react emotionally. History has shown time and again that attempting to time the market during moments like this only worsens losses. Sharp declines often pave the way for strong rebounds, and those who stay invested typically come out ahead.Recession chatter is growing—JPMorgan just raised its odds to 60%—but there are bright spots. Job numbers remain solid, inflation appears to be cooling, and there’s still hope that tariffs are being used as leverage rather than long-term policy. If that’s the case, we could be staring at a rare buying opportunity.Bottom line: hold steady. Diversify. Think long-term. The worst financial decisions are made in panic—and the best are made when others are panicking.Key Topics:What is Liberation Day? (00:00)Our Thoughts on Reciprocal Tariffs (06:54)What Investors Can Do (08:09)Current Job Numbers (15:26)A Balanced Portfolio is Your Best Friend (22:19)The Story We’re Not Being Told Being the Tariff Regime (25:00)Is This An Excellent Buying Opportunity? (30:08)Resources:Truflation ToolThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“You cannot predict what the market is going to do. Your investment experience must be built on expected outcomes and formed around things that you can control.”Our host Joey Loss is joined by Skylar Liang from Dimensional Fund Advisors to discuss best practices for investing success in the long-term.“So little of the market’s behavior is in our control. The only thing that is in our control is our behavior towards the market.”They dive into the merits of diversification and maintaining a big-picture perspective amidst the changing tides of the market, especially with the ever-evolving geopolitics we’re currently facing, as well as the recent explosion of new retail investors.“When it comes to investing, you need uncertainty. Without uncertainty, you might as well own cash and bonds. There would be no premium for being in stocks.”Joey and Skylar also explore Dimensional's evolution from its institutional beginnings in the 1980s to becoming a key partner to today’s financial advisors. Skylar shares insights into the company's “backend” strategies, distinguishing them from traditional index funds by emphasizing cost reduction and optimized returns. She discusses the importance of balancing strategic investment approaches with flexibility, avoiding headlines, and being married to only one or two stocks.Key Topics:About Skylar Liang and Dimensional Fund Advisors (00:00)Defining “Value Investing” (03:32)Dimensional’s Outlook on the Market (09:33)The Valuation Equation (12:30)Controlling Your Behavior Towards the Market (18:00)Why Uncertainty is a Good Thing (23:37)The Value of Financial Planners (27:40)Dimensional’s Foray Into the Advisor Space (29:01)Dimensional’s ETF Lineup (33:43)Considerations Around Index Funds (34:42)Resources:Dimensional WebsiteThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“Don’t make long-term investment decisions based on short-term events. It will only lead to losses.”Have the unpredictable market swings in recent months been giving you whiplash?Today, Joey Loss and Adam Van Wie unpack the current state of the NASDAQ, S&P 500, and emerging markets, all while navigating through the geopolitical storms fueled by tariff threats and unexpected European Central Bank decisions. They also give their thoughts on looming recession fears from Wall Street and beyond, as well as the impact of extended tariffs on various sectors of society.Throughout the conversation, Adam and Joey stress the importance of understanding how shifting your focus from short-term market jitters to long-term investment strategies can make all the difference in your portfolio (and your sanity).You can’t rely on textbook theories and “rules” when managing a portfolio. After all, the real world is unpredictable. It requires us to embrace pragmatism and the ability to pivot quickly if we don’t want to get left behind.At the same time, our decisions as investors must be based on a sound, long-term strategy with an emphasis on diversification. That way, we protect ourselves from wild swings in the market, not only in today’s turbulent geopolitical and economic environment, but tomorrow’s as well.Key Topics:Navigating the Market in Times of Uncertainty (00:00)Headlines (04:03)The Impact of Tariffs on Different Areas of Spending (05:35)The European Spending Splurge (08:57)Ever-Increasing Debt in the Post-COVID Era (13:31)Adam’s Market Forecast (14:40)How Strategic Asset Allocation Protects You From Wild Market Swings (20:15)Today’s Market Analysis and Tariff News (21:38)Making Wise Investment Decisions Going Forward (23:36)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“One of the big exercises you have to do is try to disassociate the emotion of your company to the reality of what the equity, in a worst case scenario going down, can do to your financial life.”Today, our host, Joey Loss, sits down with Brett Wysopal, a career changer who made the leap from professional hockey to financial planning. Brett shares how the financially challenging world of pro sports cultivated his appreciation for sound financial planning and shaped his money beliefs. Joey and Brett discuss the transformative journey from a stable income to the uncertainties of starting a new venture and how financial experiences profoundly impact personal habits and perspectives. Brett's story is a testament to the power of money as a tool for navigating life choices and possibilities.Joey and Brett shift gears to examine the complexities of managing equity packages for employees of private companies. The discussion highlights the unique risks and challenges faced by those without guaranteed liquidity events and underscores the importance of balancing investments with personal financial goals. They illustrate the dangers of losing sight of tangible goals in pursuit of uncertain windfalls. A regret minimization framework is presented as a valuable tool for decision-making, guiding individuals through the uncertainties of equity investments while keeping their personal life goals in focus.In wrapping, Joey and Brett emphasize the critical importance of liquidity for employees of private companies, particularly those dealing with equity compensation. The conversation stresses the value of strategic planning to maximize liquidity opportunities, such as using high-yield savings accounts instead of maxing out 401(k)s.Joey and Brett also look into tax planning intricacies surrounding equity compensation, underscoring the need for proactive strategies and the value of knowledgeable financial advisors. With real-world examples and personal insights, they aim to equip listeners with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of equity compensation and financial planning.Key Topics:Brett Wysopal’s Career Journey (00:00)The Role of Life Planning in Financial Decisions (04:04)Parallels Between Sports and Financial Planning (06:38)Navigating Equity Compensation and Financial Stress (09:55)Challenges of Private Company Equity and Liquidity Planning (13:52)Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Equity Compensation (26:08)Tax Planning and Optimizing Equity Compensation (26:26)The Role of Financial Education in Equity Compensation (34:48)Wrap-Up and Resources (37:32)Resources:Wysopal WealthBrett Wysopal on LinkedInThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

With 2024 in the books and a new president in the White House, what investment strategy should you be adopting to make 2025 a success?Our hosts, Joey Loss, and Adam Van Wie, reflect on the technological and geopolitical shifts that have shaped last year’s market and what to expect going forward.They look back at the remarkable performances of the NASDAQ and S&P 500, and how policy changes under Donald Trump's administration might shape the future for small businesses. They share their thoughts on the Trump tax law extension, especially the QBI deduction, as a vital lifeline for entrepreneurs.Changing focus to the dynamic forces driving market trends, Joey and Adam break down the AI boom and the recent surge in consumer discretionary spending. They also chat about how NVIDIA's standout performance in the semiconductor industry serves as a testament to technology's intertwined role in market health.A common question they’ve been getting at the turn of the new year is the best way to invest in AI moving forward. Joey and Adam offer their take on this, alongside their thoughts on AI's impact on job security,  and why we need more open-minded analyses of economic forecasts in a world brimming with both optimism and doubt.Wrapping up, they explain why a diversified portfolio will always lead to more success than attempting to time the market or going all in on a single stock or sector.Key Topics:Quick Market Return Stats in 2024 (02:38)Discussing the Implications of Trump’s Inauguration Speech (04:40)Top Factors That Impacted the Market in 2024 (07:38)“How Do I Invest in AI in 2025?” (12:19)Is the Defense Sector Poised to Win? (17:38)Short-Term Volatility in the Next 100 Days (20:40)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

In times of political change, the key to financial resilience is not panic, but preparation.In this edition of the Market Chatter series, our host Joey Loss, along with fellow CFP® Adam Van Wie unpack the financial implications of the recent U.S. election, where Donald Trump has returned as the 47th president, bringing with him potential shifts in economic policy. They discuss the immediate market reactions and what the Republican majority in the Senate (and possible sweep) might mean for the economy. They explore possible changes in tax policy, including implications for income and estate taxes, and consider how these developments could affect your financial planning and investments.Joey and Adam also examine the impact of tax policies on the markets, highlighting the benefits of a long-term investment strategy amidst political changes. With a focus on Trump's pro-business stance, they consider how maintaining the corporate tax rate at 21% and the Qualified Business Income deduction might influence small business owners. Additionally, they tackle the complexities of estate tax planning, particularly for high-net-worth individuals, and the potential for policy changes after 2025. Listen in as they analyze the Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cut and its effect on the market, while also shedding light on the yield curve's implications for fixed-income investments. All this and more in this edition of Market Chatter - a series of Wealth Unplugged.Key Topics:Election Results and Initial Market Reactions (00:00)Market and Economic Impact Post-Election (03:12)Fixed Income Market and Economic Uncertainty (06:03)Tax Implications of the New Administration (11:31)Estate Tax Considerations (18:35)Final Thoughts and Future Outlook (25:34)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“[Not having adequate insurance] takes away your ability to continue building wealth as you had. It's important to make sure you have that floor, to make sure when you take a step forward, there's no step back."Our host Joey Loss explores the critical role of insurance in protecting your financial assets with personal injury attorney Rakin Hamad of Curcio Law. Rakin walks us through the fundamentals of personal injury cases, including liability, damages, and insurance coverage. He highlights the importance of adequate insurance and explains how negligence determines liability, using real-life examples to underscore the financial repercussions of insufficient coverage.Joey and Rakin then shift focus to maximizing your insurance coverage for asset protection, particularly auto insurance. Learn about the necessity of bodily injury and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Discover how matching your uninsured motorist coverage with your bodily injury coverage can shield you from significant financial loss. They also touch on the benefits of umbrella coverage for those with substantial assets, offering broader liability protection.Joey and Rakin emphasize the importance of liability insurance coverage for both businesses and individuals. Through compelling case studies, they illustrate how the presence or absence of insurance can drastically impact financial outcomes. Understand the essentials of personal liability coverage within homeowner's and renter's insurance, and learn how to navigate rising premiums and ensure adequate protection. With insights into medical benefits coverage and bodily injury limits, they provide practical advice on safeguarding your financial future against unexpected liabilities. Listen in for a comprehensive guide to protecting your wealth through strategic insurance planning.Key Topics:Understanding Personal Liability and Insurance Coverage (00:00)The Importance of Insurance Coverage (03:54)Vicarious Liability and Business Owners (05:07)The Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage (08:27)The Benefits of Umbrella Coverage (18:07)Stories Illustrating the Importance of Insurance (35:58)The Role of Financial Planners in Insurance Planning (36:16)The Impact of Insurance on Financial Planning (36:32)Additional Insurance Coverages and Their Benefits (36:44)Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts (40:04)Resources:Curcio LawThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

"It’s almost like you lock in the emotion that you felt at the bottom of the market when you sell at that moment, like you just can’t get past it."Can the Federal Reserve's rate cuts reshape the real estate market and your investments? Join our host Joey Loss for another exciting episode with Adam Van Wie, who returns, this time, for a brand-new monthly segment called Market Chatter. They’re dissecting the Federal Reserve's impending decision on rate cuts and their profound implications on the economy, inflation, and especially the real estate sector.Joey and Adam take a closer look at the current market landscape, which is in a state of neutrality with a balanced breadth. Hear how previously underperforming sectors are starting to gain traction, a positive sign for diversified portfolios. They also break down the importance of understanding systematic and unsystematic risks and how a wider market breadth can mitigate these risks. Comparing this year's performance to last year's, they uncover trends that could provide guidance for your investment strategies in the months ahead.Finally, Joey and Adam tackle the emotional rollercoaster of market timing and the influence of media hype on market reactions. Through personal stories and historical insights, they shed light on the pitfalls of trying to predict market movements and the value of a disciplined, long-term strategy. They analyze a recent overblown market reaction dubbed "Black Monday 2.0" and discuss how to stay grounded amidst sensational headlines. Wrapping up, they emphasize the resilience of markets over the past five years and the importance of a buy-and-hold strategy and diversification in navigating market volatility. Tune in to gain valuable insights and equip yourself to confidently navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.Key Topics:Fed Rate Cut and Economic Data (00:00)Loose Money Policy vs Tight Money Policy (03:07)Impact of Rate Cuts on Investments (07:49)Market Performance and Broadening Breadth (11:02)Systematic vs. Unsystematic Risk (14:10)Market Timing and Long-Term Investing (16:51)Recent Market Volatility and Media Sensationalism (23:35)Historical Market Performance and Future Outlook (26:40)Wrap-up (35:23)This podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“Whenever you talk about finance, it bleeds into life. And whenever you talk about life, it bleeds into finance. So there’s really no clear-cut way to differentiate life from finance and vice versa. I’m trying to tie the neuroscience behind [financial] decisions into it.”How do hidden biases shape your financial decisions? Our host Joey Loss sits down with Dr. Oliver Schnusenberg, a finance professor at the University of North Florida, who took on the ambitious task of creating the first behavioral finance course in the Florida State University System. Dr. Schnusenberg opens up about his journey, from academic hallways to the intricate world of behavioral finance, and shares insights into the psychological forces behind our financial choices, such as confirmation bias and loss aversion.Dr. Schnusenberg explores the pivotal role of neuroplasticity and the continuous evolution of our brains. Joey and Dr. Schnusenberg delve into the deeper layers of epigenetics and intergenerational trauma, highlighting the need to address entrenched behavioral patterns for meaningful change, and champion techniques like active listening and goal alignment.Joey and Dr. Schnusenberg discuss the unspoken financial assumptions couples often wrestle with and introduce methods like money scripts and customized communication strategies to facilitate better conversations. Whether in personal or business relationships, the principles of balancing money and emotions are universal. Tune in for an insightful episode that journeys into finance, neuroscience, and much more!Key TopicsWelcome, Dr. Oliver Schnusenberg! (00:42)Behavioral Finance, Neuroscience, and Financial Therapy (02:25)Financial Life Coaching and its Impact on Personal Growth (08:50)Intergenerational Trauma and its Impact on Personal Growth (15:03)Financial Planning, Communication, and Emotions in Relationships (20:32)Money Values and Conflicts in Relationships (29:08)Strengthening Financial Relationships and Goals with a Financial Therapist (32:38)Resources:EquilibriaEvolution.comThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.

“Mindset is so critical. You've got to have not just the unwavering belief, but that resilience.”Unlock the secrets to entrepreneurial success as our host Joey Loss sits down with Jay Dotson, partner and fractional CFO at Prosper CFO. This episode is packed with actionable insights, from the essential mindset required for early-stage business success to the critical role of networking and resourcefulness. Learn how unwavering belief, resilience, and grit can guide you through the initial challenges, while effective asset inventory management and understanding available resources can drive your business growth.Transitioning from startup to scale-up requires a shift in focus, and Joey and Jay cover that in depth. Jay emphasizes prioritizing cash flow over profit and the importance of refining operational processes. Discover how taking exceptional care of early clients can help iron out operational kinks, and why forming strategic partnerships is key to scaling.Balancing entrepreneurship with personal life is no easy feat, and Jay offers invaluable advice on aligning business strategies with family goals. Joey and Jay explore the concept of "money scripts" and their impact on financial decisions, as well as the importance of proactive communication within the family. This episode provides a holistic approach to managing both professional aspirations and personal commitments, ensuring that your entrepreneurial journey is both successful and fulfilling.Key Topics:Welcome, Jay Dotson! (00:39)Resilience as a Key to Growth in Entrepreneurship (06:19)Scaling Businesses, CEO Mindset, and Financial Decisions (12:10)Outsourcing for Business Growth (16:21)Money Scripts and Emotional Baggage in Business (21:11)Business Growth and Goal Alignment for Long-term Success (24:13)Focusing on Goals but Also Enjoying the Ride (27:42)Exit Planning and Time Margin in Business (31:54)Navigating Entrepreneurship with Family Responsibilities (36:51)Managing Time and Prioritizing Commitments (41:43)Resources:Prosper CFO7SourcesOfCash.comJay Dotson on LinkedInThis podcast is brought to you by Joey Loss, CFP®, Adam Van Wie, CFP®, and Strivus Wealth Partners. Through Strivus, Joey and Adam provide financial planning and investment management services to clients across the country from their home base in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. You can find show notes and transcript of the conversations here: Strivus Wealth - Wealth Unplugged. Follow Joey & Strivus on Social Media: Instagram LinkedIn Twitter (X) Read our audio, video, and written content disclaimer here.