Money Tree Investing

Do you have proper protection for your portfolio? If not, gold might be the solution for you. Rich Checkan is here today to discuss the "stealth gold market." He delves into the cultural differences in gold ownership between Eastern and Western investors. He also touches on the distinct dynamics of the silver market and the industrial uses and market behavior of platinum and palladium. We also discuss the manipulation of gold prices and the broader implications of the massive money printing and national debt on the gold market.  Today we discuss...  Asset Strategies International deals in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, bars, coins, certificates, and rare coins. The current gold market is described as a "stealth gold market" due to its consolidation and recent breakout. Western investors are hesitant to buy gold at high prices, while Eastern buyers and central banks support the market. There has been a significant transfer of gold from the West to the East. The premiums for gold are higher on the Shanghai Gold Exchange compared to the London Exchange. Central banks are buying gold to reduce their dollar reserves and increase holdings in gold. The silver market is also seeing interest, with silver prices at about 50-60% of their all-time highs. Platinum and palladium are primarily industrial metals, used in jewelry and catalytic converters. The demand for silver is expected to increase due to its use in green technologies like solar panels. The gold market is influenced by various factors, including geopolitical issues and economic concerns. Central bank buying of gold has been high due to concerns about the US dollar and debt. The relationship between debt, currency, and gold is often misunderstood, leading to underestimation of gold's value. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/protection-for-your-portfolio-rich-checkan-634 Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast  

There's new investing framework you need to be aware of! Join us today as we discuss what it is. Today we chat about the recent performance of the S&P 500, the current economic system, which is reliant on money printing by the Federal Reserve, and the lack of viable alternatives to this system. We need to be able to adapt to new information and market conditions, even when it challenges previous assumptions. Investors to be flexible in their thinking and strategy. Join us as we discuss...  The S&P 500 has seen a strong upward trend but experienced a recent decline. Recent job numbers were significantly lower than expected, causing disappointment. The current economic environment is complex, with inflation subsiding but not expected to return drastically. The system heavily relies on quantitative easing (money printing), with no easy solution to stop it without severe consequences. Asset prices, including stocks and real estate, are largely influenced by the Fed's balance sheet. Technology and crypto are seen as the primary assets that might outperform inflation. Real estate and other traditional investments may not keep up with inflation. Changing perspectives and adapting to new information is crucial for investors. Current market conditions, including potential softening and election uncertainties, may impact future performance. The framework for understanding inflation and market dynamics is evolving, and past assumptions may no longer apply. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/new-investing-framework-633   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast  

Bob Elliott discusses how investing in hedge funds can be for everyone! Elliott highlighted the traditional "two-and-twenty" fee structure, common in hedge funds, private equity, and other alternative assets, which can significantly erode investor returns. His firm aims to replicate these strategies, including equity long-short and global macro, using advanced machine learning to infer hedge fund positions from return data, making them accessible at lower fees for the average investor.  Today we discuss...  Bob's focus to bring low-cost indexing to the world of two-and-twenty, similar to the impact of stock and bond indexing. Hedge fund strategies, despite being expensive, offer good returns with lower volatility and drawdowns compared to stocks. Various hedge fund strategies include equity long-short, global macro, fixed income, and emerging market strategies. Real-time performance data helps in understanding and replicating hedge fund strategies. The current economic cycle is income-driven rather than credit-driven, making it more durable to rising interest rates. Overvaluation and high expectations suggest that now may not be the best time to invest heavily in stocks. The similarities between the current period and the 1970s highlight the importance of diversified portfolios. Factors like de-globalization, geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressures could influence future economic dynamics. Volatility in market expectations and the reality of economic conditions contribute to the current buoyant market despite high interest rates. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management   Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/investing-in-hedge-funds-bob-elliot-632  

In the financial markets, it's common to spurious correlations based on historical data. However, the economic landscape has evolved, and banks now invest more in treasuries and borrow from the Fed rather than traditional lending. This shift questions the yield curve's predictive power. Additionally, spurious correlations show absurd links between unrelated data points, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of data to avoid misleading narratives.  Today we discuss...  Financial markets often draw conclusions from patterns, such as the inverted yield curve predicting recessions. Today's economy differs from 30 years ago, with banks favoring treasuries over traditional lending, altering the yield curve's predictive power. Correlation does not always imply causation; the inverted yield curve's causative effect may be weakened. Spurious correlations can be humorous but highlight the pitfalls of finding meaning in random data patterns. The bond market, at $130 trillion, dwarfs the $50 trillion US stock market and $100 trillion global stock market. The increasing debt and bond market highlight the importance of access to capital. AI's impact is currently seen as limited by many CEOs, viewing it as a potential rather than immediate profit driver. Microsoft's expenses on data centers have increased significantly, reflecting the infrastructure investment for cloud and AI services. Commercial real estate faces challenges, with significant losses on properties due to rising interest rates and reduced demand. Residential real estate is also under pressure, with 41.4% of median income now spent on new mortgages, surpassing 2008 levels. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/spurious-correlations-631   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast  

The crypto trade continues to stay strong! Do you know where to invest? Join us for an interesting conversation with Paul Rosenberg as he shares some tips and current insights on the crypto space. Paul discusses the state of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the challenges they face, and the implications of their integration into mainstream financial systems through ETFs. He also highlights the geopolitical and economic shifts impacting the global financial landscape.  Today we discuss...  Paul's background in electrical construction and engineering and his time in the early cypherpunk community. His early company called Crypto Hippie that provided internet privacy. Paul's monthly newsletter at freemansperspective.com. How a majority of illicit activities use traditional currencies like the US dollar. Bitcoin has remained consistent, with its value tied to supply and demand rather than being a traditional investment vehicle. Bitcoin ETFs are emerging due to high demand, with many US citizens owning some Bitcoin. Ethereum runs smart contracts and has experienced technical challenges and governance changes. Other cryptocurrencies serve as tools for specific uses rather than investment vehicles. ETFs might pull Bitcoin into wallets over which there is some regulatory control. Bitcoin can evade currency controls, making it valuable in certain situations. The global east and south are building their own monetary systems, moving away from the US dollar. Holding physical assets and stocks in real, productive companies is advisable. The US and European corporations are vulnerable as the "third world" becomes more self-sufficient. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/crypto-trade-continues-paul-rosenberg-630  Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management   Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast  

Did you know ice baths can help you keep a cool head when the markets experience a small pullback? They have so many additional benefits you may never thought of! In this weeks episode we discuss ice baths, the market, housing data, and more. We talk about confusing and contradictory signals in current trends, the importance of being cautious during a statistically weak period in the stock market, and watching market trends closely to make informed decisions.  Today we discuss... Morning routines for stress relief and energy. The confusion and contradictory signals in current financial markets. The importance of being cautious, especially during a statistically weak period for the stock market. Watching market trends closely to make informed decisions. There is a mention of a listener, Charles, who corrected an error about the company behind Three Mile Island. How the bond market is indicating that rates may drop soon. The conversation touches on the performance of various market indexes like the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Russell 2000. They note that the market is confusing, with different sectors showing different trends. Lightening up portfolios during the current period, which is typically weak statistically.   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/small-pullback-ice-baths-629

Join us today as Blake Christian reveals the secrets of Opportunity Zone funds. He's here to explain the flexibility and tax benefits of these funds. He highlights the program's role in encouraging investments in underserved communities. He also shares the challenges in navigating the rules and compares OZ funds with other tax deferral strategies like 1031 exchanges. Prepare to learn everything you've ever needed to know about OZ funds! We discuss... How OZ funds allow deferring capital gains if reinvested within 180 days, with potential tax-free appreciation if held for 10 years. Which six states do not conform to Opportunity Zone benefits. Over 8,000 census tracts qualify for Opportunity Zone investments, targeting underserved communities with high unemployment and welfare recipients. How OZ funds can be used for real estate and operating businesses, attracting investments into otherwise neglected areas. The complexities and potential pitfalls in structuring OZ funds, including the necessity of making proper elections and meeting improvement requirements. When combining Opportunity Zone funds with Section 1202 qualified small business stock can provide additional tax benefits. Installment sales are a simpler alternative for deferring gains but carry risks of higher future tax rates. California aggressively taxes deferred gains from 1031 exchanges and Opportunity Zones, even if the taxpayer relocates to another state. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/the-secrets-of-opportunity-zone-funds-blake-christian-628   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Phil Weiss | Apprise Wealth Management   Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast  

We reveal the next hot trend and cover all the hot topics. We discuss free speech, political violence, and how bad ideas are necessary to recognize good ones. Additionally, we talk discuss energy consumption, the increasing demand driven by AI and the need for clean energy solutions like nuclear power. We also discuss the growth in data centers and the importance of investing in energy and technology sectors to address these trends.  Today we discuss...  Recent events including a Trump rally and an assassination attempt. Emphasis on the rejection of violence regardless of political affiliation. Importance of staying and engaging in political discourse rather than leaving. Free speech and the importance of hearing both good and bad ideas. The Biden administration's bill to expedite nuclear power plant regulations. Highlighting the energy consumption of AI compared to Bitcoin and the potential issues it causes. Investment opportunities in nuclear energy and data centers. Historical trends in energy consumption and the rise of renewable energy. Mention of technological advancements and their impact on energy needs. Discussion on the rapid growth of AI and its implications for energy consumption. Emphasis on the need for strategic solutions to meet growing energy demands. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/next-hot-trend-627   Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast  

Nelson Chu, an expert in private credit and founder of Percent, discusses how this investment avenue surged after the 2008 financial crisis when traditional banks reduced lending. He shares insights from his journey in finance, emphasizing private credit's attractive yields and shorter terms compared to conventional loans. The conversation covers the competitive dynamics between banks and non-bank lenders, challenges facing small businesses amid rising interest rates, and strategic investment opportunities emerging in today's market.

Are you losing out on good investments due to confirmation bias?  We often want clear, definitive answers to how to invest, but in financial markets and social media, this can be tricky. We tend to look for information that supports what we already believe, known as confirmation bias, and social media makes this worse by feeding us content that aligns with our views, creating echo chambers. The takeaway is that while data can guide us, it doesn't provide absolute certainty, and we need to stay aware of our biases and the limitations of the information we consume.  Today we discuss...  Understanding data interpretation is crucial; it's not about definitive conclusions but about probabilities. Our tendency to see patterns where none may exist, like with the inverted yield curve and recessions, shows how we seek certainty. Market predictions are complex; events like the 2011 gold crash challenge simplistic explanations. Half-truths, more than outright lies, mislead us because they seem plausible but aren't entirely accurate. Social media algorithms create filter bubbles, reinforcing our biases and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints. The influence of confirmation bias in political and social beliefs is profound, shaping our perceptions of reality. Financial beliefs, like linking money printing directly to inflation, oversimplify complex economic realities. Chart crimes and misleading visuals can distort perceptions, leading to erroneous conclusions about trends. Bitcoin's price movements post-halving illustrate the complexities of market predictions and speculative fervor. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/confirmation-bias-625 Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Douglas Heagren | ProCollege Planners Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast