Money Tree Investing

Eric Malka shares his journey from arriving in the U.S. as a 17-year-old immigrant with $100 to co-founding The Art of Shaving, a brand that redefined men’s grooming by turning shaving into a premium ritual experience. He explains how a chance job in men’s grooming and exposure to traditional shaving culture in London inspired him to bring the concept to the U.S., where he and his wife opened their first store using natural ingredients and a four-step shaving system. Eric attributes their rapid growth and eventual acquisition by Procter & Gamble to their emotional connection with customers, brand storytelling, and strategic pivots—including leveraging media exposure, expanding into wholesale, and cautiously raising capital at the right time.  We discuss... Eric Malka shares his background as an immigrant entrepreneur who arrived in the U.S. at 17 and eventually sold his company to Procter & Gamble. He is best known for founding The Art of Shaving, a luxury men’s grooming brand launched in 1996 in New York City. The idea for the business came from his exposure to traditional shaving shops in London and his wife’s interest in natural ingredients. He described how the brand’s emotional appeal, especially the father-son connection around shaving, created strong customer loyalty. Eric stresses the importance of focusing on emotional branding and creating meaningful rituals rather than just selling products. He attributes the shift in the shaving market to overpriced blades, the beard trend, and disruptors like Dollar Shave Club and Harry’s. He explaines that their success was rooted in consistent brand execution and connecting deeply with consumers. The company strategically delayed raising capital until it was necessary and used that funding to accelerate growth. Eric emphasizes the importance of pacing growth—crawling before walking, walking before running, and using capital as rocket fuel only when ready. Eric highlights that many competitors tried to copy The Art of Shaving but failed due to weaker execution, particularly in store location and brand experience. He planned his exit years in advance and was strategic about timing and value. Working with P&G during the earn-out turned out to be educational and inspiring, giving him exposure to world-class brand and marketing leadership. Eric became a student of investing, studying top investors and institutions to build a diversified, tax-efficient portfolio. Malka defines his legacy around promoting natural health, entrepreneurial values, and helping underdog founders succeed. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth 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/the-art-of-shaving-eric-malka-724   

Dive into the fascinating world of AI as it revolutionizes businesses and challenges traditional workflows. Explore the rapid global adoption of AI technologies, particularly with competitors like China's DeepSeek. Discover how humor may be the final frontier distinguishing AI from humans and the crucial role of personal adaptability in maximizing AI's benefits. Learn about AI's limitations in accuracy and its readiness for high-touch sales, while also analyzing the broader societal impacts and economic shifts fostered by this technology.

Mukarram Mawjood is here to share on commodity cycles and investor sentiment secrets. He discusses his focus on alternative assets including precious metals, crypto, and real estate, highlighting silver as his top current pick due to its price lag behind gold and significant upside potential. He explains how gold’s recent surge has largely priced in geopolitical risk, while silver remains undervalued despite industrial demand. He also touches on market psychology, gold-to-silver ratios, and how cryptocurrencies are increasingly competing with gold as alternative stores of value. We discuss... Mukarram's firm invests heavily in physical metals, crypto, and real estate—assets with inverse correlation to the U.S. dollar. Silver is seen as significantly undervalued relative to gold, presenting a price arbitrage opportunity. He sees silver’s price lag as typical behavior in precious metal bull cycles, with major catch-up potential. Central banks buying gold has driven recent price action, while silver remains overlooked by both institutions and retail investors. Geopolitical tensions have driven gold's rise as a safe haven, but easing global instability could rotate capital into silver. Mukarram emphasizes timing and patience—investors should scale into undervalued assets before the move happens. Crypto has diverted some capital from gold but believes both assets serve different investor needs. During COVID, gold quietly doubled from 1,200 to over 2,000, which many missed due to lack of long-term positioning. Bitcoin and crypto sometimes move like metals, but when metals act as a safe haven, crypto typically does not. Crypto currently offers opportunity not because it's strong, but because it’s been beaten down while gold rallied. Bitcoin may still hit 100K–200K, but other assets may outperform it percentage-wise during its rise. Ethereum has mixed sentiment in the crypto community, but Solana is gaining more institutional adoption. Major crypto news events often coincide with local tops, especially in bull markets. Crypto cycles are faster (typically 18 months), while metals like gold and silver move in 3–5 year timelines. Crude oil's recent stagnation shows how macro factors like tariffs and recession fears can override seasonal patterns. Commodities should be chosen based on correlation to the U.S. dollar and liquidity conditions. Successful trading is 75% mindset and only 25% technical skill, especially in volatile markets like crypto. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/commodity-cycles-mukarram-mawjood-722 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 is war in the middle east again! Today we talk about the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, with speculation that the U.S. may be involved indirectly. Media narratives are particularly frustrating, with uncertainty and conflicting reports make it difficult to know what’s truly happening. This definitely parallels the financial markets, particularly with how differing narratives shape reactions during times of volatility with many often making moves on perception rather than confirmed facts. The war could potentially impact on oil prices and inflation among other global economic repercussions despite the U.S. being more energy independent. We discuss... War has reignited in the Middle East, with Israel attacking Iran and missiles flying in both directions. There's confusion about U.S. involvement, with implications that support for Israel exists behind the scenes. The biggest economic concern is the potential for rising oil prices and inflation due to conflict. Oil futures spiked shortly after the attack, raising suspicions of insider trading among politicians. The discussion draws parallels between the chaos of war and financial markets—both are driven by incomplete, misleading, or rapidly evolving information. The role of algorithms and the lack of liquidity are blamed for severe price swings during market disruptions. Humans feel compelled to understand market movements even when there may be no clear explanation. Market price is the most honest signal, but its drivers are often unknowable or misleading. The U.S. is stepping back from global policing, reinforcing an “America First” geopolitical posture. China is rapidly overtaking Western industries like autos, robotics, and nuclear energy. Global money printing continues to fuel equity markets despite mixed economic signals. Investment strategy should focus on capital flows, not moral preferences or outdated macro narratives. ESG investing appeals to emotions, but maximizing returns and funding good later may be more effective. Google quietly changed its algorithm to penalize independent contractors on major media platforms. Search is undergoing a dramatic transformation due to AI, fundamentally changing how users and companies interact with information. Google’s ad business is threatened as users shift from browsing search results to receiving direct AI-generated answers. New technologies upend existing industries, especially if introduced abruptly without time to adapt. The global AI race—especially against China—is accelerating progress beyond what’s safe or manageable. AI will likely displace workers not all at once, but gradually as its capabilities expand and efficiencies are realized. AI thinks differently than humans—it doesn’t require order or structure to understand inputs. Learning how to think and work with AI is becoming a crucial new skill set. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/war-in-the-middle-east-721  Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth 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  

Matthew Le Merle joined the podcast to discuss his journey from a consulting background to breaking finance with blockchain. He explains how he and his wife Alison pivoted to blockchain after recognizing it as the next major wave of digital value creation following the internet era. He breaks down the differences between blockchain, crypto, and DeFi, and shares how the financial industry is slow to adapt due to outdated systems and vested interests. While adoption may seem slow, it's actually progressing rapidly by historical standards, and transformation remains inevitable no matter what.  We discuss... Matthew Le Merle transitioned from a career in consulting and digital innovation to blockchain venture investing after identifying it as the next major wave of value creation. He and his wife began investing in blockchain over a decade ago, seeing it as the foundation for digitalizing commerce and finance. Blockchain, or distributed ledger technology (DLT), complements the internet by enabling secure, trust-based value transfers. Crypto is a subset of digital assets—usually natively digital—enabled by tokenization on blockchain infrastructure. Tokenization allows any asset to be digitally represented and transacted without paper or manual processes. DeFi (Decentralized Finance) enables financial transactions through code rather than intermediaries, potentially removing banks and middlemen from the equation. The current financial system is deeply entrenched with inefficiencies and intermediaries that profit from friction and delay. Incumbent institutions like banks face both technological and incentive-based challenges in adopting blockchain solutions. Just as digital communication disrupted legacy industries, blockchain is likely to disrupt banking and finance despite institutional resistance. While adoption of smart contracts and blockchain applications has been slower than expected, it's following a similar long development arc as the early internet. Digital assets are designed to function natively on digital infrastructure, enabling real-time, frictionless movement. Discounted cash flow models can now be used to estimate intrinsic value for platforms like Ethereum and Solana. Bitcoin’s value is more abstract, deriving from its role as a hedge against government control, inflation, and confiscation. Blockchain investing spans six asset classes: early, mid/late, and public stages for both equity and token-based investments. Entry-level exposure to crypto can be done via small Bitcoin allocations, as recommended by BlackRock and others. The biggest blockchain fortunes have come from early-stage investments, not public market trading. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance   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/breaking-finance-with-blockchain-matthew-le-merle-720 

In this engaging discussion, Phil Weiss, a financial advisor at Apprise Wealth Management, emphasizes the importance of learning AI before getting left behind. He draws parallels between AI's transformative impact and the Industrial Revolution, challenging traditional work and identity norms. The conversation highlights how understanding AI can separate the empowered from the obsolete, urging society to adapt and innovate. Weiss also raises concerns about the ethical implications of AI and the potential identity crisis as traditional job roles fade.

Laura Adams shares her journey into personal finance, podcasting, and authorship with her new book Money-Smart Solopreneur. She shares how she transitioned from corporate finance aspirations to helping individuals improve their money management through writing and podcasting. She discusses the evolution of book publishing, the growing need for supplemental income due to inflation and stagnant wages by starting side businesses, and practical advice on identifying marketable skills. We discuss... Laura Adams has worked in personal finance for nearly 15 years, transitioning from a corporate finance path after noticing even smart professionals struggled with money basics. Her passion for financial education led her to blogging and podcasting in the mid-2000s, eventually growing the "Money Girl" community. Writing books is a major undertaking that requires deep effort, especially when promotion is involved. Her dream of seeing her book on bookstore shelves motivated her to pursue traditional publishing, despite the changing landscape of book promotion. How the financial pressures facing many Americans today, especially due to inflation. Laura encouraged people to consider starting a side business to supplement income and access tax advantages. Side businesses should ideally be enjoyable since they often take place during personal time. Starting small and testing the market with minimal upfront investment is a smart approach to launching a side hustle. People should leverage existing skills and interests when brainstorming side business ideas. If your goal is quick income, practical gigs like freelancing, tutoring, or becoming a virtual assistant may be for you. Many people feel intimidated by starting a business but advised against overthinking early-stage logistics. Wait until a side business earns around $10,000 annually before worrying about formal structures like LLCs or accountants. Market research through conversation can spark ideas and reveal where your talents might fill a gap. Iterative experimentation are a great way to discover what business ideas are both enjoyable and viable. For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/money-smart-solopreneur-718    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 discussion dives into how AI is transforming daily life and changing workplace dynamics. Key insights reveal that many struggle with AI due to vague inputs, leading to frustration with tools like ChatGPT and Claude. The potential for job loss looms for those who resist adapting to this technology. The hosts also explore AI’s role in tasks like travel planning and raise concerns about how these advancements may challenge personal identities and societal norms. Humor and serious themes intertwine as they navigate such a rapidly changing landscape.

Kurt Carlton discusses the inefficiencies of the MLS for a good real estate investment strategy. It's currently hard to find good deals, an MLS doesn't show the scale of vacant housing in the U.S., and some sellers often prefer off-market options that avoid inspections and repairs. We also talk broader market dynamics as today’s challenges stem not from distressed sellers, as in 2008, but from an aging housing stock and a severe shortage of new construction. Local real estate investors are best positioned to help restore inventory by rehabilitating vacant homes, offering a scalable solution to a long-term housing crisis.  We discuss... Kurt Carlson has nearly 20 years of experience in real estate, specializing in distressed and value-add residential properties. Unlike the MLS, Kurt's real estate platform targets off-market and undervalued properties not suited for traditional homebuyers. The MLS is inefficient for distressed properties, as typical buyers are discouraged by repairs and inspections. Investors view property issues as opportunities to create value through design, rehab, and operational efficiency. Many realtors prefer listing distressed homes on Kurt’s marketplace rather than handling inspections and contractor coordination. Local investors can rehab properties more efficiently and cost-effectively than distant or uninformed sellers. There are roughly 15 million vacant homes in the U.S., presenting massive hidden inventory potential. Despite high housing demand, new construction is at historic lows—fewer homes are being built now than in 1992. Builders face high regulatory costs, land expenses, tariffs, labor shortages, and unpredictable demand cycles. Government programs often inflate demand rather than addressing supply constraints in affordable housing. Local real estate investors are critical to solving the housing crisis by repurposing vacant homes into livable inventory. Supply-demand imbalance persists because builders can’t profitably create affordable housing in high-demand areas. There is plenty of capital in the market, but the housing market is not clearing due to mismatches in pricing and affordability. Out of all homes sold in the U.S., one in five is purchased by a real estate investor, the majority of whom buy fewer than 10 homes per year. The perception that Wall Street is dominating the housing market is misleading; most activity is by small business operators. There is strong demand for single-family rentals (SFR), especially for families who don’t want to live in apartments. Revitalizing a few homes in neglected neighborhoods can start a chain reaction that attracts more investment and increases values. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance 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/real-estate-investment-strategy-kurt-carlton-716 

AI is getting smarter, but are we ready? Today we deep dive into the evolution of tools like ChatGPT—from early, academic-sounding outputs to more recent capabilities that include humor, sarcasm, and nuanced storytelling. We explore how AI is rapidly improving but still faces a gap in practical, transformative use cases for the average person. The adoption curve is slow, but so it has been for past innovations like video games, the internet, and crypto. While AI is becoming more accessible, it hasn’t yet reached full mainstream integration, but it eventually will. We discuss... The explosion of AI interest since ChatGPT’s launch and its shift from novelty to everyday tool. How AI is getting better at sarcasm, creativity, and sounding more human unlike early AI with bland writing and a poor grasp of humor and nuance. The challenge of finding truly impactful AI use cases beyond convenience tools. The tech adoption spectrum, from everyday users to coders, and how AI fits into that. How AI follows a familiar tech adoption curve—past early adopters, not yet fully mainstream. Comparisons between AI today and early stages of gaming, internet, or crypto adoption. The idea that we’re still just scratching the surface of what AI can do in daily life. ChatGPT commands the most attention, Claude comes in a distant second, and Gemini is barely on the radar. Google is quietly testing a lead generation product (likely Local Services Ads) as a new revenue source. AI hasn’t yet reached the point of autonomously solving problems without user guidance. AI tools can produce mediocre output by default but become shockingly good with proper input and structure. AI isn’t replacing jobs yet, but people who know how to use AI are replacing those who don’t. There are viral examples of teens using AI to launch apps with multi-million dollar revenues. The more specific the prompt, the better the AI’s output—clarity is key. Business tasks like running scenarios, correlations, and planning can be done instantly with AI. There’s huge potential for public-facing AI avatars to field press, lead webinars, or handle customer interactions. Users respond well to AI when it's honest about being non-human—transparency builds trust.   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/ai-is-getting-smarter-715