Wealth Actually

EP-148 LALIT PANDA on Optimizing Supply Chains in a Chaotic World and the Steps to Protect and Improve Company Operations Defining the term "supply chain" and understanding what a company should control and what to outsource has never been more important to a business. Optimizing supply chains in a chaotic world is a huge challenge. Strategists at the executive and board level face: Major global flare ups that threaten inputs Huge pools of data to analyze, and Increased complexity of logistics as customer preferences develop (almost to the point of irrationality). LALIT PANDA has spent his career safeguarding, managing, de-risking and optimizing supply chains. Having worked with major companies like Sony and Altria on these problems, he joins us today to discuss the challenges and opportunities of in today's supply chain framework. Lalit is an Operations and Technology executive with leadership experience across 7 different industries at companies of all sizes that were Public, PE and VC backed. As a Chief Operations Officer or a Chief Information/Digital Officer in global companies, he has led digital and operational transformations at scale. Companies where he had roles range from large public companies like Sony and Altria to mid-size firms like Harman, Denon, Tronox etc. He has also been in late stage startups, ranging from consumer products to industrial chemicals and medical devices. He is a blogger and thought leader on supply chain and digital transformation topics. These are increasingly important in a world of rapidly changing technology and geopolitical risks. Latit holds degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad and the National Institute of Technology. Based in Princeton, he co-chairs the programs committee of the Private Directors Association NY/NJ and the Technology and Industrial SIGs of The Executive Forum. Intro Background Supply Chain Definition What is the definition of Development? How do we categorize Planning, Sourcing, and Delivery? What is the importance of Execution? What goes into the Making of the Product? Finally, what are the complications around the Delivery of the Product? Traditional Notions and Recent Shocks With Recent geopolitical impacts, how are companies mitigating risk? What are the opportunities with recent Transportation advances? Are companies taking advantage of recent Advances in information technology and logistics management (last mile) What has been the impact of Covid / Work From Home (WFH)? What do companies traditionally get wrong when optimizing supply chains in a chaotic world ? Where is Strategic Perspective (and Oversight)? How can there be a Lack of Board Representation ? Looking into your crystal ball- what are the ways to improve supply chains amidst instability? How do listeners find you? LALIT PANDA LINKEDIN LALIT PANDA TWITTER - @latitpanda PRIVATE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATION https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Episode 147 DAVID WASSERMAN of the COOK POLITICAL REPORT on Analyzing the Crazy 2024 Elections How should we be analyzing the crazy 2024 elections? Coming off of the Iowa Caucuses and with almost a week before the New Hampshire Primary, the United States is in full swing for one of the zaniest election cycles in memory. With histrionics coming from both sides, it's hard to separate the signal from the noise. The stakes for the 2024 election cycle couldn't be higher, but the confusion and distrust around the process is at its all-time highs. Enter David Wasserman. David is Senior Editor & Elections Analyst for The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. Recognized as one of the nation's top election forecasters, David leads the development of key data visualizations and new product development. He manages CPR’s coverage of the US House of Representatives and redistricting developments. Founded in 1984, The Cook Political Report provides analyses of Presidential, U.S. Senate, House and gubernatorial races. The New York Times has called the Report "a newsletter both parties regard as authoritative." Polling- ANALYZING THE CRAZY 2024 ELECTIONS Polling is an intimate look at the mindset of the population (or at least a certain part of it). However, it is far from a perfect science. What is involved in polling and what are the common poll limitations? Are there significant changes with technology in the way polling has been conducted or are the questions different? The current state for the presidential candidates, congress and major state races What are the things we should look for during primary season? With that in mind, what are the battle ground states and counties? How much does Gerrymandering fit into the outcome this cycle (NY case- especially with Congress)? What are the Six States We Should Focus on? Arizona Georgia Nevada Michigan Pennsylvania Wisconsin Who are some of the Dark Horses? Against this backdrop, do you have any Crazy Predictions? To stay on top of this, where do we find David Wasserman? COOK REPORT WEBSITE TWITTER (@redistrict) https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/ NEW Audiobook version out now!

Episode 146 - Roles and Responsibilities in Trust and Estate Documents with Jenny Rozelle What if you are named in a will or a trust? In the world of estate planning, many people who are written into important roles don't know they are mentioned in documents or what is expected of them. These roles can be a lot of work, thankless and carry significant liability. What happens if you are part of someone's estate plan? What If you are named in a will or trust? JENNY ROZELLE helps us get a handle on the roles and responsibilities that are out there. Jenny is the founder and owner of the Indiana Estate and Elder Law. We talk about the role of executor, trustee and beneficiary and the pluses and minuses of each. (More on being an individual trustee here: https://frazerrice.com/ep-75-marguerite-lorenz/) Jenny's Background Terms Executor  -What does executing a will mean? How long does it take?-What do executors have to do? Do I have to accept the role?-What type of people are good with this?-Are you paid? -Are there risks (can people sue me)?-Whom do you hire to help with this? (lawyer, accountant valuation expert) Trustee -What does a trustee do? Administer/safeguard assets, invest assets, distribute assets-What type of people are good with this?-Are you paid? Are there risks (can people sue me)?-Whom do you hire to help with this? (lawyer, accountant valuation expert) Beneficiary -If I'm a beneficiary, what should I ask from the trustee?-What provisions should I focus on?  (Distributions (mandatory vs discretionary etc . . )-When asking for something from the trust, what is a good process for that?-Do I have recourse if I think things are being managed poorly? Summary of other roles -Successor Executor-Successor Trustee-Trust Protector How do we find Jenny? Firm: INDIANA ESTATE AND ELDER LAW Twitter: JENNY ROZELLE (@jennyrozelle) https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

The municipal bond market has been long-prized as a stable, tax advantaged income generator for individuals, After years of a low interest rate environment, the asset class is getting renewed attention . . . And it’s not just from investors! Tech disruptors are eyeing the space and they see a massive, disjointed uncoordinated market in need of modernization. I spoke with STEPHEN WINTERSTEIN on the state of the municipal bond market. He has a 360 degree view of the muni bond space. Steve is the Founder of SP Winterstein and Associates which advises dealers and buy-side firms on municipal fixed income data and technology procurement, vendor engagement, workflow, and market structure. He has over 35 years experience in municipal SMA and mutual fund management, electronic trading, fintech. Most recently, he was head of municipal fixed income at MarketAxess and head of Capital Markets at Alphaledger. We’ll tackle his view of thoughtful municipal fixed income management, the size, delivery and fractionalization of the market and the technological challenges faced. Finally, we’ll get some input on where Steve thinks AI, Blockchain, LLM's and some of the other buzzy words out there may have some real world impact on the asset class. Background Take us through your career . . . and your start in the Municipal Bond space Portfolio Manager - Meridian Asset Management Managing Director & Senior Vice President, Head of Municipal Fixed Income - PNC Head of Municipal Fixed Income Strategy & Research - Wilmington Trust Head of Municipal Fixed Income - MarketAxess Head of Capital Markets - Alphaledger Managing Partner - SP Winterstein & Associates, LLC Investing Process Discussing the two pillars of Muni Investing - Credit and Duration Fallacy of being able to predict interest rates Spending Calories on Credit Research "Bus Map"- incorporating client input in the design/choice of investment constraints The Municipal Bond Market The Size of the Muni Market and the challenges that causes The fractionalized nature of muni market Typical means tf transacting Brokerage vs SMA vs fund Problems with indexing Where can technology help? Pipe-building, blockchain, AI review of docs, what else? Where are the initiatives of improvement?  What is holding things back? In your mind What is the solvable low-hanging fruit?  What isn't? Where does this help the municipality? Where does this help the market participant? Where does this help the investor? Going Forward With interest rates normalizing- any glimpses into Steve's crystal ball? Getting rid of tax exemption solves the paradox of the heterogenous borrowing base (institutions of all flavors and sizes) and the homogenous lending base (individuals) by broadening the lending base. While removing the tax favored status would raise borrowing costs, it would improve liquidity - which problem do you want to solve in a world where infrastructure so desperately needs funding? How do listeners reach out to you to find out more? STEPHEN WINTERSTEIN ON LINKEDIN https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

The CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT is less than a month away from going live and the wealth management industry doesn't seem to be too worried about it. That worries me because it affects at least 32 million entities according to FinCen- including most small businesses in this country. States like New York may be enacting laws to mirror the disclosure requirements at the state level. Non-compliance is expensive and could lead to jail. How to manage these reporting responsibilities is going to be a big issue in the wealth space. I covered the general framework in June with attorney Stephen Liss here: EPISODE 134. Today, we're going to speak with friend of the podcast, JOHN WILLIAMS on the CTA and 2024. He is the President of the Williams Law Firm in Delaware and President of INCNOW.COM, a corporate formation firm. We're going to talk about taking on this responsibility as an advisor and what businesses (big and small) might expect in 2024 and beyond with this new mandate. Corporate Transparency Act- A Quick Review 1) Whom does it apply to and how big is this lift? 2) What needs to be reported? Do we know how at this point?3) By whom exactly?  Client?  Advisor? Paralegal?4) What is the timing for reporting? How long do you have to report changes? Can you correct mistakes?5) What are the penalties for getting this wrong? For Advisers, RIA's, Lawyers, CPA's and MFO's 6) How much time should compliance take?  Who is responsible? Simple ownership (90min) vs complex ownership Change in ownership If something goes wrong, who is liable (i.e. who goes to jail)? Paralegal liability 7) What are best practices for compliance? For clients? For advisors suggesting entities? For Administrators? 8) Who should be in this business?  Headcount? Is there liability insurance for advisors/admins? Are Law firms ready for this?   RIA's and MFO's? CPA's looking to "help"? 9) What is a realistic cost for this?  Especially given ongoing service and liability?  Will clients understand what they are paying for and why? Can this be AI'ed away? 10) How are you thinking about it (for your business)? Is it a profit center? Is this for the "Faint of heart" or the tourist? Is there a danger in treating this as an accommodation? 11) Practical questions- Who is a control officer?  senior officers / directors / others (trustees)? An incorporator? Series LLC's = multiple reports? Information sharing between FINCEN, IRS, DOJ others?  Is Privacy over? Should everyone get a FINCEN number? Are we entering a new era of corporate governance and record keeping for clients and their businesses? (I.e. is corporate governance going to be a "real thing" going forward?) How to Find John Williams and his firm. INCNOW.COM TWITTER THE WILLIAMS LAW FIRM https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

While all families in the U.S. should have an estate plan, a comprehensive plan is particularly important when your family ties and assets span more than one country. Estate planning can be a challenging task for anyone, but add multiple citizenships and foreign assets into the mix, and it can become formidable. That said, failing to have a plan in place can leave your family at risk. To help us navigate these issues, we have estate planning attorney SHANNON MCNULTY with us to talk about how to protect your family when you cross borders. Biography Shannon McNulty is an estate planning attorney and Founder of THE VILLAGE LAW FIRM in New York City, She provides comprehensive tax and estate planning for New Yorkers and their families. Shannon has a particular focus on global families with young children. Shannon has earned the CFP® designation from the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. And she is on the Board of Directors of the Estate Planning Council of New York City (with me). Shannon is host of the GLOBAL VILLAGE LAW AND MONEY PODCAST- a resource to help foreign nationals make smart legal and financial decisions. Outline Tell us how you came to work with global families in your practice. Why is it so important to for global families to have an estate plan in place? What are the basic things that an estate plan for these families should address? Guardianship for kids; Arrange for the fast, easy transfer of your assets; Incapacity planning; Minimize taxes Can a parent designate a guardian for their children who does not live in the U.S.? What happens if no guardian is designated? Can you explain how to make sure your assets quickly go to the people who you want to have them if you pass away? If your kids are minors, who will manage the assets for them? What is incapacity planning? Why is it important? What do global families need to know about taxes in the estate planning context? Review Before we finish, maybe you can give us a recap of the essential documents that global families living in the U.S. should have in place? Some comments on Shannon's Podcast https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

JARED DILLIAN is one of the authentic unfiltered voices in finance and trading. He is also a true polymath. His newsletters include The Daily Dirtnap, a daily market newsletter for investment professionals, and We’re Gonna Get Those Bastards, which is about everything “depraved”, especially finance, culture, music and sex.   He has a new book coming out in early 2024 called “No Worries” which brings his unique perspective to personal finance topics with the goal of helping people reduce anxiety around the wealth building process. https://www.amazon.com/No-Worries-live-stress-financial-ebook/dp/B0BZZFQPBG/ Back to the polymath part . . . In his spare time, Jared is a progressive house DJ, a short story writer, and speaks frequently on mental health issues at financial institutions.  It’s Jared’s ability to cultivate his creative side that sets him apart from the rest of the noise in the financial world. JARED'S BACKGROUND -  Early Life and the Coast Guard Lehman Brothers- The Experience and the Newsletter South Carolina HOW DID JARED GET INTO THE WRITING? (HE STARTED EARLY!) THE NEWSLETTERS - THE DAILY DIRTNAP and THEN "BASTARDS" THE TWO RECENT BOOKS - WE"RE GONNA GET THOSE BASTARDS https://www.amazon.com/Those-Bastards-essays-creativity-meaning-ebook/dp/B0BZST4Z5P/ - NO WORRIES -HOW DOES WHAT YOU DO INVESTMENT-WISE CONTRAST WITH THE CONVENTIONAL WISDOM OUT THERE? TRADITONAL vs SOCIAL MEDIA DJ / MUSIC / FICTION - HOW DO THESE ENDEAVORS HELP YOUR WRITING? WHAT ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT CURRENTLY (MARKETS OR OTHERWISE?) HOW DO WE FIND JARED? WWW.JAREDDILLIAN.COM https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

https://open.spotify.com/show/51hVAo0WB8Lp1ECeyCWZhC "September 29, 1913: the steamship Dresden is halfway between Belgium and England. On board is one of the most famous men in the world, Rudolf Diesel, whose new internal combustion engine is on the verge of revolutionizing global industry forever. But Diesel never arrives at his destination. He vanishes during the night and headlines around the world wonder if it was an accident, suicide, or murder." Author, DOUG BRUNT, takes us on a journey into the life of this modern day Tesla. We talk about his latest book, "The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel." In this wide-ranging discussion, we get into the world of writing, the entrepreneurism of being an author, the differences between fiction and non-fiction and his "Dedicated" podcast with the leading lights in the publishing world. It's a great listen for budding authors, readers and entrepreneurs. https://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Case-Rudolf-Diesel-Deception-ebook/dp/B0BV123PC8/ref=sr_1_2?crid=34B7KZ2Y3XBDE&keywords=doug+brunt&qid=1694454066&s=digital-text&sprefix=brunt+%2Cdigital-text%2C128&sr=1-2 Doug's Background From Entrepreneur to Writer Fiction to Non-Fiction- What is different? How did you research the book?Whom do you lean on for advice/notes as you go through the process? The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel What did you learn about the man in your research?The device to interject Rockefeller and Wilhelm for context Diesel's seismic impact- why has he been forgotten? Where do you place him in the pantheon of inventors? The Dedicated Podcast What do you learn in those discussions?How do we keep track of your podcast?When does the book come out and where do we buy it? THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF RUDOLF DIESEL DEDICATED PODCAST https://open.spotify.com/show/30nZjASHZdffdfDanIaAgz DOUG BRUNT TWITTER (@dougbrunt) https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

Philanthropy is one of the most important tools for families to strengthen their communities, establish their legacy and communicate their values - both inwardly and outwardly. What happens when the organizations that receive family resources don't fulfill the donor's intent? What if the charities mean well, but aren't effective? What if the charities use the resources for something else entirely? Well, these issues came up in a big way when the Robertson Family of A&P Supermarket fame disagreed with the way Princeton handled the proceeds of a $35 million gift. Author, DOUG WHITE is going to lay out the case, explain where it went wrong, and give us some lessons on how to avoid future quagmires around donor intent. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4H0MEi1bLT697JKlX5Qquj?si=zculG00TSL6n_Og5eT8jQw DOUG WHITE, a long-time leader in the nation’s philanthropic community, is a 5-time author, teacher, and an advisor to nonprofit organizations and philanthropists. He is Co-Chair of the FoolProof Foundation’s Walter Cronkite Project Committee and a governing board member of the Secular Coalition of America. He is the former director of Columbia University’s Master of Science in Fundraising Management program, where, in addition to his extensive management responsibilities, he taught board governance, ethics and fundraising. He is also the former academic director of New York University’s Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising. He has also been an advisor to BoardSource, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to “building exceptional nonprofit boards and inspiring board service.” Doug has written five books: “Wounded Charity” (Paragon House, 2019) “Abusing Donor Intent” (Paragon House, 2014) “The Nonprofit Challenge: Integrating Ethics into the Purpose and Promise of Our Nation’s Charities” (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010),  “Charity on Trial: What You Need to Know Before You Give” (Barricade Books, 2007), “The Art of Planned Giving: Understanding Donors and the Culture of Giving” (John Wiley & Sons, 1997) His expertise includes fundraising strategy, board governance, improving organizational processes, and ethical decision-making. Introduction and Doug's Background The Role of Philanthropy Help for Donors Help for Charities Donor Intent - The Robertson / Princeton Case The Robertsons (Descendants of Charles and Marie Robertson) Source of Wealth (A&P Supermarket Fortune) The Desire to Build the Woodrow Wilson School After JFK in 1961 The Gift- $35 Million in 1961 (Robertson Foundation: > $900mm in 2008) The Mistake in Structuring (and codifying) the Gift Where did Princeton veer off course? Funds used for other purposes The Conflict between Charity and Family when the Patriarch Died The Expense ($45mm in legal fees by both sides!) Princeton's Explanation: Good practices for families making the gift (and monitoring it) Establishing and Codifying Donor Intent Balancing Rigidity and Flexibility around terms and uses of the gift Drawing up a Binding Agreement Communication (Oversight at the Charity and the Family) Performance Metrics Accountability Structures and Procedures https://www.amazon.com/Abusing-Donor-Intent-Robertson-University/dp/1557789096 DOUG's CONTACT INFORMATION https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/

This episode is a little different. I'm going to talk about the importance of balance and health. This time I'm the example. I'm hitting the half century mark this year. After 3 years of COVID disrepair and neglect, I knew I needed a change. In this episode, I'm going to describe those changes and what it's done for me. I'll also be commenting on the significant gap between health, fitness and the wealth management industrial complex. In brief, I think the industry has a huge blind spot around the intersection of health and wealth and is dangerously ignorant about the widening time and expense divide between one's late career and death. To help me make sense of this is, noted expert, Phil Pearlman. DR. PHIL PEARLMAN, is the founder of THE PEARL INSTITUTE. He is an expert in the areas of personal health, human change processes, and systems integration. Phil and I didn't work together. However, I hope his unique perspective on balancing career, fitness, mental health and other facets help put my experience into context and give the audience some lessons from my journey. About Phil DR. PHIL PEARLMAN, is the founder of THE PEARL INSTITUTE. He is an expert in the areas of personal health, human change processes, and systems integration. Phil is the author of The Primecuts Newsletter, which focuses on cultivating a healthy lifestyle, mindset, and identity through the powers of creativity, reinvention, and grit. Phil is an advisor to and investor in social/digital media companies across stages of development. Previously, he served as CBO and CMO at Osprey Funds, EVP at Bank OZK, Executive Editor at Stocktwits, and Interactive Editor at Yahoo Finance. Phil earned a doctor of psychology degree from Argosy University. He lives with his wife and two boys in Montebello, New York. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT/