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The Compound Commitment

Mike Nilson

Welcome to the Compound Commitment, where we focus on the small actions that compound over time.  I'm your host, Mike Nilson.  Join me every Tuesday as we build the habits that support wealth, health, and happiness.  

Each week, we share insights on investing, wealth management, and financial planning alongside practical strategies for nutrition, sleep, relationships and happiness.  

Check out compoundcommitment.com to sign up for a complimentary 30-Day Wealth, Health, or Happiness Commitment.  

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  • 21 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 39 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • #49
    Tuesday · 28 min

    When Money Became The Goal: The Legacy Loop Series w/ Rhiannon Nilson

    Episode 049: What happens when money quietly shifts from being a tool to becoming the goal? In this episode, Rhiannon and I look back at a season when our lives became focused on building—buying our first fourplex, adding rental properties around Gonzaga, starting businesses, working multiple jobs, and trying to create financial security for our future family. What started as an exciting challenge eventually taught me an important lesson: if you don't know what money is for, it's hard to know when you have enough. We share the fun, the resistance, the risks, and a few of our favorite memories from those years—including Rhiannon's reaction when I wanted to use our house savings to buy a fourplex, the scary basement she refused to enter, managing dozens of college renters, and finally buying the home where we would begin raising our family. I don't regret those years of working, learning, and building. But looking back, I wish I had understood sooner that money was never supposed to be the destination. It was a tool to help us build the life that mattered to us. And that sets up the question we'll wrestle with next: What is money for once you have kids?

  • #48
    August 18 · 30 min

    Chasing Purpose Before Money: The Legacy Loop Series w/ Rhiannon Nilson

    Episode 048: What if the most important career decision you make has nothing to do with money? In this episode, Rhiannon and I continue our journey from college into the early years of marriage—when we were chasing purpose long before we were chasing wealth. We look back on everything from my surprise marriage proposal at Gonzaga, to the uncertainty of tearing my Achilles before graduation, to moving across the world so I could pursue my dream of playing professional basketball in Germany. Those years were filled with unknowns, setbacks, and plenty of moments where we had no idea what came next. But they also became some of the most meaningful years of our lives. We share what it was like living in Germany with one space heater, a handful of DVDs, and very little money. Rhiannon talks about how teaching at an international school helped her discover a new calling, while I share how falling in love with strength and conditioning eventually became a bigger dream than basketball itself. We also revisit one of the most difficult seasons of our marriage—returning home after my basketball opportunity unexpectedly disappeared, living in my parents' basement, working temporary jobs, and trying to figure out what our future would look like. Looking back, we realize those weren't detours. They were preparing us for everything that came after. In this episode, we discuss: Why pursuing meaningful work was more important than chasing the biggest paycheck. How setbacks often become the turning points that shape our future. What living in Germany taught us about gratitude, simplicity, and marriage. Why shared struggles often strengthen relationships more than shared successes. How the right amount of resistance helped shape our marriage and our future. One of the biggest lessons from this conversation is that purpose isn't always found on a straight path. Sometimes it's uncovered through disappointment, uncertainty, and the doors that unexpectedly close. Those early years didn't make us wealthy. They made us stronger. Next Episode: When Money Became the Goal — As our careers began to take off, we found ourselves making smart financial decisions, buying rental properties, and building businesses. But somewhere along the way, I slowly stopped asking what money was for and started measuring success by how much I could accumulate. That shift changed everything—and ultimately became one of the biggest lessons behind the Legacy Loop.

  • #47
    August 11 · 29 min

    The Struggle Money Can't Buy: The Legacy Loop Series w/ Rhiannon Nilson

    Episode 047: Some of our favorite memories came during the years when we had the least amount of money. In this episode, Rhiannon and I look back on our college years, sharing the stories that shaped the way we think about money, parenting, and legacy today. We laugh about stretching every dollar, hunting for the best deals, living on cheap meals, and discovering that creativity and friendship often flourished because we didn't have much. We also revisit some of our biggest financial mistakes. Rhiannon shares the story of opening her first credit card and the lessons she learned from debt. I talk about running out of money for rent in college and the embarrassment of facing my landlord every week until I could finally pay him back. Looking back, neither of us would choose those moments again—but we also wouldn't trade what they taught us. That leads us to one of the biggest questions we've wrestled with as parents: If some of our greatest lessons came from not having enough money, how do we give our kids opportunities without taking away the experiences that build character? Throughout the conversation, we explore why some lessons can be taught while others have to be lived, why mistakes are an essential part of growth, and how our job as parents isn't to eliminate resistance but to provide the right amount at the right time. We also begin sharing how these experiences eventually led us to create the Legacy Loop—a framework that helps us think less about how much money to give and more about how money can strengthen our family. In this episode, we discuss: - Why some of our happiest memories came from having very little money. - The financial mistakes that taught us lessons we'll never forget. - Why pain is often one of life's greatest teachers. - The challenge of helping our kids without preventing them from growing. - How the Principle of Resistance applies to money, parenting, and life. - Why asking better questions leads to better financial decisions. This episode is about much more than college memories. It's about discovering that wealth isn't measured by what we own—it's measured by who we're becoming. Next Episode: Chasing Purpose Before Money — We continue our journey from college into early marriage, professional basketball in Germany, and the beginning of my career as a strength coach at Gonzaga. Before money ever became a goal, we were simply chasing meaningful work—and those years shaped the foundation for everything that followed.

  • #46
    August 4 · 33 min

    Why Opposites Build Stronger Families: The Legacy Loop Series w/ Rhiannon Nilson

    Episode 046: When I first got married, I thought the best partner would be someone who agreed with me, made life easier, and saw the world the same way I did. Twenty-five years later, I've learned the opposite is true. In this episode, Rhiannon and I share how our differences have become one of the greatest strengths in our marriage, our family, and even the book we're writing together, What Is Money For? I'm an internal processor who loves building systems and organizing ideas. Rhiannon is an external processor who asks tough questions, challenges my thinking, and helps uncover blind spots I never would have seen on my own. Those conversations haven't always been easy, but they've made our relationship—and the ideas behind the Legacy Loop—far stronger than either of us could have created alone. We also talk about something every family faces: how much of our parents' influence we should carry into our own marriage. While we're incredibly grateful for everything our families taught us, we've learned that every couple has to create their own story, their own values, and their own way of using money to strengthen the people they love. In this episode, we discuss: - Why healthy resistance strengthens relationships. - How different communication styles have become one of our greatest assets. - Why families should write their story instead of repeating previous generation's. - How the Principle of Resistance applies to marriage, parenting, & family legacy. - Why the best conversations often produce the strongest ideas. This episode isn't really about communication—it's about growth. Because the people who challenge us the most are often the people who help us become our best. Next Episode: The Struggle Money Can't Buy — We look back on our college years and early marriage, sharing how having very little money created some of our favorite memories and shaped the way we're thinking about raising our own kids as Carter heads off to college.

  • #45
    July 28 · 22 min

    What Is Money For? New Book Series

    Episode 045: For years, I've been fascinated by one question: What is money for? Most of us spend decades working hard, saving, investing, and sacrificing for the future. But very few of us ever stop to ask what we're actually trying to accomplish once we've built wealth. That question changed the way my wife Rhiannon and I think about money, parenting, and legacy. It led us to create what we now call the Legacy Loop—a framework that's helping us use money to strengthen our relationships, create more purpose, and prepare future generations instead of simply passing down assets. This episode kicks off a special series based on my new book, What Is Money For? Over the next several months, Rhiannon will be joining me as we share the stories, lessons, successes, mistakes, and frameworks that have shaped our family's journey. We'll talk about everything from creating a family vision and defining your values to paying for education, family vacations, entrepreneurship, giving, and one of the most practical tools we've ever developed—the Resistance Triangle—to help answer difficult financial decisions. I want to be clear: we don't have all the answers. We're still learning. We're still refining. And we're still having the same conversations many families are having. What we do have is a framework that's helping us ask better questions and make more intentional decisions together. If you've ever wondered, What is all this money actually for? Or how can I use wealth to strengthen my family instead of weaken it? I think you're going to enjoy this series. Thanks for joining me at the beginning of this journey and I can't wait to share it with you!

  • #44
    July 21 · 49 min

    Bringing Families Together: How to Hold a Family Legacy Meeting w/ Iran Harvell

    Episode 044: We've talked about the legal documents. We've talked about values, legacy, and trusts. Now comes the hardest—and arguably the most important—part of the process: Talking about it. In the final episode of this three-part series, estate planning attorney Iran Harvell shares how families can have meaningful conversations about money, legacy, and the future before a crisis forces them to. Because the best estate plans don't begin with legal documents. They begin around the dinner table. Iran walks through why family meetings matter, when to have them, who should be included, what should be shared, and how parents can begin introducing these conversations to children in age-appropriate ways. She also shares common mistakes families make, stories from her own experience, and practical ideas to help you start the conversation with confidence. If there's one lesson I've learned through my own family's journey, it's this: your estate plan should never be a surprise your family discovers after you're gone. It should be an ongoing conversation that strengthens your relationships while you're still here. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why family meetings are one of the most overlooked parts of estate planning - When to start having conversations about money and legacy - Who should be included in a family meeting - A simple agenda for your first family meeting - Common mistakes families make—and how to avoid them - How to include children in age-appropriate conversations - Ways to reinforce family values, not just financial information - Simple ways to start the conversation this week My biggest takeaway from this series is that estate planning isn't really about documents, trusts, or taxes. It's about people. The legal documents provide the framework, but the conversations are what give those documents life. And sometimes, the greatest legacy we leave isn't measured by what we pass down—it's measured by the relationships we strengthen along the way.

  • #43
    July 14 · 44 min

    Passing Down More Than Money: Values, Legacy & Trusts w/ Iran Harvell

    Episode 043: In Part One of this series, Iran Harvell reminded us that estate planning isn't really about documents—it's about people. Today, we take the next step. Before we talk about trusts, revocable versus irrevocable, or any of the legal strategies families use to protect their wealth, we start with a much more important question: What is your money for? One of the greatest gifts my parents gave my siblings and me wasn't financial. It was clarity. Together, we created a family legacy document that defined our values, our purpose, and the role we wanted money to play in our lives. That experience completely changed the way I think about wealth. In this conversation, Iran shares why legacy is about so much more than passing down money. We discuss how families can intentionally pass down values, why trusts aren't just for wealthy families, and how the right planning can help protect not only your assets, but the people you love. Whether you're just beginning to think about estate planning or already have a trust in place, I think this episode will encourage you to think beyond legal documents and ask the bigger question: What kind of legacy do you want to leave? In this episode, you'll learn: - Why legacy begins with values, not wealth - How families can define what money is really for - The difference between a will and a trust - When a revocable trust makes sense - Why someone might choose an irrevocable trust - Common misconceptions about trusts - How trusts can protect beneficiaries, not just distribute assets - Practical steps to begin building a lasting family legacy My biggest takeaway from this conversation is that money, by itself, doesn't create a legacy. Legacy comes from the values, relationships, and experiences that money supports. Trusts are simply one of the tools that can help those values live on long after we're gone.

  • #42
    July 7 · 50 min

    Protecting the People You Love: The Estate Planning Documents Every Adult Needs w/ Iran Harvell

    Episode 042: Estate planning is one of those topics that many people know they should address, yet far too many families put it off until it's too late. In Part One of my three-part conversation with estate attorney Iran Harvell, we focus on the foundational estate planning documents that every adult should understand and have in place. Iran serves as the Executive Director of Estate & Financial Planning at Hightower Advisors and has spent her career helping families navigate some of life's most important legal, financial, and legacy decisions. What I appreciate most about Iran is her ability to make complex topics simple and approachable. In this episode, we discuss the key documents that help protect you and the people you love, including wills, durable powers of attorney, healthcare powers of attorney, living wills, HIPAA releases, and more. Iran explains what each document does, why it matters, and the potential consequences families may face when these documents aren't in place. We also discuss when people should create these documents, how often they should be reviewed, whether online or AI-generated documents are sufficient, and the simple first steps anyone can take to get started. One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that estate planning isn't really about documents—it's about people. These tools help provide clarity during difficult times and can be one of the greatest gifts you leave for your loved ones. In this episode, you'll learn: • The essential estate planning documents every adult should have • What happens when someone passes away without a will • Why powers of attorney are just as important as wills • The difference between healthcare directives and living wills • How HIPAA releases can help families avoid unnecessary complications • Whether online and AI-generated documents are enough • When to create, review, and update your estate plan • The first step families can take to get started today Whether you're just beginning your estate planning journey or looking to review what you already have in place, this episode provides practical guidance to help protect the people you love.

  • #41
    June 30 · 40 min

    Growth with Guardrails: Understanding Buffered ETFs w/ Matt Kaufman, CETF

    Episode 041: Many investors ask the same question: Is there a way to participate in the stock market's growth without taking on all of the downside risk? In this episode, I sit down with Matt Kaufman, Senior Vice President and Head of ETFs at Calamos Investments, to explore one of the fastest-growing areas of investing: buffered ETFs. Matt has spent more than two decades in the financial industry and has helped design and build hundreds of investment products. He does a fantastic job breaking down a topic that can sound complex and making it easy to understand. We start with the basics by discussing what ETFs are and why they've become so popular with investors. From there, Matt explains how buffered ETFs work, how they seek to provide downside protection, and what investors give up in exchange for that protection. We also discuss who these strategies may be appropriate for, how they can fit within a portfolio, and some of the common misconceptions investors have about them. Whether you're a seasoned investor or simply looking for ways to navigate today's uncertain markets, this conversation will help you better understand the tradeoffs between risk, reward, and protection. In this episode, you'll learn: • What an ETF is and why they've become so popular • How buffered ETFs seek to limit downside risk • The tradeoffs investors should understand before investing • Who may benefit most from buffered ETF strategies • How buffered ETFs can fit into a broader portfolio • What the future may hold for risk-managed investing If you've ever wondered whether there is a middle ground between being fully invested and sitting on the sidelines, this episode is for you.

  • #40
    June 23 · 46 min

    The Ultimate Teammate: Leadership, Sacrifice & Success w/ Gonzaga's Jalen Warley

    Episode 040: Success isn't always measured by points scored, shots made, or individual accolades. Some of the most valuable players are the ones who do the little things that help teams win. In this episode, I sit down with Gonzaga guard Jalen Warley to discuss the mindset, habits, and work ethic that have helped him become one of the most versatile players in college basketball. What I've always admired about Jalen is his willingness to do whatever the team needs. Whether it's defending multiple positions, crashing the boards, creating opportunities for teammates, or sacrificing personal statistics for the good of the program, he's built his game around winning. In our conversation, Jalen shares how he approaches defense, what goes into becoming an elite rebounder as a guard, and the mindset required to impact the game in ways that don't always show up in the box score. We also discuss leadership, preparation, and how he developed the versatility to play multiple positions at a high level. As Jalen prepares for the NBA Draft, we dive into his pre-draft workouts, what NBA teams are looking for, and the mental approach required to compete at the highest level of the game. One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that success often comes from consistently doing the small things well. The habits, discipline, and sacrifices that nobody sees have a way of compounding into opportunities, trust, and long-term success. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Jalen developed his defensive mindset • What makes a great rebounder, regardless of position • The advantages of being a versatile, positionless player • Why team success often requires individual sacrifice • How Jalen approaches leadership and being a great teammate • What NBA pre-draft workouts are really like • The mindset required to compete at the highest level • How small daily habits compound into long-term success Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply someone interested in personal growth, this conversation is packed with lessons about discipline, teamwork, leadership, and the power of doing the little things right. Go Zags!

  • #39
    June 16 · 22 min

    Part 3: Ray Dalio's Holy Grail of Investing (The Athlete's Guide to Building Wealth)

    Episode 039: In Part 3 of The Athlete’s Guide to Investing, I shift the conversation from building wealth to protecting it. Because making money is only part of the equation. Learning how to keep it, manage risk, and build resilient systems matters just as much. In this episode, I break down some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned studying Ray Dalio and diversification, including: • The importance of uncorrelated assets • Why diversification is really about protection and flexibility • How to think about risk and volatility • The difference between liquidity, income, volatility, and expected return • Why every investment involves tradeoffs • How to build a system that can survive uncertainty over time I also share some of my own experiences with real estate, investing, and learning how to think more long term about financial decision making. My goal with this series has never been to overcomplicate investing. It’s to help athletes build simple systems, think long term, and create more freedom and flexibility over time. Because wealth is not built through hype. It’s built through discipline, patience, and consistency. Keep compounding.

  • #38
    June 9 · 25 min

    Part 2: Warren Buffett & The Power of Index Funds (The Athlete's Guide to Building Wealth)

    Episode 038: In Episode 2 of The Athlete’s Guide to Investing, I talk about one of the biggest mindset shifts that changed the way I think about investing: Stop thinking like a gambler. Start thinking like an owner. After studying Warren Buffett for years, I realized that investing is not about chasing stock tips or trying to predict the next hot company. It’s about understanding businesses, ownership, and long-term value. In this episode, I break down: • Why price and value are not the same thing • How Warren Buffett evaluates investments • The basics of P&L statements and balance sheets • The 4 M’s of investing • Why index funds simplify investing for most people • How athletes can apply discipline and long-term thinking to building wealth I also share some of my own experiences investing in real estate and how those lessons helped me better understand business and investing over time. My goal with this series is to help athletes feel more confident around money and investing — not by overcomplicating things, but by building simple systems and long-term habits. Because investing is not about hype. It’s about ownership. Keep compounding.

  • #37
    June 2 · 31 min

    Part 1: Think Like an Investor (The Athlete's Guide to Building Wealth)

    Episode 037: In Episode 1 of The Athlete’s Guide to Investing, I introduce a simple idea that changed the way I think about money: Many of the same habits that help athletes succeed in sports — discipline, consistency, patience, and repetition — can also apply to building long-term wealth. In this episode, I break down: • The power of compounding • Why starting early matters • The importance of paying yourself first • The 3 Buckets System for managing money • How lifestyle creep can quietly destroy wealth • Why automation and consistency matter more than perfection My goal with this series is to help athletes think differently about money — not just how to earn it, but how to build long-term freedom and ownership over time. Because you are not just an athlete. You are an investor. Keep compounding.

  • #36
    May 26 · 35 min

    Liquidity Events: What to Do Before the Money Hits Your Account w/ Ben Klundt, CFP, CEPA

    Episode 036: In this episode, I sit down with Ben Klundt, a Certified Financial Planner and certified exit planning advisor at TEN Capital, to talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention until it’s too late—liquidity events. Whether it’s selling a business, offloading real estate, or stepping into retirement, Ben walks through what a liquidity event really is and why planning ahead can make all the difference. We spend time unpacking why the most successful exits often start three to five years before the actual transaction. Ben shares what he’s seen from business owners who waited too long—and the opportunities they leave on the table because of it. From avoidable tax hits to poorly structured deals, we highlight some of the most common mistakes and how to steer clear of them. We also get into the strategies that can help maximize value, including thoughtful tax planning and deal structuring. But what stood out most to me was the conversation around the emotional side of selling a business. For many owners, this isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s walking away from something they’ve built their entire life around. Ben offers a really grounded perspective on how to prepare not just financially, but mentally, for that transition. If you’re a business owner, investor, or someone thinking about a major financial transition down the line, this conversation is a great reminder that the earlier you start preparing, the more options you have—and the better your outcome may be.

  • #35
    May 19 · 48 min

    Designing Your Next Chapter: How to Prepare for a Career Change w/ Spencer Ansett

    Episode 035: In this episode, I sit down with Spencer Ansett, Executive Search Consultant at the Mullings Group, a nationwide MedTech search firm. Spencer has placed over 450 professionals across sales, marketing, finance, market access, and regulatory affairs—and has a front-row seat to what it really takes to make a successful career move. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unfulfilled, or simply curious about what’s next, this conversation will give you a practical and refreshing perspective on career change. Spencer shares what he’s learned from helping hundreds of professionals navigate transitions, including how to position yourself, what companies are really looking for, and the mindset shifts that separate those who thrive from those who stay stuck. At the core of Spencer’s work is a simple but powerful goal: helping people and companies flourish—growing in a way that’s healthy, intentional, and attracts the right opportunities. This episode isn’t just about changing jobs… it’s about becoming the person your next opportunity is looking for.

  • #34
    May 12 · 40 min

    Turn Your Portfolio Into An Income Stream: Covered Call Strategy w/ Goldman Sachs Matt Mierezejewski

    Episode 34: What if your portfolio could generate income in any market? In this episode, I sit down with Matt Mierzejewski of Goldman Sachs to break down one of the most talked‑about options strategies: covered calls. We start by talking about Matt path from being a college golfer to working in finance, and how that competitive mindset helped shape his approach to the markets. We then get into the basics of how options actually work, why covered calls can be a useful tool in certain market environments, and some of the most common mistakes investors make when they first explore options. Matt also explains options‑based ETFs, what investors should understand before using them, and how market volatility and conditions can affect outcomes when using a covered call strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how investors aim to generate income while staying invested — or whether covered calls might fit into a broader portfolio approach — this conversation will help simplify a complex topic and give you a clearer framework to think about options. Matt Mierezejewski is a vice-president at Goldman Sachs Asset Management where he works as a trusted partner to advisors - helping to create better systems for enhanced productivity, capital market research and investment analytics.

  • #33
    May 5 · 55 min

    Who Am I & What's Next? Building Mental Strength for Life's Biggest Moments w/ Ryan Sawyer

    Episode 033: In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Sawyer, a mental strength coach who shares his powerful journey from battling depression to helping others build resilience, clarity, and confidence under pressure. Ryan opens up about how his own struggles shaped his identity—and how that same work can help athletes, families, and organizations grow with intention. Ryan is a former national champion college football coach who went on to coach at Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University before founding the Heart First Mental Strength Academy. Today, he works with athletes, leaders, and high performers to build mental strength and high‑performance cultures using his Integrated Mindset and Competitive Edge frameworks. We talk a lot about identity and clarity—why knowing who you are and what you stand for matters more than motivation alone. Ryan also breaks down how shared vision and clear standards can completely change the environment of a team, an organization, or even a household. We dig into the role curiosity, consistency, and longevity play in real transformation, and Ryan shares practical ways to apply mental strength principles in everyday life. If you’re looking to perform better when it matters most and build environments that actually support growth, this conversation will give you plenty to think about—and put into action.

  • #32
    April 28 · 53 min

    Funded Contentment: The Real Goal of Wealth w/ Brian Portnoy, PhD, CFA

    Episode 032: In this episode, I sit down with behavioral finance author Brian Portnoy to explore what wealth really means beyond numbers on a balance sheet. We talk about the idea of funded contentment and how aligning your money with purpose, priorities, and decisions can lead to a more meaningful life. Brian also breaks down his “geometry of wealth” framework and the four C’s of contentment—connection, control, competence, and context. We dive into the psychology of money, including how childhood experiences shape our financial beliefs and why we’re wired to constantly want more, even when “enough” might already be within reach. This conversation is a powerful reminder that financial planning isn’t just about returns—it’s about purpose, meaning, and minimizing regret along the way. Brian Portnoy, PhD, CFA is the Founder and CEO of Shaping Wealth and a global leader on the psychology of money. He is the author of three behavioral finance books published in 15 languages, including the bestseller The Geometry of Wealth. Brian spent more than 20 years in the hedge fund and mutual fund industries and earned his PhD from the University of Chicago.

  • #31
    April 21 · 51 min

    Growing Bodies, Different Strategies: How Nutrition For Kids Differs From Adults w/ Julia Chase, RD

    Episode 031: In this episode, I sit down with dietitian Julia Chase to unpack what nutrition really looks like for kids—and why it’s so different from the way adults eat. We talk about her path from competitive dancer to sport nutrition, and how that journey shaped the way she thinks about healthy eating, weight management, and the messy, emotional side of food. Julia and I explore how children build their relationship with food from such a young age, why carbs matter more than people think, and how to support kids who need to gain or lose weight without creating shame or fear around eating. We get into snacks, picky eating, desserts, and the reality that joy has to be part of a healthy diet. We also talk about the influence of social media, how to keep communication open at home, and the simple but powerful idea that parents decide what’s for dinner—and kids decide how much they eat. This conversation is all about helping families build healthy habits, honoring individuality, and remembering that you are not someone else. Your nutrition needs are your own, and the same is true for your kids.

  • #30
    April 14 · 45 min

    The Power of ETFs: A Simple Tool for Compounding Wealth w/ Ryan Issakainen

    Episode 030: In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Issakainen from First Trust to break down how investment vehicles have evolved—and what that means for all of us trying to build smarter portfolios. Ryan and I talk through mutual funds, index funds, and ETFs, why they were created, and the unique advantages and challenges of each one. We get into the ongoing debate of active versus passive management, the importance of true diversification, and why understanding what you own matters more now than ever. Ryan also explains the rapid growth of ETFs, how they work behind the scenes, and why they tend to be more tax‑efficient than traditional mutual funds. We touch on the rise of thematic investing, the democratization of investing tools, and how the right structure may help investors stay disciplined through different market cycles. Whether you’re new to ETFs or just want to sharpen your understanding, this conversation will give you a clearer picture of how today’s investment vehicles fit into a long‑term strategy.

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