Episodios

  • Episode 106: Before You Build Wealth… Stop Destroying It: The 3 Behaviors That Sabotage Your Financial Future (Part 1 of 4)

    Episode 106: Before You Build Wealth… Stop Destroying It: The 3 Behaviors That Sabotage Your Financial Future (Part 1 of 4)
    Apr 7 2026
    Before you can build wealth, you have to stop destroying it. Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler said it best: “People don’t act rationally.” And when it comes to money, that shows up in ways that quietly cost us more than we realize. In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, break down three wealth-destroying behaviors—emotional decisions, lifestyle creep, and overconfidence. These aren’t knowledge problems—they’re behavior problems. And over time, they compound in the wrong direction. This is Part 1 of a 4-part series to help you stop losing… and start building. Episode Highlights: Erik discusses that behavior, not market drops, is the biggest obstacle to building wealth, grounding the discussion in Richard Thaler's Nobel Prize-winning behavioral finance research. (02:56) Erik shares about a client who moved to cash during market volatility and ended up as the only negative portfolio that year, using it to show how emotional reactions impact returns. (06:39) Xavier explains lifestyle creep and how spending that rises faster than income eliminates the margin needed to build wealth. (10:51) Xavier mentions that inflation, not lifestyle choices, is forcing some listeners into tighter margins and asks what to do when spending rises without any upgrade in lifestyle. (15:17) Erik introduces overconfidence as the third wealth-killing behavior, noting people consistently overestimate their ability to time markets and spot opportunities. (18:21) Xavier connects bad financial behaviors to generational patterns, pointing out that children observe and absorb those habits into their own lives. (24:03) Erik closes with the heart of their practice philosophy: understanding how people think about money is just as important as knowing how to grow it. (26:26) Key Quotes: “You don't need to save as much today as you were yesterday because you can always come back and reevaluate it at a different time when the season is over and begin increasing those savings at a later date.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, “The best way for us to help you be successful is to understand how you think about money.” - Erik Garcia, CFP® Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    29 m
  • Episode 105: Beyond the Salary: Real Money Decisions for New Pharmacists

    Episode 105: Beyond the Salary: Real Money Decisions for New Pharmacists
    Mar 26 2026
    Landing that first job feels like the finish line, but for most young professionals, it is really just the beginning. In this episode, Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC®, sits down with Christopher Bland, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS, Albert W. Jowdy Professor in Pharmacy Care at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, to unpack the real-world financial questions that pharmacists and other graduates face early in their careers. From understanding compensation packages to negotiating pay, evaluating retirement benefits, and using side income strategically, this conversation helps listeners look beyond the headline salary number and make more informed financial decisions from day one. The episode also dives into one of the biggest mindset shifts young earners need to make: high income does not equal wealth. Chris and Xavier discuss how lifestyle inflation, student debt, and poor planning can quietly eat away at even a strong paycheck, while time, discipline, and consistent investing can build real financial freedom over time. It’s a practical, honest conversation designed to help young professionals turn early career income into long-term opportunity. Episode Highlights: Christopher shares the one financial lesson he wished he had fully embraced coming out of school: the more time money has to compound, the more profound the long-term impact. (04:00) Christopher breaks down salary versus hourly pay for new pharmacists, noting how hourly work creates flexibility to earn overtime, shift differentials, and supplemental income. (09:07) Christopher recounts landing his first job at the lowest pay tier and explains why the beginning of a career is the most powerful moment to negotiate compensation. (14:54) Christopher encourages students to lean on faculty and mentors for career opportunities, sharing how he connects students with prospects through his own network. (20:09) Xavier explains the difference between Traditional and Roth 401k contributions and stresses the importance of adding a beneficiary to retirement accounts from day one. (25:52) Christopher uses his son's first paycheck experience to illustrate why new earners need an automated plan for their money from the start. (31:32) Christopher outlines three practical steps for young pharmacists: leverage time for investing, negotiate confidently, and evaluate every aspect of a job beyond salary. (38:26) Key Quotes: “As you are young in your career, be developing skills. Seek out these opportunities, network, because then things will begin to flow to you, especially in years, like three to five.” - Christopher Bland, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS “No matter what degree of money you're making, if you have a plan, you're automatically giving yourself a raise.” - Christopher Bland, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS “I want healthcare professionals, pharmacists, to really take ownership of this topic. We work too hard. You've gone to school for too long, to not have a plan for financial freedom and wealth long term.” - Christopher Bland, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS Resources Mentioned: Christopher Bland, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS University of Georgia College of Pharmacy Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    42 m
  • Episode 104: Normal Returns, Broader Markets, Sexy Bonds and Lasagna With Phil Blancato

    Episode 104: Normal Returns, Broader Markets, Sexy Bonds and Lasagna With Phil Blancato
    Mar 10 2026
    Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, welcomes back Phil Blancato for their annual market conversation, now a tradition on Stuff About Money They Didn't Teach You In School. Phil is Chief Market Strategist at Osaic Wealth, a regular on Fox Business, and an experienced portfolio manager who brings equal parts insight and humor, including a lightning round that somehow turns the 2026 market into a lasagna and ends with a debate on why pasta made in Italy is superior. Phil’s core headline for 2026 is a return to more normal market behavior: broader participation beyond a handful of mega-cap names and more average equity returns than the outsized gains investors have gotten used to. They unpack what a "defining year" for AI actually means, including winners, losers, and the infrastructure and energy needed to power the buildout, plus how productivity gains could change work and life. The conversation also hits international’s resurgence, why bonds are "sexy" again, and the discipline of staying invested through scary headlines. Phil closes with what keeps him up at night, with debt and renewed inflation risk at the top, and a reminder that diversification is the plan when market leadership shifts. Episode Highlights: Phil explains how treating colleagues and clients as friends and family has made a 35-year career feel like he's never worked a day in his life. (02:05) Phil's one headline for 2026: a return to normal market returns with broader participation across sectors. (08:00) Phil uses "Flippy the fryer," an AI arm completing 200,000 man hours at White Castle, to illustrate real-world AI productivity gains. (15:05) Phil emphasizes Finance 101: never panic based on headlines, as US economic fundamentals remain strong beneath the noise. (20:00) Erik highlights his favorite chart showing intra-year drawdowns versus final returns, making the case for staying invested through volatility. (26:28) Phil believes that AI overdependence is dangerous, pointing to GPS reliance and the Pope's ban on AI-written sermons as cautionary examples. (31:00) Phil identifies rising inflation and the US debt burden as his top black swan risks for markets. (39:25) Erik reflects on using AI-driven productivity for leisure, coaching basketball, and spending more time doing what matters most. (45:45) Key Quotes: “It's a defining year for AI. What companies can either continue to grow revenue or use AI to be more productive.” - Phil Blancato “I would say I've always been a big fan of why people like me are successful. We take advantage of when there's a panic in markets, and there's a panic in a software market right now.” - Phil Blancato “Being paid to wait around. You're getting real return, real income in your portfolio. It gives you safety and security and maybe a chance to see them go up as much as 7% or 8% this year.” - Phil Blancato Resources Mentioned: Phil Blancato Osaic Wealth Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    Aún no se conoce
  • Episode 103: 3 Myths About Building Wealth (Part 1)

    Episode 103: 3 Myths About Building Wealth (Part 1)
    Feb 24 2026
    In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC® begin a two-part series on how wealth is actually built and why it often looks boring in real life. In Part 1, they tackle three common myths that derail people before wealth ever has a chance to compound. From the belief that wealth is built by luck or big breaks, to the assumption that it is reserved for the privileged few, to the misconception that a high income guarantees financial success, Erik and Xavier unpack the cultural narratives that cause people to quit too early. Drawing on research, real-life stories, and years of experience in financial planning, they explain why wealth is more accessible than most people believe but slower than most people expect. They emphasize that financial success is less about flashy wins and more about mindset, discipline, and intentional decision-making over time. If you have ever felt behind, discouraged, or tempted to chase the next big move, this episode reframes what real wealth-building looks like and sets the stage for Part 2, where they reveal the three ingredients that consistently build lasting wealth. Episode Highlights: Erik mentions that the episode was inspired by conversations at a business conference about what leads people to grow wealth and the myths they tell themselves along the way. (01:30) Erik discusses the idea that wealthy people made their money overnight through one big deal or a viral moment, noting these are exceptions rather than the rule. (06:40) Xavier shares that the average age of a successful business founder is 45, and how that statistic brought visible relief to a business owner who feared she was too late. (10:55) Erik mentions that eight out of ten wealthy people are first-generation, meaning wealth is more accessible than most believe, but requires patience and consistency. (16:20) Erik defines wealth as optionality: having low debt, financial margin, and the freedom to use money for what is most important rather than being backed into a corner. (21:35) Xavier discusses the discouragement that comes when progress feels invisible, reminding listeners that wealth is forming beneath the surface long before the outside world sees it. (26:10) Xavier shares the bonus myth that a high income is required to build wealth, and Erik shares the story of a woman who built a five-million-dollar estate while never earning much money. (29:30) Key Quotes: “Experience and industry familiarity were more important than just pure intelligence when it comes to building wealth. It's a slow grind sometimes to build wealth. It's not overnight.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “If you're following the right processes, if you're taking the right steps of what it leads to be successful, then it's going to come with time.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “ Wealth is built in the gaps between what you make and what you keep, and the behavior matters more than the income alone.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC® Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC® Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    33 m
  • Episode 102: What 100 Conversations About Money Taught Us

    Episode 102: What 100 Conversations About Money Taught Us
    Feb 10 2026
    In this milestone episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and co-host Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC®, reflect on what they’ve learned after reaching 100 episodes of honest, practical money conversations. This episode looks back at why the podcast started, the gaps in financial education that inspired it, and the themes that kept showing up again and again in conversations with clients, guests, and listeners. Erik and Xavier share the biggest money lessons reinforced over the past 100 episodes, the moments that challenged their thinking, and why behavior, mindset, and consistency matter far more than financial hacks or headlines. They also pull back the curtain on what it really takes to stay consistent, grow personally and professionally, and keep showing up for meaningful conversations about money. Episode Highlights: Xavier explains that his dress code changed in 2020 when he joined the firm after Erik's dad told him he could relax and wear polos instead of formal attire. (03:35) Erik discusses his podcasting history, including 65 episodes of Building Us with Dr. Matt Morris during COVID, before starting Stuff About Money. (06:10) Erik shares that the hardest part of podcasting isn't coming up with topics but maintaining consistency with recording every two weeks. (09:35) Erik explains the podcast is part of their vision to resource people for wise financial decisions and reinforce behaviors that lead to success. (11:25) Xavier highlights compounding interest as the most popular response when guests are asked what they wish they knew about money 20 years ago. (12:30) Xavier recalls Billy Williams' advice that stuck with him: if you can't pay for it twice, you can't afford it. (19:50) Erik discusses the responsibility of sharing information on the podcast since they're talking about money topics that could change people's lives. (24:20) Erik explains he pushes back against giving prescriptive advice because personal finance is as much personal as it is finance. (26:10) Erik shares three simple things to build wealth: spend less than you make, save as much as you can, and don't do anything foolish. (28:50) Erik announces two future episode series ideas: interviewing faith leaders about money and exploring emotions like greed and fear that drive financial decisions. (31:15) Xavier shares his key takeaway for listeners: if something is uncomfortable and hard, keep moving forward with intentionality instead of stopping. (33:15) Erik and Xavier announce they'll start doing solo episodes beginning in February to share personal experiences and lessons independently. (37:00) Key Quotes: "Our vision here of the firm is to really resource people to make wise financial decisions. The podcast is part of that vision." - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA "Most financial decisions are not made on spreadsheets. They're made with emotions." - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA "If something is uncomfortable, it's hard, and if it's hard, keep moving forward. Don't stop doing what you're doing. Make it comfortable." - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Resources Mentioned: ⁠⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA⁠ Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    39 m
  • Episode 101: King Cake and the Seasons of Money

    Episode 101: King Cake and the Seasons of Money
    Jan 27 2026
    In this solo episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, reflects on King Cake season in New Orleans, an annual reminder that some things are wonderful precisely because they don’t last forever. Between questionable calorie intake and the collective sugar coma that sweeps the city, Erik is grateful that King cake is a season, not a lifestyle. That rhythm sparks a bigger conversation about money and how so much of our financial stress comes from forgetting that money, too, has seasons. Erik breaks down the three financial seasons he most often discusses with clients: laying the foundation, building on that foundation, and eventually spending down and distributing assets. Each season comes with different demands, priorities, and emotional pressures, and many “bad” financial decisions are only bad because they’re made in the wrong season of life. He also explores how these seasons show up for business owners, from startup to growth to exit. If money feels tight, confusing, or heavier than expected, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and a reminder that you’re probably not doing it wrong. You may just be in a different season. If it resonates, follow the show and share it with someone who could use that reminder. Episode Highlights: Erik discusses three financial phases: laying a foundation, building on it, and spending down your accumulated assets. (04:15) Erik shares his biggest financial mistake: trying to accumulate in five years everything that took his parents decades to build. (05:35) What makes a financial decision bad isn't always the decision itself, but making it in the wrong season of life. (07:45) The foundation-laying season is characterized by tight margins, high demands, and competing financial priorities like homeownership, transportation, and student loan repayment. (09:25) Erik explains that restraint doesn't mean selling yourself short, but preparing yourself for the future, and making hard decisions early makes transitions easier. (12:50) Regardless of income level, clients face a common challenge: people tend to spend or tie up their money in proportion to what they earn. (16:10) Not spending every dollar isn't a sign of missing out on life; it's good stewardship and wise money management. (18:30) Erik mentions that most small businesses fail not because they're bad ideas, but because they run out of cash. (22:00) Financial seasons have beginnings and endings, making it valuable to pause and reflect on where you currently are in your money journey. (24:50) Erik discusses the value of working with a financial planner who understands your values and the season of life you're in. (26:10) The reality that seasons are temporary makes having trusted guidance in your financial life incredibly valuable. (27:15) Key Quotes: “Restraint doesn't mean that you're selling yourself short. You're preparing yourself for the future.” - Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® “Making good decisions that are in alignment with your values, that are in alignment with the season that you're in. It's important.” - Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® “I love the fact that more and more people aren't just quitting or retiring completely, that they recognize they have something still to give. There's meaning, and there's purpose in working.” - Erik Garcia CFP®, BFA™, ChFC® Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    29 m
  • Episode 100: Caring for Aging Parents: Why Waiting Is the Most Expensive Option

    Episode 100: Caring for Aging Parents: Why Waiting Is the Most Expensive Option
    Jan 13 2026
    In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Xavier Angel, CFP®, is joined by Shannon Mehaffey Ory, Owner and Senior Care Consultant at Avila Senior Advisors, for an honest conversation about something every family will face but few feel prepared for: caring for aging parents. Whether care needs change slowly or arrive overnight after a fall, hospitalization, or diagnosis, Xavier and Shannon unpack why families often find themselves making major financial and care decisions under stress, emotion, and time pressure, usually without a plan. With over a decade of experience across senior housing, memory care, home care, and mission-based work with the homebound and aging, Shannon brings clarity to a confusing and emotionally charged process. Together, she and Xavier walk through six essential things families need to understand about long-term care, including why crisis-based decisions are the most expensive, why Medicare assumptions can be dangerous, and how understanding care options like assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing changes everything. At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful truth: early planning gives families options, peace of mind, and the ability to honor their loved one’s wishes. If you have aging parents, or hope someone will one day advocate well for you, this is a conversation worth starting now. If this episode resonates, follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear it before life forces their hand. Episode Highlights: Shannon shares her background in Health Administration with a concentration in senior housing and her experience working across multiple states in assisted living, memory care, and sitter agencies. (03:04) Shannon explains how care needs can change overnight with an example of a healthy client whose wife fell after a medication change. (07:50) Shannon discusses the differences between sitter agencies and private independent sitters, recommending getting names ahead of time through church or friends. (13:30) Shannon describes dementia as a journey and explains factors that determine whether someone should stay home or move to memory care. (18:42) Shannon explains independent living retirement communities, including buy-in fees and how residents can lock in monthly rates as their needs increase. (22:01) Shannon defines activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, hygiene, feeding, and transfers. (26:36) Xavier discusses the importance of aligning care needs with financial ability and how crisis-based decisions become the most expensive. (32:42) Shannon discusses how clients discover VA benefits they had no idea they had access to, making senior living possible. (37:22) Shannon shares her main takeaway that there are options available for aging parents, including resources not widely known to the public. (42:48) Key Quotes: “Every family is unique in what they're experiencing and what their needs are, and they do need accompaniment through that to figure out what is available for them specifically.” - Shannon Mehaffey Ory “A lot of people forget what their long-term care insurance policies included, and adult children have no idea their parents have this, and finding that out means a whole world is possible to them that the children didn't know was possible.” - Shannon Mehaffey Ory “The benefit of independent living is you don't have any maintenance. You probably can pay an extra fee for housekeeping. You have a ton of social opportunities, lovely dining. People go on trips together in independent living communities all the time.” - Shannon Mehaffey Ory Resources Mentioned: Shannon Mehaffey Ory Avila Senior Advisors Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    50 m
  • Episode 99: Should You Wait to Invest When the Market Feels Expensive?

    Episode 99: Should You Wait to Invest When the Market Feels Expensive?
    Dec 30 2025
    In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia is joined by Miles Clark, Senior Analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, to explore a simple but important question: what’s better—time in the market or timing the market? The conversation opens with a long-term look at how markets have behaved over multi-decade periods and what that data can teach investors when they’re deciding what to do with new money, especially when markets are sitting at or near all-time highs. From there, Erik and Miles walk through three common investor approaches: investing a lump sum right away, waiting for a pullback, or easing in over time. They discuss which experiences tend to lead to better long-term outcomes and why those results often surprise people. The conversation also touches on momentum, relative strength, and market breadth, including what it means when market leadership becomes narrow and valuations stretch. The episode wraps up with Miles’ thoughts on what matters most heading into 2026, what investors tend to worry about too much, and what deserves more attention moving forward. If you found this episode helpful, follow the show and share it with someone who’s still waiting for the “right” time to invest. Episode Highlights: Miles discusses a study showing "Average Joe," who invests $500 monthly regardless of market conditions, outperforms market timers by about $1 million. (07:25) Miles breaks down market breadth through a football analogy: it tells investors whether the market is on offense or defense. (13:20) Miles mentions that in core-dominated markets, the real risk isn't beating the benchmark but simply keeping up with it. (18:55) Miles discusses how Dorsey Wright applies relative strength to identify which assets to hold, focusing on sustained trends rather than short-term news. (22:45) Miles explains how momentum investing rotated out of tech in 2022 into energy and utilities, then back into tech for 2023-2024. (29:30) Erik emphasizes that risk capacity matters more than risk tolerance, which is often driven by emotions about current market conditions. (36:25) Key Quotes: "We don't necessarily have to focus on protecting against the entire market washout. We really just need to protect ourselves against where we're over-concentrated in our portfolios." - Miles Clark "In core-dominated markets, a lot of the risk is actually just not keeping up with the benchmark because it is so strong." - Miles Clark "Finding and earning positive relative strength is just trying to pick those assets that are doing relatively better towards the up or downside than their benchmark." - Miles Clark Resources Mentioned: Miles Clark Nasdaq Dorsey Wright Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    41 m