Arielle’s head is spinning from the seemingly contradictory advice she hears about the best investments to hedge against inflation and a possible recession. What’s she missing?
Dave is curious about private investments after listening to a recent First Friday episode. What are they, and should he consider them for his portfolio?
Abbey is stoked about the raise she negotiated for her first job out of school. But she’s worried about liability risk related to her new position. How does she protect herself?
Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I tackle these three questions in today’s episode.
Enjoy!
P.S. Got a question? Leave it here.
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Arielle asks (1:47): If gold and other inflation-resistant assets are so popular right now, why are some experts warning investors to stay away?
I’ve heard you say in recent episodes that, given the current inflationary environment—and the possibility of a recession—many investors are turning toward assets like gold, art, and real estate, which are seen as inflation-resistant or more stable.
At the same time, you’ve also warned against predatory advisors or businesses pushing those very types of assets, especially to new investors. That left me confused.
If seasoned investors are heading in that direction, but there are also bad actors promoting the same thing, how should a beginner like me make sense of it?
Can you help clarify how to think about gold, bonds, and other “inflation-proof” assets, especially as someone just starting to invest in the stock market?
Dave asks (36:17): What exactly are private investments, and should we be paying attention?
I was listening to the First Friday episode where Paula talked about accredited investors and investing in private markets. That caught my attention, but I realized I don’t know much about what that means.
What kinds of private investments are out there? And how do they fit into the broader conversation we’ve been having around things like the efficient frontier, real estate, or mutual funds?
Could you shed some light on what these private investments look like—and when, if ever, they might make sense for someone like me?
Abbey asks (1:05:42): What advice would you give to someone just starting a career as a 1099 worker?
A while back, I called in with a question about whether to invest money earmarked for tuition, assuming student loans would always be a backup. Well… let’s just say things didn’t play out the way I expected.
Interest rates rose, markets dropped—and I learned some valuable lessons along the way. (Including one that confirms Joe was right.)
Fast-forward to now: I’ve graduated, landed a new job, and, thanks to your advice, successfully negotiated a significantly better contract—including a higher hourly rate, a more flexible schedule, and a much bigger signing bonus.
The new position is 1099, and I have a few questions as I navigate this transition. I’m 26 with $115,000 in student loans at rates between five and nine percent. I also have $70,000 in a Roth, $50,000 in a 403(b), and $10,000 in an HSA.
Do I need an accountant and/or tax strategist, and how should I go about finding one? I’m also entering the field of nurse anesthesia and feel a bit anxious about liability as a new grad. What steps should I take to protect myself financially and legally?
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