SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

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Financial literacy isn't just about knowing investment terms—it's about transforming your relationship with money. Marcus Sturdivant, founder of ABC Squared in Charlotte, shares his journey from a loving household where money wasn't discussed to becoming a financial advisor passionate about educating others.

"We didn't grow up rich, but we didn't realize we...

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We explore how news media affects investment decision making and identify reliable sources of financial information in today's fragmented media landscape.

• Traditional media networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX) prioritize sensationalism and local stories over global context
• Bloomberg and Reuters provide better global perspectives on how various markets interconnect
• News ...

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Clem Miller recounts his month-long journey through Eastern Canada, sharing observations about icebergs, puffins, and whales along with insights into Canadian economics and culture with relevance for investors. His adventures to Newfoundland and Labrador reveal how travel experiences can broaden investment perspective and inform financial decision-making.

• Planning for retirement shoul...

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The complex dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict have broad implications for global stability and investment strategies as Israel conducts preemptive strikes against Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program.

• Israel claims Iran is developing nuclear weapons despite Iran's insistence that its nuclear program is for civilian use
• Iran's enrichment of uranium to near wea...

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The Ukraine conflict shows no signs of resolution despite early predictions, with Russia taking a long-term strategic approach that suggests we may be only halfway through what could become a six-year confrontation.

• Russia's aggression extends beyond Ukraine with increased military presence near Finland, telecommunications sabotage, and cyber warfare against Europe
• Ukraine ...

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Skeptic's Guide to Investing introduces the co-hosts, Steve Davenport and Clem Miller.
This episode also goes into the hosts experiences and the mission for the podcast.

Straight Talk for All
Nonsense for None

We want to give people an interpretation of what the mainstream media passes off as information although disinformation might be more accurate.  There is so ...

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The wealth management industry is transforming through fragment consolidation, increased democratization of investment opportunities, and technology-enabled customization of client services. Today's episode of Skeptics Guide discusses wealth management with Chris Guarino of Alpine Strategic Partners.

• Private equity access is becoming more democratized, with quality boutique manag...

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We explore the potential seismic shift in US-Canada relations following Mark Carney's election as Prime Minister of Canada and the implications for North American economic integration.

• Moving back to centrist economic policies in both the US and Canada
• Canada's competitive advantage in natural resources was ignored under Trudeau
• The historical importance of the p...

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America stands at a fiscal precipice, with national debt approaching 100% of GDP and projected to reach 130% by 2035 if current policies continue. This podcast features an illuminating conversation with fixed income expert Steve Gattuso, who brings his professional perspective as a portfolio manager at a $6 billion investment firm and his academic insights as a 12-year finance professor.

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Gold serves as a portfolio stabilizer during volatile markets while offering upside potential when traditional assets falter. We explore how this precious metal fits into a diversified investment strategy during uncertain times.

• Gold ETFs provide liquid exposure without needing physical storage
• Target allocation of 5-15% depending on market conditions and risk tolerance
• Go...

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Steve and Clem examine how bonds have shifted from reliable safe havens to potentially risky investments in today's economic landscape, challenging conventional wisdom about treasuries as risk-free assets.

• Bonds traditionally provided safety and income, but inflation and economic uncertainty have changed this dynamic
• Bond vigilantes reacting to tariff announcements revealed...

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Alternative investments offer potential diversification but come with significant trade-offs in liquidity, transparency, and fees that many investors overlook. We explore why the famous "Yale approach" to investing that worked brilliantly in the 1980s and 1990s may not be appropriate for most investors today.

• Alternative investments lack daily market pricing, with most only ...

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When markets plummet in response to unexpected policy shifts like Trump's tariff announcements, distinguishing between panic reactions and thoughtful investment strategy becomes crucial. Steve Davenport and Clem Miller cut through the market noise to deliver a practical framework for navigating financial turbulence.

The duo examines three potential market scenarios ranging from a f...

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The extension of Trump-era tax cuts presents critical planning decisions as exemption amounts could drop from $14 million to $7 million per person without congressional action.

• Estate tax exemption likely to receive a four-year extension rather than permanent status
• Trump administration characterized by chaos and short-term thinking rather than coherent strategy
• Stephen Mi...

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By repeatedly threatening, imposing, and withdrawing tariffs, the Trump Administration is creating uncertainty for businesses who depend on international trade.  

The result is a sharp drop in the stock market, with additional declines likely.  

In this episode, Steve and Clem explore how Trump’s trade policies are based on 19th century economic assumptions and fail to recognize that high tariffs ...

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We examine the debt ceiling crisis and its implications for investors, revealing how this political standoff reflects deeper problems in America's fiscal health that could impact global financial markets and your portfolio.

• Debt ceiling is a uniquely American concept (shared only with Denmark) limiting federal government borrowing
• Official national debt at $40 trillion excl...

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Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of stock investing as we approach 2025. This episode delves deep into the predictions of the stock market, highlighting significant players across technology, finance, and healthcare.

- In-depth analysis of Microsoft’s valuation and growth potential 
- Exploration of semiconductor giant ASML’s market challenges 
- Adobe’s crucial ro...

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We explore the critical theme of managing investment risk amid heightened uncertainty. This discussion revolves around proactive strategies to mitigate risk in a volatile market and achieve financial resilience.

• Navigating the tumultuous landscape of investment risks 
• Adjusting portfolios from stocks to bonds for safety 
• Understanding the role of beta in risk management 

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Inflation expectations and their impacts on the economy take center stage in this episode, as we explore the challenges facing the Federal Reserve and the resulting market volatility. We discuss the interconnected roles of tariffs, immigration, and political influences on inflation, and offer strategies for investors to navigate these turbulent waters.

• Discussion on the latest inflati...