The Millionaire Next Door

Tax laws change often, but knowing which updates actually affect your finances can be difficult. How do you know which deductions still apply, which strategies are worth considering, and when it’s time to have a planning conversation instead of simply filing a return? In this episode, Robert Curtiss welcomes Nicole Green, Tax Advisor at Robert Hall, to discuss several tax law changes that could affect individuals, retirees, and business owners. They explain how recent updates may influence deductions, charitable giving, required minimum distributions, bonus depreciation, and year-round tax planning. They also explore why proactive collaboration between financial advisors and tax professionals can help people make better decisions before the end of the year instead of reacting during tax season. Key takeaways: How recent SALT deduction changes may affect taxpayers in higher tax states and income brackets Ways bonus depreciation can fit into long-term planning instead of focusing on one tax year Why charitable giving strategies can reduce taxable income more efficiently than standard donations How tax planning conversations throughout the year may reduce unwanted surprises at filing time Why financial advisors and tax professionals often produce better outcomes when working together And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) Connect with Nicole Green: LinkedIn: Nicole Green Website: Robert Hall & Associates Nicole.Green@roberthalltaxes.com Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA About Our Guest: After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science with a focus in Education, Nicole Green went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education and Educational Theory. Her love for learning led her into the tax industry. With the ever-evolving tax code and continual education, it was a perfect match for her. With almost a decade of experience in the tax world, Nicole Green holds a federal license as an Enrolled Agent tax practitioner, where she can advise, represent, and prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and any other entity with tax-reporting requirements. Her knowledge in tax has been recognized in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, HomeLight—an online real estate company that matches clients with local agents and provides home loans—and impact.com, a platform that helps influencers and content creators manage partnerships. Nicole has been featured in these outlets for her insightful tax advice and industry knowledge. Outside the office, Nicole is an avid traveler. She’s been to all 7 continents spanning 50 different countries. She enjoys cooking and trying new cuisines at food festivals around the world. Some of her other favorite activities include attending sporting events and the occasional shopping spree.

It is not often that an economic moment feels this confusing for everyday people, and Robert Curtiss knows it. That is why he brings economist Bryce Gill, economist and national speaker with First Trust Advisors, into a conversation that puts words to the shifts everyone is sensing but few can explain clearly. Robert approaches the discussion the same way he approaches client conversations. He slows things down, asks the questions people are wrestling with, and pulls out insights that make a complicated world easier to understand. Together, Robert and Bryce explore how global supply chains are being rebuilt, why inflation feels so different from what the data suggests, and how AI and automation are reshaping opportunities for younger workers. What to expect from this release: How global reshoring and demographic changes are reshaping inflation and economic growth Why younger workers are struggling to find traction and how AI is influencing hiring What rising regional shifts inside the United States reveal about long-term economic power How market concentration within a handful of companies may affect future returns and consumer behavior And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) Connect with Bryce Gill: First Trust LinkedIn: Bryce Gill Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA About Our Guest: A resident of Austin, Texas, Bryce graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a bachelors degree in economics and received an MBA from the University of Texas. An economist and designated national speaker with First Trust he works directly with his colleague Brian Wesbury in the creation of the firm’s widely read weekly “Monday Morning Outlook.” In 2022, First Trust’s work was recognized by its receiving the highly coveted Consensus Economics Award for most accurate economic forecasting. With a highly energetic speaking style and a scholar’s understanding of current economic matters, Bryce is a frequent guest on financial related podcasts and other media platforms, as well as a speaker at numerous public forums with his listeners remarking upon his ability to make the often difficult to understand both understandable and interesting. In his presentation on “The Dawn of the Era of Volatility” Bryce will be focusing in his talk on describing the coming changes in the global and US economy and how investment advisors can best prepare their investor’s portfolios for those changes in the years to come.

Why do 90% of heirs walk away from their parents’ advisor? Robert Curtiss welcomes Natasha Kennedy, a former Wall Street professional turned mental health therapist, to explore why the Great Wealth Transfer is at risk of becoming the Great Disconnect. With $124 trillion poised to change hands in the next two decades, this episode tackles the emotional, behavioral, and generational blind spots advisors must navigate to retain relationships across family lines. Expect insights on: Why wealth transfer isn’t just about documents and dollars How silence, secrecy, and emotional discomfort disrupt legacy Small, powerful actions advisors can take to build trust with heirs What younger generations actually want from a financial advisor And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) The Five Pillars of Performance with PJ Nestler (Ep. 59) “The Comfort Crisis” by Michael Easter “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason Let’s Communicate Before We’re Gone with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 31) From Denial to Deliberate: Planning for Life’s Final Moments with Pat Miles Zimmerman (Ep. 42) Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA Connect with Natasha Kennedy: LinkedIn: Natasha Kennedy Citron Hennessey Therapy About Our Guest: Natasha believes that growth is inevitable for those who patiently seek it. She also knows that change is usually messy, non-linear, and almost always uncomfortable. Said differently, she is profoundly aware of the vulnerability and trust required to explore the intricacies and contradictions of your inner world with another person. Natasha’s ultimate goal is to provide you with a warm and compassionate space to engage in this work together. Natasha, perhaps unexpectedly, spent the first decade of her career working in finance. Along this journey, she received her MBA from Columbia Business School. Prior to this, she received her BA in English and Psychology from Georgetown University, where her interest in storytelling and the human condition truly began. She is now pursuing her Master’s in Counseling and Mental Health from Northwestern University. Her therapeutic style draws from several theories, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy. It is extremely important to her that she tailors her therapeutic approach to best fit your individual needs, timeline, and desired outcome. It is her privilege to be entrusted with your story, and she commends you for courageously stepping toward the life you want for yourself.

As markets surge on the backs of the Magnificent Seven, are investors missing what’s happening off the radar? Robert Curtiss, CFP®, is joined by Andrew Hull, CFA, Vice President and ETF Strategist at First Trust, to unpack overlooked investment opportunities that may hold stronger long-term value than today’s most-hyped tech names. Andrew explains how today’s market is historically concentrated and why that creates risk and opportunity. From the reshoring of American industry to massive grid upgrades and the rise of water-cooled data centers, this conversation clarifies themes that may shape the future of returns. What to expect in this episode: How AI’s energy demand is disrupting grid infrastructure planning Why tariffs and trade policy are driving a rebirth of U.S. manufacturing The surprising institutions most vulnerable to cyberattacks How water usage is becoming a critical factor in chip and data center expansion And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA Connect with Andrew Hull: LinkedIn: Andrew Hull, CFA About Our Guest: Andrew Hull is a seasoned financial professional with a robust background in exchange-traded funds and commercial banking. Currently serving as Vice President and ETF Strategist at First Trust, he has cultivated a deep understanding of monetary authorities and central banking dynamics. With over a decade of experience at First Trust, including roles as an Economic Analyst, Andrew has demonstrated a strong commitment to financial strategy and analysis. Prior to this, he held a Vice President position at Columbia Bank, where he honed his skills in commercial banking. Andrew graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics, which laid the foundation for his analytical expertise. His career reflects a blend of strategic leadership and technical financial acumen, positioning him as a valuable asset in the finance sector. He is particularly interested in the intersection of finance and emerging technologies, aiming to leverage innovative solutions in investment strategies. Andrew’s professional journey exemplifies adaptability and a dedication to continuous learning in a rapidly evolving industry.

What happens when public markets no longer provide the diversification they once promised? In this episode, Robert Curtiss, CFP®, is joined by Tony Davidow, Senior Alternatives Investment Strategist at the Franklin Templeton Institute, to explore the tectonic shifts transforming private markets. Tony shares insights from decades of experience working with institutional capital, family offices, and advisors. He breaks down the evolution of private equity, real estate debt, and evergreen structures and why today’s investors may be missing out on an illiquidity premium worth 3–5% per year. From secondaries to real estate, digital infrastructure to target-date funds, this conversation offers a masterclass in building smarter portfolios in an uncertain world. What to expect in this episode: Why diversification is broken and what’s replacing it The rise of evergreen investment structures for individuals How institutions use illiquidity to their advantage What 401(k) plans and retirement models could look like soon And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) “Private Markets: Building Better Portfolios with Private Equity, Private Credit, and Private Real Estate” by Tony Davidow “The cost of being too liquid” by Tony Davidow & Priya Thakur Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA Connect with Tony Davidow: LinkedIn: Tony Davidow, CIMA® Franklin Templeton About Our Guest: Tony Davidow is responsible for developing and delivering the Franklin Templeton Institute’s insights on the role and use of alternative investments through independent research, participating in industry conferences, webinars and engaging directly with key partners and clients. He also serves as the host of the Alternative Allocations podcast series. The Franklin Templeton Institute harnesses the depth and breadth of the firm’s global investment expertise and extensive in-house research capabilities to deliver unique investment insights to our clients. Prior to his current role, Davidow was retained by Franklin Templeton to develop a comprehensive Alternative Investment educational program for financial advisors. He previously held senior leadership roles with Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim, and Schwab, among other firms. Davidow began his career working for a New York-based family office and has worked directly with many institutions and ultra-high-net-worth families over the years. He is a frequent writer and speaker with deep expertise in the use of alternative investments, asset allocation, and portfolio construction, as well as goals-based investing.

Markets have been anything but predictable in 2025, yet resilience continues to surprise investors. In this midyear outlook episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Peter Repetto, Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, to unpack where the economy stands and where it may be heading next. With deep insights drawn from Peter’s team-wide strategy review, they explore how markets are absorbing trade volatility, policy shifts, and inflation risks and why there’s room for optimism. They also dive into key opportunities across both public and private markets, including middle-market buyouts, infrastructure, and asset-based lending. What to expect in this episode: Why “American exceptionalism” may still hold firm What risks to watch for in the second half of 2025 Where private market opportunities are gaining traction How to approach portfolio allocation in a data-driven, uncertain world And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) iCapital Market Pulse: Mid-Year Outlook: Top of mind questions for investors in 2H ’25 Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA Connect with Peter Repetto: LinkedIn: Peter Repetto iCapital About Our Guest: Peter is a Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, focusing on developing and delivering research, investment ideas, and thought leadership content for external and internal audiences on behalf of iCapital’s Investment Strategy team. Prior to joining the firm, Peter spent over eight years at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he contributed to their asset allocation strategy and macroeconomic research. Peter holds a BA in Economics from Fairfield University.

In today’s financial world, headlines shift by the hour, and uncertainty feels like the new norm. But what if this volatile environment is actually full of opportunity? In this insightful episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Zachary Levenick, a seasoned hedge fund executive turned family office investor, about why today’s market isn’t just chaotic, it’s promising. From his global experience managing funds in New York, London, and Latin America, Zach shares his perspective on why volatility may actually signal better potential returns, if you know where to look. They explore everything from small-cap inefficiencies and underpriced opportunities to the dangers of chasing overvalued giants. Plus, Zach shares why he’s cautious on private credit and where the democratization of alternatives is heading next. What to expect in this episode: Why wide outcome ranges can unlock better returns What most investors miss about market cycles and timing Where public and private market inefficiencies are hiding How individual investors can access institutional-quality alternatives And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA Connect with Zachary Levenick: THG Securities Advisors, LLC. (626) 765-9950 ir@thgsallc.com About Our Guest: Before joining THG, Mr. Levenick was a Principal of Taconic Capital Partners, LP (“Taconic”), a multi-billion dollar New York-based private investment firm. Mr. Levenick co-managed the firm’s London-based European operations and was Portfolio Manager for European Equities investing, where focus areas included consumer products, retail, and general industries. He also established and oversaw Taconic’s public and private investment efforts in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina, where focus areas included education and logistics. While at Taconic, Mr. Levenick also developed extensive experience in special situations and cross-asset class investing. Mr. Levenick spent 18 years at Taconic, after joining the firm in 2002 as a research associate. Before his career at Taconic, Mr. Levenick worked at J.P. Morgan in investment banking. Mr. Levenick is a former Director of Barnes and Noble Education (NYSE: BNED). Mr. Levenick graduated from Harvard College magna cum laude with a degree in History and Literature (Medieval). He resides with his family in Southern California. They support a number of educational, outdoor, and local philanthropies in the US and UK.

It’s not if you’ll face identity theft, it’s when. In this powerful episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with seasoned trial attorney Robert Brennan, an experienced professional in identity theft cases, to unpack the alarming realities of this modern-day crime. From fraud rings targeting disaster victims to the surprising statistic that nearly every American’s data is already on the dark web, Brennan delivers a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they’re immune. You’ll hear real-life stories of how identity theft happens, often from the people you trust most, and learn practical, actionable steps to safeguard your financial life. Robert also shares essential insights on the legal remedies available when the unthinkable happens, and why building a strong team of trusted professionals can make all the difference. What to expect from this episode: The top misconceptions about identity theft—and the hard truths Why monitoring your credit is no longer optional How to protect elderly family members from scams Why vigilance and proactive action are your best defence And more! Resources: Educational videos (bottom of the page) Connect with Robert Brennan: LinkedIn: Bob Brennan Law Offices of Robert F. Brennan, APC Connect with Robert Curtiss: rcurtiss@seia.com (626) 795-2944 About Robert Curtiss LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss Facebook: Robert Curtiss SEIA LinkedIn: SEIA About Our Guest: Southern California’s leading law firm in consumer protection law and serious personal injury cases. Robert Brennan is a trial attorney, setting him apart from about 98% of practicing attorneys who don’t want to take cases to trial. He has successfully tried several serious personal injury cases and has a series of 7-figure verdicts and settlements. He also has seven-figure and high-six-figure results in Fair Credit Reporting Act cases (false information on credit reports), Identity Theft cases, and Lemon Law cases (defective cars, boats, RVs, and motorcycles that the manufacturer cannot fix under warranty). The firm reviews most cases free of charge to see if they can assist. 99% of the practice is in the greater Southern California area.