Today, Ben Martinek and financial planners Mike Acosta and Ujae Kang explore the emotional and financial complexities of preparing for retirement, emphasizing that while data and planning tools are essential, much of the work involves helping clients overcome fear, uncertainty, and guilt around spending. They discuss how financial advising often becomes a form of counseling, addressing identity, purpose, and emotional readiness as much as monetary logistics. The advisors stress the importance of proactive and adaptable planning, noting that while market turbulence is inevitable, a well-structured plan—grounded in trust and sometimes faith—can help clients navigate it with confidence. Drawing from both professional experience and Catholic values, they advocate for a mindset of anti-fragility: using life’s disruptions as opportunities to grow stronger. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to seek out trusted advisors and make retirement decisions that align both with their financial means and personal goals.

Key Takeaways:

• Retirement planning is both a financial and emotional journey, requiring attention to numbers and deeper personal motivations.

• Advisors act as both planners and counselors, helping clients navigate emotional hurdles like fear, guilt, and uncertainty around spending.

• Clients often need “emotional permission” to use their own money, especially in retirement, where spending can feel threatening to their identity or security.

• Asking thoughtful questions is central to the advisor’s role, uncovering concerns and desires that might otherwise remain unspoken.

• The financial planning process often reveals unspoken emotional and psychological concerns, especially during major life transitions.

• Planning for retirement isn’t just about having “enough” money, but about knowing what that money is meant to support.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Discussing Life Transitions and Retirement

(03:15) – Financial and Emotional Aspects of Retirement

(06:20) – Challenges and Considerations in Retirement Planning

(08:37) – Client Stories and Real-Life Examples

(11:36) – The Importance of Spending and Enjoying Retirement

(25:43) – Overcoming Fear and Building Fortitude

(36:29) – Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances

Mentions:

Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/

Website: https://uakdiversified.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ujaeaugustinekang/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.

Michael Acosta is a Registered Rep

Today, I sit down with Jonathan Reich, a financial advisor at Global View Capital Management and a new member of the Catholic Financial Planners Network. Jonathan shares his journey from working in high-volume client service roles at Fidelity and Equitable to finding a more fulfilling path in personalized financial planning. We dive into tactical asset allocation, a strategy designed to minimize volatility and enhance risk-adjusted returns by dynamically adjusting investments based on market conditions. Unlike traditional strategic asset allocation, this approach uses market-driven stop losses to protect clients from downturns like those seen in 2008 or during the COVID-19 crash. We also discuss leveraging ETFs and options to amplify market positions and the importance of using key indicators to guide investment decisions. Beyond finance, Jonathan reflects on the importance of living with intentionality—balancing financial goals with faith and family, and ensuring that financial success doesn’t overshadow deeper values. We wrap up by encouraging listeners to seek financial advisors who align with their beliefs and long-term priorities.

Key Takeaways:

• Tactical asset allocation adjusts investments based on market conditions, while strategic asset allocation maintains fixed percentages and periodic rebalancing.

• Tactical strategies use market indicators to exit positions before significant downturns, protecting clients from major losses like those in 2008 and the COVID-19 crash.

• Reducing financial stress through proper planning allows for a more balanced, fulfilling life.

• Tactical asset allocation focuses on long-term market trends rather than making daily trades.

• Being part of a values-driven financial network, like the Catholic Financial Planners Network, ensures alignment between financial guidance and personal beliefs.

• While money is useful, true fulfillment comes from faith, purpose, and meaningful relationships.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – Who is Jonathan Riesch?

(05:27) – Understanding Tactical Asset Allocation

(06:58) – Risk-Adjusted Returns Explained

(15:12) – The Importance of Time-Weighted Returns

(19:38) – Signals for Tactical Asset Allocation

(26:42) – Mentorship and Life Philosophy

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, Jonathan Riesch, Tactical Asset Allocation

Mentions:

Website: https://gvcmanagement.com/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.

https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

Today we’re joined for a roundtable discussion with Anthony Guzman and Phil Francois to explore the fundamentals of investing, including employer-sponsored retirement accounts, risk management, and investment strategies that align with personal values. We distinguish between investing and gambling, emphasizing that while both involve risk, investing is strategic and based on positive expected returns. Key principles such as diversification, market participation, and moral screening help build a sound investment strategy while mitigating risk. Opportunity cost plays a crucial role in investing, as conservative strategies offer stability but may not keep pace with inflation, making a balanced approach essential. Ultimately, investing should be goal-oriented, tailored to different life stages, and focused on both financial growth and thoughtful spending. We conclude with practical steps: assessing current strategies, ensuring alignment with long-term objectives, and seeking professional guidance when needed.

Phil Francois is a Certified Financial Planner and founder of Foundation Wealth Planning, dedicated to helping families and business owners navigate financial complexities with a faith-based approach rooted in biblical principles. Anthony Guzman is a fiduciary financial planner dedicated to helping families and individuals achieve peace of mind through holistic financial planning, guiding them to make prudent decisions and steward their resources wisely.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial decisions should reflect personal beliefs, whether through faith-based stewardship or ethical investing.

• A comprehensive financial strategy considers not just investments but overall life goals, risk tolerance, and family priorities.

• Spreading investments across different assets helps mitigate risk and enhance long-term stability.

• Effective financial planning involves optimizing what God has provided to support family, community, and faith-driven goals.

• True financial well-being comes not just from accumulating wealth but from thoughtful spending and alignment with values.

• A trusted advisor helps align financial strategies with personal and family objectives.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - The Basics of Investing and Money Management

(03:49) - The Importance of Diversification in Investing

(13:16) - Managing Risk and Reward in Investments

(19:35) - Fine-Tuning Your Portfolio

(35:46) - Practical Tips for Managing Your Investments

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, gambling vs investing, risk, inflation, diversification, investment portfolio

Mentions:

Anthony’s Website: https://www.pioneerwealth.com/

Phil’s Website: https://www.foundationwealthplanning.com/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.

https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

Today, we feature Logan Moore, who is a CFA charterholder from Kansas City, who shares his expertise on alternative investments and his professional journey. Logan discusses his experience managing high-yield municipal bonds, transitioning to commercial real estate, and co-managing a fund focused on real estate syndications. Alternative investments, which include real estate, private equity, and venture capital, offer potential for higher returns but involve greater risk, complexity, and limited liquidity, often requiring accredited investor status. Logan helps investors and advisors conduct due diligence and integrate alternatives into portfolios, with expected returns typically ranging from high single digits to high teens based on the investment type. The discussion emphasizes the need for guidance in this complex space, the importance of diversification, and the value of faith-based investing, underscoring the collaboration between specialists like Logan and financial advisors to make informed decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Specialized advisors, like Logan, collaborate with financial planners to guide investors through the complexities of alternative investments, ensuring decisions align with long-term goals and risk tolerance.

• Logan’s professional journey from municipal bonds to real estate and beyond.

• The variety of alternative investments available, like venture capital, private equity, and real estate.

• Logan emphasizes the role of values and faith in investment decisions, highlighting the importance of aligning financial goals with personal beliefs.

• Alternative investments typically involve greater risks and reduced liquidity but offer the potential for higher returns, often ranging from high single digits to high teens, with returns reflecting the level of risk.

• Fees, taxes, and potential risks are pivotal factors in evaluating alternative investment opportunities, underscoring the need for comprehensive due diligence.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Meet Logan Moore, CFA

(02:12) - What is the CFA Designation?

(12:50) - Exploring the World of Alternative Investments

(29:00) - Balancing Risk and Return

(39:56) - Connecting with Logan

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, alternative investing, Alts Eval LLC, real estate investing, high net worth investing, venture capital, startup investing, CFA, Chartered Financial Analyst

Mentions:

Website: https://altseval.com/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.

https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

Today, I’m joined by Kevin Reardon and Deb Meyer to discuss how emotions, societal pressures, and behaviors shape our financial decision-making, especially as Catholics. We explore how fear, greed, and herd mentality can lead to poor financial choices and stress the importance of discipline, diversification, and aligning our actions with core values and faith. Drawing from personal stories, we emphasize the value of creating a clear, personalized financial plan to resist consumer-driven urges and external expectations, like "keeping up with the Joneses." As financial advisors, we see our role as fostering accountability, promoting long-term financial health, and helping clients strike a balance between enjoying life now and securing their future—all while trusting in God’s providence to guide the journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Asking “Where is God in my financial planning?”

• How to avoid get-rich-quick schemes.

• Consideration of how different emotions may play into your financial plans.

• How to choose your influences and avoid “keeping up with the Joneses.”

• What values you should outline for your finances and how to include faith.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) - Emotional Influences on Financial Decisions

(02:44) - Fear and Greed in Financial Planning

(06:35) - Personal Stories of Financial Mistakes

(12:07) - Marketing and Peer Influences

(22:05) - The Importance of Having a Financial Plan

(29:26) - Accountability and Support in Financial Planning

(35:21) - Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, Deb Meyer, Kevin Reardon, consumption, get rich quick, keeping up with the Joneses

Mentions:

Deb’s Website: https://www.worthynest.com/

Kevin’s Website: https://www.shakespearewm.com/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.

https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

Today, Brian Wayne from LifeGuide Financial Advisors joins Ben Matinek to explore integrating Christian principles into financial planning, emphasizing faith, stewardship, and intentional living. Drawing on themes such as evangelical poverty, detachment, and trust in God’s providence, the discussion highlights the importance of aligning finances with one’s spiritual purpose. Inspired by examples like Rick Warren and saints such as St. Francis of Assisi, Ben and Brian underscore setting "financial finish lines" for spending and saving to foster generosity, spiritual growth, and contentment. They combine practical financial strategies with theological insights, encouraging Christians to view wealth as a tool for charity and service rather than accumulation, ultimately promoting lives centered on holiness and eternal impact.

Key Takeaways:
• Wealth is seen as a gift from God but requires detachment to avoid excess. Faith calls for a balance between providing for oneself and being open to charity.
• These emotions often block openness to others and trust in God’s providence, underscoring the need for sacrificial generosity and faith.
• Greed focuses on acquiring more, while fear revolves around financial insecurity. Both hinder faith in God's providence and the ability to serve others.
• A 10% tithe is viewed as a starting point for detachment and generosity, with openness to God calling for more.
• This concept aligns with biblical teachings, such as the parable of the rich fool, emphasizing reliance on God rather than excessive storage or hoarding.
• Figures like St. Francis of Assisi exemplify evangelical poverty, trusting in God’s provision and focusing on holiness rather than worldly achievements.

Key Timestamps:
(00:00) – Brian Wayne from LifeGuide Financial Advisors
(01:50) – Balancing Wealth and Holiness
(05:00) – Incorporating Evangelical Counsels
(07:12) – Poverty and Charity in Christian Life
(09:32) – Practical Reflections on Wealth and Fear
(13:54) – Examples of Saints and Poverty of Spirit
(19:17) – The Greater Good of Detachment
(22:12) – Practical Considerations for Financial Planning
(23:40) – Establishing Financial Finish Lines
(33:31) – The Savings Finish Line
(37:34) – Christian Financial Goals
(40:13) – Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Topics Discussed:
Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, Evangelical poverty, Brian Wayne, LifeGuide Financial Advisors, Charity, Greed and Fear

Mentions:
Website: https://lifeguidefa.com/team/brian-wayne/
Mentions:
https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19641121_lumen-gentium_en.html
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205%3A1-12&version=RSV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Timothy%204%3A6-8&version=RSV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2012%3A13-21&version=RSV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waHqUtpt2xg

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:
Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.
https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

Today we’re joined by financial advisors Robert Franner and Tyler Myler to discuss strategies for long-term wealth accumulation, emphasizing the importance of starting early, automating savings, and maintaining consistent habits. They highlight the power of compound interest, using goals like saving $100,000 by age 30 to demonstrate how early contributions grow significantly over time. They share an example of a couple who built $2 million in wealth through steady savings, emphasizing that financial independence is achievable with discipline and personalized planning. The advisors also caution against overly aggressive saving, which can compromise quality of life, and stress balancing savings with lifestyle. For those pursuing substantial wealth, they suggest entrepreneurship or high-reward investments, while noting the risks involved. Ultimately, they advocate for gradual, realistic savings goals and encourage consulting financial advisors for tailored guidance.

Key Takeaways:
• Starting early with consistent saving is crucial for long-term wealth accumulation due to the benefits of compound interest, allowing smaller contributions to grow significantly over time.
• Setting early financial goals, like accumulating $100,000 by age 30, can provide a strong foundation for future retirement funds and ease financial burdens later on.
• A high but balanced savings rate, like 15% of income (especially with employer matching), is an effective way to build retirement funds without sacrificing current quality of life.
• Caution is advised against overly aggressive saving, as it may lead to a scarcity mindset or compromise on living standards, impacting mental and emotional well-being.
• A gradual, practical approach to saving is recommended, as drastic lifestyle changes can be challenging to maintain, and “braking” expenses later in life may be difficult.

Key Timestamps:
(00:55) Today's Topic: Accumulation Phase
(02:21) Understanding Savings Rate
(03:46) Wade Fowl's Research Insights
(04:52) The Importance of Starting Early
(09:47) Automating Your Savings
(16:08) Achieving Financial Freedom Faster
(20:38) Balancing Aggressive Saving and Enjoying Life
(22:21) Personal Experiences with Saving Strategies
(22:40) The FIRE Community and Different Saving Approaches
(23:52) Challenges of Late-Life Saving
(25:15) The Importance of Consistent Saving
(32:43) Accumulating Wealth Through Entrepreneurship

Key Topics Discussed:
Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, FIRE, savings plans, wealth accumulating, entrepreneurship

Mentions:
Castellum Financial Advice: https://www.castellumfinancialadvice.com/
QED Wealth Solutions: https://qedwealthsolutions.com/
Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-meyer-cfp%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-chfc%C2%AE-ricp%C2%AE-cltc%C2%AE-fscp%C2%AE-5bb9b994/
Robert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franeriii/
Mentions:

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:
Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.
https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

Today, Ben discusses the intersection of philosophy and financial planning with Nick Shiver, a wealth advisor from Columbia, South Carolina. Both Ben and Nick hold master's degrees in philosophy, and their conversation explores how their philosophical backgrounds inform their current roles in financial advising. They reflect on the rigorous training in critical thinking and argumentation philosophy provided and its applicability to building comprehensive financial plans rooted in ethical considerations. The discussion also touches on how philosophical education serves as a solid foundation for personal and professional life, integrating rational inquiry with heartfelt guidance for clients. Through their exchange, they advocate for the value of philosophical education in enhancing communication, ethical reasoning, and holistic understanding in the financial sector, encouraging listeners to appreciate philosophy's broader impact beyond academia.

Key Takeaways:
• How does philosophy apply to financial advising?
• Role of critical thinking and ethics in creating comprehensive financial plans.
• Importance of clear communication in forming meaningful client relationships.
• Reflection on philosophical questions related to truth, goodness, and human existence.
• How seminary added to the formation of Ben and Nick’s philosophical mindsets.
• Why you should spend time thinking about your personal philosophies, and be encouraging your clients to do the same.

Key Timestamps:
(00:00) - Meet Nick Shiver: Wealth Advisor and Philosopher
(01:30) - The Journey into Philosophy
(02:49) - Philosophy in Seminary Life
(04:51) - The Practicality of Philosophy
(12:02) - Ethics and the Pursuit of Goodness
(18:57) - Philosophy's Impact on Financial Services
(24:56) - The Value of Philosophical Education
(35:21) - Final Reflections and Encouragement

Key Topics Discussed:
Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances

Mentions:
Website: https://www.calmwateradvisors.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-shiver-296b9a76/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:
Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.
https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com