Welcome to Fix-It Friday, the podcast segment that simplifies financial strategies to help you make smarter decisions. Hosted by Jonathan Blau, CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, this episode pulls back the curtain on private investments. Jonathan explains how Wall Street firms promote “democratization” of private deals while often shifting risk onto everyday investors. Listeners will learn how behavioral finance biases like affinity bias and FOMO influence investment decisions, and gain insight into how to evaluate private deals responsibly to protect wealth.

What You’ll Learn:

How private investments are marketed and why they appear seductive to everyday investors

The hidden risks behind complex investment structures and lack of transparency

Six pillars of successful investing, including mindset and portfolio strategies

Want to make smarter financial decisions grounded in clarity and confidence? Subscribe and share the Crazy Wealthy Podcast. To learn more about Fusion Family Wealth’s evidence-based investment strategies, visit www.fusionfamilywealth.com and request our current disclosure brochure.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and podcast disclaimer

02:30 Why private investments seem appealing: affinity bias and FOMO

05:45 The real agenda behind “democratization” of private deals

10:30 Six pillars of successful investing: faith, patience, discipline, allocation, diversification, rebalancing

15:30 Closing thoughts: stay curious and cautious with private investments

Key Takeaways:

Private investments can appear safe or exclusive, but often shift risk from firms to individual investors

Behavioral biases like FOMO and affinity bias can lead to poor decision-making in private markets

Faith, patience, and discipline in investing guide behavior, while allocation, diversification, and rebalancing manage portfolios effectively

About the Host

Jonathan Blau is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, a fiduciary wealth management firm he founded in 2013 to help families achieve clarity, confidence, and purpose with their money. With a deep focus on behavioral finance, Jonathan teaches investors how to recognize emotional biases and make evidence-based decisions that support long-term success. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He holds a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports organizations such as the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

LinkedIn – Jonathan Blau

Fusion Family Wealth Website

Crazy Wealthy Podcast

Welcome to Fix-It Friday, the segment of the Crazy Wealthy Podcast that simplifies financial strategies to help you make smarter money decisions. Hosted by Jonathan Blau, President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, each episode explores common biases and decision-making pitfalls that shape our financial thinking—and how to fix them.

In this episode, Jonathan breaks down the difference between volatility and risk, explains how investors often misinterpret short-term market movements, and shares counterintuitive strategies for protecting and growing your purchasing power over time. You’ll learn how reframing risk, return, and volatility can help you become a more confident, long-term investor.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why volatility is not the same as risk and how misinterpreting it can hurt your portfolio

How short-term market movements often reflect noise, not long-term business fundamentals

The hidden danger of bonds and low-volatility strategies in preserving purchasing power

Behavioral biases like loss aversion and counterintuitive human reactions to stock prices

Want to make smarter financial decisions grounded in clarity and confidence? Subscribe and share the Crazy Wealthy Podcast. To learn more about Fusion Family Wealth’s evidence-based investment strategies, visit www.fusionfamilywealth.com and request our current disclosure brochure.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro: Welcome to Fix It Friday

01:30 Defining volatility vs. long-term risk

03:00 Short-term price drops vs. underlying business value

07:00 Redefining risk: protecting purchasing power, not principal

11:00 Behavioral biases: loss aversion and counterintuitive investing reactions

14:45 Closing thoughts: why stocks can be safer than bonds

Key Takeaways

Volatility measures price fluctuations, not the long-term risk of investments.

Mistaking short-term market noise for risk leads to poor long-term decisions.

Bonds and “safe” low-volatility strategies can erode purchasing power over time.

Awareness of behavioral biases helps investors make rational decisions during market swings.

About the Host

Jonathan Blau is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, a fiduciary wealth management firm he founded in 2013 to help families achieve clarity, confidence, and purpose with their money. With a deep focus on behavioral finance, Jonathan teaches investors how to recognize emotional biases and make evidence-based decisions that support long-term success. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He holds a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports organizations such as the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

LinkedIn – Jonathan Blau

Fusion Family Wealth Website

Crazy Wealthy Podcast

Disclosure

Investment advisory services may not be suitable for every investor or portfolio. Neither Fusion’s investment advisor registration status nor prior experience or success should be construed as a guarantee of specific results. Fusion is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm, and...

Welcome to Fix-It Friday, the podcast segment that simplifies financial strategies to help you make smarter decisions. Hosted by Jonathan Blau, President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, each episode dives into common biases and challenges that impact our financial choices—and how to fix them.

In this episode, Jonathan explores why tuning out the Federal Reserve’s every move might be the smartest decision for long-term investors. He breaks down how the constant focus on the Fed—interest rate predictions, market speculation, and news headlines—can derail sound investment strategy. Instead, he shares how disciplined investors can build wealth by staying focused on fundamentals rather than short-term noise. This week’s discussion also touches on ambiguity bias and its impact on financial decision-making, highlighting how cognitive biases can lead investors to favor certainty over potential higher returns.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why focusing too much on the Federal Reserve can lead to reactive decision-making

How market timing and media narratives distort investor confidence

The difference between real financial data and distracting “Fed chatter”

Actionable steps to stay focused on your investment strategy

Want to make smarter financial decisions grounded in clarity and confidence? Subscribe and share the Crazy Wealthy Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@CrazyWealthyPodcast

Timestamps

00:00 Intro: Welcome to Fix It Friday

00:40 The obsession with Fed predictions

02:00 Why following the Fed can derail your investment plan

03:15 What investors should actually focus on

05:00 How disciplined investors stay ahead of the noise

07:30 Jonathan’s key advice for staying the course

08:30 Closing thoughts

Key Takeaways

The Fed’s decisions impact markets—but not your long-term financial plan.

Overreacting to headlines can cause unnecessary portfolio changes.

Consistency and patience are the investor’s greatest assets.

Focus on fundamentals, not forecasts, to build real wealth.

About the Host

Jonathan Blau is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, a fiduciary wealth management firm he founded in 2013 to help families achieve clarity, confidence, and purpose with their money. With a deep focus on behavioral finance, Jonathan teaches investors how to recognize emotional biases and make evidence-based decisions that support long-term success. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He holds a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports organizations such as the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

LinkedIn – Jonathan Blau

Fusion Family Wealth Website

Crazy Wealthy Podcast

Disclosure

Investment advisory services may not be suitable for every investor or portfolio. Neither Fusion’s investment advisor registration status nor any amount of prior experience or success should be construed as a guarantee of specific results or satisfaction if Fusion is engaged or continues to be engaged to provide investment advisory services.

Fusion is neither a law firm nor an accounting firm, and none of its services should be interpreted as legal or accounting advice. No portion of this content should...

In this heartwarming episode of the Crazy Wealthy Podcast, Jonathan Blau sits down with Arnie Preminger, founder and CEO of the Sunrise Association, the organization behind Sunrise Day Camps, the world’s first full-summer day camps for children with cancer and their siblings.

Arnie shares the unlikely story of how a Paul McCartney concert sparked the idea, the challenges of creating a camp model that keeps kids close to critical medical care, and how the program has grown from one camp on Long Island to a global movement across the U.S. and Israel.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction

02:05 Arnie explains the unique model of Sunrise Day Camps for children with cancer

06:52 How a Paul McCartney concert inspired the creation of Sunrise Organization

12:44 Jonathan shares his personal experience volunteering at Sunrise camps

14:39 What motivates Arnie to keep expanding Sunrise

18:09 Fundraising growth from $750k to $14 million annually

21:55 Impact of visiting the camp on donors

24:21 Closing remarks and how to support Sunrise Association

25:04 Recap of the episode with Jon and Amy

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Sunrise Day Camps provide a unique day camp experience for children with cancer, allowing them to return home each night—crucial for those undergoing treatment.
• Childhood cancer affects families across all economic levels, with about 35% of families in Sunrise programs near the poverty line.
• The organization has grown from raising $750,000 in its first year to needing $14 million annually, expanding to 13 physical camps and one virtual camp across the US and Israel.
• Volunteers and donors play a crucial role in Sunrise's success, with personal connections driving significant fundraising efforts.

RESOURCE LINKS

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Johathan Blau - LinkedIn

Arnie Website

Arnie LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Arnie Preminger has been involved in not-for-profit organizations for the past 41 years, having begun his career as a youth worker and camp counselor in the Bronx in 1976. For 29 of those years, Arnie served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Friedberg JCC. During that time, he presided over the expansion of the agency from a $120,000 operating budget to its current incarnation as the only full-service JCC on the south shore of Long Island with annual operations totaling over twelve million dollars.

Please click below for important disclosure information. https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures

ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based in Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

Welcome to Fix-It Friday, the podcast segment that simplifies financial strategies to help you make smarter decisions. Hosted by Jonathan Blau, CEO of Fusion Family Wealth. Each episode dives into common biases that impact our financial choices—and how to fix them. This week, Jonathan discussed the concept of ambiguity bias and its impact on financial decision-making. He explores how this cognitive bias can lead investors to make suboptimal choices by favoring more certain but potentially lower-returning investments.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Introduction to ambiguity bias and its paradoxical effect on wealth management
• [00:51] Jonathan introduces ambiguity bias and its paradoxical effect on wealth management
• [02:56] Explanation of risk vs. ambiguity in investing, using S&P 500 data
• [03:57] Historical returns comparison between stocks and bonds over the past century
• [06:31] Real-life examples of ambiguity bias affecting investment decisions
• [08:32] Strategies to combat ambiguity bias and make better long-term financial choices

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Ambiguity bias drives investors towards choices with more certain cash flows, potentially increasing the risk of failing to meet long-term financial goals.
• Over extended time horizons, stocks have historically outperformed bonds, with higher probabilities of positive returns.
• Focusing on total returns (dividends plus growth) rather than just dividend yield can lead to better long-term investment outcomes.
• Combating ambiguity bias requires considering trade-offs between short-term certainty and long-term financial success.
• Investors should focus on risk and return probabilities rather than seeking to avoid ambiguity, emphasizing a long-term perspective in investing.

ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan Blau is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

RESOURCE LINKS

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Jonathan Blau - LinkedIn

Please Note: No individual has been provided nor promised any direct or indirect economic benefit for sharing Fusion podcasts/articles/opinions. No post should be construed as any assurance that a reader will find the podcast/article/opinion beneficial. Please click below for important disclosure information.

https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures

From yachts to private jets, wealthy people love toys that blend nostalgia with luxury—and few capture that thrill better than a high-tech, custom pinball machine! In this episode, Jonathan sits down with his good friend Jack Guarnieri, a pinball industry legend and founder of Jersey Jack Pinball. Jack shares his journey from teenage pinball mechanic to revolutionizing the industry with cutting-edge technology and a customer-first approach, creating the ultimate luxury entertainment for high-net-worth enthusiasts.

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:50) Jack's unexpected entry into the pinball world at age 15

(05:00) The shift from arcade to home pinball sales

(07:40) Origin of Jersey Jack Pinball name

(12:11) Jack's customer service philosophy built a loyal following

(17:00) The Toys the Wealthy Crave

(20:21) Technological advancements transforming pinball into "playable artwork"

(23:05) Challenges with pinball awareness today

(25:00) How to contact Jack and Jersey Jack Pinball

(27:21) Recap of the episode with Jon and Amy

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Passion and adaptability are crucial for long-term success in niche luxury markets, especially when creating toys that the wealthy crave
• Identifying new markets (like home pinball sales) can lead to significant business opportunities
• Exceptional customer service can turn challenges into loyal customers and an extended "family"
• Embracing technological advancements can revitalize traditional products and industries
• Building a strong personal brand can become a valuable business asset

RESOURCE LINKS

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Johathan Blau - LinkedIn

Jersey Jack Pinball

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Founded in 2011 by amusement industry veteran Jack Guarnieri, Jersey Jack Pinball was born out of an enduring love for pinball and a vision to elevate the game to exciting new heights. With over 36 years of creative and technical experience, Jack saw an opportunity to honor pinball’s rich history while reimagining it for a modern audience.

Hand-built in America, each JJP machine is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, creativity, and ingenuity. With a team of legendary designers, artists, and programmers—pioneers who helped shape the golden age of pinball—we create games that redefine the experience through stunning visuals, groundbreaking technology, and rich, immersive gameplay. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while staying true to the game’s roots, we’ve not only raised the stakes for quality and creativity, but have also reignited the excitement of an American icon for players of all skill levels.

Please click below for important disclosure information. https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures

ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based in Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

Welcome to Fix-It Friday, the podcast segment that simplifies financial strategies to help you make smarter decisions. Hosted by Jonathan Blau, CEO of Fusion Family Wealth. Each episode dives into common biases that impact our financial choices—and how to fix them. This week, Jonathan tackles the investment public's obsession with the Standard and Poor's 500 or the S&P 500 index and challenges the common practice of benchmark comparison. He advocates for a goal-oriented approach to investing that prioritizes personal financial objectives over market performance.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Introduction to investors’ obsession with the S&P 500 index
• [01:29] Jonathan explores the origin of S&P 500 obsession and its pitfalls
• [03:31] The importance of goal-oriented investing and creating a solid plan
• [06:36] Dangers of frequent portfolio checking and its impact on investment decisions
• [07:37] Real-world example: Lessons from the 2020 pandemic market recovery
• [09:10] Summary and recommendations for effective long-term investing

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Benchmark obsession can distract investors from their main financial goals. There's no statistical evidence to support the consistent outperformance of random benchmarks, such as the S&P 500.
• Successful investing involves establishing clear goals, creating a plan, and choosing investments with historical returns that align with your objectives.
• An investor's plan should be the true benchmark for measuring success, not market indices. Adjustments should be based on life events rather than market fluctuations.
• Frequent portfolio checking can lead to harmful investment decisions driven by overconfidence or loss aversion bias, especially during market volatility.
• Diversification and maintaining a long-term perspective are crucial for capturing market returns and achieving financial success.

ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan Blau is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

RESOURCE LINKS

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Jonathan Blau - LinkedIn

Please Note: No individual has been provided nor promised any direct or indirect economic benefit for sharing Fusion podcasts/articles/opinions. No post should be construed as any assurance that a reader will find the podcast/article/opinion beneficial. Please click below for important disclosure information.

https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures

Welcome to the Crazy Wealthy Podcast! Jonathan interviews Rob Basso, a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach who shares his journey from humble beginnings to building and selling multiple successful businesses. Rob's journey is truly inspiring. We dive deep into his experiences founding Long Island Advantage Payroll and his subsequent business ventures. Rob opens up about the challenges he faced, including a difficult split with a business partner, and how he overcame them. For all you entrepreneurs out there, Rob shares invaluable insights from his book "The Everyday Entrepreneur" and discusses his current work as a business coach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss. Tune in!

IN THIS EPISODE:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:50) Rob Basso recounts his early life and the entrepreneurial lessons learned

(05:21) The creative job-seeking strategy that launched Rob's career in the payroll industry

(08:19) Rob discusses his book "The Everyday Entrepreneur"

(09:30) The "Triple Threat" of Entrepreneurship

(13:07) Post-exit challenges: Navigating the emotional impact of sudden wealth

(26:40) Overcoming partnership disputes and preparing for a successful business exit

(35:50) Rob's current role as a business coach and consultant

(40:37) Recap of the episode with Jon and Amy

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Early experiences, such as having a paper route, can instill valuable entrepreneurial skills like responsibility and customer service.
• Entrepreneurial success often requires a combination of ambition, confidence, and conviction, coupled with years of persistent effort.
• The emotional challenges of post-exit wealth can be significant. Having a solid financial plan and advisor is crucial for navigating this transition.
• Business partnerships can present unique challenges. Clear communication and aligned expectations are essential for long-term success.
• Personal branding, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, is increasingly important for CEOs and can significantly impact company value.

RESOURCE LINKS

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Johathan Blau - LinkedIn

Rob Basso - Website

Rob Basso - Instragram

Rob Basso - LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Rob Basso is a seasoned entrepreneur, published business book author, and national business media commentator. As an entrepreneur, he successfully built and sold two Inc. 500 payroll/human capital management companies to large public companies and has been part of many multi-million-dollar deals. Additionally, he co-founded Empire National Bank, which was subsequently sold to Flushing National Bank. He is a Certified Entrepreneur and Executive Coach and has a thriving consulting practice that builds personal brands for entrepreneurs through the power of LinkedIn.

Please click below for important disclosure information. https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures

ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in...