Episodios

  • Episode 99: Should You Wait to Invest When the Market Feels Expensive?

    Episode 99: Should You Wait to Invest When the Market Feels Expensive?
    Dec 30 2025
    In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia is joined by Miles Clark, Senior Analyst at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, to explore a simple but important question: what’s better—time in the market or timing the market? The conversation opens with a long-term look at how markets have behaved over multi-decade periods and what that data can teach investors when they’re deciding what to do with new money, especially when markets are sitting at or near all-time highs. From there, Erik and Miles walk through three common investor approaches: investing a lump sum right away, waiting for a pullback, or easing in over time. They discuss which experiences tend to lead to better long-term outcomes and why those results often surprise people. The conversation also touches on momentum, relative strength, and market breadth, including what it means when market leadership becomes narrow and valuations stretch. The episode wraps up with Miles’ thoughts on what matters most heading into 2026, what investors tend to worry about too much, and what deserves more attention moving forward. If you found this episode helpful, follow the show and share it with someone who’s still waiting for the “right” time to invest. Episode Highlights: Miles discusses a study showing "Average Joe," who invests $500 monthly regardless of market conditions, outperforms market timers by about $1 million. (07:25) Miles breaks down market breadth through a football analogy: it tells investors whether the market is on offense or defense. (13:20) Miles mentions that in core-dominated markets, the real risk isn't beating the benchmark but simply keeping up with it. (18:55) Miles discusses how Dorsey Wright applies relative strength to identify which assets to hold, focusing on sustained trends rather than short-term news. (22:45) Miles explains how momentum investing rotated out of tech in 2022 into energy and utilities, then back into tech for 2023-2024. (29:30) Erik emphasizes that risk capacity matters more than risk tolerance, which is often driven by emotions about current market conditions. (36:25) Key Quotes: "We don't necessarily have to focus on protecting against the entire market washout. We really just need to protect ourselves against where we're over-concentrated in our portfolios." - Miles Clark "In core-dominated markets, a lot of the risk is actually just not keeping up with the benchmark because it is so strong." - Miles Clark "Finding and earning positive relative strength is just trying to pick those assets that are doing relatively better towards the up or downside than their benchmark." - Miles Clark Resources Mentioned: Miles Clark Nasdaq Dorsey Wright Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    41 m
  • Episode 98: Plan Before Life Forces Your Hand: The Cost of Waiting

    Episode 98: Plan Before Life Forces Your Hand: The Cost of Waiting
    Dec 16 2025
    In this solo episode of Stuff About Money They Didn't Teach You in School, Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, steps behind the mic to wrestle with a tough truth: planning isn’t optional, not if you want control over your future. Fresh off his conversation with Giovanni Arenas about Gio’s life-threatening condition and remarkable double lung transplant, Xavier gets another call that hits just as hard. A dear friend's cancer has returned, and with it comes the realization that he never put proper business succession plans in place. It is a moment that reveals not just financial vulnerability but emotional fallout, the kind that compounds heartbreak when families are already hurting. Xavier digs deeper into why waiting to plan is one of the costliest decisions a business owner can make. He lays out how proactive planning protects the people you care about most and why delaying those decisions hands your future over to circumstances instead of intention. This episode is an honest call to action: don't wait until life forces your hand. If the message resonates, share the episode with someone who needs the nudge, and make sure you're following the show for more conversations that help you take control before life does it for you. Episode Highlights: Procrastination is a bill that silently compounds, delaying tasks makes them harder to complete, and weighs you down. (01:00) Time is the most valuable asset when building wealth. Every year of waiting meant losing opportunity, not just time. (01:30) Xavier references his previous episode with Giovanni Arenas about his double lung transplant and how quickly life can change. (02:30) Xavier shares a personal story: A close friend's rapidly progressing cancer forced immediate business and family decisions no one was prepared for. (04:10) Xavier outlines action steps: Create a will, establish an estate plan (not just for the wealthy), and build a business continuation plan. (07:10) Planning documents are acts of love and gifts of clarity that ensure your intentions, not others' emotions, guide what happens next. (07:50) Key Quotes: “Procrastination doesn't just slow you down. It widens the gap between where we are today and where we want to be.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC “Planning isn't when life is perfect. Planning isn't when life happens, planning now it matters.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC “ Take that first step today, no matter how small. Start planning today. Start the conversation, get the documents in place. Build the plan that protects the people and the legacy you want to fulfill your future self and your family will thank you later.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    9 m
  • Episode 97: Your Goals Need a Reframe

    Episode 97: Your Goals Need a Reframe
    Dec 2 2025
    In this solo episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, host Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ sits down for a candid one-on-one about goals. Not the shiny, New-Year’s-resolution kind, but the messy, honest kind we whisper to ourselves when no one’s listening. Erik shares two personal moments that reshaped how he thinks about goal setting, including the year Dr. Matt Morris bluntly told him, “You just made a bad goal,” and the overly ambitious golf objective that nearly convinced him to quit the game altogether. These stories spark a bigger conversation about why we so often overestimate what we can accomplish in the short term and underestimate what we’re capable of over the long haul. In the second half of the episode, Erik unpacks a healthier, more realistic framework for pursuing goals — especially financial ones. Instead of obsessing over hitting a number by a certain date, he encourages listeners to think of goals as direction and objectives as the checkpoints that keep them moving forward. Erik explores why grace, awareness, and better-designed goals lead to more progress and less burnout. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs a fresh perspective on goal setting, and make sure you’re following the show for more conversations that help you move toward a wiser, more intentional financial life. Episode Highlights: Erik discusses why traditional goal-setting frameworks and New Year’s resolutions aren’t the focus, emphasizing the frustration goals often create. (01:10) Erik shares the moment Dr. Matt Morris looked at him and said he had simply made a bad goal, reframing how he viewed falling short. (02:30) A reminder surfaces about how people consistently overestimate short-term capacity and underestimate long-term potential. (04:00) Erik explains why he now treats goals as directions rather than destinations, using the New York-to-England swimming analogy. (05:30) Erik shares how an overly ambitious summer golf goal led to frustration and helped him rethink the difference between goals and objectives. (07:00) Financial goal setting follows the same pattern, as unrealistic expectations often lead to shame, frustration, or giving up entirely. (09:10) Two core takeaways: create better directional goals and recognize the bias of misjudging short- and long-term potential. (10:40) Why having someone walk alongside you, such as a financial planner, helps maintain direction and adjust objectives over time. (11:40) Erik encourages listeners to share the episode and continue reframing their approach to goal setting. (13:40) Key Quotes: “ I've stopped treating goals like a destination, like something I have to reach. Instead, I think of them like a direction.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “  You're not failing your goals, your goals just might need a reframe. Fix the direction, adjust the objectives, and trust the long-term journey.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “ Set better goals, not bigger ones, not more detailed ones. Better ones. Goals that orient you long-term, meaningful directional goals, and then backfill that with objectives that guide your ” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    14 m
  • Episode 96: Faith, Finances, and Facing Mortality: A Conversation with Gio Arenas

    Episode 96: Faith, Finances, and Facing Mortality: A Conversation with Gio Arenas
    Nov 18 2025
    In this moving episode of the Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School podcast, Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, sits down with Giovani Arenas, business partner of Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, at Garcia Insurance Services, to talk about life, death, and everything in between. Gio, who received a double lung transplant just two years ago, shares his remarkable story of resilience and faith. From being told as a child that he wouldn’t live past 40 to defying all odds and thriving in his late 40s, Gio opens up about what it’s like to face mortality head-on—and how that perspective reshapes every part of life, including how we plan for the future. In this powerful conversation, Gio and Xavier discuss the emotional and practical sides of end-of-life planning, from having honest family conversations to getting your estate in order. They explore what it means to prepare for death while choosing to live fully—with gratitude, purpose, and hope. Gio’s story reminds us that wise planning isn’t just about money; it’s about love, legacy, and peace of mind. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to face life’s hardest truths with courage and grace. Episode Highlights: Gio discusses growing up with scleroderma, reconstructive surgeries, and the impact of bullying in his teenage years. (02:48) Gio shares how marriage and becoming a father transformed his outlook and fueled his desire to create a strong family legacy. (04:12) Gio discusses the emotional weight of planning for his family while living with limited life expectancy. (05:42) Gio explains the miracle of receiving a transplant call just one week after being placed on the list and the frantic race to the airport. (08:58) Gio recounts the airport gate reopening and his arrival in Houston before the organs, describing it as the first of many miracles. (14:08) Xavier emphasizes how essential it is to account for different scenarios when building a solid financial strategy. (18:18) Gio explains how he and Erik Garcia planned for financial and business continuity, including wills, trusts, and contingency strategies. (19:20) Gio reflects on the importance of legacy, emphasizing character, faith, and the example he hopes to leave for his children. (20:33) Xavier highlights how many families struggle to address conversations about wills, directives, and preparing for the unexpected. (24:58) Gio encourages listeners to confront difficult conversations about death, wills, and family preparedness. (25:36) Gio affirms that his faith is now “stronger than ever,” describing how the journey reshaped his belief. (28:41) Xavier encourages listeners to begin planning early and communicate the legacy they want to leave. (29:38) Key Quotes: “My actual transformation to a more concentrated person, and being a productive person and being someone happened when my kids were born, that completely changed my way of thinking, because to me, family, it's very important.” - Giovani Arenas “There were so many things that happened that have no explanation except the power of God working in the process, you know. And if I have to say something now is, I believe more now than before.” - Giovani Arenas Resources Mentioned: Giovani Arenas Garcia Insurance Services Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    32 m
  • Episode 95: The Three Biggest Money Lies We Tell Ourselves

    Episode 95: The Three Biggest Money Lies We Tell Ourselves
    Nov 4 2025
    In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, hosts Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC®, tackle a hard truth — sometimes, the biggest threat to our financial health isn’t the economy, it’s the lies we tell ourselves. From “I’ll save when I make more” to “I deserve this purchase” and “I can time the market,” Erik and Xavier break down how these self-deceptions quietly shape our spending, saving, and investing habits. They’ll also reveal how these internal narratives may be fueling the stress behind alarming stats showing that 58% of Americans feel their finances are in crisis and 47% say money negatively affects their mental health. Digging deeper, they unpack the psychology and emotion behind each lie and how believing them keeps us stuck — overspending, under-saving, and second-guessing our investments. You’ll hear relatable stories, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way as Erik and Xavier guide listeners toward replacing financial fiction with truth. Whether you’re guilty of lifestyle creep, emotional spending, or chasing market timing, this conversation will challenge you to confront your money myths and live the Plan Wisely Way. Be sure to follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Episode Highlights: Erik connects Xavier’s story to financial behaviors that can lead to crisis and introduces “three money lies” people tell themselves. (08:00) Together, Erik and Xavier unpack the first lie: “I’ll save more when I make more,” discussing paycheck-to-paycheck realities and intentional saving habits. (11:00) Xavier challenges excuses around spending, encouraging listeners to align money use with what truly matters. (14:00) Erik emphasizes starting small, automating savings, and prioritizing goals that match personal values. (18:00) Erik and Xavier move to the second lie, “I deserve this,” exploring emotional spending, debt, and budgeting for wants versus needs. (20:00) Erik shares strategies to manage impulse buys and highlights the power of financial planning rooted in discipline and purpose. (24:00) Xavier discusses intentional spending on meaningful experiences and maintaining balance between enjoyment and prudence. (26:00) The third lie, “I can time the market,” introduces a conversation on emotional investing and long-term financial discipline. (28:00) Erik and Xavier reminds listeners that honest reflection, planning, and value-based choices lead to stronger financial wellbeing. (31:00) Key Quotes: “There’s lies that we tell ourselves about money. We're all guilty of this. Just some are guilty of it at different levels. Levels that are more material than others.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “Create that strategy, take a look at what your finances are, know what’s important to you, and then make those decisions.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC® “Saving is like a muscle. And the more you use it, the stronger it gets. The more you save, the easier it gets to save. And I think people just need to start.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    39 m
  • Episode 94: When Money Haunts You — Overcoming Financial Fear by Focusing on What Matters

    Episode 94: When Money Haunts You — Overcoming Financial Fear by Focusing on What Matters
    Oct 21 2025
    In this Halloween-themed episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, host Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ is joined by Dr. Matt Morris and first-time guest Stephanie Osborn for a fun and insightful conversation about fear, especially the fear of money. The trio starts by sharing their thoughts on scary movies (and why Erik can’t stand them) and explores some New Orleans lingo about what it really means to call someone “scary.” From there, they draw parallels between the things that spook us on screen, and the real-life anxieties people feel around money. As the discussion unfolds, they unpack why money can be so intimidating and how fear often leads to poor, or no financial decisions at all. The group explores the antidote to financial fear: identifying what’s truly important to you, Erik’s first pillar of financial security. Matt shares personal stories about how that focus has helped him overcome financial stress, while Erik and Stephanie offer practical strategies like setting small goals, celebrating wins, and building fierce accountability. Tune in for a lighthearted, meaningful conversation that’ll leave you a little less afraid of your finances—and maybe a little more ready to face your own money monsters. Episode Highlights: Erik kicks off the episode by sharing his fear of scary movies and how “scary” means something different in New Orleans. (03:38) Matt recalls childhood memories of terrifying films like Children of the Corn and Blair Witch Project, explaining why uncertainty makes horror so effective. (04:57) Stephanie admits she used to love scary movies but can’t handle them anymore, naming Scream as her favorite from the ’90s. (05:48) Erik transitions the conversation to the episode’s main topic about how money can be just as scary as horror movies and introduces Stephanie as a first-time guest. (08:00) Matt explains how financial anxiety often stems from the unknown, similar to fear in horror films, and why some people hide from their finances. (09:00) Stephanie cites statistics about Americans feeling anxious and stressed about money, and Matt discusses how confidence and financial literacy help reduce fear. (10:00) Erik and Matt break down three major financial fears: not having enough, fear of debt, and fear of the unknown. (24:00) Matt shares how fear can lead to poor or avoidant financial decisions and explains the importance of awareness and communication in relationships. (27:00) Erik introduces “knowing what’s important to you” as the antidote to financial fear and anxiety, connecting values to practical money habits. (36:00) Matt offers personal examples of aligning money with values, like saving for family travel and using insurance for peace of mind. (39:00) Stephanie adds that identifying where fear comes from and checking in regularly can help manage anxiety and prevent “fear paralysis.” (51:00) Erik concludes by encouraging listeners to identify what matters most, create action steps, and check in consistently to keep fear from controlling their finances. (56:00) Key Quotes: “None of us want to be fear driven. We don't want to make decisions just based out of fear. Our fears are frequently misaligned with reality.” - Dr. Matt Morris “I feel like people with money are always concerned about money, and people without money are always concerned about money. They always want to have more or they fear that they don't have enough.” - Stephanie Osborn “When you stop long enough to determine what’s most important to you, you can start making conscious decisions to align your money with those things.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Resources Mentioned: Dr. Matt Morris Matt Morris & Associates Stephanie Osborn Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    56 m
  • Episode 93: Can You Afford to Ignore Long Term Care?

    Episode 93: Can You Afford to Ignore Long Term Care?
    Oct 7 2025
    In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, tackle one of the most important yet often overlooked financial topics: long-term care. The conversation kicks off with a laugh as Erik shares how Xavier nearly got himself kicked out of a professional study group for challenging the conventional wisdom around long term care insurance. That sets the stage for a lively discussion about why this issue matters so much, even if it is not the kind of thing people want to chat about at a cocktail party. Between sobering stats about rising care costs and Xavier’s candid story of his aunt currently in a long term care facility, this episode keeps things engaging while shining a light on a subject that is too often ignored. But ignoring the problem does not make it go away. With the average nursing home room now costing well into six figures annually, long term care planning is a reality everyone needs to address. Erik and Xavier unpack the complexity, explaining why traditional policies may not be as reliable as they seem, why the financial planning around it can be so tricky, and how thinking in terms of cash flow might change the conversation entirely. Along the way, Erik lightens the mood with a surprisingly fitting analogy about chickens and eggs, reminding us that financial planning can be both practical and a little entertaining. Tune in, lean in, and be sure to share this episode with someone who may need a nudge to plan wisely for their future. Episode Highlights: Erik emphasizes why long term care matters, even for younger listeners, due to its inevitable impact on families. (01:12) Erik unpacks the challenges retirees face when fixed incomes meet rising care costs. (03:01) Xavier explains how some advisors buffer rate hikes by quoting higher premiums upfront. (04:00) Xavier shares a personal story to define long-term care as more than just insurance, it’s physical and emotional support. (06:56) Xavier discusses the national costs of care and why planning for it is essential. (11:00) Erik outlines the risks of asset depletion and reduced income after losing a spouse. (13:38) Xavier explains how women statistically need care longer and why planning must consider longevity. (14:18) Erik highlights why long-term care planning must include income replacement strategies. (16:17) Xavier warns against “one-size-fits-all” insurance solutions in client conversations. (17:36) Erik uses a chicken-and-egg analogy to explain sustainable income planning. (21:53) Erik encourages listeners to focus on income streams over lump sums in planning for future care. (24:36) Xavier shares a case study about a client who prioritized legacy over self-care and why that needed to change. (25:39) Erik urges listeners to talk with aging parents now about their long-term care plans. (27:00) Key Quotes: “ As a planner, I'm always thinking about how does this affect you long term, not just today, but what happens 10 years from now? Because if we're doing your planning today, I'm still doing your planning 10 years from now.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC “Even though you may not necessarily be taking direct action to solve a potential financial problem today or in the future, having the conversation about it is actually starting to solve the problem.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “We are financial planners. We love helping people solve financial problems, and we love helping people make financial decisions that are in alignment with what is most important to them.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Resources Mentioned: Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors
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    31 m
  • Episode 92: Backwards Planning: Start with the End in Mind

    Episode 92: Backwards Planning: Start with the End in Mind
    Sep 23 2025
    In this episode of Stuff About Money They Didn’t Teach You in School, hosts ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, BFA™, ChFC®, and ⁠Xavier Angel⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, dive into what they call “backwards planning.” Erik shares a story about driving his daughter to college, where the destination was clear but the journey allowed for meaningful detours that still aligned with their ultimate goal. This idea of starting with the end in mind sets the stage for a conversation about how clarity in your future direction influences the decisions you make today. Together, Erik and Xavier explore why envisioning your future, whether that is retirement, your personal life, or your career, matters so much. They highlight fascinating research showing that people who see an older version of themselves are more likely to save for the future, underscoring the power of visualization in financial planning. Tune in to learn how backwards planning can help you make intentional choices now that lead to the life you want later. If you enjoy this episode, follow the show and share it with someone who could use a clearer vision for their future. Episode Highlights: Erik explains backwards planning as starting with the destination and mapping the steps backward to determine the best route. (03:07) Erik challenges traditional retirement assumptions, encouraging a customized definition of what retirement really looks like. (08:01) Erik cites a study showing that people are more likely to save when they can visualize their older selves. (10:58) Xavier encourages listeners to clearly define their destination and work backward to create an effective roadmap. (13:01) Erik explains how knowing your destination allows for flexibility, adaptability, and detours in your financial plan. (16:15) Erik advocates for directional goal settingcasting a vision that provides long-term guidance, even if you never fully reach it. (17:14) Xavier describes how he used backwards planning to pay off debt and delay buying a new car. (22:45) Erik emphasizes the importance of aligning financial goals with personal values, not societal pressures or outside expectations. (26:01) Erik and Xavier conclude that vision, values, and direction are foundational to any financial plan. (28:00) Key Quotes: “ Think about what is your destination, what is your goal, what are you trying to attain? And then plan for it.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC “We need to be intentional about the direction that we're going in when it comes to our finances.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA “The best goal setting is directional. You may never reach the goal, but it's constantly pointing you in a particular direction.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA Resources Mentioned: ⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA⁠ ⁠Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC⁠ ⁠Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors⁠
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    31 m
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