Payne Points of Wealth

In this electrifying episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, and Chris sit down with Gary C. Evans, a serial entrepreneur and the current Chairman & CEO of United States Antimony Corporation (USAC). Gary shares his rollercoaster journey from the high-stakes world of Texas oil to leading one of America’s most strategically vital mineral companies. We dive into: Gary’s story is one of grit, vision, and relentless innovation. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or just love an exciting American business success story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. 🔊 Tune in now to hear how Gary is reshaping America’s critical mineral supply chain—and why Wall Street is paying close attention.

This week on the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney are joined by Washington Examiner columnist and sharp political commentator Tiana Lowe-Doescher for a deep dive into the complex intersection of politics and financial markets. We explore the Trump administration’s push to lower interest rates — and why the Federal Reserve no longer dictates long-term yields like mortgage rates. Instead, it’s the bond market calling the shots, driven by the sheer scale of our national debt. With 31% of the $29.7 trillion in marketable debt maturing within the next year, every 1% rise in interest rates could cost taxpayers nearly $100 billion — roughly the annual budget of the entire Department of Homeland Security. So, who really holds the reins on our national debt? Investor confidence has been shaken by the Trump administration’s attempts to remove Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Meanwhile, we are headed to unknown territory as the government attempts to manage the US’s $2 trillion annual deficit. We also break down how markets are responding to the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff strategy. Despite implementing the steepest tariff regime in nearly a century, President Trump has defied economists’ dire expectations — inflation hasn’t surged, and economic growth remains resilient. Why? In part, thanks to tens of billions in savings from sweeping deregulation. Tiana helps us unpack the nuanced market reactions: investors are increasingly distinguishing between tariffs used to offset new debt issuance — which markets favor — and those aimed at shrinking trade deficits, which can disrupt the current account surplus and push Treasury yields higher. It’s never easy! It’s a timely, thought-provoking conversation on monetary policy, fiscal discipline, and the political forces shaping America’s economic future. Don’t miss it.

This week on Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney dive into the evolving dynamics of the U.S. labor market. Despite predictions of a slowdown, companies are hesitant to lay off workers—even as hiring remains sluggish. Is this a sign of economic weakness, or are deeper demographic shifts like an aging population and reduced immigration reshaping the workforce? We also unpack Wall Street’s push to make alternative investments more accessible to everyday investors—a movement often branded as “democratization.” While financial firms tout the benefits of private equity and other alternatives, few are talking about the risks. In fact, as retail investors are being encouraged to buy in, institutional giants are quietly heading for the exits. Yale’s $41.4 billion endowment is unwinding nearly $3 billion in alternative holdings. Meanwhile, private credit—a market that barely existed a decade ago—is surging toward $2 trillion. Firms like Apollo and Blackstone are now lending directly to businesses, consumers, and real estate investors, giving regular investors unprecedented access. But is this truly a golden opportunity, or a hidden risk to your retirement? We break down the opaque, illiquid nature of these investments and what they could mean for your long-term financial future. Tune in for our take on what’s really happening in the job market and whether Wall Street’s latest pitch is worth your hard-earned dollars.

In this week’s episode, Bob, Ryan & Chris dive into the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate cut. Was it a necessary move to support a slowing economy—or is Jerome Powell just spiking the punch bowl? With all major U.S. stock markets sitting at all-time highs, the trio debates whether investors are too focused on the “AI trade,” pouring into names like Nvidia, Tesla, Palantir, and meme stock Opendoor, while overlooking new bull markets hiding in plain sight. Meanwhile, money market fund assets have ballooned to $7.28 trillion, but yields are falling fast as inflation ticks up. That means real returns on short-term instruments are collapsing—so where will all that cash go next? As economic growth picks up, the dollar weakens, and short-term rates fall, Bob, Ryan & Chris break down the smartest strategies to grow and protect your wealth. Whether you're planning for retirement or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the shifting financial landscape.

In this week’s episode, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney dive into the paradox of modern investing: why are so many investors chasing assets like Gold, Bitcoin, and Nvidia, which offer little to no income—while ignoring the historical power of dividend-paying stocks? We unpack a revealing JP Morgan study showing that concludes 55% of the S&P 500’s total return since 1987 came from re-invested dividends. Contrary to popular belief, high-flying tech stocks haven’t been the primary engine of long-term market returns. In fact, the best-performing U.S. stock over the past 40 years, Altria Group (ticker: MO), formerly known as Philip Morris, is an old-school producer and marketer of tobacco products. From 1985–2025, Altria stock returned an incredible 2,033,839%, a $1,000 invested in 1985 would be worth over $20 million today! Even more remarkably, over 80% of that return can be attributed to dividend reinvestment. But here’s the twist—dividend paying value stocks have been underperforming their growth stock counterparts over the past decade, driven by themes like AI, have dramatically outperformed. Is this just a temporary anomaly? Will markets revert to the mean? Are dividend stocks about to make a comeback? Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is betting big on income-rich sectors like healthcare and energy instead of chasing the current hype around the Magnificent 7. With many high-yielding stocks trading at steep discounts to the tech-heavy S&P 500, is now the time to lean into income? We give you the “Payne Perspective.” We also tackle the recent signs of weakness in the labor market—and what it really reveals about the underlying health of the economy. Are Wall Street economists missing the mark yet again? The stock market is hitting all-time highs, economic growth is accelerating, and corporate profits are trending upward, all forward-looking indicators that point to a continued expansion. So, do we truly need more rate cuts? Or is the Federal Reserve simply spiking the punch bowl—risking an overheated economy and inflated asset prices? We break it all down and share exactly what we think. 💰 Warren Buffett’s latest moves—abandoning the Magnificent 7 and doubling down on value-rich healthcare, homebuilder & energy stocks 📉 The recent labor market weakness—what it really signals about the economy 📈 Why Wall Street strategists might be missing the mark (again) 🏦 Whether the Fed is about to overdo it with rate cuts, risking an overheated economy If you’re wondering where the smart money is headed and how to position your portfolio for long-term success, this episode is a must-listen.

This week on Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney unpack what Ryan’s recent trip to MetLife Stadium to see his favorite band, Oasis, reveals about the current state of the economy. Yes, even a rock concert can be an economic indicator! We dive into Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s surprising pivot toward cutting interest rates this fall. What does this mean for economic growth and the stock market? Is this the fuel the bull market really needs to keep melting higher? Plus, retail investors are now responsible for 18% of all stock market trades—nearly double the amount of 2010, according to estimates by Sifma, a Wall Street trade group. Are individual investors becoming smarter, or are we seeing classic late-stage bull market behavior? We weigh in with our decades of experience navigating market psychology. And in our Financial Autopsy segment, we dissect a real-life financial plan to spotlight one of the biggest mistakes investors make: overloading on low-yield or declining cash flow investments. Income is king when it comes to financial independence—are you building your portfolio the right way today? Tune in for insights, hot takes, and actionable advice to help you build real wealth in today’s market.

Common Sense Capitalism with John Catsimatidis Jr. In this week’s episode of Payne Points of Wealth, we sit down with John A. Catsimatidis Jr., President and COO of Red Apple Group, a $7 billion powerhouse spanning energy, supermarkets, media, real estate, and investments. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss how John applies elements of Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy to his own portfolio management. We forecast the direction of energy prices and their impact on inflation, and explore what Fed interest rate cuts could mean for an ailing real estate market. We also dive into Gen Z’s affordability crisis and how to solve the current New York City housing shortage without resorting to socialism. John’s approach to life, business, and investing is refreshingly straightforward—rooted in common sense, the ability to integrate principles across many disciplines, driven with clarity & conviction. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or just curious about the current forces shaping our economy, this episode offers invaluable insights from one of NYC’s rising business leaders. 🎧 Tune in for a fascinating conversation that blends big-picture thinking with practical wisdom.

In this week’s episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, & Courtney dive into President Donald Trump’s controversial new executive order that opens the door for private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds to be included in your retirement account. Is this a golden opportunity to supercharge your portfolio—or just another Wall Street scheme to rake in higher fees with less transparency? We break it all down and give you our take. 💥 Plus, we tackle the ongoing debate around inflation. With consumer prices less hot than expected, is inflation finally behind us—or is this just the calm before the storm? Economists predicted a summer spike due to tariffs, but so far, they’ve missed the mark. Meanwhile, oil prices are plunging, helping to offset rising costs elsewhere. We’ll help you navigate this uncertainty and position your portfolio accordingly. 🔍 And in our Financial Autopsy segment, we dissect a real-life financial plan to highlight the dangers of parking your money in CDs and cash—especially with the Fed potentially cutting rates again. Sitting on the sidelines could seriously derail your retirement goals. We’ll give you a blueprint for allocating your capital for both growth and safety in today’s market 📈 Don’t miss this episode—it’s packed with insights to help you make smarter financial decisions in uncertain times.

This week on the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, and Chris dive into Trump’s reign of tariffs, unpacking the economic ripple effects of his aggressive import tax strategy. From business impacts to what it means for your wallet and investments, we break down the real-world consequences of the ongoing trade war. We also tackle the high-stakes dilemma facing Fed Chair Jerome “Jay” Powell. With political pressure mounting from the Trump administration, will the Fed cut rates at the September meeting? Should they? And what would a rate cut mean for the markets, the economy, and your portfolio? Plus, we explore the wild world of corporate finance as companies start raising debt to buy Bitcoin. Is this a genius hedge or financial madness? And what about the rise of stablecoins like Circle’s USDC—are they a threat to the traditional banking system, or just another crypto fad that won’t end well? And don’t miss our signature segment: the Financial Autopsy. We dissect a real-life financial plan, exposing some of the most common—and costly—mistakes people are making today when building and protecting their retirement wealth. From being sold an annuity to underestimating the true risk in their portfolio, we highlight the pitfalls you need to avoid. This episode is packed with insights, hot takes, and practical advice you won’t want to miss. We cover everything you need to know right now to stay ahead of the curve.

An estimated 3 million Americans served in combat during the Vietnam War. Today, only about 725,000 of these brave individuals remain with us. Vietnam is etched in American history as a brutal and costly conflict—one where many young men and women answered the call to serve our country with unwavering courage. On this episode of the *Payne Points of Wealth* podcast, we had the good fortune to interview our friend Nicholas Simonic, a decorated Vietnam combat veteran. Through grit, resourcefulness, and what Nick would call “luck,” he survived the scorching Southeast Asian heat, guerrilla warfare in thick jungles filled with booby traps, landmines, and tunnels: to make it back home. Nick takes us back to a tumultuous upbringing in Cleveland, his time in the U.S. Army, and how surviving in the face of extreme uncertainty helped him forge a path to building his own version of the American dream as a successful family man and entrepreneur. Today, Nick, a CPA by trade, owns his own accounting practice in Jacksonville, Florida. Join us as Nick shares an emotional and humbling account of his real-life American experience. We hope you find his story as moving and meaningful as we did.

In Episode of 211 of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris & Frankie sit down with top estate planner Kelly Zerillo to break down everything you need to know about putting together your estate documents in light of the Big Beautiful Act. Whether it's your first time drafting legal documents or you're looking to design a more sophisticated plan, this episode is packed with invaluable insights. Kelly Zerillo, a seasoned expert in the trust and estates field, provides sophisticated estate planning and administration services to ultra-high net worth individuals, families, and business owners throughout New York City and beyond. With over a decade of experience, Kelly has earned a reputation for delivering personalized, strategic, and tax-efficient solutions tailored to the unique needs of her clients. Join us as we walk you through all the common-sense strategies and pitfalls for creating the right plan to transfer your assets to the next generation in the most efficient and tax-sensitive manner. We demystify the complexities of legal planning and offer the most straightforward discussion on the topic. From the basics to advanced strategies, this episode is your go-to guide for estate planning. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of: Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing plan, this episode has something for everyone.

In this episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, join Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney as they dive into the latest buzz in American politics—the new political party proposed by none other than Elon Musk. Is this the dawn of a new political era, or is Musk simply expressing frustration over rampant government spending? We’ll dissect the potential impacts of adding trillions to the already massive government debt and explore the unintended consequences that could follow. We’ll also delve into the implications of the newly enacted Big Beautiful Law on small company stocks. Could this be the perfect moment to re-allocate your investment portfolio? Don’t Miss this Episode …

In episode 209 of Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, and Chris dive into the ramifications of the One Big Beautiful Bill on the economy. With government spending spiraling out of control, we find ourselves amidst a massive productivity boom driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation. How will these changes affect your financial life? We also explore Federal Chairman Jerome Powell's interest rate dilemma. Should he heed President Trump's call for resignation due to delayed rate cuts, or stay the course as tariff negotiations continue, potentially causing an inflation spike? Additionally, we discuss the current state of the housing market and the possibility of New York teetering on the edge of communism. This episode is crucial for making informed decisions about your money. Don't miss it!

Join us for a mind-blowing conversation with Louis-Vincent Gave, founding partner and CEO of Gavekal Group. We explore the weakening dollar, China’s new manufacturing supremacy, and why Tesla needs to worry, the next commodity boom, and the unconventional reasons Latin America might be the investment opportunity of a lifetime. Reflecting on our first conversation with Louis in December 2023, paynecm.com/ep143, he predicted a major rally in Chinese stocks right before it happened. Tune in as we uncover major trends happening right now that NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT when it comes to investing your money. Louis is the founding partner and CEO of Gavekal Group, a research and financial services firm based in Hong Kong. After graduating from Duke University and studying Mandarin at Nanjing University, Louis joined the French Army, then went on to become a financial analyst at Paribas, first in Paris, then in Hong Kong. In 1999, he launched Gavekal with his father, Charles, and Anatole Kaletsky. Louis is the author of seven books, the latest being Avoiding the Punch: Investing in Uncertain Times.

In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris & Courtney dive into the critical mistakes that could derail your retirement plans. The recent market volatility caused by recent events like tariff announcements can significantly impact returns if you don’t make smart decisions with your money. We’ll explore three common missteps that investors often make: Doing Too Much: Reacting impulsively to market drops by pulling out investments can lead to missing subsequent recoveries. We’ll discuss why staying the course with a comfortable asset allocation is often the better strategy. Did you know that from 2005 through 2024, seven of the S&P 500’s 10 best days occurred within two weeks of the 10 worst days? This insight from J.P. Morgan Asset Management highlights the importance of patience. Losing Sight of the Big Picture: With money in different retirement plans from job changes to holding your savings with different financial institutions, it’s easy to lose track of how your overall portfolio is allocated. We’ll explain how streamlining your investment strategy can be a game-changer for reaching your financial goals. Forgetting About Fees: Many investors are unaware of the fees they pay on their respective portfolios, mainly because most of these costs can be hidden. We’ll shed light on how choosing low-cost options and being mindful of fees can help maximize your returns. A U.S. Government Accountability Office report from 2021 found that 41% of 401(k) participants don’t know they pay any fees in their plan. We’ll help you become fee-savvy to protect your nest egg. Tune in to learn how to avoid these pitfalls and secure your financial future!

In this episode of Payne Points of Wealth, hosts Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney explore the current state of the real estate markets in New York City and nationwide with Pierre Debbas, a leading NYC attorney and founding partner of Romer Debbas, LLP. They discuss the record highs of the NYC real estate market in 2021, driven by low interest rates and post-pandemic demand. With rising interest rates now making homes less affordable, they delve into the future of the market: Will rates continue to climb? Will the market cool down, or can prices surge again? Pierre, with over 20 years of experience in real estate and business law, shares his insights on these pressing questions. Recognized as a Super Lawyer and a thought leader in the industry, Pierre's expertise covers a wide range of transactional matters. Tune in for valuable insights from one of the industry's top professionals. Learn more about Pierre at romerdebbas.com.

In Episode 205 of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan & Courtney dive deep into how the current economic environment is affecting your personal finances. We start by exploring what the stock market is really telling us about Trump’s Tariff War, The Big Beautiful Bill’s impact on our nation’s growing deficit, and what rising interest rates signal about the health of the US economy. And wow, are these factors affecting the financial markets? What does it all mean for your investment portfolio? Next, we shift our focus to the global productivity boom. Companies around the world are becoming more efficient, leveraging technology and innovation to drive growth. We discuss the key drivers behind this productivity surge and its implications for where you should consider positioning your assets for the longer term. This week’s The Tipping Point, we conduct a financial autopsy on a portfolio Ryan and Courtney recently reviewed. We uncover the hidden pitfalls that many investors face, including: Join us as we unravel the current issues affecting your financial life and provide real-world insights to help you navigate the economic waves and optimize your wealth strategy. Whether you’re retired, saving for the future, or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable steps to guide you on your path to financial independence.

Strong emotions can drive you to make ill-timed decisions when it comes to growing your wealth. Fears of never-ending trade wars, a sinking economy and skyrocketing inflation captured our imagination while stock prices plunged last month. The Media’s amplification of doom and gloom can cause a visceral response, luring you into making rash decisions with your hard-earned money. Now, with trade deals being negotiated, wages rising, cost of living moderation, and stock prices climbing, it appears the world isn’t going to end. On episode 204 of the Payne Points of Wealth, we address the deep-burning question on everyone’s mind: “Is the BIG rally in stocks going to hold?” Join us as we discuss the high levels of fear among professional investors, the “real” state of the US economy, and uncover the underlying conditions that could lead to even more gains in your portfolio. From the US-China trade truce to strengthening economic data, we break down what you need to know to grow your wealth long-term. Whether you’re retired, building your financial life, or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights and strategies on how to navigate extreme volatility and stay focused on your long-term goals. Don’t miss out on the chance to be prepared for what could be a monumental shift in the stock market!

Fear & Loathing in Today’s Economy: Money Mistakes to Avoid In episode 203 of the Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, and Chris tackle the financial missteps that can jeopardize your economic well-being in today’s volatile market. Join us as we delve into: Panicking to Cash When the market takes a downturn, it’s natural to feel the urge to convert your investments to cash. However, this knee-jerk reaction can often lead to missed opportunities and long-term losses. We’ll discuss why it’s important to stay calm and consider the bigger picture before making drastic changes to your portfolio. Allocating Your Money to Annuities or Private Investments Many insurance products and private investments promise lucrative returns and/or safety, but they come with their own set of risks and challenges. We’ll explore the potential rewards and pitfalls of investing in annuities, private equity, venture capital, and other non-public assets. Learn how to evaluate these opportunities and decide if they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Doubling Down on the Strategy of the Past Relying on outdated strategies that worked in previous economic climates can be detrimental in today’s rapidly changing market. We’ll analyze why it’s crucial to adapt your investment approach to current conditions and avoid the trap of sticking to old habits. Discover how to stay flexible and responsive to new trends and opportunities. Tune in to gain insights into how to navigate the complexities of the current economy and make smarter financial decisions. Whether you’re retired, planning for your financial future or just starting out, this episode will provide valuable advice to help you avoid common money mistakes and protect your financial future.

In episode 202 of Payne Points of Wealth, Bob, Ryan, Chris, and Courtney delve into the critical issues of tariffs, inflation, and their potential impact on the US economy. Join us as we unravel the complex interplay between these economic factors and discuss whether they might be signaling an impending recession. We analyze the latest economic data to uncover its true implications for American businesses and consumers. Additionally, we provide the Payne Capital playbook to strategically position your portfolio in a world where the dollar is depreciating, inflation fears are mounting, and stock prices are volatile. Don't miss this critical conversation that will help you better understand the current economic landscape and optimize your portfolio for the future. Tune in to stay informed and empowered!