AWM Insights Financial and Investment News

Tax has a crucial role in wealth generation and preservation. Professional athletes have very complex tax situations which make tax planning a year-round endeavor, not just a one-time stop during tax filing season. The importance of integrating tax strategies with investment planning can't be stressed enough as we have seen the countless pitfalls of receiving separate tax and investment advice. Proactive strategies must be taken on, and changing the game plan to account for updates in the tax code is essential to maximize and optimize wealth. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Crypto has reemerged in the financial landscape with the recent rally in Bitcoin and the significant role of the SEC's approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs. With all the hype, a cautious approach to the crypto space is prudent. This does not mean that the trend should be ignored. It’s essential to know and understand the ever-evolving investment universe. However, prioritizing investments in businesses with predictable cash flows over speculative bets on price movements is a tried and tested path to success. Venture capital and public company investments can provide exposure to innovative technologies including blockchain and even underlying crypto holdings via company assets. This approach gives you a higher probability of success in your journey for multi-generation wealth. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

The economy and the stock market are not the same. Usually, the market has a head start and prices in future economic events. The market’s recent rally preceded the positive news that came out in terms of inflation, GDP, and employment rates. Making alternative bets has been shown to be counterproductive. Investing with a long-term mindset and avoiding market timing and speculation has been the winning gameplan, and gives investors the best odds of creating and sustaining multigenerational wealth. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Real Estate is one of the most talked about asset classes. The allure of real estate comes from fact, fiction, and fallacy. Tax benefits, inflationary hedges, and income streams come with potential risks that are sometimes neglected, such as leverage, volatility, liquidity, and concentration. Incorporating real estate's unique advantages while considering and planning for the challenges is essential to building a well-diversified and prudent financial structure. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights:

What does it take to build a Winning Portfolio? The answer has a significant amount of overlap with how a GM would build a winning team. It starts with expertise and knowledge. You need to assemble a group that understands what winning is, what it takes to win, and how to get there. Compiling a cohesive team and continuously coaching and improving the team is needed, but also utilizing those players effectively and efficiently with a proper game strategy and playbook are the only ways to get the most out of your resources. Finally, plans and strategies must be constantly evaluated and updated for changing conditions. Building and maintaining a successful personal portfolio follows the same logical framework! Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504 -7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

The complexity of predicting market reactions due to events or scenarios playing out can be perfectly proved by looking at elections. There has been no statistically significant data that has shown elections swaying markets in any direction. Making investment decisions based on election results is a dangerous game to play. Long-term financial planning can create value while short-term trading strategies influenced by political events are more likely to destroy it. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

There are many perceived effects of presidential elections on investment strategies and markets, but the data clearly shows that there is a misconception here. Over the past 100 years, there have only been 4 election years that have had negative returns, all of which were not influenced by presidential elections. Those 4 negative years were 1932 (Great Depression), 1940 (World War II Ramping Up), 2000 (Dot com bubble), and 2008 (Great Recession). Counterintuitively, the S&P 500 typically sees an average return of 11.5% during election years, which is slightly above the average return in all years (10.3%). Instead of being a critical component, elections are merely one of many factors at play when it comes to market performance. The importance of maintaining a long-term investment strategy and preparing for potential market fluctuations underscores the need for investors to distinguish between informed decision-making and impulsive reactions to political news. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Presidential elections and financial markets have a nuanced relationship. All the media coverage and speculation around elections creates a significant panic and worry that can sway investor emotions. However, the historical data does not support making investment decisions based on the election outcome. Election years have shown no signs of differing performance from normal years. Financial markets are highly complex, and even though elections are important to policy, they are a single piece in a sea of factors that impact markets. Focusing on long-term financial goals and adhering to disciplined investment principles creates far more successful opportunities and outcomes for investors when compared to playing the election guessing game. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

2023 was a year filled with surprises. It showed us how different predictions are from reality. As we kick off a year that is already starting with a lot of uncertainty and ending with a presidential election, it's critical to keep the lessons we have already learned top of mind. The key to successful outcomes is to block out the noise and focus on what matters over the long term. Market fluctuations are like the turbulence that a well-positioned portfolio can weather. It is imperative to stay disciplined, avoid emotional investment decisions, and continuously align your portfolio with personal priorities. There will be bumps along the way. Getting over the bumps and to the other side is what separates the best from the rest. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

In 2023, financial markets displayed remarkable resilience despite countless global challenges. Contrary to the predictions of a majority of economists, a recession was averted. This year highlighted the unpredictable nature of inflation, interest rates, and ultimately, financial markets. The year’s developments and the strong performance of markets underscore the importance of adopting a long-term, systematic approach to investing, rather than making reactive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations or media reports. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Creating a personalized financial structure is an intricate process that isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. As our clients move through their lives, they evolve and so should their financial structure. Accommodating these updates and protecting new, important priorities is the only way to keep a portfolio relevant to a client's needs. It takes constant and clear communication to establish and reestablish a plan that will continue to position our clients in an optimal position to achieve their goals. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Evaluating custom portfolios can be tricky. Unlike off-the-shelf investments, each custom portfolio is unique and tailored to an investor's family, making it hard to compare using the standard benchmarks you see every day. Private investments further complicate the process as they are valued in different ways and at different time intervals. The key to measuring success with these portfolios isn't just about how much money they make, but how well they help you reach your personal financial goals. It's more about the total progress of your financial structure, than just numbers. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Figuring out your purpose and intention is the first step to maximizing the impact of your wealth. After your intention is established, time needs to be set aside to execute on that intention and take actions that turn the concept into reality. Figuring out what needs to be done and how it needs to happen is crucial. We work with our clients to build a game plan that is realistic to execute and advise them along the way to achieve the goal at hand with a customized set of scheduled checkpoints. The Scheduling step on the road to success needs to be interactive to evolve with our clients' changing schedules and goals. Setting up a well-thought-out plan that takes the guesswork out of achieving your goals and being able to effectively adjust for any changes gives our clients clarity into what they can accomplish and the impact they can make. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Investing should be centered around you and the plan should evolve as your life develops and changes. This general concept may sound straightforward and logical, but the ideology of setting an intention for the funds in your portfolio and constantly reevaluating and adjusting them is not a common one. The simple reason for the lack of adoption is that this process is highly sophisticated. Foundations and Endowments manage their funds in this way. They have large teams dedicated to constantly finding purpose and making the updates necessary to stay on track. Our Family Offices’ human-centered approach enables families to implement the same sophisticated process as billion-dollar entities and accomplish the goals most important to them. Meaning matters, and honing in on that meaning through intentionality is the first step to properly managing multigenerational wealth. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Brian Cain works with dozens of professional athletes to push them to Mental Performance Mastery. His 4-step formula transcends sports performance and actually has a direct application to managing wealth holistically. Establishing your goals and envisioning your priorities is Step 1. Creating Intention is followed by Scheduling time to do the work to get there. As time is being spent to get to the target, progress and improvement need to be measured and monitored. Finally, a reflection regarding the development needs to be made which leads to refocusing to keep charging forward. Applying this formula to your financial framework creates focus, intentionality, and accountability to take the right steps to grow your wealth. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Looking back at this past year, there is more to be thankful for than just strong market performance. There have been many improvements and advancements in our industry that will impact all for the better. Our Industry continues to move away from the transactional business model. Advice and Expertise are dominating, and more businesses are putting their clients first to keep up. This, unfortunately, was not the norm. This year, our relationship with Charles Schwab expanded and enabled all of our clients to have free access to same-day Wires. Schwab also dropped their minimums for Charitable accounts, allowing more impact to be made. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Markets this week have reacted very positively to easing inflation figures and dropping producer prices. The positive news has changed the sentiment of markets and rewarded investors who took on risk in their portfolios. It was a great reminder of how Equities reward investors who take on risk in their portfolios. Obviously, risks must be measured and appropriately sized, but when a strong plan is implemented and followed, investors typically reap the benefits over the long run. Wealth isn’t built in a day, but it can be lost or eroded in a very short period of time. Building a strong financial structure that protects against downturns, while also being positioned to benefit from periods of positive market performance, is a ticket to a brighter future. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Interest rates across the board are at or near their highest levels in the last 15 years. While it's more expensive to get a mortgage nowadays, investors are benefiting from these higher rates with their investable assets. Short-term Treasuries are generating more than 5%, which is significantly higher than the rates we have seen for the last decade. It's important to remember that over the long run, Equity markets have returned more than 9% annually. Equities are riskier than bonds but have historically also had higher returns during periods of high-interest rates and have more protection against inflation. A thoughtful approach and implementation strategy are needed to ensure that funds are allocated toward the right assets to protect your goals and priorities while also optimizing your returns in the market. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

Stocks and their returns are built on the uncertainty of financial markets. No one knows what tomorrow holds. Bearing that risk is compensated when things go well, and punished when they don’t. Many try to play the guessing game in hopes of only getting positive results. The data has shown that this is not possible. Trying to outsmart the market consistently doesn’t work due to the unpredictability of the world. It's been proven that trying to avoid periods of negative performance harms investors as they miss out on some of the most lucrative returns during heightened uncertainty. Investing in markets is not easy. There will be bumps on the way, but the rewards far outweigh the risks when structured appropriately. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights

A strong and thoughtful financial framework should be built around your life and enable you to accomplish your goals. Creating a strong connection between you and your portfolio ensures that your money is working for you specifically, and is allocated to improve your odds of success. A tailored financial framework not only reduces waste and enhances overall efficiency, but it also improves your focus as it clearly defines what should be done to get you to your destination, while steering you clear of potential pitfalls. Have questions for an upcoming episode? Want to get free resources, book giveaways, and AWM gear? Want to hear about when we release new episodes? Text “insights” or the lightbulb emoji (💡) to Brandon at (714) 504-7689 to join our new AWM Insights Network. Episode Highlights