Wealth Actually

Another reminder that the “Wealth, Actually” podcasts come out on Thursday morning before the EST commute. You can subscribe on most major podcast platforms . . . and now on with the show! Remember Todd Marinovich? He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated as the archetype for early specialization and “guaranteed success” in sports . . . his story started out nicely, but ended in a horrible flame out. Here is a recent update on his progress from Rick Telander . . . https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/1/15/18386050/todd-marinovich-story-is-a-cautionary-tale-for-parents In this Episode, Haven and I engage our society’s thirst for sports success, the pressure it puts on early sports specialization and the damage it can cause. We tackle: The role of sports in social mobility How colleges and the admissions process have played a role in sports machine The benefits of team activities in overall development The lottery-like odds of success The nature of injuries and the risk of specialization The benefits of specialization and the risk of being left behind Let us know what you think! https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

HOUSEKEEPING: Podcasts are scheduled to post every Thursday morning just before the EST commute . . . and now for this week’s podcast. Occasionally, you get to look at someone’s vision for the future and it fires one’s intellectual synapses. In this case, we came across a post at the beginning of the year that fit the bill. It comes from New York venture capitalist, FRED WILSON. In this podcast, we take each of his prognostications in turn . . . his list of ten themes and the full (and interesting) post is linked below. Enjoy and let us which themes we should all be thinking about. https://avc.com/2020/01/what-will-happen-in-the-2020s/ Fred Wilson: What Will Happen In The 2020s 1/ The looming climate crisis will be to this century what the two world wars were to the previous one. 2/ Automation will continue to take costs out of operating many of the services and systems that we rely on to live and be productive. 3/ China will emerge as the world’s dominant global superpower leveraging its technical prowess and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. Conversely the US becomes increasingly internally focused and isolationist in its world view. 4/ Countries will create and promote digital/crypto versions of their fiat currencies, led by China who moves first and benefits the most from this move. 5/ A decentralized internet will emerge, led initially by decentralized infrastructure services like storage, bandwidth, compute, etc. 6/ Plant based diets will dominate the world by the end of the decade. Eating meat will become a delicacy, much like eating caviar is today. Much of the world’s food production will move from farms to laboratories. 7/ The exploration and commercialization of space will be dominated by private companies as governments increasingly step back from these investments. 8/ Mass surveillance by governments and corporations will become normal and expected this decade and people will increasingly turn to new products and services to protect themselves from surveillance. 9/ We will finally move on from the Baby Boomers dominating the conversation in the US and around the world and Millennials and Gen-Z will be running many institutions by the end of the decade. 10/ Continued advancements in genetics will produce massive wins this decade as cancer and other terminal illnesses become well understood and treatable. “ SUBSCRIBE AND TELL A FRIEND ABOUT THE PODCAST . . . https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

It didn’t take long for Haven and I to reach back across the pond for a topic to chew on . . . and this week we wrangle over the mess of the potential “departure” of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan (and son, Archie) from the official royal duties of the British Monarchy. NY TIMES: The Crisis . . . . after the Crisis https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/15/world/europe/harry-meghan-megxit-brexit.html Page Six opines! https://pagesix.com/2020/01/13/meghan-markle-reportedly-pushed-for-megxit-prince-harry-heartbroken Canada Shrugs: https://www.wsj.com/articles/megxit-causes-global-uproar-canada-shrugs-11579136511 We take some time to go over The implications of this kind of move to the families, the institution of the monarchy and Britain in general. The risks of a “Sussex Royal” brand The poor Queen Mum having to deal with this . . . Some of the potential motivations behind it, And the likely chaos that could be coming in it’s wake . . . We also put on our family governance hats and mused as to what we would do if we were dropped into the family situation and could advise the Royals on a course of action. Hopefully it would produce some short term successes, lay the groundwork for future harmony and, finally, restore some stability and long-term planning and structure for the Crown and its relationship to the country. Enjoy! And if you like the podcast, like, subscribe, comment and refer it to friends. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Haven (https://pundificator.com/) and I (frazerrice.com) took on 2019/2020- here is a quick summary Spring Forward, Look Back . . . FRAZER’S WINNERS: Amazon- the category 5 hurricane in American Consumerism- AMZN continues to charge forward. Kylie Jenner- She sold 51% of her company for $600mm to Coty- this could be the apex of influencer branding. FRAZER’S LOSERS The Federal Reserve- With the patina presidential intervention (and long term low rates), the independence of the institution is up for debate. Online Privacy – Facebook, Google, Alexa Financial Institutions have called into question the public’s trust and opened the door to gov’t regulation. (Extra Credit- I’m convinced that there will be a “Deepfake” incident that takes down a major public figure. When it turns out to be debunked (a la the movie “Rising Sun”), there will be a fundamental shift in the way people view the social media and the “trustworthiness” of video. FRAZER’S PREDICTIONS Nuclear Power will have a renewed place in the climate change debate The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will shine a glaring light on the China/Hong Kong tensions Marvel/Star Wars will take a big breather after a big and “climactic” 2019. . . . And the Knicks will continue to break my heart. . . HAVEN’S WINNERS And Washington Sports in general The Stock Market +29% HAVEN’S LOSERS Populism both Right and Left Political Industrial Complex and their new challenges HAVEN’S PREDICTIONS Political Industry Makes a ton of money in 2020 Longer from Journalism may start to come back . . . Rumsfeld- Knowing about the unknown unknowns will be even more important AND, FINALLY, MY POOR KNICKS . . . https://www.theringer.com/nba/2019/12/9/21002375/an-11-point-plan-to-save-new-york-knicks-david-fizdale-fired My Poor Knicks https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Welcome back to the “Wealth, Actually” podcast and Happy New Year! As we start 2020, Haven (“The Pundificator”) and I are taking on “Impeachment”. With Nancy Pelosi’s withholding of the Articles of Impeachment from the Senate and the resultant delay in the Senate trial, Americans have had a couple of weeks to focus on the holiday season and away from this segment of political theater. Can Donald Trump withstand the latest attacks on his presidency? Will Nancy Pelosi and/or Mitch McConnell’s constituencies pay a price for this political gamesmanship? Here’s the chance to review what is happening before the media cycle revs back up. First, here are some quick links on . . . THE IMPEACHMENT PROCESS: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/us/politics/what-is-impeachment-process.html THE ELECTION CLIMATE: https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/16/trump-2020-reelection-086033 WE’LL TRY TO MAKE SENSE OF: Where we stand right now in the process Were there other options? The probability of President Trump being removed What does removal mean? The strategy and tactics for the Democrats, Republicans and the President around this process Potential ramifications in the 2020 election Potential ramifications for the use of impeachment in the future We hope you enjoy it! And a reminder to subscribe- the podcast is on major platforms. PS- I got the chance to be a part of Meb Faber’s “Best Investment Writing, Volume 3. I created an audio version of Chapter 3 of “Wealth, Actually”. The link is below. I hope you like it. https://mebfaber.com/2019/12/30/the-best-investment-writing-volume-3-frazer-rice-preparing-for-the-hurricane-of-wealth/ https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

Haven and Frazer discuss Brexit and its Implications First, some quick housekeeping: “Wealth, Actually” is setting the schedule to post content every Thursday. Interviews with entrepreneurs, experts, and tastemakers AND Haven Pell and I will take on noteworthy and timely topics. SUBSCRIBE today on most major podcast venues. Tell friends, leave comments and get in touch! Second, HAVEN PELL and I are discussing Brexit. We take on . . . . England’s Political Process (and how we got here) Some of the Personalities Behind the Election (Boris et al . . . ) Labour vs. Tories (and others) 5 Years of Labour? Ramifications for the UK and the EU Potential Implications for the US (and the big decisions coming up in our electoral process) Here are a couple of articles that are useful in understanding what just took place: BRITISH ENDGAME: BRITISH VOTERS BACK BORIS AND BREXIT https://pundificator.com/the-u-k-election-wont-solve-brexit/ Find Frazer’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

In a new regular feature on the “Wealth, Actually” Podcast, Haven Pell and I will take on a topic.  (For our first one, we discuss the concept of “College” in modern American Society) With some fun questioning and debate, we’ll try to make some sense of a subject that has some controversy, broad policy implications and a little bit of hypocrisy to unwind.  Hopefully, it’s weighty and important.  We hope to tackle things that are both evergreen and timely. MEET HAVEN HERE:  https://pundificator.com/haven-pell/ In this first segment, we take on “College”. A broad, wide-ranging topic?  You bet. We address: The cost The pressure (on applicants and graduates) The Insider vs the Outsider Viewpoint STEM vs Liberal Arts The Impact on Culture A Year of Service A Venue for People over 60? Sports and University Life Broader Ramifications on the Future of the U.S. Look forward to WEALTH ACTUALLY and the PUNDIFICATOR as regular feature . . . as we take on current events and and some of the big concepts and issues facing society today.  SUBSCRIBE, TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND LEAVE COMMENTS. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT          

In this edition of “Wealth, Actually”, I was able to speak with Leslie and Mark Begert of the newly launched, Fabulingua.  The company helps to accelerate the learning of second languages through a unique blend of technology, storytelling and gamification.  The program is initially focussing on English and Spanish, but the Begerts have big plans for the company in the future.  Today we get to hear more about their journey, the nuts and bolts of the company, and, finally, what it’s like being married entrepreneurs.  Enjoy! Here is the best way to learn about the company: Device download link via App Store or Google Play Store: https://fabulingua.app.link/XMJRpLZ9h2 Website: https://www.fabulingua.com/ FB:  https://www.facebook.com/fabulingua IG:  https://www.instagram.com/fabulinguakids/ Leslie Omana Begert and Mark Begert of Fabulingua Co-founders of Fabulingua, a company borne out of her deep linguistics and psychology training. Fabulingua is devoted to providing a revolutionary way for kids to learn a second language. It uses many of the features of traditional natural story reading and modern gamified learning techniques so popular today. Backgrounds: Raised in Barcelona, Leslie is a true polymath with academic backgrounds linguistics, psychology and anthropology from Oxford and Cambridge. She further cultivated her professional experience at Goldman and L’Oreal. She has turned her attention to developing a better way for kids to learn a second language by founding Fabulingua with her husband, Mark. Mark began his career in finance and worked internationally (especially in China with wireless company, Linkstone) before locating in Austin. He began focusing on the clean energy economy at Long Branch Capital and then Meridian Solar before starting Fabulingua The Importance of being bi-lingual today . . . How does FabuLingua work? What if there are no other native speakers in the household? There are many products out there (Rosetta Stone, Pimsluer, Duoligo)- what makes FabuLingua different and better? How does the gamification work?  How does the storytelling accelerate the learning process?  Answers to FAQ’s about the site can be found here:  https://www.fabulingua.com/faq-fabulingua What is the plan for the business?  Where can we start seeing it? Describe running your own business and entrepreneurship.  How do you balance the raising a family with entrepreneurship?  What is it like working with your husband? What is the best way for us to keep track of your progress or try FabuLingua out? Interesting Facts about the Begerts. Outro: You will notice a new format for the podcast.  I hope you enjoy it. Extra special thanks to Matt Passy who has been extremely helpful in helping me reboot. Please subscribe, tell your friends and leave comments, https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT

First, this is the first podcast with some formatting changes (including making it easier to subscribe via iTunes and Google Play) and the addition of music . . . let me know what you think of it . . . now back to the podcast. One of the main themes in 2019 is the focus on effective philanthropy amongst the wealthy.  Following the example of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation among others, measurable outcomes, specific examples of positive change and solutions delivered at scale are more and more important to the people making philanthropic investments.  Interested in seeing an example of a difficult philanthropic problem identified and addressed, I spoke with Jasmine Nahhas di Florio, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships, of EFE-Global.  It’s difficult to not be impressed by Jasmine’s background and the accomplishments of EFE.  Founded by Ron Bruder after a successful career in real estate development, Jasmine and EFE have devoted their efforts to providing opportunity and structure to men and women in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).  Listen with me as we learn about the problems in the area, the challenges overcome and some of the successes that they have been able to achieve in an area that many hear about, but few understand. Below are some of the stories and links to EFE on Twitter and Facebook. https://efe.org/success-stories/alumni-stories Twitter: @EFE_Global https://www.facebook.com/EFEGlobal/ 1)  Introduction Jasmine Nahhas di Florio has over 20 years of experience spanning the nonprofit, philanthropy, government and private sectors. Having joined EFE in 2005, she has worked closely with the organization’s Founder and Chairman, Ronald Bruder, since its startup and is currently Senior Vice President for Strategy & Partnerships. Today, EFE is the leading youth employment and nonprofit job placement network in the Middle East and North Africa. Previously, Jasmine ran programs for private donors in Afghanistan for Afghan Women Leaders Connect at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and Arzu, a carpet social enterprise. Earlier in her career, Jasmine was a corporate attorney at the international law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, and she also served as an attorney-advisor at the U.S. Department of Treasury. Jasmine consulted the United Nations (UNFIP) on private-public sector partnerships. A Rhodes Scholar, Frank Knox Scholar and Fulbright Scholar, she is a graduate of the University of Alberta, Oxford University and Harvard Law School. She also completed the Columbia Business School’s Social Enterprise Program Senior Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals and currently serves on the board of the Middle East Children’s Institute. Jasmine’s expert commentary on economic opportunity, women’s empowerment and youth issues has been featured in The Financial Times, Forbes, Stanford Social Innovations Journal, and Finance Middle East, among others. 2)  How did the EFE come about and how did you become associated with it? 3)  We watch the news and intuit the the economic situation in parts of the Middle East / North Africa are desperate.  How does this relate to the problem that EFE tries to solve? (EFE’s WHITE PAPER ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION) 4)  This seems to be a widely supported goal- what are the challenges in addressing the regions? 5)  What are the different options for programs? 6)  How do you select your initiatives? 7)  Describe some of the successes? 8)  What are some of the future initiatives that are being considered? 9)  How do we stay in touch with you and find out ways to be involved with EFE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZNdOo28u4c&feature=youtu.be https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT  

Frazer Rice and Tyrone Ross in the studio for “Wealth, Actually” Welcome back to the “Wealth, Actually” podcast. (Reminder:  There is no investment advice here!) Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have come back into the news as they have jumped around in price in the last two years.  To help us understand the crypto phenomenon, I spoke with Tyrone Ross of Noblebridge Wealth. An extra special thank you to Tyrone for his unique insight, not only into cryptocurrencies, but in describing his personal journey in the wealth management space. There are powerful lessons to be learned here. Website: tyroneross.io Twitter: @TR401 Tyrone is a start up investor and financial consultant. He has developed a deep expertise in the cryptocurrency space He has been a go-to expert for many financial advisors as the space evolves.  In addition to his cryptocurrency niche, Tyrone has carved out a burgeoning media and twitter presence with his outspoken and impactful views on the need for inclusion in the closed off world of financial advice.  Tyrone is also officially the fastest person I have ever interviewed as he was an Olympic Qualifier in the 400m back in 2004! (For those looking for excellent primer on the blockchain and how Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies work, check out BLOCKCHAIN BASICS: A NON-TECHNICAL INTRODUCTION IN 25 STEPS by Daniel Drescher.  You will know more about how Crytpocurrencies and other technologies work [and their limits) than 99.9% of the public.  I also explored the subject in two terrific WA podcasts with Blockchain investor, BART STEPHENS and the CEO and Co-Founder of the Kowala, EILAND GLOVER.) Background: Tell us a bit about your professional background . . . Educational / Family experience Olympic experience- what did you take from it?  How did you use it? How does that inform your advice to clients? How did you get interested in cryptocurrencies? Let’s get right to cryptocurrency. What is the appeal of cryptocurrencies? How is the world adopting cryptocurrencies into use cases? How do you distinguish between the use of crypto and investing in crypto? Describe what the market has done in the last couple of years . . . How do we distinguish between Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and the other currencies? Who is equipped to parse through the differences? Do you need to understand code?  How many people really get the underlying structure of the cryptocurrencies? Is blockchain- the technological underpinning behind cryptocurrencies and other uses- a better bet? How would you get exposure to that space? What are you telling clients? Media and Marketing When did you “know” you were an entrepreneur? What was your marketing plan and how have you developed your practice? We met through twitter and I am amazed at the power of that medium- what is your take? Relationships within the #fintwit and media community (Josh Brown, Justin Castelli and Doug Boneparth, among others)- what are your impressions? You tweeted an amazing video on the role of privilege and background in the investment community and lots of great media appearances- Where should these discussions be taking us?  What’s next? How do we stay in touch with you? Website: tyroneross.io Twitter: @TR401   DON’T FORGET TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF WEALTH ACTUALLY- THE LINK IS BELOW. https://www.amazon.com/Wealth-Actually-Intelligent-Decision-Making-1-ebook/dp/B07FPQJJQT