The Scholar Advising Podcast

A discussion of essential topics in personal finance, financial planning, and accumulating wealth.

About the show

Join us for an engaging and informative exploration of the essential pillars of personal finance, financial planning, and strategies for building lasting wealth. In each episode, we break down key financial concepts, offer practical tips, and share expert insights to empower you on your journey toward financial independence. Whether you’re navigating planning for retirement or seeking ways to grow your investments, this podcast provides information for you.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice, the opinions. expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. Investing in financial markets involves risk, including the potential loss of principle, past performance is not indicative of future results. Before making any investment decisions, you should consult with a qualified financial advisor, who can assess your individual financial situation, objectives and risk tolerance.

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Episodes

  • Episode 13: Equity, Exit Plans, and Expensive Zip Codes: Wealth Strategy in Real Life

    July 14th, 2025  |  22 mins 28 secs

    Is it still worth buying a vacation rental? What’s the best way to gift down payments to kids in wildly different housing markets? And how do you start preparing—personally—for a business sale that’s still a few years out? In this episode, we tackle three listener questions around real estate, family gifting strategy, and long-term exit planning. Plus, in this week’s Money in the Headlines, we explore whether wealth really leads to longer life.

  • Episode 12: LLCs, Interest Rates, and Rebalancing: Smart Moves in a Shifting Market

    July 7th, 2025  |  20 mins 13 secs

    Starting a consulting business? Wondering if an LLC is worth it? In this episode, we tackle entity selection for solo entrepreneurs, how to think through tax treatment, and what structure gives you the best retirement plan options. We also dig into why the Fed hasn’t lowered interest rates yet—and what that means for investors navigating today’s uncertain landscape. Finally, we answer a common question: how often should you rebalance your portfolio in a market like this? Plus, in this week’s Tool Spotlight, we highlight Kubera, a powerful net worth tracking tool for clients with complex assets.

  • Episode 11: Estate Planning in Motion: Trust Strategies, IPO Tax Prep, and Smarter Umbrella Insurance

    June 30th, 2025  |  23 mins 3 secs

    This week, we’re answering client questions about big-picture estate planning, preparing for future tax exposure, and protecting family wealth. We’ll cover trust strategies ahead of the 2026 estate tax sunset, key tax considerations for pre-IPO stockholders, and what to expect when shopping for umbrella insurance coverage.

  • Episode 10: Planning When Plans Shift: Inflation, Impact Investing, and Helping Others Catch Up

    June 23rd, 2025  |  20 mins 9 secs
    personal finance, wealth strategy

    What should you do if inflation stays higher than expected? How can you help a friend who hasn’t saved for retirement? And what should you consider when thinking about impact investing in today’s shifting landscape? In this episode, we tackle these questions and share insights from our annual personal finance conference.

  • Episode 9: Beyond the Paycheck: Vacation Rental ROI, State Taxes, and Deferred Comp Decisions

    June 16th, 2025  |  18 mins 43 secs

    This week, we’re digging into real-world financial decisions with long-term impact. What’s the right way to measure ROI on a vacation rental—and how do you account for taxes, maintenance, and future resale? Thinking of relocating to a no-income-tax state? We explain what to evaluate beyond just taxes, including legal residency rules and estate implications. If you’ve been offered deferred compensation, we’ll walk through how to weigh the benefits, risks, and coordination with other retirement strategies.

    Then in Money in the Headlines, Stephan reacts to a new survey showing 77% of Americans are changing their financial behavior due to recession fears. Is that smart strategy—or emotional overreaction?

  • Episode 8: Three Physicians, Three Big Questions: Planning for Flexibility, Savings, and Sanity

    June 9th, 2025  |  19 mins 24 secs

    Feeling burned out but unsure if you can afford to cut back? We answer physician finance questions about retirement accounts, variable income planning, and what financial independence looks like when you’re ready for a slower pace.

  • Episode 7: Wealth Concentration to Weekend Plans: Retirement Prep and Financial Literacy for Heirs

    June 2nd, 2025  |  28 mins 15 secs

    Holding most of your wealth in a family business? We cover how to reduce concentration risk when wealth is tied to a family business, how to prepare for the emotional and financial transition into retirement, and how to structure gifts to children with financial literacy in mind. Plus, a bonus question on managing over-contributions after a large bonus payout.

  • Episode 6: Corporate Cash, Market Timing, and Private Equity: Diversification Strategies for High Earners

    May 26th, 2025  |  24 mins 39 secs
    finance, investing, wealth

    Wondering what to do with excess cash in your business or portfolio? We cover diversification benefits, dollar cost averaging, and private equity basics, including how to protect yourself with an LLC vs. LP. Plus, a simple breakdown of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) and when they make sense.

  • Episode 5: From Startup Exits to Luxury Properties: High-Income Tax Planning and Wealth Strategies for Founders and Medical Pros

    May 19th, 2025  |  22 mins 18 secs
    finance, investing, wealth

    Sold your startup or earning big as a physician? In this episode, we answer questions about high-income tax strategies, smart property investing, and how to prioritize competing financial goals—from retirement to philanthropy.