Solar Tax Write-Offs, Franchise Investment Decisions, and the Scholar Big Picture

This week on the Scholar Wealth Podcast, we tackle two listener questions that highlight a common challenge for high-income investors: how to evaluate opportunities that come with compelling tax benefits or strong projected returns, but also meaningful risk.

First, Stephan breaks down commercial solar investments that advertise large tax write-offs. We discuss how these tax benefits are generated, who they actually apply to, and why it’s critical to evaluate the underlying economics of the investment once the incentives fade.

Next, we turn to a listener question about franchising, using a real-world example of a multi-store commitment. Stephan walks through what investors should consider when evaluating franchise investments, including concentration risk, operational realities, and why franchising is often very different from a truly passive investment.

To close, we step back with the Scholar Big Picture, our quarterly conversation with Dr. Deon Strickland, Scholar Financial Advising’s in-house economist and a finance professor at Wake Forest University. We discuss current market conditions, economic uncertainty, and how investors can separate signal from noise when making decisions right now.

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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 principal. 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. Thanks for listening!