The Scholar Wealth Podcast

Episode 16: Big Money Moves: Diversifying, Funding Kids’ Futures, and Buying Abroad 

August 4th, 2025  |  18 mins 52 secs

10b5-1 plan, 529 plan funding, charitable remainder trust, company stock diversification, financial literacy, international property purchase, tax planning

In this episode, we answer listener questions about diversifying concentrated company stock with a 10b5-1 plan, avoiding overfunding 529 plans, and the key considerations before buying a second home abroad. Plus, our Term of the Day breaks down Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs) in plain English.

Episode 15: Fractional Jets, Option Exercises, and Estate Fairness: Financial Planning at the Next Level

July 28th, 2025  |  18 mins 44 secs

estate planning, financial literacy, fractional jet ownership, inheritance fairness, inheritance planning, legacy letters, private jet tax rules, stock option exercise

A private jet decision. A multimillion-dollar option grant. An uneven inheritance. In this Q&A episode, Stephan unpacks three dilemmas that high-net-worth families face—and offers clear, strategic guidance for navigating them with confidence.

Episode 14: Dividing, Inheriting, and Starting Fresh: Smart Moves After Life’s Turning Points

July 21st, 2025  |  22 mins 17 secs

debt-free milestone, divorce asset division, estate planning, financial literacy, inheritance planning, physician finance, physician financial planning, step-up in basis

From divorce settlements to post-inheritance decisions to finally being debt-free—life’s transitions come with big financial questions. In this episode, we answer listener questions about dividing marital assets, what to do after inheriting a $1.2M brokerage account, and how two physicians can reset their financial plan after paying off student loans. Plus, in Myth or Money, we bust the idea that you're ever too young to plan for retirement.

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

July 14th, 2025  |  22 mins 28 secs

business exit strategy, estate equalization, gifting down payments, gifting strategies, vacation rental, vacation rental investing

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

federal reserve policy, finance app, interest rates, llc formation, portfolio rebalancing, solo consulting, tax planning

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

estate planning, estate tax sunset, family limited partnership, ipo planning, ipo tax planning, irrevocable trust, trust strategies, umbrella insurance

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

financial literacy, helping others retire, impact investing, inflation planning, personal finance conference

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

deferred compensation, financial literacy, no-income-tax state move, residency rules, vacation rental, vacation rental roi

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

financial independence, financial literacy, locum tenens retirement accounts, physician burnout, physician finance, retirement planning, variable income planning

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

concentration risk, family business, financial literacy, gifting strategies, incentive trusts, over-contribution correction, retirement transition

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

corporate cash strategy, market timing, private equity investment, qualified charitable distributions

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

charitable fund, charitable giving, luxury property decision, mortgage payoff decision, tax planning

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.