The Scholar Wealth Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Inflation Planning”

Episode 40: Solar Tax Write-Offs, Franchise Investment Decisions, and the Scholar Big Picture

Scholar Financial Advising, LLC — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

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.

Stay in touch beyond the podcast:

Personal Wealth Conference: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/conference-2026/
Newsletter: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/newsletter

Start your planning journey: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/welcome
Submit a question for the show: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/podcast

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!

Episode 38: Social Security Timing, Home Sale Capital Gains, and Educational Travel with Road Scholar

Scholar Financial Advising, LLC — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the Scholar Wealth Podcast, we work through two listener questions that reflect the financial and personal tradeoffs many high earners face as they approach retirement.

We begin with a question about Social Security timing. A high-income listener wonders whether it makes sense to claim benefits early and invest them, rather than waiting until age 70, especially given concerns about potential benefit changes and future means testing. Stephan walks through how Social Security actually works, why delayed benefits function more like longevity insurance than an investment, and how to think realistically about policy risk and guaranteed income.

Next, we turn to a housing question from a long-time homeowner in a high appreciation market. After decades of growth, selling a primary residence can trigger a substantial capital gains tax bill, which often causes families to hesitate even when a move makes sense from a lifestyle perspective. We discuss how the primary residence exclusion works, why six-figure tax bills are common in these situations, and how to evaluate tradeoffs between taxes, flexibility, and family priorities.

In our From the Field segment, we’re joined by Kelsey Perri from Road Scholar. We talk about educational travel in retirement, trends in multi-generational and grandparent travel, and why shared experiences and lifelong learning often become a priority once the financial foundation is in place.

Stay in touch beyond the podcast:

Personal Wealth Conference: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/conference-2026/
Newsletter: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/newsletter
Start your planning journey: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/welcome
Submit a question for the show: https://scholarfinancialadvising.com/podcast

Episode 30: Defining Value: From Wedding Budgets to Market Wisdom to Comic Collectibles

Scholar Financial Advising, LLC — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this week’s Scholar Wealth Podcast, Stephan and Dr. Deon Strickland tackle two listener questions that both center on defining value.

First, how to approach a wedding budget when affordability isn’t the issue — shifting the focus from numbers to meaning, and how family values shape financial decisions.

Next, they revisit the Efficient Markets Hypothesis through the lens of the documentary Tune Out the Noise — examining whether passive investing still holds up in an era of higher inflation and interest rates.

Finally, in our From the Field segment, Stephan is joined by Vincent Zurzolo, CEO of Metropolis Collectibles and ComicConnect, whose company holds multiple Guinness World Records for multimillion-dollar comic sales. Vincent shares how passion and scarcity shape value in the world of vintage comics and collectibles — and why even “fun” assets can become serious investments.

Have a question for a future episode? Submit it at scholaradvising.com/podcast

Episode 26: Roth Conversions, Gold at Record Highs, and Elite College Admissions

Scholar Financial Advising, LLC — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

This week, Stephan breaks down what to consider before converting a 401(k) to a Roth — from comparing current and future tax brackets to using partial conversions and asset location to minimize taxes.

Next, he turns to the headlines about gold hitting record highs and explains how investors should think about gold’s role in a portfolio without getting caught up in short-term performance.

And in our From the Field segment, Stephan is joined by Lindsay Tanne Howe, Founder and CEO of LogicPrep https://www.logicprep.com/
a premier college advisory firm that helps students tell their stories and gain admission to top universities. Lindsay shares how families can approach the admissions process strategically, the evolving role of legacy and philanthropy, and why authenticity and early planning matter most.

📅 Upcoming Webinar:
Join Stephan for a deeper discussion on gold and alternative investments — including how these assets fit into a diversified portfolio — on Thursday, November 13.
👉 Register here: https://form.jotform.com/252663253624053?utm_source=podcast

Have a question for a future episode? Submit it at scholaradvising.com/podcast.

Episode 23: SLAT Adjustments, Family Philanthropy, and Spotting Ponzi Schemes

Scholar Financial Advising, LLC — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

We start with a question from a couple who each set up SLATs during the high exemption years. With inflation and rising living costs, they’re now wondering whether to adjust trust distributions with cost-of-living increases or more flexible payout provisions. Stephan explains the options for modifying SLATs, the role of HEMS standards, and the trade-offs between flexibility, asset protection, and legacy goals.

Next, we hear from a family that has supported the same hospital foundation for over 20 years. Their children want to redirect some giving toward education access. Stephan shares how to balance legacy commitments with next-generation priorities, including strategies for family governance, donor-advised funds, and engaging heirs in philanthropy without alienating long-term relationships.

In our From the Field segment, Stephan is joined by attorney Daniel Gielchinsky. With a career spanning Wall Street, commercial litigation, and major Ponzi scheme cases, Daniel highlights the warning signs investors should watch for in alternative investments like real estate syndications, exotic assets, and crypto.

Have a question for a future episode? Submit it at scholaradvising.com/podcast

Disclosures: 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. Thanks for listening!

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

Scholar Financial Advising, LLC — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

This week on the Scholar Advising Podcast, we’re tackling three thoughtful listener questions—each one focused on what to do when your plan, or someone else’s, needs a reset.

We start with inflation: if it doesn’t cool down as expected, should you revisit your numbers? We’ll walk through how to adjust spending, allocation, and expectations without derailing your long-term goals.

Next, we address how to help a friend or relative who hasn’t saved for retirement and isn’t financially confident—without overwhelming them. And for listeners curious about aligning money with values, we break down how to get started with impact investing in a way that makes sense for your portfolio.

In our From the Field segment, Stephan shares a few highlights and personal takeaways from our annual personal finance conference in Charleston. Thanks to everyone who joined us—we’ll be back next year!

Have a question you’d like us to tackle in a future episode? Email us at podcast@scholarfinancialadvising.com

Episode 1: Launching the Scholar Wealth Podcast

Scholar Financial Advising, LLC — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this first episode of the Scholar Wealth Podcast, host Stephan Shipe introduces himself, shares the story behind the show, and outlines what listeners can expect each week. With a PhD in finance, years of academic research, and experience advising high-net-worth families, Stephan explains why this podcast was created: to provide clear, expert insights for families facing complex wealth challenges.

From multi-generational legacy planning to executive compensation, business exits, philanthropy, and beyond, this podcast is built for those who want to go deeper than the basics. Stephan also introduces the Scholar Wealth Network, a community designed to connect families with resources, education, and expert perspectives.

Tune in to hear the mission behind the podcast and how you can get involved by submitting your own questions and joining the conversation.

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.