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

January 19th, 2026  |  38 mins 1 sec

commercial solar investing, concentration risk, financial literacy, franchise investing, inflation planning, investment due diligence, market timing, passive investment myths, private equity investment, real estate investing, tax driven investments, tax planning

In this episode of the Scholar Wealth Podcast, Stephan answers two listener questions focused on evaluating investments that look attractive on paper but require deeper analysis. We start with commercial solar investments and large tax write-offs, then turn to franchising and what investors should consider before committing meaningful capital. The episode closes with the Scholar Big Picture, a quarterly conversation with Dr. Deon Strickland on market behavior, economic uncertainty, and what to watch right now.

Episode 34: Buying a €450K Home Abroad, Planning Around Carried Interest, and Building a Wine Collection That Lasts

December 8th, 2025  |  34 mins 34 secs

carried interest, concentration risk, cross-border real estate, deferred compensation, estate planning, inheritance planning, legacy assets, private equity compensation, private equity investment, real estate investing, tax planning, vacation rental, wine collecting

Buying a €450K family home in Portugal often involves emotion, complex tax rules, and long-term management considerations.

Carried interest can be valuable, but payouts are uncertain. Planning should assume a base case of no carry and treat future distributions as upside.

Wine expert Walker Strangis explains how families can build and maintain collections with both personal meaning and financial value.

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 1: Launching the Scholar Wealth Podcast

April 21st, 2025  |  5 mins 45 secs

asset protection, business exit strategy, charitable giving, concentration risk, corporate cash strategy, deferred compensation, estate planning, executive compensation, family business, family wealth, financial education, financial independence, financial planning, gifting strategies, high net worth, inflation planning, inheritance planning, investment strategy, ipo planning, legacy planning, liquidity event, market timing, philanthropy, physician finance, portfolio rebalancing, private equity investment, real estate investing, retirement planning, stock option exercise, tax planning, trust strategies, vacation rental, wealth management

In our debut episode, host Stephan Shipe shares the story behind the Scholar Wealth Podcast and what listeners can expect each week. Designed for families with complex wealth, the show goes beyond the basics to deliver expert insights, real stories, and practical answers to your most sophisticated financial questions.