Episodes

Are you interested in exploring the future of the financial and investment landscape and the contribution the private lending arena can bring to the field? In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by Phil Hasbrouck, the co-head of Cliffwater’s asset management business. Phil sheds light on the growing private lending market and what Cliffwater brings to the space. Phil also explains the opportunities and risks associated with investing in private debt, emphasizing the importance of conservative un...

Have you ever come across a news article that highlights the latest investment opportunities? Or seen news reports warning about certain stocks that could impact your portfolio? The real question you should be asking is if that information truly benefits your portfolio and long-term goals. In this episode, Robert Curtiss discusses the importance of a well-diversified portfolio and long-term investment goals. He reveals the role of the media in investment decisions, how it can generate panic and ...

Financial and investment advisors are all about creating the best financial plan for their client’s needs. But how does Signature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA) set themselves apart from the crowd? In this episode, Robert Curtiss is back to basics! Rob talks about SEIA’s services and approach while emphasizing their independence and fiduciary responsibility to prioritize clients’ best interests. Tune in and explore the firm’s investment strategies to help clients gain the most from their ...

Think about what attracts us to products: From the people talking about it to the social media content promoting it. The truth is that content creators and content creation plays a significant role in successful marketing and promotion. In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Chase Griffin, a student-athlete and national NIL athlete of the year. Chase reveals how he built himself up as a brand ambassador and what his role means for companies looking to work with him. Listen in as Chase detai...

Can you imagine being in a situation where your spouse passes away, and you have no idea about their finances? It can be an overwhelming and complex journey, to say the least. In this episode, Pat Miles Zimmerman joins Rob Curtiss to talk about her experience losing her husband and the struggle of sorting out financial and legal components while navigating the fog of grief. Sharing valuable insights from her book, “Before All Is Said And Done,” Pat reveals what she didn’t know about her husband’...

We all want to save as much as possible before heading into retirement. So, how to protect the wealth we save from high tax rates? In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Tony Watson, senior tax consultant at Robert Hall & Associates. This week, Tony explains how to protect wealth and decrease taxation. He also unpacks some corporate strategies while detailing how transforming a corporation into an LLC provides new opportunities to secure wealth for the future. Rob and Tony discuss: When i...

With market volatility and political uncertainty being a few reasons, the truth is that the investment market doesn’t always cooperate with our portfolios. But as an advisor, how can alternative investments protect our client’s portfolios? Do you know? In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Sam talks about the role of alternative investments in building (and diversifying) a portfolio and the...

Your health and longevity play a crucial role when it comes to your financial future, especially when it comes to retirement planning. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of longevity risk and why it’s becoming an increasingly important topic for people of all ages in this episode of The Millionaire Next Door. This week, Robert Curtiss is joined by fellow team member and wealth coordinator at SEIA, Julia Fahlen, to unpack the ins and outs of the firm’s Wealth GPS and its role in measuring...

Professionals collaborating with other professionals can lead to more creative solutions, more innovative ideas, and ultimately better results for advisors and their clients. In this episode, Rob Curtiss is joined by returning guest and business consultant at Pareto Systems, Mike Cy, to talk about value-added service teams while referring to the importance of advisors collaborating with like-minded advisors to achieve the best outcomes for their clients. Listen in and discover how Rob’s relation...

Want to know how to personalize and customize your investment portfolio while potentially gaining tax benefits? Let us introduce you to direct indexing! In this episode, Robert Curtiss sits down with Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA), to talk about direct indexing and its advantages for investors. Listen in as they delve into various cases of direct indexing, including its tax benefits, ESG customization, and active engagement wit...

Planning out your insurance can widely vary, from home to auto, business, and even cyber security insurance. What to consider when planning or adding someone to your insurance policy? Do you know? In this episode, Rob Curtiss speaks with Dana Dattola, a business insurance broker at Weaver & Associates. Dana details the ins and outs of insurance policies and outlines how it fits within financial and tax planning. Listen in as Dana shares tips for managing and understanding your insurance policy w...

The age requirement is only one of the changes made in the SECURE Act 2.0. In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Emily Vincent, President of Douglas M. Farr and Company. Emily unpacks the retirement planning changes reflected in the SECURE Act 2.0. Additionally, when it comes to businesses and business owners, Emily reveals how the size of the company impacts the benefits of providing retirement plans to employees. Emily discusses: How the changes to the SECURE Act 2.0 impacts older reti...

The idea of aligning our money with our goals is a common practice. However, the focus today is aligning our investments with what we are truly passionate about. In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Together they unpack the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and socially responsible investing (SRI) within portfolio planning and how personal beliefs influence investment ...

The SECURE Act 2.0 has brought significant changes to retirement planning in 2023 and beyond, especially in IRA and 401(k) plans. In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares key highlights from the SECURE Act 2.0 and how you can use the new provisions to save in taxes, contribute more effectively to your retirement accounts, and improve your overall retirement picture. Rob discusses: How’s the SECURE Act 2.0 impacting required minimum distributions (RMDs) When you might be able to accelerate your re...

As time passes, client needs (and government regulations) surrounding retirement accounts change. So, what are some considerations advisors need to think about when it comes to building future retirement accounts? In this episode, Robert Curtiss looks into the future. From company improvements to how government changes to retirement accounts will impact 401(k) contributions. Rob shares how he balances service to others with service to himself while still focusing on providing clients the financi...

Building tax strategies around investment plans provide a layer of security to reduce the cost of returns while allowing you to further invest that money. In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Sam Miller, the director of research and marketing at Signature Estate & Investment Advisors (SEIA). Sam unpacks the different types of investment options clients can consider, how they fit within portfolio planning, and the importance of including a tax planner in your investment planning. Sam disc...

With everything that has happened in the past few years, financial planning firms have evolved — not only in the way they serve but also in where they are heading. In this episode, Robert Curtiss explores the past and future of his practice. He shares some areas his firm has expanded on, touching on aspects outside of traditional finance, such as his podcast and all things client experience. Rob discusses: The elements he has added to his practice for the benefit of his clients Ways he develops...

Humans have a longer life expectancy today compared to the last 20 years. However, the cost of long-term care and an increase in patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s has changed the way we consider long-term care planning. In this episode, Anthony Ridd from Crump Life Insurance Services joins Robert Curtiss to explain the role of long-term care planning when it comes to financial planning. Anthony shares how the current life expectancy and a higher consciousness towards mental and physical hea...

Whether it’s sports or business, a good coach or mentor can help you challenge yourself and raise the bar for your professional growth. A year ago, Robert Curtiss started working alongside a coach to up his business and come up with several systems and processes to better serve clients. In this episode, Rob sits down with his business coach Mike Cy from Pareto Systems. They unpack the importance of being coachable as a business leader while unveiling the pandemic and its role in helping advisors...

The role of an HR professional has changed over the past few decades. While hiring the best talent is just one aspect of the job, the role of the human resources specialist now covers everything from legal compliance to workforce motivation. In this episode, Annissa Deshpande, the CEO of lōglab, LLC, joins Rob Curtiss to unpack the four aspects of modern human resources. Annissa outlines how she has combined her knowledge and creativity to write a fiction novel about modern HR while navigating e...

When the waves become rocky, clients turn to their advisors for stability within their investments. But what about financial advisors? How do they feel when faced with the same situation? In this episode, Robert Curtiss shares insight into the role of financial advisors for clients, both in financial planning and as a pillar when the market becomes stormy. Rob unveils how he’s dealing with the current state of the economy as a person and a financial professional. Rob discusses: What types of co...

How flexible is your retirement plan? Would you send money to the government or your employees? In this episode, Robert Curtiss is joined by Kevin Manahan, vice president actuary at CMC Pension Professionals. Rob and Kevin unveil their collaborative approach to optimizing retirement plans for business owners and their employees with a focus on cash balance plans and taxes. Rob and Kevin discuss: Ways they tailor qualified retirement plans according to client needs and goals The role of cash bal...

Finding the right financial advisor who understands each individual needs can be a challenge for clients. Learn how Signature Estate and Investment Advisors (SEIA) creates an effective strategy when meeting potential clients in this week’s episode of The Millionaire Next Door. This week, Robert Curtiss shares his approach to finding the right client and building relationships to benefit their financial planning. He dives into the personal as well as the professional aspect of working with client...

We hear about stock prices, inflation, taxes, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the news — all this with lots of numbers and information. Luckily, here’s where financial advisors like Rob Curtiss untangle the numbers to help clients move forward. In this episode, Rob dives into current world events, revealing their impact on inflation, taxes, and investment planning as clients shift their routines. He shares what his company looks for in potential clients, along with concerns indivi...