In this episode of “How Did We Get Here?”, Cullen Roche shares his journey from a unique childhood to becoming a leader in finance. Raised on a farm in Washington, DC, Cullen’s large family helped shape his independent yet team-oriented mindset.

Cullen discusses how his wife’s influence guided him from stock picking to financial planning, and how moving to California became a pivotal turning point in his career. He also dives into the significance of macroeconomics in personal investing, key lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, and the value of patience and resilience when managing finances.

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Cullen Roche on LinkedIn

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

In this episode, we explore how unexpected career twists can lead to fulfilling paths. Nick Gertsema shares his journey from concert promoter to financial advisor, showing how embracing change can open new opportunities. We also discuss the story of a father and son who took unconventional career routes, offering lessons in resilience and finding one's true calling.

The episode dives into investing tips from legends like Warren Buffett and George Soros, stressing the importance of staying disciplined in unpredictable markets. We cover strategies like tax loss harvesting, managing emotions in finance, and the value of seeking professional advice. Tune in for a mix of humor, insights, and stories about navigating life's unpredictable turns.

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Nick Gertsema on LinkedIn

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

In this episode, we talk with Bob Seawright, who went from being a paperboy in his hometown to becoming a Chief Investment Officer and a well-known writer. Bob shares how his early jobs, like delivering newspapers in the cold and umpiring baseball games at 14, taught him important lessons that shaped his career. He also opens up about his journey from an unsatisfying legal career to finding his true passion on Wall Street. Filled with stories, wisdom, and practical advice, this episode is perfect for anyone looking for inspiration on how to follow their dreams and stay true to their values.

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Bob Seawright on LinkedIn

Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Referenced in our conversation:

Bob Seawright's The Better Letter

In this episode, we talk with Arlene Moss about her 30-year journey in the financial world. Arlene shares how she stayed true to herself, even in an industry that often pushes people to fit in. Starting on Wall Street in the early 2000’s, Arlene faced challenges like gender bias but used these experiences to grow and change. She also discusses balancing work with family and the importance of mentors. This episode is filled with personal stories and practical advice for anyone looking to stay authentic in their career.

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• Arlene Moss on LinkedIn
• Jess Bost on LinkedIn
• Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

What if everything you know about money is wrong? Join us as Stoy Hall, the founder of Black Mammoth and host of the NoBS Wealth podcast, shares his story—from growing up with a hardworking single mom to delivering appliances. Stoy's experiences teach us what real wealth means. We also explore four common money mindsets and how they shape your financial decisions. This episode will help you rethink your relationship with money and show you how to aim for true financial freedom and happiness.

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Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Stoy Hall on LinkedIn

Black Mammoth

In this episode of "How Did We Get Here?", we chat with Christine Benz, an expert in retirement and investment planning. Christine shares her unique career journey, starting from proofreading medical journals to building a long career at Morningstar. We explore how her dedication and curiosity led her from being a copy editor to a mutual fund analyst, and eventually, to managing a team.

Christine also talks about how career changes can affect retirement savings and the importance of financial planning during these transitions. We discuss how different life experiences shape our financial decisions and why there's no single "normal" career path. Plus, we touch on how taking risks, like in the recent meme stock craze, plays a role in career growth. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in understanding how careers can evolve and the role of financial planning along the way.

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Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Christine Benz on LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with Meg Bartelt, a financial planner with a background in tech writing, to talk about smart money moves for your 20s, 30s, and 40s. Meg shares her personal journey, from working in IT during the dot-com boom to helping people navigate their finances today. She explains why your habits and emotions often matter more than math when it comes to money and offers tips for adjusting your financial plan as your life changes—like when you switch careers, start a family, or face unexpected challenges.

We also explore how even high earners can feel stressed about money and why it's important to focus on what really matters to you. Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your career, Meg's advice will help you make better financial decisions and feel more confident about your future.

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Jess Bost on LinkedIn

Mark Newfield on LinkedIn

Meg Bartelt on LinkedIn

Referenced in our conversation:

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/us-household-income-distribution-visualized-100-homes/

https://www.kitces.com/blog/next-generation-client-financial-planning-different-complex-not-simpler/

https://emoneyadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/eBook_Unlocking_the_Value_of_Financial_Planning.pdf?utm_campaign=Auto-Responder_Unlocking_the_Value_of_Financial_Planning_eBook_Post-launch_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Ever wondered what it takes to make a big career shift or take a life-changing sabbatical? In this episode, we chat with Dave Nadig, who shares his journey from Hollywood screenwriter to finance professional.

Dave talks about pursuing an MBA and diving into finance, showing how understanding money and embracing the unknown can lead to unexpected, fulfilling careers. We explore how curiosity, inspired by Richard Feynman’s advice, and facing fears, like those after 9/11, shape our professional lives.

We also cover the practical side of taking a career break, focusing on financial planning for sabbaticals. Discover tips on maintaining quality of life, exploring alternative income sources, and accessing retirement accounts.

Tune in for inspiring, real-life examples and practical advice to navigate your career and life choices.

Connect with us!

Dave Nadig on www.nadig.com

Jess Bost on Linkedin

Mark Newfield on Linkedin

Referenced in our conversation:

https://www.xminstitute.com/blog/us-wellbeing-fluctuates/