Nurturing Financial Freedom Titelbild

Nurturing Financial Freedom

Nurturing Financial Freedom

Von: Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot Jon Gay
Jetzt kostenlos hören, ohne Abo

Über diesen Titel

 This podcast is hosted by Ed Lambert and Alex Cabot, managing partners of Birch Run Financial and Financial Advisors with Raymond James Financial Services. Their mission is to help spread financial literacy. The majority of adults only know a fraction of what they should about personal finance. On this podcast, Ed and Alex will discuss both basic and advanced concepts on how to manage your money. Whether you are 22 or 62; an MBA or an engineer, you can learn something today. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Birch Run Financial is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James. Content represents the opinions of the speaker and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Important Disclosure Information: http://raymondjames.com/smicd.htm Birch Run Financial is located at 595 E Swedesford Rd, Ste 360, Wayne, PA 19087 and can be reached at 484.395.2190. The rating is not intended to be an endorsement, or any way indicative of the advisors abilities to provide investment advice or management. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only.2021-2026 Birch Run Financial Persönliche Finanzen Ökonomie
Folgen
  • What are Bonds, Really?

    What are Bonds, Really?
    Mar 25 2026
    What are bonds? This is the next part of our ongoing breakdown of core investing building blocks, following stocks and gold in January and February, respectively. Bonds are often misunderstood, but at their core they are simple. Ed starts us off with the basics. A bond is a loan. When we buy a bond, we lend money to a government, corporation, or municipality. In return, they pay us interest over time and return our principal at maturity. Unlike stocks, we are not buying ownership or growth. We are buying predictability and stability. Next, the key components of a bond: We cover principal, which is typically $1,000 per bond, the coupon, which is the interest payment, and maturity, which is when we get our money back. Longer maturities usually come with higher interest because they carry more uncertainty. We also highlight a critical concept. Bond prices and interest rates move in opposite directions. When rates rise, bond prices fall. When rates fall, bond prices rise. This helps explain why bonds struggled in 2022 and how they can recover when rates decline. Why do bonds exist? From the issuer’s side, they are a way to raise money for spending, projects, or refinancing debt. From the investor’s side, bonds provide steady income, lower volatility than stocks, and diversification within a portfolio. They help create balance and reduce overall risk. Alex then explores different types of bonds. We cover U.S. Treasuries, municipal bonds, and corporate bonds. Treasuries are considered the safest. Municipal bonds can offer tax advantages. Corporate bonds provide higher yields but come with more risk. Further, within corporate bonds, we distinguish between investment grade and high yield, or junk bonds, which carry greater default risk but higher potential returns. We also explain the risks involved. These include credit risk, interest rate risk, reinvestment risk, and inflation risk. While bonds are more stable than stocks, they are not risk free. Understanding these risks is essential for proper portfolio planning. Finally, we emphasize the role bonds play in a portfolio. They provide income, stability, and psychological comfort during market volatility. They help investors stay disciplined and avoid emotional decisions. Bonds may not be "exciting," but they can be a key portfolio piece for balance and long term success. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise. Investing in small cap stocks generally involves greater risks, and therefore, may not be appropriate for every investor. The prices of small company stocks may be subject to more ...
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    28 Min.
  • What IS Gold, Really?

    What IS Gold, Really?
    Feb 20 2026
    In a follow up to our last episode, we explore a simple but important question: "What is gold, really?" We begin by revisiting our broader discussion about understanding what we actually own in our portfolios. Last month we talked about stocks as ownership in real businesses. This month we shift our focus to gold and examine how it differs. We start with the history. Gold did not become valuable because governments declared it so. It became valuable because of its unique characteristics. It is scarce, durable, divisible, and universally recognizable. For thousands of years, these traits made it an effective store of value and a medium of exchange across cultures. Paper currency originally represented claims on physical gold under the gold standard. Over time, most countries moved to fiat currency, which is backed by trust in the issuing government rather than a physical asset. Even after that shift, gold remained part of the financial conversation because it exists outside the political system. It does not rely on promises. It simply exists. We then clarify a key distinction. Gold preserves value, but it does not create value. Unlike stocks, gold does not generate earnings, innovate, or grow. It does not produce income. Its price is largely driven by perception, including inflation expectations, interest rates, confidence in institutions, and fear. We discuss how gold peaked around $850 per ounce in 1980 and then took decades to recover that level. That example highlights that gold can experience very long periods of weak performance. At the same time, gold can also have strong years, especially during times of uncertainty. We explain that gold is best viewed as a tool, not a core growth engine. Because it often has a lower correlation with stocks, a small allocation can help reduce portfolio volatility. In many cases, that allocation may range from 1 to 5 percent. The purpose matters. Are we hedging inflation, extreme uncertainty, or simply seeking confidence? When used thoughtfully, gold can provide diversification and emotional stability during downturns. Every holding in a portfolio should have a purpose. Gold is not a magical solution, but it is not useless either. Understanding what we own and why we own it remains central to long term investment success. Note: Gold is subject to the special risks associated with investing in precious metals, including but not limited to: price may be subject to wide fluctuation; the market is relatively limited; the sources are concentrated in countries that have the potential for instability; and the market is unregulated. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond ...
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    23 Min.
  • What Are Stocks, Really?

    What Are Stocks, Really?
    Jan 20 2026
    In this first episode of 2026, we dive deep into a foundational concept that often gets lost in the noise of day-to-day market headlines: what stocks actually are. We begin by reframing the way we view stocks—not as just numbers or tickers on a screen, but as tangible ownership in real businesses. Ed kicks off by breaking down what owning a share really means. When we buy stock, we're not just speculating—we’re becoming part-owners in companies that employ people, generate revenue, and make real-world decisions. From baristas at Starbucks to corporate CEOs, all of them are working to create value for us—the shareholders.We explore how the value of a stock isn’t just about its current price but about future earnings, innovation, and profitability. Markets move fast because they reflect new expectations instantly. But over the long haul, real business performance determines value. This is why Ed emphasizes that the stock market isn’t a casino—it’s a tool for owning productivity, growth, and innovation. He uses the analogy of starting a pizza shop to illustrate how raising capital and sharing ownership is the core concept behind public companies.We also talk about dividends—those are simply profits being shared with us as owners. Whether a company reinvests or pays out those profits depends on its growth opportunities. Tech companies tend to reinvest, while utilities often return more to shareholders.Alex then zooms out and takes us through a historical lens on how stock ownership evolved. We trace it from the 1600s Dutch East India Company to today’s frictionless investing via apps like Robinhood. Initially reserved for elites, ownership became more widespread with the founding of exchanges, government regulations after the Great Depression, and eventually the creation of 401(k)s in the 1970s. That move away from pensions put the responsibility—and opportunity—of investing into the hands of everyday people.We reflect on how tools like mutual funds, index funds, and fractional shares have opened access even further. Today, over 60% of American households own stocks, mostly through retirement plans. Alex reminds us that the clients who succeed financially aren’t necessarily the best investors—they’re the best savers. Understanding that owning stock means owning real companies helps people stay grounded during market volatility and make smarter decisions.This episode is all about clarity—clarity in what we own, why we own it, and how the system evolved to work for more than just the elite. We’re not just watching prices move—we’re participants in the system of capitalism itself. You can always email Alex and Ed at info@birchrunfinancial.com or give them a call at 484-395-2190.Or visit them on the web at https://www.birchrunfinancial.com/Alex and Ed's Book: Mastering The Money Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Money-Mind-Thinking-Personal/dp/1544530536 Any opinions are those of Ed Lambert Alex Cabot, financial advisors, RJFS, and Jon Gay, and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. The examples throughout this material are for illustrative purposes only. Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. CDs are insured by the FDIC and offer a fixed rate of return, whereas the return and principal value of investment securities fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. Stock Market. Keep in mind that individuals cannot invest directly in any index, and index performance does not include transaction costs or other fees, which will affect actual investment performance. Individual investor's results will vary. This information is not intended as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security referred to herein. Future investment performance cannot be guaranteed, investment yields will fluctuate with market conditions. International investing involves special risks, including currency fluctuations, differing financial accounting standards, and possible political and economic volatility. There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices....
    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    27 Min.
Noch keine Rezensionen vorhanden