Welcome to the Invested Interest Podcast, where Blaise Stevens and Chris Harris, industry experts, dive deep into the financial world to address real concerns faced by real people. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of personal finances and decode the ever-changing market landscape.
The Fed just raised interest rates for the first time in three years, and if you've heard about it at the grocery store checkout (like Chris did), you might be wondering: if everything already costs more, why make borrowing more expensive too? In this episode, Chris Harris and Blaise Stevens break down what the Federal Reserve actually does, in plain English. Chris shares the classroom auction exercise he uses with his students at Elon to explain where inflation really comes from, and why cre...
15 Jul 2026
Private Credit in Your 401(k) and the SpaceX IPO: What the Headlines Aren't Telling You
Private credit is showing up in 401(k) menus, and SpaceX just pulled off the largest IPO in history. Both stories come wrapped in numbers that sound incredible. In this episode, Blaise Stevens and Chris Harris unpack what those numbers actually mean. First, private credit. Chris shares why a conference where nearly every firm pitched the exact same product ("equity-like returns with bond-like risk") raised red flags for him, and Blaise walks through what he found writing SAP's latest blog pos...
8 Apr 2026
Investing in the Future: Understanding Blockchain & Crypto with Corey Petty
In this episode of Invested Interest, host Blaise Stevens, Managing Member at Strategic Advisory Partners, sits down with Corey Petty, Chief Evangelist at Logos, to break down the complex world of cryptocurrency. Whether you are a seasoned wealth manager or a curious individual investor, this conversation provides a roadmap for understanding how digital assets are reshaping the financial landscape. What is Blockchain? The Foundation of Digital Scarcity At its core, blockchain is a distributed...
9 Feb 2026
Big Policy Ideas, Big Consequences: Wealth Taxes, Housing Bans, and Credit Card Caps
Big policy ideas dominate financial headlines, but their real impact is often felt through consequences, incentives, and unintended outcomes. In this episode of Invested Interest, Blaise Stevens, Managing Partner and Wealth Manager, and Chris Harris, Chief Investment Officer and Financial Advisor at Strategic Advisory Partners, share their perspective on several timely policy proposals shaping conversations around money, markets, and personal finance. Throughout the episode, Blaise and Chris ...
21 May 2024
Zombie Companies, Emerging Markets, and the ONE Question to Ask a Financial Advisor Before Investing With Them
In this episode, we start by unpacking the concept of "Zombie Companies." These are businesses that are barely hanging on, managing to pay off the interest on their debts but not the debts themselves. We explore why these companies emerge and the problems they pose for the economy, such as blocking funds that could be more effectively used elsewhere.
Then, we turn our attention to emerging markets. Instead of just focusing on when to invest, we address the common fears and excitement associated with investing in markets that are both new and rapidly changing. Our experts discuss how to find the right balance between caution and eagerness, providing guidance on navigating these dynamic investment landscapes without getting carried away by the hype or deterred by the risks.
We conclude the episode with a crucial piece of advice for anyone working with a financial advisor. There's one critical question you should ask, and if they can't answer it, consider it a major red flag. We keep the question under wraps here—you'll need to tune in to find out—but it's a crucial one for ensuring that your advisor's strategy aligns with your financial objectives.
26 Mar 2024
What Does it Mean to Aim for 80-100% in Retirement?
In this month's episode of the Invested Interest Podcast, we focus on retirement planning and investment strategies. Our goal is to provide listeners with actionable insights and practical advice to help them navigate their financial journey with confidence and clarity.
Throughout the episode, we delve into the fundamental principles of financial planning, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic goals tailored to individual circumstances. We believe that success in financial planning lies in understanding your unique financial situation and crafting a strategy that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
One key strategy we discuss is the concept of setting retirement income targets based on pre-retirement earnings. We explore the idea that aiming for 80 to 100 percent of pre-retirement income can provide a solid foundation for financial security in retirement, while also acknowledging the importance of factors such as debt management and lifestyle choices.
We also examine the temptation to chase high-risk investments or speculative trends, such as cryptocurrencies or individual stocks, and highlight the risks associated with such approaches. Instead, we advocate for a disciplined approach to saving and investing, focusing on building a diversified portfolio that can withstand market volatility and deliver long-term growth.
Throughout the episode, we address common psychological biases that can influence financial decision-making, such as confirmation bias and recency bias, and offer strategies for overcoming these biases to make more informed choices.
Ultimately, our aim is to empower listeners to take control of their financial future by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to make sound financial decisions. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to fine-tune your existing strategy, we invite you to join us on the Invested Interest Podcast as we explore the keys to financial success and security.
29 Feb 2024
Money Moves: Retirement Rules, Tax Tactics, and Bezos' Relocation
In this episode, we explore various aspects of financial planning and investment strategies, starting with the debate surrounding the 4% withdrawal rule in retirement planning. Suze Orman advocates for reducing it to 3% due to inflation concerns, while the creator of the 4% rule, Bengtsson, suggests increasing it to 4.5% or even 4.7% in response to inflation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting withdrawal rates based on market conditions and individual client needs rather than adhering rigidly to a fixed rule. Effective communication between advisors and clients is essential, with advisors tailoring their approach to suit each client's preferences and circumstances.
We then shift gears to discuss the Buffett Indicator, which signals potential overvaluation in the stock market. However, the discussion underscores the importance of considering the broader economic context, including technological advancements and government policies, when evaluating investment strategies. Investors must also factor in their timeline and the advisor's strategy for responding to market changes.
Finally, we delve into Jeff Bezos' recent relocation to Florida and the financial motivations behind this move. By establishing residency in Florida, Bezos, one of the world's wealthiest individuals, can capitalize on the state's lack of income tax, potentially saving millions in taxes. We draw parallels with other high-profile cases like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, highlighting the broader implications of state tax laws on high-income individuals. However, the conversation emphasizes that while tax savings are a consideration, factors such as quality of life and personal connections should not be overlooked when making relocation decisions. Ultimately, it's essential to strike a balance between financial considerations and overall life satisfaction and fulfillment.
9 Nov 2023
Why Do We Keep Printing Money?
In our recent "Invested Interest" podcast discussion, we tackled the complex relationship between rising interest rates and inflation. We explored the purpose behind increasing rates, highlighting their role in encouraging savings and dissuading borrowing as a measure to control inflation. We recognized that the recent influx of newly created money and the mechanics of fractional reserve banking have played their part in elevating inflation rates.
We delved into the Federal Reserve's approach of raising interest rates to temper the expansion of the money supply and slow down the pace of borrowing, all with the intention of managing inflation. During our conversation, we examined how such economic measures affect both consumers and businesses, leading to a cautious stance on borrowing and investment, and a trend towards greater operational efficiency and automation.
We also considered the impact of government stimulus efforts during the pandemic and proposed policies like student loan forgiveness on inflation, noting how they contribute to an increase in the money supply.
Throughout the episode, we discussed the implications of personal finance in the current economic climate, weighing the potential advantages and risks of placing money into savings, bonds, or money market accounts in light of prevailing interest and inflation rates. We concluded that navigating these uncertain economic waters requires a well-thought-out investment strategy, and at times, the expertise of a financial advisor could offer the necessary guidance to make informed decisions for the future.
24 Aug 2023
Do We Have a Stimulus Hangover?
As national credit card debt hits a jaw-dropping milestone, hosts Blaise and Chris delve deep into the heart of this financial quandary. From exploring the historical and societal factors that contributed to this record high to understanding its wider implications on our nation's economic landscape, this episode promises a comprehensive look at the credit card crisis. But it's not all about problems - the duo also sheds light on potential pathways out of this debt dilemma. Tune in to "Invested Interest" for an insightful conversation that's both timely and essential for anyone with a credit card in their wallet.
27 Jul 2023
Addressing Financial Anxiety
In this episode of "Invested Interest," hosts Blaise Stevens and Chris Harris unpack a startling Bankrate survey revealing that over half of respondents feel their finances negatively impact their mental health. Delving into the role of financial advisors and the importance of financial literacy, they explore practical ways to mitigate financial stress and bolster mental well-being. Whether grappling with debt, savings struggles, or general financial uncertainty, this episode provides a refreshingly honest perspective and offers actionable advice to regain financial control. Tune in for an essential discourse on the often-overlooked intersection of finance and mental health.
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