You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. RFG Advisory, the Birmingham, Ala.-based hybrid RIA platform with more than $7.5 billion in client assets, has made its first majority acquisition with platform RIA RVA Wealth Management, a Richmond, Va.-based firm managing over $320 million in client assets.  According to RFG leadership, the transaction to bring RVA on as the firm's first W-2 advisory is not a shift in strategy toward tha ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the financial challenges faced by a couple, Jeff and Susan, despite their high income, emphasizing the impact of percentage-based advisory fees on their wealth accumulation [6][8][9] - Ramit Sethi advocates for flat advisory fees as a more beneficial option for clients, arguing that percentage-based fees can lead to significantly higher costs as assets grow [2][28] Group 1: Financial Advisory Fees - Jeff and Susan currently pay approximately $6,000 annually in advisory fees, which is expected to increase to around $2,054 monthly over the next 35 years due to the 1.24% fee on their growing portfolio [9][8] - Sethi highlights that percentage-based fees can accumulate to substantial amounts over time, with an example showing that their advisor's fee could total $863,170 if no further contributions are made to their accounts [8][9] - The article suggests that clients should consider switching to flat-fee advisors to avoid escalating costs associated with percentage-based fees [28][29] Group 2: Psychological and Behavioral Aspects - Sethi points out that financial anxiety can affect spending habits, regardless of income level, indicating that individuals may struggle with money management even as their earnings increase [4][3] - The couple's financial behavior is influenced by their backgrounds, with Susan's upbringing affecting her spending decisions, particularly regarding her children [3][4] Group 3: Investment Strategies - The article recommends that Jeff and Susan consider investing in low-cost ETFs or index funds to reduce fees while achieving similar returns compared to their current advisory setup [10][29] - It also suggests diversifying their portfolio by exploring alternative assets, such as commercial real estate, to enhance risk management and potential returns [14][20]

For higher earners approaching or already in retirement, withdrawal planning often becomes more complex, not less. Large account balances, multiple income sources and years of tax deferral can create complications when withdrawals begin. Find Out: 6 Key Signs You’ll Run Out of Retirement Funds Too Early Read Next: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K per Month From Home Financial advisors who specialize in high-earning retirees say the biggest risks are rarely market crashes or overspending. Unde ...

Investment Strategies - Building a resilient portfolio requires diversification across multiple asset classes, including real estate, fixed-income opportunities, and precious metals, to manage risk and capture steady returns [1] - Platforms like Public allow investors to create customized indices and access various investment options, enhancing control and transparency in wealth growth [12] Legal and Regulatory Developments - The Department of Justice charged 15 individuals and three cryptocurrency companies with fraud and market manipulation related to a fake token created by the FBI, highlighting ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the cryptocurrency space [3] - The FBI warned users against sharing personal information related to a token being sent to cryptocurrency holders, indicating potential scams targeting crypto wallets [5] Emerging Technologies and Innovations - Rad AI offers an opportunity for investors to participate in early-stage AI innovation with a minimum investment of $1,000, focusing on transforming data into actionable insights [6] - Paladin Power is addressing energy independence with a solid-state graphene battery technology, generating $185 million in contracted revenue since its launch in 2023 [7] - EnergyX is developing lithium extraction technology that can recover over 90% of lithium in days, supported by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy [17] - Global Air Cylinder Wheels is innovating with an airless mechanical wheel designed to replace traditional tires, targeting the $5 billion global mining tire market [18] Real Estate Investment Opportunities - Arrived Homes allows investors to buy fractional shares of real estate starting at $100, making real estate investing accessible to everyday investors [9] - BAM Capital focuses on institutional-grade multifamily real estate, with over $1.85 billion in completed transactions, targeting income and long-term growth [19] Financial Advisory Services - Finance Advisors connects individuals with fiduciary financial advisors specializing in tax-aware retirement planning, emphasizing long-term financial outcomes [11] - Money Pickle offers a platform for users to connect with vetted fiduciary financial advisors for personalized financial guidance without upfront costs [13]

Investment Strategies - Building a resilient portfolio requires diversification across multiple asset classes, including real estate, fixed-income opportunities, and precious metals, to manage risk and capture steady returns [1] - Investors are increasingly looking for platforms that provide access to various investment opportunities, including self-directed retirement accounts [1] Market Insights - Robert Kiyosaki is investing in oil wells, predicting a rise in crude prices due to geopolitical tensions, specifically the U.S.-Israel war on Iran [2] - Kiyosaki's price targets for gold, Bitcoin, and Ethereum suggest potential upside of 700%, 964%, and 4,360%, respectively, amid rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions [3] Emerging Technologies - Paladin Power is addressing energy independence with a solid-state graphene battery technology, generating $185 million in contracted revenue since its launch in 2023 [5] - Immersed is a pre-IPO technology company focused on AI and spatial computing, expanding into hardware with its own XR headset and AI tools [6] - EnergyX is developing lithium extraction technology that can recover over 90% of lithium in days, supported by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy [15] - Global Air Cylinder Wheels is creating an airless mechanical wheel designed to replace traditional tires, targeting the $5 billion mining tire market with a fully recyclable system [16] Real Estate Investment - Arrived Homes allows investors to buy fractional shares of real estate starting at $100, making real estate investing accessible to everyday investors [7][8] - BAM Capital focuses on institutional-grade multifamily real estate, with over $1.85 billion in completed transactions, targeting income and long-term growth [17] Financial Advisory Services - Finance Advisors connects individuals with fiduciary financial advisors specializing in tax-aware retirement planning, emphasizing long-term tax efficiency [10] - Money Pickle offers a platform for users to connect with vetted fiduciary financial advisors for personalized financial guidance without upfront costs [12] - AdviserMatch helps individuals find financial advisors based on their specific goals and financial situations, streamlining the process of obtaining professional advice [14] Alternative Investments - Masterworks enables fractional ownership of blue-chip art, providing access to an alternative asset class with historically low correlation to traditional investments [9] - Atari is launching the first-ever Atari Hotel, offering investors a chance to own a stake in a gaming and entertainment destination with targeted returns of 15% preferred return and a projected 5.8x multiple [13]

Group 1 - Willis Towers Watson Public Limited Company (NASDAQ: WTW) is recognized as one of the best stocks to buy according to billionaire Seth Klarman, who has consistently held this stock in his fund's portfolio since early 2021 [1] - The Baupost Group's stake in WTW has been reduced from approximately 2.5 million shares to 1.36 million shares, but the fund increased its holding by 25% between October and December 2025 compared to the previous quarter [1] - WTW represents the third-largest position in Baupost's portfolio, accounting for 8.45% of the 13F portfolio [1] Group 2 - WTW is not widely known but is favored by value investors seeking long-term growth, aligning with Klarman's contrarian value investing philosophy [2] - Klarman emphasizes that out-of-favor securities may be undervalued, while popular securities are often overvalued due to optimistic expectations [2] Group 3 - WTW operates as an advisory, broking, and solutions company globally, providing strategy and design consulting, plan management services, and broking for health and group benefit programs [3]

Core Viewpoint - A San Antonio-based financial advisor, Brooklynn Chandler Willy, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of investment fraud, facing significant prison time for defrauding clients of millions of dollars [2][5]. Group 1: Background and Professional History - Willy owned Queen B Advisors, also known as Texas Financial Advisory, which provided asset management and financial planning services [2]. - She registered with the SEC in 2014 and had previous employment at Global Financial Private Capital and J.W. Cole Financial Advisors, where she was terminated for policy violations [3]. Group 2: Fraudulent Activities - In 2018, Willy recommended a married couple invest in Ferrum Capital, and in 2021, she advised them to invest an additional $500,000 in another Ferrum entity, which was later revealed to be a scam [4][5]. - Willy misappropriated the $500,000 investment for personal expenses, including credit card payments and obligations to other investors [5]. - She also persuaded a separated couple to invest approximately $2 million in an associate's company, falsely claiming the funds would be used for legitimate investments [6]. - Additional clients were convinced to invest $75,000 and $600,000 in purportedly legitimate business ventures, which Willy also diverted for her own benefit [7]. Group 3: Legal Consequences - The Department of Justice is prosecuting Willy, and her co-defendants, Joshua Allen and Michael Cox, are facing jury trials for their roles in the alleged Ponzi scheme [5]. - Willy attempted to obstruct the investigation by forging client signatures and submitting falsified documents to federal authorities [7].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of asking specific questions when meeting with a financial advisor to ensure a good fit and to uncover valuable information that can aid in financial planning [2]. Group 1: Key Questions for Financial Advisors - **How Do You Get Paid?** This question is highlighted as crucial, as it reveals the advisor's compensation structure, which can influence the recommendations made to clients. Fee-only, commission-based, and fee-based advisors have different payment models that clients should understand [3][4]. - **How Can We Simplify Our Finances?** Advisors suggest that clients inquire about ways to streamline their financial accounts and investments, which can reduce complexity and improve management efficiency [4]. - **What Is Your Investment Philosophy?** Aligning the investment philosophies of both the client and the advisor is essential for effective financial planning, making this a significant question for clients to ask [5]. Group 2: Tax Considerations - **How Do You Help Me Save on Taxes?** Taxes are identified as a major expense in financial planning, and advisors stress the importance of incorporating tax strategies into overall financial planning. Understanding the interaction between income, equity compensation, and investments can lead to better long-term financial outcomes [6][7].

Market Insights - Bitcoin's market structure is improving, with sustained strength above $70,000 being crucial for a potential rise towards the $78,000–$82,000 range, driven primarily by spot market demand rather than leveraged speculation [1] - STRC's share issuance accounts for around 64% of funding, but its dominance is declining as it gains traction, increasing from zero to approximately 8% [2] Investment Opportunities - Paladin Power has generated $185 million in contracted revenue since its launch in 2023, addressing energy independence with a non-lithium, solid-state graphene battery technology [5] - Elf Labs controls over 500 trademarks and copyrights, generating over $15 million in royalties and expanding licensing into more than 30 countries, with a valuation growth exceeding 1,600% in under two years [6] - Immersed is a pre-IPO technology company focused on AI and spatial computing, allowing retail investors to participate in its funding round [8] - Arrived Homes enables fractional real estate investing starting at $100, making it accessible for everyday investors [9] - Masterworks offers fractional ownership of blue-chip art, providing diversification into an alternative asset class with historically low correlation to traditional markets [10] - EnergyX is focused on lithium extraction with a technology that can recover over 90% of lithium in days, backed by General Motors and a $5 million grant [17] - GACW is developing an airless mechanical wheel for heavy-duty applications, targeting the $5 billion global mining tire market with a fully recyclable system [18] - BAM Capital provides accredited investors access to institutional-grade multifamily real estate, with over $1.85 billion in completed transactions [19] Financial Services - Finance Advisors connects individuals with fiduciary financial advisors specializing in tax-aware retirement planning, emphasizing long-term tax efficiency [11] - Public is a multi-asset investing platform that allows users to invest in various asset classes, including stocks and crypto, with innovative features like AI-generated investment indices [12] - Money Pickle helps users connect with fiduciary financial advisors for personalized financial guidance without upfront costs [13] - AdviserMatch is a free tool that matches individuals with financial advisors based on their specific needs and goals [16] Emerging Technologies - Rad AI offers AI technology that transforms data into actionable insights, allowing investors to participate in early-stage AI innovation [4]

Investment Strategies - Building a resilient portfolio requires diversification across multiple asset classes, including real estate, fixed-income opportunities, and precious metals, to manage risk and create long-term wealth [1] - Platforms like Public allow investors to access various investment options, including stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, while providing tools for informed decision-making [12] Cryptocurrency Market Insights - Ethereum is currently viewed as potentially entering a "long-term bottom," suggesting it may be a good time for accumulation for investors with a 12-24 month horizon [3] - The MVRV Ratio for Ethereum has dropped into the 0.8 – 1.0 range, historically indicating a "Buy Zone" and potential for significant price appreciation [4] AI and Technology Investments - Rad AI offers investors a chance to participate in early-stage AI innovation with a minimum investment of $1,000, targeting high-performing content creation [5] - Immersed is a pre-IPO technology company focusing on AI and spatial computing, allowing retail investors to participate in its growth [8] Real Estate Investment Opportunities - Arrived Homes enables fractional real estate investments starting at $100, making it accessible for everyday investors to diversify into real estate [9] - BAM Capital focuses on institutional-grade multifamily real estate, targeting income and long-term growth in the Midwest markets with over $1.85 billion in completed transactions [18] Energy Sector Innovations - Paladin Power is addressing energy independence with a non-lithium, solid-state graphene battery technology, generating $185 million in contracted revenue since its launch in 2023 [6] - EnergyX is developing efficient lithium extraction technology, aiming to meet the growing demand for lithium in electric vehicles and energy storage [16] Entertainment and IP Investments - Elf Labs controls over 500 trademarks tied to iconic characters, generating over $15 million in royalties and expanding licensing into 30+ countries [7] - Atari is launching the first-ever Atari Hotel, offering investors a chance to own a stake in a gaming and entertainment destination with targeted returns of 15% preferred return [14]