Crazy Wealthy Podcast
Crazy Wealthy Podcast

Crazy Wealthy Podcast

Jonathan Blau

Overview
Episodes

Details

Welcome to The Crazy Wealthy Podcast, a resource for understanding and mastering the biases that often lead to short-term personal finance, investing, budgeting and savings decisions and strategies that are counter to our best interests over the long-term. Whether you are a professional, entrepreneur, young adult, retiree, or family looking to protect your current wealth and secure a financially stable future, this podcast provides the latest insights into investor behavior in the context of current trends and current events that may influence investor perceptions of the financial markets and interfere with the ability to make rational wealth planning decisions. Hosted by financial and investor behavior specialist Jonathan Blau, the podcast simplifies the complexities of wealth management and seeks to offer practical, actionable advice listeners can implement immediately. Each episode covers topics ranging from money management and investor behavior fundamentals to prudent investment strategies, equipping listeners with the knowledge and tools needed to build, grow, protect and be comfortable with their wealth. The podcast covers essential financial topics and behaviors that may help listeners increase the odds of achieving their financial goals. It also breaks down complex financial news and market updates, keeping listeners informed and empowered and helping them to learn not to reflect any fears or euphoria incited by the news by altering their financial plans or portfolios in response. Whether building wealth early in a career, navigating the financial challenges of entrepreneurship, or preparing for a comfortable retirement and family legacy, the thought-provoking insights offered guide listeners every step of the way. Designed to be relatable and practical, The Crazy Wealthy Podcast caters to all financial experience levels. The podcast presents financial concepts clearly and concisely, endeavouring to enable listeners to take actionable steps immediately. It seeks to provide the tools and knowledge necessary for informed financial decisions that lead to empowerment and minimize the negative influence that human biases and emotions often have on financial decisions. Listeners can gain straightforward financial and behavioral investment counseling insights, learn how to develop a personal financial plan, discover wealth-building strategies, and stay current with the latest financial news and trends, especially in the context of behavioral finance. In depth interviews with top professionals in the financial and behavioral finance industry, current investors and others provide valuable perspectives and proven tactics for financial success. Whether planning for retirement, managing family finances, or growing a business, The Crazy Wealthy Podcast can serve as a trusted resource for achieving financial freedom. Subscribe today and take the first step toward a more secure financial future! About the Host Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, a financial advisory firm he founded in November 2013. Behavioral finance is an important aspect of his business and he brings a thought-provoking perspective and clarity to his work with clients by seeking to teach them how to consistently make rational money decisions under conditions of uncertainty. Jonathan is a sought-after speaker for podcasts and media publications, bringing a fresh wealth management and investing perspective shaped by insights from the world of behavioral finance. His insights and clarity on working with clients make him a distinguished voice in the field, illuminating and demystifying the complexities of financial decision making. Jonathan honed his planning and technical skills during his tenure as a senior tax and estate planning specialist in the Tax and Family Wealth Planning division of Arthur Andersen from 1992 to 1996. In his free time Jonathan enjoys boating. DISCLOSURE: https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures

Recent Episodes

Ep 4 - Financial and Life Survival Strategies with a Special Ops Veteran Chadwick Ford: Tactics for Overcoming Biases in Wealth and Warfare
FEB 4, 2025
Ep 4 - Financial and Life Survival Strategies with a Special Ops Veteran Chadwick Ford: Tactics for Overcoming Biases in Wealth and Warfare

In this episode, Jonathan sits down with Chadwick Ford, a special ops veteran and founder of Elysium Aero, to explore the striking parallels between military strategy and financial planning. Chad shares his distinguished military background and reveals how risk assessment, adaptability, and mission-focused discipline apply just as much to the battlefield as they do to building long-term financial security. They dive into the nuances of known and unknown risks, the importance of learning from history rather than just knowing it, and the necessity of removing emotions from decision-making. Chad discusses how trust in the architect of a plan—whether in combat or wealth management—can be the difference between failure and success. This conversation is a must-listen for those looking to approach their financial future with the same strategic precision as an elite military operation.

 IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [1:41] Chad shares his distinguished military background, and he compares financial investing with a deployed environment
  • [12:30] Risk management, known and unknown, known and the known unknown and the unknown-unknown when executing strategic planning
  • [18:00] Not just knowing history but learning from it
  • [26:23] Training to stay on mission and removing emotions from decision making plus trusting the architect of the plan
  • [35:44] Chad talks about a couple of close calls, and Jonathan makes his financial comparisons
  • [43:14] Chad shares the firm he founded, Elysium Aero and describes its purpose
  • [45:47] Jon and Amy recap this episode!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Military and financial planning share strategic parallels. Both require mission-oriented planning, risk assessment, and disciplined decision-making to navigate uncertainties and achieve long-term success.
  • Risk management is essential. As reconnaissance reduces battlefield uncertainty, financial tools like insurance and diversification safeguard against unexpected setbacks.
  • Success comes from adaptability. Understanding history, assessing risks, and evolving strategies are key to long-term financial and warfare success.

RESOURCE LINKS 

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Johathan Blau - LinkedIn

Elysium Aero - Website

Chadwick Ford - LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

Chadwick Ford is the President and CEO of Elysium Aero Consulting & Solutions,

a firm focused on providing innovative leadership development, strategic

planning and consulting services to help businesses excel in today’s competitive

market. Through customized programs and military-inspired strategic frameworks,

Ford’s firm empowers organizations to overcome challenges, drive sustainable

growth, and strengthen their leadership capabilities.

Please Note: No individual has been provided nor promised any direct or indirect economic benefit for sharing Fusion podcasts/articles/opinions. No post should be construed as any assurance that a reader will find the podcast/article/opinion beneficial.

Please click below for important disclosure information.

https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures


ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

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53 MIN
Fix It Friday Ep. 6 - Beware Allowing the Illusion of Predictive Value to Influence Portfolio Decisions!
JAN 31, 2025
Fix It Friday Ep. 6 - Beware Allowing the Illusion of Predictive Value to Influence Portfolio Decisions!

Welcome to Fusion Fix-It Fridays, the podcast that simplifies financial strategies to help you make smarter decisions. Hosted by Jonathan Blau, CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, each episode dives into common biases that impact our financial choices—and how to fix them. Today, Jonathan tackles the illusion of predictive value, a bias that leads us to overestimate the reliability of predictions, including those made by experts. He shares real-world examples, practical advice on making portfolio decisions, and insights into what separates successful investors from those who fall short. Plus, don’t miss Jonathan’s favorite quote on the pitfalls of overconfidence. Let’s get started!

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [1:04] Jonathan’s topic is the bias called the illusion of predictive value.
  • [2:56] Jonathan shares a story supporting the bias 
  • [5:31] Jonathan advises when portfolio decisions should be made and describes successful and unsuccessful investors
  • [8:25] Jonathan shares his favorite quote on predictive value

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Overestimating the reliability of our own or others’ predictions, particularly those of experts, often leads to poor decisions. The defining characteristic about the future is that there are no facts about it, making predictions inherently unreliable.
  • Successful investors stick to long-term goals and plans, avoiding reactive changes based on short-term market performance, current events, or expert predictions. Adjusting portfolios should only happen when personal circumstances or goals change.
  • Studies, such as those by Phil Tetlock, show that expert forecasts are correct about 49% of the time, akin to a coin flip. Moreover, the most famous or confident-sounding experts often have the least accurate predictions.

ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

RESOURCE LINKS 

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Jonathan Blau - LinkedIn


Please Note: No individual has been provided nor promised any direct or indirect economic benefit for sharing Fusion podcasts/articles/opinions. No post should be construed as any assurance that a reader will find the podcast/article/opinion beneficial. Please click below for important disclosure information.

https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures


Bias, Predictions, Investing, Fusion Family Wealth, Portfolio, Financial Planning, Expert Forecasts, Illusion Of Predictive Value, Long-Term Goals, Decision-Making, Market Performance, Overconfidence, Successful Investors, Planning-Driven Strategies, Economic Trends, Investor Psychology

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10 MIN
Fix It Friday Ep. 5 - The Myth of The Risk of Stocks
JAN 17, 2025
Fix It Friday Ep. 5 - The Myth of The Risk of Stocks

Welcome to Fusion Fix-It Fridays, the podcast that simplifies financial strategies, hosted by Jonathan Blau, CEO of Fusion Family Wealth. In today’s episode, Jonathan tackles “The Myth of the Risk of Stocks.” Drawing on over 30 years of experience, he challenges the common fear that investing in stocks jeopardizes retirement savings. Instead, Jonathan explains why the real risk lies in inflation eroding purchasing power—what he calls "the disease of money." You’ll learn how long-term investments in great companies, like those in the S&P 500, can outpace inflation, while bonds, often considered “safe,” may diminish wealth over time. If you’ve ever wondered how to make smarter investment choices, this episode is for you. Let’s get started!

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [0:21] Jonathan’s topic is the myth of the risk of stocks
  • [2:00] Investors selling into a temporary decline because of fear of risk
  • [4:51] Bonds freeze the value of your dollar during inflation
  • [10:02] Jonathan’s recommendations
  • [13:07] Becoming antifragile and fighting “this time is different”

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The "risk of stocks" is often misunderstood. Long-term investments in diversified portfolios, like the S&P 500, are not inherently risky if left to grow through temporary market declines. Instead, the absolute risk lies in failing to protect purchasing power against inflation, which bonds cannot adequately do.
  • Stocks vs. Bonds Misconception: Conventional wisdom often misrepresents stocks as risky and bonds as safe. However, over the long term, stocks consistently outpace inflation, protecting and growing purchasing power, while bonds risk eroding it due to fixed returns and inflation.
  • The Psychological Barrier: Investors' fear of stock market volatility often stems from psychological misconceptions rather than historical evidence. By selling during temporary declines, they create permanent losses, highlighting the need for a shift in mindset to embrace long-term growth.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

RESOURCE LINKS 

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Jonathan Blau - LinkedIn

DISCLAIMER

Please Note: No individual has been provided nor promised any direct or indirect economic benefit for sharing Fusion podcasts/articles/opinions. No post should be construed as any assurance that a reader will find the podcast/article/opinion beneficial. Please click below for important disclosure information.

https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures

Risk, Inflation, Purchasing Power, Fusion Family Wealth, Investment, Wealth Management, Behavioral Finance, Behavioral Investment Counseling, Investor Behavior, Stocks, Bonds, Volatility, Safety, Growth, Wealth, Psychology, Diversification

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17 MIN
Ep 3 - Resilience in Financial Adversity: Fred Gold's Recipe For Lasting Happiness After Catastrophic Financial Loss
JAN 7, 2025
Ep 3 - Resilience in Financial Adversity: Fred Gold's Recipe For Lasting Happiness After Catastrophic Financial Loss

In this insightful episode, Jonathan sits down with his father-in-law, Fred Gold, a seasoned CPA and business advisor with over 40 years of experience, including a distinguished tenure as a Partner at Arthur Andersen LLP. Together, they explore Fred’s financial journey, the cognitive biases that influence decision-making, and the lessons learned from overcoming challenges like regret aversion and familiarity bias. Beyond financial insights, the conversation delves into the importance of family values, the distinction between eulogy and resume virtues, and Fred’s perspective on living without regrets. Stay tuned as Jonathan concludes with a heartfelt discussion with his wife, Amy, reflecting on her father’s enduring wisdom.

 IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [2:08] Fred shares his financial business journey
  • [5:22] Making a financial decision based on cognitive biases
  • [12:10] Discussion of regret aversion bias and overcoming a bad decision
  • [20:08] Discussion of internal benchmarks and the importance of integrity
  • [26:08] Fred discusses a pivotal decision in his career
  • [29:35] Fred shares that he has no regrets in life, and Jonathan visits with Amy, his wife and Fred’s daughter, about how the conversation went with her father

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Cognitive biases, such as familiarity and recency, can distort financial decisions. To minimize risks and regret, evaluate decisions objectively, consider worst-case scenarios, and diversify investments.
  • Biases like familiarity, recency, and regret aversion can skew financial decisions. To avoid pitfalls, evaluate risks objectively, consider outcomes, and use strategies like diversification or stop-loss measures.
  • Living by internal benchmarks fosters authentic happiness and meaningful success. Prioritizing family, values, and character over societal metrics leads to fulfillment. Treating everyone respectfully highlights the timeless importance of integrity in life and work.

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Fred spent 40+ years as a CPA and business advisor, primarily as a Partner at Arthur Andersen LLP. He led the Long Island practice and managed the enterprise audit practice in Metro New York, earning clients' trust as their most trusted advisor.

ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.

RESOURCE LINKS 

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Johathan Blau - LinkedIn

Fred Gold - LinkedIn


Please Note: No individual has been provided nor promised any direct or indirect economic benefit for sharing Fusion podcasts/articles/opinions. No post should be construed as any assurance that a reader will find the podcast/article/opinion beneficial.

Please click below for important disclosure information.

https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures

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37 MIN
Fix It Friday Ep. 4 - Seeking Certainty: The Investor’s Paradox
DEC 27, 2024
Fix It Friday Ep. 4 - Seeking Certainty: The Investor’s Paradox

Welcome to Fusion Fix-It Fridays, hosted by Jonathan Blau, CEO of Fusion Family Wealth. In today’s episode, Jonathan dives into the uncertainty trap—the harmful reliance on financial predictions that many investors pursue to find certainty about their financial future. He explores how the financial industry has shifted from selling products to selling advice and how this advice often feeds the illusion that certainty can be bought. Jonathan will explain why financial forecasts are frequently unreliable and how investors should focus on preparation rather than prediction to navigate the unpredictable nature of the markets. Listen to Jonathan’s insights on avoiding the uncertainty trap and taking a more resilient investment approach.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [0:21] Jonathan’s topic is financial predictions and the inevitable uncertainty
  • [2:04] Firms are selling the illusion of certainty regarding consumer investments
  • [3:00] Beware of financial predictions and instead work on the preparation for the uncertainty 
  • [8:22] Discussion of the Bond Market, which will be less favorable
  • [9:31] Bottom-line investment advice


KEY TAKEAWAYS:


  • The financial industry's reliance on predictions to sell advice and products perpetuates the illusion of certainty, which cannot be achieved. Forecasts about market timing or economic performance with studies showing their accuracy are no better than chance. Investors often fall into the "uncertainty trap" by prioritizing predictions over sound financial preparation.
  • Relying on financial forecasts, especially those from seemingly credible and articulate forecasters, is often counterproductive, as their accuracy is comparable to a coin flip. Instead of seeking predictions, investors should focus on preparation and resilience to navigate unprecedented events and uncertainty effectively.
  • The idea that uncertainty can be heightened at specific times is misleading because uncertainty is constantly inherent in every moment. Media narratives suggesting otherwise can create unnecessary caution and anxiety for investors. Recognizing that ever-present uncertainty helps foster a more grounded and resilient investment approach.


ABOUT THE HOST: Jonathan is the President and CEO of Fusion Family Wealth, founded in 2013 to focus on behavioral finance and guide clients toward rational financial decisions. A sought-after speaker in wealth management, Jonathan previously held senior roles in tax and estate planning at Arthur Andersen. He has a BS in Finance, an MS in Taxation, and an MBA in Accounting. Based on Long Island, Jonathan is active in the local business community, supports causes like the Middle Market Alliance and Sunrise Day Camp, and enjoys boating with his family.


RESOURCE LINKS 

Fusion Family Wealth - Website

Jonathan Blau - LinkedIn


Please Note: No individual has been provided nor promised any direct or indirect economic benefit for sharing Fusion podcasts/articles/opinions. No post should be construed as any assurance that a reader will find the podcast/article/opinion beneficial. Please click below for important disclosure information.


https://www.fusionfamilywealth.com/disclosures


Uncertainty, Financial Predictions, Preparation, Fusion Family Wealth, Investment, Wealth Management, Behavioral Finance, Behavioral Investment Counseling, Investor Behavior, Illusion of Certainty, Financial Forecasts, Market Timing, Financial Planning, Investor Resilience, Economic Trends, Media Narratives

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12 MIN