The Scholar Wealth Podcast

We kick off this week's episode with a question from a divorce attorney who listens to help his clients make smarter financial decisions. Stephan shares what really matters when dividing assets like real estate, retirement accounts, and taxable investments... and why equal isn’t always equitable. Next, we hear from a physician couple in their late 30s who just paid off student loans and want to kn...

Thinking about buying a rental property or vacation home? We start this episode with a listener question on whether real estate still makes sense in today’s market. We walk through the impact of high interest rates, what kinds of returns to expect, and when alternatives might be a better fit. Next, we tackle a tricky family planning question: how to handle gifting down payments to children who liv...

Thinking about launching a solo consulting business? We kick off this episode with a listener question about whether to choose a sole proprietorship or LLC—and how that decision affects taxes, liability, and retirement account options like a Solo 401(k). Then we shift gears and tackle a timely economic topic: why the Federal Reserve hasn’t cut interest rates yet, even as inflation cools. We break...

This week on the Scholar Advising Podcast, we’re tackling three client questions about managing wealth for the next generation and preparing for future tax changes. First, we look at how an irrevocable trust can help families lock in today’s higher estate tax exemption before the 2026 sunset—and how to align trust planning with long-term gifting goals. Next, we dive into pre-IPO planning: what to...

This week on the Scholar Advising Podcast, we’re tackling three thoughtful listener questions—each one focused on what to do when your plan, or someone else’s, needs a reset. We start with inflation: if it doesn’t cool down as expected, should you revisit your numbers? We’ll walk through how to adjust spending, allocation, and expectations without derailing your long-term goals. Next, we address h...

What’s the real return on your vacation rental—and how should you plan for taxes, depreciation, and long-term upkeep? In this episode, we talk through how to evaluate income property profitability and when to treat it like a true investment versus a lifestyle asset. Next, we explore what to consider before relocating to a no-income-tax state—including often-missed costs, estate tax rules by state,...

Three physicians. Three very different financial questions. In this episode, we unpack real scenarios from high-income earners navigating career growth, variable income, and burnout. First, we address retirement planning for locum tenens physicians—what options exist when there’s no employer-sponsored plan? Next, we talk strategy with a private practice physician whose income varies with revenue s...

What happens when your net worth is concentrated in a single asset—like a family business—and you want to diversify without triggering a big tax bill? In this episode, we talk through real scenarios from clients navigating legacy planning, lifestyle transitions, and wealth transfer decisions. We cover strategies for reducing concentration risk using gradual sales, ESOPs, and hedging tools like opt...

Sitting on cash, whether in a corporate account or on the sidelines of the market, can feel safe, but is there a more strategic move? In this episode, we chat through real questions from business owners and high-net-worth investors looking to make smarter use of their wealth. From deciding whether to reinvest profits or take a distribution, to reentering the market after sitting in cash, we explor...

Managing wealth after a big payout or a high-earning career isn’t always straightforward. In this episode, we chat through real scenarios from tech founders and medical professionals who are facing complex financial choices. From weighing mortgage payoff against retirement investing to setting up charitable funds, we explore how to prioritize goals while keeping an eye on long-term tax efficiency....

In this episode of the Scholar Wealth Podcast, Stephan Shipe discusses how to strengthen both sides of your financial partnership—at home and with your advisor. He begins with a common concern: one spouse often manages most of the household finances while the other stays less involved. Stephan explains why it’s essential for both partners to understand the family’s financial picture and how simple...

In this episode of the Scholar Wealth Podcast, Stephan Shipe explains the crucial difference between tax planning and tax advice—and how collaboration between your financial advisor and CPA can prevent costly surprises. He outlines when to bring your accountant into the process, how proactive modeling can help hedge against future tax increases, and why complex events like IPOs, business sales, an...

In this episode of the Scholar Wealth Podcast, Stephan Shipe tackles two practical questions that come up often for hands-on investors: Can you just buy the same financial planning software advisors use and do it yourself? Stephan explains where consumer tools fall short, the hidden complexity behind professional financial models, and why the real value of a financial plan isn’t in the software—it...

In this first episode of the Scholar Wealth Podcast, host Stephan Shipe introduces himself, shares the story behind the show, and outlines what listeners can expect each week. With a PhD in finance, years of academic research, and experience advising high-net-worth families, Stephan explains why this podcast was created: to provide clear, expert insights for families facing complex wealth challeng...