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Most business owners think the path to growth is doing more — but what if that mindset is actually holding you back? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, co-host John Williams is joined by David McGhee, a Business Performance Coach with over 20 years of experience helping six-figure business owners scale to seven figures — without burning out. David shares why focusing less on growth can actually accelerate it, and how aligning your vision, leadership, and daily operations is the real key to breaking through plateaus. In this episode, you will learn: Why high performers often confuse activity with real progress — and how to fix it.How shifting from “goals” to “targets” can improve execution and reduce frustration.The three biggest mistakes business owners make when trying to scale.Why money is a mechanism — not the end goal — and how to align your business with what truly matters.How shorter work cycles (like 6-week sprints) can dramatically improve productivity and results.The difference between coaching, mentoring, training, and teaching — and which one you actually needAnd more!Tune in to learn how to break through growth ceilings, reclaim your time, and build a business that supports your life — not consumes it. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | coachdavemcghee.com  | @CoachDaveMcGhee | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

After discovering a community of 470,000 single parents, one expert realized something surprising: no one was teaching the practical side of doing it alone. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis is joined by Pat Hankin, business professional, parenting expert, and author of The Field Guide for Single Parents — a practical, no-fluff resource designed to help solo parents navigate the real-world challenges of money, time, and support systems. In this episode, you will learn: Why time and money are deeply connected — and how understanding the value of your time can transform your financial decisions.How to build a “composite partner” by creating systems and support networks that replace what a second adult might typically provide.The financial realities of separation, including why expenses don’t simply get cut in half — and how to adjust your mindset accordingly.Practical tools and strategies to reduce overwhelm, track your responsibilities, and regain a sense of control and agency.And more!Tune in for a candid, empowering conversation on navigating single parenthood with confidence, letting go of perfection, and recognizing the strength and skills you already have. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | pathankin.com | The Field Guide for Single Parents | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Most renters accept the listed price — but what if that’s your biggest mistake? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, co-host John Williams is joined by Justin Pogue, founder of Rental Secrets, to uncover how renters can better understand landlord psychology — and use it to their advantage. In this episode, you will learn: Why landlords are highly motivated to fill vacancies — and how that creates opportunity for renters.How leasing agents create urgency (and how to avoid falling into that trap).Why “market rent” isn’t as objective as it sounds — and how to find better comps.Practical negotiation strategies that can help renters save thousands over the life of a lease.And more!Tune in to uncover how shifting your mindset — from tenant to informed negotiator — can completely change your rental experience and put real money back in your pocket. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | Rental Secrets | rentalsecrets.net | [email protected] | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

America’s aging population is creating one of the most powerful demographic trends of the next two decades — and it’s reshaping opportunities in real estate. But senior living is far more complex than traditional multifamily investing. From staffing challenges to operational improvements and investor structures, understanding the sector requires a unique blend of healthcare expertise and real estate strategy. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, host Marc Bautis is joined by Radhika Rastogi, Co-Founder of Relik Capital Group, a senior-living real estate investment firm focused on acquiring and repositioning underperforming senior living communities. In this episode, you will learn: Why demographics are creating massive demand for senior living — and why supply hasn’t kept up.How senior living investments differ from traditional multifamily real estate, including unique revenue streams like level-of-care fees.The strategy behind repositioning underperforming senior living communities to improve operations, occupancy, and investor returns.How syndication deals are structured, including preferred returns, refinancing strategies, and capital return timelines for investors.The biggest risks in senior living investments, including staffing challenges and legal considerations.And more!Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how senior living communities operate as both healthcare environments and real estate investments — and why many investors are beginning to pay attention to this rapidly growing asset class. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | www.relikcapitalgroup.com | Connect with Radhika Rastogi on LinkedIn | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

What if the best way to solve problems… is to stop them from happening in the first place? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, the Bautis Financial team discusses another book in their Book Club series: Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath. Through real-world examples and insights from the book, the team explores why organizations often get stuck reacting to problems instead of preventing them — and what it takes to shift toward upstream thinking. In this episode, we discuss: Why many problems persist due to the “diffusion of responsibility” — and how assigning clear ownership is critical to preventing recurring issues.How “tunneling” keeps individuals and organizations stuck in reactive mode, constantly solving urgent problems without addressing the root causes upstream.Why changing outcomes often requires redesigning systems — not just asking people within those systems to work harder or behave differently.How identifying leverage points, early warning signals and meaningful metrics can help organizations detect problems sooner and measure whether prevention efforts are truly working.And more!Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how upstream thinking can lead to better decision-making, stronger systems and fewer crises — whether you’re running a business, managing a team or simply trying to improve processes in your everyday life. Resources:  Episode Transcript & Blog | Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

What happens when systems designed to succeed are actually built to fail? In today’s episode, we explore why growth-at-all-costs can undermine even the most well-intentioned organizations. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by Eugene Theodore, strategist, former photojournalist, and author of Built to Collapse, to uncover the hidden forces shaping modern business, innovation, and leadership. In this episode, you will learn: Why hard work alone isn’t enough — and how the systems around us often determine success or failure.How innovation and growth can backfire when metrics and incentives aren’t aligned with long-term sustainability.The risks of adopting technology trends, like AI, without considering systemic consequences.Three guiding principles — be of service, be sustainable, be of significance — that can help individuals and organizations thrive.And more!Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the unseen pressures in business, the consequences of short-term thinking, and practical insights for creating lasting impact in your work and life. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | eugenetheodore.com | Built to Collapse | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Perfection is a trap. Excellence is a system. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, host Marc Bautis is joined by Stanley Bronstein — attorney, CPA, life coach, and creator of The Way of Excellence — to explore the powerful difference between perfection and excellence, and why that distinction can transform your health, wealth, and life. After losing more than 220 pounds and maintaining that transformation for nearly 17 years, Stanley shares the mindset shift that made lasting change possible — and how the same principles apply to financial success, personal growth, and long-term fulfillment. In this episode, you will learn: Why perfection is a losing strategy.The “Beat Yesterday” philosophy.Four simple daily habits that drive long-term transformation.How to break the all-or-nothing cycle.And more!Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, human capital, compounding habits, and why your past does not define your future. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | thewayofexcellence.com/ | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Affordable housing. Durable cash flow. And an asset class that historically outperformed during recessions. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by Leo Young, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Communities, a real estate investment firm focused on acquiring and operating manufactured housing communities across the United States. With experience spanning more than $75 million in transactions — and a career path that includes working at Tesla and on the acquisitions team of a $4.5 billion private equity fund — Leo shares why he chose a niche many investors overlook: mobile home parks. He explains how this asset class blends affordability, impact and strong risk-adjusted returns, and why it may deserve a closer look in today’s volatile market. In this episode, you will learn: Why manufactured housing communities often perform well during recessions.How the business model works.What makes this asset class attractive for passive investors.How Leo’s background as a first-generation immigrant shaped his money beliefs, risk tolerance and entrepreneurial drive.And more!Tune in for a deep dive into the economics of manufactured housing, insights on private equity-style real estate investing, and a powerful conversation about resilience, opportunity and building wealth with purpose. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | cornellcommunities.com | LinkedIn: Leo Young | Instagram: @leoyoungrealestate | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Most people assume Medicare will cover long-term care — until they discover, often too late, that it won’t. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams sits down with Raymond Lavine, founder of Lavine LTC Benefits, to unpack one of the most misunderstood areas of financial planning: long-term care. From defining what long-term care actually means to exploring where care is delivered, how it’s paid for, and why planning ahead creates more control and dignity, this conversation cuts through common misconceptions. In this episode, you will learn: Long-term care is about caregiving, not healthcare.Care doesn’t only happen in nursing homes.Medicare coverage is limited and often misunderstood.Planning ahead creates options — waiting removes them.Long-term care planning is about dignity and quality of life.And more!Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | www.lavineltcins.com | 275-609-0001 | Raymond Lavine on Facebook | Raymond Lavine on LinkedIn | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Do you really need a banker in an era of digital banking, AI, and one-click financial tools? And if so, what kind of banker actually makes a difference for your business? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, host Marc Bautis is joined by Walt Postlewait, a longtime banking and credit risk leader with more than 20 years of experience in commercial lending, financial innovation, and access to capital. Walt is the Co-Founder of Portfolio Watch and Chief Credit Officer at MStreetX, and over his career he has helped deploy more than $600 million to support small businesses, real estate, and economic development. Together, Marc and Walt unpack the evolving role of bankers, why relationships still matter in lending, and how community banks continue to play a critical role for business owners — even in an increasingly digital world. In this episode, you will learn: Why small business owners still need a banker — and why that relationship should be built long before you need a loan.The key differences between community banks, national banks, and digital platforms, and where each one has an edge.How community banks evaluate loans differently, including why local decision-making and business context can change outcomes.How technology and AI are improving the lending process, from fraud detection to smarter loan monitoring after funding.What business owners should focus on to work on their business, not just in it, and why strategic thinking impacts long-term value.And more!Tune in for a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how lending decisions are really made, why relationships still matter in finance, and how business owners can position themselves for smarter, more flexible access to capital — even as banking continues to evolve. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | Walt Postlewait on LinkedIn | Portfolio Watch on LinkedIn | portfoliowatch.co | Email: [email protected] | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

As wealth transfers across generations, cybercriminals are positioning themselves to intercept it. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, host Marc Bautis is joined by Robert Siciliano, one of the nation’s most trusted authorities on cybersecurity, identity theft, and fraud prevention. Robert is a private investigator, Certified Speaking Professional, bestselling author, and the creator of The Strategic Human Firewall™. You’ve likely seen him on CNN, MSNBC, Fox, or The Today Show, helping millions understand how cybercriminals think — and how to stay one step ahead of them. Together, Marc and Robert explore why affluent families are increasingly targeted by fraudsters, how denial and misplaced trust make people vulnerable, and why AI-driven scams like deepfake voices and impersonation are changing the threat landscape entirely. In this episode, you will learn: Why “It won’t happen to me” is one of the most dangerous mindsets in cybersecurity — and how denial quietly increases risk.Why affluent families and older generations are prime targets right now.How modern scams actually work, including wrong-number texts, romance scams, and long-game trust-building tactics.What practical steps can be taken to reduce risk immediately.The role adult children and trusted advisors play in protecting aging parents without taking away independence.And more!Tune in for a candid, eye-opening conversation about why situational awareness — not paranoia — is the new baseline for protecting wealth, identity, and family legacy in a digital world. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | protectnowllc.com | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Paying investment fees is normal. Not knowing what you’re paying isn’t. Research shows that many investors underestimate — or completely overlook — the true cost of investing, with more than 20% believing they pay no fees at all. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, co-host John Williams, CFP®, breaks down the often-misunderstood world of investment fees. He explains the different ways fees show up, where to find them, and how to evaluate whether the value you’re receiving truly justifies the cost. In this episode, you will learn: The three primary types of investment fees — expense ratios, advisory fees, and trading costs — and how each one works.Why expense ratios apply regardless of where your investments are held and how they can vary widely by fund type.How advisory fees differ based on the level of service, from investment management to comprehensive financial planning.Practical steps to identify what you’re actually paying, including how to review statements and ask the right questions.How to assess whether your fees align with the value you’re receiving, including expertise, time savings, peace of mind, and performance.Why understanding fees is essential to making confident, informed financial decisions.And more!Tune in for a clear, honest conversation about investment fees. Resources:  Episode Transcript & Blog | Schedule an Introductory Call | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

Are gold and silver simply relics of the past, or critical tools for navigating what may be the next major shift in the global monetary system? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, host Marc Bautis is joined by David Morgan, a precious metals analyst and monetary system critic with more than four decades of experience. David is the co-author of The Silver Manifesto, publisher of The Morgan Report, and creator of the documentary Silver Sunrise. Together, they cut through the hype to explore what precious metals really represent, why they’re surging, and how they may fit into a modern financial plan. In this episode, you will learn: Why today’s market environment may represent a historic confidence shift, not just another economic cycle — and what that means for currencies, assets, and investors.How gold and silver act as financial barometers, signaling stress in the monetary system before it shows up elsewhere.What’s driving the surge in silver and gold demand, from industrial shortages and institutional buying to central banks quietly preparing a “Plan B.”How individual investors can think about precious metals practically, including physical ownership, ETFs, and why a modest allocation can serve as portfolio insurance.And more!Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on money, markets, mining, and the psychological forces behind inflation — plus a grounded perspective on how precious metals can provide balance, liquidity, and peace of mind during uncertain times. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | themorganreport.com | silversunrise.tv | The Silver Manifesto | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

What if the real problem with education isn’t that students aren’t learning enough — but that they’re learning the wrong things for today’s workplace? Too many graduates are prepared for exams, but not for collaboration, uncertainty, or real-world decision-making — including money In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by Simon Holzapfel, co-founder and CFO of L-EAF Lab, an innovation incubator designed to give students real-world, hands-on experience before they ever enter the workforce. Simon brings decades of experience from independent schools, leadership roles, and advisory work with families and institutions. At L-EAF Lab, he applies agile and evolutionary principles to education — helping students build practical skills, confidence, and adaptability in an economy that’s changing faster than ever. In this episode, you will learn: Why traditional education often prepares students for tests — but not for teamwork, ambiguity, or modern workplace realities.How L-EAF Lab helps students break the “no experience, no job” paradox by working on real business problems and building verifiable skills.Why soft skills — collaboration, feedback, adaptability, and resilience — are becoming more valuable than technical skills in an AI-driven economy.How experiential learning, agile practices, and even financial literacy can better prepare young people for careers, leadership, and long-term success.And more!Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about reimagining education, expanding access to opportunity, and giving young people the tools they actually need to succeed in the real world — not just the classroom. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional thinking about the future of work, this episode offers practical insights into how learning can evolve to meet today’s challenges. Resources:  Episode Transcript & Blog | LinkedIn | www.l-eaflab.org/ | www.l-eaf.org/ | https://simonholzapfel.substack.com/ | https://www.crowboxpartners.com | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

What if the biggest communication breakthroughs have less to do with what you say — and more to do with how well you listen? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, the Bautis Financial team discusses another book in their Book Club series: Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of The Power of Habit. As conversations around AI, polarization, and digital communication continue to grow louder, this episode explores why human connection — and the ability to communicate effectively — has never been more important. In this episode, we discuss: Why miscommunication happens so often — and how the “matching principle” can help you recognize and align with the type of conversation you’re actually having.How every conversation is a negotiation, whether it’s about information, emotions, or expectations.Why the best communicators are the best listeners, and how techniques like looping build trust and psychological safety.How to hear emotions that aren’t being said out loud, including the role of nonverbal cues, vulnerability, and authenticity.How to stay connected amid conflict, even when no one is changing their mindAnd more!Throughout the conversation, the team shares powerful stories from the book — including examples from the CIA, NASA, hedge fund managers, and deeply polarized social debates — and connects them to real-life applications in personal relationships, professional environments, and financial planning conversations. If you’ve ever felt like you were talking past someone, struggled to navigate difficult conversations, or wanted to become a better listener in high-stakes situations, this episode offers practical insights you can start applying right away. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection | The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc