Épisodes

  • How to Spot a Bad Financial Advisor: Red Flags and the "Green Flags" of Great Advice
    Mar 3 2026

    Most advisors genuinely want to help. But the industry's compensation structures and "hat switching" can create incentives that unintentionally pull advice away from the client's best interest. In this episode, Adam Koós breaks down the most common red flags that show up in sales-driven advice, especially when fee explanations are vague, product recommendations come too early, or clients feel pressured.

    Then, Adam flips the script and outlines what good advice looks like in practice: planning-first discovery, transparent compensation, clear pros and cons, and a relationship that builds client confidence instead of dependence. This is a practical checklist advisors can use to tighten their own process and investors can use to protect themselves.

    Episode Timestamps:

    00:00 Intro: Why this matters, and why bad advice often "sounds good"

    01:00 The 4 advisor types: fiduciary vs hybrid vs broker vs insurance agent

    04:00 How incentives can influence recommendations (real examples)

    06:00 Hidden fees + conflicts: commissions, trails, revenue sharing

    11:00 "Part-time fiduciary" problem + why it matters

    12:00 How to find fee-only fiduciaries (NAPFA)

    13:00 Product-first vs planning-first red flags

    15:00 Pressure, urgency, and defensiveness (major warning signs)

    16:00 "Confidence welcomes scrutiny" and why good advisors welcome questions

    17:00 Transactional vs consultative relationships + review meeting red flags

    18:00 What good advice looks like (the green flags)

    20:00 Final thoughts: don't panic, just get clarity and ask better questions

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 If an advisor cannot explain how they're paid in plain English, treat it as a serious warning sign.

    💡 Product-first conversations often signal sales. Planning-first conversations start with discovery, tradeoffs, and education.

    💡 Confident professionals welcome scrutiny. Pressure, urgency, or discouraging a second opinion is a red flag.

    Key Quotes:

    🗣 "If you're confused about fees, that's usually not an accident."

    🗣 "Good advisors welcome questions. They don't avoid them."

    Follow and Connect with Libertas Wealth Management

    Facebook: https://facebook.com/libertaswealth

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertas.wealth

    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@libertas.wealth

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com//libertas-wealth

    Twitter: https://x.com/LibertasWM

    Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@libertaswealthmanagement

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertaswealth

    Podcast Youtube Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhkYzW1XyJA0Ef_Hf7nUCMGLSlmfHt43v

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29Jrqu0MV1VrpRGqgm6seV?si=d98161c1ec484a85

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retirement-fiduciary-podcast/id1029927148

    Email: info@libertaswealth.com

    Website: www.libertaswealth.com

    Phone: 614-543-1350

    Connect with Adam Koós

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkoos

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    22 min
  • Beyond Buy-and-Hold: Using Technical Analysis to Manage Risk + Communicate Clearly With Clients (with David Keller, CMT)
    Feb 17 2026
    In this episode, Adam Koós sits down with David Keller, CMT (host of Market Misbehavior) for a practical conversation about using technical analysis the way advisors actually need it: to manage risk, stay disciplined, and help clients understand what's happening without jargon. You'll hear how Adam's early-career experience through the 2000–2002 bear market shaped his shift away from "hope-and-hold" messaging—toward a model-driven, trend-aware process—plus the exact types of charts he believes advisors should keep in front of them during client conversations. Episode Timestamps (YouTube Chapters) 00:00 – Welcome + why this conversation matters for advisors 01:05 – Adam's background: med school path → financial advisor (starting 10 days before 9/11)04:30 – The turning point: why "it always comes back" wasn't good enough for clients 06:45 – Why technical analysis clicked: "playoff teams" (relative strength) + "locker room" (risk-off) 10:05 – Risk management reality: tornado sirens, whipsaws, and why discipline matters 13:10 – The emotional side of advice: what clients really want during volatility 16:00 – The 3 charts Adam always wants in front of him during client meetings 20:20 – Seasonality vs trend: staying invested without ignoring August–September weakness 24:00 – Common advisor mistake: going "100% TA" (too rigid) + building better model balance 27:10 – Why Adam started coaching other advisors + the systems that drive growth 30:20 – Final takeaways + where to connect Key Takeaways 💡 Technical analysis isn't just "tools"—it's a communication advantage. Simple, visual frameworks (like a stoplight chart) help clients stay grounded. 💡 Relative strength = "investing in playoff teams." You're not predicting the Super Bowl—you're prioritizing leaders and rotating as conditions change. 💡 Risk management requires accepting false alarms. "Tornado sirens" (whipsaws) are part of avoiding the rare storms that can do real damage. 💡 Give clients as little as they need—no more. Overly complex charts can confuse instead of calm. 💡 A financial plan is the emotional anchor. Clients handle volatility better when the portfolio is connected to a real plan and clear goals. Key Quotes 🗣 "We're not trend predictors—we're trend followers."🗣 "If every investment was an NFL team, we're investing in the playoff teams… not trying to pick the Super Bowl winner."🗣 "There's about seven tornado sirens before you actually get a tornado."🗣 "Clients don't understand your candlestick chart… give them as little as they need, but no more."🗣 "When markets get emotional, clients want to know two things: 'Am I okay?' and 'Do you have my back?'" Connect With the Guest (David Keller, CMT) Website: https://www.marketmisbehavior.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DKellerCMT About David: Background + bio Follow and Connect with Libertas Wealth Management Facebook: / libertaswealth Instagram: / libertas.wealth Threads: https://www.threads.com/@libertas.wealth LinkedIn: / libertas-wealth Twitter (X): https://x.com/LibertasWM TikTok: / libertaswealthmanagement YouTube: / @libertaswealth Podcast YouTube Playlist: • The Retirement Fiduciary Podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29Jrqu0... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Email: info@libertaswealth.com Website: www.libertaswealth.com Phone: 614-543-1350 ________________________________________ Connect with Adam Koós LinkedIn: / adamkoos
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    43 min
  • The Truth About ESOPs: Liquidity, Taxes, and Company Culture with Kelly Finnell
    Feb 3 2026
    Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are often talked about—but rarely understood. For many business owners, they represent one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) succession and liquidity strategies available today. In this episode, Adam sits down with Kelly Finnell, one of the nation's foremost ESOP experts, to break down how ESOPs really work, why they offer unique tax advantages, and when they may outperform traditional exits like private equity or third-party sales. Whether you're a business owner thinking about succession—or an advisor guiding clients through exit planning—this conversation delivers clarity without the jargon. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to ESOPs and Kelly Finnell's background 02:00 – What an ESOP is (and why it's both a succession strategy and a retirement plan) 05:00 – How ESOPs create liquidity and operate tax-free 07:30 – The biggest benefits of ESOPs for employees 09:00 – Owner tax advantages, including Section 1042 deferral 11:00 – Who is a good candidate for an ESOP? (financial + cultural fit) 14:30 – ESOPs vs. private equity and strategic buyers 17:00 – Common myths and misconceptions about ESOPs 19:30 – Why ESOPs are growing rapidly right now 22:00 – "Compassionate capitalism" and preserving company legacy 25:00 – Final advice for business owners and advisors considering ESOPs Key Takeaways 💡 ESOPs function as both a business exit strategy for owners and a retirement benefit for employees 💡 100% ESOP-owned S-corps can operate completely tax-free, creating a powerful competitive advantage 💡 ESOPs often pay as much or more than financial buyers, without sacrificing company culture or legacy Key Quotes 🗣 "An ESOP is not a loophole—it's been part of the tax code for decades." 🗣 "A compassionate capitalist wants to do well for their family while also doing well for others." 🗣 "The biggest misconception about ESOPs is that owners have to accept a lower price. That's simply not true." Connect With the Guest Kelly Finnell Website: https://execfin.com/ Kelly's Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esopcoach/ EFS LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/efsesopconsultants/ Follow and Connect with Libertas Wealth Management Facebook: https://facebook.com/libertaswealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertas.wealth Threads: https://www.threads.com/@libertas.wealth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/libertas-wealth Twitter (X): https://x.com/LibertasWM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@libertaswealthmanagement YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertaswealth Podcast YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhkYzW1XyJA0Ef_Hf7nUCMGLSlmfHt43v Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29Jrqu0MV1VrpRGqgm6seV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retirement-fiduciary-podcast/id1029927148 Email: info@libertaswealth.com Website: www.libertaswealth.com Phone: 614-543-1350 Connect with Adam Koós LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkoos
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    29 min
  • Following Market Trends Without Letting Emotions Take Over with Sharad Mehta
    Jan 20 2026

    In this episode of The Retirement Fiduciary, we're sharing a conversation where Adam Koós was featured as a guest on another podcast. The discussion focuses on how disciplined, data-driven investing helps investors navigate changing markets—without falling into the trap of emotional decision-making.

    Adam explains how following market trends doesn't mean predicting the future or reacting to headlines. Instead, it's about using objective signals, rules-based processes, and technical insights to stay aligned with long-term goals while managing risk through different market environments.

    Episode Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction & context for the conversation
    04:15 – Why emotions are one of the biggest risks to investors
    09:30 – What it really means to follow market trends
    15:10 – Using technical signals without predicting outcomes
    21:20 – How disciplined processes help during volatility
    28:50 – Final thoughts on staying objective and consistent

    Key Takeaways:

    💡 Following market trends is about discipline and process—not prediction
    💡 Emotional reactions often do more harm than market downturns themselves
    💡 A rules-based approach helps investors stay aligned through changing cycles

    Key Quotes:

    🗣 "The goal isn't to predict the market—it's to respond to what the data is telling you."
    🗣 "When emotions drive decisions, discipline usually disappears."

    Connect With the Adam

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkoos

    Follow and Connect with Libertas Wealth Management:

    Facebook: https://facebook.com/libertaswealth
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertas.wealth
    Threads: https://www.threads.com/@libertas.wealth
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/libertas-wealth
    Twitter: https://x.com/LibertasWM
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@libertaswealthmanagement
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertaswealth
    Podcast YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhkYzW1XyJA0Ef_Hf7nUCMGLSlmfHt43v
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29Jrqu0MV1VrpRGqgm6seV
    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retirement-fiduciary-podcast/id1029927148
    Email: info@libertaswealth.com
    Website: www.libertaswealth.com
    Phone: 614-543-1350

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    35 min
  • Travel Rewards 101: How to Turn Everyday Spending Into Luxury Vacations (Without Overspending)
    Dec 11 2025
    Most people think travel rewards are confusing, time-consuming, or only useful for frequent fliers. But in reality, when you understand how to earn and redeem points strategically, you can turn your normal everyday spending into deeply discounted travel — even at luxury hotels charging $1,500+ a night. In this episode, Adam sits down with Colin Stroud, founder of Go Somewhere, who has built one of the fastest-growing travel-rewards education platforms on LinkedIn. Colin breaks down how retirees, families, and business owners can use points more intentionally, avoid common mistakes, and unlock outsized value — whether you're looking for a simple getaway or a bucket-list luxury vacation. Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & topic overview 03:00 – Colin's story: From insurance job to building a travel-rewards business 06:00 – Why flexible points (Chase, Amex, Capital One) beat airline & hotel cards 09:00 – The two ways to "win" with points: Earning and redeeming 12:00 – How transfer partners unlock 4–5x more value 15:00 – The $1,500/night Hyatt example that cost only 30k points 17:00 – Biggest mistakes people make with points (and how to avoid them) 20:00 – How retirees on fixed incomes can stretch travel budgets significantly 23:00 – Everyday vs. luxury redemptions: where the real arbitrage is 25:00 – Choosing the right travel card for your specific lifestyle 28:00 – Blackout dates, devaluations & why hoarding points is a bad idea 29:00 – Tools & apps to simplify points: Daily Drop, Point.me, and more 31:00 – Two of Colin's favorite success stories (including a family of 10 flying lie-flat!) 34:00 – Colin's #1 "if you do nothing else" strategy for absolute beginners 36:00 – Closing thoughts & where to learn more Key Takeaways: 💡 Most people earn points efficiently — but redeem them poorly. The real value is in maximizing redemptions.💡 Flexible point currencies (Chase UR, Amex MR, Capital One Miles) are far more powerful than branded hotel/airline cards.💡 Hyatt redemptions often deliver the best dollar-for-point value in the entire travel ecosystem.💡 Even retirees with modest monthly spending can cover one high-value vacation per year using the right strategy.💡 Never hoard points — programs devalue constantly. Earn, then use. Key Quotes: 🗣 "There's two ways to win with points: earning and redeeming. Most people only focus on the earning part." 🗣 "Flexible points open an entire world of options — you're no longer stuck with one airline or hotel program." 🗣 "Even retirees spending six thousand a month can get thousands of dollars in annual travel value." 🗣 "If you only do one thing: earn Chase points and use them for Hyatt. It's the easiest high-value strategy out there." Connect With the Guest – Colin Stroud Website: https://www.gosomewhere.world Email: colin@gosomewhere.world LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gosomewhere/ Free Guide: How to Get 2–10x More Value From Your Pointshttps://gosomewhere.myflodesk.com/guide Follow and Connect with Libertas Wealth Management: Facebook: https://facebook.com/libertaswealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertas.wealth Threads: https://www.threads.com/@libertas.wealth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/libertas-wealth Twitter: https://x.com/LibertasWM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@libertaswealthmanagement YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertaswealth Email: info@libertaswealth.com Website: www.libertaswealth.com Phone: 614-543-1350 Connect with Adam Koós: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamkoos
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    37 min
  • Beyond Investment: A Deep Dive into Monetary Systems and Precious Metals
    Nov 13 2025
    Adam Koós sits down with David Morgan—monetary system critic, precious metals analyst, and founder of The Morgan Report—to discuss the fragile state of today's financial system, what history teaches us about currency and freedom, and why investors should pay close attention to silver and gold. David brings over four decades of market experience and economic insight, helping thousands of investors navigate fiat currency, centralized monetary control, and debt-fueled illusion. From the role of the U.S. dollar in global markets to the growing concern around CBDCs, this episode offers a sobering, yet empowering look at what lies ahead—and what smart investors can do to prepare. Whether you're new to alternative assets or looking to protect your retirement from the unknowns of modern monetary policy, this conversation is essential listening. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction 02:00 – David's background and evolution as a monetary system critic 05:00 – The moment the system started to unravel 08:00 – Why "freedom" is the first casualty of central banking 11:00 – The truth about fiat currency and what's propping up the system 14:00 – CBDCs: Convenience or control? 18:00 – Gold and silver: investing vs. insuring your wealth 22:00 – What elites fear most about independent money systems 25:00 – Economic illusion vs. financial reality 29:00 – What comes after the dollar loses dominance 33:00 – Silver Sunrise and the push for honest money 36:00 – How to prepare for what's next 39:00 – Final thoughts and where to learn more 🔑 Key Takeaways: Precious metals aren't just investments—they're stores of value when fiat systems fail Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could become tools of control Understanding monetary history is critical to protecting your freedom and wealth Silver and gold offer stability in a world built on financial illusions Investors need to think critically, avoid noise, and build portfolios rooted in real value 🗣️ Key Quotes from David Morgan: "The greatest risk to your wealth—and your freedom—is the failing financial system." "Gold and silver don't default. They don't rely on promises." "We're already in the middle of The Great Reset—it's not coming, it's here." "CBDCs give unprecedented control to centralized powers. That should concern every investor." "If you understand history, you know where this story goes. Precious metals have always been the exit." 👤 Connect with David Morgan: Website: www.themorganreport.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thedavidmorgan Twitter/X: @SilverGuru22 Facebook: The Morgan Report YouTube: @SilverGuru Substack: The Morgan Report on Substack Book: The Silver Manifesto 🔗 Follow Libertas on Social Media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/libertaswealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertas.wealth Threads: https://www.threads.com/@libertas.wealth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/libertas-wealth Twitter: https://x.com/LibertasWM Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@libertaswealthmanagement Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertaswealth Podcast Youtube Playlist Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhkYzW1XyJA0Ef_Hf7nUCMGLSlmfHt43v Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/29Jrqu0MV1VrpRGqgm6seV?si=d98161c1ec484a85 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-retirement-fiduciary-podcast/id1029927148 Email: info@libertaswealth.com Website: www.libertaswealth.com Phone: 614-543-1350
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    38 min
  • A New Way to See Money with Carl Richards
    Oct 16 2025

    Adam Koós sits down with Carl Richards, author, keynote speaker, and creator of the iconic Sketch Guy column in The New York Times.

    For more than a decade, Carl has been known for turning complex financial concepts into simple, powerful sketches that spark meaningful conversations. His new book, Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches, invites us to view money not as spreadsheets and numbers, but as a tool for freedom, clarity, and connection.

    Together, Adam and Carl explore why money can't solve all our fears, how retirees can confidently spend the money, and what it really means to live a wealthy life.

    Episode Timestamps:
    01:00 – Carl's unexpected path into finance and sketching
    06:00 – The moment he discovered sketches make money "click"
    10:00 – Why simplifying ideas often takes dozens of iterations
    11:00 – The book as a "conversation grenade" to spark meaningful dialogue
    14:00 – Why money will never be enough to pay for all your fears
    18:00 – If money walked into the room—what would it say to you?
    19:00 – The "spend the money" sketch every retiree should know
    21:00 – Wealth as numbers vs. wealth as meaning
    24:00 – AI, robo-advisors, and why human connection still matters
    26:00 – How Carl thinks about "self-driving money"
    28:00 – Why experiences with loved ones are the best ROI

    Key Takeaways:
    Money can't solve all your fears, its job is different.
    Wealth is about meaning and choices, not just numbers.
    Retirees need to give themselves permission to spend the money.
    The best ROI often comes from experiences with people you love.
    Financial advice will always need a human element, even in the age of AI.

    Key Quotes from Carl Richards:
    "There will never be enough money to pay for all your fears."
    "If money were a person, it would be an earnest but disappointed golden retriever."
    "What if you're not bad with money—what if you're just giving it jobs it can't do?"
    "Spend the money: on experiences with people you love."

    Connect with Carl Richards:
    Website: behaviorgap.com
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinkingcarl/
    https://x.com/behaviorgap
    https://www.instagram.com/behaviorgap
    Book: Your Money: Reimagining Wealth in Simple Sketches (available October 21)

    The link to pre-order Carl's book on Amazon, or folks can head to their favorite local bookstore

    The link to place a bulk order of Carl's book.

    Listeners can save an additional 5% by using the code YourMoney5 at checkout.

    Follow Libertas on Social Media:
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/libertaswealth
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertas.wealth
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@libertas.wealth
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/libertas-wealth
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/LibertasWM
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@libertaswealthmanagement
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertaswealth

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    26 min
  • Beyond Buy-and-Hold: Adam Koós on Technical Analysis and Building Lasting Wealth
    Sep 11 2025
    Adam Koós joins fellow CMT David Keller to share his journey from aspiring trauma surgeon to founding Libertas Wealth Management Group and launching Adrenaline Advisor Consulting. Adam opens up about starting his career just before 9/11, how market crashes pushed him toward technical analysis, and why he uses sports and weather analogies to help clients understand investing. From building financial plans that manage both money and emotions, to teaching advisors how to grow thriving practices, Adam offers a candid look at lessons learned over two decades in the industry. Episode Timestamps: 01:00 – Adam's background: Ohio State, trauma surgery dreams, and the pivot to finance 07:00 – Starting at a brokerage firm just before 9/11 09:00 – Why Adam embraced technical analysis after the early 2000s crash 12:00 – The "NFL playoff teams" analogy for investing 15:00 – Tornado sirens, trend following, and managing risk 18:00 – Dealing with investor emotions and building confidence 20:00 – Why every client needs a financial plan, not just portfolio management 23:00 – The three charts Adam always shares with clients 27:00 – Stoplight charts, seasonality, and short-term signals 31:00 – Balancing strong uptrends with seasonal weakness 33:00 – Mistakes early in Adam's practice and lessons learned 34:00 – The story of coaching another advisor to $7M in new AUM in 14 weeks 36:00 – How Adrenaline Advisor Consulting helps advisors grow faster Key Takeaways: 💡 Technical analysis gives advisors and investors a framework beyond buy-and-hold.💡 Use analogies to simplify complex financial concepts for clients.💡 A financial plan is essential - investments alone aren't enough.💡 Trend following is about investing in the "playoff teams" and avoiding the laggards.💡 Advisors should give clients as little data as they need, but no more.💡 Balancing strategic and tactical models prevents rigidity in portfolio design.💡 Helping advisors build repeatable systems multiplies the impact of good advice. Key Quotes from Adam Koós: 🗣 "Investing is like betting on the playoff teams, not trying to pick the Super Bowl winner."🗣 "You don't have to be in the market all the time - sometimes the locker room is the safest place."🗣 "Clients don't want acronyms; they want analogies they can understand."🗣 "The two things clients want to know: Am I okay? And do you have my back?"🗣 "Give clients as little information as they need, but no more." Connect with Adam Koós and Libertas Wealth Management: LinkedIn: Adam Koós Website: www.libertaswealth.com Follow Libertas on Social Media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/libertaswealth Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertas.wealth Threads: https://www.threads.net/@libertas.wealth LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/libertas-wealth Twitter/X: https://x.com/LibertasWM TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@libertaswealthmanagement YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@libertaswealth About Adam Koós: Adam Koos, CFP®, CMT® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and one of only 2,600+ Chartered Market Technicians (CMT) worldwide, as well as a Certified Financial Technician (CFTe®). Named by Columbus Business First as one of their 20 People to Know in Finance, Adam is also a Forty Under 40 recipient, ranked among Investopedia's Top 100 Most Influential Advisers, and winner of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethical Enterprising. He is president and portfolio manager at Libertas Wealth Management Group, Inc., and founder of Adrenaline Advisor Consulting, helping other advisors grow thriving practices.
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    39 min