As we've entered a new year, we wanted to pause and reflect on what's actually resonated most with you over time. After five years of producing this podcast, the data tells an interesting story about which topics consistently draw attention — and which ones quietly don't.

This episode is less about specific advice and more about patterns, preferences, and how that shapes what we focus on moving forward. It's a look behind the scenes as we set the direction for the year ahead.

At some point, almost everyone faces a financial decision that looks simple on the surface but carries consequences that stretch decades into the future. These are the choices where intuition feels comforting, guarantees sound appealing, and the real tradeoffs aren't immediately obvious.

Today's episode uses a seemingly straightforward scenario to explore how those decisions actually work under the hood. And more importantly, why the framework you use to think about them matters far more than the specific outcome.

There's been a surge in interest around self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs), especially for real estate investments. With younger investors seeking alternatives to traditional markets, and social media amplifying the success stories, it can seem like a compelling option.

But while the idea of using an SDIRA to invest in real estate sounds attractive, the reality is more complex—and, for most people, it's far riskier than it appears. In this episode, we'll dive into why this strategy might be more trouble than it's worth, and how it introduces unnecessary risks and challenges for those looking to build long-term wealth.