#13 Mike Pedlow - Investment Education, AI, and the Future of Financial Advice

In this episode of Wealth is a Choice, James sits down with Mike Pedlow, a respected leader in the compliance world, for a conversation about one of the most misunderstood and most important parts of the financial services industry: how we communicate about money responsibly. They discuss the challenges of modern financial education in a world shaped by 401(k)s, social media, unlicensed influencers, and now AI. Mike offers thoughtful insight into how the industry can embrace new technology without losing the human connection people still need when making important financial decisions. In this episode, you’ll hear about: • Why behavior matters more than hot investment picks • How compliance can support education instead of just restricting it • Why the best financial advisors act as coaches and teachers • What people really need to hear about saving and building wealth • The limits of financial education inside the 401(k) system • How social media and unlicensed voices shape public money beliefs • Why AI can be useful, but still needs human judgment and validation • How trust between advisors and compliance creates better public education • Why happiness, mindset, and perspective may be the truest forms of wealth Mike closes with a powerful reflection on the meaning of wealth, explaining that while some people may begin life with more advantages than others, true wealth comes from choosing your mindset, your response to hardship, and your commitment to living with joy and purpose. This is a thoughtful, practical, and uplifting conversation about compliance, communication, and the human side of money. Listen now and discover why wealth is more than numbers — it’s also a choice in how we think, live, and grow. #WealthIsAChoice #MikePedlow #FinancialEducation #FinancialPlanning #Compliance #WealthManagement #MoneyMindset #PersonalFinance #FinancialAdvisor #AIAndFinance #BehavioralFinance #FinancialLiteracy #RetirementPlanning #MoneyChoices #Podcast