Capitalize Your Fridays!
by ALTIUS Financial Inc's Michael Williams CFP® & Taylor McGowen CFP®
Every other Friday Michael Williams & Taylor McGowen will share financial insight as two CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ with different generational perspectives. Maybe we'll even bring in a guest speaker too! Provided to you by ALTIUS Financial Inc.
Episodes
-
The Next Chapter of ALTIUS
In this special episode of Capitalize Your Fridays before ALTIUS Financial joins Robertson Stephens Wealth Management, Mike Williams and Taylor Dennis reflect with gratitude on the relationships that have shaped ALTIUS and look ahead with confidence to the firm’s next chapter. They explain why…
more -
Employee Election Season
Open enrollment is more than an annual box to check—it’s an opportunity to make sure your employee benefits still support your financial life. In this episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Mike and Taylor discuss how to evaluate health coverage, HSAs and FSAs, disability and life insurance,...
-
Too Good to Be True?
In this episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Taylor and Mike explore the difference between extraordinary financial outcomes and promises that are simply too good to be true. From sudden windfalls and inherited wealth to high-yield investments, annuity bonuses, and “secret” strategies, they…
more -
Decoding Medicare
Medicare can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics can help you make more confident decisions about your retirement healthcare strategy. In this episode, Taylor Dennis and Mike Williams break down Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, compare Medicare Advantage with Medigap, and explain...
-
Free Higher-Ed Dilemma
Whether you work in higher education, engineering, healthcare, government, or simply have student loans on your mind, this episode explores how to think strategically about college costs, career mobility, and building a financial future with flexibility — not just “free” benefits.
-
Social Security Resilience Planning
Prompted by recent headlines about Social Security's funding challenges, Mike Williams and Taylor Dennis discuss what retirees and future retirees should know about projected benefit shortfalls, retirement income risks, and future policy changes. They explain why Social Security is not going...
-
Planning Your Digital Legacy
In this episode, Taylor Dennis of ALTIUS Financial is joined by North Rittner of Rocky Mountain Technical Solutions for a practical conversation on planning your digital legacy. Building on ALTIUS Financial’s recent virtual workshop, they discuss what counts as a digital asset, why a will alone…
more -
The Abundance Story
In this special Independence Day episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Taylor and Mike step back from the usual market headlines to explore “The American Abundance Story”—the idea that prosperity is built by free people using their minds to solve problems, create value, trade, invest, and improve...
-
IPO Craze
In this episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Mike and Taylor dive into the excitement, opportunities, and risks surrounding Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). With high-profile companies making headlines and investor interest heating up, they break down what an IPO actually is, why companies choose…
more -
Funding Your Future
If you’ve ever asked, “How much do I actually need to retire?”, this episode is for you. We unpack the math behind retirement planning, explain how compounding turns consistency into wealth, and break down concepts like the 4% rule, savings strategies, and tax diversification. Tune in to discover...
-
Should I Pay for AI?
AI is no longer just a futuristic tech tool—it’s becoming part of everyday decision-making, productivity, and even financial organization. In this episode, Mike and Taylor break down whether paying for AI is actually worth it, comparing free and paid versions of popular tools like ChatGPT…
more -
Hard Money, Soft Dollars with Jim Brown
We spend, save, and invest money every day, but very few people stop to ask what money actually is, where it comes from, or how changes in the monetary system affect long-term wealth. In this episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Mike sits down with Jim Brown, better known as Hard Money Jim, to...
-
The Iran War & Your Portfolio
In this episode, Mike and Taylor examine how conflict with Iran may affect markets — not through headline fear, but through the economic channels that matter most: oil, inflation, interest rates, and portfolio resilience. They discuss why geopolitical shocks require thoughtful analysis rather…
more -
A Beautiful Account
Tune in to hear updates on the new Trump accounts and insights on strategies for saving for the next generation.
-
Come Hell or High Water Mark
In this episode, Taylor and Mike explore why a small pullback can feel so painful (even when your portfolio is still up overall) through the lens of high water marks and investor psychology. They break down how anchoring, loss aversion, and recency bias lead us to fixate on peak values, and why…
more -
Untangling Tax Confusion
Why does a system designed to collect revenue require tens of thousands of pages, specialized software, and entire professions just to interpret it? In this episode, Michael and Taylor unpack why the U.S. tax code feels so difficult to understand — and why that confusion may not be accidental.…
more -
Investing: Beyond the Basics
In this episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Taylor Dennis and Mike Williams break down investing beyond surface-level market talk, focusing on how investing actually works—from ownership vs. lending to investment “packaging” and tax-efficient account strategies. They explain why understanding…
more -
The Art of Spending
In this episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Taylor Dennis and Mike Williams explore The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel and challenge the idea that financial success is only about saving and investing. They discuss how spending well is a skill, how to distinguish real wealth from visible...
-
Rethinking Retirement
In this episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Taylor and Mike challenge the traditional idea that retirement is a single finish line at age 65 and instead explore how a more flexible, multi-stage approach can reduce financial risk and improve quality of life. They break down the financial pros and...
-
Simplified Economics Part IV: Good As Gold
Good as Gold — Sound Money in a Loud Metals Market Gold and silver have been anything but calm lately—surging, crashing, and frequently reacting to margin changes and headlines. In this episode, Mike and Taylor cover Judy Shelton's book Good as Gold: How to Unleash the Power of Sound Money and...
-
Blueprint for Your Best Year
The New Year isn’t just a reset—it’s a strategic opportunity. In this episode, Taylor and Mike explore how high achievers, business owners, and families with financial complexity can align their vision, lifestyle, and wealth strategy to design their best year yet. From goal visualization and...
-
Holiday Tips to Protect Your Wallet & Your Sanity
In this episode, Mike and Taylor cover some holiday money tips to save your sanity this holiday season, including holiday shopping without the stress spiral, how to host without breaking the bank, and holiday travel without the chaos.
-
Bots & Bubbles
With current AI investments booming, are we approaching bubble territory? Mike and Taylor dive into what a financial bubble is, a few examples, and our thoughts on whether this could be the next big financial bubble and what that may mean for our listeners.
-
Flywheel Finances
How to use the Flywheel concept, from Turning the Flywheel by James C. Collins, for continual financial growth. In this episode, ALTIUS Financial's advisors, Mike and Taylor, break down the key components of a business flywheel and explain how to apply these entrepreneurial concepts to everyday...
-
Simplifying Economics Part III: Rich Dad, Poor Dad
In this episode, we unpack one of the most influential personal finance books—Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki—and share how its lessons can apply to your financial life today. This is part III of our Simplifying Economics series.
-
Bond Vigilantes
Who are the bond vigilantes, and why do they matter? In this episode, Mike and Taylor discuss bond vigilantes, their history, and how they can impact bond markets.
-
Is it a Beautiful Bill?
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) passed earlier this Summer, and now you’re wondering if or how this may impact you? Tune in to hear our thoughts and the potential implications for financial planning and investing.
-
Time = Money: But Are You Calculating It Right?
In this episode of Capitalize Your Fridays, Mike & Taylor dive into the hidden math behind how you spend your time. From gross vs. net income to the opportunity costs of low-value tasks, we explore how rethinking the value of your days can lead to wiser financial and personal decisions. Whether...
-
Are Homesteaders and Preppers Anti-Globalism?
In this episode, we discuss whether homesteaders and preppers are anti-globalism. Mike and Taylor give an intro on the concept of homesteaders and preppers, and dive into where Mike and I may or may not fall into those categories. And more importantly, why investors should care.
-
ALTIUS Current Thinking- Markets, Economics, Inflation...
Mike and Taylor discuss ALTIUS' current strategy and thinking on recent news about markets, bonds, gold prices, and inflation.
-
Proxies Talk: Who's Vote Is It?
In this episode, Mike and Taylor discuss corporate governance and the role of proxy voting between advisors and investors.
-
Good Energy Book Review: Cost of Health
Book Review of Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means. Mike and Taylor discuss the cost of health, its impact on your finances, and their review of Good Energy.
-
Evolution of Banking: The Digital Era and Death of Local Banking?
An exploration of how banking has evolved across generations, focusing on the rise of digital banking and what it means for the future. Mike and Taylor unpack the challenges facing small, local banks—and whether they might be on the decline.
-
What's FAANG 2.0?
Mike & Taylor dive into an exciting evolution in the investing world: FAANG 2.0. Unlike the tech giants that dominated the original FAANG group, FAANG 2.0 shifts the focus to other market sectors that are possibly shaping our future—fuel, aerospace & defense, agriculture, renewable energy, and...
-
Tariff Trade Offs
Mike and Taylor introduce the concept of tariffs then dive into recent political policy changes. To understand how this impacts the everyday consumer at the micro-level, one must understand the strategy and impacts on the world at the macro level. They discuss the potential impact of tariffs on…
more -
Estate Planning with Ryan McGuffey
Estate Attorney Ryan McGuffey (Long Reimer Winegar) joins Mike for a special Capitalize Your Fridays episode on estate planning. They cover common questions about estate planning, such as why it is important, how to start, how to navigate family dynamics, and what digital assets to consider when...
-
Simplifying Economics Part I: Economics in One Lesson
Mike and Taylor start Capitalize Your Fridays' new 4-part series - Economics Simplified. In this first episode, they discussed the books to look at when trying to dive into economic principles and the concepts behind those principles. The literary works discussed are Economics in One Lesson by...
-
Bill Johnson on Property & Casual Insurance
In this episode, Mike interviews guest Bill Johnson, VP of Mountain States at Evertree Insurance. They cover the core principles of Property and Casualty insurance, as well as the real-world applications and benefits of P&C Insurance, including what to look for in a policy and how to avoid common...
-
Timeshares: Dream Vacation or Financial Nightmare?
Timeshares are a common vacation option, but are they worth it? Mike and Taylor discuss the appeal & downsides of timeshares, as well as what to do when you want to get out of one and other vacation alternatives.
-
ALTIUS' 2024 Wrapped
2024 has been a remarkable year for ALTIUS Financial. From welcoming new life to celebrating our legacy, from personal retreats to team-building events, we’ve achieved so much together. Thank you for being part of our journey, and here’s to even more growth and success in the coming year!
-
Securing Social Security
When it comes to tailoring Social Security (SS) strategies, many factors play a part including individual circumstances, age, and financial status. But more importantly, it’s best to focus on personalized financial planning, reducing independence on SS, and staying educated around potential SS...
-
Maximizing Your 529 Plan
In this episode, Mike and Taylor provide an introduction to 529 saving strategies as well as consider the new 529 to Roth Conversion Rule. 529 accounts are a savings plan used primarily for college savings, but have been expanded to be used for K-12 tuition, apprenticeships, and even career based...
-
The Ins & Outs of Tax Loss Harvesting
As we approach the end of the year, it is crucial to review tax trading strategies including the practice of tax loss harvesting. Tax loss harvesting is the selling of securities at a loss to offset capital gains taxes. Tune in to hear more about the process of tax loss harvesting and why it's a...
-
Welcome Back to Capitalize Your Fridays!
After a hiatus over the summer and while Taylor was on maternity leave, ALTIUS Financial's podcast Capitalize Your Fridays is back! We missed our listeners, so we’re back in the studio excited to release new episodes coming soon. Catch up with Mike and Taylor and take a sneak peek at what’s to…
more -
Tick Tock, Tik Tok?
Let's talk Tik Tok. Is Tik Tok going to get banned? And does even apply to me if I'm not a current user? Mike and Taylor dive into the Tik Tok news and what this could mean for different areas of the US economy.
-
The Tipping Point
We want to look after our service professionals, but has Tipping gotten out of hand? Mike and Taylor cover what’s the big issue with tipping? What’s typical for tip protocol? And more.
-
Relationships & Retirement
In this episode, Mike and Taylor cover the top 3 relationship risks when transitioning into retirement. Retirement vision and timeline for that vision Financial harmony Health and longevity
-
RMDs... What Are These?
What's an RMD and why do I have to pull money from my account each year? Or do I? In this episode, Mike and Taylor dive into these common questions about required minimum distributions (RMDs), how they're calculated, and the history of them.
-
ABCs of Business Entities
ABC’s it’s easy as… wait, no, what business Entity is best for me? In this episode, Mike and Taylor review what a business entity is and the different types of business entities.
-
Are You Behind On Your Finances?
Where do you fall on the financial readiness scale? This episode answers questions many of our listeners may have regarding their current financial security relative to social norms.
About this show
Every other Friday Michael Williams & Taylor McGowen will share financial insight as two CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ with different generational perspectives. Maybe we'll even bring in a guest speaker too! Provided to you by ALTIUS Financial Inc.
Hosted by
ALTIUS Financial Inc's Michael Williams CFP® & Taylor McGowen CFP®