Graceful Investor

A Vanderbilt heir signed away millions five days before her wedding. Tasia walks through the financial lessons inside Belle Burden's bestselling memoir Strangers — the prenup change, the trust money turned marital property, the $10M account hidden in plain sight, and the slow drift Tasia names acquired financial passivity. Practical takeaways for any woman building or inheriting wealth.For educational purposes only. Not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions.

Most women in a marriage breakdown are not financially clueless. They are intelligent women who never had the chance to be involved in the money, and that gap becomes dangerous the moment a marriage ends.Tasia sits with divorce attorney Drew Soshnik for part two of their hot takes on the book "Strangers" by Belle Burden, and the focus is one thing: financial agency. Subscribe for more conversations on women, money, and building real financial confidence.Drew, who practices divorce law in four states including New York, walks through what he does first when a woman arrives at a low ebb. He steadies her confidence, teaches the concepts at a basic level, and builds a team around her, a financial planner or advisor she actually relates to. That sequence matters because confidence, not capability, is usually the thing that has atrophied. Most of these women, in his experience, are more than financially adept once the fear lifts.The conversation gets concrete about process. Once a separation or divorce petition is filed, the first move is provisional or temporary orders that settle who lives where, who pays which bills, and how the children are handled. Drew explains why the heavy discovery, the long lists of document requests and interrogatories, is a timing and strategy decision, not an automatic first step. He and Tasia name the hardest stretch of all: the year before anything is filed, when a spouse controls the accounts, no court can compel disclosure, and a woman trying to save her marriage has almost no leverage.They also unpack the parts of Belle's story that drew criticism after a New Yorker article surfaced questions about her trusts. Drew separates a true generation-skipping trust, which a spouse has no right to, from a trust a beneficiary can request distributions from, which changes the legal picture entirely. He clarifies a point many people miss: a prenup can waive temporary spousal maintenance, but it cannot touch child support, custody, or parenting time, and a prenup that tries to may invalidate itself.The episode closes on the moment Belle agreed to meet her husband alone, with no attorney in the room, hours before settlement. Drew calls that a predictable power move designed to remove her advisors and her leverage, and explains the house-heavy mistake that leaves women with property and no cash. The throughline is empowering, not frightening: there is no shame in not knowing your finances, almost everyone has the ability to learn, and it is never too late to build agency over your money.This conversation connects to wealth building, financial independence, prenuptial agreements, estate and trust planning, and the financial side of divorce and widowhood.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNThe three things a divorce attorney does first to rebuild financial confidenceWhy the year before any filing is the most vulnerable financial stretchWhat a prenup can and cannot waive (child support is protected)Why meeting alone with no attorney is almost always a mistakeIf this episode helped you think differently about protecting your assets, subscribe to Graceful Investor for more conversations that help you take control of your financial future. Share this with someone who needs to hear it before they make similar decisions.DISCLAIMERThe content shared on this channel is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. The host is not a licensed financial advisor. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal.LINKS & RESOURCES"Strangers" by Belle Burden: https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Memoir-Marriage-Belle-Burden/dp/0593733312Drew Soshnik's law practice: https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/professionals/s/soshnick-andrew-z#tab-OverviewPrevious episode with Drew Soshnik: https://youtu.be/0HBwm8LeevA#GracefulInvestor #WomenInvesting #FinancialAgency #DivorceAndMoney #WealthBuilding

A 19-year marriage. Two luxury homes purchased with inherited trust money. One prenup signed under pressure five days before the wedding. When divorce attorney Drew Soshnik breaks down the financial decisions in the NYT bestseller "Strangers," the lessons for protecting your wealth become impossible to ignore. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - Why liquidating a trust to purchase property with your spouse can eliminate your legal protections - What "coercive financial control" looks like in high-net-worth marriages—and the warning signs to watch for - How prenuptial agreements can fail to protect you if assets are commingled or retitled - The critical difference between keeping assets in a trust vs. putting them in joint names - Why the timing and pressure around signing a prenup matters legally and emotionally In this episode, Tasia and licensed divorce attorney Drew Soshnik (practicing in four states including New York) examine the financial decisions detailed in Belle Burden's NYT bestselling memoir "Strangers." The book chronicles a high-net-worth divorce after 19 years of marriage, revealing how the author—a former corporate lawyer turned stay-at-home mother—lost access to millions in inherited wealth. Drew explains the concept of coercive financial control, referencing research from University of Toronto professor Mike Saini, and identifies the warning signs present in the book's narrative: monthly budget monitoring down to smoothie purchases, requests for detailed spending accounting, and complete exclusion from income visibility. The conversation examines how the author's decision to liquidate two family trusts and purchase a Manhattan apartment ($4M) and Martha's Vineyard home ($5.5M) in joint names converted protected separate property into marital property—despite having a prenuptial agreement. Drew breaks down how prenups work in New York versus other states, why tracing provisions matter, and how pressure to sign or modify agreements close to the wedding date can lead to devastating financial outcomes. This episode provides an essential perspective for anyone navigating marriage, divorce, or estate planning with significant assets. If this episode helped you think differently about protecting your assets, subscribe to Graceful Investor for more conversations that help you take control of your financial future. Share this with someone who needs to hear it before they make similar decisions. LINKS & RESOURCES "Strangers" by Belle Burden: https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Memoir-Marriage-Belle-Burden/dp/0593733312 Drew Soshnik's law practice: https://www.faegredrinker.com/en/professionals/s/soshnick-andrew-z#tab-Overview Previous episode with Drew Soshnik: https://youtu.be/4tKyCIeYTa4 Professor Mike Saini's research on coercive control: https://discover.research.utoronto.ca/9702-michael-saini/publications #DivorceFinances #PrenupAdvice #WealthProtection #GracefulInvestor #FinancialPlanning

Did you know you only have 60 days after a divorce or loss to secure new health insurance—or risk months without coverage? In this episode, Tasia breaks down the health insurance blind spots that catch people off guard during major life transitions.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNThe 60-day qualifying event window and why missing it can leave you uninsured for nearly a yearCOBRA coverage: the real costs and the 18-month trap most people don't see comingHealthcare.gov options: bronze, silver, and gold plans explainedWhy HSA accounts may be more valuable than 401(k)s during asset divisionThe January 2026 HSA rule change and what it means for your healthcare strategyHealth insurance is one of the most overlooked financial blind spots during divorce or widowhood. While you're navigating grief, brain fog, and rebuilding your life, the government gives you just 60 days to find a new plan—and missing that window can mean months without coverage.Tasia walks through the three main options available during this critical window: COBRA continuation coverage, enrolling in your own employer's plan, or shopping on healthcare.gov. She explains why COBRA's 18-month coverage period can create a dangerous gap if it expires outside of open enrollment season—something most people discover far too late.The episode also covers a strategic consideration for anyone negotiating asset division: HSA accounts may deserve special attention. Unlike 401(k) funds locked until retirement age, HSA dollars can cover immediate medical expenses tax-free. And with the January 2026 rule change allowing contributions to HSA accounts through bronze marketplace plans even without earned income, understanding this tool becomes even more important.Whether you're currently navigating a transition or planning ahead, this episode provides the awareness you need to protect yourself financially.If this episode helped you understand something new about health insurance during transitions, subscribe to Graceful Investor for more financial clarity. Share this with someone navigating divorce or loss—they need to know about the 60-day window.LINKS & RESOURCESHealthcare.gov Marketplace: https://www.healthcare.govCOBRA Information (DOL): https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/cobraHSA Contribution Limits 2026: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/hsa-contribution-limitsConnect with Tasia: https://www.instagram.com/gracefulinvestor/#HealthInsurance #DivorceFinances #COBRA #HSA #GracefulInvestor

Greg Friedman has made over 800 private investments. In this episode, he shares the exact questions every woman should ask before trusting anyone with her money—and the red flags that signal it's time to walk away.WHAT YOU'LL LEARNHow to evaluate whether a sponsor is trustworthy before investingThe difference between committed capital and called capitalWhat "preferred return" actually means and how it affects your moneyWhy your gut feeling matters more than impressive credentialsHow to ask about fees without feeling intimidatedWhen to get second and third opinions on financial adviceGreg Friedman, CEO and founder of Peachtree Group, joins Tasia to demystify private investing for women who want to understand what's really happening with their money. With nearly 25 years of experience in banking and private equity, Greg breaks down complex concepts like waterfalls, promotes, and preferred returns into language anyone can understand.The conversation covers how Greg made his first private investment at 25, why he now has 75-80% of his net worth in private deals, and the critical mistake he made by trusting a friend's recommendation without doing his own due diligence. Greg explains that when evaluating any investment opportunity, you're really evaluating the person behind it—the "jockey," not just the asset.Tasia and Greg discuss the importance of reading the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) before investing, understanding fee structures, and recognizing that liquidity promises in private investments are rarely guaranteed. Greg shares advice he would give his own daughter: expect private investment capital to be locked up for three to seven years, never invest more than you're comfortable losing, and always get multiple opinions before making major financial decisions.The episode also addresses how to approach meetings with financial advisors, especially for women who may feel intimidated or confused. Greg emphasizes that confusion is a red flag—a good advisor should make you feel informed, not overwhelmed. He encourages women to treat these relationships as business transactions and to never hesitate to make a change if something feels off.If this episode helped you feel more confident about asking questions, share it with a woman in your life who needs to hear this. Subscribe to Graceful Investor for more conversations that put your financial wellbeing first.LINKS & RESOURCESBrokerCheck.com – Research your advisor's background and disclosuresPeachtree Group – Greg Friedman's private equity firmgracefulinvestor.com – Graceful Investor websiteinstagram.com/gracefulinvestor – Connect with TasiaImportant Note: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.#PrivateInvesting #WomenInFinance #FinancialLiteracy #InvestingForBeginners #GracefulInvestor

Annie Belanger spent her career inside Wall Street, hedge funds, and Blackstone. Now she teaches women what she wishes she'd known sooner — and in this episode, Tasia walks through the real playbook for angel investing, due diligence, and private markets.Subscribe to Graceful Investor for weekly conversations that help women take the co-pilot seat in their financial lives.Annie's first angel investment came at 38, after decades inside institutional finance — and she still made the classic mistake of investing too much in a single early-stage company. She uses that story to break down the single most important rule of angel investing: what she and Tasia call "pizza money." Only invest what you can afford to lose entirely. She walks through why married-cofounder teams carry unique risk, what the cap table tells you about a founder's long-term skin in the game, and why transparency under questioning separates serious founders from the ones who will go quiet when things get hard.Tasia shares her own portfolio structure — 10 percent of investible assets in private investing, split between direct angel deals and fund-LP positions — and the two of them dig into why funds (with their audited financials and professional due diligence) offer a different risk profile than single-company bets. Annie introduces SPVs (special purpose vehicles) as the on-ramp for smaller investors, and discusses how platforms like Play Money allow women to enter private deals at $500 to $2,000 minimums while still getting K-1 tax documents and real deal flow.The middle of the episode turns to the questions every woman should ask a financial advisor: Are you a fiduciary one hundred percent of the time? How are you compensated? Is your investment platform agnostic, or are you steering me into your firm's own products? Annie explains why "agnostic" matters — it means your advisor can select the best manager in every asset class rather than defaulting to in-house funds where the fee structure benefits the firm.Tasia and Annie close on the emotional reality behind all of this. The World Economic Forum figure Annie cites — women married to men the same age outlive them by an average of eight years — is the quiet reason these conversations matter. Annie's frame: become a co-pilot, not a passenger. Tasia's frame: you don't have to ask permission. Both are saying the same thing in different words. These are your assets. Learning is never too late. Abundance for women is abundance for all.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Intro1:17 - Why Annie started teaching women about investing2:10 - Annie's first angel investment at 388:35 - What "pizza money" really means11:01 - Red flags in private deals: cofounders, cap tables, transparency14:42 - SPVs and getting into private markets at lower minimums17:05 - What investor updates should look like (Womaness case study)20:50 - Inside The Abundance Collective34:27 - How to talk to your partner about money39:12 - The questions every woman should ask a financial advisor46:50 - The 8-year life expectancy gap and why learning is never too lateDISCLAIMERThe content shared on this channel is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. The host is not a licensed financial advisor. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal.CONNECT WITH GRACEFUL INVESTORhttps://gracefulinvestor.com/https://www.instagram.com/gracefulinvestor/#GracefulInvestor #WomenInvesting #AngelInvesting #PrivateEquity #WealthBuilding

Most women have never been told you can grow charitable capital tax-free before giving it away — Kim Moeller breaks down exactly how.Subscribe to Graceful Investor for weekly strategies that help high-net-worth women build, protect, and deploy wealth with confidence.In this episode, Tasia sits down with Kim Moeller — Area Director for San Diego at the National Christian Foundation and a leader at Impact Foundation — to unpack two financial vehicles most women have never been walked through: the donor-advised fund and the impact investment account. Kim explains donor-advised funds as a "charitable checking account," a structure that lets you claim a deduction up to 60% of adjusted gross income the year you fund it, then decide later — sometimes years later — exactly which nonprofits receive the money. Once funds enter the DAF, the tax deduction is locked in, the money is no longer yours to reclaim, and the pressure of giving by December 31 disappears.The conversation then moves into Impact Foundation, which Kim describes as the investment side of the same charitable ecosystem. Instead of granting DAF funds to nonprofits, you can deploy them into vetted private companies with spiritual, social, or economic impact — with a $25,000 minimum that opens up private deals typically reserved for $250,000-plus checks. Kim explains how Impact Foundation pools capital across multiple donors to meet institutional minimums, how a 3% origination fee works, and why returns on those investments flow back into your impact account tax-free, ready to redeploy into the next company or grant out to charity.One of the most practical segments covers pre-sale gifting — the strategy where business owners or property owners transfer a percentage of their asset to NCF before the sale is negotiated. Because the charity owns that percentage at the time of sale, the corresponding long-term capital gains tax on that portion is eliminated or dramatically reduced. Kim references Alan and Katherine Barnhart, who gifted nearly their entire crane company to NCF early in its growth and now direct more than a million dollars monthly toward global missions. Kim is clear she's not a tax advisor and that this strategy must be coordinated through your CPA — but the framework is the piece most women have never heard laid out.The episode closes on The Table, a seven-week cohort Kim co-facilitates through Impact Foundation. Fifteen women each commit $10,000 of charitable capital — $150,000 in pooled funds — hear pitches from five vetted companies and funds across five weeks, then vote collectively on how to allocate. Kim walks through the financial questions women should ask during a pitch: trajectory, leadership, prior returns, geopolitical risk if the company is overseas. She also shares an example from Masaka Creamery in Rwanda, where 90% of employees are deaf, as a case study in what lower-risk impact investing looks like in practice.This is a foundational episode for any woman who is charitably inclined, expects to receive capital through the wealth transfer already underway, or wants a structured way to enter private investing with less personal risk. Kim also touches on multi-generational succession — how donor-advised funds pass to heirs — and why working with a financial advisor who understands charitable giving is the non-negotiable first step.TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Meet Kim Moeller: NCF, Impact Foundation, Women Doing Well2:55 — Why Financial Language Isn't Meant to Intimidate Women4:57 — Donor-Advised Funds Explained as a Charitable Checking Account7:47 — Impact Foundation: $25K Minimum, Private Deal Access10:39 — Cap Tables, Pooled Capital, and How Minimums Actually Work18:05 — Faith-Based and Secular Investors Both Welcome at Impact22:25 — The Pre-Sale Gifting Strategy That Reduces Capital Gains25:16 — The Barnhart Example: Gifting a Company Before the Growth33:42 — The Table: How 15 Women Pool $150K and Vote on Deals34:50 — Financial Questions to Ask During an Impact Pitch35:53 — Two Mindsets: The Careful Steward vs. The Generous Risk-Taker36:40 — Passing a Donor-Advised Fund to Your Heirs37:00 — Advice for Women New to Private and Impact InvestingDISCLAIMERThe content shared on this channel is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. The host is not a licensed financial advisor. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal.LINKS & RESOURCESNational Christian Foundation — https://www.ncfgiving.com/Impact Foundation — https://www.impactfoundation.org/Women Doing Well — http://womendoingwell.org/Barnhart Crane story on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy-6baoBbnFnotTpsIVBxjxKUpsxjKGX0#GracefulInvestor #WomenInvesting #DonorAdvisedFund #ImpactInvesting #WealthTransfer

Divorce attorney Drew Soshnick has helped thousands of women protect their wealth through high-net-worth divorce cases. Subscribe for more on investing and financial independence.Tasia sits down with Drew Soshnick, a matrimonial law attorney with 38 years of experience across four states, to break down what every woman needs to know about protecting her finances during and after divorce. Drew reveals the hidden assets most women never think to look for, explains how business valuations actually work, and shares the financial mistakes that cost women the most in settlement negotiations.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN-- The hidden assets your spouse may have that don't show up on bank statements (crypto wallets, private equity, retained business earnings, gambling accounts, Venmo balances)-- How business valuations work in divorce and why 'pillow talk' numbers are almost never accurate-- What a prenuptial agreement actually protects and three ways a business can still factor into your settlement even with a prenup-- Why child support and alimony are now tax-free, but lenders still will not count them as income for credit cards or mortgages-- Drew's three non-negotiables for choosing a financial advisor during divorce and why you should trust your gut about leaving the family advisor-- How to build a realistic post-divorce budget and why the advice 'go slow' on big financial decisions could save your future-- What percentage of your portfolio should go toward private investing after divorce (Drew recommends 0-10%)Drew Soshnick is a partner at Faegre Drinker specializing in high-net-worth matrimonial law. He is licensed in Indiana, Colorado, New York, and Minnesota and has nearly four decades of experience representing women through complex divorce cases involving business valuations, private investments, prenuptial agreements, and asset division.In this episode, Drew and Tasia discuss how the legal discovery process works, including interrogatories and document requests that compel full financial disclosure under oath. Drew explains the three approaches to business valuation: market approach, income approach, and asset approach, and why hiring a qualified business valuation analyst is critical. They also cover how separate property laws and commingling rules vary by state, how retained earnings can be used to calculate child support, and why women who go through divorce are often targeted by predatory investment pitches.Tasia shares her three-pillar framework for women rebuilding financially: get your financial house in order first, then build a stock market portfolio that generates annual income, and only then explore private investing as a third and final step.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - The Truth About Business Value in Divorce0:55 - Meet Drew: Inside High-Net-Worth Divorce Cases2:04 - Why Money Feels Overwhelming During Divorce3:46 - What Women Actually Know About Their Finances6:31 - Confidence Is the Real Gap7:39 - Rebuilding Financial Confidence Step by Step9:43 - The Assets Most Women Don’t Know Exist13:22 - How Wealth Has Changed and Why It Matters16:28 - How You Actually Find Hidden Assets18:37 - How Businesses Are Really Valued21:55 - Why “Pillow Talk” Numbers Are Wrong25:21 - Prenups, Commingling, and What Still Counts29:38 - Income You Might Be Missing32:27 - What Life Looks Like After Divorce36:34 - Choosing a Financial Advisor You Trust41:29 - Protecting Your Money During Divorce44:11 - Building a Realistic Post-Divorce Budget50:00 - Why You Should Slow Down Big Decisions52:28 - How Much Risk to Take With Investments55:07 - The 3 Pillars of Post-Divorce WealthDISCLAIMERThe content shared on this channel is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. The host is not a licensed financial advisor. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal.FIND TASIA HERE:https://gracefulinvestor.com/@gracefulinvestor #GracefulInvestor #WomenInvesting #DivorceFinance #WealthBuilding #PrivateInvesting

You've heard about private investing, but nobody's walked you through how it actually works — until now. Dana Auslander spent a decade at Blackstone, turned her first $10,000 private investment into a 10x return, and now runs Luxus, a luxury-focused wealth management and alternative asset platform. She's breaking down every step so you can invest with confidence. Subscribe for weekly conversations about building wealth on your terms. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✔ The difference between fund investing and direct private deals — and which is right for your first allocation ✔ What a SAFE is, how priced rounds work, and why the terms of your investment matter more than the amount ✔ QSBS: the tax advantage most women have never heard of that could mean zero capital gains on your private investment ✔ The three-tier filter Dana uses before putting money into any deal — passion, market timing, and founder quality ✔ Red flags to watch for: advisor kickbacks, missing governance, and founders who won't invest alongside you Dana Auslander is the CEO of Luxus, a luxury-focused wealth manager and alternative asset platform backed by Christie's Ventures. Before founding Luxus, Dana spent a decade at Blackstone — the world's largest alternative asset manager — and began her career in hedge fund law at Schulte Roth & Zabel. She has been investing in private markets for nearly 30 years. In this episode of Graceful Investor, Dana sits down with Tasia to demystify private investing for women who are ready to go beyond the stock market. Dana explains the full lifecycle of a private company — from pre-seed friends-and-family rounds to Series A institutional funding — and breaks down concepts like cap tables, dilution, bridge rounds, and the LP/GP relationship in plain language. She shares why she requires founders to invest at least 10% of their own capital, how AI is reducing burn rates for startups and what that means for your returns, and why the best deals often come from trusted peer networks rather than financial advisors. Whether you're exploring your first private allocation or evaluating your next one, this conversation gives you the vocabulary and the confidence to ask the right questions. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Why founders should invest their own money (10% rule) 0:49 - Introduction and Dana Auslander's background 3:06 - Her first private investment (10x return story) 5:08 - Fund investing vs direct private deals 7:03 - How to evaluate a private investment (3-part framework) 9:04 - How long your money is locked up (5–10 year reality) 9:44 - How much of your portfolio should be private 10:14 - Why founder “skin in the game” matters 12:08 - QSBS explained: how investors pay $0 in capital gains 16:48 - SAFE agreements and early-stage investing basics 18:40 - Pre-seed, seed, and venture rounds explained 22:56 - The lifecycle of a startup investment 25:46 - Dilution explained (what happens after you invest) 29:07 - What Carta is and why it matters for investors 30:12 - Governance: boards, advisors, and control 32:37 - The 4 types of private funds (VC, PE, real estate, hedge funds) 35:09 - Lessons from 30 years in investing 39:53 - How AI is changing private companies and returns 41:20 - Biggest mistake: no one looks out for your money 44:21 - Red flags to watch for in private deals 47:00 - “No is a full sentence” in investing 48:08 - How to find deals without a financial advisor DISCLAIMER The content shared on this channel is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. The host is not a licensed financial advisor. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. CONNECT WITH GRACEFUL INVESTOR https://gracefulinvestor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gracefulinvestor/ #GracefulInvestor #WomenInvesting #PrivateInvesting #WealthBuilding #AlternativeAssets

Impact investing for women starts with knowing what to look for before you write a check. Subscribe for weekly investing insights.In this episode of Graceful Investor, host Tasia sits down with Bo Parfet — Managing Principal & Head of Growth at DLP Capital, Everest climber, and co-founder of Denali Venture Philanthropy — to break down how high-net-worth women can confidently evaluate private investment deals, build impact portfolios alongside their partners, and avoid the costly mistakes that trip up even experienced investors.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN✓ Bo's 3-point screening checklist every investor should run before committing capital (top 10 auditor, 3-year track record, assets under management)✓ How to decode "2 and 20" fund structures — management fees, preferred returns, and carried interest explained in plain language✓ Why IRR can be misleading and the one metric (MOIC) that tells you what you'll actually get back✓ How Bo and his wife Meredith built a values-aligned impact portfolio together — and how to start yours✓ The difference between investing in a fund versus a single deal, and why funds are safer for first-time private investorsBo Parfet has spent decades navigating both physical mountains and financial ones. As a former JP Morgan investment banker turned impact investor, he brings a rare combination of institutional rigor and heart-centered purpose to private investing. In this conversation, Bo shares the exact framework he uses to evaluate every deal that crosses his desk — starting with three simple questions that can immediately filter out 90% of bad investments.He and Tasia walk through real-dollar examples of how fund economics actually work, demystifying terms like management fees, preferred returns, carried interest, IRR, and MOIC. Bo also shares how he and his wife Meredith created Denali Venture Philanthropy by first discovering each other's lifelong dreams and top 10 values — a powerful exercise for any couple looking to align their wealth with their purpose.For women just starting their private investing journey, Bo offers practical steps: diversify across multiple investments over time, leverage the due diligence of established investors, explore platforms like Impact Assets for vetted opportunities, and always create a separate entity (LLC or trust) for asset protection. He closes with an inspiring story about how his Everest expedition helped restore eyesight to 50,000 people — proof that your investment success can become someone else's miracle.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Meet Bo Parfet: Investor, Climber, Family Man0:02:06 - Building an Impact Portfolio With Your Partner0:05:37 - What Is Impact Investing? Two Requirements0:07:17 - Personal Portfolio: 50% Private, 50% Public0:08:04 - How Long Should Your Money Be Locked Up?0:11:11 - Bo's 3-Point Deal Screening Checklist0:13:07 - Why 90% of Businesses Fail in 3 Years0:14:21 - Assets Under Management: The $500M Threshold0:17:16 - "2 and 20" Explained: Fees, Prefs & Carry0:23:51 - IRR vs. MOIC: The Metric That Actually Matters0:27:32 - First-Time Investor Advice for Women0:31:13 - Asset Protection: Why You Need an LLC or Trust0:32:08 - Climbing Everest to Restore 50,000 People's SightCONNECT WITH BO PARFET→ DLP Capital: https://dlpcapital.com/about/team/bo-parfet→ Denali Venture Philanthropy: https://www.denaliventurephilanthropy.com/→ Impact Assets: https://impactassets.orgCONNECT WITH GRACEFUL INVESTOR→ Website: https://gracefulinvestor.com/→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracefulinvestor/DISCLAIMER: The content in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Tasia is not a licensed financial advisor. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.#GracefulInvestor #ImpactInvesting #PrivateInvesting

How do you set up a trust account for your kids? Subscribe for weekly wealth-building strategies.In this episode of Graceful Investor, Tasia breaks down exactly how to create an irrevocable trust for your children using the annual gift tax exclusion — and how $217,000 in contributions can grow to $1.9 million by the time your child turns 40.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN✓ How the annual gift tax exclusion works in 2026 ($19,000 per recipient) and how to use it strategically✓ Why an irrevocable trust gives your children more flexibility than a 529 plan for major life milestones✓ The real math — two compounding scenarios that show why starting early matters✓ How to choose the right trustee and why a prenuptial clause protects your gift’s original intention✓ Tax implications you need to discuss with your estate attorney before you set anything upABOUT THIS EPISODEIf you are a woman thinking about generational wealth, estate planning, or how to financially set up the next generation, this episode is for you. Tasia walks through her personal approach to what she calls a "kiddo trust" — an irrevocable trust funded through the IRS annual gift tax exclusion — and shares the exact steps to get started.You will learn how the $19,000 annual gift exclusion works in 2026, why an irrevocable trust offers more flexibility than a 529 for things like a home down payment, starting a business, or paying for a wedding, and how to handle the tax side so there are no surprises. Tasia also explains the difference between having the grantor pay annual trust taxes versus turning off grantor status and letting the trust pay its own taxes directly — a critical decision that affects your personal finances for decades.She covers choosing the right trustee — whether that is a professional trust company or someone close to you who understands your values — and shares a smart addition most people overlook: requiring a prenuptial agreement before any distributions are made. The episode closes with two powerful compounding scenarios that show exactly how much more your children could receive by starting when they are young versus waiting. If estate planning and trust accounts for children feel overwhelming, this episode makes it approachable.DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. All investments carry risk.🏠 Watch more Graceful Investor episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmEXjdDxnIPiYhtdZymnWdftODP6V9dTP📩 Connect with Tasia → https://www.instagram.com/gracefulinvestor/#GracefulInvestor #EstatePlanning #GenerationalWealth #TrustForKids

Private investing isn’t just for Wall Street insiders — and this episode proves it. Subscribe for weekly strategies to help high-income women invest smarter. Arielle Patrick made her first private investment at 28, betting $25,000 on a female founder she believed in. That company was acquired twice, and the holding company now counts Jay-Z and Kevin Hart among its investors. In this episode of Graceful Investor, Arielle sits down with Tasia to break down exactly how she evaluates private deals, what an investing mission statement is, and why women’s emotional intelligence is actually a competitive edge in the investing world. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN✅ How one woman turned a $25K gut-feeling investment into a company that was acquired twice✅ What an investing mission statement is and why every woman needs one before writing a check✅ The difference between direct investments, venture capital funds, and being a limited partner (LP)✅ What accredited investor means and the three ways to qualify✅ Why emotional intelligence is a “rock hard skill” for evaluating founders and private deals Most women assume private investing requires millions of dollars and a seat at some exclusive table. Arielle’s story challenges that assumption head-on. She walks through how she found her first deal through a women’s executive network, why she only invests money she’s comfortable losing from her checking account (not her 401k or family assets), and how she behaves like an operating partner to actively support the companies she backs. The conversation also covers practical realities that rarely get discussed openly: the typical $25,000 minimum investment threshold, lockup periods of four to seven years (or longer in venture), and why you need to align your investment timeline with your personal and family financial goals before committing capital. Arielle shares a candid lesson about an investment that failed because she ignored red flags and stayed involved out of guilt — a pattern she says many women fall into as people pleasers. Whether you’re already investing or just starting to explore what’s possible beyond your 401k and brokerage account, this conversation gives you a real-world framework for thinking about private deals. Scroll down to the timestamps to jump straight to Arielle’s mission statement framework or her lesson on the investment that went wrong. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Meet Arielle Patrick — investor, consultant, and mother of two01:54 Her first private investment at 28 and trusting her gut04:02 Why she only invests what she can afford to lose05:48 Being an active investor vs. a passive one07:07 What is an LP? Direct investments vs. venture capital funds07:56 Lockup periods: how long your money is tied up09:01 Getting her Series 7 license while 6 months pregnant10:02 "It’s not brain surgery" — demystifying financial jargon11:00 Building confidence in investing rooms12:15 How women outside major cities can find deals13:51 Using nonprofit boards to expand your investing network14:24 What is an investing mission statement?16:17 Her Saysh investment — Allyson Felix’s sneaker company18:36 Aligning investments with your family’s financial goals19:42 Bonds, stocks, and liquidity — matching vehicles to your needs22:11 Minimum investment amounts and the $25K threshold23:49 What does accredited investor mean? Three ways to qualify27:23 Emotional intelligence as an investing superpower29:05 The investment that failed — a lesson in trusting red flags30:55 Final advice: stay curious, stay nimble RESOURCES AND LINKS➡ Watch more Graceful Investor episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmEXjdDxnIPiYhtdZymnWdftODP6V9dTP➡ Connect with Arielle Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariellepatrick➡ Learn more about Saysh (Allyson Felix’s sneaker brand): https://saysh.com/ ABOUT GRACEFUL INVESTORGraceful Investor helps high-income and high-net-worth women invest and grow their money with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Tasia, each episode features real conversations with women who are actively building wealth through smart, intentional investing. DISCLAIMERThis episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. The hosts and guests are not licensed financial advisors. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. Subscribe to Graceful Investor for new episodes every week — and leave a comment below telling us what investing topic you want us to cover next. #GracefulInvestor #WomenInvesting #PrivateInvesting

Could you wear every single sweater you own before buying anything new? 🧣 Subscribe for weekly money conversations for women.The average American woman buys 68 garments a year — that’s 5-6 new items every month. In this episode of Graceful Investor, Tasia breaks down exactly how her 2025 Sweater Challenge changed her spending habits, rewired her dopamine response to shopping, and helped her finish the year at just 80% of an already-lowered budget.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN✓ How much the average woman spends on clothing at every income level — and why the numbers might shock you✓ The simple photo album and sticker system Tasia used to track every sweater she wore✓ How to replace the dopamine hit of buying new clothes with the satisfaction of using what you already own✓ Why community accountability makes low-buy challenges stick✓ Real results: how Tasia came in under budget for the first time everEPISODE SUMMARYWomen and shopping — it’s a topic that gets laughed off, but the numbers tell a different story. Research shows the average American woman purchases between 53 and 68 garments per year, with apparel spending averaging 2.3% of total household income. That means if you’re bringing home $100K, you’re spending roughly $2,300 a year on clothes. At $250K, it’s $5,750. At $500K, it’s $11,500.Tasia decided to challenge those numbers head-on with her 2025 Sweater Challenge — a commitment to wear every sweater in her closet before purchasing a single new one. What started as a low-buy experiment became a complete mindset shift. She created a tracking system using phone photos and closet stickers, and discovered something unexpected: the dopamine hit she used to get from shopping was replaced by the satisfaction of checking off each sweater and watching her savings grow.By year’s end, Tasia had purchased only four new sweaters, identified pieces to donate, and spent just 80% of her annual clothing budget — a goal she’d already reduced from the prior year. The challenge also sparked community connection, with friends tracking her progress and joining in their own low-buy journeys. If you’re looking for a practical, achievable approach to mindful spending, this episode delivers a framework you can start today.TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Why women and shopping deserves a real conversation0:26 — Introducing the 2025 Sweater Challenge1:00 — How many garments women actually buy per year1:30 — Apparel spending by income level ($100K–$500K)2:23 — The mindset shift: retraining your dopamine response2:54 — The photo album and sticker tracking system3:39 — Results: 4 sweaters, under budget, 80% of goal4:19 — Community accountability and the invitation to joinIf this episode inspired you to try your own low-buy challenge, tell us in the comments — what category of spending would you tackle first?CONNECT WITH GRACEFUL INVESTOR📱 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracefulinvestor/🌐 Website: https://gracefulinvestor.com/#GracefulInvestor #LowBuyYear #WomenAndMoney

Paying off $30,000 in debt by 28 might sound impossible — but Tasia did it, and she’s sharing exactly how. Subscribe for weekly money strategies for women. In this deeply personal episode of Graceful Investor, Tasia pulls back the curtain on her own debt payoff journey — from signing up for a sorority credit card for a free T-shirt to accumulating seven store credit cards and over $30,000 in debt by age 25. She walks through the exact steps she took to become debt free, hit $100,000 in retirement savings before turning 30, and build a financial foundation that would support her family for decades. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ✅ How Tasia went from $30K in credit card debt to completely debt free in three years ✅ The snowball method explained — why paying off the smallest debt first actually works✅ How she hit $100K in retirement savings by 29 using her 401k and Roth IRA✅ Creative money-saving tactics (including a $50/week grocery budget and some clever social hacks)✅ Why telling your friends you’re on a debt payoff journey is one of the most powerful things you can do Most women don’t talk openly about debt. The shame and secrecy around it keeps millions of people stuck in cycles of minimum payments and mounting interest. Tasia breaks that silence in this episode by sharing her real numbers, her real mistakes, and the real daily sacrifices that made her debt-free life possible. She explains the 50/30/20 budget framework and why you might need to temporarily drop your discretionary spending from 30% to 10% during a debt payoff sprint. She covers the snowball method popularized by Dave Ramsey — listing debts from smallest to largest and attacking the smallest first for quick psychological wins. And she gets honest about the mental game: retraining your brain from the dopamine rush of purchasing to the slower, steadier reward of watching your balances drop. The episode also covers practical strategies for generating extra cash through side hustles, selling items on Facebook Marketplace, couponing, and finding creative ways to maintain your social life on a tight budget. Whether you’re carrying credit card debt, student loans, or a car payment you regret, this conversation gives you both the tactical roadmap and the emotional encouragement to start. Scroll down to the timestamps to jump straight to the snowball method breakdown or her $100K savings goal strategy. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Why Tasia is sharing her debt story00:57 Signing up for her first credit card in college01:52 How she ended up with 7 store credit cards02:25 The wake-up call at 25 — nothing left at the end of the month02:59 Discovering Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University03:50 Her three goals: pay off $30K, pay off her car, save $100K by 3004:32 The math behind her $100K retirement savings goal05:09 Maxing out her 401k and Roth IRA05:43 The $50/week grocery budget06:30 Words of encouragement for women starting their debt payoff08:25 How to build a budget that supports debt payoff09:22 The 50/30/20 rule — and why 30% might need to become 10%11:09 The snowball method explained step by step12:47 Why tiny wins create a dopamine hit that keeps you going13:40 Side hustles, selling items, and couponing strategies14:43 The flask-in-the-purse confession16:06 Debt payoff as a generational legacy16:31 Online communities that help — Ramsey, Orman, Sethi, Your Rich BFF17:01 Telling your friends and building a support system18:11 Why women do best with money in community RESOURCES AND LINKS➡ Watch more Graceful Investor episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmEXjdDxnIPiYhtdZymnWdftODP6V9dTP➡ Dave Ramsey — Financial Peace University: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/financial-peace➡ Ramit Sethi — I Will Teach You to Be Rich: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/ ABOUT GRACEFUL INVESTORGraceful Investor helps high-income and high-net-worth women invest and grow their money with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Tasia, each episode features real conversations and personal stories about building wealth through smart, intentional financial decisions. DISCLAIMERThis episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. The host is not a licensed financial advisor. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. Subscribe to Graceful Investor for new episodes every week — and drop a comment below sharing the first debt you’re going to tackle. #GracefulInvestor #DebtPayoff #WomenAndMoney

You have the wealth — now it’s time to learn how to invest it. Subscribe for weekly strategies to help you grow your money with confidence.If you’re a woman with money sitting on the sidelines and you’re ready to finally understand investing, this episode is your starting point. You’ll walk away with four clear pillars to build on — no jargon, no judgment, just honest guidance from someone who’s been exactly where you are.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN✓ How to open your first brokerage account and start investing on your own terms✓ Why you need cash reserves (3–12 months) before putting your wealth to work — and how much is right for you✓ What expense ratios are and how they’re quietly eating into your returns without you knowing✓ The exact questions to ask your financial advisor so you understand what you’re paying and why✓ How to stop deferring to others and start trusting yourself to make investment decisionsIf you’ve been letting someone else manage your money without fully understanding what’s happening, you’re not alone. Many high-net-worth women find themselves in exactly this position — whether after a divorce, a career change, or simply years of trusting an advisor without asking questions. The good news: you don’t need a finance degree to take control. You just need the right framework.This episode walks you through four pillars of confident investing. First, the power of buying consistently over time so compounding works in your favor. Second, why keeping emergency cash on hand protects your portfolio when markets dip. Third, how to evaluate the expense ratios on your funds so hidden fees don’t silently erode your growth. And fourth, how to ask your advisor the hard questions about their fees, their recommendations, and whether the blend they’ve chosen actually matches your goals.You’ll also hear about platforms like Vanguard, Charles Schwab, and Robinhood that make it possible for you to explore investing on your own — even alongside an advisor. Whether you’re managing a divorce settlement, transitioning out of a partnership, or simply ready to stop being a passive participant in your own financial life, this episode gives you the confidence and clarity to take the first step.Scroll down to the timestamps to jump straight to the four pillars breakdown.TIMESTAMPS00:00 — The Hidden Fees You’re Probably Paying00:51 — Welcome to Graceful Investor01:00 — From Stay-at-Home Mom to Solo Investor02:20 — The Questions I Wish I Had Asked03:05 — The Emotional Side of Investing Alone04:30 — Do You Even Need a Financial Advisor?05:50 — Lump Sum vs. Consistent Investing06:40 — How Much Emergency Cash Is Enough?07:20 — Where Should You Start Investing?08:46 — The 4 Traits of a Smart InvestorIf this episode made investing feel less intimidating, hit subscribe and drop a comment with the one question you’ve been too afraid to ask about your money.LINKS & RESOURCES→ Watch the full Graceful Investor playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmEXjdDxnIPiYhtdZymnWdftODP6V9dTP→ Vanguard: https://www.vanguard.com→ Charles Schwab: https://www.schwab.com→ Robinhood: https://www.robinhood.com→ Ramit Sethi — I Will Teach You to Be Rich: https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/#GracefulInvestor #InvestingForWomen #WealthManagement

Feeling curious—but cautious—about private investing? In this episode of Graceful Investor, Tasia opens the door to a side of investing most women never hear about: private deals. From real estate funds to early-stage startups, she breaks down how to evaluate opportunities, ask the right questions, and avoid overcommitting when the stakes (and minimums!) are high.Subscribe for smart, grounded investing conversations made just for women ready to grow wealth with clarity and confidence.What You’ll Learn:What private investing actually is—and how it differs from the stock marketThe real risks (and potential rewards) of investing in startups or real estate fundsWhat to ask before writing a single checkHow investor circles work—and whether they’re worth joiningWhy private investing should only be a small part of your portfolioPrivate investing isn’t just for billionaires or Wall Street insiders—it’s a growing option for everyday investors with a solid foundation and curiosity about what else is out there. In this episode, Tasia shares her personal insights into how private investments work, including real estate funds, early-stage startups, and investor networks that let you hear live company pitches.She explains the risks of putting all your money into one opportunity, the importance of understanding how long your money will be tied up (hello, illiquidity!), and the due diligence every investor should do before saying yes. You'll learn about fund minimums, investment “calls,” pitch red flags, and why she limits private investments to just a portion of her overall strategy.If you’ve ever wondered how people find these deals—or whether you could get into one yourself—this episode will help you weigh whether private investing is a fit for you.Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to Graceful Investor0:28 What is private investing?1:20 How private deals differ from stocks2:32 Risks vs rewards: what to expect3:29 Real estate funds explained5:24 How long your money might be tied up7:03 Questions to ask before you invest8:14 What are investor circles?9:31 How to evaluate company pitches11:52 What Tasia looks for in a real estate fund14:13 The rise of warehouse developments16:38 Why location and logistics matter18:26 How investment “calls” work21:10 How much of your portfolio should be in private investments?23:35 Getting started: where to look and who to ask24:57 Groups to explore (like Long Angle)25:30 One simple way to start today26:11 Wrap-up & call to connectSubscribe for weekly investing insights made for womenWhat part of private investing feels exciting—or confusing? Share in the comments!Links & Resources:https://www.vanguard.comhttps://www.schwab.comhttps://www.robinhood.comhttps://www.longangle.com#GracefulInvestor #WomenInvesting #PrivateInvesting #RealEstateFunds #FinancialConfidence #InvestingTips