In this episode of AWM Insights, hosts Justin Dyer and Mena Hanna turn their attention to newly minted professional athletes stepping onto the big stage. Drawing on fresh examples from the MLB draft and insights inspired by Warren Buffett, they share practical, data-driven advice on building lasting wealth, tuning out financial noise, and setting purposeful intentions for both money and legacy. The conversation delivers clear pillars for financial discipline and resilience, making this episode a...
Jul 18, 2025•12 min•Ep. 210
In this episode of AWM Insights, hosts Justin and Mena explore how simple, steady habits can lay the groundwork for lasting multi-generational wealth. Drawing on investment legends like Warren Buffet and proven lessons from mental performance experts, they discuss why foundational behaviors—from automated savings to family conversations—are more powerful than flashy market moves. Whether you’re building your financial legacy or looking for practical steps to level up your money game, this conver...
Jul 11, 2025•11 min•Ep. 209
In this episode of AWM Insights, Justin and Mena break down the surprising twists of Q2, reflecting on how international and emerging markets have outpaced the US, and what that means for portfolio performance. With practical stories and real data, they explore the impact of currency shifts, the dangers of emotional investing, and the high cost of sitting in cash during turbulent times. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just leveling up your wealth game, this conversation delivers timely per...
Jul 07, 2025•13 min•Ep. 208
In this episode of AWM Insights, Chief Investment Officer Justin Dyer and Portfolio Manager Mena Hanna take a direct approach to the week’s surging headlines, reminding listeners why the discipline of long-term investing is fundamental to the 100-year family operating system. With noise coming from all angles—markets, media, world events—the conversation zeros in on the habits that separate families who build multi-generational wealth from those who lose focus. If you’re playing for legacy, not ...
Jun 27, 2025•11 min•Ep. 207
On this episode of AWM Insights, Justin and Mena bring steady leadership to a field rattled by Middle East conflict, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and an uptick in domestic political noise. They walk through how to handle volatility like a pro: keep to the playbook, don’t let emotions call the plays, and remember the data that champions long-term discipline. For families with a lot on the line, this is a conversation about keeping your strategy sharp when the headlines threaten to take you off you...
Jun 20, 2025•10 min•Ep. 206
This episode of AWM Insights drills into what it takes to stay disciplined when markets demand your attention and speculation is the talk of the day. Our hosts, Justin Dyer and Mena Hanna, break down the latest equity rally, spotlight a shifting fear-to-greed cycle, and take listeners through real stories—one investor who mistimed the market and another convinced he’d outsmarted it. With clarity and AWM’s signature team mindset, the discussion unpacks crypto headlines, the pitfalls of hope-drive...
Jun 13, 2025•15 min•Ep. 205
May delivered the S&P 500’s strongest month in three decades, catching most experts flat-footed. In this AWM Insights episode, the team unpacks why disciplined, integrated investing—not predictions or gut feelings—can set your investing apart across decades of market cycles. With stories from the trenches of financial turbulence and reminders of how emotional decisions sabotage legacies, this conversation stays grounded in the essentials: stick to the playbook, trust diversification, and let...
Jun 09, 2025•15 min•Ep. 204
It's the final episode in our mini-series exploring how to build a best-in-class, human-centered portfolio. This time we're discussing the essential asset classes you need in your investment portfolio . From cash and fixed income to public equities, real estate, and private markets, each asset earns its seat not by tradition, but by its role in stewarding your family’s mission and values. The episode gives listeners a clear-eyed, front-office perspective on integrating every building block—craft...
Jun 02, 2025•17 min•Ep. 203
In this latest episode of AWM Insights, we continue our exploration of building a best-in-class investment portfolio, this time by focusing on a human-centered approach. A human-centered approach moves beyond traditional benchmarks to emphasize the importance of identifying a clear purpose for investing, with money viewed as a tool—a ticket—to help you achieve your unique life goals. We also tackle the practical side, showing you how portfolios can be intentionally structured and continually ada...
May 23, 2025•12 min•Ep. 202
Continuing our series exploring the value having a best-in-class portfolio, in this episode we tackle strategies for how to create a generational wealth-building portfolio. We break down the importance of a personalized and intentional approach to portfolio construction, emphasizing the ways in which asset allocation is similar to building a formidable sports team. This discussion is vital for those looking to safeguard their earnings and ensure enduring financial success for future generations....
May 16, 2025•12 min•Ep. 201
In this episode of AWM Insights, we kick off a mini-series on building a best-in-class investment portfolio. Justin Dyer and Mena Hanna discuss why having a structured investment plan is crucial for professional athletes and individuals looking to achieve multi-generational wealth. The conversation dives deep into the importance of a customized approach to investing, offering insights on how a well-structured portfolio can lead to financial resilience and success. Key Highlights Discussing the f...
May 09, 2025•14 min•Ep. 200
In this episode of AWM Insights, we dive into the intricacies of data-driven, long-term investing amidst market volatility. Hosts Justin Dyer and Mena Hanna demystify the noise of today's markets, focusing on strategies that prioritize staying the course, supported by historical data and rigorous analysis. With insights into current market conditions and practical applications for investors, this episode offers invaluable advice for maintaining a disciplined investment approach over time. Key Hi...
May 02, 2025•11 min•Ep. 199
In episode 198 of AWM Insights, we discuss the current economic landscape focusing on tariffs, valuations, and the power of diversification. AWM's Chief Investment Officer and Partner, Justin Dyer, and Portfolio Manager, Mena Hanna, explore the recent market behaviors, the Federal Reserve's insights on tariffs, and the ripple effects on companies like NVIDIA and UnitedHealthcare. Gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental investing principles crucial for navigating today's volatile markets a...
Apr 29, 2025•10 min•Ep. 198
In this episode of AWM Insights, our hosts discuss navigating market volatility amidst tariff changes. We dive into key strategies for controlling what you can in uncertain times and explore the importance of staying invested during significant market shifts. Get insights on tax loss harvesting and its long-term value add—essential listening for those wanting to thrive in today's dynamic financial landscape. Key Highlights —Portfolio Management: Importance of controlling what you can and prepara...
Apr 22, 2025•9 min•Ep. 197
In this episode of AWM Insights, the focus is on the unexpected impacts and implications of the newly imposed tariffs in global trade. Hosted by AWM's Chief Investment Officer and Partner, Justin Dyer, and Portfolio Manager, Mena Hanna, we dissect the nature of tariffs and their immediate reaction in the financial markets. The conversation pivots around how tariffs are escalating tensions with trading partners, leading to a potential trade war. The episode also provides valuable insights on main...
Apr 09, 2025•14 min•Ep. 196
Tax has a crucial role in wealth generation and preservation. Professional athletes have very complex tax situations which make tax planning a year-round endeavor, not just a one-time stop during tax filing season. The importance of integrating tax strategies with investment planning can't be stressed enough as we have seen the countless pitfalls of receiving separate tax and investment advice. Proactive strategies must be taken on, and changing the game plan to account for updates in the tax co...
Mar 29, 2024•11 min•Ep. 195
Crypto has reemerged in the financial landscape with the recent rally in Bitcoin and the significant role of the SEC's approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs. With all the hype, a cautious approach to the crypto space is prudent. This does not mean that the trend should be ignored. It’s essential to know and understand the ever-evolving investment universe. However, prioritizing investments in businesses with predictable cash flows over speculative bets on price movements is a tried and tested path to su...
Mar 22, 2024•13 min•Ep. 194
The economy and the stock market are not the same. Usually, the market has a head start and prices in future economic events. The market’s recent rally preceded the positive news that came out in terms of inflation, GDP, and employment rates. Making alternative bets has been shown to be counterproductive. Investing with a long-term mindset and avoiding market timing and speculation has been the winning gameplan, and gives investors the best odds of creating and sustaining multigenerational wealt...
Mar 18, 2024•13 min•Ep. 193
Real Estate is one of the most talked about asset classes. The allure of real estate comes from fact, fiction, and fallacy. Tax benefits, inflationary hedges, and income streams come with potential risks that are sometimes neglected, such as leverage, volatility, liquidity, and concentration. Incorporating real estate's unique advantages while considering and planning for the challenges is essential to building a well-diversified and prudent financial structure. Have questions for an upcoming ep...
Mar 04, 2024•12 min•Ep. 192
What does it take to build a Winning Portfolio? The answer has a significant amount of overlap with how a GM would build a winning team. It starts with expertise and knowledge. You need to assemble a group that understands what winning is, what it takes to win, and how to get there. Compiling a cohesive team and continuously coaching and improving the team is needed, but also utilizing those players effectively and efficiently with a proper game strategy and playbook are the only ways to get the...
Feb 26, 2024•9 min•Ep. 191
The complexity of predicting market reactions due to events or scenarios playing out can be perfectly proved by looking at elections. There has been no statistically significant data that has shown elections swaying markets in any direction. Making investment decisions based on election results is a dangerous game to play. Long-term financial planning can create value while short-term trading strategies influenced by political events are more likely to destroy it. Have questions for an upcoming ...
Feb 19, 2024•8 min•Ep. 190
There are many perceived effects of presidential elections on investment strategies and markets, but the data clearly shows that there is a misconception here. Over the past 100 years, there have only been 4 election years that have had negative returns, all of which were not influenced by presidential elections. Those 4 negative years were 1932 (Great Depression), 1940 (World War II Ramping Up), 2000 (Dot com bubble), and 2008 (Great Recession). Counterintuitively, the S&P 500 typically see...
Feb 09, 2024•6 min•Ep. 189
Presidential elections and financial markets have a nuanced relationship. All the media coverage and speculation around elections creates a significant panic and worry that can sway investor emotions. However, the historical data does not support making investment decisions based on the election outcome. Election years have shown no signs of differing performance from normal years. Financial markets are highly complex, and even though elections are important to policy, they are a single piece in...
Feb 03, 2024•10 min•Ep. 188
2023 was a year filled with surprises. It showed us how different predictions are from reality. As we kick off a year that is already starting with a lot of uncertainty and ending with a presidential election, it's critical to keep the lessons we have already learned top of mind. The key to successful outcomes is to block out the noise and focus on what matters over the long term. Market fluctuations are like the turbulence that a well-positioned portfolio can weather. It is imperative to stay d...
Jan 27, 2024•10 min•Ep. 187
In 2023, financial markets displayed remarkable resilience despite countless global challenges. Contrary to the predictions of a majority of economists, a recession was averted. This year highlighted the unpredictable nature of inflation, interest rates, and ultimately, financial markets. The year’s developments and the strong performance of markets underscore the importance of adopting a long-term, systematic approach to investing, rather than making reactive decisions based on short-term marke...
Jan 19, 2024•14 min•Ep. 186
Creating a personalized financial structure is an intricate process that isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. As our clients move through their lives, they evolve and so should their financial structure. Accommodating these updates and protecting new, important priorities is the only way to keep a portfolio relevant to a client's needs. It takes constant and clear communication to establish and reestablish a plan that will continue to position our clients in an optimal position to achieve their ...
Jan 13, 2024•8 min•Ep. 185
Evaluating custom portfolios can be tricky. Unlike off-the-shelf investments, each custom portfolio is unique and tailored to an investor's family, making it hard to compare using the standard benchmarks you see every day. Private investments further complicate the process as they are valued in different ways and at different time intervals. The key to measuring success with these portfolios isn't just about how much money they make, but how well they help you reach your personal financial goals...
Dec 23, 2023•9 min•Ep. 184
Figuring out your purpose and intention is the first step to maximizing the impact of your wealth. After your intention is established, time needs to be set aside to execute on that intention and take actions that turn the concept into reality. Figuring out what needs to be done and how it needs to happen is crucial. We work with our clients to build a game plan that is realistic to execute and advise them along the way to achieve the goal at hand with a customized set of scheduled checkpoints. ...
Dec 15, 2023•8 min•Ep. 183
Investing should be centered around you and the plan should evolve as your life develops and changes. This general concept may sound straightforward and logical, but the ideology of setting an intention for the funds in your portfolio and constantly reevaluating and adjusting them is not a common one. The simple reason for the lack of adoption is that this process is highly sophisticated. Foundations and Endowments manage their funds in this way. They have large teams dedicated to constantly fin...
Dec 08, 2023•7 min•Ep. 182
Brian Cain works with dozens of professional athletes to push them to Mental Performance Mastery. His 4-step formula transcends sports performance and actually has a direct application to managing wealth holistically. Establishing your goals and envisioning your priorities is Step 1. Creating Intention is followed by Scheduling time to do the work to get there. As time is being spent to get to the target, progress and improvement need to be measured and monitored. Finally, a reflection regarding...
Dec 02, 2023•7 min•Ep. 181
