Ep. 332For decades, the stock market meant public companies. Apple, Microsoft, Amazon — the giants everyone invests in.But something big has changed.More companies are staying private longer, and some of the most valuable businesses in the world — SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, Databricks, Stripe — are not publicly traded.So the question becomes:Are private markets where the real growth is happening now?In this episode, Gabriel Shahin breaks down the shift from public markets to private investing, why billion-dollar companies avoid going public, and what investors need to understand before jumping into private stock opportunities.In this video, we discuss:-Why fewer companies are listed on public exchanges today-Why major companies choose to stay private longer-How SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) allow investors to buy private shares-The fees, carry structures, and costs behind private investments-Why governments sometimes push companies to go public-The pros and cons of private markets vs public markets-The importance of operators and leadership in early-stage companies-The risks of hype investments (like NFTs and speculative trends)-Private investments can offer incredible upside — but they also come with less transparency, limited liquidity, and higher risk.As always, the key question remains:Is it a good company solving a real problem — or just a hot trend?💬 Comment below: Would you rather invest in public stocks or private companies if you had access?👍 Like, Subscribe, and follow for more insights on wealth building, investing strategies, and financial education.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/...🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: Marketing@falconwp.com-----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

Ep.331Most people grow up believing the American Dream means paying off your mortgage as fast as possible.But what if that mindset is actually costing you millions?In this episode, Gabriel Shahin breaks down a strategy often used by high-net-worth investors and mega millionaires: using mortgage leverage—especially interest-only mortgages—to grow wealth faster.Instead of aggressively paying down principal, the wealthy often keep their mortgage and deploy their extra cash into investments that generate higher returns.In this video, we cover:Why the wealthy often avoid paying off their mortgage early-The logic behind interest-only mortgages-How leverage can accelerate long-term wealth-The difference between principal payments vs investing the difference-How mortgages can act as a hedge against inflation-Why discipline is the key to making this strategy work-When this strategy does NOT make senseThe core idea is simple:If you’re borrowing at 5% but investing at 7–10%, the difference can compound into millions over time.But this strategy only works for people who are disciplined investors and understand the risks.This video will challenge the traditional thinking about debt, mortgages, and wealth building—and help you start thinking about money the way the wealthy do.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/...🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: Marketing@falconwp.com-----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

Ep. 330Today’s episode is a special one.Gabriel Shahin sits down with Steve Weiss — the man, the myth, the legend — former CEO of MuteSix, one of the largest digital advertising agencies in the world, and a close friend from the high-net-worth investor group Tiger 21.This conversation isn’t the polished, “overnight success” fairy tale. It’s the real version — the messy origin story, the brutal turning points, the grind to build, the nine-figure exit… and the part almost nobody talks about:What happens after you win?What you’ll learn:• How Gabriel and Steve met through Tiger 21 (and bonded instantly) • Childhood: growing up in Freehold, NJ, single mom, survival mode • The turning point that pulled him away from the street life • Teaching himself internet marketing in the early “wild west” days online • His first business success — and losing it all in 2008 • The unexpected pivot into comedy, and how that led to marketing mastery • Building MuteSix from a Starbucks… to a 9-figure exit — without raising capital • Why Steve was a “wartime CEO”: product innovation + relentless sales execution • A wild story about breaking into a Facebook event at CES (and how it led to the acquisition) • The post-exit reality: fear, identity loss, distractions, and money overwhelm • Steve’s 3 pieces of advice for founders approaching an exitWhat success actually means (and why it’s not just money)The exit isn’t the finish line; it’s a transition.If your identity is only your company, the silence afterward can be louder than any boardroom.This episode is for founders, operators, investors, and anyone building something big — especially those who’ve ever thought, “Once I make it, I’ll finally feel… okay.”

Ep.329International investing had a strong 2025, and 2026 is off to a promising start. But when we say “international,” what are we really talking about?Developed markets? Emerging markets? Europe? Asia?In this episode, Gabriel Shahin, CFP®, breaks down the real difference between Asia and Europe as investment regions—and why he’s currently more bullish on Asia.Here’s what we cover:• Why Europe had a strong 2025—but what actually drove those returns• How 60% of Europe’s gains came from financials and industrials• The role of deregulation hopes and a strengthening yield curve• Why Asia’s returns were driven by tech and communications• The massive earnings growth gap (20–29% in Asia vs ~4% in Europe)• How AI, semiconductors, digitalization, and innovation are shaping Asia• Taiwan Semiconductor vs ASML—valuation and growth comparison• Why demographic decline and overregulation weigh on Europe• How cultural momentum and government support fuel Asian growth• ETF exposure examples for diversified international positioningIt’s not about loving one continent over another—it’s about capital allocation.Asia is positioned around:– AI infrastructure– Semiconductor dominance– Digital expansion– Energy transition– Supply chain innovationEurope, while home to strong brands and select standout companies, faces:Slower earnings growth– Aging demographics– Regulatory friction– Higher structural energy costsThat doesn’t mean avoid Europe entirely—but it does mean understanding where future growth is likely to accelerate.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/...🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: [email protected]#financialplanning #options #investing #taxplanning -----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

I just lost $2,000… and I’m actually happy about it.Before you think I’ve lost my mind, this episode breaks down why losing a small, controlled amount in a speculative investment can be smart risk management—and how options can help you do exactly that.Instead of risking $20,000 buying a volatile stock outright, I used a call option and limited my downside to the $2,000 premium. If it expires worthless? Fine. That was the defined risk from the start.In this episode, I explain:• How stock options actually work (simple breakdown)• What one contract (100 shares) really means• How a $2,000 premium can control $28,000 worth of stock• Why options can limit downside on speculative trades• How leverage works in your favor (and against you)• The math behind break-even prices and expiration• Why most investors misuse options• The difference between investing and speculatingWhen used properly, options allow you to define your maximum loss upfront while keeping upside potential. That’s powerful—if you understand the risk.But let’s be clear:Options are not magic. They’re tools. Used incorrectly, they can destroy capital. Used strategically, they can manage risk on high-volatility ideas.Speculation should never risk your retirement. It should be calculated, limited, and intentional.If you’ve ever wondered how options really work—or whether they make sense for you—this episode walks through it step by step.Stay disciplined. Manage risk. And never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/...🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: Marketing@falconwp.com-----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

Is there really a tax advantage to getting married?Believe it or not, the answer is yes—and in this episode, we break it down in a fun, real-world way.In this lighthearted yet informative episode of More Knowledge, More Wealth, Gabriel Shahin, CFP®, is joined by his daughter Angelina to talk about marriage, family, and the often-overlooked tax benefits of being married and filing jointly.What you’ll learn:• The difference between single vs married filing jointly tax brackets• How marriage can reduce taxes at different income levels• Real examples of tax savings at $50K, $100K, $250K, $500K, and $1M of income• Why tax brackets widen for married couples• How marriage can lower your effective tax rate, not just your tax bill• Why taxes should never be the reason to get married—but are a real financial benefit• The difference between married filing jointly vs married filing separatelyMarriage isn’t about money—but from a tax perspective, filing jointly can create meaningful savings over time, especially as income rises.This episode mixes family, finance, and a little humor to make a complex topic easy to understand—and reminds you that good financial planning starts with understanding the rules that already exist.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/...🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: Marketing@falconwp.com-----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

Precious metals had an incredible run in 2025, and early 2026 continued the momentum. But what we’ve just seen is something very few investors were prepared for: 20–40% pullbacks in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in a matter of days.In this episode, Gabriel Shahin, CFP®, breaks down what’s really happening in the commodities and precious metals markets, why the volatility has been more extreme than equities, and—most importantly—what investors should not be doing right now.What we cover in this episode: • Why gold, silver, platinum, and palladium surged in 2025 • The real reasons behind the recent sharp pullbacks • Why chasing precious metals after massive gains is dangerous • Gold vs silver vs platinum vs palladium—what’s actually driving demand • The role of dollar devaluation, central banks, and geopolitics • How AI, solar, hydrogen, and EVs affect metals differently • Why metals move in trends—and why investors keep buying at the wrong time • The truth about “gold to $10,000” narratives • How fear, headlines, and social media fuel bad investment decisionsPrecious metals are not magic investments. They are volatile, cyclical, and often driven by emotion—not fundamentals. Buying after massive run-ups and during hysteria is how long-term wealth gets destroyed.A small allocation can make sense. Betting your future on commodities because of FOMO does not.This episode is a reality check for anyone feeling tempted to chase gold or metals after headline gains. Volatility cuts both ways—and discipline always matters more than excitement.Stay diversified. Stay rational. And don’t gamble with decades of hard work.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/...🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: Marketing@falconwp.com-----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

Welcome to the 2026 Falcon Flyover—a comprehensive recap of what actually drove markets in 2025 and how we’re positioning portfolios moving forward.Despite early volatility, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong opportunity year, especially for disciplined investors who understand where growth, risk, and quality truly live.In this episode, Gabriel Shahin, CFP®, breaks down the key market forces from 2025 and explains how they directly inform Falcon’s strategy for the year ahead.What we cover in this Flyover: • Why the stock market reached new highs in 2025 • How AI-driven growth fueled returns—and where the real risks are • Why profitability matters more than hype in AI investing • The hidden risk of sitting in too much cash as rates decline • Why diversification finally worked again (especially internationally) • The standout performance of emerging and developed markets • What interest rate cuts mean for bonds, equities, and alternatives • Why gold surged—and why chasing it now may be a mistake • How private markets and infrastructure continue to play a key role • Where Falcon is reallocating risk to focus on quality and durability2025 rewarded investors who stayed diversified, avoided speculation, and focused on profitable growth. As rates trend lower and capital is forced back to work, discipline, quality, and thoughtful diversification matter more than ever.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/...🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: Marketing@falconwp.com-----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

Headlines are flying about housing, interest rates, and institutions being pushed out of residential real estate—but what’s actually happening on the ground tells a very different story.In this episode of More Knowledge, More Wealth, Gabriel Shahin, CFP®, breaks down the real-world outlook for residential and rental real estate using data from large-scale property managers overseeing hundreds of billions in assets. This isn’t hype or fear—it’s supply, demand, and math.What you’ll learn: • Why rising housing supply is changing negotiating power for buyers • How record apartment deliveries in 2025 are reshaping the rental market • Why renting is still cheaper than buying—and what that means long term • How wage growth outpacing rent is affecting affordability • Why first-time homebuyers are now over 40—and what policymakers are trying to change • Where prices are already down 20%+ (and where they aren’t) • Why the second half of 2026 may be a key entry point for investors • How cap rates, tax benefits, and principal paydown still support real estate returns • The difference between buying to live vs buying to investKey insight: Real estate isn’t crashing—but it is shifting. Selective opportunities are emerging as supply peaks, institutions reposition, and distressed sellers face upcoming debt maturities.If you’re looking to buy a home or deploy capital, this episode helps you cut through the noise, understand the numbers, and make decisions based on discipline—not headlines.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/retirement-landing-page/🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: Marketing@falconwp.com-----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.

Headlines are exploding with reports that Venezuela is now under U.S. control—and investors are already making the wrong assumptions about what that means for oil, gold, defense stocks, and the broader market.In this episode of More Knowledge, More Wealth, Gabriel Shahin, CFP®, breaks down the market implications of the Venezuela situation through a portfolio lens—what could matter, what’s noise, and why the “obvious” trade is often the wrong one.What you’ll learn: • Why geopolitical control doesn’t automatically mean oil prices drop • How market psychology reacts to “reduced risk” and increased predictability • Why defense contractors (Palantir, Lockheed, Northrop, Raytheon, Boeing) may benefit when global tensions rise • How Venezuela’s gold and mineral reserves could impact precious metals pricing • Why this could increase volatility—and why retail investors often react emotionally • The biggest takeaway: why you stay diversified, disciplined, and invested during breaking-news cyclesThis isn’t about chasing headlines. It’s about understanding how markets price risk—and why the best decision is usually not the most emotional one.Stay focused, stay diversified, and don’t let politics turn into portfolio mistakes.📅 Schedule a Free Financial Assessmenthttps://www.falconwealthplanning.com/retirement-landing-page/🎙️ Follow Gabriel Shahin, CFP®:Website – https://gabrielshahin.com/Instagram – / falconoffin. .LinkedIn – / followgab. .X (Twitter) – https://x.com/falconoffinance?s=21&t=...🔗 Follow Falcon Wealth Planning:Linktree – https://linktr.ee/falconwealthplanningInstagram – / falconwealt. .LinkedIn – / falc. .YouTube – @FalconWealthInc For business or podcast inquiries, please contact: Marketing@falconwp.com-----------------------------------Disclaimer: Advisory services are offered through Falcon Wealth Planning, an SEC registered investment adviser. The views expressed in this op-ed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Falcon Wealth, its editors, or any affiliated entities. Any information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Please consult a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.