Welcome back to Your Life and Money — the podcast that goes beyond the numbers to help you live your best financial life. In this solo episode, host Brad Smith dives into a crucial yet often overlooked topic: the role of alternative investments in building a more resilient and aligned financial strategy.

While life-centered planning is always the foundation, Brad explores how evolving markets and investor needs are driving a shift away from traditional models like the 60/40 portfolio—and what that means for your money.

In this episode, we explore three core themes:

• The Limits of Traditional Investing: Why the classic balanced portfolio often falls short of expectations in today’s volatile markets, and how client experiences frequently diverge from projected returns.
• The Rise of Alternative Assets: How pension funds are using private investments like real estate, debt, and equity to reduce volatility and boost long-term returns—and how these strategies are now accessible to individual investors.
• The Power of Active, Integrated Management: How unified managed accounts (UMAs) combine professional management and alternative asset access to create more flexible, responsive portfolios aligned with your life goals.

Why listen?

This episode offers practical insights into how you can build a more durable, diversified portfolio—without relying solely on public stocks and bonds. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking greater clarity, confidence, and consistency in their financial plan.

Have questions or want to learn more?

Visit our website to connect, share your feedback, or explore how life-centered planning can work for you.

Tune in today and discover how smarter investing can support the life you truly want to live.