Thoughts on Alts

Thoughts on Alts

Alternative investments like private equity, crypto, and gold are capturing attention again — especially as access widens and prices rise. But broader availability doesn’t automatically translate into better opportunities for the everyday investor. Private equity access sounds exciting, yet institutional money will almost certainly get premium deals while Main Street investors are left picking through what’s left. Crypto has surged, but its value depends solely on continued adoption — a textbook example of the greater fool theory — unlike equities, which grow as earnings grow. And gold, despite its reputation, historically delivered returns barely above inflation and remains a non-productive asset. Drawing on Warren Buffett’s famous comparison between productive and non-productive assets, the conclusion is straightforward: over time, assets that produce cash flow and compound earnings will outpace those that rely on sentiment and speculation. In a world full of flashy investment headlines and new access points, the long-term play remains unchanged — stay focused on productive, compounding assets and avoid distractions that look exciting now but may disappoint later.

Bubble Talk

Are we in an AI bubble? Everywhere you look, billions are being poured into artificial intelligence, and the comparisons to the dot-com era are hard to ignore. In this episode, David Hicks breaks down what “bubble talk” really means — why not all bubbles are bad, why timing them almost never works, and how smart diversification keeps long-term investors grounded no matter what’s trending in the headlines. It’s a timely reminder that real progress often comes from periods of exuberance — and that steady, disciplined investing still wins in the end. Stay the course. Stay optimistic. Love your retirement.

Two Types of Risk

In this episode of Retirement Optimism, David Hicks explores one of Morgan Housel’s “little rules about big things”: focus on risks that cause permanent damage, not temporary harm. Drawing on client stories and the Oakmont Retirement Design process, David shows how most threats to retirement success don’t come from headlines or market swings—they come from our own reactions. From panic selling to overconcentration in a single stock, he breaks down the behaviors that can derail a retirement plan and shares how thoughtful design helps protect against lasting mistakes. Listen in for a reminder that optimism, discipline, and a clear plan are the best tools for loving your retirement.

3 Tax-Efficient Ways to Give to Charity

In this episode of Retirement Optimism, David Hicks explores how generosity and smart planning can go hand in hand. Writing a check is the simplest way to give—but often not the most efficient. David walks through three strategies that can help you maximize both your charitable impact and your tax benefits: Donating appreciated investments instead of cash to avoid capital gains taxes and give more. “Bunching” multiple years of gifts into one for a larger tax deduction while still supporting charities over time. Giving directly from your IRA through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), which can also lower taxable income and Medicare premiums. You’ll also hear real-world examples of how these strategies play out and why this fall—heading into year-end and with September planning meetings just around the corner—is the perfect time to talk through them. Stay the course. Stay optimistic. And make your generosity go further.

What's Going on with Real Estate?

In this episode of Retirement Optimism, David Hicks unpacks the current state of the real estate market—nationally and here in New Mexico—and how it fits into your retirement planning strategy. With interest rates still elevated, home prices holding steady, and buyers and sellers stuck in a stalemate, the market feels uncertain. But uncertainty doesn’t mean paralysis. David breaks down what’s driving the imbalance, how to think about mortgage payments vs. home prices, and what types of properties are still moving. You’ll also hear how the landscape in places like Corrales and Rio Rancho reflects broader national trends—and how retirees and pre-retirees should be thinking about real estate as part of their long-term design. Whether you’re considering downsizing, tapping into equity, or just keeping tabs on the housing market, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and practical insights.