America at 250: The History of Wall Street

Our Approach to Stocks

In Episode 13 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG founder and president John Woodard Jr. for a look inside how the firm actually invests. The conversation opens with a brief look at Tactical Asset Allocation, one of the firm's two complementary management styles, before turning to the heart of the episode: the Market Leaders Portfolio. John Woodard Jr. walks through the history of the strategy, which has been run on essentially the same principles since the firm's founding in 1985, and explains the philosophy behind it. Why the firm chooses to own the leaders of each industry, the best of the blue chips with the management, capital, and durability to weather a full market cycle. He also breaks down the research process that supports the portfolio and the disciplined buy and sell policies that guide every decision, where positions are held for the long term and sold only when the underlying thesis deteriorates. If you have ever wondered how a fee-only fiduciary firm approaches building a stock portfolio, this is the episode. John's Weekly Pick this week: Charleston Grill.

America at 250: The History of Wall Street

In this special Fourth of July edition of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III celebrates America's 250th birthday with the story of the American stock market, from its humble birth under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street in 1792 to the global powerhouse it is today. As the nation marks 250 years of independence, John walks through the founding of the New York Stock Exchange, the original handful of securities that started it all, and the oldest company still trading today, one founded by Alexander Hamilton before the Constitution was even ratified. Along the way he marks the milestones that shaped modern investing, including the creation of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in 1896 and the rise of the S&P 500, and shares a series of striking then-and-now comparisons. How many millionaires America had at its founding versus today, how stock ownership went from a privilege of the few to a habit of the many, and what a single share of the nation's oldest stock would be worth if it had never split. It is a story of resilience, growth, and the long arc of American prosperity, fitting for a nation turning 250. John's Weekly Pick this week: a reverse osmosis water filter.

The Magic Numbers of Retirement with Matthew Blades, CFP®

In Episode 12 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with advisor Matthew Blades, CFP® to break down the most important numbers in retirement. Retirement is not a single date on a calendar. It is a series of them, and missing one can cost you thousands in penalties or missed opportunities. Matt also tackles the magic number debate, the popular idea that everyone should be chasing one specific dollar figure in their retirement accounts, and explains why the real answer is more nuanced than a single target. From there he walks through the key ages that matter, from penalty-free access at 59½, to Social Security and Medicare decisions in your sixties, to Required Minimum Distributions, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and more. If you are approaching retirement or helping someone navigate it, this is the roadmap you have been looking for. John's Weekly Pick this week: Weight Lifting.

Beneficiary Ready: A Guide to Wealth Transfer and Family Preparedness with Todd Senter, CFP®

In Episode 11 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG Chief Compliance Officer and Investment Advisor Todd Senter, CFP®, for one of the most important conversations the podcast has had yet. Most people spend decades building wealth and very little time thinking about what happens to it when they are gone. This episode changes that. Todd walks through what every account owner should be doing right now to prepare their beneficiaries, what the process looks like at Woodard and Company when a client passes, and what beneficiaries can expect when that moment comes. The conversation covers beneficiary designations, the common mistakes families make, real examples of what works and what does not, and an introduction to the WCAMG Wealth Transfer Guide, a resource the firm offers to help clients and their families get organized before it is too late. This is the episode to share with a parent, a spouse, or anyone who has accounts and loved ones who will one day need to navigate this process. John's Weekly Pick this week: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.

The Federal Reserve: History, the Balance Sheet & Kevin Warsh

In Episode 10 of The Generational Investors, host John Woodard III sits down with WCAMG founder and president John Woodard Jr. for one of the most educational episodes yet. The episode opens with a look at what is currently moving markets, with a focused conversation on memory chip stocks and what the recent action in that space is signaling for the broader technology sector. From there they break down the Federal Reserve from the ground up, what it is, what it actually does, and why it is the most consequential financial institution in the world. John Woodard Jr. walks through the history of the Fed in depth, including the Boskin Commission and its lasting impact on how inflation is measured and reported. The conversation then moves into the Fed balance sheet, what it is, how it grew to $6.7 trillion, and why it matters far more to investors than most people realize. The episode closes with a thorough look at incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, who he is, what he believes, and what a Warsh led Federal Reserve means for monetary policy and your portfolio going forward. John's Weekly Pick this week: Blue Light Glasses.