The Liquidity Event | Money and Finance with Shane and Ally Jane
The Liquidity Event is a show about all things personal finance with a laser focus on equity compensation. Your hosts AJ and Shane will take you through the week’s news on #fintech, IPOs, SPACs, founder wins and fails, crypto, and whatever else these two nerds think is interesting. AJ and Shane are the financial advisors behind wealth management and tax firm Brooklyn FI, and have helped hundreds of clients plan for successful exits and financial independence. As proud millennials, they have a deep skepticism of the traditional financial services industry. They’ll dish about the tools they use to help...
Fri, April 18, 2025
7+ Lessons from 7 Years: Entrepreneurship, Taxes & Building a Business
Happy 7th Anniversary to Brooklyn Fi! 🎉 In this special episode of The Liquidity Event, Shane Mason & AJ Ayers reflect on the seven biggest lessons they've learned running a financial planning firm for seven years (though they might have come up with more than seven!). From the surprising rewards (and demands) of entrepreneurship to navigating hiring challenges, managing relationships, and the power of 'disagree and commit,' they share candid insights for anyone running or thinking about starting a business. Plus, they tackle a listener's question about handling an unexpected, large tax bill when income is lumpy – learn about IRS installment plans and other options. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Intro, Happy Tax Day & Shane's Stained Shirt 00:02:48 - Listener Voicemail: Handling a Surprise Tax Bill 00:05:11 - Brooklyn FI's 7th Anniversary: Intro to 7 Lessons in 7 Years 00:07:37 - Lesson: The Uncapped Reward of Entrepreneurial Hard Work (Shane) 00:11:28 - Lesson: Burn the Candle in Your 20s (Shane) 00:17:26 - Lesson: Entrepreneurship as a Creative Act (Shane) 00:20:03 - Lesson: Work on Relationships (Coworkers, Employees, Vendors) (Shane) 00:21:19 - Lesson: Why Hiring Your First Employees is So Hard (AJ) 00:23:05 - Lesson: The Power of 'Disagree and Commit' (AJ) 00:24:42 - Lesson: Steal Like an Artist (Borrowing Ideas) (Shane) 00:28:45 - Final Thoughts & Would They Do It Again? 🔔 Subscribe to The Liquidity Event on YouTube: YouTube Channel 🌐 Learn more about Brooklyn FI financial planning: brooklynfi.com ✍️ Leave us a voicemail question for a future episode:memo.fm/theliquidityevent 📱 Follow Brooklyn FI: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brooklyn-fi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklyn_f.i/
Fri, April 11, 2025
Tariff Chaos, Circle IPO & Angel Investing
Market shocks, crypto moves, windfalls, and punk rock? Shane Mason & AJ Ayers unpack the latest financial news and listener questions in this episode of The Liquidity Event. 🚨 IMPORTANT NOTE: This episode was recorded on April 8th, 2025, before the April 9th pause on most newly proposed U.S. tariffs (excluding China). While our specific tariff critique reflects the situation known at that moment, the policy landscape remains dynamic and could change again. Therefore, our discussion on the history of U.S. tariffs and the fundamental pros and cons of using them in economic policy offers valuable context for understanding potential future shifts. In this episode, hear AJ's sharp critique of the initial approach to the widespread tariff proposal and the market uncertainty it created. We also break down the Circle (USDC) stablecoin IPO filing – what does it mean for crypto and digital dollars? Plus, practical advice for tackling angel investing after an inheritance, and the story of how Henry Rollins got a Brooklyn FI Roth IRA t-shirt! ⏱️ Timestamps: (0:00) Intro & Catching Up (Mexico, California, Remembering Grandpa) (3:09) The Roth IRA / Henry Rollins T-Shirt Story (6:45) Tariff Turmoil: Discussing the Initial Broad Proposal (Recorded BEFORE Pause News) (8:15) Historical Tariffs & Manufacturing Job Trends (10:40) Critiquing the Abrupt Policy Rollout Strategy (13:50) Context: Existing China Trade Friction & Why Tariffs Elsewhere? (16:40) Potential Business & Personal Impacts of Widespread Tariffs (18:05) Circle (USDC) Stablecoin IPO Filing: What You Need to Know (19:40) Explainer: How Stablecoins Like USDC Work & Generate Revenue (21:15) The International Use Case for Digital Dollars vs. Traditional Banking (24:30) Reddit Q&A: Angel Investing an 8-Figure Inheritance? (25:40) Key Advice for Aspiring (or Accidental) Angel Investors (27:10) Alternatives: Angel Investing ETFs & Pre-IPO Funds (28:15) Outro & How to Connect 🔔 Subscribe to The Liquidity Event on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brooklynfi/?sub_confirmation=1 🌐 Learn more about Brooklyn FI financial planning: brooklynfi.com ✍️ Leave us a voicemail question for a future episode:memo.fm/theliquidityevent 📱 Follow Brooklyn FI: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brooklyn-fi/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brooklyn_f.i/ #LiquidityEvent #BrooklynFI #PersonalFinance #Investing #Economics #Tariffs #TradePolicy #MarketVolatility #Crypto #Stablecoin #USDC #IPO #AngelInvesting #We
Fri, April 04, 2025
Corporate Espionage, AI Exam Hacks & Money Questions From Reddit
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ and Shane dive into tech drama, AI disruption, and financial advice with a little spice. Key Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Japan Travel Reflections 3:00 - Corporate Espionage: Rippling vs Deel 13:06 - Student Uses AI to Beat Amazon Interview 18:00 - Hinge Health: Revolutionizing Physical Therapy? 23:24 - Listener Question: Best Retirement Account for Musicians 28:00 - Reddit Question: 26-Year-Old Making $400K From Business Like us? Have financial questions? Connect with us. Email: liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/liquidityevent Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes every Friday. #FinancialAdvice #CorporateEspionage #AIEthics #RetirementPlanning #Entrepreneurship
Fri, March 21, 2025
Stock Market Volatility, Long-Term Investing & Dave Ramsey’s “Morality”
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, BKFi’s AJ Ayers and Eduard Zolotarev tackle market volatility head-on, explore the recent Taco Bell product launch event, and share honest thoughts on Dave Ramsey's controversial rental property comments. Key Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Episode Overview 0:34 - Meet Ed & An All Important Update on Taco Bell 3:33 - Market Volatility & Recent Corrections (We aren’t scared) 8:49 - Long-Term Market Performance Charts 13:05 - Why Timing the Market Is So Hard (and pointless) 17:20 - Lessons from Those Who Left the Market in 2008 21:43 - Global Investment Beyond US Markets 23:23 - Dave Ramsey's Controversial Comments 29:19 - The Value of Having a Financial Advisor Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes every Friday. If you have anything to add, comment below! We value thoughtful & intelligent perspectives. Connect with us: Email: liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/liquidityevent #FinancialAdvice #IPO #StartupTips #AIInfrastructure #TacoBell
Fri, March 14, 2025
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): The $10 Million Tax-Free Secret with Attorney Christopher Karachale
In this special episode of The Liquidity Event, BKFi leaders John and AJ interview tax attorney Christopher Karachale about Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) - a powerful tax benefit allowing founders to exclude up to $10 million (or more) from capital gains taxes when selling shares. Key Timestamps: 1:50 - What is QSBS? The $10 million exclusion explained 3:16 - History of QSBS: From 1992 to today's 100% exclusion 8:15 - Qualification requirements: Company & shareholder criteria 11:13 - "Qualified trade or business" explained 12:18 - Prohibited business categories 14:14 - Tips for founders to qualify for QSBS 18:30 - LLC conversion strategies for QSBS 20:45 - Fixing past entity mistakes to qualify 22:54 - LLC to C-Corp conversion: FMV basis benefit 26:15 - 1045 rollovers: Strategy for selling before 5 years 29:04 - QSBS stacking: Advanced strategies with trusts 35:38 - Practical advice for early-stage founders Connect with us: Email: liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/liquidityevent Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes every Friday. #FinancialAdvice #IPO #StartupTips #AIInfrastructure #Entrepreneurship
Fri, March 07, 2025
CoreWeave IPO + Real Talk on Starting a Business
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ and Shane analyze CoreWeave's transformative journey from crypto trading platform to AI infrastructure powerhouse & share highly anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO) tips, plus unfiltered advice on what it really takes to start a business (from two people who actually did it). Key Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Market Updates 2:51 - The IPO Market Landscape 2020-2025 8:49 - What Does CoreWeave Actually Do? 10:37 - CoreWeave's Explosive Revenue Growth 11:56 - Risk Factors: Microsoft Concentration 14:53 - Founders' $150M Pre-IPO Cash Out 19:23 - GPU Infrastructure & Market Position 21:33 - Starting a Business Reality Check 24:00 - The Truth About Side Hustles 25:42 - Why "Setting Your Own Hours" is a Myth 29:00 - Basic Excel Skills: Non-Negotiable 31:35 - Software vs Revenue: What to Prioritize 32:20 - Do You Really Need an LLC? 34:15 - The Truth About Business "Write-offs" 37:22 - Business Plans: Necessary or MBA Fluff? 40:16 - Final Thoughts on Entrepreneurship Connect with us: Email: liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/liquidityevent Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes every Friday. #FinancialAdvice #IPO #StartupTips #AIInfrastructure #Entrepreneurship
Fri, February 28, 2025
The Middle Class Poor, Friendship Demographics, and Elon Musk's DOGE Claims
In this episode of The Liquidity Event: Money & Finance with AJ and Shane, we explore how demographics shape friendship networks, examine Elon Musk's exaggerated claims about DOGE savings, and answer a retirement planning question from a business owner. Key Timestamps: 0:34 - Introduction and episode topics 1:55 - Mexico City update and lifestyle chat 3:17 - Billionaire Brian Johnson's extreme anti-aging efforts 6:18 - AJ's Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation 9:04 - Hedonic vs. eudaimonic happiness discussion 12:21 - How demographics and education affect friendship patterns 16:18 - Analysis of gathering spaces and COVID's impact on socializing 21:22 - DOGE's questionable $55 billion savings claims 24:24 - Concerns about public lands and national parks 25:24 - Reddit Q&A: Should you contribute to self-employed 401k or Roth 401k?
Fri, February 21, 2025
Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) Explained: Tax Strategies to Avoid a $100k Surprise
In this episode of The Liquidity Event: Money & Finance with Shane and AJ, we unpack everything you need to know about Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) - from basic tax implications to advanced strategies for maximizing your equity compensation. Key Timestamps: 0:28 - Introduction to Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) 10:26 - Why ISOs get special tax treatment 13:29 - Exercising ISOs: Common pitfalls and best practices 15:45 - Case Study: Recovering $50k in lost tax credits 23:52 - The 5% rule: When to exercise your ISOs 25:39 - Breaking down ISO exercises into manageable chunks 27:28 - AMT credits explained: Getting your money back 28:30 - Year-end timing strategies for ISO exercises 31:28 - How to avoid losing valuable tax credits Connect with us: Email: liquidity@brooklyn.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/theliquidityevent/ Please like, subscribe, & leave us a review! New episodes drop every Friday. #EquityCompensation #StartupLife #StockOptions #PersonalFinance #TaxStrategy #FinancialPlanning #WealthManagement #TechCompensation
Fri, February 14, 2025
Spotify's Soaring Stock Price & the Great Wealth Transfer
In this episode of The Liquidity Event: Money & Finance with Shane and AJ, we discuss Spotify's soaring stock price, the reality of New York real estate's "open secret," and why successful entrepreneurs struggle to relax even after achieving their goals. Key Timestamps: 0:01 - Intro and Valentine's Day musings 6:48 - Spotify's journey from IPO to $620/share 8:44 - Evolution of Spotify's equity compensation 11:21 - The Great Wealth Transfer and NYC real estate secrets 15:52 - Millennial housing affordability crisis 19:48 - Are things really better for our generation? 22:02 - Listener Question: Tax strategy for high-earning couple 30:32 - Tax optimization strategies for business owners Connect with us: Email: liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/liquidityevent Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes every Friday. #FinancialAdvice #WealthManagement #EquityCompensation #Entrepreneurship #PersonalFinance
Fri, February 07, 2025
Trump's Trade War, Humanoid Robots, and the Wealth of Baby Boomer Women
In this week's episode of The Liquidity Event: Money & Finance with Shane and AJ, we tackle Trump's tariffs, humanoid robots in manufacturing, and baby boomer women deciding the fate of trillions of dollars. Key Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro and updates 4:44 - Baby boomer women & the $82T great wealth transfer 10:29 - Humanoid robots: Manufacturing's future 16:06 - Breaking down Trump's trade war with Mexico & China 22:59 - The impact on domestic manufacturing 27:19 - Reddit Q&A: Real estate diversification strategies Connect with us: Email: liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/liquidityevent Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes every Friday.
Fri, January 31, 2025
Deep Seek, Dropping Rents, & Gaming Credit Scores
Join AJ Ayers, CFP®, EA, CEP, and John Owens, CFP®, EA, ECA, CPWA® as they dive into the biggest financial headlines of early 2025, from AI market shakeups to real estate trends and credit score strategies. Plus, they tackle a listener question about luxury car decisions when you've "made it." Key Moments: 0:36 - Welcome & 2025 check-in 5:42 - Deep Seek's AI breakthrough and market impact 12:01 - Making sense of market headlines and volatility 15:06 - Credit score gaming: privilege and problems 19:37 - Denver's rental market "plunge" explained 22:52 - Reddit Question: $6M net worth car buying dilemma Watch for insights on: How AI developments are affecting the market Why credit score systems may need reform Real estate market cycles Luxury car buying vs leasing debate Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave your questions in the comments! New episodes every Friday. #FinancialAdvice #AINews #PersonalFinance #StockMarket #TechNews #MoneyTips
Fri, January 24, 2025
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Understanding Your Equity Comp & Advanced Tax Planning Strategies
In this episode of the Liquidity Event: Money and Finance with Shane and Ally Jane, we cover everything you need to know about RSUs, from basic tax implications to advanced strategies for managing your equity compensation. Key Timestamps: 0:28 - Introduction to RSUs & today's topics 6:38 - What makes RSUs unique among equity compensation 9:20 - How RSUs vest & the one-year cliff explained 12:33 - Tax implications: The crucial moment of vesting 22:08 - Understanding RSU withholding challenges 24:19 - Double trigger RSUs explained 27:09 - Sell to cover strategy breakdown 31:02 - Watch out for wash sales with RSUs 32:39 - Blackout periods (preview for future episode) Connect with us: Email: liquidity@brooklyn.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/theliquidityevent/ Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes every Friday. #FinancialAdvice #RSUs #StockOptions #TechNews #PersonalFinance
Fri, January 17, 2025
Alaska Airlines, FinTech Fails & Timing Your Exit
In this episode, AJ & Shane discuss Alaska Airlines' ambitious challenge to Delta, financial frauds in the FinTech space, and tackle a trending Reddit question about timing your exit. KEY MOMENTS: [2:25] - AJ's Punishment Travel Story: Getting stranded in a Mississippi blizzard [7:20] - Alaska Airlines vs Delta: Breaking down their new international routes, premium offerings, and what it means for the airline industry's recovery [11:28] - Financial Fraud: How a Fidelity employee stole $750k from stock plans and why Deel's $12B platform is facing money laundering allegations [21:04] - The $2M Question: Should you take guaranteed money now or wait for a potentially bigger payday? [26:54] - Financial Advisor's Perspective: Strategies for minimizing regret in exit timing and why taking some chips off the table might be your best bet Connect with us: Email: liquidity@brooklyn.com Leave a voicemail: memo.fm/heliquidity Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review! New episodes every Friday. #FinancialAdvice #StartupLife #StockOptions #TechNews #PersonalFinance
Fri, January 10, 2025
2025 IPO Outlook: Is the Freeze Finally Over?
Happy 2025! Ally Jane and Shane kick off the year with a deep dive into which major private companies might finally go public. From SpaceX to Canva, we break down who's ready to make the leap (and who's still playing the IPO waiting game). Plus, an honest discussion about reaching financial independence and whether FIRE is all it's cracked up to be. Society isn’t built for early retirement. What happens if you’re rich and have lots of free time with no one to share it with? Key Moments: 0:00 Welcome to 2025 & reflections on 2024 5:51 IPO Market Analysis: From winter to spring? A look at the numbers 13:34 Deep dive into potential 2025 IPOs (Canva, DataBricks, Rippling & more) 20:37 The Mystery Trip Reveal: Shane's diabolical plan for AJ 24:31 Real Talk: When reaching financial independence isn't what you expected Between Shane plotting AJ's mystery destination and frank discussions about post-FIRE regret, this episode balances market insights with real talk about money and life. And yes, there's a detour into dental drama because even financial advisors have to deal with crown complications. 🦷 Want more insights on equity compensation and financial planning? Visit us at brooklynfi.com Follow us: Instagram: @brooklyn_f.i LinkedIn: /brooklyn-fi Twitter: @BrooklynFi #FinancialPlanning #IPO #FinancialIndependence #TechIPO #EquityCompensation #FIRE #PersonalFinance
Fri, December 20, 2024
Sudden Wealth, Vacation Homes, and New Year's Resolutions: The 2024 Finale
In this final episode of 2024, hosts AJ and John explore the complexities of handling sudden unexpected windfalls, major financial decisions like purchasing a home (or vacation home), and some last-minute year-end planning tips. Key Moments & Topics: 0:00 Show introduction and 2024 wrap-up The psychology of sudden wealth and how to avoid common pitfalls 4:35 Handling unexpected windfalls Smart strategies for managing capital injections without lifestyle inflation 9:15 Home purchasing strategies The 20% down payment rule and affordability considerations 16:05 The vacation home debate The "6 weekend rule" and why rental income shouldn't factor into your decision 20:33 Year-end financial planning Last-minute FSA spending and charitable giving strategies 25:56 Looking ahead to 2025 Personal reflections and intentional goal setting Plus, they share their own experiences transitioning roles at BKFi and lessons learned from 2024.
Fri, December 06, 2024
Tax Planning Tips for Business Owners, Bitcoin BS, and a Bad Hair Day
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, hosts AJ and Shane discuss year-end business planning and tax optimization strategies. They break down: Essential business credit card decisions for startups and growing companies Year-end tax planning moves business owners should consider now Key business deductions you might be missing, from travel to home offices Special considerations for remote businesses and multi-state operations Strategic 401(k) planning for business owners and the complexities to watch out for Plus, they explore upcoming tariff changes that could impact business purchasing strategies and share insights on managing financial operations across state lines. AJ & Shane also tackle two timely topics: whether Bitcoin belongs in your 401(k) (spoiler: probably not), and the major changes coming to NYC's real estate broker fee system that could affect both landlords and renters. Subscribe to be the first to know about our new episodes! TImestamps: 0:00 Show introduction and Thanksgiving weekend reflections 4:29 Business credit card considerations and startup financial strategies 9:15 Year-end business tax planning and revenue timing 13:31 Business deductions for travel and home offices 17:38 Remote business operations and state tax implications 20:03 401(k) planning for business owners 23:49 Upcoming tariffs and business purchasing strategies 25:56 Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investment discussion 28:30 NYC real estate broker fees and show wrap-up
Fri, November 29, 2024
Year-End Tax Planning Strategies (While You Still Can!)
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, hosts AJ and Shane tackle year-end tax planning strategies (what you can still do!). They break down: The importance of optimizing tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s, Roth IRAs, and HSAs The debate around charitable giving for young professionals Smart timing for exercising stock options and equity compensation Tax loss harvesting opportunities in volatile markets Important deadlines and why December planning is crucial Plus, they explore the "Christmas problem" - the challenges of executing stock trades during the holiday season, and share practical tips for avoiding last-minute scrambles with equity compensation. AJ & Shane also discuss the evolving role of charitable giving, with Shane offering a contrarian view on early-career donations while AJ advocates for strategic giving through appreciated securities. Subscribe to be the first to know about our new episodes!
Fri, November 22, 2024
Delta Diamond is a Girl's Best Friend
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, hosts AJ and Shane demystify airline loyalty programs and credit card rewards. They break down: When airline status is (and isn't) worth pursuing The true value proposition of airport lounges and premium credit cards How to optimize your spending between airline miles and cash back rewards Inside tips on Delta's Diamond Medallion program and its changing benefits Plus, they share their real-world experiences navigating loyalty programs while running a remote business, and whether recent changes to Delta's program signal trouble ahead for frequent flyers. Whether you're a road warrior or occasional traveler, this episode will help you make smarter decisions about your travel rewards strategy. Subscribe to be the first to know about our new episodes!
Fri, November 15, 2024
Trump Tax Policy 2025—Fact vs Fiction
As the election dust settles, we’re discussing what a Trump-led administration will mean for tax policy and your finances in 2025 and beyond. A lot of promises were made on the campaign trail. Join hosts AJ and Shane as they try to separate fact from fiction and forecast what Americans can expect: -Implications for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) -Impacts on Social Security taxation -What may happen to the SALT deduction cap -Auto loan interest deductions -Tariffs And more! 🎉 Planning Ahead? Join Our End-Of-Year Tax Planning Webinar! 🎉 Get ready for 2024 with our upcoming Year-End Planning Webinar on November 20 at 5 p.m. ET! BKFi experts John Owens, Tiffini Parker, and Caitlin Fastiggi will cover policy changes, tax strategies, retirement moves, and more. 👉 Register here: End-Of-Year Planning Webinar Plus, a $200 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway for one lucky attendee! Don’t miss out—join us live for a chance to win and to set yourself up for success in 2024. Catch the episode now for a preview of what could be ahead!
Fri, November 08, 2024
Donor Advised Funds (The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly)
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, hosts AJ and Shane talk donor advised funds & charitable giving. They discuss: Why Donor Advised Funds were created How they can be used a strategy to give more thoughtfully, particularly if you are not sure how exactly you want to give at year's end The dark side of DAFs - how the ultra wealthy have misused this strategy for their own benefit Give it a listen and let us know what you think. Subscribe to be the first to know about our new episodes!
Fri, October 25, 2024
Open Enrollment: Because Your Future Self Will Thank You
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, hosts AJ and Ed dive into the annual workplace tradition we all love to hate: Open Enrollment Season. While logging into the HR portal and clicking through endless benefit options might feel like watching paint dry, making the wrong choices could leave your future self holding a much lighter wallet.Join them as they discuss: Health insurance (PPO vs HMO) How to think about ancillary benefits like dental & vision Life & disability insurance Retirement planning opportunities And more! Plus, they tackle a listener question about planning for those expensive later-life care costs that Medicare won't cover.Subscribe to be the first to know about our new episodes!
Fri, October 11, 2024
OpenAI News: Funding, Valuation & Tender Offer for Employees
In Episode 122 of The Liquidity Event , Shane and AJ discuss the latest news surrounding OpenAI’s funding and valuation, including a potential tender offer for employees. If you’re an OpenAI employee, you’ll want to pay close attention—serious tax planning could be on the horizon! Shane and AJ also break down what a tender offer means, why timing is crucial for employees, and the importance of having a financial planner on deck. Whether you're working at a startup or just curious about tech company valuations, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead. For more details on OpenAI’s recent funding and tender offer news, check out these resources: OpenAI Raises $6.6 Billion in Latest Funding Round OpenAI Employees May Get to Sell Shares After $6.6 Billion Round Understanding Private Company Tender Offers Tune in for expert advice and more!
Thu, October 03, 2024
A Beige Flag Economy? 2024 Q3 Market & Investment Commentary
In this episode, AJ and John take a deep dive into Q3 of 2024. From major global events like the Olympics and the resolution of the Hollywood strike to big shifts in the economy—including interest rate cuts and Biden’s departure—there’s a lot to cover. They break down the winners and losers of the quarter, discuss the “Beige Flag” economy, and explore the rise in household debt despite record-high wealth. With mortgage rates finally dipping, they tackle the big question: should you refinance? Plus, a look at valuations and what’s happening in the IPO market. Tune in to stay ahead of the trends and catch up on everything Q3!
Fri, September 27, 2024
Turistas Go Home: Should I Buy a Vacation Home Abroad?
In this episode of The Liquidity Event , hosts Shane and AJ explore the complexities of owning a vacation home in a foreign country. While the idea of sipping cocktails on the beach at your own property sounds enticing, the reality can be quite different. Join them as they discuss: The hidden costs of vacation home ownership, from dual mortgages to maintenance expenses. Challenges of managing properties across borders, including bill payments and upkeep when you’re not there. Tips for balancing real estate-heavy investment portfolios. Why even families without kids should consider 529 plans as part of your financial planning toolbelt Subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our latest episodes!
Fri, September 20, 2024
Trust Me: Kids, Money & Savings Lessons from our Youth
Welcome to Episode 119 of The Liquidity Event ! Shane and John discuss some of the big questions parents ask when it comes to finances and their children. They look at different strategies available to parents as well as their pros and cons. Trust Funds and Financial Gifts: Shane and John talk through various strategies for setting up trusts, acknowledging the difficult balancing act between supporting children and teaching them about financial responsibility. Raising Financially Responsible Kids: Hear personal anecdotes about how Shane and John’s first jobs influenced their savings habits. The two also discuss Ron Leiber’s The Opposite of Spoiled on preventing entitlement and fostering a balanced understanding of money. Parenting is not easy. But getting a better understanding of your options and the strategies available to you can help! Don't miss this episode.
Fri, September 13, 2024
Cash Stash: How much should you keep liquid?
In Episode 118 of our podcast, AJ and Shane address three financial questions that could impact your cash flow and family dynamics: How Much Liquid Cash is Enough? We answer a popular Reddit question about the optimal amount of liquid assets to keep on hand. Wealthfront’s Cash Management—What’s the Catch? We evaluate the pros and cons of Wealthfront’s cash management options. What's the overall assessment of this strategy? Is there a catch? Family Business Stakes—A Risk Worth Taking? You’ve been offered a stake in your family’s soon-to-open food and beverage business. With the business partner backing out, we talk through key questions to ask and whether this investment is the right move for you.
Fri, September 06, 2024
IPO Roadshow Caught in the Burning Man Desert Storm
IPOs, a desert storm, and the surprising intersection between Burning Man and Wall Street. This week, AJ and John break down all things IPO. Learn what to do when you hear rumblings of a potential IPO, how to minimize tax liability during the process, and what the current state of the markets could mean for future listings. Listen now for a deep dive into the current state of IPOs!
Fri, August 30, 2024
Millennial Wealth: Lost and Found!
Millennials are now wealthier than previous generations were at their age—and yes, we’re just as surprised as you are. In Episode 116 of The Liquidity Event, AJ and Shane discuss a new report, which seems to flip the script on what we thought about the state of millennials a few years ago. Has this generation really caught up & even surpassed the Boomers and Gen X’ers? We’re breaking down the numbers and unpacking the surprising trends in real estate, the stock market, and more. 🎧 Episode 116 is live now! Check out the full Wall Street Journal report we discussed here. https://tinyurl.com/bdytwx68 Got questions? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, August 23, 2024
Having the Talk with Your Parents (No, not THAT Talk)
In this episode of The Liquidity Event Podcast, AJ and John tackle one of life's trickiest conversations—how to talk money with aging parents. Maybe it's time to check in with your folks about their financial planning. We dive into gift taxes, picking up bills as gifts, and the subtle art of helping your parents financially without overstepping. Plus, we’re sharing real stories about estate planning, avoiding scams, and the importance of being vulnerable with loved ones. Looking for more tips on how to talk money with your aging parents? Check out our blog for more insights: How to Talk Money and Aging. Got questions for our Liquidity Event hosts? Something you want us to discuss on the pod? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, August 16, 2024
Lifestyle Creep & What It Can Cost You
In this episode of The Liquidity Event, AJ and Shane tackle the realities of lifestyle creep and what it can cost you. They chat about how skyrocketing post-pandemic rent rates are squeezing wallets, dive into the story of a Japanese saver who played it safe only to face a weakening yen, and explore the phenomenon of Instagram-worthy homes.
Fri, August 09, 2024
Monday's Market Madness and Why Everyone is Getting Scammed
Welcome to Episode #113 of the Liquidity Event Podcast! This week, AJ and Shane are diving into the wild world of market volatility. Is the market dipping or is something more sinister at play? Join us as we break down the latest financial news and uncover the scams that are catching everyone off guard. Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/ Email us with your questions at liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com
Fri, July 26, 2024
How to Pick a Business Partner
Ever wondered what makes a perfect business partnership? In this episode of the Liquidity Event Podcast, AJ and Shane dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right business partner. From deciding ownership percentages to real-life stories that will have you both laughing and taking notes. Listen in and discover the secrets to a thriving partnership! Got questions? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, July 19, 2024
Annuities Dummies
In this episode of the Liquidity Event Podcast, AJ and Shane tackle the story of a couple who won the Powerball but faced tragic consequences when investing their winnings with an insurance salesman. They also answer a listener's question about the financial reality of marrying your long-term partner. Don't miss this! Got questions? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, July 12, 2024
Summer Wedding Budget Nightmare
Join hosts AJ and Shane on this episode of the Liquidity Event Podcast as they tackle the financial stress of summer weddings. Discover how to manage wedding expenses without falling into debt, featuring real-life stories and expert advice. Plus, they answer a listener's question about the collapse of Synapse Bank, discussing the safety of online banks and explaining how FDIC insurance works. Don't miss this episode! Got questions? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, June 28, 2024
Gallivanting 4% Closer to Retirement
Join Shane and guest co-host John on the Liquidity Event Podcast as they explore the enduring 4% rule in retirement planning. They delve into its history, effectiveness, and relevance for those aiming for early retirement - along with some its pitfalls. Is it merely useful guideline or should it be part of your journey to financial independence? We cover this and whether we both should start golfing more on this weeks gallivanting episode. Tune in! Got questions? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, June 21, 2024
You Are Not the Beneficiary
This week on the Liquidity Event Podcast, Shane and John chat about a real-life story that shows why updating your beneficiary info is so important. Back in the '80s, Jeff added his then-girlfriend Peggy to his 401(k). Fast forward 30 years, multiple relationships, and Peggy's now set to get $1.2M after Jeff's passing—all because he never updated that form. Join us as we unpack this wild tale and share tips on keeping your estate plans up-to-date. You won't want to miss this one! Got questions for our Liquidity Event hosts? Something you want us to discuss on the pod? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/ Email us with your questions at liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com
Fri, June 14, 2024
How to Solve The Housing Crisis
This week on the Liquidity Event Podcast, AJ & Shane dive into the heart of the housing crisis. In this episode, they discuss the surprising ways climate change is impacting home insurance, making it harder for people to protect their properties. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or just curious about the future of housing, this podcast is for you! Listen now to understand the challenges and potential solutions in today's real estate landscape. Got questions? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, June 07, 2024
A Personal Finance Columnist on Destination Weddings, Financial Scams, and Loaning Your Boyfriend Money
This week on the podcast we're joined by the incredible Charlotte Cowles, financial advice columnist for The Cut. Charlotte is known for her valuable insights on investing, saving and spending. She joins AJ on the pod to discuss the skyrocketing cost of weddings, what it's like being a financial advice columnist, why people can't follow basic financial advice, and how to avoid financial scams. Charlotte shares how the unthinkable happened to her: she fell for a financial scam. “There’s a scam out there for everyone,” she says. Got questions? Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, May 31, 2024
Looking for a Man in Finance
Tune in to Episode 105, "Looking For A Man In Finance," where AJ & Shane dive into weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and tackle a listener's rent hike dilemma. Should you tough it out or find a new place when rent keeps climbing? And ladies, look no further, we found your 6 foot 5 man in finance! Blue eyes too! Get ready for a lively chat filled with relatable advice and financial tips! Got a question for us? Leave a voicemail and we'll answer it on the show: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/
Fri, May 24, 2024
Unlimited Shrimp FIRE
AJ & Shane chat about the dream of early retirement and what it takes to get there. Plus, we're diving into the juicy news about Red Lobster's bankruptcy—what happened to everyone's favorite cheddar bay biscuit spot? And don't miss our listener question segment, where we help out with a dilemma on early exercising non-qualified stock options (NSOs). Grab your headphones and join us for a fun and informative episode packed with relatable advice and financial insights! Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/ Email us with your questions at liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com
Fri, May 17, 2024
Was the 401(k) a Mistake?
In Episode 103, we dive deep into the complexities of retirement planning, pondering the question: Was the 401(k) a misstep? Join us as we dissect the recent insights from a New York Times article and navigate the landscape of retirement savings - has this great, post-pension experiment really worked out? Plus, we tackle a listener's pressing question about IRA contributions. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge, practical tips, and our usual spicy hot takes! Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/ Email us with your questions at liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com
Fri, May 10, 2024
We're Back Witches!
Shane and AJ are back! Did you miss them? We did! This time, things are different. We've still got luke warm takes on the financial markets, don't worry. But now our hosts will answer YOUR audience questions. Less news, more actionable advice. In our inaugural episode in this format, our hosts take on some questions about freelancing, getting paid in equity, and what happens when you blow off the tax deadline. It feels good to be back! Leave us a voicemail and we'll answer it on the air: https://memo.fm/theliquidityevent/ Email us with your questions at liquidityevent@brooklynfi.com
Fri, July 07, 2023
White Lines and White Lies
Welcome to the Liquidity Event! In this episode, we'll take you on a rollercoaster ride through bizarre headlines. We've got kids partying too hard at the White House, the CEOs who make hundreds of millions, and of course AI! In other news, we're excited about Honey Homes, a handyperson subscription service that is priced fairly. Oh, and did you know you can get paid to walk 10,000 steps a day?! Don't miss this one! Links A.I. could cut time spent coding by 45%. But even seasoned tech professionals will need ‘extensive’ training to harness its full power, McKinsey experts say Secret Service Examining How Suspected Cocaine Ended Up at the White House Meet the CEOs Who Pull In More Than $100 Million a Year Why Car Repairs Have Become So Expensive Khosla Ventures just doubled down on this handyman-on-demand service for homeowners You Can Get Paid Ten Thousand Dollars To Walk 10,000 Steps in a Day A couple who retired early with $4.3 million say the FIRE lifestyle is wearing thin: ‘We don’t want to just keep throwing money on the pile and keep being cheap’ Leave Us a Voicemail Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, June 30, 2023
The 100 Things We’ve Done to Level Up Our Business (And Our Lives)
Hey losers! It's our 100th episode! Dang, I can't believe we made it this far during a liquidity event drought. Thanks for tuning in each week to hear our blatherings. On this very special 100th episode, we skip the headlines and head right to the heart of the matter. AJ and Shane are bringing you 100 things they have done to level up their business and their lives. Optimizers and optimists should pay close attention! Thanks for listening, dear listener; we love you. Life Planning for ourselves and clients Essentiallism Delta lounge access Disagree and commit Bringing on directors to run the show Using Fathom for rolling cash forecasts Habit tracker app Summer Fridays , 1/2 days and july Always get hte cabana Built GEM, our internal tool to plan for liquidity events Dog walker for charlie Work from anywhere Core hours The right company credit card lol Building an enterprise intentionally Be nice, Stay humble Attending conferences - we stay up to date on latest policy and trends and we present and make friends Hiring an EOS advisor Get an awesome business partner Leave Us a Voicemail Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, June 23, 2023
My Big Fat Greek IPO
Shane and AJ are extra silly today. Shane's in Mexico and AJ's in London! We've got lots of good stuff for you on today's show. Including but not limited to the office mandate people are getting desperate about, the founders of Bitwise misleading investors, salary transparency, and finally an IPO we're actually excited about. Founded by three friends with Greek roots, fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava made its stunning public debut last week and investors are excited. Is this the end of the IPO ice age? We shall see. Links More Startups Throw in the Towel, Unable to Raise Money for Their Ideas France's Mistral AI blows in with a $113M seed round at a $260M valuation to take on OpenAI Founders of Collapsed Job-Training Startup Misled VCs, Investor Alleges Return to Office Enters the Desperation Phase A Job With a Fair Salary? What Pay Transparency Laws Are Revealing. Crypto Gets Its Moment of Clarity, But Not the One It Wanted Cava’s explosive IPO hints that public markets are more ready for growth stories than founders thought Thrift store chain Savers Value Village sets terms for $300 million IPO Welcome to White Castle. Would You Like Human Interaction With That? Leave Us a Voicemail Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, <a title= "https://w
Fri, June 16, 2023
Manic Pixie Dream IPO
Hold onto your seats for another thrilling episode of the Liquidity Event Podcast! We’ve got a pandemic move update: founders and being clawed back to SF due to the AI boom. Then we’ve got fallen crypto industry titans in Bali and how optimizers are using Notion to plan their entire lives. Some CEOs claim employees are less productive at home but we say that’s bad management. And finally, Japanese company Pixie Dust files for a very tiny IPO. Get ready to be entertained and informed on the Liquidity Event Podcast! Links Layoffs and AI Are Changing Tech’s Once-Invincible Job Market Spotify Takes a Sharp Turn With Its $1 Billion Podcast Division Americans Are Leaving Portugal as Golden Visa Honeymoon Ends Their Crypto Company Collapsed. They Went to Bali. Teaser’s AI dating app turns you into a chatbot This Little-Known Pandemic-Era Tax Credit Has Become a Magnet for Fraud American worker productivity is declining at the fastest rate in 75 years—and it could see CEOs go to war against WFH Meet the people who use Notion to plan their whole lives <a href= "https://techcrunch
Fri, June 09, 2023
How Not To Get Scammed
Get ready for a special episode of "The Liquidity Event" podcast with AJ and Brett! Join them as they share their own scam stories and explain how to protect yourself and your loved ones. From music streaming fraud to cloning voices in fake kidnappings, we've got all the scams. Discover why Googling certain words is risky, how seniors are targeted, and the dangers of Taylor Swift ticket scams- no scam is left unturned! Stay informed, entertained, and one step ahead of scammers with The Liquidity Event! Links Music Streaming Has a $2 Billion Fraud Problem That Goes Beyond AI Organized Retail Crime is the Reason Your Pharmacy Sucks. Does NYC Even Have Organized Retail Crime? Santos Scammed $25,000 in Covid Unemployment Benefits, Prosecutors Say Instagram influencer scammed over $2 million from older, lonely Americans, federal prosecutors say Experts warn of Taylor Swift ticket scams ahead of Kansas City concert‘ Mom, these bad men have me’: She believes scammers cloned her daughter’s voice in a fake kidnapping Don't Google these words, because scammers may be waiting Scammers are going after seniors harder and heavier than ever Indexed Universal Life Insurance policies sold to young single people Annuity salesman who find widows Serial Scammer Uses Advan
Fri, June 02, 2023
Golden Visas for The Golden Years
Get ready to laugh, learn, and ponder the mysteries of life on the Liquidity Event Podcast! We've got a FAFSA makeover, a new Attentive CEO, the dangers of youth social media use, and AIs doing paralegal work. On a lighter note, Shane and AJ have a lot to say about Portugal's golden visa program. Shane looks forward to welcoming you to his Algarve beach shack in 2024. Thanks for listening! Links The FAFSA is getting a makeover later this year—here's what's changing Our Next Chapter: Announcing Amit Jhawar as Attentive’s New CEO The surgeon general’s advisory on risks of youth social media use could shift the conversation Money pours into AI startups that save countless hours of legal paperwork Here’s What Happens When Your Lawyer Uses ChatGPT Where It’s Cheaper to Build Than Buy Home buyers will now be able to put down as little as 1% on their home, Rocket Mortgage says Golden Visa Programs American Investors Turn to Greece as Portugal’s Golden Visa Scheme Ends You can now hail an Uber by calling a number Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, May 26, 2023
Big Tech, Big Sharks, and Big Boomer Billionaires
It's another episode of The Liquidity Event and AJ is back in the saddle and has a lot of catching up to do. Is trading stocks 24 hours a day a good thing? We think Robinhood's new 24/7 trading promise is bad news. We've got breaking news from the tax world too. Brace yourselves for a new IRS free e-filing system. Oh, and we have a meaty New York Times report on the greatest wealth transfer in history, with the usual wealthy white winners. And don't forget to keep an eye out for the elusive 12-foot 4-inch great white shark off the South Carolina shore. It's Jaws IRL! Get ready for laughs and financial chaos on the Liquidity Event Podcast! Links Brew Another Pot, Robinhood’s 24-Hour Stock Trading Is Here Ryuichi Sakamoto’s management has shared the late musician’s “last playlist,” which he had prepared for his own funeral before his death. IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax-prep giants Big Tech Resumed Hiring Foreign Workers Just Weeks After Layoffs The Greatest Wealth Transfer in History Is Here, With Familiar (Rich) Winners S&P Sheds $500 Billion from Fake Pentagon Explosion Elusive 12-foot 4-inch great white shark Ironbound found swimming off South Carolina shore <a href= "https://ipopro.renaissancecapital.com/Profile/CA
Fri, May 19, 2023
Summer John Rented a Boat
Get ready for an entertaining journey through the world of finance with The Liquidity Event! Join us as we sail through absurd jobs, boat rental success stories, recalled exercise bikes, VC firm squabbles, coastal city exodus, Amazon's epic MMO adventure, even a surprising Windows 11 and iOS collaboration and credit-card debt! - Don’t forget to Join us on May 31st at 5:00 PM for our can't-miss webinar: " Credit Card Points, Travel Hacking, and How to Have Fun for Free" to learn more tricks and tips on using credit cards! Don't miss out on the fun! Register here! Links Once valued at nearly $6 billion, Vice files for bankruptcy What to Do If You Are Drowning in Credit-Card Debt ‘Penned’ tech specialists are earning six-figure salaries to ‘do nothing’ and string out 10-minute tasks. Some are even using the time to scuba dive I made $500,000 in revenue last year renting out my 2 boats. Here's how I quit my corporate job and turned this into my full-time gig. 2.2 Million Pe
Fri, May 12, 2023
The Debt Ceiling vs. The Glass Ceiling
Join us on the Liquidity Event Podcast for the latest business news that will make you laugh and cry and want to smack a banker. From TSMC's €10 billion chip fab plans in Germany to better IRS service and earlier debt deadlines, we cover it all. Find out why Shopify is cutting its workforce but its shares are surging, and how some TurboTax users might get some cash back. We'll also discuss why your job is (probably) safe from AI and what the banking crisis means for startups and fintech. And of course, we'll cover the latest in AI chatbots and tools from Wendy's and Palantir. It's a wild ride, so come join us! Links TSMC Plans for First German Chip Fab With Cost Up to €10 Billion Better IRS service is forcing an earlier debt deadline Shopify cuts 20% of its workforce; shares surge on earnings beat Some TurboTax users can get settlement money from Intuit in 2023. Here's how. Instacart’s Growth Slowed in First Quarter Your job is (probably) safe from artificial intelligence Brex co-CEO on what the banking crisis means for startups and fintech Buyback Bonanza Powers $2.2 Billion Into US Stocks, BofA Says Goldman Sachs Warns of Stock Volatility as Quant Traders Pile In OpenAI Suffers $540M Loss in 2022, Contemplates $100B More to Conquer AI We had ChatGPT tak
Fri, May 05, 2023
We have an IPO people!
Get ready for the juiciest news in tech and finance on this week's episode of The Liquidity Event! We're talking about everything from JPMorgan's Silicon Valley takeover to a shocking report that companies are cheating the H-1B visa lottery. Plus, we'll dish on the gender earnings gap, inflation, and why a 37-year-old making over $200K is ready to break up with New York City. And don't miss our updates on J&J's billion-dollar spinoff Kenvue, AI's impact on the job market, and the wild story of the First Republic Bank failure. So tune in, turn up, and let's get into The Liquidity Event! Links Companies Are Colluding to Cheat H-1B Visa Lottery, U.S. Says The Writers’ Strike, DVDs and the Death of Free Money JPMorgan’s Silicon Valley Moment ‘Godfather of AI’ quits Google with regrets and fears about his life’s work Gender Earnings Gap Shrinking at Record Rate, Pew Says A 37-year-old making over $200K is rethinking her location after her rent shot up to $5,500: ‘I’m in a toxic relationship with New York City’ Apple’s New Savings Account Draws Nearly $1 Billion In Deposits In First Four Days Ranking Individual Income Taxes on the 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index M&T: Super High Quality Regional Bank Trading At Bargain 7.5x EarningsNew York and California lost over $90 billion in income to low-tax states during Covid Why Is Inflation So Sticky? It Could Be Corporate Profits <a href= "https://www.bloomberg.com
Fri, April 28, 2023
Episode 91: Speed Dating the Banking Meltdown
Welcome to the Liquidity Event Podcast, where we cover the latest and craziest finance headlines. From Apple's AI-powered health coaching to a $3.4 billion crypto heist, we've got you covered. Join us as we discuss why more female executives don't play golf, the EPA's new rules for electric vehicles, to SeatGeek’s confidential S-1 filing. Plus, we'll share our thoughts on EY's plans to cut jobs and 3M's ongoing struggles. Longtime listener? Complete a survey for $10! Links The Monks Who Make Chartreuse Don’t Care About Your Fancy Cocktails Why More Female Executives Don’t Play Golf—and Why That’s a Problem Apple Plans AI-Powered Health Coaching Service, Mood Tracker and iPad Health App Apple Launches Savings Accounts With 4.15% Interest Rate Banks Are Finally Facing Pressure to Pay Depositors More First Republic Bank to Weigh Up to $100 Billion in Asset Sales FTX’s FTT Token Surges 70% After Lawyers Say Exchange Could Restart Twitter Inc. Changes Its Name to X Corp. and Moves to Nevada E.P.A. Lays Out Rules to Turbocharge Sales of Electric Cars and Trucks SEC Labels Algorand and Five Other Tokens as Securities in Bittrex Lawsuit The U.S. Cracked a $3.4 Billion Crypto Heist—an
Fri, April 21, 2023
The Past, Present and Future of AI
On a special episode of the Liquidity Event, our hosts welcome Matt, a machine learning expert with a lot to say about AI. We talk language models, statistics, prompt engineers, ChatGPT, and the humanity of AI. If you’re into AI or fear your laptop is sentient, listen to this episode. Longtime listener? Complete a survey for $10! Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, April 14, 2023
Mega Yachts on the Supreme Court, EVs at Walmart, and an IRS Glow-Up
Dive into the latest episode of the Liquidity Event Podcast, where we tackle the complexities of moving to a no-income-tax state, Amazon's rethinking of employee stock rewards, and Walmart's electrifying plan for 2030. Uncover the hidden mega yachting with Justice Clarence Thomas and the ambitious IRS hiring spree. We question Forbes' 30 under 30 jailbirds, the IRS's $80B tax collection overhaul, and the enigmatic age bias in hiring. To wrap it up, we explore the looming credit card rewards crisis, and how Bookshop.org defies the Amazonian odds. It's a rollercoaster of financial intrigue and tax evasion evasion Longtime listener? Complete a survey for $10! Links Moving To a State With No Income Tax? There’s Way More To It Than “Paper” Changes and 183 Days 1.5 Million People in Japan Are Living as ‘Recluses’ After Covid An alternative assets investment club built by women, for women. More Americans are dealing with tax filings for trusts as older boomers pass away Amazon eyes reduced stock awards for employees - report (NASDAQ -AMZON) Walmart will add thousands of EV charging stations to stores by 2030 HUD Finalizes Rule Providing for 40-Year FHA Loan Modifications Clarence Thomas has accepted undisclosed luxury trips from GOP megadonor for decades, report says <
Fri, April 07, 2023
Let’s Not Die Rich
It's another episode of the Liquidity Event. We've got taxes on NFTs and real-life Star Wars! Space X is trying to throw 30,000 satellites into orbit and justify their 140 billion dollar valuation. We've also got word that Apple launched its own buy now, pay later service, but don't worry, you still have plenty of other options to go into debt with. Bad news for ChatGPT out of Italy, which banned the beloved bot. Finally, we unravel the mystery behind a $7 billion dollar estate tax payment, because that's just pocket change. It's tax season folks, let's ride! Longtime listener? Complete a survey for $10! Links The IRS plans to tax some NFTs as collectibles — and the rich would pay up to 28% on profits Satellite Internet Plans from SpaceX and Others Deserve a Pinch of Salt Accountants’ Salaries Are Rising, but It May Not Add Up to More Accountants Apple just launched its own buy now, pay later service—here’s how it compares with Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna and PayPal Italy orders ChatGPT blocked citing data protection concerns The Health Commandos <a href= "https://www.theinformation.co
Fri, March 31, 2023
A Cooler Housing Market and Hot Takes from Nvidia on AI and Crypto
Welcome to the Liquidity Event Podcast! In this episode, we'll discuss Microsoft Bing's latest shenanigans with OpenAI's DALL-E AI, turning text into images faster than you can say "Mona Lisa." We'll also dive into the latest housing market trends, where home prices have taken a tumble for the first time in 11 years. Plus, the FTC is cracking down on those pesky gym and cable subscriptions that are hard to cancel. And speaking of big money moves, Elon Musk is offering employees stock grants valuing Twitter at a (not) whopping $20 billion! We'll also talk about the latest banking acquisitions and the hilarious Delta passenger who just couldn't wait to get off the plane - we're minting him Double Black Diamond Status. And let's not forget the hot take of the week: Nvidia says cryptocurrencies add nothing useful to society - we're not sure if we agree, but we'll definitely be discussing it. Lastly, we'll chat about Bankman Fried's foreign bribery charges. So grab your drink of choice and join us for the funniest and most informative 30 minutes of your week! Longtime listener? Complete a survey for $10! Links Microsoft Bing now uses OpenAI’s DALL-E A.I. to turn text into images Home Prices Fell in February for First Time in 11 Years The FTC wants to ban those tough-to-cancel gym and cable subscriptions Elon Musk Offers Employees Stock Grants Valuing Twitter at About $20 Billion First Citizens to Buy SVB After Biggest Failure Since 2008 Delta passenger opens door, deploys emergency exit slide on plane at Los Angeles airport <a href= "https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/mar/26/cryptocurrencies-add-nothing-useful-to-society-nvidia-chatbots-processing-crypto-mining"
Fri, March 24, 2023
Cord Spaghetti, Chat GPT4, and Big Macs
Welcome to the Liquidity Event podcast, where we dive deep into the shit you read about but are too busy to care. This week, we discuss Stripe's impressive fundraising haul and their plan to provide employee liquidity. But before we pop the champagne, let's not forget about the banking crisis deepening with Credit Suisse's merger into UBS suspended and Moody's negative outlook on the US banking system. Meanwhile, are we finally going to get universal USB-C charging for all devices? Not if Apple has anything to say about it. Join us for another exciting episode of the Liquidity Event podcast! Longtime listener? Complete a survey for $10! Links What Is ChatGPT-4 and How to Use It Right Now: Everything You Need to Know May I Speak to a Human, Please? Stripe announces new round of funding and plan to provide employee liquidity European Union hurts Apple again - cannot limit USB Type-C charging speed Big Mac inflation attack: Iconic burger’s price soars No More Four-Year Lockups: Stripe’s Sprint to a $7 Billion Fundraising Haul Wealthy Executives Make Millions Trading Competitors’ Stock With Remarkable Timing Moody's cuts outlook on U.S. banking system to negative, citing 'rapidly deteriorating operating environment' US Treasury Reviewing US Banks’ Exposure to Credit Suisse <a h
Fri, March 17, 2023
Just Don’t Call it a Bailout
Welcome to The Liquidity Event, where Biden plays Robin Hood with billionaire taxes and rich investors get a reality check. Watch Stripe's casual $6B fundraise, while Twitter chuckles over the IRS's "honor among thieves" income reporting. Witness the birth and death of a startup bank and grab tissues for the SVB soap opera with insider trading, lawsuits, and explosive balance-sheet revelations. So, tune in for your fill of money misadventures and satirical Silicon Valley sagas! Links Biden to Urge 25% Billionaire Tax, Levies on Rich Investors Stripe’s Fundraise to Reach $6 Billion Twitter has field day over IRS’s call to report income from crimes Startup Bank Had a Startup Bank Run Silicon Valley Is Where Banks Go to Die SVB execs sold $84 million in stock over the past 2 years, stoking outrage over insider trading plans Federal Reserve Board announces it will make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions to help assure banks have the ability to meet the needs of all their depositors Silicon Valley Bank parent, CEO, CFO are sued by shareholders for fraud SVB’s Balance-Sheet Time Bomb Was ‘Sitting in Plain Sight,’ Short Seller Says U.S. Is Said to Open Investigation Into Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
Fri, March 10, 2023
Longevity, Mail Fraud, and an 8 Billion Dollar IPO
Welcome to the Liquidity Event podcast! In this episode, we cover Dr. David Sinclair's consumer longevity company, Tally Health, which promises to reverse aging. The Supreme Court also ruled that bankruptcy filers can no longer avoid debt incurred by someone else's fraud - because let's face it, who doesn't love being punished for someone else's mistakes? On the bright side, Eli Lilly is cutting insulin drug prices by 70% and capping patient costs at $35. And if you're worried about your privacy at work, just remember that everyone can see your calendar entries - so make sure to block off some time for your daily existential crisis. The USPS also has a life-upending flaw that they refuse to fix, but who needs reliable mail service anyway? Finally, we can't wait for the ARM IPO filing. We'd give an arm and a leg for it - but let's hope it doesn't come to that. Subscribe Now! Links Tally Health unveiled: Dr David Sinclair’s consumer longevity company launches Supreme Court rules 9-0 that bankruptcy filers can’t avoid debt incurred by another’s fraud Eli Lilly to Cut Prices of Insulin Drugs by 70%, Cap Patient Costs at $35 The Horror of Realizing Everyone Can See Your Work Calendar Entries . The life-upending flaw that USPS won’t fix We’d give an arm and a leg for a
Fri, March 03, 2023
Tough Tax Times Ahead for TikTok Influences
On this episode of the Liquidity Event podcast, we cover Amazon's $3.49 billion deal for One Medical and why we are surprisingly excited about it. AJ asks our listeners to vote on the next book she reads, so don’t let her down. In other news, companies tested a four-day workweek and decided they don't want to stop, proving that work-life balance is a myth and we just thought you should know that Delta AmEx cards offer a permanent 15% off on travel booked with miles. W learn why emojis count as financial advice and ponder the impossible question of how to make accounting cool. And finally, we have a New York Times whine-fest of digital creators owing taxes after going viral, proving once again that money can't buy freedom. Links Amazon Says It Has Completed $3.49 Billion Deal for One Medica After Testing Four-Day Week, Companies Say They Don’t Want to Stop Delta AmEx Cards Give Permanent 15% Off Award Travel, Increased Bonus Offers DOJ Preps Antitrust Suit to Block Adobe’s $20 Billion Figma Deal How Can We Make Accounting Cool? Federal Judge Rules That Emojis Count as Financial Advice They Went Viral and Made Money. Now They Owe Taxes. IRS: May 15 tax deadline extended to Oct. 16 for disaster area taxpayers in California, Alabama and Georgia <a href= "https://www.theinformation.com/articles/stripes-search-for-billions-nears-an-end-but-it-hasnt-been-easy?rc
Fri, February 24, 2023
Stripe’s Reluctant March Toward an IPO
Welcome to the Liquidity Event podcast, where we bring you all the latest news that makes you question your life choices. Join us as we discuss Gov. DeSantis' brilliant plan to ban ESG investing in Florida, because who needs a sustainable future when you can just live in the present, right? We'll also be talking about the latest Airbnbust, where a manager of 95 Phoenix Airbnbs was shocked that half his properties were empty during the Super Bowl weekend. Is it a surprise though, given the current state of the world? And let's not forget the hot debate on whether Microsoft's AI-driven Bing is really better than ChatGPT. Plus, Reddit's upcoming IPO and Stripe's impressive one-year timetable to decide on going public. And who knew even AI-powered Bing Chat could lose its mind when fed an Ars Technica article? Tune in for all this and more on the Liquidity Event podcast. Subscribe Now! Links Gov. DeSantis aims to ban ESG investing in Florida A manager of 95 Phoenix Airbnbs is stunned that half his homes are empty over Super Bowl weekend. Is it the latest Airbnbust? Read: The Continous Katherine Mortenhoe , the best and most realistic prediction of Chat GPT Is Microsoft's AI-Driven Bing Really Better Than ChatGPT? U.S. on Track to Add $19 Trillion in New Debt Over 10 Years
Fri, February 17, 2023
Psychotropics, Small Businesses, and Supplements
It’s already mid-February, are you keeping up with your new year’s resolutions? Eat better? Get more exercise? Listen for some of the crazy supplements and age-defying stunts Silicon Valley's elites are playing with. Despite continued layoff across the board, our hosts are pleased to hear that JP Morgan is actually hiring small business bankers to serve the beating heart of the economy. This week is all about positivity! The IPO index is up nearly 20 percent from the start of the year, which is great news for Q1! Also on tap, AJ and Shane cover Google’s AI event fumble, wellness supplements, and more. Tune in and turn up the volume! Subscribe Now! Links Alphabet shares fall 7% following Google's A.I. event The question that wiped $120bn off Google’s valuation The Supplement Stacks: All the Pills, Powders and Potions Filling Tech’s Kitchen Counters Yahoo to lay off 20% of staff by year end, beginning this week Apple Hires Its First People Officer in Executive Reshuffle Disney to cut 7K jobs amid reshuffle JPMorgan to hire small-biz bankers New Yorkers Pay the Highest ‘Singles Tax’ in the US NYC-based Capsule Could See Its Valuation Cut in Half <a href= "https://ipopro.renaissanceca
Fri, February 10, 2023
Bleeding Hearts Sink All Ships
It's the big 8-0, dear listeners, and Shane and AJ are back with that sweet, sweet finance content you love! Middle managers have emerged as a top target in recent tech company downsizing, Dell has laid off 5 percent of its employee base internationally, and 517,000 new jobs were created in the U.S. in January. Next on deck is the growing antitrust lawsuit against Google, converting NYC office buildings into residential spaces, and our favorite seasonal topic: TAXES! Bonus round: The IPO market is looking very promising for 2023 with a successful $100 million IPO from alternative insurance startup Skyward Specialty. Stay tuned! Links US Added 517,000 Jobs in Jan More tech job market misery as Dell lays off 5% of worldwide workforce A clear target emerges in layoffs - middle managers 8 states join DOJ lawsuit accusing Google of monopolizing online advertising space All the ways Wall Streeters are suffering from slashed bonuses Americans Are Leaving High-Tax New York and Moving to Florida He Turned Wall Street Offices Into Homes. Now He Vows to Remake New York Here's how much money you need to earn to be in the top 1% in every U.S. state. <a href= "https://www.wsj.com/articles/hold-off-on-filing-your-return-irs-tells-millions-of-taxpayers-11675737
Fri, February 03, 2023
Mars for Memorial Day
We've pulled Bobby out of the producer's seat and into the cohost hot seat as he joins AJ this week to discuss some big topics in tech and finance. First up is Amazon's launch of RxPass, followed in no particular order by so-called anti-Airbnb laws, SpaceX's Starship testing, Google's musical answer to the AI boom, some flippant fish taking over a livestreamer's Nintendo Switch (and credit card), and the emergent trend known as "recession brunette." Grab a bottle of Revlon and get ready to DIY your new look, dear listeners! Links Amazon launches RxPass, a $5/month Prime add-on for all-you-need generic drugs covering 80 conditions With Starship testing, SpaceX moves one step closer to making science fiction a reality Buyer beware of new anti Airbnb laws MoviePass pushes forward with comeback Fish took control of a YouTuber's Nintendo Switch during a livestream. They made credit card purchases, set up a PayPal account, and even sent an email. How to Be 18 Years Old Again for Only $2 Million a Year Biotech tycoon who spends $2M a year to reverse his aging process 'insisted fiancée tell him of all her past lovers and sex acts' - then dumped her when her breast cancer diagnosis turned her into a 'net negative' Google’s new AI turns text into music Recession brunette Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, January 27, 2023
ChatGPT, More Layoffs, and WALL-E
Welcome back, dear listeners! Your hosts AJ and Shane are here with the week's financial news. Here's what's on deck: ChatGPT parent OpenAI's valuation has nearly doubled and the company is coming for Google's lunch. Speaking of Google and lunch, we hear Larry Page and Sergey Brin were called back to HQ to help win the AI race. If you haven't seen WALL-E, don't listen to this episode. There's more! With one hand Microsoft is increasing investment in AI to the tune of ten billion dollars and laying off 10,000 people with the other. What a time to be alive. Don't forget: You can easily leave a message with a question to be answered during the show at memo.fm/theliquidityevent . We love hearing from you! Links ChatGPT looking at $29B Valuation That Microsoft deal isn’t exclusive, video is coming and more from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Google Calls In Help From Larry Page and Sergey Brin for A.I. Fight Microsoft announces new multibillion-dollar investment in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI How ChatGPT Will Destabilize White-Collar Work Microsoft is laying off 10,000 employees Microsoft Joins Wave of Tech Layoffs as Slowdown Spreads Why Are Tech Companies Laying off so many people How Apple Has Avoided Layoffs, No Free Lunches Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, January 20, 2023
Value for Nothing
Shane and AJ are back in full force this week with post-retreat energy and real talk on crypto, ChatGPT being used by hackers to write malware, semi-sentient AI, and the inevitability of mankind's demise. You'll also hear about plagiarism and grilled cheese. Listen up and only share this episode with the coolest people you know. Links Crypto Was Always Smoke and Mirrors Hackers are using ChatGPT to write malware OpenAI begins piloting ChatGPT Professional, a premium version of its viral chatbot A college student created an app that can tell whether AI wrote an essay JP Morgan Says Startup Founder Used Millions Of Fake Customers To Dupe It Into An Acquisition Goldman to Cut About 3,200 Jobs This Week After Cost Review Wall Street’s Lucrative Leveraged-Debt Machine Is Breaking Down Wall Street’s Big Banks Score $1 Trillion of Profit in a Decade Kathleen Moriarty, aka ‘Spider Woman,’ Helped Launch Exchange-Traded Funds Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, January 13, 2023
Aaand we're back!
Shane and AJ have missed each other and missed our listeners even more. In this episode we'll find more awful tech layoff news, a floppy IPO from Mattress Firm, a cruise ship living update, and some insight on our upcoming BKFi retreat in beautiful sunny Los Angeles, California. Correction: there is historic flooding in Los Angeles, CA and our whole team is soggy. Enjoy episode 76 of the Liquidity Event! A very fine episode indeed! A Breach at LastPass Has Password Lessons for Us All Salesforce is cutting 10% of its personnel, more than 7.000 employees 28-year-old buys cruise ship apartment because its less than renting and he can see the world Amazon is Said to Plan to Lay Off Thousands of Employees U.S. Moves to Bar Noncompte Agreements in Labor Contracts Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, January 06, 2023
New Year, Same Me
It's the first episode of the year, dear listeners! AJ Ayers and guest host John Owens talk about the upcoming BKFi retreat, new year's resolutions, Binance's pending $1 billion acquisition of bankrupt crypto lender Voyager Digital, offshore (cruise ship) living, and the comprehensiveness of Secure Act 2.0. Don't miss the quick takes on the veritable bounty of information coming out of that! In other news, the Salton Sea has emerged as the center of the Lithium race, with competing companies seeking mining rights. And worthless NFTs might just be valuable as tax-loss harvesting vehicles. Who doesn't love a bad investment? Finally, you'll hear about why so many accountants are quitting, despite the exceedingly high demand for them. Stay tuned! Links Binance.US to acquire bankrupt crypto exchange Voyager’s assets for $1 billion, weeks after planned FTX deal failed 28-year-old buys cruise ship apartment because it's less than renting and he can see the world The Secure Act 2.0, The RMD Age Change, And The Risk Of A Reverse Nudge Why So Many Accountants Are Quitting Trump Tax Returns Undermine His Image as a Successful Entrepreneur Loyal raises $27M, aims to give dog owners more time with their pets Tax-Loss Harvesting Platform Unsellable is Building ‘The World's Largest Collection of Worthless NFTs The Lithium Race Takes Shape in the Salton Sea Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, December 30, 2022
Don't Chase the Dragon
AJ and John close out the year with some shocking stats on IPOs, the biggest scam of 2022 (Hint: SBF), new year's financial resolutions, and much more! Links Renaissance Capital's 2022 US IPO Market Review Worst Scam of 2022: SBF + FTX How Sam Bankman-Fried swindled $8 billion in customer money, according to federal prosecutors Best last laugh: Dogecoin Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, December 23, 2022
Trains, Space Planes, and E-Scooters
Guest host and software developer Matt Phair joins AJ this week to talk about e-scooter manufacturer VinFast's brand-new IPO filing, SpaceX's tender offer, ChatGPT and artificial intelligence, Amtrak's new Airo trains, and more! In podcast news, it's easier than ever to drop us a message: Record a quick question for us at memo.fm/theliquidityevent and you may be featured on an upcoming show. This is the second-to-last episode of the year, dear listeners. Get ready for a bangin' 2023! Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, December 16, 2022
It's Always Wire Fraud or Mail Fraud
It's confirmed, dear listeners: FTX is worse than Enron. Join AJ and John as they talk about the joys of watching criminals being brought to justice. They also cover topics including why you shouldn't invest your retirement funds in crypto, how joint bank accounts are basically saving relationships, and the implications of BNPL (buy now, pay later). Ahh, don’t ya love the smell of commercialism in the morning? Links FTX held talks with Taylor Swift over $100mn sponsorship deal TECH FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried arrested in the Bahamas after U.S. files criminal charges Grayscale Faces Lawsuit as GBTC Plunges to Record Low 43% Discount - Decrypt Professor: 'Couples who have joint accounts stay together longer' Shoppers Go Deep on BNPL and eCommerce as Holiday Shopping Ramps Up SEC issues new guidance requiring companies to disclose digital currency risks ‘Primal living’ guru Liver King who built a $100m fitness empire admits he’s actually on steroids Elon Musk is no longer the richest person in the world Rad Power Bikes launches RadTrike, a three-wheeled model of its e-bike Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, December 09, 2022
'Tis the Season to Spend Money
This week, we have two guest hosts covering all you need to know about fintech and holiday spending. Join BKFi Director of Financial Planning John Owens and Associate Financial Planner Kurtis Rohlf as they discuss mutual funds, office bullying, the metaverse, must-know facts about holiday spending, and Robinhood's pursuit of retirement dollars. Bundle up, listeners, because winter is coming! Links Mutual Funds That Consistently Beat the Market? Not One of 2,132. EY Reports a Rise in Naughty Behavior Now That People Have Returned to the Office Meta has spent $36 billion building the metaverse but still has little to show for it, while tech sensations such as the iPhone, Xbox, and Amazon Echo cost way less Planning to re-create ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ for your true love? Brace yourself for higher costs 8 Things Most Americans Don’t Know About Holiday Spending Robinhood Wants Your Retirement Dollars Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, December 02, 2022
Alexa, Play Yourself Out
Shane Mason and John Owens cover FTX updates, BlockFi's bankruptcy, subscriptions to drive your car faster, the Amazon Alexa dumpster fire, and more data for Facebook/Meta. Guard yourselves, dear listeners! Major tax-filing websites are sharing your income data with Meta, says Ars Technica. Alexa is costing Amazon wayyy more money than it's making--to the tune of $10 billion. And Mercedes-Benz is going the way of Peloton by charging a subscription fee to unlock one additional second of acceleration. Stay warm, happy December, and drive responsibly! Links Amazon Alexa is a “colossal failure,” on pace to lose $10 billion this year Mercedes-Benz to introduce acceleration subscription fee Major tax-filing websites secretly share income data with Meta Crypto firm BlockFi files for bankruptcy as FTX fallout spreads BlockFi Continues to Defy the Odds Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, November 25, 2022
Fresa con Crema
Gobble gobble, turkey fans! It's the special Thanksgiving episode of the Liquidity Event Podcast! Join AJ and Shane as they discuss the scarce IPO market, Tinder's recession-proof service, a run-through of headline hot takes, and a moment of gratitude--which makes this the all-time sweetest podcast episode ever. Happy Thanksgiving! Links Tinder: More pay for dating app despite cost-of-living crisis Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, November 18, 2022
Why FBARs Can Leave You FUBAR
Ugh, are we talking about Elon AGAIN? Well, yeah, but he's running so spectacularly wild, it reminds us of the joke about a horse wreaking havoc in a hospital. There's no protocol, so I guess we're all just watching. Blue checks backfired again with the fake Eli Lilly account Tweeting "Insulin is free," shining a big light on two things: That the pay-to-be-verified-on-Twitter plan is trash and, most importantly, that price gouging insulin to the tune of 1,200 percent is ethically barren. Next on deck is a big nasty: The Wall Street Journal reports that a U.S. taxpayer is facing a fine of $2.72 million for failing to submit a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts--also known as FBAR. The stinger? The taxpayer in question didn't even OWE any taxes on those assets; this is literally just a penalty. Good luck, fella. Meanwhile, pay transparency laws are going into effect in NYC to help narrow the income gap across gender and ethnic lines. All together now: Equal work, equal pay! A solid win for decreasing income disparity. We also cover a crypto update, echoes of Enron at FTXA, and Meta/Facebook is about to lay off 10,000 employees. Links A Host of Tech Companies Announce Hiring Freezes and Job Cuts The Truth About Tech Layoffs What Amazon, Google and other top companies are paying in NYC The IRS and the Eighth Amendment Exclusive: At least $1 billion of client funds missing at FTXA Twitter employee who's 8 months pregnant says she was locked out of her company laptop the night before mass layoffs were due to be announced Facebook Parent Meta Is Preparing to Notify Employees of Large-Scale Layoffs This Week What Amazon, Google and other top companies are paying in NYC <a href= "https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/31/salary-ranges-a
Fri, November 11, 2022
Snip, Snip
Well, listeners, Elon's less than a week in and already making unpopular moves by gutting the employee base at Twitter by 50 percent, leaving 3,000 people without jobs. Lawsuits pending. Twitter's not alone in the tech recession, though. Stripe has also announced that it will lay off 14 percent of its employees, alongside a bevy of companies announcing hiring freezes, including Amazon and Lyft. We also talk about updates to SEC's Rule 10b5-1 around plans and declarations surrounding stock trades. Brace for the winter, dear listeners! Links Twitter sued by employees after mass layoffs begin US Probes Insider Trading in Prearranged Executive Stock Sales Digital payments firm Stripe to lay off 14% of workforce The war for talent is over. Talent won, says PwC U.S. chairman Tim Ryan Upcoming BKFI webinars Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, November 04, 2022
The Year of the Rabbit
The slowest IPO month in over a decade is a hot topic in today's episode, dear listeners! Followed by an update on the Hong Kong stock exchange timed well in the year of the rabbit (that was a multiplication joke) and a revelation that artificial intelligence knows how much you are willing to pay for a plane ticket before you do! Also on deck are innovations from Rent the Runway and our upcoming Rent vs. Buy webinar (register at brooklynfi.com/events )! Links Hong Kong’s Stock Exchange Proposes Waiving Revenue Requirement for Some Tech IPOs AI Knows How Much You’re Willing to Pay for Flights Before You Do ‘Particularly Egregious’: How Money-Losing Tech Firms Redefine Profits Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, October 28, 2022
The One With Dr. Shots & Underwater-Stock-Options Ariel
Happy Halloween, dear finance fans! This week, we have some scary cool tech topics to discuss, starting with Amazon's frightening freefall in talent retention. The en vogue expression for when someone is fired from a company? "We call that unregretted attrition," says Amazon via leaked documents. Read: Addition by subtraction. Pro-tip, Amazon: If you don't hire to nurture, employees are going to leave. Boom, solved Amazon's people problem! Speaking of problems, court challenges are hanging up student loan forgiveness a bit. Insiders say to still submit your relief application, though. In other news, Twitter's workforce is fed up with Elon Musk already. Will he drop his projected 5,600 jobs? Will a privately-owned Twitter become the digital badlands? We don't know! And freaking finally...an IPO we can get excited about. Mobileye slid into the market above its estimated trade price, which bodes well for market health. Will we be autonomous on the road by 2025? Probably not. Trick or treat: Home sales are down while interest rates soar. Scary. Last up is a scary moment for T-Swift fans when her new album broke Spotify last week. Listen... if you dare! Links Exclusive: Amazon’s attrition costs $8 billion annually according to leaked documents. And it gets worse. | Engadget Supreme Court rejects request to block Biden student loan debt forgiveness program Elon Musk said to plan to reduce Twitter's workforce by 75% (NYSE:TWTR) Existing home sales fall to a 10-year low in September, as mortgage rates soar Taylor Swift’s New Album ‘Midnights’ Crashes Spotify The Mobileye IPO can’t save Intel-in-distress Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, October 21, 2022
We're Well-qualified to Represent the ESG
Today, we're hanging with Shane and Kurtis, one of Brooklyn FI's financial planning associates! This week, Texas Pete's hot sauce may be in hot water. A Californian is not loving that the product is manufactured in North Carolina. We’re conflicted by our interest in this story. Intel is set to lay off thousands as PC sales lag, Amazon Prime Day 2.0 fails to impress, and first-time marriages are up for people in their 40s and 50s! The Wall Street Journal says more than 20 percent of federal employees trade stocks in the companies that. they. oversee. Gross! Next up, you'll hear all about YALL, y'all! That's the newest portfolio called the God Bless America ETF. After that, you'll hear about the bubbly, but non-alcoholic Liquid Death, the low-key way to hydrate on a pub crawl, being valued at an impressive $700 million. Finally, you'll hear what's up in European tech as Vodafone seeks to sell off Vantage and a quick rundown of a promising upcoming biotech IPO. Links Hot sauce brand in hot water? | LinkedIn Intel Plans Thousands of Job Cuts in Face of PC Slowdown Amazon Prime Day 2.0: Boom or bust? The Wall Street Journal: First-Time Marriages Are on the Rise for People in Their 40s and 50s. Lancaster, Pa. tops list of best small cities in America: Report What to know about the application for Biden's student loan relief White House unveils preview of student loan forgiveness form Federal Officials Trade Stock in Companies Their Agencies Oversee <a href= "https://seekingalpha.com/news/3890664-anti-esg-god-bless-america-etf-has-launched?lctg=62d1c147d96830284c09a01a&mailingid=29356414&messageid=wall_street_breakfast&serial=29356414.2823842&userid=56869836&utm_campaign=WSB%2010_13_22&utm_medium=email&utm_source=seeking_alpha
Fri, October 14, 2022
Rising Tides Sink all SPACS
Join Shane and Veronica AJ as they cover the culture-shaking EU decision to adopt a universal charger requirement for smartphones, a recap of this week's XY Planning Network conference, and Lufthansa's new pseudo-ban on AirTags. Also on deck are the not-great Q3 IPO review, some hopeful prospects for Q4, and Warren Mason's definitely-happening Taco Hell SPAC. Parting thought is to look up and look forward to SkyNet and the inevitable fall of the semiconductor industry. Think happy thoughts, listeners! Links EU lawmakers impose single charger for all smartphones Lufthansa "bans AirTags in luggage" after passengers publicly shame it with location of lost bags | Boing Boing Micron Pledges Up to $100 Billion for Semiconductor Factory in New York Even After $100 Billion, Self-Driving Cars Are Going Nowhere Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, October 07, 2022
Rick Scott Says the IRS Wants to Kill You
Be warned, dear listeners: Spooks abound in this episode where we talk about horror movie-induced insomnia, attempting to join Delta Airlines' secret society, and seedy casino crawls. Then, we hit Intel's IPO for Mobileye, their autonomous driving technologies company, as we ask ourselves "how soon will the car become the chauffeur?" Remember the ice bucket challenge for ALS research back in 2014? This week, the FDA approved a new drug to treat ALS because of that funding and, in doing so, warmed the hearts of everyone who believes in this cause. Political rhetoric abounds as politicians with deep pockets and even deeper fears of being audited vilify the IRS with disinformation. That's more scary than spooky . And finally, you didn't hear it from us, but DISCLOSURE is the name of the game when using your social media channels to promote the latest crypto. This week, Kim K learns a tough lesson from the SEC about disclosure. Hit play and hear our hot takes! Links The Ice Bucket Challenge wasn't just for social media. It helped fund a new ALS drug Kim Kardashian to Pay $1.26 Million to Settle S.E.C. Charges Over Crypto Promotion Gary Gensler: SEC Charges Kim Kardashian for Unlawfully Touting Crypto Security Sense and Nonsense About the IRS’ Funding Increase From Congress Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, September 30, 2022
Just Don't Call it a Layoff
What’s up freaky finance podcast listeners. We’ve got a lot of gloom and doom baked into this episode’s liquidity pie, but your hosts AJ and Shane take a good look at the silver linings. Who knows, maybe the Fed can achieve a soft landing and all this recession talk is nothing but spilled ink. We’ve got a profile of Zoho, a privately held $1B company that never took Sand Hill Road’s money and a new fund that lets you get in on the VC game for only $500 from Cathie Wood. By the way, does biting another man’s nose qualify you for the c-suite at Beyond Meat? You’ll find out on this week’s episode! Links US 2- to 30-Year Curve Reaches Most Inverted Level This Century How to Survive the Downturn Without Losing Your Shirt-Or Your Sanity How Zoho became a $1B company without a dime of external investment… Cathie Wood's new fund gives small investors access to the VC market for just $500 Beyond Meat Executive Arrested After Allegedly Biting Man’s Nose in Fight U.S. Home Sales and Prices Fell in August as Mortgage Rates Rose Meta and Google Are Cutting Staff. Just Don’t Mention Layoffs. The Luxury Home Market Posts Its Biggest Decline in a Decade. ‘It’s Like Crickets.’ Google CEO Pichai tells employees not to 'equate fun with money' in heated all-hands meeting Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, September 23, 2022
The IPO is Dead, Long Live the Faux-P-O
Welcome to another episode of everyone’s favorite ramshackle financial podcast. Shane is out this week so we’ve got Mr. Kurtis in the hot seat. Big billionaire news this week as the founder of the puffy financial bro vest company Patagonia decides to give away his three billion dollar fortune. That’s nice of him. Speaking of nice billionaires, we’ve got the Adobe acquisition of Figma for a cool $20 billion. AJ has some thoughts about the transaction and how it will impact employees who have stock options. This one is priceless. Links Ethereum switches to proof-of-stake consensus after completing The Merge Ethereum completes the “Merge,” which ends mining and cuts energy use by 99.95% Bank of America to offer zero-down payment mortgages in certain Black and Hispanic communities | CNN Business Billionaire No More: Patagonia Founder Gives Away the Company How about that $20B Figma-Adobe deal? PayPal Mafia Lands Another Hit With Adobe’s $20 Billion Figma Acquisition Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, September 16, 2022
The Ramen Girl Goes Public
In this episode we've got a delicious IPO: a small southern California ramen company listed this week. We look forward to slurping up those returns. Then we've got some sports news. Peloton's Chairman departed amidst poor post-pandemic performance for the stationary bike firm. In other bad sports money news, the New York Times has a deep dive into why tennis appears to be a poor economic performer despite the growing popularity and general international love for the sport. We wrap up the show with housing and education news and some hot travel tips! Links Wall Street’s Favorite Sport Is a Failing Business Peloton Chairman John Foley to Exit in Management Shake-Up US bans ‘advanced tech’ firms from building facilities in China for a decade Apple unveils the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus Buy houses and property for sale in the best neighborhoods | Flyhomes California Passes Law Requiring Companies to Post Salary Ranges on Job Listings Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, September 09, 2022
Loans of Power
It’s Lord of the Rings day on the podcast! Elon Musk doesn’t like the portrayal of men in the Rings of Power, well jokes on him, we haven’t even met the race of men in Middle Earth yet. After the first five minutes of this episode, you’ll wish you never even left the Shire. No surprises here but AJ does not agree with Elon Musk’s take on the show. Then we get into some actual finance articles about Mark Cuban’s pharmacy start-up and the withdrawal of the Chobani yogurt IPO. We’ve got a few TikTok influencers trying to take their tiny marketing business public and a neat app that will find a nice private outdoor space for your yuppie dog to play in. Shane’s home state of Mississippi decided to tax Biden’s student loan forgiveness as an assumed F*** You to the democratic administration. This one is twisted. Links Elon Musk doesn’t like the portrayal of men in Lord of the Rings Mark Cuban’s pharmacy startup is actually making drugs less expensive. It's still working on solving the real problem SEC Issues First Fee Rate Advisory for Fiscal Year 2023 Startup founder unleashes new venture: SniffSpot looks to connect dog owners with safe play spaces Yogurt brand Chobani withdraws estimated $1.5 billion IPO Mississippi confirms it will tax forgiven student loan debt Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, September 02, 2022
Fraud it Till You Make It
Shane and AJ are back at it! If you missed them, don’t worry, they spend at least half the episode talking about themselves. But there is some meat on this bone. Blackrock can’t make up its mind about whether it wants to stop climate change or make money in Texas. Then we’ve got some bad actors in the tax fraud and sexual harassment space. And we round out the episode with some great news for taxpayers: The IRS gets 80 billion dollars to fix itself. This one is evasive. Links Texas blacklists BlackRock, other financial firms for 'boycotting' oil and gas (NYSE:BLK) Google searches for ‘sell my home fast’ spike 2,750% ‘Best Boss in America’ Accused of Sexual Assault Yoga to the People Leaders Arrested for Tax Fraud Opinion | Why does the IRS need $80 billion? Just look at its cafeteria. Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, August 26, 2022
Biden Cancels Student Loans and Serena Serves Up Financial Independence
Kate is in the hot seat this week while Shane is schmoosing with accountants at a conference in New Orleans. We love breaking news here on the podcast, and we got just that: Biden broke the internet with his student loan cancellation rollout. We have all the juicy details. Our hosts react to a guilty daughter struggling with supporting her mother financially. On other news, Chamath, an undisputed SPAC king is desperately trying to find an acquisition target for a billion dollars. In other news, Serena Willians is leaving tennis forever (she says!) and redefining retirement. This one is forgivable. Links Student Loans are canceled! If you make less than $125,000 I'm Tired Of Financially Supporting My Mom. Am I A Bad Daughter? The SPAC King Goes Silent With His Empire Shriveling Welfare Queens | No Mercy / No Malice Serena Williams' View Of Retirement Is A Warning Shot For Financial Advisors Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, August 19, 2022
The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Tech Billionaire
Oh brother! Shane is out at summer camp, so we've got everyone's favorite dude from Pennsylvania, Mr. John Owens on the mic with AJ. Our hosts are extra critical of Mark Andreessen's decision to invest $350 million into Adam Neumann's new real estate company Flow. You may remember Adam Neumann from his previous startup, WeWork, which is still limping along while Mr. Neumann left unscathed with more than a billion dollars. We've got Zuck of Meta and Pichai of Google whining that their employees aren't working hard enough. Let us buy shit we don't need on Instagram in peace, please! Then we've got a guy who hid billions in assets from the IRS and almost got away with it. Also mentioned: Malcolm Gladwell, Rivian, and Taylor Swift’s PJ. This one is offshore. Links Andreessen Horowitz announces plans to invest in Adam Neumann's new residential real estate company 'Too many employees, but few work': Pichai, Zuckerberg sound the alarm Rivian Automotive maintains production guidance but warns on near-term losses(NASDAQ:RIVN) Malcolm Gladwell doubles down against working from home: ‘Offices really do matter’ Ex-Twitter employee found guilty of spying on Saudi dissidents Taylor Swift clarifies she wasn't even on most of those 170+ trips her private jet took this year Billionaire Robert Brockman, Accused of Biggest Tax Fraud in U.S. History, Dies at 81 Levels.fyi | Salaries & Tools to Level Up Your Career Hochul adm
Fri, August 12, 2022
The Inflation Reduction Act Just Gave Me MonkeyPox
On this week’s episode of the Liquidity Event we have special guest Ryan Furlong, CFP and senior financial planner join Shane for a deep dive into the Inflation reduction Act and a review of this weeks crypto goofs. After forgetting to mention the $80bn that the IRS is getting to audit HENRYs the boys revisit the incoming CPA drought and all the reasons why your eyes bugged out when the waiter brought the check this summer. Shane’s August budget is $0. The FBI raid on former president Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home distracted us from a second giant piece of legislation, the CHIPS act, which provides hundreds of billions of funding to the expansion of the domestic semiconductor industry. Shoutout to onshoring! Finally, the inflation boogeyman may be waning, we’re not sure, but at least gas prices are down 20% and flights are 10% cheaper! Book the ticket, take the ride. Or Slay. Whatever Gen Z is saying. We need an intern. - Links Thousands of Solana wallets drained in multimillion-dollar exploit – TechCrunch Bitcoin: Missing hard drive could fund Newport crypto hub The Indicator from Planet Money - If the world had no accountants California declares a state of emergency over monkeypox outbreak, following New York and Illinois That Dinner Tab Has Soared. Here Are All the Reasons. Biden signs semiconductor bill into law, though Trump raid overshadows event Democrats passed a major climate, health and tax bill. Here's what's in it Gas Prices Have Fallen 57 Straight Days Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, August 05, 2022
Glossier, Golf Courses, and, Generational Wealth
It’s a long one folks. Our hosts are extra passionate about taxes and bronzer this week. Shane starts us off with some NFT optimism with the news that Muse will sell 1000 digital copies of their next album to lucky fans. Rock and Roll is the only feasible use case our hosts see for Non Fungible Tokens. Then we have the news that Glossier will be sold in Sephora stores which AJ thinks is a key indicator the millennial-focused beauty brand will be acquired by LVMH. In other news, the Jetblue and Frontier battle for Spirit Airlines comes to a close and summer travelers should strap in for higher fares now that the bargain basement airline is getting a shiny coat of blue paint. Our hosts wrap up with three tax avoidance schemes involving Bill Gates, Shakira, and Donald Trump. This one is elevated. Links Sales from the crypto: Muse NFT album to become first new chart-eligible format in seven years The Legal Recognition of Financial Planners Through Title Protection Glossier Is Heading to Sephora JetBlue Agrees to Buy Spirit Airlines for $3.8 Billion After Frontier Deal Dies Even if you never fly Spirit, here’s why JetBlue buying them is bad for you Vast New Study Shows a Key to Reducing Poverty: More Friendships Between Rich and Poor Amid global hellscape, Bill Gates to tank his wealth ranking, gives away $20B Shakira could face 8-year prison term if convicted in expected tax fraud trial Will Ivana help Donald Trump with tax breaks from beyond the grave? | Donald Trump | The Guardian Will Ivana Trump's burial at Donald's golf club give the former president a tax break? <p
Fri, July 29, 2022
Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Out of the Supply Chain
In this week’s episode of The Liquidity Event, our hosts are delirious from the summer heat, and you can sense their deliriousness. AJ’s freshly inspired from attending an Equity Compensation conference (they do exist!) and Shane makes a sad attempt at innuendo. We have people getting hung out of windows and Janet “Yellin” Yellen trying to define the relationship with South Korea. Also, we finally have an IPO to get excited about, but the team has uncovered some whacky loans and a failure to launch in the company’s history. Finally, we uncover why you didn’t smash the purchase button on that round-trip ticket to Cancun. This one is delirious. Links 76 Fake Charities Shared a Mailbox. The I.R.S. Approved Them All. Google's CEO Has a Brilliantly Simple Plan To Recession-Proof His Staff. Any Business Can Use It Yellen says the U.S. and its allies should use ‘friend-shoring’ to give supply chains a boost Why are flights so expensive right now? SEC Charges Former Indiana Congressman with Insider Trading Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, July 22, 2022
Time is Fun When You're Having Flies
On this episode of The Liquidity Event, our hosts are having too much fun. They admit they haven’t read a book in weeks. So instead they will bore you with what’s on the smart TV. Shane is watching Attack on Titan and AJ just finished The Gilded Age. Speaking of The Gilded Age, Google’s stock split. That’s good news for retail investors. Then we wrap up the show with the Frontier Airlines merger saga. The battle between Spirit and Jet Blue for ownership is still ongoing. This one is flighty. Links ‘They couldn’t even scream any more. They were just sobbing’: the amateur investors ruined by the crypto crash It Will Be a Lot Easier to Add Google Stock to Your Portfolio on Monday ISS urges Spirit shareholders to vote against Frontier merger, calls JetBlue bid superior Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, July 15, 2022
Two Guys, a Girl and Some Financial News
Holy hell! The Liquidity Event made it to 50 episodes! If you stayed up for 24 hours straight, you still wouldn’t even get through all the podcast episodes! To celebrate, we’ve got three hosts! In addition to AJ and Shane, we’ve got everyone’s favorite ham, John Owens. In this episode, we're talking about the Elon Musk Twitter deal, the new CPA exam (yawn), the overall success of the PPP Loan program, and startup equity vs. 401(k)s. This one is for the books. Links Elon Musk’s Fixer Is Quietly Tending the World’s Biggest Fortune The blueprint for the new CPA Exam is out. Was the Paycheck Protection Program Effective? Start-Up Equity Is a Great Retirement Plan, if You Can Pull It Off I curate home libraries for celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Oprah. Here's how I turned my book hobby into a 7-figure business. Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, July 08, 2022
Aaron Burr Sir
It’s hot and heavy in Brooklyn and these podcast hosts are here to roast boomer senators for only passing laws that benefit them. We’re talking about the Secure Act 2.0 and a bill to expand the use of 529 college savings funds for retirement. While there are no IPOs to chat about, our hosts are staying entertained by some crazy s*** that went down in a SPAC merger at a Philippines casino. Finally, some good news: Slack’s program to help formerly incarcerated folks learn to code and get placed at high-paying tech jobs is working. This one is heartwarming. Links Standoff in a Philippines casino shows risks of SPACs betting on foreign targets CEO Stock Sales Raise Questions About Insider Trading Inside Slack’s bold bet on training formerly incarcerated people to be tech workers Optimism Rising That SECURE 2.0 Will Pass, Hiking RMD Age By Year's End Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, July 01, 2022
Small Potatoes
The squad is back at it but sadly there are no sexy IPOs to discuss. Instead, we’ve got more nanocaps, aka small potatoes. Speaking of potatoes, Elon Musk is pissed that Tesla got kicked off an ESG list. In other news, Earnst & Young is in deep trouble for allowing its auditors to cheat on ethics exams. It’s a big yikes fest. Stick around till the end of the episode to hear one of the worst French accents on earth. This one is outrageously French. Links The Rush to E.S.G., With or Without Elon Musk Great Motoring Disasters: Renault Wind First 100% electric black cab for 120 years launches in London Electric Cars With the Longest Range | News | Cars.com Accounting giant Ernst & Young admits its employees cheated on ethics exams Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, June 24, 2022
Boats + Capitalism = Inflation
AJs out munching on tea & crumpets so the Liquidity Event is blessed with guest house Mark Stancato, CFP, EA. The IPO market finally gets its first unicorn listing of 2022 with Ivanhoe Electric who makes a big bet on domestic production of copper to support the future of the electric vehicle market. Speaking of issues in the climate tech space, MicroStrategy makes an ill-timed bet on Bitcoin that may cause the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin to face an ignominious margin call. The gang finally unmasks the cause of all that inflation in the market and you would never believe it’s gasp INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE CARGO FREIGHTERS. Links MicroStrategy is facing a bitcoin reckoning Fed hikes its benchmark interest rate by 0.75 percentage point, the biggest increase since 1994 . The Hidden Fees Making Your Bananas, and Everything Else, Cost More Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, June 17, 2022
Uncut Gems
Shane and AJ are back at it after a few weeks of travel. The IPO market is still dry as the Mojave Desert in July so there are no new exciting S-1 to devour. We do have a synthetic diamond company poised to go public and try to disrupt the 80 billion dollar diamond industry by selling stones grown in a lab. In other news, we’ve got layoffs in tech, hedge funds getting wrecked, and some news about shopping malls. A little bit of good news out of the EU: by 2024 phone and tablet makers will be forced to use a universal charger. This one is sparkly. Links Bright Green to flashing red: 2022's first direct listing plummets after explosive early trading Hedge Fund D1 Borrowed Billions for Hot Bet Now Seen Melting Down Get In, We’re Going to Save the Mall Visualizing The 50 Biggest Data Breaches From 2004–2021 Apple Products Set to Use Common Charging Point After EU Deal 'We have got to show up for Wendy Williams like we showed up for Britney': People raise the alarm about host's legal battle with Wells Fargo Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, June 03, 2022
Toilet Paper Is the Best Inflation Hedge
Welcome to episode 45 of the liquidity event. Let’s hope this episode is better than our 45th president. We’ve got an extra special co-host with week: Katelyn Murray, financial planner extraordinaire at Brooklyn FI. On the pod our hosts are excited about more equitable equity plans spearheaded by private equity giant KKR. Our hosts are super disappointed by Wells Fargo, again. Last time, it was fake accounts, this time, it’s fake diversity interviews. In other news, a new billionaire was created every 30 hours during the pandemic while another million people were plunged into poverty at the same rate. The episode closes with exciting news of a health startup that promises a genetic test to pair women with the right birth control. This one is cyclical. Links YC advises founders to ‘plan for the worst’ amid market teardown KKR to Sell CHI Overhead Doors to Nucor, Generating Windfall for Itself and Employees At Wells Fargo, a Quest to Increase Diversity Leads to Fake Job Interviews Fans flood Brooklyn subway stations for Notorious B.I.G. MetroCards on what would've been his 50th birthday 15 Ways Consumers Can Deal With—and Even Benefit From—Rising Inflation Shared company ownership could help build billions in wealth for working families by 2030. Here's how The pandemic created a new billionaire every 30 hours as millions brace for extreme poverty adyn Launches First Test Designed to Prevent Birth Control Side Effects Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, May 27, 2022
Talk to My Lawyer!
If you’ve ever worked at a start-up or are considering founding one, this episode is a must-listen. With Shane on vacation visiting our National Parks, we’ve got start-up lawyer extraordinaire Bobby Weinberger as a guest co-host. We talk through the ins and outs of being an employee at a startup and what to ask for when it comes to negotiating a new contract. Bobby’s got some sweet wisdom for founders as well. We can’t ignore that Brazilian-ish chain restaurant Fogo De Chao is going public (again). We do a deep dive on the S-1. We also chat through underwater stock options and what to do when you’re out of luck. This one is meaty. Links Fogo De Chao is headed towards an IPO (again) Bobby’s Website Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, May 20, 2022
Travel Tips for the End of the World
On this special episode of the show, our hosts are in Portland, Oregon on the semi-annual Brooklyn FI company retreat. Let’s be honest, our hosts are having too much fun. The IPO market continues to be soft and the stock market is experiencing volatility that reminds some pundits of the March 2020 dip. We’ve got Elon and Twitter, a very generous gift from Snapchat founder Evan Spiegal, and a man who has been to every country in the world and also to outer space. In tax land, we’ve got the IRS destroying payroll records and a real estate investor who lost big time. Oh, and the Mexican pizza is back at Taco Bell. This one is mildly spicy. Links Musk says $44 billion Twitter deal on hold over fake account data Bright Green direct listing Snapchat co-founder pays off college debt of new graduates at L.A. art and design school Travel Tips From the Man Who’s Visited Every Country on Earth—and Space Tax professionals ‘horrified’ by IRS decision to destroy data on 30 million filers Hopkins students create edible burrito tape as part of a design competition Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, May 13, 2022
Pegging the Dollar
In this extra-long episode of The Liquidity Event, our hosts find themselves down a Bitcoin rabbit hole. There’s the news that a stable coin that was supposed to be stable took a fantastic dive and created panic amongst investors. Not a good look. We’ve got not one, but two electric vehicle companies going public this week. These are small fish compared to Tesla and Rivian, but mighty nonetheless. Shane is mad that AJ blew up his spot about his X Box but she’s also riled up about some early 2000s children’s video game called Neopets. Anyways, this episode is chock-full of bad takes, drunken debauchery, and some financial commentary. This one is pegged. Links Warren Buffett gives his most expansive explanation for why he doesn't believe in bitcoin Joe and Jill Biden made more money, paid less tax in 2021 than ‘20, returns show Injury on way from bed to home computer is a workplace accident, German court rules Mailin’ It! - The Official USPS Podcast on Apple Podcasts How Dare Neopets Taint My Childhood With NFTs Controversial stablecoin UST — which is meant to be pegged to the dollar — plummets below 50 cents Low-wage earners to get high-speed Internet for $30 in Biden program Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, May 06, 2022
Rate Hikers Guide to the Galaxy
Shane’s back from Mexico and the world appears to be falling apart. The hedgefund dude who shorted GameStop and was bested by Redditors walked back a light promise to give investors their money back. Our hosts predict the mid-term elections will dictate student loan forgiveness and borrowers will hopefully see some much-deserved relief. We’ve got a big olde IPO in Bausch + Lomb, the eyecare supplier that will forever make contact lens wearers buy those stupid tiny travel-sized bottles. In other news, the fed hiked interest rates and someone hacked a big merger. And finally, big ups to AirBnB for doubling down on allowing employees to work from anywhere. This one is inflated. Links Melvin Capital’s Gabe Plotkin apologizes for losses to investors — who want their money back How to Figure Out if You Can Actually Afford That New Home Biden’s Student Loan Dilemma Airbnb’s design to live and work anywhere Someone Hacked a Merger Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, April 29, 2022
Scam-a-lama-ding-dong
In this episode of the Liquidity Event, we’ve got Shane on vacation and John in the hot seat. We’ve got tons of scams this week. Mortgage scams, NFT scams, bitcoin scams, 401(k) scams, and more. Brex made a very interesting acquisition of Pry, a financial forecasting company aimed at early-stage start-ups. Also in the news is that news organization CNN is killing their short-lived CNN+ streaming service, it only lasted a month. Sad face. We also discover the maniacal term “stresslaxation” which basically sums up the modern human condition. This one is on vacation. Links Fidelity is offering 401(k) investors access to bitcoin, the first retirement-plan provider to do so Fraud Is Flourishing on Zelle. The Banks Say It’s Not Their Problem. CNN+ will shut down at the end of April Billionaire Trade Desk CEO Gets $830 Million in Pay to Fight Google Treasury makes a plea for more I.R.S. funding on Tax Day. Here’s why Brex just paid $90M for 10-person software startup Pry Financials Fintech giant Stripe jumps into crypto with a feature that lets Twitter users get paid in stablecoin ‘Stresslaxation’ is real. Science explains why it happens and how to get past it Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, April 22, 2022
Happy Birthday Brooklyn FI
Today is our birthday! This week’s episode is filled with fun jabs at billionaires and financial knowledge that’s mostly useless to you. We’ve got news stories on AriZona iced tea, old ladies, Elon Musk, and Airbnb cleaning fees. And you know it wouldn’t be The Liquidity Event without a rant about the IRS. This one is celebratory. Links As inflation soars, how is AriZona iced tea still 99 cents? Why Airbnb Cleaning Fees Cost So Much Now Elon Musk Makes $43 Billion Unsolicited Bid to Take Twitter Private Princess Mako Has a New Title: the Unpaid Intern Treasury makes a plea for more I.R.S. funding on Tax Day. Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, April 15, 2022
The Richest Man in Staten Island
Welp! We finally have a big olde IPO in 2022 folks! Excelerated Energy Energy, a Texas-based natural gas company took advantage of market fears around rising gasoline prices to have a very successful IPO on Tuesday. We’ve got the first successful Amazon union at a warehouse in Staten Island. And in other union-ish news, Etsy sellers are not happy with the company’s decision to raise their transaction fees. We’ve got a great scam of the week with a former Yale administrator. This one strikes hot. Links Excelerated Energy’s IPO Why Etsy Sellers Are Going on Strike Amazon workers in Staten Island vote for the company's first unionized warehouse in U.S. A former Yale employee admits she stole $40 million in electronics from the university Meta employees look to ditch jobs amid stock crash: ‘Feeling like s–t’ Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, April 08, 2022
Celebrity Makeover: Roth Edition
There are big changes afoot in the retirement space and Roths are about to get a big glow-up. Our hosts discuss the SECURE ACT 2.0 and the implications for boomers and millennials alike. Student loans are back in the news with payments and interest on pause through August 31st which leads us to believe there may be forgiveness in the future. We’ve got a killer interview with French economic bad-boy Thomas Piketty who has some spicy things to say about income inequality. And finally, Yellowstone National Park is selling annual park passes for use 150 years in the future. This one is electric! Links Your 401(k) Statement Will Soon Have Lifetime Income Estimates. What to Know. Secure 2.0 Retirement Bill Mandates Roths And More Thomas Piketty Thinks America Is Primed for Wealth Redistribution It’s a Perfect Time for EVs. It’s a Terrible Time for EVs The New Tax Playbook for Draining Your 401(k) in Retirement White House Is Said to Pause Student Loans Again, Pushing Payments to September How Your Shadow Credit Score Could Decide Whether You Get an Apartment Yellowstone National Park wants you to plan ahead for the year 2172 Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, April 01, 2022
The Witch Tax
In this week's episode, The Onion weighs in on the housing market and England’s first witch gets to write off her spells on her tax forms. We’ve got OnlyFans making a second attempt at going public via SPAC, good for them. In the IPO space, we finally have a little action: a teeny tiny company in California called Hempacco filed their S-1 last week with just over a million dollars in revenue last year. Our hosts are on the fence about The Routing Company, a Boston-based start-up producing management software to re-route public transportation for private users. This one is magical. Links New Zillow Feature Lets Users Track Happy Lives Of People Who Outbid Them For Dream House Why your student loan payments may be delayed (again) Here comes the sun: Senate agrees on permanent daylight saving time The Routing Company lets you hail a ride — on public transit Tax Pros Preparing 46 Percent of E-filings - CPA Trendlines Britain's 'first official witch' files tax returns and claims expenses on potions and spells Ukraine authorities say seized Russian tanks don’t need to be declared on tax form Biden’s Budget Would Reshape His International Tax Plan to Match Global Deal Scoop: OnlyFans wants to go public through a SPAC Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, March 25, 2022
America's Got Startups
Another week, another lifeless IPO market. Come on tech bros! Get it together. Our hosts are back on their soapbox and ranting and raving about clients who won’t sell their dang stock just because they don’t like the price. There’s the awful news that romance scams reached a 5-year high, made even more popular by the devious Tinder Swindler. Folks, never send a wire to someone you don’t know. Speaking of wire transfers and therefore banks, Wells Fargo is in hot water for a damning report that shows they denied mortgages to black borrowers at a much higher rate than other lenders. And finally, we’ve got Forbes’ list of the 500 best startup employers. If you’re not offering remote work, what are you even doing. This one is highly motivated. — Links Why Selling Your Equity at a Low Still Makes Sense Something Has to Give in the Housing Market. Or Does It? America's Best Startup Employers 2022 Mortgage Rates Rise Above 4% for the First Time Since 2019 Romance scams reach five year high Wells Fargo Rejected Half Its Black Applicants in Mortgage Refinancing Boom MacKenzie Scott donates $3.8 billion to 465 organizations Tax Pros Preparing 46 Percent of E-filings - CPA Trendlines
Fri, March 18, 2022
We’ve Solved the Housing Crisis!
In this episode of the Liquidity Event we’ve got inflation fears, interest rates spikes, 3D printed homes, another Grimes baby, gin martinis, and Dolly Parton. And that’s just the first ten minutes. With the IPO market a little slow, our hosts are left with the scraps of the internet. Wall Street is kvetching about a 0.25% interest rate hike and our hosts display their disdain for fear-mongering. But the high priestess of country music, Dolly Parton wrote a novel, so that’s nice. This one is a little bit country. Links AJ’s glass olive martini glass Why the Fed is Poised to Raise Interest Rates Dolly Parton and James Patterson team up for a novel about an aspiring country singer Go read this Vanity Fair piece about Grimes and her secret baby with Elon Musk When It Comes to Taxes, Being Tracked Can Be a Good Thing Wingstop has filed a trademark to sell chicken wings in the metaverse Luxury 3D-printed homes debut in Texas Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, March 11, 2022
Vaxxed and Taxed
Our hosts are caffeinated and extra silly today. There’s the ongoing war in Ukraine which is just heartbreaking. Some slightly good news though, the company Grammarly that fixes all of our typos and spelling errors is donating millions to relief efforts. We’ve also got Pfizer executives pretending they didn’t know the stock price was going to up when vaccines got announced, 323 million in stolen Ethereum, self-driving Waymo taxis, and the pros and cons of LinkedIn. This one is crunchy. Links Ukrainian-founded Grammarly is donating all the money it made in Russia since 2014 Operation Warp-Pay: How 10b5-1 Plans Allowed Pfizer and Moderna Executives to Cash In - Glass Lewis Startup launches crypto-less NFT vending machine in New York City $323 million in ETH stolen from cross-chain protocol Wormhole Betterment Enters the Cryptocurrency Market by Acquiring Makara Let’s Face It, LinkedIn Might Be the Best Social Network Right Now Waymo to start charging money for its robotaxi rides in San Francisco Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, March 04, 2022
Free Grandparents?
On this episode, we’ve got a flaccid IPO market and some somber news out of Ukraine. AJ is back and mad at the IRS, but not as mad as John and Shane were last week. We’ve got tech companies in a hiring crisis, a town in Indiana luring tech workers with free grandparents, and many other shenanigans. We’ve also got Russian oligarchs skirting sanctions with all their assets in crypto. Yikes. This one is stinky. Links An Indiana Town Is Offering Free 'Grandparents' For People Who Are Willing to Move There Tech Companies Face a Fresh Crisis: Hiring Cryptocurrency Is a Potential New Tool for Billionaires to Avoid Sanctions Tax Return Season 2022: IRS Form 1040 Changes Impact Stock Options, RSUs, ESPPs Amex Send & Split with Venmo & PayPal: Send Money and Split Purchases Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, February 25, 2022
Tax Season 2022 - Stranger Than Fiction
On this extra special episode our hosts are talking about the sad state of the IRS. The entity that collects revenue for our great country is underfunded, understaffed, and out of time. It’s tax season and the IRS still hasn’t processed millions of returns from last year. That’s a big yikes. AJ is out this week so we’ve got the one and only John Owens to go deep on what’s wrong with the tax system. Don’t worry, these two make taxes a blast. This one is taxing. Links Accountant Shortage, Resignations Fuel Financial Reporting Risks News Releases for Current Month | Internal Revenue Service Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, February 18, 2022
Kanye’s Candy
The Liquidity Event turns 30 today! That’s 30 episodes in the can folks! Our hosts are a little loose this week and may have some extra lukewarm takes. We’ve got the Joe Rogan controversy at Spotify and the tech giants Alphabet, Amazon, and Apple laying on some sweet sweet RSUs bonuses to keep employees from quitting. AJ bows down to the reigning queen of our hearts Dolly Parton and admits that she most definitely has a crush on Pete Davidson. He’s our unofficial CEO crush of the week. He’ll eventually be the CEO of something, right? Shane fakes a southern accent and is excited about a UAE-based advertising firm called Aleph going public with an attempt to raise 300 million dollars. This one should probably be canceled. Links Amazon, Apple, Google: Restricted Stock Grants Evolve To Retain Top Talent Dolly Parton Wants To Eliminate Your Student Loans. So, Dollywood Will Pay 100% Of Your Tuition. Neil Young urges Spotify workers to quit as Trump tells Joe Rogan to 'stop apologizing' Kanye West Goes on Civil War-Themed Meme Rampage Against Kid Cudi, Billie Eilish, and Pete Davidson, Then Deletes Everything Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, February 11, 2022
Casualty Insurance in Space
Our hosts are extra silly this week in Palm Springs. They’ve got GameStop entering the NFT space and SpaceX satellites blowing up in space due to geothermal storms. Also in the news is the housing crisis. Shane thinks AJ is making a foolish real estate purchase and he might be right. Speaking of foolish purchases, Frontier Airlines will buy Spirit Airlines. Just kidding, that’s not necessarily a foolish purchase but if you’ve ever flown Spirit, you know you get what you pay for. This one should probably be deleted. Links GameStop taps Immutable X for NFT marketplace VC funding for HR tech soars amid focus on diversity, remote work | PitchBook HR tech startup PayFit becomes Europe's first unicorn of 2022 | PitchBook Frontier to Buy Spirit Airlines in Cash-and-Stock Deal $10,000 Life Works Here Talent Incentive | Northwest Arkansas Unqualified therapists exploiting vulnerable patients - BBC News The New Benefits Employers Could Offer to Make You Stay Pay Me More or I Quit: Workers Play Risky Game With Their Bosses There’s Never Been a Worse Time to Buy a Home in a Poll of U.S. Households Proptech Startup Rhino Lays Off 57 Employees NASA plans to retire the International Space Station by 2031 by crashing it into the Pacific Ocean Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, February 04, 2022
Taxing the Metaverse
Welp, the good news is that the US economy is going strong but the rest of the story isn’t so rosy. Our hosts are hung up on taxation in the metaverse and how sales tax will impact the buying and selling of NFTs, aka things that don’t exist. AJ is bummed that Glossier laid off a third of its workforce and Shane is incredulous that there’s a restaurant in Los Angeles that caters to pets. It’s in Silver Lake. Marc Andreesen tweeted about how awesome Calendly is but some idiots didn’t get the sarcasm and piled on. Shane and AJ are team Calendly. Remember: taxation is coming to the Metaverse so grab your favorite accountant and snuggle up. Links U.S. Economy Grew 1.7% in 4th Quarter, Capping a Strong Year Did PetSmart Wait Too Long To Pursue A SPAC Deal? Glossier just laid off one-third of its corporate employees, mostly in tech – TechCrunch Notice with immediate effect: Anyone who disregards my Calendly links will be permabanned from raising venture capital in Silicon Valley. Some U.S. child tax credit letters showed wrong payment data, IRS says Taxation of the Metaverse is Coming Your Hotel Concierge Is Probably a Texting Robot. Srsly. Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, January 28, 2022
Miss Market Frizzle
On this week’s show, our hosts are unphased by market volatility. Of course it’s concerning and scary but AJ and Shane urge you to keep your head on your shoulders. There’s been some scary talk with rising interest rates and some pullback on outsized IPO valuations. Yeesh. We’ve also got the news that Acorns is getting into the Robinhood business of making it very easy for retail investors to trade individual stocks. In other news, Shane would like everyone to know he is not moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma even though the tax breaks are wonderful. And finally, we get to nerd out about the incredible James Webb telescope. This one is out of this world. Links Acorns finalizes plans to offer individual stock trades The erosion of the IPO lock-up Cities in Illinois and Oklahoma are latest to lure remote workers with free land, cash IRS will soon require a selfie to access some of its online tools and applications World’s Biggest Crypto Fortune Began With a Friendly Poker Game After Million-Mile Journey, James Webb Telescope Reaches Destination Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, January 21, 2022
Microsoft Activates a Blizzard of Competition
On this week’s episode of the Liquidity Event we’ve got like five different stories about Microsoft. The 46-year old tech company recently acquired Activision Blizzard and plans to expand further in the gaming space. Microsoft is also losing its augmented reality talent to Meta (FKA Facebook). Shane is a gamer at heart and you can see the tears of joy in his eyes as he looks at how dope the near future of gaming in the Metaverse could be. AJ is excited about two S-1 filings this week: one for digital media company The Area Group and the other for Turo, the carsharing platform that she’s never actually tried out herself. Our hosts are jacked about a New York Times article on the wildly frothy start-up market, where VC firms are acting like Alphafa in The Little Rascals, desperate for a piece of the pie. Our hosts are sorry for swearing so much. Links Cyber prodigy figures out how to hack Teslas Microsoft will buy Activision Blizzard for $70 billion Take-Two will acquire Zynga Microsoft virtual reality talent is leaving for Facebook A WILD New York Times article about the current flood of money into start-ups Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, January 14, 2022
Is Your Mattress Firm?
If you like mattress puns, this is the episode for you. MattressFirm, the 34-year-old retailer is finally going public. The rest of the IPO market is kinda soft though as we saw with the postponement of the Justworks IPO. In other news, Shane is excited about beyond meat nuggets at KFC but AJ won’t shut up about a superior fake meat product called Nuggs. We’ve got Kim Kardashian in trouble for saying some misleading shit about a crypto token and in other crypto news, Coinbase wants to be sure you have what it takes before you accept a job there. Our hosts also share their favorite IRS criminal cases and their favorite tech gadgets from the Consumer Electronics Show. Don’t sleep on this one. Links Best tech gadgets from CES Mattress Firm is going public, remember the conspiracy? KFC launches fake meat nuggets But Nuggs are the best fake meat Tech stocks tumble Kim Kardashian and Floyd Mayweather Coinbase is unapologetic about their culture Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, January 07, 2022
What Rhymes with Sconce?
After a one-episode hiatus, your boy Shane is back in the saddle. On this week’s episode, our hosts are hung up on the Elizabeth Holmes verdict. She’s guilty by the way. AJ is also guilty of enjoying Eric Wareheim’s canned natural wine from Mendocino county. Shane drops some tax knowledge surrounding a strange recommendation that you actually do in fact need to report stolen property as income on your tax return. US Covid cases hit the terrifying milestone of one million cases in a single day, so that’s fucking horrifying. In other very sad news, a financial services company that backed loans to taxi drivers in NYC to purchase medallions goes under with some criminal charges thrown in. This one is a little sloppy. Links IRS: Report stolen property as income, unless you return it the same year SEC Charges Financial Company and Its President with Engaging in Fraudulent Schemes to Boost Stock Price The NY Times report on the unjust taxi medallion system Elizabeth Holmes trial: jury finds Theranos founder guilty on four fraud counts 2022 IPO market kicks off with 3 biotechs set to trade on Friday U.S. Sets Global Daily Record of Over 1 Million Virus Cases IRS: Report stolen property as income, unless you return it the same year Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, December 31, 2021
Beefy Powerboats Going Nowhere
Shane is glamping somewhere in White Sands national park so we've got a very special guest host today - Mr. John Owens, Brooklyn FI's newly minted director of financial planning. With Shane out of the way, our hosts focus on the things that matter: an electric powerboat company, beef farmers getting shafted, and some heartwarming news about a 3D printed home. John has some commentary on the performance of IPOs in 2021 and AJ has some side-eye for electric powerboat start-up Forza X1. Our hosts are on the fence about a new policy from Door Dash that requires employees at all levels to perform the company’s core function: deliver cold takeout food to hungry upper-middle-class stoners. AJ’s CEO crush of the week is Amanda Baldwin of Supergoop. This is the last episode of the year so we’ll see you in 2022 you filthy animals! Links Inside the epicenter of America's Great Resignation: Kentuckians lay out the 4 forces driving the state's labor shortage — and explain why it's here to stay Zappos Founder Tony Hsieh’s Friends, Family Feud Over His $500 Million Estate A lavish tax scheme allows millionaires to avoid taxes, it’s called QSBS AJ’s no brainer electric travel kettle Habitat for Humanity’s first 3D printed home was built in 12 hours John’s no brainer office chair Thefts of Covid-19 Relief Funds Total at Least $100 Billion, Secret Service Says BioNTech's mRNA Cancer Vaccine Has Started Phase 2 Clinical Trial Want to know
Fri, December 24, 2021
Enter the Oliverse
On this week’s hot tamale of an episode, our hosts are obsessed with an Olive Garden NFT that has to be a joke. We’ve also got Justwork’s S-1 filing which promises to be one of the more interesting IPOs of early 2022. In the bad actor space, we have JP Morgan employees skirting regulars on WhatsApp and Trump’s accountant is in trouble for not disclosing a loan. AJ is excited about the 20th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring and Shane is maybe not too concerned about inflation. Join us for hot takes and double-takes. Sorry for all the swearing. Links FastAF Closes Series A Funding at $200 Million Valuation JPMorgan agrees to $125 million fine for letting employees use WhatsApp to evade regulators’ reach Fed Eyes 3 Rate Increases in 2022; Slows Stimulus as Prices Rise Millennials Are Supercharging the Housing Market Worried About Inflation? Here’s What That May Reveal About You. Lord of the Rings cast have unique reunion for 20th anniversary Trump Fraud Inquiry’s Focus: Did He Mislead His Own Accountants? A Box of Cash, a Secret Donor and a Big Lift for Some N.Y.C. Students Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, December 17, 2021
Grand Slams and Gaming Grandpas
On this week’s episode of the Liquidity Event our hosts are excited that Millennials are finally getting some recognition for being highly functional adults, and all it took for the boomers to notice was an uptick in the younger generation wanting to draft their wills. Shane would like you to know that hit a grand slam playing sandlot baseball and AJ has a remedy for sore muscles. Also in the news: a couple gets hefty fines for trying to exploit an IRA loophole, the payment company Stripe is poised to go public but the CEO said something to the contrary, and the SEC is exploring stricter reporting rules for SPACs. This one is spicy! Links The S.E.C. Wants to Cut SPACs Down to Size A huge study of 20 years of global wealth demolishes the myth of 'trickle-down' and shows the rich are taking most of the gains for themselves Sharing Hard-Won Money Lessons to Build Generational Wealth Competitive Videogaming Is Having a Senior Moment in Japan Meet the 15 power players leading $95 billion-valued Stripe, one of Silicon Valley's hottest anticipated listings Millennials, Feeling Their Mortality During Covid-19, Start Writing Their Wills A Couple Stored IRA Gold at Home. They Owe the IRS More Than $300,000. Stripe co-founder says the $95 billion fintech giant is 'very happy' staying private Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, December 10, 2021
Iron Domes and Dumb Dolphins
It’s a jam-packed episode of the show this week! The good: our hosts are stoked on the Samsara IPO. The bad: The IRS has seized more than 3.5 billion dollars in crypto assets this year. The ugly: the Better.com CEO fired 900 people over Zoom. Our hosts are excited by some science fiction shit come to life: it’s called the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART for short. Shane discovers an interesting aspect of the tax code that hurts single people without children. AJ is excited about the intersection of equity compensation and K-pop with the news that members of BTS experienced a healthy liquidity event. Have a great week kids! Links Perspective | Amazon, can we have our name back? Harris was briefly the first woman to be acting U.S. president as Biden underwent colonoscopy WSJ News Exclusive: White House Considering Richard Cordray as Top Fed Banking Regulator Three BTS Members Pocket $8.4 Million From Sale of Agency Shares A leaked video shows Better CEO Vishal Garg explaining laying off hundreds of people before the holidays Getting Paid By Venmo or PayPal? The IRS Will Kno w Childless Adults Are Lone Group Taxed Into Poverty <a href= "https://www.advisorperspectives.com/articles/2021/11/19/irs-sees-crypto-seizures-worth-billions-of-dollars-next-year?utm_camp
Fri, December 03, 2021
You Can’t Lead a Dead Horse to Water
In this week’s episode, we’ve got billionaires doing bad things, government officials acting like teenagers, and young CEOs struggling to scale. Our hosts have their eye on HashiCorp, a cloud computing company set to go public at a 14 billion dollar valuation this week. AJ has a theory about direct-to-consumer wine companies and Shane finds something interesting to say about infrastructure. This episode is full of business fails and missteps so you know you’ll love it. Links How Toms went from a $625 million company to being taken over by its creditors Years of Delays, Billions in Overruns: The Dismal History of Big Infrastructure House Votes to Censure GOP Rep. Paul Gosar Over Violent Video How Mark Zuckerberg reignited anger over Hawaiian land appropriation Spring Health’s rapid growth caused employees to burnout Sneaker Brand Allbirds Leaps 93% in Debut After Upsized IPO Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, November 26, 2021
A Heartfelt Thanksgiving Special
This episode has no headlines or news. Our hosts take up all the minutes to reflect on the business they’ve grown over the past four years. If you are here for the IPO news and the headline hot takes, do not listen to this episode. Shane and AJ dive into the challenges and successes they’ve had as entrepreneurs and what keeps them up at night. It’s sappy AF and ends with a bad 3-minute long joke. Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, November 22, 2021
This Episode is in Retrograde
This episode has it all: Lord of the Rings, astrology, deathstalker scorpions, and robo advisors. We didn’t actually talk about Elon Musk for once. Our hosts are pumped about the Braze IPO and the upcoming Sweetgreen IPO. In other news, Google entered the bank space and then promptly evacuated because why would anyone trust the company that couldn’t even get incognito browsing to work. There’s spicy news coming from the SEC: robo advisors got slammed with deficient letters for misleading customers about their investment returns. Yikes. Deep dive into the Braze IPO Killer scorpions ravage Egyptian village The problem with financial advice fees Peter Jackson becomes a billionaire Google ditches the banking space SEC says robo advisors mislead investors Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, November 15, 2021
Inflating Elon’s Taxes
We’ve got not one but two super successful IPOs this week: Expensify and Rivian. AJ loves Rivian so much she might marry the 100 billion company. Shane’s here to assuage your inflation fears and remind you that the fed is here to save you. These tax nerds are nonplused about the IRS announcement of new tax brackets for 2022 because they expect the tax laws to change last minute. Finally, we’ve got billionaires doing dumb things and a click-bait article about new money millennials who are too arrogant to ask for help. Lots of vitriol and vino in this episode. Rich asshat millennials don’t want to hire boomer advisors Elon Musk asked Twitter if he should sell a 10% stake in Tesla Rivian CRUSHES it on the first day of trading The IRS released new tax brackets for 2022 Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, November 08, 2021
Rivians and Rivalries
This week our hosts do a deep dive into the Rivian IPO and by deep dive we mean a very brief skim of the S-1 with some not very funny banter thrown in. Rivian is an Amazon-backed company that’s coming for Tesla’s market share and we are here for this rivalry between Musk and Bezos. In other news, there’s a global supply chain crisis so Shane's advice is to buy your holiday gifts early. AJ’s CEO crush of the week is a youthful founder of a screen recording software company. Listen for laughs. Zillow is moving out of the home-selling business and lays off 25% of its workforce Charlie Munger designed a terrible depressing windowless dorm We hate these kinds of articles: The True Cost of Upgrading Your Phone The 23-year-olds are coming for the 37-year-olds Supply chain woes explained Ford’s electric truck is dope Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, November 01, 2021
For Whom The Wealth Tax Tolls
On this week’s episode, the wealth tax on billionaires is so close we can almost taste it. Elon Musk’s net worth jumped by a few billion dollars with the news that Hertz placed an order for 100,000 Teslas. Speaking of taxes, an article about a man using PPP loan money to buy a rare Pokemon card hit our hosts’ inboxes hard. Our hosts love the show Succession and Shane gets shy about a Greg the Egg sex toy. There are plenty of laughs in this episode folks, especially around a cringe-y internal Facebook video musical about health insurance. Leak: This internal Facebook benefits video may be its greatest crime ‘Succession’ star Nicholas Braun has inspired a new sex toy called “Greg the Egg” Trump’s social network has 30 days to stop breaking the rules of its software license Trump media SPAC stock appears to be doing well A man spent most of his covid business loan on one item, prosecutors say: A $57,789 Pokémon card Airlines in Japan and South Korea get creative to revive pandemic-dampened demand How the Billionaires Income Tax Would Work Elon Musk criticized it Billionaire Tax Faces Likely Constitutional Challenge <a href= "https://www.businessinsider.com/why-people-are-worried-about-zillow-offers-ibuyer-resale
Mon, October 25, 2021
Meme Stonks, Dune, and The Fashionable Future of Co-working
In a special spooky Halloween episode, we find our hosts drunk on the sweet sweet flow of IPOs. This week alone we see Rent the Runway, WeWork, Solo Brands, Winc, Informatica, and more make their debut on the public markets. Shane does a deep dive into a fascinating SEC report on the whole Game Stop short-selling debable. AJ’s CEO crush of the week is Emily Weiss of Glossier, though you wouldn’t know it by her scary costume. These nerds are excited about the Dune movie and wonder what the future of homeownership will look like. A list of recent IPOs A beautiful and easy-to-read report from the SEC on the Game Stop short-selling debacle . The wealthiest 10% of Americans own a record 89% of stocks A 7-foot Harabme statue stares down the Wall Street bull Solo Brands, makers of firepits millennials love, is going public Informatica goes public at a $9 billion dollar valuation Rent the Runway also heads to the public market Now you can work from the shoe floor at Sacks Fifth Avenue Noah is a new type of Home Equity lending <b
Mon, October 18, 2021
Gotta IPO Them All
This week is a little heavy on the Pokemon nerd stuff because AJ and Shane think they are Team Rocket. It’s a big week for biotech IPOs and we’ve got Vita Coco and Gitlab making their public debut. Our hosts are not surprised to learn that the CEO of one of the world’s largest banks has no kind words for bitcoin. Shane leads us down a dark path to discuss shadow inflation and the mood sours even more with news that a man faked a suicide to steal Paycheck Protection Program money. AJ is tickled to learn that Prince Charles has an Aston Martin that runs on cheese and white wine. There’s no shortage of great topics in this episode folks! We end the episode with a spicy listener mail question about exercising ISOs early and filing an 83(b) election. A list of recent IPOs Vita Coco (the coconut water company) is going public JP Morgan CEO thinks bitcoin is worthless Shadow inflation explained A man fakes his suicide to get some PPP money Prince Charles has an Aston Martin that runs on cheese and wine GoPuff is facing supply chain problems as they expand quickly <span class="
Mon, October 11, 2021
Fat Bears, Orcs, and Therapy
On this week’s KILLER episode of the Liquidity Event, our hosts share some heartwarming personal details before diving into the week’s headlines about fat bears and Orcs. We saw a bevy of biotech IPOs this week and the Brooklyn Public Library is no longer charging late fees. Our hosts discuss the power of evil accountants and we learn that Peter Jackson modeled an Orc after Harvey Weinstein. Shane would like to remind you about the power of blackout curtains and AJ has a great way to spice up your Zoom meetings. A list of recent IPOs Ladder raised $100m to disrupt life insurance Credit card companies make millions off merchants Why is it so hard to find a therapist who takes insurance The Brooklyn Public Library is no longer charging late fees Britney Spears freed from conservatorship The best fat bears Lousy management in the Mafia Elijah Wood says an Orc was modeled after Harvey Weinstein <a href= "https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/19/business/accounting-firms-tax-loopholes
Mon, October 04, 2021
Mom's Spaghetti
On this week’s show: Eminem is opening a restaurant in Detroit called Mom’s Spaghetti. That’s it, that’s the podcast. We also cover the First Watch IPO and WeWork’s second attempt at going public via SPAC. Shane and AJ are sick of the fear-mongering of the financial media when the market takes a tiny dip. Our hosts are also scared that Robinhood is taking its sus trading platform to college campuses. And in other bad news rents are going up 70% in New York City and if you live near a beach expect to pay through the roof for flood insurance. A list of recent IPOs Shane is reading The Courage to Be Disliked AJ is listening to a podcast by the guy who wrote The Psychopath Epidemic Eminem’s restaurant opens this week Great podcast on flood insurance from Planet Money Robinhood brings bad vibes to college campuses NYC rents are going up Flood insurance is about to get expensive Ozy’s bizarre phone call with investors Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, September 27, 2021
Rats!
On this week’s show: Google is buying an office building and will subsequently ruin New York City (read: make it into San Francisco). The Meme Stocks are in a league of their own and Shane is mad about it. Our hosts have a lively discussion about rats and then proceed to talk about how tax rates are going up for New Yorkers. The UK is leading the charge on green investing and that’s cool because Shane’s friend is building windmills in the North Sea or some shit. A list of recent IPOs A great book about rats Finfluencers give bad advice on the internet and make a lot of money Google buys Manhattan real estate Tax rates are going up for New Yorkers The UK’s successful Green Bond initiative Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Fri, September 24, 2021
Roomba Thinks Your Allbirds Are Shit
On this week’s show: hair product company Olaplex is going public and Inuit bought Mailchimp for $12 billion dollars. Our hosts are anxious/excited about the tax law changes coming up. The scam of the week is that the capital gains tax is going up from 20% to 25%, but the changes are retroactively effective as of Monday! WTF! AJ has no kind words for Allbirds wearers and answers a listener mail question about credit cards. Shane pays tribute to comedian Norm Macdonald. A list of recent IPOs Trader Joe’s is opening in Williamsburg Remember 285 Kent Magic hair oil company Olaplex is going public Intuit buys Mailchimp Shout out to AJ’s hairdresser Nora at She Bop Roombas are smart enough to pick up poop B est alarm clock Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, September 20, 2021
Superfund my Government
Welp, congress is finally ready to talk about how to actually PAY for the infrastructure bill and our hosts get spicy about governments and tax policy. They are begging for estate tax reform. With Japan always on their minds, AJ and Shane discuss how Princess Mako makes a populist move. There’s also Bitcoin getting cred in El Salvador, Bill Ackman’s SPAC-tacular fail, a new type of Oreo, and some real, honest-to-god book. recommendations. Notes and Links A list of recent IPOs The fast-mimicking diet Prolon This coffee chain’s ticker symbol is BROS Scott Galloway’s take on how the old are stealing from the young . AJ’s Favorite Personal Finance Books: Get A Financial Life by Beth Kobliner Why Smart People Do Stupid Things With Money by Bert Whitehead Princess Mako rejects a fortune to marry a commoner (their words, not mine) . Bill Ackman’s $4 billion SPAC deal is on hold . Tax increases finally get real in congress . Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us he
Mon, September 13, 2021
Why is it Always Wire Fraud
Our hosts are bummed out that the social security trust fund is going to run out a year earlier due to Covid. AJ is mad about Theranos and Shane wants you to know he has an excellent skincare routine. August was a slow month for IPOs but our hosts are baffled that the Dole fruit company made its debut on the public markets 170 years after it was founded. The episode ends with an out-of-this-world discussion of the new James Webb Space Telescope. Notes and Links A list of recent IPOs The Social Security trust fund is going to run out of money in 2033 . Daniel Craig won’t leave any money to his kids . Elizabeth Holmes goes on trial . Palantir CEO gives $180,000 to a hermit. Rivian is going public . Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, September 06, 2021
How to Win Fans and Influence Vans
On this week's episode of The Liquidity Event: AJ is reporting live from her favorite place on earth: Palm Springs. Shane wants to talk about #Vanlife and why influencers are hitting the road. AJ calls the “top” of the market with the news that European Wax Center went public - that’s where you go to get unwanted hair removed. Our hosts have an awkward conversation about OnlyFans and take you through the complexities of a divorce involving stock options. Notes and Links Windows 365 is moving to a subscription model. The European Wax center went public, that’s a lot of bikini waxes . OnlyFans disallows explicit content, then backpedals . Inside the juicy details of a silicon valley divorce . Why is #Vanlife so popular? Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, August 30, 2021
Two Billionaires, One Boat
On this week's episode of The Liquidity Event: AJ and Shane identify their favorite billionaires and why tax policy is so messed up. Our hosts talk about why they love payroll company Gusto and this insane story of remote workers having two full-time jobs. The show ends with some very lukewarm political takes and a discussion of the stock market’s stellar performance since the pandemic bottom of March 2020. Notes and Links The Gamestop CEO is only 36 . Bill Gates is pledging 1.5 billion for infrastructur e. Gusto is an awesome payroll company . Senator Joe Manchin lives on a houseboat . Congressmen and congresswomen shouldn’t be able to buy stocks . People working from home with two jobs are nuts . The S&P 500 has doubled since the pandemic bottom . Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, August 23, 2021
SPACs, Burritos, and Electric Vehicles
On this week’s episode: AJ is in Los Angeles for the month and won’t shut up about a burrito. Our hosts discuss the Robinhood IPO, the Barkbox SPAC, and other newly public companies. Shane explains the complexities of state and local income taxes (SALT) and shares a daring tax strategy. And finally, news of a new amendment that restricts tax credits for electric vehicles leaves our hosts on both sides of the aisle. Notes and Links Shane is reading Sapiens AJ is reading The 1-Page Marketing Plan Vaporeon is the new ambassador for Water Day in Japan How to not make your podcast suck We discussed the complications of moving across state lines SALT taxes The Electric Vehicle tax credit might be going away thanks to this amendment AJ’s favorite Mexican spot in LA - order the Burrito de Birria Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, August 16, 2021
Space Dicks and Mega Roth IRAs
On this week's episode of The Liquidity Event: Bezos went to space for about five minutes and an Amazon exec goes to jail for insider trading. We cover the week’s exciting news in the world of public tech companies. We dive deep into the Peter Theil Roth IRA scandal and come to terms with this brilliant abuse of the retirement system. AJ and Shane blame the Boomers for their problems. Notes and Links Lord of the Roths Amazon insider trading scandal The lucky kid who ended up on the Blue Origin launch The birthrate is falling for millennials, we blame the boomers Alert: New perks for AMEX platinum cardholders: CLEAR Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Mon, August 09, 2021
Why Are We Here?
In this inaugural episode, co-hosts AJ and Shane share some personal background details and define what the Liquidity Event is all about. You’ll learn about how Shane’s tax background and AJ’s journalism background lead them to found a wealth management firm and how that firm has transformed over the years. Our hosts get the taboo money stuff out of the way right off the rip by discussing their salaries early on in their careers. AJ asks hard-hitting questions like “WHY DO TAXES MATTER?” Shane explains how a company going through a liquidity event is like Han Solo being frozen in carbonite. Notes and Links FYI, the “F” “i” in Brooklyn FI stands for Financial Independence AJ’s original personal finance podcast Moneysplained Brooklyn FI Brooklyn FI’s expertise on liquidity events in action Amex cardholders now have access to CLEAR to get through airport security faster Want to know more about working with BrooklynFI, contact us here
Trailer · Thu, July 15, 2021
Welcome to The Liquidity Event
The Liquidity Event is a show about all things personal finance with a laser focus on equity compensation. Your hosts AJ and Shane will take you through the week’s news on #fintech, IPOs, SPACs, founder wins and fails, crypto, and whatever else these two nerds think is interesting. AJ and Shane are the financial advisors behind wealth management and tax firm Brooklyn FI, and have helped hundreds of clients plan for successful exits and financial independence. As proud millennials, they have a deep skepticism of the traditional financial services industry. They’ll dish about the tools they use to help their clients and give you a look under the hood of how they run their modern, tech-forward wealth management firm. Whether you've got worthless stock options or work for a company about to go public at a 10-billion dollar valuation, every Monday morning your hosts will demystify the headlines and take you through the money stuff that matters – like a diversified portfolio and getting to financial independence as fast as possible. Warning: There may be swearing and lukewarm takes. Learn more at Brooklynfi.com/podcast and subscribe to hear new episodes Monday mornings.
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