The Wilson Wealth Show

Ep 40: How Taxes Decide Your Wealth: Build Tax‑Free, Tax‑Efficient Strategies

In this episode Maurice Wilson and Ablobi explain why taxes—not market returns—often determine how much wealth you actually keep. They break down practical, legal tools to build tax-free and tax-efficient wealth, including Roth accounts for tax-free growth and withdrawals, HSAs as triple tax-free savings, 529 plans for tax-free education (and recent conversions to Roth), and cash-value life insurance for tax-free access and death benefits.

The episode also covers tax-managed investing strategies like direct indexing and tax-loss harvesting to avoid unnecessary capital gains, plus ways to access concentrated stock positions without triggering big tax bills. Life insurance is highlighted as generally tax-free unless your estate exceeds current estate tax thresholds (around $10M+).

Most people overpay taxes for two main reasons: a lack of coordinated planning between CPAs, advisors, and attorneys, and failure to revisit plans as life and laws change. The practical takeaway: have a tax-focused conversation with your advisor before April and build a coordinated, ongoing plan to keep more of what you earn.

Ep 39: UTMAs The Good, the Bad, and the Hidden Consequences

If you ever said "we'll open this account for the kids," this episode is for you. Hosts Ablavi Gbenyon-Little and Maurice Wilson explain what a UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) account really is: an account where assets legally belong to the child immediately and an adult only serves as custodian until the age of majority.

The episode covers why families use UTMAs—simplicity, no contribution limits, flexibility in spending, and grandparent gifting—and the trade-offs many miss, including permanent loss of parental control once the child reaches 18 or 21 and the inability to reverse or redirect the assets into trusts later.

Key consequences are discussed in plain terms: UTMA assets count as the student's assets for financial aid calculations, investment income can trigger the "kiddie tax" (taxed at the parent’s rate above thresholds), and assets held in the child’s name may be exposed to creditors, lawsuits, or divorce. The show also highlights behavioral risks of giving large sums to young adults who may not be prepared to manage them.

The hosts recommend matching the account choice to your intent: UTMAs can make sense for modest gifts and when flexibility is prioritized, but are often a poor fit for long-term legacy, asset protection, financial-aid-sensitive planning, or when parents want control past the age of majority. The episode closes with the core takeaway: use UTMAs with your eyes wide open and choose the right tool for your long-term goals.

Ep 38: Laid Off in your 40s: A Step-by-Step Guide for What to Do Next

If you've ever heard the words "your position has been eliminated," this episode walks you through a clear, step-by-step plan for responding—emotionally, financially, and professionally—when a layoff hits in your 40s.

Host Ablavi Gbenyon-Little and Maurice Wilson cover immediate stabilization, evaluating severance and RSUs, building runway, health insurance choices, emotional recovery, choosing your next lane (reentry, pivot, or independence), protecting retirement savings, and using your time to rebuild with purpose.

Ep 37: Grandma's House, Mama's House and the Great Wealth Transfer

Episode breaks down why the largest wealth transfer in U.S. history is happening without plans, causing families to lose homes, money, and relationships when loved ones die without wills or trusts.

Learn simple solutions — wills, powers of attorney, beneficiary updates, trusts, and legacy letters — and ask yourself: Do I have a will? Do I have a trust? Do my decision makers know the plan?

Nvidia - Bull Trend or Bubble?

Welcome to the latest episode of the Wilson Wells show. This episode poses an essential question about the recent successes of Nvidia in the artificial intelligence landscape: Is this a bullish trend, a market bubble, or a bit of both?

Grounded in engineering with a keen interest in history, we attempt to apply the lessons of historical industry leaders like Nike, Microsoft, and Apple, and evaluate Nvidia's current position in the AI industry. We delve into patterns of trendsetting, industry leadership, and how these companies still managed to rise despite market crashes and bubbles. By comparing Nvidia's rise with that of the average semiconductor companies, we seek to determine the nature of its current trajectory.

The discussion extends to weaving together the threads of history, market trends, and the leaps of technological progress, with a keen focus on Nvidia. We also explore the current bullish trend in Nvidia's stock while being aware of its susceptibility to a potential market bubble.

Four strategies for navigating the Nvidia bull and bubble are examined in this episode: Waiting for the trend to end, betting against Nvidia's stock, asset allocation, and leveraging the bullish wave. Despite any impending bubble burst, the episode concludes that there are multiple ways to effectively invest in Nvidia stock, thereby minimizing potential losses and maximizing gains.

To navigate this volatile market optimally, personalized strategies from seasoned investors or financial advisors should always be involved in your decision-making process. Join us in this episode as we unravel Nvidia's place in the AI industry and its market implications.

Ep 35: Are Gender Roles Messing with the Money?

In this riveting episode of the Wilson Wealth Show, our host Ablavi, along with Maurice and special guest Gregory Devon, embarks on an illuminating discussion about traditional gender roles and their impact on financial stability and wealth generation. This deep-dive conversation delves into the complex debate surrounding the perception of a "high-value man," challenging the stereotypes associated with financial provisions, masculinity, and societal expectations.

Through this engaging dialogue, the panelists discuss the evolution of the man as the central provider, taking into consideration both financial and non-financial aspects. They question how gender roles play out beyond the confines of the Black community, highlighting the critical issue of historical wealth accumulation and proper money management. The conversation also encompasses key areas such as corporate culture, individual ambitions, and societal influences on men's provision role.

Moreover, the discussion explores the concept of wealth accumulation, emotional availability, and maintaining a healthy relationship, shedding light on the challenges of high-earning individuals. The conversation touches on the stereotypes set by social media and the significance of self-awareness and self-worth. It further investigates how generational wealth creation may result in emotional disconnect, leading to the significance of true companionship in creating enduring relationships.

Experts Maurice Wilson and Gregory Devon share valuable insights and advice, focusing on the importance of goal-setting, financial independence, self-responsibility, and respect in relationships. In this enriching dialogue, the discourse unravels intricate aspects of career, relationships, and financial planning, thereby encouraging listeners to lead a purpose-oriented life and convert weaknesses into strengths.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to broaden their understanding of modern relationship dynamics, financialization of courtship, and the relevance of traditional gender roles in contemporary society.

 

Episode Chapters

00:00:00

Introduction and Setting the Topic

 

00:03:30

Greg’s Perspective on Provider vs. Highest Earner

 

00:08:08

Maurice’s View on Monetary Perspective of Providing

 

00:12:27

Black Community’s Historical Impact on Wealth Building

 

00:17:12

Perspectives on Male Leadership in the Household

 

00:21:03

Historical Wealth Building in Black Communities

 

00:29:27

High Value Man Debate on Social Media

 

00:30:18

The Financialization of American Society

 

00:33:34

The Importance of Character Over Income

 

00:40:45

The Search for Men Who Understand the Holistic Perspective

 

00:43:44

Examining Red Flags and Honesty in the Dating Pool

 

00:46:56

Unlearning Toxic Information and Valuing Each Other

 

00:47:40

Entanglement: Trust, Love, and Relationships

 

00:50:45

Transforming Ourselves for the Future We Desire

 

00:54:37

Realizing Where You Are and Seeking Help to Turn Around

 

00:57:54

Contentment and Purpose in Marriage and Life

 

01:01:43

Advice to young women: Look for a man with a future.

 

01:05:32

Teach girls to choose their own path, have financial independence.

 

01:09:10

Setting Personal Standards and Attracting the Right Relationships

 

Ep 34: Millennial Money

It’s all about time-honored, savvy advice tailored especially for Millennials on this special episode of The Wilson Wealth Show. Hosted by Maurice Wilson, Founder of Wilson Wealth, the focus is on smart financial planning strategies for people born between 1981 and 1996 – a huge group facing very particular challenges, thanks to things like high interest rates, a tight housing market, career instability and the pressures to keep up with influencers. You’ll learn about the negative impacts of social media, especially when it comes to trading long-term financial security for short-term lifestyle choices that are more “show” than “go.” Get sage advice from Millennial entrepreneurs like Garrison Warren, Laterio Jackson and Marcus­ Johnson of ­Nashville-based Johnson Capital Planning as well as actionable insights from our host and Ablavi Gbenyon-Little, his Director of Operations at Wilson Wealth. The panel covers everything from when and how to buy a home to why attending college isn’t – and doesn’t need to be – for everyone. If you’re a Millennial (or of any other generation!), this is your starting point for achieving the financial literacy, health and freedom you desire now – and into retirement!

 

Click here to learn more about the up-and-comers at Johnson Capital Planning or visit this link to meet the team at Wilson Wealth.

 

We hope you enjoyed this episode and will continue to follow, rate and review our show. Please click here to enjoy episodes from The Wilson Wealth Show archive!

 

 

Key Quotes:

 

• “The days of not paying attention and just thinking that your income is going to be enough (to cover you through retirement) are over. It’s a disaster because it works until it doesn’t.” (Marcus)

 

• “Homing in on what we want to do with our money is important because, if we don’t do that, without a plan for our money, that money’s going to get spent!” (Marcus)

 

• “It’s a whirlwind of things that we’re dealing with. (High-living) is a great lifestyle from the looks of it, but in reality it’s kind of a ticking time bomb. The things that we’re doing today can really affect us in the future, financially and health-wise.” (Garrison)

 

• “This (Millennial) generation can now build wealth incrementally in some of the best-run companies out there … You can automate a ‘keep the change’ program that’s going directly to your brokerage account.” (Maurice)

 

• “Look into (life insurance) coverage while you’re young and healthy and get a policy to make sure you’re covered. There are also (term) life insurance policies that accumulate cash, which can be taken out on down the line.” (Laterio)

 

• “The one thing that separates the people who are successful versus people that aren’t is that they were truly committed to whatever they did.” (Marcus)

 

• “I was nervous. I was scared (to go out on my own). But I believed in my abilities.” (Garrison)

 

• “So often we get caught up in trying to have the illusion of success today when we aren’t putting in the work to be that truly successful individual tomorrow.” (Maurice)

 

• “It used to be that not going to college was a society marker for you being dumb, but now we’ve evolved past that. We use phraseology that allows us not to force anybody into a box ... It’s not about where you go but finding out what you want to do and giving it all you’ve got.” (Maurice)

 

• “Become obsessed with figuring out what you want to be when you grow up and devise the plans to get there, understanding that you might have to pivot and adjust but if you stay focused you will accomplish your goal.” (Ablavi)

 

• “The longer you stay in a career the more vulnerable you are to getting laid off in your 40s and not having a lot of options. So having a second income stream is probably one of the best pieces of advice you can give somebody.” (Maurice)

 

 

What We Covered:

0:25 – What defines a “Millennial” (born between 1981-1996) and why it’s a generation that demands our attention!

1:00 – About challenges Millennials are facing (that their Baby Boomer predecessors did not):

• Onerous student loans.
• Unaffordable/unavailable housing.
• Rising interest rates.
• Artificial Intelligence (and its implications).

1:25 – Meet our panel of Millennial experts: Marcus Johnson, founder of Johnson Capital Planning; Garrison Warren, VP at Johnson Capital Planning; Laterio Jackson, Director of Operations at Johnson Capital Planning; Ablavi Gbenyon-Little, Director of Operations at Wilson Wealth.

2:00 – Marcus spells out the key financial obstacles to building Millennial wealth:

• Avoidance: Lack of awareness and diligence about how they are spending money.
• Social Media: Unchecked spending to keep up appearances.
• Falling Short on Savings: Not setting aside funds to provide liquidity in retirement.

3:00 – How to budget, save and manage  debt!

3:45 – Key elements of a smart “spending plan” (aka budget!):

• What’s your overall monthly income?
• What are your predictable, fixed monthly expenses? (i.e. mortgage, car insurance, etc.)
• Are you running a deficit? If so, you need to make more money or cut expenses!
• Do you have a monthly surplus? It’s time to put that money to work for you!
• Set clear goals and benchmarks.

5:00 – Garrison, himself a Millennial, weighs in on the impacts of social media and the pressure to “keep up.” FOMO (fear of missing out) is real and can have real financial consequences.

6:30 – Warning: Maurice has observed that higher-income folks who tend to have the most vulnerability to immediate gratification rather than investing for long-term financial success.

7:40 – Garrison urges investing early in order to reap the benefits of compounding interest and committing to healthy habits to avert potentially costly medical issues and disqualification from life insurance.

09:48 – Marcus stresses the huge pay-off that can occur when we proactively manage our relationship with money and look at investing as a tool – and accelerator – for wealth.

11:00 – Laterio offers advice for Millennials who want to invest, even with limited resources. It starts with shifting your mindset and becoming financially literate!

13:00 – What is fractional investing? Maurice explains this new technology and how easy it is to purchase micro-amounts of attractive individual stocks.

14:15 – High interest rates, low inventory. Ablavi explores the considerations for Millennials when it comes to buying their first home, including:

• Saving for a down payment.
• Establishing excellent credit.
• Planning responsibly to carry the long-term financial commitment.
• Laying the foundation for a solid, reliable career/income.

15:25 – Is home ownership (or the possibility of being “house poor”) even a viable alternative for Millennials? A look at the upward interest rate cycle and what lies ahead, depending on geography and individual financial profiles.

17:20 – Laterio shares thoughts on life insurance, who needs it and at what point in life. It’s likely to be less costly and more available when you purchase as a young, healthy person.

19:30 – Where you want to be (at least 10x current income) when it comes to the amount of life insurance necessary to cover you and your family. Marcus also suggests you ask: What do you want your life insurance to do (and compensate for) if something were to happen to you?

23:10 – Getting entrepreneurial. Marcus reflects on his journey to starting an independent business and some of the common stumbling blocks for Millennials:

• Spreading their attention to thin; not committing to one focused project.
• Understanding that sacrifice is required and some days will be tough.
• Failing to keep the “why” front and center.
• Keeping to a vision that’s authentic (and not just something trending on social media).

25:45 – The secret to his success! What it took for Garrison to make a break from corporate banking to go out on his own in pursuit of a five-year plan to build independent wealth.

31:30 – What it looks like to be a Millennial parent who has switched careers. Laterio shares thoughts about the value of higher education, what she’s advising her teen-age daughter and why getting work experience is critical.

33:50 – Key Advice: Why Maurice believes it’s important to remind young people that careers can evolve and change. What you choose to do at 18 or 21 doesn’t have to be for life!

35:00 – Words to the Wise – The Panel’s Best Advice for Millennials Today:

• Ablavi: Become obsessed with figuring out what you want to be when you grow up and making the plans to get there. Even if you have to pivot, you’ll get there if you stay focused. Also: Consider starting a side hustle to protect against an unexpected layoff.
• Garrison: Stay off social media for social media’s sake! Take life seriously and plan for the unexpected. Get that life insurance early! Life is a journey, not a competition.
• Laterio: Remember that time is among your most valuable assets. Don’t allow yourself to be consumed by the thoughts of others about what your life should look like. Create a life for the person you want to be, bearing in mind that it might change down the line. Be gentle with – and invest in – yourself on the daily!
• Marcus: Remember that the people who make the most money in this world are the people who solve problems for other people. If you can figure out a way to do that, you’ll always have an income stream.

43:04 – Marcus’s Six Nuggets of Financial Wisdom:

• #1: Have a clear, specific idea of what you want your money to do.
• #2: Create an automated program for investing your money.
• #3: Diversify your investments and income streams.
• #4: Develop a long-term retirement plan. It’s not a short-term or do-it-yourself project!
• #5: Buy life insurance to create wealth. It’s a tax-free way to leave money to your kids.
• #6 : Protect your main investment: You! Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

44:43 – Parting Thought: Maurice emphasizes the importance of taking downtime to recharge and using time wisely. (Check out Episode 1 of The Wilson Wealth Show, "The Value of Time.")

 

 

Further Links/Relevant Resources:

• Garrison’s recommended listening: The Planet Money Podcast.
• Click here for more about Sunday rituals to set you up for success.
• View Episode 1 of The Wilson Wealth Show, “The Value of Time,” at this link.

 

 

Connect with the Wilson Wealth Show Team:

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

 

Episode 34 – The Wilson Wealth Show

All About Millennials & Money

Host: Maurice Wilson, Founder of Wilson Wealth

Guests: Marcus Johnson, Garrison Warren, Laterio Jackson & Ablavi Gbenyon-Little

 

 

 

 

Ep 33: New South Real Estate

Episode 33 – The Wilson Wealth Show

New South Real Estate

Host: Ablavi Gbenyon-Little

Guests: Jahlil Lord, Derrick Salter and Herman Hicks, Maurice Wilson & Marcus Johnson

Summary:

Nashville, Charlotte and Atlanta – an area dubbed the Piedmont-Atlantic mega-region – is having a moment. Join Maurice Wilson, founder of Wilson Wealth, for an in-depth look at these dynamic markets on this episode of The Wilson Wealth Show. Host Ablavi Gbenyon-Little takes a distinguished panel of guests with a range of business, real estate and investment expertise through an overview of how “New South” economies are doing in this post-pandemic moment. The panelists include real estate developer Derrick Salter, certified wealth strategist and banking executive Herman Hicks and financial services provider Jahlil Lord. Rounding out the group is Nashville-based Marcus Johnson, a planner with Wilson Wealth. You’ll come away from this lively conversation with a clear sense of where opportunities (both real estate- and business-related) are both hottest and most affordable as well as a practical list of factors to consider before making any commitments. The group also considers the impacts of rising interest rates and remote work on the commercial real estate market and digs into pockets of affordability for newer investors. They also take a look at the outlook for Airbnbs and how to accumulate that all-important liquidity. It’s all about closing the “wealth gap” and building solid, transgenerational financial rewards for Black-owned businesses and families. Join us!

 

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Wilson Wealth Show! Please click here to explore our archive of previous shows!

 

 

Key Quotes:

• “The interest rates are extremely high compared to what we’ve been accustomed to seeing, which may be the new norm.” (Marcus)

 

• “What’s important right now is to really make sure you structure the right deal on the front end when you get into commercial real estate.” (Herman)

 

• “Real estate is completely based on cycles. A lot of people have not seen this cycle (featuring higher interest rates) before, but this is not anything new.” (Herman)

 

• “In a city like Nashville … this is not a good market to be just now entering Airbnb. You need to find that next market. Places like Huntsville, Alabama, or places on the coast of Florida that are not as developed yet.” (Derrick)

 

• “People (in Charlotte) are waiting on the sidelines, waiting either for interest rates to go down or some type of landslide in (real estate) prices.” (Jahlil)

 

• “Properties (in Charlotte) have appreciated so much … (and) buyers are not motivated because of those high interest rates.” (Marcus)

 

• “Charlotte as a city may be slowing down but it’s actually impacting the surrounding areas positively.” (Jahlil)

 

• “Atlanta is still a place where you can find real estate deals if you know where to look. I don’t think there are as many deals … but if you’re willing to go to more rural areas further out from the city, you can definitely find deals.” (Ablavi)

 

• “Atlanta has been a touchstone for the movement … If you own a Black business, you have to have some exposure to Atlanta. It’s kind of like our New York.” (Maurice)

 

• “A lot of Black folk in Atlanta are starting their own companies … and we can definitely help contribute to closing that wealth gap.” (Marcus)

 

• “The cost of living (in Huntsville) compared to Nashville, Charlotte and Atlanta is dirt cheap. Your dollar is going to stretch a whole lot farther there.” (Derrick)

 

• “Business-wise I would headquarter in Atlanta for one reason: I’m no longer a Black business. I’m just a business. Atlanta has transcended.” (Maurice)

 

• “You’re not just going to thrive (in Atlanta) because you’re a minority. You’re going to thrive because business is booming ... It is like the mecca for us and you can’t beat it.” (Jahlil)

 

• “There’s just so much opportunity for everybody to be successful (in Atlanta) and I think that that is part of the allure of the city. It just depends on lifestyle.” (Ablavi)

 

What We Covered:

• The state of commercial real estate in Atlanta, Charlotte and Nashville (what the Regional Planning Association calls the Piedmont-Atlantic mega-region or “New South”).
  • Herman Hicks breaks down the landscape in Nashville: Post-pandemic vacancies have opened up buying opportunities, even given higher interest rates.
• Factors to consider when structuring a commercial real estate deal:
  • Loan-to-value ratio.
  • Cash flow.
  • Leasing options.
  • Understanding tenant profiles and qualifications.
• About the very real impacts of remote working on the commercial real estate space.
• How tenants can maximize leases by leveraging “tenant improvement” allowances.
• All About Triple-Net Deals:
  • A lease between a business and the real estate owner.
  • The tenant pays taxes, insurance and for everything inside the walls.
  • The owner is responsible for everything outside the walls.
• The reality of commercial real estate:
  • Don’t believe everything you see on social media.
  • The barriers to entry on larger buildings are high.
  • Equity comes from liquidity, which means bridging the wealth gap.
  • Purchasing a million-dollar property requires a minimum 20% cash down.
  • There’s nothing simple about large acquisitions and the cash flow/liquidity required.
• Where investors park their cash:
  • Tax-deferred retirement accounts.
  • Blue-chip/conservative stocks.
  • Short-term CDs.
  • Term life insurance.
• Derrick Salter takes a look at the Airbnb short-term rental market:
  • Travel has had a major post-pandemic bump.
  • More recently there has been a dip (probably due to increased interest rates and a surfeit of available rentals).
  • Social media makes it look easy (and often easier than it actually is).
  • Purchasing at a modest price point is key to breaking even.
  • To turn a profit requires owning multiple (at least 10) units.
• Derrick’s Top Three Things to Know About Running an Airbnb Business:
  • #1: Know the market you’re entering.
  • #2: Know where travelers are going.
  • #3: Know your revenue forecast and break-even point.
• Jahlil weighs in on the state of commercial real estate in Charlotte: An impasse!
  • Business has boomed, which equates to a big bump in prices.
  • Property values inflated during pandemic.
  • Post-pandemic prices were high even as interest rates were increasing.
  • The current climate is …wait and see!
• People of color are investing in real estate in Charlotte, but aren’t always as aware as they need to be of the implications of real estate cycles.
• Despite a slow-down in the Charlotte real estate market (due to interest rates and lack of inventory), the city and surrounding areas are booming and transforming!
• Jahlil’s Top Three Things to Know About the Charlotte Commercial RE Market:
  • #1: Know and clean up your financial profile before you go shopping.
  • #2: Know the demographic you’re serving (factors like age and income).
  • #3: Know your long-term goals in terms of loan structure and disposition of the building.
• Ablavi offers a look at Atlanta real estate:
  • The deals in metro Atlanta are harder to come by than they used to be.
  • Great opportunities still exist at reasonable price points outside metro Atlanta.
  • Business opportunities are abundant.
  • Black-owned businesses are on the rise!
• Maurice weighs in with the long view on Atlanta’s role in the Black business community and as a touchstone for the New South.
• Which of the top three Piedmont-Atlantic cities offers the best opportunities for real estate investors, home owners and businesses?
  • Herman: Atlanta because the price points are still reasonable and there’s more bang for the buck. Nashville and Charlotte are more recession-proof but you pay accordingly!
  • Marcus: Echoing Herman’s thoughts, he adds that cities like Huntsville and Birmingham in Alabama also offer good opportunities.
  • Derrick: He doesn’t think people starting out should try to compete in developed areas like Atlanta, Charlotte or Nashville, preferring smaller, more affordable cities like Huntsville.
  • Maurice: Atlanta and surrounding areas (where bargains can still be found) offer the biggest base for establishing a thriving business that transcends race.
  • Jahlil: Charlotte offers both a strong economy and buying opportunities (especially on the outskirts). But Atlanta is a powerhouse in terms of business climate and growth.
  • Ablavi: The investors she knows are tending to look for deals outside of metro Atlanta, where the real estate is pricier. Home ownership and starting a business may also be out of reach inside the downtown area.
• Opportunities are out there. It’s just a matter of doing the homework and seeking advice from qualified financial and business planners.

 

Connect with the Wilson Wealth Show Team:

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

 

 

Ep 32: Mid Year Recap - The Year of AI, Inflation, and the Banking Crisis

In this episode we discuss the themes that dominated first half of 2023.  Artificial intelligence, inflation, and the banking crisis.  Is AI real?  What are the short and long term impacts of AI?  How should we invest?  What do we make of the banking crisis and inflation?

 

Connect with the Wilson Wealth Show Team:

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Ep 31: Is the Great Resignation Real?

Episode 31 – The Wilson Wealth Show

The Great Resignation with Guest Bryan Woodward

 

Summary:

Have you heard about The Great Resignation? Are you feeling its effects? The Bureau of Labor statistics reports that as of November 2021 some 4.5 million Americans had quit their jobs – a trend that doesn’t seem to be letting up. It could be attributable to a number of things, but the consensus is that pandemic is the spark that ignited a lot of long-simmering kindling. This episode of “The Wilson Wealth Show” breaks down the factors driving people to reconsider their jobs – or whether they should be working at all.

 

Co-hosts Maurice, Ciera and Ablavi welcome Bryan Woodward, who provides his take on the role technology has played in reshaping today’s economy and workplace. Together they are sharing their observations about everything from the staffing shortages we’re all seeing at places like Starbucks to the ongoing housing market madness which – depending on whether you’re selling or buying – has made real estate either incredibly lucrative or completely out of reach. Other factors inspiring people to make a wholesale change? Burnout on the job is No. 1, according to research. Quitting is also more of an option both because jobs are plentiful, greener pastures abundant and for many the stock market has made their retirement nest egg fat enough to offer options.

 

Pandemic forced many Americans to take a breath and consider: Is this the life I want? Current economic conditions are inspiring in many people a desire to freelance, start up a business or take some other kind of entrepreneurial plunge. Others are saying “See ya” to employers who aren’t willing to embrace remote work and flex-time. How long The Great Resignation continues and which demographics it ultimately will best serve remains to be seen, but all the co-hosts agree that there is a very intentional shift going on as people figure out what they can do to enjoy quality of life and a sense of satisfaction in addition to income. “For many people it’s a realization that they hate working the way they work,” says Maurice. “They want to do it on their own terms now – and they can!”

 

We hope you enjoy this episode and will continue to join us for more in the year ahead. Please click here to listen to previous shows recorded in 2021!

 

 

Key Quotes:

 

“The same way that it’s a seller’s market in real estate I think in the job market folks that are professionals, have a degree or a specialized expertise, are seeing their wages go up tremendously.” (Bryan)

 

“If you can go to another organization and get a 20% or 30% pay increase, how long would that take you in your current position? There’s a lot of people are trading up!” (Bryan)

 

“Americans’ approach to work is really intense and stressful. It’s a cultural thing and because of the pandemic … people had time to reflect on, ‘Is this what I want for the rest of my life?’ ” (Ablavi)

 

“Because we don’t really study history … we don’t really understand work conditions. And U.S. businesses are task masters and will drive you into the ground if given a chance.” (Maurice)

 

“For many people it’s a realization that they hate working the way they work. They want to do it on their own terms now – and they can!” (Maurice)

 

“The country has proven that it can be just as – if not more – productive (to work) from home. So what sense would it make to do what we were doing five years ago? The organizations that don’t get that are going to be at a disadvantage in the job market.” (Ablavi)

 

“Diversity is on the rise … It’s good for business and good for our country overall. It’s just going to make us better and more innovative.” (Bryan)

 

“For entrepreneurs and new business owners coming on the scene there are a lot of tools and resources available now to support them.” (Bryan)

 

“If you aren’t making money, you’ve got to go back to work. No matter your plan. That’s critical in life, so it’s advantageous to plan.” (Ablavi)

 

“Everyone now has to adapt to this new normal and whoever does it the best is going to be rewarded. So overall, collectively, it’s a great thing.” (Bryan)

 

“With this turning point, inflection point, paradigm shift – whatever you want to call it – I’m optimistic that we can move the football forward and get to something that’s better for everybody involved.” (Maurice)

 

 

What We Covered:

00:00 – What exactly is The Great Resignation and is it real? The answer is: Yes!

01:20 – The panelists weigh in on the evidence they’ve seen of large numbers of workers quitting their jobs and likely drivers of the trend, including:

• A hyper sellers’ market among mid-range homes ($600k or less).
• Early retirements as a result of burnout – in part because the market has been so strong that some clients are making more money off their investments than their day jobs.
• Well-compensated people resigning to move to greener pastures.
• People who have accumulated nest eggs and/or are dual-earning are taking a break.

05:28 – Ciera shares recent research that indicates that burn-out is the No. 1 reason people are resigning, which mirrors an Indeed survey that found 27% of people struggle to unplug from work and 2/3s of professionals believe the pandemic has only intensified the problem.

07:04 – Ablavi recalls with fondness how appealing and evenly paced adulthood looked from her little girl’s vantage point years ago. Meanwhile, today’s workplace is hyper-stressful and loyalty is not repaid by employers, who take advantage of people to the point of burnout.

09:35 – Pandemic forced people to take a beat and consider a) Is this the life I want? and b) Now that we’ve seen that we can work from home, are there other opportunities out there?

11:00 – Maurice uses his own experience as a springboard to reflect on Corporate America and the pull to escape cubicles in favor of independent pursuits – which is more doable than ever in today’s remote and gig economy.

13:50 – Over the past two years corporations have been forced to experiment with remote technology and flexibility. Going into a physical office has drawbacks that employers are reconsidering in light of productivity, which has not dropped off during pandemic.

15:20 – The double-edged sword for workers: Data suggest that many people who work at home wind up blurring the lines and taking over personal space, mentally and physically.

17:50 – We’re not going backwards and the hosts agree remote options for workers are going to be standard going forward and those companies that don’t adopt at least a hybrid model will lose out in the job market. Valuing employees and providing flexibility are non-negotiable.

22:00 – Marcus offers some historical perspective, including the fact that Labor has often splintered as the result of those in power, who are skilled at locating potential divisions and exploiting them for their own purposes.       

25:00 – Bryan shares data from a Salesforce.com study that suggest people – including those who have participated in The Great Resignation – are thinking creatively and innovating entrepreneurial ventures independently. Freelancing has seen a surge!

26:47 – The No. 2 reason people are quitting their jobs: They’ve had it with the lack of respect, inclusivity and equity. They are not only quitting but, in some cases, suing for discriminatory practices. It constitutes a major workplace culture shift.

29:27 – The hosts consider what the future might hold for entrepreneurs, who are bringing energy and opportunity to the economy. Technology has lowered the barrier of entry, but will these ventures be sustainable in the long term? At some point, it may not be as economically feasible to up and leave a job.

32:00 – Maurice weighs in on the DEI issue and demographic trends he sees in his own community and clientele. American corporate culture – and society at large – are being pushed to give up business as usual, a development he believes is here to stay.

34:25 – Where we are now: Is it progress? Is it positive?

• Ablavi believes it’s all good – so long as those who leave their jobs have a financial plan and a point of entry back into the workforce should that become necessary.
• Maurice sees a mixed picture. Making meaningful changes to workplace conditions is overdue, but he is concerned with how the economy and businesses will absorb service personnel shortages and the supply crunch.
• Bryan cites Covid19 as a historical watershed moment that has precipitated change. With it comes pluses and minuses, but he believes in the aggregate the system needed re-examination and reinvention.

38:38 – Ciera wraps up the episode with some optimistic observations about how the American workplace will eventually be remade in a better image. It’s just a matter of navigating the growing pains between here and there!

 

 

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