GDS Unplugged Podcast

20 Years as a Financial Advisor - Lessons Learned Along the Way [Ep. 22]

About This Episode: 
When it comes to investing, there’s a simple truth most people don’t appreciate until they live it: 
Some lessons are far more expensive to learn the hard way. 
You can read about market cycles. You can study risk tolerance questionnaires. You can even understand, intellectually, that markets recover. 
But it’s very different when you watch your net worth fall by 30% in real time. 
That’s often when emotions take over, and when costly decisions are made. 
After more than 20 years in the financial industry and working with hundreds of families, one theme continues to surface: investment success is far more behavioral than mathematical. 
Keep Learning & Stay Connected:
Want more insights? Check out past episodes, articles, and tools in our Learning Center, and subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your podcast platform of choice. 
If you’re ready to have a conversation about your goals, financial plans, and future, we’d love to talk. Schedule a complimentary consultation and get personalized guidance for your financial plan. 
Disclosure: 
GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This podcast episode and recap are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute personalized investment advice. The views expressed by the hosts are their own and may change over time. Any examples or illustrations discussed are hypothetical and for explanatory purposes only, and they do not reflect actual investment results. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. No investment strategy— “boring” or otherwise—can ensure a profit or prevent a loss. Discussions of private or alternative investments are not recommendations and may not be appropriate for all investors. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions. For additional information about our services, fees, and disclosures, please visit www.gdswealth.com. 

FOMO Could Be Hurting Your Investments (Here’s How to Avoid It) [Ep. 21]

About This Episode: 
In this episode of GDS Unplugged, we’re tackling one of the most subtle, and potentially costly behaviors in investing: Market FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). It’s that urge to chase returns when markets are going up and to pull back when markets are sliding. But as Robert and Glen discuss, reacting to headlines and social buzz can lead investors away from thoughtful, goals-based decision-making. 
Markets are noisy. Algorithms reward trends. But history suggests that long-term success is often associated with discipline, diversification, and sticking to a thoughtful plan, not chasing viral returns. 
Keep Learning & Stay Connected 
Want more insights? Check out past episodes, articles, and tools in our Learning Center, and subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your podcast platform of choice. 
If you’re interested in learning how a goal-driven investment strategy may apply to your situation, we’d love to help. You may Schedule a complimentary consultation and discuss personalized guidance for your financial plan. 
Disclosure:
GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice. References to market performance or investment outcomes are hypothetical and illustrative and do not guarantee future results. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Advisory services are offered where GDS and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt.

What “Investing Like the 1%” Can Mean—and What Investors Often Miss [Ep. 20]

About This Episode 
“Invest like the top 1%.”  It’s a phrase that’s everywhere right now, used by influencers, fintech platforms, and self-proclaimed wealth coaches who boldly promise access to strategies once reserved for the ultra-wealthy. 
In this episode, Robert and Sebastian take a hard look at that claim. And more importantly, they revisit a far better question: Why are we investing at all? 
Is it to brag about the next big score… or to actually reach a long-term goal? 
What unfolds is an honest conversation about what wealthy people often do, how certain types of products are marketed, and how everyday investors can avoid traps disguised as “exclusive opportunities." 
 
Keep Learning & Stay Connected 
Want more insights? Check out past episodes, articles, and tools in our Learning Center, and subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your podcast platform of choice. 
If you’re ready to explore how a goal-driven investment strategy may apply to your situation, we’d love to help. Schedule a complimentary consultation and get personalized guidance for your financial plan. 
 
Disclosure: 
GDS Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is for educational purposes only and is not personalized financial advice. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy, approach, or standard of care guarantees future performance or success. Viewers should consider their individual circumstances or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

Behind the Scenes of Financial Planning Software [Ep. 19]

About This Episode 
Most people think a financial plan is a simple yes-or-no question: Can I retire? 
But in this episode of GDS Unplugged, Glen and Robert talk through how a retirement plan that looks solid initially may tell a different story once you take a closer look. 
This time, they walk through a real client plan (with details changed, of course) and highlight the various levers that can quietly alter the outcome. Some are honest mistakes. Others are simply overlooked. And a few…may be unexpected to viewers. 
If you’ve never watched someone “stress test” a plan in real time, this episode offers a different way to view retirement planning.  
Keep Learning & Stay Connected 
Curious how this kind of planning looks in action? Watch The GDS Experience and explore exactly how our team approaches retirement strategy. 
Want more insights? Check out past episodes, articles, and tools in our Learning Center, and subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your podcast platform of choice. 
Disclosure
GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is a registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where GDS and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The information discussed in this video is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Examples and financial planning scenarios are hypothetical in nature, based on estimates, and not guarantees of future results. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal, and past performance does not guarantee future outcomes. Tax laws, Social Security rules, and healthcare-related costs may change, and viewers should consult their own qualified professionals before implementing any strategy. Any case studies or client stories have been anonymized for confidentiality and are not indicative of any specific client experience.

Trending or Trapped? The Truth Behind Viral Financial Advice [Ep. 18]

About This Episode 
In this episode, Robert and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professional, Sebastian Carrillo take aim at the growing wave of financial advice spreading through social media, the kind that promises quick wins, viral stock tips, or “secret” strategies the pros don’t want you to know. 
From meme stocks and crypto hype to AI investing tools and private equity ads, Robert and Sebastian unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes, and how everyday investors can avoid getting caught up in the noise. 
Their advice is simple: don’t chase trends, chase truth. Real wealth isn’t built through hashtags or hype; it’s built on patience, discipline, and timeless fundamentals. 
Keep Learning & Stay Connected 
To learn more, read our blog on 4 Costly Mistakes D.I.Y. Investors Can Make and How to Avoid Them.  
Subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your favorite platform. 
Send questions for the show to gds@gdswealth.com. 
Explore more in our Learning Center and past episodes of the podcast. 
Disclosesure  
GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, legal, accounting, or investment advice, nor as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security or strategy. Information is believed to be reliable but may change without notice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure profit or protect against loss. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Mentions of companies, products, or individuals are illustrative only and not endorsements; no compensation was received. Certain investments, such as private offerings, may involve unique risks and are limited to accredited or qualified investors. For more information about our services, fees, and disclosures, please visit www.gdswealth.com or review adviser records at FINRA BrokerCheck and the SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.

If Most of Your Money Is in the S&P 500, Watch This [Ep. 17]

About This Episode 
Many investors default to a single broad index fund, often the S&P 500, because it’s simple and low-cost. In this episode, Glen and Robert discuss how that approach can work for certain types of investors and when it may not align with specific objectives or risk profiles.  
They also dive into ETFs vs. mutual funds, explore diversification across asset classes and regions, explain bond mechanics and duration, and walk through tax-loss harvesting and mutual fund capital-gain distributions in practical, plain language. 
 
Keep Learning & Stay Connected 
Want to see how GDS works? Watch The GDS Experience. 
To learn more, watch our podcast on 4 Top Investor Questions Explained.  
Subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your favorite platform. 
Send questions for the show to gds@gdswealth.com. 
Explore more in our Learning Center and past episodes of the podcast. 
 
Disclosure: 
GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an investment adviser registered with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended as tax, legal, or investment advice. Information is believed to be reliable but may change without notice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance or government adjustments are not indicative of future results. Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly. For more information about our services, fees, and disclosures, please visit www.gdswealth.com.

401(k) Contributions and How Much is Right For You? [Ep. 16]

About This Episode 
If you’ve ever wondered “How do 401(k)s really work? Should I use the Roth option? How much should I contribute, and when?” this conversation breaks it down. Glen and Robert walk through traditional vs. Roth 401(k)s, company matches, “true-up” rules, catch-up contributions in your 50s and early 60s, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and how employee stock purchase plans (ESPPs) fit into a broader plan. The aim isn’t to provide a one-size-fits-all formula; it’s to help you understand how informed financial choices today may support your long-term goals. 
 
Keep Learning & Stay Connected 
Want to see how GDS works? Watch The GDS Experience. 
To learn more, watch our podcast on What Your 401(k) Really Costs.  
Subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your favorite platform. 
Send questions for the show to gds@gdswealth.com. 
Explore more in our Learning Center and past episodes of the podcast. 
Disclosure:
GDS Wealth Management is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment, tax, or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. 401(k) and employer plan rules vary, please consult your plan documents, HR department, or a qualified professional for details specific to your situation. For more information on services, fees, and disclosures, visit www.gdswealth.com.

Love Starts with a Choice: Lessons from Gary Chapman [Ep. 15]

About This Episode 
Dr. Gary Chapman, best‑selling author of The 5 Love Languages®, joins host Glen Smith to share practical ways couples, parents, and teams can feel more connected. From the 0–10 check‑in to learning a language that doesn’t come naturally, you’ll hear simple, repeatable habits you can start this week. We also explore how these ideas lower stress around money and decisions at home. 
Keep Learning & Stay Connected 
Take the Love Languages quiz together and compare results. 
Try the 0–10 check‑in for three cycles and note what changes. 
Subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your favorite platform. 
Send questions for the show: gds@gdswealth.com. 
Explore more conversations in our Learning Center and past episodes of the podcast. 
Disclosure: 
GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Dr. Gary Chapman was compensated for his appearance and is not a client of GDS. His participation does not represent a testimonial or endorsement of GDS or its services. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Mentions of books, products, or third-party services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements. For important information about services, fees, and disclosures, visit gdswealth.com. 

4 Top Investor Questions Explained [Ep. 14]

About This Episode
If you’ve ever opened a statement and wondered, “Am I taking the right amount of risk? Are my returns on track? Should I own funds or individual stocks? Would two advisers protect me more?”—this one’s for you. Glen and Robert unpack the four questions they’re asked most often and share practical frameworks you can consider and discuss with an adviser. The goal isn’t a one size fits all portfolio; it’s to show you how to connect what you want with what you own, and how to keep taxes and timing from creating unintended challenges.  
Why This Conversation Matters 
Most investing mistakes aren’t dramatic, they’re subtle. A little too much risk in the money you’ll need soon. Expectations based on unusually strong years instead of the next ten. A fund that quietly distributes taxes after a down market. Or two advisers inadvertently creating a wash sale that disallows your tax loss. Small frictions compound. A clear plan, and a few practical steps, can help keep your plan aligned with your goals. 
Keep Learning & Stay Connected 
Want to learn more about working with GDS? Watch The GDS Experience 
Subscribe to GDS Unplugged on your favorite platform. 
Send questions for the show to gds@gdswealth.com. 
Explore more articles in our Learning Center and past episodes of the podcast. 
Disclosure
This content is informational and educational purposes only. They are not individualized investment, legal, or tax advice, and do not represent an offer to buy or sell any security. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. The views expressed are those of the hosts and may change without notice. Glen Smith and Robert Casey are investment adviser representatives of GDS Wealth Management, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training. Visit https://www.gdswealth.com for information on our services, fees, and disclosures. References to mutual funds, ETFs, stocks, or other securities are for illustration only and should not be considered recommendations. ETF and mutual fund structures vary and may distribute capital gains; investors may still owe taxes. Tax-loss harvesting and wash-sale rules are complex—consult a qualified tax professional for guidance on your situation. Any case studies or client scenarios are hypothetical or for illustration only and do not guarantee future results; individual circumstances vary. Mentions of third-party speakers, companies, or products are not endorsements, and no compensation is received/paid unless expressly stated. Portfolio allocations or models discussed are examples only and may not be appropriate for all investors. References to asset class “historical performance” may reflect broad indexes, which are unmanaged and not directly investable. Discussion of multiple advisers highlights coordination and tax considerations; it is not a recommendation to hire or dismiss any adviser. This content may include references or links to third-party resources, and GDS Wealth Management is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of third-party information. 

Understanding What Your 401(k) May Be Costing You (Fees, Taxes, and Missed Opportunities) [Ep. 13]

About this Episode 
Most retirement savers know their 401(k) is their biggest account. What many don’t realize is just how many rules, fees, and strategies surround these plans, and how costly missteps can be. 
On this episode of GDS Unplugged, adviser Tim Allin, CFP®, CEPA®, shared insights on everything from early withdrawal provisions to the much-talked-about “Mega Backdoor Roth.” Below are the highlights. 
 
Resources: 
Ready to take your learning to the next step? 
Connect with Glen Smith and Robert Casey on LinkedIn. 
Check out our blog on saving for retirement. 
Subscribe to our YouTube channel. 
Contact GDS Wealth Management for a complimentary financial consultation. 
 
Why Listen? 
This episode is filled with practical insights that can help you uncover the often-overlooked costs, rules, and opportunities within your 401(k). 
From hidden fees and Required Minimum Distributions to early withdrawal strategies, target-date fund pitfalls, and advanced approaches like the Mega Backdoor Roth, adviser Tim Allin and Glen Smith cover it all. 
Tune in to explore ways to better understand retirement strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and align your plan with your long-term goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about taking steps to better understand and prepare for your financial future.  
 
Disclosures:
GDS Wealth Management (“GDS”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser; registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy or sell any security or strategy. All investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Glen Smith and Tim Allin are registered with GDS Wealth Management; the views they express are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of GDS or its clients. Retirement and tax are complex, can change over time, and vary by plan. Be sure to review current limits and rules carefully and consult with a qualified adviser and CPA/attorney before making decisions. Mentions of third-party providers are for illustration only and not endorsements; GDS does not guarantee their services. Any forward-looking statements are subject to change and are not guarantees. For more information about services, fees, and disclosures, visit www.gdswealth.com.