The Point Podcast

Ep 25: How We Build a Portfolio: The Investment Process Most Investors Never See

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0400

What does it really take to build an investment portfolio designed around someone's financial goals? And what happens behind the scenes after those investments are selected?

We're kicking off Season 3 of The Point Podcast with an inside look at Basepoint Wealth's investment philosophy and the process that guides our portfolio management decisions.

Host Landis Wiley and Chief Investment Officer Allen Wallace walk through the investment management process, from financial planning and identifying client objectives to asset allocation, investment manager selection, portfolio monitoring, and performance evaluation.

Allen explains why Basepoint approaches portfolio construction differently from traditional investment models, including why a standard 60/40 allocation isn't always the right answer and why managing risk is about more than reacting to market volatility.

Also in this episode:

Most Important Thing: The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate decision and its implications for investors.
Digging Deeper: Understanding inflation and the Consumer Price Index (CPI), including the difference between headline and core inflation, the influence of housing and energy costs, and why lower inflation doesn't mean prices are falling.

It's a conversation about the philosophy, research, and decision-making behind investment management—and why connecting financial planning with portfolio strategy is central to the wealth management process.

Welcome to Season 3 of The Point Podcast, presented by Basepoint Wealth.

We hope you’ve gained some valuable insights or maybe even a fresh perspective on our topic today. We would love to hear from you with your questions or specific topics you would like us to cover. Simply email us your questions or suggestions to info@basepointwealth.com and who knows, your topic might be featured next.

Be sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes.

Basepoint Wealth, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Please visit www.basepointwealth.com for more information and important disclosures.

Ep 24: Why Are Interest Rates Still High? What Bond Markets Are Telling Us.

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Why are long-term interest rates rising, and what does the bond market know that investors may be overlooking?

In the Season 2 finale of The Point Podcast, Landis Wiley and Basepoint Wealth CIO Allen Wallace unpack today's changing interest rate environment, from Federal Reserve policy and quantitative easing to rising Treasury yields and the growing competition for capital.

They explore why the Fed doesn't directly control the rates that drive many mortgages and other borrowing costs, how shrinking the Fed's balance sheet could influence markets, and why government borrowing, AI infrastructure investment and declining household savings are all competing for capital.

Plus, they discuss the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and its potential implications for oil prices and inflation, the tension between bond and equity markets, and why today's AI buildout could prove inflationary before technology ultimately becomes a deflationary force.

It's a wide-ranging conversation about interest rates, inflation, and what today's market signals could mean for investors.

The Point Podcast is sponsored by Basepoint Wealth.

Ep 23: Is AI the Next Dot-Com Bubble? How Smart Investors Value Companies

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Artificial intelligence may transform the economy—but does that automatically make AI companies good investments? Is AI really worth all the hype?

In this episode of The Point Podcast, Basepoint Wealth CIO Allen Wallace explains why great investing starts with understanding cash flow, not excitement.

The conversation explores:

Why investors should focus on businesses that generate durable cash flow
The risks of relying on optimistic future earnings
Whether today's AI spending resembles the late-1990s technology bubble
How professional portfolio managers evaluate investment opportunities
The importance of understanding what you own before investing

You'll also hear insights on new Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, his approach to inflation, and what his leadership could mean for financial markets.

If you've wondered whether today's market valuations make sense, this episode offers a thoughtful, long-term perspective.

Ep 22: Private Credit Risks, Active ETF's & Why Investment Strategy Matters More Than Fund Type

Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Point Podcast, Landis Wiley and CIO Allen Wallace discuss rising concerns in private credit markets, including liquidity pressure, and increasing default rates.

They also answer a common investor question:
What matters more — active ETFs, mutual funds, or the actual investment strategy behind them?

Allen walks through how Basepoint Wealth evaluates investments, selects managers, and builds portfolios based on strategy, transparency, liquidity, valuation, and long-term risk management.

Topics include:
✔ Private credit risks
✔ Active ETFs vs. mutual funds
✔ Active vs. passive investing
✔ Tax efficiency
✔ Portfolio construction
✔ Risk management philosophy

Ep 21: Recorded 4/21/26 From Headlines to Portfolios: Navigating Inflation, Geopolitics & Market Uncertainly

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Point Podcast, Landis Wiley and CIO Allen Wallace break down how global events, like tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, can ripple through markets in unexpected ways. From inflation risks tied to energy and agriculture to the realities of a globally connected economy, they unpack what investors should really be watching.

The conversation then shifts to how Basepoint is positioning portfolios today focusing on diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds, including catastrophe bonds, utilities, and international exposure.

If you’ve been wondering how to invest amid constant headlines, this episode offers clarity and perspective.

EP 20: Are You Making These Common Retirement Mistakes?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500

What are the most common retirement mistakes people make—and how can you avoid them?

In this episode of The Point Podcast, Landis Wiley and Allen Wallace, Chief Investment Officer at Basepoint Wealth, explore the retirement planning pitfalls they see most often, from Social Security timing and Medicare premiums to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and long-term tax strategy.

They discuss why generic retirement advice doesn’t fit everyone, how taxes can rise later in retirement, and why planning ahead—sometimes decades in advance—can help retirees keep more of what they’ve worked so hard to save. The episode walks through major retirement milestones and explains how decisions at each stage impact income, healthcare costs, and legacy planning.

This episode is ideal for anyone approaching retirement or wanting to better understand how tax-aware planning can improve long-term outcomes.

Ep 19: AI Bubble or Market Evolution? Lessons from 2000, Crypto Volatility & Investor Strategy

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 17:00:00 -0500

Is today’s market evolving—or overheated? 🤖📉

In this episode of The Point, Landis Wiley and Allen Wallace, CIO at Basepoint Wealth, break down the growing conversation around AI, crypto volatility, and market risk.

We discuss:
✅ AI hype vs. real innovation
✅ Market similarities to the 2000 dot-com bubble
✅ Why valuation still matters
✅ Risks tied to leverage, speculation, and market concentration
✅ What could actually trigger a market correction

Rather than chasing headlines, this episode focuses on historical perspective, disciplined investing, and how to think clearly when markets feel uncertain.

Ep 18: From Crypto Chaos to Mortgage Math: What's Really Driving Today's Markets

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500

A sudden crypto crash and shifting mortgage rates have investors asking big questions. 💥💰

In this episode, Landis Wiley and Chief Investment Officer Allen Wallace break down:
✅ What caused the recent crypto “flash crash” and whether it could spill into traditional markets
✅ How leverage and psychology drive volatility
✅ Why mortgage rates haven’t dropped—even as the Fed cuts rates
✅ What to consider before refinancing your home

Tune in for clear explanations and practical insights—without the hype.

#CryptoCrash #MortgageRates #InvestingPodcast #InterestRates #Refinance #FinancialPlanning #BasepointWealth

Ep 17: Negative Headlines, Inflation Worries, & AI Hype - What Investors Need to Know

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Headlines are turning negative — but does that mean a recession is here? In this episode of The Point, Landis Wiley and Allen Wallace, CIO at Basepoint Wealth, break down the current economic and market outlook.

📉 They discuss inflation pressures, job revisions, and what the Fed’s next moves could mean for investors.

🏦 Plus, a reality check on the AI boom: can massive spending and sky-high valuations keep markets moving, or is it overhyped?

💡 Finally, they share portfolio strategies — from international exposure to gold, silver, and cash — designed to balance opportunity with caution. ⚖️

#MarketUpdate #EconomicOutlook #RecessionRisk #InterestRates #Inflation #FedPolicy #PortfolioManagement #InvestingStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #AIBoom

E16: Can We Trust the Data: Jobs Surveys, CPI, and GDP in Focus

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Can we really trust the numbers that shape our economy? In this episode of The Point Podcast, we break down the reliability of key economic data, from the monthly jobs surveys to CPI inflation and GDP growth. Understanding the difference between the household survey and the establishment survey (and why they don’t always agree) is critical for interpreting what the data truly means.

Join us as we explore the nuances behind the headlines and how these reports impact markets, policy, and everyday financial decisions.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

📊 The key differences between the household survey and establishment survey in jobs reports
🏠 Why conflicting jobs data can create confusion for economists, markets, and policymakers
💡 How CPI and GDP are measured — and what they reveal (or hide) about economic health
📈 Why data reliability matters when making financial and policy decisions

If you’ve ever wondered why the numbers don’t always add up, this episode will give you clarity.

#JobsReport, #EconomicData, #CPI, #GDP, #LaborMarket, #InflationInsights, #DataReliability

Ep 15: Mutual Funds vs. EFT's: Why We Don't Always Choose the Cheapest Option

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0400

💭 "If one of your investment principles is reducing costs, why do you still use mutual funds when ETFs are cheaper?"
That’s the thoughtful listener question that kicks off this episode—and it leads to a wide-ranging discussion about value, strategy, and what really matters in long-term investing.

Join Landis Wiley and Allen Wallace as they unpack why cost alone shouldn’t drive investment decisions—and how institutional mutual funds, qualitative manager traits, and portfolio construction all factor into smarter investing.

✅ Why lower cost doesn’t always mean better value in investments
✅ The tradeoffs between mutual funds and ETFs, including manager oversight and turnover
✅ How Allen evaluates mutual funds using Buffett-inspired criteria
✅ The role of qualitative factors: manager passion, strategy, and team depth
✅ How Japan’s rising interest rates are affecting global bond markets and investor portfolios

🎯 Whether you're a DIY investor or working with an advisor, this episode offers clarity on how to evaluate investment costs in context, not isolation.

Key points: ETFs vs mutual funds, investment costs, active vs passive, portfolio strategy, Japan interest rates, fund manager analysis

Ep 14: Budget vs Trade Deficit, Market Volatility & Private Equity in Retirement

Wed, 07 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Point, we kick off with “In the News,” where we unpack the latest on tariffs and trade policy—and what they could mean for your wallet. Then, we break down three big financial questions that are top of mind for investors. Our hosts clarify the differences between the budget deficit and trade deficit, explore smart ways to navigate market volatility, and discuss whether Private Equity has a place in a well-constructed retirement portfolio.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ Budget Deficit vs. Trade Deficit: What each one really means
✅ How to approach market volatility with a long-term mindset
✅ Pros and cons of Private Equity in retirement planning
✅ What current trade policy shifts could mean for investors

📣 Join the conversation! Share your take on this week’s hot topics.
🔔 Subscribe for more timely insights on money, markets, and smart investing!

#Investing #DeficitsExplained #MarketVolatility #PrivateEquity #TradePolicy #FinancePodcast #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement

Ep 13 The Magnificent Seven, Credit Spreads & Global Investments

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400

📌 The Magnificent Seven, Credit Spreads & Global Investments

In this episode of The Point Podcast, we dive into international investments, discuss credit spreads as the Most Important Thing, and analyze the performance of the Magnificent Seven stocks. Our hosts explore the potential of global markets, how credit spreads impact risk and returns, and whether the Magnificent Seven can maintain their momentum.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ Why international stocks might deserve more attention in portfolios
✅ Understanding credit spreads and their influence on investments
✅ The rise (and risks) of the Magnificent Seven stocks
✅ Key factors shaping global markets in 2024

📣 Join the conversation! Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
🔔 Subscribe for more insights on investing, markets, and financial strategies!

#Investing #InternationalStocks #CreditSpreads #MagnificentSeven #StockMarket #GlobalInvestments #WealthManagement #FinancePodcast

Ep 12 Growth vs. Value Investing: What Investors Need to Know

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Point Podcast, we dive into the ongoing debate between growth investing vs. value investing and why Basepoint Wealth focuses on value investing—even after a decade where growth stocks have outperformed. Our experts break down the key differences between growth stocks and value stocks, how they fit into an investment strategy, and what investors should consider in today's market.

🔹 Topics Covered:
✅ Growth vs. Value: Understanding the Core Differences
✅ Why Value Investing? Basepoint’s Approach Explained
✅ Market Cycles: When Does Value Outperform Growth?

But first, in our Most Important Thing segment, we highlight recent headlines, including:
📌 The current administration and its impact on markets
📌 DOGE making waves again
📌 The importance of the separation of powers in government

Tune in for expert insights on long-term investing strategies, market trends, and financial planning. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more episodes!

#Investing #ValueInvesting #GrowthInvesting #StockMarket #FinancePodcast #BasepointWealth #WealthManagement

Ep 11: Is the Market Overvalued? A Closer Look at Current Trends

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Markets are hitting new highs, but is this sustainable? In this episode of The Point Podcast, hosts Landis Wiley and Allen Wallace discuss Bitcoin, asset bubbles, key valuation metrics, and explore what investors should consider in today’s economic landscape. Are we in for a major correction, or is there still room to run? Tune in for expert insights on navigating market uncertainty.

E10: Trade, Taxes, and Immigration: The Post Election Trio

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Post-election changes, they are coming. As with any change in administration, there are new policies and changes that go into effect that can have an impact on the market and economy, some significant. Let's talk about it.

E9: The National Debt: A Basepoint Perspective

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:00:00 -0500

We tackle a great listener question for this episode, "What impact does the National Debt have on retirement and savings and does this possibly mean higher taxes and more inflation in the future? Good question.

We thought it was important to come together to discuss and give you our perspective.

Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and follow along as we release episodes each month.

Do you have a topic you want to hear about, please email us at info@basepointwealth.com.

E8: Election 2024: Financial Impact Special

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400

The 2024 Election is on the minds of most Americans. It is a consistent topic that comes up frequently as we meet with our Basepoint clients. Many ask, "What will happen to the market and the economy after the election?"

We thought it was important to come together to discuss and give you our perspective.

Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and follow along as we release episodes each month.

Do you have a topic you want to hear about, please email us at info@basepointwealth.com.

E7: Basepoint Wealth's Timeless Investment Principles

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 16:00:00 -0400

Our Chief Investment Officer kicks off episode 7 with the Most Important Thing, the Federal Reserve followed by our listener question, "What is Basepoint Wealth's investment strategy and how does it relate to the current market environment?"

Thanks for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and follow along as we release episodes each month.

Do you have a topic you want to hear about, please email us at info@basepointwealth.com.

E6: AI Revolution in Wealth Management: A View From Basepoint Wealth

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:00:00 -0400

What role will Artificial Intelligence (AI) play in the financial industry and how will it affect the role of advisors?

We tackle a great listener question related to all the AI buzz, "How might the recent developments in artificial intelligence change the financial landscape and wealth management? Will AI advisors make human advisors obsolete?

E5: Commodities in Your Portfolio: How & Why

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Should commodities make up a portion of your investment portfolio? If so, what kind of exposure should one add, and by what means should commodities be added to a portfolio, ie Futures, funds, options, metals?

Also, on every episode, we discuss "What's the Most Important Thing" at the moment and help clear up what you might be hearing in the headlines.

E4: Fed Hikes & Market Impacts: Banks to Equities

Mon, 13 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Interest rates always seem to be in the news. Our listener question this episode states, "How have the interest rate hikes by the Fed affected the market? What is the impact on banks, mortgages, fixed income, and equities?" Let's dive in and talk about it.

We kick off each episode with our segment titled, "What's the Most Important Thing" where we offer our insights and perspective on a relevant and timely topic on our minds. This episode, it's real interest rates.

We hope you’ve gained some valuable insights or maybe even a fresh perspective on our topic today. We would love to hear from you with your questions or specific topics you would like us to cover. Simply email us your questions or suggestions to info@basepointwealth.com and who knows, your topic might be featured next.

Be sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes. Visit www.basepointwealth.com for more information and important disclosures.

E3: Decrypting Digital Assets: Financial Game Changer?

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:00:00 -0400

Join us as we discuss how cryptocurrency and other digital assets have changed the financial landscape. Is it a viable asset in an allocation, what value does cryptocurrency have? Discover Basepoint's view on crypto and how it relates to our core principles and investment philosophies.

We kick things off with our segment, "What's the Most Important Thing" where we offer our insights and perspective on a relevant and timely topic on our minds. This episode, it's the Magnificent Seven. Be sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes.

E2: Energy Evolution: ESG, Reserves & Volatility

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 16:00:00 -0500

Although energy envelops us daily, its profound impact on our lives, economy, and future often goes unnoticed. Join us as we discuss several energy-related factors impacting the world around us.

Tune in for our kick-off segment, "What's the Most Important Thing" where we offer our insights and perspective on the a relevant and timely topic on our minds. Be sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes.

Visit www.basepointwealth.com for more information and important disclosures.

E1: The Point Debut - Let's Draw From The Hat

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0500

Welcome to our inaugural episode of The Point, sponsored by Basepoint Wealth! In our first episode, we introduce a relevant and timely topic in a 60 second segment we like to call, What's the Most Important Thing. Then we dive right in by drawing our first topic quite literally from a hat.

We hope you’ve gained some valuable insights or maybe even a fresh perspective on our topic today. We would love to hear from you with your questions or specific topics you would like us to cover. Simply email us your questions or suggestions to info@basepointwealth.com and who knows, your topic might be featured next.

Be sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes. Visit www.basepointwealth.com for more information and important disclosures.