What does the American Dream really mean today? In this episode, Wheeler and Colin sit down with Tori to unpack how our idea of “making it” has evolved—from owning a home and climbing the corporate ladder to building a life defined by flexibility, purpose, and balance. They dig into the generational shift from stability to freedom and how financial independence now looks more like personal choice than a picket fence.

The conversation moves from the roots of the American Dream to what’s shaping it now: the changing job market, the value of higher education, and how timing can determine opportunity. Wheeler shares data showing a surprising rise in unemployment among college graduates, while Colin reflects on how his own version of the dream has transformed with age and experience.

They close by talking about gratitude, perspective, and the power of redefining success at every stage of life. Whether your version of the American Dream means owning a home, traveling the world, or simply having the freedom to choose, this episode challenges you to rethink what you’re really working toward.

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• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

When someone passes away suddenly, they often leave more than grief behind — they leave a financial mess. In this episode of Compound Growth, Colin and Wheeler unpack the emotional and logistical chaos that comes from poor estate planning, outdated beneficiaries, and family dynamics that money can strain to the breaking point. From real-life examples to relatable confessions about their own financial setups, they explore what happens when preparation meets reality.

The conversation digs deep into what “fairness” really means in families and marriages — how financial communication (or lack thereof) shapes trust and responsibility. The hosts open up about their own household dynamics, how men and women often shoulder different emotional and financial burdens, and why those unspoken roles can lead to huge blind spots when it comes to planning for the future.

They also zoom out to the big picture — the $124 trillion wealth transfer expected over the next two decades — and what it means for the next generation, especially women, who will inherit the majority of that wealth. The key takeaway: estate planning isn’t about numbers, it’s about love, communication, and leaving your people ready — not wrecked.

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• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

Wheeler and Colin dissect September 2025's biggest financial shakeups in this monthly recap. The hosts explore the administration's unprecedented 100% tariff on branded pharmaceuticals without US manufacturing—an industry-specific policy that could reshape drug pricing and benefit major players like Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Novartis while potentially devastating smaller biotech firms. They debate whether these tariffs will ultimately hurt consumers through higher insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, despite generic drugs remaining exempt.

The conversation shifts to the automotive industry's turbulent month as the $7,500 EV tax credit expired. Wheeler and Colin analyze how manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Tesla are adapting through lease programs, while Mercedes and Porsche retreat from the EV market entirely. They discuss China's BYD emerging as the global EV leader with $22,000 vehicles and question whether America has conceded this technological race. The hosts also examine Jaguar Land Rover's cybersecurity crisis costing $50 million weekly and the UK government bailout raising eyebrows about corporate welfare.

Wrapping up with market performance, the duo highlights the S&P 500's 14.35% year-to-date return and gold's stunning 45% gain—outpacing both stocks and Bitcoin. They discuss the Chicago Federal Reserve's shift to real-time unemployment data using ADP, Indeed, and Google information, potentially revolutionizing economic reporting. Throughout, Wheeler and Colin keep it personal, sharing stories about avocado prices, gas stations, and home construction costs to illustrate how tariffs and inflation affect everyday decisions beyond headline numbers.

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• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

Retirement is supposed to be the reward after decades of hard work—but what happens if your money doesn’t last as long as you do? In this episode of Compound Growth, Wheeler and Colin dig into one of the greatest financial anxieties people face: running out of money in retirement. With survey data showing that more Americans fear this than death itself, it’s a reality worth addressing.

The conversation unpacks why this fear is so widespread, from hidden spending habits and lifestyle creep to the unpredictability of medical costs and market downturns. The hosts draw parallels to everyday examples, like “secret eaters” who underestimate their calorie intake, showing how easy it is to misjudge financial outflows. They explore how behavioral blind spots, inflation, and the psychology of scarcity can sabotage even the most well-prepared retirement plan.

Most importantly, Wheeler and Colin share strategies to “bomb-proof” your retirement, including Social Security timing, understanding tax implications of 401(k)s, and using bucket strategies to safeguard against market volatility. Whether you’re 30 or 60, this episode will help you think critically about your future and give you the tools to plan with confidence—without letting fear call the shots.

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• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

Most people know they should have an emergency fund—but how much is enough, where should you keep it, and why does it matter so much? In this episode of Compound Growth, Wheeler and Colin dive deep into the psychology and strategy behind building an emergency reserve that actually works.

From high-yield savings accounts to the myths about tapping into retirement funds, they break down why liquidity matters, how to decide between 3, 6, or even 12 months of expenses, and the real math behind savings versus stock market returns. Along the way, they share stories, stats, and the often-overlooked psychological benefits of simply knowing you’re covered.

They also tackle the changing financial landscape—from the wild returns of the 1980s, to the rise of Robinhood and crypto, to why so many Americans still struggle to cover even a $400 emergency. The message is clear: before chasing the “next big thing,” it pays to lock in your financial foundation.

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• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

In this episode of Compound Growth, Wheeler and Colin welcome a familiar face who’s usually behind the scenes—Tori Rothwell. From coordinating client outreach and marketing to keeping the team running smoothly, Tori wears many hats. Today, she steps up to the mic to share her story, her perspective on money, and what drives her both personally and professionally.

The conversation starts with a wild insurance sales story before shifting into Tori’s upbringing, earliest money memories, and how her family taught her lessons about responsibility without ever making money the centerpiece of life. She reflects on saving habits, working from a young age, navigating college loans, and what it feels like to handle large financial transactions for clients after growing up with a very different perspective.

Tori also dives into the Gen Z outlook on money, work, and happiness—why experiences sometimes outweigh retirement savings, how she balances living in the present with preparing for the future, and why flexibility matters more to her generation than the traditional “white picket fence” life plan. It’s an honest, refreshing conversation that sheds light on a different way of thinking about financial growth.

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• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

In this new monthly recap series, Wheeler and Colin break down the biggest stories shaping markets, technology, and culture. August was packed with surprises — from Taylor Swift’s engagement shattering internet records to markets continuing their hot streak despite political noise and seasonal headwinds.

The hosts dive into what’s driving stock performance, including international markets outperforming, the Magnificent 7’s continued dominance, and why AI remains at the center of investor enthusiasm. They also unpack political influence on economic data and central bank independence, explaining how tariffs and leadership shake-ups are playing into the current investment landscape.

Beyond the markets, Wheeler and Colin explore the future of tech — from Apple’s AI gap to Google’s push for ecosystem dominance — and what shifting strategies mean for consumers and investors alike. This is the first of their monthly “What Just Happened?” wrap-ups, designed to give you a clear, engaging look at how news, markets, and culture intersect to shape growth.

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• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compoundgrowthpod
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
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• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

Most of us have been told the same thing for years: “Always max out your retirement accounts.” But is that really the smartest move for everyone? In this episode of Compound Growth, Wheeler and Colin dig into the myths and realities of saving for retirement—exploring when conventional wisdom makes sense, and when it might not.

From 401(k)s and IRAs to Roth accounts and taxable brokerage accounts, the hosts break down how each fits into a financial plan. They explore the hidden costs of required minimum distributions, the power of employer matches, and how taxes can eat away at your nest egg if you don’t diversify where you save. Colin even shares his own decision-making process from last year, when he chose not to contribute to his 401(k)—and why it actually made sense for his family at the time.

Beyond the numbers, this episode touches on the importance of flexibility and choice in planning for the future. Wheeler and Colin show that personal finance isn’t about one-size-fits-all rules—it’s about asking questions, knowing your options, and building a strategy that works for your goals today and tomorrow.

Follow Us:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compoundgrowthpod
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompoundGrowthPodcast
• TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@compoundgrowthpod
• Wheeler’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheeler-crowley-0a63933b/
• Colin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-walker-mba-6099a038/

Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims