ETF Empowerment Exclusive Paul Green Investing Interview

We recently caught up with Paul Green who is an increasingly influential retail investor, markets thought leader, and believer in liberty. We appreciate having him in this exclusive follow-up 2026 interview on his investments and thoughts on the current market / economy. Follow him on X.

How Did You Get Started With Investing?

I started investing around the beginning of 2021. I had made the decision to start winding down operations at my car dealership within 2 years, and knew I would have some money coming to me as I ceased operations. I didn't want to just have my money parked in a savings account, which at the time was paying 0.4%. I also had recently turned 50. I realized I had done a poor job of preparing for retirement. I have a small pension coming my way from a job I worked at years ago, but just having that and social security wasn't going to cut it. It dawned on me that I had a limited amount of time to make up for that. That is when I started reading about investing in the stock market. 

You Have Become Somewhat Of A Financial Influencer And Geopolitics Influencer On X. How Did This Come About? 

I don't really consider myself to be an financial influencer on X. I have some people, like yourself, who ostensibly follow me primarily for financial content, but I don't see me being particularly influential in that regard. I give my opinions, talk about what I do in my own portfolio, both the good and the bad, hoping someone can learn from my mistakes or maybe be inspired to try a different approach. If anyone considers me an influencer for that, I am flattered. As far as being an influencer in geopolitics, once again, I don't see myself being an influencer, as there are lots of accounts with a much bigger platform than I have. 

But sharing my thoughts on the political scene started in 2015. When I created my X / Twitter account, I was primarily just talking about pro wrestling. As the 2016 presidential primaries started to take shape in May 2015, I felt it was important to give my take on what was going on. I always had an interest in politics since I was a child, and I did things like win a write in campaign to be elected to the county executive committee, a brief campaign to run for state assembly, etc. Talking politics came naturally to me, and I tend to be sarcastic and poke fun at events, which got me a small but loyal following. I come at things from the libertarian perspective, and the people who have stayed with me or the new follows I get for political content are more aligned with my libertarian philosophy of personal liberty, free markets and following the Constitution. 

I have been followed by some strong voices in that sphere such as Thomas Massie, Justin Amash, The Libertarian Party official account and too many others to name, so maybe some people have taken notice. 

What Is Your Favorite ETF Right Now? 

If you force me to pick one, at this moment, I like RDTE, the Roundhill ETF that uses a covered call strategy playing the Russell 2000 Index. It pays a dividend weekly, and the NAV has been stable in comparison to a lot of the other weekly paying ETFs out there. 

What Do You Think About The Recent Market Volatility? 

The recent market volatility has caused me to take a more cautious approach. The amount of dividends I receive has dropped, and I am trying to play it a bit more safe until the global instability regarding our military operations against Iran have played out. 

Are You Bullish Or Bearish Overall On The U.S. And Global Markets? 

On both US and global markets, I am bearish in the short term. I previously mentioned the US/Iran conflict as a factor. I am also a bit concerned with Trump's nominee to be the next Fed Chairman. If the new chairman succumbs to the pressure and lowers interest rates too quickly, you could see inflation spike. Long term, I am bullish. I have seen enough cycles over the years to know things eventually go back up overall. 

What Do You Do In Your Personal Life That Helps With Your Financial Success? 

I don't live an extravagant lifestyle. My father always told me "It is not how much you make, it is how much you keep." That is one lesson that I always remember. I have fun and enjoy life, but I don't worry about keeping up with what other people are doing. The only person I am competing with is myself, trying to be better tomorrow than I was today. 

Thank you so much for your time Paul on this exclusive retail investor interview. Keep crushing it on social media along with in the market!

Real Estate Investing For Beginners: How To Get Started

Are you thinking of dipping your toes into real estate? Real estate investing for beginners boils down to two methods: direct investing and indirect investing. Direct investing usually requires daily management of the property. Indirect investing involves real estate stocks and a hands-off approach. 

This article will show you different ways of investing in real estate with little money. Let's explore. 

Buy Real Estate REITs 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to invest in real estate without owning physical property. Rather, you are investing in companies that own various types of properties, such as office buildings or retail stores. 

To buy REITs, you need a brokerage account. The main draw of REITs is the high dividends yielded to investors. Buying REITs are among the best real estate stocks due to long-term gains. With that, they come with some risks, such as: 

• Taxation: Since the government classifies REIT dividends as standard income, you could face a hefty tax bill. 

• Lack of Diversification: Many REITs concentrate on a single property type, depriving investors of a diversified portfolio. Therefore, choose several REITs that focus on different properties. 

• Interest Rate Fluctuations: REITs are sensitive to interest rate changes. Rising interest rates have a negative impact on REITs. 

Despite the cons, REITs provide a faster route to real estate investing. Best of all, REITs provide fast liquidity. 

Become A Landlord 

If you prefer the direct approach, you can learn about real estate by owning it directly. Becoming a landlord involves the following steps: 

1. Determine if the prospective property will produce adequate cashflow 

2. Set aside enough money to purchase a property (or obtain a mortgage) 

3. Save additional money for unforeseen costs (i.e. repairs or maintenance) 

4. Read all landlord-tenant laws 

5. Secure landlord insurance 

6. Renovate the property as necessary 

To become a landlord, you must have the patience to deal with tenants regularly. Moreover, the properties come with ongoing commitments in the form of insurance, maintenance, and repairs. 

Become a landlord only if you intend to commit to the role full-time. If you want to buy real estate, read this article for more information. 

Choose REIGs 

Real Estate Investment Groups (REIGs) give you access to rental properties without owning them. They invest in rental properties, and they are similar to mutual funds. Under an REIG, you are buying a property from a company that constructs the units. 

Buying the properties makes you part of the investment group. You own the properties, and the builder manages the property (i.e. maintenance, repairs, etc.) 

This is a great option if you want to own a rental property without becoming mired in management duties. You can also own several properties within the group. With that, take note of the cons: 

• Fees: Since REIGs are similar to mutual funds, they also have the same fee structure. 

• Vacancy Risk: You may lose income if the units remain unoccupied for extended periods. 

• Less Transparency: Many REIGs are private; therefore, you may encounter shady companies looking to rip off investors. 

The best way to avoid scams and hassles is to research the reputation of the company. 

Real Estate Investing For Beginners 

What Else Should I Know? When it comes to real estate investing for beginners, the best advice is to know what works best for you. If you don't have time to manage properties, consider REITs or REIGs. If you want to learn real estate directly, you can become a landlord. Visit the Real Estate section of the Frugal Finance Blog to learn more about land investments and property investing today.

Why A Local Real Estate Expert Is Your Best Asset

Key Takeaways

• Local real estate experts know the details of each neighborhood that can impact property values and your investment.
• Accurate valuations and access to exclusive listings are two significant advantages provided by area professionals.
• Proper navigation of local regulations and superior negotiation strategies ensure smoother, more successful transactions.
• Personalized service and ongoing advice help you make well-informed decisions as your real estate needs change.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Neighborhood Nuances
2. Accurate Property Valuations
3. Access to Off-Market Listings
4. Navigating Local Regulations
5. Effective Negotiation Strategies
6. Personalized Client Services
7. Staying Ahead of Market Trends
8. Building Long-Term Relationships
9. Conclusion

Understanding Neighborhood Nuances

Making a sound real estate decision in any market requires more than just browsing online listings or comparing home prices on paper. Local experts provide invaluable insights, such as which areas are experiencing revitalization, the status and reputation of nearby schools, and planned future developments. By leveraging the expertise of Islamorada, FL real estate agents Coastal Realty, you can rest assured that your investment accounts for both the hidden strengths and red flags of each neighborhood.

Location influences property value in complex ways. Noise levels, traffic patterns, access to shopping and parks, and even community culture can differ block by block. Local real estate professionals spend their careers learning these factors, enabling them to match buyers with homes that best fit their priorities, whether those focus on family, investment, or lifestyle. Such on-the-ground knowledge consistently leads to smarter decisions for buyers and sellers alike.

Accurate Property Valuations

Property valuation is part art, part science. Online calculators often miss critical context, such as upgrades, local demand variances, or unique home features. Local agents analyze recent transactions, ongoing trends, and even micro-market fluctuations (like which amenities boost a home’s appeal in the neighborhood). This expert evaluation prevents buyers from overpaying and ensures sellers set fair, competitive pricing that attracts serious offers and minimizes time on the market.

By knowing what similar homes have sold for, both public sales and private transactions, area professionals deliver the precision that makes or breaks real estate deals. An accurate valuation means everyone walks away satisfied, helping to build trust throughout the process.

Access to Off-Market Listings

A powerful but often overlooked benefit of working with a local real estate agent is exclusive access to off-market properties. These listings, also known as “pocket listings,” are not available to the general public. Local agents are plugged into the right networks and are often the first to hear about homes soon to be available, estate sales, or private transactions. This network-driven advantage means clients can view and purchase properties before the competition heats up.

For both buyers and investors, these off-market connections can yield unique purchase opportunities or price advantages unavailable with standard public listings. For sellers, it increases the likelihood of discreet, direct sales to qualified buyers.

Navigating Local Regulations

Every city, county, and HOA can have its own real estate rules and regulations. Zoning, permitting, property tax rates, eviction procedures, and rental restrictions differ, often even between neighboring towns. A professional who works daily in your area provides up-to-the-minute guidance on local law, reducing your risk of unexpected delays, fines, or even legal disputes. This expertise is especially valuable for investors pursuing rental properties or those new to the region. For authoritative data on real estate rules and compliance, consult resources such as the National Association of Realtors.

Effective Negotiation Strategies

While the sale price is essential, a strong negotiator also leverages contingencies, closing dates, and seller concessions. Local real estate agents have real-time knowledge of buyer demand, inventory levels, and seller motivations, enabling them to create compelling offers. They understand which terms are likely to sway sellers and which buyers are the most motivated, thereby helping their clients maximize value without unnecessary back-and-forth. Whether the market is hot or cool, their approach gives you a competitive edge.

Personalized Client Services

In addition to buying or selling, real estate involves dozens of personal decisions and relationships. Local experts often serve as connectors, introducing homebuyers to reliable contractors, inspectors, and lenders or even guiding new residents to community events and local businesses. By taking the time to understand each client's unique priorities, a dedicated neighborhood agent delivers a tailored experience. Services like these often turn a routine transaction into a seamless move and a memorable introduction to the new neighborhood.

Staying Ahead of Market Trends

Housing markets shift quickly, influenced by broader economic signals, local developments, and even seasonal moves. Local real estate experts keep a pulse on these changes, advising clients on the best times to buy or sell and where opportunities are emerging. Investors especially benefit, as agents can spot growth pockets before they attract mainstream attention and guide clients toward neighborhoods with the most upside. This kind of foresight is backed by constant learning and well-maintained networks, drawing on both market data and local knowledge. For additional insights on current national trends, visit Forbes Real Estate.

Building Long-Term Relationships

The strongest client-agent relationships do not end at closing. Area professionals often provide ongoing support with trusted service recommendations, advice on remodeling or refinancing, and strategic guidance for future real estate moves. By maintaining lasting connections, clients have a go-to expert as their needs evolve and the market changes. This relationship-driven approach means you will always have a trusted advisor guiding your most significant financial decisions.

Conclusion

A local real estate expert delivers far more than just transaction support. Their deep understanding of the local market, personalized guidance, access to exclusive listings, and expert help with regulations and negotiations create real value for both buyers and sellers. The partnerships and knowledge gained by working with a local agent can shape your real estate success for years to come, providing peace of mind and a clear path to achieving your real estate goals.

The 5 Best Investments During Inflation

Without earning compounding interest, your money's value is wasting away each year at an alarming rate. Your one dollar today will not be able to buy the same goods in the next few decades (or months at this point), and this is because of inflation. It is inflation that is measuring the services in the economy and the measures of average price levels in a country. This is the increase in price at a given point in time. Because of inflation results, the currency that you are holding today will buy less than before. With your buying power and savings at a loss, especially in a time of increasing inflation and wage stagnation (stagflation), you have to start planning to minimize it the best you can. 

Inflation is running rampant across the United States and many parts of the world right now due to many factors with prices skyrocketing. In fact, the U.S. and other countries just printed more money in the past 2 years than they have in the previous 200! The Fed continues to keep the printing press going for now. And with rapidly growing national debt adding up each year, things on the horizon don't look very promising. While inflation needs to be lowered down to a normal 2-3%, it has been hovering around 4% for awhile in 2025! Even mortgage rates are now at record highs, although they won't last forever since the red hot housing market will eventually cool. Clearly the inflation is not "transitory" as it was called for many months, and could contribute to an upcoming global recession. 

Now in 2025 it looks like inflation is starting to cool off slowly along with home prices, and eventually mortgage rates will start falling a bit. But nobody is home free yet.

Inflated pricing a complicated issue with many moving parts. The record-breaking inflation is blamed by many on Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Powell, The Fed, Russia, or China. But the truth is that no one single person or country or industry or political policy is to blame after the Coronavirus pandemic fallout that has wreaked havoc on the economy.

Nowadays just going to the grocery store or buying building materials is costing a fortune at this point, if you can even get the products you are looking for at all in our new inflation nation. There is a noticeable shortage on all items, and prices are reflecting it. Empty shelves and panic buying are occurring even now, especially around the holidays. Even the almighty Dollar Tree will be raising prices on some items above $1 soon! Some products don't increase prices but instead just reduce size or quantity to cut costs.

This is why it is essential to have a hedge against inflationary price increases. When prices go up, you need an investment that will go up in value, and your portfolio should be able to keep up with the costs as you age. In addition, the economy of a particular country can rapidly contribute to inflation. This can be in the form of a rise in wages or rapid processing of oil and other raw materials. 

It is natural to have inflation in the market. However, who wants to lose money over time? It helps to lower your bills and save more money, but what you really need to do is invest in things that give you a return higher than the level of inflation. This is why many disciplined investors are going into other asset classes when they notice that the markets are going to turn into a climate of inflation. Some of the top assets that you may consider to fight inflation include the following: 

5 Top Investment Options To Fight Inflation

1. Gold 

Gold bullions or coins are always considered a hedge when the prices are soaring. This is because gold has not lost its value over centuries, and it’s still considered by many as an alternative currency. Gold bars and specific coins are helpful when a native currency of a country is losing its value as the people’s trust in the government becomes lesser. This is a physical asset that one can hold in their hands, and the value tends to hold for the most part. 

2. Bond Portfolios 

Bond portfolios with 60/40 stock are a traditional mix of bonds and stocks, and they are considered the safest investments. They are conservative, and if you’re unsure about how to do the work on your own and are reluctant to pay for an advisor, you can consider the dimensional DFA Global Allocation instead. This can be a straightforward strategy, and like any other investment plan, it has its cons. 

If you compare them to equity portfolios, they won’t perform well over a significant period of time. There are also the effects of compounding interest to consider. It is essential that the 60/40 is only a hedge that will keep the overall portfolio safe. However, you will likely be missing out on a few returns compared to the stocks with a high percentage. Some bonds have been booming, but no investment is guaranteed in a volatile economy filled with inflation. Bonds have also been having a moment in 2025.

3. Real Estate Investment Trust 

The REITs are known to be real estate companies that operate and own some income-producing properties. These houses tend to rise with inflation, and you can invest in one that consists of a pool of other like-minded people. The pool will pay out the dividends to the investors. Of course, if you want more exposure to this but want a lower expense ratio, you can always consider Vanguard Real Estate ETFs. 

However, know that there are disadvantages when you put all your money into a real estate investment trust. They are very sensitive to the changes in high-yielding assets. As the interest rates are rising, some people find it attractive to invest in treasury securities, and the result is a lower share of prices because the funds were withdrawn away from the REITs. 

Another thing is that REITs need to pay property taxes, and this can be more than 20% of their total operational costs. If the council or municipal authorities suddenly pass a law that increases the taxes for the budget shortfalls, the shareholders may find themselves strapped for cash. 

There are certainly high yields in general, but the taxes are imposed on the dividends. Most of the rates fall at about 15%, and the dividends are currently taxed according to the higher percentage of REIT. They are considered a personal income that can raise the rates and potentially put you in a higher tax bracket. 

4. S&P 500 

Stocks are still the best choice when you want to invest for the long term. Businesses usually have gained from inflation, especially if they require little capital as a start-up. Those that are often dependent on natural resources are considered losers. 

Today, the S&P 500 has a high enough concentration when it comes to communication services and technology businesses. They can account for more than 35% of the stake in the Index. Overall, the communications and technological developments serve as capital-light for many companies, and they can emerge as winners afterwards. 

If you are going to invest in the S&P 500, you need to look into the SPDR ETF for the S&P 500 that will be a watch list on your behalf. However, like any other investments out there, specific disadvantages may be present in the S&P 500 Index. One of the significant drawbacks includes giving a higher priority to many companies with a lot of market capitalization. The stock prices for the larger companies will influence the Index in no time. Also, there are no exposures with the small capital companies that historically provided the best returns. 

But when it comes to the very basics, you can get around a 9% growth per year investing in the stock market compared to a 3% loss to inflation each year. And all the compound interest from dividends really adds up.

5. Income From Real Estate 

The income from real estate comes with rentals. The amount and cash flow you receive every month can beat inflation. When the inflation rises, expect that your home will also increase in value. This is because the landlord can charge a higher amount each month. The result is that there will be a higher rental income that keeps up with the inflation. This is one of the best reasons you should consider investing in real estate if you want diversification. 

However, know that there are cons to real estate investing. First, you have to cough up a considerable amount of money for the initial investment, and the transaction costs are higher than what you may have anticipated. Additional costs like insurance, repairs, and maintenance can't be forgotten as well.

The second thing is that houses and real estate are not liquid, so you can’t quickly sell them without substantial losses in their value. Purchasing a home will require maintenance and management, and you also have a great deal of financial liability if you don’t research this industry before getting into it. And don't forget about other costs like property taxes or condo HOA fees!

In addition to rental income real estate or flipping properties, you can also invest in land if you speculate that it will increase in value over time.

Ignore Inflation Increases 

Inflation can be tough on your personal finances, small business, and retirement planning. But utilizing the above investment options, potentially along with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or other precious metals like silver, will ensure that your investing goals aren't inhibited. With a smart strategy including the tips above, you can inhibit the inflation inflammation!

8 Top Benefits Of Gold Investment

Have you recently considered making a gold investment? Besides investing in stocks and bonds, many investors decide to diversify their portfolios with this precious metal. It is well-known for its value and rich history, respected by people throughout centuries. 

Gold is a commodity that investors fall back on when currencies are volatile. Consequently, gold provides insurance during tough times. 

Have a look at the top eight benefits of making such an investment in gold precious metals. 

Inflation Hedging 

In the course of the past fifty years, gold has proven itself as an excellent inflation hedge. Its price rises along with the cost of living. Whenever the economy is unstable, or the stock market is highly volatile, investors turn to this commodity, looking for safety. 

During periods of high inflation in the past, this precious metal demonstrated more power than paper currencies. When the stock market crashed, the gold price only soared. Paper currencies tend to lose their purchasing power against this commodity during periods of inflation, shrinkflation, and stagflation like today. 

Nevertheless, like any type of investment, investors must be aware of the risk of loss, which is especially high for individuals not familiar with how this asset works. 

Price Stability 

Another benefit of investing in gold is the price stability this commodity provides. In comparison with the other market options, the price of this precious metal remains stable even during crises. Make sure to check out a review of a precious metal dealer. When a crisis hits the financial market, individuals immediately shift to gold investments while the prices keep on soaring. 

The stock market, on the other hand, is much more volatile. Stock prices can drop to zero whenever negative news is shared about companies. Such a drop in price isn’t likely to happen to this precious metal, as it has a stable market value. This is why most investors have preferred it over stocks for centuries. 

Moreover, price fluctuations can be tracked easily by checking the rate of this popular commodity multiple days in a row. By comparing the prices over a certain period, you will notice that fluctuations are minimal. Additionally, you can go back in history to check the price of gold over the years, which proves incredible stability even in times of global economic crises. 

Relation With The US Dollar 

The US dollar and gold have a long-term relationship that moves in an inverse direction. Consequently, their prices move in opposite directions. When the US dollar is weak, this precious metal and other fiat currencies increase in value. As a result, when the dollar value drops significantly compared to the other currencies, such as during the period from 1998 to 2008, investors flock to gold investments. Gold is great in 2025 as well due to record-breaking inflation.

Sometimes, there are exceptions in view of price movements, like in the event of systematic risk periods. In such periods, the value of the US dollar and gold move in an almost identical direction. The decline of this currency occurs for different reasons, including trade deficits, a large money supply increase, etc. This year, the US dollar has been incredibly volatile because of the uncertainty imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the somewhat struggling US economy. Recent actions by the Fed haven't fixed the issue, making gold and crypto even more viable hedges. 

Portfolio Diversifier 

You've heard the wise phrase "don't put all of your eggs in one basket" and that applies directly to diversifying your investment portfolio. That means not investing in only stocks, only bonds, only real estate, only cryptocurrency, or only precious metals. The gold commodity is believed to be a remarkable portfolio diversifier, as it moves in a different direction than stocks and bonds. The peaks and dips on the stock market seem to have no negative effect on the gold’s value. Investors are encouraged to consider portfolio diversification, meaning they should spread their investments out over various asset classes. 

Furthermore, portfolio diversification prevents investors from losing all their assets. For instance, if one of the assets drops in value, the others will compensate for the decrease. Nevertheless, in the case of gold, diversification is usually addressed in a different way. 

It is important not to invest all your money into this commodity to protect yourself from a sudden decrease in price. Just a portion of the investment capital should be invested in this precious metal, while the rest of the capital should be a combination of other assets. It pays to learn why gold still matters in the new age of investing. 

Safe Haven 

Another benefit of gold investments is the role this commodity acquires as a safe haven. Economic and political uncertainties have become a reality in the modern world, which is when investors look for a safe haven. 

By taking a look at history, you will notice investors holding gold managed to protect their substantial wealth and even escape from regions of turmoil with its help. Any news events that predict economic uncertainty on a global level increase the value of this precious metal. 

Soaring Demand 

Gold investments benefit investors owing to the increasing demand for this precious metal. The increase in the wealth of leading market economies has boosted the demand for this commodity. In some counties like China and India, this precious metals asset is highly associated with their culture. In China, bars are considered a traditional saving form, which makes demand stable for Chinese investors. 

In contrast, India is the second-largest nation known for its gold consumption, especially for jewelry. The highest interest for this precious metal occurs during the Indian wedding season taking place in October. 

Protection Against Deflation 

Another advantage of making such investments is the protection against deflation. This term describes a period when prices decrease, business activity is slower, and the economy copes with excessive debt. Deflation hasn’t been experienced on a worldwide level since the 1930s during the Great Depression. Probably slight deflation has also happened in 2008 during the financial crisis in certain regions of the world. Gold always maintains its price and power.

Maintenance Of Value 

The value of gold has been maintained throughout centuries, unlike the value of paper currencies. It is a way of passing on and preserving wealth from a generation to the following one. The specific properties of this metal have been valued since ancient times. It is resistant to corrosion and melts easily over a flame. There are many industrial applications of the precious metal gold that will keep its value high during all eras. Gold also enjoys scarcity so a limited supply means a higher demand.

Final Thoughts On Gold Investing

Investors cannot go wrong by adding this commodity to their portfolios. Gold provides financial coverage in times of financial and geopolitical uncertainty! Don't miss out on this golden opportunity to add the top precious metals option to your profitable portfolio.

Roundhill CEO Dave Mazza ETF Investing Interview

Dave Mazza is the CEO of Roundhill Investments. Follow him on X and LinkedIn for ETF updates and financial insights.

How Did You Get Started In The Financial Industry? 

An answer I used to give in early interviews was that it happened by accident. I majored in political science and philosophy in college, two disciplines that teach you how to think critically, argue clearly, and ask big questions. But as graduation approached, I realized there weren’t any philosophy companies recruiting on campus. So, like many liberal arts majors, I had to pivot. 

That said, the transition wasn’t completely random. I became passionate about markets in college, particularly through the lens of behavioral finance. I was fascinated by the idea that markets are not efficient and that human psychology—fear, greed, overconfidence—can create opportunities. It connected the philosophical questions I loved with real-world outcomes. I started devouring books on investing, following the markets daily, and exploring how narratives drive asset prices. 

Eventually, I found that finance offered the intellectual challenge I craved and the ability to apply abstract thinking in a tangible, fast-moving environment. What began as a pragmatic career decision quickly became a genuine calling. I have stayed in the industry ever since, not only because of the dynamism of the markets, but also because I enjoy helping people make sense of uncertainty and turn it into opportunity. 

Why Are You So Passionate About ETFs And ETPs? 

I have been passionate about ETFs because I have seen firsthand how this industry transformed from what was once considered a niche corner of finance into the front lines of innovation in asset management. When I started out, ETFs were still viewed by many as a backwater product, tools for low cost indexing or institutional hedging. Fast forward to today, and they are the engine room of portfolio construction, market access, and even trading strategies for both retail and institutional investors. 

What excites me most is how ETFs democratize investing. They have broken down barriers whether it’s giving everyday investors access to complex strategies asset classes like options income or crypto, or allowing investors to gain surgical exposures in a cost-effective, tax efficient, liquid wrapper. The innovation in the ETF space has been relentless, and it’s become a platform for expressing bold, forward-looking ideas. 

At Roundhill, we are pushing that frontier even further whether it is building first-of-their-kind thematic products or pioneering weekly income ETFs. For me, ETFs aren't just wrappers, they are tools to translate powerful investment themes into real-world access. That intersection of strategy, structure, and creativity is what keeps me passionate every day. 

What Sets Your ETFs And ETPs Apart From The Competition? 

At Roundhill, we don’t launch products to follow the herd, we build them to lead. What sets our ETFs apart is that we start with a differentiated idea and create the product from the needs of the investor, not from what is easy to package or already out there. 

Whether it is being first-to-market with access to unique asset classes like physical uranium or bitcoin options income, or creating thematic strategies tied to durable, disruptive trends like sports betting, gaming, or generative AI, we focus on innovation that’s thoughtful, not just trendy. 

But product alone isn’t enough. We take structure seriously. We are obsessive about ETF mechanics, operational excellence, and tax efficiency because the outcome matters more than the theme. And we pair that with a commitment to investor education that helps our products stand out on a shelf that’s never been more crowded. 

At the end of the day, we are not trying to be everything to everyone. We are focused on building a next-generation ETF firm, one that delivers access, relevance, and performance potential through high-conviction exposures. That clarity of purpose is what makes our lineup different and why we are earning the trust of a growing group of investors and advisors. 

What is your favorite ETF right now? 

It is tough to pick just one—we build products we believe in. But if I had to choose, I would highlight two that represent what Roundhill does best: MAGS and our WeeklyPay ETF lineup. MAGS, our Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF, is my favorite ETF of all-time and I have launched over 100 of them over the years. It is become the go-to tool for targeted exposure to the most dominant companies driving the market today. 

Whether you are a retail investor building a portfolio or an institution managing billions, MAGS offers precise, high-conviction access to the real engines of innovation and performance. It is highly liquid, cost-effective, and—most importantly, intuitive. 

On the other side of the coin, I am incredibly excited about our new suite of WeeklyPay ETFs. These are the first single stock ETFs designed to pay distributions weekly, something we believe resonates in this environment of yield-hungry investors. In addition, these first-of-their kind ETFs aim to provide enhanced returns equal to 120% of a given single stock's calendar week price return offering a powerful combination of weekly income and single stock leverage. 

What Are Your Thoughts On The Recent Market Volatility And Downturn? 

Market volatility and downturns are never comfortable, but they are also never permanent. What we are seeing now is a reset in expectations. After a strong run, particularly in tech and large-cap growth, markets are grappling with higher-for-longer interest rates, still elevated valuations, and growing macro headwinds. 

One of the biggest sources of uncertainty right now is trade policy. With tariffs back in the headlines, investors are rightly re-evaluating the impact on global supply chains, input costs, and corporate margins. Tariffs create noise, but more importantly, they introduce real economic friction that markets have to price in. 

This kind of environment tends to shake out excess but also creates opportunity. Volatility isn’t a flaw—it is a feature of dynamic markets. The key is staying grounded, avoiding emotional decisions, and recognizing that pullbacks often lay the foundation for future gains. 

We believe fundamentals are coming back into focus, and that is a good thing. It is a time to be selective, to reassess exposures, and to stay invested with discipline and clarity. 

What Is Your Top Piece Of Advice For Investors? 

Stay focused on your time horizon. In a world that moves at the speed of headlines and algorithmic trades, it is easy to get pulled into the moment by chasing what is hot, panicking on down days, or trying to time the next turn. But successful investing is rarely about reacting to today. It is about positioning for what matters over the next three, five, or ten years. 

Volatility, drawdowns, and policy uncertainty like we are seeing now with tariffs are inevitable. But they are also temporary. What endures is the ability to stay disciplined, invest with intention, and let compounding work in your favor. That is why having a clear view of your goals and matching your strategy to your time horizon is so critical. 

Markets reward patience more than precision. The best investors aren’t the ones who guess right all the time, they are the ones who stay invested when it matters most. 

Thank you Dave Mazza for your time in this exclusive interview, and keep up the great work with Roundhill Investments ETFs!

Si Katara TappAlpha CEO Interview On ETFs

Si Katara is the CEO of TappAlpha. Follow him on X and LinkedIn. Follow TappAlpha on LinkedIn and on X.com and visit the TappAlpha website. 

How Did You Get Started In The Financial Industry? 

I didn’t come from Wall Street originally. Instead I came from building tech companies. After my first exit, I realized something: the best financial strategies were still locked behind closed doors — out of reach for most people. I founded TappAlpha to change that — to make powerful strategies simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. 

Why Are You So Passionate About ETFs And ETPs? 

I am passionate about ETF products because they give regular investors a real shot. ETFs take strategies that used to be reserved for the top 1% and make them available to anyone with a brokerage account. They are simple, transparent, and efficient — and they fit perfectly with TappAlpha’s mission: unlocking powerful financial opportunities for everyday investors and advisors. 

What Sets Your ETFs Apart From The Competition? 

TSPY stands out because it combines full S&P 500 exposure with a daily income strategy — not just monthly or quarterly. We designed it for real-world investors—balancing growth, income, and tax efficiency—while most competitors sacrifice one to deliver another. Under the hood, TSPY leverages fintech-powered execution to manage daily options strategies with speed, consistency, and discipline. Our goal is simple: deliver income today, and build growth for tomorrow. 

What Is Your Favorite ETF Right Now? 

TSPY is my favorite of the ETFs out there right now. I designed it because nothing out there fit my own family’s portfolio — something that could give us the power of the S&P 500, plus meaningful daily income potential, without giving up long-term growth. The key was, we already had the potential sitting in our portfolio by owning the S&P 500. We just didn’t have the tools to get more from what we already had — until TSPY. That is actually the idea behind our company name, TappAlpha: tapping into the power of what we already have, and turning it into the outcomes we need. 

What Are Your Thoughts On The Recent Market Volatility And Downturn So Far This Year? 

Volatility isn’t something to fear — it is something to prepare for. Big swings create big opportunities, but only if you have the right strategy and the right tools in place. TSPY was built to lean into that — capturing the growth of the market while using daily opportunities to generate income, even when things get choppy. 

What Is Your Top Piece Of Advice For Investors? 

Invest like you are building the future you want to live in. Stay invested. Stay strategic. Don’t chase headlines — focus on owning great assets, using smart strategies, and letting time and consistency work in your favor. 

Thank you so much for your time and insights in this exclusive review Si Katara. Keep up the great work with TappAlpha ETF products!

10 Tips to Help Find Startup Investors

You've got an amazing idea but you need to find investors to make it happen. Unless you have been in the game for a while and already have been networking with people that are looking to invest, it might seem overwhelming when you are trying to get started.

You know your business is going to be successful once you get it off the ground but how are you going to make it happen?

Continue reading this article and we are going to give you tips on how to get investors for a startup.


Investors Are Out There

Before you get started looking for investors, you should know that they are out there looking for you, just like you are looking for them. There are people and venture capital (VC) firms actively looking for great ideas to put their money behind.

The following tips will help you find these VC startup investors and angel investors.


1. Be Prepared

You might not know when you're going to meet someone looking for an opportunity. Be prepared before you even plan on looking for investors. You never know when you might meet an angel investor or prominent VCs along with other well-connected individuals.

Figure out how much capital you need and be able to show investors exactly how you're going to get their money back. If you aren't prepared, you could miss out on a golden opportunity but if you are prepared, you might stumble upon an opportunity of a lifetime.


2. Just Make Progress

If you don't raise all of the money in the first round, that isn't a big deal. Once you get enough capital to get started — get started!

Work on getting your product together right away and sell other investors on being a part of the project by showing them how much progress you have made.


3. Look for Industry Specific Investors

You don't want to work with just anyone. You don't only want money. When you are looking for investors, you should look for people that are experts within your industry.

When you work with industry investors as your partner, not only can their money help you — their expertise can also help you. Finding people that have "been in the game" for a while will help you rocket ahead of any competition that might be going at it without help from someone in the industry.


4. Show Value and Take It Away

When you are looking for investors, you are more likely to get investors if you don't need one. If you know that you have a lot of other options, you can show the value of your company and take it away by nicely letting them know you have other options.


5. Don't Skip the Relationship

Investors want to invest with people they know, like and trust. While you don't have to know someone for years, it is helpful to build a relationship with people before you ask them for money.

Go out, be social and meet the people that can make a big difference in your business.


6. Minimize Risk

Investors don't want to invest with people that aren't sure about their projects and the level of risk. 

Investors want to know that you have minimized risk as much as possible.

Investors' goals are to get as big of a return as possible in the shortest amount of time.


7. Check for Similar Businesses

A simple way to find investors that are willing to put money into your type of business is to see who has done it before. Look at other businesses that are similar to yours and see who put money into those businesses when they were first getting started.

Many of these people already understand how these businesses work and understand the risks. Since they understand the risks and how they work, they are likely to be less worried about getting their return back because they already know how it is likely to go.


8. Understand that Investors Aren't the Only Way

When you know that investors aren't the only way to go, you won't come off desperate when you are talking to potential investors. Investors are one of the most expensive means of funding your startup.

Consider traditional loans and other means of funding before looking for investors.


9. Network, Network, Network

You never know who you know and who the people you know have in their network until you ask. 

Don't be afraid to let people know that you are raising capital. You might even find out that someone of the people are know are looking to put their money into something that is going to bring them a good return.


10. Know Your Stuff

Before you start pitching anyone, make sure you know your stuff. If you don't show how much of an expert you are when you are speaking to the potential investors, they are likely to pass you up. These investors don't want to spend time babysitting you so they can get their money back.

If you don't make a good first impression, they are going to go find someone else that does know what they are doing and put their money into their business.


Find Investors and Make a Difference

Now that you know how to find investors for your startup company, it is time to make a difference in the world with your new company. Companies that are truly successful make a positive impact on the world and that can be you.

Feel like you need some additional help and information? We have many other articles that can help you on your road to a successful business. Browse our site, find your favorite section, drop a bookmark and come back soon for more great reads.

GraniteShares CEO Will Rhind Interview On ETF Investing

Will Rhind is the Founder and CEO of GraniteShares. Follow him on X and LinkedIn. 

How Did You Get Started In The Financial Industry? 

I joined the Japanese Investment Bank Nomura as my first job after college. I moved into asset management around one and a half years later joining Barclays Global Investors (now Blackrock). I joined at the right time as the firm was launching the first ETFs in Europe and the ETF industry we know now was just beginning. 

Why Are You So Passionate About ETFs And ETPs? 

I was lucky enough to start working with ETFs at the very dawn of the industry in Europe and the US. I have worked with the product for almost my whole career now and have seen the amount of assets managed grow to approximately $20 Trillion today in 2026, and still growing. Graniteshares alone has over $13 Billion in AUM now.

ETFs have revolutionized asset management and the way we invest. They have replaced the legacy mutual fund as the investment vehicle of choice and offer investors a huge range of investment choices at very low cost. The exciting part to me is that I still feel we have a long way to go in terms of growth, strength and depth of offering. 

What Sets Your ETFs And ETPs Apart From The Competition? 

Over time we have developed a specialty in what we call high conviction ETFs. High conviction ETFs are, as the name suggests, investments that are designed to offer a greater potential for reward and risk. Leveraged Single Stocks have been a new ETF phenomenon that we pioneered and are a market leader in. 

Investors like the ability to trade daily leveraged exposures, typically +2X, to popular stocks such as Nvidia (NVDL), Tesla (TSLR) Palantir (PTIR). We offer an exciting range of options ETFs called YieldBoost that aim to generate high yields from options selling strategies. We also offer Gold (BAR) and other unique strategies all centered around our high conviction philosophy. 

What Is Your Favorite ETF Right Now? 

Like my children I love them all equally but I do think that our YieldBoost ETF range has some really exciting potential. It is a totally unique approach that sets itself apart from the competition. 

What Is Your Top Piece Of Advice For Investors? 

There are so many things to say but I think time horizon is probably one of the most valuable things to consider. Most people probably don't think long term enough when it comes to investing or markets. Markets can be volatile but knowing that the market will go up over a long enough time horizon probably helps you sleep well at night which is invaluable. 

Thank you so much for your time and insights in this exclusive interview Will Rhind when it comes to ETFs and investing! Keep up the excellent work with GraniteShares.

PM Dan Weiskopf Interview On ETF Investing

Dan Weiskopf is a trailblazer in the ETF and ETP industry. He is the Senior Portfolio Manager at Tidal Financial Group and Co-Portfolio Manager of $NANC, $GOP and $BLOK. Follow him on X and LinkedIn. 

Here is our exclusive interview with PM and financial industry legend Dan Weiskopf:

How Did You Get Started In The Financial Industry? 

I started in the financial industry in the summer of 1987 and by October it felt like people were jumping out of the window because it was “Black Monday”, October 19 and the market was “Crashing”. Concerns over inflation, excessive market speculation and valuations were  the main source of concern back then, but also there were issues with circuit breakers and technicals that contributed to the panic. I think that day the market was down almost 23 percent. This correction has similar characteristic of concern, but thus far has been more orderly despite the concerns around the risks that might come from the chaos coming from Trump tariff.  My hope is that as a business man, President Trump  knows companies cannot  move as fast as his policy changes are dictating, especially in the 2026 economy disrupted substantially by AI. 

Why Are You So Passionate About ETFs And ETPs? 

I feel like I was orange pilled on ETFs when I closed my hedge fund after rule FD was implemented in 1999 (rule full disclosure). Rule FD took away some of my edge on investing in companies, but I still talk to Managements every day, but to be honest about it the conversations are very different. For me ETFs have always been about access and the opportunity to create different investment steams and or alpha. I am very passionate about innovation that has come in the wrapper. I was so excited to join Tidal in 2018. I may not have been the first at Tidal, but let’s just say I was all hands on when we were just 8 people strong. Today in 2025 we are over 100 employees strong.

Over the 25 years that I have been involved in ETFs the problem of a few large asset managers dominating the asset mix has been a challenge for me. Innovation in the ETF market takes a commitment towards entrepreneurship. We need more early adopters who are financial advisors willing to embrace the next possible next generation of ETFs. Over the years I have curated a group of FAs who believe they can make a difference with their ETF selection. ETF flows should not be  just be about the big firms and their ability to copy each other with broad indexes at lower fees. Sometimes it feels like there is an ETF oligopoly and investors deserve more than just low cost. We are very much trying to change that paradigm at Tidal which is a white label provider 

What Sets Your ETFs And ETPs Apart From The Competition? 

I work with Mike Venuto on various actively managed Funds. Our biggest Fund is $BLOK which has the picks and axes mandate that focuses on Blockchain. The Fund was early and launched in 2018 so it has a long history. Everyone knows about Bitcoin, but I am not sure everyone appreciates that it is a Blockchain. We have about 15-17 exposure to this area of “direct Bitcoin exposure”. We were early investors in 2020 in Strategy (MSTR) and had a similar success with Metaplanet last year (3350 JP). We recently bought into Gamestop (GME), but I am not a believer that just having Bitcoin as a treasury asset is enough to make a difference. 

We think these three situations are positioned to differentiate themselves in different ways. In addition, we see the infrastructure building out really accelerating in 2025 now that we have a new administration. I am not going to get political on you, but it is literally a 180 degree change between  Biden and Trump on the issues that surround digital transformation, forming policies and framing regulation. I mean in April a small quadrillion firm called DTCC announced its progress in the area, but in prior years their efforts towards the technology was all on the hush. See more on this X post here.

The space is a bit crowded with ETF now, but most of the funds are passively managed and have very little contact with management  teams in the ecosystem. They are also highly concentrated in their holdings where our strategy seeks to manage risk through a diversified approach. We also write every month about the portfolio. Over the past 7 years we have been consistently holding about 50 investments. Untimely, it is likely that indexes,  stocks and bonds will be offered on a 24/7 blockchain wrapped as tokens and referred to as digital assets. Just ask Larry Fink! I think Larry Fink’s Annual Letter is a must read for everyone.

BLOK is also different in that as an active Fund it can participate in IPOs.  Recently, we bought into Coreweave (CRWV) IPO. When the stock market stabilizes we think the IPO market will heat up in this area. We think there are 15-20 companies with pending IPOs. 

What Is Your Favorite ETF Right Now? 

My favorite ETF remains BLOK, but that is because it has the most innovation and potential to disrupt. It also has the longest history of the Funds I manage with Mike Venuto. 

The Unusual Whales Subversive Democrat Trading ETF ($NANC) and the Unusual Whales Subversive Trading Republican ($GOP)  are a second favorite.  Members of Congress ETFs took my passion for ETFs to a different level. There is a lot of talk that members of Congress should not invest in stocks given their conflicts of interest. Maybe this is true, but many are quite wealthy and very successful investors. The ETF wrapper is a wonderful transparent deliver tool to see how those members of Congress are allocated. The disclosure is supposed to be after 45 days. Nancy Pelosi has a wonderful track record of timely targeted investing and she runs fairly concentrated with her strategy. NANC has some overlap with her personal strategy, but again we are trying to model not to just one member of congress. To this point, however, historically we would highlight that NANC has tilted heavily towards growth and technology. Conversely, GOP recently really tilted towards Bitcoin. 

David McCormick has multiple consecutive buys in the spot ETFs. For those who don’t know, Senator McCormick was also the CEO of Bridgewater so he is known to surround himself with smart people.  Then there were two members of Congress, Neal Dunn and Jefferson Schreve who in March both disclosed StrategyB (MSTR) buys within the same week. Obviously, this research is also constructive for BLOK. I try not to let personal biases influence the decision making process for NANC and GOP, but in the case for Bitcoin and MSTR I had to get a little excited. 

A passive fund that I am amazed that does not get enough attention is the $WOMN ETF. The process is systematically focused on choosing stocks which are aligned with women’s empowerment. It has a long term history of strong performance. As a PM, I would note that there is a study that supports that stocks with women who are CFOs outperform their male counter parties. Take that one to the bank!

What Are Your Thoughts On The Recent Market Volatility And Downturn? 

Two funds I haven’t mentioned that Mike and I work together on is a solution we built that lines up with the  Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE). The tickers are FIRS and FIRI. The FIRE community is a wonderful lifestyle and admirable goal.  Most people would benefit by saving more in the early years so that when they are older they have a better lifestyle or at least one with less financial pressure. The thing is that after two back to back years that cumulatively compounded at a 50 percent rate we thought a little diversification offered to the FIRE community would make sense. 

Kind of like the treasury market shouldn’t always be expected to rally, especially after a 30 year trend; we thought looking for income in other places made sense. Using the Tidal platform we launched these funds off of a strategy that Mike had been running for over 10 years. We don’t charge a fee for the active management Mike and I do on these funds because we want to be authentic to the community, but the managers on our platform do charge a fee. Most importantly, we think we are providing a best of breed service in selecting these ETFs on our platform. 

Anyway, FIRI generates income through options premiums and short duration ETFs. The overlap to the Barclays Agg is minimal. FIRS is the wealth builder strategy and is modeled after Harry Brown’s Permanent Portfolio. 

Your question about volatility is a challenge for me. Truth is I hate volatility, but you can’t be a supporter  of innovation without the expectation of times when you feel uncomfortable. Markets are always right in my opinion. However, as I said before we are pleased that these two funds, as alternative strategies,  are doing what they were designed to do and manage downside in a less correlated way than other strategies. 

Funny thing about the expectations around volatility in 2025. Really,  who can be surprised? President Trump is polarizing and his plans are aggressive. This is not a political statement - when you get on a plane we think it’s best to cheer for the pilot - even if they are flying the wrong direction. Landing safely is the first priority!! Having said that - while the honeymoon is over - my gut tells me that while change is scary - I see him addressing many foundational issues. I just hope my heart can handle it! The key, however, is going to be that investors need to follow the policy. He may polarizing, but he has been transparent in telegraphing his agenda. My brain tells me that he is a better businessman than a politician or dancer. 

What Is Your Top Piece Of Advice For Investors? 

I often write that Structure Matters. My advice is to look at investing as a journey that you must own for the benefit of yourself. If you want to be a Vanguard disciple just know what you own and why it works. Do not just set it and forget it under the principles that history will repeat itself. The world is constantly changing. Similarly, if you want to compliment such a strategy, the FIRE Funds are a good match, but again look under the hood and know what you own. At a minimum, you will learn something. Put differently, we are believers that security selection matters as a compliment  to the plain vanilla discipline of investing. Structure matters also with how Blockchain will disrupt many different industries. 

We already know that HELOCs can be offered cheaper and faster on-chain. Term life insurance policies programmed as smart contracts on the Blockchain are also done in such a way payment to the beneficiary is automatic. A dirty little secret in the insurance industry is that a good portion of term insurance is never paid out. My advice - always take a breadth and assess the situation through the lens that structure matters. Untimely, such an approach will walk you through a decision making process that is constructive. 

Thank you so much for this incredible exclusive interview Dan Weiskopf, we greatly appreciate your ETF and investing insights in this volatile market, and hope to get a follow-up interview with you in 2026!