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Financial literacy isn't just about knowing investment terms—it's about transforming your relationship with money. Marcus Sturtevant, founder of ABC Squared in Charlotte, shares his journey from a loving household where money wasn't discussed to becoming a financial advisor passionate about educating others.

"We didn't grow up rich, but we didn't realize we weren't rich," Marcus explains, highlighting how his entrepreneurial spirit emerged early—selling candy from a gumball machine at five and working jobs from fourteen—but understanding investment opportunities came much later. This personal experience fuels his mission to bridge the financial literacy gap he sees in communities like his own.

The conversation reveals three critical mistakes most people make with money: not tracking where it actually goes, poor cash flow management, and not realizing help exists for people at all income levels. Marcus points out the irony of individuals spending hundreds on lottery tickets while claiming the stock market is "fixed"—a misconception that prevents meaningful wealth accumulation.

One particularly valuable insight centers around tax diversification. Many focus exclusively on pre-tax retirement accounts and cash, neglecting tax-diversified options like Roth accounts. This oversight often results in retirees facing unexpectedly large tax bills when they begin withdrawals. "Most people only see two buckets," Marcus explains, "their savings and retirement accounts. They don't have those allocated out of pre-tax."

Most intriguing is Marcus's concept of a "Carolina Portfolio"—investments focused on companies based in or with significant operations in North and South Carolina. This approach connects investors to visible growth in their communities while creating surprisingly diverse exposure across industries from banking (Bank of America, Truist) to manufacturing (Boeing, BMW), retail (Lowe's), and technology.

Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your investment strategy, this episode offers practical wisdom for navigating today's complex markets. As Marcus advises, "Don't try to jump into fancy, complicated investment strategies or just go with the fastest thing going on the internet." Instead, understand your cash flow, learn from reliable sources, and develop strategies to remove emotion from investment decisions.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None

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Disclaimer - These podcasts are not intended as investment advice. Individuals please consult your own investment, tax and legal advisors. They provide these insights for educational purposes only.