What Is Private Capital? Understanding the Roles of Each Party

A glittery gold dollar sign and coins on a city street illustrate the question, "What is private capital?"

What is private capital, and how does it differ from traditional funding sources? What roles do investors and deal managers play in private funding arrangements? In his book Raising Private Capital, Matt Faircloth explores the dynamics between those who provide investment funds and those who manage them. His insights reveal the unique advantages of private capital partnerships and the responsibilities of each participant. Keep reading to discover the essential elements of successful private funding relationships and how they can benefit both parties.

How to House Hack: 4 Considerations When Buying a Property

A woman standing in front of a two-story duplex illustrates how to house hack

What does it take to turn your housing costs into a source of income? How can you find the right property to make this transformation possible? In Set for Life, Scott Trench reveals the strategy of house hacking—a real estate approach that helps you live rent-free while building wealth through property ownership. He outlines essential factors to consider, from affordability and location to cash flow analysis and appreciation potential. Keep reading to learn how to house hack and transform your biggest monthly expense into a wealth-building asset.

How to Increase Your Earnings: Maximize Your Workday

A man with a beard and glasses at work talking on the phone and working at a laptop illustrates how to increase your earnings

Why do most Americans spend the majority of their day at work? What’s the best way to make that time more financially rewarding? In Set for Life, Scott Trench explores strategies to maximize your earning potential during your work hours instead of trying to build wealth in your spare time. His insights offer practical approaches to boost your income through performance-based jobs, skill development, and strategic career moves. Keep reading to discover how to increase your earnings while making the most of the hours you already spend at work.

What Drives the Stock Market? The Psychological Factors

A red graph showing what drives the stock market

Are you looking to invest in the stock market? What drives the stock market? According to Howard Marks, the securities market cycle fluctuates per shifts in investor psychology that depend upon underlying foundational cycles. He argues that positive investor psychology drives bubbles in which securities become wildly overpriced, leading to crashes in which they become underpriced. Below we’ll look at what makes prices go up or down in the market.

Spend Less and Save More: The First Step to Financial Freedom

A man riding a bike to work illustrates that the first step to financial freedom is to spend less and save more

What’s the first step to financial freedom? What are considered smart purchases and good debts? In Set for Life, Scott Trench reveals practical strategies to spend less and save more through smart, frugal living. His approach focuses on reducing major expenses such as housing and transportation while building substantial savings that can transform your financial future. Keep reading to discover proven methods for cutting your expenses in half, managing your savings wisely, and accelerating your path to financial independence.

Investing in Rental Properties: Tips From Scott Trench (Set for Life)

A smiling young woman standing in front of a house illustrates investing in rental properties

What does it take to succeed with rental property investments? How can you maximize returns while minimizing risks in real estate? Building wealth through real estate requires strategy, knowledge, and careful planning. In Set for Life, Scott Trench breaks down the fundamentals of investing in rental properties and explains how to leverage your investments for optimal returns. Keep reading to discover proven methods for building a profitable real estate portfolio that can generate lasting wealth.

What Is the Securities Market? How to Exploit Its Cycles

A colorful stock graph, showing the securities market

What is the securities market? Why can you exploit the securities market so easily? In Mastering the Market Cycle, Howard Marks outlines how cycles jointly drive the overall securities market. In particular, he shows how the predictable nature of foundational and psychological cycles makes for an exploitable securities market cycle.  Take a look at the factors driving the securities market cycle so you can reap large rewards from it.

How to Manage Investment Risk & Grow Your Wealth Over Time

A person checking stocks on their phone illustrates how to manage investment risk

What’s the real difference between investing and gambling your money? How can you build wealth while keeping your investments secure? In Set for Life, Scott Trench shares practical strategies for building long-term wealth through smart investment choices. His approach challenges common misconceptions about investment risk while offering clear guidance for both novice and experienced investors. Keep reading to learn how to manage investment risk and make informed decisions that can help grow your wealth steadily over time.

Stock Picking vs. Index Funds: Why You Should Keep It Simple

A person wearing glasses looking at a digital stock market chart illustrates stock picking vs. index funds

Why do most individual investors fail to beat the market through stock picking? Are index funds a more reliable investment strategy? In Set for Life, Scott Trench explores the stock picking vs. index funds debate, revealing why average investors should avoid trying to outsmart Wall Street professionals. His insights, backed by legendary investors such as Warren Buffett, show how simple investment strategies often outperform complex ones. Keep reading to discover why index funds could be your key to building long-term wealth without spending countless hours analyzing individual stocks.

How to Beat the Market: 2 Steps Toward Above-Market Returns

A woman who knows how to beat the market, looking at a computer screen of stocks

How can you assess market position to earn more money? Is it possible to beat the market? As an investor, you can tilt the deck in your favor by taking the market’s tendencies into account when positioning your portfolio. Howard Marks illustrates how to do so via two steps: Correctly assess the market’s position in the cycle, and adjust your portfolio accordingly. Here’s how to beat the market in only two steps.