Get Unstuck & On Target

Get Unstuck & On Target


Ep196 Glen Starr - Common Sense Investing: A Chemical Engineer's Guide to Building Wealth

November 13, 2024

The stock market seems complicated until you hear Glen Starr explain it. This former chemical engineer turned financial advisor breaks down investing into simple terms that even a 5th grader could understand.


In this candid conversation with executive coach Mike O'Neill, Glen shares why most people focus on the wrong things when investing. His most controversial take? Stock prices only matter twice - when you buy and when you sell. Everything else is noise.


Glen's practical wisdom comes from 32 years of helping clients build wealth, sparked by an unexpected career change during an oil industry downturn. His engineering background gives him a unique perspective on financial planning, focusing on facts rather than emotions.


Key insights from the episode:

  • Why real estate isn't as liquid as most people think
  • The 4 main categories where you can invest your money
  • How dividends can make a "boring" stock incredibly valuable
  • Why media hysteria about economic data usually doesn't matter
  • The importance of taking the long view - beyond your own lifetime


Mike guides the conversation masterfully, drawing out Glen's most valuable insights while keeping the discussion grounded in practical advice anyone can use. Their exchange about trust and perspective, using the analogy of a haircut, perfectly captures why having an outside viewpoint is crucial for both investing and leadership.


Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode strips away the complexity of financial planning and focuses on what really matters - owning successful businesses for the long term.


Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unstuck.show/196