Part 4/4: Behind the Curtain with Patrick Geddes

Part 4/4: Behind the Curtain with Patrick Geddes

Author: Next Gen Personal Finance March 25, 2026 Duration: 47:06

In this episode of the NGPF podcast, investment expert Patrick Geddes pulls back the curtain on the investment industry, breaking down the difference between asset managers and wealth managers and explaining how each gets paid. Geddes walks listeners through the most important questions to ask a financial advisor, including how to identify hidden fees, understand fiduciary standards, and evaluate professional designations like CFP and CFA. He makes a compelling case for low-cost index fund investing, explaining how even a fee under 1% can cost an investor hundreds of thousands of dollars over time due to the power of compounding. The episode closes with an honest framework for deciding whether to hire an advisor or go the do-it-yourself route, empowering listeners to think of themselves first as consumers — not just investors.


Behind the mission of Next Gen Personal Finance-a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every U.S. high school student takes a personal finance class-is a vibrant community of educators constantly refining their craft. The NGPF Podcast sits at the heart of that conversation. It’s a space where teachers, curriculum specialists, and sometimes even students share their real-world experiences and challenges in bringing financial literacy to life. You’ll hear practical discussions about what actually works in the classroom, from innovative lesson plans to navigating tricky topics like investing, credit, and behavioral economics. The episodes, often born from the organization's deep investment in teacher professional development, feel less like formal lectures and more like insightful coffee-break chats with colleagues who are just as passionate about empowering the next generation. Tuning into this podcast offers a direct line to the strategies and stories that are shaping financially capable young adults, all grounded in the high-quality resources NGPF is known for. It’s an essential listen for anyone invested in the practical side of financial education, whether you're in a classroom or simply believe in the critical importance of these skills for the future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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