From Horse Racing to Moon Mining: Unusual Investments, Smarter College Planning, and a Longer Retirement Ahead

Owning a racehorse might sound glamorous, but Brandon Corso and I want to clear up a big misconception: it’s not an investment it’s a hobby, and a very expensive one at that. Regina, a professional trainer, broke down the numbers for us. You might get a horse for as little as $2,000, but a well-bred one could run you up to $100,000. Daily training costs $50–$80, horseshoes cost $120 every five weeks, and tack—the saddle and bridle can cost $600 to $800. Then there’s the vet care, entry fees, and more. Even with a few wins, most horse owners won’t cover their costs. It’s not about profits it’s about passion. If you’re thinking of getting into the game, make sure your expectations are realistic and your budget is flexible. It’s like buying a boat you do it because you love it, not because you’re expecting to turn a profit.

We also had an emotional call from Jeff in Virginia, asking about estate planning for his terminally ill mother. I can’t emphasize this enough if you’re in a similar situation, get a financial advisor and an estate attorney involved immediately. This is not the time for do-it-yourself legal work. Wills and trusts can be handled quickly by professionals, even at the last minute. But you have to act fast. The main question to focus on: who gets what? That applies to both financial assets and sentimental possessions. A handwritten letter can go a long way in avoiding family conflict—especially when it comes to heirlooms and personal items that carry emotional value. Planning now ensures your loved one’s wishes are honored and avoids a legal mess down the road.

Now, let’s talk about mortgages. A lot of people think it’s a badge of honor to pay off their mortgage early. I disagree especially if you’re in a high tax bracket. If you’re in the 30% to 35% range, you can deduct your mortgage interest at that rate, while your investments are only taxed at 15% for capital gains. That’s a significant difference. The point here is not to invest aggressively with borrowed money it’s to maintain liquidity. Having cash reserves gives you flexibility, especially when life throws curveballs. I’m not suggesting you use your home equity to gamble in the stock market. I’m saying that a long mortgage can be a smart tool when used conservatively.

College costs are another big concern for families, and we need to think differently. The ROI of your degree matters more than the name on the diploma. Start with a two-year community college and transfer to a four-year in-state university. This cuts your costs significantly. Room and board alone are half the expense of college, so living at home those first two years is a financial lifesaver. Employers care about what you studied, not where. And remember graduate school is often necessary to really move up in your career, so plan your finances with that in mind. This strategy helps you avoid crushing student debt and still sets you up for success.

Speaking of big ideas, we also explored moon mining specifically Helium-3. Homer Hickam shared his vision for this potential clean energy source. Unlike Earth, the moon has no magnetic field or atmosphere, so it’s been absorbing solar wind, which deposits Helium-3 in the lunar soil. This material could be the key to powering fusion reactors, solving our energy crisis here on Earth. The challenge isn’t science it’s infrastructure. Homer likened it to building the transcontinental railroad. We need launch capability, mining technology, and support systems to make it viable. With NASA stepping back from human spaceflight, the private sector is stepping up. Companies like SpaceX are pushing boundaries, and that’s opening up possibilities that used to be confined to science fiction. Homer’s novel Crater dives into this world combining hard science with future-forward imagination, including company towns on the moon and even bio-computers.

Finally, let’s not ignore the reality that we may all live longer than we think. Ray Kurzweil predicts lifespans could soon reach 125 years or more, thanks to medical advances. Whether it’s gene therapy, regenerative medicine, or anti-aging science, we’re moving into an era where retirement could last 40 years or longer. That changes the math entirely. You’ll need more savings, more income, and a more robust plan. This isn’t the time to rely on outdated models of retirement planning. You need to think long-term, diversify your investments, and prepare for a much longer life.

From racehorses to retirement, from moon dust to mortgage interest, the common thread is clear: smart planning, realistic expectations, and forward thinking. Your financial future might look very different from your parents’ and that’s not a bad thing, as long as you’re prepared.

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