Tech Talk: Managing Risk in Your Portfolio

 In this episode of the “Building Your Wealth Bridge” podcast, George C. McCabe, CPA, Financial Advisor, sits down with Chris Quandt (from Nitrogen, formerly Riskalyze) to explore how technology can help investors and advisors build a clearer, more confident approach to managing portfolio risk. 

Together, they unpack Nitrogen’s origin story and why the firm is focused on creating a “common language” around risk—so clients can make informed decisions in the short term while staying committed to their long-term plan. 

The conversation highlights how tools like Nitrogen can turn abstract risk labels into practical, personalized insights—helping investors understand what “normal” portfolio performance can look like, especially during volatile markets. The team engages in a detailed discussion on the following topics: 

• Building a Common Language Around Risk: Chris explains why Nitrogen was created— to translate vague terms like “conservative” or “aggressive” into a clear, shared framework advisors and clients can actually use. 

• The Risk Number + 6-Month Range Framework: The discussion breaks down Nitrogen’s “Risk Number” (1–99) and how the six-month performance range helps set realistic expectations for upside and downside—reducing fear-driven decisions when markets get choppy.

 • Stress Tests and Ongoing Client Check-Ins: George and Chris discuss how scenario testing (e.g., 2008-style downturns) and automated check-ins help clients stay engaged, communicate concerns early, and avoid reactive moves during market swings. 

As always, please send our team any questions or topics you’d like us to cover in the future. 

We hope this finds you well.