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Welcome to another impactful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m taking a practical look at a question on everyone’s mind: Are you really ready for the next recession?There’s a lot of noise out there about the stock market, scary headlines, and economic forecasts. But let me set the record straight—recessions aren’t about the stock market’s mood swings. A recession is the ultimate stress test for your finances. If you aren’t prepared, it’s going to find every crack in your financial foundation and expose it.We’ll talk about why tackling debt is the first vital step, why having a single income stream can put you on a financial cliff, and why emergency funds aren’t just for peace of mind—they’re your financial life raft. I’ll also walk you through how your investment portfolio should actually match your age, stage, and current situation, and why building your own money machine isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.The best part? Every move you make to recession-proof your finances also s

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I'm laying out something I wish someone had handed to me decades ago: the real, unfiltered playbook to life—especially when it comes to money, work, health, and relationships. I’m Mel Abraham, and after 30+ years as a financial expert, entrepreneur, and mentor, I know that the harshest truths are the ones that ultimately set us free. And that’s what I’m putting on the table for you today.I’m sharing 40 harsh truths I wish I knew in my 40s—the things most of us take decades or even a lifetime to discover, and that, left unchecked, can cost us precious time, freedom, and happiness. These aren’t theory; they’re the distilled, sometimes uncomfortable lessons I’ve lived, seen, and taught—covering everything from building wealth, mastering your finances, and making your money work for you, to investing in your health, forging real relationships, and raising future adults (not just kids).IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I SHARE:Why your choi

Welcome to a special episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m sharing something truly unique—a live keynote session I delivered to a room full of high-achieving entrepreneurs, each of whom invested over $10,000 to be there. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to build your Financial Freedom Engine, step-by-step, so your money works harder for you than you ever did for it.Let’s be real: true financial freedom isn’t about chasing raises or staying trapped on the earnings treadmill. It starts the very moment your money begins to create more wealth for you than your own labor does. I’m diving deep—not just into the dollars and decimals, not just the math (despite my accountant, CPA roots)—but also the emotional and behavioral shifts that create lasting wealth and meaning.So if you’ve ever hit a financial goal and asked, “Is this it?” or felt like money’s just a complicated, intimidating ghost in the hallway—this episode is for you. We’re flipping the lights on, and making money simp

Welcome to another great episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—saving, hustling, even dabbling in investing—but still not seeing your wealth build the way you’d hoped, you are absolutely not alone. Today, I’m flipping the script and sharing the eight habits you need to stop if you want to quietly and effectively build lasting wealth. Trust me, these aren’t the typical suspects you see in every personal finance blog; these are the sneaky “financial termites” that erode your wealth from the inside out—often disguised as normal behaviors you barely even notice.Looking back, I wish I’d known about these much sooner. So today, I break them down for you—no fluff, just straight talk—from my own 30-year journey as a financial expert, entrepreneur, and mentor. Our mission? To help you master your money, eliminate financial stress, and live a life of choice. Because guess what? Earning more doesn’t make you free—a money machine does.Get ready for a d

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Have you ever wondered why building wealth feels like such a slow grind in the beginning, but then—almost out of nowhere—your net worth starts accelerating? In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a tipping point that changes everything: hitting your first $100,000 of investable net worth.I know firsthand how discouraging it can feel to be saving, investing, and doing all the “right” things, only to see what looks like minimal progress. It’s like pushing a boulder uphill in flip flops during a windstorm while people shout useless advice at you like, “Just stop drinking coffee!” Trust me, I’ve been there. In this episode, I explain exactly why it feels so tough to reach your first $100K—and why, after that, building wealth starts to snowball thanks to the magic of compounding.Together, we’ll break down the difference between total net worth and investable net worth—the number that actually matters for creating real fin

Ever wonder why it feels like you’re working harder than ever but never seem to get ahead financially? You’re not failing because you’re lazy; you’re failing because you’re financially directionless. That’s the hard truth, and today, I’m bringing you the raw, no-fluff advice I wish someone had told me decades ago about what it really takes to get rich—and (spoiler alert) it’s NOT about grinding harder, hoarding cash, or chasing the next big promotion.In this episode, I walk you through the nine non-negotiables for building true wealth—the real stuff, the uncomfortable truths that rattle your comfort zone, and the practical, step-by-step tools that move you forward. This is your financial education with a bit of sarcasm, a lot of heart, and a proven pathway to true freedom.Drawing on over 30 years as a financial advisor, CPA, and lifelong student of wealth-building, I’ll show you how to craft a vision for your life, transform your relationship with debt, conquer self-sabotaging money stories, prioritize invest

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a question that eats at almost everyone on their wealth journey: Why does it seem like people who aren’t any “smarter” than you are making more money—and living their dream lives—while you’re stuck meal-prepping, maxing out your Roth IRA, and still feeling… stuck?Let’s get real. We’ve all been told that if you’re smart, work hard, and follow the “rules,” wealth will follow. But after decades of working with everyone from broke folks to billionaires, I’ve uncovered the hard truth: intelligence alone doesn’t guarantee wealth. Not even close.In today’s episode, I unpack the “intelligence myth” and why the highest IQs aren’t leading the pack financially. We’ll talk about science-backed reasons why taking action, building grit, and tolerating risk trump being the “smartest” person in the room.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The myth that intelligence equals wealthWhy “dumb” or less-experienced people often

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this episode, I’m getting real and a little bit blunt as we tackle a question I know many of us have asked ourselves: “Where the heck is all my money going?” Maybe you haven’t splurged on a yacht, but if you’ve ever wondered why your bank account doesn’t reflect the hard work you’re putting in, you’re in the right place.I break down the 15 perfectly normal — but totally destructive — ways your wealth is secretly bleeding out. These sneaky money leaks come disguised as self-care, adulting, or the infamous “I deserve this” mentality. Over time, they rob us of our options, our freedom, and, most importantly, our financial future. I’ll walk you through each of these traps, share where I’ve personally tripped up, and give you practical solutions on how to plug those leaks so you can start building real wealth.Think of this as your financial reality check — practical tips, a bit of tough love, and a whole lot of heart. It might sting a little, b

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the questions I get asked the most: If the dollar keeps losing value, is saving money even worth it anymore?With all the media chatter about inflation and the dollar weakening, it’s easy to feel like putting money in a savings account is about as useful as trying to fill a leaky bucket. Cash feels safe, but it seems like it’s just quietly melting away right under us. Should you bother to save at all—or is there a better way to protect your financial future?In this episode, I break down what’s really happening to the dollar, unravel the truth about inflation, and explain why saving alone will never build the wealth or the financial security you want. I talk about the real role of savings (and it’s not what most people think!), how to protect your emergency fund, and why owning assets is the only way to outpace inflation and achieve financial freedom.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why cash and saving

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic I’ve seen play out over my decades as an entrepreneur, money mentor, and financial expert: the 7 smart habits of quiet millionaires. We’re talking about the folks who build real, lasting wealth—not with flashy cars or Instagram fame, but with purposeful, behind-the-scenes action that gives them true freedom and peace of mind.Ever wonder why some millionaires seem to live loud, but somehow end up broke, while others keep it low-key, quietly amassing real wealth? I’m walking you through the strategies these quiet millionaires lean on—habits that let them stack the odds in their favor, eliminate financial stress, and create a life of choice. And, don’t worry, we’ll definitely poke a little fun at Lambo culture along the way!This isn’t about deprivation or hiding your success; it’s about designing a life aligned with your values, vision, and desired impact. Whether you want to build a legacy, or enjo

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m shining a light on a game-changing concept that separates the truly wealthy from everyone else: refusing to trade your time for money. If you’ve ever looked at your calendar and wondered if the hamster wheel of back-to-back meetings, errands, and calls is really the endgame, this episode is for you.I'm sharing the seven key reasons why the wealthy never play the time-for-dollars game—and how you can stop being the unpaid intern in your own life's story. I’ll walk you through my journey from accountant buried in spreadsheets and calls to someone who’s obsessed with building a system—a Money Machine—that funds a life of true freedom and choice.I’ll tell you how a simple, powerful lesson from my six-year-old son made me rethink everything about money, time, and presence. From there, you’ll discover how to architect a life where your money works for you—even while you sleep, take a walk, or argue with your teenager about Wi-F

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic that most people either misunderstand or try desperately to ignore: your net worth. Are you actually middle class, or is your paycheck just telling you a comforting story while your bank account plays hide and seek? We’re cutting through the noise and numbers to uncover the truth about wealth in America — what it means to be lower, middle, or upper class, and, more crucially, how you can move up no matter where you’re starting from.In this episode, we get into the real definition of net worth, why it matters far more than how much you make, and how you can use it as a playbook for building your money machine. We’ll break down the wealth categories, from lower class (under $150k), middle class, all the way to the upper class (over $1.5 million in net worth) — but more importantly, I’ll show you the strategies for each stage to keep you moving forward, wherever you’re at right now.IN TODAY’S EPISOD

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest myths the financial industry loves to sell: the fantasy of compound interest as the ultimate, effortless path to wealth. We all hear that “compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world”—and while it’s powerful, the way Wall Street sells it can leave you feeling like you were promised a yacht and handed a pool noodle with a dream.In this episode, I bust the myth that time alone will make you rich. I break down why average returns aren’t the same as your actual returns, and how relying on those rosy averages can seriously wreck your portfolio. I also unpack the deceptive smooth curve of compound interest, explain why your wealth journey starts with what I call the “wealth flatline,” and get real about the discipline and consistency it takes to get to the good stuff—where your money machine finally takes off.By the end, you’ll have a new perspective on compound interest (withou

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m taking you on a trip down memory lane to the 1970s—a wild economic decade full of stagflation, sky-high interest rates, and mile-long gas lines. Yet, my parents and so many others made it work on a single income. They raised families, lived in modest homes, and managed to save, even with all the financial chaos swirling around them.I wanted to pull back the curtain on those 1970s money habits—the ones many of us were never taught, but desperately need as we head into 2025. These are practical, timeless lessons about spending, saving, and living with intention that can help all of us regain control in today’s world of buy-now-pay-later, easy credit, and constant financial FOMO.In this episode, I break down the habits, attitudes, and practices from a simpler time, and show you how to adapt them in your own life—without sacrificing modern convenience. I share personal stories from my own family and offer actionable steps t

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m rolling up my sleeves and getting honest about the most controversial topics in personal finance. You know the ones—those “hot takes” that get tossed around at barbecues, family gatherings, and across social media feeds, usually prefaced with something like, “Well, my buddy said...”—and before you know it, that spicy advice is burning a hole in your financial future.In this episode, I’m debunking some of the biggest myths in personal finance, from the renting vs. owning debate to whether all debt is evil, leasing vs. buying cars, if you really need a financial advisor, the realities of the FIRE movement, and the age-old battle between real estate and stock investing.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Renting vs. Owning a HomeDebt & Credit Cards—Doom or Delight?Lease vs. Buy: Car Conundrum:Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor?The FIRE Movement—Does It Work for Everyone?Real Estate vs. Stocks—Which Builds More Wealth?Plus—hear

Welcome back to the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this episode, we’re shining a light on the WORST investment lies that too many finance gurus still tell — and that may be keeping you stuck, stressed, and second-guessing your financial future.Have you ever noticed how those so-called experts make wealth building sound as easy as ordering takeout? Just click a button, sit back, and supposedly your net worth skyrockets overnight. Well, real investing isn’t full of fairy dust or secret formulas—so today, I’m rolling up my sleeves to bust five of the biggest half-truths, myths, and lies I’ve heard in my 30+ years in finance (and yes, I’ve repeated some of them myself — nobody’s immune!).I’m breaking it all down with real numbers, real risks, and stories that reveal what actually works, minus the fluff. Grab your drink, your calculator, and let’s cut through the noise together!IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I COVER:Why the “market always averages 10-12% per year” is a misleading mythThe pitfalls of putting all your mo

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered if you missed some secret wealth-building meeting where the yachts, private jets, and monster bank accounts were handed out? You’re not alone, trust me. It can feel like everyone else is crushing the money game while you’re just trying to keep your shopping cart (with the squeaky wheel, no less) on track at Target.But here’s the truth: even if you feel behind, chances are you’re doing way better financially than you realize. Today, I’m breaking down the real, tangible signs that you’re actually winning with money—even if it doesn’t look like the highlight reels plastered on your social feeds.We’re walking through 8 signs you’re doing well financially. You might be surprised to find you’re way ahead of the curve—even if you’re not popping bottles on a yacht next to “Chad.”IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I COVER:Why being able to handle unexpected financial curveballs means you’re ahead of the packHow keeping yo

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Have you ever felt like your bank account is vanishing into thin air or like you’re working so hard just to stand still, financially? If so, trust me—you are not alone, and more importantly, you are not broken. Today, I’m here to flip the light switch on your financial journey and reveal exactly where you stand on the path to financial freedom.In this episode, I break down what I call The 4 Financial Freedom Zones—from the point where it feels like you’re drowning in bills all the way to the affluence zone, where your money works harder for you than you ever worked for it. I want you to know these “zones” aren’t about judgment—they’re about awareness. Wherever you are on this map, I’m going to give you actionable steps so you know how to move forward, escape the traps, and start making real progress.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I COVER:The 4 Financial Freedom Zones: Drowning, Breakthrough, Independence, and AffluenceWhy most people feel stuck (hint: i

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, we're cutting through the jargon and the shame to talk straight about financial literacy—everything they didn’t teach you in school but absolutely should have. If you've ever sat in a classroom wondering when you'd use all that stuff in real life, I’ve been there too. The truth is, nobody handed us a rulebook for money—they just tossed us in the deep end and figured we'd swim.I'm bringing you practical, action-oriented steps to master your money—no PhD or complicated spreadsheets required. We're breaking down the real lessons, the habits, the mindset shifts, and yes, a few dad jokes along the way. Let’s demystify credit scores, debt, savings, investing, and protecting what you’ve built, so you can take control of your financial future.Remember, financial freedom isn’t about being a math genius; it’s about choices and the freedom those choices bring.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I COVER:Why financial literac

Welcome to another transformational episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m unpacking one of the biggest secrets standing between you and real financial freedom—and no, it’s not a “hack” or some secret stock tip. It’s about the most foundational, game-changing choice you will ever make on your journey to building wealth: your money identity.Ever wonder why some people seem to build wealth effortlessly while others struggle, no matter how hard they hustle? I’ve been there too—wondering if I missed the financial success memo, questioning what I was missing. Trust me, you’re not broken and you’re not alone.I draw from personal experience, including what I’ve learned rebuilding after setbacks, and I share my five-step “5 R’s” framework to transform your money identity for good. This is not about how much you earn, how smart you are with spreadsheets, or even whether you bought that magic stock at the right time. It’s about who you decide to become on your financial journey.IN TODAY’S EPISODE,