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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,

Welcome to a revealing episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on what banks are really doing with your money—and why you might want to think twice before trusting them with your hard-earned cash. Ever wondered why your savings account seems to earn pocket change while your bank flaunts shiny new office towers and charges you fees left and right? It’s not by accident, and in this episode, I break down exactly how the system is stacked in the bank’s favor, not yours.We’ll explore the hidden realities of fractional reserve banking—where your deposited dollars are leveraged by the banks to make massive profits—and dissect how things like credit card debt, endless fees, and questionable banking practices eat away at your wealth. I debunk the illusion of safety when it comes to things like FDIC insurance and fraud protection.But I won’t just leave you with concerns—I’ll equip you with tactical moves to ensure your money is safe, controlled, and actually working for you.

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, we’re getting real about something that impacts absolutely every one of us: our unique money personalities. Ever wonder why two people can make the same amount of money, but one ends up with a healthy investment portfolio and the other seems to have nothing but credit card statements and a killer shoe collection? Or maybe you and your partner treat spending like you’re playing on rival teams?Trust me, you’re not alone—and there’s a reason for all of it.In this episode, I break down the four money personalities that I’ve seen again and again throughout my 30+ years as a CPA, advisor, and author of Building Your Money Machine. I go deeper than ever before into the habits, mindsets, and muscle memory that drive our choices with money. This isn’t just about math—it’s about why we do what we do.You’ll find out which money personality is your go-to, how these personalities interact (sometimes explosively!) in relationships, and strategi

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m taking you on a personal journey back in time — back to when I was 20 years old. If you’ve ever wished you could go back and give your younger self a roadmap, this episode is for you. As a 63-year-old multimillionaire who’s faced his share of ups, downs, setbacks, and hard-won victories, I’m sharing the six biggest lessons I wish I’d known at 20 — wisdom to help you build both your wealth and the life you truly want.We talk about why mastering your money mindset trumps just “working hard,” how building your money machine early pays off for decades, and why failure is not your enemy but your best teacher. I open up about the painful moments that redefined what mattered most to me — from business mistakes to cancer scares and the moment my son’s drawing broke open a new chapter in my life.If you’re tired of chasing someone else’s version of success, or you’re grinding away but feel like something’s missing, this episode will help you

Welcome back to another revealing episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m diving into a topic that’s honestly got me more fired up than ever before: the sad truth that financial literacy is the lowest it’s ever been—even with all the tech, all the YouTube gurus, and TikTok “experts” you can scroll through in a day.Let’s face it—something’s gone off the rails. People still think credit cards are free money. Buying luxury cars with no assets to back them. Racking up overdraft fees, draining 401(k)s, signing onto student loans they don't understand, and hoping for forgiveness that may never come. This episode is about breaking down some of the most cringeworthy and all-too-common financial missteps I’ve seen floating around online (and that my team has graciously pulled together for us to react to).I’m here to break down what should have been done, what needs to change, and how you (or someone you care about) can avoid these money traps. You’ll get real talk, straightforward strategies,

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic that’s everywhere—those “rich” folks we see parading luxury cars, designer clothes, and lavish vacations on social media. But here’s the ugly truth: for a lot of them, it’s not real financial freedom they’re selling—it’s financial pressure.I’ll be breaking down the 10 key habits of the “fake rich”—habits that might look impressive from the outside, but are quietly wrecking people’s financial futures. More importantly, I’ll show you how to steer clear of these traps so you can build wealth that actually lasts and brings you peace of mind.We’re all familiar with the Instagram highlight reels—the Lambos, the boats, the shopping sprees. But what’s really happening behind those flashy posts? Today, I’ll walk you through the red flags that expose fake wealth, how comparison can destroy your confidence, and the disciplined plan you need to stay focused on your own progress.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DIS

Welcome to a very special episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m taking you behind the spreadsheets and into the life lessons I wish I’d known earlier—a candid conversation about what truly matters most on this journey to financial freedom and living fully.I get personal in this episode. From surviving cancer—twice—to rebuilding my business after devastating loss, and raising my son as a single, full-time dad, life has thrown me both blessings and curveballs. Each of these moments taught me things about money, meaning, and legacy that I simply couldn’t have learned from a textbook or a balance sheet.If you’re ready for a refreshingly honest look at wealth—not just what’s in your bank account, but what fills your life with purpose and richness—you’re in the right place. Money is never just the goal; it’s the paintbrush we use to create the masterpiece of our life. So let’s dig in together.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why money isn’t everything, but it touches everything—and the real magic

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m shining a light on a topic that’s often overlooked but crucial for anyone serious about building real wealth: hidden expenses that sneakily drain your financial future.I’m breaking down the 14 silent money leaks that could be quietly destroying your wealth right under your nose. These aren’t just theoretical concepts. Many of these come straight from my own experience and from the real-life journeys of my clients.We’ll dig into three main categories: investing leaks, protection leaks, and lifestyle leaks. I’ll walk you through how these leaks happen, and—most importantly—how you can plug them to accelerate your path to financial freedom.On the lifestyle side, I’ll reveal the dangers of lifestyle creep, high-interest debt, car depreciation, emotional spending, last-minute purchases, and more. For your safety net, I’ll share why you must be proactive about negotiating big expenses, maximizing your employee benefits, making s

Welcome to a powerful and reflective episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on four decades of experience sitting across from millionaires, billionaires, and business owners. I’m sharing the real regrets I’ve witnessed at the top—not the sort about money lost, but the much deeper kind: moments missed and lives only half-lived.Over 40 years as an accountant, advisor, entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and single father, I’ve seen firsthand what genuinely matters when it comes to building wealth. It’s not about accumulating the biggest number in your bank account. It’s about crafting a rich life, filled with purpose, joy, and relationships—not just a rich portfolio.In this episode, I open up about the seven biggest regrets I’ve heard from the wealthy (and nearly slipped into myself). This is your invitation to break the cycle, sidestep the mistakes of “successful” people who realize—sometimes too late—that they chased the wrong kind of wealth.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCU

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, we’re tackling a critical reason why so many people struggle to build wealth—even when they know what to do: they rely on willpower instead of automation. If you ever feel like growing your money is a constant uphill battle or that you’re playing catch-up no matter how hard you work, this episode is designed just for you.In this episode, I dive into the truth behind wealth creation: the wealthiest people don’t work harder for their money. Instead, they use systems that put their money on autopilot. I share my own journey—where I stumbled using sheer willpower and how turning to automation transformed my results and made wealth-building not only more effective, but less stressful too.I walk you through the seven critical steps to automating your wealth, from cash flow to savings, investing, debt-paydown, protecting your wealth, optimizing taxes, and growing your income streams. I break down how to get hands-off with your financ

Welcome to a special episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m flipping the script a bit—we’re not just talking about cutting costs or scrimping and saving. Instead, I’m sharing 10 things that are actually worth spending money on—even when money is tight. I know, it might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out: some expenses aren’t really expenses at all. They’re investments in your protection, your earning power, your health, and your peace of mind.I walk you through each of these 10 life upgrades—things that don’t just take money out of your wallet, but actually save you, build value, and help you create a future you’ll be proud to live in. From protecting yourself with an emergency fund and health insurance, to investing in new skills, mental health, and even kitchen essentials, these are the game-changers that keep you stable, strong, and moving forward.I’ll share my own experiences—and the data—to help you see expenses in a whole new light.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why cutting ever

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today we’re tackling a topic that’s crucial for anyone looking to retire with real confidence and peace of mind. What if I told you that most people are planning for retirement all wrong? That’s right—many of us believe we’re set until reality hits and the money runs out, unexpected expenses pop up, or we end up living a lifestyle we never truly prepared for.In this episode, I walk you through the eight biggest signs you’re not ready for retirement. Retirement isn’t about an age or a magic number; it’s about lifestyle and financial readiness. I’ll show you how to shift away from chasing arbitrary numbers and start focusing on building a retirement plan that actually supports the life you want.We'll discuss the critical mistakes to avoid, and talk about overlooked threats like healthcare costs and inflation. You’ll learn why conventional wisdom about retirement may be setting you up for stress, and how to make the mindset and

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, we’re confronting one of the most anxiety-inducing topics out there: recessions. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about market crashes, job losses, or just wondered how you can truly safeguard your money and lifestyle when the economy takes a hit, this episode is for you.I walk you through how to shift your mindset—seeing a recession not as a threat, but as your greatest opportunity to grow stronger, wealthier, and more secure than ever before. With experts predicting a 35–60% chance of a recession in the near future, the time for fear is over. It’s time to prepare and strategize so you can not just survive economic downturns, but thrive right through them.I’ll walk you through eliminating destructive debt, upskilling to become indispensable in any market, and the critical importance of staying the course with your investments—plus why you should only invest in what you truly understand.Let’s get strategic, set your money machine in motion,

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today’s episode is all about the money principles I know at 63—but honestly, I wish I’d understood them back when I was 40. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure whether your hard work will actually bring you financial freedom, then you’re in the right place. I’m opening up about my real-life experience navigating through four recessions, overcoming cancer, and raising my son solo from the age of six. Now, decades later, I’m financially free and living a life that’s truly rich—not just in dollars, but in meaning, memories, and experiences.In this episode, I’m sharing the core money truths that can radically shift how you build wealth and, more importantly, how you live your life. These are the lessons I’d give to my 20-, 30-, and 40-year-old self—the ones that matter beyond just growing a bank account. We’ll challenge the myths around money and discuss why purpose, not just a number, is what really unlocks freedom.I’m not just ha

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m tackling one of the most common questions—and dreams—I hear from so many of you: Is it really possible to retire early without sacrificing your lifestyle? If you’ve ever felt trapped in the grind, wondering if freedom is out of reach before that magical age of 65, or worried you may have already missed your window, this episode is for you.I break down exactly what it takes to retire five, even ten years earlier than you thought possible. I’m sharing how to run the numbers, the realities of your spending, the trade-offs you’ll need to consider, and—most importantly—how to avoid the biggest mistake I see time and again: waiting until it’s too late to plan your freedom.We’ll talk about why most people don’t retire “late” because they have to. I use real-life scenarios and simple math to illuminate the path, showing you how your habits, choices, and clarity on your “freedom number” can unlock new possibilities for your future.