The Blue Collar Millionaire Show

Chad sits down with rapper, author, and speaker Zuby for a grounded, honest conversation about purpose, work, and personal responsibility.Zuby is known for real talk and cultural commentary that challenges how we think and how we live. In this episode, he shares why words matter, why every person is the talent, and how choosing intention over negativity can change the impact we have on others.They talk about the pressure to grind toward a retirement finish line, hating Mondays, and living as if tomorrow is guaranteed. Zuby offers a realistic take on work. Not everyone will love their job, but most people can do something they do not hate, and that matters.The conversation also touches on resilience, fitness, finance, and the importance of being present instead of rushing through life. At the heart of it all is a simple question. If tomorrow was not promised, would you be at peace with how you are living today?This episode is thoughtful, challenging, and full of perspective you will want to sit with.Connect with Zuby: https://www.instagram.com/zubymusic/

This episode starts with a question Chad asks a lot: if you could choose any time in history to live, when would it be? From there, Logan and Chad talk through why we so often believe the past was better, and what life actually looked like for most people in those eras.They move through different periods in history and talk honestly about who had opportunity, who didn’t, and how much of daily life was shaped by survival rather than choice. They also discuss how progress is easy to overlook when the focus is always on what is going wrong, especially in a constant news cycle.The conversation eventually comes back to money and planning. If you don’t believe the future is worth building toward, it becomes harder to save, invest, and make long term decisions with confidence.

In this follow-up conversation, Greg and Chad revisit their episode with Dan Magone and take a closer look at the lessons behind his stories. Dan has spent his life stepping into dangerous situations, whether he was welding underwater or responding when everyone else was running the other direction. His willingness to face real risk gives a clear picture of what courage looks like in practice.Greg and Chad connect Dan’s experiences to patterns they see every day in the financial world. When something feels uncertain or uncomfortable, most people pull back. Markets shift, headlines stir panic, and many investors react the same way people react to a storm on the horizon. The problem is that growth rarely happens when you retreat at the first sign of discomfort.This episode focuses on what it means to stay steady when everything around you feels unsettled. Greg and Chad talk through volatility, why staying the course matters, and how long-term risk is often far lower than it feels in the moment. Dan’s example becomes a reminder that courage shows up in small decisions too, especially the ones that push you to keep going when it would be easier to step aside.Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of why discomfort is often the starting point for growth and how resilience plays out in both life and investing.

In this episode of the Blue Collar Millionaire podcast, Chad Hufford sits down with Dan Magone, founder of Magone Marine and author of Port of Refuge. Dan shares his incredible experiences working in the treacherous waters of Alaska, from underwater boat repair to salvaging vessels in extreme conditions.Through these stories, Dan reveals the lessons of resilience, perseverance, and commitment that extend far beyond the ocean. He dives into the mindset needed to tackle life’s storms, whether in your career, finances, marriage, or personal growth.Listeners will walk away inspired by Dan’s firsthand adventures and practical insights on how to keep showing up, stay steadfast in adversity, and build the confidence to navigate life’s challenges.Purchase Dan's Book: Port of Refuge

Logan and Chad talk through the last chapter of Forging Financial Freedom and what it actually means to take control of your own life. So much of what we focus on is out of our control and it leaves us feeling stuck. The economy, other people, unexpected circumstances and it’s easy to blame everything around us and wait for someone to step in and fix it.But the truth is the choices you make in your own home, with your money, and in your habits carry more weight than anything happening outside of you. You can always take a small step forward, no matter what’s going on. It’s about letting go of the helpless mindset, owning your daily actions, and stacking small wins that add up over time.And you don’t have to do it alone. Community, mentors, and resources keep you steady and supported. Ask yourself where you are, where you want to be, and what the smallest next step looks like today.This episode is for anyone tired of feeling stuck and ready to reclaim the influence they actually have in their life.

In today's episode Chad and Logan explore the Persistence Over Perfection chapter from Forging Financial Freedom. Using examples from sports legends like Ichiro Suzuki and Frank Gore, they show how small, consistent actions can lead to big results whether in sports, investing, or everyday life.They remind us that chasing the perfect plan often keeps us stuck, and real progress comes from showing up, doing the work, and staying consistent. This episode highlights how habits compound over time, why persistence matters more than perfection, and how the lessons of discipline and consistency ripple across all areas of life.If you’ve ever felt like you had to have it all figured out before moving forward, this episode will encourage you to start where you are, take the next step, and trust the process.Grab Forging Financial Freedom by Chad Hufford on Amazon.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

In this episode of The Blue Collar Millionaire Show, Logan and Greg share a conversation that starts with moose hunting and ends with a lesson about life, mentorship, and financial guidance.Greg talks about how every year his hunting group manages to bring home a moose, thanks to the experience and wisdom of his dad — a professional guide who spent years teaching others how to read the land and understand the hunt. That kind of knowledge doesn’t come from luck; it comes from walking beside someone who’s already been there.Logan connects this idea to the work they do at Veritas. Having a financial advisor isn’t just about choosing investments or watching numbers move. It’s about partnership, trust, and learning how to make confident decisions for the long haul. A great guide doesn’t just get the job done — they teach you how to navigate the terrain on your own.Because whether you’re tracking a moose in the woods or building a plan for your future, it’s easy to get lost without someone who knows the way.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

Greg has seen it all when it comes to personal finance—from car loans and mortgages to debts owed within families. Over time, he’s realized that even the most responsible savers and planners often carry deep fears and shame around money. In this episode, Logan and Greg continue their three-part conversation about the emotional roadblocks that keep people from getting the financial help they need.Together, they unpack the fears of judgment, comparison, and complexity that can make it uncomfortable to reveal your full financial story to someone else. They talk about why even smart decisions don’t always silence self-doubt, and how the pressure to “measure up” against others keeps so many from focusing on what really matters—their own goals.Through honest discussion and relatable examples, Greg shares how opening up about your finances is a lot like facing a hidden problem in your home. Once you uncover what’s behind the wall, you can’t ignore it—but dealing with it brings relief and clarity. Whether it’s cleaning up messy habits, building better systems, or finally facing your fears, you don’t have to do it alone.This episode is a reminder that seeking help isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a step toward freedom.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

In this episode, Logan Hufford and Greg sit down for an open and honest conversation about their unexpected paths into the world of financial management. Neither started in finance—Logan walked away from a high-paying career in the car business in search of balance and purpose, while Greg transitioned from welding and teaching in the trades to to retirement planning after connecting with Veritas founder, Chad Hufford.Together, they talk about how their blue-collar values, life experience, and personal growth shaped their work today at Veritas. They share openly about recovery, the power of vulnerability, and how helping others live healthier, more intentional lives matters more than just growing investments.You’ll hear about the lessons they’ve learned on money, work, and building trust with clients—and how Veritas empowers its team to bring real advice and support to every consultation and workshop.If you’re thinking about a career change, craving purpose in your work, or simply want to hear how authenticity can lead to success, this episode will hit home.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

Some people take one career path and stick with it for life. Danielle Allen has never been afraid to chase new challenges—firefighter, paramedic, commercial pilot, and now podcast host. Through it all, she’s carried the same drive for excellence and a love for learning.In this episode of The Blue Collar Millionaire Show, Danielle opens up about what it really looks like to follow your interests, even when they take you in completely different directions. From mountaineering goals to picking up trash in her neighborhood, Danielle shows that passion and purpose can be found in both the big adventures and the small, everyday choices.We talk about how she decides what’s worth pursuing, why she believes in saying yes to curiosity, and the lessons she’s learned from walking so many different paths.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to try something new—or if you just need a reminder to go after the things that keep tugging at you—this conversation is one you’ll want to hear.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

Greg and Chad sit down to reflect on Chad’s previous conversation with Tim Tillman and the lessons that continue to ripple out from his story. Tim’s approach to retirement wasn’t just about building financial independence—it was about creating a life filled with gratitude, purpose, and impact.In this debrief, Greg and Chad share what stood out most, including the reminder that we don’t need to wait for a tragedy to wake us up. People will always say it’s not a good time, but important choices are rarely easy in the short term. Tim’s story is a challenge to act now, to live intentionally today, and to think about how our decisions affect future generations.They also revisit the way Tim made gratitude a daily practice, the influence he and his wife continue to have, and how habits—both financial and personal—create a ripple effect that stretches far beyond ourselves. His story is a reminder that what we do here echoes into eternity.This reflection isn’t just about retirement. It’s about living with purpose, building habits that matter, and recognizing the impact of small, consistent choices.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

In this episode, Chad Hufford sits down with longtime friend and author Bill Cates to discuss his new book, The Hidden Heist: Stop Robbing Yourself of Lasting Wealth. Unlike his earlier work for financial professionals, this book is written for everyday people, showing how mindset and behavior can quietly rob us of financial independence—and how to take control of your money.Through a creative parable centered on a bank robbery, Bill shares common money mistakes, real-life lessons, and why simple principles and consistent habits matter more than technical knowledge. He also highlights the importance of mentorship, role models, and working with a financial advisor, while offering practical tips for teaching kids about money and fostering financial literacy.By examining your beliefs, taking consistent action, and serving your future self, this episode provides the tools and encouragement anyone can use to start building lasting wealth.Resources & Links:Book: The Hidden Heist: Stop Robbing Yourself of Lasting WealthWebsite: thehiddenheist.comConnect with Bill Cates:referralcoach.com bill@referralcoach.com

In this episode, Chad sits down with Tim for a powerful conversation about retirement—not just preparing financially, but also creating a meaningful life after stepping away from a career of service.Tim brings wisdom from his own journey, having retired after 33 years with FedEx. His story shows how small, consistent habits—like saving a little at a time and taking advantage of employer matching programs—add up to financial freedom. Tim’s savings mindset started early, and he shares the moment retirement began to feel real and tangible.But this conversation goes beyond money. Tim talks about building a “job optional” lifestyle, traveling with intention, and continuing to serve others in retirement. He reminds us that retirement isn’t an ending—it’s an opportunity to make an impact. While many fall into complacency, Tim is an example of how to stay engaged, purposeful, and committed to contributing in meaningful ways.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to prepare for retirement—and more importantly, what to retire to—this episode will leave you inspired to start small, stay consistent, and keep serving.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

This week on the Blue Collar Millionaire Podcast, Chad Hufford and Greg revisit one of their most impactful conversations—an inspiring sit-down with Chris Marchant. Together, they discuss the ongoing challenge of balancing work, fitness, and family life, and share real-world strategies for living with discipline and intention.Chad reflects on how he used to choose the easy path, avoiding hard things, and how Chris’s example challenged him to embrace the work required for real growth. Greg opens up about setting firmer boundaries between work and home, and the freedom that comes from “giving yourself permission to be done.”They also dig into the role of routines—like consistent workouts and healthy eating—in shaping mindset and productivity, and why your goals should be grounded in purpose, not just financial gain.Here are three takeaways you’ll hear in this episode:Deliberate Boundaries Create Balance – Draw a clear line between work and home to amplify both your career and family life.Discipline Over Motivation – Success isn’t about waiting to feel ready—it’s about choosing the hard, right thing every day.Purpose Drives Prosperity – Let your “why” guide your goals so your work leaves a lasting legacy.If you’re building wealth, raising a family, and working on yourself all at the same time, this episode will give you honest encouragement and practical tools to help you stay the course.(00:00) Work-Life Balance Discussion(05:29) Breaking Work Mode Distractions(06:59) First Responder's Stress Management(09:42) "Embrace Challenges, Overcome Excuses"(14:48) Disruptive Eating and Discipline(17:41) Truth-Telling with Firm Tenderness(22:07) "Choosing Family Over Work"(23:02) "Intentional Parenting Moments"Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

Everything feels like a race to the finish line—but what if the real win is learning how to be present while you’re building the life you want?In this conversation, Chad sits down with veteran firefighter Chris Marchant to talk about what it means to live with purpose in the middle of long shifts, family demands, and the daily grind. After nearly 20 years in the fire service, Chris has learned how to stop carrying the weight of work into his home, how to create rhythms that keep him grounded, and how to keep showing up with intention—even on the hard days.They talk about the mindset shift that comes from knowing your “why,” the importance of creating space to reset before walking through the front door, and how to live in alignment with what matters most—faith, family, and legacy. Chris shares the small daily choices that have added up to big change over time and why consistency will always outlast motivation.This episode is full of real-life wisdom, practical habits, and honest reflections on what it takes to live a life that’s not just successful—but meaningful.03:12 Finding Balance and Being Present08:05 Mindful Homecoming Adjustment11:51 Shift Work Stress: Fitness Importance13:38 Intentional Planning Amid Chaos18:24 "Defining Post-Retirement Identity"19:15 Actions Shape Future: Reflect Deeply23:05 "Finding Your 'Why'"Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

Chad and Greg are back this week to reflect on last episode’s conversation with Cal—a firefighter who made saving for the future a priority early on. In this episode, they talk about how hard it is to save for the future when you're discontent in the present. Gratitude, Cal shared, was a major part of staying grounded. It helped him resist lifestyle creep, even as his income grew. He didn’t chase the next upgrade or compare himself to others. He stayed focused on what actually mattered to him.They also break down the discipline behind Cal’s story. He took a pay cut to prioritize his deferred comp and stuck with it. Not because it was easy—but because it was the right move for the future he wanted. There was no big moment of success. Just steady commitment, day after day.Chad and Greg highlight how this goes against the norm. Most people don’t save when it’s inconvenient. Most people wait until “later.” But Cal pushed against that. He paid himself first. He didn’t wait for the perfect time—he just started.If you’re feeling discouraged or like you’re behind, this one’s for you. This episode is a reminder that it doesn’t have to be flashy. It just has to be consistent. The small decisions, the hard ones—that’s what builds a future.00:00 Contentment Fuels Financial Preparedness05:58 "Consistency and Self-Payment"07:57 "Commitment Over Convenience"12:20 "Building Community Like CrossFit"13:16 The Power of Community Commitment16:55 "Financial Discipline Challenges"Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

In today’s episode, host Chad Hufford sits down with Cal, a recently retired Alaskan firefighter who dedicated three decades to serving his community. Starting his career at just $9 an hour, Cal shares how he steadily built long-term financial security through smart decisions and consistent habits.Early in his career, Cal took the advice to start saving by maxing out his contributions to the fire department’s deferred compensation plan—a special retirement account. Despite modest earnings, he committed to saving as much as possible from the start and stayed disciplined even as his income grew and the temptation to spend more increased. His story highlights how living within your means and developing strong saving habits can overcome lifestyle creep and lead to real financial freedom.Cal also reflects on the importance of having a supportive community and mentors to help keep him accountable and motivated throughout his journey. This episode offers practical, down-to-earth advice on building wealth through consistency, sacrifice, and community support. Cal’s experience proves that no matter your income, the key to financial success lies in small, intentional choices made over time.00:00 "Deferred Comp Advice for Firefighters"04:06 Deferred Compensation for Firefighters07:07 Career Transition to Firefighting10:20 Frugal Living for Financial Growth14:26 "Value of Financial Camaraderie"18:45 Consistent Saving and Collaborative Financial PlanningConnect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

In this episode, Chad Hufford and Logan Hufford dig into Chapter 6 of Logan’s book, Forging Financial Freedom. This chapter challenges a common impulse: the urge to act immediately when life gets chaotic. Instead, they explore the power of patience and the wisdom in sometimes choosing to do nothing.At first glance, “doing nothing” sounds like passivity or giving up—but Chad and Logan show it’s actually about patience and trusting time to work in your favor. When scary or uncertain things happen, our natural reaction is to jump into action. But sometimes, standing firm and letting your well-laid plan unfold quietly is the strongest move you can make.The conversation highlights how time often solves problems better than frantic efforts, especially when paired with a solid, thoughtful plan. They also discuss how modern pressures—from media to social expectations—can make patience feel impossible, especially in a crisis or “storm.” The key is resisting the urge to react emotionally and instead focus on acting on your plan, not just reacting to circumstances.Whether you’re building wealth from scratch or navigating the changing markets, this episode offers refreshing perspective and practical wisdom on how to stay grounded, patient, and purposeful.00:00 Fabius’ Strategy: Avoiding Futile Battles06:35  Patience in Long-Term Investing07:29  Retirement Resilience: Patience Under Pressure11:50  Fear-Driven Actions and Investment Losses15:28  Streamlining Life for a Stronger Marriage17:17  Eliminating Debt and Embracing ContentmentGrab Forging Financial Freedom by Chad Hufford on Amazon.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

Welcome back to the Blue Collar Millionaire Podcast. In today’s conversation, Chad and Logan Hufford dive into Chapter 5 of Forging Financial Freedom, where they explore one of the most practical metaphors for long-term investing: farming your orchard.Too often, investors approach their portfolios like they’re planting a single tree—betting everything on one idea, one industry, or one hot stock. Chad breaks down why this approach leaves your financial future vulnerable. Instead, a healthy orchard—and a healthy investment strategy—requires variety, patience, and consistent care.Logan shares how this farming analogy helps people understand diversification in a deeper way. It’s not about owning a little of everything, but about building a mix of investments that can thrive across different seasons and withstand the inevitable market storms. They also discuss the emotional side of investing—why reacting to fear or market headlines often leads people to pull up their financial roots at the worst possible time.Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to strengthen your portfolio, this episode will help you rethink risk, stay grounded during market volatility, and keep your focus on the long-term growth that really matters.00:00 "Growing Wealth: Patience & Permanence"05:26 Weathering Financial Storms06:56 Chasing Orchard Fads12:08 Diversified Investment Wisdom14:13 Market Focus vs. Long-Term Goals16:51 Investment Seasons Metaphor19:42 "Weathering the Orchard's Storms"22:19 S&P 500 Long-term Investment Insight26:10 Embrace Risk in Business OwnershipGrab Forging Financial Freedom by Chad Hufford on Amazon.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska

In this episode, Chad and Logan unpack one of the biggest mistakes people make with money: misidentifying the real enemy. We’re often taught to fear words like “volatility” and “market drop,” but those aren’t the real threats.These terms get tossed around without context, and when we absorb them at face value, we end up building our financial future on a shaky foundation. “Safe” doesn’t always mean secure. And chasing stability without a strategy can quietly erode your buying power—especially in the face of inflation.At the heart of this conversation is a mindset shift. Money is purchasing power, and if it’s standing still, it’s falling behind. Simply parking it to avoid turbulence can cost more than you think.Chad and Logan walk through what it means to develop a clear, confident approach to money—one that focuses on growth, not just protection. It’s not about avoiding risk altogether; it’s about having a plan that can handle it.They also explore the difference between asking Can I retire? versus aiming to comfortably retire. That one shift—from fear to intention—makes all the difference.Words matter. So do the conversations we’re willing to have. If you want financial freedom, you need more than a portfolio—you need perspective and a plan to match.00:00 "Reframing Stock Market Misconceptions"05:43 "Focus on Income Stability"07:09 "Conservative Savings: A Risky Future?"10:06 Prioritize Long-Term Financial Security15:25 Fear of Uncertainty Impedes Growth18:24 Avoid Panic Selling in Declines20:37 Financial Conversations Through UncertaintyGrab Forging Financial Freedom by Chad Hufford on Amazon.Connect: Veritasalaska.comhttps://www.instagram.com/veritas.alaska