Living Wealthy

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick shares a personal update after stepping away from the podcast for a short time. He talks about the recent move back to South Dakota, the challenges of balancing a new job and running a young business, and the season of reflection that followed.Nick announces that he has joined Thrivent Financial, a firm aligned with his values and focused on long-term, relationship-based financial planning. While it’s bittersweet, he also shares that Foundation Wealth Strategies will be closing as he transitions fully into this new chapter.He reflects on the lessons learned from starting a business from scratch, expresses gratitude for listeners’ support, and discusses what the future may hold for the Living Wealthy podcast.If you’d like to connect or work with Nick through Thrivent, reach out anytime. And as always, keep living wealthy.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick Poppe challenges one of the most repeated, and most misunderstood, phrases in personal finance: “high risk, high reward.” While often treated as a universal truth, Nick argues that this idea breaks down quickly in real life.Drawing a clear distinction between volatility and true financial risk, Nick explains why higher volatility doesn’t guarantee higher returns, only a wider range of outcomes. And since real people don’t live inside average returns or decades-long spreadsheets, those outcomes matter.True financial risk, Nick explains, isn’t market ups and downs, it’s losing access to your money when you need it, being forced to sell at the wrong time, lacking liquidity during emergencies or opportunities, and making emotional decisions under pressure. Using real-world examples from stock market investing and leveraged real estate, he shows how otherwise “good” assets can become dangerous when they’re used without a solid financial foundation.Nick reframes risk as a function of structure, timing, and control, not simply the asset itself. He explains how long-term investing dramatically reduces risk in assets like the stock market, while short-term access needs can turn those same assets into liabilities.The solution? Building a financial system that prioritizes control, liquidity, and optionality. Nick shares how he and Brooke use a properly designed whole life insurance policy as a financial foundation, providing guaranteed growth, uninterrupted compounding, access to capital, and peace of mind, so they’re never forced into bad decisions or reactive behavior.If you want help building a financial system that prioritizes control, liquidity, and long-term stability, visit FWstrategies.com to book a free 15-minute intro call, or email Nick directly at nick@FWstrategies.com.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick tackles a common financial dilemma: “Should I pay off debt first or should I save/invest first?” Most financial advice treats these as competing priorities, but Nick explains why that’s the wrong question.He breaks down how a properly designed whole life insurance policy allows you to do both at the same time, building savings and eliminating debt without sacrificing compound growth or liquidity.Nick explains the step-by-step process:Build savings first inside a policy that grows guaranteed, earns consistent dividends, and provides contractual access to capital.Use policy loans to eliminate debt while your full cash value continues compounding uninterrupted.Recapture debt payments into your own system, restoring liquidity and strengthening your personal financial ecosystem instead of sending cash flow to third-party lenders.This strategy transforms debt from something that controls you into something you solve strategically within your own wealth-building system. Unlike traditional debt-snowball approaches, you keep liquidity, control, and compounding working in your favor.Nick concludes by emphasizing that the real answer isn’t pay off debt OR save, it’s save first AND use your system to eliminate debt, creating long-term stability and control.To explore how this approach can help you build wealth while eliminating debt, book a free 15-minute intro call at fwstrategies.com or email Nick directly at nick@fwstrategies.com.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe breaks down the newly proposed idea of introducing a 50-year mortgage in the United States, a concept recently floated as a potential solution to the ongoing affordability crisis in the housing market. Nick explains what a 50-year mortgage actually is, how it differs from the traditional 30-year fixed loan, and why the lower monthly payment isn’t the same as increased affordability.Nick walks through the apparent benefits, lower payments, easier qualification, and improved short-term cash flow for families who are struggling to buy their first home. But he also highlights the deeper issues: stretching mortgage terms to 50 years doesn’t fix the underlying problem of too little supply and too much demand. Instead, it risks enabling more buyers to qualify for the same number of homes, which could push prices even higher—creating only temporary relief before affordability worsens again.He explores the long-term consequences of ultra-long mortgages, including massive lifetime interest costs, increased risk of becoming house-poor, and creating homeowners who are still making payments well into their 70s or 80s. Nick compares these outcomes to historical examples—such as Japan’s experiment with extended mortgage terms—and explains why similar policies didn’t solve the affordability crisis abroad.Ultimately, Nick argues that the real solution isn’t a new mortgage product at all, but rather building personal financial stability through liquidity, flexibility, and foundational assets. By saving more, avoiding payment-focused decision making, and using tools like properly structured whole life insurance, individuals can build a financial plan that supports the life they want—without relying on a 50-year debt obligation.If you want to create more flexibility and control in your financial life—or you want help building a stronger, more stable foundation—schedule a free 15-minute intro call at FWstrategies.com or email Nick directly at Nick@FWstrategies.com.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe breaks down the highly publicized lawsuit involving NASCAR star Kyle Busch, his family, Pacific Life, and the agent who sold them multiple Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies. The Busch family alleges they lost more than $8.5 million when they discovered the cash value had nearly disappeared and the policies were at risk of lapsing.Nick walks listeners through what the lawsuit claims, how the policies were illustrated, and why unrealistic projections, inflated death benefits, and misunderstood “flexible” premiums can create disastrous outcomes with IULs when they’re improperly designed. He explains how cap rates, participation rates, carrier discretion, cost of insurance charges, and performance assumptions create multiple layers of design risk and structural risk that many buyers never fully understand.He then contrasts this with the stability and predictability of properly structured, dividend-paying whole life insurance, emphasizing guaranteed premiums, guaranteed cash value growth, simpler mechanics, long-term safety, and minimal lapse risk. While Nick clarifies that IULs aren’t inherently bad, he shows how poor design, not the product itself, is often the root cause of catastrophic policy failures like the Busch case.Nick closes by reminding listeners to demand realistic illustrations, ask about worst-case scenarios, request annual in-force reviews, and choose advisors who prioritize long-term stewardship over commissions.If you want a second opinion on an existing policy or if you’re ready to build a safer, more predictable financial foundation, schedule a free 15-minute intro call at FWstrategies.com or email Nick directly at Nick@FWstrategies.com.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick shares a real-time story from his family’s major life transition, moving from Arkansas back to South Dakota, and how financial flexibility made it possible to pivot quickly without disrupting their long-term goals.Nick breaks down why traditional financial planning often leaves people stuck, rigid, and unable to take advantage of opportunities when life shifts. He explains the three pillars that create true financial flexibility: liquidity, a strong non-correlated foundation, and margin. He also talks about how intentionally designing your financial life around your values allows you to act instead of react, move on your terms, and avoid sacrificing compounding growth.Whether you're navigating change, planning ahead, or rethinking how your money should support your life, this episode will challenge you to build a financial strategy that gives you options, confidence, and control.Key topics covered:How Nick and Brooke moved states before selling their homeWhy most financial plans are too rigid to support real lifeThe role of liquidity and access to capitalHow whole life policies can create opportunity without sacrificing long-term growthWhy margin, not returns, is the real driver of financial peaceWhat it means to have your financial plan serve your life, not the other way aroundIf you're ready to build a plan with true flexibility and stability, visit FWstrategies.com or email Nick at nick@FWstrategies.com.

In this episode, Nick dives into one of the biggest disconnects in personal finance, the gap between what looks good on paper and what actually works in real life. He breaks down why financial decisions based purely on math often fail when human behavior, emotion, and real-life circumstances come into play.Nick explores why chasing the highest return or “biggest number at the end” can actually lead to more stress, less control, and poorer outcomes. He covers real-world factors that traditional financial advice often ignores, including:Behavior and consistency: Why even the best mathematical plans fail if you can’t stick to them emotionally.Control and liquidity: The overlooked importance of having flexible access to your money when life happens.Taxes and timing: Why pre-tax dollars today don’t equal post-tax dollars tomorrow and why assumptions can be dangerous.Risk and peace of mind: Why a steady, guaranteed plan can outperform volatile, high-return investments when stress and sleep are factored in.Nick also shares a personal example of how using Bank on Yourself-style whole life policies provided his family the liquidity and flexibility to buy a new home without financial stress, illustrating the “utility” of money in action.At its core, this episode is about redefining what it means to win financially. It’s not about having the biggest balance, it’s about building freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. When your financial plan fits your life (not the other way around), that’s when you’re truly living wealthy.Connect with Nick:Website: fwstrategies.comEmail: nick@fwstrategies.comKey Quote:“Your financial plan has to fit your life—not the other way around.”

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick Poppe explores what it truly means to align faith and finances. As a Christian and financial coach, Nick discusses how biblical principles of stewardship, patience, and generosity shape the way we earn, spend, invest, and give.He breaks down how the Bible addresses money, from the “love of money” being misunderstood to Jesus’ teaching that we can’t serve both God and wealth, and how those lessons can guide financial peace and purpose today. Nick also shares how modern tools like whole life insurance can fit within a faith-based approach to stewardship, helping families create financial security with control, freedom, and alignment to their values.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to honor God with your finances, and still be practical and prosperous, this episode will help you see how faith and financial wisdom can work together to build a truly wealthy life.If this episode challenged you to think differently about money or gave you something to reflect on, share it with someone who might need to hear it. To connect with Nick or learn more, visit fwstrategies.com or email nick@fwstrategies.com.Until next time, keep living wealthy.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick Poppe tackles the age-old debate: should you rent or buy your home? He breaks down common myths, like “renting is throwing money away” and “owning is always an investment,” showing why both sides miss the full picture. Nick explains the financial and lifestyle trade-offs between renting and buying, covering stability, control, forced savings, leverage, and lifestyle value.He also explores perspectives highlighting how different philosophies frame housing as a liability, an asset, or a strategic move depending on your situation. Using real-world examples, Nick shows how factors like appreciation, maintenance, leverage, and lifestyle goals can make one option better than the other.The takeaway: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Renting offers flexibility and predictable costs, while owning provides stability and the chance to build equity. Your choice should fit both your financial plan and the lifestyle you want to live.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this bonus Thursday episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe builds on the idea of giving your dollars more than one job by introducing the concept of partial self-insurance. Instead of letting insurance premiums disappear forever, Nick explains how you can strategically raise deductibles, lower monthly premiums, and redirect those savings into your Bank On Yourself system, turning a pure expense into a growing asset.Nick shares how he and his wife Brooke are applying this in real life, starting with health insurance and eventually expanding to auto and homeowners coverage. By capturing premium savings into their Bank On Yourself policies, they’re creating a safety net that continues to compound while remaining liquid and accessible.This episode is a practical deep dive into how to structure risk smartly, keep more control of your money, and make insurance work for you, not just the insurance companies.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe explores how to make your money work harder by giving every dollar multiple uses. Instead of the traditional “one-and-done” approach—where savings are locked into a single purpose like retirement accounts, 529 plans, or emergency funds—Nick shows how the Bank On Yourself strategy allows dollars to be used, reused, and recycled while continuing to grow.Nick breaks down how Bank on Yourself policies provide uninterrupted compounding and flexible access to capital. He shares real-world applications such as funding college, helping kids with weddings or home down payments, paying off debt, reducing other insurance costs through self-insuring, and even handling taxes more efficiently.The key takeaway: your money should serve you, not the other way around. With the right system, your dollars can support today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals—without sacrificing growth or control.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe shines a spotlight on one of the most underrated—and often overlooked—financial tools: convertible term life insurance.Nick explains what makes it different from standard term life: the option to convert into permanent coverage later without redoing medical exams or underwriting. That flexibility can be a game-changer if your health or financial situation changes.He breaks down:Why convertible term is an affordable way to maximize your human life value early on.How it creates future options for permanent coverage, cash value, and legacy planning.Common misconceptions, like thinking conversion costs the same as term or that permanent insurance is only for the wealthy.Practical uses, from protecting your family to business succession planning.A personal story of how Nick and his wife Brooke benefited from having convertible term in place during a health crisis.Ultimately, Nick emphasizes that while convertible term might cost a few dollars more than plain term, the flexibility, peace of mind, and ability to lock in your insurability make it one of the most valuable yet underappreciated products in personal finance.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick breaks down the three levels of using a Bank On Yourself policy and how each level serves a different purpose depending on your stage of life, goals, and mindset around money.This episode is a clear look at how Bank On Yourself isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s a flexible, customizable system that can evolve with your financial life. Whether you’re just getting started or already thinking outside the financial mainstream, there’s a level that fits.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick breaks down the why and how behind Bank On Yourself-designed whole life insurance policies—and why they’re completely different from the life insurance products most people are sold. He dives deep into the specific design structure that makes these policies powerful financial tools, including early cash value growth, non-direct recognition loans, paid-up additions, and guaranteed performance.Nick also explains why he only uses select insurance companies, those with long-standing financial strength and consistent dividend-paying histories, and why policies from big-name insurers or flashy products like indexed or variable universal life (IUL/VUL) don’t make the cut. From hidden fees to market volatility and unreliable projections, these other policies often promise more than they deliver.If you’ve ever wondered what makes a true Bank On Yourself policy different—or why most agents aren’t offering them—this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s under the hood, and why working with the right design and company makes all the difference.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe reacts to the YouTube video “Whole Life Insurance is a Scam – What the Salesman Won’t Tell You” by Rich on Money. Nick dives point by point into Rich’s arguments against whole life insurance, clarifying common misconceptions and offering his perspective as someone who uses and teaches the Bank on Yourself strategy.Nick explains why calling whole life insurance a “bad investment” is misleading, it’s not an investment at all, but a long-term savings vehicle with unique benefits. He addresses concerns about premiums, commissions, fees, and slow early growth, while emphasizing how properly designed policies create flexibility, stability, and control.Throughout the episode, Nick contrasts the “buy term and invest the difference” mindset with a broader financial philosophy: wealth isn’t just about chasing the biggest net worth decades from now, it’s about living a life of freedom, balance, and control today while still planning for the future.Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how whole life insurance really works, how it complements investing and business ownership as an “and asset,” and why financial strategies should fit the individual, not a one-size-fits-all formula.You can watch the YouTube video from Rich on Money here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6nG_XRbXuYBook a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe reflects on the importance of life insurance during Life Insurance Awareness Month. While recent tragic events serve as a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be, Nick emphasizes the peace and protection that life insurance provides for families left behind.He shares his heart on living boldly, standing firm in faith, serving others, and being a good steward of the resources and responsibilities God entrusts to us. Life insurance, he explains, is not just about numbers or policies, but about love, stewardship, and protecting those who matter most.Nick also opens up about his own journey of faith and why he feels called to speak boldly on both financial and spiritual matters. He challenges listeners to have real conversations about their life insurance, to ensure their loved ones are cared for, and to live with intention and courage in every area of life.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick gets back to the basics—helping listeners lay a strong financial foundation, especially if they’re just getting started or need to regroup after a few missteps. He walks through the essential first steps: understanding where your money is going, building a simple and effective budget, and taking control of your debt. Nick emphasizes that financial freedom doesn’t require perfection—it requires clarity, consistency, and ownership.He also shares his personal journey of using Bank On Yourself whole life insurance policies to pay off student loans, illustrating how these tools can create flexibility and financial control while still building long-term wealth. Whether you’re new to budgeting, buried in debt, or simply feeling stuck, this episode offers practical encouragement to take action and start creating a life where you feel confident, in control, and on the path to real freedom.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick Poppe challenges the traditional financial planning model and explores why it often falls short for modern investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone who doesn’t fit the “retire at 65” mold. He breaks down the common assumptions baked into conventional advice—like maxing out retirement accounts, relying on a 60/40 portfolio, or chasing market returns—and why those may not serve people who value flexibility, control, or early financial independence.Nick shares his personal experiences and observations from the financial industry, highlighting the limitations of locking money into long-term vehicles and the risks of being overexposed to public markets. He also digs into the myths around high investment returns, market outperformance, and how real people behave in volatile markets.Through this lens, he advocates for a more custom, values-driven approach to financial planning—one that prioritizes access to capital, financial flexibility, and the ability to pivot when life changes. He introduces the Bank on Yourself strategy as one such solution and discusses how it can be a game changer for creating opportunity and security—without relying solely on Wall Street.To watch the video referenced in the podcast, please go to: https://youtu.be/KLChXdquO-E?feature=sharedBook a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this special reaction episode, Nick Poppe responds to a (pretty old but very popular) Dave Ramsey clip that calls the Infinite Banking Concept/Bank on Yourself a scam. Nick breaks down key misconceptions about Bank On Yourself and Infinite Banking, explaining their similarities and clarifying how these strategies truly work. He dives into misunderstood topics like insurance company dividends, cash value, commissions, and policy design, offering a detailed defense of the concept.Nick shares his personal journey from being a Dave Ramsey follower to discovering the power of alternative financial tools and why personalized advice matters. He acknowledges where Ramsey is right and where he misses the mark, emphasizing the importance of working with trustworthy advisors and making choices that fit your unique goals.See the full Dave Ramsey show clip from this episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MVUN0yGF80Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe wraps up his 3-part series on retirement income strategies by walking you through how to design your own personalized income plan. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your savings into a sustainable income stream—or how to plan for peace of mind, not just performance, this episode is for you.Nick breaks down how to:Identify and separate income needs (necessities vs. lifestyle)Take inventory of your assets (Social Security, 401(k)s, IRAs, real estate, annuities, life insurance, and more)Layer your income: guaranteed, semi-predictable, and variable sourcesBuild flexibility into your plan with tax-advantaged, liquid “buffer assets”Manage taxes in retirement without letting them control your planThis isn’t about one-size-fits-all advice or generic rules of thumb. It’s about helping you align your money with your values, and create a retirement strategy that helps you sleep well at night.Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcpKeywordsretirement income strategies, financial planning, passive income, income needs, asset assessment, tax efficiency, retirement planning, financial coaching, wealth management, income layering