Money Ripples Podcast

It's time to start Infinite Banking: https://bit.ly/4nmv7UE IUL vs Whole Life for Infinite Banking: here’s the truth agents won’t show you. A sneaky insurance agent tried to switch my client from a properly designed Whole Life policy to Index Universal Life (IUL)—and it would’ve cost him tens of thousands over time. In this video, I break down the real differences between IUL and Whole Life for Infinite Banking (IBC), why Nelson Nash didn’t design IBC for IUL, and how surrender charges, rising insurance costs, caps/floors, and wash loans quietly erode results. What you’ll learn: Why UL charges increase with age while Whole Life front-loads costs and then backs off How surrender fees limit your early access in IUL vs clean, immediate access in properly structured Whole Life The truth about caps and floors (and who controls them) Why most IUL “make money in two places” claims rely on wash loans (0% net—not compounding) How Whole Life policy loans let your cash value keep compounding tax-free while you use the money Real illustrations: $18k/year IUL vs a Max ROI Infinite Banking Whole Life design (more cash value, higher death benefit, faster break-even) Why banks often prefer Whole Life over IUL for collateral (and may cap IUL LTV) If you’re serious about Infinite Banking, you need certainty, liquidity, and true tax-free compounding—not marketing hype. Properly engineered Whole Life (not vanilla WL) is the backbone of IBC because it’s designed for maximum cash value and flexibility, not sales commissions.

What if you could not only pay off your student debt but also become a millionaire in just seven years? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Rose Han, did—and now she’s showing others how to do the same. In this episode of the Money Ripples Podcast, Chris Miles sits down with Rose Han, a former Wall Street trader turned financial educator, YouTuber, and author of the brand-new book Add a Zero. Rose shares her incredible journey from being six figures in student debt at age 23 to achieving millionaire status by 30. She opens up about the financial principles, mindset shifts, and bold life decisions that made it possible. You’ll discover: How Rose went from living paycheck-to-paycheck on Wall Street to financial independence. The life-changing lessons she learned from quitting her six-figure job to pursue freedom. Why financial education is often “gate-kept” and what you actually need to know. The difference between linear income and exponential income (and why leverage is the key). The surprising “fun-first” philosophy Rose believes leads to wealth and fulfillment. Rose doesn’t just talk about money—she talks about freedom, passion, and creating a life you love. Whether you’re buried in debt or sitting on six figures wondering what’s next, her story and framework will show you what’s possible. Her new book, Add a Zero, is a step-by-step playbook that helps you go from debt to millionaire by mastering the phases of financial growth—getting to zero, building stability, and unlocking exponential wealth. Unlike many finance books, Rose includes the missing piece: how to dramatically increase your income, not just save harder. If you’ve been frustrated with traditional advice that tells you to “just keep saving” or sacrifice for 40 years, you’ll love this conversation. Rose and Chris reveal how to create financial freedom sooner—without waiting until retirement. Resources & Links: Get Rose Han’s new book Add a Zero: https://addazero.com Follow Rose Han on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: @itsRoseHan Passive income starts here: https://bit.ly/4gaxBDa

Freedom awaits.... https://bit.ly/4lXGlxI Most financial gurus tell you to pay off your debt using either the highest interest first (debt avalanche) or the smallest balance first (debt snowball). But what if both of those methods are actually keeping you stuck in debt longer and draining your financial freedom? In this episode, Chris Miles — the Cashflow Expert and Anti-Financial Advisor — breaks down a powerful system he developed called the Cashflow Index. This strategy helped him personally eliminate over $1 million of debt and has since freed up thousands (and even hundreds of thousands) of dollars for his clients every year. Instead of focusing on just interest rates or balances, the Cashflow Index looks at one crucial factor: your monthly payment burden. Because let’s be real — it’s not the balance that stresses you out, it’s the payment eating into your cashflow every month. By applying this system, you’ll learn how to: Stop stressing about interest rates and focus on what really kills your financial freedom Use ROI thinking when deciding which loans to pay off first Identify which debts are sabotaging your monthly cashflow (and should be tackled first) Restructure debt to create options, freedom, and breathing room Avoid common debt payoff mistakes that actually slow down your progress Chris also shares real-life stories of clients who used the Cashflow Index to: Free up $3,800/month in hidden cashflow without making more money Qualify for a mortgage by strategically paying down just $4,100 instead of $7,600 Escape the cycle of negative cashflow and turn crushing debt into an organized, manageable plan Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a W-2 employee, or someone simply looking for a better way to get out of debt, the Cashflow Index can transform the way you see your money.    

Want help creating a personalized plan to maximize your freedom? Visit https://bit.ly/4mExB0p. Have you ever been told that the smartest financial move is to pay off your mortgage as fast as possible? I believed that too—until I discovered the shocking truth: paying off your home early could actually COST you years of freedom and potentially millions of dollars. In this episode, I share my personal story, including how my own father and I both learned the hard way that being “mortgage debt free” doesn’t equal financial freedom. I’ll walk you through why banks want you to pay extra principal, how fractional reserve banking actually works against you, and why wealthy investors and even major companies like Apple keep debt while growing their cash. You’ll see real examples of what happens when you compare paying off a $400,000 mortgage versus investing that same money—even at a lower rate. I’ll also show you how this connects to passive income, infinite banking, and the Money Ripples philosophy of creating financial independence now, not decades from now. If you’ve ever wondered whether paying off your home is really the safest path, this episode will open your eyes. By the end, you’ll know why equity and net worth mean nothing without cashflow—and what smarter moves you can make to truly become work optional.  

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3KP3uFM  What if everything you’ve been taught about money saving, investing, and “playing it safe" is exactly what keeps you from building real wealth? My guest today, Dave Wolcott, breaks down what the ultra-wealthy actually do with their money that most people never learn. Dave’s story is incredible. A former Marine Corps Captain turned multimillionaire investor, Dave went from following the traditional “get a job and max your 401(k)” plan to realizing that strategy could never deliver true financial freedom. When his family suddenly grew from one child to four overnight thanks to triplets he knew he had to rethink everything. What followed was a deep dive into how the top 1% and 0.01% really build wealth. Dave discovered that the ultra-wealthy don’t rely on Wall Street. They invest in private assets, they use tax incentives as wealth accelerators, and they stack strategies like infinite banking and alternative investments to create multiple layers of growth and protection. He reveals how groups like Tiger 21, whose average member net worth is $100 million, keep less than 25% of their wealth in the stock market while the rest is working for them through real estate, private equity, and alternative ventures. We unpack how you can adopt that same model whether you’re earning six figures or running a business by shifting from accumulation theory (the “save, wait, and hope” retirement model) to cash-flow investing that pays you now. Dave explains how the wealthy use the tax code as a roadmap, not a penalty system, leveraging incentives in energy, real estate, and business ownership to legally reduce taxes and supercharge returns. We also dive into how Infinite Banking (IBC) fits into this bigger picture using your own capital as a warehouse to fund deals, create liquidity, and compound growth tax-efficiently. You’ll see how the ultra-wealthy combine IBC, real estate, and private investments to multiply returns and achieve near-zero tax exposure all while maintaining control over their capital. If you’ve ever wondered why the rich keep getting richer while everyone else keeps “diversifying” into Wall Street mutual funds, this conversation will change the way you think about money forever. Get your free copy of Dave’s book, “The Holistic Wealth Strategy,” at holisticwealthstrategy.com and start building your own framework for lasting wealth beyond the markets. Dave's links: -Website: https://pantheoninvest.com/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-wolcott-863306/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dave.wolcott.589  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pantheoninvest/ 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4h5jT4Q  The stock market isn’t just hot, it’s overheated. Everyone’s greedy, valuations are inflated, and history tells us this is when the smart money takes profits. I’ve been warning you about this moment for a while, but now even Wall Street insiders and mainstream economists are starting to sound the alarm. In this episode, I’ll break down exactly why this could be your last best chance to cash in before the correction hits and what smart investors are doing right now to protect and multiply their wealth. For over a decade on The Money Ripples Podcast, I’ve helped thousands of people build passive income, break free from financial stress, and live a life of purpose and abundance. Today, I’m showing you what’s really going on behind the scenes of this so-called “bull market” that’s being propped up by speculation, hype, and dangerous overconfidence. You’ll hear about the wild truth behind the AI bubble, what the Citigroup Panic/Euphoria Index is revealing, and why current market valuations at 25 times earnings should have every smart investor on alert. I dive into what “call options” really mean and why the surge in speculative trading could be the biggest red flag since 2000. I also expose how companies like Oracle are skyrocketing in value despite reporting worse-than-expected earnings a clear sign that logic and fundamentals have left the building. This kind of frothy euphoria has always ended the same way: a painful correction. So what do you do about it? I share practical, actionable strategies on how to scale out of the market, take your profits, and diversify into real, cash-flowing assets that can protect your wealth. Whether it’s infinite banking, alternative investments, or other private opportunities, I’ll show you how to keep your money growing even while Wall Street burns. And here’s the truth: doing nothing is still a decision. You can stay in, hope the market keeps rising, and risk losing the gains you’ve worked for. Or you can follow what the smartest investors like Warren Buffett are already doing: holding cash, staying patient, and positioning for opportunity. If you’re ready to take control, this episode will show you how to think like the 1%, act before the herd, and make moves that protect your freedom, your family, and your future.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4h2bOOs   Can a YouTube channel actually help you raise more capital, attract better real estate deals, and scale your brand faster than cold calls and mailers?  That’s exactly what I dig into with my friend Kyle Stanley an investor, former sports anchor turned entrepreneur, Airbnb operator, and creator behind @realKyleStanley. If you’re an active investor who wants deal flow on autopilot or a passive investor who wants a smarter way to source and vet operators, this conversation will show you how long-form content becomes your best lead generator. We start with Kyle’s backstory going from struggling entrepreneur to doing his first real estate deal six weeks after joining FortuneBuilders, then building and selling both an Airbnb management company and a mid–six-figure education business. The common thread? He built trust at scale through YouTube and podcasts. Instead of hoarding “secrets,” he leaned into abundance, shared his playbook publicly, and almost by accident created inbound deal flow, private money conversations, and high-value partnerships. We unpack the three channel archetypes any investor can use: - Expert: teach frameworks and case studies when you have reps. - Reporter: interview credible experts (yes, even before you’re one). Borrow authority while you build it. - Documentarian: film the journey property walkthroughs, underwrites, wins, and lessons.  Kyle explains the 7–11 rule (seven hours across at least 11 touches) and why YouTube’s long-form format compounds trust faster than short-form social. We talk strategy for raising money without “pitching,” how consistent content turns you into a magnet for agents, wholesalers, lenders, and limited partners, and why giving away the “what” and “why” inevitably creates paid demand for the “how.” We also hit mindset objections “I’m not charismatic,” “there’s too much competition,” “I don’t have time” and show you how to publish simple, honest videos that attract the right people and quietly repel the wrong ones. If you’re a passive investor, this is a cheat code: use a channel to interview and diligence operators in public. You’ll expand your network, surface better opportunities, and gather insights you’d never get from a pitch deck.  For active operators, Kyle lays out a practical path to consistent posting, realistic expectations, and the compounding effects of showing up weeklyeven when the views are small. We compare celebrity launches (The Rock’s tequila), why audience beats product on day one, and how a steady drip of value creates reciprocity and referrals you can’t buy with ads. We wrap with resources to follow Kyle, how to book a consult if you want help building a channel that raises capital, and a reminder I learned the hard way over 11 years: imperfect action beats perfect planning. You don’t need studio lights to start building trust. You need a phone, a point of view, and the discipline to hit publish. Kyle Stanley's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realkylestanley/  Website: https://realkylestanley.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RealKyleStanley  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-stanley-b0a4a487/ 

Ready to see how infinite banking could work for you? Book a free call here: https://bit.ly/42wZeAO  and let’s make your money work harder, tax-free. Everyone talks about Roth IRAs and many of you ask me about infinite banking but almost no one shows you how to combine infinite banking with real estate, business, or even oil and gas to create what I call a potential “tax-never” outcome. In this episode, I break down exactly how I use properly structured whole life (max-ROI infinite banking) alongside tax-advantaged investments so my money can work in two places at once growing uninterrupted inside the policy while I put capital to work in cash-flowing deals. First, I level-set what a Roth IRA really is: a tax wrapper, not an investment. You can hold CDs, stocks, or even certain real estate inside it. Roth shines when the underlying investment has no tax advantages like simple lending or plain vanilla income funds because the wrapper gives you tax-free growth and withdrawals later. But when you’re using investments that already come with write-offs or depreciation, the Roth can actually block benefits you could have taken elsewhere. That’s where infinite banking is different. I fund a high-cash-value whole life policy with after-tax dollars; the cash value grows tax-advantaged and I can access it via a policy loan or line of credit to invest in whatever I choose without age restrictions. I can’t “place” the investment inside the policy (this isn’t an IRA), but I can leverage the cash value to fund opportunities and keep my dollars compounding. People always ask, “Can I write off my life insurance premiums?” Generally, no if you try to deduct them, you risk losing key tax benefits elsewhere. The smarter move is to let the policy grow and then deploy those dollars into activities that do create deductions. For example, as a business owner (S-Corp), legitimate expenses marketing, R&D, team, systems are deductible. If I borrow against my policy to fund those expenses, I’m still earning crediting inside the policy while capturing the tax write-off at the business level. The interest I pay on policy or bank lines used for bona fide business purposes can often be deductible, too. Same idea in real estate: if you or your spouse qualify as a Real Estate Professional, bonus depreciation and other write-offs can offset active income. I walk through how couples sometimes position the lower-W-2 spouse to achieve RE Pro status so depreciation can reduce the household’s overall tax bill. We also talk about energy specifically oil & gas working interests where portions of your capital can be deductible in year one (depending on the deal structure). Imagine using policy cash value to fund that investment: you get potential deductions up front, income from the project, and your policy value continues compounding in the background—helping you reach work-optional status before age 59½, unlike Roth rules. I tie this into my “Wealth Wheel”: Get Lean (increase cash flow, slash taxes), Get Liquid (store reserves in max-efficiency infinite banking, not in tax-prisons like 401(k)s), and Get Out (deploy into passive, tax-advantaged cash flow). I share how I personally hold emergency and opportunity cash in policies, then cycle it through business, real estate, and energy to accelerate wealth while keeping optionality and minimizing the drag of taxes. If you’ve been looking for a practical, real-world way to combine infinite banking with tax-smart investing and to build freedom without waiting decades this episode gives you the blueprint.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3KD6Xa9  With all the uncertainty swirling right now, should we run to gold, silver, or something entirely different? And is the U.S. dollar really in trouble or just going through another cycle? In this episode I bring on David Morgan veteran analyst, author, and publisher of The Morgan Report to cut through the noise and help us separate financial dogma from reality. David’s been studying markets for over four decades, and his path started young back when U.S. coins moved from 90% silver to clad. That curiosity led him to dig into how money is created, fractional-reserve banking, and why “all fiat fails” is more than a slogan. You’ll hear the story of how, while working in the aircraft industry as a B-1 bomber crew member, a test pilot’s contrarian newsletter opened the door to an entirely different way of thinking about wealth. We get practical. David explains why most media keeps you in an echo chamber (think Operation Mockingbird and algorithmic bubbles), how to cross-check narratives using international sources (yes, even South African and Russian outlets for a different lens), and how to apply an engineer’s mindset objectivity and first principles to your money. Then we go deep on currencies. Will the dollar “die,” or simply reprice? David outlines two classic paths debt-liquidating deflation vs. hyperinflationary depression and why the likely reality is a split outcome: over-levered assets (like margin-soaked equities and some real estate) reprice lower while essential commodities (especially food) can climb. We talk what that means for everyday investors who want cash flow and stability, not headlines. We also tackle the next phase of money: tokenization and potential CBDCs. David walks through how a digital-first system could roll out (with “on-ramp incentives,” digital ID, and iris-scan pilots already normalizing the idea), what the BIS (Bank for International Settlements) is publishing about the rails, and the kind of “crisis pretext” that could accelerate adoption. Whether you’re crypto-curious or crypto-cautious, you need to understand the direction of travel even if you ultimately choose to stay analog. Actionably, we cover how to position for resilience: • Why hard assets matter (paid-off real estate, energy and ag exposure where practical). • How precious metals can be more than “dead assets” via royalty/streaming companies and selective miners that pay dividends with the potential to boost yield through options overlays like covered calls. • When cryptos might fit as a satellite holding vs. core money metals. • Why self-reliance (even basic home and trade skills) is a real edge in a tech-heavy, fragile system. Finally, David shares resources at themorganreport.com/money (including a concise outline, documentary recommendation, and a complimentary consultation) and his bigger mission: truth, transparency, and financial freedom through honest money. If you care about cash flow, optionality, and owning your financial future not renting it this conversation gives you frameworks you can actually use. David's links: - Website: https://www.themorganreport.com/   - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidmorgan/   - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/silverguru/videos   - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMorganReport/  

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4mEJmmI  We’ve all heard the “4% rule,” right? The idea that you can safely withdraw 4% from your retirement portfolio and never run out of money. But here’s the question I’m tackling today: is that belief quietly holding you back and could you actually triple your retirement income overnight? In this episode, I walk you through why the 4% rule was never a true “rule,” how it was back-tested on a narrow slice of market history, and why it’s even less reliable today with longer lifespans, persistent inflation, and very different market dynamics. Many planners have already downgraded it to a 3% rule for anyone retiring in their 60s and if you’re targeting early retirement, I explain why 2% is often closer to reality. That’s a problem when you’ve got seven figures saved and still can’t create the lifestyle you actually want. I break down the common myth that the S&P 500 reliably delivers 10%+ forever. Most people don’t realize how much of the old long-term average came from dividends and how today’s index is dominated by mega-cap, low-dividend tech. Even if we grant a 10% average for argument’s sake, accumulation math still gets crushed by velocity turning capital into predictable passive income now, not “maybe someday” returns on a spreadsheet. I compare the traditional “big pile, small drip” approach to a cashflow-first strategy that produces real dollars you can spend without cannibalizing principal. You’ll hear real examples from families I’ve worked with: a listener with $1,000,000 told by his advisor to live on 3% ($30,000/yr) who re-engineered his plan across alternative, Main Street investments duplexes, apartments, and energy plays to target well into six figures of annual cash flow. I also share the story of a 50-year-old aspiring health coach with $250,000 who thought she needed a million before she could step back. When we reframed her goal around income, not account size, that same $250k working at 10% became ~$25,000/yr enough to buy her time now, not a decade from now. You’ll also learn: Why safe withdrawal rate math forces you to live below your portfolio’s long-term average—and why higher inflation makes it worse. How DSR (dollars-to-spend reality) beats SWR (safe withdrawal rate) when your income comes from assets that actually pay you monthly. The difference between accumulating assets on paper and building cash-producing assets in the real world. Why shortening your time horizon to income reduces the risk of being wrecked by the next market cycle. How to think about diversification that actually helps (across income streams), not just across ticker symbols. If you’re serious about becoming work optional, stop worshiping at the altar of account balances and start optimizing for cash flow. That’s the path to choice, freedom, and the ability to create a real ripple effect in the lives of others. Want help stress-testing your numbers and mapping a cashflow plan that fits you? Head to MoneyRipples.com check out the Work Optional Calculator and our resources on infinite banking and alternative income strategies and let’s put your money to work so you don’t have to.

Imagine a life where work is optional because your money provides the income. Let’s make that your reality; reserve your call today here: https://bit.ly/4nMWJm0  How do you create a ripple effect when you feel like you don’t have much to give?  In this episode, I pull back the curtain with Alexa DePaolo keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of The Ripple Effect to show you exactly how to build impact and income even when resources feel scarce. If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll invest in myself when I have more time or money,” this conversation will lovingly call out that boldfaced lie and replace it with a practical path forward. I open with the mission behind Money Ripples: becoming work-optional by building enough passive income to work because you want to, not because you have to. Alexa then shares her raw, rags-to-riches story growing up in poverty without running water or electricity, later a young single mom on welfare who bet on herself with a commission-only career and rebuilt everything. We talk about the mindset shifts that make that kind of turnaround possible: identity, affirmations, and embodied confidence (not fluff). Your brain doesn’t know the difference between truth and a lie so feed it faith, not fear. We dig into why excuses are expensive and how the most costly thing isn’t education it’s ignorance. Alexa and I break down how to get resourceful when cash is tight: carpooling to events, creative ticket strategies, staying with friends, and focusing on ROI instead of out-of-pocket cost. We also get tactical about the power of proximity how one room, one idea, or one relationship can add six or seven figures to your trajectory. If you’ve ever felt like your background (trailer park, anyone?) disqualifies you, this episode reframes your story as your edge. Alexa previews Ripple Effect Live (October 17–18, Denver, CO): a high-intent room for lenders, realtors, and growth-minded entrepreneurs where top performers (consistently closing $50M–$250M+ a year) unpack the exact strategies that move the needle 40%+ while others are shrinking. We talk humility and hunger why you don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, just the most coachable and consistent. We cover the daily disciplines that turn positive self-talk into results: morning mindset reps, clear KPIs, and non-negotiable action. You’ll also hear a reminder from me: you’re always one conversation away from a breakthrough. When I was deep in debt, I sacrificed to get in the right rooms. The more it cost me, the more intentional I became and the bigger the ROI. If you’re on the fence about investing in yourself, ask the real question: What’s the cost of staying where you are? If you’re ready to expand your impact and income, build a network that elevates your net worth, and finally embody the person you keep telling yourself you’ll become “someday,” this episode gives you the mindset and the moves to start now. Alexa's links: - Website: https://www.alexadepaolo.com/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-depaolo-456352158/overlay/about-this-profile/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealexadepaolo/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexaCOHomeLender/   

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4gHASKq  Can you be a passive real estate investor and still enjoy powerful tax advantages that accelerate your wealth? Absolutely and in this episode, I bring on CPA and tax incentive expert Jason Melillo to show you exactly how. Jason has spent over 25 years in the tax and real estate space. Early in his career, he discovered cost segregation studies, a tool that allows investors to accelerate depreciation and dramatically reduce their tax burden. While Fortune 500 companies have used this for decades, most everyday business owners and real estate investors have never tapped into it. Jason and his firm made it their mission to bring these tax-saving strategies to small and mid-size investors, and the results are incredible. We talk about how business owners like doctors, dentists, or chiropractors who own their buildings are often leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table simply because they don’t know about cost segregation or bonus depreciation. Jason explains how these strategies can take a normal $10,000 annual deduction and turn it into a $150,000 year-one deduction—freeing up capital to reinvest into more properties and accelerate wealth. You’ll also hear how real estate professional status works, including the 750-hour rule, and how even short-term rentals like VRBOs can create active business income that offsets W2 income. Jason breaks down how investors can move from one property to many, using tax advantages and leverage to scale without paying more to Uncle Sam. We also cover: - Why bonus depreciation has put cost segregation “on steroids” - How to use tax deductions from one property to shelter income from others - Creative ways W2 employees can benefit, even without becoming full-time investors - How the wealthy structure real estate to legally pay little or no taxes for life - The role of 1031 exchanges and the step-up in basis to eliminate taxes permanently This isn’t theory. These are strategies billionaires use every day and Jason shows how everyday investors can do the same. If you want to keep more of what you earn, reinvest it wisely, and reach financial freedom faster, this is a must-listen episode. Jason's links: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmelillocpa/ 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/46c7IiX  You’ve been told forever that 401(k)s and IRAs “save you taxes.” They don’t. They delay your tax bill and if rates rise, you could easily pay more later than you would today.  In this episode, I pull the curtain back on one of the most expensive myths in personal finance and show you why deferring taxes can sabotage your freedom. I start by laying out how traditional retirement plans really work: you contribute pre-tax dollars, they grow tax-deferred, and you withdraw at ordinary income rates the highest rates on the tax chart.  Then I ask the only question that matters: do you want to pay tax on the seed or the harvest? If you’re planning to live an abundant life with strong cash flow, paying later on a larger harvest can become a costly mistake. I also break down why many employees lose major deductions by retirement (mortgage interest and dependent credits), while healthcare and lifestyle spending often increase. Add inflation, and you must withdraw more nominal dollars to buy the same life pushing more of your withdrawals into higher brackets. We look at the history of top marginal tax rates and the current reality of federal debt and deficits, making the case that betting on lower future tax rates is wishful thinking. If you’re a business owner, I get even more direct: stuffing cash into a 401(k), SEP IRA, 403(b), or TSP can be a raw deal. You’re often in your lowest effective tax rate today thanks to business deductions then you voluntarily trade that for higher ordinary income taxation later, after you’ve sold your business, lost deductions, and possibly entered a tighter bracket structure. And remember: with ERISA plans like the 401(k), you’re not the true owner the government writes the rules and can change them (RMD ages, penalties, access) whenever it wants. What about Roth IRAs? They’re better than traditional accounts, but still government-controlled with tiny contribution limits, income phase-outs, and the ever-present risk of rule changes. The “backdoor Roth” can also be closed at any time. If you’re serious about becoming work-optional, you need control, liquidity, and tax strategy you can count on. I explain why I prefer using properly structured whole life insurance as a cash-value foundation (what many call “infinite banking”): contractual guarantees at the time you start, tax-advantaged access along the way, and the ability to redeploy capital into cash-flowing real assets like real estate—where depreciation and other strategies can offset income. I also share how I personally treat old plan balances (e.g., legacy DB/IRA funds): I don’t count on them, and when possible, I look to self-direct into assets I understand. Bottom line: traditional retirement plans don’t “save” taxes; they postpone them, often to a worse time. If you want real freedom faster, prioritize vehicles and strategies that give you control now, protect you from inflation and rising taxes, and produce passive income that lets you work because you want to not because you have to. If you want help mapping this out, head to MoneyRipples.com, try the Work Optional Calculator, and keep your eyes out for my new book, Work Optional Blueprint. 

Too many investors get stuck overanalyzing, stuck in fear, stuck waiting for a “perfect” moment that never comes. Meanwhile, real opportunities pass by.  In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Foley, known as Vertical Blonde, whose story and framework for identity-level change will help you get moving again. Sarah went from TV host and spa director to internationally recognized speaker and coach featured on the Tony Robbins Podcast and the Mel Robbins Show. What I love about her approach is that it translates directly to building wealth: the fastest way through hesitation is shifting who you’re being, not just what you’re doing. We talk about how she created “Vertical Blonde,” an iconic identity she chose on purpose one that guided her presence, habits, and decisions. You’ll hear how her media background in Palm Springs, leadership experience running a major spa in Park City, and later years in Maui all converged into a simple, reliable system for momentum. Sarah shows why most people get trapped in their heads trying to appease the room, and how to drop into the body, trust your gut, and speak and act from lived results. That’s not toxic positivit  it’s disciplined alignment. If you’ve felt frozen by market headlines or analysis paralysis, this conversation is your reset. We dig into “live ready” the practice of preparing your mindset, energy, and routines so you’re ready to create opportunity each day, not chase it. Sarah explains how to name and design your own iconic identity, how to build daily readiness (from movement to morning setup), and how to surround yourself with people who are already in motion. When you lead from inner alignment, networking becomes natural, conversations open, and decisions get easier. That’s exactly what investors need when everyone else is waiting on the sidelines. We also connect this to passive income: if you want freedom, you need action. Readiness compounds into traction; traction compounds into results. Whether you’re new to Money Ripples or you’ve been with me for years, you’ll come away with a practical playbook: define who you’re being, keep your energy clean, move first, and let like-minded people and opportunities find you. If you’ve been looking for a permission slip to take the next step this is it. Sarah Foley’s links:  - Website: https://www.verticalblonde.com/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerticalBlonde/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoley-verticalblonde/  Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4mE3uFX 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4nvPUoC  We just got a wake-up call from the BLS jobs report revision 911,000 fewer jobs than originally reported over the last year. That’s not a rounding error; that’s a major reset that changes how investors, homeowners, and business owners should think about the economy right now. In this episode, I break down what the BLS revision means, why the numbers were off in the first place, and how it could ripple through interest rates, unemployment, the stock market, and real estate values. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m an “anti-financial advisor.” I don’t chase the headlines or the herd; I care about cash flow, control, and creating a work-optional life.  Today I walk you through how the BLS constructs the monthly jobs report (including the “birth-death” model), why revisions tend to go down late in the cycle, and why the March 2024–March 2025 period is especially important. We’ve now had back-to-back downward adjustments roughly 600,000 last year and 911,000 this year meaning the last two years overstated job growth by about 1.5 million. That should make every serious investor rethink risk. I also connect the dots between jobs data, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and the 10-year Treasury. The Fed doesn’t move in a vacuum they’re watching Treasury yields just like we are. I explain why I expected only gradual cuts this year, what could force a larger move, and why a bigger-than-expected cut isn’t necessarily “good news.” If the Fed moves 50 bps or more, it could be because the cracks are wider than most realize. What does that mean for your wallet? I spell out the practical impacts: - Why HELOC and credit-card rates may ease a bit with Fed cuts, while 30-year mortgage rates barely budge unless the 10-year decisively breaks lower. - The level I’m watching before buyers really flood back into housing (hint: think sub-6% mortgages). - How waiting for “perfect” rates can backfire because when rates finally look attractive, demand and prices can snap higher first. - Why this could be one of those contrarian moments when buying real estate before the crowd returns creates the biggest advantage (especially with lenders offering low- or no-cost rate-recast/refi options). We also talk about what happens if companies keep cutting costs, lean harder on AI, and delay hiring how that filters through small businesses, consumer spending, and ultimately corporate earnings. If we slide from a “soft landing” into a soft grind a longer, lower, stickier slowdown savvy investors will prioritize capital protection, liquidity, and targeted opportunities that cash flow now. Bottom line: This is not the time to “wait and see.” It’s time to think independently, protect downside, and position for moves most people will only make after it’s obvious. 

Now is the time to open your own Infinite Banking Policy: https://bit.ly/47EWtRd  Is “buy term and invest the difference” actually the superior strategy or are both sides missing the bigger picture? In this episode, I break down the classic BTID vs. whole life debate with real numbers, real timelines, and a third approach I believe builds more wealth and more flexibility now and later. I start by laying out what BTID really assumes: you buy a cheap 20-year term life policy and diligently invest the rest (most folks don’t but let’s assume you do). For a healthy 45-year-old male, I use an example premium of $674 per year for $600,000 of coverage, and assume you invest $24,326 annually at a generous 8% market return for 20 years. That grows to about $1.2M before taxes. If you follow the (already shaky) 4% rule, that’s $48,000 a year then taxes trim it to about $36,000 a year, roughly $3,000/month. Oh, and when the term ends, the premium explodes (think $20k+ per year in your late 60s), which is why <1% of term policies ever pay a death claim. Insurers literally count on lapses. (If you’ve heard of A.L. Williams, Primerica, or World Financial Group, you know where the BTID narrative got its megaphone.) On the other side, I’m not comparing to old-school, high-commission whole life that smothers your early cash value. I compare BTID to a Max-ROI, Infinite Banking-style whole life design. With $25,000/year going in, cash value grows steadily (without market risk), and the death benefit increases over time (about $1.636M after 20 years in my example). Here’s the kicker: using tax-free policy loans/withdrawals, you can target roughly $50,000/year tax-free for 30 years and still leave a six-figure death benefit. That’s more usable, after-tax income than BTID at the same savings rate, with liquidity, safety, and control all the way through. But I don’t stop there. The third option and the one I actually use is to pair a properly structured whole life policy with real investments that cash-flow (real estate, private credit, businesses, even your own company). Your policy becomes a tax-advantaged cash reserve and opportunity fund your “dry powder.” I can keep money compounding inside the policy and still leverage it into deals for higher yields. It’s not “either/or.” It’s “both, done right.” We also talk estate planning reality: if you grow to a $10M+ net worth, the estate tax can be brutal. Having permanent life insurance in force (that you didn’t start at age 70 when it’s pricey and medically risky) can provide tax-free liquidity so your heirs don’t have to sell cash-flowing assets at the worst time. As Tom Wheelwright says, term is an expense; whole life is an asset. I agree when it’s designed for maximum efficiency and paired with productive investments. Bottom line: BTID looks good on a spreadsheet until you model taxes, behavior, sequence risk, premium hikes, and estate realities. A Max-ROI whole life + investing approach gives me control, cash flow, and optionality and lets me live work-optional sooner while still creating a meaningful legacy. If you want to see how this could fit your plan, head to MoneyRipples.com and grab updates on my Work Optional Blueprint book launch.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4nqhLXt  What does it actually take to stop being a hearer and become a doer? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Evan Hirsch (Energy MD Method) about the exact mindset and actions that helped him cross that line from conventional saving to building financial freedom and designing a life he loves. Evan’s a physician who specializes in chronic fatigue, long COVID, and what he calls the “toxic five”: heavy metals, chemicals, molds, infections, and nervous system dysfunction. He shares how his own crash pushed him to rebuild his health with a methodical, 12-month, natural detox program and how the same principles of root-cause thinking, mentorship, and disciplined execution now power his investing. We dig into the difference between information and transformation and why transformation only happens when you invest, implement, and iterate. Evan walks through his wealth journey: reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, buying his first property in residency, listening to BiggerPockets, and then realizing that the “ten paid-off rentals at 65” plan wasn’t the only way. When real-world numbers on single-family cash flow didn’t pencil (tenants, repairs, and thin margins), he looked for a smarter path to become work optional sooner, not decades from now. You’ll hear how he’s restructuring with self-directed IRA and Solo 401(k) accounts, selling several rentals, and reallocating into vetted private deals for steadier monthly cash flow enough to generate about $5,000/month outside retirement accounts. Why? Because he and his family are moving to the Netherlands next year for their daughter’s university, and they want flexibility without relying on business income alone. We talk candidly about taxes, why a 1031 didn’t fit his objectives, using cost segregation and accelerated depreciation where appropriate, and the tradeoffs of liquidity versus deferral. Evan also shares practical health takeaways: why constant fatigue isn’t “just burnout,” how to think about detox pathways, why “feeling worse to get better” is a myth, and how a step-by-step approach addresses fatigue, sleep issues, brain fog, and pain. If you or someone you love is dragging through the day, his site (EnergyMDMethod.com) has nearly a hundred case studies and access to his bestselling resources. Most importantly, we tie health and wealth together. If you truly want a rich life, you have to prioritize both. That means mentors who’ve done it, a plan you will actually follow, and small daily improvements. Whether you’re just getting started or retooling your portfolio for cash flow, this conversation will help you move from knowing to doing so you can build options, create impact, and enjoy your life now. Dr. Evan Hirsch links: - Website: https://www.energymdmethod.com/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrEvanHirsch/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drevanhirsch/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanhirschmd/ 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/46ukpWj  Everyone keeps saying the S&P 500 is the safest, smartest place to invest. But here’s what almost no one is telling you: it’s massively concentrated, historically overvalued, and dangerously reliant on a handful of mega-cap names. In this episode, I break down the hidden risks of indexing that could quietly delay your financial freedom plus what I’m doing instead to create dependable passive income. I used to be “all in” on Wall Street. I started as a traditional financial advisor, graduated to index evangelist, and even traded the S&P 500 itself. Indexing felt diversified and predictable. But look at what’s changed: the index is now dominated by a tiny group of tech giants. If a single name like NVIDIA sneezes, the “market” catches a cold. That’s not real diversification that’s concentration risk with a prettier label. You’ll also hear a fiery exchange from Dave Ramsey with a caller who accuses him of being “stupid and arrogant.” Dave makes one point I agree with: most investors who don’t do the homework are often better off in simple index funds than in fee-heavy, underperforming mutual funds. But let’s be honest about how wealth is actually created. Even Dave didn’t build his fortune by maxing out an S&P 500 index. He built a wildly profitable business and bought a lot of real estate. Meanwhile, Warren Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway an actively managed holding company and openly holds record cash when the market looks frothy. Actions speak louder than slogans. We revisit history: Enron and Lehman Brothers taught us how quickly “blue chips” can implode and how slow big mutual funds can be to exit. We run the math on the S&P’s long-term return profile and what that means after inflation and taxes. If you’re dutifully stashing $20k a year for 30 years hoping the index will set you free, you may be disappointed when the “withdraw 3–4%” rule meets a bad decade. Sequence risk is real. Then I contrast that with a cash-flow-first approach: real, tangible cash-flowing assets (income-producing real estate, private credit, private equity in operator-led small businesses, and other alternatives backed by real value). Instead of praying for price appreciation, I focus on streams of income that can pay me this year not “someday.” Key takeaways: The S&P 500 isn’t as diversified as you think; it’s increasingly cap-weighted and top-heavy. Forward returns after long, euphoric runs are usually lower, and margin-fueled manias don’t end gently. “Average investor” advice keeps you average. Financial freedom comes faster when you own cash-flowing assets. Wealthy families don’t rely on a single paper index they own businesses, real estate, and private deals that spin off cash. If you’re serious about becoming work-optional, stop asking, “What did the market do?” and start asking, “What did my cash flow do?” That’s the metric that moves you from hope to freedom. Want to see how quickly your money could replace your income? Run the passive income calculator at MoneyRipples.com and let’s map your Work-Optional Blueprint.

If you are ready to 10x EVERY aspect of you life, you can't miss Katie's summit! Register now: https://livetothrivetoday.com/sept-mpreg-chrismiles Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4fNokRl  What if you could achieve financial freedom, work from anywhere in the world, and truly live life on your terms?  In this episode of the Money Ripples Podcast, I sit down with Katie Sampayo entrepreneur, life redesign coach, and founder of the Elevate Mastermind to unpack exactly how you can break free from the traditional 9-to-5 and create a lifestyle you love. Katie has been fully nomadic since 2018, building a thriving coaching business while traveling the world. From snowboarding in Utah to surfing in Cabo, Katie has designed a life that blends freedom, adventure, and purpose and now, she’s helping others do the same. We talk about the mindset shifts and strategies required to redesign your life, break free from limiting beliefs, and take control of your future. In this powerful conversation, you’ll learn: - How Katie transitioned from a traditional job to a fully nomadic lifestyle - Why mindset mastery is the foundation of any life redesign - How travel accelerates personal growth and builds resilience - Why financial freedom isn’t just about money—it’s about creating options - How to leverage community and mentorship to scale your success - Insider tips on breaking free from fear and stepping into your true power Plus, Katie shares insights on her upcoming Millionaire Playbook Summit, where she and 13 other seven-figure entrepreneurs reveal the mindset, strategies, and tools they used to build lives of freedom, wealth, and purpose. If you’re ready to take the first step toward living life by your design, this episode is your roadmap. Katie's Links: - Website: https://katiesampayo.com/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivesquad2.0  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiesampayo/  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatieSampayo  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesampayo/ 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/45DzGCB  Did you grow up thinking that rich people are greedy, selfish, or evil? I did too. But what if everything we’ve been told about wealth is wrong? What if the real secret to wealth isn’t about luck, exploitation, or stepping on others but about creating value and serving people at the highest level? In this episode, I break down one of the most important mindset shifts you’ll ever make when it comes to money, wealth, and financial freedom. For years, I believed that wealthy people were just lucky or manipulative. I thought you had to be born into the right family, have the right connections, or take advantage of others to succeed financially. But I was wrong and today, I’ll show you why. I share how I discovered the powerful principle that has transformed not just my finances, but the lives of thousands of my clients: “Dollars follow value.” The more value you create for others, the more money naturally flows to you. Wealth isn’t a zero-sum game where someone has to lose for you to win. True wealth comes from finding ways to serve people, solve problems, and create win-win opportunities and when you master this, money becomes a byproduct, not the goal. We will go over: - Why so many of us were programmed to believe wealth equals greed - How Hollywood and media have shaped a false narrative about success - The real difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset - Why stewardship and serving others lead to lasting prosperity - How to use your wealth and freedom to create a ripple effect that blesses lives beyond your own You’ll hear practical steps to shift your money mindset, examples of how billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs created massive wealth by solving problems, and why even everyday business owners can build prosperity without sacrificing integrity. This isn’t just about getting rich it’s about creating a rich life. A life where your money works harder for you, your impact multiplies, and your ability to serve others grows exponentially. If you’re ready to ditch scarcity thinking, embrace your role as a steward, and finally understand how wealth is truly created, this episode will change the way you see money forever.