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.  

Many business owners unknowingly lose thousands each year. It's usually caused by 7 hidden factors. See how much extra cash you can keep every month… without earning a penny more; it takes 30 seconds. Click below to get your results -  https://win.moneyripples.com/quiz  Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3ODH6Rq  There are a lot of experts, gurus, and influencers out there telling you why you should start a business. In this episode, I'm taking the other side of that conversation: why you should not start a business, and how to know if entrepreneurship is actually a bad fit for you right now. I've been a business owner for nearly 25 years, and I've lived the good, the bad, and the ugly. I started out as a financial advisor inside a company that did a decent job onboarding me with tools and personal development. I was reading books like Rich Dad Poor Dad and How to Win Friends and Influence People, and I was excited. But I learned fast that business isn't just "here's what I do" and people magically show up. You have to learn sales. You have to learn marketing. You have to learn the language of finance. You have to know how to stay profitable, build reserves, navigate credit and lines of credit, handle payroll, manage employees, build culture, and still cast vision. And if you're a solopreneur, you're carrying all of those roles at once. That's a lot, and it's not for everyone. I also talk about what no one wants to admit: entrepreneurship isn't just "freedom." Freedom comes with responsibility, and responsibility comes with pressure. As an employee, you usually have an income floor, but you also have an income ceiling. As a business owner, you have no ceiling, but you also don't have a floor. You can make zero. You can even lose money. When cash gets tight, you're the one who has to figure it out. I share a personal story from my early days: I was working a job for benefits while building my practice on the side, sometimes from 7:00 AM to 9:00 or 10:00 PM. When I finally went full-time, I thought I had a big month coming. Then reality hit. I panicked. And I didn't realize it at the time, but that scarcity and pressure showed up in my energy, and prospects backed away. My income actually dropped when I "went all in," and I eventually had to look for part-time work again. That experience taught me something important: if you need safety and security to perform well, you may be better off keeping business as a side hustle until your finances and mindset can handle the volatility. We also talk about the "buy a business" trend, franchises, and why you might end up being the manager instead of the owner you imagined. I break down who tends to succeed faster (people with prior business experience), why the "80% fail in five years" stat is often misunderstood, and the real ugly side nobody highlights: distractions, market shifts, legal issues, and the mental load that causes most people to quit when it gets hard. If you're thinking about starting a business, buying a business, or buying a franchise, listen to this first. My goal is to help you make a smarter decision, protect your family, and choose the path that actually fits your personality and your season of life whether that's entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship inside a company, or building freedom through passive income.

Many business owners unknowingly lose thousands each year. It's usually caused by 7 hidden factors. See how much extra cash you can keep every month… without earning a penny more; it takes 30 seconds. Click below to get your results -  https://win.moneyripples.com/quiz  Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3ZPYC7H  Is there a statistic more concerning than the unemployment rate right now? Everyone keeps pointing to 4.4% unemployment like it's proof that everything is fine. But what if that number is hiding a much bigger economic problem? In this episode, I break down why underemployment may be a far more important economic indicator than the traditional unemployment rate. If you're watching the economy, investing in passive income, or trying to protect your financial future, this is something you need to understand. Right now, nearly 8.8 million Americans are working multiple jobs. Another 5.3 million are working part-time for economic reasons. Many of them want full-time work but simply cannot find it. These individuals are technically "employed," but they are not employed enough. And that distinction changes everything. We've moved from a one-income household… to two-income households… and now to multiple-income-per-person households just to make ends meet. Rising prices, wage stagnation, inflation manipulation, and affordability pressures are quietly squeezing the middle class. While the Federal Reserve, labor statistics, and media headlines may highlight low unemployment numbers, they are not talking enough about job quality, income stability, and economic sentiment. I also explain why sluggish job growth, rising inflation, and declining consumer confidence matter more than headline unemployment numbers. We discuss how inflation outpacing wages impacts spending, why multiple job holders are increasing, and how this creates ripple effects throughout the broader economy. When money exchanges hands more slowly, everyone feels it. We'll also talk about the real danger signals: hiring freezes, tech layoffs, shrinking demand, and tightening household cash flow. This isn't about fear. It's about awareness. If people are forced into multiple gigs just to survive, that tells you something deeper is happening beneath the surface. Most importantly, I share what you can actually do about it. You cannot control government statistics. You cannot control Federal Reserve policy. But you can control your own economy. The key right now is value creation. The people who thrive in uncertain economic cycles are those who solve bigger and better problems. It's not about chasing another degree. It's not about grabbing more random side hustles. It's about increasing your usefulness, strengthening your skill set, and positioning yourself as someone who creates real value in the marketplace. If you want to build passive income, increase cash flow, and protect your financial future in today's shifting economy, this episode will help you see what most people are missing.

Many business owners unknowingly lose thousands each year. It's usually caused by 7 hidden factors. See how much extra cash you can keep every month… without earning a penny more; it takes 30 seconds. Click below to get your results -  https://win.moneyripples.com/quiz  Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/45VaicD  What if I told you there's a resource even more powerful than AI when it comes to investing, decision-making, and creating lasting wealth? In this episode of the Money Ripples Podcast, I'm breaking down why AI isn't the ultimate answer and why relying on it too heavily may actually hurt your financial future. Don't get me wrong. I love artificial intelligence. I use it. It's an incredible tool for gathering information, organizing data, and speeding up processes. But lately, I've noticed something troublingnot just in my own life, but with clients inside Money Ripples and investors everywhere. We're becoming too dependent on AI to do our thinking for us. That's why I introduce a concept I call HI Heavenly Intelligence. Now before you tune out, hear me out. Whether you believe in God like I do, or you see this as intuition, universal intelligence, or inner wisdom, the principle is the same. There is a deeper source of insight that AI simply cannot replace. AI can aggregate information, but it cannot tell you what decision is right for you. I share how some of my best investment decisions came not from spreadsheets, projections, or AI prompts—but from quiet reflection, prayer, and listening to that internal signal. I also share real stories where ignoring intuition led to massive financial losses, including one situation where an investor disappeared with $26 million and another involving regulatory investigations that could have been avoided. I explain why the majority opinion whether it comes from AI, Google, financial influencers, or social media—is often wrong. If the majority were right, most people would be financially free. They aren't. And that's exactly why blindly following popular advice is dangerous. We also talk about: Why over-reliance on AI weakens critical thinking How intuition plays a role in due diligence and investing Why financial influencers often teach theory, not wisdom How noise creates paralysis and confusion Why silence is becoming one of the most valuable assets in investing How greed overrides intuition and leads to bad decisions Why smooth, intentional action not constant movement creates prosperity I challenge you to disconnect from the noise, even briefly each day. Turn off the media. Turn off the inputs.  Create space to listen. Because the next step in your financial journey might not come from AI it might come from a quiet voice you've been ignoring. If you want better results in investing, wealth building, and life, this episode will push you to rethink where your decisions are really coming from.

Infinite banking is often misunderstood and poorly implemented. Before you commit or write it off completely, book a call with Parker to understand how this strategy is being used today for cashflow, flexibility, and long-term planning. Book a call here:  https://bit.ly/4aDjeG5  When it comes to infinite banking, the conversation is changing. It's no longer just about using life insurance to double dip or fund short-term investments. In this episode of the Money Ripples Podcast, I sit down with our resident infinite banking expert, Parker Jardin, to unpack how people are actually using infinite banking today and why the focus has shifted toward long-term stability, legacy, and multi-generational wealth. Over the years, I've watched infinite banking evolve from a niche concept into a foundational financial strategy for entrepreneurs, investors, and families who want certainty in an increasingly uncertain world. In this conversation, Parker shares his personal story of starting a whole life insurance policy at just 17 years old and how it became the backbone of his financial life, funding college, controlling debt, and eventually creating long-term cashflow and generational wealth. We dive deep into why infinite banking is no longer just about financing cars or chasing returns. Today, people are using it as a defensive asset, a cashflow engine, and a tax-advantaged legacy tool. Parker explains why more clients are intentionally holding larger cash reserves inside their policies, valuing liquidity, predictability, and control over speculation. We also address one of the most misunderstood topics in infinite banking: financing vehicles. Parker breaks down when it makes sense to use policy loans, when traditional low-interest financing may be better, and why infinite banking should be viewed as an option not an obligation. This episode clears up misinformation, including common arguments made by critics like Dave Ramsey, and explains why properly designed policies behave very differently than what most people have experienced. One of the most powerful shifts we discuss is multi-generational planning. More parents are setting up policies for their children and even grandchildren, not just for money, but to instill financial discipline, long-term thinking, and healthy money habits. Parker explains how infinite banking teaches principles like saving first, understanding leverage, efficient debt, compounding, and financial stewardship lessons that are far more valuable than the dollars themselves. We also talk about how it's possible to spend more money from your policies than you ever put in, while still leaving behind a significant death benefit for your family. This concept alone challenges nearly everything most people believe about retirement, income planning, and legacy. If you're tired of one-size-fits-all financial advice, worried about market volatility, or looking for a way to build wealth that supports both your life today and your family's future, this episode will completely reframe how you see infinite banking.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4qigcf6  If you're trying to save your first $100,000 and wondering the fastest, smartest way to do it, this episode is for you. I recently came across a video featuring Tori Dunlap, creator of Her First $100K, where she explains how she saved her first six figures by age 25. She shares some solid advice but there are also some dangerous assumptions that could actually slow you down if you're not careful. In this episode, I break down what she got right, what she got wrong, and how I believe you can reach your first $100,000 even faster. I walk through Tori's core strategies: increasing income through job negotiation, saving a high percentage of income, avoiding student loan debt, and building side hustles. I agree with much of this and add important nuance from my own experience especially for those who didn't have financial help, had student loans, or lived through real market downturns. I share how I personally reached my first $100,000 by age 28 after starting out broke, with student loans, low-paying jobs, and a struggling business. Where this episode really matters is in the cashflow conversation. I explain why focusing solely on investing—especially in 401(k)s and index funds can actually trap you financially if your cashflow is weak. I challenge the idea that stock market returns will always outperform debt, explain why 401(k) matches are massively overhyped, and show why liquidity matters more than rate of return when you're building your first six figures. We also dig into emergency funds, why three months is not enough, how high-income earners actually need larger reserves, and why paying off certain debts can improve your financial life faster than investing ever could. I explain why "you don't need to be debt-free to be financially free," but you do need strong cashflow and control of your money. If you're stuck paycheck to paycheck, frustrated with traditional financial advice, or tired of being told to "just invest more," this episode will give you a clearer, faster path. I lay out my proven framework: get lean, get liquid, focus on cashflow first, and only then move into investing. This is the same process I used not once but twice after rebuilding my wealth following financial setbacks. If your goal is to hit your first $100,000 without locking your money away, stressing about market crashes, or relying on hope-based investing, this episode will change how you think about money forever.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/49UVQDW  Most people who tell me they "don't have money to invest" actually do have it, they just don't know where to find it. In this episode, I break down three practical, proven ways to find money you already have, so you can finally start investing and creating passive income without waiting years or decades. I created this episode specifically for those of you who feel like you make decent money, but somehow it always disappears. You look at your income and think, "I should be way farther ahead than this." I've been there myself. During the last recession, I was completely broke, losing over $15,000 a month, and had to learn fast how to free up cash just to survive. These are the same strategies I used to rebuild, escape the rat race, and become work optional by the end of 2016. First, we talk about stopping money leaks. This isn't about living on rice and beans. It's about awareness. I explain why tracking your money weekly not monthly is one of the most powerful habits you can build. From subscription creep to overdraft fees to expenses you don't even realize are draining you, I share real examples of clients who freed up hundreds to thousands of dollars per month simply by paying attention. Second, we dive into debt optimization, not debt elimination. I explain why paying off debt based solely on interest rates is often a mistake, and how using my Cashflow Index strategy can instantly increase your monthly cashflow. You'll hear real client examples where restructuring debt not investing was the smartest first move, freeing up more cash than a rental property ever could. Third, we talk about taxes, especially for business owners, solopreneurs, and side hustlers. This is one of the most overlooked sources of investable cash. I walk through real scenarios where people were overpaying taxes by five, ten, even thirty thousand dollars per year simply because they were set up wrong. In many cases, the fix wasn't complicated it just required the right strategy and the right advisors. Then I give you a bonus fourth strategy that most people miss entirely: income growth. Expenses have a limit. Income doesn't. I explain why chasing small investment returns too early can slow you down, and why focusing on delivering more value whether as an employee or business owner creates far more momentum. This is how you accelerate wealth, not just hope for it. Finally, I announce Cashflow Breakthrough, a brand-new coaching program designed specifically for people who want to invest but don't know where the money is supposed to come from. This is one-on-one help to identify money leaks, restructure debt, optimize taxes, and increase income so you can actually build the cash needed to invest with confidence. If you want more money to invest, this episode will show you exactly where to find it.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4bBMhLh  As we move fully into 2026, I wanted to address the real conversations I'm having behind the scenes with our clients and listeners. What are people actually worried about right now? Where are the opportunities? And how do you make smart financial decisions when the noise feels louder than ever? That's why I brought back Craig Feldmeier, one of our senior coaches here at Money Ripples and someone who works directly with our Work Optional Blueprint members every single day. Craig is on the front lines helping people design personalized paths to financial freedom, and he has a unique pulse on what investors are thinking, fearing, and hoping for as we enter this new phase of the economy. In this episode, we talk honestly about the shift we're seeing as people move from an asset-gathering mindset to a cashflow-focused mindset. Too many people still measure success by net worth alone, while ignoring whether their money actually supports the life they want to live. Craig explains why predictable cashflow changes everything and why that first passive income check is often the biggest mental breakthrough. We also discuss what's changed since the post-COVID years. Easy money is gone. Interest rates are higher. Layoffs especially in tech and middle management have forced many people to rethink their careers and financial strategies. While that can feel scary, Craig and I break down why these disruptions often create powerful opportunities, especially when it comes to accessing old 401(k) funds, repositioning capital, and finally taking control of your financial future. You'll hear us talk about real estate cycles, alternative investments, industrial opportunities, gold and silver, AI-related trends, and why fundamentals still matter more than hype. We also dive into why many investors are slowing down on aggressive growth in favor of liquidity, reserves, and alignment and why that's not a bad thing. One of the most important concepts we cover is the Investment Policy Statement a simple but powerful way to prevent emotional investing, FOMO, and misalignment between your goals and your actions. If you've ever chased a deal you didn't fully understand or felt uneasy about your portfolio, this conversation will help you reset. Ultimately, this episode is about clarity. It's about cutting through fear, focusing on fundamentals, and aligning your investments with the life you actually want to live. If you're thinking about becoming work optional or staying there this conversation will give you practical insight, grounded perspective, and confidence heading into 2026.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3NM6Vi4   Have you ever noticed how financial influencers, or "finfluencers," seem to be everywhere on social media right now? Scroll Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube and you'll see people yelling about debt, promising overnight wealth, or claiming they've cracked the financial code. The real question is this: how do you know who to trust? In this episode, I pull back the curtain and walk you through exactly how I personally evaluate financial influencers. I'm not here to tell you who to follow or unfollow. Instead, I want to show you how to think critically so you can make that decision for yourself with confidence. I break down the biggest mistake people make when consuming financial content online: confusing principles with strategies. True wealth builders understand that principles are timeless, while strategies change depending on circumstances. That distinction alone can save you years of frustration and costly mistakes. I explain why blanket advice like "debt is always bad" or "debt is always good" completely misses the point, and how context and stewardship matter more than slogans. I also share why I don't consider myself a traditional finfluencer. I'm not trying to reach millions of people with flashy skits or viral gimmicks. I speak to a specific group of independent thinkers Gen Xers, older millennials, and business owners who feel like the traditional financial path just isn't enough. People who did what they were told, saved diligently, and still watched their parents struggle financially despite doing everything "right." I open up about my own financial journey, including my time as a traditional financial advisor, why I left that industry, how I went broke during the 2007–2009 crash, and why I had to become financially independent twice. I explain why failure leaves clues just as much as success does and why those clues matter when evaluating someone's advice. We also talk about the dangerous side of social media finance, including fake credibility, exaggerated track records, and influencers who teach things they've never actually done themselves. With AI making it even harder to tell what's real and what's not, learning how to use your internal "BS meter" has never been more important. If you've ever wondered whether you should trust a financial influencer, including me, this episode will help you cut through the noise. My goal isn't blind trust it's informed confidence. Ask questions. Look for evidence. Pay attention to who has truly been there, done that, and is still doing it today.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/49H5oCm  Is self-storage investing the place we should be going as we head into 2026? That's exactly what I'm digging into in this episode with returning guest Alex Pardo. Alex isn't just a storage operator, he's done nearly a thousand single-family transactions, built a real estate wholesaling business, and then made a bold pivot in 2020 into self-storage. And if you've felt like real estate has been rough the last few years, you're not alone. I wanted this conversation because I've been watching the storage space closely, and I'm asking the real question: is now the time to start taking self-storage seriously again? Alex walks me through his origin story, from a middle-class upbringing, landing a corporate job at General Electric, and realizing quickly that the traditional path wasn't for him. After a life-changing backpacking trip through Europe (53 cities, 22–23 countries), he immersed himself in personal development books like Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki), The E-Myth (Michael Gerber), and Think and Grow Rich, and made a decision to pursue real estate. That decision turned into real momentum fast direct mail, pre-foreclosure marketing, a short sale wholesale deal, and a $44,000 payday that helped set his future in motion. But the bigger story is what happened later. Even with a profitable wholesaling operation, Alex hit burnout. He described it perfectly: building a successful business that still felt like a prison. He didn't want more transactions he wanted time freedom, a lower headache factor, higher margins, and something that could be run remotely without a huge team. That's what led him to self-storage. We talk candidly about what it's been like entering storage near the boom, then facing a tougher market. Alex explains how he thinks about opportunities today: you may need to look at 100–120 deals to find one that works, underwrite more conservatively, and structure smarter offers. But the opportunity is still there especially because so many facilities are still owned by mom-and-pop operators, and many haven't modernized. Alex points out that a surprising number of storage facilities still don't even have a website, even though the majority of customers come from online searches. One of the biggest takeaways is forced appreciation how storage facilities can increase in value quickly when you raise revenue and improve operations. Alex shares a real example: a facility near Jacksonville in Amelia Island that hadn't raised rates since 2005. By increasing rents and adding simple fee income (admin fees, lock fees, gate fees), NOI improved dramatically because in commercial assets, value is driven by income, not comps like single-family. We also cover what passive investors need to know: storage often runs a 30–40% operating expense ratio, compared to multifamily commonly around 50%+, which can mean stronger margins when operated well. But Alex also keeps it real by sharing the ugly side his first deal in Jackson, Mississippi came with break-ins, fences getting cut, bad debt, and constant repairs. Location still matters. If you're evaluating storage going into 2026 whether as an operator, partner, or passive investor this episode will help you see what's real, what's hype, and what to watch for before you invest.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4pWnc1c  What are these new Trump accounts, and are they actually a smart move for your kids' financial future? That's the question I'm answering in today's episode, because while these accounts are being marketed as an incredible opportunity, there are some serious downsides you need to understand before you jump in. The Trump account was introduced as part of the so-called "big, beautiful bill" passed in the summer of 2025. It's being promoted as a way to give kids a financial head start, almost like a hybrid between a 529 college savings plan and a retirement account. The government even kicks things off with a $1,000 contribution for children born between January 1, 2025 and the end of 2028. Sounds great on the surface, right? But once you dig into the details, things get a lot murkier. In this episode, I break down exactly how Trump accounts work, including contribution limits, taxation, investment restrictions, and withdrawal rules. While you can contribute up to $5,000 per year per child, all of that money goes in after tax, grows tax deferred, and then gets taxed again when withdrawn. That's right double taxation. And if the money is used for non-qualified purposes, there's also a 10% penalty on top of that. We also talk about how these accounts are locked into stock market index funds, meaning there is zero flexibility. You can't invest in real estate, private lending, gold, Bitcoin, or any other alternative assets. You're forced into the market whether it's a good time or not, which raises a big red flag for me as someone who teaches control, flexibility, and cash flow. I also explain why the administration is pushing these accounts so hard, how political incentives play a role, and why these accounts feel more like a popularity grab than a truly helpful financial solution.  When you compare Trump accounts to alternatives like a Roth IRA for kids or even better, properly structured whole life insurance you'll see that there are far more efficient ways to build wealth without market volatility, penalties, or government rule changes. I walk you through the pros and cons, the hidden dangers, and what I believe is a far superior strategy for parents who want certainty, tax advantages, and true financial control for their children. If you've been considering Trump accounts or just heard the hype, this is a must-listen before you make a decision you might regret later.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4pJZiWn  Are my 2026 market predictions wrong?  Is there still an AI-driven stock market boom ahead of us, or are we getting dangerously close to another major correction? In this episode, I challenge my own assumptions and break down why some of Wall Street's biggest institutions believe the bull market is far from over and why I'm still not convinced. I walk you through recent analyst predictions from major financial firms like Goldman Sachs, UBS, and other institutional strategists who argue that the stock market isn't in a bubble. Their reasoning? Strong earnings growth, powerful AI-driven productivity gains, and solid corporate balance sheets. According to them, technology stocks especially the so-called Magnificent Seven are not speculative bubbles, but companies with real profits and real growth. Some analysts are even predicting the S&P 500 could hit 7,700 by 2026 or climb to 10,000–13,000 by 2030. On the surface, that sounds compelling. But I don't stop there. I dig into historical data, long-term trend lines, and my own experience as a former financial advisor, stock trader, and investment coach. I explain why comparing today's market to the late 1990s tech boom and the roaring 1920s should raise red flags not blind optimism. I break down the 30-year average returns of the S&P 500, why the commonly quoted 10–12% return is misleading, and what happens when markets stay above their long-term trend lines for too long. We also talk about bias both theirs and mine. Wall Street firms make money when you stay invested in their funds, so of course their forecasts tend to skew optimistic. That doesn't automatically make them wrong, but it does mean you should question their motives. I explain why the last 17 years of market performance are statistically abnormal, how liquidity and money printing have distorted reality, and why "business as usual" may not last forever. Most importantly, I share what I'm seeing from small business owners and real economic signals that don't show up in stock market headlines. When things feel "off" beneath the surface, it's worth paying attention. This episode isn't about fear it's about awareness, balance, and protecting your wealth before the next shift happens. If you're trying to decide whether to stay aggressive in stocks or shift toward safety and alternative investments, this episode will give you the context and clarity you need to make smarter decisions heading into 2026.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/45iVjsF  Is AI really the beginning of the end for jobs or is this one of the biggest opportunities we've ever seen? That's exactly what I dive into in this episode with my longtime friend and former college roommate, Aaron Matthews, a fractional CTO/COO with over 21 years of leadership experience across healthcare, insurance, and technology. Everywhere you look, the headlines are screaming that AI is taking jobs. Engineers are being laid off. Middle managers are disappearing. Entire roles are being redefined. But the real question isn't whether AI is replacing jobs, it's who it's replacing, why it's happening, and how you can stay ahead of it instead of being run over by it. Aaron brings a grounded, real-world perspective from someone who's actually building with AI, not just talking about it. We unpack how tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Perplexity are already eliminating entry-level technical work, while simultaneously creating massive leverage for people who know how to use them well. Aaron shares firsthand examples of building functioning software applications without being a traditional coder, and how AI now takes him from zero to 80% in minutes while the final 20% still requires human judgment, experience, and creativity. This episode isn't just about technology. It's about human value. We talk about why empathy, decision-making, critical thinking, and creativity are becoming more valuable not less in an AI-driven world. We also address the dangers: intellectual shortcuts, loss of deep thinking, and over-reliance on machine-generated answers. If you're a parent, this conversation around critical thinking and kids is especially important. We also explore how AI is acting as a "force multiplier." High performers get better. Average performers level up. And for neurodivergent individuals, AI could become the most powerful personalized teacher we've ever seen. That's a game-changer. If you're worried about job security, relevance, or your future earning power, this episode will help you shift from fear to strategy. AI isn't something you can stop but you can decide whether it replaces you or empowers you. The people who win in the next decade won't be the ones who avoid AI. They'll be the ones who learn how to use it intentionally, ethically, and creatively to build more value, more income, and more freedom.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4pInjx7  President Donald Trump is making big promises as he approaches his one-year mark: banning institutions from buying real estate, capping credit card interest rates, and even talking about firing Jerome Powell. If you've been hearing these headlines and wondering, "Is this actually good for the economy, or are we about to make things worse?" this episode is my straight-shooting breakdown of what happens next and why these ideas won't do what people think they'll do. Let me be clear: this isn't a pro-Trump or anti-Trump rant. I'm not interested in political tribalism. What I'm interested in is cause and effect. I'm watching smart investors completely switch standards depending on who says the policy, and that's dangerous. If you want to understand money, markets, and real outcomes, you've got to turn your brain on and stop filtering everything through a "love him" or "hate him" lens. First, I address the idea of firing Jerome Powell. Even if Powell were removed as Fed Chair, he could still remain on the Federal Reserve Board. More importantly, rates aren't set by one person. They're determined by a committee, with multiple Fed presidents voting. So the "fire Powell" narrative makes for a great soundbite, but it won't magically drop rates or fix affordability for everyday Americans. Second, I tackle the claim that institutions are the reason housing got so expensive. The truth is that institutional buyers are a small slice of the market roughly in the 1–3% range. Are there pockets where they influenced pricing? Sure. But they weren't the primary driver. The real driver was demand fueled by cheap money and massive liquidity injections stimulus, PPP, expanded credits, and low interest rates combined with supply chain disruptions, labor costs, and higher construction expenses. I even share my firsthand experience buying in 2021 to show how everyday Americans, not faceless institutions, were creating bidding wars and pushing prices beyond appraisals. Third, I break down the most misunderstood headline: the proposed credit card interest rate cap at 10%. This is where "unintended consequences" kick in hard. Credit cards are unsecured debt no collateral so risk is higher and rates reflect that. If you force a cap too low, banks don't suddenly become generous. They reduce lending, tighten standards, and cut off the very people who rely on access to credit. And when credit availability shrinks, spending slows, layoffs rise, defaults increase, and markets react. The economy runs on the flow of money and credit. Restrict the flow, and you don't solve the problem you accelerate the downturn. Bottom line: banning institutional real estate buyers won't lower prices, firing Powell won't change the committee-driven reality of the Fed, and capping credit card rates won't fix affordability it risks breaking credit access and worsening the correction the economy already needs to go through. If you want to build real stability and become work optional, don't chase headlines. Focus on fundamentals, cashflow, and strategies that work regardless of which politician is talking. And if your 2026 goal is passive income, go to moneyripples.com and use the Work Optional Calculator to find your number.

Your future doesn't start after school, it starts now. 7F Teenage Tycoon teaches teens how money works, how businesses are built, and how real wealth is created. Tap the link and become a Teenage Tycoon today - https://www.7figureflipping.com/teenage-tycoon?fpr=7cwpr0  Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/49AgqYy We talk a lot about building wealth, passive income, and freedom but the real question, especially as parents, is how do we teach our kids to do the same? In this episode, I sit down with Bill Allen, founder of Seven Figure Flipping, to talk about raising financially confident kids who understand money, business, and opportunity. Bill shares his journey from 20 years as a Navy helicopter pilot to real estate investor. One house flip netted him about $43,000, opening his eyes to a second income stream that he later scaled into a high-volume business. What sets Bill apart is his honesty: success isn't effortless. The principles are simple, but the work is real and anyone promising "easy money" is selling a myth. We also break down common business misconceptions, especially around "passive income." Bill explains the difference between active and passive income and why real investing always requires time, skill, capital, or responsibility. If you're not exchanging something, you're not investing you're gambling. At the heart of the episode is Teenage Tycoon, Bill's entrepreneurial community for teens. Built like a business co-op, it includes a book club, weekly calls, guest experts, and real-world conversations about entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, sales, and mindset. It's designed to give parents support especially when kids don't want to hear it from mom or dad. The results speak for themselves: teens flipping houses, running e-commerce stores, reselling products, building 3D-printing businesses, and even flipping high-end watches. We also discuss homeschool grants in some states and how parents can learn alongside their kids. If you want to build a legacy beyond money teaching your kids how to think, earn, invest, and lead this episode offers real insight and a clear next step. Bill Allen's links: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-allen-rei/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billallenrei?igsh=MTU3bjhmMXdhbnVuNw==  - Podcast: https://bit.ly/3LsTx1u 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4qNupRT  All of us have hard times. The real question is: how do you bounce back when the setback hits you financially, emotionally, and personally all at once? In today's episode, I sit down with Tatiana Zagarovsky, whose story is the kind that makes you rethink what you're capable of when life punches you in the face. Tatiana immigrated to the United States after growing up in the Soviet Union, where entrepreneurship was treated like a crime and "capitalists" were painted as villains. She later immigrated again through Israel, built a successful career in corporate America, earned patents, and lived what many people would call the American Dream on the outside: house, vacations, and stability. But inside, she felt like she was still working someone else's plan instead of building her own. Then she found real estate. Like many people, she started with education, trainings, mentors, and big momentum until everything fell apart at the same time. Tatiana shares how she lost over $100,000 in an early real estate deal because she didn't understand the power of an operating agreement and how quickly someone can manipulate ownership through an LLC. While dealing with that financial hit, she also found herself in a painful custody battle that forced her to walk away from her corporate job to support her kids. That combination put her into a dark place, and she's honest about the depression and pressure that followed. What I love about this conversation is that it doesn't stop at the tragedy. Tatiana breaks down the exact framework that helped her rebuild: her "three Cs" of clarity, community, and coach. She talks about finding the right people, and the right mentor Damon Remy of REI BlackBook who helped her not only in business, but also pushed her to get personal support so she could heal and perform again. From there, Tatiana found a strategy she's passionate about: seller financing. She explains it simply, how she structures deals, and why it creates wins for buyers who can't qualify for traditional mortgages. We get into how she sells homes on terms that can be comparable to rent, often with stable principal-and-interest payments, and why this approach can restore hope for families who feel locked out of homeownership. We also talk about protecting people from scams, avoiding shame after getting burned, and why integrity and perseverance still win in the long run. If you've ever been scammed, knocked down, or felt like your financial future got derailed, this episode is for you. Tatiana's message is clear: don't let the worst chapter become the end of your story.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/49tEKv8  So many of you have heard the story of my father before, whether it was here on the Money Ripples podcast or inside my book, The Work Optional Blueprint.  But after my dad passed away just a few weeks ago, there's one piece of advice he gave me about money that hasn't stopped echoing in my head. And today, I felt compelled to share it with you. My father was the definition of a penny-pinching saver. Raised after the Great Depression, he believed deeply in saving everything possible. He bought things on sale, avoided debt at all costs, and worked for decades with the belief that if he just saved enough, someday he'd finally be safe. But despite all that saving, his retirement was short, stressful, and financially constrained. And that's where the real lesson comes in. Years ago, during one of the hardest financial periods of my life during a divorce and intense financial stress my dad told me something completely unexpected. He said, "Chris, it's just money. You can always make more of it." Coming from someone who worried constantly about losing money, that advice surprised me. But it also freed me. I reflect on what that advice truly means and how it reshaped my relationship with money. Money is not the goal. It's not the prize. It's a tool. It's a medium of exchange that represents value. And when we treat it as something to hoard instead of something to steward, we often sacrifice our health, our time, and our joy in the process. I walk you through the moment years ago when I sat across from my dad at his kitchen table as his financial advisor, realizing that despite decades of saving, he didn't actually have enough money to retire comfortably. I explain how market downturns, inflation, and relying solely on traditional retirement strategies can quietly sabotage even the most disciplined savers. But this episode isn't about fear. It's about perspective. If you're stressed about money right now whether it's inflation, job uncertainty, rising costs, or feeling trapped in a system that isn't working I want you to hear this clearly: money is something you can create. When you focus on serving others, solving problems, and delivering real value, money becomes a natural byproduct instead of a constant source of anxiety. Saving alone isn't freedom. Accumulating money without intention isn't wealth. Real financial freedom comes from using money intentionally to create a life that's actually worth living now, not someday. This episode is deeply personal, but it's also one of the most important conversations I've had on this show. If you've ever felt pressure, guilt, fear, or shame around money, this message is for you.