Farming Without the Bank Podcast

What happens when everyone expects someone else to pick up the bill? From a nightmare condo sale to health insurance chaos, this episode is a raw, unfiltered wake-up call on personal responsibility, money, and self-reliance. In this episode, Mary Jo shares a months-long real estate saga that exposed a deeper issue she's seeing everywhere—from first-time homebuyers and realtors, to health insurance, escrow accounts, and even parenting adult children. The common theme? Too many people are handing off responsibility—and expecting others to pay the price. This episode isn't about being harsh. It's about understanding how money actually works, why Infinite Banking is rooted in self-responsibility, and why depending on systems, banks, or government programs can leave you vulnerable. Key Takeaways: Why buyers asking for everything is a dangerous financial mindset How escrow accounts and employer benefits disconnect you from reality The real cost of "someone else will handle it" Why self-insurance and Infinite Banking go hand in hand What parents should (and shouldn't) subsidize for adult kids Chapters: (00:00) – A 20-Year-Old, Sourdough Bread, and Rent Reality (01:25) – The Condo Sale From Hell (04:10) – Buyers, Realtors, and Zero Accountability (09:20) – When You Can't Afford Repairs, You Can't Afford the House (16:45) – Health Insurance, Escrow, and Giving Up Control (21:45) – Generational Expectations & Entitlement (27:50) – Infinite Banking = Self-Responsibility If this episode made you uncomfortable, you probably needed it. Subscribe for more real conversations about money. Share this with someone who needs a reality check. Leave a comment (respectful ones get read). Links & Resources Mentioned: Get the book: https://farmingwithoutthebank.com... Email Mary Jo: maryjo@withoutthebank.com

Is life insurance a luxury—or a necessity? In this episode of Farming Without The Bank (FWTB Ep. 338), Mary Jo breaks down Chapter 7 of Nelson Nash's Warehouse of Wealth and explains how Parkinson's Law silently destroys financial progress, especially when people experience windfalls of money. From selling land, paying off equipment, kids leaving the house, or daycare expenses disappearing—windfalls happen whether you notice them or not. The real question is: Where does that money go? Nelson Nash's real-life example shows how paying off a policy loan after a windfall can feel like backdating life insurance by 13 years at a better health rating—an advantage you can never recreate later. This episode challenges the belief that life insurance is optional and explains why end-of-life benefits and banking should be treated like fuel in a vehicle—non-negotiable. Key Takeaways: Why Parkinson's Law eats every "extra dollar" if you don't give it a job How windfalls (kids moving out, loans paid off, daycare ending) should be redirected Why delaying a policy creates massive inefficiencies later in life Why the end of life benefit for children is about time to mourn, not profit How farmers and ranchers must be in the business of banking, not just production Chapters: (00:00) – Life Insurance: Luxury or Necessity? (01:07) – Nelson Nash's Windfall & Backdated Advantage (03:10) – Kids Leaving Home = Hidden Windfall (04:42) – Parkinson's Law Explained (08:04) – Daycare, Sports & Missed Opportunities (09:43) – Death Benefit Is Non-Negotiable (12:29) – Building Banking Into Your Commodity Price 📘 Grab your books 📅 Schedule your appointment 📊 Have all your numbers ready — personal, business, and farm 👉 Website: https://farmingwithoutthebank.com?utm... If your information isn't ready, the meeting will be canceled—because clarity requires numbers.

You've been told corporations pay taxes, but what if that's the biggest lie in the system? In this episode, Mary Jo breaks down who really pays for taxes, benefits, tariffs, and government programs—and why the consumer always ends up holding the bag. In Episode 337 of Farming Without the Bank, Mary Jo dives into Chapter 6 of Nelson Nash's Warehouse of Wealth: "Lies, Lies, and Lies." This episode exposes how taxes, Social Security, employee benefits, tariffs, credit card fees, and corporate expenses are never absorbed by businesses—they are passed directly to you, the consumer. From Social Security myths to corporate "tax hikes," from government spending to free coffee at the sale barn, this episode reframes how money actually flows through the economy and why financial literacy is so rare—and so dangerous to ignore. Key Takeaways: Corporations do not pay taxes; they collect them from consumers Employees pay 100% of Social Security, not "half." All benefits, perks, and expenses are built into prices or wages Government redistribution still starts with taxing the public Business owners have tax flexibility, but consumers do not Financial illiteracy keeps people trapped, believing money myths Chapters: (00:00) – The danger of financial lies (02:00) – Who really pays taxes? (05:00) – Social Security & employee benefit myths (08:30) – Why everything gets passed to the consumer (12:45) – Customer service, payroll, and business reality (17:45) – Government spending & redistribution myths 👉 Want to truly understand money, taxes, and wealth? Email questions: maryjo@withoutthebank.com Get the books: https://farmingwithoutthebank.com/sho... Read Warehouse of Wealth by Nelson Nash. Share this episode with someone who still thinks corporations pay taxes! Link Mentioned: Farming Without the Bank: https://farmingwithoutthebank.com/boo...

Everyone says farming and ranching are hard—but what if the real problem isn't expenses… it's how money is being used? In this episode, Mary Jo tackles the backlash around "excess money," breaks down why being debt-free isn't the same as being financially secure, and explains why cash flow—not comfort—is the real solution. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book:  https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com... In this candid rant-meets-masterclass, Mary Jo responds to critics who claim there's no such thing as excess money in agriculture. She explains why higher cattle prices create opportunities, and how most producers miss them by paying everything off instead of building systems that generate cash flow. Using real conversations with farm and ranch families, she walks through: Why paying off low-interest debt can actually hurt you How cash flow determines freedom, not net worth Why "passive income" is mostly a myth How money should move through your system differently This episode is a mindset shift for anyone stuck in the cycle of "it's hard" and ready to start asking better questions. ✅ Key Takeaways: Cash flow is more important than being debt-free Two people with the same income can have vastly different outcomes Excess money isn't the problem—misuse of it is Paying off everything can kill future opportunity Money must keep moving to create income ⏱ Chapters: (00:00) – The "It's Hard" Victim Mentality (01:13) – What "Excess Money" Really Means (03:03) – Why Money Utilization Matters More Than Income (04:30) – Paying Off Debt vs Creating Cash Flow (07:57) – Why Being Debt-Free Isn't the Answer (09:15) – How Money Should Move Through Your System (13:00) – Opportunity Thinking vs Staying Stuck If this episode challenged your thinking: 🔔 Subscribe for more farm and ranch financial strategy Need help thinking through your own cash flow strategy? 📧 Email: maryjo@withoutthebank.com 🔗 Link Mentioned: Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash (book referenced) https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com...

Most farmers still buy equipment the old way—cash or bank loans—losing years of compound growth. What if the problem isn't your policy… It's when the money runs through it? 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book:  https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com... In this episode, Mary Jo breaks down the "before asset" idea: running money through your whole life policy before you buy equipment, cattle, or cover operating expenses. She explains why premium is what makes you money, why loans themselves don't, and how to think differently about "I can't make the payment this year" when you are the banker. Whether commodity prices are down or cattle checks are big, this mindset shift can change how you finance your entire operation. What you'll learn: Why paying a premium creates wealth, not just taking policy loans How to run purchases through your policy first without losing tax write-offs What to do in bad years when you can't make a full loan repayment Why life insurance is not an investment—and why that matters How negative thinking and "keyboard warriors" keep people broke A simple way to create your operating line inside the policy Chapters (00:00) – Policy loans vs bank loans: what really changes (00:46) – Premium as a "before asset," not an afterthought (02:31) – Why money should run through the policy before you buy (04:58) – Cash vs policy example: financing equipment the smart way (08:18) – "I can't make the payment!" and how flexibility really works (12:53) – Life insurance isn't an investment (and why that's good) (16:04) – Mindset, inflation, and the negative "keyboard warrior" trap 👍 If this helped you think differently about your money, hit Like and subscribe for more real-world Infinite Banking conversations for farmers and ranchers. 💬 Got questions about premiums, policy loans, or timing money through your policy? Drop a comment below or send Mary Jo an email—your question may end up in a future episode. 🎧 Want more? Check out the Without the Bank podcast, where Mary Jo and Tarisa walk through Nelson Nash's books and real client scenarios in detail. Links Mentioned: Becoming Your Own Banker by R. Nelson Nash https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com... Building Your Warehouse of Wealth by R. Nelson Nash https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com... Mary Jo's book on Infinite Banking for farmers/ranchers https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com... "Without the Bank" podcast https://www.withoutthebank.com/podcas...

Most people believe they're doing the right thing by maxing out their 401(k) or IRA. But what if the entire system is designed to trap you later with higher taxes, forced withdrawals, and lost control? Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fwtb-ep334&utm_term=desc-top In this episode of Farming Without the Bank, we break down The Market Scam from Nelson Nash's Building Your Warehouse of Wealth** and expose what most financial advisors never explain. Mary Jo dives into Chapter 5 of Building Your Warehouse of Wealth, unpacking why tax-qualified retirement plans may be one of the biggest financial misconceptions of our time. From Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to government-controlled retirement rules, this episode challenges conventional wisdom and asks a powerful question: Would you rather be taxed on the seed… or the harvest? This conversation explores why whole life insurance contracts between individuals may offer more control, certainty, and long-term stability than Wall Street or government promises. Key Takeaways: - Why "tax-deferred" doesn't mean "tax-free" - The hidden danger of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) - How words like "security" can be misleading - Why future tax rates are likely higher—not lower - The difference between government plans and private contracts - How Infinite Banking restores control over your money Chapters: (00:00) – Why Most People Don't Want to Think About Money (02:00) – The "Market Scam" & Misleading Financial Language (04:20) – RMDs: The Rule Nobody Talks About (08:38) – Baby Boomers, Forced Selling & Market Risk (09:01) – Seed vs Harvest: A Powerful Tax Analogy (12:50) – Government Plans & Financial Insanity (19:38) – Why Whole Life Insurance Has Worked for 200 Years Resources Mentioned: Building Your Warehouse of Wealth – Nelson Nash Becoming Your Own Banker – Nelson Nash Order here: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/shop/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fwtb-ep334&utm_term=desc-bot Work With Us: Ready to rethink your financial strategy? Schedule a consultation and see how Infinite Banking may fit into your life. maryjo@withoutthebank.com https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fwtb-ep334&utm_term=desc-bot

Be open-minded, ditch the negativity, and yes, you can buy that small-town business and make it work. In this episode, Mary Jo sits down with client and Iowa rancher/feed-store owner Erica Lantz, who walked away from a 14-year corporate food job to buy a 60-year-old feed store in a town of 1,000 people… during COVID. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ 👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  Erica shares how she runs a 5th-generation farm with Dexter cattle, heritage hogs, hair sheep, hypoallergenic curly horses, and silky chickens while modernizing a tiny farm store, creating custom feed mixes, shipping nationwide, and using infinite banking (and her old 401(k)) to fund the dream—without letting the bank control everything. If you've ever wondered how to buy an existing small business, fix its mess of inventory and accounts receivable, negotiate with suppliers, or use life insurance as your own line of credit for your farm or business, this conversation gets very real. What You'll Learn: ◦ How Erica went from corporate food manufacturing to owning a rural feed store ◦ Why she chose Dexter cattle, heritage hogs, hair sheep, and curly horses as niche income streams ◦ The truth about GMO vs non-GMO feed, sprays, and residues from someone who did lab testing ◦ How she mills fresh, locally sourced custom feed and ships it outside Iowa ◦ What no one tells you about buying a 60-year-old small-town business (inventory, expired product, A/R) ◦ Using Amazon and an online store to move poor inventory and reach beyond a town of 1,000 ◦ How her kids learn business by bartering silky chickens and kittens instead of just taking cash ◦ Why did she pull money from her 401(k) to start infinite banking policies for the farm ◦ How separate policies, term coverage, and key-person insurance protect partners and banks ◦ The power of "How can I?" and "Who Not How" for growing when cash and time feel tight Chapters: 0:00 – Negativity, mindset & intro to Erica 3:14 – Inside the ranch: Dexters, heritage hogs, curly horses & silky chickens 14:50 – Building a better feed store: sourcing, custom milling & GMO vs non-GMO 39:47 – Buying a 60-year-old small-town business: inventory, receivables & reality 55:35 – Employees, customer service, Amazon, and FedEx as a growth tool 1:07:55 – Using 401(k)s & life insurance to fund the farm and feed store 1:19:24 – "How can I?", Who Not How & closing thoughts on mindset 📘 Ready to learn Infinite Banking for yourself? Grab Mary Jo's book and Nelson Nash's book, then schedule a time to talk: 🌐 Website: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com 📧 Questions: maryjo@withoutthebank.com 🐄 Need custom feed or farm supplies from Erica? 🌐 Feed store & custom mixes:  https://feedersgrain.com?utm_source=y...

Is your 401(k) really a "benefit"… or did you just get dropped into the government's boiling pot without noticing? 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  In this episode, Mary Jo continues breaking down Nelson's book Building Your Warehouse of Wealth (Chapter 4) and why he called tax-qualified retirement plans a scam, how government "help" actually means control, and why cash flow + financial education beat blind 401(k) contributions every time. What we cover in this episode: We walk through the history of pensions, 401(k)s, IRAs and Social Security, and how each step slowly pushed Americans into dependence on government-controlled retirement plans. Mary Jo revisits Nelson Nash's famous "boiled frog syndrome" analogy and shows how it applies to: ◦ Auto-enrolled 401(k)s ◦ "Saver's match" incentives ◦ Changing the rules on IRAs and inherited accounts ◦ The illusion that "the market will save you." You'll also hear why the median American doesn't have nearly enough saved to retire, why living past 90 (or even 100+) changes the math completely, and why parents—not schools or the government—must teach kids about money. Key Takeaways: ◦ Government "help" comes with control. Tax-qualified plans exist because of bad tax policy in the first place, and the rules can change at any time. ◦ Auto-enrollment = quiet confiscation. If you don't opt out, you're automatically in the system, with penalties to get your own money back early. ◦ Pensions & Social Security are fragile. Nelson predicted Social Security would fail; corporate pensions are already collapsing or underfunded. ◦ Most people are underprepared. Median retirement savings numbers are nowhere near enough to fund 30–40 years of life after work. ◦ Longevity changes everything. Insurance companies are insuring people out to age 121, retirement plans built for 10–20 years are not enough. ◦ Parents must lead on money. Don't wait for schools or the government. Learn, then teach your kids how to think about money and cash flow. Chapters: 00:00 – Why schools shouldn't teach your kids about money 01:09 – Chapter 4 overview: tax-qualified plans & "the scam." 03:02 – Boiled frog syndrome & major events every 70 years 07:44 – Guaranteed retirement accounts, land grabs & auto-enrollment 11:29 – How pensions, 401(k)s & IRAs really evolved 16:21 – Savings rates, boats, and the illusion of "the market." 20:09 – Do you actually have enough to retire? The ugly numbers 23:25 – Longevity, nursing homes & government rule changes 26:16 – Distraction, dependence & quiet confiscation of wealth 30:19 – So what about cash flow & who should teach kids money? 👉 Ready to stop being the boiled frog and start building real cash flow? Get your copy of Building Your Warehouse of Wealth and learn how to take control of your banking and retirement strategy. 📚 Grab the book & learn more: 🌐 https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com... 📩 Questions? Email Mary Jo: maryjo@withoutthebank.com 📅 Already have your books? Make sure you schedule your appointment with Mary Jo or John to go through your questions and see if this is the right next step for you.

Controlling the Banking Function in Your Life to Change Your Finacial Future! You might be saving 10% of your income… but quietly sending 34.5% of every disposable dollar to banks in interest. In this episode, Mary Jo breaks down Chapter 3 of Building Your Warehouse of Wealth and shows why how money flows is more important than the rate of return you're chasing. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  Using Nelson Nash's "All-American Family," we walk through where your money actually goes, why banks always win under the current system, and how using properly-structured whole life policies can help you take back the banking function—without needing to be rich to start. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode ◦ Why now is the best time to start your own "warehouse of wealth" ◦ The idea that there is only one pool of money and how it really flows ◦ How banks turn your deposits into multiple dollars of loans ◦ The shocking 34.5 cents of every dollar most families pay in interest ◦ Why the volume of interest matters more than the interest rate ◦ How big premiums (not "pennies") create real, usable cash value ◦ When you should NOT start a policy (and why high credit card debt is a red flag) ◦ Why policy loans must be repaid—so you don't "steal from your own warehouse" ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Start Now: Why Waiting Costs You 01:06 One Pool of Money & The Flow of Cash 03:43 How Banks Multiply Your Dollar (Fractional Reserve) 08:03 The All-American Spending Pattern Breakdown 12:28 Volume of Interest vs Interest Rate (The Real Problem) 20:21 Using Whole Life as Your Personal Banking System 25:39 When Debt Stops You & How to Get Ready to Start 🔑 Key takeaways ◦ Money must flow, or it's worthless—saving without a plan for flow doesn't fix the problem. ◦ The average family is saving little but paying massive interest to other people's banks. ◦ It's not about getting a higher rate on the tiny amount you save—it's about regaining control of the banking function in your life. ◦ You don't need to be rich to start; you just need to start correctly and think differently. ◦ If you're buried in credit card debt, the first step is cleaning that up, not starting a policy and then never paying it back. 👉 Ready to see if you can start your own "warehouse of wealth"? Read the book and schedule a conversation with Mary Jo or John, and find out where the money is hiding in your cash flow and how to get started comfortably. 👉 New here? ◦ Subscribe for more episodes on infinite banking and Nelson Nash's concepts ◦ Like this video if it helped you think differently about money ◦ Share it with someone who keeps chasing "high returns" while drowning in payments 📚 Books to read: Becoming Your Own Banker – R. Nelson Nash https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com... Building Your Warehouse of Wealth – R. Nelson Nash https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com... 🗓️ Talk with Mary Jo or John: Read the book and schedule a call: https://www.withoutthebank.com/contac... 📩 Email Mary Jo: maryjo@withoutthebank.com

Banks classify your life insurance as an asset, so why do so many people treat it like an expense?  In this episode, we break down how dividend-paying whole life can be your warehouse of wealth without feeding inflation like the banking system does. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  Chapter 1 of Building Your Warehouse of Wealth (Nelson Nash) hits hard: government programs, fractional reserve banking, and how we've become "part of the problem" by chasing cheap loans and rates of return.  We contrast banks (who lend money that doesn't exist) with mutual life insurance companies (who don't inflate money and invest conservatively).  You'll learn why policy loans aren't withdrawals, why whole life beats UL/IUL/VUL for guarantees and control, and how to classify your policy correctly... as an asset with liquidity, control, and a tax-advantaged end-of-life benefit. Key Takeaways: ◦ Classify correctly: Whole life is an asset, not an expense. ◦ Banks vs Insurers: Banks inflate; mutual insurers don't. ◦ Policy loans ≠ withdrawals: Your cash value keeps compounding while you borrow against it. ◦ Owner priority: You outrank every other borrower for your policy's cash value. ◦ Avoid rate-chasing: UL/IUL/VUL = non-guaranteed costs and moving parts; IBC prioritizes liquidity, control, and guarantees. ◦ Don't be part of the problem: Think twice about HELOCs/premium financing/velocity banking to fund policies. Chapters: 00:00 Asset or Expense? Reframing Life Insurance 01:17 Nelson's Roots & the IBC Basics 02:24 Government, Banks & Fractional Reserve 05:56 What Really Drives Inflation 08:26 Are We Part of the Problem? (Loans & Leverage) 12:16 How Insurers Invest + Why It Matters 15:37 Policy Loans 101: Borrowing vs Withdrawing Want to build your own warehouse of wealth the right way? 👉 Grab the book/bundle and follow along with the study: 📘 https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book 

Are you waiting on an inheritance, a government program, or the bank to finally let you farm "for real"? In this episode, Mary Jo shows how that thinking is exactly what's holding you back, and how Nelson Nash warned us about it years ago. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  In Episode 329, Mary Jo dives into Nelson Nash's second book, "Building Your Warehouse of Wealth," and unpacks why how you think about money, wealth, and government programs determines everything about your financial future.  From government "police actions" to farm programs and waiting on Mom & Dad's land, she connects Nelson's ideas, Austrian economics, and real farm/ranch stories to show why the top 3% think — and act — differently. If you've ever said, "Farming is too hard," "I'll never get a chance without the bank," or "I'm just waiting for my share," this episode is your wake-up call. Key Takeaways ◦ How you think is everything – your mindset around money and wealth literally dictates your results. ◦ Government programs change behavior and keep people standing in line for handouts instead of producing. ◦ Jealousy kills curiosity – as soon as you resent someone successful, you stop asking how they did it. ◦ Top 3% vs the 97% – the top performers are actively learning, reading, traveling, and thinking for themselves. ◦ Stop waiting for inheritance – go lease ground, get an off-farm job, build your own base instead of hoping. ◦ Infinite Banking is a concept first, numbers second – Nelson's second book is all about changing how you think. ◦ You become what you think about – Earl Nightingale, Nelson Nash, and basic human behavior all agree on this. Chapters 00:00 – Nobody cares about you more than you (and why that matters) 01:03 – Nelson Nash's second book: Building Your Warehouse of Wealth 04:35 – Korean "police action," government language & how we're taught to think 08:37 – "You become what you think about" (Earl Nightingale, pilots & Al Capone) 11:17 – Jealousy vs curiosity: TikTok farmer, excuses, and the 3% who actually change 17:42 – Top 3% vs 97%: farming is "hard"… and why some win anyway 19:20 – Stop waiting for the farm: building your own wealth & farming future 23:43 – What to read next & how to work with Mary Jo (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) 👉 Ready to see if Infinite Banking works for your farm or ranch? ⓵ Get the books & bundles: 📚 https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  ⓶ Read the book before you book a call – that's how we make sure you're in the thinking 3%, not the complaining 97%. ⓷ Set up your appointment (link will be in your email), and let's see if this concept fits your operation. Even if we don't end up working together, you'll walk away with a better way to think about money, wealth, and your farm future. Resources Mentioned "Building Your Warehouse of Wealth" – Nelson Nash "Economics in One Lesson" – Henry Hazlitt Earl Nightingale – "The Strangest Secret" Words & Numbers Podcast FEE (Foundation for Economic Education) / Austrian Economics resources

Most people think policy loans mean "borrowing your own money." That's completely wrong, and it's costing them big. In this episode, Mary Jo breaks down exactly how policy loans work inside Infinite Banking and why understanding the difference can change how you build wealth. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  In this deep dive, Mary Jo explains why you're borrowing the life insurance company's money, not your own, when using policy loans, and how that lets your cash value keep earning uninterrupted compound interest and dividends. She also addresses common misconceptions some accountants have, what's actually deductible, and why using this strategy helps reduce inflation by keeping dollars out of the fractional-reserve banking system. If you've ever wondered whether you "pay to borrow your own money," this episode clears it up once and for all. 🧭 Key Takeaways: ◦ You're borrowing against your policy, not from it. ◦ The interest goes to the insurance company, not back into your policy. ◦ You still earn compound interest + dividends while using that money. ◦ Accountants often misunderstand how policy loans and deductions work. ◦ Using Infinite Banking helps you leverage dollars and avoid inflating the currency. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & Today's Topic 02:30 – The Big Infinite Banking Misconception 05:10 – Borrowing the Insurance Company's Money 08:30 – Accountants, Interest, and Tax Deductions 13:00 – How This Strategy Fights Inflation 16:30 – Uninterrupted Compound Interest in Action 19:00 – Why Understanding Leverage Matters 20:00 – Harvest Sale + Final Thoughts (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) 👍 Like this episode if it cleared up a myth about policy loans 💬 Comment your biggest "aha!" moment below 📲 Subscribe for more Infinite Banking education and strategies 📚 Mentioned Links: 📘 Grab your book and check out the Harvest Sale: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  📧 Contact Mary Jo with your questions: maryjo@withoutthebank.com

Kyle Busch just sued Pacific Life Insurance for $8.58 million, claiming he was misled by an Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy. But what if this high-profile case proves everything Infinite Banking practitioners have warned about for years? 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  In this episode of Without the Bank, Mary Jo breaks down the Kyle Busch life insurance lawsuit, exposing how IULs are often mis-sold and why dividend-paying whole life insurance is still the gold standard for Infinite Banking. She dives into: ◦ Why IULs, VULs, and ULs collapse faster than you think ◦ The truth behind "guaranteed" returns and hidden policy fees ◦ What Nelson Nash really meant by "dividend-paying whole life" ◦ How to read your own in-force illustration and spot red flags If you own an Indexed Universal Life policy, or are thinking of buying one, this episode could save you thousands. Audio Podcast Episodes Farming Without The Bank   Ep. 327a    Without The Bank Ep. 242a Key Takeaways ◦ Kyle Busch's lawsuit highlights systemic problems in how IULs are sold. ◦ Whole life and IUL are not the same thing. ◦ Infinite Banking only works with dividend-paying whole life, not market-tied policies. ◦ Always request an in-force illustration at 4% to test your policy's strength. ◦ Education beats marketing.  Understand what you're buying before you sign. Chapters 00:00 – The Problem with Bad Insurance Sales 01:21 – Kyle Busch's $8.5M IUL Lawsuit Explained 03:34 – IUL vs Whole Life: What Agents Don't Tell You 06:03 – Hidden Fees, Failing Policies, and False Promises 08:26 – Why This Case Proves Infinite Banking Works 12:19 – The Real Lesson from Becoming Your Own Banker 17:16 – How to Check (and Fix) Your Own Life Insurance (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) 👉 Have an IUL or UL policy? Send your in-force illustration to Mary Jo for a review. Email: maryjo@withoutthebank.com 👉 Subscribe for more episodes breaking down Infinite Banking truths and exposing insurance myths. 👍 Like, comment, and share this video if you believe in consumer protection and financial education! 🔗 Links Mentioned 📘 Books: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  👩‍💼 Work with Mary Jo: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/contact/ 

Bitcoin fans say it's the future. I say: show me how it actually solves real-world money problems. In this episode, I walk through the biggest unanswered questions I still have about Bitcoin: volatility, inheritance keys, "who's in charge," government visibility, and why I still prefer AND assets like dividend-paying whole life over OR assets like BTC. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  Prompted by a listener (thanks, Todd!), I listened to a Bitcoin proponent debate and wrote down the sticking points I can't get past. If Bitcoin is limited, why do explanations sound inflationary?  If it's infinitely divisible, how is that different from a devalued currency? If most people don't even understand the dollar, how do we get mass adoption of a new money system?  How do I plan a purchase in 5 years with that level of volatility? What about lost keys and inheritance? And if the government can track blockchain activity and tax capital gains, how does this "stop tyranny"?  I compare Bitcoin to gold/silver and outline why I prefer cash-flowing, contractually guaranteed strategies—especially Infinite Banking. Key Takeaways: ◦ Value = belief. If 97% don't understand money now, mass BTC adoption is a stretch. ◦ Volatility breaks planning. It's hard to budget for real purchases with wide swings. ◦ Bitcoin behaves like an OR asset; I prefer AND assets that can grow while being used. ◦ Inheritance risk is real: lose the key, lose the asset. ◦ Government visibility & taxes exist—so "off grid" claims don't really hold. ◦ Cross-border payments are a useful perk—but fees and frictions can creep in over time. ◦ Insurance companies and banks avoid BTC due to volatility and lack of cash flow. Chapters: 00:00 Cold open: "Who's running Bitcoin?" creator, mining & control 01:01 Shoutout to Todd & why this episode exists 02:58 Can BTC be a supplementary medium of exchange? 03:27 Ground rules: why I'm open—but unconvinced 04:39 "Limited" yet "inflationary"? Divisibility vs. value 05:31 Nelson Nash lens: "If dollars are worthless, why trade BTC for them?" 07:16 Value = belief; most people don't understand money 10:06 Volatility vs. planning for real purchases 12:57 Invest in what you know; AND asset vs. OR asset 14:00 Lost keys & inheritance problems 14:58 Will BTC stop tyranny? IBC, voting & policy matter more 16:06 Govt tracking, capital gains & "digital money" already here 17:21 Why insurers/banks avoid BTC (volatility, no cash flow) 18:50 Who's in charge? Mining, outages & resilience 20:10 The one valid perk: cross-border transfers (for now) 20:59 Trust, fees & centralization concerns 21:27 Dollar strength, crash talk & practical money use 23:04 Crypto dilution: too many coins, weaker adoption 24:19 "Explain it like I'm five"—if it's too complex, that's a risk 25:12 CTA: Want guarantees and an AND asset? Start with IBC (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) → Want a strategy you can plan around? Start your Infinite Banking journey today. → Grab the Farming Without the Bank book and schedule your appointment to get set up. → Comment with your best Bitcoin arguments—especially on planning, inheritance, and governance. • Farming Without the Bank book & consult:  https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  • Podcast home page:  https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/podcasts 

Why do so many people say, "Whole life insurance never works"? Let's unpack that. In this episode, Mary Jo takes on online critics who claim infinite banking doesn't work and reveals why most people making these comments haven't even done their homework. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/  Mary Jo shares personal stories, lessons from Nelson Nash, and her own journey from being labeled "learning disabled" to becoming a teacher who helps thousands understand money in a different way. If you've ever wondered whether the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) really helps people make financial progress, this episode will open your eyes. 🎯 Key Takeaways: ◦ Why people misunderstand Infinite Banking and Whole Life Insurance ◦ How assumptions and "keyboard warriors" cloud financial discussions ◦ The role of human nature and mindset in financial success ◦ Lessons from Nelson Nash about honesty, discipline, and being your own banker ◦ How critical thinking and open-minded learning lead to real wealth ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & New Studio 02:10 – Reading & Responding to Online Comments 05:30 – "Whole Life Insurance Never Helps" – Debunking the Myth 09:00 – The Learning Disabled Label & Becoming a Teacher 14:20 – Why People Don't Understand Infinite Banking 18:45 – Human Nature & Why Policies Fail 24:00 – Judging Others' Finances Without Knowing Their Numbers 30:10 – Regenerative Agriculture & Financial Parallels 35:50 – Keeping Your Eye on Your Own Bobber 41:00 – Keyboard Warriors & Online Hate 47:00 – Why We Don't Talk About Money (and Why We Should) 52:00 – Being Open-Minded About Finance (and Bitcoin) 57:30 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) 📅 Read the book? Schedule your appointment with Mary Jo or John today at maryjo@withoutthebank.com 💬 Have a podcast topic idea? Drop it in the comments below! 👍 Like this episode if you learned something new, and subscribe for more no-nonsense financial education. 📘 Links Mentioned: 💡 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book 🌾 Canada version: https://www.ranchyourway.com  🎓 Learn from Nelson Nash: https://infinitebanking.org 

When Dave Ramsey told a 20-year-old rancher he made a "huge mistake" buying $100,000 in cattle, we had some thoughts. Spoiler: Dave doesn't understand agriculture, leverage, or infinite banking. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/  In this fiery episode #324 of Farming Without the Bank, Mary Jo Irmen and John dive deep into a recent Dave Ramsey clip that went viral — a 20-year-old caller buys $100K in cattle, and Dave loses it. Mary Jo and John break down why the young man's decision wasn't reckless at all; it was smart business. They explain how proper use of leverage, cash flow, and infinite banking can make or break a farm or ranch operation. If you've ever been told "debt is evil" or "cash only is the way," this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about farm finance. 💡 Key Takeaways: ◦ Why Dave Ramsey's blanket financial advice doesn't work for farmers or ranchers ◦ The truth about using leverage in agriculture ◦ How infinite banking can replace CDs and traditional loans ◦ Why business owners must understand cash flow, not just "debt-free living" ◦ How to use banks strategically — not avoid them completely ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The problem with Dave Ramsey's cattle advice 03:00 – Why college debt ≠ business investment 06:00 – The $100K cattle example explained 10:00 – Infinite Banking vs. CDs 14:00 – Understanding cash-flowing assets in agriculture 20:00 – The myth of "no debt ever" 24:00 – When to use bank leverage smartly 27:00 – Real-life client success stories 32:00 – Final thoughts: what farmers should really do (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) 💬 Have questions about infinite banking for your farm or ranch? Email Mary Jo: maryjo@withoutthebank.com Links Mentioned: 📘 Grab the Farming Without the Bank book and start building your own financial system today. https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ 

Banks are already tightening up on ag lending, and that's your red alarm. This creates instability as banks pull out of lending due to perceived high risk. Farming Without the Bank – Book & resources: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ Understanding sound farm management and agricultural finance is now more important than ever to mitigate risk management. Let's navigate the ag lending landscape together. Mary Jo breaks down when (and if) you should use the minimum premium option on policies with Paid-Up Additions (PUA) and why, in most cases, paying the full premium and then borrowing against cash value is the smarter play, especially when banks are pulling back, collateral requirements are rising, and commodity prices are shaky. If you've been tempted to "just pay the minimum" on your whole life premium, this episode explains why that move can quietly cost you years of growth. She shares a personal $2,000 short-pay mistake that still drags on her policy 16 years later, and revisits Nelson Nash's strategy during 23% interest rates: premium in, borrow, pay notes down, and migrate debt to the policy over time. Key Takeaways: Full premium today = more dividends + faster compounding tomorrow Minimum premium "flexibility" is for worst-case cashflow crunches, not a habit Policy loans can make tractor/land/operating payments while keeping your policy compounding Banks pulling back = expect harder renewals + more collateral requirements Consider how (or whether) to list cash value on bank forms—educate your banker Nelson Nash moved high-interest bank debt to his policy over ~13 years, start where you are  📘 Read Nelson Nash's Becoming Your Own Banker and Mary Jo's Farming Without the Bank 🗓️ Clients: Email to get on Mary Jo or John's calendar for a strategy session ✉️ Quick question? Email us and request a call-back ✅ Before you cut premiums, talk it through, don't starve your compounding Links Mentioned: Becoming Your Own Banker – Nelson Nash (official resource): https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/product/becoming-your-own-banker/ Farming Without the Bank – Book & resources: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/

Cattle checks look big with the current cattle prices, so why are so many farmers and ranchers still getting squeezed by the bank with farm loans? Because paying everything off kills your liquidity and hands control back to the lender. Let's fix that.  👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ Here's a look into the complexities of farm finance and why banks often limit farmers to three years of operating debt. Understanding debt management is critical for farmers navigating the current agricultural finance landscape. This video offers insights for farmers seeking to improve their farm management practices. In this episode, Mary Jo breaks down how to utilize money (not just spend or "pay it off") so you keep control through tough years. We walk through real-world ranch scenarios: a $100k calf check, 9% side-by-side loans, operating at 9%, banks dragging their feet on bull purchases, and the hard line many banks draw after three years of termed-out operating. You'll learn why keeping cash liquid can beat extra principal payments, when fixed rates make sense, and how "one pool of money" thinking (including infinite banking) helps you plan for 3–4 lean years without hitting the panic button. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Liquidity outweighs extra principal: don't pay off notes if it forces you back to a 9% operating line.  "One pool of money" mindset: location of dollars matters less than control of dollars.  Operating notes often carry the highest rate and the tightest terms—prioritize flexibility.  Many banks tolerate only about 3 years of termed-out operating before pushing hard measures.  Consider fixed-rate land notes for peace of mind; you can always refinance if rates drop.  If ROI is more than the loan rate (e.g., competent sell-buy cattle marketing at 25–35%), keep the debt and deploy cash.  Plan in 3–4 year cycles; align payments, operating needs, and cash-in from calf sales.  Chapters: 00:00 The 3-year "term-out" cliff on operating notes 01:01 Welcome + today's topic: how to utilize money 01:38 Cash flow obsession (for good reason) 01:51 Cattle guys have cash, now what? 02:23 The urge to pay everything off (and why it backfires) 03:53 Banker delays & why liquidity beats permission 04:32 Rates at 6–9%: what to actually pay 05:11 The $100k calf check example (don't give it all to the bank) 06:05 Keep cash for operating; borrow less later 07:11 9% side-by-side vs 9% LOC: same rate, different control 08:08 "One pool of money," explained 09:26 Operating on cash vs buying land—hidden 9% cost 10:19 Think in 4–5 year plans, not one-off payments 11:09 Operating notes = highest strain + annual payoff pressure 11:31 Most banks won't term out operating beyond ~3 years 12:37 Year three decision point: quit or keep going? 13:05 What to pay (and what not to overpay) 14:00 ROI greater than 9%? Then don't rush to pay off 14:53 Fixed vs variable: lock it in and sleep at night 16:28 Lessons learned: moving from variable to fixed 17:01 Infinite banking = using money correctly 17:32 "I found your premium": funding policies by re-routing cash 18:09 How to work with me + next steps (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) 👉 Grab the book, then schedule your strategy session to map your 3–4 year liquidity plan and stop letting the bank run your ranch. Book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ Read the book, then schedule a call: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/contact/ Email Mary Jo: maryjo@withoutthebank.com #FarmFinance #Ranching #OperatingLoan #CashFlow #AgBanking #CattleMarketing #InfiniteBanking #FixedRate #Refinance #WorkingCapital #FarmBusiness #RanchBusiness #AgEconomy #DebtStrategy #SellBuyMarketing 

💡 Why would anyone need more than one life insurance policy? Having multiple life insurance policies can provide more premiums, earning compound interest and dividends, which in turn lead to greater death benefits. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ This insurance strategy enhances financial security and builds generational wealth. Effective financial planning utilizes such strategies for long-term wealth building. In this episode of the Farming Without the Bank Podcast, Mary Jo dives into the real reasons behind starting multiple policies and why it's not just a nice-to-have, but often necessary for building wealth and avoiding tax traps. Drawing on lessons from Nelson Nash and her own experience, she explains how multiple policies protect against MEC limits, expand your cash value growth, and help create true generational wealth. If you've ever wondered, "Do I need more than one policy?" this episode is for you. 🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why multiple policies are essential for long-term wealth building  The role of MECs (Modified Endowment Contracts) and how to avoid them How to think about extra interest and premium payments The pros and cons of managing multiple policies When to start another policy (and when to wait) ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Why multiple policies matter 01:15 – Nelson Nash's 49 policies 02:59 – MEC rules and the 7-pay test 05:18 – Extra interest vs. loan repayment 07:36 – Benefits of having multiple policies 09:09 – Managing premiums and multiple loans 11:28 – The danger of staying with only one policy 13:29 – Redirecting paid-off debt into new policies 15:26 – Planning for income fluctuations (like cattle markets) 16:40 – Closing thoughts & listener questions (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) 📘 Resources & Links 🌱 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ 👉 Read The Book... 📅 Schedule your appointment: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/contact/ 👉 If this episode helped you rethink your financial strategy, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast. Drop your questions in the comments. I may cover them in a future episode! #InfiniteBanking #LifeInsurance #GenerationalWealth #FarmingWithoutTheBank #FinancialFreedom #IBC #wholelifeinsurance 

Are life settlements truly helping seniors, or are they simply enriching companies? In this episode of Farming Without the Bank, Mary Jo exposes the hidden dangers of selling your life insurance policy and why borrowing against your whole life policy is often the smarter move. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book:  https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ Many elderly policyholders are advised to cancel or sell their life insurance without realizing they can access cash through policy loans or riders. Life settlement companies profit, while families lose financial security. Don't let that happen to your loved ones. ✅ Learn what life settlements are ✅ Why they target seniors ✅ Safer ways to access cash from your policy ✅ How to protect parents, grandparents, and neighbors from being misled Chapters: 00:00 – Are life settlements preying on the elderly? 00:52 – What is a life settlement? 02:24 – Why companies profit from buying policies 04:44 – The Gary Brecka connection 06:15 – Borrowing against whole life insurance instead 07:38 – Cash value vs. surrender value explained 09:12 – Why canceling a policy can cost you 10:03 – Sharing this knowledge with family and friends 11:09 – Final thoughts on life settlements (Timestamps are from the video version. Audio-only edits are always shorter since they have had more fluff removed, so the timestamps are not accurate to this version.) 👉 Share this episode with parents, grandparents, or anyone who owns a life insurance policy; they need this information! 📖 Get Mary Jo's book and resources: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and join us weekly as we challenge financial myths and put control back in your hands. #LifeInsurance #LifeSettlements #InfiniteBanking #FinancialEducation #FarmingWithoutTheBank #MoneyTips #ProtectSeniors