Money On My Mind

In this raw and powerful episode, I share the untold story of how our family's life completely fell apart in 2024 – and how we rebuilt stronger than ever. When our daughter's seizure disorder collided with a hidden mold crisis that cost us our home, belongings, and $300,000 overnight, we faced impossible choices that would break most families. What You'll Discover: The shocking truth about mold toxicity that forced us to abandon everything we owned How we navigated our daughter's complex medical journey while losing our home The unexpected spiritual awakening that came from hitting rock bottom Why rushing and forcing outcomes was our biggest mistake How we built 3 thriving businesses during the worst year of our lives The life-changing health protocol that transformed our entire family Key Takeaways: ✓ Pain is loud, but perspective is louder – learn to let adversity teach rather than bury you ✓ Trust the journey even when it looks nothing like your plan ✓ Control only what you can control and surrender the rest ✓ Your comeback can happen faster than you think This isn't just another success story – it's a blueprint for anyone facing impossible circumstances. Whether you're dealing with health crises, financial loss, family challenges, or feeling stuck in life, this episode will show you that rock bottom can become the foundation for your greatest breakthrough. Perfect for entrepreneurs, parents of special needs children, anyone dealing with chronic illness, or those seeking hope during their darkest moments. Warning: This episode contains real talk about seizures, medical emergencies, and family trauma. But it's ultimately a story of hope, faith, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.

Why Systems Beat Motivation Every Time Most people believe success comes from grinding harder, waking up earlier, or being more disciplined. The truth is that motivation fades and willpower breaks. In this episode, I explain why systems are the real foundation of long term success and how removing emotion from daily decisions creates consistency, scale, and freedom. We walk through what a system actually is, why they compound like money, and how simple documented processes outperform raw effort every time. This episode is for anyone tired of relying on motivation and ready to build something that actually lasts. Episode Timeline and Highlights 00:00 Why motivation is not the answer 01:00 The lie of willpower 03:00 What defines a real system 05:00 Why consistency wins 06:30 Systems in money business and family 09:30 Research behind systems and performance 11:30 Freedom through systemization 13:00 Where to start Key Takeaways • You fall to the level of your systems • Systems remove decision fatigue • Simple systems scale better than complex ones • Consistency creates compounding results • Systems create freedom not restriction Quotables "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." "Motivation fades. Systems scale." "Simple scales. Fancy fails." If you are tired of starting over every Monday, stop trying harder. Start building systems that run whether you feel motivated or not.

Most people treat taxes like an unavoidable expense. The wealthy treat them like a strategy. In this episode, I break down how high net worth individuals and families legally and ethically use taxes to build wealth instead of losing it. We walk through the mindset shift, the incentives built into the tax code, and the four biggest strategies the wealthy use to lower their effective tax rates while compounding assets. This is not about loopholes or shortcuts. It is about understanding how the system works and using it intentionally. If you are tired of reacting to taxes and want to start planning ahead, this episode is your starting point. Episode Timeline and Highlights 00:00 Why taxes are a blueprint not a bill 01:15 The mindset difference between classes 03:00 Why the tax code rewards behavior 04:20 Business ownership and pre tax strategies 06:40 Depreciation explained simply 08:30 Real estate and tax efficiency 10:20 Proactive planning versus reaction 12:00 DIY or delegate 13:30 How to start using the system Key Takeaways • Taxes are an incentive system • Ownership changes how you are taxed • Depreciation creates real advantages • Real estate compounds wealth and tax efficiency • Planning ahead reduces stress and taxes • Education is the real advantage Quotables "The wealthy do not fear taxes. They design around them." "Taxes are not the enemy. Ignorance is." "Playing offense with money starts with understanding the rules." Closing If this episode gave you clarity, share it with someone still paying taxes blindly. You do not need to cheat. You do not need to be ultra rich. You just need to learn the system and use it intentionally.

Stop Playing Small With Your Money: The Real Reason You're Financially Stuck If you've read all the books, tried every budget app, and still feel like you're spinning your wheels financially - this episode is your wake-up call. In this raw and direct conversation, I'm calling out the elephant in the room: You're not stuck because you lack discipline or don't make enough money. You're stuck because you're trying to figure this out alone with broken tools and bad mentors. I share the powerful story of Mandy, a Cincinnati mom who faced an impossible choice - deciding between her child's emergency medical care and an ER bill. Her transformation inside the Budget Academy didn't just fix her finances; it changed her entire family's future. From negative net worth to mapping out her path to becoming a millionaire in crystal-clear detail. You'll discover: Why following random YouTube advice is like building a house with just a hammer and no blueprint The 5-step framework that turns financial chaos into clarity (belief → identity → environment → systems → results) The REAL mathematical cost of "waiting for the right time" (spoiler: it's 7 figures) How to build an automated financial system that takes just 30 minutes per month Why your scarcity mindset is costing you more than any investment ever could This isn't another "save more, spend less" lecture. This is about building a complete financial operating system that touches every aspect of your money - from debt elimination to wealth building to estate planning. If you're tired of watching from the sidelines while others build wealth, it's time to stop waiting for perfect timing. The cost of inaction is too high, and your future self is counting on you to make the move today. Fair warning: This episode is intentionally direct. Because sometimes you need someone to look you in the eye and tell you the truth about what's really holding you back.

The Old Money Rules Are Broken  Here's What Actually Works Now Most people are still following financial advice that was designed for a world that no longer exists. Save your money. Get a degree. Work for forty years. Retire if nothing goes wrong. In this episode, I walk you through why that playbook is broken and what the new money rules look like in today's economy. We break down the shift from saving to ownership, from jobs to skills, from "someday" to designing freedom now, and from waiting to moving while things are still messy. Using real examples and simple math, you'll see why safety-focused advice often creates long-term stress instead of freedom. If your money feels stuck, outdated, or misaligned with the life you want this episode is your wake-up call. Episode Timeline and Highlights [0:00] Why old money rules don't work anymore [1:15] Saving vs ownership [4:00] Jobs, skills, and leverage [6:00] The problem with delaying life [8:00] Why waiting keeps people broke [10:00] How to update your financial playbook [12:00] What to do next Key Takeaways • Saving doesn't build wealth—ownership does • Income without leverage creates dependence • Time is the most expensive thing you lose • Freedom is designed, not delayed • Clarity comes from action, not overthinking Quotables "Saving doesn't build wealth. Ownership does." "If your plan depends on surviving forty years of stress, it's broken." "Clarity is earned through movement—not waiting." Closing If your financial strategy feels outdated, don't beat yourself up. Just update the rules you're playing by.

When Life Forces You to Zoom Out: Leadership, Faith, and What Really Matters This episode isn't about money, investing, or business tactics. It's about life, when it stops you in your tracks and forces you to reevaluate everything. I open up about what our family is walking through right now with our daughter, Logan, and how this season has reshaped the way I think about leadership, time, faith, and legacy. This is a raw conversation about carrying responsibility while your heart is heavy, about showing up when you're exhausted, and about learning that some of life's greatest lessons are forged in the hardest chapters. If you're facing something difficult right now, this episode is a reminder: You're not alone. And this season is not wasted. Episode Timeline and Highlights [0:00] Why this episode is different [1:30] Walking through the hardest chapter as a parent [5:00] The clarity pain delivers [7:40] Leadership under pressure [10:30] Time as the true form of wealth [12:40] Faith over control [15:00] Redefining legacy [17:30] Final reflections for hard seasons Key Takeaways • Pain has a way of clarifying what matters • Leadership is often quiet and steady • Time with loved ones compounds more than money ever will • Faith grows when control fades • Legacy is built in the present, not the future Quotables "Every bedtime is wealth." "No return on investment will ever beat presence." "Hard seasons don't break you—they shape you." If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who's walking through a hard season. And if that person is you—reach out. I don't need anything from you. I just want to connect. We're all in this together.

Why You'll Never "Feel Ready" To Invest  And Why That's Exactly When You Should Start Most people believe they need to fix their debt, earn more money, or feel confident before they can invest. But the truth is the opposite: The moment you feel unprepared is often the moment that matters most. In today's episode, I break down the real logic, real math, and real stories showing why waiting is costing you thousands, while action, even imperfect action, is what creates momentum. We cover the false belief of needing to feel ready, why freezing is the worst reaction, and how students with 20,000 dollars in debt still accelerate faster because they use a system instead of guesswork. You're not stuck because you're in debt. You're stuck because you don't have a plan. This episode is your wake-up call to stop waiting and start moving. Episode Timeline and Highlights [0:00] Why the best time to invest feels like the worst time [0:36] The myth of needing to feel ready [1:10] Why no one ever feels in the right place to act [1:57] Debt is not the blocker - lack of a system is [2:34] The hidden cost of doing nothing for 12 months [3:00] How students eliminate debt 28 months faster [3:36] The real purpose of investing in yourself [4:10] Scarcity vs abundance [4:37] Why I do this work [5:03] Your invitation to reach out and take action Key Takeaways • Waiting until you're ready is the biggest financial lie • Action creates clarity not the other way around • A proven system beats guessing every time • Investing in yourself is not an expense, but a shortcut • Scarcity holds you back; abundance builds your future Quotables "Scarcity tells you to wait. Abundance tells you to build." "You don't pay for the program from where you are, you pay for it from where it takes you." "Not having a system is the real reason you're stuck." Links and Resources Budgetdog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book: https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who's been stuck waiting for the perfect moment. The moment is now.

Is it too late to invest when the market hits all-time highs? That's the question everybody is asking, and the truth will surprise you. This episode breaks down exactly why trying to "time the market" is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make, and why long-term, consistent investing still outperforms every prediction, headline, and emotion you have. I walk you through the data, not opinions: • Fidelity's study showing the best investors were people who did nothing • How missing just a handful of the best market days destroys your returns • Why staying invested, even at all-time highs, creates far more wealth than waiting for crashes • How students are growing $90K… $140K… even $240K in net worth using a simple, repeatable system • And the psychological trap that keeps most people broke, even when they earn good money This isn't theory. This isn't hype. This is the real, proven, boring-but-powerful strategy that builds wealth every single time. Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] – Why "all-time highs" scare people [2:15] – Emotion vs. data (and why one always loses) [4:40] – The student results you can't ignore [7:30] – Market timing: the most expensive mistake you can make [10:55] – The Fidelity study that shocked everyone [13:10] – Missing the best days: how it kills your returns [16:20] – The $300,000 growth example (data only) [19:45] – Why simple investing beats complicated strategies [22:10] – Final truth: wealth is built by staying in the game Key Takeaways 💡 • Market timing destroys more wealth than market crashes • The best returns go to people who stay invested consistently • Simple, automated investing beats emotional decision-making • Data > predictions, always • You don't need complexity to build real wealth • All-time highs are not a reason to pause—they're a reason to keep going Quotables 🗣️ "Trying to time the market isn't strategy—it's gambling with your life savings." "Missing five of the best days can erase decades of smart decisions." "Consistency builds wealth. Emotion destroys it." Links & Resources Learn more about Budgetdog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog If this episode gave you clarity, share it with someone who's stuck waiting for "the perfect moment" to invest. There is no perfect moment, only a perfect strategy. 🎯

From negative $8,000 to $5 million net worth, what's the real blueprint? 💰 It's not what most people think. The path to wealth isn't paved with higher income or perfect spreadsheets. It's built on requirements most people ignore completely. In this episode, I share the exact framework I used to build generational wealth from scratch. We dive into the non-negotiables: the mindset shifts, the environment changes, and the automated systems that separate the wealthy from everyone else. This isn't motivational fluff—it's the practical roadmap I've personally executed and taught to thousands of students getting real results. 📈 I break down why your ego might be your biggest asset or liability, why consumption (what you see, hear, and who you're around) matters more than income, and how to build financial systems that run on autopilot. Plus, I reveal the "speed hacks" that compressed my journey from $1M to $5M into just four years through strategic access to skills, connections, and private deals. 🚀 Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] – Opening: The zero to $5 million blueprint revealed [1:45] – My credentials: From -$8K to $5M (why experience matters) [3:20] – The foundational principle: "Know what they know, do what they do" 🎯 [5:15] – Requirement #1: Calibrating your ego for wealth [8:30] – Requirement #2: Mindset—why "I can't" keeps you broke [10:00] – The consumption diet: What you see, hear & absorb daily 👁️ [13:45] – My radical unfollow: Cutting out average to achieve extraordinary [16:30] – Why the automated financial system beats chasing income 🤖 [19:20] – Breaking down automation: From chaos to clarity in 20 min/month [22:00] – Goal clarity: The 3-mile run vs endless marathon analogy [24:30] – Speed through strategic relationships & private opportunities 🤝 [26:15] – Private deals: Why the wealthy earn 20% while others get 10% [30:15] – The truth about focusing on credit scores (you're asking wrong questions) [32:00] – Final wisdom: Life is a game—learn the rules or lose 🎲 Key Takeaways 💡 • Your Environment Is Everything: The people, content, and conversations you consume daily determine your financial ceiling • Systems Over Hustle: Automated financial systems create wealth while manual effort creates exhaustion • Speed Requires Access: Skills, connections, and private deals compress decades into years • Requirements Before Strategy: Fix your ego, mindset, and environment before touching a spreadsheet Quotables 🗣️ "If you're constantly joking about being broke, you're not around the right people." "Most people are broke not because they don't make enough, they're broke because they don't know better." 💭 "I spent 7 years listening to sports radio. It did zilch for my wealth. Choose your consumption wisely." 📻 "The public never gets the good deals. Private access is where real wealth accelerates." 🔒 Links & Resources Learn more about Budgetdog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog If this episode opened your eyes to what's possible, share it with someone who's ready to stop being "always broke" and start building real wealth. The blueprint is here—the only question is whether you'll follow it. 🎯

Episode Description   What does leadership really mean when you're running both a household and a business? The truth is, I'm not just the CEO and founder of a growing brand I'm also the CEO of my household. I'm leading my team at work and my daughters at home, and while the stakes look different at the office versus the dinner table, the responsibility is equally high on both sides.   In this episode, I dive deep into the traits, values, and daily behaviors that help me lead effectively in both spaces without sacrificing who I am as a person. I share the weight of dual leadership, the tension of being the same father and husband after a tough day at work, and why winning in business means nothing if you lose at home.   From consistency and vision-casting to decisiveness and humility, the same character traits that make someone a great CEO also make them a great parent and spouse. I'll break down how we apply business frameworks like EOS to our family life, why your family needs vision just as much as your team does, and how saying "no" to protect your mission is one of the most powerful leadership tools you can master. Episode Timeline & Highlights   [0:00] – Introduction: Leading both business and household [0:35] – The weight of dual leadership and serving in both spaces [1:12] – Why winning at business but losing at home means you ultimately lose [1:53] – Trait #1: Consistency 13 years without missing an investment [2:54] – Trait #2: Vision casting quarterly vision for team and family [3:26] – Our family's "Foundations First" theme after overcoming major challenges [4:50] – Leading by example: Why your actions speak louder than words [5:23] – Trait #3: Decisiveness making hard calls with limited information [6:08] – Trait #4: Humility—the power of admitting when you're wrong [7:01] – Protecting the mission by saying no to distractions [7:57] – Leadership ROI: What real dividends look like [8:16] – Why work-life balance is silly go 110% on what matters most Key Takeaways   Leadership Is About Stewardship: Whether you're leading 50 people or a family of five, it's about carrying weight well when nobody claps. Same Traits, Different Settings: Consistency, vision, decisiveness, and humility work equally well in boardrooms and living rooms. Protection Through Boundaries: The more you invite into your life, the more complex it gets. Simple scales, fancy fails. Quotables   "If I win in business but lose at home, I lose ultimately." "Your family doesn't need grand gestures or huge home runs. They need consistency." "Work-life balance is silly you're focusing on being mediocre at everything versus putting 110% into the things that matter." Links & Resources Learn more about Budgetdog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who's juggling leadership roles at work and home. Leadership isn't about the spotlight, it's about stewardship, and that applies whether you're in a boardroom or at the dinner table.

If you think you're using money the same way your parents did, you're already behind. If your entire view of Bitcoin is based on headlines, you're missing the point. And if you think this "crypto stuff" is just a fad, then today's episode will shake your perspective. Because what we're living through isn't just a tech revolution; it's the early stage of a complete financial reset. The system you were taught to trust is showing its cracks, and a new one is quietly being built in real time. In this episode, I'll walk you through what's really happening beneath the surface of our economy: how the legacy system is breaking down, why blockchain isn't the same as crypto, and why Bitcoin stands alone as the foundation of a new era. We'll unpack what central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could mean for your freedom, how tokenization is changing ownership, and what you can actually do right now to prepare for what's coming next. This isn't about hype or headlines. It's about understanding the future of money before the rest of the world wakes up. Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] – Introduction: Why the way we use money is already outdated [1:00] – The cracks in the old system: banks, inflation, and eroding trust [4:30] – Blockchain ≠ Crypto: the foundation of the new financial internet [7:30] – Bitcoin ≠ Crypto: digital property, not a startup project [11:30] – What's coming: CBDCs, tokenization, and digital IDs [15:30] – What to do now: education, ownership, and early infrastructure [19:00] – Closing: The financial system is molting. Will you be ready? Key Takeaways The Old System Is Breaking: Inflation, inefficiency, and control are signals that the traditional system is unsustainable. Blockchain Is the Infrastructure: It's not about coins; it's about a trustless, verifiable system the world will soon rely on. Bitcoin Stands Alone: It's not just another crypto. It's digital property, the foundation of a new monetary network. Preparation Beats Prediction: The people who win in revolutions aren't the loudest. They're the ones who understood the shift early and acted on it. Quotables "If your view of Bitcoin comes from headlines, you've already missed the real story." "Banks still run on 1970s rails. You send a wire Friday, it lands Monday, if you're lucky." "Most crypto is a startup. Bitcoin is a protocol. One builds features. The other preserves freedom." "The system isn't just evolving; it's molting. And under that shell, something entirely new is taking shape." Links & Resources Learn more about Budgetdog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog If this episode challenged how you think about money, share it with someone who's still trusting the old system. Because the future isn't waiting, and understanding what's coming next is the first step to staying ahead.Episode Description

Episode Description "I'd love to join the Academy, but I'm already in debt. I can't justify spending more money right now." This is one of the biggest objections I hear, and I get it, I've been there too. But if you're in a tough financial position, this episode is going to completely flip your mindset and show you why being in a hole isn't a reason to freeze, it's the exact reason to move. Most people wait until they feel financially safe to invest in themselves, but that feeling may never come if you're drowning financially. You're not lazy, you're scared. And that fear keeps you stuck in the same cycle that got you here in the first place. The truth is, the cost of doing nothing is far more expensive than you realize, and most people aren't calculating what inaction is actually costing them. In this episode, I break down the real math behind waiting, share the story of Miranda (who went from working three jobs with sweaty palms to landing a $500,000 dream job in Hawaii), and explain why the Academy isn't just an expense, it's a path out of your current situation. Episode Timeline & Highlights 0:00] – The biggest objection: "I'm already in debt" [0:33] – The emotional trap of waiting until you're ready [1:16] – Pattern recognition: What separates wealthy from broke mindsets [1:41] – The hidden cost of inaction (and why $100K in savings is losing you $6K annually) [2:19] – Real numbers: Average students find $24,000 extra per year in cash flow [3:22] – Why "I can't afford it" is really about not trusting yourself [4:29] – What Academy students actually get: The automated financial roadmap [6:05] – Students with debt pay it off 28 months faster than expected [7:01] – Reframing affordability: It's about priorities, not bank balance [8:43] – Miranda's transformation: From three jobs and anxiety to $500K dream life [10:14] – Why the moment you feel least ready is when you need to leap Key Takeaways The Cost of Inaction Is Higher Than Investment: Our average student finds an extra $2,000 per month in cash flow, which compounds to over $1 million in 17 years. Fear Keeps You Stuck in Patterns: Pattern recognition separates wealthy individuals from those who remain broke. The same cycle repeats until you take action. Debt Doesn't Disqualify You: Thousands of students have joined with debt and become debt-free faster than they ever imagined possible. Quotables "You're not lazy. You're scared. And that fear keeps you stuck." "The longer you wait for your finances to get better on their own, the more time goes by. And time is money, and time is compound interest." "Sometimes the moment you feel the least ready is the exact moment you need to take the leap of faith." Links & Resources Learn more about Budgetdog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog If this episode hit home for you, share it with someone who's stuck in the "I can't afford it" mindset. Sometimes we all need permission to invest in ourselves and break free from the patterns that keep us broke.

Episode Description I've been quietly working on something behind the scenes that I'm finally ready to share with Budget Dog Academy students, exclusive access to private real estate deals that were previously only available to wealthy, accredited investors. This isn't just another investment opportunity; it's a game-changer that removes the traditional barriers that keep everyday people locked out of these high-return deals. In this episode, I break down exactly what this new real estate business is, why I built it, and how it benefits Academy students. I'll explain what "accredited investor" status means, the typical barriers to entry (like $1 million net worth requirements and $50-100k minimums), and how I've negotiated with top syndicators across the country to bypass these old rules while actually getting students better terms than going direct.  This business venture was a natural evolution built on years of relationships, vetting, and leverage I've developed in the industry. I'm not just giving students access; I'm giving them vetted deal flow with shared incentives where everyone wins when the deals perform well. Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] – Introduction: Announcing exclusive real estate deal access for Academy students [0:43] – What "accredited investor" means and the traditional barriers to entry [2:50] – How I partnered with top syndicators like Rise 48 to bypass old rules [4:46] – The vetting process and why I only work with proven track records [8:06] – How the business model works and why everyone benefits [12:57] – The natural evolution from Academy to real estate deals [16:21] – Transparency about equity sharing and why it's good for students [18:13] – What's coming next: wealth acceleration beyond just budgeting   Key Takeaways Access Creates Wealth: These private deals used to require connections and accredited status. Now Academy students get in with lower minimums and better terms. Marketplace Value Wins: When you bring real value to multiple parties, everyone profits. Don't feel guilty about earning money while helping others. Leverage Your Network: Years of relationship building and reputation can be turned into business opportunities that serve your community.   Quotables "If I bring $10 of value to the marketplace, I should at least get paid $1, should I not?" "People that trust me will win big. I'll keep it at that." "This isn't about pitching my students, it's about helping them get opportunities I know can accelerate their wealth."   Links & Resources Join Budgetdog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog If you're ready to move beyond just budgeting into wealth acceleration, this episode shows you what's possible when you're in the right community with the right access. Academy students aren't just learning about money—they're getting exclusive opportunities to build real wealth.

Episode Description Investing $72,000 in yourself might sound crazy, but it was one of the best business decisions I've ever made. In this episode, I break down why I joined an exclusive mastermind of 225 highly successful entrepreneurs and how it's already paying dividends in ways I never imagined. This wasn't an impulsive purchase or ego play. This was about proximity, getting access to the right people in the right rooms who could collapse my timeline to success. Within just five days of joining, I've already received deal flow worth more than my investment, access to 32 SOPs from $100 million businesses, and mentorship that's shifting how I think about wealth building entirely. Most people focus on cost instead of value. They ask "How much does it cost?" before understanding what they're getting. Wealthy people think differently, they calculate ROI first. When you shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset focused on value and proximity, everything changes. Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] – The $72,000 investment that changed everything [0:48] – What proximity really means and why access beats content [1:27] – Cost vs. value: The guacamole analogy that explains wealth mindset [2:30] – How to collapse your timeline by 5-10 years [3:33] – Why most people ask the wrong questions about investments [5:15] – The CPA firm deal that already covered my investment [7:28] – Scarcity vs. abundance: The two roadblocks to wealth [9:41] – Why failure is part of the game (the Call of Duty analogy) [10:49] – From $0 to $1 million the hard way vs. $1 million to $5 million with access [15:04] – My mentor's reaction to my "$10 million goal" (and why I needed that challenge) [18:04] – Being "too tolerant" as a leader—and how it was holding me back [20:23] – Why you need to be the dumbest person in the room [22:05] – The cost of waiting: How hesitation hurts your family Key Takeayways Access Trumps Content: You're not buying information; you're buying proximity to people who've already achieved what you want. ROI Over Cost: Wealthy people ask "What's the return?" before "What's the price?" This mindset shift changes everything. Proximity Collapses Time: The right rooms can speed up your journey by years or even decades. Challenge Breeds Growth: You need people who will push your limits and challenge your comfort zone. Quotables "What I bought wasn't content. What I bought was access." "You're either going to pay with time or money, just realize that." "I've been the smartest person in the room for way too long, and it's time to level up." "The shortcut isn't buying another PDF or course. It's getting proximity to people playing the game at the level you want to rise to." Links & Resources Learn more about Budgetdog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog Ready to join BudgetDog Academy? Book a call with my team in the show notes below. If this episode shifted your mindset about investing in yourself, share it with someone who needs to hear this message. And don't forget to rate, follow, and review, it helps more people break free from scarcity thinking and start building real wealth.

Ryan made $3 million, lived in a Chicago penthouse, and had only been to three of his daughter's soccer games in 16 years. That moment on his rooftop changed everything for me. In this raw conversation with Rayn Bakke, I share why we both walked away from Big Four careers to build something that actually matters. From getting mocked by Deloitte leadership for pursuing my dream to proving I could replace my salary in just 10 months, this is the real story of leaving corporate America's golden handcuffs. I'll take you inside the moment HR gave me an ultimatum, why I paid off my house the same week I quit, and how a conversation written in a McDonald's parking lot became the framework that's helped 2,300+ families transform their finances. Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] - The rooftop moment that made me form my first LLC [0:28] - Why we both left Deloitte despite being on partner track [2:37] - The night at 8pm when my boss called his kids instead of going home [4:38] - Making partner means buying into social commitments you can't escape [6:39] - My 12-month escape plan: Make or exceed my $100,000 salary [7:49] - "I heard you're a big star" - When HR found out about BudgetDog [9:02] - The partner who mocked me and became my fuel [10:38] - Who BudgetDog really serves: 76% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck [11:39] - Why $300,000 earners are struggling with credit card debt [12:35] - The behavioral psychologist in our academy (because money is emotional) [14:20] - The surgeon making $1 million who can't retire (daddy issues) [16:21] - Our student who gained $129,000 in net worth in 15 weeks [17:18] - Writing the entire academy framework in a McDonald's parking lot [20:16] - Why money is so much easier than people make it   Key Takeaways The golden handcuffs are real: Making partner isn't just about money; it's buying into a social commitment that can trap you for 40 years Your identity drives your finances: Most money problems aren't math problems, they're psychology problems rooted in childhood beliefs Proof before leap: I didn't just quit; I proved I could replace my income for 10 months before walking away Doubters become fuel: When leadership mocks your dreams, let it drive you to exceed their income (and I did) Systems beat willpower: An automated financial system removes the emotion and creates inevitable wealth   Quotables "My boss said he was going to call his kids to put them to bed. I left at 11pm and called my wife: 'I don't think this is the right move long term.'" "The partner mocked me: 'I became a Budget Dog connoisseur over the weekend.' That's when I went into kill mode." "76% of people living paycheck to paycheck isn't an income problem when $300,000 earners have credit card debt." "I wrote the entire academy framework in a McDonald's parking lot with pen and paper - everything I wish I'd known from scratch." "Whether you think you can or can't, you're right." - Henry Ford (and it's my favorite quote ever) Links & Resources BudgetDog Academy: budgetdogacademy.com/yt-get-started Connect on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog All platforms: @budgetdog Free resources: https://budgetdog.com If this episode hit home, share it with someone stuck in the corporate grind who needs to hear that there's life beyond the partner track. Remember to rate, follow, and review to help others find their path to financial freedom without sacrificing what matters most.

Hustle culture nearly destroyed my health, my marriage, and my ability to be present for my daughters. In this deeply personal episode, I share why I stopped glorifying the grind and learned that working smarter not harder is the real path to sustainable success. From leaving Deloitte to build BudgetDog while caring for my daughter with Dravet syndrome, to discovering toxic mold that threatened our entire family's health, this is the raw truth about what endless hustle really costs. I'll walk you through the moments that forced me to choose between proving my worth through output and actually being present for what matters. Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] - Why hustle culture almost broke me [1:04] - The Big Four grind: Last man standing from my starting class [2:31] - Building a business from scratch isn't what Instagram tells you [3:44] - The moment everything changed: Logan's first seizure at 5 months [6:46] - October 2022: Turning the car around in a Michigan snowstorm [11:17] - The diagnosis that explained everything: Mold mycotoxins [14:19] - $300,000 gone in two months—and why we had to leave everything behind [20:04] - Dallas ice storm: Heart rate of 203 and another house rejection [23:13] - The health markers that scared us straight [29:10] - Making $1 million sitting by the pool vs. hundreds of thousands in a cubicle [32:34] - My new operating model: High-intensity spurts, not endless hustle [34:56] - Setting boundaries that actually stick Key Takeaways 1. Seasons of sacrifice are necessary staying there forever is dangerous - There's a time to grind, but knowing when to stop is what separates success from self-destruction 2. Your biggest breakthroughs come from rest, not burnout - The most strategic moves happen when you step back and think, not when you're drowning in details 3. Health markers don't lie - When your cortisol is shot and your testosterone drops, your body is telling you something the hustle bros won't   Quotables "I made $1 million sitting at a pool. I made a couple hundred thousand sitting in a cubicle at Deloitte." "You can run on the treadmill to get in shape, but if you run on it forever, you're going to fall off and hurt yourself." "Sustainable success comes from clarity, not chaos." "Our disadvantage led to our advantage if my daughter didn't have that seizure, we would've stayed in that toxic house much longer."   Links & Resources Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdog.com/book If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear that rest isn't giving up it's gearing up for what's next. And remember to rate, follow, and review the podcast to help others find their way off the hustle hamster wheel.

Investing can feel overwhelming with all the strategies, opinions, and noise out there. That's why in this episode, I break down eight simple, time-tested rules of thumb that will help you cut through the confusion and make smarter decisions with your money. These aren't rigid formulas—they're practical guidelines to keep you on track whether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your portfolio. From understanding how long it takes your money to double, to calculating your "freedom number," to knowing whether to prioritize retirement or college savings, these rules will help you create clarity and confidence in your financial journey. Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] – Introduction [0:54] – Rule #1: The Rule of 72—how long it takes for your money to double [2:00] – Rule #2: Why you'll only need about 70% of your income in retirement [2:46] – Rule #3: How to calculate your "freedom number" with the 4% rule [3:11] – Rule #4: Safe withdrawal rates in retirement (why I lean conservative) [3:52] – Rule #5: Net worth benchmarks by age and income [4:33] – Rule #6: Asset allocation by age—and why risk tolerance matters more [5:52] – Rule #7: Always take the 401(k) match—it's free money [6:32] – Rule #8: Child's education vs. retirement (and why retirement comes first) Key Takeaways Money Compounds Faster Than You Think – Use the Rule of 72 to visualize long-term growth. Retirement Needs Less Than You Earn Now – Strategic withdrawals and fewer expenses change the math. Put Yourself First – You can borrow for college, but you can't borrow for retirement. Quotables "You can get scholarships for school—but you can't get scholarships for retirement." "Aim to have your investments double every ten years at a bare minimum." "Please don't listen to anyone who says you can pull 12% from your portfolio. That's a disaster waiting to happen." Links & Resources Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdog.com/book Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog If this episode helped simplify investing for you, share it with a friend who needs these rules of thumb. And don't forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast—it helps more people build wealth with confidence and clarity.

In this episode of Money on My Mind, I dive into 17 powerful budgeting rules of thumb that will give you a clear roadmap for managing your money—whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your financial game.   From how much of your income should go toward a mortgage or rent, to the 50/30/20 rule, emergency funds, cars, student loans, and even how to handle windfalls, these are the guidelines that will keep you on track without overcomplicating things. I also share how these rules evolve as you build real wealth and why financial freedom often changes the "game" you're playing.   This is practical, actionable advice that you can apply today to build discipline, avoid common money traps, and set yourself up for long-term success.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 00:53 Rule #1: Mortgage payment ≤ 25% of take-home pay (exceptions up to 30%) 03:01 Rule #2: Home price = 3–5x annual gross income 03:37 Rule #3: Refinance if rates drop ≥ 1% 04:20 Rule #4: Save 1% of home value annually for maintenance 05:10 Rule #5: Rent ≤ 25% of take-home pay 05:44 Rule #6: Pay off debt vs. invest: when each makes sense 06:55 Rule #7: Total debt ≤ 36% of gross income (DTI ratio) 07:22 Rule #8: Student loans ≤ starting salary 08:00 Rule #9: Cars: cash preferred, or follow the 20/4/10 rule 09:17 Rule #10: Lifetime cost of a car = 3x sticker price 11:11 Rule #11: Replace car when repairs > car's value 11:46 Rule #12: Emergency fund = 3–6 months of expenses 12:52 Rule #13: The 50/30/20 rule: needs, wants, and savings/investments 13:35 Rule #14: The 30-day rule for big purchases 14:14 Rule #15: Food budget = 10–15% of gross income 15:10 Rule #16: Windfalls: spend 1–5% on fun, invest the rest toward goals 16:37 Rule #17: Estimate annual income: hourly wage × 2, add 3 zeros 17:32 Why these rules matter more in the beginning stages of wealth building 18:00 How financial freedom changes the rules beyond budgeting basics 21:53 Final thoughts: mastering each stage of wealth and knowing when to level up   Quotables   "If you can stay within these rules of thumb, you're going to do really, really well—even if you're not perfect."   "A mortgage should be a blessing, not a curse."   "Discipline is what separates those who win with money from those who struggle."   Links   The Roadmap to Financial Freedom https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now   Budgetdog https://budgetdog.com

In this episode, I share the story behind why I built BudgetDog and the mission that drives me every single day. From starting out $304,000 in debt as a 22-year-old CPA, to becoming a millionaire in seven years, I explain how personal finance systems transformed my life—and why I knew I had to share them with others.   This isn't about quick fixes or get-rich-quick schemes. It's about creating simple, automated systems that work for real families in the real world. I also talk about the deeper "why" behind my work—from my daughter Logan's fight with Dravet Syndrome, to our family's $1 million donation goal, to the long-term community we're building through BudgetDog Academy.     Episode Timeline & Highlights [0:00] – Introduction [1:33] – My own financial struggles after college and the wake-up call that changed everything [2:29] – How I paid off $304K in debt and built a millionaire net worth in just seven years [3:06] – From sharing online casually to building a national bestseller and full-time business [5:05] – Why our six-month roadmap works for families at every stage [7:04] – The power of simplifying and automating your money systems [9:24] – Why money matters when it comes to making an impact—especially in the fight against Dravet Syndrome [13:29] – Reframing budgeting: not restriction, but aligning your money with your values [16:15] – The hidden burden of decision fatigue—and how automation solves it [18:16] – Why I pour into students even when it's not the most "commercially profitable" choice [23:32] – Why I don't view other financial platforms as competition [25:25] – Fatherhood, motivation, and building for the next generation     Key Takeaways   Systems Beat Discipline – Financial freedom comes from automation and simplification, not white-knuckled discipline. Money Creates Impact – Wealth isn't just about you; it's fuel for making a bigger difference in the world. Play the Long Game – Success—both financial and entrepreneurial—is a marathon, not a sprint.       Quotables   "Budgeting isn't about restriction—it's about aligning your money with your values." "Money does fund impact, whether we like it or not." "Simple scales, fancy fails. The less you do, the better your results." "If you don't bring the best of yourself, you'll get a lax version of the next generation."     Links & Resources   My book, The Roadmap to Financial Freedom: https://budgetdog.com/book Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog       If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who needs encouragement on their financial journey. And don't forget to rate, follow, and review the podcast—your support helps more families discover the path to freedom and impact.

In this episode of Money on My Mind, I break down why mastering money isn't about complicated formulas or secret investment hacks—it's about your relationship with money.   At its core, money is simple: spend less than you make, invest the difference, and let time compound your returns. But fear, guilt, shame, and identity conflicts often sabotage even the smartest strategies. I share how subconscious beliefs, childhood programming, and emotional barriers can keep you stuck in a cycle of avoidance and scarcity, and I give you practical steps to reset your money mindset for long-term success.   This conversation will challenge your beliefs, push you to confront your fears, and give you a framework for aligning your identity with abundance.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 00:37 How your emotions about money make it complicated 01:38 The 3-step playbook: spend less than you make, invest the difference, let time work 02:27 The role of fear, guilt, and mindset blocks in your relationship with money 05:12 The unknown factor: why people fear investing like they fear the "unknown villain" in a movie 07:02 Scarcity and procrastination: why people hoard money instead of investing 08:10 Subconscious programming and avoidance behaviors 10:40 Guilt and shame: linking mistakes with self-worth keeps people stuck 11:42 Why avoiding your budget or bank account makes the problem worse 13:03 Identity conflict: "I grew up poor, I'm not supposed to be rich" 16:06 How labels hold you back from achieving your financial goals 18:02 Victimhood vs. ownership: why externalizing blame disempowers you 21:40 Breaking from the matrix mindset and thinking independently about money 24:53 Personal story: saving every paycheck at McDonald's, losing $1M in potential investments 28:35 Why environment and belief systems dictate results (Budget Dog Academy framework) 33:02 The two keys to success: focus and not giving up 36:00 Conviction, belief, and aligning your identity with your desired outcome   Quotables   "If you save money and don't invest it, you are guaranteed to lose money through inflation."   "You are your own problem, therefore you are your own solution."   "Your confusion, fear, and avoidance—not money itself—are the real enemy."   Links The Roadmap to Financial Freedom https://budgetdogacademy.com/order-now   Budgetdog https://budgetdog.com/   Brennan Schlagbaum https://www.instagram.com/budgetdog