Solopreneur Life

In this episode of Solopreneur Life, we spoke with Rebecca Richardson, also known as The Mortgage Mentor, about how she built a flexible and profitable mortgage business over the past 24 years. Rebecca shares how she earns $15,000 to $20,000 per month from mortgage origination and an additional $5,000 to $7,500 per month from coaching, consulting, and speaking. She explains how running a lean business helped her stay profitable, why personal branding has been key to her growth, and how she’s navigated major market shifts like the 2008 crash and today’s higher interest rate environment. We also discuss the realities of commission-based income, avoiding burnout, using AI as a tool instead of a replacement, and why finding the right mentor can accelerate your success. If you’re looking to build a flexible, service-based business with strong income potential, this episode is packed with real-world insights. Solopreneur High Five Favorite Tool: Google Workspace + Canvahttps://workspace.google.comhttps://www.canva.com AI Tool: Geminihttps://gemini.google.com Biggest Lesson: Read Who Not Howhttps://amzn.to/4rysLDB Life Outside Work: Time with her dogs + cross-stitching Retirement Goal: Work optional and giving back through coaching Resources Rebecca Richardson / The Mortgage Mentor: https://themortgagementor.co Credits Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Michelle Ahmed

What if entrepreneurship could give you more than income and actually create more peace, purpose, and freedom in your life? In this episode of Solopreneur Life, we talk with Grant Sabatier, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Inner Entrepreneur, about why building your own business can be a powerful path to financial independence. Grant shares how he went from consulting and digital media to running a bookstore, managing a holding company, and designing a business life that supports time freedom and family. We also discuss the best time to start a business, why experimentation matters, how to avoid growth for growth’s sake, and what it really looks like to build a business around the life you want. Resources & Notes Grant’s book: https://amzn.to/3NuQMxB Grant Sabatier: https://grantsabatier.com/ Millennial Money: https://millennialmoney.com/ Clintonville Books: https://clintonvillebooks.com/ Solopreneur Life Resources Leave a voicemail: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Andy’s book, Own Your Time: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Credits Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

What should you outsource in your small business first? When you start a one-person business, it’s common to wear every hat. But as your revenue grows, doing everything yourself can quickly turn your dream of freedom into a 50–60 hour work week. In this episode of Solopreneur Life, we explore five areas that are often worth outsourcing once your business starts making consistent money. From bookkeeping and website design to email marketing and virtual assistants, these strategic investments can help you reclaim your time and focus on the work that actually grows your business. If your goal is to build a profitable business that runs in 20–25 hours per week instead of 60, this episode will help you decide where outsourcing can make the biggest impact. Resources & Notes Leave a voicemail for the show:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail Best place for a Business Emergency Fund (High-Yield Business Savings):https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/liveoakbank Learn more about Solopreneur Life:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com Credits Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

Liz Theresa is a web designer who built a $333,000 per year business as a solopreneur while maintaining flexibility, strong profit margins, and a small but mighty team. In this episode, we break down how Liz went from making $12,000 in her first year to generating $333K in annual revenue with $90K in profit. She shares how she prices her services, why she moved away from hourly work, and how retainers and recurring revenue changed everything. We also discuss the mindset shift that helped her confidently “turn on” income when she needed it most, how she reinvested early profits, and what it looked like to hire her first key team member. Liz explains how she structures her schedule for flexibility and how she built boundaries into her business to protect her energy. Finally, Liz opens up about navigating major personal challenges while continuing to grow her company. Her story is a powerful reminder that a one-person business can create both financial success and personal resilience. If you’re a service-based entrepreneur looking to grow revenue and protect your freedom, this one is for you. Resources & Links Own Your Time by Andy Hill: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book Liz Theresa Website: https://liztheresa.com Visibility Cheat Sheet: https://cheatsheet.liztheresa.com Liz on Biz Podcast: https://liztheresa.com/podcast Connect with Solopreneur Lifehttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com Credits Host: Andy Hill Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

📘 Order Own Your Time:https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book What does it take to build a $5,000 per month podcast production business? In this episode of Solopreneur Life, we talk with Justin Peters, co-founder of SimplePod Studios, to break down how he transitioned from a corporate job to earning around $5K per month through podcast launching, editing, and management services. Justin shares how he started by editing podcasts for free to gain experience, landed his first paying client at FinCon, and gradually negotiated his corporate role down to part-time before stepping more fully into entrepreneurship. We discuss pricing lessons, losing a client due to quality issues, how AI is changing podcasting, and why recurring monthly retainers create predictable income. If you’re interested in becoming a podcast producer, starting a service-based business, or replacing part of your corporate income before taking the leap, this episode offers a practical roadmap. RESOURCES SimplePod Studios: https://simplepodstudios.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/ FI Minded Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/701hEq4AKxseYuY79xjpSJ Own Your Time by Andy Hillhttps://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book CREDITS Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

In this episode, we explore how solopreneurs can build businesses that support their lives instead of consuming them. We talk about what it really takes to create income, flexibility, and long term freedom without chasing every new trend or working nonstop just to keep up. We walk through 10 real world business models that show what is possible, from real estate income streams and independent mortgage origination to content creation, coaching, and high value creative services. Along the way, we share practical income ranges, startup considerations, and the mindset shift from building for scale to building for sustainability, so you can design a business that aligns with your values and your lifestyle. If you want to escape overwhelm, create reliable income on your own terms, and build a business that gives you more time for what matters most, then this episode is for you. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:08 - Intro 0:37 - The Bigger Question: Is There Another Way? 1:07 - Real People, Real Businesses 1:36 - Real Estate Investor 2:33 - Mortgage Originator 3:26 - Photographer 4:24 - YouTube Creator 5:20 - Freelance Writer 5:48 - Blogger or Content Publisher 6:44 - Financial Advisor 7:11 - Real Estate Agent 7:41 - Financial Coach 8:11 - Motivational Speaker 8:36 - Common Patterns Among Solopreneurs 9:35 - Finding the Right Fit for You 10:04 - Conclusion and Call to Action 10:29 - Disclaimer and Closing Resources and Links 📚 📖My new book, "Own Your Time"  https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book 💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources 📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show! 👉Connect with me on social media: LinkedIn: Andy Hill, MKM Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney 🎥 Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel Solopreneur Life Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Loper, founder of Side Hustle Nation, to talk about how a simple side hustle can grow into a full-time business. Nick shares how he went from traditional employment to building multiple income streams and creating financial independence through entrepreneurship. We discuss how to evaluate side hustle ideas, validate demand, and test new opportunities with minimal risk. Nick explains how to build passive income streams, scale strategically, and create a financial runway before leaving your 9-to-5 job. He also shares the mindset shifts that helped him transition from employee to successful entrepreneur. If you’re looking for practical side hustle ideas, more income flexibility, or a path toward financial freedom, this conversation will give you the strategy and motivation to take action. CHAPTERS 🎧 0:00 - Introduction 0:57 - Defining a Side Hustle 1:48 - Evaluating Side Hustle Opportunities 3:07 - Building Time-Leveraged Income Streams 4:56 - Examples of Successful Side Hustles 7:04 - The Birth of an E-commerce Business 10:27 - Growth and Transition to Full-Time 15:20 - Evolution of the Business Model 17:52 - Monetization Strategies 20:55 - Indications for Solopreneurship 23:33 - Financial Considerations for Transition 25:23 - Overcoming Fear of Leaving a Job 28:34 - Closing and Resources Resources and Links 📚 📖My new book, "Own Your Time"  https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Connect with Nick & Side Hustle Nation 🎙️ The Side Hustle Show: ⁠https://www.sidehustlenation.com 💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources 📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show! 👉Connect with me on social media: LinkedIn: Andy Hill, MKM Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney

Health insurance can feel overwhelming as a solopreneur, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I break down the smarter, more affordable ways I’ve used over the years to protect my family without sacrificing independence. I walk through how to compare marketplace plans, when using a spouse’s coverage can make sense, and what to watch out for with private insurance, health shares, COBRA, and even Medicaid. We also talk about shifting your mindset from seeing health insurance as a cost to viewing it as an investment in freedom. I also share the mental load that comes with being your own HR department and tools that can help streamline benefits and reduce stress. If you’re self-employed or considering the leap, this episode will help you approach health insurance with clarity and confidence instead of fear. Chapters 🎧 00:00 - Why health insurance is critical for solopreneurs 01:04 - The risks of not having coverage or going uninsured 02:00 - Options for coverage through a spouse or partner 02:58 - Overview of the health insurance marketplace 03:26 - How premium tax credits can reduce costs 04:22 - Private insurance and ACA compliance essentials 04:52 - Understanding health share plans and their risks 05:48 - Medicaid as a safety net for new business owners 06:13 - Using Cobra to bridge coverage gaps 06:43 - The importance of mindset: health insurance as part of your business costs 07:08 - Managing payroll and benefits with Gusto 07:37 - How to submit questions for future episodes 08:34 - Final thoughts and signing off Resources and Links 📚 📖My new book, "Own Your Time"  https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon 💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources 📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show! Gusto Payroll & HR Software: Special offer: $200 Visa gift card with your first payroll. Visit Gusto 👉Connect with me on social media: LinkedIn: Andy Hill, MKM Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney

In this episode, I sit down with Bernadette Joy to break down how she turned paid speaking into a profitable and aligned part of her solopreneur business. What started as an accidental opportunity at FinCon grew into a six-figure speaking career without relying on influencer tactics, big followings, or expensive branding. Bernadette shares how authentic storytelling, referrals, and strong in-person connections helped her land high-quality speaking gigs, plus how she stacked speaking with writing and coaching to build a sustainable income stream. We also talk about redefining retirement, taking sabbaticals, and building a business rooted in curiosity instead of constant hustle. Bernadette is a first-generation Filipino American, bestselling author of Crush Your Money Goals, and a sought-after speaker and host. This episode is perfect if you want to book your first speaking gig, diversify your income, or build a business that supports your life, not the other way around. CHAPTERS 🎧 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction00:28 – From Finance to the Speaking Stage01:28 – Launching Crush Your Money Goals02:51 – Pivoting During the Pandemic03:48 – How Speaking Started by Accident04:41 – Turning Speaking Into a Business06:04 – Landing Speaking Gigs Without Cold Pitching07:56 – Confidence, Imposter Syndrome & Growth09:46 – Money Wins & Financial Strategy11:40 – Personal Growth & Future Speaking Topics14:24 – Financial Independence & Rethinking Retirement18:09 – Work, Life & Sabbaticals23:31 – Writing & Publishing a Bestselling Book30:57 – Solopreneur High Five39:19 – Advice for Aspiring Speakers41:12 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect Resources and Links 📚 My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources Crush Your Money Goals https://crushyourmoneygoals.com Bernadette Joy on YouTube www.youtube.com/@bernadebtjoy Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

In this episode of Solopreneur Life, I share my journey to creating a three-day work week as a solopreneur. We walk through the steps I took to cut expenses, pay off debt, and build a business that supports my lifestyle. We also talk about why aligning my work with my personal values matters so much and how financial freedom has transformed my family life. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible when you design work around your life instead of the other way around, you won’t want to miss this. Chapters 🎧 00:00 Introduction to Solopreneur Life 03:00 Questioning the Traditional Work Week 06:00 Aligning Work with Personal Values 09:00 Paying Off Debt for Freedom 12:00 Building a Business on the Side 15:00 Achieving Financial Freedom 18:00 The Journey to a Three-Day Work Week 21:00 The Real Reward of Time Freedom Resources and Links 📚 My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Millerd—independent writer, digital creator, and author of The Pathless Path—to talk about what it really means to step off the default career track and design a life around your values. We dig into the psychological and societal pressure to follow a “safe” or traditional path, and why that approach often leads to burnout, dissatisfaction, or quiet regret. Paul shares how he walked away from a conventional career, embraced uncertainty, and found deeper fulfillment through writing, exploration, and intentional living. We also explore the hidden benefits of unconventional choices, the challenges that come with creating your own path, and how anyone—at any stage of life—can begin aligning their work, time, and identity with what actually matters to them. If you’ve ever felt stuck on a path you didn’t consciously choose, or wondered what life could look like beyond the status quo, this conversation will expand how you think about career, purpose, and fulfillment. Chapters 🎧 00:00 Intro 03:00 Understanding the Default Path 09:00 Embracing the Pathless Path 15:00 Personal Fulfillment and Writing 21:00 Challenges and Rewards of Unconventional Paths 27:00 Creating a Life Aligned with Values Resources and Links 📚 Grab a copy of Paul's Book "The Pathless Path"- https://amzn.to/4pApAKH (affiliate) My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon Sponsors and Additional Resources https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

Award-winning photographer Kristin Sweeting turned her love of creativity into a thriving solopreneur business that now earns between $300K and $400K per year, all while working about 20 hours a week and homeschooling her son. In this episode of Solopreneur Life, Kristin shares how she went from a $30K church salary to $30K months, what pushed her to finally raise her rates, and the mindset shifts that helped her design a business and a life on her own terms. You will learn how photographers can build profitable, flexible careers through clear vision, intentional pricing, and smart outsourcing. Kristin also opens up about single parenting, work life balance, and how she uses creativity and travel to inspire both her art and her business coaching. If you have ever dreamed of turning your artistic passion into a full time business, this episode will show you what is possible. ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro – Why more people are choosing solopreneurship 01:10 Kristin’s origin story: from youth director to photographer 04:20 Hitting a $30K month after being told she had hit her career cap 07:45 How photographers actually make money 10:20 Breaking down her income and salary today 14:10 Working 20 hours a week and homeschooling her son 17:20 Raising rates from $5K to $25K weddings 20:40 What new photographers can realistically earn 22:45 Why photography can be ideal for parents 24:40 Solopreneur High Five: tools, outsourcing, AI, and freedom 36:45 Her advice for new photographers – start before you are ready 38:40 Where to connect with Kristin Sweeting 💡 RESOURCES AND NOTES Connect with Kristin Sweeting 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kristinsweeting⁠ 🎧 Podcast: Dangerous Creatives – ⁠https://dangerschool.com/podcast⁠ Solopreneur Tools I Love 💼 Gusto – Payroll and benefits made easy: ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/gusto⁠ 🏦 Live Oak Bank – Small business banking built for entrepreneurs: ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/liveoakbank⁠ 🎙️ Riverside – Professional quality podcast and video recording: ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/riverside⁠ 💰 Monarch Money – Best budgeting app for solopreneurs and families: ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/monarchmoney⁠ Recommended Resources 📘 Own Your Time by Andy Hill – 10 Financial Steps to Put Your Family First and Escape the Corporate Grind: ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book⁠ 🎧 More episodes on solopreneur success: ⁠https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/epcats/create-a-solopreneur-life/⁠ Credits 🎬 Editor: Johnny Sohl 🎨 Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson ⚠️ Disclaimer and Disclosure Information shared on this podcast may come from financial, business, or creative professionals, but it should not be considered professional advice specific to you or your situation. Always consult with your own professional before making decisions related to your finances or business. Some of the resources mentioned may contain affiliate links, which means if you choose to make a purchase through those links, Marriage Kids and Money, Andy Hill and Solopreneur Life may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These partnerships help support the show and allow us to continue creating valuable content for solopreneurs.

Building a six-figure business as a solopreneur doesn’t happen overnight -- but with the right mindset and systems, it’s absolutely possible. In this episode, we talk with ⁠Jannese Torres⁠, a nationally acclaimed Latina money expert, business coach, and host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast. Jannese shares how she turned her food blog, ⁠Delish D’Lites⁠, into a $10,000-per-month business that allowed her to leave her corporate engineering career and design a life on her own terms. She also breaks down how new creators can find their niche, diversify income through ads and affiliates, and build long-term passive income online. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a profitable business, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step. To learn more, check out her ⁠Jumpstart Your Blog Bootcamp⁠. RESOURCES & NOTESSolopreneur tools, guest links, and favorite resources to help you build your solo business GUEST LINKS ⁠Yo Quiero Dinero Podcast – Learn from Jannese’s money and business insights.⁠ ⁠Delish D’Lites⁠ – Discover her viral Puerto Rican food blog. ⁠Jumpstart Your Blog Bootcamp⁠ – Jannese’s signature course for aspiring bloggers. SOLOPRENEUR TOOLS WE LOVE ⁠Monarch Money⁠ – The best app to manage your business and personal budget in one place. ⁠Gusto⁠ – Payroll and benefits made easy for solopreneurs hiring contractors or employees. ⁠Riverside⁠ – Record high-quality remote podcasts and videos. ⁠Belay⁠ – Virtual assistants and bookkeeping support for entrepreneurs. ⁠Live Oak Bank⁠ – High-yield business savings accounts. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Visit our full list of partners and deals: ⁠Sponsors & Resources⁠ Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Stay curious: the mindset that fuels success 00:24 – Jannese Torres on finding freedom through solopreneurship 01:00 – From corporate engineer to creative entrepreneur 02:15 – How her food blog began as a hobby 03:30 – The turning point: making her first $10,000 05:00 – Balancing a full-time job while building her business 07:00 – Quitting her corporate career with confidence 09:40 – Financial prep before leaving a steady paycheck 11:40 – The biggest differences between solopreneurship and corporate life 13:00 – How food bloggers make money (ads, affiliates, sponsors) 15:40 – Diversifying income as a blogger 17:00 – Passive income that continues to pay 18:30 – Building flexibility and time freedom as a parent 20:30 – How to stand out in today’s AI-driven content world 23:40 – The Solopreneur High Five rapid-fire segment 25:30 – Favorite solopreneur tools and apps 27:00 – Lessons from her biggest mistakes 28:45 – Redefining retirement as “work optional” 30:15 – How to start your own food or lifestyle blog today 31:10 – Where to find Jannese and her online resources HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (⁠www.marriagekidsandmoney.com⁠) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

What happens when Google’s algorithm changes upend your online business? Corritta Lewis, founder of It’s a Family Thing, joins me to share how her family travel blog dropped from $7,000/month to $1,000/month due to recent shifts in Google AI—and how she pivoted into consulting to stay financially secure. We explore the rise and fall of her blogging income, how she balances digital nomad life with raising a child, and why she’s now aiming for early retirement at age 45. If you’ve considered travel blogging or you’ve been hit by the same algorithm changes, this conversation is packed with insight on how to adapt, pivot, and thrive as a solopreneur. ⏱️ Podcast Chapters 00:00 – Intro: Travel blogging hit hard by AI 00:35 – Meet Corritta Lewis: Digital nomad + travel blogger 02:00 – Laid off during the pandemic… then launched the blog 03:30 – From 13¢ to $7K/month: How Corritta scaled her income 05:00 – Juggling full-time work and travel content creation 06:30 – Consulting work and digital nomad flexibility 07:30 – Financial stability, travel insurance, and raising a kid on the road 08:45 – How affiliate links + ads powered her blog income 10:00 – The impact of Google AI: $7K/month drops to $1K/month 11:20 – Why she’s not sure blogging is worth it in 2025 12:30 – Corritta’s pivot into HR tech consulting 13:30 – “I didn’t know I liked writing…” 14:15 – Tools she uses to run her solopreneur life 15:00 – Mistakes: Delaying, lowballing, and not knowing her worth 16:30 – FIRE plans: 80% of the way there at age 36 17:30 – Real estate vs. stock market for financial freedom 18:40 – Raising a world-schooled son and dealing with “reverse culture shock” 20:00 – The future: Antarctica, early retirement, and living on their terms 21:30 – Where to connect with Corritta 🔗 Resources & Notes 👤 Guest Links – Corritta Lewis 🌍 ⁠It’s a Family Thing Blog⁠ – Follow Corritta’s travel adventures and family travel tips 📸 ⁠@itzafamilything on Instagram⁠ – See where Corritta and her family are heading next 🎥 ⁠It’s a Family Thing on YouTube⁠ – Travel content and global family living 🚀 Solopreneur Resources 🎯 ⁠Own Your Time⁠ – Pre-order my book and escape the corporate grind 📅 ⁠Solopreneur Coaching⁠ – 1-on-1 support for growing your business 📺 ⁠Solopreneur Life on YouTube⁠ – Subscribe for weekly interviews and tips 💼 ⁠Sponsors, Deals & Resources⁠ – See all offers that support this show 💼 Recommended Tools for Solopreneurs 📊 ⁠Monarch Money⁠ – Best budget app for solopreneurs and families 🏦 ⁠Live Oak Bank⁠ – Business savings accounts with strong APY 👥 ⁠Belay⁠ – Virtual assistants and staffing for growing solo businesses 📋 ⁠Gusto⁠ – Solo payroll and benefits made simple 🎙 ⁠Riverside⁠ – Record high-quality podcasts and interviews remotely 💼 ⁠More Sponsor Offers⁠ – Explore all partner discounts and recommendations 💰 How We Make Money + Disclaimer This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers, where we earn a commission if you click and make a purchase. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support our mission to empower solopreneurs with freedom and financial confidence. Thank you for supporting this small business! 👉 ⁠Full list of sponsors and deals⁠ Disclaimer: This show is for entertainment purposes only. Be sure to seek out a professional who knows your situation best before making any financial decisions. 🎧 Credits Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

In this inspiring Solopreneur Life segment, Andy Hill sits down with Colin Graves—a former bank manager turned full-time freelance writer and editor. Colin shares how a toxic workplace pushed him to reevaluate his career and ultimately build a thriving solo business making over $150,000 per year. Listeners will learn how Colin transitioned from a 9-to-5 job into solopreneurship, the steps he took to scale his business, and how he now enjoys a flexible lifestyle that prioritizes family, freedom, and fulfillment. If you're a parent looking to escape the corporate grind and design a business on your own terms, this episode is packed with insights and encouragement. EPISODE RESOURCES: ⁠⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠⁠ Colin Graves (website): ⁠https://colingraves.com⁠ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Life after corporate: Embracing flexibility 00:16 – Meet Colin Graves: From bank manager to solopreneur 01:40 – A toxic boss sparked the journey 03:22 – Starting with blogging and side hustles 05:20 – Defining a vision with his wife 06:30 – Turning freelance writing into a real business 08:45 – Putting in the hours and finding "comfortable torture" 10:18 – Landing multiple clients at FinCon 12:45 – Making the leap to full-time solopreneur 14:30 – Life after quitting the 9-to-5 16:30 – How freelance writers earn income 17:25 – Income breakdown: $150K/year as a solopreneur 18:20 – Time management and weekly hours 20:33 – Taking spontaneous family trips 22:00 – What new freelance writers can expect to earn 24:15 – Why $500/month from freelancing is powerful 26:07 – Favorite solopreneur tool: Wise 27:30 – Outsourcing help and using ChatGPT 30:27 – His biggest mistake: Getting too comfortable 32:50 – Life outside work: music, biking, and disc golf 34:23 – Rethinking retirement as a solopreneur 36:29 – How to connect with Colin and get coaching HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Podcast Artwork: Kayli Groves Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj

Andy Hill sits down with bestselling author and digital entrepreneur Pat Flynn to discuss how "lean learning" can help overwhelmed parents and solopreneurs cut through the noise, focus on what really matters, and take meaningful action. Pat shares how absorbing less information — but more intentionally — can lead to quicker progress, stronger results, and more time for what truly matters: family, health, and creativity. Whether you're starting your first business, juggling multiple podcasts, or just looking to reclaim some peace of mind, Pat’s approach to learning less but achieving more might be just the antidote you need. Resources: ⁠⁠Sponsors + Partners + Deals⁠⁠ Lean Learning (book): ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3Hs6JkG ⁠ (affiliate) Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Lean Learning and Overcoming Information Overload 01:40 – Meet Pat Flynn: Entrepreneur, Author, Father, and Back to the Future Fan 04:12 – How Information Obesity is Slowing Us Down 06:25 – What is Lean Learning? A Golf Story That Explains It All 08:26 – Public Speaking, Force Functions, and Learning One Skill at a Time 10:42 – The Microsoft Word Ebook That Made $200K: Just-in-Time Learning in Action 12:42 – The Double Meaning of “Lean” and the Power of Focus 13:50 – What Should Solopreneurs Do With Their Newfound Time?14:55 – The “One-One-One” Strategy for Starting a Business 17:09 – Solopreneur Pitfalls: Fear, Procrastination, and Why We Over-Plan 19:10 – Fishing with One Jig: A Metaphor for Mastery 21:17 – Alternatives to Information Overload While Driving or Exercising 23:36 – Why Taking Action > Passive Learning 25:37 – Where to Find Pat’s Book “Lean Learning” 27:00 – Why Focusing on One Project at a Time Delivers Faster Results 29:00 – Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts HOW WE MAKE MONEY + DISCLAIMER: This show may contain affiliate links or links from our advertisers where we earn a commission, direct payment or products. Opinions are the creators alone. Information shared on this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Marriage Kids and Money (www.marriagekidsandmoney.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. CREDITS: Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson Editor: Johnny Sohl Podcast Support: Nev Maraj