Ep 87: $0 to $5M Blueprint (see Google Drive Link to right)
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 86: Leading at Home and at Work: How I Balance Being a CEO, Father, and Husband
Money On My Mind
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,...
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Ep 85: The New Financial System Is Already Here (And Most People Will Miss It)
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 84: Why Being in Debt Might Be the Best Time to Invest in Yourself
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 83: How We’re Unlocking Exclusive Real Estate Deals for Our Students
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 82: I Spent $72,000 on One Decision—Here’s Why It Wasn’t Crazy
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 81: How Ryan and I left our Deloitte Job
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 80: Why I Started Hating the “Grind” Culture (And What I Do Now)
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 79: Eight Investing Rules of Thumb
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 78: Seventeen Budgeting Rules of Thumb
Money On My Mind
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”...
info_outlineIn this episode, I dive deep into the heart of why I created this podcast—and why I believe it’s about so much more than money. From humble beginnings and life-altering challenges to building a thriving community focused on purpose-driven financial freedom, I open up about the real reason this show exists.
You’ll hear my journey of going from a negative net worth to building a life of freedom, and why sharing not just the “how” but the “why” behind financial success is critical. This podcast isn’t just about spreadsheets and Roth IRAs—it’s about values, mindset, and overcoming adversity to build the life you deserve.
Episode Highlights & Timeline Summary
[0:00] - Why I launched this podcast and the deeper mission behind Budget Dog
[2:20] - From being financially clueless to a debt-free millionaire: my personal backstory
[3:06] - The story behind my national bestselling book and the cause it’s dedicated to
[6:48] - The moment I realized I wasn’t maximizing my financial potential in college
[8:06] - Why time is the most powerful wealth-building tool
[10:21] - My early misconceptions about investing and the transformative power of mentorship
[13:14] - How Budget Dog started with a raw idea and a photo of my dog
[17:03] - My wife’s key role in helping me see my potential
[20:48] - Going from anonymous IG posts to building a million+ follower brand
[24:06] - The unexpected and life-changing results students have achieved through my guidance
[26:22] - The unethical financial advice I fight against—and why it fuels my mission
[30:08] - Why this podcast won’t focus on technical tips but the habits and mindsets behind success
[33:21] - Personal challenges, including my daughter’s diagnosis, and the strength it’s built in us
[35:48] - A call to build wealth beyond money—and to do it together, as a community
Notable Quotes from the Episode
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“It’s not about the spreadsheets. It’s about the values and character that build real wealth.”
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“I didn’t choose social media—social media chose me.”
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“You have to get strong yourself before you can truly serve others.”
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“Everything worthwhile takes intentional hard work, whether you like it or not.”
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“This podcast isn’t about woe is me—it’s about extreme ownership and overcoming.”
Links & Resources
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