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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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 sit down with one of BudgetDog Academy’s standout students, Kirk Hepker, to share his incredible transformation—from financial chaos and marital stress to millionaire status and lasting peace of mind. Kirk opens up about the struggles he and his wife faced with money, the constant tension in their relationship, and the breaking point that forced them to take control of their finances once and for all.
You’ll hear how BudgetDog Academy not only changed Kirk’s bank account but also reshaped his marriage, his kids’ financial awareness, and even his role as a leader in his extended family. His story proves what’s possible when you get on the same page, build systems, and surround yourself with the right community.
Episode Timeline & Highlights
[0:00] – Introducing Kirk: one of BudgetDog Academy’s most inspiring success stories
[2:05] – What led Kirk and his wife to finally join the Academy
[3:43] – How their kids are learning about money (including lemonade stand lessons)
[5:23] – The ripple effect: from marriage struggles to building family wealth together
[8:18] – Breaking down barriers and arguments around money
[10:05] – The financial mess that nearly derailed their relationship
[14:00] – The breaking point: almost losing a rental property deal
[18:18] – The investments that helped them build millionaire status
[21:10] – Why community and mentorship were the secret weapon
[23:46] – What happens after becoming a millionaire—navigating “what’s next”
Key Takeaways
-
Money & Marriage Are Tied Together – Financial disconnection creates emotional distance; alignment builds stronger teams.
-
Systems Create Wealth – From budgets to automated investments, systems remove chaos and drive results.
-
Community Accelerates Growth – Surrounding yourself with the right people pulls you up faster than going it alone.
Quotables
“We were making great money, but we had no idea where it was going.”
“It wasn’t just about fixing money—it saved our marriage.”
“Becoming a millionaire was incredible, but the biggest shift was peace of mind.”
“You’re only as good as the people you hang around, and this community changed everything.”
Links & Resources
-
Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com
-
Connect with me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/budgetdog
If Kirk’s story inspired you, share this episode with someone who needs proof that transformation is possible. And don’t forget to rate, follow, and review the show—it helps more people find the clarity and community they need to win with money.