Ep 90: What Logan Is Teaching Me About Life, Leadership, and What Actually Matters
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 89: The Best Time to Invest Might Be When It Feels Impossible
Money On My Mind
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...
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Ep 88: What 100 Years of Market Data Tells Us
Money On My Mind
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...
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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...
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
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Money & Marriage Are Tied Together – Financial disconnection creates emotional distance; alignment builds stronger teams.
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Systems Create Wealth – From budgets to automated investments, systems remove chaos and drive results.
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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
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Learn more about BudgetDog Academy: https://budgetdog.com
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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.