Stop Bleeding Money And Start Building Wealth
From Middle Class to Millions
You’re earning more than you ever have before—maybe even double or triple what you were making a decade ago. But somehow, the money still disappears before the month ends. No retirement savings. No emergency fund. Still living paycheck to paycheck. Sound familiar? In this episode of From Middle Class to Millions, we’re talking directly to high earners in their 40s and 50s who feel stuck in a cycle of perpetual debt, stress, and shame—even though the income is finally there. Shannon breaks down why this problem exists (hint: it’s not your income), the emotional toll of looking...
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What's the Magic Number?
From Middle Class to Millions
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of retirement? You're not alone—and this week’s episode of From Middle Class to Millions dives into why the new retirement “magic number” is now $1.46 million, according to the latest Northwestern Mutual study. Shannon breaks down what this number really means, how realistic it is for the average middle-class earner, and why it’s more important to find your number—not just follow a national average. Whether you're a six-figure earner with no plan, or you're just trying to figure out how to balance saving with daycare, debt, and...
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How Much Do You Really Need to Retire? (It’s Not a Percentage)
From Middle Class to Millions
Are you wondering how much money you should be saving for retirement? Tired of hearing the same old advice to “save 15% of your income” — without any real explanation of what that means for you? In this episode of From Middle Class to Millions, Shannon breaks down why the percentage-based retirement advice is not just outdated — it’s misleading. Instead, she introduces a simpler, more effective approach: calculating your personal “work-optional number.” Forget retirement at 65 — this is about knowing exactly how much you need to buy your freedom and start living life on your...
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Raising Money-Smart Kids: Breaking the Cycle of Scarcity
From Middle Class to Millions
In this powerful episode of From Middle Class to Millions, we’re diving deep into how to raise money-smart kids—even if you’re still learning how to manage money yourself. Inspired by real stories from my own childhood, my clients, and incredible moms I met at the Mom 2.0 Summit, this episode explores how to break generational cycles of financial stress and teach kids to build wealth from a young age. I share how growing up in a household shaped by poverty and fear of financial risk impacted my own money mindset—and how I chose to shift that narrative with my kids. I discuss a...
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Build Wealth Anyway: How Smart Moms Thrive in Any Economy
From Middle Class to Millions
Fresh from the Mom 2.0 Summit in Orlando, this episode dives into the money questions that moms, entrepreneurs, influencers, and content creators are really asking—from budgeting and debt to investing and legacy building. Shannon shares takeaways from the conference and introduces her upcoming live coaching series, —a powerful space for women ready to take control of their financial futures. Whether you’re navigating a W-2 job, running your own business, or just starting your money journey, this episode covers how to: ✔️ Build emergency savings ✔️ Tackle high-interest debt ✔️...
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How to Create Financial Stability When Your Income Fluctuates
From Middle Class to Millions
In this episode of From Middle Class to Million$, I’m coming to you straight from sunny Orlando, where I’m speaking at the Mom 2.0 Summit—a premier event for content creators, influencers, and media professionals. While everyone’s focused on growing their audience and landing brand deals, I’m bringing something different to the table: how to make the money you’re earning work for you. I dive into the challenges faced by content creators and entrepreneurs who don’t have the security of a steady paycheck. I share my journey from W-2 employee to full-time entrepreneur, explaining...
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The Millionaire's Secret: Investment Opportunities They Don't Want You to Know About
From Middle Class to Millions
In this eye-opening episode, we explore how first-generation millionaires navigate wealth preservation and growth. Shannon shares her experience with an exclusive investment group that reviews private equity deals typically only accessible to accredited investors (those earning $200,000+ individually or with $1M+ net worth). The episode highlights two critical wealth-building topics: Investment Access & Wealth Building The barriers preventing middle-class investors from accessing lucrative private equity opportunities How networking and financial education can bridge the investment...
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BONUS EPISODE: How To Create Disposable Income in 2025
From Middle Class to Millions
In this bonus episode of From Middle Class to Million, Shannon shares key insights from her highly attended November webinar, How to Create Disposable Income in 2025. If you’re ready to stop trading time for money and start making your money work harder than you do, this episode is a must-listen. Shannon introduces the Middle Class to Millionaire Budgeting Framework, a customized system designed to prioritize what truly matters to you and redirect your income to create financial freedom. She breaks down how to: ✅ Identify leaks in your budget and plug them with ease ✅ Align your spending...
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"I Earn Six Figures—Now How Do I Build Wealth?"
From Middle Class to Millions
In this episode of From Middle Class to Millions, we dive into the unique challenges faced by high earners who are the first in their families to reach this income level. Many of you have worked hard—through education, business, and careers—to earn a great salary, yet the knowledge of how to build and grow wealth is often missing. I explore the mindset shift required to move beyond just earning a high income and into true wealth-building. We discuss the importance of investing beyond your 401(k) and IRA, diversifying your income, and creating assets that generate money for you. If you’ve...
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Your Tax Refund IS NOT A Bonus!
From Middle Class to Millions
In this eye-opening episode, Shannon breaks down critical misconceptions about taxes, income tax refunds, and wealth-building strategies that keep many middle-class individuals financially stuck. Key Insights: Tax Bracket Myths Debunked: Understand how the marginal progressive tax system actually works Strategic Tax Reduction: Learn legitimate ways to lower your taxable income Wealth-Building Approaches: Discover how high-income earners manage their taxes differently The Truth About Tax Brackets Contrary to popular belief, moving into a higher tax bracket doesn't mean all your income...
info_outlineWelcome back to *From Middle-Class to Millions*! In this episode, Shannon Brown-Ward, your Money Mindset Coach and Financial Educator, dives deep into the critical mindset shifts required to build wealth and break free from the middle-class financial squeeze.
Shannon discusses how the definition of "middle class" has evolved and how rising costs and inflation make it harder to maintain financial stability. While staying middle class may be comfortable for some, Shannon challenges you to rethink your approach to money in order to move from survival to thriving and wealth-building.
A key takeaway from this episode is the importance of **openly discussing money**—a step that can empower you to shift your thinking and gain the confidence to build wealth. Shannon encourages you to surround yourself with like-minded people who are also committed to financial growth. **The company you keep** plays a huge role in shaping your financial mindset. Whether it's seeking out financial mentors, joining communities, reading books, or listening to podcasts, the more you engage with financial education, the more money you'll make.
Shannon also emphasizes the power of **transforming your money habits**. She shares how one small shift, like directing extra funds towards investments instead of increasing spending, can compound over time and create wealth. For Shannon, this transformation happened when she paid off her car early and decided to invest that freed-up money instead of using it for lifestyle inflation. **Small, consistent actions** can lead to significant financial growth.
This episode is packed with practical advice on how to break free from limiting money beliefs and start thinking like someone who is on the path to financial freedom. If you’re ready to increase your net worth, build wealth, and make money work for you, this episode is for you!
Don’t forget to **rate, comment, and subscribe** to *From Middle-Class to Millions*. Share this episode with anyone who wants to take control of their financial future.