Bankless by Design

The Bankless by Design Podcast with Tricia Miller.

Ep 22 — Do You Have to Be Wealthy to Become Your Own Banker? | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 6) 01/08/2026

Ep 21 — Who Really Controls the Money? | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 5) 01/01/2026

Ep 20 — Unlock Financial Freedom by Thinking Like a Banker | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 4) 12/18/2025

Ep 19 — What Infinite Banking Really Is | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 3) 12/11/2025

Ep 19 — What Infinite Banking Really Is | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 3) Most people hear about the Infinite Banking Concept™ and jump straight to the policies, the numbers, or the rate of return… but that’s not where the concept begins. In fact, the most important part of Becoming Your Own Banker is the chapter almost everyone skips: the Introduction. In this episode, Tricia Miller and her son Jonathan walk line-by-line through the introduction of Nelson Nash’s classic book so you can finally understand what Infinite Banking really is, what it is not, and why many people misunderstand it. If you’re trying to get clarity on IBC, whole life insurance, or how to take back control of your financial life, this episode will give you the mindset shift that makes everything else make sense. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: • Why the introduction to Becoming Your Own Banker is the key to the entire concept • What Infinite Banking actually teaches (and what it does NOT teach) • Why your need for financing is greater than your need for protection • How whole life insurance becomes a family banking system • What “recapturing interest” really means and how it works • Why mindset—not math—is the biggest barrier to understanding IBC • How properly structured policies unlock financing power • Why most advisors, agents, and consumers misunderstand Infinite Banking ------------------------------------------ Follow Thrivewell Get In Touch: Learn More: Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/39365210

Ep. 18 — Rethinking 401(k)s, Taxes, and Locked-Up Wealth | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 2) 12/04/2025

Ep. 18 — Rethinking 401(k)s, Taxes, and Locked-Up Wealth | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 2) In today’s episode, Jonathan and I unpack one of the most important — and rarely questioned — financial topics: Are 401(k)s and other tax-qualified plans actually helping you, or holding you back? Using page 85 of Becoming Your Own Banker, we explore: Why tax-qualified plans were created The hidden trade-offs behind “tax breaks” How inflation and taxation impact long-term savings The dangers of having your money locked up until age 59½ Why you bear 100% of the risk while the government shares the reward What happens when you need liquidity but your dollars are inaccessible The difference between dollars and capital — and why it matters How families can store wealth in a place that is liquid, controlled, and generational This conversation is rooted in stewardship, responsibility, and helping families take back control of their financial lives. It’s not about fear — it’s about understanding the system and choosing to operate differently, with intention. Thank you for listening and walking through this series with us. If this episode brought clarity or encouragement, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it. Let’s rethink retirement, reclaim financial control, and build generational wealth — on purpose. ------------------------------------------ Follow Thrivewell Get In Touch: Learn More: Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/39264785

Ep. 17 – Rethinking Money to Live Intentionally as a Family | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 1) 11/27/2025

Ep. 17 – Rethinking Money to Live Intentionally as a Family | Becoming Your Own Banker Series (Ep 1) In this opening episode of our Becoming Your Own Banker series, Jonathan and I explore what it means to rethink money in a world where most families feel trapped in the rat race. We talk through the first “Points to Consider” from page 85 of Nelson Nash’s book and discuss: The difference between people at work and money at work Why most modern families feel overwhelmed and financially stretched How inflation, the cost of living, and cultural expectations shape our financial choices What passive income really is (and isn’t) How a dividend-paying whole life policy becomes the first step to reclaiming control The importance of intentional living, long-range planning, and generational thinking Why starting your own banking system is more accessible than most people realize This episode lays the foundation for the entire series. If you’re ready to think differently about money, regain control, and build a family-centered system of stewardship, you’re in the right place. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who would benefit. Together, let’s rethink money — and live intentionally, on purpose, for generations to come. ------------------------------------------ Follow Thrivewell Get In Touch: Learn More: Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/39180640

Ep. 16 - Meet Jonathan: A Gen Z Look at Money, Family Banking & Becoming Your Own Banker 11/20/2025

Ep. 16 - Meet Jonathan: A Gen Z Look at Money, Family Banking & Becoming Your Own Banker In this special episode, I sit down with my youngest son, Jonathan Miller, for an honest conversation about money, growing up as the youngest of seven, and how his understanding of money has changed over the years. Jonathan shares: What money felt like from a youngest-child perspective How our family's financial challenges shaped his early beliefs Why he decided to start his own Infinite Banking System The story behind his Lego side hustle and entrepreneurial spark His hopes for the future, what he’s learning, and what he wants other young people to know This episode is your introduction to Jonathan as we prepare to walk through Becoming Your Own Banker together—mother and son—chapter by chapter in the coming weeks. Whether you’re a parent, a young adult, or simply curious about passing stewardship and legacy to the next generation, this conversation will give you a heartfelt look at how Infinite Banking can shape a family across ages and seasons. Come join us on this multigenerational journey. ------------------------------------------ Follow Thrivewell Get In Touch: Learn More: Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/39102870

Ep. 15 - Control Your Money Without Banks: My Guest Interview on the Infinite Banking Initiative Podcast 11/13/2025

Ep. 14 - The Simple Detour That Puts Your Money to Work for You 11/06/2025

Ep. 14 - The Simple Detour That Puts Your Money to Work for You Are you really becoming your own banker… or did you just buy a policy? 👀 In this episode, Tricia Miller breaks down one of the most common mistakes people make after starting their Infinite Banking journey — paying the first premium, then stopping short. She reveals why skipping your PUAs (Paid-Up Additions) can stall your growth, interrupt compounding, and keep your money working for someone else instead of you. You’ll learn: 💡 The crucial difference between owning a policy and practicing the Infinite Banking Concept 🔥 Why PUAs are the “fuel” that accelerates your wealth 🔁 How one simple detour — paying yourself first — can change your financial future forever 💰 What uninterrupted compounding really means (and why it’s the 8th wonder of the world) If you’ve ever wondered why your policy isn’t performing the way you hoped, this episode will re-ignite your understanding and help you get your system working for you — not the banks. ➡️ Listen, learn, and take the next step toward becoming Bankless By Design. ------------------------------------------ Follow Thrivewell Get In Touch: Learn More: Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/38934640

Ep. 13 - Skeptic to Steward: Beaver Bankers & Banking at Home - An Interview with Becca Wilhite 10/31/2025

Ep. 13 - Skeptic to Steward: Beaver Bankers & Banking at Home - An Interview with Becca Wilhite In this episode of Bankless by Design, Tricia sits down with Becca Wilhite—Nelson Nash Institute Authorized Practitioner and author of Beaver Bankers—to unpack Infinite Banking in real life. Becca shares how she went from a Dave-Ramsey-style skeptic to a confident practitioner after discovering that most families aren’t “investing the difference”…they’re spending it. You’ll learn how IBC helps you capture the cash flow already moving through your life, access capital on demand while your cash value keeps growing, and build a family banking system that supports multi-generational legacy. We talk policy loans, whole life design, faith-rooted stewardship, and why control (not rates) delivers peace instead of pressure. Becca also tells the origin story of Beaver Bankers and why the beaver-pond analogy is the perfect picture of keeping wealth flowing at home. Listen in to rethink debt, compounding, and legacy—and to see how IBC makes Proverbs 13:22 practical. ------------------------------------------ Follow Thrivewell 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Thrivewell/61578207568360/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bankless_by_design/ 👉 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107769593 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thrivewell_bbd Get In Touch: Learn More: banklessbydesign.com Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/38858080

Ep. 12 - Show Me the Numbers! Why the Infinite Banking Isn't an Investment 10/23/2025

Ep. 12 - Show Me the Numbers! Why the Infinite Banking Isn't an Investment Is Infinite Banking (IBC) just another “investment”… or a smarter way to finance life with control and liquidity? In this episode of Bankless by Design, Tricia Miller reframes the debate and walks through numbers that actually matter—cash value access, opportunity cost, velocity of money, guaranteed growth, and how policy design impacts real-life results. What you’ll learn Why IBC with dividend-paying whole life insurance is a financing system, not an investment How to calculate the lifetime volume of interest you’ve paid to banks (and the cost of paying cash) The velocity of money: using the same dollar for multiple jobs without interrupting growth A simple, mid-life example policy: liquidity in early years, increasing cash value, and expanding death benefit Why “buy term & invest the difference” misses opportunity cost, access, taxes, and sequence risk Practical steps to start banking at home and compare strategies on apples-to-apples terms About the show Bankless by Design (Thrivewell) helps families, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven people reclaim control of their money through Infinite Banking and values-aligned stewardship—so you can protect, provide, and build a multigenerational legacy. Enjoyed this? Like 👍, subscribe 🔔, and comment with your biggest question about IBC. It really helps others find the show. - ----------------------------------------- Follow Thrivewell 👉 Facebook: 👉 Instagram: 👉 Linkedin: 👉 TikTok: Get In Touch: Learn More: Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/38752555

Ep. 11 - Whole Life: Virtue or Scam 10/16/2025

BONUS: When the Paychecks Stop: Why Access to Capital Matters More 10/13/2025

BONUS: When the Paychecks Stop: Why Access to Capital Matters More When the system shuts down… how do you keep your family standing? In this special bonus episode, Tricia Miller, founder of Thrivewell: Bankless By Design, shares a personal story of how the recent government shutdown affected her own family — with multiple children and spouses furloughed or working without pay. This isn’t just about politics — it’s about preparation. Tricia reveals how the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) offers real solutions for financial independence, cash flow control, and crisis-proof wealth. Learn how to build a private banking system within your family that provides liquidity, security, and freedom from traditional banks — even when the economy stalls. In this episode, you’ll discover: What a government shutdown teaches us about dependency and control Why savings accounts, 401(k)s, and IRAs often fail families in emergencies How to create financial resilience using the Infinite Banking Concept The power of capital stewardship, family legacy planning, and values-aligned wealth building How to build freedom-based finances that can withstand any crisis Tricia reminds us: “There’s never a problem until there’s a problem.” The question is — will you have access to your own capital when you need it most? ------------------------------------------ Follow Thrivewell Get In Touch: Learn More: Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/38556845

Ep. 10 - Faith, Finance & the ‘Scam’ That Isn’t 10/09/2025

Ep. 10 - Faith, Finance & the ‘Scam’ That Isn’t Uncovering the faith-filled origins of a misunderstood financial tool You’ve heard it before — “Whole Life Insurance is a scam.” It’s a phrase repeated by financial entertainers and echoed by well-meaning friends. But what if that familiar advice is built on misunderstanding... and the truth tells a very different story? In this episode of the Bankless by Design Podcast, Tricia Miller explores the deeper roots of Whole Life Insurance and the Infinite Banking Concept — revealing how these ideas aren’t scams at all, but are instead grounded in biblical principles of stewardship, honesty, and provision. You’ll discover: The surprising origins of Whole Life Insurance (yes, really!) Why money is never neutral — and what that means for your faith and finances How Infinite Banking aligns with timeless virtues like care, integrity, and legacy Why comparing Whole Life to an investment misses the entire point This isn’t about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about truth, virtue, and reclaiming the way we steward what God has entrusted to us. 🎧 Listen now and see why what’s often called a “scam” might just be one of the most honest, legacy-minded financial systems still standing. ------------------------------------------ Follow Thrivewell Get In Touch: Learn More: Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content shared is not intended to be a substitute for consultation with the appropriate professional. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Tricia Miller, unless otherwise specifically cited. The data that is presented is believed to be from reliable sources, and no representations are made by Tricia Miller, Thrivewell, and Bankless By Design as to another party’s informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with your Adviser, Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, Attorney, Investment Adviser or the appropriate professional prior to taking any action. /episode/index/show/407f42a3-0108-41e5-a8a7-34cf3872a820/id/38527245