Money Ripples Podcast
Ditch the grind. Build cash flow. Live free. If you're tired of working harder just to stay financially stuck, this podcast is your way out. Welcome to The Money Ripples Podcast, where cash flow expert and Anti-Financial Advisor Chris Miles shares how high-income earners are unlocking financial freedom faster without relying on the stock market, risky startups, or waiting until they're 65. Chris became financially independent twice by age 39 and now helps others create real passive income through strategic investing, smarter money systems, and values-driven stewardship. Here’s what you’ll get every week: - Proven ways to create passive income through real estate and alternative investments - How to use life insurance the right way to build lasting wealth - Why the 401(k) may be holding you back—and what to do instead - The mindset shifts and money strategies of people living work-optional lives Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or high-income professional looking for better answers, this podcast is packed with practical insights, client case studies, and expert interviews. New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Ready to take control of your time, money, and future? Subscribe now and learn how to make your money work harder, so you don’t have to.
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The Roth Conversion Strategy the Wealthy Use for Tax-Free Growth and How AI Is Changing the Game
11/21/2025
The Roth Conversion Strategy the Wealthy Use for Tax-Free Growth and How AI Is Changing the Game
Start making passive income here: Could your 401(k) or IRA actually be costing you more in taxes than it’s saving you? In this episode, I dive into a powerful Roth conversion strategy the wealthy use for tax-free growth and how artificial intelligence is changing the game for tax planning and long-term wealth. I’m joined by Kenner French, founder of Vast Solutions Group and Vast Asset Defense, a pioneer who started using AI for tax planning back in 2010, long before it was trendy. He’s been recognized by Kevin O’Leary (Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank) for his innovative use of AI to help entrepreneurs save on taxes. Kenner’s background runs from Harvard to Wall Street, to partnering with Sharon Lechter (co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad) and now to using AI to help business owners and high earners make more, save more, and protect more. We break down what a Roth IRA really is, who it’s best for, and how a Roth conversion works in plain English. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should convert part of your traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth, we walk through the scenarios where it can make a lot of sense especially in low-income or “down” years, after a layoff, during a bad business year, or when your tax bracket temporarily drops. Kenner explains why those “ugly” years can become golden opportunities for strategic Roth conversions and long-term tax-free growth. We also compare Roth strategies with properly structured life insurance (what I often use with my clients), and we talk about when life insurance can offer even more flexibility than a Roth especially for business owners, real estate investors, and people who care about asset protection. We dig into why I use life insurance as a tax-free safe storage place for cash that I can then deploy into real estate, private lending, and businesses while keeping the tax advantages and lawsuit protection that many people overlook. Kenner shares how his AI model “Einstein” works behind the scenes to analyze tax returns and identify strategies, and why AI alone isn’t enough you still need experienced CPAs, tax attorneys, and advisors to review, guide, and interpret the recommendations. We also talk about my own journey from resisting AI to embracing it inside my business and how it’s allowed me to be more effective, not more passive. If you’re a W-2 earner at a place like Google, a successful entrepreneur, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you rethink where your money is growing, how it’s being taxed, and what you can do starting this year to legally and intelligently reduce your tax bill. We tie it all back to the Money Ripples mission: helping you become work optional by building sustainable passive income and keeping more of what you make. By the end, you’ll see why the wealthy are so intentional about Roth conversions, tax-free growth, AI-driven tax planning, and asset protection, and how you can start using the same tools in your own financial life. Kenner's links: - Website: - LinkedIn: - Facebook: - Instagram:
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Could a 50-Year Mortgage Be Smart or a Trap? The Real Pros & Cons Explained
11/19/2025
Could a 50-Year Mortgage Be Smart or a Trap? The Real Pros & Cons Explained
Start making passive income here: Everyone’s talking about the new 50 year mortgage, and a lot of people are either hyping it as the key to homeownership or condemning it as a debt trap. In this episode, I break down the math, the myths, and the reality so you can decide if a 50 year mortgage actually moves you closer to financial freedom or quietly keeps you stuck. That’s why I don’t just react emotionally to headlines; I run the numbers. Today, I compare a 50 year mortgage to the traditional 30 year mortgage and even the 15 year mortgage that gurus like Dave Ramsey often push. We talk interest rates, amortization, total interest cost, and the impact on your monthly cashflow and long-term wealth. I walk through specific scenarios: a $500,000 home with 5% down, a 30 year mortgage at 6.25%, and a 50 year mortgage at 6.75%. On paper, the 50 year mortgage sounds like it should radically lower your payment and make homeownership more affordable. But when we actually do the math, we find the difference in monthly payment is surprisingly small around $150 per month not the life-changing savings many people are expecting. So if you’re already far from qualifying for a home, stretching to 50 years probably won’t magically fix that. We also tackle the biggest fear: “You’ll pay a ton more interest and never build equity.” I explain why mortgage interest is simple interest, not compounding, and what that means when you stretch out a loan over 50 years. Yes, you will pay more total interest if you keep the loan that long but the real question is: how long are you actually going to live in that house? For most people, the answer is closer to 7–10 years, not 50. From there, I dig into the real-world risks and opportunities. If you’re a spender and you never save the difference, a 50 year mortgage will not save you. If you’re a disciplined steward of your money and you use the lower payment (even if it’s modestly lower) to build liquidity, emergency reserves, and investments, then the flexibility of a longer mortgage can actually protect you during job loss, business downturns, or medical surprises. I share why I’d rather see you keep cash in your hands than trap all your dollars as home equity you can’t easily access in a downturn. We also look at appreciation and inflation. A longer-term loan lets you repay your mortgage with devalued future dollars, while your home value may be rising over time. I show what happens to a $500,000 home growing at just 3.5% annually and how that compares to the “extra” interest you pay on a 50 year mortgage. We also stress-test the idea of “investing the difference” what rate of return would you really need to offset the longer term? Finally, I give you my honest take: when I would consider a 50 year mortgage, when I’d avoid it, and why I personally still like a 30 year mortgage for most situations even though I’m absolutely not in a hurry to pay mine off early. If you’ve been wondering whether this new 50 year mortgage is a blessing, a scam, or just clever marketing, this episode will give you the clarity and context you’re not getting from the headlines.
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How David Meltzer Lost $100M and Rebuilt Wealth with Think and Grow Rich Principles
11/17/2025
How David Meltzer Lost $100M and Rebuilt Wealth with Think and Grow Rich Principles
Start making passive income here: A lot of people have heard of the book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, but very few actually know how to apply it in real life, right now, in the 21st century. In this episode, I sit down with David Meltzer, the chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, to break down how to truly live these principles so you can create real wealth, real impact, and real happiness. If you don’t know David’s story, it’s powerful. He made over $100 million, ran the iconic sports agency that inspired the movie Jerry Maguire, and then lost it all. Bankruptcy. Starting over from below zero. What changed everything for him was coming back to the timeless philosophies of Napoleon Hill and learning how to engineer wealth instead of just chasing money. In our conversation, David and I dive into how to move from “I’ll be happy when…” to living “for the sake of what.” We talk about what it really means to define a definiteness of purpose, why so many people drift without clarity, and how your behaviors what you consistently think, say, do, believe, and feel either move you toward your potential or away from it. David shares how mentors like Bob Proctor, Sharon Lecter, Greg Reid, Jack Canfield, and even the work of Wayne Dyer helped him reframe his failures, rebuild his life, and apply Hill’s principles from books like Think and Grow Rich, Three Feet from Gold, and Outwitting the Devil. We dig into his concept of “a thousand steps” and why 90% of the time it takes to achieve anything meaningful is spent on the first 250 steps right where most people quit. We also tackle why people struggle to ask for help, and how the fastest way to get where you want to go is to help someone else get where they want to go. David explains why comparison is the thief of joy, how social media has created a generation of “virtual Great Gatsbys,” and why chasing an image of success keeps you broke, frustrated, and exhausted. If you’ve ever felt like you’re three feet from gold, this episode will give you a new way to interpret pain, setbacks, and “failures.” David explains how to see them as promotion, protection, love, and perfection, not punishment. That shift alone can completely change the trajectory of your financial life. We wrap up by talking about David’s mission to empower over a billion people to be happy by teaching them to make a lot of money, help a lot of people, and have a lot of fun. He even shares how you can get a free signed copy of his book, straight from him. If you’re serious about passive income, financial freedom, and building a rich life with purpose, this conversation will help you connect the dots between timeless wisdom and modern application. You’ll walk away with practical ways to align your mindset, your habits, and your money with the person you’re truly meant to become. David's Links: - LinkedIn: - Facebook: - Instagram:
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The 0% Credit Card Funding Hack: How to Get $50K–$250K Fast (and Even Get Paid Interest)
11/14/2025
The 0% Credit Card Funding Hack: How to Get $50K–$250K Fast (and Even Get Paid Interest)
Start making passive income here: What if you could access 0% funding from $50,000 up to $250,000 and strategically use it to grow your business, invest in real estate, and even stack rewards so the money effectively pays you? In this episode I sit down with Ari Page, owner of Fund&Grow, to unpack how 0% business credit cards and a smart card-stacking strategy can create real, usable liquidity when traditional banks say “no.” Ari’s story starts in 2007 inside a mortgage company as LTVs shrank overnight and deals collapsed. The workaround they found business credit cards that don’t report to your personal credit and offer 0% introductory periods (six to as long as 22 months) became a scalable system for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals who need fast, flexible capital. We break down why these products are treated more like micro-loans than mortgages, why they’re less regulated, and how banks use 0% offers to attract high-quality business clients (so you can benefit from the teaser rates, points, and perks). We go deep on the card-stacking sequence: which issuers to start with, how merging limits works (e.g., opening a new 0% card and combining it with an existing line to make the larger line 0%), and why keeping utilization off personal cards preserves your FICO while you continue stacking on the EIN side. We also cover the DSCR-style thinking for small business owners why liquidity at 0% can be more valuable than chasing higher-cost lines and how to avoid the biggest mistakes (like using this for personal bills or speculative trading). If you’re a dentist buying equipment, a contractor scaling crews, or a real estate investor funding marketing and light rehabs, this is built for you. One of my favorite tactical nuggets: using a business credit card for contractor payments. If workmanship isn’t up to code or a project stalls, you have chargeback/dispute protection forcing the vendor to respond to the bank (not just you). That leverage can get the job finished, protect timelines, and preserve capital. Add in 2% cash-back options and the airline transfer sweet spots (move points from the card portal to the airline account for outsized value), and your effective cost of capital drops even further. Who is this not for? Folks with poor credit, people trying to make next month’s mortgage payment, or anyone looking to punt into bonds/crypto directly with cards. Who is it for? Responsible entrepreneurs, professionals, and real estate investors who want low-cost working capital to buy equipment, fund marketing, bridge project timelines, and scale with discipline. Ari also shares a no-inquiry, soft-pull prequalification to see your potential total limits and a consult to map your sequence. If you’ve felt boxed out by today’s tight lending, this episode shows a practical, compliant path to work-optional faster: build liquidity, protect your credit, and put other people’s money to work at 0%. Ari Page's links: - LinkedIn: - Facebook: - Instagram: - Website:
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Why Investing in Mutual Funds Has a 99% Failure Rate (and What Actually Works)
11/12/2025
Why Investing in Mutual Funds Has a 99% Failure Rate (and What Actually Works)
Start making passive income here: Everyone tells you mutual funds are the “safe” bet for retirement. But what if I told you they carry an almost 99% failure rate when it comes to actually creating financial freedom? In this solo episode, I separate risk from failure and break down what really works if you want your money working harder for you so you don’t have to work so hard for that money. I start by defining terms most people mix up: risk is the chance of loss, while failure is the likelihood you’ll hit your goals namely, sustainable income that makes you work optional. A savings account has near-zero risk, but it’s also almost guaranteed to fail at creating freedom. Mutual funds and the S&P 500 might not go to zero and over long stretches they often recover but recovery isn’t the same as success. If you arrive at retirement needing real income and your strategy only “works” on paper, that’s a failure. I walk through the data most people ignore: industry headlines brag that over 1 million Fidelity clients now have seven-figure balances, yet Transamerica reports that 35% of savers still believe it would take a miracle to retire. Do the math: out of tens of millions of accounts, only a tiny fraction feel genuinely free. Add in taxes, low withdrawal rules (3–4%), and inflation, and you see why traditional accumulation falls short. Even Vanguard’s forward return estimates are sobering yet Wall Street still sells the same set-and-forget plan. Then I contrast that with alternative investments designed to produce stable cash flow. I don’t sugarcoat anything: certain real estate or syndication deals can go bad. Risk is real. But failure doesn’t have to be. When you understand structures like debt vs. equity, collateral, and conservative underwriting and when you diversify intelligently your odds of success can drastically improve compared to relying on market appreciation and hoping sequence-of-returns risk doesn’t hit you at the worst time. I also show three side-by-side scenarios using a $600,000 nest egg over 10 years: A mutual fund path (even granting a friendlier return and a 4% withdrawal) that still struggles to create meaningful income after taxes. A properly structured whole life insurance approach (“infinite banking”) producing tax-free distributions with contractual guarantees and over a century of paid-out performance by the right carriers. And a diversified cash-flow investing path targeting ~10% that, even after accounting for setbacks, can deliver 2–3x+ the income of the Wall Street plan without selling off principal. Bottom line: don’t confuse “lower chance of loss” with “higher chance of success.” If you want freedom sooner not someday you need vehicles built for income, not just accumulation. My mission at Money Ripples is to help you reduce risk the right way while increasing the probability of success. If you’re done gambling your future on hope and averages, and you want predictable cash flow, it’s time to pivot from “set it and forget it” to a cash-flow first strategy that aligns with the life you actually want. Names & terms to help you find this episode later: Fidelity, Transamerica, Vanguard, S&P 500, mutual funds, 4% rule, infinite banking, whole life insurance, alternative investments, passive income, tax-free income, Central Lending, Money Ripples.
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1,000 Episodes Later: The Hard Truth About Money, Freedom, and What’s Coming Next
11/10/2025
1,000 Episodes Later: The Hard Truth About Money, Freedom, and What’s Coming Next
Hitting 1,000 episodes is wild, and I wanted to celebrate it the right way: by flipping the mic and letting you ask the questions. In this special, unscripted, zero-rehearsal episode, I bring two Money Ripples listeners, Jeff Holbrook, a physical therapist and father of five from Salt Lake City, and Jen, a Montana farmer and rancher, straight onto the show to ask the questions so many people quietly carry around. If you’ve ever wondered how to apply these strategies when you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck, how Infinite Banking really compares to my Max ROI System, or how to mentor teens with their first $10,000 in savings, this one is for you. Jeff kicks us off with the most honest question there is: “How can an average Joe become financially free when there’s no ‘fat’ left to cut?” I walk through the same process I used when I was more than a million dollars in debt. It starts with cash flow first: freeing up monthly money using the Cashflow Index, identifying tax inefficiencies, restructuring payments, negotiating when needed, and then relentlessly focusing on income creation instead of only cutting back. Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger both emphasized that the first $100,000 is the hardest, and I explain why that milestone should be the near-term target before worrying about investing. This is the entire philosophy behind the Work-Optional Blueprint and the Wealth Accelerator Academy. Jen brings the conversation into Infinite Banking and asks how my Max ROI design differs from Nelson Nash’s original approach. I break down the key difference: the concept is solid, but the policy design is everything. Many traditional structures delay cash value for years. I show why I prioritize liquidity, investing utility, and reduced internal costs so clients often see significantly higher early cash value — which in real life can result in tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars of savings over time. Jeff then asks about the part of my story I usually gloss over: how I climbed out of seven-figure debt without filing bankruptcy. I talk about selling off everything from toys to cars, turning in a Mercedes, facing foreclosures, slashing expenses to the bone, accepting help when needed, rebuilding income, and stacking passive income streams one at a time until I reached financial independence again in late 2016. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was real, repeatable, and grounded in principles anyone can apply. Jen closes by asking how to guide teens who have saved their first $10,000. I share the playbook: keep the money safe in high-yield cash while they work toward their first major financial milestone, consider a properly structured parent-owned policy as a long-term growth tool, and let them co-invest in small slices of your deals so they learn through real numbers, real returns, and real responsibility. That’s how you build wise stewards, not just savers. We wrap by talking about what’s ahead: David Morgan’s conversations about central banks, the concerns around CBDCs, and why I continue to favor real assets like real estate. Thank you for 1,000 episodes and 11½ years of ripple effects. My goal is simple: help at least 1,000 families reach financial independence by 2030. Start making passive income here: The Work Optional Blueprint:
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Profit First Saved Businesses + New Money Habit Book Will Change Your Personal Finances Forever with Mike Michalowicz
11/07/2025
Profit First Saved Businesses + New Money Habit Book Will Change Your Personal Finances Forever with Mike Michalowicz
👉 Pre-order your copy here: Ready to build your Money Habit? - Pre-order The Money Habit today and take the first step toward mastering your finances and creating lasting wealth. What if one simple change with a credit card could free up hundreds of dollars in cash flow every month? In this episode, I sit down with my friend and bestselling author Mike Michalowicz (Profit First, The Pumpkin Plan, All In, and now The Money Habit) to unpack a deceptively powerful tactic you can implement today and the money psychology behind why it works. We start with Mike’s ultra-practical subscription audit move: open an additional credit card, write “SUBSCRIPTIONS” on it with a Sharpie, and route every subscription streaming, software, app trials, memberships, even that “smart” mattress plan onto that one card. When the monthly statement hits, you feel a productive dose of pain and clarity. That visibility exposes zombie charges you forgot about and forces better decisions. Mike’s seen people reclaim hundreds to over a thousand dollars a month using this alone. I’ve felt that sting myself. Even when you think you’re tracking everything, consolidation turns “invisible” expenses into obvious targets. From there, we zoom out. Mike shares the hard-won story behind Profit First how chasing revenue without true profitability led to a crash in 2008, a humbling reset, and the system that’s helped entrepreneurs (me included) run healthier businesses and lives. We translate those principles to personal finance with his new book The Money Habit: don’t try to become a different person; channel your existing habits to win with money. You’ll hear two big frameworks that clicked for me: Optimal Foraging Theory (hunt → preserve → consume). Most of us “hunt” income and immediately consume, but the win is in preservation first automating how every incoming dollar gets stored and allocated before you ever spend. Then there’s Parkinson’s Law applied to money: expenses expand to the cash available. That’s why “I just need to make more” rarely fixes anything. More control before more income is the unlock. We also hit the myth of lottery-winner doom. Mike’s research shows winners with a money system become measurably happier; those without one spiral. Same income, different outcome because systems beat willpower. On a personal note, I share how adopting Profit First years ago helped me carve out real profit, invest, and ultimately become work optional with enough passive income to let me choose how I spend my time. If you’re serious about building cash flow and living a rich life now (not someday), this conversation gives you a fast, implement-today tactic plus a durable framework to keep what you earn and multiply it. Mike Michalowicz's links: - LinkedIn: - Website: - Facebook: - Instagram: Start making passive income here: Buy our book:
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Why Car Washes Might Be the Best Alternative Investment to Real Estate
11/05/2025
Why Car Washes Might Be the Best Alternative Investment to Real Estate
Start making passive income here: Buy our book: Is investing in car wash businesses the best thing to add to your real estate portfolio right now? In this episode, I sit down with Chris Larsen of Next Level Income to unpack why “operating real estate” (assets with both land + business components) can boost returns if the operations are rock solid. Chris shares his journey from a Virginia Tech engineering grad and Category 1 cyclist to building financial independence through rentals, multifamily syndications, and now car wash roll-ups. A pivotal moment losing his best friend (also named Chris) on June 21, 1997 reframed his view of time, purpose, and the need to control capital to live life on his own terms. We talk candidly about where multifamily sits today: high prices, high rents, and high interest rates have compressed margins. So how do you still get attractive yields? Chris explains why he’s still bullish on apartments (especially affordable housing with municipality partnerships and tax abatements), but also why he’s allocating to operating real estate like car washes, senior housing, mobile home parks, and even private credit while banks are constrained. You’ll hear a simple, tactical playbook for de-risking car washes: Memberships to stabilize cash flow against weather and seasonality (he added memberships at an in-bay automatic wash in Asheville, North Carolina, where his son even worked this summer). Operational excellence as the #1 driver of returns either run it well or partner with a proven operator. Technology & pricing: use modern software (dynamic pricing, ML/AI tools) to optimize revenue just like best-in-class STR operators do. Roll-ups: buy mom-and-pop sites from retiring baby boomers, improve operations, and package multiple washes to expand the EBITDA multiple from ~8x at purchase to potentially ~12x on exit creating value through scale, not speculation. We also cover why senior housing is poised for a powerful decade as boomers begin turning 80 at 10,000/day, how private lending/private credit can offer double-digit coupons in today’s tighter banking environment, and why the quality of the operator has never mattered more. If you’re earlier on the journey, we revisit house hacking, small rentals, and when to consider moving up the “Monopoly board” to larger, more efficient assets. Finally, Chris opens up about infinite banking a tool his family has used for 16 years as a core liquidity hub showing how properly structured cash value policies can store dry powder, protect families, and be redeployed into opportunities (from crises to car wash acquisitions). We close with ripple effect stories from disaster relief fuel runs after the Helene impact near Asheville to helping listeners build work-optional lives that free them to use their God-given talents at scale. If you want to think bigger than “one more door,” understand where operations create alpha, and see exactly how a car wash + real estate hybrid can fit beside multifamily, affordable housing, and private credit, this conversation will give you a practical, step-by-step lens to act not just listen. Chris' links: - LinkedIn: - Website: - Facebook:
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The Secret to Creating Tax-Free Passive Income That Never Runs Out
11/05/2025
The Secret to Creating Tax-Free Passive Income That Never Runs Out
Book a call here with our Infinite Banking Specialist: Buy our book: We’re seeing cracks everywhere right now real estate pressures, stock market volatility, AI disruptions, tariff threats, and a whole lot of uncertainty. If you’ve been asking, “Is there anywhere I can put cash where it’s truly safe, accessible, and still produces dependable passive income for life?” this episode is for you. I’m Chris Miles, your cashflow expert and anti-financial advisor, and today I break down exactly how I create guaranteed, tax-free income using my Max ROI Infinite Banking approach. This isn’t theory. I walk through real scenarios I recently ran for clients including a dentist in his 30s and a 60-year-old high-earner so you can see how the numbers actually work and how soon you could turn on income. I start by addressing the natural temptation to “do nothing” when markets feel wobbly. Doing nothing is like balancing on a rocking boat you will eventually fall in. Real freedom comes from playing offense and defense at the same time: holding truly safe cash reserves while still investing for growth. Infinite banking, structured properly with a high-cash-value whole life design (not universal life), gives me a guaranteed foundation that grows, stays liquid, and can be tapped for opportunities then later converts to reliable, tax-free income. You’ll hear me map out: A 30-something dentist funding $60k/yr for 15 years (total $900k) and then taking $75k/yr tax-free for 43 years, still leaving a seven-figure death benefit. A 60-year-old funding $60k/yr for 10 years (total $600k) and then drawing ~$52k/yr tax-free for 20 years. A lump-sum variation where $600k is earmarked once, automatically drafts premiums via a 5.5% side account, and later pays ~$65k/yr tax-free for 20 years—a payout many investors struggle to match even with a doubled brokerage balance (and that would usually be taxable). I also explain why the income you can sustainably pull matters more than an account’s headline growth rate, how whole life dividends (historically around the 6% neighborhood in recent decades) translate to spendable, tax-free distributions, and why universal life is not the tool for this strategy. If you’ve ever worried about outliving your money, this episode shows a path to certainty without giving up flexibility. I keep my emergency/opportunity fund inside these policies, earn far more than a bank, maintain access for deals, and later flip the switch to lifetime income often coordinating with Social Security to boost results. Bottom line: turbulence happens. Winners prepare in advance. Build the defensive base that lets you stay calm, seize deals, and sleep at night. If you want to see how Max ROI Infinite Banking fits your plan or run your own numbers use the Work Optional Calculator on our site and click the Infinite Banking tab to book a call. The best time to create certainty is before the storm hits. Let’s design your one-two punch and make work optional for life.
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Gold Has Nearly Doubled... Could It Still Go Higher
10/31/2025
Gold Has Nearly Doubled... Could It Still Go Higher
Start making passive income here: Buy our book: Gold and silver have been on a tear this year but is the run finished or just getting started? In this episode, I bring back David McAlvany of the McAlvany family/McAlvany Group a team with roots in precious metals all the way back to the 1970s, when they helped push for U.S. gold ownership to be re-legalized on January 1, 1975. With more than 50 years across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium and experience managing hard-asset equity strategies David joins me to separate signal from noise so we can make smarter moves right now. We dig into the critical difference between owning physical metals as wealth insurance and owning miners for growth. David explains why miners can be a powerful accelerator during the right 10% of the cycle (and a headache the other 90%), why balance sheets and geography matter, and why technical “overbought” doesn’t automatically mean “topping out” when an asset is still massively underowned. You’ll hear how central banks have been setting the tone for gold’s move while many investors are only just waking up despite mainstream voices starting to shift. David cites changing frameworks from big names on Wall Street, including calls for double-digit gold allocations alongside stocks and bonds, as a sign of a deeper regime change in how portfolios are being constructed. We also unpack silver’s catch-up phase. You’ll learn the key gold-to-silver ratio levels David watches (why ~80:1 suggests silver value, why sustained moves into the 40s–50s can mark overheating, and how 2011’s ~31:1 print showcased silver’s potential outperformance). If you’ve felt like you “missed it,” we cover a practical path: using ratio and premium trading to compound ounces over time swapping between metals when the ratio stretches to grow your stash without trying to time every price wiggle. That can function like “synthetic cash flow” from a non-cash-flowing asset. Curious about the white metals? David walks through platinum and palladium’s industrial ties, why multi-year supply deficits matter, how changing EV versus internal-combustion assumptions ripple through demand, and where these metals may fit for diversification. We also tackle the popular question: Is crypto the new gold? David lays out how bitcoin has behaved like a risk asset during equity selloffs while physical gold has held up as true portfolio insurance. Finally, we talk legacy. David’s “ripple effect” centers on stewarding both tangible and intangible wealth character, values, and family culture alongside the ounces, shares, and properties. If you want metals to play the right role in your plan hedging inflation, dampening volatility, and giving you optionality this conversation gives you the frameworks and numbers to act with confidence. If you’re serious about building passive income and becoming work-optional, understanding how to position precious metals in 2025 is essential. Tune in to learn when physical shines, when miners can add torque, how to read the ratio, and how to compound intelligently without betting the farm. David's links: Website: Facebook: X:
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What Dave Ramsey’s Millionaire Study Didn’t Tell You?
10/29/2025
What Dave Ramsey’s Millionaire Study Didn’t Tell You?
Start making passive income here: Everyone quotes the Dave Ramsey Millionaire Study like it’s gospel but here’s the problem: the numbers don’t tell the whole truth. In this episode, I break down what that “largest study of millionaires” actually was, what it wasn’t, and what real millionaire data suggests about paying off your mortgage, investing, and building wealth faster than the standard 30–40 year track. Before anyone grabs pitchforks, I’m not here to bash Dave. He’s helped a lot of people get control of their budgets and get out of debt. But when it comes to creating wealth, there are cracks in the logic behind the study that’s often cited to justify “always” paying off the home before investing more. Words matter. In a viral clip, Dave says millionaires never invested instead of paying off the house then seconds later says almost never, then less than 10%. Which is it? That shift alone should make you ask better questions. So I did. I dug into the study. It wasn’t an independent, randomized sample of American millionaires. It was a survey of Ramsey’s own audience run over roughly six or seven weeks (late 2017–early 2018). If you survey your own followers people already primed to use 401(k)s, pay off mortgages, and avoid leverage you’ll get exactly what you taught them to do. That’s not “the nation’s millionaires”; that’s your community. What does broader data say? The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances shows a significant portion of millionaire households still carry mortgages. Many build wealth with a mix of assets not just a paid-off house plus a 401(k). Other sources that look at higher net worth households Spectrum Group, Capgemini, and even communities like Tiger 21 show meaningful allocations to real estate and alternative investments, along with business equity and cash. In other words, there isn’t one narrow path. From nearly 25 years in the trenches first as a traditional advisor and since 2006 helping clients create passive income with alternative investments I’ve watched people accelerate their timelines by deploying capital into cash-flowing assets: rentals, real estate-backed funds, and businesses. I’ve seen clients go from a few hundred thousand in retirement accounts to million-plus net worth in a handful of years, without “swinging for the fences.” Not get-rich-quick get-rich faster (and smarter). Do some millionaires end up with paid-off homes? Absolutely. Often after they’ve already built substantial cash flow and net worth. That’s a phase decision, not a cause of wealth. Personally, I’ve got a low-rate mortgage and plenty of investable opportunities. If one day I’m long on cash and short on compelling deals, sure I might kill the mortgage. Until then, capital works harder elsewhere. Bottom line: don’t accept “always” and “never” in finance. Understand sequence, strategy, and stage. If you want work-optional freedom sooner, you need assets that pay you now not just someday. Run the numbers. Question the narrative. And build a plan that matches your goals, risk, and timeline. If you’re ready to explore alternatives to the one-size-fits-all approach, let’s talk at MoneyRipples.com. And if you found additional studies on millionaires and asset allocation, drop them in the comments I read them.
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Fidelity’s 401k Millionaire Boom: The Shocking Truth Behind the Numbers
10/27/2025
Fidelity’s 401k Millionaire Boom: The Shocking Truth Behind the Numbers
Start making passive income here: Fidelity just hit a record number of 401(k) millionaires, but before you celebrate, let’s take a hard look at what’s really happening. In this episode, I dig deep into the latest Fidelity retirement report and reveal why this “milestone” might actually be a warning sign for anyone planning to retire on Wall Street’s promises. If you’ve been diligently saving in your 401(k), this episode is for you. Fidelity’s numbers show that more Americans than ever have crossed the million-dollar mark in their retirement accounts over 1.1 million people between 401(k)s and IRAs. Sounds impressive, right? But as I break down these statistics, I’ll show you the hidden risks behind this so-called success story. The truth is, these new 401(k) millionaires didn’t necessarily earn their way there through strategy or skill. The majority are benefiting from a long, unprecedented bull market. Sixteen and a half years of rising markets have made average savers look like investing geniuses but what happens when the market finally turns? I’ll unpack the real numbers behind the hype: the average millionaire in Fidelity’s data is about 59 years old, has saved for 25 years, and contributes nearly 18% of their income (over 26% with employer matches). Yet, even with all that effort, they’re sitting on just enough to generate about $30,000 a year in retirement income if everything goes perfectly. That’s not financial freedom. That’s barely financial survival. We’ll also explore why most people don’t make changes even when they’re worried. Over half of Fidelity’s investors say they’re concerned about the economy, but only 5% have adjusted their portfolios. This is the danger of financial complacency believing the market will always go up. In this episode, I challenge you to think differently about wealth and retirement. Instead of relying on hope and the stock market rollercoaster, I share why it’s time to start creating real passive income through alternative investments assets that work for you no matter what Wall Street does. If you’ve got significant savings but little to no passive income, you’re not alone. I’ll share stories of people who’ve reached out to me with millions in their accounts but only a few hundred dollars in monthly cash flow. The truth is, being a “401(k) millionaire” doesn’t mean financial independence it means your money is trapped. It’s time to get your cash working harder for you, not the other way around. I’ll also share how you can start taking control with strategies like infinite banking, private lending, and other passive income investments that create predictable cash flow. And don’t forget to check out my new book, The Work Optional Blueprint, available now on Kindle with the print version coming soon. If you’re ready to stop hoping for retirement someday and start building freedom today, this episode will open your eyes and your options.
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The New Psychology of Influence: How to Win Trust When Everyone’s Tuning Out
10/24/2025
The New Psychology of Influence: How to Win Trust When Everyone’s Tuning Out
Start making passive income here: What if you could ethically influence people, and they thanked you for it? Learn how at cialdini.com/decevent - Use code MONEYRIPPLES for a special bonus. The economy has been shaking things up, and if you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader, you’ve probably felt it. Clients are hesitant. Marketing costs are up. Even some seven-figure earners are struggling. So how do you stand out and create real influence in a market full of uncertainty? Today, I’m joined again by Dr. Chris Phelps, the CEO of the Cialdini Institute, to uncover how you can use ethical persuasion and authority to gain the upper hand in any economy. If you’ve read Dr. Robert Cialdini’s groundbreaking work on persuasion, you already know how powerful these principles are. Chris and I dive deep into how you can apply them today to rebuild trust, attract loyal clients, and lead your team effectively even when times are tough. We talk about what’s really happening in the economy right now: from the rising costs of doing business to the erosion of consumer trust caused by AI-generated content, scams, and overwhelming noise in the marketplace. Chris explains why people are more skeptical than ever and how you can break through that wall with authentic authority, transparency, and trust. We explore the authority principle why customers instinctively look for credible experts, and how positioning yourself as one can make your business stand out. Chris shares proven examples from the corporate world like Avis and L’Oréal’s “You’re worth it” campaign that demonstrate how honesty and vulnerability can actually make your brand more persuasive. Then, we shift gears to leadership. Chris reveals how the consistency principle can transform team management and reduce micromanagement. He walks through how getting your team to make voluntary commitments leads to better results and a stronger sense of ownership because people don’t want to be told what to do; they want to choose. You’ll also hear the fascinating story of how Chris went from running struggling dental practices during the 2008 recession to turning them into million-dollar successes three years in a row by applying these very same principles. And he explains how his collaboration with Dr. Robert Cialdini came to life creating a movement that’s now helping businesses worldwide understand the science of influence. We wrap up with practical insights you can use today to build authority, increase conversions, and inspire your team to take action even when the world feels unpredictable. If you want to stop competing on price, start leading with influence, and learn what truly drives human behavior, this episode is for you. Join us for this powerful conversation that will give you the tools to not only survive in this economy but to lead, thrive, and create ripples of success in your business and beyond. Dr. Chris Phelps; links: - LinkedIn: - Website: - Facebook:
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What the Most Successful Real Estate Investors Do with Their Money That Others Don’t
10/22/2025
What the Most Successful Real Estate Investors Do with Their Money That Others Don’t
Start making passive income here: Am I actually financially prepared to create real financial freedom with my real estate portfolio or could I already be there and just not know it yet? In this episode, I sit down with repeat guest Marcus Crigler, CPA and founder of BEC CFO & CPA (becfo.com), to break down the practical math, systems, and mindset that separate investors who think they’re winning from those who truly achieve work-optional freedom. Marcus’ background is rare: at just 22, he was inside a CPA firm serving ultra-successful operators with tens of thousands of units the folks who don’t flex on Instagram because they’re too busy buying 26 multifamily properties in a single year. From that vantage point, he learned what most investors never see: the decisions made from the P&L, not the highlight reel. Today, his firm helps active investors wholesalers, flippers, property managers, and portfolio owners make money, save money, and build real wealth with bookkeeping, tax strategy, and CFO-level guidance. We dig into the one metric elite investors live and die by: Return on Equity (ROE). If an asset’s ROE slips to 3–5% (or worse), sophisticated owners don’t “set it and forget it” they improve or recycle the asset. Marcus shows how “recapitalizing the portfolio” (selling, 1031-exchanging, or redeploying equity) can ratchet cash flow and accelerate net-worth compounding because a 3% appreciation on a $15M asset adds $500k versus $300k on a $10M asset. Same market. Better capitalization. Bigger wealth effect. We also confront the biggest silent killer of freedom: ignoring your REO schedule. If you’re not reviewing each property’s current equity, cash flow, ROE, and next move, your portfolio is like milk you might not have opened it, but it still expires. I share a client story who sat on $700k of equity for $200/month of profit a 0.3% ROE until we moved the equity to stronger markets and turned it into $8,500/month. That’s the power of measuring what matters. Then we tackle my three step framework Get Lean, Get Liquid, Get Out and Marcus goes deep on why liquidity is the #1 determinant of long-term success. Cash cushions buy time, confidence, and most importantly opportunity. He tells the story of a client who almost shut down in October 2023, but because he’d stacked ~$800k in reserves, he ran into the fire when others ran out and later hit $900k revenue in a single month with strong margins. Liquidity didn’t cost him returns; it bought him the right returns. Finally, we get real about mindset. Most people don’t stay in the rat race because they’re broke; they stay because they’re afraid of being broke again or of losing identity, status, or external validation. If that’s you, the antidote is clarity: know your numbers, confront your gaps, and make the next high-leverage move. Freedom isn’t theoretical it’s math, method, and courage applied over time. If you’re an active real estate entrepreneur (or an “accidentally active” landlord) who wants CFO-level clarity, follow Marcus Crigler and check out BEC CFO & CPA. And if you want your money to work harder than you do, start with your REO schedule and ROE then decide whether each asset gets improved or recycled. That’s how you turn a portfolio into true financial freedom. Marcus' links: - LinkedIn: - Website: - Facebook:
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Is Bitcoin as Safe as Gold? The Truth Nobody Tells You
10/20/2025
Is Bitcoin as Safe as Gold? The Truth Nobody Tells You
Start making passive income here: Everyone’s been comparing Bitcoin to gold lately, calling it the new “digital safe haven.” But is it really that stable? Is Bitcoin the hedge against the dollar everyone claims it to be or just another speculative bubble disguised as digital gold? My goal is simple: to help you make your money work harder for you so you can stop working so hard for it. Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest myths circulating in the financial world “Bitcoin is the new gold.” In this episode, I unpack real-time market data comparing Bitcoin’s movement against gold and silver during recent tariff talks between Trump and China. You’ll see how gold shot up nearly 5% as investors fled to safety while Bitcoin dropped over 7% in the same period. I’ll show you what this means for your investments, why Bitcoin’s behavior mirrors the S&P 500 more than gold, and what that tells us about its true nature. We’ll also talk about what actually qualifies as a store of value and why gold and silver have maintained that status for thousands of years while crypto still hasn’t earned it. You’ll hear me share my own experiences with Bitcoin going all the way back to 2011, when I was introduced to it before it even hit a dollar, and why I decided to stay grounded in real, tangible assets. If you’ve been tempted to move your wealth into crypto because “everyone says it’s safe,” this episode will stop you in your tracks. I explain why digital currencies like Bitcoin are still speculative assets, not safe havens and what smarter investors and family offices do instead. We’ll go deeper into how the wealthy think about risk allocation why they only keep 1–3% of their portfolio in speculative assets like crypto, while placing more of their wealth in real assets like gold, silver, real estate, and infinite banking strategies. You’ll also learn how I categorize each asset class in my own portfolio and how to structure yours for true financial freedom and stability. Finally, I’ll walk you through practical steps to protect your wealth from volatility how to combine real estate, commodities, and private lending to build a diversified plan that keeps you cashflowing no matter what happens in the economy. Whether you’re new to crypto or already holding Bitcoin, this is the reality check you need to make informed, profitable decisions that align with your long-term financial goals.
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Why the Ultra-Wealthy Only Put 24% in Stocks (and What They Do Instead)
10/17/2025
Why the Ultra-Wealthy Only Put 24% in Stocks (and What They Do Instead)
Start making passive income here: What if everything you’ve been taught about money saving, investing, and “playing it safe" is exactly what keeps you from building real wealth? My guest today, Dave Wolcott, breaks down what the ultra-wealthy actually do with their money that most people never learn. Dave’s story is incredible. A former Marine Corps Captain turned multimillionaire investor, Dave went from following the traditional “get a job and max your 401(k)” plan to realizing that strategy could never deliver true financial freedom. When his family suddenly grew from one child to four overnight thanks to triplets he knew he had to rethink everything. What followed was a deep dive into how the top 1% and 0.01% really build wealth. Dave discovered that the ultra-wealthy don’t rely on Wall Street. They invest in private assets, they use tax incentives as wealth accelerators, and they stack strategies like infinite banking and alternative investments to create multiple layers of growth and protection. He reveals how groups like Tiger 21, whose average member net worth is $100 million, keep less than 25% of their wealth in the stock market while the rest is working for them through real estate, private equity, and alternative ventures. We unpack how you can adopt that same model whether you’re earning six figures or running a business by shifting from accumulation theory (the “save, wait, and hope” retirement model) to cash-flow investing that pays you now. Dave explains how the wealthy use the tax code as a roadmap, not a penalty system, leveraging incentives in energy, real estate, and business ownership to legally reduce taxes and supercharge returns. We also dive into how Infinite Banking (IBC) fits into this bigger picture using your own capital as a warehouse to fund deals, create liquidity, and compound growth tax-efficiently. You’ll see how the ultra-wealthy combine IBC, real estate, and private investments to multiply returns and achieve near-zero tax exposure all while maintaining control over their capital. If you’ve ever wondered why the rich keep getting richer while everyone else keeps “diversifying” into Wall Street mutual funds, this conversation will change the way you think about money forever. Get your free copy of Dave’s book, “The Holistic Wealth Strategy,” at holisticwealthstrategy.com and start building your own framework for lasting wealth beyond the markets. Dave's links: -Website: - LinkedIn: - Facebook: - Instagram:
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The Stock Market Is Speculative; Here’s Why Now Could Be the Best Time to Cash In
10/15/2025
The Stock Market Is Speculative; Here’s Why Now Could Be the Best Time to Cash In
Start making passive income here: The stock market isn’t just hot, it’s overheated. Everyone’s greedy, valuations are inflated, and history tells us this is when the smart money takes profits. I’ve been warning you about this moment for a while, but now even Wall Street insiders and mainstream economists are starting to sound the alarm. In this episode, I’ll break down exactly why this could be your last best chance to cash in before the correction hits and what smart investors are doing right now to protect and multiply their wealth. For over a decade on The Money Ripples Podcast, I’ve helped thousands of people build passive income, break free from financial stress, and live a life of purpose and abundance. Today, I’m showing you what’s really going on behind the scenes of this so-called “bull market” that’s being propped up by speculation, hype, and dangerous overconfidence. You’ll hear about the wild truth behind the AI bubble, what the Citigroup Panic/Euphoria Index is revealing, and why current market valuations at 25 times earnings should have every smart investor on alert. I dive into what “call options” really mean and why the surge in speculative trading could be the biggest red flag since 2000. I also expose how companies like Oracle are skyrocketing in value despite reporting worse-than-expected earnings a clear sign that logic and fundamentals have left the building. This kind of frothy euphoria has always ended the same way: a painful correction. So what do you do about it? I share practical, actionable strategies on how to scale out of the market, take your profits, and diversify into real, cash-flowing assets that can protect your wealth. Whether it’s infinite banking, alternative investments, or other private opportunities, I’ll show you how to keep your money growing even while Wall Street burns. And here’s the truth: doing nothing is still a decision. You can stay in, hope the market keeps rising, and risk losing the gains you’ve worked for. Or you can follow what the smartest investors like Warren Buffett are already doing: holding cash, staying patient, and positioning for opportunity. If you’re ready to take control, this episode will show you how to think like the 1%, act before the herd, and make moves that protect your freedom, your family, and your future.
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Best Way to Buy a House: Why Paying Cash Could Cost You More
10/13/2025
Best Way to Buy a House: Why Paying Cash Could Cost You More
Start making passive income here: Dave Ramsey says you should save to pay cash for a house. But is that really smart in today’s market? In this episode, I’m going to show you why that strategy might actually cost you your dream home, and why locking in a mortgage yes, even with higher rates can be the more financially sound and wealth-building move. I’ve heard countless stories from hardworking people trying to “save their way” to homeownership, only to watch prices skyrocket faster than their savings can grow. In fact, one woman I spoke with is working 80 hours a week at two jobs just to save cash for a home. Admirable? Absolutely. But effective? Not really. When I ran the numbers, what I found even shocked me and it’s something Dave Ramsey doesn’t talk about. In this episode, I dive deep into the real math behind buying versus saving. You’ll hear how saving for 15 or 20 years could mean chasing a moving target as home prices double or triple while your purchasing power declines. I’ll walk you through an example comparing someone saving $1,500 a month for a $200,000 home versus locking in a mortgage today and how the difference could mean more than a decade of your life lost to the chase. We’ll break down: Why real estate appreciation can destroy even the most disciplined savings plans. How inflation and rising prices make “waiting to buy” one of the riskiest strategies out there. The hidden benefits of locking in your price now, even with PMI or higher rates. How to make inflation work for you, not against you. Why having liquid assets and financial flexibility beats being “house rich and cash poor.” I’ll even show you why, by paying your mortgage strategically or investing the extra cash at decent returns, you could pay off your house in 8 years instead of 19 without sacrificing your peace of mind. This isn’t about reckless debt or ignoring financial discipline it’s about using smart leverage and sound strategy to build wealth faster, without chasing your tail or missing out on the very opportunities you’ve been working so hard for. If you’ve ever wondered whether saving cash or using a mortgage makes more sense, this episode gives you the data, the logic, and the freedom-focused mindset to make the right move for your future.
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How Kyle Stanley Uses YouTube to Raise Millions and Attract Real Estate Deals
10/10/2025
How Kyle Stanley Uses YouTube to Raise Millions and Attract Real Estate Deals
Start making passive income here: Can a YouTube channel actually help you raise more capital, attract better real estate deals, and scale your brand faster than cold calls and mailers? That’s exactly what I dig into with my friend Kyle Stanley an investor, former sports anchor turned entrepreneur, Airbnb operator, and creator behind @realKyleStanley. If you’re an active investor who wants deal flow on autopilot or a passive investor who wants a smarter way to source and vet operators, this conversation will show you how long-form content becomes your best lead generator. We start with Kyle’s backstory going from struggling entrepreneur to doing his first real estate deal six weeks after joining FortuneBuilders, then building and selling both an Airbnb management company and a mid–six-figure education business. The common thread? He built trust at scale through YouTube and podcasts. Instead of hoarding “secrets,” he leaned into abundance, shared his playbook publicly, and almost by accident created inbound deal flow, private money conversations, and high-value partnerships. We unpack the three channel archetypes any investor can use: - Expert: teach frameworks and case studies when you have reps. - Reporter: interview credible experts (yes, even before you’re one). Borrow authority while you build it. - Documentarian: film the journey property walkthroughs, underwrites, wins, and lessons. Kyle explains the 7–11 rule (seven hours across at least 11 touches) and why YouTube’s long-form format compounds trust faster than short-form social. We talk strategy for raising money without “pitching,” how consistent content turns you into a magnet for agents, wholesalers, lenders, and limited partners, and why giving away the “what” and “why” inevitably creates paid demand for the “how.” We also hit mindset objections “I’m not charismatic,” “there’s too much competition,” “I don’t have time” and show you how to publish simple, honest videos that attract the right people and quietly repel the wrong ones. If you’re a passive investor, this is a cheat code: use a channel to interview and diligence operators in public. You’ll expand your network, surface better opportunities, and gather insights you’d never get from a pitch deck. For active operators, Kyle lays out a practical path to consistent posting, realistic expectations, and the compounding effects of showing up weeklyeven when the views are small. We compare celebrity launches (The Rock’s tequila), why audience beats product on day one, and how a steady drip of value creates reciprocity and referrals you can’t buy with ads. We wrap with resources to follow Kyle, how to book a consult if you want help building a channel that raises capital, and a reminder I learned the hard way over 11 years: imperfect action beats perfect planning. You don’t need studio lights to start building trust. You need a phone, a point of view, and the discipline to hit publish. Kyle Stanley's links: Instagram: Website: YouTube: LinkedIn:
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How to Use Infinite Banking + Real Estate to Create Tax-Free Returns That's Better Than a Roth!
10/08/2025
How to Use Infinite Banking + Real Estate to Create Tax-Free Returns That's Better Than a Roth!
Ready to see how infinite banking could work for you? Book a free call here: and let’s make your money work harder, tax-free. Everyone talks about Roth IRAs and many of you ask me about infinite banking but almost no one shows you how to combine infinite banking with real estate, business, or even oil and gas to create what I call a potential “tax-never” outcome. In this episode, I break down exactly how I use properly structured whole life (max-ROI infinite banking) alongside tax-advantaged investments so my money can work in two places at once growing uninterrupted inside the policy while I put capital to work in cash-flowing deals. First, I level-set what a Roth IRA really is: a tax wrapper, not an investment. You can hold CDs, stocks, or even certain real estate inside it. Roth shines when the underlying investment has no tax advantages like simple lending or plain vanilla income funds because the wrapper gives you tax-free growth and withdrawals later. But when you’re using investments that already come with write-offs or depreciation, the Roth can actually block benefits you could have taken elsewhere. That’s where infinite banking is different. I fund a high-cash-value whole life policy with after-tax dollars; the cash value grows tax-advantaged and I can access it via a policy loan or line of credit to invest in whatever I choose without age restrictions. I can’t “place” the investment inside the policy (this isn’t an IRA), but I can leverage the cash value to fund opportunities and keep my dollars compounding. People always ask, “Can I write off my life insurance premiums?” Generally, no if you try to deduct them, you risk losing key tax benefits elsewhere. The smarter move is to let the policy grow and then deploy those dollars into activities that do create deductions. For example, as a business owner (S-Corp), legitimate expenses marketing, R&D, team, systems are deductible. If I borrow against my policy to fund those expenses, I’m still earning crediting inside the policy while capturing the tax write-off at the business level. The interest I pay on policy or bank lines used for bona fide business purposes can often be deductible, too. Same idea in real estate: if you or your spouse qualify as a Real Estate Professional, bonus depreciation and other write-offs can offset active income. I walk through how couples sometimes position the lower-W-2 spouse to achieve RE Pro status so depreciation can reduce the household’s overall tax bill. We also talk about energy specifically oil & gas working interests where portions of your capital can be deductible in year one (depending on the deal structure). Imagine using policy cash value to fund that investment: you get potential deductions up front, income from the project, and your policy value continues compounding in the background—helping you reach work-optional status before age 59½, unlike Roth rules. I tie this into my “Wealth Wheel”: Get Lean (increase cash flow, slash taxes), Get Liquid (store reserves in max-efficiency infinite banking, not in tax-prisons like 401(k)s), and Get Out (deploy into passive, tax-advantaged cash flow). I share how I personally hold emergency and opportunity cash in policies, then cycle it through business, real estate, and energy to accelerate wealth while keeping optionality and minimizing the drag of taxes. If you’ve been looking for a practical, real-world way to combine infinite banking with tax-smart investing and to build freedom without waiting decades this episode gives you the blueprint.
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Is the Dollar Dying? Precious Metals, Digital Currency & the Coming Reset With David Morgan
10/06/2025
Is the Dollar Dying? Precious Metals, Digital Currency & the Coming Reset With David Morgan
Start making passive income here: With all the uncertainty swirling right now, should we run to gold, silver, or something entirely different? And is the U.S. dollar really in trouble or just going through another cycle? In this episode I bring on David Morgan veteran analyst, author, and publisher of The Morgan Report to cut through the noise and help us separate financial dogma from reality. David’s been studying markets for over four decades, and his path started young back when U.S. coins moved from 90% silver to clad. That curiosity led him to dig into how money is created, fractional-reserve banking, and why “all fiat fails” is more than a slogan. You’ll hear the story of how, while working in the aircraft industry as a B-1 bomber crew member, a test pilot’s contrarian newsletter opened the door to an entirely different way of thinking about wealth. We get practical. David explains why most media keeps you in an echo chamber (think Operation Mockingbird and algorithmic bubbles), how to cross-check narratives using international sources (yes, even South African and Russian outlets for a different lens), and how to apply an engineer’s mindset objectivity and first principles to your money. Then we go deep on currencies. Will the dollar “die,” or simply reprice? David outlines two classic paths debt-liquidating deflation vs. hyperinflationary depression and why the likely reality is a split outcome: over-levered assets (like margin-soaked equities and some real estate) reprice lower while essential commodities (especially food) can climb. We talk what that means for everyday investors who want cash flow and stability, not headlines. We also tackle the next phase of money: tokenization and potential CBDCs. David walks through how a digital-first system could roll out (with “on-ramp incentives,” digital ID, and iris-scan pilots already normalizing the idea), what the BIS (Bank for International Settlements) is publishing about the rails, and the kind of “crisis pretext” that could accelerate adoption. Whether you’re crypto-curious or crypto-cautious, you need to understand the direction of travel even if you ultimately choose to stay analog. Actionably, we cover how to position for resilience: • Why hard assets matter (paid-off real estate, energy and ag exposure where practical). • How precious metals can be more than “dead assets” via royalty/streaming companies and selective miners that pay dividends with the potential to boost yield through options overlays like covered calls. • When cryptos might fit as a satellite holding vs. core money metals. • Why self-reliance (even basic home and trade skills) is a real edge in a tech-heavy, fragile system. Finally, David shares resources at themorganreport.com/money (including a concise outline, documentary recommendation, and a complimentary consultation) and his bigger mission: truth, transparency, and financial freedom through honest money. If you care about cash flow, optionality, and owning your financial future not renting it this conversation gives you frameworks you can actually use. David's links: - Website: - LinkedIn: - YouTube: - Facebook:
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Economist Warns: FOMO Is Your Biggest Financial Danger Right Now with David McWilliams
10/03/2025
Economist Warns: FOMO Is Your Biggest Financial Danger Right Now with David McWilliams
Start making passive income here: Uncertainty is everywhere right now will the Fed actually cut rates, will tariffs escalate, are we headed for a recession, or another melt-up? If you’ve been frozen on the sidelines, this episode is your wake-up call. I’m joined by David McWilliams economist, bestselling author of The History of Money, founder of Kilkenomics (the world’s only economics + stand-up comedy festival), and a rare voice who makes complex macro easy to act on. We cut through the noise and talk about the only decisions that matter for investors and business owners when markets feel irrational. David explains why zero rates broke traditional valuation, why the S&P 500’s concentration is a warning sign, and how a wave of “unicorns” could face a liquidity crunch as insiders try to exit. We cover the bond vigilantes, the political tug-of-war around the Federal Reserve, and what happens if headline cuts collide with a rising long end. Translation: don’t anchor your future to a single narrative. We also zoom out: reserve-currency shifts from sterling to the dollar didn’t happen overnight and today’s geopolitics (think Modi, Putin, Xi) suggest the next regime is forming in plain sight. David lays out the 40-year cycle change we’re living through: from free trade to tariffs, small to big government, low to rising inflation, open borders to deportations and why those flips create both fear and once-in-a-cycle opportunities. Most important, we bring it back to action. If you’ve listened to me for any length of time, you know I want you work-optional with passive income so you can live free and create a ripple effect. That requires discipline in frothy markets: take profits without guilt, build dry powder, and allocate on your terms, not on Reddit’s. David reminds us: “Nobody ever lost money selling too early.” I’ll add: nobody gets free by outsourcing their thinking to FOMO. We hit practical takeaways on risk management, why cash is a decision not a “do nothing,” how to read the tape when algorithms replace traders, and why money is ultimately a human technology which is why your judgment and relationships matter most. David's links: - Website: - X: - Facebook: - Instagram: - LinkedIn:
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How to Triple Your Retirement Income Overnight (Without the 3% Rule)
10/01/2025
How to Triple Your Retirement Income Overnight (Without the 3% Rule)
Start making passive income here: We’ve all heard the “4% rule,” right? The idea that you can safely withdraw 4% from your retirement portfolio and never run out of money. But here’s the question I’m tackling today: is that belief quietly holding you back and could you actually triple your retirement income overnight? In this episode, I walk you through why the 4% rule was never a true “rule,” how it was back-tested on a narrow slice of market history, and why it’s even less reliable today with longer lifespans, persistent inflation, and very different market dynamics. Many planners have already downgraded it to a 3% rule for anyone retiring in their 60s and if you’re targeting early retirement, I explain why 2% is often closer to reality. That’s a problem when you’ve got seven figures saved and still can’t create the lifestyle you actually want. I break down the common myth that the S&P 500 reliably delivers 10%+ forever. Most people don’t realize how much of the old long-term average came from dividends and how today’s index is dominated by mega-cap, low-dividend tech. Even if we grant a 10% average for argument’s sake, accumulation math still gets crushed by velocity turning capital into predictable passive income now, not “maybe someday” returns on a spreadsheet. I compare the traditional “big pile, small drip” approach to a cashflow-first strategy that produces real dollars you can spend without cannibalizing principal. You’ll hear real examples from families I’ve worked with: a listener with $1,000,000 told by his advisor to live on 3% ($30,000/yr) who re-engineered his plan across alternative, Main Street investments duplexes, apartments, and energy plays to target well into six figures of annual cash flow. I also share the story of a 50-year-old aspiring health coach with $250,000 who thought she needed a million before she could step back. When we reframed her goal around income, not account size, that same $250k working at 10% became ~$25,000/yr enough to buy her time now, not a decade from now. You’ll also learn: Why safe withdrawal rate math forces you to live below your portfolio’s long-term average—and why higher inflation makes it worse. How DSR (dollars-to-spend reality) beats SWR (safe withdrawal rate) when your income comes from assets that actually pay you monthly. The difference between accumulating assets on paper and building cash-producing assets in the real world. Why shortening your time horizon to income reduces the risk of being wrecked by the next market cycle. How to think about diversification that actually helps (across income streams), not just across ticker symbols. If you’re serious about becoming work optional, stop worshiping at the altar of account balances and start optimizing for cash flow. That’s the path to choice, freedom, and the ability to create a real ripple effect in the lives of others. Want help stress-testing your numbers and mapping a cashflow plan that fits you? Head to MoneyRipples.com check out the Work Optional Calculator and our resources on infinite banking and alternative income strategies and let’s put your money to work so you don’t have to.
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From Poverty to Prosperity The Mindset Shift That Creates Millions
09/29/2025
From Poverty to Prosperity The Mindset Shift That Creates Millions
Imagine a life where work is optional because your money provides the income. Let’s make that your reality; reserve your call today here: How do you create a ripple effect when you feel like you don’t have much to give? In this episode, I pull back the curtain with Alexa DePaolo keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of The Ripple Effect to show you exactly how to build impact and income even when resources feel scarce. If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll invest in myself when I have more time or money,” this conversation will lovingly call out that boldfaced lie and replace it with a practical path forward. I open with the mission behind Money Ripples: becoming work-optional by building enough passive income to work because you want to, not because you have to. Alexa then shares her raw, rags-to-riches story growing up in poverty without running water or electricity, later a young single mom on welfare who bet on herself with a commission-only career and rebuilt everything. We talk about the mindset shifts that make that kind of turnaround possible: identity, affirmations, and embodied confidence (not fluff). Your brain doesn’t know the difference between truth and a lie so feed it faith, not fear. We dig into why excuses are expensive and how the most costly thing isn’t education it’s ignorance. Alexa and I break down how to get resourceful when cash is tight: carpooling to events, creative ticket strategies, staying with friends, and focusing on ROI instead of out-of-pocket cost. We also get tactical about the power of proximity how one room, one idea, or one relationship can add six or seven figures to your trajectory. If you’ve ever felt like your background (trailer park, anyone?) disqualifies you, this episode reframes your story as your edge. Alexa previews Ripple Effect Live (October 17–18, Denver, CO): a high-intent room for lenders, realtors, and growth-minded entrepreneurs where top performers (consistently closing $50M–$250M+ a year) unpack the exact strategies that move the needle 40%+ while others are shrinking. We talk humility and hunger why you don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, just the most coachable and consistent. We cover the daily disciplines that turn positive self-talk into results: morning mindset reps, clear KPIs, and non-negotiable action. You’ll also hear a reminder from me: you’re always one conversation away from a breakthrough. When I was deep in debt, I sacrificed to get in the right rooms. The more it cost me, the more intentional I became and the bigger the ROI. If you’re on the fence about investing in yourself, ask the real question: What’s the cost of staying where you are? If you’re ready to expand your impact and income, build a network that elevates your net worth, and finally embody the person you keep telling yourself you’ll become “someday,” this episode gives you the mindset and the moves to start now. Alexa's links: - Website: - LinkedIn: - Instagram: - Facebook:
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Can You Really Pay Zero Taxes For Life, Even Without a Business
09/26/2025
Can You Really Pay Zero Taxes For Life, Even Without a Business
Start making passive income here: Can you be a passive real estate investor and still enjoy powerful tax advantages that accelerate your wealth? Absolutely and in this episode, I bring on CPA and tax incentive expert Jason Melillo to show you exactly how. Jason has spent over 25 years in the tax and real estate space. Early in his career, he discovered cost segregation studies, a tool that allows investors to accelerate depreciation and dramatically reduce their tax burden. While Fortune 500 companies have used this for decades, most everyday business owners and real estate investors have never tapped into it. Jason and his firm made it their mission to bring these tax-saving strategies to small and mid-size investors, and the results are incredible. We talk about how business owners like doctors, dentists, or chiropractors who own their buildings are often leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table simply because they don’t know about cost segregation or bonus depreciation. Jason explains how these strategies can take a normal $10,000 annual deduction and turn it into a $150,000 year-one deduction—freeing up capital to reinvest into more properties and accelerate wealth. You’ll also hear how real estate professional status works, including the 750-hour rule, and how even short-term rentals like VRBOs can create active business income that offsets W2 income. Jason breaks down how investors can move from one property to many, using tax advantages and leverage to scale without paying more to Uncle Sam. We also cover: - Why bonus depreciation has put cost segregation “on steroids” - How to use tax deductions from one property to shelter income from others - Creative ways W2 employees can benefit, even without becoming full-time investors - How the wealthy structure real estate to legally pay little or no taxes for life - The role of 1031 exchanges and the step-up in basis to eliminate taxes permanently This isn’t theory. These are strategies billionaires use every day and Jason shows how everyday investors can do the same. If you want to keep more of what you earn, reinvest it wisely, and reach financial freedom faster, this is a must-listen episode. Jason's links: - LinkedIn:
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Should You Take Social Security Early? The Overlooked Strategy That Could Pay Off Big
09/24/2025
Should You Take Social Security Early? The Overlooked Strategy That Could Pay Off Big
Start making passive income here: Almost everyone out there is saying, “Wait until age 67 or 70 to take Social Security.” But is that really the smartest move or could it actually cost you the freedom you could have right now? In this episode, I dig into the real math behind Social Security and show you how in many cases, you can actually come out ahead by taking it earlier. I share the story of one of my clients who faced this exact decision at age 61. Using his real numbers, I walk you through how different claiming ages impact not just the monthly payment but also the opportunity cost of waiting. By applying the concept of velocity of money, I demonstrate how reinvesting Social Security income can often create higher cash flow and more options today versus holding out for a slightly bigger check later. Along the way, I challenge the traditional advice from financial gurus like Dave Ramsey. While I agree with his point that the government isn’t doing a good job with your money, I show you where the math actually proves the case for taking Social Security early especially if you’re smart about where you reinvest it. I also highlight why simply dumping that money into the stock market isn’t the best answer in today’s economic climate. You’ll learn: The time value of money and why earlier cash flow often beats delayed payouts How to evaluate whether waiting until age 70 really benefits you—or just delays your freedom Why inflation-adjusted COLA increases don’t keep up with reality Smarter alternatives like passive income investments, secured real assets, or even life insurance strategies How reverse mortgages can complement Social Security for homeowners at age 62 and beyond This episode isn’t just theory it’s about putting control back in your hands. Whether you’re already in your 60s and weighing your options, or you’re younger and just want to stop worrying about Social Security, the takeaway is clear: stop waiting on the government and start creating your own freedom today.
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The 401k & IRA Tax Myth: Why ‘Saving on Taxes’ Could Cost You More Later
09/22/2025
The 401k & IRA Tax Myth: Why ‘Saving on Taxes’ Could Cost You More Later
Start making passive income here: You’ve been told forever that 401(k)s and IRAs “save you taxes.” They don’t. They delay your tax bill and if rates rise, you could easily pay more later than you would today. In this episode, I pull the curtain back on one of the most expensive myths in personal finance and show you why deferring taxes can sabotage your freedom. I start by laying out how traditional retirement plans really work: you contribute pre-tax dollars, they grow tax-deferred, and you withdraw at ordinary income rates the highest rates on the tax chart. Then I ask the only question that matters: do you want to pay tax on the seed or the harvest? If you’re planning to live an abundant life with strong cash flow, paying later on a larger harvest can become a costly mistake. I also break down why many employees lose major deductions by retirement (mortgage interest and dependent credits), while healthcare and lifestyle spending often increase. Add inflation, and you must withdraw more nominal dollars to buy the same life pushing more of your withdrawals into higher brackets. We look at the history of top marginal tax rates and the current reality of federal debt and deficits, making the case that betting on lower future tax rates is wishful thinking. If you’re a business owner, I get even more direct: stuffing cash into a 401(k), SEP IRA, 403(b), or TSP can be a raw deal. You’re often in your lowest effective tax rate today thanks to business deductions then you voluntarily trade that for higher ordinary income taxation later, after you’ve sold your business, lost deductions, and possibly entered a tighter bracket structure. And remember: with ERISA plans like the 401(k), you’re not the true owner the government writes the rules and can change them (RMD ages, penalties, access) whenever it wants. What about Roth IRAs? They’re better than traditional accounts, but still government-controlled with tiny contribution limits, income phase-outs, and the ever-present risk of rule changes. The “backdoor Roth” can also be closed at any time. If you’re serious about becoming work-optional, you need control, liquidity, and tax strategy you can count on. I explain why I prefer using properly structured whole life insurance as a cash-value foundation (what many call “infinite banking”): contractual guarantees at the time you start, tax-advantaged access along the way, and the ability to redeploy capital into cash-flowing real assets like real estate—where depreciation and other strategies can offset income. I also share how I personally treat old plan balances (e.g., legacy DB/IRA funds): I don’t count on them, and when possible, I look to self-direct into assets I understand. Bottom line: traditional retirement plans don’t “save” taxes; they postpone them, often to a worse time. If you want real freedom faster, prioritize vehicles and strategies that give you control now, protect you from inflation and rising taxes, and produce passive income that lets you work because you want to not because you have to. If you want help mapping this out, head to , try the Work Optional Calculator, and keep your eyes out for my new book, Work Optional Blueprint.
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Go From Stuck to Unstoppable: Sarah Foley’s Mindset Shift Every Investor Needs
09/19/2025
Go From Stuck to Unstoppable: Sarah Foley’s Mindset Shift Every Investor Needs
Too many investors get stuck overanalyzing, stuck in fear, stuck waiting for a “perfect” moment that never comes. Meanwhile, real opportunities pass by. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Foley, known as Vertical Blonde, whose story and framework for identity-level change will help you get moving again. Sarah went from TV host and spa director to internationally recognized speaker and coach featured on the Tony Robbins Podcast and the Mel Robbins Show. What I love about her approach is that it translates directly to building wealth: the fastest way through hesitation is shifting who you’re being, not just what you’re doing. We talk about how she created “Vertical Blonde,” an iconic identity she chose on purpose one that guided her presence, habits, and decisions. You’ll hear how her media background in Palm Springs, leadership experience running a major spa in Park City, and later years in Maui all converged into a simple, reliable system for momentum. Sarah shows why most people get trapped in their heads trying to appease the room, and how to drop into the body, trust your gut, and speak and act from lived results. That’s not toxic positivit it’s disciplined alignment. If you’ve felt frozen by market headlines or analysis paralysis, this conversation is your reset. We dig into “live ready” the practice of preparing your mindset, energy, and routines so you’re ready to create opportunity each day, not chase it. Sarah explains how to name and design your own iconic identity, how to build daily readiness (from movement to morning setup), and how to surround yourself with people who are already in motion. When you lead from inner alignment, networking becomes natural, conversations open, and decisions get easier. That’s exactly what investors need when everyone else is waiting on the sidelines. We also connect this to passive income: if you want freedom, you need action. Readiness compounds into traction; traction compounds into results. Whether you’re new to Money Ripples or you’ve been with me for years, you’ll come away with a practical playbook: define who you’re being, keep your energy clean, move first, and let like-minded people and opportunities find you. If you’ve been looking for a permission slip to take the next step this is it. Sarah Foley’s links: - Website: - Facebook: - LinkedIn: Start making passive income here:
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911K Jobs Vanished in Revisions: What It Means for Your Wallet and Future Fed Rate Cuts
09/17/2025
911K Jobs Vanished in Revisions: What It Means for Your Wallet and Future Fed Rate Cuts
Start making passive income here: We just got a wake-up call from the BLS jobs report revision 911,000 fewer jobs than originally reported over the last year. That’s not a rounding error; that’s a major reset that changes how investors, homeowners, and business owners should think about the economy right now. In this episode, I break down what the BLS revision means, why the numbers were off in the first place, and how it could ripple through interest rates, unemployment, the stock market, and real estate values. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m an “anti-financial advisor.” I don’t chase the headlines or the herd; I care about cash flow, control, and creating a work-optional life. Today I walk you through how the BLS constructs the monthly jobs report (including the “birth-death” model), why revisions tend to go down late in the cycle, and why the March 2024–March 2025 period is especially important. We’ve now had back-to-back downward adjustments roughly 600,000 last year and 911,000 this year meaning the last two years overstated job growth by about 1.5 million. That should make every serious investor rethink risk. I also connect the dots between jobs data, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and the 10-year Treasury. The Fed doesn’t move in a vacuum they’re watching Treasury yields just like we are. I explain why I expected only gradual cuts this year, what could force a larger move, and why a bigger-than-expected cut isn’t necessarily “good news.” If the Fed moves 50 bps or more, it could be because the cracks are wider than most realize. What does that mean for your wallet? I spell out the practical impacts: - Why HELOC and credit-card rates may ease a bit with Fed cuts, while 30-year mortgage rates barely budge unless the 10-year decisively breaks lower. - The level I’m watching before buyers really flood back into housing (hint: think sub-6% mortgages). - How waiting for “perfect” rates can backfire because when rates finally look attractive, demand and prices can snap higher first. - Why this could be one of those contrarian moments when buying real estate before the crowd returns creates the biggest advantage (especially with lenders offering low- or no-cost rate-recast/refi options). We also talk about what happens if companies keep cutting costs, lean harder on AI, and delay hiring how that filters through small businesses, consumer spending, and ultimately corporate earnings. If we slide from a “soft landing” into a soft grind a longer, lower, stickier slowdown savvy investors will prioritize capital protection, liquidity, and targeted opportunities that cash flow now. Bottom line: This is not the time to “wait and see.” It’s time to think independently, protect downside, and position for moves most people will only make after it’s obvious.
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Buy Term and Invest the Difference vs Whole Life Insurance: The Truth No One Tells You
09/15/2025
Buy Term and Invest the Difference vs Whole Life Insurance: The Truth No One Tells You
Now is the time to open your own Infinite Banking Policy: Is “buy term and invest the difference” actually the superior strategy or are both sides missing the bigger picture? In this episode, I break down the classic BTID vs. whole life debate with real numbers, real timelines, and a third approach I believe builds more wealth and more flexibility now and later. I start by laying out what BTID really assumes: you buy a cheap 20-year term life policy and diligently invest the rest (most folks don’t but let’s assume you do). For a healthy 45-year-old male, I use an example premium of $674 per year for $600,000 of coverage, and assume you invest $24,326 annually at a generous 8% market return for 20 years. That grows to about $1.2M before taxes. If you follow the (already shaky) 4% rule, that’s $48,000 a year then taxes trim it to about $36,000 a year, roughly $3,000/month. Oh, and when the term ends, the premium explodes (think $20k+ per year in your late 60s), which is why <1% of term policies ever pay a death claim. Insurers literally count on lapses. (If you’ve heard of A.L. Williams, Primerica, or World Financial Group, you know where the BTID narrative got its megaphone.) On the other side, I’m not comparing to old-school, high-commission whole life that smothers your early cash value. I compare BTID to a Max-ROI, Infinite Banking-style whole life design. With $25,000/year going in, cash value grows steadily (without market risk), and the death benefit increases over time (about $1.636M after 20 years in my example). Here’s the kicker: using tax-free policy loans/withdrawals, you can target roughly $50,000/year tax-free for 30 years and still leave a six-figure death benefit. That’s more usable, after-tax income than BTID at the same savings rate, with liquidity, safety, and control all the way through. But I don’t stop there. The third option and the one I actually use is to pair a properly structured whole life policy with real investments that cash-flow (real estate, private credit, businesses, even your own company). Your policy becomes a tax-advantaged cash reserve and opportunity fund your “dry powder.” I can keep money compounding inside the policy and still leverage it into deals for higher yields. It’s not “either/or.” It’s “both, done right.” We also talk estate planning reality: if you grow to a $10M+ net worth, the estate tax can be brutal. Having permanent life insurance in force (that you didn’t start at age 70 when it’s pricey and medically risky) can provide tax-free liquidity so your heirs don’t have to sell cash-flowing assets at the worst time. As Tom Wheelwright says, term is an expense; whole life is an asset. I agree when it’s designed for maximum efficiency and paired with productive investments. Bottom line: BTID looks good on a spreadsheet until you model taxes, behavior, sequence risk, premium hikes, and estate realities. A Max-ROI whole life + investing approach gives me control, cash flow, and optionality and lets me live work-optional sooner while still creating a meaningful legacy. If you want to see how this could fit your plan, head to MoneyRipples.com and grab updates on my Work Optional Blueprint book launch.
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