The Money Advantage Podcast

The moment we realized “liquidity” isn’t a theory Thirteen years ago, Lucas and I thought we were being responsible by storing a lot of our capital in gold and silver. It felt safe. It felt timeless. It felt like the kind of move people make when they’re thinking long-term. And then we needed cash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3go-H641ZU Not someday. Not “in retirement.” We needed liquidity for real life—building a business, making decisions, moving when opportunities showed up. And in that moment, we learned something the hard way: an asset can be valuable and still be a terrible place to store accessible capital. The spot price was down. We had to sell at the wrong time, and that’s when the question got painfully simple: Where do you store capital so you can access it when you want it—without losing control, without begging permission, and without being at the mercy of timing? That question is what led us to build what we now call our family banking system—and in this Part 6 case study, we’re pulling back the curtain again. In this Marshall Family Banking System Case Study: In-Force vs Original Illustration (Part 6), Bruce Wehner and I walk you through the real mechanics: premium paid, cash value, loan availability, in-force illustrations, original projections, and what actually changed over time. The moment we realized “liquidity” isn’t a theoryWhat you’ll learn from this Marshall Family Banking System case studyWhat is a family banking system?Why we started: liquidity, then legacyFamily banking system case study: our “13-year” system with a reset (1035 exchange)Premium paid vs cash value: the real numbers (round terms)Cash value vs loan value in a family banking system“Do you still earn dividends with a policy loan?”How a family banking system works year-to-year: the numbers keep risingIn-force illustration vs original illustration: why our numbers changedWhy illustrations change (dividends change)The compounding effect: what changed by age 75Break-even in a family banking system: what it means and what it doesn’tWhat’s inside an annual statement: dividends, PUAs, and how death benefit risesPaid-up additions rider (PUA) and compoundingDirect vs non-direct recognition: what to knowAnnual premium payment and “premium refund”: a detail most people missThe core mindset shift: this is about control of capitalWhat this Part 6 case study provesListen to the full episodeFAQWhat is a family banking system?Is a family banking system the same as Infinite Banking?Why pay whole life premiums annually in a family banking system?When does a family banking system using whole life insurance break even?What is a whole life insurance policy in-force illustration?Why does a whole life insurance policy's in-force illustration differ from the original illustration? What you’ll learn from this Marshall Family Banking System case study If you’ve ever looked at a whole life insurance illustration and wondered, “Can I trust these numbers?” you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever asked: “What happens to cash value when you take a policy loan?” “Do you still earn dividends with a policy loan?” “How do I compare an in-force illustration vs original illustration?” “When does a family banking system break even?” …then this article is for you. This is Part 6 in our series, and it’s designed to help you understand how a family banking system works using real policy performance—not theory, not hype, and not marketing claims. Here’s what you’ll gain by reading: A clear picture of family banking system with whole life insurance and why we use it What our numbers look like (in round terms) after years of funding The difference between cash value vs loan value (and why that matters) Why in-force results can differ from the original illustration How dividends changing over time can materially impact long-range projections Why we’re still committed—and why this is about control, not “rate of return” What is a family banking system? A family banking system is a...

The “Clean Slate” That Changes Your Decisions Every January, Bruce and I have this running joke: as a society, we collectively decide that January 1 magically flips a switch—life will be calmer, more organized, more intentional. Bruce thinks it’s strange. (He’s not wrong.)I love it. I love a clean slate. A fresh start. A targeted window that says, “This is the beginning.” https://www.youtube.com/live/_cgm7sJ6SDc And here’s why that matters for your money: when you feel like you have a beginning, you’re more willing to think differently. You stop drifting on autopilot and start asking better questions—especially the one Bruce kept coming back to in our conversation: Why do you do what you do financially? That one question is the doorway to confidence. Not “confidence that you’ll always be right,” but confidence that you’re making the best decision with the information you have—while staying flexible enough to adjust when new information shows up. That’s the heart of this post: the financial strategy for families in 2026 isn’t a single product or prediction. It’s a way of thinking—a framework—that helps you build control, cash flow, and peace of mind in uncertain markets. The “Clean Slate” That Changes Your DecisionsWhat You’ll Gain from This Financial Strategy for Families in 2026Financial strategy for families starts with one skill: thinking about your thinkingWhat fundamentally changed—and why “uncertain markets” feel louder than ever1) Information moves instantly—and it affects how you use your money2) The 24-hour news cycle magnifies fear—and shrinks your time horizon3) AI disruption adds both opportunity and anxiety4) Cryptocurrency continues to create both opportunity and harm5) Debt levels are enormous—and debt quietly reduces control of capitalWhy the typical accumulation model fails families in uncertain marketsSequence of returns risk: why averages don’t protect your retirementFinancial strategy for families in uncertain markets: control of capital is the core principleCash flow planning and the liquidity strategy every family needs in 2026 and beyondHow to build liquidity for market volatilityDebt management strategy: why debt steals optionality for familiesWhy families need professional guidance more than ever in 2026Optionality: how to create a family wealth plan that lasts generationsYour most valuable asset isn’t your portfolio—it’s your family’s capacityThe Financial Strategy Every Family Needs in 2026 and BeyondListen to the Full Episode on Financial Strategy for Families in 2026 and BeyondFAQ: Financial Strategy for Families in 2026 and BeyondWhat is the best financial strategy for families?How do you build liquidity for market volatility?How much cash reserve should a family keep in 2026 and beyond?What’s the difference between cash flow and net worth for families?How can families protect wealth from volatility without going to all cash?How does debt reduce control of capital?How can AI impact jobs and investing decisions in 2026 and beyond?What does “control of capital” mean in personal finance? What You’ll Gain from This Financial Strategy for Families in 2026 If you’ve felt the financial landscape shifting—tax uncertainty, persistent inflation, volatile markets, conflicting advice, AI disruption, crypto hype, growing debt, and nonstop headlines—you’re not imagining it. The pace of change is faster. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a crystal ball to win financially in 2026. You need a system grounded in principles that hold up in any environment. In this article, we’ll walk you through a financial framework for uncertain markets that’s built on: control of capital cash flow planning liquidity strategy (liquidity buffer) optionality (having choices even when the “rules” change) decision-making confidence under uncertainty multi-generational planning that prepares your family for the future you can’t predict And we’ll also show you why the typical accumulation-based model leaves many families...

The Questions No One Can Answer After Dad Dies A man spends his life building a sophisticated estate plan—brilliant strategies, impeccable legal work, a network of trusted advisors, and layers upon layers of entities. His son is a lawyer. He even gets 18 months to prepare before his father passes. https://www.youtube.com/live/hCA_R52ZyrQ And yet, within days of his death, people start asking questions he can’t answer. That story belongs to Josh Kanter, founder of Leaf Planner—and it’s exactly why Bruce and I wanted to bring him to The Money Advantage Podcast. Because if a prepared, trained, deeply involved son can still feel “in the dark,” what does that mean for the rest of the family? That’s where preserving generational wealth gets real. The Questions No One Can Answer After Dad DiesWhy Preserving Generational Wealth Requires More Than PaperworkPreserving generational wealth starts with the real erosion riskPreserving generational wealth means planning is dynamic, not a “final destination”Family governance and family wealth communication are the foundationHow to prevent generational wealth erosion with a “transparency continuum”How to talk to your kids about family wealth without creating entitlementWhat is a family office and do I need oneLeaf Planner: a family office portal built for real life, not just deathHow to organize estate planning documents for heirs without losing the storyPreserving generational wealth requires planning for advisor transitions tooA practical checklist for wealth transfer communicationPreserving generational wealth begins hereThe Real Way to Preserve Generational WealthListen to the Full Episode With Josh Kanter (Leaf Planner)Book A Strategy CallFAQ How do you prevent generational wealth erosion?When should you tell your kids your net worth?What is a family office and do I need one?How do you organize estate planning documents for heirs?How do you talk to your kids about family wealth?What is Leaf Planner? Why Preserving Generational Wealth Requires More Than Paperwork In this blog (and podcast), we’re talking about preserving generational wealth in a way most families never hear about. Not just the legal structures. Not just the investments. Not just the “where are the documents?” We’re talking about the part that causes the most damage when it’s missing: communication, context, and continuity. You’ll walk away with: A practical view of why family wealth communication matters as much as financial strategy A healthier way to think about transparency with kids (hint: it’s not “tell them everything” or “tell them nothing”) A simple framework for preventing generational wealth erosion A clear explanation of what Leaf Planner is and why it’s different from a spreadsheet or document vault And yes—if preserving generational wealth is your goal, you’ll see why the “why” behind your plan may be the most valuable asset you pass down. Preserving generational wealth starts with the real erosion risk Bruce said something on the show that cuts straight to the heart of the issue: If you’re going to have generational wealth, you have to make sure there’s no erosion to that wealth. Most people assume erosion is mainly taxes, market losses, or poor returns. Those matter. But what surprises families is how often the real erosion comes from people—especially family members—who don’t have shared understanding, shared language, and shared purpose. You can have the best legal instruments in the world and still lose your family unity. Josh’s experience in the family office world (and inside his own multi-branch family) reinforced this: documents alone don’t preserve families. And if the family fractures, the wealth typically follows. That’s why preserving generational wealth is never only financial—it’s relational. Preserving generational wealth means planning is dynamic, not a “final destination” Bruce also brought up another critical point: families often treat planning like you “arrive.” But wealth planning isn’t...

The Moment “Confident” Sounds Like “Certain” A few weeks ago, we found ourselves talking about how quickly AI is moving. It’s not just that it can answer questions fast—it’s that it can sound certain while doing it. https://www.youtube.com/live/mWd2QqPzFWA And when you’re staring at a big money decision—debt, investing, taxes, retirement—certainty feels like relief. It feels like clarity. But after thousands of conversations with real families, we’ve learned something that never changes: people don’t just need answers. They need judgment. They need wisdom. They need someone who can hear what’s not being said and help them make decisions they can live with. So we’re tackling the question head-on: Will AI replace financial advisors? The Moment “Confident” Sounds Like “Certain”The Promise and the Limits of an AI Financial AdvisorWill AI Replace Financial Advisors? Start With the Real Problem: Information Overload, Wisdom ShortageAI Financial Planning Tools Can Help You Find Information Fast—but Speed Isn’t the Same as StewardshipAI Financial Advisor vs Human Financial Advisor: What AI Does Well (And Why That’s a Gift)What AI Can and Can’t Do in Financial Advice: AI Excels at Technical Speed and StructureHow to Use AI With a Financial Advisor: Let AI Raise Your Questions, Not Replace Your CounselChatGPT Financial Advice and the Biggest Risk: It Doesn’t Know What’s True—It Knows What’s RepeatedCan You Trust AI for Financial Advice? A Simple FrameworkRobo-advisor vs Financial Advisor: Why Optimization Isn’t the Same as GuidanceAI and Behavioral Finance Coaching: The Moment Emotion Enters, the Math Isn’t EnoughRoth Conversions and the Problem With “Perfect Math”: You Have to Know the Future (And You Don’t)AI in Wealth Management Helps With Modeling—but It Can’t Carry the Weight of Your MortalityPrivacy Risks Sharing Financial Data With AI: A Practical BoundaryThe Bottom Line: AI Can Enhance Wisdom, But It Cannot Replace ItWill AI Replace Financial Advisors? The Better Question Is: Who’s Leading?Use the Tool, Don’t Hand Over the WheelListen to the Full Episode on “Will AI Replace Financial Advisors?”Book A Strategy CallFAQWill AI replace financial advisors?Is an AI financial advisor trustworthy?What is the difference between a robo-advisor vs financial advisor?Can you trust ChatGPT financial advice?What are the biggest privacy risks sharing financial data with AI?How do I use AI in financial planning without making mistakes?What AI can and can’t do in financial advice?How to use AI with a financial advisor? The Promise and the Limits of an AI Financial Advisor If you’ve been asking, “Will AI replace financial advisors?” you’re not alone. With ChatGPT and other tools now in everyone’s pocket, it’s natural to wonder if you can depend on technology to do what an advisor does—maybe even better than a human. In this blog, you’ll walk away with: A clear view of what an AI financial advisor can do well today The limits of ChatGPT financial advice (and why it matters) The real difference in AI vs human financial advisor—and why it isn’t mostly about math How to use AI in financial planning without outsourcing your responsibility A simple framework for letting AI serve your decisions—not lead them We’re not here to hype AI or fear it. We’re here to help you use it wisely—so you stay in control of your financial life. Will AI Replace Financial Advisors? Start With the Real Problem: Information Overload, Wisdom Shortage We live in a world drowning in information. You can Google anything. You can ask ChatGPT anything. You can get 1,500 opinions in five minutes—especially about money. But access to information isn’t the same as knowing what to do. That’s why this conversation matters: we don’t just have an information problem. We have a wisdom problem. You can search “how to invest” or “how to pay off debt” and get answers that sound smart—but those answers don’t actually understand your life, your goals, your emotions, your discipline level,...

The “Billion-Dollar Asset” That Still Had to Be Sold A story Bruce shares in our retirement class teaching always stops people in their tracks. A family inherited an NFL team worth just under a billion dollars. The asset was valuable. The legacy was real. But the planning wasn’t there. When estate taxes came due, the heirs didn’t have the liquidity to pay the bill. And because the wealth was tied up in an illiquid asset, they had to sell the team. https://www.youtube.com/live/6lCgo4y3LYs Most families will never own an NFL franchise. But plenty of families do own a business, a portfolio of real estate, land that’s been in the family for generations, or investments that look substantial on paper but aren’t easy to convert into cash quickly. And that’s where this topic becomes personal: if you don’t plan ahead, your family may be forced into decisions you never intended—simply to satisfy a tax obligation. This is why we’re talking about how to avoid estate tax legally—so your wealth can serve your heirs and your purpose, not become a burden or a fire sale. The “Billion-Dollar Asset” That Still Had to Be SoldWhat You’ll Learn About How to Avoid Estate Tax LegallyThe Practical Building Blocks of Estate Tax PlanningEstate Tax vs Inheritance Tax Difference: Start With the Right DefinitionsFederal Estate Tax Exemption 2026 and Why the Rules Don’t Stay PutEstate Tax Exemption 2025 vs 2026: Timing MattersEstate Tax Rate 40 Percent: The “One-Time Loss” That Creates Long-Term DamageWhy Do Estate Tax Planning Strategies Matter Even If You’re Under the Exemption Today?Estate Planning for Married Couples vs Surviving Spouse: The Quiet ShiftHow to Avoid Estate Tax Legally With Annual GiftingDo I Have to Report Gifts Under 19,000?When Do You Have to File Form 709 Gift Tax Return?Lifetime Gift Tax Exemption 2026: Larger Gifts and Long-Term TrackingGiving With Warm Hands: Why Legacy Planning Is Bigger Than Tax PlanningEstate Liquidity Planning: What Happens if an Estate Is Mostly Real Estate and Taxes Are Due?How Can Life Insurance Provide Liquidity for Estate Taxes?Irrevocable Trust Estate Planning StrategiesHow to Avoid Estate Tax Legally: Life Insurance for Banking vs Life Insurance for Estate Tax529 Plan Superfunding: Gifting to Reduce Estate Size (and the Control Question)The Most Important Takeaway on How to Avoid Estate Tax LegallyListen to the Full Episode on How to Avoid Estate Tax LegallyBook A Strategy CallFAQWhat is the difference between estate tax and inheritance tax?How does the estate tax exemption work?Should I do estate tax planning if I’m under the exemption today?What is the annual gift tax exclusion?Do I have to report gifts under the gift tax exclusion?When do you have to file Form 709?What happens if an estate is mostly real estate and taxes are due?How can life insurance provide liquidity for estate taxes?Which states have estate or inheritance taxes? What You’ll Learn About How to Avoid Estate Tax Legally If you’ve ever wondered, “Will my legacy go to my family…or to the IRS?” you’re asking the right question. In this blog, we’re going to walk you through the core ideas from our podcast episode on estate and inheritance taxes—what they are, how exemptions work, why the rules change, and what families can do now to protect generational wealth. You’ll learn: The estate tax vs inheritance tax difference (and why it matters) How the federal estate tax exemption 2026 conversation impacts planning today Why a married couple’s plan can change dramatically when one spouse dies How annual gifting works (and why people confuse it) When Form 709 may come into play Why estate liquidity planning can be the difference between preserving an asset and losing it How life insurance and trusts are commonly used to create options and control Quick note: we’re not attorneys. We sit in these meetings with attorneys. We collaborate with estate planning professionals constantly. Our goal is to give you a clear framework so you can make wise...

Bruce said something on the show that stuck with me because it’s so honest: Everyone thinks they’re an aggressive investor… until they lose money. And it’s true. Most people don’t even realize the biggest financial planning mistakes they’re making until the moment something “unexpected” happens: a market drop, a job change, a medical curveball, an opportunity they can’t jump on because their money is locked away. https://www.youtube.com/live/wp4PzmsvzFQ Bruce also joked that when people go to casinos, nobody ever admits they lost. They either “won” or “broke even.” But those crystal chandeliers weren’t paid for by winners. That’s exactly what happens in real life with money. In the good years, we feel smart. In the up markets, we feel confident. And when everyone around us is sharing their “wins,” it’s easy to believe the biggest risk is simply not being invested enough. But then the market drops. A business hits a slow season. A medical issue shows up. Interest rates shift. Taxes rise. Or the opportunity you’ve been praying for appears—and your cash is locked up, waiting on someone else’s permission. That’s what today’s conversation is about: the sneaky, everyday financial planning mistakes that create real risk—often more than the stock market ever will. What Most Financial Planning Mistakes Really Look LikeFinancial Planning Mistakes Start With Misunderstanding “Risk”Risk tolerance vs risk capacity (and why it matters)Financial Planning Mistakes: Chasing Returns vs Long-Term Financial SecurityThe hidden cost of FOMOThe Safety, Liquidity, and Growth FrameworkHow to balance safety, liquidity, and growth in a portfolioLiquidity Risk in Financial Planning: Locking Money Away Without Realizing ItFinancial Planning Mistakes: Outsourcing Control and Financial Thinking1) Relying on assumptions instead of strategy2) Giving up access and permissionRetirement Planning Mistakes: Why the “Way Down the Mountain” Is HarderWhat is sequence of returns risk in retirement?How to reduce sequence of returns riskTax Risk: Required Minimum Distributions and the Inherited IRA 10-Year RuleRequired minimum distributions tax planningInherited IRA 10-year rule taxes (SECURE Act)How to Minimize Risk: Whole Life Insurance Cash Value - Liquidityand Legacy ProtectionWhole life insurance as a volatility bufferA personal note on why this mattersWhat to Remember and What to Do NextListen to the Full Episode on Financial Planning MistakesFAQWhat are the most common financial planning mistakes?What is sequence of returns risk in retirement?How do you define risk tolerance vs risk capacity?Why is liquidity important in financial planning?How do required minimum distributions create tax risk?How does the inherited IRA 10-year rule affect heirs?Can whole life insurance reduce portfolio risk? What Most Financial Planning Mistakes Really Look Like When most people hear the word “risk,” they immediately think of market volatility. The stock market goes up and down. Inflation eats purchasing power. Taxes change. Interest rates rise. Those are real risks. But they’re not the only risks—and for many families, they’re not even the biggest ones. Some of the most risky moves in financial planning are the ones that feel “normal”: Chasing returns because you don’t want to miss out Locking money away without liquidity Relying on assumptions instead of strategy Outsourcing too much control and decision-making Ignoring tax risk until required minimum distributions force your hand Building retirement plans without accounting for sequence of returns risk This post is designed to help you identify the financial planning mistakes that quietly erode your financial strength. You’ll also learn a simple framework—safety, liquidity, and growth—that makes decisions clearer, and helps you reduce risk in ways most financial conversations never touch. If you want more control, more flexibility, and more confidence in your future, this is for you. Financial Planning Mistakes Start With...

The Couple With $8.5 Million… and One Salad “Bruce, I’m afraid we’re going to run out of money.” He had over $8.5 million across different accounts. They were in their early 70s. On paper, they were far ahead of where most people ever get. https://www.youtube.com/live/L4phmdaJydw But his fear was so real that when they went out to dinner, his wife shared a salad instead of ordering her own—because he was afraid they “couldn’t afford” it. This is what we see over and over again. People obsess over the question “how much do I need to retire?”They chase a number.They hit that number—or get close to it.And still feel anxious, fragile, and uncertain. The problem isn’t just the money.The problem is the model. The Couple With $8.5 Million… and One SaladWhy “How Much Do I Need to Retire?” Is the Wrong First QuestionHow Much Do I Need to Retire? Why That Question Is MisleadingRetirement Cash Flow vs Nest Egg: What You Really NeedSequence of Return Risk in Retirement: Why Timing Matters More Than AveragesBuilding a Retirement Buffer Account to Protect Your PortfolioHow a buffer account protects your retirement portfolio:The LIFE Acronym for Retirement Planning: Liquid, Income, Flexible, EstateProblems With Traditional Retirement Planning and the 4 Percent RuleRedefining Retirement: Gradual Retirement vs Traditional “Out of Service”Cash-Flowing Assets and Alternative Investments for Retirement Cash FlowUsing Whole Life Insurance in Retirement for Guarantees and FlexibilityHow Much Do I Need to Retire? Rethinking the Real QuestionListen to the Full Episode on How Much Do I Need to RetireBook A Strategy CallFAQ: How Much Do I Need to Retire?How much do I need to retire comfortably?How do I know if I have enough to retire?What is sequence of return risk in retirement?What is a retirement buffer account?Is whole life insurance good for retirement income?How can I create guaranteed income in retirement without a pension?How much income do I need in retirement each month?How can my retirement plan serve future generations? Why “How Much Do I Need to Retire?” Is the Wrong First Question If you’ve ever typed how much do I need to retire or how much money do I need to retire into Google, you’re not alone. The financial industry has trained us to believe that the right “number” equals security. But that question is incomplete. It ignores: How long you’ll live How much you’ll actually spend How many emergencies will show up What taxes and inflation will do What sequence of returns your investments will experience In this article, Bruce and I will help you: Understand why “how much do I need to retire” is the wrong question to start with See the difference between retirement cash flow vs nest egg Grasp sequence of return risk in retirement with simple examples Learn how a retirement buffer account can protect you Use the LIFE acronym for retirement planning (Liquid, Income, Flexible, Estate) Explore cash flowing assets, alternative investments, and whole life insurance in retirement Rethink retirement itself—from an “out of service” event to a purposeful, gradual transition My goal is to empower you to take control of your financial life with clarity, not fear. How Much Do I Need to Retire? Why That Question Is Misleading The classic commercial asked, “What’s your number?” People walked around carrying a big orange figure that supposedly represented what they needed to retire. Here’s the problem: That number assumes: A set rate of return A set withdrawal rate No major disruptions And that you won’t touch your principal But real life is not a straight-line projection. When you ask how much do I need to retire, you’re usually really asking: “How can I have enough cash flow for as long as I’m alive, without living in fear?” The issue is not just how much you have—it’s how that wealth behaves under stress and how it converts into dependable income. Retirement Cash Flow vs Nest Egg: What You Really Need Traditional planning focuses on accumulation: “If...

The Day a Cookie Business Changed How My Daughter Saw Money After watching a kid biz launch challenge our eight-year-old decided she wanted to start a cookie business. She figured out recipes, canvased the neighborhood, and delivered her first batch of cookie dough. By the end of the day, she had a stack of cash in her hand and stars in her eyes. https://www.youtube.com/live/yzjkVUl38HM Then we sat down at the table. “Okay,” I said, “you didn’t just make $100 you made $100 of income. Now we’re going to give, save, and spend.” Suddenly, that pile of money shrank. Ten dollars to giving. Forty to saving. Fifty left to spend. And right there, without a textbook or a classroom, she began to understand what real money management feels like: choices, trade-offs, and the realization that dollars follow value. That’s a picture of how to teach kids about money in real life—not as an abstract idea, but as something they can see, touch, and live. Table of ContentsThe Day a Cookie Business Changed How My Daughter Saw MoneyWhy Learning How to Teach Kids About Money Matters More Than EverHow to Teach Your Kids About Money From a Young AgeHow Early Money Experiences Shape Your Child’s Financial MindsetTeaching Kids Delayed Gratification With Money: Saving First, Spending LaterTeaching Kids About Saving and Spending: The Pain of a Bad PurchaseHow Chores and Earning Money Teach Kids ResponsibilityHelping Kids Develop a Wealth Mindset, Not a Consumer MindsetTeaching Teens About Debit Cards and Digital MoneyHow to Talk to Adult Children About Money and Financial HabitsTeaching Children Financial Literacy Is Your Job, Not the School’sHow to Teach Kids About Money in a Way That Actually SticksGo Deeper on How to Teach Kids About MoneyBook A Strategy CallFAQ: How to Teach Kids About Money (For Parents, Teens, and Adult Children)What is the best way to teach kids about money from a young age?How can I teach kids to save money and not spend it all?How do chores and earning money teach kids responsibility?How can I help my child develop a wealthy mindset, not a consumer mindset?How should I talk to my teen about debit cards and digital money?How do I talk to adult children about money habits without starting a fight?What is the three jar system for kids? Why Learning How to Teach Kids About Money Matters More Than Ever When parents ask us how to teach kids about money, they’re not really asking about dollars and cents. They’re asking: How do I raise financially responsible kids? How do I help them avoid the money mistakes I made? How do I give my child a wealthy mindset, not a consumer mindset shaped by social media and advertising? In this article, we are going to walk with you through: How to teach your kids about money from a young age Simple money lessons for kids that start before they earn their first dollar How chores, jobs, and entrepreneurship help kids understand that dollars follow value How to teach kids about saving and spending, delayed gratification, and lifestyle choices How early money experiences shape your child’s financial mindset, from little kids to teens to adult children By the end, you’ll have practical scripts, examples, and frameworks you can start using today—whether your kids are 6, 16, or already out of the house. How to Teach Your Kids About Money From a Young Age If you ask us, there is no such thing as “too early” when it comes to teaching children financial literacy. From the moment they see you tap a card at the store, they’re forming beliefs about money: Is money scarce or abundant? Is it something we talk about, or something we avoid? Does it control us, or do we steward it? We live in a world that constantly pushes kids toward consumption—commercials, YouTube, TikTok, billboards. A child who has never seen a Barbie Dream House commercial would be perfectly happy playing with pots and pans in the kitchen. The ad didn’t just sell a toy; it told them what “ happiness” should look like. If we’re not intentionally...

The Day the “Emergency Fund” Met Real Life Rachel here. Many tell us the same story: “I saved the emergency fund, but I’m worried I’m losing ground to inflation and missed opportunities.” https://www.youtube.com/live/T7O8abZDKw8 Because for most people, the “emergency fund” is a lonely pile of cash—stuck in a corner doing next to nothing. It feels safe, until inflation and opportunity cost quietly erode it. Today Bruce and I want to reframe that pile into something far better: emergency fund alternatives that give you liquidity and momentum. What You’ll Get From This Guide If you’ve ever wondered how to stay liquid for the unknown without parking money in low-yield accounts, this is for you. We’ll show you how to: Design liquidity that protects your family and keeps compounding intact Think “emergency and opportunity,” not either/or Decide how much liquidity you actually need Compare storage options (banks, brokerage, HELOCs, and emergency fund alternatives like cash value life insurance) Understand policy loans, interest, IRR, and why control and flexibility often beat chasing the “best rate” By the end, you’ll have a practical blueprint to keep cash ready for life’s surprises—without stalling your long-term growth. The Day the “Emergency Fund” Met Real LifeWhat You’ll Get From This Guide1) Why Most People Misunderstand “Emergency Funds”Emergency Fund Alternatives vs. Cash-in-the-Bank2) How Much Liquidity Do You Actually Need?Emergency Fund Alternatives for Real Estate Investors3) Liquidity from Cash-Flowing Assets4) Where to Store Liquidity: A Practical Comparison5) Cash Value as an Emergency–Opportunity FundEmergency Fund Alternatives Using Whole Life Insurance6) “But What About Loan Rates vs. Policy IRR?”7) Real Estate, HELOCs, and Policy Loans—How They Compare8) Early-Year Liquidity & Design Reality9) The Two Big Mindset ShiftsEmergency Fund Alternatives That Keep You in Control10) Implementation Steps You Can Start This WeekWhy This MattersListen In and Go DeeperFAQWhat’s the best place to keep an emergency fund?Are whole life policies good emergency fund alternatives?How much liquidity should real estate investors keep?Do whole life policy loans hurt compounding?Policy loan rate vs. policy IRR—what matters most?HELOC or whole life policy loan for emergencies?Book A Strategy Call 1) Why Most People Misunderstand “Emergency Funds” Most picture a rainy-day stash: a fixed dollar amount “just in case.” The problem? That mindset narrows your field of vision to only bad events. You end up over-saving in idle cash, under-preparing for real opportunities, and missing compound growth. The better frame is liquidity for emergencies and opportunities—capital that can pivot quickly, without losing momentum. Emergency Fund Alternatives vs. Cash-in-the-Bank Savings accounts provide easy access but pay little, expose you to inflation, and interrupt compounding when you withdraw. Emergency fund alternatives aim to keep liquidity and let your money continue working. 2) How Much Liquidity Do You Actually Need? Rules of thumb (3–6 months) don't account for your real situation: expenses, income volatility, business ownership, real estate cycles, and your emotional comfort. Bruce and I coach clients to answer three questions: Cash flow cushion: If your income paused, how long until you’re back on track? Asset mix & access: Where is your capital now, and how liquid is it (including taxes/penalties)? Personal margin: What amount helps you sleep at night without freezing progress? The right number blends math and emotion. Peace of mind matters because you’ll only stick with a plan you believe in. Emergency Fund Alternatives for Real Estate Investors Great operators earmark a percent of rents for vacancies, repairs, and cap-ex—plus a broader, flexible reserve. Emergency fund alternatives make that reserve productive while keeping it accessible. 3) Liquidity from Cash-Flowing Assets One overlooked “emergency fund” is consistent cash flow. If...

Many people make more money and somehow feel more afraid. Afraid to decide. Afraid to lose. Afraid to look foolish. Afraid to miss out. https://www.youtube.com/live/00ErZ7MiuEM This isn’t a fringe problem. It’s everywhere.And it’s solvable. Bruce and I recorded this episode to hand you a simple tool you can use to reframe fear and build the kind of financial life that runs on clarity, certainty, and stewardship. Overcoming financial fear starts hereWhat Financial Fear Really IsMake Financial Fear Work For YouScarcity vs Abundance With MoneyWhy Typical Financial Planning Fuels AnxietyTraditional Planning Builds CertaintyPut Money Back In Its PlaceHow Media and Culture Feed FearThe Practical System To Overcome Financial FearTypical Planning vs Traditional PlanningTypical PlanningTraditional PlanningOvercoming Financial Fear: From scarcity to abundance – your next stepBuild certainty, not anxiety – listen in and take your next stepBook A Strategy CallFAQ – Overcoming Financial FearWhat causes financial fear?How do I overcome financial fear fast?What is the abundance mindset with money?Is money good or evil?Why does typical retirement planning increase anxiety?How do cash flowing assets reduce financial fear?How does whole life insurance help with financial fear?What is traditional financial planning? Overcoming financial fear starts here If you’ve ever hesitated before a money decision, second guessed yourself after signing the paperwork, or stayed stuck because the “what ifs” grew louder than your purpose, you’ve met financial fear. This article will help you: Understand what financial fear really is, and why even high net worth families feel it. Swap a scarcity mindset for an abundance mindset without pretending fear disappears. See why typical planning fuels anxiety and how traditional planning builds certainty. Put money back in its place as a neutral tool and elevate stewardship. Take practical steps today to move from reaction to intentional design. If fear has been in the driver’s seat, it’s time to move it to the passenger side and make it serve your mission. What Financial Fear Really Is Let’s start at the root. Fear is not your enemy. It’s a God-given alarm for imminent danger. As Bruce says, fear can save your life when a car barrels toward you. You don’t want to pause and philosophize. You jump. The problem is when that same survival response starts running your money decisions. You either freeze and hoard, or you sprint from shiny object to shiny object because you’re afraid to miss out. Different behaviors. Same scarcity. I’ve watched fear show up in two common ways: Fear of running outThe miser mindset. White knuckles. No generosity. No strategic investment. Just “hold on or else.” Fear of missing outThe constant upgrader. Bigger house, better boat, newer thing. Always chasing, never satisfied. Both are scarcity. Neither is abundance. Abundance isn’t reckless. It’s not denial. It’s a settled conviction that value creation is limitless, and that you can make wise, long range decisions because you are a producer, not just a consumer. Make Financial Fear Work For You The most successful people don’t lack fear.They refuse to let fear set the agenda. They put emotions under the leadership of a renewed mind. They use fear as a prompt to prepare, to do the work, to practice courage, and to move anyway. Here’s a quick loop Bruce and I use: Name the fear. Say it out loud. Interrogate it. What’s the real risk, the real timeline, the real magnitude? Reframe it. What productive action can this fear fuel today? Act. Small, specific steps beat ruminating every time. Review. Talk to yourself like you talk to a friend. Record wins. Build evidence. Courage is a muscle.Train it. Scarcity vs Abundance With Money I like to picture a continuum with scarcity at the bottom and abundance at the top. On both ends of the bell curve, scarcity looks different but feels the same. On one end, scarcity hoards and hides. On the other, scarcity...

A few weeks ago our 14-year-old daughter ordered a $30 item online with her own hard-earned cash. She was proud of herself—until a notice popped up: the product was coming from overseas and a tariff of roughly $30 would be due at delivery. She looked at me, stunned. “Wait… I have to pay double to get it?” She paused, thought, and said, “I still want it.” https://www.youtube.com/live/gV_EvvpiXww That tiny moment shows a big reality: taxes aren’t just something you deal with in April. They show up everywhere, often without warning, and every one of them is a leak in your wealth bucket. It’s also a simple picture of why taxes and wealth creation are tied together in ways most families never see. The Real Link Between Taxes and Wealth CreationTaxes and wealth creation: Why taxes are the biggest wealth leakThe compounding cost of taxesTaxes and wealth creation: 95% of the tax code is about how not to pay taxes“Is this deductible?” vs “How do I make this deductible?”Taxes and wealth creation: Tax planning is not tax preparationTaxes and wealth creation: The SECURE Act and a silent inheritance taxThe 10-year inherited IRA ruleTaxes and wealth creation: Roth conversions as a legacy moveTaxes and wealth creation: Positioning money where compounding can keep workingReal estate incentivesCharitable givingWhole life insurance for tax-efficient legacyTaxes and wealth creation: Thinking past your lifetimeHere’s the point: taxes and wealth creation rise and fall together.Book A Strategy CallFAQWhat is the connection between taxes and wealth creation?Why do taxes feel invisible to most families?What did the SECURE Act change for inherited retirement accounts?Are Roth conversions a good strategy for generational wealth?How does real estate help with tax-efficient wealth building?Why is tax planning different from tax preparation?How does whole life insurance fit into tax-efficient legacy planning? The Real Link Between Taxes and Wealth Creation This topic matters because taxes quietly take more from most families than any other expense. Not your mortgage. Not your lifestyle. Taxes. In this article we’re going to pull taxes out of the “yearly chore” box and put them where they belong—in the center of your wealth plan. You’ll see why taxes are such a drag on compounding, how the tax code rewards certain behaviors, what the SECURE Act changed for retirement accounts and heirs, and why Roth conversions and other strategies can protect wealth for your lifetime and beyond. The goal is simple: help you keep more dollars in your control so they can grow and bless your family for generations. Taxes and wealth creation: Why taxes are the biggest wealth leak Most people think about taxes as a single event: file your return, see if you owe or get a refund, and move on. But Bruce made a point that changes everything: we pay taxes on almost every transaction. Federal and state income taxes are just the obvious ones. Add sales tax, gasoline taxes, property taxes, and the taxes baked into your phone and internet bill—and the true cost is enormous. Even when you don’t see it, you pay it. And the dollars you lose to taxes don’t just disappear today. You lose what those dollars could have become after decades of compounding. Once money leaves your control, the future of that money is gone forever. The compounding cost of taxes I love pictures, so here’s one we used. Imagine your money as water in a five-gallon bucket. If there are leaks in the bottom, you don’t arrive anywhere with a full bucket. Taxes are one of the biggest leaks. You can earn more and work harder, but if you don’t seal the leaks, your progress is always slower than it should be. Think about the penny-doubling example. A penny doubled daily for 30 days becomes millions, but for the first week it still feels tiny. That’s why people underestimate compounding. Taxes interrupt that curve. They pull dollars out before they ever reach the steep part of growth. Wealth isn’t only about what you earn....

We went live, the chat exploded, and a listener voiced what so many feel but rarely say out loud: “I’ve followed the rules—so why doesn’t my Retirement Plan feel safe?” https://www.youtube.com/live/gFQYEJWlWpI Bruce gave me the look that says, “Let’s tell the truth.” Because we’ve seen it over and over: neat projections, tidy averages, and a plan that works—until the world doesn’t. Markets don’t ask permission. Inflation doesn’t use a calendar. Life throws curveballs, blessings, and bills. If your Retirement Plan only survives in a spreadsheet, it’s not a plan—it’s a hope. Today, let’s trade hope for structure and anxiety for action. What You’ll Gain From This GuideYour Retirement Plan Isn’t Just Math—It’s LifeRetirement Planning Risks You Can’t IgnoreSequence of Returns RiskInflation and the Cost-of-Living SqueezeTaxes (The Leak You Don’t See)Is the 4% Rule Still Useful? The 4% Rule Is a Guide, Not a GuaranteeThe Cash-Flow ToolkitFoundations — Guaranteed Income in RetirementFlexibility — Cash Value Life InsuranceDiversifiers — Alternative Income InvestmentsRetirement Plan Buckets Liquidity / “Free” Bucket (safety net)Income Bucket (essentials)Growth / Equity Bucket (long-term engine)Estate / Legacy Layer (optional)Taxes: Design for Control, Not SurpriseBehavior, Purpose, and Work You LoveInfinite Banking—Where It Fits in a Retirement PlanWhat Makes a Strong Retirement Plan?Take the Next StepBook A Strategy CallFAQWhat makes a strong retirement plan?Is the 4% rule safe for my retirement plan?How do taxes impact my retirement plan?Can whole life fit into a retirement plan?What are retirement income buckets?How can I protect my retirement from inflation?What’s the role of annuities vs bonds in a retirement plan?Who qualifies as an accredited investor? What You’ll Gain From This Guide In this article, Bruce and I break down what actually makes a strong Retirement Plan for real families: Why accumulation-only thinking creates a false sense of security—and how to pivot toward reliable income. The big retirement planning risks to plan for: sequence of returns risk, inflation and retirement, and taxes. Why the 4% rule retirement guideline is a starting point, not a promise. How to use retirement income buckets—in the same language we used on the show—to avoid selling at the worst time. Where guaranteed income in retirement, cash value life insurance, and (when appropriate) alternative income fit. How Roth conversions, withdrawal sequencing, and structure put you back in control. You’ll walk away with a practical framework to move from “big balance” thinking to a Retirement Plan you can live on—calmly. Your Retirement Plan Isn’t Just Math—It’s Life Static models vs dynamic lives.As Bruce said, no family is static. Monte Carlo averages over 50–100 years don’t describe your next 20. Averages hide timing risk. If poor returns arrive early while you’re withdrawing, “average” performance won’t save the plan—cash flow will. From accumulation to income.Most of us were trained to chase a number. But the goal of a Retirement Plan isn’t a pile—it’s predictable cash flow you can spend without gutting your future. That shift—from “How big?” to “How dependable?”—changes the tools you choose and the peace you feel. Use the LIFE purpose filter.We run every dollar through a purpose lens: Liquid, Income, Flexible, Estate. When each bucket has a job, decisions get simpler and outcomes get sturdier. Retirement Planning Risks You Can’t Ignore Sequence of Returns Risk How Your Retirement Plan Avoids Selling Low Sequence risk is the danger of bad returns showing up early in retirement. If your portfolio drops while you’re taking income, you must sell more shares to fund the same lifestyle. That shrinks the engine that’s supposed to recover—and can cut years off a plan. Your protection: hold dedicated reserves and reliable income so market dips don’t force sales. (We’ll detail our buckets in a moment—exactly as we discussed on the show.) Inflation and the...

Why the Indexed Universal Life lawsuit is a wake-up call The headlines about the Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life indexed universal life lawsuit sparked the same question I hear from thoughtful families: is my policy designed to serve me, or to serve a sales incentive? This isn’t tabloid noise. It’s a real-world reminder that choices around products, product design, and behavior determine outcomes. When insurance gets framed like an investment, confusion wins—and families pay for the confusion later. https://www.youtube.com/live/3aLnzmv2dlc Behind the headlines is a deeper issue many families face: when insurance starts getting pitched as an investment, people get hurt. This indexed universal life lawsuit isn’t just celebrity drama. It’s a cautionary tale about design choices, incentives, and behavior—three ingredients that make or break outcomes. Why the Indexed Universal Life lawsuit is a wake-up callWhy this Indexed Universal Life lawsuit matters to you1) What actually happened in the Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life case2) What Indexed Universal Life is designed to do (and why the moving parts matter)3) Why Indexed Universal Life is usually a poor fit for Infinite Banking4) The commission conversation: what really matters5) Red flags to spot in any IUL illustration6) The behavior factor: decisions drive outcomes7) Where IUL can make sense—and where it doesn’t8) How to review your current policy or a proposal in 20 minutesWhat this Indexed Universal Life lawsuit teaches usListen to the full episode on the Indexed Universal Life lawsuitBook A Strategy CallFAQWhat is the Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life indexed universal life lawsuit about?Is an indexed universal life policy a good fit for Infinite Banking?Are whole life policies safer than IUL for building cash value?How do agent commissions affect IUL performance?What red flags should I look for in an IUL illustration?Can IUL still make sense for estate planning?What’s the simplest way to protect myself before buying?Is life insurance an investment?What should I do if I already own an IUL? Why this Indexed Universal Life lawsuit matters to you Here’s the premise: The Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life indexed universal life lawsuit is shining a bright light on how certain policy designs and sales incentives can set people up for disappointment. Our goal in this article is to unpack what happened at a practical level, explain why it happened, and give you a simple framework to evaluate your own policy or a policy you’re considering. What you’ll get: A clear understanding of indexed universal life (IUL) mechanics—caps, participation rates, floors, and charges Why IUL is often a poor fit for Infinite Banking, and where it can make sense How agent compensation and death benefit decisions impact performance The difference between marketing hype and durable guarantees A short checklist of questions to ask before you sign anything We’ll speak plainly. We’ll respect your intelligence. And we’ll give you steps to protect your family and your capital. 1) What actually happened in the Kyle Busch vs Pacific Life case Bruce here. Based on the widely discussed analysis from respected product designer Bobby Samuelson, the policy at the center of this story was a complex indexed universal life contract. The pitch focused on future “income.” The design featured a very high death benefit, which increases internal charges and agent compensation. It also appears the early-year cash value was constrained by both high expenses and allocation choices, and that funding didn’t match the schedule the clients initially expected. The result: heavy costs, lower-than-expected performance, and ultimately a policy lapse after substantial premiums were paid. Rachel again. Two principles jump out. First, when life insurance is positioned as an investment promising tax-free income, the conversation gets blurry fast. Second, the higher the initial death benefit,

“It’s not the math. It’s the mindset.” When Bruce recorded this episode solo, he opened with something we’ve learned after thousands of client conversations: the biggest Infinite Banking mistakes aren’t about policy illustrations or carrier choice. They’re about us—our habits, our thinking, and the quiet patterns we bring to money. https://www.youtube.com/live/tvSGb9GkRG4 I remember Nelson Nash repeating, “Rethink your thinking.” That line annoys the part of us that wants a clean spreadsheet answer. But it’s also the doorway to everything you actually want—control, peace, and a reservoir of capital that serves your family for decades. In today’s article, I’m going to unpack those human problems—Parkinson’s Law, Willie Sutton’s Law, the Golden Rule, the Arrival Syndrome, and Use-It-or-Lose-It—and connect them to the most common Infinite Banking mistakes we see. Most importantly, I’ll show you the behaviors that fix them. “It’s not the math. It’s the mindset.”What you’ll gain (and why it matters)Infinite Banking Mistakes #1 — Treating IBC like a sales system, not a lifelong conceptInfinite Banking Mistakes #2 — Short-term policy design (and base vs. PUA confusion)Infinite Banking Mistakes #3 — Misunderstanding uninterrupted compoundingInfinite Banking Mistakes #4 — Ignoring the five human problems Nelson taughtParkinson’s Law: “Expenses rise to equal income”Willie Sutton’s Law: “Money attracts seekers”The Golden Rule: “Those who have the gold make the rules”The Arrival Syndrome: “I already know this”Use It or Lose It: “Habits decay without practice”Infinite Banking Mistakes #5 — Forgetting that illustrations aren’t contractsInfinite Banking Mistakes #6 — Not paying policy loans back (on purpose)Infinite Banking Mistakes #7 — No written strategy or scorecardListen To the Full EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQsWhat are the most common Infinite Banking mistakes?Should I prioritize PUAs or base premium to avoid Infinite Banking mistakes?Do I have to repay policy loans in Infinite Banking?How does Parkinson’s Law cause Infinite Banking mistakes?Are policy illustrations reliable for Infinite Banking decisions?What did Nelson Nash mean by “think long range”?How do taxes relate to Infinite Banking mistakes? What you’ll gain (and why it matters) If you’re new here, I’m Rachel Marshall, co-host of The Money Advantage and a fierce believer that families can build multigenerational wealth with wisdom, not stress. The primary keyword for this piece is “Infinite Banking Mistakes,” and we’re going to name them, explain why they happen, and give you practical steps to get back on track. You’ll learn: Why behavior beats policy design over the long term How short-term thinking shows up in base/PUA decisions The right way to think about uninterrupted compounding How to use loans and repay them without sabotaging growth The five “human problems” Nelson warned us about—and how to overcome them If you can absorb the mindset, the math becomes simple. If you skip the mindset, no design hack will save you. Let’s go there. Infinite Banking Mistakes #1 — Treating IBC like a sales system, not a lifelong concept The mistake: Looking for a quick fix—“set up a policy, borrow immediately, invest, done”—and calling it Infinite Banking. Why it happens: Our culture loves shortcuts. We’re used to products, not principles. But IBC isn’t a product; it’s a way of life. Nelson was explicit: it’s not a sales system. When we treat it like a gadget, we ignore the behaviors that made debt a problem in the first place. What to do instead: Adopt a long-range view. Commit to capitalization for years, not months. Build rhythms. Premium drafting, policy reviews, loan repayment schedules. Measure behavior. Not just cash value growth; also repayment habits, added PUAs, and opportunity filters. Infinite Banking Mistakes #2 — Short-term policy design (and base vs. PUA confusion)

If you want to increase your savings, don’t start with your budget—start with your lifestyle.Your lifestyle isn’t about how much you spend.It’s about what you prioritize.It’s the visible result of invisible decisions—what you say yes to, what you say no to, and what you're building quietly behind the scenes. https://www.youtube.com/live/wZIJnteQW-g Too many people let lifestyle be the engine of their money—chasing comfort, appearances, or upgrades without ever asking: Does this reflect the values I want to pass on?Does this build up my family or just maintain an image? You don’t need a bigger house or fancier car.You need a bigger vision.You need a coordinated plan that reflects your values in how you live today—and what you leave behind tomorrow. The quiet thief of financial progress: lifestyle creep. We don’t see it coming. It’s the subtle shift that happens every time our income rises. We eat out a little more, upgrade our phone, take an extra trip, and before we know it, our expenses grow in lockstep with our income. We think we’ve moved forward—but our savings tell a different story. And that’s why Bruce and I recorded an entire podcast about this topic: how to increase your savings without reducing your lifestyle. Because true wealth isn’t about deprivation—it’s about design. Why You Can’t Save Your Way to Wealth—Without a PlanWhat Is Lifestyle Creep—And Why Is It So Dangerous?Why We Overspend—And How the Mind Tricks UsThe Savings Crisis—And What It Means for YouThe Secret Weapon—Your Wealth Coordination AccountHow to Increase Your Savings Without Reducing Your LifestyleThe Compounding Effect of Intentional SavingWhy Simplicity Beats ComplexityMargin Is the Measure of StewardshipBook A Strategy CallFAQWhat is lifestyle creep?How can I increase my savings without reducing my lifestyle?What is a Wealth Coordination Account?Why is lifestyle creep harmful?What savings rate should I aim for? Why You Can’t Save Your Way to Wealth—Without a Plan Most people try to willpower their way to saving more money. They cut lattes, cancel subscriptions, and create color-coded budgets that last about two weeks. But here’s the truth: you can’t build lasting wealth on discipline alone. You need a system—one that helps you automatically grow your savings while maintaining the lifestyle you love. In this article, Bruce and I will show you: What lifestyle creep really is and why it sabotages your wealth How Parkinson’s Law explains your struggle to save The practical tool we use with clients called a Wealth Coordination Account How to rewire your habits to save more—without cutting joy out of your life When you finish this article, you’ll see that increasing your savings doesn’t mean living smaller. It means living smarter. What Is Lifestyle Creep—And Why Is It So Dangerous? We live in a consumption-driven world. Everywhere we look, there’s an ad convincing us we need something new. Apple doesn’t ask what we want—they tell us what we didn’t know we needed. The next iPhone, the next upgrade, the next experience. That’s lifestyle creep. It’s the pattern of spending more simply because we earn more. Bruce calls it “the hidden drain on your future.” Because when every new dollar gets consumed by an upgraded lifestyle, none of it turns into wealth. And here’s the sneaky part: it doesn’t feel reckless. It feels normal. Everyone around us does the same thing. We raise our standard of living instead of our standard of saving—and we end up with more stuff but no margin. Lifestyle creep makes you rich on the outside but broke on the inside. Why We Overspend—And How the Mind Tricks Us Our culture makes spending effortless. Credit cards, one-click shopping, social media retargeting—these are all designed to bypass logic and hit emotion. As I said on the show, “It’s the sea we swim in.” Most people don’t realize how much marketing is shaping their sense of ...

Premium financing life insurance for estate planning is one of those strategies that sounds impressive—and sometimes is. But for most families, it introduces more complexity and risk than benefit. https://www.youtube.com/live/8Dav7pQVOrc At The Money Advantage, we don’t lead with premium financing, and we rarely recommend it. But in a recent conversation with a client facing an eight-figure estate tax liability, the question came up: “Is there a way to fund a large life insurance policy without disrupting my investment portfolio or using my own capital?” That opened the door to a serious conversation about premium financing—what it is, who it’s for, and where it can go wrong. If you’ve ever wondered about this strategy—or had it pitched to you without the full picture—this breakdown is for you. Let’s take an honest look. When Premium Financing Life Insurance Might Make SenseWhat Is Premium Financing Life Insurance?When Does Premium Financing Make Sense?1. You Have Estate Tax Exposure2. You Want to Preserve Liquidity3. You Have the Right Collateral4. You Have the Cash Flow or Exit StrategyWhy Some Premium Financing Strategies FailThe Right Way to Structure Premium FinancingOur Perspective: Leverage Is a Gift—If You Steward It WellRe-Summarizing the Big PictureWant to Learn More? Listen to the Full Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQ: What to Know About Premium Financing Life Insurance for Estate PlanningWhat is premium financing life insurance?Who is premium financing best for?Is premium financing life insurance risky?What types of life insurance are used in premium financing?How is the loan repaid in premium financing?Can premium financing be used with Infinite Banking?Does premium financing impact estate planning? When Premium Financing Life Insurance Might Make Sense While it’s not our go-to recommendation, premium financing can be useful for a small subset of high-net-worth individuals—if it's thoughtfully structured, clearly understood, and fully aligned with legacy goals. In rare cases, it allows a bank to fund large insurance premiums while the client preserves liquidity and keeps other investments in play. Here’s when it may be worth considering: You have a $10M+ net worth You face substantial estate tax exposure You want to avoid liquidating investments or business assets You can post strong collateral And you have a clear, realistic repayment strategy Used responsibly, premium financing can provide leveraged protection without draining capital. Still, this isn’t about chasing leverage. It’s about stewardship. And for 99% of families, we’d guide them to simpler, more stable solutions. What Is Premium Financing Life Insurance? At its core, premium financing is when you use a third-party loan (usually from a bank) to pay the premiums on a permanent life insurance policy—typically a large whole life or indexed universal life (IUL) policy. Here’s the simplified flow: You apply for a large life insurance policy. A lender agrees to loan you the premiums (often millions of dollars). You pledge collateral—often the policy’s cash value and/or outside assets. The policy grows, the lender is repaid over time or at death, and your heirs receive the net death benefit. It’s using leverage—other people’s money—to fund a necessary part of your estate planning strategy. But here’s the key: You have to be strategic. We’ve seen it done well… and we’ve seen it go terribly wrong. When Does Premium Financing Make Sense? Let’s be crystal clear: Premium financing is NOT for everyone. This is a strategy for high-net-worth individuals, often with $5M, $10M, $25M+ in net worth. Here are the key indicators that premium financing might be a fit: 1. You Have Estate Tax Exposure The estate tax exemption is in flux—and could be cut in half. If you’re planning to leave more than $6–12 million in assets per individual,

The Corvette and the $80,000 Lesson Have you ever made a money decision that felt right in the moment… only to realize later it pulled you further from your goals?You’re not alone—and you’re likely facing one of the hidden money traps that quietly sabotage even the most well-intentioned wealth-builders. https://www.youtube.com/live/I-1F6u7Z8Bk Imagine this: You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and finally have $80,000 sitting in your bank account. Then, one emotional moment later, it’s gone. Bruce shared this story in a recent episode of our podcast. A client had just finalized a long, draining divorce. She felt raw, exhausted, and ready to reclaim a sense of control. So, she did what many of us have been tempted to do—she bought a brand-new Corvette. The price tag? Almost exactly $80,000. The money she had painstakingly saved evaporated in one moment of emotional relief. It wasn’t about the car—it was about a deep emotional need. And it revealed something profound about our financial lives: most of us don’t lose wealth because of external threats. We lose it because of hidden money traps—the internal patterns, habits, and blind spots that sabotage us from the inside out. And the good news? Once you can see these traps, you can avoid them. The Corvette and the $80,000 LessonWhat Are Hidden Money Traps?Parkinson’s Law: You’ll Always Find a Way to Spend ItWillie Sutton’s Law: Where There’s Money, There Are TakersThe Arrival Syndrome: “I’ve Got This Figured Out”Use It or Lose It: Information Without Application Is WorthlessThe Golden Rule: Those Who Have the Gold Make the RulesWealth Starts With AwarenessListen to the Full Episode on Hidden Money Traps🎧 Money Traps That Keep You From Building Wealth (Podcast Episode)Book A Strategy CallFAQ: Hidden Money TrapsWhat are hidden money traps?How do hidden money traps affect wealth building?What are the most common hidden money traps?Can I overcome these money traps on my own?How does Infinite Banking help avoid money traps? What Are Hidden Money Traps? If you’re here, chances are you’re trying to build real, lasting wealth. Not just money in the bank, but a legacy. Something that can bless your future self, your children, and even generations to come. But if you feel like you’re doing everything "right"—saving, investing, budgeting—and still not getting ahead, you may be dealing with hidden money traps. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the five key traps that Bruce and I discussed on our podcast—traps that even the most disciplined people fall into. Inspired by Nelson Nash’s "human conditions," these traps explain why smart people make poor financial choices, why we sabotage long-term goals for short-term pleasure, and why our mindset matters more than any market movement. This is more than a list of financial tips. It’s a mirror—and a roadmap. When you understand and overcome these traps, you unlock the power to build wealth with intention, clarity, and confidence. Let’s dive in. Parkinson’s Law: You’ll Always Find a Way to Spend It Parkinson’s Law teaches that expenses rise to match income—and sometimes even exceed it. This law is a hidden money trap that sneaks up quietly. As soon as we get a raise, a bonus, or a windfall, we convince ourselves we "deserve" an upgrade. Luxury enjoyed once becomes necessity. You buy the car, take the vacation, upgrade your phone. And before you know it, there’s no margin left for building wealth. The solution? Intentionally save before you spend. Reverse the cultural narrative. Make wealth-building your dopamine hit—not retail therapy. Celebrate a growing savings account. Find pride in discipline, not just desire. Willie Sutton’s Law: Where There’s Money, There Are Takers Willie Sutton, a famous bank robber, was once asked why he robbed banks. His answer? “Because that’s where the money is.” This principle still applies today—but not just to criminals.

The Gas Station Story That Reveals a Common Money Mistake Let me paint a picture for you. https://www.youtube.com/live/uqGN5Sz9tJg You’re driving down the highway and see gas at $3.00 a gallon. Three miles later, you spot it for $2.97. You think, "Yes! A deal!" So you turn around, drive the extra six miles, and save... 30 cents. Except you used 40 cents of gas to get there. This is the kind of logic many people use when comparing Infinite Banking vs Index Funds. It’s a hyper-focus on rate of return, while missing the bigger picture of financial control, access, and long-term strategy. So let’s talk about it. The Gas Station Story That Reveals a Common Money MistakeRate of Return Isn’t the Whole StoryInfinite Banking vs Index Funds: What Are We Actually Comparing?Why Rate of Return Isn’t the Only FactorUnderstanding the Purpose of Your DollarsInfinite Banking Is About Ownership and LeverageInterrupting Compounding Is the Real CostControl vs Performance: What Matters Most?Infinite Banking vs Index Funds Is the Wrong ComparisonListen to the Full Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQ: Infinite Banking vs Index FundsQ: Are index funds better than Infinite Banking?Q: Can I use both Infinite Banking and index funds?Q: Does Infinite Banking have a good rate of return?Q: Is Infinite Banking risky? Rate of Return Isn’t the Whole Story There’s a conversation happening everywhere in the financial world: Should I use Infinite Banking or just invest in an index fund? Maybe you've asked this question yourself. You’ve heard someone say, "Wouldn’t I make more money if I just put it in an S&P 500 index fund?" This comparison sounds reasonable — until you realize it’s like comparing a hammer to a screwdriver and asking, "Which one builds a better house?" The truth? You're asking the wrong question. In this article, you’ll learn: Why comparing Infinite Banking to index funds is fundamentally flawed The purpose and role of each strategy How to think like a wealth creator, not just a rate chaser Why long-term control beats short-term returns Let’s flip the script and empower you to take control of your financial life—with clarity, confidence, and a legacy mindset. Infinite Banking vs Index Funds: What Are We Actually Comparing? Here’s where we start: Infinite Banking is not an investment. It’s a cash flow system, a capital control strategy, a way to reclaim the banking function in your life. It uses a specially designed, dividend-paying whole life insurance policy as the tool—but Infinite Banking is the process. Index funds, on the other hand, are investments. They're baskets of stocks that mirror the market—the S&P 500, the Russell 2000, etc. The goal of an index fund is growth through market performance. So when someone says, "But the market earns more than whole life insurance," they’re missing the point. We’re not solving the same problem. Infinite Banking solves for control of capital. Index funds solve for growth. Why Rate of Return Isn’t the Only Factor We get it. Everyone wants to know their ROI. But when that becomes your only filter, you lose sight of what really matters. Consider this: When you access money from an index fund, you sell shares. You interrupt compounding. You lose growth potential. With Infinite Banking, you borrow against your cash value—without interrupting growth. That means your money continues to earn even while you're using it. "You’re always paying interest. Either to someone else, or by giving up what you could have earned on your own capital." — Bruce Wehner When you control the banking function, you stop giving away the opportunity to earn. And that’s where legacy wealth starts. Understanding the Purpose of Your Dollars All money has a job. We teach our clients to classify money into three roles: Safety Liquidity Growth Most people try to make every dollar do all three. That never works.

When Bruce came back from recording this episode of The Money Advantage podcast, he told me something that hit hard: https://www.youtube.com/live/r5oyEytzj1w He shared how frustrated he feels every time he hears about a family who loses a loved one without proper life insurance. Suddenly, their friends and community are scrambling to create a GoFundMe page just to cover funeral expenses and basic needs. Life insurance is more than numbers—it’s a financial hug that wraps around your family when they need it most. And the person who helps you design and implement it—your insurance agent—has an enormous impact on whether your family experiences peace of mind or financial devastation. Why the Right Life Insurance Agent MattersWhy Learning How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Agent MattersNeeds vs. Wants: A Modern Approach to InsuranceTop Qualities To Look For When Choosing the Right Insurance Agent1. Integrity and Trust2. Longevity and Commitment3. Education4. Process and Personalization5. A Network and Legacy MindsetRed Flags When Deciding How to Choose the Right Life Insurance AgentWhy Infinite Banking Requires the Right Insurance AgentQuestions to Ask Before Hiring an Insurance AgentWhy This MattersBook A Strategy CallFAQ SectionQ1: Why is choosing the right insurance agent so important?Q2: What qualities should I look for in an insurance agent?Q3: What are the red flags of a bad insurance agent?Q4: Do I need a special agent for Infinite Banking?Q5: Should I replace my existing whole life insurance policy? Why the Right Life Insurance Agent Matters Most people don’t realize how choosing the right insurance agent can impact their family’s entire financial future. The right agent will walk with you for decades, guiding you through life insurance decisions and strategies like Infinite Banking. The wrong one? They may sell you a policy you don’t understand, disappear within a year, and leave your family unprotected. In this article, I’ll share insights from Bruce Wehner and his guests Rob Brayton and Jesse Durham on what to look for, red flags to avoid, and exactly how to choose the right life insurance agent for your needs. In this article, I want to share the insights Bruce and his guests, Rob Brayton and Jesse Durham, discussed on the podcast. Together, their combined decades of experience in life insurance highlight exactly what you should look for in an insurance agent—and the red flags to avoid. By the end of this article, you’ll know: Why your choice of insurance agent matters so much. The difference between traditional “needs analysis” and a modern, values-based approach. The top qualities that separate a great insurance agent from a mediocre one. Red flags that should make you pause before signing on the dotted line. Why Infinite Banking requires a very specific kind of agent. The key questions you should ask before choosing your advisor. This isn’t just about buying a product—it’s about choosing the right partner for your family’s financial future and legacy. Why Learning How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Agent Matters Too often, people see life insurance as a commodity. They Google “cheapest life insurance” and buy the lowest-priced option, thinking they’ve checked the box. But life insurance is not about buying the cheapest product. As Bruce said, that would be like asking, “What’s the lowest price I can get cancer removed from my body?” No one in their right mind would ask that! You’d ask, “Who’s the best doctor? Who will walk with me through treatment? Who will actually care for my life?” That’s the role of a great insurance agent. They’re not just selling coverage. They’re protecting your family’s future, guiding you through complex financial decisions, and ensuring your strategy works not just today, but decades from now. Needs vs. Wants: A Modern Approach to Insurance In the old days, insurance was sold through a “needs analysis.

Have you ever heard someone say you can use an IUL for Infinite Banking? Maybe you’ve seen a slick video online, or a persuasive advisor with charts and projections that promise you higher returns, flexible premiums, and “upside potential.” It sounds convincing—especially when you compare the numbers on an illustration. Who wouldn’t want more cash value and lower premiums? But here’s the sobering reality: when it comes to Infinite Banking, an Indexed Universal Life policy (IUL) doesn’t deliver what matters most. https://www.youtube.com/live/beR3FnHLAG4 And that’s a big problem, because Infinite Banking is not about chasing the highest return—it’s about creating a system of certainty and control. If you build your family’s financial foundation on a shifting product with no guarantees, the consequences don’t show up immediately—but when they do, they can devastate your future. I don’t say this lightly. My co-host, Bruce Wehner, has seen it firsthand. For decades, he has worked with clients who were told their Universal Life or Variable Universal Life would “never fail.” And yet, over time, those policies collapsed under rising costs, vanishing crediting, or shifting assumptions. I’ll weave some of his stories in throughout this article, because you deserve to see not just the theory, but the real-world results. Today, I want to give you clarity. I want to cut through the confusion and soundbites and show you exactly why IULs cannot serve as the foundation for Infinite Banking, and what you should do instead. What Infinite Banking Really Is (and Isn’t)Can You Use IUL for Infinite Banking?Whole Life vs. IUL: The Key Differences1. Guarantees2. Premiums3. Cash Value Growth4. Loan Provisions5. EndowmentWhy Guarantees Matter for Infinite BankingCommon Misconceptions About IUL for Infinite Banking“IULs never lose money.”“IULs have more upside.”“IULs are more flexible.”Lessons from Real PeopleThe Bigger Picture: Stewardship and LegacyThe Answer to the IUL MythBook A Strategy CallFAQ: IUL for Infinite BankingCan you use IUL for Infinite Banking?Why does Infinite Banking require Whole Life insurance?Do IULs really offer more upside?What happens if I underfund an IUL?What’s the safest way to start Infinite Banking? By the end of this article, you’ll understand: Why Infinite Banking requires certainty, control, and guarantees. How Whole Life and IUL compare—and why IUL falls short. The most common misconceptions about IUL for Infinite Banking. Real lessons from history and clients who have lived through these products. How to take the next step if you’re serious about building your own banking system. Let’s dive in. What Infinite Banking Really Is (and Isn’t) When people first hear about Infinite Banking, they often confuse it with “just buying life insurance.” Here’s the truth: Infinite Banking is not about the product. It’s about the process. At its heart, Infinite Banking is about taking control of your cash flows—those dollars that normally flow out of your life to banks, credit card companies, finance companies, and investment firms—and capturing them inside your own financial system. It’s about becoming your own banker. And that requires certainty. Infinite Banking utilizing life insurance only works if you can rely on three things: Guaranteed cash value growth – You need to know your pool of capital will increase every single year, no matter what. Guaranteed level premiums – You need to know exactly what you’ll owe, so you can plan and build discipline. Guaranteed death benefit – You need the confidence that your legacy will be secure for your family, no matter what happens. If any of those guarantees are missing, you’re not in control. You’re gambling. This is why Whole Life insurance from a mutual company has always been the proper tool for Infinite Banking. And it’s also why IUL fails the test. Can You Use IUL for Infinite Banking?