Despite having a successful 11-year career as an executive partner in the banking industry, Chris Harder found that he was burned out and unfulfilled. So he massively switched gears by leaving banking and partnering with his wife, fitness and self-love expert Lori Harder. With Lori, he was able to develop and grow two multimillion dollar brands and finally achieve the satisfaction he’d been looking for. As well, he hosts the podcast For the Love of Money, helping people break through their financial anxieties and do real good with their wealth. Chris’ passionate generosity can be found in every one of his activities, be they professional or personal.

In this episode, Chris explains the difference between midwest and coastal financial values, the importance of giving publicly, and dishes out some tried and true debt reduction strategies.

Show Notes:

• Why does Chris think so highly of growing up in the midwest?
  • You develop really good morals, values and work ethic, which are great traits to bring to major business centers on the coasts.
  
  
• Why was Chris okay with being booted out of college?
  • He wanted to be out there in the working world, participating, and that he couldn’t do that in a lecture hall.
  
  
• What beliefs about money were ingrained in Chris growing up?
  • Traditional midwestern work ethic, however he believes his environment lacked the support for big, independent dreamers.
  • You had to fit within a certain “box.”
  
  
• What is the most common money blockage that Chris helps people work through?
  • Your “tribe,” a.k.a. any very close community you’re part of; groupthink and shared ideals can hold back individuals with big ideas.
  • Helpful to surround yourself with groups that encourage inventive, breakout thinking.
  
  
• How does Chris’ financial beliefs affect his goodwill actions?
  • If you want to make a major impact on poverty, social ills, etc., you need to have the resources to do it.
  • Amassing wealth enables him to affect the positive change he wants to see.
  
  
• Why does Chris think there’s so much same associated with being publicly generous, and how can we change that mindset?
  • Other people don’t like thinking about the limitations and contradictions affecting their own money mindsets, so they push back against the generous.
  • The only way to turn this tide is to give publicly to spawn a chain reaction of generosity.
  • If you only “give in the dark,” you don’t inspire anybody. You need to develop your generous “muscle” by giving regularly and in spite of criticism.
  
  
• What is Chris’ advice for those struggling with debt?
  • There is good debt (a well thought-out and necessary business loan) and bad debt (credit cards, clothes, ephemeral purchases).
  • You need to avoid the latter, “ego-driven” debt.
  • Even try to avoid “big debt” as long as you can and bootstrap yourself until you’re confident in your business or service.
  • Know that there are no shortcuts around this. You need to cut out the purchases you do not need and first pay off the smallest debts you have, focusing on the largest debts later.
  
  
• How does Chris’ approach with wishful/magical thinking?
  • He’s noticed most successful individuals not only have this kind of thinking but embrace it.
  • For those not inclined to it, stay open-minded about it because people more likely want to work with you and provide you with opportunities.
  
  
• What’s the difference between a “good” and “great” life?
  • Living the good life is a constant reminder that there is something more for you out there.
  • However, the gap between the two is close enough that you might trick yourself into thinking you’re better off without the great life.
  • Seek out the tribe you don’t fully belong to yet and show them you can provide with value.
  
  

• Who has been the most impactful person in Chris’ journey to do well and achieve financial success?
  • His wife, Lori (a future guest!).
  
  

• Who has been the most impactful person in Chris’ drive to do good?
  • Network marketing in general.
  
  

• When Chris is having a bad day, what does he do to get himself out of his funk?
  • Meditation or working out.
  
  

• What book does Chris recommend to those seeking a more successful path in life?
  • Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
  
  

• What is one thing on Chris’ bucket list?
  • Getting more tattoos and seeing a Formula 1 race in Monaco.
  
  

• What is the best piece of advice Chris has for our listeners?
  • Consistency and action cure all, clarity comes from trial and error, sitting on the sidelines doesn’t solve anything.
  
  

• Places to find Chris:
  • For the Love of Money podcast
  • Instagram
  
  

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