In this eye-opening episode of the Jake & Gino podcast, Gino flies solo to interview Chris Miles, founder of Money Ripples, cashflow expert, and former financial advisor turned passive income evangelist. Together, they pull back the curtain on the real problems with traditional retirement planning—and how most people have been brainwashed into believing the 401(k) is their only path to freedom.

Chris reveals how he escaped the rat race at just 28 years old by ditching accumulation and embracing cash flow-focused investing. He shares why the FIRE movement gets it wrong, how financial advisors are incentivized to sell—not serve—and why real estate, hard money lending, and infinite banking may offer far better alternatives.

Whether you're tired of the "set it and forget it" retirement advice or you're simply looking to build wealth that works now, this episode delivers practical insights and controversial truths.

Connect with Chris Miles:
https://www.moneyripples.com
Listen to the Money Ripples Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Topics Discussed:

• Why the 401(k) was never meant for the average person
  
   
• The myth of the 4% rule (and why it's actually 2-3%)
  
   
• What most millionaires still worry about in retirement
  
   
• How to escape the saver-scarcity mindset
  
   
• The problem with the FIRE movement and mutual funds
  
   
• Cash flow investing vs. equity-focused investing
  
   
• Building your financial network and foundation
  
   
• Why Chris prefers whole life insurance, real estate, and lending
  
   

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00:00:00 - Introduction  

00:06:04 - Why Traditional Retirement Advice Failed Chris' Dad  

00:07:28 - The Myth of the 4% Rule and FIRE Movement Critique  

00:12:28 - Are You Living in Financial Fear? Emotional Ties to Money  

00:18:23 - Breaking Intergenerational Money Patterns  

00:25:30 - The System Is Broken. Follow the Money  

00:30:55 - How to Build a Real Financial Foundation  

00:37:20 - The Best Vehicles for Wealth Building in 2025  

00:40:47 - Why Equity Is Great, But Cash Flow Is King  

00:43:23 - Raw Land, Oil & Gas, and Other Income-Producing Vehicles  

00:47:40 - Connect with Chris Miles  

00:48:13 - Gino Wraps it Up

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