Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m sharing the seven things I wish I knew before I retired—and let me tell you, making the leap from building wealth to living off it is a much bigger mental switch than I ever imagined.

We’ll dig into the psychological shift from the accumulation phase (saving, investing, and growing wealth) to the decumulation phase (actually spending what you’ve worked so hard to build). I’ll explain why switching from earning a paycheck to relying on your money machine feels scary for almost everyone, and I’ll walk you through how to prepare for a retirement that feels like freedom—not like a financial identity crisis.

You’ll also learn why active income is like oxygen, why you absolutely need a plan (and how to get started with my free Lifestyle Cost Calculator), and how to design your post-work life with the same intention you used to build your career and wealth. We’ll tackle the truth behind retirement myths, and why your legacy isn’t about what you leave behind.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why retirement isn’t a date
• How the broken retirement system has shifted responsibility into your hands
• The psychological challenges of moving from accumulation to decumulation
• Why spending in retirement is the goal, not a betrayal
• Why your health is the real portfolio that gives your wealth value
• The essential role of a plan—plus a free resource to help you know your number
• Why real legacy is built in the small, meaningful moments

RECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOU

If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
https://melabraham.com/show/

• 8 Signs You're NOT Ready For The Upcoming Recession
• 40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 40s
• How to Build Your Financial Freedom Engine (Step-by-Step)
• Stop These 8 Habits to Quietly Build Wealth (I wish I knew this sooner)
• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU
 
If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• 8 Signs You're NOT Ready For The Upcoming Recession: https://youtu.be/Spnhr_Ecd0s
• 40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 40s: https://youtu.be/RUIh5osQigo
• How to Build Your Financial Freedom Engine (Step-by-Step): https://youtu.be/OuETMEdqPB4
• Stop These 8 Habits to Quietly Build Wealth (I wish I knew this sooner): https://youtu.be/mpfQqi2RRT4

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another impactful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m taking a practical look at a question on everyone’s mind: Are you really ready for the next recession?

There’s a lot of noise out there about the stock market, scary headlines, and economic forecasts. But let me set the record straight—recessions aren’t about the stock market’s mood swings. A recession is the ultimate stress test for your finances. If you aren’t prepared, it’s going to find every crack in your financial foundation and expose it.

We’ll talk about why tackling debt is the first vital step, why having a single income stream can put you on a financial cliff, and why emergency funds aren’t just for peace of mind—they’re your financial life raft. I’ll also walk you through how your investment portfolio should actually match your age, stage, and current situation, and why building your own money machine isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.

The best part? Every move you make to recession-proof your finances also sets you up to build sustainable wealth in ANY market. This is not just about surviving a recession. It’s about building a financial future the economy can’t take from you.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I COVER:

• Why debt is a silent cash flow killer
• The difference between an emergency fund and a peace of mind fund
• The dangers of relying on a single paycheck, client, or contract
• How to become indispensable to your employer or clients
• Why you need to start building your Money Machine right now

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If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
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• 40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 40s
• How to Build Your Financial Freedom Engine (Step-by-Step)
• Stop These 8 Habits to Quietly Build Wealth (I wish I knew this sooner)
• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k
• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU
 
If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• 40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 40s: https://youtu.be/RUIh5osQigo
• How to Build Your Financial Freedom Engine (Step-by-Step): https://youtu.be/OuETMEdqPB4
• Stop These 8 Habits to Quietly Build Wealth (I wish I knew this sooner): https://youtu.be/mpfQqi2RRT4
• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k: https://youtu.be/AdyUwRGrGvQ

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I'm laying out something I wish someone had handed to me decades ago: the real, unfiltered playbook to life—especially when it comes to money, work, health, and relationships. I’m Mel Abraham, and after 30+ years as a financial expert, entrepreneur, and mentor, I know that the harshest truths are the ones that ultimately set us free. And that’s what I’m putting on the table for you today.

I’m sharing 40 harsh truths I wish I knew in my 40s—the things most of us take decades or even a lifetime to discover, and that, left unchecked, can cost us precious time, freedom, and happiness. These aren’t theory; they’re the distilled, sometimes uncomfortable lessons I’ve lived, seen, and taught—covering everything from building wealth, mastering your finances, and making your money work for you, to investing in your health, forging real relationships, and raising future adults (not just kids).

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I SHARE:

• Why your choice of partner is your biggest financial decision
• The sneaky danger of lifestyle creep and keeping up with the Joneses
• The illusion of comfort zones—and the truth about real growth
• Why you’ll never save your way to genuine wealth
• The power of investing both your money and your time in the right places
• The reality that money without meaning is just paper
• Why your health is your true wealth—prevention now, or you’ll pay later
• Why legacy isn’t what you leave, it’s how you live right now

RECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOU

If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
https://melabraham.com/show/

• How to Build Your Financial Freedom Engine (Step-by-Step)
• Stop These 8 Habits to Quietly Build Wealth (I wish I knew this sooner)
• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k
• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich
• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU
 
If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• How to Build Your Financial Freedom Engine (Step-by-Step): https://youtu.be/OuETMEdqPB4
• Stop These 8 Habits to Quietly Build Wealth (I wish I knew this sooner): https://youtu.be/mpfQqi2RRT4
• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k: https://youtu.be/AdyUwRGrGvQ
• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich: https://youtu.be/xV1yr8Qi_nQ

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to a special episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m sharing something truly unique—a live keynote session I delivered to a room full of high-achieving entrepreneurs, each of whom invested over $10,000 to be there. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to build your Financial Freedom Engine, step-by-step, so your money works harder for you than you ever did for it.

Let’s be real: true financial freedom isn’t about chasing raises or staying trapped on the earnings treadmill. It starts the very moment your money begins to create more wealth for you than your own labor does. I’m diving deep—not just into the dollars and decimals, not just the math (despite my accountant, CPA roots)—but also the emotional and behavioral shifts that create lasting wealth and meaning.

So if you’ve ever hit a financial goal and asked, “Is this it?” or felt like money’s just a complicated, intimidating ghost in the hallway—this episode is for you. We’re flipping the lights on, and making money simple and deeply personal.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why most people who achieve their financial goals still feel unfulfilled
• The mindset shift from thinking in weeks and years to thinking generationally
• The power of building healthy financial habits early
• How to start investing
• The vital importance of tracking your net worth
• How to create the “money machine”
• The critical role of transparency and teamwork in relationships around money
• Why your legacy is about giving your gifts to the world

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If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
https://melabraham.com/show/

• Stop These 8 Habits to Quietly Build Wealth (I wish I knew this sooner)
• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k
• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich
• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You
• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU
 
If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• Stop These 8 Habits to Quietly Build Wealth (I wish I knew this sooner): https://youtu.be/mpfQqi2RRT4
• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k: https://youtu.be/AdyUwRGrGvQ
• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich: https://youtu.be/xV1yr8Qi_nQ
• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You: https://youtu.be/ISY01uDuyJk

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another great episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—saving, hustling, even dabbling in investing—but still not seeing your wealth build the way you’d hoped, you are absolutely not alone. Today, I’m flipping the script and sharing the eight habits you need to stop if you want to quietly and effectively build lasting wealth. Trust me, these aren’t the typical suspects you see in every personal finance blog; these are the sneaky “financial termites” that erode your wealth from the inside out—often disguised as normal behaviors you barely even notice.

Looking back, I wish I’d known about these much sooner. So today, I break them down for you—no fluff, just straight talk—from my own 30-year journey as a financial expert, entrepreneur, and mentor. Our mission? To help you master your money, eliminate financial stress, and live a life of choice. Because guess what? Earning more doesn’t make you free—a money machine does.

Get ready for a dose of financial education, some sarcasm, and a whole lot of heart, as I pull the curtain back on the silent habits you need to stop.

IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why you need to stop worshiping the concept of “good debt”
• How wearing “busy” like a badge of honor is a trap
• Why waiting for the perfect time to invest is costing you millions
• The danger of letting every raise become a lifestyle upgrade
• The true cost of thinking in monthly payments instead of total cost or lost opportunity
• Why delaying freedom and joy until “someday” is a recipe for regret

RECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOU

If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
https://melabraham.com/show/

• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k
• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich
• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You
• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money
• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU
 
If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Why Net Worth Skyrockets At $100k: https://youtu.be/AdyUwRGrGvQ
• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich: https://youtu.be/xV1yr8Qi_nQ
• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You: https://youtu.be/ISY01uDuyJk
• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money:https://youtu.be/0aeP90sF5UQ

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Have you ever wondered why building wealth feels like such a slow grind in the beginning, but then—almost out of nowhere—your net worth starts accelerating? In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a tipping point that changes everything: hitting your first $100,000 of investable net worth.

I know firsthand how discouraging it can feel to be saving, investing, and doing all the “right” things, only to see what looks like minimal progress. It’s like pushing a boulder uphill in flip flops during a windstorm while people shout useless advice at you like, “Just stop drinking coffee!” Trust me, I’ve been there. In this episode, I explain exactly why it feels so tough to reach your first $100K—and why, after that, building wealth starts to snowball thanks to the magic of compounding.

Together, we’ll break down the difference between total net worth and investable net worth—the number that actually matters for creating real financial freedom. I’ll walk you through why the initial push is so challenging, and how the habits and skills you build in those early years set you up for lasting success.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why the journey to your first $100K of investable net worth feels like the hardest part
• The difference between total net worth and investable net worth
• The critical identity shifts and new skills you need to go from “spender with good intentions” to confident wealth builder
• The mindset and math behind opportunity cost
• How long it really takes to hit key milestones

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If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
https://melabraham.com/show/

• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich
• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You
• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money
• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?
• 7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU
 
If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• My Honest Advice To Anyone Who Wants To Get Rich: https://youtu.be/xV1yr8Qi_nQ
• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You: https://youtu.be/ISY01uDuyJk
• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money:https://youtu.be/0aeP90sF5UQ
• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?: https://youtu.be/yG3CoFaYV2Y

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Ever wonder why it feels like you’re working harder than ever but never seem to get ahead financially? You’re not failing because you’re lazy; you’re failing because you’re financially directionless. That’s the hard truth, and today, I’m bringing you the raw, no-fluff advice I wish someone had told me decades ago about what it really takes to get rich—and (spoiler alert) it’s NOT about grinding harder, hoarding cash, or chasing the next big promotion.

In this episode, I walk you through the nine non-negotiables for building true wealth—the real stuff, the uncomfortable truths that rattle your comfort zone, and the practical, step-by-step tools that move you forward. This is your financial education with a bit of sarcasm, a lot of heart, and a proven pathway to true freedom.

Drawing on over 30 years as a financial advisor, CPA, and lifelong student of wealth-building, I’ll show you how to craft a vision for your life, transform your relationship with debt, conquer self-sabotaging money stories, prioritize investing, and much more. The goal? To help you build your money machine—so your money works harder for you than you ever did for it.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why knowing your destination—your vivid vision for an ideal life—matters more than a bank balance
• The difference between building a life account versus a bank account
• The difference between productive and destructive debt
• How your money stories and childhood beliefs shape your financial trajectory
• Why you can’t save your way to wealth
• Recognizing that the real currency isn’t cash—it’s time

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If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
https://melabraham.com/show/

• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You
• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money
• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?
• 7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires
• 7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU
 
If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• Why Dumb People Are Making More Money Than You: https://youtu.be/ISY01uDuyJk
• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money:https://youtu.be/0aeP90sF5UQ
• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?: https://youtu.be/yG3CoFaYV2Y
• 7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires: https://youtu.be/aeTEvvI_H40

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a question that eats at almost everyone on their wealth journey: Why does it seem like people who aren’t any “smarter” than you are making more money—and living their dream lives—while you’re stuck meal-prepping, maxing out your Roth IRA, and still feeling… stuck?

Let’s get real. We’ve all been told that if you’re smart, work hard, and follow the “rules,” wealth will follow. But after decades of working with everyone from broke folks to billionaires, I’ve uncovered the hard truth: intelligence alone doesn’t guarantee wealth. Not even close.

In today’s episode, I unpack the “intelligence myth” and why the highest IQs aren’t leading the pack financially. We’ll talk about science-backed reasons why taking action, building grit, and tolerating risk trump being the “smartest” person in the room.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• The myth that intelligence equals wealth
• Why “dumb” or less-experienced people often succeed
• The 5 key traits that predict wealth far better than raw smarts
• Why fast action, micro-successes, and starting before you’re ready will always beat waiting for the perfect moment
• How perfectionism masquerades as procrastination and keeps you broke
• The practical, actionable steps to align, amplify, and automate your income 
• How to finally separate your income from your effort and achieve true financial freedom
• Why being on the field is the only way to win the wealth game—and how to get started now, even if it’s just with $5

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If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
https://melabraham.com/show/

• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money
• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?
• 7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires
• 7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money
• The Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU
 
If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• 15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money:https://youtu.be/0aeP90sF5UQ
• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?: https://youtu.be/yG3CoFaYV2Y
• 7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires: https://youtu.be/aeTEvvI_H40
• 7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money: https://youtu.be/Jg_8jupAGkQ

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this episode, I’m getting real and a little bit blunt as we tackle a question I know many of us have asked ourselves: “Where the heck is all my money going?” Maybe you haven’t splurged on a yacht, but if you’ve ever wondered why your bank account doesn’t reflect the hard work you’re putting in, you’re in the right place.

I break down the 15 perfectly normal — but totally destructive — ways your wealth is secretly bleeding out. These sneaky money leaks come disguised as self-care, adulting, or the infamous “I deserve this” mentality. Over time, they rob us of our options, our freedom, and, most importantly, our financial future. I’ll walk you through each of these traps, share where I’ve personally tripped up, and give you practical solutions on how to plug those leaks so you can start building real wealth.

Think of this as your financial reality check — practical tips, a bit of tough love, and a whole lot of heart. It might sting a little, but sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to take back control and start winning with money.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why new cars on payment plans are a fast track to losing money
• The true cost of unused subscriptions
• Why most home fitness equipment ends up as an expensive laundry rack
• The psychological trap of buying things “because they’re on sale”
• The difference between spending and investing
• When DIY jobs backfire and why outsourcing sometimes saves you money
• The credit card points trap — when chasing points actually costs you more

RECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOU

If you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:
https://melabraham.com/show/

• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?
• 7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires
• 7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money
• The Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?
• The Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest

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If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:

• If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?: https://youtu.be/yG3CoFaYV2Y
• 7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires: https://youtu.be/aeTEvvI_H40
• 7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money: https://youtu.be/Jg_8jupAGkQ
• The Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?: https://youtu.be/vxaW2JGnRZA

ORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:

Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!

The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.

Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.

When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! 

TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:

Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the questions I get asked the most: If the dollar keeps losing value, is saving money even worth it anymore?

With all the media chatter about inflation and the dollar weakening, it’s easy to feel like putting money in a savings account is about as useful as trying to fill a leaky bucket. Cash feels safe, but it seems like it’s just quietly melting away right under us. Should you bother to save at all—or is there a better way to protect your financial future?

In this episode, I break down what’s really happening to the dollar, unravel the truth about inflation, and explain why saving alone will never build the wealth or the financial security you want. I talk about the real role of savings (and it’s not what most people think!), how to protect your emergency fund, and why owning assets is the only way to outpace inflation and achieve financial freedom.

IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:

• Why cash and savings accounts aren’t investments
• The effects of long-term inflation
• How to calculate how much emergency savings is enough
• The difference between protecting your wealth and actually building wealth
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• The step-by-step plan to balance safety and growth
• The single action step to take within the next 48 hours to move your financial future forward

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• The Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?: https://youtu.be/vxaW2JGnRZA
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