In this episode of Financial Advisors Say the Darndest Things, A.B. Ridgeway explores the trend of billionaires and millionaires giving away significant portions of their wealth. Drawing on data, Biblical principles, and practical financial advice, he helps listeners understand the deeper implications of giving, the pitfalls of financial vanity, and the true blessings that come from generosity.

3 Key Takeaways

1. Wealth Isn't Satiating
   • Accumulating wealth often leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction. As Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money." True fulfillment comes from purposeful giving, not endless earning.
2. Giving Reflects Security, Not Scarcity
   • When we give, it signals to ourselves that we have enough and will be okay. Charitable giving not only benefits the receiver but also reinforces the giver's financial confidence.
3. Balance Your Giving
   • Generosity is vital but should never come at the expense of your own stability. Be mindful to give within your means, ensuring your family’s essential needs are met before extending help to others.

3 Memorable Quotes

1. "The act of giving is a signal to yourself psychologically that you will be okay."
2. "We work 20, 30 years to accumulate wealth, but it's not about how much you have—it's about what you do with it."
3. "He who loves wealth with his income will not be satisfied; this is also vanity." - Ecclesiastes 5:10

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

Source: https://philanthropy.indianapolis.iu.edu/news-events/news/_news/2024/giving-usa-us-charitable-giving-totaled-557.16-billion-in-2023.html#:~:text=Key%20findings%20from%20Giving%20USA,new%20high%20by%20that%20measure.

In this episode of Financial Advisors Say the Darndest Things, A.B. Ridgeway dives into the Rule of 72, a simple formula that helps you estimate how long it will take to double your money based on the rate of return on your investments. Whether you're investing in CDs, annuities, or the stock market, understanding this concept can help you set realistic expectations, manage risk, and plan for retirement more effectively. Ridgeway also explains why starting early is key to reducing risk and achieving financial goals.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Rule of 72 Demystified: The Rule of 72 helps you calculate the time required to double your money. Simply divide 72 by the annual return rate. For example, at 6% interest, it will take 12 years to double your money.
2. Setting Realistic Expectations: Financial advisors aren’t magicians who can double or triple your money overnight. The Rule of 72 provides a more realistic view of growth, helping you avoid unnecessary risk.
3. Start Early to Minimize Risk: Beginning your investment journey sooner allows you to take on less risk while still achieving your goals. Investing later often requires higher returns, which can increase your risk exposure.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "The Rule of 72 is a tool that simplifies complex financial projections, helping you make better decisions about where to put your money."
2. "The market rarely gives you a consistent 10% return year after year; it’s about staying the course through the highs and lows."
3. "Starting early allows you to take on less risk and still meet your financial goals—time is your greatest ally in investing."

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

In this episode of Financial Advisors Say the Darnedest Things, A.B. Ridgeway provides practical and actionable tips for anyone struggling to save money, regardless of their income level. He tackles two key problems: the misconception that saving a set dollar amount is the key to success and the lack of clarity about what you're saving for. A.B. introduces the concept of saving by percentages rather than fixed amounts, offering a simple yet effective strategy to build the habit of saving. He explains how saving even a small percentage of your leftover income, such as 10%, can lead to gradual growth in savings over time. Whether you're saving for an emergency fund or retirement, A.B. emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable habits and understanding the purpose behind your savings goals. This episode will help you shift your mindset and develop a more effective approach to personal finance.

Key Takeaways:

1. Save by Percentages, Not Fixed Amounts – A.B. emphasizes that saving a percentage of what’s left over after bills, even if it's just a small amount, is more sustainable than setting a fixed dollar target. This method encourages building a habit of saving consistently.
2. Know What You’re Saving For – Before you start saving, it's crucial to define your goals. Whether it’s for an emergency fund, retirement, or something else, having clear intentions makes your saving efforts more focused and effective.
3. Gradual Growth Leads to Financial Security – By saving small amounts consistently, you’ll develop the habit of saving, which can eventually lead to larger savings as your income increases or expenses decrease.

Quotes:

1. “You are going to invest or save by percentages. Everyone can save by a percentage. It doesn’t matter how small. The important part is getting into the habit.”
2. “If you don’t know what number is going to give you financial security, you’re always going to be wanting more, because there’s always one more dollar to make.”
3. “The key to saving for your future isn’t how much you save, but the habit of saving. Even a small percentage over time makes a big difference.”

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Delayed Gratification: A key insight from a listener highlights the importance of delayed gratification, particularly in the context of building wealth. By sacrificing immediate luxuries (like a fancy car or luxury condo) in your younger years, you can set yourself up for financial freedom and stability in the future. This concept extends beyond money, offering a powerful way to achieve long-term goals.
2. The Role of Emergency Funds and Credit Cards: Another listener shared an insightful approach to balancing emergency funds and credit card use. The advice: build a solid emergency fund of 6-12 months before using credit cards. Once that safety net is in place, credit cards can be used wisely to build credit, but always paid off to avoid debt.
3. Sacrifices and Trade-Offs in Life: A thought-provoking comment discusses the inherent sacrifices in life. Each choice comes with trade-offs—choosing one thing means letting go of another. This concept of "opportunity cost" is central to personal financial planning and lifestyle choices. Understanding this helps you make intentional decisions, rather than being driven by external pressures or impulses.

3 Quotes:

1. "Better financial health leads to better mental health, too." – This comment encapsulates the holistic benefits of financial discipline, emphasizing that financial stability not only brings peace of mind but improves overall well-being.
2. "Life is a series of sacrifices. To choose one thing is to give up another because for us, time and energy is finite." – A comment that beautifully sums up the reality of making decisions, whether in financial matters or personal life.
3. "It’s better to have money and not need it than to need money and not have it." – A powerful reminder of why financial planning and delayed gratification matter—having financial security allows you to live life without constant stress about money.

These podcast notes reflect on the insightful feedback from listeners, focusing on themes of personal finance, delayed gratification, and the sacrifices we make for a better future.

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Luxury Travel Gone Wrong: The episode delves into the sudden shutdown of "Ladies in Luggage," a Georgia-based travel agency that specialized in luxury group vacations for African American women. Despite advertising high-end trips, the agency abruptly closed, leaving customers without refunds or alternatives.
2. The Importance of Vetting Travel Providers: A key lesson from the episode is the importance of thoroughly vetting any travel service, especially when the price tag is high. The host, A.B. Ridgeway, takes a practical approach by comparing a similar trip to Dubai using reputable platforms like Expedia to demonstrate potential savings and ensure that travelers aren’t overpaying.
3. Travel Insurance & Protections: The conversation emphasizes the importance of travel insurance in protecting your investment, particularly for luxury vacations. The host explains how certain travel packages offer guarantees for refunds on unused hotel days and lost luggage, but also stresses that consumers need to read the fine print and understand the protections available before booking.

3 Memorable Quotes:

1. “Ladies in Luggage sold luxury group vacations organized specifically for African-American women. She had something for us older ladies, she called us the aunties.” – This quote introduces the concept of the travel service, focusing on how it was tailored to a specific community of women and helped foster a sense of belonging among its clients.
2. “Before we go any further, I actually want to see exactly what she paid for.” – A.B. Ridgeway transitions into his practical analysis, highlighting his financial advisor mindset by comparing the trip's cost with similar offerings from reputable travel platforms.
3. “Let’s protect our trip. So this is 100% refund on unused hotel days, 100% refund on your flight... It’s essential to cover those bases.” – This quote underscores the importance of purchasing travel insurance and understanding the protections available when investing in high-cost travel experiences.

Episode Highlights:

• Ladies in Luggage Closure: A closer look at how a travel agency specializing in luxury group trips for Black women suddenly shut down, leaving clients in financial distress.
• Financial Advice: A breakdown of how to plan and protect against similar issues when booking expensive vacations.
• Travel Insurance: Why securing comprehensive coverage is crucial for luxury travelers.

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

In this episode, the host delves into the challenges facing Millennials who earn six-figure salaries, yet still feel financially stretched. These high earners, sometimes referred to as "Henrys" (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), face a unique set of financial pressures that may surprise many listeners. The discussion covers the impact of student debt, living expenses, lifestyle inflation, and the influence of social media on financial expectations.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. The Gap Between Income and Expectations: Many Millennials who earn six figures still live paycheck to paycheck, largely due to the high cost of living, student debt, and the expenses tied to maintaining a lifestyle that exceeds their salary’s purchasing power. A six-figure salary no longer stretches as far as it once did.
2. Lifestyle Inflation Can Overwhelm Income: It’s not just about how much you earn, but how much you spend. The difference between basic living expenses and lifestyle choices (housing, cars, vacations) can add up quickly. The more expensive your lifestyle, the harder it is to live within your means—even with a high salary.
3. The Hidden Costs of Student Debt: Many Millennials, even those with impressive salaries, are burdened with student loan debt that can feel like a second rent payment. With an average student loan debt around $40,000, this financial weight affects their ability to build wealth, save, or enjoy the full benefits of a six-figure salary.

3 Memorable Quotes:

1. “Six figures is not what six figures used to be... because people are living a lifestyle beyond what six figures can actually buy them.” — AB Ridgeway
2. “It costs that much for you to live the way you want to. The life that we think we should be living with our income is just not true.” — AB Ridgeway
3. “If this is how I’m feeling, oh my God, what is somebody who makes the poverty line feeling?” — Turner Coles (on the strain of student loan debt despite earning a six-figure salary)

This episode sheds light on the financial struggles of high earners and the common misconception that a six-figure income guarantees financial freedom. The host emphasizes the importance of understanding the true costs of maintaining a certain lifestyle and managing debt effectively to avoid falling into the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

In this episode, we delve into an unusual story involving Peanut the Squirrel’s sanctuary owner and their controversial fundraising methods. A.B. Ridgeway offers insights into the implications of supporting causes and managing donations, examining how transparency, ethics, and personal convictions play into financial stewardship.

Key Takeaways

1. Financial Transparency in Donations: It's crucial to verify where donations go, especially for tax purposes. Charitable contributions should ideally go directly to the organization to ensure proper use and potential tax deductions.
2. Ethics in Fundraising: The episode raises a thought-provoking question about supporting causes when the methods of raising funds may conflict with personal values, such as using an OnlyFans account to support an animal sanctuary.
3. Judgment and Self-Reflection: Referencing Matthew 7:1-3, A.B. Ridgeway emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and applying consistent standards to our actions and those of others.

Memorable Quotes

• "Do you support someone who does something 'bad' to do something 'good'? This is a question many investors need to ask themselves."
• "We must judge ourselves by the same measure we judge others. If we’re going to hold people accountable, we should ensure we’re holding ourselves to those same standards."
• "As a Christian financial advisor, I steward God’s wealth and hope you do the same—making sure your investments align with your values."

This episode offers valuable insights into the nuances of charity, ethical giving, and staying true to personal beliefs while navigating financial decisions.

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Personal GoFundMe vs. Direct Charity Donations Donating through GoFundMe for Peanut the Squirrel may not benefit the actual sanctuary. Instead, funds are linked to an individual, not the nonprofit organization, which raises concerns about where the money is truly going.
2. Tax Deductibility Concerns Contributions made through GoFundMe may not qualify as tax-deductible donations, even if Peanut's sanctuary has legitimate charity status. This oversight could mean donors miss out on potential tax benefits.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Fees Using platforms like GoFundMe can incur a 2.9% processing fee, reducing the amount that goes directly to the cause. Direct donations to the charity are more efficient and ensure more funds support the animals.

3 Memorable Quotes:

1. "If this isn't tax deductible, the money doesn’t have to go to the nonprofit, and it doesn't have to be reported on their 990."
2. "2.9% of your donation is going to a third-party processing fee, which means less support for the animals you care about."
3. "There are ways to give appreciated stock directly, saving up to 22.9% in fees and taxes—money that could go straight to the cause."

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

Call For Justice for Peanut the Squirrel and NYSDEC Reform

P'Nut (Peanut) GoFundMe Page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-peanuts-return-to-pnuts-freedom-farm

This is not an endorsement or encouragement to donate to this cause. This is purely for reference. This is NOT a paid promotion or advice to donate to this cause. We are simply bringing awareness. A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management is not responsible for any decisions made that may result in a loss of money based on the material presented. Please use your own discretion when making financial decisions.

Episode Overview:

In this engaging episode, A.B. Ridgeway dives into a gripping story about Peanut the squirrel, a beloved internet sensation whose life took a tragic turn following government intervention. A.B. offers a unique perspective by shedding light on the financial implications behind such emotionally charged events and provides a guide on protecting your generosity from scams.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Verify Charitable Organizations Before Donating: A.B. emphasizes the importance of checking the legitimacy of nonprofits, especially those that spring up following viral events. He walks listeners through tools like the IRS website to ensure contributions go to real, certified causes.
2. Understand Emotional Appeals: The internet often capitalizes on emotional stories to fundraise. A.B. advises staying vigilant and making informed decisions rather than acting purely out of sympathy.
3. Impact of Public Outcry on Government Actions: This case illustrates how social media can amplify controversies, making it crucial to discern facts from opinions in the court of public opinion.

3 Memorable Quotes:

1. “I don’t want you to be ripped off because your heartstrings are pulled.” — A.B. Ridgeway emphasizes the need for financial discernment when supporting viral causes.
2. “Brothers and sisters, this is not my specialty. The court of public opinion is not where I shine.” — A humorous reminder that A.B. focuses on facts and financials, not gossip or speculation.
3. “Let’s make sure we are looking at the right things before we put our money out there, right or wrong.” — A call to action for listeners to do their homework and safeguard their charitable intentions.

This episode not only highlights the emotional power of social media stories but also arms listeners with practical steps to navigate the financial side of viral narratives responsibly.

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.

In this episode, A.B. Ridgeway delves into the controversy surrounding Gateway Church, where members allege that millions of dollars in tithes were misused. This lawsuit against the Texas megachurch raises questions about financial transparency, biblical stewardship, and the responsibility of church leaders. Ridgeway breaks down the court proceedings, examines the promises made to the congregation, and discusses the importance of financial accountability within faith-based organizations.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Transparency in Tithes Is Essential for Trust Members expect their tithes to be used in alignment with biblical principles. When leaders fail to meet these expectations, it can lead to legal action and erosion of trust within the congregation.
2. Biblical Stewardship and Personal Accountability Giving back to the community or church should be done with discernment. It’s a believer’s responsibility to ensure their contributions align with their values and that funds are managed appropriately.
3. The Distinction Between Individuals and the Church Itself Ridgeway emphasizes that while church leaders may falter, they do not define the church. Congregants should hold leaders accountable without feeling they’re questioning their faith or the church’s integrity.

3 Notable Quotes:

• "People in the church are not the church. It is the accumulation of all the people together that makes up the church."
• "We can't be lazy, brothers and sisters, and just move the decimal point over...It is our responsibility to make sure the money we're giving is going to make an impact."
• "As a Christian financial advisor, I run into this all the time. People think that they can just put Jesus in front of everything and then act like everything's okay."

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*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.