What if you could go from unemployed and broke… to traveling the world as a U.S. diplomat, retiring early, and building generational wealth?

In this powerful episode of Bartelle's Money Talk, Theresa Bartelle sits down with Michael Dillard — a man whose journey from poverty to financial success will inspire you to dream bigger and take action.

You’ll discover:

• Michael’s remarkable “accidental diplomat” story

• Why financial literacy is the new currency

• The SAVER Principle — his 5-step blueprint to build wealth

• How to balance debt payoff with wealth-building

• Practical tips to reset your finances, even if you’re drowning in debt

• Why mindset and vision are as important as money itself

📌 Key Moments:
0:00 – Welcome & Michael’s background
1:26 – Growing up in poverty
3:21 – From internship to banking career
7:44 – The email that changed everything
8:13 – Becoming a U.S. diplomat
11:06 – The SAVER blueprint for building wealth
20:14 – Financial mindset shifts
24:58 – Words for burned-out leaders
28:18 – Three words of wisdom for success

📖 Michael’s Book: Build Generational Wealth, Retire Early – Available on Amazon

🌐 Free Resources & Booking: MichaelDillardSpeaks.com

💬 Drop your biggest takeaway from Michael’s story in the comments — we’d love to hear how you’re taking steps toward your own financial freedom!