Why do so many lenders squeeze every last dollar from borrowers, even when they’re already making great returns? Hidden fees, surprise penalties, and fine print can turn a fair loan into a financial trap, leaving borrowers drained and frustrated.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down the practices he sees in the lending world that cross the line from fair business into taking advantage. You’ll hear real examples of why he chose to do things differently, and what both borrowers and lenders can do to create better, more transparent deals. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot the hidden penalties and fees borrowers often overlook.
• Understand why some lenders design loans expecting defaults.
• See how transparency builds stronger, repeat borrower relationships.
• Learn what to watch for in contracts to avoid being blindsided.
• Discover how responsible lending can still deliver 30–50% returns.
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• Borrowers who want to protect themselves from predatory lending tactics.
• Lenders looking to grow returns without unfairly burdening clients.
• Investors are curious about how fair, transparent lending really works.
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
This episode sheds light on the side of lending that often goes unspoken, the ways contracts and penalties can quietly drain borrowers. Whether you’re lending or borrowing, you’ll walk away with clarity on what’s fair, what’s not, and how to avoid getting caught in the middle. It’s about creating long-term success instead of short-term traps.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] Why lenders push borrowers for every dollar 

[01:00] The problem with penalties built into short-term notes.
[02:00] How hidden strategies inflate borrower costs without them realizing. 

[04:00] Why transparency matters more than flashy low rates.
[05:00] Common surprises borrowers face (and how I handle them differently).
[06:00] Why repeat business is better than squeezing borrowers once.
[07:00] The case for educating borrowers to protect themselves.
[08:00] How to learn my lending approach and grab the Smarter Wealth Blueprint.

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

What if the government just opened the door for your retirement savings to fund private companies, crypto, and real estate? Sounds exciting, but also risky. Trump’s recent 401(k) executive order could reshape where trillions of retirement dollars are invested and not always in ways that benefit you.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down exactly what this order means, the opportunities it creates, and the potential traps Wall Street hopes you’ll overlook. By the end, you’ll know how to protect your money, make more brilliant moves, and avoid being swept up in the hype. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand Trump's new 401(k) executive order and its significance.
• Recognize the dangers and expenses buried in private equity transactions.
• Learn why real estate-backed loans can be a safer option.
• Take measures to give yourself more control over your retirement finances.
• Avoid typical traps that send your money to Wall Street.

Who This Episode Is For:

• W-2 employees with 401(k) accounts who wish to safeguard and develop them responsibly.
• Real estate investors are looking to secure their retirement assets.
• Money lenders are looking to grasp new investing laws and hazards better.

Why You Should Listen:
This isn’t just about one executive order; it’s about how policy shifts can quietly redirect your retirement dollars into high-fee, high-risk investments. By understanding the mechanics and alternatives, you can make choices that keep you in control, safeguard your capital, and maximize your returns without gambling your future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] Why Trump’s new 401(k) executive order caught my attention.
[01:00] The three new asset classes being considered.
[02:00] How private equity works and why it’s riskier than it looks.
[04:00] The fee structures Wall Street loves, and how they eat into your returns.
[05:00] Why lending to companies is riskier than lending on real estate.
[06:00] How self-directed 401(k)s and IRAs can already give you more control.
[07:00] The security real estate lending offers compared to private equity.
[08:00] Where to learn more and access the Smarter Wealth Blueprint.

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

Homes are sitting longer. Borrowers are holding out for higher prices. And if you’re a private lender, your risk is quietly climbing. The question is, how do you protect your money and your borrowers when the market turns sluggish?

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down the real impact of rising “days on market” on your lending business. You’ll hear real numbers, real examples, and the one strategic change Rich is considering to safeguard his portfolio in uncertain times. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your deals moving and your capital protected without losing trust with your borrowers.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot the early warning signs that your borrower might be in trouble
• Put the right amount of pressure on borrowers to sell before risk snowballs
• Structure loans to give you more control when the market shifts
• Calculate the actual cost of holding a property too long
• Decide when it’s time to require monthly payments instead of letting interest accrue
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• Private lenders worried about rising defaults and stalled flips
• New lenders who want to avoid costly first mistakes
• Experienced investors looking to protect their capital in a slow market
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
The market won’t stay like this forever—but your money is at risk right now. By understanding how to react when borrowers hold out for unrealistic prices, you can prevent minor problems from becoming significant losses. This episode gives you practical, real-world strategies you can use immediately to protect your investments and keep your lending business healthy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 00:00 Why rising days on market hit private lenders harder than most
 01:00 How flippers in secondary neighborhoods get squeezed
 02:00 Why defaults are up 50% and what it means for your portfolio
 03:00 Using six-month loan cycles to stay flexible in changing markets
 04:00 A real-life lending example—numbers, risks, and potential outcomes
06:00 How small profits make borrowers stubborn (and how to handle it)
 07:00 Why skin in the game keeps borrowers committed
 08:00 The one strategy Rich is rethinking in today’s uncertain market

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

What’s the point of building wealth if you never get your time back? For years, Rich Lennon chased passive income through rentals and flipping, only to find himself with no time, more stress, and yet another job. That all changed when he discovered private lending. Now? He earns $30,000 per deal, spends just 5 hours on each one, and gets to take random Tuesday mornings off to go fishing with his son.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down exactly how lending works, where the time goes, and why this strategy finally gave him what he was really after: freedom. Whether you’re a tired landlord, a busy entrepreneur, or want more life in your life, this one’s worth a listen.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Earn $30K on a deal without swinging a hammer or chasing tenants
• Break down the lending process into simple, time-based steps
• Avoid common mistakes during underwriting and drawing
• Work fewer hours and grow your wealth
• Use lending to create space for what matters: family, flexibility, and freedom

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate investors who feel burned out by rentals or flips
• Busy professionals looking for actual passive income
• Parents and freedom-seekers who want their time back without sacrificing returns

Why You Should Listen:
Rich Lennon doesn’t just talk about money; he talks about why we chase it in the first place. This episode offers more than numbers; it’s a mindset shift. If you’re tired of trading time for income and want to start investing in a way that supports your life, not steals from it, this episode will show you how. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] The math behind $6,000/hour lending
[01:00] The 3 phases of a loan: underwriting, maintenance, and closing
[02:00] How Rich vets deals and chooses only 1 out of 3
[03:30] What the draw process looks like (and how to simplify it)
[04:30] Why the closing phase is easier than you think
[05:30] What “time freedom” really means—and why lending delivers it
[06:30] Rich Lennon’s personal “why” and the moment that made it all click

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

What if one small decision in your lending process may jeopardise the entire transaction, and you were completely unaware of it? Although it may seem cost-effective, skipping monthly payments can lead to significant issues down the road, particularly when it comes time to refinance.

Rich Lennon discusses in this episode why he decides not to collect monthly payments, how it impacts loan security, and what lenders frequently forget when attempting to keep things straightforward. You'll discover how this one choice can cause unforeseen hold-ups, damaged borrower relations, and conflict with mortgage lenders. This episode will help you create more intelligent systems, safeguard your transactions, and manage your business according to your conditions if you are a lender or intend to become one.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Recognise the dangers of failing to make monthly payments.
• Make lending guidelines that benefit you and your borrowers.
• Address refinance concerns when there is no payment history.
• Establish clear guidelines when requesting documents from mortgage firms.
• Maintain the simplicity, scalability, and stress-free nature of your lending business.

Who This Episode Is For:

• Private lenders looking to streamline their business without sacrificing security
• Real estate investors navigating refinances and borrower relationships
• Anyone building a lending company and wanting full control of their process
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
The way you set up your lending terms matters more than you think. One small policy, like skipping monthly payments, can trigger bigger issues if you’re not careful. Rich shares his real-world experience and lessons learned so you can avoid messy situations, stay in control, and build a business that works on your terms.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] Why Rich sets the rules and expects others to follow
[01:00] Why strong penalties matter in lending
[02:00] Hard vs. private money: key penalty differences
[03:00] Why Rich skips monthly payments and the risk involved
[05:00] The hidden cost of managing multiple payments
[06:00] The refinance problem with no payment history
[07:00] How Rich deals with document requests from lenders
[08:00] Why won’t he send the note, and what does he do instead
[09:00] Teaching borrowers to manage their paperwork
[10:00] Final thoughts on setting boundaries in your lending business

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

Want to earn 30%+ returns without lifting a single tool or managing a flip? Rich Lennon does it. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how. If you’ve been curious about private lending but aren’t sure where to start or how to avoid getting burned, this one’s packed with straight-up, real-world advice you won’t hear from the gurus.

In this episode, Rich Lennon shares the 7 key rules that protect his money, keep his deals clean, and help him sleep at night while earning returns most investors only dream about. Whether you’re new to lending or ready to stop making avoidable mistakes, these principles will change the way you look at investing.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Avoid the #1 mistake most new lenders make (and lose money on)
  
  
• Use the correct paperwork to protect yourself legally.
  
  
• Verify deal numbers without having to be a construction expert.
  
  
• Make sure borrowers have real skin in the game.
  
  
• Stay in control of your money with more innovative construction draws.
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• New or aspiring private money lenders
  
  
• Investors who want solid returns without doing hands-on rehab work
  
  
• Anyone burned by bad lending deals and looking to do it smarter next time.
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
These seven rules aren’t just a theory; these are hard-earned from dozens of deals and conversations with lenders who've made every mistake in the book. Rich keeps it honest, simple, and practical. If you want to build actual passive income without getting stuck in a second position or dealing with sloppy paperwork, this is your shortcut.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] Why Rich never swings a hammer but still earns 30% returns

[01:00] The most significant mistake new lenders make (and how to avoid it)

[02:00] Why is the first position non-negotiable

[03:00] The truth about underwriting, paperwork, and ARVs
[05:00] How to control construction draws and stay protected
[06:00] The power of going local and why it saves your deals
[07:30] What skin in the game means and how to enforce it

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

Ever totally dropped the ball and had to face it head-on? Rich Lennon forgot his breakfast meetup. Yup, the one he organized and promoted. But instead of hiding from the embarrassment, he turned it into a masterclass on how to handle mistakes in business and life in a way that builds more trust, not less.

In this episode, Rich Lennon shares a real-life failure and walks through the 4 simple but powerful steps that can turn a mess-up into momentum. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just a human being who makes mistakes (so… all of us), this is a must-listen.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Own your mistakes without making excuses
   
• Apologize in a way that builds respect and credibility.
   
• Make things right—even when it costs you.
   
• Turn an embarrassing slip into a relationship builder.
   
• Handle private money mishaps like an actual pro.
   

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs who want to build a reputation of integrity
   
• Real estate investors manage relationships with lenders or partners.
   
• Anyone who’s messed up and wants to learn how to recover with grace
   

Why You Should Listen:

Mistakes aren’t the end, they're often the beginning of deeper trust. The way you handle failure says more about your character than the mistake itself. This episode gives you a straightforward, human-centered approach to handling those challenging moments so you come out stronger, not smaller.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] The breakfast mistake that inspired this episode

[01:00] Why trying to cover up your mess-up only makes it worse

[02:00] Step 1: Own it (no excuses)

[03:00] Step 2: Apologize sincerely

[04:00] Step 3: Make it right—even if it costs you

[05:00] Step 4: When to take the financial loss (and why it pays off later)

[06:30] How owning your mistakes wins trust (and future deals)

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

Think you’re making smart money moves just because your portfolio looks good on paper? What if the real number that matters is one you’ve never even considered?

In this episode, Rich Lennon introduces a powerful yet overlooked concept: Return on Wealth. He walks you through how he discovered this calculation during the pandemic, why it changed his entire investment strategy, and how just one shift helped him grow his wealth more effectively and efficiently. Whether you're sitting on equity or stuck in low-performing assets, this episode gives you a new lens to evaluate your money.

You’ll Learn How To:
 • Understand what Return on Wealth means and why it matters more than ROI
 • Calculate your wealth and spot where it’s underperforming
 • Balance your portfolio for faster long-term growth
 • Use fractionalized notes to create better returns with less friction
 • Make simple strategy shifts that could 3x or 6x your results over a decade

Who This Episode Is For:
 • Investors with equity tied up in real estate or low-return assets
 • Entrepreneurs looking to grow their money more efficiently
 • Anyone serious about long-term wealth building, not just short-term wins

Why You Should Listen:
 Most people focus on returns from individual investments, but they overlook the broader perspective. This episode breaks down how reallocating just a portion of your wealth can lead to massive long-term gains. Rich doesn’t just talk theory, he shows the actual numbers, the before-and-after strategies, and how anyone can apply this thinking today. You’ll leave with a new perspective on your money and a clear path to multiplying your wealth without needing to work harder.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 [00:00] Why Return on Wealth might be the most important number you’re not tracking
 [01:00] The traditional investment metrics (and what they miss)
 [02:00] Rich’s original wealth breakdown and what wasn’t working
 [04:00] What changed when he shifted money into fractionalized notes
 [06:00] The new portfolio strategy that led to 6x growth
 [08:00] What this means for anyone with $1M, $2M, or more in assets
 [09:00] How you can get started with smarter wealth moves today

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

Ever trusted the bank to handle your money, only to find out they completely messed it up? That’s precisely what happened to Rich Lennon.

In this episode, Rich shares the #1 mistake people make with banks: assuming they’ll get it right. He walks through a real story where a simple wire transfer turned into a mess because no one followed through and no one cared. From fat-fingered account numbers to days of silence, this is a wake-up call to take full responsibility for your money, no matter who you hire to help. If you’ve ever felt let down by a bank, this one’s for you. Listen in and learn how to avoid the simple mistakes that cost Rich time, money, and peace of mind.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Stay in control when banks or professionals make mistakes
• Track your wire transfers and avoid “dead air” weekends
• Handle missed payoffs and follow up the right way
• Communicate clearly with banks to speed things up
• Take ownership of your money (even when others are involved)

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs and investors who move large sums of money
• People are tired of banks making careless errors
• Anyone learning to take complete control of their finances

Why You Should Listen:

Most people assume the bank will get it right. But what happens when they don’t and it costs you big time? Rich’s story is more than just a rant—it’s a clear reminder that when your money’s involved, no one will care more than you. You’ll walk away feeling more empowered, more alert, and way less likely to let someone else fumble your finances. If you’ve got money in motion, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Most people assume the bank will get it right. But what happens when they don’t—and it costs you big time? Rich’s story is more than just a vent session. It’s a clear reminder that when your money’s involved, no one will care more than you. You’ll walk away feeling more alert, empowered, and ready to take control of your finances.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] A banking screw-up that left Rich furious and out of pocket

[01:00] What went wrong with the two wire transfers

[03:00] The bank's errors and how they handled them

[05:00] What Rich learned (and why he’s switching things up)

[07:00] Another payoff mess and how to protect yourself

[09:00] Why blockchain and self-responsibility matter more than ever

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

What if I told you that some lenders are quietly stacking hidden costs into your loan payoff, and it’s happening more than you think?

In this episode, Rich Lennon uncovers what most borrowers miss when signing loan agreements. He shares real stories, clear explanations, and practical ways to protect yourself from shady (or just sloppy) lending practices. Rich also breaks down how cash flows during a deal, why some lenders send you less money than promised, and how a simple misunderstanding could cost you thousands. If you’ve ever borrowed money, are in the middle of a loan, or plan to do it in the future, this is one episode you’ll want to save and share.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand why charging interest on penalties is illegal in most states
• Spot red flags in loan documents before they cost you
• Handle payoff statements with clarity and confidence
• Ask the right questions when your funding amount looks short
• Track cash flow cleanly during closings and renovations

Who This Episode Is For:

• Borrowers dealing with confusing loan terms
• Real estate investors using private or hard money
• Anyone who wants to avoid costly lending mistakes

Why You Should Listen:

There are smart, ethical lenders out there, but not everyone plays by the rules. This episode gives you the tools to protect yourself from common (and costly) mistakes borrowers make simply because they didn’t know better. After listening, you’ll feel more in control, better informed, and less likely to be blindsided when it’s time to pay off a loan. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] The mistake lenders make that could double your payoff amount
[01:00] How penalties and interest should really work (and what’s illegal)
[04:00] What to do if you see inflated charges in your payoff
[05:00] Why do some lenders reduce the loan amount they give you upfront
[06:00] How to manage the money flow in a renovation or fractional note
[08:00] Rich’s exact process for handling loans from start to finish

Follow Rich Lennon here:
Website: https://richlennon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/