Most private lenders believe that default is something to be avoided at all costs. The truth? Smart lenders actually use default as a built-in safeguard to stay in control of their money, their deals, and their outcomes.

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich Lennon explains why default isn’t a worst-case scenario; it’s a protection tool. He walks through the exact terms, clauses, and penalties he builds into every loan so that if a borrower slips, he has the power to step in quickly and protect his capital. Want Rich’s complete playbook? 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Write strong default terms into your notes and deeds of trust
• Use penalties and default rates that actually protect you, not just 1–2% bumps
• Protect construction draws and add safeguards for big rehab projects
• Trigger default through balloon dates, missed payments, or unpaid insurance/taxes
• Cross-collateralize loans so one bad deal doesn’t sink you 

Who This Episode Is For:

• New lenders who want clear, protective language in their first deals
• Investors who’ve been lending informally and need stronger safeguards
• Anyone serious about protecting their capital while still earning significant returns 

Why You Should Listen:
Default isn’t something to fear; it’s something to plan for. This episode will give you the clarity to write loan terms that keep you in control, no matter what happens with your borrower. You’ll walk away with practical tools to secure your money, protect your properties, and lend with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 [00:00] Why default is your ultimate safety net
 [01:00] The legal definition of default and how it protects lenders
 [02:00] Why low default penalties are a huge mistake
 [04:00] The 10% construction draw penalty that saves lenders thousands
 [05:00] Balloon dates: why Rich prefers six months instead of a year
 [06:00] Missed insurance and property taxes as automatic defaults
 [07:00] Cross-collateralization: default on one = default on all
 [08:00] Why secondary liens and owner-occupied loans are deal killers
[09:00] How bankruptcy or conservatorship can trigger default
 [10:00] Why you should design loans to allow defaults by choice, not chance

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

With the market shifting and money tightening, a lot of people are asking the same question: Is now really the right time to be a private money lender, or the worst?

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down what today’s market means for private lenders and why uncertainty can actually create some of the best opportunities. He shares the exact principles and safeguards he uses to protect his money, avoid unnecessary risk, and still generate strong returns, even when the headlines say otherwise. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand why real estate moves more slowly and safely than stocks and crypto
• Avoid risky properties and focus on good houses in good neighborhoods
• Use reverse draws and borrower skin-in-the-game to minimize risk
• See why liquidity is power, and how to be the solution when others can’t lend
• Lend at a discount to stay safe and under the median sales price
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• Investors worried about losing money in a shifting market
• Private lenders who want to lend safely without overexposure
• Anyone looking for consistent, secure returns backed by tangible assets
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
Market uncertainty doesn’t mean you should sit on the sidelines. In fact, it may be one of the best times to lend, if you know how to do it right. This episode will give you the clarity and confidence to navigate today’s challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth and security.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] The big question: is now a good or bad time to lend?
[01:00] Why market illiquidity creates opportunities for lenders
[02:00] How do up markets vs. down markets impact investors and lenders differently
[04:00] Why real estate is slower and safer than the stock market
[05:00] Why lending below the median sales price protects you
[07:00] Why good houses in good neighborhoods always sell
[08:00] How recessions create more opportunities for private lenders
[09:00] Why it’s always a good time to be a private money lender

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

Not all borrowers are created equal. Some will make you consistent, predictable returns, and others could cost you everything. The difference often comes down to understanding exactly who you’re lending to.

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich Lennon breaks down the two main types of private lending clients you’ll encounter: real estate investors and lazy money clients. He dives deep into the subtypes of investors, from first-time flippers to experienced operators to those scaling aggressively, and reveals which ones can help you grow your wealth safely, and which ones carry red flags you can’t ignore. Want the exact blueprint Rich uses to lend safely and profitably? 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot the difference between safe borrowers and risky ones
• Understand why newbie flippers can sometimes be better clients than veterans
• Structure deals so borrowers always have skin in the game
  Recognize the warning signs of scaling investors who may be overleveraged
• Protect yourself with strategies like reverse draws and life insurance policies

Who This Episode Is For:

• New private lenders looking to understand who they should and shouldn’t lend to
• Investors who want to grow their lending business without unnecessary risk
• Anyone seeking a clear framework to protect capital while earning strong returns

Why You Should Listen:
Your money is only as safe as the borrower you trust it with. This episode gives you the clarity to choose clients wisely, protect your capital, and build a lending business that lasts. Instead of guessing who’s a good borrower, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to look for, and what to avoid.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] Why scaling investors can be both your best and riskiest clients
[01:00] The two main types of private lending clients you’ll encounter
[02:00] How real estate investors create opportunities through distressed properties
[04:00] The three types of fix-and-flip borrowers: newbie, experienced, and scaling
[06:00] Why skin in the game is non-negotiable for any borrower
[08:00] Red flags that scaling investors may be running on shaky numbers
[09:00] How to protect yourself with clear terms and smart safeguards

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

If you don’t understand the paperwork, you shouldn’t be lending money. Period. Two key documents stand between you and losing your shirt on a bad deal, and most new lenders barely know what they say.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down the note and deed of trust or mortgage, depending on your state in plain English. You’ll learn what they do, what they protect, and what absolutely must be in them before you ever wire a single dollar. Whether you’re lending for the first time or tightening up your process, this episode will help you stay protected. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand the difference between a note and a deed of trust (and why both matter)
• Write clear, enforceable loan terms that protect you as the lender
• Avoid lending to owner-occupants and stay compliant with federal regulations
• Require proper insurance, tax payments, and personal guarantees to reduce risk
• Record your lien correctly so you can foreclose if needed
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• New private lenders who want to avoid costly rookie mistakes
• Experienced investors who need to tighten up their loan paperwork
• Anyone looking to protect their money and sleep better at night
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
Too many lenders jump into their first deal without fully understanding the documents that make their loan enforceable. This episode gives you the clarity you need to lend with confidence, avoid unnecessary risk, and protect your capital in any market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] Why are these two documents the foundation of safe lending
[01:00] The note: what it is, what it says, and why it’s private
[02:00] Key terms every note should include (interest, points, payment schedule)
[04:00] Why first-position lending is the safest move
 [05:00] Insurance and tax requirements that protect your investment
 [06:00] The importance of personal guarantees
 [07:00] The deed of trust or mortgage: your public-facing protection
 [08:00] How does this document give you the right to foreclose if needed
 [09:00] Why getting educated first is the smartest money move you can make

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

You can’t build wealth without freedom. And right now, a new executive order is threatening one of our most fundamental rights, the kind that keeps your wealth safe and protected.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks his usual no politics rule to talk about a controversial executive order and why it should matter to every investor, lender, and entrepreneur. This isn’t about taking sides; it’s about understanding how government overreach can threaten the very freedom you rely on to grow and protect your money. If you’ve ever wondered how politics could actually impact your wealth, this is a must-listen.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand why freedom and wealth are inseparable
• Spot the warning signs when government actions threaten property rights
• Think like a steward of your wealth, beyond just making money
• Protect your assets if things head in the wrong direction
• Stay principled and proactive, even when politics gets messy

Who This Episode Is For:

• Private lenders who want to keep their money safe, not just grow it
• Business owners and investors who care about long-term wealth protection
• Anyone who feels uneasy about where the country is headed 

Why You Should Listen:
This episode isn’t about party lines; it’s about protecting the freedom that makes wealth possible in the first place. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of why this moment matters, and how to stay ahead of changes that could impact your money, your family, and your future.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] Why freedom is the foundation of wealth-building
[01:00] The executive order that sparked this episode
[02:00] What China can teach us about wealth without freedom
[04:00] The Supreme Court precedent that protects this right
[06:00] Why letting the executive branch bypass the Constitution is dangerous
[08:00] How government overreach puts your financial security at risk
[09:00] Why Rich believes every wealth builder should pay attention now

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

What if you could slash your tax bill, keep more of what you earn, and grow your wealth even faster, all without working harder?

In this episode, Rich Lennon shares the big pivot he’s made in his own investing strategy over the last few months, and why it’s putting him in a position to win big while others sit on the sidelines. He breaks down how he’s combining private lending with strategic property buys to create cash flow and massive tax advantages. If you’re tired of feeling crushed every April, this episode could change the way you look at your entire business.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Use cost segregation and bonus depreciation to legally lower your taxable income
• Turn rental properties into powerful tax shelters, even if flipping is your main business
• Spot the opportunity when other investors are leaving the market
• Balance lending, flipping, and holding for maximum financial benefit
• Build a strategy that keeps your money working while minimizing your tax burden

Who This Episode Is For:

• Private lenders and investors who are tired of giving so much away to taxes
• Flippers and wholesalers who want to keep more of their profits
• Anyone looking for a smarter way to combine investing strategies for wealth building

Why You Should Listen:
This episode isn’t just about making more money; it’s about keeping more of what you already make. Rich shares exactly how he’s using the tax code to protect his income, create paper losses, and set his family up for long-term wealth. If you’ve ever wondered how wealthy investors seem to legally pay so little in taxes, you’ll walk away with the blueprint.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] The big pivot Rich made and why
[02:00] Why investors are leaving the market, and why that’s a buying opportunity [04:00] The tax benefits that made Rich jump back into buying homes
[06:00] How cost segregation and bonus depreciation really work
[07:00] Real-life numbers: turning $200K in profit into $20K of taxable income
[09:00] How to apply losses to other revenue streams like lending
[10:00] Why this strategy is Rich’s #1 wealth-building move right now

Follow Rich Lennon here:

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

Ever feel like traditional investing keeps you trapped waiting on the market, watching your account swing, and hoping for a good year? That's how Rich Lennon feels. That’s why he left it behind for good.

In this episode, Rich Lennon shares six powerful reasons why private money lending has completely changed his life and one honest reality check he still wrestles with. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to step off the Wall Street rollercoaster and take control of your money, this one’s for you. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Build a business (and a life) that lets you put your kids on the bus every morning
• Create freedom in your schedule so you don’t make business decisions after 2 PM
• Travel without worrying about money stopping while you’re gone
• Surround yourself with high-level, like-minded people who push you to grow
• Use tax-free vehicles to compound your money at 30%+ returns
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• Investors are tired of waiting for the market to recover to feel wealthy
• People are craving more control, flexibility, and freedom in their schedule
• Anyone curious about how to replace the grind with a lifestyle business that works anywhere
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
This episode isn’t just about making more money; it's about taking back your time, designing your day, and creating true financial security. You’ll walk away knowing why private lending beats traditional investing and what trade-offs to expect if you make the leap.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] Why this topic hit home as my kids went back to school
[01:00] The freedom private lending gives me to design my mornings
[02:00] How I teach others without creating competitors
[03:00] Reclaiming afternoons and avoiding burnout decisions
[04:00] How I travel without sacrificing income
[06:00] The kind of people private lending puts in your circle
 [07:00] Building wealth tax-free and why it matters
 [08:00] The one struggle I still face as a lender and how I handle it

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

What happens when politics, the Fed, and real estate collide? Currently, Powell and Trump are at odds over interest rates, and while most investors are sitting on the sidelines, savvy private lenders see a significant opportunity.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down the noise around interest rates, the housing market, and why speculation can destroy your wealth. More importantly, he’ll show you how to think like a lender who wins by staying conservative, protecting your money, and capitalizing on opportunities that others overlook. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot the difference between speculation and real investing
• Understand what the Fed actually controls and what it doesn’t
• See why lower Fed rates don’t guarantee lower mortgage rates
• Protect your money when borrowers gamble on future price increases
• Use history and a little contrarian thinking to make smarter lending decisions
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• Private lenders worried about rising risk in a confusing market
• Investors who want clarity instead of hype and speculation
• Anyone who doesn’t want to repeat the mistakes of 2008 flippers

Why You Should Listen:
The market is loud with opinions, predictions, and hype, but wealth is built on facts, discipline, and clear strategy. This episode helps you cut through the noise, understand what’s really happening, and position yourself to profit while others get caught in speculation. You’ll leave with more confidence, clarity, and control over your lending decisions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] The flipper call that sparked this conversation
[01:00] Powell vs. Trump, what’s really at stake with Fed rates
[02:00] What the Fed actually controls and what investors get wrong
[04:00] Why mortgage rates follow the 10-year treasury, not Fed announcements
[06:00] Why contrarian investing matters now more than ever
[07:00] The real affordability crisis, and it’s not just interest rates
 [09:00] Why speculation is dangerous for flippers and lenders too
 [10:00] How to protect yourself and stay conservative in uncertain times

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

What if you could grow your money safely, quickly, and with more control than the stock market will ever give you? Sounds bold, but private money lending makes it possible.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down the top 8 reasons he believes private money lending is the best investment vehicle out there. From real-life security to community impact to the returns you can actually count on, you’ll learn why this strategy beats traditional investing hands down. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Protect your money with smart loan-to-value ratios
• Avoid the rollercoaster of stocks and crypto by investing in real assets
• Lend in a way that’s flexible, short-term, and secure
• Create opportunities for borrowers while building long-term wealth for yourself
• Put your money into something that’s safe, tangible, and backed by real property
  
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• Anyone frustrated with stock market volatility and paper wealth
• Investors looking for safer, higher-yield strategies
• People who want their money to not only grow but also make a real impact in communities
  
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
Private money lending isn’t just about earning a strong return; it’s about control, security, and freedom. Unlike stocks or syndications, you can see and touch the asset your money is tied to. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of why this approach works and how to get started with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 [00:00] Why private money lending beats other investment vehicles
 [01:00] How lending at 60% loan-to-value protects your capital
 [02:00] Why real estate moves slower (and safer) than the stock market
 [03:00] The importance of investing in properties you can actually touch
 [04:00] How short loan terms give you flexibility and control
 [05:00] The life-changing impact lending has on borrowers and families
 [06:00] How private lenders help rebuild communities
 [07:00] Liquidity and options for getting your money back early
 [08:00] Why private lending gives you real security in uncertain times

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

What makes a good flipper? And how do we know if we're doing a good job and providing a good service?

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich Lennon breaks down the role of private money lenders and the value they bring to real estate investors. From understanding how flippers make their profits to exploring the borrower strategy of buying, renovating, and refinancing, Rich explains how lending creates a true win-win for everyone involved.

You’ll Learn How To:
• Aim for a 70% loan-to-after-repair value (ARV) when buying properties.

• Breakdown expenses in a typical $300,000 flip, from closing to holding costs.
• Identify the actual clients of private lenders and how to create a win-win partnership.
• Start building your own private money lending business.

•The difference between the “flipper”  and the “borrower”.

Who This Episode Is For:
• The flipper, as the person who buys a house, does some construction work on that house, forces appreciation.
• The real estate agents as they get their cash flow.
•Anyone seeking financial freedom who wants more control over their money and long-term wealth-building opportunities.

•Real estate investors looking for funding strategies.

Why You Should Listen:

Discover how private money lending creates consistent returns, fuels real estate deals, and builds true win-win partnerships. In this episode, you’ll learn the real numbers behind house flipping, why banks won’t fund these projects, and how you can step into the gap to grow wealth and gain financial freedom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

( 1:19)Introduction to “The Private Money Lender’s One Specific Client.”

(3:39 ) The 70% rule in house flipping and how investors calculate offers and manage risk.

(4:31) A complete breakdown of costs in a flip, including lending, closing, and carrying expenses, and what flippers actually take home.

(5:17) Breaking down the flippers' sales via percentage and their closing cost.

(7:50 ) The two types of real estate investor clients: flippers and BRRRR borrowers, and how each creates long-term wealth opportunities.

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