Ever posted something online and thought, “This is wild, but let’s see what happens?" That’s exactly what Rich Lennon did when he casually asked for $500,000 on Facebook. What followed wasn’t just surprising, it revealed some powerful truths about trust, money, and how this business works behind the scenes.

In this episode, Rich Lennon unpacks the story behind the post, the unexpected reactions he got, and the lessons every lender or investor needs to hear. Whether you’ve got money on the streets or you’re just starting, this one’s packed with real talk and sharp takeaways. Want to dig deeper into the world of private lending? Join our lending group and get the inside scoop on deals, structure, and community.

You’ll Learn How To:

•  Handle big money asks the right way
•  Protect your relationships with your lending partners
•  Recognize when it's smarter to self-fund a deal
•  Spot red flags before taking on new money
•  Build trust with “lazy money” so they keep reinvesting with you

Who This Episode Is For:

•  Private lenders who want to build long-term trust and returns
•  Real estate investors navigating tricky money conversations
•  Newbies in the lending space who want to learn from real-world stories

Why You Should Listen:

This isn’t a theory-based episode. It’s a real, unfiltered moment in Rich Lennon’s lending life. You’ll walk away with a better sense of how to navigate financial curveballs, manage investor relationships with integrity, and make smart calls under pressure.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] Why Rich posted a $500K ask on Facebook

[01:00] The backstory of the million-dollar deal and the urgent phone call

[03:00] How to respond when an investor wants their money back—fast

[04:30] Why short responses signal serious money

[05:00] The importance of history and trust in high-stakes lending

[06:00] Why Rich turned down new money—even when people were offering

[08:00] Lessons on self-funding, investor protection, and slowing down

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

What do you do when your borrower won’t sell the house, won’t pay you back, and still thinks the market is on their side? Sometimes, being a good lender means being the adult in the room. In a market that's slowing down and stretching timelines, waiting things out could cost you big.

In this episode, Rich Lennon shares real stories from his lending portfolio situations where he had to step in, speak up, and protect his capital. If you’re a lender watching projects stall, this episode will show you how to take control.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot the warning signs that your borrower is stalling 
• Use shorter note terms to stay in control and reduce risk
• Have respectful but firm conversations when things go sideways
• Avoid emotional decision-making and protect your bottom line
• Coach flippers and landlords through tough market decisions
  
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• Private lenders are feeling nervous about long timelines or market shifts
• Anyone holding notes that are starting to stretch past their due date
• Real estate investors who want to lend smarter and stay ahead of the curve
  
  

Why You Should Listen:

When the market tightens, borrowers often hesitate, but hesitation costs money. This episode will give you real-world examples and the mindset you need to navigate tricky lending situations confidently and professionally. You’ll walk away knowing how to protect your capital without damaging relationships.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] Why lenders must step up when things get messy
[01:00] The chaos in today’s market and how to use it to your advantage
[03:00] Real borrower example: Holding out for 10K cost him way more
[06:00] What to say when borrowers stall or misuse funds
[08:00] The case for being firm and how to do it respectfully
[10:00] Reminding borrowers what it’s costing them to wait
[11:00] Why now’s the time to review your lending portfolio

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

What happens to everything you’ve worked so hard for when you’re gone? It’s not the happiest thing to think about, but if you’ve built even a modest amount of wealth, the truth is: ignoring this could cause your family more pain, stress, and conflict than you realize.

In this episode, Rich Lennon shares the *real* reason every investor (or future investor) needs a revocable living trust. It’s not about being rich, it’s about being responsible. He breaks down what a trust is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most powerful ways to protect your family and your legacy. Want to do right by the people you love? This is the episode to listen to.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand what a revocable living trust is
• Avoid probate and keep your financial life private
• Make sure your assets go to the right people, without drama
• Save your loved one's time, money, and stress when you’re gone
• Set up a trust, and what does it actually cost to do it right

Who This Episode Is For:

• Anyone who’s started to build wealth and wants to protect it
• Real estate investors who haven’t set up their estate plan yet
• Parents who want to make sure their kids are taken care of, no matter what

Why You Should Listen:

A will isn’t enough. And too many good people leave behind a mess simply because they didn’t know better. Rich Lennon unpacks what he’s learned over the years of building wealth and losing friends too soon, so you can take action now, not later. Walk away with peace of mind and a clear next step.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] The story that changed how Rich Lennon thinks about legacy

[01:00] Why wealth isn’t just a blessing, it’s a responsibility

[03:00] The one document that makes all the difference

[05:00] What a trust actually does (and why a will isn’t enough)

[07:00] What it costs, how long it takes, and why it’s worth it

[09:00] Final thoughts and how to get started today

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

Think lending money is the fastest path to building wealth? It can be, but only if you do it the right way. Every week, people lose tens of thousands of dollars simply because they lack the necessary paperwork, structure, or support. And after hearing from two more people who were taken advantage of, Rich Lennon knew it was time to speak up.

In this episode, wealth strategist and private lending expert Rich Lennon reveals why lending can be one of the fastest and safest ways to build long-term wealth, provided it is done properly. He breaks down the exact steps to protect yourself, structure deals the right way, and avoid the costly mistakes that wipe out investors. If you’re sitting on idle cash or looking for a more secure way to grow your money, this episode shows you how to do it through lending and doing it the right way, so you don’t get taken advantage of.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Avoid the most common mistakes new lenders make
• Understand what “first position” means and why it matters
• Use the right documents to protect yourself and your money
• Fractionalize investments to boost returns and reduce risk
• Plug into a trusted community with education, support, and group calls
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• People with extra cash who want it to grow (without guessing)
• Investors who’ve been burned before and want to do it right next time
• Anyone looking for a smarter, safer path to financial freedom
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
This episode can save you from losing tens of thousands of dollars literally. Rich shares real stories of what not to do, then walks you through a system that’s helping people like you succeed. If you want to build wealth the right way, this is the kind of episode that makes a real difference.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] – Why Rich felt the urgent need to speak up after two people lost big
[01:00] – What he's learned from working with 1-on-1 clients and building a beta group
[02:40] – Why he's reopening the group and what it's designed to teach
[04:00] – What private lending really looks like, and how to do it safely
[05:15] – The importance of doing first-position loans (and what that even means)
[06:00] – The power of group calls, community, and getting your questions answered
[07:11] – How to stay safe from hackers and protect your payoffs
[08:12] – Where to get started: Download 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 happens when your lending partner takes everything and leaves you with nothing? In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down a real deal gone wrong involving a private lender who brought in a partner for a $20,000 second-position loan and ultimately wiped them out during foreclosure. The borrower never worked on the property, and the first-position lender foreclosed, recouping their full amount while leaving their partner with nothing. 

Rich emphasizes the moral responsibility of those who structure deals, especially when using other people's money (OPM), and highlights how mistakes in loan structure, foreclosure sequence, and partner communication can permanently damage reputations and tax-advantaged accounts, such as self-directed IRAs.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Evaluate the real risks of second-position lending
• Structure deals to protect your partners and reputation
• Make ethically sound decisions even when legally protected
• Use foreclosures correctly to avoid harming others

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 01:16 – 01:38- What second position exposes investors to
• 01:41 – 02:23- If you’re putting the deal together, take responsibility
• 03:32 – 04:15- How the first position foreclosure can be morally wrong
• 04:20 – 06:13- Why foreclosing from the second can protect everyone
• 06:57 – 07:37- The IRA trap: tax-free, now value-free
• 08:02 – 08:32- Why legal action is rarely feasible for small loans
• 09:02 – 09:44- Moral consequences of using OPM irresponsibly

Who This Episode is For:

• Private money lenders using self-directed IRAs
• New investors partnering on real estate loans
• Experienced lenders lending in the second position
• Anyone considering using OPM (Other People’s Money)
   

Why You Should Listen:

This episode challenges conventional thinking on deal-making ethics, exposing how legal doesn't always mean right. If you want to build a sustainable lending business that protects partners, reputation, and returns, this is essential listening.

Follow Rich Lennon here:

Website: https://richlennon.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

Is $10K enough to earn 30–50% returns in private lending? Many new investors hope so, but Rich Lennon reveals why starting with too little could backfire ethically and financially. In this episode, he breaks down the real cost to lend responsibly, the two rules that matter most, and how to structure deals that protect your partners. If you're serious about private lending, this nine-minute masterclass will sharpen your thinking and strategy.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Evaluate first-position vs second-position loans
• Understand the true capital required to protect your partner and returns
• Avoid risky structures with imbalanced moral positioning
• Use fractional lending responsibly and ethically

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• 00:04 – 00:21 How much do I need to start lending?
• 00:34 – 01:09 First position is non-negotiable (Rule #1).
• 01:16 – 02:29 Median home price determines lending base
• 02:36 – 02:49 Fractional lending done right with real numbers
• 03:42 – 05:08 Lazy money shouldn’t take first losses
• 05:18 – 05:58 Bad practices in payment structure flagged
• 06:22 – 08:16 How much skin is enough? (Rule #2)
• 08:28 – 09:08 Payments, protection, and partner-first structures

Who This Episode is For:

• New private lenders evaluating initial deal structures
• Passive investors seeking to partner in loan deals
• Real estate entrepreneurs exploring lending as a strategy
• Ethical investors who care about partner protection

Why You Should Listen:

Rich Lennon doesn’t sugarcoat it. This episode reveals exactly how much capital you need to safely earn high returns — and the two critical rules that make or break deals. It’s not just about how much money you bring, but how you protect your partners while earning those high yields.

Follow Rich Lennon here:

Website: https://richlennon.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rich.lennon.121

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richlennon92/

Is passing down your rental properties the best way to build generational wealth? Most real estate investors assume their legacy will live on through their properties, but what if that decision does more harm than good?

In this episode, wealth strategist and real estate expert Rich Lennon reveals why leaving rental properties to your kids or spouse can actually create chaos, conflict, and lost equity. He breaks down what often goes wrong and shares more innovative legacy strategies that protect your wealth and your family. If you want to pass on value, not problems—this one’s for you.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Avoid family drama when passing down property
• Understand why inherited rentals often lose value
• Use “paper” (notes and seller financing) as a better alternative
• Set up long-term notes that generate income for your heirs
• Protect your equity with a solid exit strategy

Who This Episode Is For:

• Real estate investors thinking about legacy planning
• Landlords with multiple properties
• Parents who want to leave behind wealth, not headaches
• Financial planners working with real estate clients
• Entrepreneurs planning for their family’s future

Why You Should Listen:

You’ve spent years building wealth through real estate, but the wrong exit strategy could undo everything. Rich explains how traditional inheritance approaches often backfire, leading to mismanaged properties, family tension, and lost equity. He offers a clear path forward that keeps your hard-earned assets in the family while removing the burden from your loved ones.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview
• 00:27 Challenges of Inheriting Rentals
• 01:31 Conflicts and Mismanagement
• 03:54 Alternative Strategies for Wealth Transfer
• 05:13 Benefits of Mortgage Notes
• 07:44 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
• 08:59 Conclusion and Resources

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 double your retirement savings every three years without working overtime or taking big risks? It’s not a gimmick. It’s a real strategy used by real investors, and it all starts with understanding how to make your IRA work smarter for you.

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich Lenon breaks down how to grow your retirement savings using self-directed IRAs, money lending, and the Rule of 72. He shares why reaching your first $100K is such a key milestone and how it can open the door to long-term, tax-free wealth. Stick around to learn how this simple strategy can set you up for real freedom in retirement, plus grab Rich’s free Smarter Wealth Blueprint.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Hit your first $100K in investable retirement income
• Use the “Rule of 72” to double your money efficiently
• Set up and grow a self-directed IRA
• Make passive income by lending money backed by real estate
• Retire tax-free with a solid game plan that most people don’t talk about

Who This Episode Is For:

• People in their 30s, 40s, or 50s planning for real financial freedom
• Real estate investors looking for smarter retirement tools
• Anyone curious about how to actually live off their IRA in the future

Why You Should Listen:

• Because most people don’t realize there’s a better way to grow their retirement savings, and this episode lays it all out. If you're tired of slow gains, feeling stuck with your IRA, or just unsure how to actually live off your money one day, Rich gives you a clear path forward. He shares a proven strategy that real people are using right now to retire earlier, tax-free, and with a lot more peace of mind.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 00:00 The First Million
• 00:20 The Hardest Money to Make
• 01:12 Building Wealth with IRAs
• 03:25 The Power of Self-Directed IRAs
• 04:33 Doubling Your Money: The Rule of 72
• 05:49 A Strategy for Retirement
• 07:49 Final Thoughts and Resources

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

Is it really possible to double your IRA every year, even if you’re starting small? According to real estate investor and wealth strategist Rich Lenon, it is. And no, it’s not through gambling or risky investing. It’s through smart strategy, the right structure, and a little-known retirement account called a self-directed IRA (SDIRA).

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich walks you through the foundational tools you need to grow your IRA with confidence, especially when investing in real estate. From land trusts to joint venture agreements, he breaks down what you need, why it matters, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Listen until the end to get a free resource: The Smarter Wealth Blueprint.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Use a self-directed IRA to invest in real estate deals
• Double your IRA balance year over year (starting with just $6,000)
• Structure your investment using land trusts
• Partner with LLCs or other IRAs to fund deals
• Protect yourself with clear joint venture agreements

Who This Episode Is For:

• Beginners with small IRAs who want to grow them fast
• Real estate investors exploring alternative retirement strategies
• Anyone confused about paperwork, tax rules, and deal structures

Why You Should Listen:

Rich makes something that sounds complicated, like self-directed IRAs, feel doable and straightforward. You’ll understand how to grow your retirement savings without traditional stock market strategies, and you’ll hear real examples of how to avoid common traps. If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a smarter way to grow my money,” this is it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Goals
• 00:13 – Understanding IRAs
• 00:32 – Techniques to Double Your IRA
• 01:10 – Paperwork and Structure
• 02:10 – Land Trusts and Partnerships
• 03:46 – Key Components of a Land Trust
• 07:19 – Joint Venture Agreements
• 09:32 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 you’re chasing great returns, making smart moves, but your wealth just isn’t growing fast enough? You’re not alone, and the problem might be your focus on ROI.

In this episode, Rich Lennon reveals why Return on Investment (ROI) is actually the least important of the “big three” financial measures nd what you should be focusing on instead. He makes a strong case for shifting your attention to yield (your accurate annual return) and, more importantly, return on wealth, a metric that drives long-term financial growth.

Through real-life examples and personal insights, Rich shows how rebalancing your portfolio and strategically deploying your money can massively boost your wealth over time. Even substantial ROI numbers can be misleading if your money is idle, and this episode shows you how to fix that.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot the difference between ROI and yield, and why yield is key to real growth
• Calculate your return on wealth, the accurate measure of financial progress
• Avoid common traps that keep your money stagnant (like your home or idle cash)
• Rebalance your portfolio to grow faster without changing your lifestyle
• Apply the real-world strategies Rich uses to 10x his wealth growth

Who This Episode Is For:

• Investors are stuck chasing ROI with little to show for it
• Real estate, lending, or market investors wanting better results
• Anyone ready to build serious wealth and stop spinning their wheels

Why You Should Listen:

This episode will flip your perspective if you're tired of the same old investment advice. Rich shares his exact framework to multiply wealth by focusing less on ROI and more on where your money is working (or sitting still). This episode delivers the mindset and strategy if you want real financial growth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 00:00 Introduction: The Least Important of the Big Three
• 00:22 Understanding Return on Investment (ROI)
• 01:15 The Importance of Yield Over ROI
• 02:29 Focusing on Return on Wealth
• 04:55 Balancing Your Portfolio for Maximum Growth
• 08:45 Conclusion: Tracking and Growing Your Wealth

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