Ever wonder why your payoff amount is higher than you expected, even when you close on time? The truth is, most borrowers and lenders are getting hit with hidden fees they don’t even know exist. Closing companies are quietly padding the bill, and it’s costing investors thousands in unnecessary interest.

In this episode, Rich Lennon exposes how closing companies’ internal mistakes and slow processes end up costing you real money, and what you can do to stop it. If you’re a lender, flipper, or real estate investor, this conversation could easily save you $1,500 or more on your next deal. Don’t miss this one, it’s time to reclaim your power and your profits.  

You’ll Learn How To:  

• Spot the hidden costs that closing companies never disclose  
• Avoid unnecessary interest charges that eat into your profits  
• Ask the right questions before closing to protect yourself  
• Understand how wiring delays and overnight checks quietly cost you money  
• Choose title companies that prioritize your money, not their convenience  

Who This Episode Is For:  

• Real estate investors and private lenders are tired of surprise closing costs  
• House flippers frustrated with delayed fund transfers  
• Anyone looking to protect their returns and take control of the closing process  

Why You Should Listen:  

Most investors lose money not because of bad deals, but because of small, hidden costs they don’t even notice. This episode reveals how to prevent that, giving you the clarity, confidence, and tools to make sure every dollar you earn actually ends up in your account.  

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  

[00:00] Why hidden title company fees are quietly draining your profits  

[02:00] How delayed wires and overnight checks add costly interest days  

[05:00] The importance of asking payoff-through-date questions  

[07:00] Why most title companies don’t trust their own wire process  

[09:00] The $1,500 mistake that borrowers and lenders keep repeating  

[10:00] How to protect yourself and choose the right closing partners  

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 almost ready to make your first private money loan, but something keeps holding you back? You’re not alone. Most investors never take that first step because they don’t have the right systems, people, and mindset in place.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down the five essential things every new private lender needs before funding their first deal. These aren’t just theories; they’re the same steps his students use to confidently lend, protect their money, and earn 30%+ returns without sleepless nights.

 You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand your paperwork so you can lend with confidence
• Accurately determine property values before sending a single dollar
• Verify construction budgets and protect yourself from bad numbers
• Surround yourself with the right support, mentors, peers, and encouragers
• Develop the mindset and courage to finally hit send on your first loan
  
  

Who This Episode Is For:

• New investors who want to start lending but feel unsure where to begin
• Professionals are tired of watching their savings earn next to nothing
• Anyone who wants to build wealth safely while keeping full control of their money

 Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the perfect time to start lending, this episode is your sign. You’ll walk away with a clear checklist of what to have in place, how to protect your money, and the confidence to make your first loan the right way, without fear or guesswork.

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] Why most people hesitate before making their first loan
[01:00] The #1 confidence booster, understanding your paperwork
[02:00] How to evaluate the true value of a property and who to trust
[03:00] The key to confirming construction costs and avoiding surprises
[04:00] Why having the right circle makes or breaks new lenders
[05:00] The mindset shift needed to finally send your first wire
[07:00] How to connect with Rich for personalized guidance and next steps

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 biggest opportunity of your lifetime is sitting right in front of you, and you’re too afraid to use it? Whether we like it or not, AI is changing how business, investing, and wealth-building work. Ignore it, and you risk getting left behind.

In this episode, Rich Lennon breaks down why embracing AI isn’t optional if you want to stay relevant and grow your money in the years ahead. From a wild story about recruiters secretly using AI to hire candidates to the eerie moment an AI model tried to reproduce itself, Rich reveals what these real-world examples mean for investors, entrepreneurs, and everyday people trying to get ahead.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Use AI tools to work with you, not against you
• Spot how businesses are already leveraging AI to gain an edge
• Protect yourself from misinformation and bad AI habits online
• Think strategically about how AI can grow your wealth and save time
• Recognize early warning signs of where the tech and opportunity is headed 

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs and investors who want to stay ahead of the curve
• Professionals curious or cautious about how AI impacts their industry
• Anyone who wants to build wealth safely while adapting to big changes in tech
  
  

Why You Should Listen:
This isn’t a hype session; it’s a wake-up call. Rich breaks down what’s actually happening with AI, what it means for your financial future, and how to use it to your advantage before everyone else catches up. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of how to think, plan, and invest smarter in an AI-driven world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
 [00:00] Why ignoring AI could cost you your financial future
 [01:00] How recruiters are secretly using AI to find candidates
 [03:00] The clever LinkedIn experiment that exposed AI’s role in hiring
 [05:00] How to speak to AI models so they work in your favor
 [06:00] The shocking story of an AI model that tried to replicate itself
 [08:00] What this means for the future of tech, business, and investing
 [09:00] Rich’s takeaway: how to use AI intentionally without fear

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

Competition among private money lenders is heating up. Borrowers have more options, and if all you’re doing is competing on interest rates, you’ll eventually lose. The truth is, smart lenders don’t just lower rates; they employ strategies that make them more attractive to borrowers while still maintaining high returns.

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich Lennon shares two proven strategies that let you stay competitive in today’s lending market without sacrificing your profits. You’ll learn how to structure fractionalized notes to attract more borrowers, lower their costs, and actually increase your internal rate of return. 

You’ll Learn How To:

• Compete with other lenders without racing to the bottom on rates
• Use fractionalized notes to boost your returns while lowering borrower costs
• Adjust your money split in deals to increase your internal rate of return
• Stay attractive to borrowers by being flexible and strategic
• Build a repeatable system that grows your lending business in any market

Who This Episode Is For:

• New lenders are struggling to stand out in a crowded market
• Investors who want to lend smarter, not harder
• Anyone who wants to attract more deals while protecting their returns
  Why You Should Listen:

In a competitive lending environment, small tweaks can make the difference between getting passed over and being the borrower’s first choice. This episode gives you the tools to not only win more deals but also grow your wealth faster and with less risk. You’ll walk away with strategies you can use immediately to compete with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
[00:00] Why most lenders compete on rates, and why that’s a mistake
 [01:00] The hidden advantage of fractionalized notes
 [03:00] How to structure a deal to stay competitive without losing returns
 [05:00] Example: lowering rates but increasing your internal return
 [07:00] Why flexibility with money splits makes you more attractive
 [09:00] The one tradeoff to watch out for when fractionalizing notes
 [10:00] How to attract more borrowers while still hitting 30%+ returns

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

Private lending can be a safe and profitable way to build wealth if you know how to judge the risks. But even experienced lenders sometimes get uneasy when a deal doesn’t feel right. Knowing when that feeling is valid can help protect your money and keep your lending decisions smart.

In this episode of Growing The Money, Rich Lennon shares the key questions private lenders should ask before funding a deal, especially when the money isn’t going directly into the property. He explains how to evaluate the borrower, why free-and-clear assets matter, and the number one rule: protect your money first. Rich also breaks down how to spot red flags when borrowers come back for more and the simple legal tool every lender should know, the Substitution of Trustee.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Evaluate when it’s safe to lend against a free-and-clear property
• Decide whether to approve loans not used for property improvements
• Understand when it’s okay for borrowers to hold funds longer than planned
• Use the power of compounding to grow your returns faster
• Navigate the substitution of the trustee and foreclosure procedures with ease

Who This Episode Is For:

• Private lenders looking to strengthen their decision-making process
• Real estate investors managing or considering private lending deals
• New lenders are learning how to assess risk and protect their capital

Why You Should Listen:
Smart lenders know lending isn’t just about high returns. It’s about keeping your money safe. Knowing when to lend, how to protect your position, and how to handle unexpected borrower behavior can make the difference between steady growth and avoidable problems. This episode helps you identify the moments when being cautious isn’t fear, it’s just smart.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] Why your number one focus should be loan security

[03:00] Lending on free-and-clear properties can work well if structured properly

[04:00] Watch out for borrowers with inherited or unearned assets

[05:00] Always lend in first position — second position puts your money at risk

[06:00] Longer loan terms can be fine if your security is solid

[07:00] Collecting regular interest payments helps you build steady returns

[08:00] How a substitution of trustee can protect you in a foreclosure

[09:00] Why choosing the right trustee matters and how to change them if needed

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

 Most people believe saving for retirement means sacrificing their lifestyle today. But what if you could build long-term wealth and boost your cash flow right now? Rich Lennon challenges the common fear that growing your IRA means losing front pocket income and shows why the opposite can actually be true.

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich Lennon breaks down the difference between “front pocket money”, the cash you live on daily, and “back pocket money”, the wealth waiting to grow inside your IRA. He explains how to balance both without feeling like you’re giving something up, why self-directed IRAs are powerful wealth-building tools, and how compounding returns can turn even small contributions into a financial breakthrough.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Understand the key differences between front and back pocket money
• Use self-directed IRAs to grow wealth without relying on Wall Street
• Apply the “Rule of 72” to estimate how fast your money can double
• Avoid the mindset that retirement investing limits your lifestyle
• Create a long-term strategy that supports both present needs and future growth

Who This Episode Is For:

• Entrepreneurs and W2 earners looking to accelerate retirement growth
• Investors are curious about self-directed IRAs and how to control their money
• Anyone who feels “behind” in building their wealth
• Listeners who want a smarter way to balance cash flow and future freedom

Why You Should Listen:
Rich reveals the overlooked truth: investing in your IRA doesn’t take away from your front pocket — it can actually strengthen it. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by retirement planning or unsure where to start, this episode will change how you see your financial future. You’ll leave inspired to take control of your money, build real momentum, and grow wealth on your own terms.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] You can grow retirement wealth without hurting your daily cash flow

[01:00] Self-directed IRAs give you control over your investments — no banks, no Wall Street

[03:00] You must grow front pocket money and back pocket money at the same time for long-term success

[04:00] Front pocket money supports daily needs like bills and essentials

[05:00] Back pocket money grows from investments and the efforts of others

[06:00] Why $250K in your IRA puts you ahead of most people

[07:00] How the Rule of 72 turns patience into power

[09:00] How helping others with your wealth strengthens your own front pocket

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

Charlie Kirk’s sudden death shook the country and left many people struggling to process what it meant. For some, it was grief, for others confusion, but for all of us it was a reminder of how fragile life is and how divided we’ve become.

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich Lennon shares why he paused from business talk to reflect on what this moment reveals about echo chambers, human nature, and how we can choose to listen, forgive, and support one another even when we disagree.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Recognize your own echo chamber and why it limits growth
• Understand the impact of Charlie Kirk’s death on Gen Z and beyond
• Approach hard conversations with empathy, even when opinions clash
• See how social media amplifies bias and distorts perspectives
• Practice forgiveness as a powerful tool for healing communities

Who This Episode Is For:

• Listeners are struggling to process recent events and their social impact
• Parents who want to understand better what Gen Z is experiencing
• Anyone tired of divisive echo chambers seeking genuine dialogue
• People who want to build stronger, more empathetic communities

Why You Should Listen:
This isn’t just about politics or the media; it’s about humanity. Rich shares candid reflections on grief, division, and the search for understanding after a national tragedy. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to engage people who disagree with you or how to find forgiveness in painful moments, this episode offers perspective, compassion, and a call to step beyond our own walls.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] Why I paused the podcast after recent events

[01:03] How Charlie Kirk’s death impacted me and my community

[01:54] Echo chambers, confirmation bias, and social media

[03:29] Why Gen Z was deeply affected by Charlie Kirk’s death

[05:48] A disturbing video showing how kids are influenced

[08:18] Free speech, consequences, and the need for forgiveness

[10:08] Final reflections and moving forward

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

Private lending can be a goldmine for real estate investors, but it’s also full of pitfalls. Some lenders have habits that can quietly drain your profits, create headaches, or even put your deals at risk. 

In this episode of Growing the Money, Rich Lennon highlights seven common practices from other private lenders that make him cringe and that every borrower should be aware of. If you’ve ever felt unsure about a lender’s motives or wondered whether you’re getting a fair shake, this episode is your roadmap to spotting red flags early and partnering with lenders who are upfront, fair, and trustworthy.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Spot junk fees like application fees, origination fees, and prepaid points
• Avoid lenders who force you to use their attorney or charge construction draw fees
• Catch tactics that quietly raise a lender’s real return
• Recognize pushy marketing moves at meetups and events
• Work with lenders who are upfront and fair about costs and terms
   

Who This Episode Is For:

• Borrowers using private money for real estate deals
• Investors who want to understand how lenders really make money
• Anyone looking for cleaner, more transparent lending relationships

Why You Should Listen:
Private lending isn’t just about rates and points. It’s about trust, transparency, and knowing who you’re really working with. Hidden fees, unnecessary requirements, and sneaky tactics can quietly eat into your profits. These seven warning signs help you spot trustworthy lenders, avoid being nickel-and-dimed, and make smarter, safer decisions for your real estate deals.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

[00:00] Seven things that some bad lenders do and why it’s worth calling out

[00:44] The problem with application fees draining borrowers

[02:29] How forcing borrowers to use the lender’s attorney backfires

[03:23] Why origination fees hide the real loan cost

[04:14] The trick behind prepaying points to boost lender profits

[05:12] How aggressive meetup tactics reveal pushy lenders

[06:13] The hidden expense of construction draw fees

[07:18] Why borrowers shouldn’t pay lender wire transfer fees

[08:05] How trust matters more than rates or points

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

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/