In this segment, Andy Webb discusses a 2023 Pew Research Center report showing that while 54% of Americans feel confident in their financial knowledge, many struggle with creating an investment plan. He highlights the gap in this critical skill and stresses the importance of a solid investment strategy. Andy emphasizes how Lifestyles Unlimited helps individuals develop their investment plans, especially in real estate, by providing education, mentorship, and support in mindset, financial goals, and personal financial statements.

Al Gordon emphasizes the importance of setting SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.  He explains that having clear, defined goals is crucial for achieving success in any area of life, from personal aspirations to financial planning.  Al stresses the significance of documenting goals, holding oneself accountable, and regularly reviewing progress. He encourages listeners to apply these principles not only to financial goals but to all areas of their lives.
 

Al Gordon explores the history and regulatory background of duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, noting that they were once categorized as single-family homes, despite having multiple units. These properties arose from a demand for income-generating assets, built by individuals seeking to create sustainable revenue streams. Gordon highlights the potential of investing in plexes as a means of achieving passive income and financial freedom. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging educational resources from Lifestyles Unlimited to gain knowledge about the best strategies for acquiring and managing these types of investment properties.

Al Gordon is joined by April, who shares her real estate investing journey, emphasizing the management of properties remotely. She reveals that, aside from her first property, which she visited during a Lifestyles single-family road trip, she has never visited any other properties in person. Instead, she purchases properties based on photos and videos. Technology, such as remote key locks and cameras, plays a pivotal role in allowing prospective tenants to view properties without her being there in person. April underscores the critical importance of a strong and reliable team in making this remote management approach successful.
 

Del is joined by April, who discusses how she got into real estate during a difficult period in her life. Her first two property purchases were driven more by circumstances than a planned investment strategy, arising from a combination of need and opportunity. After reconnecting with a successful Lifestyles Unlimited member, April decided to take control of her financial future and pursue real estate investing. She enrolled in Lifestyles’ online two-day seminar, which aligned with her learning style, though she missed in-person networking opportunities. By the end of 2024, April had built a portfolio of ten units using the “chunking” strategy to reinvest profits, establishing a path toward financial independence.

Mike Harrison hosts Blake and Chris, members who transitioned from passive single-family investments to Lead investors in Multifamily properties. They reflect on their journey, acknowledging the persistence and growth required despite facing doubts and hardships. They emphasize the importance of balancing the needs of residents, investors, and lenders. To navigate uncertainties, they rely on a strong network of mentors, consultants, and personal contacts, ensuring they have the support needed to make informed decisions.

Andy Webb is discussing the importance of setting concrete goals for real estate investing, focusing on both cash flow and wealth building for the upcoming year. He emphasizes setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. He encourages listeners to set goals around key aspects of their real estate journey, such as meeting new people, attending events, and expanding their investment portfolios.

In this deeply emotional segment, Al Gordon honors the memory of his dear friend and mentor, Peter Nearman, a member of the Lifestyles Unlimited community. Al reflects on their profound connection, noting that they both shared similar experiences with spinal injuries. Peter’s mentorship extended beyond just business advice—he provided emotional support, demonstrating how true friendship and shared life experiences can deeply impact individuals. While Peter’s passing creates a void within the community, Al emphasizes that Peter’s legacy endures through the lessons he imparted and the lasting influence he had on those around him.
 

Al Gordon reflects on the holiday season, emphasizing the choices people make about participation and the potential impact on family dynamics. He contrasts this with the rigid demands of traditional employment, where companies often prioritize their needs over employees’ personal lives. Highlighting a scenario where an employer disrupts holiday plans, Al underscores how real estate investing can provide the control and freedom to prioritize what truly matters, enabling individuals to reclaim their time and enhance their quality of life.

Del Walmsley discusses the challenge many face in knowing the right steps but failing to take consistent action to achieve success. He reflects on how age and a slowing pace can make it harder to recover from past financial missteps, especially when preparing for retirement. Del emphasizes that real estate investing offers wealth-building potential, but the key to success is having a clear plan and focusing on the right opportunities, rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day tasks.