Scott Yamamura is a communication and design expert with over 25 years of experience, a Fortune 15 background, and numerous industry awards. As a certified financial coach and author of Financial Epiphany, Scott leverages his creative expertise to cut through financial jargon and help everyday people gain practical control over their money. Based near Seattle, Scott is passionate about making personal finance accessible and empowering others to take charge of their financial futures.

On this episode we talk about:

– Scott’s journey from newspaper routes and teaching skateboard lessons to becoming a financial coach and author

– Why most people find money intimidating and how Scott overcame his own financial fears

– The “dartboard” approach to aligning your career with your passions

– The Five C’s of Financial Debt: Card, Car, College, Condo, and Cake—and how to avoid their traps

– The importance of having a plan for your money before the world makes one for you

– How compounding interest works for (or against) you, and why early investing is critical

– Simple, actionable rules for building wealth and achieving financial wellness

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Start with Defense: If you don’t have a plan for your money, the world does—and it’s not in your favor. Avoid the common debt traps and play strong financial defense.

2. Harness Compounding Early: Investing early in your career gives you the “power of 16”—money invested at age 22 can multiply 16 times by retirement, but that power halves every decade you wait.

3. Gamify Your Finances: Treat your financial journey like a game—learn the rules, avoid the traps, and celebrate small wins to build lasting wealth and peace of mind.

Notable Quotes

“If you don’t have a plan for your money, the world has a plan for your money—and it’s coming for you.”

“Instant gratification lasts a day, but financial wellness is gratifying every day.”

“Money is overwhelming for most people, but if you just know a few simple rules, you can take confident action and watch your money grow.”

Connect with Scott Yamamura:

financialepiphany.com

🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.

🚀 Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.

🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices