Money Isn't

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

Whole life insurance is often dismissed as expensive or unnecessary, but when structured properly, it can become one of the most powerful tools in a long-term financial plan. In this episode of Money Isn’t, John Smallwood breaks down how whole life insurance works when it is integrated into a broader strategy rather than treated as a standalone product. Using real planning scenarios, John explains how whole life can reduce taxes, lower portfolio risk, provide reliable access to cash, and create stability during market downturns. This conversation reframes life insurance as a living asset that helps protect wealth, smooth retirement income, and support better financial decisions over an entire lifetime.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:06) The Core Problem With “Buy Term And Invest The Difference”

(06:22) The Scenario Setup, Income, Spending, And Time Horizon

(09:08) How Taxes Quietly Drain Compounding Over Decades

(14:20) Volatility And Fees, Why “Average Returns” Mislead People

(18:26) Term Insurance Is A Rental, And The Opportunity Cost Is Real

(28:52) The “Dirty Word”, What Whole Life 100 Actually Guarantees

(51:43) Using Whole Life As A Volatility Buffer Inside A Bigger Plan

What part of your financial plan would feel less stressful if you had guaranteed access to cash during a market downturn? Leave your answer in the comments below.

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

The biggest wealth opportunities reward those who shift perspective and execute early. In this episode of Money Isn’t, John Smallwood sits down with serial entrepreneur Stephan Lowy, who shares how early action across emerging spaces like cannabis and crypto created opportunities most entrepreneurs never see. Stephan explains why failure is not the risk, hesitation is, and how surrounding yourself with the right people turns uncertainty into leverage. This conversation makes one thing clear. Wealth is not created by perfect timing. It is created by early perspective, decisive execution, and the courage to move before the market agrees with you.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:45) Growing Inside a 100-Year-Old Family Business

(08:30) Failure as a Strategic Advantage

(13:10) Why Perspective Matters More Than Industry

(18:00) Seeing Opportunity Before Cannabis Was Obvious

(22:45) Understanding Crypto Before the Crowd

(28:30) Tokenization and the Next Wealth Shift

(34:50) Execution Over Ideas

(43:05) Vision Without Execution Is Hallucination

(46:20) Acting Before the Market Understands

Connect with Stephan:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stephanl8/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephan.lowy/

Website: https://lowys.com/

What opportunity do you believe is forming right now that most people are still ignoring? Leave your answer in the comments below.

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

People say that retail is dying, but Angela Courtney shows how service based businesses can still thrive when you own your niche, own your building, and take full ownership of your future. In this episode, John Smallwood sits down with Angela, founder of Sweetest Sin Boutique, co-owner of the Red Bank Classic 5K, real estate investor, and longtime community leader, to explore how she built a destination retail brand during the 2009 downturn, scaled through grit and guerrilla marketing, pivoted through supply chain challenges, and reinvested into local real estate to create long-term stability. They break down the realities of building a team, adapting in uncertain markets, strengthening community networks, and using small daily decisions to build momentum and wealth. Packed with insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners, this conversation shows how consistency, ownership, and community can turn a small shop into a lasting, compounding asset.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:10) Angelas role in Red Bank

(05:00) Immigrant roots and work ethic from family businesses

(09:00) Bartending, retail, and discovering the lingerie niche

(13:00) Opening Sweetest Sin in 2009 with 750 square feet

(18:00) Turning a lingerie store into a bra fitting destination

(22:30) Hiring, team strengths, and service based retail

(26:30) Buying her first building and growing a portfolio

(31:00) The truth about “dying retail” and online competition

(35:00) Red Bank Classic 5K, community boards, and local wealth

(37:30) Using setbacks as fuel and taking the first step

Connect with Angela:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/angelacourtney17/

Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetestsinbras

Website: https://www.sweetestsinbras.com/

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

Charitable giving is not just about generosity. Done right, it is one of the most powerful tax and estate planning tools you have.. In this episode, John Smallwood is joined by Jacqueline M. Bartley J.D., vice president of gift planning at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation and one of the nation’s leading experts in estate and blended gifts, helping secure multiple $10M+ planned gifts. Jackie explains how donors use appreciated stock, real estate, charitable trusts, and more to support the causes they care about while improving their long-term financial picture. Together they break down why early planning matters, how to avoid costly tax traps, the power of coordinated advisor conversations, and how legacy gifts can honor your values while strengthening your family’s future.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:10) Jackie’s Role and Three Decades in Gift Planning

(05:40) Why Donors Give

(10:20) The Most Powerful Charitable Tool

(16:00) Tax-Smart Gifting Strategies

(23:45) Charitable Trusts: Remainder vs Lead

(33:10) Beneficiary Designations, Legacy Gifts, and Family Planning

(45:55) Why Communication Protects Your Legacy

What asset in your portfolio do you think could create the biggest impact, for both your family legacy and a cause you care about, if it were structured strategically? Leave your answer in the comments below

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

Many business owners are losing profit from problems they never see coming, not the economy, not competitors, but their own operations. In this episode, John Smallwood sits down with John DeCausmaker, founder of Little John’s Lawns and Call Boss who scaled from one used pickup truck to 3,100 recurring customers. Together they reveal the silent threats draining most service based businesses. From mispricing his very first job to losing 40+ customers a month from missed calls, Decausmaker shows how sloppy routing, poor pricing intuition, unmanaged COGS, and lack of follow-up quietly destroy profit. If you want to scale without spending more on ads, this conversation shows precisely where your money is leaking and how to plug the holes before they cost you the next decade.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:05) John’s Early Entrepreneurial Roots

(15:07) Scaling Little John’s Lawns to 17 Trucks and 3,100 Customers

(22:03) Health Wake-up call and Losing 100 Pounds in 12 months

(35:54) Wealth Leaks Destroying Small Companies

(41:12) Solving Missed Calls and Low Conversion

(47:34) Advice For Overcoming Business Struggles

Connect with John

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

Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlejohnslawns/

Website: https://www.littlejohnslawns.com/

What’s the one operational leak in your business you know you need to fix this year? Leave your answer in the comments below.

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

What can 60 days alone in Antarctica teach you about success, discipline, and the courage to become your full self? In this episode of The Money Isn’t Podcast, John Smallwood sits down with Akshay Nanavati, the Marine veteran who dragged a 420-pound sled 500 miles across the Antarctic ice, and Melissa Nanavati, a neuroscience-based relationship expert helping high performers build emotionally resilient partnerships.

Together, they break down how fear can become fuel, why stillness and solitude reveal your real identity, how relational courage impacts your energy and decision-making, and why internal patterns determine your capacity for long-term success. This conversation shows how self-mastery, and courageous partnership create the foundation for sustained achievement.

Chapters:

(00:00) Becoming the Full Version of Yourself

(02:07) Akshay’s Story: War, PTSD, and Hitting Rock Bottom

(03:35) Melissa’s Journey and the Science of Relational Courage

(06:27) Life After War and the Search for Purpose

(13:28) Inside the Seven-Day Darkness Retreat

(19:24) Training for 60 Days Alone in Antarctica

(26:25) Melissa’s Support System

(30:46) Designing Identity, Partnerships, and a Life You Want

(42:35) Emotional Regulation and Returning to Baseline

(51:29) Why Learning = Behavior Change

Connect with Akshay

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/fearvana

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

Get Fearvana: https://www.amazon.com/FEARVANA-Revolutionary-Science-Health-Happiness/dp/1630476056

Connect With Mellisa

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeakPerformanceLove

Website: https://www.melissananavati.com/

What identity shift did you need to make to reach your next level, in wealth, relationships, or life?

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

Thousands of veterans are working hard while ignoring the benefits that could change their financial future overnight. VA attorney and disabled veteran Todd Wesche helps service members secure the VA disability compensation they earned. Veterans who think “I can still work, so I am not disabled” may be walking past seven figures of tax free, protected income over time. In clear, plain language Todd explains ratings, claims, and appeals so veterans can turn tinnitus, sinusitis, back pain, anxiety, PTSD, flat feet, and service-connected scars into real monthly compensation and long term financial stability.

In this Veterans Day episode, John and Todd cover what actually qualifies as a disability today, how the 0 to 100 percent rating scale pays, why your income does not affect compensation, and how to start with an intent to file. You will learn the simple blue line scan to identify claimable conditions, when to seek an increase or appeal, how retroactive pay works, and why Permanent and Total status can unlock additional benefits. They also map the opportunity cost of waiting, including how consistent, tax free payments can fund debt payoff, a business launch, or long term savings.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:04) The Mindset That Keeps Veterans From Filing

(12:11) Ratings, Payouts, and Why Income Does Not Matter

(16:22) Turning Benefits Into Long Term Wealth

(26:28) How to Identify Every Eligible VA Claim

(31:04) Increases, Appeals, and Retroactive Pay

(33:23) When to Seek Legal Help on Contingency

Work with Todd and his team: https://vetuslegal.com/

Connect with Todd

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFg_sa6hHuqM3vmYjRBR4tQ

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

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

Many entrepreneurs don’t hit a ceiling because of their business but because of their mindset. William Lam is the founder of UPGRD, a performance company that helps entrepreneurs, investors, and wealth advisors reprogram the mindset patterns holding back their success. His work with top industry leaders has revealed that most “plateaus” aren’t business problems, they’re mental ones. Through cutting-edge neural conditioning and behavior modeling, William helps professionals install the mental software that matches the level of wealth they’re trying to sustain.

In this episode of The Money Isn’t Podcast, John Smallwood and William dive into the hidden loops that keep high achievers working harder but feeling stuck. They discuss why many business owners unconsciously recreate financial setbacks, how to build wealth that lasts by changing your mental model first, and how to align your environment, decisions, and identity with true abundance. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what’s been quietly limiting your growth, and the mindset frameworks that unlock your next level.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(05:10) The Hidden Mental Loops That Block Wealth

(10:25) Motivation Without Crisis

(18:45) How to Align Your Mindset With Real Abundance

(26:40) When Intelligence Works Against Financial Success

(35:30) Designing the Life and Business You Actually Want

(45:15) Building Wealth That Lasts Through Better Thinking

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit https://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

Connect with William

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/william.upgrd/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@brokersofsecrets

UPGRD Website: https://upgrd.com/

Take the loop quiz: https://loop.upgrd.com/

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

Many business owners mistake movement for progress and it’s costing them real profit. In this episode of Money Isn’t, John Smallwood sits down with Mike Arce, founder of Loud Rumor and host of the GSD Show, to unpack how the most efficient leaders triple results with one-third the effort. Mike built multimillion-dollar companies by teaching entrepreneurs to eliminate waste, master KPIs, and turn principles into scalable profit.

Together Mike and John discuss what the real job of a CEO is, how to fix broken sales follow-up systems, and the mindset shift that transforms “busy” into “profitable.” You’ll learn why efficiency isn’t about speed, it’s about clarity, what to measure, and how to deploy every dollar like a soldier that brings back more soldiers. This episode will help you see your business through a sharper lens, uncovering profit that’s been hiding in plain sight.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(05:20) The CEO’s Real Job: Clarity, KPIs, and Profit

(08:10) Efficiency Defined: Eliminate Waste, Not Time

(11:45) Growing Without More Leads: Fix Follow-Up and Call, Don’t Just Text

(16:20) Raising Rates With 3% Churn

(20:40) Operating Cadence That Scales

(25:35) Perspective Shifts That Change Behavior

(30:50) Money Strategy: Cash Availability and Opportunity Cost

(42:45) Principles That Travel and Results That Scale

What’s one area of your business that feels “busy” but not truly profitable? Let me hear your answer in the comments.

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts. Don't miss out on future insights from John Smallwood!

Connect with Mike Arce

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeArceLive

Connect with Us On Social Media

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-l-smallwood

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmallwoodWealthManagement

This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, LA, MA, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Investments are not FDIC- or NCUA-insured, are not guaranteed by a bank/financial institution, and are subject to risks, including possible loss of the principal invested. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Ash Brokerage or Smallwood Associates, Ltd. Fixed annuities are long-term insurance products. Before you purchase, be sure to talk to your financial professional about the annuity's features, benefits, and fees, and whether the annuity is appropriate for you, based on your financial situation and objectives. All guarantees are based on the continued claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Investment Advisory Services are provided by Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor. Headquartered at 199 Broad Street, Red Bank NJ 07701-2056.

Securities offered through Regulus Financial Group, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Headquartered at 2687 44th St. SE Kentwood, MI 49512. Regulus Financial Group, LLC and Smallwood Wealth Investment Management, LLC are not affiliated companies.

NOT FDIC INSURED. NOT BANK GUARANTEED. MAY LOSE VALUE, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL. NOT INSURED BY ANY STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY.

To work with Smallwood Wealth Management visit http://Go.oncehub.com/swconcierge to schedule a call today!

Adam Williams is the Co-Founder and CEO of Elevest Capital, a private equity firm specializing in the acquisition and capital raising of multifamily real estate assets. With over 20 years of experience, from tax foreclosures to large-scale apartment syndications, Adam brings insight into how real wealth is built through disciplined investing, smart deal structures, and compounding returns.

In this episode of Money Isn’t John Smallwood and Adam unpack how business owners can turn active income into lasting wealth through multifamily investing. They cover the hidden risks of single-family rentals, how to vet operators and debt structures, and why diversified, cash-flowing apartment deals can outperform traditional investments. You’ll also learn how to find undervalued properties, use leverage intelligently, and build tax-efficient income that scales with time and experience.

Chapters:

(00:00) Big-Picture Financial Thinking

(06:22) The 2007 Crash and Shifting Toward Multifamily

(08:47) Paying to Learn: Mentorship in Commercial Real Estate

(13:36) Why Most “Passive” Rentals Lose Money

(16:15) Single-Family vs Multifamily: Understanding Real Returns

(21:13) Finding Discounts and Hidden Opportunities

(30:00) Real Estate Tax Advantages and 1031 Strategies

(35:22) Navigating Today’s Market Shifts

(42:10) Opportunity Zones, Risk, and Overhyped Deals

(46:11) Educating Investors and Free Tools for Beginners

What’s holding you back from building passive income? lack of time, lack of capital, or lack of the right strategy? Drop your answer in the comments below

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