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Almost everyone out there is saying, "Wait until age 67 or 70 to take Social Security." But is that really the smartest move or could it actually cost you the freedom you could have right now? In this episode, I dig into the real math behind Social Security and show you how in many cases, you can actually come out ahead by taking it earlier.

I share the story of one of my clients who faced this exact decision at age 61. Using his real numbers, I walk you through how different claiming ages impact not just the monthly payment but also the opportunity cost of waiting. By applying the concept of velocity of money, I demonstrate how reinvesting Social Security income can often create higher cash flow and more options today versus holding out for a slightly bigger check later.

Along the way, I challenge the traditional advice from financial gurus like Dave Ramsey. While I agree with his point that the government isn't doing a good job with your money, I show you where the math actually proves the case for taking Social Security early especially if you're smart about where you reinvest it. I also highlight why simply dumping that money into the stock market isn't the best answer in today's economic climate.

You'll learn:

• The time value of money and why earlier cash flow often beats delayed payouts
• How to evaluate whether waiting until age 70 really benefits you—or just delays your freedom
• Why inflation-adjusted COLA increases don't keep up with reality
• Smarter alternatives like passive income investments, secured real assets, or even life insurance strategies
• How reverse mortgages can complement Social Security for homeowners at age 62 and beyond

This episode isn't just theory it's about putting control back in your hands. Whether you're already in your 60s and weighing your options, or you're younger and just want to stop worrying about Social Security, the takeaway is clear: stop waiting on the government and start creating your own freedom today.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/46c7IiX

You've been told forever that 401(k)s and IRAs "save you taxes." They don't. They delay your tax bill and if rates rise, you could easily pay more later than you would today.

In this episode, I pull the curtain back on one of the most expensive myths in personal finance and show you why deferring taxes can sabotage your freedom.

I start by laying out how traditional retirement plans really work: you contribute pre-tax dollars, they grow tax-deferred, and you withdraw at ordinary income rates the highest rates on the tax chart.

Then I ask the only question that matters: do you want to pay tax on the seed or the harvest? If you're planning to live an abundant life with strong cash flow, paying later on a larger harvest can become a costly mistake.

I also break down why many employees lose major deductions by retirement (mortgage interest and dependent credits), while healthcare and lifestyle spending often increase. Add inflation, and you must withdraw more nominal dollars to buy the same life pushing more of your withdrawals into higher brackets. We look at the history of top marginal tax rates and the current reality of federal debt and deficits, making the case that betting on lower future tax rates is wishful thinking.

If you're a business owner, I get even more direct: stuffing cash into a 401(k), SEP IRA, 403(b), or TSP can be a raw deal. You're often in your lowest effective tax rate today thanks to business deductions then you voluntarily trade that for higher ordinary income taxation later, after you've sold your business, lost deductions, and possibly entered a tighter bracket structure. And remember: with ERISA plans like the 401(k), you're not the true owner the government writes the rules and can change them (RMD ages, penalties, access) whenever it wants.

What about Roth IRAs? They're better than traditional accounts, but still government-controlled with tiny contribution limits, income phase-outs, and the ever-present risk of rule changes. The "backdoor Roth" can also be closed at any time. If you're serious about becoming work-optional, you need control, liquidity, and tax strategy you can count on.

I explain why I prefer using properly structured whole life insurance as a cash-value foundation (what many call "infinite banking"): contractual guarantees at the time you start, tax-advantaged access along the way, and the ability to redeploy capital into cash-flowing real assets like real estate—where depreciation and other strategies can offset income. I also share how I personally treat old plan balances (e.g., legacy DB/IRA funds): I don't count on them, and when possible, I look to self-direct into assets I understand.

Bottom line: traditional retirement plans don't "save" taxes; they postpone them, often to a worse time. If you want real freedom faster, prioritize vehicles and strategies that give you control now, protect you from inflation and rising taxes, and produce passive income that lets you work because you want to not because you have to.

If you want help mapping this out, head to MoneyRipples.com, try the Work Optional Calculator, and keep your eyes out for my new book, Work Optional Blueprint.

Too many investors get stuck overanalyzing, stuck in fear, stuck waiting for a "perfect" moment that never comes. Meanwhile, real opportunities pass by.

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Foley, known as Vertical Blonde, whose story and framework for identity-level change will help you get moving again. Sarah went from TV host and spa director to internationally recognized speaker and coach featured on the Tony Robbins Podcast and the Mel Robbins Show. What I love about her approach is that it translates directly to building wealth: the fastest way through hesitation is shifting who you're being, not just what you're doing.

We talk about how she created "Vertical Blonde," an iconic identity she chose on purpose one that guided her presence, habits, and decisions. You'll hear how her media background in Palm Springs, leadership experience running a major spa in Park City, and later years in Maui all converged into a simple, reliable system for momentum. Sarah shows why most people get trapped in their heads trying to appease the room, and how to drop into the body, trust your gut, and speak and act from lived results. That's not toxic positivit it's disciplined alignment.

If you've felt frozen by market headlines or analysis paralysis, this conversation is your reset. We dig into "live ready" the practice of preparing your mindset, energy, and routines so you're ready to create opportunity each day, not chase it. Sarah explains how to name and design your own iconic identity, how to build daily readiness (from movement to morning setup), and how to surround yourself with people who are already in motion. When you lead from inner alignment, networking becomes natural, conversations open, and decisions get easier. That's exactly what investors need when everyone else is waiting on the sidelines.

We also connect this to passive income: if you want freedom, you need action. Readiness compounds into traction; traction compounds into results. Whether you're new to Money Ripples or you've been with me for years, you'll come away with a practical playbook: define who you're being, keep your energy clean, move first, and let like-minded people and opportunities find you. If you've been looking for a permission slip to take the next step this is it.

Sarah Foley's links: - Website: https://www.verticalblonde.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerticalBlonde/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoley-verticalblonde/

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4mE3uFX

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4nvPUoC

We just got a wake-up call from the BLS jobs report revision 911,000 fewer jobs than originally reported over the last year. That's not a rounding error; that's a major reset that changes how investors, homeowners, and business owners should think about the economy right now. In this episode, I break down what the BLS revision means, why the numbers were off in the first place, and how it could ripple through interest rates, unemployment, the stock market, and real estate values.

If you've followed me for a while, you know I'm an "anti-financial advisor." I don't chase the headlines or the herd; I care about cash flow, control, and creating a work-optional life.

Today I walk you through how the BLS constructs the monthly jobs report (including the "birth-death" model), why revisions tend to go down late in the cycle, and why the March 2024–March 2025 period is especially important. We've now had back-to-back downward adjustments roughly 600,000 last year and 911,000 this year meaning the last two years overstated job growth by about 1.5 million. That should make every serious investor rethink risk.

I also connect the dots between jobs data, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and the 10-year Treasury. The Fed doesn't move in a vacuum they're watching Treasury yields just like we are. I explain why I expected only gradual cuts this year, what could force a larger move, and why a bigger-than-expected cut isn't necessarily "good news." If the Fed moves 50 bps or more, it could be because the cracks are wider than most realize.

What does that mean for your wallet? I spell out the practical impacts:

- Why HELOC and credit-card rates may ease a bit with Fed cuts, while 30-year mortgage rates barely budge unless the 10-year decisively breaks lower. - The level I'm watching before buyers really flood back into housing (hint: think sub-6% mortgages). - How waiting for "perfect" rates can backfire because when rates finally look attractive, demand and prices can snap higher first. - Why this could be one of those contrarian moments when buying real estate before the crowd returns creates the biggest advantage (especially with lenders offering low- or no-cost rate-recast/refi options).

We also talk about what happens if companies keep cutting costs, lean harder on AI, and delay hiring how that filters through small businesses, consumer spending, and ultimately corporate earnings. If we slide from a "soft landing" into a soft grind a longer, lower, stickier slowdown savvy investors will prioritize capital protection, liquidity, and targeted opportunities that cash flow now.

Bottom line: This is not the time to "wait and see." It's time to think independently, protect downside, and position for moves most people will only make after it's obvious.

Now is the time to open your own Infinite Banking Policy: https://bit.ly/47EWtRd

Is "buy term and invest the difference" actually the superior strategy or are both sides missing the bigger picture? In this episode, I break down the classic BTID vs. whole life debate with real numbers, real timelines, and a third approach I believe builds more wealth and more flexibility now and later.

I start by laying out what BTID really assumes: you buy a cheap 20-year term life policy and diligently invest the rest (most folks don't but let's assume you do). For a healthy 45-year-old male, I use an example premium of $674 per year for $600,000 of coverage, and assume you invest $24,326 annually at a generous 8% market return for 20 years. That grows to about $1.2M before taxes. If you follow the (already shaky) 4% rule, that's $48,000 a year then taxes trim it to about $36,000 a year, roughly $3,000/month. Oh, and when the term ends, the premium explodes (think $20k+ per year in your late 60s), which is why

On the other side, I'm not comparing to old-school, high-commission whole life that smothers your early cash value. I compare BTID to a Max-ROI, Infinite Banking-style whole life design. With $25,000/year going in, cash value grows steadily (without market risk), and the death benefit increases over time (about $1.636M after 20 years in my example). Here's the kicker: using tax-free policy loans/withdrawals, you can target roughly $50,000/year tax-free for 30 years and still leave a six-figure death benefit. That's more usable, after-tax income than BTID at the same savings rate, with liquidity, safety, and control all the way through.

But I don't stop there. The third option and the one I actually use is to pair a properly structured whole life policy with real investments that cash-flow (real estate, private credit, businesses, even your own company). Your policy becomes a tax-advantaged cash reserve and opportunity fund your "dry powder." I can keep money compounding inside the policy and still leverage it into deals for higher yields. It's not "either/or." It's "both, done right."

We also talk estate planning reality: if you grow to a $10M+ net worth, the estate tax can be brutal. Having permanent life insurance in force (that you didn't start at age 70 when it's pricey and medically risky) can provide tax-free liquidity so your heirs don't have to sell cash-flowing assets at the worst time. As Tom Wheelwright says, term is an expense; whole life is an asset. I agree when it's designed for maximum efficiency and paired with productive investments.

Bottom line: BTID looks good on a spreadsheet until you model taxes, behavior, sequence risk, premium hikes, and estate realities. A Max-ROI whole life + investing approach gives me control, cash flow, and optionality and lets me live work-optional sooner while still creating a meaningful legacy. If you want to see how this could fit your plan, head to MoneyRipples.com and grab updates on my Work Optional Blueprint book launch.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4nqhLXt What does it actually take to stop being a hearer and become a doer? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Evan Hirsch (Energy MD Method) about the exact mindset and actions that helped him cross that line from conventional saving to building financial freedom and designing a life he loves. Evan's a physician who specializes in chronic fatigue, long COVID, and what he calls the "toxic five": heavy metals, chemicals, molds, infections, and nervous system dysfunction. He shares how his own crash pushed him to rebuild his health with a methodical, 12-month, natural detox program and how the same principles of root-cause thinking, mentorship, and disciplined execution now power his investing.

We dig into the difference between information and transformation and why transformation only happens when you invest, implement, and iterate. Evan walks through his wealth journey: reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, buying his first property in residency, listening to BiggerPockets, and then realizing that the "ten paid-off rentals at 65" plan wasn't the only way. When real-world numbers on single-family cash flow didn't pencil (tenants, repairs, and thin margins), he looked for a smarter path to become work optional sooner, not decades from now.

You'll hear how he's restructuring with self-directed IRA and Solo 401(k) accounts, selling several rentals, and reallocating into vetted private deals for steadier monthly cash flow enough to generate about $5,000/month outside retirement accounts. Why? Because he and his family are moving to the Netherlands next year for their daughter's university, and they want flexibility without relying on business income alone. We talk candidly about taxes, why a 1031 didn't fit his objectives, using cost segregation and accelerated depreciation where appropriate, and the tradeoffs of liquidity versus deferral.

Evan also shares practical health takeaways: why constant fatigue isn't "just burnout," how to think about detox pathways, why "feeling worse to get better" is a myth, and how a step-by-step approach addresses fatigue, sleep issues, brain fog, and pain. If you or someone you love is dragging through the day, his site (EnergyMDMethod.com) has nearly a hundred case studies and access to his bestselling resources.

Most importantly, we tie health and wealth together. If you truly want a rich life, you have to prioritize both. That means mentors who've done it, a plan you will actually follow, and small daily improvements. Whether you're just getting started or retooling your portfolio for cash flow, this conversation will help you move from knowing to doing so you can build options, create impact, and enjoy your life now. Dr. Evan Hirsch links: - Website: https://www.energymdmethod.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrEvanHirsch/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drevanhirsch/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanhirschmd/

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/46ukpWj

Everyone keeps saying the S&P 500 is the safest, smartest place to invest. But here's what almost no one is telling you: it's massively concentrated, historically overvalued, and dangerously reliant on a handful of mega-cap names.

In this episode, I break down the hidden risks of indexing that could quietly delay your financial freedom plus what I'm doing instead to create dependable passive income.

I used to be "all in" on Wall Street. I started as a traditional financial advisor, graduated to index evangelist, and even traded the S&P 500 itself. Indexing felt diversified and predictable. But look at what's changed: the index is now dominated by a tiny group of tech giants. If a single name like NVIDIA sneezes, the "market" catches a cold. That's not real diversification that's concentration risk with a prettier label.

You'll also hear a fiery exchange from Dave Ramsey with a caller who accuses him of being "stupid and arrogant." Dave makes one point I agree with: most investors who don't do the homework are often better off in simple index funds than in fee-heavy, underperforming mutual funds. But let's be honest about how wealth is actually created. Even Dave didn't build his fortune by maxing out an S&P 500 index. He built a wildly profitable business and bought a lot of real estate. Meanwhile, Warren Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway an actively managed holding company and openly holds record cash when the market looks frothy. Actions speak louder than slogans.

We revisit history: Enron and Lehman Brothers taught us how quickly "blue chips" can implode and how slow big mutual funds can be to exit. We run the math on the S&P's long-term return profile and what that means after inflation and taxes. If you're dutifully stashing $20k a year for 30 years hoping the index will set you free, you may be disappointed when the "withdraw 3–4%" rule meets a bad decade. Sequence risk is real.

Then I contrast that with a cash-flow-first approach: real, tangible cash-flowing assets (income-producing real estate, private credit, private equity in operator-led small businesses, and other alternatives backed by real value). Instead of praying for price appreciation, I focus on streams of income that can pay me this year not "someday."

Key takeaways:

• The S&P 500 isn't as diversified as you think; it's increasingly cap-weighted and top-heavy.
• Forward returns after long, euphoric runs are usually lower, and margin-fueled manias don't end gently.
• "Average investor" advice keeps you average. Financial freedom comes faster when you own cash-flowing assets.
• Wealthy families don't rely on a single paper index they own businesses, real estate, and private deals that spin off cash.

If you're serious about becoming work-optional, stop asking, "What did the market do?" and start asking, "What did my cash flow do?" That's the metric that moves you from hope to freedom.

Want to see how quickly your money could replace your income? Run the passive income calculator at MoneyRipples.com and let's map your Work-Optional Blueprint.

It's time to start Infinite Banking: https://bit.ly/4nmv7UE

IUL vs Whole Life for Infinite Banking: here's the truth agents won't show you. A sneaky insurance agent tried to switch my client from a properly designed Whole Life policy to Index Universal Life (IUL)—and it would've cost him tens of thousands over time. In this video, I break down the real differences between IUL and Whole Life for Infinite Banking (IBC), why Nelson Nash didn't design IBC for IUL, and how surrender charges, rising insurance costs, caps/floors, and wash loans quietly erode results.

What you'll learn:

• Why UL charges increase with age while Whole Life front-loads costs and then backs off

• How surrender fees limit your early access in IUL vs clean, immediate access in properly structured Whole Life

• The truth about caps and floors (and who controls them)

• Why most IUL "make money in two places" claims rely on wash loans (0% net—not compounding)

• How Whole Life policy loans let your cash value keep compounding tax-free while you use the money

• Real illustrations: $18k/year IUL vs a Max ROI Infinite Banking Whole Life design (more cash value, higher death benefit, faster break-even)

• Why banks often prefer Whole Life over IUL for collateral (and may cap IUL LTV)

If you're serious about Infinite Banking, you need certainty, liquidity, and true tax-free compounding—not marketing hype. Properly engineered Whole Life (not vanilla WL) is the backbone of IBC because it's designed for maximum cash value and flexibility, not sales commissions.

What if you could not only pay off your student debt but also become a millionaire in just seven years? That's exactly what today's guest, Rose Han, did—and now she's showing others how to do the same.

In this episode of the Money Ripples Podcast, Chris Miles sits down with Rose Han, a former Wall Street trader turned financial educator, YouTuber, and author of the brand-new book Add a Zero. Rose shares her incredible journey from being six figures in student debt at age 23 to achieving millionaire status by 30. She opens up about the financial principles, mindset shifts, and bold life decisions that made it possible.

You'll discover:

• How Rose went from living paycheck-to-paycheck on Wall Street to financial independence.

• The life-changing lessons she learned from quitting her six-figure job to pursue freedom.

• Why financial education is often "gate-kept" and what you actually need to know.

• The difference between linear income and exponential income (and why leverage is the key).

• The surprising "fun-first" philosophy Rose believes leads to wealth and fulfillment.

Rose doesn't just talk about money—she talks about freedom, passion, and creating a life you love. Whether you're buried in debt or sitting on six figures wondering what's next, her story and framework will show you what's possible.

Her new book, Add a Zero, is a step-by-step playbook that helps you go from debt to millionaire by mastering the phases of financial growth—getting to zero, building stability, and unlocking exponential wealth. Unlike many finance books, Rose includes the missing piece: how to dramatically increase your income, not just save harder.

If you've been frustrated with traditional advice that tells you to "just keep saving" or sacrifice for 40 years, you'll love this conversation. Rose and Chris reveal how to create financial freedom sooner—without waiting until retirement.

Resources & Links:

• Get Rose Han's new book Add a Zero: https://addazero.com

• Follow Rose Han on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: @itsRoseHan

Passive income starts here: https://bit.ly/4gaxBDa

Freedom awaits.... https://bit.ly/4lXGlxI

Most financial gurus tell you to pay off your debt using either the highest interest first (debt avalanche) or the smallest balance first (debt snowball). But what if both of those methods are actually keeping you stuck in debt longer and draining your financial freedom?

In this episode, Chris Miles — the Cashflow Expert and Anti-Financial Advisor — breaks down a powerful system he developed called the Cashflow Index. This strategy helped him personally eliminate over $1 million of debt and has since freed up thousands (and even hundreds of thousands) of dollars for his clients every year.

Instead of focusing on just interest rates or balances, the Cashflow Index looks at one crucial factor: your monthly payment burden. Because let's be real — it's not the balance that stresses you out, it's the payment eating into your cashflow every month.

By applying this system, you'll learn how to:

• Stop stressing about interest rates and focus on what really kills your financial freedom

• Use ROI thinking when deciding which loans to pay off first

• Identify which debts are sabotaging your monthly cashflow (and should be tackled first)

• Restructure debt to create options, freedom, and breathing room

• Avoid common debt payoff mistakes that actually slow down your progress

Chris also shares real-life stories of clients who used the Cashflow Index to:

• Free up $3,800/month in hidden cashflow without making more money

• Qualify for a mortgage by strategically paying down just $4,100 instead of $7,600

• Escape the cycle of negative cashflow and turn crushing debt into an organized, manageable plan

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a W-2 employee, or someone simply looking for a better way to get out of debt, the Cashflow Index can transform the way you see your money.