To kick off 2026, Christian Allen brings in the full Money Insights team—Rod “the Pod” Zabriskie, Blake “Never Takes a Break” Brogan, and Brenyn “Baby Face” McConnell—for a rapid-fire debate on 12 wealth-building statements that high-income earners run into all the time.

This episode isn’t theory—it’s how the team actually thinks when real money is on the line: index funds vs. alternatives, whether real estate is truly “the best,” why liquidity can matter more than return, and how leverage (used wisely) changes the game.

They also hit the sacred cows: the tax-deferral “trap,” why many traditional advisors don’t understand wealthy clients, and how whole life insurance fits (and doesn’t fit) in a wealth-building plan. And they land the plane on a deeper principle—building wealth isn’t just about chasing numbers… it’s about designing control over your time, money, and freedom.

Key Takeaways

• Index funds can be “enough,” but the answer depends on your goal—and what income you’re trying to replace.
• Real estate is powerful, but business/income is often the true “engine” of wealth creation.
• Tax deferral can help in specific cases, but it often comes with hidden traps: liquidity limits, penalties, and uncertain future tax rates.
• Liquidity is a core survival principle—returns don’t help if you can’t access cash when life hits.
• Leverage is a defining wealth principle, but it should match your stage and capacity.
• The real goal isn’t just return—it’s control: of your money, your time, and your freedom.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients. Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com! Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast/