This time, I’m the guest—not the host. 

I’m usually the one behind the microphone asking the questions on Rebuild and Rise, but this conversation was a little different. I had the opportunity to join Leslie Tracey as a guest on the Diamond Hands Podcast, where she put me in the hot seat and gave me the space to share my perspective on credit, business funding, wealth, and what it really means to become bankable.

Leslie and I went deep into the financial ceiling that many business owners don’t realize they have—and how your credit architecture can ultimately determine what your business is able to become.

As a guest, I got to share what I’ve learned from working with business owners and why personal credit and business credit need to be treated differently. We talked about why a strong personal credit score matters, the importance of establishing business credit, and how your financial foundation can impact your ability to grow, expand, purchase real estate, access capital, and ultimately build a valuable business.

I also shared why getting approved for money isn't the same as getting good money. Too many business owners get trapped in expensive financing simply because they haven't positioned their business to qualify for better options. We talked about high-cost financing, SBA loans, refinancing strategies, and what it takes to become truly bankable.

We also discussed business credit bureaus, FICO SBSS, bank ratings, lender compliance, comparable credit, payment history, and the financial habits that can either strengthen your business or quietly hold it back.

And we went beyond credit and funding. We talked about Buy Now, Pay Later, changing credit-scoring models, wealth, financial discipline, reserves, knowing your numbers, and why revenue alone doesn't create wealth.

One of the biggest things I continue to believe is that fundamentals always win. Whether you're trying to grow your company, open another location, purchase a building, access capital, or eventually create an exit strategy, the foundation you build today matters.

Being on the other side of the conversation gave me a unique opportunity to reflect on these lessons and share them from my perspective—not as the host asking the questions, but as the guest bringing my experience, knowledge, and passion for helping business owners build stronger financial foundations.

Thank you, Leslie, for having me on the Diamond Hands Podcast and for creating space for this important conversation.

If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, practice owner, or anyone looking to understand how credit, capital, and bankability can impact business growth, this conversation is for you.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a business owner or entrepreneur who needs to hear that getting approved for money isn’t the same as getting good money—and that building a strong financial foundation can create more options, leverage, and freedom. 

 Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor

 Listen to Rebuild and Rise: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

 New episodes of Rebuild and Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST.

Don’t just build a business. Build one that is bankable, valuable, and built to last.

In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m sharing my personal journey from simply saving for a rainy day to intentionally investing, automating my finances, and learning how to build wealth for the long term.

I talk about the lessons that changed the way I think about money—including why it’s not always about how much you make, but how much you keep; why paying yourself first matters; and how small, consistent investments can become something much bigger through the power of compounding. I also share how automation has helped me stay disciplined and why sometimes the best financial strategy is to make the right decision before temptation ever has a chance to interfere.

But this episode goes beyond money.

I also talk about fear, faith, and what happens when we finally decide to walk toward the things that scare us. My own journey has taught me that some of the greatest opportunities in life are waiting on the other side of fear. I’ve learned that I don’t have to know exactly how everything will unfold—I just have to trust God, take the next step, and remain obedient to the direction He has called me to walk.

If you’ve ever felt like you started too late, don’t make enough money, don’t know enough about investing, or are simply afraid to take the next step, I hope this episode reminds you that it’s never too late to start.

Small habits matter. Consistency matters. Faith matters. And sometimes, the version of you that you’ve been praying to become is waiting on the other side of the storm.

I hope this episode encourages you to take control of your finances, start where you are, trust the process, and most importantly, walk in faith without fear.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they don’t have to have it all figured out—they just need the courage to take the next step.

 Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor  
   Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
   New episodes of Rebuild and Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST

#RebuildAndRise #FinancialFreedom #InvestingForBeginners #BuildingWealth #CompoundInterest #PersonalFinance #FaithAndFinance #FinancialLiteracy #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding

What does true leadership really look like?

In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m sharing a personal experience that changed the way I look at leadership, character, influence, and the responsibility that comes with having a platform.

I witnessed a leader use his position to publicly belittle people because of something as simple as the clothes they were wearing. It made me stop and ask a question every leader should ask themselves:

Why would you use your influence to make someone feel small?

For me, leadership has never been about titles, expensive labels, appearances, or how much money someone has. True leadership is revealed by how we treat people who cannot do anything for us. It’s about character, humility, accountability, and understanding that people are always watching what we do—even when we don't realize it.

As a person of faith, I’m reminded of the biblical principle: “To whom much is given, much is required.” When God gives us a platform, influence, a team, a family, or an opportunity to lead, we have a responsibility to use that influence to build people up—not tear them down.

I also reflect on my own journey and the importance of doing the inner work. None of us has it all together. We all have things we need to confront, refine, and overcome. Whether that means seeking help, becoming more introspective, or simply holding ourselves accountable, becoming a better leader starts with becoming a better person.

Because leadership isn't just about the people who follow your title.

Your children are watching. Your team is watching. Your community is watching.

And the question I want every leader, entrepreneur, parent, and person of influence to consider is:

When you leave the room, do people feel bigger because they encountered you—or smaller?

If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, business owner, parent, or someone who wants to grow in character and influence, I hope this episode challenges you to look beyond the title and focus on the person you are becoming.

Because your platform is a privilege. Your influence is a responsibility. And your character is the real scorecard.

 If this episode speaks to you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs this reminder today.
 Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor
  Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
  New episodes of Rebuild and Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST

What if your credit score is telling a deeper story about your life than just how well you manage money?

In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m diving into the surprising connection between credit, financial habits, mental well-being, physical health, and longevity. From my own journey of rebuilding my credit to helping clients transform their financial lives, I’ve seen how discipline, impulse control, future planning, and perseverance can shape far more than a credit report.

I’ll unpack why financial stress can affect the way we live, how our everyday habits show up in both our bank accounts and our credit scores, and why building financial wellness is ultimately a long-term commitment—not a quick fix. I’ll also share powerful client stories, including how improving credit can create new opportunities for homeownership, better financial options, and greater peace of mind.

Most importantly, I want to challenge you to think differently about credit. Your credit score is not your identity, but the habits behind it can reveal where you are—and where you may need to grow.

If you’re ready to stop living in survival mode, develop stronger financial habits, and start building a future with more options, this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that your finances are an investment in your future, and it’s never too late to rebuild, rise, and change your life.

 Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor 

 Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.  

 New episodes of Rebuild and Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST

In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m sitting down with Danni Richardson, one of the incredible members of the Micah Abigail team, to hear a story that is deeply personal, inspiring, and proof that your circumstances do not have to define your future.

Danni grew up in a small town in Georgia, raised by a hardworking single mother who did everything she could to create a beautiful life for her family. She once believed that her options were limited by her circumstances and even planned to join the U.S. Navy to help pay for college—until an unexpected ankle injury completely changed her plans. But that unexpected detour eventually led her to a career in sales, and ultimately to Micah Abigail, where she discovered something that would change her own financial life: understanding how credit actually works.

When Danni joined our team, her credit score was around 550. In just a few months, through paying down her credit card balances, addressing collections, using a pay-for-delete strategy, and becoming an authorized user, she was able to reach a 750 credit score and qualify for a brand-new 2026 Nissan Sentra with zero down.

But this conversation isn't just about a credit score. We talk about the misconceptions surrounding credit repair, why simply Googling your credit questions can leave you more confused, why paying your bills on time and managing your card balances matter so much, and why there is no universal timeline for rebuilding your credit.

Most importantly, Danni shares the message I hope everyone takes away from this episode: don't give up.

I’ve seen firsthand how financial hardship, broken relationships, unexpected circumstances, and life’s hardest seasons can impact someone’s credit. But I’ve also seen what can happen when someone decides to keep going, gets the right guidance, and takes the next step forward.

Danni has now gone from experiencing the struggle herself to helping other people navigate theirs. Her story is a reminder that you are not your credit score, you are not your past, and you are not too far gone to rebuild.

If you're struggling with your credit or wondering if it's even possible to turn things around, this episode is for you.

 Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc @rebuildandrisepodcast @fitcreditdoctor Follow Danni Richardson Instagram: @danniatmicahabigail She also offers consultations through the link in her Instagram bio.

And if this episode encouraged you, like, save, subscribe and share it with someone who needs the reminder that there is still hope on the other side of where they are today.

 Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio
  New episodes drop every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST

What if your credit score is telling you more about your health and future than you ever realized?

In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m breaking down the research that stopped me in my tracks: studies linking credit, financial stress, debt, wealth shocks, and even longevity. I’m not here to create fear or sell you a credit repair solution—I’m here to show you the facts and help you understand what the numbers may be reflecting about your financial habits and overall well-being.

I dive into research showing connections between credit scores and mortality risk, including findings that a 100-point increase in credit score was associated with roughly a 4.4% decrease in the risk of dying, while rising unsecured debt was associated with a significantly higher risk of dying in midlife.

But here’s the part I really want you to hear: your credit score is not your destiny.

I share my own experience with financial stress, overwhelming debt, high interest rates, and even putting off my own health care when money was tight. We’ll talk about how financial pressure can affect decision-making, sleep, stress, access to health care, and the choices we make every day.

Most importantly, I want you to see your credit report as a mirror, not a sentence. The habits reflected in your credit can change—and the discipline you build while rebuilding your finances can become the same discipline that helps you build a healthier, more intentional life.

Your number is not your identity. It’s your starting line.

If you've been avoiding your credit report, overwhelmed by debt, or feeling like your financial situation is controlling your life, this episode is your reminder that you can face it, change it, and rebuild.

Because you don't just live once—you live every day. Make every day worth the exchange.
 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that their credit score is not their destiny, their number is not their identity, and it’s never too late to face your finances, change your habits, and rebuild your life.  

 Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc @rebuildandrisepodcast @fitcreditdoctor

  Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio
  New episodes drop every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST

In this episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, I'm sharing one of the toughest leadership lessons I've learned: character isn't revealed by how someone enters your life—it’s revealed by how they respond when things don't go their way. Through a recent experience in my own business, I learned the importance of trusting my discernment, protecting what God has entrusted to me, and never compromising my standards.

I talk about why "trust but verify" has become one of the most important principles in my leadership, how to recognize red flags before they become costly mistakes, and why your standards are never the problem. We'll also explore the power of guarding your peace, leading with integrity, and understanding that grace and accountability can exist together.

If you're a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or simply trying to build healthier relationships, I hope this conversation encourages you to trust your instincts, protect your values, and remember that character always reveals itself—especially when the answer is "no."

   Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to protect their peace, trust their discernment, and never compromise on character.
   Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc @rebuildandrisepodcast @fitcreditdoctor
   Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio
   New episodes drop every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST

   Visit: micahabigail.com

In this episode of Rebuild & Rise Show, I sit down with my dear friend Rogelio Goertzen II, who spent nearly a decade helping build the nation's largest wholesale mortgage lender before answering a calling he couldn't ignore. What began as a career in mortgage operations became a mission to create greater access, opportunity, and leadership for underserved communities.

Rogelio shares the lessons he learned from being mentored by industry leaders, the pivotal moments that shaped his faith and leadership, and why he left behind a thriving career to launch the Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME). Together, we talk about how his upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for homeownership, the invaluable leadership lessons he gained during his ten years at the nation's largest wholesale mortgage lender, and the mentors who helped shape both his personal and professional life. We also explore why he felt called to leave corporate success behind, the importance of expanding language access and inclusion in the mortgage industry, his passion for developing future leaders instead of followers, and what it truly means to trust God's calling—even when it leads you into unfamiliar territory.

This conversation isn't just about mortgages—it's about purpose, obedience, servant leadership, and building something that outlives you. If you've ever felt called to leave comfort behind to pursue the work you know you're meant to do, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to build a life of purpose, impact, and legacy.

 Follow Micah Smith on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor
 Follow Rogelio Goertzen II on Instagram: @rogelio.home 
 Follow Tu Nuevo Home on TikTok, YouTube, & on Instagram: @tunuevohome 
 Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
  New episodes of Rebuild and Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST.

In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m sharing research that completely reframes how we look at credit. Your credit score isn't just a gatekeeper for getting a mortgage, buying a car, or securing a business loan—it acts as a vital sign for your actual physical health, stress levels, and overall longevity. Throughout the show, I walk through published studies demonstrating how financial strain, debt, and credit score drops directly impact your heart, stress chemistry, and lifespan. Most importantly, I discuss why a credit score is simply a mirror of underlying habits, meaning you have the power to change it and take back control of both your financial future and your physical well-being.

We dive deep into the data behind this connection, starting with why a low credit score reflects chronic, low-grade stress that physically wears on your body over time. I share a landmark Duke University study that tracked over 1,000 people to reveal a direct connection between higher credit scores and younger heart age. We also examine findings from the University of Colorado Denver and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta showing that a 100-point score increase correlates with a roughly 4.4% drop in mortality risk, while moving from zero delinquent accounts to just one raises death risk by about 5%. Furthermore, research from Columbia University shows that rising unsecured credit card debt carries an 89% higher risk of midlife mortality, and data from the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrates that major wealth loss is tied to a 50% higher risk of death. We also unpack how subprime interest rates act as a constant financial drain, stealing money that could otherwise fund healthcare, healthy living, or savings.

So, whether you're ready to face your credit file, start building healthier habits, or simply take control of your financial future and protect your health, I hope this episode gives you the clarity and motivation you need to stop bleeding money to interest and start adding years back to your life. Remember: what you do today is worth an exchange of one day of your life, so make it count.

Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor

Listen on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts.

New episodes of Rebuild & Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST.

What if paying off a collection account actually hurts your credit score instead of helping it?
In this episode of Rebuild & Rise, I'm breaking down one of the biggest myths in personal finance and explaining why paying collections without the right strategy could actually lower your credit score, restart negative reporting timelines, and cost you thousands.
Drawing from more than a decade of experience helping people repair their credit, I'll show you when it makes sense to pay a debt, when you should negotiate a pay-for-delete agreement, and why collections, charge-offs, and repossessions all require different strategies. I'll also explain how credit reporting errors can create opportunities to legally remove negative items from your credit report.
In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why credit card utilization is one of the fastest ways to improve your credit score.
• The common mistakes that can keep your credit suppressed for years.
• How medical collections are treated under today's credit reporting rules.
• Which collection agencies commonly offer pay-for-delete agreements.
• Why a single missed payment can have a major impact on your financial future.
• How building strong credit gives you more freedom, lower interest rates, better loan options, and greater opportunities to build long-term wealth.

Whether you're rebuilding your credit, preparing to buy a home, or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, I hope this episode gives you practical strategies to avoid costly mistakes and take control of your financial future.
Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor
 Listen on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts.
New episodes of Rebuild & Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST.