Solopreneur Life

Artificial intelligence is changing everything — from the way we work, to how we run businesses, to how we raise our kids. To help us prepare for this AI-driven future, Andy Hill sits down with ⁠Matt Britton⁠, leading AI and consumer trend expert and author of Generation AI: Why Generation Alpha and AI Will Change Everything.

In this conversation, Matt explains what AI really means for employees, solopreneurs, and parents. He shares how workers can future-proof their careers, why solopreneurs have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build businesses faster than ever, and how parents can prepare their children for a world where AI is everywhere.

If you’re feeling both excited and overwhelmed by AI, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and actionable steps for your family’s future. Grab Matt’s book Generation AI here → ⁠https://amzn.to/42jAXxR

In this episode of Solopreneur Life, we spoke with Rebecca Richardson, also known as The Mortgage Mentor, about how she built a flexible and profitable mortgage business over the past 24 years.

Rebecca shares how she earns $15,000 to $20,000 per month from mortgage origination and an additional $5,000 to $7,500 per month from coaching, consulting, and speaking. She explains how running a lean business helped her stay profitable, why personal branding has been key to her growth, and how she’s navigated major market shifts like the 2008 crash and today’s higher interest rate environment.

We also discuss the realities of commission-based income, avoiding burnout, using AI as a tool instead of a replacement, and why finding the right mentor can accelerate your success.

If you’re looking to build a flexible, service-based business with strong income potential, this episode is packed with real-world insights.

Solopreneur High Five

AI Tool: Gemini
https://gemini.google.com

Biggest Lesson: Read Who Not How
https://amzn.to/4rysLDB

Life Outside Work: Time with her dogs + cross-stitching

Retirement Goal: Work optional and giving back through coaching

Resources

Credits

What if entrepreneurship could give you more than income and actually create more peace, purpose, and freedom in your life?

In this episode of Solopreneur Life, we talk with Grant Sabatier, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Inner Entrepreneur, about why building your own business can be a powerful path to financial independence. Grant shares how he went from consulting and digital media to running a bookstore, managing a holding company, and designing a business life that supports time freedom and family.

We also discuss the best time to start a business, why experimentation matters, how to avoid growth for growth’s sake, and what it really looks like to build a business around the life you want.

Resources & Notes

Solopreneur Life Resources

Credits

What should you outsource in your small business first?

When you start a one-person business, it’s common to wear every hat. But as your revenue grows, doing everything yourself can quickly turn your dream of freedom into a 50–60 hour work week.

In this episode of Solopreneur Life, we explore five areas that are often worth outsourcing once your business starts making consistent money. From bookkeeping and website design to email marketing and virtual assistants, these strategic investments can help you reclaim your time and focus on the work that actually grows your business.

If your goal is to build a profitable business that runs in 20–25 hours per week instead of 60, this episode will help you decide where outsourcing can make the biggest impact.

Resources & Notes

Leave a voicemail for the show:
https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/voicemail

Best place for a Business Emergency Fund (High-Yield Business Savings):
https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/liveoakbank

Learn more about Solopreneur Life:
https://marriagekidsandmoney.com

Credits

Host: Andy Hill

Liz Theresa is a web designer who built a $333,000 per year business as a solopreneur while maintaining flexibility, strong profit margins, and a small but mighty team.

In this episode, we break down how Liz went from making $12,000 in her first year to generating $333K in annual revenue with $90K in profit. She shares how she prices her services, why she moved away from hourly work, and how retainers and recurring revenue changed everything.

We also discuss the mindset shift that helped her confidently “turn on” income when she needed it most, how she reinvested early profits, and what it looked like to hire her first key team member. Liz explains how she structures her schedule for flexibility and how she built boundaries into her business to protect her energy.

Finally, Liz opens up about navigating major personal challenges while continuing to grow her company. Her story is a powerful reminder that a one-person business can create both financial success and personal resilience.

If you’re a service-based entrepreneur looking to grow revenue and protect your freedom, this one is for you.

Resources & Links

Liz Theresa Website: https://liztheresa.com

Connect with Solopreneur Life
https://marriagekidsandmoney.com

Credits

📘 Order Own Your Time:
https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book

What does it take to build a $5,000 per month podcast production business?

In this episode of Solopreneur Life, we talk with Justin Peters, co-founder of SimplePod Studios, to break down how he transitioned from a corporate job to earning around $5K per month through podcast launching, editing, and management services.

Justin shares how he started by editing podcasts for free to gain experience, landed his first paying client at FinCon, and gradually negotiated his corporate role down to part-time before stepping more fully into entrepreneurship. We discuss pricing lessons, losing a client due to quality issues, how AI is changing podcasting, and why recurring monthly retainers create predictable income.

If you’re interested in becoming a podcast producer, starting a service-based business, or replacing part of your corporate income before taking the leap, this episode offers a practical roadmap.

RESOURCES

SimplePod Studios: https://simplepodstudios.com

Own Your Time by Andy Hill
https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book

CREDITS

Editor: Johnny Sohl

In this episode, we explore how solopreneurs can build businesses that support their lives instead of consuming them. We talk about what it really takes to create income, flexibility, and long term freedom without chasing every new trend or working nonstop just to keep up.

We walk through 10 real world business models that show what is possible, from real estate income streams and independent mortgage origination to content creation, coaching, and high value creative services.

Along the way, we share practical income ranges, startup considerations, and the mindset shift from building for scale to building for sustainability, so you can design a business that aligns with your values and your lifestyle.

If you want to escape overwhelm, create reliable income on your own terms, and build a business that gives you more time for what matters most, then this episode is for you.

CHAPTERS 🎧

0:08 - Intro

0:37 - The Bigger Question: Is There Another Way?

1:07 - Real People, Real Businesses

1:36 - Real Estate Investor

2:33 - Mortgage Originator

3:26 - Photographer

4:24 - YouTube Creator

5:20 - Freelance Writer

5:48 - Blogger or Content Publisher

6:44 - Financial Advisor

7:11 - Real Estate Agent

7:41 - Financial Coach

8:11 - Motivational Speaker

8:36 - Common Patterns Among Solopreneurs

9:35 - Finding the Right Fit for You

10:04 - Conclusion and Call to Action

10:29 - Disclaimer and Closing

Resources and Links 📚

📖My new book, "Own Your Time" 

https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/book

💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources

https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources

📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show!

👉Connect with me on social media:

LinkedIn: Andy Hill, MKM

Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney

🎥 Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel

Solopreneur Life

Credits

Editor: Johnny Sohl

Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Loper, founder of Side Hustle Nation, to talk about how a simple side hustle can grow into a full-time business. Nick shares how he went from traditional employment to building multiple income streams and creating financial independence through entrepreneurship.

We discuss how to evaluate side hustle ideas, validate demand, and test new opportunities with minimal risk. Nick explains how to build passive income streams, scale strategically, and create a financial runway before leaving your 9-to-5 job. He also shares the mindset shifts that helped him transition from employee to successful entrepreneur.

If you’re looking for practical side hustle ideas, more income flexibility, or a path toward financial freedom, this conversation will give you the strategy and motivation to take action.

CHAPTERS 🎧

0:00 - Introduction

0:57 - Defining a Side Hustle

1:48 - Evaluating Side Hustle Opportunities

3:07 - Building Time-Leveraged Income Streams

4:56 - Examples of Successful Side Hustles

7:04 - The Birth of an E-commerce Business

10:27 - Growth and Transition to Full-Time

15:20 - Evolution of the Business Model

17:52 - Monetization Strategies

20:55 - Indications for Solopreneurship

23:33 - Financial Considerations for Transition

25:23 - Overcoming Fear of Leaving a Job

28:34 - Closing and Resources

Resources and Links 📚

📖My new book, "Own Your Time" 

https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon

Connect with Nick & Side Hustle Nation

💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources

https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources

📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show!

👉Connect with me on social media:

LinkedIn: Andy Hill, MKM

Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney

Health insurance can feel overwhelming as a solopreneur, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I break down the smarter, more affordable ways I’ve used over the years to protect my family without sacrificing independence.

I walk through how to compare marketplace plans, when using a spouse’s coverage can make sense, and what to watch out for with private insurance, health shares, COBRA, and even Medicaid. We also talk about shifting your mindset from seeing health insurance as a cost to viewing it as an investment in freedom.

I also share the mental load that comes with being your own HR department and tools that can help streamline benefits and reduce stress. If you’re self-employed or considering the leap, this episode will help you approach health insurance with clarity and confidence instead of fear.

Chapters 🎧

00:00 - Why health insurance is critical for solopreneurs

01:04 - The risks of not having coverage or going uninsured

02:00 - Options for coverage through a spouse or partner

02:58 - Overview of the health insurance marketplace

03:26 - How premium tax credits can reduce costs

04:22 - Private insurance and ACA compliance essentials

04:52 - Understanding health share plans and their risks

05:48 - Medicaid as a safety net for new business owners

06:13 - Using Cobra to bridge coverage gaps

06:43 - The importance of mindset: health insurance as part of your business costs

07:08 - Managing payroll and benefits with Gusto

07:37 - How to submit questions for future episodes

08:34 - Final thoughts and signing off

Resources and Links 📚

📖My new book, "Own Your Time" 

https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon

💻 Sponsors and Additional Resources

https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources

📞Voicemail for Questions: Leave a voicemail at marriagekidsmoney.com/voicemail to have your question answered on the show!

Gusto Payroll & HR Software: Special offer: $200 Visa gift card with your first payroll. Visit Gusto

👉Connect with me on social media:

LinkedIn: Andy Hill, MKM

Instagram and Facebook: MarriageKidsAndMoney

In this episode, I sit down with Bernadette Joy to break down how she turned paid speaking into a profitable and aligned part of her solopreneur business. What started as an accidental opportunity at FinCon grew into a six-figure speaking career without relying on influencer tactics, big followings, or expensive branding.

Bernadette shares how authentic storytelling, referrals, and strong in-person connections helped her land high-quality speaking gigs, plus how she stacked speaking with writing and coaching to build a sustainable income stream. We also talk about redefining retirement, taking sabbaticals, and building a business rooted in curiosity instead of constant hustle.

Bernadette is a first-generation Filipino American, bestselling author of Crush Your Money Goals, and a sought-after speaker and host. This episode is perfect if you want to book your first speaking gig, diversify your income, or build a business that supports your life, not the other way around.

CHAPTERS 🎧

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction
00:28 – From Finance to the Speaking Stage
01:28 – Launching Crush Your Money Goals
02:51 – Pivoting During the Pandemic
03:48 – How Speaking Started by Accident
04:41 – Turning Speaking Into a Business
06:04 – Landing Speaking Gigs Without Cold Pitching
07:56 – Confidence, Imposter Syndrome & Growth
09:46 – Money Wins & Financial Strategy
11:40 – Personal Growth & Future Speaking Topics
14:24 – Financial Independence & Rethinking Retirement
18:09 – Work, Life & Sabbaticals
23:31 – Writing & Publishing a Bestselling Book
30:57 – Solopreneur High Five
39:19 – Advice for Aspiring Speakers
41:12 – Final Thoughts & Where to Connect

Resources and Links 📚

My new book, "Own Your Time" - https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ownyourtimeamazon

Sponsors and Additional Resources

https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/resources

Crush Your Money Goals

Bernadette Joy on YouTube

www.youtube.com/@bernadebtjoy

Credits

Editor: Johnny Sohl

Podcast Artwork: Kayli Johnson