The Do More Podcast

Chris Miles, an expert in financial freedom, joins us to discuss how to break free from the traditional financial system that often leaves people feeling trapped.

Chris shares his journey from being a financial advisor to becoming an advocate for alternative investments and passive income strategies, emphasizing the importance of being "work optional."

He highlights the common misconceptions surrounding 401(k)s and traditional saving methods, arguing that they may not be the best path to true financial independence.

By focusing on creating cash flow and diversifying investments, Chris provides actionable insights for listeners looking to improve their financial situations. Join us as we explore innovative strategies to achieve financial freedom and how to avoid the pitfalls of conventional financial wisdom.

Takeaways:

• Chris Miles emphasizes the importance of creating passive income that allows individuals to become work optional, shifting focus from mere saving to generating wealth.
• The traditional financial advice of saving through 401(k)s may not lead to true financial freedom, as many find themselves still dependent on work in retirement.
• Miles shares his personal journey of transitioning from a financial advisor to a real estate investor, illustrating the flaws he found in conventional financial planning.
• Achieving financial independence requires a shift in mindset, where one prioritizes liquidity and smart investments over locking money away in retirement accounts.
• The conversation highlights that true financial freedom is not just about accumulating wealth but about making informed decisions that allow for lifestyle choices.
• Miles advises that people should focus on increasing their income and managing their finances wisely, rather than merely cutting expenses.

Links referenced in this episode:

• money ripples.com
• l4investing.com

The Do More Podcast

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I want to start off by saying a heartfelt thank you to all of you who tune in. It means so much to me that you’re here, and I’d like to take a few minutes to reflect on how far this podcast has come and the amazing growth we’ve experienced together.

Honestly, it’s your support—sharing episodes, leaving reviews, telling friends—that’s fueled this whole journey. The fact that you trust me enough to listen regularly is something I never take for granted, and I’m incredibly grateful for the connection we’ve built.

So, as I get into today’s topic, I want to talk about something that a lot of aspiring investors find both inspiring and mysterious: financial freedom. My aim is to break it down, clear up the confusion, and show you it’s actually more achievable than you might think.

Here’s how I define financial freedom: it’s being able to cover your monthly expenses using the cash flow from your assets, instead of relying solely on a traditional job. I encourage you to think about your own situation—do you know exactly what your expenses are every month? A lot of people don’t, and that’s a big roadblock to making progress financially. So, I always recommend starting with a good, honest look at your finances. Make a simple balance sheet: list out your assets and liabilities so you can see where you stand. It’s not just an academic exercise—it’s the first real step toward making smart decisions with your money and your lifestyle.

As I go further, I want to touch on the different ways people try to reach financial freedom. For example, flipping houses might sound like a quick path to riches, but it’s often risky and unstable. I actually prefer steady, passive income streams—like the ones I’ve built through self-storage investing. There’s a big difference between owning a job and running a business that makes money whether you’re working or not.

By the end of this episode, my hope is that you’ll feel a little clearer on what financial freedom is and how you can start moving toward it. And, as always, if you have questions or just want to talk, please reach out. We’re all in this together, and I’d love to help however I can as we work toward financial empowerment as a community.

Takeaways:

• Understanding financial freedom requires a clear grasp of your monthly expenses and income sources.
• Creating a personal balance sheet is essential to track assets, liabilities, and net worth effectively.
• Passive income streams are crucial for achieving financial independence without relying solely on a job.
• It's important to differentiate between owning a job and being financially free in your investments.
• Investing in real estate can be a pathway to financial freedom, but caution is advised with market fluctuations.
• Building a cash flow system involves diversifying income sources to ensure stability during challenging times.

Links referenced in this episode:

• thedomorepodcast.com
• L4Investing.com

The Do More Podcast

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Scott Durham joins me to share his journey in the real estate investment world, emphasizing the importance of persistence and strategy in achieving success.

With 20 years of experience, Scott transitioned from a successful real estate agent to a house flipper and rental property investor. He discusses how his background in real estate sales provided him with a unique advantage in finding lucrative deals, particularly through online leads.

Scott's approach to flipping houses includes acquiring properties at a discount, renovating them, and leveraging the cash flow from short-term rentals. He highlights how having a solid foundation of cash-flowing properties offers a safety net, particularly in an uncertain market.

We talk about the challenges of finding good contractors and navigating a changing real estate landscape, all while maintaining a focus on disciplined investment practices that prioritize quality over quantity.

Takeaways:

• Scott Durham's journey in real estate spans over 20 years, evolving from a top agent to a successful house flipper.
• He emphasizes the importance of persistence and utilizing one's expertise as a realtor to create personal investment opportunities.
• In today’s market, finding motivated sellers is easier than in recent years, despite rising lead costs.
• Durham highlights the necessity of networking with contractors and having a reliable team for successful property flips.
• He employs AI tools to analyze potential deals, showcasing how technology can enhance real estate investment strategies.
• The discussion stresses making informed buying decisions, as success in real estate largely hinges on purchasing properties at the right price.

The Do More Podcast

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Flint Jamison joins me to share his remarkable journey from aerospace engineer to real estate investor, specifically focusing on multifamily and medical office spaces.

We get into Flint's pivotal role in designing the wing structure of the Boeing 787, showcasing how his engineering background laid the groundwork for his later ventures. Flint describes the challenges he faced in the high-stress world of aerospace engineering, which ultimately led him to seek a more fulfilling career in real estate.

He discusses his transition into real estate investment, detailing his experiences with a duplex and how they shaped his strategies moving forward. Flint emphasizes the importance of diversifying investments and shares insights on navigating the current uncertain market conditions, including the strategies he employs to mitigate risks in his portfolio.

Takeaways:

• Flint Jamison transitioned from aerospace engineering to real estate investment after 20 years, seeking a more fulfilling life.
• The engineering field is high-stress and time-intensive, often requiring personal sacrifices that affect family life.
• Real estate investment offers diverse opportunities for income generation, including tax advantages and stable returns.
• Flint's first real estate venture was a duplex that taught him valuable lessons about property management and tenant relations.
• He now focuses on medical office space and multifamily apartments, leveraging partnerships for diversified investments.
• Flint emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships to find lucrative real estate deals.

Links referenced in this episode:

• vestascapital.com
• investwithflint.com
• l4investing.com

The Do More Podcast

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I wanted to discuss why I believe facing challenges directly is so crucial, particularly when it comes to personal growth.

I’ve got a story about my son and his time in a three-on-three basketball league that really drives this home. His team was up against older, stronger players, and let’s just say they took quite a few losses. It could’ve been a real downer, but honestly, I’ve seen how those tough games pushed them to get so much better—both in their skills and in bouncing back from setbacks.

I can’t help but think about what this means for all of us, you know? So often, schools and even us parents focus on keeping things safe and comfy for kids, but are we missing out on the big lessons that come from competing and even failing sometimes?

I really believe we need to take more risks and embrace the hard stuff, whether it’s on the court or just in everyday life. Those challenges are what shape us and help us grow. What do you think—have you seen this play out in your own experiences?

Takeaways:

• In youth sports, competition often overshadows the importance of skill development and teamwork.
• Challenging children with difficult opponents can lead to significant growth and improvement.
• Losing is a valuable learning experience that teaches resilience and the importance of effort.
• We should encourage taking risks in life, as growth often comes from facing challenges.
• The societal tendency to avoid challenges prevents personal development and skill enhancement.
• Parents and coaches must focus on the process of learning rather than just winning games.

Links referenced in this episode:

• thedomorepodcast.com
• l4andb

The Do More Podcast

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Bree Hartman joins me in this episode to discuss the transformative journey of entrepreneurship and the world of self-storage investing.

One of the main points we explore is how pivoting and adaptability are essential traits for business success. Bree shares her personal story, which includes a significant transition from a career in state wildlife management to owning and operating multiple storage facilities.

We talk about the importance of taking risks, learning from failures, and the crucial role of mindset in navigating challenges. Additionally, Bree emphasizes the value of community and mentorship in the self-storage industry, highlighting how her experiences have shaped her approach to business and personal growth.

This conversation not only sheds light on the practical aspects of investing in storage facilities, but also, I hope, will inspire you to embrace your own entrepreneurial journeys.

Takeaways:

• Bree Hartman emphasizes the importance of embracing pivots in life, stating that growth and change are essential for personal and professional development.
• She shares her journey from being a field biologist to a successful entrepreneur, illustrating how her diverse experiences led her to the self-storage industry.
• Bree discusses the significance of delegating responsibilities in business to allow for growth, stressing that releasing control can lead to improved performance.
• The concept of using AI tools, like Swivel, is highlighted as a way to enhance customer service and operational efficiency in the storage industry.
• Bree notes that many entrepreneurs struggle with the fear of failure, but emphasizes the importance of betting on oneself and taking calculated risks to achieve success.
• The conversation reveals that personal growth often involves discomfort and the ability to adapt to challenges, which ultimately shapes one's journey as an entrepreneur.

Links referenced in this episode:

• l4investing.com
• instagram.com/bree.theinvestor

The Do More Podcast

Russell Nersesov joins me to discuss his journey from being a chiropractor to becoming a managing partner of Safe Storage USA and Flex Park Partners.

In this episode, we examine the strategic shift from traditional real estate investments to self-storage and now flex spaces, showcasing the evolving landscape of the real estate market.

Russell shares insights on the challenges and opportunities that come with these transitions, particularly in the current economic climate where interest rates have significantly changed.

We talk about the importance of building a strong network and the necessity of adapting investment strategies to ensure sustainable growth. As we navigate through these topics, listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the dynamics of real estate investment and the critical factors influencing decision-making in this field.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Russell Nersesov shares his transformative journey from being a licensed chiropractor to becoming a managing partner in the self-storage and flex space sectors.
• The discussion highlights the importance of adaptability in real estate investment, particularly in response to market changes and economic pressures.
• Russell emphasizes the strategic decision-making process behind their pivot from self-storage to flex space, focusing on emerging opportunities in the market.
• You are encouraged to consider the nuances of long-term real estate holding strategies, as opposed to the more transactional approach often seen in syndication.
• The episode covers the significance of building a reliable network in real estate, underscoring that success often hinges on collaborative efforts within the industry.
• Russell discusses the innovative approach of combining real estate investments with cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin, to diversify and enhance investment portfolios.

Links referenced in this episode:

• safestorageusa.com
• safestorageinvestors.com
• L4Investing.com

The Do More Podcast

Jimmy Rios, founder of Rios Business Advisors, joins me to discuss the evolution of his advisory firm and the crucial lessons learned over 25 years in the financial services industry.

At the heart of our conversation is the importance of understanding business credit and how it can serve as a vital tool for entrepreneurs looking to transition from traditional employment to business ownership.

Rios emphasizes the shift from a consumer-driven mindset to one where individuals view themselves as business owners, capable of leveraging credit and strategic planning to build wealth.

We talk about the essential first steps for aspiring business owners, including the significance of mental preparedness and the necessity of a solid financial foundation.

Throughout the episode, Rios shares insights on navigating the complexities of buying and selling businesses, highlighting the value of mentorship and well-structured systems for achieving long-term success.

Takeaways:

• Jimmy Rios emphasized the importance of building a business ecosystem that adapts to client needs over 25 years.
• He shared insights on transforming individuals from consumers to business owners through effective financial strategies.
• Rios discussed the value of mentorship in navigating the complexities of business ownership and credit management.
• The episode highlighted the significance of having a clear exit strategy when buying or selling a business.
• Rios explained how to leverage business credit effectively to facilitate investments and acquisitions.
• He encouraged listeners to focus on the numbers and details to ensure a strong financial foundation for their ventures.

The Do More Podcast

Thanks for following, subscribing and listening to this episode of The Do More podcast hosted by Jon Farling. To learn more or ask questions, go to l4investing.com.

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Entrepreneurs often mistakenly believe they own a business when, in reality, they may just have a job.

This episode explores the crucial distinction between working in a business versus working on it, highlighting that many entrepreneurs often become entangled in daily operations rather than focusing on strategic growth.

I explore practical examples, such as house flipping, to illustrate how being involved in the minutiae of operations can hinder long-term success. By sharing my own experiences in self-storage, I highlight the importance of delegation and the use of tools like organizational charts to clarify roles and responsibilities.

Ultimately, this discussion aims to empower you to step back from day-to-day tasks, enabling you to concentrate on scaling your business and to foster a more effective work environment.

Takeaways:

• Many entrepreneurs mistakenly believe they own a business, while they are actually just working a job.
• The distinction between working in your business and working on your business is crucial for growth.
• Delegation is essential for business owners to focus on the bigger picture and strategic planning.
• Using an organizational chart can help clarify responsibilities and improve business operations.
• Entrepreneurs often struggle with delegating tasks because they think they can do everything better themselves.
• Regularly reviewing your organizational structure can highlight areas for improvement and enhance efficiency.

Links referenced in this episode:

• L4Investing.com

The Do More Podcast

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Money does not directly equate to happiness; rather, it serves as a tool that can facilitate a fulfilling life.

I explore the nuanced relationship between financial resources and personal well-being, emphasizing that while it is essential to have our basic needs met, happiness often stems from experiences and the goals we pursue. I've shared my own journey from living paycheck to paycheck to understanding the importance of saving and investing, which allowed me to gain financial stability and time freedom.

This episode delves into the idea that the fulfillment we derive from our financial journeys is more significant than the money itself. Ultimately, it's about who we become along the way and how we leverage our resources to enrich our lives and those of others.

Takeaways:

• I share personal experiences from my youth, illustrating that meeting basic needs often leads to happiness, regardless of income level.
• The importance of having a savings cushion is discussed, as it alleviates stress and prevents the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck.
• We highlight that fulfillment comes from personal growth and achieving goals, rather than simply accumulating wealth or material possessions.
• The episode emphasizes that while money is a useful tool, true happiness is derived from experiences, relationships, and the person you become through challenges.
• Ultimately, we conclude that money indirectly contributes to happiness through the freedom it provides to pursue meaningful experiences and personal development.

Links referenced in this episode:

• L4Investing.com

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The Do More Podcast