Hey there, listeners! Welcome to my podcast where I dive deep into incredible stories from the past. Today, I’m sharing the gripping tale of the Donner Party—a group of 87 brave souls who embarked on a journey in 1846 from Springfield, Illinois, all the way to California. They were chasing the American dream, hoping for a better life filled with prosperity.

But as you might guess, their journey was anything but easy. They faced all sorts of challenges: disease, harsh weather, and even conflicts with Native Americans. It was tough, but they kept pushing forward until they encountered a disastrous shortcut suggested by Lansford Hastings. This shortcut turned out to be a huge mistake that drastically changed their fate.

The Donner family, in particular, found themselves lost in the Great Salt Lake desert, which made their trip even longer. When they finally reached the Sierra Nevada mountains in the brutal winter of 1847, they were trapped. The conditions were so dire that they had to resort to cannibalism just to survive. It’s a chilling reminder that shortcuts can come at a terrible cost.

Now, let’s talk about some important lessons from this story. In wealth management—and really in all areas of life—building strong relationships is key. You can have all the financial knowledge in the world, but it’s those interpersonal skills that truly make a difference. Quick fixes and shortcuts rarely lead to lasting success.

Success takes hard work and dedication. Just look at Jerry Seinfeld, who faced countless challenges to keep his comedy at the top. Exceptional individuals often stand out because of their unique talents, but they didn’t take shortcuts to get there.

Throughout this journey, we also learn about the balance between efficiency and effectiveness. Sometimes, being overly efficient can actually lead to worse results. Even in the most fulfilling careers, complete job satisfaction is hard to find.

The podcast wraps up with the idea that nothing worthwhile comes without effort. Whether it’s health, relationships, or finances, commitment and sacrifice are essential. Just like Stephen Pressfield’s tough journey before achieving success, we all face challenges when working towards our goals.

So, here’s the main takeaway: If you’re looking for a simple shortcut to achieve your goals in 2025, remember that shortcuts are never free. Each goal comes with its own price tag. Determine what level of struggle you can accept to get what you want, and be ready to deal with the ups and downs along the way.

Now, I invite you to join me on this journey of discovery. Look for the optimal level of “BS” and pain you’re willing to tolerate because there’s no other way around it!

Don't forget to follow this podcast—it's available for a limited time only, and you won’t want to miss out on these incredible stories and valuable life lessons. Let’s embrace the journey together!

In this podcast episode, the host shares a valuable approach to making smart investment decisions: dedicating time for reflection and contemplation. They discuss how the pursuit of perfection can backfire, using the example of a lion that becomes a bigger target as it tries to excel at hunting.

The importance of "quiet time" is emphasized, as it can spark new ideas and insights. Psychologist Amos Tversky supports this notion, explaining that effective planning requires breaks to gain perspective. The host notes that clarity often comes during moments of rest or vacation.

In wealth management, reflecting on core values is essential. A Stanford study suggests that walking boosts creativity, impacting investment strategies positively. Successful investors like Warren Buffett prioritize reading over the unproductive "hustle culture," which emphasizes busyness over purpose.

The host concludes with practical advice: carve out time for reflection, establish a morning routine, and evaluate what’s working in life, including fitness, faith, family, and finances. Overall, the episode highlights that stepping back can lead to better decisions and success, making it a worthwhile listen for anyone interested in investment and personal growth.

Hey everyone! Today, I want to talk about a really interesting question: What if Donald Trump doesn’t keep his promises? This got me thinking about how we make decisions in business and life, and how important it is to find a balance between being too optimistic and too pessimistic.

In the podcast, I shared a story about Bill Gates. He became super successful, but a big part of that was because he was a bit paranoid about losing money. Then, I talked about Admiral Stockdale, a prisoner of war, who taught us that it’s crucial to face the tough realities while still holding on to hope.

I've noticed that being overly optimistic or too pessimistic can lead to bad choices. For example, if you’re stuck in pessimism, it can ruin relationships or lead to bad investments. I’ve even had a rough time with faith because of some negative experiences.

So, what can we do? We can learn from these stories and aim for a balanced view when making decisions. Here are some investment principles I think are helpful:

1. **Plan like a pessimist, dream like an optimist**: Think about the possible problems, but also keep dreaming about a positive future.

2. **Save like a pessimist, invest like an optimist**: Be ready for unexpected challenges, but don’t be afraid to go after big goals.

I encourage you to start looking at how you make decisions. Are you leaning too much towards optimism or pessimism? Think about the worst-case scenarios and make plans to handle them.

In this podcast, "Wealth in the 5th Dimension," we explore these ideas even more. It’s important to have a balanced perspective in business and life. By understanding both the risks and the rewards, I can make better choices.

So, where are you living in extremes – whether it's in fitness, faith, family, or finances? Let’s find that balance together!

Im shooting a select number of epsidoes so make sure you follow the podcast while the episodes are still up...

Hey everyone! In this episode, I explore how spirituality connects to creating and keeping wealth. It’s an important topic, and I know it can be confusing. I recorded this a bit later than usual, but it’s definitely worth it!

I’m also diving into a second reading of the Bible, focusing on Genesis and the idea of working six days and resting on the seventh. This isn’t just about knowledge; it’s a spiritual practice that brings deeper insights.

Rest is super vital, and I share my struggles with making time for it. After an unexpected Achilles tendon injury, I realized how crucial the 6:1 work-rest ratio is.

We discuss how life has cycles, and resting helps us avoid burnout. In today’s busy world, we often forget to reflect and recharge. I urge you to commit to making time for rest and contemplation.

Before we wrap up, I’m excited to announce that our podcast will soon move to a paid community platform, offering exclusive content and deeper discussions. Don’t miss out—follow the podcast now to stay updated!

Join me on this journey of spirituality, rest, and wealth. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next!

Hey there, listeners! I’m thrilled to welcome you to today’s episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the pressing issues we all face and explore the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Our theme is all about how small changes can lead to monumental impacts across fitness, family, faith, and finances. But let me be clear: the clock is ticking, and the time for action is NOW!

In the first segment, we unpack how minor alterations in our daily routines can yield major outcomes. Imagine transforming your health with just a few tweaks to your diet or exercise. Think about how a simple “thank you” can strengthen family bonds. These small shifts are the stepping stones to a brighter future!

Next, we confront the harsh reality of overlooking the small risks that can cascade into catastrophic problems. Just like the neglect of minor health issues can escalate into serious conditions, unresolved family conflicts can lead to devastating disputes. We can’t afford to bury our heads in the sand—it's time to take notice!

Then, we reflect on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting how we can better prepare for future challenges. Whether it’s maintaining our health, nurturing our family relationships, or ensuring our financial stability, proactive measures are crucial.

In our fourth segment, we discuss how compounding risks can lead to disastrous outcomes. Small mistakes can snowball into financial crises, and we need to recognize these patterns before they spiral out of control.

Finally, we celebrate the triumphs of long-term investment strategies—both in health and finances. Consistency is key! The benefits of sustainable practices are undeniable, and I urge you to consider what small, lasting changes you can implement today.

As we wrap up, I challenge you to think about the small changes you can make in your life. Don't underestimate the power of these shifts; they can open doors to endless possibilities!

Now, here’s where I need your help: share your experiences with small changes that have made a big impact in your life. We want to hear your stories, so engage with us on social media. Together, let’s build a community that thrives on growth and resilience!

Don’t miss out on our next episode, where we’ll continue this journey of transformation. Remember, the time to act is now—let’s create that positive momentum together!

Thank you for joining me today, and I can’t wait to see you next time!

Hey everyone! In today’s episode, we dive into a pretty interesting topic: how comfort can actually hold us back from making progress. When I say "pain," what comes to your mind?

We talk about something I call "Pit vs. Peak." You see, when we get too cozy, we can become lazy. But when we face challenges or pain, that’s when we really start to innovate and grow.

Let’s take a look back at the 1930s during the Great Depression. It was a tough time, with the stock market crashing by 80%. But out of that hardship came amazing inventions and improvements in education, transportation, electricity, and food distribution. Surprisingly, this was also a time of great growth and creativity!

I share a principle that really stands out: we were designed to work hard for six days and take a day to rest. If we flip that around, we end up getting lazy. Sure, being comfortable seems nice, but it can actually make us lose focus. In fact, a little stress can be a good thing because it pushes us to innovate.

After spending 15 years on Wall Street helping people plan for retirement, I’ve seen that comfort isn’t the enemy, but excessive comfort can make dealing with pain really tough. We often wait until we’re facing big problems—like health issues or relationship troubles—before we decide to make changes.

As Nixon once said, “Nothing works unless I do.” We often only start taking action when we feel pain. So, I ask you: where in your life have you gotten too comfortable? Is it your health, relationships, finances, or even your connection with God?

Are you going to wait until things get tough to start making a change?

Don’t forget to follow our podcast for more insights!

Hey everyone, welcome back! Today, I’m diving into a topic that really resonates with me: “Hurry Up and Wait.” It’s all about achieving success in investing without losing our discipline, even when shortcuts tempt us.

Recently, I took my family to a classical music Christmas concert. After just two minutes of the first song, they were already asking how much longer it would take. It reminded me of my time in the military, where we often joked about the phrase "hurry up and wait." It seems like a fitting metaphor for our expectations in life and investing.

We live in a world where we crave instant results. I often meet investors who have big return goals, but most don’t understand the risks involved or even why they’ve chosen those specific targets. They want it all—now!

Here’s the kicker: things that come quickly often disappear just as fast. I can share a story about my few lucky nights at the casino; those wins always make you want to play again. But here’s the truth: gambling is designed to exploit our desire for quick gains, and that mindset can lead to disaster.

The principles I want to highlight today are simple yet profound. Whether it’s love, fitness, relationships, or money, great things in life come from patience and scarcity. We need to nurture our goals and allow them time to grow.

Let’s take a step back and look at investing through the lens of history. Whether you’re considering one day, five years, or ten years, the longer horizons often reveal the best outcomes. Most horror stories of investors losing their life savings stem from their impatience and desire to rush the process.

In conclusion, whether we’re talking about change, growth, or abundance, these things take time. The challenges we face in our lives—be they good or bad—are rarely accidents. So, I’ll leave you with a thought: where in your life do you need to cultivate more patience? Is it with your health, your marriage, or your finances? Let’s be mindful of the journey and remember that good things often take time to flourish.

Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, I dive into the question: "How high do you think the market will go under President Donald Trump?" I start with how to avoid losing money by paying attention to market trends, even if all the talk about Tesla, Nvidia, and Bitcoin feels overwhelming.

I share a story about a lady I met back in 2018 who was sitting on cash because of fears from the Obama years. I explain how many people don’t realize the importance of history in investing. I talk about how a good economy can sometimes lead to complacency, making us less aware of potential risks. For example, when COVID hit, many were caught off guard because they didn’t see the warning signs in our history.

I discuss the idea that when things seem perfect, trouble is often just around the corner. I use examples from the past, like how pandemics were common in the early 1900s and not seen as unusual. We also explore how comfort can actually lead to instability in our lives and finances.

I share some key principles, like how being too comfortable can be dangerous. I mention a theory by economist Hyman Minsky that explains how confidence can lead people to take on debt, creating instability. And I touch on how surprises in the market often come from a lack of information or poor timing.

I wrap up by encouraging listeners to think about where they might be getting complacent in their lives—whether in health, relationships, or finances. I ask them to consider what steps they can take to prevent things from going wrong.

If you’re feeling stuck or unhappy despite having money, I invite you to join me in my journey as a wealth manager, where I share insider tips and insights before we switch to a paid community. Don’t miss out on this valuable information!