In this episode, we dig into one of the most common—and quietly frustrating—money questions people face today: Why does it still feel like I'm barely getting ahead, even though I'm earning more than ever?

Whether you're a six‑figure earner, a growing business owner, or someone who's worked hard to level up financially, this conversation breaks down the real reasons money can still feel tight. We explore:

• The hidden impact of inflation and rising costs
• How lifestyle creep sneaks into your budget
• Why debt over 30% of your income becomes a financial chokehold
• The small, everyday spending habits that quietly drain wealth
• Cash‑flow leaks most people overlook
• The role your personal money personality plays in your financial decisions

You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of where your money is actually going—and how to start reclaiming control without guilt, shame, or extreme budgeting.

At the end, we tee up the next episode, where we'll break down the four money personality types and help you identify your own.

If you've ever wondered, "Why doesn't my income feel like enough?" this episode will give you the clarity you've been missing.

Why do so many financial plans look good on paper—but fall apart in real life?

In this episode, we break down the real reason most people struggle to stay consistent with their finances. It's not a lack of discipline. It's not a lack of knowledge. It's that the plan they're following was never built for how they actually live, earn, and think.

We talk about:

• Why traditional financial advice doesn't work for business owners and independent professionals

• The hidden role behavior, habits, and emotions play in your financial success

• A real client story of going from less than $1,000 in savings to owning multiple properties

• The 3 elements every financial plan needs to actually work in the real world

If you've ever felt like you're doing all the "right things" but not getting ahead, this episode will help you rethink how your plan should be built.

Because real financial success isn't about being perfect—it's about building a system you can stick with.

Why do intelligent, successful people still make poor financial decisions?

In the first episode of The Marc Lowe Show, Marc dives into one of the most misunderstood truths about money: financial mistakes are rarely about intelligence — they're about psychology.

Drawing from real conversations with clients, Marc explores how subconscious beliefs, childhood money experiences, and emotional forces like fear and greed quietly shape the decisions we make every day. From inheritances to spending habits to risk tolerance, many financial choices aren't driven by logic alone — they're influenced by the behaviors and patterns we learned long before we realized it.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why being "smart" doesn't automatically lead to good financial outcomes

• How emotional triggers like fear and greed influence decision-making

• The powerful role your upbringing plays in shaping money habits

• Common mistakes people make after major life events like receiving an inheritance

• How to become more intentional and aware of your financial behavior

This episode also introduces the mission behind The Marc Lowe Show — bringing together conversations with experts ranging from CPAs and therapists to attorneys and industry professionals to explore the intersection of psychology, money, and real life.

If you've ever wondered why logical financial decisions feel harder than they should — this episode is for you.

Disclaimer: Information presented was believed to be factual and up-to-date as of the date of recording, but no guarantee is made to its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the subjects presented.

Advisory services offered through In The Money Retirement Planning LLC is an investment adviser registered with the state of Connecticut. For disclosure information please visit: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/332715