https://www.youtube.com/live/34XTxCC807g

In seventh grade, Mark Anderson mowed lawns for $3.50 a yard, saving diligently for his first major purchase—his future wife Amy’s engagement ring. Fast forward to today, Mark and Amy Anderson, founders of Anderson Technologies and Anderson Archival, are passing down a much larger legacy: a thriving multi-generational business. Their story, filled with grit, humility, and purpose, offers profound insights for business owners planning the delicate handoff from one generation to the next.

The Power of Multi-Generational BusinessThe Founding Story: Building with PurposeGrowing a Family While Growing a BusinessInviting the Next Generation: Creating Opportunity Without PressureThe Transition Process: Planning for SuccessThe Role of Legacy and Long-Term VisionA Roadmap for Multi-Generational SuccessBook A Strategy Call

The Power of Multi-Generational Business

Transitioning a business from one generation to the next is not merely a transaction; it’s a journey. It’s about more than dollars, contracts, or even systems. It’s about preserving passion, fostering innovation, and creating a legacy that spans decades. As Mark and Amy shared on The Money Advantage Podcast, their experience highlights key strategies for navigating this process with intention and grace.

Whether you're the founding generation or preparing to take the reins, this article will guide you through the pivotal moments of transitioning a family business. By the end, you’ll feel inspired and equipped to foster generational success while ensuring your business thrives in capable hands.

The Founding Story: Building with Purpose

For Mark and Amy, entrepreneurship began with a shared passion for problem-solving and a knack for technology. Starting Anderson Technologies in 1995, they combined their unique strengths—Mark’s entrepreneurial mindset and Amy’s technical expertise.

From humble beginnings in their home office, they built a business focused on serving others, whether managing IT systems or preserving priceless family archives. Their story reminds us that successful businesses start with a commitment to solving real problems and serving people, a foundation crucial for enduring success.

As Amy aptly said, "Small business is the backbone of America." And with that ethos, they instilled purpose and pride into their work from day one.

Growing a Family While Growing a Business

Starting a family while running a business added complexity—but also clarity. For the Andersons, family always came first. They transitioned to a separate office space, carefully balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with parenting.

A pivotal decision was fostering their children’s understanding of the business without pressuring them into it. “We didn’t want the business to ruin our kids’ lives,” Amy reflected. Instead, they modeled hard work, character, and the joy of serving others through their work—values that naturally attracted their children to consider joining the business.

Their story shows that the early years of business ownership aren’t just about building systems; they’re about building values that can be passed on to the next generation.

Inviting the Next Generation: Creating Opportunity Without Pressure

For years, Mark and Amy assumed they would sell their business. That changed when their daughter Hadley and son-in-law Corbett surprised them with a question: “Would you ever consider letting us join the business?”

Rather than offering immediate ownership or privileges, the Andersons maintained a structured approach. Hadley and Corbett applied for roles within the company anonymously, undergoing the same rigorous hiring process as any other candidates. This ensured respect from the existing team and set the stage for them to earn their positions through merit.

This careful balance—providing opportunity without entitlement—is a model for any family business.

When it comes to financial security and control, many people seek clarity around Infinite Banking and the role life insurance plays. The idea of using whole life insurance to gain financial control, create guaranteed growth, and build generational wealth sparks curiosity about how life insurance companies actually manage the funds. In today’s post, we’re exploring where life insurance companies invest their money.

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Many people bring misconceptions into conversations about finance, especially around life insurance. They’re often convinced by past experiences or teachings that certain financial products or strategies are inherently “better.” However, as Bruce Wehner shared recently on our podcast, one of his clients experienced a breakthrough moment—a realization about why using whole life insurance with a shorter, more limited period to pay premiums actually limited his options later. With a longer, more flexible term, he gained more control, allowing him to maximize the power of his policy long-term. Moments, like these highlight that, sometimes, truly understanding a financial concept, requires experience.

In this blog, we’ll address these essential questions:

Where Do Life Insurance Companies Invest Their Money?

Why Not Indexed Universal Life (IUL) for Infinite Banking?

Mutual Companies vs. Mutual Holding Companies: What’s the Difference?

Is the interest on a life insurance loan variable, and can it change while there’s an outstanding loan?

Where Do Life Insurance Companies Invest Their Money?Why Not Indexed Universal Life (IUL) for Infinite Banking?Mutual Companies vs. Mutual Holding Companies: What’s the Difference?Is the interest on a life insurance loan variable, and can it change while there’s an outstanding loan?Why This Matters for Your Financial FutureBook A Strategy Call

Where Do Life Insurance Companies Invest Their Money?

One common question we hear is, “How do life insurance companies invest their money, i.e. the premiums they collect?” Understanding this can add peace of mind about how your policy will perform in the long run. Due to stringent regulations, life insurance companies are required to invest conservatively to ensure they can always meet their policyholder obligations. Here’s a breakdown of their primary investment allocations:

Bonds: Approximately 85% of a life insurance company’s assets are invested in bonds, both from U.S. Treasury and corporate issuers. Bonds provide a stable and predictable income stream, essential for meeting guaranteed cash value growth.

Mortgage-Backed Securities: Many companies also invest in highly collateralized real estate mortgages. These are chosen for their relatively low risk and consistent returns.

Derivatives: Some life insurance companies hold a small portion of their assets in derivatives—about 3-4%. While derivatives can be riskier, insurance companies manage them very carefully to limit exposure.

Policy Loans: Another portion of the company’s revenue comes from loans to policyholders. Interestingly, life insurance companies appreciate the stability these loans provide. Since they hold the policy’s cash value as collateral, they reduce long-term liabilities for the company and simultaneously offer a secure, predictable return.

This blend of conservative investments enables life insurance companies to provide the guarantees that form the backbone of whole life insurance policies.

Why Not Indexed Universal Life (IUL) for Infinite Banking?

One of the first questions we often hear is: “Isn’t Infinite Banking a strategy that can be used with different insurance products, like IUL or whole life?” Let’s clear that up.

Infinite Banking is a cash management strategy. It’s a process of storing and accessing your capital, and it allows you to earn interest on your money even when you’re using it. The critical part of Infinite Banking is uninterrupted compound growth.

In today’s blog post, we explore the insights Bruce and I shared while answering listener questions about building a self-sustaining financial system for yourself and your family through the power of whole life insurance, structured for infinite banking. This is more than insurance—it’s about giving you control and freedom.

https://www.youtube.com/live/637N4E8L-Xg

The concept of infinite banking allows you to use whole life insurance as your personal financing system. This isn’t about just saving or avoiding debt; it’s about creating a powerful, self-sustaining reservoir of capital that can grow and work for you. Think of it as a financial ecosystem where you have complete control. But it’s more than that. Infinite banking means creating the discipline and long-term mindset to build lasting wealth.

Whether you want to understand lump-sum premium payments or how to structure your policy best, let’s jump in and answer your most pressing questions.

Why Lump Sum Payments Aren’t Always the Best StartWhy Behavior is More Important Than Policy DesignShould You Choose Custom Whole Life or Ordinary Life Policies?Finding the Right Policy Structure and PartnerThe Benefits of Infinite Banking for Your Financial FutureBook A Strategy Call

Why Lump Sum Payments Aren’t Always the Best Start

One of the most common questions we receive is whether it’s better to pay a single large sum into a whole life insurance policy or fund it gradually over time. Many people think that a big upfront payment will jumpstart growth. However, a one-time lump sum can cause a policy to fail the Modified Endowment Contract (MEC) test, meaning you lose valuable tax advantages.

Instead, a steady funding approach builds lasting value without losing the tax benefits. When you fund a policy gradually, it allows the policy to grow with a solid base and maintain a steady death benefit. The key is to structure the policy to be self-sustaining, with dividends and interest paying ongoing costs over time. With gradual funding, you’re setting the foundation for uninterrupted growth—one of the most powerful aspects of infinite banking.

Why Behavior is More Important Than Policy Design

The most well-designed policy won’t help you if you don’t have the right mindset and habits. A lot of people get caught up comparing policy designs, thinking the right combination of premium and paid-up additions (PUA) is all they need. But the reality? Your financial behavior matters more.

Infinite banking only works if you’re disciplined. This means consistent funding, even when times are tough. It’s about committing to growth for the long term. Think of it as planting a forest: the trees don’t grow overnight, but over time, they create something truly sustainable. Your financial journey is similar—staying consistent, resisting the urge to draw down early, and trusting the growth process is what builds true wealth.

Should You Choose Custom Whole Life or Ordinary Life Policies?

With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. For instance, should you choose a “paid-up” whole life policy that requires only short-term funding, or go with a traditional policy that you pay into your entire life? The short answer is that **the best policy depends on your goals and cash flow**.

Paid-up policies (often designed to be fully paid in 10 or 20 years) allow you to stop funding at a certain point, but these policies tend to have higher premiums. If you’re able to keep paying into a policy over time, you can achieve incredible cash value growth without a massive initial outlay. And the longer you fund your policy, the more powerfully the compounding effect works in your favor. Think of it like rolling a snowball: the longer you roll, the bigger it gets. Infinite banking is a long-term game; funding as long as possible amplifies the rewards.

Finding the Right Policy Structure and Partner

When it comes to choosing a whole life insurance policy ...

Imagine this: you’ve heard that mastering Infinite Banking could be the key to financial freedom. It sounds like a perfect solution—investing in yourself, building wealth, all while being “your own banker.” But here’s the truth: not everyone succeeds with infinite banking. In fact, the people who thrive are often the ones who take an entirely different approach to it. They’re thinking long-term, taking responsibility, and treating this like a lifetime practice, not a quick fix.

https://www.youtube.com/live/igurqrqZNdE

The Infinite Banking Concept has gained popularity as a way to take control of your finances, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. This strategy empowers you to create lasting wealth through a well-designed whole life insurance policy, but success requires discipline and a certain mindset. In this blog, we’ll break down what it really takes to succeed with infinite banking, addressing common misconceptions and why approaching it with an abundance mindset, a sense of responsibility, and long-term vision can make all the difference.

Mastering Infinite Banking Starts with Abundance, Not ScarcityEmbrace Responsibility: Becoming Your Own Banker Means OwnershipThe Long Game: Mastering Infinite Banking Means Thinking GenerationallyBe Wise with Policy Loans: It’s Not About Chasing Cash FlowFinding the Right Balance: Structuring Policies for Stability and GrowthBook A Strategy Call

Mastering Infinite Banking Starts with Abundance, Not Scarcity

Infinite banking isn’t about chasing quick returns.  It is fundamentally about thinking from a place of abundance. Bruce and I (Rachel) have seen how scarcity thinking—focusing on short-term gains, instant gratification, or just trying to “fix” financial problems—often backfires. If you approach infinite banking as a “quick fix” for financial issues, you might not get the results you expect. True success happens when you’re ready to shift your mindset, creating a long-term approach to managing your finances and understanding how to use cash flow wisely.

Embrace Responsibility: Becoming Your Own Banker Means Ownership

Nelson Nash, who developed the Infinite Banking Concept, titled his book Becoming Your Own Banker because this strategy is about empowering you to take control. But with control comes responsibility. It’s up to you to make smart moves, from keeping track of your assets to choosing how you repay your loans. With infinite banking, the freedom to set your own terms also means owning the responsibility for the policy’s long-term health. It’s essential to maintain discipline and understand that the responsibility lies with you.

The Long Game: Mastering Infinite Banking Means Thinking Generationally

Mastering Infinite banking requires time. It isn’t a “set it and forget it” strategy or something you can maximize in just a few years. People who benefit most from infinite banking are committed to it over the long term. The structure of the policy and its cash value grow more efficiently over time, so it’s essential to go in with a long-term perspective. Policies that balance base premiums with paid-up additions (PUAs) allow for growth and future flexibility, letting you capitalize on this system for years, even decades, ahead.

Be Wise with Policy Loans: It’s Not About Chasing Cash Flow

One of the biggest misconceptions we see is people treating infinite banking like an investment meant to generate immediate cash flow. The truth is that while you can borrow against your policy, doing so irresponsibly can limit your financial freedom. Infinite banking isn’t meant to fund unsustainable habits or high-risk investments. Instead, it’s a wealth-building tool that should be used wisely and with an eye on long-term stability.  It’s about using capital wisely, holding onto cash when needed, and reinvesting strategically.

Finding the Right Balance: Structuring Policies for Stability and Growth

Proper policy design is critical.

Join us as we explore the critical importance of preserving your family history. During a recent conversation with Mark Anderson and Hadley Grow from Anderson Archival, we delved into the incredible impact of documenting and safeguarding your family’s legacy. Whether it’s through photos, letters, or oral histories, preserving these memories is essential for passing down not only family heritage but also the wisdom and values that shape who we are.

https://www.youtube.com/live/3u8Lme_y5QY

Imagine reading a book of your family's history, with handwritten letters and photos that span over a century. The book doesn’t just document names and dates; it tells stories of immigration, war, survival, and resilience. This was my (Bruce) experience when I read my family's history book, tracing our roots back to the 1800s in Germany. The moment I held that book, I felt an unbroken connection to my ancestors and the choices they made that led to where I am today. That experience showed me how essential it is to preserve family history—not just for the memories, but to ensure the lessons, values, and stories live on.

Family history is about more than just keeping old records in a box somewhere. It’s about creating a living narrative—a legacy that will inform future generations about where they came from and guide them in their own financial and personal journeys. Today, we’re going to discuss how you can take control of this process and preserve the rich tapestry of your family's story for generations to come.

The Power of Storytelling: Building Connections Through Family MemoriesDigital Archiving: Turning Physical Memories into Lasting LegaciesPassing Down Financial Wisdom: Avoiding Costly Mistakes by Learning from the PastCreating a Living Legacy: Merging the Past with Modern TechnologyWhy Preserving Your Family History MattersTake the First Step in Preserving Your Family LegacyConclusion: Building a Legacy That Lasts

The Power of Storytelling: Building Connections Through Family Memories

Every family has stories that are worth preserving, from heroic tales of survival to simple anecdotes about daily life. These stories often contain valuable lessons that can help guide future generations. Mark Anderson shared a beautiful example of this during our podcast: his family's efforts during World War II to overcome financial hardship were deeply rooted in resourcefulness and resilience. Those stories influenced how Mark approaches challenges today.

Hadley Grow added that preserving family history isn’t just about documenting what happened; it’s about keeping alive the values and experiences that shaped us. When you take time to gather stories from your family—whether it’s through interviews, letters, or even photos—you’re giving future generations a blueprint for navigating their own lives.

Action Step: Start simple. Ask the elders in your family to share their stories. Record these conversations, whether through video or audio, and save them for future generations. This process can be as formal as a recorded interview or as casual as chatting at the dinner table. You’ll be amazed at the wisdom that emerges.

Digital Archiving: Turning Physical Memories into Lasting Legacies

One of the challenges many families face is deciding what to keep and how to store it. As Bruce Wehner pointed out in the podcast, his family’s 400-page, meticulously researched genealogy book is one of his most prized possessions. It traces their family history back to Germany in the 1800s and includes over 2,500 citations of research. Such a treasure could easily be lost over time without the proper preservation.

This is where the power of digital archiving comes into play. Companies like Anderson Archival specialize in preserving these memories by digitizing everything from photographs and letters to more fragile documents. Mark and Hadley shared stories about families and organizations that had entire rooms filled with old photos,...

In the world of finance, there are plenty of “rules” and opinions. Some people tell you to put every dollar to work, chasing high returns, while others preach the importance of saving. But today, we’re here to tell you why, beyond all of that, the most foundational rule is that cash is king. It’s a principle that, when followed correctly, can give you the upper hand in both good times and bad.

https://www.youtube.com/live/bH7YaIbf_sY

Bruce and I often dive into financial topics that challenge the mainstream advice, and today is no different. On this episode of The Money Advantage Podcast, we tackled the controversial yet vital subject of why cash is king. Sure, you've probably heard people say "cash flow is king," but we're going a step further—asserting that holding cash is critical for long-term financial success. And no, we’re not just talking about saving for a rainy day; we’re talking about seizing opportunities, navigating crises, and maintaining control over your financial destiny.

Why Most People Miss the Importance of Cash

Let’s start with why this concept is so misunderstood. The mainstream narrative in personal finance typically revolves around net worth and rate of return. People assume that as long as their investments are growing, they’re financially secure. But let me ask you this: what good is a high net worth if you don’t have liquid cash to cover unexpected expenses or seize opportunities when they arise?

We’ve seen it time and time again, both in our own lives and in the financial experiences of others: you could be a millionaire on paper, but if you don’t have cash readily available, you’re not really in control. And this shift—from focusing solely on net worth to understanding the value of cash flow—is what positions you for true financial independence. When you have incoming streams of cash that exceed your expenses you hold the keys to freedom.

Yet, even that isn't enough. Today, we want to take you one step further: it’s not just cash flow that matters. Having liquid, accessible cash is essential. And here's why.

The Chess Analogy: Why Cash is King

In chess, the queen is the most versatile and powerful piece on the board. She can move in all directions and cover great distances. But it’s the king that’s the most important. If your king is taken out, the game is over—no matter how powerful your queen was.

In financial terms, your “queen” is like your cash flow. It can make bold moves and help you grow your wealth, but if you lose sight of protecting your “king”—your cash reserves—you risk being taken out of the game altogether. Having cash allows you to weather storms, seize opportunities, and maintain your position on the financial board. Without it, you could lose everything, even if your cash flow seems strong.

Why Cash is King in Today’s Economy

So, why is cash so important today, in a world where everyone is chasing returns? Let’s go back to 2009, when interest rates were at rock-bottom levels following the mortgage crisis. People were disincentivized to hold cash because it wasn’t earning them a return. Instead, many relied on cheap loans, believing they could always access capital through the bank when needed.

Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a shift back to the traditional wisdom that cash is king. Why? Because those who hold cash are in a stronger position, especially in competitive markets like real estate. When you can make an all-cash offer, you skip the waiting period for loan approval, and you stand out as a serious buyer. More importantly, you avoid the risk of not qualifying for a loan and missing out on an opportunity entirely.

Cash vs. Cash Flow: Finding the Balance

Now, don’t get us wrong—cash flow is incredibly important. Having more income than expenses is key to financial stability. But too often, people think in extremes. They focus solely on investing and deploying every dollar, believing that holding cash is a waste.

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Have you ever been told not to put all your eggs in one basket? If you’ve been in the financial world for any amount of time, whether through your 401(k) or investing in the stock market, you’ve likely heard this advice. Investing diversification has long been hailed as a tried-and-true strategy for mitigating risk, ensuring that even if one “basket” fails, others will protect you. But what if we told you that this conventional wisdom might not be the full picture? What if true diversification isn't just about spreading risk across a single asset class, but thinking beyond the traditional scope of stocks and bonds?

We will break down the myths of investing diversification and help you understand how to take control of your financial future. Buckle up because this information can change how you think about your financial strategy.

A Fresh Take on Investing DiversificationInvesting Diversification Isn't What You Think: Beyond the Stock MarketTax Diversification: An Overlooked StrategyIncome Streams: The Importance of Cash Flow DiversificationWarren Buffett’s Approach: Focus on What You Know and ControlTake Control of Your Financial FutureTake the Next Step

A Fresh Take on Investing Diversification

Investing diversification has been the cornerstone of financial advice for decades. The idea seems simple: by spreading your investments across different stocks, bonds, or funds, you're reducing your exposure to risk. However, while many people believe they’re diversified, they might actually be far more concentrated in the same types of assets than they think. Worse yet, many investors rely on diversification within the stock market only, and when the market takes a hit, their entire portfolio could be at risk.

In this blog, we explore a new way to think about investing diversification—one that goes beyond just paper investments and looks at tax positioning, cash flow, and even alternative asset classes. We’ll show you how to take control of your financial future by expanding your perspective and preparing for long-term success. By the end, you’ll not only understand the real meaning of investing diversification but also how to apply it to your financial life for greater stability and growth.

Investing Diversification Isn't What You Think: Beyond the Stock Market

Most people assume that investing diversification means spreading your money across various mutual funds, stocks, or ETFs. But what if we told you that you might still be investing in the same stocks even with several different funds?

We’ve seen this happen over and over again—investors think they’re diversified because they own different funds from different companies, but when you look closer, many of these funds hold the same underlying assets. For example, you could have mutual funds from multiple companies, yet 85–90% of the stocks within those funds overlap. That’s not diversification—it’s redundancy. And worse, when the market crashes, as it did in 2008, everything goes down at once.

Real investing diversification is about more than just spreading your investments within the stock market. It’s about diversifying across multiple asset classes. Think real estate, commodities, business ownership, and even private lending—these are asset classes that often don’t correlate with the stock market. By broadening your approach, you reduce your exposure to the volatility of any one sector.

Tax Diversification: An Overlooked Strategy

When people talk about investing diversification, they rarely mention taxes. Yet, tax diversification is one of the most important strategies for protecting one’s wealth over the long term.

Consider the fact that the U.S. federal debt has ballooned to $35.7 trillion, and the interest payments on that debt now exceed $950 billion a year—larger than even the Pentagon’s budget. As tax burdens rise to cover this debt, future taxes will likely increase.

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of wealth? For most people, it’s tangible—money in the bank, real estate, stocks, or physical assets. But let me introduce you to a critical concept that doesn’t always get enough attention: intellectual property (IP). Today, I’m diving into why it matters and how it can make or break your business. Are you protecting your intellectual property by taking the necessary steps to ensure your ideas are protected and monetized?

https://www.youtube.com/live/8qJefZzioqE

Author and entrepreneur Kary Oberbrunner has made it his mission to help people protect their ideas, brands, and creative work. In our conversation, Kary shared some powerful lessons and strategies about IP that every business owner, entrepreneur, and even everyday creator needs to understand.

The Surprising Truth About Protecting Your Intellectual Property

Kary kicked off the conversation with a mind-blowing statistic. Back in 1975, only 17% of the S&P 500’s assets were intangible—things like patents, trademarks, and other IP. Fast forward to today, and a staggering 90% of the value of those same companies is now tied up in intangible assets. In fact, by 2024, they estimate this number to be as high as 96%! If that doesn’t get your attention, I don’t know what will.

In short, the world has shifted. We’re no longer in a world where physical assets dominate. Instead, your ideas, your brand, and your processes are often your most valuable business assets. And yet, many of us overlook the importance of protecting them.

About Kary OberbrunnerWhy You Must Protect Your IdeasUnderstand the Value of Your Intellectual PropertyTiming is Everything in Protecting Your Intellectual PropertyProtecting Your Intellectual Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated or ExpensiveProtecting Your Intellectual Property is an Ongoing ProcessProtect What’s Yours, Before It’s Too LateTake Control of Your Intellectual Property TodayBook A Strategy Call

About Kary Oberbrunner

KARY OBERBRUNNER is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of 14 books. As CEO of Igniting Souls® and Instant IP™ he helps abundant-minded & coachable-competent entrepreneurs PUBLISH, PROTECT, and PROMOTE their intellectual property and turn it into 18 streams of income so they can change the world.

An award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and inventor, he’s been featured in Entrepreneur, Forbes, CBS, Fox News, Yahoo, and many other major media outlets. His TEDx has been viewed over 1 million times.

As a young man, he suffered from severe stuttering, depression, and self-injury. Today a transformed man, Kary ignites souls: speaking internationally on a variety of topics and consulting the world's top entrepreneurs and brands regarding publishing, protecting, and promoting intellectual property.

He has several earned degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts, Masters in Divinity, and Doctorate in Transformational Leadership. He also serves as the Berry Chair of Entrepreneurship at Cedarville University, where he teaches on the topics of Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing.

Why You Must Protect Your Ideas

If you’re a business owner or an entrepreneur, you already know that your ideas, your innovations, and your unique ways of doing things are what set you apart. But here’s the challenge: most of us don’t think about protecting those ideas until it’s too late. That’s why this conversation with Kary Oberbrunner was so important. His focus on helping businesses recognize their intellectual property as their greatest asset—and protecting it—was eye-opening.

What if someone came along and copied your brand, your process, or your proprietary method? Without protection, you could find yourself out of business or stuck in a legal battle. But protecting your IP is not just for giant companies like Apple or Nike. It’s something we all need to think about—whether you’re running a family business, a startup,

Let me start with a story that highlights the problem with financial planning today. A colleague of mine works diligently as a financial advisor, and he schedules days to meet with employees about their 401(k)s. He’s prepared to offer invaluable advice, set up one-on-one meetings, and answer pressing questions. Yet, out of 50 employees, only four show up.

https://www.youtube.com/live/i4NH3UgbDlU

Why? The truth is, many people don’t take ownership of their financial future. We’re bombarded with information from YouTube videos, TikTok influencers, or even well-meaning friends, but when it comes time to sit down and make decisions, we hesitate. Too many of us leave our future to chance or to others without truly understanding the options available to us. The result? Missed opportunities and financial stress.

Shifting Your Financial ParadigmUnderstanding The Problem with Financial PlanningThe Risks of Deferring TaxesThe Myth of "Set It and Forget It" InvestmentsThe Power of Financial EducationExploring Alternative Financial StrategiesWhy Rethinking Financial Planning MattersTake Control Today

Shifting Your Financial Paradigm

Today I want to talk about a concept that might be unfamiliar to you—rethinking how you approach financial planning. Most people stick to the typical paths because it’s comfortable. We invest in 401(k)s, we defer taxes, and we hope everything works out when retirement rolls around.

But here’s the hard truth: the problem with financial planning lies in its limited scope. It often relies on outdated assumptions, overlooks the impact of taxes and inflation, and can leave you vulnerable to market fluctuations. What we’re offering in this blog is a new lens to view your financial journey, one that empowers you to make more informed, strategic decisions that truly align with your goals. If you want to take your financial life to the next level, you’re in the right place.

Understanding The Problem with Financial Planning

What most people call financial planning is often limited to a narrow set of strategies: employer-sponsored retirement accounts, stock market investments, and savings. These options seem like safe bets—after all, they’ve been recommended for decades. But the problem with financial planning in this typical model is that it ignores key risks, like market downturns, future tax hikes, and the hidden costs of inflation.

Typical financial planning often revolves around making predictions about things you can’t control. You’re asked to guess your future income, how long you’ll live, and what kind of returns you’ll see in the market. While this may work for some, the reality is that building a financial plan on assumptions can create a shaky foundation.

Consider this: many financial advisors lean heavily on historical data, like the belief that the stock market averages a 7% return. But those averages span over a century. Your investing timeline might only be 30 years, and within that period, the market could behave very differently. You might face prolonged periods of low or even negative returns that derail your entire plan. The problem with financial planning here is that it assumes a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Risks of Deferring Taxes

One of the biggest misconceptions in typical financial planning is the idea that deferring taxes through 401(k)s and IRAs is the best way to minimize your tax burden. The thinking goes like this: defer taxes now when you’re in a higher bracket and pay them later when you’re in a lower one.

However, this strategy ignores a critical factor—the potential for future tax increases. As we often discuss, the U.S. debt is skyrocketing, and at some point, those taxes will have to go up to pay for it. So, while you may think you’re saving by deferring taxes today, you could be setting yourself up for a larger tax bill down the road when you need the money the most. This is yet another angle of the problem with financial planning th...

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Have you ever had a moment where you suddenly realized that what truly matters isn’t all the hustle, the accomplishments, or even the legacy you’re trying so hard to build? That was Josh, standing in his driveway on a vacation in Florida, juggling his entrepreneurial dreams while feeling the weight of parenting. He was caught in that mental struggle we all face—balancing the demands of work and family, trying to get everything done while making sure He's present for the moments that really matter. Then a friend said something that stopped him in my tracks: “You’ll never have a six-month-old son again.” Those words hit him hard. It wasn’t just a reminder about the fleeting nature of time; it was a call to be present, to focus on what truly matters—his family—a call to be famous at home.

Why Emotional Safety is the Key to SuccessAbout Josh StraubEmotional Safety: The Foundation of Lasting RelationshipsBalancing Identity: Who You Are vs. What You DoLiving in Abundance, Not ScarcitySlowing Down to Speed Up: The Importance of Rest and RhythmsHow Emotional Safety Can Transform Your Family and LegacyLearn More with Famous at HomeBook a Strategy Call

Why Emotional Safety is the Key to Success

In today’s fast-paced world, where we’re all striving to build financial security, career success, and lasting legacies, it’s easy to forget the importance of the relationships that matter most. We often spend so much time focusing on what we can achieve that our families end up getting our leftovers. But what if I told you that the secret to true success—both at home and in business—comes from creating emotional safety in your family?

During my conversation with Josh Straub, co-author of Famous at Home, we dove deep into this idea of emotional safety as the foundation for everything else. Whether you're raising kids, building a business, or nurturing a marriage, emotional safety is the core element that allows you and your loved ones to thrive. I’m going to share key takeaways from my conversation with Josh about how you can build emotional safety, cultivate stronger relationships, and ultimately create a lasting legacy—one that goes beyond financial success.

About Josh Straub

Josh is most renowned for his role as a husband and dad. He is also a recovering human, an ongoing journey that includes therapy, coaching, a tight-knit faith community, and staying fit. Josh is a speaker, author, marriage and leadership coach, and a podcast and TV cohost.

He and his wife, Christi, lead Famous at Home, a company equipping leaders and corporations in emotional intelligence and healthy family systems. Josh is also a Fellow of the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling.

Josh most enjoys coaching leaders to be famous at home so they can thrive on their stage. He also speaks regularly for Joint Special Operations Command and serves military families across the country.

Josh is author/ coauthor of six books including Safe House: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well. He and his wife, Christi, host the Famous at Home podcast and co-wrote a recent children’s book, to help parents foster emotional awareness in kids, called What Am I Feeling?

Emotional Safety: The Foundation of Lasting Relationships

Josh and his wife Christy started their journey by asking a simple but profound question: What matters most when we look back on our lives? After facing their own challenges early in parenting—including colic, acid reflux, and the stress of family illnesses—they realized that despite all the advice from parenting experts, the one thing that truly mattered was creating emotional safety in the home.

Emotional safety isn’t just about keeping the peace; it’s about making sure that your family feels heard, seen, and loved. It’s the hub of the wheel, the center from which everything else—discipline, communication,