In this thought-provoking episode of the Money Insights Podcast, host Christian Allen is joined by guest co-hosts Blake "Never Takes a Break" Brogan and Brenyn "Babyface" McConnell to discuss a financial paradox that affects many investors: why the so-called "safest" investments can often be the riskiest moves you make.

Together, they break down common investment strategies such as cash reserves, bonds, 401(k)s, and fixed annuities, exposing the hidden dangers and opportunity costs associated with each. They also explore the importance of liquidity, diversification, and a cash flow-based mindset that can help you build true financial independence.

If you’ve ever been told that slow and steady wins the race, this episode might challenge everything you thought you knew about wealth-building. Tune in to learn how the most successful investors use their money strategically, balancing security with opportunity to maximize their long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

• The hidden risks of "safe" investments like bonds, cash, and fixed annuities
• Why traditional 401(k) strategies might not be the best path to financial freedom
• The fallacy of the 4% withdrawal rule and its impact on retirement planning
• How paying off your mortgage early could actually hurt your financial flexibility
• What the most successful wealth builders do differently

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, this episode provides insights you can’t afford to miss.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

Christian and Rod break down the major flaws of 529 plans, including their lack of flexibility, investment limitations, and potential tax penalties, and offer a superior alternative that gives you more control, liquidity, and long-term financial benefits. If you're saving for your child's education—or considering better ways to build generational wealth—this is a must-listen episode.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

Christian and Rod break down how they personally use leverage, velocity, cash flow, tax optimization, asset protection, and estate maximization to grow and protect wealth. This episode isn't just theory—it’s a real-world discussion on the actions and strategies that create financial success.

If you're serious about taking your financial strategy to the next level, this is a must-listen episode.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

How do tariffs impact the economy, businesses, investors, and everyday consumers? More importantly, how can you position yourself on the winning side of these changes? Christian and Rod break down the effects of tariffs, discuss winners and losers in the market, and share investment strategies to help you stay ahead.

If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or financial professional, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss!

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

In this episode, Christian and Rod explore the Four Pillars of Building a Sustainable Seven-Figure Business Without Burnout, offering practical advice to balance profitability, delegation, systemization, and energy management. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or high-achieving professional, these principles will help you elevate your business and personal life.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

In this episode, Christian and Rod explore the power of contrarian investing—why the best investors think differently, how to spot overlooked opportunities, and when to go against the crowd. Using real-world examples like Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy and the 2008 financial crisis, they reveal how stepping outside the mainstream can lead to massive financial gains.

If you’re looking to break free from traditional financial planning and maximize your investment potential, this podcast is for you. Tune in to discover the mindset, principles, and strategies that set successful investors apart.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

Have you ever been searching for your next investment and wondered whether the opportunity you saw was worthwhile? Today Christian and Rod dive into the anatomy of a good investment and how to spot a bad one, taking inspiration from American Greed.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

Whether it's about debt, saving for retirement, or investing, there are a lot of voices out there telling you what to do. They can be overwhelming, and they can also be WRONG. This week, Rod and Christian are joined again by honorary co-hosts and key members of the Money Insights team, Blake Brogan and Brenyn McConnell, to break down 10 controversial pieces of money advice. Let's get started!

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

We have this source of incredible wisdom here, and we need to take full advantage of it. Today, Rod the Pod Zabriskie is going to put on many hats: economist, dad, financial planner, investor. Whether it's inheriting $500,000, investing in a real estate deal that's losing money, or dealing with $50,000 in credit card debt, Rod's got the answers. Let's dive in.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast

A new year and a new presidency are upon us. This episode has nothing to do with political preferences. It has everything to do with what this means for alternative investors. Whether you like Donald Trump or not, it is vitally important to understand what changes are coming. From tax reform and deregulation to tariffs and trade policy, Christian and Rod dive into what investors should be thinking about and doing in the coming months.

Money Insights is a strategic planning firm that is founded on the principle that "off-the-shelf" products and solutions often do not meet the needs of high-income earners. The Money Insights team works to collaboratively design customized financial solutions that will leave a lasting impact on each of their unique clients.

Visit Money Insights and take the Investor Quiz at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com !

Listen to the Money Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at https://moneyinsightsgroup.com/podcast