Podcast: The Weekly Wealth Podcast

Host: David Chudyk, CFP®

Guest: Mike Draper, Partner at CFO Systems

If you’re a business owner generating $2 million to $15+ million in annual revenue, one of your biggest risks may not be sales, competition, or employees — it may be your financial blind spot.

In this episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, David Chudyk sits down with Mike Draper, Partner at CFO Systems, to explain how a fractional CFO helps business owners improve cash flow, make better strategic decisions, and prepare their company for long-term growth or a future sale.

1. What a fractional CFO actually does (and how it differs from a controller)
2. Why growth often uses cash before it creates cash
3. Common financial blind spots business owners don’t realize they have
4. The difference between keeping score and making strategic decisions
5. When it makes more sense to hire a fractional CFO instead of a full-time CFO
6. How poor financial processes can lower the value of your business
7. Why clean books, forecasts, and procedures matter before selling your company
8. How fractional CFOs help with:
9. Cash flow forecasting
10. Budgeting and capital planning
11. Debt restructuring and banking relationships
12. Preparing for due diligence and quality of earnings reviews

Mike uses a Moneyball analogy:

1. Controllers keep the score (historical data)
2. CFOs analyze the data to guide future strategy

Most business owners have the score — but not the strategy.

Mike Draper is a Partner at CFO Systems, a fractional executive leadership firm with over 100 directors nationwide and more than 300 active clients. CFO Systems provides fractional CFOs, COOs, controllers, HR leaders, and interim executives to businesses across industries and revenue sizes.

Mike began his career at Deloitte, spent nearly a decade auditing Berkshire Hathaway, and has served in controller and CFO roles for publicly traded companies.

1. Email: [email protected]
2. Phone: (402) 598-7150
3. Website: www.cfosystemsllc.com

True wealth isn’t just about money — it’s about clarity, freedom, and being present for what matters most. As Mike shares, strong financial leadership allows business owners to step out of the weeds and back into the role they’re best at.

Special Guest: Jessica Pierce

In this episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, host David Chudyk is joined by special guest Jessica Pierce for an insightful conversation around money, mindset, and making smarter financial decisions.

Together, they explore how behaviors—not just numbers—play a critical role in long-term wealth, and how intentional choices today can create confidence and clarity for the future. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or refining your strategy, this episode offers practical takeaways you can apply right away.

1. Why financial success is driven by behavior as much as strategy
2. How to make more intentional money decisions
3. Common mistakes that can quietly derail long-term wealth
4. The importance of aligning your values with your financial plan
5. Actionable steps you can take this week to improve your financial confidence

Better decisions lead to better behaviors—and ultimately, better wealth.

Jessica Pierce brings a fresh perspective to the conversation, sharing insights and experiences that help simplify complex financial topics and make them more approachable.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Weekly Wealth Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you build a stronger financial future.

What if the biggest financial move you make in 2026 isn’t a Roth conversion or an investment pick—but fixing your marketing?

In the first episode of 2026, Certified Financial Planner™ David Chudyk sits down with marketing strategist Katie Brinkley to unpack practical, non-cringey marketing strategies that business owners can implement right now—without dancing on TikTok or posting 42 times a week.

This conversation is packed with real-world marketing advice, especially for Main Street businesses, professional service firms, and business owners who want more revenue without more chaos.

✔️ The real difference between marketing vs. sales (and why confusing them hurts revenue)

✔️ Why posting less—with intention—often leads to better results

✔️ How to market without being “goofy,” awkward, or inauthentic

✔️ What “going viral” actually means for a small business

✔️ Why podcasts are one of the best lead-generation tools available today

✔️ How to use email marketing (the most overlooked asset) effectively

✔️ Non-social-media marketing strategies that still work in 2026

✔️ How consistency—not perfection—wins the marketing game

1. Why your business is your greatest wealth-building tool
2. The shift toward personal branding after COVID
3. How to choose marketing strategies that match your personality
4. Lunch-and-learns, workshops, and relationship-based marketing
5. Why algorithms shouldn’t control your entire growth plan
6. Repurposing content the smart way (without burning out)

Your brand isn’t what you say it is—it’s what other people perceive.

Ask yourself:

1. What do your clients think you do?
2. What does your community say about you?
3. Would your competitors describe you the same way you do?

If those answers don’t align with your goals, it may be time to refine—or rebrand—your message.

Katie Brinkley is a marketing strategist, speaker, and founder of Next Step Social. She’s been helping businesses grow through social media since the days of MySpace and has led national strategies for brands like AT&T.

She’s also the host of two podcasts:

1. Rocky Mountain Marketing – expert interviews and practical strategies
2. Marketing Trends Now – weekly solo episodes on what’s changing right now

👉 Learn more and connect with Katie:

🌐 https://www.katiebrinkley.com

If marketing, cash flow, taxes, or business decisions are weighing on you this year, let’s talk—no pressure, no pitch.

🎯 Book your free 10-Minute Vision Call

👉 https://www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision

In just 10 minutes, we’ll discuss:

1. A financial decision you’re unsure about
2. A challenge you’d like to optimize
3. Or simply whether you’re on the right track

No commitment. Just clarity.

The Weekly Wealth Podcast is where we discuss the mindsets, tactics, and strategies that help business owners, professionals, and families build and maintain wealth—financially and personally.

If you enjoyed this episode:

⭐ Subscribe

⭐ Leave a review

⭐ Share it with a business owner who needs better marketing in 2026

Welcome to the first episode of 2026.

In this episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, Certified Financial Planner™ David Chudyk shares 25 powerful lessons from 2025—lessons learned from working closely with business owners, high earners, and high‑net‑worth families.

These lessons span three critical areas:

• Business ownership & leadership

• Personal finance & investing

• Life, health, and perspective

This episode is designed to help you think better, behave better, and ultimately make better financial decisions in 2026 and beyond.

SECTION 1: 8 LESSONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

1. Profit is not a dirty word—it’s the purpose of business.

2. Your business should survive if you disappear for 30 days.

3. Complexity is the enemy of scale.

4. Growth requires daily discomfort.

5. Many businesses underprice their value.

6. You can’t be everything to everyone—find your niche.

7. Core values should be written, shared, and lived.

8. Learn to say: “That’s not my job anymore.”

SECTION 2: 9 PERSONAL FINANCE & INVESTING LESSONS

• Many millionaires don’t look wealthy.

• Financial margin matters.

• Wealth is built through boring consistency.

• Concentration can create wealth; diversification preserves it.

• Know what you own, why you own it, and when you’ll sell.

• Risk management matters more than chasing returns.

• Roth vs pre‑tax decisions matter.

• Tax preparation is not tax planning.

• Estate planning can’t wait.

SECTION 3: 8 LIFE LESSONS

• Be a decent person.

• Let go of what you can’t control.

• Calories add up—health matters.

• Find an exercise plan you’ll stick with.

• Surround yourself with great people.

• Avoid patterns that keep people stuck.

• Choose empathy over judgment.

• Faith, gratitude, and perspective matter.

BONUS SEGMENT

Focus on activities, not outcomes.

You control the activity. Results take care of themselves.

CALL TO ACTION

Book your 10‑Minute Wealth Vision Call:

https://weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision

DISCLAIMER

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The days after Christmas often bring a rare and beautiful pause—less noise, fewer obligations, and space to breathe. In this special abbreviated episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, Certified Financial Planner™ David Chudyk invites listeners to step away from budgets, to-do lists, and financial strategies to reflect on a different kind of wealth.

This episode explores the qualitative side of wealth: rest, gratitude, contentment, and time with the people who matter most. It’s a reminder that true wealth isn’t just what’s on paper—it’s who’s sitting around your table.

1. Why the week after Christmas is one of the most valuable times of the year
2. Rest as a legitimate and powerful form of wealth
3. Why burnout leads to poor decisions—financial and personal
4. How thankfulness changes our relationship with money
5. Recognizing everyday privileges we often overlook
6. Why time with family is the only asset that isn’t renewable
7. Letting ambition pause—and giving yourself permission to rest
8. A special “permission slip” for contentment heading into the new year

1. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s recovery, margin, and fuel for better decisions
2. Money is a tool, not the goal; it’s meant to support a meaningful life
3. Gratitude reduces financial anxiety by shifting focus from scarcity to abundance
4. Time is irreplaceable—money can be earned again, but moments cannot
5. There’s value in recognizing when you already have enough

As the year winds down, David shares a powerful reminder:

2026 can be a year of ambition, growth, and big goals—but the rest of this year can be about contentment.

Not complacency—but appreciation.

Not slowing down forever—but resting without guilt.

If you’re listening between Christmas and New Year’s, consider this your permission slip to pause.

Wealth isn’t just measured by accounts and statements.

It’s measured by connection, faith, relationships, and peace.

This week, rest. Be thankful. Spend time with the people you love.

There will be plenty of time to focus on the details soon enough.

Follow The Weekly Wealth Podcast on:

1. Instagram
2. Facebook
3. YouTube

New episodes focus on financial strategies, prosperous mindsets, and building true wealth—inside and out.

Disclosure: The information and material contained in this communication is confidential and intended for the recipient addressee named. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the message and notify the sender immediately. Fiduciary Alliance LLC is an Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Please contact us at 864-385-7999 if there is any change in your financial situation, needs, goals or objectives, or if you wish to initiate any restrictions on the management of the account or modify existing restrictions. Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request.

When people hear “investing,” they often think about hot stocks, market predictions, or timing the next big move. In this episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, Certified Financial Planner David Chudyk breaks down what truly matters: how your portfolio is structured, balanced, and managed over time.

This episode isn’t about what to buy—it’s about why you own what you own, how different investments interact, and how intentional design can lead to better long-term outcomes, especially during market volatility.

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• Why portfolio construction matters more than picking the “right” investment
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• How investors can own great investments but still get poor results
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• The difference between intelligence and structure in investing
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• Why most portfolios are built unintentionally—and the risks that creates
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• Alpha: Returns above what the market provides
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• Beta: Exposure to market movement (upside and downside)
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• Why many investors mistake higher risk for true outperformance
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• How overexposure to one stock, sector, or employer can quietly build risk
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• Why diversification doesn’t just grow wealth—it helps preserve it
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Pros:

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• Low cost
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• Broad market exposure
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• Simplicity and transparency
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Limitations:

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• Full exposure to market downturns
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• No built-in risk management or tax coordination
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• Increasing concentration within major indexes
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Index funds are powerful tools—but they are not a full strategy on their own.

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• Why assets that look diversified can still move together
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• The difference between volatility (movement) and true risk (permanent loss)
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• How behavior—not numbers—often determines investment outcomes
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David discusses how different assets can play different roles in a portfolio, including:

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• Real estate (direct ownership vs. REITs)
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• Gold and precious metals
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• Private equity and private credit
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• Annuities and lifetime income strategies
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Each comes with unique risk, liquidity, and complexity trade-offs that must align with your stage of life and financial goals.

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• Markets change
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• Taxes become more impactful over time
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• Decisions get harder as portfolios grow
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Portfolio construction isn’t static—it’s an ongoing process that requires coordination, discipline, and emotional control.

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Intentional portfolios answer these questions before emotions take over.

What specific problem would my portfolio solve if markets were flat for the next 10 years?

If your portfolio only works in strong markets, it’s not a strategy—it’s a bet.

If this episode raised questions about how your portfolio is built, you can schedule a 10-minute Vision Call with David at:

👉 www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision

No pressure—just a thoughtful conversation.

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• Follow The Weekly Wealth Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
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• Share this episode with someone serious about building wealth the right way
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Disclosure: The information and material contained in this communication is confidential and intended for the recipient addressee named.  If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the message and notify the sender immediately. Fiduciary Alliance LLC is an Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy, or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. Please contact us at 864-385-7999 if there is any change in your financial situation, needs, goals or objectives, or if you wish to initiate any restrictions on the management of the account or modify existing restrictions.  Our current disclosure brochure, Form ADV Part 2, is available for your review upon request.

In this holiday-inspired episode, David Chudyk shares 10 meaningful financial “gifts” your future self will be grateful for in 2026 and beyond. These gifts aren’t wrapped under a tree—they’re intentional decisions that build clarity, confidence, stability, and long-term wealth. This episode is designed for anyone looking to step into the new year with better habits, smarter planning, and a sense of peace around their finances.

Understanding your numbers—spending, savings rate, debt, investments, and insurance—gives you control instead of chaos. You don’t need perfect tracking, just greater awareness.

A boring but powerful gift. Cash reserves protect you from crises and help you take advantage of opportunities. Start with one month saved and build toward 3–6 months.

Wealthy people spend with purpose, not impulse. Focus on experiences, relationships, health, and convenience that aligns with your goals.

Insurance, wills, power of attorney, and updated beneficiaries—all crucial. Protection isn’t just about money; it's about easing the burden on the people who matter most.

Your future self needs movement, sleep, lower stress, stronger muscles, and fewer “fast-food emergencies.” Health is a financial asset—protect it now.

Automation beats motivation every time. Automate savings, investments, debt payments, and charitable giving so progress happens without effort.

Your goals should be specific, measurable, realistic, and emotionally powerful. Tie goals to purpose—for example, buying a beach house for family connection or funding kids’ college for their future freedom.

Give in alignment with your values—whether that means money, time, mentoring, service, or presence. Meaningful generosity benefits the giver as much as the receiver.

Stop trying to figure everything out yourself. Find the “who”—a financial advisor, tax professional, mentor, business coach—to reduce mistakes and speed up progress.

Protect your time, energy, financial health, and emotional well-being. Every “yes” is also a “no” to something else. Make sure your commitments align with your priorities.

Discover the current health and approximate value of your business and learn which areas to improve to increase profitability and future sellability.

Take the 10–15 minute assessment at: weeklywealthpodcast.com/valuebuilderscore

• Schedule a 10-Minute Wealth Vision Call: weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision

• Connect on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @WeeklyWealthPodcast

• Email David: [email protected]

• Share this episode with friends, family, or colleagues who want to start 2026 with stronger financial habits.

David wraps up the episode with gratitude, warm holiday wishes, and encouragement to make decisions that serve the version of you who will be living with them next year—and beyond.

Episode Title: 26 Big Decisions for Wealth Growth

Host: David Chudyk, CFP®

Podcast: The Weekly Wealth Podcast

In this episode, David breaks down 26 powerful “big decisions” that can dramatically impact your wealth, business, lifestyle, and long-term financial freedom. Instead of tackling everything at once, David challenges listeners to choose one single decision to focus on in 2026—the one that will create a domino effect in every area of life.

This episode is perfect for business owners, high-income earners, and successful professionals who want clarity, momentum, and a more intentional wealth strategy.

🔢 Part 1: Quantitative Wealth Decisions (Numbers-Based Moves)

These decisions directly affect your net worth, profitability, tax efficiency, and financial structure.

1. Set a target net-worth growth rate for 2026
2. Focus on increasing business profitability (not just revenue)
3. Restructure your compensation for tax-efficient savings
4. Implement a formal owner-distribution strategy
5. Eliminate one major wealth-dragging liability
6. Reallocate your investments based on real risk capacity
7. Decide whether you will max out all available retirement plans
8. Build a profit reserve for your business (3+ months of expenses)
9. Complete your 2026 tax projection by March 1
10. Adopt a tax-efficient investment strategy
11. Diversify away from reliance on one major customer
12. Set a personal liquidity target ($50k–$100k+)
13. Align your insurance coverages with actual risk exposure

These improve clarity, communication, organization, and long-term planning.

1. Create or update your Life & Wealth Master Plan
2. Start preparing early for your business exit strategy
3. Document your business’s standard operating procedures
4. Establish a quarterly financial review rhythm
5. Adopt a “documentation-first” financial habit
6. Strengthen financial communication with your spouse/partner
7. Build your Personal Board of Advisors (CPA, advisor, attorney, etc.)
8. Delegate/automate low-value tasks to reclaim high-value time

Because wealth is meaningless if it doesn't improve life.

1. Spend intentionally on meaningful experiences
2. Design a generosity strategy (charitable giving, DAF, family giving traditions)
3. Update your estate plan to match your current wealth
4. Consider working with a personal CFO/financial advisor to coordinate everything
5. Choose your ONE big decision for 2026—and commit to it

David asks each listener to identify ONE decision from the list that will define their year.

Share it by leaving a voicemail at:

👉 www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/voicemail

• 10-Minute Vision Call: www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision
• Value Builder Score: www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/valuebuilderscore
• Exit Readiness Prescore: www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/prescore

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

The Weekly Wealth Podcast helps high-achieving professionals and business owners build wealth through smart strategies, intentional planning, and prosperous mindsets. With over 176,000 downloads in the last 90 days, the show continues to grow thanks to listeners like you.

In this special Thanksgiving edition, David brings a little humor (and a questionable turkey sound effect) to kick off a heartfelt conversation about gratitude—why it matters, how it affects our lives, and why focusing on the good can be one of the most powerful wealth-building mindsets we can adopt.

David explores three big reasons gratitude is more than just a nice idea:

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• Our brains are wired to look for danger and problems.
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• Gratitude forces us to notice wins, progress, and blessings.
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• What we focus on expands—looking for good creates more good.
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• Negative focus can lead to defensive behavior and a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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• Gratitude helps you become more positive, likable, and open to opportunity.
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• Research shows gratitude:
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• Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
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• Grateful people report higher life satisfaction—even without more money or success.
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• Saying “thank you” deepens trust and connection.
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• People who feel appreciated communicate better and offer more support.
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• In families, teams, and businesses, gratitude fuels unity and collaboration.
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David reflects on his own blessings this year and encourages listeners to:

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• Recognize the good in their own lives
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• Share what they're thankful for
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• Spread gratitude within their homes, workplaces, and communities
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Take 60 seconds today and list 3 things you're grateful for.

Big or small—it all counts.

Share them with someone you care about.

Help us grow the Weekly Wealth tribe:

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• Follow on social media
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• Share this episode with someone you appreciate
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• Join the conversation about gratitude and blessings
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Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a mindset that creates better health, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life. When we look for good, we tend to find more of it.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🌟

7 Wealth Leaks Silently Draining High-Earning Entrepreneurs

In this week’s episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, Certified Financial Planner David Chudyk breaks down seven of the biggest hidden money leaks he sees among high-earning entrepreneurs and business owners. These leaks are subtle, easy to overlook, and can quietly cost thousands each year — but the good news is they’re fixable.

David walks you through each leak, explains why it happens, and gives practical steps to plug the problem so you can keep more of what you earn and build intentional long-term wealth.

Why the wrong entity type, missed deductions, and lack of proactive tax planning can cost high earners 10–20% more each year.

How missing coverages, duplicated coverages, rising deductibles, or an underinsured home expose you to unnecessary financial risk.

Why high-interest credit cards, inefficient equipment financing, or paying down the wrong debts in the wrong order slows your wealth building.

How scattered accounts, overlap, idle cash, and missing strategy reduce returns and increase tax drag.

The silent wealth killer that grows spending at the same rate as income — and how to reverse it with intention.

Why unprepared businesses sell for less, become unsellable, or create chaos without systems, documentation, and buy-sell agreements.

How entrepreneurs who manage money on “feel” instead of process consistently overspend, under save, and make emotion-based decisions.

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• 10-Minute Vision Call:
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• www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision
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• Value Builder Score:
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• www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/valuebuilderscore
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• Submit Your Thankfulness Recording:
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• www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/voicemail
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• Email David:
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• [email protected]
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David invites listeners to share what they’re thankful for this year. Your message may be included in next week’s special Thanksgiving gratitude episode.