(UN)Conventional Wealth

What if everything you learned about business and finance is holding you back? In this special feed drop episode, Dan Nicholson sits with Katie Richardson on What's Working Now to challenge conventional wisdom and reveal a smarter path to financial certainty. Dan, the founder of Nth Degree CPAs, a seasoned entrepreneur, and author, shares how redefining financial strategies can help business owners achieve true wealth without unnecessary risk.

Tune in as Dan unpacks the five financial wealth types—hustler, gambler, optimizer, saver, and outsourcer—and how understanding your type can transform the way you grow and manage wealth. He also introduces the four wealth killers that keep entrepreneurs stuck, revealing why simply making more money isn’t always the answer.

If you’re ready to take control of your finances in a way that aligns with your goals, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why unlearning traditional financial teachings is key to long-term success

✅ How to define specific financial goals and allocate resources effectively

✅ The five financial wealth types—and how knowing yours can shape your strategy

✅ The four biggest wealth killers that sabotage financial success

✅ Why financial certainty isn't about more money, but better decisions

🎧 Listen now and take a smarter approach to building financial freedom!

💡 Are you building a business but struggling with finance, accounting, and cash flow? You’re not alone! In this special feed drop episode, we feature Dan Nicholson, a financial expert and entrepreneur, as he shares key insights on startup finance, accounting best practices, and merchant account pitfalls that can make or break your business.

This episode originally aired on The Startup Specialist Podcast—hosted by Ray Voice, a seasoned entrepreneur, startup strategist, and finance expert. Ray brings insightful conversations with industry leaders, helping founders navigate the complexities of startups, funding, and business growth strategies. His show is dedicated to breaking down the startup journey with real-world advice from investors, operators, and specialists across industries.

🔹 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ The biggest financial mistakes startups make—and how to avoid them

✔️ Why traditional accounting advice doesn’t always work for entrepreneurs

✔️ Merchant accounts and payment processing: What every business owner needs to know

✔️ How to optimize your cash flow for long-term financial success

🔥 If you’re ready to gain financial clarity and grow your wealth with purpose, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Secrets to Selling Your Business, host Jacob Koenig is joined by Dan Nicholson, a seasoned entrepreneur, finance expert, and author of the book Rigging the Game. Together, they discuss the importance of achieving financial certainty and implementing systems to align business goals with personal values.

Dan shares his approach to financial management for business owners, focusing on reducing uncertainty and building strategies that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Through his structured financial operating system, Dan has helped countless entrepreneurs optimize cash flow, enhance decision-making, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode

• The significance of financial certainty and risk management for small business owners.
• Why optimizing for the life you want is more important than simply maximizing shareholder value.
• The role of financial rules and protocols in improving ROI and overall business performance.
• Aligning business operations with personal values to reduce stress and avoid regrets.
• An overview of Dan’s 15 key financial rules and his cash flow protocol.

Connect with the Hosts and Guests

Jacob Koenig

• Woodbridge Group

Dan Nicholson

• LinkedIn
• Website

Episode Links and Resources

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website for more resources on financial certainty: nthdegreecpas.com
• Explore the Woodbridge Group’s services for business transitions: woodbridgegrp.com

In this special episode of the Un-Conventional Wealth podcast, we feature a feed drop from Above The Business with Bradley Hamner. Bradley interviews Dan Nicholson, founder of Nth Degree CPAs, who shares his philosophy on "rigging the game" to achieve financial success. With a wealth of experience, including roles at Deloitte, WaMu, and Microsoft, Dan provides actionable insights to help business owners align their finances with their bigger life goals.

Episode Highlights:

• Dan’s journey from Seattle University to working with Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft.
• Insights from his fellowship with GASB, contributing to the landmark Statement No. 53.
• The concept of “rigging the game” and structuring financial systems for entrepreneurial success.
• How small business owners can master accounting and tax strategies to build lasting wealth.
• Aligning financial decisions with broader life goals.

The Above The Business podcast is supported by leading tools and services that empower entrepreneurs and business owners to thrive:

BlueprintOS equips business owners with a robust operating system to streamline their operations. It helps refine leadership, clarify culture, align KPIs, develop top-tier teams, and execute effective playbooks. Get started with the free Rainmaker to Architect Starter Kit at start.blueprintos.com.

Autopilot Recruiting provides a dedicated recruiter who works daily to find top talent for your team. Start your continuous recruiting journey at autopilotrecruiting.com.

Coach P Consulting leverages proven systems and processes from Coach P's success as an insurance leader. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentorship at coachpconsulting.com—mention the podcast for exclusive insights.

TodayApp simplifies activity tracking, commission management, and CRM integration while providing tools like employee time tracking and leaderboards. Request a custom demo at todayapppro.com and mention Above The Business.

Club Capital specializes in financial and marketing services for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. Serving over 1,000 locations, they offer accounting, tax preparation, CFO services, and digital marketing. Schedule a free demo at club.capital and mention the podcast for special recognition.

Each of these tools provides powerful resources to help your business run smoothly and grow effectively.

Achieving Financial Certainty and Entrepreneurial Success with Dan Nicholson

In a special crossover episode, we flip the script as Sheila Slick interviews (Un)Conventional Wealth host Dan Nicholson. Known for his practical approach to wealth building, Dan shares his journey from a young entrepreneur with a marketing focus to becoming a highly accomplished CPA, bestselling author, and founder of Nth Degree CPA.

Dan reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including a game-changing opportunity at UPS that set him on the path to accounting and, eventually, entrepreneurship. He also dives into the core principles from his book, Rigging the Game, which focuses on creating financial certainty and aligning wealth-building strategies with personal goals.

This engaging conversation goes beyond the usual interview format, offering listeners actionable insights into achieving financial success by defining their “solvable problem,” optimizing business efforts, and making intentional decisions for long-term growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Defining Your Milestones: Dan's unique journey highlights how key career decisions led to his entrepreneurial success.
• Optimize Over Maximize: Why small business owners should focus on what truly matters instead of chasing endless growth.
• The Solvable Problem: Learn how to define personal wealth by calculating financial needs and aligning them with your goals.
• Understanding Wealth Types: Discover the risks and rewards associated with hustlers, savers, optimizers, and gamblers.
• Practical Financial Strategies: Insights on reducing unnecessary expenses, tax savings, and maintaining liquidity to fund your dreams.

Tune in for actionable strategies to:

• Increase your net worth
• Align your business with personal goals
• Achieve financial certainty in uncertain times

Special Mention:

Don’t miss the tools and resources discussed, including CertaintyApp, designed to help entrepreneurs measure financial progress and achieve their “solvable problem.”

Subscribe and Connect:

Enjoy this deep dive into entrepreneurial success and financial optimization on (Un)Conventional Wealth. If you’re a fan of Dan’s regular episodes, this crossover will provide a fresh perspective on his philosophy and practical strategies for wealth-building.

A serial entrepreneur since birth, Dan Nicholson is the author of Rigging the Game: How to Achieve Financial Certainty, Navigate Risk, and Make Money on Your Own Terms, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller. Dan is the founder of the award-winning accounting and financial consulting firm Nth Degree CPAs and has been named a top 40 under 40 accountant globally four times. Beyond accounting, he’s launched multiple small businesses, including Certainty U and Certainty News, which reaches over 1 billion monthly users.

In this special replay from the Sharkpreneur podcast, Dan dives into what it means to achieve financial security as an entrepreneur. With valuable insights from his experience as a consulting producer for PBS’ Opportunity Knocks and the host of Rigging the Game, Dan shares actionable advice for business owners.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Nth Degree CPAs specializes in proactive tax planning and strategy for small businesses.
• Why it’s critical for entrepreneurs to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
• The importance of understanding risk and leveraging asymmetric opportunities for more upside than downside.
• How Nth Degree CPAs helps clients develop real, actionable plans instead of just crunching numbers for tax time.
• Why entrepreneurs should stop trying to prove themselves and instead pursue their goals because they genuinely want them.

Connect with Dan Nicholson:

• Website: Rigging the Game

What does it take to build a business that aligns with your personal values and maintains integrity?

In this episode of (UN)Conventional Wealth, host Dan Nicholson speaks with Jim Frawley, CEO and Founder of Bellwether. They discuss creating a values-driven business, navigating change with resilience, and scaling intentionally without compromising quality or relationships. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay true to your mission while growing your business, this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways:

→ Align your actions and business with your core values to maintain integrity and satisfaction.

→ Build resilience by preparing for change, focusing on small, actionable steps.

→ Prioritize relationships over transactions to create long-term success.

→ Scale your business intentionally by asking why and assessing the costs of growth.

→ Self-awareness and honesty are critical for authentic leadership and decision-making.

Jim Frawley is the CEO and Founder of Bellwether, a New York-based consulting firm specializing in helping individuals and organizations thrive in times of change. With a diverse background in corporate strategy, leadership development, and executive coaching, Jim is known for challenging conventional thinking to drive meaningful transformation. He is the author of Adapting in Motion: Finding Your Place in the New Economy, where he shares strategies for navigating change with resilience and adaptability.

Connect with Jim:

Website: jimfrawley.com

Social Media: @JimFrawleyNY

Sign up for Dan's newsletter and take the wealth assessment quiz: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

How can multifamily real estate investments protect against inflation and currency volatility while generating passive income?

In this episode of (UN)Conventional Wealth, host Dan Nicholson speaks with Igor Shaltanov, founder and managing partner of Avista Fund. Igor shares his journey from professional sports to founding a $500M+ real estate investment firm specializing in income-generating, value-added multifamily properties. He discusses the critical role of due diligence, conservative underwriting, and creating value for investors and residents alike. Igor also explains how Avista Fund provides international investors a secure entry into the U.S. real estate market, protecting wealth from inflation and currency fluctuations while delivering strong returns.

Key Takeaways:

1. Multifamily Real Estate for Inflation Protection
2. Currency Stability with U.S. Real Estate
3. The Importance of Scale in Real Estate Investing
4. Meticulous Due Diligence is Non-Negotiable
5. Passive Income Through Private Credit Funds

Meticulous Due Diligence is Non-NegotiablePassive Income Through Private Credit Funds

Quotes from Igor Shaltanov:

• "Multifamily real estate is one of the most secure ways to beat inflation, with property values and rents adjusting over time."
• "We believe in putting our own capital first—it forces us to dig deeper into every project and operator."

Connect with Igor Shaltanov:

LinkedIn: Igor Shaltanov

Website: Win Real Estate Game

Listen to this episode to discover how multifamily real estate investing can help you grow wealth, mitigate risks, and create lasting financial security.

Sign up for Dan's newsletter and take the wealth assessment quiz: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

Are you ready to take control of your finances and build wealth on your terms?

In this special feed drop episode of Jet Setting Wealth Advisory, we’re excited to feature an engaging conversation from Jet Setting Wealth Advisory where David T. Yu speaks with Dan Nicholson.

Dan is a bestselling author, award-winning CPA, and founder of Nth Degree CPA. Known for his groundbreaking book Rigging the Game and the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan shares his unique approach to achieving financial certainty, navigating risks, and optimizing wealth for small business owners.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode here:

Challenging Traditional Financial Advice Through Rigging

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

→ The importance of creating and following your personal "money rules" for financial success

→ Why defining your "solvable problem" is essential for aligning wealth with life goals

→ How understanding risk and leveraging asymmetric opportunities can optimize financial outcomes

→ The critical distinction between maximizing and optimizing wealth strategies for entrepreneurs

→ How innovative tax strategies, such as sovereign tax credits, can drastically reduce tax liabilities

More from Dan Nicholson and Nth Degree CPA:

• Website: Nth Degree CPAs
• Podcast: (UN)Conventional Wealth
• Book: Rigging the Game: How to Achieve Financial Certainty, Navigate Risk and Make Money on Your Own Terms
• https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory sign up for Dan's newsletter!

Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges traditional financial wisdom and empowers you to take control of your financial future.

What does it take to become the #1 real estate broker in the most competitive market in the world? Ilan Bracha shares his unconventional strategies, lessons from his journey, and insights into navigating the ever-changing global real estate landscape.

In this episode of Un(Conventional) Wealth, Dan Nicholson interviews Ilan Bracha, Founder and CEO of IB Global, who has sold nearly $10 billion in real estate and built a global network with asset portfolios exceeding $100 billion. From his early days with big dreams to becoming the #1 broker in New York City, Ilan shares how creativity, adaptability, and a strong team can transform your business approach. He also discusses the parallels between surfing, golf, and business and how maintaining a positive mindset helps him thrive in a dynamic market.

 5 Key Takeaways:

1. Adaptability is key. In real estate and business, the Market and circumstances constantly change. Success lies in being creative and flexible.
2. The Power of a Strong Team: A small, focused, and value-driven team can achieve great results, even when managing billion-dollar portfolios.
3. Set Goals, Not Rankings: Rather than chasing titles, focus on achieving meaningful goals year after year.
4. Global Market Trends: New York remains a prime destination for international investors seeking stability and value in turbulent times.
5. Mindset is Everything: Positivity and resilience drive sustained success, even in the face of setbacks.

💬 Quotes from Ilan Bracha:

• "Success isn't about the number one spot; it's about hitting your goals every year and looking back to realize you've built something extraordinary."
• "In business, as in surfing, you’re always looking for the next wave—adapt, ride it, and enjoy the process."
• 
  

Sign up for the Unconventional Wealth Newsletter: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory and take the assessment quiz.