Build Income Beyond Your Paycheck (SB1790)

12 snips

Jan 14, 2026

In this engaging discussion, Mel Abraham, a USA Today bestselling author and entrepreneur, shares insights on building income streams that rely less on daily work. He introduces the concept of a "money engine" for financial stability and details the five types of income. Mel emphasizes the importance of a strong savings rate over simply increasing income. He recounts his personal journey with cancer and how his financial planning allowed him to focus on recovery, proving that smart financial strategies can create real freedom.

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ANECDOTE

Childhood Money Fear Shaped Drive

At five, Mel saw his father cry after saying he couldn't afford something, which imprinted a drive to 'make money' to avoid disappointing loved ones.
That early memory shaped Mel's urgency about earning and providing throughout his life.

ANECDOTE

Kid's Drawing Triggered A Life Change

Mel, a single dad, found a drawing from his six-year-old showing him glued to work with no son in the picture and realized he was prioritizing earnings over presence.
That moment pushed him to seek harmony and redesign his schedule to be intentionally present.

INSIGHT

Income Is Fuel, Not The Finish Line

Mel defines four wealth drivers and emphasizes income as fuel, not the sole solution to wealth building.
He warns that income without control leads to "income in, income out" and no real progress.

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If you're making decent money but still feel like you're one bad month away from stress, this episode is for you.

Joe Saul-Sehy, OG, and Neighbor Doug sit down with Mel Abraham to talk about something most Stackers think about but don't know how to start: creating income that doesn't depend entirely on showing up to work every single day. Not side hustle mania or get-rich-quick schemes. Just practical ways to build what Mel calls a "money engine" that makes your financial life steadier and way less stressful.

Mel breaks down the different types of income streams, how they fit into real life (not just theory), and where to start if you're tired of feeling like your paycheck is the only thing keeping everything afloat. The goal isn't to quit your job tomorrow. It's to create options and breathing room so one surprise expense or career hiccup doesn't derail everything you've built.

Then Joe and OG tackle the January financial to-do lists that flood your inbox every year. You know the ones: "15 money moves to make before February!" They separate what's worth your time from what's just financial busywork designed to make you feel productive without moving the needle.

Because here's the truth. You don't need more financial homework. You need a few strategic moves that make 2026 feel more manageable from the start.

What You'll Walk Away With:

• How to think about building income beyond your paycheck without burning out

• The different types of income streams and which ones fit your actual life right now

• Where to start creating assets that work even when you're not clocking in

• Which January money tasks are worth doing and which ones waste your time

• How to prioritize your financial checklist for maximum impact with minimum stress

• Simple ways to organize your money for the year without it becoming a second job

This Episode Is For You If:

• You're making decent money but still feel financially stressed

• You want options beyond your paycheck but don't know where to start

• You're tired of feeling like everything depends on your next paycheck

• January financial advice usually overwhelms you more than it helps

• You want systems that reduce anxiety, not add more tasks to your list

Before You Hit Play, Ask Yourself:

What's one income stream you'd love to build if you knew it wouldn't be complicated? If you only had one hour this month to improve your finances, what would you spend it on? Drop your answers in the comments or the Basement Facebook group because Mel's framework plus Joe and OG's January reality check might be exactly what you need to start the year without the usual stress.

FULL SHOW NOTES: https://stackingbenjamins.com/build-your-money-engine-mel-abraham-1790

Deeper dives with curated links, topics, and discussions are in our newsletter, The 201, available at https://www.stackingbenjamins.com/201

Enjoy!

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