The Next Big Idea Daily Money Lessons from the Presidents
Oct 1, 2025
Megan Gorman, a wealth manager and Forbes contributor, shares insights from her book, All the Presidents' Money. She explores how U.S. presidents navigated financial challenges much like everyday folks. Stories include Lincoln's secret paycheck stash and Ford’s post-presidency hustle. Gorman also highlights the importance of financial harmony in partnerships through the Carters and Lincolns. She details strategies for retirement and education funding, showing that even the most powerful leaders grappled with money worries.
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Shared Values Drive Financial Harmony
- Financial harmony in a partnership depends on shared values more than raw wealth.
- Megan Gorman shows the Carters succeeded because they shared a vision and complementary skills.
Lincoln's Savings vs. Mary's Secret Debt
- Abraham Lincoln saved his entire presidential salary and invested it during the Civil War.
- Mary Lincoln hid shopping bills and worried her debts would be exposed if he lost re-election.
Build A Post-Career Income Strategy
- Plan a post-career strategy before you leave a major role to secure income and purpose.
- Megan Gorman points to Gerald Ford's book deals, speeches, and board roles as a repeatable retirement playbook.
