The Money Advantage Podcast

Becca Wilhite, co-author of Beaver Bankers and a frequent guest, discusses the often-misunderstood concept of infinite banking. She dives into its potential as a transformative financial tool rather than just a sales tactic. Becca shares the metaphor of a beaver building a dam to illustrate how this system can provide security and control over one’s finances. The conversation challenges conventional banking views and encourages a mindset shift from scarcity to abundance, empowering listeners to manage their resources effectively.

A Story That Changes the Way You See Wealth When Bruce and I sat down with Michael Cole for The Money Advantage Podcast, the conversation didn’t just scratch the surface of wealth management—it went straight to the heart of what wealth really means. Here’s a man who has advised families with an average net worth of more than $500 million, co-founded the largest network of centimillionaires in the U.S., and written the bestselling book More Than Money. https://www.youtube.com/live/DTWacmQHhSU And yet, when we asked him about retirement, he smiled and said, “I don’t plan on retiring. I’m finally doing the work that’s closest to my life purpose.” That one statement reframed everything. Because if someone with Michael Cole’s track record and access to the ultra-wealthy believes that life purpose—not just money—is the real destination, then we all have something to learn. A Story That Changes the Way You See WealthWhy This Matters to YouMichael Cole’s Journey to the Top of Wealth ManagementWealth Is More Than Money – The Six Forms of CapitalThe Impact of Wealth – Purpose Over PossessionsBuilding a Culture That Outlasts YouWhat the Ultra-Wealthy Invest in Right NowOvercoming Cultural Narratives About WealthWhat Michael Cole Teaches Us About WealthBook A Strategy Call Why This Matters to You Whether you’re just starting to build wealth, sitting on a successful business, or thinking about how to transfer assets to the next generation, the insights from Michael Cole matter to you. Here’s why: Michael has spent decades inside family offices, helping entrepreneurs, centimillionaires, and billionaires not only grow their capital but also grow their impact. He’s seen firsthand what works—and what fails—when it comes to preserving wealth and legacy. In this article, Bruce and I want to unpack the conversation we had with Michael Cole so you can walk away with: A clear understanding of why wealth is more than money How to think about the impact of wealth on your family and community Practical insights into what the ultra-wealthy are investing in right now How to create a family culture that outlives you Most importantly, you’ll see how Michael Cole’s perspective can empower you to stop chasing money as the end goal and start building a legacy that truly matters. Michael Cole’s Journey to the Top of Wealth Management Michael’s resume reads like a roadmap of the private wealth industry: Merrill Interest Trust Company, Wells Fargo’s Abbott Downing, Ascent Private Capital Management, and Crescent Capital Management. At each stage, he wasn’t just managing billions in assets—he was rethinking what it means to be a steward of wealth. And eventually, he co-founded R360, a peer-to-peer community of centimillionaires and billionaires built on one core belief: Wealth is more than money. That perspective didn’t just come from financial spreadsheets. It came from listening. Michael Cole is the kind of leader who pauses before he answers, considers both sides, and responds with wisdom. That’s why Bruce said during the episode, “Talking with you is like talking to my little brother. You think deeply, you listen, and you answer with both intellect and empathy.” Wealth Is More Than Money – The Six Forms of Capital Michael Cole teaches that wealth stewardship requires diversification beyond just financial assets. His model highlights six forms of capital: Financial capital – the money itself Intellectual capital – the knowledge and learning culture of a family Social capital – networks, relationships, and giving back Human capital – the character, skills, and wellbeing of family members Emotional capital – resilience, connection, and healthy communication Spiritual capital – purpose, values, and meaning Just as investors diversify portfolios, families must diversify their approach to legacy. As Michael told us, “If you’re only focused on the money,

How a Campfire Call Sparked a Financial Movement It started with a campfire. Lucas and I were out camping when I made a phone call that would unknowingly change the course of our lives and the lives of thousands of families:“Bruce, want to start a podcast?” https://www.youtube.com/live/GKrk_LOMwI4 As we looked back over the years, a theme emerged. The conversations that mattered most weren’t about rates of return, product comparisons, or clever tax tricks. That single conversation planted the seed for what is now 400 episodes of The Money Advantage Podcast—a platform that’s helped people understand how to take control of their financial lives through Infinite Banking and smart stewardship. We had no idea what it would become, but we knew we were called to do more than just manage money. We were building a mission. And here we are today, looking back on eight years of podcasting, thousands of conversations, and one shared belief: You are your greatest financial asset. How a Campfire Call Sparked a Financial MovementA Look Back: Why 400 Episodes MatterThe Power of Podcasting: Why We Started and What It’s DoneFinancial Influence Starts with CharacterJeff’s Story: It’s Not About Life Insurance—It’s About BankingWhy You’re Always Borrowing—Whether You Realize It or NotSimplicity Over Complexity: Becca’s InsightLucas’s Principle: Save Before You InvestBruce’s Wisdom: Behavior Beats DesignRachel’s Realization: It’s Not Just About the MoneyWhat This Episode Really Taught UsReady to Learn the Top Lessons About Wealth, Legacy, and Serving Families?Book A Strategy Call A Look Back: Why 400 Episodes Matter You’re constantly being sold financial products—mutual funds, IRAs, 401(k)s, high-yield savings accounts. But what if the real question isn’t “What should I invest in?” but “How do I control my money?” That’s where Infinite Banking comes in. In this blog (and podcast), Bruce and I are reflecting on the top lessons about wealth, legacy, and serving families that we’ve learned after 400 episodes. We’ll cover: Why saving before investing matters more than flashy returns What really makes Infinite Banking work (hint: it’s not just the policy) The difference between debt and liability How to build a family-centered financial system that creates freedom for generations This isn’t just about strategies—it’s about empowering you to think differently, behave differently, and lead your family with clarity. The Power of Podcasting: Why We Started and What It’s Done We didn’t start podcasting to build a platform. We started to create a space for truth in finance—real conversations without the fluff. From day one, we set out to talk to you like a friend who’s learned the hard lessons, found a better way, and wants you to have access to it too. Podcasting gave us the ability to educate, build trust, and invite people into the deeper work of financial stewardship—not just financial performance. Financial Influence Starts with Character Bruce hit the nail on the head: “High competence without high character is dangerous.” It’s not enough to be an expert. You’ve got to care more about helping people than making a sale. That’s the standard we’ve held ourselves to—and what we believe every financial guide should strive for. If you’re listening to someone online or in your life, ask yourself:Do they have both competence and character? Are they searching for truth or just selling a tactic? Jeff’s Story: It’s Not About Life Insurance—It’s About Banking When Jeff Jessee joined our team, we got more than a brilliant mind—we got someone who sees money like a game. And he’s right: life is a financial game, and banking is the rulebook. Jeff was already successful in the traditional financial world. But after reading Becoming Your Own Banker—twice in one night—he saw the problem: most people focus on products instead of systems. He said it best:

A friend called and said four words that changed the trajectory of a young family’s finances: Becoming Your Own Banker. At that moment, Jesse Durham was a former cop turned Spanish teacher in North Carolina. New baby. Second on the way. About $50,000 of debt. A man raised to do what most of us were taught to do: get the degree, get the job, ride the hamster wheel, and hope the math works out. https://www.youtube.com/live/kgT_7O5YHec He walked into a live presentation with an open mind and a hungry heart. He walked out with a new paradigm. Not a gimmick. Not a hack. A structure. That day marked what Jesse now calls his “renaissance year”. And it’s why we invited him onto The Money Advantage podcast. Because the Infinite Banking Concept isn’t just a strategy on paper. It’s a lifestyle of stewardship in practice. And your family deserves that. Jesse Durham’s Journey: From Debt to Becoming Your Own BankerFrom Hamster Wheel to Stewardship: The Jesse Durham PivotWhat We Learned From Jesse Durham: Infinite Banking Is a Lifestyle, Not a Line ItemCapitalization Is the Missing MiddleThe Four-Part Filter Jesse Durham UsesNelson Nash’s Principles In Plain SightFamily Culture and Modeling: Build the Bankers You Hope To BecomeStart With Yourself, Then Include ThemWeekly Executive Meetings Turn Values Into RhythmsDebt, Discipline, and DignityReal Life First, Then Cash-Flowing AssetsThe Right Person, The Right TimeHow Jesse Durham Onboards New LearnersFaith, Purpose, and The Big PictureStay Humble. Keep Learning.Book A Strategy Call Jesse Durham’s Journey: From Debt to Becoming Your Own Banker If you’re new here, I’m Rachel Marshall, co-hosting with my friend and colleague, Bruce Wehner. Our mission is simple and weighty all at once: help high-capacity families build a legacy of more than money. Today’s conversation with Jesse Durham is a clear window into how ordinary families step off the earn-and-spend treadmill and design a private banking system that funds real life, fuels investments, and forms character across generations. Here’s what you’ll gain as you read: How Jesse went from debt and drift to intention and design. Why Infinite Banking is a lifestyle, not a line item. The simple four-part filter Jesse uses to make clear decisions. How to capitalize first, then spend with control. Practical ways policies pay for property taxes, appliances, vehicles, and opportunities. Why modeling matters for your kids, and why you must start with yourself. How weekly family meetings turn values into rhythms. The difference between credentials and character in long-term wealth stewardship. What Nelson Nash’s principles look like in real life. A first step you can take today to begin becoming your own banker. If you’re ready to move from accidental inheritance to intentional design, keep reading. From Hamster Wheel to Stewardship: The Jesse Durham Pivot Jesse’s story isn’t sterile or airbrushed. It’s family, career change, and financial pressure in real time. He did what most of us were modeled to do. School. Degree. Career. Debt. He and his wife started from scratch, not from a family banking system or a multi-generational enterprise. In 2015, he opened his mind to personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and money. Not in theory. In action. First exposure to Infinite Banking. Then Nelson Nash’s book. Then the decision to implement, imperfectly and persistently. Policies were started. Debts were repaid. And something else happened under the surface. Identity shifted from consumer to steward. That’s the engine. What We Learned From Jesse Durham: Infinite Banking Is a Lifestyle, Not a Line Item Most people have two moves with money: earn and spend. That’s not a system. That’s survival. Jesse Durham saw Infinite Banking as a third, critical move wedged between those two: capitalize. You earn.You capitalize.Then you spend.

Discover the hidden power of whole life insurance tax strategies that can truly transform your financial legacy. Learn how business owners and regular employees can optimize their tax savings and redirect funds into wealth-building vehicles. Explore unique strategies like employing your kids and utilizing real estate depreciation alongside whole life policies. This insightful discussion reveals practical ways to rethink your financial approach and emphasizes the importance of intentional wealth creation for future generations.

What’s Really at Stake When it comes to short-pay vs long-pay life insurance, the question isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control, options, and legacy. https://www.youtube.com/live/dPxt8Nui4g4 In this article, you’ll learn: The difference between short-pay and long-pay policies Why a long-pay design gives you more flexibility and cash value How reduced-paid-up life insurance contracts really work What to consider if you want to use your policy as a family bank How to align your design with your legacy goals and future self Let’s pull back the curtain on what really creates a robust, long-term infinite banking system. The Iceberg We’ve All MissedWhat Does “Short-Pay vs Long-Pay Life Insurance” Actually Mean?Infinite Banking System Explained—Why Long-Pay Is Often BetterReduced-Paid-Up Life Insurance Contracts—Built-In FlexibilityShort-Pay vs Long-Pay Life Insurance Policy—What’s the Real Tradeoff?7-Pay or 10-PayLong-Pay Whole LifeDesigning Life Insurance as a Family BankPolicy Design for Tax-Efficient Wealth GrowthFuture Self Planning with Life InsuranceBalancing Liquidity and Premium CommitmentWhat You Need to RememberLearn MoreBook A Strategy Call The Iceberg We’ve All Missed We’ve heard it so many times—"I want a 7-pay," "Just show me a 10-pay option." It sounds appealing, right? Pay for a short time, and then you’re off the hook. But here’s what we’ve found in real conversations with clients over decades: No one ever says 20 years later, “I wish I could’ve stopped paying sooner.” In fact, they say the opposite. They wish they could keep paying. Why? Because they’ve seen what a well-designed long-pay policy does for their capital, liquidity, and long-term options. What Does “Short-Pay vs Long-Pay Life Insurance” Actually Mean? This isn’t just semantics. It’s strategy. A short-pay policy is designed to have all premiums fully paid within a set period—typically 7 or 10 years. Think "7-pay" or "10-pay." After that, no further payments are required to keep the policy in force. A long-pay policy is structured to allow for premium payments for as long as possible—often up to age 100 or even 121. But here’s the kicker: you’re not required to pay that long. You just can. And that difference opens the door to flexibility, scalability, and legacy. Infinite Banking System Explained—Why Long-Pay Is Often Better Short-pay might look sleek on paper. But infinite banking isn’t about what looks good—it’s about building long-term capital access and control. Here’s what we’ve seen: Short-pay designs limit your contribution window You hit a ceiling on how much capital you can inject Your banking system stagnates when you stop funding Long-pay designs allow you to keep capitalizing your system for decades. That means: More compound growth More tax-efficient access to capital More opportunities to use your policy for real estate, business, or retirement If you think long range and don’t fear capitalization, you set yourself up to win. Reduced-Paid-Up Life Insurance Contracts—Built-In Flexibility Here’s a secret most people don’t realize: Every life insurance policy is a short-pay policy if you want it to be. Thanks to the reduced-paid-up (RPU) provision, you can stop paying premiums at any time after the MEC window (typically 5–7 years), and your policy will remain in force with a reduced death benefit. So why design short from the start? When you structure your policy as a long-pay, you maintain the ability to: Stop paying when you want Shift to paid-up status on your terms Keep your options open Short-Pay vs Long-Pay Life Insurance Policy—What’s the Real Tradeoff? Let’s compare: 7-Pay or 10-Pay Forces early funding Good for clients needing a limited-time premium window Restrictive if you want to contribute more later Long-Pay Whole Life Spreads premiums over time

Andrew Howell, an esteemed estate planning attorney, dives into the nuances of Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs) versus Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs). He reveals his preference for SLATs, stating he hasn't drafted a new ILIT in over a decade. Howell emphasizes the need for flexibility, values-based guidance, and multigenerational control in estate planning. Listeners learn about optimizing wealth transfer, mitigating estate taxes, and avoiding common legacy pitfalls to ensure their family's financial future.

The Power of a Love Letter When Shannon sat down to write her love letters to her children, she didn’t expect just how meaningful the process would be. What began as a simple act of putting words on paper quickly became one of the most profound steps in her family’s legacy journey. The letters reflected a lifetime of love, intention, and values that now had a permanent home. https://www.youtube.com/live/VzJGf5fD2Jk For Shannon and her husband, legacy planning for families wasn’t about cold documents or rigid legal structures. It was about love, clarity, and making sure their kids were taken care of—not just financially but emotionally and relationally. Not because of the words alone—though they were beautiful and heartfelt—but because those words captured something far deeper: a lifetime of intention, care, and values that now had a permanent home. For Shannon and her husband, legacy planning for families wasn’t about cold documents or rigid legal structures. It was about love, clarity, and making sure their kids were taken care of—not just financially but emotionally and relationally. This is the heart of legacy planning for families: making sure the people you love feel your guidance, presence, and blessing long after you’re gone. It’s not just about transferring assets—it’s about transferring identity, vision, and faith. And when done well, legacy planning becomes a source of peace, not pressure. Their journey through the Seven Generations Legacy process turned what they feared would be an overwhelming task into one of the most empowering experiences of their life. And they didn’t do it alone. They did it with guidance, structure, support—and a shared commitment to doing legacy differently. The Power of a Love LetterLegacy Planning for Families is More Than PaperworkStarting the Journey: A Shared Dream, Two Different PrioritiesBringing the Kids Into the ConversationWriting Love Letters: The Emotional Heart of the LegacyCreating a Structure That Feels Like Coming HomeWhy This Matters for Your FamilyLearn More in the Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy Call Legacy Planning for Families is More Than Paperwork When most people hear "legacy planning for families," their minds jump straight to legal documents, trusts, and spreadsheets. But the truth is, your legacy isn’t built by lawyers alone. It’s not just about asset protection or tax strategy. As we learned from our client Shannon on the Money Advantage Podcast, the real work of legacy planning is deeply human. It’s about putting into words what matters most. It’s about facing the hard questions that too often get avoided. And it’s about making decisions now that reflect not just your net worth, but your heart. In this blog, we’re sharing the real-life story of Shannon and her family. You’ll walk through their experience of legacy planning with the Seven Generations Legacy coaching program, and come away with: A clear definition of what legacy planning for families actually involves A step-by-step account of how to design a plan that aligns money with mission A framework for engaging adult children in meaningful, productive ways Insight into why emotional clarity is just as important as financial clarity And encouragement to start your own journey before it’s too late Because this kind of work doesn’t just benefit your kids when you’re gone. It changes the way your family lives together today. Starting the Journey: A Shared Dream, Two Different Priorities When Shannon and David began this journey, they were on the same team but holding different blueprints. David’s background, having grown up with limited financial resources, made it important for him to build a financial legacy. For him, the goal was protection and provision. He wanted to pass along what he had worked so hard to build. Shannon’s focus was more relational. She wanted to ensure their kids had emotional security and that nothing about th...

I’ll never forget Bruce’s story about his car—check engine light on, a mechanic insisted it needed a $1,500 catalytic converter. Bruce knew better and fixed it by simply tightening the gas cap. That story isn't just about auto repair; it perfectly illustrates why questions a good financial advisor should ask matter. Without probing, you might be sold something you don't need. Competency—not just good intentions—matters. https://www.youtube.com/live/oyEbgdU1MGI It’s not about distrust—it’s about asking the right questions so you're not blindly following advice. And that principle applies fully when choosing a financial advisor, especially when your spouse might need to take over the reins someday. Why “Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask” Are Essential1. The Big Picture: Comprehensive Financial Planning2. Spouse Financial Preparedness: Including Both of You3. Risk and Protection: Insurance, Deductibles, and Peace of Mind4. Tax Strategy and Social Security Planning5. Legacy Planning: Aligning Values and Wealth Transfer6. Financial Alignment Between SpousesWhy You Need These QuestionsReady to Empower Yourself With Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask?Book A Strategy Call Why “Questions a Good Financial Advisor Should Ask” Are Essential Bruce makes a powerful point: finance isn’t limited to investment products. Just like a mechanic or doctor examines the whole system, a skilled advisor should ask questions that uncover your entire financial ecosystem. Without comprehensive inquiry, blind spots linger—insurance gaps, overlooked risks, or hidden fees can derail your legacy. Are you unknowingly trusting a financial advisor without knowing enough about your overall financial picture? In today’s complex financial world—from taxes and Social Security to estate planning, insurance, and cash flow—a narrow focus on one product is risky.Questions a good financial advisor should ask aren’t optional—they're essential. They give you clarity, align planning with your goals, and ensure your spouse is equipped to manage your shared financial future. 1. The Big Picture: Comprehensive Financial Planning Bruce sums it up: “You cannot make financial decisions in a vacuum.” Advisors who focus only on investments or insurance miss how those decisions affect cash flow, taxes, estate planning, and more. Ask: What are your current net worth and cash flow statements? How do your investments, insurance, and debts interrelate? Why it matters:Like a doctor who reviews your medical history before prescribing treatment, a competent advisor will want to see your full financial picture before making recommendations. 2. Spouse Financial Preparedness: Including Both of You Too often, one spouse is left out of discussions and can feel lost if the other dies.Key questions include: Who are your trusted advisors (financial, legal, tax)? Does your spouse know how to access online accounts, passwords, and digital assets? What’s your “Alternative Income Plan” for the surviving spouse? How comfortable is your spouse with the household financial framework? Bruce and Rachel discuss this as part of the LIFE framework: Liquid assets—money accessible within 15 minutes Income plan—monthly income goals Flexible investments—capital that can be reallocated Estate plan—how wealth transfers to future generations Both spouses should discuss and agree on how these pieces look today and tomorrow. 3. Risk and Protection: Insurance, Deductibles, and Peace of Mind Bruce shared his own experience with PNC: they asked about deductible choices and emotional tolerance for risk during the house fire recovery process.Essential questions a good financial advisor should ask include: What insurance do you have—life, disability, health, auto, home? Are deductibles appropriate to your cash reserves and risk tolerance? Are beneficiary designations updated and aligned with estate go...

I’ll never forget the moment my co‑host Bruce Wehner shared a powerful story: Nelson told his wife, Mary, “I need to teach you how to be a widow.” That striking phrase stopped us in our tracks. It wasn’t morbid—it was strategic. Nelson recognized that spouse financial preparedness is the cornerstone of true legacy planning. If your partner isn’t prepared to manage finances when the unthinkable happens, your careful planning unravels—and unintentional burdens form. https://www.youtube.com/live/bVBMnWHGp1Y In today’s fast-paced world, talking about money can be uncomfortable. But taking the time to ensure spouse financial preparedness isn’t just responsible—it’s transformative. As Rachel Marshall and Bruce Wehner, co-hosts of The Money Advantage Podcast, we’re here to walk you through why preparing your spouse is crucial, and how to do it effectively. By reading this article, you’ll discover: What “financial preparedness” truly means The critical pieces every spouse should know Practical tools we use with clients How to handle emotional differences in money habits A step-by-step framework to empower your spouse today Why Spouse Financial Preparedness MattersKey Areas for Spouse PreparednessIncome Plans—Now & ContingencyTaxes, Medicare & Social SecurityInsurance & ProtectionDigital Access & Password SharingEngaging Trusted AdvisorsThe LIFE Financial FrameworkManaging Emotional DifferencesTools & Rituals for PreparednessEquip Your Spouse. Protect Your Legacy.Book A Strategy Call Why Spouse Financial Preparedness Matters Bruce and I often see one partner “in the dark.” The hardworking spouse makes decisions—but the other may trust blindly, unaware of details. That puts them at risk—be it missing advisors’ phone numbers, not understanding insurance coverage, or worse: being blindsided by critical decisions. One case Bruce shared involved a wife who thought their net worth was minor—only to discover $30 million after her spouse had passed. Imagine the emotional shock—and legal busyness. That’s why spouse financial preparedness is a legacy necessity, not an optional extra. Key Areas for Spouse Preparedness To be truly ready, your spouse needs awareness and access across five areas: Income Plans—Now & Contingency Your spouse should understand both your current income strategy and what happens financially if one partner isn’t there. Bruce calls it having a “backup income plan.” Ask: what if I retire early? What if one income stops? Taxes, Medicare & Social Security One spouse passing makes tax filing switch to “single,” which can raise Medicare Part B and D costs by up to $500/month. Understanding IRMA brackets and how Social Security survivor benefits work is vital. A spouse who knows the rules won’t fall prey to unexpected costs. Insurance & Protection Life is unpredictable. Couples need clarity on life, health, disability, home, auto, liability—and how they work together. A clear policy keeps your spouse empowered and protected. Digital Access & Password Sharing In today’s digital age, locked-out accounts are a nightmare. Did you know iPhone allows a “Legacy Contact”? A shared password vault ensures your partner can access bank, utilities, email—and even that mysterious password for your favorite travel site. Engaging Trusted Advisors Make sure your spouse knows and trusts your financial, legal, insurance, and tax advisors. Ideally, they attend meetings together or at least meet face-to-face. That ensures seamless transition—and peace of mind—should something happen. The LIFE Financial Framework Bruce and I use a powerful acronym—L.I.F.E.—to frame preparedness: Liquid: How much cash is needed within minutes for emergencies? Income: Do you want fixed guaranteed income to cover essentials, plus variable funds for lifestyle? Flexible: Which assets can be repositioned for other goals—travel, education, emergencies?