The Money Advantage Podcast

Interested in finding out how to start a family bank? Today, Bruce and I talk with our friend and colleague, John Moriarty, Founder and President of e3 ConsultantsGROUP. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNuuPfHW6Jg You’ll hear about his personal and business use of Infinite Banking, and the thinking behind a growing and evolving system of policies. John is smart, business savvy, and a leader who walks the talk of thinking differently with his finances. And it’s paying dividends – literally! We invite you to a behind-the-scenes conversation with an entrepreneur who has been using and loving their system of starting a family bank using whole life insurance policies for the past 11 years. You’ll find out exactly how and why this wealth creator is funding and using cash value life insurance on the regular. You’ll also witness the opportunity created by this method of cash flow management, so you can use family banking to store cash reserves. Tune in now! Table of ContentsIn This Episode On Family Banks with Cash Value Life Insurance, You’ll Find Out:Where A Family Bank Fits into Your Cash Flow SystemFamily Bank (Behind the Scenes)Breaking into FinanceThe Stock Market AppealA Family Bank PaysInfinite WealthMindset and Money HabitsDon't Fear LoansBenefits of Starting a Family BankCommon Misconceptions and RisksAbout John MoriartyTake the Next Step with Family BankingBook A Strategy Call In This Episode On Family Banks with Cash Value Life Insurance, You’ll Find Out: Why people with good money habits are frustrated and feel forced into the stock market. And the solution to your problem! Understanding the purpose of your money is more important than learning how a financial product works. How starting a family bank optimizes your economy, gets your money doing multiple jobs, and reduces your opportunity costs. A look at the most important component of Privatized Banking: how you want to use your money. What this wealth creator is investing in, and why. Where A Family Bank Fits into Your Cash Flow System Starting a family bank strategy with Specially Designed Life Insurance Contracts (SDLIC) is just one step in the greater Cash Flow System. It fits into Stage 2, a part of keeping and protecting your money. We said before that Privatized Banking is like the peanut butter to your cash flow sandwich.  It’s wedged between Stage 1 – keeping more of the money you already make – and Stage 3 – increasing your cash flow from investments. And it helps you do everything else better. Privatized Banking increases your financial efficiency, enables you to keep more of what you already make, amplifies your cash-flowing asset strategy, and accelerates your time and money freedom. Privatized Banking is the how of keeping and protecting your money, and specially designed life insurance is the what. Family Bank (Behind the Scenes) As an entrepreneur with several businesses, privatized family banking strategies are a generous part of John Moriarty’s practice, both personally and business-wise. 5:20 “I wouldn’t call myself a visionary…I’m blessed in that I find myself surrounded by really smart people in a lot of instances. And I gravitate to those types of people. What I try to do is basically garner as much knowledge from them as possible, figure out ways to give back to them, and then take what might seem like complicated processes and try to simplify them…When I see something that works, I don’t deviate from it…and if there are ways to improve that process, absolutely.” One of the foundational missions of John’s business is to awaken the entrepreneur within and teach these foundational strategies. Creating a Family bank is a way to have your money working for you in more than one place. Breaking into Finance John’s pivotal shift into the world of finance happened in college. He realized that he likely wouldn’t be continuing to play baseball and set his sights elsewhere...

Do you want to build a family banking system that will provide capital to you and future generations? Come see behind the scenes as we talk about our Marshall Family Bank in real-time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0buUbqGs5QQ Today, we discuss why we added another whole life insurance policy, how our cash value is growing, and our vision for using our family banking system as the foundation to grow generational wealth. So, if you want to see exactly how and why you can grow a family bank strategy to secure capital reserves for your family for generations to come… tune in now! Table of contentsWhy We Use Life Insurance for Our Private Family Banking SystemIdentify Your PrioritiesSafetyLiquidityGrowthThe Evolution of Our Family BankAdding a New Policy to the Private Family Banking SystemHow a Family Banking System Works in Real LifeWhy Get a Second Life Insurance Policy?Myths & Misconceptions About Private Family BankingTake the Next StepBook A Strategy Call Why We Use Life Insurance for Our Private Family Banking System Whole life insurance has the benefit of being a protection asset, as well as a place to store wealth. Just like you would tuck money in the bank, so too can you store money in a specially designed whole life insurance policy. The added benefit is, as Bruce states: [4:45] “You’re storing [money] for a reason or purpose. And if you want to try to maximize your wealth, what you really are looking for is what to do to keep that money in motion.” Whole life insurance does a few things for your savings. It keeps your money safe in a way that banks can’t. It allows you to grow your money with interest and dividends, and it provides you with the opportunity to leverage your money. The leverage piece is important because it gives you access to capital while being able to benefit from uninterrupted compound growth. Ultimately, we’ve chosen whole life insurance because it helps us align our money with our family’s purpose and mission. Identify Your Priorities With wealth-building and wealth preservation techniques, there comes a time when you must identify what is most important to you. The “big three” options are generally safety, liquidity, and growth. While you may be able to have all three components working for you, you only get to maximize two of the three. Choosing which one or two of these components you’re going to prioritize and maximize is critical. Safety Safety refers to how secure your money is. How much are you putting at risk? Is a lot of your money tied up in risky or volatile assets? The safety of your money may also depend on what debt you have and how well-protected your money is from creditors. Likewise, you can make your money safer with things like umbrella and liability insurance, to protect yourself from lawsuits and other things that erode your wealth. For safety, there’s often a cost trade-off. Insurance, for example, can protect your money from prying eyes, lawsuits, and liabilities—but it costs money. Similarly, you may feel that by not investing in riskier assets, you’re not maximizing your dollars. Liquidity Liquidity is how easily you can access your money. If you tie your money up in long-term investments and projects, it’s probably not very liquid. While you may not need all of your cash to be liquid, it’s important for many families to have an easy-to-access pool of money for emergencies and opportunities. Growth Growth is what most people think they want, which leads them to invest unwisely. Prioritizing growth has the potential to skyrocket your wealth. But depending on how you want to achieve your growth, it can be risky. And how much is growth worth if you lose it all? Similarly, you may think it’s a good idea to invest in or acquire lots of low-risk assets. But if they aren’t liquid, how much are they adding to your quality of life? While you may not maximize all three of the above components to wealth,

Discover the crucial link between estate planning and life insurance as experts dive into strategies that go beyond mere compliance. Learn why many families overlook the true purpose of their policies and how to create a legacy that lasts. Explore the differences between whole and universal life insurance and their impact on wealth transfer. Gain insights into the importance of education in preparing heirs for inheritance and the dangers of orphan policies. This conversation reveals how to effectively protect wealth and inform future generations.

Dive into the intricacies of infinite banking policy design, focusing on the essential components like base premiums, paid-up additions, and term riders. Discover how a well-structured policy can enhance cash flow and support long-term wealth building. Listen to insights on leveraging whole life insurance as a powerful financial tool, balancing security and liquidity, and the often-overlooked relationship between banking and insurance. Uncover the importance of thoughtful funding strategies and the risks associated with less optimal policies.

Discover the fascinating world of Infinite Banking and how to use life insurance policy loans to become your own banker. Learn how your cash value can grow while you borrow, maximizing your financial benefits. The discussion covers the intricacies of cash value accumulation, the mechanics of policy loans, and tips for effective financial management. With real-life examples, listeners see how to leverage these strategies for investments and achieve greater financial independence. Unlock the potential of your money like never before!

Discover the intriguing world of Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) and their critical role in estate planning. Learn how failing to utilize these strategies led to cautionary tales involving high-profile figures like the St. Louis Rams owner and Prince. Explore the pros and cons of ILITs, the significance of estate tax exemption thresholds, and the intricacies of planning for high-value estates. Gain insights into effective strategies to safeguard your legacy and avoid financial pitfalls that could burden your heirs.

Today, Bruce and I want to unpack a question we frequently encounter: Is cash value life insurance enough for retirement? It’s a compelling question, but one without a simple yes or no answer. The effectiveness of cash value life insurance as your primary retirement vehicle heavily depends on your personal discipline, your overall financial strategy, and, importantly, your understanding of what retirement means to you. https://www.youtube.com/live/rASx9CvIpbg When I started my financial career back in the late 1980s, a presentation caught my attention. It claimed that by consistently funding a whole life insurance policy, individuals could join the "Lucky 3%"—those who felt completely secure about their retirement. This idea was captivating, promising financial freedom through disciplined saving. Yet, over the years, I discovered something crucial: consistency, discipline, and long-term thinking significantly outweigh the choice of any specific financial product. The Retirement Dream vs. RealityIs Cash Value Life Insurance Enough for Retirement?Defining Retirement: What Does It Really Mean?The Importance of Consistent Savings and DisciplineWhole Life vs. VUL and IUL: Stability and GuaranteesThe Myth of "Zero is Your Hero" in Indexed Universal Life (IUL)Cash Value Life Insurance as Part of a Comprehensive Retirement PlanThe Infinite Banking AdvantageCan You Rely Solely on Cash Value Life Insurance?Book A Strategy Call The Retirement Dream vs. Reality By the end of this article, you will clearly understand whether cash value life insurance—such as whole life, variable universal life (VUL), or indexed universal life (IUL)—can sufficiently fund your retirement. We'll explore the advantages and drawbacks of using life insurance as your main retirement tool, emphasize the critical importance of consistent saving, and outline how to effectively integrate life insurance into a comprehensive retirement plan for optimal security and growth. Furthermore, you’ll understand why no single financial instrument is perfect for everyone, and why a diversified, well-balanced retirement strategy that includes guaranteed income, buffer assets, and growth-oriented investments can lead to lasting financial security and peace of mind. Is Cash Value Life Insurance Enough for Retirement? Defining Retirement: What Does It Really Mean? Many of us grow up envisioning retirement as a milestone where we stop working at age 65 and comfortably live off our accumulated savings. However, this traditional model presents significant challenges. The reality is that you're often expecting 40 years of work to fund potentially 30 or more years of retirement, especially as life expectancy increases. Rather than viewing retirement as an abrupt halt to working life, a more sustainable approach is to see retirement as a transition to financial independence. Instead of merely accumulating savings, focus on acquiring cash-flowing assets, such as rental properties, dividend-producing stocks, or profitable businesses, which can continuously generate income regardless of market fluctuations. The Importance of Consistent Savings and Discipline Bruce emphasizes that consistent saving and disciplined behavior are the foundation of successful retirement planning. Unfortunately, many people fall short in their savings efforts early in life, later attempting to compensate by chasing higher-risk investments for potentially greater returns. This strategy often introduces unnecessary risk precisely when financial security is most critical. Establishing disciplined savings habits early and maintaining them throughout your career is far more important than selecting the "perfect" financial product. Time and consistency enable compound growth, providing greater financial security in your retirement years than riskier, late-stage investments ever could. Whole Life vs. VUL and IUL: Stability and Guarantees

If you've ever tried leading a Zoom call while your screen goes black mid-sentence, you know the feeling of being out of control. That’s how many of us feel about our finances right now—like we're one loose cable away from a crash. But here's the truth: financial control is closer than you think. And in today’s global economy, understanding how tariffs impact your wallet is one of the most important steps you can take toward that control. https://www.youtube.com/live/h01G_m8bLZ8 Tariffs aren't just political decisions or international trade policy. They’re reflections of how governments try to create balance—or power—in global commerce. But more importantly, they create real ripple effects that reach your dinner table, your savings account, your job, and your family’s financial future. This blog unpacks what’s often misunderstood and overly politicized: how tariffs actually impact you, and what you can do about it. Loose Cords and Loose MarketsWhy Tariffs Are a Bigger Deal Than You RealizeWhat Is a Tariff, Really?The Global Game: Who's Tariffing Whom?How Tariffs Impact Your Wallet: The Ripple Effect on Main StreetWhy Infinite Banking Matters More Than EverAddiction to Consumption: The Root ProblemCapital is King: The Real Asset You NeedWhat This Means for YouGo DeeperBook A Strategy Call Loose Cords and Loose Markets I (Rachel) kicked off our latest podcast battling a finicky laptop cord, and Bruce teased me about Lucas not fixing it for years. It was a funny moment, but it carried deeper meaning. Because isn’t that how most people treat their finances? Wiggling a connection, hoping the lights come back on, but never really fixing the root issue. That feeling of financial "blinking out" is more common than you think—especially when tariffs and stock markets are headlining the news. You hear phrases like "trade war," "GDP contraction," or "market instability," and panic starts to creep in. But that’s why Bruce, Joe, and I sat down—to pull back the curtain and bring clarity to the chaos. Why Tariffs Are a Bigger Deal Than You Realize Tariffs aren’t just a headline. They directly affect your cost of living, your investment portfolio, the strength of the business you work for, and even the longevity of your retirement plan. It’s all connected. We broke down what tariffs really are, why they’re used, and how to navigate them strategically so you can: Stay calm in market turbulence Make empowered financial decisions with real data Build real, generational stability that transcends market noise If you're wondering how tariffs impact your wallet, you're not alone. You're also not powerless. Understanding is the first step to taking action. What Is a Tariff, Really? Joe reminded us that tariffs are nothing new. They’re simply taxes imposed on imported goods. Historically, they funded the U.S. government before income taxes ever existed. That’s how essential they once were. There are three main types: Per-unit tariffs Percentage-based tariffs Compound tariffs They can seem like just a cost. But the intent, often, is to level the playing field when other countries use low-wage labor, environmental shortcuts, or subsidies to artificially drive down their prices. Tariffs raise the cost of those goods to reflect what they would cost if they were made under more equal conditions. So when people ask, "Why pay more?" the better question might be: "What are you supporting when you choose cheap?" The Global Game: Who's Tariffing Whom? The global playing field isn’t level. Most countries impose heavy tariffs on U.S. exports, while the U.S. has traditionally kept the door open wide. For instance, Australia sold $29 billion in beef to the U.S., but the U.S. sold zero to Australia due to their sky-high tariffs. Our market welcomes their goods, but they protect theirs from ours. That creates a one-way street—and it impacts more than foreign relations. It hits U.S.

If you’ve been researching Infinite Banking, you’ve probably heard it described as "tax-free." That phrase is thrown around a lot, and while it sounds great, it’s not entirely accurate. The reality is a bit more nuanced, and understanding the details can make a massive difference in how you leverage Infinite Banking for long-term wealth building. Is Infinite Banking tax-free? Not exactly. But it is incredibly tax-advantaged. Tax implications can have a significant impact on financial strategies, and one of the biggest myths in the Infinite Banking space is that it's completely tax-free. While Infinite Banking does provide incredible tax advantages, there are specific rules you must follow to maintain those benefits. Failing to do so could create unnecessary tax liabilities, and that’s what we want to help you avoid. In today’s conversation, Bruce and I want to clear up some common misconceptions and ensure that you’re not just chasing tax savings at the expense of a sound financial strategy. Let’s dive into the truth behind the tax advantages of whole life insurance and how to use them correctly. The Tax-Free Myth & the Road to Financial ClarityIs Infinite Banking Tax-Free?Infinite Banking Is a Concept, Not a ProductWhole Life Insurance Is Tax-Advantaged, Not Tax-FreeThe Modified Endowment Contract (MEC) RuleChasing Tax Benefits Can Lead to Bad Financial DecisionsThe Right Way to Use Infinite Banking for Maximum BenefitKey TakeawaysBook A Strategy Call The Tax-Free Myth & the Road to Financial Clarity Infinite Banking is a powerful strategy for taking control of your finances, but misinformation can lead people down the wrong path. Today, we’re going to break down the key components of how taxation works within Infinite Banking, the rules you need to follow, and why chasing tax benefits alone is not the best financial decision. By the end, you’ll understand how to structure your policy correctly to maximize its benefits without falling into common pitfalls. Additionally, we’ll explore why taxation should not be the sole focus when implementing Infinite Banking. Tax strategies should always serve a greater financial goal, such as maintaining liquidity, optimizing cash flow, and ensuring long-term financial stability. If you prioritize tax benefits over the overall structure of your wealth plan, you could end up making suboptimal choices that limit your financial freedom. Is Infinite Banking Tax-Free? Infinite Banking Is a Concept, Not a Product First, let’s clear up a critical misunderstanding: Infinite Banking is not a financial product. It’s a process for controlling your cash flow using a properly designed whole life insurance policy. The confusion often arises because people equate the strategy of Infinite Banking with the tax treatment of whole life insurance. But the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) itself does not have a tax status—it’s just a method of managing your money. The tax advantages come from the underlying financial tool: a specially designed whole life insurance policy with a mutual company. Understanding the distinction between process and product is crucial. The Infinite Banking process allows you to take control of the banking function in your financial life, reducing dependence on traditional financial institutions. This process remains valid regardless of tax treatment. However, the product used to execute this process—whole life insurance—has specific tax advantages, which we will discuss next. Whole Life Insurance Is Tax-Advantaged, Not Tax-Free A properly structured whole life insurance policy has three major tax advantages: Tax-Deferred Growth – Your cash value accumulates without immediate taxation, meaning you’re not taxed on the growth each year. Tax-Free Loans – When you borrow against your policy, it’s not considered taxable income because it’s a loan, not a withdrawal. Income Tax-Free Death Benefit – The death benefit is paid to your benefic...

Imagine sitting in a room full of financial professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, all gathered with a shared mission—to gain clarity, deepen understanding, and refine strategies for implementing Infinite Banking. That’s exactly what happened at the Nelson Nash Institute Think Tank 2025, and today, we’re sharing the most impactful takeaways with you. https://www.youtube.com/live/qTqZo7AvS88 Bruce and Becca just got back from this annual gathering, where the best minds in Infinite Banking come together to ensure that Nelson Nash’s legacy remains strong and relevant. I (Rachel) wasn’t able to attend in person this year, but listening to their insights and stories makes me even more eager to go in the future. If you’ve ever wondered how to simplify the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) and use it effectively in today’s financial climate, you’ll want to read on. What is the Nelson Nash Institute Think Tank? And Why Does It Matter?1. Do Simple Better2. Think Long Range and Don’t Be Afraid to Capitalize3. Don’t Do Business with Banks4. Differentiate Between the Process and the Product5. The Role of Whole Life Insurance vs. IUL (Indexed Universal Life)Take Control of Your Financial FutureBook A Strategy Call What is the Nelson Nash Institute Think Tank? And Why Does It Matter? If you’re not familiar, the Think Tank is an annual conference hosted by the Nelson Nash Institute (NNI). It’s designed for authorized practitioners, students of Infinite Banking, and selected clients who want to understand the deeper nuances of IBC. It’s not just a networking event—it’s a mastermind of like-minded individuals dedicated to financial autonomy. Nelson Nash started this event over 20 years ago as a way to keep the message pure—to prevent the Infinite Banking Concept from being diluted or sensationalized. Unfortunately, we see confusion in the marketplace today, with different variations of Infinite Banking being promoted under flashy names like “accelerated banking” or “infinite wealth systems.” The Think Tank exists to bring clarity and help authorized practitioners share the true power of Infinite Banking with their clients. Here’s what we learned this year: 1. Do Simple Better One of the key messages from this year’s Think Tank was keeping the concept simple. Too often, people overcomplicate Infinite Banking, adding unnecessary complexity that confuses clients. One common example? The language we use. Bruce pointed out a pet peeve of his—calling policy premiums “deposits.” Some advisors use this terminology because they think clients will shut down if they hear the word “premium.” But this causes confusion. A premium is not a bank deposit. It’s a strategic payment into a life insurance policy that provides long-term benefits. When we use clear, honest language, we empower people to make informed decisions. The key takeaway: Clarity leads to confidence. If you want to succeed with Infinite Banking, simplify the process, use the right terminology, and avoid unnecessary complexity. 2. Think Long Range and Don’t Be Afraid to Capitalize One of the biggest mistakes people make with Infinite Banking is short-term thinking. Nelson Nash emphasized the importance of capitalization—funding your policy properly so you can reap the benefits later. At the Think Tank, Bruce and Becca discussed the trend of minimizing base premiums to maximize early cash value. While this might seem attractive at first, it contradicts the foundational principles of IBC. A well-funded policy—one with an appropriate base premium—is what creates sustainable, long-term growth. Becca shared a powerful insight: “Your behavior matters more than the product.” The Infinite Banking Concept isn’t just about whole life insurance—it’s about how you use it. If you’re not willing to think long-term and capitalize your system, you won’t see the full benefits. 3. Don’t Do Business with Banks