

The Financial Independence Show
Cody Berman and Justin Taylor
Cody Berman and Justin Taylor believe in the concept of “Financial Independence For All”. The Financial Independence Show focuses on REAL stories of individuals on their journey to financial independence. Each episode aims to include actionable insights and takeaways for listeners to implement into their own financial situation. The podcast covers topics like building wealth, entrepreneurship, investing, money mindset, small business, frugality, geoarbitrage, side hustles, real estate, productivity, travel, and so much more. Sit back, tune in, and join a community of like-minded people who are changing their lives through financial independence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2020 • 53min
From the Ghetto to a Growth Mindset | Jerry Brown
Today's episode features Jerry Brown from Peerless Money Mentor.
Jerry grew up in a self-described ghetto with no real view of a way out.
We cover his background, how he turned things around, and how he's built a powerful financial independence network.
You won't want to miss this inspiring story!
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode.
Episode Summary
Jerry's Background
Jerry didn't really know he was poor growing up
But he lived in a crime-filled neighborhood with few outside role models
His mom also needed assistance to get by
He talks about how people were surprised he'd even admit that he was from the area he lived in
Growing up he thought basketball or rapping would be the only possible way to escape
His mom did put a big emphasis on learning but financial independence never seemed reasonable
Can you Bootstrap Past Disadvantages?
Jerry sees it as a mixed bag
He does put a lot of weight into hard work
But he also acknowledges the real disadvantages
He was also cognizant enough to understand his family was a big advantage
Jerry's Financial Mistakes
Jerry was young and healthy so he thought he didn't need insurance
A large dental procedure led him to serious credit card debt
Then he started buying more things on credit
Eventually, Jerry would buy a $22k car while only earning $22k per year
Financial Wake Up Call
He came home and his fiance had her bags packed
Jerry realized he couldn't afford to live by himself
So he thought he'd just live out of his car to avoid the embarrassment of moving home
Jerry was also carrying debt with 25% interest rates
He was making payments but was never actually making progress
A friend recommended he refinance through a personal loan
This lowered his debt all the way down to 5%
For his remaining credit card bills, he did a balance transfer
That gave him 0% rate for 18 months
Jerry's Side Hustle Journey
He tried Swagbucks but the payout was terrible
Then he tried Uber but it was taking a toll on his car
Jerry also tried We Go Look where you send in pictures of damaged vehicles for insurance claims.
Now he is getting more into freelance writing and social media management
Jerry also highly recommends Beta Testing.
Networking
This was a really powerful part of Jerry's story
Networking expanded his world view
It also tangibly impacted him
From ideas on debt payment or side hustles like freelance writing
Jerry really highlights the importance to surround yourself with people you can draw knowledge and encouragement from
Key Takeaways
Artificial Limits: One thing that really stuck out was the disadvantage that people experience simply by having low expectations set for them and surrounding them.
Mental Health: We loved that Jerry was open about his mental health journey and his encouragement to others to also take it seriously.
Call to Action
Expand your network! One easy way is to just join our Facebook group page. Other options are LinkedIn, MeetUp, or other Facebook group pages.
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Sign up for our exclusive newsletter
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
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Jerry's Information

Sep 1, 2020 • 1h 7min
Learning How to Stack Benjamins | Joe Saul-Sehy
Today's episode features Joe Saul-Sehy from Stacking Benjamins.
Before creating a massively popular podcast, Joe made a lot of money mistakes.
This all came to a clash when he was working as a financial advisor, owned his own business, and still could barely get the money to get home.
Now Joe is bringing finances into so many homes via a unique comedic angle.
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode!
Episode Summary
Joe's Background
Joe was in high school and remembers seeing news specials on money-saving tips
He also got inspired by the movie Wall Street
But it took Joe a long time to actually put it into practice
His parents pushed him to work hard but money was taboo
Making Money Missteps
On his first day at college, Joe spots a long line at an American Express Credit Card table
He talks about blowing money at the mall and fancy meals at Ruby Tuesday for his friends
Then things get real when he gets a bill and his parents refuse to help him
His credit was destroyed and the interest started building
Even in his professional life, he thought he had an earning issue, not a spending issue
But we know from famous athletes that a spending problem will always overcome earnings
Joe started earning more money with his own business but kept racking up debt
Keep in mind, his business was as a financial advisor
The breaking moment is when he has no money or credit to buy gas to get home
Joe had to dig for change in his seats just to get home
Turning Things Around
Joe realized he needed to "hide money" from himself
This meant automating money to go into separate accounts that he didn't see
He also realized that he couldn't go cold turkey
Joe gave himself an allowance so he could buy some of those entertainment items
He said it's important to not be too restrictive or else you'll relapse
Entrepreneurial Journey
Joe says he's a bad employee
He would always clash with a boss
Joe admits he also wasn't a great boss at first
He might hire people too much like him
Or spout off ideas through the day not thinking his employees would take that as direction
Starting Stacking Benjamins
Joe sold his business at age 40
This was inspired by a colleague who walked away because it wasn't fulfilling
That person, Chris, stepped away to go climb mountains across the world
Chris would then go on to start an adventure travel company
Inspired by this, Joe decides to go back to school to become a teacher/coach
He realized quickly that it wasn't for him
So Joe starts dabbling in a blog and creates the Stacking Benjamins podcast
He wanted to take the unique angle of comedy
They took it really seriously and even would attend comedy classes
Pulling From Others
Joe recommends the book by Austin Kleon - Think like an artist
He really recommends people look at others in their industry and pull all the best parts
It was actually a car podcast that was hilarious to him that inspired the Stacking Benjamin theme
Joe says he actually wants a finance show where no one learns a thing about money
In reality, people learn a lot but it doesn't feel like a class
He would go on to pull from a board game podcast, car podcast, and even a little kids podcast
Key Takeaways
Imposter Syndrome: Joe was a financial advisor but still struggled to follow his own advice. We all need help on this journey.
Let Others Inspire You: Don't feel guilty about taking takes from others as long as it isn't inspiration.
Call to Action
Change, assess, repeat. Start to source ideas from others and try them out. Don't just be stagnant!
Join the Community
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Aug 25, 2020 • 47min
Fueling Your Body for Maximum Performance | Erica Ballard
Today's episode features Erica Ballard from Erica Ballard Health.
At first, Erica struggled with her self image and finding out what "healthy" really meant.
Through experimentation and education, she unlocked how to really help others achieve their peak health.
Now she's helping others and educating the world on what real health is.
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode!
Episode Summary
Erica's Background
Erica thought looking good was the key to her happiness
She also thought she was doing fitness and health the right way
Erica was actually working at a non-profit promoting healthcare and wellness
Unfortunately, this non-profit wasn't promoting the best practices
Eventually, she came to the realization that wellness isn't one size fits all
It took her a while to find what worked for her
Creating an Experiment Mindset
The program that Erica went through pushed you to challenge your wellness beliefs
It would convince you to be vegan and then highlight the benefits of meats
Eventually, you start to see what makes real sense to you and not just following a narrative
Then we discuss problems with the food pyramid and breakfast being the most important meal of the day
To find what works for you she promotes experimenting
Introduce one new piece to your wellness journey at a time and keep what works for you
Crowding In vs Eliminating
Erica promotes that you bring in the things that you want instead of focusing on the cut
Add in more grains and more water, the things you're cutting out will eliminate itself
Challenge yourself on the things you are hanging onto that are keeping you from wellness goals
How are those bad habits serving you?
Then Erica drops all kind of knowledge on us around sugar
Healthy People Perform
We discuss how health and wellness goes beyond life expectancy
It also impacts your job performance and thus your profit margins
Entrepreneurs love to boast about performing on four hours of sleep
That's impressive
But imagine how well they'd perform on eight hours of sleep!
Turn your good (which might be great for everyone else) into your great
The All-Important Sleep
Don't eat close to sleeping (2-3 hours between food and sleep)
Get off the phone before bedtime
Don't drink caffeine after 2 pm
Sleep is the first thing Erica recommends you to work on for wellness
We need 7-8 hours per night!
Performing on four hours of sleep isn't interesting or impressive
Key Takeaways
One size fits one: Erica highlights over and over just how personal that fitness and wellness are, experiment!
Good Intentions: Even though Erica was working at a non-profit promoting health, she was still unknowingly a part of the problem
Call to Action
Experiment with your own health and wellness journey. Pick one thing this week to add. Whether it's exercise, water, or greens, just add one thing. If you see an improvement, keep it, and add another.
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Sign up for our exclusive newsletter
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please leave a rating/review!
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Erica's Information

Aug 18, 2020 • 51min
Leaving Corporate America and Managing Your Own Business | Terrie Chantel
Today's episode features Terrie Chantel from TerrieChantel.com.
Terrie is a successful speaker and business coach.
She teaches teach business owners how to monetize their skills, uplevel their personal brand, create profitable offers, and convert followers into buyers.
Being an entrepreneur wasn't always comfortable for Terrie.
Check out how that changed for her and how she's helping others do the same.
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode!
Episode Summary
Terrie's Background
Terrie graduated high school at age 16 and college at age 20
Both of her parents were “workaholics"
This made Terrie believe that "amount of work = financial benefit"
At 17, her uncle wanted her to co-sign on a car to build her credit
That gesture changed her life
At age 22 she went on to buy a house and really understood money
Passing Down Money Lessons
Terrie has three boys, ages 10, 15, 17
Her #1 tool she uses is to “paint a millionaire vision in their mind”
This is the act of making wealth achievable in their mind
She also gets them to use her debit card to pay bills online
Just getting them involved in finances and eliminating the taboo
Now her 17-year-old is already an entrepreneur
Bondage vs Freedom
Her uncle was like her dad and went towards the plan he set out
She graduates college and goes directly into corporate
Terrie stayed there for 10 years
5 years into that career, she started moving into management
The pressure was increasing, work was coming home, and the money didn’t seem worth it
That’s not what she envisioned
It felt more like bondage than freedom
Seeing a New Way
She didn’t have other peers she could turn to who felt this way
Terrie was always the girl, the youngest, and often the only black person
Being surrounded by all these 6-figure earners, Terrie saw how high earners spent money
But everyone worked themselves to death and just watched their vacation pile up
Simply put, Terrie had no idea there was another option
So Terrie started her own side-hustle
Through this, she begins to meet other entrepreneurs
Then she did realize there was another way
Can't Let Go of Stability
Terrie gets laid off around the holidays and gets pregnant with her second child
So she really starts taking her side hustle serious
In her first month, she had 100 clients through a lot of hustle
She would even set quotas for handing out business cards
But even with all that success, she still went back to corporate work
It just felt too secure
Terrie did keep the business going by hiring and training someone
She admits not everyone is driven to be an entrepreneur
But if you have that passion, you have to follow it
Tips for Starting that New Business
She says some people jump to marketing too fast
To help others you need to be financially stable yourself
She focused mainly on customer service and building a solid product
Once those frameworks are set, then you can focus on other things like marketing
If you can’t consistently hit the number you need for bills, that’s a bad sign
This means it’s time to take a pause and look at your processes
She likes to look at it in three-month chunks
Terrie says you should be seeing a consistent profitability to know your frameworks are set
Valuing Yourself
Then we talk about valuing yourself
This includes charging a premium for your services
Stop focusing on yourself and think about the client
Think about how you’re going to change their life
Then you’ll see just how much you're really worth
Key Takeaways
Security is addicting: Terrie had trouble walking away from her normal W-2 job. It's a valid feeling!
Don't Jump To Marketing: Solidify your product offering and take care of your clients, let marketing come later.
Call to Action
Get creative with that work ethic.

Aug 11, 2020 • 45min
Slow Travel, Geoarbitrage and Creative Frugality | Bob Lai
Today's episode features Bob Lai from Tawcan.
Bob and his wife are both dual citizens living in Vancouver, Canada.
He has a big passion for geo-arbitrage, slow travel, and dividend investing.
Hear how he's reaching FI while traveling and having three weddings! (spoiler alert, only one bride)
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode!
Episode Summary
Bob's Background
Bob’s family grew up in Taiwan with a farming background
Money was never taboo and stuck with him
Frugality was a big point of emphasis
His dad retired in his early 40s
Bob had a cousin who retired at 42
And then another cousin who hit FI and kept working
Bob talks about the influence that had on him
Geo-arbitrage
Geoarbitrage is the act of moving somewhere to lower your cost of living
Think San Francisco resident moving to Montana
This can be within your own country or abroad
It’s important to consider your earnings also dropping
This typically works best if you’re not working or working remotely
Some jobs like doctors actually get paid more in small cities
With the pandemic, this is possible for many more workers who’ve gone remote
Exchange rates can also be your friend
Living 181+ days in another country can also help you avoid U.S. income taxes
Citizenship is obviously a big hurdle in certain countries
Some countries give residency based on wealth or homeownership
Geo-arbitrage can save you 50% or more
Slow Travel
Often we look at travel as short spurts (1 – 2 weeks at a time)
This leads to trying to pack in as much as possible
You end up so tired, you need a vacation when you get back
Slow travel is the idea of spreading that over 3-6months
This allows you to spread out costs of flights
It also lets you book apartments vs hotel rooms
Bob goes over how much more enjoyable it is and affordable
He also talks about the benefits of having a home base when traveling
Three weddings under $7000
Bob got married three times….
Remember that his wife was from Denmark
This meant they both had families abroad
His first wedding was mostly his family
Bob’s wife made the cake and her dress!
Of course, they used a coupon after the wedding to eat
A month later they had a wedding with friends and her family
They hired a friend who would go on to go to culinary school
And their photographer was just starting out
His wife actually altered her own wedding dress for the second wedding
A year later they decided to do a wedding actually in Denmark
This time it was at a small-town school and his picture did photographs
Bob even took some of the photos
Rounding out the Episode
Bob talks about how he could retire now if he wanted
He's happy with his job currently
Their home is also very valuable in the crazy Vancouver market
But life is good and his kids have a friend group
Key Takeaways
Slow down: Bob breaks down the power of slow travel which this show is a big fan of
You have options: Don't think that just because you live or were born in a certain area that you have to stay there.
Call to Action
Look at your next planned vacation or one you've done in the past, compare those numbers with the slow travel version of it. How much per day does a six day vacation compare to a six month?
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
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Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please leave a rating/review!
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Aug 4, 2020 • 47min
Know Your Pension | Grumpus Maximus
Today's episode features Grumpus Maximus, author of The Golden Albatross and creator of the Grumpus Maximus website.
Grumpus was three years away from a pension when he had a breakdown.
This pushed him to gather all the information he could on his pension to choose on staying or going.
Ultimately, he stayed and from then on became focused on teaching others how to understand and utilize their own pension plans.
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode!
Episode Summary
Grumpus' Beginnings
In the spring of 2016, he suffered a mental breakdown
This was while serving in the military
He was only 3 yrs from a pension
This made him do a lot of investigating into his pension
He gives people advice on how to balance mental health and personal finance decisions
We also talk about how to decide when to stop chasing the pension
This is important because there's often such a long time to earn the pension
Varieties of Pensions
Grumpus highlights the vast differences in pensions
These differences make them more or less valuable
Differences include healthcare and inflation adjustment
One thing to look out for is how well funded the pension is
If it is only 50% funded, then it could be a riskier and less attractive pension
What is a Pension?
Generally, it's some percentage of money based on your salary that you receive forever
You might have to work X number of years and at that point, you're fully vested
Some allow you to ramp up your pensions vs all or nothing
Think partial vs cliff vesting
The main reason for a pension is for retention
If you're ready to leave, they may offer you a lump sum
It's important to consider tax implications and how much value you're giving up
Grumpus also highlights that all plans must offer survivor benefits
This is where your spouse or dependent would get a part of your pension after your death
Rely Only on Your Pension?
Simply put, you shouldn't only rely on your pension
The closer you get to vesting, the more you can assume you'll have it
You also need to study how likely your pension is to actually exist
This is on top of understanding how likely you'll be able to handle a single job for 20-30 years
Grumpus Moves Abroad
He moved to New Zealand and enjoying the conversion rate
We then discuss how the pension is taxed based on state/country you live in
Grumpus is a big fan of the range of activities available in New Zealand
Cody couldn't agree more!
Key Takeaways
Know Your Pension: The pension system isn't as simple as we thought, so study your specifics
The future is uncertain: At times we don't take action because we're pessimistic but then, unfortunately, we make future assumptions based on overly optimistic projections
Call to Action
Study your pension! Even if you don't have a pension, chances are that you or your spouse has some type of benefits. Really dig in to make sure you fully understand and maximize those benefits.
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Sign up for our exclusive newsletter
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please leave a rating/review!
The FI show on iTunes
The FI show on Android
Check out our Partners
Looking for a low-cost cell phone service provider with great coverage? Look no further. Mint Mobile provides the same premium coverage you’re used to, but at a fraction of the cost because everything is online. All their plans come with unlimited talk and text and you can choose the data plan that’s right for you and get the plan shipped to your door for free! Go to MintMobile.com/FiShow to get started now for just $15 per month.
Grumpus' Information

Jul 28, 2020 • 51min
Understanding Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion | Steve Yacovelli
Today's episode features Dr. Steve Yacovelli, author of Pride Leadership and creator of TopDog Learning Group.
Steve brings an incredible amount of expertise on leadership as well as diversity and inclusion.
He also brings an interesting backstory where he went from working on a Disney Cruise line to being hired by Disney as a consultant on those very cruises.
Steve will teach us all how to listen, build trust, empathize, and ultimately to lead.
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode!
Episode Summary
Steve's Leadership Foundation
He got his first taste of leadership in his fraternity in College
Steve calls out how people just simplify leadership at times to just having people skills
He has distilled his leadership principles into six areas
Being authentic
Having leadership courage
Having empathy
Building relationships with those around you
Effective communication
Shaping the culture around you
Listen to Understand not just to Respond
He talks about how you should listen to understand and not just to respond
This is avoiding that feeling you get when you feel like you can't wait for someone to stop talking so you can make your point
In reality, you can't be empathetic to someone if you can't get to really know and understand them
Inclusion is Good for Business
When hiring and building a team, it's important not to hire people just like yourself
Not only does it increase your chances of missing a great hire, but it also opens you up for more risk
This risk is because you'll hire people with your strengths but also your weaknesses
By hiring a more inclusive group we not only support people without bias, but we also cover our blind spots
Steve says it's better to strive for conscious inclusion instead of just working on your unconscious bias
Later in the episode, Steve goes into more metrics of why inclusion impacts the bottom line and not just social initiatives
Leadership in LGBTQ+
Steve makes it clear that he's not trying to say being straight or not means you won't be a better or worse leader
Instead, he helps the LGBTQ+ community see how they can use something like their sexual orientation as a strength
One example he gives is authenticity
If he hid the fact that he had a husband, that wouldn't be very authentic, and he helps this community spot these opportunities
There's More Diversity to Diversity than you think
Sometimes we only think of diversity as race, sex, and sexual orientation but there's a lot more
Steve prefers a specific model that is illustrated by layers and rings
In the center is our personality
Your personality is completely unique
Next out are those items we traditionally think of (sex, race, sexual orientation, etc)
Those are dimensions that typically don't change frequently
Then you have the external dimensions which can change frequently
In this section, you have pay, parenthood, income, habits, physical appearance, etc
Next, you have the organizational dimensions (hourly, manager, legacy groups, etc)
Finally, you'd have the country in which you're operating
This is important just because there are many different cultural norms to consider
Key Takeaways
Listen: It's always a good idea to really listen. Maybe you don't know the person, fully understand the problem, or even know what you're supposed to be doing. Listening can fill all of those holes.
We're all leaders: Steve made a point to call out that we can all practice leadership even if we don't have people reporting to us.
Call to Action
When in conversation this week, make a conscious choice to really listen to others. Listen with the goal to understand and not to look for holes to poke in their argument or to show how smart you are with a great question. Instead, really listen to learn from them and understand their points.
Join the Community

Jul 21, 2020 • 56min
Putting The FI in Fitness | James Lowery
Today's episode features James Lowery from Rethink The Rat Race
James is a repeat offender back from episode 36.
In that episode, he dug into his background and how he and his wife retired in their 20's after amassing real estate in just two years.
This episode we dive more into his accomplishments in the health and fitness arena.
From lifting, cardio, diet, and more all through the lens of someone on their FI journey.
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode!
Episode Summary
James' Background
As a refresh, James and Emily saved heavily
Invested that into real estate properties in Huntsville, AL
Then when they retired, they moved to Cyprus
Obviously COVID-19 had other plans and they had to return to the U.S.
Now they're putting a little effort into some of their rentals
And looking for their next adventure
James' Diet
He refers to his diet as "Freegan"
This is because he's 95% Vegan but will make exceptions
These exceptions are for non-vegan meals that avoid food waste
So if the food is already there and it's free, he'll eat it
James' fitness ventures
James has done bodybuilding competitions, lifting, and helped with physical therapy
He takes some time to break down the positives of each of these
Then we start ways to mix it up because cardio doesn't have to be just running on a treadmill
James loves trail runs, HIIT training, weight lifting, and the huge amount of content out there on YouTube
He recommends you recognize your body can do more than you think but also be careful of going to some extreme right off the start
Keep It Simple
James mentions how entire food groups do not have to be eliminated
Extreme style diets are so hard to be successful with long term
He recommends mostly vegetables / not too much mindset
That just means understanding the calories you have coming in but making veggies the prominent part of your plate
Also don't overthink the amount of weight your lifting
Keep it light if your form starts to slip, don't stress about breaking records
Also, don't forget the simple parts like hydration
Hydration can impact your calorie burning, energy, and cognition
Also don't stress about finding the perfect ratio of Fat/Carb/Protein
Don't Get Intimidated
This journey doesn't have to be expensive
The food costs can be reasonable
James & Emily actually only spend $40/week per person and eat a ton of healthy foods and veggies
Then you don't have to pay a ton for a gym membership
There's plenty you can do at home, outside or for $20/mo at a Planet Fitness
And if you need to earn some extra cash, James actually covers side hustles that are great for your fitness
Also, don't get intimidated with bulking up to fast
Lifting weights doesn't magically make you get bulky
It can be a great way to get toned and burn calories
Key Takeaways
Get Creative: I loved the story of James doing this floor exercise to replace a pull-up movement
It doesn't have to be complicated: Too many people sit on the sidelines because they're looking for the perfect diet or workout plan when simple balanced eating and getting active is an amazing start.
Call to Action
Start a fitness or health challenge with someone. Maybe even put a little money on the line to keep up the motivation.
Join the Community
We’d love to hear your comments and questions about this week’s episode. Here are some of the best ways to stay in touch and get involved in The FI Show community!
Sign up for our exclusive newsletter
Join our Facebook Group
Leave us a voicemail
Send an email to contact [at] TheFIshow [dot] com
If you like what you hear, please leave a rating/review!
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If you're a rental property investor or business owner, you'll definitely want to check out igloohome.

Jul 14, 2020 • 55min
Planting Your Financial Garden | John Soforic
Today's episode features John Soforic, author of The Wealthy Gardener.
John gives his passionate story of how he went from $200k in debt to over $200k in passive income.
The lessons he learned led to a book he wrote for his son titled The Wealthy Gardner.
The story starts with a stroll through the graveyard but certainly has a happy ending.
Listen, learn, and let us know what you think about this awesome episode.
Episode Summary
John's Background
John takes a walk when he was 30
He just goes walking in his town
Then he walks into a graveyard and sat there for a half-day
John was just contemplating life
He had two kids, long hours, and $200k in student debt
Then he read a book called "How to Think and Grow Rich"
Then he set a goal to have $240k in passive income before the age of 50
Fast forward and John retired at age 49
He would then go on to write The Wealthy Gardner as a way to communicate the lessons he learned to his son
Building His Passive Income
Step one was leveraging all 112 waking hours and not just 40
He was working 40 hours in his clinic and 30 hours outside
Then he started educating himself on real estate
John also hired teams to help him
That allowed him to have 500 hours of work a week to his goals
This included buying 8 duplexes at once
It was an incredible deal where he got them at half price
He was able to do this because he offered to buy them all
The sellers were part of an estate and looking for quick cash
The Wealthy Gardener Book
John wrote the book in hopes that his 19 yr old son would be influenced by it
He convinced him to be his editor to make some money
During the process, John asked him to argue points with him
Today his son is 25 and saving over 50% of his income so it seems to have worked
He also fought to keep spirituality into the book to keep it true to him
John originally self-published and book that has now been translated into three languages
Key Takeaways
Leverage: John created so much leverage through teams and real estate which allowed him to unlock his earning potential
Stay True to You: I loved how John is open about his beliefs and how he didn't let the prospect of money change them
Call to Action
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John's Information
Website: WealthyGardener.com

Jul 7, 2020 • 48min
Dividend Value Investing and the 12 Rules | Kanwal Sarai
Kanwal Sarai, Founder of Simply Investing, discusses his unique approach to dividend value investing, blending techniques from Warren Buffet with a focus on dividend payouts. He shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges of launching a side business. Kanwal presents a comprehensive 12-step checklist for evaluating quality dividend stocks, emphasizing the significance of long-term sustainability and the importance of understanding the products we invest in. His approach aims to simplify investment choices for those seeking financial independence.