

Rich Habits Podcast
Austin Hankwitz and Robert Croak
Introducing the Rich Habits Podcast — a financial literacy podcast for anyone ready to take back control of their money by implementing new habits.
Join Robert Croak and Austin Hankwitz every Monday, Thursday, and Friday as they demystify the financial habits of the rich, share their own mistakes and shortcomings, and lay out the blueprint for you to succeed with money.
Robert is a decamillionaire with 30+ years of business experience and $200M+ of company exits under his belt, while Austin is an entrepreneur in his 20s eager to learn.
Join Robert Croak and Austin Hankwitz every Monday, Thursday, and Friday as they demystify the financial habits of the rich, share their own mistakes and shortcomings, and lay out the blueprint for you to succeed with money.
Robert is a decamillionaire with 30+ years of business experience and $200M+ of company exits under his belt, while Austin is an entrepreneur in his 20s eager to learn.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 1min
137: Trying To Build The Next Trillion-Dollar Company w/ Ilya Pozin
Ilya Pozin, founder and CEO of Telly and co-founder of Pluto TV, dives into his fascinating journey from immigrating to the U.S. to pioneering ad-supported media. He unveils Telly's unique model of giving away premium TVs funded by ads, explaining how commoditization enables this strategy. Ilya shares insights on building Pluto TV, navigating funding challenges, and his vision for Telly as a central home platform with innovative features. He emphasizes the importance of AI and hints at what's next for their technology, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

39 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 39min
Nvidia Investing $100B Into OpenAI, Starbucks Closing 400 Locations & Amazon's $2.5B Fine For Tricking Prime Members
Dive into the financial news as the hosts discuss Amazon's hefty $2.5 billion settlement for misleading Prime members. They also explore Starbucks' decision to close over 400 locations and what it takes to turn around a struggling business. Plus, get the scoop on Nvidia's staggering commitment of $100 billion to OpenAI, and what it means for the future of AI technology. Other hot topics include Morgan Stanley's new crypto offerings and insights on managing imposter syndrome among business owners.

25 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 44min
Q&A: Donating $8M, Borrowing $36K For A “Career Start” Loan & $6M In Single Stocks
The hosts tackle intriguing questions about wealth management. They discuss strategies for rebalancing stocks tax-free within IRAs and how to approach real estate decisions in St. Petersburg. A listener seeks advice on selling a primary home to boost retirement savings. Philanthropy takes center stage, with tips on giving away millions. They also advise against using low-rate loans for investing and prioritize financial strategies for young homeowners. Tune in for insights that blend finance with personal values!

36 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 36min
136: The Easiest $678K You’ll Ever Make
Discover how the seemingly harmless $9.99 subscriptions can sneakily drain your wealth. The hosts reveal fascinating psychological tricks behind charm pricing and the endowment effect that keep us hooked. They share a simple three-step method to audit and cut unused subscriptions, potentially turning $194 a month into a whopping $678K over 30 years with smart investing. Listeners also get practical advice on cash allocation and navigating the rent versus buy dilemma. Tune in for clever tips that could transform your financial future!

16 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 49min
Special Guest: Bilal Little, Nvidia Invests $5B into Intel, & Fed Rate Cut Reactions
Bilal Little, Director of ETFs at the NYSE and host of ETF Central, joins the conversation to unpack the latest trends in investing. He shares insights on NVIDIA's significant $5B investment in Intel and its market implications. The discussion dives into ETF innovations, including outcome and structured products, as well as the growing momentum of crypto ETFs. The episode also features a rapid-fire segment on various market developments and answers listener queries about hiring and payroll strategies for entrepreneurs.

12 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 43min
Q&A: Feeling Squeezed, Gambling on Canadian Real Estate, & Off-Market Deals
This discussion dives into the struggles of feeling financially squeezed, highlighting tips to balance spending and saving effectively. They tackle the realities of real estate in Canada, including dealing with losses and smart investment strategies for self-employed folks. Listeners learn how to evaluate and source off-market deals, alongside the risks of using HELOCs for high-yield investments. Finally, they explore how to smartly invest proceeds after selling a business, emphasizing diversification and proper financial planning.

28 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h
135: How to Invest in the Next Billion Dollar Startup w/ Collin West
Colin West, founder and managing partner of Ensemble VC, shares insights on identifying billion-dollar startups using a data-driven approach. He discusses the risks inherent in angel investing and the importance of strong teams. The conversation dives into innovative AI tools designed to enhance investment accuracy and touches on emerging technologies in AI, robotics, and sustainable energy. Additionally, Colin contrasts the energy landscapes of the U.S. and China, ultimately emphasizing patience and resilience as keys to entrepreneurial success.

9 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 30min
Q&A: Taking Social Security Early, Building Two ADUs, & Whole Life Insurance For Children?
This discussion dives into the nuances of taking Social Security early and the implications of financial choices. It also covers the benefits of building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for income generation. Plus, the speakers tackle the idea of using whole life insurance for children, exploring its potential as a long-term financial strategy. The conversation emphasizes informed investing, retirement planning, and the critical role of early financial decisions in wealth accumulation.

Sep 8, 2025 • 54min
134: Exposing Wall Street's $1 Trillion Real Estate Blindspot w/ Ben Miller
Ben Miller, CEO of Fundrise, revolutionized real estate investing for everyday Americans. In this conversation, he unpacks the opportunities in the $1 trillion gap in Wall Street real estate. Miller discusses the rise of build-to-rent communities and how AI is reshaping investment strategies. He shares insights on demographic trends influencing the market and the importance of investor education in these changing times. Listen in for a deep dive into the future of real estate and the evolving landscape of market investments.

10 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 34min
Apple's New AI Project, Sydney Sweeney Adding $1B to AE & Trump's Tech Dinner
Explore the intriguing dynamics of a tech dinner that brought together political heavyweights and industry leaders to discuss AI's regulatory future. Discover how Sydney Sweeney's marketing savvy boosted American Eagle's market cap by $1 billion and captivated Gen Z. The discussion also touches on the implications of a weakening labor market and its effects on investment strategies, offering insights into navigating the ever-evolving economic landscape.


