Money Ripples Podcast

You can start making passive income by just clicking here: https://bit.ly/3JcV2iA  You’ve been told for decades that your 401k match is a “100% return.”  Every financial advisor parrots it as the easiest, most brainless investment decision you’ll ever make. But what if I told you the math doesn’t actually add up? What if that so-called 100% return is really just smoke and mirrors and you could be doing far better on your own? In this episode, I break down the myth of the 401k match with real numbers. Using simple math and the power of compounding, I show you why a dollar-for-dollar match is not the golden goose you’ve been led to believe. In reality, it’s not a 100% return it’s closer to an additional 2–3% effective rate of return over the long haul. And the longer you keep your money trapped in a 401k, the worse that match looks. We dive into why 401k performance often lags behind even simple index investing, thanks to high fees and underperforming target date funds. I reference Fidelity’s 10-year track record, which shows average investors losing more than 2% annually compared to the S&P 500 before fees. Add in administrative costs and suddenly your “match” doesn’t look like much of a win at all. I also share why the rule of 72 exposes the ugly truth: the longer you keep money in a 401k, the weaker the match becomes as compounding works against you. Instead of real wealth-building, you’re left with decades of locked-up money, little control, and results that often disappoint retirees who thought they’d have millions saved. But here’s the real kicker: I show you how one client turned his 401k into a wealth-building machine by using in-service distributions. Instead of letting his money sit locked away, he pulled funds out, bought over $1 million in real estate, and created real passive income for retirement. That’s the difference between theory and financial freedom. If you’re tired of believing Wall Street’s lies, this episode will open your eyes. I’ll explain why the match is not what it seems, why your company loves it (hint: guaranteed fees), and most importantly, what you can do differently to actually create financial independence not just someday, but now. Don’t let your legacy be tied up in a tax-deferred prison. Learn how to free your money and put it to work today.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4mGoYlZ  You've been told your whole life that if you want big returns, you’ve got to take big risks. But what if that belief is what's keeping you broke? In this episode, I go deep on one of the biggest lies we’ve been sold by the financial industry: "High risk creates high returns." I spent years as a financial advisor teaching this same line until I woke up to how wealth is really created. And here’s the truth: Wealthy people don’t gamble. They minimize risk and multiply returns. I break down why this myth is so deeply ingrained in our thinking spoiler: it comes from the very financial institutions that profit from keeping you in the dark. I show you how banks, Wall Street firms, and even your own financial advisor don't take big risks at all. In fact, they make money whether you win or lose because they make guaranteed fees. It’s your money that’s on the line, not theirs. I explain what real risk is (hint: it’s the chance of loss), and why believing that more risk equals more reward is a gambler’s mindset, not an investor’s strategy. From my own days as a stock trader to the lessons I learned in alternative investing, I reveal how smart investors think differently and how you can too. You'll also hear real-world examples from my own investing experience how I evaluate real estate deals, vet operators, analyze loan-to-value ratios, and even how to protect your investments by asking one key question: “Other than the return, why would I do this?” I also walk you through: - Why diversification is often a false sense of security - The mindset that separates real investors from wishful thinkers - How to apply the “lower risk, higher return” principle across real estate, lending, business, and more - What to look for when partnering with an investor or operator - How due diligence and character assessments protect your money - Why banks are the best risk managers and what we can learn from them Plus, I unpack what Warren Buffett, Walt Disney, and even a client-turned-CEO of an oil project all have in common: They knew how to minimize risk while maximizing control. This isn’t theory it’s practical, proven, and necessary if you want to build true financial independence and lasting generational wealth. The wealthy play a different game, and I’m here to help you join them. So stop gambling and start thinking like an investor.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/452ttzK  Is real estate really the golden ticket to time and financial freedom or is it just another trap?  That’s what I’m unpacking today with industry veteran David Olds, a real estate investor who has transacted over half a billion dollars in closings and now runs Easy REI Closings, a business dedicated to helping real estate investors close complex deals efficiently. If you’ve ever thought, “Real estate sounds great, but it seems like too much work,” this episode is for you. I sat down with David to dive into the real realities of investing in real estate both the good and the not-so-glamorous. With over 20 years in the trenches, David reveals how he started with zero money, flipping properties in Florida, and grew to owning 87 rental units and running a business that serves investors nationwide. We tackle the age-old question: Can real estate truly be passive?  David breaks down the time vs. money tradeoff that every investor faces and how your investing strategy needs to evolve as your life changes. Whether you're swinging hammers or writing checks, he explains how to navigate your role and buy back your time while still building a strong, cash-flowing portfolio. You’ll hear how Easy REI Closings is taking the pain out of real estate transactions by handling title, paperwork, and problem-solving so investors can focus on finding deals and making money not chasing missing trust docs or fighting with title companies. Whether you're closing one property a quarter or thirty a month, David shows how crucial it is to delegate the paperwork if you're serious about scaling. And if you’ve ever had a deal fall apart due to unforeseen title issues, David shares how nearly 50% of deals fail not because of bad negotiation, but because of back-end problems no one knows how to solve. He’s seen it all: trusts without documents, bankruptcies, missing heirs, and even foreclosures stopped in their tracks. We also touch on the mindset and habits that separate successful real estate entrepreneurs from the rest: being coachable, ditching the lone wolf mentality, and focusing on high-value tasks. David’s personal transformation story from doing everything himself to building a team of 25 drives home why your biggest ROI comes from hiring the right help and focusing on your unique strengths. If you’re wondering how to turn real estate into true time freedom, this episode will change how you approach investing. Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve done hundreds of deals, you’ll walk away with insights that will save you time, money, and frustration. David's links: WebsiteL https://ezreiclosings.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidoldsrei/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidoldsrealestate/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidoldsrei?igsh=ZGI4MjhyM2k1ZDZ2 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4kZOVeU  You’ve heard it your whole life: “Real estate is risky.” But what if that belief has been feeding you the biggest lie in investing? In this podcast episode, I’m going to shatter that myth and show you why Wall Street might be the riskiest gamble of all and how real estate could actually be your true path to financial freedom. We’ve been programmed to believe that if we just keep throwing our money into mutual funds and 401(k)s, everything will work out. But let’s be honest how many people do you know that have actually achieved true financial freedom that way? Not many. I’m diving deep into historical data and uncovering what really happens to your wealth when it's in the stock market… especially during recessions. I walk you through the actual charts of the S&P 500 vs. U.S. median home values over the past 70+ years. We analyze the patterns. We look at how both asset classes perform through every major recession since 1950. The results are shocking but they back up what I’ve seen again and again working with thousands of investors. For example, the S&P 500 has had numerous drops of 40–50%, often taking years to recover. Meanwhile, real estate? It dipped in only one major recession and even then recovered faster than the stock market. And that’s not even counting the cash flow or the multiple profit centers real estate provides. Look, there’s risk in everything including real estate. But the real risk comes from ignorance and blind trust in traditional financial advice. I’ve seen people gamble on stocks without understanding them, lose it all in options, and still come back thinking the markets are “safe.” That’s not safety that’s delusion. I also talk about the difference between active and passive investing why trying to flip houses without a clue is risky, but passive real estate done right can build serious wealth. I share stories, stats, and personal examples that make it painfully obvious why most people have been sold the wrong narrative for too long. So the next time someone says, “Real estate is risky,” pull out the receipts. This episode will arm you with the knowledge and confidence to counter that noise and make smart, strategic moves with your money. If you’re tired of gambling on Wall Street, this episode will open your eyes to the truth: Real estate isn’t risky. Ignorance is.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/458wUVX  What if everything you've been taught about investing stocks, mutual funds, 401(k)s has not only been incomplete but flat-out wrong? What if Wall Street’s model isn’t designed to make you financially free... but to keep you dependent? In this episode, I go deep into the hard truth many people don’t want to admit: Wall Street is a trap for most investors. I take you inside my personal journey, from being a licensed financial advisor and stock coach in the early 2000s, to discovering the real principles of investing that have helped my clients and I generate true passive income and time freedom. I was the guy who taught people how to invest in stocks and options, and yet I found myself disillusioned when I realized that none of my clients not even the financial advisors I worked with were becoming financially free through traditional investing methods. You’ll hear how Wall Street and the government partnered together in the 1980s to replace pensions with 401(k)s and mutual funds, and how that partnership fueled billions of dollars in propaganda that’s still conditioning people today. It’s time we unlearn what’s been sold to us and look at what actually works alternative investments like real estate, private lending, business partnerships, and other cashflow-producing assets the wealthy have been using for decades. This episode isn’t just a rant. I give you hard data, real-world experience, and the mental models you need to start breaking free from the status quo. I explain why mutual funds and ETFs even the S&P 500 fall short, especially when you realize the actual returns are far lower than the 10–12% you’re often told. Even Vanguard projects only 3–5% average returns over the next decade! I also go into the math. Why try to live off 3% a year with your retirement funds when you could earn 10–12% with less risk and far more control? I show how investing outside of Wall Street in things backed by real assets like real estate or business can create predictable, passive income, even on a modest portfolio. If you're tired of worrying about the stock market rollercoaster, tired of feeling like you’re not making progress despite saving and investing the “right” way this episode is for you. Let me help you unplug from Wall Street’s narrative and tap into the same opportunities the wealthy have always had access to... because now, you can too.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/46XMh5V  Multifamily investing has taken a beating the past few years but is the tide finally turning?  That’s exactly what I dive into in this powerful conversation with real estate expert and Flipping Boston star Dave Seymour. If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to jump back into apartments or wait it out, Dave brings the real, unfiltered insights you need to hear. Dave and I dig into the raw truth of what’s happened in commercial real estate: interest rate hikes, flawed underwriting, poor syndication practices, and why so many investors have been left holding the bag. But more importantly, we ask the critical question is the worst behind us, or is there still more to come? Dave doesn’t hold back. He shares how nearly $3 trillion in commercial real estate loans are about to reset, what that means for passive investors, and how to position yourself now for the wave of opportunity that’s coming. You’ll learn why distressed assets, particularly in the multifamily space, may offer one of the best long-term opportunities today if you’re working with the right operators and asking the right questions. We also cover: - The major difference between operators and syndicators - Why pro formas often lie and how to spot the red flags - What equity multiples really mean and how to evaluate them honestly - How Dave is helping everyday investors become educated partners in deals - The truth about underwriting, rent growth assumptions, and expense forecasts If you're tired of the hype and want straight answers from someone who’s been through multiple cycles and has the battle scars to prove it this episode is for you. We even dig into Dave’s ripple effect, how he’s reshaping financial literacy, and why he believes the system is rigged in Wall Street’s favor unless you learn to play by a different set of rules. Whether you're a seasoned LP, aspiring syndicator, or just someone watching from the sidelines wondering what’s next, you’ll come away from this episode with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of what it means to invest wisely. Dave's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveseymour343/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveseymour343?igsh=MWsxaDF5eTJrOWoyZg==  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaveSeymourLive/ 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4nY1oCs  Everyone says you can safely retire if you follow the 4% rule. You've heard it everywhere from financial advisors, FIRE communities, and traditional retirement planning guides. But what if I told you that the 4% rule is not only outdated, but downright dangerous especially if you want to retire early? In this episode of the Money Ripples podcast, I dig deep into the truth behind the 4% rule and expose why it’s failing so many people right now. You’ll hear why it’s not just flawed but why it could literally destroy your retirement dreams if you trust it blindly. Whether you’re aiming to retire in your 40s or planning a traditional retirement, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through the actual origins of the 4% rule (hint: it’s based on data from 1926 to 1976), why it doesn’t apply in today’s economic climate, and what’s changed like life expectancy, inflation, and market volatility. I even talk about what the original creator of the rule now says about his own theory and how even he no longer supports it as a “rule.” And let’s talk about Morningstar. Yes, even the experts there have publicly said: goodbye to the 4% rule. They’re now suggesting you use a withdrawal rate closer to 3.7%, and even that’s considered optimistic if you’re planning for 30+ years in retirement. For anyone looking to retire before age 70, the real safe withdrawal rate may be closer to 2%. That’s not freedom that’s surviving. I’ll also share the shocking realities behind why Wall Street strategies and mutual funds don’t provide the income security most people think they do. Between inflation, market downturns, and the dominance of high-frequency algorithmic trading, relying on the market feels like gambling. So what do I recommend instead? Alternative investments the same kind the wealthy use. I show you how to shift your mindset from "how long can I make my money last?" to "how can I make my money pay me consistently?" We talk about cash-flowing assets like real estate, oil and gas, apartment syndications, and asset-backed investments that pay 10–12% per year, sometimes even contractually. That’s real financial freedom. If you’re tired of over-promised, under-delivered retirement strategies, if you’re ready to reject the scarcity mentality, and you want to truly be work optional, this episode is your wake-up call. It’s not about saving until you die it’s about cash flow that lets you live now. And if you’re a great saver, you might be closer to freedom by 2030 than you think. Want to see how close you are? Check out the Passive Income Calculator here and start taking control of your future today.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4f1CjTg  Think inflation is under control at 2%? Think again.  In this episode, I expose the truth behind the real inflation rate and why your money is losing value faster than you’ve been led to believe. From government manipulation of inflation data to what financial advisors don’t want you to know, I break down how inflation has been quietly robbing your wealth and what you can do about it. We start by comparing the official inflation numbers to what everyday Americans are actually experiencing. I reference ShadowStats.com a site created by an economist who discovered discrepancies in government inflation calculations starting in the 1980s. Using their original 1980-based calculation, we see that real inflation today may be closer to 8-10%, not the 2.5% the government claims. That’s a massive difference, and one that could mean financial ruin if you’re planning your retirement based on false numbers. I illustrate this with powerful visual examples (including one involving Shaq and Kevin Hart), plus data from the Federal Reserve’s own M2 Money Supply charts, which show the massive increase in printed money since 2020. If the Fed is still pumping money into the economy, why would inflation be dropping? Then I dive into how this misinformation affects you personally. I walk through real-world examples using financial calculators to show how even a 1–2% change in inflation assumptions can drastically alter your retirement outlook. I expose how financial advisors manipulate inflation numbers to make your projected portfolio look stronger than it really is. This leads to overconfidence in traditional retirement planning models, ones that are already based on overly optimistic return assumptions from mutual funds. Bottom line: you can’t just sit back and hope for the best. Inflation isn’t going away. If anything, it’s worsening and silently stealing your purchasing power. If you’re relying solely on a 401(k), IRA, or the stock market to retire, you’re putting yourself at serious risk. This episode is a wake-up call and a blueprint. I emphasize the need for passive income strategies that outpace inflation and why real assets like alternative investments or cash-flowing business ventures are essential to protect your wealth in this new economic reality. If you want to beat inflation instead of being buried by it, this episode gives you the straight talk (and the numbers) to start thinking and investing differently today.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/40RVp8i  Is it really possible to live free or is that just a dream sold by self-help books and social media gurus?  In this episode, I dive deep into the truth behind living a life of financial and lifestyle freedom with my guest, Erin Bradley a former mortgage broker turned real estate coach and passionate advocate for building a life you don’t need a vacation from. Erin’s journey isn’t just inspiring it’s proof that financial freedom is not only possible, but achievable, even when you start from zero. You’ll hear how she went from scraping by in Spain and maxing out credit cards, to building a thriving real estate career, creating passive income through intentional investing, and eventually retiring both herself and her husband from their W-2 jobs. What makes this conversation so impactful is Erin’s transparency. She doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. We talk about what it really means to scale a business, the hard truths about burnout and “success,” and how freedom doesn’t always come from working harder but from thinking smarter. We get into the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, the illusion of being “successful” while privately feeling trapped, and the cost of sacrificing personal life for business growth. Erin shares her coaching approach to help real estate agents and lenders build systems, scale responsibly, and regain their time freedom without shrinking their vision. You’ll learn how Erin’s bold real estate moves like house hacking, out-of-state investing, and using VA loans creatively allowed her family to travel, homeschool, and even cash flow $7,000/month during a pandemic. She doesn’t just teach people how to build income she teaches them how to build a lifestyle aligned with their deepest values. This episode will challenge the excuses you've been making and help you reimagine what’s possible when you stop being the bottleneck in your own business. Whether you're burned out, hitting a ceiling, or wondering if true freedom is even realistic, Erin's story will open your eyes and help you ask a powerful question: If not now, when? Erin's links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bradley/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuingFreedomOfficial  Website: https://www.pursuingfreedom.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/foleyer 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4lYGFgb  What if the college fund you've been diligently saving into a 529 plan actually ends up harming your child's financial future instead of helping it? In this episode of The Money Ripples Podcast, I challenge one of the most widely accepted "smart money moves" for parents: the college savings plan. Inspired by a popular social media post claiming that $100/month into a 529 plan could create a $2.6 million windfall, I break down the math, the assumptions, and most importantly, the hidden risks. I’m not here to bash saving money. But I am here to shed light on why the 529 plan may not be the financial blessing it’s marketed to be. Inflation, market volatility, future tax law uncertainty, and rigid rules around how the funds can be used all play a role in why these plans might not live up to the hype. Instead, I share what I use personally: max-funded life insurance (aka the Infinite Banking strategy). I explain how this approach gives me flexibility, control, and guarantees that the 529 can’t offer. From helping your kids launch a business to buying their first home or even choosing not to go to college at all the infinite banking strategy allows your money to grow safely and stay accessible. In this episode, I walk you through: - The math behind the viral $2.6M Roth IRA claim from a 529 rollover - Why most 529 plans underperform and lack flexibility - How inflation drastically reduces future buying power—even with "high returns" - The risks of changing government policies on Roths and college savings - Why I prefer life insurance and how it keeps you in control of your money As parents, our goal isn’t just to fund college it's to prepare our kids for life. And locking away tens of thousands of dollars in an account they might not even use?  That’s not smart stewardship. If you've been unsure about 529 plans or have one already this episode is a must-listen.