

Money Ripples Podcast
Money Ripples Podcast
Ditch the grind. Build cash flow. Live free.
If you're tired of working harder just to stay financially stuck, this podcast is your way out.
Welcome to The Money Ripples Podcast, where cash flow expert and Anti-Financial Advisor Chris Miles shares how high-income earners are unlocking financial freedom faster without relying on the stock market, risky startups, or waiting until they're 65.
Chris became financially independent twice by age 39 and now helps others create real passive income through strategic investing, smarter money systems, and values-driven stewardship.
Here's what you'll get every week:
- Proven ways to create passive income through real estate and alternative investments
- How to use life insurance the right way to build lasting wealth
- Why the 401(k) may be holding you back—and what to do instead
- The mindset shifts and money strategies of people living work-optional lives
Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or high-income professional looking for better answers, this podcast is packed with practical insights, client case studies, and expert interviews.
New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Ready to take control of your time, money, and future?
Subscribe now and learn how to make your money work harder, so you don't have to.
If you're tired of working harder just to stay financially stuck, this podcast is your way out.
Welcome to The Money Ripples Podcast, where cash flow expert and Anti-Financial Advisor Chris Miles shares how high-income earners are unlocking financial freedom faster without relying on the stock market, risky startups, or waiting until they're 65.
Chris became financially independent twice by age 39 and now helps others create real passive income through strategic investing, smarter money systems, and values-driven stewardship.
Here's what you'll get every week:
- Proven ways to create passive income through real estate and alternative investments
- How to use life insurance the right way to build lasting wealth
- Why the 401(k) may be holding you back—and what to do instead
- The mindset shifts and money strategies of people living work-optional lives
Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or high-income professional looking for better answers, this podcast is packed with practical insights, client case studies, and expert interviews.
New episodes drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Ready to take control of your time, money, and future?
Subscribe now and learn how to make your money work harder, so you don't have to.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 30min
"Why Wall Street's Definition of Investing Keeps You Trapped"
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.

Jul 25, 2025 • 25min
"Dave Seymour on Why the Smart Money Still Bets on Multifamily Real Estate (Even Now)"
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/

Jul 23, 2025 • 16min
"Why the 4% Retirement Rule Is Failing Retirees"
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.

Jul 21, 2025 • 21min
"The Inflation Lie: Why Your Wealth Is Disappearing Faster Than You Think"
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.

Jul 18, 2025 • 31min
How to Escape the "Self-Employed Trap" Without Losing Income
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

Jul 16, 2025 • 19min
"The 529 Trap: Why Locking Up Your Kid's College Money Could Backfire"
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.

Jul 14, 2025 • 44min
How to "Build a Family Bank" Like the Rockefellers Without Raising Trust Fund Kids
In this engaging discussion, estate attorney and multi-generational wealth expert Andrew Howell shares insights on creating a 'family bank' and ensuring wealth doesn't spoil future generations. He emphasizes instilling core values and purpose in legacy planning, arguing that just handing down money can harm heirs. Howell highlights the importance of proactive estate planning, nurturing family dynamics, and viewing family relationships as assets. Listeners will discover how to treat their legacy like a business, focusing on accountability and meaningful impact.

Jul 11, 2025 • 26min
"Can Thinking Positive Actually Make You Richer?"
Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4eENrVL You've been told to "just think positive" but how do you actually do it in a way that's real, effective, and lasting? In this deeply insightful episode, I sit down again with my longtime friend and guest, Dr. Paul Jenkins, to unpack what it truly means to master positivity. This isn't your typical self-help fluff. Dr. Paul is a professional psychologist with decades of experience in helping people reprogram their thinking. He brings a powerful mix of science and soul to the conversation that shows you how to operate the equipment of your own mind. We dive into the real mechanics behind how your brain evaluates your circumstances, why anxiety is often just a function of how we compare reality to a fictional standard, and what you can do today to take control of your mental and emotional state. Dr. Paul shares his own transformative story, including the financial and emotional impact of going through bankruptcy, and how that shaped his now-grounded and powerful approach to "pathological positivity." We talk about the difference between blind optimism and empowering mindset shifts that fuel action, performance, and fulfillment. This is one of those conversations that cuts through the noise and gives you real tools for lasting change. You'll learn: - Why your circumstances are neutral (yes, really and why that's good news) - How judgment and comparison are sneaky sources of anxiety - Why your brain's job is to protect you not make you happy - The key difference between anxiety and hope and how to consciously choose hope - How your internal narrative can affect your financial decisions, relationships, and life satisfaction - What it means to master metacognition (thinking about how you think) Plus, Dr. Paul is offering a free digital copy of his mini-book, Portable Positivity, which you can grab at drpauljenkins.com/moneyripples. This episode is not just about personal development it's about strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and becoming someone who can thrive in any environment. Whether you're dealing with financial stress, relationship drama, or just feeling stuck in your growth, this episode will equip you with tools to reset and refocus. We're not just here to make money we're here to create a rich, full life. That starts by mastering your mind. Tune in and learn how to create your own ripple effect starting with what's happening between your ears. Dr Paul Jenkins Links: - Website: https://drpauljenkins.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpauljenkins/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Dr.%2520Paul%2520Jenkins%2520-%2520Positivity%2520Expert%252C%2520Author%252C%2520and%2520Keynote%2520Speaker&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fdrpauljenkins.com%252F - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LiveOnPurposeTV

Jul 9, 2025 • 20min
The "Infinite Banking Hack" Missed By Most Including Experts
Explore how to make your stagnant cash work harder for you with a unique infinite banking strategy. Discover the Premium Deposit Fund that offers guaranteed 5.5% interest while automatically funding your life insurance premiums. Learn why large upfront policy funding can be a costly mistake and find out how to maintain liquidity for emergencies. A real-world example illustrates how to effectively manage your funds without incurring hefty fees, allowing your money to earn more while still providing security.

Jul 7, 2025 • 22min
The "Money Lies" You Inherited And How They're Stealing Your Freedom
Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3Tllvwr Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have the Midas touch with money, while others feel like they're always stuck no matter how much they earn? In this episode, I dive deep into the mindset and emotional patterns that dictate our financial success with special guest Gino Barbaro, a multifamily investor with nearly 2,000 doors and $450 million in assets. Gino shares powerful stories from his childhood stories of scarcity, money trauma, and family habits that shaped his relationship with money. We unpack how these early money scripts hold us back even when we're making good money as adults. We're not just talking theory here: Gino and I give real-life examples of how subconscious beliefs about money sabotage relationships, create unnecessary stress, and prevent us from building wealth. We talk about how growing up in a family where money was either scarce, hoarded, or never discussed can create limiting patterns you might not even realize are running your financial life today. I share my own money story how my dad's penny-pinching habits and scarcity mindset affected my career, relationships, and self-worth. We also explore how these generational stories can lead to conflict in marriages, especially if one partner is a spender and the other a saver. Gino explains why it's critical for couples to sit down, share their personal money stories without judgment, and learn each other's money archetypes. This is where true financial harmony starts. Gino also shares details about the Money Coaching Institute and how understanding your money persona is the missing key to unlocking lasting wealth. We discuss why success isn't just about financial strategy it's about mindset, communication, and healing your relationship with money. We dive into how trauma from childhood like seeing parents fight about bills, going without basic needs, or even experiencing a parent take money from you—creates unconscious scripts that keep you stuck. We close with a conversation about Gino's ripple effect: helping families break free from generational money patterns so they can build not just wealth, but a legacy of financial wellness and emotional freedom for their kids and grandkids. This episode will challenge you to look deeper than your budget or investment returns and ask: what are the stories I'm carrying about money, and are they serving me? If you're ready to truly transform your finances by healing your relationship with money, you can't miss this episode. Gino's links: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gino-barbaro-03973b4b/ - Website: https://barbaro360.com/ - Podcast: https://jakeandgino.com/podcast/


