Building Your Money Machine

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! I’m Mel Abraham, and today we’re tearing down the myths that social media, Instagram, and pop culture sell about wealth—the fancy cars, designer wardrobes, and mega-mansions. Real wealth isn’t about showing off; it’s about saying “no” to the things that drain your potential and your bank account.In this episode, I reveal the nine things that truly wealthy people absolutely do not waste their money on. Far from being “cheap,” the rich invest intentionally in quality—so their purchases last, their homes serve their lifestyle (not their ego), and their assets quietly grow while others chase status symbols and debt.This isn’t about sacrificing joy—it’s about asking, “Does this get me closer to my dreams and financial freedom?” Every dollar you spend is either building your money machine or someone else’s. I give you the framework, tools like the free Lifestyle Cost Calculator, and actionable strategies to keep your spending intentional and aligned with your vision.Get ready for an episode packed with practical advice that can help you master your money!IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why buying cheap actually costs you more in the long runHow the wealthy avoid “home ego” spending and live within their meansThe dangers of chasing status and loud debt instead of quiet wealthWhy luxury transport are often chains, not freedomThe real odds behind lottery tickets and gamblingHow to avoid financial penalties and banking fees that erode your wealthRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/How to Have Better Finances Than 95% of People (in 3 Months)10 Signs Someone is Secretly WealthyWealth Explodes after $100K But Only If You Avoid These Traps!ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Every Level of Wealth in X minsNever Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to RetireRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:How to Have Better Finances Than 95% of People (in 3 Months): https://youtu.be/scFXprf7q6M10 Signs Someone is Secretly Wealthy: https://youtu.be/6Q6boC1l77EWealth Explodes after $100K But Only If You Avoid These Traps!: https://youtu.be/52zuVc9MRpAACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Every Level of Wealth in X mins: https://youtu.be/YAxSPE_4FfYORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, we’re diving into a game plan that can completely transform your finances in just 90 days. I know—big promise. But after 30-plus years as a CPA, entrepreneur, and coach, I’ve seen what keeps people stuck, stressed, and feeling left behind. It isn’t laziness or lack of smarts—it’s not having the right playbook. Together, I’ll walk you through a proven, week-by-week strategy so you can be further ahead financially than 95% of people by this time next quarter.Forget cutting lattes or living in a shoebox apartment—this episode is all about building sustainable, lifelong wealth, step by step. We’ll reframe your money story, take control of your cash flow, plug up the leaks, and set up your first genuine investments. I’m sharing the exact blueprint, from rewriting the beliefs that hold you back, to putting practical systems in place, to finally getting your money working harder for you than you did for it.Whether you’re drowning in debt, living paycheck-to-paycheck, or just hungry to fast-track your path to financial freedom, everything you need is inside this episode.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why most people struggle financiallyWeek-by-week blueprint for the first four weeksPractical steps to plug the leaksCreating your “freedom vision”Why skilling up and becoming invaluable to your company or clients is the secret to boosting incomeThe simple four-bucket system to manage your moneyThe power of reviewing, resetting, and repeating this 12-week sprintRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/10 Signs Someone is Secretly WealthyWealth Explodes after $100K But Only If You Avoid These Traps!ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Every Level of Wealth in X minsNever Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to RetireThe Real Cost of Pretending to be RichRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:10 Signs Someone is Secretly Wealthy: https://youtu.be/6Q6boC1l77EWealth Explodes after $100K But Only If You Avoid These Traps!: https://youtu.be/52zuVc9MRpAACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Every Level of Wealth in X mins: https://youtu.be/YAxSPE_4FfYNever Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to Retire: https://youtu.be/ifbBd9PH8cYORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another value-packed episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a side of wealth that’s rarely talked about — the subtle, quiet signals that reveal true financial freedom. Ever wondered how someone can fly first class in Costco jeans, or why the flashiest person at the valet isn't always the wealthiest? In this episode, I’m giving you the inside scoop: real wealth doesn’t scream, it whispers.After decades as a financial expert, entrepreneur, and mentor, I’ve learned that freedom isn’t about how much you earn — it’s about building a money machine that works for you and lets you live life on your own terms. That’s exactly what we’re here to unpack.Today, we’re diving into the 10 signs someone is secretly wealthy. You’ll discover what truly sets the quietly affluent apart and why understanding their habits, mindset, and approach can fast-track you to financial freedom. This isn’t about becoming a detective — it’s about recognizing the patterns and clues that can guide your own wealth-building journey.IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why quietly wealthy people prioritize net worth over net applauseBeing quiet about wins but loud about gratitude and generosityWhy millionaires will agonize over small purchases but are fast to invest in big opportunities that align with their visionThe power of delayed gratification and avoiding impulse purchasesQuietly utilizing sophisticated financial strategies like trusts, Roth conversions, and moreHow true wealth is measured in impact and legacy, not applauseRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Wealth Explodes after $100K But Only If You Avoid These Traps!ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Every Level of Wealth in X minsNever Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to RetireThe Real Cost of Pretending to be RichWhy Buying a Home is NOT the American DreamRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Wealth Explodes after $100K But Only If You Avoid These Traps!: https://youtu.be/52zuVc9MRpAACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Every Level of Wealth in X mins: https://youtu.be/YAxSPE_4FfYNever Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to Retire: https://youtu.be/ifbBd9PH8cYThe Real Cost of Pretending to be Rich: https://youtu.be/D8DgveoFPEMORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome back to the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most pivotal milestones on your wealth-building journey—the $100,000 mark. Maybe you’ve already reached it in your savings, investments, or revenue, or maybe you’re well on your way. Either way, hitting that first hundred grand isn’t the finish line—it’s just the launch pad.But here’s what most people don’t realize: right after that $100K milestone, a series of subtle traps start popping up. These aren’t the obvious mistakes—they’re disguised as progress, and if you’re not careful, they’ll derail your momentum just as things are starting to take off.In this episode, I reveal the seven traps that can stall your wealth after breaking $100,000—and most importantly, how to avoid them. I’ll walk you through keeping lifestyle inflation in check, treating your investment gains with the respect they deserve (hint: it’s not “Vegas money”), and making sure you don’t get blindsided by taxes. We’ll dive into why cash flow is every bit as important as net worth, how static savings can quietly sabotage your future, and why building your dream life is never a solo project.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why the $100K threshold is the beginning of your wealth journeyHow lifestyle inflation can wreck your progressThe danger in treating market gains like “found money”The critical difference between net worth and cash flowThe “static savings” trap and the importance of keeping your savings rate growing with your incomeMy four-step reset to keep your wealth machine hummingRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Every Level of Wealth in X minsNever Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to RetireThe Real Cost of Pretending to be RichWhy Buying a Home is NOT the American DreamWhy Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class TrapRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:ACCOUNTANT EXPLAINS: Every Level of Wealth in X mins: https://youtu.be/YAxSPE_4FfYNever Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to Retire: https://youtu.be/ifbBd9PH8cYThe Real Cost of Pretending to be Rich: https://youtu.be/D8DgveoFPEMWhy Buying a Home is NOT the American Dream: https://youtu.be/ERxc8qmfjlAORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! I’m Mel Abraham, your host, and today I’m pulling back the curtain on something I’ve learned after decades as a CPA and money mentor: wealth is not just predictable, it’s climbable. After staring at more spreadsheets and tax returns than I care to admit, I can confidently say the math always maths out.In this episode, I break down every level of wealth—from financial struggle all the way to abundance and even the ultra-rich—so you can finally see where you are on the wealth ladder, what it feels like at each stage, and the concrete steps to move to the next level. Think of this as your real roadmap to financial freedom.This isn’t about earning more just for the sake of it. True freedom begins when your money is working harder for you than you did for it. I’ll walk you through the traps to avoid, the mindsets to adopt, and the specific actions to take at each rung of the ladder, including how to handle crises, build stability, achieve independence, and ultimately design your life with purpose and legacy in mind.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The 7 Levels of WealthThe critical mindset shifts required to move up each rung of the wealth ladderEmergency funds, comfort funds, peace of mind funds, and how to use each as building blocksWhen to shift focus from saving to investingWhy most Americans are stuck in paycheck-to-paycheck modeThe keys to protecting your wealth as you growHow to transition from financial independence to freedomThe real meaning of wealthRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Never Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to RetireThe Real Cost of Pretending to be RichWhy Buying a Home is NOT the American DreamWhy Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class TrapWhat Everyone Gets Wrong About FIRERECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Never Make These 12 Mistakes if You Want to Retire: https://youtu.be/ifbBd9PH8cYThe Real Cost of Pretending to be Rich: https://youtu.be/D8DgveoFPEMWhy Buying a Home is NOT the American Dream: https://youtu.be/ERxc8qmfjlAWhy Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class Trap: https://youtu.be/VBMqrkvvHrYORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on why so many hardworking people spend 40 years saving faithfully, only to find themselves broke or stressed out in retirement. Let me assure you—it’s not because you didn’t work hard enough. It’s because you might have fallen for certain myths or made some silent mistakes you didn’t even know were happening.In this episode, we’re tackling the three biggest retirement myths that can derail your future and walking through 12 critical mistakes that could quietly sabotage your freedom. More importantly, I’ll show you exactly how to avoid them so you can finally live the retirement you’ve been dreaming about.Here’s the truth: earning more doesn’t make you free. Building a money machine—where your money works harder for you than you did for it—does. And retirement is not the finish line, it’s the starting line for a life of choice and meaning.Drawing from my own journey, I share why chasing some “magic million dollar” number can be a mirage, why you can’t count on Social Security to save your retirement, and why building a plan centered around YOUR desired life—not someone else’s number—is the only way to create real financial freedom.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The 3 most pervasive retirement myths—and how they keep you stuckWhy your “magic number” needs to be based on your lifestyle, not generic rulesHow over-relying on Social Security puts your dreams at riskWhat retirement really means (hint: it’s not about income, it’s about choice!)12 crucial mistakes that can ruin your retirementRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/The Real Cost of Pretending to be RichWhy Buying a Home is NOT the American DreamWhy Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class TrapWhat Everyone Gets Wrong About FIREIf You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand MoneyRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:The Real Cost of Pretending to be Rich: https://youtu.be/D8DgveoFPEMWhy Buying a Home is NOT the American Dream: https://youtu.be/ERxc8qmfjlAWhy Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class Trap: https://youtu.be/VBMqrkvvHrYWhat Everyone Gets Wrong About FIRE: https://youtu.be/OyvPksxNMqoORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic that’s everywhere on your social feeds, but rarely talked about honestly: The Real Cost of Pretending to be Rich. If you’ve ever felt that pressure to keep up with the Joneses—posting exotic vacations, driving luxury cars, sporting designer gear—this episode is for you.Let's be honest: social media has become one big “flex fest.” But here’s the shocking truth—most people flaunting those lavish lifestyles aren’t actually wealthy. They’re exhausted, broke, and trapped in a cycle of debt. Looking rich doesn’t make you free; it makes you fragile.I dive deep into why the ultimate flex isn’t loud—it's quiet. Quiet wealth, the kind that compounds and grows behind the scenes, always beats the fleeting sparkle of loud wealth. And I know, because I’ve been on both sides. As a CPA and entrepreneur, I once believed success was all about spreadsheets, corner offices, and fancy possessions. But money without meaning is just being broke in a fancier outfit.IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why looking rich isn’t the same as being freeThe true financial cost of flashy purchasesHow emotional and social costs pile up when you’re living for likes instead of your own valuesWhy quiet wealth is the path to real, lasting freedomThe four hidden costs of keeping up appearancesMy three-step practical framework to align your money with your valuesHow to use the free Lifestyle Cost Calculator to uncover your TRUE cost of living and start building YOUR money machineRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Why Buying a Home is NOT the American DreamWhy Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class TrapWhat Everyone Gets Wrong About FIREIf You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand Money7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I RetiredRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Why Buying a Home is NOT the American Dream: https://youtu.be/ERxc8qmfjlAWhy Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class Trap: https://youtu.be/VBMqrkvvHrYWhat Everyone Gets Wrong About FIRE: https://youtu.be/OyvPksxNMqoIf You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand Money: https://youtu.be/7d9Lz0D0uzAORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a financial “truth” we’ve all been sold: that buying a home is the ultimate American Dream. If you’ve ever felt pressure to own a house—or worried that renting means you’re “throwing money away”—this episode is for you.Let’s get real. For decades, we’ve been told that a mortgage is a rite of passage and a path to prosperity. But when you dig deeper (and I do that with real numbers from both high-cost and more affordable cities), home ownership can end up being the fastest way to lock yourself into years—sometimes decades—of financial stress. It’s not just about the monthly payment. There are surprise roof leaks, HOA letters about your mailbox color, skyrocketing insurance costs, and a host of phantom costs nobody ever posts about on Instagram.Whether you’re contemplating your first purchase or just questioning the hype, I walk you through my free Rent vs. Buy calculator, so you can see for yourself whether buying a home stacks up for your unique situation.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The origins of the “American Dream” of homeownershipWhy just focusing on your mortgage payment is a costly mistakeThe REAL costs of owning a homeWhat most people get wrong about the rent vs. buy debateStep-by-step walkthrough of actual numbers in LA and MinneapolisWhy renting isn’t “throwing money away”—unless you spend the savingsThe 6 essential questions to ask yourself before you ever buy a homeHow to use my free Rent vs. Buy calculator to make your own decisionRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Why Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class TrapWhat Everyone Gets Wrong About FIREIf You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand Money7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Retired8 Signs You're NOT Ready For The Upcoming RecessionRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Why Most Americans Never Escape the Middle Class Trap: https://youtu.be/VBMqrkvvHrYWhat Everyone Gets Wrong About FIRE: https://youtu.be/OyvPksxNMqoIf You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand Money: https://youtu.be/7d9Lz0D0uzA7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Retired: https://youtu.be/t5DL9bZYRiwORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m bringing you a replay of a live session that hit so hard, it blew up my inbox with requests. So, you asked—I delivered. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things—holding down a good job, maybe even bought the house and putting money away—yet you still can’t seem to get ahead, you’re not alone. That’s the middle class trap, and I’m tearing it apart in this episode.I'm diving into why the old play-it-safe model simply doesn’t cut it in today’s world, and I’ll unpack the three critical shifts you need to make to break free. I’ll also walk you through how to figure out your exact number for financial freedom (yep, I’ve got a free calculator—grab it at melabraham.com/number).I’ve been at this money game for three decades—seen the market highs, the lows, and even lost a third of everything I owned to a Ponzi scheme. I’m sharing what will keep you stuck forever and how to avoid it, totally unfiltered, with a side of sarcasm and a whole lot of heart.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why the “middle class trap” is more real than everHow the current system trains us to trade time for money, avoid risk, and trust institutions that no longer serve usThe three essential shifts if you want OUT of the trapThe truth about cash flow, value creation, and why it’s never too late to make new choicesHow shifting your mindset moves you from consumer to investor, from earnings treadmill to freedomWhy you’re only ever one decision—one small shift—away from momentum and a new financial trajectoryRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/What Everyone Gets Wrong About FIREIf You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand Money7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Retired8 Signs You're NOT Ready For The Upcoming Recession40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 40sRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:What Everyone Gets Wrong About FIRE: https://youtu.be/OyvPksxNMqoIf You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand Money: https://youtu.be/7d9Lz0D0uzA7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Retired: https://youtu.be/t5DL9bZYRiw8 Signs You're NOT Ready For The Upcoming Recession: https://youtu.be/Spnhr_Ecd0sORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com

Welcome back to the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most popular and controversial trends in personal finance today: the FIRE movement — Financial Independence, Retire Early. After more than 30 years as a CPA, entrepreneur, and financial educator, I've witnessed countless people chase the dream of early retirement, only to find themselves back at work faster than a market crash.Today, I'm digging into the 8 biggest problems with FIRE that no one’s really talking about. If you’ve ever thought about retiring early, or you’re already hustling toward financial independence, this episode will help you rethink your strategy so you don’t sacrifice the best years of your life for a number on a spreadsheet. I’m sharing real stories, personal experiences, and the specific pitfalls that can turn FIRE from financial independence into a life of frugality, stress, and missed opportunities.Plus, I’ll be walking you through my lifestyle cost calculator—yours for free—so you can finally figure out what your freedom actually costs (hint: not the number you see on Instagram).IN TODAY'S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why the extreme savings rates in FIRE are like financial crash dietingWow chasing an early retirement number can actually train you to avoid joy in lifeOver-reliance on the 4% rule and market performanceWhat really happens when your career suddenly stopsWhy FIRE isn’t equally accessible to everyone,What most FIRE advocates ignore about medical costsMy four-step roadmap to financial independenceRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/If You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand Money7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Retired8 Signs You're NOT Ready For The Upcoming Recession40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 40sHow to Build Your Financial Freedom Engine (Step-by-Step)RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:If You Don't Understand Bonds, You Don't Understand Money: https://youtu.be/7d9Lz0D0uzA7 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Retired: https://youtu.be/t5DL9bZYRiw8 Signs You're NOT Ready For The Upcoming Recession: https://youtu.be/Spnhr_Ecd0s40 Harsh Truths I Wish I Knew in My 40s: https://youtu.be/RUIh5osQigoORDER MY NEW USA TODAY BESTSELLING BOOK:Building Your Money Machine: How to Get Your Money to Work Harder For You Than You Did For It!The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind.Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to build your money machine.When you do you’ll also get over $1100 in wealth resources & bonuses for FREE! TAKE THE FINANCIAL FREEDOM QUIZ:Take this free quiz to see where you are on the path to financial freedom and what your next steps are to move you to a new financial destiny at http://www.YourFinancialFreedomQuiz.com