Building Your Money Machine

Welcome to a very special episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m taking you behind the spreadsheets and into the life lessons I wish I’d known earlier—a candid conversation about what truly matters most on this journey to financial freedom and living fully.I get personal in this episode. From surviving cancer—twice—to rebuilding my business after devastating loss, and raising my son as a single, full-time dad, life has thrown me both blessings and curveballs. Each of these moments taught me things about money, meaning, and legacy that I simply couldn’t have learned from a textbook or a balance sheet.If you’re ready for a refreshingly honest look at wealth—not just what’s in your bank account, but what fills your life with purpose and richness—you’re in the right place. Money is never just the goal; it’s the paintbrush we use to create the masterpiece of our life. So let’s dig in together.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why money isn’t everything, but it touches everything—and the real magic happens when it fuels your values, joy, and meaningHow you can rebuild from nothing, even after major setbacksWhy health is the real wealth, and how my cancer diagnosis completely reframed my prioritiesThe truth about relationships being the richest currency we have—how presence matters far more than profitsThe power of living life fully expressed, ditching the masks, and stepping into who you truly areWhy legacy isn’t about the stuff you leave behind, but about the love, values, and moments you create every dayRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/14 Hidden Expenses That Silently Destroy Your Wealth40 Years as an Accountant - This is What Rich People Regret MostWhy You Need To Start Automating Wealth Creation10 Things Worth Buying EVEN If You're Short On Cash8 Signs You're Not Ready For RetirementRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:14 Hidden Expenses That Silently Destroy Your Wealth: https://youtu.be/z13QSTIdaW840 Years as an Accountant - This is What Rich People Regret Most: https://youtu.be/x8_f0g_EjVEWhy You Need To Start Automating Wealth Creation: https://youtu.be/RV_kW-ARYok10 Things Worth Buying EVEN If You're Short On Cash: https://youtu.be/wPy-xppyPkUORDER 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 shining a light on a topic that’s often overlooked but crucial for anyone serious about building real wealth: hidden expenses that sneakily drain your financial future.I’m breaking down the 14 silent money leaks that could be quietly destroying your wealth right under your nose. These aren’t just theoretical concepts. Many of these come straight from my own experience and from the real-life journeys of my clients.We’ll dig into three main categories: investing leaks, protection leaks, and lifestyle leaks. I’ll walk you through how these leaks happen, and—most importantly—how you can plug them to accelerate your path to financial freedom.On the lifestyle side, I’ll reveal the dangers of lifestyle creep, high-interest debt, car depreciation, emotional spending, last-minute purchases, and more. For your safety net, I’ll share why you must be proactive about negotiating big expenses, maximizing your employee benefits, making smart insurance decisions, and taking your health seriously.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The 14 biggest wealth leaks—broken downThe silent danger of inflation and why your savings alone may not be enoughHow investment fees and opportunity costs of delayed investing add up to huge losses over timeThe power of tax-advantaged accounts to keep more in your pocket and less with the governmentLifestyle creep: why increased earnings shouldn’t lead to unchecked spendingThe wealth-eroding trap of credit card interest and car depreciationRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/40 Years as an Accountant - This is What Rich People Regret MostWhy You Need To Start Automating Wealth Creation10 Things Worth Buying EVEN If You're Short On Cash8 Signs You're Not Ready For RetirementHow to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a RecessionRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:40 Years as an Accountant - This is What Rich People Regret Most: https://youtu.be/x8_f0g_EjVEWhy You Need To Start Automating Wealth Creation: https://youtu.be/RV_kW-ARYok10 Things Worth Buying EVEN If You're Short On Cash: https://youtu.be/wPy-xppyPkU8 Signs You're Not Ready For Retirement: https://youtu.be/aUhBrFx-NxYORDER 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 a powerful and reflective episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on four decades of experience sitting across from millionaires, billionaires, and business owners. I’m sharing the real regrets I’ve witnessed at the top—not the sort about money lost, but the much deeper kind: moments missed and lives only half-lived.Over 40 years as an accountant, advisor, entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and single father, I’ve seen firsthand what genuinely matters when it comes to building wealth. It’s not about accumulating the biggest number in your bank account. It’s about crafting a rich life, filled with purpose, joy, and relationships—not just a rich portfolio.In this episode, I open up about the seven biggest regrets I’ve heard from the wealthy (and nearly slipped into myself). This is your invitation to break the cycle, sidestep the mistakes of “successful” people who realize—sometimes too late—that they chased the wrong kind of wealth.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why chasing a number keeps you on a hamster wheel—and the freedom that comes from knowing your true “enough.”The cost of putting off life’s joys for “someday”How real wealth is measured by your health, time, and relationships—not just your financial “stuff.”Why true legacy happens in the moments you create every day, not just in what you leave behind.Why avoiding meaningful conversations leads to the deepest regretsHow clarifying your life vision—before setting financial goals—transforms your journey and creates fulfillment, not just financial results.RECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Why You Need To Start Automating Wealth Creation10 Things Worth Buying EVEN If You're Short On Cash8 Signs You're Not Ready For RetirementHow to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a RecessionMoney Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Why You Need To Start Automating Wealth Creation: https://youtu.be/RV_kW-ARYok10 Things Worth Buying EVEN If You're Short On Cash: https://youtu.be/wPy-xppyPkU8 Signs You're Not Ready For Retirement: https://youtu.be/aUhBrFx-NxYHow to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a Recession: https://youtu.be/xSbRv9BopiAORDER 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, we’re tackling a critical reason why so many people struggle to build wealth—even when they know what to do: they rely on willpower instead of automation. If you ever feel like growing your money is a constant uphill battle or that you’re playing catch-up no matter how hard you work, this episode is designed just for you.In this episode, I dive into the truth behind wealth creation: the wealthiest people don’t work harder for their money. Instead, they use systems that put their money on autopilot. I share my own journey—where I stumbled using sheer willpower and how turning to automation transformed my results and made wealth-building not only more effective, but less stressful too.I walk you through the seven critical steps to automating your wealth, from cash flow to savings, investing, debt-paydown, protecting your wealth, optimizing taxes, and growing your income streams. I break down how to get hands-off with your finances using simple tools and modern technology—so you can eliminate decision fatigue, avoid costly mistakes, and remove emotion from money management.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why relying on willpower to build wealth sets you up for failure—and how automation changes everythingThe five top reasons to automate your wealth creationThe seven key steps to automate your financial lifeWhy you should avoid platforms that gamify investing, keeping emotion out of your financial decisionsThe importance of evaluating your financial automations regularlyRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/10 Things Worth Buying EVEN If You're Short On Cash8 Signs You're Not Ready For RetirementHow to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a RecessionMoney Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40If You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch ThisRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:10 Things Worth Buying EVEN If You're Short On Cash: https://youtu.be/wPy-xppyPkU8 Signs You're Not Ready For Retirement: https://youtu.be/aUhBrFx-NxYHow to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a Recession: https://youtu.be/xSbRv9BopiAMoney Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40: https://youtu.be/aTOC_lC0CAEORDER 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 a special episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m flipping the script a bit—we’re not just talking about cutting costs or scrimping and saving. Instead, I’m sharing 10 things that are actually worth spending money on—even when money is tight. I know, it might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out: some expenses aren’t really expenses at all. They’re investments in your protection, your earning power, your health, and your peace of mind.I walk you through each of these 10 life upgrades—things that don’t just take money out of your wallet, but actually save you, build value, and help you create a future you’ll be proud to live in. From protecting yourself with an emergency fund and health insurance, to investing in new skills, mental health, and even kitchen essentials, these are the game-changers that keep you stable, strong, and moving forward.I’ll share my own experiences—and the data—to help you see expenses in a whole new light.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why cutting every expense isn’t always the answer when money is tightThe essential role of a basic emergency fund—and the surprising difference between the Comfort Fund and the Peace of Mind FundHow health insurance, even if it’s just catastrophic coverage, can save you from financial disasterWhy supportive, durable footwear is a hidden investment in your long-term health (your knees and back will thank you!)Growing your income by investing in skills, certifications, and education that the marketplace valuesRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/8 Signs You're Not Ready For RetirementHow to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a RecessionMoney Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40If You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch ThisI've been through 4 recessions, here's what always happens...RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:8 Signs You're Not Ready For Retirement: https://youtu.be/aUhBrFx-NxYHow to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a Recession: https://youtu.be/xSbRv9BopiAMoney Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40: https://youtu.be/aTOC_lC0CAEIf You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch This: https://youtu.be/SO9yQLytMWIORDER 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 we’re tackling a topic that’s crucial for anyone looking to retire with real confidence and peace of mind. What if I told you that most people are planning for retirement all wrong? That’s right—many of us believe we’re set until reality hits and the money runs out, unexpected expenses pop up, or we end up living a lifestyle we never truly prepared for.In this episode, I walk you through the eight biggest signs you’re not ready for retirement. Retirement isn’t about an age or a magic number; it’s about lifestyle and financial readiness. I’ll show you how to shift away from chasing arbitrary numbers and start focusing on building a retirement plan that actually supports the life you want.We'll discuss the critical mistakes to avoid, and talk about overlooked threats like healthcare costs and inflation. You’ll learn why conventional wisdom about retirement may be setting you up for stress, and how to make the mindset and strategic shifts necessary to retire on your own terms—with freedom, choice, and security.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why chasing an arbitrary retirement number isn’t enoughThe power of having a detailed retirement planWhy carrying high-interest or lifestyle debt into retirement is dangerous=The emotional and psychological side of retirementHow to “test drive” your retirement plan and stress-test it against unexpected eventsThe invisible threat of inflationRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/How to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a RecessionMoney Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40If You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch ThisI've been through 4 recessions, here's what always happens...How To Make Money In An Economy That Hates YouRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:How to SURVIVE and THRIVE During a Recession: https://youtu.be/xSbRv9BopiAMoney Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40: https://youtu.be/aTOC_lC0CAEIf You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch This: https://youtu.be/SO9yQLytMWII've been through 4 recessions, here's what always happens…: https://youtu.be/h4eJqaDas_wORDER 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, we’re confronting one of the most anxiety-inducing topics out there: recessions. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about market crashes, job losses, or just wondered how you can truly safeguard your money and lifestyle when the economy takes a hit, this episode is for you.I walk you through how to shift your mindset—seeing a recession not as a threat, but as your greatest opportunity to grow stronger, wealthier, and more secure than ever before. With experts predicting a 35–60% chance of a recession in the near future, the time for fear is over. It’s time to prepare and strategize so you can not just survive economic downturns, but thrive right through them.I’ll walk you through eliminating destructive debt, upskilling to become indispensable in any market, and the critical importance of staying the course with your investments—plus why you should only invest in what you truly understand.Let’s get strategic, set your money machine in motion, and design a life that’s resilient, intentional, and recession proof.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why recessions are not to be feared—but to be prepared for and leveragedWhat a recession really is, and how you feel it before it’s officially declaredHow to find—and seize—the once-in-a-generation money-making opportunities that recessions offerThe seven essential strategies to survive and thrive during economic downturnsThe five wealth truths that apply in any economy and how to make them your daily practiceRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Money Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40If You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch ThisI've been through 4 recessions, here's what always happens...How To Make Money In An Economy That Hates YouUnderstanding The Impact Tariffs Have On Your FinancesRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Money Principles I Know At 63 But I Wish I Knew At 40: https://youtu.be/aTOC_lC0CAEIf You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch This: https://youtu.be/SO9yQLytMWII've been through 4 recessions, here's what always happens…: https://youtu.be/h4eJqaDas_wHow To Make Money In An Economy That Hates You: https://youtu.be/Pg3Y-edj1noORDER 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’s episode is all about the money principles I know at 63—but honestly, I wish I’d understood them back when I was 40. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure whether your hard work will actually bring you financial freedom, then you’re in the right place. I’m opening up about my real-life experience navigating through four recessions, overcoming cancer, and raising my son solo from the age of six. Now, decades later, I’m financially free and living a life that’s truly rich—not just in dollars, but in meaning, memories, and experiences.In this episode, I’m sharing the core money truths that can radically shift how you build wealth and, more importantly, how you live your life. These are the lessons I’d give to my 20-, 30-, and 40-year-old self—the ones that matter beyond just growing a bank account. We’ll challenge the myths around money and discuss why purpose, not just a number, is what really unlocks freedom.I’m not just handing over financial tactics today—I want you to consider what a truly rich life looks like, so you don’t end up with a full bank account but an empty life.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why clarity and purpose—not a dollar amount—truly set you freeThe power of systems: earning, multiplying, and guarding wealthWhy growth, not just accumulation, is the ultimate goalThe role of generosity in creating a fulfilled and prosperous lifeHow an emergency fund gives you freedom, choice, and confidenceRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/If You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch ThisI've been through 4 recessions, here's what always happens...How To Make Money In An Economy That Hates YouUnderstanding The Impact Tariffs Have On Your FinancesThe Only Thing That Stopped Me From OverspendingRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:If You're Thinking Of Retiring Early... Watch This: https://youtu.be/SO9yQLytMWII've been through 4 recessions, here's what always happens…: https://youtu.be/h4eJqaDas_wHow To Make Money In An Economy That Hates You: https://youtu.be/Pg3Y-edj1noUnderstanding The Impact Tariffs Have On Your Finances: https://youtu.be/2OVdRYkxwl4ORDER 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

Can you really retire early and keep enjoying life? Discover how small changes can lead to massive shifts, allowing you to retire five or even ten years sooner. Learn the crucial math behind financial freedom and the importance of planning ahead to avoid costly mistakes. Explore the trade-offs between time and money, as well as ways to define your 'freedom number.' Plus, find out how to create multiple income streams to support your dream lifestyle.

Dive into the reality of recessions and discover why they’re a natural part of the economic cycle. Learn about the four key patterns that emerge during downturns and how to spot opportunities hidden within the chaos. Hear firsthand experiences of investing during crises, including the importance of liquidity. Explore strategies for financial preparedness, from cutting expenses to diversifying income. Finally, understand how to maintain a focused mindset and foster community support while navigating challenging economic times.