Building Your Money Machine

Mel H Abraham, CPA, CVA, ASA
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Aug 7, 2025 • 32min

15 Things That Are a Complete Waste of Your Money

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this episode, I’m getting real and a little bit blunt as we tackle a question I know many of us have asked ourselves: “Where the heck is all my money going?” Maybe you haven’t splurged on a yacht, but if you’ve ever wondered why your bank account doesn’t reflect the hard work you’re putting in, you’re in the right place.I break down the 15 perfectly normal — but totally destructive — ways your wealth is secretly bleeding out. These sneaky money leaks come disguised as self-care, adulting, or the infamous “I deserve this” mentality. Over time, they rob us of our options, our freedom, and, most importantly, our financial future. I’ll walk you through each of these traps, share where I’ve personally tripped up, and give you practical solutions on how to plug those leaks so you can start building real wealth.Think of this as your financial reality check — practical tips, a bit of tough love, and a whole lot of heart. It might sting a little, but sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to take back control and start winning with money.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why new cars on payment plans are a fast track to losing moneyThe true cost of unused subscriptionsWhy most home fitness equipment ends up as an expensive laundry rackThe psychological trap of buying things “because they’re on sale”The difference between spending and investingWhen DIY jobs backfire and why outsourcing sometimes saves you moneyThe credit card points trap — when chasing points actually costs you moreRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For MoneyThe Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?The Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound InterestRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?: https://youtu.be/yG3CoFaYV2Y7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires: https://youtu.be/aeTEvvI_H407 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money: https://youtu.be/Jg_8jupAGkQThe Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?: https://youtu.be/vxaW2JGnRZAORDER 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
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Aug 4, 2025 • 19min

If The Dollar Is Collapsing - Is It Worth Saving Money?

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the questions I get asked the most: If the dollar keeps losing value, is saving money even worth it anymore?With all the media chatter about inflation and the dollar weakening, it’s easy to feel like putting money in a savings account is about as useful as trying to fill a leaky bucket. Cash feels safe, but it seems like it’s just quietly melting away right under us. Should you bother to save at all—or is there a better way to protect your financial future?In this episode, I break down what’s really happening to the dollar, unravel the truth about inflation, and explain why saving alone will never build the wealth or the financial security you want. I talk about the real role of savings (and it’s not what most people think!), how to protect your emergency fund, and why owning assets is the only way to outpace inflation and achieve financial freedom.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why cash and savings accounts aren’t investmentsThe effects of long-term inflationHow to calculate how much emergency savings is enoughThe difference between protecting your wealth and actually building wealthWhich investments historically beat inflationHow to “bucket” your money for short-, mid-, and long-term needsThe step-by-step plan to balance safety and growthThe single action step to take within the next 48 hours to move your financial future forwardRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For MoneyThe Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?The Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires: https://youtu.be/aeTEvvI_H407 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money: https://youtu.be/Jg_8jupAGkQThe Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?: https://youtu.be/vxaW2JGnRZAThe Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest: https://youtu.be/SiDU-1wVWTAORDER 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
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Jul 31, 2025 • 23min

7 Smart Habits of Quiet Millionaires

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic I’ve seen play out over my decades as an entrepreneur, money mentor, and financial expert: the 7 smart habits of quiet millionaires. We’re talking about the folks who build real, lasting wealth—not with flashy cars or Instagram fame, but with purposeful, behind-the-scenes action that gives them true freedom and peace of mind.Ever wonder why some millionaires seem to live loud, but somehow end up broke, while others keep it low-key, quietly amassing real wealth? I’m walking you through the strategies these quiet millionaires lean on—habits that let them stack the odds in their favor, eliminate financial stress, and create a life of choice. And, don’t worry, we’ll definitely poke a little fun at Lambo culture along the way!This isn’t about deprivation or hiding your success; it’s about designing a life aligned with your values, vision, and desired impact. Whether you want to build a legacy, or enjoy deep financial security these habits will set you on the right path.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why freedom is so much sweeter than flexingHow systems—not willpower—drive 80% of your wealth-buildingThe power of staying low-key to avoid unwanted attentionAvoiding lifestyle inflationStories of true impact, the untold generosity of the wealthy, and why the best ROI often comes without any applause. Why quiet millionaires focus on compounding, consistency, and generationalRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For MoneyThe Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?The Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025Accountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal FinanceRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money: https://youtu.be/Jg_8jupAGkQThe Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?: https://youtu.be/vxaW2JGnRZAThe Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest: https://youtu.be/SiDU-1wVWTA1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025: https://youtu.be/CnUi_Dr_v7IORDER 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
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Jul 28, 2025 • 29min

7 Reasons Why The Wealthy NEVER Trade Time For Money

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m shining a light on a game-changing concept that separates the truly wealthy from everyone else: refusing to trade your time for money. If you’ve ever looked at your calendar and wondered if the hamster wheel of back-to-back meetings, errands, and calls is really the endgame, this episode is for you.I'm sharing the seven key reasons why the wealthy never play the time-for-dollars game—and how you can stop being the unpaid intern in your own life's story. I’ll walk you through my journey from accountant buried in spreadsheets and calls to someone who’s obsessed with building a system—a Money Machine—that funds a life of true freedom and choice.I’ll tell you how a simple, powerful lesson from my six-year-old son made me rethink everything about money, time, and presence. From there, you’ll discover how to architect a life where your money works for you—even while you sleep, take a walk, or argue with your teenager about Wi-Fi.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why time is your most precious and non-renewable resourceHow leverage is the secret sauce for multiplying your hours and your impactCreating leveraged income streams that generate cashWhy the wealthy prefer to own the stage (the assets) rather than dance on it (the labor)The importance of building an ecosystem of valueChoosing to use your increasing income to buy back timeFour practical steps to start your own Money MachineRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/The Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?The Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025Accountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal FinanceThe WORST Investment Lies Told by Finance GurusRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:The Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?: https://youtu.be/vxaW2JGnRZAThe Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest: https://youtu.be/SiDU-1wVWTA1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025: https://youtu.be/CnUi_Dr_v7IAccountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal Finance: https://youtu.be/9xG2GgrBx8YORDER 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
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Jul 24, 2025 • 24min

The Truth About Net Worth: Are You Rich or Poor?

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic that most people either misunderstand or try desperately to ignore: your net worth. Are you actually middle class, or is your paycheck just telling you a comforting story while your bank account plays hide and seek? We’re cutting through the noise and numbers to uncover the truth about wealth in America — what it means to be lower, middle, or upper class, and, more crucially, how you can move up no matter where you’re starting from.In this episode, we get into the real definition of net worth, why it matters far more than how much you make, and how you can use it as a playbook for building your money machine. We’ll break down the wealth categories, from lower class (under $150k), middle class, all the way to the upper class (over $1.5 million in net worth) — but more importantly, I’ll show you the strategies for each stage to keep you moving forward, wherever you’re at right now.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:What net worth really meansThe three stages of wealth-buildingHow to build a comfort fundWhy eliminating destructive, high-interest debt is essentialThe power of starting to invest early — even with just $5How to increase your income by skilling up and creating more valueAutomating your savings and investmentsWhy guarding against lifestyle creep is critical as you grow your wealthRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/The Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025Accountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal FinanceThe WORST Investment Lies Told by Finance Gurus8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:The Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest: https://youtu.be/SiDU-1wVWTA1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025: https://youtu.be/CnUi_Dr_v7IAccountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal Finance: https://youtu.be/9xG2GgrBx8YThe WORST Investment Lies Told by Finance Gurus: https://youtu.be/Nlt9-Z61bxAORDER 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
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Jul 21, 2025 • 20min

The Financial Industry's Biggest Lie About Compound Interest

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest myths the financial industry loves to sell: the fantasy of compound interest as the ultimate, effortless path to wealth. We all hear that “compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world”—and while it’s powerful, the way Wall Street sells it can leave you feeling like you were promised a yacht and handed a pool noodle with a dream.In this episode, I bust the myth that time alone will make you rich. I break down why average returns aren’t the same as your actual returns, and how relying on those rosy averages can seriously wreck your portfolio. I also unpack the deceptive smooth curve of compound interest, explain why your wealth journey starts with what I call the “wealth flatline,” and get real about the discipline and consistency it takes to get to the good stuff—where your money machine finally takes off.By the end, you’ll have a new perspective on compound interest (without the hype), and a blueprint for making it work for you—not against you—on your path to financial freedom.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The truth about compound interestThe big difference between average returns and real, compounded annual returnsThe impact of sequence of returns riskMy strategies for building flexibility and resiliency into your wealth planWhy watching out for fees can save you tens of thousandsRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025Accountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal FinanceThe WORST Investment Lies Told by Finance Gurus8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025: https://youtu.be/CnUi_Dr_v7IAccountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal Finance: https://youtu.be/9xG2GgrBx8YThe WORST Investment Lies Told by Finance Gurus: https://youtu.be/Nlt9-Z61bxA8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It): https://youtu.be/KKhrKQb-v40ORDER 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
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Jul 17, 2025 • 34min

1970s Money Habits Not Taught Today... That We Need in 2025

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m taking you on a trip down memory lane to the 1970s—a wild economic decade full of stagflation, sky-high interest rates, and mile-long gas lines. Yet, my parents and so many others made it work on a single income. They raised families, lived in modest homes, and managed to save, even with all the financial chaos swirling around them.I wanted to pull back the curtain on those 1970s money habits—the ones many of us were never taught, but desperately need as we head into 2025. These are practical, timeless lessons about spending, saving, and living with intention that can help all of us regain control in today’s world of buy-now-pay-later, easy credit, and constant financial FOMO.In this episode, I break down the habits, attitudes, and practices from a simpler time, and show you how to adapt them in your own life—without sacrificing modern convenience. I share personal stories from my own family and offer actionable steps to help you live with more financial peace and less pressure, starting today.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why “Cash Was King” in the 1970sThe lost art of planned shoppingHow brown-bagging lunch can add thousands to your savingsWhy “fix before you replace” still mattersGoing generic and busting the brand mythCouponing as a community sportTreating debt with the caution it deservesRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Accountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal FinanceThe WORST Investment Lies Told by Finance Gurus8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?Master Financial Literacy in 32 mins: Everything They Didn't Teach You in SchoolRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Accountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal Finance: https://youtu.be/9xG2GgrBx8YThe WORST Investment Lies Told by Finance Gurus: https://youtu.be/Nlt9-Z61bxA8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It): https://youtu.be/KKhrKQb-v40Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?: https://youtu.be/Md3mF7zg8fkORDER 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
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Jul 14, 2025 • 38min

Accountant Debunks: The Most Controversial Topics in Personal Finance

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m rolling up my sleeves and getting honest about the most controversial topics in personal finance. You know the ones—those “hot takes” that get tossed around at barbecues, family gatherings, and across social media feeds, usually prefaced with something like, “Well, my buddy said...”—and before you know it, that spicy advice is burning a hole in your financial future.In this episode, I’m debunking some of the biggest myths in personal finance, from the renting vs. owning debate to whether all debt is evil, leasing vs. buying cars, if you really need a financial advisor, the realities of the FIRE movement, and the age-old battle between real estate and stock investing.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Renting vs. Owning a HomeDebt & Credit Cards—Doom or Delight?Lease vs. Buy: Car Conundrum:Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor?The FIRE Movement—Does It Work for Everyone?Real Estate vs. Stocks—Which Builds More Wealth?Plus—hear about the FREE Home Buy vs Rent Tool to get to the real numbers, not just guesswork. (Get it at melabraham.com/homebuy.)This episode is packed with actionable advice, myth-busting, and a reminder that personal finance is just that: personal. But good decisions are universal, and you never have to go it alone.RECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?Master Financial Literacy in 32 mins: Everything They Didn't Teach You in SchoolThe One Choice That Will Determine Your Financial FutureIf You Knew This About Banks, You Would Think Twice Before Giving Them Your MoneyRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It): https://youtu.be/KKhrKQb-v40Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?: https://youtu.be/Md3mF7zg8fkMaster Financial Literacy in 32 mins: Everything They Didn't Teach You in School: https://youtu.be/RquD90vfEvsThe One Choice That Will Determine Your Financial Future: https://youtu.be/RquD90vfEvsORDER 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
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Jul 10, 2025 • 29min

The WORST Investment Lies Told by Finance Gurus

Welcome back to the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this episode, we’re shining a light on the WORST investment lies that too many finance gurus still tell — and that may be keeping you stuck, stressed, and second-guessing your financial future.Have you ever noticed how those so-called experts make wealth building sound as easy as ordering takeout? Just click a button, sit back, and supposedly your net worth skyrockets overnight. Well, real investing isn’t full of fairy dust or secret formulas—so today, I’m rolling up my sleeves to bust five of the biggest half-truths, myths, and lies I’ve heard in my 30+ years in finance (and yes, I’ve repeated some of them myself — nobody’s immune!).I’m breaking it all down with real numbers, real risks, and stories that reveal what actually works, minus the fluff. Grab your drink, your calculator, and let’s cut through the noise together!IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I COVER:Why the “market always averages 10-12% per year” is a misleading mythThe pitfalls of putting all your money in the S&P 500 and why oversimplification can hurt your wealth-building journeyThe truth about dollar cost averaging — how it works, when it doesn’t, and why sequence of returns risk matters as you start drawing from your portfolioThe fallacy of needing to “beat the market” — and what history really tells us about pros versus everyday investorsRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?Master Financial Literacy in 32 mins: Everything They Didn't Teach You in SchoolThe One Choice That Will Determine Your Financial FutureIf You Knew This About Banks, You Would Think Twice Before Giving Them Your MoneyRECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It): https://youtu.be/KKhrKQb-v40Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?: https://youtu.be/Md3mF7zg8fkMaster Financial Literacy in 32 mins: Everything They Didn't Teach You in School: https://youtu.be/RquD90vfEvsThe One Choice That Will Determine Your Financial Future: https://youtu.be/RquD90vfEvsORDER 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
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Jul 7, 2025 • 26min

8 Signs You're Doing Well Financially (Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It)

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered if you missed some secret wealth-building meeting where the yachts, private jets, and monster bank accounts were handed out? You’re not alone, trust me. It can feel like everyone else is crushing the money game while you’re just trying to keep your shopping cart (with the squeaky wheel, no less) on track at Target.But here’s the truth: even if you feel behind, chances are you’re doing way better financially than you realize. Today, I’m breaking down the real, tangible signs that you’re actually winning with money—even if it doesn’t look like the highlight reels plastered on your social feeds.We’re walking through 8 signs you’re doing well financially. You might be surprised to find you’re way ahead of the curve—even if you’re not popping bottles on a yacht next to “Chad.”IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I COVER:Why being able to handle unexpected financial curveballs means you’re ahead of the packHow keeping your debt under control puts you in the Financially Fit ClubHow to escape the comparison trap and build a financial plan that fits your lifeWhy having a decent credit score (think above 700) is a byproduct of healthy money habitsThe importance of actually investing—even small amounts make you part of the investing minorityRECOMMENDED EPISODES FOR YOUIf you liked this episode, click here to enjoy these and more:https://melabraham.com/show/Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?Master Financial Literacy in 32 mins: Everything They Didn't Teach You in SchoolThe One Choice That Will Determine Your Financial FutureIf You Knew This About Banks, You Would Think Twice Before Giving Them Your MoneyAccountant Explains: The 4 Money Personalities - Which one are you?RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU If you liked this video, you'll love these ones:Accountant Explains: The 4 Financial Freedom Zones - How close are you?: https://youtu.be/Md3mF7zg8fkMaster Financial Literacy in 32 mins: Everything They Didn't Teach You in School: https://youtu.be/RquD90vfEvsThe One Choice That Will Determine Your Financial Future: https://youtu.be/RquD90vfEvsIf You Knew This About Banks, You Would Think Twice Before Giving Them Your Money: https://youtu.be/S3LY1rBDIe4ORDER 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

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