Round Table | IBC Decoded: Direct vs. Non-Direct Recognition Explained

Are you confused by direct vs. non-direct recognition in life insurance policies? In today's conversation, Russ, Joey, and the financial coaches break down this critical distinction in infinite banking and what it means for your passive income strategy. They explore how these recognition types affect your life insurance policy’s dividends when you take a loan and why understanding the difference is key to maximizing your wealth-building potential. While it may seem like a small detail, the recognition type can influence your financial freedom journey, especially when interest rates and market conditions shift.

The difference between direct and non-direct recognition policies

How these policies play a role in building passive income

How market conditions and personal goals affect your policy choice

The 3 Types of Entrepreneurs and Why It Matters with Steve Graves

Is your business ready to scale, but your hiring process isn't? In this episode, Steve Graves joins Russ and Joey to share valuable insights on what makes entrepreneurs successful at scaling their businesses. Steve discusses the three types of entrepreneurs and how their strengths and weaknesses shape their businesses. He explains how to recognize when your business needs a complementary partner and how to effectively hire for the right skill sets to move beyond the founder stage.

Recognizing entrepreneur types

Hiring for success

Managing risk

Steve Graves

Steve Graves is a strategist, CEO advisor, and author. Steve works with remarkable executives who are leading large global organizations and young, hungry entrepreneurs who are just starting out. He has authored twenty books and worked with thousands of leaders, weaving themes of strategy, leadership, and faith to help people flourish in life and business.

Round Table | Is Note Investing Worth It? (What You NEED to Know Before You Start!)

Can you earn passive income while you sleep by investing in notes? In today's conversation, the financial coaches dive deep into note investing, explaining how it can become a consistent passive income stream for detail-oriented people. Learn how to buy notes with collateral and create an income stream similar to private lending but with even more control. They also discuss the challenges of note investing, like due diligence and understanding different types of notes, and how these steps help reduce risk. Whether you're looking for steady, predictable returns or want to know if note investing fits your Investor DNA, this episode will guide you through the process.

How note investing works

The role of due diligence

Investor DNA fit

The Simplest Passive Income Business You’ve Never Heard Of with John Wilker

What if the path to passive income was literally stacked behind your local warehouse? In this episode, John Wilker joins Russ and Joey to reveal how he turned discarded pallets and overlooked materials into a thriving side hustle generating $2,000+ every morning and how you can, too. With no employees, no warehouse, and minimal overhead, John walks you through the Simplest Biz model: a high-margin, low-complexity business you can scale or keep lean to match your lifestyle goals. Learn how he sources products for free, builds buyer relationships, and turns recycling profits into serious passive income.

Why pallets are the perfect product

How to keep your business simple

Scale or stay lean

John Wilker

John Wilker is a seasoned entrepreneur who has helped thousands unlock financial freedom through simple, actionable steps. His approach takes the complexity out of business strategy and makes it easy for anyone to succeed. His company, The Simplest Biz, teaches everyday people how to build income streams with minimal investment.

Round Table | Turo in 2025: Is Car Rental Sharing Still Profitable?

Can you still make real money renting cars in 2025, or is the Turo wave fading? Join Russ, Joey, and Ernie as they examine the current state of the Turo car rental business, weighing the benefits, red flags, and real-life profitability of this investment strategy. From rising maintenance costs and vehicle depreciation to leveraging the platform’s growing demand, the guys break down what it takes to succeed and who this model is really for. Whether you're curious about Turo as a passive income play or if it aligns with your Investor DNA, today's conversation will help you decide.

The basics of car-sharing

Depreciation, maintenance, and ROI

Does Turo fit your investment strategy?

The Recession No One Sees Coming (And How to Win Anyway)

Is the recession already here, and, more importantly, are you ready for it? In this urgent and timely episode, Russ and Joey confront the reality of today’s economic landscape, from surging inflation and skyrocketing credit card debt to market instability and job uncertainty. They reveal the brutal truth behind traditional savings and retirement plans and why passive income and financial control matter now more than ever. With real-life examples and practical next steps, this conversation will help you evaluate your position and take action. Top three things you will learn: Why financial freedom requires liquidity How to recession-proof your life Repositioning your assets to protect and grow your wealth February 2025 Income At-A-Glance: Gross Income for February: $54,804.00 Total Expenses for February: $19,641.52 Total Net Profit for February: $35,162.48 Difference b/t January & February: $6,704.37 % of net profit to overall gross revenue: 64%

Round Table | Franchise Investing: Passive Income or Full-Time Job?

Is franchising the ultimate passive income strategy, or are you just obtaining another full-time job? With nearly $1 trillion in annual franchise revenue, it's no wonder many investors consider franchising a viable passive income strategy. But is it truly hands-off, or does it demand full-time commitment? In today's conversation, the financial coaches discuss the realities of business ownership through franchising with Chad Arnold, a seasoned franchisee who has scaled multiple locations. If you’ve ever wondered whether franchising is the right investment strategy for you, this conversation is a must-listen!

The biggest misconceptions about franchising and why some fail

Questions to ask before signing a franchise agreement

How to systemize operations to make it as passive as possible

No Properties, No Tenants—Just Profits: Digital Real Estate for Investors with Luke Van Der Veer

What if you could own a digital asset that pays you every month without lifting a finger? That’s exactly what Luke Van Der Veer did when he discovered the power of website rentals. Instead of trading time for money, he built passive income by ranking websites for local businesses and renting them out like digital real estate. In this episode, Luke reveals how he went from a soul-crushing 9-to-5 job to owning hundreds of revenue-generating websites. He breaks down his SEO strategy, the best niches for website rentals, and how you can start building your lead generation empire today.

How website rentals work

Choosing profitable niches

Scaling to financial freedom

Luke Van Der Veer

Luke Van Der Veer is an entrepreneur and SEO expert. He broke free from the traditional 9-to-5 by mastering the art of renting lead generation websites to local businesses. Now, through his application-only program, Website Rental Coaching, he’s helping others do the same.

Round Table | Syndications 101: Earn More, Work Less

Do you want to invest in real estate without the hassle of managing tenants? Syndications offer a way to build passive income by pooling resources with other investors without dealing with property maintenance. In this episode, the financial coaches explain how syndications work, why they fit different Investor DNA profiles, and how to vet deals like a pro. They also discuss common risks and the red flags you must avoid before investing.

How syndications work

Recognizing and avoiding red flags

Who should (and shouldn’t) invest in syndications

Hard Money Lending Exposed: Risks, Rewards & How to Start with Jason Balin

What if you could make money like a bank? Hard money lending is one of the most overlooked passive income strategies, allowing you to earn high returns while protecting your capital with collateral. In this episode, Jason Balin, a seasoned lender with over 4,000 private loans, joins Russ and Joey to discuss the playbook for making money through hard money lending. You’ll learn whether lending is right for you, the difference between active vs. passive investing, and the key risks and rewards of funding real estate deals. If you want to expand your wealth-building strategy and earn truly passive income, this is a must-listen!

Active vs. passive lending

How to protect your capital

Scaling hard money lending

Jason Balin

Jason Balin is a real estate private lender based in Columbia, Maryland. He concentrates the majority of his time as a partner of HardMoneyBankers.com. Jason provides market knowledge in many real estate asset classes, from personally investing in private notes to residential, office, multi-family, and self-storage projects.

Round Table | How to Make Money Through Private Lending: A Beginner’s Guide to Mailbox Money

What if you could become the bank and earn passive income with less risk? Private lending is one of the oldest wealth-building strategies, but most people either don’t understand it or think it’s too risky. In today's discussion, the financial coaches explain how private lending works, why it aligns with the right Investor DNA, and how to protect your capital with collateral while earning strong returns. Get ready to hear real-world lending experiences, uncover common mistakes new lenders make, and practical steps to start your wealth-building journey with private lending.

How to structure loans, secure deals, and protect yourself

Finding the right borrowers

Scaling your lending portfolio

The Biggest Tax Mistakes Costing Business Owners Thousands with Dr. Nate Salah

Are you paying more in taxes than you legally have to? Many entrepreneurs and investors leave thousands of dollars on the table simply because they don’t know how to leverage tax strategies effectively. In this episode, Dr. Nate Salah, a tax expert with 30 years of experience, joins Russ and Joey to discuss the biggest mistakes people make and the simple ways to keep more of your money. From business deductions and the Augusta rule to setting up the proper business structure, Nate shares wealth-building strategies that can significantly impact your bottom line.

Avoiding common tax mistakes

Strategies to reduce taxable income

How to think like an investor

Dr. Nate Salah

Dr. Nate Salah is a faith-driven entrepreneur, educator, and business strategist. He helps leaders discover their divine purpose while mastering financial success. As the founder of The Income Tax Center, he specializes in income tax strategies that help individuals and business owners confidently navigate complex financial landscapes.

Round Table | Dumb Mistakes People Make with Money (And How to Avoid Them)

What’s the most regrettable money mistake you’ve ever made? Whether it’s a bad investment, a financial scam, or simply not having a plan, we’ve all had moments we wish we could undo. But what if you could learn from the costly mistakes of others before they happen to you? In today's conversation, the financial coaches share their biggest financial blunders so you can avoid making the same ones. From bad investments and falling for scams to emotional decision-making and ignoring the investor mindset, they break down the habits that lead to financial loss and how to shift toward wealth building. Discover practical strategies for passive income, smart investing, and avoiding costly errors.

Why chasing shortcuts leads to financial failure

The #1 mindset shift for wealth-building

How to fix financial setbacks

How Our Kids Launched a Vending Machine Business (And What We Learned)

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to build passive income? In this episode, Russ and Joey pull back the curtain on their latest passive income report, breaking down real numbers, wins, and lessons learned from multiple income streams, including a new vending machine business, expanding Turo car rentals, and tough decisions in real estate investing. From teaching their daughters about entrepreneurship to deciding whether to sell a 23-year-old rental property, they cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of real-life investing. If you want to accelerate your financial freedom, you can get valuable insights from today's conversation. Top three things you will learn: What strategies are working (and what’s not) How to involve family in entrepreneurship and financial education Selling vs. holding a long-term rental property January 2025 Income At-A-Glance: Gross Income for January: $48,892.83 Total Expenses for January: $20,355.54 Total Net Profit for January: $28,458.11 Difference b/t December & January: ($19,447.86) % of net profit to overall gross revenue: 58%

Round Table | The Pros and Cons of E-Commerce: Is It the Ultimate Passive Income Strategy

Have you ever dreamed of making money while you sleep? E-commerce investing promises financial freedom, but is it truly passive or just another job in disguise? In today's conversation, David Karcher and Ben Buzek join Russ and Joey to break down the pros and cons of launching and scaling an Amazon business and other e-commerce ventures. From drop shipping vs. private labeling to understanding your Investor DNA, they reveal what it actually takes to succeed in online selling. Whether you're considering starting an e-commerce business or buying an existing one, this episode will help you determine if it’s the right path for you.

Why e-commerce isn’t always passive and how to automate it

The biggest mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them

Starting a business vs. buying an existing one

Building the Golden Goose of Wealth with Justin Goodbread

Most business owners dream of financial freedom, but are they building a business they can actually sell? In this episode, Justin Goodbread joins Russ and Joey to discuss what it takes to scale a business, create passive income, and plan a profitable exit strategy. Justin explains how to transform your business into a sellable asset, avoid the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make, and ensure you build wealth beyond your business.

Why most business owners lose money when exiting and how to prevent it

The key team you need to sell your business for maximum profit

How to turn any investment into a cash-flowing business

Justin Goodbread

With 30 years of experience building, growing, and selling businesses, Justin Goodbread achieved deca-millionaire status before the age of 40. Now, he dedicates his time to helping business owners create scalable, high-value companies while reclaiming their time and financial independence. As a respected keynote speaker, bestselling author, and coach to top financial advisors, Justin provides the blueprint for scaling businesses to seven-, eight-, or nine-figure transferable values.

Round Table | The 5 Biggest Myths About Infinite Banking Debunked

Is Infinite Banking only for the wealthy? Are the returns too low? If this strategy is so effective, why isn’t everyone using it? In this episode, the financial coaches debunk the top 5 myths surrounding Infinite Banking and reveal why it’s one of the most misunderstood wealth-building strategies. They break down why financial institutions and wealthy individuals quietly use this system while the general public remains unaware. If you’ve been hesitant about Infinite Banking, this episode will challenge what you think you know and show you how to take control of your financial future.

Why Infinite Banking isn’t just for the wealthy

How Infinite Banking compares to traditional investments

Why most people aren’t using it and how to avoid their mistakes

Exposing the Money Personas Keeping You Broke with Garrett Gunderson

Is your money mindset holding you back? In this thought-provoking episode, Garrett Gunderson joins Russ and Joey to discuss the psychology of wealth. Learn how to recognize your money persona, shift from scarcity to abundance, and align your Investor DNA with opportunities that truly fit you. Garrett reveals the hidden habits keeping people stuck and shares a powerful framework for achieving financial freedom through passive income.

Understanding your money persona

How to move from scarcity to abundance

Investing with confidence

Garrett Gunderson

Garrett Gunderson is known as a “financial genius” in entrepreneurial circles, but he wasn’t born with a silver spoon. His blue-collar roots make him passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve economic independence. Today, people know Garrett as the long-haired, bearded money guy–the financial disruptor, author, and speaker who teaches people about the money myths that rob them of their financial future.

Round Table | Land Flipping 101: How to Turn Raw Land into Passive Income Gold

Have you ever thought about making money from vacant land? Land investing is one of the most overlooked yet powerful ways to build passive income—without dealing with tenants, toilets, or property maintenance. In this episode, the financial coaches break down the pros and cons of land investing and how it compares to traditional real estate. From flipping undervalued land to using creative financing options, this episode dives deep into why land investing is helping more investors achieve financial freedom faster than ever. But is it the right investment strategy for you?

How land flipping works and why it’s so profitable

Strategies to buy undervalued land and resell it for high returns

How to match land investing with your Investor DNA for long-term success

Mastering Market Shifts: Insights for 2025 with J Scott

The real estate market is shifting, and those who adapt will find the best opportunities. In this episode, expert investor J Scott breaks down what 2025 has in store for multifamily investing, the impact of interest rates, and how to assess market trends for smart decision-making. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, J Scott shares the risk management strategies you need to navigate uncertainty and build lasting passive income.

Where the market is headed

How to identify profitable deals

Risk vs. reward in investing

J Scott

J Scott spent much of his early career in Silicon Valley, where he held management positions at several Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft and eBay. In the past ten years, he has bought, built, rehabbed, sold, lent on, and held over $60M in property nationwide.