College Isn’t the Only Path: Exploring Gap Year Success with Riley Simpson

Is the traditional path to college really the best choice for every student? What if college isn’t the best next step? In this episode, Riley Simpson joins Russ and Joey to share how taking a gap year led to clarity, career success, and personal growth. Riley discusses the growing trend of gap years as a viable alternative to college, offering students the opportunity to explore different careers, build skills, and gain self-awareness without the pressure of choosing a major. He also highlights the anxiety students face when forced to pick a direction too early and offers practical advice on how a gap year can be a purposeful and transformative journey, rather than just a break.

Breaking free from college pressure

Building clarity

Preparing for the future

Riley Simpson

Riley Simpson has had a fascinating trajectory. He took two gap years before going to college, during which he became a mediator, broke into the film industry, became a real estate broker, started and sold a business (Right Hand Media), and then entered the tech industry.

Round Table | The Exit Playbook: Turn Your Business Sale into Lifelong, Tax-Free Cash Flow

Planning to sell your business? You’ve spent years building it—now it’s time to think about the next chapter. In this episode, the financial coaches discuss how to turn the sale of your business into lifelong, tax-free cash flow. They dive into strategies for creating an exit strategy that not only maximizes the value of your business but also shields your sale proceeds from taxes. They share how using infinite banking and life insurance can provide a tax-free income stream after the sale, and why planning is key to success. Whether you're years away from selling or thinking about an exit soon, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you plan your exit strategy.

Building a successful exit strategy

Creating a tax-free cash flow

Maximizing the benefits of infinite banking

How We Made $52K in Passive Income Last Month (And $35K Was from This!)

What if you could generate $52,000 in passive income in a single month? In this episode, Russ and Joey break down how they made it happen, with roughly $35,000 coming from an unexpected but lucrative source—the land business. They share how buying raw land, turning it into seller-financed property, and flipping it for profit generated an impressive income stream, and how you can replicate this strategy. Learn how they leveraged note income and structured their cash flow in a way that lets them scale quickly. You'll also discover the significance of understanding your investor DNA to ensure that your strategies align with your financial goals. Top three things you will learn: How to make money with land Generating ongoing cash flow Understanding your investor DNA March 2025 Income At-A-Glance: Gross Income for March: $74,383.47 Total Expenses for March: $22,070.17 Total Net Profit for March: $52,313.30 Difference b/t February & March: $17,140.82 % of net profit to overall gross revenue: 70%

Round Table | How Self-Storage Can Thrive During a Recession

Is self-storage a recession-proof investment? In today's conversation, Russ, Joey, and Jamie dive into why self-storage is not just an under-the-radar investment opportunity but one that thrives during challenging economic times. From recession-proof demand to low operational overhead, this passive income strategy could be the key to diversifying your portfolio and securing long-term returns. The discussion touches on how self-storage fits well in today’s market, where people are downsizing, decluttering, and relocating to new areas. Learn how risk management plays a role in this strategy and why understanding your Investor DNA is crucial before diving in.

Why self-storage thrives in today's economy

How to get started with self-storage

Investor DNA fit

Why Financial Success Alone Won’t Make You Happy with JP Newman

What happens when you achieve financial success, but the journey isn’t as fulfilling as you imagined? In this episode, JP Newman joins Russ and Joey to share his transformation from hustling to financial success, only to discover that wealth-building is about much more than just accumulating money. JP opens up about his struggle with finding purpose after reaching financial milestones and how financial literacy and a shift in mindset became his game changers. He explains the importance of creating a community impact through business, the lessons learned from his personal and professional setbacks, and how entrepreneurship can be a tool for giving back.

Building wealth with purpose

How mindset influences financial success

Creating lasting impact

JP Newman

JP Newman is the founder and CEO of Thrive FP, a top-tier lender and investors’ real estate investment firm specializing in the multi-family sector with over 15,000 apartment units owned. With over $1.5+ billion in total transactions value since 2011, JP has driven a level of success far above his competitors as he leads his company.

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