Is the S&P 500 Really the Best Investment? The Hidden Risks No One Talks About

Now is the time to open your own Infinite Banking Policy: https://bit.ly/47EWtRd  Is “buy term and invest the difference” actually the superior strategy or are both sides missing the bigger picture? In this episode, I break down the classic BTID vs. whole life debate with real numbers, real timelines, and a third approach I believe builds more wealth and more flexibility now and later. I start by laying out what BTID really assumes: you buy a cheap 20-year term life policy and diligently invest the rest (most folks don’t but let’s assume you do). For a healthy 45-year-old male, I use an example premium of $674 per year for $600,000 of coverage, and assume you invest $24,326 annually at a generous 8% market return for 20 years. That grows to about $1.2M before taxes. If you follow the (already shaky) 4% rule, that’s $48,000 a year then taxes trim it to about $36,000 a year, roughly $3,000/month. Oh, and when the term ends, the premium explodes (think $20k+ per year in your late 60s), which is why On the other side, I’m not comparing to old-school, high-commission whole life that smothers your early cash value. I compare BTID to a Max-ROI, Infinite Banking-style whole life design. With $25,000/year going in, cash value grows steadily (without market risk), and the death benefit increases over time (about $1.636M after 20 years in my example). Here’s the kicker: using tax-free policy loans/withdrawals, you can target roughly $50,000/year tax-free for 30 years and still leave a six-figure death benefit. That’s more usable, after-tax income than BTID at the same savings rate, with liquidity, safety, and control all the way through. But I don’t stop there. The third option and the one I actually use is to pair a properly structured whole life policy with real investments that cash-flow (real estate, private credit, businesses, even your own company). Your policy becomes a tax-advantaged cash reserve and opportunity fund your “dry powder.” I can keep money compounding inside the policy and still leverage it into deals for higher yields. It’s not “either/or.” It’s “both, done right.” We also talk estate planning reality: if you grow to a $10M+ net worth, the estate tax can be brutal. Having permanent life insurance in force (that you didn’t start at age 70 when it’s pricey and medically risky) can provide tax-free liquidity so your heirs don’t have to sell cash-flowing assets at the worst time. As Tom Wheelwright says, term is an expense; whole life is an asset. I agree when it’s designed for maximum efficiency and paired with productive investments. Bottom line: BTID looks good on a spreadsheet until you model taxes, behavior, sequence risk, premium hikes, and estate realities. A Max-ROI whole life + investing approach gives me control, cash flow, and optionality and lets me live work-optional sooner while still creating a meaningful legacy. If you want to see how this could fit your plan, head to MoneyRipples.com and grab updates on my Work Optional Blueprint book launch.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4nqhLXt  What does it actually take to stop being a hearer and become a doer? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Evan Hirsch (Energy MD Method) about the exact mindset and actions that helped him cross that line from conventional saving to building financial freedom and designing a life he loves. Evan’s a physician who specializes in chronic fatigue, long COVID, and what he calls the “toxic five”: heavy metals, chemicals, molds, infections, and nervous system dysfunction. He shares how his own crash pushed him to rebuild his health with a methodical, 12-month, natural detox program and how the same principles of root-cause thinking, mentorship, and disciplined execution now power his investing. We dig into the difference between information and transformation and why transformation only happens when you invest, implement, and iterate. Evan walks through his wealth journey: reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, buying his first property in residency, listening to BiggerPockets, and then realizing that the “ten paid-off rentals at 65” plan wasn’t the only way. When real-world numbers on single-family cash flow didn’t pencil (tenants, repairs, and thin margins), he looked for a smarter path to become work optional sooner, not decades from now. You’ll hear how he’s restructuring with self-directed IRA and Solo 401(k) accounts, selling several rentals, and reallocating into vetted private deals for steadier monthly cash flow enough to generate about $5,000/month outside retirement accounts. Why? Because he and his family are moving to the Netherlands next year for their daughter’s university, and they want flexibility without relying on business income alone. We talk candidly about taxes, why a 1031 didn’t fit his objectives, using cost segregation and accelerated depreciation where appropriate, and the tradeoffs of liquidity versus deferral. Evan also shares practical health takeaways: why constant fatigue isn’t “just burnout,” how to think about detox pathways, why “feeling worse to get better” is a myth, and how a step-by-step approach addresses fatigue, sleep issues, brain fog, and pain. If you or someone you love is dragging through the day, his site (EnergyMDMethod.com) has nearly a hundred case studies and access to his bestselling resources. Most importantly, we tie health and wealth together. If you truly want a rich life, you have to prioritize both. That means mentors who’ve done it, a plan you will actually follow, and small daily improvements. Whether you’re just getting started or retooling your portfolio for cash flow, this conversation will help you move from knowing to doing so you can build options, create impact, and enjoy your life now. Dr. Evan Hirsch links: - Website: https://www.energymdmethod.com/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrEvanHirsch/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drevanhirsch/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanhirschmd/ 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/46ukpWj  Everyone keeps saying the S&P 500 is the safest, smartest place to invest. But here’s what almost no one is telling you: it’s massively concentrated, historically overvalued, and dangerously reliant on a handful of mega-cap names. In this episode, I break down the hidden risks of indexing that could quietly delay your financial freedom plus what I’m doing instead to create dependable passive income. I used to be “all in” on Wall Street. I started as a traditional financial advisor, graduated to index evangelist, and even traded the S&P 500 itself. Indexing felt diversified and predictable. But look at what’s changed: the index is now dominated by a tiny group of tech giants. If a single name like NVIDIA sneezes, the “market” catches a cold. That’s not real diversification that’s concentration risk with a prettier label. You’ll also hear a fiery exchange from Dave Ramsey with a caller who accuses him of being “stupid and arrogant.” Dave makes one point I agree with: most investors who don’t do the homework are often better off in simple index funds than in fee-heavy, underperforming mutual funds. But let’s be honest about how wealth is actually created. Even Dave didn’t build his fortune by maxing out an S&P 500 index. He built a wildly profitable business and bought a lot of real estate. Meanwhile, Warren Buffett runs Berkshire Hathaway an actively managed holding company and openly holds record cash when the market looks frothy. Actions speak louder than slogans. We revisit history: Enron and Lehman Brothers taught us how quickly “blue chips” can implode and how slow big mutual funds can be to exit. We run the math on the S&P’s long-term return profile and what that means after inflation and taxes. If you’re dutifully stashing $20k a year for 30 years hoping the index will set you free, you may be disappointed when the “withdraw 3–4%” rule meets a bad decade. Sequence risk is real. Then I contrast that with a cash-flow-first approach: real, tangible cash-flowing assets (income-producing real estate, private credit, private equity in operator-led small businesses, and other alternatives backed by real value). Instead of praying for price appreciation, I focus on streams of income that can pay me this year not “someday.” Key takeaways: The S&P 500 isn’t as diversified as you think; it’s increasingly cap-weighted and top-heavy. Forward returns after long, euphoric runs are usually lower, and margin-fueled manias don’t end gently. “Average investor” advice keeps you average. Financial freedom comes faster when you own cash-flowing assets. Wealthy families don’t rely on a single paper index they own businesses, real estate, and private deals that spin off cash. If you’re serious about becoming work-optional, stop asking, “What did the market do?” and start asking, “What did my cash flow do?” That’s the metric that moves you from hope to freedom. Want to see how quickly your money could replace your income? Run the passive income calculator at MoneyRipples.com and let’s map your Work-Optional Blueprint.

It's time to start Infinite Banking: https://bit.ly/4nmv7UE IUL vs Whole Life for Infinite Banking: here’s the truth agents won’t show you. A sneaky insurance agent tried to switch my client from a properly designed Whole Life policy to Index Universal Life (IUL)—and it would’ve cost him tens of thousands over time. In this video, I break down the real differences between IUL and Whole Life for Infinite Banking (IBC), why Nelson Nash didn’t design IBC for IUL, and how surrender charges, rising insurance costs, caps/floors, and wash loans quietly erode results. What you’ll learn: Why UL charges increase with age while Whole Life front-loads costs and then backs off How surrender fees limit your early access in IUL vs clean, immediate access in properly structured Whole Life The truth about caps and floors (and who controls them) Why most IUL “make money in two places” claims rely on wash loans (0% net—not compounding) How Whole Life policy loans let your cash value keep compounding tax-free while you use the money Real illustrations: $18k/year IUL vs a Max ROI Infinite Banking Whole Life design (more cash value, higher death benefit, faster break-even) Why banks often prefer Whole Life over IUL for collateral (and may cap IUL LTV) If you’re serious about Infinite Banking, you need certainty, liquidity, and true tax-free compounding—not marketing hype. Properly engineered Whole Life (not vanilla WL) is the backbone of IBC because it’s designed for maximum cash value and flexibility, not sales commissions.

What if you could not only pay off your student debt but also become a millionaire in just seven years? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Rose Han, did—and now she’s showing others how to do the same. In this episode of the Money Ripples Podcast, Chris Miles sits down with Rose Han, a former Wall Street trader turned financial educator, YouTuber, and author of the brand-new book Add a Zero. Rose shares her incredible journey from being six figures in student debt at age 23 to achieving millionaire status by 30. She opens up about the financial principles, mindset shifts, and bold life decisions that made it possible. You’ll discover: How Rose went from living paycheck-to-paycheck on Wall Street to financial independence. The life-changing lessons she learned from quitting her six-figure job to pursue freedom. Why financial education is often “gate-kept” and what you actually need to know. The difference between linear income and exponential income (and why leverage is the key). The surprising “fun-first” philosophy Rose believes leads to wealth and fulfillment. Rose doesn’t just talk about money—she talks about freedom, passion, and creating a life you love. Whether you’re buried in debt or sitting on six figures wondering what’s next, her story and framework will show you what’s possible. Her new book, Add a Zero, is a step-by-step playbook that helps you go from debt to millionaire by mastering the phases of financial growth—getting to zero, building stability, and unlocking exponential wealth. Unlike many finance books, Rose includes the missing piece: how to dramatically increase your income, not just save harder. If you’ve been frustrated with traditional advice that tells you to “just keep saving” or sacrifice for 40 years, you’ll love this conversation. Rose and Chris reveal how to create financial freedom sooner—without waiting until retirement. Resources & Links: Get Rose Han’s new book Add a Zero: https://addazero.com Follow Rose Han on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: @itsRoseHan Passive income starts here: https://bit.ly/4gaxBDa

Freedom awaits.... https://bit.ly/4lXGlxI Most financial gurus tell you to pay off your debt using either the highest interest first (debt avalanche) or the smallest balance first (debt snowball). But what if both of those methods are actually keeping you stuck in debt longer and draining your financial freedom? In this episode, Chris Miles — the Cashflow Expert and Anti-Financial Advisor — breaks down a powerful system he developed called the Cashflow Index. This strategy helped him personally eliminate over $1 million of debt and has since freed up thousands (and even hundreds of thousands) of dollars for his clients every year. Instead of focusing on just interest rates or balances, the Cashflow Index looks at one crucial factor: your monthly payment burden. Because let’s be real — it’s not the balance that stresses you out, it’s the payment eating into your cashflow every month. By applying this system, you’ll learn how to: Stop stressing about interest rates and focus on what really kills your financial freedom Use ROI thinking when deciding which loans to pay off first Identify which debts are sabotaging your monthly cashflow (and should be tackled first) Restructure debt to create options, freedom, and breathing room Avoid common debt payoff mistakes that actually slow down your progress Chris also shares real-life stories of clients who used the Cashflow Index to: Free up $3,800/month in hidden cashflow without making more money Qualify for a mortgage by strategically paying down just $4,100 instead of $7,600 Escape the cycle of negative cashflow and turn crushing debt into an organized, manageable plan Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a W-2 employee, or someone simply looking for a better way to get out of debt, the Cashflow Index can transform the way you see your money.    

Want help creating a personalized plan to maximize your freedom? Visit https://bit.ly/4mExB0p. Have you ever been told that the smartest financial move is to pay off your mortgage as fast as possible? I believed that too—until I discovered the shocking truth: paying off your home early could actually COST you years of freedom and potentially millions of dollars. In this episode, I share my personal story, including how my own father and I both learned the hard way that being “mortgage debt free” doesn’t equal financial freedom. I’ll walk you through why banks want you to pay extra principal, how fractional reserve banking actually works against you, and why wealthy investors and even major companies like Apple keep debt while growing their cash. You’ll see real examples of what happens when you compare paying off a $400,000 mortgage versus investing that same money—even at a lower rate. I’ll also show you how this connects to passive income, infinite banking, and the Money Ripples philosophy of creating financial independence now, not decades from now. If you’ve ever wondered whether paying off your home is really the safest path, this episode will open your eyes. By the end, you’ll know why equity and net worth mean nothing without cashflow—and what smarter moves you can make to truly become work optional.  

If you are ready to 10x EVERY aspect of you life, you can't miss Katie's summit! Register now: https://livetothrivetoday.com/sept-mpreg-chrismiles Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4fNokRl  What if you could achieve financial freedom, work from anywhere in the world, and truly live life on your terms?  In this episode of the Money Ripples Podcast, I sit down with Katie Sampayo entrepreneur, life redesign coach, and founder of the Elevate Mastermind to unpack exactly how you can break free from the traditional 9-to-5 and create a lifestyle you love. Katie has been fully nomadic since 2018, building a thriving coaching business while traveling the world. From snowboarding in Utah to surfing in Cabo, Katie has designed a life that blends freedom, adventure, and purpose and now, she’s helping others do the same. We talk about the mindset shifts and strategies required to redesign your life, break free from limiting beliefs, and take control of your future. In this powerful conversation, you’ll learn: - How Katie transitioned from a traditional job to a fully nomadic lifestyle - Why mindset mastery is the foundation of any life redesign - How travel accelerates personal growth and builds resilience - Why financial freedom isn’t just about money—it’s about creating options - How to leverage community and mentorship to scale your success - Insider tips on breaking free from fear and stepping into your true power Plus, Katie shares insights on her upcoming Millionaire Playbook Summit, where she and 13 other seven-figure entrepreneurs reveal the mindset, strategies, and tools they used to build lives of freedom, wealth, and purpose. If you’re ready to take the first step toward living life by your design, this episode is your roadmap. Katie's Links: - Website: https://katiesampayo.com/  - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivesquad2.0  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiesampayo/  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatieSampayo  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiesampayo/ 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/45DzGCB  Did you grow up thinking that rich people are greedy, selfish, or evil? I did too. But what if everything we’ve been told about wealth is wrong? What if the real secret to wealth isn’t about luck, exploitation, or stepping on others but about creating value and serving people at the highest level? In this episode, I break down one of the most important mindset shifts you’ll ever make when it comes to money, wealth, and financial freedom. For years, I believed that wealthy people were just lucky or manipulative. I thought you had to be born into the right family, have the right connections, or take advantage of others to succeed financially. But I was wrong and today, I’ll show you why. I share how I discovered the powerful principle that has transformed not just my finances, but the lives of thousands of my clients: “Dollars follow value.” The more value you create for others, the more money naturally flows to you. Wealth isn’t a zero-sum game where someone has to lose for you to win. True wealth comes from finding ways to serve people, solve problems, and create win-win opportunities and when you master this, money becomes a byproduct, not the goal. We will go over: - Why so many of us were programmed to believe wealth equals greed - How Hollywood and media have shaped a false narrative about success - The real difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset - Why stewardship and serving others lead to lasting prosperity - How to use your wealth and freedom to create a ripple effect that blesses lives beyond your own You’ll hear practical steps to shift your money mindset, examples of how billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Steve Jobs created massive wealth by solving problems, and why even everyday business owners can build prosperity without sacrificing integrity. This isn’t just about getting rich it’s about creating a rich life. A life where your money works harder for you, your impact multiplies, and your ability to serve others grows exponentially. If you’re ready to ditch scarcity thinking, embrace your role as a steward, and finally understand how wealth is truly created, this episode will change the way you see money forever.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4fHnZiW  Most people make one of the biggest financial mistakes without even realizing it: they focus on price instead of value. But here’s the truth, the wealthy never ask, “What’s the cheapest?” They ask, “Where’s the greatest value?” In this episode, I pull back the curtain on a shift in mindset that can completely change your financial future. I share personal stories from hunting for the cheapest blender to investing in high-quality tools, programs, and opportunities and explain why focusing on value over price is the key to creating long-term wealth and freedom. I also dive into the hidden costs of a scarcity mindset, how small “cheap” decisions can cost you big in the long run, and why successful people make ROI-driven decisions instead of penny-pinching ones. Whether it’s your investments, your business, or even your daily purchases, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you use your money. You’ll learn: - Why the wealthy think in terms of value and ROI, not cost - How choosing cheap can actually cost you more over time - Real examples of how focusing on value has transformed my clients’ lives - Why financial freedom is more about mindset than numbers - A simple litmus test to decide when to spend and when to save This one mindset shift can change everything about your relationship with money and open the door to greater freedom, abundance, and peace of mind. Tune in, and let’s make sure your money works harder not you.