Ep. 326 - Bitcoin vs. Infinite Banking: Why I Still Choose Gold & Silver

Bitcoin fans say it's the future. I say: show me how it actually solves real-world money problems. In this episode, I walk through the biggest unanswered questions I still have about Bitcoin: volatility, inheritance keys, "who's in charge," government visibility, and why I still prefer AND assets like dividend-paying whole life over OR assets like BTC. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  Prompted by a listener (thanks, Todd!), I listened to a Bitcoin proponent debate and wrote down the sticking points I can't get past. If Bitcoin is limited, why do explanations sound inflationary?  If it's infinitely divisible, how is that different from a devalued currency? If most people don't even understand the dollar, how do we get mass adoption of a new money system?  How do I plan a purchase in 5 years with that level of volatility? What about lost keys and inheritance? And if the government can track blockchain activity and tax capital gains, how does this "stop tyranny"?  I compare Bitcoin to gold/silver and outline why I prefer cash-flowing, contractually guaranteed strategies—especially Infinite Banking. Key Takeaways: ◦ Value = belief. If 97% don't understand money now, mass BTC adoption is a stretch. ◦ Volatility breaks planning. It's hard to budget for real purchases with wide swings. ◦ Bitcoin behaves like an OR asset; I prefer AND assets that can grow while being used. ◦ Inheritance risk is real: lose the key, lose the asset. ◦ Government visibility & taxes exist—so "off grid" claims don't really hold. ◦ Cross-border payments are a useful perk—but fees and frictions can creep in over time. ◦ Insurance companies and banks avoid BTC due to volatility and lack of cash flow. Chapters: 00:00 Cold open: "Who's running Bitcoin?" creator, mining & control 01:01 Shoutout to Todd & why this episode exists 02:58 Can BTC be a supplementary medium of exchange? 03:27 Ground rules: why I'm open—but unconvinced 04:39 "Limited" yet "inflationary"? Divisibility vs. value 05:31 Nelson Nash lens: "If dollars are worthless, why trade BTC for them?" 07:16 Value = belief; most people don't understand money 10:06 Volatility vs. planning for real purchases 12:57 Invest in what you know; AND asset vs. OR asset 14:00 Lost keys & inheritance problems 14:58 Will BTC stop tyranny? IBC, voting & policy matter more 16:06 Govt tracking, capital gains & "digital money" already here 17:21 Why insurers/banks avoid BTC (volatility, no cash flow) 18:50 Who's in charge? Mining, outages & resilience 20:10 The one valid perk: cross-border transfers (for now) 20:59 Trust, fees & centralization concerns 21:27 Dollar strength, crash talk & practical money use 23:04 Crypto dilution: too many coins, weaker adoption 24:19 "Explain it like I'm five"—if it's too complex, that's a risk 25:12 CTA: Want guarantees and an AND asset? Start with IBC → Want a strategy you can plan around? Start your Infinite Banking journey today. → Grab the Farming Without the Bank book and schedule your appointment to get set up. → Comment with your best Bitcoin arguments—especially on planning, inheritance, and governance. • Farming Without the Bank book & consult:  https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  • Podcast home page:  https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/podcasts 

Why do so many people say, "Whole life insurance never works"? Let's unpack that. In this episode, Mary Jo takes on online critics who claim infinite banking doesn't work and reveals why most people making these comments haven't even done their homework. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/  Mary Jo shares personal stories, lessons from Nelson Nash, and her own journey from being labeled "learning disabled" to becoming a teacher who helps thousands understand money in a different way. If you've ever wondered whether the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC) really helps people make financial progress, this episode will open your eyes. 🎯 Key Takeaways: ◦ Why people misunderstand Infinite Banking and Whole Life Insurance ◦ How assumptions and "keyboard warriors" cloud financial discussions ◦ The role of human nature and mindset in financial success ◦ Lessons from Nelson Nash about honesty, discipline, and being your own banker ◦ How critical thinking and open-minded learning lead to real wealth ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome & New Studio 02:10 – Reading & Responding to Online Comments 05:30 – "Whole Life Insurance Never Helps" – Debunking the Myth 09:00 – The Learning Disabled Label & Becoming a Teacher 14:20 – Why People Don't Understand Infinite Banking 18:45 – Human Nature & Why Policies Fail 24:00 – Judging Others' Finances Without Knowing Their Numbers 30:10 – Regenerative Agriculture & Financial Parallels 35:50 – Keeping Your Eye on Your Own Bobber 41:00 – Keyboard Warriors & Online Hate 47:00 – Why We Don't Talk About Money (and Why We Should) 52:00 – Being Open-Minded About Finance (and Bitcoin) 57:30 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action 📅 Read the book? Schedule your appointment with Mary Jo or John today at [email protected] 💬 Have a podcast topic idea? Drop it in the comments below! 👍 Like this episode if you learned something new, and subscribe for more no-nonsense financial education. 📘 Links Mentioned: 💡 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book 🌾 Canada version: https://www.ranchyourway.com  🎓 Learn from Nelson Nash: https://infinitebanking.org 

When Dave Ramsey told a 20-year-old rancher he made a "huge mistake" buying $100,000 in cattle, we had some thoughts. Spoiler: Dave doesn't understand agriculture, leverage, or infinite banking. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXYvzroUouEMsTGKFw5nJHQ  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/  In this fiery episode #324 of Farming Without the Bank, Mary Jo Irmen and John dive deep into a recent Dave Ramsey clip that went viral — a 20-year-old caller buys $100K in cattle, and Dave loses it. Mary Jo and John break down why the young man's decision wasn't reckless at all; it was smart business. They explain how proper use of leverage, cash flow, and infinite banking can make or break a farm or ranch operation. If you've ever been told "debt is evil" or "cash only is the way," this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about farm finance. 💡 Key Takeaways: ◦ Why Dave Ramsey's blanket financial advice doesn't work for farmers or ranchers ◦ The truth about using leverage in agriculture ◦ How infinite banking can replace CDs and traditional loans ◦ Why business owners must understand cash flow, not just "debt-free living" ◦ How to use banks strategically — not avoid them completely ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 – The problem with Dave Ramsey's cattle advice 03:00 – Why college debt ≠ business investment 06:00 – The $100K cattle example explained 10:00 – Infinite Banking vs. CDs 14:00 – Understanding cash-flowing assets in agriculture 20:00 – The myth of "no debt ever" 24:00 – When to use bank leverage smartly 27:00 – Real-life client success stories 32:00 – Final thoughts: what farmers should really do 💬 Have questions about infinite banking for your farm or ranch? Email Mary Jo: [email protected] Links Mentioned: 📘 Grab the Farming Without the Bank book and start building your own financial system today. https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ 

Banks are already tightening up on ag lending, and that's your red alarm. This creates instability as banks pull out of lending due to perceived high risk. Farming Without the Bank – Book & resources: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ Understanding sound farm management and agricultural finance is now more important than ever to mitigate risk management. Let's navigate the ag lending landscape together. Mary Jo breaks down when (and if) you should use the minimum premium option on policies with Paid-Up Additions (PUA) and why, in most cases, paying the full premium and then borrowing against cash value is the smarter play, especially when banks are pulling back, collateral requirements are rising, and commodity prices are shaky. If you've been tempted to "just pay the minimum" on your whole life premium, this episode explains why that move can quietly cost you years of growth. She shares a personal $2,000 short-pay mistake that still drags on her policy 16 years later, and revisits Nelson Nash's strategy during 23% interest rates: premium in, borrow, pay notes down, and migrate debt to the policy over time. Key Takeaways: ∘Full premium today = more dividends + faster compounding tomorrow ∘Minimum premium "flexibility" is for worst-case cashflow crunches, not a habit ∘Policy loans can make tractor/land/operating payments while keeping your policy compounding ∘Banks pulling back = expect harder renewals + more collateral requirements ∘Consider how (or whether) to list cash value on bank forms—educate your banker ∘Nelson Nash moved high-interest bank debt to his policy over ~13 years, start where you are  📘 Read Nelson Nash's Becoming Your Own Banker and Mary Jo's Farming Without the Bank 🗓️ Clients: Email to get on Mary Jo or John's calendar for a strategy session ✉️ Quick question? Email us and request a call-back ✅ Before you cut premiums, talk it through, don't starve your compounding Links Mentioned: Becoming Your Own Banker – Nelson Nash (official resource): https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/product/becoming-your-own-banker/ Farming Without the Bank – Book & resources: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/

Cattle checks look big with the current cattle prices, so why are so many farmers and ranchers still getting squeezed by the bank with farm loans? Because paying everything off kills your liquidity and hands control back to the lender. Let's fix that.  👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ Here's a look into the complexities of farm finance and why banks often limit farmers to three years of operating debt. Understanding debt management is critical for farmers navigating the current agricultural finance landscape. This video offers insights for farmers seeking to improve their farm management practices. In this episode, Mary Jo breaks down how to utilize money (not just spend or "pay it off") so you keep control through tough years. We walk through real-world ranch scenarios: a $100k calf check, 9% side-by-side loans, operating at 9%, banks dragging their feet on bull purchases, and the hard line many banks draw after three years of termed-out operating. You'll learn why keeping cash liquid can beat extra principal payments, when fixed rates make sense, and how "one pool of money" thinking (including infinite banking) helps you plan for 3–4 lean years without hitting the panic button. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Liquidity outweighs extra principal: don't pay off notes if it forces you back to a 9% operating line.  "One pool of money" mindset: location of dollars matters less than control of dollars.  Operating notes often carry the highest rate and the tightest terms—prioritize flexibility.  Many banks tolerate only about 3 years of termed-out operating before pushing hard measures.  Consider fixed-rate land notes for peace of mind; you can always refinance if rates drop.  If ROI is more than the loan rate (e.g., competent sell-buy cattle marketing at 25–35%), keep the debt and deploy cash.  Plan in 3–4 year cycles; align payments, operating needs, and cash-in from calf sales.  Chapters: 00:00 The 3-year "term-out" cliff on operating notes 01:01 Welcome + today's topic: how to utilize money 01:38 Cash flow obsession (for good reason) 01:51 Cattle guys have cash, now what? 02:23 The urge to pay everything off (and why it backfires) 03:53 Banker delays & why liquidity beats permission 04:32 Rates at 6–9%: what to actually pay 05:11 The $100k calf check example (don't give it all to the bank) 06:05 Keep cash for operating; borrow less later 07:11 9% side-by-side vs 9% LOC: same rate, different control 08:08 "One pool of money," explained 09:26 Operating on cash vs buying land—hidden 9% cost 10:19 Think in 4–5 year plans, not one-off payments 11:09 Operating notes = highest strain + annual payoff pressure 11:31 Most banks won't term out operating beyond ~3 years 12:37 Year three decision point: quit or keep going? 13:05 What to pay (and what not to overpay) 14:00 ROI greater than 9%? Then don't rush to pay off 14:53 Fixed vs variable: lock it in and sleep at night 16:28 Lessons learned: moving from variable to fixed 17:01 Infinite banking = using money correctly 17:32 "I found your premium": funding policies by re-routing cash 18:09 How to work with me + next steps 👉 Grab the book, then schedule your strategy session to map your 3–4 year liquidity plan and stop letting the bank run your ranch. Book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ Read the book, then schedule a call: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/contact/ Email Mary Jo: [email protected] #FarmFinance #Ranching #OperatingLoan #CashFlow #AgBanking #CattleMarketing #InfiniteBanking #FixedRate #Refinance #WorkingCapital #FarmBusiness #RanchBusiness #AgEconomy #DebtStrategy #SellBuyMarketing 

💡 Why would anyone need more than one life insurance policy? Having multiple life insurance policies can provide more premiums, earning compound interest and dividends, which in turn lead to greater death benefits. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ This insurance strategy enhances financial security and builds generational wealth. Effective financial planning utilizes such strategies for long-term wealth building. In this episode of the Farming Without the Bank Podcast, Mary Jo dives into the real reasons behind starting multiple policies and why it's not just a nice-to-have, but often necessary for building wealth and avoiding tax traps. Drawing on lessons from Nelson Nash and her own experience, she explains how multiple policies protect against MEC limits, expand your cash value growth, and help create true generational wealth. If you've ever wondered, "Do I need more than one policy?" this episode is for you. 🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why multiple policies are essential for long-term wealth building  The role of MECs (Modified Endowment Contracts) and how to avoid them How to think about extra interest and premium payments The pros and cons of managing multiple policies When to start another policy (and when to wait) ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Why multiple policies matter 01:15 – Nelson Nash's 49 policies 02:59 – MEC rules and the 7-pay test 05:18 – Extra interest vs. loan repayment 07:36 – Benefits of having multiple policies 09:09 – Managing premiums and multiple loans 11:28 – The danger of staying with only one policy 13:29 – Redirecting paid-off debt into new policies 15:26 – Planning for income fluctuations (like cattle markets) 16:40 – Closing thoughts & listener questions 📘 Resources & Links 🌱 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ 👉 Read The Book... 📅 Schedule your appointment: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/contact/ 👉 If this episode helped you rethink your financial strategy, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast. Drop your questions in the comments. I may cover them in a future episode! #InfiniteBanking #LifeInsurance #GenerationalWealth #FarmingWithoutTheBank #FinancialFreedom #IBC #wholelifeinsurance 

Are life settlements truly helping seniors, or are they simply enriching companies? In this episode of Farming Without the Bank, Mary Jo exposes the hidden dangers of selling your life insurance policy and why borrowing against your whole life policy is often the smarter move. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book:  https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ Many elderly policyholders are advised to cancel or sell their life insurance without realizing they can access cash through policy loans or riders. Life settlement companies profit, while families lose financial security. Don't let that happen to your loved ones. ✅ Learn what life settlements are ✅ Why they target seniors ✅ Safer ways to access cash from your policy ✅ How to protect parents, grandparents, and neighbors from being misled Chapters: 00:00 – Are life settlements preying on the elderly? 00:52 – What is a life settlement? 02:24 – Why companies profit from buying policies 04:44 – The Gary Brecka connection 06:15 – Borrowing against whole life insurance instead 07:38 – Cash value vs. surrender value explained 09:12 – Why canceling a policy can cost you 10:03 – Sharing this knowledge with family and friends 11:09 – Final thoughts on life settlements 👉 Share this episode with parents, grandparents, or anyone who owns a life insurance policy; they need this information! 📖 Get Mary Jo's book and resources: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and join us weekly as we challenge financial myths and put control back in your hands. #LifeInsurance #LifeSettlements #InfiniteBanking #FinancialEducation #FarmingWithoutTheBank #MoneyTips #ProtectSeniors

Are you paying tens of thousands for "help" that just sends you back to the bank—without cash flow, without clarity, and without confidence? Mary Jo gets loud (for good reason) to protect the underdog in agriculture. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1 👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ In this episode, Mary Jo calls out predatory consulting in ag, breaks down why cash flow beats fancy paperwork, and shows how real Infinite Banking is done—ethically, transparently, and with education. From breaking out your enterprises to negotiating with banks and choosing the right rooms for growth, this is a wake-up call for producers tired of being taken advantage of. Key Takeaways: If you're paying big fees and still can't read your P&L or balance sheet, you're being shortchanged. Break out every enterprise (cattle, custom work, farming, trucking) to see what actually makes money. Cash flow first. Don't go back to the bank without a plan that funds itself. Watch your operating note rate, many should be ≤ ~8.5%; push back on 9–10%+ and refinance where possible. Infinite Banking is not just any life policy; it requires expertise, proper design, and ongoing education. Choose rooms where you're the smallest producer—learn up, don't level off. Nice folks get exploited; learn to advocate for yourself (or bring someone who will). Chapters 00:00 Predatory "help" & farmers getting gouged 00:41 Why I'm loud: passion for the underdog 01:06 If nobody steps up, who will? 02:14 Protecting people others pick on 03:07 The bankruptcy case: big fees, no clarity 05:06 Cash flow ideas are more important then bank optics 06:21 How I get paid (and how I treat clients) 08:23 Beyond IBC: business, margins & marketing 09:08 CO₂ pipeline fight & standing up for landowners 10:15 Titles don't impress me—results do 11:19 Bad programs & picking the right room 13:35 Life insurance rant: IBC done right only 15:12 Clips vs context: why I sound "loud" 16:07 Personal responsibility & due diligence 16:58 Rates & banks: stop overpaying 18:22 Don't let "being nice" cost you 20:07 Confidence, advocacy & protection mode 21:20 Vet people; watch outcomes, not talk 22:09 Don't pay to re-enter a broken system 23:02 Helping create cash flow (no policy needed) If this hit home, drop a comment with your situation, like & subscribe, and share this with a producer who needs backup. When you're ready, we'll help you build cash flow and learn IBC the right way. Links Mentioned: Website: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com Book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ #FarmingWithoutTheBank #AgFinance #CashFlow #InfiniteBanking #WholeLife #FarmBusiness #Ranching #Agriculture #EthicalAdvice #SmallBusiness 

Too many farmers and ranchers limit their success by staying stuck in their own bubble—relying only on local advice, neighbor gossip, and the county coffee shop crew. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book  In this episode, Mary Jo explains why getting out of your county (and your own way) is critical to building a stronger business, protecting your operation from risk, and learning strategies that actually work. From drought planning with hay storage to seeing how other regions handle completely different climates, this episode is all about opening your mind, learning from others, and setting yourself up for long-term success. 👉 If you're serious about farming smarter—not harder—this one's for you. Key Takeaways Numbers and business fundamentals never change—but strategies do. Why learning from farmers outside your county/state gives you an edge. The danger of "coffee shop" advice and judgmental attitudes. How farm conferences and workshops help build success. Infinite banking: why bad examples don't mean the system doesn't work. Success comes from surrounding yourself with growth-minded people. If you're still judging what works based on what your neighbor did (or didn't do), this episode is for you. Mary Jo calls out the small-town mindset that keeps farmers stuck—from refusing to leave the county, to writing off ideas without understanding them. She dives into why it's dangerous to assume something "doesn't work" when you've never asked the right questions, never left your operation, and never learned what others across the country are doing differently. Whether it's grazing practices, estate planning, or Infinite Banking, it's time to stop sitting at the coffee shop and start expanding your thinking. Because if you want to grow, you've gotta go. Literally. Chapters 00:00 – The numbers don't change, but methods do 01:20 – The hay question: preparing for drought 03:12 – Why local-only thinking holds farmers back 04:06 – Different states, different challenges 05:25 – Learning from travel and farm visits 07:01 – Short-sighted farming mindsets 09:02 – Why you need to get out of your county 11:00 – Infinite banking misconceptions 12:18 – Client success stories and networking 13:34 – Surrounding yourself with successful people 15:12 – The cost of closed-mindedness 16:23 – Final thoughts & call to action ✅ Grab the book: https://farmingwithoutthebank.com ✅ Read the book... ✅ Schedule your appointment today! ✅ Follow us on Facebook: Farming Without the Bank Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmingwithoutthebank #FarmingSuccess #FarmBusiness #RanchingForProfit #FarmingWithoutTheBank #FinancialFreedom #BusinessGrowth #AgEducation #EntrepreneurMindset

Are goals and mission statements really helping you succeed—or are they holding you back? Here's why ACTION beats goals every single time. In this episode, Mary Jo Irmen shares a real client story of how leveraging resources and strategic thinking can maximize returns in farming and ranching. 👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1  👉 Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book Instead of chasing numbers, she shows how to shift your mindset toward action and adopt a "How can I?" approach. You'll learn why overpaying debt might be slowing you down, how to use your money to generate more cash flow, and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than writing down goals you'll never look at again. If you've ever felt stuck in the cycle of planning but not moving forward, this episode will light a fire under you. Mary Jo shares her candid thoughts on the inefficiency of writing out goals and drafting mission statements, advocating instead for actionable steps and a positive mindset to achieve business success. Mary Jo challenges conventional wisdom and encourages listeners to focus on solutions rather than getting bogged down by goals and mission statements. CHAPTERS (00:00) Why action beats goals every time (00:44) Client story: group advice vs. real strategy (02:25) Why paying off debt isn't always the best move (03:58) Small thinking vs. business owner thinking (05:39) Throw out your mission statements (07:26) The "How Can I?" mindset shift (08:46) Marketing and growing the business for cash flow (09:32) Building a business with future exit strategies (10:30) Why successful people think differently (12:20) Spotting opportunities instead of excuses (14:18) Why action matters more than written goals (16:42) Why Mary Jo refuses to tie numbers to clients (19:05) Success is about people—not arbitrary goals (20:23) The myth of 4 a.m. routines (22:44) Why doing is better than meditating (for Mary Jo!) (23:51) Why exercise feels like wasted time for some (24:38) Final thoughts and call to action 📚 Grab your copy of Farming Without the Bank: 👉 https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/ 📩 Email Mary Jo: [email protected] 💬 Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmingwithoutthebank #ActionBeatsGoals #FarmingWithoutTheBank #CashFlow #BusinessMindset #WealthBuilding #Entrepreneurship #InfiniteBanking