"The 529 Trap: Why Locking Up Your Kid’s College Money Could Backfire"

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/40RVp8i  Is it really possible to live free or is that just a dream sold by self-help books and social media gurus?  In this episode, I dive deep into the truth behind living a life of financial and lifestyle freedom with my guest, Erin Bradley a former mortgage broker turned real estate coach and passionate advocate for building a life you don’t need a vacation from. Erin’s journey isn’t just inspiring it’s proof that financial freedom is not only possible, but achievable, even when you start from zero. You’ll hear how she went from scraping by in Spain and maxing out credit cards, to building a thriving real estate career, creating passive income through intentional investing, and eventually retiring both herself and her husband from their W-2 jobs. What makes this conversation so impactful is Erin’s transparency. She doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. We talk about what it really means to scale a business, the hard truths about burnout and “success,” and how freedom doesn’t always come from working harder but from thinking smarter. We get into the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, the illusion of being “successful” while privately feeling trapped, and the cost of sacrificing personal life for business growth. Erin shares her coaching approach to help real estate agents and lenders build systems, scale responsibly, and regain their time freedom without shrinking their vision. You’ll learn how Erin’s bold real estate moves like house hacking, out-of-state investing, and using VA loans creatively allowed her family to travel, homeschool, and even cash flow $7,000/month during a pandemic. She doesn’t just teach people how to build income she teaches them how to build a lifestyle aligned with their deepest values. This episode will challenge the excuses you've been making and help you reimagine what’s possible when you stop being the bottleneck in your own business. Whether you're burned out, hitting a ceiling, or wondering if true freedom is even realistic, Erin's story will open your eyes and help you ask a powerful question: If not now, when? Erin's links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bradley/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuingFreedomOfficial  Website: https://www.pursuingfreedom.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/foleyer 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4lYGFgb  What if the college fund you've been diligently saving into a 529 plan actually ends up harming your child's financial future instead of helping it? In this episode of The Money Ripples Podcast, I challenge one of the most widely accepted "smart money moves" for parents: the college savings plan. Inspired by a popular social media post claiming that $100/month into a 529 plan could create a $2.6 million windfall, I break down the math, the assumptions, and most importantly, the hidden risks. I’m not here to bash saving money. But I am here to shed light on why the 529 plan may not be the financial blessing it’s marketed to be. Inflation, market volatility, future tax law uncertainty, and rigid rules around how the funds can be used all play a role in why these plans might not live up to the hype. Instead, I share what I use personally: max-funded life insurance (aka the Infinite Banking strategy). I explain how this approach gives me flexibility, control, and guarantees that the 529 can’t offer. From helping your kids launch a business to buying their first home or even choosing not to go to college at all the infinite banking strategy allows your money to grow safely and stay accessible. In this episode, I walk you through: - The math behind the viral $2.6M Roth IRA claim from a 529 rollover - Why most 529 plans underperform and lack flexibility - How inflation drastically reduces future buying power—even with "high returns" - The risks of changing government policies on Roths and college savings - Why I prefer life insurance and how it keeps you in control of your money As parents, our goal isn’t just to fund college it's to prepare our kids for life. And locking away tens of thousands of dollars in an account they might not even use?  That’s not smart stewardship. If you've been unsure about 529 plans or have one already this episode is a must-listen.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3Ip36fV  How do you pass on not just your money, but the values that created it? In today’s episode of the Money Ripples podcast, I’m joined by someone I’ve trusted for nearly 20 years Andrew Howell, estate attorney and multi-generational wealth expert. If you've ever worried about your hard-earned wealth doing more harm than good for your heirs, this conversation is the blueprint you’ve been looking for. We’re not just talking about wills and trusts. We dive into the deeper, often-neglected question: - How do you raise children to be great stewards of wealth instead of spoiled trust fund babies?  - How do you protect your legacy from being squandered? - How do you put purpose and core values into your estate plan so that your impact lasts generations? Andrew and I talk about what most estate plans get wrong and why handing your kids a check at age 25 might be the worst decision you ever make. Instead, Andrew introduces a model of family governance, where you treat your legacy like a well-run business, complete with purpose, core values, and intentional design. You’ll learn why core values should guide your trust structure, how to establish your family’s purpose and not just preserve wealth, but magnify it across generations. We also unpack the concept of a "family bank" not just as a financial tool, but as a system of accountability, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building. Plus, we tackle the common misconceptions around life insurance in estate planning and why it’s just a piece of the puzzle not the plan itself. Andrew explains how wealthy families like the Rothschilds and Rockefellers have preserved influence for centuries and how you can do it without millions in the bank. This episode is packed with real-world, practical guidance whether you’re starting out or have an established estate. If you care about legacy, stewardship, and building a multi-generational ripple effect, don’t miss this one and have your older kids listen too!

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4eENrVL  You’ve been told to “just think positive” but how do you actually do it in a way that’s real, effective, and lasting? In this deeply insightful episode, I sit down again with my longtime friend and guest, Dr. Paul Jenkins, to unpack what it truly means to master positivity. This isn't your typical self-help fluff. Dr. Paul is a professional psychologist with decades of experience in helping people reprogram their thinking. He brings a powerful mix of science and soul to the conversation that shows you how to operate the equipment of your own mind. We dive into the real mechanics behind how your brain evaluates your circumstances, why anxiety is often just a function of how we compare reality to a fictional standard, and what you can do today to take control of your mental and emotional state. Dr. Paul shares his own transformative story, including the financial and emotional impact of going through bankruptcy, and how that shaped his now-grounded and powerful approach to “pathological positivity.”  We talk about the difference between blind optimism and empowering mindset shifts that fuel action, performance, and fulfillment. This is one of those conversations that cuts through the noise and gives you real tools for lasting change.  You’ll learn: - Why your circumstances are neutral (yes, really and why that’s good news) - How judgment and comparison are sneaky sources of anxiety - Why your brain’s job is to protect you not make you happy - The key difference between anxiety and hope and how to consciously choose hope - How your internal narrative can affect your financial decisions, relationships, and life satisfaction - What it means to master metacognition (thinking about how you think) Plus, Dr. Paul is offering a free digital copy of his mini-book, Portable Positivity, which you can grab at drpauljenkins.com/moneyripples. This episode is not just about personal development it’s about strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and becoming someone who can thrive in any environment. Whether you're dealing with financial stress, relationship drama, or just feeling stuck in your growth, this episode will equip you with tools to reset and refocus. We’re not just here to make money we’re here to create a rich, full life. That starts by mastering your mind.  Tune in and learn how to create your own ripple effect starting with what’s happening between your ears. Dr Paul Jenkins Links: - Website: https://drpauljenkins.com/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpauljenkins/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Dr.%2520Paul%2520Jenkins%2520-%2520Positivity%2520Expert%252C%2520Author%252C%2520and%2520Keynote%2520Speaker&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fdrpauljenkins.com%252F  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LiveOnPurposeTV

Book a MAX ROI Infinite Banking strategy session now: https://bit.ly/4lGyIf9  Do you have cash just sitting on the sidelines, earning next to nothing and you’re not sure where to put it?  What if I told you there's a powerful, little-known infinite banking strategy that could pay you guaranteed 5.5% interest while also funding your life insurance premiums automatically? And no, this isn’t about real estate or a standard high-yield savings account. It’s something that even most infinite banking agents don’t know about or explain clearly. I’m sharing that premium deposit fund hack with you in this episode. I hear it all the time from listeners and clients: “Chris, I’ve got money sitting in savings. I’m not ready to invest all of it just yet, but I still want it to earn more. What can I do?” Many agents would love for you to just dump a large sum into a life insurance policy but what they’re not telling you is that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in fees right off the bat. I break down why that’s a terrible move for most people—and what you should do instead. Using a real-world client example, I walk you through how someone with $185,000 in cash was able to put that money to work earning guaranteed interest, keep full liquidity for emergencies, and still fund their max-ROI whole life policy over time without having to worry about annual premium payments. You’ll learn: - Why large upfront policy funding creates unnecessary costs - How the Premium Deposit Fund (PDF) works like a tax-efficient CD - How to earn over $25,000 in guaranteed interest while keeping access to your funds - Why this strategy reduces your life insurance policy fees dramatically - How you can still pull money out for emergencies while protecting your long-term plan - The powerful combo of tax-free growth, death benefit, and cash accessibility I even pull up real-life numbers to show exactly how much you keep, how much you lose in fees depending on your method, and why this PDF strategy could be one of the best places to stash idle cash especially if you’re preparing for future policy premiums or want a rock-solid safety net for your family. Whether you’re brand new to infinite banking or already have a few policies in place, this is a financial optimization strategy worth understanding. If you’ve got cash sitting around that you’re not using immediately and you want to preserve it, grow it, and gain flexibility this episode is for you. Want to go deeper? Head over to https://moneyripples.com/infinite-banking/ and check out our Infinite Banking resources or book a call to see what this would look like for you personally.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3Tllvwr  Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have the Midas touch with money, while others feel like they’re always stuck no matter how much they earn?  In this episode, I dive deep into the mindset and emotional patterns that dictate our financial success with special guest Gino Barbaro, a multifamily investor with nearly 2,000 doors and $450 million in assets. Gino shares powerful stories from his childhood stories of scarcity, money trauma, and family habits that shaped his relationship with money. We unpack how these early money scripts hold us back even when we’re making good money as adults. We’re not just talking theory here: Gino and I give real-life examples of how subconscious beliefs about money sabotage relationships, create unnecessary stress, and prevent us from building wealth.  We talk about how growing up in a family where money was either scarce, hoarded, or never discussed can create limiting patterns you might not even realize are running your financial life today. I share my own money story how my dad’s penny-pinching habits and scarcity mindset affected my career, relationships, and self-worth. We also explore how these generational stories can lead to conflict in marriages, especially if one partner is a spender and the other a saver. Gino explains why it’s critical for couples to sit down, share their personal money stories without judgment, and learn each other’s money archetypes. This is where true financial harmony starts. Gino also shares details about the Money Coaching Institute and how understanding your money persona is the missing key to unlocking lasting wealth. We discuss why success isn’t just about financial strategy it’s about mindset, communication, and healing your relationship with money. We dive into how trauma from childhood like seeing parents fight about bills, going without basic needs, or even experiencing a parent take money from you—creates unconscious scripts that keep you stuck. We close with a conversation about Gino’s ripple effect: helping families break free from generational money patterns so they can build not just wealth, but a legacy of financial wellness and emotional freedom for their kids and grandkids.  This episode will challenge you to look deeper than your budget or investment returns and ask: what are the stories I’m carrying about money, and are they serving me? If you’re ready to truly transform your finances by healing your relationship with money, you can’t miss this episode. Gino's links: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gino-barbaro-03973b4b/ - Website: https://barbaro360.com/ - Podcast: https://jakeandgino.com/podcast/

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4lumbeQ  Have you ever wondered if a podcast could do more than just share your thoughts could it actually help you grow your business, find your ideal clients, and build powerful relationships?  In today’s episode, I sit down with podcasting and real estate expert Dave Dubeau, who has helped investors raise over $325 million and has been leveraging podcasts to connect directly with his perfect clients. Dave’s journey isn’t just theory he shares how he went from struggling to generate leads with paid ads and live events to discovering the magic of podcasting for direct outreach. He explains the turning point when he realized that instead of chasing after big names or building an anonymous audience, he could use his podcast to interview his ideal prospects, provide them massive value, and start authentic relationships that convert into business. In this episode, you’ll hear why it’s smarter to skip to the front of the line and position your podcast as a tool for growth, not just an ego platform. Dave reveals his strategy for booking 10–12 interviews a week with his perfect clients, what questions to ask during the interview, and how to transition conversations into valuable business discussions. We also unpack his philosophy of leading with the giving hand focusing on helping guests shine first so they naturally want to learn how you can help them further. Plus, we dive into the biggest lessons Dave has learned in his decades in real estate from his start with creative deals and lease options to recognizing he’s happier as a passive investor.  He shares insights on what to look for in operators, why communication matters more than projections, and how betting on the jockey (the person running the deal) is always more important than the horse (the deal itself). For those thinking podcasting is only for influencers chasing downloads, Dave makes a compelling case for a micro-targeted podcasting strategy that works whether you’re a capital raiser, business owner, or anyone selling a high-ticket product or service. He even talks about his book, 20 Accredited Investors, which lays out a step-by-step blueprint for using podcasts as a powerful client attraction system. If you’re ready to grow your business by building real, valuable connections whether you’re in real estate or any other industry this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible.  And of course, we couldn’t end the conversation without exploring how creating value for others ripples outward, helping clients, their families, and entire communities.  Listen in, and learn how to create your own ripple effect through podcasting. Dave's Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davedubeau/?originalSubdomain=ca Book: https://20accreditedinvestorsbook.com/ Website: https://daveinterviewsyou.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneypartnerformula/ 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3GlPT6W  Have you ever stopped to wonder whether your financial advisor is really helping you achieve financial freedom or just collecting fees while keeping you stuck on the hamster wheel?  In this episode, I expose what’s really going on behind the curtain of the financial advising industry, speaking from my firsthand experience as a former financial advisor who woke up to the reality that traditional financial planning just doesn’t work for most Americans. I’m Chris Miles, your cashflow expert and anti-financial advisor, and I’ve been blessed to coach thousands of people into financial freedom. But my journey started with the realization that nearly every advisor including myself in my early years was selling products that benefited big financial institutions more than the client. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on what your advisor may not want you to know. You’ll learn: The shocking statistic that 80% of people like their advisor but still fire them every 3-5 years, and why that happens. How I discovered, sitting across from my dad at age 61, that following traditional advice left him destined to run out of money in a few years even after decades of doing everything "right." The crucial questions you must ask any advisor before trusting them with your financial future, including whether they’re financially free themselves. Why many advisors repeat the same advice they learned decades ago even when it’s outdated or flat-out wrong and how that impacts your wealth. How the phrase “high risk creates high returns” is one of the biggest lies in finance, and what you should really look for in your investments. The importance of working with advisors who are independently brokered, cashflow-focused, and backed by a team of experts, not just trying to sell you something. My personal answers to these 7 critical questions so you can see exactly how my team at Money Ripples is different from typical advisors. I also share stories of clients with high net worths who still felt broke because they were asset-rich but cashflow-poor, and how we reversed that by focusing on passive income today not just someday. If you’re tired of the traditional “set it and forget it” advice, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to ask the right questions, avoid the common traps, and reclaim control over your financial future.

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/3Ihbyh1  How many times have you heard the saying, “Your network is your net worth”? In this episode, I sat down with Bill Barnett, a man whose extraordinary career proves that your network can open doors you never imagined possible. Bill’s story takes us from a life-changing train ride with the president of Leo Burnett the largest ad agency at the time to building successful companies in radio, education technology, and veteran entrepreneurship, all fueled by the power of relationships. We explore how Bill turned an unexpected conversation into a pivot that launched him into the world of radio, eventually leading to the creation of Radio Oz and the precursor to Radio Disney. You’ll hear how he leveraged his network to build Live, an innovative college interview platform that he sold to ETS, and later channeled his skills into helping veterans and military spouses through The Rosie Network. But this episode isn’t just about Bill’s incredible journey.  We dive into practical, actionable advice you can use right now to grow your own net worth through networking. Bill shares how to build a “personal board of directors,” why becoming likable is the most underrated skill in business, and why focusing on helping others with no strings attached creates opportunities you could never plan for. Whether you’re an introvert wondering how to connect meaningfully, or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to level up your relationships, this episode delivers the insights you need. We talk about real-world examples of how Bill’s network brought him multiple lucrative exits including investments he didn’t fully understand, but trusted because of the people involved. We also unpack how being open, humble, and always learning attracts the kind of relationships that lead to lasting success. And we reveal what it really takes to turn every conversation into a door-opening opportunity without feeling transactional. This conversation is packed with timeless wisdom on how to become the person others want to do business with, why thinking about tomorrow today changes everything, and how the simple act of being genuinely interested in others can transform your life and financial future. Bill's Links: Website: https://smartermindsnetwork.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Smarter-Minds-Network/61565180936150/?mibextid=LQQJ4d LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/926ventures/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app  X: https://x.com/smartermindsnet YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmarterMindsNetwork 

Start making passive income here: https://bit.ly/4eki3vD  How much does your mindset around abundance really affect your financial outcomes? Is building wealth just about strategy, or is there something more foundational that makes all the difference? In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Chelsea Myers, someone who has advised ultra-successful entrepreneurs and top-tier leaders on how to shift internally so they can experience the abundance they’re truly seeking. What I loved about our conversation is that we went deep beyond the spreadsheets and strategies into what actually drives sustainable wealth, freedom, and peace of mind. Chelsea is the visionary behind Meditation, a movement rooted in helping children and adults alike connect with their calm, creativity, and worthiness. She’s a private advisor for high-level entrepreneurs, and she’s helped many of them untangle deeply rooted beliefs and subconscious patterns that were keeping their financial success from feeling… fulfilling. We dig into why money is not just about numbers it’s a mirror of your relationship with yourself. If you’ve ever said, “Why isn’t this working for me?” even when you’ve done all the right things financially, this conversation is going to hit home. We cover how childhood programming, nervous system responses, and subconscious stories affect your ability to receive and grow money. Chelsea and I discuss the common energy of unworthiness and fear that blocks abundance even in the lives of millionaires. You’ll also hear practical tools to evaluate your “money relationship,” including one powerful question that can change everything. This episode isn’t just motivational it’s transformational. You’ll walk away with a new understanding of why scarcity shows up in both broke and wealthy people, and how to rewire your energy to be in true alignment with abundance. Whether you’re just getting started or already financially free, this conversation will help you align emotionally and spiritually with the kind of life you want to live not just financially, but holistically. Chelsea Myers links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-myers-57345417/  Website: https://www.dentallife.coach/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dentallifecoach/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dentallife.coach/