Premium Financing Life Insurance: Could Be Right, Sometimes Smart

Premium financing life insurance for estate planning is one of those strategies that sounds impressive—and sometimes is. But for most families, it introduces more complexity and risk than benefit. https://www.youtube.com/live/8Dav7pQVOrc At The Money Advantage, we don’t lead with premium financing, and we rarely recommend it. But in a recent conversation with a client facing an eight-figure estate tax liability, the question came up: “Is there a way to fund a large life insurance policy without disrupting my investment portfolio or using my own capital?” That opened the door to a serious conversation about premium financing—what it is, who it’s for, and where it can go wrong. If you’ve ever wondered about this strategy—or had it pitched to you without the full picture—this breakdown is for you. Let’s take an honest look. When Premium Financing Life Insurance Might Make SenseWhat Is Premium Financing Life Insurance?When Does Premium Financing Make Sense?1. You Have Estate Tax Exposure2. You Want to Preserve Liquidity3. You Have the Right Collateral4. You Have the Cash Flow or Exit StrategyWhy Some Premium Financing Strategies FailThe Right Way to Structure Premium FinancingOur Perspective: Leverage Is a Gift—If You Steward It WellRe-Summarizing the Big PictureWant to Learn More? Listen to the Full Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQ: What to Know About Premium Financing Life Insurance for Estate PlanningWhat is premium financing life insurance?Who is premium financing best for?Is premium financing life insurance risky?What types of life insurance are used in premium financing?How is the loan repaid in premium financing?Can premium financing be used with Infinite Banking?Does premium financing impact estate planning? When Premium Financing Life Insurance Might Make Sense While it’s not our go-to recommendation, premium financing can be useful for a small subset of high-net-worth individuals—if it's thoughtfully structured, clearly understood, and fully aligned with legacy goals. In rare cases, it allows a bank to fund large insurance premiums while the client preserves liquidity and keeps other investments in play. Here’s when it may be worth considering: You have a $10M+ net worth You face substantial estate tax exposure You want to avoid liquidating investments or business assets You can post strong collateral And you have a clear, realistic repayment strategy Used responsibly, premium financing can provide leveraged protection without draining capital. Still, this isn’t about chasing leverage. It’s about stewardship. And for 99% of families, we’d guide them to simpler, more stable solutions. What Is Premium Financing Life Insurance? At its core, premium financing is when you use a third-party loan (usually from a bank) to pay the premiums on a permanent life insurance policy—typically a large whole life or indexed universal life (IUL) policy. Here’s the simplified flow: You apply for a large life insurance policy. A lender agrees to loan you the premiums (often millions of dollars). You pledge collateral—often the policy’s cash value and/or outside assets. The policy grows, the lender is repaid over time or at death, and your heirs receive the net death benefit. It’s using leverage—other people’s money—to fund a necessary part of your estate planning strategy. But here’s the key: You have to be strategic. We’ve seen it done well… and we’ve seen it go terribly wrong. When Does Premium Financing Make Sense? Let’s be crystal clear: Premium financing is NOT for everyone. This is a strategy for high-net-worth individuals, often with $5M, $10M, $25M+ in net worth. Here are the key indicators that premium financing might be a fit: 1. You Have Estate Tax Exposure The estate tax exemption is in flux—and could be cut in half. If you’re planning to leave more than $6–12 million in assets per individual,

The Corvette and the $80,000 Lesson Have you ever made a money decision that felt right in the moment… only to realize later it pulled you further from your goals?You’re not alone—and you’re likely facing one of the hidden money traps that quietly sabotage even the most well-intentioned wealth-builders. https://www.youtube.com/live/I-1F6u7Z8Bk Imagine this: You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and finally have $80,000 sitting in your bank account. Then, one emotional moment later, it’s gone. Bruce shared this story in a recent episode of our podcast. A client had just finalized a long, draining divorce. She felt raw, exhausted, and ready to reclaim a sense of control. So, she did what many of us have been tempted to do—she bought a brand-new Corvette. The price tag? Almost exactly $80,000. The money she had painstakingly saved evaporated in one moment of emotional relief. It wasn’t about the car—it was about a deep emotional need. And it revealed something profound about our financial lives: most of us don’t lose wealth because of external threats. We lose it because of hidden money traps—the internal patterns, habits, and blind spots that sabotage us from the inside out. And the good news? Once you can see these traps, you can avoid them. The Corvette and the $80,000 LessonWhat Are Hidden Money Traps?Parkinson’s Law: You’ll Always Find a Way to Spend ItWillie Sutton’s Law: Where There’s Money, There Are TakersThe Arrival Syndrome: “I’ve Got This Figured Out”Use It or Lose It: Information Without Application Is WorthlessThe Golden Rule: Those Who Have the Gold Make the RulesWealth Starts With AwarenessListen to the Full Episode on Hidden Money Traps🎧 Money Traps That Keep You From Building Wealth (Podcast Episode)Book A Strategy CallFAQ: Hidden Money TrapsWhat are hidden money traps?How do hidden money traps affect wealth building?What are the most common hidden money traps?Can I overcome these money traps on my own?How does Infinite Banking help avoid money traps? What Are Hidden Money Traps? If you’re here, chances are you’re trying to build real, lasting wealth. Not just money in the bank, but a legacy. Something that can bless your future self, your children, and even generations to come. But if you feel like you’re doing everything "right"—saving, investing, budgeting—and still not getting ahead, you may be dealing with hidden money traps. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the five key traps that Bruce and I discussed on our podcast—traps that even the most disciplined people fall into. Inspired by Nelson Nash’s "human conditions," these traps explain why smart people make poor financial choices, why we sabotage long-term goals for short-term pleasure, and why our mindset matters more than any market movement. This is more than a list of financial tips. It’s a mirror—and a roadmap. When you understand and overcome these traps, you unlock the power to build wealth with intention, clarity, and confidence. Let’s dive in. Parkinson’s Law: You’ll Always Find a Way to Spend It Parkinson’s Law teaches that expenses rise to match income—and sometimes even exceed it. This law is a hidden money trap that sneaks up quietly. As soon as we get a raise, a bonus, or a windfall, we convince ourselves we "deserve" an upgrade. Luxury enjoyed once becomes necessity. You buy the car, take the vacation, upgrade your phone. And before you know it, there’s no margin left for building wealth. The solution? Intentionally save before you spend. Reverse the cultural narrative. Make wealth-building your dopamine hit—not retail therapy. Celebrate a growing savings account. Find pride in discipline, not just desire. Willie Sutton’s Law: Where There’s Money, There Are Takers Willie Sutton, a famous bank robber, was once asked why he robbed banks. His answer? “Because that’s where the money is.” This principle still applies today—but not just to criminals.

The Gas Station Story That Reveals a Common Money Mistake Let me paint a picture for you. https://www.youtube.com/live/uqGN5Sz9tJg You’re driving down the highway and see gas at $3.00 a gallon. Three miles later, you spot it for $2.97. You think, "Yes! A deal!" So you turn around, drive the extra six miles, and save... 30 cents. Except you used 40 cents of gas to get there. This is the kind of logic many people use when comparing Infinite Banking vs Index Funds. It’s a hyper-focus on rate of return, while missing the bigger picture of financial control, access, and long-term strategy. So let’s talk about it. The Gas Station Story That Reveals a Common Money MistakeRate of Return Isn’t the Whole StoryInfinite Banking vs Index Funds: What Are We Actually Comparing?Why Rate of Return Isn’t the Only FactorUnderstanding the Purpose of Your DollarsInfinite Banking Is About Ownership and LeverageInterrupting Compounding Is the Real CostControl vs Performance: What Matters Most?Infinite Banking vs Index Funds Is the Wrong ComparisonListen to the Full Podcast EpisodeBook A Strategy CallFAQ: Infinite Banking vs Index FundsQ: Are index funds better than Infinite Banking?Q: Can I use both Infinite Banking and index funds?Q: Does Infinite Banking have a good rate of return?Q: Is Infinite Banking risky? Rate of Return Isn’t the Whole Story There’s a conversation happening everywhere in the financial world: Should I use Infinite Banking or just invest in an index fund? Maybe you've asked this question yourself. You’ve heard someone say, "Wouldn’t I make more money if I just put it in an S&P 500 index fund?" This comparison sounds reasonable — until you realize it’s like comparing a hammer to a screwdriver and asking, "Which one builds a better house?" The truth? You're asking the wrong question. In this article, you’ll learn: Why comparing Infinite Banking to index funds is fundamentally flawed The purpose and role of each strategy How to think like a wealth creator, not just a rate chaser Why long-term control beats short-term returns Let’s flip the script and empower you to take control of your financial life—with clarity, confidence, and a legacy mindset. Infinite Banking vs Index Funds: What Are We Actually Comparing? Here’s where we start: Infinite Banking is not an investment. It’s a cash flow system, a capital control strategy, a way to reclaim the banking function in your life. It uses a specially designed, dividend-paying whole life insurance policy as the tool—but Infinite Banking is the process. Index funds, on the other hand, are investments. They're baskets of stocks that mirror the market—the S&P 500, the Russell 2000, etc. The goal of an index fund is growth through market performance. So when someone says, "But the market earns more than whole life insurance," they’re missing the point. We’re not solving the same problem. Infinite Banking solves for control of capital. Index funds solve for growth. Why Rate of Return Isn’t the Only Factor We get it. Everyone wants to know their ROI. But when that becomes your only filter, you lose sight of what really matters. Consider this: When you access money from an index fund, you sell shares. You interrupt compounding. You lose growth potential. With Infinite Banking, you borrow against your cash value—without interrupting growth. That means your money continues to earn even while you're using it. "You’re always paying interest. Either to someone else, or by giving up what you could have earned on your own capital." — Bruce Wehner When you control the banking function, you stop giving away the opportunity to earn. And that’s where legacy wealth starts. Understanding the Purpose of Your Dollars All money has a job. We teach our clients to classify money into three roles: Safety Liquidity Growth Most people try to make every dollar do all three. That never works.

When Bruce came back from recording this episode of The Money Advantage podcast, he told me something that hit hard: https://www.youtube.com/live/r5oyEytzj1w He shared how frustrated he feels every time he hears about a family who loses a loved one without proper life insurance. Suddenly, their friends and community are scrambling to create a GoFundMe page just to cover funeral expenses and basic needs. Life insurance is more than numbers—it’s a financial hug that wraps around your family when they need it most. And the person who helps you design and implement it—your insurance agent—has an enormous impact on whether your family experiences peace of mind or financial devastation. Why the Right Life Insurance Agent MattersWhy Learning How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Agent MattersNeeds vs. Wants: A Modern Approach to InsuranceTop Qualities To Look For When Choosing the Right Insurance Agent1. Integrity and Trust2. Longevity and Commitment3. Education4. Process and Personalization5. A Network and Legacy MindsetRed Flags When Deciding How to Choose the Right Life Insurance AgentWhy Infinite Banking Requires the Right Insurance AgentQuestions to Ask Before Hiring an Insurance AgentWhy This MattersBook A Strategy CallFAQ SectionQ1: Why is choosing the right insurance agent so important?Q2: What qualities should I look for in an insurance agent?Q3: What are the red flags of a bad insurance agent?Q4: Do I need a special agent for Infinite Banking?Q5: Should I replace my existing whole life insurance policy? Why the Right Life Insurance Agent Matters Most people don’t realize how choosing the right insurance agent can impact their family’s entire financial future. The right agent will walk with you for decades, guiding you through life insurance decisions and strategies like Infinite Banking. The wrong one? They may sell you a policy you don’t understand, disappear within a year, and leave your family unprotected. In this article, I’ll share insights from Bruce Wehner and his guests Rob Brayton and Jesse Durham on what to look for, red flags to avoid, and exactly how to choose the right life insurance agent for your needs. In this article, I want to share the insights Bruce and his guests, Rob Brayton and Jesse Durham, discussed on the podcast. Together, their combined decades of experience in life insurance highlight exactly what you should look for in an insurance agent—and the red flags to avoid. By the end of this article, you’ll know: Why your choice of insurance agent matters so much. The difference between traditional “needs analysis” and a modern, values-based approach. The top qualities that separate a great insurance agent from a mediocre one. Red flags that should make you pause before signing on the dotted line. Why Infinite Banking requires a very specific kind of agent. The key questions you should ask before choosing your advisor. This isn’t just about buying a product—it’s about choosing the right partner for your family’s financial future and legacy. Why Learning How to Choose the Right Life Insurance Agent Matters Too often, people see life insurance as a commodity. They Google “cheapest life insurance” and buy the lowest-priced option, thinking they’ve checked the box. But life insurance is not about buying the cheapest product. As Bruce said, that would be like asking, “What’s the lowest price I can get cancer removed from my body?” No one in their right mind would ask that! You’d ask, “Who’s the best doctor? Who will walk with me through treatment? Who will actually care for my life?” That’s the role of a great insurance agent. They’re not just selling coverage. They’re protecting your family’s future, guiding you through complex financial decisions, and ensuring your strategy works not just today, but decades from now. Needs vs. Wants: A Modern Approach to Insurance In the old days, insurance was sold through a “needs analysis.

Have you ever heard someone say you can use an IUL for Infinite Banking? Maybe you’ve seen a slick video online, or a persuasive advisor with charts and projections that promise you higher returns, flexible premiums, and “upside potential.” It sounds convincing—especially when you compare the numbers on an illustration. Who wouldn’t want more cash value and lower premiums? But here’s the sobering reality: when it comes to Infinite Banking, an Indexed Universal Life policy (IUL) doesn’t deliver what matters most. https://www.youtube.com/live/beR3FnHLAG4 And that’s a big problem, because Infinite Banking is not about chasing the highest return—it’s about creating a system of certainty and control. If you build your family’s financial foundation on a shifting product with no guarantees, the consequences don’t show up immediately—but when they do, they can devastate your future. I don’t say this lightly. My co-host, Bruce Wehner, has seen it firsthand. For decades, he has worked with clients who were told their Universal Life or Variable Universal Life would “never fail.” And yet, over time, those policies collapsed under rising costs, vanishing crediting, or shifting assumptions. I’ll weave some of his stories in throughout this article, because you deserve to see not just the theory, but the real-world results. Today, I want to give you clarity. I want to cut through the confusion and soundbites and show you exactly why IULs cannot serve as the foundation for Infinite Banking, and what you should do instead. What Infinite Banking Really Is (and Isn’t)Can You Use IUL for Infinite Banking?Whole Life vs. IUL: The Key Differences1. Guarantees2. Premiums3. Cash Value Growth4. Loan Provisions5. EndowmentWhy Guarantees Matter for Infinite BankingCommon Misconceptions About IUL for Infinite Banking“IULs never lose money.”“IULs have more upside.”“IULs are more flexible.”Lessons from Real PeopleThe Bigger Picture: Stewardship and LegacyThe Answer to the IUL MythBook A Strategy CallFAQ: IUL for Infinite BankingCan you use IUL for Infinite Banking?Why does Infinite Banking require Whole Life insurance?Do IULs really offer more upside?What happens if I underfund an IUL?What’s the safest way to start Infinite Banking? By the end of this article, you’ll understand: Why Infinite Banking requires certainty, control, and guarantees. How Whole Life and IUL compare—and why IUL falls short. The most common misconceptions about IUL for Infinite Banking. Real lessons from history and clients who have lived through these products. How to take the next step if you’re serious about building your own banking system. Let’s dive in. What Infinite Banking Really Is (and Isn’t) When people first hear about Infinite Banking, they often confuse it with “just buying life insurance.” Here’s the truth: Infinite Banking is not about the product. It’s about the process. At its heart, Infinite Banking is about taking control of your cash flows—those dollars that normally flow out of your life to banks, credit card companies, finance companies, and investment firms—and capturing them inside your own financial system. It’s about becoming your own banker. And that requires certainty. Infinite Banking utilizing life insurance only works if you can rely on three things: Guaranteed cash value growth – You need to know your pool of capital will increase every single year, no matter what. Guaranteed level premiums – You need to know exactly what you’ll owe, so you can plan and build discipline. Guaranteed death benefit – You need the confidence that your legacy will be secure for your family, no matter what happens. If any of those guarantees are missing, you’re not in control. You’re gambling. This is why Whole Life insurance from a mutual company has always been the proper tool for Infinite Banking. And it’s also why IUL fails the test. Can You Use IUL for Infinite Banking?

When most people first hear about Infinite Banking, one of the first questions that comes up is: “But what are the risks of Infinite Banking?” It’s a fair question. We live in a financial world where we’ve been conditioned to look for the fine print, the hidden traps, and the potential downsides of anything that sounds “too good to be true.” https://www.youtube.com/live/7JHmm5jEfQ0 I get it. When you first hear the concept of becoming your own banker through whole life insurance, the mind immediately goes to skepticism: Are the premiums too high? Is whole life a bad investment? What if I can’t afford it later? Here’s the truth: most of what people call the risks of Infinite Banking aren’t really risks at all. They’re misconceptions, misunderstandings, or simply the result of looking at Infinite Banking through the wrong lens. In this blog, we'll pull back the curtain and unpack the myths, expose the real risks, and help you see why Infinite Banking—when understood and implemented correctly—is not risky, but rather one of the most powerful financial strategies you can use to take control of your wealth. Common Misconceptions About Infinite BankingMyth #1: Whole Life Insurance is a Bad InvestmentMyth #2: The Premiums are Too HighMyth #3: Infinite Banking = Life InsuranceThe Real Risks of Infinite BankingRisk #1: Not Understanding the Problem You’re SolvingRisk #2: Poorly Designed PoliciesRisk #3: Dipping Your Toe InRisk #4: Wrong Perspective (Consumer vs. Owner)Why Infinite Banking Works When Done RightControl vs. DependencyRecapturing Opportunity CostMutual Companies Align With OwnersShould You Be Worried About the Risks?The Bottom Line on Infinite Banking RisksBook A Strategy CallFAQ: What Are the Risks of Infinite Banking?Is Infinite Banking risky?What are the downsides of Infinite Banking?Is Infinite Banking a scam?Can I lose money with Infinite Banking? Common Misconceptions About Infinite Banking Myth #1: Whole Life Insurance is a Bad Investment This is the first thing most people say when they hear about Infinite Banking. They’ve been told for years by financial gurus that whole life insurance has a low rate of return and is therefore “a bad investment.” But here’s the problem: Infinite Banking is not an investment. It’s a system. It’s about controlling the flow of your money, not chasing the next hot stock. Whole life insurance is simply the tool that makes Infinite Banking possible—it provides the guarantees, safety, and contractual structure you need to run your own banking system. So when someone says Infinite Banking is risky because life insurance is a “bad investment,” they’re comparing apples to oranges. Myth #2: The Premiums are Too High Another common objection: “What if I can’t afford the premiums long term?” Here’s what most people miss. Premiums are not a bill—they are a way of paying yourself first. Every premium dollar you pay is a contribution to your own financial system. Unlike money you pay to a bank, that premium isn’t lost—it builds guaranteed cash value that you can use for opportunities, emergencies, or expenses. The real risk isn’t paying premiums. The real risk is not valuing your own capital and continuing to let someone else profit from your money. Myth #3: Infinite Banking = Life Insurance This is one of the biggest misconceptions. People hear Infinite Banking and immediately equate it with whole life insurance. But Infinite Banking is bigger. It’s about a process—the flow of money, storing it, using it, replenishing it. Life insurance is just the storage tank that makes the process efficient. Confusing the two is like saying “banking equals a vault.” The vault is just the tool. The banking process is much bigger. The Real Risks of Infinite Banking Now let’s get into the real question: What are the actual risks of Infinite Banking? Risk #1: Not Understanding the Problem You’re Solving

“Is Infinite Banking a sales tactic?” It’s one of the first questions we hear—and it’s a valid one. When I first encountered Infinite Banking, I wasn’t looking for a new strategy. I was simply trying to find a better place to store cash. https://www.youtube.com/live/K00YrFJtIQE Like many families, Lucas and I were putting our savings into gold and silver. It felt like a smart move—until we needed liquidity. The value dropped. Selling took time. We lost money. That painful experience pushed us to rethink everything. We didn’t just need a safe place to grow money. We needed control. Later, in a conversation with Becca, she described the same thing. Money flowing in and right back out—like a stream running through a field. Helpful, yes, but gone. Then she shared the image of a beaver building a dam—not to trap water, but to create an environment where it could thrive. Safe, sustainable, and self-reliant. That’s exactly what Infinite Banking became for us. Not a product. Not a pitch. A system to store capital in a place we own, control, and can use. But the question remains:Is Infinite Banking just a life insurance sales tactic—or is it a tool to transform the way you use money for the rest of your life? Let’s unpack the truth. Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic… or Something Deeper?The Truth Behind the Question: Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic?Infinite Banking Is Not About Life Insurance—It's About Solving a ProblemBehavior Over Products: Control Over ReturnsWhole Life Insurance Isn’t the Point—It’s Just the Best ToolWhy It Looks Like a Sales Pitch—and How to Spot the Real DealWhy This Matters to YouWant the Full Story? Listen to the PodcastBook A Strategy Call Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic… or Something Deeper? You may have heard that Infinite Banking is just a slick way to sell life insurance. On the surface, it might even look that way. There are illustrations, charts, and policies being pitched. And when the conversation starts with numbers on a page instead of the problem it solves, skepticism is healthy. But we’re here to clear the fog. In this article, Bruce and I are going to unpack the truth behind this common misconception. You’ll learn: What Infinite Banking really is (and isn’t) Why life insurance is the best tool—but not the point How to recognize the difference between strategy and sales pitch And how to regain control of your financial life—starting now Let’s dive in. The Truth Behind the Question: Is Infinite Banking a Sales Tactic? Infinite Banking Is Not About Life Insurance—It's About Solving a Problem The biggest myth we bust every week? That Infinite Banking is life insurance. It’s not. It’s a financial strategy—an operating system for your cash flow. One designed to solve a problem most people don’t even realize they have: money flowing out of their control. You earn, you spend, and the dollars disappear—off to banks, lenders, and third parties. That’s the problem. Nelson Nash, who founded the Infinite Banking Concept, said it best: "This is not a sales tool for life insurance agents." He knew the real goal was bigger—reclaiming the banking function in your life. If someone’s only showing you a pile of cash value in a policy illustration without helping you understand the problem being solved—they’re selling. But Infinite Banking, when properly understood, isn’t about selling. It’s about solving. Behavior Over Products: Control Over Returns Most financial conversations focus on numbers—rate of return, annual yield, projections. But Infinite Banking asks a different question:Who controls the capital? Because control changes everything. It’s not about finding the highest return. It’s about having the ability to access capital when you need it—without bank approval, without penalties, and without interrupting compound growth. That’s why we say: don’t be fooled by the visible.

A Story That Changes the Way You See Wealth When Bruce and I sat down with Michael Cole for The Money Advantage Podcast, the conversation didn’t just scratch the surface of wealth management—it went straight to the heart of what wealth really means. Here’s a man who has advised families with an average net worth of more than $500 million, co-founded the largest network of centimillionaires in the U.S., and written the bestselling book More Than Money. https://www.youtube.com/live/DTWacmQHhSU And yet, when we asked him about retirement, he smiled and said, “I don’t plan on retiring. I’m finally doing the work that’s closest to my life purpose.” That one statement reframed everything. Because if someone with Michael Cole’s track record and access to the ultra-wealthy believes that life purpose—not just money—is the real destination, then we all have something to learn. A Story That Changes the Way You See WealthWhy This Matters to YouMichael Cole’s Journey to the Top of Wealth ManagementWealth Is More Than Money – The Six Forms of CapitalThe Impact of Wealth – Purpose Over PossessionsBuilding a Culture That Outlasts YouWhat the Ultra-Wealthy Invest in Right NowOvercoming Cultural Narratives About WealthWhat Michael Cole Teaches Us About WealthBook A Strategy Call Why This Matters to You Whether you’re just starting to build wealth, sitting on a successful business, or thinking about how to transfer assets to the next generation, the insights from Michael Cole matter to you. Here’s why: Michael has spent decades inside family offices, helping entrepreneurs, centimillionaires, and billionaires not only grow their capital but also grow their impact. He’s seen firsthand what works—and what fails—when it comes to preserving wealth and legacy. In this article, Bruce and I want to unpack the conversation we had with Michael Cole so you can walk away with: A clear understanding of why wealth is more than money How to think about the impact of wealth on your family and community Practical insights into what the ultra-wealthy are investing in right now How to create a family culture that outlives you Most importantly, you’ll see how Michael Cole’s perspective can empower you to stop chasing money as the end goal and start building a legacy that truly matters. Michael Cole’s Journey to the Top of Wealth Management Michael’s resume reads like a roadmap of the private wealth industry: Merrill Interest Trust Company, Wells Fargo’s Abbott Downing, Ascent Private Capital Management, and Crescent Capital Management. At each stage, he wasn’t just managing billions in assets—he was rethinking what it means to be a steward of wealth. And eventually, he co-founded R360, a peer-to-peer community of centimillionaires and billionaires built on one core belief: Wealth is more than money. That perspective didn’t just come from financial spreadsheets. It came from listening. Michael Cole is the kind of leader who pauses before he answers, considers both sides, and responds with wisdom. That’s why Bruce said during the episode, “Talking with you is like talking to my little brother. You think deeply, you listen, and you answer with both intellect and empathy.” Wealth Is More Than Money – The Six Forms of Capital Michael Cole teaches that wealth stewardship requires diversification beyond just financial assets. His model highlights six forms of capital: Financial capital – the money itself Intellectual capital – the knowledge and learning culture of a family Social capital – networks, relationships, and giving back Human capital – the character, skills, and wellbeing of family members Emotional capital – resilience, connection, and healthy communication Spiritual capital – purpose, values, and meaning Just as investors diversify portfolios, families must diversify their approach to legacy. As Michael told us, “If you’re only focused on the money,

How a Campfire Call Sparked a Financial Movement It started with a campfire. Lucas and I were out camping when I made a phone call that would unknowingly change the course of our lives and the lives of thousands of families:“Bruce, want to start a podcast?” https://www.youtube.com/live/GKrk_LOMwI4 As we looked back over the years, a theme emerged. The conversations that mattered most weren’t about rates of return, product comparisons, or clever tax tricks. That single conversation planted the seed for what is now 400 episodes of The Money Advantage Podcast—a platform that’s helped people understand how to take control of their financial lives through Infinite Banking and smart stewardship. We had no idea what it would become, but we knew we were called to do more than just manage money. We were building a mission. And here we are today, looking back on eight years of podcasting, thousands of conversations, and one shared belief: You are your greatest financial asset. How a Campfire Call Sparked a Financial MovementA Look Back: Why 400 Episodes MatterThe Power of Podcasting: Why We Started and What It’s DoneFinancial Influence Starts with CharacterJeff’s Story: It’s Not About Life Insurance—It’s About BankingWhy You’re Always Borrowing—Whether You Realize It or NotSimplicity Over Complexity: Becca’s InsightLucas’s Principle: Save Before You InvestBruce’s Wisdom: Behavior Beats DesignRachel’s Realization: It’s Not Just About the MoneyWhat This Episode Really Taught UsReady to Learn the Top Lessons About Wealth, Legacy, and Serving Families?Book A Strategy Call A Look Back: Why 400 Episodes Matter You’re constantly being sold financial products—mutual funds, IRAs, 401(k)s, high-yield savings accounts. But what if the real question isn’t “What should I invest in?” but “How do I control my money?” That’s where Infinite Banking comes in. In this blog (and podcast), Bruce and I are reflecting on the top lessons about wealth, legacy, and serving families that we’ve learned after 400 episodes. We’ll cover: Why saving before investing matters more than flashy returns What really makes Infinite Banking work (hint: it’s not just the policy) The difference between debt and liability How to build a family-centered financial system that creates freedom for generations This isn’t just about strategies—it’s about empowering you to think differently, behave differently, and lead your family with clarity. The Power of Podcasting: Why We Started and What It’s Done We didn’t start podcasting to build a platform. We started to create a space for truth in finance—real conversations without the fluff. From day one, we set out to talk to you like a friend who’s learned the hard lessons, found a better way, and wants you to have access to it too. Podcasting gave us the ability to educate, build trust, and invite people into the deeper work of financial stewardship—not just financial performance. Financial Influence Starts with Character Bruce hit the nail on the head: “High competence without high character is dangerous.” It’s not enough to be an expert. You’ve got to care more about helping people than making a sale. That’s the standard we’ve held ourselves to—and what we believe every financial guide should strive for. If you’re listening to someone online or in your life, ask yourself:Do they have both competence and character? Are they searching for truth or just selling a tactic? Jeff’s Story: It’s Not About Life Insurance—It’s About Banking When Jeff Jessee joined our team, we got more than a brilliant mind—we got someone who sees money like a game. And he’s right: life is a financial game, and banking is the rulebook. Jeff was already successful in the traditional financial world. But after reading Becoming Your Own Banker—twice in one night—he saw the problem: most people focus on products instead of systems. He said it best:

A friend called and said four words that changed the trajectory of a young family’s finances: Becoming Your Own Banker. At that moment, Jesse Durham was a former cop turned Spanish teacher in North Carolina. New baby. Second on the way. About $50,000 of debt. A man raised to do what most of us were taught to do: get the degree, get the job, ride the hamster wheel, and hope the math works out. https://www.youtube.com/live/kgT_7O5YHec He walked into a live presentation with an open mind and a hungry heart. He walked out with a new paradigm. Not a gimmick. Not a hack. A structure. That day marked what Jesse now calls his “renaissance year”. And it’s why we invited him onto The Money Advantage podcast. Because the Infinite Banking Concept isn’t just a strategy on paper. It’s a lifestyle of stewardship in practice. And your family deserves that. Jesse Durham’s Journey: From Debt to Becoming Your Own BankerFrom Hamster Wheel to Stewardship: The Jesse Durham PivotWhat We Learned From Jesse Durham: Infinite Banking Is a Lifestyle, Not a Line ItemCapitalization Is the Missing MiddleThe Four-Part Filter Jesse Durham UsesNelson Nash’s Principles In Plain SightFamily Culture and Modeling: Build the Bankers You Hope To BecomeStart With Yourself, Then Include ThemWeekly Executive Meetings Turn Values Into RhythmsDebt, Discipline, and DignityReal Life First, Then Cash-Flowing AssetsThe Right Person, The Right TimeHow Jesse Durham Onboards New LearnersFaith, Purpose, and The Big PictureStay Humble. Keep Learning.Book A Strategy Call Jesse Durham’s Journey: From Debt to Becoming Your Own Banker If you’re new here, I’m Rachel Marshall, co-hosting with my friend and colleague, Bruce Wehner. Our mission is simple and weighty all at once: help high-capacity families build a legacy of more than money. Today’s conversation with Jesse Durham is a clear window into how ordinary families step off the earn-and-spend treadmill and design a private banking system that funds real life, fuels investments, and forms character across generations. Here’s what you’ll gain as you read: How Jesse went from debt and drift to intention and design. Why Infinite Banking is a lifestyle, not a line item. The simple four-part filter Jesse uses to make clear decisions. How to capitalize first, then spend with control. Practical ways policies pay for property taxes, appliances, vehicles, and opportunities. Why modeling matters for your kids, and why you must start with yourself. How weekly family meetings turn values into rhythms. The difference between credentials and character in long-term wealth stewardship. What Nelson Nash’s principles look like in real life. A first step you can take today to begin becoming your own banker. If you’re ready to move from accidental inheritance to intentional design, keep reading. From Hamster Wheel to Stewardship: The Jesse Durham Pivot Jesse’s story isn’t sterile or airbrushed. It’s family, career change, and financial pressure in real time. He did what most of us were modeled to do. School. Degree. Career. Debt. He and his wife started from scratch, not from a family banking system or a multi-generational enterprise. In 2015, he opened his mind to personal growth, marriage, fatherhood, and money. Not in theory. In action. First exposure to Infinite Banking. Then Nelson Nash’s book. Then the decision to implement, imperfectly and persistently. Policies were started. Debts were repaid. And something else happened under the surface. Identity shifted from consumer to steward. That’s the engine. What We Learned From Jesse Durham: Infinite Banking Is a Lifestyle, Not a Line Item Most people have two moves with money: earn and spend. That’s not a system. That’s survival. Jesse Durham saw Infinite Banking as a third, critical move wedged between those two: capitalize. You earn.You capitalize.Then you spend.