The BIG Wealth Podcast

Are you using an old scorecard to build wealth? Or are you using one that fits what you are actually working to build? Today, we're excited to introduce Eric's new book, The Wealthy Entrepreneur Scorecard, Seven Steps to Keeping More While Working Less.

We often get the question: how could anyone fall for a Ponzi scheme?!?!? It is actually really easy to do, and a lot of it has to do with a breakdown in Mindset and Strategy. Join us as we walk through some of the things to watch out for and how to protect yourself from the "Sure thing."

Join us as we dive into a conversation we have almost daily with our clients.  We hope to share some perspective on the dreaded mid-life or quarter-life crisis and how to think through it.

Join us as we walk through three types of financial burnout.  We talk through how to spot each type and what to do in order to win and not get stuck.

Challenges in life either make us better or bitter; it is all a matter of choice and perspective.  In this holiday season, we encourage you to be thankful for the times that try you and cause you to grow.

The misleading update on the “4% rule.”

Join us as we walk through some of the key questions to ask when looking at your priorities around money and how to know what is truly important.    

Join us as we tackle the industry's response to helping Gen Z prepare for retirement.   Referenced link:  Gen Z is 'Soft Saving' for Retirement

The important questions to ask and steps to avoid when the "Magnificent 7" are running the show.

None of us have a crystal ball and can't predict market returns 5 years out, much less 5 months out.  That unpredictability can cause major issues when it comes to having more income than birthdays.   Join us as we walk through a concept called sequence of return risk and how it can affect your ability to take income throughout retirement.

Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” The same could be said for the information we consume and the advice we take.  When it comes to building wealth, you have to be selective with the information you consume.  Is the information relevant to where you are and hope to be?  Is it in alignment with your family's true scorecard for success?  Is the information designed to help you become wealthy or designed to help you not go broke? The starting point for all these questions is to know where your income ranks.

Join us as we walk through the six big challenges most families face when trying to retire early. Many of these are easy fixes and go back to simply having the right mindset and strategy.

Join us as we walk through the importance of a properly built system to help maximize the income from your investments and the power that comes from balance: Your distribution engine—the most important and most overlooked part of a financial plan.

It can sometimes feel like the secrets of wealth creation are the exclusive purview of the elites or the “already wealthy” crowd. The truth is, there are very few “secret” tools out there. Wealth creation is about critical thinking, discipline, good strategies, and the right mindset. One of the most significant challenges to creating wealth is what Gay Hendrix refers to as the "upper limit problem."

Join us today as we walk through a real-life case study of what happens when good savings habits are paired with a highly balanced system of accumulation and distribution. The result of the mindset and strategy shift is not just higher income for its own sake but the ability to do more, bless others, and leave a larger legacy to the people and causes you love.

Come join us for the final installment of our three-part series on achieving a $100k retirement income. In this episode, we'll delve into some eye-opening insights and truths gleaned from the two different scenarios. You might be surprised by what we reveal! One thing that's clear is that starting early is advantageous compared to starting late. But don't worry if you feel like you're behind - there's still a way forward.

Join us for episode two in a three-episode series on what it takes to retire with $100k in income.  This week we explore a client in their 50s using industry averages for asset size and saving rate.  We explore the mindset, strategy, and tools needed to get that 50-year-old up to $100k in income by the time they are 65.  If you are not in your 50's, tune in anyway.  There are some great universal lessons that can be applied to any age and situation.  

Join us for a three-episode series on what it takes to retire with $100k in income.  This week we explore a client in their 30s using industry averages for asset size and saving rate.  We explore the mindset, strategy, and tools needed to get that 30-year-old up to $100k in income by the time they are 65.  If you are not in your 30's, tune in anyway.  There are some great universal lessons that can be applied to any age and situation.

Join us as we talk with the 1992 Olympic gold medalist in Kayaking, Joe Jacobi.  Finding purpose, not letting life's currents overwhelm you, and seeing obstacles as opportunities to go faster. Links to Joe's websites and book: Joe Jacobi - on LinkedIn Slalom - Found on Amazon Sunday Morning Joe - Sunday Morning Inspiration That Your True Self Craves

If you are over 50 and taking advantage of the catch-up provision in your 401(k), there could be some changes in how 401(k) companies are required to allocate those dollars. If you are under 50, you should still listen to this one. The potential changes could signal a broader shift in how the IRS looks at near-term vs. long-term tax revenue from qualified plans. Join us as we walk through the mindset behind the potential rule change. Strategically, we can look at the pros and cons of the change and how that might impact even the option to have a catch-up option, as 401(k) providers may be scrambling to comply with the change. From a tools perspective, we touch on what that might mean moving forward for how you negotiate salary and other benefits to either take advantage or work around the rule.

A look through the lens of Mindset - Strategy - Tools at some of the challenges in the current interest rate environment.  From a mindset standpoint, the key message today is don't get stuck in how things have been done in the past just because they have been done that way.  As they say in military circles, “The enemy always gets a vote.”  When the world adjusts, it is important to be flexible in the response.  From a strategy standpoint, the big question is how to get yield AND safety when the interest rate environment is moving against bonds in the current environment.  Finally, as we look at tools, we will explore a set of tools you might not expect to help us get yield without giving up safety.  As always, consult your advisor before making a decision, as every tool may or may not be appropriate for your situation.  

This week, Mary and Eric discuss managing entrepreneurial finances from a creative perspective rather than crowdsourcing your strategies and building your financial plan by consensus. Are you playing an entrepreneur's game with W2 strategies?

Mary and Eric discuss financial scorecards using mindset, strategy, and tools to help establish a financial roadmap based on personal values, success, and happiness principles. It's hard to be patient without a plan, and by building a tailored scorecard, you can more easily track progress towards your end goals.

Mary and Eric discuss the nuances of financial education and financial advice. Then Eric shares his new educational enterprise, Acorn Grove, including plans for mastermind and accelerator groups to broaden and expand access to financial education.

One of my hero's is Zig Ziglar.  He had hundreds of quotes about money and life.  One of the most insightful is “money won't make you happy . . . but everybody wants to find out for themselves”.   This is so true and I have seen it show up in my life and the lives of so many clients over the years that it is almost a cliche.  The pursuit of the all mighty dollar is not a bad thing, as Zig says,  “Money isn't the most important thing in life, but it's reasonably close to oxygen on the ‘gotta have it' scale”.  The problem is that sometimes the primary criteria for deciding what work we do, is how much it pays and the potential opportunity.  If that is our primary focus we may end up doing work that pays well but is ultimately unfulfilling.  The key is to find that balance and remember that wealth building is a marathon, not a sprint.  And a key aspect of staying in the race is doing work that is deeply fulfilling and meaningful.  Join us today as we talk about the the book Wanting by Luke Burgis and the importance of fulfilling work when it comes to staying in the game of building a future.

It is fairly common when talking about retirement for words like equity, bond, 401k, and Roth IRA to all be a part of the conversation.  However, when the idea of insurance as one of the assets that can be used in planning, we often see a “skip in the record” in the client's mind.  Inevitably, the next words that come out typically start with something like, “But I heard . . . . “.   For whatever reason, insurance as an asset and a tool tends to come with a fair number of myths and half-truths.  In this episode, we are going to walk through and debunk some of the most common myths about life insurance.  

It is fairly common when talking about retirement for words like equity, bond, 401k, and Roth IRA to all be a part of the conversation.  However, when the idea of insurance as one of the assets that can be used in planning, we often see a “skip in the record” in the client's mind.  Inevitably, the next words that come out typically start with something like, “But I heard . . . . “.   For whatever reason, insurance as an asset and a tool tends to come with a fair number of myths and half-truths.  In this episode, we are going to walk through and debunk some of the most common myths about life insurance.  

It is fairly common when talking about retirement for words like equity, bond, 401k, and Roth IRA to all be a part of the conversation.  However, when idea of insurance as one of the assets that can be used in planning, we often see a “skip in the record” in the client's mind.  Inevitably, the next words that come out typically start with something like, “But I heard . . . . “.   For whatever reason, insurance as an asset and a tool tends to come with a fair number of myths and half truths.  In the next three episodes, we are going to walk through and debunk some of the most common myths about life insurance.  

When it comes to building wealth and managing risk, we like to believe we have ice in our veins. In our experience, very few are immune to the effects of uncertainty. Yet risk, uncertainty, and our reactions to it can be a major factor in our ability to build wealth. Join us for the final episode as Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group talk with Ian Cron about the Enneagram system how each type handles volatility. Ian Morgan Cron is a renowned teacher of the Enneagram, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and a trained psychotherapist. Assessment: iEQ9 Couples Assessment or iEQ9 Individual Assessment. Discount code:  BENCHMARK to receive 20% off any assessment. 

One of the most critical and transformational conversations you can have is also the one that tends to get overlooked the most. That is the conversation around legacy. When you know what makes you truly fulfilled and when you become clear on your purpose, it can bring power and direction to the day to day like nothing else can. Join us for week 7 of 8 as Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group talk with Ian Cron about the Enneagram system and legacy. Ian Morgan Cron is a renowned teacher of the Enneagram, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and a trained psychotherapist. Assessment: iEQ9 Couples Assessment or iEQ9 Individual Assessment. Discount code:  BENCHMARK to receive 20% off any assessment.   

It has been said that money is simply a tool to get what you need. Yet very often we give money more power and influence over our lives than it deserves. Join us for week 6 of 8 as Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group talk with Ian Cron about the the key questions each enneagram type needs to explore. Why do we work, how do we look at money, and how should we approach building wealth? Ian Morgan Cron is a renowned teacher of the Enneagram, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and a trained psychotherapist. Assessment: iEQ9 Couples Assessment or iEQ9 Individual Assessment. Discount code:  BENCHMARK to receive 20% off any assessment. 

Last week we talked about how to approach your partner when it comes to making big life and money choices. Join us for week 5 of 8 as Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group talk with Ian Cron about flipping the script. This week we talk about the best way to "show up" for that same dialogue so you are bringing your best self to the wealth building conversation. Ian Morgan Cron is a renowned teacher of the Enneagram, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and a trained psychotherapist. Assessment: iEQ9 Couples Assessment or iEQ9 Individual Assessment. Discount code:  BENCHMARK to receive 20% off any assessment.   

Big decisions, especially when it comes to building wealth, are rarely done in a vacuum. There is usually a spouse, a partner, or mentor in the mix. Join us for week 4 of 8 as Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group talk with Ian Cron about how to approach other Enneagram types in order to make the money conversations more positive and fruitful. Ian Morgan Cron is a renowned teacher of the Enneagram, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and a trained psychotherapist.   Assessment: iEQ9 Couples Assessment or iEQ9 Individual Assessment. Discount code:  BENCHMARK to receive 20% off any assessment. 

Join us for week 3 of 8 as Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group talk with Ian Cron about the Enneagram system and how they it relates building wealth. The first two episodes were really a primer on the enneagram system. Today we get into some of the key motivations and drives for each of the types and how those motivations affect the choices we make about money and the future. Ian Morgan Cron is a renowned teacher of the Enneagram, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and a trained psychotherapist.   Assessment: iEQ9 Couples Assessment or iEQ9 Individual Assessment. Discount code:  BENCHMARK to receive 20% off any assessment. 

Join us for week 2 of 8 as Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group talk with Ian Cron about the Enneagram system and how they it relates building wealth.  Today's episode is a break down of what “healthy and unhealthy” looks like for each of the 9 Enneagram types and how that can impact our choices.  Ian Morgan Cron is a renowned teacher of the Enneagram, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and a trained psychotherapist. Assessment: iEQ9 Couples Assessment or iEQ9 Individual Assessment. Discount code:  BENCHMARK to receive 20% off any assessment. 

Over the next 8 weeks Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group talk with Ian Cron about the Enneagram system and how they relate to finance and building wealth.  Today's episode is an overview of each of the 9 Enneagram types as well as their core motivations and fears.  Ian Morgan Cron is a renowned teacher of the Enneagram, the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and The Story of You, an Episcopal priest, a speaker, and a trained psychotherapist. Assessment: iEQ9 Couples Assessment or iEQ9 Individual Assessment. Discount code:  BENCHMARK to receive 20% off any assessment. 

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group introduce an existing project that have been working on.  Learn what your Enneagram is: https://www.integrative9.com/

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group debunk simple advice that was found on social media. They go through calculations and show how a quote from the internet might sound good but isn't as realistic as it looks. 

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group are joined by Tresa Todd. As a speaker, author and CEO, Tresa's call is to inspire women to step into their best lives. She is the Founder and CEO of the Dallas Women's Real Estate Investors Association. Tresa has been speaking and teaching for over a decade. She is a certified life coach and a graduate of the BLAST authors and speakers program. In this episode Mary, Eric, & Tresa talk about Tresa's career journey & her pursuit to enhance women's life. 

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group are joined by Sarah Kowalski to discuss how to be a single mom & financially set up to do so. Sarah Kowalski is the author of Motherhood Reimagined and a Life Coach for single mother's by choice. She is a go to guide for women who are contemplating single motherhood, seeking help with fertility or raising donor-conceived children.

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group are joined by David Hollenbach to discuss how to transform failure into fuel for your future. David is a retired fire department battalion chief, international best selling author, professional speaker, & owner of Hollenbach Leadership.

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group are joined by Harlan Accola to talk about reverse mortgages. Harlan has been in the mortgage industry for over 20 years and is the author of the book "Home Equity & Reverse Mortgages".  

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group discuss what to do if you win the lottery or if you come into a large sum of money. 

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group are joined by Tony Lopes to discuss creating freedom in your own life. Tony Lopes is the CEO & founder of Dirty Boots Capital, author of Freedom at Risk, a GP for a real estate syndicator, and consultant. 

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group are joined by Leigh Bennett to talk about medicare. Leigh Bennett is a Medicare Advisory Manager and has been for over a decade. 

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group are joined by Jennifer Joyce to discuss real estate syndications. Jennifer Joyce is the owner and founder of JJ Capital Investments and has 22 years of real estate experience. 

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group, are joined by Beth Hendler-Grunt as they discuss life as a millennial in the professional world. Beth Hendler-Grunt is a dynamic leader, adviser, and facilitator. Her program, Next Great Step, enables millennials to step into the world of work with clarity on what opportunities to pursue, and how to use a step-by-step process to enable success.

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group discuss leaving your Financial Advisor.

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group discuss life expectancy vs. potential and how it relates to life insurance.

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group discuss the rules of home equity lines of credit.

In this week's episode, Mary Lyons, the Wealth Woman, and Eric Alexander of Benchmark Income Group discuss how to get out of insurance.