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For most people, debt isn't a mistake; it's just life. The mortgage, the car loan, and the credit cards are what everyone does. Making the minimum payments feels normal, but that actually keeps people stuck. Millions of families are drowning in debt, and they're barely managing. They're working hard, keeping up with their bills, but almost every dollar they earn goes right back out in interest. They're not moving forward; they're treading water. The hard part is, they're not doing anything "wrong." They're doing what the system taught them to do: stay cash-poor while the banks collect. People proudly lock in their 30-year loans at "record low rates," convinced they've made the smartest financial move of their lives. But they don't realize that even at 3%, they're giving away hundreds of thousands in interest. That money could be building security, breathing room, and financial freedom. What if the same dollars you're paying the bank every month could start working for you instead? What if your paycheck could reduce your interest, shorten your payoff timeline, and create new cash flow, without earning a cent more? In this episode, Velocity Banking expert Christy Vann and all-in-one loan expert Harrison George return. We unpack how the system keeps you cash poor, and the simple shifts that can set you free. From using tools like the all-in-one first-lien HELOC to applying velocity and Infinite Banking principles, you'll learn how to redirect your money and eliminate debt faster. Things You'll Learn In This Episode The minimum-payment illusion Most people think staying current on their bills means they're managing their money well. What if that belief is the very thing keeping them broke? The hidden cost of a low-rate mortgage A 3% mortgage feels like a win, until you realize it's still costing you hundreds of thousands in interest. How can you flip that money back in your favor? Turning interest into opportunity Every month, you hand a portion of your paycheck to the bank. What happens when you start redirecting that same money toward your own freedom instead? The smarter way to get debt-free You don't have to earn more or live with less to change your situation. How do systems like the all-in-one HELOC, Velocity Banking, and Infinite Banking make that possible? Guest Bio Harrison George is a highly accomplished Mortgage Loan Officer at CMG Financial in Meridian, Idaho, specializing in both purchase and refinance solutions. With a degree from Colorado Mesa University, he has earned recognition as a Top Producer by Scotsman Guide for his exceptional loan performance. Harrison is a thought leader in mortgage innovations, particularly the "All‑in‑One Loan" concept using LinkedIn and YouTube to educate homeowners, investors, and realtors on how to build equity faster and achieve greater financial flexibility. Dedicated to client success, Harrison emphasizes transparent communication and customized strategies, earning consistently positive feedback from satisfied borrowers. Subscribe to The Harrison George Team on YouTube Find Harrison on LinkedIn @Harrison George Christy Vann is a Velocity Banking expert, coach, and founder of Vanntastic Finances. She is a financial educator teaching people how to become debt-free very, VERY quickly! Christy explores debt-relief options with individuals, so we all may live in total financial peace! For more information, head to https://vanntasticfinances.com/, subscribe to her YouTube channe,l and join her private Facebook group. About Your Host From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America's #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is the founder of The Money School™ and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier. His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works. Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans, delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom. Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!
Using a HELOC as an emergency fund isn't always inherently wrong, but it's also not the straightforward optimization it might appear to be on the surface.
Tony Misura sits down with Chris Beard, Building Products Research Director at John Burns Research and Consulting, for a comprehensive look at what's really happening in housing and building materials markets heading into 2026. Chris breaks down the numbers that matter: why single-family starts are down mid-single digits while multifamily is strengthening, what the "magic" 5.5% mortgage rate means for buyer behavior, and why production builders are willing to pay a $130 premium per thousand board feet for Canadian lumber despite new tariffs. From the "wall of wood" created by preemptive inventory builds to the lock-in effect keeping 72% of homeowners in sub-5% mortgages, this episode cuts through the uncertainty of 2025's policy-driven volatility. Chris shares bullish forecasts through 2034 based on demographic trends, explains why the remodeling market could see major tailwinds from falling HELOC rates, and offers practical advice on building localized market dashboards. Whether you're a dealer, distributor, manufacturer, or builder planning your 2026 strategy, this conversation provides the data-driven insights you need to navigate labor shortages, tariff impacts, and regional market variations. Key Topics: Mortgage rates, Canadian lumber tariffs, household formation trends, multifamily construction, labor inflation, existing home sales, remodeling market opportunities, and regional market forecasting. Guest: Chris Beard, Building Products Research Director, John Burns Research and Consulting Length: 46 minutes
Are you a federal retiree still waiting for your first pension check? You're not alone—delays at OPM are leaving thousands in financial limbo. In this video, learn bridge strategies to cover expenses, avoid financial hardship, and what steps you can take now if your federal retirement payment is late.Your pension check might not be processed—so what are you going to do when no pension checks are being processed?
If you listened to Tom's last episode about using a HELOC to prevent a fraudulent transfer of the title to your home, this follow-up episode is for you.
Andrew Freed began as a project manager before a Rich Dad Poor Dad revelation led him to pursue financial freedom through real estate. Using a HELOC on his Boston condo, he rapidly scaled to 10 properties in two years and now oversees 400+ units with 50 more under contract. Specializing in multifamily, house hacking, and syndications, Andrew is a top BiggerPockets contributor and podcast guest who shares his expertise at meetups, inspiring others to achieve financial independence through real estate. Here's some of the topics we covered: From W2 Worker to Real Estate Savage The Secret Hack That Guarantees Success in Anything How Andrew Crushes It Buying C-Class Assets in Massachusetts The Rinse-and-Repeat Real Estate Formula That Keeps Printing Profits Living Every Day in a State of Abundance The Harsh Economic Reality Hitting the C-Class Market The Truth About Section 8 Housing The #1 Regret People Have on Their Deathbed The Hiring Game-Changer That Transformed Andrew's Business To find out more about partnering or investing in a multifamily deal: Text Partner to 72345 or email Partner@RodKhleif.com For more about Rod and his real estate investing journey go to www.rodkhleif.com Please Review and Subscribe
It is time for some smart money moves! This month, Art considers some moves that focus on gratitude and following the next step God gives you. Additionally, Art addresses two financial questions—one about a HELOC and another about buying a house. Don't miss it!Resources:8 Money MilestonesChristian Money HelpAsk a Money Question!
Home ownership is becoming harder for many Americans, with78% citing affordability issues like income and down payments (2024Bankrate/Yahoo Finance). Most buyers (74%) require financing, assessed by rulessuch as the 28/36 rule. The number of loan officers dropped by half from 2021to 2023 (Investopedia), and only 27–40% of buyers use them; most get loansthrough banks or credit unions.Michael Newmann, Branch Manager & Senior Loan Officer atCMG Home Loans, offers expertise in wealth-building home loans nationally. Withover 20 years in the industry and a background in psychology, he leadshigh-profile clients using strategies like CMG's innovative All-In-One Loan—a30-year HELOC with daily interest calculations and equity access. Michaelcombines financial knowledge with empathetic client service and strategicthinking, aiming to help clients save money and reduce their mortgage terms.For more information, For More Information: https://www.cmghomeloans.com/mysite/mike-newmann/team/The-Newmann-Group or call (541) 227-2722.
[Housing Wire] High Tech Lending launches a new flexible senior HELOC. [RMI] All the latest HECM data in Revere Market Insight's Market Minute. [Law Offices of Laurie E. Ohall] One law firm addresses the question of how heirs can settle an estate with a reverse mortgage. Watch our video podcast here!
Your home's equity can be a powerful financial tool — but should you tap into it through a line of credit or a fixed-rate loan? Compeer Home loan officer Scott Gundermann joins Home Sweet Home to explain the key differences between a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and a Home Equity Loan. Hear how each option works, what fits best for different goals and lifestyles, and how Compeer Home's rural expertise can help you use your equity with confidence.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The big brokerage firms are fighting for your investment accounts Our investment advisory firm over the years has never been a favorite of the big brokerage firms because we generally only do three, maybe four trades on average per year. But the big brokerage firms are now acting like the casinos in Las Vegas and are doing everything they can to get you on their platform. They will give you all kinds of tools and seminars, so you'll take higher risk and do more trading. In the meantime, they're downplaying the risk of trading. You see also like the casinos in Las Vegas, there are now stories of them giving away free rooms for the big players and they are giving you free software and free education on how to trade. Robinhood even invited 1000 people to Las Vegas and took them go kart racing and provided classes with their new trade platform. Schwab and Fidelity are doing similar types of events to get you to use more of their services. Once they get you in the door, they can show you how to use margin debt, which by the way hit a new record of $1.13 trillion in September, along with option trading and other exciting ways to make you think you can make a lot of money. Doesn't that sound like the casinos in Las Vegas that try and get you to hit the gambling tables? Unfortunately, it seems to be working somewhat because the percentage of investors who now have self-directed accounts is 33%, which is a big increase from 24% just five years ago. My problem with this, as you can tell, is I don't believe they're teaching people how to invest but more on how to gamble and how exciting it can be. Going back 100 years it's still the same with Wall Street, they will make some big profits, and the small investors will lose most if not all of their nest egg. Can Travis Kelce turn around Six Flags? If you're not sure who Travis Kelce is, he is a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs and engaged to the well-known singer Taylor Swift. Six Flags, which is a public company that trades under the symbol FUN, has received an investment of $200 million from the activist investment company JANA Partners. It was not disclosed how much investment Travis has of the $200 million, but he does like to invest in companies both public and private. He has investments in over 30 companies that include manufacturing, distribution, consumer goods, entertainment, and a beer company. He is pretty excited about his investment because as a kid he used to love the roller coasters, Dippin' Dots and him and his brother have great memories at Six Flags. He has suggested that they do a roller coaster with a 300 foot drop where riders feet dangle from beneath. Investing in Six Flags seems to be an uphill battle. Year to date the stock is down roughly 45%, the company is losing money and has a market capitalization of $2.6 billion. Travis does have a long-term perspective on all his investments likes we do. He is OK investing in a company losing money in hopes it could be turned around. Our philosophy at our firm is we will not invest in companies that do not have earnings. One benefit he does have is obviously his name and I'm sure if him and his fiancé, Taylor Swift, would start showing up at Six Flags, you can bet that they will be all over the news giving the company some nice free advertising. Markets actually declined after the Fed rate cut On Wednesday, the Fed announced they would lower their benchmark overnight borrowing rate by 0.25% to a range of 3.75%-4%. This marked the second consecutive cut of 0.25% and there is still one meeting left this year where we could see another rate cut. The keyword here is could and the lack of conviction around another cut is likely what spooked the market. Powell said a December rate cut isn't a “foregone conclusion” and while recently appointed Fed Governor Stephen Miran again dissented in favor of a 0.5% cut, there was also a hawkish dissent with Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid voting for no decrease. Schmid's vote and Powell's language was likely what sent the market lower after the announcement as many essentially had the December rate cut factored in as a sure thing. Powell also added that there is “a growing chorus” among the 19 Fed officials to “at least wait a cycle” before cutting again. This resulted in traders lowering the odds for a December cut to 67% from 90% the day prior. Given the lack of data and an economy that still appears to be in an alright position, I do believe the Fed needs to be careful cutting too quickly especially since they are taking another accommodative stance with the announcement that they would be ending the reduction of its asset purchases – a process known as quantitative tightening – on Dec 1. This in theory will stimulate the Treasury and mortgage-backed securities markets, which should help with longer dated debt instruments, as the Fed was allowing these assets to just roll off the balance sheet and now will need to step in and buy new debt to replace the securities as they mature. While QT shaved off around $2.3 trillion from the Fed's balance sheet, Covid led to a major expansion from just over $4 trillion to close to $9 trillion. The question is with the rapid expansion just a few years ago, was enough removed from the balance sheet to put it at a more normalized level. Like with the Fed cuts, I do believe if monetary policy eases too much, we risk a return of inflation and a further increase in many speculative assets that could cause problems down the road. Financial Planning: When does a Solar System Make Sense? Buying a solar system generally makes the most sense if you use a lot of electricity and plan to stay in your home long term. Installing by the end of 2025 allows you to capture the 30% federal tax credit, which significantly shortens the payback period. If the system is financed with a mortgage or home equity line of credit (HELOC), the interest may be tax-deductible, allowing for little or no upfront cash outlay and after-tax loan payments that can be lower than the monthly electricity savings. Owned solar panels usually increase home value, though not always enough to fully offset the system's cost, which is why longer-term ownership is important to recoup the investment. In California, including a battery is almost always recommended so you can store power generated during the day for use at night, reducing the need to buy expensive electricity from the grid. Leasing can be attractive for shorter-term homeowners if lease payments are well below current utility costs, but leases generally don't increase home value and don't qualify for tax credits. The main advantage is immediate monthly savings without an upfront investment, though leased panels can complicate a future home sale. In some cases, it may be best not to install solar at all—for example, if you don't plan to stay in the home long term, or if your electricity usage and potential savings are too low to justify the hassle and possible roof wear from installation. Companies Discussed: The Coca-Cola Company (KO), Capital One Financial Corporation (COF), QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM), Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (KNX)
Eli Goodman of Illinois Real Estate Buyers gives the complete playbook on dealing directly with sellers to acquire off-market deals! Eli starts with explaining the grind it took to get his wholesaling off the ground! He discusses the right way to communicate with distressed sellers to create win-win scenarios and also throws in a few horror stories. Eli shares the various processes for direct to seller marketing and how he's achieved success. He closes things to keep in mind when practicing wholesaling in Illinois to mitigate your risk! If you enjoy today's episode, please leave us a review and share with someone who may also find value in this content! ============= Connect with Mark and Tom: StraightUpChicagoInvestor.com Email the Show: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Properties for Sale on the North Side? We want to buy them. Email: StraightUpChicagoInvestor@gmail.com Have a vacancy? We can place your next tenant and give you back 30-40 hours of your time. Learn more: GCRealtyInc.com/tenant-placement Has Property Mgmt become an opportunity cost for you? Let us lower your risk and give you your time back to grow. Learn more: GCRealtyinc.com ============= Guest: Eli Goodman, Illinois Real Estate Buyers Link: Eli's Instagram Link: Eli's Meet Up Link: Never Split the Difference (Book Recommendation) Link: Dan Clarton (Title Services Referral) Guest Questions: 01:42 Housing Provider Tip - Leverage a HELOC on your primary residence for emergencies and to continue scaling! 03:37 Intro to our guest, Eli Goodman! 07:00 Getting a wholesaling business off the ground. 11:42 How to communicate directly with sellers! 17:18 Tactical tips on direct to seller marketing. 25:08 Building a list of cash buyers. 34:33 Outlook on Eli's wholesaling business. 37:07 Challenges of wholesaling in Illinois. 44:19 What is your competitive advantage? 44:45 One piece of advice for new investors. 45:00 What do you do for fun? 45:12 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend? 45:29 Local Network Recommendation? 46:05 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you? ----------------- Production House: Flint Stone Media Copyright of Straight Up Chicago Investor 2025.
What if we stopped investing like bystanders and started investing like owners and “neighbors” in the story of our finances?When you invest like an owner, our portfolios can reflect faithful stewardship and create real-world impact. Robin John joins us today to share practical ways to move from passive investing to purposeful ownership.Robin John is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Eventide Asset Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He's also the author of the book, The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World.Investing vs. SpeculatingMany people confuse investing with speculating. Speculating—like day trading—is often no different than gambling. It's focused on short-term gains, trying to predict what the market will do tomorrow. But investing is about ownership. When you buy a stock, you're buying a piece of a company. You become a co-owner.That means your money is participating in real work—serving customers, employing people, and creating products that impact lives. As Christians, we should invest in companies we believe are doing good for the world, not just generating profits.Speculation is reactive and anxious. Investing, when done faithfully, allows us to rest in the knowledge that our capital is working toward purposes aligned with God's design for flourishing.The Responsibility of OwnershipOwnership changes everything. It confers ethical responsibility.If you owned a neighborhood store, you'd care deeply about how it serves your community, treats employees, and impacts the environment. In the same way, being a shareholder means you share in both the profits and the moral implications of what that company does.That's why Eventide Asset Management believes that Christians must think like owners, not traders. Ownership means engaging thoughtfully with the companies we invest in—voting proxies, engaging in dialogue with management, and ensuring that our capital is stewarded with integrity. Our investing isn't just about earning; it's about embodying our faith in the marketplace.Why Passive Investing Deserves a Closer LookIn recent years, many investors have turned to index funds or “passive” strategies. While these offer simplicity and diversification, I believe we should pause and ask: What are we actually owning?As Christians, we can't do anything passively—not even investing. Romans 12:2 calls us to avoid conforming to the patterns of this world, to renew our minds, and to discern what is good. That means we can't blindly invest in every company just because it's part of a market index.Do we really want to profit from industries like pornography, abortion, gambling, or tobacco? Our calling is to pursue good profits—profits that come from serving others and honoring God.To meet that need, Eventide has created systematic ETFs—investment funds that provide broad market exposure while intentionally excluding harmful industries. They're designed for believers who want to participate in the market without compromising biblical conviction.The Neighbor Map: Loving People Through InvestingIn his book, The Good Investor, Robin shares something he calls the Neighbor Map—a framework that helps us see all the “neighbors” affected by a business.God's command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19) isn't abstract. It applies to the business world. At Eventide, they have identified six key neighbors every company should serve:Customers – Are the company's products truly good for those who use them?Employees – Are they treated with dignity, fairness, and care?Suppliers – Are business relationships ethical and respectful?Communities – Does the company create meaningful jobs and contribute positively to local life?The Environment – Is creation being stewarded well? Caring for creation is one of the most direct ways to love the poor, because it's the poor who suffer most from pollution and neglect.Society – Is the company contributing to the flourishing of the broader culture?Faithful investing isn't only about avoiding harm—it's also about embracing good. When we invest in companies that love their neighbors well, we participate in God's ongoing work of restoration.As investors, we're not distant spectators. We're partners. At Eventide, they engage directly with the companies we invest in—raising concerns, asking hard questions, and encouraging leadership to act with wisdom and compassion.Their goal isn't confrontation—it's collaboration. Whether it's addressing supply chain ethics, employee safety, or corporate philanthropy, we approach these conversations as co-owners who want to see good companies become even better.Clarity for Every Christian InvestorMany believers are unaware of what their money supports. That's why the team at Eventide created GoodInvestor.com—a free tool that allows you to screen your portfolio and see exactly what you're investing in. You can also connect with advisors who understand faith-based investing and can help you align your portfolio with your convictions.We hope that Christians everywhere would invest with joy, clarity, and confidence—knowing that their capital is serving God's purposes in the world. When we invest, we're not just moving money—we're shaping the world. Every dollar we deploy carries moral and spiritual weight.Our prayer is that more believers would see investing as a form of worship—a way to love God and neighbor through the stewardship of capital. Together, we can build a world that rejoices, where profits are good, people are valued, and creation is honored.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Back in 2010, my parents set up a life estate warranty deed for their home, adding my siblings and me to the deed. My mom passed away eight years ago, and my dad passed in December 2024. We're preparing to sell the house now, but I keep hearing that we need to use a “life expectancy table” to calculate the home's value for capital gains or losses. Can you explain how that works and what steps we'll need to take for the taxes?I've saved up three months' worth of income—about $2,300 in total—and I still owe around $500 on a HELOC and another $500 on a credit card with interest rates of about 7% and 8.9%. My question is: Should I treat my savings separately from my three-month emergency fund? For example, if something unexpected happens—like a car repair—I don't want to touch my emergency fund. Is there a certain percentage or guideline for how much should be in an emergency fund versus regular savings?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World by Robin C. JohnEventide Asset ManagementGoodInvestor.com (Investment Screening Tool and Advisor Search)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Starting an IBC policy when everything feels worst? That's exactly how Nelson Nash discovered Infinite Banking, when bank rates hit 23% and leverage turned on him. Here's what he did, why it worked, and how to avoid the same traps.
Joining us on this episode of Living Off Rentals is someone who's helped countless people escape the trap of long-term loans that can end up costing nearly twice the original amount. Adam Carroll is a financial educator, speaker, and founder of The Shred Method. Through this approach, he's helped families and real estate investors accelerate their mortgage payoff timelines through smart money management and the strategic use of lines of credit. Listen as he breaks down a simple but powerful strategy that turns traditional banking upside down and helps homeowners and investors eliminate debt, build equity faster, and save thousands in interest. Enjoy the show! Key Takeaways: [00:00] Introducing Adam Carroll and his background [02:36] What makes Adam interested in The Shred Method? [04:40] The Shred Method defined [06:28] How The Shred Method optimizes your cash flow and what it actually does [09:05] Understanding amortization and how most payments go to interest [10:51] How lump-sum payments speed up principal payoff [11:59] Turning rental income into a faster wealth-building tool [13:57] Why simple interest (HELOC) beats compound interest over time [15:10] Using short-term borrowing to save long-term interest [16:50] The benefits of the Shred Method [18:50] Why traditional banking habits keep most people stuck [22:45] Paying off vs. leveraging. How to decide what's right for you [23:45] Why paying properties to zero isn't always the best move [27:09] Can you get a KLOC on a rental property? [32:51] Success stories from Shred Method [38:47] How small wins create a financial snowball effect [41:00] Most people don't have an income problem; they have a payment problem [44:04] Outro Guest Links: Website: https://theshredmethod.com/ Show Links: Living Off Rentals YouTube Channel – youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentals Living Off Rentals YouTube Podcast Channel - youtube.com/c/LivingOffRentalsPodcast Living Off Rentals Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/livingoffrentals Living Off Rentals Website – https://www.livingoffrentals.com/ Living Off Rentals Instagram – instagram.com/livingoffrentals Living Off Rentals TikTok – tiktok.com/@livingoffrentals
Real Estate Expert & Best-Selling Author, Gerald Lucas discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a HELOC (home equity line of credit).
Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks. Also in this episode - Home prices have inflated so much in recent years, and banks are luring home owners to tap that home equity like it's a piggy bank. But what does this do to your overall wealth? Before you're tempted, hear what Clark has to say about HELOCs and home equity loans. Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 Home Equity Decisions: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It? Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Understanding the Difference 4 Common Scams on Cash App, Venmo and Zelle (and How To Avoid Them) What Is an HSA Account and How Does It Work? Where Should I Set Up My Health Savings Account (HSA)? Report: 10 Used Cars With Big Price Drops HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Similarities and Differences Home Equity Loan Calculator - Clark Howard Is a HELOC a Good Idea? The Simple Answer How To Buy a House in 9 Steps What to know about online purchases and tariffs Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com / Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Will gold hit $5000 an ounce? With all the excitement surrounding the run up in gold this year it seems to be an easy target. However, as investors pour money into precious metals, such as gold, people have to remember that President Trump has pledged to stimulate the economy through tax cuts. The run up in gold has been due to investors that worry about the future of the dollar and other major currencies. Wall Street has labeled this the debasement trade. The dollar did decline in the first six months of 2025, but it has since stabilized. September saw a record $33 billion invested in exchange traded funds tied to physical gold. The excitement continues for gold buyers, but it is important to remember that normally during uncertain times investors will find safety in dollar denominated assets like treasuries that can push-up the dollar's value. The danger for gold investors is if the narrative shifts, gold could have a major decline. If you look back 165 years to 1860, you will see that gold has other multi-year runs but has consistently had a major bust after those run ups. Investors in gold should also look at what happened in 1979 with a major rally in gold but 3 1/2 years later all the gains accumulated had disappeared. Investors may want to take some of their profits because the higher gold climbs, the bigger the fall could be. In my view, $5000 per ounce for gold is a big gamble. Great news, more working-class Americans than ever before are in the stock market. That does sound like good news, but then when you dig a little deeper, it is rather scary! 54% of Americans with incomes between $30,000 and $80,000 have taxable investment accounts. There are several reasons for this like no more commissions for trading stocks, the excitement of investing on certain social media sites, and it's so easy to trade stocks now as anyone who has a cell phone can pretty much trade stocks instantaneously. I remember an old saying from years ago that when your barber starts talking to you about stock tips that is the peak of the market. This seems to be where we're at today and unfortunately, these investors have only been investing for probably the last five years and have not experienced any long, lasting declines or turmoil in the markets. Many of these investors are simply trading stocks and don't understand the fundamentals of investing for the long-term. Some of them have experienced very good returns, not because of any specialized knowledge but because of the luck of picking some highflyers that have done well for them in the short term. In many cases, they do not believe it's luck and they feel they now know what they're doing. These investors probably have no idea what the earnings or debt is for the stocks they are trading. They just see that they continue to make money as they buy and sell. It is a shame because many of them are young investors from 25 to 45 years old and a big mistake could cost them years of compounding. Over my 40+ years of working in the investment industry I've heard the same story many times, and it never turns out well. When you try to help them understand how things really work in the investment world, they justify what they're doing with such statements as “this time it is different”. I wish these young investors would understand that investing in stocks and earning a 10% annual return per year is very good. I'm sure many who read this or hear the words I speak think I have no clue what they're doing, and they have a specialized technique that can't fail. When the day comes, which it will, these investors will be left with a small amount of capital and not much time left to invest because they are now older and closer to retirement. Only then will they realize that their risky trading strategy proved to be nothing more than gambling! Lower end consumers are having a hard time making their car payments With the rising cost of cars and higher interest rates, lower end consumers are falling behind on their car payments, and the numbers are starting to get a little scary. 14% of new cars that were sold to people had a credit score under 650, this is the highest percent going back to 2016. People seem to be getting in over their head as subprime loans that are 60 days or more overdue are at a record 6% this year. The number of repossessed vehicles is also climbing to a record not seen in 16 years to an estimated 17.3 million repossessed vehicles. Some consumers overbought a car probably due to a good salesperson and that new car smell that sometimes is hard to resist. Some consumers are starting to regret their new car purchase considering the average car payment is around $750 and 20% of loans and new leases are over $1000 a month. We will continue to watch this indicator along with others to verify that we are only seeing a slowdown of growth in the economy, rather than a declining economy. It's important to remember to be careful where you invest. It appears that some of these subprime loans for cars ended up in private loan deals that were sold as low risk because of no market fluctuation. The problem here is we are starting to see write-downs from publicly traded banks for bad loans and with private credit you might not know there is a problem until it's too late since they don't have to disclose the same info as these publicly traded companies. Financial Planning: Upgrade Your Emergency Fund to an Emergency Plan When paychecks stop, as many federal employees are currently experiencing, having an emergency plan with multiple layers of liquidity is essential. The first line of defense is your credit card. When used strategically, it can buy you up to two months of interest-free spending since no interest accrues until after the statement due date. However, you don't want to carry a balance beyond that point. Next comes cash reserves, ideally kept in a high-yield Treasury bill money market fund, where your money earns competitive interest while avoiding state tax. Beyond cash, having credit lines such as a HELOC provides deeper, low-cost access to capital without forcing you to liquidate investments. These can take a couple of months to establish, and since they generally don't have origination fees, it's best to set them up before you need them. After that, investment accounts can serve as a secondary safety net. Taxable accounts may generate capital gains, but withdrawals are unrestricted. Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free at any age, and HSA accounts can issue reimbursements for qualified medical expenses incurred in prior years. In a true last-resort scenario, you can even access retirement funds through a 60-day rollover, temporarily using the cash before redepositing it. By layering these tools, from credit to cash to credit lines to investments, you build a structured, flexible liquidity plan that can withstand extended income disruptions and operate far more efficiently than simply keeping 12 months of expenses in a savings account. Companies Discussed: Ferrari (RACE), Papa John's International, Inc. (PZZA) Salesforce, Inc. (CRM) & Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
Upstart co-founder and CTO Paul Gu joins OPTO Sessions to explain how AI underwriting powers 92% fully automated loans and lifts conversion to approximately 24% as the AI lending marketplace returns to profitability with triple digit revenue growth. He unpacks fraud controls, the Upstart Macro Index, and expansion into HELOC and auto. -----The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. Opto Markets LLC does not recommend any specific securities or investment strategies. Investing involves risk & investments may lose value, including the loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should consider their investment objectives and risks carefully before investing. The information provided is not an endorsement of this product and is for information and/or educational purposes only.
It's been a while since I've talked about Wealth Formula Banking in detail, and I know we have a lot of new listeners who may not have heard about it yet. So today, I want to share a webinar that explains why I think this strategy is such a no-brainer. First off—what is Wealth Formula Banking? You may have heard of something called “infinite banking.” It's a similar concept, but instead of focusing on paying your bills, Wealth Formula Banking is specifically designed to amplify your investments. My introduction to this idea came the same way you're hearing it now—through a podcast. I kept hearing the phrase “be your own bank.” Honestly, I didn't know what that meant, and I tuned it out until a friend finally broke it down for me. That's when I had my aha moment. Here's why. Normally, when you want to invest in a cash-flowing asset, you park money in a checking or savings account first. The problem? Those accounts pay you almost nothing—well under 1 percent. Meanwhile, inflation is running at 2–3 percent, so you're guaranteed to lose money. That's why my friend Robert Kiyosaki always says, “savers are losers.” Wealth Formula Banking flips that script. You're essentially creating a special kind of cash value life insurance policy, where the money you put in grows at a virtually bulletproof 5–6 percent compounding rate per year. Not that sexy on its own, BUT…here's the kicker: you don't have to pull that money out to invest in your deal. Instead, you borrow against it from the insurance company's general ledger at a simple interest rate. That means your original money keeps compounding inside the policy at 5–6 percent—even while you've borrowed against it to invest in cash-flowing assets like real estate. That's the key. With a HELOC, when you borrow, your money stops working for you. With Wealth Formula Banking, your money never stops growing. So now you've got the same dollars doing two jobs at once: earning safe, compounding growth inside your policy and generating income from your investments outside of it. By simply routing your money through Wealth Formula Banking, you're supercharging your returns. And here's what makes it even more powerful: tax-free growth within the insurance account, real asset protection to shield your wealth from lawsuits and creditors. Plus, it includes a permanent death benefit, which means that in addition to building wealth today, you're also creating a lasting legacy for your family tomorrow. It's not magic—it's math. And it's the kind of smart arbitrage that can turn ordinary investments into extraordinary ones. Schedule a FREE consultation: https://wealthformulabanking.com
Send us a textHow Two First-Time Franchisees Built a Thriving Roofing Business — Without Construction BackgroundsIn this episode, the team sits down with Kevin and Kathy, first-time franchise owners of Action Exteriors, to unpack how two non-constructors turned a leap of faith into a fast-growing exterior restoration business.They share how they mastered insurance claims, learned the trades on the fly, built a team-first culture, and turned single-scope roof jobs into multi-trade projects that scale. Expect a real conversation about cash flow, subs, support, and the realities of ownership—not a highlight reel.You'll learn:• Why Kevin and Kathy chose Action Exteriors based on culture and coaching, not hype• How they turned insurance roofs into profitable multi-trade projects• The keys to hiring slow, firing fast, and protecting culture early• How to manage 30–90 day insurance receivables without running dry• The right way to use subcontractor networks for scale and quality• What “selling outcomes over items” really looks like in home services• How they planned funding with ROBS and HELOC backup• The path from residential to commercial roofing (and licensing in Oklahoma)• Why local relationship marketing beats vanity social posting• How they're already thinking about their exit strategy and unit acquisitionsThis episode is packed with real franchise ownership lessons—from managing cash and crews to building a scalable, sellable business with no prior construction experience.
⭐ Join Rental Property Mastery, my community of rental investors on their way to financial freedom: http://coachcarson.com/rpm
Most people obsess over “rate of return”, but they miss the banking process that controls every dollar in their life and how to leverage that same dollar to make more. Book: Life Without The Bank by Mary Jo Irmen
Most people think they can't invest in real estate because their local market is too expensive. Mike Buska proves that excuse wrong. He works full-time in private security and lives a market where finding cash flow is nearly impossible. Instead of giving up, he looked out of state. Within a year, he built a portfolio of seven units across Detroit and Pennsylvania while still working his demanding full-time job. In this episode, Mike reveals how he turned long-distance investing into an advantage by creating systems and relying on the right local partners to operate his properties. He also explains how he tapped into a HELOC, using the equity in his primary home to fund multiple deals and accelerate his growth without draining his savings. Mike's story is proof that location doesn't matter when you have the right plan, the right people, and the discipline to take action. If you've been waiting for the “perfect time” or thinking your market is too expensive, this episode shows you how to start investing remotely, scale faster, and build wealth no matter where you live. Book your mentorship discovery call with Cory RESOURCES
Mike Cagney, the founder of Figure joins the show. In this episode we discuss: The process of taking Figure public in September 2025. The market structure for tokenized securities. Perspectives on the key issues being debated in the context of The Clarity Act. Reg NMS considerations for blockchain assets. The impact of stablecoins on the banking sector. The original thesis of Figure and the attractiveness of the HELOC market. The Provenance Blockchain Competition versus legacy financial services firms. To learn more about Figure visit figure.com. Follow Mike on X. Follow Figure on X.
Send us a textIn this conversation, the hosts discuss their journey in real estate investing, reflecting on their experiences in nursing, the challenges of financing properties, and the strategies they employed to build their portfolio. They share insights on networking, professional development, and the importance of cash flow in real estate. The discussion also touches on their first property purchase, the lessons learned, and the financial gains from selling properties. Overall, the conversation provides a comprehensive overview of their investing journey and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, the hosts discuss their journey through real estate investment, focusing on their experiences with property rehabs, the challenges of flipping houses, and the lessons learned from their first investment. They explore the importance of leveraging home equity and the HELOC strategy, as well as the transition to mobile home parks. The conversation highlights the significance of continuous learning, attending real estate conferences for motivation, and evolving investment strategies over time.Be sure to follow us on instagram hereSubscribe to our YouTube channel hereClick the link, share your contact details, and we'll help you get started on your investment journey. Start now!Be sure to follow us on instagram here Subscribe to our YouTube channel here Click the link, share your contact details, and we'll help you get started on your investment journey. Start now!
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this conversation, Joseph shares his journey towards financial independence, highlighting the challenges of stagnant wages against rising inflation. He discusses how he turned to podcasts for inspiration and education, particularly focusing on real estate investment. Joseph details his innovative approach to financing renovations through a zero-interest credit card, ultimately leading to a successful rental income stream. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true ‘white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a “mini-mastermind” with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming “Retreat”, either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas “Big H Ranch”? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
In this episode of The Loan Officer Marketing Podcast, Chris Johnstone sits down with top-performing loan officer Jarrod Manley to reveal how he used the Loan Officer CRM and the Mortgage Marketing Animals Call Blitz system to generate nine applications and a HELOC from just 32 phone calls in a single day. Jarrod shares how embracing AI, following proven systems, and keeping the right mindset helped him reignite his database and turn old leads into funded deals. Here's what you'll learn: How to reignite your database: Step-by-step insights into Jarrod's Call Blitz process that produced real refinance and HELOC opportunities. The power of AI in loan origination: How Jarrod uses ChatGPT inside his CRM to refine scripts, emails, and follow-up messages. Mindset & consistency: Why embracing technology, staying positive, and taking massive action separates top producers from everyone else. Listen now and discover how to combine proven call systems with AI-powered tools to turn conversations into closed loans!
Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the impact of a government shutdown, U.S. private companies losing 32,000 jobs in September, what you need to know about a HELOC, and to answer all of your real estate and mortgage questions. David hosts “Home Sweet Home […]
The Chrisman Commentary Daily Mortgage News Podcast delivers timely insights for mortgage lenders, loan officers, capital markets professionals, and anyone curious about the mortgage and housing industry. Hosted by industry expert Robbie Chrisman, each weekday episode breaks down mortgage rates, lending news, housing market trends, capital markets activity, and regulatory updates with insightful analysis, expert perspectives, and conversations with top professionals from across the mortgage industry. Stay informed, gain actionable insights, and keep up with developments in mortgage banking and housing finance. Learn more at www.chrismancommentary.com.In today's episode, we go through the impact of a government shutdown on the mortgage industry. Plus, Robbie sits down with Spring EQ's Reno Heine for a discussion on when and why loan originators should consider HELOC and HELOAN products for clients, key factors in choosing between them, and the future outlook for second mortgages. And we look at the latest influences on both the Fed and mortgage rates.This week's podcasts are sponsored by Spring EQ, one of the nation's leading non-bank home equity lenders, giving partners more ways to serve customers. Known for speed, service, and innovation, Spring EQ makes tapping into home equity easier.
Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the impact of a government shutdown, U.S. private companies losing 32,000 jobs in September, what you need to know about a HELOC, and to answer all of your real estate and mortgage questions. David hosts “Home Sweet Home […]
Mortgage and real estate expert David Hochberg joins Jon Hansen, filling in for John Williams, to talk about the impact of a government shutdown, U.S. private companies losing 32,000 jobs in September, what you need to know about a HELOC, and to answer all of your real estate and mortgage questions. David hosts “Home Sweet Home […]
Ready to take a deep dive and learn how to generate personal tax-free cash flow from your corporation? Enroll in our FREE masterclass here and book a call hereWhat if your mortgage, checking account, and line of credit were all combined into one powerful tool—could it really speed up your debt freedom and build wealth faster, or just cost you more in the long run?Many Canadians are intrigued by the Manulife One account, a product that promises simplicity, flexibility, and cash flow efficiency. On the surface, it looks like a debt optimizer's dream—every dollar you earn instantly works to reduce interest. But behind the appeal lie real risks: higher rates, temptation to overspend, and the need for disciplined money management. If you've ever wondered whether this account is a smart wealth-building strategy or an expensive convenience, this episode breaks down the truth.In this conversation, you'll discover:Why the Manulife One account can accelerate mortgage payoff and unlock advanced wealth strategies like the Smith Maneuver.The hidden pitfalls that trip up borrowers—and how to know if this tool is a fit for your financial discipline.An alternative approach using a traditional mortgage with a re-advanceable HELOC that may give you lower rates while still opening doors to long-term wealth.Press play now to learn whether Manulife One is your secret weapon—or if there's a smarter path to financial freedom waiting for you.Discover which phase of wealth creation you are in. Take our quick assessment and you'll receive a custom wealth-building pathway that matches your phase and learn our CRA compliant tax optimized strategies. Take that assessment here.Canadian Wealth Secrets Show Notes Page:Consider reaching out to Kyle…taking a salary with a goal of stuffing RRSPs;…investing inside your corporation without a passive income tax minimization strategy;…letting a large sum of liquid assets sit in low interest earning savings accounts;…investing corporate dollars into GICs, dividend stocks/funds, or other investments attracting corporate passive income taxes at greater than 50%; or,…wondering whether your current corporate wealth management strategy is optimal for your specific situation.Achieving financial freedom in Canada requires more than paying down a mortgage—it's about creating a holistic Canadian wealth plan that aligns with your goals. Tools like the Manulife One account can streamline cash flow, strengthen debt management, and even open doors to strategies like the Smith Maneuver, where home equity is re-leveraged for investment and wealth buildReady to connect? Text us your comment including your phone number for a response!Canadian Wealth Secrets is an informative podcast that digs into the intricacies of building a robust portfolio, maximizing dividend returns, the nuances of real estate investment, and the complexities of business finance, while offering expert advice on wealth management, navigating capital gains tax, and understanding the role of financial institutions in personal finance.
Send us a textIn this conversation, the hosts discuss their journey in real estate investing, reflecting on their experiences in nursing, the challenges of financing properties, and the strategies they employed to build their portfolio. They share insights on networking, professional development, and the importance of cash flow in real estate. The discussion also touches on their first property purchase, the lessons learned, and the financial gains from selling properties. Overall, the conversation provides a comprehensive overview of their investing journey and the lessons learned along the way. In this conversation, the hosts discuss their journey through real estate investment, focusing on their experiences with property rehabs, the challenges of flipping houses, and the lessons learned from their first investment. They explore the importance of leveraging home equity and the HELOC strategy, as well as the transition to mobile home parks. The conversation highlights the significance of continuous learning, attending real estate conferences for motivation, and evolving investment strategies over time.Be sure to follow us on instagram here Subscribe to our YouTube channel here Click the link, share your contact details, and we'll help you get started on your investment journey. Start now!
This week's market spotlight is on the Federal Reserve, as they cut the Fed Funds rate by 0.25 percentage points—and, perhaps more importantly, signaled what could be ahead for future rate cuts. We also dig into the latest Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment data.After the break, we shift gears to mortgage rates with Shanna Squires from Henssler Mortgage Advisors. She shares insights on how quickly Fed rate changes filter into the mortgage market, what that timing means for homeowners, and when refinancing may be the right move. We'll also discuss how locking in a lower rate could lead to meaningful long-term savings.Finally, we tackle a listener question about launching a business. With more than $1 million in investments and $250,000 in cash, but needing $500,000 to get started, what's the smartest way to fund the venture? We weigh the pros and cons of tapping into cash and investments versus exploring options like a business loan or private equity—all while keeping his overall financial plan, cash flow, retirement, and long-term goals in focus.Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty. Henssler Money Talks — September 20, 2025 | Season 39, Episode 38Timestamps and Chapters6:31: Reviewing “Up in Smoke”14:03: Fed Rate Cuts, Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment28:12: Time to Refinance? Looking at Mortgage Rate Movements41:21: Funding in Focus: Pros and Cons of Raising CapitalFollow Henssler: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HensslerFinancial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HensslerFinancial LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/henssler-financial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hensslerfinancial/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hensslerfinancial?lang=en X: https://www.x.com/hensslergroup “Henssler Money Talks” is brought to you by Henssler Financial. Sign up for the Money Talks Newsletter: https://www.henssler.com/newsletters/
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Consider how precious a soul must be, when both God and the devil are after it.” The story of the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19 shows us just how true that is. This young man approached Jesus with a pressing question: “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”What followed was a conversation that revealed not only his heart but also the way possessions can grip any of us more deeply than we realize.A Revealing QuestionAt first glance, the man seemed sincere. But notice his words: “What good thing must I do?” He assumed that eternal life could be earned—checked off like an item on a list. Jesus, however, had just finished telling the crowd that the Kingdom belongs to those who receive it like children, wholly dependent on God's goodness. The man either missed or resisted that truth.When Jesus pointed him to the commandments, it wasn't because those could save him. It was to reveal what held the highest place in his heart. Outwardly, he looked moral. Inwardly, his wealth had become his god.When the man pressed further, Jesus cut to the core: “Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:22 records the heartbreaking result: “When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had many possessions.”The issue wasn't money—it was devotion. Jesus loved him enough to name the one thing keeping him from life. For him, it was wealth. For us, it might be something else—career, reputation, control. Whatever we prize above Christ must be surrendered.What This Means for UsDoes this mean every believer is called to sell everything? Not necessarily. As the NIV Study Bible notes, Jesus's command applied directly to this man's spiritual condition. But the principle still stands: anything we cling to more tightly than Christ can become a barrier to faith.After the man walked away, Jesus warned His disciples: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Wealth is not evil, but it has the unique power to enslave us.So the question for us is this: What competes for your devotion? What gives you a sense of identity or security apart from Christ?Jesus's words to the Rich Young Ruler are both sobering and full of hope. Wealth can blind us to our need for God, but surrendering to Christ leads to true life. The invitation is the same today: Will we cling to temporary treasures, or embrace the eternal treasure of knowing Him?Because the problem isn't wealth, the problem is worship.———————————————————————————————————————At FaithFi, we often talk about being “rich toward God,” a phrase Jesus used in Luke 12 when warning about the Rich Fool. It means treasuring Christ above all else, practicing generosity, and holding our resources with open hands.That's why we've created the Rich Toward God study, designed to help you see money and possessions from God's perspective and reorient your heart toward eternal treasure. You can order a copy—or even place a bulk order for group study—at FaithFi.com/Shop.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I have a blended family with some grown kids and some still at home. How should we set up the beneficiaries on our term life insurance?Our bank suggested that we keep our HELOC open even after the mortgage is paid off, as protection against fraudulent title transfers. Is that sound advice?I have savings bonds that have matured, and I'd like to add a co-owner. Since banks no longer handle this, how can I update the registration?I'm trying to help my 81-year-old mother understand reverse mortgages, and also explain to my siblings how it would work if she gets one—especially what happens to the home's value after she passes away.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)TreasuryDirectUnderstanding Reverse: Simplifying the Reverse Mortgage by Dan HultquistMovement MortgageWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Property insurance costs are now the fastest-growing housing expense, up 70% in just five years and nearly 10% of the average mortgage payment. In this episode, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest ICE Mortgage Monitor, including why insurance is outpacing mortgage and tax costs, how home prices and foreclosures are shifting, and what falling HELOC and refinance rates mean for homeowners and investors navigating today's affordability crunch. JOIN US AT OUR RealWealth® EVENT: www.realwealth.com/1031 FOLLOW OUR PODCASTS Real Wealth Show: Real Estate Investing Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/RWS SOURCE: https://mortgagetech.ice.com/resources/data-reports/september-2025-mortgage-monitor
In this episode, Paul is joined by SFG's new advisor Lance Chisum for a candid review of a Dave Ramsey video on housing and post-divorce financial decisions. Together, they unpack the caller's circumstances, substantial home equity, low-rate mortgage, and the possibility of a HELOC, while questioning whether Ramsey's quick advice fully addresses the bigger financial picture. Paul and Lance highlight what's missing: tax planning opportunities, liquidity strategies, retirement contributions, and vital insurance protection. They also explore the emotional side of money, from staying in a home for sentimental reasons to making choices influenced by future relationships. Drawing on Lance's decades of experience, the discussion contrasts the limitations of financial “counseling” with the depth of true financial advising. The episode ultimately underscores why tailored, goal-focused advice matters far more than one-size-fits-all solutions. -- Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: reviewing a Dave Ramsey video 01:40 – Mortgage, equity & HELOC breakdown 03:40 – Debt redeployment and emotional decisions 06:10 – Where Ramsey's advice falls short 08:00 – Divorce, remarriage & housing considerations 09:50 – Tax exclusions & planning opportunities 12:10 – Overlooked factors: retirement & insurance 4:30 – Financial counseling vs. real financial advising -- This Material is Intended for General Public Use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Insurance products and services are offered and sold through Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group and individually licensed and appointed agents in all appropriate jurisdictions. This podcast is meant for general informational purposes and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult a financial professional regarding your individual situation. Guest speakers are not affiliated with Sound Financial LLC dba Sound Financial Group unless otherwise stated, and their opinions are their own. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Welcome to another Rookie Reply, where Tony J Robinson and Ashley Kehr answer questions from the BiggerPockets Forums and Real Estate Rookie Facebook group. This time, we're covering questions like: Getting a HELOC on a Rental Property with a Mortgage What should you do once you win a property from a tax lien auction How Much Time Do You Actually Spend on Real Estate Investing, and What's a Realistic First-Year Goal? Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question here! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-613 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Joe first started investing, he thought what he wanted most was time freedom. But over time, he realized what he really wanted was flexibility, and his rental income has given him just that..In the past year alone, Joe has added four new properties to his portfolio. On this episode, he shares how he found those deals, how he financed them, and the creative ways he's used a HELOC to fund purchases.We also talk about how he's applying velocity banking to pay down debt faster.Joe discusses the challenges of rising insurance premiums and property taxes and how he's adjusted his strategy to stay profitable.We also dig into the numbers on his four most recent purchases.https://rentalincomepodcast.com/episode538Thanks To Our Sponsors:Ridge Lending Group - Get A Free 30-Minute Strategy Session With Caeli Ridge.MidSouth HomeBuyers – Turnkey Rentals In Memphis & Little Rock. Instant Cash Flow On Day One. (Priced between $100,000 to low $200's)Rental Accounting Software Made Easy. Free 30 Day Trial
What you'll learn in this episodeHow to use self-directed IRAs for real estate and private dealsThe difference between recourse and non-recourse loansWhy 30% of Americans own their homes free and clear—and how that unlocks hidden capitalHow HELOCs can be powerful investment toolsWhy millionaires often drive F-150s, not LamborghinisHow to identify hidden wealth in your own network Strategies to create win-win opportunities and grow wealth together To find out more about Dan Rochon and the CPI Community, you can check these links:Website: No Broke MonthsPodcast: No Broke Months for Salespeople PodcastInstagram: @donrochonxFacebook: Dan RochonLinkedIn: Dan RochonTeach to Sell Preorder: Teach to Sell: Why Top Performers Never Sell – And What They Do Instead
The BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) was, for a few years at least, the real estate investor's golden ticket to a million-dollar portfolio. It allowed investors to buy properties, fix them up fast, get their down payment money back, and recycle it. This created an “infinite” investing loop where someone with one down payment could turn it into five (or more) separate houses. But with high mortgage rates, the BRRRR method was thought to be over by many…until now. We're introducing a new BRRRR strategy. It's safer, with less risk (and stress), makes you more cash flow than before, and keeps your leverage lower so you don't go underwater in a housing correction. Does it work? Dave and Henry are both using this new BRRRR method right now—and doing quite well, we might add. You (yes, you listening to this) can also use this new BRRRR method to buy houses, increase their value, get higher cash flow than regular rentals, and then recycle the money you put into the property to use toward your next investment. You can invest faster, but with lower risk than before, and scale your real estate portfolio the right way, so if interest rates rise, it might not even matter for your bottom line! In This Episode We Cover The new 2025 BRRRR method that's safer, smarter, and produces more cash flow One big problem with the “perfect BRRRR” and why you should (probably) stop chasing it You don't need to refinance: why a HELOC (home equity line of credit) may be better Expert tips for doing your first BRRRR in 2025 with the least risk and the highest reward The right amount of money to leave in your BRRRR property (how much equity to pull out after the renovation) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1165 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices