The Prosperity Podcast

Summary: Join our host Todd Strobel and best selling author Kim Butler, today on the ninety first episode of the prosperity article as they discussed the absurdity of an article entitled "The Turning Forty Checklist in Planning for Retirement". They talk about some of the problems with trying to save for retirement (when do you plan on start saving for?) and the importance of not putting things off till retirement (why not do it now?). They also discuss how being educated, and having a realy growth mindset and mentality, is better than a checklist where you rotely cross off boxes which is better than well...nothing. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us! We'll be happy to do a podcast answering your questions and will get back to you on any comments or feedback you might have! Show Notes: [00:00] Intro [00:43] "The Turning Forty Checklist in Planning for Retirement" [01:28] What is the Checklist? [04:20] What's Your Opinion About Equities? [06:21] How to Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones [09:11] Whole Life Insurance & Savings [11:58] Keeping Your Money Safe & Productive [14:18] Up to the Match Level Only [14:37] Just Save More Money [16:23] Outro

Summary: Welcome to the ninetieth episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Join our host Todd Strobel and best selling Kim Butler as they talk about the best way to share prosperity economics with your friends, family, and co-workers. More important than any one product is the mindset and strategy of prosperity economics, and alternative financial strategy that allows people to keep their money save and build wealth. Most people would want to share those ideas with their loved ones - but they might not know how. If you're looking to share the principles of prosperity economics with the people close to you, but aren't sure how, this podcast is for you! If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us! We'll be happy to do a podcast answering your questions and will get back to you on any comments or feedback you might have! Show Notes: [00:00] Intro [01:18] How to Share the Information of Prosperity Economics [02:19] Rule Number 1: You Don't Need to Know their Personal Finances [03:53] Question Number 1: Where do you store your cash? [05:24] Question Number 2: Who do you know who wants to learn? [07:12] Rule Number 2: Refer them to Our Podcast [09:07] Helping Both Listeners & Readers [11:00] The Most Important Thing is Education [11:59] Outro

Summary Best-selling author Kim Butler and co-host Todd Strobel welcome you the eighty ninth episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Today, they get together to talk about how to spend your (whole life insurance) death benefit while living! A lot of people don't need or don't want money after they die, they need it as they retire and as they grow older. Conversely, some people do not have heirs or close family they want to pass their money. Tune in to find out how to spend your death benefit while you're still alive! If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:30 How to Spend Your Death Strategy While Living For a PDF of strategies email: [email protected] 03:42 Strategy 1: The Pay Down 06:11 Strategy 2: A Reverse Mortgage 10:47 Strategy 3: Selling Your Death Benefit 11:17 Strategy 4: Charitable Remainder Trust 14:44 Outro

Summary Welcome to the eighty eighth episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Today, best-selling author Kim Butler and host Todd Strobel "do the dividend thing" and go in depth with dividends! They explain the important difference between stock dividends and whole life insurance dividends - namely, that whole life insurance dividends are risk free (unlike stock) and virtually guaranteed (also unlike stocks). We hope you tune in today to learn more about how to guarantee your money, your savings, and your retirement, without being dependent on the random fluctuations of the stock market. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes 00:00 Intro 00:44 Doing the Dividend Thing 00:50 Comparing Whole Life Insurance & Stock Dividends 04:30 Example of Stock Versus Whole Insurance Dividends 06:43 How Are Whole Life Insurance Dividends Paid Out? 08:40 Interest Rates & Dividends 13:35 Whole Life Insurance is Not an Investment 14:54 Whole Life Insurance is a Place to Store Cash 15:53 Where to Find More Resources Financial Planning Has Failed by Kim D.H. Butler 17:52 Outro

Summary: Welcome to the 87th episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Today, best selling author Kim Butler and host Todd Strobel sit down to talk about their favorite financial books. They take care to differentiate between well written financial books and well informed financial books. Finally, Kim Butler talks about her own books that she has published, how they were written, and her soon to be published book Busting the Life Insurance Lies. Thank you for listening to the Prosperity Podcast! As always, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected], with any and all of your questions, comments, and concerns. We'd love to hear from you! Show notes: 00:00 Intro 00:53 The Best Financial Books (to Kim Butler) Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand 05:28 The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West & Fails Everywhere Else by Hernando De Soto 07:02 Pirates of Manhattan by Barry Dyke 11:51 Busting the Retirement Lies by Kim Butler 12:37 Financial Planning Has Failed by Kim Butler 12:59 The Prosperity Paradigm by Steve D'annuncio 14:28 Outro

Summary: Welcome to the 86th episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Today, host Todd Strobel and best-selling author Kim Butler sit down to discuss the relationship between life insurance and savings. They answer the question of the one of the listeners "Do premiums paid to whole life insurance count as savings?". They also discuss the same question for term life insurance. Finally, they explain insurance dividends in terms that everyone can understand. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us! We'll be happy to do a podcast asking your questions and will get back to you on any comments or feedback you might have for us! Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:37 The Facts of Life 02:02 Do I Count My Whole Life Insurance Premiums as "Savings"? 05:25 Does Term Insurance Also Count as Savings? 07:07 Understanding Dividends 12:25 The Advantages and Stability of Whole Life Insurance Financial Planning has Failed free audio & ebook by Kim Butler

Summary Tune in to the eighty-fifth episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Today, our host Todd Strobel and best-selling author Kim Strobel talk about "unbelievable thinking" and the difference between Prosperity Thinkers and Poverty Thinkers. They explain how poverty thinkers reduce involvement, whereas prosperity thinkers work on self improvement - poverty thinkers stop dreaming, and prosperity thinkers set attainable goals. We hope this episode can help you improve your personal thinking so that you can enjoy more prosperity in your life! If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes 00:00 Intro 00:24 Unbelievable Thinking 02:03 Poverty Thinkers versus Prosperity Thinking 06:27 Setting Attainable Goals 09:05 Financial Problems with Poverty Based Thinking 11:31 Seeking out Opportunity Especially in Crisis 12:46 Holding Back Constantly vs. Moving Forward in Some Form 14:28 Poverty Thinkers and Complaining versus Gratitude 16:57 Seeks Outside Approval vs. Building Internal Confidence 21:35 Outro

Summary: Welcome to the 84th episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Today, host Todd Strobel and best-selling author Kim Butler sit down to discuss the power of systems. Systems allow us to let our money work for us (to leverage our money) and to create cash flow, one of the main principles of prosperity. Taking advantage of systems doesn't require us to work harder to make more money, just smarter. One of the biggest components of utilizing systems is creating habits that work towards our financial prosperity, not against it. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us! We'll be happy to do a podcast asking your questions and will get back to you on any comments or feedback you might have for us! Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:19 The Power of Systems 01:41 Building Linear Income & Having Your Money Work for You 03:02 Systems in the Real Estate Environment 06:14 Pitfalls of Systems & Problems with IRA Real Estate 08:14 How You Can Get One Dollar to Do Lots of Jobs in Real Estate 10:07 How to Get One Dollar to Do Lots of Job with Life Insurance 14:59 Good Debt Vs. Bad Debt The Millionaire Next Door 17:00 Combining Life Insurance Leverage and Real Estate 19:12 The Importance of Doing Your Homework 21:09 Outro

Summary: Join Kim Butler and Todd Strobel today as they discuss financial triage. Learn what three steps occur in a triage, and what personal financial triage means to you. Also, find out what to do if you are experiencing financial triage to take back control of your money and regain your lost opportunity cost. Most importantly, listen as Kim and Todd discuss addressing systemic finance errors, i.e., habits, like not saving consistently or investing with too much risk. Thank you for listening to the Prosperity Podcast and, as always, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected], with any and all of your questions, comments, and concerns. We'd love to hear from you! Show notes: 00:00 Intro 00:15 Financial Triage 01:12 What Three Steps Occur in a Triage? 02:19 What is Financial Triage? 06:02 A Simple Example of Financial Triage 07:24 Financial Triage Around Insurance 08:16 What To Do If You're Experiencing Financial Triage 10:20 How To Make Today's Finances the Most Efficient That You Can 10:42 How the Media Affects Financial Triage 11:25 Addressing Systemic Finance Errors: Habits 11:55 Not Saving Consistently 12:58 Investing with too Much Risk 14:48 What Are the Most Important Financial Systems? 15:46 Contact Info 16:37 Savings Does Not Mean Sacrifice 16:58 Outro

Summary: Welcome to the eighty first episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Join best-selling author Kim Butler and host Todd Strobel as the talk about the concepts of double line investing and triple wins in finance. The best investments are investments where both the buyer (or the investor) and the seller (or the borrower) have opportunities to grow and make more money. This is called a double line investment. The coiner of this term, Peter Diamandis, just published a new book Bold: How to Go Big, Create Wealth, and Impact the World, where he elaborates on this concept. Kim Butler and Todd Strobel also explain what a triple win investment is, a very similar concept, except in this case, it's important that both the buyer, the seller, and the community as a whole (which could be a global community!) win too. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [00:00] Intro [00:34] Double Line Investing & The Triple Win [03:07] Examples of Investments That Benefit Everyone [07:07] More About the Double Bottom Line [10:27] Passion & Investments [12:38] Outro

Summary: What is the difference between typical finance and traditional finance? Join Kim Butler and Todd Strobel on this episode of The Prosperity Podcast to find out. Learn about how the stock market, and the risk involved in stock market investments, has changed over time and how that affects the most stable retirement and savings strategies today. Also, learn about the how different financial strategies are like either farming or hunting - either long term or short term - and either risk saturated, or risk avoidant. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us! We'll be happy to do a podcast answering your questions and will get back to you on any comments or feedback you might have! Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:55 Ways to Compare Partners for Prosperity to the Mainstream 1:22 Traditional Versus Typical Finances 6:06 How the Stock Market Has Changed 10:55 The Difference Between Farming and Hunting (as an analogy for finance) 12:29 Farming Work as Long Term Work 16:06 Resources - Live Your Life Insurance 17:07 Outro

Summary: Welcome to the 80th episode of the Prosperity podcast! Join bestselling author Kim Butler and no bs money guy Todd Strobel today as they discuss the millennial mindset and it's implications for our future. Are millennials really ruining the future, or is there room to hope? How should their preferences influence our investment decisions today? And maybe most importantly, what is valuable about their mentality? If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:32 The Millennial Mindset 01:37 Spending Money on Experiences 04:04 Technology and Millennials Peter Diamandis "Abundance is our future." 06:56 Experience Oriented Products 07:57 Solving the Challenges of Today with Future Technology 09:55 How To Prepare to Transition into an Experiential Economy 11:29 The Six D's of Technology 13:37 Outro

Summary: What type of mindset do you have? On this episode of the Prosperity Podcast, join Kim Butler and Todd Strobel as they talk about the important difference between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. Find out how a growth mindset can help you make more money and become more prosperous, while a fixed mindset will cause you to plateau. For more information on fixed and growth mindsets, check out our favorite new book by Carol Dweck, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us! We'll be happy to do a podcast asking your questions and will get back to you on any comments or feedback you might have for us! Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:43 Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck 02:09 The Importance of the Growth Mindset 02:53 Tony Gonzalez & Mental Strength 04:37 Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset 06:43 How This Applies to Finances 11:33 Dealing with Criticism 11:40Alternative Investments 13:26 Learning From the Success of Others 16:00 Outro

Summary: What's the difference between good and bad debt? When do you want to prepay a loan? Should your investment strategy be the same for an investment property and a property you live at (your home)? What is a good interest rate? When should you take out loans? Let best-selling author Kim Butler and co-host Todd Strobel walk you through the answers to these questions and more on this episode of the Prosperity Podcast. If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us! We'll be happy to do a podcast asking your questions and will get back to you on any comments or feedback you might have for us! Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:40 The Idea of Good Debt Versus Bad Debt 1:03 When to Prepay? 3:56 Is My Strategy the Same for an Investment Property and My Home? 8:50 Pay Attention to Your Interest Rates 9:52 Paying for Your Children's Education Versus Using a Student Loan 12:11 Other Debt Factors to Consider 14:12 Outro

Summary: Join us on the seventy-seventh episode of the prosperity podcast as best selling author Kim Butler and co-host Todd Strobel investigate fifteen year versus thirty year mortgages. Conventional wisdom seems to be based off of bank's best interest and marketing tactics, so the Prosperity Podcast breaks down the best ways to analyze different mortgages so that you can make the financial decision that's right for you. For more information on different types of mortgages, take a look at Kim Butler's book Busting the Financial Planning Lies or drop by truthconcepts.com for their visual breakdown of the differences. If you're looking to calculate the differences for yourself, try their free ten day download of this financial calculator. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [00:00] Intro [00:49] A Fifteen Year Versus a Thirty Year Mortgage [01:34] What Does "Conventional Wisdom" Say? [02:31] Consistent Time Frames & Consistent Cash Flows [05:19] How to Calculate This On Your Own [07:36] Consistent Interest Rates [08:29] The Third Alternative: Cash [11:03] Peace of Mind Versus Financial Discussions [13:07] The Importance of Having Cash Vs. Having Equity [16:18] Outro

Summary: Join Kim Butler and Todd Strobel today as they discuss negative interest rates. Learn about what they are, what their purpose is, and how that should affect your investment strategy. Also find out whether, ultimately, negative interest rate are a positive or negative thing for our economic well being. Always, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected], with any and all of your questions, comments, and concerns. We'd love to hear from you! Show notes: 00:00 Intro 00:47 Today's Topic: Negative Interest Rates 01:04 Are We Experiencing Negative Interest Rates? 02:31 Are Negative Interest Rates Good or Bad? 08:25 An Inflationary Environment vs. A Deflationary Environment 11:55 The Importance of Free Market Inflation and Deflation 14:26 Understanding the Positive Aspects of Technology Peter Diamandis Positive Aspects of Technology Blog 15:32 Summary of Ideas 16:23 Outro

Summary: Welcome to the seventy-fifth episode of the prosperity podcast! Join our host Todd Strobel and bestselling author Kim Butler as they discuss the important difference between faux prosperity and real prosperity. Learn why annuities and universal life are more accurately labeled as faux prosperity products and how to become more aware of financial products that don't deliver on their promise. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected], with all your questions, comments, and concerns. We'd love to hear from you! Shownotes: 0:00 Intro 0:35 The Difference Between 4-Prosperity and Faux-Prosperity 1:42 Faux Financial Products: Universal Life 4:35 Annuities as a Faux Financial Product 6:42 The Importance of The First Principle of Prosperity: Think 7:36 Paying Attention to What We Read 9:05 Ignoring Marketing Messages: Don't Believe You're Not Enough 10:24 Always Look for the Whole Truth: Busting Interest Rate Lies 13:30 Outro

Summary: The worst day to invest your money is tomorrow! This episode of the prosperity podcast centers around the importance of educating ourselves and investing our money today, and not tomorrow. Join best selling financial author Kim Butler and host Todd Strobel as they discuss the importance of acting now and the cost of indecision. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:43 The Worst Possible Day to Invest: Tomorrow 03:54 Why You Shouldn't Wait for More Money 05:40 If You Already Have the Money, Why You Need to Invest 07:13 The Importance of Against the Grain Education 09:53 The Definition of an Investment for Partners for Prosperity 10:51 The Problem With The "More Risk, More Reward" Premise 12:50 How to Keep Learning 13:28 Outro

Summary: Welcome to this episode of the prosperity podcast! Join our host Todd Strobel and bestselling author Kim Butler as they talk about the importance of having for-profit entities competing in a non-profit space. Listen as they discuss some of the advantages of for-profit businesses, like sustainability and scalability. Also, feel free to check out some the products mentioned in the podcast - interesting ideas happening in the for-profit world that solve non-profit problems like this little vacuum that might help companies more efficiently separate their waste for recycling, and this fitness device, that helps people - including some high profile athletes stay fit. Ultimately, the important idea is not that non-profits don't deserve support, but the importance of developing creative and functional ideas in the for-profit world that provide services that people desperately need and solve problems affecting people's everyday lives and our future. Thanks for tuning in, and keep sending in all the good questions and feedback! We'd love to answer your questions in one of our upcoming shows, and we appreciate your support. Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:56 Non-Profits Make Non-sense 03:03 Examples of For-Profits Competing in Non Profit Space Hizero 06:11 The Problem of Non Profit Sustainability & Scalability 09:07 Providing a Service that Helps People HNB Connection 12:01 Make A Profit While Creating a Better World 12:29 Zappos & Principled Business 15:07 Sustainable Environments 16:48 Outro

Summary: Budgeting is almost ubiquitous financial advice - but is it effective? Join bestseller author Kim Butler and Todd Strobel as they discuss how budgets can be counter productive. Learn about the benefits of paying yourself first, or saving money, instead of trying to budget out your expenses. And keep sending in all the good questions and feedback! We'd love to answer your questions in one of our upcoming shows, and we appreciate your support. Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:41 Budgeting: Stop it! 1:12 What's wrong with Budgeting? 3:29 What to do instead: Pay Yourself First 5:52 Paying off Debt Without Budgeting 6:54 The Benefits of an Opportunity Fund 8:37 Calculating Your Run Rate 9:40 The Importance of Confidence 11:52 Addressing Retirees About Budgeting and Income 13:49 Business that Solve Problems 15:10 Outro

Summary: Should you rebalance your portfolio? This episode of the prosperity podcast discusses this common piece of financial advice. Is rebalancing your portfolio basically selling assets that work to buy assets that aren't working? Is it important to buy bonds in order to have a balanced portfolio? Tune in to figure out the answers to these questions and more. Also, please keep sending in all the good questions and feedback! We'd love to answer your questions in one of our upcoming shows, and we appreciate your support. Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:39 Rebalancing Your Portfolio: What Does it Mean? 3:19 What Assets Should You Buy? 5:32 The Trouble With A Balanced Portfolio & Loosing Principle 7:01 Pros and Cons of Bonds 11:39 Income After Retirement: Why Bonds Aren't the Best Option 12:27 The Advisor Side of Rebalancing and Diversifying 13:50 Principle of Prosperity: Seeing the Big Picture 15:02 Our Goal 15:44 Resources: Feel free to email us with all your questions Check out our blog for free articles and more podcast episodes And finally, check out this truth concepts video about diversification (85 minute free educational video) 17:08 Outro

Summary: Welcome to a very special episode of the Prosperity Podcast! On this episode, instead of our usual co-host Kim Butler, we are interviewing her son, Robby Butler, a nineteen year old finance major, to get a feel for how the upcoming generation is thinking about finance, the role of government, non profits, and more. Keep sending in all the good questions and feedback! We'd love to answer your questions in one of our upcoming shows, and we appreciate your support. Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:43 The Next Generation of Finance 0:29 Introducing Our Guest, Robby Butler 2:58 How Does Our Current Education System Prepare the Next Generation to Handle Money? 4:16 Going to College & Automatic Debt 5:48 The Role of Government in Our Everyday Financial Lives: Are They Doing What They Should? 7:17 How Do You Feel About The Role of Nonprofit Versus For-Profits 10:45 What Does The Future Look Like For You? 13:20 What Would You Say to Parents About Finance? 14:33 Outro

Summary: Welcome to the 68th episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Join Kim Butler and Todd Strobel as they discuss the timely issue of habits, resolutions, and the dangers of following the crowd. Learn about the best places to save your money and the way that habits shape our lives. And, please! Keep sending in all the good questions and feedback! We'd love to answer your questions in one of our upcoming shows, and we appreciate your support. Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:39 Habits, Resolutions, and Following the Crowd 1:57 The Dangers of Under Preparing 3:06 The Importance of Habits 7:02 Saving: Disciplining Yourself to Have a Positive Cash Flow 9:06 The Difference in Where You Save 12:26 Not Following the Crowd: Just Start Thinking 14:04 Outro

Summary: In this episode of the Prosperity Podcast, Todd Strobel and Kim Butler address a big issue for the upcoming generation and their parents: paying for a college education. So often today a college education is the expected and automatic next step after high school, and the costs can be very high. Join them as they discuss how to help your children succeed and how to help yourself to remain financially stable while supporting them. For more insight and ideas concerning education, specifically college education, we'd like to recommend The Education of Millionaires: Everything You Don't Learn in College About How to Be Successful, a book by Michael Ellsberg about where we learn some of the critical skills for success. (Hint: It's not in college). Also, please keep sending us all the good questions and feedback. We'd love to answer your questions in one of our upcoming shows and we appreciate your support! Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:44 The Cost of An Education: Student Loan Debt and More 1:54 The Expectations of College 3:30 The Average Cost of Coll ege (Including Opportunity Cost) 6:49 Interesting Solutions to the Cost of College 7:44 The Time Opportunity Cost of College 10:47 How to Help Kids Who Are Searching The KOLBE Profile 11:43 How Much Should I Help My Child With College Tuition? 12:50 What About Prepaid College Funds? An Issue of Control 14:42 Look Forward to Audio Book of Live Your Life Insurance 15:19 Outro

Summary: Why are bridge loan investments profitable, and what documentation should you have before starting? What are the risks of bridge loan investments? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Kim Butler and Todd Strobel discuss bridge loan investments, both from the perspective of an investor and a realtor. Also, please keep sending us all the good questions and feedback. We'd love to answer your questions in one of our upcoming shows and we appreciate your support! Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 00:44 What Is A Bridge Loan Investment? 02:49 Why Do Bridge Loans Make Sense? 05:14 Three Different Sections of Documentation for Bridge Loans 06:11 1. Documentation Section 1: The Borrower loan application for each borrower resumes and background for the borrower entity validation list of projects the borrower has already completed written management/disposition strategy for project 07:09 2. Documentation Section 2: The Property an appraisal report title insurance a survey of the property sales contract hazard or builder's risk insurance 07:54 3. Documentation Section 3: The Construction full set of construction plans copies of building permits itemized cost breakdown of all construction phases full building/material specs structural engineering report construction contract contact information for everyone involved 09:26 Looking at Bridge Loans from the Perspective of a Realtor To find out what rate of return your property should be earning: visit truthconcepts.com for Todd Langford'ss calculator system w/ real estate calculator OR ask Kim for fillable pdf, email it back to her, and she will do the calculation for you (full disclosure Todd Langford is Kim Butler's husband) 12:15 Recommendations on Specific Bridge Loans and Investments 14:01 All Bridge Loan/Mezzanine Financing Are Not The Same 16:34 Outro

Summary: Join Kim and Todd on this episode of the Prosperity podcast as they discuss the importance of creating wills, trusts, and power of attorney and keeping them updated. Find out what the minimum age is to start worrying about these documents, and the minimum amount of money you should have to create a living trust. Also, for help creating and updating all these documents visit nnepa.com (national network of estate planning attorneys) to find an attorney in your area to help you with you paperwork, for one flat fee. Please keep sending us all the good questions and feedback at [email protected]! We appreciate your feedback and support! Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:37 Documentation: The Documents That You Sign 1:34 Looking At Wills, Trust, Healthcare, Power of Attorney: The Importance of Paying Attention 2:18 Getting Help to Update Your Documentation visit nnepa.com (national network of estate planning attorneys) finding an attorney in your area to get to create the necessary documents and keep them current 3:24 Making Changes to Your Documents While You Can 5:34 Is There A Minimum Age To Start Worrying About These Documents? 6:19 Keeping Life Insurance Policies Updated 6:48 At What Dollar Figure Should You Have a Living Trust? 7:45 The Consequences of Neglecting a Living Trust 9:32 How Often Should You Review Your Documents? 10:02 Sharing Financial Information at the Appropriate Time 11:21 Outro

Summary: On this episode of the Prosperity Podcast, we're proud to welcome a new guest, Gina Wells, President of an Advanced Capital Group in Detroit. Gina Wells is an expert of financial planning and social security, so today we talked about new social security laws introduced in Congress's Bipartisan Budget Act. Understanding social security and planning for your retirement is a huge part of anyone's financial health, so make sure you don't miss this episode of the Prosperity Podcast! Also, make sure to call Gina Wells at 801-579-5808 to take receive a free, 6 page social security report for just for you. And of course, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected], with all your questions, comments, and concerns. We'd love to hear from you! Show notes: 0:00 Intro 0:31 Introducing Gina Wells, President of Advanced Capital Group 2:01 Understanding New Social Security Laws 3:02 Finding Your Social Security Earnings Record: Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to understand your estimated benefits 3:45 Important New Dates to Know with Social Security 5:25 What Is a File and Suspend Rule? 11:03 How to Find Your Free 6 Page Customized Social Security Report Come prepared with your most recent social security report that you can find here Call Gina Wells at 810-579-5808 Be prepared to talk longevity, assets, family circumstances etc. Receive your free, completely customized, 6 page social security report! 12:51 The New Social Security: No Guarantees - What Does That Mean For You? 15:39 Outro

Summary: Join Bestselling author, Kim Butler and Todd Strobel as they discuss insurance dividends - what are they, where they come from, and what they can be used for. Figure out whether or not you can change your dividend policy, and what the most common strategy for dividends is. If you're looking to learn about your insurance policy, ask for an "inforce" illustration or ledger from your insurance company. Then feel free to send it over to Kim and she'll be happy to explain it to you, in plain english. She'll tell you whether it's universal life or whole life, the internal rate of return, strategies for how to save the policy if it's starting to have problems, etc. As always, we appreciate your questions, concerns and comments! Send us an email at [email protected]. Show Notes: 00:00 Intro 0:56 Dividend Election: What They Are, Where They Come From 03:03 Do All Insurance Companies Pay Dividends? 04:33 What Else Can You Do With Your Dividends? 05:42 Can You Change Your Dividend Policy? 06:22 Using the Dividend to Buy Term Riders 07:26 A Strategy for Modified Endowment Contracts and Dividends 08:43 Which of These Strategies Are Used Most? 08:55 Repaying Your Loans Using Your Dividends 10:58 How can I learn about my insurance policy? call your insurance company ask for an "inforce" insurance illustration or ledger email it to kim she'll be more than happy to explain and discuss it with you! 12:31 Outro

Summary: Tune in with Todd and Kim as they discuss one of the most common theories of saving: The Bucket Theory - and what's wrong with it! Learn how to "pick a side of the fence" with your savings and investment for more control over your money. Find out which savings vehicle is best for you and how your government sponsored saving account might be hurting you - especially if you have college aged kids! If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 0:43 The Bucket Theory: Setting aside buckets of money for specific purposes 1:11 The Big Idea: Why the Bucket Theory is wrong and you shouldn't split up your money 4:22 The Ability to Act Like Equity: What your savings dollars should be available for 5:11 The Other Side of the Fence: The difference between savings and investment 6:33What Type of Savings Vehicle Is Best For You? 7:36 What's wrong with government sponsored saving accounts: don't be penalized for saving 9:24 Resources for listeners: The Financial Planning has Failed ebook Busting the Retirement Lies: Living with Passion, Purpose and Abundance Throughout Our Lives Partners for Prosperity blog 10:18 Outro

Summary: Are you an honest banker? You probably think the answer to that is yes, but it might not be as simple as you think. Tune in to Todd Strobel and best selling financial author Kim Butler as they discuss the meaning of being an honest banker - especially when it comes to paying yourself back. If you have an comments, tips, or questions, - or you'd like to be a quest on our show! shoot us an email at [email protected]. Thanks for listening! Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 1:11 Why You Should Be An Honest Banker 1:31 What It Means to Own A Loan 2:53 Paying Yourself Back: Being an Honest Banker with Your Savings 3:30 Borrowing Against Your Life Insurance Cash Value & Remaining Honest with Yourself 4:45 What Does it Mean to Borrow Against Your Life Insurance Cash Value? 5:52 Why Would You Want to Pay the Principle of This Type of Loan? 8:24 What We Recommend: Handle Your Loan Based on What You Borrowed Against Your Cash Value For 9:44 The Time Value of Money: Paying Yourself Back With Interest 11:47 Being an Honest Banker: Even with Family? 12:40 Outro

Today, on the Prosperity Podcast, Todd and Kim discuss how life insurance companies make money and get paid. Kim explains the life insurance model and how it works. Todd describes how premiums are handled. They wrap-up by separating life insurance from other insurances and why that is important. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:47] Overview [1:37] Explaining the Life Insurance Model [4:55] Collecting Premiums [7:36] Separating Life Insurance From All Other Insurance [10:34] Summary and Rates of Return [12:15] Outro

On this episode of the Prosperity Podcast, Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler breakdown the benefits of delaying social security. Kim explains this contrarian strategy. Todd discusses why financial advisors would want you to delay using qualified money as a source of retirement income. Finally, Kim and Todd look at the value of life and summarize the P4P school of thought on retirement. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:20] Intro [0:32] Overview [2:53] A Different Strategy [5:37] Why Do We Delay Qualified Money? [6:54] Valuing Quality of Life [7:50] Our School of Thought [9:57] Financial Planning Has Failed [11:11] Outro

Kim D.H. Butler and Todd Strobel chat about the reasons to not use Universal life insurance when storing cash. In this episode, they compare and contrast indexed, or universal, to whole life insurance. Kim discusses the advantages the whole life insurance hold above indexed. Finally, Todd and Kim ask listeners to do their research because, if it's too good to be true, dig a little deeper. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:21] Intro [1:01] Indexed Sounds Sexy [1:58] Universal vs. Whole Life [3:49] Guaranteed Premiums [4:56] Cash Value [11:37] New Requirements for Universal Life [13:09] Dig a Little Deeper [14:07] Wrap-Up [14:47] Outro

Today, on the Prosperity Podcast, Todd Strobel chats with Tammi Brannan of Instinctive Life Career Development about attracting more clients and finding your purpose. Todd discusses his time with the Instinctive Life training. Tammi reviews her 8 characteristic questions. Finally, Todd and Tammi examine the benefits behind finding purpose. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us!

This episode of the Prosperity Thinkers podcast focuses on the financial leaks that build up if we don't pay attention to our bank statements. Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler discuss multiple ways to avoid allowing the fees and charges to build up. Finally, Kim explains how a specialized, separate account can help your money flow to more prosperous opportunities instead of going towards needless bank fees. In the beginning of the podcast, Kim and Todd discuss The Summit for Prosperity Economics Advisors and also the importance of transparency. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:21] Summit for Advisors Review [1:12] Promoting Prosperity Economics Education and Transparency [4:33] Non-Commission Products [6:41] Paying the Bank for Your Own Money [9:40] No Overdraft Policy [10:59] Reimbursed ATM Fees [11:51] Prosperity Flow-Through Account [14:05] Money Market Account Minimums [16:32] Financial Planning Has Failed [18:12] Outro

Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler examine your vocabulary and explain the power in words. Today, Kim breaks down several ways to adjust your vocabulary to create more positive outcomes. Todd looks into the way we feed our brains. Finally, they compare trains of thought to better understand the words we attribute to different phrases in the financial world. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:20] Intro [1:06] Overview [1:40] The Power of Words from Will Duffy [2:36] Gratitude vs Entitlement [4:01] Compliment vs Criticize/Complain [5:51] Forgiving vs Holding a Grudge [6:48] Fail and Pivot vs Fail and Blame [9:09] Talking Ideas vs Talking People/Things [10:10] Feed Your Brain Valuable Words [11:28] Borrowing Against vs Borrowing From [13:41] Interest Payment vs Interest Cost [14:45] Pay-Up vs Pass-Up [15:50] Opportunity Cost [17:17] Busting the Interest Rate Lies [19:10] Wrap-Up [19:29] Outro

Today, on the Partners for Prosperity Podcast, Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler dissect marketing spin as it applies to life insurance. Kim defines what marketing spin is as Todd explains how it affects different financial products and what we "know." They look at buzzworthy terms and all of the alternate names given to whole life insurance strategies, and why those terms may have a legitimate use to open minds. Finally, they look at how life insurance breaks through the negative spin the media has put on it. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:18] Intro [1:07] What is Marketing Spin? [1:42] Alternate names for Whole Life with PUA Rider [5:19] Dig a Little Deeper [7:55] A More Unique Look [10:31] The Stock Market and the Economy [13:24] Terms Around Marketing Spin [16:08] Summary [16:55] Financial Planning Has Failed [17:46] Outro

"No B.S. Money Guy" Todd Strobel and best-selling financial author Kim D.H. Butler discuss the lies we believe about interest rates. Todd looks at the traditional arenas in which people interact with interest rates. Kim breaks down the truths behind the perceived facts that surround interest rates. Finally, they discuss Kim's new book, Busting the Interest Rate Lies, which you can sign-up to be notified when it becomes available through our link. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [1:16] Overview [3:38] Understanding Interest Rates [4:53] Car and Furniture Financing Lies [7:07] Get the Cash Price [9:53] Busting the Interest Rate Lies [12:06] Wrap-Up [12:54] Outro

Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler sit down to talk about the truths in life insurance returns. Todd breaks down the gross returns and how it's offset by your policy's expenses. Kim analyzes what returns for life insurance in 2015 look like. Finally, they implore listeners, if you have any questions or areas of confusion, reach out and we will explain it further and more clearly. How does whole life differ from IUL in how returns are calculated? What ARE the 2015 returns right now for whole life policies at various ages? Find out on today's episode! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:43] Overview [1:19] Explaining Life Insurance Returns [4:24] Numbers in Gross Returns [7:31] Peeling Back the Expenses [9:24] Mortality Expense [10:53] Index Universal Life Expense [11:56] Breaking Down the Returns [15:15] Live Your Life Insurance [15:32] Impact of Age on Life Insurance [17:26] Inforce Illustrations [19:09] Wrap-Up [19:25] Outro

On this episode of the Prosperity Podcast, Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler examine how to have a positive mindset in a negative news world. Kim describes the way she finds best to shift her mindset. Todd talks about the process of trying to control your thoughts. Finally, they look at the recent interest rate talk and how it may be a matter of mindset shifting. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:55] Overview [2:19] Ideas from Strategic Coach [4:44] Can't Afford 15-Year Mortgage? Then Don't Buy [6:48] Falling Into "Scarcity Thinking" [8:38] Shift Your Mindset [10:03] Act As If… [11:12] You Can't Control What You Think [12:05] Interest Rate Mindset [13:33] Financial Planning Has Failed [15:16] Leave a Comment and Rate Us! [15:40] Outro

"No B.S. Money Guy" Todd Strobel and best-selling financial author Kim D.H. Butler sit down to talk bridge loans for the non-accredited investor. On today's episode, Todd and Kim explain the difference between being an accredited and non-accredited investor. Kim defines bridge loans and what makes investors eligible for them. Finally, Todd discusses why education on financial matters sits above all else. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:47] Accredited and Non-Accredited Investors [3:28] Unchanged Financial Terms [4:50] Options for Non-Accredited Investors [5:56] Explaining Bridge Loans [8:42] Contact Us for More Information [9:23] Availability of Accounts [10:10] Education is Paramount [10:49] Summary [12:55] Wrap-Up [13:04] Outro

Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler look at important questions to ask on this episode of the Prosperity Podcast. The question of comparison is analyzed by Todd and Kim. Kim breaks down finances into three simple areas. Todd explains what your money should be doing. Finally, Kim describes alternative investing solutions to non-accredited investors. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:42] "As Compared to What?" [3:27] Avoiding Invalid Comparisons [5:39] Finance Area 1: Savings [7:13] Finance Area 2: Cash Flow [8:39] Finance Area 3: Growth [9:34] Everything Your Money Should be Doing [11:08] One Product Won't do Everything [13:17] Always Ask Questions [14:53] Financial Planning Has Failed [16:32] Solutions Outside of Accredited Investing [18:24] Wrap-Up [19:06] Outro

Today, on the Prosperity Podcast, Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler discuss peer-to-peer lending. In this episode, Kim speaks to the several advantages of P2P lending, for both investor and borrower. Todd lays out a few statistics regarding P2P lending and how these numbers compare to other ways of investing. Finally, they explain the potential dangers of P2P and how to utilize it in your portfolio. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [1:46] Overview [2:22] From the Investor POV [5:15] From the Borrower POV [6:52] P2P Lending Statistics [10:14] Spreading Out Your Investments [12:45] P2P as a Learning Tool [15:22] P2P in Your Portfolio [17:17] Beware of the Bank Players [17:59] Financial Planning Has Failed [18:25] Outro

To pay, or not to pay, that is the question on today's episode of the Prosperity Podcast. Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler respond to a client question about how to approach and handle money in a pre-tax account against when it's in a post-tax account. Kim and Todd explain the issues that arise with the 401(k) and IRA realms. They offer alternatives to handle IRA money, as well as, options outside of traditional thinking, which include bridge loans, life settlements, and life insurance. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:31] Overview [1:16] Pre-tax vs. Post-tax Money [4:11] 'Net' It Down [5:23] Explaining the Stretch IRA [7:41] Split-Up Your IRA [10:04] Shift Your Thinking [12:00] Leaving Money for a Charity [13:57] Money in a Tax-deferred Account [15:32] Converting to a Roth IRA [17:53] Summary [18:31] Financial Planning Has Failed [18:50] Wrap-Up [19:13] Outro

Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler take a look at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report on how the average American spends their money. Todd goes over the demographics and how it reflects the "average" American. Kim explains what each category means and what the numbers are indicative of. Finally, they look over the most troubling numbers of all regarding Americans life insurance and pension expenditures. What do the spending trends reveal? Do you know how your spending stacks up? Find out on today's episode of the Prosperity Podcast. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:35] Overview [1:17] A Look at the Demographics [1:48] Owning and Renting Residences [4:01] A House As An Investment [5:09] Annual Costs of Dwellings [6:29] Food At and Away From Home [8:07] Transportation Costs [10:04] Health Care Expenditures [11:53] Personal Insurance and Pensions [15:46] Insurance Summary [16:13] Entertainment vs. Education [17:26] Wrap-Up [18:13] Outro

Todd Strobel and best-selling financial author Kim D.H. Butler look at the recent downturn and volatility in the stock market. Kim explains that risk does not have to equal reward. They offer alternative investment options away from the market. Todd questions the thrill of gambling. Finally, they discuss leaving the wild ride and share information to contact our Prosperity Economic Advisors. If breaking even is your goal, do you know the opportunities you've already missed? Find out how to get OFF the stock market roller coaster on today's episode of the Prosperity Podcast! If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:31] Overview [1:27] Volatility in the Market [2:44] We've Been Programmed to Accept Risk [3:55] Know What You Know [8:29] People Looking For a Thrill [10:11] Breaking "Even" [12:39] Phase-Based Investment Strategy [13:54] Our Open Door [14:59] Financial Planning Has Failed [15:40] Outro

Today, on the Prosperity Podcast, Kim D.H. Butler and Todd Strobel explain what occurs when whole life insurance policyholders miss one or more premium payments. They discuss the flexibility built into whole life insurance policies, and what many policyholders forget – that if they have an interruption in income, their policy may be able to HELP them pay essential bills! Kim breaks down the order to use your money when you're able to make payments again: base premiums, repaying the policy loan, or paid-up additions? Todd looks at the benefits in the self-employment realm. It's important to have your money accessible when it's needed – do you have that safety net? Find out on today's episode how life insurance provisions can help. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:43] Overview [1:22] Automatic Premium Loans [4:22] Where to Focus Your Money [5:27] You Always Qualify for Your Cash Value [6:31] Start on the Base Premium Payments [7:35] Reduce the Loan Down [8:24] Paid-Up Additional Contribution [9:40] Self-Employed Life Insurance [11:10] Life Insurance Flexibility [13:14] Financial Planning Has Failed [13:49] Outro

Todd Strobel and Kim D.H. Butler explore what people do when they can't (or don't want to) make their life insurance premium payments. On today's episode, Kim dives into the possibility of selling your policy to investors of life settlements vs. just cancelling your policy and taking the cash value. Kim discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of selling a policy, and who might be able to sell a policy. Todd chimes in with the type of policyholder that may have the most to gain from selling their death benefit. Finally, they assess how life settlements have increased the flexibility and choices for both investors and policyholders. If you are "too young" to sell your policy, you'll also want to read this article for more options: "7 Ways to Save a Life Insurance Policy (even when you can't afford the premiums)" If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [0:46] Overview – What if You Don't Want or Need Your Policy? What then? [1:57] Understanding Life Settlements from Policyholder Perspective. [5:18] Benefit of Selling Your Death Benefit [6:36] Separating from a Viatical Policy [7:19] What You Lose if You Sell [8:45] Making the Most of Your Assets [11:13] Leveraging Your Death Benefit [14:06] How Life Settlements Build the Industry [16:33] The Growth of the Settlement Market [17:32] Summary [18:02] Requirements for an Investor [18:41] Non-correlated Investments [19:18] Outro

Tim Wright, of ASR Alternative Investments, joins Todd Strobel on the Prosperity Podcast. They discuss what alternative investments are and their benefits. Tim explains the type of client that would gain the most from life settlements and why they're similar to owning real estate. Finally, the look at the type of returns to expect within a growing market. Can you make your money more prosperable and less of a gamble outside the stock market? Find out on today's episode. If you would like the opportunity for us to answer your question on the show or to be a guest on our show, be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:20] Intro [0:50] What are Alternative Investments and Life Settlements [3:50] The Ideal Client [5:04] Comparing Life Settlements to Real Estate [8:50] Calculating a Rate of Return [10:52] What to Anticipate as an Investor [13:20] Explaining Underwriting [16:21] Whose Market is it? [18:02] Wrap-Up [18:37] Your Portfolio Shouldn't be a Gamble [20:37] Outro

"No B.S." Money Guy Todd Strobel and best-selling author Kim D.H. Butler look at what it takes to become a Prosperity Economics Advisor. Todd explores what an advisor does on a day-to-day level. Kim breaks down the steps in becoming an advisor. Finally, they explain the type of person best suited for prosperity economic advising. Have you got what it takes? Find out on today's episode of the Prosperity Podcast. (By the way, Kim took the "long route" to being a Prosperity Economics Advisor, getting her CFP designation and Series 6 then Series 7 licenses, as well as a Series 63, Series 65 and additional education and experience (such as 4 years as co-trainer of Truth Concepts financial software and a banking background. All of the above have been learning experiences but NOT necessary to get started!) Not mentioned in the show but also HIGHLY recommended are Truth ConceptsSoftware, Truth Training (some advisors attend about once a year), and The Summit for Prosperity Economics Advisors. If you were going to do ONE thing to jump-start a new venture as a Prosperity Economics Advisor – or even to just seriously explore it – we would say, "Come to The Summit!" If you would like for us to answer your question on the show be sure to keep sending us questions and reach out to us! Show Notes: [0:00] Prologue [0:19] Intro [1:07] Overview [2:33] Life Insurance Licenses [3:28] Alternative Investments [4:38] Planning and Processes [7:02] Five-Step Prosperity Pathway [9:03] Fiduciary vs. Suitability Standard [10:35] The Big Picture [12:50] What is Your Passion Level? [13:19] The "Secret" [15:13] Wrap-Up [15:30] Financial Planning Has Failed [15:48] Outro