Uncommon Wealth Podcast

The journey from working for someone else to working for yourself can take many twists and turns. For this week’s guest, Dominic Bottenfield with AHG Insurance, that journey included getting a degree no one was hiring for, taking the business end of a nail gun to the head, getting fired as a gift, and finally deciding to take the entrepreneurial leap only to find out the fellas that were going to leap with him had to back out.Yet family, oftentimes the factor that in prudence drives us to seek the stability of the steady paycheck, can also be our source of greatest encouragement and ultimately our leaping partners. Join us as we learn more about Dominic’s journey, the services he offers the world, and where he wants to go next.You can find more from Dominic at: https://ahg-benefits.com/

This week on the podcast we’re talking with Arron Cramer about paying off college debt. Sure, you have to do it, but how it gets done can make a world of difference (or, as a recent client of Arron’s found, a $100,000 difference. We’ll cover the importance of putting a plan together, finding people to help and hold you accountable, and the impact of student loans on retirement planning. Plus, we’ll help you discover and sort out all the repayment options that are out there, the impact of dependents on student loan payments, and how consolidation changes the landscape.We love the topic of college, it’s a unique time early in life to take an uncommon approach. Check out the resources below for additional information:Have questions on how to get started? Get ahold of Arron Cramer.Other Uncommon Life Project podcasts:The College Debt CrisisCollege AlternativesBuilding a Scholarship SystemStanding Out in College Admissions

The BlendingOften the most poignant pictures of grace are those that are present against the odds, the whole shining brighter than the wary and cautious shadows that sometimes color the individual parts. Blended families are such a grace, a beautiful picture of hope and new beginnings even with the realities of the past ever present. But as you would expect, or perhaps have experienced, the challenges of merging lives together is not a simple nor predictable path.This week, we talked with Mike and Kim, coaches who specialize in helping struggling yet motivated couples navigate the complexities of blended or step-families, helping them gain clarity about the issues and lead their homes confidently using practical strategies so that they can experience greater connection and peace. We’ll learn about Mike and Kim’s own personal journey with a blended family and how they navigated what it looks like to love, parent, and grow in unity even when they don’t always agree. Plus, the importance of marriage to your financial well-being and how the strategies to successfully navigate blended family life aren’t all that different from those used for any family, which means everyone can benefit from this conversation!You can find out more about Mike and Kim by visiting mikeandkimcoaching.com. You can also check out their podcast, The Blended Family Coaching Show, on iTunes or any other fine purveyor of podcasts you may use.

Trust in a marriage is the harbinger of confidence and freedom, which means keeping secrets is a risky business. Financial infidelity, not being honest or transparent with your partner when it comes to your money, not only breaks trust but it robs you from the chance to agree on boundaries and flourish within them. Ask anyone who has visited that glass walkway at the Grand Canyon, the rails that surround it aren’t a handcuff, they allow you to enjoy the view freely without risking your demise. (Yeah, financially infidelity can be like that).So what do you do? We’ll hit it up in this week’s simple step, but if you’re sharp, some of the links below will give it away. Suffice to say, get a budget.Qube Money: https://qubemoney.com/  Code: UncommonOur Qube Money coach Ryan Garvey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-garvey-071850180/

This week on the show we’re talking with Alan Hon, certified life coach, fitness trainer, business optimization consultant, real estate investor, and very likely a bunch of other things he’s just too humble to mention. Alan talks with us about how focusing on making things better for others, helping them overcome their challenges and roadblocks, drew him out of some successful sales management positions into the world of coaching, training and consulting. He finds success comes from legitimately caring for people, helping them identify where they want to go, and empowering them to know they can overcome everything in their path.We also talk about dealing with underlying emotional barriers that anchor success and the challenges of trying to help people who just can’t seem to grab hold of good advice.For more info about Alan visit https://livelifedifferently.dev/

What do you get when you cross liquidity, reduced tax liability in your retirement years, and a name that sounds like a toad enjoying a milkshake? A LIRP (life insurance retirement plan). Although the name lacks a certain flair, a LIRP is an investment and tax strategy that allows you to use the cash value in your life insurance policy to not only be your own bank but also provide a place to direct cash for future tax free withdrawals of cost basis or liquid access through policy loans.This week, we talk more about what a LIRP is, who should consider one, and how this option compares to and can work alongside other retirement/investment options such as 401ks, ROTH IRAs, and brokerage accounts.As always, our discussion is for education only and should not be construed as advice. Definitely get a hold of your personal tax and/or investment advisors for additional information to see if a life insurance retirement plan is right for you.

In business, your values are one of the only things that won’t lie to you. They anchor you, define your integrity, and outlast the low moments that tell you it’s all crumbling and the high moments that can get you chasing things you didn’t care about yesterday. Your values are sometimes your harshest critic and, as such, are often your truest friend. Your values are also often your greatest opportunity to spread your influence as they can still be present in all the meetings that you can’t be in, all the conversations between employees you’re not privy to, and can be the glimpse of what kind of company your customers are looking to work with without them ever picking up the phone or shaking your hand. Drew Harden knows what it is to start and grow a business. Over the last 15 years, he and his partner have taken Blue Compass from a two-man web design firm to an award winning digital agency. But after a major win that effectively required that they double the size of the firm immediately, Drew began to recognize that the power of his own personality wasn’t enough to fuel a great company culture. They needed values, ideas that defined what was important, what they wanted to be for their customers, and the way they treated each other in the process. Join us this week as we talk to Drew about digital marketing, values, and what can happen when your passion outweighs your fear. Plus, how to deal with employees who are acting outside your values, the power of a supportive spouse, and the possibility of working without stress. You can learn more about Drew at drewharden.com

When we’re not at our best, we can’t help others be at theirs, and that includes spouses, children, friends, employees, co-workers and anyone else we influence. In this week’s Simple Step, it’s time to stop the noise, put down the phone, and do some introspection. What are your struggles? Where is your bucket low and how do you find ways to get filled up so that what you pour out serves the world around you? How do you reframe how you see the time that focuses on you as being life-serving instead of self-serving? If you’ve had experiences where taking the time to focus on yourself first resulted in being better for others, we’d love to hear them! Shoot us an email at [email protected].

The common wisdom is that restaurants are where money goes to die. But Toney and Sarah Chem have no room for common wisdom, they’re too busy killin’ it as the owners and operators of 5 Borough Bagels, a Clive by-the-way-of New York bagel shop serving bagels and bagel sandwiches that are unlike anything else coming out of the Midwest. But uncommon paths are full of uncommon challenges and restaurant money isn’t easy nor guaranteed. This week on the show, the Chem’s talk about their perseverance in the face of hard things, including dealing with staff theft, stress, initial funding, eliminating alcohol, and readjusting to life after a pregnancy that changed them forever. Also, the importance of knowing your numbers, focusing on your customer, and getting the right help. You can learn more by going to 5boroughbagels.com

Socrates is reported to have said that “An unexamined life is not worth living”. Although he was nonetheless sentenced to death after the trial in which this was part of his defense, we do still believe there is something to this thought. It’s hard to see the big picture when you’re knee-deep and consumed by just trying to live out 10 pixels in the corner. And sometimes your pixels get turned upside down (kind of like the Fresh Prince) and disoriented and you’re not even sure what the big picture is and if it’s the one you want. Often, it’s rest and perspective that solve the challenges that fortitude and giftedness cannot seem to conquer. This week we’re talking about the benefits of taking a sabbatical. As a society, we value time and money, and intentional rest feels like a waste of both. But this perspective risks prioritizing the presence of action over genuine progress and the accrual of wealth over its use for good. To examine our life and career, to see it for what it is and what it could be, you need the space to sit outside of it, to intentionally rest and assess. In this episode, we’ll cover what it means to take a sabbatical, when you should take one, and the kinds of things you would do during one. Plus, how successful people we know have used a sabbatical to their advantage in taking the next steps to an uncommon life.

The sandbags that weigh a hot air balloon down are a more powerful force than the fire that allows it to rise. And even in your car when you have the pedal to the floor, giving it all the gas you can, the brakes will slow you down and bring you to a stop. The reality is that forward momentum is most often hindered not by lack of effort, energy or determination, but by the presence of distractions. Progress, then, as this week’s guest Graham Brown reminds us, is often less about turning up the heat and stomping the gas and more about dropping sandbags and cutting brake lines. Graham, an author, speaker, and founder of an award winning podcast agency, joins us to talk about his uncommon journey from selling insurance using phonebook leads to becoming an insatiable entrepreneur, world traveler, and ironman triathlete. You can follow Graham on Twitter @grahamdbrown If you search Graham Brown you’re likely to find a very exquisite wallpaper company, which is cool if that’s your thing, but it’s not the same guy (in fact, the wallpaper is done by two guys, which seems right).  Finally, check out this episode of the Revisionist History podcast for a fascinating look into the 2009 Toyota recalls over stuck gas pedals and how braking, or the simple lack thereof, reveals the disquieting reality of humans having a very hard time accepting the blame for their own mistakes.

In this week’s Simple Step podcast, we talk about the importance of meeting with your accountant and giving them some room to work. Plus we cover some key questions to ask and ways to be proactive in creating tax strategies that serve your situation best.

What is your business worth? It’s not only a relevant question if you were trying to sell your business, but it’s knowledge that can also help you effectively manage a business you want to stay in. Yet, 60% of businesses have never had their business valued. Patti Bell, a 30 year veteran of business evaluation with Principal Financial, is here to change that. In this episode we talk to Patti about when business owners should have an evaluation done and how often to refresh it. Also, how those results can influence key things like the structure of the business agreement as well as the types and levels of insurance needed to cover the true business value and attract talent in an increasingly competitive job market. Finally, we’ll cover the fundamentals like what business owners need to provide for the valuation (it’s simple stuff you already know or have on hand) and how this compares to a certified business evaluation. If you’re interested in having Patti and her team do a free evaluation of your business, you can work through your current advisor or contact [email protected] to see if Uncommon Wealth Partners are the right fit for you and your business.

There is no shortage of pseudo-inspirational quotes out there about growth, resistance and overcoming challenges. They are the go-to decor option in the relics we used to call conference rooms and flow just as freely but slightly less faded on the lazy river of LinkedIn encouragement. And yet, they persist, our inspirational guilty pleasure, because the need to be lifted, to be reminded that our trials can lead to triumphs, to believe that there might be purpose in our defeats, and to see that we aren’t alone in facing them, keeps us from being overwhelmed by the things that seem like more than we can handle. This week on the show, Phillip, Bryan and Arron talk about the challenges they’ve had, what they’ve learned from them, and how they, in hindsight, can see how those challenges have benefitted them and helped shape them into who they are today. We’d love to hear your stories of how certain challenges have shaped you for the better. Shoot us an email at [email protected] with your story. Also, feel free to drop your favorite inspirational quotes on Phillip’s LInkedIn wall using the hashtag #ireadthepodcastnotes, might as well put those quotes to good use.

Service to our country creates a debt that can never truly be repaid. And the toll on those who serve can often be debilitating, making it difficult for veterans to re-acclimate to a life beyond service and the traumas that come as byproducts to protecting freedom. In recognition of PTSD Month, Phillip and Arron talk to Matt Oberembt with True Impact Outdoors, an Iowa organization focusing on helping disabled military veterans and first responders become active outdoors again. In this episode, Matt shares how True Impact Outdoors got its start as well as what it takes to get a non-profit up and running, including getting beyond the initial hurdle of fundraising. Also, they discuss the challenges that come with making the outdoors feel inclusive to those who have lost limbs or eyesight and the innovative ways they have been able to overcome those challenges. Finally, the fellas consider the real and tangible blessings that come from serving others and the added gift of perspective that comes along with it. For additional information or to donate, visit: trueimpactoutdoors.com

You don’t always have 30 minutes to invest in a podcast and, although we like a deeper conversation as much as the next guy, we want to be in on the short and sweet option as well. This week we’re introducing simple steps, a new recurring format where we focus on one simple step you can take to be uncommon. We’ll try to keep it around five minutes so you can get in, get out, and get on with taking the road less traveled. Of course, if you hear something that piques your interest and want to dig in further, make sure to check our past episodes for a deeper dive. Or, let us know that you want to hear more about it by sending us an email at [email protected]. The irony of this write up being longer than the episode is not lost on us, so we’ll leave you to it.

When times are tough, the tough find opportunity. Buying a business in the middle of a pandemic can be a dicey proposition, especially a food-based business that had already seen a 75% drop in revenue. But our guest Aaron Anderson saw potential not only for resuscitation of the business but growth and expansion, and now Fresh Fit Meals, provider of fast casual health food, is opening new stores and looking to expand the model beyond their current market. In this episode, we talk about the process of purchasing the business, securing the funds, and early sacrifices that allowed the business the space to find its footing. Plus the value in knowing what you want to get out of your business (and it can’t just be money), the challenges of people leadership, as well as having a vision of where and how you want to grow. For more information on Fresh Fit Meals, visit freshfitmeals.com

Sometimes the complexities of the economy seem too much to understand let alone react to. But as entrepreneurs, business owners, and even just citizens, understanding what drives inflation and other economic activity (and sometimes more importantly, what doesn’t) is key to creating and sustaining a path of opportunity and stability. This week Bryan and Phillip talk through the nature of inflation and how an economy built upon debt will inevitably drive towards it. Understanding these concepts well will give you the ability to not only take wise personal action as these inflationary cycles wax and wane but will also provide the right context for you to use your votes, voice or investment to influence local, state, national and global policies that impact the economy.

When you’re trying to get your business off the ground, the thought of protecting your data and systems against all the tech savvy bad actors out there may seem daunting. Making matters worse, a recent Forbes article reported that small businesses are targeted by cybercriminals over three times more often than larger companies. In protecting your company from cyber risks, when you don’t know what to do but you know you have to do something, that’s when you call Sheldon Speers. Sheldon is the Founder and CEO of Tenax Solutions, a security consulting firm based in Des Moines, Iowa created with the simple mission of protecting companies from cyber security threats in the modern world. In this episode, you’ll learn how his persistence and confidence in his solutions turned 250 unresponsive cold calls in his first 13 months into a growing, trusted security firm serving clients of all sizes. We’ll also talk about learning how to handle rejection, what it’s like to work with investors, the future of cybersecurity, and transitioning your role in the company to position for growth. You can find more information on Tenax by visiting their website, https://www.tenaxsolutions.com/

Ryan Garvey, our in-house Qube expert, joins us to talk about how easy it is to start finding freedom through budgeting using the accounts and tools from Qube Money.  FREE UPGRADE: To receive a free two-month upgrade to Qube Money Premium,  use this link https://tracking.qubemoney.com/SH1k and follow these instructions.

Here it is! The super not-so-secret 100 ½ bonus episode where we hit up a series of questions that just didn’t quite make the primetime show. In this episode Phillip and Bryan tell us their ideal theme song for the show, which podcasts they listen to, and what has surprised them about podcasting. Also, why they got started podcasting, how it’s going, and where they want to go next.

Join us as we celebrate the Uncommon Life Project’s 100th podcast episode! Guest interviewer Ben Fust joins Phillip and Bryan to talk about their most memorable moments including favorite guests, who they'd love to follow up with, and things they learned to stop doing. Plus, we’ll review the most listened-to episodes, which guests they believe are going to change the world, and how interviewing one of the most popular podcasters out there doesn’t necessarily translate to riveting radio.

Is this really going to work? Pursuing your passion and turning it into a way of life sounds great, but it inevitably leads you to the last final leap, the point where the reality of risk and potential of reward meet in the air as you spring forward. It can be intimidating! But just like Amanda and Aunica, owners of Premiere Dance Project, you come to learn that the leap is always progress, and having a friend to push you along comes with both its lessons and its blessings. But you’ll never know unless you take it and, like these young entrepreneurs, see if three months can change your life.    This week we talk with Amanda and Aunica about how the Premiere Dance Project studio came to be, what services they offer, and the obstacles they faced in bringing their dream to life. Also, staying firm in the face of criticism, the perseverance needed to work through the growing pains of a young business and partnership, and how getting an outside perspective can help you solve problems more effectively.  For more info on Premiere Dance Project visit https://www.premieredanceproject.com/

If the target college for your kids  is Ivy League, medical or some other elite school, it will take more than perfect grades and high test scores to be noticed in the admissions process. Numbers are comforting, but there’s an artistry to high school course selection, essay writing, who to get recommendations from and interview performance that has helped 90% of Dr. Shirag Shemmassian’s clients get into at least one of their top 3 college choices.    In this episode, we talk to Dr. Shemmassian about the services he offers, what things help an applicant stand out in a sea of high performers, and the importance of mental preparation in achieving education goals. We also talk about the important role of parents in the process, including ways to let go of preconceived notions of what leads to a successful career and how to embrace the reality that every student can create a compelling future in their area of interest.  To learn more about Dr. Shemmassian’s college admissions services, visit his website: https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/.

Budgeting…yes, we know. It’s the thing that everyone says is super important but nobody does. 90% of us don’t have a budget and 5% of people actually keep to one. But budgeting is power, it’s what helps you ensure that your money has purpose and that your purpose is getting the resources it needs to thrive. It’s also what puts you back in control instead of being disoriented in a whirlwind of debits and credits, deposits and payments. Your budget is your first line of defense in making sure what you care about aligns with what you’re actually doing. Great, so you’re in, except budgeting is cumbersome. Envelope systems don’t align with how we spend and share money responsibilities but most digital solutions put the burden on the backend, having you tag and sort expenses into categories after you’ve already made the spending decision. But you need a front gate, not just a security camera. Enter Qube Money - the digital envelope app/bank/card that allows you to define your budget, allocate money to expenses in real time, and easily share access to that budget and money with your spouse or partner. Shane Walker, Co-Founder of Qube Money talks us through how it works as well as how his solution is helping people take control of their money and its purpose.

Taking control of your finances can often feel like a Vaudeville act, spinning a plate on one side of the stage, running full on the other way to spin another, darting back and forth to keep each from falling down. When the wrong plates are spinning or spinning too far from each other, it can become exhausting and you forget that plate spinning is supposed to be fun! Really? Yes, really!   Putting your money to work for you, planning for the future, and being excited to wake up and go do what you’re passionate about are achievable things, the right spinning plates. In this episode, Phillip and Bryan talk about how to not miss out on  your today because you’re overfunding your tomorrow as well as some ways to create multiple sources of income that will drive both near term and long term value.    To learn more on this topic, grab the Uncommon Wealth book If you need help finding your passion, check our interview with Tyler Kamerman

In this episode we catch up with podcaster, actor, advisor and, your new best friend, Tyler Kamerman. Tyler shares what he’s learned since starting his podcast, how being good at helping people can open doors you never thought of, and the importance of parenting kids from good to great. Also, why sometimes you just need to go for it, what he’s excited about in the coming year, and what currently fuels his passion.  To get in touch with Tyler go to https://tylerkamerman.com/ and find his podcast on iTunes at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pursue-your-passion/id1583654347.

What do you get when you cross a powerlifter with an astute financial mind, a deep care for people, and a unique understanding of the emotional side of money? You get Arron Cramer. In this episode, we’re talking to Arron, the newest member of Uncommon Wealth Partners about student loans, getting out of the money rut, aligning your spending habits to your priorities, and what he’s looking forward to in the coming year.

As your net worth or annual income increases, so do your investment opportunities, not only because you have more money but because the SEC restricts certain investments to those without the capital to reasonably assume the risk. Enter Accredited Investors. In this podcast, we talk about who can be considered an accredited investor, what investment opportunities they have access to, and the risk/rewards associated with these opportunities.  Plus, Bryan talks about the ideal democratization of accredited investor-type opportunities and how to incorporate them into your broad financial plan.   

There’s a sweet spot in investing where you get to participate in the upside while getting out of a down market. But trying to actively trade to that sweet spot, knowing when to get in and out, is a stressful road that seldom works out and that is made even more difficult by the realities of human emotion. Enter Howard Capital Management.  Today we talk to Kramer Shiflett with HCM about data driven investment management, the use of algorithms to manage the triggers of when to trade and stay put, and how you can take advantage of this way of investing.   

The road less travelled isn’t without its challenges, but the freedom to take control of your own journey, and perhaps find financial freedom along the way, can make it well worth the effort. Duane and Kathy Davis made the shift from the stable monotony of corporate work to the often unsexy world of multi-tenant properties. Kathy tells us about how to find your niche, gaining knowledge on things you’ve never done, and her advice for someone who doesn’t love their job. Plus, how to solve problems you’ve never faced before, looking at failure as an education, and taking your kids along for the entrepreneurial ride.   

Franchising is a great opportunity to go from 0 to 60 as an entrepreneur, but it also comes with risks and limitations. In this episode, we discuss how to find the right franchise opportunity, understanding different franchise models and agreements, plus the importance of knowing the territory you’re looking to franchise in. Finally, you’re not just buying a franchise, you’re buying a business relationship with a corporation, so what that company values and how they see you as a franchisee is important. We’ll call out what to watch for.  Also, if you hang on to the end we’ll reveal the secret franchise opportunity we think is a slam dunk...just not quite yet.   

Which quadrant are you in: employee, self employed, business owner, or full investor? You may be thriving - way to go! You may be feeling stuck, or not know the next steps to grow your business. Either way, this podcast is for you. Brett Gilliland, founder of Elite Entrepreneurs, walks us through how he equips business owners to achieve their next level of success. What you’ll learn: Why changing your tactics as you grow is important, the 3 steps of a successful business owner, and how intentionality & discipline plays into your effectiveness.

Have you fallen flat on one too many job interviews? Want to prepare yourself to land the job of your dreams? Have a teenager at home you hope to equip with the skills they need to enter the workforce? Join us as we talk with Matthew Sorenson, the creator of Candidate Club, a company that offers interview training & resume building services. You are sure to walk away from this podcast with practical ways to strengthen your interviewing expertise, whether interviewing on the phone, in person, or online. What you’ll learn: the background of Candidate Club as a company, how interviewing is like dating, and how investing in learning these skills can help you better represent yourself & respect employers. Learn more by listening to Matthew’s podcast, “The Job Interview Experience”.

Is your individual or business money sitting in a bank with low interest rates? Why is this an issue when it has historically worked for others? Join Phillip and Bryan as they tackle this topic that they have worked through with several clients of theirs. Creating a plan to “move off zero” is essential to the future of your savings. Instead of sitting on money in the bank that will lose its value in the long run, make investments now that align with your risk tolerance and core values. What you’ll learn: why bank interest rates should remain low or may even become negative, and solutions for where to put your excess money (uncommon banking, tax protection, cryptocurrency, and others).

Want to enter the workforce with momentum rather than debt? Want to do “big things” but need clarity on your interests? These questions may strike a chord with you, your child, or a young person you influence. This episode is all about rethinking the cultural norm of college being the next step after high school. Tune in as we meet with Mitchell Earl, the COO of Praxis, a one-year program dedicated to helping people achieve their dream job through a combination of curriculum and apprenticeship. Learn the behind-the-scenes about how mentorship can help you get your foot in the door to land your ideal career position.  What you’ll learn: The “why” behind this unique approach, what the Praxis program looks like, and the future of Praxis.

Have you ever wondered what a ghost writing career might look like? Join us as we meet with Craig Landes to learn about his journey to his uncommon path. He owns his own writing business, Words Beyond Content, and has brought many of Uncommon Wealth’s ideas to life through eBooks, articles, and their recent book. You will learn tips on how to launch your passion into a business model. Craig also shares about how he overcame obstacles along the way from freelancer to entrepreneur. Remember, there is an audience for your voice and people who want to support you on your journey!

Come along with Phillip and Bryan to hear more about the Uncommon Wealth Book.  They wrote it with YOU in mind, to provide the philosophy, mindset, and tools to get you started on your uncommon path. What you’ll learn: the process of how the book got started, where to find tools to go along with the book, and the details of the flow of the book.

Importance of Disability Insurance You may already have car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, etc. Why give another thought to adding disability insurance? Our guest Rick Cordaro takes us through how disability insurance can help you capitalize on and protect your future earnings. Rick has been in the IDI Market for 40 years and is passionate about matching people and their situations to their insurance needs.  What you’ll learn: What disability income replacement looks like Common pitfalls people fall into in regards to insurance  Time & duty vs. loss of earnings  Why having an advisor is key

With the hope that it might inspire you to make the most of your own uncommon path, we thought today we’d discuss ways to start or accelerate that journey. We tasked each other with coming up with three suggestions that we would reveal for the first time to each other in this podcast. Interestingly enough, while we didn’t have any suggestions that were exactly the same, as a whole the list of six concepts create a very solid foundation on which to build your entrepreneurial goals. The conversation is far reaching and touches on everything from Leonardo Dicaprio to water skiing. Throughout, we also share solid advice and examples for creating consistency in your business, making sure your life partner is on board with your business goals, what it means to match your timeline to your risk tolerance, how to properly invest in your company’s growth, and when to focus instead of diversify. We want you to share more of your uncommon brilliance with the world and hopefully some of these tips will help. what you will learn in this episode: The power of consistency Why spousal support is integral to long-term success The importance of systemizing and documenting your process What it means to match your timeline to your risk tolerance The need to double down and invest in the main thing you do How diversification can destabilize you Why you should start every goal with the end in mind

Real estate investments are the cornerstone of many wealth strategies and make up 3 of the 7 sources of residual income we teach. They are solid and dependable investments that can weather almost any fluctuation or challenge in the marketplace when done correctly. That said, making the most out of your real estate investments is about more than just picking the right property. You also have to structure the purchase correctly for the best financial gain. Chris Prefontaine is a best-selling author and coach with 30 years of experience working in real estate. His team coaches investors on how to scale and automate their real estate investments without using their own personal cash, credit, or bank loans. He has literally trademarked a business model that benefits both buyers and sellers and he’s here to share some insights worth considering if real estate investing is part of your plan. Beyond just the business of buying homes, Chris shares secrets to thriving in a family-run business, the single biggest thing that holds back investors, and some personal philosophies that can help anyone thrive in whatever they’re trying to accomplish. what you will learn in this episode: The Three Pillars of smart real estate investing Keys to avoid pitfalls in a family run business The importance of transparency in deal making How little-to-no money down real estate investment works The biggest thing that holds back investors

Whether you’re pre-retirement, on the cusp of retirement, or already retired, financial flexibility should be a focal point in the planning process. There are plenty of familiar concepts such as social security and budgeting, but approaching them strategically will enable you to enjoy retirement with significantly more freedom. In this duocast episode of The Uncommon Life podcast, Bryan and I discuss the common and uncommon approaches to retirement planning. During our conversation, we address the common questions associated with retirement planning. We explain how to approach budgeting strategically so you can get to the other side of this big decision and understand what your future will look like. In addition, we explore how the homebuying process ties into your retirement strategy, as well as the different filing options for social security. The earlier you start focusing on the points above, the more fruitful your retirement plan will be. As a matter of fact, if you take a strategic approach to retirement planning, you will be able to achieve your retirement goals before 65. Tune into this week’s episode of The Uncommon Life podcast to learn more about what you can do to start planning for the future. what you will learn in this episode: How to address the common questions associated with retirement planning How to approach budgeting strategically How the homebuying process ties into retirement planning The different filing options for social security Goals you can set to reach retirement early How to think about health insurance for retirement

Jordan Harbinger made his way out of the jungle with a jackknife. As a pioneer of personal branding, podcasting, and the networking talk show space, he found his niche as an entrepreneur before influencers were ever a thing. In this episode, Jordan joins us to explain how he forged his path to wealth by connecting the opportunities around him and figuring out how to monetize what he truly enjoyed. Jordan is a Wall Street lawyer turned podcast interviewer with an approachable style and a knack for securing high-profile guests. His show, the Jordan Harbinger Show, was selected as one of Apple Podcast’s Best of 2018, and he also serves as a consultant for military, law enforcement, and security companies for the North California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. During our conversation, Jordan explains his journey into an uncommon life, where he created a podcast that is pushing 11 million downloads per month. He walks us through the timeline of developing a personal brand and breaking off on his own. And he also discusses the process of scaling his digital business so he could build residual income and plan for retirement. If you want to learn more about Jordan’s uncommon wealth-building journey, this episode is for you. what you will learn in this episode: Jordan’s journey into an uncommon life How Jordan grew his podcast to over 11 million downloads per month How Jordan’s networking lectures led him to the podcasting space When Jordan knew it was time to make the jump and pursue his personal brand How Jordan scaled his business and built a team around himself What Jordan has done to build residual income throughout his career How to achieve financial freedom for retirement without becoming miserable

Our mission with the Uncommon Life Project is to teach you how to invest in yourself so you can create the life you want to live. When it comes to the United States, Brian and I are very capable of helping business owners achieve financial freedom. Beyond our borders, however, we turn to other professionals for their wealth-building expertise. Our guest for this episode, Brian Glorioso, is here to translate the Uncommon Wealth philosophy for the global playing field so entrepreneurs across the world can implement similar principles no matter where they’re doing business. Brian is the founder of Adventure Access, a strategic enterprise on the Tibetan Plateau. Eastern Tibet is an amazing place to experience, but with little infrastructure, it can be a difficult region to explore without connections and resources. Brian and his team have been living and working in Eastern Tibet for 17 years, bringing trekking, mountain biking, mountaineering, and cultural experiences to travel enthusiasts from all walks of life. Brian leads the Adventure Access team and serves as the primary experience coordinator. He is an avid mountain biker, climber, and trekker who continues to use these passions to show the beauty of western China’s wilderness. In his free time, Brian enjoys reading, triathlons, and spending time with his family. During our conversation, Brian shares his expertise on building a strategic enterprise and talks about how he has helped others follow a similar path. what you will learn in this episode: Brian’s entrepreneurial journey How Brian has helped his children adapt and assimilate to new cultures The difference between travel and vacation How Brian has helped others use a strategic enterprise model to follow a similar path Why strategic enterprises are the most sustainable and beneficial to the communities in which they are created How Brian has gained a significant advantage over all of his competitors in 2021 The traditional American wealth-building principles that are applicable beyond U.S. borders

Most financial advisors will hand you an eighty-five-page financial plan and send you an invoice. The reality is that most people don’t want to sort through a novel when they’re already preoccupied with their financial future. That is why we created The Uncommon Financial Dashboard. The Uncommon Financial Dashboard is the culmination of a decade in business coaching and financial advisory. It is a one-page plan you can use to figure out where you are currently, where you need to go, and how you’re going to get there. The financial assets outside of your investment accounts, 401k, or Roth IRA, have just as much of an impact on your financial plan as putting money into the stock market. With that in mind, our dashboard is designed to help visualize how all of these assets fit together so you can make financial decisions more effectively. As financial advisors who care about all aspects of your life, we want to provide you with tools and resources to help you achieve your goals faster. In this week’s duocast episode of the Uncommon Life Project, we explain how The Uncommon Financial Dashboard will help you design your own success blueprint, realize your vision for the future, and get there quickly. what you will learn in this episode: What a financial dashboard is and why you need one What the Uncommon Financial Dashboard is How our dashboard will help you figure out where you are, where you need to go, and how to get there. How to develop unified goals that build wealth Why you are your greatest asset Different ways you can use our dashboard to build your own success blueprint Why financial planning is a process, not an event The specific sections of our financial dashboard and why each one is important

The insurance industry is pretty confusing for most of us. We send our money into what feels like a black box and things magically happen…or don’t. Our guest for this episode, Ray Caucci, is here to demystify the insurance business to paint a broader picture of its stability, the impact on the health of our economy, and why it matters to your finances. Ray has been in the insurance industry for his entire adult life. He has spent the better part of twenty years on the actuarial side in product development with Penn Mutual, and he now serves on the executive management team. As an actuarial mathematician and business leader, Ray keeps his finger on the pulse of industry trends. He brings tons of value to our listeners with unique insights into the mechanics of war-room decision-making in the insurance industry. He also shares his perspective on the versatility of whole life insurance policies. Ray graduated from UPenn’s Wharton School of Business with a Master’s in Actuarial Science, along with a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation from The American College of Financial Services. During our conversation, he shares his expertise and provides a perspective on the role of insurance in the bigger picture. what you will learn in this episode: The power of assigning value to your giftings All of the ways you can use a whole life insurance policy to your benefit The role and function of an actuary in the insurance industry How actuaries approach product development and pricing The types of statistics, data, and algorithms insurance companies use to find the best bang for the buck and a product fit for all parties involved What insurance companies have done to adapt during the pandemic Penn’s perspective on the different insurance policy types The role insurance plays in our entire financial system How the protection of insurance policy cash value has evolved

Women entrepreneurs are faced with particular challenges. You are often raising families, and can sometimes feel a certain stigma for wanting something beyond that. But if you’ve got God-given talents and interests, why not use them? Our guest for this episode, Lauren Thomas, was just looking for something fulfilling to do as her kids grew up and she entered a new stage of life. She thought selling bracelets online might be a fun outlet for her creativity. Well, the public responded in a big way, much bigger than she was expecting. How is she managing the business? What is new in marketing through Instagram? We dig into all that and more. Lauren grew up in Colorado and now lives in Iowa with her husband and four daughters. She recently founded Heart On Your Sleeve, a company that sells personalized bracelets, and has found a passionate and growing audience. See the latest from Heart on Your Sleeve at https://www.instagram.com/heart.on.your.sleeve/. what you will learn in this episode: The power of a simple idea The power of a supportive spouse The telltale signs that you are a business owner As a woman, embracing an interest beyond raising kids The pivotal role a mentor can have Growing not just a following but a business on Instagram Why friends and family may not be your best starting point for a customer base Living your faith in your business The unexpected ways your work can touch your customers

Business is all about managing risk and finding opportunity. Finding that opportunity can mean that your business has excess cash on hand, more than is needed for daily operating expenses. It seems like a great problem to have: business is going well and you have built up solid cash reserves. The idea is to maintain liquidity, but also generate some yield on that money. It’s great that it is there, but you also want to put it to work for your business in a way that is accessible and avoids unnecessary risk. You don’t want to take your eye off the main focus of your business, but you’ve got to manage the assets your business has built up. The big question: How? For multi-national corporations, they have an entire department devoted to this cash on hand. This unique role is called Corporate Treasury. But what can smaller businesses do to manage their treasury, without an army of accountants and number-crunchers on the payroll? We want to show you the variety of ways you can leverage your cash on hand, and share with you how a smaller company can manage treasury without staffing up. what you will learn in this episode: What Corporate Treasury is How your business can most effectively leverage cash on hand The right way to manage savings and debt reduction for business Understanding the Uncommon Debt Ratio Why it’s so important to “know your numbers” How to use whole life insurance as a resource in business How you can use cryptocurrency as part of your corporate treasury strategy Why it’s easier and more cost-effective than ever to outsource your CFO role

We talk a lot about loving what you do—finding your passion and building a life around it. Our guest on this episode embodies that philosophy in so many ways. Jody Steinhauer is a business owner who has built charitable giving right into her business model, and is helping other companies do the same. This is a wide-ranging conversation about her business experience and how she has built a life she can be proud of and grateful for. As President and CBO (Chief Bargain Officer) of the Bargains Group, Jody Steinhauer uses her network of resources and leveraged buying power to aid every company and not-for-profit agency that she touches to maximize their buying dollar. Since 1988, Jody has grown Bargains Group from her apartment to a multi-million-dollar-a-year business. Pioneering her belief of “giving back makes good business sense”, Jody is a tireless not-for-profit advocate, and the founder of the national charity, Engage and Change, and its two annual initiatives, Project Winter Survival and Project Water. Jody’s business has expanded to include a social enterprise wing: Kits for a Cause. With a focus on social impact, Jody has built a model for companies to support their local community. what you will learn in this episode: How to move on with confidence from a toxic work environment How to build giving back into your business model Why a pivot in your business can be the best move you can make Why you need to measure success by your standards, not someone else’s anaging your schedule, being where you need to be, and letting go of the myth of “balance” What it means to “broker” goodness How to find a cause your whole team can get behind

Logistics are important, but logistics can kill dreams. Focus on the dream and figure out the logistics as you go. One thing we have learned over the years, there is no one road map to leading an Uncommon Life. But if you stay on the sidelines, dreams will never come true. In this episode, we’re talking with someone who has figured this out and is living his dreams with a “do and learn” approach that he wants to share. We’re talking with Jesse Cole, who is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the Savannah Bananas. He’s here to talk with us about the huge impact a fans-first approach can have. Here’s a taste of his story. The previous occupants of the Savanah baseball stadium where the Bananas play were lucky to have a few hundred fans in attendance. Jesse and his wife have built a brand that packs the stadium with a waiting list in the thousands. His teams have welcomed more than one million fans to their ballparks and have been featured on MSNBC, CNN, ESPN, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Jesse released his first book “Find Your Yellow Tux – How to Be Successful by Standing Out” in January of 2018 with a World Book Tour…at Epcot. Cole has been featured on over 500 podcasts and is an in-demand keynote speaker all over the country sharing the Fans First Experience on how to stand out, be different and create raving fans of both customers and employees. Cole is the host of the Business Done Differently Podcast and has interviewed over 100 of some of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers. what you will learn in this episode: Why a focus on attention beats a focus on marketing How to take a “do and learn” approach to business and life Learning the length of your risk-tolerance “runway” Building on capacity as a state of mind Focusing on what, not how How to build a fan-first business model