Uncommon Wealth Podcast

Things are going to sound a little different around here going forward, and we think that's a very good thing. In this episode, we talk about why we're transitioning the name of our podcast. how it fits in with some of the other work we're doing, and what you can expect going forward. 

Leading up to Super Bowl 50, Cam Newton was a gold-shod, dabbing, dancing, confidence machine. Afterwards, he was stoic, sulking, and mostly silent, except in his criticism of his own team's efforts. This kind of reaction, one that deflects ownership and responsibility, not only cuts off your ability to grow from your shortcomings but also pushes them onto those around you (which, of course, no one takes kindly to).This episode we're talking about the Cam Newton Effect, what it is, and how to watch for it in your own life.

What does a pawn shop employee, a property manager, a proprietor of a tile business, and a proud papa have in common? If you're Chase Knock, at some point in your life you were all of these. It's often funny how one option leads to another in life. And although it's one thing to be curious about what's behind the next door, it's a whole different thing to jump off the bridge and pursue the opportunities that lie in the mystery, which sometimes start at a pawn shop.This week we're talking to Chase Knock, owner of Knock Knock Tile, about his road to entrepreneurship. We'll also talk about family, the importance of a supportive spouse, keeping family first, and the revelations that come when we embrace our struggles, including mental and emotional ones.You can find more from Chase on Instagram @knockknocktile 

A single crab placed in a bucket will generally escape easily (although not without some irritation for having been placed in a bucket). However, if you put a group of crabs in a bucket, every time one of them tries to escape another will inevitably grab on to them and pull them back down. Sure, you’re thinking, it’s a real bummer to be a crab in a bucket, and you’re probably right. But it’s also a real bummer to be a person trying to progress, take chances, move up and forward, all things you are capable of doing, and yet have other people holding you back.In this week’s Simple Step, we’re talking about the importance of who you surround yourself with. Are they encouragers? Cheerleaders? Motivators? Or, are you being held back from what you can truly do by other crabs in the bucket?

After moving to the Midwest from Louisiana, Stephen Smith knew something was missing…backyard BBQs. There just weren’t very many. And sure, the food at that type of thing was always good, but it’s the intentional community, the people, and the vibe of gathering that he missed. But how do you re-create that in the Midwest? The same way you do in the South, a party and a whole mess of crawfish. And thus, Cajun Fest Iowa was born, not only in service of the backyard BBQ vibe but also of a variety of local charities totalling over $100k in donations from the festival to date.This week on the show we talk to Stephen about what it takes to grow a community event like his from 100 to 1,500 attendees over the course of a few years and why it's more important to know where you’re going than how exactly to get there. Plus, guerilla marketing, holding firm to your values so that your progress means something, and achieving a work life blend (vs. balance).Find out more at https://www.cajunfestiowa.com/

Year-end is when all the big questions get together and beg for your attention. Business questions like how much did we make? What do we have in cash? What about taxes? How do we want to grow next year, should we pay down debt? But then you need to layer in considerations for you and your employees around bonuses, salary expectations, and retirement contributions. Plus community impacts, charitable giving, tithes and a host of other things. Add it all together and what do you get? A year-end dilemma.In this episode we’ll help you sort out how to think about and prioritize all of these things, starting with the end in mind. A lot of this will come down to what’s important to you, what you value, but even then there are systems and considerations that can help you make sense of the madness and give you a tangible place to start. Most of these “problems” are the right kinds of ones to have, so let’s use them to their greatest impact.A few references from the show that we mentioned that may be of additional use to you:Uncommon Life Project Podcast with Drew McLellanProfit First Book

Thinking through the impacts of our absence in the world seems both a luxury and intangible compared to the problems and opportunities that we face in the present. But as our guest Charles Bottenberg reminds us in this episode, “Whether you have an estate plan or not, you have an estate plan.” The choice is between control or chaos, chance or intention.This week we’ll talk about all things estate planning, including what decisions go into an estate plan, the tax implications of your estate, and how to think about trusts, guardianships, and protecting those you intend to leave things to. Also, ways to structure your estate plan that allows you to still put boundaries on how money/property is made available to them, letting you still parent/guide them in your physical absence. Plus, some encouragement that all of this is easier than you may think, as long as you have the right help.To get in touch with Charles:Email: [email protected] number: 515-246-0335LinkedIn: LinkedIn

In this episode’s Simple Step, we’re talking about the power of thinking about your spending through the lens of time. How many work hours does it take to cover that car payment, the grocery store visit, or that bocce ball set your spouse is certain you will lose your passion for in a few weeks? And perhaps on the other side, are you getting joy from the time you’re trading to get these things? It’s possible!Enjoy this week’s episode, do the exercise, and let us know what interesting things you found out by shooting us an email at [email protected].

In a market that is unpredictable at best and recessive at worst, sometimes it feels like the most prudent thing to do is get out and put your cash on the sidelines. But doing so can often be counterproductive as high inflation chips away at the underlying value as your cash sits and you miss out on opportunities to get in on securities that are at a short-term discount, especially if performance is more related to the macro environment than the quality of the underlying security.This week we’re talking to Kade Vasi from Clark Capital Management Group, who not only has some insight on why not to let your cash sit this one out, but also a view on bonds, bond portfolios, and municipal bonds that are worth your attention if you’re a high net worth individual who is looking for some less obvious tax-efficient strategies for your non-qualified money. Plus we’ll cover the history of Clark Capital Management Group, a high-level of what capital managers do, and how the firm uniquely serves individual investors as well as financial advisers and wealth managers.To learn more about Clark Capital Management group, visit their website at ccmg.com

Entrepreneurship is often a twisting, winding, surprising sort of affair. As Becky Pospisal, owner of the Knotty Nail will tell you, those surprises can come both in the form of challenges (as in adapting when your well-made plans don’t work out as expected) and blessings (like finding that folks really like your business). Although you can’t always prepare tangibly for surprises, they are, by nature, unexpected, trusting in your ability to handle whatever may come will often produce exactly that.Join us this week as we talk with Becky about surprises, how she got started with the Knotty Nail, and spouses who will say what they really think about the name of your business. Plus, using the SBA, creating lasting employee relationships, and transitioning your business so you can do the things you love doing and find great people to handle the other stuff.To learn more, visit theknottynail.com

In this Simple Step episode, we talk about the importance of mentors. A good mentor can not only help you realize when you aren’t being your authentic self but can also call you up to a version of yourself you never knew existed. We don’t ever graduate from the benefits of coaching and guidance, we just often become deluded into believing we don’t need it or trapped in the thought that it’s a sign of weakness to ask. Humility and coachability is power, it means the ceiling of your success always has room to go higher.Take a quick listen to this week’s simple step and then get out there and be a mentor, thank your mentor, or find a mentor. If possible, do all three.Have a great story about the power of mentorship in your life? We’d love to hear it, share it with us at [email protected].

Part of the Uncommon path is believing that there’s a way to monetize the thing you’re passionate about. When you can set yourself free of that limiting thought, that no one could possibly pay you for this thing, it starts to open your eyes to all kinds of opportunities and avenues you never knew existed. Joshua Baird, of Iconic Motorsports, knows the feeling…he gets paid to play video games.Join us this week for a conversation with Joshua about SIM racing, eSports, and what it takes to turn your part-time hobby into a full-time future. Plus, some real-life examples of how to monetize this kind of business, including NFTs, cryptocurrency, sponsorships, and incentivizing the participation.For more on Iconic Motorsports, check out their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iracingiconicmotorsports/

Sorting out the alphabet soup of letters and numbers that describe various retirement plans can seem like a daunting task. But employees and employers alike can use these plans to reduce current tax liability and gain investment exposure, so it’s valuable to understand these tax-advantaged options and how to use them to advance your goals.This week on the show we’ll sort through the noise and help you understand the differences between various retirement plans (like SIMPLEs, SEPs, 401ks, 457s, etc.) and who gets to use them (sometimes the type of plan is dependent upon who you work for). Also, how additional options like cash balance or defined pension plans target “later” money to extend the retirement offering and expand how much money can be directed into retirement benefits, with the accompanying tax impacts.This podcast is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t be considered advice. It’s always a good idea to get some help from a licensed professional if you’re looking to create or extend your business retirement plan.

If you’re going to do the thing, do the thing. If you’re Jeni Lee of Mac’d, the thing is creating a meal prep service that combines providing a tasty variety of food, making it easy to get, and ensuring it covers the balanced nutrients you need to meet or exceed your fitness goals.This week we talk to Jeni about how a three week span between jobs changed her career and life forever. Plus, how the desire to not feel arbitrarily limited in life, coupled with the gift of discernment, forms the entrepreneurial gut instinct that helps give you the ability to act in boldness even when it isn’t clear where the leap will land you. Also, we hear more about how she got started in meal prep, how her work is changing lives, and the future of Mac’d.To learn more about Jeni, you can visit her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macdbyjl/

In this week’s simple step, we’re talking about the difference between riches and wealth. Without giving the whole five minutes away, at least know that here your mindset and the relationship between your money and your passion make all the difference. In the end, riches are too shallow, wealth is a much deeper and helpful aim.To share with us when you started to understand the differences between riches and wealth, or just to provide some feedback on the show, hit us up at [email protected].

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).