Wealth Talks

Politics have a BIG impact on what we do with our money. Laws, rules, and regulations restrict and penalize us depending on where we store and how we use our money, and taxes cut a chunk right off the top regardless. But there is a financial tool left to us which is still, comparatively, free from restrictions and penalties. Find out more on Wealth Talks.

It isn't often one spends $50,000 in a single day without previously intending to, but sometimes it happens. Todays on Wealth Talks you'll hear the story and find out what "happened". Resources: Building a Secure Financial Foundation:https://www.life-benefits.com/videos/how-to-build-a-secure-financial-foundation/ @brothersfabshop - Instagram

The new year is almost here. Starting January 1st we often see more people outside, walking, jogging or running working on their "resolutions". This usually lasts for a couple of weeks after which the people, as well as their resolutions perhaps, fade into obscurity. Are these resolutions not merely confessions? On today's episode with special guest Ben McFie, you will learn how to make New Year's goals which will last long after the first two weeks of January. Listen Now Resources: Goal Setting with Tom Ziglar: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/lifebenefits/Audio/Teleconferences/2017/Tom+Ziglar+Jan+2017.mp3

As excited as everyone seems around Christmas, a lot of people report experiencing "post-holiday blues". Interestingly, over 40% of Americans go into debt to buy Christmas gifts. Might this new debt contribute to their post-holiday blues? We thought s

If you've been "around" in the insurance world, you've probably heard about a term rider. It is quite common to see an insurance policy with a term rider attached, but this doesn't mean it's a good idea. In fact, many times, putting a term rider on a policy makes no sense at all. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss term riders and why they don't often like them. Resources: Policy Class: https://www.life-benefits.com/store-detail#policy-class Prescription for Wealth: https://www.life-benefits.com/prescription-for-wealth-book/

Taxes have been around for a very long time indeed. If we look at the history of taxes in the United States, we notice a curious phenomenon... taxes rarely decrease over time. For some reason, taxes tend to go up! Guess what? They could be going up again! As cheerful as this may be to DC'ers, a few of us American citizens find this upsetting. So, what should we do to ensure we don't pay more in taxes than we must? Listen now on Wealth Talks. Resources: How to Build Sustainable Wealth: https://www.life-benefits.com/store/

With college tuition increasing and student loans becoming a real problem, the question presents itself: Is college still worth it? Many college students graduate and work jobs completely unrelated to their degree. But at least they are thousands of dollars in debt. That always makes the future seem bright! Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John take a hard look at college education. Is it necessary? Is it useful? Is it dangerous? Listen now on Wealth Talks.

There is a new rule pending approval which could dramatically change 401(k)s. If the ruling is approved, 401k plan managers, while choosing investments, will have to consider the ESG criteria (Environmental, Social and Governance factors) of investments for the plan. Generally speaking, fees on ESG funds are higher and there is some research which shows the ESG market may have already peaked. Despite privately held beliefs on whether investments based on ESG criteria are generally better/worse than other investments, these factors, combined or individually, could hurt 401k balances. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss this problem and some ideas for working against a disintegrating status quo. Resources: How to Build Sustainable Wealth: https://www.life-benefits.com/store/

Ever heard that? It seems to be a prevailing theme nowadays. Look to the experts. Don't ask questions. Do what you're told. Looking to the experts is fine but relying solely on them can be catastrophic. We have to exercise discretion and make our own decisions. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss some of the core thought processes we need to have to be financially savvy.

We live in a world of lies. This isn't anything new or unique to this time in history. We've been living in a world of lies for a long time. So, who should we trust? The government? Yeah, not us either. On today's episode, Tom and John share what we need to know to survive in our "world of lies". Resources: Relative Truth is No Truth - Podcast Understanding Different World Views - Interview with Krish Dhanam

Taxing the rich is a topic many elected officials harp on with a religious zeal. Despite their moral high tone, taxes on the rich seem to do more damage to the middle and lower classes. The income tax, supposedly to penalize rich tycoons, ended up being paid mostly by people other than the rich. Whoops! Guess it's time for a new tax. Any suggestions for a name? On today's episode, Tom and John discuss how we can avoid getting squelched by taxes and inflation... it's one of the few weapons we have left. Resources The Creature from Jekyll Island

Warning signs are supposed to offer us some degree of protection from the described danger. Yet a recent study shows they many have the opposite effect. Trivial warnings abound everywhere... especially in California where even a cup of coffee has been found to cause cancer. Of course, just because there is a "warning" doesn't mean it's really dangerous. The same holds true in the finance industry. Just because something is "qualified" or "preferred" doesn't mean it's the best place to invest your money. To grow your wealth, you must know how to assess the real danger, not just read the warnings. Listen now on Wealth Talks. Resources Prescription For Wealth: https://www.life-benefits.com/store/

Taking a loan from a policy is easy, but there are questions that can arise. Will taking a loan decrease my death benefit? Why does the insurance company charge interest? When should I pay off my policy loan? This week, Tom and John answer all these questions and many more. Listen Now on Wealth Talks. Resources How to Build Sustainable Wealth: https://www.life-benefits.com/store/

Lots of people seem to be gung-ho on investing in the market. Whether they're trying to make a lot or make a little, build their dream home or supplement social security. Sometimes these folks only know enough to be dangerous. This episode is a chilling reminder as to how rough and unpredictable a road the market can be in reality. And talking of social security. What's might happen to this program? Tom and John share thoughts about this and discuss wealth killers such as fees, interest and taxes. Listen Now. Resources How to Build Sustainable Wealth: https://www.life-benefits.com/store/ Note: Investing information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Life Benefits, LLC does not offer advisory or brokerage services, and does not recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular securities.

America has been the face of benevolence for years. Has this benevolence contributed to the deterioration of America today? It is good to be compassionate and sharing, but we need to make sure we are not giving away what we need to take care of our own responsibilities. Listen in as Tom and John address the problem of benevolence and possible side-effects in your personal finances as well as at a cultural level. Resources Link to Seminar recording: https://www.life-benefits.com/store-detail/#sw-seminar Link to Policy Class: https://www.life-benefits.com/store-detail/#policy-class

September 17-18th marked our first LIVE event since early 2020. It was wonderful! Seeing people in person, face to face, is something no Zoom conference can replace. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John are joined by Michele. Together, they give you a brief synopsis of the event. Resources: https://www.life-benefits.com/store-detail/#sw-seminar

Taxes are unpleasant, yet it is important to plan for them if one wants to pay as little as possible. Sadly, many people are planning in a way that will cost them in the long run. Today, Tom and John are joined by special guest Martha Baker-Starr, a Certified Tax Coach™. Together, they talk about the importance of planning for taxes over the long term. Listen now on WealthTalks. Contact: [email protected] or call 803-256-1083 ext 104

We put fences around our homes and locks on our doors to protect our physical property. But do we do anything to protect our intellectual property? Coca-Cola, MacDonald's and Nike sure have, but what about us? Intellectual property is extremely important and should be properly protected, but it's tough to know how to do so. Should you file for a Copyright? Trademark? Patent? Even if you know which form of protection is right for you, filing with the US Government can be a real pain. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John are joined by Attorney Mark Wright. Mr. Wright has an extensive history of protecting intellectual property across the private, corporate, and government sectors; from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Listen now to hear His insight on intellectual protection. Resources: Attorney Mark Wright contact: [email protected]

Average returns don't mean actual returns. On the surface this doesn't sound like it would be a huge issue. But it is. In addition, the benefit of a 401(k) tax deferral used to be estimated about 9%, but not anymore. And fees continue taking a steady told each year which erodes your compounding base. These factors, as well as liquidity issues and insufficient accumulation of funds in most plans are prompting people to save in other vehicles even if they continue to use a 401(k).

Many of those who speak about the evils of making money are the ones who aren't making any. Today on WealthTalks, Tom and John talk about why Earning money, as well as Keeping and Giving money, are so important to building and sustaining a strong society. Make sure your children learn about the flow of money and value in meaningful ways as they grow up, so they can become more productive and creative as adults.

Interest is often seen as a negative thing, but is it? Many people confuse interest with usury, but the two are distinctly different. Today on Wealth Talks, you will learn the difference between interest and usury, and how to use interest to your advantage. Also, Tom and John share the next big thing they see coming in the financial world and what you can do to prepare. Ready to take control of your money? Attend our upcoming LIVE event. Sustainable Wealth and Investing Seminar Sept 17-18th

Was your question answered? A few weeks ago, Tom and John devoted an episode to answering questions from you, our listeners. But they didn't get to all of them. This week, Tom and John are back to answer those questions. Also, check out the details for our upcoming LIVE event. Sustainable Wealth Seminar Sept 17-18th

Many people want to know… should they pay extra interest to their policies? This is not a simple yes or no question. The answer will vary based on few different factors, including how the policy was designed. On this episode Tom and John dig into policy design and whether or not paying extra in interest make sense. Sustainable Wealth Seminar Sept 17-18th: https://www.life-benefits.com/sustainable-wealth-seminar/

Tom and John are joined on Wealth Talks by Dr. Steve Hryszczuk. Dr. Hryszczuk, a Life Benefits client for many years, has carefully managed his policies to successfully invest in real estate as well as financing other things in his life. Today, he shares the different ways he has been able to use his policies, as well as sharing some sound thinking for investing in real estate. He sends 2 pictures of the foundations for the new Hryszczuk family home and writes... Here's a metaphor of how I view my WLI [whole life insurance] It's stable, predictable and always available. Maybe not the most sexy part of my house, but without it the whole edifice will collapse.

Today's episode is all about answering questions from you and others who listen to WealthTalks. From questions about serving clients in different geographical locations, to strategy and policy design concepts – you all have some great questions. And we're not done yet…more coming in a few weeks. Do you have a question for Tom and John? Submit your question to: [email protected]

Recently there was an agent who was claiming to help people with the Infinite Banking Concept. Instead, he was swindling them. On today's episode Tom and John break down this guy's swindling setup, talk about scenarios which should have been red flags to his clients and what finally happened to the guy. They also share some practical financial tips which can help keep you from being conned. Sustainable Wealth Seminar Sept 17-18th: https://www.life-benefits.com/sustainable-wealth-seminar/

People are outliving their money, leaving themselves broke in their retirement. It isn't solely because they aren't saving enough, it's also because they are saving in the wrong places. In today's episode Tom and John assess the current retirement crisis to find out what went wrong. They also share details about our upcoming LIVE event which focuses on being Debt Free, Investing and Funding Retirement. Sustainable Wealth Seminar Sept 17-18th: https://www.life-benefits.com/sustainable-wealth-seminar/

In 1993 Shawn Tully wrote an article in Fortune Magazine entitled The Real Key to Creating Wealth. The concept of Economic Value Added (EVA) which Tully described changed the way the corporate world looked at creating wealth. While Tully's article was directed towards the corporate world, the concept is relevant to personal finance as well. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss Tully's article and how it can change your approach and success for building wealth.

If you have business partners or plan to enter a business with partners, this show is important for you. If one partner dies or needs to exit your venture, you need to be able to protect your assets and buy out the missing partner. This show covers some general information about the different types of Buy-Sell agreements and how these agreements can be funded effectively. You'll discover: Three basic types of Buy-Sell agreements How they work Some downsides and benefits to various buy-sell structures Why life insurance is often used to fund buy-sell arrangements If you have questions about structuring your buy-sell agreement, call Life Benefits at 702-660-7000.

10 years ago, Prescription for Wealth made its debut. This small book has stood the test of time, challenging the complex financial schemes of our day with simple truth. Later books, Winning Your Financial Game, Retirement Curveball and Building Sustainable Wealth expound on the principles explained, in a nutshell, in Prescription for Wealth. As simple as these principles are, they have drastically changed the financial well-being and lives of many who have put them into action. Prescription for Wealth is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Wealth-Why-Should-Rich/dp/0983475768/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=prescription+for+wealth&qid=1623703890&sr=8-1 and on the Life Benefits Store: https://www.life-benefits.com/store/ Order before Wednesday June 16, 2021 to receive in time for Father's Day! Resources: Prescription for Wealth pdf download: https://www.life-benefits.com/prescription-for-wealth-book/

The step-up in basis or stepped-up basis allows property and businesses to be passed to the next generation without a tax on the appreciation. Biden's new tax plan depicts removing the step-up basis. Removal of the step-up basis will seriously jeopardize the financial legacy of many Americans. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss how we can prepare to leave a legacy in spite of this. How to Build Sustainable Wealth – Get the book: https://www.life-benefits.com/store/

Poverty has always existed and always will. Despite the "War on Poverty" (the most monetarily expensive war), poverty rates in America have been steadily on the rise. This should, perhaps, come as no surprise. Jesus Christ told us we would always have the poor among us, but that doesn't mean we have to be one of them. In today's show, Tom and John discuss poverty and why it has become an obstacle to building sustainable wealth in America. Resources: 5hr Financial Class – Get the Recording

Recently we've had a few Indexed Universal Life policy contracts come across our desk for review. As part of our review process, we calculated the cost of insurance in these policies and compared it to the cost of insurance in a Whole Life product of our design. In today's show, Tom and John look at how these costs match up. While Indexed Universal Life may be the trendiest type of insurance, it leaves a lot to be desired. Resources: Order How to Build Sustainable Wealth : https://www.life-benefits.com/store/

With possible changes to the tax code looming, it is likely life insurance will become an even more important planning tool for people who want to build and sustain generational wealth. But there is a lot of negativity surrounding life insurance and those who sell it. Public opinion of life insurance salesmen is low, coming in just above that of used car salesmen. But on today's episode, Tom and John talk about celebrities who have much better opinions of life insurance. Some were even life insurance salesmen! Their names may surprise you!

Joe Biden is on record for stating "Americans will suffer under my administration". Biden's economic policies are threatening to turn out a lot like Jimmy Carter's did in the 1970s. The good news is we can try to prepare for the future by looking at the past. Interest rates under Carter were very high. But interest rates on policy loans, while higher than they are right now, were comparatively low. Those who recognized this, were able to borrow against their life insurance policies to capitalize on opportunities which came along. Of course, they could only borrow in proportion to how much they had put in. Listen to the latest episode of Wealth Talks Now!

There is a fascinating history around governments and the way they deal with drugs. Hippocrates warned against the use of opium except for some medicinal purposes. Yet by 1839 Great Britain was embroiled with China over the trade of opium. British ships were instructed to bring the finest opium back to England. Needless to say, this opium was not used for medicinal purposes. So what does this have to do with Life Insurance? The fact is governments cannot stem the tide of culture and the way people think. Governments can use force, or impose penalties and taxes, but there are other forces at work on a deeper level. This is a foundation which shares a common ground when it comes to the value of using life insurance to build wealth. Hear more on the show today.

Beyond the fact that Sam was from Tennessee, we are ignorant of much of his life… except that his cremation was the strangest sight the Northern Lights have ever seen. While not as strange, perhaps, as Sam's cremation, we see our fair share of "strange things done in the midnight sun by men who moil for gold". In this episode, Tom and John share some "strange things" about the Life Insurance Industry you'll want to be aware of. Contact Life Benefits to get a policy review at 702-660-7000

Cancel Culture isn't anything new. Although the name has changed over the years the selfish ideas and beliefs behind it have remained the same. Cancel Culture and Critical Theory thinking, a hideous blend of Marxism and Freudianism, is seriously endangering our Western Society. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss Cancel Culture and what we can do to guard against it.

World population is a major concern… but not in the way many people see it. Anyone who has taken a flight across the US should realize that overpopulation is not even a remote problem. In fact, the biggest problem many countries are facing today is underpopulation. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John talk about underpopulation and the grave danger it represents to the US. Catch the show here.

There are two categories into which all Life Insurance products fall: Temporary and Permanent. In general, term products are classified as temporary insurance, while whole life and universal life products are classified as permanent. It is important to understand how these different types of policies work when you wish to purchase the best type of Insurance. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John break down how different policies perform so you can see what type of insurance is the best to own. Listen Now.

How many times have you heard someone recite sentiments along these lines "It'll be my kids' problem by then"… implying that they will be dead and their kids will have to deal with the problem instead. The lack of responsibility is shocking, and the results of this thinking are disastrous. We are all susceptible to this type of thinking. Even Hezekiah one of the best kings of Israel was caught in this way of thinking. Although there was peace in Hezekiah's day, the Israelites eventually became enslaved to the Babylonians. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John discuss how to avoid this type of thinking, and how to leave a real and lasting legacy. Listen Now!

Some people firmly believe in financing every expense in life with a policy loan. Others believe in financing only the larger expenses, and many don't know what to believe. This is a controversial subject with an endless number of opinions. While it is easy to be confused by the barrage of information available, following certain steps and keeping certain ideas in mind can simplify the decision process amazingly. Today on WealthTalks, Tom and John discuss things you will want to be aware of when financing with a policy loan and some tips to deciding when a policy loan makes sense. Listen Now

In American society, more and more people seem to be less interested in making any sort of commitment, preferring a quick and easy relationship. Those only seeking a relationship are typically absorbed with themselves, looking only for what they can get out of the relationship. Commitments are very different. Those looking to make a commitment are interested in how they can help other people, and create a better life for those around them. Today on Wealth Talks, Tom and John are joined by Michele McFie. On todays show, they discuss the differences between people engaged in a commitment and those in a relationship… and how differently they make financial decisions. Listen Now!

Ice cream containers are shrinking - again. It used to be common for ice cream to be sold in a half gallon cartons. Some years ago, cartons shrunk to 1.75 quarts and just recently many ice cream cartons shrank again to only 1.5 quarts. Prices, however, did not shrink accordingly. Most prices stayed the same. This latest change is the equivalent of a 16.667% price increase. Some people may blame the creamery, the carton manufacturer or even the grocery store for the increase in price. But the real blame lies elsewhere. Today on WealthTalks, Tom and John talk about why ice cream containers are shrinking, and what we can do to keep our savings from shrinking as well. Listen Now!

Gino Bartali was an Italian cyclist. Winning the Giro d'Italia in 1936 and 1937 and the prestigious Tour de France in 1938, Gino went on to win two more titles after the War, the Giro d'Italia in 1946 and the Tour de France in 1948. But it wasn't for any of these races that Gino became a hero, it was for his work in the Underground. Under the guise of training, Gino carried papers all across Italy. These papers, meant to save the lives of Jews, would have meant death for Gino if they had been discovered. Gino was a true hero. We have delivered seventeen death benefits to the families of true heroes. It doesn't matter their profession, affluence, or education, those who have a plan to provide for those they leave behind are true heroes. Resource: How to Build Sustainable Wealth: https://www.life-benefits.com/store-detail/#HTBSW

Buying a Whole Life Insurance policy is a lot like starting a business that is guaranteed to succeed. In a world where 90% of startup businesses fail, talking about guaranteed success seems strange - even perhaps a little fishy. But when it comes to life insurance, you can indeed find sustainable guaranteed growth. Guaranteed growth may take more time than some investments, but the slow & steady approach is the same used by many large grocery stores, such as Walmart, Ralphs, Krogers, Piggly Wiggly etc. In today's episode, Tom and John discuss how these guarantees can work for you. Listen Now

Paul "Bear" Bryant famously said "Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships." Many investment advisors today are hyper-focused on the offensive side of wealth building (investing). Wealth building is just as much defense as it is offense. In today's episode, Tom and John discuss how to get your Wealth Building defense running smoothly. Resources: Order Winning Your Financial GAME

Many people pursue money to their own misery. If they only had more money, they reason, they would be happy and contented. With this mindset, they will never be happy. They will either be poor and miserable, or they will be richly miserable. Wealth, on the other hand, isn't dependent on money. Money can be a part of wealth, but wealth is not a part of money! Today on Wealth Talks Tom and John talk about money, the love of money, and wealth. Listen Now Resources: Order How to Build Sustainable Wealth Here: https://www.life-benefits.com/store/

Securities. The very name fills one with the sense of safety, conjuring up images of bank vaults, locked safes and armed guards. Ironically, many so-called securities are not secure. In fact, most securities are risky. …which brings up a question…are whole life insurance products considered securities? Do they share any similarities with securities? On todays episode of WealthTalks, Tom and John talk about securities and why whole life insurance is different. Listen Now