The Uncommon Life Project: Recent Episodes
Uncommon Wealth Partners
Don’t wait until you retire to begin to live out the life of your dreams. Make choices today that allow you to live in an uncommon way. Let the Uncommon Life Project podcast and its hosts Bryan Dewhurst and Phillip Ramsey guide you to asking different questions, considering different paths and building a life that fits your unique definition of what your uncommon life might be.
Phillip Ramsey delves into the intricacies of estate planning with a focus on the lesser-known term "Per Stirpes." Using relatable family examples, he explains how selecting this option affects the allocation of IRA benefits and ensures inheritance flows along family lines. Learn how to navigate beneficiary designations to align with your financial intentions, ensuring provision for descendants. Whether you're new to estate planning or looking to deepen your understanding, Phillip's insights offer clarity on making informed decisions to achieve an uncommon life.
In this captivating episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey engages with Jeff Allen, winner of the inaugural Beast Games—a monumental contest hosted by YouTuber Mr. Beast with a historic $10 million prize. The episode unravels the thrilling experience of participating in such a vast-scale event, Allen's strategy and emotions during the competition, and the profound impact winning has had on his life. The conversation seamlessly transitions from the spectacular to the personal, offering insights into Allen's journey as a father and his mission to harness this newfound attention to advocate for rare disease research.
From discussing his initial career in medical device sales to his transformation into a notable media figure, Allen shares the serendipitous events that shaped his path, including the pivotal role his family has played throughout. Listeners are invited to contemplate the importance of faith and resilience as Jeff recounts his faith journey which was deepened by his son Lucas's rare diagnosis. The conversation is laden with themes of perseverance, the power of faith, and the pursuit of purpose-driven goals. Jeff offers a genuine glimpse into how he plans to utilize his winnings beyond personal gain to support families confronting the challenges of rare diseases.
Key Takeaways:* Jeff Allen transitioned from a career in medical sales to becoming a content creator and advocate, having won the $10 million Beast Games hosted by Mr. Beast. * Jeff’s journey is deeply rooted in family values and faith, which played a crucial role in his life, particularly when coping with his son Lucas’s rare disease diagnosis. * Despite the daunting odds at Beast Games with 1,000 contestants, Jeff was able to maintain composure and make strategic moves, ultimately securing a life-changing victory. * Winning the hefty prize has sparked a new mission for Jeff: investing in research for creatine transporter deficiency and supporting other families navigating rare diseases. * The experience at Beast Games fostered lifelong friendships and reinforced Jeff’s resolve to turn personal successes into meaningful, broader impacts.
Notable Quotes:* "Finding the beauty in the bumps. You think things happen, and good is going to come from it." * "Lucas brought the light of God back to me." * "You can really see somebody's character when things don't go your way."
Phillip Ramsey hosts the latest Uncommon Wealth podcast episode featuring Cody Kowalski, the first-ever intern at Uncommon Wealth. Cody shares his journey, including his recent marriage and honeymoon, his passion for financial planning, and a potential career in ministry. Cody discusses his current role and responsibilities as an intern, focusing on creating a one-page financial plan and formulating a marketing calendar. This episode offers insights into Cody's aspirations and provides a glimpse into the unique approach Uncommon Wealth takes towards financial planning.
Timestamp Summary
- 0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
- 0:41 Cody's Background and Internship Choice
- 3:13 Phillip's Perspective on Cody's Role
- 5:03 Cody's Excitement and Responsibilities
- 7:06 Day-to-Day Operations at Uncommon Wealth
- 10:08 Cody's Future Vision
- 13:29 Reflection and Conclusion
Explore the power of gratitude with host Phillip Ramsey in this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast. Delve into the profound insight that gratitude is a choice, not a consequence, and discover how embracing this mindset can shift your perspective on life. Ramsey offers an engaging analogy comparing small bites to a buffet, emphasizing appreciation for life's simple pleasures. Learn how gratitude fosters abundance and joy, encouraging you to view your journey through an uncommon lens. Tune in for strategies to enrich your life with thankfulness in every circumstance.
Phillip Ramsey hosts Jon and Hanna Shiplett of Eden and Gray, as they return to discuss their business journey since 2018. They delve into the evolution of their design and build company, highlighting changes in client types, project scales, and business challenges. With a growing team and higher project demands, they explore the nuances of leadership, maintaining their brand, and managing personal life alongside business growth. This episode provides insights into their dynamic partnership in business and marriage, reflecting on past experiences and future aspirations
Timestamp
- 0:01 Eden and Gray's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Success
- 5:30 Evolving Client Niches and Business Growth in Design Build
- 10:42 Challenges of Leadership and Business Growth
- 13:37 Growing a Business While Maintaining Brand and Culture
- 18:14 Rising Costs of Design and Construction Projects Over Time
- 19:34 Balancing Family Growth and Business Amidst Life's Challenges
- 22:42 Evolving Business Processes and Client Management in Design Projects
- 27:56 Challenges and Rewards of Working on Different Home Projects
- 29:12 Transforming Homes by Adding Character and Structural Changes
- 30:45 Lessons in Leadership and Growth from Business Challenges
- 38:31 Balancing Marriage and Business Partnership
- 40:57 Teamwork and Vision in Building Eden and Gray Interiors
In this deeply personal solo episode, Uncommon Wealth Podcast host Phillip Ramsey walks us through his winding, inspiring, and God-orchestrated career journey—from uncertain college grad to founding Uncommon Wealth Partners. With characteristic vulnerability and humor, Phillip reflects on his early setbacks, unlikely breakthroughs, and the faithful mentors who helped guide his path.
He shares how being nearly fired from his first job ignited a transformation in how he served others, why his time in customer service turned out to be pivotal, and how chance encounters (including on a plane!) led to unexpected opportunities in leadership, retail, and pharmaceuticals. Along the way, Phillip reveals the moments that taught him how to lead with humility, sell with integrity, and trust that setbacks are often setups for something greater.
This episode is a reminder that your story—peaks, valleys, detours, and all—matters. Phillip challenges listeners to reflect on their own path and trust that purpose can be found in even the most uncertain seasons.
In this quick "Simple Step" episode, Philip Ramsey challenges listeners to reflect on their own life journey by charting out the peaks and valleys—from career moves to personal milestones. He shares how this simple exercise of gratitude and self-awareness can offer unexpected clarity and direction. It’s a prelude to the next episode, where Philip unpacks his own uncommon path in full.
In this powerful and transparent episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, Phillip Ramsey sits down with Gabe Chamberlin—retirement plan specialist, musician, and Christ follower—whose life is a testament to what it means to live on mission. Though his career is rooted in the financial world as a wholesaler for Transamerica, Gabe stands out for his authenticity, his faith, and his refusal to conform to industry norms.
The conversation dives into Gabe’s transformation from a self-focused lifestyle to one centered on purpose and service. He opens up about a pivotal moment in 2007, when a night of drinking spiraled into legal trouble, jail time, and a life-altering wake-up call. It was in a cold jail cell, with nothing but books and God’s Word, that Gabe surrendered his life to Christ. And in a beautiful twist only God could orchestrate—his now-wife Brooke made the same decision to follow Jesus on the very same night, though they hadn’t spoken. That shared moment of divine alignment became the spiritual foundation of their marriage and their future.
Gabe shares how faith now shapes every part of his life: from how he works, to how he parents, to how he uses his musical gifts to lead worship. He also reflects on a meaningful men’s retreat, where an unexpected cold plunge became a symbol of courage and surrender. Letters from loved ones during that trip reminded him just how deeply his life has impacted others, often without his even knowing.
This is a story about redemption, mission, and the grace of second chances. Same Night is more than a title—it's a reminder that transformation often begins when we least expect it, and sometimes, when it happens in tandem, it changes everything.
Phillip Ramsey explores the concept of wealth transfer, urging listeners to prioritize core values, experiences, and charitable giving over mere financial assets. By focusing on these aspects, Phillip suggests families can empower future generations to independently build wealth and life satisfaction. He introduces an exercise to reframe how we view money and time, emphasizing their roles as investments in relationships and personal growth. This episode delves into understanding wealth in broader terms, offering insights into living an uncommon life by investing in meaningful connections and nurturing a legacy beyond financial inheritance.
Phillip Ramsey discusses the importance of taking personal financial inventory as tax deadlines approach. He shares practical advice on establishing a budget by analyzing recent bank and credit card statements to categorize expenses like groceries and gas. Emphasizing the critical role budgeting plays in retirement planning, he encourages listeners to determine their desired lifestyle costs. Phillip reassures that while predicting life’s end date is impossible, understanding financial needs is key. Reach out to Phillip with questions at UncommonWealth.com. Tune in for insights to lead better financial planning on your journey to 2025.
About the Guest(s):
Brent Uhlenhopp is a financial expert with a rich background in the finance and insurance industry. He is currently an ETF manager at Simplify Asset Management, a company renowned for its innovative financial solutions. Brent holds a degree from the University of Iowa and has previously worked with major finance groups such as Wells Fargo and Principal Financial Group, where he gained extensive experience in investment products and mutual funds. He joined Simplify in mid-2023, attracted by the firm’s cutting-edge approach to incorporating derivatives to enhance ETFs.
Episode Summary:
On this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes Brent Uhlenhopp, an ETF manager from Simplify. The conversation delves into Brent's professional journey, highlighting his transition from Principal Financial Group to the innovative startup Simplify. Listeners are introduced to the intriguing world of ETFs and the unique strategies Simplify employs to offer diversified and robust investment products. With a broad background in financial services, Brent shares his insights on how regulatory changes in 2020 enabled more dynamic use of derivatives in finance.
The episode explores Simplify's forefront role in revolutionizing ETFs by leveraging options and derivatives to enhance returns and provide downside protection. Brent and Phillip discuss Simplify's unique offerings, including their highly impactful Simplify Healthcare ETF, ticker symbol "PINK," which donates proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research. Brent articulates the importance of innovation in financial instruments, making institutional-grade strategies accessible to retail investors.
Phillip Ramsey reflects on a transformative experience at Casa Bonita, a unique Mexican restaurant in Colorado. He explores how a revamped business model—raising prices to deliver unparalleled experiences—shaped his visit. Drawing parallels to his own entrepreneurial journey with Uncommon Wealth, Phillip discusses the importance of charging what experiences are truly worth to provide the best possible service. He delves into themes of value, nostalgia, and customer satisfaction while sharing lessons that can be applied both personally and professionally. Join Phillip as he unpacks the impact of embracing a premium experience.
In this engaging simple step on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey delves into the often-overlooked mantra of "set it and forget it" in financial advising. He challenges this traditional mindset and offers practical advice on how to take a more hands-on approach to personal finance management. Phillip's insights aim to equip listeners with the tools needed to better manage their 401ks and other investment accounts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear view of one's financial situation.
Phillip shares the benefits of consolidating old 401k accounts and how rolling these over can simplify financial management and potentially enhance growth. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to reevaluate their financial strategies, focusing on the impact of dollar cost averaging and the significance of consistent contributions. Phillip's expertise shines as he breaks down complex financial concepts into easily digestible advice, underscoring the necessity of staying engaged with one's finances.
Key Takeaways:* Avoid the "set it and forget it" approach; always stay informed about your financial status. * Consolidate old 401k accounts for better visibility and easier management. * Rolling over 401ks can simplify the process of making contributions and tracking growth. * Dollar cost averaging is a powerful strategy for consistent investment growth over time. * Proactive financial management is crucial in navigating and succeeding on your financial path.
Notable Quotes:* "You should never forget about your money. You actually should be way more in tune to your money than I think a lot of people would like you to be." * "Consolidating old IRAs or old 401ks and rolling them over helps you see exactly how much money you have." * "The more that you can fund that consistently fund an account, the better chance it has to be growing." * "My challenge to you is try to figure out all your old 401ks, consolidate them, and roll them over either into your own IRA or your current 4
Jim Sheils is an accomplished real estate investor with over 25 years of experience. He is the visionary behind Southern Impression Homes, a company dedicated to building investment properties in several Florida markets. Jim is renowned for his transition from handling bulk foreclosure rehabs to spearheading successful new construction ventures. He is also the author of the best-selling book, "The Family Board Meeting," which has gained acclaim for its impactful family relationship strategies. Additionally, Jim's personal values are reflected in his business practices, promoting a healthy work-life balance and strong family connections.
Phillip Ramsey hosts a solo episode to announce Arron Cramer's departure from Uncommon Wealth Partners. Ramsey discusses Arron's move to Paradigm Wealth Partners under the mentorship of Rick Yoder, highlighting his invaluable contributions and character. The episode celebrates Arron's future potential and emphasizes the continued mission of Uncommon Wealth Partners to serve clients uniquely.
In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey delivers insightful advice on maintaining a clear focus on personal and financial goals. Emphasizing the importance of open communication and reflection, Phillip challenges listeners to engage in meaningful conversations about what truly matters to them in life.Phillip outlines a thoughtful strategy involving goal-setting discussions, particularly between spouses, to ensure that personal values align with financial decisions. He emphasizes the danger of losing sight of personal goals when dealing with financial advisors and proposes a proactive approach to dealing with personal finances. By understanding the "why" behind their aspirations, individuals can carve an uncommon and rewarding path.
Belle Rape is a distinguished brand expert with extensive experience in creating iconic branding strategies for high-profile clients. Having worked with major brands such as the NFL, NBA, Lowe's, Google, Tiffany & Co., Pepsi, and Sealy, Belle has honed her expertise in building brands that resonate emotionally with audiences. She is the founder of "Blueprint By Belle," where she focuses on both personal and business branding, helping individuals and companies discover and leverage their unique brand values.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey sits down with Belle Rape, a brand expert with a rich portfolio including collaborations with industry giants like the NFL, Google, and Tiffany & Co. Belle shares her journey from project management to founding her own successful brand consulting business, Blueprint By Belle. The conversation delves into the essence of branding and the emotional connections brands can evoke in their audiences.
Belle explains the intricacies of her process, from understanding a client's mission, vision, and values to translating these into a powerful brand strategy. She emphasizes the importance of how brands make people feel, sharing her "secret sauce" – the power of storytelling and emotion in brand identity. Belle recounts her personal experiences, detailing the challenges and triumphs of managing a marketing career and growing a business during a pandemic. The episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in the power of branding, filled with Belle's vibrant stories and actionable advice.
Key Takeaways: Emotion-Driven Branding: Belle's "secret sauce" involves creating deep emotional connections with the audience, emphasizing that how a brand makes someone feel is paramount. * The Importance of Storytelling: Crafting a compelling brand story is key, as illustrated by examples like Tiffany's iconic branding. * Personal and Business Branding: Belle highlights the significance of aligning personal image with business branding and navigating the balance between personal identity and brand identity. * The Scaling Challenge: Belle discusses the challenges of scaling a personal brand consultancy and the potential solutions like membership models to reach a broader audience. * Authenticity and Individuality:* Belle stresses the value of staying true to oneself in branding efforts, underscoring a personal calling to serve others through unique gifts and talents.
Notable Quotes:* "We were put on this earth to use our gifting and calling to serve other people." * "People gravitate towards brands because of how it makes them feel." * "I love puzzles. Like, you see the big picture of what it's supposed to be, and then you have all these pieces like, hey, let's go put it together." * "You were put on this earth to do an amazing thing or amazing things. So go out and be unforgettable."
About the Guest(s):In this thought-provoking solo episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Philip Ramsey takes center stage to share a personal revelation and a heartfelt apology for not living up to his own standards. Ramsey reflects on a pivotal experience during a mountain climb in Switzerland, where he confronted the interconnectedness of personal risks with broader life impacts. This episode is a deep dive into themes of leadership, personal growth, and the courage needed to embrace an uncommon life, setting the stage for actionable change in the year 2025.
As Ramsey outlines his journey, he discusses the hesitations and fears that held him back in 2024, despite encouraging others to invest in themselves and take bold steps. He opens up about the realization that he had fallen into complacency, showing a side of himself that many leaders and entrepreneurs might resonate with. By hiring a coach to guide him through this challenging phase, Ramsey exemplifies taking proactive steps toward envisioning a transformative future for his practice. This candid conversation is rich with insights on authentic leadership, personal development, and strategic thinking in business endeavors.
Key Takeaways:* Leadership requires authenticity and practicing what one preaches, even when afraid. * Personal and professional lives are intricately connected; risks impact more than just the individual. * Acknowledging complacency is the first step toward meaningful change and growth. * Hiring a coach or mentor can provide the external perspective needed to overcome personal and business challenges. * Investing in oneself and one’s business is crucial for ongoing development and success.
Notable Quotes:* "If you fall, this affects your family, it affects your business, it affects your clients." * "I want to be genuinely, authentically doing this in my own practice." * "Sometimes you just need to admit it for whatever reason, and what are you going to do about moving forward?" * "It's exciting to be able to be on this journey with you." * "I refuse to build a business that isn't uncommon."
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, Phillip Ramsey delves into the mindset of viewing life's expenditures as investments. This engaging discussion encourages listeners to shift their perspectives on spending, particularly when it comes to family activities and personal priorities. Phillip challenges traditional views on financial management by introducing concepts that turn everyday expenses into meaningful investments in happiness and values.
Phillip's insights focus on various aspects of investing time and money wisely. By recounting a friend's family trip to Disney World as an example of investing in family, Phillip highlights the importance of financial and time investments aligning with personal values and priorities. The episode encourages listeners to think of expenses in terms of "memory dividends," gains that continue to deliver value through cherished memories and experiences. Phillip's empowering narrative inspires listeners to embrace conscious spending that supports their core values and long-term happiness.
Key Takeaways:* Embrace the mindset of viewing everyday expenditures as investments, particularly when it comes to family and personal priorities. * Prioritize spending that aligns with your core values and beliefs to ensure meaningful returns on investment in terms of personal satisfaction and happiness. * Consider both financial and time investments as opportunities to create "memory dividends" — experiences that pay off with lasting joy and memories. * Evaluate how time is spent in alignment with your personal goals to ensure intentionality and presence. * Invest in experiences and practices that reinforce what matters most, fostering a life enriched with valuable relationships and personal growth.
Notable Quotes:* "Think of everything you do as an investment." — Phillip Ramsey * "I want to start investing in memory that pays dividends forever." — Phillip Ramsey * "Even if I die with zero, I want to invest in memory dividends with my family, with my friends, my loved ones." — Phillip Ramsey
Jeremy Delk is the founder of Delk Enterprises Strategic Capital, renowned for his role in scaling America's fastest-growing companies. His journey from a young investor on Wall Street to a serial entrepreneur has been marked by impressive achievements, including being part of the Inc. 500 list. Jeremy has a diverse business background, having ventured into fields like real estate, building materials, regenerative medicine, and health care. He's a published author with a book titled "Without a Plan," reflecting his unconventional path in entrepreneurship and life.Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey sits down with Jeremy Delk to discuss his dynamic journey through entrepreneurship, family, and personal growth. Known for his fearless approach to business, Jeremy shares how his early career on Wall Street shaped his path toward founding Delk Enterprises. He emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and the courage to pursue one's dreams without a rigid plan. As the conversation unfolds, listeners gain insights into Jeremy's ventures across diverse industries, each marked by innovation and strategic thinking.
Jeremy Delk's story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptation in entrepreneurship. From starting with a modest inheritance to scaling businesses to impressive heights, his career trajectory exemplifies the rewards of taking calculated risks. The episode delves into his experiences in the real estate sector, exploring how each of his ventures has contributed to his unique understanding of business operations. By sharing personal anecdotes and discussing his holistic approach to balancing work and family life, Jeremy offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to carve their own paths.
Key Takeaways: Embrace Failure: Jeremy emphasizes viewing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. This mindset allows entrepreneurs to innovate and grow. * Entrepreneurial Curiosity: The multi-industry ventures of Jeremy Delk highlight the importance of curiosity and willingness to learn in achieving success. * Challenges as Catalysts: The episode underscores the role of challenges in developing resilience and adaptability, essential traits for any entrepreneur. * Work-Life Integration: Jeremy discusses how he balances his businesses with family life, advocating for being present and cherishing relationships. * The Power of Recalibration:* Jeremy Delk shares insights on the importance of reevaluating and altering plans as new information emerges in the business landscape.
Notable Quotes:1. "What if you don't do it and it was successful?" 2. "It's the emotions and the actions that we apply to those set events that will dictate if they were a good or bad thing." 3. "If you love what you do, it's not work, but you just figure it out." 4. "There's nothing in life that happens, good or bad." 5. "I've struck out, but I'm not done swinging."
In this engaging solo episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey dives into the often-overlooked topic of mortgage recasting—an alternative financial strategy to consider in today's high-interest rate environment that can address a common concern among homeowners: increasing mortgage costs and potential strategies to alleviate them without refinancing.
Phillip unpacks the concept of mortgage recast, explaining how it allows homeowners to adjust their monthly payments by making a lump-sum payment towards the principal balance of their loan. By doing so, homeowners can maintain their current interest rate while benefitting from lower monthly payments. The episode is filled with valuable insights as Phillip discusses the conditions under which a mortgage recast makes sense, including the current economic climate with high-interest rates and stagnant housing markets. He explains the eligibility requirements and the pros and cons of choosing this option over refinancing. Listeners will find practical advice on deciding whether a mortgage recast is right for their financial situation.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey discusses the vital role of faith in entrepreneurship and daily business practices. The podcast opens by exploring how individuals can live an "uncommon life" by harnessing personal strengths and integrating core values into their professional journeys. Ramsey highlights methods for infusing faith into everyday work life, emphasizing its importance in overcoming both challenges and successes.
Delving deeper, Phillip shares practical strategies, including how his team at Uncommon Wealth Partners takes time each week to pray for a selection of their clients. This practice not only reinforces their faith-driven approach but also fosters stronger client relationships. Ramsey discusses the broader implications of weaving faith into business, encouraging listeners to find authentic and respectful ways to make their beliefs a cornerstone of their ventures. With themes of encouragement, personal growth, and authenticity, this episode serves as a stirring reminder of the power of incorporating one's faith into professional life.
Key Takeaways:* Faith can be a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, helping navigate through business highs and lows. * Uncommon Wealth Partners practices faith by praying for three clients each week, highlighting its importance in their business model. * Integrating faith into day-to-day business does not have to be forceful; it's about respectful and authentic alignment with personal values. * The podcast encourages listeners to explore how their faith can be integrated into their career and entrepreneurial endeavors. * Living an uncommon life involves understanding personal strengths and using them in pursuits that align with deeply held beliefs.
Bryce Hensley is a former professional baseball player who spent seven years as a pitcher in the minor leagues, drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2018. After a successful athletic career, Hensley made a significant career pivot to pursue his passion for country music. Initially too self-conscious about his musical talent, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that he started sharing his music publicly, which led to unexpected opportunities within the music industry.
Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Philip Ramsey sits down with Bryce Hensley, a remarkable individual who transitioned from being a professional baseball pitcher to a rising country music artist. Bryce's journey is fueled by a deep passion for music, which he only began exploring after the pandemic disrupted his baseball career. His story is one of courage and embracing new directions, emphasizing the theme of living an uncommon life by pursuing one's passions.
Throughout the conversation, Bryce shares insights into both the similarities and differences between his experiences in baseball and music. While both careers entail dedication and hard work, music offers Bryce a platform for authenticity and self-expression. He discusses the exhilarating experience of performing in front of large crowds, the creative process behind songwriting, and the challenges of consistently delivering heartfelt performances. Bryce's story is a testament to the notion that it's never too late to follow one's dreams and carve out a unique path.
Join hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer as they delve into their financial firm's 2024 journey and reveal their market predictions for 2025. Reflecting on unexpected market growth, team changes, and the impact of AI on business efficiency, they discuss their practice's evolution towards efficiency and the potential for future expansion. Phillip and Arron also share their personal insights on goal setting and market dynamics, providing a glimpse into their vision for sustainable growth and client success in the coming year.
In this gripping episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, host Phillip Ramsey, alongside close friends Nate Ober, Bart Boyd, and Todd Hoffman, embark on an epic journey to the Grand Canyon. This episode shares the highs and lows of their ambitious Escalante Route hiking trip, revealing the trials and triumphs encountered along the way. Starting with a troublesome van rental experience and continuing with harsh weather conditions, physical challenges, and emotional resilience, listeners are taken on a detailed recount of the group's incredible adventure.
The four friends, each an integral part of Phillip's connection group, channel their faith and friendship, navigating unexpected hurdles that amplify their journey's significance. Despite facing severe weather, exhaustion, and injuries, they collectively decide to tackle adversity head-on, drawing parallels to life's unpredictable nature. With reflections on teamwork, trust, and the binding power of community, this episode illuminates the essence of true companionship.
Key Takeaways: The Power of Preparation: The group emphasized the importance of preparation for challenging endeavors, yet acknowledged that no amount of planning can truly predict all eventualities. * Community and Support: The adventure underscored the necessity of mutual support and communication, driving home the message that shared struggles strengthen bonds. * Faith Amidst Adversity: Faith in God played a central role in navigating the trip's challenges, highlighting the spiritual growth fostered by real-world experiences. * Accepting Change: Flexibility in the face of changing plans and unexpected hurdles reflects maturity and adaptability. * Nature's Magnificence*: Experiencing the unyielding awe of the Grand Canyon illustrated nature's grandeur and their own
Join Phillip Ramsey on this enlightening episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, where he explores a pivotal question: "What's the one thing that could be a game changer for you in the upcoming year?" As we stand on the cusp of the new year, Phillip invites listeners to reflect on their personal journey and consider setting substantial goals that promise growth and transformation.
In this brief yet powerful episode, Phillip shares practical advice on setting meaningful goals for the year ahead. Moving beyond the conventional New Year's resolutions, he encourages listeners to pinpoint a single transformative goal—an idea that, though simple, is designed to foster significant personal and professional growth. This episode thrives on the theme of self-investment and underscores the importance of acknowledging oneself as the greatest asset. Phillip also expresses gratitude for the opportunity to witness the achievements of those around him, underscoring the community-centered ethos of Uncommon Wealth.
Chris Van Dusen is a senior partner at CECO Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in scaling and exiting businesses. Based in Huntington Beach, California, Chris has a diverse background in construction equipment rentals, real estate investment, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He has a unique and uncommon journey that includes leading roles in successful startups, such as a CBD company that was eventually sold for $75 million. Chris is also a co-founder of a liquor distillery and an experienced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and instructor.
In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey sits down with Chris Van Dusen, a venture capitalist with a truly uncommon path to success. Chris Van Dusen shares his dynamic story, spanning from his beginnings in Connecticut and an unexpected transition from collegiate baseball to economics, all the way to becoming a key partner at CECO Capital. Chris’s unique insights into venture capital, business scaling, and strategic exits are captivating, offering listeners both inspiration and practical lessons.
Chris delves into the characteristics that define a promising business venture and the importance of investing in people who have previous entrepreneurial experience. He highlights the advantages of CECO Capital’s distinctive model, where partners play an active role in scaling businesses and improving operational efficiency. By sharing anecdotes from his diverse career, including successful business exits and his ventures into the CBD and liquor industries, Chris provides a vivid illustration of what it means to lead an uncommon and impactful professional life. His blend of venture acumen and hands-on experience sets the stage for understanding the complexities of today’s entrepreneurial and investment landscape.
Key Takeaways:* CECO Capital's unique model involves active participation through management consulting to drive operational efficiency in early-stage companies. * Identifying great companies begins with finding exceptional people who understand the entrepreneurial journey and have relevant experience. * The importance of balance between managing lifestyle businesses and scaling those with significant growth potential. * Chris’s transition from various industries to venture capital highlights a non-linear but richly rewarding career path. * The significance of aligning interests between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs to achieve successful outcomes.
Notable Quotes:* "The entrepreneurial journey has been romanticized over the years, but it is extremely difficult." * "I made the joke, put away my rusty toolkit and join an established firm." * "Really what it came down to is understanding human incentive around one singular thing." * "If you've done it before...that is of interest to start." * "The world's a better place when old men plant trees whose shade they will never enjoy"
In this quick yet informative episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey delves into the essentials of crafting a pseudo-financial plan. As the year draws to a close, he emphasizes the importance of understanding your "number" for retirement planning. Phillip critiques a popular commercial that oversimplified the concept of a retirement "number," and instead offers a straightforward method for determining your monthly income needs post-retirement.
Phillip Ramsey provides listeners with a step-by-step guide to calculate their retirement number using accessible figures, such as monthly expenses and Social Security benefits. His approach demystifies the financial planning process, encouraging individuals to assess their own financial landscape and future needs. This episode is a must-listen for those seeking practical, grounded advice on securing their financial future.
Key Takeaways:* The concept of having a "retirement number" is important, but oversimplified in mainstream financial advertising. * Understanding your monthly expenses is crucial for creating an accurate retirement plan. * To calculate your retirement "number," determine your monthly income needs, subtract estimated Social Security benefits, and divide by 0.04. * Financial planning doesn't have to be complex; small, thoughtful steps can lead to substantial progress. * Now is the perfect time to evaluate your financial situation and strategize for long-term wealth.
In this enthralling episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey delves into the fascinating journey of seasoned entrepreneur Micah Johnson. With a remarkable career that spans over two decades, Micah has witnessed the evolving landscape of business management, having successfully navigated challenging mergers and lucrative exits. Currently leading Workday Ninja, Micah is channeling his expertise into transforming company operations by harnessing the power of automation and AI.Throughout the conversation, Micah shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, beginning from his early business experiments as a teenager to his present mission with Workday Ninja. Emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and accepting differences, he reflects on the lessons learned from his business ventures. The episode is rich with engaging discussions on overcoming failures, identifying scalable opportunities, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine business workflow optimization.
Key Takeaways:* Micah's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age with innovative solutions like outsourcing lawn mowing to neighborhood kids, highlighting his early knack for business. * Workday Ninja helps companies transition from manual processes to efficient workflows through automation and AI, ensuring employees focus on critical tasks. * Micah emphasizes the power of adaptability in business, accepting that different approaches yield diverse results. * Post-exit from a major business venture, Micah experienced a profound identity crisis that underscored the importance of maintaining personal meaning beyond professional success. * Workday Ninja is committed to pioneering in the automation space, aligning business processes with modern technological advances.
Notable Quotes:* "Acceptance of differences is crucial in business; there’s no wrong or right way, just different, producing varied outcomes." * "I got to eat oatmeal cookies while Jake mowed my lawn, and everyone was happy… till my mom came home early one day." * "Automation and AI allow you to eliminate the busy work, optimizing processes so your team can focus on strategic objectives." * "The first merger opened my eyes to all the different ways we can run businesses." * "The day after the exit was the lowest point in my life… I had a bit of a freak out."
Resources:* Website: workdayninja.com
Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into their annual tradition of expressing gratitude on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast. They each highlight what they're thankful for, discussing the invaluable roles of clients, mentors, family, and community in their lives. The conversation explores personal growth through trials and challenges, emphasizing the importance of perspective and resilience. As they share personal anecdotes and reflections, Phillip and Arron celebrate the power of gratitude and the impact of embracing an uncommon mindset. Join them for an insightful journey into thankfulness and its role in fostering a fulfilling life.
In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into the topic of transitioning from being a victim to a victor in life. They explore the importance of taking responsibility and ownership of one's actions and decisions. This discussion is aimed at empowering listeners to shift their mindset, take control of their circumstances, and initiate positive change.
Phillip begins by expressing the significance of taking ownership instead of succumbing to a victim mentality. By highlighting how accepting responsibility, even in adverse situations, individuals can harness the ability to make strategic changes in their lives. Arron complements this perspective by introducing statistical reasoning, emphasizing that the probability of being in situations where one is entirely helpless is slim. They both agree that learning from past mistakes and making better decisions is pivotal in achieving personal growth and success.
Key Takeaways:* Taking responsibility rather than adopting a victim mentality empowers individuals to create positive change. * A victim mentality can limit one's ability to identify personal areas for improvement and growth. * Situations perceived as uncontrollable often have underlying factors that could have been managed differently. * Emotional responses to situations can indicate personal accountability and the potential for growth. * Developing a habit of analyzing personal contributions to outcomes can facilitate future successes.
Notable Quotes:* "When you actually take ownership, you could be like, okay, what else can I change?" – Phillip Ramsey * "Statistically, the chances of a situation where you can just play victim...is slim to none." –Arron Cramer * "I make it a practice to always try to see my faults and ownership in something." – Phillip Ramsey * "If you're super mad about a situation, you're probably mad at yourself but trying to reflect it onto somebody else." – Arron Cramer * "Be a victor, not a victim. That's your simple step. - Phillip Ramsey
About the Guest(s):In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes Abbi Rickelman of Designed to Move to the studio. They chat about the journey from being a chiropractic student to running a successful holistic practice. Abbi shares her experiences of transitioning into the business world, drawing inspiration from her father's entrepreneurial spirit. Listeners gain insight into the challenges and victories faced in building Designed to Move, a clinic known for its unique approach and extended appointments that cater to the individual needs of each patient.
Throughout the episode, Abbi elaborates on the dynamics of running a business with her husband and the importance of maintaining client relationships while scaling the business. She discusses the lessons learned from unexpected challenges like audits and finding the ideal location for their practice. The conversation also delves into how Abbi and her team plan to scale their operations sustainably without compromising the quality of care. This episode offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners on balancing professional growth with personal well-being and client satisfaction.
Key Takeaways:* Designed to Move offers a unique chiropractic approach with a focus on personalized, holistic healthcare solutions, which include longer patient interactions and a variety of treatments. * Abbi emphasizes the significance of listening to and understanding clients, which has led to the organic growth of their business largely through referrals. * The transition to business ownership taught Abbi the importance of balancing business processes with quality client care and personal life. * Although challenging, the decision to reconsider moving to a new building exemplified the importance of flexibility and trusting one’s instincts in business decisions. * Honest reflections on personal ambition revealed that true fulfillment comes from serving others and glorifying one's values over mere success.
Notable Quotes:1. "In business ownership, you think that it's gonna be like rainbows and butterflies, and you just have, like, all this time off…" 2. "I mean, literally, not two nights ago, Aaron was doing paperwork until 11:30 at night." 3. "The older I've gotten, the more I've realized… success isn't really where it's at. Like chasing the wind." 4. "I love our practice model. It's uncommon. Imagine that." 5. "You can't grow unless you're working on your business."
In this thrilling episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey takes listeners on a journey through the heart of Switzerland, where he and his guest, Jon Shiplett, undertook a remarkable adventure. Phillip, motivated by a desire to challenge himself out of his comfort zone, explores the captivating world of Via Ferrata – a protected climbing route that promises breathtaking views and a test of nerve. As they navigate the iron paths of Switzerland, both Phillip and Jon discover profound life lessons and parallels between their daring climb and life's challenges.Embark on this gripping tale of exploration, where Phillip and Jon recount their experiences, from unexpected snowstorms on Swiss mountains to the adrenaline rush of paragliding. Key themes include the importance of preparation, confronting physical and mental challenges, and translating adventure lessons into business and personal growth. Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone looking for inspiration to step outside your comfort zone, this episode offers insightful reflections interwoven with exhilarating accounts of scaling new heights.
Key Takeaways: Adaptability and Overcoming Challenges: The unpredictability of the weather on their climb emphasized the importance of adapting and pushing through challenges. * The Value of Preparation: Proper equipment and research are crucial when embarking on a physical challenge, underscoring the value of preparation in all life areas. * Physical Challenges as a Microcosm for Life: Engaging in physically demanding activities can offer valuable insights and motivation applicable to daily life and business. * The Importance of Partnership: Sharing challenges and adventures with others enhances the experience and provides mutual support and motivation. * Pushing Comfort Zones:* By stepping out into unfamiliar and demanding situations, individuals can uncover personal strengths and foster growth.
Notable Quotes:1. "It's the quickest way to sort of get yourself back to that willpower wall." – Jon Shiplett 2. "No matter how bad it gets, you can't quit." – Jon Shiplett 3. "Remember that you wanted to do this in the first place." – Phillip Ramsey 4. "When you know you're on the right path, you've got to start pushing hard." – Jon Shiplett 5. "These challenges get you, like, the things that bubble up, they bubble up quicker." – Phillip Ramsey
In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer delve into the dichotomy between "uphill goals" and "downhill decisions." They explore how people's ambitious objectives often clash with their everyday habits and choices, leading to frustration and lack of progress. With a lively discussion centered around real-life anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of aligning one's actions with their aspirations.
Phillip kicks off the conversation with a compelling story about a friend whose goal of losing weight was undermined by his habit of eating high-calorie desserts. This anecdote serves as a springboard for a broader discussion on the disconnect many experience between their goals and actions. Key themes include the need for accountability in personal development and the crucial role of honest feedback from friends. By integrating these narratives with actionable advice, Phillip and Arron offer listeners both motivation and practical strategies for bridging the gap between desire and action.
Key Takeaways:* Uphill goals require consistent and aligned efforts to avoid the pitfall of making downhill decisions that undermine progress. * Accountability partners can play a crucial role in helping individuals recognize when their actions do not align with their stated goals. * Verbalizing your goals increases the likelihood of achieving them, but only if they are backed by consistent actions. * Credibility is diminished when there's a discrepancy between what you say and what you do; maintaining alignment is critical. * Friends who give honest feedback are invaluable in helping you stay on track and achieve your personal and professional aspirations.
In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes art influencer Liz Lidgett, who shares her journey from being the art kid in school to owning a successful gallery in Des Moines, Iowa. The discussion delves into Liz's path of pursuing her passion for art despite challenges and societal expectations. Highlighting her unique approach, Liz details how her grandmother’s encouragement played a vital role in igniting her passion for art, eventually leading to the creation of Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design which thrives on inclusive and diverse art representation, specifically focusing on midwestern art landscapes.
This episode highlights the pivotal moment when Liz transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity by turning the obstacles of the pandemic into opportunities for growth through e-commerce. Liz shares valuable insights into her commitment to artists and clients, her definition of success, and the ethical backbone of her business. The dialogue is vibrant with themes of passion, loyalty, and resilience, portraying Liz as a beacon of light for those aspiring to marry personal passion with professional life.
Key Takeaways:* Liz Lidgett emphasizes the importance of pursuing your passion relentlessly, as demonstrated by her transition from corporate life to owning a gallery. * The gallery’s success is largely attributed to its diversified collection, focusing on making art accessible with pieces ranging from $250 to $25,000. * Through adversity during the pandemic, the gallery adapted by launching an e-commerce platform, reaching art lovers across all 50 states and several countries. * Liz places high emphasis on ethical business practices in the art world, advocating for timely communication and payments to artists. * A supportive partner, communication, and teamwork are vital components of maintaining balance in both personal and professional aspects of life.
Notable Quotes:* "I think that doing good is good business, and I know that doing the right thing can make you successful." * "Sometimes you're the lead singer and sometimes you're the tambourine player." * "You take the materials in front of you and create something from nothing every single day—it’s incredible!" * "Passion is infectious. I know my demeanor changes when I'm talking about art." * "In Des Moines, you need a great idea, and people will rally around because we support our own."
Resources: Visit Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design* in the East Village, Des Moines. * Follow on Instagram: @lizlidgettgallery for gallery updates and @lizlidgett for personal insights. * Check out the podcast "Ten Minute Masterpieces" for art insights.
In this engaging episode of The Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into a thought-provoking discussion about raising children in a way that allows them to benefit from their parents' wisdom while still developing their own character and resilience. The central theme revolves around the idea of ensuring that children begin their journeys where their parents left off—having their parent's ceiling be their floor.
The hosts explore the challenges and strategies of parenting, emphasizing the importance of personal involvement and the balance between guidance and allowing children to face their own struggles. Whether you are a parent or simply interested in personal development, Phillip and Arron's insights and anecdotes provide enriching perspectives on cultivating a mindset for growth and resilience in the next generation.
Key Takeaways: Parental Guidance and Presence: Effective parenting involves being present and engaged, offering guidance without micromanaging or becoming a helicopter parent. * Lessons from Personal Trials: Parents should aim to pass on the wisdom gained from their own experiences, allowing children to avoid repeat mistakes and capitalize on earlier successes. * Encouraging Self-Driven Effort: Highlighting a child's personal achievements and efforts over mere participation awards can instill a strong work ethic and self-motivation. * Character Building Through Challenges: Allowing children to face and overcome their own challenges builds resilience and character, essential traits for future success. * Balancing Support and Independence:* Finding the right balance between support and independence is crucial in raising children who are capable and confident in their abilities.
Notable Quotes:1. Arron Cramer: "Think about everything you have to overcome. You want that to be an easy thing for your children next time so they can go one step further." 2. Phillip Ramsey: "I want my kids to learn from my mistakes and go further down the path of life than I did." 3. Arron Cramer: "If your children want to take over your business, they can run with it like you would have over another 25 years." 4. Phillip Ramsey: "I think there's character that's built in the trials that's priceless and has made me who I am." 5. Arron Cramer: "All we can do as parents is instill effort and encourage them to be mindful of the cause and effect of their actions."
Resources: Uncommon Wealth Partners Website
* Books mentioned:
Chop Wood, Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf
Pound the Stone* by Joshua Medcalf
Discover parenting insights and motivational strategies inspired by real-life experiences by tuning into this episodes of The Uncommon Wealth Podcast. For future episodes filled with invaluable advice and inspiring stories, stay connected with Uncommon Wealth Partners.
Consider listening to the full episode to dive deeper into the conversation on raising children to begin their journey further along the path than where you left off, and how to navigate the delicate balance of guidance and independence. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from The Uncommon Wealth Podcast
In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Philip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive deep into practical wisdom, illustrating the importance of considering multiple perspectives before making judgments. They explore an ancient proverb, "Even a paper has two sides," emphasizing how this principle applies to everyday situations, especially in relationships and decision-making. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analogies, they underline the significance of understanding different viewpoints to provide balanced counsel.
The conversation kicks off with the introduction of the proverb and its relevance in modern times. Philip and Arron then recount personal experiences, showcasing how easily misunderstandings can arise when we overlook the fact that everyone has a unique perspective. They discuss practical applications of this wisdom in various aspects of life, particularly in marriage and conflict resolution. This episode is packed with enlightening discussions aimed at guiding you to think more broadly and empathetically.
Key Takeaways: Two Perspectives in Every Situation: Understanding that there are always two sides to every story can lead to better judgment and decision-making. * Personal Anecdotes on Perspective: Arron shares a college experience where his narrow perspective affected his roommate’s view of his future wife. * Importance in Relationships: In relationships, particularly marriage, it’s crucial to recognize and understand your partner's perspective to improve communication and resolve conflicts effectively. * Counsel with Caution: Providing counsel should come from a place of understanding both sides of the story for more balanced and effective advice. * Impact of Communication:* How what one says can be different from what the other person hears, stressing the need for clear and empathetic communication.
Notable Quotes:1. "There's an ancient proverb, and it says even a paper has two sides. Meaning even a piece of paper has two sides. So when you hear of a situation, know that there's always two sides." - Philip Ramsey 2. "If my roommate would have asked my wife about those same things, there's two sides to every story." - Arron Cramer 3. "I love looking at things in this way. We all have shaded, like, sunglasses on. Like, let's say I have blue shaded sunglasses, and you have red shaded sunglasses." - Philip Ramsey 4. "You got to learn how to talk to your wife so she hears what you actually say and vice versa." - Arron Cramer 5. "Flip that piece of paper over, read that other side, then give your counsel." - Philip Ramsey
Resources:* Uncommon Wealth Partners: The official website for Philip Ramsey and Arron Cramer’s financial planning services and resources.
Continue listening to the Uncommon Wealth Podcast to gain more insights and strategies for living an uncommon life. Stay tuned for further episodes that promise to inspire and guide you toward achieving your unique dreams and financial goals.
Jason Staner is a dynamic entrepreneur who, together with his wife Tammy, owns and operates Freddie's Popcorn. Prior to taking over Freddie's Popcorn in 2022, Jason worked as a paramedic and in auto repair. He brings a wealth of experience in customer service and business management, which he leveraged to successfully rebrand and manage the legacy popcorn business. Jason is also involved in volunteer paramedic services in his hometown.
Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey interviews Jason Staner from Freddie's Popcorn. Jason shares his journey from paramedics and automotive repair to owning a beloved popcorn business. Known for his observant nature, grateful attitude, and easy-going personality, Jason navigates the challenges and triumphs of rebranding and expanding Freddie's Popcorn.
Jason recounts the origins of Freddie's Popcorn, detailing how his in-laws first purchased the business and their vital role in its early success. He discusses the hurdles they faced, including dealing with supply chain issues that forced them to pull their best-selling product off the shelves for over two months. Despite these challenges, Jason and his team pressed forward, emphasizing the importance of customer service. They have plans to expand their business nationally while maintaining a strong local presence in northeast Iowa.
Key Takeaways: Family Legacy: Jason reveals how Freddie's Popcorn was initially bought by his in-laws and has become a family-run business, growing and adapting over time. * Customer Service: Jason's diverse background has taught him the importance of customer service, which remains a cornerstone of Freddie's Popcorn's operations. * Supply Chain Challenges: The episode explores the significant challenges faced by Freddie's Popcorn, including a supply chain crisis that hit their best-selling product. * Resilience: Despite obstacles, Jason and his wife Tammy remain dedicated, resilient, and focused on growth and quality. * Business Expansion:* Future plans for Freddie's Popcorn include national distribution and strategic marketing to make their product a household name across the United States.
Notable Quotes:1. "You can tell why I like him... He's grateful, super grateful for where he's at and all the things in his life, even the bad things." – Phillip Ramsey 2. "Luckily, all of her family members pretty much knew that that was going to happen because we'd been there with it all the time." – Jason Staner 3. "Really having each other in there to kind of help bounce it off. Now we can both kind of bounce it off each other and work our way through it." – Jason Staner 4. "Everybody has a memory with popcorn... we want to make sure that people relive those memories and incorporate Freddie's Popcorn into it." – Jason Staner 5. "Whether you're running a business, there's always little crises that come up." – Jason Staner
Resources: Freddie's Popcorn Website:* freddiespopcorn.com
For more insights and personal stories on navigating business challenges and achieving growth, be sure to listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the Uncommon Wealth Podcast!
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, co-hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer delve into the complexities of portfolio management versus fund management, aiming to simplify these concepts for their listeners. Phillip and Arron discuss how Uncommon Wealth Partners uniquely positions itself in the financial planning industry, offering customized advice that aligns with each client's individual goals and risk tolerance.
The episode begins with Phillip introducing the topic of managing clients' money and the confusion surrounding different financial management terms. Aaron elaborates on the different titles financial professionals use, such as financial advisors, wealth managers, and fund managers, and what those titles signify about their service offerings. Together, they clarify that Uncommon Wealth Partners focuses on personalized financial planning and portfolio management. Phillip and Aaron emphasize the importance of understanding fees associated with financial services and how excessive charges can impact overall investment performance. Their goal is to provide clients with low-fee, high-value services that align with each client’s financial plan.
Key Takeaways: Understanding Financial Management Roles: Clear distinction between financial advisors, portfolio managers, and fund managers. * Importance of Customized Financial Plans: Uncommon Wealth Partners prioritize personalized plans to align with clients' unique goals and risk tolerance. * Fee Structures in Financial Services: Insight into different fees associated with fund management and the importance of transparent fee structures. * Risk Tolerance and Portfolio Balance: The significance of balancing investments with different risk profiles to achieve financial goals. * Client-Centric Approach*: Emphasis on building long-term relationships with clients through transparency and personalized service.
Notable Quotes:1. "We do manage people's money. That's what we do here at Uncommon Wealth. We also give people customized plans for them to live their most uncommon life." - Phillip Ramsey 2. "Investments are just a tool. Like, it's one tool of many. So with a plan, you really get to hound in." - Arron Cramer 3. "Fees are a huge importance. Make sure that you know the fees that you are being charged." - Phillip Ramsey 4. "We don't have a crystal globe knowing what's going to happen, so you got to diversify within there to meet and attack all those times and possibilities that could happen in the future." - Arron Cramer 5. "We are in the business to get clients for life, and I think that we're doing a good job with that." - Phillip Ramsey
Resources:* Uncommon Wealth Partners: uncommonwealth.com
In this fast-paced episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer explore the nuanced difference between knowledge and wisdom. Kicking off with an intriguing analogy, they delve into why knowing a tomato is a fruit doesn’t necessarily mean it belongs in a fruit salad. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the importance of applying practical wisdom alongside theoretical knowledge.
Throughout, Phillip and Arron emphasize the value of street smarts versus book smarts, emphasizing that experiences and trials often yield profound wisdom that far surpasses academic knowledge. Offering insights into how to best use knowledge in real-world scenarios, they inspire listeners to continually seek practical wisdom in their own lives. Tune in as they unpack this succinct yet deep concept in just five minutes.
Key Takeaways: Knowledge vs. Wisdom: Understanding the difference between having information and knowing how to apply it practically. * Street Smarts vs. Book Smarts: Why practical experience often trumps theoretical understanding. * Practical Application: Encouragement to apply knowledge wisely and read the situation rather than just rely on bookish information. * Acquiring Wisdom: Learning from mentors and real-life experiences to gain true wisdom. * Hesitation and Evaluation*: The importance of evaluating the value of your knowledge before acting on it.
Notable Quotes:1. "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing it shouldn’t go in a fruit salad." - Phillip Ramsey 2. "It takes a certain level of intelligence to recognize intelligence." - Arron Cramer 3. "What I think I gravitate towards, even if they are a little bit rough around the edges, is the people that have sound wisdom." - Phillip Ramsey 4. "You could have the practical knowledge of things, but applying it is a whole different story." - Arron Cramer 5. "Maybe hesitate on the knowledge that you have to see if it's truly valuable." - Phillip Ramsey
Resources:* Visit Uncommon Wealth Partners to learn more about Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer’s wealth management services. * Connect with Uncommon Wealth Partners on social media for more insightful content and updates.
Colton Sleister is the founder and co-owner of Sleister Music, a company specializing in renting, repairing, and selling musical instruments to support school band programs. Colton began his entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 14. He is a graduate of Drake University with a degree in chemistry and has a deep passion for both music and business. Colton also actively performs with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, demonstrating his continued dedication to the musical arts.
Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey sits down with Colton Sleister, a young entrepreneur and founder of Sleister Music. Starting his business at only 14 years old, Colton shares his journey from a high school student looking for a better trombone to a successful business owner specializing in musical instruments for school band programs. The episode delves into his early influences, especially his father, a serial entrepreneur who had a significant impact on him. Listeners will gain insights into Colton's entrepreneurial spirit, his approach to scaling Sleister Music, and the lessons he learned along the way.
Throughout the episode, Colton reflects on overcoming common business challenges, from managing a growing team to navigating product market fit. He also talks about the critical role of customer relationships and school partnerships in the success of Sleister Music. Colton emphasizes the importance of creating a low-barrier, month-to-month rental model that makes it easier for children to try out musical instruments. With a clear vision for the future, Colton aims to make Sleister Music the most trusted and valued partner for school band programs in Iowa. Tune in to hear about his successes, setbacks, and the strategies he employs to sustain and grow his business.
Key Takeaways: Early Entrepreneurship: Colton started Sleister Music at age 14 by selling used trombones through platforms like Craigslist. * Family Influence: His father, a serial entrepreneur, played a crucial role in shaping his business acumen and providing initial financial support. * Product Market Fit: One key to Colton's success was identifying and meeting a specific need within the local school band community. * Customer-Centric Approach: The month-to-month rental model offers a low-barrier entry for parents and students, demonstrating a thoughtful, customer-focused business strategy. * Future Goals:* Colton aims to make Sleister Music the top partner for school band programs in Iowa, continually improving their services and expanding their reach.
Notable Quotes:1. "Everybody who's joining band for the first time in this part of the country, central Iowa, most of them, they'll start in the month of September." - Colton Sleister 2. "I was frugal. I hated spending money because I could make it into more money." - Colton Sleister 3. "One reason that was a great fit, me going to Drake University, is that I could, after classes, take the calls, line up appointments to show them instruments." - Colton Sleister 4. "We'll be able to make partnerships with more and more schools, more and more parents like yourself in those schools, and word of mouth, us reaching out to them." - Colton Sleister 5. "If you're dealing with people, at some point, you're gonna have people issues, probably right away." - Colton Sleister
In this riveting episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer delve into the complexities of investing during a presidential election year. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, emotions are running high from both sides of the political aisle. The hosts aim to shed light on whether these emotions should impact investment strategies and how history has shown us otherwise.
Phillip and Arron specifically discuss the research and data provided by the Capital Group regarding market behavior during election years. They explore how social media amplifies emotional responses and the potential for market volatility. Yet, they stress that staying invested, and perhaps even taking advantage of lower prices during volatile periods, is generally the most effective strategy. They also highlight which market sectors tend to perform well around election periods and identify the types of investors who usually thrive in such conditions. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone looking to navigate the stock market during election time without succumbing to fear or speculation.
Key Takeaways: Historical Market Behavior: Over the past 90 years, US stocks have generally trended up regardless of whether a Republican or Democrat won the White House. * Volatility and Recovery: Markets tend to be volatile before elections but often rebound strongly after, especially in the first year following the primaries. * Investment Strategies: Investors who stay fully invested or use dollar-cost averaging tend to do better than those who sit on the sidelines. * Sector Performance: The energy sector tends to perform exceptionally well post-election, while consumer discretionary sectors fare well before elections. * Psychological Resilience*: Taking the emotion out of investing and focusing on long-term goals is crucial during election seasons.
Notable Quotes:1. "Do elections really matter all that much when it comes to investing?" - Phillip Ramsey 2. "Markets are emotional, so it doesn't surprise me that people get hesitant to invest in an election year." - Arron Cramer 3. "Investors that get nervous and go to the sidelines during election years don't tend to do as well." - Phillip Ramsey 4. "The companies don't just sit back and take a break during election years; they plan through whoever's going to be in office." - Arron Cramer 5. "Try to take the emotion out of investing in an election year." - Phillip Ramsey
Resources:* Uncommon Wealth Partners Website * Capital Group: American Funds Research
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make informed investment choices during an emotionally charged election
The Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosted by Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer, dives deep into the concept of compounding interest, famously dubbed the 8th wonder of the world. This episode is a quick yet profoundly informative guide on the power of compounding interest, essential for anyone looking to optimize their financial growth. With lively anecdotes and practical advice, Phillip and Arron make this complex topic accessible and engaging.
Understanding compounding interest is crucial for financial success, yet it's often misunderstood. Phillip and Arron discuss how this concept starts slow but eventually leads to exponential growth. They urge listeners to utilize compounding interest calculators to visualize potential growth. They also draw enlightening parallels between financial growth and personal development, emphasizing that small, consistent investments can lead to significant returns over time. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone eager to enhance their financial literacy and personal growth, underlining the importance of patience and persistence in both arenas.
Key Takeaways: Power of Compounding Interest: Compounding interest can seem slow initially, but over time, it leads to substantial financial growth. * Practical Application: Utilize online compounding interest calculators to see how small investments can grow exponentially. * Parallel to Personal Growth: The concept of compounding interest applies to personal development too—investing in yourself and your relationships over time yields significant rewards. * Credit Card Warning: Understand how compounding interest works against you with credit card debt, emphasizing the importance of paying off high-interest debts quickly. * Investment Options*: Explore various accounts like brokerage accounts or high-yield savings accounts to benefit from compounding interest.
Notable Quotes:1. "The best asset you have to achieve your dreams is you." — Host 2. "The power of compounding interest is fascinating... the problem is, it doesn't start out fast, and that's kind of how we're wired." — Phillip Ramsey 3. "Think about a credit card. Why are credit cards so hard to pay off? They have compounding interest but going in the opposite direction of your favor." — Arron Cramer 4. "Nothing worth having comes quickly." — Arron Cramer 5. "Small things add up to being big things, end up being big things." — Phillip Ramsey
Resources: Compounding Interest Calculators: Accessible online tools that help visualize the growth potential of investments. * Uncommon Wealth Partners*: Visit uncommonwealth.com to learn more about their services and how they can help you achieve financial growth.
Don't miss this eye-opening episode on the power of compounding interest. Tune in to discover how you can leverage this financial principle to build your wea
Brittany Todd is a dedicated entrepreneur and the current owner of Mill Street Mocha in Decorah, Iowa. Brittany's career journey spans from professional photography to coffee shop ownership. She and her husband, Nathaniel, also own the beloved local ice cream shop, Sugar Bowl. Brittany is deeply involved in her community, focusing on delivering personalized service and forging genuine connections. She is also the brain behind the Reset Business Conference, aimed at empowering rural entrepreneurs with valuable insights and tools.
Episode Summary:In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes Brittany Todd, the dynamic owner of Mill Street Mocha and co-owner of Sugar Bowl ice cream shop. Brittany candidly shares her journey from entrepreneurship in photography to successfully managing multiple local businesses. She explores the importance of being genuinely connected to the community and the personal fulfillment derived from operating small businesses. This episode is packed with insightful stories, reflecting Brittany's passion for creating a service-oriented business environment.
Brittany discusses the unexpected but rewarding path to owning Mill Street Mocha, shedding light on the complexities and lessons learned from business acquisitions. With keywords like "entrepreneurship," "community engagement," "business acquisition," and "work-life balance," this episode serves as a treasure trove of practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Brittany also highlights the significance of making incremental changes, emphasizing that understanding and empathy towards staff can lead to sustainable business growth. Key themes of resilience, community connection, and strategic planning are woven throughout the conversation.
Key Takeaways:* Building and maintaining a business significantly benefits from genuine community engagement and personalized customer service. * Entrepreneurship often involves unexpected opportunities and requires the ability to adapt and learn on the go. * The importance of having systems and processes in place to prevent burnout and ensure business sustainability. * Involving and understanding the needs of staff members can greatly enhance operational efficiency and morale. * For those contemplating a career change or business venture: Small incremental steps and doing thorough research can pave the way for a successful transition.
Notable Quotes:* "I've never been hired for a real job. If nobody will hire me, I'll just create one." * "Nothing can make up for lost time, relationships, people. There is, you don’t take it with you when you go." * "It's a vibe about that community within that building." * "You can give a gift card to anyone who asks for one, but is that really what their organization needs? Maybe they actually need something completely different." * "Nothing is going to be your vision, but it's gonna somehow end up better than that."
Resources: Brittany Todd on Instagram * Mill Street Mocha - Brittany's website * Reset Business Conference* - More information on Brittany's conference aimed at fostering entrepreneurial growth in northeast Iowa.
To capture the full depth of Brittany Todd's entrepreneurial journey and glean actionable insights from her experiences, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring dialogues on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast as we continue to bring you closer to individuals who are living life on their own terms.
In this lively episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into the concept of leveraging personal strengths and understanding how those same attributes can also act as personal pitfalls. They discuss the mantra that "You are your best asset, but also your worst enemy," offering listeners an insightful exploration into self-awareness and personal growth.Phillip and Arron break down their top three characteristics, or "superpowers,” and assess how these traits contribute to their success as financial advisors while also identifying points where these strengths might become hindrances. Through candid conversation and shared anecdotes, they emphasize the importance of balance, as well as the need for ongoing personal and professional development.
Key Takeaways:* Understanding and leveraging personal strengths is crucial for achieving an uncommon life. * Self-awareness of how these strengths can also act as weaknesses is key to personal growth. * The dynamic of being both an encourager and a leader can promote teamwork but also risk manipulating situations for selfish gain. * Continuous learning is vital, but it should not immobilize taking action and serving clients. * Competitiveness can drive success but may also lead to unnecessary complication of simple tasks.
Notable Quotes:1. "You don't really worry about money, although you do get money. And then you don't really worry about retirement because you love what you do every day." – Phillip Ramsey 2. "If you're using your giftings every day, you don't really worry about money." – Arron Cramer 3. "Sometimes you feel like you've got handcuffs on because you're loyal almost to a fault." – Arron Cramer 4. "I can compete with you, want you to do your best, encourage you to do your best, and still want to beat you." – Phillip Ramsey 5. "It's really easy to run to what is comfortable for you." – Arron Cramer
Resources:* Uncommon Wealth Partners * "The Five Love Languages" book mentioned during the conversation.
To dive deeper into understanding how your best attributes can also be your worst enemies and to learn strategies for leveraging strengths while avoiding pitfalls, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more enlightening conversations on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast!
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer dive into the critical topic of self-care and its impact on our ability to help others. The discussion takes inspiration from safety protocols in aviation and lifeguarding, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing one's health and well-being before trying to assist others. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical strategies that highlight the importance of self-preservation for sustained service to others.
Phillip and Arron dissect the metaphor of putting on your oxygen mask first, drawing parallels to everyday situations where neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness in professional and personal life. With candid anecdotes, including Phillip's own revelation about managing stress-induced high blood pressure, the hosts stress the importance of sustainable practices and healthy boundaries. This enriching conversation will resonate with listeners who find it challenging to balance altruism with self-preservation.
Key Takeaways:
Self-care is Essential: Understanding the importance of taking care of yourself first in order to effectively help others.
Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing the need for a sustainable approach to helping others without sacrificing your own health and well-being.
Healthy Boundaries: The importance of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries to prevent burnout and ensure long-term ability to serve.
Practical Strategies: Real-life examples and strategies for integrating self-care into your daily routine to maintain peak performance.
Mindset Shift: Encouraging a shift in mindset from viewing self-care as selfish to seeing it as a crucial element of sustained service and contribution.
Notable Quotes:
"When there's an emergency and there's oxygen that comes down from the plane, what do they say first? Put the mask on yourself." – Phillip Ramsey
"If you're knocked out, you can't help anybody." – Phillip Ramsey
"Are you going down a sustainable path for you? Because if you're not, what can you do to put the oxygen mask on yourself first?" – Phillip Ramsey
"When you have a serving mindset and you just want to help people, the thought of, like, putting yourself first feels selfish." – Arron Cramer
"Being a good steward of what God's given to me, my body, that was a good wake-up call." – Phillip Ramsey
Resources:
Visit Uncommon Wealth Partners to learn more about their services.
Follow Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer for more insights and discussions on pursuing an uncommon path.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with the balance between self-care and serving others. Tune in to the Uncommon Wealth Podcast for more inspiring content and practical advice on living an uncommon life. Don't miss out on upcoming episodes—subscribe now!
About the Guest(s):Elle Terhaar: Elle Terhaar is a dynamic entrepreneur and the current owner of ReproScan Technologies. With a background steeped in international experience and a passion for innovation, Elle joined ReproScan Technologies in 2015. Over the years, she has expanded the company's reach and product line, focusing on veterinary ultrasounds, primarily for the cattle industry. Known for her driven, competitive nature and visionary outlook, Elle is shaping the future of ReproScan Technologies to embrace emerging technologies in the agricultural sector.
Episode Summary:Welcome to another episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast! Join host Phillip Ramsey as he dives deep into the inspiring journey of Elle Terhaar, the motivated and visionary owner of ReproScan Technologies. In this episode, Elle recounts her unique upbringing and the adventurous spirit instilled in her by her parents, leading her to take bold steps in her career. From moving to the Bahamas during her formative years to demanding ownership in ReproScan Technologies in her mid-twenties, Elle's story is a testament to the power of belief and perseverance.
Elle discusses the inception of ReproScan Technologies, a company that specializes in veterinary ultrasound equipment for cattle. She explains how her partners, originally from Canada, trusted her vision and leadership to drive the company forward. Together, they overcame initial challenges and expanded the business, serving a growing customer base of hardworking farmers and veterinarians across the globe. Elle's leadership strategy involves fostering an inclusive environment where team members are encouraged to share ideas and take ownership of their roles. Tune in to learn more about Elle's journey, the growth of ReproScan Technologies, and her vision for the future.
Key Takeaways:* Elle Terhaar's entrepreneurial journey began in her formative years, shaped by her adventurous and supportive parents. * ReproScan Technologies was founded by beef veterinarians in Canada and has since grown under Elle's leadership, focusing on veterinary ultrasounds for cattle. * Empowering team members, staying humble, and being open to new ideas are crucial aspects of Elle's leadership style. * ReproScan Technologies aims to be a household name in durable veterinary ultrasounds, with plans to expand into other species and potentially new technologies. * Elle's experience underscores the importance of taking bold steps, believing in oneself, and the power of perseverance in achieving business success.
Notable Quotes:1. "I love to learn, honestly. I love to learn and I love to grow businesses." - Elle Terhaar 2. "My parents always said, hey, what do you want to do? Let's try it." - Elle Terhaar 3. "I want to be the rough and tough, out in the field. Great customer service. Hey, we'll get it taken care of." - Elle Terhaar 4. "Staying humble even when things are going well and being open to ideas." - Elle Terhaar 5. "Sometimes it's like, you know what? Take a breath and listen." - Elle Terhaar
Resources:* ReproScan Technologies * Elle Terhaar’s Contact: elle@repro-scan.com
For more insights into Elle's journey and the future of ReproScan Technologies, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and expert advice on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast!
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer tackle the often unspoken topic of failure and its critical role in shaping successful lives and careers. The hosts delve into personal stories of setbacks and missteps, drawing from their own experiences to illustrate how failures, rather than hindrances, can serve as crucial stepping stones to growth and resilience. This candid discussion aims to de-stigmatize failure and highlight its importance on the path to uncommon wealth and life satisfaction.
Key Takeaways: Embracing Failure: Understanding that failure is an integral part of personal and professional growth. * Learning from Setbacks: Using failures as opportunities to gain insights and improve future decisions and actions. * Self-Awareness: The importance of recognizing and addressing personal weaknesses and setting healthy boundaries. * Hard Conversations: The necessity of having honest and difficult discussions to foster growth and resolve issues. * Value of Resilience:* Building resilience through consistent self-reflection and perseverance despite challenges.
In this engaging episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey delves into the inspiring journey of Jess Schroeder, the founder of Expedition Wellness. Jess shares her uncommon path from working as a dietitian in various capacities to launching her own business. Her story is one of determination, passion, and resilience, capturing the essence of what it means to pursue one's true calling in the wellness industry.
Throughout the conversation, Jess discusses the significant phases of her career, from her initial roles in the West Des Moines school district and Mercy Hospital to her pivotal role at Cook Facial Plastic Surgery. Each experience contributed to her understanding of the importance of personalized care, leading to the establishment of Expedition Wellness. Jess emphasizes the critical need for dietitians to be visible and actively involved in the healthcare industry, and how her business model caters to the complete well-being of her clients, encompassing nutrition, fitness, mental health, and meal planning.
Key Takeaways: Reclaiming the Narrative in Wellness: Jess stresses the importance of dietitians being visible and active in the healthcare industry to effectively help individuals. * Navigating Health Information Overload: She advises seeking professional guidance from dietitians to avoid the confusion caused by the plethora of health information available online. * Comprehensive Wellness Approach: Expedition Wellness offers a holistic health approach, including nutrition, fitness, mental health coaching, and meals planning to ensure overall well-being. * Overcoming Initial Business Challenges: Jess candidly shares her early challenges with pricing and cash flow management when starting her business, highlighting the learning process in entrepreneurship. * Future Aspirations*: Jess envisions expanding her business to offer additional services such as lab testing and personalize
Resources:* Expedition Wellness Website * Expedition Wellness Instagram * Expedition Wellness Facebook * Expedition Wellness TikTok * Expedition Wellness Pinterest
In this Simple Step episode we discuss the vital importance of taking a break. Highlighting research findings, they reveal that rest can boost productivity by 80%. Arron admits his struggles with taking time off, while Phillip shares his strategies for managing work during vacations. They emphasize the necessity of downtime for better performance and challenge listeners to incorporate more breaks into their routines. Tune in to learn practical tips for enhancing productivity through rest.
In this insightful episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast we delve into essential financial topics, focused on the mindset and realities guiding financial success. As we close our series on money mindset, we explore some commonly overlooked yet crucial aspects of financial planning, emphasizing the inherent costs involved and the psychological hurdles that many face.
The episode underscores two main points: "Nothing is Free" in the financial realm and the universally shared human flaw of seeking shortcuts and leaning towards fear-based thinking. Throughout the discussion, Arron and I shed light on the hidden costs of seemingly free financial services, the importance of recognizing these, and leveraging our advice for truly beneficial financial planning. We also explore the intrinsic human tendency towards fear-driven decisions and how maintaining a balanced, informed perspective is key to navigating the financial landscape effectively.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, host Phillip Ramsey interviews Aaron Lenz, a remarkable entrepreneur who defies the odds in the restaurant industry. Aaron shares his inspiring journey from a small pizza joint in Perry, Iowa, to managing multi-million dollar restaurants in major cities, and eventually owning successful establishments in Orange City. His story is a testament to resilience, strategic decision-making, and the pursuit of passion.
Aaron dives into the complexities of restaurant ownership, explaining why the adage "restaurants are where good money goes to die" holds true yet can be overcome with proper management and vision. Through detailed anecdotes, Aaron illustrates the hard work, narrow margins, and high costs that define the business. He emphasizes the importance of empowering employees and crafting a unique customer experience, shedding light on his philosophy and entrepreneurial drive. Despite the challenges, Aaron's journey underlines the rewards of creating a thriving dining establishment in unexpected places, making a compelling case for following one's dreams.
Generally our simple step episodes are quick tips for your benefit...but this one is for us. We want to hear from you! Send us a quick text or leave us a voicemail on our feedback line, 515-446-8158 and let us know whatever is on your mind. Are you liking the show? Someone you think we should interview? Favorite episode? A restaurant we just have to check out?
That's it for this week!
In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Phillip Ramsey and old friend of the show Dan Navarro delve into the concept of transformational giving, discussing its significance and how to practice generosity with intelligence and enthusiasm. We are introduced to Verne Murray, whose stories and insights provide practical approaches to generosity that can shift our typical understanding of wealth accumulation.
We start by exploring the difference between transactional and transformational giving, learning how the latter can enrich lives far beyond the monetary aspect. Verne shares his personal giving story that highlights the biblical principle of putting giving at the forefront, leading to a heart transformation and a deeper understanding of stewardship.
Key Takeaways:* Transformational giving is focused on making a meaningful impact and involves a deep connection between the giver and their values. * Stewardship is a central theme; it's not just about the amount given, but the heart and intention behind the giving. * Effective giving should use both the heart and the mind, utilizing tools like donor-advised funds to maximize generosity. * Early engagement with financial planning for giving is crucial for maximizing the potential impact of one's charitable efforts. * The legacy of generosity is not just measured in terms of wealth transferred but also in the values and experiences that are passed on to future generations.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, we're talking about the impact of having someone who believes in you, even when you doubt yourself. We'll discuss the many people who have played that role in our lives, including teachers, mentors, and clients. We also talk about the importance of finding a community of support and encouragement.
We'd love to hear about people who have believed in you! Send us a text message or leave us a voicemail on our feedback line, 515-446-8158.
Betty Garcia is a second-generation business owner and the driving force behind Sonora Tortillas. She has taken the reins of her family's company to expand and modernize, infusing passion and innovation into the traditional tortilla-making business. Betty's journey began with her family moving from Mexico to the United States, and she grew up witnessing the inception of Sonora Tortillas from her living room in Texas before it became the beloved brand it is today. As an accomplished businesswoman, Betty proudly bears the mantle of the "Sonora tortilla lady," a testament to her commitment to bringing authentic Sonoran flour tortillas to a wider audience.
In this episode you'll hear about Garcia's entrepreneurial journey, how she overcame various challenges, and her vision for scaling the company that began in a home setup. Central to this narrative are the themes of family legacy, cultural authenticity, and innovative growth in today's demanding market. Betty's candid reflections provide an insider's view of transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur, the intricacies of navigating family business dynamics, and staying true to one's roots while embracing change.
In this Simple Step episode, we want to know what you are actively bringing into existence, both personally and professionally. We explore the idea of creating a lifestyle centered around serving others and how this can lead to personal growth and fulfillment as well as the concept of creating a positive and authentic family atmosphere.
Tune in to discover how creating can bring joy and purpose to your life.
Welcome to another episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, featuring the charismatic Clife Estores, a DJ who has turned the art of partying into a thriving business. This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes of DJing, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of an uncommon life path that aligns with one's passions.
Clife shares his story of moving from the Philippines to Cedar Rapids, his evolution from performing at small community events to founding Clife DJ Company, and the importance of differentiating his services in the wedding industry. Additionally, he discusses the core values of his company, the strategies for dealing with challenges during events, and his approach to creating unforgettable experiences for his clients.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, host Philip Ramsey and co-host Arron Kramer are joined by Stephen Smith, creator of Cajun Fest and founder of Rework. They discuss the concept of "golden handcuffs" and how it can trap individuals in unfulfilling jobs. Smith shares insights on measuring productivity and the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. He also offers advice for business owners on combating the golden handcuffs mentality and fostering a culture of innovation. Tune in to learn how to break free from the constraints of traditional employment and pursue an uncommon path.
Key quotes from Stephen Smith:
"Modern day employment is the great domestication of man.""Our incentives aren't aligned for innovation. Our incentives are keeping people in the exact same spot.""People start to become checked out and feel like they lost their life because they're starting to realize, I've been domesticated.""You can't manage what you don't measure in your personal or your professional life.""Measure the outcomes, not the distributive and procedural justice.""Figure out what they want you to do in 40 hours and learn how to do it in 20.""Take the last 10 hours to develop yourself professionally and be the best personal you can be.""You assume that my presence means I'm present, and that is absolutely a farce.""You can't manage what you don't measure. So how do we understand and crowdsource this information?""We need to have an organizational health MRI. We need to understand what's going on and where we need to make changes."
In this episode of the Uncommonwealth podcast, host Phillip Ramsey welcomes the multifaceted David Barwin for a deep-dive into his unique journey and the roles that shape his life. As a guiding figure in the world of business education and an active facilitator for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, David sheds light on the intricate dance of teaching, coaching, and fatherhood.
David walks us through his transition from athletics to coaching, and eventually to academia, where he found a profound joy in helping others realize their potential. His experiences growing up with an entrepreneurial father offered formative lessons that he now passes forward, both as a business professor and through the Goldman Sachs program. Furthermore, David opens up about his approach to parenting, teaching, and the delicate balancing act required.
- David's unique approach to education, blending coaching methodologies with business teachings.
- Insights into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, its mission, and impact on communities.
- The importance of fostering growth-mindedness and ambition among entrepreneurs in the Midwest.
- Personal anecdotes about parenting and instilling values of self-made success, reminiscent of the lessons from his father.
- Reflective insights on how to support and inspire students and business owners towards achieving their full potential.
Key Takeaways:* David Barwin illustrates the rewarding experience of transitioning from an athlete to a coach and then to a business educator. * He emphasizes the value of entrepreneurship education and its ability to empower students and local communities. * David is a key facilitator for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, advocating the program's benefits for small business growth. * He shares a conscious approach to parenting, highlighting the importance of intentionality and supportive encouragement. * The episode explores the idea of striving for success that aligns with one's passions and the positive ripple effect
We're replaying this one for you this week because it's so important. If you heard it the first time around, feel free to give it a listen again. If not, take it in fresh and let us know what feedback you have.
When pursuing the life of an entrepreneur, there is nothing that can help smooth out rough waters, reinvigorate fading optimism, or remind you of what is truly important, quite like a supportive spouse. For an endeavor that is fraught with unknowns, the steady encouragement from the one you likely started this thing to impress anyway can be the difference between success or failure.
In this episode, we’re talking about the power of a supportive spouse. We’ll touch on the superpowers of our own wives, plus ways a spouse can support an uncommon journey and how you can reciprocate. We’ll also talk about ways our own wives have shaped our uncommon paths.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, hosts Philip Ramsey and Arron Cramer discuss the power of a simple text message that says "Do you have eight minutes?" They explore how just eight minutes of conversation with someone can completely change your mindset and help you move from a negative state to a more positive outlook. They also emphasize the importance of having people in your life who are willing to listen and support you during difficult times.
This episode offers a simple step to reach out to others and create meaningful connections.
Have feedback for us? Call or text our feedback line at (515) 446-8158
As the Uncommon Wealth Podcast hits a monumental 200 episodes, we're treating you to a reflective and behind-the-scenes look at the heart and evolution of the show. Bringing in special guest Ben Fust, we dive into the making of this influential platform and its impact on both the audience and hosts alike.
The episode begins with a celebration and quickly transitions into a thoughtful examination of the show's progression. The discussion revolves around the increased frequency of episodes, the intention behind content shifts, and the delicate balance of influence versus the personal toll of consistently producing a podcast. Central themes include the intrinsic rewards of podcasting, adapting content to match capacity, and maintaining influence without overwhelming personal commitments or expectations.
Key Takeaways:* The significance of reaching 200 podcast episodes and the personal fulfillment gained from producing the show. * The importance and challenges of podcast consistency and the impact of changes in episode frequency and structure. * Insights on the effect of transitioning team dynamics on podcast content and delivery. * The realization that podcast listener numbers, while informative, don't always capture the full value of content creation. * The encouragement for entrepreneurs and content creators to find joy in the process rather than base success solely on outcomes.
Notable Quotes:* "Influence tends to require a level of consistency." * "Measuring the right things is important. Numbers isn't necessarily. It's an indicator. It tells you something. But it doesn't mean it tells you everything." * "If your sphere of influence is, you're able to hold x number of folks that you could actually sustain influencing, and you got XY back...Like, you can't actually even support that number of people who, like, listen to the show." * "Being faithful in the means because, like, the ends are delayed, your expectations are different."
In this revealing episode, we offer an inside look at how financial practices are built, how advisors get started, and the challenges they face within the industry. Their personal experiences and decisions highlight the importance of aligning business models with core values, prioritizing client relationships over profits.
The conversation covers a range of topics, from the typical pathways for new financial advisors joining larger broker-dealer firms to the differences between commission-based and trail-based revenue models. The hosts don't shy away from discussing the sometimes harsh realities of starting out in the industry and the ethical dilemmas they faced early in their careers. We passionately believe in a client-centered approach and stress the benefits of building a practice on residual income over upfront commissions.
- Phillip provides insights into how large firms structure their training and revenue models, often aligning advisors' interests with making immediate sales rather than fostering long-term client relationships.
- Arron's experiences underscore the importance of finding a firm that supports its advisors' growth without compromising client service.
- The duo emphasizes the significance of having a fee-based model that allows for transparent, unbiased advice and planning.
- Phillip and Arron share their commitment to continuous improvement, with a focus on serving clients and enhancing their offerings year after year.
- The hosts candidly reveal uncommon business practices they uphold, such as not having non-compete agreements to foster a supportive and mutually beneficial work environment.
Key Takeaways:* Financial advisors often start their careers with larger firms, facing the challenge of selling products for immediate commissions versus building trail-based residual income. * It's essential for financial advisors to align their payment structure with their service values, maintaining client relationships as a priority over quick profits. * A fee-based model assists advisors in providing unbiased plans without the pressure of immediately managing assets. * Advisors' continuous growth and improvement are critical factors in providing the best possible service to clients -- this is the unwavering mission of the podcast hosts at Uncommon Wealth Partners. * Ethical business practices, like forgoing non-compete clauses, serve to establish long-lasting trust and collaboration within the framework of the firm.
Notable Quotes:* "I'm never going to lose a friend over this." - Phillip discussing the ethical implications of sales tactics in the industry. * "If I am, please fire me because that means I didn't get better." - Arron stressing the need for continuous improvement as advisors. * "It's bananas... why is that? It's because there's a thing called compounding interest that works really well." - Phillip explaining the power of compound growth in their business.
Resources:* Uncommon Wealth Partners website: Uncommon Wealth Partner
Join hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer on the Uncommon Wealth podcast as they delve into the third part of the series on how to think about money. In this episode, we'll explore the concept of financial freedom and the importance of defining it for yourself. We also discuss the dangers of comparing yourself to others and the true meaning of wealth. Discover how to prioritize relationships and experiences over material possessions and gain a fresh perspective on what it means to be truly wealthy. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion on money and mindset.
In this introspective episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion about the concept of hurry and its impact on our lives. Tapping into the underlying thesis of "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer, we examine the idea that the constant rush and busy hustle of modern life may actually distance us from true joy and intentionality.
In this Simple Step episode, we talk about the vital practice of maintaining focus on your financial objectives, finding value in the commitment to your financial plan and the importance of resilience against distractions that lead to shifting goalposts. Whether you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or just someone aiming for personal wealth development, this episode serves as a motivational guide to steadfastness in pursuit of your uncommon path.
In this bonus discussion, we react to our episode 195 interview with Nick Darland of HomeRevisions, LLC.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Arron Cramer delve into the extraordinary journey of entrepreneur Nick Darland, the founder of the construction company HomeRevisions, LLC. The episode is a treasure trove of insights into how Nick confronted his adversities, starting a business at a young age, experiencing failure, and rising again with renewed vigor to create a venture that is a testament to quality craftsmanship and dedication.
Nick's spellbinding narrative encompasses the inception of his business, the trials faced during its nascent stages, including dealing with debt and personal life challenges. The conversation also touches upon the significance of having strong support systems such as his wife Taylor, who played an instrumental role in Home Revisions' success. Furthermore, Nick shares transformative experiences related to his faith and how it has impacted both his personal and professional life.
In this bonus discussion, we react to our episode 193 interview with Robert and Dan Cramer of Cramer and Associates.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, we continue our Money Mindset series discussing the power of compounding, the importance of accumulating wealth versus staying wealthy, and the significance of making wise investment decisions. We'll talk about why you need a financial plan tailored to individual goals and values, and the value of pursuing passions and monetizing them to enhance retirement.
We'll also touch on why it's important to have a balanced approach to investing and the dangers of chasing big winners.
Robert Cramer and Dan Cramer are second-generation leaders of Cramer and Associates, a family-founded construction company specializing in bridge and culvert building. Following the entrepreneurial spirit of their fathers, both Robert and Dan have advanced the company by maintaining a strong work ethic and upholding values of integrity and quality craftsmanship.
The conversation unfolds with a reflection on the company's origins, Robert and Dan offer a historical account of how their fathers, hailing from humble beginnings, leveraged the interstate system construction boom to establish Cramer Brothers and eventually transitioned to Cramer and Associates. They emphasize the importance of the employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) in fostering a culture of ownership and responsibility among workers, fundamentally shaping the company's success.
Key Takeaways from the episode include:
- The pivotal role of strategic generational transitions in maintaining a company's longevity.
- How the ESOP model can empower employees and positively affect a company's performance.
- The significance of incorporating personal faith and values into business practices and leadership.
- The importance of on-field leadership in ensuring efficiency and fostering a culture of ownership.
- The challenges and growth opportunities presented by large-scale infrastructure projects.
Notable Quotes:
- "If you look at the ESOP as a giveaway, you'll be very happy with it." - Robert Cramer
- "Having an eternal perspective, I think a good spiritual perspective allows you to have a sense of humility in leadership." - Dan Cramer
- "It just flat doesn't work today... you've lost that 'it's on me, I need to figure this out.'" - Dan Cramer on adapting leadership styles.
- "Every job we get, we have to be the low bidder, right? Because it's public money." - Robert Cramer on the bidding nature of the construction industry.
In this episode's simple step, we're talking about how to use personality frameworks to better understand your unique traits. Popular tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, DISC profile, and the Enneagram can be valuable to help you recognize your distinct "superpowers" and the advantages of acknowledging your weaknesses.
In this bonus discussion, we react to our episode 191 interview with Tom Hay of Hay Window Cleaning.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, we had the pleasure of introducing Tom Hay, the entrepreneurial mind behind Hay Window Cleaning. Tom's journey began at the tender age of twelve when he was pulled into the family business. Over the past two decades, he has been instrumental in shaping the services and customer care that have become synonymous with his company.
During the episode, Tom shared insightful details about the transition from considering a career in mechanical or electrical engineering to fully embracing the family business, highlighting the pivotal role of punctuality, hard work, exceptional customer service, and job satisfaction in the success of Hay Window Cleaning.
In this bonus discussion, we react to our episode 189 interview with Wiebe Goodyk, owner of Pella Building Systems.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, we'll tackle the complex and often personal relationship people have with money. We discuss the influences that shape our financial perspectives, the role of luck in investing, and the potentially unquenchable human desire for more wealth.
In the end, true wealth comes from an uncommon mindset — finding joy in one’s day-to-day life, not just in the pursuit of financial milestones. The conversation is an invitation to redefine wealth and discover what it truly means to be prosperous.
Wiebe Goodyk, owner of Pella Building Systems, shares his uncommon path to success in the storage unit industry. After college, Wiebe joined his father's business and quickly developed a passion for storage units. Following his father's passing, Wiebe took over the company and focused on expanding and evolving the business.
With a team of dedicated employees, Pella Building Systems has grown and thrived, offering storage solutions to a variety of customers. Weeb's dedication to building relationships and providing excellent service has propelled the company forward.
In this week's simple step, we're challenging you to figure out what you're thankful for, write it down, and take some action on it.
Let us know if anything surprised you about your list!
In this bonus discussion, we react to our episode 187 interview with Mike Bartos, owner of Power Center Weights.
Mike Bartos, owner of Power Center, shares his uncommon journey in the strength training industry. From starting as a gym owner to creating and selling his own equipment, Mike has faced challenges and taken risks to build his business. He emphasizes the importance of passion, perseverance, and gratitude in achieving success.
With a loyal customer base and a focus on providing high-quality products, Mike looks forward to expanding his product line and continuing to make a difference in the strength training community.
2023 was a year of challenges and growth. In this episode, we look back at some of our significant changes, including the transition from using money managers to managing our clients' money ourselves, and the benefits of this approach. We also talk about the importance of being adaptable and constantly learning in the financial industry.
Plus, the value of taking the emotion out of investing and following a strategic, long-term approach and the impact of the TD Ameritrade and Charles Schwab merger on our clients.
Lots to digest and use to make 2024 even better, we hope you enjoy the discussion. What lessons are you taking with you into this new year?
Scott Krava, the founder of Dreaming Big, joins the Uncommon Wealth podcast to share his journey of starting and growing his apparel brand. He discusses how he came up with the idea for Dreaming Big and the process of designing his merchandise. Scott emphasizes the importance of taking action and learning from failures along the way. He also talks about the significance of his brand's mascot, the duck, and how it represents his own journey of realizing his dreams. Scott's vision for Dreaming Big is to make it known worldwide and inspire people to pursue their passions.
In this bonus discussion, we react to our episode 183 interview with Brandon McNace, founder of Exodus 5:1.
In this simple step episode, we discuss the importance of being the tortoise rather than the hare when it comes to achieving success. There's value of slow and steady progress and you'll be head to find joy in the process and focus on consistent effort rather than seeking quick wins.
Brandon McNace is a former finance professional who left his dream job to pursue a calling to free slaves in Pakistan. He is the founder of Exodus 5:1, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating victims of modern-day slavery.
Brandon shares his journey from a successful career in finance to becoming a modern-day abolitionist. He recounts the pivotal moments and encounters that led him to leave his job and start working to free slaves in Pakistan. Brandon explains the process of buying slaves out of bondage and the challenges they face in reintegrating into society. He also discusses the impact of his work and the importance of raising awareness about modern-day slavery. Brandon reveals his vision for the future, including plans for a new campus and the goal of setting free millions of slaves worldwide.
This week we're discussing the book "Chop Wood, Carry Water" by Joshua Metcalf, which teaches valuable lessons about finding joy in the journey and embracing the process of achieving one's goals. We'll cover key themes in the book including the importance of patience, discipline, and focusing on the present moment. We also discuss the significance of having a strong identity outside of one's work and the value of being a good listener.
Brad Moeckley, a farmer from Iowa, shares his life-changing experience of going on a bear hunt in Alaska. Despite being a non-hunter, Brad challenged himself to reconnect with God, facing physical challenges and forming a close bond with his guide, Ralph. After days of searching, Brad finally had the opportunity to shoot a bear,. The experience taught Brad the importance of perseverance and relying on God's guidance. He now views people differently and has a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness. The bear hunt was just a small part of the transformative journey.
In this week's simple step, we're airing out our thankfulness. "Tis the season for being reminded that oftentimes our dissatisfaction can come from forgetting how grateful we should be for the things around us.
What are you thankful for?
In this bonus discussion, we react to our episode 179 interview with Josh Nielsen, founder of Zencastr.
Josh Nielsen, the creator of Zencastr, shares his journey of building a successful publishing company for podcasters. Looking to create both financial and geographical independence for his family, he initially started the company to solve the problem of remote recording for podcasters, but as the podcasting industry grew, Zencastr expanded its services to include hosting, distribution, audience growth, and monetization.
Josh discusses the challenges he faced along the way, including the need to hire a team and manage the growth of the business. He emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction beyond financial success and the value of helping others achieve their goals.
Welcome to the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, where we explore the stories of individuals who have chosen to live an uncommon life. In this episode, we delve into the topic of discouragement and the reasons why people may try to dissuade you from pursuing your dreams. We will examine the fear of failure, jealousy or envy, limited beliefs, and societal expectations. By understanding these factors, we can better prepare ourselves for the challenges that may arise on our uncommon journey.
In this bonus discussion, we discuss our episode 177 interview with Brittany Overton.
To listen to the original interview, check out https://uncommonwealth.com/podcast/positive-emissions/
Brittany Overton, founder of Positive Emissions, joins us to discuss her unique approach to preserving family memories through life documentaries. Brittany shares her personal journey, from being a radiation therapist to pursuing her passion for storytelling. She explains how her own experiences with illness and the loss of loved ones inspired her to start documenting life stories. Brittany emphasizes the importance of capturing family history and the value it holds for future generations. She also discusses the process of creating a life documentary, from initial meetings to filming and editing.
Despite the challenges of starting a new career, Brittany's faith and the support of her husband have helped her navigate the journey. She encourages listeners to embrace change and surround themselves with a supportive community.
In this episode's simple step, we're talking about the power and perhaps even intrigue of asking really good questions, especially when trying to build relationships. There are a million really good questions out there, of course, but a great one to start with is: If you knew you couldn't fail, what would you do?
Take a listen, try it out, and let us know what kind of reactions you're getting or even how you would answer the question yourself.
Ok, so we need a mulligan on this one. Although we believe the actual interview with Scott Lowe and James Green will perhaps surface eventually, we seem to have misplaced it. However, we do still have our discussion after that interview, which is an enlightening enough taste of the actual interview that it's still worth sharing.
It's a 10 minute listen, we hope you enjoy it. And if you happen to find our missing podcast recording anywhere, be a dear and send it back home to us, please. We won't be mad, we just want it back.
James Green and Scott Lowe, former partners at Actual Tech Media, discuss their journey of building and selling their successful business. They highlight the importance of having a strong team and the support of their spouses throughout the process. They also share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned along the way. The conversation touches on topics such as the decision to sell, the role of a CFO, and the need for boundaries and self-care.
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, Philip and Arron discuss the challenges of transitions in life, such as retirement or selling a business, and the potential for burnout and identity issues that can arise during these times. They emphasize the importance of finding purpose and diversifying interests to maintain a sense of identity and fulfillment.
We also discuss the value of serving others and mentoring as a way to find joy and purpose in life.
In this bonus discussion, we discuss our episode 173 interview with Kevin Lease about overcoming obstacles.
To listen to the original interview, check out https://uncommonwealth.com/podcast/overcoming-obstacles/
In this episode of the Uncommon Wealth podcast, host Philip Ramsey interviews Kevin Lease, a business consultant and coach. Kevin shares his uncommon journey and discusses the obstacles that people often face when trying to invest in themselves. He emphasizes the importance of belief in oneself and the need to overcome fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. Kevin also highlights the value of being uncomfortable and embracing the process of growth. He encourages listeners to surround themselves with supportive people and to have a positive mindset.
Key Takeaways:
- Overcoming fear and self-doubt is crucial when investing in oneself.
- Being uncomfortable is necessary for growth and success.
- Surrounding oneself with supportive people is important for achieving goals.
- Having a positive mindset and believing in oneself is essential for success.
What is the hard thing that you are holding off doing and what would it look like to go after it? This Simple Step episode is our quick encouragement to head right on in to the storm, you'll get through it faster.
In this bonus discussion, we discuss our episode 171 interview with Jeremy Smith, owner of The BAR Performance Gym.
To listen to the original interview, check out https://uncommonwealth.com/podcast/running-a-gym/
Sometimes, the events that seem to be throwing you off your path are the ones that lead to exactly where you need to be. For Jeremy Smith, those diversions lead him away from college in his final semester to a trying time caring for his dad during an illness. Then he found himself coping with life through drugs, a choice that eventually landed him in jail. But as Jeremy began to rebuild his life, and his confidence, in the gym, he also began to see a way forward. Through the renewing of his faith and the encouragement of others, Jeremy Smith would eventually find himself running his very own gym.
In this episode, we discuss the hardships, hard decisions, and hard work that got Jeremy from college-dropout to gym owner. Plus, his progress from 1:1 coaching to group sessions and beyond, a unique combo that makes up his business model. Finally, the power of the steadfast encouragement of a spouse and the importance of helping people build confidence along with their skills.
To hear more from Jeremy, look for The Bar Performance Gym on Facebook and Instagram.
In the wake of some significant changes the government made to public student loan programs in July of 2023 (with more to take effect in the future), resident student loan guru Arron Cramer is here to talk us through it.
We'll talk about the changes to the various payback options, the impact of consolidation on public service forgiveness, and the inflation-relevant modification to how the payment amounts based upon income are now calculated. Plus, examples and tips on how to sort out the confusion and find help when you need it.
In this bonus discussion, we talk about our episode 169 interview with Dr. Megan McCoy and our complex relationship with money.
To listen to the original interview, click here: https://uncommonwealth.com/podcast/financial-therapy/
Managing your finances isn't just about holding, folding, spending and saving. In fact, how we approach money is often a complex web of our attitudes, desires, fears, goals, education, and relationships. This means that we often perceive our path to success as a set of financial behaviors when, in reality, being healthy financially requires engaging in the things that drive our behaviors in the first place. Enter Dr. Megan McCoy.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. McCoy on the 4 main ways (scripts) folks relate to money, the key difference between a rich and poor mindset, and why logic often fails to have the desired impact on influencing our behavior. Plus, the curious consistency of financial anxiety people have, regardless of whether they have a financial advisor, and how to approach financial literacy in the school years in a way that doesn't contribute to that anxiety.
Finally, the tangible power of optimism and the impact of COVID on, well, everything.
Have feedback about the show? Shoot us an email at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
When you're uncommon in the little things, you'll often find that it spreads easily, impacting not only you but those around you.
In this simple step episode, we're talking about encouraging others, relieving yourself of being the person that has to teach the world a lesson, and having some patience and grace for folks (even if they stink at the first two things in this list).
What are some uncommon ways you can impact the world around you just a little bit today?
In this bonus episode, we discuss our episode 167 interview with Rayma Dinnen and how faith and "retirement" helped kick things up a notch.
To listen to the original episode, click here: https://uncommonwealth.com/podcast/blowing-passed-the-finish-line/
What if retirement wasn't the end but in fact just the beginning? What if it wasn't the time to slow down but the time to kick things into high gear? The uncommon path generally tries to find a way to love what you do so much that you don't ever want to retire. But for those of us where that part didn't quite work out, retirement can often be the catalyst to doing more than you ever thought possible and loving it, just like Rayma Dinnen.
In this episode we're talking with Rayma, who went from spending decades as an ER nurse in Chicago to leading teams doing impactful work in Uganda and here in the States. Along the way, she had multiple encounters where God intervened in her path, including giving up a position of influence within the Reiki community as a noted practitioner and sharing Good News with the last person in the world she would have expected to. This is a story you don't want to miss!
To reach Rayma, you can email here at: Rayma444@comcast.net.
In this bonus episode, we discuss our episode 165 interview with Joe Snook and his fishing charter business.
To listen to the original episode, click here: https://uncommonwealth.com/podcast/gone-fishin/
What does success look like for you? Having your own definition is not only important in setting goals and tracking progress but it also protects your uncommon path from being upended chasing someone else's view of success.
In this episode, Phillip and Arron share some personal definitions of success as well as some recommendations on how to craft your own definitions. Plus, the value of focusing on impact over income, knowing when to reign in a lofty goal, and how being faithful with a little progress (even when the situation isn't ideal) will inevitably lead to greater results down the road.
What is your definition of success? We'd love to hear it! Leave us a comment or shoot us an email at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
For most of us, catching a shark is mostly likely to be a reference to a tv show or a run-in with a door to door salesman. But for Joe Snook, owner of Joe Snook Fishing and Charter, catching a shark could be an actual shark on any given Tuesday. But the transition from doing construction work to running his own charter service wasn't an easy path and likely won't be a permanent one.
In this episode, we're talking with Joe about how a lackluster personal interaction with a charter service inspired him to take on the work for himself. Also, the importance of a supportive community and the work it takes to get it. Plus, looking forward to the end of one uncommon path and what to consider when transitioning out of a business.
You can learn more about Joe by visiting JoeSnook.com
The uncommon path is a step by step thing, but it doesn't mean you can't make those steps a little easier for yourself when the opportunity arises. This week, we're talking about automating your goals. The key is to get started and then start moving the goal post bit by bit to help you on your way. Small actions add up over time, no action does, well, nothing.
Let us know how simple steps have built up over time for you by sending us an email at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
Life doesn’t always follow the path we expect. For Whitney Maxwell, starting out playing classical pieces led to a winding path of dueling pianos, cruise ships, Swiss clubs, a French major, a Midwest circuit of gigs, and finally back home to Iowa to open up Bloom Music studios. The key to success for Whitney was the willingness to embrace new opportunities as they came and to just keep moving forward.
In this episode, we talk with Whitney about her music background, the pros and cons of being a cruise musician, and how a surprise newspaper article allowed her to bail from corporate work into full-time music teaching. Plus, the impact of faith on her work, things she wouldn’t do again as part of growing her business, and her Airbnb journey.
To learn more, visit bloommusicstudio.com
In this Simple Step episode we're talking about taking the time to dream a little bit. One of the key steps in an uncommon life is to have an idea where you'd like to see your life go. But often that vision gets lost or, never found, under the burdens and business of day-to-day life.
So, we want you go go on a date with your spouse with the sole purpose of dreaming about the future. If unconstrained by money and other considerations, what do you want your life to be like? Do you want to retire in your current house? Travel? Serve the world in a completely different capacity? Talk it out and, this part is important, write it down. That will lay the foundation for future conversations about bringing some of those dreams to fruition.
Have you done a dream again date? We'd love to hear about it! Email us at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
What do you call it when you have a side gig for 13 years that makes no money? If you're Ben Fust, you'd call it exactly what you were looking for. In addition to being the chief audio man here at the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, Ben also has his own podcast, is a house church pastor, Business Architect, and a family man.
In this episode, we're talking about how an uncommon path sometimes means clearing the way for side gigs that bring more than money. Plus, how to balance when there are multiple things you're passionate about, the simplicity of authenticity, and how to live a life of faith in a secular workplace.
To listen to Live From The Path, click here.
If you need some podcast editing help, click here.
Often times cutting your own path involves being bold, persistent in the face of difficulty and criticism, and an almost supernature focus. One of the risks in this path, however, is blindness. Oftentimes, we can't see our own risks with the same keen eye we might see it in others. To help, you need that one person in your life who can say anything to you.
In this week's simple step, we're talking about that one person and how important they are to living an uncommon life and not tripping over yourself in the process. Plus, why it can't be your spouse and how you might go about finding that person if you don't already have one.
Who is your one person? Let us know in the comments.
Do you act the same way when you're by yourself as you do when others are watching? The root word of integrity is integer, meaning "whole" or not divided. To have integrity is to be whole, not divided between two different versions of yourself no matter who is watching or, often, when no one is.
The temptations around acting differently when no one is watching touch many aspects of life, including your finances. We talk about how Arron uses the filters of education, family and success to help guide himself and his family in making consistent decisions. Plus, the importance of accountability and honoring your important relationships by acting being consistent and trustworthy.
For more on this topic check out our episode called Financial Infidelity. Any additional tips on how to drive consistency in behavior? Let us know at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
Certainly, with all the fancy computers and smart math folks in the world, there has to be a magic formula out there that balances risk and returns and gets the best investment returns out there for everyone, right? Even if there was such a thing (and we'll discuss modern portfolio theory out of the gate), there is a common variable that makes makes the math inadequate: You.
Yes, humans are an unpredictable bucket of erratic of behavior who can spoil even the most prudent and successful investing theory. That's why it's important to factor in human behavior when making with, sticking to, and bailing from investment decisions. This week we'll talk about the behavioral investor theory and the things humans are prone to that can poison their own well, including having a confirmation bias, holding on to losers too long, taking on excessive risk due to overconfidence, and many more.
To learn more about our philosophy, check out uncommonwealth.com, listen to the back episodes of this podcast, or shoot us an email at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
With less than $10,000 in the bank – credit card debt up to his eyeballs, credit scores in the toilet, and his wife pregnant with their first child, Caleb Walsh thought this was the perfect time to buy an $800,000 multi-unit property! This could have been another 99 Homes story (where huge numbers of people got underwater on their mortgage) but Caleb turned it into a story of going from zero to 500 doors.
On this episode of the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, hosts Phillip and Bryan talk with Caleb Walsh.
Caleb Walsh is a leading authority in affordable housing with portfolios spanning over 1,500 units in six states. He resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife Denise and their two children, Lincoln and Noelle. He's an economy of scale advocate, and his story involves jumping from five units to 500 units in a short amount of time.
Listen in and get ready for a spirited conversation. You’ll hear about Caleb’s mistakes and triumphs – and how he persisted until he reached his goals.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- How to leverage credit instead of letting debt leverage you
- The value of going all in – making your side hustle the main thing
- Lessons learned from trying to flip homes at the epicenter of a downturn
- How to hold on to a crazy, grandiose idea
- Why establishing passive income can take “sleep is optional” amounts of energy. No such thing as easy money.
- How to capitalize on an investment that brings in a solid return.
- Building economies of scale for even bigger returns
- Going public with goals in order to build in accountability around those goals.
- Creating public momentum increases opportunity through others buying into your vision
Managing your retirement accounts starts with the basics: have a number, know what it'll take to get there, and have a way to know whether you're progressing as expected. In this Simple Step, we're talking about that process, wanting more than "set it and forget it", and letting the math of it all be your friend.
Need help in this area? Hit us up at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
You've taken the leap from golden handcuffs to working for yourself. It's day one, what do you do? If you're Kristi Krayneski, you make a list of all the folks you think you can help, maybe panic for a moment, then get to work.
This week we're talking with Kristi, Business Strategy Consultant and Coach with Envision Success, about the transition from the C-Suite to coaching. We'll discuss the key things that encouraged her as she made the leap, how teaming up with someone can help you hit the ground running, and the importance of a supportive spouse. Plus, the value of continued coaching and how Kristi's experience and passion can help you move from strategy to execution.
To learn more visit https://www.envisionsuccessinc.com/
What makes Uncommon Wealth Partners, and the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, uncommon? This week we're spilling the tea on what supports the claim of uncommon in our work. We'll talk wax rings, big bands, refusing to refer, prayer, humility, starting your future with a date night, and taking a team approach. That's not all, but we wouldn't want to spoil the whole show.
For more information about Uncommon Wealth Partners visit uncommonwealth.com.
The Uncommon Path is rarely a straight one. It's full of twists, turns, difficult decisions and occasionally a few mufflers dragging behind your car. No one knows this more than Paige Witte, Owner of Emerald Benefits and traverser of her own uncommon path.
In this episode, we talk with Paige about her journey from radiation therapist to employee benefits broker and business owner, and all the mufflers in between. We touch on overcoming anxiety before the big leap, how success can bring golden-handcuff offering suitors, planning beyond partnerships and what it's like to have to fire your first employee. Plus, how sometimes the easiest way to sort through a difficult problem is to just ask your 8 year old.
For more information on Emerald Benefits go to emerald-benefits.com.
Also, if you've ever been faced with a complicated decision and found simple wisdom in a surprising place, we'd love to hear it! Shoot us an email at podcast@uncommonwealth.com with your story.
Let’s be blunt: That phone in your pocket (or more likely your hand) seems like it’s the key to an ever quickening and expanding world. And in some ways, that can be true. But it’s also the key to easy distraction, erratic focus, and the cheapening of your valuable time.
This week, we’re talking about setting limits and boundaries on your technology, and more specifically social media, to protect your best asset: you.
Is this something you’ve struggled with? Or perhaps, overcome? We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email at podcast@uncommonwealth.com or leave us a comment on our socials (yes, the irony is noted).
When thinking about your lives and careers, have you ever wondered, "Am I Doing This Right?". If so, you're not alone, and interestingly, the answers to this question aren’t unique by your line of work, experience level, or natural abilities. In fact, the kind of advice that can jump start the first ten years of your career turns out to be just as valuable in the last ten.
This week we’re talking with Tony Thelen, Matthew Mitchell and Jeffrey Kappan, authors of “Am I Doing This Right”. We’ll discuss how the pandemic and a couple of chance connections brought these fellas together and the book to life. Plus, the process of taking advice and stories from tons of leaders and thinkers and steeping that down to something practical and tangible, as well as the gifts of being able to impact the lives of others and enjoy the journey that you’re on.
To order the book, go to doingthisrightbooks.com.
Turning dreams into uncommon realities isn’t done by magic or secret method. In fact, the key first step is probably one of the most unsexy but imperative parts of the whole thing: You need a plan. Not just any plan, of course, but a financial plan that is simple to understand (if not always simple to come up with or execute), able to adapt to curveballs and opportunities, and complete enough to allow you to know where you’ll be in the days, months and years ahead.
This week we’re talking about the ins and outs of a solid financial plan, including how getting the right one clears the path for you to be able to bet on yourself (and perhaps even help your prudent spouse get comfortable with some of the apparent unknowns on the uncommon journey ahead). Plus, how Uncommon Wealth Partners approaches financial planning, how lower planning fees give us a front-row seat to help some awesome folks that higher-entry planning fee firms would exclude, and the value of using money as a tool to reach your goals, not the end goal itself.
Have questions about creating a financial plan? Hit us up at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
Is it possible to be held back in life by work that pays too well and is too easy? The uncommon answer is...of course! This is because what we do isn't just an exchange of time for money, it's an opportunity to pursue passion, to use our gifts and talents in service to the world, and to do something meaningful.
This week, we're talking with Stephen Smith (of Reworc and Cajun Fest fame) about golden handcuffs and how modern day employment is the great domestication of man (c'mon you have to listen to see what that's all about!). Plus, re-thinking strategies that motivate productive work and a key tip for those in the corporate world to kickstart their way to something different without leaving their chair.
To learn more about Stephen you can find him on LinkedIn or at reworc.com.
We'd love to hear your escape from golden handcuffs story! Shoot as an email at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
You know that thing where you don't want to do a task even though you know for certain you will feel better once it's done? That's what we're talking about in this Simple Step episode, Behavior Activation. We'll cover the value in pushing through to do the good thing even if it takes a while for your brain to catch up. Also, what happens when you focus on doing your best at the things you dread the most.
Have examples of tasks or responsibilities that you get stuck dreading? We'd love to hear them, hit us up at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
There are big changes happening at Uncommon Wealth Partners...and we couldn't be more excited! Sometimes curveballs are just the pitch that you need to shake up your point of view and prepare you for the innings to come.
This week we'll talk about leading through change, the absolute necessity of a talented and supporting team, and how walking the uncommon path in our own business journey allows us to walk even boldly with you in yours.
If you have any questions/feedback, send us an email at podcast@uncommonwealth.com
You live your life like you live your days, each one contributing to a grand story that you get to shape. We risk, sometimes, believing that it is our big goals and achievements that will be the banners of our lives, but in reality it's what we did with each moment, and the "how" often more than the "what", that builds legacy.
This week we're talking about the grind, the daily ins and outs of going after the thing you're passionate about. We'll discuss how being in the thick of it prepares you for future challenges and how, as Paul of Tarsus would say, perseverance leads to character and character to hope. Also, how to instill the right attitude of the grind to your kids.
What have you learned about yourself or your business during your grind? Let us know at podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
This week we're featuring an interview that Phillip did with the fellas on the Live From The Path podcast. His interview starts around 21 minutes in and covers how a chance encounter at a doctor's office led to the creation of Uncommon Wealth Partners, re-thinking retirement, and whether the uncommon path is only for mid-high income earners.
The Live From The Podcast podcast are just some guys who love Jesus and have a lot of fun talking about it. Apologetics, games, comedy (well, attempted comedy) and advice often make up the show. In this episode, in addition to Phillip's interview, the fellas discuss the challenges of having a ton of digital ways for someone to communicate with you (and how to get it under control). Also, staying out of cesspools, even if everyone else is in them, plus a segment where they compare their advice, with Phillip's help, to a secular advice-giver on some listener questions.
For more on Live From The Path, go to livefromthepath.org or email info@livefromthepath.org
To provide us feedback on the Uncommon Wealth Podcast, or just to say hi, you can find us at podcast@uncommmonwealth.com.
For this Simple Step, we're talking about the number one thing that holds people back from their uncommon path: fear. What if the worst happens? How will I handle losing the stable structure and benefits of my current job?
This week, we'll provide you some simple, tangible ways to turn the unknowns into knowns, quantify the risks, and create a path forward that may not be as scary as it first seems.
There’s a first time for everything, and this episode is one of those. Joining us in the studio this week is Holly Adams, Realtor from Adams Family Realty with RE/MAX Precision, our first Realtor on the show.
This week we’re talking about the power of making connections, in real estate or otherwise, and how that leads to relationships and the opportunity to win people over with service. Plus, how Holly went from corporate America to real estate, what she was looking for in a firm to work with, and the costs and benefits of why someone should choose to work with a Realtor compared to trying to go it alone.
You can find more info about Holly by visiting https://www.remax.com/real-estate-agents/holly-adams-west-des-moines-ia/102065504
When pursuing the life of an entrepreneur, there is nothing that can help smooth out rough waters, reinvigorate fading optimism, or remind you of what is truly important, quite like a supportive spouse. For an endeavor that is fraught with unknowns, the steady encouragement from the one you likely started this thing to impress anyway can be the difference between success or failure.
In this episode, we’re talking about the power of a supportive spouse. We’ll touch on the superpowers of our own wives, plus ways a spouse can support an uncommon journey and how you can reciprocate. We’ll also talk about ways our own wives have shaped our uncommon paths.
There is no one in the world like Matt Ostrander. And his encouragement to you is, there is no one else in the world like you, either, which means you have something to offer that is valuable and worth something to other people. As the owner of Ostrander Defense, this realization allowed Matt to go from dipping his toes into church security assessments to offering a broad suite of defense and preparedness services to individuals, churches, and businesses.
In this episode, we talk with Matt about his time in the military and how it contributed to his path to owning his own business. Plus, the challenges of valuing your work, especially at the beginning, and how to balance multiple irons in the fire and diversify your business with related products and services.
You can find Matt on social media by searching Ostrander Defense or contact him at ostranderdefense@gmail.com.
In recent memory, there haven’t been a ton of ways for business owners to make money on their cash. But rate hikes by the Fed have created an environment where there is opportunity to achieve a decent return on fully liquid cash. On this week’s Simple Step, we’ll talk through the strategies we’re currently using to take advantage of the current rate environment.
As always, this discussion is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice. Where you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to your financial advisor to discuss your options.
Generosity, like anything else, requires being intentional to be fruitful. And being wise with how you give can lay the groundwork for a generational legacy that benefits not only your passion charities but also your tax situation, which can free up even more for giving.
In this episode we’re talking with Dan Navarra from National Christian Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that manages donor advised funds, the fastest growing charitable vehicle in the world. We’ll talk through what a donor advised fund is, the extended tax advantages, and how to unlock non-cash assets for charitable use. Plus, Dan reviews the importance of giving and how it ultimately points us back to a good and gracious God. Finally, how being thoughtful with your giving can help assure an impact that extends beyond our own lives.
For more information, visit https://www.ncfgiving.com/library/
The old joke goes that nothing is certain except for death and taxes. But in reality, the United States didn’t even have a permanent federal income tax until Christmas Day, 1913, which means we have spent more years as a country without a federal income tax than with one. Over the years, taxation became more and more complicated as the government sought more ways to raise revenue while citizens looked for ways to pay less in taxes. This led to what we have today which is an often difficult to follow maze of tax codes representing a desire for more revenue pitted against tax-reducing incentives to encourage people to behave financially in ways that put less burden on the government overall (such as retirement savings and health care savings).
In this episode, we’re talking about taxes. We’ll discuss how the progressive tax system works, key moments in US tax history that drove some of the tax code provisions that are key to modern tax planning, and considerations around Roth investments, your off-desk Robinhood account, and how the current tax landscape compares to the past.
Of course, we can’t predict the future and this discussion isn’t tax advice. We definitely recommend you connect with a tax advisor for help with your tax questions and financial situation.
In the day-to-day running of a business, it’s often hard to find time to prioritize some of those big picture questions like “what is my business actually worth?”. But knowing the value of your business can be the catalyst to your next big step, like an upcoming retirement, offering an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, structuring a buyout among partners, or even selling your business outright. It can also reveal practices within your business that reduce value and make it harder to grow.
In this episode we’re talking with Matt Fett from BCC Advisers about business evaluations. We’ll learn about when you would need one, how much it generally costs, and opportunities it can reveal. Plus, the behaviors that make it hard to structure a good deal to sell or transition a business and the role emotions play when trying to understand how much a business is truly worth.
For more information on Matt’s services, go to bccadvisers.com.
In this Simple Step episode, it’s time to affirm your annual budget. Whether for your business or your personal finances. Your reviewing and setting your budget gives you a chance to make sure you’re spending your resources on what you value, reacting appropriately to changes in your situation, and creating a place of agreement between your business partners and spouses.
If you have a budget but need some help sticking to it, check out the Uncommon Wealth episode with our own Ryan Garvey as he discusses Qube Money, a cash envelope option for the digital age. If you want to give Qube Money a shot, use the promo code UNCOMMON for two free months by visiting qubemoney.com.
Sarah Trone Garriott never shies away from a tough conversation, an opportunity to bridge a gap, or chance to be part of the opportunities for change she sees in front of her. The journey leaning into those things has taken her not only to various parts of the country but also into history, ministry, politics, and service.
This episode we talk to Sarah about her journey of faith, what drew her into the political process, the realities of friendship and ministry, and how the perspectives of those who believe differently than us can draw us into growth.
To find more about Sarah, visit sarahforiowa.com
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 McLellan
Profit 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: cbottenberg@ahlerslaw.com
Phone number: 515-246-0335
LinkedIn: 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 podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
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 podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
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 podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
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 Crisis
College Alternatives
Building a Scholarship System
Standing Out in College Admissions
The Blending
Often 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: Uncommon
Our 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 podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
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 phillip@uncommonwealth.com 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 podcast@uncommonwealth.com 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 podcast@uncommonwealth.com.
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
We hate, (and we can’t stress this enough: hate!) college debt. We want to help you and your kids avoid it. But college is expensive. One avenue for college savings is through a 529. And while we don’t love an instrument that ties up your money so you can’t use it until sometime in the future, there are some secrets we’d like to share about how to leverage 529s as one part of your college planning.
In this episode, we dig into the nitty-gritty of 529s. The 529 rules and landscape have changed in the past few years, and some challenges and barriers that were in place before have been broken down. That’s great! We want to tell you about those and how you can get the most out of 529s. And what about funding your kids’ and grandkids’ education beyond the 529? We get into that too.
what you will learn in this episode: * The three legs of college planning * Recent changes in 529s you should know about * How parents AND grandparents can use 529s to help with college (and pre-college) planning * The importance of researching your state’s specific 529 plan structure * How to get the tax deduction on 529 education expenses * Helping with a child’s college expenses without sacrificing your retirement savings * Some very cool, Uncommon ways to use 529 money for college expenses
“Some recent changes to how 529s are managed and regulated mitigate many of the concerns we have had in the past about 529s.” – Bryan DewhurstCLICK TO TWEET“We had clients who wrote a check to the private school without putting it through a 529 first. We helped them get the money back and get the tax deduction through the 529.” – Phillip RamseyCLICK TO TWEET“Recent changes mean you can use a 529 plan not just for college, but for K-12 expenses as well.” – B
Strategic planning and putting systems together isn’t the most exciting part of running a business for most of us. But these components are essential to building a thriving and profitable business. It’s got to be done, and when it’s done right, the rewards are huge, in time and emotional energy saved and in wealth built. What’s not exciting about that?
Our guest, Josh Dunwoody is an amazing person, and—fun fact—we’ve been each other’s clients. We helped him think through a plan to start his business, and he has helped us tremendously in ours. So this is a fun interview on so many levels. He’s talking with us about the direct through lines for building the right systems and processes directly to a business that is as profitable as it can be.
Josh is the owner and founder of Tactical Advantage Business Solutions. His work is focused on helping business owners and leaders create clarity from the chaos that often comes with owning and operating a business. His experience in strategic planning, holistic business development, and process development are derived from his work with organizations of all kinds and sizes. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and when he is not working with business leaders, you might find him serving in the Iowa Army National Guard. Josh is also very active in his church, as a husband and dad, and with the Altoona Chamber of Commerce.
What You Will Learn in This Episode:
- What it takes to move from a self-employed mindset to a business owner mindset
- How to pay attention to what will make your business sellable when the time comes
- How to kill the chaos in your business
- How to make strategic planning sexy again
- Why you have not set up systems and processes in your business and how to change that
- Building scalable structures into your business from day one
- How to flex systems and processes as needs and situations change
- Building a business with a franchise mindset
“It’s heartbreaking when a person has invested decades and then can’t sell the business, because they didn’t invest in the processes, product, and potential for profit needed to show a business is worth buying.” – Josh DunwoodyCLICK TO TWEET“When a business owner feels they are always just putting out
What do you call a business that got up and running in four days and is still killing it after a year in business? Most people would call that an instant success! But it’s not as instant as it seems.
In our latest podcast, we talk with an entrepreneur who has grown up finding creative ways to earn a living and shows no signs of stopping.
We’re talking with Carisah Lee, who is originally from California and found her way from the west coast to Iowa. She is rocking a new business called Rosie and Jean with her best friend, Sam and while Rosie and Jean is doing great, it grew out of some serious business savvy and experience with social media marketing.
If you are looking for instant success, this isn’t that. But if you are looking for a great story of someone who built on their knowledge base to take a hobby and turn it into a business, you will not be disappointed.
what you will learn in this episode: * How just starting is sometimes the best way to start a business * How to use an existing audience to grow a new business * How to market a story that sells the product or service * How to create a competitive shopping environment on Instagram * How to find something you love that will help make money for your family * Some very unique tips on how to drive business through social media * Finding your entrepreneurial spirit and encouraging others in that pursuit
Working for someone else, you might ask the question: Is my hard work paying off? The Uncommon Path often involves business ownership in one form or another. We see it over and over again that when you own a business, your hard work is rewarded. There will be ups and downs for sure, but the rewards outweigh the challenges.
In this episode, we are exploring what it takes to buy and sell a business. How do you know—whatever side of the transaction you are on—whether you are getting your money’s worth?
That’s why we wanted to explore different ways of valuation of a company, and also different ways for a buyer to purchase a company. Should you just buy the business with 100% cash? Should you opt for seller financing, or something in between.
We love helping people find the right answers for them, and if you are looking to buy or sell a business, that’s what we want to do for you in this episode.
what you will learn in this episode: * Why 2020 might be a great time to buy a business * Why there are multiple ways to value a business * How funding a business is like a teeter-totter * The advantages and restrictions on rolling an IRA into your business 401(k) * Learning the “net take” method of business valuation * Why a business seller might not want to take a lump-sum payment for the business * The double-edged sword as a business owner of protecting your money from taxation and valuation when you go to sell * Understanding the percentage of revenue model of business valuation * What types of businesses are the best fit for different valuation methods
Getting through college without crushing debt may seem like an insurmountable task. But it does not have to be. What if you encouraged your child to spend their time applying for scholarships instead of mowing lawns, working at a fast-food joint, or babysitting? The payoff could be 10 fold or even more.
But how would that work? That’s what our guest, Jocelyn Pearson, is going to tell you. It’s pretty amazing. Instead of a summer job earning maybe $4,000 if they are lucky, imagine your kids spending that time learning life skills and getting through college debt-free, basically earning exponentially more per hour for their efforts. It is not impossible, and it’s got nothing to do with test scores.
Our guest, Jocelyn Pearson founded The Scholarship System to share her own experience of graduating from college debt-free. When college looked unaffordable for her, she sprang into action and secured over $126,000 in college scholarships, even receiving an overage check each semester for her expenses. It wasn’t an easy process. It took her years to figure out exactly what to do to be selected for these scholarships. Now, she helps families learn how they can do this themselves. By teaching her six-step system, she has helped families secure multiple millions in scholarships and it just keeps growing.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to get through college without debt * Understanding the two sides of a debt-free degree * Why having a system is so important for avoiding college debt * How your kids can get debt-free education without sacrificing your financial future * The “4 Cs” to a debt-free degree * Why finding scholarships is just one piece of a debt-free degree strategy * How to think differently about earning for college * Common myths about who can qualify for scholarships * How to keep up the scholarship application process through college
Entrepreneurship is about learning what works—and managing risk. If you can manage and mitigate the risk of failure and keep forging ahead, that can become a real recipe for success. The challenge is to learn and not give up too soon. When it comes to building an audience and making money on the internet, too often, people give up too soon.
In episode #66, we talk with Adrian Brambila, who operates numerous online businesses by asking a simple question: how is this supposed to make money? Adrian went from making less than $30,000 at a desk job, to making 6 figures a year, to making 6 figures a month. This is passive income he can earn from anywhere in the world, which is why he and his wife have been traveling the world for the past year.
Adrian Brambila learned how to do this by learning how to monetize and how to leverage the successes to create even bigger successes. Adrian first learned this lesson as he turned his passion for dance into an online audience of fans, and then turned those fans into customers willing to pay to learn from his expertise. With numerous affiliate marketing platforms and a marketing agency, Adrian is doing the work, gathering the data, and living his Uncommon Life on his terms.
what you will learn in this episode: * The networking power of spike ball * How to make money based on how God has gifted you * The role of practice and intention in becoming successful * How to build a tribe of people who love what you do * What number of conversions you should look for from 100 responses to an online offer * How to help your audience and yourself through affiliate marketing * Why small wins can add up in a big way * How to stick with an audience-building platform until it pays off * Why understanding money management is such a critical part of entrepreneurship
When you bring a new mindset to something you’ve commonly done, you get uncommon results. Encouraging people to follow their dreams is not new. But how do you put a plan into place to gain traction so you can follow your passion?
That’s what we are exploring in this episode. There is a story about Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker that resonates with our approach to wealth management. We get into the details in this episode, but the crux is this: his passion was financially unsustainable until his advisor helped him with a mindset shift, turning his passion from a financial liability to a financial asset.
That is at the heart of what we help people do. In this episode, we use Walker’s story to talk about the challenges and ultimate rewards of investing in yourself. Whether life is smooth sailing, or you’ve lost your job, or are doing something you don’t like, or you’re living in fear, now is the best time to double down on your gifts and think differently.
And if you need help thinking differently or looking at your situation with a different perspective, that’s our passion. We’re here to share our passion with you and help you find a path forward with your own passion.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to move your passion from a liability to an asset * The mindset shift that can make it possible to build your passion into a business * Why making money doing what you don’t love is a hard slog * How to start a plan to move toward monetizing your passion * The art of feeding that Jumanji drumbeat inside you * Why entrepreneurship is becoming more and more prevalent * How to move from a side-hustle mentality to a business mentality * How COVID-19 is teaching us (once again) that the “safe” job may not be so safe
When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s one of our favorite phrases because it is so true. But how do you pay the bills? You provide something of value people are willing to pay for!
In our latest podcast, we dig into that concept with our guest, Kari Minter. Kari has spent her life mentoring and helping women understand how to live life aware of God’s presence. For years, as a pastor’s spouse, she just did this as a member of the church as a way to give back—which was great!
But what if you could share your gifts beyond your local congregation or social group? That would be amazing. Kari’s gift is writing and speaking about discipleship and understanding the Bible more fully. Now she is using those gifts at Kariminter.com so not just her local church gets the benefit, but the world!
How has God gifted you? How could you share those gifts more fully with the world? Finding answers to those questions is what this episode is all about.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to use the gifts God has given you * Permitting yourself to use those gifts to earn money * Why a supportive spouse can make all the difference in pursuing your uncommon dreams * How to set up a plan to step into your Uncommon Life * Understanding your weaknesses and finding help in building your Uncommon Life * Finding balance in a relationship when one of you is pursuing an entrepreneurial dream * How to strategically build a value ladder * The importance of investing in yourself
There is a lot that happens between following your dreams and living your dreams. It is rarely a straight path, and there will always be challenges along the way.
That’s why we are so glad to share our conversation with Antoine L. Smith in this episode, who talks with us about overcoming adversity and finding the never-ever straight path to success in his field. We’ll ask some big questions, like: How do you do what you love, earn a living, and stay true to yourself? We talk about the big mentors in his life, and how he went from culinary school graduation to performing as Big Bird. There’s a lot to explore here!
Having performed in Broadway shows from Cats to The Color Purple, Antoine L. Smith is just getting started. Antoine went to high school with Phillip, where they performed on the same (championship!!) dance team. Antoine then followed his dream of making it on Broadway. He lives in New York City and is an Emmy award-winning Broadway, television, and voiceover actor.
Find him on Instagram: @antoinelsmith32
what you will learn in this episode: * How to draw strength during times of adversity * Staying true to yourself and your ideals while making money doing what you love * The real cost of doing business in creative work like theater * Bringing the same energy to a task day after day * How to keep going after you’ve made a mistake * Ways of building residual income in creative work * Aligning residual income with your gifts * The importance of just being good to people * The crucial role of mentorship: being a mentor and paying attention to those who mentor you
You’ve planned for retirement in a general way. You have some money stashed away in IRAs and other accounts. Now you can just coast into retirement and forget about money, right? Nope, that’s not how retirement works for most of us. But the important thing is that you do have options.
In this episode, we want to help you explore your options. There are many different approaches to take as you head into and plan for retirement–or as we like to call it “time freedom” mode.
Don’t get pushed into a path you are not comfortable with, because when it comes to retirement income one size definitely does not fit all. Some people want a lot of guarantees, some people are okay with risks. In this episode, we want to educate you about your choices. If you are getting ready to “clock out” of the regular work schedule you’ve been on before retirement, we want you to know what your options are so you can make the best choices possible.
what you will learn in this episode: * Why Retirement Income is not one-size-fits-all * Understanding guaranteed and non-guaranteed income * How to define financial freedom for yourself and build a plan that works for you * The options you have for retirement income * What to expect from pensions and social security income * How to make sure you have enough liquid assets to manage during retirement
It is an ongoing theme in our work; we love what we do and we want to help others find what they love to do and create a sustainable life from doing just that.
That’s why we were so glad to get a chance to interview our podcast guest Brie King. It wasn’t long ago that Brie was living through some challenging times as her marriage ended. But that was far from the end of her story. After realizing she had an interest in real estate, she decided to take the plunge and use her newly purchased property to become an Airbnb super host.
We say it all the time: when you’re doing what you love, you will never want to quit. That’s why we love hearing about people who are upending the standard “retirement” equation, not waiting for that end of the rainbow moment, but going out and living their dreams today. That’s Brie’s story, and we’re eager to share it.
Brie worked in corporate health healthcare for six years. She’s a proud mom who owns and operates 3 cottages through Airbnb, and is in the beginning stages of a canoe and kayak rental service called Elk River Outfitters, along with her existing marketing company, Elk River Media in Fayetteville, Tennessee.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to find opportunity in challenges * How to leverage things you already do and enjoy and create income from them * Ways to peel back the “entrepreneurial onion” * Moving from a retirement mindset to building time freedom, by loving what you do so much you never want to quit * Turning travel into R&D for your Airbnb * How to create opportunities for your kids to explore the uncommon life
Are you curious about Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in general? Want to understand more about it?
Well, Bryan is the man you want to talk to! This episode is a duocast, but mainly it is Phillip interviewing Bryan about the promise and potential pitfalls of cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin.
Some background is necessary to understand this episode better: Bitcoin is banking. Bitcoin can bank without intermediaries. That’s what makes it so powerful. Bitcoin uses peer-to-peer technology to operate with no central authority. Managing transactions and the issuing of bitcoins is carried out collectively by the network. Transactions are verified and recorded in a public distributed ledger called a blockchain.
Bitcoin was invented in 2008 by an unknown person or group of people using the name Satoshi Nakamoto.
This is some serious geekery, but we are convinced Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not going anywhere. You will do well to understand it and potentially dip a toe into cryptocurrency to see if it is an investment that makes sense for you.
what you will learn in this episode: * What Bitcoin is and is not * The history of Bitcoin and why it was developed * How blockchain creates triple-ledger accounting * Understanding Bitcoin mining * How to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies * How cryptocurrency stacks up against the current banking system * What to consider when thinking about investing in Bitcoin * How “stable coins” fit into the cryptocurrency universe
resources: * The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking * Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain * The Internet of Money * Try Coinbase: https://www.coinbase.com/join/dewhur_t
For us, financial planning has three essential components: flexibility, the ability to customize for your specific needs, and the ability for you to control how your money grows.
In our most recent episode, we unpack one of our favorite financial tools—whole life insurance—in a way that carries through on those values of flexibility, custom-fit, and control. We’re talking with guest Michael Rothman about premium financing; a system where you can borrow the life insurance premium to pay for that policy and then you pay interest on the money that you just borrowed. Now especially, high net worth people can leverage these low-interest rates environments and gain the death benefit that they need, the cash value that can grow for them, while paying a small interest rate to do it.
Michael has an in-depth understanding of advanced tax and estate planning techniques as well as sophisticated leveraging and wealth preservation strategies. He works with Succession Capital out of California. The firm was formed in 2004 to address a void in the market: understanding and communicating about life insurance with advisors and high net worth individuals and business owners.
Michael joined Succession Capital in 2008 and is responsible for business development on a national level. He oversees all major initiatives at SCA. He’s an accomplished speaker throughout the financial industry and has his CFP designation. Michael is responsible for case design, presentation, and implementation of these advanced planning concepts.
what you will learn in this episode: * What premium financing is * Who premium financing is for * New ways to use life insurance to accomplish your goals * The many ways the cash value of your life insurance is protected * How to use long term loans just like big corporations do * How to finance life insurance premiums the same way you would for property * The tax and gift planning ramifications of premium financing for life insurance * Why premium financing makes sense even when interest rates rise
Why don’t more kids learn about financial literacy and entrepreneurship in school? Why are these not part of the core curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade? Some states (like Iowa!) and local school districts do have these requirements, but way too many do not. The result is adults who don’t know how to save and don’t understand basic financial principles. Stop the madness!
In our most recent episode, we are blowing the lid off this challenge, and bringing on the solutions! We discovered Junior Achievement last year and are in awe of how it answers so many of our concerns about financial literacy in the classroom. Our guest, Collin Lane tells us all about how JA brings experiential learning about financial principles—from finance, jobs, business, and entrepreneurship —to classrooms across the country, and how they’ve been doing it for over 100 years.
Collin is in his second year as the director of programs for Junior Achievement of Central Iowa. Before his time with JA, he spent nearly 14 years in public education for Des Moines public schools. He taught fifth grade for seven years and was an elementary tech teacher. He served as Instructional Technology Coordinator as a member of the district-wide curriculum team. Collin has his BA in Elementary Education from Moorpark College and his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa.
what you will learn in this episode: * Why we need to prepare our kids with financial literacy * How Junior Achievement has been helping young entrepreneurs for 100+ years * The kinds of financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs JA provides * How kids can gain an immersive experience in business that they will remember the rest of their lives * Teaching kids beyond basics to get at deeper principles of financial well-being * Why school districts should include financial literacy as part of the core curriculum from K-12 * How to take financial literacy to the next level with college-age young people * Why mentorship is the cheat code of life
Passive income sounds so nice. You make a pile of money while sitting on a beach somewhere. But does it really work like that? Not really. In fact, we don’t like the term ‘passive income’ and much prefer terms like ‘passionate income’ or even ‘active income.’ But why?
This episode is all about the goal we all have, which is financial and time freedom. Even if that means sitting on a beach somewhere, how do you get there? It’s like any “overnight success.” It takes time and effort. It starts with identifying your passion and discovering ways to create residual income and cash flow from that passion.
Because the truth is, passive income isn’t truly passive if you do it right. It’s passionate income. It is a lifestyle, it is a movement. It’s aligning your God-given gifts with a path to that time and financial freedom. That’s the path we love helping our clients with, and it’s what we want for you.
what you will learn in this episode: * The hard work that is usually behind what people call passive income * How a growth mindset is a key element to generating cashflow * Why chasing rate of return is not always the best policy * The biblical principles behind where your money and attention go * How to keep the main thing the main thing * How your financial accounts tell a story about what you value * Aligning your investments with your interests and passions * How to create multiple exit strategies through your investments and cash flow * Why a value ladder is a great strategic business tool to build residual income
Some people dream of a life that is a constant vacation on a beach. That is their travel dream. Others want to wander the globe trying to make connections and build understanding between themselves and the people they meet along the way.
Our guest on the podcast in our most recent episode is all about the latter approach. She has become a life lesson in following the Uncommon Path. She understood her ‘why,’ designed a plan, and made it all happen. It is a spectacular story that exemplifies how we try to guide all of our clients: follow your passion, find ways to monetize it, and live your dream.
Samantha Burmeister is the woman behind 9 to 5 Nomad, a resource for people looking to make the transition from location-based work to world travel. She has been an avid traveler since high school, catching the travel bug from her grandparents.
She found every study abroad opportunity possible in college. To pay off loans and start her next adventure as soon as possible, she did join the regular 9-5 life for a while. She took the plunge into full-time travel this past year and is not looking back.
Nomad Courses: https://9to5nomad.teachable.com/
what you will learn in this episode: * How to pay attention to your passion, and plan your life around that * Understanding your priorities so you can make better decisions in life * How to monetize a passion for travel * The art and brass tacks of traveling solo * Why living your dream might cost less than the way you are living right now * How to listen to your friends when they call you out for making excuses * The phases you need to go through with your finances to follow your Uncommon Path * What it means to live as a nomad/expatriate/slow traveler * How to be a financially savvy traveler
We are all about following that Jumanji drumbeat—that passion you have that just won’t stay quiet—but that doesn’t mean throwing everything away to do it. So how do you turn your dreams into a source of income without upending your life and your current livelihood? Great question!
That’s why, in our most recent episode, we are thrilled to be speaking with someone who has walked this very walk. Keesia Wirt is pursuing her dreams while keeping her feet on the ground. She is growing a business based on her passion while remaining a key contributor at her day job.
Another wrinkle you may face is that your dreams and passions may seem a little bit strange. Keesia realized she had a passion for writing obituaries. Strange, right? She understands that. But she also realized what was underneath that passion; that the stories of the people we love too often go unheard. Keesia experienced the regret of missing those stories first-hand when she realized her grandmothers had “graduated” to heaven without her sitting down and learning from them.
That’s how Circa Legacy was born. Now Keesia (in addition to her day job!) owns and operates a company dedicated to collecting and sharing the stories that make up our loved one’s legacy. The story of this unique startup is one you do not want to miss.
what you will learn in this episode: * Getting comfortable with niching down * Why it is important to celebrate loved ones while we’re all here to celebrate * How to become a storyteller about the life of someone you love * The importance of securing a URL in the process of naming your business * The importance of passing down values and not just money to future generations * How to create a “value ladder” from entry-level to gold-standard products or services * Developing a product you can create once and profit from indefinitely * Challenges and opportunities in fulfilling your passion while keeping a day job * How to have honest conversations with employers about what you want * Using cash flow from your day job to be smart about investing in your passion
To understand how to create a value ladder the right way, along with other key startup tips, download our ebook: https://www.uncommonwealth.com/resources/e-books/
When challenging times come, opportunity comes right along with them. We see this play out over and over throughout history. The entire world is in an unprecedented holding pattern because of COVID-19. How should you respond?
Things are uncertain and scary right now, so we wanted to create an episode to talk about that. Jobs are being lost and business paradigms are being disrupted. But in the midst of this, there are touchstones to hold on to. How can you spend this time with your family? Who should you reach out to? What should you start doing that you were not making time for a month or two ago?
What we are living through represents a huge reset button on many levels. How we respond is up to us. We just want you to know you are not alone, and that opportunities do await in the midst of this crisis.
what you will learn in this episode: * The amazing, intentional ways your family can connect during a crisis * How to help kids focus beyond themselves and reach out to friends and family * Avoiding the “Cam Newton Effect” of blaming others for challenges you face * How business paradigms might shift more rapidly in the wake of this pandemic * Why grace needs to be more abundant than ever * How this crisis might impact commercial real estate * The potential of acceleration toward more self-employment
There’s a parable we came across about the 3 bricklayers: one sees it as a dead-end job, the other sees it as a career that pays the bills, and the other can’t wait to wake up tomorrow and keep building a beautiful cathedral.
The point is, the same set of circumstances can be met with different mindsets. We want nothing less than to help people wake up and feel passionate about whatever it is they are doing. None of that happens overnight, and mindset is just the start.
In this duocast, we talk about what it takes to go from being frustrated about your day-to-day, to living out your gifts and calling that God has given you. We’ve lived it ourselves, and we’ve helped clients at every stage of the bricklayer continuum – and it never gets old (because guess what? We’re doing what we love!)
what you will learn in this episode: * The difference between doing a job, making a living, and living your dreams * How to take the right steps when you are in a job you hate * How mindset impacts the move from being a bricklayer to owning a brickyard * How to use your God-given gifts to guide your own destiny * The problem with golden handcuffs * Why mindset makes the same experience different for different people * How to build wealth in multiple ways out of your passion and integrity
If you’ve followed us for any length of time, you know how we feel about IRAs and 401(k)s. They are great, but hardly the only game in town, especially if you don’t want all your money tied up until you are 59.5. That’s where tax-managed investing might come in handy. Investments are a great source of residual income, but there is a lot of mystery and fear surrounding investments.
That’s why we wanted to do a deep dive in this episode. Tax-managed investing isn’t new. It’s been around for a while. But it has recently gained a lot of popularity. As consumers and advisors become more and more tax-conscious, we wanted to dig into this topic so you have a starting point for knowledge on what can seem like a tricky subject.
Why would you choose this strategy (or set of strategies) in addition to an IRA or other retirement accounts? How do taxes affect the rate of return on my investments in a given year? Find out the answers as we tackle these questions and more.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to leverage tax-managed investing instead of or along with traditional retirement accounts * How money managers are able to mitigate tax liability within portfolios * What tax loss harvesting is * Why we focus on clients and hire experts to manage portfolios * The differences between short-term and long-term holdings * How to use dividend-paying stocks along with tax-managed investing strategies
At the end of the rainbow, you need to have a pot of gold. We’re talking about that 800-pound gorilla, retirement income. How do you build it, how do you get it when you need it, and how do you make it last?
In this episode, it’s just Bryan and Phillip talking together about these retirement income questions and more. There really is no one way to build up income for retirement, but there are some concepts to understand and strategies to decide on sooner rather than later, depending on your personality, job situation, risk-tolerance, and other factors.
How do you fill in the gap between what you’ll be getting from Social Security and maybe a 401(k)? That’s what we’re talking about here. People these days often have 30+ years of retirement to account for, so having a plan for retirement income is a big deal.
We’ll share with you several retirement income systems that people have used over the years, so you can understand which one – or a hybrid of several – might be right for you.
what you will learn in this episode: * Three basic ways people deal with retirement income * Strategies for making your money last through retirement * Why no one retirement income philosophy is one-size-fits-all * Understanding the three phases of retirement * What the “retirement red zone” is * How to use a bucket strategy for retirement income * Why $1Mil in a 401(k) might not stretch as far as you think * 4 factors that could affect your retirement * Why inflation is such a big factor in your retirement planning
We all need to pay our taxes, but some people hesitate to work with an accountant. If you own a business, you’ve got to get over that attitude. Finding a good accountant who can help with tax planning and so much more isn’t a necessary evil. It’s the right business decision.
On this episode, we’re talking with a fellow business owner and our own tax planner, Ricky De Hamer. Tax laws change in small and large ways all the time, so having a professional who understands business and understands those changes can make a huge difference in your own business.
Tax preparation is just a part of the conversation. We talk with Ricky about tax prep, tax implications for different business entities, and much more. If you wish you knew more about how to find a trusted advisor for taxes and money management, you’ll want to listen in.
Ricky has over 13 years of public and private accounting experience. He’s been a big help to us, for sure. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Accountants Association of Iowa and is currently the President of AAI. He earned his BA in accounting at Central College in Pella, IA.
what you will learn in this episode: * The importance of audited financials * How to use a tax professional as a resource as you start out and grow a business * The impact of the structure of your business * Differences in business entities * Taking advantage of legitimate business tax deductions * What the new tax laws mean for personal deductions * How non-traditional small businesses (like AirBNB) impact your income tax * Why you might consider a Health Reimbursement Account and how it differs from an HSA * Why online tax prep platforms are not the best choice for business owners
So much of financial planning is about managing risk. That’s why it is so important to understand the financial “don’ts” as much as understanding the things you should do when it comes to making decisions about your money.
That’s what we’re exploring here in Episode #49; some financial “don’ts” that we hope you can avoid. Some of the big don’ts focus on relationships—marriage relationships and business relationships—as well as who to take advice from. Not all advice is equal, and we’re digging into that hot topic.
We also discuss some don’ts around taxes and investing. What should you invest your time and money in? It can be somewhat subjective, but there are some ground rules you should definitely follow.
This is some real talk about mistakes to avoid and advice on how to recover when you stumble into some don’ts.
what you will learn in this episode: * Why you don’t have to feel guilty about investing in your marriage * What to do when you are in a bad business partnership * How to avoid analysis paralysis * Why investing in things you don’t understand is so risky * Why a tax break alone is not a good enough reason to make an investment * When to ask for help with managing your finances * Do not buy a timeshare. Just don’t * How to measure the value of buying “toys” like boats and RVs
When it comes to launching a business, we wish we knew then what we know now! We are like many, many business owners in that respect. So we wanted to share some steps, a checklist if you will, for launching a business the right way.
Because thankfully we’ve learned a few things in the past 7 years in business together. In our latest episode, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of launching a business, from deciding on a name to finding the right accounting software and support people.
There are huge rewards in owning a business. It is the most powerful source of residual income because there are so many ways to leverage the wealth that you build as you grow a business.
But too often businesses fail because planning takes a back seat to jumping in and moving everything along as fast as you can. We get it. Businesses are usually born out of a passion, a drumbeat inside that doesn’t go away. Take that passion and build your business on a firm foundation with these 7 steps.
what you will learn in this episode: * Why business is such a powerful source of residual income * How to pay attention to the drumbeat inside of you * What the heck a “value ladder” is * How to lay the groundwork that leads people to your high-level, high-revenue products or services * How to find “blue ocean” in a marketplace crowded with sharks * The importance of a cohesive brand and all the legal and creative work that goes into it * Building client education into your business strategy * Why corporate structure is such an important business decision
How do you recover from a terrible loss? And how do you honor the life of the person you lost? And most importantly, how do you create meaning out of heartbreak?
The Uncommon Life is about every aspect of life, the good times and the challenging times. That’s what makes this episode so meaningful for us. We talk with Matt and Haley Phillips, who are the parents of two beautiful children who they got to bring home from the hospital after giving birth – and one who did not come home with them.
Through their experience with their son Fletcher, you’ll find out how they came to understand grief in a way they had not experienced before. They wanted to honor Fletcher’s life and also help people who are going through similar circumstances.
We talk about the financial burdens of a hospital visit for childbirth, even when the child does not return home with you. We talk about what it means to start a charitable foundation from scratch. Hint: it’s not easy!
Matt and Haley Phillips started The Fletcher Foundation after the loss of their son through stillbirth. The Fletcher Foundation is for families who find themselves in a similar season of life, wondering how to cope with the financial and emotional burdens of such a loss.
There is a sacred pain in losing a child, and the Fletcher Foundation is about walking beside families who are going through that pain.
https://thefletcherfoundation.net/
what you will learn in this episode: * The financial impact of miscarriage and stillbirth * How to find support after a miscarriage or stillbirth * What it’s like to build a non-profit from scratch * How to be kind to yourself and to loved ones when tragedy strikes * The challenge of raising money for a tragedy that doesn’t get talked about * How to set up tax-exempt status for your charitable organization * How to be there for people who are experiencing griefCreating meaning out of loss
Gold is money. But don’t be fooled, there is a difference between money and currency. Currency can be either backed by a commodity, which historically has been gold and, to a lesser extent, silver or it can be backed by debt via central banking systems, as is the case throughout most of the world today. So while currencies come and go throughout history, gold has stood the test of time throughout recorded history.
Unless you are mining it, gold does not produce income. It is a resource that throughout recorded history has protected purchasing power over a long period of time.
In episode #46 we are going to be digging into gold – Why has it been a source of wealth, adornment, and means of transacting business for so many thousands of years? How can it be used today as a hedge to protect your purchasing power? And what does this mean for you today?
Until the rise of central banks, the world operated basically on a gold standard. In our latest episode, we discuss the ramifications of this change and we’ll even get into some comparison and contrast between gold and cryptocurrency.
what you will learn in this episode: * The historic roots of gold as a source of wealth * Why the end of the gold standard is so significant * Why gold has remained so valuable throughout history * Why gold is still a good investment * Similarities and differences between gold and cryptocurrency
More and more people are dipping a toe or diving right into short-term rentals. AIRBNB and similar platforms are making it easy to market and get paid for sharing your home with perfect strangers. Short-term rental can be a great way of offsetting some of your mortgage costs.
Over the past several years, we have become big proponents of utilizing short-term rental as a way to test the waters in terms of using real estate as a source of residual income. This always begged the question, “Do you do short-term rentals?” For a lot of people, offering your primary residence seems like a pretty scary idea but we want to help take some of those fears away.
We’ve been fascinated by it and last year Phillip and his wife decided to go for it. This episode is about how they started, what they experienced, and mostly what a positive experience it was for them to offer their primary residence, get paid for it, and build some family memories in the process. That’s not to say there isn’t a cautionary tale in there as well.
Find out the answers to burning questions, like, “Why would you do that?” And “Where do you put your stuff?” The market for short-term rentals shows no sign of slowing down so if you’ve ever thought about it, this episode has some first-hand information that will help you decide if it’s right for you.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to use your home as a short-term rental when you are on vacation * What to know before you consider short-term rental * Being strategic about what you want to get out of your short-term rental experience * How to prep your home to use as a short-term rental * What to do with your stuff when renting out your own home * How to automate as much of the rental process as possible * How to leverage the power of AIRBNB to market your short-term rental * What to do with a worst-case-scenario guest
Starting any new business involves a leap of faith. But the reward is that you get to use your gifts to do something you’re passionate about. When you are aligned with what God has gifted you to do and what you are passionate about, even though it’s not an easy path, the burden is light. We see it again and again in our work with entrepreneurs.
That’s why we are so excited to talk with guest Scott Behrends. Scott took what might seem like a quirky passion – an interest in athletic training based on the obstacle courses and the general mayhem of American Ninja Warrior – and turned it into a business.
We talk with Scott about the power of niching down, clear communication, and what it takes to build a business while keeping your day job. It’s never been easy, but in those moments when he got nervous about the path forward, God pushed him through the doorway and on to the next steps. That’s when exciting things can happen in our lives, and we talk with Scott about all those peaks and valleys along the way.
Scott married his high school sweetheart and has 3 kids (occasionally more because they are also a foster family). He attended the University of Northern Iowa and studied Personal Training, but then changed his major to Computer Science. He keeps up with all things tech and has worked in IT since graduating.
Scott fell in love with ninja when he first saw American Ninja Warrior. It was the sport he always wished existed as a kid (he was a climber)! When his sons kept making obstacle courses in the backyard & timing themselves, Scott recorded them & uploaded one to YouTube. “Backyard Ninja Kids” was born, and it now has over 4,500 YouTube subscribers & over 7,000 Instagram followers. Scott and his sons (Ben & Jason), daughter (Lia), and wife (Lindsey) have enjoyed being part of the ninja community.
Scott and his two business partners recently started Ninja U, a gym with the vision to encourage, educate and engage kids of all ages.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to grow your passion on a budget * How to shift a hobby into a business * Why niching down is the smart business move * The time investment it takes to build a business * The importance of choosing good partners * Why building a business is likely to be one of the most challenging times in your life * How God expands your capacity when you need it most * How to be open to the unknowns as you prepare your business for the future * Why the burden is light when you are in alignment with God’s purposes for you
When you’re young, you don’t think twice about having a coach for soccer, baseball, field hockey – whatever sport you’re into. You need someone to coach you through the basics and show you the ropes. That all changes when you start adulting. You think you know everything. You don’t seek out those coaches and mentors who were clearly so instrumental in helping you learn and grow.
Episode #43 is all about getting over yourself and finding the right coach or mentor for whatever goal you’re pursuing. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that you are aware enough to know what you don’t know.
We are huge fans of coaches and mentors. And we have been at every point in a mentor/coach relationship. We have business coaches who have helped us set goals and get our business to the next stage. We have served as mentors to each other. And we cherish our role as financial coach to so many of you. It’s inspiring and humbling.
Remember that feeling when you made a great play, or struck the note you’d been practicing for so long? Remember looking to the sideline at how proud and excited your coach was for you? You need coaches and mentors in your life now just like you did as a kid. When it comes to crushing goals, learning and growing, it is hard to underestimate the power of good coaching and mentoring.
what you will learn in this episode: * Why coaches and mentors are so important to reaching our goals * Getting over the stigma of asking for help * The difference between mentoring and coaching * Why getting too much advice can be as bad as not seeking advice * When to seek out a mentor and when to seek out a coach * How coaches and mentors can help you develop a plan * How coaches help you get off the sidelines of your life * The value of what coaches and mentors receive back from the relationship * How to find your mentor or coach * The importance of setting expectations with a coach or mentor
These days, it’s not uncommon for a person to graduate from college with tens of thousands in loans – sometimes reaching debt loads of $100,000 or more. We all know this is insane, but what can we do about it?
In this episode, we do a deep dive into the dark pool of college loan debt. There has got to be a better way. We are disgusted with what’s happening and we’re going to talk about it.
One aspect of our work that we love is speaking to high school students. We speak at local high schools about twice a year. One thing we run into a lot is a total lack of planning when it comes to paying for a 4-year degree. So you want to go to Stanford. Great! After getting accepted (a huge hurdle in itself) how are you going to pay for that premier education provided at a premier price?
That’s what we want to dig into here. Understanding your options about where you might attend school and how you can pay for it without digging a giant hole of debt for the student or the parents.
what you will learn in this episode: * Uncommon solutions to higher education without crushing debt * How predatory lending targets college students and their parents * The crucial role mentorship can play in discovering the right path * The 4-legged chair of college funding * How to treat applying for scholarships and grants like a job * Why putting money away is just one of 4 paths to college funding * How real estate can help fund your child’s education * Why you shouldn’t sacrifice your financial security for your child’s education
One challenge nearly every entrepreneur we meet faces is the “shiny object” syndrome. Starting new things is fun and when we get one project off the ground, most people start thinking about the next.
When we hear that someone wants to start a new venture, we are excited for them. But we temper that excitement with one quick question, “Do you have any experience in this market?”. If the answer is no, that’s a red flag.
Not that you should never venture out of your comfort zone, but keeping your entrepreneurial activities focused on some kind of related field or area of expertise just makes good business sense.
That’s why we were so glad to talk with our guest, Evie Peterson. She is a true entrepreneur, operating (at last count) Farmhouse Catering, Gatherings Event Space, Farm Grounds Coffee Shop, and Farm Pond Inn. The awesome thing about what Evie is doing is that there is some clear connective tissue between all these ventures. She has taken her gifts and experience in hospitality and food and created ventures that work together to provide Evie and her family an uncommon life.
Since high school, Evie had worked in the restaurant business, so after college, Farmhouse Catering was a natural next step in that evolution. Over the years, she has added an event space, and then a coffee shop and restaurant. Most recently, she and her husband have refurbished an adjoining property where they host bridal parties and others who will be using the event space as well as other travelers to Nevada, (pronounced Neh-VAY-dah) Iowa.
The synergies between these businesses provide Evie with multiple income streams and flexibility that represents an ever-expanding sense of time freedom.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to add activities that don’t take you off track, but create more cash flow * Why it sometimes makes sense to start slow and build capacity over time * How to create synergies between your various businesses * Best practices for having your children or other family members work in your business * Dealing with difficult customers * How to both have a family life and a job that you love * Making a plan for your uncommon life
When most people think of income, they stop at earned income – the money you make in a paycheck from a job. We want people to think way beyond that in order to pay off debt, put a reserve of savings aside, and get your money to really work for you.
In our latest episode, we outline 8 unique streams of income. Big companies like Apple are earning money every minute. That might be a mind-bender but think about payday in your home. Does that happen once a month? Twice?
Imagine bringing money into your household every week. It has been said that an extra $500-$1000 a month would make an enormous difference for most families. It would truly be game-changing.
Listen in as we help you explore ways of doing just that.
what you will learn in this episode: * 7 ways beyond your paycheck that you can create streams of income * The difference between passive and residual income * How to create streams of income while you still have a day job * How to leverage your money to create streams of income now instead of waiting for retirement * Why you should look for ways to create streams of income based on your interests * How to create scale on different streams of income * How to think about ways you could gain income on weeks when you don’t get a paycheck
What happens when there’s nothing wrong with your job, but your hobby brings you and everyone around you so much more joy? That is a tricky spot to be in. Could your hobby be more than a hobby? How do you find out? Join us for Episode #39 of The Uncommon Life Project as we explore sweet success with our guest Christina Moffatt, Cupcake Warrior.
Christina faced challenges along the way, both large and small, as she built her business. She talks with us about how to not just shoot from the hip, but find the courage to jump in and take smart entrepreneurial risks. And when challenges come along, how to roll with those punches.
After working for 10 years in corporate U.S.A., Christina Moffatt decided she was tired of seeing people who had no happiness in their day. Her mission became to find out what makes people happy. The answer, she discovered, is cupcakes and dessert. A baker since she could hold a measuring spoon, Christina combined her culinary skills with her management and marketing experience to create Crème Cupcake + Dessert, which expanded from a home-operated bakery to a commercial kitchen in less than a year.
A graduate of Iowa State University and the University of Toledo CBA Program, Christina owns and operates Crème Cupcake + Dessert, and serves as the Director of Small Business Resources for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. She also devotes her time and talents to many local boards. Christina has won several awards for her business including DSM Top List for Best Bakery, Cityview’s Best Dessert, Sweet Equality Best Dessert, runner up for the Iowa Mixology Competition and runner up on The Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Christina has also been featured in Pastry & Baking North America in the Regional Showcase and Baker in Focus.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to understand your numbers before quitting your day job for a new venture * Why having your spouse on board is so crucial to entrepreneurial endeavors * How to scale from a hobby to a thriving commercial enterprise * How to manage start-up capital outlays * Delegating so the business does not become your entire life * The power of people believing in your concept and especially you * What to do when life hands you something that’s not in the business plan * How to find good mentors and become a mentor to others
Did you know that when a storm is coming, buffalo will actually turn around and run into the storm because they get through it faster whereas cows will run with the storm and stay in it longer?
That is what this episode is about – running through the storm. The Uncommon Life is not all rainbows and unicorns. Sometimes we face challenges that, in the midst of them, seem insurmountable. And sometimes, the best path is through the storm.
That’s what happened with our guests, Ian and Christina Nelson-Johnson. On their way towards a perfect life together in Oregon, they faced several personal and professional challenges. They made the decision to face the storm and chase a dream rather than put it off for years to come. Find out how an uncommon strategy can lead to major breakthroughs in building out your dreams.
Ian is a trained clinical psychologist committed to working and providing an affirming space to people from all walks of life. His work focuses on the following areas: men’s issues, relationship distress, trauma, depression, gender identity, anxiety, grief, family of origin concerns, spirituality, and identity concerns.
Christina is a yoga instructor who has practiced and taught yoga all over the world—from a college class in Portland, Oregon to a sub-basement studio in Amsterdam to an ashram outside Sydney, Australia. For her, yoga is much more than positions to put your body into. It’s about connection with yourself, connection with the people doing yoga with you, and connection with your instructor. When we can connect and be vulnerable with one another in a nurturing environment, we can begin to heal mind and body.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to come back from career setbacks * Unlocking the potential you bring to challenging situations * When to consider taking money from an IRA * Why the Uncommon Life is not always the easy path * Options you have in pursuing dreams when your savings are limited * The multiple ways you have to invest – way beyond the stock market * Finding the strength to ask for help * How to think uncommonly about leveraging investments in yourself
Money is deeply personal. When you go through a tough time and make a decision that winds up costing you money or just don’t pay close enough attention to where your money is going – that can create a sense of financial guilt.
We don’t get this sense of guilt out of nowhere. And yet, at least in North America, it is not a topic that gets discussed very openly.
In our most recent episode, a duo cast, we talk about where this sense of guilt comes from and how to get beyond it. There will be a path forward for you and often it can happen more quickly than you think.
So much of our context and understanding of money comes from our upbringing, how we saw our parents handle money, how they maybe even fought about money. Money is a huge topic, especially in relationships, and especially as we look backward to our past. This looking back can have a lot of impact on our financial shame and financial guilt. So let’s start looking forward.
When we work with people, they are often surprised when we help them see a path forward that is both hopeful and much quicker than they imagined. It does take discipline and planning, but guilt is counter-productive. We’ll share our perspective and tips you can use today for getting out of debt and creating wealth now and in the future.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to remove guilt from the equation and work on your financial present and future * Getting beyond a mindset of failure * Why you need a financial strategy beyond paying off debt * Why asking for help is a great first step beyond financial guilt * Tangible acts you can do right now to know your numbers * Why it’s so important to know your personal profit every month * How to build up your emergency fund * Building cash flow beyond your monthly expenses * Where to find encouragement to get beyond financial guilt
The world of trademarks and patents can be very confusing. Our guest on our latest podcast is going to remove that confusion.
If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or inventor, you run into questions about trademark and patents all the time. What does common law cover when it comes to trademarks? How much does it cost? What kinds of brand and product essentials should be trademarked? Patents are a whole different ballgame. But a patent, especially a provisional one, may not be as big a hurdle as you might think.
On this episode, we talk with Matthew Leaper, a true expert in trademark and patent law. He answers all the above questions and more and talks us through the various ways to monetize your intellectual property once a trademark is received and a patent is approved.
Matthew Leaper is an attorney with Smart & Biggar/Fetherstonhaugh, one of Canada’s premier intellectual property law firms. Matthew works with innovators to refine and protect their ideas, having learned best practices from some of the best intellectual property firms in the U.S. and Canada. He has worked to zealously serve some of the most IP-oriented, innovative companies in the world.
From these experiences and capabilities, he has developed subject matter expertise in numerous technical areas, and become highly skilled at generating value from that expertise. He has worked closely with inventors and business managers to draft patent applications. These cover a wide range of technologies including diagnostic sensors; energy efficiency technologies; laser technologies and applications; manufacturing methods; medical devices and implants; non-invasive surgical technologies; and software applications, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.
what you will learn in this episode: * + How trademarks protect brand identity + Tools to research trademarked names through TESS + The cost and process of registering a trademark + When to go the “free” route and when to register a trademark + The scope and limitations of a patent + The strategies to understand in filing a provisional patent + How prototyping fits into patent development + Why some products can be protected by both trademarks and patents + How the geographic scope of your patent can affect your licensing strategy + Intangible values of having a patent
What happens when you start a business, it seems pretty successful from the outside, but is it sucking your soul away? What do you do when your clients start to act more like pirates? Entrepreneurship is full of a lot of peaks and valleys. Getting through those valleys can be downright brutal.
On our most recent podcast episode, we have a candid conversation with Justin Wise, who built a very successful digital marketing company from scratch, watched it implode, and found the wherewithal to start rebuilding again.
Justin Wise studied to be a pastor, but found the digital communication part of that life to be more suited to him than having the title “pastor.” He went on to start what would become a very successful digital marketing company called Think Digital.
The company went through a phase where things were, to put it mildly, not going well. Justin does not hold back in describing the challenges of this time. Some colorful and downright icky analogies are used. But that’s just effective communication, folks! Having things fall apart is an entrepreneur’s worst nightmare. How do you come back from setbacks like this? How do you keep your faith intact? How does your family weather those storms?
For some solid answers and some great inspiration, our conversation with Justin will not disappoint.
what you will learn in this episode:
- How to build a business from your existing network
- How to sell off aspects of your company and when that makes sense
- Why protecting status is a barrier to risk-taking
- The crucial role of supportive family and mentors to business success
- How to monetize your expertise
- Why communication with your management team is so important
- How to pick up the pieces when a business dies
- Building systems and processes so clients don’t walk all over you
- How to find a financial path forward without losing your soul
- Why people of faith should be more willing than others to take risks rather than play it safe
A solid footing is the best place to be when you decide what your next step should be. That’s our approach to wealth advice. We want to put clients in a position where their financial basics are covered and they have cash on hand to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
In our most recent episode of the Uncommon Life Project podcast, we take a closer look at how to create a financial safety net that ultimately gives you the ability to take some risks when others may not be able to.
A good financial plan will help you strategically invest in yourself, so your basic needs are covered and then you can make informed decisions about investing in ways that align with who you are. We think your unique abilities and what God has put you on the earth to do is your long position in the market. That’s what we mean when we say your life is long – the market.
what you will learn in this episode: * How to de-risk your risk * Why low-cost index funds are not the only game in town * How to think of banking as a process rather than a product * The benefits of indexed annuities * Ways to mitigate risk so you can pursue the life you want * What real diversification looks like * How to create multiple income streams from one common interest
When someone you know and respect recommends a product or service, that makes a huge difference in your opinion of that product or service. The good news is you don’t have to be a blockbuster movie to utilize the power of product placement. And you don’t have to hire a Kardashian to gain the benefits of influencer marketing.
In Episode #33, Phillip and Bryan talk with Stacy Jones about the power and accessibility of influencer marketing and product placement. You don’t have to be a multi-national corporation to do these things. Stacy talks about starting her business and learning some hard lessons along the way that you can definitely benefit from in your business.
Stacey Jones is the CEO of Hollywood Branded, a Los Angeles-based marketing, branded content, and product placement agency. She has 23 years of leadership experience building global branded content campaigns for top fortune 500 companies, utilizing hundreds of brands including Blackberry, Bumble, Canadian Club, and Pilot Pen.
An acknowledged expert in the field, Stacy has appeared on top media outlets and spoken at conferences around the globe. She also hosts the podcast, “Marketing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.”
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * How to transition from understanding a business to owning a businesses * Advice on hiring (or not hiring) friends * How to manage a business breakup * The importance of a robust sales system and pipeline to fuel ongoing growth * Basics of influencer marketing * Finding the right brand/product placement fit * The power of nano and micro influencers
We love it when we can teach clients a core principle and they take it and run with it. We love it, even more, when they teach us about being entrepreneurial and escaping the cubicle of doom. Few are doing that with more energy and outright charisma than our guest.
On episode #32, we talk with Molly Rose Speed. Molly went from a corporate job she was not in love with, to running multiple businesses and side projects that are now keeping her very, very busy. She and her husband, Lance, used the principles of uncommon banking (using the cash value of a whole life insurance policy, along with the power of interest accrued on the total policy dollar amount) to fuel a truly uncommon life.
Molly has leveraged her experience as a virtual assistant into two business ventures; one teaching others the basics of being an effective virtual assistant, and the other as a total package resource that lets public speakers focus on speaking, and leaving the marketing, booking and back office details to the experts. She and Lance have other side-projects going on that we’ll talk about as well.
We dig into at least 3 sources of residual income that Molly and Lance are using to live the uncommon life of their choosing.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * Why there is no one right way to escape the cubicle of doom * How using even a spare bedroom for Airbnb can make a big impact on cash flow * How uncommon banking works in real life * Why the thing you are good at is often what the world needs more of * How to create businesses around what you are good at * Practical ways to broaden your reach with technology * How to manage multiple business ventures * Finding the right partners for the right project
A big part of what makes us uncommon as wealth advisors is our focus on putting your money to work for you before age 65, not after. You’ve got big dreams for the here and now. And here’s the thing: YOU are your greatest asset. We think that investing right now in you and your dreams is the way to gain dividends now and into your bright future.
In Episode #31 of the Uncommon Life Project podcast, Bryan and Phillip discuss the two types of money: now money and later money. How do you look at your dreams for the present without stealing from retirement? There are so many ways to grow your wealth besides a 401(k) or IRA. There are strategies that help you grow your money so it is not all stockpiled into that bucket you can only access later.
It’s good to delay gratification, so this is not about having access to your money so you can throw it away. It’s about investing in things that make sense now and in the future. It’s about NOT delaying the things you are most passionate about. It’s about growing your now money so you can design the life you want for now and into the future.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * How to create time and money freedom in your life before age 65 * Why an employer match contribution is no reason to stay in a job you don’t love * How to create the equivalent of an employer match by the way you invest * Why, “When do you want to retire?” is not the best question to ask * How to invest in your greatest asset: YOU * Why interest rate is not the only consideration when looking at savings instruments vs. debt instruments * How to design your life with time and financial freedom * Why the stock market should not be held up as an example of compound interest
Owning one rental unit can help your cash flow. Two is better. The more you rent, the more money you have flowing through your economic engine. But there are challenges too. Buying an 8-plex rather than 6 to 8 separate units creates economies of scale that are hard to ignore.
That’s what happened with guest Kevin Bourke. As a coach for Iowa State University in Ames, he was looking for some side income to augment his coaching salary. Coaching track in the ’80s and ’90s was not a huge money-maker.
On our most recent episode of the Uncommon Life Project, we talk with our good friend Kevin Bourke about rental dos and don’ts, finding faith, and finding ways to provide mentorship to young people who are interested in business and looking for guidance. We even have an announcement about a joint venture with Kevin at the close of the podcast, so listen in!
When he is not managing his properties, Kevin Bourke serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Iowa Games, a statewide Olympic-style competition that is one of the biggest in the country. Prior to this, he spent years as a track and field coach at Iowa State University.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * How you could leverage the equity in one property to purchase another * How to manage side gigs along with your main gig * The importance of mentorship for young entrepreneurs * How to stay sane while having a hand in multiple projects at once * How faith can bring your purpose into clearer focus * Leveraging other people’s money to grow wealth * How to build wealth through the cyclical ups and downs of the economy * News about a really exciting venture
Growing old and needing more care as we grow older – it’s just part of the circle of life. And before it happens to us, we all will likely help at least one loved one through the process. How do you plan for and help loved ones best plan for aging? What resources are needed to pay for an assisted living and nursing care facility?
These are BIG questions, and having someone who knows how to navigate them is hugely important.
We have that someone. On episode 29 of the Uncommon Life Project podcast, we speak with Evan Jackson. Evan is a person with the tools you definitely will need at some point in your life. Understanding how to plan for nursing home or assisted living facilities may not be top of mind, but you should definitely take time to understand and plan for it.
Evan is a Certified Medicaid Planner and a Licensed Health and Life Insurance Agent. He’s an Iowa native from Rockwell City. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Simpson College. While pursuing his Doctorate, Evan began building Iowa Senior Planning with its founder, Landon Sandberg.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * Rules for Medicaid eligibility * Setting up an Irrevocable Trust * Understanding the financial dos and don’ts when it comes to Medicaid * Life insurance and annuity options that protect assets * Whether or not to purchase long-term care insurance * The average cost of assisted living and nursing home care * What assets are exempt from consideration when applying for Medicaid
When people ask us what we do, we don’t really have a pat-answer elevator speech to give them. Phillip was recently approached at a party, and answered with the question: “What keeps you up at night?”
This episode of the Uncommon Life Podcast is all about that question. When we work with clients, we want to discover those financial questions – the concerns that gnaw at you and maybe even keep you up at night. Helping you move beyond those concerns is right in our wheelhouse, and it’s what we are digging into here in Episode 28.
Most of the time, people’s concerns boil down to: how can I pursue a dream I have now, without stealing from the money I will need in retirement? You’d be surprised at the creative solutions you might have right at your fingertips to answer that question. That’s really where we come in – to help you find those creative solutions.
So if your question is just, “how can I fund a Roth IRA?” we might not be the right fit for you. We can definitely help you with that, but our wheelhouse is really to take your uncommon goals and help you find uncommon ways to solve that equation so you can meet those goals.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * Why rate of return does not keep most people up at night * The kinds of financial concerns that DO keep people up at night * How exploring what you are passionate about can be the financially prudent thing to do * Creative ways to finance your dreams today, rather than putting them off until retirement * The mindset shift needed to give yourself permission to chase your dreams * Why benefits alone shouldn’t be a barrier to escaping your cubicle prison * Why taking the uncommon path can be the best decision to make
What does it take to scale a business from a $2,000 initial investment to one that serves customers in tens of thousands of venues all over the Midwest? Let’s dig into that.
On Episode 27 of the podcast, we talk with Dereck Lewis about how he took his grandma’s cookie recipes and turned them into a business that has had a 100% growth rate each year since it started in 2012. For one thing, it takes the right mentors. It might take a little bit of “this is my last best chance” kind of mental motivation. And it takes a ton of hard work.
Dereck Lewis is the owner of Thelma’s Treats, makers of handmade ice cream sandwiches that are, well, delicious. Dereck started this venture after sticking a toe into the worlds of insurance and real estate.
This is a fascinating conversation – it’s kind of the podcast equivalent of a buddy movie for start-up nerds. Dereck digs into the challenges he faced early on, talks about two great mentors that helped immensely and also provided some tough love.
If you are looking for an engaging, fine-grain look at how to scale up a business, this will be time very well spent.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * How to scale a business starting with a bootstrap and a prayer * Lessons from growing up in a family business * How to build in resilience in an up or down economy * How to pivot to the segment of the business that is working best * The role of faith and principles in the way you run your business * Knowing when to level off growth in a business * Building a track record that will attract lenders * Finding the right mentors who will tell you the truth and help you grow * How to scale a physical infrastructure-heavy business
Entrepreneurs tend to run on creativity and adrenaline. Setting up processes and systems? That’s boring stuff. But that’s the stuff that turns a great idea, all that creativity, and adrenaline, into a thriving business.
Our guest on this episode knows a lot about all of these components. Mark Stanley has started multiple businesses and is a coach and consultant helping entrepreneurs with exactly these issues – creating scalable and repeatable processes – and IMPLEMENTING them into your business. He’s made a huge difference for Uncommon Wealth Partners, so we had to have him share his wisdom!
Mark is the founder of the WHY! Company – a business consultancy that helps business leaders clarify, simplify and achieve their vision. He is a successful business leader who has consulted with over 100 companies, sits on a number of advisory boards and owns a few businesses. Mark is a sought-after and trusted advisor who believes that you must create value before you expect anything in return.
Mark has worked with many different types of organizations in just about every industry. He is an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) implementer, using this and other tools to help companies grow and thrive. In all of his work, he has found a few universal truths across all organizations that involve people and processes.
Mark believes that learning is the fountain of youth that keeps you inspired and motivated to do something great each day. Mark spends about 10 days a year in seminars learning from the best-of-the-best. He earned a BBA in Finance with Honors, from the University of Iowa, and an MBA from Drake University.
what you will learn in this episode: * How the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) works * Overcoming confirmation bias in conflicts at work * Creating scalable and repeatable processes * Unlocking potential by creating systems that match your vision and grow your business * Why the pursuit of mastery is so necessary for success * How to learn and grow when things go wrong * Using EOS principles at home to get more unified and have less friction around collective goals * How to create a life of freedom in time, money, and relationships * Getting out of the prison of “I should” or “I shouldn’t” * Setting family goals as well as business goals
Welcome to Season Two of the Uncommon Life Podcast! We had such a wonderful experience in our first year! If you’ve been listening for awhile – thank you for listening and for sharing your thoughts on how to make the podcast even better in the future. If you are checking us out for the first time, welcome!
In this episode, we wanted to jump right in and talk about shifting your mindset when it comes to following your dreams. When we talk with people about their hopes and dreams, 9 times out of 10, it is things they would like to accomplish in the next 1 to 3 years. But the common way people save and use money means that those dreams are more than likely deferred until retirement.
We would say that's kind of a flawed system. You should start trying to do more of what you love doing right now.
It's mindset over money and when you have that mindset, you take control of things in the future. This isn’t magical thinking. We help people accomplish this, and we want that for you.
Welcome to the Uncommon Life!
What You Will Learn in This Episode: * How to change your mindset and not put things off until retirement * Facilitating your dreams for the present without stealing from your future * Doing now what God has designed you to do * How to embrace and invest in what you are passionate about * Why productivity and purpose lead to a happier, healthier retirement * Why, even in retirement, you don’t need to think of your income as fixed * The importance of taking time now to think about hopes and dreams * How planning for your dreams can happen today, whatever your age * Why the stock market is not the best place to look for passive residual income
What happens when the person you are married to has entrepreneurial dreams, hates that cubicle life and has plans and ideas that go WAY beyond the 9-5 grind? It can be tough, to say the least. Without respect and understanding of each other’s perspective, things can go sideways in a relationship very quickly.
But it does not have to be that way. In our most recent episode, we explore the wild and wildly fruitful entrepreneurial path of Rashard and Adaeze Duncan. They have their hands in real estate, network marketing, an educational platform, and other projects. We call them a power couple, and that’s pretty accurate.
You can guess – it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Rashard took one look at the cubicle life after college and ran the other way. Adaeze was happy and comfortable in her job teaching. Until she wasn’t.
They have so much to teach about risk taking and having each other’s backs as a couple.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode: * How to maintain a positive relationship when one is a risk-taker and one is risk-averse * Building a career around your strengths, rather than jumping at the first and/or safest opportunity * What to look for and pitfalls to avoid in network marketing * How to thrive in a two entrepreneur family * Managing multiple income projects and income streams * Modeling entrepreneurship to your kids * Understanding your “number” – what you need to earn in a month to leave your 9-5 * Finding mentors who demonstrate the results you are looking for * The opportunities open to you when you realize you are allergic to cubicles
We say it often: short-term rentals are a great way to stick your toe in the water in exploring investment properties. But there are still a lot of unknowns as you start out. Like the basics – how much should I charge? What is your competition? Does this place even need short-term rentals?
First, the opportunities are greater than you might think. Second – the data is there to answer many of your questions. Our podcast guest has answers, and he is working hard to mine the data for even more detailed answers.
On our most recent podcast episode, we talk to Scott Shatford who started renting his home on AirBnB when he went away on extended travel. He immediately saw the potential. His background in data analytics gave him an idea: why not create a repository for data that can help short-term renters understand their market?
AirDNA.co was born. AirDNA is an aggregator of short-term rental data & insights to help owners succeed in the sharing economy.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode: * Why good data about short-term rentals in your area can help you make smarter business decisions * How and when to scale and automate your short-term rental business * Revenue and channel management strategies for short-term rentals * What people are looking for in a short-term rental * Hotel industry efforts to regulate or outright squash short-term rental businesses and what to do about it * What you can learn about a potential rental property from “The Rentalizer” beta testing on airdna.co * Growing business opportunities that complement the short-term rental industry. * How to locate the best places to invest in short-term rental properties * How to create a unique guest experience for your ideal guest
One of our guiding principles is to help people think about earning money in ways way beyond their paycheck. That’s what the 7 Sources of Residual Income are all about.
On our latest duocast, we dive into 4 of these sources that you might not think of. Some of them you might even dismiss as something you can’t or won’t do. We dig into royalties, subscription models, affiliate and network marketing, and try to take away some of the mystique and misconceptions around them. Never say never!
You might be surprised at the ways you can receive royalties on your original work. You might be surprised at the number of millionaires who are network marketing experts. You might be surprised that your business could be the perfect fit for a subscription model, giving you consistent cash flow and a solid client base. You might be surprised at what you can earn on what has been a hobby for you, through affiliate marketing.
And as usual, we don’t mince words. We want you to understand best practices around these income streams. Excellence and mastery are earned, so easy riches are not part of the conversation here.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * The different categories of royalties * What real diversification looks like * 3 sources of residual income to turn hobbies into cash flow * Why licensing an invention might be better than building a business around it * Earning money with your content through affiliate marketing * Similarities and differences between subscription and affiliate models * How a subscription model could bring consistent cash flow to your business * Why subscription models are a win for both the client and the provider * How network marketing is done right
Getting from dream to reality is hard work. Sometimes just getting clear on what the dream is can be a challenge, much less making that dream come true.
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Project Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst talk with Mitch Matthews.
This episode has the feel of listening in on a mastermind gathering between 3 colleagues who know, appreciate, and trust each other. Mitch Matthews is not about platitudes or empty rhetoric. He is always researching and then teaching how people can dream big, think things through, and do more of what they are meant to do on this planet.
Mitch Matthews is a keynote speaker, success coach and best-selling author. He’s become a well-respected thought leader on coaching and work-place mentoring. Plus, he has created a coach-training program that has been utilized around the globe.
You can listen to Mitch on his popular weekly podcast called, “DREAM. THINK. DO.” where he inspires people around the world to dream bigger, think better and do more. Mitch proudly lives a “highly-caffeinated” lifestyle in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife and their two sons.
Get ready for a highly-caffeinated, yet totally coherent and even inspiring conversation and find out how to get some traction on those dreams.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * What to do when a great-fit job becomes a bad-fit job * Why work-life balance is a fallacy * How to calculate your “leap number” * The reasons to start/join a mastermind group * Why offering your service or product online can exponentially impact the number of people you reach and the number of figures in your bank account * How to test your dreams, experiment, fail, learn, and move ahead * How to discern when it is the wrong season to pursue a dream * The ins and outs of self-publishing * How packaging content/services thoughtfully and sequentially allows you to charge a premium for them * Why getting from dreaming to doing requires clear goals, and that’s just the beginning
Investment property can be a tremendous source of residual income. Is it better to sign a lease with a long term renter, or should you think about your property as short term lodging offered through services like Airbnb? Questions worth digging into.
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Project Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst talk with Brett Appleton about going from dabbling to all-in on using investment properties for short term lodging with Airbnb.
Brett Appleton and his wife own 3 properties listed with Airbnb. They went from experimenting with this concept as a newly engaged couple, to purchasing three properties, with plans to expand this as a major source of residual income. Brett talks about what it takes to balance great customer service skills with the ability to confront challenges when they arise, and avoid scammers and other unscrupulous people.
There are pros and cons, and this kind of investment is not for everyone. But the cash flow can be quite healthy with a bit more upfront cost to furnish and maintain. We walk through the numbers with Brett, and they show a lot of upside.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * How to look for the best financing for property purchases * How Airbnb can be a great introduction to income property ownership * What you need to know about having strangers constantly in and out of your property * The upfront costs of providing short term lodging vs. a long term rental * What to do when lodgers don’t respect your property * Getting and giving good reviews for short term lodging * Delivering great customer service from reservation to check-out and beyond * The tremendous upside of short term lodging cash flow * Best practices in furnishing a short term lodging property * Why it is crucial that your spouse is on board with the idea of dedicating a property to short term lodging. This is not a “set it and forget it” source of income.
Everyone wants a fun life and an optimistic outlook. These are the building blocks of the uncommonly good life. What are the roadblocks to this kind of life, and how do we move beyond them? Our podcast guest has some answers.
In Episode 19 of The Uncommon Life Podcast, Phillip and Bryan talk with Paul Long about how to keep fun and optimism front and center in our lives and in our businesses.
Paul is a motivational speaker and consultant who has challenged the corporate landscape for over a decade while engaging with audiences around the globe through his concept of FUNdamism.
With an infectious spirit and unique take on fun in the workplace, Paul has provided memorable experiences through countless engagements including workshops, trade shows, keynotes, and more. He was selected as the Kansas City Royals 2016 Fan of the Year. His shenanigans have been featured in media outlets like ESPN, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal.
Paul’s FUNdamism philosophy is a deliberate approach to fulfillment both in the workplace and at home. His principles are proven to bring a higher level of consciousness, enlightenment, and F.U.N. to your day. While F.U.N. can be defined differently for all individuals, Paul’s core beliefs are based entirely on the following: a Foundation in guiding principles, Understanding others, developing Next steps.
What You Will Learn in this Episode: * The principles of FUNdamism: Foundation, Understanding, Next steps * What to do when your work environment is shaping you in a negative way * Staying centered and positive after challenging life experiences * Overcoming the challenge of loneliness as an entrepreneur * The power of experience as a motivator for all of us * Using purpose, praise, and progress to develop positive workplace experiences * The positive power of paintball * Creating great experiences for ourselves, our employees and our customers
You have an idea that excites you. Maybe you’ve jumped right in and started a business out of it. But there is a lot to consider – what is the end goal? Can I set it up to run when I’m not around? Can I find a way to monetize it after-hours (residual income)?
That’s what this duocast is all about. We’re looking at uncommon ways of looking at traditional business. Like setting up an LLC to lease space from yourself. Or figuring out health care for you and your family while you are pursuing this “crazy dream.” We tackle all those questions and more.
You’ve got that drum beat inside of you; that urge to monetize that idea that’s been grabbing your attention and won’t let go. It is possible. Building your brand, gaining traction, fulfilling your passion – it is all possible. We have some fun and get into some nitty gritty details all in one fascinating conversation.
What You’ll Learn in this Episode: * Different ways to establish a business as a legal entity * What to consider before deciding on the legal corporate structure * How a C Corp differs from an S Corp * The importance of knowing from the outset what you hope to achieve by being in business * The right time to incorporate your business * Two of our favorite books: The E-Myth Revisited, and Cashflow Quadrant * Finding a process to develop residual income from your business * Renting space to your own business for cash flow * Why you should not diversify too soon * Why a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) might be a better option than a HSA
Rental property can be an excellent source of residual income. Mobile home parks are an increasingly popular segment of this market. It is also, as we will hear, a great way to leave a legacy for the generations which follow you.
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Project podcast, Bryan and Phillip talk with Chris Ramsey who, with her two sisters, operate a mobile home park in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Chris also happens to be Phillip’s mom, so it’s a lively conversation, to say the least.
You’ll learn about the dynamics of a multi-generational family business and how to make that work.
Chris Ramsey did not expect to get into the mobile home park business – but when her parents passed it on to her and her sisters, they all rose to the occasion and are very happy they did.
Chris has worked in advertising, as a tutor, and in adoption services. She's a singer, songwriter and performer. Her group, the Matney Sisters were chosen by the Smithsonian Institute to represent Iowa during the sesquicentennial celebration, performing on the mall in Washington DC for two and a half weeks.
Chris and her husband of 43 years, Phil, live in Grimes, Iowa. She is a mother to two adult children and Nana to six grandchildren. She's a huge advocate of stepping out in faith, allowing God to work in all things creative.
What you’ll learn: * How to protect family relationships layered with a business relationship * The importance of a buy/sell agreement, especially for a multi-generational business * Creating legacy assets that can benefit and protect generations to come * Uncommon ways to evaluate the risk of jumping in to a venture * How to define roles and expectations in any business relationship * Why many people relish the idea of taking on a new challenge later in life * Why mobile home parks are becoming an increasingly popular source of residual income * How to handle business disagreements in an open, honest way * Giving family members the freedom to get involved or not get involved in the family business
Ideas are powerful. Ideas can sit in your head, or they can change the world. For developing your business and strengthening your financial well-being, how do you take ideas out of your head and get them into the marketplace?
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Project Podcast, hosts Phillip and Bryan talk with Gabriel Glynn – a guy who really knows how to generate an idea and run with it.
Gabriel Glynn is CEO of Makusafe and a serial entrepreneur. Gabriel’s startup journey began over a decade ago. In that time has experienced several successful exits, aka sold his company for a profit. His most recent was the selling of his software company Slash Web Studios in 2015.
Gabe was named 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year at the Iowa Small Business Awards. He was named Alumni of the Year by Des Moines Area Community College and was a finalist for the YPC, young professional of the year in 2013. He has served on many community and non-profit boards and was a charter member of the Greater Des Moines Rotary Club. Gabriel is the creator and host of the Advanced Manufacturing Podcast and has interviewed dozens of manufacturing leaders around the globe, including Jeff Immelt, former CEO of GE Corporation.
Gabriel, his wife Amanda and their two boys live in Ankeny, Iowa.
Gabe has made a literal habit of generating new ideas every day. There’s a lot of great stuff to learn from him. Find out more about Gabe’s work at https://makusafe.com/ and reach out on Twitter @GabrielGlynn
What you’ll learn * How to make a habit of curiosity * The cost and sacrifice of entrepreneurship - go into it with eyes wide open * The role faith can play in entrepreneurship * The importance of choosing people you truly want to work with, not just the highest or lowest bidder * How to find an advisor or mentor who will push you, not just encourage you * How to find an unpaid sales force, a group who stands to gain by what you are doing and who will spread the word * What it takes to be a serial entrepreneur (it starts with a curious mind) * How hosting a podcast can get you on a jet with Jeffrey Immelt * The importance of coming up for air, spending time with your family, and being human * Why most product start-ups fail * How to leverage a source for residual income from the manufacturing space * How a piece of $30 technology can prevent workplace accidents and death
Loving what you do – helping realize other people’s dreams as well as your own – that’s what a good design/build team does.
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Project Podcast, hosts Phillip and Bryan talk with Jon and Hanna Shiplett. Together, Jon and Hanna own and operate Eden + Gray Design/Build.
Jon is a professionally licensed General Contractor with a background in welding, framing, trim carpentry, and property management.
Hanna is an Iowa State University graduate with a BFA in Interior Design. She worked as a project manager and commercial interior designer for 4 years before becoming her own boss. She is an NCIDQ (licensed) interior designer and before graduation received her LEED ID+C accredited professional a.k.a. professional tree hugger.
Jon + Hanna have a gaggle of children, and enjoy long drives with coffee. Hanna sneaks away from her design desk occasionally to take a ballet class, and Jon relaxes with a good book.
What you’ll learn * How working with your spouse can work! * Gaining skills to support your career * How to pitch the value of creative services * Augmenting income with real estate investments * Keeping priorities straight and having life/work fit together (we didn’t say balance) * Giving clients all the fine-grain details they need to make informed decisions * How to create efficiencies so “killing it” is not killing you * Making lifestyle choices to support your entrepreneurial drive * How through building and design, your work becomes a part of people’s lives for years to come
That 401k or IRA is fine, but there are many other ways to manage your money for residual income now – not just sometime after retirement.
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Podcast, we dig into the topic of Investments. It’s a fun and info-packed duocast with co-hosts Bryan Dewhurst and Phillip Ramsey.
For many people, investing consists of putting some money aside in a 401k and/or maybe some IRAs. But there can be so much more to your investment picture. Phillip and Bryan talk about ways to invest and save to make an impact in the more immediate future, not just money that is set aside and untouchable until you are 70.
Bryan and Phillip are passionate about helping people learn how to invest wisely, along with 6 other sources of residual income. You’ll learn why pensions are much less prevalent than they were a generation ago, and how today’s employees and entrepreneurs can make the most of their investment dollars.
What you’ll learn * The difference between non-qualified and qualified investments * Why pensions are mostly a thing of the past * How to plan for the future without tying all your money up in traditional retirement accounts * The four layers of fees you need to understand when you go to invest * The difference between a mutual fund and an ETF * How you may be speculating when you think you are investing * Why a technical analysis is preferable to a fundamental analysis when choosing stocks * How to be entrepreneurial and protect assets for the future * Smart ways to leverage your money when you are younger and when you are older * What an “engine account” is and how you can use it to generate cash flow
Ready for a masterclass in managing the 7 sources of residual income? It’s not like today’s guest makes it look easy – but he definitely shows us how it is possible. And how you can have some fun along the way! Between real estate, owning a business, and even running a music festival – it is never a dull moment.
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Project Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst talk with Courtney Wooge.
Courtney is a second generation owner of FCIS Insurance. He is also one of the founders of the Tree Town music festival – the premier country music festival in the Midwest – in Forest City, Iowa.
Get ready for a fascinating, wide-ranging conversation. Building wealth for you, the next generation, and where giving back is not a sprint, which makes Courtney a great coach in running a marathon.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- How it’s possible to have a hand in all 7 sources of residual income
- Diversify, diversify, diversify
- Why income property can be a great source of cash flow – and a lot of hard work
- The tax benefits and long-term wealth benefits of owning property
- Something completely different – fun and profit in running a music festival
- How to take calculated risks in service of your cash flow
- Setting up for success as a 2nd or 3rd generation business owner
- The mental shifts needed to move from managing yourself to managing a company
- Taking responsibility as an owner
- Using your cash position to leverage the interest on that cash
When the creative impulse takes hold of you, it’s hard to let go. And if you DO let go, you are likely missing out on some of the richest treasures life has to offer: authenticity and true satisfaction. These are lessons learned and shared by our guest.
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Project Podcast, hosts Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst talk with Nadine Hawbaker. In addition to being a delightful human being, Nadine is an accomplished artist born and raised in Iowa. She studied with Dimitar Krustev, a European schooled artist, for seven years.
She has works on permanent display in the State Capitol building in Des Moines. She has been honored to have her work commissioned by the World Food Prize, along with a number of corporate and individual commissions. What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- How to fan the flames of your creativity
- The power of making mistakes
- Why, even if you cannot pursue it full time, finding ways to be creative is crucial
- The power of understanding who you are and uncovering the gifts you have
- Why boldness should by nurtured and encouraged
- Passion and heart are not the only things, but they’re far from nothing
- Opportunities don’t just fall in your lap – you have to pick them up and do something with them
- Why just wanting to sell a piece of art for a lot of money is the wrong place to start
- The importance of never flatly turning down an opportunity
- What it means to live by the adage: enough is best
What an incredible story. With less than $10,000 in the bank – credit card debt up to his eyeballs, credit scores in the toilet, and his wife pregnant with their first child, Caleb Walsh thought this was the perfect time to buy an $800,000 multi-unit property! This could have been another 99 Homes story (where huge numbers of people got underwater on their mortgage) but Caleb turned it into a story of going from zero to 500 doors.
On this episode of the Uncommon Life Project Podcast, hosts Phillip and Bryan talk with Caleb Walsh.
Caleb Walsh is a leading authority in affordable housing with portfolios spanning over 1,500 units in six states. He resides in Tampa, Florida with his wife Denise and their two children, Lincoln and Noelle. He's an economy of scale advocate, and his story involves jumping from five units to 500 units in a short amount of time.
Listen in and get ready for a spirited conversation. You’ll hear about Caleb’s mistakes and triumphs – and how he persisted until he reached his goals.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- How to leverage credit instead of letting debt leverage you
- The value of going all in – making your side hustle the main thing
- Lessons learned from trying to flip homes at the epicenter of a downturn
- How to hold on to a crazy, grandiose idea
- Why establishing passive income can take “sleep is optional” amounts of energy. No such thing as easy money.
- How to capitalize on an investment that brings in a solid return.
- Building economies of scale for even bigger returns
- Going public with goals in order to build in accountability around those goals.
- Creating public momentum increases opportunity through others buying into your vision
Of the 7 Sources of Residual Income that Uncommon Wealth Partners champion, real estate may be the most obvious source. It’s one of the first places your mind goes when you think “residual income.” But this is the Uncommon Life Project, so the way our co-hosts talk about real estate probably holds some surprises.
For Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst, the uncommon path leads to a rewarding life. That’s why they have dedicated their financial services practice to help clients define their goals, implement a plan, create wealth, and ultimately create time freedom.
In this podcast we’ll take a close look at what rental property can do for you in terms of financial security, tax advantages, and long term financial health and freedom.
What you’ll learn * Understanding interest rates, cash flow, and tax favorable income * Just what exactly a cap rate is * Tax advantages of owning real estate * Why leveraging other people’s money – especially when interest rates are so low – can be very beneficial * Not to downplay the maintenance and other expenses associated with income properties * A granular level look at a 401(k) investment compared with a rental investment * Having some sort of business entity to run these properties through – for tax savings.
Ways to contact Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst: * Email: phillip@uncommonwealth.com * Email: bryan@uncommonwealth.com
Living out your values is important to most of us. We want to align all we do with our core beliefs. It seems complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this episode of the Uncommon Life Project podcast we talk with Doug Shiplett, an entrepreneur, pastor and church planter who seeks to break down false divides between sacred and secular. With vision and purpose, all of life is sacred.
Doug Shiplett has been involved in the Des Moines business community since 2005. Initially through investment real estate with his company Antioch Investments, and now with his son John and daughter-in-law Hannah at Eden and Gray Design and Build, a custom home remodeling company, plus an exciting network marketing venture.
Doug's faith based work has been extensive as he serves currently as a visionary leader of Coleo Church network, a church planting network based in Ireland, California. Prior to that focus, Doug served as Executive Vice President and Director of International Partnerships at BILD International through 2012. And after serving as a Senior Pastor of Crossroads Bible Church in San Jose for nine years. What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- Living out your values in your career path
- Aligning a faith calling with career, family, finances and everything else in life
- Do you have to choose between “church work” and “business?”
- How to move away from dividing things into “sacred” and “secular” endeavors
- Putting your energy into the things you value most
- How to course-correct when you have not thought very thoroughly about your finances
- Setting passive income goals whatever stage of life you are in
- Why network marketing could be a good secondary source of income
- The low barrier of entry to network marketing has an upside and a downside
- How to plan for the future when there’s no employer providing a “golden parachute” when you retire
Keeping your financial and vocational goals in line with your faith – this is a very important aspect of living and working for many of us.
In this episode of the Uncommon Life Project podcast we talk with Justin Taylor about his career path, his work in the publishing world, and how his faith informs vocational and financial decisions.
Justin Taylor got his Doctorate from Southern Seminary. He serves as executive vice president of Book Publishing and Book Publisher at Crossway in Wheaton, Illinois. Prior to that he worked at Desiring God in Minneapolis. He and his wife, Leah, have five beautiful children. He has two blogs, Between Two Worlds and Evangelical History, both hosted by the Gospel Coalition.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- The role faith can play in vocational decision-making
- Understanding your vocational gifts and strengths as you decide on a career path
- How spiritual gifts and natural inclinations intersect
- Establishing partnerships with people of integrity
- How book royalties can be a great source of residual income
- Understanding the three-legged stool of communication: message, messenger and audience
- What it takes to be a compelling messenger
- Learning your capacity to do or not do things – even things you enjoy and are good at – during different stages of life
- Balancing the desire to succeed with other aspects of living a fulfilling life
- Being authentic as a parent, spouse and in business
Too often we expect people entering college or even into their 20’s to know what they want to do vocationally, now through the end of their days. But we all know life doesn’t work that way.
In this episode of the Uncommon Life Project podcast we talk with Adam Carroll, a financial literacy expert who helps young adults (and anyone else) gain a better understanding of money and building wealth.
You’ll learn how Adam has leveraged his passion for public speaking and financial planning into multiple projects and ventures.
Adam Carroll is a nationally recognized financial literacy expert, TED Talk speaker and documentary filmmaker. He's the author of three books on money, the most recent being "The Money Savvy Student." He speaks in schools throughout the US and has developed a widely used money curriculum. Adam founded masteryofmoney.com as a source for high-quality financial resources for those in pursuit of mastery in these critically important topics. What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- Paying attention to those small or potentially life-changing “this is what you are supposed to do” moments
- Success is never a straight line. Be ready to zig and zag until you get there
- How to turn your knowledge or skill (like speaking or writing) into passive income
- Lessons learned from losing money
- Amortization isn’t just for mortgages. How to understand your debt load
- There are many, many paths to the Seven Sources of Residual Income
- Specific ways to sacrifice in the short term to prepare for long term financial stability
- How to teach your kids about money – have them interact with real money from a young age
- Creative ways of leveraging your skills to maximize earning potential
At the core of the practice at Uncommon Wealth Partners is what they call the Seven Sources of Residual Income. Without a doubt, that’s something we would all love to know more about. The first source of this residual income is one you might find uncommon – and has to do with the principles of banking.
In this episode, Phillip and Brian go in depth on a banking strategy involving insurance – and using cash value to the maximum advantage. When they first present this idea to clients, many want to fall asleep or run away – but when you understand the uncommon good sense of this tool, you will definitely want to know more.
Listeners will learn more about cash value insurance, how to think like a banker, and how to structure a policy to your maximum benefit. This episode will be truly eye-opening.
What you’ll learn * How banking can be a source of residual income * Understanding that “banking” boils down to the movement of money * Why you should think of cash value life insurance as “uncommon banking” * How the environment this uncommon banking creates allows you to leverage your money * How a guy named Nelson Nash got the ball rolling using insurance for uncommon banking * How to put your banks, insurance companies, and investments to work for you and not the other way around * What a young Walt Disney did with a loan against his whole life policy * How to structure a policy and payments to maximize what you can do with that money * How to start thinking like a banker rather than a consumer * Limitations of a Roth IRA compared with cash value life insurance
The environment that it creates is what we're after, not necessarily the product. It's about creating a way to move and manage money. That's what we want to get into today is cash value whole life insurance. – Brian Dewhurst
You're saving money and you're paying off a debt. All the while, that money is still on deposit earning a higher interest rate. It’s a mind shift. You’ve got to start thinking like a banker instead of consumer. – Phillip Ramsey
Golden Nuggets “Banking at the core is just the movement of money through your economic engine.” Brian Dewhurst
“Banking is essential to understand. Most people don't understand it. With that said, banking is comprised of multiple strategies or sources. Insurance is one of those strategies ” – Brian Dewhurst
“A typical whole life policy won't break even until you're 13 to 17 years into it depending on the carrier, and there’s usually zero cash value in the first 3 years or so. We advise trying to buy the least amount of death benefit for the most amount we can put in. That gives you the most cash value to work with.” – Brian Dewhurst
“This is the key to the whole uncommon banking concept: If you take one thing away from this, I think it's this point. Your money is always on deposit for the rest of your life” – Brian Dewhurst
“When we put this money into a policy, our number one objective is, ‘What are we doing with that cash value in that policy? What do we have access to? And what can we shore up for our clients?’” – Phillip Ramsey
“What we try to really show people is that cash value life insurance has the same tax structure as a Roth IRA, without all the limitations.” – Phillip Ramsey
“Don’t stop paying the premium. That's what Brian and I will always talk about. I think that's what differentiates us. We want you to keep funding this thing because it's just going to keep getting bigger and bigger.” – Phillip Ramsey
“You want to look for this type of insurance product from mutual owned companies, rather than publicly traded. That puts you as a policy-holder first, rather than some random shareholder.” – Phillip Ramsey
Travel, experiencing new cultures, learning new languages, meeting new people – many of us dream of this kind of life, but don’t know how to make the leap and turn those dreams into reality.
In this episode of the Uncommon Life Project podcast you’ll find out what led Drew Cutkomp to take this leap – and what it took to prepare. This isn’t somebody who just flew to Columbia with $100 in his pocket and hoped for the best. Living an uncommon life took planning. Drew has a lot to share about how planning, leaning on mentors - and some chutzpah - can go a long way in making dreams come true.
You’ll learn how Drew has evolved from working as a corporate mortgage originator where he crushed sales goals and attended award conferences to living his life traveling the globe and pursing his passions. He can be found currently learning Spanish and living the dream in Medellin, Colombia while running an ecommerce business and trading cryptocurrencies. The next stop on the journey is up to Drew!
Hopefully his story will inspire you to plan, learn, make a leap of faith and live your uncommon life dreams! What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- How there are many paths (at least Seven!) to residual income
- How following your passion can be done, backed up by a plan and good mentors
- You don’t owe any explanations. It’s your passion and your path to go on
- Why surrounding yourself with smart, supportive, positive people can make all the difference
- How Amazon’s logistics dominance can free you up to sell from anywhere
- Why multiple streams of residual income are important for more stable cash flow management
Mentors don’t often walk up to you and offer their time and expertise. Guest Joey Glenn learned early on that when you are passionate about something and find someone who has been on the same path before you – make the ask! For Joey, that meant contacting the authors of a book that changed his life -- which turned into an internship that changed his life even more!
In this episode of The Uncommon Life Project podcast, Joey Glenn talks about entrepreneurship, life/work balance and mentorship. He shares how the listeners can find a mentor and be a mentor. Both roles have been instrumental in Joey’s life and as a result of both, he and his family have reaped rewards many times over.
Hear about how Joey shaped his plan in college, how plans got altered by that book, and how having a plan plus a little bit of flexibility can be just the right combination when opportunity comes knocking. It also pays to do some knocking at opportunity’s door yourself.
Joey is a Sports Chiropractor and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. After obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences from the University of Iowa, Joey had an opportunity to work with Core Performance/Athlete's Performance™ in Los Angeles, California helping everyday people and professional athletes reach their highest athletic potential.
Joey continued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic West and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree and Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification. Joey worked for the Martinez Veterans Administration Hospital, treating our nation's heroes and completed his preceptorship treating professional athletes and weekend warriors alike at Water and Sport Physical Therapy in San Diego. After developing a passion for Olympic weightlifting, Joey obtained his USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach certification.
Joey is ecstatic to return to the Midwest and share his knowledge of health, movement and athletic development in his home state. Joey is married to his lovely wife, Hannah and is the father of three children under 3 and looking forward to adopting a fourth child from Africa by the end of 2018. What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- When it comes to entrepreneurship, if you’re not scared, you’re not doing it big enough
- Especially at the beginning of a venture, life/work balance is a huge challenge. Don’t let anyone tell you differently
- Finding great mentors does not happen every day – when you find them, don’t be afraid to ask for their help in learning
- Be willing to chase what matters
- Mentors may come and go, but learning and sharing knowledge is a life-long pursuit
- Transfer of wealth is not all about money – wealth is in the drive and knowledge and motivation our parents and others demonstrate for us
- There will be moments when you are awake at 2:00 am wondering “what have I done?” Those moments are not the last word
- Residual income and multiple income streams are the best kinds of portfolio diversity to have.
- How to find and keep good talent in a competitive job market
- There is always room to push the needle, do things a bit differently and differentiate yourself in the marketplace
There’s a fallacy out there that only the rich get richer and anyone who builds great wealth did it through some brilliant master plan. Our podcast guest and Uncommon Wealth Partner client, Drew McLellan’s story should serve as a reminder that you can start anywhere and if you’re willing to be open to opportunities, take the right risks and being very clear about how you want your life to be – anyone can build an amazing life and financial freedom.
In this episode of The Uncommon Life Project podcast Drew talks about the shift from employee to entrepreneur and how he has used each step of his journey as the launch pad for his next step.
Listen to his story and learn how opportunities began presenting themselves once he stepped into being a business owner and how he leveraged each opportunity to create and grow four companies and use each one to strengthen and grow the others.
Drew believes the most valuable currency generated by his businesses is freedom. Hear how he used that freedom to live the life of his dreams –an active, engaged, parent and son, checking off traveling to all of the continents with his daughter and spending at least one month a year on Disney property.
Drew reminds us all that the opportunities are all around us. We just have to be smart enough to see them and brave enough to chase them.
Drew McLellan has worked in advertising for 30+ years and started his own agency, McLellan Marketing Group in 1995 after a five-year stint at one of the world’s largest agencies, Young & Rubicam.
He is considered a national marketing expert. He launched MMG’s blog in 2006 and it has been on the AdAge Top 150 from the list's inception in 2008.
Drew’s writing has appeared in Forbes, The Washington Post, Entrepreneur Magazine, New York Times, CNN, BusinessWeek, and many others. The Wall Street Journal calls him “one of 10 bloggers every entrepreneur should read.”
He also owns and runs Agency Management Institute, McLellan Properties and Drew McLellan Unlimited. What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- How Drew shifted from employee to entrepreneur
- How anyone can embark on owning their first piece of rental property
- The relationship between worry/risk and the rewards of being self-employed
- Business ownership, even after 25 years, is not a bed of roses
- The price tag on freedom
- How to design the life you want and then build income streams to support that life
- The importance of recognizing and exploiting surprise opportunities
- Creating your own bank and accumulating wealth through whole life insurance
- The reality that making money is about choices and consequences. You have to be willing to give up something.
- When you work to serve others with a genuine heart, you will make money.
One of the cornerstones of how we work with clients at Uncommon Wealth Partners is to go beyond the traditional financial planning of investment advice and really roll up our sleeves and help our clients think through a much broader money strategy.
A topic that we always explore is the idea of residual income. Residual or passive income is money you continue to earn after the work is complete. (For most of us our jobs are active income – they only pay us if we keep showing up).
If you listened to the last episode, you’ll remember we mentioning the seven sources of residual income and in this podcast, we wanted to dive a little deeper into each. We explored the seven most common types of residual income and how you can begin to explore which ones might fit your family’s long-term financial plan.
You’ll quickly see that there are many ways that you can leverage your money to get you to retirement, or time freedom as we like to say, faster. It’s not about using them in order or using all of them, it’s more about finding the right options to help you meet your own personal goals of time freedom.
We, Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst, are the founders of Uncommon Wealth Partners. We think differently about money.
Our philosophy is simple. We help people no matter where they are today. It’s about where you want to go that matters. We do this by helping each one of our clients define their goals, implement a plan, create wealth, and ultimately create time freedom. There are probably a lot of financial planners who promise the same thing. It’s how we get you there that is different.
We believe that one of the most significant gifts we can give to our clients in the getting to know you phase is to not talk about their money! Instead, we want to know what motivates you? If money were no object what would you do with your time? We believe answering those kinds of questions will help us when we finally talk about your money.
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- What exactly is residual income?
- Residual Income Source #1 – Insurance
- Residual Income Source #2 – Rental Property
- Residual Income Source #3 - Investments
- Residual Income Source #4 – Small Business
- Residual Income Source #5 – Subscription Business Model
- Residual Income Source #6 – Royalties
- Residual Income Source #7 – Network Marketing
Ways to contact Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst:
● Email: phillip@uncommonwealth.com ● Email: bryan@uncommonwealth.com
Uncommon Life Project with Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst
In this inaugural episode of the Uncommon Life Project, Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst talk about why they decided to launch the podcast and what they’re hoping the listeners will gain from each episode.
The guys are going to interview people who have chosen to step away from the ordinary. They don’t want to wait until retirement to live a dream life. They’ve made sacrifices, taken chances and seized opportunities – all so they could live an uncommon life.
What listeners will learn is that these are very ordinary people, often doing ordinary work – but somewhere along their life’s journey, they decided to step off the worn path that most people take and carve out their own.
With each episode, Phillip and Bryan are hoping to light a spark of inspiration that you too can have a life of abundance and that each of us gets to define what our uncommon life might be.
Our job is to help people understand that there are so many different ways to generate income in today’s economy. There is not just one way to make money out there anymore. – Bryan Dewhurst and Phillip Ramsey
What you’ll learn about in this episode:
- What is an uncommon life and who can hope to have one?
- Why did Bryan and Phillip start the Uncommon Life Project podcast?
- Background on the lead players at Uncommon Wealth Partners
- The “Why” that drives Uncommon Wealth Partners
- What you can expect in future episodes
The Golden Nuggets:
There was just something inside of me that felt the need to help and serve people as it related to their finances and their businesses and I just couldn't ignore it any longer. – Bryan Dewhurst
Using cash value life insurance with a banking mindset, and leveraging against that to purchase assets that produce cash flow to really grow our net worth in a completely different way - these are the kinds of things that excite me! - Bryan Dewhurst
Most financial advisors teach people to think about retirement and work backwards from there. Why not think about next week and move forward from there. It’s all about moving forward and being forward thinking. – Bryan Dewhurst
Using your money more efficiently now and working to understand your needs and desires, to help get you to your goals today, without sacrificing tomorrow – that’s what we do. – Phillip Ramsey
We all have something uncommon within each of us and being able to walk side by side with people and watch that come out is one of the most rewarding things that I have ever been a part of. – Bryan Dewhurst
Great financial advisors are just the copilots showing their clients what the dials mean and helping them kind of dial into the plan that will get them to their goals as quickly as possible. – Phillip Ramsey
Ways to contact Phillip Ramsey and Bryan Dewhurst: ● Email: phillip@uncommonwealth.com ● Email: bryan@uncommonwealth.com