72% of Americans say they feel stressed about money.

And most think the answer is “earn more.”

And that certainly can help, but for many people, more income just means more confusion.

Here are 4 simple systems that make your money feel less stressful ↓ The #1 financial emotion in America isn’t greed or excitement.

It’s anxiety.

Even among high earners, money can feel overwhelming.

And the root of the problem usually isn’t income.
It’s lack of clarity.

The best financial advice doesn’t always feel smart.

Sometimes it feels uncomfortable.
Or boring.
Or flat-out wrong.

But that’s usually because it breaks the scripts we’ve been fed for years.

Here are 8 examples ↓ 1. “You should pay off your mortgage as fast as possible.”

That sounds responsible.

But if you have a 3% interest rate, you’re locking away money that could earn 7–10% elsewhere.

Plus, you lose liquidity and flexibility - which matter when life throws curveballs.

As always.. it depends.

Most people treat their 401(k) like a dusty storage unit:

Contribute. Forget. Hope.

But it's one of the most powerful wealth-building tools you have - if you use it right.

Here’s 10 Steps to optimize your 401(k) like a pro ↓ First: The power of the 401(k) is in 3 layers of tax benefits:

- Pre-tax contributions reduce taxable income
- Tax-deferred growth compounds without drag
- Tax planning options in retirement (Roth conversions, bracket control)

It’s not just a savings account - it’s a strategy.

Not everything in finance is about maximizing returns.

You can't measure peace of mind in a spreadsheet

Some people choose to pay off their mortgage early - even when the spreadsheet says ABSOLUTELY NOT.

Here's why it's not always about the math ↓ 1. A mortgage is a monthly obligation - forever.

If your mortgage is $3,200/month, you need $38,400/year just to keep the roof over your head.

Wipe that out by 55, and your “work optional” number drops dramatically.

Less pressure. More freedom.

Net worth sounds like the ultimate financial scoreboard.

Most Americans use it as their #1 metric.

But it can be wildly misleading.

Here’s why we look at something else entirely when building real financial plans ↓ Most people measure their financial progress like this:

Assets – Liabilities = Net Worth

Seems simple.

But here’s the problem:
Net worth is a snapshot.
It tells you what you own, not what you can do.

The biggest problem with inheritance today?

For most, it shows up after the hardest part of life is already over.

Getting financial help at 60 doesn’t change your life.
Getting it at 35 might change everything.

Here’s how we need to rethink legacy for the next generation: ↓ The old-school model of inheritance:

- Parents build wealth, keep it private
- Kids find out about it when the will is read
- Support shows up after age 50
- Focus is on preserving assets, not creating momentum

No judgment, this model comes from a place of protection & caution. But today's financial reality is very different.

Think a $6,000 tax refund is a win?

It’s not.

It’s a signal that your financial system is broken - and it’s costing you more than you think.

Here’s what that refund really means - and what to do instead ↓ Most people celebrate a big refund.

But here’s the truth:

A $6,000 refund = you gave the government $500/month all year… and got nothing in return.

No interest. No investment growth. No flexibility.

A $400K earner thought he was maxing his 401(k).

Turns out, he was losing $8,000 in free money every year - without realizing it.

And he’s not alone.

Here’s the costly 401(k) mistake most high earners overlooks ↓ A client came to us doing everything “right” (or so he thought):

- $400K salary
- Maxing out his 401(k) early in the year
- Focused on building wealth fast

But his company only matched contributions per paycheck.

Which meant… he missed half his employer match.

Another prospect upload from this week:
33 years old. No kids. $130K income.
Ready to dial in finances.

Instead? He got sold:
- $532/month whole life policy
- 1.65% fee for IRA rollover into 3 Vanguard ETFs

Any guesses which company pitched this?

Let's break down the scam ↓ He found his advisor through a friend at work.

She worked at one of those “big name” firms.

The advisor promised a full financial plan - what he got was a commission machine.

If I had to start from scratch in 2025 - no savings, no investments, no business...

Just a normal job & a blank slate

Here’s exactly how I’d build wealth in my 20s and 30s - step by step 1. Master My Psychology Before My Portfolio

Wealth building is 80% behavior, 20% mechanics.

If you can stay consistent, avoid lifestyle creep, and ignore noise - you're already ahead of 90% of people.

No plan works if your mindset doesn’t.

You're earning $200K+.

But your tax return? Still looks like you're playing defense.

Here are 7 opportunities high earners often overlook - and what to look for on your return ↓ 1. Backdoor Roth IRA Execution

If your income is too high for direct Roth contributions, the backdoor Roth is your workaround.

- Step 1: Contribute to a non-deductible traditional IRA
- Step 2: Convert to Roth IRA

Dave Ramsey helped millions start their financial journey.

But if you want to truly optimize your wealth building?

You’ll eventually need to graduate from his framework.

Here’s where Ramsey is spot-on, and where his advice falls short ↓ First: Why Ramsey’s Advice Works for Millions

→ Focuses on behavior, not spreadsheets
→ Creates a simple, repeatable system
→ Hammers home the danger of debt
→ Empowers people to take action, not just theorize

For someone just starting out... it's life changing

Most people think their 401(k) is all they need for retirement.

For 80% of Americans it's their only investment.

Spoiler: It’s usually not enough...

Here’s the truth about why retirement planning is broken - and how to fix it to bulletproof your future (with real numbers): ↓ The 401(k) is a great tool, but it’s not the whole solution.

Here’s why:
- Limited investment options (Often Mutual Funds)
- Contributions maxed at $23,500/year ($30,500 if you’re 50+).
- Withdrawals taxed as income in retirement
- Just 1 Piece of the Puzzle

Most people think a 529 plan is just for college.

But thanks to a recent rule change - you can now use it to give your kid a massive head start on retirement.

I’m talking up to $1,000,000+ tax-free.

Here’s how it works (and what to watch out for) ↓ Let’s say you saved into a 529 plan for your child.

But they:
- Got scholarships
- Didn’t go to college
- Or didn’t use the full balance

Now you’ve got leftover funds sitting in a tax-advantaged account with limited options.

This new rule gives you a powerful exit strategy

Your friend just bought a $90,000 car.

Another just posted pics from a 3 week trip to Italy.

And naturally, you feel like you’re falling behind.

Here’s the truth about what people earn, what it really means- and why it shouldn’t matter ↓ It’s easier than ever to assume people are doing better than you.

Social media is a highlight reel.

Group chats rarely include tax returns.

And few people talk about what really matters: Stress and Freedom.

Most W-2 employees are overpaying in taxes.

The tax code favors business owners, but that doesn't mean you can't make the most of your situation!

If you're a high-earning millennial, here are 10 tax optimization strategies to keep more of your money in 2025 & down the line ↓ 1. Max Out Your 401(k) Contributions

Your 401(k) is your best tool for lowering taxable income while building wealth.

- 2025 contribution limit: $23,500 (+$7,500 if 50+)
- Employer match = Part of your comp plan! Take Advantage!

The worst wealth killing products that young people keep buying...

They’re riddled with high fees, hidden commissions, and bad incentives - yet they get sold every day.

Here are 5 financial products that rarely make sense for young investors (and what to consider instead) ↓ 1. Whole Life & IUL Insurance

The sales pitch? "Be your own bank," tax-free retirement, and guaranteed growth.

The reality?
- High fees eat into returns
- Takes decades to build usable cash value
- Locked into expensive premiums

Northwestern Mutual strikes again.

Yesterday, an old teammate got a “financial plan” and asked for thoughts.

What'd I find?
❌ $600/month in Whole Life Insurance
❌ 1.75% AUM fee for a basic portfolio
❌ A plan designed to make THEM money—not him.

Let’s break down the scam ↓ It always looks helpful on the surface, but something seemed off. This individual made the right call asking for a second set of eyes.

A closer look reveals a classic case of "advice" driven by commissions.

Here's what was recommended to this couple in their young 30s:

Think your home is your best investment?

A $400,000 home sold for $1,000,000 after 30 years sounds like a win—until you realize the owners actually lost money.

Here’s why your house might be one of the worst "investments" you’ll ever make ↓ For decades, people have believed owning a home is the ultimate investment.

After all, it:
1. Builds equity over time.
2. Appreciates in value.
3. Gives you a place to live.

But is it really a good investment compared to other options? Let’s run the numbers.

Think you’re making a smart investment by bundling life insurance with your retirement savings?

A couple earning $250k came to us a couple months ago, and they’d been overpaying $12,000/year for a product they didn’t even need.

Here’s the costly mistake we see constantly ↓ It's Cash Value Life Insurance. You know how much I despise this topic 😂

And if you’ve been sold life insurance as an investment, you’re likely paying for:

• High fees
• Low returns
• Coverage you may not need

Here’s why it’s a bad deal for most people ↓