Wealth Talks

Achieving Success

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ignorance and Stupidity, Greed and Fear will be some of your leading enemies when trying to achieve success of any kind – especially financial succe...

Cognitive Dissonance

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's a nice big word... but what is it, and is it relative to life? Cognitive Dissonance is the name for a common, if detrimental, human behavior phen...

Interest Rates are on the Move

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Interest rates are a vital part of our economy and can quickly turn a boom into a bust or vice versa. Today, Tom and John tell you everything you need...

Know Your Labels!

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"Free Range" chicken is better than regular chicken... or is it? While it certainly commands a higher price over other birds at the grocery store, "Fr...

Is Life Insurance a Bank?

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

High cash value life insurance policies are often referred to as banks... but is this correct? Learn about what goes into the process of starting a ba...

What If...?

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We can't control the "what ifs" of life... but we can choose to live in faith. Faith for the future does not entail thinking raw positive thoughts or ...

A Note on Money Management

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How should you manage your money? Is it a good idea to let an adviser or planner manage your money for you? Should you be concerned about getting the ...

Financial Maintenance

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why do so many airplanes crash after heavy maintenance (engine overhaul, etc.)? Why do cars sometimes have more problems when they come out of the sho...

Where is your money?

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Making money is one thing, keeping it is quite another! There are many places to keep money, IRA, 401K, 529 plan, etc., but where should you keep your...

Should you buy Gold? Silver? Crypto?

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the US dollar becoming more inflated, the question arises: Should I buy gold? Silver? What about crypto? Drawing from history, Tom and John discu...

It wasn't just the Beatles

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It wasn't just the Beatles who talked about money in their song Can't Buy Me Love. Money is a common thread which is evident throughout all of history...

Ohio National is De-mutualizing

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Constellation is in the process of a deal with Ohio National, a change which would turn Ohio National from a mutual company to a stock held company. H...

Should you "pay up" your life insurance?

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does "paying up" a policy mean? Is it a good thing? What about using a term rider instead? What does FPUA mean? Listen in as Tom and John answer ...

Two Perspectives on Competition

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some people thrive in the spotlight of competition, while others feel threatened. Competition is often seen as a negative thing, but truly fair compet...

Is America worth saving?

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of the great problems our nation faces today is the ingratitude of its citizens. Turns out, it is very easy to point out the wrongs and injustices...

On Money and Life

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The McFie family recently read a book together titled Oh, Money! Money! by Eleanor H. Porter and we highly recommended it. Humans have an integral rel...

Rumor has it...

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rumor is an emotional roller-coaster which can prove embarrassing, painful, and costly. While it may be natural to react to a rumor, people who react ...

The Imposter Syndrome

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Why are people so infatuated with "giving back"? Why do some people settle for failure almost in the face of success? Why are some rashly confident? O...

Spider webs are everywhere... don't be a fly!

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are many spider webs out there, not all of them are made by eight legged arthropods. Many are spun specifically to snare gullible, greedy or una...

Your money and your... politics!

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Politics have a BIG impact on what we do with our money. Laws, rules, and regulations restrict and penalize us depending on where we store and how we ...

He spent $50,000 in a single day

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It isn't often one spends $50,000 in a single day without previously intending to, but sometimes it happens. Todays on Wealth Talks you'll hear the st...

New Years Resolutions... or Confessions?

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The new year is almost here. Starting January 1st we often see more people outside, walking, jogging or running working on their "resolutions". This u...

Is Christmas depressing?

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As excited as everyone seems around Christmas, a lot of people report experiencing "post-holiday blues". Interestingly, over 40% of Americans go into ...

Term rider. Good or bad?

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you've been "around" in the insurance world, you've probably heard about a term rider. It is quite common to see an insurance policy with a term ri...

Taxes...Guess what's happening?

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Taxes have been around for a very long time indeed. If we look at the history of taxes in the United States, we notice a curious phenomenon... taxes r...

Is College still worth it?

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With college tuition increasing and student loans becoming a real problem, the question presents itself: Is college still worth it? Many college stude...

Wish your 401k luck, it's going to need it

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There is a new rule pending approval which could dramatically change 401(k)s. If the ruling is approved, 401k plan managers, while choosing investment...

Do what you're told!

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ever heard that? It seems to be a prevailing theme nowadays. Look to the experts. Don't ask questions. Do what you're told. Looking to the experts is ...

Lies Lies LIES!

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We live in a world of lies. This isn't anything new or unique to this time in history. We've been living in a world of lies for a long time. So, who s...

Taxing the Rich... a failure?

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Taxing the rich is a topic many elected officials harp on with a religious zeal. Despite their moral high tone, taxes on the rich seem to do more dama...

Are Danger signs Dangerous?

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Warning signs are supposed to offer us some degree of protection from the described danger. Yet a recent study shows they many have the opposite effec...

Taking a Policy Loan? Here's what you need to know

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Taking a loan from a policy is easy, but there are questions that can arise. Will taking a loan decrease my death benefit? Why does the insurance comp...

Investments, Social Security and some other Stuff

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lots of people seem to be gung-ho on investing in the market. Whether they're trying to make a lot or make a little, build their dream home or supplem...

Has Benevolence Crippled America?

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

America has been the face of benevolence for years. Has this benevolence contributed to the deterioration of America today? It is good to be compassio...

What Happened on Sept 18th?

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

September 17-18th marked our first LIVE event since early 2020. It was wonderful! Seeing people in person, face to face, is something no Zoom conferen...

Can small fees hurt you?

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Long Term Planning for Taxes

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Taxes are unpleasant, yet it is important to plan for them if one wants to pay as little as possible. Sadly, many people are planning in a way that wi...

How to protect your Intellectual Property

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We put fences around our homes and locks on our doors to protect our physical property. But do we do anything to protect our intellectual property? Co...

How Average Returns and Tax Deferrals Affect Most 401(k) Plans

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Average returns don't mean actual returns. On the surface this doesn't sound like it would be a huge issue. But it is.    In addition, the benefit o...

Why is making money so important?

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many of those who speak about the evils of making money are the ones who aren't making any. Today on WealthTalks, Tom and John talk about why Earning ...

Interest, Usury and What's Next?

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Interest is often seen as a negative thing, but is it? Many people confuse interest with usury, but the two are distinctly different. Today on Wealth ...

Questions Continued

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Was your question answered? A few weeks ago, Tom and John devoted an episode to answering questions from you, our listeners. But they didn't get to al...

Should you pay extra interest?

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many people want to know… should they pay extra interest to their policies? This is not a simple yes or no question. The answer will vary based on f...

An Interview with one of our Clients

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tom and John are joined on Wealth Talks by Dr. Steve Hryszczuk. Dr. Hryszczuk, a Life Benefits client for many years, has carefully managed his polici...

Questions from the Listeners

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is all about answering questions from you and others who listen to WealthTalks. From questions about serving clients in different geog...

This Guy was a Crook

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recently there was an agent who was claiming to help people with the Infinite Banking Concept. Instead, he was swindling them. On today's episode Tom ...

Protecting your Retirement

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

People are outliving their money, leaving themselves broke in their retirement. It isn't solely because they aren't saving enough, it's also because t...

The Key to Wealth

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In 1993 Shawn Tully wrote an article in Fortune Magazine entitled The Real Key to Creating Wealth. The concept of Economic Value Added (EVA) which Tul...

Buy-Sell Agreements for Business Partners

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you have business partners or plan to enter a business with partners, this show is important for you. If one partner dies or needs to exit your ven...

Going back to the future

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

10 years ago, Prescription for Wealth made its debut. This small book has stood the test of time, challenging the complex financial schemes of our day...

Eliminating the Step-Up in Basis?

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The step-up in basis or stepped-up basis allows property and businesses to be passed to the next generation without a tax on the appreciation. Biden's...

Is Poverty Rising?

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Poverty has always existed and always will. Despite the "War on Poverty" (the most monetarily expensive war), poverty rates in America have been stead...

A Costly Comparison

25 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Recently we've had a few Indexed Universal Life policy contracts come across our desk for review. As part of our review process, we calculated the cos...

Life Insurance Celebrities

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With possible changes to the tax code looming, it is likely life insurance will become an even more important planning tool for people who want to bui...

Americans Will Suffer!

11 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Biden is on record for stating "Americans will suffer under my administration". Biden's economic policies are threatening to turn out a lot like J...

Opium and Life Insurance… any Connection?

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There is a fascinating history around governments and the way they deal with drugs. Hippocrates warned against the use of opium except for some medici...

The Cremation of Sam McGee

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Beyond the fact that Sam was from Tennessee, we are ignorant of much of his life… except that his cremation was the strangest sight the Northern Lig...

What's wrong with Cancel Culture?

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cancel Culture isn't anything new. Although the name has changed over the years the selfish ideas and beliefs behind it have remained the same. Cancel...

Is World Population an Economic Concern?

13 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

World population is a major concern… but not in the way many people see it.  Anyone who has taken a flight across the US should realize that overpo...

What type of Life Insurance should I own?

06 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There are two categories into which all Life Insurance products fall: Temporary and Permanent. In general, term products are classified as temporary i...

Spending our Children's Legacy

30 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How many times have you heard someone recite sentiments along these lines "It'll be my kids' problem by then"… implying that they will be dead and t...

Financing with a Policy Loan

23 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Some people firmly believe in financing every expense in life with a policy loan. Others believe in financing only the larger expenses, and many don't...

Commitment and Relationships

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In American society, more and more people seem to be less interested in making any sort of commitment, preferring a quick and easy relationship. Those...

Inflation Has Hit The Ice Cream Market Once Again!

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ice cream containers are shrinking - again. It used to be common for ice cream to be sold in a half gallon cartons. Some years ago, cartons shrunk to ...

Heroes and Life Insurance

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Gino Bartali was an Italian cyclist. Winning the Giro d'Italia in 1936 and 1937 and the prestigious Tour de France in 1938, Gino went on to win two mo...

90% of Startup Businesses Fail

23 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Buying a Whole Life Insurance policy is a lot like starting a business that is guaranteed to succeed. In a world where 90% of startup businesses fail,...

Heisman Trophies vs Championships

16 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Paul "Bear" Bryant famously said "Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships." Many investment advisors today are hyper-focused on the offensiv...

For The Love of Money!

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many people pursue money to their own misery. If they only had more money, they reason, they would be happy and contented. With this mindset, they wil...

Are Securities Really Secure?

02 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Securities. The very name fills one with the sense of safety, conjuring up images of bank vaults, locked safes and armed guards.  Ironically, many so...

What is the Rate of Return in a Life Insurance Policy?

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Morbid as it sounds, to get the greatest rate of return from a life insurance policy, you could pay the first premium and then die.  While we certain...

Building Sustainable Wealth through Faith

19 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the world around us, many people have confused wealth with money. Sadly, many pursue money, but never take the time to build wealth.  How do we bu...

Blowing The Wealth You Have Accumulated

12 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Many Americans have worked hard to further their children's education. Sadly, many realize too late, that much of the so-called "education" was really...

529 Plans and the New Year

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

529 plans are touted as a way to save for your children's education. But saving money in a 529 plan is a lot like sending your money to jail. Once you...

Don't Payoff Your Mortgage Early

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

…until you hear this. There is no question - paying off a mortgage early saves interest. But what will you be losing by paying off your mortgage ear...

Another One Bites the Dust

22 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Queen was almost prophetic with their song… many Americans are biting the dust financially because they depended on financial planners who didn't kn...

Velocity Banking

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Velocity Banking is known by many different names among which are, the HELOC Strategy, the Australian Mortgage and the Mortgage Accelerator System. Ba...

Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words?

08 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many people will say a picture is worth a thousand words… but that's likely because they have never read a well written book, or listened to a great...

HRA Benefits in 2021

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Depending on your state, open enrollment for health insurance runs from November 1st through December 15th.  Guest, Jesse Cheng from Take Command Hea...

Jeremiah, Jerusalem and Life Insurance

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The walls of Jerusalem were crumbling, just outside the Babylonian army was waiting to loot and burn the city and carry the Israelites into exile.  I...

What EXACTLY is The Life Benefits Formula?

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Life Benefits Formula is this: (Work + Mutual Respect + Education) x Faith = Sustainable Wealth    In this week's episode, Tom and John discuss ...

Types of Life Insurance

10 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Recently a poplar investment and financial website ran an article about Life Insurance, but the article was inaccurate and not true. We responded with...

Protecting Yourself Legally

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Protecting yourself legally is a must. But how do you go about it? Most Lawyers are happy to "set you up", but it might be exactly that! Today on Weal...

Time and Money

27 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Americans are running out of money in retirement, and its not just by a little… there's a big shortfall. It shouldn't be this way, but sadly America...

Should you borrow from your Life Insurance?

20 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some people advocate borrowing from a life insurance policy for everything. Others vehemently oppose taking a policy loan at all. What should you do? ...

Do Extra Mortgage Payments Save You Money?

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With low interest rates right now, does it make sense to make extra payments right now? This is an area of confusion for many, and it is often glossed...

What is a Roth IRA?

06 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How did it originate? What was it intended for? How can it be used? Is it a good financial strategy? Those are good questions. Listen Now on Wealth Ta...

How to Build Sustainable Wealth

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Its been an exciting few days! The new book How to Build Sustainable Wealth has finally premiered as a softcover. Many people are struggling financial...

Silver, Gold and a Cashless Society

22 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Economy is suffering, stability is not an accurate description of the Market, and the Federal Reserve seems to be playing a game of Jenga with our...

Should your Home be an Investment?

16 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Real Estate prices have been fluctuating for years. Goaded by natural disasters, crime and political intrigue, real estate prices have been anything b...

Can TUMS make you sick?

08 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The purpose of TUMS and other antacids seems straightforward - almost like a magical formula to solve Heartburn and acid indigestion. But how do antac...

Interview with Ralph Reed

02 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It's obvious that Christian faith is under attack on many levels across America. This inherently includes an attack on the Judeo-Christian values whic...

The Life Benefits Youtube Channel

25 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

YouTube has changed the world of learning. With a simple search, we can find videos to learn about almost anything under the sun. But there is so much...

Benefits of Owning Life Insurance in 2020

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Only 59% of Americans own life insurance and 50% of these people are still under-insured. Why don't people own more life insurance? Perhaps it's becau...

Will COIVD Kill Us?

11 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

COVID is on the rampage! Stay safe, stay home, wear a mask, social distance, but you could die anyway. Fortunately, you can discover if you have the ...

Socialism, Progressivism, Larceny and the Federal Reserve

04 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Many people think the Federal Reserve is a wing of government… but in actuality it is a Private Cartel. The unusual thing about the Federal Reserve ...

Questions about the Constitution — with Rick Green

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is The United States of America a Democracy, a Republic, or something else? Does the Constitution uphold the Lockdown? What is the Electoral College? ...

Procrastination is a Killer

21 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you let procrastination get a grip on you, it can crush you! People procrastinate all the time, whether rushing busily around doing nothing, or laz...

Living in Times of Change

14 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When will things go back to normal? What are changes that might arise from this pandemic? What is racism? What can we do about the personal economic i...

Orwellian Predictions and The Cost of Conviction

08 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Krish Dhanam joins the show today! Are some of George Orwell's famous predictions coming true? Ignorance is Strength Freedom is Slavery War is Peace ...

The Case for Universal Life Insurance vs Whole Life

01 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Universal Life Insurance and especially Indexed Universal Life Insurance (IUL) is a relatively new type of insurance, and one which has created a lot ...