Episodios

  • The 5 Billionaire Habits That Unlock Real Freedom

    The 5 Billionaire Habits That Unlock Real Freedom
    Sep 10 2025
    Brian Skrobonja talks about the five habits billionaires live by, habits you can use to create your own financial freedom. Tune in to hear the benefits of having ruthless focus, how frugality with purpose can actually give you more freedom, and why you need to start looking at your life in decades instead of paychecks. Expect to hear practical ideas you can start right away, like trying a 30-day luxury swap, creating a simple “not-to-do” list, and carving out time each week to invest in your own growth. These habits aren’t about making more money. They’re about making smarter decisions with the money you already have. Brian starts by explaining the habits billionaires live by, habits you can use to build your own financial freedom without ever needing their billions.Habit #1 – Relentless Focus. Brian reveals why focus beats chasing every opportunity. When you treat your biggest financial decisions as limited, you naturally filter out the noise. Billionaires like Warren Buffett, built their fortunes not by jumping on every hot IPO, but by concentrating on businesses they deeply understood, like Coca-Cola, American Express, and Apple, and letting those few bets compound for decades. Habit #2 – Frugality with a Purpose. Learn how to spend with intention instead of deprivation. When most people hear “frugality,” they think of avoiding fun and living on less. But the kind of frugality billionaires practice is built on ensuring money serves a purpose instead of wasting it away.Learn how trimming just one recurring expense and redirecting it into savings, investments, or even a passion project can completely shift your financial future.Try Brian’s 30-day luxury swap challenge: Pick one expense that’s nice, but not essential, maybe a subscription or upgrade you don’t really need. Cut it for a month, and redirect that money toward your retirement account, debt payoff, or travel fund. Habit #3 – Long-Term Vision. Brian emphasizes that one of the most dangerous habits with money, and in life, is thinking too small and too short-term. Most people plan only until the next paycheck, vacation, or bill. But billionaires stretch their thinking into decades, sometimes even generations.Learn how to apply Jeff Bezos’ “Day One” mindset and how it can help keep you hungry, curious, and willing to make bold moves for the long game.Brian shares how you can apply this principle to your own finances and career, so that you’re not just reacting to what’s in front of you, but building something designed to last. Habit #4 – Investing in Knowledge. Brian shares why billionaires obsess over learning: They treat knowledge like an asset that compounds faster than money. The goal of reading and studying isn’t to become a walking encyclopedia, it’s to build a mental toolkit that helps you spot opportunities, make sharper decisions, and avoid costly mistakes. Habit #5 – What Billionaires Don’t Do. Learn the power of ruthless elimination: Billionaires don’t have more hours than the rest of us, the difference is what they choose to ignore. Brian explains that billionaire success comes from cutting out distractions, declining projects that don’t align with their goals, and saying “no” to almost everything that doesn’t matter.How to create your “Not-To-Do List”: Brian challenges you to write down three things you’ll ignore for the next 30 days. Maybe it’s obsessively checking your portfolio, doomscrolling the news, or saying yes to commitments that drain your energy. According to Brian, billionaires are successful because they know what to work on, what to ignore, and they build habits that compound for decades. The good news is you don’t need a billion dollars to build these habits. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com SkrobonjaFinancial.com SkrobonjaWealth.com BUILDbanking.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify References for this episode: Lesson 1 – Relentless Focus https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2004/05/05/warren-buffett-and-his-20-punches.aspx https://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/08/buffett-style.asp?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://fortune.com/2023/11/20/elon-musk-10-laws-of-management/ https://www.forbes.com/profile/charles-koch/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Lesson 2 – Frugality with Purpose https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeldominguez/2018/02/20/the-frugal-habits-of-the-ikea-founder-that-built-a-40-billion-company/ https://www.businessinsider.com/how-warren-buffett-spends-money-net-worth?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.marketwatch.com/story/warren-buffett-reveals-how-much-he-spends-on-breakfast-2017-05-08?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://finance.yahoo.com/news/multi-billionaire-still-calls-cable-165400872.html Lesson 3 – Long-Term Vision https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazons-original-1997-letter-to-shareholders https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/04/21/...
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    22 m
  • Four Big Financial Planning Mistakes Business Owners Make - Replay

    Four Big Financial Planning Mistakes Business Owners Make - Replay
    Sep 3 2025
    Entrepreneurs by nature are continuously occupied with running their business and wearing multiple hats throughout the day just to keep things running smoothly. Unfortunately, that leads entrepreneurs into making a number of common mistakes. Mistakes that damage the long-term success and potential of their business. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn about the four most common financial mistakes entrepreneurs make that put the future of their business at risk, and how you can avoid them. Many entrepreneurs find themselves underserved when it comes to financial planning and often rely too heavily on their CPA for financial advice.One common mistake entrepreneurs make is assuming that as long as they meet payroll, stay current on taxes and receive payments from customers, their business is financially healthy.The problem is CPAs primarily focus on looking backwards and reviewing the previous year or quarter to meet tax filing deadlines, instead of looking forward and making strategic plans for the following year.Proper financial planning can help your business reduce its tax liability and increase its profitability.Another common mistake is entrepreneurs take the profit of their business as income, which may not be the most efficient method of distribution. Proper planning helps find the balance between income and profit.Financial planning can also help you determine whether your business structure is still appropriate for where you are or if it needs to evolve.Financial planning also helps mitigate risk, and there are three major risks that every business faces: death, disability, and divorce. Any of these risks becoming a reality can seriously derail a business and its long-term potential.Entrepreneurs tend to visualize positive outcomes rather than seriously considering what could go wrong and how they should address those potential problems. Having a financial plan can include agreements and other triggering events that can help facilitate a smooth outcome when facing such events.Another common mistake made by business owners is treating the business exit as merely a transaction rather than a transition. Exiting the business involves more than just the sale itself; it requires planning for life after the exit.Owners frequently overvalue their business leading to unrealistic expectations regarding the outcome of the sale. Many business owners also underestimate the time and effort required to prepare for a successful exit.Preparation for a sale can take years of planning, if done right, and should be incorporated into an overall financial planning process.Another common mistake is succumbing to the pressure of spending money to avoid tax liabilities. While tax planning is essential, it should not be the sole, driving factor behind financial decisions.FOMO (fear of missing out) can also lead to poor cash flow management, where entrepreneurs may be tempted to seize every opportunity that comes their way without considering its compatibility with their business vision.By having a well defined cash flow plan, entrepreneurs can allocate resources efficiently, reduce financial stress, and build wealth inside and outside of their business while helping to maintain stability during both prosperous and challenging times.A cash flow strategy is an integral part of an overall financial plan and acts as a roadmap, guiding financial decisions and helping you make the most of the cash flow. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify BrianSkrobonja.com/Resources Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skrobonja Wealth ...
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    13 m
  • How SDLI Can Provide Flexibility - Replay

    How SDLI Can Provide Flexibility - Replay
    Aug 27 2025
    High income professionals face a unique situation when it comes to their retirement. You have the dual challenge of having your money tied up in your investments and also looming tax burdens once you retire. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn about a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy, also known as a life insurance retirement plan, and how it could be the wealth preservation tool you’ve been looking for. A high cash value life insurance policy can help facilitate tax-advantaged growth that standard retirement accounts may not be able to match.Many professionals spend a considerable amount of effort accumulating wealth for most of their life only to find themselves in a bind: their money is inaccessible with looming tax burdens.High Income professionals often face a dual tax burden where their current high income places them in a high tax bracket, reducing the net income they have available for investment. Meanwhile, the money you've diligently saved in your retirement plan will be subjected to potentially hefty taxes upon withdrawal later in life.Retirement accounts are great vehicles for long-term savings, but they lack flexibility, and you're penalized for early withdrawals leaving you without a readily available source of funds for unexpected opportunities or emergencies.For high income individuals grappling with these issues, a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy may be the answer.A Specially Designed Life Insurance (SDLI) policy utilizes a high cash value life insurance policy to facilitate tax-advantaged growth and offer flexibility that standard retirement accounts simply can't match.Cash value builds over time in the policy, growing in a tax-deferred basis mirroring the benefits of a retirement account, yet the cash value can be accessed at any time through a non-recognition policy loan.If properly managed, these policy loans have flexibility and are not required to be repaid during your lifetime and can be simply deducted from the death benefit or cash surrender value when the policy pays out.The SDLI strategy enables you to tap into your wealth when needed, providing the liquidity to seize investment opportunities or meet unexpected expenses.The policy loans do have an interest charged on them, but well-designed policies provide an opportunity to offset the interest.Not all life insurance policies offer the features necessary to execute the strategy effectively. It's a delicate balance that must be carefully managed and is best done with the help of a professional.This strategic tool offers several other key advantages for wealth management, asset protection and estate planning.In many jurisdictions, life insurance policies are protected from creditors providing a shield for your assets.Life insurance can also play a crucial role in balancing out an estate amongst surviving family members.A life insurance policy can also provide immediate liquidity to family members or business partners upon a death, ensuring the continuity of a business or farm without the need to sell off assets.Life insurance proceeds can also provide a tax free inheritance to your beneficiaries, helping to preserve your legacy. A common pushback against using life insurance as an accumulation vehicle is the perception that it is expensive and takes a long time to accumulate substantial cash values. This is because most common policies are focused on maximizing a death benefit instead of rapid cash value accumulation.While there is an undeniable cost associated with a special desire life insurance policy, it's crucial to consider this expense in contrast to the potential tax liabilities.Retirement account distributions are generally taxed as ordinary income. For a high income individual, this can be losing a substantial chunk of your retirement savings to taxes.In many cases, the cost of a Specially Designed Life Insurance policy could be a mere fraction of what the tax liabilities may be on an investment growth over time.The true cost of these policies become apparent only when considering the full financial picture, including current and future tax burdens, access to cash and long-term wealth accumulation.A Specially Designed Life Insurance policy is not a catch-all solution but rather a tool within the context of a comprehensive wealth management plan. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify BuildBanking.com Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax ...
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    15 m
  • Who Should Consider An Annuity? - Replay

    Who Should Consider An Annuity? - Replay
    Aug 20 2025
    The concept of investing is often associated only with money and the pursuit of wealth, but this Annuities are a popular thing these days… why is that the case? And are they a valid option for those planning their retirement? In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja explores the world of annuities – from what they are and the three types of annuities all the way to four common myths, Brian’s “unpopular opinion” and why annuities and investments aren’t in competition. Plus, Brian reveals what he considers the best way to accumulate wealth. You need to keep in mind that there are plenty of unknown factors in your life, such as how long you’re going to live, inflation, how the market is performing, healthcare costs, and economic shifts.Brian believes that the uncertainty surrounding retirement is why annuities are so popular.Annuities are a way to transfer risk over to an insurance company and provide some sense of safety for the future, says Brian.According to Statista, the risk of running out of money is a real concern for many retirees, with an estimated $2.53 trillion of retirement assets held inside of annuities.Brian breaks down the three types of annuities – variable, fixed-indexed, and fixed-rate – and shares a common misconception about income benefits.In his own words, Brian has an “unpopular” stance: he’s a believer in the fact that whether or not someone should use an annuity depends on their situation.Brian touches upon when it makes sense for you to use an annuity and when it doesn’t.“Capital appreciation over time” is what Brian considers the best way to accumulate wealth.Brian explains that annuities and investments aren’t in competition, because they both have a place at different times in someone’s life, depending on their needs.Brian goes over four common annuity-related myths. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify Statista.com Brian’s article: My 5-Minute Retirement Plan Brian’s article: The Financial Fiduciary Standard Explained Brian's article: What to Do With Cash in a Low Interest Rate Environment Annuity guarantees rely on financial strength and claims-paying ability of issuing insurance company. Annuities are insurance products that may be subject to fees, surrender charges and holding periods which vary by carrier. Annuities are not FDIC insured. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you away from our website. Users who gain access to third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume responsibility and risk from use of those websites. Any references to protection, safety or lifetime income, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. This is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. Our firm is not permitted to offer, and no statement made on this site shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any ...
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    15 m
  • The Shocking Cost of College: How to Be Smart and Avoid a Tuition Trap

    The Shocking Cost of College: How to Be Smart and Avoid a Tuition Trap
    Aug 13 2025
    Brian Skrobonja talks about the real cost of college—and why most families are dangerously unprepared. Tune in to learn how to fund your child’s education without sacrificing your retirement. Expect to hear eye-opening numbers, smarter strategies than 529 plans, and a flexible approach that keeps you in control, no matter what path your child takes. Brian starts by explaining how to avoid being blindsided by college costs. Most parents assume they’ll have time until the first invoice shows up. And when it does, it doesn’t just hit your wallet—it hits your entire financial life.Understand why “college tuition” is just one part of the picture. The real cost includes everything else: housing, books, transit, lab fees, and incidentals. And those extras can add up to more than tuition itself.Brian explains how college costs can quietly destroy retirement plans. You want to help your child, but helping without a plan can wipe out decades of savings. How to ensure college costs don’t catch you by surprise. Learn why a 529 plan is helpful—but also restrictive. It only works if your child follows a specific path and goes to college. Brian describes why flexibility should be a priority when planning for college. What if your child takes a gap year? What if they don’t go to college at all? You need a funding tool that moves with life—not against it.Why a 529 plan can hurt your financial aid eligibility. Every dollar in that account shows up on the FAFSA. And that could mean less aid, more loans, and more stress.How cash value life insurance creates breathing room. It doesn’t show up on aid forms, and you can use the money for anything—college or not. That kind of freedom changes how you plan.Brian explains how life insurance can do what college savings accounts can’t: tax-deferred growth, tax-free access, and zero usage restrictions. Learn why not all life insurance is designed for this. Some policies are built for death benefits—not cash value. You need the right structure, the right funding, and the right guidance.How to plan for college without sabotaging your lifestyle. Tuition shouldn’t mean pausing your retirement or downsizing your life. According to Brian, smart planning means both futures can coexist.Understand the real power of liquidity in college planning. For Brian, savings are great. But if they’re locked up when the bills arrive, they’re just numbers on paper.Brian reveals why thinking in lump sums is the wrong mindset. College is a cash flow challenge, not just a savings goal. You don’t need $200K on day one—but you do need to know where every semester’s payment will come from. Brian describes what real planning actually looks like. It’s not just picking an account—it’s designing a strategy. One that flexes, protects, and puts you in control, no matter what life throws your way. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com SkrobonjaFinancial.com SkrobonjaWealth.com BUILDbanking.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify References for this episode: https://capstonewealthpartners.com/11192015cash-flow-is-king/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-in-College-Pricing-and-Student-Aid-2024-ADA.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.parents.com/parents-are-sacrificing-to-pay-for-college-11761247?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://moneywise.com/managing-money/debt/my-wife-and-i-are-well-off-but-we-told-our-daughter-21-we-couldnt-afford-to-pay-for-her-college-now-shes-graduated-with-90k-in-student-loans-and-a-chip-on-her-shoulder?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.benefitnews.com/news/citizens-parents-compromise-retirement-over-college-costs?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN12024 Alternative investments may be subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual’s net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment’s trading profits. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio presents the opportunity for significant losses including in some cases, losses which exceed the principal amount invested. Also, some alternative investments have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors. Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not ensure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. ---- BUILD Banking™ is a DBA of Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC. Benefits and guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Not FDIC insured. Results may vary. Any descriptions involving life insurance policies and its use as an alternative form of financing or ...
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    23 m
  • Defining A Diversified Portfolio - Replay

    Defining A Diversified Portfolio - Replay
    Aug 6 2025
    In this episode, Brian Skrobonja breaks down ways to save, grow, and invest your money. He sheds light on what a well-diversified portfolio looks like, the true definition of financial freedom, and why you need different mindsets for spending versus investing money. We all want the same thing when it comes to money--we all desire to make money, grow money, and use the money that we have.However, most people have a belief system that is rooted strictly on growing money--which, on some level, makes sense. But this singular focus leaves out the idea of using money.Why is this important? Because how we grow money is not the same as how we spend money. Growing money and using money require different approaches and different ways of thinking.Brian reveals that many people spend money wrong. This is not about what people spend money on, but the source of the income being spent.If you earn a dollar and spend it, it's gone forever. If you earn a dollar and invest it for income, you potentially have income for life.Brian explains why it makes more sense to spend the money your investments earn versus spending the money you earn directly.Why is this important? If you want to grow your wealth over time, you should find ways to hang on to as much money as possible.What is the difference between making and growing money? Brian breaks down a brilliant way to use other people’s money to access cash while your money continues to grow. The definition of passive income and the benefits of making money with little to no effort. Better ways to generate income other than the stock market. Brian explains why the stock market is great for growing money, but it’s not the best option for generating recurring income.Ideally, you want to position assets so you have a tax-free, passive income to live on. You need to have the ability to spend money with uninterrupted growth while simultaneously investing long-term.Financial freedom is defined by how much passive income you are generating. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com SkrobonjaFinancial.com SkrobonjaWealth.com BUILDbanking.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Annuity guarantees rely on financial strength and claims-paying ability of issuing insurance company. Annuities are insurance products that may be subject to fees, surrender charges and holding periods which vary by carrier. Annuities are not FDIC insured. Investments in securities are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Prices of securities may fluctuate from time to time and may even become valueless. Gas and oil investments are speculative in nature and are sold by Private Placement Memorandum (PPM). Carefully read the PPM before investing. Certain accreditation requirements may apply. Our firm does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your situation.
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    13 m
  • Investing in Your Ideal Future Self - Replay

    Investing in Your Ideal Future Self - Replay
    Jul 30 2025
    The concept of investing is often associated only with money and the pursuit of wealth, but this fails to capture the true essence of investing. An ideal future isn’t encapsulated by a stack of $100 bills. The true essence of investing is not about building wealth, but about building the atmospheric conditions that align with your ideal future self. Listen to the latest episode of the podcast to learn why a relentless focus on accumulating wealth will end up costing you what you’re actually working for, and why you need to have a more encompassing vision for what your retirement can be beyond your portfolio. Your quality of life isn’t determined just by the number in your bank account. Those dollars are merely the resources you use to create the ideal life.Wealth extends beyond the mere accumulation of money. It’s about the life you can construct around it and the atmospheric conditions you can create for yourself.You can possess all the wealth in the world, but without the cornerstones of a healthy life like thriving relationships, health, purpose and meaning, the value of that wealth diminishes.We need to exercise caution in our perception of wealth and the significance we ascribe to money. Investing shouldn’t only mean contributing to your financial future but should be considered building towards your ideal future.Having a vision for your retirement that involves activities and people requires a keen understanding of what’s important.Brian had a client who embodied the rags to riches narrative that people in the West admire so much, but after years of diligently working toward accumulating his wealth, this client ended up sacrificing his health. Instead of traveling the world and enjoying the fruits of his labor, this client spent his golden years visiting doctors and hospitals.“Man sacrifices his health to make money, then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health.” -Dalai LamaA healthy lifestyle lays the foundation for our capacity to live fully and pursue our ambitions actively. The importance of investing in health can not be overstated.Along with health, investing into your relationships is paramount. Relationships form an integral part of our support system. The rewards are not always monetary, but they are no less important, and investing time into relationships is crucial.Investing into a steady flow of income beyond just building a portfolio is another key component to enjoying your retirement.Growth is not income generating and growth is not the same as income. Retirement needs to be a time of shifting from a diversification of growth assets into a diversification of income producing assets.The true essence of investing is not about building wealth, but about building the atmospheric conditions that aligns with your ideal future self. That includes nurturing your health, cultivating meaningful relationships, ensuring a steady income, and fostering cognitive ability.Money is a tool to reach those goals, and not the goal itself.Retirement should be seen as a chapter in your life that is ripe with potential.True wealth is not just the abundance of money, but the presence of all the components that make life fulfilling. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com BuildBanking.com Previous episode - Make Health Planning Part of Your Retirement Planning, with Regan Archibald Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Tax Consulting, and Build Banking are not affiliated with MAS. The firm is a registered investment adviser with the state of Missouri, and may only transact business with residents of those states, or residents of other states where otherwise legally permitted subject to exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Registration with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities authority does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC provides links for your convenience to websites produced by other providers of industry related material. Accessing websites through links directs you away ...
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    14 m
  • An In-Depth Breakdown of Privatized Banking aka Build Banking - Replay

    An In-Depth Breakdown of Privatized Banking aka Build Banking - Replay
    Jul 23 2025
    Many people accumulate their wealth in a bank or a long-term investment, and this may create problems. But there is a different strategy. In this new episode of the Common Sense Financial Podcast, host Brian Skrobonja goes over the Build Banking strategy and how you can consider a different banking paradigm using specially designed life insurance policies that allow you to start banking on yourself. Most people know that banks use other people’s money to generate profits. This process is known as Fractional Reserve Banking, which is basically the bank using the spread between interest rates to profit.For banks, it goes a little deeper. Banks can loan out the money they have on deposit to people, and those dollars are then deposited again, which begins the cycle anew. This process acts as a money-printing machine within the economy.Banks aren’t currently required to hold any reserves to cover their customer’s deposits. The result of Fractional Reserve Banking is the expansion of the money supply which contributes to increased inflation.Silicon Valley Bank recently found itself in trouble and was unable to cover its liabilities leaving depositors to rely on the government to bail them out.It’s not realistic to be able to bypass the banking system entirely, but there are ways to take control of how you save and store money with a personal bank-like strategy.Build Banking uses a specially designed whole life insurance policy that’s built on the inherent tax-favored nature and unique capabilities of those policies.What makes Build Banking different is the design allows for rapid cash accumulation with uninterrupted tax-free growth, while having access to cash without having to rely on banks or Wall Street, but you have to set aside your preconceptions around life insurance.The challenge is the language around life insurance policies and how most people understand what they are capable of.With traditional banking, you either accumulate money and spend or borrow and then repay it. The Build Banking method offers a different strategy with a specially designed life insurance system that allows you to take back some of the control.Not all policies are the same and loan features can vary greatly, so it’s important to work with a professional with experience in this area.The main benefit of the Build Banking strategy is the ability to have your money remain in the policy and continue to grow uninterrupted, while simultaneously using a policy loan from the insurance company for personal use.A business owner has an extra advantage because they can leverage the loan in their business, creating both an internal and external return.This strategy also gives the policy owner a lot of control over how and when the loan is repaid because of the nature of the life insurance policy. Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com BuildBanking.com BUILD Banking™️ is a DBA of Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC. Benefits and guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Not FDIC insured. Results may vary. Any descriptions involving life insurance policies and its use as an alternative form of financing or risk management techniques are provided for illustration purposes only, will not apply in all situations, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments, and may be changed at the discretion of the insurance carrier, General Partner and/or Manager and are not intended to reflect guarantees on securities performance. The term BUILD Banking™️, private banking alternatives or specially designed life insurance contracts (SDLIC) are not meant to insinuate that the issuer is creating a real bank for its clients or communicating that life insurance companies are the same as traditional banking institutions. This material is educational in nature and should not be deemed as a solicitation of any specific product or service. BUILD Banking™️ is offered by Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC only and is not offered by Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. nor Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC. Any references to protection, safety or guarantees, generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investments. Insurance guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims paying abilities of the issuing carrier. Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC does not provide tax or legal advice. The opinions and views expressed here are for informational purposes only. Please consult with your tax and/or legal advisor for such guidance. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (MAS), Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through Skrobonja Wealth Management (SWM), a registered investment advisor. Tax services offered only through Skrobonja Tax Consulting. MAS does not offer Build Banking or tax advice. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, ...
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