• Becoming Your Own Banker, Part 31: Compound Interest Revealed
    May 20 2024
    Is compound interest magic or discipline? A stroke of luck or the product of sound fundamentals? Fantasy or reality? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Wyh618yjI If you want to reap the reward of compound interest, you need to understand the game, the roles, and get on the right side of the board. Today, we'll answer: Why you are always paying interest? What is compound interest? How do you earn compound interest? When it comes to interest, what's in your best interest? Unlock the secrets of your finances and take control like never before as we dissect the fascinating world of interest and compound interest. This podcast promises to transform your understanding of wealth as we delve into the teachings of Nelson Nash, discussing the power shift that occurs when you transition from a mere interest-payer to a savvy individual wielding the banking function in your life. We bring to light how this shift can drastically alter your financial trajectory, using the potent combination of whole life insurance and the principles of Becoming Your Own Banker. Imagine harnessing a tool that empowers you to borrow with ease, ensures your money's uninterrupted growth, and offers historical reliability. That's what we reveal through the lens of a whole life insurance policy in this episode. Discover how this method can serve as a disciplined savings vehicle and a means to build and transfer wealth through generations while respecting the might of compound interest. The conversation also uncovers the strategic moves used by the affluent to maintain financial control and how you can emulate these practices for long-term gain. In our final exploration, we dissect financial contracts and ownership within the realm of whole life insurance, clarifying the various roles such as policy owner and beneficiary. The episode goes a step further by illustrating how the Infinite Banking Concept can be practically applied in your life. By modeling successful behaviors and understanding the nature of these financial tools, you're invited to embark on a journey that could redefine your approach to personal wealth and set you on a path to becoming your own banker. The Concept of Compound InterestAverage vs. Actual Rate of Return and InterestThe Compounding CurveWebster's Definition of InterestOther Glossary Definitions in Becoming Your Own BankerDefinition of Lease/Lessee/LessorDefinition of a MortgageDefinition of OwnerBook A Strategy Call The Concept of Compound Interest There are several ways to think about interest, and one is the cost of money or the cost of banking. When most people think about banking, they think about the banking industry. However, we want to talk about the banking function, by which we mean HOW money is handled. The banking function includes making deposits and withdrawals, buying financial products, and moneylending. While banks typically perform this function, there are ways to perform this function outside of banks, like with the Infinite Banking Concept, which allows you to perform the banking function with your own capital (as well as your insurance company’s capital). Interest is the cost of using that banking function. You can pay interest to institutions for the ability to use their money, or they can pay you for storing your money with them or buying one of their products. You can also pass up interest earnings by paying for things in cash, rather than financing them and continuing to benefit from compounding interest earnings on your pool of capital. So interest, essentially, is the cost of money. It can flow toward you or away from you, yet it’s a factor in every financial transaction you make, even if you’re just passing it up. Average vs. Actual Rate of Return and Interest Many people equate interest with a rate of return. And while both involve percentages, they’re not quite the same. First, let’s take a look at what people think about rates of return.
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    37 mins
  • Why is Enough Never Enough, with Rabbi Daniel Lapin
    May 13 2024
    Why is enough never enough? How do I know when you've made enough money, or when making money becomes too much of a concern, and you should be satisfied with what you've got? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3zBDjmeNTA Joining us to discuss this abundance paradox is a long-time friend of The Money Advantage, Rabbi Daniel Lapin. Author of Thou Shall Prosper, Business Secrets from the Bible, and The Holistic You, among other works, Rabbi Lapin is an international speaker and TV host who shares the relevancy of ancient Jewish wisdom for helping us navigate modern times and answer life's most pressing questions. Join us for a captivating discussion with Rabbi Daniel Lappin, who returns for an eighth appearance to unravel the perennial dilemma of why is enough never enough in terms of wealth and work. Listen in as we tackle the intricate balance of ambition and contentment, drawing upon Rabbi Lappin's wisdom and personal anecdotes. This dialogue is designed to guide you through the challenges of defining success and deciding when it's time to refocus your energy away from financial gain and toward the other facets of life that matter most. Discover the art of harmonizing the conflicting truths that shape our lives, as we ponder balancing professional aspirations with personal well-being. Our conversation with Rabbi Lappin illuminates the importance of relationships, health, and embracing a philosophy of service over retirement. The notion that our careers can be a calling rather than just a job is an empowering theme we delve into, exploring how finding fulfillment in service to others can enrich both our professional paths and personal growth. In this episode, we also tackle the scarcity versus abundance mindset, sharing insights on how our beliefs influence our business outcomes and life choices. Rabbi Lappin provides thought-provoking perspectives on retirement norms, the role of marketing in success, and the impact of social circles on our decisions. To round out our expansive conversation, we discuss the importance of balance across the five Fs: family, finances, friendships, faith, and fitness, and we emphasize the crucial role of effective communication in our lives. Tune in for these transformative ideas and more, as we aim to equip you with the tools to lead a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life. Why is Enough Never Enough?Where Are You Investing?Why Do We Do What We Do?Rethinking Retirement ExpectationsThe Holistic YouOther Conversations with Rabbi Lapin:Book A Strategy Call Why is Enough Never Enough? When asked about how much money is “enough,” Rabbi Lapin told us an interesting story about his daughter instead. He and his wife homeschooled their daughter for much of her life, until she decided to go into the school system. His daughter found school to be fairly easy, and getting As were no issue for her in her first semester. In her next semester, however, she started to get some Bs, and the semester after that some Cs sprinkled in. While the Rabbi and his wife were not overly concerned with grades, they did ask her about it. And his daughter answered that when she got As, she was spending too much time focused only on homework. When she got Bs, she had time for other interests and pursuits. And Cs reminded her that she wasn’t putting enough time into school. So she used her grades as a gauge in a very interesting way, outside of the typical way of thinking. For her, it was all about balancing priorities. He likens this story to the question of “enough money,” because it’s something everyone will grapple with. Is there a point at which you can say you’re doing well enough with money that you stop pursuing it? [06:07] “This is actually a very difficult question. It’s not a difficult question to answer, but it’s a difficult question to answer in a way that doesn’t indict me.” Where Are You Investing? Money is of course important.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Becoming Your Own Banker, Part 30: Infinite Banking Process Explained
    May 6 2024
    Why does Infinite Banking work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKdgq2KDw_s We'll look at the flow of money through the economy, where it is pooling, who owns it, who controls it, and who gets access. This is the Infinite Banking Process explained; and this clarity will tell you everything you need to know about how money works. Unlock the secrets to financial sovereignty as we journey through the empowering strategy of infinite banking, inspired by Nelson Nash's celebrated philosophy. We unravel the often misunderstood world of controlling your own financial destiny. Imagine breaking free from traditional banking, navigating the complexities of money management with ease, and placing the power firmly in your own hands. Through our illuminating discussion, you'll discover a straightforward approach to building your pool of wealth, gaining insights that promise to transform your relationship with money. In today's episode, we delve into the mechanics of how money circulates within personal and economic systems, drawing insightful parallels with natural cycles and Warren Buffett's investment principles. You'll learn about the inner workings of life insurance companies, unveiling how you can tap into their capital reservoirs to your advantage. By embracing the simplicity of taking control of the banking function, we champion the mantra of modeling the successful few. Don't miss the opportunity to explore how infinite banking can reshape your future, offering you the keys to constructing a life and business that reflect your true aspirations. Building Cash Value Through InsuranceInfinite Banking Process Explained: The Value of Cash ValueMoney and the Water CycleBook A Strategy Call Building Cash Value Through Insurance You may have heard that Infinite Banking is “more caught than taught,” which is Nelson’s way of saying that the concept is more important to understand than the minute details. If you understand from a macro perspective how things work, you can do great things with IBC—the rest comes with time and study. For example, most people get hung up on the idea of rate of return when reviewing financial strategies and products. But if you place too much value on rates of return, you may lose out on other valuable benefits like liquidity, protection, tax advantages, and more. Or, if you’re too focused on getting a good rate of return, your average growth could be worse than a slow but steady rate of return. By understanding the principles of IBC—like building cash value with as much flexibility as possible—the rate of return and other concerns are minimized. We’re asking you to reframe how you think about your wealth. Infinite Banking Process Explained: The Value of Cash Value [03:12] “Really it’s about developing a pool of money that you can then access to take the finance charge out of your life, and when you come upon opportunities in your life to then use that for investments. It’s really that simple.” Cash has tremendous value in our lives, and we all have a need for financing while we’re on this earth. The place where you store your cash can have a major impact on how you use it when you use it, and why you use it. By storing your cash in whole life insurance, you guarantee that you remain in control of those functions, so you can use your money when you want to, and you can finance what you want to. That’s the value of cash value. Money and the Water Cycle The reality of money is that it flows. It flows from one reservoir to another, like water, so we’re going to explain Infinite Banking through the analogy of water. Like the water cycle, money in your “pool” can evaporate, it can condense, and fill your pool more, or it can flow to/from other sources. The important part is that you have the pool to work with! Money enters your insurance company’s pool by paying premiums and repaying loans (which translates to increasing your own pool of money).
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    22 mins
  • Becoming Your Own Banker, Part 29: Words Matter
    Apr 29 2024
    Ever felt like financial jargon was designed to confuse rather than clarify? Join us as we navigate the labyrinth of financial terminology, particularly within the infinite banking sphere. It's not just about learning by rote; it's about cementing a rock-solid financial strategy based on clear, precise language. By dissecting common misconceptions, we aim to transform your understanding from hazy to laser-focused, providing you with the tools to discern financial facts from fiction and proving that words matter. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziAj2-Se8fI Journey with us as we illuminate the enigmatic world of life insurance company ratings, Comdex scores, and the lifeline that is the reserve fund. Grasping these concepts is not just about knowledge—it's about safeguarding your future dividends. Our personal stories bring these ideas to life, showing how life insurance company policies can influence your financial trajectory. We'll also equip you with a broader vision of the infinite banking concept, one that goes beyond dividends to a holistic view of accessible capital, cash value growth, and the profound benefits of a well-designed system. Finally, become the architect of your own prosperity by mastering the finance tools at your disposal. As we explore the principles of disciplined savings and strategic capital use, you'll learn to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes wealth creation over mere accumulation. We invite your questions and curiosity, as they fuel our mission to empower you to make informed, confident financial decisions. So, let's transform your understanding of finance and pave the way to a thriving financial legacy. And clarity in the fundamentals leads to clarity in your use of the whole strategy. Join us as we continue the series through Becoming Your Own Banker with Part 2 on the Glossary of Terms. IBC Glossary of Terms, ContinuedDefinition of Co-GenerationDefinition of ClassificationDefinition of Contingency FundDefinition of EarningsThe Fundamentals of Infinite BankingBook A Strategy Call IBC Glossary of Terms, Continued Definition of Co-Generation This is a term used in conversations on electrical power that acknowledges that there are many sources from which to generate power within the distribution system, many of which are both producers and consumers of power. In other words, to generate the end product (electricity/power) there isn’t just one component, and it isn’t just producing. Many components within the system produce AND consume power before the final product is complete. Applied to banking, you can understand that in a properly working system, there are going to be times for capitalization (“producing”) and times for leverage (“consuming”). The process of banking is not just stockpiling, it is ALL functions of money. Definition of Classification Webster’s Dictionary defines classification as “the act of grouping into classes that have systematic relations, usually founded on common properties.” In other words, we all classify things based on their major characteristics. Classification is a great tool because it can help us compartmentalize new information and fit it into what we already know. But when it comes to life insurance, there is a great challenge, which is laid out in Becoming Your Own Banker, to rethink your thinking. After all, it would be tempting to classify life insurance as any other insurance product and move on. But when we do this, we miss out on the chance to form a proper mental construct of what whole life insurance is and can do. Though life insurance is certainly insurance, whole life insurance with a dividend-paying mutual insurance company shares characteristics with banking, and should be classified as such. It just requires that you see things a little bit differently and dig a bit deeper. Definition of Contingency Fund This is the amount of money an insurance company retains as surplus after paying deat...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Becoming Your Own Banker, Part 28: Infinite Banking Definitions
    Apr 22 2024
    Have you ever felt like you're on a financial hamster wheel, constantly spinning but never gaining traction? Join us as we unpack the epilogue and glossary of Nelson Nash's "Becoming Your Own Banker." It's a journey through the intricate philosophy of IBC, as we cover Infinite Banking definitions that shows how effective money management can reduce your reliance on financial institutions—empowering you to take charge of your financial destiny. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_87p12Kasus As we comb through the fine print of Nash's teachings, we illuminate the idea that banking extends well beyond the brick-and-mortar institutions we're accustomed to. It's a profound discussion that traverses the importance of adhering to principles and contract terms, the influence of family values on Nash's strategies, and the critical role of capital in both your personal finances and the broader economy. Imagine building a financial foundation so robust that you negotiate life's transactions from a position of strength. We reveal how this can be your reality through the strategic use of whole life insurance as a personal banking system. Wrapping up with a profound understanding of policy ownership in mutual life insurance companies, we explore how this positions you uniquely to reap dividends and control the banking process. It's not just about being on the receiving end of profits; it's about ownership and the control that comes with it. Tune in as we guide you through the mechanics of life insurance policies, the growth of cash value, and how paying interest on policy loans can play into the success of your financial strategy. Our conversation is more than a lesson; it's a revelation on how to unlock the full potential of Infinite Banking and claim autonomy over your financial future. Want to be successful with Infinite Banking? Make sure you understand your Infinite Banking policy by knowing these terms and definitions. The Truth About Infinite BankingInfinite Banking DefinitionsDefinition of BankingDefinition of CapitalDefinition of Capitalization PeriodDefinition of Cash ValueBook A Strategy Call The Truth About Infinite Banking [7:50] “When you think about Infinite Banking, it is not a product. I think so many times people think this is a product. ‘I can buy this life insurance that does a protective job in my financial life.’” Whole life insurance is a product. This much is true. However, Infinite Banking is a concept and a process that you apply to the product. It’s entirely possible to have whole life insurance without ever employing the Infinite Banking concept. And so you have to be careful that you don’t simply buy the product and stop there. You’ve also got to implement good strategies and habits so that you actually execute the banking function in your life. This takes work, education, and guidance. [13:19] “You put a tool in the hand of somebody that doesn’t know how to use it, they’re going to break the tool. So Infinite Banking is a tool. If you do not follow the basic tenets, it could fail on you. And what does fail mean [in this case]? It means the life insurance doesn’t stay in place. But not because the concept was bad, [but] because you did not follow through with what the contract said it was going to be.” Infinite Banking Definitions As we reach the end of our series on Becoming Your Own Banker, we reach the Glossary, in which Nelson defines the major terms and words used throughout the book. This can help you can a deeper understanding and appreciation for what's happening within the Infinite Banking "Concept," so that you can apply it with greater understanding. Definition of Banking If you’re going to implement Infinite Banking, first you want to identify regular banking. The Webster definition of banking is “the business of a bank; originally restricted to money changing and now devoted to taking money on deposit subject to check or draft, loaning money,
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Nelson Nash’s Legacy: Think Tank 2024 Recap
    Apr 15 2024
    Embark on a transformative financial odyssey with us as we reflect on our profound experiences at the Nelson Nash Think Tank for 2024. Unlock the doors to personal economic empowerment with the Infinite Banking Concept (IBC), a brainchild of the late Nelson Nash that revolutionizes the use of dividend-paying whole life insurance. We shed light on the historical roots and celebrate Nelson Nash's legacy, dissecting how 'banking' transcends traditional institutions to become a powerful financial tool. As we honor Nash's vision, we invite you to join us in forging a path toward reclaiming financial control and crafting a resilient legacy for generations to come. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G72iWOShEk Tune in to hear about the most important work the Nelson Nash Institute is doing to advance the message of the Infinite Banking Concept, preserve Nelson Nash's Legacy, and help more families build sustainable wealth. Your Need for FinanceNelson Nash's Legacy: IBC Principles1. Think Long-Range2. Don’t Be Afraid to Capitalize3. Don’t Steal the Peas4. Don’t Do Business with Banks5. Rethink Your ThinkingThe Biggest Takeaway from the 2024 IBC Think TankThe Economic Value of CertaintyDoes the Insurance Matter?Links Mentioned:Book A Strategy Call Your Need for Finance At the beginning of Becoming Your Own Banker, Nelson Nash states that it demonstrates that your need for financing over your lifetime will be greater than your need for protection. And this is the foundation of Infinite Banking, which helps families create their own financing resources first, in a way that also offers some protection. The second thing he says, right at the beginning of the book, is that finance is not about investments. It’s about how people finance their lives, which can certainly include investments. This is because ultimately, interest rates will always go up and down, making investments a variable risk. And yet, there will be a constant need over your lifetime to finance or fund things. Therefore, the banking function should be a priority. The Nelson Nash Institute, which hosts the annual Think Tank for IBC practitioners, is geared towards education for advisors. It helps boost camaraderie within the field, as well as ensure that IBC practitioners are on the same page about what Infinite Banking is and is not. This ensures that when you are speaking with an IBC practitioner, you’re speaking with someone who knows how to help you create a banking function for YOUR needs, without becoming unbalanced or ineffective. [37:10] “[Nelson] said that we have to have a program [so] that if a person’s going to call this Infinite Banking, that they actually understand Austrian economics, they understand whole life insurance in general, and why it is a rock solid institution that’s been around longer than any of these other types of insurance.” Nelson Nash's Legacy: IBC Principles Think Tank is a fantastic time for IBC practitioners to get together and reaffirm the basics, as well as build advanced skills. From Bruce’s perspective, here are some of the key takeaways about whole life insurance and IBC from the event. 1. Think Long-Range Many people think about their finances from a short-range perspective, especially when chasing rates of return. They think about what’s good for them now, without considering the implications a few decades out. This is actually how we’ve been trained to think by society. So instead of making choices that delay gratification for greater success and stability later, people are stuck thinking only a few years ahead. Whole life insurance helps people conduct long-range strategies because it’s an asset you can use over your whole life. While there’s a capitalization phase, you have the opportunity to make shorter-range decisions while knowing that in the long term, you’ve got your bases covered. After all, you’ve got replenishing capital, as well as a legacy to leave to your heirs for a ...
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Becoming Your Own Banker, Part 27: 7 Money Myths that are Costing You, Continued
    Apr 8 2024
    Is what you think about money actually true? Is it helping or hurting you? Moving you forward and expanding your influence, or limiting you and your potential? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YerQ46AgjZE If you joined us last week, you know that in true Bruce and Rachel fashion, we only covered half of our intended conversation, so we're back to reveal more money myths in Part 2. Here, you'll get a detox from harmful thinking about money, so you can gain back financial health and control. Tune in as we continue our series through Nelson Nash's book, Becoming Your Own Banker, where we discuss retirement plans, the stock market, paying cash, and life insurance needs analysis. And this is one place that the final points to consider might just be the most important part of the book. If you want to keep more money, have more future income, and live with more peace of mind along the way, join us for down-to-earth real talk about money that you'll wish you already knew. Money Myths that are Costing You Money, Continued4. Tax-Qualified Plans are Best5. You Should Only Do One Thing6. You Should Always Pay Cash7. Life Insurance is About NeedsBook A Strategy Call Money Myths that are Costing You Money, Continued 4. Tax-Qualified Plans are Best The most popular qualified plan, of course, is the 401k. The 401k is an account that allows people to contribute some of their paycheck to be invested on their behalf. Once locked away, that money cannot be accessed without penalty until age 59 and a half. Then, once you do access it, it’s time to pay major taxes. So why does the 401k have such a grasp on the financial world? Because it’s specifically designed for retirement savings, and it gives people a way to feel like they’re investing and doing something big with their money. And don’t get us wrong—it’s better to save money somewhere than to do nothing at all. The problem is in thinking that a 401k or an IRA are your only options. After all, these are government-designed products that benefit the government, too. While that alone doesn’t discredit qualified plans, it should stop and make you think. [12:53] “When a government creates a problem… and then turns around and grants you the exception to the problem they created, aren’t you a little bit suspicious that you’re being manipulated?” So, if qualified plans are not the best assets to save for retirement, what are the best? The short answer is anything within your control. The longer answer is that you want an asset like whole life insurance where your dollars are preserved, growing, and accessible whenever you want them to be. [22:50] “Investing is a fabulous idea, but not for the purpose of having safe money. Not for the purpose of having money that you can depend on in the future.” 5. You Should Only Do One Thing Another common financial myth is that there’s only one right thing to do. This couldn’t be further from the truth. What matters far more is your order of operations. If you invest first, without having savings to support you, it's going to be unpleasant when you need to dip into your capital and you cannot. So, savings have to come first. Then, once you have a good foundation, and you have capital that isn’t just secure but is also growing, you can start employing some of those dollars in investments. Those investments can grow, and even if something goes wrong, you’ll still have a solid foundation. Whole life insurance is an important asset for many reasons, but we aren’t suggesting it’s the only thing you do. We simply recommend it as a starting place that will make all of your future financial decisions that much stronger. And if you are being told that you should only do one thing with your money, question why that is. [45:30] “When you are putting money into a situation that is deferring tax, you just don’t have control over how much you will end up getting off that account balance in the end.” 6.
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    53 mins
  • The Power of Trusts for Generational Wealth with Joel Nagel
    Apr 1 2024
    If you're reading this, chances are you've already taken the first step towards securing your financial future. But what about the financial futures of your children, grandchildren, or even your great-grandchildren? The journey towards financial stability isn't a one-generation game; it's about creating a lasting legacy that will provide for your loved ones long after you're gone. Today, we discuss the power of trusts for generational wealth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb44Ad7Eg1k I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Joel Nagel, an international business attorney who has spent over three decades specializing in asset protection and estate planning. Joel generously shared some incredible insights and strategies for building and protecting a generational wealth dynasty, and I'm thrilled to share these insights with you. The Power of Trusts for Generational Wealth with Joel NagelTrusts and Insurance: A Harmonious Wealth Transfer StrategyUsing Trusts to Protect and Grow Your WealthDiversifying Assets for Long-Term StabilityEducating the Next GenerationNavigating Offshore InvestmentsConclusion: Your Journey Towards a Financial LegacyBook A Strategy Call The Power of Trusts for Generational Wealth with Joel Nagel First things first, Joel highlighted the importance of structuring wealth in a way that transcends personal estate planning. This isn't just about making a will or setting up a basic trust; it's about taking strategic steps to minimize estate taxes and preserve wealth for multiple generations. Joel recommends considering the establishment of international trusts. These legal structures provide a level of protection that domestic trusts may not, safeguarding your wealth from litigation and political policy changes. It's a forward-thinking approach that requires a deeper understanding of the global financial landscape, but the potential benefits for your financial legacy are substantial. Trusts and Insurance: A Harmonious Wealth Transfer Strategy What struck me during our discussion was Joel's emphasis on the relationship between trusts and life insurance. He described this synergy as a "legacy-building machine," and it's not hard to see why. When you set up a trust, you're protecting your assets from estate taxes upon your death. Add life insurance into the mix, and you've got a mechanism to transfer wealth to the next generation tax-free. This strategy ensures that the assets in the trust continue to benefit your heirs, creating a financial legacy that spans generations. Using Trusts to Protect and Grow Your Wealth To illustrate the power of trusts for generational wealth, Joel shared a case where a trust with offshore funds successfully defended in court. This story serves as a testament to the robust legal strategies available to protect trust assets. He also emphasized the benefits of using lending within trusts for generational wealth, as opposed to outright gifting. This approach, employed by prominent families like the DuPonts and Kennedys, can motivate beneficiaries to focus on wealth accumulation and responsible financial management. It's a fascinating way to foster financial growth while also encouraging good money habits. Diversifying Assets for Long-Term Stability In addition to strategic trust management, Joel also highlighted the importance of diversifying your assets. He specifically recommended investments in gold and real estate, noting that these tangible assets have historically demonstrated resilience against inflation and economic shifts. Additionally, understanding and utilizing legal structures like onshore and offshore trusts, limited partnerships, and corporations can further fortify your family's financial standing. It's all about spreading your wealth across different asset classes to ensure long-term stability. Educating the Next Generation One of the most critical aspects of generational wealth, according to Joel,
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    52 mins