Angela discusses how to live your best life by identifying and committing to your core values. She emphasizes the importance of clarity, communication, and commitment in aligning your decisions with your values. The episode provides a framework for listeners to define their core values and integrate them into their daily lives and financial planning. Key Takeaways 💡 Living life on purpose: Many people go through life fulfilling obligations and desires without truly understanding why they are doing what they do, or whether it aligns with their overall direction. It's important to intentionally plan and work towards a life that reflects personal values and goals, rather than simply going through the motions. Gratitude is often found when people feel they are living their best life and treasuring their moments. The problem with generic advice: People often receive conflicting advice from various professionals like accountants, bankers, insurance agents, and financial advisors, without a cohesive plan for their best life. To live your best life, you need to figure out what that means to you, which involves identifying the people you treasure, the things you love to do, and the memories you want to create. However, these thoughts are just components of your best life, not necessarily how you achieve it. Clarity through core values: To live your best life, you need clarity, which starts with identifying your core values. While many people have values, they may not be able to articulate their top three or use them to guide their decisions. Core values should be the foundation for every decision you make, including financial decisions, and should guide your life instead of living on a whim or following societal expectations. Questions to find core values: To identify your core values, reflect on these questions: What is important to you? How do you define success? If this were your last hour on earth, what do you not want to regret, and what would a life well-lived look like? What were your most cherished moments? How do you want to be remembered? Answering these questions will help you identify your core values, which you should narrow down to three to five to memorize and keep front and center. Communicate your core values: Communicate your core values to your family so they understand the principles guiding your decisions. If married, couples should identify core values together to ensure they are aligned, especially when making life decisions. Share your core values with your children and grandchildren to pass on a legacy of wisdom and guide their decisions. Commit to your core values: Commitment is essential to living by your core values; without it, all the hard work of identifying them is wasted. Many goals and resolutions fail because they lack roots and heart. Commit to defining and living by your core values, making them the foundation for everything you do, starting today.

This week, Angela discusses five tax savings strategies to consider before the end of 2025. She emphasizes the importance of planning and understanding tax implications for financial success. The topics include charitable gifting, itemized deductions, investment and retirement portfolios, business equipment purchases, and seeking professional advice. Key Takeaways 💡 Charitable Gifting Strategies: Due to upcoming changes in 2026, individuals in higher tax brackets should consider accelerating charitable gifts to maximize tax benefits this year. Using a donor-advised fund allows for immediate tax deductions while distributing the funds to charities later. Gifting appreciated stocks or securities to a donor-advised fund offers a double benefit: a charitable deduction and avoidance of capital gains taxes. Itemized Deduction Changes: State and local tax (SALT) deductions have increased to $40,000 this year, but limitations will apply next year for those in higher income tax brackets. Prepaying state and local taxes this year can help maximize deductions before the new limitations take effect. Consider prepaying property taxes or purchasing a vehicle this year to take advantage of the current deduction rules. Investment Portfolio Tax Savings: It's important to understand the tax implications of different investment accounts, such as taxable, IRA, and Roth accounts, to avoid future tax burdens. Tax loss harvesting within investment portfolios can offset gains and reduce overall tax liability. Actively managing taxable portfolios to maximize returns, minimize fees, and optimize tax efficiency is crucial. Retirement Savings and HSAs: Maximizing retirement savings contributions and utilizing vehicles like traditional and Roth IRAs can provide tax benefits and diversify retirement income. Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) offers a triple tax advantage: tax deduction on contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified healthcare expenses. Reviewing health plans to ensure eligibility for an HSA can be a valuable retirement planning strategy. Timing Income and Expenses: Instead of solely focusing on buying equipment for tax deductions, consider the timing of income and ordinary business expenses. Delaying income or prepaying rent, taxes, or other necessary expenses can provide tax benefits without acquiring depreciating assets. Prepaid rent strategies can offer ongoing tax deductions if consistently implemented. Seeking Professional Tax Advice: Consulting with a tax planner, accountant, or tax preparer is essential to identify tax-saving opportunities and make informed business decisions. A tax professional can provide personalized advice based on individual financial situations and goals. Building a team of financial professionals should be a priority to ensure comprehensive financial planning.

In this continuation episode, Aaron, Sam, Tanner, and Kade discuss potential market fears and imbalances, including concerns about high valuations, concentration risk in a few top companies, the yen carry trade, and the potential impact of AI on employment and consumer spending. They also touch on geopolitical risks and the importance of balancing fears with positive market factors.

In this episode, Aaron, Sam, Tanner, and Kade discuss the potential for a good market in the coming year, highlighting factors such as the changing job market, the flow of money, and the impact of oil prices. They also touch on the potential effects of tariffs and reshoring on the economy.

This week, Angela discusses charitable giving and how individuals can maximize their donations to causes they care about while also benefiting themselves from a tax perspective. She emphasizes the importance of asking questions and seeking holistic financial planning to understand how to give more effectively. Key Takeaways 💡 Giving back during the holidays: The holiday season is a time for giving, inspired by the gift of Jesus Christ. Many people want to give more to charitable causes but may not know how. It's important to explore ways to give back and support causes that are meaningful to you during this time of year. Charitable gifting and taxes: Many people are unaware of the full potential of charitable gifting from a tax perspective. Instead of simply giving money to the government through taxes, individuals can redirect those funds to nonprofits or charities, potentially increasing their impact and receiving tax benefits. Three life buckets: Financial planning involves three buckets: a lifestyle bucket (to ensure financial security), a contingency bucket (for emergencies), and a third bucket for giving to others or supporting causes. Maximizing the dollars in the third bucket allows individuals to support their values and passions. Donor-centric gifts: Donor-centric gifts benefit both the donor and the nonprofit organization. These gifts can support the donor's lifestyle while ultimately benefiting their favorite cause after they pass away, instead of going to taxes. It's important to explore these options to maximize the impact of charitable giving. Beneficiaries of your estate: When planning your estate, you have three choices for beneficiaries: people (family and friends), nonprofit organizations, and the government (IRS). Understanding how to allocate your assets among these beneficiaries can help you minimize taxes and maximize the impact of your giving. Retirement accounts and taxes: The SECURE Act has implications for how retirement accounts are inherited, potentially leading to significant taxes for beneficiaries. Structuring your estate plan strategically can help your family receive more, the government receive less, and allow you to support causes you care about. Mitigating estate taxes: If your estate is large enough, it may be subject to estate taxes upon your death. There are ways to mitigate these taxes, and if there's still a remaining amount, consider giving it to a cause you support rather than having it taxed at a high rate. Charitable planning: Charitable planning should be intentional and tailored to individual circumstances. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather an intricately woven part of someone's financial plan. By asking questions and seeking guidance, individuals can ensure their dollars go where they want them to go, supporting their values and passions.

This week, Angela discuss the real value of a million dollars in retirement and how to approach financial planning in a personalized way. She emphasizes that financial advice should not be cookie-cutter and must consider individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and future goals. Key Takeaways 💡 Cookie-cutter financial advice, even from reputable sources like Dave Ramsey or Suze Orman, may not be suitable for everyone due to unique family dynamics, health considerations, cash flow potential, and risk tolerance. Financial plans should be tailored to fit individual circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Retirees, especially business owners who receive a large lump sum, should avoid impulsive spending and carefully assess how their money can generate income to cover their living expenses. Spending a significant portion of retirement savings upfront can drastically reduce the potential income generated over the long term, potentially costing them much more than the initial expense. Spending $100,000 of cash from a lump sum retirement payout could actually cost over $300,000 in retirement income over 30 years, assuming an 8% growth rate and a 4% annual withdrawal rate. This highlights the importance of understanding the long-term impact of immediate spending decisions on retirement funds. When planning finances, it's important to prioritize personal needs first, then family, and finally community or legacy. Financial advisors often categorize money into 'buckets' for lifestyle, contingency, and legacy, ensuring that personal needs are met before considering leaving an inheritance or contributing to causes. Entrepreneurs should carefully consider whether reinvesting in another business is the best option in retirement, as they may no longer have the same energy or desire to take on the risks involved. Protecting what they've built and enjoying the fruits of their labor may be a more suitable approach. Healthcare costs tend to increase in retirement, especially during the 'no-go' years, so retirees should not assume they will spend less over time. It's important to review insurance plans to ensure they provide adequate coverage for in-home care, as many plans are designed to minimize costs for the insurance company. Retirees should carefully consider the implications of widowhood and ensure they have adequate financial protection for the surviving spouse. This includes reviewing life insurance policies and pension options to avoid disinheriting the spouse, as the survivor may face reduced Social Security benefits and limited options for returning to work. It's unrealistic to expect an 8% income from investments in today's market, and retirees should be wary of anyone promising such returns. While real estate investments can provide income and growth, the net return after expenses and taxes is often between 3% and 4%. A million dollars may only produce $40,000 a year of income for most people, depending on how it's invested and the level of risk involved. It's crucial to determine individual needs and create a solid financial foundation before spending any of a large sum of money, as even seemingly small expenses can significantly impact long-term financial security.

In this episode of Black and White Market Minute, Aaron, Sam, and Henry discuss the current state of the market and future economic trends. They analyze the potential impact of Netflix buying Warner Brothers, the concentration of investments in a few top companies, and the possibility of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates. The guys also touch on the challenges faced by value investors and the potential for a broader market recovery beyond AI stocks.

This week, Angela joins the Slice Podcast to talk about the latest tax legislation and how it impacts families, business owners, and retirees. She discusses the extension of current tax rates, the SECURE Act 2.0, 529 plans, charitable giving, Roth conversions, estate tax exemptions, and Trump accounts. She also emphasizes the importance of planning and optimizing financial strategies to take advantage of available opportunities and achieve long-term financial confidence.   Key Takeaways 💡 The extension of current tax rates is a significant benefit, as reverting to old rates would have negatively impacted many, especially middle-class married couples. Under the old rates, a married couple with taxable income just under $80,000 would have faced a 25% tax bracket, whereas the current rate at that income level is 12%. Additionally, the standard deduction would have been lower, leading to higher tax burdens for many. The SECURE Act 2.0 and expanded 529 plans offer new opportunities for financial planning. 529 plans can now be used more flexibly for online academies, tuition, books, and services for individuals with special needs. Grandparents can contribute to 529 plans without it affecting the student's eligibility for student aid, making it a valuable tool for generational educational funds. Charitable giving strategies can be optimized by using donor-advised funds and gifting appreciated assets. Gifting appreciated assets allows individuals to avoid taxation on the gain and reset their portfolio. Additionally, the cash deduction to charity starts this year, and you get $1,000, which goes to $2,000 next year. Roth conversions should be considered, especially during market downturns, to convert assets at a lower value and benefit from tax-free growth. By converting during a downturn, individuals pay taxes on a smaller amount and can see significant gains when the market recovers. Planning for Roth conversions should be done in advance to be ready to act when opportunities arise. Estate tax exemptions are currently high, but nothing is permanent, and planning is essential to take advantage of the opportunity. With estate tax exemptions around $26 million for couples in 2026, families have a chance to transfer wealth without incurring estate taxes. However, it's crucial to stay informed about state estate tax laws and plan proactively, as estate tax laws can change. Trump accounts, while offering some benefits like government contributions for newborns and employer contributions, require caution due to potential estate tax implications. Gifting to a Trump account requires using some of the lifetime gift exclusion, necessitating the filing of an estate tax return. Individuals with estates over $10 million should exercise caution and consider potential estate tax issues. Planning is a continuous process that requires annual review to optimize financial strategies and adapt to changing laws. Changes to Trump accounts, 529s, charitable giving, standard deductions, and the SECURE Act all necessitate ongoing review and adjustments. Additionally, the rising costs of healthcare and potential changes to healthcare tax credits make planning more critical than ever. High-income earners in the 37% tax bracket face caps on itemized deductions, impacting their ability to give back through charitable gifting. The cap on itemized deductions is calculated using a complex formula involving 2/37ths of $100,000 or 2/37ths of the excess over $650,000 of taxable income. Planning is essential to maximize charitable gifting within these limitations, and waiting until the last minute will make it impossible to take advantage of opportunities.

This week Angela discusses the importance of gratitude, especially during challenging times. She shares insights from her coach, Lee Brower, about the different levels of gratitude and how to cultivate intentional gratitude to create a positive ripple effect in the world. The episode encourages listeners to practice random acts of kindness and shift their focus from consumption to making a meaningful impact.

Did you know 70% of adults age 65 will need long-term care in their lifetime. 20% will require LTC for more than 5 years. Roger Cantu with OneAmerica join us this week as our special guest to share some shocking statistics about Long-Term Care and offers some creative solutions.

This week Angela discusses the importance of long-term health care planning. She shares statistics about the likelihood of needing long-term care and the associated costs, emphasizing the need to create a comprehensive plan that goes beyond just financial aspects. Key Takeaways 💡 Medicare typically covers the first 90 days of long-term health care services, but after that, individuals are responsible for covering the costs. Medicaid is a welfare program that requires individuals to have limited income and assets, potentially putting a spouse at financial risk and forcing them to spend down their assets before qualifying for assistance. Individuals who are 65 years old have a 48% chance of needing some type of paid long-term care services in their lifetime. Furthermore, there is a 70% chance that individuals over 65 will need some type of severe long-term health care services. From 2013 to 2017, there was a 200% increase in early onset dementia or Alzheimer's for Americans aged 30 to 64. This statistic highlights the importance of planning for long-term care needs, as early onset Alzheimer's can be devastating for families that are unprepared. The average length of a long-term care stay for women is 3.7 years, while for men it is 2.2 years. Medicaid pays for 42% of long-term care costs, which is less than half, meaning that individuals and families need to be prepared to cover a significant portion of these expenses. The median annual cost for homemaker and health aide services in Texas is $115,544, while in Montana it is $193,336. The median annual cost for a private room in a nursing home facility nationwide is $116,800, so it is important to research the costs of care in your specific location. In 2020, 41.8 million Americans provided care to a person over the age of 50, so many families are sacrificing their own well-being to support loved ones. It is important to have a plan in place so that your family has a blueprint to follow, rather than burdening them with making difficult decisions in a crisis. When creating a long-term health care plan, it is important to address the questions of who, how, what, and where. This includes identifying who will provide care, coordinate care, and manage finances, as well as determining where care will be received and what resources will be available. It is important to consider different situations that could arise, such as both spouses living and cognitively strong but physically unable to care for themselves, or one spouse living and not cognitively strong. Addressing these potential scenarios can help families be prepared for whatever comes.

This week Aaron Kennedy and Sam Barker discuss the current state of the market, particularly the influence of AI spending on the economy. They explore the market's reaction to earnings reports, the dominance of AI stocks, and the potential for future economic growth driven by AI productivity gains. They also touch on the implications of government debt and the potential for adjusting interest rates.

This week Angela discusses whether retirement planning is different today with the advent of artificial intelligence compared to the past. She shares her experiences from 2006 and emphasizes that while the tools and technology have evolved, the fundamental principles of successful retirement planning remain the same. Key Takeaways 💡 Retirement planning software has evolved significantly since 2006, but advisors still need to understand the underlying principles and manually adjust the software's output to create accurate plans. Relying solely on software without understanding the fundamentals can lead to incorrect plans, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of financial mechanics. Technology can aid in communication and problem-solving, but financial advisors must possess in-depth knowledge and troubleshooting skills, similar to a car mechanic who understands how all components work together. Advisors need to understand the intricacies of financial planning and be able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. A successful retirement plan requires a solid and truthful budget, clear goals, a healthy risk and income plan, a plan to address potential risks, and an understanding of economic cycles. While technology and tools evolve, these core elements remain constant and essential for achieving a successful and sustainable retirement. A truthful budget is crucial for retirement planning, and a budget with rounded numbers is a red flag that the person doesn't know where their money is going. Understanding where your dollars are going is essential, as even a small miscalculation can significantly impact your retirement outcome. While AI and technology offer an "easy button" for retirement planning, relying solely on these tools can be risky, as a successful retirement requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual circumstances and potential risks. Taking the time to develop a well-thought-out plan, even if it means foregoing the easy button, increases the chances of a successful and sustainable retirement.

Aaron Kennedy, Sam Barker, and Brent Bible tackle America’s $38 trillion debt, questioning whether the nation can grow out of it—or if corruption makes that impossible. From government investing and sovereign wealth funds to Bitcoin, AI, and lost freedoms, they explore how financial power and politics shape our future. Tune in for a candid, thought-provoking conversation on what it really means to live in a debt-driven economy.

Aaron, Sam, and Brent recap a steady week in the markets and why “boring” can be a good sign. They discuss ongoing negativity in the media, the freight recession that began in 2022, and how failures in trucking may actually lead to healthier pricing long term. They also explore changes in shipping, automation, and technology—like drones—along with recent interest rate moves and a spike in overnight lending tied to tax season. The conversation also touches on silver and gold demand, currency mistrust, and real-world examples of price arbitrage. To wrap up, they encourage listeners to get their risk right, keep some cash ready, and stay excited about future opportunities in a changing economy.

Inflation has made everything feel tighter—but there are ways to put money back in your pocket. In this episode, Angela shares five practical strategies to help you stretch your dollars without sacrificing your lifestyle: ✅ Reevaluate home and auto insurance✅ Use credit card rewards wisely✅ Make your cash actually earn interest✅ Cut interest costs on existing debt✅ Adjust your tax planning before 2026 hits Talk is cheap—action saves money. Tune in and start putting these ideas to work today!

In this episode, Aaron, Sam, and Kade discuss the current state of the market, investment strategies, and potential opportunities amidst market fluctuations. They emphasize the importance of having a buy list, reframing down markets as opportunities, and understanding the impact of AI on various sectors. The guys also touch on the risks associated with chasing markets and the significance of aligning investments with one's risk tolerance. Key Takeaways 💡 Down markets should be viewed as buying opportunities rather than negative events, and maintaining a buy list allows investors to capitalize when prices drop. It's crucial to reframe the perception of a down market to recognize the potential for future gains, as demonstrated by the opportunities presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The market is currently heavily influenced by AI, with a significant portion of growth concentrated in a few major technology companies. While these companies may be overvalued, there are numerous undervalued and overlooked sectors that present exciting investment opportunities, especially considering the transformative potential of AI across various industries. The expansion of AI necessitates increased data, computing power, and energy, creating opportunities in sectors like nuclear energy, cooling solutions, and portable power. Companies involved in providing energy and infrastructure for data centers, such as those offering small modular nuclear reactors or advanced cooling systems, are poised for growth. The Metals Company (TMC) presents an intriguing investment opportunity by sourcing rare earth metals from the ocean floor, offering a potentially environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining. As rare earth metals are crucial for defense and computing, this venture could become increasingly important given China's dominance in the rare earth market and its use of these resources in trade negotiations. While the current market resembles the dot-com boom in terms of excitement and high valuations, the underlying companies driving growth are generally of higher quality and generate more cash. However, investors should exercise caution and consider allocating a portion of their portfolio to safer assets like money market funds or short-term treasuries to mitigate potential losses in case of a market correction. It's important to align investments with one's risk tolerance to avoid panic selling during market downturns, which can lead to permanent loss of capital. Investors should avoid drastically changing their investment strategy to chase returns, as this can result in buying high and selling low, ultimately hindering long-term financial goals. Having a consistent stream of investable funds, such as through a 401k, allows investors to take advantage of down markets by purchasing assets at lower prices. This strategy can lead to significant gains when the market recovers, highlighting the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective and viewing market dips as opportunities to accumulate assets.

Angela discusses the importance of estate planning, particularly focusing on the differences between will-based and trust-based plans. She emphasizes the significance of having a well-organized estate plan to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to avoid complications for your family after you're gone. The episode aims to demystify the concept of trusts and help listeners understand whether a trust-based plan is necessary for their specific situation. Key Takeaways 💡 Estate planning is crucial because without a proper plan, settling an estate can take months or even years due to difficulties in locating and retitling assets. Companies often have strict requirements for retitling assets, such as medallion guarantee stamps, which can be challenging to obtain. Many people mistakenly believe that having a will is sufficient, but this may not always be the case, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive estate plan. Overcomplicating estate planning can occur in two ways: either by becoming overly dedicated and trying to do too much at once, or by doing nothing and assuming everything will work out. Doing nothing can lead to more complications than having a plan in place. It's important to find a balance and take appropriate steps to ensure your estate is in order. A will acts like a vacuum cleaner, picking up the remaining pieces of your estate after contract property (assets with specific titling or beneficiary designations) has been distributed. Contract property, such as IRAs or bank accounts with payable on death designations, supersedes the terms of your will. It is important to understand that titling and beneficiary designations take precedence over what your will states. Assets passing through a will need to be itemized, found, listed, and valued, then go through probate, which can range from simple and quick to cumbersome, lengthy, and expensive. Many people underestimate the complexity of their estate, assuming it's simple because they consider themselves to be simple people with not a lot of assets. However, in reality, most Americans have more complex estates than they realize. To understand the complexity of your estate, create a list of everything you own, including cash, personal possessions, bank accounts, CDs, investment accounts, credit cards, online accounts, annuities, life insurance policies, precious metals, businesses, properties, and safety deposit boxes. For each item, determine its value and how it is titled, as well as what would happen to it upon your death. This exercise will give you a taste of the homework your executor will have to do. Probate involves working with an attorney, potentially going to court, paying creditors, closing accounts, and retitling assets, first to the estate and then to the beneficiaries. Some states are not friendly to probate, charging hefty fees to the estate. Probate can often be avoided by ensuring your contract property is set up correctly with appropriate beneficiary designations and payable on death designations. A living trust, when used correctly, can alleviate heartache for a grieving family by avoiding probate. With a trust-based plan, the living trust becomes your will, and a pour-over will ensures any forgotten assets are included in the trust. Assets titled in the name of the living trust or with designations to go to the trust avoid probate, making the process of finding assets, documents, and retitling much simpler. The downside of a living trust is that people often fail to retitle assets into the trust or continue to purchase assets without titling them to the trust, negating the benefits. A good trust document should make purchasing or financing items seamless for the trust. A living trust does not change your taxes, asset protection, or privacy. While setting up a trust can be expensive, it is often less expensive to administer than probating a will-based estate.

In this episode, Angela discusses the importance of asset protection planning in today's litigious society. She emphasizes that anyone can be sued, regardless of their wealth, and highlights the need for preventative measures to safeguard one's assets. The episode aims to educate listeners on how to create a holistic asset protection plan to mitigate risks and live life on purpose. Key Takeaways 💡 There are an estimated 40 million lawsuits filed every year in the United States, highlighting the importance of being prepared for potential legal action. It's crucial to consider whether you could afford to defend yourself in a lawsuit and to understand the stress it would cause. Prevention is key, and having preventative measures in place is always a good idea. An asset protection plan is a foundation for living life on purpose, and without it, individuals are vulnerable to financial loss. It is important to know where you stand, what is at risk, and who to call in case of a lawsuit. Preventative measures do not guarantee that you will not be sued, but they can help you know where you stand and what is at risk. Many successful people lack a comprehensive asset protection plan, often because their existing professionals focus on their specific areas of expertise without considering the holistic picture. It's essential to have someone quarterback the plan and look at everything holistically to ensure all aspects are covered. Without a holistic asset protection plan, individuals may be exposed to significant financial risks. Creating a good asset protection plan involves reviewing all assets, how they are titled, income, debt, and insurance policies to ensure they align properly. Many people operate under false assumptions, such as believing they have adequate umbrella insurance or that their trust provides sufficient protection. A revocable trust, for example, offers limited asset protection because the grantor can take the assets back, making them accessible to creditors. Putting an asset protection plan in place often requires a team effort involving attorneys, insurance agents, accountants, and bankers who are all on the same page. A life planner can help facilitate communication between these advisors to ensure there are no gaps or overlaps in coverage. This holistic approach helps individuals live life on purpose by identifying and addressing potential risks to their financial well-being. Procrastination, cost concerns, and not knowing where to start are common reasons why people don't have an asset protection plan. However, the time, cost, and stress of being sued can be far greater than the investment in a proactive plan. Planning now can prevent significant financial losses later, emphasizing the importance of taking action to protect one's assets and live LIFE on purpose.

In this episode, Angela discusses the importance of truly wanting a successful retirement and being willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve it. She shares a personal story about her grandparents' disciplined approach to finances and uses an analogy of an elite pianist to illustrate the dedication required for success. Key Takeaways 💡 Angela shares a story about her grandmother, who meticulously kept a budget in a little green book ever since retirement. Despite not having a lot of money, her grandmother never worried about finances because she had a clear understanding of her income and expenses, which allowed her to travel and enjoy her retirement. Angela asks listeners to consider if they truly want a successful retirement and if they are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve it. She challenges listeners to be honest with themselves about their financial habits and priorities, emphasizing the importance of aligning their actions with their retirement goals. Angela shares a story about a pianist who, when told someone wished they could play like him, responded that they likely didn't truly want it. The pianist explained that achieving such skill requires immense dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance, implying that many people are not willing to put in the necessary effort. Angela questions whether listeners are willing to change their lifestyle today to ensure a successful retirement, suggesting potential sacrifices such as downsizing their home, quitting expensive habits, and rearranging their priorities to save more. She stresses the importance of saving at least 20% of one's income, especially for young people, to secure their future. Angela emphasizes the need to protect one's future through financial planning and insurance, even if it means sacrificing immediate gratification. She highlights the importance of gathering financial data and creating a plan with a financial planner, as well as being willing to implement the plan and make necessary changes. Angela argues that most people don't truly want a successful retirement because they are not willing to do what it takes to achieve it. She points out the power of immediate gratification and how it can hinder long-term financial goals, urging listeners to examine their thinking and be honest about their priorities.