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Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic that’s everywhere on your social feeds, but rarely talked about honestly: The Real Cost of Pretending to be Rich. If you’ve ever felt that pressure to keep up with the Joneses—posting exotic vacations, driving luxury cars, sporting designer gear—this episode is for you.Let's be honest: social media has become one big “flex fest.” But here’s the shocking truth—most people flaunting those lavish lifestyles aren’t actually wealthy. They’re exhausted, broke, and trapped in a cycle of debt. Looking rich doesn’t make you free; it makes you fragile.I dive deep into why the ultimate flex isn’t loud—it's quiet. Quiet wealth, the kind that compounds and grows behind the scenes, always beats the fleeting sparkle of loud wealth. And I know, because I’ve been on both sides. As a CPA and entrepreneur, I once believed success was all about spreadsheets, corner offices, and fancy possessions. But money

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a financial “truth” we’ve all been sold: that buying a home is the ultimate American Dream. If you’ve ever felt pressure to own a house—or worried that renting means you’re “throwing money away”—this episode is for you.Let’s get real. For decades, we’ve been told that a mortgage is a rite of passage and a path to prosperity. But when you dig deeper (and I do that with real numbers from both high-cost and more affordable cities), home ownership can end up being the fastest way to lock yourself into years—sometimes decades—of financial stress. It’s not just about the monthly payment. There are surprise roof leaks, HOA letters about your mailbox color, skyrocketing insurance costs, and a host of phantom costs nobody ever posts about on Instagram.Whether you’re contemplating your first purchase or just questioning the hype, I walk you through my free Rent vs. Buy calculator, so you can see for yo

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m bringing you a replay of a live session that hit so hard, it blew up my inbox with requests. So, you asked—I delivered. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things—holding down a good job, maybe even bought the house and putting money away—yet you still can’t seem to get ahead, you’re not alone. That’s the middle class trap, and I’m tearing it apart in this episode.I'm diving into why the old play-it-safe model simply doesn’t cut it in today’s world, and I’ll unpack the three critical shifts you need to make to break free. I’ll also walk you through how to figure out your exact number for financial freedom (yep, I’ve got a free calculator—grab it at melabraham.com/number).I’ve been at this money game for three decades—seen the market highs, the lows, and even lost a third of everything I owned to a Ponzi scheme. I’m sharing what will keep you stuck forever and how to avoid it, totally unfiltered, with

Welcome back to the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most popular and controversial trends in personal finance today: the FIRE movement — Financial Independence, Retire Early. After more than 30 years as a CPA, entrepreneur, and financial educator, I've witnessed countless people chase the dream of early retirement, only to find themselves back at work faster than a market crash.Today, I'm digging into the 8 biggest problems with FIRE that no one’s really talking about. If you’ve ever thought about retiring early, or you’re already hustling toward financial independence, this episode will help you rethink your strategy so you don’t sacrifice the best years of your life for a number on a spreadsheet. I’m sharing real stories, personal experiences, and the specific pitfalls that can turn FIRE from financial independence into a life of frugality, stress, and missed opportunities.Plus, I’ll be walking you through my lifestyle cost calculator—y

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a market that quietly runs the show behind the scenes—one that most people don’t truly understand: the bond market. You may have heard that bonds are “boring,” reserved for your grandma’s retirement or a dusty corner of finance. Well, I’m here to change your mind.With over 30 years as a financial expert, I can tell you: the bond market isn’t just big—it’s the most powerful market in the world, moving more than $100 trillion and deciding everything from your mortgage rate to your retirement returns. It might not be as flashy as stocks or crypto, but it’s the boss that sets the rules you and I have to live by.In this episode, I walk you through exactly what a bond is, how bond prices and yields play tug-of-war, and why ignoring the bond market is like letting someone else drive your money while they’re scrolling TikTok. I’ll break down how bonds ripple through your financial life—impacting your

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m sharing the seven things I wish I knew before I retired—and let me tell you, making the leap from building wealth to living off it is a much bigger mental switch than I ever imagined.We’ll dig into the psychological shift from the accumulation phase (saving, investing, and growing wealth) to the decumulation phase (actually spending what you’ve worked so hard to build). I’ll explain why switching from earning a paycheck to relying on your money machine feels scary for almost everyone, and I’ll walk you through how to prepare for a retirement that feels like freedom—not like a financial identity crisis.You’ll also learn why active income is like oxygen, why you absolutely need a plan (and how to get started with my free Lifestyle Cost Calculator), and how to design your post-work life with the same intention you used to build your career and wealth. We’ll tackle the truth behind retirement myths, and why your legacy isn’t a

Welcome to another impactful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m taking a practical look at a question on everyone’s mind: Are you really ready for the next recession?There’s a lot of noise out there about the stock market, scary headlines, and economic forecasts. But let me set the record straight—recessions aren’t about the stock market’s mood swings. A recession is the ultimate stress test for your finances. If you aren’t prepared, it’s going to find every crack in your financial foundation and expose it.We’ll talk about why tackling debt is the first vital step, why having a single income stream can put you on a financial cliff, and why emergency funds aren’t just for peace of mind—they’re your financial life raft. I’ll also walk you through how your investment portfolio should actually match your age, stage, and current situation, and why building your own money machine isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.The best part? Every move you make to recession-proof your finances also s

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I'm laying out something I wish someone had handed to me decades ago: the real, unfiltered playbook to life—especially when it comes to money, work, health, and relationships. I’m Mel Abraham, and after 30+ years as a financial expert, entrepreneur, and mentor, I know that the harshest truths are the ones that ultimately set us free. And that’s what I’m putting on the table for you today.I’m sharing 40 harsh truths I wish I knew in my 40s—the things most of us take decades or even a lifetime to discover, and that, left unchecked, can cost us precious time, freedom, and happiness. These aren’t theory; they’re the distilled, sometimes uncomfortable lessons I’ve lived, seen, and taught—covering everything from building wealth, mastering your finances, and making your money work for you, to investing in your health, forging real relationships, and raising future adults (not just kids).IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I SHARE:Why your choi

Welcome to a special episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m sharing something truly unique—a live keynote session I delivered to a room full of high-achieving entrepreneurs, each of whom invested over $10,000 to be there. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to build your Financial Freedom Engine, step-by-step, so your money works harder for you than you ever did for it.Let’s be real: true financial freedom isn’t about chasing raises or staying trapped on the earnings treadmill. It starts the very moment your money begins to create more wealth for you than your own labor does. I’m diving deep—not just into the dollars and decimals, not just the math (despite my accountant, CPA roots)—but also the emotional and behavioral shifts that create lasting wealth and meaning.So if you’ve ever hit a financial goal and asked, “Is this it?” or felt like money’s just a complicated, intimidating ghost in the hallway—this episode is for you. We’re flipping the lights on, and making money simp

Welcome to another great episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—saving, hustling, even dabbling in investing—but still not seeing your wealth build the way you’d hoped, you are absolutely not alone. Today, I’m flipping the script and sharing the eight habits you need to stop if you want to quietly and effectively build lasting wealth. Trust me, these aren’t the typical suspects you see in every personal finance blog; these are the sneaky “financial termites” that erode your wealth from the inside out—often disguised as normal behaviors you barely even notice.Looking back, I wish I’d known about these much sooner. So today, I break them down for you—no fluff, just straight talk—from my own 30-year journey as a financial expert, entrepreneur, and mentor. Our mission? To help you master your money, eliminate financial stress, and live a life of choice. Because guess what? Earning more doesn’t make you free—a money machine does.Get ready for a d

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Have you ever wondered why building wealth feels like such a slow grind in the beginning, but then—almost out of nowhere—your net worth starts accelerating? In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a tipping point that changes everything: hitting your first $100,000 of investable net worth.I know firsthand how discouraging it can feel to be saving, investing, and doing all the “right” things, only to see what looks like minimal progress. It’s like pushing a boulder uphill in flip flops during a windstorm while people shout useless advice at you like, “Just stop drinking coffee!” Trust me, I’ve been there. In this episode, I explain exactly why it feels so tough to reach your first $100K—and why, after that, building wealth starts to snowball thanks to the magic of compounding.Together, we’ll break down the difference between total net worth and investable net worth—the number that actually matters for creating real fin

Ever wonder why it feels like you’re working harder than ever but never seem to get ahead financially? You’re not failing because you’re lazy; you’re failing because you’re financially directionless. That’s the hard truth, and today, I’m bringing you the raw, no-fluff advice I wish someone had told me decades ago about what it really takes to get rich—and (spoiler alert) it’s NOT about grinding harder, hoarding cash, or chasing the next big promotion.In this episode, I walk you through the nine non-negotiables for building true wealth—the real stuff, the uncomfortable truths that rattle your comfort zone, and the practical, step-by-step tools that move you forward. This is your financial education with a bit of sarcasm, a lot of heart, and a proven pathway to true freedom.Drawing on over 30 years as a financial advisor, CPA, and lifelong student of wealth-building, I’ll show you how to craft a vision for your life, transform your relationship with debt, conquer self-sabotaging money stories, prioritize invest

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a question that eats at almost everyone on their wealth journey: Why does it seem like people who aren’t any “smarter” than you are making more money—and living their dream lives—while you’re stuck meal-prepping, maxing out your Roth IRA, and still feeling… stuck?Let’s get real. We’ve all been told that if you’re smart, work hard, and follow the “rules,” wealth will follow. But after decades of working with everyone from broke folks to billionaires, I’ve uncovered the hard truth: intelligence alone doesn’t guarantee wealth. Not even close.In today’s episode, I unpack the “intelligence myth” and why the highest IQs aren’t leading the pack financially. We’ll talk about science-backed reasons why taking action, building grit, and tolerating risk trump being the “smartest” person in the room.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:The myth that intelligence equals wealthWhy “dumb” or less-experienced people often

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! In this episode, I’m getting real and a little bit blunt as we tackle a question I know many of us have asked ourselves: “Where the heck is all my money going?” Maybe you haven’t splurged on a yacht, but if you’ve ever wondered why your bank account doesn’t reflect the hard work you’re putting in, you’re in the right place.I break down the 15 perfectly normal — but totally destructive — ways your wealth is secretly bleeding out. These sneaky money leaks come disguised as self-care, adulting, or the infamous “I deserve this” mentality. Over time, they rob us of our options, our freedom, and, most importantly, our financial future. I’ll walk you through each of these traps, share where I’ve personally tripped up, and give you practical solutions on how to plug those leaks so you can start building real wealth.Think of this as your financial reality check — practical tips, a bit of tough love, and a whole lot of heart. It might sting a little, b

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the questions I get asked the most: If the dollar keeps losing value, is saving money even worth it anymore?With all the media chatter about inflation and the dollar weakening, it’s easy to feel like putting money in a savings account is about as useful as trying to fill a leaky bucket. Cash feels safe, but it seems like it’s just quietly melting away right under us. Should you bother to save at all—or is there a better way to protect your financial future?In this episode, I break down what’s really happening to the dollar, unravel the truth about inflation, and explain why saving alone will never build the wealth or the financial security you want. I talk about the real role of savings (and it’s not what most people think!), how to protect your emergency fund, and why owning assets is the only way to outpace inflation and achieve financial freedom.IN TODAY’S EPISODE, I DISCUSS:Why cash and saving

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic I’ve seen play out over my decades as an entrepreneur, money mentor, and financial expert: the 7 smart habits of quiet millionaires. We’re talking about the folks who build real, lasting wealth—not with flashy cars or Instagram fame, but with purposeful, behind-the-scenes action that gives them true freedom and peace of mind.Ever wonder why some millionaires seem to live loud, but somehow end up broke, while others keep it low-key, quietly amassing real wealth? I’m walking you through the strategies these quiet millionaires lean on—habits that let them stack the odds in their favor, eliminate financial stress, and create a life of choice. And, don’t worry, we’ll definitely poke a little fun at Lambo culture along the way!This isn’t about deprivation or hiding your success; it’s about designing a life aligned with your values, vision, and desired impact. Whether you want to build a legacy, or enjo

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m shining a light on a game-changing concept that separates the truly wealthy from everyone else: refusing to trade your time for money. If you’ve ever looked at your calendar and wondered if the hamster wheel of back-to-back meetings, errands, and calls is really the endgame, this episode is for you.I'm sharing the seven key reasons why the wealthy never play the time-for-dollars game—and how you can stop being the unpaid intern in your own life's story. I’ll walk you through my journey from accountant buried in spreadsheets and calls to someone who’s obsessed with building a system—a Money Machine—that funds a life of true freedom and choice.I’ll tell you how a simple, powerful lesson from my six-year-old son made me rethink everything about money, time, and presence. From there, you’ll discover how to architect a life where your money works for you—even while you sleep, take a walk, or argue with your teenager about Wi-F

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a topic that most people either misunderstand or try desperately to ignore: your net worth. Are you actually middle class, or is your paycheck just telling you a comforting story while your bank account plays hide and seek? We’re cutting through the noise and numbers to uncover the truth about wealth in America — what it means to be lower, middle, or upper class, and, more crucially, how you can move up no matter where you’re starting from.In this episode, we get into the real definition of net worth, why it matters far more than how much you make, and how you can use it as a playbook for building your money machine. We’ll break down the wealth categories, from lower class (under $150k), middle class, all the way to the upper class (over $1.5 million in net worth) — but more importantly, I’ll show you the strategies for each stage to keep you moving forward, wherever you’re at right now.IN TODAY’S EPISOD

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest myths the financial industry loves to sell: the fantasy of compound interest as the ultimate, effortless path to wealth. We all hear that “compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world”—and while it’s powerful, the way Wall Street sells it can leave you feeling like you were promised a yacht and handed a pool noodle with a dream.In this episode, I bust the myth that time alone will make you rich. I break down why average returns aren’t the same as your actual returns, and how relying on those rosy averages can seriously wreck your portfolio. I also unpack the deceptive smooth curve of compound interest, explain why your wealth journey starts with what I call the “wealth flatline,” and get real about the discipline and consistency it takes to get to the good stuff—where your money machine finally takes off.By the end, you’ll have a new perspective on compound interest (withou

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, I’m taking you on a trip down memory lane to the 1970s—a wild economic decade full of stagflation, sky-high interest rates, and mile-long gas lines. Yet, my parents and so many others made it work on a single income. They raised families, lived in modest homes, and managed to save, even with all the financial chaos swirling around them.I wanted to pull back the curtain on those 1970s money habits—the ones many of us were never taught, but desperately need as we head into 2025. These are practical, timeless lessons about spending, saving, and living with intention that can help all of us regain control in today’s world of buy-now-pay-later, easy credit, and constant financial FOMO.In this episode, I break down the habits, attitudes, and practices from a simpler time, and show you how to adapt them in your own life—without sacrificing modern convenience. I share personal stories from my own family and offer actionable steps t