Would entrepreneurship be less scary if you knew you’d make more money than your current job?    In this episode, Nancy Bleeke explains how analyzing expenses motivated her to start her own business and what she’s learned since she made the transition to entrepreneurship over twenty years ago.  In this episode, you’ll also hear: Evaluating what it costs you to work vs. start your own business      Making the transition to entrepreneurship without incurring debt  Why community is crucial to growth and why it’s okay to be scared  Must-listen moments:  [00:09:20] After calculating what it cost me to work, including travel, childcare, clothes, etc. even though I had a good job, my net income back to the family was about $10,000 a year. [00:16:08] Part of being profitable right away was watching my expenses. I think knowing what I wanted my net take home number to be helped ensure that my business had net profit. Otherwise, why was I doing it? [00:32:00] When I'm afraid, I always do look for help, that is just how I am. I'm going to find a way to work through it. I get afraid if I notice that my pipeline isn't healthy. But then, right away I'm like, all right, so what do I need to do?   Guest Info:  Nancy Bleeke Nancy left the comfort of a “regular” job to launch Sales Pro Insider Inc. While she’s always been entrepreneurial, finding a passion in sales was never the plan. Who would ever want to be “in sales”? she thought. Yet, she found her calling helping people who also never saw themselves in sales, succeed in selling! Connect with Nancy - https://www.salesproinsider.com/   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/    

How do some small businesses make the leap from fledgling concept to successful big company while others go kaput before they can even get started? In this episode, Ben and Andrew delve into the gritty reality of how the majority of new small businesses fail and why people still go for entrepreneurship despite the challenges it brings.  In this episode, you’ll also hear: Defining small business vs. micro business    Why people go into business despite the risks  Embracing the dream, sustaining the losses of entrepreneurship Must-listen moments:  [00:07:12] In the first five years, 50% of businesses that start out don't make it, and by the five year mark, half of the people who first get into business are no longer in business. And then when you extend that out to 10 years, that reduces down from 50% to 30%. [00:12:18] I do like the money but the dream sustains you. It's the meaningful impact. It's the connection. It's the change that you can have on other people's lives. It's the change you can have in the world. [00:27:39] Having the personal finances be in a position where you can sustain those losses, it's really critical to the success of the business. It's not the business finance that under does a business…it's the personal finance. Managing those personal responsibilities as you make this transition is huge. Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726 Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/  

Taking on the family business can feel daunting, but staying true to the authentic heart of the company is key.  In this episode, Ben and Deb welcome David Hurley as he dives into how growing up in Country Stores Health Foods fostered his entrepreneurial drive. They discuss the action steps he took to move the business forward under his stewardship while also helping people stay healthy using natural holistic resources.  In this episode, you’ll also hear: Understanding the value of holistic healthcare therapy to improve wellbeing Some of David’s concerns about taking over the family business and how he moved through them Bringing Country Stores Health Foods into the digital age and how that increased the company’s revenue Must-listen moments:  [00:12:00] “Really, the focus of my career has been to try to uncover as much of the truth as possible — that's my career goal.” [00:19:00] “It’s much better to bring in the right people right from the get-go because you invest your time in them.” [00:25:00] “The primary focus is a genuine desire to improve people's lives and sometimes to extend people's lives and sometimes to outright save people's lives. That is the primary motivating force.” Guest Info:  The Country Stores Health Foods is a third-generation family-owned health food store specializing in high-quality supplements and personalized expert advice.  Website: https://www.countrystoredanville.com/  Healthcare.gov Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts  

For many entrepreneurs, launching your own business means long hours and late nights with little to no financial gain when you first begin.   In this episode, Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira join Ben and Deb to share how a forced leap of faith kickstarted their entrepreneurial journey and what it’s like to be financially independent while balancing business and family as a married couple.    In this episode, you’ll also hear: Navigating the challenges of creating a sustainable business   Enjoying the flexibility and freedom of entrepreneurship Realities of being married and in business together  Must-listen moments:  [00:18:14] We didn't know how to get anything sustainable. It was this feast and this famine cycle. And I think a lot of entrepreneurs, particularly online course owners, that's where they begin. And you buy yourself enough time to learn a little bit so that you do better the next time. [00:29:15] We spend about three months out of the year in the RV. If we had a day job, we couldn't do that, but we do spend a decent bit of the time when we're on the road still working because we can…I wanted to be able to have that flexibility and that freedom and entrepreneurship has afforded us that.  [00:26:03] We had to figure out how to get the right systems and boundaries and operations in place. And then even for ourselves, how do we talk to each other? Guest Info:  Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira are the duo—and happily married couple—behind WalletWin, where they help everyday Catholics create the life of their dreams by getting intentional with money. Website - https://walletwin.com/ Podcast - https://walletwin.com/podcast/   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/  

Being an entrepreneur means taking a ride on a never-ending rollercoaster full of intoxicating highs and sobering lows with twists and turns around every corner.  In this episode, Ben and Andrew share lessons they’ve learned from their own setbacks and why entrepreneurs must be overly confident and ready to take on whatever challenge comes next. In this episode, you’ll also hear: Lessons from Andrew’s failed restaurant in Korea Knowing when and how to pivot as an entrepreneur  Understanding the risk and loss that comes with entrepreneurship Must-listen moments:  [00:13:42] And that's what you say, right? You think all this money's gonna come so easy? Just because the first buck comes in, you think a wheelbarrow is gonna be behind it.  [00:20:23] Maybe you start off with one idea or entrepreneurial pursuit, you learn a few things from it, but you realize, this just isn't really the gig I want to be in. But that doesn't mean we close the door to all entrepreneurial pursuits, we just look to maybe what's the next thing?  [00:33:57] Maybe you need to really have an honest conversation with yourself in the mirror and say, maybe I'm still into entrepreneurship, but maybe I do need to really have some very strong guardrails in place that guide me, and I need to really analyze the risk on this deal and take a look at what needs to happen for this to be a situation that I'm comfortable with entering into. Thinking, Fast and Slow  by Daniel Kahneman - https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555 Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/

Not everyone is ready to leave their 9-5 job but if you’re thinking about it, Megan Giles is proof you can succeed on your own.   In this episode, Ben and Deb talk with Megan Giles about how she quit her corporate job cold turkey, found a supportive community and started making connections that helped her focus on the value she offers.  In this episode, you’ll also hear: Quitting the corporate world without a plan The power of truly investing in yourself  Benefits of networking with like-minded, hyper-focused people  Must-listen moments:  [00:09:36] Prior to quitting the corporate world, I would go meet friends after work every day. That completely shifted to going to networking events…so my social life went from strictly friends and fun to networking events with other business folks.  [00:23:15] Being part of that community is what really helped me take off…and then flipping that mindset to where it doesn't matter how many hours I spend on this thing, if I am delivering value, then that's what you're paying me for, the value that I deliver. [00:26:03] If you want to be serious about going out on your own and being in business, you need to be willing to put some money down and join another group of other folks who are similarly serious and willing to commit money and capital. Guest Info:  Most graphic designers will deliver a beautiful layout, but don’t understand that the words you use matter. Megan Giles helps clients with their marketing messages as well, so every piece she designs uses the right words to turn prospects into customers. Website - https://www.mggraphics.design/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megangiles/   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/  

If you’re opting out of traditional health insurance, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits of nontraditional health care. In this episode, Ben and Andrew continue their discussion about health care coverage and dive into two alternative health insurance options.   In this episode, you’ll also hear: Recognizing the risk of unconventional health care options  Direct Primary Care Model and health share plans  Challenges of leaving conventional insurance coverage  Must-listen moments:  [00:12:32] Because this is non-conventional, there are some inherent risks that are associated with this. There are variations in quality across these different plans and so you need to fully appreciate and recognize that you do need to do your due diligence per any of these suggestions to make sure that even an individual provider is the right provider for you and your family and your needs. [00:28:36] These two ways of getting health coverage, they are trying to work lockstep in with each other to create a more complete package and alternative to conventional insurance. [00:36:43] Definitely you want to run the numbers both ways. Take a look at what your healthcare costs would be under a marketplace plan, or how they would be under a D P C plan and a health share plan.   Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell - https://www.amazon.com/Failing-Forward-Turning-Mistakes-Stepping/dp/0785288570 Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/  

Financial independence can bring more calm, time, and energy to your life, so why wait to experience those benefits?   In this episode, Ben and Deb welcome Anna Saucier to talk about why entrepreneurs need a strong foundation, rest, and a mindset that lets you focus on what matters most so you can achieve and receive more today.    In this episode, you’ll also hear: The power of achieving rest and going slow to grow fast  Claiming financial independence vs. viewing financial independence as a reward Being aware of your mindset and living financial independence now    Must-listen moments:  [00:04:15] That's where our true craft comes out…it's not in the doing and doing, doing and spending more and more hours. Because in that stress and in that doing, we become less creative. [00:14:24] I think financial independence and then the rest and the space come together in that it's not a reward for hustling yourself so hard, it's actually something like, how can we claim this in our lives now? [00:38:14] We start living that independence, but also what we're looking at…is not focusing on the money as the goal, but what it makes possible, and refocusing on the purpose of the work that I wanna do in the first place.  Guest Info:  Anna Saucier is a CPD Accredited Certified Online Business Consultant, Energy Clearing Practitioner, and Professionally Trained Mindset Coach, uniquely able to help you in a way that aligns with your values and your mission-led contribution to the world. Website: https://annasaucier.com/   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/    

Whether you’re ready to start your own business or thinking about a fun side hustle, being an entrepreneur is more possible than ever.   In this episode, Ben chats with Brant Cooper about his focus on driving impact and how the workforce is shifting from the industrial era to empowering people to solve problems with creativity and intelligence. He also shares insights from his best-selling books The Lean Entrepreneur and Disruption Proof.   In this episode, you’ll also hear: Driving impact by empowering creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit   Lessons from Lean Entrepreneur and taking advantage of the digital revolution Starting small, team dynamics, and details about Disruption Proof  Must-listen moments:  [00:03:03] To me the purpose of capitalism and entrepreneurialism is you reap the benefit, the money and lifestyle, from creating value in the world. [00:07:20] Everybody can be entrepreneurial, and it doesn't mean that you're always in learning mode or exploration mode, but you have to find a balance between execution, doing the things that we know must be done, and taking time for the learning. [00:19:05] You're literally trying to get your first dollar because somebody has just proven to you that you're providing them enough value that they're gonna give you something. That's the first step and the steps become bigger after that. Guest Info:  Brant Cooper is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lean Entrepreneur and CEO of Moves the Needle. With over two decades of expertise helping companies bring innovative products to market, he blends agile, design thinking, and lean methodologies to ignite entrepreneurial action within large organizations.  Moves the Needle - https://movestheneedle.com/ The Lean Entrepreneur  - https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Entrepreneur-Visionaries-Products-Innovate/dp/111829534X?&linkCode=sl1&tag=marbynum-20&linkId=1b1f7d6b63b0c5367269c60d208feb8a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl Disruption Proof - https://www.amazon.com/Disruption-Proof-Empower-People-Create/dp/1538720191?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1615251848&sr=1-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=marbynum-20&linkId=0fe54c34a51140af49bf7862f07365c0&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/      

Healthcare can be very expensive and costs can spiral out of control quickly, especially if you’re paying out of pocket.  In this episode, Ben and Andrew work through the various options entrepreneurs have for health insurance coverage and the value of understanding how tax credits can work for or against you. In this episode, you’ll also hear: Utilizing your spouse’s healthcare coverage or Cobra  Individual healthcare marketplace options and understanding premium tax credit   Self-employed health insurance and self-employment tax deduction   Must-listen moments:  [00:09:39] They limit your ability to just jump on [insurance] at any time…you have to have these qualifying events in order to be able to change that coverage up. That would be the biggest concern with switching over to the spouse's coverage. Note: "You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you or anyone in your     household lost qualifying health coverage in the past 60 days (or more than 60 days  ago but since January 1, 2020) OR expects to lose coverage in the next 60 days."   [00:12:15] Whether or not to pursue and utilize this really is just kind of depending on how long it is that you think you would need to be insured before you could come through another means of insurance. [00:22:25] The whole point of the American Cares Act was to get people to participate in coverage even who otherwise found it too expensive. Healthcare.gov Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/