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Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show, where we break down exactly what it takes to master your money, eliminate financial stress, and build a life of choice. In today's episode, I’m diving into the 12 wealth signals that can predict whether you’re on the millionaire track long before your bank account proves it. That’s right—millionaire status isn’t about IQ, luck, or outworking everyone around you. It comes down to a handful of specific mindsets, behaviors, mechanics, and relationships most people ignore.From the power of saying "no" to the art of delayed gratification, curiosity over intelligence, and the ability to measure wealth in time—not just dollars—I'll show you why compounding, discipline, and self-control beat hustle and brute force every time. We’ll talk about why emotional detachment from money, risk radar, and embracing unpopular paths make all the difference when everyone else is chasing the herd.Whether you’re just starting out or already build

Welcome back to the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m busting one of the biggest financial myths out there—and it’s something I see trip people up over and over again: the idea that the more cash you keep in the bank, the safer and wealthier you’ll be. In reality, sitting on too much cash might just be one of the riskiest moves for your financial future.Drawing from my decades as a CPA, an entrepreneur, and an advisor, I’ll break down why cash is a protector, not a builder of wealth. We’ll dig into the exact formula you can use to figure out how much cash you really need to keep, how to set up your emergency and peace of mind funds, and what to do when you’re crossing the “too much” cash line. If you want your money to work harder for you than you did for it, this episode is a must-listen.You’ll not only gain peace of mind but also learn to avoid the hidden dangers—like inflation, lifestyle creep, and missed opportunities—that come with stockpiling too much in your checking account. I’ll walk you t

Welcome to another episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on my 35+ years of investing experience—real-world, in-the-trenches lessons learned as a CPA, entrepreneur, and investor who’s seen it all. Forget the hype about AI stocks, crypto, and so-called secret get-rich-quick strategies. In this episode, I break down the timeless principles and habits that actually create wealth—and help you avoid the painful mistakes that most investors make along the way.Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the game for decades, this episode is for anyone who wants to build a reliable, stress-free path to financial freedom. I’m sharing the 11 most powerful investing lessons I’ve learned from four recessions, three bubbles, and a lot of late nights with spreadsheets. From avoiding emotional decisions to understanding the real role of advisors, we get into the specifics you need to know to make your money work for you—not the other way around.I’m here to help you master

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on what REAL wealth looks like. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram, dazzled by flashy cars, luxury homes, and rooftop cocktails—this is your wake-up call. Because let’s be honest: most of what people call “success” online is just chaos with a fresh coat of paint.In this episode, I break down the nine subtle signs that reveal whether you’re quietly building genuine, lasting wealth—or just getting sucked into the game of chasing shiny objects. After more than three decades as a CPA, entrepreneur, and money mentor, I’ve seen both sides: those who went broke chasing the flex, and others who built millions living lives you’d drive right past without ever noticing.We’ll dig into the mindsets, and strategies that won’t impress your neighbors, but WILL set you free. You’ll learn why earning more money doesn’t make you free—it’s about creating a money machine that works harde

Welcome to another eye-opening episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! I’m Mel Abraham, and today we’re tearing down the myths that social media, Instagram, and pop culture sell about wealth—the fancy cars, designer wardrobes, and mega-mansions. Real wealth isn’t about showing off; it’s about saying “no” to the things that drain your potential and your bank account.In this episode, I reveal the nine things that truly wealthy people absolutely do not waste their money on. Far from being “cheap,” the rich invest intentionally in quality—so their purchases last, their homes serve their lifestyle (not their ego), and their assets quietly grow while others chase status symbols and debt.This isn’t about sacrificing joy—it’s about asking, “Does this get me closer to my dreams and financial freedom?” Every dollar you spend is either building your money machine or someone else’s. I give you the framework, tools like the free Lifestyle Cost Calculator, and actionable strategies to keep your spending intentiona

Welcome to another action-packed episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show. Today, we’re diving into a game plan that can completely transform your finances in just 90 days. I know—big promise. But after 30-plus years as a CPA, entrepreneur, and coach, I’ve seen what keeps people stuck, stressed, and feeling left behind. It isn’t laziness or lack of smarts—it’s not having the right playbook. Together, I’ll walk you through a proven, week-by-week strategy so you can be further ahead financially than 95% of people by this time next quarter.Forget cutting lattes or living in a shoebox apartment—this episode is all about building sustainable, lifelong wealth, step by step. We’ll reframe your money story, take control of your cash flow, plug up the leaks, and set up your first genuine investments. I’m sharing the exact blueprint, from rewriting the beliefs that hold you back, to putting practical systems in place, to finally getting your money working harder for you than you did for it.Whether you’re drownin

Welcome to another value-packed episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a side of wealth that’s rarely talked about — the subtle, quiet signals that reveal true financial freedom. Ever wondered how someone can fly first class in Costco jeans, or why the flashiest person at the valet isn't always the wealthiest? In this episode, I’m giving you the inside scoop: real wealth doesn’t scream, it whispers.After decades as a financial expert, entrepreneur, and mentor, I’ve learned that freedom isn’t about how much you earn — it’s about building a money machine that works for you and lets you live life on your own terms. That’s exactly what we’re here to unpack.Today, we’re diving into the 10 signs someone is secretly wealthy. You’ll discover what truly sets the quietly affluent apart and why understanding their habits, mindset, and approach can fast-track you to financial freedom. This isn’t about becoming a detective — it’s about recognizing the patterns and clue

Welcome back to the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most pivotal milestones on your wealth-building journey—the $100,000 mark. Maybe you’ve already reached it in your savings, investments, or revenue, or maybe you’re well on your way. Either way, hitting that first hundred grand isn’t the finish line—it’s just the launch pad.But here’s what most people don’t realize: right after that $100K milestone, a series of subtle traps start popping up. These aren’t the obvious mistakes—they’re disguised as progress, and if you’re not careful, they’ll derail your momentum just as things are starting to take off.In this episode, I reveal the seven traps that can stall your wealth after breaking $100,000—and most importantly, how to avoid them. I’ll walk you through keeping lifestyle inflation in check, treating your investment gains with the respect they deserve (hint: it’s not “Vegas money”), and making sure you don’t get blindsided by taxes. We’ll dive into why cash f

Welcome to another empowering episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! I’m Mel Abraham, your host, and today I’m pulling back the curtain on something I’ve learned after decades as a CPA and money mentor: wealth is not just predictable, it’s climbable. After staring at more spreadsheets and tax returns than I care to admit, I can confidently say the math always maths out.In this episode, I break down every level of wealth—from financial struggle all the way to abundance and even the ultra-rich—so you can finally see where you are on the wealth ladder, what it feels like at each stage, and the concrete steps to move to the next level. Think of this as your real roadmap to financial freedom.This isn’t about earning more just for the sake of it. True freedom begins when your money is working harder for you than you did for it. I’ll walk you through the traps to avoid, the mindsets to adopt, and the specific actions to take at each rung of the ladder, including how to handle crises, build stability, achie

Welcome to another powerful episode of the Building Your Money Machine Show! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on why so many hardworking people spend 40 years saving faithfully, only to find themselves broke or stressed out in retirement. Let me assure you—it’s not because you didn’t work hard enough. It’s because you might have fallen for certain myths or made some silent mistakes you didn’t even know were happening.In this episode, we’re tackling the three biggest retirement myths that can derail your future and walking through 12 critical mistakes that could quietly sabotage your freedom. More importantly, I’ll show you exactly how to avoid them so you can finally live the retirement you’ve been dreaming about.Here’s the truth: earning more doesn’t make you free. Building a money machine—where your money works harder for you than you did for it—does. And retirement is not the finish line, it’s the starting line for a life of choice and meaning.Drawing from my own journey, I share why chasing some “magic

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