Burnout is rising, and many high achievers stay stuck even when they're financially free.

Hidden expectations, identity pressures, and fear keep them locked into the golden handcuffs.

In this episode, financial planner and author Chris Pollard joins Dan to break down why high achievers stay stuck in the golden handcuffs and why financial independence alone doesn’t create emotional freedom. They explore how identity, expectations from work and family, early money narratives, and hidden fears all tighten into life knots that hold people back from change. Chris explains how to recognize these knots, where they come from, and how defining “enough” through purpose, community, and clarity can help people finally move toward a life of intention instead of obligation.

Key Talking Points:

• Why burnout is rising and how invisible expectations fuel it
• How money becomes tied to identity and keeps people stuck
• What life knots are and how they limit freedom
• How to define enough and build a purpose-centered vision
• Why clarity, community, and honest conversations matter

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References/Resources:

• 77 percent of workers report experiencing burnout – Zippia (2024)
• Nearly half of professionals feel stuck due to financial pressure – Gallup Workplace (2024)
• Most Americans lack a clear definition of financial enough – Edward Jones & Age Wave (2023)

Connect with Chris:

• Website: greatpathplanning.com
• Book: Untangling the Golden Knot: Confronting Your Retirement Worries and Knowing When Enough is Enough
• Email: chris@greatpathplanning.com

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform
• Leave a rating & review
• Share this episode with others
• Support me by picking up the book atwww.escapetheclock.com/book

This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Why are you working as hard as you are? What is your purpose?

In this episode, former professional baseball player turned wealth coach Matt Morizio, founder of Reconstructing Wealth, joins Dan to explore how purpose transforms not just your financial plan, but your life. Together, they discuss how to detach from money emotionally, build value-aligned goals, and lead with meaning in both wealth and family life.

Key Talking Points:

• Why financial freedom without purpose often feels empty
• How detaching from money can reduce anxiety and build real independence
• Why your “why” is usually a who — and how to find it
• How values-based planning creates resilience through financial setbacks
• Balancing purpose across relationships, marriage, and family
• The shift from chasing success to building significance

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References/Resources:

• 80% of Americans lack a clear sense of purpose in their financial life — Edward Jones & Age Wave (2023)
• Only 36% of U.S. adults have a written long-term financial plan — Charles Schwab (2024)
• 7 in 10 families experience a major financial setback every 10 years — Federal Reserve (2023)

Connect with Jaden:

• Website: www.reconstructingwealth.com
• Instagram: @mattmorizio
• Free Course: DM Matt on Instagram or visitreconstructingwealth.com

Listener Offer!

As mentioned in the episode, in support of the show Matt Morizio is offering his three part education videos directly to you for free. Just reach out to him on Instagram at @mattmorizio.

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform.
• Leave a rating & review.
• Share this episode with others.
• Support me by picking up the book atwww.escapetheclock.com/book.

Thank you for listening!

This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Decision paralysis costs investors real money.

In this episode, Jaden Sterling, CEO of Sterling Stock Picker, joins Daniel to unpack how everyday investors can use transparent, data-driven tools to make smarter buy, sell, and hold decisions while staying disciplined for long-term freedom.

Key Talking Points:

• How emotions prevent us from making smart stock investments.
• How data-driven tools can support smarter long-term choices.
• The role of AI in stock picking today and in the future.
• The importance of transparency and education in building investor confidence.
• How to balance technology with human judgment.
• What financial freedom looks like beyond Wall Street.

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References/Resources:

• 60% of Americans own stocks — Gallup (2025)
• 71% want transparency into why recommendations are made - Morningstar (2023)

Connect with Jaden:

• Website: sterlingstockpicker.com
• Book: Alchemy of True Success
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jadensterling
• YouTube: youtube.com/@SterlingStockPicker
• Email: media-relations@sterlingstockpicker.com

Listener Offer!

Sterling Stock Picker is 30% off for Escape The Clock listeners. Sign up through the VIP dashboard mentioned in the episode.

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe or follow on your favorite platform.
• Leave a rating and review.
• Share this episode with someone who wants to earn more from their investments.
• Support me by picking up the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Thank you for listening!

This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.