Ever wonder how to prepare your finances for the next crisis?

In this episode of Escape The Clock, Dan sits down with Kelvin Abrams, entrepreneur and author of Get Uncomfortable or Change Course, to explore how to prepare for the unexpected and thrive through financial adversity.

From layoffs and market crashes to everyday setbacks, Kelvin shares how resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to get uncomfortable can strengthen your financial future.

Key Talking Points:

• How to prepare your financial plan for the unknown.
• The “Learn, Earn, Return” framework for staying resilient.
• Why discomfort and adaptability are vital for long-term success.
• How mindset, not math, drives consistency and calm in hard times.
• Lessons in diversification, balance, and sustainable growth.
• Practical steps to make your plan more resilient today.

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:

• Nearly 40% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense — Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households (2023)
• Nearly 60% of U.S. adults live paycheck to paycheck — LendingClub, Paycheck-to-Paycheck Report (2024)
• Those who consistently save at least 15% of income are on track for retirement, while most Americans save under 8% — Fidelity, Retirement Savings Guidelines (2023)
• Investors who pulled out during downturns underperformed by 1–2% annually compared to those who stayed invested — Vanguard, Investor Behavior Study (2022)

Connect with Kelvin:

• Website: kelvinabrams.com
• Book: Get Uncomfortable or Change Course
• LinkedIn: Kelvin Abrams
• Instagram: @kelvinabrams

Subscribe, rate, review, share this episode, or support by getting the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

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

Everyone makes financial decisions, but not all choices are purely rational. In this episode of Escape The Clock, I speak with Hugh Massie, founder and CEO of DNA Behavior International, about how our natural behavioral tendencies influence the way we earn, spend, save, and invest.

We explore the concept of Behavioral DNA, how hardwired traits affect decision-making under pressure, and practical strategies to align your financial plan with your instincts. Whether you want to make smarter investments, reduce financial stress, or understand your own biases, this episode gives actionable insights to leverage your behavior for better financial outcomes.

Key Talking Points:

• The Hidden Force in Finance – Why instinct and behavioral biases can impact every money decision.
• Understanding Behavioral DNA – How your natural traits shape risk tolerance, spending, and investment choices.
• Common Biases to Watch – Overconfidence, loss aversion, herd behavior, and their effect on financial outcomes.
• Aligning Strategy with Behavior – Personalizing financial planning, savings, and investment approaches to your tendencies.
• Practical Advice – Steps to increase awareness of your patterns, make smarter choices, and improve financial literacy.

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:

• 85% of people say money-related stress affects their lives – APA, Stress in America (2023)
• $1,000 per person per year lost due to financial illiteracy – National Financial Educators Council (NFEC)
• $240 billion annually lost in the U.S. economy from poor financial decisions – National Financial Educators Council (NFEC)

Connect with Hugh:

• On the Web: www.dnabehavior.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/
• Instagram: @HughMassie
• YouTube: DNA Behavior

Subscribe, rate, review, share this episode, or support by getting the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

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

Three powerful real-life stories of financial independence. You’ll hear from Brad, who’s in the trenches of building toward FI; Francis, who’s just crossed the line and is beginning the transition into a new life chapter; and David, a seasoned retiree reflecting on lessons learned from a lifetime of financial choices.

These case studies highlight the realities, challenges, and rewards of financial independence at every stage of the journey. Whether you’re just getting started, midway through, or already retired, you’ll walk away with insights and strategies you can apply to your own path toward freedom.

Key Talking Points:

• Real-life testimonials from three people at different stages of financial independence.
• Insights from their journeys that show why anyone can pursue FI.
• What it takes to reach your FI number and how to prepare for the transition.
• Lessons from those already retired and living with financial freedom.
• Common threads across all three stories — discipline, mindset shifts, and adaptability.

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

Subscribe, rate, review, share this episode, or support by getting the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

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

College costs are rising, leaving families stretched and students with long-term debt. In this episode of Escape The Clock, I talk with Rebecca Irey, founder of Blue Skye Financial, about practical strategies to plan smarter, reduce stress, and make college more affordable.

We cover 529 plans, scholarships, community college, and involving kids in the process to help families cover costs without sacrificing financial freedom. Whether your child is years from college or already applying, this episode gives actionable steps to avoid the college debt trap.

Key Talking Points:

• The Rising Price Tag – Why tuition and student debt threaten both family finances and future freedom.
• Funding Smarter – Leveraging 529 plans, FAFSA, and grants to reduce reliance on loans.
• Alternative Pathways – Community college, scholarships, insurance plans, and employer programs that cut costs without cutting quality.
• Shared Responsibility – How involving kids in the process reduces stress and builds financial awareness.
• Practical Steps – Actionable strategies families can take now to make higher education more affordable.

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:

• Tuition at public universities has risen 180% over the past 20 years – College Board
• Outstanding U.S. student loan debt exceeds $1.7 trillion – Federal Reserve
• More than $3 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed in 2023 – National College Attainment Network
• Nearly 40% of students attend community college at some point – National Center for Education Statistics

Connect with Rebecca:

• On the Web: www.blueskyefinancial.com
• Instagram: @blueskye_financial
• LinkedIn: Blue Skye Business
• Facebook: Blue Skye Financial

Subscribe, rate, review, share this episode, or support by getting the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

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

In this episode, Cosmos Dar joins us to explore aligning financial decisions with values, from ESG investing and systemic barriers to practical strategies for overcoming biases and taking control of your money.

Key Talking Points:

• The ESG Wave – Why environmental, social, and governance investing is growing rapidly.
• Values vs. Reality – The gap between ethical intentions and financial behavior.
• Systemic Barriers – How predatory lending and structural inequities impact financial freedom.
• Psychology of Money – Understanding cognitive biases and how self-efficacy can empower better financial decisions.
• Taking Action – Practical steps to integrate ethical choices into their financial plans, even within imperfect systems.

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:

• Stats on ESG, sustainable investing, and values-aligned choices – Broadridge, Morgan Stanley, Small Business Trends
• 56% of Americans stop buying unethical brands – Mintel
• Ethical banks ROE 5.23% – Fondazione Finanza Etica
• 68% of investors unsure how to invest with values – NerdWallet
• Predatory lending costs $25B annually – MagnifyMoney

Connect with Cosmos:

• On the Web: cosmosdar.com
• Podcast: Extraordinary America

Subscribe, review, share, or support via www.escapetheclock.com/book.

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

Lane Kawaoka, two-time bestselling author of The Wealth Elevator and seasoned real estate investor, joins me to share how his framework helps everyday people build passive income through real estate. We talk about getting started with that very first investment, scaling from active to passive income, and the steps needed to protect and preserve wealth for the long term.

Key Talking Points:

• The Wealth Elevator: A framework for moving step by step toward financial freedom.
• From active to passive: Turning rental income into lasting cash flow.
• Scaling up: Why syndications open the door to bigger opportunities.
• The Penthouse: Knowing when you’re ready to replace your 9-to-5 with passive income.
• Building legacy: Protecting wealth and creating generational impact.

www.EscapeTheClock.com Resources:

• The Book
• The Planner
• 1:1 Help
• Other Resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter

Episode References & Resources:

• 59% of Americans can't cover a $1,000 emergency expense - CBS News
• Over 70% of millionaires own real estate - LuxWisp
• 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation; 90% by the third - Preserve Yours

Connect with Lane:

• On the Web: thewealthelevator.com
• Join the Club: thewealthelevator.com/club
• Events & Networking: thewealthelevator.com/events
• YouTube: Lane Kawaoka

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 for yourself or a loved one at: www.escapetheclock.com/book

Thank you for listening!

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

Financial freedom is often measured in dollars and years, yet the real payoff comes from the health, relationships, experiences, and joy we cultivate along the way. Using practical projects, I guide you on how to prioritize your physical and mental well-being, strengthen social ties, pursue meaningful adventures, and make intentional, high-utility spending decisions.

This episode is all about turning your financial plan into a tool to maximize daily happiness, so you can enjoy life today, not just at retirement.

Key Talking Points:

• Redefining wealth: Why happiness, health, and relationships are the ultimate returns.
• Health as a dividend: Setting goals, managing risks, and investing in both physical and mental wellness.
• Strengthening social ties: Prioritizing family, friends, and meaningful connections.
• Experiences over things: How travel, adventure, and high-utility spending drive lasting joy.
• Integrating happiness into your financial plan: Making joy part of the journey, not just the destination.

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:

• Pew Research – Loneliness Among Young Adults
• World Happiness Report – Sharing Meals & Life Satisfaction
• Harvard Kennedy School – Loneliness in America

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 for yourself or a loved one at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Thank you for listening!

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

If you’ve ever wondered whether early retirement is right for you, this episode is a must-listen. I sit down with Shari Rash of Everyone’s Talking Money to explore the mindset, financial strategies, and emotional readiness for leaving the traditional workforce, creating a purposeful escape plan, and thriving once free.

Key Talking Points:

• Defining early retirement: What it really means today, and how to know if it’s right for you.
• Financial preparation: Calculating your “enough” number, managing risk, and building multiple income streams.
• Mental and emotional readiness: Avoiding post-retirement drift, maintaining purpose, and strengthening resilience.
• Living with purpose: Using your newfound time for growth, contribution, and fulfillment.
• Shari’s advice for taking the leap: Mindset shifts, common fears, and practical strategies for a smooth transition.

Episode References & Resources:

• Average Retirement Age in the U.S. – Motley Fool
• Retirement Savings Gaps – AARP
• Healthcare Costs for Retirees – Kiplinger
• Early Retirement Realities – Investopedia
• Depression Risk Among Early Retirees – ScienceDirect
• Underestimating Non-Financial Aspects – NBC Chicago
• Importance of Social Connections – Springer
• Benefits of Volunteering – VolunteerHub

Connect with Shari:

• Instagram
• Website | GWA Wealth
• Everyone’s Talkin’ Money on Apple | Spotify

Explore Escape The Clock Resources:

• www.escapetheclock.com for the book, videos, and 1:1 help.
• Free Weekly Newsletter at https://bit.ly/etc-news.

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