In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick Poppe challenges one of the most repeated, and most misunderstood, phrases in personal finance: “high risk, high reward.” While often treated as a universal truth, Nick argues that this idea breaks down quickly in real life.

Drawing a clear distinction between volatility and true financial risk, Nick explains why higher volatility doesn’t guarantee higher returns, only a wider range of outcomes. And since real people don’t live inside average returns or decades-long spreadsheets, those outcomes matter.

True financial risk, Nick explains, isn’t market ups and downs, it’s losing access to your money when you need it, being forced to sell at the wrong time, lacking liquidity during emergencies or opportunities, and making emotional decisions under pressure. Using real-world examples from stock market investing and leveraged real estate, he shows how otherwise “good” assets can become dangerous when they’re used without a solid financial foundation.

Nick reframes risk as a function of structure, timing, and control, not simply the asset itself. He explains how long-term investing dramatically reduces risk in assets like the stock market, while short-term access needs can turn those same assets into liabilities.

The solution? Building a financial system that prioritizes control, liquidity, and optionality. Nick shares how he and Brooke use a properly designed whole life insurance policy as a financial foundation, providing guaranteed growth, uninterrupted compounding, access to capital, and peace of mind, so they’re never forced into bad decisions or reactive behavior.

If you want help building a financial system that prioritizes control, liquidity, and long-term stability, visit FWstrategies.com to book a free 15-minute intro call, or email Nick directly at nick@FWstrategies.com.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick tackles a common financial dilemma: “Should I pay off debt first or should I save/invest first?” Most financial advice treats these as competing priorities, but Nick explains why that’s the wrong question.

He breaks down how a properly designed whole life insurance policy allows you to do both at the same time, building savings and eliminating debt without sacrificing compound growth or liquidity.

Nick explains the step-by-step process:

1. Build savings first inside a policy that grows guaranteed, earns consistent dividends, and provides contractual access to capital.

2. Use policy loans to eliminate debt while your full cash value continues compounding uninterrupted.

3. Recapture debt payments into your own system, restoring liquidity and strengthening your personal financial ecosystem instead of sending cash flow to third-party lenders.

This strategy transforms debt from something that controls you into something you solve strategically within your own wealth-building system. Unlike traditional debt-snowball approaches, you keep liquidity, control, and compounding working in your favor.

Nick concludes by emphasizing that the real answer isn’t pay off debt OR save, it’s save first AND use your system to eliminate debt, creating long-term stability and control.
To explore how this approach can help you build wealth while eliminating debt, book a free 15-minute intro call at fwstrategies.com or email Nick directly at nick@fwstrategies.com.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe breaks down the newly proposed idea of introducing a 50-year mortgage in the United States, a concept recently floated as a potential solution to the ongoing affordability crisis in the housing market. Nick explains what a 50-year mortgage actually is, how it differs from the traditional 30-year fixed loan, and why the lower monthly payment isn’t the same as increased affordability.

Nick walks through the apparent benefits, lower payments, easier qualification, and improved short-term cash flow for families who are struggling to buy their first home. But he also highlights the deeper issues: stretching mortgage terms to 50 years doesn’t fix the underlying problem of too little supply and too much demand. Instead, it risks enabling more buyers to qualify for the same number of homes, which could push prices even higher—creating only temporary relief before affordability worsens again.

He explores the long-term consequences of ultra-long mortgages, including massive lifetime interest costs, increased risk of becoming house-poor, and creating homeowners who are still making payments well into their 70s or 80s. Nick compares these outcomes to historical examples—such as Japan’s experiment with extended mortgage terms—and explains why similar policies didn’t solve the affordability crisis abroad.

Ultimately, Nick argues that the real solution isn’t a new mortgage product at all, but rather building personal financial stability through liquidity, flexibility, and foundational assets. By saving more, avoiding payment-focused decision making, and using tools like properly structured whole life insurance, individuals can build a financial plan that supports the life they want—without relying on a 50-year debt obligation.

If you want to create more flexibility and control in your financial life—or you want help building a stronger, more stable foundation—schedule a free 15-minute intro call at FWstrategies.com or email Nick directly at Nick@FWstrategies.com.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, host Nick Poppe breaks down the highly publicized lawsuit involving NASCAR star Kyle Busch, his family, Pacific Life, and the agent who sold them multiple Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies. The Busch family alleges they lost more than $8.5 million when they discovered the cash value had nearly disappeared and the policies were at risk of lapsing.

Nick walks listeners through what the lawsuit claims, how the policies were illustrated, and why unrealistic projections, inflated death benefits, and misunderstood “flexible” premiums can create disastrous outcomes with IULs when they’re improperly designed. He explains how cap rates, participation rates, carrier discretion, cost of insurance charges, and performance assumptions create multiple layers of design risk and structural risk that many buyers never fully understand.

He then contrasts this with the stability and predictability of properly structured, dividend-paying whole life insurance, emphasizing guaranteed premiums, guaranteed cash value growth, simpler mechanics, long-term safety, and minimal lapse risk. While Nick clarifies that IULs aren’t inherently bad, he shows how poor design, not the product itself, is often the root cause of catastrophic policy failures like the Busch case.

Nick closes by reminding listeners to demand realistic illustrations, ask about worst-case scenarios, request annual in-force reviews, and choose advisors who prioritize long-term stewardship over commissions.

If you want a second opinion on an existing policy or if you’re ready to build a safer, more predictable financial foundation, schedule a free 15-minute intro call at FWstrategies.com or email Nick directly at Nick@FWstrategies.com.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick shares a real-time story from his family’s major life transition, moving from Arkansas back to South Dakota, and how financial flexibility made it possible to pivot quickly without disrupting their long-term goals.

Nick breaks down why traditional financial planning often leaves people stuck, rigid, and unable to take advantage of opportunities when life shifts. He explains the three pillars that create true financial flexibility: liquidity, a strong non-correlated foundation, and margin. He also talks about how intentionally designing your financial life around your values allows you to act instead of react, move on your terms, and avoid sacrificing compounding growth.

Whether you're navigating change, planning ahead, or rethinking how your money should support your life, this episode will challenge you to build a financial strategy that gives you options, confidence, and control.

Key topics covered:

• How Nick and Brooke moved states before selling their home

• Why most financial plans are too rigid to support real life

• The role of liquidity and access to capital

• How whole life policies can create opportunity without sacrificing long-term growth

• Why margin, not returns, is the real driver of financial peace

• What it means to have your financial plan serve your life, not the other way around

If you're ready to build a plan with true flexibility and stability, visit FWstrategies.com or email Nick at nick@FWstrategies.com.

In this episode, Nick dives into one of the biggest disconnects in personal finance, the gap between what looks good on paper and what actually works in real life. He breaks down why financial decisions based purely on math often fail when human behavior, emotion, and real-life circumstances come into play.

Nick explores why chasing the highest return or “biggest number at the end” can actually lead to more stress, less control, and poorer outcomes. He covers real-world factors that traditional financial advice often ignores, including:

• Behavior and consistency: Why even the best mathematical plans fail if you can’t stick to them emotionally.

• Control and liquidity: The overlooked importance of having flexible access to your money when life happens.

• Taxes and timing: Why pre-tax dollars today don’t equal post-tax dollars tomorrow and why assumptions can be dangerous.

• Risk and peace of mind: Why a steady, guaranteed plan can outperform volatile, high-return investments when stress and sleep are factored in.

Nick also shares a personal example of how using Bank on Yourself-style whole life policies provided his family the liquidity and flexibility to buy a new home without financial stress, illustrating the “utility” of money in action.

At its core, this episode is about redefining what it means to win financially. It’s not about having the biggest balance, it’s about building freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind. When your financial plan fits your life (not the other way around), that’s when you’re truly living wealthy.

Connect with Nick:

• Website: fwstrategies.com

• Email: nick@fwstrategies.com

Key Quote:
“Your financial plan has to fit your life—not the other way around.”

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick Poppe explores what it truly means to align faith and finances. As a Christian and financial coach, Nick discusses how biblical principles of stewardship, patience, and generosity shape the way we earn, spend, invest, and give.

He breaks down how the Bible addresses money, from the “love of money” being misunderstood to Jesus’ teaching that we can’t serve both God and wealth, and how those lessons can guide financial peace and purpose today. Nick also shares how modern tools like whole life insurance can fit within a faith-based approach to stewardship, helping families create financial security with control, freedom, and alignment to their values.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to honor God with your finances, and still be practical and prosperous, this episode will help you see how faith and financial wisdom can work together to build a truly wealthy life.

If this episode challenged you to think differently about money or gave you something to reflect on, share it with someone who might need to hear it. To connect with Nick or learn more, visit fwstrategies.com or email nick@fwstrategies.com.

Until next time, keep living wealthy.

In this episode of Living Wealthy, Nick Poppe tackles the age-old debate: should you rent or buy your home? He breaks down common myths, like “renting is throwing money away” and “owning is always an investment,” showing why both sides miss the full picture. Nick explains the financial and lifestyle trade-offs between renting and buying, covering stability, control, forced savings, leverage, and lifestyle value.

He also explores perspectives highlighting how different philosophies frame housing as a liability, an asset, or a strategic move depending on your situation. Using real-world examples, Nick shows how factors like appreciation, maintenance, leverage, and lifestyle goals can make one option better than the other.

The takeaway: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Renting offers flexibility and predictable costs, while owning provides stability and the chance to build equity. Your choice should fit both your financial plan and the lifestyle you want to live.

Book a free 15-minute Intro call at https://www.fwstrategies.com/

Learn more about the Bank on Yourself strategy with the Bank on Yourself Special Report: https://www.bankonyourself.com/findoutmorenow?wp_src=NP43

Learn more about the power of guaranteed income for retirement and get your Lifetime Guaranteed Income Guide: https://www.bankonyourself.com/guaranteed-lifetime-income-consumer-guide?wp_src=NP43A&srcp