Follow The Money: Conversations about money, finance, and the future of wealth.

The Truth About Mortgages: What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know — W/ Zachary Griffin

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make—but most people begin the process with the wrong information. In this episode of Follow The Money, I sit down with mortgage expert Zachary Griffin to unpack the realities of home financing, the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make, and what it actually takes to qualify for a mortgage. We discuss why so many people disqualify themselves before ever speaking to a lender, how your credit score really impacts your options, the difference between a mortgage salesperson and a true mortgage partner, and the three things you need to get pre-qualified. Zachary also shares insights into VA loans, Native American loan programs, and a powerful story of helping a client improve her credit over two years before purchasing her dream home. Whether you're planning to buy your first home or simply want to make smarter financial decisions, this conversation is packed with practical advice that could save you thousands of dollars—and years of frustration. In this episode, you'll learn: * The biggest mortgage myths that hold buyers back. * The three things lenders look for before pre-qualifying you. * How credit scores affect your borrowing power. * Common mistakes that can cost homebuyers money. * Why talking to a lender early can completely change your home-buying experience. * How specialized loan programs can open doors for more buyers. Connect with Zachary Griffin 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-griffin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-griffin] If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Follow The Money, leave a review, and share it with someone who's planning to buy a home. One conversation can change the way you think about money.

The Wealthy Invest Differently: What Most People Don't Know About Private Investing — W/ Dr. Dipesh Sitaram

Most people believe that if they earn a good income, contribute to their retirement accounts, and invest in the stock market, they're on the right path to financial freedom. But is that the whole story? In this episode of Follow The Money, Baroness sits down with Dr. Dipesh Sitaram—a practicing dental surgeon, real estate investor, and founder of Responsible Real Estate and Acuere Capital Partners—to explore the world of private investing and why many wealthy families build their fortunes beyond traditional markets. Dr. Sitaram shares how he transitioned from relying on a high-paying career to creating multiple streams of passive income through private investments. He explains what private investments are, why they're often overlooked, how to evaluate investment opportunities, and the mindset required to build and preserve wealth for generations. Whether you're just beginning your investing journey or looking to diversify beyond stocks and retirement accounts, this conversation offers practical insights into creating long-term financial freedom. In this episode, we discuss: * Why a high income alone doesn't guarantee wealth * What private investments are—and why they matter * How wealthy investors think differently about money * Healthcare real estate and alternative investment opportunities * How to evaluate investment deals before committing your money * Building passive income and protecting your wealth * Creating a financial legacy that lasts for generations Connect with Dr. Dipesh Sitaram: 🌐 Responsible Real Estate: responsiblerealestate.com If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Follow The Money, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to think differently about investing and wealth creation. The more we understand how money really works, the better equipped we are to build a future of financial freedom.

Why Most People Fail at Investing—And How to Learn Without Losing Money | W/ Deon Hargrove

Most people are told to save money, invest for retirement, and hope everything works out—but very few are actually taught how investing works. In this episode of Follow The Money, Baroness sits down with Deon Hargrove, founder of Smart Investors, a fintech platform designed to help people learn investing through hands-on practice using virtual money and real market data. Together, they discuss why financial literacy is one of the most important life skills, the biggest mistakes beginner investors make, and why so many people lose money simply because they start investing without understanding the fundamentals. Deon also shares the story behind Smart Investors, how the platform works, and why practicing before investing real money can help people build confidence and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're completely new to investing or looking to sharpen your financial knowledge, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you make smarter financial decisions. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why financial literacy is more important than everThe biggest investing mistakes beginners should avoid * How Smart Investors helps people practice before investing real money * Why investing is about education—not luck * How technology is changing the future of financial education * Practical steps to start your investing journey with confidence Connect with Deon Hargrove: 🌐 Smart Investors: smartinvestors.com If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to take control of their financial future. Every conversation on Follow The Money is designed to help you make smarter money decisions and build lasting wealth.

Questioning the System: Mark Hoffman on Financial Accountability, the 2008 Crisis & Economic Power

In this episode of Follow the Money, we sit down with Mark Hoffman, author of Rant, a thought-provoking book that examines financial accountability, institutional oversight, and the economic decisions that affect everyday people. Drawing from his experience in business, real estate, construction, and public advocacy, Mark shares the journey that led him to question widely accepted narratives surrounding the 2008 financial crisis. What began as curiosity about rising oil prices and economic instability evolved into years of research, investigations, and conversations with regulators, financial institutions, and policymakers. Together, we explore the relationship between energy prices and inflation, the events leading up to the financial crisis, the role of oversight agencies, and how decisions made by powerful institutions can ripple through households, businesses, and entire economies. Mark also reflects on the challenges of speaking up, the frustrations of seeking accountability, and the lessons he hopes readers take away from his book. Whether you agree with all of his conclusions or not, this conversation highlights the importance of asking difficult questions and staying informed about the systems that shape our financial lives. If you're interested in economics, public policy, financial history, and understanding the forces that influence everyday financial decisions, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Connect with Mark Hoffman: 📖 Rant is available on Amazon. Simply search for "Rant by Mark Hoffman" to find the book. 📧 Readers who would like to share feedback, ask questions, or continue the conversation can find Mark's contact email in the back of the book.

The Hidden Power of 1031 Exchanges: How Smart Investors Build Tax-Free Wealth | Dave Foster

In this episode of Follow the Money, we sit down with Dave Foster, founder and CEO of The 1031 Investor, a serial real estate investor, accountant, and tax strategy expert with decades of experience helping investors legally keep more of what they earn. Dave’s journey into real estate began in the 1990s with house flipping, but a painful tax experience early on pushed him to deeply explore wealth preservation strategies. That search led him to the powerful world of 1031 exchanges—a tax-deferral tool that allows investors to reinvest real estate profits without immediately paying capital gains taxes. In this conversation, Dave breaks down how 1031 exchanges work in simple terms, why they can dramatically change long-term wealth outcomes, and the most common mistakes investors make when using them. He also shares how smart investors think differently about taxes, timing, and portfolio growth. Beyond the technical side, Dave opens up about how real estate helped him design a life of freedom—raising his children on a sailboat, traveling across the country, and building a life intentionally around time, not just money. If you’ve ever wondered how wealthy investors keep growing their portfolios while paying less tax, this episode is a must-listen. Connect with Dave Foster: Learn more and explore resources here: 👉 the1031investor.com On the website, you’ll find educational resources including an 80-part YouTube series, calculators, articles, and tools designed to help investors understand 1031 exchanges, real estate strategies, and tax-deferral opportunities.