Breakaway Wealth Podcast

In a market flooded with pitch decks and pro forma promises, what actually drives durable returns in private real estate?  In this episode, Jim sits down with Jacob Vanderslice of VanWest Partners to dissect the operational backbone of self-storage, the risks behind the spreadsheets, and why real investors focus on downside protection more than projected upside. Key Takeaways: * Self-storage is an operating business. With granular rent streams, month-to-month leases, and retail-level management, it’s not just real estate—it’s operations. * Cycles expose weak decisions. Jacob shares how forced timing, tax pressures, and poor planning can destroy returns—and how to avoid those traps. * The right questions matter. A good pitch isn’t enough. Investors should ask about worst-case outcomes, not just IRR targets. Self-storage may look simple from the outside, but as Jacob Vanderslice makes clear, consistent returns come from disciplined operations, not market timing. W hether you're using Infinite Banking or other private capital strategies, the message is the same: know your operator, understand the risks, and focus on long-term execution—not short-term projections. Connect with Jacob Vanderslice: Website: www.vanwestpartners.com/ [https://www.vanwestpartners.com/] Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanderslice-02905b16b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-vanderslice-02905b16b/]

In this episode of Breakaway Wealth, Jim speaks with Tad Fallows, entrepreneur and founder of Long Angle, a private community for individuals with $2.2M+ in investable assets. They discuss how wealth creators think about investing, raising children without entitlement, and maintaining purpose after a business exit. 3 Key Takeaways: * Portfolio strategy beyond Wall Street: High-net-worth individuals are moving away from traditional 60/40 portfolios, favoring private equity, real assets, and niche alternative investments for uncorrelated, equity-like returns. * Post-exit risk mindset: Many entrepreneurs opt for higher-return, illiquid investments rather than de-risking, based on the belief that volatility is manageable when wealth exceeds basic needs. * Raising children with financial independence: The most consistent concern among members of Fallows' community is how to instill grit and self-sufficiency in children growing up with financial abundance. If you're serious about breaking away from conventional thinking and building lasting wealth, this conversation offers a clear window into how high-level entrepreneurs manage their capital, family, and future. Connect with Tad Fallows: Long Angle: https://www.longangle.com/ [https://www.longangle.com/] Tad's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fallows/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fallows/]

In this episode, Jim walks through the shift that changed everything: from chasing returns to building freedom through ownership and control. He shares the early lessons—from a casket factory in Gary, Indiana to Wall Street boardrooms—that forced him to question the financial playbook most people follow. The real breakthrough? Understanding that freedom isn’t about having more—it’s about controlling what you already earn. 3 Takeaways: * Ownership is leverage. Watching a business owner control time and capital changed Jim’s view of wealth. It’s not about working more—it’s about owning the system. * Control creates independence. Through Infinite Banking and cash-flow assets, Jim took back control from banks, brokers, and traditional planners. * Noise is the enemy. Schools, media, and advisors push dependence. Freedom starts by questioning the script—and taking action. This episode is for anyone tired of playing defense. Listen, share, and hit subscribe to join a community that plays offense with money.

In this episode, Jim talks with Louis O’Connor, founder of Strategic Metals Invest, about a little-known asset class that’s playing an outsized role in energy, defense, and global manufacturing: rare earth and strategic metals. Louis breaks down how investors can position themselves ahead of the demand curve—and why most people have never heard of these assets. 3 Key Takeaways: * Critical inputs, limited access. Strategic metals power everything from semiconductors to EVs and missile systems. But most investors are locked out. * Direct ownership is now possible. Private investors can hold metals like gallium and hafnium in secure vaults—and sell directly to manufacturers. * Geopolitics drives opportunity. China’s control over the supply chain creates volatility, trade tension, and leverage for early movers. Most portfolios react to the market. This is a chance to get ahead of it. Connect with Louis O’Connor: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@strategicmetalsinvest [https://www.youtube.com/@strategicmetalsinvest] Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrategicMetalsInvest [https://www.facebook.com/StrategicMetalsInvest] Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/louis-o-connor-a583341b8/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-o-connor-a583341b8/]

In this engaging conversation, Jim and Loral Langemeier explore the myths surrounding money, the importance of financial education, and the connection between health and wealth. Loral shares her insights on living a corporate life, alternative investments, and the significance of teamwork in achieving success. The discussion also highlights the Millionaire Maker Game as a tool for financial education and the necessity of being proactive in financial planning.  Key Takeaways: * Corporate structure is essential: Loral breaks down how running your life through entities—rather than as an individual—creates tax efficiency, asset protection, and long-term planning advantages. * Everything you were taught about money is fragmented: Financial education in schools, from CPAs, and through media often ignores how real wealth is built. Loral outlines how integrating tax, estate, and insurance strategy is the missing link. * Family legacy requires intention: Teaching financial values at home, not in school, is critical. Loral discusses how games, daily conversations, and structured learning can prepare the next generation to preserve—not squander—wealth. If you're still living as a sole proprietor, waiting for permission, or putting your future in the hands of traditional advisors, this conversation will challenge you to rethink everything. Connect with Loral Langemeier: Website: https://integratedwealthsystems.com/ [https://integratedwealthsystems.com/] Website2: https://askloral.com/ [https://askloral.com/] YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCh0WrzMl0KfuNvQq04Ncs7Q [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh0WrzMl0KfuNvQq04Ncs7Q] Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lorallangemeier/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorallangemeier/] Instagram: www.instagram.com/askloral/ [https://www.instagram.com/askloral/] Facebook: www.facebook.com/IntegratedWealthSystems/ [https://www.facebook.com/IntegratedWealthSystems/] TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@lorallangemeier?lang=en [https://www.tiktok.com/@lorallangemeier?lang=en]