5 Things I Wish Every Young Person Knew About Money

The TRUTH About Owning a Business (What No One Tells You!)

I’m here to give you the real, honest truth about money and business — without hype, without shortcuts, and without the TikTok nonsense. I’ve spent over 30 years working with small business owners, farmers, families, and entrepreneurs, and everything I share comes from real experience, real people, and real outcomes. My goal is simple: help you avoid the mistakes I’ve seen over and over, build discipline, stack some cheese, and take control of your financial life one smart decision at a time.

The Biggest Money Mistakes People Make Without Even Realizing It

In this episode, I talk about the biggest money mistakes people make without even realizing it. I’m not talking about the obvious stuff like buying a $90,000 truck on a $40,000 income. I’m talking about the quiet, everyday decisions that don’t seem like a big deal in the moment—but add up over 5, 10, 20 years and can make the difference between stress and stability. Along the way, I also share where the name “Stacking Cheese” came from and why I use it. We get into the history of “cheese” as money, how I’ve used that phrase around the office for years, and why I think building wealth should feel simple and approachable—not stiff and intimidating. I walk through real-life examples from my own life and from clients I’ve worked with over 30+ years as a CPA: * Thinking you have more time than you really do * Missing out on free money in retirement plans * Using your savings to act on good opportunities * Emotional money decisions and social media pressure * Not knowing where your money actually goes * Listening to the wrong people * Believing money will fix deeper problems * Letting your past define your future If you’ve ever wondered why you never seem to get ahead, or you feel like you’re working hard but not seeing progress, this episode is for you. My goal isn’t to judge you—it’s to give you perspective, encouragement, and some straight talk that can help you make better long-term decisions. If you enjoy this episode, follow the show, leave a rating, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. And now that you know what “stacking cheese” means… go stack some, even if it’s just five bucks at a time.

5 Things I Wish Every Young Person Knew About Money

In this longer, more real conversation, I sit down and talk through the five things I wish every young person—and honestly, every adult—knew about money. This isn’t tax code or LLC talk. This is about discipline, mindset, simplifying decisions, starting something early, and understanding that your past doesn’t define your ceiling. I share stories from my own life, from growing up with very little to building a career over 30+ years as a CPA. I talk about the mistakes I made when I didn’t listen to my dad, the clients I’ve guided, the young people I’ve mentored, and the lessons that have stuck with me the longest. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by finances, confused about where to start, or embarrassed to ask basic questions—this episode is for you. We break down the noise, talk about real-life choices, and dig into the foundations that shape your financial future. Whether you’re 18 or 48, these principles apply. Grab a coffee and let’s walk through this together.

Who I Am and What This Podcast Is About

Today I’m sharing a little bit about my story — where I come from, the people I help, and why I decided to put my voice into the podcast world. I talk about growing up with very little, building my career from the ground up, and the responsibility I feel to pass on what I’ve learned over 30+ years as a CPA. This episode is all about mindset, simplicity, and what this show will stand for going forward.

Episode 1 Intro

This is just a quick intro to say hello and kick things off. No deep dive today—just me sharing what this podcast is going to be about and what you can expect going forward. I’ll be talking about real-life tax stuff, small business tips, farm and ranch topics, and whatever else comes up as I’m helping clients every day. The goal is simple: keep things honest, practical, and easy to understand. Thanks for tuning in to the very first episode. More good stuff is coming soon!