Escape The Clock: How to Become Financially Free and Have the Option Not to Work

Daniel C. Rodgers
  • 5.0 (5)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join me, Daniel C. Rodgers, the author of the award-winning book Escape The Clock, where I break down the strategies from the book to help you make the moves you need to make to get in control of your finances and achieve financial independence. These 30-60 minute long episodes are focused on bite-size and easy to understand strategies to get the most out of your money so that you can have the option to work (or not work) on your terms. For the book, the planner, and more free resources, please visit www.escapetheclock.com.

  1. Build Systems, Not Stress: The Art of Scaling Over with Fuquan Bilal, CEO of NNG Capital Fund

    3D AGO

    Build Systems, Not Stress: The Art of Scaling Over with Fuquan Bilal, CEO of NNG Capital Fund

    Real estate is often sold as the ultimate path to freedom, but for many investors, it becomes a second job that demands more hours than their 9-to-5. In this episode, Fuquan Bilal, CEO of NNG Capital Fund, joins us to dismantle the "Accumulation Myth." After losing half his net worth in the 2008 crash, Fuquan realized that "more doors" didn't equal more freedom—it just equaled more stress. He pivoted from being a landlord to being the bank, mastering the art of Note Investing to reclaim his time. We dive deep into the difference between "Scaling Up" and "Scaling Over," the systems required to escape operations fatigue, and why the true definition of legacy isn't what you leave to your children, but what you leave in them. Key Talking Points: Why adding units often decreases actual freedom if you don't have the systems to handle the complexityThe strategic pivot from acquiring property to acquiring debt to reduce operational dragHow to be the bank by buying distressed mortgage notes and restructuring them for cash flowUsing the Green, Yellow, Red framework to audit your time and delegate tasksWhy 70% of generational wealth disappears by the second generation and how to involve family to break that cycle Escape The Clock Resources: The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/scheduleFree Weekly Newsletter: www.escapetheclock.com/subscribe Episode References & Resources: More than 55 percent of small real estate investors report doing tasks they know they should be delegating (Buildium, 2024) - https://www.buildium.com/resource/2024-property-management-industry-report/70 percent of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation because heirs are unprepared to manage it — The Williams Group (Nasdaq, 2018) - https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/generational-wealth%3A-why-do-70-of-families-lose-their-wealth-in-the-2nd-generation-2018-10Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman (2007) - https://amzn.to/4aSCnUHScaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish (2014) - https://amzn.to/4ayQld7 Connect with Fuquan: Website: http://nngcapitalfund.comBook: Turning Distress into Sucess - https://amzn.to/4tFjjAJ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuquanbilal/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FuquanBilalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fuquanbilal/ 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.

    36 min
  2. The Financial GPS: Engineering the Exit with Andy Bennetts, Founder of Empower Wealth Solutions

    FEB 10

    The Financial GPS: Engineering the Exit with Andy Bennetts, Founder of Empower Wealth Solutions

    Most people view their mortgage as a non-negotiable thirty-year sentence. It keeps them tethered to the clock and limits their freedom. In this episode, Dan sits down with Andy Bennetts, Founder of Empower Wealth Solutions, to audit the "Generational Debt Loop" that keeps millions of Americans running on a financial treadmill. Andy breaks down the engineering behind amortization schedules, revealing how banks front-load interest to ensure they profit before you build equity. We discuss the critical difference between APR and TIP (Total Interest Percentage), the concept of "Interest Arbitrage," and how to use a "Financial GPS" to treat your debt payoff like a dynamic journey rather than a static obligation. Key Talking Points: Why debt "shrinks our lives" and delays our dreams.How the fundamental calculation of mortgage interest creates a technical debt trap.Why the standard 30-year amortization schedule is designed to maximize bank yield.How to use interest arbitrage and velocity of capital to cancel debt daily.The role of automated technology in removing the decision fatigue of debt repayment.Why only 25% of U.S. students receive financial education in schools.Understanding the "TIP" (Total Interest Percentage) vs the APR. Escape The Clock Resources: The Book: https://escapetheclock.com/book The Planner: https://escapetheclock.com/toolkit 1:1 Help: https://escapetheclock.com/scheduleFree Weekly Newsletter: https://escapetheclock.com/subscribe Episode Sources: Total interest paid on a 30-year mortgage at 7 percent is approximately 154 percent of the original principal — Bankrate (2024) - https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/amortization-schedule/Average American household debt has reached over $104,000 — Federal Reserve Bank of New York (2024) - https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdcAmericans pay over $600 billion in interest annually on non-mortgage debt — St. Louis Fed (2024) - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/AABQIOnly 25 percent of U.S. high school students have access to a standalone personal finance course — Next Gen Personal Finance (2024) - https://www.ngpf.org/state-of-financial-education-report/25 percent of Americans cite debt as the primary reason they cannot retire — Northwestern Mutual (2024) - https://news.northwesternmutual.com/planning-and-progress-study-2024TED: Sir Ken Robinson - Do Schools Kill Creativity? https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity Connect with Andy: Website: http://www.EmpowerWealth.SolutionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bennetts/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Empower-Wealth-2024 Support the podcast: Subscribe and 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 https://escapetheclock.com/book. Thank you for listening! This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

    38 min
  3. Borrowing With Intention: The Human Side of Leverage with Walt Postlewait, Co-Founder of Portfolio Watch

    FEB 3

    Borrowing With Intention: The Human Side of Leverage with Walt Postlewait, Co-Founder of Portfolio Watch

    We often treat borrowing money as a math problem. We assume that if the credit score is good and the collateral is there, the loan is approved, and the risk is managed. But as Walt Postelwait explains, the spreadsheet doesn't tell the whole story. As a former commercial lender and the Co-Founder of Portfolio Watch, Walt spent years on the other side of the table. He learned that while assets get you to the table, it is "Character" that gets you the check, and more importantly, helps you survive when things go wrong. In this episode, we move beyond the basics of debt. We discuss the critical difference between "Consumer Borrowing" and "Strategic Leverage." Walt shares the specific metrics lenders use, like the 1.25 Debt-Service Coverage Ratio, and explains why "Gateway Businesses" like laundromats are often a trap. Most importantly, Walt shares the raw, unfiltered story of his own 66-unit real estate development failure. He walks us through the "Sunk Cost" trap, the red flags he ignored, and how he relied on relationship capital to pay everyone back and avoid bankruptcy. Key Talking Points: The Character Metric and why lenders prioritize grit over cash flowThe difference between Bad Debt (consumer) and Good Debt (strategic leverage)Understanding Debt-Service Coverage RatioA real life lesson of leveraged borrowing gone wrongHow AI is changing how borrowing will work in the future Escape The Clock Resources: The Book: https://escapetheclock.com/book The Planner: https://escapetheclock.com/toolkit The Podcast: https://escapetheclock.com/podcast1:1 Help: https://escapetheclock.com/scheduleFree Weekly Insights: https://escapetheclock.com/subscribe Episode References & Resources: Business owners have a median net worth nearly 9 times higher than wage earners ($1.3M vs $155k) — Federal Reserve Board (2023) — https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htmRoughly 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024) — https://www.bls.gov/bdm/us_age_naics_00_table7.txtConstruction projects specifically face a 98% chance of cost overruns or delays — McKinsey & Company (2022) — https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/the-construction-productivity-imperative52% of financial services companies are accelerating their AI adoption for risk management — PwC (2025) — https://www.pwc.com/us/en/industries/financial-services/library/ai-in-financial-services.html Connect with Walt: Website: https://portfoliowatch.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walt-postlewait-0082ab31b/ Support the podcast: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare this episode with othersJoin the free newsletter at escapetheclock.com/subscribe Thank you for listening. This podcast is for education only and is not financial advice.

    1h 8m
  4. The Family Governance Protocol: Engineering a Legacy That Lasts with John Knowlton, Author of Thinking for Success

    JAN 27

    The Family Governance Protocol: Engineering a Legacy That Lasts with John Knowlton, Author of Thinking for Success

    Most parents hide their wealth to "protect" their children, but in business, hiding the financials from future CEOs is negligence. In this episode, Dan speaks with John Knowlton, author of Thinking for Success, about the concept of "Shared Governance" for family wealth. John breaks down why 52% of parents fail to discuss money with their children, the critical distinction between "Good Success" and "Bad Success," and how to use tools like a Family LLC and a "Golden Triangle" framework to turn your legacy into a business that every family member helps run. Key Talking Points: The danger of "Authority without Information" in parentingWhy "Good Success" requires relationships, not just capitalThe "Golden Triangle" framework: Why, How, and WhatUsing a Family LLC to shift the psychology of inheritanceThe "Shared Governance" model for decision makingHow to start the "Board Meeting" at the dinner table Escape The Clock Resources: The Book: escapetheclock.com/book The Planner: escapetheclock.com/toolkit The Podcast: escapetheclock.com/podcast1:1 Help: escapetheclock.com/scheduleFree Weekly Insights: escapetheclock.com/subscribe Episode References & Resources: 71% of parents would rather talk about death than money — T. Rowe Price Parents, Kids & Money Survey (2019) — https://www.troweprice.com/corporate/en/press/releases/t-rowe-price-parents-kids-money-survey.html52% of parents have not discussed their net worth with their kids — Fidelity Family & Finance Study (2025) — https://newsroom.fidelity.com/pressreleases/fidelity--study-finds-the-great-wealth-transfer-leaves-families-poised-to-build-stronger-financial-f/s/3c72b6d3-9ab6-400a-95e7-f4b30e43db6470% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation — The Williams Group (2018) — https://www.williamspgroup.com/ Connect with John: Website: https://abundantthoughtrevolution.com/Book: https://indiepubs.com/products/thinking-for-successLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-knowlton-516b828/ Support the Podcast: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare this episode with othersJoin the free newsletter at escapetheclock.com/subscribe Thank you for listening. This podcast is for education only and is not financial advice.

    41 min
  5. The Fiat Trap: Investing in a Distorted Reality with Paul Musson, Author of Capital Offense

    JAN 20

    The Fiat Trap: Investing in a Distorted Reality with Paul Musson, Author of Capital Offense

    We are living in a financial reality where money and capital are no longer the same thing. In this deep-dive episode, Dan speaks with Paul Musson, author of Capital Offence, about the "Great Category Error" most investors make: confusing the currency they save with the wealth they create. Paul breaks down how the Fiat system punishes savers, why your home’s appreciation might be a hidden mechanism of wealth redistribution, and how to build a portfolio of "Real Assets" that allows you to opt out of the distorted reality and escape the clock. Key Talking Points: The fundamental difference between Money (currency) and Capital (productive capacity)Why the "Wealth Effect" in housing is actually a transfer of wealth from the young to the oldThe "Paradox of Thrift" and why central banks are incentivized to punish prudenceHow to use the "Central Bank Lunacy Hedge" to protect your portfolio from policy errorsThe danger of "Zombie Companies" in passive index fundsWhy you must balance financial defense with living for today Escape The Clock Resources: Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/toolkit1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/scheduleFree Weekly Newsletter: www.escapetheclock.com/subscribe Episode References: The M2 Money Supply exploded by 40% between 2020 and 2022, while real productivity barely budged - Federal Reserve Economic Data (2024) - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/M2SLSince 2009, US Household Wealth has nearly tripled to $150 Trillion, largely driven by asset price inflation rather than GDP growth - Federal Reserve Financial Accounts of the US (2023) - https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/The percentage of "Zombie Companies" (firms that can't cover interest payments with profits) rose to nearly 20% in the US by 2020 - Bank for International Settlements 2020) - https://www.bis.org/publ/qtrpdf/r_qt2009a.htmOver the last 100 years, gold supplies have increased at an annual rate of only 1% to 3%, making it hard to manipulate - Mark Skousen, The Structure of Production (2015) - https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Production-Mark-Skousen/dp/1479848522 People & Concepts Mentioned: Michael Green: Portfolio Manager known for his research on how passive investing strategies (index funds) distort market prices.Paul Volcker: Former Fed Chair (1979–1987) who famously raised interest rates to 20% to crush the inflation of the 1970s.Paul Krugman & Paul McCulley: Economists referenced regarding their 2002 arguments for creating a "housing bubble" to replace the dot-com bubble.Bob Kierlin (Fastenal): The founder referenced by Paul as a prime example of ethical stewardship for distributing wealth to his employees. Connect with Paul: Website: https://paddingtoncapitalmgmt.comBook: https://paddingtoncapitalmgmt.com/capital-offence-book-paul-musson-economic-policy-inequality-money-management-financial-intelligenc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbmusson/ Support the podcast: Subscribe and leave a reviewShare this episode with someone who would benefitJoin the community at escapetheclock.com/subscribe Thank you for listening. This podcast is for education only and is not financial advice.

    1h 4m
  6. Don’t Retire… Graduate! Redefining Financial Freedom with Eric Brotman, CFP

    JAN 13

    Don’t Retire… Graduate! Redefining Financial Freedom with Eric Brotman, CFP

    Most people treat retirement like a finish line, only to find themselves struggling with a crisis of identity and purpose once the work stops. In this episode, Daniel talks with CFP and author Eric Brotman about why we need to change our vocabulary to change our outcome. Eric explains why retirement should be viewed as a "graduation" into your life's work, not a cessation of activity. He shares critical strategies for shifting from "playing offense" in your accumulation years to "playing defense" to protect your freedom, and why everyone needs a "Financial Editor" to check their blind spots. Listen to learn how to graduate into your next phase rather than just quitting your current one. Key Talking Points: Why "retirement" definitions are broken and how the "graduation" mindset prevents an identity crisisThe critical shift from playing Offense (Growth) to playing Defense (Risk Management)The "Day 2 Problem": How to build a moat around your financial castleThe math of $1 Million: Why it might only provide a $40k/year lifestyleThe "Financial Editor" concept: Why even financial advisors need advisorsWhy taking a "Trial Run" sabbatical is the only way to test your readiness Escape The Clock Resources: The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/bookThe Tools: www.escapetheclock.com/toolkitHelp: www.escapetheclock.com/scheduleFree Weekly Insights: www.escapetheclock.com/subscribe Episode Sources: From Strength to Strength — Arthur Brooks (2022) - https://arthurbrooks.com/book/from-strength-to-strength/A 65-year-old couple retiring in 2024 needs an estimated $330,000 for health care — Fidelity (2024) - https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/personal-finance/plan-for-rising-health-care-costsThe 4% Rule (Safe Withdrawal Rates) — William Bengen (1994) - https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/sites/default/files/2021-04/MAR04%20Determining%20Withdrawal%20Rates%20Using%20Historical%20Data.pdf Connect with Eric: Website: https://dontretiregraduatebook.com/Firm: https://bfgfa.com/Book: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Retire-Graduate-Financial-Retirement/Podcast: https://bfguniversity.com/podcasts/Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/ Support the Podcast: Subscribe and follow on your favorite platformLeave a rating & reviewShare this episode with othersSupport me by picking up the book for yourself or a loved one at escapetheclock.com/book Thank you for listening! This information is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

    39 min
  7. Tracking for Transformation with Jack Allweil, Author of Make Better Bets

    JAN 6

    Tracking for Transformation with Jack Allweil, Author of Make Better Bets

    Most people never track their finances, and it keeps them stuck hoping and worrying. In this episode, Dan talks with actuary and real estate investor Jack Allweil about how tracking your net worth and cash flow transforms behavior, accelerates financial independence, and brings clarity to your financial life. Jack shares how losing his job at age 27 became the turning point that led him to build freedom through data-driven decision-making, real estate, and intentional planning. Listen to learn how to use data in your plan to better achieve your goals. Key Talking Points Jack’s story of transformation after job lossWhy tracking drives better financial decisionsHow to build a personal balance sheet that creates clarityHow tracking guides investing, real estate, and passive income choicesThe first steps anyone can take to start tracking and improving their financial life Escape The Clock Resources The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book The Tools: www.escapetheclock.com/toolkit Help: www.escapetheclock.com/scheduleFree Weekly Insights: www.escapetheclock.com/subscribe Episode Sources Tracking increases savings rates by 15 to 20 percent: Morningstar (2023) - https://www.morningstar.com/content/dam/marketing/shared/research/foundational/802866-SaveMoreToday.pdfOnly 32 percent of Americans calculate net worth annually: Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey (2024) - https://content.schwab.com/web/retail/public/about-schwab/schwab_modern_wealth_survey_2024_findings.pdfTracking increases goal achievement by 42 percent: Psychological Science (2015) - https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/10/progress-goals Connect with Jack Website: www.fired-to-fire.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jackallweilBook: Make Better Bets - https://amzn.to/4nHfms3LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jack-allweil-fsa-3b1a3318/Social: https://x.com/Jack_Allweil Support the Podcast Subscribe and follow on your favorite platformLeave a rating & reviewShare this episode with othersSupport me by picking up the book for yourself or a loved one at escapetheclock.com/book Thank you for listening! This information is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

    37 min
  8. Escape The Clock Anniversary: 5 Secrets from a Year of Escaping the Clock

    JAN 1

    Escape The Clock Anniversary: 5 Secrets from a Year of Escaping the Clock

    In this end-of-year special, Daniel C. Rodgers looks back at the transformative lessons of 2025, big learnings, and what to expect going into the year ahead. Tune into this special episode to celebrate a crazy year and learn new ways you might start 2026 off in a strong way. Key Talking Points Big milestones from a year of Escape The ClockA recap of the big FI events that shaped 2025.Dan's five learnings from 2025.Predictions and things to watch for in 2026. Escape The Clock Resources The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/bookThe Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/toolkit1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/scheduleOther Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resourcesFree Weekly Newsletter: www.escapetheclock.com/subscribe Support the podcast Subscribe, follow, and leave a review where you listenShare this episode with someone who would benefitVisit EscapeTheClock.com to get the book, subscribe, or more episodes. This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

    31 min
See All (45)

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join me, Daniel C. Rodgers, the author of the award-winning book Escape The Clock, where I break down the strategies from the book to help you make the moves you need to make to get in control of your finances and achieve financial independence. These 30-60 minute long episodes are focused on bite-size and easy to understand strategies to get the most out of your money so that you can have the option to work (or not work) on your terms. For the book, the planner, and more free resources, please visit www.escapetheclock.com.

Information