The FI Planner

Ben Martinek CFP ®, EA, CSLP®, RICP®
  • 4.5 (8)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
The FI Planner

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an ambitious professional, or simply someone seeking financial empowerment, hang out with Ben, Deb, and Andrew each week as they unveil practical strategies to help you optimize your income, maximize your savings, and design a life that's aligned with your values and dreams. The FI Planner isn't just about numbers and spreadsheets. We'll also dive into the mindset shifts, personal growth, and lifestyle design that are vital to achieving true financial independence. This show is all about empowering you to take control of your financial destiny, enabling you to build wealth, live your passions, and create lasting impact. Explore the power of intentional living, harnessing financial planning principles to create your own version of financial freedom. From expert interviews with renowned financial planners, investment gurus, and influential entrepreneurs to thought-provoking solo episodes, we'll equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to make informed decisions about your finances, ensuring you're on the right track to achieving your long-term goals. We embrace the idea that financial freedom can be achieved through starting your own business with an emphasis on intentional risk management. Traditional retirement is long gone, so no matter what stage you are in life, we are here to help you get to where you are going. So, if you're ready to redefine your relationship with money, embark on a journey of intentional financial planning, and unlock the keys to a life of purpose and abundance, then you're in the right place. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, where we'll dive deep into investment strategies, tax optimization, debt management, and more. Remember to Follow the show, leave a helpful review, and share this podcast with fellow financial independence seekers. Together, we'll build a community of FI planners dedicated to creating a better future for ourselves and those around us.

  1. 03/28/2023

    Soul-Aligned Contribution with Nancy Bleeke

    Would entrepreneurship be less scary if you knew you’d make more money than your current job?    In this episode, Nancy Bleeke explains how analyzing expenses motivated her to start her own business and what she’s learned since she made the transition to entrepreneurship over twenty years ago.  In this episode, you’ll also hear: Evaluating what it costs you to work vs. start your own business      Making the transition to entrepreneurship without incurring debt  Why community is crucial to growth and why it’s okay to be scared  Must-listen moments:  [00:09:20] After calculating what it cost me to work, including travel, childcare, clothes, etc. even though I had a good job, my net income back to the family was about $10,000 a year. [00:16:08] Part of being profitable right away was watching my expenses. I think knowing what I wanted my net take home number to be helped ensure that my business had net profit. Otherwise, why was I doing it? [00:32:00] When I'm afraid, I always do look for help, that is just how I am. I'm going to find a way to work through it. I get afraid if I notice that my pipeline isn't healthy. But then, right away I'm like, all right, so what do I need to do?   Guest Info:  Nancy Bleeke Nancy left the comfort of a “regular” job to launch Sales Pro Insider Inc. While she’s always been entrepreneurial, finding a passion in sales was never the plan. Who would ever want to be “in sales”? she thought. Yet, she found her calling helping people who also never saw themselves in sales, succeed in selling! Connect with Nancy - https://www.salesproinsider.com/   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/

    30 min

  2. 03/14/2023

    Efficiency and Innovation in Small Businesses

    How do some small businesses make the leap from fledgling concept to successful big company while others go kaput before they can even get started? In this episode, Ben and Andrew delve into the gritty reality of how the majority of new small businesses fail and why people still go for entrepreneurship despite the challenges it brings.  In this episode, you’ll also hear: Defining small business vs. micro business    Why people go into business despite the risks  Embracing the dream, sustaining the losses of entrepreneurship Must-listen moments:  [00:07:12] In the first five years, 50% of businesses that start out don't make it, and by the five year mark, half of the people who first get into business are no longer in business. And then when you extend that out to 10 years, that reduces down from 50% to 30%. [00:12:18] I do like the money but the dream sustains you. It's the meaningful impact. It's the connection. It's the change that you can have on other people's lives. It's the change you can have in the world. [00:27:39] Having the personal finances be in a position where you can sustain those losses, it's really critical to the success of the business. It's not the business finance that under does a business…it's the personal finance. Managing those personal responsibilities as you make this transition is huge. Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726 Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/

    27 min

  3. 02/28/2023

    Three Generations of Entrepreneurship with David Hurley

    Taking on the family business can feel daunting, but staying true to the authentic heart of the company is key.  In this episode, Ben and Deb welcome David Hurley as he dives into how growing up in Country Stores Health Foods fostered his entrepreneurial drive. They discuss the action steps he took to move the business forward under his stewardship while also helping people stay healthy using natural holistic resources.  In this episode, you’ll also hear: Understanding the value of holistic healthcare therapy to improve wellbeing Some of David’s concerns about taking over the family business and how he moved through them Bringing Country Stores Health Foods into the digital age and how that increased the company’s revenue Must-listen moments:  [00:12:00] “Really, the focus of my career has been to try to uncover as much of the truth as possible — that's my career goal.” [00:19:00] “It’s much better to bring in the right people right from the get-go because you invest your time in them.” [00:25:00] “The primary focus is a genuine desire to improve people's lives and sometimes to extend people's lives and sometimes to outright save people's lives. That is the primary motivating force.” Guest Info:  The Country Stores Health Foods is a third-generation family-owned health food store specializing in high-quality supplements and personalized expert advice.  Website: https://www.countrystoredanville.com/  Healthcare.gov Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts

    35 min

  4. 02/14/2023

    From Childhood to Now - A Continual Theme of Entrepreneurship

    For many entrepreneurs, launching your own business means long hours and late nights with little to no financial gain when you first begin.   In this episode, Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira join Ben and Deb to share how a forced leap of faith kickstarted their entrepreneurial journey and what it’s like to be financially independent while balancing business and family as a married couple.    In this episode, you’ll also hear: Navigating the challenges of creating a sustainable business   Enjoying the flexibility and freedom of entrepreneurship Realities of being married and in business together  Must-listen moments:  [00:18:14] We didn't know how to get anything sustainable. It was this feast and this famine cycle. And I think a lot of entrepreneurs, particularly online course owners, that's where they begin. And you buy yourself enough time to learn a little bit so that you do better the next time. [00:29:15] We spend about three months out of the year in the RV. If we had a day job, we couldn't do that, but we do spend a decent bit of the time when we're on the road still working because we can…I wanted to be able to have that flexibility and that freedom and entrepreneurship has afforded us that.  [00:26:03] We had to figure out how to get the right systems and boundaries and operations in place. And then even for ourselves, how do we talk to each other? Guest Info:  Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira are the duo—and happily married couple—behind WalletWin, where they help everyday Catholics create the life of their dreams by getting intentional with money. Website - https://walletwin.com/ Podcast - https://walletwin.com/podcast/   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/

    36 min

  5. 01/31/2023

    Word of the Year: Resolve

    Being an entrepreneur means taking a ride on a never-ending rollercoaster full of intoxicating highs and sobering lows with twists and turns around every corner.  In this episode, Ben and Andrew share lessons they’ve learned from their own setbacks and why entrepreneurs must be overly confident and ready to take on whatever challenge comes next. In this episode, you’ll also hear: Lessons from Andrew’s failed restaurant in Korea Knowing when and how to pivot as an entrepreneur  Understanding the risk and loss that comes with entrepreneurship Must-listen moments:  [00:13:42] And that's what you say, right? You think all this money's gonna come so easy? Just because the first buck comes in, you think a wheelbarrow is gonna be behind it.  [00:20:23] Maybe you start off with one idea or entrepreneurial pursuit, you learn a few things from it, but you realize, this just isn't really the gig I want to be in. But that doesn't mean we close the door to all entrepreneurial pursuits, we just look to maybe what's the next thing?  [00:33:57] Maybe you need to really have an honest conversation with yourself in the mirror and say, maybe I'm still into entrepreneurship, but maybe I do need to really have some very strong guardrails in place that guide me, and I need to really analyze the risk on this deal and take a look at what needs to happen for this to be a situation that I'm comfortable with entering into. Thinking, Fast and Slow  by Daniel Kahneman - https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555 Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/

    31 min

  6. 01/17/2023

    Working on Your Own Terms with Megan Giles

    Not everyone is ready to leave their 9-5 job but if you’re thinking about it, Megan Giles is proof you can succeed on your own.   In this episode, Ben and Deb talk with Megan Giles about how she quit her corporate job cold turkey, found a supportive community and started making connections that helped her focus on the value she offers.  In this episode, you’ll also hear: Quitting the corporate world without a plan The power of truly investing in yourself  Benefits of networking with like-minded, hyper-focused people  Must-listen moments:  [00:09:36] Prior to quitting the corporate world, I would go meet friends after work every day. That completely shifted to going to networking events…so my social life went from strictly friends and fun to networking events with other business folks.  [00:23:15] Being part of that community is what really helped me take off…and then flipping that mindset to where it doesn't matter how many hours I spend on this thing, if I am delivering value, then that's what you're paying me for, the value that I deliver. [00:26:03] If you want to be serious about going out on your own and being in business, you need to be willing to put some money down and join another group of other folks who are similarly serious and willing to commit money and capital. Guest Info:  Most graphic designers will deliver a beautiful layout, but don’t understand that the words you use matter. Megan Giles helps clients with their marketing messages as well, so every piece she designs uses the right words to turn prospects into customers. Website - https://www.mggraphics.design/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megangiles/   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/

    32 min

  7. 01/03/2023

    Alternative Health Insurance Options

    If you’re opting out of traditional health insurance, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits of nontraditional health care. In this episode, Ben and Andrew continue their discussion about health care coverage and dive into two alternative health insurance options.   In this episode, you’ll also hear: Recognizing the risk of unconventional health care options  Direct Primary Care Model and health share plans  Challenges of leaving conventional insurance coverage  Must-listen moments:  [00:12:32] Because this is non-conventional, there are some inherent risks that are associated with this. There are variations in quality across these different plans and so you need to fully appreciate and recognize that you do need to do your due diligence per any of these suggestions to make sure that even an individual provider is the right provider for you and your family and your needs. [00:28:36] These two ways of getting health coverage, they are trying to work lockstep in with each other to create a more complete package and alternative to conventional insurance. [00:36:43] Definitely you want to run the numbers both ways. Take a look at what your healthcare costs would be under a marketplace plan, or how they would be under a D P C plan and a health share plan.   Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell - https://www.amazon.com/Failing-Forward-Turning-Mistakes-Stepping/dp/0785288570 Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/

    34 min

  8. 12/20/2022

    Claiming Financial Independence with Anna Saucier

    Financial independence can bring more calm, time, and energy to your life, so why wait to experience those benefits?   In this episode, Ben and Deb welcome Anna Saucier to talk about why entrepreneurs need a strong foundation, rest, and a mindset that lets you focus on what matters most so you can achieve and receive more today.    In this episode, you’ll also hear: The power of achieving rest and going slow to grow fast  Claiming financial independence vs. viewing financial independence as a reward Being aware of your mindset and living financial independence now    Must-listen moments:  [00:04:15] That's where our true craft comes out…it's not in the doing and doing, doing and spending more and more hours. Because in that stress and in that doing, we become less creative. [00:14:24] I think financial independence and then the rest and the space come together in that it's not a reward for hustling yourself so hard, it's actually something like, how can we claim this in our lives now? [00:38:14] We start living that independence, but also what we're looking at…is not focusing on the money as the goal, but what it makes possible, and refocusing on the purpose of the work that I wanna do in the first place.  Guest Info:  Anna Saucier is a CPD Accredited Certified Online Business Consultant, Energy Clearing Practitioner, and Professionally Trained Mindset Coach, uniquely able to help you in a way that aligns with your values and your mission-led contribution to the world. Website: https://annasaucier.com/   Bona Fide Finance: Website: https://bonafidefinance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonafidefinance Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonaFideFinancialPlanning/ Fb Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069532276726   Student Loan Tax Experts: Website: https://studentloantaxexperts.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/student-loan-tax-experts/

    37 min
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About

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an ambitious professional, or simply someone seeking financial empowerment, hang out with Ben, Deb, and Andrew each week as they unveil practical strategies to help you optimize your income, maximize your savings, and design a life that's aligned with your values and dreams. The FI Planner isn't just about numbers and spreadsheets. We'll also dive into the mindset shifts, personal growth, and lifestyle design that are vital to achieving true financial independence. This show is all about empowering you to take control of your financial destiny, enabling you to build wealth, live your passions, and create lasting impact. Explore the power of intentional living, harnessing financial planning principles to create your own version of financial freedom. From expert interviews with renowned financial planners, investment gurus, and influential entrepreneurs to thought-provoking solo episodes, we'll equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to make informed decisions about your finances, ensuring you're on the right track to achieving your long-term goals. We embrace the idea that financial freedom can be achieved through starting your own business with an emphasis on intentional risk management. Traditional retirement is long gone, so no matter what stage you are in life, we are here to help you get to where you are going. So, if you're ready to redefine your relationship with money, embark on a journey of intentional financial planning, and unlock the keys to a life of purpose and abundance, then you're in the right place. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, where we'll dive deep into investment strategies, tax optimization, debt management, and more. Remember to Follow the show, leave a helpful review, and share this podcast with fellow financial independence seekers. Together, we'll build a community of FI planners dedicated to creating a better future for ourselves and those around us.

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Martinek CFP ®, EA, CSLP®, RICP®
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2023
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bona Fide Finance
  • Show Website
    The FI Planner

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