The Practical Wealth Show

Curtis May
  • 5.0 (45)
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The Practical Wealth Podcast is for people who want to take control of their finances today. Curtis May is part of the Prosperity Economics movement and is dedicated to breaking down each client's unique financial situation so they can rebuild it to fit their ideal lifestyle.

  1. 2D AGO

    Before You Buy a Franchise, Watch This with Cliff Nonnenmacher

    EPISODE SUMMARY Franchising is often marketed as passive or semi-absentee—but that misunderstanding costs investors millions. In this episode, I'm joined by franchise veteran Cliff Nonnenmacher, who has spent over 25 years owning, scaling, and advising franchise businesses across multiple industries. We talk candidly about: Why franchisees really fail The operator vs. owner mindset Capital mistakes that quietly kill good businesses Who should walk away from franchising immediately Trends vs. hype in today's franchise market If you're considering franchising or advising someone who is—this episode will save you time, money, and regret.   LINKS & RESOURCES If you make good money but still feel tight, you're probably not broke—you're illiquid. Start here: practicalwealth.net cliffn@franocity.com www.franocity.com cliffn@franocity.com   KEYWORDS Family council generational wealth legacy planning financial wisdom speculative investing trust funds family governance intergenerational learning wealth mindset progress principle purposeful communication financial stewardship baby steps strategy structured conversations wealth transfer   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 00:00–01:20 - Younger generations turning to speculation as traditional wealth feels out of reach 01:20–02:15 - Gambling vs. investing in the age of bots and AI 02:15–03:32 - Story of a trust fund protected by anti-gambling restrictions 03:32–04:28 - The wisdom function of a family council 04:28–05:22 - Family councils beyond blood relatives: boards, mentors, advisors 05:22–06:43 - Four generations under one roof: mutual value exchange 06:43–07:35 - What younger generations actually bring to the table 07:35–08:32 - Why asking better questions unlocks generational wisdom 08:32–09:47 - Simple starting point: weekly cadence calls 09:47–10:36 - Two powerful questions: What's working? What's not? 10:36–11:45 - The "gap" vs. progress principle 11:45–12:50 - Starting small instead of waiting for a formal family retreat 12:50–13:45 - Purposeful structure vs. hoping conversations happen naturally 13:45–End - Why progress compounds when family conversations become intentional

    55 min

  2. MAR 4

    Be the Bank Blueprint: What Good Looks Like

    Episode Summary "Good" doesn't feel exciting. Good feels calm. In this episode, Curtis defines what financial stability actually looks like in real life—and walks through the Be the Bank Blueprint that turns chaos into control. What you'll learn -The clearest definition of financial stability: -Nothing feels urgent -Money moves without panic -Decisions aren't permission-based -Why most people confuse "busy" with "progress" -The 4-step Money for Life Blueprint: -Cash flow control -Private Reserve (properly structured whole life) -Protection and stress-testing -Legacy and continuity -How to think like a banker instead of a borrower Key insight Bad finances feel urgent. Good finances feel boring and boring is freedom.   Episode Resources Take the Next Step with Curtis May: Business Owners: Assess Your Challenges with Cash Flow → https://curtis-73no5r8j.scoreapp.com Private Banking Readiness Assessment → https://curtis-qljorw8q.scoreapp.com How Ready Are You to Be Your Own Bank? → https://curtis-hzw1jezd.scoreapp.com The Practical Wealth Show with Curtis May   Keywords Be the Bank Blueprint Money for Life Process Private reserve Cash flow control Financial calm Liquidity and control Whole life insurance strategy Infinite banking Personal economy Financial freedom Legacy planning Episode Highlights 00:00–00:31 - Introducing the Be the Bank Blueprint and defining "what good looks like" 00:31–01:27 - When systems work, nothing feels urgent 01:27–01:56 - Calm, boring money systems lead to better decisions 01:56–02:23 - What bad looks like: pressure, fragility, constant scrambling 02:23–03:32 - What "good" looks like for business owners, investors, and W-2 earners 03:32–04:23 - Borrowing by choice, not necessity 04:23–05:32 - Step one: stabilize cash flow and fix symptoms vs causes 05:32–06:31 - Raising your "ceiling of complexity" lowers anxiety and risk 06:31–06:55 - Tell your money where to go instead of asking where it went 06:55–07:46 - Step two: save 15–20% and build liquidity before investing 07:46–08:53 - Building a private reserve with properly structured whole life 08:53–09:46 - Principles → strategy → tactics (products come last) 09:46–10:12 - Earn it. Bank it. Borrow it. Spend it. Repay it. 10:12–10:52 - Protect the kingdom: stress-test your plan 10:52–11:29 - The destination: four pillars of a strong personal economy 11:29–12:48 - Pillar 1 & 2: freedom from debt and cash when needed 12:48–14:01 - Pillar 3: financial freedom through cash-flowing assets 14:01–15:05 -Think like a banker: borrow with purpose, repay with discipline 15:05–16:17 - Clarity before action—next steps 16:17–17:37 - Pillar 4: legacy of wealth and wisdom

    18 min

  3. FEB 25

    The Myth of Free Markets

    Episode Summary Free markets only work when signals are honest. Today's money signals are distorted so people work harder, earn more, and still feel stuck. In this episode, Curtis exposes the myth of free markets, explains why money friction is engineered into the system, and reveals the three silent wealth leaks draining households and business owners every day. What you'll learn Why distorted money signals break personal decision-making How locked money forces debt as default liquidity The real reason people feel behind even with good incomes The three wealth leaks most people never measure: -Interest -Taxes -Opportunity cost -Why budgeting fails when the system itself is broken Most people don't overspend they're oversiloed. Their money exists, but it's trapped when life happens. Want help identifying your leaks and rebuilding cash flow control? Go to practicalwealth.net and book a Clarity Call. We'll map your cash flow, find the leaks, and outline your first corrective moves.   Episode Resources Take the Next Step with Curtis May: Business Owners: Assess Your Challenges with Cash Flow → https://curtis-73no5r8j.scoreapp.com Private Banking Readiness Assessment → https://curtis-qljorw8q.scoreapp.com How Ready Are You to Be Your Own Bank? → https://curtis-hzw1jezd.scoreapp.com The Practical Wealth Show with Curtis May Keywords Myth of free markets Debt paradigm Cash flow control Money signals Liquidity and control Opportunity cost Household capitalism Private reserve Infinite banking Personal economy Cash flow mapping Financial systems Episode Highlights 00:00–00:31 - The myth of free markets and distorted money signals 00:31–01:24 - The debt paradigm and why institutions don't play by the same rules 01:24–02:08 - Asset-rich, cash-poor: why high earners still feel broke 02:08–02:58 - The leaky bucket: interest, taxes, and opportunity cost 02:58–03:26 - What if you could use money and still keep it growing? 03:26–04:26 - Real-world example: business owners saving, borrowing, and leaking simultaneously 04:26–05:22 - Wealth leaks beyond interest: mortgages, retirement, education 05:22–06:16 - Institutional incentives and why people play a rigged game 06:16–06:55 - Why budgeting isn't the solution—structure is 06:55–08:04 - Cashflow mapping vs reactive money management 08:04–08:44 - Parkinson's Law and why money disappears without systems 08:44–09:38 - Separating accounts and creating cash flow clarity 09:38–10:47 - Cash flow stress, revenue targets, and business discipline 10:47–11:43 - The "red pill" moment of understanding money systems 11:43–12:55 - Control, liquidity, and why structure reduces stress 12:55–14:04 - Earning more by creating more value 14:04–15:27 - Stewardship, leadership, and becoming the bank 15:27–15:49 - Final call to action and next steps

    17 min

  4. FEB 18

    Capitalism Without Apology

    Episode Summary Most people think they live in capitalism. They don't. They live in a permission-based money system—where access to capital requires approval, delays, or debt. In this episode, Curtis breaks down what capitalism actually is, why most households aren't participating in it, and how Infinite Banking represents household-level capitalism in action. This isn't political. It's structural. What you'll learn -Why your biggest money problem is usually lack of liquidity, not lack of income -The difference between capitalism, corporatism, and crony finance -Why most people are trained to save money they can't access -How "buy term and invest the difference" often creates cash-poor households -The three pillars of real financial control: liquidity, control, continuity Key takeaway If you don't control liquidity, you don't control decisions. And if you don't control decisions, you're not practicing capitalism—you're reacting. If this episode exposed cracks in your money system, don't try to budget harder. Fix the structure. Go to practicalwealth.net and book a 15–20 minute Clarity Call to identify where control is leaking and what to fix first. Links & Resources Episode Resources Take the Next Step with Curtis May: Business Owners: Assess Your Challenges with Cash Flow → https://curtis-73no5r8j.scoreapp.com Private Banking Readiness Assessment → https://curtis-qljorw8q.scoreapp.com How Ready Are You to Be Your Own Bank? → https://curtis-hzw1jezd.scoreapp.com The Practical Wealth Show with Curtis May Keywords Household economics Personal economy Capitalism without apology Infinite banking Liquidity and control Private reserve strategy Permission-based spending Debt paradigm Capital storage Financial independence Institutional finance Cash flow control Episode Highlights 00:00–01:06 - Capitalism without apology and the idea of a personal economy 01:06–02:04 - Why you can't control the global economy—but you can control your household economy 02:04–02:45 - Capitalism as control, not investments or rates of return 02:45–03:34 - Liquidity defined: why access to money determines decision-making 03:34–05:07 - High income, low liquidity—and why professionals still feel tight 05:07–06:15 - Debt as a symptom of illiquidity, not irresponsibility 06:15–07:36 - What capitalism actually is (and what it isn't) 07:36–08:51 - How locking money away forces life to be financed with debt 08:51–10:01 - The debt paradigm vs the "pay cash" illusion 10:01–11:37 - Institutional rules that shape how people are taught to use money 11:37–12:55 - Why most personal economies show no evidence of financial freedom 12:55–14:15 - Signals, interest rates, and distorted financial behavior 14:15–15:49 - Infinite banking as a system—not a product 15:49–17:16 - Liquidity, control, and uninterrupted compounding 17:16–18:17 - Outsourcing knowledge and control to institutions 18:17–20:12 - Capitalism practiced at the household level—and the call to action

    21 min

  5. FEB 11

    Become an Investor: The Cash-Flow System Behind Financial Freedom

    Summary  Curtis sits down with Joey Mure (Wealth Without Wall Street) to talk straight about what financial freedom really is and why most people never reach it. Joey breaks down the mindset shift away from "retirement someday" toward building enough passive income to cover monthly expenses so you own your calendar today. From there, the conversation goes tactical: why your cash flow system must change, how Infinite Banking becomes the most efficient "parking and leverage" tool, and why the real missing piece is becoming an investor—not just being a saver. They also dismantle the myth that being debt-free equals freedom, explain why you can never "pay off the cost of living," and highlight the two biggest bottlenecks that stop people: thinking differently and fear of investing. Joey shares real examples of alternative cash-flow assets (including land flipping partnerships, private lending, and small "operator-run" deals like Turo) and how stacking repeatable wins is what builds momentum. What you'll learn Joey's definition of financial freedom (passive income > expenses = owning your calendar) Why "retirement" is a broken model—and why freedom is a today goal The simple test for whether your money supports freedom: Does it increase passive income or reduce a monthly expense? Why a 401(k) often delays financial freedom (not income-producing today) Infinite Banking as a foundational asset (great tool, not the finish line) Why "Become Your Own Banker" really implies "become an investor" Why debt freedom isn't freedom—and why you can't pay off the cost of living The top two bottlenecks: mindset + fear (no confidence, no repeatable investing process) Joey's favorite cash-flow plays and why operator-run deals can be powerful -How to stack passive income in repeatable steps (first $500/month, then scale) -Resources mentioned / concepts to explore -Wealth Without Wall Street community + monthly Passive Income Report -Infinite Banking / Becoming Your Own Banker -Rich Dad Poor Dad framework (cash-flowing assets vs accumulation) -Alternative cash-flow assets: land flipping partnerships, private notes, Turo rentals, vending   Episode Highlights 01:02 - Reeducating about financial freedom. 05:37 - Creating passive income today. 09:13 - The infinite banking foundation. 15:48 - Transition to becoming an investor. 19:26 - Bottlenecks in financial transition. 25:00 - Land flipping success story. 31:15 - Business ownership vs. job ownership. 35:10 - Being a steward of resources. 40:25 - Breaking limiting beliefs for financial freedom. 50:10 - Financial freedom as a process. 52:30 - Spiritual freedom and stewardship.   Episode Resources Take the Next Step with Curtis May: Business Owners: Assess Your Challenges with Cash Flow → https://curtis-73no5r8j.scoreapp.com Private Banking Readiness Assessment → https://curtis-qljorw8q.scoreapp.com How Ready Are You to Be Your Own Bank? → https://curtis-hzw1jezd.scoreapp.com The Practical Wealth Show with Curtis May Joey  Mure Guest Emailjoey@wealthwithoutwallstreet.com Additional guest information Co owner and Host at Wealth Without Wallstreet joey@wealthwithoutwallstreet.com (205) 236-0075   Keywords Practical Wealth Show Joey Mure Wealth Without Wall Street financial freedom reeducate business owners passive income financial independence cashflow system Investing alternatives mindset shift Rich Dad Poor Dad retirement Nelson Nash infinite banking alternative assets become an investor passive income operating system debt freedom constructive debt destructive debt land flipping private loans TURO vending machine business Robert Kiyosaki E-Myth stewardship faith-based financial approach

    43 min

  6. FEB 4

    Recession-Resistant Service Franchises: How to Replace W-2 Income Without Starting From Scratch

    Summary  Most people hear "franchise" and think McDonald's-level money and full-time grind. In this episode, Curtis sits down with Greg Mohr, founder of Franchise Maven, to break down a smarter, recession-resistant path: buying essential service businesses with proven systems without needing to be the technician. Greg shares his background from corporate engineering and small business ownership into franchising, then teaches how to evaluate franchise opportunities like a real investor. The centerpiece is his simple due-diligence filter: talk to 10+ operators before you buy anything and know what to listen for. What You'll Learn Why service franchises (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, senior care, restoration) can be more recession-resistant than trend-based businesses -The difference between buying a job vs buying a system (and how to structure the owner role) -A realistic expectation for time and ramp-up: 10–15 hours/week and a 2–3 year runway to "work-optional" cash flow -The 10-Operator Rule: why talking to 10 franchisees changes everything, and how it protects you from expensive mistakes -3 red flags to watch for when interviewing franchisees -Why undercapitalization kills otherwise good businesses—and how to think about runway and liquidity -What a pro forma is (in plain English) and how it helps you map break-even and profitability Key Quotes / Ideas "Don't buy a job—buy a system." "If you can't handle 18 months without income, don't pretend you're ready." "Keep interviewing operators until you hear the same truth over and over." Welcome: recession-resistant cash flow through service franchises. Greg's path: corporate → small business → franchising. Who this is for: career-changers, high achievers, and managers. Why service franchises are an overlooked asset class beyond fast food. The owner's role: you don't need to be the technician. "Don't buy a job—buy a system" and the delegation mindset. What "recession-resistant" actually means (essential services). Realistic time and effort expectations (semi-absentee ≠ no work). The 10-Operator Rule for due diligence. Red flags to watch for before buying. Capital runway and avoiding undercapitalization. Pro forma basics: costs, break-even, and timeline.   Episode Highlights 00:00:19 - Recession-resistant cash flow with franchising.   00:00:51 - The 10 operator rule for due diligence.   00:03:01 - Transition from corporate to entrepreneurship.   00:04:30 - Service businesses as overlooked asset classes.   00:06:49 - Essential services franchises.   00:10:10 - Systematizing for time and financial freedom.   00:13:37 - Recession-resistant business advantages.   00:14:09 - Realistic time and effort expectations.   00:14:47 - Importance of detailed financial forecasting.   00:18:00 - Necessity of liquidity and capital planning.   00:20:45 - The importance of building cash flow.   00:30:36 - Networking and due diligence in franchise investing.   00:32:20 - Franchise Maven's consulting process.   00:35:39 - Education and preparedness in franchising.   00:37:58 - Key factors for franchise success.   00:40:41 - Risk tolerance and strategic planning.   Episode Resources Business Owners: Assess Your Challenges with Cash Flow → https://curtis-73no5r8j.scoreapp.com Private Banking Readiness Assessment → https://curtis-qljorw8q.scoreapp.com How Ready Are You to Be Your Own Bank? → https://link.agent-crm.com/widget/quiz/XJwH7kM0wWxYB1KICcOW Title: Founder & CEO, Franchise Maven Email: greg@franchisemaven.com Phone: 361-772-6401 Website: franchisemaven.com   Keywords The Practical Wealth Show   recession resistant   cashflow   service business systems   franchising   Greg Moore   Franchise Maven   Forbes business council   Wall Street Journal bestselling author   high achievers   replace W-2 income   reliable cashflow   due diligence filters   10 operator rule   buying a franchise   restaurant industry   corporate world   master franchisor   franchise consultant   financial freedom   time freedom   recession resistant industries   essential services   HVAC   plumbing   electrical   senior care   restoration services   passive income   franchise disclosure document   service businesses   asset class   franchise royalties   franchise success rate   Greg Mays

    43 min

  7. JAN 28

    Give yourself a Pay Raise — Build an Income Engine

    Summary  A "raise" isn't just more income  it's more control. This episode breaks down how to build an income engine so your lifestyle isn't dependent on one stream of earned income. The focus is practical: stabilize cash flow, redirect leaks, and convert surplus into a repeatable system that produces results. What You'll Learn -The difference between more income and more usable income. -Why most people don't need a raise  they need an engine. -How to design a simple system that turns surplus cash into momentum. -What to measure weekly so the engine actually grows. Core Framework (simple + memorable) Find it: Identify leaks and wasted transfers (interest, taxes, fees, inefficiency). Free it: Restructure cash flow so you create surplus on purpose. Fund it: Route surplus into a controllable "engine" (liquidity + strategy). Flip it: Use that engine to create more income (assets, business growth, opportunity funding). Practical Action Steps 1.Pick one "pay raise lever" you can pull in the next 7 days: -Cut one recurring leak -Raise pricing / renegotiate a contract -Reduce debt drag (interest payments) -Build a controlled reserve you can deploy 2.Set a weekly target for: -Cash captured -Cash kept (after leaks) -Cash deployed into the engine 3.Repeat weekly until the engine becomes predictable. - Who This Is For -High earners who still feel behind -Business owners with inconsistent cash flow -Anyone trying to escape "one-income dependency"   Episode Highlights 00:00:11 - Building wealth the smart way. 00:00:28 - Money For Life process overview. 01:14:18 - Earn it: Turning income into a cash engine. 02:01:57 - Four steps: Control your finances. 03:13:41 - Product-based income paradigm. 04:26:36 - Financial planning requires finances. 06:13:41 - Earn more money through efficiency. 07:33:46 - Find and create opportunities for income. 09:17:59 - Passive and asset-based income insights. 10:56:10 - Unique ability: What comes easy to you? 12:22:32 - Finding margin for debt freedom. 13:00:37 - Shift your mindset to maximize wealth. 14:31:01 - Focus on cashflow rather than rates of return. 16:10:53 - The significance of starting lean. 18:47:21 - Challenge traditional financial paradigms. 19:28:06 - Create your own raise through side business. 20:15:05 - Importance of financial literacy and action.   Episode Resources Take your scorecard/assessment and we'll map out the fastest path to build your income engine. https://curtis-wbwb4naf.scoreapp.com   Keywords The Practical Wealth Show   Curtis May   building wealth   cash flow control   infinite banking   principles based planning   Money For Life   Jeffrey Reed   dividend-paying whole life insurance   Nelson Nash   financial chaos to control   cash flow engines   income engine   increase your income   cashflow mapping   profit first   private reserve strategy   debt paradigm   passive income   asset-based income   Government   personal economy   accurate thinking   multiple income streams   asset-based investments   tax strategies   side business ideas   freelance writing   tutoring   online business   AI integration   entrepreneurship   consulting or coaching   real estate investment   debt snowball   financial education   tax reduction tools   financial freedom   business development   financial planning   wealth legacy

    35 min

  8. JAN 21

    Is the Laundromat Still the Best Small Business in America? Dave Menz Returns (2026)

    Summary  Curtis sits down again with Dave Menz—now fully branded as The Laundromat Millionaire—to get the real 2026 update: what's changed, what's working, and why laundromats are still one of the strongest small-business plays in America. Dave breaks down how the industry shifted from "nobody talks about it" to a legitimate, modern, scalable asset class—driven by better operators, better systems, and a wave of mainstream attention. What you'll learn What's changed for Dave since your first interview (platform growth, book, content, community) Why "collaboration over scarcity" is becoming the new standard in the laundromat world How modern laundromats are being built and operated differently than the old-school model The shift from "no info" to "too much info" — and how owners filter hype from truth The business "levels" (zombie mats → plain Jane → modernized) and how value is created Why scaling is easier now (tools, systems, vendors, and operational playbooks) Why laundromats got mainstream attention (essential business, recession resistance, COVID ripple effects) What still makes laundromats a strong cash-flow asset class today — and where the opportunity still is The real reason owners struggle: weak KPI tracking, messy books, and cash chaos Curtis's "Wealth Without Leaks" angle: plug the money leaks so scaling creates real wealth   Episode Highlights 00:00:13 - Laundromat: The Best Small Business 00:01:14 - Elevating the Laundromat Industry 00:03:04 - Sharing Secrets for Industry Growth 00:05:08 - Transformation Through Networking 00:07:00 - Building Wealth and New Ventures 00:09:56 - Launching the Laundromat Millionaire Show 00:12:00 - Industry's Digital Evolution 00:18:10 - Tech and Investment in Modern Laundromats 00:24:24 - Ultimate Shift: Full-Service Laundries 00:30:30 - Scaling Through Multiple Revenue Streams 00:39:13 - Serving a Broader Customer Base 00:43:40 - Measuring Employee and Customer Satisfaction 00:51:55 - The Pitfalls of Buying Laundromats 00:58:15 - Future Expansion and Coaching 01:04:24 - Servitude as a Form of Capitalism   Episode resources: Take the Next Step with Curtis May: Business Owners: Assess Your Challenges with Cash Flow → https://curtis-73no5r8j.scoreapp.com Private Banking Readiness Assessment → https://curtis-qljorw8q.scoreapp.com How Ready Are You to Be Your Own Bank? → https://curtis-hzw1jezd.scoreapp.com   Keywords Practical Wealth Show   Curtis May   Laundromat Millionaire   Small Business   Queens City Laundry   Cincinnati   Elevate Industry   Networking   Collaboration   Best Practices   Wealth Building   Technology in Laundromats   Laundromat Millionaire: The Grit to Elevate an Industry   AI in Laundromats   Public Speaking   Book Publication   Industry Networking   Laundry Chain Scaling   Laundromat Operations   Servitude Mindset   Business Optimization   Wash-Dry-Fold Business   Commercial Accounts   Investing in Laundromats   Essential Industries   Recession Resistant   Private Equity in Laundromats   Business Valuation   Expansion Opportunities   Investment Strategies   Business Coaching   Financial Strategy   Infinite Banking   Velocity of Money   Multiple Revenue Streams   Customer Service   Employee Satisfaction   Revenue Growth   Positive Reviews   Podcasting   Content Creation   Media Presence   Global Influence   Community Service   Full-service Laundry Center   Pickup and Delivery Innovation   Operational Efficiency   Customer Retention   Strategic Partnerships   Professional Development   Industry Trends   Podcast Advertising   Market Research

    1h 2m
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5
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

The Practical Wealth Podcast is for people who want to take control of their finances today. Curtis May is part of the Prosperity Economics movement and is dedicated to breaking down each client's unique financial situation so they can rebuild it to fit their ideal lifestyle.

Information

  • Creator
    Curtis May
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    376
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020, Curtis May
  • Show Website
    The Practical Wealth Show

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