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Travis Chappell and producer Eric sit down for a fun episode breaking down some of the most outrageous celebrity purchases. From a $62,000 designer couch and $418,000 worth of flowers to a $20 million attempt to buy an entire town, they react to the wild ways celebrities spend their money and debate what actually counts as a frivolous purchase. Along the way, they share their own collecting habits, thoughts on spending, and why not every unconventional investment deserves to be criticized. On this episode we talk about: Pete Davidson and Colin Jost's $280,000 purchase of a decommissioned Staten Island ferry and their plans to turn it into a floating comedy club. The most outrageous celebrity purchases, including a $20 million town, a $2 million stage humidifier, and a $62,000 designer couch. Why some purchases that look frivolous can actually be investments in someone's career, passions, or happiness. Travis and Eric's personal collecting habits, from Pokemon cards and Star Wars memorabilia to movie props. Teaching kids about money, thoughtful spending, and showing appreciation for the people you care about beyond holidays and special occasions. Top 3 Takeaways Not every unconventional purchase is a bad investment. Pete Davidson and Colin Jost's ferry purchase initially attracted criticism, but their vision of turning it into a floating comedy venue eventually started becoming reality. Sometimes good ideas take time to pay off. Money should be spent on things that genuinely bring you happiness. Whether it's collecting movie memorabilia, buying flowers, or decorating your home, a purchase doesn't have to make sense to everyone else to be worthwhile. Put your spending into perspective. What's considered frivolous depends on your financial situation. The important thing is being intentional about where your money goes and making sure your purchases align with what matters to you. Notable Quotes "Just because it's Pete Davidson, I guess, 'cause a lot of people don't like him." "I like to look around and see things that make me think of stuff I like." "Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest of your problems with money in the bank." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: @travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! -Glean connects enterprise knowledge, people, decisions, and workflows across systems—giving employees and AI agents the context they need to move their most important work forward, while preserving your existing permissions and security boundaries. Visit Glean.com/tmm to unlock an exclusive offer just for listeners of Travis Makes Money! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Taylor is the founder of FlowLister, AI-powered eBay listing software that turns item photos into complete listings with titles, descriptions, item specifics, pricing based on recent sold comps, and shipping details. He's also a full-time eBay reseller and runs Taylor Family Store, an estate sale company in Kingman, Arizona. After experiencing homelessness in 2018, Chris rebuilt his life through entrepreneurship, eventually growing multiple businesses and developing his own software using AI coding tools. His story is a powerful example of what can happen when you combine determination, problem-solving, and a willingness to take action. On this episode we talk about: How Chris went from living in a shed in 2018 to owning a home and building multiple businesses. How reselling on eBay became a full-time business and helped Chris gain financial independence. Why Chris believes eBay's fees are simply the cost of doing business and how the platform changed his life. How he used AI coding tools to build FlowLister without a traditional software engineering background. How keeping promises to yourself and following through on commitments can build confidence and create opportunities. Top 3 Takeaways: Knowledge only matters when you apply it. Learning new skills is important, but information sitting in your head won't change your circumstances. Put what you learn into action and use it to solve real problems. Build confidence by doing what you say you're going to do. Start with small commitments and follow through. Every time you take action on something you've decided to do, you reinforce the belief that you're capable of following through on bigger goals. You don't need to know everything before you start. Chris built FlowLister by experimenting with AI coding tools and figuring things out along the way. A little confidence, curiosity, and persistence can take you further than waiting until you feel completely qualified. Notable Quotes: "You have to apply it. Otherwise it's just sitting there in your head taking up space, man. It's taking up rent. It's costing money." "It's just a matter of deciding it and then doing it." "It's just literally it's like integrity, right?" Connect with Chris Taylor: Website: https://flowlister.com Other: https://taylorfamilysoftware.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could turn what you already know into a business that generates income beyond the hours you work? In this Money Mashup, three entrepreneurs share how they've packaged their expertise into intellectual property, published books, and built high-ticket coaching offers. From creating industry-specific IP and using books to establish authority to charging premium prices for meaningful transformations, this episode breaks down how to turn your knowledge into scalable business assets. On this episode we talk about: How to build intellectual property around your expertise and repurpose it for different industries and audiences. Why storytelling and distribution are the two foundations of building a powerful personal brand. How publishing a book can establish authority, build trust, and generate opportunities beyond book royalties. How to make the book-writing process easier through ghostwriting, collaboration, and professional publishing services. Why niching down, communicating in language your audience understands, and creating high-ticket offers can help you earn more with fewer clients. Top 3 Takeaways Turn your expertise into intellectual property. Books, courses, workshops, and coaching programs allow you to package what you know into assets that can generate revenue beyond trading your time for money. Think beyond book royalties. A book can be a powerful business asset that establishes credibility, builds trust, and creates opportunities for consulting, speaking, coaching, and partnerships. Sell transformation, not information. Instead of building a business around low-cost products that require thousands of customers, focus on solving meaningful problems and communicating the value of the transformation you provide. Notable Quotes "Storytelling and distribution. For the last 100 years, that Winnie-the-Pooh story, your kids already know it. It's just different mediums." "A good book, a well-written book that really contains knowledge and expertise is actually much more like a PhD." "He wasn't looking to buy a product. He was looking to actually have a transformation in his life." Connect with Our Guests: Mike Kim Eric Jorgenson Zander Fryer A Word from Our Sponsors: - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! -Glean connects enterprise knowledge, people, decisions, and workflows across systems—giving employees and AI agents the context they need to move their most important work forward, while preserving your existing permissions and security boundaries. Visit Glean.com/tmm to unlock an exclusive offer just for listeners of Travis Makes Money! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Chappell and producer Eric break down a conversation Travis had with Michael Smoak and Tony (better known as Train Bloom) about one of the most important assets a creator can build: trust with their audience. They discuss why creators should be selective about brand partnerships, how the wrong sponsorship can damage credibility, and why building your own products and services can be a better way to monetize an audience. They also get into high-pressure sales tactics, including Travis and Eric's experiences sitting through timeshare presentations. On this episode we talk about: Why audience trust is more valuable than a lucrative brand deal How creators should evaluate sponsorships and avoid promoting products they don't believe in Why building your own products and services can be a smart way to monetize early How to balance monetization with protecting your reputation for the long term The psychology and pressure tactics behind timeshare sales presentations Top 3 Takeaways: Protect your credibility. Your audience's trust takes years to build and can disappear quickly. Don't risk it for a sponsorship that doesn't align with your values or that you can't honestly recommend. Build something you control. Creating your own products or services that help your audience solve a problem gives you more control over the customer experience and the value you deliver. Think long term. A quick payday might feel worthwhile today, but maintaining a trusted relationship with your audience can be far more valuable over the next five or ten years. Notable Quotes: “You only get one shot at blowing your credibility and it's gone forever.” “The audience building is just building relationships at scale.” “If you're building an audience, trust is the thing that matters the most. So do not take it lightly.” Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors:  -Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Robin Ducharme is the founder and CEO of Real Love Ready, a former matchmaker and love coach, and the author of Real Love Ready: A Guide to Relational Literacy. She's also the host of the Real Love Ready podcast and the creator of the In Bloom Summit, which brings together leading relationship experts, authors, and thought leaders. In this conversation, Robin shares how an entrepreneurial upbringing, a willingness to try different careers, and a passion for helping people led her to build a business centered on one of life's most important investments: relationships. On this episode we talk about: How Robin started making money at 12 years old by building her own babysitting business. Why young people should focus on exploring different careers and building skills instead of feeling pressured to have their entire lives figured out. How sales, real estate, and business experience helped Robin develop a unique set of skills she carried into her next ventures. How a favor for a friend turned into a matchmaking business and eventually Real Love Ready. Why building a supportive village is essential when balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and personal responsibilities. Top 3 Takeaways: Focus on learning before earning. Early in your career, prioritize gaining experience, trying new things, and developing skills. The more skills you stack over time, the more unique and valuable you become. Don't be afraid to change direction. Your first career doesn't have to be your forever career. Pay attention to what energizes you, stay open to opportunities, and be willing to start something new when your interests change. Relationships are one of life's most important investments. Money and business matter, but developing the skills to build healthy, meaningful relationships can have an impact far beyond your professional life. Notable Quotes: "You just gotta keep going." "Whatever you're energized about, go there." "At the end of the day, there's nothing more important than our relationships." Connect with Robin Ducharme: Website: https://realloveready.com Instagram: @RobinDucharmOfficial and @RealLoveReady Other: Check out the Real Love Ready book and podcast, and learn more about the In Bloom Summit in Vancouver. A Word from Our Sponsors: - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paid advertising can be one of the fastest ways to grow a business, but only if you know how to use it strategically. In this Money Mashup, we hear from entrepreneurs and advertising experts who break down how to turn paid attention into profitable customers. From building a business around an engaged audience to mastering multi-channel ad strategies, learn how to run ads yourself, avoid common advertising mistakes, and use YouTube to generate traffic without wasting your budget. On this episode we talk about: How to build an engaged audience, turn that attention into products, and create multiple revenue streams. Why authenticity, transparency, and community are essential to building long-term relationships with your audience. How to use an omnichannel advertising strategy across Google, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, and other platforms to attract potential customers. Why manually segmenting audiences and maintaining control over your ad campaigns can outperform relying entirely on Meta's automated targeting. How to use YouTube in-feed ads to grow your channel, increase views, and reach your ideal audience without hurting your organic watch time. Top 3 Takeaways Traffic comes before sales, and sales come before profit. Focus on getting the right people to discover your business, then nurture those relationships and give them a reason to buy. Learn to understand your advertising before outsourcing it. Knowing how targeting, segmentation, and campaign optimization work helps you make better decisions and avoid wasting money. Use YouTube ads strategically. In-feed ads can amplify videos that are already performing well organically. Unlike skippable in-stream ads, they can help drive meaningful watch time and channel growth when targeted correctly. Notable Quotes "Your obsession becomes your possession." "Data makes decisions, and decisions make dollars." "People are in so much indecision mode rather than precision mode. And if you just focus in precision mode, you can grow." Connect with Our Guests: Lamar Tyler Ashley Brock Aleric Heck A Word from Our Sponsors: - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! -Glean connects enterprise knowledge, people, decisions, and workflows across systems—giving employees and AI agents the context they need to move their most important work forward, while preserving your existing permissions and security boundaries. Visit Glean.com/tmm to unlock an exclusive offer just for listeners of Travis Makes Money! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric break down a clip from the Joe Rogan Experience featuring comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, where Rogan shares his perspective on money, success, and what financial freedom really looks like. The conversation explores why making more money doesn't necessarily make you happier, how chasing status can become an endless treadmill, and why appreciating how far you've come is just as important as pursuing what's next. Travis also reflects on his own journey building a podcast business and the importance of measuring success against where you started rather than comparing yourself to everyone else. On this episode we talk about: Joe Rogan's perspective on money and why financial freedom means being able to enjoy life without worrying about the price of everything. Why reaching a certain level of financial security can feel more rewarding than becoming extremely wealthy. The danger of constantly chasing more money, nicer possessions, and higher status without ever feeling satisfied. How to measure success by comparing where you are today to where you started instead of comparing yourself to people who are further ahead. Why appreciating the small signs of progress and celebrating how far you've come can help combat imposter syndrome and unnecessary anxiety. Top 3 Takeaways Financial freedom is about eliminating stress, not accumulating endless wealth. Being able to pay your bills, enjoy a meal without checking the prices, and live comfortably can provide more happiness than constantly chasing the next financial milestone. Stop playing the comparison game. There will always be someone with more money, a bigger house, a better career, or a higher level of success. Measuring your life against someone else's achievements is an unwinnable game. Measure backward to appreciate your progress. Instead of focusing exclusively on where you want to go, take time to recognize how far you've come. The things you take for granted today might have felt like enormous milestones just a few years ago. Notable Quotes "The only amount of money you need is so that you can go to a restaurant and not care what things cost. Everything else is b******t." "The only thing you really have control of is what you do. What you put out." "If I could tell myself nine years ago when I started the podcast that I would be able to support my family and make a good living full time from just having a podcast, I would have been elated." Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors:  -Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrian Balfour is an entrepreneur, technology innovator, and founder of Envorso, a Seattle-based consulting firm specializing in digital transformation, AI, and software-driven innovation. Throughout his career, he's built a global consulting business with more than 1,000 consultants, sold it in a major acquisition, co-founded Major League Rugby, and invested in more than a dozen AI-focused startups. He's also an active sports team owner and regenerative sheep farmer. Adrian joins Travis to share how he built businesses from the ground up, why taking calculated risks early in life can pay off, and how companies can use AI to solve problems, improve customer experiences, and dramatically reduce operating costs. On this episode we talk about: How Adrian went from electronic engineering and working at Ford Motor Company to building a global consulting firm with 17 offices worldwide. How he bootstrapped his first business with no outside investment and eventually sold it in a major acquisition. Why taking risks earlier in life can give you more opportunities to learn, fail, and build wealth. How Adrian used agentic AI to build a technology platform for the Seattle Seawolves that reduced operating costs by 50% while improving the fan experience. Why businesses should rethink expensive software subscriptions and disconnected systems instead of paying for tools they barely use. Top 3 Takeaways Take risks while the consequences are manageable. Adrian believes people often wait too long to pursue entrepreneurship. When you're young and have fewer financial responsibilities, you have more flexibility to take chances, learn from failure, and build something of your own. Build your business around cash flow and efficiency. Adrian started his first company without investment capital, focusing on delivering high-quality services while keeping operating costs low. He reinvested in the business and grew it organically rather than relying on acquisitions or outside funding. Use AI to solve real business problems. AI isn't just about adopting the latest technology. Adrian demonstrated how building an integrated platform around a specific business need cut the Seattle Seawolves' operating costs by 50% while creating a more personalized experience for fans. Notable Quotes "I think people wait too long before they take a risk." "If you've got to fail, do it spectacularly and do it quickly, and then reboot and do it all over again." "If it goes right, it could go right spectacularly. So let's do it." Connect with Adrian Balfour: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abalfour/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balfoura/ Other: Website: Envorso Email: [email protected] Seattle Seawolves: seawolves.rugby A Word from Our Sponsors: - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcasting can be much more than a creative outlet or a way to build an audience. In this money mashup, we explore how to turn podcasting into a powerful business development tool, a sellable service, and even a full-time revenue stream. First, we hear why podcasting is one of the best ways to build relationships, open doors, and create business opportunities. Then, Seth Silvers shares how he turned his podcasting skills into a successful production agency, including the business decisions that helped him get out of debt and scale. Finally, Travis Chappell sits down with his fractional CFO, Pam Jordan, to break down the actual numbers behind the Travis Makes Money Podcast, revealing how the show generated $450,000 in revenue in 2025. On this episode we talk about: Why podcasting is one of the most effective tools for networking, business development, and building relationships with people you might otherwise never reach. How to use podcast interviews to create content, establish credibility, find your voice, and generate business opportunities beyond your audience size. How Seth Silvers built Story On into a podcast production agency by developing a valuable skill, talking to people in his network, and narrowing his services to a specific audience. Why pricing and financial systems matter when building a service business, and how implementing the principles from Profit First helped Seth get out of debt. How Travis Makes Money generated $450,000 in 2025, including revenue from sponsorships, podcast coaching, and other business activities. Top 3 Takeaways Treat your podcast as a relationship engine, not just a content platform. The biggest opportunities often come from the people you interview, the relationships you build, and the trust you establish along the way. You don't need a massive audience to get tremendous business value from a podcast. You can monetize the skills behind podcasting. Editing, production, storytelling, and strategy are valuable services that businesses need. You can turn those skills into an agency or side business without having to build a huge audience of your own. Treat your podcast like a real business. Understand your expenses, establish a pricing strategy, diversify your revenue streams, and pay attention to the numbers. Travis Makes Money generated $450,000 in 2025, with approximately 70% coming from advertising and sponsorships and 14% from podcast coaching. Notable Quotes "Podcasting is like the secret weapon to be able to get your foot in the door with people that you just literally never thought would even give you the time of day to respond." "I think the number one reason that I don't have more money in my bank account and pocket that I want to right now... has been pricing and either being insecure around pricing or ignorant around pricing." "If something's important to you, you can figure out a way to make it work. You can figure out a way to get it done." Connect with Our Guests: Other: Seth Silvers: Story On Collin Mitchell  Travis Chappell: Coaching A Word from Our Sponsors: - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric break down a viral video from comedian Tyler Fowler, who shares exactly how much he made over one weekend as a working stand-up comedian. From corporate gigs and comedy club performances to merchandise sales and Airbnb income, they examine the different ways comedians make money, what a typical working comic's income might look like, and what it really takes to turn comedy from a side hustle into a full-time career. On this episode we talk about: How much a working stand-up comedian actually makes from corporate gigs, comedy clubs, merchandise, and private events. Breaking down Tyler Fowler's $2,339 weekend and what that could mean for his annual income. Why keeping your living expenses low can make it easier to pursue a creative career full-time. The importance of putting in the reps and building experience before expecting to make a meaningful living as a comedian. Why there's a gap between being a part-time comedian and earning enough to make comedy your full-time job. Top 3 Takeaways Get creative with your income streams. Comedians don't just make money performing on stage. Corporate events, private parties, merchandise, hosting open mics, and even renting out an apartment can all contribute to their bottom line. Keep your expenses low while building your career. If you want to turn a side hustle into a full-time business, keeping your cost of living manageable gives you more flexibility to take the leap. Put in the reps before expecting big results. Building a sustainable career takes time. You have to perform, develop your skills, gain experience, and work through the early stages before you can expect consistent income. Notable Quotes "It's whatever you can scrape together to figure out a way to do it full time so that you can get all the reps in that are required to be able to get yourself in a position where full time is actually meaningful income." "The only way to do that is to go full time with it 'cause it'd be really difficult to juggle that type of a schedule and a full time job." "There's a bridge between, you know, where you are now and where you want to go." Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors:  -Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeffrey A. Hirsch is the CEO of Hirsch Holdings, editor-in-chief of the Stock Trader's Almanac, and publisher of Almanac Investor. Following in the footsteps of his father, Yale Hirsch, who founded the Stock Trader's Almanac in 1966, Jeff has spent decades studying market history, seasonal trends, recurring patterns, and investor behavior. With more than 60 years of family experience behind the Almanac, Jeff helps investors use historical data and market cycles to make smarter investment decisions and better understand where the market could be headed next. On this episode we talk about: How Jeff grew up in a family business built around the stock market and continued his father's 60-year legacy. Why understanding seasonal trends, historical patterns, and market cycles can give investors an edge. The current AI-driven technology boom and how it compares to previous market-changing innovations like the internet and microprocessor. Why investors should sell their losers quickly, let their winners ride, and avoid getting caught up in FOMO. The Santa Claus Rally, the January Barometer, and what historical market indicators could tell us about the market's outlook for 2027. Top 3 Takeaways Buy when others are fearful. Market corrections can create opportunities to buy quality investments at better prices. Some of the best opportunities come when everyone else is selling or losing confidence. Let your winners run. One of Jeff's biggest lessons for investors is to sell losing positions quickly while giving winning investments room to grow. Don't take profits too early just because a stock has performed well. Pay attention to the bigger market cycles. Daily movements and short-term headlines don't tell the whole story. Understanding seasonal patterns, historical trends, and major technological shifts can help investors make more informed long-term decisions. Notable Quotes "You gotta buy when everyone is fearful." "Sell your losers short. You know, sell fast and let your winners ride." "This is definitely changing the course of human history. It impacts the planet collectively and each of us individually." Connect with Jeffrey Hirsch: Instagram: @almanactrader Other: Stock Trader's Almanac X: @AlmanacTrader A Word from Our Sponsors: - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This money mashup features three experts who prove you don't need a massive audience or viral content to build a profitable business. Megan shares how she makes money through Amazon product reviews and user-generated content (UGC), even without a huge following. Brendan Kane breaks down how providing value and building strategic relationships helped him land major clients like Taylor Swift. And David Meerman Scott explains how he turned consulting into a scalable business through books, speaking engagements, coaching, and equity deals. Together, they reveal why depth, trust, and genuine value can be far more profitable than chasing views and followers. On this episode we talk about: How to make money through Amazon influencer videos and product reviews without a massive social media following. Getting started with user-generated content (UGC), finding brand opportunities, and turning small gigs into higher-paying partnerships. Why providing value before asking for anything is the key to building meaningful relationships and landing high-profile clients. How to connect with super connectors who can introduce you to influential people and create valuable business opportunities. How David Meerman Scott built a multimillion-dollar career through books, speaking engagements, coaching, and taking equity in startups instead of cash. Top 3 Takeaways You don't need a huge audience to make money online. Focus on creating useful content for products people are already buying. Amazon reviews and UGC offer opportunities to earn income without needing thousands of followers. Lead with value, not a sales pitch. Take the time to understand what someone needs, listen more than you speak, and find ways to help before making an ask. Strong relationships create opportunities that cold pitches rarely will. Build income streams that scale beyond your time. David's transition from consulting to books, speaking, coaching, and equity partnerships shows how packaging your expertise differently can create significantly greater earning potential. Notable Quotes "The only reason that I'm successful in connecting with celebrities, getting celebrity clients, major CEOs, or people that want to work with me is it just comes down to one word and it's just value." "Instead of speaking 90% of the time, listen 90% of the time." "I'm not the most connected person in the world, but I know all the people that know everybody." Connect with Our Guests: Full Interview: Megan the Creator Brendan Kane: Website David Meerman Scott: Website A Word from Our Sponsors: - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes! - Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die. This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric joins Travis in studio for a spooky-season episode that starts as a horror-fan story and ends as a full financial breakdown. They recap a 12-hour night at Universal Studios Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights: the Psycho house, the Sinners and Evil Dead haunts, a hallway of grabbing hands, and the "content brain" guests who stopped every few feet to film. Then they add up every ticket, themed T-shirt, Art the Clown cocktail, and $13 mozzarella stick to see what the night actually cost, and whether an annual pass is the better deal. On this episode we talk about: Seeing the Psycho house on the Universal backlot and the MaXXXine connection How filming everything for content can ruin the experience for you and everyone around you The best and scariest Horror Nights haunts, plus escape rooms and why some people hate puzzles A line-by-line cost breakdown of the trip: tickets, early access, parking, merch, food, and drinks Theme park upsells, from in-line energy drink stands to priority parking, and why an annual pass can beat single-day tickets Top 3 Takeaways Track the whole trip, not just the ticket. Tickets were about $80 a person, but parking, early access, themed outfits, and food and drinks are what pushed the night close to $500. Pay for upgrades that save time. Early access let them finish the three must-do attractions before the park opened, which made the rest of the night stress-free. Do the math on repeat visits. If you'll go more than once, an annual pass (around $800 for the family vs. about $360 for one day) can pay for itself fast. Notable Quotes "You can be immersed in it and allow yourself to enjoy it, but you don't have to be the main character of this thing all the time." "Halfway through the line, they're selling these in the line... You can pound a White Monster before you get there. It's pretty messed up." "So you're telling me I can spend like $360 for us to all go for a day, or I can spend like 800 bucks and we can all go anytime we're in California." Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell Other: travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Mounts is the co-founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer of Aero X Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in aerospace, defense, drones, AI, and frontier deep tech. With a background spanning finance, banking, entrepreneurship, and aviation operations, Kyle has built a career around identifying opportunities in emerging markets and helping businesses scale. After rising through the ranks at Wells Fargo, earning his MBA from Wharton, and helping lead a struggling fintech company to an acquisition, he turned his attention to venture capital. Today, he leads investments in innovative companies shaping the future of aerospace and defense, combining a disciplined approach to capital allocation with a passion for technological disruption. On this episode we talk about: How Kyle went from selling timeshares in Mexico to building a career in finance and venture capital. Why integrity, authenticity, and asking the right questions can make you a better salesperson. How Kyle transitioned from banking to entrepreneurship, helped turn around a struggling fintech company, and discovered his passion for investing. How Aero X Ventures identifies investment opportunities in aerospace, defense, drones, AI, and other emerging technologies. Why young professionals should prioritize curiosity, continuous learning, and getting comfortable with uncomfortable situations. Top 3 Takeaways Integrity can be your competitive advantage in sales. Kyle learned early in his career that building trust and staying true to his values could produce better results than high-pressure tactics. By asking questions, understanding people's needs, and focusing on helping them, he became a top performer while maintaining his integrity. Build skills and gain experience before you have the entire plan figured out. Kyle's experience in timeshare sales, banking, and business operations helped prepare him for venture capital, even when those roles didn't seem directly connected to his ultimate goal. Every stage of his career added skills and relationships he could use later. Look beyond the hype and focus on the fundamentals. When evaluating investments, Kyle prioritizes real cash flow, sustainable revenue, capital efficiency, defensible intellectual property, and strong leadership teams. Exciting technology matters, but businesses still need a viable path to growth and returns. Notable Quotes "I was being authentic, I was building that trust through authenticity." "As sexy as an industry may be, what matters at the end of the day is generating true cash flow." "How can you get comfortable with being uncomfortable?" Connect with Kyle Mounts: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-mounts-42219a93/ Other: Aero X Ventures | Email: [email protected] A Word from Our Sponsors: - The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your story might be your most valuable business asset—and nobody else can replicate it. In this money mashup, Joanna brings together three conversations about finding your voice, becoming a better storyteller, and using your personal experiences to build something meaningful. You'll hear how one therapist discovered people would pay for his words, why Donald Miller believes great storytelling still requires a human touch in the age of AI, and how Shane Sams turned his own midlife reinvention into the Great Men Project. On this episode we talk about: How a $20 payment helped one therapist realize his words had value and could become a profession Why finding your authentic voice matters more than chasing trends or trying to manufacture a personal brand How to use AI as a writing assistant without losing the human details that make a story compelling Donald Miller's advice on storytelling and why the customer—not the business owner—should be the hero How Shane Sams turned his personal reinvention and desire for deeper male friendships into the Great Men Project Top 3 Takeaways: Your story is your differentiator. Your experiences, perspective, and voice are things nobody else can copy. Start sharing them instead of waiting until everything feels perfectly polished. Make the customer the hero. Your story becomes valuable in marketing when it helps someone recognize their own problem and see how your product or service can help solve it. Use AI to improve your work, not replace your judgment. AI can help with rough drafts, structure, and feedback, but the details, emotional depth, and quality still depend on the human behind the process. Notable Quotes: “If you don't make it about you, God will.” “Your voice in your story is going to be what gets people to pull the trigger to buy, to subscribe, you know, to follow.” “Greatness is available to all of us.” Connect with the Guests: John Kim, The Angry Therapist Donald Miller: StoryBrand — https://storybrand.com Shane Sams: The Great Men Project — https://greatmen.org A Word from Our Sponsors: This year, run it on Elfster. It’s a free gift exchange app. You set the budget up front, Elfster draws names, and everyone makes a wish list. No guessing, no overspending, no wasted money on stuff nobody wanted. Go to travischappell.com/elfster and use code "Travis" to get started with your own gift exchange! - Join the millions who are already banking fee free with America's #1 choice for banking! Head to Chime.com/travis to sign up now. It only takes a few minutes!- Quick money tip for the holidays. The gift exchange is where budgets go to die.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices