The stock market doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Only about 58% of Americans own any stocks, and many who don’t say it’s because the market feels too risky or confusing. But the truth is, investing isn’t gambling; it’s ownership.

In this episode, Dan explains what the stock market really is, how it works, and why understanding it can transform how you build wealth and achieve financial freedom.

Key Talking Points:

• Introduction to the stock market, how it began, and why prices move.
• The three types of stocks—growth, value, and dividend—and how they fit together in a portfolio.
• What ETFs are and why they make investing easier and more diversified.
• The power of compounding returns and long-term patience.
• How taxes impact short-term and long-term investing decisions.
• Practical steps to start investing and build your financial freedom plan.

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References/Resources:

• 58% of Americans own stocks — Gallup (2024)
• Only 1% of day traders consistently profit over five years, 13% profit over six months, 72% lose money, and 40% quit within a month — Berkeley Haas (2019)
• The S&P 500 has averaged roughly 10% annual returns over the long term — NYU Stern (2024)
• Long-term investors outperform short-term traders by an average of 6% — Columbia Business School (2020)

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform.
• Leave a rating & review.
• Share this episode with others.
• Support me by picking up the book for yourself or a loved one atwww.escapetheclock.com/book.

Thank you for listening and your support!

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Are your beliefs about money quietly shaping your life?

In this episode of Escape The Clock, Dan sits down with Pericles Rellas, a money mindset expert and the founder of Reset Your Financial Thermostat, to explore how our subconscious beliefs about money shape our financial behaviors, and how we can reset them to create abundance, freedom, and intentional growth.

Pericles shares how old money scripts, emotional blocks, and comfort zones act like a thermostat — limiting or amplifying our financial potential — and offers practical steps to rewrite those scripts, celebrate progress, and align spending with what truly matters.

Key Talking Points:

• Understanding the “financial thermostat” and how it sets your comfort zone with money.
• How upbringing, emotions, and past experiences shape your money mindset.
• Recognizing and rewriting limiting money scripts.
• The role of small wins and daily reminders in resetting your financial thermostat.
• Why setbacks are part of growth, and how to maintain progress through life’s challenges.
• Reframing financial independence: from deprivation to alignment and intentionality.
• How modeling positive money behaviors can help others reset their mindset.

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Connect with Pericles:

• Website: resetyourfinancialthermostat.com
• Instagram: @ResetYourFinancialThermostat
• Newsletter/Resources: resetyourfinancialthermostat.com/newsletter

Subscribe, rate, review, share this episode, or support by getting the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Ever wonder how to prepare your finances for the next crisis?

In this episode of Escape The Clock, Dan sits down with Kelvin Abrams, entrepreneur and author of Get Uncomfortable or Change Course, to explore how to prepare for the unexpected and thrive through financial adversity.

From layoffs and market crashes to everyday setbacks, Kelvin shares how resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to get uncomfortable can strengthen your financial future.

Key Talking Points:

• How to prepare your financial plan for the unknown.
• The “Learn, Earn, Return” framework for staying resilient.
• Why discomfort and adaptability are vital for long-term success.
• How mindset, not math, drives consistency and calm in hard times.
• Lessons in diversification, balance, and sustainable growth.
• Practical steps to make your plan more resilient today.

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References & Resources:

• Nearly 40% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense — Federal Reserve, Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households (2023)
• Nearly 60% of U.S. adults live paycheck to paycheck — LendingClub, Paycheck-to-Paycheck Report (2024)
• Those who consistently save at least 15% of income are on track for retirement, while most Americans save under 8% — Fidelity, Retirement Savings Guidelines (2023)
• Investors who pulled out during downturns underperformed by 1–2% annually compared to those who stayed invested — Vanguard, Investor Behavior Study (2022)

Connect with Kelvin:

• Website: kelvinabrams.com
• Book: Get Uncomfortable or Change Course
• LinkedIn: Kelvin Abrams
• Instagram: @kelvinabrams

Subscribe, rate, review, share this episode, or support by getting the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.