Most people think the only way to make money in the stock market is by buying low and selling high, but that’s only half the story.

In this episode, Dan reveals powerful ways to generate income from the shares you already own. You’ll learn how to glide toward retirement safely, earn passive income through dividends and stock lending, beat inflation with smarter interest-rate strategies, and even use conservative stock-option techniques to turn your patience into cash flow.

Key Talking Points:

• Why nearly 60 % of Americans own stocks but most never learn the other ways to profit.
• How glide-path investing protects growth and smooths the transition from work to retirement.
• Creating early cash flow through dividend reinvestment and stock lending.
• Beating inflation with HYSAs, TIPS, and CD-ladder strategies.
• Generating steady income through covered calls, cash-secured puts, and the Wheel strategy.
• How to move from investor to architect by designing a portfolio that funds your freedom.

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:

• 60% of Americans own stocks — Gallup (2025)
• Gold prices historically rise during high inflation periods — Macrotrends (2025)

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe or follow on your favorite platform.
• Leave a rating and review.
• Share this episode with someone who wants to earn more from their investments.
• Support me by picking up the book at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Thank you for listening!

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

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.

Everyone makes financial decisions, but not all choices are purely rational. In this episode of Escape The Clock, I speak with Hugh Massie, founder and CEO of DNA Behavior International, about how our natural behavioral tendencies influence the way we earn, spend, save, and invest.

We explore the concept of Behavioral DNA, how hardwired traits affect decision-making under pressure, and practical strategies to align your financial plan with your instincts. Whether you want to make smarter investments, reduce financial stress, or understand your own biases, this episode gives actionable insights to leverage your behavior for better financial outcomes.

Key Talking Points:

• The Hidden Force in Finance – Why instinct and behavioral biases can impact every money decision.
• Understanding Behavioral DNA – How your natural traits shape risk tolerance, spending, and investment choices.
• Common Biases to Watch – Overconfidence, loss aversion, herd behavior, and their effect on financial outcomes.
• Aligning Strategy with Behavior – Personalizing financial planning, savings, and investment approaches to your tendencies.
• Practical Advice – Steps to increase awareness of your patterns, make smarter choices, and improve financial literacy.

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:

• 85% of people say money-related stress affects their lives – APA, Stress in America (2023)
• $1,000 per person per year lost due to financial illiteracy – National Financial Educators Council (NFEC)
• $240 billion annually lost in the U.S. economy from poor financial decisions – National Financial Educators Council (NFEC)

Connect with Hugh:

• On the Web: www.dnabehavior.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hughmassie/
• Instagram: @HughMassie
• YouTube: DNA Behavior

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.

Three powerful real-life stories of financial independence. You’ll hear from Brad, who’s in the trenches of building toward FI; Francis, who’s just crossed the line and is beginning the transition into a new life chapter; and David, a seasoned retiree reflecting on lessons learned from a lifetime of financial choices.

These case studies highlight the realities, challenges, and rewards of financial independence at every stage of the journey. Whether you’re just getting started, midway through, or already retired, you’ll walk away with insights and strategies you can apply to your own path toward freedom.

Key Talking Points:

• Real-life testimonials from three people at different stages of financial independence.
• Insights from their journeys that show why anyone can pursue FI.
• What it takes to reach your FI number and how to prepare for the transition.
• Lessons from those already retired and living with financial freedom.
• Common threads across all three stories — discipline, mindset shifts, and adaptability.

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

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.

College costs are rising, leaving families stretched and students with long-term debt. In this episode of Escape The Clock, I talk with Rebecca Irey, founder of Blue Skye Financial, about practical strategies to plan smarter, reduce stress, and make college more affordable.

We cover 529 plans, scholarships, community college, and involving kids in the process to help families cover costs without sacrificing financial freedom. Whether your child is years from college or already applying, this episode gives actionable steps to avoid the college debt trap.

Key Talking Points:

• The Rising Price Tag – Why tuition and student debt threaten both family finances and future freedom.
• Funding Smarter – Leveraging 529 plans, FAFSA, and grants to reduce reliance on loans.
• Alternative Pathways – Community college, scholarships, insurance plans, and employer programs that cut costs without cutting quality.
• Shared Responsibility – How involving kids in the process reduces stress and builds financial awareness.
• Practical Steps – Actionable strategies families can take now to make higher education more affordable.

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:

• Tuition at public universities has risen 180% over the past 20 years – College Board
• Outstanding U.S. student loan debt exceeds $1.7 trillion – Federal Reserve
• More than $3 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed in 2023 – National College Attainment Network
• Nearly 40% of students attend community college at some point – National Center for Education Statistics

Connect with Rebecca:

• On the Web: www.blueskyefinancial.com
• Instagram: @blueskye_financial
• LinkedIn: Blue Skye Business
• Facebook: Blue Skye Financial

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.

In this episode, Cosmos Dar joins us to explore aligning financial decisions with values, from ESG investing and systemic barriers to practical strategies for overcoming biases and taking control of your money.

Key Talking Points:

• The ESG Wave – Why environmental, social, and governance investing is growing rapidly.
• Values vs. Reality – The gap between ethical intentions and financial behavior.
• Systemic Barriers – How predatory lending and structural inequities impact financial freedom.
• Psychology of Money – Understanding cognitive biases and how self-efficacy can empower better financial decisions.
• Taking Action – Practical steps to integrate ethical choices into their financial plans, even within imperfect systems.

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:

• Stats on ESG, sustainable investing, and values-aligned choices – Broadridge, Morgan Stanley, Small Business Trends
• 56% of Americans stop buying unethical brands – Mintel
• Ethical banks ROE 5.23% – Fondazione Finanza Etica
• 68% of investors unsure how to invest with values – NerdWallet
• Predatory lending costs $25B annually – MagnifyMoney

Connect with Cosmos:

• On the Web: cosmosdar.com
• Podcast: Extraordinary America

Subscribe, review, share, or support via www.escapetheclock.com/book.

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