Escape The Clock: How to Become Financially Free and Have the Option Not to Work

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 ...

Can you really build wealth with no money down?

In this episode of Escape The Clock, Dan sits down with David Webb, founder of No Money Millionaire, to explore how everyday investors can get started in real estate without massive savings or traditional financing.

David breaks down how to leverage Other People’s Money (OPM) responsibly, and shows why creative real estate deals can open doors for anyone willing to do the homework and f...

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 ...

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 you...

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 pl...

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 ...

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. Whethe...

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 len...

Lane Kawaoka, two-time bestselling author of The Wealth Elevator and seasoned real estate investor, joins me to share how his framework helps everyday people build passive income through real estate. We talk about getting started with that very first investment, scaling from active to passive income, and the steps needed to protect and preserve wealth for the long term.

Key Talking Points:

• The Wealth Elevator: A framework for mov...

Financial freedom is often measured in dollars and years, yet the real payoff comes from the health, relationships, experiences, and joy we cultivate along the way. Using practical projects, I guide you on how to prioritize your physical and mental well-being, strengthen social ties, pursue meaningful adventures, and make intentional, high-utility spending decisions.

This episode is all about turning your financial plan into a tool ...

If you’ve ever wondered whether early retirement is right for you, this episode is a must-listen. I sit down with Shari Rash of Everyone’s Talking Money to explore the mindset, financial strategies, and emotional readiness for leaving the traditional workforce, creating a purposeful escape plan, and thriving once free.

Key Talking Points:

• Defining early retirement: What it really means today, and how to know if it’s right for you...

Taxes are often seen as a burden, but they can actually be one of your most powerful tools on the path to financial independence. In this episode, I break down four practical tax strategies that anyone can start using today to optimize their tax bill, save money, and accelerate early retirement goals.

From understanding tax brackets and capital gains rules to mastering retirement account withdrawals and side hustle deductions, you’l...

Do you ever worry about a financial disaster derailing your plans? A market crash, job loss, or medical emergency can drain your savings, max out your credit, and force you to pull from retirement accounts early, potentially setting your timeline back by years.

In this episode, I tackle how to build resilience into your financial independence plan. From emergency reserves to income diversification and system redundancies, I’ll show ...

Are your financial goals stuck? You know what to do with money, but doing it is the hard part. The biggest obstacle isn’t your income or the market—it’s your own mind.

In this episode, I'll break down the hidden behaviors and beliefs that drive your financial decisions. From Scarcity Mindset and Dual-Self Theory to unconscious Money Scripts, you’ll see how mental traps like Loss Aversion and the Sunk Cost Fallacy quietly hold you ba...

In this episode of Escape The Clock, we’re diving into the financial realities of raising a family and how to do it with intention. From diapers to diplomas, the costs can be staggering, but with the right strategies, they don’t have to derail your financial independence goals.

I’ll walk you through the key phases of family financial planning. From estimating the cost of raising a child to securing your family’s future through insur...

In this episode of Escape The Clock, I break down how to make housing a productive and intentional part of your financial independence journey. Whether you're a first-time buyer or exploring rental income, housing decisions are too big, and too costly, to wing.

I’ll cover key housing concepts: renting vs. buying, how mortgages really work, the hidden costs of homeownership, and how to turn your home into an income-generating asset. ...

In this episode of Escape The Clock, I dive into one of the most important financial foundations for anyone working toward freedom: living without debt. Whether you're struggling with credit card balances, tempted by buy-now-pay-later offers, or just want to stay ahead of the curve, this episode helps you take control.

I break down the real cost of borrowing, how to stop relying on debt, and practical strategies to avoid new balance...

In this episode of Escape The Clock, I break down one of the most critical and often confusing aspects of financial independence: the withdrawal strategy. When you're no longer receiving a paycheck, knowing which accounts to draw from and when can make or break your financial plan.

I’ll walk you through a smart, tax-efficient sequence of withdrawals that can extend your savings and give you peace of mind. From tapping brokerage acco...

This milestone episode recaps the most powerful lessons from the first nine weeks of the Escape The Clock podcast — all designed to help you align your mindset and strategy for a life of financial freedom. But this week comes with a twist: for the first time, I’m joined by a special guest — an 18-year-old who is about to set off on their financial journey He shares his thoughts on money, independence, and what the future looks like...