Financial freedom doesn't always require a master plan—sometimes it just requires you to open your eyes to the opportunities you are already holding.

In this episode of FI for Kids, Dominic DeLaquil talks with Bart Merrell (The Side Hustle Samurai) about the concept of "Monetizing Your Mindset." Bart shares his philosophy that whenever something happens in life—good, bad, or ugly—you should always ask: "Can I monetize this?"

Bart proves this concept with his own life, sharing how he turned a tragic leg amputation into a consulting business that helps others navigate their medical trauma. He also shares a simple "3-List Strategy" that anyone (including your teenagers) can use to find their first side hustle today.

• 0:00 - Intro
• 0:40 - What Bart learned from his dad (The Pig Farmer Entrepreneur)
• 06:49 - Taking action when plans fail (The Bungee Jump Story)
• 11:11 - Why every W-2 employee needs a side hustle
• 13:51 - "Monetize Your Mindset" (How Bart monetized his leg amputation)
• 18:10 - The 3-List Strategy for finding a side hustle
• 20:24 - The importance of failing (The Snowmobile Business)
• 26:01 - The Bus Driver who started a CDL Testing Business
• 34:30 - The "Acres of Pig" Story (Don't miss what is right in front of you)

Links:

https://bartmerrell.com/

Many parents fall into the trap of thinking "more money" equals "better parenting." But what happens when building wealth costs you your relationship with your kids?

In this episode, Dominic sits down with Ian Noble, founder of RunSteady Investments. Ian shares his powerful backstory of growing up in two very different households—one wealthy but frugal, the other living paycheck-to-paycheck—and how that shaped his view on money.

We discuss his transition from an exhausted business owner working 80 hours a week to a passive investor who prioritizes time over status. Ian also breaks down exactly how to teach kids about "Opportunity Cost" so they grow up grateful, not entitled.

We cover:

• A Tale of Two Households: The lessons Ian learned seeing two different financial worlds.
• The "Zombie" Dad Moment: The wake-up call that led Ian to sell his successful business.
• Passive Income 101: How to stop trading time for money (Real Estate & Mobile Home Parks).
• The Entitlement Trap: How to teach kids that "stuff" has a cost—and why they should work for what they want.

Links:

• Website: RunSteadyInvestments.com
• Free Passive Investing in Real Estate Cheat Sheet: https://go.runsteadyinvestments.com/fi-for-kids-podcast
• Join My Passive Investor Mailing List: runsteadyinvestments.com/investor-club
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1/
• Instagram: @ian_invests

https://dominicdelaquil.com

https://fiforkids.com

Many families feel like "financial freedom" is a distant dream, blocked by the reality of monthly payments and the belief that debt is just a normal part of life. But what if the path to becoming debt-free was simply a math problem waiting to be solved?

In this episode, Dominic sits down with Andy Bennetts, founder of Empower Well Solutions, to challenge the narrative that you are stuck with payments forever. We explore how a "Financial GPS" strategy can help you reclaim your income and find the most efficient route to true financial independence—without sacrificing your lifestyle along the way.

We discuss:

• The "Financial GPS": A dynamic tool that calculates the fastest mathematical route to debt freedom.
• The Mortgage Math Shocker: Why a 6% interest rate actually costs you 115% over time.
• Forecasting Your Future: How to calculate if that family vacation will delay your retirement—and making the choice with eyes wide open.

If you feel stuck in the "quicksand" of interest payments, this episode provides the roadmap out.

Links:

Website: EmpowerWell.Solutions

https://fiforkids.com

https://dominicdelaquil.com