LIVE with The Famous Dr AL and Tom Shepard

Tom Shepard on Financial Evolution and Living a Fantastic Life

Introduction:

In this episode of How to Live a Fantastic Life, Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Tom Shepard—author of Money Isn’t Everything. Everything Is Money, founder and CEO of Shepard Financial, and creator of the Evolutionary Method. Tom is more than a financial advisor; he’s a cheerleader for human transformation—personally, professionally, and spiritually.

A Winding Path to Purpose:

Tom’s journey wasn’t linear. Though he started in engineering, inspired by his father, it was his mother who envisioned something different—perhaps international diplomacy. After dabbling in athletics, lacrosse, and co-op work at a jet engine manufacturer, Tom eventually found his calling in teaching. That led to financial education and ultimately to helping adults and families rethink their relationship with money.

The Four Currencies:

Tom explains his framework for understanding value through four currencies: time, energy, relationships, and money. Knowing which currency matters most to a client or prospect is key to trust, connection, and successful collaboration.

Money as Leverage:

Dr. Lycka and Tom explore the concept of leverage—how using other people’s time, knowledge, and money can supercharge growth. Tom emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between debt and leverage. Borrowing to invest wisely can build wealth; borrowing to consume can be dangerous.

The Seven Financial Natures:

Tom identifies seven core financial “natures”: spender, earner, saver, investor, lever, giver, and taker. These describe not only how people handle money, but how they approach time, energy, and relationships. Understanding your nature helps you unlock personal and financial alignment.

Spiritual Alignment Through Finance:

According to Tom, our money habits reflect our values. Aligning how we spend, save, earn, and give with our deeper beliefs can lead to profound personal growth. He calls these misalignments “financial subluxations”—areas where energy gets stuck. Just as chiropractors adjust the body, Tom helps clients “adjust” their financial flow.

On Happiness and Money:

The episode takes a thought-provoking turn as Tom links financial behaviors to the pursuit of happiness. Whether through fun, work, security, or freedom, each financial nature has its own path to joy. But relying too heavily on one approach can dull its effectiveness—like chewing the same piece of gum.

Lessons from Surfing and Spiritual Growth:

A surf lesson in Costa Rica becomes a metaphor for life. Tom learns that sometimes, effort trumps ease. And emotions—even anger—have a role to play. The experience reinforced his belief in growth through discomfort and tuning in to the moment.

Living a Fantastic Life:

Tom shares his greatest lesson: fantastic lives are co-created. His youthful mantra “If it is to be, it’s up to me” gave way to a new understanding—that accepting help from others is vital. Relationships, serendipity, and the universe all play roles in guiding us toward purpose.

Connect with Tom Shepard:

To explore your financial nature, visit www.currencycamp.com or reach out to Tom at [e-mail]. You can also call him at [phone].

Closing Thoughts:

This episode reminds us that money isn’t just a number—it’s a mirror. Aligning our financial actions with our values unlocks not just wealth, but transformation. Don’t miss Tom’s unique lens on life, leverage, and purpose.