Special Guest: Jessica Pierce

In this episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, host David Chudyk is joined by special guest Jessica Pierce for an insightful conversation around money, mindset, and making smarter financial decisions.

Together, they explore how behaviors—not just numbers—play a critical role in long-term wealth, and how intentional choices today can create confidence and clarity for the future. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or refining your strategy, this episode offers practical takeaways you can apply right away.

1. Why financial success is driven by behavior as much as strategy
2. How to make more intentional money decisions
3. Common mistakes that can quietly derail long-term wealth
4. The importance of aligning your values with your financial plan
5. Actionable steps you can take this week to improve your financial confidence

Better decisions lead to better behaviors—and ultimately, better wealth.

Jessica Pierce brings a fresh perspective to the conversation, sharing insights and experiences that help simplify complex financial topics and make them more approachable.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review The Weekly Wealth Podcast so you never miss a conversation designed to help you build a stronger financial future.

What if the biggest financial move you make in 2026 isn’t a Roth conversion or an investment pick—but fixing your marketing?

In the first episode of 2026, Certified Financial Planner™ David Chudyk sits down with marketing strategist Katie Brinkley to unpack practical, non-cringey marketing strategies that business owners can implement right now—without dancing on TikTok or posting 42 times a week.

This conversation is packed with real-world marketing advice, especially for Main Street businesses, professional service firms, and business owners who want more revenue without more chaos.

✔️ The real difference between marketing vs. sales (and why confusing them hurts revenue)

✔️ Why posting less—with intention—often leads to better results

✔️ How to market without being “goofy,” awkward, or inauthentic

✔️ What “going viral” actually means for a small business

✔️ Why podcasts are one of the best lead-generation tools available today

✔️ How to use email marketing (the most overlooked asset) effectively

✔️ Non-social-media marketing strategies that still work in 2026

✔️ How consistency—not perfection—wins the marketing game

1. Why your business is your greatest wealth-building tool
2. The shift toward personal branding after COVID
3. How to choose marketing strategies that match your personality
4. Lunch-and-learns, workshops, and relationship-based marketing
5. Why algorithms shouldn’t control your entire growth plan
6. Repurposing content the smart way (without burning out)

Your brand isn’t what you say it is—it’s what other people perceive.

Ask yourself:

1. What do your clients think you do?
2. What does your community say about you?
3. Would your competitors describe you the same way you do?

If those answers don’t align with your goals, it may be time to refine—or rebrand—your message.

Katie Brinkley is a marketing strategist, speaker, and founder of Next Step Social. She’s been helping businesses grow through social media since the days of MySpace and has led national strategies for brands like AT&T.

She’s also the host of two podcasts:

1. Rocky Mountain Marketing – expert interviews and practical strategies
2. Marketing Trends Now – weekly solo episodes on what’s changing right now

👉 Learn more and connect with Katie:

🌐 https://www.katiebrinkley.com

If marketing,...

Welcome to the first episode of 2026.

In this episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, Certified Financial Planner™ David Chudyk shares 25 powerful lessons from 2025—lessons learned from working closely with business owners, high earners, and high‑net‑worth families.

These lessons span three critical areas:

• Business ownership & leadership

• Personal finance & investing

• Life, health, and perspective

This episode is designed to help you think better, behave better, and ultimately make better financial decisions in 2026 and beyond.

SECTION 1: 8 LESSONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

1. Profit is not a dirty word—it’s the purpose of business.

2. Your business should survive if you disappear for 30 days.

3. Complexity is the enemy of scale.

4. Growth requires daily discomfort.

5. Many businesses underprice their value.

6. You can’t be everything to everyone—find your niche.

7. Core values should be written, shared, and lived.

8. Learn to say: “That’s not my job anymore.”

SECTION 2: 9 PERSONAL FINANCE & INVESTING LESSONS

• Many millionaires don’t look wealthy.

• Financial margin matters.

• Wealth is built through boring consistency.

• Concentration can create wealth; diversification preserves it.

• Know what you own, why you own it, and when you’ll sell.

• Risk management matters more than chasing returns.

• Roth vs pre‑tax decisions matter.

• Tax preparation is not tax planning.

• Estate planning can’t wait.

SECTION 3: 8 LIFE LESSONS

• Be a decent person.

• Let go of what you can’t control.

• Calories add up—health matters.

• Find an exercise plan you’ll stick with.

• Surround yourself with great people.

• Avoid patterns that keep people stuck.

• Choose empathy over judgment.

• Faith, gratitude, and perspective matter.

BONUS SEGMENT

Focus on activities, not outcomes.

You control the activity. Results take care of themselves.

CALL TO ACTION

Book your 10‑Minute Wealth Vision Call:

https://weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision

DISCLAIMER

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

The days after Christmas often bring a rare and beautiful pause—less noise, fewer obligations, and space to breathe. In this special abbreviated episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, Certified Financial Planner™ David Chudyk invites listeners to step away from budgets, to-do lists, and financial strategies to reflect on a different kind of wealth.

This episode explores the qualitative side of wealth: rest, gratitude, contentment, and time with the people who matter most. It’s a reminder that true wealth isn’t just what’s on paper—it’s who’s sitting around your table.

1. Why the week after Christmas is one of the most valuable times of the year
2. Rest as a legitimate and powerful form of wealth
3. Why burnout leads to poor decisions—financial and personal
4. How thankfulness changes our relationship with money
5. Recognizing everyday privileges we often overlook
6. Why time with family is the only asset that isn’t renewable
7. Letting ambition pause—and giving yourself permission to rest
8. A special “permission slip” for contentment heading into the new year

1. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s recovery, margin, and fuel for better decisions
2. Money is a tool, not the goal; it’s meant to support a meaningful life
3. Gratitude reduces financial anxiety by shifting focus from scarcity to abundance
4. Time is irreplaceable—money can be earned again, but moments cannot
5. There’s value in recognizing when you already have enough

As the year winds down, David shares a powerful reminder:

2026 can be a year of ambition, growth, and big goals—but the rest of this year can be about contentment.

Not complacency—but appreciation.

Not slowing down forever—but resting without guilt.

If you’re listening between Christmas and New Year’s, consider this your permission slip to pause.

Wealth isn’t just measured by accounts and statements.

It’s measured by connection, faith, relationships, and peace.

This week, rest. Be thankful. Spend time with the people you love.

There will be plenty of time to focus on the details soon enough.

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1. Instagram
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When people hear “investing,” they often think about hot stocks, market predictions, or timing the next big move. In this episode of The Weekly Wealth Podcast, Certified Financial Planner David Chudyk breaks down what truly matters: how your portfolio is structured, balanced, and managed over time.

This episode isn’t about what to buy—it’s about why you own what you own, how different investments interact, and how intentional design can lead to better long-term outcomes, especially during market volatility.

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• Why portfolio construction matters more than picking the “right” investment
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• How investors can own great investments but still get poor results
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• The difference between intelligence and structure in investing
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• Why most portfolios are built unintentionally—and the risks that creates
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• Alpha: Returns above what the market provides
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• Beta: Exposure to market movement (upside and downside)
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• Why many investors mistake higher risk for true outperformance
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• How overexposure to one stock, sector, or employer can quietly build risk
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• Why diversification doesn’t just grow wealth—it helps preserve it
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Pros:

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• Low cost
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• Broad market exposure
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• Simplicity and transparency
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Limitations:

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• Full exposure to market downturns
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• No built-in risk management or tax coordination
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• Increasing concentration within major indexes
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Index funds are powerful tools—but they are not a full strategy on their own.

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• Why assets that look diversified can still move together
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• The difference between volatility (movement) and true risk (permanent loss)
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• How behavior—not numbers—often determines investment outcomes
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David discusses how different assets can play different roles in a portfolio, including:

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• Real estate (direct ownership vs. REITs)
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• Gold and precious metals
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• Private equity and private credit
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• Annuities and lifetime income strategies
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Each comes with unique risk, liquidity, and complexity trade-offs that must align with your stage of life and financial goals.

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In this holiday-inspired episode, David Chudyk shares 10 meaningful financial “gifts” your future self will be grateful for in 2026 and beyond. These gifts aren’t wrapped under a tree—they’re intentional decisions that build clarity, confidence, stability, and long-term wealth. This episode is designed for anyone looking to step into the new year with better habits, smarter planning, and a sense of peace around their finances.

Understanding your numbers—spending, savings rate, debt, investments, and insurance—gives you control instead of chaos. You don’t need perfect tracking, just greater awareness.

A boring but powerful gift. Cash reserves protect you from crises and help you take advantage of opportunities. Start with one month saved and build toward 3–6 months.

Wealthy people spend with purpose, not impulse. Focus on experiences, relationships, health, and convenience that aligns with your goals.

Insurance, wills, power of attorney, and updated beneficiaries—all crucial. Protection isn’t just about money; it's about easing the burden on the people who matter most.

Your future self needs movement, sleep, lower stress, stronger muscles, and fewer “fast-food emergencies.” Health is a financial asset—protect it now.

Automation beats motivation every time. Automate savings, investments, debt payments, and charitable giving so progress happens without effort.

Your goals should be specific, measurable, realistic, and emotionally powerful. Tie goals to purpose—for example, buying a beach house for family connection or funding kids’ college for their future freedom.

Give in alignment with your values—whether that means money, time, mentoring, service, or presence. Meaningful generosity benefits the giver as much as the receiver.

Stop trying to figure everything out yourself. Find the “who”—a financial advisor, tax professional, mentor, business coach—to reduce mistakes and speed up progress.

Protect your time, energy, financial health, and emotional well-being. Every “yes” is also a “no” to something else. Make sure your commitments align with your priorities.

Discover the current health and approximate value of your business and learn which areas to improve to increase profitability and future sellability.

Take the 10–15 minute assessment at: weeklywealthpodcast.com/valuebuilderscore

• Schedule a 10-Minute Wealth Vision Call: weeklywealthpodcast.com/vision

• Connect on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @WeeklyWealthPodcast

• Email David: david@parallelfinancial.com

•...

Episode Title: 26 Big Decisions for Wealth Growth

Host: David Chudyk, CFP®

Podcast: The Weekly Wealth Podcast

In this episode, David breaks down 26 powerful “big decisions” that can dramatically impact your wealth, business, lifestyle, and long-term financial freedom. Instead of tackling everything at once, David challenges listeners to choose one single decision to focus on in 2026—the one that will create a domino effect in every area of life.

This episode is perfect for business owners, high-income earners, and successful professionals who want clarity, momentum, and a more intentional wealth strategy.

🔢 Part 1: Quantitative Wealth Decisions (Numbers-Based Moves)

These decisions directly affect your net worth, profitability, tax efficiency, and financial structure.

1. Set a target net-worth growth rate for 2026
2. Focus on increasing business profitability (not just revenue)
3. Restructure your compensation for tax-efficient savings
4. Implement a formal owner-distribution strategy
5. Eliminate one major wealth-dragging liability
6. Reallocate your investments based on real risk capacity
7. Decide whether you will max out all available retirement plans
8. Build a profit reserve for your business (3+ months of expenses)
9. Complete your 2026 tax projection by March 1
10. Adopt a tax-efficient investment strategy
11. Diversify away from reliance on one major customer
12. Set a personal liquidity target ($50k–$100k+)
13. Align your insurance coverages with actual risk exposure

These improve clarity, communication, organization, and long-term planning.

1. Create or update your Life & Wealth Master Plan
2. Start preparing early for your business exit strategy
3. Document your business’s standard operating procedures
4. Establish a quarterly financial review rhythm
5. Adopt a “documentation-first” financial habit
6. Strengthen financial communication with your spouse/partner
7. Build your Personal Board of Advisors (CPA, advisor, attorney, etc.)
8. Delegate/automate low-value tasks to reclaim high-value time

Because wealth is meaningless if it doesn't improve life.

1. Spend intentionally on meaningful experiences
2. Design a generosity strategy (charitable giving, DAF, family giving traditions)
3. Update your estate plan to match your current wealth
4. Consider working with a personal CFO/financial advisor to coordinate everything
5. Choose your ONE big decision for 2026—and commit to it

David asks each listener to identify ONE decision from the list that will define their year.

Share it by leaving a voicemail at:

👉

In this special Thanksgiving edition, David brings a little humor (and a questionable turkey sound effect) to kick off a heartfelt conversation about gratitude—why it matters, how it affects our lives, and why focusing on the good can be one of the most powerful wealth-building mindsets we can adopt.

David explores three big reasons gratitude is more than just a nice idea:

✅ 1. Gratitude Shifts Our Focus

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• Our brains are wired to look for danger and problems.
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• What we focus on expands—looking for good creates more good.
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• Negative focus can lead to defensive behavior and a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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• Gratitude helps you become more positive, likable, and open to opportunity.
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✅ 2. Gratitude Improves Mental & Physical Health

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• Research shows gratitude:
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• Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
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• Grateful people report higher life satisfaction—even without more money or success.
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✅ 3. Gratitude Strengthens Relationships

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• Saying “thank you” deepens trust and connection.
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• People who feel appreciated communicate better and offer more support.
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• In families, teams, and businesses, gratitude fuels unity and collaboration.
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David reflects on his own blessings this year and encourages listeners to:

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• Recognize the good in their own lives
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• Share what they're thankful for
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• Spread gratitude within their homes, workplaces, and communities
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Take 60 seconds today and list 3 things you're grateful for.

Big or small—it all counts.

Share them with someone you care about.

Help us grow the Weekly Wealth tribe:

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• Follow on social media
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• Share this episode with someone you appreciate
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• Join the conversation about gratitude and blessings
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Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a mindset that creates better health, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life. When we look for good, we tend to find more of it.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🌟