Episodios

  • Build Your Banking System Before You Buy Your Next Vehicle (Ep. 256)
    Feb 12 2026

    If you're going to own a fleet of vehicles, why wouldn't you finance them through your own banking system instead of the bank's?

    In this episode of Without the Bank, we break down one of the most misunderstood—and powerful—chapters in Nelson Nash's Becoming Your Own Banker: equipment financing.

    WTB Episode 256 walks through how capitalizing a properly designed life insurance system allows business owners to finance trucks, equipment, and big-ticket items while building equity in the right place—their own banking system.

    This episode clears up common confusion around "extra interest," explains why premium is what actually makes you money, and shows how scaling vehicle financing works—from one truck to an entire fleet. No magic. No shortcuts. Just math, discipline, and control.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Why equity in equipment is limited—and banking equity isn't
    • The real meaning of "extra interest" (hint: it's additional premium)
    • Why you don't make money just by taking policy loans
    • How financing one, two, three, or four vehicles simply scales the same system
    • Why capitalizing first gives you flexibility when business gets hard
    • How policies must be structured as a system, not a single policy

    Chapters:

    • (00:00) Why fleet owners should think differently about financing
    • (01:01) Capitalizing on the policy before buying equipment
    • (03:07) Equity in the wrong place vs. the right place
    • (06:05) "Extra interest" explained (and why it's misunderstood)
    • (10:38) Financing one truck step-by-step
    • (13:59) Scaling to multiple vehicles
    • (17:06) Using the system beyond trucks (taxes, real estate, equipment)

    Want help structuring your own banking system?
    Buy the book, read it, and then schedule a strategy call with our team today.

    Read the chapter. Run the numbers. Don't overcomplicate it.

    Links Mentioned:

    Without the Bank: https://www.withoutthebank.com

    Contact:
    maryjo@withoutthebank.com
    tarisa@withoutthebank.com

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    21 m
  • Insurance Companies Are Denying More Claims Than Ever—Here's Why (Ep. 255)
    Feb 5 2026

    Insurance premiums keep rising—but claims are getting denied. So the big question is: does self-insuring actually make sense, or is it a risky move most people misunderstand?

    In WTB Episode 255, we dive into one of the most controversial chapters of Becoming Your Own Banker: expanding the system and self-insuring. We unpack Nelson Nash's ideas around premiums matching income, infinite banking, and when (or if) it makes sense to self-insure things like automobiles and homes.

    This episode also tackles the real-world problems people are facing today—denied insurance claims, skyrocketing repair costs, inflation, and misunderstood coverage. We break down the theory and the reality so you can decide what's right for your situation.

    Key Takeaways:

    Why insurance companies are denying more claims than ever

    What Nelson Nash really meant by "self-insuring."

    The difference between comp & collision vs liability coverage

    How infinite banking creates a closed-loop financial system

    Why self-insuring works for some—but not everyone

    The importance of documentation for homeowners' insurance claims

    Chapters:

    (00:00) – Insurance claims denied & rising premiums

    (01:11) – The infinite banking paradigm explained

    (02:15) – Becoming your own banker (closed-loop system)

    (03:38) – Capitalization & financing cars through policies

    (03:56) – Self-insuring autos & homes: real-world risks

    (06:01) – Personal property insurance & documentation pitfalls

    (09:34) – When self-insuring makes sense (and when it doesn't)

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    11 m
  • Dividends vs. Interest: The Retirement Income Game Changer (Ep. 254)
    Jan 29 2026

    What if two people saved the exact same amount of money... but one retired with nearly $900,000 more than the other? The difference wasn't discipline — it was where the money lived.

    In this episode of Without the Bank, we break down one of the most powerful chapters from Becoming Your Own Banker: The Twin Sister Example. Using Nelson Nash's comparison between CDs and Infinite Banking, we examine how capitalization, dividends, and ownership significantly impact long-term outcomes.

    We also tackle one of the most misunderstood — and ignored — components of Infinite Banking: the death benefit. Many people focus only on early cash value, but real banking strategies account for protection, longevity, and uninterrupted compounding.

    If you've ever wondered why Infinite Banking outperforms traditional savings, CDs, and even "paying cash," this episode connects the dots.

    Key Takeaways:
    Why capitalization is unavoidable — no matter how you finance purchases
    How leasing, bank loans, cash, CDs, and Infinite Banking really compare
    The hidden cost of "paying cash" and sinking funds
    Why the death benefit is not a downside — it's a bonus
    How ownership and dividends change retirement income forever
    Why Infinite Banking allows income without running out of money

    Chapters:
    (00:00) – Why the death benefit matters more than people think
    (01:09) – Why starting small beats radical lifestyle changes
    (02:25) – Comparing car financing: lease, bank, cash, CD, IBC
    (08:38) – CDs vs Infinite Banking: the Twin Sister example
    (12:55) – Why dividends change everything long-term
    (16:13) – Retirement income: why one sister runs out and the other doesn't
    (27:32) – The two rules of Infinite Banking you must follow

    Get Started:
    Ready to build your own banking system?
    Email: maryjo@withoutthebank.com
    Email: tarisa@withoutthebank.com

    Grab your copy of Becoming Your Own Banker:

    https://www.withoutthebank.com/shop...

    Schedule an appointment and start beating Parkinson's Law today!

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    26 m
  • Your Retirement at 65 Was Built On a Flawed Assumption (Ep. 253)
    Jan 22 2026

    Most people are taught to buy term insurance and invest the rest—but what if that advice is based on a massive misunderstanding of how life insurance actually works?

    In this episode, we break down why dividend-paying whole life insurance is fundamentally misclassified, how insurance companies really make money, and why Nelson Nash believed banking, not investing, was the missing piece.

    In WTB Episode 253, we continue our deep dive into Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash, focusing on mortality tables, underwriting, modified endowment contracts (MECs), and why whole life insurance behaves more like a banking system than an insurance product.

    We explore:

    Why term insurance is incredibly profitable for insurance companies

    How underwriting selects for people who actually live longer

    Why retirement at 65 was built on a flawed assumption

    How MEC rules really work (and why they're not the end of the world)

    Why universal life, variable life, and indexed UL fail long-term

    How to properly structure a whole life policy for Infinite Banking

    If you've ever been told "whole life is bad," this episode explains where that belief came from—and why it persists.

    Key Takeaways:

    Death is not an if—it's a when, and insurance should be structured accordingly

    Term insurance is statistically designed not to pay out

    Responsible, underwritten individuals live longer—and insurers know it

    Whole life insurance is misclassified, leading to bad financial decisions

    Infinite Banking works best when cash value is prioritized over death benefit

    MEC policies aren't catastrophic—but understanding the rules matters

    Chapters:

    (00:00) – Why the insurance industry misunderstands its own products

    (05:50) – Mortality tables, underwriting, and who actually lives longer

    (10:52) – Retirement at 65 and the Social Security fallacy

    (18:03) – MEC rules, overfunding, and policy design explained

    (31:27) – Why universal, variable, and indexed life insurance fail

    (39:21) – Why Infinite Banking is caught, not taught

    📘 Haven't read Becoming Your Own Banker yet? Start there.
    📅 Want help structuring a policy correctly? Schedule a conversation with our team.
    💬 Drop your questions or comments below—we read and respond.

    Links Mentioned:
    Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash
    https://www.withoutthebank.com/shop...

    Schedule an appointment / Learn more (check your email for the schedule link after you buy the book)

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    36 m
  • You Already Know Enough (So Why Aren't You Wealthy?) (Ep. 252)
    Jan 15 2026

    Are you collecting financial knowledge... or actually using it?

    In this episode of Without The Bank, we break down two of the most dangerous (and overlooked) chapters from Becoming Your Own Banker: Arrival Syndrome and Use It or Lose It.

    These ideas explain why so many people stall out financially—even after reading the right books, watching the right videos, and "knowing" the Infinite Banking Concept.

    The problem isn't lack of information.
    The problem is believing you've already arrived.

    When people stop applying what they learn, their policies stagnate, their cash flow tightens, and Infinite Banking quietly turns into "just another savings account." Nelson Nash warned us about this—and in this episode, we show exactly how it plays out in real life.

    In This Episode, You'll Learn:

    • Why arrival syndrome is more dangerous than ignorance
    • How "knowing enough" kills financial momentum
    • Why Infinite Banking must become a way of life, not a tactic
    • What "use it or lose it" really means for your policy and your mindset
    • Why focusing on interest rates misses the point entirely
    • Why liquidity and cash flow matter more than returns
    • The silent mistake people make when they stop using their policy

    Episode Chapters:

    00:00 – Knowledge vs. Implementation
    01:05 – What Is Arrival Syndrome?
    03:10 – The Illusion of Knowledge
    05:20 – Use It or Lose It Explained
    08:45 – Outgrowing Comfort Zones
    11:30 – Common Infinite Banking Mistakes
    14:00 – Why IBC Must Be a Way of Life

    Resources Mentioned:
    Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash
    Get the book: https://www.withoutthebank.com/shop...

    Already have the book?
    Use the link provided after purchase to schedule an appointment and get your questions answered.

    If this episode made you rethink how you're using Infinite Banking, share it with someone who's still "learning" but not applying.

    Apply what you know—or lose it.

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    15 m
  • Your Kids' $1,000 Account Has a Catch | Here's Why (Ep. 251)
    Jan 8 2026

    Is the government really giving kids $1,000… or is there a bigger catch?

    In this solo episode of Without the Bank (WTB), Mary Jo breaks down the Invest America Act (sometimes called the "Trump Account") and explains why she believes it raises serious red flags, from misleading claims by politicians to hidden tax consequences and stock market manipulation.

    👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1
    👉 Get the book: https://www.withoutthebank.com/book/?...

    After reviewing the actual bill, running the numbers, and even putting it through AI, Mary Jo explains why this account is not what it's being sold as—and why families should be asking tougher questions before celebrating "free money."

    🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

    Why the Invest America Act is not a Roth IRA

    The real tax consequences when kids withdraw the money

    Why capital gains taxes matter more than politicians admit

    How inflation destroys the "big numbers" being promised

    The hidden incentive to prop up the stock market

    Why education beats government-funded investing every time

    ⏱️ Chapters

    (00:00) – Why this account immediately raised red flags

    (01:32) – What the Invest America Act actually says

    (03:44) – Debunking Ted Cruz's claims

    (05:57) – Following the money: who really benefits

    (08:31) – Taxes, capital gains, and misleading projections

    (11:44) – Inflation, purchasing power, and the real math

    (15:07) – Why this doesn't create "capitalists."

    💬 Join the Conversation

    What do you think about the Invest America Act?

    Leave a comment below or email Mary Jo at maryjo@withoutthebank.com

    👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more honest money conversations

    📚 Want a Better Alternative?

    If you want to set money aside for your kids without capital gains taxes and without government control:

    👉 Visit https://withoutthebank.com?utm_source...

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    17 m
  • Your Biggest Business Problem Isn't What You Think (Ep. 250)
    Jan 1 2026

    Most people think money problems are about income.
    They're wrong. It's about mindset, discipline, and who controls the capital.

    In this episode, we break down The Golden Rule:
    Those who have the gold make the rules — and why that changes everything.

    👉 Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1
    👉 Get the book: https://www.withoutthebank.com/book/?...

    In Episode 250 of Without The Bank (WTB), we dive deep into the mindset behind wealth, capitalism, and control of money. Drawing from Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash, we explore why living for today destroys future opportunity, how capital attracts opportunity, and why disciplined thinkers consistently win — regardless of industry.

    This conversation connects real-world business stories, personal experiences, and powerful mindset shifts that separate people who struggle financially from those who thrive.

    Key Takeaways:

    Why mindset matters more than income
    How immediate gratification sacrifices your future
    The real meaning of "Those who have the gold make the rules"
    Why access to capital creates opportunity
    How disciplined thinkers play a completely different game
    Why becoming your own banker is about responsibility, not numbers
    How your belief system around money shapes your results

    Chapters:
    (00:00) – Mindset Is Everything
    Why every successful business owner talks mindset first

    (02:07) – The Golden Rule Explained
    What "Those who have the gold make the rules" really means

    (04:29) – Living for Today vs. Owning Tomorrow
    How spending habits destroy long-term freedom

    (06:40) – Capital Creates Opportunity
    Why cash on hand changes the game

    (12:38) – Discipline Separates Winners
    Why infinite banking isn't for everyone

    (15:30) – Rewiring Your Money Beliefs
    How environment, inputs, and mindset shape results

    (21:21) – Becoming the Bank
    Why most people give up the banking function — and pay for it

    Links Mentioned:
    📘 Becoming Your Own Banker – Nelson Nash
    https://www.withoutthebank.com/shop/?...

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    27 m
  • The Financial Independence Trap Nobody Warns You About (Ep. 249)
    Dec 25 2025

    What if your 401(k) isn't really your money?

    In this episode, we break down Willie Sutton's Law and expose how government-controlled retirement plans quietly limit your freedom, liquidity, and control over your wealth.

    Follow Mary Jo Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MaryJoIrmen?sub_confirmation=1

    Get the book: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/book/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=wtb-ep249&utm_term=desc-top

    In WTB Episode 249, we continue our Becoming Your Own Banker chapter review, diving deep into Willie Sutton's Law: "Wherever wealth is accumulated, someone will try to steal it."

    This episode challenges conventional thinking around 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth limits, and tax-deferred retirement plans. We unpack how taxation works, why qualified plans were created, and how government incentives quietly shape your financial behavior — often at your expense.

    We also discuss the historical role of churches vs. government welfare, the dangers of inaccessible retirement savings, and why many people feel "broke" while technically having money they can't touch.

    Key Takeaways:
    Why tax-deferred retirement plans come with hidden control and risk
    How Willie Sutton's Law applies directly to 401(k)s and IRAs
    The real reason Roth IRAs are limited and capped
    Why tax refunds are NOT a win
    How lack of liquidity keeps people financially stressed
    Why responsibility—not government—is the key to financial freedom

    Chapters:
    (00:00) – Is the Government Your Savings Account?
    (05:50) – Willie Sutton's Law & Government Taxation
    (10:37) – Qualified Plans & Changing the Rules
    (15:38) – Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and Control
    (20:55) – Liquidity Problems & Opportunity Cost
    (25:07) – Tax Refunds Explained
    (30:08) – A Private Solution Outside Government Control

    Grab your copy of Becoming Your Own Banker and follow along with us https://www.withoutthebank.com/product/becoming-your-own-banker/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=wtb-ep249&utm_term=desc-bot1

    Drop your questions or comments — we read them.

    Like, subscribe, and share if this episode made you rethink retirement

    Links Mentioned:
    Becoming Your Own Banker by Nelson Nash:
    https://www.withoutthebank.com/product/becoming-your-own-banker/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=wtb-ep249&utm_term=desc-bot2

    Austrian Economics & Mises Institute:
    https://mises.org/austrian-school/austrian-economics-overview

    FEE.org (Foundation for Economic Education):
    https://fee.org/

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    28 m