Christine McCarron interviews Henry Yoshida about self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs), focusing on alternative investments beyond traditional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. The discussion covers rules, opportunities, risks, and who benefits most from these accounts. Rocket Dollar manages about $12billion in assets and specializes in enabling tax-advantaged investing in non-traditional assets

Main Highlights

IRAs (created in 1974) technically allow almost all investments except two explicitly prohibited categories: life insuranceand collectibles ("show-off assets" like artwork, classic cars, baseball cards, rugs, antiques, gems, or certain metals). Providers often limit options to stocks/bonds/mutual funds because that's their business model—not because of IRS rules. With a self-directed custodian like Rocket Dollar, investors can access: real estate, private companies/funds, digital assets, real estate syndications, and private lending.

Real estate rules (frequently searched topic):

Private lending (fastest-growing segment):

Other rules and risks:

Who Benefits Most? ("Goldilocks" Client)

Primarily ages 40-55/60 — stable mid-career, entering peak earning years, with meaningful retirement savings to diversify. Younger people should max employer 401(k) matches and build foundations first (higher contribution limits, tax deductions). Older investors use it for preservation/diversification amid volatility.

SDIRAs are supplemental, not starter accounts — idealafter accumulating via 401(k)s. They help when markets drop (e.g., S&P context in early 2026) or for assets that "zig when stocks zag." Financial advisors who refuse to discuss alternatives (or demand all assets under management) may prioritize fees over holistic advice.

Takeaways

Self-directed IRAs unlock powerful tax advantages for alternative assets, especially real estate and private lending, but require discipline around prohibited transactions and disqualified persons. Henry emphasizes education, arm's-length deals, and using them for true diversification ratherthan speculation. Rocket Dollar positions itself as a facilitator/custodian (not deal recommender), with resources like a knowledge base.

Connect with Henry:

https://bit.ly/4rRuQuuSave $100 on your new Rocket account with this code: GetYourFill100

Host Christine McCarron welcomes Nuttha “Neata” Goutier, founder of Sabai Thai Spa. Neata grew up in a rural Thai village without running water or electricity, where healing through herbs, community, and daily practices was a normal part of life rather than a luxury.03:30 Neata explains what makes Thai massage unique: it combines pressure points, stretching, and breathing exercises. This leads to better results for chronic tension, improved flexibility, circulation, and overall muscle loosening compared to many other massages.10:00 Franchisees do not need to be Thai or former massage practitioners. Neata's system helps new owners skip the painful learning curve, mistakes, and setbacks she experienced over two decades. The franchise provides training, operations, marketing, HR, accounting, and cultural hospitality systems.18:00 With very little money (less than $1,000), she convinced a skeptical landlord to give her the keys by promising she would never miss rent. She started Sabai Thai Spa purely on a dream and vision.22:00 Neata emphasizes an immigrant entrepreneurial mindset: seeing opportunity, refusing to take “no” for an answer, and persisting. 26:00 Core philosophy: Strong belief in yourself, persistence, and understanding that life is a journey. Setbacks are temporary. “If you try and fail, at least you tried. If you try hard enough, you won’t fail.” She encourages everyone to follow their passion and purpose rather than fear loss.32:00 Power of community is central to Neata’s story and business. In her Thai village, despite extreme poverty, people helped each other build houses, harvest rice, and share meals without complaint—laughing, supporting, and connecting. Money wasn’t the focus; relationships were. She brought this into her business by immediately engaging with local schools, sports teams, events, and causes. Word-of-mouth grew naturally because she became part of the community.40:00 Modern life (phones, digital isolation) has weakened human connection, even within families. Neata urges people to get out, talk to neighbors, organize playdates, hikes, or workouts together. Community makes life more joyful and meaningful.48:00 Franchising & replicating success: Neata has systematized everything—operations, training (including cultural hospitality and core values), marketing, and support. Franchisees get a proven playbook so they don’t repeat her 20 years of trial-and-error. The mission is “caring for others” and helping people experience wellness journeys. Success still requires work, adaptability, and ongoing learning, but the painful growing phase is shortened.55:00 Ideal franchisee profile: A “people person” with a servant mindset who enjoys helping others (staff and customers) become better versions of themselves. You don’t need to perform massages yourself—you manage the team and engage with the local community. The business should align with your passion because it will become a big part of your life.1:02:00 – End Neata’s driving force isn’t money or number of locations—it’s the desire to add value, promote longevity, and help people feel better so they can show up kinder for their families and communities. She stresses self-care as the foundation (like putting on your own oxygen mask first). Small weekly routines create big impacts.Key takeaway (Neata’s closing advice): Believe in yourself. Find your passion and purpose. Take action today—not tomorrow. Plant the seed, water it consistently with persistence, and keep moving one foot in front of the other. Everyone has the potential to make their dreams reality if they don’t give up.The episode beautifully blends personal story, cultural wisdom, wellness insights, and practical entrepreneurship lessons, centered on community, mindset, and turning a simple village value into a thriving franchise opportunity.Connect with Neata: https://sabaithai.com/locations/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nutthagoutier/ https://www.instagram.com/nutthagoutier/

Guest: Athena Brownson, Denver-based Real Estate Agent & Emerging Developer

Host Christine McCarron welcomes Athena Brownson, a professional with over a decade of experience in Denver real estate and a background in interior design. A former professional freestyle skier, Athena’s life took a dramatic turn nine years ago when she began a grueling battle with Lyme disease and related autoimmune conditions. Her story is one of profound resilience, shifting from elite athletics to a fight for basic functionality.

Athena also shares the origin of her name, honoring her Greek grandmother—one of the first female ophthalmologists on the East Coast. Carrying the name of the goddess of wisdom and war, Athena reflects this heritage through her fierce advocacy for her clients and her own health.

Athena credits her professional skiing career for her foundational discipline. The sport taught her to manage fear, visualize success, and commit to "one more try." These traits became essential when a neck surgery triggered a systemic immune collapse. For years, tasks as simple as getting out of bed became monumental.

During this dark period, real estate served as her "guiding light." The career provided necessary flexibility while offering a sense of purpose and human connection. Even when her physical world shrank, acting as a trusted advisor in her clients' largest financial transactions kept her anchored to the outside world.

After years of feeling like a victim and noticing her illness-induced frustration affecting her professional relationships, Athena realized a shift was necessary. She moved from a reactive state to one of radical self-responsibility.

Transformation didn't happen overnight; it was built on "micro-habits":

• Small Wins: Starting with manageable tasks like making the bed or a 5-minute walk.

• Compounding Growth: Embracing the idea of 0.5% weekly improvements rather than seeking instant gratification.

• Holistic Healing: Combining medical treatments with neuroplasticity work and EMDR therapy to move her body out of a chronic "fight-or-flight" state.

This year marks Athena’s first significant recovery phase in nearly a decade. As her health returned, so did her ability to dream. While illness forced her into a "survival mode" focused on hospitals and transfusions, she has now returned to the high-level visualization she used as an athlete. She actively uses vision boards and sets audacious 10-year goals, including travel—which was previously impossible due to severe sensitivities.

Athena notes that navigating darkness makes the light more precious. Her journey has transformed her into a more empathetic, patient, and self-compassionate person.

The episode concludes with a message of persistence: "Just keep swimming." Athena emphasizes that growth rarely occurs in comfort; rather, it is forged through the curveballs life throws. Joy is found not by avoiding challenges, but by navigating through them with consistency and support.

Overall Takeaway: Adversity is a catalyst for evolution. By blending physical care with mental and emotional work, Athena illustrates that the person who emerges from hardship can be wiser and more capable than the one who entered it.

Connect with Athena: * Instagram

• LinkedIn

Access his free special report or newsletter at FredMoskowitz.com or giftfromfred.com to explore alternative investments further.Connect with Fred: www.fredmoskowitz.com Book: "The Little Green Book Of Note Investing" available on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3I0pR49This transcript features Fred Moskowitz, an educator and best-selling author, discussing the mechanics of alternative investments, specifically focusing on mortgage note investing.________________________________________What are Alternative Investments?Alternative investments encompass any asset class outside of traditional Wall Street products like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. This category includes:• Real Estate (Direct ownership)• Business Investing• Mortgage Notes (Investing in debt)________________________________________Understanding Mortgage Note InvestingMortgage note investing is the practice of buying the debt on a property rather than the property itself. By purchasing a note, you "step into the shoes of the lender."The Key Benefits• Passive Income: Unlike traditional real estate, the investor has no responsibilities for property management, maintenance, or repairs.• Homeowner Mindset: Borrowers (homeowners) are responsible for their own repairs (e.g., a broken water heater), meaning they do not call the note holder for maintenance issues.• Scalability: Because notes are hands-off, investors can manage a large portfolio more easily than a large portfolio of physical rental properties.Buying at a DiscountNotes are frequently bought and sold on the secondary market at a discount.• Bulk Purchasing: Note funds often buy pools of 10–15 notes at once, allowing them to negotiate a price lower than the actual debt amount.• Increased Yield: Buying a note for less than its face value increases the investor’s rate of return (yield).________________________________________Strategies for Getting StartedFred emphasizes that the "best" way to start depends on how much time an investor has.Investment Type Best For RoleActive Note Investing Those with high time availability. Analyzing deals, performing due diligence, and building a portfolio.Note Funds (Passive) Busy professionals or business owners. Investing capital into a fund where a management team handles all operations.Education and ResourcesFred recommends his book, The Little Green Book of Note Investing, as a high-level introduction. It covers:• How to analyze notes and perform due diligence.• The secondary market.• Retirement Accounts: Using SDIRAs (Self-Directed IRAs) to invest in notes for favorable tax treatment.________________________________________Managing Risks and OperationsWhile note investing is generally more passive than being a landlord, it still carries risks that must be managed.1. Threats to the LienAs a lender, you must ensure your "position" is protected. Threats include:• Unpaid property taxes.• Lapsed homeowners insurance.• Unpaid HOA dues.These can result in superior liens that take priority over the mortgage.2. Professional Loan ServicingFred strongly recommends that all investors use a licensed loan servicing company. They handle:• Collecting payments from borrowers.• Managing amortization schedules and payoff requests.• Generating year-end tax forms.• Ensuring legal compliance with state-specific regulations.________________________________________Notes vs. Traditional Real EstateThe discussion touches on the "Four Ways" physical real estate builds wealth, which provides a contrast to the debt-focused note strategy:1. Monthly Cash Flow (Rental income).2. Amortization (Tenant pays down the mortgage).3. Tax Benefits (Depreciation and write-offs—Note: These are generally NOT available in note investing).4. Appreciation (Increase in property value).

In the latest episode of Get Your Fill, host Christine McCarron chats with Mike Zlotnik—aka Big Mike, CEO of TF Management Group and a full-time real estate fund manager since 2009. After a successful but burnout-prone IT career, Mike jumped ship right after the Great Financial Crisis, inspired by his earliest wins: snagging his first Brooklyn apartment at a steep discount in 2000 from a motivated seller, then buying eight more units in the same building from an 85-year-old eager to relocate. These deals revealed real estate’s “inefficient” market, where buyers can build hugemargins of safety on acquisition rather than hoping for appreciation. What started as family partnerships quickly scaled into his first fund, turning a passion for predictable passive income into a professional operation—completewith one rare, speculative Manhattan townhome redevelopment that he admits is pure excitement, not core strategy.

Today Mike follows a “who before how” philosophy, laser-focusing on institutional-quality sponsors and then tagging along wherever they find deals nationwide. With interest rates resetting commercial valuations, he’s shifted away from operationally heavy multifamily (hit hard by Sun Belt oversupply and spiking insurance costs) toward ultra-predictable assets like industrial properties and open-air shopping centers. These boast long triple-net leases (10–25 years) where tenants cover taxes, insurance, andrepairs, delivering steady cash flow plus built-in escalations. Recent closed deals—a 25-year sale-leaseback industrial property in Indiana at an 8.6% cap rate and a downtown San Diego retail center—show the power of positive spreadsover financing, proving that supply-demand balance and tenant quality trump flashy locations.

A U.S. Chess Master since childhood, Mike treats investingexactly like chess: prepare thoroughly, analyze every move afterward, and study the grandmasters (think Warren Buffett, Ray Dalio, and Howard Marks). He urges listeners to ditch analysis paralysis for a “ready, fire, aim” mindset—takeaction, learn fast, and remember “sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.” Key advice includes relentless diversification across non-correlated assets and staying engaged with quarterly reports, plus a brilliant self-directed IRA hack: invest in illiquid syndications first, then convert to Roth at a discounted valuation for far lower taxes. His forthcoming book How to Choose a Smart Real Estate Investment Fund and Big Mike Fund podcast dive deeper for anyone ready to build real passive wealth.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/B9B-yAKaqiU

Connect with Mike:

https://bigmikefund.com LinkedIn (Mike Zlotnik): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzlotnik/
YouTube (Podcast + Tempo Funding): https://www.youtube.com/@TempoFunding
Facebook (TF Management Group): https://www.facebook.com/TFmanagementgroup

Dan Norcross, founder and CEO of Regal Relocations, a UK-based serviced accommodation company specializing in contractor housing for long-term stays, joined Christine McCarron on the Get Your Fill podcast to share his path to financial independence. After a 20-year engineering career at Jaguar Land Rover, Dan left the corporate world to prioritize family time—especially with his father who has Parkinson’s disease—and more moments with his wife and three daughters. Rejecting vague “just retire” goals, he built a profitable property portfolio around specific life priorities, using simple win-win partnerships between landlords, investors, and guests to create sustainable income while designing the semi-retired lifestyle he actually wanted.

During a 12-month property mentorship program that began in October 2024, Dan spotted a billion-pound North Wales infrastructure project needing housing for 600 contractors over two years. Acting fast, he secured and furnished seven rent-to-rent properties in North Wales and Chester within one month—some new-builds set up as turnkey servicedaccommodation with direct bookings and Airbnb. Funded entirely through joint venture property investment with mentees, he offered creative deals returning 70% of profits to investors until their capital was repaid (delivering ~22% annual returns), then shifting to 30%. Peak performancedelivered up to £1,600 monthly profit per unit after covering all bills, utilities, bi-weekly cleaning, and linen—allowing Dan to exit his job at the end of September and immediately take his dad golfing for the first time in two years.

Dan is now scaling with a 7-bedroom Blackpool propertyalready booking holidaymakers and winter contractors, plus a purchase lease option on a 9-bedroom hotel in the Scottish Highlands ski area. He plans three buy-refurbish-refinance (BRR) deals and three title splitting projects this year to build long-term equity and replace rent-to-rent cash flow with owned assets. Emphasizing hands-off operations via a virtualassistant from Nigeria and his data-driven engineering mindset, Dan advises anyone chasing financial freedom through property investment: get a proven mentor, take immediate action (knowledge alone isn’t power), networkrelentlessly, and never lose sight of your personal “why.” He remains open to mentoring others and is even launching his own evening business networking franchise in Cheshire.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/NY476EVS-jY

Connect with Dan: https://www.instagram.com/dan.norcross/ https://www.facebook.com/dan.norcross.10 https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-norcross-ieng-mimeche-21575636/

The podcast episode of Get Your Fill: Financial Independence and Long Life features host Christine McCarron interviewing Eddie Speed, a veteran with over 40 years in real estate note investing. Eddie, founder of NoteSchool, has purchased over 50,000 mortgage notes and is a leading expert in discounted mortgage notes and seller financing. He explains that owning a note means acting as the bank: investors buy real estate secured notes - promissory notes backed by property - often created through seller financing where sellers finance buyers directly, especially as traditional lending has tightened post-pandemic. This creates about 100,000 seller-financed transactions annually, with notes frequently sold in the secondary market at a discount for lump-sum cash, allowing investors to earn interest, typically 9-11%, without owning or managing property.

Eddie contrasts note investing favorably with rental properties, rent houses, noting that inflation has eroded rental cash flow to around 4% in many markets due to rising expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance, while notes offer higher yields with less hassle—no tenants, toilets, or 2 AM calls. He highlights low-risk strategies via his risk blueprint for underwriting -targeting 3-5% default rates, far better than FHA loans at 11% delinquency - focusing on notes with strong equity cushions, often less than 70% loan-to-value, and using third-party servicers for compliance and collections. Leverage is accessible even for beginners with limited capital, including through self-directed IRAs, his wife Martha's "Martha Model" exemplifies this for retirement and legacy building, enabling scaled portfolios with spreads over borrowing costs.

The discussion emphasizes current market timing as ideal for note investing amid rigid traditional underwriting leaving borrowers underserved, e.g., self-employed, immigrants, or those in growing markets like the Hispanic community. Eddie stresses benefits like passive income, easier inheritance than rentals, and tools from NoteSchool, including free training at noteschool.com/fill-starter, to evaluate fit—best for trainable investors open to shifting from landlord headaches to "being the bank." He positions it as a smarter alternative in today's economy, not competing with banks but filling gaps for consistent returns and wealth building.

Connect with Eddie: noteschool.com