Best Ben Martinek CFP ®, EA, CSLP®, RICP® Podcasts (2024)

1
Soul-Aligned Contribution with Nancy Bleeke 30:02

1y ago30:02

30:02

Would entrepreneurship be less scary if you knew you’d make more money than your current job? In this episode, Nancy Bleeke explains how analyzing expenses motivated her to start her own business and what she’s learned since she made the transition to entrepreneurship over twenty years ago. In this episode, you’ll also hear: Evaluating what it cost…

1
Efficiency and Innovation in Small Businesses 26:36

1+ y ago26:36

26:36

How do some small businesses make the leap from fledgling concept to successful big company while others go kaput before they can even get started? In this episode, Ben and Andrew delve into the gritty reality of how the majority of new small businesses fail and why people still go for entrepreneurship despite the challenges it brings. In this epis…

1
Three Generations of Entrepreneurship with David Hurley 35:05

1+ y ago35:05

35:05

Taking on the family business can feel daunting, but staying true to the authentic heart of the company is key. In this episode, Ben and Deb welcome David Hurley as he dives into how growing up in Country Stores Health Foods fostered his entrepreneurial drive. They discuss the action steps he took to move the business forward under his stewardship …

1
From Childhood to Now - A Continual Theme of Entrepreneurship 35:45

1+ y ago35:45

35:45

For many entrepreneurs, launching your own business means long hours and late nights with little to no financial gain when you first begin. In this episode, Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira join Ben and Deb to share how a forced leap of faith kickstarted their entrepreneurial journey and what it’s like to be financially independent while balancing busi…

1
Word of the Year: Resolve 31:13

1+ y ago31:13

31:13

Being an entrepreneur means taking a ride on a never-ending rollercoaster full of intoxicating highs and sobering lows with twists and turns around every corner. In this episode, Ben and Andrew share lessons they’ve learned from their own setbacks and why entrepreneurs must be overly confident and ready to take on whatever challenge comes next. In …

1
Working on Your Own Terms with Megan Giles 31:38

1+ y ago31:38

31:38

Not everyone is ready to leave their 9-5 job but if you’re thinking about it, Megan Giles is proof you can succeed on your own. In this episode, Ben and Deb talk with Megan Giles about how she quit her corporate job cold turkey, found a supportive community and started making connections that helped her focus on the value she offers. In this episod…

1
Alternative Health Insurance Options 33:46

1+ y ago33:46

33:46

If you’re opting out of traditional health insurance, it’s important to understand the risks and benefits of nontraditional health care. In this episode, Ben and Andrew continue their discussion about health care coverage and dive into two alternative health insurance options. In this episode, you’ll also hear: Recognizing the risk of unconventiona…

1
Claiming Financial Independence with Anna Saucier 37:14

1+ y ago37:14

37:14

Financial independence can bring more calm, time, and energy to your life, so why wait to experience those benefits? In this episode, Ben and Deb welcome Anna Saucier to talk about why entrepreneurs need a strong foundation, rest, and a mindset that lets you focus on what matters most so you can achieve and receive more today. In this episode, you’…

1
Becoming a Lean Entrepreneur with Brant Cooper 36:11

1+ y ago36:11

36:11

Whether you’re ready to start your own business or thinking about a fun side hustle, being an entrepreneur is more possible than ever. In this episode, Ben chats with Brant Cooper about his focus on driving impact and how the workforce is shifting from the industrial era to empowering people to solve problems with creativity and intelligence. He al…

1
Self-Employed Health Care 29:21

1+ y ago29:21

29:21

Healthcare can be very expensive and costs can spiral out of control quickly, especially if you’re paying out of pocket. In this episode, Ben and Andrew work through the various options entrepreneurs have for health insurance coverage and the value of understanding how tax credits can work for or against you. In this episode, you’ll also hear: Util…

1
Growing Your Business Through Podcasting 34:25

1+ y ago34:25

34:25

Connecting with other entrepreneurs is a great way to grow your network and learn from people who truly understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. In this episode, Ben and Deb talk with their podcast manager, Virginia Elder, about what led her to launch her own media company after working in the finance industry for several years. They also …

1
Funding Your Small Business 33:42

1+ y ago33:42

33:42

Funding a new business can be achieved in a number of creative ways. Knowing your tolerance for risk and your ability to gain back what you lose can influence where you find your funds. In this episode, Ben and Andrew hash through different funding sources and share how sometimes risk pays off. In this episode, you’ll also hear: Pros and cons of ta…

1
Mistakes to Avoid in FI 31:36

2y ago31:36

31:36

Reaching financial independence requires hard work and it’s imperative to avoid costly mistakes to ensure you enjoy the rewards you’ve earned. In this episode, Ben and Andrew call out common missteps of financial independence and the benefits of combating your fears and acting with courage. In this episode, you’ll also hear: The problem with playin…

1
The Mistakes Show 30:40

2y ago30:40

30:40

As an entrepreneur, failure is inevitable. Learning how to view your mistakes as opportunities for growth and minimizing their impact is key to moving forward. In this episode, Ben and Deb recall their own “oopsies” and why sometimes the only thing you can do is acknowledge your mistake and grow from it. In this episode, you’ll also hear: Making mi…

1
What Does It Take To Be An Entrepreneur? 33:03

2y ago33:03

33:03

Ever consider starting your own business? Whether you want to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle or purchase a franchise, becoming an entrepreneur is more feasible than ever. But are you truly ready to become your own CEO and wear all the different hats required to run a successful business? It’s important to understand just how much you will rely…

1
Risk and The Alpinist 31:01

2y ago31:01

31:01

“Not going to live my life afraid to fail.” Taking risks is scary, but they’re necessary if you want to develop, gain independence, and live the life you’ve imagined for yourself. We’re programmed to be cautious, and subconsciously believe it’s imperative that we avoid risk. One key to living the life of your dreams is to “just let go and focus on …

1
Why We're Pursing FI 23:31

2y ago23:31

23:31

“Simplicity and striving for freedom.” FI is the motivation to pursue your dreams and goals. To provide a basic, comfortable existence for oneself and one’s family. When work consumes your life, you may experience feelings of exhaustion, resentment, and a lack of personal fulfillment. In today’s episode, Ben and Deb discuss what financial independe…

1
Franchising 31:03

2y ago31:03

31:03

While it's challenging to launch your own business, purchasing a franchise offers several potential benefits. As you explore potential money-making ventures along your journey toward financial independence, franchising may seem appealing since the basic outline of the business operations, branding, and menu are done for you. All you have to do is s…

1
Outsourcing and Hiring 29:26

2y ago29:26

29:26

Growing a business is exciting, but before you get too excited and make your first hire, it’s important to evaluate your revenue status and client flow: Am I really making a profit in the business (after taking home an income)? Is the flow of clients consistent and reliable enough to cover additional overhead costs? Will the rate I’m charging for m…

1
Keeping the FI in Entrepreneurship 30:15

2y ago30:15

30:15

How can you achieve Financial Independence without shifting your mindset from scarcity to abundance? This episode’s focus is primarily on the I (independence) component of entrepreneurship. We want to ensure that you maintain and revel in the freedom of building your business and being your own boss. Owning and operating a business, especially if y…

1
Buyer Psychology: Four Tribal Types 29:05

2y ago29:05

29:05

What does it take to make a sale? We all know in business we want to close the deal, but there’s a catch. There are variables to consider when deciding how you should approach a conversation with a prospect. In today’s episode, Ben and Deb discuss the four tribal types you’ll come across in a sales conversation and create relationships. While liste…

1
Finding your Avatar 30:08

2y ago30:08

30:08

You need sales to have a legitimate business, and to get that business in the door, your ideal client needs to know who you are and how you can help them. Having a clearly-identified client avatar will help you speak directly to that ideal client in all of your marketing material and on your website, making them more likely to buy. Andrew and I dis…

1
When An LLC Should Move To Being Taxed As An S-Corp 29:52

2y ago29:52

29:52

When does it make sense for an LLC to elect to be taxed as an S-Corp? If you work for yourself anyway, what’s the difference? There are a few things to keep in mind when determining how you want your business to be taxed. Some of the biggest considerations in making this tax decision is how much to pay yourself as an employee based on the market, h…

1
All About LLCs 30:40

2+ y ago30:40

30:40

Is an LLC the best structure for your business? While an LLC is like a corporation in many respects, it is distinct from you as an individual. This week’s episode builds on last week’s discussion on choosing the proper legal entity for your business. Taxation and the level of liability protection always influence an entrepreneur’s choice in selecti…

1
Selecting A Business Structure 29:43

2+ y ago29:43

29:43

What type of business structure should you establish? Today, we’ll explore the various possibilities available and when or why you might need each one at various levels of your entrepreneurial journey. Deb and I discuss the types of business structures you might want to explore for your business. To make the best choice for your business needs, con…

1
Creating An Agile Business Plan 28:48

2+ y ago28:48

28:48

What's the secret to a successful start-up business? Take action! “Some people dream of success while other people get up every morning and make it happen.” Success won't wait for you; you must take the plunge. Despite not knowing all the details, don't let that hold you back from trying. In this episode, listen for Although your business may incur…

1
Financing Entrepreneurship - Start Small 27:52

2+ y ago27:52

27:52

Your business ideas can propel you toward the financial independence you desire. Entrepreneurship isn’t always easy; you’ll have to take risks and deal with stress, but owning your own business is one of the best ways to generate wealth. In this episode, listen for Start with only the essentials that are needed to produce and sell your service or p…

1
The 4% Rule Explained 33:46

2+ y ago33:46

33:46

In this episode, your host Ben Martinek and co-host Andrew Bencivenga discuss the 4% rule and how being an entrepreneur may impact the withdrawal amount and therefore, the overall amount of money you need to retire. What’s known as the “safe withdrawal rate” means that, according to the historical performance of the stock market, you can generally …

1
Designing A Business Plan For FI 36:23

2+ y ago36:23

36:23

We’ve already alluded to the idea that entrepreneurship may be one of the best ways to achieve and sustain FI. But starting a business is complicated - How do you know that your business idea will make money? Statistically, over 50% of businesses fail within the first five years. And if you are on the road to Financial Independence or thinking abou…

1
Your Savings Rate: The Primary Driver of Your FI Journey 35:59

2+ y ago35:59

35:59

Doesn’t it sound awesome to be financially independent, have enough money saved, and be able to live the life you’ve always wanted? Many people feel like this is a pipe dream or something they might get to experience in their 60s. However, the FI movement is all about enjoying this kind of freedom and choice now, in your 30s or 40s. This week, Ben …

1
Personality Types - What Makes an Entrepreneur? 31:12

2+ y ago31:12

31:12

Do you have to have a certain personality type to be an entrepreneur? This week Ben and Deb explore their own personality types on air, laugh about their differences, and dissect the sixteen various Myers-Briggs personality types and how knowing your personality type can inform your entrepreneurial journey. They also explore why the ESTP personalit…

1
Exploring The 3 Main Levels of FI 31:48

2+ y ago31:48

31:48

As we graduate through the seven stages of FI (explanation of all 7 in episode 3, linked below), there are three main levels of Financial Independence. You might want to dine, travel, shop, and live comfortably while being financially independent which is called Fat FI. In contrast, one might achieve Lean FI, which covers the extreme basic necessit…

1
The 7 Stages of Financial Independence 33:29

2+ y ago33:29

33:29

As we continue our journey to financial independence, where should we be focusing our attention? A great tool to help with this question is a list of the seven stages of financial independence. (Ben and Deb discovered this through Joshua Sheats’ podcast Radical Personal Finance.) The 7 Stages Financial Dependence Financial Solvency Financial Stabil…

1
Crafting a Life Through the Lens of Financial Independence 25:55

2+ y ago25:55

25:55

We are living longer than ever before, and many of us are continually searching for ways to improve our lives. Traditionally, you’d work until you were around 65 and then retire and pursue your passion or see the world. But what if you didn’t have to wait until age 65 to find the freedom and security to pursue your true purpose? Work is a huge part…

1
The Financial Independence Journey as an Entrepreneur 26:28

2+ y ago26:28

26:28

Being an entrepreneur can be a daunting experience, but finding financial independence through meaningful work can also be incredibly rewarding. “One of the most difficult aspects of entrepreneurship is managing the emotional volatility that comes into play day after day of doing all this work and not necessarily seeing any of your results come hom…

1
Welcome To The FI Entrepreneur 1:51

2+ y ago1:51

1:51

This show teaches you how to achieve Financial Independence through entrepreneurial pursuits. Learn to take well-calibrated, thought through risks, and maximize the rewards. There are many ways to live the life of your dreams and you can find success on your own terms. Hosted by Certified Financial Planner, Enrolled Agent and serial entrepreneur, B…

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Ben Martinek CFP ®, EA, CSLP®, RICP® Podcasts

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