On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his co-host Doug Sandler talk about the importance of understanding financial products and their suitability for individual needs. He emphasizes that no product is inherently bad but may not be the right choice for everyone. John highlights the role of risk tolerance, using annuities as an example that provides downside protection and can include long-term care benefits. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com. Connect with John Browning: Substack: https://substack.com/@buildalifeyoulove LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrowningfinancialsolutions/ John Browning YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfi9tzGPUqbqrJUPte_53aA Guardian Rock Wealth Substack link: https://buildalifeyoulove.substack.com/subscribe Nothing in this communication should be construed as personal advice & past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is a risk of loss associated with investing. No representation or implication is made that any methodology or system will generate profits or ensure freedom from losses. Guardian Rock LLC and its affiliates are fiduciary investment advisors. Please consult with us before making investment decisions and/or attempting to implement the strategies and tactics we discuss in any of our publications. #buildalife #buildalifeyoulove #wealthmanagement #financialplanning #strategicplanning

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and Sue Schuster discuss the importance of corporate credit in building a financially secure future. In this candid and practical session, John Browning sits down with Sue Schuster — a specialist in corporate credit and small-business funding strategy — to uncover critical pitfalls that many entrepreneurs overlook when it comes to Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. Suppose you’re a business owner aiming for financial freedom and growth. This episode delivers a timely wake-up call: the “helpful” loan might be a trap unless handled with insight. We explore how business debt can become personal debt, what banks really look for, how to protect your personal guarantee, and how these funding decisions tie into your broader wealth-management strategy—not just for today, but for your long-term life plan and legacy. Whether you’re an advisor working with professionals in the Guardian Rock Wealth ecosystem, a small-business owner or simply someone seeking to build your best life using money as a tool, Sue and John give you the questions you should be asking and some you didn’t know you needed to ask. 🎯 Key Takeaways SBA loans are often pitched as easy growth capital, but every dollar borrowed comes with strings personally guaranteed debt can risk both the business and the owner's personal wealth plan. Before you sign on the dotted line, ask: “What happens if I can’t repay? What collateral or guarantees am I giving up?” A business’s funding decision isn’t isolated—it ripples into retirement planning, tax strategy, and personal wealth protection. The actual cost of capital isn’t always just interest rate + fee; it also includes operational risk, personal risk, and opportunity cost. In the Florida context (West Palm Beach, Jupiter, etc.), the growth environment is rich, but so is competition and regulatory complexity. You need funding and a strategic moat. Your advisor (or you, as the owner) needs to shift from “just get the loan” to “what will this loan force me to become or risk becoming?” The pendulum isn’t swinging toward “never borrow” but toward “borrow smarter”—align funding with your life-plan horizon. 💬 Notable Quotes “If you think a loan is just a business tool, you’re only half right it’s also a personal legacy tool.” “When the bank says ‘we’re your partner’, remember—they get paid before you see your upside.” “Protect your business like you protect your retirement—because for many entrepreneurs they are one and the same.” ✅ Call-to-Action Ready to see if your funding strategy is aligned with your life plan? If you’re part of the Guardian Rock Wealth network or thinking about how to incorporate “business owner exit + succession + personal wealth” into your plan, shoot us a message and we’ll connect you with a specialist who understands SBA, corporate credit, and the life-plan consequences. Don’t just build a business build a life. Connect with John Browning: Substack: https://substack.com/@buildalifeyoulove LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrowningfinancialsolutions/ John Browning YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfi9tzGPUqbqrJUPte_53aA Guardian Rock Wealth Substack link: https://buildalifeyoulove.substack.com/subscribe Nothing in this communication should be considered personal advice & past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is a risk of loss associated with investing. No representation or implication is made that any methodology or system will generate profits or ensure freedom from losses. Guardian Rock LLC and its affiliates are fiduciary investment advisors. Please consult with us before making investment decisions and/or attempting to implement the strategies and tactics we discuss in any of our publications. #buildalife #buildalifeyoulove #wealthmanagement #financialplanning #strategicplanning #loans #businessloans #businessloanoptions

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his Co-host Doug Sandler talk about the financial challenges faced by successful individuals who often neglect wealth management. He highlights that even high-income professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, often lack financial planning for any number of reasons including simply assuming the cash flow will continue or thinking they have already thought of everything or believing that since their so good in their zone of genius that they have that long term planning figured out as well. Johnalso emphasizes the importance of emotional well-being in wealth management is hosting a free webinar "Busy, Successful & Exposed why zero is the key to wealth without worry" on November 5 to share advanced financial strategies accessible to professionals. Here is the link for the webinar on November 5th 2025 6:00pm https://www.buildwealthwithbrowning.com/ To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com. Connect with John Browning: Substack: https://substack.com/@buildalifeyoulove LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrowningfinancialsolutions/ John Browning YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfi9tzGPUqbqrJUPte_53aA Guardian Rock Wealth Substack link: https://buildalifeyoulove.substack.com/subscribe Nothing in this communication should be construed as personal advice & past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is a risk of loss associated with investing. No representation or implication is made that any methodology or system will generate profits or ensure freedom from losses. Guardian Rock LLC and its affiliates are fiduciary investment advisors. Please consult with us before making investment decisions and/or attempting to implement the strategies and tactics we discuss in any of our publications. #buildalife #buildalifeyoulove #wealthmanagement #financialplanning #strategicplanning

In this episode, business coach and former entrepreneur Sue Schuster of Profit Turning joins Guardian Rock Wealth to share firsthand insights and actionable advice on selling your business, preparing for a successful exit, and thriving in your next chapter. The discussion includes real-world experience and strategies tailored for business owners, especially those in West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Palm Springs, FL.​​ Key Discussion Points Emotional Journey of Selling Many small business owners underestimate the adjustments required after selling. Sue describes both the personal and family emotions involved, as well as the importance of defining a post-sale purpose to avoid the loss of identity and purpose many sellers experience.​ Planning for the Unexpected The continuity of your income and customer base isn’t guaranteed. Prepare your exit plan early and ensure the business can succeed without you. Transition planning is critical—build systems, detailed documentation, and a team to create a transferrable asset.​ Lessons from the Sale Sue and her family built and sold a swim school, navigating COVID-19 challenges and recognizing when it was time to pass the torch. She highlights buyer due diligence, why most buyers change a business regardless of promises, and why letting go is essential for both owner and business after sale.​ Financial Implications & Tax Strategy Selling often comes with a large tax bill. Start planning years ahead with a coordinated team of advisors. Business sale proceeds should be part of, not the only piece of, your retirement plan. Consider corporate credit, business valuation, and asset versus cash sales for optimal tax outcomes.​ Building Wealth After the Exit For retiring owners, purpose and community are as vital as investment strategy. Sue’s family illustrates the importance of engaging in new roles, giving back, and managing wealth for the next generation. Don’t neglect the power of lifestyle planning alongside financial decisions.​ Practical Tips for Business Owners Vet buyers thoroughly, but expect things to change after selling. Avoid minority ownership/lingering roles after the sale—move on to avoid frustration. Value your business through regular assessments and invest in its systems. Seek out a business coach and wealth advisor to ensure both a smooth exit and solid financial outcomes. Remember, your business is not your retirement plan; it is only one potential piece of your financial life.​ Connect with the Experts Sue Schuster, Profit Turing: Expert in business exit planning and corporate credit. Contact via LinkedIn, Facebook, or email sschuster@profitturing.ai.​ Guardian Rock Wealth: Experienced advisors for holistic financial and retirement strategies, serving West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Palm Springs, FL. Action Steps Schedule a business valuation and exit readiness review. Build a diverse retirement plan, don’t rely solely on your business. Develop a clear succession, tax, and lifestyle strategy years before you intend to sell. Connect with Suzanne Schuster: Website: https://sschuster.profitturing.ai/ Connect with John Browning: Substack: https://substack.com/@buildalifeyoulove LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrowningfinancialsolutions/ John Browning YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfi9tzGPUqbqrJUPte_53aA Guardian Rock Wealth Substack link: https://buildalifeyoulove.substack.com/subscribe Nothing in this communication should be construed as personal advice & past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is a risk of loss associated with investing. No representation or implication is made that any methodology or system will generate profits or ensure freedom from losses. Guardian Rock LLC and its affiliates are fiduciary investment advisors. Please consult with us before making investment decisions and/or attempting to implement the strategies and tactics we discuss in any of our publications. #buildalife #buildalifeyoulove #wealthmanagement #financialplanning #strategicplanning #sellingyourbusiness

On today's episode, Financial expert and #1 Amazon best-selling author John Browning and his co-host Doug Sandler talk about the importance of planning for long-term tax liability rather than just annual taxes. To get a copy of John's book called, Build a Life, Not (just) a Portfolio or to connect with John, text "LIFE" to 321-421-5213 or visit John's website at www.GuardianRockWealth.com. Connect with John Browning: Substack: https://substack.com/@buildalifeyoulove LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbrowningfinancialsolutions/ John Browning YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCfi9tzGPUqbqrJUPte_53aA Guardian Rock Wealth Substack link: https://buildalifeyoulove.substack.com/subscribe 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode What the “hidden tax” is and why most retirees overlook it How it quietly erodes your wealth in retirement Why tax diversification is essential for lasting income Strategic uses of Roth conversions and withdrawal sequencing Questions to ask your advisor right now to uncover hidden tax risks 📌 Episode Summary What Is the Hidden Tax? It’s not a line item on your IRS bill. The hidden tax shows up when withdrawals, bracket creep, Social Security taxation, Medicare surcharges, or legislative changes drain more wealth than expected. Why Most Miss It They assume retirement = lower taxes. They fail to account for different account types (IRA, Roth, brokerage). They underestimate how future tax hikes can derail plans. The Real Cost Shrinks retirement income faster than planned. Pushes retirees into higher brackets at the worst time. Creates unplanned pressure to sell assets. How to Fight Back Tax Diversification: Mix taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts. Strategic Roth Conversions: Fill lower brackets today, reduce lifetime tax drag. Withdrawal Sequencing: Plan the order you tap accounts to maximize after-tax income. Stress Test Your Plan: Assume higher future rates and build a defense now. Advanced Planning: Consider charitable giving and estate tools to reduce exposure. 🧭 Key Takeaways for Investors Taxes don’t retire when you do. A lack of planning today could cost you hundreds of thousands tomorrow. The ultra-wealthy don’t ignore lifetime tax planning—and neither should you. Nothing in this communication should be construed as personal advice & past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is a risk of loss associated with investing. No representation or implication is made that any methodology or system will generate profits or ensure freedom from losses. Guardian Rock LLC and its affiliates are fiduciary investment advisors. Please consult with us before making investment decisions and/or attempting to implement the strategies and tactics we discuss in any of our publications. #buildalife #buildalifeyoulove #wealthmanagement #financialplanning #strategicplanning #taxes

What if everything you worked for… wasn’t what you actually wanted? In this eye-opening episode of the Building Your Life Podcast, John Browning talks with the leader of Corporate Escapees, Brett Trainor, a high-performing corporate executive who walked away from the six-figure salary, the prestige, and the "you’ve made it" lifestyle… to actually start building a life. Together they unpack: ● What success really means once the corporate chase ends ● How your 401(k) might be a golden trap, not a golden parachute ● The difference between being rich… and living richly ● Why many financial advisors miss the mark with real people ● How business owners can dramatically increase their exit value — and keep more of it in their pocket This isn’t just about money — it’s about meaning. It’s about using the tool we call money to build something that works for you. Whether you are climbing the corporate ladder, thinking about jumping off, or already rebuilding your future brick by brick, this episode will challenge you to think differently about your goals, wealth, and freedom. 💬 “If you're not a sculptor, don’t try to chisel your financial future out of stone—work with someone who knows how.” Contact Brett - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretttrainor/ Follow us at: https://www.guardianrockwealth.com/ Subscribe to the daily market update: https://buildalifeyoulove.substack.com/ ________________________________________ 🎯 wealth management, corporate exit, financial independence, burnout recovery, life after corporate, tax strategy for business owners, high net worth planning, West Palm Beach wealth advisor, John Browning, Guardian Rock Wealth, business exit strategy, reinvention after 40 Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not individualized investment advice. Consult your tax, legal, and financial professionals before implementing any strategy. Recorded Live from Guardian Rock Wealth in West Palm Beach, FL, by John Browning, CEO and best-selling author of the book Build a Life Not Just a Portfolio. Nothing in this communication should be construed as personal advice & past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is a risk of loss associated with investing. No representation or implication is made that any methodology or system will generate profits or ensure freedom from losses. Guardian Rock LLC and its affiliates are fiduciary investment advisors. Please consult with us before making investment decisions and/or attempting to implement the strategies and tactics we discuss in any of our publications. #buildalife #buildalifeyoulove #wealthmanagement #financialplanning #strategicplanning #401k #money #finance #financialliteracy #portfolio #401k #retirement #cashflow #socialsecurity #investmentrisk #GuardianRockWealth #johnbrowning #taxes

In this powerhouse episode of Building Your Life, host John Browning talks with Sarena Diamond, the dynamic transformation executor whose journey from high-level corporate strategy with PepsiCo, IBM, and Wall Street power players to bold entrepreneurial leadership is anything but ordinary. What you'll discover in this episode: • Why Sarena walked away from the corner office (with her name on the parking spot!) to build something more meaningful. • How organizational strategy and executive facilitation actually spark real change, not just for big corporations but for entrepreneurial ventures (and why so many companies get it wrong). • The mindset shift that helped her redefine success, not just in business, but in life She learned what she learned from working “like a crazy person” and why that hustle mentality can devastate building one's best life. • How she now empowers leaders to start their day with anticipation and end it with authentic accomplishment. We talk about the messy middle—the part of life where you’ve achieved “success” by external standards but feel the internal tug toward something more profound. Sarena brings a mix of boardroom savvy, street-smart grit, and soulful vision to her work helping founders, executives, and teams unlock lasting impact. If you've ever asked, "Is this all there is?" or "How do I lead with clarity in the chaos?"—this one's for you. 🔗 Links & Mentions: • Learn more about Sarena’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarena-diamond/ • Follow Guardian Rock Wealth at guardianrockwealth.com • Listen to more episodes at BuildALifeNotAPortfolio.com Sarena Diamond, Building Your Life podcast, organizational transformation, leadership development, executive facilitation, corporate burnout, Wall Street career change, Guardian Rock Wealth, John Browning, wealth management podcast, business strategy, entrepreneur mindset, life transition. Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not individualized investment advice. Consult your tax, legal, and financial professionals before implementing any strategy. Recorded Live from Guardian Rock Wealth in West Palm Beach, FL, by John Browning, CEO and best-selling author of the book Build a Life Not Just a Portfolio. Nothing in this communication should be construed as personal advice & past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is a risk of loss associated with investing. No representation or implication is made that any methodology or system will generate profits or ensure freedom from losses. Guardian Rock LLC and its affiliates are fiduciary investment advisors. Please consult with us before making investment decisions and/or attempting to implement the strategies and tactics we discuss in any of our publications. #buildalife #buildalifeyoulove #wealthmanagement #financialplanning #strategicplanning #401k #money #finance #financialliteracy #portfolio #401k #retirement #cashflow #socialsecurity #investmentrisk #GuardianRockWealth #johnbrowning #familyoffice #retirementsecurity

Renovation rock-star Jason Avery (Avery Construction | Tampa, FL) teams up with wealth-strategist John Browning (Guardian Rock Wealth | West Palm Beach, FL) to prove that the principles that keep a remodel on-time and on-budget are the very same principles that keep your financial plan sturdy through market storms. Whether you’re gutting a kitchen or rebalancing a portfolio, today’s conversation is your contractor’s checklist for financial freedom. Key Talking Points: • Transparency Is Profit: How Jason’s line-item spreadsheets for every stud, screw, and slab translate directly to John’s fee-first wealth-management philosophy. • Lead, Don’t Lag: Building crews—and investment teams—only follow leaders who communicate clearly and own mistakes. • The “Legacy Punch-List”: Why your true renovation isn’t a kitchen; it’s the lives you enrich and the wealth you leave behind. • Risk Mitigation 101: From drywall surprises to market drawdowns, learn Jason’s and John’s shared playbook for turning unknowns into opportunity. • Collaboration is better than Competition: Discover the referral-rich ecosystem Jason curates among designers and contractors—and how the same mindset compounds returns in diversified portfolios. Why Listen? If you’re a homeowner who wants every dollar of equity to work harder and an investor who wants every dollar of capital to grow smarter, this episode marries construction know-how with wealth-management savvy like no other. Jason’s 1,500-plus remodels across Tampa Bay, averyhomeremodeling.com, and John’s decades on Wall Street create a masterclass on building—then protecting—value. Timestamps 0:00 Opening banter & the “studs to stocks” analogy 4:45 Jason’s origin story: from cabinet factory to full-scale remodeler 13:10 Itemized bids vs. lump-sum quotes—what that teaches investors about hidden fees 21:30 Extreme ownership on the jobsite and in the market 29:05 Legacy metrics: counting lives changed, not just dollars made 37:50 Rapid-fire risk-mitigation tips—construction and portfolio editions 44:15 The grandkids test: building spaces (and nest eggs) that outlive us 49:00 How to reach Jason for remodeling in Tampa Bay & John for wealth planning in West Palm Beach Connect with Today’s Guests • Jason Avery – Avery Construction Design Consulting, Inc. (Tampa & Greater Bay Area) - Website: https://averyconstruction.com/ & ​​https://www.designercabinetsllc.com/ & https://www.construct-success.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/averyjason/ • John Browning – Guardian Rock Wealth (West Palm Beach, FL) - Website: guardianrockwealth.com - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnbrowning Call to Action Ready to remodel your kitchen and your portfolio? 👉 Book a no-pressure consult with Jason for your next Tampa renovation or with John for a wealth-management blueprint that fits your life-goals. Jason Avery, John Browning, Building Your Life Podcast, construction, remodeling, Tampa, West Palm Beach, FL, wealth management, financial freedom, Avery Construction, Guardian Rock Wealth, home renovation budgeting, legacy planning, contractor leadership Disclaimer: Educational content only. Not individualized investment advice. Consult your tax, legal, and financial professionals before implementing any strategy. Recorded Live from Guardian Rock Wealth in West Palm Beach, FL by John Browning, CEO and best-selling author of the book Build a Life Not Just a Portfolio. Nothing in this communication should be construed as personal advice & past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is a risk of loss associated with investing. No representation or implication is made that any methodology or system will generate profits or ensure freedom from losses. Guardian Rock LLC and its affiliates are fiduciary investment advisors. Please consult with us before making investment decisions and/or attempting to implement the strategies and tactics we discuss in any of our publications. #buildalife #buildalifeyoulove #wealthmanagement #financialplanning #strategicplanning #401k #money #finance #financialliteracy #portfolio #401k #retirement #cashflow #socialsecurity #investmentrisk #GuardianRockWealth #johnbrowning