Money Isn't

What if your biggest financial breakthrough comes from hitting rock bottom? Rob Thompson shares his remarkable journey, from early poverty and financial missteps to leading multimillion-dollar organizations built on shared success. After facing one of the darkest seasons of his life, Rob completely reframed his identity, purpose, and path forward how he approached money, leadership, and personal g...

Big tax changes are coming and most people have no idea how much it could cost them. In this episode, John L. Smallwood breaks down the real-world impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expiring, what that means for your deductions, your tax bracket, and your long-term financial outcomes. Whether you're a high-income W2 employee or a small business owner, this conversation reveals how your tax l...

Most financial plans fail because they focus on goals, not strategy. In this episode of Money Isn’t , we break down why integrated financial planning matters and how breakthrough thinking can unlock wealth you didn’t know was possible. You’ll learn how to avoid costly mistakes, connect every financial decision, and build a strategy that actually adapts to life. John P. Smallwood, Accredited Invest...

Is AI taking your job or making you a better leader? In this high impact episode of Money Isn’t, John Smallwood unpacks how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership, strategy, and productivity. AI is not replacing people, it is replacing inefficiency. Learn how to stay relevant by thinking strategically, mastering adaptable skills, and treating AI as a powerful partner instead of a loomi...

Most people think they need better investments to build wealth. What they actually need is a better plan. In this episode, John Smallwood breaks down how small financial leaks like  overspending, poor tax planning, uncoordinated strategies, quietly destroy long-term wealth. You’ll learn how to align your saving, spending, and income into a system that builds momentum. It’s not about picking the pe...

Most people won’t realize they’ve messed up their retirement plan until it’s too late. In this episode, two seasoned financial advisors drop hard truths about what it really takes to retire comfortably, and why starting early isn’t optional. Rob Marks joins John Smallwood to expose the traps most people fall into, from chasing hot stocks to waiting for “the right time” to save. This episode is pac...

Most people think life insurance is for when you die, but what if it could help you retire smarter, reduce taxes, and beat the stock market? In this episode, seasoned financial advisor John Smallwood breaks down how the wealthy use life insurance as a tool for retirement planning, tax mitigation, and asset liquidity. He goes beyond the basic term vs. whole life debate and dives deep into how strat...

Most people get life insurance completely wrong and it’s costing them their future. In this episode of Money Isn’t, John Smallwood breaks down the truth about whole life insurance: what it is, why it matters, and how it can be a powerful tool for long-term wealth, tax-free income, and market-proof retirement planning. Forget the one-size-fits-all advice. Term insurance may seem cheaper, but it oft...

Cocktails are having a renaissance, and it's not just about what's in the glass. It's about community, culture, and storytelling. In this episode of Money Isn’t , John Smallwood sits down with Diana Pittet, president of the U.S. Bartenders Guild's Central New Jersey chapter and co-founder of Night Owl Hospitality. Together, they explore how cocktails connect people across time and...

Maximize the value of your business without adding overhead or burning out your team. In this episode, John Smallwood breaks down the real strategies that shift businesses from average to exceptional, focusing on smart planning, client retention, and profit-centered decision making. If you are a business owner looking to exit profitably or sharpen your company’s financial edge, this conversation w...

Most business owners assume their LLC offers complete protection. The truth? Gaps in your structure could put everything you’ve built at risk. In this episode, Tim Lyons, a partner and co-chair of the Business Litigation Department at Jardim Meisner Salmon Sprague & Susser, P.C., breaks down the real risks that leave entrepreneurs vulnerable. Tim is a certified civil trial attorney specializin...

In this episode of Money Isn’t, John Smallwood breaks down how your choice of LLC, S Corp, or C Corp impacts far more than taxes—it affects cash flow, valuation, and your long-term financial outcomes. Most entrepreneurs don’t realize how much money they’re leaving on the table simply by reacting at tax time instead of planning ahead. Want to know how high-income earners legally reduce taxes and pr...

John Smallwood sits down with Sean Walsh, a seasoned business expert and financial strategist, as they dive deep into the critical financial pitfalls that many businesses overlook. From revenue leakage and inaccurate bookkeeping to securing business loans and optimizing financial processes, this conversation provides actionable insights that can make or break a company’s future. Sean shares real-w...

Transform your financial mindset—wealth isn’t just numbers, it’s strategy. In this episode, we break down the difference between net wealth and net worth, showing you how to shift your focus to long-term financial growth. Learn why diverse income streams, small daily actions, and the right mindset can unlock real financial success. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, John Smallwood has help...

Join us as we sit down with interior designer Anastasia Harrison, whose background in architecture and sustainability has shaped her unique approach to design. She shares her journey from corporate stability to launching her own business, navigating the financial and emotional hurdles along the way. Anastasia breaks down the evolution of sustainable architecture, the importance of balancing beauty...

You asked, we’re answering. In this episode, we’re reacting to your toughest comments and biggest questions about retirement planning. From misconceptions about market returns to the hidden dangers of inflation, we’re setting the record straight and diving deeper into the strategies that actually secure your financial future. Smallwood Wealth financial advisor Rob Marks returns to clarify the conf...

Ever wonder if making more money really leads to a happier life? John Smallwood is joined by Edward Bao—senior wealth advisor at Smallwood Wealth with 16 years of Wall Street experience—to shine a light on the realities behind wealth, success, and personal growth. You’ll hear how the high-stakes world of floor trading evolved into today’s electronic markets, and why empathy, mindset, and emotional...

In relationships, financial harmony and mutual support are crucial. But what happens when passion, well-being, and vision collide? In this episode, we explore how thriving partnerships balance financial teamwork, personal fulfillment, and shared goals. From navigating the delicate interplay between passion and practicality to understanding the role of giving in relationships, this conversation off...

Rob Marks returns to break down why market timing is one of the biggest mistakes investors make—and how to stay ahead with a smart, long-term investment strategy. If you’ve ever felt the urge to pull your money out when markets dip, this episode will change the way you think about volatility, wealth preservation, and tax-efficient planning. Rob, a Certified Financial Planner at Smallwood Wealth Ma...

Are you chasing success only to find it feels empty? In this episode, we explore the paradox of wealth, identity, and fulfillment with a corporate executive-turned-songwriter who walked away from the rat race to pursue passion and authenticity. We dive deep into how societal expectations shape our values, why money can become an addiction, and how genuine human connection holds more value than fin...

The 4% rule is one of the most well-known retirement strategies, but is it really the safest approach? In this episode, we break down the truth behind withdrawal rates, the risks of overspending, and how market volatility could derail your financial future if you're not careful. You'll learn why a million-dollar nest egg isn’t always enough, how to make the most of Social Security benefits, and th...

The key to long-term business success isn’t just strategy—it’s teamwork, accountability, and transparency. Too many businesses struggle with aligning leadership, sales, and support teams, but the secret to profitability lies in collaboration and setting high expectations. In this episode, we explore how incentive structures, financial transparency, and strong leadership can drive high performance...

You’re playing too small. In this episode, we explore how billionaires think, make decisions, and embrace failure as a stepping stone to exponential growth. Aaron Bare reveals the mindset shifts that separate high achievers from the rest, showing why expanding your vision is crucial for success. Drawing from his experience coaching billionaires and working with industry disruptors, Aaron shares ho...

Discover how the 2025 tax changes could reshape your financial future. From the sunset of the 2017 Tax Cuts to strategies for handling capital gains, retirement planning, and business finances, this video dives into the tax implications for high-income earners, retirees, and business owners. Learn proactive tax planning tips, maximize savings, and reduce liabilities. Don't wait—stay informed and t...

From the ring to real estate, dive into the journey of overcoming financial struggles, shifting mindsets, and embracing personal growth. Explore how early money beliefs and emotional intelligence shape wealth-building decisions, with actionable insights to transform your approach to success. Michael Mahoney, former boxer and real estate entrepreneur, shares his inspiring story of resilience and re...