In this episode, we sit down with Mike Milligan, CFP®, author, and founder of One Oak Financial — a nationwide planning firm based out of Norfolk, Virginia. Mike shares how he built his $3.9 million net worth through a combination of real estate, private placement deals, his financial planning firm, and strategic Roth IRA conversion planning — all while now living part-time as a Puerto Rico resident to optimize his tax strategy.

Mike goes deep into the misunderstood world of Roths, explains how to think about taxes over your entire lifetime (not just this year), and reveals why so many wealthy people quietly invest outside the public markets. He also shares his perspective on life design — from traveling to 60+ countries, to eating Michelin-star meals, to buying $1,300 Louis Vuitton sneakers while still rocking $30 Wrangler jeans.

Before becoming a CFP… Mike delivered pizzas at Little Caesars in college. Now he's appearing on CNBC and Fox Business — and helping people build one-of-a-kind financial plans for one-of-a-kind lives.

This episode blends tactical tax strategy, lifestyle design, and a philosophy for actually using your money while you're alive.

• Mike's net worth is $3.9 million, with more than one-third in real estate

• He believes the Roth is the most flexible, durable tax tool available

• He uses Puerto Rico residency to convert at lower tax brackets

• Wealth is built fastest via business and private deals, not just public markets

• He automates investments and keeps cash to buy assets "on sale"

• Money is a tool to create experiences, not the end goal

• Travel is one of his core pillars — he's visited 63+ countries

• He values independence + creativity over corporate systems

• Childhood lesson: count every penny

• Best career hack: learn from people already living the life you want

• "I delivered pizzas."

• "I wear Wrangler jeans and Louis Vuitton shoes."

• "A Roth is just a tax strategy — the investments are unlimited."

• "We want to spend our money, not just accumulate it."

• "Most CPAs plan taxes for this year — not your lifetime."

In this episode of Millionaires Unveiled, we sit down with Blake, a machinist who quietly built a net worth between $1.2 and $1.3 million — all while never earning more than $75,000 a year. (He's now married with 2 kids and his wife is a Pharmascist). Blake breaks down his financial journey, from paying off over $200,000 in student loans from his wife's degree to investing steadily in his 401(k) and building a foundation of long-term wealth. Blake is in his mid to late 30's and started working as a machinist as a teenager and never went to college.

He opens up about life in the machining trade, how early financial lessons shaped his habits, and the power of discipline, budgeting, and consistency. Blake shares his approach to debt payoff, retirement planning, and enjoying life while staying financially responsible. His story is proof that you don't need a six-figure salary to become a millionaire — just focus, time, and a solid plan.

• Blake's current net worth is $1.2–$1.3 million.

• The majority of his wealth is in retirement accounts.

• He and his wife paid off $200K in student loans before investing.

• Began investing in his 401(k) at age 21.

• Plans to retire between ages 50–55.

• They maintain a strong budget and savings routine.

• Their goal: $1–$2 million in a brokerage account by retirement.

• Compound interest and financial education are key drivers of success.

• Blake encourages young people to work hard, save early, and stay consistent.

• "I never made over 75 grand."

• "Budgeting is key."

• "I married up, definitely."

In this episode of Millionaires Unveiled, we sit down with Sam, who went from earning a modest income as an engineer to building a net worth of nearly $14 million. Sam shares how discipline, smart investing, and intentional time management helped him retire at age 56 with $3 million, and how that has since grown to $13.9 million through consistent, long-term strategies.

He opens up about his approach to ETFs, real estate, and retirement accounts, and why avoiding debt and keeping overhead low were crucial to his success. Sam also discusses the mindset shifts that propelled him forward — from staying grounded in gratitude to surrounding himself with positive influences. Throughout the conversation, he offers practical, no-nonsense advice for anyone looking to achieve financial independence and live life on their own terms.

• Sam retired at 56 with $3 million, which has now grown to $13.9 million.

• His investments focus on long-term ETF holdings and real estate.

• Maximizing retirement contributions played a major role in his wealth-building.

• He stresses the importance of keeping expenses low and avoiding debt.

• Mindset and positive influences are crucial for sustained success.

• Always have a Plan B for your business and investments.

• Avoid frivolous spending — focus on needs, not wants.

• Time management is a major factor in reaching financial goals.

• Early life experiences shaped his work ethic and financial discipline.

• Encourages young people to read, learn, and invest early.

• "Stay away from the toys."

• "You have to have a plan B."

• "Time management is key to success."

In this episode of Millionaires Unveiled, we sit down with Brandon, founder and CEO of Thor Metals Group, to explore his journey from investment banking to building a multimillion-dollar empire in the world of precious metals. With a net worth north of $17.5 million, Brandon shares how he built his fortune through gold, silver, and strategic stock investments—while choosing to rent his home instead of buying.

Brandon opens up about his philosophy that real estate can be a liability, why he believes gold is the "secret investment" most people overlook, and how fulfillment, not just money, drives his decisions. From early entrepreneurial ventures (including a trash business) to launching Thor Metals Group, his story blends financial mastery, life lessons, and a refreshingly honest take on success and happiness.

• Brandon Thor's net worth sits around $17.5 million, much of it in physical gold and silver.

• He believes real estate is often a liability—he rents his high-value home instead of owning.

• His philosophy: "Gold is a quiet store of power" in a noisy investment world.

• Thor Metals Group was born from a desire for transparency and fairness in the metals trade.

• Brandon invests in both precious metals and select stocks, including a micro-betting company.

• Fulfillment and purpose drive his business decisions more than monetary goals.

• He warns against extravagant spending and emphasizes gratitude and personal growth.

• Spirituality and self-awareness play a growing role in how he defines success.

• "I have about $17.5 million net worth."

• "I think real estate's a liability."

• "I made $150 grand last month."

• "I want to change this industry."

• "It's very humbling when you see your stack of gold tubes."

• "Fulfillment is more valuable than wealth."

• "I had a trash business — and I learned more from that than I ever did in banking."

In this episode of Millionaires Unveiled, host Jace Mattinson sits down with real estate investor and educator Lane Kawaoka to talk about what happens when your net worth takes a 50% hit — and how to climb back stronger.

Lane opens up about the impact of recent market shifts on his portfolio, the lessons he's learned from holding through tough cycles, and the importance of understanding your "floor" in the wealth-building process. From workforce housing to multifamily syndications, he shares real strategies for navigating today's volatile economy and building long-term stability.

He also introduces his new book, The Wealth Elevator, a guide for accredited investors who want to move up the financial floors strategically, safely, and with purpose.

Whether you're just starting in real estate or already managing millions, this conversation delivers hard-earned insights — with a dose of humility and humor along the way.

• The 50% net worth drop and what caused it

• How to think through market cycles and holding periods

• Why diversification and patience are key in downturns

• Understanding "floors" in the Wealth Elevator model

• The future of workforce housing investments

• Rebuilding confidence and strategy after a financial hit

"We're in a housing shortage."
"You have to have 110% running your business."
"You need to figure out what floor you're on."

Lane Kawaoka
Real Estate Investor | Educator | Author of The Wealth Elevator
🌐 SimplePassiveCashflow.com
📘 The Wealth Elevator – Now Available

Millionaires Unveiled reveals the real stories, numbers, and lessons behind everyday millionaires. Hosted by Jace Mattinson, each episode explores how high achievers build, preserve, and grow their wealth — through both wins and setbacks.

In this episode, Jesse and Ellie return to share their financial journey from a net worth of $800,000 to over $1.3 million in just two years. They discuss their investment strategies, the impact of parenthood on their financial decisions, and the transition to a single income household. The couple reflects on lifestyle changes after reaching millionaire status, their approach to teaching financial literacy to their children, and their future retirement plans. They also emphasize the importance of community giving and share valuable advice for aspiring millionaires.

• • Their net worth increased from $800,000 to $1.3 million in two years.
  • They prioritize maxing out their Roth IRAs and TSP contributions.
  • They have hit their coast fire number, allowing them to invest less if desired.
  • Community giving has become a focus for them since reaching millionaire status.
  • They celebrate financial milestones with small treats and personal spending.
  • Transitioning to a single income was manageable due to their high savings rate.
  • Travel spending has increased, but they still prioritize experiences over extravagance.
  • They teach their children about money through chores and saving.
  • They maintain a consistent investment strategy, even during market downturns.
  • Living on less than they make is a core principle of their financial philosophy.
• 🗣️ Quotes & Soundbites
  • "We've started being more giving."
  • "We just bought a cake first."
  • "Live on less than you make."

Sponsored by:

Prizepicks.com Code: Millionaire

In this episode of the podcast, Brent shares his journey from working in retail to building a substantial net worth of over a million dollars. He discusses his investment strategies, the importance of financial education, and how he balances family life with career aspirations. Brent emphasizes the value of time over money and the significance of teaching financial literacy to his children. He also reflects on his marriage and how he and his wife manage their finances together. Throughout the conversation, Brent offers practical advice for listeners looking to improve their financial situation and achieve their goals.

*Brent started working at a young age and prioritized saving.

*He built his wealth through consistent investments and financial education.

*Brent emphasizes the importance of tracking spending habits.

*He believes that time is more valuable than money.

*Marriage and financial partnership are crucial for success.

*Brent encourages teaching children about money management.

*He advocates for starting investments early, even with small amounts.

*Brent's journey shows that anyone can achieve financial success with discipline.

*He highlights the importance of gratitude and perspective on wealth.

*Brent's story is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.

"I think it's always one step away."
"I would say just do what's right."
"I think 10 million would be awesome."

Sponsored by:

Shopify.com/unveiled

In this episode, we're joined by Cory and Ryan—two friends, first-generation millionaires, and the duo behind the Wealth Juice podcast. With net worths of $1.0M and $1.2M respectively, they pull back the curtain on how they built wealth the slow and steady way—without flashy investments, inheritance, or lucky breaks.

Cory and Ryan walk us through their early financial habits, how their friendship helped hold each other accountable, and how they've managed to blend entrepreneurship, side hustles, and smart investing into a sustainable wealth-building strategy. Whether it's real estate, index funds, or knowing when not to spend, these two keep it real, relatable, and refreshingly fun.

If you've ever wondered what two regular guys with seven-figure net worths actually talk about when the mics are off… this is that conversation.

• First-Gen Millionaires: Both Cory and Ryan hit the $1M+ net worth milestone without a trust fund, family business, or viral startup. It was all strategy, grit, and accountability.

• Accountability Through Friendship: Sharing goals, challenges, and money conversations between friends helped them stay disciplined and motivated.

• Real Estate Reality Check: They talk candidly about their experiences with rental properties—the wins and the headaches.

• Business + Investing: Their portfolios are a mix of entrepreneurial ventures, traditional stock market investing (index funds/ETFs), and some alternative assets.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Progress wasn't always glamorous, but they emphasize tracking the little wins that built big momentum.

• The Power of Personal Finance Content: Launching Wealth Juice has helped them not only educate others but clarify their own philosophies around money and mindset.

• Lifestyle Over Ego: Instead of chasing the flash, they focus on flexibility, freedom, and designing lives they actually want.

  🗣️ Quotes & Soundbites

  "You don't need to be flashy to build wealth—you need to be consistent."

  "We're just two guys who took personal finance seriously and made it fun."

  "The spreadsheet tells one story, but your behavior tells the real one."

  "Accountability is the underrated cheat code for financial success."

Sponsored by:

Shopify.com/unveiled

Prizepicks.com Code: Millionaire