Beware: Unmasking the Vacant Land Property Scam — A Call to Vigilance for Real Estate Licensees

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By Stephanie Mojica

SACRAMENTO – In the wake of a recent statewide consumer alert on identity theft and rental properties, the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) is once again sounding the alarm. This time, the focus is on an emerging false identity scam targeting vacant land and unencumbered properties. With a surge in real estate fraud involving identity theft, law enforcement agencies and District Attorney’s offices across California are urging more than 434,000 DRE licensees to stay vigilant.

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The scam entails fraudsters scouring public records to identify properties without mortgages or liens, especially vacant lots, long-term rentals, or vacation homes often owned by vulnerable populations such as the elderly and foreigners.

Posing as the property owners, the criminals contact real estate agents, seeking assistance in selling the properties that they do not actually own. They lure agents with offers to list the properties below market value to generate quick interest, while ensuring no “For Sale” signs are displayed. They prefer cash buyers, demand rapid closing, and evade in-person meetings by relying on email, text, and phone communications, refusing video calls. To add another layer of deceit, they employ their own notary, who provides falsified documents to title companies or closing attorneys, insisting that proceeds be wired directly to them.

Detecting this scheme can be challenging, but real estate agents must exercise due diligence by verifying the property owner’s identity before accepting a listing. To protect themselves and their clients, agents are advised to:

1. Request in-person or virtual meetings with proper government-issued identification.

2. If an in-person meeting is not possible, require the use of a third-party identity verification service.

3. Conduct thorough online searches to verify the owner’s identity, including checking for recent photos and contact information.

4. Send a copy of the electronically signed listing via overnight mail to the property’s address on record, asking for confirmation from the actual owner.

5. Obtain a copy of a voided check with the seller’s disbursement authorization form from the property owner.

6. Use a wire verification service to ensure that wire instructions match the account details provided on the seller’s disbursement authorization form.

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DRE strongly encourages brokers to establish written policies regarding listings for properties where the licensee and seller have never met in person.

Should any suspicious real estate fraud cases arise, agents are urged to report them to local law enforcement or their District Attorney’s office. If another real estate licensee is potentially involved in the fraud, the information should be provided to DRE through its Enforcement Online Complaint System.

Vigilance and proactive measures can help thwart these scams and protect both real estate professionals and property owners from falling victim to such deceptive practices.

Stephanie Mojica

Stephanie Mojica, writer of How One Writer Shifted From Settling for $12 an Hour to Prospering at Over $90 an Hour and shorter books such as Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Credit Questions, is an award-winning journalist with publications such as USA Today, The Philadelphia Inquirer, San Francisco Chronicle, and The Virginian-Pilot, among many others. She helps executive coaches, business consultants, business owners, attorneys, and other decision makers generate more money online and become the go-to expert in their field by guiding them step by step through the process of writing and publishing a book.

Learn live and in real-time with Realty411. Be sure to register for our next virtual and in-person events. For all the details, please visit Realty411Expo.com or our Eventbrite landing page, CLICK HERE.

From Homelessness to Multi-Millionaire: Michael Mikhail Leads Stratton Equities in Celebrating 5 Years of Success and Achievement

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(New Jersey, July 25, 2023) – Stratton Equities, the Leading Nationwide Private Money and NON-QM Mortgage Lender, proudly celebrates its fifth anniversary. Since its launch in 2018, Stratton Equities has experienced significant growth and expanded its operations. The company has successfully established itself as a prominent player in the real estate investment and lending industry under the visionary leadership of its Founder and CEO, Michael Mikhail.

Mikhail encountered numerous challenges on his path to becoming a prominent figure in the industry. Following a five-year journey spanning 19 countries, he returned to the United States in 2017, homeless and without financial resources. However, his unwavering determination to reshape his future propelled him forward as he drew upon his extensive background in mortgage lending from 2003 to 2010. He deliberately leveraged that experience and explored opportunities within the mortgage lending industry. He faced numerous obstacles, including a lack of managerial support, limited program options, a shortage of leads, inadequate training or technology, and unhealthy work culture. This toxic environment was an industry-wide issue, contributing to a high turnover rate and low production among loan officers.

Stratton Equities was born as a response to these challenges. Mikhail’s vision was to overhaul the methods used by the mortgage lending industry by incorporating more programs and generating an influx of organic inbound leads. Mikhail achieved remarkable success, making $1.3 million within six months of launching the company.

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Due to Mikhail’s unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service and driving success, Stratton Equities is a leading player in the private money and NON-QM mortgage lending industry. With its customer-first approach, state-of-the-art technology, and extensive expertise, Stratton Equities has expanded its market reach and aims to achieve an impressive target of $1.2 billion in closed loan volume annually, or $100 million monthly.

Reflecting on the milestone, Mikhail commented, “As we celebrate, I am humbled and grateful for the incredible journey we have embarked upon. It has been a testament to our unwavering commitment, relentless dedication, and the trust our clients and partners place in us. This milestone is a celebration of our accomplishments and a reflection of the transformative power of perseverance and innovation in the lending industry. We have expanded our reach, refined our strategies, and surpassed expectations each year. As we look back on our journey, we are energized by the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to shape the future of real estate financing and empower dreams. This is only the beginning, and the best is yet to come.”

One of the many successes that Mikhail created for Stratton Equities is the unique programs, lead generation model, and loan portfolio milestones. Mikhail has revolutionized lead generation and digital marketing with his innovative platform at Stratton Equities. Unlike traditional private money lenders relying on loan officers to hunt for leads through cold calls and networking, Mikhail’s system brings leads to the company daily, eliminating manual prospecting. This powerful tool generates an abundance of organic leads, surpassing the strategies of other private money-lending companies and propelling the company’s performance while enabling aggressive hiring.

Moreover, Mikhail’s platform provides loan officers with access to the largest collection of nationwide private money and NON-QM mortgage loan programs. This comprehensive offering allows them to effectively cater to the needs of real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and diverse mortgage borrowers.

Stratton Equities has received recognition within the industry for its exceptional services and expertise, as well as for Mikhail’s success. In 2021, Forbes Magazine included Mikhail in their “The Next 1000” list, celebrating individuals redefining what it means to build and run businesses today. NJBIZ, New Jersey’s leading business journal, also recognized Stratton Equities as one of the Top 250 Privately Held Companies for 2021. They further honored Mikhail as one of their 2022 Leaders in Finance, and he was nominated for the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year program.

Stratton Equities consistently achieves high levels of customer satisfaction. Through its commitment to providing personalized solutions and exceptional customer service, the company has built a strong reputation for its client-centric approach. Many clients have praised Stratton Equities for its outstanding service, professionalism, and ability to secure funding quickly. One client, John S., commended the company for its efficient processing and dedication to finding the best loan options, expressing gratitude for their personalized approach that ensured his unique needs were met. Another client, Sarah L., emphasized the team’s expertise in navigating complex financial situations, stating that Stratton Equities provided her with the guidance and support needed to secure a loan for her real estate investment. These testimonials and many more highlight the company’s commitment to client satisfaction and its track record of delivering outstanding results.

In addition to client testimonials, Stratton Equities has received positive feedback on reputable platforms such as Indeed and Glassdoor. Several employees have shared their experiences working for the company, consistently praising the supportive and collaborative work environment and highlighting the company’s dedication to fostering professional growth and providing ample opportunities for career advancement. Employees also speak highly of the company’s management, describing them as knowledgeable, approachable, and committed to the team’s and clients’ success. This positive employee feedback further supports the notion that Stratton Equities excels in serving its clients and maintains a workplace culture that values and nurtures its employees.

Mikhail’s visionary leadership and persistent commitment have solidified Stratton Equities’ position as a trusted and innovative company with high expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a customer-centric approach.

For more information about Stratton Equities, please visit their website at https://www.strattonequities.com. Follow Stratton Equities on social media on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @StrattonEquities, LinkedIn @stratton-equities, and Twitter @Strattonequity.

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Michael Mikhail, CEO Stratton Equities

Michael Mikhail is the Founder and CEO of Stratton Equities, the nation’s leading hard money-lender to national real estate investors, with the largest variety of mortgage loans and programs nationwide.

Having launched Stratton Equities in early 2017, Michael has always been an entrepreneur and innovator in the real estate market, purchasing his first home at 19.

A serial entrepreneur with a foresight for business opportunities, Michael had a slew of small businesses prior to launching Stratton Equities. One of his most prolific ventures was a car wash connected to a gym he was affiliated with in Florida during 2001-2002 while attending college.

It wasn’t until he graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Business, that he officially joined the mortgage industry in 2003 and decided to travel to explore his options globally.

After travelling to 19 countries in 5 years, Michael knew two things; he wanted to start his own business and launch it in the United States. He knew that moving back to the states was the best place he could start something small and grow it into something infinite.

In 2017, Michael noticed how the mortgage industry had transformed after the regulations presented from 2008-2012, and knew it was time to set out something on his own, thus creating Stratton Equities.

Under Michael’s leadership, Stratton Equities has grown into one of the biggest leaders in the Mortgage and Real Estate industry across genres and platforms.

Learn live and in real-time with Realty411. Be sure to register for our next virtual and in-person events. For all the details, please visit Realty411Expo.com or our Eventbrite landing page, CLICK HERE.

The Great Mile High Real Estate Investors Summit is Coming to Denver in 2024!

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Where: The Curtis Hotel Denver Colorado
When: March 8-10th 2024

The Great Mile High Real Estate Investors Summit is the first of its kind. This multi- day event will start at the unique Curtis Hotel in downtown Denver and end with a ski trip to the mountains.

From the leaders of Invest Success and The John Fisher Breakfast Club, join Dave Seymour from hit TV show, “Flipping Boston” and learn from successful investors and seasoned educators. Confirmed speakers Kevin Amolsch with Pine Financial, Tim Emery with Invest Success, Joe Massey with Castle & Cooke Mortgage, and Joseph Scorese with BRRRR Loans, just to name a few. Many more speakers to be announced from across the country and will be ready to share their valuable insights!

Investors of all levels are welcome. Attendees will have access to resources like private capital, business and commercial funding. Now is the time to grow your real estate business to new levels. Come build your network!

This is not your ordinary real estate investor summit. Enjoy educational and networking opportunities, happy hours, dinners, entertainment and a property bus tour around Denver. Stay to hit the slopes and enjoy all that beautiful Colorado has to offer!

Discount hotel rates available at The Curtis Hotel Downtown Denver.

More details will be announced at https://greatmilehighreinvestorssummit.com.

If you would like to promote your business during the event as a Speaker, Vendor, or Sponsor, email [email protected].
PR/ Marketing Contact: Vanessa Edgett
Email: [email protected]

Sponsors:

  • Invest Success
  • Realty 411
  • BRRRR Loans
  • Elevate Title
  • Pine Financial
  • Real Estate Investors Group (RIG)

More sponsors to be announced soon!

About The Great Mile High Real Estate Investors Summit

The Great Mile High Real Estate Investors Summit’s goal is to create unique educational and networking opportunities for investors at all levels. We believe in the power of connecting with people in person, and having fun!

Free Property Management Software

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Use our simple but effective tool to inspect and document a complete and accurate record of the property before the tenant moves in and after moving out. Generate reports with side by side comparisons and custom invoices for security deposit deductions and insurance claims.

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Track & manage all your properties in one place with a full suite of features including lease tracking, tenant portal, rent collection through CC & ACH, maintenance requests, eSignatures, inspection and more!

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Manage rentals on the go and collect rental payments with free landlord and tenant apps for both the App Store and Google Play.

Copyright 2023 Lease Protector©, All rights reserved.

Learn to Start or Grow Your Portfolio with Adiel Gorel

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Attention savvy real estate investors, it’s time for another educational and exciting Realty411 Virtual Investing class for our readers.

Date and time

August 20 · 4am – September 3 · 5am AWST

Location

Online

Our guest will be Adiel Gorel with ICG Real Estate Investments.

ABOUT MR. ADIEL GOREL – CEO of International Capital Group – Keynote Speaker

Adiel Gorel is the CEO of ICG, a prominent real estate investment firm located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1983 he has successfully been assisting thousands of investors with purchasing U.S. properties.

Through ICG he has personally invested in hundreds of properties for his own portfolio and was involved in the purchase of over 10,000 properties for ICG’s investors in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Atlanta, Nashville, Huntsville, Boise, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Salt Lake City, to name just a few.

Mr. Gorel holds a master’s degree from Stanford University. His professional experience includes Management and Director Positions in firms including Hewlett- Packard, Excel Telecommunications, and biotechnology firms.

ABOUT REALTY411.COM

Since 2007, Realty411 has produced real estate-investing events and expos throughout the nation. Our mission is to educate and empower individuals to invest in real estate. Our virtual events have united hundreds of new and sophisticated investors in real-time from 47 states so far — in total representing 375 cities across the United States.

Join us for an amazing time in real estate education. Every online event we produce is unique, be sure to reserve this day for REI learning at its best. Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device – Schedule will be sent to all guests. Thank you.

Learn live and in real-time with Realty411. Be sure to register for our next virtual and in-person events. For all the details, please visit Realty411Expo.com or our Eventbrite landing page, CLICK HERE.

Unlock the Power of Roth-IRA: Your Path to Multi-Millionaire Status

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By Kris Miller

Imagine a future where your hard-earned money not only grows steadily but multiplies exponentially, paving the way to a life of financial abundance. With Roth-IRA, this dream can become your reality. In this exciting and inspiring article, we will reveal the secrets to using your Roth-IRA to harness its remarkable potential for wealth creation. Get ready to embark on a journey towards becoming a multi-millionaire and securing your financial freedom.

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  1. The Magic of Compound Interest: Roth-IRA offers an incredible opportunity for wealth accumulation through the power of compound interest. With an impressive average growth rate of 14%, your money can double in just four years. By reinvesting your earnings, you unlock the potential for exponential wealth growth over time.
  2. Invest Strategically: To maximize the potential of your Roth-IRA, it’s crucial to invest strategically. Conduct thorough research, seek guidance from financial experts, and identify promising investment opportunities. Whether it’s stocks, bonds, real estate, or other assets, make informed choices that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
  3. Take Advantage of Tax Benefits: One of the key advantages of a Roth-IRA is the tax benefits it offers. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, meaning you won’t be taxed on withdrawals in the future. This tax-efficient structure allows your investments to grow unhindered, ensuring more substantial returns over time.
  4. Plan for the Long Term: Building wealth with a Roth-IRA requires a long-term perspective. Resist the temptation to make impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations. Stay focused on your financial goals, maintain a diversified portfolio, and be patient. Remember, true wealth is accumulated over time.
  5. Maximize Contributions: To fast-track your journey to multi-millionaire status, aim to contribute the maximum allowable amount to your Roth-IRA each year. By consistently maximizing your contributions, you take full advantage of the growth potential and maximize the tax benefits associated with these accounts.
  6. Seek Professional Guidance: Navigating the complexities of wealth creation requires expertise. Consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning and Roth-IRAs. They can help you develop a tailored investment strategy, optimize your contributions, and ensure you’re on track to achieve your financial goals.
  7. Embrace Financial Education: Empower yourself with knowledge about personal finance, investment strategies, and retirement planning. Educate yourself through books, podcasts, seminars, and online resources. The more you understand about managing your finances, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions and capitalize on the potential of your Roth-IRA.
  8. Stay Disciplined and Stay the Course: Wealth creation is a journey that requires discipline and perseverance. Stay committed to your long-term financial plan and resist the temptation to deviate from it. Be proactive in monitoring your investments, adjusting your strategy as needed, and staying the course, even during times of market volatility.

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With the remarkable potential of Roth-IRAs, you have the opportunity to transform your financial future and become a multi-millionaire. By harnessing the power of compound interest, strategic investing, and taking advantage of tax benefits, you can unlock the door to extraordinary wealth. Remember to plan for the long term, maximize your contributions, seek professional guidance, and continuously educate yourself. Embrace the journey towards financial freedom, and watch as your Roth-IRA propels you towards a life of abundance.

Kris Miller

Legacy Wealth Strategist
LDA Document Services
https://calendly.com/krismiller

Healthy Money Happy Life
Make an Appointment with Kris

CA Insurance License OC25427 I am not an attorney. I can only provide self-help services at your specific direction. Should you need legal advice, you will need to consult an attorney. We do Estate Planning, Wills, Living Trusts, Power of Attorney, Health Care Directives and Deeds. Legal Document Assistant in Riverside County, California LDA #000041 Riverside County, expiring 10/15/2021

Learn live and in real-time with Realty411. Be sure to register for our next virtual and in-person events. For all the details, please visit Realty411Expo.com or our Eventbrite landing page, CLICK HERE.

Tips for Getting a Merchant Cash Advance

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By Vista Capital Solutions

Are you considering a merchant cash advance for funding? Do you need financing quickly? Or is your current credit score making it difficult to acquire a traditional loan?

No matter why you are looking into a business cash advance, some tips will help ensure you take out the right advance from the right provider

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Avoid Running Negatives

If you are considering a merchant cash advance, the lender will look at your current accounts to calculate the right amount. They will look at your current and prior transaction history to do this.

If you have had a lot of situations of bounced checks and insufficient funds, you may not receive the funding you apply for. In most cases, the funding company will require that you may payments daily. If you have a track record of not meeting your financial obligations, getting this type of funding may be impossible. Because of this, you need to make sure you don’t have a lot of instances of negative balances

Maintain a Sufficient Daily Balance

If you want to be approved for an advance, you have to keep your day-to-day balances as high as possible and avoid negative balances in your accounts. Suppose a funding company sees that you have sufficient balances and that you keep these consistently to meet financial obligations. In that case, they are much more likely to provide you with the financing that you requested. It will also help you get a longer-term and lower rate than if you had lower day-to-day balances

A Good Credit Score

Do you have a good credit score? If not, you may find it difficult to get the cash advance you have applied for. A merchant cash advance company is a new creditor, which means they may want to view your past track record of payments, if they were on time, etc. If they find out you have had issues, such as a poor credit history, past defaults, or delinquencies, then you may not get the funding you requested from that provider

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Acquiring a Merchant Cash Advance

As you can see, there are several things that a merchant cash advance lender will consider when it comes to providing this funding. Be sure to keep the information here in mind, which will give you the best chance possible of getting the funding you need. Being informed will also help you secure this financing to help grow your business.

Learn live and in real-time with Realty411. Be sure to register for our next virtual and in-person events. For all the details, please visit Realty411Expo.com or our Eventbrite landing page, CLICK HERE.

Moving Made Easy: Strategies for Real Estate Investors on a Tight Schedule

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By Jason Mueller 

Moving can be a daunting task, especially for real estate investors who often find themselves juggling multiple properties and deals on a tight schedule. The process of relocating can be stressful, time-consuming, and disruptive to business operations. However, with careful planning and strategic execution, moving can be made much easier, allowing investors to transition smoothly while minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

In this guest post, we will explore some effective strategies for real estate investors on a tight schedule to make their move a seamless and efficient experience.

Photo by Zachary Kadolph on Unsplash

Why Choose Three Movers for Your Moving Needs

When it comes to moving, choosing the right moving company is crucial for a smooth and stress-free experience. ThreeMovers.com offers a compelling option for your moving needs. With a team of experienced professionals, they provide efficient and reliable services, ensuring the safe transport of your belongings. Three Movers takes care of all the logistics, from packing to unpacking, so you can focus on other aspects of your move. Their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to customer satisfaction make them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a seamless and hassle-free moving experience.

Create a Comprehensive Moving Plan

The first step to ensure a successful move is to develop a detailed moving plan. Start by setting a firm moving date and work backward, creating a timeline with specific tasks and deadlines. Include everything from notifying tenants and clients about the move to arranging for utilities and services at the new location. Having a clear plan in place will help you stay organized and focused throughout the process.

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Delegate and Outsource

Real estate investors often have a multitude of responsibilities and limited time. To alleviate the burden of moving, delegate tasks to capable team members or consider outsourcing certain aspects of the process. Hire professional movers to handle the logistics of transporting your belongings, enlist the help of a property management company to manage tenant communications, or hire virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks. By delegating and outsourcing, you can free up your time and concentrate on critical business matters.

Pack and Label Efficiently

Packing is a time-consuming process that can become overwhelming without proper organization. Create an efficient packing system by decluttering and sorting your belongings. Separate items into categories, such as furniture, documents, equipment, and personal belongings. Use high-quality packing materials and label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will save you time when unpacking at the new location and help you locate items quickly when needed.

Utilize Technology

Take advantage of technology to streamline your move and manage your real estate business more efficiently. Use property management software to handle tenant communication, lease agreements, and rent collection remotely. Utilize cloud storage services to store important documents and access them from anywhere. Virtual meeting platforms can also be helpful for conducting meetings with clients and contractors during the moving process.

Coordinate with Contractors and Service Providers

If you have ongoing construction or renovation projects, make sure to coordinate with contractors and service providers well in advance. Communicate your moving schedule and discuss any necessary adjustments to project timelines. By proactively managing these relationships, you can ensure a smooth transition and minimize any disruptions to your business operations.

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Prioritize Essential Services

One of the key aspects of moving is transferring utilities and services to the new location. Prioritize essential services such as electricity, water, internet, and phone lines. Notify service providers ahead of time about your move and schedule the necessary installations and transfers. This will ensure that your business can resume operations promptly at the new location.

Notify Tenants and Clients

If you own rental properties or have clients who regularly visit your office, it is crucial to notify them well in advance about your move. Send out formal notifications via email or physical mail, and provide clear instructions regarding the relocation. Address any concerns they may have and reassure them of uninterrupted services during the transition. Open lines of communication with tenants and clients, and keep them updated on the progress of the move.

Plan for Downtime

Despite careful planning, it is essential to anticipate some downtime during the moving process. Allocate time for setting up the new space, unpacking, and reorganizing your business operations. Consider scheduling your move during a period of low activity or plan to work remotely during the transition. By acknowledging and planning for downtime, you can minimize its impact on your real estate business.

Take Care of Legal and Administrative Tasks

Moving involves various legal and administrative tasks that should not be overlooked. Update your business address with the appropriate authorities, including government agencies, banks, insurance providers, and clients. Review and revise any contracts or lease agreements that may be affected by the move. Consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with any regulatory requirements associated with your relocation.

Celebrate the Move

Finally, once you have successfully completed your move, take the time to celebrate this milestone. Recognize and appreciate your team for their efforts in making the transition smooth. Consider hosting a grand opening event at your new location to showcase your commitment to growth and to strengthen relationships with tenants, clients, and business partners.

Final Thoughts

Moving can be a challenging endeavor for real estate investors on a tight schedule. But, with the right planning in place, it can be much easier. By creating a comprehensive moving plan, delegating tasks to capable team members or outsourcing certain aspects, utilizing technology to streamline operations, prioritizing essential services, and effectively communicating with tenants and clients, investors can minimize disruptions and maximize productivity during the move. Careful planning and execution are key to ensuring a smooth transition and allowing investors to continue their real estate endeavors successfully. With these strategies in place, moving can be transformed from a stressful experience into a seamless and efficient process, ultimately benefiting the investor’s business and bottom line.

Jason Mueller

Jason Mueller has a passion for real estate. He has been both a real estate agent and an investor. Currently, he is invested and living in Costa Rica.

3 Secrets About Financial Planning (That Your Broker Doesn’t Want You to Know)

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By Kris Miller, LDA

Most people who have a 401(k) or an IRA have little idea of where their money is invested. When you ask them, “whereʼs your retirement money?” they reply, “at the bank” or “with my broker.” No wonder so many people are financially unprepared for retirement.

If you want to be financially secure in your Golden Years, you must take control of your investments today. Handing your money over to a broker and hoping they will look out for you is a recipe for disaster. Imagine saving and investing for 40+ years, only to find out at age 65 or 70 that you donʼt have enough money to retire. It happens every day.

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With so much financial planning information available, why are so many people unprepared for retirement? Because there are certain financial planning myths that simply wonʼt go away. And the more you believe the myths, the more of a struggle your retirement will be. Letʼs uncover the truth (that most brokers would like to remain a secret) once and for all so you can take charge of your financial future.

Myth #1 You Must Put Your Money at Risk

Most 401(k) and IRAs are invested in the stock market, and the stock market is the riskiest place to put your money. Youʼve likely heard “market experts” say that now is a good time to invest in the market. A broken watch tells the right time twice a day, but thatʼs no reason to wear one.

Likewise, youʼve likely heard someone start a sentence with, “our economists are forecasting…” Ask your broker if the firmʼs economists predicted the most recent recession, and if so, when? Warren Buffett once said that forecasters make fortune tellers look good. If you want to earn higher returns, most brokers tell you that you have to take more risk. That’s not entirely true.

HERE’S THE TRUTH: Thereʼs no reason for all of your money to be at risk. You can make money with safer investments, such as fixed index annuities, which are like a savings account with an insurance company. In fact, even during the Great Depression, not one person lost money with a fixed index annuity. Theyʼre safe, they have liquidity, and they offer better rates than most other products.

Myth #2 Your Broker Only Makes Money When You Do

Itʼs nice to think that your broker only cares about you and your financial future, but thatʼs not 100% true. While your broker likely does want the best for you, hereʼs what usually happens when you let them invest your money:

Your broker buys shares of stocks and mutual funds. The market does one of three things: goes up, goes down, or remains stagnant. Wall Street canʼt control the market, and neither can your broker, but they make money regardless of whether you do or not.

HERE’S THE TRUTH: Brokers donʼt only make money when you do. Sure, theyʼd like you to make money, but they actually make their money by managing your money. They get paid when the market goes down; they get paid when the market goes up; they get paid when the market is flat. In other words, they always win. Their clients, however (and that would be you), only win in one of those three directions. Brokers win in all three.

Myth #3 Small Fees Are Not a Big Deal

Even if you are putting money into your retirement account on a regular basis, hidden fees may be slowly draining your account. The disclosed fees are simple to find — look at the expense ratio, which is found in the prospectus. These fees are commonly referred to as “management fees.” Administration fees (added on top of management fees) are much harder to find. You may think that a small fee here and there isn’t a big deal.

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After all, how much could these administration fees possibly be? Consider this example from the U.S Department of Labor 401(k) fee website:

“Assume you are an employee with 35 years until retirement and a current 401(k) account balance of $25,000.

If returns on investments in your account over the next 35 years average 7% and fees and expenses reduce your average returns by 0.5%, your account balance will grow to $227,000 at retirement, even if there are no further contributions to your account.

If fees and expenses are 1.5%, however, your account balance will grow to only $163,000.”

The 1% increase in fees reduces the account balance at retirement by 28%. Thatʼs a huge fee!

Be sure to look for and ask your broker about the following fees:

• Plan Administration Fees
• Investment Fees
• Individual Service Fees

Plan Your Future Today

Whether you plan to retire today or in 30 years, you need to take control of your retirement accounts right away. Understanding how your money is invested and making sure itʼs working for you in the most efficient way will give you peace of mind and future security. By dispelling these three myths and putting some time into planning, you can rest assured that your retirement years will be pleasurable—and prosperous.

Kris Miller

Legacy Wealth Strategist
LDA Document Services
https://calendly.com/krismiller

Healthy Money Happy Life
Make an Appointment with Kris

CA Insurance License OC25427 I am not an attorney. I can only provide self-help services at your specific direction. Should you need legal advice, you will need to consult an attorney. We do Estate Planning, Wills, Living Trusts, Power of Attorney, Health Care Directives and Deeds. Legal Document Assistant in Riverside County, California LDA #000041 Riverside County, expiring 10/15/2021

Learn live and in real-time with Realty411. Be sure to register for our next virtual and in-person events. For all the details, please visit Realty411Expo.com or our Eventbrite landing page, CLICK HERE.

Tips on How Podcasts Can Make Money

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By Stephanie Mojica

When entrepreneurs think of getting into the media, they often think of magazines, newspapers, TV, and radio.

But podcasts are a growing, and still often-overlooked, form of media that can dramatically benefit all types of entrepreneurs and experts.

According to Buzzsprout, only 22 percent of American adults in the early 2000s knew the term podcast. Currently, the estimated number is 78 percent.

For those who don’t know, a podcast is generally a series of audio-only episodes surrounding a central theme. It’s sort of a mix of blogging and radio, though there are some distinct differences.

For example, podcast interviews are evergreen. Meaning, they last forever. Podcast hosts tend to publish their episodes on multiple websites and apps dedicated to this medium, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Google Podcasts, Blog Talk Radio, and many more.

I’ve been on podcasts where the hosts also livestream the interview (including the video) to YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Examples of Making Money Through Podcast Interviews

While many people produce podcasts or do podcast interviews as a hobby, there are ways to monetize both ends of the spectrum.

For example, I had an interview with the Yeukai Business Show (a podcast based out of the United Kingdom that is in the top three percent of globally ranked podcasts). The host, Yeukai Kajidori, immediately introduced me to someone he had recently interviewed who was hoping to write a book. She and I had a conversation and she enrolled in my 90-day intensive. She finished her book during our time together and is having it published.

My company had another client, I’ll call her Anne, who sold 400 books from a single podcast interview. Since her royalties through Kindle Direct Publishing are $9.72 per book sold, she made $3,888 from a single interview!

Yet another client, I’ll call him Don, sold an $8,000 consulting package to someone who heard him on a podcast.

The list goes on and on. Podcasts, when used well, are an amazing tool to gain more sales…and you don’t even need a book to do it (though a book always helps you get interviews and have something to offer listeners right away)

Tips for Monetizing Podcast Interviews

While we’ll go deeper into the process of getting these opportunities in a future article, it’s fairly easy to get started with podcast interviews. Facebook groups and Clubhouse rooms dedicated to find a guest, be a guest abound.

While you should do more careful targeting later on, it’s fine to do a few interviews with any show related to your expertise just to get started and become known. Many of my recent podcast interviews came from referrals from other podcast hosts, so getting in the game so to speak is key.

Each podcast interview takes about 30 to 75 minutes of your time. Depending on your schedule and goals, you should aim to do at least one a month. Many folks, including myself, try for one a week. If you’re launching a book or a course, the more interviews the better.

When pitching yourself to a podcast or speaking on a podcast, avoid hard sales pitches. I think you know what I’m talking about. Do not basically order people to buy your product or service. I’ve heard of podcast hosts not publishing episodes where all the guest does is try to sell to the audience.

Podcast listeners want value. They are dedicating their time to listen to you. While they’re aware that you’re in business, they don’t want to hear sales pitches the entire time.

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Tell Stories About Your Clients

Answer questions about yourself honestly and in an engaging manner.

Weave in ways they can get in touch with you. For example, I’ll say something like, “I go deeper into this in my free eBook” and mention the title and website.

Always say any web addresses twice and speak slowly when giving them.

Use headphones and a good microphone to avoid background noises that can render your episode unusable.

Most podcast hosts will let you put links in what they call show notes. Some have limits; others don’t. If you’re limited, I recommend a link to a free offer where listeners can leave their email address (aka they opt in), your LinkedIn profile, and your most popular social media profile or your Facebook group. I still wouldn’t give 50 links; as one of my mentors, Ali Brown, once said in a virtual training class, “A confused mind says no.”

Keep in Touch with Your Hosts

Not everyone will mesh well, and that’s okay. But most of the time, you’ve started a relationship that’s worth continuing — and you need to nurture it.

Keep in touch with the podcast host. Most are happy to accept your friend request on social media. See if there are ways you can bring them more value.

In October 2021, I hosted a 30-plus speaker summit called The Visible Authority Virtual Event — Be Seen. Get Heard. Get Paid. Alex Villacis, host of Do I Need School to… invited me to do an Instagram Live with her to help drive members of her audience to my summit. This was only possible because we kept in touch after my interview with her about the book editing side of my business.

Another host, Heather Zeitzwolfe from the Get the Balance Right podcast, invited me to be a speaker on her Zoom networking event. People signed up for my free Business Book Blueprint five-day challenge as a result. I’ve also introduced potential virtual assistants and mentors to her.

I’ve referred multiple clients and business associates of mine to these podcasts as well as other podcasts. The key is to treat every host you meet with respect, bring plenty of value to their audiences, keep in touch, believe in the power of your message, and just get started.

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