Vital Wealth Strategies

What happens to your wealth and your freedom, when money is no longer backed by anything and every transaction can be tracked, restricted, or shut off? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with financial researcher and author David Morgan to unpack the real risks of fiat currency, inflation, and centralized monetary control. David shares decades of insight into how modern money is created, why inflation quietly erodes purchasing power, and how financial “stability” can mask a system built on increasing debt, manipulation, and surveillance. Throughout the conversation, Patrick and David explore what a monetary reset could look like, the dangers of programmable money and CBDCs, and why “sound money” matters for entrepreneurs who want true long-term security. David also breaks down practical ways to reclaim monetary sovereignty, highlighting gold, silver, and land as time-tested stores of value and explains why he remains skeptical of Bitcoin as a freedom tool in today’s institutional landscape. This episode is a must-listen for business owners and high earners who want to protect their assets, think independently, and build wealth that isn’t dependent on fragile systems or compliance-driven control. Key Takeaways Fiat currency systems historically collapse when trust breaks, often through inflation or debt crises Inflation acts like a hidden tax that steadily erodes purchasing power over time CBDCs and programmable money can enable surveillance and restrictions on personal spending Financial collapse often results in asset repricing and ownership transfer—not “wealth disappearing” Gold, silver, and land remain foundational tools for preserving monetary sovereignty Silver can be a practical, accessible hedge for everyday investors Bitcoin may not deliver the independence many expect due to institutional capture concerns True freedom includes financial resilience, critical thinking, and personal responsibility Learn More About David: The Morgan Report: morganreport.com Silver Sunrise Documentary: silversunrise.tv Silver Manifesto by David Morgan Episode Resources: Mises Institute (Austrian economics): mises.org Bank for International Settlements (BIS): bis.org The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What happens when your net worth grows faster than your liquidity and your tax bill keeps climbing along the way? Many founders and executives with equity in private companies find themselves asset-rich on paper but limited in flexibility, diversification, and tax efficiency. In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan explores one of the most overlooked challenges facing high-earning entrepreneurs: concentrated, illiquid private equity and the hidden risks that come with waiting on a future liquidity event. Patrick is joined by Brogger, Founder and CEO of Collective Liquidity and a pioneer in private market innovation. Greg shares how exchange funds, structured liquidity, and disciplined diversification strategies can help founders and executives reduce risk, access capital, and defer taxes without giving up long-term upside. Drawing from his experience building SharesPost and the NASDAQ Private Market, Greg breaks down why traditional approaches often fail private equity holders and how a more intentional strategy can create financial flexibility, peace of mind, and better outcomes for growing businesses. Key takeaways from this episode: Why over-concentration in private company equity creates both financial and tax risk How exchange funds work and why they are especially powerful in private markets Ways founders and executives can create liquidity without triggering immediate capital gains taxes The importance of diversification for long-term wealth preservation How proactive tax strategy supports smarter business and investment decisions Learn More About Greg: Collective Liquidity Official Website: About us | Collective Liquidity Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Is AI really ready to run parts of your business, or is it just another overhyped tool that creates more confusion than clarity? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, founder of Vital Wealth, sits down with Steven Saehrig, founder of Descent IT, to cut through the noise and explain what AI actually looks like when implemented correctly inside a real business. Rather than focusing on shiny tools or viral prompts, this conversation gets practical, strategic, and grounded in how entrepreneurs can use AI to increase efficiency, protect their data, and future-proof their organizations. Patrick and Steven explore why AI is best viewed as a workforce multiplier rather than a replacement for people, how businesses should think about the true cost and ROI of AI adoption, and why cybersecurity must be the foundation before any automation is deployed. From real-world examples like AI-driven IT support and agentic workflows to the risks of bad actors using AI for phishing and fraud, this episode gives business owners a clear roadmap for adopting AI intentionally and securely. If you are a founder or executive wondering where to start with AI, how fast to move, and how not to get burned along the way, this episode delivers clarity, context, and actionable insight. Key Takeaways AI is not a magic bullet; it requires intentional planning, investment, and follow-through The biggest opportunity today is using AI to augment people, not replace them Businesses should automate low-value, repetitive tasks first before moving to advanced AI Paid, secure AI tools are essential for protecting business and client data Cybersecurity and identity protection must be in place before scaling AI adoption AI-driven attacks are increasing, making employee training and behavior monitoring critical Companies that delay AI adoption risk falling behind competitors over the next 5–10 years Episode Resources: Descent IT Official Website Anthropic Claude ChatGPT Microsoft Copilot Google Gemini Vital Wealth Strategies Episode 088 Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What if the reason you keep falling short of your goals has nothing to do with motivation or discipline? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, Patrick Lonergan challenges the way most high performers plan their year and explains why traditional goal setting is often the very thing holding them back. Patrick, founder of Vital Wealth, works with high-earning entrepreneurs to help them optimize cash flow, reduce taxes, and build intentional wealth. In this episode, he makes the case that most people do not have a goal problem at all. They have a systems problem.  Rather than chasing dozens of goals that quickly lose momentum, Patrick walks listeners through a fundamentally different approach: designing a personal and business operating system. This episode breaks down why focusing on one primary objective for life and one for business, supported by simple, repeatable actions, creates real and lasting progress. If you have ever felt frustrated by strong starts followed by fading execution, this conversation will change how you think about planning, productivity, and success.  Key takeaways from this episode:  Why setting too many goals at once leads to worse results, not better ones  The critical difference between goals and systems, and why systems always win  How human attention, decision fatigue, and motivation actually work  Why consistency and repetition outperform intensity and big bursts of effort  How to design a simple operating system for your year that makes progress inevitable  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What if you believe in Jesus but have never actually followed Him? In this special Christmas-week episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan, founder of Vital Wealth, challenges high-achieving entrepreneurs to examine a quiet but unsettling tension many successful people feel. After building businesses, optimizing finances, and doing “all the right things,” why does life still feel incomplete? Patrick explores whether success, discipline, and even belief can exist without true surrender and why that gap matters both now and eternally. In a solo, deeply reflective teaching, Patrick unpacks the difference between cultural Christianity and biblical discipleship, using clear business analogies and direct Scripture to confront false assurance and surface-level belief. This episode is not about religion, performance, or self-improvement. It is about authority, identity, and what it truly means to follow Jesus rather than simply admire Him. If you are a driven, thoughtful leader who has ever wondered whether belief alone is enough, this episode offers clarity, conviction, and a compelling invitation to something deeper. Key takeaways from this episode: Why belief without surrender leads to false assurance The difference between cultural Christianity and true discipleship How success can mask spiritual stagnation Why Jesus calls people to follow, not just agree The role of repentance, faith, and new identity in real transformation Why abiding, not striving, is central to spiritual growth Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

The biggest threat to your business isn’t external, it’s the blind spots you can’t see. In this episode of The Vital Wealth Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Stacey Bullman, founder of I’m Not Mad at You, a consultancy built on 25 years of corporate experience and a decade of transforming small and midsize businesses. Stacey specializes in helping leaders uncover the issues hiding beneath the surface, operational gaps, leadership challenges, misaligned messaging, and missed revenue opportunities and gives them the clarity and confidence they need to move forward. Patrick and Stacey dig into why entrepreneurs rarely diagnose their own problems correctly, how objective assessment accelerates growth, and the systems every business needs to run smoothly and profitably. From strategic planning and accountability frameworks to messaging, sales development, and financial discipline, this conversation offers a practical roadmap for leaders who feel overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or unsure where to focus next. It’s a must-listen for anyone ready to make better decisions, build stronger teams, and create a business that truly works. Key Takeaways Why entrepreneurs often overlook the most costly issues inside their own business How Stacey’s Wheel Assessment exposes leadership, cultural, and operational blind spots The CEO hourly value formula and why doing low-value work hurts growth The essential elements of a strategic plan that gets executed, not ignored The messaging framework that clarifies what you do and why it matters Why sales success is built on process, consistency, and data, not personality How accountability and coaching help leaders make better decisions, faster Learn More About Stacey: Official Website: imnotmadatyou.com Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What if the business you’ve spent years building is worth far less than you think and what if fixing that starts long before you ever plan to sell? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with serial entrepreneur and exit expert Justin Goodbread, who has started, scaled, and sold seven companies with 7-, 8-, and 9-figure valuations. Together, they unpack why most business owners unknowingly sabotage their future exit, how to build a company that runs without the owner, and the exact framework that transforms a stressful, owner-dependent business into a scalable, transferable, and highly valuable asset. Patrick and Justin walk listeners through the “Deca Millionaire Way,” a five-pillar system rooted in clarity, measurement, thoughtful execution, and long-term freedom. Whether you’re years away from selling or simply want to build a business that gives you more time, more profitability, and more life, this conversation reveals what truly drives enterprise value and why only 4% of sellers walk away satisfied. For any entrepreneur who wants to maximize the payoff of their life’s work, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways: Why most entrepreneurs dramatically underestimate what it takes to create a valuable, sellable business The five F’s every owner must align before scaling or exiting The eight core business areas that drive valuation (and the 256 underlying metrics) How to get yourself out of the “center of the merry-go-round” so the business can run without you The 90-day execution framework that builds momentum and eliminates overwhelm Why exit planning must begin 5–10 years before selling The real definition of entrepreneurial freedom and why it requires becoming a Deca Millionaire Learn More About Justin: Official Website: https://www.justingoodbread.com/ Podcast: Deca Millionaire Decoded Episode Resources: Main Street Millionaire by Cody Sanchez Atomic Habits by James Clear Traction by Gino Wickman Scaling Up by Vern Harnish Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

What if your financial plan wasn’t just about money but about building a life of freedom, purpose, and peace of mind? In this episode of The Vital Wealth Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Mike Milligan, founder of One Oak Financial and author of The One of a Kind Financial Plan. Together, they unpack how the financial industry often overcomplicates wealth management and how individuals can reclaim control through simplicity, education, and values-based decision-making. Mike shares his personal journey from the banking world to teaching financial literacy at Old Dominion University, offering listeners a refreshing perspective on what it means to design a financial plan that truly supports a life well-lived. Listeners will learn how to avoid the traps of a profit-first system, rethink what “wealth” really means, and implement a plan that aligns with their deepest priorities. Patrick and Mike explore topics like financial education, the importance of discernment in money decisions, and why creating “profit with purpose” leads to greater happiness and impact. Whether you’re building your first plan or rethinking your strategy for long-term freedom, this conversation will change the way you view money forever. Key Takeaways: The financial industry profits from complexity, true success comes from simplicity and understanding. “Profit with purpose” is more fulfilling and sustainable than profit alone. Tax planning is the most powerful lever for building long-term wealth. Financial literacy creates freedom and independence. Aligning money with values leads to clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Learn More About Mike: Official Website: 1oakfinancial.com Ideas by Mike: ideasbymike.com The One of a Kind Financial Plan: mikemilligan.com Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien

Is your business growing but somehow getting harder to manage? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting, to unpack what it really takes to move from growth to true scale. Together they explore how entrepreneurs can evolve from being the do-it-all founder to a confident leader who builds systems, empowers teams, and creates a business that runs efficiently, without running them into burnout.  Listeners will discover why scaling requires more than just working harder, how to make data-backed decisions, and the mindset shifts needed to build a company that thrives long-term. Packed with practical tools, leadership insight, and strategic frameworks, this conversation offers a roadmap for anyone ready to build structure, clarity, and sustainable profitability.  Key Takeaways:  The difference between growth and scale and why most founders confuse the two  The two essential transformations every entrepreneur must make to scale successfully  How to use business intelligence and KPIs to lead with data, not instinct  The “Diagnose → Design → Drive” framework for continuous improvement  Why clarity in vision, mission, and values is the foundation of scalable leadership  Learn More About Courtney:  Ebook – The Simple Scale-Up System: forgeahead.com/ebook  Scaling Assessment: assessments.forgeahead.com  Forge Financial Website: forgeahead.com  Episode Resources:  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick Lencioni   Deep Work - Cal Newport  Essentialism - Greg McKeown  The Four Tendencies- Gretchen Rubin  Full Focus Planner - Michael Hyatt  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien  

What if your business could land in The Wall Street Journal or Good Morning, without spending a fortune on traditional PR? In this episode of the Vital Wealth Strategies Podcast, host Patrick Lonergan sits down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, to uncover how entrepreneurs can use strategic press releases to build lasting credibility and attract national media attention. They dive deep into the storytelling techniques that capture journalists’ interest, the evolving world of PR in the age of AI, and how earned media can amplify trust far beyond what ads and social media can deliver.  Patrick and Mickie also discuss how small businesses can leverage PR as a cornerstone of their overall marketing and wealth-building strategy. From creating a powerful story arc to understanding how press coverage impacts SEO, lead generation, and conversions, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help business owners stand out, scale faster, and become recognized authorities in their industries.  Key Takeaways:  How to craft press releases that capture media attention and generate earned coverage.  Why storytelling, not sales copy, is the secret to PR success.  The role of credibility and media features in increasing conversions and reducing ad spend.  How AI is reshaping media visibility and what that means for entrepreneurs.  Simple ways to integrate PR into your larger marketing and financial strategy.  Learn More About Mickie:  Official Website: https://www.ereleases.com  Free Masterclass: https://www.ereleases.com/plan  Resources:    Visit www.vitalstrategies.com to download FREE resources      Listen to the podcast on your favorite app: https://link.chtbl.com/vitalstrategies     Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vital.strategies       Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VitalStrategiesPodcast      Follow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricklonergan/      Credits:     Sponsored by Vital Wealth     Music by Cephas     Art work by Two Tone Creative  Audio, video, research and copywriting by Victoria O'Brien