Podcast
Generational Gains
Hosted by Greg Herlean · EN
Welcome to Generational Gains - where two perspectives, seasoned experience, and youthful ambition, come together to offer an enriching blend of insights. Dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, real estate, and personal growth with father-son power duo, Greg and Carson Herlean.
Greg, with an astonishing track record of transacting over $1 billion in real estate and the founder of Horizon Trust, brings wisdom from years of steering people towards taking charge of their retirement through smart financial strategies. His expertise in self-directing IRAs and retirement accounts is unparalleled.
On the other hand, his prodigious son Carson, all of 20 years old, is not far behind. Having built businesses that already boasts multiple six-figure revenues, he embodies the spirit of young entrepreneurship and the limitless potential of the new generation.
Generational Gains is more than just a business podcast. It's a treasure trove of experiences, from the trials and triumphs of a seasoned entrepreneur to the fresh challenges and innovative solutions from a young mogul-in-the-making. Together, they delve into the art of setting transformative goals, maneuvering through life's challenges, boosting one’s income, and fostering a growth mindset that drives success in both life and business.
Tune in for their heartwarming anecdotes and actionable advice. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, an established business owner, or someone looking for a spark of motivation, Generational Gains promises a journey of continuous learning, self-improvement, and inspiration. Embark on this entrepreneurial voyage with the Herleans and discover the secret sauce to building generational wealth and wisdom.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Retirement Risk No One Plans For | Generational Gains Ep. 46
1w ago00:20:10Tap to summarizeIn Episode 46 of Generational Gains, Greg and Carson break down the biggest takeaways from their live webinar on retirement income planning and the strategy Carson calls the Volatility Buffer.Most people insure their car, home, and life — but never insure their retirement income.In this episode, they discuss why market volatility can destroy retirement income, how whole life insurance can be structured as a protected income buffer, why the traditional “just invest and withdraw” model may not be enough, and how this strategy can work alongside self-directed IRAs, real estate, and other assets.If you’re preparing for retirement or want more control over your income, this episode is for you.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →The Truth About Business in 2026: What the Smartest Entrepreneurs Are Doing Right Now | Generational Gains Ep. 45
Apr 700:21:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Generational Gains, Greg and Carson break down their biggest takeaways from a recent Boardroom mastermind with over 250 business owners from around the country.From real estate and lending to entrepreneurship, AI, profitability, and the economy, this conversation dives into what successful people are actually seeing behind the scenes right now.In this episode, we talk about:Why profitability is harder than most people thinkWhat business owners are really dealing with in today’s economyWhy many successful people are still feeling pressureHow tighter lending is affecting deals and growthWhy some investors are preparing for major buying opportunitiesWhat AI is already doing inside businesses right nowWhy learning AI may become one of the most important career moves you can makeThe importance of faith, values, and community during hard seasonsWhy talking to your kids about money early matters more than everOne of the biggest takeaways from this episode is simple:Even successful people are being forced to adapt.The market is changing. Lending is tighter. Profit is harder. And the people who win will be the ones who stay grounded, stay creative, and keep learning.If you’re a business owner, investor, entrepreneur, or someone trying to better understand where things are headed, this episode will give you real-world perspective from people in the trenches.Share this with someone building a business or trying to make smarter moves in this economy.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →The Smarter Way to Invest in 2026 (Real Examples) | Generational Gains Ep. 44
Mar 1800:19:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Generational Gains, Carson and Greg break down real conversations with clients this week — and the biggest investing mistake they see over and over again:Going ALL-IN on one strategyWhether it’s stocks, crypto, real estate, or even alternative assets… most people swing too hard in one direction — and pay for it later.In this episode, we dive into:A real client with $800K in the stock market questioning what to do nextWhy going “all-in” (even on good investments) is riskyWho self-directed investing is actually for (and who it’s NOT for yet)The ideal investment allocation strategy most people missHow to balance:StocksReal estate / alternative assetsSafe, guaranteed assets (like life insurance)Why your strategy should change with your stage of lifeThe difference between accumulation vs protection vs income planningKey takeaway:Wealth isn’t built by picking the “perfect investment”…It’s built by creating the right mix of investments that can survive any market.Who this is for:You have $75K–$500K+ saved and want to invest smarterYou’re nervous about the market but don’t know what to doYou’ve been told to “just stay in the market” but it doesn’t feel rightYou want more control, diversification, and protectionWant help building your own plan?Reach out and we can walk through your numbers and show you exactly how this could look for you.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →How to Protect Your Retirement Income From Market Crashes (Volatility Buffer Explained) | Generational Gains Ep. 43
Feb 1800:28:16Tap to summarizeIn Episode 43 of Generational Gains, Greg and Carson break down one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning:Most advisors help you climb the mountain (accumulation)…but almost nobody teaches you how to get back down safely (distribution).That’s where the SAFE Method comes in — a strategy that uses a volatility buffer so you can keep income steady in retirement without being forced to sell assets when the market is down.In this episode, we cover:The 2 phases of retirement: Accumulation vs DistributionWhy market volatility is the real retirement killerThe truth behind the 4% rule (and why it’s not as “safe” as people think)How newer research pushes that withdrawal rate closer to ~2.8–3%Why sequence-of-returns risk matters more than average returnsHow a SAFE account can let your growth assets recover during down yearsWhy whole life insurance can be used as a non-correlated, liquid, guaranteed bufferA simple example of how the SAFE Method can improve outcomes with the same savingsThe goal isn’t to “invest more.” It’s to allocate smarter — so your retirement income isn’t at the mercy of market timing.If you want to see what this looks like with your numbers, we can run the math and show you how a SAFE plan could fit into your retirement picture.Reach out to Carson to walk through it using your actual savings, timeline, and goals.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →3 Years Into Infinite Banking: Real Policy Numbers Most People Never See | Generational Gains Ep. 42
Dec 3000:29:46Tap to summarizeIn Episode 42 of Generational Gains, Carson walks through a real client’s Infinite Banking policy — showing exactly how it looks 3 years in, how it was originally illustrated, and how it’s actually performing today.This is the part most people never see.Instead of theory or sales language, this episode breaks down:What a whole life policy looks like after the early yearsWhy Infinite Banking feels confusing in years 1–2What actually changes in Year 3 and beyondHow paid-up additions (PUAs) create liquidityWhy policy cash value begins growing faster than contributionsThe difference between guaranteed vs non-guaranteed valuesHow dividends, cash value, and death benefit really work togetherWhy Infinite Banking is a savings and banking system, not an investmentYou’ll also see:Projected vs actual cash value and death benefitWhy conservative illustrations often under-promiseHow this policy is already outperforming expectationsWhy banks fail — and insurance companies don’tHow to use policy loans without interrupting growth💡 Key Insight: Once a policy matures past the early years, every new dollar you put in becomes immediately usable — while still compounding for life.This episode is especially valuable if:You already have a policy and want a refresherYou’re 1–3 years in and questioning the processYou want to see real numbers, not marketing slidesYou’re considering Infinite Banking but want proofWatch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →How I Built a Wealth System at 23 (My Real Story & Banking Strategy) | Generational Gains Ep. 41
Dec 2200:20:23Tap to summarizeIn Episode 41 of Generational Gains, Carson shares his full personal story — how he went from a middle-class upbringing, losing money in the stock market, and questioning the traditional path… to building a repeatable wealth system centered around business ownership, Infinite Banking, and real estate.This episode isn’t theory. It’s real life.You’ll hear:• Why Carson stopped investing in the stock market at 18• How mentors like Chris Naugle and Justin Colby shaped his thinking• Why he dropped out of college to pursue financial education• How Infinite Banking became the foundation of his wealth strategy• Why life insurance is his primary capital reservoir• How he uses policy cash value to buy real estate• How this system creates tax efficiency, liquidity, and control• Why wealth is built through systems, not single investmentsThis episode is meant to be a case study — proof that these strategies aren’t abstract ideas, but real tools used by real people building real lives.Core Lesson:Wealth isn’t built overnight. It’s built by creating a system that produces income, stores capital safely, and reinvests it intentionally over time.Have questions about Infinite Banking, starting a business, or building your own system?Reach out to Carson, he is happy to connect.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →The Biggest Mistake People Make With Life Insurance | Generational Gains Ep. 40
Dec 1500:22:07Tap to summarizeIn Episode 40 of Generational Gains, Carson Herlean breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in the Infinite Banking world: policy illustrations.Too many people treat life insurance illustrations like investment projections — and that’s exactly where they go wrong.In this episode, Carson explains:• Why policy illustrations are NOT forecasts• What illustrations are actually designed to show (and what they don’t)• Why choosing a policy based on numbers alone is a mistake• How to properly evaluate policy design, efficiency, and trajectory• When a policy becomes efficient (and why Year 3 is critical)• How paid-up additions (PUAs), base premiums, and MEC limits really work• Why Infinite Banking is a banking system, not an investment strategyIf you’re already familiar with Infinite Banking and want a deeper, more accurate framework for understanding policy illustrations, this episode is for you.Key Takeaway:Policy illustrations don’t determine whether Infinite Banking is right for you.Your decision should be based on whether you want to build a personal banking system you control — not on short-term numbers.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →This Strategy Pays for Vacations, Taxes & Retirement | Generational Gains Ep. 39
Nov 700:20:53Tap to summarizeWhat if you could save money, use it, and still have it grow — all at the same time?Welcome to Generational Gains Episode 39, where Carson and Greg Herlean break down how the infinite banking strategy really works — and why it’s not what most people think.Inside this episode:✅ What infinite banking actually is (without the hype)✅ Why wealthy families use whole life insurance to build financial control✅ Real-life examples of using policies to pay for taxes, premiums, and even vacations✅ How to create a family bank — and teach your kids financial discipline✅ The truth about financial advisors, control, and compound growth✅ Why most people misunderstand this strategy (and how to fix the narrative)If you’ve ever heard the phrases “be your own bank” or “whole life is a scam” — you need to hear this. Carson’s helped over 3,000 people build policies and shares exactly how to make it work for you.🎙️ Hosted by: Carson & Greg Herlean🔔 Subscribe for more real talk about money, legacy, investing, and entrepreneurship.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →The One Word That’s Keeping You Broke | Generational Gains Ep. 38
Oct 1700:11:34Tap to summarizeIf you want more money, success, and peace — you need to stop saying one word.It’s not what you think. It’s “should.”In this episode of Generational Gains, Carson Herlean goes solo to share one of the most powerful mindset shifts he’s had this year: going “should-free.”What you’ll learn:✅ Why saying “I should” creates guilt, not growth✅ The 4-word mindset shift that rewires your brain✅ How this idea applies to saving, debt, real estate & investing✅ How Carson personally reframed his own money habits this week✅ Real client stories and what separates action-takers from excuse-makers✅ The difference between scarcity thinking and abundant livingIf you’re constantly saying, “I should save more… I should invest better…” this episode will show you how to actually do it — and become the type of person who takes action.Subscribe to Generational Gains for weekly wisdom on building wealth, mindset, and legacy.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
Transcribe →The Market Is Weird — Here’s the Truth No One’s Saying… | Generational Gains Ep. 37
Oct 600:20:48Tap to summarize2025 feels weird. The market’s shaky, banks are tighter, real estate is slowing — and behind the scenes, even experienced entrepreneurs are struggling.In this real and unfiltered episode of Generational Gains, Carson and Greg Herlean pull back the curtain on what they’re seeing inside their industries, mastermind groups, and conversations with other business owners.You’ll hear:✅ What 240+ business owners secretly admitted at a recent mastermind✅ Why even “safe” strategies like insurance & real estate are shifting✅ How small businesses, investors, and families are actually feeling right now✅ Why the next 6–12 months could be critical — and how to prepare✅ The honest truth: you’re not alone if you’re strugglingThis isn’t doom & gloom — it’s a father-son team sharing real experiences, lessons, and practical ideas for thriving during uncertainty.🎙️ Hosted by: Carson & Greg Herlean🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on money, real estate, entrepreneurship & legacy.Watch the full video episode on Greg's YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@gregherleanFollow and connect with Greg on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gregherlean/Check out Greg's website here: https://www.gregherlean.com/Carson's IG: https://www.instagram.com/c.herlean/Carson's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carsonherlean
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