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Welcome to the Amazing Authorities podcast, where game changers, visionaries and category leaders share how they built their brands, platforms and global influence. Your host is Mitch Carson, international speaker, media strategist, and creator of the Instant Authority system. If you're ready to learn from those who've done it and want to become the go to expert in your space, you're in the right place.
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Dr. Nicholas Michaels is the Amazing Authority today and you truly will find something amazing about him. When we met just a few moments ago, we had the pre interview. Before this interview, he revealed something that's going to shock you. Who of you? Welcome to the show, Dr. Michaels.
C
All right, thank you. I'm happy to be here. Thanks, Mitch.
B
I gotta dig into this.
C
Mm.
B
Who turns down $8 million?
C
Someone who's crazy.
B
Well, let's dig into your craziness.
C
You should have seen the look on my wife's face. I. I mean, when we got offered it and you know, never in my wildest dreams would I think that, oh my goodness, A, be offered that bid, B, turn it down. I just never really crossed my mind. But I started to see things in the financial industry. I started to see things that I didn't agree with cracks. And it was just corporate greed was real. And it wasn't every financial institution or every financial advisor, but just things that I just couldn't get on board with. And I went home and I told my wife, I remember like as yesterday, I said, babe, I can't do this anymore. I. I wanna, I think we should open up our own company and do things our way that really are going to help people. And, and you know what she said, Mitch? Without even. Didn't even hesitate, didn't even say, okay, hey, let's sit down and talk about this. Without even hesitating, she goes, let's do it.
B
Was she in the business also?
C
She was. My wife has been in the business and then we run the company together. So she's right here with me, which is so much fun. We enjoy it. So we get to do a lot of things together and integral parts of our lives connecting. So that's enjoyable. Building, building it and building it together. It's. It's fun.
B
So what do you talk about at 6:00'? Clock?
C
Yeah, great question. So on date nights I have. Because I love it. Like, this is like chocolate cake to me. Like, it's like college football. I could do it all day long. So I'll make a point. Certain times, certain things, we don't talk business. But, you know, we also have four Kids. So we've got a lot of things to talk about at six o'. Clock.
B
Oh my gosh. All right, that's a, that's a busy household. And you see, you handle. Here's what's interesting. I come from years ago, the brokerage business. I was with a big house, big wire houses, they were referred to back then. Long time ago you were with a wirehouse. And we're talking today, you made that decision to go off on your own with your wife. What happened? What was the breaking point? And then you had this, I guess, moral and ethical dilemma that was presented to you. Do I take 8 million and basically prostitute myself? Sell my soul to the evil wirehouse devil or wherever they were offering you the money? What, what snapped in you? Was it something spiritual or was it ethical or what, what.
C
It was a lot of that. It was actually a combination of both because from my point of view, like my faith, spirituality and ethical, they go hand in hand. And so it was just seen behind the curtains of a lot of things that I didn't know when I first got in the industry. I, as you're in an industry longer, you just start to see things and you become aware of them and then it's really eye openening. And then when I saw that and saw some of the things that, that, that, that I saw that, you know, corporate greed is real bottom dollar thinking, you know, it reminded me this story one time is that I, I had a friend who's retired in the business now, but he was having a conversation with his office manager in the financial industry. Now I didn't personally witness this, it didn't happen to me, but this story illuminates what things that I saw. And the office manager comes to my friend, the other financial advisor and says, hey, in every transaction there's three parties. One, the financial institution, two the financial advisor, and three, the client. Only two need to make money and you start to see things like that and that's real. And again, not every financial institution is like that financial advisor. It's like it really is. And then just, just it's, I mean I, and like again I wasn't a part of that conversation, but I just saw things like, similar to that and I just, I want to know part of it and what I love about having your own company. And if something changes in the world where we think is good and beneficial for the families we serve, we get to take advantage of it. If things change within the world of industry that we feel that art is not going to help the Families that we serve you don't have to worry about. So you kind of get to guide the ship and really just be specific and detail detailed on how you help people and what you think is best. And it. That freedom is amazing.
B
Let's see your book now. It's, it's sitting there subtly. All right, so there we go. Rich is a choice.
C
Oh, rich by choice. Okay. Rich by choice cover.
B
I mean, great cover, by the way. I do design. Yeah.
C
That is so. Rich by choice is two things, because this book is unique. It's not your typical financial book where it says, hey, you need X percentage in an emergency fund or this, that, or. Or a PE ratio. And those are all things are really important. They really are, Mitch. But this book takes the reader on a journey where it's about life of, hey, let's understand who's important to you, what's important to you, what's your money psychology. What are your own personal strengths and weaknesses? Because we all have them, myself included, you as well. How do we harness the strengths but protect ourselves, have specific safety nets from the weaknesses? What's the exact life that you want to live? And then, and only then, do you start aligning things. Because at the end of the day, Mitch, it's not. No one says, hey, I wish I would have made more money or worked longer when we were about to pass away. Nobody says that. It's. It's the people in your life. But, but here's the thing. The reality, it cost. What, what does it cost, Mitch, to live life?
B
Money?
C
It does. And, you know, it's just the way reality, it really is. So money, it's like a paradox. It's everything, but it's nothing. And so it's fascinating. So that, that, that's what it does in rich. And when I talk about this, when I talk about rich, it's, it's, it's rich in life, rich in love. You know, be a billionaire with hugs and kisses from your grandkids, be a multimillionaire with experiences with love, like rich in context. And then the choice is everybody's got a choice. I mean, how great is that?
B
Well, and you. We've heard the proverbial balance life. What is the balance life for you? And what have you seen in your life of the happiest people? I mean, money has to be part of it. People that say, oh, I don't care about money. Baloney. Yeah, I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better.
C
Absolutely. It is. Yeah. And I'm going To change that word from balance. And I, Mitch, I'll use the word intentional, okay? I mean be in, let me the same thing, but being intentional. The happiest people that I know understand what their happiness island is. And I talk about that in the book. Like it's, it's who makes you the happiest. What are you doing? What's the life you're going to live? You know, It's Tuesday afternoon 10 years from now and you're in retirement. Like what are you doing? Like they know what moves the needle in their life and they're very intentional about their, their calendar, their daily actions, how they're building wealth and what it's going to be used for. So that, that's the biggest thing is that the happiest people I know know what's important to them, know who's important to them and they're in a financial position to be able to live out that life and peace and freedom. It's not more, more, more, more, which again, there's nothing wrong with success and having more, but just for the sake of more. But it's when they understand both sides of the fence of, okay, hey, this is what I want. This is what's going to make me happy. This is who's important to me. This is my future life. Okay, now what do I need to do to make those dreams come true or sustain that life?
B
Well, you've got four kids, you work with your wife. That could be either the biggest nightmare or, or the greatest partnership of Dr. Michael's life. Some advise it, but obviously it works for you. And I asked what do you do at 6 o' clock when you come home after working all day together at 6 o' clock, but you come home to four kids, what are their ages?
C
So I've got a 19 year old son, a 10 year old girl, a 5 year old son and a 2 year old little girl. We've got a big gap. We're on a date night probably four years ago and it just came to us that hey, when we're, you know, 65 and looking back if we'd probably be happiest if we had another kid and so we went home crazy, had a fourth kid, just, I mean, I don't know what we were thinking but it's, it's a lot of fun.
B
Wow. Is that it? Is the factory closed?
C
Yes, we're, we're done. That's four, two boys, two girls and a dog and we're good.
B
All right. And is there a white picket fence or.
C
No, no, no, it's. It's organized chaos.
B
Okay. And what. How important is faith in. In terms of including that into the. To the formula, let's say rich by choice. Does that matter to you?
C
It does to me. To my personal life. I'm very honest. I talk about faith in there, and I'll tell you this little thing that happened in my life, but I'm going to be very upfront about this is in this book. And I have a note to the reader that talk about, hey, even if you don't believe what I believe, and maybe we had differ, my favorite color is orange and your favorite color is blue. I still care about you. This book can help you and I want to help you. And so I try not to be black and white, since you have to do what I do and believe what I believe. Or no, I don't like that.
B
I thank you for that.
C
Help people. No, it is. I appreciate that and I'm very upfront about that, that my goal is to help. And, you know, several years ago that I was sitting in church and my pastor's name was Pastor Rick, and he was doing this series, and the series was titled what the Bible doesn't say. Fascinating, because that's an interesting track. It really was. Now, the first one you've probably heard this very common is, hey, people think the Bible says money is evil. And no, actually, if you look at the Bible says money is the root of. Of evil or the lust of money is the root of all evil, not money. Money is amoral. And that's a very popular one. But the next one is when it really caught my attention. So Pastor Rick starts a series by telling the story. He's in seminary school. Pastor Rick's best bud comes up to me to him and goes, hey, did you know that gambling is a sin and against the Bible? And my pastor, Pastor Rick, goes, I'll bet you a hundred dollars you can't find anywhere in the Bible where it says gambling's a sin.
B
They just gamble.
C
That's the joke of it. But the bottom line is it caught my. Because I, for whatever reason, and I'm not here to promote gambling or talking, I'm just saying it caught my attention that there's certain things, a lot of things that I thought that people that, hey, it might be bad. And I, you know, being a person of faith, I've read the Bible a lot, but I never read it all the way through. So at point I said, it's so if you read three chapters today, it takes you a Year, six chapters a day. It takes you six months. So I read it all in about a year, and it completely changed my life because of two ways. One is when you really understand something and you try, and I'm far from perfect, but try to live in a manner that aligns with what you believe. There's. There's peace in that. But also, I did this when I was going through my cfp, my cpwa, my dba, my doctorate. So I was doing a lot of education in the financial world, business world, and I was reading the Bible, and it came to me that they say the same thing, that some of the most successful, most intelligent people in world history in the Bible. There's a lot of similarities. Now, not that you have to believe what I believe, but it's really good advice. And so I talk about some of those things in the book. So you asked me, you know, where's faith play? And faith plays a lot. Just not only belief in how I live my life, but also, I mean, I think the Bible is one of the greatest business books ever written.
B
Oh, I would agree. You know, it's another good book. And I read it because I was curious. I'm always curious. As I remember, I took a comparative religion course in college in my undergraduate, and I was curious. I read about Islam, so I read the Holy Quran. I thought, okay, why not be informed? Okay, they're our purported enemy, and they're really not. They're more pious than most Christians I know, meaning they pray five times a day and they've got their routines. And I found more similarities than dissimilarities. Faith in a higher power God, you know, they call it Allah, but it's the same. You know, it's. It's monotheistic, very similar. And people have to educate themselves before they render an opinion. I found so important is educate yourself. Then you can be part of the conversation. If not, zip it.
C
And that's what I advocate. And I talk about that in the book as well. And this is just one chapter, by the way. But I say, hey, read the Bible. Don't believe me, Read the Bible or read books for yourself. Because now I'm at a point in my life where someone might say, hey, the Bible says this, or if you're a Christian, you have to do this. And then I'll. I'll kind of know. Not that I know it all, but I'll kind of know. And I don't argue with people, but it's a, It's a very freeing to be educated is a Very freeing feeling because you can't be manipulated by what other people say because you have an idea. And then also too, like I said, it's peaceful. Like what you believe in your heart when you're trying to live it out a certain way, there's, there's joy in that. And so it, I challenge people all the time. Hey, don't, don't. And also I'll talk to kids. I'll say, don't believe what I say. Go research it and find out where if I'm wrong. And I love doing that because what are they going to do, Mitch? They're going to go and they're going to educate themselves, which is great.
B
That's smart. You're going to give our viewers slash listeners a gift today. Tell us about your gift because everybody likes early Christmas. It just passed.
C
Everybody likes gifts. Yeah. If they go to the website, which is www.richbychoicebook.com richbychoicebook.com and right there on the home screen, there's a green box and it says free gift. And you click on compounding by choice. In this specific chapter, we're going to send you PDF absolutely free. We've gotten more success stories about this chapter than any other chapter. And it's wonderful. And why is because it's a little bit different. Mitch, when I think about compounding or you think about it, what do you think about? What comes to mind? Just the word compounding.
B
Growth.
C
That's it. Yeah. Compounding interest. That's what people talk about. But what it talks about helps you understand is every area of your life is compounding right now. Every single area. It's either compounding for good or compounding for bad. It's either growing like a mutual fund or a real estate investment growing or, you know, credit card debt going negative. And so what it does is it gives you simple, easy exercises to start understanding the areas in your life and the people in your life that are real meaningful, that move, that happiness island. And then it gives you little small strategies, daily strategies you can start incorporating. That's going to start moving the needle because most people, they'll say things like, hey, I'll only be happy when I get to a million dollars, or I only be happy when I have a 10 million, 100 million or whatever I find. Mr. And Mrs. Right. But it's actually research shows, is that when you start the journey of taking small little steps towards those goals, small little stacks and actions and strategies towards, hey, what's going to make you happy? The life that's going to bring you joy. That's when joy and peace start to start to evolve more in your life. And so if they like richbychoicebook.com click on free gift green box compounding by choice, we're going to send it to you. And that's what I love. You know, I, I love that and people love, they told me that, hey, you know, we love books that give you good ideas, but if they give you little action strategies to actually make a difference in your life, they're very grateful for that. And so that's why we received a lot of feedback.
B
I think when you mentioned the most successful people have a lot of traits in common. I'll call it the common denominator of success. They seem to have a, an intentional slash balanced life. As you mentioned, you talked about your faith. You look like you're in shape, so I presume you exercise. Do you, do you take a certain amount of you time where or vacation time with the family or by yourself? Do you separate? Do you feel like that clears your head?
C
Oh, absolutely. Oh, it does. And that's, and that's. So every year you map out what's intentional to you, like creating memorable experiences. With my wife and kids. My family is very important to me. Even from a young age when we didn't have a lot of money, we invested in spending time together in what vacations, because we think that's an investment. So absolutely it is. You need to. And, and so you talk about, I call them virtues of success. And it's funny that you mean you bring that up, Mitch, because I think all your listeners need to know that, that, you know, think about a ladder right here. If I put a ladder up and that's my hand on this side of the ladder everybody wants to have. They want a new car, they want a bigger house, they want, you know, this or that, new clothes and then under, under that. On this side is also people you know to do. You need to take action, which is very important. I'm not knocking either one of these, but the one side that a lot of people not talk about is who you are, who you're becoming, who are you? Because I see more characteristics over here that if you can become the person that you need to be to achieve the success level, if you focus on this over here, you'll start taking the right action and you'll get what you want. But not a lot of people talk about that. You talked about virtues of success like, you know, look at Benjamin Franklin. He worked on certain things for months At a time, those virtues to become a great person who accomplish all those things. And not a lot of people talk about that. I'm happy that you brought that up.
B
Well, you got to put in. You've got to do the reps before you get big biceps, don't you?
C
You do that. That is.
B
I mean, got to put in the. And you got to also work on the triceps. You know, that muscle is. You got to balance everything or you look funny. You know, it's. I think about the bodybuilders, some of these guys at the gym, at least when I was growing up, that big upper bodies, and they would focus on the bench press and then they have these stick legs.
C
Yeah, it's so, so true. And I have a basketball background. I played professional basketball in Europe before going in the financial industry. And how tall are you? I'm 62. And okay. Yeah, I was a guard. And it's interesting, the basketball world, I'm sure in the business world, I'm average to tall. And so what they'll say is, like, what did you learn from athlete? You know, athletics, playing sports. And I'll tell them that, you know all these great athletes. I used to do basketball camps for kids all around the world. And I'll say, hey, you might see a proven product, whether it BE Michael Jordan, LeBron James, whomever you like, Tiger woods, any type of sport. What you don't see is the thousands upon thousands of hours and repetitions that happened for decades before they got on the big screen. And what I love about money in business, Mitch, is it's the same thing. Money in business is a skill. But the difference is, and this is exciting, that LeBron James, being 6 foot 8, 250 pounds of just natural ability, he has an advantage. But guess what, Mitch, you and I, it's an evil even playing field that, yes, there might be small advantage, but anybody can become super successful. Anybody can develop the skill for money. Just. Just about anybody. I mean, that's exciting that it's a choice. And so that's. That's fascinating. It should inspire everybody that, hey, no matter where you're at right now, you can change your stars. I mean, we live in the United States of America. It's one of the greatest countries ever, if not the greatest country. If you want to go into real estate, go into real estate. You want to own a restaurant, go in a rush. I mean, you could.
B
We have options. We have options, Americans.
C
It does. I mean, if you. You've traveled a lot, haven't you?
B
All around 63 countries.
C
Okay. How many places have you been to where it. So many places where it's just you don't have those options and that freedom.
B
Out of the countries I've been to, I mean, I spent time in Dubai, produced events there. If you tie in, the network is really important. I would say associate with. There are a lot of people that will claim you're within 5% of the top five people you rub elbows with. I tend. Okay, because mindset's contagious.
C
I do, I do agree with that. I mean, you're, you're an average of some of who you surround yourself with. And, and you talk about virtues earlier. I, A lot of very successful, especially in business. I mean, they're joining masterminds. They're even paying money to be around more educated, smarter, successful people. And I'm one of them. I, I, I'm huge into positive growth mindset, because great is yes, you become a sum. But you know what I also realize, Mitch, is you realize that they're human just like you, and that you can do it. It's almost like a confidence builder that, you know, you share ideas and you help each other along, but then you realize that, hey, we're all human. Like, if someone else can, you know, accomplish this, like, they put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you and I do, we can do it too. It's just what are their daily activities that they're focusing on? And so it's very rewarding.
B
That's cool. Well, all right. So they can go to richbychoicebook.com, get the free chapter, learn more. And in your day job, how do you make money? How do you help?
C
Yeah, yeah, I do better by helping other people do better. It's a good, good question. We, we actually specialize in six different areas. We do what the book does in helping. You know, like, when people come in, they'll start talking about numbers and dollars and cents and spreadsheets and all this stuff. And, and I tell them that's wonderful, but I'll, I'll first say, you know, hey, I care about you and your family more than I do your money. And that's where we start. I mean, understand all those things I talk about in the book, the life that's gonna give them the most joy, you know, not only when they're here, but when they're gone. And then, like, exactly. That's it. And it's so important. But then we dive into a deep dive into six key carriers. One is investment consulting. You Know, how do you make smart decisions with your money? I mean, that's, that's the number one financial need across especially affluent families in America. But number two is, you know, in three, or what's called wealth enhancement. That's tax mitigation. Increased cash flow, huge. Mitch, I can't tell you, a lot of people, even our even high net worth families that come to us, they're not getting tax advice, being proactive with tax strategies. People talk about asset allocation, not enough people are talking about asset location. So this is huge. And it is. And not just looking at taxes over one year, but looking at taxes over the next 10, 15, 20, 30 years. That's big. Increased cash flow, you know, asset protection. Not only asset protection, but protecting, you know, a lifestyle going forward. You know, wealth transfer, which is making sure your loved ones are taken care of. But then the last one, all of our clients, we check mark those five boxes, last one's very rewarding too, because once you check mark those five boxes, you're taken care of, your life's taken care of, you have enough money, your family's taken care of. Now it's, hey, how do we make a larger impact on the world? That's fine. I mean, I've got some pretty unique stories where I'll, I'll tell you about, you know, we get into another time. But I'll tell you, I have clients that weren't really excited about legacy planning. You know, even ones who, some didn't have kids and family, they just thought about it. When you start looking at the world, the impact you could make, they get excited about that because it's fun to think about, hey, what you've built here can be a, make a huge impact to others. Not just now, but 100 years from now.
B
That's great. Yeah. When you talk about tax mitigation or not evasion, but smart choices. Many of my high net worth friends live in Puerto Rico now because it's 4% tax all in.
C
Oh, okay.
B
Yeah. And, and I moved to Nevada during the pandemic. I'm originally originating from California because I didn't want to go back and pay 13% state income tax. I mean, you're in Texas, I'm sure. Not by accident, unless you're a native.
C
I am a native. Born, raised, just God bless me, I worked out. I call that a godwink. He was looking out for me. I love Texas. I love the warm weather. But yeah, you know, the United States Constitution is very clear. It's our job to pay our fair share. No More, no, less. And why I say that is there are tax rules and tax codes. You can't be mad at someone if they're paying less than taxes. Now, if they're breaking the law, that's different. But if they're using tax strategies, what's within the tax code? And that's what we do. And people love that because like you talked about, the difference between 13% and 4%, I mean, compound that over 5 years, 10 years, 20 years along, that's a significant amount of money. And there's a lot of tax strategies out there that people, they're not even aware of, I mean, that are there for them and they're, they're just not taking advantage of it. And so I think it's important.
B
Well, so when I, when I made the choice to come back to America, actually I was compulsory to leave Thailand. At the time, the idea of going back to California just turned my stomach because when you're overseas, tax is minimal. I mean, when, if you're out of the country 330 days, you're eligible to get a huge, I think it's the first 140 grand is wiped clean, it's out, it's off your adjusted gross income. So I thought, oh my gosh, am I going to pay California taxes again? So I use that smart strategy. I'm sure you discussed that in the book. Like you said, that's one of the tenets is tax, what do you call it? Tax management or tax avoidance or mitigation.
C
Yeah, tax mitigation is wealth enhancements, increased cash flow and tax mitigation. And so it's the same thing. It's just proactive tax rate, looking at things, understanding things. And a lot of financial advisors, they don't get people's tax returns, which is shocking to me. I mean, the ripple effect that over thing of things that happen in their tax life and what we do, I mean, there's a huge ripple effect in overflow. And so I think it's so important, and I get this question, Mitch, a lot. They'll say, well, you know, we do have clients in California or any state. And they'll say, hey, you know, I could get a smaller house or, excuse me, a less expensive house as some other place around the United States, or pay less taxes. And the first thing I tell them is, okay, yes, that is something we definitely want to look at, but let's use that. The way is again, going back to be intentional. Is it worth it? Are you happy there? Is it bringing you joy? There's going to be a cost associated. But let's understand what's going to, what the life is going to make you the most happy. And then we can start talking about financial strategies as well. Because like you said, money, you need it. But it's not everything. I mean how many people do you know, Mitch, that have a ton of money and they're not happy?
B
Fewer than the people who have no money are unhappy. So I believe the wealthy people are happier because life allows them choices.
C
That is, I'll give you that there's some more freedom and where they shot I do but like I said there's, like I said earlier, there's several forms of wealth because I do know people that you know might not have the greatest relationship with their kids, you know, and they, they gladly give up money.
B
Love of money, as you mentioned.
C
Yeah, yeah, it is. So there's nothing wrong with having money. There's nothing wrong with being rich that. But it's also, it's just you want to make sure and like you said, balance or being intentional of hey, what are all the things that are going to make you happy? Now money is definitely one form of wealth. That's it that you definitely do want. And then wealth is subjective.
B
Truly is. Well, you've been a great guest, Dr. Michaels, and for the book. They've got that information in order to get in touch with you directly. If they want somebody that gives them the comprehensive wealth assessment, let's just call it or life assessment. It's more than just wealth Life assessment. Where do they reach out to you?
C
The same website. There'll be a thing that says contact Nick and we, you'll first talk with my team obviously because we get, get so many people wanting, you know, to, to speak with me. And so you first talk to them and then if, if it's a good fit, we really can help you. We'll, we'll set up a time and talk with, and talk with me and then you get our full team services. And so we, we love it. Mitch. It's, it's one of those things when I was younger, I was an intern and when you see, and you know this when you see the actual benefits, kind of when you go mow your grass, you can actually see the job that you've done.
B
Sure.
C
When looking back, wealth management is the same way. When you see the impact that it makes on people and the joy they have in your life, you know, let everybody, every human being is the same. They want to avoid pain and gain pleasure. How do you overcome concern and add joy. And so when you see that I love what I do, it's, it's a lot of fun. So I'm grateful.
B
Great. Well, thank you so much for your time today and we'll have you back in the future for sure.
C
Thanks Mitch.
A
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Episode: Rich By Choice: Dr. Nicholas Michaels on Ethical Wealth, Intentional Living, and Long-Term Financial Freedom
Host: Mitch Carson
Guest: Dr. Nicholas Michaels
Date: February 4, 2026
In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Dr. Nicholas Michaels, financial advisor, author, and former professional athlete, to discuss the ethical pursuit of wealth, living intentionally, and achieving long-term financial freedom. Dr. Michaels shares his personal story of turning down an $8 million offer in favor of doing business aligned with his values, building a company with his wife, and writing his book Rich by Choice. The conversation explores the intersection of money, happiness, faith, personal development, and actionable financial strategies.
“I started to see things in the financial industry...cracks. Corporate greed was real...I just couldn't get on board. I went home and told my wife...I think we should open up our own company and do things our way...She goes, ‘Let's do it.’” (01:08 – 01:46)
“It’s organized chaos.” (09:28)
“Rich in life, rich in love...Be a billionaire with hugs and kisses from your grandkids, be a multimillionaire with experiences with love...then the choice is everybody’s got a choice.” (06:29 – 06:55)
“The happiest people that I know understand what their happiness island is...They’re very intentional about their calendar, their daily actions, how they’re building wealth and what it’s going to be used for.” (07:16 – 08:26)
“I have a note to the reader...even if you don’t believe what I believe...I still care about you. This book can help you and I want to help you.” (09:45 – 10:13)
“Being educated is a very freeing feeling because you can’t be manipulated by what other people say because you have an idea.” (13:28 – 14:15)
On Money’s True Role:
“Money, it’s like a paradox. It’s everything, but it’s nothing.” (06:29)
On the Power of Choice:
“Anybody can become super successful. Anybody can develop the skill for money...it’s a choice.” (19:36 – 20:13)
On Wealth and Impact:
“Once you check mark those five boxes...now it’s, hey, how do we make a larger impact on the world?...What you’ve built here can make a huge impact to others. Not just now, but 100 years from now.” (23:34 – 23:59)
On Virtues of Success:
“If you can become the person that you need to be to achieve the success level, if you focus on this over here, you’ll start taking the right action and you’ll get what you want...Not a lot of people talk about that.” (17:29 – 18:17)
“They put their pants on one leg at a time, just like you and I do, we can do it too.” (20:55 – 21:45)
Dr. Michaels’ core message is that wealth is about intentional living, ethical decisions, and enjoying meaningful success in all areas—money, relationships, impact, and personal growth. Anyone can learn to be “rich by choice,” but it starts with clarity, education, and daily action aligned with your true values.