Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Travis Makes Money
Host: Travis Chappell
Episode: Make Money by Following This Advice from Brad Lea
Date: September 17, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Travis Chappell reacts to a viral social media clip of entrepreneur Brad Lea discussing why most people should avoid purchasing expensive, depreciating assets like luxury vehicles. Through the lens of Brad's advice, Travis explores the practical and psychological whys behind wealth accumulation, addressing not only how to make more money but also how disciplined, long-term thinking can multiply wealth and provide financial freedom. The episode features Travis’s candid commentary, critiques from internet commenters, and real-world examples to illustrate the divide between flashy displays of wealth and actual financial security.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brad Lea’s Core Advice: Don’t Buy Depreciating Assets (00:46–01:33)

• Brad’s Example:
  Brad describes buying a $130,000 Range Rover, driving it for a few years until it's worth $60,000, versus investing that money at 10% annual returns:
  • The investment would provide $13,000/year in returns, enough to “afford” the car from the generated cash flow—while keeping the principal and letting it compound.
  • Alternative: Skip the flashy car, keep saving/investing the $13,000/year, and potentially have $300,000 after ten years.
• Key Quote (Brad Lea):
  “Put the money into investments that are going to give you a return, and then you can play with money that’s coming in from those investments...That’s what you buy toys with.” (01:10)

2. Travis’s Take on Brad’s Advice (01:35–02:58)

• Agreeing with the Principle:
  Travis strongly echoes Brad’s philosophy that active income should not be spent on depreciating assets, but rather invested first.
• Simple Investment Vehicles:
  Even without sophisticated knowledge, the S&P 500 (average ~10% return long-term) is cited as an accessible way to benefit from compounding.
• Key Quote (Travis):
  “You don’t have to be a savvy investor...You put it into the S&P or something like that, it’s going to return on average...10% a year.” (02:23)

3. Debate: Is 10% Return Realistic? (02:58–05:17)

• Commenter Skepticism:
  Travis reads out several skeptical social media comments doubting the possibility of reliably getting 10% returns, accusing Brad of being unrealistic or “selling hot air balloons.”
• Data-Driven Response:
  Travis and his producer point out that, historically, the S&P 500 has returned ~10% annually since 1957 (10.33% average), though the inflation-adjusted return is lower (6–7%).
• Key Quote (Producer):
  “Since 1957, the S&P 500 has delivered an average annual return of 10.33%.” (04:51)
• Travis's Counter:
  “Go to ChatGPT or Google real quick, bro, and look up the average return of the S&P 500...It’s got to be close to 10%.” (04:33)

4. Behind the Scenes: Brad’s Regrets and Lessons (05:45–06:25)

• Personal Experience:
  Travis shares that Brad has, in private, regretted spending so much on cars and “flashy stuff” in his youth, wishing instead he had invested more (e.g., in multifamily real estate).
• Key Quote (Travis, paraphrasing Brad):
  “If I could go back, I would park that money into multifamily real estate...I’d still be able to go buy the things—I just may not be able to buy it today.” (06:02)

5. Smart Car Buying Strategies (06:38–08:27)

• Wait for Depreciation:
  Commenters and Travis suggest buying luxury cars used, after most depreciation has occurred (e.g., three-year-old off-lease vehicles).
• Investment Threshold:
  “If you don’t have enough money to buy it three times over cash, then don’t buy it...Six figures is not a small amount of money.” (06:49)
• Key Buying Tip:
  “The best thing is looking for cars that are off of a three-year lease...the majority of the value that’s depreciating…is probably already off the value of the car by that time.” (07:44)

6. Mindset of Wealth Accumulation (08:44–11:08)

• Choosing Investments Over Flash:
  Travis shares a personal anecdote about how, even with a hypothetical million dollars, he’d rather invest in assets that generate income, then use the earnings to buy luxuries.
• “Money Babies” Analogy:
  “Is that money better served being put to use somewhere else that actually generates money and makes little money babies for me while I’m sleeping?” (10:37)
• Long-Term Thinking vs. Short-Term Status:
  The critical difference in mindset between those who accumulate wealth and those who don’t is patience and willingness to let investments compound.

7. The Reality of Millionaires’ Lifestyles (11:31–13:42)

• Most Millionaires Drive Practical Cars:
  Travis references studies (including by the Ramsey team) showing Toyotas—not luxury cars—are most common among millionaires; Lexus is the only major luxury brand in the top five.
• Alex Hormozi’s Story:
  When asked “I thought you were supposed to be rich” after arriving in a used Camry, Hormozi simply replied, “You should see my bank account.” (12:53)
• Luxury Cars Are Often About Optics:
  Many who drive “status” vehicles can barely afford them; true wealth is often understated.

8. Final Lesson: Financial Discipline & Long-Term Focus (14:14–14:54)

• Discipline is Essential:
  Travis concludes by reiterating that financial discipline and a long-term perspective are mandatory for wealth creation.
• Notable Farewell Quote:
  “Money only solves your money problems, but it’s easier to solve the rest if you’ve got money in the bank. So let’s solve that first here.” (14:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Brad Lea:
  “Or better yet, pass on the Range Rover, keep driving the car, let the $13,000 stack up, and in 10 years, you got $300,000 doing the same.” (01:11)

• Travis Chappell:
  “If you don’t have enough money to buy it three times over cash, then don’t buy it...Your cash is better served working in investments.” (06:49)

• Commenter (as read by Travis):
  “It’s a big club and you ain’t in it. People that can get 10% interest.” (02:58)

• Alex Hormozi (via Travis):
  “You should see my bank account.” (12:53)

• Travis’s Closing Thought:
  “Stop thinking so short term, start thinking more long term, and set up yourself in the future to make the decisions that you can’t now...Money only solves your money problems, but it’s easier to solve the rest of your problems if you got money in the bank.” (14:14, 14:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|------------| | Intro & Viral Brad Lea Clip | 00:28–01:33| | Travis Reacts & Explains Investment Logic | 01:35–02:58| | Internet Skepticism Over “10% Returns” | 02:58–05:17| | Brad’s Private Regret and Investing Lessons | 05:45–06:25| | Smart Buying: Used Cars & Depreciation | 06:38–08:27| | Millionaire Cars & Hormozi’s Bank Account Quote | 11:31–13:42| | Final Lesson: Financial Discipline | 14:14–14:54|

Tone & Style

The discussion is candid, practical, and a little tongue-in-cheek, especially when addressing online critics. Travis consistently maintains a down-to-earth approach, emphasizing relatable decision-making and mocking the faux-status mindset. Inspiration is mixed with actionable, no-nonsense advice throughout the episode.