What I Learned From Being BROKE!!! (And Why I Wouldn’t Change It)

No one disputes the fact that being broke isn’t great. We want to spread the word that no matter where you came from, you can build wealth. In this episode, Brian and Bo share personal stories about their journey to wealth and lessons they learned along the way.
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Bring confidence to your wealth building with simplified strategies from The Money Guy. Learn how to apply financial tactics that go beyond common sense and help you reach your money goals faster. Make your assets do the heavy lifting so you can quit worrying and start living a more fulfilled life.

[@SilverCpa]

Anyone else really enjoy the optimism and positivity these guys radiate? Big fans!

[@kevinkanter2537]

yes - and it is NOT "toxic optimism" but grounded in experience.

[@jacobhughart8203]

Yes

[@akirebara]

I'd love to hear more about Bo's story. It sounds like a rough childhood and I'm so happy for him and his success in life now.

[@TruthSubjective]

I had no idea! Me too!

[@ericnelius9062]

This was probably the best Money Guy show y'all have done. The majority of financial content on KZbin is both repetitive and not personal (get rid of high interest debt, don't spend more than you earn, max out retirement, etc). Going over how y'all made it from having less at your disposal than the folks around you to where y'all are today was great! If you develop perseverance and grit, what once seemed impossible becomes difficult but doable. Thank y'all for sharing the life lessons (and good parenting techniques), and congratulations on making it in Williamson county!

[@briankatz3955]

First comment. Now to let this comment grow with compound interest.

[@aaronvangelder433]

The 8th wonder of the comment world.

[@JakeCalleOficial]

Appreciate it!

[@WeBeatMedicare6969]

@@JakeCalleOficial literally

[@peternguyen1911]

I’m so excited to see it grow

[@nelsonquinones2469]

I'm really excited about this one... may it grow 88 times over before reaching the bowling point! 😂

[@bygone8676]

I've followed the channel for about 5 years now. I have binged more episodes than is healthy, rewatched many, and I'm sure completely forgotten other gems. This is by far my favorite video so far. You guys always mention humble beginnings and core values but getting to hear more specific stories growing up makes it so much more real.

[@eimienwanlanibhagui4859]

I just shared same sentiment! I thought I was the only one that observed it. So many personal, inspiring, and thought-provoking aspects in the episode. Great stuff!

[@amitychief3061]

Absolutely loved this episode. These guys are so inspiring without being preachy. I have always said all teenagers should work part time once they become of age. Earning, saving, and spending your own money teaches you about the value and power of money as well as wants vs. needs and basic budgeting. Also, your first jobs are typically difficult, menial, perhaps blue collar or require physical labor in perhaps not the most comfortable environment and that in itself is a life lesson. I remember having a discussion with some high school friends years later after we had all graduated college and were in the work force. We all were talking about how hard we worked for very little pay back in high school and how fortunate we were to have good jobs now. I remember more than once sitting at my white collar desk and being depressed because maybe things were tough and not going well, and then thinking back to when I was a teenager working in an un-airconditioned kitchen on a brutal hot summer day for very little pay. Made me appreciate where I was and made the rest of the day go better. It also made me appreciate all those people who are working those jobs today. Everyone trying to earn an honest living deserves respect.

[@destiniez04]

Growing up broke made me hungry for success. Started working at 17 at a water park doing airbrush tattoos. I bought my first home at 27, have a great net worth, enjoy my career and I’m set to retire before 60.

[@moneymanagement24]

Thanks for sharing your vulnerability with us. Successful people often don’t share that along the way. Thanks so much Brian & Bo.

[@KP-hi1om]

I remember being poor growing up in Los Angeles and living with our cousins and aunt. I didn't know that we were poor because everyone around us was poor. My mother started working two jobs and moved us from L.A. to Pasadena. Looking back on that move I now realize that one of the most important things my mom did was to change our environment and the friends we grew up with. I am now 52. One of my cousins is dead, another in in prison for life, and the last one is a baby making machine with multiple baby daddys. My wife and I are high school sweethearts and have been married 31 years. We have one kid. Lastly we are debt free (except for house $143k left @ 2.25%) trending towards millionarie status within the next eight years. Where you start does not dictate where you end.

[@eliusgraff4131]

Something they didn’t touch on that was super important for me on my journey: those early jobs are also super important to create relationships that you might not have if you come from humble beginnings. It was talking to customers in my service job that got me the connections that I used to find a job in my field of study. It was building personal relationships with the older folks at my work that got me into investing in the first place. Without that first service industry job in college, I probably wouldn’t have found the job I have now and definitely would not be investing and planning for my future. Cheers!

[@stephaniegaddis1716]

I grew up in a household where money was always a stressor and cause of fighting. As an adult I can see the problem wasn't lack of hard work or the amount of money, but lack of self-discipline and money management education. I swore my marriage and family wouldn't be like that -- and it hasn't. So, money management education is something I stress with our kids. We require them to get a driver's license at 16, and we require them to get a job, and we require them to pay for their part of our car insurance and their cell phones. And THEN we require them to save up cash and buy a cheap car. I talk a LOT about budgeting and work with them to develop a plan for their money. I also take them with me and teach them how to shop with a budget. So far, so good, but they are only 16, 18, and 20, so we will see what choices they make over the next 10 years!

[@tressalewis7004]

I come from a family who often said I wish I had the Jones money. They were always in the overdraft, maxed out credit cards, which they would put the balanced owed onto their mortgage when it was renewal time. In 1976 mortgage started out at 35,000 give or take. When they sold their house last year they owed twice as much. My in-laws were the complete opposite. Everything they owned they owned! They never had a mortgage on their house. They even left money for us when the two of them passed away! amazing! I am learning…. Our net worth is around $800,000.

[@sstrongman1667]

Man, that fear part is a double edged sword in my opinion. Fear has led me to stay in a job that I absolutely hated for 3 years longer than I should have. I put in a month notice a week ago, and instantly realized it was the right decision.

[@codyhedgecoth4089]

I’m thankful and uplifted by the real life, personal, stories shared in this episode! I might be as excited about this episode as Bo is 😁 Keep up the great work Money Guys; this content is needed and appreciated!

[@CAGChannel1]

More details on those profound stories, please!

[@hebrews11vs5]

I have watched a lot of content here on this channel, and this episode is especially good. It's practical and has some great life lessons.

[@aaravsamardh7089]

Apart from the bank where can I invest a good amount of money, I have a strong feeling they are ripping me off.

[@carendemoya5429]

Hey Mate, the same here I had to pull 400k from my bank last week to my real estate, looking out for better options

[@molleespillett3181]

Is this Greed? I make 6k weekly from a trader who trades for me, I know this is a good ROI but I still want more, lol its never enough I guess.

[@aaravsamardh7089]

It’s not Greed if it’s a calculated risk, the more money you make the more doors you unlock.

[@carendemoya5429]

Hey Mollee. Any chance you can share your trader with me ?

[@molleespillett3181]

Jennifer Lilibeth Tibbs look up her name

[@gobot4455]

I grew up in abject poverty - we lived in a mud hut. It sucked but I remember being happy too because we were so connected as a family.

[@Wais330]

Best episode yet! I’ve been here since 35k subscribers. I grew up poor and I’ll never forget the feelings of going without basic needs as a kid. Even with success, I’ll never forget where I came from.

[@bluesteel8]

Loved today’s show. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@mandypdx]

I grew up with an inflatable pool in the bathroom, and remember my mom bringing boiling pots of water to heat up my bath. She died when i was young and never saw me graduate and eventually get my MBA.

[@charlesjoseph730]

I have been consuming everything you guys have put out and this was your best show by far. So inspiring and vulnerable.

[@mortonmattd7494]

too bad hard work isnt appreciated as much any more, these days people want the most for the least

[@laurijohnson7754]

I was always told no matter what job you have be the best at it. It was great advice. You always want to be valuable at any career you have

[@Tazemi.]

32:00 - 32:16 Really resonates with my personal upbringing! I Loved to play video games it was my joy so my parents leaned me into choosing a tech high school to become a coder which I then realised that I may love to play the games but I don't enjoy making them. So with that experience in life, I will try to support my children into chosing what they think may be right instead of what I personally would think be right because at the end of the day, only you truly know yourself.

[@margie909]

My first money guys video.

[@michaelswami]

You picked a good one.

[@mustymonster9877]

It’s so crazy hearing their stories and feeling relatable.

[@rangequeen]

Great episode. So much of personal finance is emotional. I don’t think most people realize that. We can decide our futures ❤

[@shanebeaver7053]

You guys Rock! Thanks for guidance and sharing. I’ve learned and received affirmations that I needed. Much love to y’all

[@edwardwilliams3216]

I focused on my grades, and it took me forever to figure things out that I should have been figuring out as a teenager. (Also, school didn't prepare me for anything.)

[@eduardopadrino2117]

I've been following the Money Guy Show for a few years and the content so far has been nothing but wonderful. This video felt very inspiring to me as someone who is doing the most I can to make ends meet as I'm in the first few years out of school starting my journey. Thank you for all you do!

[@rowboat8343]

This has been quite an emotional episode. I can relate to so many points you have made. I hope we can impart your wisdom onto our kids.

[@PxlMrk]

Lesson 1 4:22 Lesson 2 14:47 Lesson 3 23:07 Lesson 4 33:50 Lesson 5 41:28

[@shawnpatton3795]

Necessity is the mother of all invention/motivation, including poverty or getting yourself out of a hole that you find yourself in.

[@wildfoodietours]

Hard word + discipline - what others think = road to financial freedom.

[@binbinzhou]

I've been watching your KZbin videos for a while now. This episode is honestly my favorite by far! Keep up the good work The Money Guy Show.

[@briancastro6082]

Best episode I have heard to date, thank you so much for this.

[@kathrynlongstaff9282]

Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to both of you. Amazing journey for both of you. Really inspiring

[@brianerrington6982]

One of my favorite episodes

[@xmochix604]

I hardly talk about it, but we grew up in the projects but our projects/section 8 was a nice one wasn’t exactly ghetto. Lol my dad was extremely hardworking. My mom spent all his money gambling. It was so sad to see. I grew up not knowing much about money. Had my hard years of spending and bills going to collection. Then in my 30s married, I learned to save, paid off debt, and ended up being a millionaire with my husband. We have saved quite a bit and we are proud of it. All on one income. We both came from a poor background. His is much more rough. They had to shred food to make it last for days back in his country.

[@Firehackgarage]

This is the best one so far!! Great stuff so moving!!!

[@martinusaharris]

This is a beautiful message and exactly the discussion I needed at this point in my life. Thank you so very much and much love!!!

[@scottcampbell96]

Such a good show, gentlemen. Growing up with scarce resources, it’s so easy for me to be fearful of losing what I’ve built and falling back into that hole. Thanks for the reminder that the money isn’t the end game, it’s just the fuel for journey.

[@eimienwanlanibhagui4859]

I have been watching you guys for about 2+ years now and I would say this episode is one of the best yet! What has attracted me to your channel is your data-driven approach to this thing you guys do and the honesty and transparency you guys give. So many personal, inspiring and thought-provoking segments of this episode. I don't think I would mind usinf 49+ minutes of my life to watch this again. In the not too distant future, I hope to implement all the stuffs I have been learning from your KZbin channel and then, as you guys often say, "take the relationship to the next level" since you guys are "loading" me with great contents and info 🙂. More grease to your elbows 🙏.

[@YiriethM]

I can't get enough of this channel.

[@RobWilliams007]

You guys are so right about hard work and listen to your peers who are older than you.

[@stephenmerrick3189]

Outstanding episode. Valuable information presented here.

[@meddings222]

I think some of you would want to know that Brian from the multiverse where he never left Hardees and just read the Wealthy Barber is doing ok. 3.80/HR x40Hr x52 weeks ~8k. 8k=800 saving a year or 66 a month. Never increasing savings rate and matching the SaP 500 puts him around 400k at 55 years. And around 800k at 65.

[@modernmillennial]

This was a great show. Very appreciated!

[@Andrea-v5b]

This is by far my favorite episode made me emotional

[@abreh622]

Wasn’t this a live episode a week or two back? Thought it was almost two hours? You guys cut some Q&A out?

[@MoneyGuyShow]

Every other Tuesday we do a "sneak peek" where we record a full episode live! You can watch us do the recording, but the official episode is scheduled to release later. We take them down so we can edit the video (not much, we like to leave almost everything in there) and make the Q&A section into highlights for later. So Tuesday livestreams alternate mini Q&A episodes (15ish minutes of content + longer Q&A section) we leave up and full episodes (50ish minutes of content + shorter Q&A) we take down.

[@owlfeathers6615]

I agree with "just letting them focus on education" doesn't really build skills. All my schooling life (kinder to 5 yrs of university) I was encouraged to get the best grades possible and nothing else. Then when after graduating I felt lost because i didn’t have strong social skills, discipline, etc.

[@gojl5567]

I was fortunate that I grew up in a blue collar family but we didn’t struggle with money. But I did learn that I didn’t have to have a passion for my career. I like my job however I love history. My favorite corner has incredibly limited career possibilities that probably wouldn’t make me happy. Rather than struggling in an adjacent way, I have volunteered on the side. Me with a marketing and accounting degree chaired an academic conference and have raised money for the tiny places 5hat appreciated it. I have had hours long conversations with a leading researcher that would boggle the mind of 9yo me or the friends that it brought.

[@financialphilosophers]

Free time with family is the main reason we're going after financial freedom. This also make us think about all the hours we have to put into work during our children's formative years.

[@mitchthornton1820]

As a former athlete myself like Bo baseball was my sport , the main thing I took fro all those years was the ability to compete . In life you compete for a job you compete for a girl and you compete for promotions and what you learn is how to win those battles . My high school yearbook favorite quote was “ winning isn’t everything it’s the only thing “ …

[@johnmilner6463]

Great episode!!!!!!

[@cam201013]

I've been enjoying your content and was thankful for the opportunity to hear some of your backgrounds. I also appreciated the thoughts on how to set children up for success in terms of how to manage their own financial/life outcomes! While everything you said made sense to meet and often matches my own instincts, I worry that we don't really know how these seemingly wise actions will play out in the long term. Could you pursue historical evidence (or even interview!) from some of those 20% of millionaires who aren't first generation millionaires? What did their parents do or avoid to help guide them? If we want our children to learn how to avoid being one of the statistics, this seems like a good resource.

[@MillionaireHouseholdFinance]

Becoming a millionaire is a lengthy process that requires sacrifices, effort, and a clear path. It also requires mindfulness around your finances. And that mindfulness must remain, even after you become a millionaire.

[@kevinkanter2537]

ahh --- great concept -- mindfulness -- good to remember 🙂

[@MillionaireHouseholdFinance]

@@kevinkanter2537 Yep, it's really good to keep in mind. Sometimes, it's just a little extra attention to your own habits that allows you find new ways to save.

[@funkyt2436]

It’s interesting, but I don’t think there’s a correlation between how you grew up and how you end up (financially of course). I have a really good friend who grew up poor, and my family wasn’t rich but was always comfortable. We both ended up in the same job and making similar salaries. But because of the chip on his shoulder about never having what he saw as the symbols of success growing up, he’s constantly spending everything he makes and is always in debt. Whereas I never felt that scarcity and coveted what others had, so I save (probably too much to be honest) and spend frugally, because I don’t care about having the fancy car or the huge house. Not to criticize, more to say, who you are as a financial mutant might not have been defined as much by your financial struggles as a kid as you might think.

[@JakeSpradlin2]

❤ Brian and Bo

[@taaro8324]

Amazing to hear these stories from Brian and Bo. Brings me back to my first job and the many steps to the career I have now. Thanks from Australia!🎉🎉

[@werebreakingfree236]

rock bottom will teach you lessons mountain tops never will. i was sleeping on the railroad tracks at the age of 24. currently looking out my window at a million dollar house. now my house isnt worth a million but thats the kind of area i live in. but i am doing quite well. we are almost edm's

[@christinab9133]

Great episode!!! ❤❤❤

[@shodack5124]

I love all your content, but this one is special. Thank you!

[@TruthSubjective]

Thank you!!!

[@diana7676]

What is definition of wealth ?

[@msheehandub]

I love love love you guys so much. Always sharing your videos with like minded people and trying to spread financial awareness. Keep it up!

[@Bigskynerd]

Totally true. All my mixed jobs taught me so much!

[@Alex_Kozora]

Really valuable episode. Thanks guys.

[@jeffcombs6455]

Good show

[@Queenk0526]

Bryan I can’t see driving “The Bus” lol. Thanks for telling us that because your grind to get to where you are is very motivating, and Beau is absolutely right about hard work paying off.

[@madguitarist63]

As always a great show! I also grew up poor. It's both a blessing and a curse. Some lessons are easier or harder to learn. There's no magic bullet, but the consistency is time + savings = financial success

[@chemquests]

I hear you. For me, I learned these lessons they talked about but also had to unlearn some unhealthy habits that came with the culture around me

[@seanmuhlenkamp4823]

Best episode yet.

[@RobWilliams007]

Brian was Brad Hamilton from Fast Times!

[@advancedmassagewestoahu2663]

This is great advice. Subscribed. Thank you!

[@tressalewis7004]

I loved going camping with our kids and introducing them to my favourite park a National park with lots of trails and outside adventures

[@TruthSubjective]

He said: I did not have a lot of early child hood stability… After I was adopted 🥹

[@Apollomountain]

Enjoyed this episode a lot! Thanks money guys.

[@jeremiahdickerson6994]

This is so true and relatable. Good episode

[@RobWilliams007]

Bo is excited for this episode 😉. Love you guys. I think that many people who grew up poor work harder to fix the situation - not all. I lost my dad at 7 and am always learning and investing (my brothers, not so much but that goes to show that it’s not everyone).

[@Islandroadoutdoors]

Excellent podcast!

[@susanclaire901]

I love you guys and this was one of my favorite episodes! Overcoming a tough childhood isn't easy as I know too well. Thanks for sharing your stories!

[@williamcruz5869]

Very cool episode guys! I like & respect you guys even more now..

[@juliekirkham8049]

I worked at a restaurant as a busboy when I was 14 because I wanted to go to 2 summer camps and my parents only paid for one.

[@MarcaoPT]

Super inspiring video guys. Keep up the great work!

[@andiclemenza6476]

Bo calling Bryan “this guy” 😂😂😂😂 hilarious

[@matt7959]

Bravo!

[@sallyprzybil2404]

I took what she said in a different way. She said the richer kids get the better summer jobs, they’re the ones that get into the big companies, the introductions, thru their parents into more of ‘white collar’ jobs where they will have more opportunity to excell, and higher paying jobs. The richer kids have more opportunities for success than the poorer kids. I took it that she was saying that from the get go kids from poorer families are pigeonholed into poorer paying jobs with less corporate opportunities. It’s not an even playing field out there.

[@laniconcepcion9899]

Great video

[@japanesecinema6736]

I really dont think that a highschooler should be having to work. I was forced to get a job when I turned 16, and I dont feel like it was beneficial. If I didnt have to work, I could have focused more on school. And i didnt save any of what little money I made working a part time job making $5.15 an hour. 😩

[@cherylT321]

Did you end up having to give all your money to your parents?

[@tressalewis7004]

Brilliant❤

[@BossMan_Jerm]

“I could have followed what happened to my brother” what happened to Bo’s brother?

[@shozabkazim]

Is this a re up load?

[@laurijohnson7754]

Bo is excited about this one…. Surprise again

[@ron9665]

0:52 'Doesn't define how it ends....' Have you ever looked at a show addressing Hyperinflation?? While it has not occurred in the USA, we cannot pretend that America is totally immune to the possibility. I see the advice of the Money Guy Show, Ramsey, and others as a good base to build a financial strategy upon. I value how several on these shows have rooted their knowledge and advice from the Bible, but know that even the Bible had stories of things turning sour, or of seasons of famine and drought. Planning should never replace faith; however, planning through faith is demonstrated in many biblical stories.

[@sallyprzybil2404]

Even you guys seem to have gotten your success in more of an independent entrepreneurial way. You don’t work in a big corporate setting. That path may not have been open to you.

[@shawnpatton3795]

Money is more than a tool?

[@EvenOlderThanBrian]

Haha! I caught that too!

[@anniealexander9616]

Great video! I grew up on a farm. My parents taught me to have a good work ethic. I actually like work. My first job at 15, was at a family owned restaurant. It was in the center of town and where all the teenagers would come to hangout. It was a lot of work but fun at the same time. I made a lot of friends. I think it's ok to give to your kids. When I was working as a teenager, I was jealous of another girl who didn't work but drove a Corvette. I wanted that car so bad. I don't want it now that I'm older. So, I gave my daughter the infini she wanted. She is at work now.

[@kevinkanter2537]

.... to get paid less (...aside... a lot ...) ... ROTFL

[@kmilesSC]

I am getting ready by 1st quarter to 78k a year to invest. What could you guys turn it into in 8 years

[@NeoSoulCrew]

Are "humble beginnings" for you a middle class lifestyle?

[@akirebara]

Did you even listen to Bo's childhood story? He literally was adopted out because the state deemed that his family could no longer care for him. I don't think living in a trailer with no water and no electricity is middle class.

[@WeBeatMedicare6969]

Clown