In this episode, Cosmos Dar joins us to explore aligning financial decisions with values, from ESG investing and systemic barriers to practical strategies for overcoming biases and taking control of your money.

Key Talking Points:

• The ESG Wave – Why environmental, social, and governance investing is growing rapidly.
• Values vs. Reality – The gap between ethical intentions and financial behavior.
• Systemic Barriers – How predatory lending and structural inequities impact financial freedom.
• Psychology of Money – Understanding cognitive biases and how self-efficacy can empower better financial decisions.
• Taking Action – Practical steps to integrate ethical choices into their financial plans, even within imperfect systems.

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References & Resources:

• Stats on ESG, sustainable investing, and values-aligned choices – Broadridge, Morgan Stanley, Small Business Trends
• 56% of Americans stop buying unethical brands – Mintel
• Ethical banks ROE 5.23% – Fondazione Finanza Etica
• 68% of investors unsure how to invest with values – NerdWallet
• Predatory lending costs $25B annually – MagnifyMoney

Connect with Cosmos:

• On the Web: cosmosdar.com
• Podcast: Extraordinary America

Subscribe, review, share, or support via www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Lane Kawaoka, two-time bestselling author of The Wealth Elevator and seasoned real estate investor, joins me to share how his framework helps everyday people build passive income through real estate. We talk about getting started with that very first investment, scaling from active to passive income, and the steps needed to protect and preserve wealth for the long term.

Key Talking Points:

• The Wealth Elevator: A framework for moving step by step toward financial freedom.
• From active to passive: Turning rental income into lasting cash flow.
• Scaling up: Why syndications open the door to bigger opportunities.
• The Penthouse: Knowing when you’re ready to replace your 9-to-5 with passive income.
• Building legacy: Protecting wealth and creating generational impact.

www.EscapeTheClock.com Resources:

• The Book
• The Planner
• 1:1 Help
• Other Resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter

Episode References & Resources:

• 59% of Americans can't cover a $1,000 emergency expense - CBS News
• Over 70% of millionaires own real estate - LuxWisp
• 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation; 90% by the third - Preserve Yours

Connect with Lane:

• On the Web: thewealthelevator.com
• Join the Club: thewealthelevator.com/club
• Events & Networking: thewealthelevator.com/events
• YouTube: Lane Kawaoka

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform
• Leave a rating & review
• Share this episode with others
• Support me by picking up the book for yourself or a loved one at: www.escapetheclock.com/book

Thank you for listening!

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Financial freedom is often measured in dollars and years, yet the real payoff comes from the health, relationships, experiences, and joy we cultivate along the way. Using practical projects, I guide you on how to prioritize your physical and mental well-being, strengthen social ties, pursue meaningful adventures, and make intentional, high-utility spending decisions.

This episode is all about turning your financial plan into a tool to maximize daily happiness, so you can enjoy life today, not just at retirement.

Key Talking Points:

• Redefining wealth: Why happiness, health, and relationships are the ultimate returns.
• Health as a dividend: Setting goals, managing risks, and investing in both physical and mental wellness.
• Strengthening social ties: Prioritizing family, friends, and meaningful connections.
• Experiences over things: How travel, adventure, and high-utility spending drive lasting joy.
• Integrating happiness into your financial plan: Making joy part of the journey, not just the destination.

Escape The Clock Resources:

• The Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
• The Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
• 1:1 Help: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
• Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
• Free Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

Episode References & Resources:

• Pew Research – Loneliness Among Young Adults
• World Happiness Report – Sharing Meals & Life Satisfaction
• Harvard Kennedy School – Loneliness in America

Support the podcast:

• Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform.
• Leave a rating & review.
• Share this episode with others.
• Support me by picking up the book for yourself or a loved one at www.escapetheclock.com/book.

Thank you for listening!

Please note: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.