Are you worried about sequence of returns risk ruining your retirement? In this episode of Eagle Freedom Presents, host Deston sits down with Marine veteran and financial advisor Kevin Brunner. Kevin reveals the guaranteed income strategies he developed, all starting from a "Grandpa Lesson" at age 12. He shares his proprietary Model Q strategy as a powerful alternative to the 4% rule and connects the dots between childhood lessons, military discipline, and a counter-intuitive approach to building wealth.

Kevin shares the powerful story of his 12th birthday, when his grandfather gifted him a lawnmower and his first "business." This "Grandpa Lesson" wasn't just about hard work; it was a masterclass in setting aside money for expenses, saving, managing a payroll (by hiring his friends), and prioritizing business over baseball—a foundation that grew into a multi-crew landscaping operation by the time he was 15.

This entrepreneurial fire and grit served him well in the Marine Corps. Kevin recounts how his early financial education allowed him to save and invest his paychecks while many of his fellow Marines struggled. He also shares his unique career transition: after a helicopter crash ended his flying career, he pivoted through the world of defense contracting and ultimately into the financial services industry. There, his real-world business and military background gave him the confidence to challenge and correct flawed training methods, quickly ascending to partner at his firm.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The "Model Q" Strategy: Kevin details his proprietary retirement strategy, inspired by E.F. Hutton's principles. Discover how he combines a managed basket of ETFs with annuities to generate guaranteed income, protect clients from volatility, and solve the "sequence of returns" risk.

• Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Kevin explains why he believes the traditional 4% withdrawal rule is flawed and makes a compelling, data-backed case against prioritizing an early mortgage payoff.

• Escaping "Survival Mode": Kevin and Deston break down the psychology of living paycheck to paycheck. Kevin provides actionable advice for those feeling trapped, emphasizing the power of sacrifice and focusing on long-term goals over immediate gratification.

• How to "Gamify" Your Finances: Hear Kevin’s personal story of turning a financial crisis into a game (involving a cheap van) to reduce stress and find solutions. He offers practical tips, like picnicking instead of dining out, to make budgeting a proactive and even fun challenge.

• The True Meaning of Discipline: The conversation explores how true freedom is born from discipline—not the ability to do whatever you want. They discuss the importance of building all types of assets, including intellectual, financial, and personal, and how to leverage the "assets" you already have, like living in America.

From a childhood business lesson to sophisticated tax-planning strategies, this episode is a masterclass in building a resilient financial life, packed with personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and the hard-won wisdom of a true entrepreneur.

All of the strategies Kevin Brunner discusses can be found in his Amazon Best Selling Book "Just Say No To Bad Financial Advice"

Ready to take your freedom journey to the next level?

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