My guest today is Chad Hufford; Financial planner, founder of Veritas Wealth Management in Anchorage, author of Forging Financial Freedom, and host of The Blue Collar Millionaire Show. Chad is a lifelong Alaskan whose approach to money is shaped by the realities so many of us face in the Last Frontier: high cost of living, seasonal work, opportunity-rich industries, and a lifestyle full of both challenges and rewards.
In this episode, Chad breaks down the real Alaskan money mindset , one rooted in habits, purpose, clarity, and the discipline it takes to build a life you’re proud of. We cover a wide range of topics that apply whether you're barely getting by, earning six figures, or somewhere in between.
We get into:
• Growing up in Alaska and learning money lessons early
• Why living within your means matters more than income
• The “toy culture” in Alaska and the danger of lifestyle creep
• Smart ways to think about (and use) the PFD
• How to plan for snowbird winters without leaving Alaska for good
• College savings, debt, and the order of operations for financial stability
• Budgeting for seasonal work in fishing, construction, and tourism
• How blue-collar Alaskans become millionaires
• Why your physical health directly impacts your long-term financial freedom
• What being a SmartVestor Pro really means and how personalized coaching works
• Fishing vs. investing (yes, the metaphor actually works)
Chad and I dive into the mindset behind money — the behaviors, habits, and decisions that shape your future far more than the size of your paycheck. Whether you're 18 or 80, working the Slope, living in the bush, or raising a family in town, there’s something here for you.
Connect with Chad:
Website: veritasalaska.com
Instagram: @veritas.alaska
Podcast: The Blue Collar Millionaire Show
LinkedIn: Chad Hufford
