Shows
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Eighteen - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. Here’s the link for Chapter Eighteen – “Keeping your dignity.”2025-05-0920 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter 17 - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. Here’s the link for Chapter Seventeen – “What does an illustration really show?”2025-05-0214 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Sixteen - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Sixteen: "What's left?"2025-04-2521 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Fifteen - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Fifteen: "The Colonel".2025-04-1822 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Fourteen - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Fourteen: "Understanding Cash Values".2025-04-1118 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Thirteen - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Thirteen: "A nearly perfect day".2025-04-0425 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Twelve - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. Here’s the link for Chapter Twelve – “May I take your picture?”2025-03-2816 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – Chapter 11“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Eleven - Whole Life: Built to last2025-03-2123 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – Chapter 10“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Ten: "I thought it was stupid for them to do it."2025-03-1412 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” - Chapter 9“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Nine - "If they say you're disabled, you're no good to me."2025-03-0717 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Eight - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Eight: Term Insurance2025-02-2821 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Seven - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Seven: “Remember how she was.”2025-02-2131 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Five - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Five: Human Life Value2025-02-0719 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – Chapter FourFREE DOWNLOAD “Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author.2025-01-3123 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – Chapter ThreeFREE DOWNLOAD “Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author.2025-01-2411 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – Chapter TwoFREE DOWNLOAD “Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author.2025-01-1712 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” - Chapter OneFREE DOWNLOAD “Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author.2025-01-1021 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Six - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. This is Chapter Six: “We thought we were invincible.”2025-01-0325 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” Forward-Disclaimer-IntroductionFREE DOWNLOAD “Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author.2025-01-0318 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangPurpose with Mark Bertrang, "Post-Retirement Identity"Who Was I Before Retirement? Who Am I Now After Retirement? These are the questions many people ask as they enter the "retirement zone." They’re not fully retired yet, but their financial concerns are settled. Health insurance is arranged, and the formalities of their financial life are in place. But what about who they are now—their passions, their purpose, and their soul? What is their identity after retirement? Mark Bertrang, author of "Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset," sits down for an hour-long conversation with Lee Rasch, past president of Western Technical College in La Crosse...2024-09-1355 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangPurpose with Mark Bertrang, “Medicare Q&A” - Tina Johnson, GuestThe Medicare conversation should be easy. It isn’t. There are multiple decisions to be made and these decisions are not only for the first time you qualify for Medicare at the age of sixty-five. The decisions you make that first year could potentially lock you into a plan that you could embrace or regret for the rest of your life. There may also be annual decisions you may need to continue to make, as well. Our guest, Tina Johnson, an Elder Benefit Specialist & State Health Insurance Counselor from the Aging and Disability Resource Center in La Crosse County Wisconsin wa...2024-08-191h 00
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“A Life of Mission, Nuts & Chocolates” – Laurie Finn, Guest - Purpose with Mark BertrangLaurie Finn is our guest from Finnottes. Laurie lives a life of Mission, Nuts and Chocolates. She makes a lasting impact on everyone she meets. Finnottes was established in 1986 by the husband-and-wife team Frank Finn and Laurie (Otte). Merging their lives and their last names, they have grown their business over the years to become Finnottes Nut & Chocolate Shop. This episode may be considered a course in business, but also of caring and realizing the impact that can be made from behind a retail counter; but more importantly, by coming around from behind the counter and embracing those around you as...2024-05-011h 07
Purpose with Mark BertrangPurpose with Mark Bertrang, "The Exchange-La Crosse Area Furniture Bank" - Sarah Gebo, GuestMark Bertrang interviews Sarah Gebo, the Program Director of ”The Exchange” the La Crosse Area Furniture Bank. The Exchange provides donated furniture and household goods to families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty. It is driven by volunteers and donations of basic household goods and gently used furniture from the community. The team of volunteers carefully inspect the donations when they enter the warehouse so that they meet our quality standard. 00:00 Introduction 1:47 Sarah Gebo’s First Donation 4:50 Philosophy, Vision, Goals of ‘The Exchange’ 6:02 The Team 7:37 Clients and The Exchange Network 10:30 What items we are looking for? 14:16 Why the donations...2024-04-0842 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangBovine Bingo (The Crap Factor) – Purpose with Mark Bertrang”You haven't gain real wisdom until you have walked through the pasture of life and unexpectedly step into a fresh cowpie, feeling the warm manure squish between your toes. Life can sometimes playout like a checkerboard of bovine bingo, a unique community activity which oftentimes plays-out on hot summer days in town squares, as townspeople celebrate their local festivals in small gatherings, throughout the Midwest. In this game, you might be the winner, but when it happens in real life, how do you clean-up after the mess?2024-03-1410 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangTelephones, The Number Seven & The Lottery – Purpose with Mark BertrangHow much has changed during your life? Will it keep on changing? Do those changes concern you? How can you add certainty to your life? It's like knowing you have a winning lottery ticket. If you owned that ticket and you knew it was going to payout in the future, how might that change how you live your life today?2024-03-0716 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangPurpose with Mark Bertrang, "Peace By Piece" - Professional Organizing - Sara Washburn, GuestHave you ever found yourself needing to clear space but having no idea where to even begin? Perhaps you were named in a departed loved one's will to clear the estate, or you need some guidance preparing for a home renovation, or maybe you're just overwhelmed by clutter. Mark speaks with Sara Washburn of Peace by Piece Professional Organizing to discuss the purpose of her organization and what services are offered. 0:00 Intro 2:41 How "Peace by Piece" Came to Be 8:00 DIY Action Plans and Coaching 12:05 Home Decluttering and Organization 18:25 A Kind Request 19:24 Estate Clearing 24:24 Renovation Preparation 26:40 What Motivates Sara? 29:26 Cause for...2024-02-0258 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangDaily Positive Attitude - Purpose with Mark BertrangWhen I told the social media world that I would be dropping a video and podcast soon with Chris Lezpona as my guest, I was surprised by the huge reaction I received. Chris has weathered many storms in his life, the biggest being a brain tumor and the following surgery to remove it over a decade ago and then the resulting handicaps he has overcome since. To know Chris is to know someone who causes you to see not his handicaps, but instead the handicaps in yourself, the handicaps that we all have, those that can't be seen with the...2024-01-1833 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangThe One Thing, Revisited - Purpose with Mark Bertrang - Author of "Investments Don't Hug"We are all bombarded with so much “stuff” that fills our basket of ‘to-dos’ each day. How is an overwhelmed person supposed to conquer the pile of life’s stuff that blocks our path to success and happiness. Mark Bertrang revisits Gary Keller’s book – The One Thing. He explains how he prioritizes what needs to be accomplished first, from each list of to-dos in his life. 0:00 Intro 1:10 A Day in the Life of Mark 3:49 What is "The One Thing"? 5:44 Conclusion2023-10-2806 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangBegin Positive, Each Day - Purpose with Mark BertrangHow do you begin your day? Upbeat or downtrodden? We're told that you can choose your outlook. If that's true, how should you begin your day? Mark Bertrang, author of "Investments Don't Hug" provides his simple formula to beginning and staying positive each day. 00:00 Intro 00:35 Why beginning your day with the News is a bad idea 02:33 Mark Bertrang’s morning routine 05:41 Stay Informed on world events, but tread carefully 06:46 How to change and maintain your ‘default’ attitude 09:11 What do you owe yourself and others? 10:55 Your Future Self - Who do you want to be? 14:01 Conclusion2023-10-2114 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangPurpose with Mark Bertrang - "Math tells the truth" Guest: Todd Langford, Truth Concepts0:00 – Intro 3:10 – Why “Truth Concepts”? 6:42 – Sensationalized News and Number Panic 19:00 – Overcoming the Fear of Utilizing Your Own Money 21:27 – Todd’s Passion for Financial Services 25:18 – Using Strategy to Uncover Truths 32:49 – Investments Don’t Hug 33:24 – Insuring Your Most Valuable Asset: You! 41:08 – Finding Peace of Mind 44:52 – The Safety in Whole Life Insurance 50:46 – Benefits of Truth Concepts Financial Software 57:52 – Conclusion Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Ep. #143 "Math tells the truth" Guest: Todd Langford, Truth Concepts Todd Langford is a believer in the truth. Many financial products sold in today's world revolve around gimmicks or hide behind words that seem less than the total truth. As the creator of the Truth Concepts™ sof...2023-10-1258 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Gratitude, Please & Thank-You” Purpose with Mark BertrangYesterday, I was at our local Office Depot. I needed to pick up some more spiral binders. I write each and every morning, and I believe that journaling is an important way to focus your thoughts for the day. If that is not something that you are doing now, I would highly recommend it. If you want to center yourself and have clarity, I suggest that you don’t turn on the news or listen to podcasts. Instead, enjoy some silence in your day. During that silence, grab a pen, some sheets of paper, and begin writing. I had somebody re...2023-08-0305 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang"What is an Immediate Annuity?" Purpose with Mark BertrangIn my first career, decades ago, I worked as an announcer at a radio station in a small, rural town. One of my jobs included doing the emergency broadcast testing on a monthly basis. I can still remember what I needed to say during the test: “The attention signal that you just heard, had it been an actual emergency, would have been followed by official news or instructions. Remember, this is only a test.” Let’s talk about the test of income. Someone recently asked us: “What is an immediate annuity?” You will often hear financial professionals talk about annuities. The annuit...2023-06-0807 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang"Family CEO" - Purpose with Mark BertrangWhat does it mean to be a CEO, a Chief Executive Officer? Most people think about a business CEO, but what does it mean to be the CEO of your family’s financial future? I got to thinking about this last week: it was the end of the quarter and I picked up a report of our corporation for the first three months of this year from my accountant. This gives me information that I need to figure out how we are doing as a company, and many of the same expenses that we take care of here at our offi...2023-06-0108 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang"Don't Let your Goose be cooked" - Purpose with Mark BertrangPeople often have a difficult time when it comes to accomplishing their goals and focusing in on their needs and wants, and the aspirations in their life. Sometimes, it comes down to just one question. In my office, I will often look up at my bookshelf and just look at one book in particular. The book is titled, The One Thing. I should probably have the back of the book facing me because it shows a big question mark that reminds me of the question that I need to ask when I’m distracted by a problem. This is the pr...2023-05-2509 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang"Focus on The One Thing" - Purpose with Mark BertrangPeople often have a difficult time when it comes to accomplishing their goals and focusing in on their needs and wants, and the aspirations in their life. Sometimes, it comes down to just one question. In my office, I will often look up at my bookshelf and just look at one book in particular. The book is titled, The One Thing. I should probably have the back of the book facing me because it shows a big question mark that reminds me of the question that I need to ask when I’m distracted by a problem. This is the pr...2023-05-1805 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangAdvance Directive including Power of Attorney for Health Care – Purpose with Mark BertrangImagine, you can't speak. Your eyes watch as the doctors and your family discuss your medical treatment. Your love ones don't know what to do. They don't even have the legal permission to provide the hospital staff with recommendations for your care. Worse yet, if they had the legal right, they're fighting among themselves as to what care you would even want to have. If they only knew. If they only had something from you to help direct them to all the answers, to all their questions. If they simply had the power to act on your behalf, as you lie t...2023-04-051h 27
Perennial PrideThe Emotional Side of Personal Finances with Mark BertrangPeople don’t often talk about the emotions tied to their finances. Financial Advisor Mark Bertrang joins Tom as they talk about the emotional side of personal finances. In his book, Investments Don’t Hug, he shares true life stories of families who have gone through significant pain by loss of a loved one unexpectedly and how having a life insurance plan provided such value for those families. He calls it a “love letter” to your family to show you truly cared for them to have it in place. Mark also shares his strategy so spend each dollar of his asse...2023-03-3047 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangWhat haunts you? – Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author/Investments Don’t HugA question I asked recently of a medical professional. The answer shocked and emotionally moved me.2023-03-2706 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangConfessions of a former Life Insurance Agent: Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author/Investments Don’t HugLife Insurance is a difficult industry. Statistics have shown that about five percent of life insurance agents survive just five years in this career. Why is that, especially since improving the lives of families can be so rewarding? This conversation might draw the curtain away from the industry, so the layperson can see what this profession actually entails. This is an opportunity for a life insurance agent to understand how to become more proficient at their calling. Janet Sims, the caregiver of the Prosperity Economics Movement shares her story of what this industry has meant to her, while providing insights on h...2023-03-0654 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangNew fallen snow, a watch, a wake, a promise: Purpose with Mark Bertrang, AuthorHave you ever made a promise? Was it for a short-term promise or was it a forever promise? There's a difference, isn't there? Forever promises typically aren't flashy. They're thoughtful and serious. This morning, I saw a promise through, which was made thirty years ago. So, as I pause and take in the scenery of this new fallen snow, let me share with you a story of a watch, a wake and a promise.2023-02-2609 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangScrewdriver or Butterknife: Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author/Investments Don’t HugHave you ever found yourself needing to tighten a screw, but you couldn’t find a screwdriver? Admit it. You went to a kitchen drawer and pulled out a butterknife, didn’t you? Once the project was complete, you probably returned the knife to the drawer slightly bent at its tip, because a butter knife isn’t a screwdriver. Would you have consider buttering a piece of bread with a screwdriver? Let’s hope not. Here’s the thing – Use the correct tool for the correct purpose. I see this time and time again with people who tell me that their 401k or their...2023-02-1511 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangWill Preparation, Hard Data Collection - Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author, Investments Don’t HugBefore you discuss will-planning with an attorney, prepare your hard data collection. Mark’s guest – Katelyn Doyle, attorney with Johns, Flaherty & Collins, SC discusses those items you may wish to outline prior to your first meeting with a lawyer. Our discussion includes a conversation of your dependents, special needs individual who maybe in your life, life insurance, debt, retirement account balances, non-retirement balance, second homes, business assets, real estate investments, personal representatives, executors, guardians, trustees, trust distributions & payouts for your children, guardian gifting, default estate planning, charitable giving and having a financial power of attorney. If you would like to reque...2023-02-071h 11
Purpose with Mark BertrangReal or Not Real – Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author, Investments Don’t HugAt some point in our lives, things become real. In fact, sometimes things become ‘really’ real. Years ago Mark Bertrang had a client who worked in the silk screening industry. This specialization creates the display printing on the front of your kitchen appliances and the imprinted dials and woodgrain dashboard finishes of your automobile. Mark had always been impressed with some of the beautiful finishes he would see on the dashboard detailing of premium automobiles. He was disappointed to learn that the ‘wood’ finishing was barely wood at all, which he admired so much. Instead, it was a simply a sheet of p...2023-02-0116 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangHow do you show up? – Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author/Investments Don’t HugAs an employer, how do you show up for your team? As a team member, how do you show up for your co-workers? How do you show up for any audience, whoever that audience may be? monthly I engage in a half-hour Zoom personal critique with my good friend Michael Baker, a wealth advisor from Alberta, Canada. When we’re sharing our international Zoom Room, we debate the steps we use to make the lives better for our families, our clients, our communities and lastly - ourselves. As believers in servant leadership mindsets, we question ourselves in the service and guidanc...2023-01-2318 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangHospice – Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author/Investments Don’t HugIt is seldom that I am able to provide a conversation that will be needed by nearly every family at some point in their lives. I am blessed to have had this intimate end-of-life conversation with two medical providers who have answered the very important calling of working in hospice care. My guests are: Dr. Larry Skendzel - Medical Director, Gundersen Hospice and Dr. Jasmine Hudnall - Department Chair: Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Medical Director: Advance Care Planning department, Gundersen Health System. Following this audio outline, resource links are provided. 02:50 – Hospice: As a noun is it a person, a place or a...2023-01-1659 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangThree questions to ask yourself: Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author/Investments Don’t HugThere are three questions you need to ask yourself. Mark Bertrang read these questions from Joe Polish's new book "What's in it for them?" this morning as he engaged his team, as he does each day at 9:00am sharp! These questions are: #1. Where are you? #2. Where do you want to go? and #3. How are you going to get there? These three questions might be the only ones you need to ask yourself in determining your present, your future and your journey. During this video Mark Bertrang also explores the additional three roadblocks that might be preventing you from succeeding in your...2023-01-1204 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangPrep, Taxes & Audits: Purpose with Mark Bertrang, Author-Investments Don’t HugThis is the time of the year that we begin focusing upon taxes. Jason Steinhoff, CPA and Partner at Hancock & Robinson is our guest. We’ll discuss the selection of a tax preparer, your own preparation prior to that first meeting, how are audits conducted and what happens during that audit; how does your return move through the IRS and what are the pitfalls you should lookout for.2022-12-261h 14
Purpose with Mark Bertrang2022 Life Reflections: Purpose with Mark BertrangAt the end of the year, it’s a perfect time to listen-in on a conversation on life’s reflections, with guest – Michael Baker during this episode of “Purpose with Mark Bertrang”. Guest: Michael Baker, Baker Wealth of Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada 00:00 – Insight comes from others, not yourself. 01:30 – Family Christmas Traditions 06:30 – Why we close our office for a full week at the end of December 10:30 – Asking questions, adjusting for conversations and being connected 14:15 – Resolutions and living with integrity 19:45 – Focusing, letting go and striving for a better work/life balance 22:30 – Don’t wait for perfection 24:15 – Getting a Two-fer or a Three-fer out of everything you do 25:5...2022-12-1927 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangIcy Conditions – Purpose with Mark BertrangWhen winter arrives, become much more cautious. While having my morning coffee at breakfast this morning, I received a text from a team member notifying me that they would be arriving late into the office due to his young and still somewhat inexperienced winter teenage driver sliding into the ditch on the way to school. He was waiting for a tow truck along the side of the road. This incident only damaged the driver’s feelings; but it provided important future wisdom, that can only be learn through the experience. We can’t all know all things or expectance all things...2022-12-1407 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangContracts & Small Print - Purpose with Mark BertrangWhat does the package say for throat lozenges? How about this - "Has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration." Yet, we buy them. I did in fact, for a sore throat and cold I'm working through right now. When you need to make life decisions more important than a sore throat lozenge, the small print becomes much more important. I will oftentimes see people enter into contracts without reading them. Think of when you purchased a house for the first time and you sat at the bank conference table to sign a thirty-year mortgage. The loan officer perhaps...2022-12-1208 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangBank Loans – Is there a better way?How do you rent your money? That quick question answers the definition of borrowing. Taking a loan out whether its from a bank or a credit union or any number of financial institutions simply means that you’re renting money. The real question is, at what cost? What is the cost to you to rent someone else’s money to get what you want? What is the amount you can borrow? What are the terms – the interest charged or the length of the loan? What is the collateral you have to put up to obtain the loan; your house, your business? Wh...2022-11-1610 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangCoffee Break: Come to a complete STOPPeople simply wish to barrel their way through life without taking the time to come to a complete stop to protect themselves from the dangers and liabilities of life. During the YouTube version of this podcast, Mark Bertrang is literally standing at parking lot exit with a Stop sign to his right and one to his left. As he is speaking you can literally count one vehicle after another simply sliding through into the street without stopping. That is how most people behave in building their wealth too. They’re concern about building wealth, yet give little or no consideration to th...2022-10-1309 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangGolf Clubs or Golf Swing - Which performs best?If you're like Mark Bertrang, you might spend more time watching professional golf than playing anything that looks like 'professional' golf. Mark is lucky if he hits a few buckets of balls annually at a local driving range in his community. Unfortunately, he feels the pressure when he actually plays golf, which leaves him frustrated with his swing.....and his score. During this video Mark describes the importance of 'the swing' as opposed to 'the clubs' when playing golf. This example could also be used in describing baseball - The 'bat' verses the 'swing'. Are you in a constant search for t...2022-10-0608 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangCoffee Break: Financial Anxiety – How to plan for it.Fog burns off with the rising of the morning sun. That’s how weather works; but, it’s not quite how life works. It seems as if people worry more and more about the market, their job, emergencies, opportunities, hopes and dreams or worries and regrets. Financially are you in a fog or in the sunshine and what happens when heavy dark clouds approach your life and they open up and rain on your life’s parade? Mark Bertrang walks you through one creative way to create financial certainty for your life based upon his book – Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the...2022-09-1912 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangCoffee Break: Judge NotDo you judge too quickly? Thirty-five years prior to entering the financial services industry, Mark Bertrang began his career as a broadcaster. This meant working on-air for five years. Realizing that job would never 'pay-the-bills' long-term, it was suggested that he climb the ladder of broadcast advertising sales. No one ever told him that his very first client, on his very first day, of his newly acquired job would yell at him to "leave my store or I'll call the police!" Here's the story of that very first day and of another client which Mark still reminisces about a generation late...2022-08-1619 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangGrafting Grapevines, Olive Trees & Whole Life InsuranceGrapevines have been plagued by pests that can leave a vineyard void of fruit. Olive trees has been dying in many countries due to pests and disease that has killed off entire hillsides. Have you felt that same frustration with your 401(k), IRA or other retirement account? Specialized grafting has saved many vineyards and olive groves. Could a graft of a whole life insurance policy into your plan help your retirement account sustain itself, to not only survive but to thrive? Mark Bertrang, the author of Investments Don't Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset discusses the grafting of a whole l...2022-06-2709 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangThe Glass BullYou've heard of the story about the Achilles Heel or a Glass Jaw. Today, Mark Bertrang shares the story about The Glass Bull. Decades ago, Mark purchased this bull in the village of Murano on an outlying island of Venice, Italy. A small group of world class glass factories are located there, where handblown works of art are produced. Mark carried this bull throughout Italy fearful it would break. It didn't. Yet as it was then, it is still a fragile piece that helps to tell a story of beauty and venerability today. 2022-05-1813 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangScarcity, Abundance & Dryer SheetsYou may live in a world of scarcity or a world of abundance. Often, we choose the world in which we live, because of our own upbringing. We bring our own circumstances to the world that we live in. Many believe that their world is out of their control and sometimes it is; but maybe our mind limits us more than our own individual circumstances. Mark Bertrang uses a simple story about dryer sheets when you do your laundry to explore the possibilities of prosperity-thinking in your life.2022-05-0311 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangCoffee Break: Alfie, What's it all about?In the mid-1960s Michael Caine starred in a British comedy/drama title: Alfie. It might be better known by the question which was also part of its title and a song which became famous by Dionne Warwick - "What's it all about?". Today is Mark Bertrang's birthday and it is not unusually for each of us to ask this same question of ourselves. Mark shares an intimate story of what he believes his calling is all about.2022-04-0610 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangInflation & The Life Insurance AssetWe have experienced little or no inflation for decades in the United States. Now inflation is hitting people where they live - groceries, cars, gasoline, auto, homeowner and health insurance premiums. There is still an asset that you can buy for pennies on the dollar and that can provide you with a place to store your safe money for emergencies and future opportunities. Mark Bertrang discusses the costs of inflation and options available with the Life Insurance Asset.2022-02-2012 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangFree Book Chapter-Investments Don't Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance AssetThis is a free chapter from Mark Bertrang's book - Investments Don't Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset, taken from Chapter six, titled "We thought we invincible". Enjoy this gift as read by the author and consider your purchase through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or listen to the audio through Audible or iTunes. 2022-02-1627 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangCoffee Break: Purifying Money is like purifying water.At the headwaters of the Mississippi River, you can literally dip your cup and take a drink of water; but, by the end of the same river - 2,350 miles later at the Gulf of Mexico, you probably wouldn't even want to eat a fish from it. Money works the same way. In the beginning it's pure. Yet, once it's flowed through government constructed retirement programs like 401(k)s and IRAs, taxes, fees and inflation; it becomes polluted. Here's Author-Mark Bertrang's latest video describing exactly how that happens. How do you purify your money?2021-11-0706 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangA Non-Typical Journey to Financial Freedom: Perpetual Wealth, Kim D.H. ButlerMark Bertrang visits with Kim D.H. Butler about her eighth book – “Perpetual Wealth: How to use ‘Family Financing’ to build Prosperity and Leave a Legacy for Generations”. Making the list of one of American’s most influential financial advisors by Investopedia, Kim learned through the hard work of growing-up as a farm girl with her own dairy cow. She chose to make an impact by taking a non-typical journey. Kim is also a leader of the Prosperity Economics Movement.2021-07-1556 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangCoffee Break – Episode 78: Measuring Whole Life ImplementationHere’s the complaint: “Life Insurance only works when I die” or “How will Life Insurance benefit me?” or “When I’ve built up my wealth, why would I want or need Life Insurance?” If maximized to it fullest, a Whole Life Insurance Policy can provide multiple uses while you’re living. It can become the Swiss Army Knife of your financial castle with great flexibility, liquidity and safety. It allows you to play defense and offense in the financial game of life. Buy Mark's book here:2021-06-0820 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangCoffee Break - You’re not guaranteed Life Insurance: A story that didn’t make it into Mark Bertrang’s book.Mark Bertrang shares a story of a client who approached him at the beginning of his career, asking him to complete an application for life insurance. After finishing the questionnaire, ordering the medical tests and receiving approval from the insurance company, Mark was ready to deliver the policy only to be told the client had changed their mind about the purchase. What happened next forever made an impression and an unsettling realization – You’re not guaranteed Life Insurance.2021-03-3006 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangCoffee Break - The Time Value of Money: A Broken FurnaceRecently with wintery sub-zero temperatures outside, Mark found his house with a broken furnace. While the HVAC guys were tearing out the old and installing the new, Mark was calculating the actual ‘lost opportunity cost’ of a furnace, it’s yearly maintenance, the ongoing expense of natural gas, the impact of inflation and what would that money might have provided for his family’s future economy to determine of the real cost of heating one’s home over the next two decades. 2021-02-2208 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangThe Christmas Story, read by Mark BertrangThis enduring story was read by Mark Bertrang on a recent December morning, in an open calf barn on the Todd & Gwen Manke farm north of Banger, Wisconsin; as we all wait in preparation for the coming of Christmas. A bale of hay was used, where Mark placed his bible which he read from on a cold winter morning. Join us for these four short minutes, as we remember the story of the real reason that we celebrate this most holy season.2020-12-2203 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangThanksgiving: What have you left ‘uncirculated’ in your life?Mark Bertrang recalls a story of a trip taken to Winnipeg Canada in 1985. While there, he purchased a set of uncirculated coins from the Royal Canadian Mint, that have never been touched by human hands. What can be learned from this coinage in 2020? 2020-11-2316 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangThe Life Insurance Field UnderwriterEach life insurance application has a separate page in which the insurance agent needs to complete or “field underwrite” about the why you are applying for life insurance. What are they saying about you? Mark Bertrang discusses Executive Bonus Arrangements, Key Person Plans, Buy-Sell Provisions, Deferral and Creditor Plans, along with important personal uses of The Life Insurance Asset.2020-07-2343 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangPart 2: Preparing for a better family willMost people have plenty of questions before they meet with a qualified attorney for the very first time to prepare a will or other estate planning documents. This is not a 'how-too' podcast; but, it's a how-do-I-prepare podcast. How-do-I-prepare to have a thoughtful conversation with a lawyer to draft one of the most important documents of my lifetime; what some would call the last 'love letter' to my family. 2020-07-1633 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangPt. 1 - Preparation to create a better family willHow should you prepare to have a Will Discussion with a qualified attorney? What should you consider? What should you know? What should you be asking? How does the Life Insurance Asset play into these plans?2020-07-0940 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangPersonal Financial Statements & The Life Insurance AssetThe government’s small business Administration, your local bank and credit union focuses on your assets and liabilities when determining your creditworthiness for a loan. Mark Bertrang explains how your whole life insurance policy can plan a crucial role during this process.2020-06-2545 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangHuman Life Value Calculations: Assumptions to use when determining your life insurance coverageHow do you determine your financial economic worth? Why is it important? A "rule of thumb" does not work and cheats families out of the dreams and aspirations that were hoped and planned for. During this presentation, Mark Bertrang helps to walk you through the reasoning and arithmetic in helping to determine your own Human Life Value for Life Insurance purposes. These are the similar calculations used in wrongful death lawsuits that an attorney would consider when building a case to go to trial. This podcast is the audio portion of a recent YouTube upload recently presented by Mark Bertrang2020-06-1257 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangLife Insurance Strategies of the Rich and FamousRecently Mark Bertrang taught an online class on the Life Insurance strategies of Rich and Famous people you may have heard of, but never knew the untold stories of how they used life insurance to build their wealth without dying. This is the audio from that presentation which can be viewed on his YouTube channel. 2020-06-0229 min
The Money Advantage PodcastInvestments Don’t Hug, with Mark Bertranghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpA90RRTBUM
Have you wanted a way to share your greatest possible gift of love with your spouse, children, and loved ones, but weren't exactly sure how? The best gift requires out-of-the-box thinking because it's not something you can buy at Hallmark. Investments Don't Hug, by Mark Bertrang, shows you how. It's the most poignant, emotional, and compelling book about life insurance that demonstrates the real-life significance of an asset that is truly the embrace that outlasts you.
In this episode, we interview the author about the embracing power of life insurance.
So if...2020-05-251h 03
Purpose with Mark BertrangMental Health during the PandemicSharing her own story of depression and the journey to mental health wholeness, Judy Shoults, the 2013 Shining Star Award recipient during Mental Health Awareness month. Judy, a member of the La Crosse Area Suicide Prevention Initiative, community booster, and is a strong advocate on behalf of those affected by mental illness. That advocacy, she says, includes a focus on breaking the stigma associated with mental illness: “I live with major depression and I refuse to be ashamed of my disease.” In selecting Shoults as the 2013 Shining Star, Patti Jo Severson, chair of MHC indicated that many of the misconceptions associated with...2020-05-0157 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“Safe Home” during the Corona VirusA conversation and songs with John Smith – Singer/Songwriter, while we’re staying safely in place.2020-04-2540 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangSicily, The CoronaVirus & Black SwansA recent trip to Sicily: Let's take a walk together through an Italian marketplace and discuss the CoronaVirus and unpredictable Black Swans; and how they may affect our lives.2020-03-1310 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangLife Insurance - What the Industry has to say about it.Mark Bertrang never wanted to say "I'm sorry" when it came to making recommendations for a family's life insurance purchase. Today there are many slick presentations to help sway clients from one product to another product based on 'expected' returns and 'potentially' lower premiums. Mark Bertrang has learned over the past thirty years that the promises made through a Whole Life Insurance contract are promises that are kept. This is his conversation based on a recent supplement produced by an insurance company industry watchdog - AM Best.2020-02-2622 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangWhat’s on Mark Bertrang's reading list?If you’re green, you’re growing. If you’re ripe, you rot. What are you doing to improve yourself mentally? Mark Bertrang carves out some time to discuss his current reading list and recommendations.2020-02-0617 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangMoving? Where do you begin? Who do you hire?Learn how a college project became a thriving moving business for Viterbo University graduate - Colin Luz.2020-01-3055 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangYour Dreams or Other’s PlansThere are moments when we should take pause, look around and determine how the plans of others don’t necessarily focus on our personal dreams; Mark’s personal perspective.2020-01-2311 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangAn Unusual Starbucks' StoryWhile traveling recently Mark Bertrang met a former executive from Starbucks, which always wanted to be consider the "third" place away from where people work and live. Listen to what Mark discovered about the importance of this third place.2019-10-3109 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangElder Law - Guest: Matthew Cromheecke, AttorneyA lively conversation revolving around elder law, eldercare, nursing homes, gifting, homeownership re-titling, the divestiture of assets and long-term care insurance. Mark Bertrang visits with Attorney Matthew Cromheecke of Moen, Sheehan & Meyers of La Crosse, Wisconsin.2019-10-1853 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangHospice Care – The end of life journey. Guest: Therese Helseth, RNHospice provides care for you and for those who care for you. It supports you as a whole person - mind, body and spirit. Hospice focuses on your needs and also the needs of your family. The goal of hospice is to help you feel fulfilled and dignified during the end of your life’s journey. Mark spends this hour visiting with a Hospice Intake nurse and her experiences. Please share this podcast with those you love.2019-10-111h 00
Purpose with Mark BertrangInvestor Behavior - Dan Kullman, GuestDan Kullman has been instrumental in translating behavioral investing theory into practical tools and processes for the advisory community. Dan helped to develop and oversee Toews Managing Investor Behavior™ Workshop and Coaching program and facilitates communications with advisors. This visit provides insight to how behavior affects investing. Mark & Dan also discuss personal values to integrate into our everyday lives.2019-10-0457 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang‘Safe Money’ – Opportunities, Emergencies & LeverageRecently, while traveling Mark Bertrang experienced four gate changes and an hour delayed take-off at Chicago O’Hare. If the technology of twenty-first century air traffic can be this volatile, what does this say about your money plans for retirement, emergencies and opportunities? Here are Mark’s thoughts while waiting for his trip home from a business trip.2019-09-1920 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangHow to eat well for a long healthy life. Food Freedom with guest: Rebecca Stetzer, Registered & Certified DietitianMark Bertrang wants everyone to live long and enduring lives. One way to live life large, is to live life well. In her nutrition counseling practice, Rebecca Stetzer, RD, CD utilizes Intuitive Eating and a Health-At-Every-Size approach, both of which are rooted in solid evidence, to help people make peace with food and their bodies, and help them feel their best, to be their best.2019-08-1557 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangWere you meant for something more?Have you ever felt you were meant for something more? What is your BHAG, your big Hairy Audacious Goal? Learn a system of discovery with Mark’s guest – Tammi Brannan, the Creator of "The Blueprint Process".2019-07-0341 min
Purpose with Mark Bertrang“SAFE” Emergency/Opportunity MoneyAs Mark Bertrang, Author of “Investments Don’t Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset” waits for his connecting flight at the Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport, he discusses where to place your ‘safe’ money for emergencies and opportunities.2019-06-2029 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangMark’s Spring 2019 Book RecommendationsLearn what is on Mark Bertrang’s reading list for Spring 2019.2019-05-2314 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangHome Mortgage Loans – Buying your single largest assetEver wanted to eavesdrop into a conversation? Mark Bertrang visits with Jennifer Schrader about making perhaps one of the single largest purchases of your lifetime. Mark and Jennifer discuss the ins and outs of mortgage loans, the qualification process and the types of loans you might choose from. Think of this visit as a class in “Home Mortgages 101”. Jennifer has a unique perspective. She has worked in banking and was also a longtime realtor, but her love is finding the right mortgage loan solution for her clients. This conversation provides great insight into the loan process, while dispensing some lifetime wisdom. ...2019-05-1555 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangAdvanced Healthcare DirectivesDeath is the last part of our lives that we often feel we have no control over; but there is a way to be in charge of the wishes of how your last days maybe lived. Mark visits with Denise Nicholson, RN in the healing garden of Gundersen Health System about this most important document. During this conversation, you can literally download an online form and follow along during our conversation to document the choices and the desires for your end of life care. Don’t let your family suffer through the unknown, without your stated directions being clearly stated. Mark a...2019-05-0849 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangResidential Real Estate: Buying, Selling? What to know.A home purchase or the selling of a home may be the single largest asset transaction you might ever make during your lifetime. There is a lot to consider throughout such a transaction. During this episode Mark visits with Realtors - Betty Bertrang and Amy Hatlevig for their insight, expedience and wisdom.2019-04-2437 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangRetirement Planning Top-10 ListsMark Bertrang visits with Kenn Tacchino, JD, LLM, professor of taxation and financial planning at Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania. Kenn shares his advice through three top-10 lists that may help you strive to achieve a comfortable retirement for yourself.2019-04-1035 min
Purpose with Mark BertrangWedding PlanningWedding Planning - Whether you are the bride or the parents of the bride, there is a lot to decide way before the big day arrives. Where should you begin? Mark Bertrang visits with Nancy Flottmeyer, professional wedding planner, about the many decisions to consider when planning a wedding during this episode of Discovering Wisdom, over Coffee with Mark Bertrang.2019-04-0427 min
The Practical Wealth ShowCreating Investments with Life Insurance with Mark BertrangCurtis talks in this episode with Mark Bertrang, who wrote a book about investments and life insurance assets. He also talks about the worst-case scenario in real estate and what are assets and liabilities. Curtis’s motto is that what you learn today and how you position yourself will determine your future financial well-being 5, 10, 20 years from today. To learn more about how to manage your wealth in a practical way, visit www.practicalwealthadvisors.com Links and Resources from this Episode www.practicalwealthadvisors.com Email Curtis for a free report - curtmay@gmail.com...2018-10-1754 min
The Advisor AdvantageUsing Technology for High Touch Relationships with Mark BertrangMark Bertrang has developed a strategy for using technology in his business to build a strong referral based business. In this episode Mark and Tammi talk about setting the stage before, during and after the meeting so that clients understand how to work with you and keep everyone happily moving along. To learn more about the prosperity movement and help you and your clients build and keep wealth visit www.TheAdvisorAdvantage.com To learn more about the Prosperity Economics Movement http://prosperityeconomicsadvisors.com/how-to-keep-your-mindset-positive-bonus-episode Links and...2018-03-0125 min
The Advisor AdvantageInvestments Don’t Hug with Mark BertrangMark Bertrang created an impactful way to connect with people by sharing his client stories through a book he wrote called ‘Investments Don’t Hug’ which can be found as a book and audiobook. To learn more about the prosperity movement and help you and your clients build and keep wealth visit www.TheAdvisorAdvantage.com Links and Resources from this Episode Connect with Mark Bertrang http://www.bertrangfinancial.com Mark’s Book https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbertrang Show Notes Mark’s background - 1:25 The process of writing his book...2017-10-0525 min
Get Best Sellers Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Personal MemoirsInvestments Don't Hug Audiobook by Mark BertrangListen to this audiobook free with a 30-day trial. Go tohttp://hotaudiobook.comTitle: Investments Don't Hug
Subtitle: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset
Author: Mark Bertrang
Narrator: Mark Bertrang
Format: Unabridged
Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins
Language: English
Release date: 02-08-17
Publisher: Mark Bertrang
Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 6 votes
Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs
Publisher's Summary:
This is not a boring discussion of life insurance written for actuaries, accountants and attorneys. Instead, it's a collection of love stories told through the words of husbands and wives, moms, dads, and their families of how each was forever impacted by an act of...2017-02-087h 47