Are You Living for Value or Just Chasing the Money? Let’s Get Honest. — Jeff Kikel | Ep 35

In this episode, I sat down with Jeff Kikel to talk about what it really means to be successful—and why being a person of value matters more. Jeff is a financial consultant and entrepreneur from Cedar Park, Texas, with over 25 years in the finance world, and he shares how chasing Freedom Day and financial independence has shaped his journey. We break down Albert Einstein’s famous quote, “Try not to be a man of success, but a man of value,” and look at how it applies to everything from business goals to podcasting and helping others. Jeff explains why focusing on serving people, teaching skills like artificial intelligence, and sharing inspiring stories creates lasting impact. You’ll hear honest insights on reframing your goals, the difference between value and just winning, and what true fulfillment means in work and life. This episode is inspiring, relatable, and full of practical wisdom. Tune in and discover why reframing your goals around value, not just money, could change everything. Connect with Jeff KikelIn this episode, Jeff Kikel shares his wisdom on shifting from a focus on success to one of value, and discusses his journey toward financial and time freedom. visit his website https://jeffkikel.com/ to connect with Jeff, explore his story, and access his resources on achieving financial independence. Website: https://jeffkikel.com/Twitter: https://x.com/JeffKikelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/If Relatable Wisdom speaks to you—if a quote shared makes you pause, smile, or see things differently—consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a minute, leaving a review helps more people discover these everyday voices and the wisdom they carry. Your support means the world.Every episode has more to it than what you hear. Join the Relatable Wisdom newsletter to get thoughtful reflections, behind-the-scenes extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a calm space to stay inspired between listens.Sign up here: https://relatablewisdom.com/joinIf the quotes and stories you hear here offer you comfort, clarity, or connection, you can help support the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every small contribution helps keep these everyday voices and shared wisdom going strong.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhqWant to be a guest on Relatable Wisdom? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/relatablewisdomChapters00:00 Introduction & Defining Success01:36 Jeff’s Favorite Quote and Its Impact02:32 Man of Success vs. Man of Value04:42 Adding Value: Helping Others First08:44 Reframing Goals for Value10:29 Podcasting for Impact and Stories14:49 Value in Sales and Business22:16 Jeff’s Books & Freedom Day Story24:44 Reflections on Podcasting and Community29:12 Where to Find Jeff & Closing Thoughts