Episode 3: The Last Great American Land Yacht

In this episode we are going to share stories of adversity and lessons learned from the great recession of 2008. In sharing our personal experiences we hope to encourage our audience that there is light at the end of the tunnel if you too are facing adversity and tough times. There is hope!What are some of the things we are exploring in this Episode?•        What happened in 2008? How can the past help us in the present?•        Bryon’s Story: ER visit and the crumbling of a real estate empire•        The Last Great American Land Yacht - The story of the 1995 Buick Le Sabre and a lesson in adversity and humility•         Ryan’s Story:  Wife quit job to raise two boys and then the market crashed•         Benefits of hindsight and adversity: We will talk about how we channeled adversity and became better people and stronger for it. Touch on budget and the budget miracle which we will have as an episode.2008 CrisisWhat happened•        Banking crisis: house values collapsed, high unemployment and a great recession•        Home were lost through bankruptcy, foreclosure and short sales•        Lessons from 2008 - avoid unsecured debt, have a savings plan, operate on a budgetBryon’s Story•        Grand Mal Seizure - woke up in ER•        Fallout from medical issues happening at same time.  Lost Home and 8 rentals and had to start all over living in an apartment next to the dump.The Last Great American Land Yacht1995 Buick Le Sabre•        What is back story on this?  Aunt and Uncle came through and was able to provide a vehicle for me.  •        Why was it called last Great American Land Yacht: It was the epitome of American comfort - blue leather seats that road smooth.•        What did it represent at the time:  It represented shame and failure and humiliation.•        What does it represent now?  it represents family coming through in a time of need, pride, gratitude and a reminder of how far I have come and the challenges I faced and overcame.Ryan’s Story•        What was your 2008 experience? Wife quit her job, 2 small kids, rental houses. •        What was the hardest part for you? Figuring out what I was going to do. •        What did you learn? I learned that in this business when it gets hard people get out and that is the time to gain market share. Why is this story important to share?History is a great teacher•        Our stories are just a drop in the bucket of what happened to a lot of people•        It’s okay to not be okay•        The tough times will pass•        We are here to provide a reference point and a calm voice during your turbulent timesHow is adversity a great teacher?•        Bryon - the Last Great American Land Yacht is now a symbol of pride. It represents a fresh start and reminds me to be humble and grateful everyday•        Ryan – Knowing that possibilities are endless. Do what you love, learn new things and doors will open. (getting into wholesale and getting to do it our way is amazing)•        If you are struggling now with debt - reach out to us and we can help you put together a plan so you can avoid the harsher lessons we had to endure - difference is people still have equity in their homes and we have the tools to help!  Debt Consolidation, cash out refinances to pay off high interest debt and reduce overall payments.•        Budget is key - control your controllables. We would love to help you put one together and find a path to eliminating debtFinal thoughtsMarket Cycles come and go. We are likely entering another patch of economic uncertainty but we are here to be your guides and voices of calm and hope. Adversity is a great teacher and you have a choice on whether it will be your foe or your teacher.