You Don't Need a Number, You Need a Life episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 24, 2026 · 46 MIN

You Don't Need a Number, You Need a Life

from Business Roundtable · host David W. Carr

How much money do you actually need? Most people answer with a number. Dr. Nicholas Michels says that is backwards. Don't start with a dollar amount. Start with the life you want, then let the money serve it.Nick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, founder of Michels Family Financial, and author of Rich by Choice. In this conversation with David Carr he gets honest about why so many people are outwardly successful and inwardly stressed, and how to close that gap.He has lived both sides. He grew up comfortable until his family went, almost overnight, from a stay at home mom of four to a single mom working three jobs. Years later he had built real wealth as a fast rising advisor and still felt his happiness lagging behind his bank account. The turning point was a hard conversation with his wife and the humility to seek mentors. From there he shares the comparison game and the rocking chair test, why happiness comes from the steps and not the destination, how to 10X your business through your unique ability, and a legacy lens that reframes what money is really for.You will walk away ready to design the life first and let the number follow.Connect with Dr. Nicholas Michels on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-e-michelsMichels Family Financial: https://michelsfamilyfinancial.comRich by Choice (free gift): https://richbychoicebook.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

How much money do you actually need? Most people answer with a number. Dr. Nicholas Michels says that is backwards. Don't start with a dollar amount. Start with the life you want, then let the money serve it.Nick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional, founder of Michels Family Financial, and author of Rich by Choice. In this conversation with David Carr he gets honest about why so many people are outwardly successful and inwardly stressed, and how to close that gap.He has lived both sides. He grew up comfortable until his family went, almost overnight, from a stay at home mom of four to a single mom working three jobs. Years later he had built real wealth as a fast rising advisor and still felt his happiness lagging behind his bank account. The turning point was a hard conversation with his wife and the humility to seek mentors. From there he shares the comparison game and the rocking chair test, why happiness comes from the steps and not the destination, how to 10X your business through your unique ability, and a legacy lens that reframes what money is really for.You will walk away ready to design the life first and let the number follow.Connect with Dr. Nicholas Michels on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-e-michelsMichels Family Financial: https://michelsfamilyfinancial.comRich by Choice (free gift): https://richbychoicebook.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

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This episode is 46 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 24, 2026.

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How much money do you actually need? Most people answer with a number. Dr. Nicholas Michels says that is backwards. Don't start with a dollar amount. Start with the life you want, then let the money serve it.Nick is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER...

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