LIFE WITH MIKEY

Latest Episodes:

The 401k Mistake That Could Cost You Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Most people lock up money too early in retirement accounts and miss flexibility when opportunities show up. In this episode we walk through how we’d think about allocating $10k, $100k, and $1M, why we prioritize the employer match, how a self-directed IRA can expand options, and the tradeoffs between post tax dollars, real estate, and diversified holdings.

Timestamps

0:00 - Setup & stakes

1:06 - Matching the 401k

1:33 - Why going past the match could hurt

3:27 - 401k loan used strategically

6:44 - The “idle cash” mistake

7:42 - Rolling into a self-directed IRA

10:55 - Roth vs Traditional tradeoffs

21:32 - Unlock the IRA

47:47 - Final lessons

This video is for education only. Not financial, legal, or tax advice. No results are guaranteed. Individuals are urged to do their own research and consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.

The Real Estate Mistake Costing Agents Millions Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

Real talk for real estate agents and investors. Glennda Baker lays out the painful truth: the second you sell a property, your income stops. She breaks the “artist not operator” trap, shares the 50 percent commission rule that ends tax panic, and shows the ethical way agents can become owners without burning client trust.

What you’ll learn

Why selling fast keeps you broke and holding builds wealth
The 50 percent rule: 30 percent taxes, 20 percent high-yield savings, so you’re always ready to buy
The ethical agent-to-investor path: expose to open market, then buy if you can beat the top bid
Social media that actually sells: proof over polish, “authentic intelligence,” and avoiding claims that land you in court
Zillow, data power, and the TOS traps agents ignore—plus what to do next

Chapters:

0:00–0:20 Intro payoff: “Seller always loses” concept with a 20-second story.

0:20–2:30 Stakes: Agents as “artists not operators,” the identity trap, and why the best deals get sold to others.

2:30–6:00 Why you regret selling: Short-term cash vs long-term compounding. Sherman Oaks townhouse story to visualize opportunity cost.

6:00–10:30 Systems to avoid pain: The 50 percent rule. Where to park cash so you don’t touch it. Examples with $30k commission math.

10:30–16:00 Ethical agent-investor play: Expose listing to open market, then buy if you can beat the highest bid. Litigation-proof framing.

16:00–22:00 Social that sells: Proof over polish, show the messy reality, why “just listed/just sold” is the death of agents.

22:00–28:00 AI, authenticity, and compliance risks: Real AI means “authentic intelligence,” why claims on social can end in court.

28:00–36:30 Industry power dynamics: Zillow, data control, terms-of-service risks agents ignore. Actionable next steps.

36:30–41:30 Legacy play: “Buy a house for your kid” and affordability realities.

Final takeaway: One-page recap: Hold more, automate savings, show proof, protect your license, buy Grandma’s house. CTA to subscribe.

Stop Chasing Income. Start Buying Freedom Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

High earners are not broke… they’re exposed. In this episode, Mikey Taylor and Michael Michalov break down why so many millennials and Gen Z feel trapped despite making good money and the exact playbook to escape the income treadmill. We cover the difference between income and ownership, why “spending is visible and wealth is silent,” how to buy back freedom with cash flow, and whether you should go DIY or passive in real estate. If you’re making money but feel stuck, this is your pivot point.

Timestamps0:00 The millennial career crisis is real2:55 High income vs real wealth8:23 Lifestyle creep and the trap13:39 Two levers: cut or earn17:56 Status pressure and perception23:56 Gen Z’s advantage and the roadmap33:08 Saving will not set you free34:04 Passive vs active real estate41:36 Is now a good time to build

This content is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this message is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the message will prove to be accurate or realized.

Certain statements reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the project. Such “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or the project’s actual performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

This content does not constitute an offer to invest and such offer will only be made by means of an offering document that should be carefully reviewed before determining whether to invest. As with any investment there is a risk of loss, including up to the amount of investment.

Mikey Taylor Just Became Mayor. Here’s Why Housing Is Still Broken Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Real estate investors talk about the housing crisis every day.

Very few are actually building solutions.

In this episode, Mikey Taylor, cofounder of Commune Capital, takes you inside a rare position. Sitting on both sides of the table. Municipal leadership and private real estate development.

One night, he’s voted mayor of Thousand Oaks.
The next morning, he’s on site developing housing projects designed for working Americans.

This VLOG breaks down how real estate capital, zoning policy, and incentive alignment actually intersect in today’s market.

If you’re a real estate investor, developer, or LP trying to understand:• Affordable housing investment strategies• 80 percent AMI housing fundamentals• How zoning reform impacts project feasibility• Why regulation alone doesn’t solve supply shortages• How removing entitlement friction attracts private capital• What scalable housing models look like in high-cost states

This video is for you.

Are 7 Stocks Quietly Jeopardizing Your Retirement? Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Most investors think they’re diversified. Today Brad Barrett explains why 7 to 10 mega-caps can dominate your “broad market” exposure and what to do before the next shock hits. We cover the simple, boring habits that actually build wealth, when to hire an advisor, how behavioral biases wreck DIY plans, and why his firm keeps zero in crypto while opening access to a private equity fund with quarterly liquidity.

Brad’s background: 23 years advising through multiple cycles, host of Mindset with Brad Barrett and Pension Attention, and a partner at One Capital Management.

What you’ll learn
• The concentration risk sitting inside the S&P 500 and how to fix it today
• A practical diversification stack including uncorrelated assets and fixed income
• When a DIY approach backfires and the moments to bring in counsel
• The crypto allocation rule of thumb that protects your downside
• Private equity as a diversifier and how quarterly liquidity works

Chapters:

0:00 Why “diversified” portfolios aren’t

02:06 The 7-stock concentration problem

03:31 How to build real diversification

04:12 Private equity access and quarterly liquidity

16:33 When a real advisor actually helps

22:42 Behavioral biases that wreck returns

25:08 Crypto allocation discipline and FOMO control

32:45 Why boring investing wins long term

35:01 Compounding vs overtrading

53:59 Where to find Brad and key resources

Instagram: instagram.com/mindsetwithbradbarrett

Facebook: facebook.com/mindsetwithbradbarrett

One Capital: onecapital.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindsetwithbradbarrett

The content of this video (“Video”) is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this Video is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the Video will prove to be accurate or realized.Certain statements may reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance. Any “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or actual performance of the subject. Past performance is not an indication of future results.Certain information contained herein may be derived from third party sources and has not been independently verified. COMMUNE has not and will not independently verify this information. Where such sources include opinions and projections, such opinions and projections should be ascribed only to the applicable third party source and not to COMMUNE.

If You Skip This, You’ll Never Close Your First Deal Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Richard Mulder went from Girl/Chocolate pro to starting at zero in real estate. No residuals. No safety net. And every January 1 felt like day one again. In this episode he lays out exactly how he survived the reset: treat real estate like a contact sport, lead with questions to build real rapport, and stop pretending this is a side hustle.

Watch if you care about: real estate sales, lead generation, new agent strategy, career reinvention, identity after sports, money and stewardship.

Quick wins you’ll get:
• Daily outreach cadence that actually compounds
• The right way to build trust fast
• Good debt vs bad debt in plain English
• Why “all in” beats talent when the market slows

Chapters:

0:00 Intro + Parenting Mirror: kids copy what you do

03:15 From Skating to Real Estate: Kevin story, first steps

07:51 Sales Reality: ground zero every Jan 1, planning the grind

08:56 Lead Gen = Contact Sport: momentum from consistent outreach

10:02 Skater Mindset Advantage: fail forward, don’t take “no” personal

11:57 Who Thrives in Residential: extrovert vs introvert, emotional navigation

14:06 All In, Not a Side Hustle: why dabblers wash out

16:01 Rapport First: selling is questions, listening, and proving you care

20:24 Faith & Identity Beyond Talent: purpose after pro life; building community

31:18 Was Jesus a Socialist?

Certain statements may reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance. Any “forward-looking” statements are based on various assumptions, which assumptions may not prove to be correct. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such assumptions and statements will accurately predict future events or actual performance of the subject. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

Certain information contained herein may be derived from third party sources and has not been independently verified. COMMUNE has not and will not independently verify this information. Where such sources include opinions and projections, such opinions and projections should be ascribed only to the applicable third party source and not to COMMUNE.

Neither this message nor its contents should be construed as legal, tax, investment, or other advice. Individuals are urged to consult with their own tax, legal, and investment advisers before making any investment decision.

How Chasing Monthly Payouts Blindsides Smart Investors Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

He raised millions into an ATM fund that paid every month… until the operator went to jail and the whole thing unraveled. Bronson Hill breaks down what he missed, the hard calls he had to make to million-dollar investors, and the exact framework he now uses to protect capital and still grow. We also dive into modular homes as a fast solution after the LA fires, why rent freezes fail, and how to think about risk when the macro picture keeps shifting.

Timestamps

0:00 The ATM fund that went bad and what it taught us

5:02 Calling investors when it’s a scam, not just “risk”

7:18 The risk spectrum and why first-position debt matters

12:10 Retail investor clarity: cash flow, taxes, and goals

18:00 When cash flow beats a paycheck and changes everything

30:10 AI used to win a $1M grant

31:20 Modular homes after the fires

38:45 Rent freezes vs real supply

44:10 Inflation, dollar confidence, and cycles

54:00 Bronson’s book and free inflation guide

Watch Before You Buy Life Insurance Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

Buying life insurance the wrong way can cost you six figures and leave your family exposed. Russell Boring breaks down term vs whole, indexed universal life, infinite banking, and “tax free retirement” inside a policy. We cover caps, floors, surrender charges, loans, and the incentives that could push bad products.

Watch if you’ve been pitched: whole life, IUL, VUL, guaranteed UL, or infinite banking.

Key takeaways:• Permanent can fit when income is high, plans are maxed, and you’ll actively manage the policy.• Linear illustrations hide volatility and loan risks.• Estate planning can be the best use of life insurance.

Timestamps

0:00 Don’t buy before you hear this

3:12 Term vs whole explained simply

10:45 What “indexed” really credits

16:20 The illustration trap and tax bomb risk

24:30 Caps, floors, moving parts that change

31:50 Who infinite banking truly fits

39:25 Fees, structure, and surrender charges

46:10 Why insurance isn’t your financial quarterback

53:30 Action plan: protect first, then consider permanent

The content of this video (“Video”) and message is for informational purposes only, is not offered as investment advice and should not be deemed as investment advice, and reflects the opinions and projections of COMMUNE as of the date of publication, which are subject to change without notice at any time subsequent to the date of issue. COMMUNE does not represent or warrant that the information presented in this Video is accurate, current, or complete or that the estimates, opinions, projections or assumptions made in the Video will prove to be accurate or realized.

50-Year Mortgages EXPLAINED: Smart Leverage or Affordability Trap? Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

Affordability is the buzzword, but are the “solutions” helping you or just headlines? In this solo episode, Mikey breaks down the 50-year mortgage, portable mortgages, the difference between good and bad debt, and why most political plans miss the only fix that works, more supply. You will learn how to use leverage without losing sleep, why rent control can backfire on renters, and how renting plus investing can still build real wealth.

What you will get in the first 5 minutes• The real play with a 50 vs 30, take the flexibility, prepay like a 30 if you want, keep options open.• Why 50-year loans can raise prices, expanding demand without adding supply pushes housing up.• Portable mortgages sound great, here is why lenders will not touch them in the US.

Big takeaways• Good debt vs bad debt, finance assets, not consumption. Using conservative leverage to amplify returns.• Paying off a 4% mortgage can lose to better opportunities, think opportunity cost, S&P averages and strong real estate deals.• Affordability fixes can require more building, faster permitting, fewer fees, not rent freezes that choke supply.• Case study, Texas built like crazy, rents softened with concessions, tenants gained options while some investors took losses.• If you cannot buy today, rent and investing on a schedule, Gen Z may have more wealth paths than any previous generation.

Timestamps

0:00 Affordability, 50-year mortgages, and options

02:45 Good debt vs bad debt you can actually use

08:45 Why 50-year loans can worsen affordability

10:20 Portable mortgages, why the US does not offer them

12:20 The only way affordability improves, more supply, fewer barriers

14:50 Texas and Florida lessons for renters and investors

16:20 Should you rent and invest instead of buying right now?

17:33 New non-accredited $5k real estate option

Would you walk away from $800K to protect your investors: Justin Brennan’s Real Estate Playbook Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

Justin Brennan watched his family go from “riches to rags,” then rebuilt with cash-flow discipline, learning the hard rules of leverage, investor trust, and timing. In this episode, Justin Brennan breaks down how he moved into a model unit to push a 121-unit across the finish line, why he ate an $800,000 loss to protect investors, and how that decision unlocked an off-market 80-unit in San Diego. If you’re raising capital in 2025 or operating in the Sunbelt, this one’s a must-watch.

Timestamps

0:00 - The $60M wipeout that changed everything (cash flow > speculation)

13:17 - Rates spike 11 times, operator moves into the property, drives lease-up to 98%, locks Fannie Mae at 5.49% seven days before the 10-Year pops

16:10 - Why he walked from $800,000 hard to avoid risking $12M of LP capital and how that led to an off-market 80-unit in National City

25:00 - “Worst years” for REI: 2023, 2024, 2025 and the Sunbelt oversupply math vs. coastal moats

27:54 - Why California still prints wealth (if you live here and can survive the red tape)

59:25 - Where to find Justin’s playbook (YouTube: “Justin Brennan multifamily”)

What You’ll Learn

The operator mindset that can rescue a value-add when debt turns against you.
How saying no (even at a huge cost) can win lifelong LP trust and better deals.
Sunbelt vs. Coastal: vacancies, oversupply, cap-rate reality, and why local advantage matters.
Building from cash flow up: the $100K condo to multi-hundred-unit progression.

#realestateinvesting #realestate #investing

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