Becoming a millionaire is not reserved for people born into wealth, earning enormous salaries, or getting lucky. According to Tony Bradshaw, it begins with a conscious decision—and a plan to make, manage, and multiply your money with purpose.
Tony is the author of The Millionaire Choice, host of The Millionaire Choice Podcast, and a former engineer who went on to lead in technology, business, and financial education. After recognizing at age 25 that he was earning money but managing it poorly, Tony made the decision to change his financial trajectory and become a millionaire by 40.
In this episode of Business, Finance and Soul, Tony and Shaun discuss the beliefs and behaviors that keep people financially stuck, why income alone does not create wealth, and the practical steps anyone can begin taking to improve their financial future.
They explore how to develop a wealth-building mindset, increase income, eliminate destructive debt, invest consistently, and teach the next generation a healthier relationship with money. Tony also explains why wealth should never be the final destination—it should be a tool for creating freedom, impact, and a meaningful legacy.
In This Episode, You'll Learn- Why becoming wealthy begins with making a conscious choice
- How childhood experiences shape your relationship with money
- Why a higher income does not automatically produce financial freedom
- The difference between looking wealthy and actually building wealth
- How to create a practical financial plan instead of relying on motivation
- Why increasing your income is an essential part of wealth creation
- How debt and lifestyle inflation quietly delay financial independence
- The importance of investing early, consistently, and intentionally
- How parents can teach children stronger financial habits
- Why wealth needs a purpose beyond accumulating more money
00:00 – Introduction: The operating system behind Tony's life Tony shares how growth, learning, faith, and cash flow shape his approach to business, money, and family.
02:36 – The 1% Better Every Day Rule Why Tony believes continuous learning—and applying what you learn—is one of the most important drivers of long-term success.
04:57 – The three biggest levers that drive business growth Tony breaks down the importance of innovation, leadership development, team development, strategy, and vision.
07:48 – Building and innovating during the early growth of Ramsey Solutions Tony discusses developing online ticketing, e-commerce, lead-generation systems, and podcasting before those tools became mainstream.
10:03 – Why employee development strengthens company culture How shared training, required reading, and business education helped create alignment throughout the organization.
13:16 – What entrepreneurs make more complicated than necessary Tony explains why a business is ultimately a money-making system—and why founders must prioritize sales and marketing.
17:09 – What leaders consistently get wrong when hiring Why many managers struggle to recognize talent and how poor hiring decisions affect growing companies.
20:00 – How to hire, onboard, and develop high-performing employees Tony shares his approach to multi-step interviews, 30-, 60-, and 90-day plans, and generating a return on a new hire within 90 days.
21:54 – Finding the "diamond in the rough" Why HR systems and artificial intelligence may overlook candidates that an experienced leader can recognize through judgment and intuition.
23:29 – Creating a repeatable hiring and onboarding process Tony explains how his engineering mindset helped him build a structured system for interviewing, selecting, and integrating employees.
25:36 – Hiring for passion, character, and cultural alignment Why technical skills can often be taught, but passion, commitment, and alignment are much harder to develop.
29:01 – Why high earners still feel financially stressed Tony explains how the cycle of working and spending keeps people trapped—even when they earn six figures.
29:46 – Invest first, then build your budget Why Tony believes people should create a vision for multiplying their money before determining how much they can afford to spend.
32:10 – What someone earning $100,000 should do to become financially free Tony introduces his four money buckets: living money, wealth money, play money, and other people's money.
33:00 – Building a diversified emergency fund and investment strategy A discussion of cash, money-market accounts, precious metals, cryptocurrency, stocks, and real estate.
36:18 – The money belief Tony changed as he became more experienced Tony reflects on being completely opposed to debt and the real-estate opportunities he missed because he did not understand responsible leverage.
39:56 – The difference between dangerous debt and strategic leverage How financial intelligence and experience can help investors use debt while still managing downside risk.
41:00 – Preparing for risks that other investors overlook Tony discusses leverage, economic downturns, real-estate risk, banking risk, and the importance of planning for unexpected conditions.
43:16 – Tony's ideal week as an entrepreneur, husband, and father The habits Tony is working to build around sleep, learning, productivity, marriage, family, church, and faith.
45:48 – Tony's honest reflection on marriage and fatherhood Tony opens up about recognizing where he had fallen short and the changes he began making to become a better husband and father.
46:14 – Protecting your marriage while building a business Practical lessons for entrepreneurs and leaders balancing ambition, demanding careers, marriage, and raising children.
47:09 – Your spouse is not your enemy Tony explains how unresolved childhood wounds can shape conflict, communication, control, and emotional reactions within a marriage.
49:17 – Breaking the cycle of yelling and control as a parent A vulnerable discussion about emotional awareness, rebuilding trust, and allowing children time to heal.
51:18 – Self-awareness as the starting point for personal growth Shaun and Tony reflect on vulnerability, personal responsibility, and creating a better future alongside the people you love.
52:10 – Where to connect with Tony Bradshaw Tony shares his website, books, newsletter, and the Get Money Smart community.
About Tony BradshawTony Bradshaw is the author of The Millionaire Choice: Millionaire or Not. You Can Choose and host of The Millionaire Choice Podcast. A former mechanical engineer turned technology and business executive, Tony has spent more than 25 years in leadership and financial education. His work helps people become more intentional about making, managing, and multiplying their money—and using wealth to create a positive impact. https://www.tonybradshaw.com/
Connect with Shaun Enders
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunenders/
www.BusinessFinanceAndSoul.com