Purpose with Mark Bertrang

Implementarians: Why Many Plans Fail & The Secret Sauce

Mark Bertrang introduces the word "Implementarian" — someone who doesn't just create plans but makes sure they actually get done. In this conversation he explains why estate documents often fail without follow-through, why accountability matters more than spreadsheets, and how values (not rates of return) form the real foundation of lasting financial guidance. Personal stories of reverse budgeting, honeymoon-vs-ring decisions, and decades-long client relationships illustrate what it means to help people reach the "wonderful world of being okay." Chapters 0:00 – This Little Light of Mine 0:43 – Introducing "Implementarian" 2:30 – Double Reds, Ranch Dressing & Cultural Surprises 7:00 – Wills, Trusts & the Missing Follow-Through 11:00 – Accountability: The Weight Watchers Model 13:30 – Consistency, Culture & McDonald's Lessons 16:50 – Building Strategy on Values (Not Shifting Sand) 23:00 – When Values Trump the Money 27:00 – Honeymoon vs. Diamond & Eight Years of Reverse Budgeting 33:30 – The Real Secret Sauce Isn't the Numbers 37:00 – Thirty-Year Client Moment 39:30 – Finding Joy in the Work You Have 44:00 – Life Stages: Aging, Retirement & Young Families 48:00 – Planned vs. Unplanned Distributions 51:50 – The 1987 Microfiche Story & Why Documentation Matters 57:00 – How You Want to Be Remembered 1:00:05 – Closing: Let It Shine #Implementarian #FinancialWisdom #LegacyPlanning #Financialoscopy® #OnalaskaWI #FinancialAdvisorLaCrosse #WealthManagement #FinancialPlannerLaCrosse

Time's A Wasting: Nashville Donuts, Forgotten Bloodbaths & the Old School Family Fix No One Talks About

What if the sweetest donut in Nashville, a brutal 5-hour Civil War slaughter, and raw conversations about dying alone revealed the same urgent truth? In this unfiltered hour with Tammi Brannan, let's open up about life, real life — the kind that doesn't come from spreadsheets. From devouring Five Daughters Bakery donuts and scorching hot chicken, to standing on hallowed Franklin battlefields where 9,000 souls fell, to late-night talks with a Canadian friend exposing the myth of "free" healthcare... this episode is packed with stories that hit the gut and the heart. I share why I'm racing to finish my next book Investments Don't Hug: Engaging the Covenant Conversation, why old-school family stability beats modern helter-skelter chaos, how whole life insurance becomes a true covenant across decades, and the one question every person should ask themselves before it's too late: "Am I using my empty squares wisely?" If you're tired of generic financial advice and crave wisdom on legacy, family, faith, money that actually lasts, and living in the "wonderful world of being okay," this one's for you. Chapters: · 00:00 – Welcome to Purpose with Mark Bertrang · 00:43 – Gene Wilder, Tom Hanks & Artists Who Truly Embody Their Roles · 04:37 – Nashville Adventures Begin: Biscuits, Five Daughters Donuts & Hot Chicken · 08:33 – Civil War Battlefields & the Forgotten Franklin Slaughter (9,000 Dead in 5 Hours) · 10:51 – Great Food, Thai Restaurants & the 4.9-Rated Asian Fusion Spot · 12:40 – Life Insurance Summit Takeaways: Worship, Young Families & Team Culture · 16:41 – Canadian Healthcare Reality Check & the "Free Oil Changes Every 10 Years" Analogy · 22:36 – Old-School Family Values & Why Stability Still Matters · 27:12 – Life Insurance as a 40-Year Covenant: What Clients Discover Decades Later · 32:38 – "All Tax Law Is Written in Pencil" + Social Security Truths · 38:25 – The Book I'm Racing to Finish: Investments Don't Hug & My Grandparents' Bench · 46:27 – Caleb's Life Squares, Mortality Awareness & Making an Impact · 49:49 – The Summit Vibe: Giving People, Shared Values & Signing Up Again · 53:22 – Time Is Wasting: My Daily Prayer & the Domino Effect of Small Acts · 58:45 – Closing Thoughts & See You Next Week Drop a comment: How will your "empty square" be used better this year? Subscribe for more real-talk on purpose, legacy, and living with clarity. Financialoscopy® – A thorough discovery for your unique life.

The "Groovy" Entrepreneur - Carley Green-Easterday

In today's episode of "Purpose with Mark Bertrang," Mark interviews a Groovy Entrepreneur, Carley Green-Easterday, the owner of Groovy Coffee Company, from Galesville, Wisconsin with additional locations in Onalaska, Wisconsin and La Crescent, Minnesota . We discuss leadership, running a small business, community, values, and coffee.

Leadership: Leading with Heart, Guest-Sarah Fecht

In this episode of "Purpose with Mark Bertrang", Mark engages leadership expert Sarah Fecht, founder of Best Self Leadership, in a deep dive into what truly defines effective leadership. They discuss leading with empathy, heart, and emotional intelligence over fear and intimidation, the importance of building genuine relationships, appropriate transparency, and fostering self-awareness among teams. Sarah reflects on her HR background, the risks of starting her own business, and personal values like faith, finding blessings in challenges, believing in people's goodness, and embracing fun. Whether you're a business owner, aspiring leader, or team member, this conversation offers actionable insights on creating high-performing teams and leaving a lasting legacy. Tune in for inspiring stories and practical advice on leading purposefully. #Leadership #SelfAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #EmpathyInLeadership #Influence #BestSelf #PurposePodcast #BusinessGrowth #TeamBuilding #PersonalDevelopment #HeartCenteredLeadership #MarkBertrang #SarahFecht

Navigating the Storm: Mastering Homeowners Insurance in a Volatile Market

In this episode of "Purpose with Mark Bertrang," host Mark Bertrang sits down with insurance expert Michael Otomo from Hougom Insurance Agency to demystify the world of homeowners insurance. Michael breaks down the top claims—wind/hail damage, water backups, and service line failures—and reveals essential policy types and exclusions, as well as how to choose the right deductible for your risk. Learn tips on the impact of credit scores on rates, catastrophic coverage for explosions or fires, and why reviewing your policy every two to three years is crucial to avoid gaps. Whether you're a first-time buyer or longtime homeowner, don't let volatility catch you off guard—tune in and take control of your homeowners insurance policy.

Purpose with Mark Bertrang - Mark is interviewed by Tammi Brannan (The Blueprint Process) of his God-given skills, passions and values.

The tables have been turned. Usually Mark Bertrang, the author of "Investments Don't Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset" is interviewing guests during these podcast episodes. Instead, today Mark is on the otherside of the table, being interviewed by Tammi Brannan, the creator of The Blueprint Process about his God-given skills, passions and values. Tammi Brannan created "The Blueprint Process" to help professionals uncover their unique skills, passions, and values to ignite their career momentum and achieve greater success. This process, developed in 2008, guides individuals to identify their purpose and align their career goals with their unique strengths. Here's a more detailed look: Purpose Identification: The Blueprint Process helps individuals discover their natural strengths, passions, and values. Career Alignment: It guides professionals to integrate their unique purpose into their careers, leading to greater fulfillment and success. Confidence Building: Tammi Brannan works with clients to instill confidence and empower them to pursue their goals. Entrepreneurial Focus: The process is particularly helpful for entrepreneurs and business owners, helping them to infuse their purpose into their ventures. Beyond Imposter Syndrome: Tammi Brannan helps clients overcome imposter syndrome and view it as a strength. Deep Conversations: The Blueprint Process often involves one-on-one sessions to explore an individual's core skills, passions, priorities, and purpose. Personal Revolution: Tammi Brannan helps clients find their own "personal revolution" by living intentionally and integrating their purpose into their lives. Example Applications: Tammi Brannan has helped numerous professionals level up their career goals through the Blueprint Process.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Conclusion - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"

"Investments Don't Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset" – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. Here's the link for the Conclusion of Mark's book.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Twenty - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"

FREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Nineteen - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"

"Investments Don't Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset" – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. Here's the link for Chapter Nineteen – "The reason for thanksgiving"

FREE DOWNLOAD: Chapter Eighteen - Mark Bertrang, Author of "Investments Don't Hug"

"Investments Don't Hug: Embracing the Life Insurance Asset" – A weekly audio book segment, a gift from Financialoscopy® creator - Mark Bertrang, as read by the author. Here's the link for Chapter Eighteen – "Keeping your dignity."