Thinking Like a Bank

Hosted by Sarry Ibrahim

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

125

Latest episode

Sep 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Ever wonder what banks do to get so rich? Well its not just because they're banks.. rather its about the way they think. That's what we uncover here in this podcast.. how to think like a bank. You don't need to be a banker or in the banking industry but you can still copy these strategies to help improve your financial life. Learn more at https://finassetprotection.com/

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 10, 2025Episode 12515 min

Episode 125: How to Pay for Nursing Home Care

In this episode of Thinking Like a Bank, host Sarry Ibrahim returns after a year-long break to share important updates about the firm and dive into one of the biggest financial challenges many families face: the cost of nursing home care.Sarry discusses why long-term care can quickly become one of the most significant expenses in someone’s life, and how strategies like Medicaid planning and Medicaid-compliant annuities can provide relief without draining a lifetime of savings. He explains what Medicaid covers, who qualifies, and how families can navigate the complex rules around assets, income, and the five-year lookback period.🔥 This episode talks about:☑️ Why long-term care is such a pressing financial issue in 2025☑️ How Medicaid eligibility is determined☑️ Common misconceptions about long-term care insurance☑️ Legal and financial strategies to preserve assets while qualifying for Medicaid☑️ How a Medicaid-compliant annuity works and when it might make senseIf you or someone you know is facing the high costs of nursing home care, this episode offers valuable insight into options that can help protect both finances and peace of mind.👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ ⁠https://finassetprotection.com⁠👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ ⁠https://calendly.com/financialservicesins⁠📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ ⁠https://thinkinglikeabank.com⁠👉Get a free tax analysis here: smtaxteam.com🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

October 7, 202425 min

Episode 124: Skip the 529 plan, do this instead for college planning, with Ryan Fleming CFF®️

Ryan Fleming has been a college planning specialist in the Columbus, Ohio area for over 14 years. As a Certified Financial Fiduciary and a Certified College Financial Consultant, he takes pride in helping others plan for their financial future. Ryan specializes in helping parents of college-bound students plan for one of the largest wealth transfers of their lives. He enjoys working with coachable individuals who are interested in learning more effective ways to plan for their financial future. Ryan conducts free educational college planning workshops throughout the Columbus area and beyond. He also conducts individually with parents and students to help them improve their financial aid picture and pay for college on a tax-favored basis. 🔥 This episode talks about: ☑️ Ryan Flemming's background in the financial Industry and college planning ☑️ Understanding the FAFSA Application process ☑️ A holistic approach to college and retirement planning ☑️ Understanding 529 plans and alternative strategies for college funding ☑️ Leveraging the "Bank On Yourself" strategy for college expenses ☑️ Non-Financial aspects of college planning (what else to plan for) ☑️ Common challenges families face in college planning ☑️ How to work with Ryan Flemming ☑️ Cost-saving strategies for efficient college planning ☑️ Solutions for effective college financial planning To connect with Ryan Fleming CFF®️ and to learn more about college planning, please visit: 👉Website:➡️https://keystonecollegeplan.com/ 👉Linkedin:➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-fleming-cff-%C2%AE%EF%B8%8F-certified-financial-fiduciary-1590a5b/ 👉Facebook:➡️https://www.facebook.com/KeystoneCollegePlanning 📞Phone: 614-300-9493 📩 rflemming@keystonecollegeplan.com 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

September 3, 202412 min

Episode 123: Bank On Yourself, stock market, or both?

In this episode of the Thinking Like a Bank podcast, host Sarry Ibrahim explores a common question asked by clients: "Wouldn't it be better to buy term life insurance and invest the rest in the stock market, rather than a Bank On Yourself type whole life policy?" Sarry, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™ , breaks down this debate using logic, math, and real-world examples. Sarry demonstrates how each option might perform over 30 years, considering factors such as fees, taxes, and risk. Listeners are encouraged to think critically about their own financial goals and to consider both the risks and benefits of various investment strategies. Schedule a consultation with Sarry at Thinking Like a Bank to discuss personalized financial strategies. 🔥 This episode talks about: ☑️ How loss aversion bias impacts investment decision making ☑️ How loss aversion bias can influence financial choices and other choices in life ☑️ The importance of using logic and accurate math in financial decisions. ☑️ Buy term and invest the rest, what does that look lik? ☑️ Bank On Yourself vs the stock market ☑️ Combination of Bank On Yourself type Whole Life Policy with the stock market ☑️ The potential benefits of combining investment strategies for long-term growth. 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

June 30, 202424 min

Episode 122: How to Afford College with Angie Grimm

Angie Grimm is the lead college funding professional at College Solutions LLC in Amarillo, Texas. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska. She prides herself in helping students make an informed educational decision to pursue their educational goals, as well as assisting parents in setting up a solid financial plan with no unnecessary risks to meet the upcoming expenses of college for their student. Angie has researched and developed extensive knowledge about the college financial aid system, benefiting her clients with advice and strategies that most parents don't think about or have access to when saving for and paying for college. Angie has worked with hundreds of students and families over 15 years and maximizing the college admission and financial aid process. She resides in Amarillo, Texas with her husband, Mike, and they have two grown children. 🔥 This episode talks about: ☑️ Angie's expertise and experience in college planning ☑️ Insights on comprehensive college planning strategies ☑️ Balancing college funding with retirement planning ☑️ Essential calculators and tools for estimating college costs and financial aid ☑️ Exploring various financial vehicles to fund college expenses ☑️ Understanding financial aid and the FAFSA processes ☑️ Benefits of using cash value life insurance policies for college expenses ☑️ Avoiding high-interest federal loans: opt for self-financed options ☑️ Non-financial aspects of college planning: tools and resources ☑️ Who is College Solutions LLC, and what services do they offer? To connect with Angie Grimm and to learn more about college planning, please visit: 👉Website:➡️ https://www.collegesolutionsllc.com/ 👉Linkedin: ➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-grimm-0a679a64/ 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

June 14, 202412 min

Episode 121: What exactly do we do?

Welcome to Episode 121! In this episode, Sarry Ibrahim provides a detailed overview of the services offered to clients which includes a range of financial strategies and solutions. Schedule an introductory call with Sarry Ibrahim to explore how these services can help achieve your financial goals. 🔥 This episode talks about: ☑️ The Bank On Yourself® and it works ☑️ Who is Bank On Yourself® good for? ☑️ How do life insurance loans work? ☑️ The advantages of borrowing against your dividend whole life insurance policy ☑️ Understanding arbitrage and how it applies to leveraging dividend-paying whole life insurance ☑️ Utilizing the cash value of whole life insurance for other investments, such as real estate. ☑️ Using Bank On Yourself® as a source of retirement income ☑️ Asset Protection Strategies ☑️ Tax Benefits of Cash Value Whole Life Insurance ☑️ Assistance in obtaining life insurance policies required by lenders for commercial loans and SBA loans ☑️ Financial coaching and acting as an outsourced CFO to provide a second opinion on investments and financial planning advice. ☑️ Long-term care insurance ☑️ Medicare and Health Insurance (under 65) ☑️ Annuities ☑️ The client engagement process - including the intro call, financial analysis meeting, personalized solution meeting, and implementation meeting. 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

May 27, 202432 min

Episode 120: Unlocking Property Secrets: An Insider’s Guide with Attorney Omar Younis

Omar Younis is an attorney in Chicago, IL who focuses on real estate transactions, commercial and residential property tax appeals, and corporate transactions. Omar’s law office averages more than 200 closings a year and are growing rapidly. His team has represented all types of property owners from residential to multi unit commercial, both on the buying and selling side. Tune into this episode to learn more about Omar’s legal background, what to consider before closing on a real estate property, the recent NAR settlement and what it means for realtors, and how you can reduce property taxes for your residential and/or commercial property. 🔥 This episode talks about: ☑️ Attorney Omar’s legal background ☑️ The challenges in managing your own business ☑️ What are some factors to consider before closing on a real estate property ☑️ The recent changes in real estate commissions due to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit ☑️ The crucial role that realtors have in real estate transactions and the potential effects of new regulations in the industry ☑️ Understanding the role of title companies ☑️ Property tax appeals ☑️ How to reduce property taxes for residential and commercial properties ☑️ The potential benefits of successful property tax appeals To connect with Omar Younis and to learn more about real estate and tax appeals, please visit: 👉Website:➡️https://www.younislawgroup.com/ 👉Linkedin: ➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/omaryounisjd/ 👉Instagram: ➡️https://www.instagram.com/_younislaw/ 👉Facebook: ➡️https://www.facebook.com/younislawgroup/ 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📩 🔗Connect with Sarry on https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarry-ibrahim-mba-ltcp-bank-on-you/ 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

April 24, 202413 min

Episode 119: Why I became a CFP Professional, Sarry Ibrahim, CFPⓇ, MBA

🔥 This episode talks about: Sarry's journey from his introduction to the financial services industry to his decision to pursue the CFPⓇ certification. Learn about the CFP designation, its founding mission, and why it's considered the gold standard in financial planning. Explore the comprehensive curriculum of the CFP certification, including topics such as investment strategies, tax planning, and fiduciary responsibility. How CFP training has shaped Sarry's professional journey and approach to financial planning. Gain valuable tips and strategies for aspiring CFP professionals, from crafting structured study schedules to leveraging effective learning techniques. Understand the principles of fiduciary responsibility in client-centered advisory services. 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📩 🔗Connect with Sarry on https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarry-ibrahim-mba-ltcp-bank-on-you/ 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

February 7, 202421 min

Episode 118: Understanding Business Loans with Joe Camberato

Joe Camberato is the CEO and founder of National Business Capital – the leading FinTech marketplace, helping entrepreneurs access competitive financing fast through an easy-to-use online platform and an experienced team. Joe knows entrepreneurs because he is an entrepreneur. With a strong vision, determination, and passionate leadership, Joe grew his firm from a small operation in his spare bedroom to one of the top workplaces on Long Island – all without one dollar of private equity. 🔥 This episode talks about: ☑️ What drove Joe Camberato to start the National Business Capital? ☑️ Some challenges that entrepreneurs face, especially with accessing business loans ☑️ What is non-bank private lending? How does it differ from traditional bank lending? ☑️ How do these lenders provide solutions for businesses that may not fit the criteria of traditional banks? ☑️ How does Joe's company address the unique needs of businesses across various industries? ☑️ Why is it essential for business owners to diversify their investments. ☑️ The tax benefits associated with financing ☑️ Diversification and financial planning as valuable strategies for mitigating risk To connect with Joe Camberato, please visit: 👉Website:➡️https://www.nationalbusinesscapital.com/ 👉Linkedin: ➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/growbyjoe/ 👉YouTube: ➡️https://www.youtube.com/c/growbyjoe 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

December 28, 202327 min

Episode 117: Using Tardus Wealth Strategies Along with Bank On Yourself, Mark Willis CFP®

Today, Mark Willis and Sarry talk about Tardus Wealth Strategies, The Income Snowball™, and using a Bank On Yourself type whole life policy to maximize the cash value growth while also minimizing risk. Check out this episode to learn more about Tardus, who they are, how they help people reach financial freedom in about 10 years, and how using their financial strategies along with Bank On Yourself can help increase and improve your path to financial freedom. 🔥 This episode talks about: ☑️ The Bank On Yourself concept ☑️ How does Bank On Yourself work with passive investments? ☑️ The Income Snowball™ and Tardus Wealth Strategies ☑️ The advantages of using Bank On Yourself for passive income opportunities ☑️ Using a dividend-paying whole life insurance policy as an alternative line of credit ☑️ Indexed Universal Life (IUL) vs Dividend-paying whole life insurance ☑️ Potential downsides of using IUL policies for The Income Snowball™ ☑️ Direct vs Non-Direct Recognition ☑️ The importance of non-direct recognition policies for loans ☑️ How does the growth and cost structure differ between the two? ☑️ Long-term benefits of using dividend-paying whole life insurance To connect with Mark Willis CFP®, please visit: 👉Website:➡️https://lakegrowth.com/ 👉Linkedin: ➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklakegrowth 👉Facebook: ➡️https://www.facebook.com/lakegrowth 👉Twitter: ➡️https://twitter.com/LakeGrowth 👉Instagram: ➡️https://www.instagram.com/notyouraveragefinancia/ 👉YouTube:➡️https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw-DvhKT2EaPFdncLy39LIQ 👉Not Your Average Financial Podcast: ➡️https://nyafinancialpodcast.com/ 👉Book: 📚 Amazon: Mark Willis Book 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation.

December 22, 202317 min

Episode 116: Improve Your Business, Apply these Accounting Principles with Michael Scicluna

Michael Scicluna is a seasoned financial executive and partner, CFO at High Country Finance. With extensive experience as a CFO in multiple organizations, Mike specializes in cash flow forecasting, accounting analysis, and providing high-level advice to startups and growing businesses. His expertise spans 25 industries, making him a trusted resource for strategic financial guidance. 🔥 This episode talks about: ☑️ What is a CFO? ☑️ The common misconceptions about the role of a CFO ☑️ The types of companies High Country Finance typically work with ☑️ Why is there a constant need for new accountants? ☑️ Some quick tips for business owners to assess their balance sheets for errors. ☑️ Does High Country Finance handle all aspects of accounting, bookkeeping, and tax compliance? ☑️ Difference between financial planning for yourself and your business? ☑️ What percentage of gross revenue should businesses allocate to outsourced CFO services? To connect with Michael Scicluna, please visit: 👉Website:➡️https://highcountryfinance.com/ 👉Linkedin: ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-scicluna/ 👉Facebook: ➡️https://www.facebook.com/elder.scicluna/ 👉Instagram: ➡️https://www.instagram.com/scicluna23/ 👉To learn more about what we do and how we can help you grow more wealth, please visit ➡️ https://finassetprotection.com 👉You can also schedule a free call with us: ➡️ https://calendly.com/financialservicesins 📢💡 📚 Free "Thinking Like a Bank" ebook. Learn to think like a bank by downloading a free copy here: ➡️ https://thinkinglikeabank.com 🚧 👉 **Not intended to be financial advice. Please consult a professional who knows your specific situation