From Poverty to Portfolio Power: The Financial Journey of George Nelson

Описание: In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, joins co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, to welcome lifelong friend and financial advisor George Nelson.

George shares his remarkable story — from growing up in deep poverty, surrounded by addiction, instability, and hardship, to becoming a successful financial planner who now helps families across the country build lasting wealth. With honesty and insight, he reflects on the early experiences that shaped him, the moment he realized he wanted a different life, and the risks he took to build a career in finance.

The conversation spans entrepreneurship, wealth building, mindset, and the realities facing young people today. John and George break down modern financial challenges, the disappearing middle class, and how taxation and regulation affect the ability to build wealth — especially in states like California. They also explore practical tools like life insurance, estate leverage, and disciplined investing, with John sharing how he personally uses his whole life policy as an investment engine for real estate.

This episode is full of real talk, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable insight — especially for anyone who didn’t start life with a safety net but is determined to create one.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How George Nelson transformed a childhood shaped by poverty and addiction into a foundation for success
Why early adversity can spark lifelong ambition
George’s path from day trader to model to financial advisor
The truth about term, universal, and whole life insurance
How John uses his policy to fund real estate investments without banks
Why saving even $50–$100 a month can change your entire financial future
The disappearing middle class and why younger generations feel financially hopeless
The difference between building wealth in California vs. other states
How risk fuels entrepreneurship — and why fear can actually be productive
The power of discipline, creativity, and self-belief when starting from nothing


Hosts:
John Fagerholm — defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — coopertalk.net

Guest:
George Nelson — Financial Advisor
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