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Escape The Clock: How to Become Financially Free and Have the Option Not to Work

Escape The Clock: How to Become Financially Free and Have the Option Not to Work

By: Daniel C. Rodgers
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About this listen

Join me, Daniel C. Rodgers, the author of the award-winning book Escape The Clock, where I break down the strategies from the book to help you make the moves you need to make to get in control of your finances and achieve financial independence.

These 30-60 minute long episodes are focused on bite-size and easy to understand strategies to get the most out of your money so that you can have the option to work (or not work) on your terms.

For the book, the planner, and more free resources, please visit www.escapetheclock.com.

2025 Daniel C. Rodgers - Escape The Clock - All Rights Reserved
Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • How to Escape The Clock - 8 Principles for Financial Freedom
    Jun 24 2025

    Episode Title: How to Escape The Clock - 8 Principles for Financial Freedom

    Episode Summary: This milestone episode recaps the most powerful lessons from the first nine weeks of the Escape The Clock podcast — all designed to help you align your mindset and strategy for a life of financial freedom. But this week comes with a twist: for the first time, I’m joined by a special guest — an 18-year-old who is about to set off on their financial journey He shares his thoughts on money, independence, and what the future looks like for Gen Z.

    Whether you’re just getting started, fine-tuning your plan, or thinking about what to teach the next generation, this episode distills what matters most: how to think about money, how to get in control, and how to use your freedom with purpose.

    Key Talking Points:

    • Debt is the anti-investment – Learn how U.S. debt impacts you personally and why eliminating debt is the first step to building freedom.
    • Saving is security, not sacrifice – Why saving is buying yourself peace of mind and future opportunity.
    • Investing is essential – You won't get rich without investing. Make it automatic, long-term, and resilient to emotional decision-making.
    • Retirement is a math problem, not an age – The timing of your retirement hinges on income, expenses, and strategy.
    • Passive income buys freedom – Side income streams like dividends, real estate, or royalties give you options and peace of mind.
    • FIRE is personal – You don’t have to stop working, just know that you don’t have to work. That’s real control.
    • Psychology is half the battle – Our upbringing and beliefs around money shape our behaviors. Understanding them helps you unlock progress.
    • Your plan is your power – Know your numbers, track your goals, and stay flexible. That’s how you stay in control.

    Explore Escape The Clock Resources:

    • Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
    • Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
    • Videos: www.escapetheclock.com/media
    • Consultation: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
    • Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
    • Join the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

    Support the podcast:

    • Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform.
    • Leave a rating & review.
    • Share this episode with others.

    Thank you for listening!

    Important Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Paychecks to Payouts - Living on Passive Income
    Jun 17 2025

    Episode Title: Paychecks to Payouts - Living on Passive Income

    Episode Summary: Financial freedom is more than just hitting a number. In this episode, I explore passive income as a powerful tool to accelerate your path to early retirement and create lasting peace of mind. You'll learn what passive income really is, how it works, and how to choose the right sources to fit your plan. Whether you're just starting to build your portfolio or transitioning into retirement, this episode gives you the insight and tools to turn your wealth into income that works while you don't.

    Key Talking Points:

    • What passive income really is — and what it isn’t.
    • How to set and track a SMART income goal.
    • How dividends work: yields, payout schedules, and real examples.
    • A walkthrough of how much you’d need invested to cover your expenses.
    • The difference between “yield on cost” vs. current yield.
    • Building a portfolio that hits a monthly income target.
    • Transitioning from reinvesting to withdrawing.
    • How to diversify your passive income stream beyond dividends.

    Explore Escape The Clock Resources:

    • Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
    • Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
    • Videos: www.escapetheclock.com/media
    • Consultation: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
    • Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
    • Join the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

    Support the podcast:

    • Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform.
    • Leave a rating & review.
    • Share this episode with others.

    Thank you for listening!

    Important Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Financial Independence, Retire Early - FIRE Your Way to Early Retirement
    Jun 10 2025

    Episode Title: Financial Independence, Retire Early - FIRE your way to Early Retirement

    Episode Summary: Is retiring in your 30s or 40s really possible, or just a social media fantasy? In this episode, I break down the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and separate the hype from the strategy. You'll learn what the 25x and 4% rules really mean, why they’re useful but often misunderstood, and how to apply the FIRE framework realistically to your life. Whether you're aiming to leave work early or just want more control over your time and money, this episode offers the clarity, tools, and mindset shifts you need to design your own escape plan.

    Key Talking Points:

    • What FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) is — and what it’s not.
    • The math behind FIRE: Understanding the 25x rule and the 4% withdrawal rule.
    • The importance of defining your version of retirement.
    • Why focusing only on saving can backfire, and what to do instead.
    • Common pitfalls and unrealistic expectations in the FIRE community.
    • How to use FIRE projects in your Escape The Clock program.
    • Actionable steps to start your FIRE journey today, no matter your income.
    • Reframing work: It's not about quitting, it’s about creating options.
    • How to handle healthcare, housing, and uncertainty in early retirement.
    • How to stress test your FIRE plan.

    Explore Escape The Clock Resources:

    • Book: www.escapetheclock.com/book
    • Planner: www.escapetheclock.com/planner
    • Videos: www.escapetheclock.com/media
    • Consultation: www.escapetheclock.com/schedule
    • Other Resources: www.escapetheclock.com/resources
    • Join the Newsletter: https://bit.ly/etc-news

    Support the podcast:

    • Subscribe/Follow on your favorite platform.
    • Leave a rating & review.
    • Share this episode with others.

    Thank you for listening!

    Important Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
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