Real Life Investing With Jason & Rachel Wagner

Send us a textTune into our take on how Donald Trump and the Republicans won the 2024 election in a landslide.

Send us a textWe voted. For Donald Trump.  Here's why.

Send us a textJoin us on the Real Life Investing Podcast for a thought provoking conversation of shifting political landscapes with our  guest, Adriana. As a Hispanic raised in a middle-class neighborhood with strong Democratic values, Adriana shares her compelling journey from a lifelong Democrat to a passionate supporter of Donald Trump and the Republican Party. This transformation highlights the power of personal experience in reshaping political beliefs. Adriana's story offers a unique window into the broader trend of changing political affiliations, particularly within Hispanic communities, as cultural values and economic frustrations influence new alignments.With a background in education and family in law enforcement, Adriana details her first hand experience of leading classrooms with newcomer immigrants, and the mindset of today’s officers. Enjoy this engaging conversation!

Send us a textJason and Rachel detail how they went from being worth more dead than alive, to surpassing $1M net worth in 5 years through real estate investing.

Send us a textWe bought a Cybertruck. We rent it out on Turo. Here’s how it’s going and here’s the story of why we decided it was a worthwhile investment.

Send us a textMeet Leslie Collazo, a passionate advocate and dedicated community leader from the heart of Chicago. Born and raised in Illinois, Leslie is a proud daughter of Puerto Rican heritage, bringing a rich cultural perspective and a commitment to serving her community. As she embarks on her journey to become the State Representative for the 8th District, Leslie's bilingual abilities amplify her connection with diverse constituents. Leslie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Communications from Northeastern Illinois University, where she honed her skills in effective communication and advocacy. Her career has been a tapestry of experiences—ranging from grassroots organizing and community engagement to teaching in charter schools and managing accounts in the nonprofit sector. Currently, she thrives in residential and commercial real estate, where she helps families find their homes and businesses establish their roots.A true champion for the next generation, Leslie is committed to addressing the pressing challenges facing the 8th District. She believes in delivering pragmatic solutions that uplift all residents, whether they are first responders, business owners, or everyday working Americans.Leslie is not just a candidate; she’s a common-sense leader with a vision for a brighter future. She is dedicated to education reform and human rights, ensuring that every voice is heard and every dream has the chance to flourish.At home in North Austin, Leslie and her husband are nurturing their two children, who proudly attend Chicago Public Schools. This personal connection fuels her passion for improving educational opportunities and community resources for all families.Join Leslie Collazo in her mission to bring fresh, impactful leadership to the 8th District—because together, we can save Illinois NOW!For more information on Leslie and her campaign, please visit: https://www.collazoforillinois.com/

Send us a textWhat if the political leanings of your college professors are shaping your worldview more than you realize? Today we discuss the chart Elon Musk shared that shows the dominance left leaning professors have within our colleges and universities. This chart is also supported with a 2016 study of Liberal Professors Outnumber Conservatives 12:1. Our discussion details personal reflections of our college experience back in 2008 where topics of race, white privilege, and victimology were commonly taught. Fast forward to today, and we can see how these teachings have translated into further division within our communities. The Rabbit Hole - https://x.com/therabbithole84/status/1847700495600693594?s=42Liberal Professors Outnumber Conservatives 12:1: Study - https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/oct/6/liberal-professors-outnumber-conservatives-12-1/

Send us a textCatch our take on the Kamala Harris vs Fox News interview and what it says about the state of the media.  Going further, we discuss the important voting topics that the left and right are debating, while also diving into Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS).  Rachel gives us her opinion on Trump's treatment of women, and finally we talk about the key pieces that will win the election.

Send us a textCan one thrive as a conservative in a sea of liberal ideology? Embark on a journey with us, Rachel and Jason Wagner, as we unravel our personal narratives of embracing conservative beliefs while living in the predominantly Democratic state of Illinois. We'll peel back the layers of our political evolution, shaped by our unique backgrounds—Rachel's intriguing childhood conversations with her grandfather, a Democratic mayor, and Jason's eye-opening political awakening post college. Our final segment explores the crucial role of education in shaping political perspectives. We'll recount personal experiences of navigating political discussions within family settings, emphasizing the necessity of fostering critical thinking and exposing children to diverse viewpoints. From the challenges of racial discussions in educational institutions to the impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace, we tackle these sensitive topics head-on. Our episode concludes with a candid discussion on the evolving understanding of gender and societal norms, inviting parents to actively engage with their children in complex conversations, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive worldview for the next generation.

Send us a textJoin us as we celebrate our 50th episode on the Real Life Investing Podcast. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without our listeners, our virtual assistant Ricel, and the incredible guests who shared their wisdom and experiences. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on our journey, highlighting the transformative impact of the 75 Hard program, with inspiring stories from Nicky De Leon (Ep #8), Jon and Keira Quintero (Ep #15), Paige Henneman (Ep #33), James and Mhariel Stirgus (Ep #46), and many more. Each of their personal growth journeys have been nothing short of inspiring, and we are grateful to share them with you.From house hacking to dream homes, we also dive into the personal tales of real estate success stories. We recount Tim Botsford's (Ep #14) leap into an investment property, Brian and Ashley DeSimone's (Ep #20) house hacking partnership, and Levi and Lindsey Kane's (Ep #16) pursuit of their dream home. These stories emphasize the importance of transparency and vulnerability, not just in real estate but in all aspects of life. As we look to the future, we remain committed to discussing important and sometimes taboo topics, encouraging authentic and relatable dialogue. Influential conversations with guests like Dave & Amanda Lee (Ep #47) on Faith, Family, and Freedom, Leslie Dirnberger (Ep #45) and Kate Salas (Ep #48) on homeschooling, and Melyssa Garten (Ep #41) on her experiences in China and her family business have enriched our podcast journey. As we reflect on these impactful episodes and look forward to the next 50, we thank you for being a listener! Here's to continuing these meaningful conversations, learning from diverse perspectives, and investing in real life together!

Send us a textJoin us for a fascinating conversation with two local high schoolers, Kelly and Campbell. From the Covid 19 Pandemic to political viewpoints, this discussion goes into the mindset of what it was like to be a teenager during unprecedented times.

Send us a textToday we have the pleasure of sitting down with our children's ISR (Infant Swimming Resources) instructor, Jamie Berger of Safe Swim LLC. In this episode, we promise you'll gain a deep understanding of the benefits of ISR lessons over traditional swim programs. Unlike conventional methods, ISR lessons are tailored to each child's needs, featuring frequent, shorter sessions that enhance retention and effectiveness. Jamie also discusses the common misconceptions about ISR, and if you and your child understand the concept of "skills before thrills," you can expect to achieve incredible life saving results.A must listen for any parent with young children!If you are interested in getting in touch with Jamie, below is the best contact information:Jamie Bergerwww.safeswimisr.comEmail: Jamieberger@infantswim.com

Send us a textHomeschooling has been getting a ton of buzz lately.  However, many curious parents struggle with feeling like that they can homeschool their kids successfully, especially if they aren't specifically trained to be teachers. Well today we sit down with Kate Salas, a mother of three, who recently found homeschooling during the pandemic and has not looked back at traditional schooling since.Kate walks us through how her family ultimately made the decision to homeschool, even though her husband is a public school teacher.  Kate shares how she utilizes co-schools and a neighborhood network of homeschoolers to help maximize the experience and provide tons of social interactions. Kate also describes her day to day, mindset, and offers plenty of tips on how any parent can effectively pull off homeschool. A super relatable episode that every parent with young children should hear!

Send us a textJoin us for a deep engaging conversation around faith, family, and freedom with our dear friends, Dave and Amanda Lee.  A truly inspiring episode that will leave you feeling energized to take on anything life throws your way.

Send us a textJoin us as two members of the armed forces, James and Mhariel Stirgus, share their journey through the 75 Hard mental toughness program. They dive into the program's stringent rules and reveal how it helped them reset their routines and regain control over their lives after the birth of their son. The Stirgus’s offer firsthand accounts of how mutual support and persistence were crucial to their success, providing insights and inspiration for anyone looking to tackle their own personal goals.An extremely engaging and thought provoking episode that you don’t want to miss!

Send us a textWhat if you could take control of your child's education and transform it into a meaningful, personalized experience? Join us as we sit down with Leslee Dirnberger, a former litigator turned passionate homeschooling advocate, to explore how you can reclaim your children's education. From her unique upbringing on Capitol Hill to her insightful critique of the No Child Left Behind Act, Leslee shares her journey and addresses common misconceptions about homeschooling. Discover the pivotal moments that spurred her transition to homeschooling and how her family successfully navigated this life-changing decision.Are you frustrated with the current state of public education, especially after the disruptions of COVID-19? We dive deep into the historical and legislative influences that have shaped today's educational landscape. We share personal anecdotes about challenging the outdated and compliance-driven nature of the current system and explore the growing need for parental involvement in schools. Leslee discusses the importance of fostering critical thinking over rote compliance and how parents can take an active role in their children's education.Balancing homeschooling with career responsibilities is daunting, but Leslee offers practical advice and creative solutions for families in various situations, including dual-income and single-parent households. We examine the flexibility of homeschooling schedules, the benefits of personalized learning plans, and the myriad opportunities for homeschooled children to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities. By the end of our conversation, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to seriously consider homeschooling as a viable and enriching option for your family's educational journey.Leslee Dirnberger's LinkedinAspire Education WebsiteSchedule a Call with LesleeSend Leslee an Email at hello@aspireeducation.usList of Leslee's Recommended Books on Amazon:Crimes of the Educators - Samuel Blumenfeld, Alex NewmanThe Deliberate Dumbing Down of America - Charlotte Thompson Iserbyt America: The Last Best Hope - William J. BennettInside American Education - Thomas SowellThe Underground History of American Education - John Taylor GattoWhy Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School? - Blake BolesThe Brave Learner - Julie Bogart The Call of the Wild and Free - Ainsley ArmentSmart but Scattered - Peg Dawson, Richard Guare

Send us a textOur take on the news.

Send us a textThinking about a move to the Chicago suburbs but don't know where to start your search? Check out Arlington Heights, IL.  Potentially the future home of the Chicago Bears, the Arlington Heights real estate market has been exploding and seeing some of the strongest price growths of all of the Northwest suburbs.Check out the YouTube version of this episode to follow along with the visuals:https://youtu.be/O58prUpJo9AHave an area you want to hear a real estate update for on the show? Send us a message with the request!

Send us a textReady to take your understanding of the Chicago real estate market to the next level? Do you want to buy real estate today but you are uncertain about what the market is going to bring in the near term? High interest rates have turned the real estate sector upside down, causing fear to surge through would be buyers and sellers.  However, there are still people transacting in this high interest rate environment.  Do they know something that you don't? They might.  In today's episode, we go over the key statistics that you need to know to feel confident and convicted in your real estate decision making. I give you the keys indicators to look at, my analysis and interpretation of what the trends mean, and my forecast of where I anticipate the market is heading.  A jam packed episode with a ton of valuable insights,  you don't want to miss!Check out the Youtube version of the episode here to see the visuals that are presented in today's episode. https://youtu.be/GS3jsKbbKf0?si=FcJuKC49_ioKQSLd

Send us a textJoin us for a fascinating conversation with our dear friend, Melyssa Garten, as she shares her experience of living in China for 5 years and the significant cultural differences she identified vs the United States. Melyssa is a third generation family business owner and she describes how she transitioned from a high powered corporate career at Salesforce in Chicago, to returning to rural Illinois to help with the family business. This thought provoking discussion touches on many different topics from politics, entrepreneurship, and refining one’s critical thinking skills to always be prepared for the road ahead.