Ask Altucher

You shouldn't invest with the expectation of generating wealth, but rather as a means to grow your wealth.Today, James shares how and why he puts money aside for his children.He believes in hard work and does not want to just give his fortune to his children, but he also doesn't want them to have to worry if they ever face any hardship.You'll hear how you can balance helping your kids financially with making sure they are capable of standing on their own two feet.Remember that the best way to invest for your children is to invest in yourself first.

Welcome back to Ask Altucher!Today's episode is not your typical daily question. Aaron is back from his week-long birthday celebration and shares what shenanigans he and his friends got into while in LA.All the beautiful people, exclusive pool parties, and VIP treatment could not make up for the low quality of conversations... which is why Aaron says he is strictly an East Coast guy.Find out why he has officially named where he was in LA "Level 1."Plus, find out how to recognize if a person is good for you within the first five minutes of meeting them.

Do you have a fear of public speaking or talking to strangers?Are you using the label "introvert" as an excuse?Today, James and his wife, Claudia, talk about several ways to overcome shyness around others.In order to overcome your fears, you must practice talking to others... even when it makes you feel uncomfortable.James reveals several techniques that he has come across, and had success with, that could be the answer to all your social anxieties.You'll learn how to prepare for social gatherings and make interacting with others almost effortless.

Whether you are feeling guilt, regret, sadness, or failure, just remember that these moments can be the times to plant the seeds of success.We all have regrets in our lives and there will be plenty more in the future.Today, James and his wife, Claudia, talk about the process of forgiving one's self, no matter what the situation.The only thing you should be worrying about is "choosing yourself" and choosing to be happy.Forget the past because there is only "moving forward." And remember, whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

Maybe you are thinking about leaving a current job to pursue another career, go back to school, or you just need time to figure out what you really want to do in life.One thing that might be holding you back from taking this step is health insurance. It's definitely one of the many perks to having a job that offers benefits.Today, James talks about what you should do if you find yourself jobless and without health insurance or if you are scared to leave your job because you won't have insurance. Paying out of pocket for health insurance can be very expensive, so James and his wife, Claudia, talk about several ways to go around the health care gatekeepers that you may not have thought of before.Of course, in classic James style, you know that this process is going to start by choosing yourself. Becoming healthy by eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising will reduce the amount of money that you will have to spend for health-related costs.

With divorce rates so high, it's no wonder that people are reluctant to enter into another marriage after one has already failed.But what if you do meet another person that you can see yourself with for the rest of your life? Is it too late? Will it be doomed like the first?Today, James and Claudia give listeners their take on marriage. James has already been married, divorced and married again, so you can trust his words of wisdom.What James advises is to not rush into thinking about marriage and to really learn how to develop your relationship.Something that you may want to consider is to take this time to improve the relationship with yourself as a single person before you let someone else into your life.Everybody shows their good side at first... This could be your second chance to really get to know someone and make it last.

Do you feel like you need some guidance in life, but don't necessarily want to seek therapy?Or maybe you want to help others, but don't want to go through the years of school and debt to become a therapist?Today, James and Claudia share their opinions on life coaches and the possibility of making a career out of it. Everyone needs help and support, but do you need a degree to give someone an "ah-hah" moment?They give you several tips on how to find the right life coach and some pointers on how to build a client base if you are interested in becoming a life coach yourself.If you are someone that can really listen to others and help them figure their way around life's obstacles, then this is probably the right path for you... Just remember to trust your gut and choose yourself.

Once we land a job, are we required to stay in that career for the rest of our lives?Does it sometimes feel like you only stay because you are making good money and need to support yourself or others?You only have one life to live and you don't want to waste that life being miserable or doing something that you don't love.Today, James talks about the many careers that he has had and shares exactly how he was able to make those changes.If you are feeling stuck, then this is the show for you. Don't waste another minute being unhappy – "choose yourself," and follow James' simple step by step instructions.Remember, this change may not happen overnight, but it is well worth the lifetime of happiness. All you have to do is be productive and find out what you want in life.

We have always been told to set goals for ourselves... they could be anything from improving your health to excelling in your career.Although James does not use the term "goals," he does explain how he accomplishes different themes in his life.He mainly focuses on being creative, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and growing as a writer.Today, you'll hear how James is able to establish these themes that he wants to pursue, and how he is able to stay on track...If you are tired of setting yourself up for failure and creating these unrealistic goals, this is the show for you.You'll learn how you can choose your own themes in life and guarantee that you will follow through.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be on a company’s board of directors?The board is one of a company’s most secret inner workings, and today James gives you an inside look.  James has started many businesses over the years that he in turn sold for millions of dollars.But that was chump change compared to the amount of money he has made on the board of directors.So how did he did he receive these opportunities?James explains how someone that isn’t a huge investor in a company can leverage themselves into the upper levels of a corporation.Today’s episode is an interesting look into what it’s like to be at the top level of a company, and what you can do to get there.

You just got fired... Now what?Or, maybe you just don't like your job and want to quit.But what's next?Do you take a vacation? Do you start the job search?These decisions are made every day by millions of people... and today James gives you some guidelines for what you should be doing with this newly acquired free time.Remember, James has been there and knows what it's like to panic and feel the stress of wondering what the next step is...This could be your chance to figure out what YOU really want in life.What do you want to do next? What goals would you like to accomplish?Don't waste time... this is when choosing yourself is most critical because this could be a brand new start.If you are being productive, you won't have any regrets.

One of Aaron and James' goals over the next few months is to try stand-up comedy.Do you have the same desire to try stand-up? Or maybe you would like some pointers on how to be better at speaking in front of an audience.Today, James talks about how jokes have always been great icebreakers for any speech he has given. He has studied numerous comedians and has taken notes on their mannerisms and style… and he has been able to master some techniques.Do you have the confidence to give it a try? Once you master speaking for an audience, you will gain useful experience for so many situations.Here, you will receive several guidelines from James and Aaron that will help you along the way.

If you have developed a product, but are unsure how to launch it and make a profit, then this is the show for you.Today, James goes through the several steps that it takes to sell a product.Once you have a product, you just have to go for it, even at a loss, and sell it. The feeling that you get from that first sale will give you the drive that you need.Next, figure out who your market is and start advertising to them. Whether it is something that will improve, help, or satisfy them, make sure you convince them it's better than what they currently do or use.If you believe in your product, then choose yourself and take a risk – chances are it will be well worth it...

What does it take to sell a business?Is it dumb luck? Is it a lot of work? Do you have the hustle?How important is networking?Today, James answers it all and explains that when it comes to selling your business, it's more than just selling your company… It's more about selling yourself.Selling is more than just giving up power and responsibility for a profit.Are you going to be able to work as a team player with the person buying your company? It's a big change to sell a company, and you have to make sure that you are ready for it.James goes through several questions that you should be asking yourself before making this decision.Remember, "The deal is not done until the cash is exchanged."

It's not like it was twenty years ago... forget the idea of leaving work at work. We are now living in an age where we work around the clock and are constantly on call for any issues that may arise.Whether its work, family, or our social lives, we are now bound to technology that makes it extremely difficult to take a step back and let ourselves just relax and rejuvenate.Today, James goes through several examples of things that he recommends for relaxation.Cut down on the anxiety, stress, and hectic schedules. You'll see that it's as easy as keeping your phone away from one spot in your house and getting a good night's rest...Just remember... More sleep equals more freedom.

With divorce rates as high as 50% across the nation, it's no wonder that people are hesitant to get married these days.But when you do find that special someone and then fall in love, will that be enough to make it last? Will you be together until the end?Remember... there are no guarantees in life and every tomorrow is determined by every today...Today, James talks about what it takes to build and maintain a happy marriage. James has daily practices for his personal health, and he believes that there is a daily practice for continuing a loving relationship.How do you know if you have found the right person? Well there is no one clear answer, but in today's Ask Altucher, James shares a little checklist that he finds helpful.

Many people can get stuck balancing their love for their significant other and their love for their family. But what do we do if our family does not accept the person that we choose to love?For most of us, our family's approval is very important. It's a struggle that many have to go through on a daily basis.Today, James gives his take on the situation, and shares his own personal conflict between his family and a previous girlfriend.Just remember never to let anybody other than you define the boundaries of your comfort zone.If you choose yourself and are proud of your decisions, then the people that actually love and care about you will come around to support you.

There are tons of information and resources available to us... and they are literally at our finger tips.With technology like Amazon and the Kindle app (not to mention other e-readers) you can download almost any book you want.So if you are not already immersing yourself in this available knowledge, then what is stopping you?Do you feel like you have no extra time in your schedule? Or maybe you just lack motivation?James reads about two to three hundred books a year and tries to read for about three hours per day.It's all about time management... and James, who has mastered the art, tells you exactly how to adjust your schedule.In today's Ask Altucher, you'll hear about several books that he is currently reading and highly recommends to our listeners.Plus, don't miss this... James reveals a secret book by Tucker Max that hardly anyone knows about. There have been no announcements or marketing, it is simply known by word of mouth, and you heard it here first.

The truth is... if a cop catches you speeding, you are going to get a ticket.But is there a guaranteed way to get out of it?In the past, you have probably just paid the ticket and moved on... but could fighting the ticket be worth it?Today, James talks about something he has discovered as the "ticket scam" and explains how it can help you avoid points on your license and escape a fine.Plus, you'll find out why your local town wants to downgrade your speeding ticket...

The tables have turned. Today, James flips the script on Aaron and decides to ask him a question on the spot. We have gotten a lot of requests to hear more about James' cohost, and today, you get to learn a little bit about "the man behind the mystery."The question that James asks Aaron is, "When have you chosen yourself?"Aaron shares a traumatic story from his past where he literally had to choose himself and decide to live.He describes this as the worst and yet best moment in his life... You'll hear how moving on from this experience has left him with a better outlook on life and a more peaceful state of mind.He doesn't sweat the small stuff, maintains a healthy and fit lifestyle, removes influence from negative people, and lives his life to the fullest each day.It will surely motivate you to start choosing yourself and a happier life today.