Surviving the Side Hustle
From Dreams to Dividends Ohan the Money Doctor's Tale of Fiscal Empowerment
Have you ever wondered if the language of finance could be as approachable as your mother tongue? Our guest, Ohan, a Certified Financial Planner with an awe-inspiring journey from Armenia to the U.S., brings a fresh perspective that simplifies the financial world for newcomers. His story is not just about numbers and markets; it's about the relentless pursuit of a dream and the universal language of persistence that speaks to us all.
During our time together, Ohan imparts key financial wisdom, transforming the daunting task of budgeting into the empowering act of crafting a spending plan. He illustrates how to flip a financial deficit into a surplus and introduces easy-to-grasp investment strategies that could have you nodding along, finally feeling in tune with the financial beat. Ohan, who learned English as a third language, uses his experience to break down complex financial concepts into simple, relatable terms. His approach to financial literacy is like a breath of fresh air in a room that's been stuffy for too long.
Wrapping up, Ohan's emphasis on the art of listening and empathy shines a light on the softer skills that fuel success in finance and life. His belief in the power of genuine connections is a reminder that our actions, whether in personal finance or personal relationships, require daily attention and intention. Soak in the wisdom from a man whose life epitomizes the notion that dedication to one's goals, coupled with the courage to embrace new beginnings, can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Have you ever wondered if the language of finance could be as approachable as your mother tongue? Our guest, Ohan, a Certified Financial Planner with an awe-inspiring journey from Armenia to the U.S., brings a fresh perspective that simplifies the financial world for newcomers. His story is not just about numbers and markets; it's about the relentless pursuit of a dream and the universal language of persistence that speaks to us all.
During our time together, Ohan imparts key financial wisdom, transforming the daunting task of budgeting into the empowering act of crafting a spending plan. He illustrates how to flip a financial deficit into a surplus and introduces easy-to-grasp investment strategies that could have you nodding along, finally feeling in tune with the financial beat. Ohan, who learned English as a third language, uses his experience to break down complex financial concepts into simple, relatable terms. His approach to financial literacy is like a breath of fresh air in a room that's been stuffy for too long.
Wrapping up, Ohan's emphasis on the art of listening and empathy shines a light on the softer skills that fuel success in finance and life. His belief in the power of genuine connections is a reminder that our actions, whether in personal finance or personal relationships, require daily attention and intention. Soak in the wisdom from a man whose life epitomizes the notion that dedication to one's goals, coupled with the courage to embrace new beginnings, can lead to extraordinary achievements.
What's going on? Today I've got my buddy Ohan. We just met recently down in New Orleans. My man, what's going on? How are you doing?
Speaker 2:I'm doing great brother. Thank you for this invitation. I'm very happy and excited to be in your podcast.
Speaker 1:Awesome dude, awesome dude. So, um, yeah, so we gotta like where are you located? By the way, I'm in los angeles, oh nice yeah so totally opposite side. Yeah, we're um. It's like super cold here. What do you? How's the weather out there? Is it beautiful?
Speaker 2:for these weeks we see unusual type of weather. For Los Angeles it is raining, but for these last two days the weather becomes a little bit normal, but still cold for Los Angeles. We are waiting for you to visit us.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I can't wait. I'll be there soon. Yes, before we get too deep into the weather conversation, would you mind giving a little introduction on who you are, who you help, kind of thing?
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely. My name is Ohan Kayikcan, but on social media I go by Ohan the money doctor. I chose this name, the reason being I got to be quite honest with you. I was advised about this name by a friend that it will differentiate you when it comes to a brand, because I have my PhD in economics. But I don't want necessarily talk about my designations and my degrees. It's more of a like one-on-one conversations when I have me with my clients or when I need formally introduce myself. But I choose this title on the Money Doctor, the reason being I want to make the money conversation as easy and as comfortable, that people can talk and, the most importantly, take action upon them.
Speaker 2:When I first arrived to United States, which was now, I'm counting almost 15 years ago, which was like a second past it was really hard for me when it came to English. English, in reality, is my third language. I speak in my mother tongue, which is Armenian, and also I speak Russian because I was born in a country which was part of the Soviet Union. When I came to the United States, the biggest obstacle was to learn English. And imagine, on top of that, having a background in finance and I used to work for a credit union a credit organization to be exact. I was having hard time to find a job in United States and when I was applying for Taylor I was overqualified because I used to have loan officer and mortgage underwriter experience. When I was applying for banker, my English was not enough for me to get a job as a banker, so I was kind of stuck in the corner. And then one of the major banks gave me an opportunity to become a teller and I remember at the beginning, when I was having conversations over the phone, I couldn't understand exactly what is going on, except understanding the entire concept. But one of my coworkers mentioned to me that just have patience and do not give up. After some time it will come to you naturally, and I'm glad that I listened to her advice. And after some time English became more natural because I used to think in my language than translating to English, which was the hardest part.
Speaker 2:But when I find a job in the financial industry, I realize that for even many Americans who were born in the United States or people who were born, let's say, in Great Britain or Australia or Canada where English is their primary language, sometimes finance can be hard for them to understand? Yeah, because it is really confusing. What is an IRA, individual Retirement Account, what is 401k? So I started digging a little bit and trying to educate myself, do-it-yourself type of style. I got my securities licenses with bank. I got my CES 6, ces 63, 7, then 65. Then I realized again, licenses are not enough either.
Speaker 2:I went to UCLA here in Los Angeles.
Speaker 2:I did a program called Personal Financial Planner which allows you to sit for the CFP exam, CFP, certified Financial Planner certification. So I became a Certified Financial Planner and realized that financial industry kind of in purpose made all these terminologies and the jargon the way that for regular person without any financial background, in times it's hard to understand finance. So my goal is to simplify it as much as I can, because the only English I know is the simple English and I do my best to communicate clearly as much as I can. My goal is to simplify finance, especially for beginner investors, because in many cases people think that in order for you to be an investor you need to have certain amounts saved and in many cases they think of hundreds of thousands of dollars or a million dollars and plus. In the United States the culture is more of a consumer versus investor. So I want to make that switch for my clients from being a consumer to an investor Nice, but this is overall, in summary, what I'm doing and what is my vision and mission.
Speaker 1:Well, I love that. And yeah, I mean, do you think the history of yourself from learning multiple languages, do you think that just having that ability to associate different things does that help you with communicating? Because essentially, finance is like a whole other language, as you were leading to. So you're essentially teaching the different language and terminologies and then, once they kind of get that down, I'm guessing, then you can go into different strategies and you kind of help them paint the picture of what life can look like, because you don't need a lot of money to start investing, you just need to take the action and start doing it right. I mean, I'm not an an expert, by any means though.
Speaker 2:Rob, you brought up such a great question that I would like to a little bit fill the onion, so to say, because my language is my mother tongue is Armenian. My second language is Russian. Both are considered hard languages. Armenian is part of the part of Hindu European language family and Russian itself is, if I'm not mistaken, in English, is part of like Gaelic or more of like Western European languages. If I give you one page in Armenian let's say it's an agreement or a letter and I, like Rob, can you translate it in English? It will be only like one fourth of the page. Or let me just paraphrase If you give me one page English agreement and you like one translated to Armenian, it will become four pages.
Speaker 2:Because our words are so long, it is not very much practical language, but it is hard language to learn. We have 39 letters in comparison to English, which has 26 letters. In that sense, absolutely, I think of like the part that it is more of like your weak weakness. You are trying to make it your strength like weakness, being like not knowing English, but in the meantime, when you learn English, you start talking differently. I cannot necessarily tell you that in some situations it is helpful, also because right now I write for many articles. I got quoted in many major publications and in times I cut myself of thinking Armenian while writing English. And then, thank God, nowadays with CHIAC, gpt and everything, you can ask it to at least prove it, or I sometimes ask it to make it grammatically correct. So there is technology who will help you to make it grammatically correct for native speakers to understand. But definitely in my mind, it is overall helpful.
Speaker 2:When you know many languages, your brain works and again, I'm not a specialist on neuroplasticity or anything but it makes your brain more flexible when new information comes to you Right away. Anything I read which I don't understand, I want to go deep in a sense for me to understand, which takes lots of time to be quite honest with you, and then I want to interpret it in a sense for me to understand, which takes lots of time to be quite honest with you, and then I want to interpret it in simple English, and part of my job is right now my business is to shorten this period for someone who wants to learn how to invest, because I don't want them to go through the education, waste the time and resources, but just to give them the shorter way, how to get from point A to point B or from point zero to point one, you know. Just to see that progress for them. But definitely language helps. I wish I know more languages.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and I love that too, because that's pretty much what coaching is. You're not necessarily you're not always necessarily asking just straight up for the knowledge or the whatever it might be, but you're asking for the expedited process to get there quicker, because you're relying on the coach, the mentor, whoever it might be. You're relying on their experience and their history so you can jump past that. You're relying on their experience and their history so you can jump past that. And you keep bringing up this one little I don't want to call it a topic, but this one little terminology. I'll just say Working with your clients, you have to have the patience of teaching them and going through this.
Speaker 1:When you were a bank teller, you had to express patience when learning English. Coming here to the States probably took some patience and time. You probably weren't able to just hop right over it instantly. Where did you learn to develop patience and what are some tips that you use to grow your patience? Because I feel like that, right, there is a skill or an attribute that is so valuable to so many people.
Speaker 2:Rob, let me compliment you in advance that you are a great interviewer. You know you bring the questions that they are really good questions and I won't, and sometimes I don't think about it, but right now you ask me a question, I start thinking about it and having a patience is a work in progress. To be quite honest with you, right now I have my daughter, who is almost two years old, but every time she does something I want to react. Then I calm down, I'm like no, she doesn't know this. I need to maybe sit down to be in her same level, like headwise, so she doesn't see me as an authority like I'm standing and telling her to do something. I try to explain her me as an authority like I'm standing and telling her to do something. I try to explain her every day. I'm doing my best to have the patience.
Speaker 2:And the first thing comes to my mind meditation is something that helps me a lot. I got introduced and where the credit is due, you must give it to the people people in this case, to my wife and to my soulmate. She's the one who introduced me to meditation, to be particularly a transcendental meditation tm. I got introduced to that world and it helped me a lot because me coming from post-soviet culture, and then my country, armenia, became independent and when it became independent, all this Western influence came to Armenia, but it's more of like right now. It is more even confused situation. You grew up in a society that was close to market economy, that was close to Eastern or Western medicine and all these principles, and now, with Internet, everything was available, but still I didn't believe what it means. Like you close your eyes and you do certain practice and it will calm down your brain and calm down overall your body, your heart. When I got introduced to Transcendental Meditation, it was not right away I started believing on that, but after some time you push yourself through that process, you are realizing that overall, your aura, your surrounding, the vibration is getting changed. Patience having patience is very important in other aspects that I've been in their situation, I've been in their shoes.
Speaker 2:I've been someone who was thirsty for information, to learn, as you mentioned, separate language, which is financial language by itself, and by putting these small videos. It can be a reel, it can be a story or it can be YouTube video. You are learning the new language, so at least for your ear to get used to it Before. When I used to listen CNN or Fox News or any other outlet or music, for an example, it was hard for me to understand the lyrics or to understand what is that particular news or show is about. And that was my dream that I wish one day I can hear English language and I understand what it means, because I really wanted to use my knowledge, wanted to use my knowledge, my expertise, in order for me to introduce, to express better words my thoughts and what I'm trying to tell. So potions is very important. There is a big saying yes, you need to be someone with the heart of a teacher. That's what I'm trying to practice on a daily basis.
Speaker 1:Yeah, wow, I love this because I've been trying to work on Spanish for what seems like forever. I think I'm at day 530 in a row practicing Spanish with one of those phone apps and I'm just still not getting any better. It's like it's just such a slow grind and I'm constantly working on my patience, because I want to be fluent and I want to be able to understand it, but I still don't. I'm beginning to get to the point where I can hear and recognize words and in sentences, and then I can translate it in my head and understand it, but then now I'm at that point where I can't quite speak it yet because I have to think it in English and then I have to think about what I want to say in Spanish and then I can say it. So I'm in those early stages. So I'd like to hear how you're going through with all, how you've gone through this with multiple different kinds of languages, including finance, which isn't necessarily a typical language, but it certainly is. So that's inspiring and assuring.
Speaker 2:Thank you, robin. One thing just to add what you just mentioned about learning Spanish. The best, in my opinion, situation will be for you to go to any Latin American country besides, in this case, except Brazil, I believe or you go straight to Spain. I know it's different Spanish, but when you are in the environment that no one speaks your language, there is no option but to learn their language. It's very important who are around you.
Speaker 2:I remember when I first came to the United States and I used to go to a coffee shop or grocery shopping with my cousin, I used to tell him, like don't talk anything. Let me put in that hard situation which, in many times, like, oh, I don't know the English. And then you know what. I realized that in United States no one speaks the English the way that I was understanding because I knew a little bit British English. But then I realized in United States the grammar is different, the accent is different, every state or every part of United States have their separate dialect when it comes to language. So, in my opinion, the best way to learn again to be in the environment that speaks that language. That will help you, in my opinion. I love that. I love that so much help you, in my opinion.
Speaker 1:I love that. I love that so much. I want to bring it back a little bit and I want to ask you, before everything else how did you get into finance? What kind of drove you there?
Speaker 2:Bring me back, because you had to have started somewhere right, Correct and when I finished my education and back home home it's mandatory to serve in the military. So I did go to the military as well, but after that my education was I had my bachelor's and my master's in engineering. But it was hard in newly independent country, in Armenia, after the Soviet Union collapsed, to find a job in engineering because the overall economy was not working smoothly. So the first opportunity I got was with an international company which was a loan company, credit union similar, but it is more like credit organization. They, by the way, headquartered in Washington DC, but our common communication there was in Armenian. I found the job with them as a loan officer. When I found the job with them as a loan officer, I start helping small and medium size enterprises with loan origination. After it I got another opportunity, this time with German company, frankfurt School of Finance and Management, but their official language was English. That is what I mean, british English. They were communicating in British English. So more or less our main communication was in Armenian, but more or less you are dealing with some documents or something which are in English english. But it was all finance related, both jobs.
Speaker 2:Then I applied for a green card lottery, which is an actual lottery called diversity visa lottery, which is organized by department of state united states, and I won that green card. And the main reason I applied for green card I wanted an opportunity to come to United States, first to learn English and second because I heard so much about America being a land of opportunity. I wanted to come to see what it means land of opportunity. And I'm happy and I'm glad and I'm thankful and grateful that I came to united states, which, with all the pros and cons, is still one of the greatest countries on planet earth. And when I came to united states english being hard for me but my education, my experience and in a sense, education as well because I forgot to mention that I got a degree back home, called candidate of science, which was a degree from post-soviet countries. But when I, when I well evaluated my diplomas in United States, in order for me to sit for certified financial planner examination, they require you to have at least a bachelor's degree. But I think might as well I'll evaluate all my diplomas I got an equivalency in PhD in economics in the United States. So, to make a long story short, my background being in science, connected to engineering, a little bit to economics and my experience was in finance, I told myself that easier it will be for me to continue pursuing the career in finance. That was the reason I started working in the bank in the United States as well. I started as a teller, I became a personal banker, then licensed banker and my last position was a private banker, which is in regional level.
Speaker 2:You are a private banker, so you are regional level. You are a private banker, so you are dealing more of like high value, ultra high value clientele. That is the reason I continue finance. But then comes to the point when you're like okay, I want to tell more.
Speaker 2:But when you are associated with some type of a firm or organization, in times you need to sell or you need to talk about conversations they are having, or telling you to tell versus like. When you are independent and you are not associated and you don't have any bias, there is something called fiduciary. When you put your client's interest above yours, and that is what exactly I am your client's interest above yours, and that is what exactly I am, not only by holding CFP designation, which requires for you to be fiduciary, but myself, my belief is just for me to give you different options for you to choose the best. Of course I will guide you, but I'm not someone who will just sell you in and nothing wrong with insurance or anything but sell you some investment or insurance just because I'm getting commissionally, because I see it happens a lot, especially in our industry?
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, I feel like there, um, I feel like there's a lot of that in many different industries too. Like you going across like there are a lot of a lot of different industries have those people who like, help you enough, but they want to make sure that you're coming back and they want to make sure that you're around all the time and being in that position that you're in where you're really putting the client or the customer or the person ahead of you. I feel like that's just generally the way to go, and so that's where you're at now. You're just independent. What kind of clients are you working with nowadays? Are you working with people who are just getting started investing, or are you looking for people to level up their investing, or can you explain a little bit about that?
Speaker 2:Yes, I will definitely. My niche, so to say, or avatar when they call in marketing, are people who are beginner investors. And when I start helping them, I realized that in many cases the people who at least like they, hear Oan talking, they consume my content, they want to do something. But then I'm having my first meeting, which I call breakthrough meeting, and during this meeting I'm realizing that they are not necessarily ready 100% to go to this investment mode and become an investor, because unfortunately, many of Americans have something called high interest debt, also known as credit card debt. So I came to the realization that first I need to help these people to pay off their debt. Ideal client for me will be someone who is ready to invest, meaning like they don't have any debt besides maybe their mortgage or student loan or, in some cases, low cost type of car loan or auto loan. But in the meantime, for people who have high interest debt, they should first pay off their debt, parallel, save for something called emergency fund or rainy day fund or peace of mind fund, then be ready to invest. But in the meantime, this again cannot be that it applies to everyone, because personal finance is very personal. That's why it is called personal finance, so it applies to every individual situation differently.
Speaker 2:So let's say, for an example, if you are working for a company that offers you some type of a retirement plan the most famous one is 401k and your employer offers you 401k match, which is something that if you contribute certain amount of dollars from your paycheck, they will match, meaning like they will match in many cases dollar for dollar, which is 100% return without taking any risk.
Speaker 2:I don't know any other investment which doesn't have risk and giving you opportunity to double your investments. For them maybe it will be good idea to start investing while parallel paying of their high interest debt. But we need to check to particular individual situation. But the ideal client for me will be someone who is earning six-digit salary, six-figure income, and in many cases they live paycheck to paycheck, which is, I know, six figures. Seems big amount, but there are so many, including many professions, including attorneys, including doctors. They are earning these high salaries or high income, but still living paycheck to paycheck. They raise their lifestyle as well with that. So they move to bigger house, they change their japanese car maybe to german car or something, and always it's like the, what they call in english, the pole.
Speaker 2:Uh is getting changed, you know the yeah, moving it back a little bit the field yes, the ideal client will be someone who earns six figure and they are living paycheck to paycheck. Because for me, I want to show them that it is possible for you to save enough to retire earlier than you think it is possible. And it becomes all to something called compounding interest, which is subject I'm not sure how interesting it is for your listeners, this subject I'm not sure how interesting it is for your listeners. But even after having this much education and experience, when I see how compounding works on the screen, on the formula, still for me it is surprising In times our brain is not wired to believe what magics it can do for you and your well.
Speaker 1:It's said to be like the eighth wonder of the world, right Compounding interest.
Speaker 2:That's exactly right and in the meantime it has a continuation. It is eighth wonder of the world, but it is beneficial for someone who invests. But it is working against someone who is borrowing money as credit cards, because credit card interest rates also compounded. So if you have credit card balance that you are not making full payment every month and you are transitioning that same balance to the next month, next month and so on, you are accumulating some interest on that debt and on top of that interest, new interest. So interest on interest when you are borrowing money versus when you are an investor, you are getting interest on interest that your investment got. In that case, compounding interest works for you.
Speaker 1:Yes, yes. So the number one thing that people can get when they work with you is that goal of retirement early, or do you help them kind of achieve other sorts of goals and things? If someone was just looking to buy a vacation house or something like that, do you help them along that whole way of planning that out or do you specifically just work on early retirement kind of situations on?
Speaker 2:early retirement kind of situations. Think of Ohan the Money Doctor as a concierge, you know, when you are part of certain privileged clubs or you have certain credit cards, or just hotel concierge, when you just ask them about anything from like ironing your shirt to where I can find a cab or what is the best restaurant for me to go. This is, I want for my clients to think of me, so any questions they have, of course preferably money related, but in case they are looking for something that I can be in service to them, I want them to contact me. This is how I will explain the process, but in the meantime, just to tell a. I will explain the process, but in the meantime just to tell a little bit about the process.
Speaker 2:When I meet with someone, first thing, so first thing. First I ask them what is going on in their life or if they have any question that they want to bring up to my attention, like just for them to bring. But first we start with goals. I ask them what is your goal to that dream vacation? They dream all their life. Or for some it can be to put their kids to education, to some type of reputable university. Now they need to save for their tuition. So first I ask for the goal, then I show them the roadmap, how they can go to their goal. But in order for us to do that, we need to touch a basis of something which is not everyone likes the word budget itself because it can sometimes be restricting. So I always suggest my clients if you are not comfortable with the word budget, let's switch that word with the word cash flow or spending plan. How about we check your spending plan instead of like what is your budget? And I don't want them to feel that they are. They are on restricted budget, especially like again. Like one of the great countries, united states, always have deficit of budget and the clients who come to me in sense they have in many cases deficit of have a deficit of budget. I'm trying to bring them to the other part of the, so to say, other side of the equation where they have surplus of some money expense analysis.
Speaker 2:Then the next step, depending on if they have surplus again or if they have deficit, we realize, like how we can free up some money. In case of, it is a deficit for them to direct this money, that they are paying high interest debt or any debt. That is unnecessarily, because in many cases we buy some stuff that we don't even need after 24 hours or 72 hours, stuff that we don't even need after 24 hours or 72 hours. So I want them to come to this more of a mindset work, because there is famous saying yes, money is 20 percent numbers and 80 behavior mindset, you know. I want to show them that, like with going through these expenses income and expenses we can find out some places to drag your dollars towards your goals, instead of paying big financial institutions for them to get another building on another furniture and all that stuff. And then when they are ready for investing which is a part that people heard of investing and they think like some guy sitting in front of computer all day long, like following some charts or listening news, but in reality it is simpler that they think.
Speaker 2:So I introduced them something called index funds, which can be found or it can be an eta, which stands for exchange-traded trade, exchange-traded funds and introduce them that, instead of picking and choosing stock, why we don't own everything, like in United States, or at least top 500 of that stock? You know why we don't own that, instead of competing and trying to beat the market, why we just become the market, you know, and just be part of it. Because for middle class people they don't need this complicated type of financial analysis and different like instruments. When I see something in finance that is complicated, I always tell my client just run away from it. If you don't understand, don't even touch it why you are investing or doing something that you don't understand. So this is overall process. What comes to my mind right now.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I love that because you touched on so many different things that I personally have to touch on back when I'm like fitness and nutrition coaching too, because for you the dirty word might be budget, for me it used to be diet. Nobody ever wants to talk about diet because they think it's like, oh, it's so restricting. But to me, when I hear diet, that's just what you eat on a daily basis. So, like your financial spending or whatever, to me it's the same way and so many people the flip. It's the inverse of what you probably have to deal with most times. But so many people have such a surplus of inflow of calories or cash in your point and they don't, they're not burning or spending enough in like the fitness and health world.
Speaker 1:Um, and I hate to sometimes like okay, first thing we got to do is figure out where you want to get to. Next thing we got to do is figure out where you currently are, and then here's the roadmap to get there and boom, boom, boom, boom. Do we agree on this path? Yes, no. Is there another way we can get there? Sure, boom, boom, boom, boom. We can go this way. And then, do you like that one better?
Speaker 2:Yep, All right, let's do it. These are the day-to-day actions that we need to do to get there. So I imagine you have very similar situations. You know what Rob I'll tell you like very much similar. You know, you just brought something up that is very much sounds like budget and that are synonyms in that sense. You know, Literally like the way that you explain the situation. That's the exact message I give to my clients when it comes to money yeah, that's, that's it right there.
Speaker 1:Um, one one other thing I wanted to kind of touch on, because we were talking about communication and language before, and I kind of want to ask you a little bit more about your relationship building, because when I met you, you had just such a great energy, you were so positive. It was almost as if I was just attracted to hanging out with you, just because I was like man, this guy's cool, I want to hang out, I want to get to know him more. How do you show up for clients? How do you build that relationship thing? Is it just by being generally open to things other than money, or is it just being genuinely interested in what everyone else has going on? How do you start that relationship building process?
Speaker 2:This is a great part of the podcast to bring up now our mutual friend, john Mendez, who is the one who introduced us to each other. And when you mentioned about communication, right now I do work on my communication, literally. I try to communicate as clearly as I can and in the meantime, when I'm with clients, I try not to think too much but instead just be me, just be you who you are. You know who you are. You are a dad, you are a father, you are a husband, you are son. In many cases, you are a neighbor or friend, who you are. Because nowadays, especially with all these digital world and how fast it is improving and communication that is happening over the Zoom or through text messages or emails, humans, in my opinion, are looking for one-on-one interactions. Look, right now I'm talking and I'm just thinking that not all my interactions are in person. I wish I can be right next to you, which, again, there is technology. Nowadays you can wear certain glasses and it will feel that Ohan and Rob and John, we are sitting in the same couch and having a beer or watching football together, but still like we are in different territories, different areas on planet earth. But when I get a chance to be with my client in person or, in many cases, over the over the digital digital ways. Digital digital means digital programs. One thing I want to keep in mind, my friend just listen, not talk, and just to listen to people.
Speaker 2:When you listen to people, everyone has their message. Everyone are going through something. We can never assume that, oh, they don't have anything to worry about, or they don't have anything, that they are concerned right now. Now and there is this metaphor type of story when you ask a friend, a relative, neighbor to bring out all their problems and imagine of their problems as being physical boxes or whatever physical item you want to imagine, you will realize that many people have so much more problems and they are dealing with so much more issues that you are dealing with right now that you will just take your problems. You go home and you're like man, I must deal with my problems myself. I created these problems. I cannot blame anyone. I need to deal with this issue myself. So everyone is going through something with this issue myself. So everyone is going through something.
Speaker 2:And when you listen to them, when you be you and you just listen to them, try to understand, because in many cases, people are just missing. They are thirsty of someone who will understand them. You can, I'm sure, relate it to fitness for someone who go different coaches or went different gyms and no results. Or, in my case, they see many advisors but they didn't click with it, you know. And all of a sudden they find someone who will really listen what they are talking about, who will understand their issues right really quick.
Speaker 2:Like, example, when I was working in the bank, we had certain limits. When people come in, the first question we ask, instead of going to ask questions about what you want or what you need, we ask you like how much investable assets you have, and they're like what do you mean investable assets? Then you need to explain like money that we can take and invest so you can pay us some fees. And they're like what do you mean? I only 80 000, let's say a dollar. I got some insurance check. Like no, my company told me that the minimum requirement is 250 000, so if you have less than 250 000, I cannot talk to you. You better go do it yourself over the phone or you you do it online.
Speaker 2:And these people are already scared and they don't. They are not comfortable to talk or deal or take an action when it comes to money, and you are just pushing them away Versus right now. For me, it doesn't matter how much money you have. If you want to talk about money, absolutely I will answer your questions. I will listen to you. In case you are not the client that I can help you with, at least I can offer certain free resources that I created, or I can refer you to a next advisor next to me or someone that I know can help in your situation. But this listening is, in my opinion, very important and crucial. Any coaching you are a money coach or you are a fitness coach, you are a nutritionist or whoever as long as you are providing some type of a service or you are selling something, and selling not necessarily take it as a bad word, because nine out of ten people nowadays selling something you know without them even realizing that they are in sales. But listening is very important for me.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, that's a skill that transfers over into anything you're doing, because even if you're not selling a physical product or service, you're still selling yourself as an individual. So being able to listen is such a great skill and this might just tie it all back together perfectly. I know once I started my own personal meditation practice that allowed me to start to develop that presence of being literally present and that helps me pay attention and listen a little, the better my attention gets for listening to clients, to friends, to family members, whatever it might be. So I know meditation has been a huge tool for me to bring my whole coaching practice and everything around together, and I imagine that it's helped you a lot as well too.
Speaker 2:Yeah, Exactly, man. That's a skill we are learning as driving. At the beginning it was hard driving and then it becomes natural, the same way as meditation or breathing exercise, the same as this money. You just need to become comfortable to learn that skill, which is the most important step is just to take an action.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and do it, do it. Well, I want to make sure that I'm respectful of your time because I know you're a pretty busy dude. Where do people reach out to you? And I know you've got a couple of things you've been working on, so where can people reach out, ask you questions, get in touch with you? What if they have questions about finance? What finance? Or if they want to ask you where the best place is to go in LA for food, how do people get in touch with you, man?
Speaker 2:Sounds great, my friend. Interestingly enough, the podcast happening right the day that I posted my solo. I had some content already, but I posted my solo video on YouTube, so our listeners can find me on YouTube, on Instagram, on TikTok, on Twitter, on LinkedIn, as Ohan the money doctor or Ohan Kaikchan, which in times hard to pronounce, but the easiest will be Ohan O-H-A-N, like from the word Ohana. You can remember Ohan the money doctor.
Speaker 2:My webpage is Ohan the money doctor.
Speaker 2:My web page is Ohan the money doctorcom, where they can come to my world by giving me the permission to start sending them some emails, which I promise I will not spam or send them unnecessary information but I created a guide which is free to download as long as they put their email address, where I show them first three most important steps in order for them to become an investor and finally switch their mindset from being an only consumer to be an investor as well. Because just one example if you are using, let's say, Apple phone or you are using MacBook, why you are not becoming part-time owner of Apple as well? Or if you go to Costco or Starbucks, why you don't become part-time owner of these companies also and again, I'm not a fan and I never encourage you to pick and choose stocks. I'm not about that. Instead of again picking and choosing, you can own many, many and diversify your money, not to put all your eggs in one basket, so to say, but the easiest way. Ohan the Money Doctor, in all social platforms.
Speaker 1:Awesome, there you have it. Quick and easy way to find him. Ohan the Money Doctor and dude. Before I let you go, I got to ask you if you were to bring it all down into one piece of advice that you could help someone survive the side hustle. What would that piece of advice be?
Speaker 2:Man right now, while I'm thinking about it, goosebumps went through my skin because I want to hear it to myself. So I'm more of a like vocalizing the answer that you are asking for me to listen, and it is never give up, Never give up. It takes time. It takes time In times we don't see what's going on in the backstage of the success that people are having, especially nowadays with social media and everything but everyone. I talk, during the conferences I attend, during the courses I'm taking, the key seems and it is simple, and it is never give up and go after your dreams.
Speaker 1:I love it. That just goes hand in hand with the compounding interest. So keep putting in the work and don't stop. Keep it going Ahan again, dude. I appreciate it so much. Thank you for taking the time and I would love to have you back on the show sometime. Talk to you soon man Will do Rob.
Speaker 2:Thank you, sir. Thank you Appreciate it.