You know that rare moment when you meet someone with whom you connect *instantly*?
I felt that way when I met Emma Pattee, the 26-year-old millionaire and mini-real-estate-mogul who joins me on today’s episode.
Emma and I share similar stories: we’re both young female artists and entrepreneurs who figured out that wealth is a tool for creating the freedom that allows us to live on our own terms.
We both hustled harder than words can describe, living and breathing our commitment to breaking free from the trading-time-for-money cycle. We refused to accept the defaults that were handed to us. We viewed our investments as a way to create a more sustainable, meaningful life.
We rejected the limiting belief that a creative, meaningful life is somehow more ‘pure’ when it’s lived in scarcity and deprivation. We embraced abundance. We asked “how can I create this?” We viewed every problem as inherently solve-able. We took responsibility for everything that crossed our paths.
Most critically, we decided that we weren’t going to let any excuses hold us back.
We accepted radical responsibility for our own lives. We wouldn’t allow ourselves to get trapped in a victim mindset, a comparison (“they-have-it-easier!”) mindset, or an external-factors-are-holding-me-back mindset.
I rarely meet people who have committed to the inner work of internalizing these lessons. Emma is one of those rare people.
And that’s why I’m excited to share our breakfast conversation with you.
I hope you enjoy this episode. And to paraphrase Seth Godin, more importantly, I hope this episode spurs you to take action.
Lots of love,
Paula
Connect:
- Emma’s blog: Emma Lincoln
- J.D.’s blog: Money Boss
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Thanks to our sponsors, Freshbooks and Audible!
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j
Paula, you have a great brand. I love the written and audio content you put out, but this podcast debased it a bit. The disclaimer at the front of this podcast doesn’t accomplish what you hoped it would accomplish.
You continued dropping f-bombs in your wrap up for no reason.
Yes, I could’ve skipped this podcast, but I hate missing out on the great material you put out for us. I loved Emma’s core message of stop making excuses, etc.
You have a unique and fabulous podcast and a brand of what you stand for. Don’t ‘meh’ it up by putting out something that isn’t up to the standard you set.
I’m probably alone on an island with this comment, but so be it. I’ll tune in next Monday.
e
I’ll happily join you on the island -j-. I too was disappointed, and turned way off by all the gratuitous swearing. I don’t understand why you call that being “real” Paula. I too like the content, but this episode gave me pause. It’s not a question of being family-friendly, or kid-friendly. I’m 43 years old, and I don’t appreciate or find any need for swearing. It was unfortunate that the episode, which I didn’t finish, was muddied up by the language.
I hope that future episodes are clean.
Jessica
Hi Paula!! I really enjoyed this episode. It was really empowering to hear two successful women talking about how they just go for their goals. I appreciated the message that there are so many solutions to every problem. It is easy to get in the mindset of “why me?” and “I can’t do this!”. For me, my biggest hurdle is just getting started so it was great to hear that even if I start with one tactic, there are many other solutions I can try later.
I’m a Portlander and hope you’ve been enjoying your time in Portland!! Where did you grab breakfast?
Denise
Hi Paula,
I wanted to tell you that I absolutely loved the last two podcasts. While I appreciate the practical information you provide I especially loved the focus on mindset in the last two episodes. All the practical knowledge in the world is useless if a person doesn’t understand and is not consciously aware of the role mindset and thoughts about money play in personal finance. Keep up the great work and I’m looking forward to more episodes!
Marianne
Hi Paula,
I really enjoyed this episode with Emma, but do agree with j that you probably could have stopped with the f-bombs in the wrap-up section. I am writing today because I have a different perspective than you did with regard to Emma’s use of money borrowed from family members. It most definitely did not diminish in my mind what she has been able to accomplish. I thought it was a really good idea- a potential win-win for both parties. I know my retired parents would love the opportunity to invest some of their cash earning more than what they are currently able to receive at the bank in a presumably risk-free situation- making a loan to a responsible family member. So to me, Emma wasn’t taking advantage of her circumstances; she was offering a family member the ability to make a decent return on their money that they wouldn’t otherwise have had. We all have certain advantages and disadvantages in our lives, and it does not make sense not to take advantage of your opportunities when you can.
Keep up the good work, Paula. I do really enjoy your podcasts!
DS
Paula (and Emma!),
Love, love, love this episode!
Paula: You said you don’t want to spend any of your mental energy on the victim BS or the reactive BS. What do you mean by “the reactive BS?” Does this go back to the concept of an internal locus of control where your actions are initiated by your internal drive as opposed to an external trigger?
This episode is wonderful because my biggest struggle (and I imagine most peoples’ biggest struggle) relates to behavioral personal finance issues rather than personal finance knowledge. Great job!
Ryan B
I wanted to hear Emma’s in the zone moment again at ~ 19:10-19:54. Not only was that the embodiment of wisdom-distilled but it also had the added benefit of sounding like two very wasted ladies when played at half speed.
Steve from Arkansas
As one of your older listeners at 61, financially independent, retired, living and loving both paid and volunteer side gigs I enjoy your show. I identify with you like I do with my grown kids, as a super sharp focused young lady with an infectious laugh and winners attitude. I particularly like how you resist the urge to judge others, you encourage without condemning. Emma was also pretty awesome. Thanks for how hard you work on a great podcast!
Curtis
I listen to your podcast every week and have appreciated how real and sincere you are about everything. I skipped this one to your disclaimer about language although I was really interested to hear the content. Keep up the great work as I will continue to listen but please take note many of us are turned off by the foul language. Thank you!
Camille
Good subject matter, Paula. I agree with others that the profanity was unnecessary – it added little, if anything, to the interview. However, it’s your podcast so you get to make the final format decisions.
Secondly, I don’t understand why you’re worried that other people will invalidate your experience if you provide details of how you, or in this case Emma, obtained financing for your deals. You will never be able to please or satisfy everyone, no matter how many or how few details you provide when you talk about your path to success. Personally, I like hearing the details of each person’s story because they often do things in a way that I’d never considered before. Sharing details helps me to learn about and to implement new methods to achieve my goals.
Thanks again for your podcast!
Jacq
I don’t think Emma’s tale of her first loan discounts her. There are plenty of people out there who have relatives who offer to help, or who are asked. I think her ending, that she was locked in to an interest rate with the relative, while bank interest rates were dropping showed, it’s not a magic solution.
My parents contributed to help me with a down payment for my house (condo). Even though my mom & dad are divorced, each of them plus myself had an equal amount of money to contribute, only part of mine went to closing costs. I know I’m fortunate to have parents who -could- help. If not I would have just had a bigger mortgage to pay. My dad said his parents helped them out when they bought their first house, and he wanted to pay it forward. I am sure it helps that my parents see me being responsible with my money, and part of the discussion was ‘hey buying a house would mean fixed costs, so future raises could go to my 401k instead of rent increases’. Double saving for my future (equity when I sell + 401k), plus my having saved up for the down payment were great selling points when I did ask.
Ani
Paula, This episode was fucking awesome! Thank you for fearlessly being you. It’s so hard to do that online and appreciate hearing and seeing more entrepreneurial, young women be ourselves! Keep up all of our great work and keep fearlessly being you! -Ani
Anna
Took my words! 🙂 I really enjoyed the episode. And I saw no problem with the language, I think it just emphasized the emotional aspect and passion that these women have when they think about creating their own lives.
nadir
Hi Paula,
I’m working my way through your entire podcast (and blog, slowly) and just listened to this one. I really enjoy most episodes and walk away (literally because I’m usually walking the dog and listening) with some great advice or new ways to think about something. The episodes that aren’t ground breaking for me are typically either topics I already know, or don’t want to know more about but I listen anyways.
With that said, this episode was amazing in so many ways. I don’t know if it was just the content, the raw format of it, or the fact that you and Emma are kick ass. Maybe all three and more? Either way, if you haven’t already, I’d love to hear her on your show again as a guest co-host. Not that you need the help, as you obviously hold your own. Keep up the great work and thank you for all the great content that you publish.
One quick note to everyone about the language. Usually it’s a culturally thing if you’re offended or not by “vulgar” language. They’re just words. A string of letters placed next to each other. Typically to emphasis something or used as a stronger adjective. Listen to this episode regardless and stop being so sensitive. There are real problems in the world and your life more important and deserving of your attention than someone dropping a F bomb.
KCCO,
nadir