Firefighting Finances: Ryan Larson's Life of Service and Success

Seek Go Create - The Leadership Journey for Christian Entrepreneurs, Faith-Based Leaders, Purpose-Driven Success, Kingdom Business, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Leadership Development

Have you ever wondered how the principles of long-term thinking and faith can steer you towards success in both personal and professional realms? In this episode of "Seek Go Create," host Tim Winders sits down with Ryan Larson, founder of First Line Financial, to explore the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of investment, the importance of creating balanced financial strategies, and the role of integrity in client relations. They delve into Ryan's unique journey from battling blazes as a firefighter to mastering the flames of the financial markets. Whether you're an investor feeling the market's heat or seeking a fresh perspective on life and success, this episode offers invaluable insights wrapped in real-life experiences. Tune in to discover how you can create a robust path towards achieving your goals amidst life’s ebbs and flows.

"Success is where happiness meets passion in both your personal and professional life." - Ryan Larson

Access all show and episode resources HERE

About Our Guest:

Ryan Larson is the founder and principal investment adviser at First Line Financial, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. With a focus on catering to the unique financial needs of retirees and transitioning boomers, Ryan leverages his extensive experience to create personalized investment strategies that incorporate diverse assets, including real estate and self-directed IRAs. His keen insights stem from his initial career as a firefighter, a role that endows him with a profound sense of advocacy and preparedness, attributes he now applies to financial planning. Ryan is also the author of "Ladder to Leader," where he shares his journey and insights on leadership and financial acumen.

Reasons to Listen:

1. Discover Ryan Larson’s unique journey from firefighter to financial expert, and how his experiences shape his innovative approach to retirement planning.

2. Explore the fusion of long-term investment strategies and personal values, featuring Larson's trademark "written retirement action plan" that tailors financial planning to individual needs.

3. Gain insights into handling market volatility through diversified investment portfolios, including alternative investments, as Larson emphasizes integrity and personalized advice in financial success.

Episode Resources & Action Steps:

### Resources Mentioned

1. **First Line Financial Website** - For listeners to connect with Ryan Larson and learn more about financial planning and investment strategies tailored for retirees and transitioning boomers.

2. **Book: "Ladder to Leader" by Ryan Larson** - This book offers insights into Ryan’s journey and philosophies, both as a firefighter and a financial adviser. Contact Ryan via his website and ask for a free copy.

### Action Steps

1. **Review and Adjust Investment Portfolios** - Encouraged by Ryan Larson, listeners should evaluate their current investment strategies, consider introducing alternative investments like real estate, and adjust to more secure and diversified portfolios as per their changing financial needs and market conditions.

2. **Create a Written Retirement Action Plan (WRAP)** - Implement Ryan's trademarked "WRAP" system to tailor a retirement plan that evolves according to individual needs, focusing on long-term financial security.

3. **Engage with Financial Advisors** - Ryan stresses the importance of working with trusted financial advisors. Listeners should reach out to certified advisors to discuss their financial situations and get personalized advice that aligns with their goals and market trends.

Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:

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• 🎙 Coaching with Tim: Elevate your leadership and align your work with your faith. Learn More
• 📚 "Coach: A Story of Success Redefined": A transformative read that will challenge your views on success. Grab Your Copy
• 📝 Faith Driven Leader Quiz: Discover how well you're aligning faith and work with our quick quiz. Take the Quiz

Key Lessons:

1. **Long-Term Thinking in Finances and Life:** Emphasize the importance of taking a long-term approach to both financial planning and personal endeavors. Diversification in investments, including stocks, real estate, and alternative assets, along with the psychological resilience required to withstand market fluctuations, is essential for success.

2. **Defining Personal Success:** Success is not solely measured by financial gains but by finding happiness and fulfillment in both personal and professional aspects of life. Ryan Larson underscores the importance of being a good father and having a positive impact on those around him as his measures of success.

3. **The Role of Faith in Achieving Goals:** Harnessing faith helps navigate tough times and achieve long-term objectives. This faith extends beyond spiritual contexts into having confidence in one's financial and personal decisions, even in uncertain environments.

4. **Balanced Lifestyle for Sustaining Performance:** Highlighting the need for a balanced lifestyle, especially in demanding careers. Ryan Larson shares insights from his experience juggling roles as a firefighter and financial adviser, emphasizing the importance of managing work, sleep, and family life to maintain health and effectiveness.

5. **Continuous Learning and Adaptation:** The financial industry and personal career paths are ever-evolving. Larson's career transition from firefighting to finance illustrates the importance of adaptability and continual learning to thrive in changing environments and understand new concepts, like cryptocurrency and other alternative investments.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Firefighter transitions to finance, juggles responsibilities skillfully.

05:09 Struggle with identity, advocate for others.

08:06 Paramedic works long shifts, prioritizes family's well-being.

11:49 Exercising, cold plunge, energize for work.

13:34 Discussing financial responsibility and defining success pre-firefighting career.

20:06 Struggled in school, felt different, pushed back.

24:17 Relying on faith and family for success.

25:38 Raising kids, emulating dad, passing on traits.

29:36 Financial crisis led to new career success.

32:57 Qualified fiduciary introducing innovative real estate fund.

39:04 Currently cautious about market, favoring fixed income.

41:14 Consider both market risks and potential returns.

44:44 Confusion about pandemic, impact on people's lives.

47:30 Investing in real estate and early-stage businesses.

51:48 Neglecting day-to-day prep, expect financial home runs.

53:10 Be prepared, stay present, and respond effectively.

57:37 Connect with First Line Financial for support.

Thank you for listening to Seek Go Create!

Our podcast is dedicated to empowering Christian leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to redefine success in their personal and professional lives. Through in-depth interviews, personal anecdotes, and expert advice, we offer valuable insights and actionable strategies for achieving your goals and living a life of purpose and fulfillment.

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