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In this episode of The Wisdom, Lifestyle, Money Show, host Scott Dillingham explores the power of calculated leverage to build wealth, contrasting it with traditional leverage by emphasizing smart, data-driven decisions. He stresses the importance of a growth mindset for overcoming fear in investing, relationships, and personal development—drawing from books like Think and Grow Rich to illustrate how visualizing success attracts opportunities. Scott breaks down good debt (e.g., borrowing to acquire income-generating assets like rental properties or dividend stocks) versus bad debt (e.g., financing a car without offsetting income), using real-world examples to show how leveraging can create positive cash flow without out-of-pocket costs.He shares a personal case: borrowing $200,000 at 2.5% interest from a rental property to invest in a high-performing asset (details in his investing club), yielding an average annual return of 26.62% since 1999, with a total return of 585%. This highlights tax deductions on investment-related interest under CRA rules and the long-term upward trend of markets despite downturns like the dot-com crash, 2008 recession, and COVID. Scott warns against emotional reactions to market volatility, advocating for historical analysis and professional advice. The episode ties mindset, leverage forms (time, mind, money), and strategies together to help listeners grow financially. Ideal for Canadian investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, and those seeking mortgage advice for real estate or stock investing in Ontario.Host BioScott Dillingham is the founder and CEO of LendCity Mortgages, a leading online mortgage brokerage helping real estate investors secure financing across Canada. As host of The Wisdom, Lifestyle, Money Show, he shares insights from his sales-to-entrepreneur journey, including building a portfolio of 8 properties with 12 units. Based in Windsor, Ontario, Scott focuses on creative lending, personal growth, and calculated strategies to achieve financial independence. Key TakeawaysAdopt a growth mindset to eliminate fear in investing and life—visualize success as if it's already achieved, as per Think and Grow Rich, to attract opportunities.Understand leverage beyond finances: Use it in daily scenarios like trading chores for rewards, or leveraging your mind for personal growth and goal attainment.Differentiate good debt (income-producing, e.g., borrowing for a rental property that covers a car payment) from bad debt (pure liabilities, e.g., financing luxuries without offsets).Employ calculated leverage: Analyze expenses and returns before borrowing, like Scott's $200,000 loan at 2.5% for an investment averaging 26.62% annual returns since 1999.Benefit from CRA tax deductions on interest when borrowing for qualifying investments—consult an accountant to maximize savings.Ignore short-term market dips (e.g., dot-com, 2008, COVID); focus on long-term trends where investments generally rise, outperforming 90% of professional stock pickers.Avoid bank-pushed products like GICs that benefit institutions; prioritize investor-friendly options for higher personal gains.Join communities like Scott's club for specific investment details, charts, and expert advice on beating market averages.

In this inaugural episode of The Wisdom, Lifestyle, Money Show, host Scott Dillingham opens up about his personal story, from a challenging childhood in Lewiston, Maine, to becoming a successful mortgage broker and real estate investor in Windsor, Ontario. Scott recounts his early family upheavals, including his parents' separation and move to Canada sponsored by Windsor Raceway, leading to a latchkey kid life filled with mischief, babysitter woes, and a budding entrepreneurial spirit. He shares school struggles—failing grade 6, high school suspensions for pranks like air horns and paper snowstorms—and ultimate expulsion in grade 12, which taught him valuable lessons about trust and self-reliance.Turning setbacks into fuel, Scott dove into sales roles at Sears, a call center, and Future Shop, where he excelled as a top performer and won awards. Inspired by Rich Dad, Poor Dad, he ventured into real estate wholesaling, accidentally acquiring his first investment property in Sarnia after a partner backed out—leading to a full renovation and portfolio growth to 8 properties with 12 units. While rising to #2 in Canada for mortgages at a major bank, he founded LendCity Mortgages to offer flexible financing options for investors across Canada. Scott emphasizes personal development through books like Think and Grow Rich and Dare to Lead, and teases future episodes on calculated leverage for risk-minimized wealth building.This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, real estate investors in Canada, and anyone seeking motivation to overcome adversity, build financial independence, and scale a business like a mortgage brokerage in Ontario.Host BioScott Dillingham is the founder and CEO of LendCity Mortgages, a premier online mortgage brokerage specializing in financing for real estate investors across Canada and the USA. As host of The Wisdom, Lifestyle, Money Show, Scott draws from his own journey—from sales excellence at Future Shop to building a multi-property investment portfolio—to educate listeners on mortgages, investing, and personal growth. Based in Windsor, Ontario, he has achieved top national rankings in mortgage sales and now leads a team helping Canadians secure creative financing solutions. Connect with Scott on Facebook at facebook.com/scott.dillingham or visit lendcity.ca for mortgage advice and resources.Key TakeawaysEarly independence from a tough childhood fostered an entrepreneurial mindset, teaching Scott to explore and innovate without strict authority.School failures and expulsion highlighted the value of self-directed learning over forced education, turning negatives into lifelong motivation.Sales careers provided financial control, allowing Scott to "write his own paycheck" through effort and quickly rise to top performer status.An accidental real estate investment—buying a fixer-upper in Sarnia after a wholesaling deal fell through—sparked a portfolio of 8 properties and 12 units.Banking experience revealed investor strategies, like direct stock purchases with discounts, which Scott applied to grow his net worth efficiently.Founding LendCity Mortgages addressed bank limitations, offering diverse lenders for better client approvals and creative financing in Canada.Personal development via books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad and Think and Grow Rich was crucial for productivity, mindset, and achieving goals.Future focus: Becoming Canada's largest online mortgage brokerage while teaching "calculated leverage" to minimize investing risks.