Building Financial Freedom One Snowball at a Time: My Interview with Roberta Meacham

“What if you could build financial freedom… without waiting 30 years?”

I get chills just thinking about it — because I know the answer is YES. You absolutely can.

Roberta’s journey is one I’m incredibly proud of. She didn’t come from wealth. She didn’t have everything perfectly lined up. But she did have the willingness to learn, to take action, and to start her own Income Snowball. And she’s built something amazing — not just wealth, but peace of mind.

She told me something recently that brought tears to my eyes:

“People always ask if I have a financial advisor. I tell them: No, I have a financial coach — and her name is Melissa Manning.”

It was one of those moments where I felt deeply honored and reminded of why I do this work.

Let me tell you what we’re really talking about here — and how you can build an income strategy that doesn’t require a million dollars in the bank, a finance degree, or waiting until you’re too old to enjoy it.

The Problem With “Wait and Hope” Financial Advice

Let’s be real — traditional financial advice is mostly about waiting.

Max out your 401(k). Don’t touch it. Keep saving. Cross your fingers. Then retire… maybe… hopefully.

That model? It’s broken for most people.

It’s built on the accumulation strategy: save now, live later. But life is happening right now. Inflation is happening now. Job stress, kids, health scares, the rising cost of living — it’s all happening now.

What if you could build income today instead of relying on retirement accounts 30 years from now?

That’s where the Income Snowball comes in.

What Is the Income Snowball?

The Income Snowball is a powerful financial strategy I use to help clients create cash flow now, not just someday.

It starts with what we call “fast-burning fuel” — short-term, cash-producing investments that generate monthly or quarterly income. That income gets reinvested or used to fund your next stream. Over time, your income snowballs — gaining momentum just like a literal snowball rolling downhill.

We’re not talking about magic. We’re talking about strategy.

And guess what? You don’t need $50,000 to start. You don’t even need $10,000.

Can You Start With a Small Amount?

Absolutely.

Some of my clients start with as little as $300 in disposable income each month. The key isn’t how much you have, but what you do with it.

In coaching, we look at your current financial situation, uncover “hidden cash,” and redirect it toward high-impact income-generating strategies that fit your comfort level. Some of my clients are conservative. Some are aggressive. The Income Snowball is flexible and adaptable either way.

What If Life Hits You Hard?

Let me share something that still gives me goosebumps.

Roberta and I were discussing a client who was recently diagnosed with cancer. And what she said shocked me:

“I’m not even stressed. My Snowball is already covering my mortgage.”

That’s not just financial power — that’s emotional security. That’s knowing that when life gets hard, you’ve built something that supports you.

And Roberta put it best when she said:

“I didn’t know how valuable that safety net was… until I needed it.”

Coaching Isn’t About Quick Wins — It’s About Clarity, Confidence, and Control

One thing I’ve learned as a coach is this: money is emotional.

You can know what to do on paper, but if you’re carrying fear, scarcity, guilt, or overwhelm — you won’t move. Or worse, you’ll move in the wrong direction.

That’s why coaching matters.

I walk side-by-side with my clients. We talk about real numbers and real emotions. We build plans that aren’t just “smart” — they’re aligned with their life goals, risk tolerance, and values.

One couple I work with has a simple goal: get one spouse out of their job in five years. Another wants to create $5K/month in passive income. Others dream of owning real estate, launching businesses, or even building generational wealth through life insurance and legacy planning.

No matter the goal, clarity is the first step — and coaching provides the roadmap.

“Don’t Be Afraid of Big Numbers”

One of the biggest mindset shifts I see in clients is overcoming the fear of big numbers.

I had one client who thought she could only afford a $300K property. After a few coaching sessions, she ended up buying a multi-million dollar property in Miami — and built $2M in equity.

The difference? She wasn’t afraid of big numbers anymore. She saw opportunity instead of intimidation.

I’ve seen similar transformations over and over — all because someone made the decision to change how they think about money.

How I Almost Lost $150K — And What Happened Instead

Let me get really honest for a second.

A few years ago, I invested $150K in a new construction property in Spain. My plan was to finance the rest through local banks. But every door closed. No financing. No backup. I was stuck — and I thought I was about to lose everything.

I was exhausted. Defeated. Ready to walk away.

Then out of the blue, the builder called me.

“We’re not going to let you lose that money,” they said. “We’ll transfer your investment to another unit that’s still under construction. You’ll have two more years to come up with the balance.”

I didn’t ask. I didn’t plead. I had no plan B.

But God showed up. That’s the only way I can explain it.

And you know what? The new unit doesn’t have the exact view I wanted… but I still own a beautiful property in Spain. That risk I took? It taught me that faith, flexibility, and the right system can transform losses into miracles.

The Importance of True Diversification

We’ve all heard the phrase “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” But I want to take that deeper.

True diversification isn’t just about owning a bunch of rental properties. It’s about owning across different asset types, in different locations, with different levels of risk.

I had a client who owned seven rental units — all in one town. When a toxic train derailment happened nearby, every tenant moved out. His income dried up overnight.

That’s why I teach my clients how to spread their investments across multiple buckets: real estate, stocks, passive income platforms, cash value life insurance, and more.

Diversification = resilience.

You Are Not Alone

One of my clients, a brilliant young mom flipping $100K deals, told me recently:

“I’m doing well on paper, but I still feel like everything could fall apart at any moment.”

That’s the emotional residue of financial trauma. That’s why coaching isn’t just about strategies. It’s about healing, mindset, and helping people truly internalize their success.

Another couple told me their coaching sessions felt like “an oasis.” Living in a small Oregon town, they don’t have people around them who dream big. Our calls remind them that they’re not crazy — they’re visionaries.

If You’ve Been Waiting for a Sign… This Is It.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely not satisfied with the “normal” way of building wealth.

You want more. You want freedom.

So here’s my invitation:
Start your Income Snowball.

Come to a free group coaching session. Bring your numbers. Bring your goals. Bring your doubts.

Let’s map it out together.

You don’t have to do this alone. You don’t have to wait 30 years. And you definitely don’t have to stay stuck.

I’ve walked this journey. I’ve made the mistakes. I’ve seen the miracles.

And I’m here to help you build a future that’s bold, beautiful, and built on your terms.

Let’s do this. 💛

💡 Ready to explore these strategies further? Consider your personal goals, do your due diligence, and create a plan that aligns with both your financial targets and values.

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