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The Lion’s Ledger

Bold Wisdom. Real Money. Generational Change.

Do I Need a Financial Advisor or a Financial Coach?  
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

Do I Need a Financial Advisor or a Financial Coach?  

When you’re ready to get serious about your finances, one question often comes up: “Do I need a financial advisor or a financial coach?” It’s an important distinction — and the right answer can save you time, money, and stress. While both roles help you improve your financial life, their methods, goals, and philosophies are very different.

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What Is a REIT and How Can It Build Generational Wealth?
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

What Is a REIT and How Can It Build Generational Wealth?

Real estate has long been one of the most reliable paths to wealth. But what if you could invest in property without buying or managing a single building? That’s exactly what a REIT — Real Estate Investment Trust — allows you to do.

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How to Take Care of My Money: Smart Habits for Building Long-Term Wealth
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

How to Take Care of My Money: Smart Habits for Building Long-Term Wealth

Taking care of your money is more than budgeting or saving — it’s about building a financial system that supports your goals, your faith, and your future. Whether you’re trying to get out of debt, grow a business, or prepare for generational wealth, financial stability starts with intentional money management.

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What to Expect from Financial Coaching: Inside the Lionhood Process
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

What to Expect from Financial Coaching: Inside the Lionhood Process

If you’ve ever felt like your money just disappears, you’re not alone. Most people don’t need more income — they need a better plan. That’s where financial coaching comes in. A financial coach helps you take control of your money, understand where it’s going, and design a plan that turns income into long-term growth.

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Why Financial Management Matters for Your Business in 2025
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

Why Financial Management Matters for Your Business in 2025

In today’s fast-moving economy, many businesses fail — not because their idea was bad, but because they didn’t manage their money well. Financial management isn’t just about tracking expenses; it’s about making strategic decisions that shape the future of your business.

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Building Your Competency Architecture in the Skills Economy
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

Building Your Competency Architecture in the Skills Economy

In today’s economy, degrees are no longer the sole measure of success — **competencies are**. The world of work is shifting toward what experts call the **skills economy**, where your ability to *demonstrate value* matters more than the titles or institutions behind your name.

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How to Separate Personal and Business Transactions
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

How to Separate Personal and Business Transactions

Mixing personal and business finances is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes entrepreneurs make. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or startup founder, failing to separate personal and business transactions can cause accounting headaches, tax issues, and even legal risks.

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After 2025: Are Grants Dead—or Just Harder to Find?
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

After 2025: Are Grants Dead—or Just Harder to Find?

Over the past few years, many familiar grant programs have been cut, restructured, or deprioritized in federal and state budgets. That has led to confusion, frustration, and a lot of myths: “There are no grants anymore,” or “Only nonprofits get them.” The reality is more nuanced. Grants still exist in many forms—but identifying and capturing them requires strategy, insight, and persistence.

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How to Buy a Home When You Have Debt in 2026
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

How to Buy a Home When You Have Debt in 2026

Buying a home when you still have debt can feel impossible — especially when you’re juggling student loans, credit cards, or a car note. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be debt-free to become a homeowner. With the right financial plan, discipline, and coaching, you can position yourself to buy a home even while managing existing debt.

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10 Proven Ways to Make More Money in 2025 (Without Losing Your Mind)
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

10 Proven Ways to Make More Money in 2025 (Without Losing Your Mind)

In a world where prices keep rising faster than paychecks, learning how to **make more money** isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Whether you’re trying to get out of debt, save for a home, or build generational wealth, there are **practical, realistic ways** to boost your income starting today.

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How to Buy a Second Home by Renting Out Your First: Strategy, Taxes & Risks
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

How to Buy a Second Home by Renting Out Your First: Strategy, Taxes & Risks

Owning two properties — using your current home as a rental and acquiring a second one — is a powerful wealth-building strategy. But it’s not risk-free. You’ll need strong financial groundwork, a clear tax plan, and realistic expectations. Read on to learn how to do this right, not regretfully.

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Should I Use a Hardship Withdrawal to Buy a Home?
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

Should I Use a Hardship Withdrawal to Buy a Home?

Many prospective homeowners wonder: *“Can I tap into my retirement funds to cover a down payment?”* The temptation is understandable—home costs are high, and traditional funding sources aren’t always enough. But using a **hardship withdrawal** from a 401(k) or similar plan carries significant trade-offs.

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 How Do I Stop Spending Too Much?
Raymond Ihim Raymond Ihim

How Do I Stop Spending Too Much?

If you’ve ever looked at your bank account and wondered, “Where did all my money go?” — you’re not alone. Overspending is one of the most common financial struggles, even for people who earn good money. The good news is that it’s not about being “bad with money” — it’s about building better systems, habits, and awareness.

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