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Debt Is the Biggest Enemy to Wealth Building — Bar None

The Latino Brand: Episode 13

In this episode, I break down why minimizing debt is one of the most important principles in the NAHREP 10—and why even so-called “good debt” can wipe you out if you’re overleveraged. I share a real story of someone who had over $10 million in net worth, lost it all during the recession, and why it happened. If you’re carrying high-interest credit card debt, this one’s for you.

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The Latino brand impacts every aspect of our lives—from how we're viewed in business and media to the opportunities we’re given. In this first episode, Gary Acosta explores why a unified, empowered narrative is essential for Latino prosperity. Learn what Gary shared at the United Nations, how he raised $100M for Latino-led ventures, and why changing the perception of our community is the key to unlocking capital, influence, and success.
The Latino brand impacts every aspect of our lives—from how we're viewed in business and media to the opportunities we’re given. In this first episode, Gary Acosta explores why a unified, empowered narrative is essential for Latino prosperity. Learn what Gary shared at the United Nations, how he raised $100M for Latino-led ventures, and why changing the perception of our community is the key to unlocking capital, influence, and success.
What do people really mean when they say, “DEI is destroying our country”? In this powerful episode, Gary Acosta takes on the backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—and asks whether it’s become a coded way to express racism. He breaks down myths about lowered standards, exposes the hypocrisy behind legacy admissions, and challenges the silence around nepotism and privilege. DEI may be a polarizing term today, but Gary argues that its core values remain essential to capitalism, innovation, and fairness in America’s future.
What if Donald Trump’s greatest strength is something the rest of us refuse to acknowledge? In this thought-provoking episode, Gary Acosta explores what liberals, global leaders, and entrepreneurs might learn from Trump’s approach to leadership. From mastering direct communication to shaping loyalty through perceived authenticity, Gary dives into the mechanics of modern influence—even when the messenger is flawed. Whether you agree or disagree with Trump, the lessons here reveal surprising truths about power, persuasion, and strategy in today’s world.
The left blames billionaires. The right blames immigrants. But the real issue isn’t who we’re fighting—it’s what we’re being distracted from. I break down how access to education, capital, and ownership is the real battleground.
Too many of us hesitate to use tools meant to level the playing field, while others take full advantage of every opportunity they get. I share a personal story that reframes how we think about DEI—and why there’s no reason to hold back.
Wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom. I’ll share why understanding wealth shifts everything: your purpose, your discipline, and your power to shape the future.
AI is changing the game—and Latinos have a chance to jump ahead. I’ll break down how using AI smartly can help close the wealth gap faster than politics, and why the time to act is right now.
The acronym DEI is dead—but the fight for equal opportunity is far from over. I break down why lazy labels set us back, and why we need to rebrand the movement in a way everyone can get behind.
There’s no shortage of social media advice on how to get rich—but most of it misses the point. I explain why the first step to real wealth is understanding why it matters, and how the NAHREP 10 principles lay out the blueprint for a richer, more fulfilling life.
NAHREP 10 Principle #2 is simple: be in the top 10% of your profession. In today’s world, being average won’t cut it. In this episode, I break down why standing out is essential in an AI-driven economy—and how mastering your craft is the key to long-term prosperity.
A lot of people make good money—and still live paycheck to paycheck. In this episode, I talk about why financial independence starts with discipline, how saving more prepares you for opportunity, and why rich people get richer during downturns. If you want to build lasting wealth, it starts with keeping more of what you earn.
Latinos have the highest workforce participation in the country—but we still underinvest in real estate and the stock market. In this episode, I break down why investing 20% of your income in these two asset classes is one of the smartest wealth-building moves you can make. I also explain why small rental properties, REITs, and index funds are the safest places to start—no hype, just strategy.
If your goal is financial independence, you have to know where you stand. In this episode, I break down how to calculate your net worth, what counts as an asset or a liability, and why this number should guide your spending, investing, and long-term goals. Your net worth is more than a figure—it’s a tool to help you design the life you were meant to live.
Being politically loyal to a party over your principles is doing our community a disservice. In this episode, I break down what it really means to be politically savvy—why public policy shapes everything from our taxes to our safety, and how we can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. For Latinos to reach our full potential, we need to show up informed, independent, and unafraid to speak for ourselves.
Wealth without health is meaningless. In this episode, I talk about why the most successful leaders today train their bodies and minds like athletes—and why anyone aiming for the top 1% financially should strive for the top 1% in health too. If your goal is to build a great company or lasting wealth, your energy, focus, and longevity all start with fitness.
Nobody makes it on their own. In this episode, I talk about why generosity—whether it’s time, wisdom, or resources—is one of the most important disciplines we can develop. Latinos are generous by nature, but we often limit that generosity to our families. I share why expanding that generosity beyond our inner circle strengthens our purpose, our community, and our impact.
Telling Latinos to prioritize family may sound like preaching to the choir—but when you’re chasing big goals, it’s easy to drift. In this episode, I share why presence isn’t just about responsibility—it’s a source of inspiration, passion, and long-term power. Family and success aren’t opposites—they’re fuel for each other.
To many of us, mass deportations are traumatic and unjust—but they may also force the country to face an uncomfortable truth: our economy runs on immigrant labor. In this episode, I explore how this crisis could spark the kind of national reckoning we’ve needed for decades.
The biggest threat to America isn’t division or immigration—it’s the growing gap between the rich and everyone else. In this episode, I share why entrepreneurship—not just public policy—is our best hope for closing the wealth gap and bringing the country back together.
Category: The Latino Brand

Author: Gary Acosta

Gary Acosta is an entrepreneur, public policy advocate, investor, and thought leader passionate about advancing prosperity for Latinos and other underserved communities.