The Power to Say No: Financial Freedom and Private Money Lending | Jon Schoeller | Rich AF

Financial freedom is often sold as the ability to buy whatever you want. Jon Schoeller sees it differently. Real freedom is having the power to say no.

In this episode of Rich AF, Charl Minnaar sits down with real estate investor, private money lender and More Than Money founder Jon Schoeller for an honest discussion about wealth, family and what all that hard work is ultimately meant to provide.

Jon and his wife, Rhianna, reached financial freedom in their early thirties, but adopting their daughter changed how they measured success. Jon explains why time became more valuable than status, how lifestyle creep and the hedonic treadmill keep people chasing more, and why raising a child with financial security still requires boundaries, responsibility and consequences.

He also shares the story of the BMW that became one of his most valuable financial lessons. It looked like success, but brought payments, stress and almost no enjoyment. Selling it helped Jon recognise that memories, experiences and time with his family mattered far more than owning something simply to impress other people.

The conversation then turns to the More Than Money community and private money lending. Charl shares his own experience completing a lending deal with Jon, while Jon explains how asset-backed lending works, why the borrower matters as much as the property, what documentation and protections lenders should expect, and why sustainable wealth is built through patience rather than get-rich-quick promises.

They also challenge the idea that entrepreneurship automatically creates freedom. Sometimes a well-paid career you genuinely enjoy, combined with sensible investing, provides far more control than owning a business that never allows you to switch off.

For yacht crew and anyone earning well while questioning what they are working towards, this episode is a reminder that money is not the final destination. The real goal is time, choice and the ability to walk away.

Connect with Jon Schoeller:

More Than Money:

https://www.mtmcommunity.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thefrugalinvestor/