Ep. 46: The Bonus Blueprint: How to Stop Your Biggest Checks From Disappearing
Thu Jan 22 2026
Have you ever had a bonus hit…felt great for a few days…and then realized nothing really changed?
That’s not an income problem. It’s a system problem.
In my latest episode of The Big Bo $how — The Bonus Blueprint: How to Stop Your Biggest Checks From Disappearing — I break down why variable income (bonuses, RSUs, commissions) quietly disappears without a plan, and what actually creates long-term progress instead.
In this episode, we cover:
✔ Why big checks often increase lifestyle instead of net worth
✔ The mindset shift: Base pay runs the household. Variable pay builds the future.
✔ The 5 bucket framework I use to give every bonus a job before it’s spent
✔ Why growing your fixed monthly “appetite” with variable income creates pressure, not freedom
If you’re earning more but don’t feel ahead, this episode will hit home.
Chapters:
00:00 – The “48-Hour Rich” Bonus Trap
00:58 – The Bonus Blueprint: Moments Don’t Build Wealth
02:21 – The Real Problem: You Never Assigned the Bonus
04:18 – The Rule: Base Pay Runs Life, Variable Pay Builds the Future
06:14 – The Bonus Blueprint System (5 Buckets, 1 Order)
06:42 – Buckets #1–#2: Taxes + Sleep-Well Money
08:10 – Buckets #3–#5: Debt, Investing, Lifestyle
10:34 – BO KNOWS: The Two-Minute Drill + Wrap-Up
📞 Connect with Julius Wealth AdvisorsSchedule a conversation: 201-408-4644
Email: info@juliuswealth.com
Learn more about 360° Wealth: www.juliuswealthadvisors.com
🔔 Subscribe for more no-fluff conversations on investing, wealth-building, and the mindset behind financial success.
Disclosures:The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this podcast is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Julius Wealth Advisors, LLC (“JWA”) is a registered investment adviser located in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The publication of The Big Bo $how should not be construed by any consumer or prospective client as JWA’s solicitation or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice over the Internet. A copy of JWA’s current written disclosure statement as set forth on Form ADV, discussing JWA’s business operations, services, and fees is available from JWA upon written request. JWA does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to or incorporated herein. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. JWA is neither your attorneys nor your accountants and no portion of this podcast should be interpreted by you as legal, accounting, or tax advice. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney and accountant.
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Have you ever had a bonus hit…felt great for a few days…and then realized nothing really changed? That’s not an income problem. It’s a system problem. In my latest episode of The Big Bo $how — The Bonus Blueprint: How to Stop Your Biggest Checks From Disappearing — I break down why variable income (bonuses, RSUs, commissions) quietly disappears without a plan, and what actually creates long-term progress instead. In this episode, we cover: ✔ Why big checks often increase lifestyle instead of net worth ✔ The mindset shift: Base pay runs the household. Variable pay builds the future. ✔ The 5 bucket framework I use to give every bonus a job before it’s spent ✔ Why growing your fixed monthly “appetite” with variable income creates pressure, not freedom If you’re earning more but don’t feel ahead, this episode will hit home. Chapters: 00:00 – The “48-Hour Rich” Bonus Trap 00:58 – The Bonus Blueprint: Moments Don’t Build Wealth 02:21 – The Real Problem: You Never Assigned the Bonus 04:18 – The Rule: Base Pay Runs Life, Variable Pay Builds the Future 06:14 – The Bonus Blueprint System (5 Buckets, 1 Order) 06:42 – Buckets #1–#2: Taxes + Sleep-Well Money 08:10 – Buckets #3–#5: Debt, Investing, Lifestyle 10:34 – BO KNOWS: The Two-Minute Drill + Wrap-Up 📞 Connect with Julius Wealth AdvisorsSchedule a conversation: 201-408-4644 Email: info@juliuswealth.com Learn more about 360° Wealth: www.juliuswealthadvisors.com 🔔 Subscribe for more no-fluff conversations on investing, wealth-building, and the mindset behind financial success. Disclosures:The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this podcast is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Julius Wealth Advisors, LLC (“JWA”) is a registered investment adviser located in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The publication of The Big Bo $how should not be construed by any consumer or prospective client as JWA’s solicitation or attempt to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice over the Internet. A copy of JWA’s current written disclosure statement as set forth on Form ADV, discussing JWA’s business operations, services, and fees is available from JWA upon written request. JWA does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to or incorporated herein. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. JWA is neither your attorneys nor your accountants and no portion of this podcast should be interpreted by you as legal, accounting, or tax advice. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney and accountant.