Today, individuals are increasingly aiming to become financially independent. However, traditional financial strategies often fall short of achieving this objective, leaving people with significant debt—worried about future uncertainties and emergencies.
Curtis May, Founder of Practical Wealth Solutions, recognized this problem early in his career and made it his mission to provide a solution. With a fresh perspective on financial education, Curtis teaches clients how to build sustainable financial independence through strategies like infinite banking, income management, and cash flow planning. Unlike traditional approaches that prioritize selling products, Curtis’ leadership empowers individuals with knowledge and tools to take control of their financial futures.
The Principles-Based Vision Behind Practical Wealth
For Curtis, the inspiration to start Practical Wealth emerged from over 30 years of experience navigating the traditional financial services industry. As a registered representative and insurance agent, he initially embraced conventional methods, promoting concepts like “buy term, invest the difference” and maxing out 401(k)s—strategies aligned with the widely accepted accumulation theory. However, a shift occurred over the past six to seven years and he transitioned from a product-focused approach to a holistic financial planning model.
This evolution was led by a belief that true financial freedom lies not in selling products but in teaching timeless principles that drive long-term success. At Practical Wealth, this approach is called principles-based planning, where principles inform strategy and strategy dictates the selection of tactics, including financial products.
By educating clients on long-term financial truths and aligning them with tools tailored to their unique needs, Practical Wealth ensures a path to sustainable wealth creation. Taking the challenge of redefining industry standards, Practical Wealth prioritizes education and empowerment over sales—partnering with clients to unlock their full financial potential.
The Philosophy Driving Practical Wealth
At Practical Wealth, leadership is built on a foundation of integrity and a commitment to education. The philosophy, instead of telling people what to think, focuses on teaching them how to think critically and independently. This approach empowers both the team and clients to make informed decisions, fostering personal and long-term financial growth.
Curtis embraces the mantra “speed of the leader, speed of the pack,” believing that the pace and direction set by leadership directly influence the organization’s success. As a leader in the knowledge-for-profit industry, Curtis recognizes that staying ahead requires continuous learning and growth. By prioritizing knowledge acquisition, Curtis ensures that his team is equipped with the latest insights and strategies to create significant value for their clients.
The Approach to Business Growth
For Practical Wealth, the balance between innovation and maintaining stability lies in a strategic, well-researched approach to risk. Curtis’ philosophy of “when in doubt, don’t” reflects a low-risk tolerance that is offset by a commitment to deep learning and understanding. By thoroughly researching opportunities, potential risks become calculated and manageable—ensuring decisions are grounded in knowledge and clarity.
Investing in the business itself is a top priority, viewed as a secure and logical choice due to a deep understanding of the systems and strategies that drive stability and profitability. Key to this balance is vigilance over the fundamentals: effective cash flow management, tracking key performance indicators, and focusing on metrics like lead generation, conversion, and fulfillment.
Rather than relying on lagging indicators like revenue or bank balances, Practical Wealth adopts a forward-thinking mindset—planning 90 days ahead. This involves creating content and engaging with clients through various channels to attract the right audience and sustain growth. By blending strategic foresight with operational discipline, Practical Wealth provides insight on how to create consistent profitability while remaining agile enough to innovate and thrive in a competitive landscape.
Simplifying Finances, Maximizing Efficiency
Practical Wealth Solutions embodies its name by focusing on practical, straightforward financial strategies that prioritize simplicity and effectiveness. Rejecting overly complex approaches, the company operates on the belief that financial planning should be as clear as “two plus two is four.” This philosophy sets Practical Wealth solutions apart by emphasizing efficiency and risk mitigation over high-risk investment strategies.
Unlike traditional advisors who focus on pursuing higher returns, Practical Wealth takes a contrarian approach by helping clients minimize losses, optimize cash flow, and retain more of their earnings. The company is dedicated to enhancing financial efficiency through strategies that reduce risk, lower tax liabilities, and deliver perfect wealth benefits without increasing costs.
By focusing on these principles, Practical Wealth empowers clients to build stable, secure financial futures. Its commitment to practicality and efficiency has established the company as a trusted partner for individuals and families seeking to simplify their financial journey and achieve long-term success.
Empowering Financial Freedom with Tailored Solutions
At Practical Wealth Solutions, the emphasis is on teaching financial strategies that enable clients to achieve and maintain financial freedom. Products are not the starting point—they are carefully selected tools that support a broader strategy centered around efficiency and long-term success.
The company specializes in a range of financial products, including properly designed Dividend-Paying Whole Life Insurance, a foundation of its “Private Reserve” or privatized banking strategy. This allows clients to build financial independence while leveraging whole-life policies for maximum benefit. Moreover, Practical Wealth also offers term life insurance focused on maximizing human economic value, disability insurance for income protection, and annuities tailored to individual needs.
Beyond insurance, Practical Wealth supports clients with trust facilitation and income management services to help them structure coordinated cash flow plans. By prioritizing “pay yourself first” principles and optimizing cash flow management, it ensures clients can build wealth efficiently and sustainably.
Harnessing Technology for a Seamless Client Experience
At Practical Wealth Solutions, technology is crucial in delivering exceptional service and fostering meaningful client relationships. With a 100% remote business model, the company leverages modern tools to create a seamless and engaging experience for clients, no matter where they are located.
Virtual platforms like Zoom enable face-to-face interactions that build trust and rapport, while a robust database streamlines client management and improves personalized service. Clients have access to a wealth of knowledge through video content, coaching programs, YouTube channels, and podcasts—empowering them with financial insights and strategies.
This transition to a tech-driven model, initiated in 2009, has transformed the business from in-person consultations to a scalable, efficient operation that maintains the personal touch clients value. Through tech, Practical Wealth ensures a dynamic and accessible experience, allowing clients to connect, learn, and grow from anywhere in the world.
Today, through automated processes and quarterly “calibration meetings,” the team ensures consistent communication and proactive support, focusing on income management to enhance cash flow, security, and peace of mind.
Advancing Financial Independence
At Practical Wealth Solutions, all the products and services are guided by a commitment to addressing the unique needs of each client. The company views products as tools of implementation rather than focal points and ensures that every offering aligns with the client’s journey toward financial independence.
Practical Wealth prioritizes a process-first approach to innovation. By thoroughly understanding each client’s financial situation and goals, the company develops tailored strategies that dictate the appropriate solutions. Whether utilizing existing products or creating new ones, the focus is always on advancing the client’s cause in the most efficient and effective way possible. This philosophy ensures that products serve a purpose and reinforces Practical Wealth’s dedication to delivering value through customized solutions.
Building a Stronger Foundation
In the early days, Practical Wealth Solutions faced major challenges in its marketing. Similar to numerous other entrepreneurs, Curtis also initially focused on being a “doer of the thing” rather than a “marketer of the thing.” This led to fluctuations in the business’s performance.
The turning point came around 2010, with the discovery of influential thinkers like Dan Kennedy and Jay Abraham. Their teachings highlighted the vital role of mastering marketing alongside the core business offering—transforming marketing from a challenge into a strength. Today, the ability of Practical Wealth to effectively communicate the value of its services has turned it into a thriving business.
The Turning Point in Practical Wealth’s Journey
The turning point for Practical Wealth Solutions came when Curtis decided to stop chasing clients and start attracting the right ones. By shifting focus to effective marketing and fostering value-driven conversations, the company found a transformative approach to connecting with ideal clients and delivering tailored solutions that resonated deeply.
This shift opened the doors to a new and exciting venture: Practical Wealth Education. Going beyond financial planning, this initiative provides business owners with the tools and insights needed to scale their operations through innovative marketing and strategic frameworks. Combining his personal experience with a wealth of expertise, Curtis has seamlessly integrated his journey into programs, proprietary methodologies, and upcoming books designed to inspire and empower entrepreneurs.
The Foundation of Long-Standing Success
Practical Wealth Solutions has built its success on a foundation of authenticity and integrity. As the Founder, Curtis has always embraced a simple yet powerful principle: offer only the products and services they would confidently use themselves. “If it’s good enough for their own life and family, it’s good enough for their clients,” he says.
At the core of the company’s operations is the principle of treating others as one wishes to be treated. By embracing this ethical standard as a personal way of life rather than merely a business concept, the company has built strong, enduring relationships with clients. These relationships are built on a foundation of mutual respect, transparency, and genuine care—ensuring clients feel valued and understood.
Infinite Banking and Cash Flow Management
Practical Wealth Solutions specializes in a unique financial strategy known as Infinite Banking. By utilizing properly structured, dividend-paying whole life insurance as a cash flow management system, the company provides clients with the tools to take control of their financial future. This enables individuals and businesses to build a sustainable model for managing money—offering a robust financial framework that surpasses traditional savings and investment options.
“Successful investing isn’t solely about acquiring assets but about becoming financially knowledgeable and making informed decisions.”
Through its education-based approach, Practical Wealth Solutions empowers clients to make smarter financial choices and take ownership of their financial journeys. This approach fosters long-term stability and wealth, making Practical Wealth Solutions a trusted partner in achieving financial independence.
Disrupting Traditional Work Models
Practical Wealth Solutions has successfully disrupted the traditional business model by teaching both clients and associates how to create successful businesses from the comfort of their homes. This has proven particularly transformative for its associates, allowing them to build successful careers without the limitations of a typical office environment. Embracing remote work and digital tools, Practical Wealth Solutions has empowered individuals to achieve financial independence while transforming the way business is conducted in the digital age.
Staying Ahead with Innovation and Adaptation
To maintain a competitive edge, Practical Wealth Solutions prioritizes a hyper-focus on client needs and personal development. Each month, if not every quarter, the team invests time in expanding its professional expertise—whether through personal development, marketing strategies, or staying informed on emerging trends.
This approach ensures they provide clients with the most current and relevant advice. Adapting to changing market conditions with an agile and forward-thinking approach, Practical Wealth has understood that progress requires constant adaptation, as one mentor famously said, “You only coast downhill.” This mindset drives the company to continuously evolve to ensure clients and businesses stay ahead of the curve.
A Unique Approach to Product Launches and Business Expansion
Practical Wealth Solutions doesn’t typically launch products in the conventional sense. Its approach is more about evolving alongside its clients’ needs. For example, its latest initiative, income management, is being tested with its existing clients before being rolled out more broadly. This approach allows the company to fine-tune its offerings while ensuring that the products it offers are well-suited to the clients’ needs. The company uses education as the foundation for all of its new ventures, whether it’s through workshops, webinars, or one-on-one coaching. By focusing on educating its clients about how its services can benefit their financial lives, Practical Wealth naturally attracts individuals who see value in its offerings—reducing the need for traditional sales tactics.
A Focus on Knowledge and Intuition
“I’m not a big risk-taker by nature, particularly because I operate in an industry—insurance—that thrives on managing and mitigating risk.”
Curtis is intuitive and data-driven, recognizing that insurance is about minimizing risk. He believes the key to mitigating potential risks is continuous education. As his knowledge increases, so does his ability to manage and reduce risk—ensuring stability and success for both his business and clients—emerging as one of the Transformational Business Leaders to Watch in 2024-2025.
About The Leader
| Leader’s Name: Curtis May |
| Designation: Founder |
| Company Name: Practical Wealth Solutions LLC |
| Company Website: https://www.practicalwealth.net/ |
5 Key Insights from Curtis May’s Leadership
- Principles-Based Approach: Focuses on timeless financial truths over products.
- Education and Empowerment: Prioritizes educating clients to help them take control of their finances.
- Practical and Efficient Strategies: Emphasizes simple, effective strategies for financial success.
- Leveraging Technology: Utilizes technology for a seamless and personalized client experience.
- Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Prioritizes continuous learning to stay ahead of industry trends.
