From Submarines to Strategic Wealth: Gary Pinkerton’s Journey

Gary Pinkerton’s financial journey began far from Wall Street—on a struggling dairy farm in Illinois. After pursuing financial stability through a 25-year Navy career, where he commanded nuclear submarines and taught ethics at the Naval Academy, Gary experienced a major financial turning point during the 2008 recession when he lost nearly half his savings.

That loss led him to dive deep into financial education, ultimately becoming a wealth strategist, business owner, real estate investor, and advocate for using cash value life insurance as a powerful wealth-building tool.

💸 The “Family Bank” Concept: What It Is & Why It Works

Gary introduced a simple but powerful strategy: using whole life insurance policies as a "family bank." Here's how it works:

  • Cash Value Growth: These policies grow at a steady 5–5.5% rate, tax-free.

  • Access to Funds: You can borrow against the policy for emergencies, investments, or business needs—often within days.

  • Tax Efficiency: The policy grows tax-deferred and can be accessed tax-free if structured properly.

  • Dual Purpose: It offers both death benefit protection and flexible access to cash while you’re alive.

Think of it as your own private banking system—safe, liquid, and under your control.

💼 Why Liquidity Matters More Than Ever

One of Gary’s strongest points: "Keep 30–40% of your net worth liquid."

While that may sound high to some business owners, Gary explains it’s the key to:

  • Peace of mind in uncertain markets or personal emergencies

  • Quick access to capital for investment opportunities or business growth

  • Surviving economic shocks—like COVID-19—without needing outside capital

Cash value policies offer a rare combination: growth, safety, and liquidity—making them ideal for this strategy.

💡 Advice for Business Owners

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, Gary suggests:

  • Start with protection, not speculation. Build a solid foundation before chasing big returns.

  • Use life insurance policies for business reserves, not just personal savings.

  • Consider franchises if you're exploring entrepreneurship—they offer plug-and-play systems.

  • Invest in your mindset and financial education. Liquidity lets you take risks from a position of strength.

📚 Resources & Next Steps

Want to explore the “family bank” strategy for your life or business?

  • Contact Gary directly: gary@garypinkerton.com

  • Listen to his podcast: Gary’s Gulch

  • Read these books:

    • Heads I Win, Tails You Lose by Patrick Donoho.

    • Kim Butler’s "Perpetual Wealth" series

Final Thought:
 Gary’s message is clear—control and liquidity are the cornerstones of long-term wealth. Whether you're building a business, planning for your family’s future, or just want to sleep better at night, the “family bank” strategy offers a smart, stable path forward.

Want more from Gary? Check him out here: https://www.garypinkerton.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/garywpinkerton/

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