#21: Michael Alberse: Living in a Van at Google, Cash Flow Investing, and Alternative Assets
LongfireShow Notes
Michael Alberse joins Pieces of Impact to talk about his path from building out a cargo van in college to living in it while working at Google, all while stacking capital and learning how to invest with more intention. We get into how that season shaped his habits, why he focuses on cash-flowing and alternative investments today, and how he’s building a brand around teaching personal finance in a more practical, honest way.
We also talk through the difference between chasing flashy deals and building a real financial foundation, the role of CPAs and good operators, his best and worst investments so far, and why he believes money should be used as a tool rather than something to worship. This was a thoughtful conversation on risk, freedom, and building a life that actually fits.
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Alberse 02:37 From Van Life to Financial Freedom 06:35 The Journey of Cash Flow Goals 10:59 Building a Social Media Presence 17:32 Micro Investing as a Business 23:05 Creating Value Through Education 27:53 The Importance of Humility and Feedback 28:14 The Value of Hiring a CPA 29:04 Understanding Taxes and Income Types 31:44 Starting a Business: Lessons Learned 34:34 Organizing Investments for Growth 36:47 Aligning Financial Goals in Relationships 39:34 Best and Worst Investment Deals 44:17 Lessons from Investment Failures 45:56 Balancing Cash Flow and Equity Growth 47:55 Future Goals and Vision 49:52 The Role of Money in Life 52:06 Rapid Fire Questions
More from Longfire
Captain Will Benson is a Florida Keys fly-fishing guide, filmmaker, conservationist, and founder of World Angling. Raised on Sugarloaf Key, he started cleaning boats at the local marina before building a life guiding anglers for tarpon, permit, and bonefish. He also works with the Lower Keys Guides Association and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust to protect the waters that made that life possible. We get into the mentors who shaped him, the philosophy degree he still puts to work, and how fishing films pulled him into conservation. Subscribe to Longfire for more stories worth gathering around. Show links Watch Longfire on YouTube Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Follow Longfire on Instagram Guest links Fish with Will: World Angling Follow Will on Instagram Watch World Angling’s films Watch Silver Lining Lower Keys Guides Association Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Captains for Clean Water Chapters 00:00 Before the Fishing Starts 07:50 A Kid on the Docks in the Florida Keys 11:21 How His Family Found the Keys 15:04 What Philosophy Taught Him About Fishing 19:25 Choosing the Water Over Law School 21:25 A Camcorder, a Surprise Trophy, and World Angling 26:09 When the Guides Got Organized 30:57 Conservation Wins and the Cruise-Ship Fight 35:35 The Next Fights for a Healthy Fishery 42:27 Why Fishermen Belong in Conservation 46:08 Why Will Is Hopeful About What Comes Next
Cristina Zenato is a professional diver, shark behaviorist, cave explorer, and founder of People of the Water, a nonprofit focused on exploration, education, and conservation. Raised in the Congo, she has spent more than three decades in the Bahamas. Her work brings together shark encounters, diving education, and the exploration and protection of underwater caves.
John Langmore is an Austin-based photographer, author, and documentary filmmaker who has also worked as a cowboy and corporate lawyer. His books include Open Range and Fault Lines, and he co-directed Cowboys: A Documentary Portrait with Bud Force.
Jake Hounshell is the founder of Shells Vintage Hat Co., a Charlotte-based business selling vintage sports hats and original, ’90s-inspired designs. A Raleigh native and University of South Carolina graduate, Jake started buying hats to resell with $750 of graduation money in 2019. He later created his own State Snaps and city designs, leaving his sales job in 2021 to run the business full-time.
Sarah Calhoun is the founder of Red Ants Pants, a women’s workwear company based in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. A former outdoor instructor and trail-crew leader, she launched the business in 2006 after years of working in pants that didn’t fit. She also founded the Red Ants Pants Music Festival and leads the Red Ants Pants Foundation, which supports women’s leadership and rural communities.