
Leave the Pile Higher, Grow Your Legacy
In 1983, my father, a hardworking blue-collar worker, made a life-altering decision for our family. Faced with the choice of my education, he chose to send me to a private Catholic high school, despite the financial challenges. His reason was simple yet profound: “My job is to leave the pile higher for you and your sister.” This statement, a guiding principle of his life, didn't fully resonate with me until after his untimely passing in 2018. It's this legacy of selflessness and commitment that birthed 'Leave the Pile Higher: Grow Your Legacy'.
On what would have been my father's 75th birthday, I launched this podcast as an extension of his “Why”. Here, we explore the intangible aspects of legacy that go beyond monetary or material wealth. Each episode delves into stories of resilience, creativity, and how breaking societal scripts can lead to profound impacts on others.
Join us for heart-to-heart conversations with diverse guests who share their journeys of setbacks, triumphs, and unwavering hope. We discuss how small acts and bold decisions can contribute to a lasting legacy, proving that anyone can make a difference, no matter their financial or social standing.
'Leave the Pile Higher: Grow Your Legacy' isn't just a podcast; it's a movement, a tribute to my father and to all those who strive to make life better for the next generation. It's about acknowledging that while we can't control the length of our lives, we can control its width and depth.
Subscribe now and be part of this journey. Let’s honor the philosophy of leaving the pile higher, not just for ourselves, but for those who follow. Let's build.
Leave the Pile Higher, Grow Your Legacy
Breaking Barriers & Building Wealth w/ Shakira "Sam the Agent" Moran
What happens when life forces you to rewrite your financial story?
For Shakira "Sam the Agent" Moran, financial empowerment wasn’t just a career choice—it was survival. As a young single mom, she found herself drowning in overdraft fees after an unexpected auto-pay mishap. A tearful call to the bank resulted in a rare moment of mercy, but it also sparked a vow: never again. That moment set her on a path to learn everything she could about money, wealth-building, and breaking the cycle of financial instability—especially for single moms like her.
Her journey didn’t stop there. Diagnosed with MS in her mid-20s, Sam suddenly faced an even harsher reality: she had no life insurance. The fear of what would happen to her daughter if something happened to her ignited her mission to educate others in the Black and Brown community about financial planning, wealth-building, and the security that life insurance can provide.
But her story isn’t just about overcoming—it’s about paying it forward.
Sam is dedicated to empowering underserved communities in the NY metro area and beyond, through free financial workshops, school-based programs, and community initiatives. She believes that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about shifting mindsets, breaking cycles, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Because legacy isn’t just what you leave—it’s how you lead.
In this episode, we dive into:
- Truths about life insurance—debunking myths in our community
- The power of starting where you are—why doing a little of something is always better than doing a lot of nothing
- Breaking financial barriers—the mindset shift from survival mode to wealth-building and financial security
- Lessons from her own journey—how a moment of financial hardship and an attempt to discourage her from investing only fueled her determination to self-educate and take control
- How Sam is paying it forward—offering free financial workshops, school-based programs, and real-world tools to help families build a legacy
This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt financially stuck, doubted their ability to build wealth, or believed the misconception that money moves are only for the rich. The key? Start where you are, use what you have, and stay consistent.
Listen now and take control of your financial future - start building, breaking barriers, and leaving the pile higher!
If you’re ready to grow your legacy and make a lasting impact, I’d love to connect with you. Whether it’s about securing the right insurance, exploring business solutions, or discussing how to protect and build your legacy, let’s start the conversation. You’re invited to schedule a Legacy Snapshot—a 15-minute session where we can explore how Savage Family Office can help you achieve your goals. Together, we’ll work to ensure that what you build today will stand strong for future generations. Schedule your Legacy Snapshot today and let’s take the first step towards leaving the pile higher.
Are you passionate about building your legacy or know someone with an inspiring story to share? We’re always looking for impactful guests to join the show. If you’d like to be considered as a guest or have questions about an episode, please send an email to leavethepilehigher@gmail.com.