Imagine, waking up in the morning and realizing, you never have to work again for the rest of your life…

Your day is a blank canvas.

You have no where you’re forced to go and no where you’re forced to be because you have a never ending stream of income that’s taking care of your needs without requiring you to be a slave to money.

Imagine the way you’d feel inside, the sense of freedom and unlimited possibility pulsating throughout your heart, mind, body and soul.

This is a space I’ve created in my life and I’m here to tell you, it’s possible.

I’m just a guy from a small Idaho farmtown who, armed with a dream who was able to retire debt free, in his 40’s.

Possible in the world, possible for me. -Tony Robbins

Before my journey to freedom began, I was newly married with a college degree and big hopes for the future. But reality hit hard. I was working a call center job making  $11.09 an hour. It felt like a slap in the face after all the time and money I’d poured into college. We didn’t have much to our name—had to borrow from the bank to buy a trailer house,

a mobile home with trees and a white truck

…and even had to take out a loan for our first washer and dryer. Our cars were used, and so was almost everything else.

Work wasn’t any better. I kept getting passed over for promotions, usually by people with degrees from the company’s favorite schools or those who were just better at kissing up to the right people. That feeling of being stuck, no matter how hard I tried, was like a slow burn in the back of my mind.

On top of that, there were moments that stung deep, like when a family member saw me hooking up my camp trailer to my truck and said, “I can’t believe your wife puts up with this.” I asked, “Puts up with what?” She looked at our trailer house and said, “Puts up with you keeping your family cramped in this tiny little shack.”

As if that wasn’t enough, I was scared. Really scared. Especially when our newborn son was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a condition that needed a $50,000 surgery.

a man looking at a baby in a crib

We didn’t have the money, and our insurance had just expired the week before. I’ll never forget standing in our little trailer house living room, holding my sobbing wife, telling her everything would be okay—while inside, I was full of fear and doubt, wondering how I could possibly provide for my family.

One night, I was tucking my two little boys into bed in the bottom bunk of our trailer house. I had read them their bedtime stories, kissed their foreheads, and watched as they drifted off to sleep. For a moment, everything felt peaceful—but then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I stared at their sleeping faces, and started to cry.

a child sleeping with stuffed animals

Four years of my best efforts in home business had led me to this: broke, jobless, and still living in a cramped trailer. I had a son who needed a $50,000 surgery that I couldn’t pay for, and I felt like I was failing as a provider for my family. I felt stuck, like no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t break free from this life.

I didn’t know what to do, but I knew something had to change. So, I did the only thing I could think of. I dropped to my knees right there in the darkness, with tears running down my face, and offered the most sincere prayer of my life.

After that desperate prayer, I felt a flicker of inspiration—a clear thought floated into my mind: Begin a serious study and practice of the book Think and Grow Rich. It wasn’t a new idea; I’d read the book years earlier, but this time was different. This time, I knew I wasn’t just supposed to read it—I was supposed to live it, to apply its lessons like my life depended on it.

At first, I hesitated andthought, Really? I’ve tried things like this before, and look where I am. Doubts crept in, whispering that maybe I wasn’t cut out for this or that it wouldn’t work. But at the same time, something inside me felt different. I wasn’t as paralyzed with uncertainty anymore. There was a peace, a settled feeling, like I finally had a direction to move toward. I didn’t know exactly where the road would lead, but at least now, I was ready to take the first step.

After that prayer, I met my mentor—not in person, but through the pages of Think and Grow Rich. Napoleon Hill’s words felt alive, as if he were speaking directly to me, guiding me step by step. The copy I used became a part of me—its corners folded, pages highlighted and underlined, and the cover torn and tattered from use.

One of Hill’s teachings changed everything for me: the Major Definite Purpose and Self-Confidence Formula. I didn’t just read it—I lived it. I recorded myself reading the document, committed to memorizing it, and made it a daily ritual. Every morning and night, I walked up and down my driveway, beneath the Idaho stars, proclaiming my vision of earning $3,000 per month in residual income.

I declared those words with everything I had: “I am confident, I have faith, and I WILL achieve my purpose.” At first, it felt strange, even forced. But after weeks of speaking that vision aloud, something inside me shifted. I went from hoping things would work to knowing they were working. My faith and confidence skyrocketed, and I felt certain that if I just kept taking action in my business, the rewards would follow.

The change I felt inside was so profound, I couldn’t keep it to myself. I knew I had to share what I was learning with others. That’s when I decided to start hosting a daily conference call, studying Think and Grow Rich with anyone who wanted to join. It wasn’t just about helping myself stay consistent—it was about blessing the lives of my team, my prospects, and anyone willing to tune in.

But I didn’t stop there. I dove headfirst into learning marketing and lead generation. I created my first capture pages and funnels, figuring it out as I went. I also started sharing my journey through content: YouTube videos, blog posts, and daily emails to my growing list. Each piece of content felt like planting seeds, and with every step forward, I felt closer to the vision I’d declared under the stars.

Then, finally, after 5 years of failure and struggle in business, the exact amount of money I’d been searching for showed up in my life. $3,000 monthly residual income (minus a $2 check processing fee).

It felt like a miracle to me, but my journey was just beginning.

Through all the ups and downs, my wife Corene was my rock.

She believed in me when I didn’t always believe in myself. She supported me when I quit my job, willingly lived in a trailer to keep our expenses low, and took care of the kids so I could focus on building the business. I’ll never forget her unwavering faith in me.

I also had a small but loyal circle of allies. My friend Brandon, for example, once bought a product I was selling—not because he needed it, but because he wanted to encourage me. That gesture meant the world to me. And then there were the people who showed up on my daily calls. They weren’t just participants; they became friends, champions, and partners in belief. As I lifted them, they lifted me right back, helping me stay inspired and keep going, especially through the hard times.

But not everyone understood what I was doing. Some people in my local community criticized me, like the friend who accused me of being “money hungry” because I was so focused on providing for my family. That hurt, but not nearly as much as the greatest enemies I faced: the business models that let me down after I’d put in the work.

One company changed its compensation plan after I finally hit my goal of $3,000 a month in residual income, slashing it by two-thirds overnight. Another launched a “sister company” that confused everyone, destroyed my first six-figure income, and eventually went out of business entirely, leaving me in a deep depression during the Christmas season.

Another company promised residual income but added monthly sales quotas, turning the business into something that felt more like a job. Worse, they started lying, overpromising, and selling expensive products that often hurt people more than they helped. One retired school teacher emailed me, heartbroken. She had started her business to make some extra money but had ended up $50,000 in credit card debt, pressured to buy more and attend every event. That crushed me because I got into home business to help people, not to see them hurt.

The major challenge I had to confront before my biggest breakthrough was self-doubt—crippling, all-consuming self-doubt. After 11 years of building businesses from home, I had to face the possibility that everything I had been championing for over a decade was a lie. Was residual income even real? My experience seemed to scream, No.

I had seen companies rise and fall. New ones launched constantly, each promising the moon but inevitably letting people down. Leaders who started strong would eventually quit on the people they’d vowed to serve. Everywhere I looked, there were broken promises and shattered dreams. If my path in the home business profession meant joining new companies and starting over every few years, I couldn’t stomach it anymore. It felt dishonest, hollow, and hopeless.

I doubted myself, my choices, and even the profession I had poured my heart into. For the first time, I seriously considered quitting. Maybe it was time to get a job or start a different kind of business—anything to escape the constant cycle of disappointment.

Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. My dear friend and business partner, Mike, was right there with me. We had flown to a company event with the intention of quitting. The company’s owner had made decisions and treated people in ways we couldn’t stand by any longer. While our team attended the event downstairs, Mike and I sat in a hotel room upstairs, wrestling with what to do next.

Should we quit? Find another company? But based on our track record, we knew how that story would likely end. Nothing felt right. Then, an idea struck. It was a wild, crazy thought, but it sparked something in both of us: What if we built something ourselves? What if we could be the change we wanted to see in the home business profession? Could we create a business with everything we loved and none of the garbage that had broken our hearts?

At first, it felt insane. We didn’t know if it would work. But as Mike and I talked, something shifted. The doubts didn’t disappear, but faith started to replace fear. Ideas began to flow, and for the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of hope.

Mike and I launched the company with a clear vision: Freedom Through Principle-Centered Leadership. We didn’t have all the answers, but we jumped and built our wings on the way down. At first, progress was slow, but that was okay. We were providing for our families and helping people in a way that felt aligned with our values. We didn’t need to be the biggest company in the world or rake in massive incomes—we just wanted to make a difference.

After a few years, we started to see what felt like incredible growth. But just as we were gaining momentum, the universe threw us a curveball—or rather, a giant boulder. PayPal froze our account for no reason, locking up our funds and cutting off our ability to pay affiliates. That was tough, but we persisted, found solutions, and kept moving forward.

Then came what we would later call an extinction-level event. One day, I logged into Stripe, our merchant account, and saw they had placed a hold on 50% of all incoming revenue. This was catastrophic. Our model pays out 80% weekly to affiliates, so if we were only collecting 50% from customers, we’d be out of business in no time.

I vividly remember phone calls with Mike where we said, “This could be it. This could be the end of everything we’ve built.” Our vision, our principles, our community, and the livelihoods of countless families were hanging by a thread.

Mike and I went into emergency problem-solving mode. We tried everything. First, we reached out to Stripe, pleading our case, only to be told their decision was automated—no human could review or assist. Realizing this problem wasn’t going away anytime soon, we secured a large amount of financing to ensure we could keep paying our affiliates while we worked on a solution.

It was a short but brutal period of hell. Long hours, endless meetings, and sleepless nights became our reality. But eventually, we found a way forward. We partnered with a merchant who understood our business model and was willing to support us long-term. When the dust settled, we had survived the storm—and emerged stronger for it.

Coming out the other side of this ordeal, Mike and I had confirmed something we had both believed deep down: when you’re willing to put it all on the line, to do what’s right, and to fight for the people you love, God—or the universe—has a way of stepping in. Even when it seems like there’s no hope left, solutions appear, doors open, and a way forward is revealed.

This wasn’t just a business victory. It was a deeply personal reminder of why we started this journey in the first place: to serve people, to stand by our principles, and to create something that truly made a difference. The experience strengthened our faith—not just in the process, but in ourselves, in our community, and in the vision that had brought us here.

After overcoming the Stripe crisis, we returned to work with a renewed sense of stability. We’d faced one of the biggest challenges imaginable—one that had crushed countless companies before us—and come out stronger. It was a relief to finally put that looming fear to rest and refocus on the mission that had driven us from the start.

But just as we began to hit our stride again, another challenge arose—this one wasn’t financial but emotional and deeply personal. It came in the form of betrayal.

We had built friendships with leaders in our company—people we loved, trusted, and believed were aligned with our vision. One day, reports started trickling in that these leaders had joined a new opportunity and were targeting members of our community. Of course, we’ve always believed in freedom. Affiliates are free to build whatever they want. But leadership comes with responsibility. When you’re a leader, you have an obligation to build in a way that doesn’t hurt the people who have trusted you, promoted you, and invested in the community you’re part of.

What made it worse was the way these leaders used their credibility and association with us as a “stamp of approval” for what they were doing. People who trusted us followed them, believing we endorsed their actions. It was heartbreaking.

We had hard conversations, expressing our concerns and the damage being done. But the response was clear—they didn’t seem to care. They were unwilling to acknowledge the harm or change their behavior. In the end, we had to say goodbye to people we once called friends and move forward without them.

It was painful and sad, but looking back, I know it was the right thing to do. Sometimes, staying true to your principles means making hard, uncomfortable decisions. And while the betrayal hurt, it also reinforced our commitment to the integrity of our mission and the community we’re building.

These challenges have taught me that life is the greatest teacher, the most epic of quests, and the classroom is always in session. Even when you think you’ve reached the top of one mountain, you look up and see another waiting to be climbed.

They say the journey is the reward, and I’ve come to believe that’s true—not because of the destination, but because of what the journey makes of you along the way. The principles you stand on will be tested. But once you pass those tests, those principles become part of you in a deeper, unshakable way.

You can read about an idea in a book and think you’ve learned it, but life keeps teaching the great truths until your heart knows them through and through. That’s what these challenges have done for me—they’ve carved these lessons into my soul.

Through it all, I’ve learned to trust the principles we built our company on. They’ve proven themselves time and time again, not just in theory but in action, guiding us through storms and helping us achieve new goals. I’m profoundly thankful for them, and even more thankful for the chance to share them with others.

This journey has strengthened my belief in the power of purpose-driven work and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s not just about building a business; it’s about building people—helping others find their own strength, overcome their own challenges, and climb their own mountains.

Paul Hutchings

PS: ‘Cherish your dreams and your visions as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate reality.’ -Napoleon Hill

54 thoughts on “How I Escaped The Rat Race And Retired Debt Free In My 40’s”

  1. I don’t like you Paul and had to comment on how I really feel.

    Well – I LOVE YOU Paul Hutchings and so very grateful for all you do and especially for the daily Grow Rich Mastermind for the past 11+ years. It has been by Rock and keeps me centered every day that allows me to be strong and have faith rather than fear as I go through my life. Life looks sooo amazing from all I have learned from you, the hosts of the call and the books I have read – just fabulous.

    So Paul thank you and I truly love you very much and can’t wait to see you again on November 11, 2022!!!!

    Reply
    • ahhh Jessie! I have to tell you, you’re comment shocked me a little, then made me laugh then made my heart smile SO BIG!

      Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the kind words and for all of your SUPPORT and SERVICE and LOVE and HEART and CONTRIBUTIONS that have made it possible to help that grow rich mastermind keep on keeping on!

      So thankful for you and yes, I love you too!

      Reply
  2. Hi Paul, I am so thankful to God for sending you to be a part of my life as a leader.

    You are a true servant leader.

    I want you to know that, I do appreciate all the hard work you are putting in to help us to understand how to effectively market and build an online business.

    Since I’ve met you, I have grown tremendously, because of your leadership and example.

    You are awesome Paul, keep up the good work.

    Continue to let your light shine.

    Thank you, Paul.

    Reply
  3. Thanks, Paul for being a good friend and mentor over all these years. I’ve learned a great deal from your words and example about life and business. Keep up the great work.

    Reply
    • Thank YOU Dee for being such a great friend and supporter to me over all these years. You are one of my FAVORITE people and it make me smile so big to think that we met over 10 years ago and we’re still on the path, together, today. Love ya man!

      Reply
  4. Hey Paul,

    When I first talked to Amy about HBA in August of 2020 I was in a really dark place. I had just got fired from my job because of COVID and really did not know what I was going to do. I was really lost and unsure of my future. And now almost 21 months later I have come out of the darkness and have seen the bright light of my future and it’s all thanks to you and the amazing HBA community. I thoroughly enjoy getting on all the masterminds each week, and always look forward to learning from your experience and wisdom.

    I am so grateful to you for all you do. I’m not sure if I will ever be able to repay you. But please know that you helped this lost soul to find his way. I am not there yet but you have flashed the light of freedom for me to follow.

    I appreciate you my brother. Can’t wait to meet you in person in November.

    Reply
    • Craig,

      Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to write that. I LOVE your story and hearing about where you are vs. where you are now brings such JOY to my soul.

      At the end of the day, that’s one of the most important things we do in this type of a business. Help people remember that where they are, isn’t where they have to stay .

      I’m so grateful for YOU too and all you’ve done and continue to do to help us lead in the best way we can.

      I can’t wait to meet you and give you one of the biggest bro hugs EVER!

      Thanks again and love ya man!

      Paul

      Reply
  5. Paul is a leader among leaders his honesty and integrity is something that is hard to find in this arena. He teaches and serves his community with a kind heart. Paul inspires us all with his fun family stories, real life scenarios, and with his morning Napoleon Hill study calls. I feel blessed to have met him so many years ago. My life is so much better because of him.

    Reply
    • ahhhh thank you so much Jona for those beautiful and sincere words. I’m so thankful for you, our friendship and all the support you’ve given me and continue to give me that’s helped me to stay the course and become who I am today.

      My life is so much better because of YOU!

      Reply
  6. Such an inspiring story and so very grateful for the light that you shine to others while creating a home (The Home Business Academy) for so many online entrepreneurs. That we can pursue our dream (mine is music), utilize the awesome tools available to us and learn various marketing strategies to become a better marketer online and via email. Truly grateful for the gift of YOU. 🙂

    Reply
    • Thanks so much LT! Appreciate that and so happy we’ve created something that is allowing you to pursue your dream. ‘Life without a dream is like breath without oxygen.’

      Love ya man and thankful, also, for the gift of YOU!

      Reply
  7. Thank you so much for being one of my biggest lights in the darkness.

    You are one of the most amazing humans I have ever had the privilege of spending time with and learning from.

    Thank you so much for all of the value, the love, and the greatness that you contribute to the world.

    I love you tons,

    Amy

    Reply
    • Wow… I really feel like I should say something profound after reading that beautiful comment but I’ll settle with this…

      ‘I’m rubber, you’re glue, everything good you say bounces off me and sticks to YOU!”

      ha ha…

      Seriously though Amy, thank you so much. Those words mean a lot to me and so do you!

      You’ve helped me to grow so much and given me a big reason to keep working to be the leader the people around me, that I love, deserve.

      Thank you, thank you, thank you for Amy Starr Allen!

      Reply
  8. Hey Paul! I really loved reading your story and what all of this means to you. I have to say, when i first came across you after joining HBA I was a little intimidates. Pictures of you on stage, time and money freedom, and even creating this business with your partner, Mike. But then as I got to know you I realized that you weren’t that intimidating at all and actually such a joy to be around. It’s because of you that I’ve been able to have many firsts in my business (like speaking on stage and accepting an award) and I can’t wait for how our lives will unfold in the future. Love you brother Paul!

    Reply
    • Thanks Josh! I’m so thankful you took the time to leave me a comment and so happy to hear that I’m not intimidating.. THANK GOODNESS! ha ha..

      You’re one of my favorite people and leaders in the whole world! I see so much greatness in you and It was one of my greatest joys, to have been able to help create a platform for you to share the light that you deserved to share.

      Love you too and I’m so excited about our future together!

      Reply
  9. Always love reading your story, and I’ve received so much value from you over the years it’s insane!

    You were a HUGE impact on me starting my personal development journey in 2011 and it has helped me eliminate debt, breakthrough income plateaus and ultimately win my freedom in 2013.

    So glad to be in business with you all these years! Keep rocking it!

    Reply
    • Paul and Mike
      You both are amazing and even more awesome together. I’m so glad I took the leap deciding to get involved with your Home Business Academy. Thanks for all you do! What a great team!!!

      Reply
    • The feeling is 100% mutual Mr. Titan of Tech, President of Prosperity, my Freedom Crusading brotha from anotha mutha! 🙂

      You are one of the greatest blessings in my life and I thank God every day that we found each other all those years ago and formed a friendship.

      I couldn’t do what I do without you and our mastermind alliance is truly something to treasure.

      Thank you, thank you, thank you for Mike Hobbs, his AMAZING heart and his loyalty, commitment, dedication and service to me and so many others!

      Reply
  10. Anyone who is reading this comment is on this page wondering who is Paul Hutchings? I’ll give her a few thoughts of my own based on the experiences that I’ve had with him since I started working with HBA nearly 2 years ago, he is a true #FreedomCrusader who cares about you and wants the best for not only your life but others in the world.

    When Paul speaks he always has something valuable to say. He doesn’t just like the sound of his own voice like some other leaders in the industry.

    On a personal note ❤️ Paul thank you so much for helping me to realize the greatest inside me and you really helped me start to take these first steps after our 1×1 conversation in August 2020 💥
    I thank you 🙏
    I love you 😍 and
    I’ll Crusade with you forever 🦸
    #ForeverFreedomCrusading

    Reply
  11. Paul,

    I have to tell you that you have had a huge influence on me, my business and my life.

    The tips in your videos is priceless and I always look forward to opening my email and seeing a post from you.

    Reply
  12. Good Morning Paul,

    I was checking out my Facebook page and ran across your article, which made me continue reading your article. Struggling has always been a problem for me.

    I have dedicated myself to learning as much as possible about this form of digital marketing, taking a closer look at how marketing has evolved in the business world.

    Using this new wealth of knowledge, I successfully joined and found a home with the Home Business Academy while learning that anything is possible. I believe at this time, and I will be able to succeed.

    This is just a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate your connection. It’s rare to find friends with whom you can share information and people like you who make a difference in this world.

    Let’s keep in touch. Check me out at this site, and I would appreciate some feed

    I look forward to sharing information with you. Connect with me on https://50plusblogging.com/core-values-and-beliefs/:

    Elizabeth

    Reply
  13. I have known Paul Hutchings for quite a while now!! I am very privileged to know Paul. After being burned by other programs, a friend of mine told me about Paul and his teachings, let me tell you I though I knew stuff… I knew nothing!! I am so GLAD and grateful to have learned and still learning a lot of advanced business strategies from a group of people who are like minded. What he teaches would have taken me years to learn and I learned them in meer months instead of years on my own. The support he provides is unlike any other in the industry and you can literally take that to the bank. Not only he provides teachings and valuable resources and education but also fills up your pockets. The experience he has in the industry I believe is unmatched. Best of all, the compassion, the moral and ethical standards of this company is just unheard of.

    Reply
  14. Hey Brother!!! I knew instantly when I came across your YouTube channel and watched your videos, that you were some one I wanted to work with!!! I know deep in my gut that you are going help me succeed and also helping me impact other peoples lives. So am telling you in advance, Thank You 🙏.

    Reply
  15. Paul,

    After all the years of learning how to make money with affiliate marketing. You have inspired me and shown me the BIG picture. You’re always there to answer questions when we need help and I now feel 100% confident I will reach my goals thanks to you and the Freedom Crusaders family!

    Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Dear Paul. Hi there! I am currently living in Canada and will be moving back to Australia very soon. Is there someone down there who I can gain information and help regarding CTS? Do you have any connections? Cheers – Lori

    Reply
  17. Paul, after working with you for several months now, I believed you’ve gained a great deal of insights from your experiences and that they have now served you well.

    Glad to know you my friend.

    Reply
  18. Hey paul… i am going to be put on to Timothy Buist’s list here soon. But i had a question not related to one24. Did you attend Ricks College or what they call it now BYU-Idaho. And are you LDS? I went to school there from 2001-2002 and 2005-2007. I still have a 208 number as well.

    Reply
    • Hey there! 

      Awesome.  Timothy is an amazing guy and a great business partner.  I look very much forward to meeting you and working with you as well. 

      I did not attend BYU Idaho.  I went to Idaho State University for a year and finished my Business degree at DeVry University in Phoenix AZ. 

      I am LDS.  I served a mission to Taiwan in 02-04.  🙂 

      Look forward to chatting! 

      Paul

      Reply
  19. great Chatting with you Paul…I can understand how you’ve become so successful..by the way you communicate…good day from Canada! Eh!

    Reply
    • Wayne buddy!

      Thanks so much for the very nice compliment. I really appreciate that.

      I enjoyed our chat and appreciate the tips you gave me on getting my “Guitar Groove” on. 🙂

      You’re a great communicator yourself…you’ve got a bright future in this industry. I can tell.

      Good day from USA eh! 😉

      Paul

      Reply
  20. Paul – you seem knowledgeable about MLM and open to constant learning – a very important attribute! Your articles definitely help me to make some great educated decisions, so thank you!

    Reply
    • Hey Jen,

      I truly am a student of the industry. I love to learn and share good things with people.

      I appreciate that fact that my training is helping you. That's the whole goal.

      I look forward to connecting with you soon!

      Paul
      208-557-8009

      Reply
    • Hey Throeau,

      Thanks for stopping by my friend. I'm glad you enjoy the content.

      I appreciate that compliment very much.

      Welcome to the community.

      It truly is an awesome training ground.

      I would love to connect with you sometime.

      Give me a call @ 208-557-8009.

      Talk soon my friend!

      Paul

      Reply
  21. You know what I like the most about you – Very simple and down to earth. I have to say that we truly need to stay connected and I hope that we can come together very soon and dominate the Mindset Mastery

    Reply

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