Real Money, Real Experts is a personal finance podcast written and produced by AFCPE®. With an audience of financial professionals, we strive to educate and entertain with a combination of expert tips, engaging interviews, and real-life storytelling. AFCPE® ensures the highest integrity of the financial counseling profession by certifying, connecting, and supporting diverse professionals. Our comprehensive program, the AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®), represent the gold standard of fi ...
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Money Lessons for a New Generation with Colleen Salchow, AFC®
34:16
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34:16In this week's episode, we sit down with Colleen Salchow—Marine Corps spouse, Accredited Financial Counselor, and former special education teacher—who is passionate about helping teens, young adults, and military families take control of their financial futures. With a background in counseling and education, Colleen brings a compassionate, real-wor…
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Grace, Growth, and Securing the Bag: A Conversation with Adrienne Taylor®
27:02
27:02
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27:02This week, our co-hosts sit down with Adrienne Taylor—entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Tailored WealthSaver®—to explore how building wealth is about more than just the numbers. Adrienne shares her journey from pharmacy to finance, her passion for helping millennials achieve financial freedom, and the lessons she learned expanding her business …
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Money Without Shame: Creating Safe Spaces for Financial Healing with Joanne Danganan
28:09
28:09
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28:09This week our co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Joanne Danganan—founder of Financial Healing and California Market Manager for Financial Beginnings—to explore how healing our relationship with money begins with finding safe spaces. Joanne shares her personal story as the daughter of Filipino immigrants, her journey into fi…
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Coaching Through Change: Jon Akerman’s Journey from Burnout to Impact
25:38
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25:38After years of navigating the fast-paced world of actuarial consulting in New York City, Jon Akerman found himself burnt out and unsure of his next step. Instead of staying stuck, Jon embraced uncertainty — relocating to a new state, joining the Florida Army National Guard, and discovering his passion for financial coaching. Now, as a coach with My…
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From Paycheck to Prosperity: Jackie's Road to F.I.R.E.
32:33
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32:33Achieving financial independence doesn’t require a six-figure salary — just ask Jackie Koski. In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Jackie Koski, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Certified Financial Planner who achieved financial independence in her 40s — all while earning less than six figures. Jackie shares her inspir…
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Trust, Training, and Financial Wellness: How to Build Stronger Money Habits with Ericka Young, AFC®
36:01
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36:01In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with financial coach, author, and educator Ericka Young, AFC, who shares her personal journey of paying off $90,000 in debt and building a career helping families achieve financial freedom. Ericka discusses the importance of open and honest money conversations, both in relationships and in fi…
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The Wealth Within: How Self-Worth Shapes Net Worth with Justin Chastain, AFC®️
37:19
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37:19What does it mean to build true wealth? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with financial planner Justin Chastain, AFC®️ to explore the connection between self-worth and financial success, the emotional impact of money, and the power of authenticity in both personal and professional growth. Justin shares his personal experienc…
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More Than Your Money with Jessica Moorhouse, AFCC®
24:16
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24:16In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by Jessica Moorhouse, a leading financial educator, podcast host, and founder of MoorMoney Media Inc. Jessica’s passion for financial literacy started early—she worked her way through university and mastered frugality. But after stepping into the professional world, she realized that budgeti…
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Join Me At #AFCPE with Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC®️
25:22
25:22
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25:22In the Season 6 premiere of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by 2025 Board President and our new co-host Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC®️, the powerhouse behind Living Abundantly and Envision 30. As an Accredited Financial Counselor®️, financial coach, and strategic leader, Brandy helps individuals and organizations think from the future to achieve f…
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Voices of Symposium: Real Experts, Real Takeaways
37:39
37:39
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37:39In this special season finale, Rachael and Mary bring you voices of #ExperienceAFCPE2024 attendees directly from the symposium floor. Attendees share their experiences, key takeaways, and advice for financial educators and those entering the field. This compilation of mini-interviews offers unique insights into the world of financial education and …
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It's Not You, It's The System with Dr. Michael G. Thomas
33:44
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33:44In this powerful episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sit down with Dr. Michael G. Thomas Jr., a financial empathy expert and lecturer at the University of Georgia, who is changing the way we think about money and wealth. As an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®), Dr. Thomas’s work emphasizes the importan…
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Behind the Schemes: Unmasking Financial Fraud with Robert Mascio and Lori Schock
30:44
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30:44On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we tackle the evolving world of financial fraud and how we can break the cycle of shame that often keeps victims silent. In this exclusive sneak peek of their keynote session at this year’s symposium, Lori Schock, Director of the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, and Robert Mascio, Directo…
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Why We Don’t Talk About Money: Exploring Financial Stigma with Wendy De La Rosa
27:08
27:08
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27:08In this thought-provoking episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael and Mary are joined by Wendy De La Rosa, Assistant Professor at the Wharton School and behavioral finance expert, to dive deep into the psychology behind our financial decisions. Wendy shares how behavioral science can reshape the way we approach saving, spending, and budgeting,…
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Beyond Shame & Blame: Building Bold Money Habits with Syble Solomon
38:17
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38:17In this insightful episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Syble Solomon, the visionary behind Money Habitudes and a trailblazer in the world of financial behavior. Syble shares her unique journey, from her early career as a Peace Corps volunteer to becoming a Financial Behavior Specialist, transforming how people understand their rel…
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Just Move: From Discomfort to Progress with David Scherer and Joe Davis
40:41
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40:41In this keynote episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re diving into the power of movement—whether it’s moving beyond cultural gaps, moving through discomfort, or moving towards impactful change. Join us as we kick off the Symposium Keynote series with two incredible guests, David Scherer and Joe Davis, who are experts in bridging the diversity g…
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Money Magic: Unleashing the Genie in Your Finances with Cara Macksoud
36:08
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36:08In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Cara Macksoud, the dynamic CEO of Money Habitudes, who shares her remarkable journey from a 15-year career on Wall Street to becoming a leading voice in the behavioral finance space. Cara’s insights reveal how money is more than just numbers—it's a tool with its own hopes and dreams. We …
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Empowering the Next Generation with Dr. Tiffany Murray, AFC®️
29:25
29:25
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29:25In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Murray, AFC®️ the Managing Director of the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Inc. (SFEPD). Tiffany shares her journey from leading Red to Black®️ Peer Financial Coaching at Texas Tech University to becoming a driving force behind SFEPD’s financial …
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Pursuing Your Passion with Jessica Medina, AFC®️
33:34
33:34
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33:34"Would you believe that all of those things are part of the AFC program? It's like a warm, fuzzy blanket that I wear at night." Jessica Medina is not throwing away her shot. This week on Real Money, Real Experts, we welcome Jessica Medina, a dedicated Accredited Financial Counselor®️ who transitioned from a career in law to follow her true passion.…
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Advocacy in Action: Using Your Voice to Make a Difference with Raven Newberry, AFC®
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25:33
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25:33This week on Real Money, Real Experts, we delve into the power of community and advocacy with Raven Newberry, AFC®. Raven Newberry is the managing director of policy and advocacy for the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), leading efforts to shape financial education policies on state and national levels. In this episode, we discuss …
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Rewrite Your Money Story with Jasmine Johnson
29:12
29:12
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29:12This week, we welcome Jasmine Johnson, Accredited Financial Counselor®️, Entertainment Accountant, and Mental Health Advocate to Real Money, Real Experts. Jasmine has spent over a decade empowering individuals and families to transform their financial mindset and achieve Financial Independence. In this episode, Jasmine shares how growing up in pove…
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Navigating Cultural Differences with Dr. Kate Mielitz, AFC®
30:09
30:09
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30:09This week, we welcome Kate Mielitz, PhD, AFC®️, CDP®️ , back to Real Money, Real Experts. Dr. Kate has 25 years of experience in financial services, including bankruptcy, fraud, financial counseling, and higher education, and she's dedicated to helping financial and human services professionals navigate cultural differences. On today's episode, we …
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The Heart of A Financial Educator Unlocked with Mike Lanway
36:30
36:30
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36:30Our first podcast episode to kick off with a love story! Join Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Carlson as they sit down with Mike Lanway, CFP®, TSP expert, and self-proclaimed federal benefits "nerd." In this week's episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we explore Mike's unique personal and professional journey and uncover the invaluable lessons he's lea…
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Elevating Nonprofit Financial Coaching with the AFC with Christine Niccoli and Nathalie Kallab Racimo
40:32
40:32
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40:32On this week's episode of Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson are joined by Christine Niccoli, Director in Community Impact at United Way Massachusetts Bay, and Nathalie Kallab Racimo, AFC, Senior Homeownership and Financial Services Advisor at NOAH. In this important episode, we discuss the importance of pro…
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How To Be A Servant Leader with Gilbert Rogers
28:52
28:52
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28:52"Tailor what you're doing to the audience that you're serving."-Gilbert Rogers. On this week's episode of Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson are joined by Gilbert Rogers, AFC. Gilbert is the Director of Financial Wellbeing at UNC Chapel Hill. He is a national thought leader in the financial education space a…
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The Journey to 100 Episodes with Rachael & Mary
38:05
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38:05Step into the spotlight with us as we commemorate the 100th episode of Real Money, Real Experts. In this special episode, we reminisce on the trials, triumphs, and unforgettable moments that have defined our podcast journey and look ahead to the future. We pull back the curtain to give you a look at our podcast journey, answer listener questions, a…
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Purpose, Passion, and the Power of Pivoting with Lissa Prudencio
36:15
36:15
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36:15Join co-hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson as they welcome Lissa Prudencio, AFC®, Founder of Wealth for Women of Color. In our latest episode, Lissa shares the power of pivoting and reminds us that investing in ourselves can help change the world. You'll learn the secret to intentionality, how to avoid burnout, and the importance of putting …
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Leading with Values and Stories with Sara Lohse
27:59
27:59
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27:59Join co-hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson in this week's episode as they welcome Sara Lohse, AFC® and Founder of Favorite Daughter Media, to the conversation. Fueled by caffeine and unwavering passion, Sara is a master at blending storytelling and marketing to empower mission-driven brands to amplify their impact. In this fun conversation, …
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Building Bridges: A Journey of Passion and Purpose with Lynne Patterson
21:20
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21:20On this week's episode, co-hosts, Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson, are joined by AFCPE Board Member and FINRA Foundation Fellow, Lynne Patterson, AFC. Lynne's expertise and passion for fostering collaboration and resilience stem from her deep military connections. As both a service member and a dependent she has moved an astounding 35 times, pr…
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Shake Off Financial Stress: Real-Life Money Smarts with Amanda Christensen
28:50
28:50
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28:50Are you ready for it? Join hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson for an engaging episode featuring special guest Amanda Christensen, AFC, Extension Professor at Utah State University, and Founder of Utah Money Moms. In our latest episode, Amanda shares her passion for empowering women on their financial wellness journey and reminds us how culti…
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Authenticity Unleashed: Embracing Your Superpower with Amy Smith
23:13
23:13
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23:13Join hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson in a captivating conversation with special guest Amy Smith, AFC, Founder of My BPD, My Money, and Member Engagement Coordinator for AFCPE. In this enlightening episode, Amy shares her inspiring journey to achieving the AFC certification, emphasizing the transformative power of vulnerability and authent…
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Unlocking the CEO Mindset: A Conversation with Tiffany Grant
34:53
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34:53"If you want to be a CEO, you have to start thinking like a CEO." In this episode, hosts Rachael Deleon and Dr. Mary Carlson are joined by special guest Tiffany Grant, AFC and owner of Money Talk with Tiff. Tiffany, an award-winning financial literacy expert and educator, has empowered countless individuals and organizations to achieve financial su…
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What's Next With Money with Brent Neiser, CFP®, AFC®
27:08
27:08
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27:08Brent Neiser has an incredible range of work and impact in the personal finance space. Every time we connect, we learn something new! Brent started his journey as a financial planner, but his heart for service led him to a rich career in financial education. On this episode, we learn how the AFCPE community has impacted his career, why he believes …
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There is No "One Way" to do Personal Finance with Markia Brown, AFC
27:23
27:23
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27:23Markia Brown is an award-winning financial educator and content creator, an Accredited Financial Counselor, and an AFCPE member with a talent for making complex financial topics accessible, particularly to younger generations. Her mission focuses on uplifting underserved communities and offering them vital tools and education to achieve their defin…
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From the Vault: Michael Thomas on Empathy
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46:23Every December, Real Money, Real Experts takes a break to prepare for the year ahead. As we head into the busy holiday season, we're happy to re-share a fan favorite - our episode on empathy and the art of listening with Dr. Michael Thomas, AFC. Enjoy and happy holidays from Rachael, Mary, and the entire podcast crew! Want to get involved with AFCP…
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This week, Real Money, Real Experts, was live on YouTube with AFCPE Board President, Andi Wrenn. Andi, Mary, and Rachael recap all things 2023 AFCPE Symposium. If you joined us for Symposium this year, come reminisce with us. If you didn't attend this year, tune in to learn what its all about. We also get to learn more about Andi's professional jou…
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Building a Collaborative Practice Model with Nathan Astle
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26:44This week we welcome financial therapist, Nathan Astle, to the show. Nate is the founder of the Financial Therapy Clinical Institute, which is a collaborative practice that includes financial counselors, therapists, and planners working together to meet the needs of their clients. On this episode, Nate shares what inspired this unique practice mode…
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Recognizing the Value of Cultural Competency with Lazetta Braxton
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23:13
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23:13Lazetta Braxton, MBA, CFP® is on a mission to create wealth for the common good. She believes in fighting for voices that have not been heard, and has built her career around making room for underserved and overlooked populations. In this episode, we get to know Lazetta - her family history and her career path, and she shares a preview of the conve…
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Facets of Consumer Protection with John McNamara, CFPB
21:43
21:43
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21:43Today’s guest is John McNamara, Principal Assistant Director of Consumer Credit, Payments, and Deposits Markets at the CFPB. In this episode, John shares his professional journey from debt collection to his current role at the CFPB. He talks to us about the latest research from the Bureau, and gives us some of his favorite CFPB resources - designed…
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The Art of Storytelling and Story Listening with Dr. Preston Cherry
26:35
26:35
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26:35Dr. Preston Cherry, AFC®, CFP®, CFT-1 is the Founder & President of Concurrent Financial Planning, the Head of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay Financial Planning Program, and also a keynote speaker at this year's AFCPE Symposium. Preston is passionate about the ways that storytelling and listening can help us better connect with clients, adva…
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On today's episode we talk to AFC candidate, Rahkim Sabree, a financial coach, entrepreneur, and thought leader on the topic of financial trauma. We discuss how personal background, cultural experiences, and mental health all play a role in personal finance, and how financial professionals can add a trauma-informed lens to your work with clients. W…
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Building Accessible Financial Education with Penny Forward
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28:56“Whether someone wants to be independent with their finances is their absolute decision…but what I don’t want that decision to be based around is the fact that someone cannot see anymore…I want to help [people] realize that there are options.” - Liz Bottner On this week’s episode, we get to know Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner of Penny Forward. Penn…
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Student Loan Repayment: What you need to know with Ryan Law, AFC®,CFP®
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29:39With the student loan pause coming to an end and a new repayment plan announced, we wanted to answer your questions. And who better to help us break down the new Student Loan SAVE plan than Ryan Law. Ryan H. Law is an award-winning educator who teaches in the Personal Financial Planning program at Utah Valley University. He’s a Certified Financial …
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Changing the Face of Financial Education with Sarah Newcomb
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35:28Sarah Newcomb is an applied scientist, behavioral economist, and the Founder of the Thrive Financial Empowerment Center. Her work bridges the gap between research and practice, adapting the findings of academic research for practical use in personal financial management. In this episode, Sarah shares her own personal story and how it led to her cur…
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Helping Women Navigate Divorce with Rhonda Noordyk
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42:14Rhonda Noordyk, founded The Women's Financial Wellness Center in 2014. Her mission is to help reduce financial vulnerability for women going through divorce. In this episode, Rhonda talks to us about the challenges women face when going through divorce, the financial considerations, and the importance of having a support team to provide legal, fina…
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Expanding Your Impact: Volunteering in the Nonprofit Space with Kimberly Henne
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22:02Kimberly Henne is a board member and financial wellness coach for a local nonprofit, Ways for Life, an organization that works with youth aged 15 - 25 who are touched by foster care or homelessness. In this episode we learn more about Kimberly's personal journey with the foster care system - she adopted both of her children out of foster care - as …
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Understanding Human Behavior with Jonathan Walker
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38:59Today’s guest, Jonathan Walker, has spent much of his career studying American households - to better understand human behavior and figure out how to create environments where people can succeed and thrive. Jonathan is a practitioner who understands the value of research and how these findings can be translated into practice. In this episode, Jonat…
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Listening for Readiness with Dr. Erika Rasure
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24:24"The greatest gift we can give our clients is providing that space where they can find the presence of the feeling that they are not alone.” Today’s guest, Dr. Erika Rasure, is a financial therapist and deep transformational coach; the Chair of the Research Board for the Financial Therapy Clinical Institute; and a Client Financial Therapist for Bey…
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Measuring Client Impact with Michael Kothakota, PhD, CFP®, AFC®
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30:59Our guest today, Michael Kothakota is the head of research at the CFP Board. In this episode, we learn about Michael’s path into financial services, and how the AFC curriculum - on the way to becoming a planner - helped broaden his perspective and enabled him to better support clients. We discuss how critical it is for financial professionals to be…
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Pursuing Big Goals with Olympic Athlete & Financial Coach, Keturah Orji
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26:28"Don't let fear and hesitation hold you back." This week's guest is two-time Olympian and financial coach, Keturah Orji (“K.O.”). Keturah is a decorated Track and Field athlete, who is balancing the pursuit of her athletic dreams with studying for the AFC and building a financial coaching practice. Keturah is as authentic as she is driven. We talk …
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Technology, Authenticity, and Behavioral Finance with Daniel Crosby
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29:26This week on "Real Money, Real Experts", Rachael and Mary sit down with psychologist and behavioral finance expert, Daniel Crosby. This conversation was a fun one, covering everything from epic failures to Chat GPT to the power of authenticity - which starts with doing the hard internal work on ourselves. Daniel reminds us that technology is our fr…
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