Welcome to The FIRE Social Worker Show, where financial independence meets compassion and purpose. Hosted by Joey Laswell, a Certified Financial Social Worker and military veteran, this podcast is your guide to building a brighter financial future while staying true to your values. Join us for candid conversations, actionable money tips, and inspiring stories from industry experts, military members, and everyday changemakers. Whether you’re a social worker, part of the military community, or ...
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Joey Laswell Podcasts
Mane Up Memphis Podcast serves up practical therapy insights, financial-empowerment tips, and inspiring Memphis stories—straight from the nonprofit that says “wrap-around support or bust.” Hosted by LMSW & CFSW Joey Laswell. New episodes every Tuesday.
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Episode 9: Is Anybody Listening? Raw Talent Meets Genuine Vulnerability
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53:37Send us a message at [email protected] Meet Isabella&Sebastian, the Memphis-based musical duo whose authentic sound and emotional storytelling are capturing hearts from Tennessee to Brazil to Japan. Their journey began with a single song released "into the void" of streaming platforms—no promotion, not even an Instagram account—yet within week…
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Episode 8 - Money, Mental Health, and Moving Forward: The Mood Dudes Return
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1:19:09
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1:19:09Send us a message at [email protected] What happens when strength becomes a burden? In this candid reunion episode, the Mood Dudes challenge the notion that "being strong" is always beneficial, particularly for men navigating mental health challenges in today's world. From back injuries to housing transitions, we share personal updates that sp…
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Send us a text Major updates on this episode. I’m pulling back from hour long episodes to short mini-sodes that are easier to digest, more free flowing and conversational. The journey towards financial independence is a long and winding path, but in the end I think it’s going to be fun and rewarding. What are some things you want me to focus on? Em…
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Episode 7: Your Money Story Doesn't Have to Be Your Money Future
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1:15:49Send us a message at [email protected] Warren Albright's financial journey began with a piece of wisdom from his father that changed everything: "Stop buying vehicles and buy something that's going to make you money." Taking this advice to heart, Warren purchased his first rental property at just 18 years old—setting in motion a lifelong commi…
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Episode 6: The Mood Dudes Unpack Healthy Masculinity in the Modern Era
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1:10:03Send us a message at [email protected] What does healthy masculinity actually look like in today's world? The Mood Dudes tackle this provocative question head-on in a candid, thought-provoking conversation that challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man. Join clinical therapists Immanuel, James, and Joey as they break down the…
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Send us a text Let’s catch up! I’ve been away from the mic for a while, but I want to get back into the grind! I apologize for the audio quality, but I’m on the road and didn’t have my usual set up. Future episodes will be much better, I promise! Support the show Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE. htt…
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Episode 5 - Cultivating Community: The Heart of Mane Up Memphis
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46:32Send us a message at [email protected] When passion meets purpose, communities transform. In our latest episode, we sit down with Jasmine West-Hunter, the dynamic Volunteer and Event Coordinator for Mane Up Memphis, to explore how this innovative nonprofit is reshaping Memphis through mental health services and financial literacy training for …
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Episode 4 - The Mood Dudes Inside Mane Up Memphis
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55:06Send us a message at [email protected] The Mood Dudes are hosted by Immanuel, James, Joey, three Mane Up Memphis™ clinicians bringing you behavioral health knowledge through the lens of your favorite superhero hood. Get ready for action-packed adventures served with a side of humor, pop culture references, and a dash of edge. Subscribe now, or…
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Episode 3 - Rebuilding Memphis from the Inside Out: Mane Up Memphis
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58:02Send us a message at [email protected] What happens when someone falls through the cracks of our systems? When traditional pathways fail, where do people turn? Racheal Chantel faced these questions head-on and decided to build a solution from the ground up. In this powerful conversation, Racheal shares her remarkable journey from commercial co…
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Episode 2: Men's Mental Health: Breaking the Silence
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5:36
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5:36Send us a message at [email protected] The numbers hit like a sledgehammer: 30% of men will face depression, yet most of us were taught to "shake it off" by age six. In this powerful episode, licensed therapist and Certified Financial Social Worker, Joey reveals why men's mental health demands our urgent attention this June. Joey dives into th…
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Episode 1: Introducing the Mane Up Memphis Podcast
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1:29Send us a message at [email protected] Mane Up Memphis Podcast serves up practical therapy insights, financial-empowerment tips, and inspiring local stories—straight from the nonprofit that says “wrap-around support or bust.” Hosted by LMSW & CFSW Joseph Laswell. New episodes every Tuesday. #ManeUpMemphis…
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Balancing Big Purchases While Managing Everyday Expenses Isn't Easy
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53:33Send us a text Rob and Becky are facing the financial realities that many homeowners dread - multiple expensive home repairs colliding with everyday budget challenges. Their journey through pool repair financing and potential HVAC replacement decisions offers a candid look at how couples navigate significant financial choices together. When they di…
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Money Matters: Insights from Veterans on Finances
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53:41Send us a text Support the show Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE. https://laswell.veteran.cards/By Joey Laswell
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Building Financial Resilience in Military Life
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58:44Send us a text Support the show Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE. https://laswell.veteran.cards/By Joey Laswell
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From Service to Stability: Unpacking Military Money Matters
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58:51Send us a text Support the show Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE. https://laswell.veteran.cards/By Joey Laswell
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From Service to Scams: Navigating Financial Threats and Empowering Veterans Through Gaming and Education
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52:51Send us a text Support the show Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE. https://laswell.veteran.cards/By Joey Laswell
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From Corps to Code: Michael Cragholm on Veteran Transition, Tech Innovation, and Jiu-Jitsu Empowerment
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59:58Send us a text Discover how Marine Corps veteran Michael Cragholm turned his military discipline into entrepreneurial success, reshaping the way we view veteran transitions with his tech innovation, Grappl.io. Join us as Michael reveals his inspiring journey from the rigorous world of the Marine Corps to the dynamic sphere of entrepreneurship. His …
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From Airwaves to Assets: Joey Laswell on Veteran Empowerment Through Gaming and Finance
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59:55Send us a text Discover the intricate dance between finance, gaming, and veteran empowerment in our latest episode with Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker and former Air Force member. Joey shares his expert insights on personal finance management, highlighting the psychological factors that influence financial decision-making. Explor…
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From Call Centers to Coaching: Marthea Pitts on Redefining Social Work Careers and Financial Empowerment
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1:08:35Send us a text Join us for an eye-opening conversation on the Fire Social Worker Show as we feature Marthea Pitts, the powerhouse known as the MSW Coach. With a career journey that has taken her from state government call centers to a PhD candidate at Florida A&M University, Marthea’s story is one of tenacity and innovation. She reveals her unique …
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From Service to Savings: Joey and Kenny Laswell on Military Financial Freedom and Lifetime Resilience
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59:37Send us a text In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Money in the Military, host Joey Laswell brings his brother, Kenny Laswell, retired Master Sergeant of the Air Force, onto the show for an in-depth discussion about life in the military, personal finances, and transitioning to civilian life. Highlights: Kenny’s Military Journey: Kenny share…
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From Air Force to Airwaves: Tony Hollinsworth on Overcoming Financial Turbulence and Empowering Veterans
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1:00:38Send us a text What if the journey from military service to podcasting could teach you invaluable financial lessons? Join us for a riveting episode featuring Tony Hollinsworth, the voice behind "Inside the Hoosier Mind," as we explore his transformation from an Air Force serviceman tangled in debt to a successful podcast host. Alongside financial e…
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Harnessing AI: Dr. Badillo-Diaz on Transforming Social Work and Ethical Innovation
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1:07:38Send us a text In this engaging third-round discussion, Joey Laswell, The FIRE Social Worker, reconnects with Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, The AI Social Worker, to explore the rapidly evolving intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Social Work. We discuss: The ethical considerations and potential of AI in social work practice. * How AI tools like …
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Navigating Financial Landscapes Beyond the Barracks
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1:00:00Send us a text Join our engaging discussion on military finance and personal wealth management, where we promise you'll uncover strategies to navigate financial challenges unique to military life. Featuring Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker and former Air Force member, and Mr. Cameron, a veteran turned aspiring podcaster, we explore…
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Empowering Military Minds with Money Management
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1:03:56Send us a text Unlock the secrets to financial success for military members and veterans with Joey Laswell, a certified financial social worker, and Cameron, a budding Military Broadcast Radio podcaster. Learn how to navigate the unique financial landscape faced by service members, from tracking military-issued gear to overcoming the hurdles of man…
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Navigating New Horizons: From Military Missions to Financial Visions
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1:02:16Send us a text Discover the world of military life, personal finance, and the art of transitioning to civilian life with our captivating guests, Joey Laswell and Cameron Bolts. Joey, a certified financial social worker and ex-Air Force member, marries his passion for personal finance and social work, providing invaluable insights into the psycholog…
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From Battlefield to Business: Joseph Martinez and Chris Benson on Veteran Entrepreneurship and Franchise Opportunities
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56:02Send us a text Discover how two inspiring veterans, Joseph Martinez and Chris Benson, turned their military experience into a thriving business that empowers fellow servicemen and women. This episode takes you through their remarkable journey from the battlegrounds of Afghanistan to the competitive world of entrepreneurship with Troops Haul Junk. W…
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From Combat Boots to Entrepreneurial Roots: Joey Laswell and Chris Benson on Veteran Empowerment and Financial Literacy
1:01:48
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1:01:48Send us a text Unlock the secrets to a successful transition from military life to entrepreneurship with insights from Air Force veteran Joey Laswell and Army veteran Chris Benson. Joey, a certified financial social worker, sheds light on the psychological facets of money management and the pivotal role of financial literacy for veterans stepping i…
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Decoding the Federal Reserve: Joey Laswell Discusses Interest Rates, Housing, and AI
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59:59Send us a text What do a certified financial social worker and an Air Force veteran have in common? Join us as Joey Laswell shares his incredible journey from tackling $20,000 in debt during active duty to becoming a financial expert. You'll gain valuable insights into trending financial topics like the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut an…
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From Military to Marketplace: Veteran Business Ventures and Economic Insights
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1:00:13Send us a text What if transitioning from military service to civilian life could be your gateway to financial success? Discover the hidden challenges and untapped opportunities of this journey as we shine a spotlight on veteran entrepreneurship. We'll navigate the psychological aspects of financial management and share my own experience of paying …
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Digital Networking to Financial Independence: Ken Peeples on the Power of Financial Social Work and Innovative Coaching
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59:59Send us a text Unlock the secrets to financial independence with Ken Peoples, our special guest on the FIRE Social Worker Show. Ken shares his unexpected journey into financial social work, a field he discovered through LinkedIn Learning during the pandemic. The conversation reveals the power of digital networking and the growing interest in financ…
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Veteran Financial Mastery: Dan Farnsworth on Infinite Banking, AI Innovation, and Building Wealth After Service
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1:00:06Send us a text Unlock the secrets of financial success with insights from our special guest, retired Navy lieutenant Dan Farnsworth, in this episode of "Money in the Military." Dan takes us on a compelling journey through his distinguished 23-year military career, from enlisting in 2002 to serving as a cryptologic specialist and later becoming a li…
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From Imposter Syndrome to Podcast Success: Amber Dietz on Veteran Challenges, Paranormal Encounters, and Financial Resilience
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1:00:22Send us a text Imagine feeling like an outsider among your own peers. Amber Dietz, co-host of the "Into the Weeds" podcast, experienced that firsthand after a severe injury led to her medical discharge from the Army. Join us as Amber opens up about her emotional journey from feeling like an imposter to finding her footing in civilian life. She shar…
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From Tornado to Transformation: Constance McConnell on Navigating Career Shifts and Financial Empowerment in Social Work
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38:31Send us a text Ever wondered how a natural disaster could redefine your career path? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Constance McConnell, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Financial Social Worker, (CFSW) whose journey into social work began after a tornado struck her town during her senior year of high school. Cons…
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Transforming Pain into Purpose: Adam Peters and Mark Messina on Veteran Support and Suicide Prevention
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56:00Send us a text What happens when two veterans take their battle scars and transform them into a lifeline for others? In this gripping episode of "Money in the Military" on Military Broadcast Radio, we sit down with Adam Peters and Mark Messina, the dynamic duo behind QRF Up. Adam and Mark share their raw and inspiring journeys from military service…
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Innovative Tools for Social Workers: A Closer Look at AI
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59:56Send us a text What if you could seamlessly blend AI into your daily work as a social worker? Join us as we welcome back Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, the pioneering AI Social Worker making waves online, who brings a wealth of experience from her recent endeavors, including her hands-on work with ChatGPT 4 Mini and the much-anticipated ChatGPT 5. Marina…
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Camaraderie and Mental Health in the Military Community
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57:43Send us a text Can the weight of financial burdens push our veterans to the brink? This episode confronts the harsh reality of veteran suicide and its strong ties to financial struggles. As a licensed mental health professional, I dive deep into the impact of financial strain on mental well-being and share the innovative efforts of organizations li…
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Humor and Hardships: Military Money Lessons
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57:58Send us a text Ever wonder how an E3 in the Air Force managed to pay off $20,000 of debt in just three years? Join me, Joey, aka the Fire Social Worker, as I recount my financial journey and uncover the tools and strategies that transformed my financial life. This episode, "Money in the Military," is packed with insights into handling money while s…
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Rising Above: Eddie Garcia’s Journey from Ranch Hand's Son to Army Leader and Financial Mentor
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1:44:53Send us a text How does a ranch hand's son from South Texas rise to become a pivotal figure in the U.S. Army and beyond? Join us as we unpack the incredible story of Eddie Garcia, whose path from the Army Reserves at 17 to serving under General Joe Votel at CENTCOM is nothing short of extraordinary. Eddie's journey is filled with personal anecdotes…
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Uniting Forces: Financial Wisdom Meets Passion in Military and Social Work
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1:05:03Send us a text Are you ready to combine passion with financial wisdom? Join us for an exciting episode as we announce the consolidation of "FIRE Social Worker Show" and "Money in the Military" into a single time block on Thursdays from 7 to 9 PM on the MBR platform, with an upcoming debut on Roku TV. Our special guest, Army recruiter Reid Quatez, s…
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Financial Freedom for Veterans: From Military Service to Million-Dollar Success
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59:25Send us a text Ready to unlock the secrets to financial success as a veteran? Join us as we sit down with David Pere, who takes us through his amazing journey from financial missteps to achieving a million-dollar net worth. Discover how his transformative experience with "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" reshaped his approach to finances and led him to build a …
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AI Social Worker Transformations: Embracing Technology in Social Work
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1:22:19Send us a text Ever wondered how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the field of social work? This episode promises an enlightening discussion with Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, affectionately known as the AI Social Worker. Dive into her rich tapestry of experiences, from being a professor and researcher to a consultant and entrepreneur. Dr. Badi…
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FIRE Social Worker Episode 3 FIRE Boot Camp Part 2
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58:42Send us a text Follow-up with Reid Quatez on the FIRE Boot Camp Key Highlights: 1. Guest Check-in: - Reid Quatez joins to discuss his financial progress over the past few weeks. - Reid shares challenges with rising utility costs and confusion over past student loan payments. 2. Financial Overview: - Reid outlines his assets, including savings and c…
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FIRE Social Worker Episode 2 The Horizon and Beyond
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38:19Send us a text Today we discuss things on the horizon for the FIRE Social Worker Show. I provide updates for the FIRE Bootcamp segment with Reid Quatez, an Army recruiter who has agreed to be a part of a financial makeover that will continue for the foreseeable future. We also talk about upcoming interviews with Alnita Smiley, a Certified Financial…
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FIRE Social Worker Ep 1 The FIRE Boot Camp begins
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1:59:20Send us a text Unlock the secrets to financial transformation with Joey Laswell, a Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW) and Air Force veteran, who has navigated his way from $20,000 debt to a net worth of $140,000. Join us as Joey shares the ups and downs of his journey and insights on personal finance, demonstrating how discipline and skill ca…
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