Money O2

Today's conversation is with Kathryn Anne Edwards, a PhD Economist who studies labor markets, public policy, and inequality. She's also an economic policy consultant, as well as the host of the podcast, Optimist Economy. In this episode, Kathryn shares her transformative experience witnessing the 2008 Recession and how this shaped her career trajectory.The focus of today's episode is education on three key areas that directly or indirectly impact the majority of our listeners' financial and economic livelihoods. In this episode, Kathryn shares her professional perspective on the following topics:Social Security - I personally have spoken with many baby boomers and individuals who are not financially prepared for retirement. Millions of people rely on this as a critical financial safety net. Without it, many could face serious financial hardship in their later years.Department of Education - We work with numerous trade schools, who are small business owners trying to do right by their students. It’s been an incredibly uncertain time for them. I wanted to understand, from an economist's perspective, what shutting down the Department of Education could mean for students, school owners, and educational staff. These changes could dramatically impact career training, financial aid, and the future of technical education that's so vital to our industry.Childcare - A significant portion of our audience consists of working women who face enormous challenges balancing careers and family responsibilities, as well as the cost of childcare. Kathryn discusses not only the problems with our current childcare system but also her predictions for potential solutions. She explains how universal childcare could benefit not just children and mothers, but also providers, businesses, and the economy at large. The economic ripple effects of solving the childcare crisis could be transformative for so many, especially in the beauty and wellness sector.A note - these issues are an area where politics and finance do collide. This episode is not intended to represent my personal opinions, nor the opinions of my businesses and its representatives. The purpose of this podcast is financial education, and a driver of what we do at Qnity is giving people education and tools to experience greater economic empowerment. The goal of this episode is to learn from Kathryn on the financial and economic implications of current events. The more educated we are about the economy we live in, the better.Please, send me a DM on instagram @erinkuhnbhansali with your thoughts. What did you think? What did you learn? This is a labor of love, and I genuinely want to hear from you. Don't be shy :). You can also email me at erin.kuhn@qnityinc.com.To stay connected with Kathryn Anne Edwards, you can follow her on instagram, listen to her podcast, The Optimist Economy, or you can also subscribe to her newsletter here. Thanks for listening, see you next time!Erin

Welcome to Season 3 of MONEYO2! If you are a business owner thinking about how to exit, sell, or transition your business - this episode is for you. Today's guest, April Oury, is an inspiring example of someone who ran a small, service-based business and then was able to ultimately scale it from 2 to 8 locations, and then ultimately exit for a nearly 8-figure exit (which is about $10MM).April talks about how it ultimately took her realizing she wasn't the best person to run the business, and her finally gaining the courage to bring in outside guidance. There are SO many parallels in this story to beauty and wellness companies here, especially those in our MULTI category and also a story so many visionary founders can relate to - what does it take to step aside and transition when it feels like the BUSINESS part isn't working as well as it could - and the importance of separating the service, or the technical element from the actual business operations. Because on the other side of the fear of admitting it might be time for a change, could be a next act waiting for you even better than you could have imagined. I also ask her, "Would you have been able to exit for this nearly $10MM without stepping aside?" Take a listen to find out her answer. This episode is especially relevant for our small business owner communities, especially those who find themselves asking the question - what does my next act look like?Now, April is living her next act happily as an angel investor, investing in and guiding other small companies as well as teaching people, especially women, how to learn about business and life through playing POKER.Follow April: @aprilouryCheck out Poker Power: https://pokerpower.com/Also, If You're Ready for What's Next After Salon Ownership...we're here to help you find the best transition option for your salon or spa. Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 salons actually transition successfully—most simply close their doors, leaving years of hard work and dedication with nothing to show for it. Salon owners pour their heart and soul into building their business, and they deserve to turn those years of dedication into the next chapter of financial freedom. We’re here to provide you the guidance and resources you need to cash out, enjoy the fruits of your years of hard work, and ensure both your team and the next owner are in great hands. If you're looking for support on planning your exit or transition, check out Qnity's upcoming Succession programs. At the time of this episode, we have an amazing group of owners starting in just a couple of weeks to work on their next act with the personalized support of our team beginning at the end of March, 2025.Don't let your legacy end with closed doors. Click here to learn more.

In this episode, we're joined by Evol Greaves, VP of Engineering at Betterment. Evol shares his powerful journey from financial stress to financial freedom, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their financial situation. Born and raised in Jamaica, Evol moved to the United States at 17 to pursue his education. Despite starting with good saving habits, he found himself $100,000 in student loan debt after college. Evol candidly discusses his struggles with financial anxiety, living paycheck to paycheck, and the pivotal moments that led to his financial transformation and the financial confidence he experiences today.  In this insightful conversation, we explore: The impact of mindset on financial decisions - shifting from scarcity to abundance thinking The importance of increasing your earning potential through skill development and leadership How transparency and financial literacy can change your relationship with money The power of automation in saving and investing The value of investing in yourself for long-term financial success + so much more Evol's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the impact of having supportive influences in your financial journey. Whether you're struggling with student loans, living paycheck to paycheck, or looking to take your finances to the next level, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. I hope you enjoy this conversation, with Evol Greaves! Curious about Betterment? Click here to learn about Betterment (for individuals) and here to learn about Betterment at Work (for businesses) Disclaimer: The Podcast Host, Erin Kuhn Bhansali and her company Qnity, Inc. is a real client of Betterment.

Hey there, Money02 listeners! This is part 1 of 2 insightful conversations with Betsey Stevenson, a Harvard-trained PhD in economics who has served as the Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor and as a direct advisor to President Obama on labor and social policy issues. In this episode, Betsey shares her journey into economics and how she became passionate about using economic tools to make good decisions for individuals and communities. We dive deep into some of the most important economic principles for us ‘non-economists’ that everyone should and can utilize to better serve their own financial life, including understanding opportunity costs, thinking incrementally, and considering the costs and benefits of every decision. Betsey also shares valuable tips for Americans to protect their purchasing power during times of inflation, the benefit of side hustles in preparing for macroeconomic downturns, and other trends that Betsey foresees impacting the average American's financial well-being. This episode is packed full of information and is a brilliant opportunity for us to learn from someone like Betsey who is a renowned Professor of Economics/Public Policy - teaching at top universities like the University of Michigan, UPenn, and more. It's a kin to a crash course in economics. My hope is that learning from Betsey gives us all better tools and frameworks, so, as Betsey puts it, we can all "think like an economist." Enjoy Part 1 of this episode with Betsey Stevenson. If you feel like reading a textbook on economics, find Betsey’s textbook here: Principles of Economics

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Yount, the Host and Creator of the Catching up To FI podcast. As an ER physician, Bill and his wife experienced a ‘wake up call’ in their late forties and early fifties. They were high earners, living in a big house, but with little to show for it and ill-prepared for retirement. Bill shares his remarkable journey of completely overhauling his life – from selling his house to moving across the country and adopting a more frugal lifestyle – all in pursuit of financial freedom. What sets this episode apart is Bill's candid discussion about his own feelings of shame regarding his lack of retirement preparation. He dispels the myth that high income equals financial intelligence and readiness. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action, staying consistent, and recognizing there is no quick-fix. If you've ever felt trapped by financial struggles, or thought it’s too late to make a change, this episode is for you. Bill's story and his podcast offer hope and practical insights for anyone seeking to break free from the cycle of financial insecurity and take control of their future. Tune in for inspiration and actionable steps towards your own journey to financial freedom. Listen to Bill’s Podcast, Catching Up to FI

In this episode, we're joined by Jenn Lyles, who shares her inspiring journey to financial freedom and the sacrifices she and her husband made to achieve it. Jenn takes us through their remarkable experience, where they conquered a $215,000 mortgage not in 30 years, but in just 4. Their path to becoming debt-free wasn't conventional; they made sacrifices that many wouldn't consider, such as renting their house on Airbnb and staying at motels or on friends' couches to accelerate their mortgage payments.Jenn's story carries a powerful message of empowerment and possibility. It serves as a reminder to us all that, regardless of background and circumstances, with determination and a willingness to make sacrifices now, anyone can achieve financial freedom and reap the benefits in the future. Whether you're currently dealing with debt or not, tune in to gain inspiration on what's possible. For more details on Jenn and the TikTok Shop Webinar:Beauty Schools Marketing Group

Welcome back to MONEYO2! I am thrilled to welcome Allan Roth to the podcast. Allan brings a wealth of expertise as the Founder of Wealth Logic, an hourly-based Investment Advisory and Financial Planning firm. Allan is also the author of the book, “How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street,” and serves as a writer for numerous other financial publications. In this episode, Allan shares his investing philosophy, succinctly captured in his quote: “I wish you an exciting life, but a boring investing life.” Delving deeper, Allan shares his journey toward financial freedom, which was largely based on frugality, and discusses how many wealthy individuals tend to be pessimists and therefore tend to be savers. On the other hand, how spenders tend to be optimists. He also shares his investment philosophy, drawing from his own background, and emphasizes the power of index fund investing. For beginner-level investors seeking invaluable insights, this episode with Allan is a must-listen. Enjoy the journey into the world of finance with us on today’s episode of MONEYO2. About Allan Roth Click here to buy "How A Second Grader Beats Wall Street"

Welcome back to MONEYO2! I am absolutely thrilled to introduce this week's guest, JL Collins. JL is not only a renowned financial blogger but also the author of what I believe is one of the simplest yet most powerful books on personal finance, aptly titled "The Simple Path to Wealth." Remarkably, he achieved full financial independence in his late 30s. In this episode, we're diving into a masterclass on some of the key insights from his book and exploring his personal financial journey. If you haven't read "The Simple Path to Wealth" yet, trust me, you're in for a treat. I've personally gone through it three times, and I genuinely believe it's a must-read for everyone. Today, we're privileged to have J.L. Collins on the show to share a glimpse of his wisdom. We’ll discuss why JL chose to focus on early financial independence, unravel the basics of following the simple path to wealth, navigate the two different phases of your financial life, learn how to alleviate the fear associated with investing and so much more. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a valuable journey into the world of financial wisdom with J.L. Collins. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting on your financial journey, there's something for everyone. Tune in and soak in the insights from a true expert in the field. Get ready to enjoy this episode with J.L. Collins as we explore the path to financial independence and take the fear out of investing. Enjoy! Click to purchase The Simple Path To Wealth and/or PathFinders Read JL's Blog Here

Welcome back to MONEYO2! I'm thrilled to welcome today's guest, Cash Lawless; a former Celebrity Hairstylist whose artistry has adorned the likes of the Kardashians, Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and more! Plus, his work has graced the covers of prestigious publications such as the one and only, Vogue. In this episode, Cash takes us on his journey from homelessness to the pinnacles of the celebrity hairdressing world, eventually transitioning into entrepreneurship and real estate with ventures boasting an impressive $190 million in sales. Tune in as Cash delves into the economics of working with celebrities, and reveals insights on mentorship, education, and the indispensable role they played in his financial journey. He shares a deep commitment to financial literacy, and I hope you enjoy this episode! Resources: Website  Instagram: @themillionairehairstylist 

How would it feel if you knew you could become a millionaire in a decade? That's exactly what our guest, Jay, or J.Money did. J.Money is now retired in his 40's and tracked his journey of becoming a millionaire publicly on his financial freedom blog, budgetsaresexy.com. Every month from January 2008 to August 2019, J.Money tracked and publicly posted his net worth. He stopped tracking once he exceeded his goal of a million dollars. You can watch his net worth transform from $58k to $1.13 M slowly but surely over 11 years on his blog. Jay's projects have reached over 40 million views, and are regularly featured in media outlets like Forbes, Inc. Magazine, New York Times, and more. A believer in minimalism, transparency, and freedom - J.Money shares his full journey on today's episode. I know you'll enjoy this episode, let me know what you think!Connect with J.Money: budgetsaresexy.com

No matter your age or profession, we can all fall prey to the false belief that the amount of money you earn is just “Never Enough.” In this episode, we’re joined by financial well-being guru and author, Manisha Thakor. Manisha has a wealth of experience in the financial sector; she’s a Harvard Business School grad, a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Certified Financial Planner and has spent over 25 years working in the financial services industry; from institutional investing (where she helped grow her division to over $6 Billion in assets under management) to individual wealth advising. Despite achieving financial well-being herself, Manisha woke up and realized all that she had sacrificed in the name of work and money. Today, she shares her candid stories on how she overcame toxic behaviors around work, money, and prestige that impacted her health and personal relationships. She gives us powerful language to reframe how we look at money problems vs. money worries, and provides a powerful connection between financial health and emotional wealth; which she refers to as MoneyZen. I hope you enjoy Manisha as much as I did! Buy her books on Amazon: MoneyZen, On My Own Two Feet, Get Financially Naked Check out her Website: moneyzen.com Connect with Manisha:

Today’s guest features Milan Singh—a California-based entrepreneur, investor, and content creator who’s built an audience of over 6 Million! Today, Milan shares his personal experience, sharing how much time goes into the optimization of content as well as how his own financial discipline of being a saver has served him in his journey as an entrepreneur, investor, and creator. Regardless of your thoughts on influencers and social media, the numbers are tough to ignore. According to Linktree, there are 200 million creators globally, making the creator economy a $250 billion industry in 2023, set to double by 2027 according to Goldman Sachs. Let's hear more about Milan's story in this fascinating industry from Milan himself. Enjoy the episode, and let me know your thoughts!

Today, I am joined by an inspiring entrepreneur, leader, philanthropist, and multi-billionaire, John Paul DeJoria. John Paul, or JP as he often goes by, is the Co-Founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, Co-Founder of Patron Tequila, and Founder of JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation, which contributes to more philanthropic causes than one can count. While this is a podcast about money, it goes so far beyond that. Despite the achievements he has to date, I am struck by his compassion, kindness, and humility - which are likely a result of someone who clearly remembers what it was like to struggle. He shares his advice and experience, the importance of giving back, as well as simple words of wisdom for entrepreneurs that are applicable to us all. I hope this episode leaves you inspired to do good for others and the planet. And lastly, and perhaps most importantly, that while money is a part of wealth, true wealth is happiness. Enjoy this episode! For more about John Paul Mitchell Systems: Click here If you are a Paul Mitchell School, check out our MONEY EDU by Qnity curriculum for preferred pricing: Explore MONEY EDU by Qnity To support JP's Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation: Click Here To support Captain Paul Watson: Click here

It’s always refreshing to have guests who have not only ‘gone through the fire’ if you will, but are comfortable being vulnerable enough to publicly share specific numbers around their financial transformations. That’s exactly why I loved my conversation with today’s guest, Jake Cousineau. Jake is a teacher, turned personal finance author of “How to Adult”, where he draws on years of experience in the high school classroom as well as his own experience as a young professional and breaks down finance in a way that’s approachable for young adults. In this episode, Jake shares his journey on HOW he went from a negative net worth of about $25k to a net worth today of almost $500k. What I love most about this? He didn’t make dramatic changes in his income - he was able to achieve this steady, but major transformation on his teacher salary. He simply changed the way he thought about money, what he did with his money, and he's going to tell you more about how he did it in today's episode. Enjoy

Today, we are joined by Tina Black. Tina is an amazing business owner and leader, who owns a collective 9 different locations between schools and salons across the United States - all of which she has enabled opportunities for key team members to join as partners. In this episode, Tina shares her philosophy around money, and the shift that happened for her when she moved from an ‘Income Plan’ to a ‘Giving Plan.’ It’s a beautiful episode that will remind you of the power that can come when you lead with a deep sense of purpose, and focus on ‘money as a resource vs. the source.’ Enjoy this episode with Tina!

In this episode of MONEY O2, we're pleased to be featured Jenni Nguyen, Director at Jean Madeline Insitite, Neshaminy location in Philadelphia. Jenni is a the daughter of Vietnamese American parents and shares her experience around money and education. She talks about how she turned down a full ride scholarship to a traditional university, and ended up taking out about $130,000 in student loans to choose a different school. She also shares how she ended up dropping out her junior year, choosing to go into the field of beauty and wellness. Jenni shares her experience in her late 20's on becoming a business owner, and ultimately deciding to exit that business to join leadership at a more established company, reminding us that we all have the power to choose. But, these choices do have ramifications - both positive and negative on our financial lives. Enjoy this episode with Jenni! 

Welcome back to MONEY O2! Today, we are joined by Barbara Sloan, a former service industry professional, turned construction company owner, turned author of her most recent book, Tipped; The life changing guide to financial freedom for waitresses, bartenders, strippers and other service industry professionals. Barbara is such an interesting guest, as she brings a fresh perspective to the topic of creating wealth specifically for those in the service industry, who rely on a portion of their earnings from tips. In this episode, she shares more about her experience as a SIP (service industry professional) both speaking to the benefits of the ability to increase their earnings, but also the challenges that come from the volatility and the seasonality of earnings. In this episode we dive into the importance and tactile how-to's of creating financial legitimacy for those who chose to have a career as a service industry professional. Enjoy this episode with Barbara! For more information on Barbara, check her out here: Get the book here Check her out on Tippedfinance.com Follow her @tippedfinance

Welcome back to MONEY O2! In this episode, we're joined by Sam Villa. Sam is well known in the beauty industry with almost 800k followers on instagram and almost 900k on youtube for being an outstanding educator, presenter, teacher, artist, and business owner of high quality tools and education for beauty and wellness professionals. In this episode, we hear a different side of Sam. Sam shares his journey of how he went from working in the fields to entering the beauty industry as a hairdresser. He talks about how he had to learn the hard way with money, realizing he was spending money he didn't have - and how he ended up with over $60,000 in debt. Sam's journey reflects on the importance of discipline, self worth, and education to get your financial life in order - no matter what stage you are at in life. I hope you enjoy this episode with Sam Villa!

In this episode of MONEY O2, we're joined by the amazing Jennifer Alvarez. Jennifer is a small business owner and podcaster, who started off as a cosmetologist. Jen reflects on how she was in a bad relationship, and how with the support of a friend she left the relationship to take a $6 an hour job and sleep on her parents couch. Yet, she didn't let that hold her back. She kept learning, she kept seeking mentorship, and kept growing. As a result of her constant focus on growth and improvement, she was able to exceed 6 figure earnings, own real estate, and own a business. Today, she employs and leads a team and does for them what was critical in her own career growth - mentorship. Enjoy this episode with Jen. Check out Jen's podcast, The Beauty Business Game Changer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beauty-business-game-changer-podcast/id1492161461

Giulio Veglio has had and continues to have incredible success. By the age of 21 he had a four chair beauty salon offering a wide range of services(~11:40) that he quickly lost due to active addiction. In conjunction with overspending on drugs(upwards of $150 PER DAY!) and the lack of financial education and advice Giulio fell into financial hot water. The constant stress and exhaustion both physically and mentally(~32:53) was enough for Giulio to take control of his finances. As a child of immigrants, Giulio was never exposed to financial wellness growing up but he knew, like his father, he wanted to leave financial wealth(~25:59) and not stress to his surviving family. Noting it is never too late to take financial control. (~35:02)Giulio has had to start over multiple times in life - after waking up in coma for 3 months, in business- when his addiction lost him his career and had to start re gaining clients and financially- when his financial inexperience landed him in serious debt. Each time he has used his shovel to dig himself out and come out stronger than before. Between personal and financial growth inner peace is obtainable(~38:00). See more content for Giulio Veglio @giulioveglio- Youtube  A slap on the back of the head Unwrapping your gift