Ever wonder how someone with a full-time job builds serious wealth on the side? In this episode, we meet Ray Tran, a Brooklyn-based middle school teacher who has built a real estate portfolio of 583 units—all while still teaching financial literacy. We dive into: The mindset shift that led Ray from saving to investingHow he started with just one property and scaled upThe truth about passive income (and what most people get wrong)How he teaches financial literacy to middle schoolers and adults...
What would you do with a $1,200 stimulus check? In 2020, Ellie was broke, newly divorced, and raising four kids out of her mom’s house, when she made one powerful decision — to invest her $1200 stimulus check into herself. Fast forward: she’s built a multi-million dollar business empire, helped 60,000+ women, and started a new life in Senegal, where she’s continuing her entrepreneurial journey as a cafe and co-working space owner and real estate investor. In this episode, we dive into: ...
Most people blow through inheritance money in just a few months. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon break down the 5-step plan to make sure a $50K windfall actually improves your life, instead of disappearing into lifestyle creep, bad investments, or impulsive spending. ✅ What to do in the first 90 days ✅ How to protect and grow sudden money ✅ Why most people get windfalls wrong ✅ Common traps with taxes, family, and fake friends Whether you inherited $50K, got a surprise bonus, or won big...
Health insurance costs are climbing, and this year’s open enrollment feels tougher than ever. Premiums are up, deductibles are higher, and plans seem designed to confuse you. In this episode, Jess and Brandon walk through how to actually compare your options by looking at total yearly cost, not just the monthly premium. You’ll learn how to plan for high-cost years with surgeries or pregnancies versus lower-cost preventive years, and how to understand how network changes, prescriptions, ...
In this powerful episode, Jess and Brandon sit down with Ange Matthews, a first-generation investor and founder of The Happy Happy Method, who went from making $40K a year and battling six-figure debt to building seven-figure passive wealth. No trust fund, no finance degree, just side hustles, value investing, and mindset shifts that changed everything. You’ll learn: How Ange invested while still in debt, and why she doesn’t believe in being debt-free before building wealthWhat the 2008 crash...
Confused about Roth vs Traditional IRAs? You're not alone. In this episode, Jess and Brandon break down the pros, cons, and real-world impact of choosing a Roth IRA versus a Traditional IRA for your retirement game plan. Learn how taxes, income levels, and long-term growth factor into the decision, and why the right choice could save you thousands down the road. We cover: – How Roth and Traditional IRAs actually work – Which one fits different income brackets – Tax implications now vs late...
In this episode, Jessica and Brandon dive into a tricky but essential question: How soon should you bring up money when you're dating? They unpack why money often feels taboo, share tips to start the conversation without tension, and explore real‐life stories about financial expectations, backgrounds, and values. Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, you’ll get tools to help you be curious, open, and intentional in your relationships. What You’ll Learn: How early is “too early” vs. “too...
What If You Could Completely Transform Your Finances in Just 180 Days? Forget overnight success stories and overwhelming budgets, this episode is about real, lasting change. Jess and Brandon are breaking down a six-month financial reset plan that shows you exactly how to take control of your money, no matter where you're starting. They’ll walk you through: The first step everyone skips (but shouldn't): Getting crystal clear on where your money is goingThe tools that simplify your entire...
Feel like investing is only for finance bros and math nerds? You’re not alone and this episode is about to change that. This week, Jess and Brandon are joined by Chloé Daniels, the powerhouse behind Clo Bare Money, who’s helped over 300,000 people ditch financial fear and start investing the lazy way. Chloe’s journey is all-too-relatable: from believing “girls are bad with money” to loaning a now ex $50K, she’s made the mistakes so you don’t have to. She breaks down investing in a way that ac...
GoFundMe should never be your family’s financial plan. In this episode Jess & Brandon break down why life insurance is a non-negotiable part of smart financial planning, no matter your age, income, or relationship status. They share a powerful, heartbreaking story of a brilliant friend who passed away at 38, leaving behind a wife and young child with no coverage, and no financial protection. It’s a harsh wake-up call and a reminder that life can change in an instant. Here’s what you’ll le...
For many families, the decision to become a stay-at-home parent isn’t really a choice, it’s the result of America’s broken childcare system. Daycare costs can swallow an entire paycheck, but leaving the workforce carries hidden financial risks that can last for decades. In this episode, Jess & Brandon explore: How career gaps impact your resume and earning powerWhy retirement savings and Social Security shrink when you’re out of the workforceThe power imbalances that can emerge in single-...
What does true financial freedom look like for women? Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, shares her journey from witnessing women in crisis—arriving at her family’s doorstep with nothing but suitcases, to building one of the largest personal finance platforms for women in the U.S. Raised in Nigeria, Bola absorbed early money lessons from her parents and watched her mother’s determination change the trajectory of their family. After being dismissed by a financial advisor who questio...
In this episode, Jess and Brandon tackle the misconception of taxes, corporate greed and the new twist in retirement planning: cryptocurrency in your 401(k). The path to financial security lies in addressing the real economic challenges: demanding fair compensation, understanding the true value of your work, and sticking with sound, proven financial principles. If you want to stop falling behind and start building real financial security, this episode is your wake-up call. Watch this ep...
Your income and investment returns matter—but nothing predicts your financial freedom more than your savings rate. Yet, most Americans save only 3–5% of their income, a level that almost guarantees they’ll have to work far longer than they’d like. In this episode, Jess & Brandon reveal why your savings rate is the true driver of wealth and how it works regardless of income level. They share real examples of modest earners who retired as millionaires—and why high-income professionals often...
Money secrets can wreck marriages—and cost you everything in divorce. In this episode, Forensic Accountant, Tracy Coenen, reveals how spouses hide assets (think offshore accounts, hidden income, even billionaires fighting over private jets) and how she uncovers the truth. Tracy’s 25+ year career as a forensic accountant gives her a unique lens into corporate fraud, white-collar crime, and high-stakes divorce battles. In this episode she shares: How to spot signs your partner might be hi...
Ever wonder how politicians like Nancy Pelosi and Marjorie Taylor Greene grow millionaire-level wealth while you're getting hit with overdraft fees? In this episode, Jess and Brandon expose the shady world of insider stock trades, slap-on-the-wrist fines, and the double standards baked into the system. Then they’re coming for out-of-touch celebrity financial “advice” that sounds more like satire. If you’re tired of money tips that ignore real-life struggles, this one’s for you. Let’s ta...
Still swiping your debit card? You could be earning serious rewards instead. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon unpack how they use credit cards as intentional tools to build value—whether that’s free travel, cashback, or everyday perks that actually make life easier. They explain how to choose cards based on what you’ll actually use, not what sounds flashy. For Jessica and Brandon, travel rewards are the priority—like the $1,500 they saved on a family trip to Panama using points from just ...
What if luxury travel wasn’t just for the 1%? In this episode, travel rewards expert Spencer Howard reveals how everyday spending can unlock first-class flights, champagne service, and global adventures—without going into debt. You’ll learn: The 3 strategic approaches to credit card rewards (and which one fits your lifestyle)How to maximize point value by avoiding the biggest rookie mistakeWhy premium cabins aren't just comfortable—they’re career-buildingWhether you're a points newbie or a se...
Think your credit score is just a number? Think again. In this episode, Jess and Brandon break down the five key components of your FICO score—and why they matter more than you think. Learn how to: Boost your score with smart, strategic moves (not guesswork)Avoid the myths that hurt more than helpProtect yourself from identity theft with simple, overlooked security stepsYour credit score doesn’t define you—but it does impact your financial options. Tune in to take control of your credit and o...
Medical debt affects over 100 million Americans, but many don't realize the financial consequences of how they choose to pay it. In this episode, Jessica and Brandon break down why using a credit card for medical expenses can turn a manageable bill into long-term financial damage. You’ll learn: The key differences between medical debt and consumer debt—and why it mattersHow credit card payments erase crucial protections for medical billsSmarter ways to handle unexpected medical expensesWhethe...