Real Money, Real Experts

Join 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 yourself first in your financial wellness journey. Lissa is on a mission to empower women of color to break down financial barriers and build wealth.Show Notes: 02:58 Lissa's pivot from the corporate world to pursuing her passion04:34 The story behind Wealth for Women of Color06:44 How investing in your wealth will change the world 09:36 The importance of bridging the wealth gap together as a community 11:52 What led Lissa to the AFC19:33 Lissa's life lessons from burnout 25:38 The secret to intentionality 30:48 The instrumental impact of gratitude and empathy32:25 Lissa's 2 centsShow Note Links:https://www.youtube.com/wealthforwomenofcolor https://www.tiktok.com/@wealthforwomenofcolor https://instagram.com/wealthforwomenofcolor https://wealthforwomenofcolor.com/ Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Join 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, Sara takes us on a journey into the heart of authentic storytelling. We talk about podcasting, thought leadership, and emphasizing the importance of leading with values and stories. Learn how you can harness the power of storytelling to connect with your audience on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impression and driving meaningful change. Show Notes: 02:28 Sara's perfect marriage between personal finance and marketing04:01 What led Sara to the AFC08:26 Sara's secret to podcasting10:34 The power of leading with value and stories 12:31 How to be a thought leader 14:12 Leaning into your authenticity is your strength 18:26 The power of consistency20:48 The art of storytelling 23:53 Sara's 2 centsShow Note Links: @favoritedaughtermedia (FB, Insta, LinkedIn)  @_saralohse (Twitter, Insta)  @saralohse (linkedin) https://favoritedaughtermedia.com/  Open This Book  Branded – Advice for podcast guest https://favoritedaughtermedia.com/services/branded-podcasts/ Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

On 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, providing her with a unique lens into the challenges that military families face. On this episode, we dive into Lynne's unique professional journey, and we celebrate the transformative power of community and the tireless efforts of changemakers like Lynne who are creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.Show Notes:  03:37 The challenges military spouses face 04:38 Lynne's journey to the AFC06:51 The magic behind the FINRA Foundation Fellowship 08:54 Building the bridge between military heroes and AFCPE 10:57 The importance of community empowerment11:40 Endless possibilities within the AFC designation13:41 Feeling at home with AFCPE16:19 The power of community with the AFCPE member exchange17:06 Lynne's 2 cents18:14 Lynne's MilMoneyCon presentation in AprilShow Note Links:See Lynne speak at MilMoneyCon this April  Linkedin Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Are 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 cultivating community can inspire women to take control of their financial futures. You'll learn how to engage with your local cooperative extension, the power of PowerPay, and how the AFC has been so valuable to the work of a financial educator. Amanda is on a mission to transform lives with real-life money smarts.Show Notes: 03:04 What led Amanda to the world of extension06:46 Amanda's secret weapon to debt elimination09:29 Shaking off financial stress resources11:04 The Power Pay Money Master Course community 11:53 An inside look into Empowering Financial Wellness statewide program13:36 Diving into Utah Money Moms18:01 Amanda's journey to the AFC20:31 The path to the extension world 22:49 Amanda's final 2 centsShow Note Links: Power Pay Power Pay Money Master Online Course Finance Extension Empowering Financial Wellness Program Utah State Extension Resources Find your state's extension office Utah Money Moms InstagramUtah Money Moms Utah State University Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Join 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 authenticity. Discover how embracing her true self opened doors to countless opportunities, and learn invaluable insights on leveraging personal strengths for positive impact. Tune in for a dose of motivation and wisdom that will empower you to unlock your own potential and thrive.Show Notes:02:06 Amy's journey to the AFC03:08 Diving into her military background 04:16 What led Amy to AFCPE05:48 Utilizing SMART Goals to achieve her AFC certification  08:19 Building confidence to overcome imposter syndrome and test anxiety09:54  The importance of building community  within AFCPE13:03 Diversity in careers within the AFCPE community15:02 How embracing authenticity is your superpower 19:14 Amy's final 2 centsShow Note Links: WebsiteLinkedInInstagramReal Money, Real Experts Career Series (Episodes 44 – 51) AFCPE MembershipWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

"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 success and well-being.Join us as Tiffany reveals her personal journey to obtaining the AFC certification and how embracing the CEO mindset transformed her approach to finances and life. From insightful strategies to practical tips, this episode offers invaluable wisdom for anyone striving to elevate their thinking and achieve their goals.Show Notes:2:10 What led Tiffany into the world of personal finance5:35 How she started her business7:27 Into Tiffany's private practice10:43 Successful techniques in working with clients13:56 Advice for professionals in the beginning stages17:19 How Tiffany organizes her time24:36 Unlocking the CEO mindset26:49 What brought her to the AFC and her current PhD studies31:31 Tiffany's final 2 centsShow Note Links:Connect with Tiffany on:FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedinYoutubeHer personal website  Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Brent 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 in the value of the AFC, and why he calls himself "Mr. Horizontal" - hint: it has to do with his curiosity and passion for a breadth of knowledge.Brent talks about his appointment as the Chair of the CFPB Advisory Board - a role in which he served three terms, including during the 2020 pandemic. And we learn all about his latest venture, "What's Next With Money" a free resource that he's excited to share with AFCPE Members.Show Notes:2:40 Brent's journey to personal finance8:30 Crossing paths with AFCPE14:00 His time as Chair with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Board18:05 What's next with money?23:14 Brent's final 2 centsShow Note Links:YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatsNextwithMoney Website: https://whatsnextwithmoney.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentneiser/ Social Media: @brentneiser Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Markia 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 definition of financial success. She believes that its not just about bridging gaps, but reshaping financial narratives for the better.On this episode, Markia shares her unique story, what led her to AFCPE, and the impact the AFC has made on her and on those she serves. From a commitment to share 365 days of credit tips to more than 1 million social media followers, we talk about the highs and lows of social influence, the importance of "trust, but verify", and how personal finance looks different for everyone - there are no absolutes. Show Notes:2:10 What led Markia to her work6:14 How she got big on TikTok9:43 Highs and lows of social media content creation14:08 Establishing authority in a world of misinformation16:22 Markia's journey to the AFC19:02 How the AFC enhanced what she already knew about money20:37 Markia's final 2 centsWebsite: https://www.themoneyplug.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themoneyplug/ Social Media: @TheMoneyPlugWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Every 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 AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

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 journey, and she shares two times the two cents!Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

This 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 model, the roles that each practitioner plays in the practice, the fee structure they've adopted to ensure the practice is profitable but also affordable to clients, and how they are using research to measure emotional, financial, and relational change.Nate is a humble trailblazer with a heart for helping people. His practice is unique, but his hope is that more financial professionals will follow. Trust us, it's an episode you don't want to miss. Show Notes:1:14 How Nathan got involved in financial therapy... by accident!3:02 His biggest influences4:18 Mental health and finances10:51 Client testimony around financial anxiety15:01 How Nathan got started on the business side19:59 Nathan's final 2 centsShow Note Links:Financial Therapy Clerical Institute websiteConnect on Linkedin | Instagram | FacebookWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Lazetta 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 conversation we'll be having as part of her keynote presentation at this year's Symposium. We talk about the importance of cultural competency, understanding the experiences and backgrounds of our clients, and the importance of building capacity directly within underserved communities. Words of wisdom: Be courageous as you are carefully doing the work. Show Notes:2:00 How Lazetta got started in financial planning4:02 More into her exploratory and entrepreneurial path8:46 Moving around and balancing her career12:31 Expanding access to more equitable opportunities15:52 What to expect from her keynote 19:13 Lazetta's final 2 centsShow Note Links:Writer Contributor Pages  #DoingTheWork Leadership MasterclassConnect with her on Linkedin or with her companyFollow on Instagram or Twitter or FacebookRegister for Symposium: www.afcpe.org/symposium Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Today’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 to support you and your clients.  We’re excited to have John join us on the main stage later this year. To hear more, we hope you’ll join us in NOLA or virtually:  https://www.afcpe.org/symposium/Show Notes:1:41 Into John's personal and professional journey9:08 Recent findings from CFPB 14:25 CFPB and FTC collaborations16:33 Resources for financial counselors and consumers17:42 John's final 2 centsShow Note Links:Ask CFPB questionsDirect contact information with CFPBWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Dr. 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, advance human lives, and inspire transformation. In this episode, Preston shares the influence of stories in his own life and how they have shaped his journey. We take a look at the ways stories can increase engagement and build trust. And we talk about mentors and opportunities to build yourself as a professional and deepen your human experience. This conversation was a fun one! Tell us what you think by engaging with us on social media, and make sure you're registered for the 2023 AFCPE Symposium!Show Notes:2:25 How Preston got to where he is now6:10 How he uses storytelling with his clients9:04 How to actually go about creating stories9:48 Unpacking counter transfer12:15 Increasing connection with the client without decentering them14:45 Advice for AFCs and balancing empathy and vulnerability17:41 The importance of practice19:19 How to incorporate valuable lessons with students22:14 Preston's final 2 centsShow Note Links:@drprestoncherry on all social media platformsYouTubeWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

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. With the rise of one-size-fits-all, and often inaccurate, personal finance information being shared on social media, Rahkim shares how his perspective around credentialing has shifted and how he's been able to apply what he's learned through the AFC program. We also talk about lessons learned through entrepreneurship, the danger of comparison (we're looking at you social media), and the value of community and kindness.Show Notes:1:29 Rahkim's professional journey7:16 The term financial trauma13:01 Using your own trauma as a way to bond with clients and others22:17 How finance professionals can use a trauma-informed lens30:24 Battling imposter syndrome37:59 Rahkim's 2 centsShow Note Links:RahkimSabree.com Join his community at moneysystems.substack.com His work as a Forbes contributorPost-traumatic slave syndromeWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

“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 BottnerOn this week’s episode, we get to know Chris Peterson and Liz Bottner of Penny Forward. Penny Forward is a non-profit organization that offers accessible financial wellness education and counseling programs for people who are blind or disabled. Chris started the organization in 2020, and together with Liz they are “boldly and bravely” breaking down barriers to financial counseling and education.Chris and Liz share some of the ways managing personal finances is unique to someone who is blind or low-vision. They also remind us that, with all clients, it’s important to get to know each client individually - their needs, goals and aspirations. Learn how Penny Forward can be a resource to you, and the ways you can get involved and support their mission. Show Notes: 1:27 Chris & LIz's journey into this space4:06 From teaching to starting Penny Forward9:00 Liz's background and being cohost12:57 Personal finance and the blind community18:30 Advice for professionals wanting to be more accessible22:28 How can people get involved with Penny Forward26:49 Chris & Liz's final 2 centsShow Note Links:PennyForward SummitPennyForward WebsiteConnect with PennyForward onFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeClubhousePennyForward PodcastInterested in volunteering? Email pennyforward@pennyforward.com Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

With 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 Planner, an Accredited Financial Counselor®, past President of the AFCPE Board of Directors, and also a leading expert in student loans. In today's episode we discuss the benefits of the SAVE plan, how financial professionals can support their clients during this time, and 5 things we need to do now. Show Notes:1:41 Why repayments may return2:24 The current student loan landscape6:45 How to best support your clients with these changes8:27 Who is best suited for the SAVE loans9:24 Borrowers and calling their providers10:47 Ryan's recommended payment calculators11:03 Benefits to switching to SAVE plan11:52 Interest accumulation & rollover13:26 Other elements of this plan to be aware of13:59 Student loan forgiveness14:43 The PSLF program16:12 Budgeting for payments again19:09 Other resources to look for24:30 Ryan's 2 cents for clientsShow Note Links:Studentaid.govhttps://ryanhlaw.com/student-loan-save-plan/Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Sarah 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 current work - exploring the connection between mental and financial health, particularly among our youth.  We discuss the need for empowerment-based and trauma-informed financial education and how understanding the psychology behind behaviors leads to both understanding and empathy. And she shares some practical insights on the things financial counselors, coaches, and advisors can do to give their clients agency. Show Notes:1:22 Sarah's money story7:14 Utilizing academic findings for practical use9:39 Young people and their mental + financial health14:45 Empowerment-based financial education23:58 Moving away from the contamination narrative to a redemptive one (and what that means)27:47 Sarah's new financial empowerment content30:28 Sarah's final 2 centsShow Note Links:Sarah’s websiteSpeaking and further CE from SarahSarah’s book, “Loaded”Statistics:CDC Youth Risk Behavior Risk Behavior SurveyFrontiers in Public HealthThe Deloitte Global 2022 Gen Z and Millennial SurveyWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Rhonda 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, financial, and emotional support.As an advocate for women, Rhonda believes that knowledge plus experience equals confidence, and she understands the value of trauma-informed care. This episode provides great insights and resources to help you or your clients navigate divorce.Show Notes:2:06 Rhonda's journey into the divorce space4:29 Building her own business10:50 Her experience with divorce and founding the women's center14:50 The big challenges for women20:19 Lack of confidence around finances27:49 Best methods for women when they're going through a divorce37:57 Rhonda's final 2 centsShow Note Links:Connect on Instagram| Facebook| LinkedinDivorce Conversations for Women Podcast Your Bridge from Divorce Crisis to ClosureDivorce Resource Guide QuizJoin Rhonda for our upcoming webinar:FPA Connect: A Behind the Scenes Look at Divorce: 3 ways you can help your clients: - August 17 at 12 PM ETWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Kimberly 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 well as some of the unique challenges facing foster youth. We also discuss the opportunity for AFC professionals to marry their skills and passions to serve local nonprofit organizations that have a critical need for high-quality financial counseling and education.Show Notes:2:17 How Kimberly discovered the AFC and the military spouse fellowship3:41 Her transition from the military to the Red Cross5:04 Into foster care and adopting her children6:15 Financial counseling in the foster care system6:57 How she got involved with volunteering9:16 What are the needs of youth in the foster care system?12:27 Aging out of the foster care system and how to help14:11 Tracking outcomes and effects of education15:35 How her experience benefit her in the military community16:29 Advice for other AFC professionals breaking into the nonprofit17:29 Kimberly's 2 centsShow Note Links:Ways for LifeKimberly’s LinkedInPost a volunteer opportunity for AFC candidatesWant to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.