Financial Wellness at Work

Welcome back to the Financial Wellness at Work Podcast! Today we are joined by Financial Finesse user, Jonathan Woodward, to discuss the upside of “making the call.” You’ll hear about what inspired Jonathan to make his first call, why he has worked with so many of our financial coaches (and why he keeps coming back), how much his confidence and knowledge have improved, and much more. We go on to discuss what it was like talking to a complete stranger about money before Jonathan encourages listeners to give it a try for themselves. Key points from this episode:An introduction to today’s guest, Jonathan Woodward. How Jonathon went from studying philosophy to building a career in the tech space. What triggered Jonathan to call Financial Finesse. The financial pearls of wisdom Jonathon has taught his father-in-law. Why it’s so important to know your goals before buying a home. How many financial coaches Jonathan has worked with at Financial Finesse, what it was like, why he keeps coming back, and how his confidence level has improved. How Jonathan felt about discussing money with a complete stranger. Jonathan invites listeners and peers to make their first call with Financial Finesse. Quotes from this episode:“I’m very pro-homeownership, to be clear, but I’m also pro not being stressed out by money.” — Jonathan Woodward [10:41]“Because money is so taboo, people don’t talk about it.” — Jonathan Woodward [14:32]“I think it’s really important to think about the upside of making the call [to Financial Finesse].” — Jonathan Woodward [23:04]Links mentioned in today’s episode:Jonathan WoodwardDaniel Andrews on LinkedInJulie Everette on LinkedInLiz Davidson on LinkedInFinancial Finesse

Trusting your financial coach and being able to have open conversations about anything related to your finances allows you to have a more holistic coaching experience. This is exactly what our guest, Jada Haynes, experienced working with Julie Everett at Financial Finesse. Jada is a postgraduate, first-year student at Harvard Business School and a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Tune in to hear how Jada’s mom positively influenced her financial journey, setting her up to take things to the next level herself. Jada also shares her thoughts on the idea of “money scripts,” how our culture has made talking about money taboo, and how she balances saving for goals and living for today with budgeting. To hear more about Jada’s conversations with Julie and the next-level financial goals she’s shooting for, listen now. Key points from this episode:A quick introduction to our hosts and Financial Finesse financial coaches, Julie Everett and Brian Kelly, and our guest, Jada Haynes.Why Jada’s mom was so influential in her financial journey.Jada’s thoughts on “money scripts” and being financially transparent (in our relationships).What money means to Jada: two things she thinks about when it comes to spending her money.Fixed and variable costs and how Jada makes budgeting work for her.The influence of friendship groups and managing money (and expectations).Jada’s ongoing conversations with Julie: getting personal with your financial coach.Julie’s experience working with Jada (from a coach’s point of view).The Xs and O’s and the psychology of money. Jada elaborates on some financial goals (small, medium, and large) she’s shooting for.Where Jada may have turned for guidance if she didn’t have access to Financial Finesse. The importance of trust in the relationship between Jada and her financial coach, Julie.Quotes from this episode:“Growing up as a Black American in the U.S.,  money and finances were very important as a means of economic mobility. So I think my mom learned at an early age—to use her financial discipline to build a way out of the south side of Chicago—and climb up the social ladder.” — Jada Haynes [4:14]“I think because [my mom] really valued the tool of financial success, she passed that on to my sister and me—and ingrained that in us from a lens of money management, budgeting, and saving.” — Jada Haynes [5:06]“Something that I can see as beneficial for a lot of people that use this service is really about how you can better understand your benefits. I love the fact that Financial Finesse has a strong relationship with my employer, and they understand the intricacies and complexities of the benefits and are able to give me unbiased opinions on what I should be doing and what I should be thinking about.” — Jada Haynes [21:36]Links mentioned in today’s episode:Jada Haynes on LinkedInJulie Everett on LinkedInBrian Kelly on LinkedInMoney Strong: Your Guide to a Life Free of Financial WorriesLiz Davidson on LinkedInFinancial Finesse

It wasn’t until Lori Zeman made the call to Financial Finesse herself that she truly understood the power of financial coaching. Lori is a Division Vice President at Ascensus, the largest independent recordkeeping services partner in the United States. Ascensus has integrated Financial Finesse to offer our services as an employee benefit and to provide them to every single participant in Ascensus plans. In this episode, we chat with Lori and our very own Senior Financial Coach, Julie Everett, about their respective experiences working together when Lori reached out for financial wellness coaching. We discuss the undeniable ways in which our personal and financial lives are intertwined and how financial coaching can complement financial advice. Tune in to find out how and why Ascensus is bringing financial coaching resources to the masses and to hear Lori’s advice for employers and employees.Key points from this episode:What inspired Lori to call Financial Finesse for a consultation.Her experience working with Senior Financial Coach, Julie Everett.The value she got from Julie that she couldn’t have gotten from Google or a CPA.Julie’s experience coaching Lori.The relationship between our personal lives and our finances.Ascensus’ mission to reach small companies and close the coverage gap for those in need of retirement plans.How Ascensus has integrated Financial Finesse as a firm, and how they’re bringing resources to the masses.The distinction between coaching and advice – and how they complement each other.Lori’s advice for employers and employees with access to financial coaching resources.Quotes from this episode:“You can plan all you want but still things are going to come up within your personal life that were not on the January 1st resolution list.” — Julie Everett [5:40]“The difference with Julie was, she took the time to really get to know me and my situation, and she made it so relatable.” — Lori Zeman [7:04]“When it comes to finance, people think it’s black or white, the numbers are or they are not, and it really isn’t like that at all. Our finances are driven by our emotions.” — Julie Everett [10:32]“Not only do the numbers affect our personal life, but our personal life affects the numbers.” — Julie Everett [11:03]“Any good financial coach will know when you need advice. And any good advisor will flag when you need financial coaching.” — Liz Davidson [25:24] Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:Julie Everett on LinkedInAscensusLori Zeman on LinkedInLiz Davidson on LinkedInFinancial Finesse

Managing our finances is one of those things we all need to do, but we rarely are taught. While we all do the best we can, there are times when our lack of education can land us in challenging situations. Today’s guest, Edzen Cortez, was in a great deal of debt before he sought help from a Financial Coach. He was recently featured on a panel at the Employee Benefit Research Institute symposium in Washington DC where he spoke about how achieving financial wellness has increased his bandwidth, both at work and in his personal life. In this episode, he joins us with his Financial Coach Linda Robertson to share his story. Tuning in you’ll hear about the situation he found himself in, what prompted him to seek financial coaching, and how it has radically changed his life. He also talks about how he has managed to work his way out of debt while still being able to enjoy a vacation in Hawaii and adopt a dog. If you, like Edzen, want to live a little bit more carefree and increase your bandwidth, don’t miss this episode! Key points from this episode:Edzen Cortez’s background and what prompted him to reach out to the financial coaching line.The homework Linda gave Edzen to research the amount of debt he was in.Where Edzen is today in terms of his finances. Edzen’s recent vacation and how he planned for this responsibly.How Edzen thought through the financial responsibilities of getting a dog. The importance of planning for some fun while still staying within the parameters of your budget.How things feel differently now for Edzen.How Linda and Edzen’s conversations have changed over time. How achieving financial wellness has increased Edzen’s bandwidth both personally and professionally. Linda’s thoughts on the first step for anyone considering financial coaching.Quotes from this episode:“I’ve become way more responsible and what Linda [my financial coach] has done for me is cultivate that confidence and given me a couple of steps to think about before just impulse buying.” — Edzen Cortez [08:47]“I had a budget, I had saved up money, but it was the weirdest thing to go on a real vacation and not stress out about every single dollar being spent.” — Edzen Cortez [13:50]“To have paid off the credit card debt and the private loans just created so much more space, bandwidth, capacity, and it freed a bunch of my mental strain. It allowed me to really focus in on work, the relationships, becoming a people manager and leader on the team, and turning the page to becoming a proactive problem-solver.” — Edzen Cortez [18:40]“To have this benefit [of financial coaching] has led to a better quality of life, personally and professionally.” — Edzen Cortez [19:24]“Just come as you are, bring your true self, be open to answering all the questions your financial coach is going to ask you because some of it is going to be personal.” — Linda Robertson [20:11]Links mentioned in this episode:Julie Everett, CFP® on LinkedInLinda Robertson, CFP® on LinkedIn Employee Benefit Research InstituteFinancial Finesse

Welcome back to Financial Wellness at Work! Joining us today is someone with an amazing financial success story, Latoya Pirtle. She has transformed her personal finances by actively seeking out knowledge and working with a Financial Coach. Also joining us today is Julie Everett, Latoya’s coach of one year. Hear the story of how and why Latoya reached out, how Julie helped her think through big decisions and take positive actions, and how the experience has impacted Latoya’s life. Julie also shares what she has learned from Latoya’s laser focus and passion for learning and Latoya shares why she counts calling a coach as one of the best decisions of her life. Key points from this episode:Insights from today’s guest, Latoya Pirtle, on transforming her personal finances with the help of her Financial Coach, Julie Everett. What Julie learned in the process of coaching Latoya and the similarities that helped the two collaborate so well. What prompted Latoya to reach out to Julie in the first place. Some of the things Julie helped Latoya think through, including navigating the stock market, buying and selling real estate, and planning for her children’s futures.A reminder of how useful the prepaid legal option many can select during enrollment can be.Why Latoya says working with a coach was one of the best decisions of her life.How coaching helped Latoya to maximize the good financial decisions she was already making, accelerating her path to financial freedom and giving her a sense of peace. A pivot Latoya made when she was purchasing her home. Latoya’s advice to take advantage of opportunities and to call a coach if your company provides access.The importance of finding a ‘North Star’ that will keep you moving. Quotes from this episode:“It’s a sign of intelligence and character, which is 'strong convictions, weakly held'—meaning you're all in on whatever plans you have, but if new information comes your way, you pivot.” — Liz Davidson [:50]“[Calling a coach] is definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, especially because I have children. Making that decision for them, becoming educated for myself, and then passing on that information gives them the opportunity to focus on their purpose and goals.” — Latoya Pirtle [6:03]“Ask yourself, am I being stubborn, or caught up in my own vision of life to the detriment of something that could be even better for me, and do I need to be more open-minded?” — Liz Davidson [17:16]"Look forward and visualize what you'd like your life to look like. You've got to have some idea of where you're headed because that 'North Star' will help you to keep moving, and you've got to keep moving." — Julie Everett [21:58]Links mentioned in this episode:Julie Everett on LinkedInLatoya Pirtle on LinkedIn Liz Davidson on LinkedInFinancial Finesse

Welcome to another episode of Financial Wellness at Work. Joining us in conversation today is Julie Everett, a financial coach at Financial Finesse. We also have Sarah Kaney here to tell us how Julie helped her to take control of her finances after the tragic loss of her husband to cancer. Hear how having a financial coach she could trust made all the difference in Sarah’s journey, and how Julie’s knowledge and measured approach helped position Sarah to thrive financially, to the extent that she was able to make two small angel investments in businesses she was passionate about. Julie also shares how opening up to Sarah helped her to process her own partner’s diagnosis, and how Julie in turn helped to educate her. Key points from this episode:Julie Everett, a financial coach with Financial Finesse, and Sarah Heney, who worked with Julie, share a bit about themselves. Sarah’s experience caring for her husband and, eventually, coping with his loss. How Sarah worked with Julie to rebuild her financial life and gain financial confidence.How Julie helped Sarah navigate the pressure she felt from others to buy a house and why holding out turned out the be the best option for Sarah. Why it was so helpful for Sarah to have a financial coach she could trust.How the duo approached assessing the numbers every time an opportunity arose.Sarah’s ability to identify resources that were available to her.How Sarah learned to make her money work for her rather than against her.The angel investments Sarah was able to make into small, female-run businesses she cared about once she took control of her finances.Julie’s experience of sharing her partner’s diagnosis with Sarah and finding support.Why women in particular should get educated about financial wellness.Quotes from this episode:“It was amazing having you guys as a resource because it was someone that I knew I could trust.” —Sarah Kaney [5:40]“Sometimes the decisions you don’t make can be as powerful as the ones you do.” — Liz Davidson [6:43]“I was confused because I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Spending time with Julie, I was able to really have a solid understanding of where I am at. It saved me!” — Sarah Kaney [11:23]Links mentioned in this episode:Sarah Kaney on LinkedInJulie Everett on LinkedInLiz Davidson on LinkedInFinancial Finesse

The importance of taking care of our physical and mental health is becoming more widely understood but what isn’t yet being talked about as much is the fact that our financial health is equally important. Today, we are joined once more by Kristina Keck of Woodruff Sawyer, as well as her colleague, Tracey Allen who is currently receiving financial coaching from Financial Finesse’s own Kevin Miller. We'll hear about Tracey’s financial coaching journey from what prompted her to pick up the phone in the first place to where she is now with her financial goals. Kevin joins the conversation to share his side of the story and break down his process of working with Tracey to achieve her goals. Key points from this episode:Tracey Allen’s personal and professional background.What prompted her to seek financial coaching and how she got connected with Kevin Miller at Financial Finesse.The difference between a financial coach and a 401(k) provider.Tracey’s progress towards her goal of buying a house.Kevin breaks down the process of working with Tracey to achieve her goal.How best to tackle a financial goal or challenge.What prompted Tracey to seek guidance around retirement planning.The impossibility of timing the market and what to do instead.How Kevin carried out a risk tolerance assessment with Tracey.The difference between advice and guidance.Tracey’s advice for employees with financial concerns.Kevin’s advice for navigating the current market.What Tracey has gained from Financial Finesse.Quotes from this episode:“For any financial goal or challenge, it’s [about] starting big picture and winnowing down. ” — Liz Davidson [10:22]“[As coaches we need to] be consistent in the guidance that we’re giving. What’s your risk tolerance? What’s your age, your time horizon, and your thinking beyond just the risk? And don’t think you can time the market.” — Kevin Miller [21:03]“As an employee, I’m so grateful for the tool because had we not had Financial Finesse available, I don’t know if I would have made those decisions. I probably would have had to do a lot of research on my own. For me, it was just a great resource. It was a no-brainer to call in for help and support. — Tracey Allen [22:53]“The same way you take care of your physical health and your mental health … you have to take care of your financial health. It’s a no-brainer.” — Liz Davidson [23:24]Links mentioned in this episode:Kristina Keck on LinkedInTracey Allen on LinkedInWoodruff SawyerKevin Miller on LinkedInLiz Davidson on LinkedInFinancial Finesse

Historically, NFL players have been known for their culture of big spending. Joining us today is someone who has affected a major shift in financial wellness amongst his fellow NFL players, and beyond. Carl Nassib is a seven-year veteran of the NFL and today, we find out what inspired him to shift his mindset around finances and make his money work for him with smart planning and off-the-field endeavors, rather than spend it indiscriminately. Carl shares his view on why it’s so important to be a good financial role model, and what true financial success looks like. Financial Finesse’s own Doug Spencer joins the conversation to share his insights into working with professional athletes as a Financial Coach, guiding them out of debt, and helping them to avoid future financial stress. We also touch on what makes Gen Z different from other generations, what they respond to in the workplace, and how they can best find financial independence! Tune in to hear more from the inspiring financial wellness ambassador, Carl Nassib. Key points from this episode:How the ‘big spending’ culture in the NFL has changed over the years.Carl Nassib’s role in affecting this cultural change.What inspired him to shift his mindset around finances.How Carl is making his money work for him with off-the-field endeavors. Financial Coach Doug Spencer shares his insights into working with professional athletes to optimize their income, manage expenses, and build wealth.The importance of having a ‘north star’ when tackling financial planning.Doug shares stories of guiding NFL players out of debt.How best to set yourself up and avoid future financial stress.Why financial wellness is so important and what true financial success looks like.The importance of being a good role model, financially.Liz celebrates Carl and other NFL players and former players, like Brandon Copeland and Marshawn Lynch, who are known for their commitment to financial wellness. The effects of financial stress on physical performance.How employers can engage Gen Z in the workforce.How Gen Z is destigmatizing mental and financial health.Doug’s advice for Gen Z employees, in terms of financial mindset!Quotes from this episode: “Goalsetting is something athletes do every day and I think that once people set their financial goals and have those in mind constantly every time they make a purchase, every time they invest, it’s psychologically rewarding to make measurable steps towards that goal.” — Carl Nassib [10:21]“Financial stress spills into every other aspect of your life.” — Carl Nassib [15:22]“That's what success looks like? Success looks like you're blowing your money every chance you get? That’s not what success looks like. Buying properties over bottles, that’s what success is.” — Carl Nassib [16:27][How can employers engage with Gen Z employees?] “Make sure the program is about financial independence and living your best life, and not totally geared at retirement.” — Doug Spencer [22:22]Links mentioned in this episode:Doug Spencer on LinkedInCarl Nassib on InstagramCarl Nassib on LinkedInLiz Davidson on LinkedInFinancial Finesse

No matter who we are or where we come from, we all face challenges when it comes to our finances. The goal of this podcast is to break the taboo about money conversations and today, we are joined by Brian Kelly, one of our esteemed Financial Coaches, and his client, Tiffany Brown to share her story. Tiffany has been working with Brian for two years and in that time she has paid off her credit card debt, started an emergency fund, bought a new home, and changed how she thinks about money. In our conversation, we take a look at what it means to have true financial freedom and the factors that influenced Tiffany’s own financial behavioral changes. We find out how Tiffany’s awareness and commitment to her goals have led to her success, and why it’s important to strike a balance when it comes to budgeting. Tune in to hear Tiffany’s financial journey and how you, too, can achieve financial freedom! And remember, you don’t need a comma in your bank balance to seek financial guidance!Key points from this episode:Introducing Financial Coach, Brian Kelly, and his client, Tiffany Brown.Tiffany shares her financial story and how she connected with Financial Finesse.Her financial picture then and now!The positive changes financial coaching has made in her life.Brian’s first impression of Tiffany and his experience working with her and getting to know her.What true financial freedom is.The finance-related lessons Tiffany wishes to impart to her children.The effort required to change your thinking around money.What influences Tiffany’s financial behavior.What has driven Tiffany’s success, as Brian sees it (willingness to do the work, commitment).Tiffany’s commitment to her goals.The importance of striking a balance and not falling into a mindset of deprivation.Tiffany's final words of advice: You don’t need a comma in your bank balance to seek financial advice!Quotes from this episode: "The intent of the podcast is to break through money taboos and get everyone to realize, that we all face challenges with money. Speaking out, sharing what we've gone through, and any advice we may have, to really pay it forward is going to be one of the things that gets us to be a much more financially healthy society." — Liz Davidson [1:19]“When you have the knowledge, you have so much power, and I did not have the knowledge prior to meeting Brian.” — Tiffany Brown [8:16]“[Money] is just a resource that will allow you to live a life that you desire.” — Tiffany Brown [9:56]“Each of us could be so much further financially if we knew that happiness is inward.” — Tiffany Brown [18:02]“You have to believe that you can have this too. You can be debt-free. You can have an emergency fund.” — Tiffany Brown [29:00]“You do not need to have a number in the bank that has a comma in it, to seek financial advice … It’s applicable at all income brackets.” — Tiffany Brown [31:10]Links mentioned in this episode:Brian Kelly on LinkedInLife 101: Financial LiteracyLife 101 on InstagramLiz Davidson on LinkedInFinancial Finesse

Your host, Liz Davidson, and Kristina Keck, Vice President of Retirement Plan Services at Woodruff Sawyer, are friends, colleagues, and experts in financial wellness coaching delivered as an employee benefit. They’re also borderline obsessed with helping people take control of their financial lives. In episode #1, they are joined by Julie Everett, CFP® and Financial Coach at Financial Finesse, who provides a glimpse into her everyday helping employees transform their financial lives through personalized and ongoing coaching. Key points from this episode:Insight into Julie’s journey to Financial Finesse and why she became a Financial Coach.Reducing the stress of financial issues and taking action to change your circumstances.Kristina reflects on how Woodruff Sawyer is adjusting post-COVID.Why Kristina believes that financial wellness starts at work.How your mental and physical health is directly affected by financial stress.Surprising Julie with a story of the impact she had on one family’s financial life.Key takeaways from this story and what listeners stand to learn from it: identify your plan!Kristina shares some tips for finding and leveraging your available resources and benefits.Another example of a positive financial change that Julie helped a Financial Finesse user make.   What you can look forward to in the Financial Wellness at Work Podcast!Quotes from this episode: “At the end of the day, your financial wellness starts at work because that’s where your paycheck [comes from].” — Kristina Keck [7:17]“You’ve got to know where you’re going and then you’ve got to know what resources  you have available that are going to help get you there so that you’re not just grinding away like a hamster on a hamster wheel.” — Julie Everett [12:38]“No one can go through this journey of building the life they want alone and get as far as they can without support.” — Liz Davidson [24:48]Links mentioned in this episode:Julie Everett on LinkedInFinancial FinesseKristina Keck on LinkedInWoodruff SawyerLiz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse Financial Coaches work with people from all walks of life and have literally seen it all! They’ve supported employees and participants (and their families) through debt, cash flow, and credit challenges, buying homes, growing their families, marriages and divorces, retirement planning, and more. Through guest interviews, your host Liz Davidson, founder and CEO of Financial Finesse, will share life-changing stories of financial transformations experienced by everyday people who gave financial coaching a try. Financial stress doesn’t exist in a silo – it influences everything, including mental and physical health, relationships, and productivity. We’ll dig into it all.