Have you ever wondered how you’d handle a lay off, or how to prepare financially and emotionally just in case? In this important episode, I sit down with Nicole Valenzuela, a queer Latina foster mom and former corporate finance professional turned money coach, who shares her story of being laid off just two weeks after her fiancée was, too.

We talk about how Nicole not only survived this double layoff, but thrived—reclaiming her time, her financial independence, and her purpose through her business, Fostering Finances. Nicole opens up about her first-gen money story, her decision to leave corporate life, and how she’s helping others break free from money shame and scarcity.

Plus:

• The key steps to take immediately after a layoff
• How to build an emergency fund that fits your actual lifestyle
• What it means to budget beyond survival and live in “funemployment”
• Why more money in the hands of people like you changes everything

If you’ve been laid off, fear a layoff, or want to build a life with more financial ease and freedom—this episode is for you.

About Today’s Guest

Nicole Valenzuela, Founder and CEO of Fostering Finances LLC, leverages 15 years of experience in corporate finance with several Fortune 50 companies to empower individuals and communities. As a personal finance coach, Nicole is passionate about breaking down barriers to financial freedom, particularly for marginalized communities. She specializes in providing financial literacy, healing generational money trauma, and fostering financial independence for foster parents, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and BIPOC women.

Stay in touch with Nicole on Instagram via @fosteringfinances, on LinkedIn, or via email [email protected]. 

Referenced Episodes

Community Building & Networking Podcast Playlist

Salary Negotiation Playlist

Wealth-Building & Finances

Resources and Links

2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge

6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call

Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6

Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram