Ben Joergens is a nationally recognized financial literacy advocate, community leader, and the Executive Director of Financial Empowerment at Old National Bank. With a career dedicated to bridging the financial knowledge gap, Ben has spearheaded initiatives that empower individuals and families to achieve long-term financial stability and success.

In this episode, Ben shares his personal journey from his early career in banking to becoming a champion for financial education. He discusses Old National Bank’s commitment to community outreach, highlighting innovative programs that provide accessible, practical financial skills to underserved populations. Ben also explores the role of financial institutions in fostering economic empowerment and the importance of partnerships in advancing financial literacy at scale. His passion and leadership offer valuable insights for listeners looking to drive positive change through education, collaboration, and community engagement.

Guest Links

https://www.tiktok.com/discover/old-national-bank

https://www.instagram.com/oldnationalbancorp/

https://www.oldnational.com/about-us/community/financial-education-courses/real-life-finance/

https://www.facebook.com/OldNationalBancorp/

https://rlf.buzzsprout.com/

Craig is a FinTech leader with deep expertise in integrating technology into education and offering practical insights for those looking to enter the FinTech industry. With a career that began in the financial trenches of the steel industry and evolved into founding groundbreaking platforms like SPENDiD and MyBudgetReport, Craig has consistently championed financial health and wellness.

In this episode, Craig shares his inspiring journey, discusses key trends shaping financial technology, and provides actionable advice for educators aiming to integrate tech into the classroom and entrepreneurs looking to build FinTech-based products. Whether you’re an aspiring FinTech innovator or a financial educator, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Guest Links

https://spendid.io/

https://mybudgetreport.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-t-hill/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/advisory-board-member-craig-hill/

Sonja Strzoda brings over 25 years of expertise in global asset management and financial services, working with Boards, senior executives, and major investors throughout her impressive career. She currently serves on the Boards of WISE (Women Investing in Security and Education), NuVision Federal Credit Union, Knomee, and the California Financial Educators Council, where she plays a vital role in committees focused on governance, strategy, and financial oversight.

In this episode, Sonja offers valuable insights into collaborating with financial education organizations, building networks within the financial literacy space, and joining advisory boards. Her extensive knowledge and experience make this a must-listen for anyone passionate about advancing financial education and creating meaningful impact.

Guest Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-strzoda

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/advisory-board-member-sonja-strzoda/

I’m excited to introduce this limited series featuring leaders in personal finance, including educators, coaches, fintech innovators, and content creators, all advancing financial wellness. We’ll explore how to scale financial initiatives, gain exposure, and address the business side of financial education. If you're passionate about improving financial literacy and want practical insights on building your program, join us for conversations about making a real impact.   Host - Vince Shorb, CEO National Financial Educators Council

Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance, is a 5x bestselling author, speaker, and leader of one of the largest personal finance media and education platforms for women in the U.S. As a Certified Financial Education Instructor and finance expert, Bola provides unparalleled insight into crafting high-quality content that engages and builds thriving communities.

In this episode, Bola shares her proven strategies for creating impactful content, gaining meaningful exposure, and cultivating a strong, connected audience. We’ll dive into her latest book, Clever Girl Finance Workbook: My Wealth Plan, and learn how she manages an enterprise that has made a positive impact on countless lives globally. For anyone seeking to enhance their content creation and audience engagement skills, Bola is the ideal guide.

Guest Links

https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/

https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/my-wealth-plan/

https://www.bolasokunbi.com/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/clever-girl-finance-distinguished-personal-finance-content/

Ellis Cropper is a leading advocate and educator in the elementary school financial literacy space. Retired Army Major Cropper, a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) and Certified in Long-Term Care (CLTC®), has been a financial professional with New York Life since 2018. As an Massachusetts Financial Educators Council Advisory Board Member, he is leveraging his expertise to spearhead campaigns that bring financial education to his Worcester community and across Massachusetts.

In this episode, Ellis shares strategies for creating positive outcomes in kids' financial education programs, along with insights from his extensive involvement in advocacy campaigns driving the financial literacy movement forward. With a rich blend of professional experience and a passion for community impact, Ellis provides actionable advice for advancing financial education and empowering the next generation. This inspiring conversation is a must-listen for educators, advocates, and anyone committed to building financial literacy in schools.

Guest Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliscropper/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/community-champion-ellis-cropper/

https://ma.financialeducatorscouncil.org/massachusetts-financial-educators-council/

Bobby P. Kinzer is the President of the Literacy Institute for Financial Enrichment, Inc. (LIFE) and a Certified Financial Education Instructor dedicated to teaching financial literacy and economic empowerment to youths, adults, and senior citizens.

With nearly 31 years of service at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Robert brings a wealth of experience in financial management, community affairs, and financial education. As a Senior Community Affairs Specialist, he traveled nationwide to promote financial education, engaging legislators, educators, and consumers while championing economic inclusion.

In this episode, Robert shares his journey from professional basketball in Europe to a distinguished career in financial services and education. He offers practical strategies for promoting economic empowerment and invaluable insights for advancing financial literacy. Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or simply passionate about financial education, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice.

Guest Links

https://www.financialenrichment.org/

https://bobbykinzer.com/books/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/life/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/robert-kinzer/

Evelyn Magley is a history-making visionary, philanthropist, and the first woman to own a professional men’s sports league in the United States. As the owner and CEO of The Basketball League (TBL), she leads an organization that goes beyond professional basketball to provide affordable family entertainment, support local communities, and empower players through life skills education.

In this episode, Evelyn shares her journey from mentoring children in inner-city programs to leading a national sports league with a mission to impact lives. She highlights her innovative TBL Financial Literacy Campaign, which trains players, teams, and executives to teach personal finance, and discusses the importance of financial education as a core life skill. Evelyn’s story is a testament to her commitment to sports, youth development, and community service, offering inspiration and actionable insights for listeners passionate about making a difference.

Guest Links

https://thebasketballleague.net/

https://thebasketballleague.net/news/the-basketball-league-and-national-financial-educators-council-team-unite-to-empower-players-and-communities-with-financial-literacy-education/

https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/tbl-financial-literacy/