Good habits start early, especially when it comes to money.

In this episode of Trust Company Talks, hosts Bill Noble and Burke Koonce sit down with Joseph Aulisi, CFP and wealth advisor at Trust Company of the South, to discuss the basics of personal finance and why starting sooner is crucial.

The conversation builds on Joseph's recent commentary, Ahead of the Curve: A Financial Roadmap for Young Adults, where he outlined practical steps young adults can take to budget, save, invest and manage debt early in life without becoming overwhelmed. Now in his early 30s, he reflects on the real-world decisions that build financial stability over time, such as tracking expenses and making smart choices about debt.

Here's some of what's covered during the conversation:

• Building a budget that works, even on a modest income
• Why emergency funds matter and how much to set aside
• What to watch for with credit cards and high interest rates
• How small, steady investments can grow over time
• Tools and books that can help support good decisions

Together, the episode and commentary provide a practical introduction to personal finance, designed to help young adults make informed decisions and build long-term confidence.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.