What happens when you stop Googling financial advice and start talking to a real coach? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, host Julie Everett sits down with Megan, a healthcare professional who shares how financial coaching helped her move from uncertainty to confidence in her money decisions. Megan discusses her initial hesitation, the relief of discovering she was not “so far off” in her financial planning, and the ways her coach improved her investment strategies. Together, Julie and Megan explore the connection between financial health and overall well-being, the importance of starting early, and why everyone deserves a trusted partner in their financial journey. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Discover why financial health is an essential part of overall well-being.
• Megan’s experience of managing money without guidance or coaching.
• Find out what made her nervous before her first coaching session.
• Hear about the moment that validated her financial decisions.
• Find out why she regrets not working with a financial coach earlier. 
• How coaching gave her confidence and ideas for new investment strategies.
• Uncover her biggest money win since she started financial coaching.
• Takeaway advice on how to begin your financial wellness journey.

Quotes:

“The greatest joy in my life is to know that something that I have done has improved the circle of somebody else.” — Julie Everett [0:01:08]

“Just like everyone should have a primary care doctor, I truly feel everyone should have a financial coach.” — Megan [0:06:24]

“The biggest win is the different ways that [my financial coach] said that I could be investing that would be most beneficial for me.” — Megan [0:07:39]

“If anyone is thinking about making any life decision that would impact your finances in the future, talk to someone, talk to [Financial Finesse].” — Megan [0:09:50]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Email Financial Finesse

Financial curveballs can often affect our physical well-being, but how can we learn and grow from the unexpected twists and turns that few of us are prepared for? Today’s guest experienced a sudden financial shock that forced her and her family to think fast, adapt, and make some tough decisions. She joins us today to share her story of resilience, resourcefulness, and the emotional side of money that is often overlooked. Rebecca, a Compensation and Benefits Manager and avid money saver, begins our conversation by explaining how financial wellness affects physical wellness. Then, we unpack lifestyle creep as a camouflaged concern, how to understand your needs and cut back wherever necessary, how Rebecca’s upbringing informed her astute money habits, and how to find financial help for your particular needs. To end, our guest shares more about her family’s financial recovery, why having oversight over your finances is non-negotiable, and words of hope for the future of financial coaching. To learn how to bounce back and reclaim financial health, press play now!   

Key points from this episode:

• Rebecca explains how financial wellness affects physical wellness.
• How Rebecca assesses her money and savings habits before her household’s big financial loss.
• Lifestyle creep, understanding your needs, and learning how to trim and cut back.
• How Rebecca keeps track of her finances, and how she became money-savvy. 
• The dangers of not doing what you know you should be doing, and how to find financial help.  
• Rebecca’s thoughts on Financial Finesse.
• Understanding how long Rebecca and her family have felt the effects of her husband losing his job. 
• The importance of having complete oversight over your finances. 
• Rebecca’s parting words of advice and hope about the world of financial coaching. 

Quotes:

“We had always been very particular about our home; could we afford our home on one income? If we couldn’t afford our home on one income, we couldn’t afford our home. We never wanted to become house poor.” — Rebecca [5:09]

“I don’t collect things. I don’t like to collect things in my home. I also don’t like to collect things in my checkbook.” — Rebecca [5:26]

“I can’t be so afraid of what I’m going to find that I don’t look at it, because I could inevitably make it worse by not choosing to look at it.” — Rebecca [10:40]

“I learned how to be resourceful because [my parents] were resourceful. I remember all the things they did trying to make the money go as far as it could.” — Rebecca [15:25]

“We need to be prepared because bad things can happen. They can happen at any time, and even when you’re doing all the things right.” — Rebecca [16:23]

“You can make it through hard times when you sit down and think about it and put together a plan. It’s when you’re willing to face it that you can do those things.” — Rebecca [27:17]

“When you don’t have that oversight over your finances, you can really lose touch quickly.” — Julie Everett [29:57]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

You don’t need to love numbers to get good with money — just the right support and some clear guidance. In today’s episode, Financial Finesse coach Julie Everett is joined by Briana Oliver, a technical recruiter at a Fortune 500 company, who opens up about her five-year journey from financial uncertainty to clarity and confidence. Briana reflects on how growing up with a save-every-penny mindset left her unsure of what to do once she had “extra” income, and how financial coaching helped her shift from survival mode to a more intentional, empowered approach. She shares how overwhelming it felt to navigate terms like 401(k) and Roth IRA, especially in a tech culture steeped in financial jargon. Together, she and Julie break down the emotional side of money decisions, the power of simplifying complex goals, and the importance of finding a financial coach who truly gets you. Tune in to hear Briana’s honest, relatable story and discover why small, supported steps can lead to lasting change!

Key points from this episode:

• How Briana’s money script was shaped by a scarcity mindset and a strong habit of saving.
• The culture shock of entering the tech world and feeling overwhelmed by financial jargon.
• Why paying off student loans gave her structure, but left her wondering what came next.
• How Briana’s first coaching session with Julie felt radically human and approachable.
• The value of breaking down complex goals, like consolidating 401(k)s, into simple steps.
• Why emotional clarity matters just as much as financial strategy when making big decisions.
• Lessons from skipping a rushed home purchase and finding the right place on her own terms.
• How Briana learned to enjoy life today while still planning wisely for tomorrow.
• The importance of filtering advice, even from well-meaning, financially savvy colleagues.
• Characteristics to look for in a financial coach and how to make sure you’ve found the right fit.
• How Briana used her experience to help her cousin take a confident financial step.
• Parting advice from Briana on how to find a financial coach and transform your money journey.

Quotes:

“I knew it was important to save, but I didn't really know what I should be doing outside of ‘put your money away’ and, like, ‘don't spend more than you make’, and just ‘save, save, save.’” — Briana Oliver [2:42]

“That's what I appreciated about you, and about Financial Finesse, was that there was this very grounded approach, and you spoke to me in language I could understand. It was such a refreshing, inviting experience.” — Briana Oliver [4:21]

“One small step at a time can really compound into big changes in the end.” — Briana Oliver [10:56]

“My finances need to fit my life, and I need to make my money work for me; it doesn't have to be overly complicated.” — Briana Oliver [15:55]

“Keep going until you find someone that clicks, that respects you, that's certified, and that can break your big goals down into small chunks. It doesn't hurt to try it.” — Briana Oliver [31:24]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Briana Oliver on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Surviving divorce and debt to thrive against all financial odds is an impressive feat, one worthy of impactful discussion. In today’s conversation, we welcome Financial Finesse Financial Coach, Becca Wilton, and single mom and healthcare professional, Gerlyn Kuroski, to the show to unpack Gerlyn’s path to financial freedom. To start, Gerlyn describes who she is and what she does. Then, we learn why she chose Financial Finesse, her struggles with debt, what she has learned from our tools and coaching, how her faith led her to Becca, and Becca’s initial thoughts after their first meeting. We also discover how Becca’s relationship with Gerlyn has impacted how she works, and Gerlyn walks us through the financial wins she’s most proud of. To end, Gerlyn shares important advice for other single parents in financial predicaments, while Becca details helpful employer benefits for employees to be aware of, and we are reminded of life’s inevitable rollercoaster. 

Key points from this episode:

• Gerlyn Kuroski explains who she is, what she does, and her journey in finances to date.
• Why Gerlyn chose Financial Finesse, and Becca Wilton’s first thoughts of Gerlyn.
• The stress of debt, and unpacking the moment Gerlyn started prioritizing herself.
• What Gerlyn has learned from Financial Finesse and how her faith brought her to Becca.
• The financial wins Gerlyn is most proud of. 
• How Becca’s relationship with Gerlyn has influenced the way she works.
• Gerlyn’s advice to other single-income households who feel stuck in their finances. 
• Becca details helpful employer benefits for employees to be aware of.
• A reminder of life’s various phases and the inevitability of both good and bad times. 
• Closing thoughts from Gerlyn and Becca. 

Quotes:

“The lowest of my low was thinking I’ll be forever in debt.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [3:22]

“Financial Finesse, when I entered your program, it was overwhelming in the sense that everything I’ve ever asked myself or others, and I couldn’t answer or nobody could answer for me, was all in one app, one place.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [5:32]

“401(k) – Every job that I’ve had offered it, but I didn’t really know what it meant. I didn’t know that you had to invest money in order for that to fully work to its capacity. I thought it was just like another bank account.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [10:46]

“My biggest win is feeling confident again in my finances.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [18:34]

“It is not the end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [22:33]

“You don’t want to live a lifelong journey of regret, not taking the first step.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [24:05]

“It’s hard to be stuck when you open your eyes to Financial Finesse.” — Gerlyn Kuroski [25:23]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Rebecca Wilton on LinkedIn 

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

What does it really mean to navigate the U.S. financial system as an immigrant? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, host Brian Kelly is joined by Veronica Arellano, a financial planner at Financial Finesse, and Yemi Rose, founder of OfColor and Growth Leader at Financial Finesse, to explore the layered financial experiences of first-generation immigrants in America. Veronica and Yemi share personal immigration stories, arriving from Mexico and Jamaica, and reflect on how cultural values, family expectations, and systemic differences shape their financial decisions. They unpack challenges like navigating unfamiliar banking systems, mistrust of financial institutions, and planning for uncertain futures across borders. They also discuss how cultural norms influence money habits, why multigenerational responsibilities matter, and how embracing both opportunity and uncertainty is key to building a life and legacy in a new country. Tune in to hear how culturally relevant coaching can build trust, bridge financial gaps, and empower immigrant communities through understanding and empathy!

Key points from this episode:

• An introduction to today’s topic: immigration and navigating the U.S. financial system.
• Veronica’s immigration story from Mexico and her family’s journey to citizenship.
• Yemi’s experiences moving from Jamaica for school and building a life in the U.S.
• How culture influences financial behavior.
• The influence of multigenerational living and care on financial priorities.
• Yemi’s reflections on the concept of immigrant privilege and growing up outside the U.S.
• How family support, resourcefulness, and access to education helped Veronica succeed.
• The scale and opportunity of the U.S. compared to Veronica and Yemi’s home countries.
• How systemic complexity in the U.S. creates both challenges and professional opportunities.
• Challenges immigrants face: unfamiliar banking, mistrust, and sending money abroad.
• How planning for retirement without knowing where you’ll live adds extra uncertainty.
• Veronica and Yemi's insights into hybrid retirement approaches.
• The importance of trust and cultural understanding in financial coaching.
• Final guidance for new immigrants navigating work and money in the U.S: Embrace opportunity and seek support.

Quotes:

“Having financial freedom and being able to speak to [a financial planner] is something that should be available to everyone, regardless of your background or where you came from, or what you've done or what you're looking to do.” — Veronica Arellano [3:06]

“I came here somewhere before I turned 18. And so there is an element of dodging, what I call some of the PTSD that comes from growing up Black in America. I have two young daughters that I see all the time, and it can manifest itself in different ways.” — Yemi Rose [13:49]

“In Jamaica, we've had systems collapse [and] in the 70s, there were a lot of banking failures. You have folks who [were] around for that, not having their cash insured – needing to feel that safety of being able to touch and see your money, and therefore having it under a mattress is a real thing.” — Yemi Rose [22:50]

“I have lots of family that don't trust ATMs.” — Yemi Rose [23:16]

“Rely on all the resources that you have available. [Learn] about the retirement plans at work, the employee benefits, and getting to know your community. I would encourage everyone to do that as soon as they can, because knowledge is power.” — Veronica Arellano [28:45]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Veronica Arellano on LinkedIn

Yemi Rose on LinkedIn

What actually happens when you reach out to a financial coach for the first time? If you’ve ever wondered what to expect from that initial conversation, this episode has you covered! Joining us from Grace Health, Sally Armstrong and Chris Higdon break down the process of connecting with a coach at Financial Finesse, including what’s discussed, how to prepare, and how you can benefit from the personalized guidance, action items, and resources they offer. We also explore common financial strains, the importance of flexibility in financial plans, and the surprising ways that coaching can help you unlock new perspectives and solutions. Tune in today to demystify the process and walk away with a clearer sense of what financial coaching could do for you!

Key points from the episode:

• Insight into the relationship between Financial Finesse and Grace Health.
• The first conversation with a financial coach: what to expect. 
• Common financial strains in today’s workforce.
• Why financial plans should be “written in pencil, not in pen.”
• Personalized guidance, action items, and resources to help you take control of your finances.
• No sales pitch: the perks of not being sold anything.
• Tangible (and sometimes unexpected) outcomes of financial coaching.

Quotes:

“One of my reasons for not calling [a financial coach sooner] is I thought that I would be asked questions I didn't know [the answers to]. I never felt inadequate in talking with anyone from Financial Finesse.” — Chris Higdon [7:07]

“Financial plans should be written in pencil, not in pen because it’s not about making the numbers look good. It’s about building a plan that works and that we can live with.” — Julie Everett [8:30]

“When people think about financial wellness, they think, ‘I don't need help writing a budget,' but they need to realize how many aspects of their life involve finances. There are so many different areas and avenues to your money that [a financial coach] can help you with.” — Sally Armstrong [18:21]

Links mentioned in the episode:

Grace Health

Sally Armstrong on LinkedIn

Chris Higdon on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Our guest today said it best: “It’s important to have your eye on the horizon, financially, but also to have your feet very grounded in the present.” On this episode, we’re joined by Tony from Philly, who has spent the last four years on a coaching journey with Coach Don Edlin. Together, we reflect on their coaching relationship, the importance of recognizing financial misinformation, and how our backgrounds shape our personal money scripts. Tony shares why staying grounded in the present is a key focus in his money management journey and highlights the impactful steps he’s taken with Don’s guidance. We dive into the role of stress in financial decision-making, the power of role modeling in shaping the financial habits of friends and family, and unpack what a good financial plan allows you to accomplish! We also leave listeners with words of encouragement to take control of their own financial futures. If you want to learn more about finding the balance between planning and being present, don't miss this episode! 

Key points from this episode:

• Today’s guest, Tony, shares what prompted him to call the financial coaching line four years ago. His coach, Don, shares what he recalls about that first call.
• Rewind four years: The importance of being aware of the dangerous information out there. 
• How Tony’s background impacted his money script: your money should be working hard.
• Tony delves into his habits and patterns for managing money: grounded in the present. 
• Don shares the journey of his own money script evolution.
• Key actions Tony has implemented over the past four years, inspired by Don’s coaching and support. 
• Tony highlights the most challenging aspect of his journey, so far.
• Don chimes in on Tony’s plans to buy a house.
• How this coaching relationship with Tony has impacted Don over the four years.
• A major topic in coaching: stress and its impact.
• Don’s go-to stress reliever and the mindset that’ll help.
• How role modeling can play in the financial journey of friends or family. 
• Tony’s aspirations and the opportunities he envisions for his future.
• What good financial planning allows you to do (and why it’s best to write it in pencil!).
• Final words of encouragement from Don and Tony to our listeners. 

Quotes:

“It’s extremely valuable, not just from [a financial] aspect, but in a lot of aspects of life, to have an extra set of eyes to take a look and bounce things off of.” — Tony [3:41]

“People have questions, and if they’re not provided a sound, vetted resource to find the answers, they’re going to search it out from anywhere — but there’s just so much dangerous information out there.” — Don Edlin [4:16]

“People are inclined to follow what they want to believe.” — Julie Everett [6:15]

“Your money should work at least as hard as you do!” — Tony [8:31]

“It’s important to have your eye on the horizon [financially], so to speak, but also have your feet very grounded in the present.” — Tony [10:58]

“Financial coaching doesn’t happen in a vacuum, or just once.” — Don Edlin [21:18]

“It’s the [financial] plan that allows you to be spontaneous or to take diversions without wrecking the long-term goals.” — Don Edlin [35:06]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Don Edlin on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

If the tumbling leaves of fall indicate anything let it be this: It’s time to move! 

It’s time to start thinking about what you want in the new year and preparing to achieve those goals. Today’s guest is Majd, an employee who has built a longstanding relationship with Financial Finesse having spoken with 17 coaches since her first call. After explaining why now is the perfect time to start planning for 2025, Majd details her experience of calling Financial Finesse for the very first time, what she thinks of our coaches and the services she receives from us, how working with Financial Finesse broadened her understanding and relationship with money, and her advice for first-timers who are finally ready to call a financial coach. We also unpack the plethora of considerations when moving across state lines, the mistakes many make when changing jobs mid-year, common misconceptions about multi-state tax returns, and the importance of always having a healthy stash tucked away for rainy days. 

Key points from this episode:

• Why it's never too early to plan for your future. 
• What prompted today’s guest, Majd, to call Financial Finesse for the first time. 
• Examining her living circumstances when she made the work move to Atlanta from L.A. and how to approach a big move.
• Common mistakes that people make when changing jobs mid-year. 
• Everyday misconceptions about multi-state tax returns. 
• How working with Financial Finesse has improved Majd’s relationship with money.
• Her thoughts about financial coaching before and after receiving our services. 
• What to consider when deciding between buying and renting when moving to a new city.
• The importance of establishing a healthy emergency fund before a big move. 
• Majd’s advice for making that first call to a financial coach. 

Quotes:

“California does not offer a state tax deduction for contributing to the 529 plan, but Georgia does. So, if you’re going to try to do something and make a contribution, why not have it optimized — from a tax perspective — by taking advantage of the state that does offer good deductions?” — Alesha Isaacs [12:48]

“[Working with Financial Finesse has] changed things in the fact that I know that I have someone that I can trust.” — Majd [14:03]

“[With Financial Finesse] I just feel empowered in the sense that if I need help with something, I know that there’s someone to turn to, and I know there’s someone that’s going to take the time to explain things in a simple way.” — Majd [14:33]

“I don’t want to be driving to places that I think are basic necessities; I want to be able to walk. That’s how I pretty much chose the area [where I live].” — Majd [19:26] 

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Alesha Isaacs on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn 

Submit Your Questions via Email

Financial Finesse

Retirement isn’t just about stepping away from the workforce. It’s about securing your financial future, maintaining peace of mind, and ensuring that you can truly enjoy the next chapter of your life. In today’s episode of Financial Wellness at Work, Financial Finesse coaches Julie Everett and Linda Robertson chat with Jill, a newly retired employee, about why thoughtful retirement planning is a crucial part of financial wellness and how to approach it with confidence. You’ll hear how expert guidance from our coaches helped Jill navigate complex financial decisions, the key financial and emotional factors to consider as you approach retirement, and why it’s essential to have a clear vision of your ideal retired life. We also delve into strategies to “get caught up" on your retirement savings, no matter where you are in your financial journey, and explore activities that can make your retirement more fulfilling. Ready to take control of your retirement? Tune in to start planning for a future you’ll love!

Key points from this episode:

• The multifaceted relationship Jill has had with Financial Finesse over the years.
• Key tips and insights about retirement benefits that Linda has shared with her.
• An overview of Linda’s career journey and what led her to Financial Finesse.
• How Jill has been enjoying her retirement since leaving the workforce on July 31st.
• Essential steps to help you approach retirement with confidence.
• Ways that the expert financial guidance Jill received has transformed her life.
• Important takeaways for someone approaching retirement and tying up loose ends.
• Answering a listener-submitted question about getting “back on track” in your 50s.
• Why it’s never too late to start saving and learn how to live on less.
• Reasons to start exploring the hobbies and activities you'll enjoy in retirement.

Quotes:

“Even though I consider myself a somewhat educated person, I needed a hands-on talking through of my personal scenario to make some important financial decisions.” — Jill [6:52]

“[It’s important to know your lifestyle, health, and] what you’re going to need because the calculators are great but you have to input information into them – You need to take some time and evaluate what you want your retirement life to look like.” — Jill [17:51]

“No matter where you are in your financial life, there are always things you can do to get caught up.” — Linda Robertson [20:11]

“Picking up the phone, having a conversation, working on something continuously with the same person who knows your story and goals, and supplementing it with additional ideas can help [build confidence] that the path you’re on is the right path for you.” — Julie Everett [26:29]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Linda Robertson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Email Us Your Financial Wellness at Work Questions

Danielle’s professional journey is the perfect example of how financial coaching can completely transform one’s life. She is joined today by her financial coach, Doug Spencer. The pair discuss why financial coaching starts at home, why our founder Liz Davidson’s book is the perfect foundation for financial literacy, how their parents have influenced their financial philosophies, and how coaching can enhance one’s overall outlook on finances. We also explore the value of utilizing employer benefits to the fullest, what financial coaching looks like when you do it alone, and some helpful resources to up your financial game. 

Key points from this episode:

• Danielle walks us through her entry into finance. 
• How financial coaching starts at home.
• What we learned from Financial Finesse Founder and CEO, Liz Davidson’s book, What Your Financial Advisor Isn't Telling You. 
• How Doug’s parents influenced his philosophies on personal finance. 
• When and how Danielle first realized the benefits of personal financial coaching; hello Doug.
• How having a coach has changed her overall outlook on finances. 
• Helpful resources for those looking to improve their financial knowledge. 
• Danielle’s financial advice for willing listeners. 
• Therapy and other employer benefits that are often unused and underutilized. 
• Doug’s words of wisdom for the masses. 
• Danielle and Doug share their thoughts on boosting your financial knowledge. 

Quotes from this episode:

“When I was younger – everything that I needed, I had, and there weren’t really things that I wanted for that I didn’t have. So, I was never anxious about money, but I know that my mother was [living] paycheck-to-paycheck, but that was not a stress that I felt.” — Danielle [01:20]

“I had my first IRA when I was 16 years old. I think it had $200 in it. That was where it got started.” — Doug Spencer [11:08]

“[Number] one is live within your means – the second thing is [to] start investing early.” — Danielle [20:24]

“The fact that I’ve put my retirement stuff on autopilot and I’ve put my short-term saving goals on autopilot – it helps me save my willpower for those more difficult daily decisions.” — Doug Spencer [26:38]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Doug Spencer on LinkedIn

Doug Spencer on X

What Your Financial Advisor Isn't Telling You

Money Strong 

Smart Women Finish Rich 

The Motley Fool 

Switch

Julie Everett on LinkedIn 

Email Us Your Questions

Financial Finesse