What if annual enrollment wasn’t just another HR task, but an opportunity to give yourself a financial reset—and potentially even a raise? In this episode of Financial Wellness at Work, Julie Everett and Michael Rivera unpack how employees can make the most of their workplace benefits, from capturing the full 401(k) match and choosing the right healthcare coverage to protecting their income and loved ones with insurance. They also explore how small changes to everyday spending, emergency savings, debt, and automation can free up money and create greater financial peace of mind. The takeaway: don’t simply choose the same benefits you had last year, but be intentional, take a fresh look, and put your benefits and paycheck to work for you.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why annual enrollment can be a financial reset—and an opportunity to give yourself a raise.
• Michael’s take on why employees may be leaving money on the table.
• How reviewing everyday expenses can uncover money for savings and financial goals.
• Why prioritizing the full 401(k) employer match matters.
• How to choose healthcare coverage based on your needs—not simply last year’s plan.
• The importance of protecting your income, family, and financial future with the right insurance.
• Why reviewing beneficiaries should be part of your annual enrollment routine.
• How small changes, emergency savings, and automation can reduce financial stress.
• Michael’s advice: pay yourself first, start small, and take action today.

Quotes:

“Benefit selection doesn't have to be complicated, and you don't have to do it by yourself.” — Julie Everett [0:10:53]

“Without Financial Finesse, I wouldn't be where I'm at. I was able to [build] my emergency fund, was able to work on my debt and things like that.” — Michael Rivera [0:13:12]

“I always say pay yourself first. Even if it's a small amount, put a little bit away and you won't even realize it.” — Michael Rivera [0:14:34]

“I would feel that I failed if my colleagues are not retiring with dignity. I want to make sure they're being taken care of, and I'm available for them.” — Michael Rivera [0:15:54]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

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Financial Coach, Julie Everett hosts Ryan Campagna of Sentinel Group to unpack why only 13% of workers feel on track for retirement and nearly half fear outliving their savings. Ryan frames the issue as a readiness crisis driven by plan access, plan design, misconceptions, and lack of confidence, sharing examples of workers misreading Social Security “normal retirement age” and seeking a single “catch-up” investment. 

They discuss best-in-class plan features—auto-enrollment, auto-escalation, QDIA/target date options, disciplined diversification, and re-enrollment to re-default nonparticipants—plus the importance of ongoing education and one-on-one support. 

They also highlight overlooked topics like Social Security, Medicare, HSAs, and Roth contributions, warn against rigid or misleading social-media advice, and emphasize that saving more and taking action now beats waiting for a perfect plan.

00:00 Retirement Reality Check
00:54 Meet Ryan Campagna
02:19 Readiness Crisis Explained
06:08 Auto Features That Work
09:19 Catch Up in Midlife
12:38 Investing Myths and Basics
16:52 Best in Class Plan Design
27:42 Education That Reaches Everyone
35:11 Fixing the System at Work
42:38 Take Action This Week
44:42 Wrap Up and Next Steps

If there’s a secret to managing money, it’s this: the small steps are the strategy. After spending over a decade seen on PBS, helping everyday investors make smarter decisions, award-winning financial analyst Pam Krueger built her own game-changing platform. Wealthramp matches investors with vetted, fee-only fiduciary financial advisors. Join us as Pam explains how time does the heavy lifting when we commit to taking the small steps that move us toward long-term financial security. We unpack building financial literacy from a young age, Pam’s experience launching an investor education television series built around real financial stories, and the critical difference between financial knowledge and financial advice. We also explore what estate planning actually means, the guiding principles every financial advisor should follow, why vetting the people you trust with your money is essential, how AI is helping improve financial education and outcomes, and why managing your finances should always be a collaborative relationship between you and your advisor. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Pam Krueger’s history as a financial analyst, public television host, and Wealthramp founder. 
• The story behind her podcast, Friends Talk Money.
• Key financial advice that is applicable to anyone: get confident. 
• How a step-by-step approach is the solution to every financial problem.
• Where Pam’s journey with financial literacy first began. 
• Why children emulate what their parents do financially rather than what they are taught. 
• Pam’s experience of starting a TV series that ran on over 250 PBS stations to showcase real financial stories.
• The difference between financial knowledge and financial advice.
• What estate planning actually is.
• A guiding principle for financial advisors.
• Why it is so important to vet who you take financial advice from.
• How AI is helping with education and setting people up for success. 
• Why managing your money should be a collaboration with your practitioner. 

Quotes:

“Financial literacy is all about empowering and building wealth, but it’s also about reducing stress.” — Pam Krueger [0:06:14]

“In this world of money, knowledge really is the power — it’s the superpower!” — Pam Krueger [0:06:23]

“A financial advisor is not a transaction. If it’s done properly, and you have the right advisor, it’s your financial decision partner for the rest of your life if you want it.” — Pam Krueger [0:23:45]

“I want people to not reach for help out of fear or out of weakness. I want people to reach out and stop and really take it slow.” — Pam Krueger [0:27:55]

“Understand you’ve got to vet, vet, vet who are you going to listen to that’s going to give you advice.” — Pam Krueger [0:31:11]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Pam Krueger
Pam Krueger on LinkedIn
Pam Krueger on Instagram

Wealthramp
Friends Talk Money Podcast
California Jumpstart
Julie Everett on LinkedIn

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Host Julie Everett is joined by Financial Finesse coach Kari Cedegren and Jenell Koelblin, Site Coordinator - Lane County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), to answer common tax-season questions and outline practical steps to prepare. They explain VITA (IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program as a free tax prep and filing service for lower- and moderate-income households, seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English speakers, and describe volunteer training and certification. The conversation covers when to hire a tax professional (complex situations like rentals, stock options/AMT, multi-state filing), organizing documents, and the impact of changes like no tax on overtime and no tax on tips, plus refundable credits such as the child tax credit and EITC, and Oregon-specific credits including the kicker. They clarify that filing an extension gives more time to file but not to pay, discuss IRS payment plans and safe harbor rules, and emphasize filing even if you can’t pay to avoid penalties.

00:00 Tax Season Kickoff
00:44 Meet the Guests
01:39 VITA Explained
03:55 Who Qualifies
04:51 DIY or Hire Help
07:56 Free Filing Options
09:02 Get Your Docs Ready
09:45 New Tax Changes
12:05 Refundable Credits
16:14 Tips and Gig Work
18:29 Extensions Demystified
20:02 If You Owe Taxes
22:25 VITA Extensions Help
23:09 Key Takeaways Recap
26:00 Final Thoughts
28:54 Wrap Up and Thanks
29:47 Share and Subscribe

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Julie Everett

Kari Cedegren

OSU VITA

File Your Taxes for Free

Free Tax Return Preparation

Growth is rarely a straight line, but for today’s guest, the path has been nothing short of vertical. Through her leadership role as Director of Growth at the U.S. Soccer Federation, Majd Steitieh initiated a huge shift in how soccer operates in the country. During this conversation, we talk about career evolution, organizational impact, and the grit that it takes to get there. Majd also shares how shifting her financial mindset has enabled her to sharpen her focus and take more meaningful ownership of her work. If there’s one thing to take away from this episode, it’s that growth doesn’t happen by accident; it happens by design, and the impact of Majd’s work is a great example of exactly how this works. Tune in to hear more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to our first repeat guest: Majd Steitieh.
• The U.S. Soccer Federation’s mission and what keeps Majd motivated.
• What her day-to-day work looks like and how she is building resources for young people.
• How she sees the work evolving over the next five years.
• Creating opportunities for existing talent who otherwise may not have had access to them.
• The most daunting aspects of working at U.S. Soccer.
• How gaining control over her financial wellness has allowed Majd to shift her focus.
• The power of a financial mindset shift: how it enables you to take ownership over your work.

Quotes:

“Sometimes cost, transportation, and access to clubs are barriers, and so we’ve taken soccer to where the kids already are, which is at school.” — Majd Steitieh [0:02:17]

“What keeps me motivated is that same idea that soccer can genuinely be a force for good.” — Majd Steitieh [0:03:52]

“While the day-to-day varies, the throughline is always the same: listen to the ecosystem, identify where the pathway can be stronger, and then build solutions that make it easier for more people to enter, stay, and grow within the game.” — Majd Steitieh [0:07:58]

“Being financially fit isn’t just about stability, but it’s about unlocking the ability to show up fully in your life and in your work.” — Majd Steitieh [0:15:02]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Majd Steitieh on LinkedIn
U.S. Soccer

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

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What does leadership in financial wellness look like when people need more than the right numbers to make real change? In this International Women’s Month episode, we sit down with Liz Davidson, CEO of Financial Finesse, and Carolyn Fraser, Head of Internal Sales at Ascensus, to discuss the progress women have made in financial services and the responsibility that comes with representation. They unpack why financial wellness is tied to trust, behavior, and accountability, why outcomes matter more than simple metrics, and why the “how” of leadership shapes culture and client relationships. Liz and Carolyn also share insights on authenticity at work, finding environments where you can succeed without fitting into a mold, and the difference between mentorship and sponsorship when you are building a career. Tune in for a motivating discussion about building deeper professional relationships, staying grounded, and creating the kind of support that helps women thrive.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hear how financial wellness is determined by trust and leadership style.
• Discover the significance of the “how” in sales and client relationships.
• Find out how to balance authenticity with adaptation in the workplace.
• Unpack the misconception that women must fit a mold to succeed in finance.
• How to find leaders and workplaces that appreciate your unique gifts and talents.
• Learn about the difference between mentorship and sponsorship.
• What women need to consider when looking for mentorship or sponsorship.
• Investigate whether the financial sector has fully embraced women.
• Why building fewer but deeper relationships is better than traditional networking.
• Explore financial wellness trends in AI, longevity, and personalized experiences.
• Advice that they would give their younger selves, given what they know now.
• Final takeaways and how to build a career through mentorship and sponsorship.

Quotes:

“You are going to be much more successful really embracing who you truly are and what your unique gifts and talents are.” — Liz Davidson [0:11:57]

“The cognitive load of having to constantly feel like you're putting on an act, I think, is exhausting to the person but also very expensive [for] the employer.” — Liz Davidson [0:13:02]

“Who you know is still an important dynamic, I think, maybe now more than ever, and looking for people who can be the mentor [or] the sponsor.” — Carolyn Fraser [0:21:58]

“It’s okay to change your path. You’re not failing if the thing that you thought you were going to do for the rest of your life is not what actually happens.” — Carolyn Fraser [0:29:53]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Carolyn Fraser on LinkedIn

Ascensus

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

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Over the weekend, tensions escalated between Iran, Israel, and the United States and markets are reacting.

In this episode, we step back from the headlines and focus on what actually matters for your financial life.

What happens to oil prices during geopolitical conflict? Could gas and grocery costs rise again? What does short-term volatility really mean for your 401(k)?

More importantly, how should you respond?

We break down the potential ripple effects on inflation, energy markets, and equities. We outline practical steps you can take right now, from reviewing your emergency fund to avoiding panic-based decisions.

Global events may be outside your control.
 Your financial habits are not.

This episode is your reminder to stay steady, stay strategic, and keep your long-term plan intact.

Julie Everett, MBA, CFP® | LinkedIn

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In the finance world, AI can serve as a powerful bridge to scale financial coaching without replacing human connection. Join the conversation today on the Financial Wellness at Work podcast, as Julie Everett and Scott Stark discuss how AI-amplified financial coaching helps employees get the personalized guidance they need. They look at how they’re using AI in both their personal and professional lives, discuss the idea that AI might take the jobs of financial coaches, how Scott is leveraging AI to be a better coach, and the difference between general AI and purpose-built AI. To learn more about how employees can use AI safely, don’t miss out on this insightful episode!  

Key Points From This Episode: 

• How Scott is using AI in both his personal and professional life. 

• They discuss the question: “Will AI take the jobs of financial coaches?” 

• How he is leveraging AI to be a better financial coach. 

• Purpose-built AI: looking at different sources AI pulls from and the importance of terminology. • The difference between general AIs and purpose-built AIs. 

• How employees can use AI safely. 

• The takeaway message from today’s episode. 

Quotes: 

“From my perspective, and the ways that I use [AI], and the ways that I've seen [AI being used],  it is not so much in replacing or eliminating things but in just enhancing them.” — Scott Stark  [0:03:26] 

“[Our AI] gives us a lot more real-time information about what's on people's minds to enable us  to better help them improve their financial wellness.” — Scott Stark [0:10:11] 

“We covered a really hot topic here today, but I think the message for employees and for HR  leaders is pretty simple: that AI is not a replacement for a human connection. It's going to be a  bridge that makes that connection possible at scale and really attainable for everybody.” — Julie  Everett [0:12:49] 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Scott Stark on LinkedIn

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses

Aimee

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The State of Generative AI Adoption in 2025 | St. Louis Fed

The passing of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has brought about a lot of changes for employees, and it’s important to discuss these things as we head into 2026. Joining us to tell you what you need to know about OBBBA are Financial Finesse coaches, Dan Andrews and Stephanie Thomas. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about the new ‘no tax on overtime’ rule, how that will affect an employee’s tax refund, and what the increase in the new standard deduction means for employees. We discuss the increase in the SALT (State and Local Taxes) deduction before talking about how employees should handle the temporary phase-out perk. Finally, we touch on refundable tax credits. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• What the new ‘no tax on overtime’ rule means for employees. 
• A little bit about the new standard deductions. 
• Touching on the increase in the SALT deduction. 
• Why it is important to be aware that the phase-out perk will end. 
• The child tax credit changes and what the refundable tax credit means. 

Quotes:

“Not every financial planner says this, [but you want to] have a little bit [of money] for fun. Because, you know, money is a tool to enjoy your life.” — Dan Andrews [0:05:21]

“There’s actually a new bonus, it’s an additional deduction of $6,000, for seniors who are aged 65 and older – on top of that standard deduction.” — Stephanie Thomas [0:08:58]

“With this new bump up of the state and local taxes going from $10,000 to $40,000 of the capped limit, a lot more people are going to start looking into itemizing their deductions.” — Dan Andrews [0:11:27]

“A refundable [tax] credit can actually be money back in your pocket.” — Stephanie Thomas [0:15:04]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dan Andrews on LinkedIn

Stephanie Thomas on LinkedIn

One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

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Welcome to season five of Financial Wellness at Work! In this episode, we welcome our very own Think Tank director, Greg Ward, and financial coach, Scott Stark, to discuss their takeaways from the EBRI (Employee Benefit Research Institute) Symposium as we head into a new year. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about why this event is so beneficial, what was discussed at the HSA roundtable, how the day started by touching on the affordability issue, and so much more. We delve into what stood out to Scott and Greg from the discussions before touching on the power of efficient education and leveraging technology appropriately. We even talk about what a private letter ruling is! Finally, Greg and Scott talk about how offering employees a choice on how their money is spent improves their benefit satisfaction massively. To hear all this and more, be sure to press play now, and stay tuned for more episodes where we will unpack more about the benefits code! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why the EBRI Symposium is such an amazing and beneficial event. 
• One of the main challenges the industry faces: affordability and retirement saving. 
• What stood out from the event and the importance of auditing as a benefit manager. 
• The importance of education to improve the financial health of the American worker. 
• How technology can help us integrate benefits and provide a personalized experience. 
• The power of offering employees a choice on how money is spent. 

Quotes:

“The affordability issue is going to compete with the ability to save for retirement so if you’re not doing both when you’re younger, – it’s hard to catch up when you’re older.” — Greg Ward [0:05:03]

“There are several things that are needed to improve the financial health of the American worker [and] the first is just the education itself.” — Greg Ward [0:10:06]

“All this choice and all these other efforts that employers are making to support their employees – need some support.” — Scott Stark [0:14:15]

“One in three people [who] have an HSA know little to nothing about it.” — Scott Stark [0:14:27]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Scott Stark on LinkedIn

Greg Ward on LinkedIn

EBRI Symposium

Think Tank

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

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