Financial Wellness at Work

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

If you’re looking to improve your financial well-being, it’s important to understand the impact of your financial attitudes or “money scripts” on your future. In today’s episode, you’ll discover that, with the right support and financial plan in place, you can rewrite these money scripts and take control of your financial destiny! Julie Everett is joined by co-host and financial coach Jim Jacobucci, along with special guest Tom Bekas, a former college athlete, entrepreneur, and Client Services Associate at Financial Finesse. Tom shares how he has leveraged his unlimited access to Financial Finesse’s team of experienced CFP financial coaches, recounting how his first call with Jim helped him challenge the money beliefs that were holding him back. We also explore the power of a financial plan to combat debt and help you achieve your financial goals, as well as how financial coaching has enabled Tom to build a healthier relationship with money. Tuning in, you’ll learn actionable strategies to rewrite your money scripts, create a solid financial plan, and take your next step toward financial freedom!

Key points from this episode:

• An introduction to today’s co-host, Jim Jacobucci, and our guest, Tom Bekas.
• How Tom has taken advantage of the free coaching provided by Financial Finesse.
• When he first learned about personal finance and challenging his “money scripts.” 
• Insight into the relationship that Jim and Tom have built since their first coaching call.
• The importance of having a financial plan in place to combat debt and grow your savings.
• Practical tips to help you regain control of your finances.
• The tangible impact that financial coaching had on Tom’s relationship with money.
• Tom’s shame-free advice for listeners who are experiencing financial stress.
• Jim’s perspective on the emotional toll that money can have on us.

Quotes from this episode:

“Coming up with a budget was huge for me because I had money coming in, but I didn’t really know where it was going. Having a plan in place to know where my money is [and] where it’s going allowed me to have additional money to pay off my credit card debt.” — Tom Bekas [9:07]

“I’m not as emotionally attached to money as I once was. Money comes, money goes, but having a plan and knowing where that money is going when it does come in is super powerful.” — Tom Bekas [13:58]

“Pick up the phone. Make the call. [Financial coaches] are not judging you on the other side. They have actually been through a lot themselves – and they can help you get to a place where you can become financially free.” — Tom Bekas [17:35]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Tom Bekas on LinkedIn

Jim Jacobucci on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Who do you turn to when a financial crisis hits? During this episode, Jennifer joins us to share her story of building a relationship with an expert before finding herself in a time of crisis. Starting with her transition from working in academia to taking on a corporate role, Jennifer shares the highlights of her path to creating more financial security. We touch on the mental health challenges that often accompany periods of financial stress and emphasize the importance of having access to the necessary support at every level. Jennifer offers a candid look at what motivated her to seek out financial advice, and the gratitude she feels for doing so before an unexpected layoff. Join us to hear her story. 

Key points from this episode:

• Welcoming year-long Financial Finesse user, Jennifer, to the podcast.
• What motivated her to reach out in January of 2023 after moving and switching positions.
• Her transition from working in academia to Corporate America.
• Jennifer’s path to buying a house and what she is most excited about.
• What was most beneficial for her about having financial advice during a layoff.
• The menu of benefits available at Jennifer’s current workplace.
• Mental health challenges that often arise because of financial stress. 
• The benefit of having a resource to share with those who are in need.
• Why it is preferable to have an existing relationship with a financial professional when a crisis arises.
• Where Jennifer would have gone if her company did not have a relationship with Financial Finesse.
• What to expect from upcoming episodes.

Quotes:

“The concept that in two years I have been able to move, change roles, financially plan, and buy a townhome that is four times the amount of space I was living in, is bonkers to me.” — Jennifer [4:45]

“Progress doesn’t have to be linear.” — Julie Everett [5:01]

“I think I would have been more paralyzed with fear if I had never talked to [a financial advisor] prior to receiving a layoff or a termination.” — Jennifer [6:41]

“For me, knowing and understanding that if I lost my job I could have six months, I would probably still be panicking, but I wouldn’t necessarily have to, I wouldn’t be out of money, was huge for my mindset.” — Jennifer [7:46]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Julie Everett, CFP® on LinkedIn
Linda Robertson, CFP® on LinkedIn
Employee Benefit Research Institute
Financial Finesse

Welcome back to the Financial Wellness at Work Podcast! Today we are joined by Financial Finesse user, Jonathan Woodward, to discuss the upside of “making the call.” You’ll hear about what inspired Jonathan to make his first call, why he has worked with so many of our financial coaches (and why he keeps coming back), how much his confidence and knowledge have improved, and much more. We go on to discuss what it was like talking to a complete stranger about money before Jonathan encourages listeners to give it a try for themselves. 

Key points from this episode:

• An introduction to today’s guest, Jonathan Woodward. 
• How Jonathon went from studying philosophy to building a career in the tech space. 
• What triggered Jonathan to call Financial Finesse. 
• The financial pearls of wisdom Jonathon has taught his father-in-law. 
• Why it’s so important to know your goals before buying a home. 
• How many financial coaches Jonathan has worked with at Financial Finesse, what it was like, why he keeps coming back, and how his confidence level has improved. 
• How Jonathan felt about discussing money with a complete stranger. 
• Jonathan invites listeners and peers to make their first call with Financial Finesse. 

Quotes from this episode:

“I’m very pro-homeownership, to be clear, but I’m also pro not being stressed out by money.” — Jonathan Woodward [10:41]

“Because money is so taboo, people don’t talk about it.” — Jonathan Woodward [14:32]

“I think it’s really important to think about the upside of making the call [to Financial Finesse].” — Jonathan Woodward [23:04]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Jonathan Woodward

Daniel Andrews on LinkedIn

Julie Everette on LinkedIn

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Trusting your financial coach and being able to have open conversations about anything related to your finances allows you to have a more holistic coaching experience. This is exactly what our guest, Jada Haynes, experienced working with Julie Everett at Financial Finesse. Jada is a postgraduate, first-year student at Harvard Business School and a graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Tune in to hear how Jada’s mom positively influenced her financial journey, setting her up to take things to the next level herself. Jada also shares her thoughts on the idea of “money scripts,” how our culture has made talking about money taboo, and how she balances saving for goals and living for today with budgeting. To hear more about Jada’s conversations with Julie and the next-level financial goals she’s shooting for, listen now. 

Key points from this episode:

• A quick introduction to our hosts and Financial Finesse financial coaches, Julie Everett and Brian Kelly, and our guest, Jada Haynes.
• Why Jada’s mom was so influential in her financial journey.
• Jada’s thoughts on “money scripts” and being financially transparent (in our relationships).
• What money means to Jada: two things she thinks about when it comes to spending her money.
• Fixed and variable costs and how Jada makes budgeting work for her.
• The influence of friendship groups and managing money (and expectations).
• Jada’s ongoing conversations with Julie: getting personal with your financial coach.
• Julie’s experience working with Jada (from a coach’s point of view).
• The Xs and O’s and the psychology of money. 
• Jada elaborates on some financial goals (small, medium, and large) she’s shooting for.
• Where Jada may have turned for guidance if she didn’t have access to Financial Finesse. 
• The importance of trust in the relationship between Jada and her financial coach, Julie.

Quotes from this episode:

“Growing up as a Black American in the U.S.,  money and finances were very important as a means of economic mobility. So I think my mom learned at an early age—to use her financial discipline to build a way out of the south side of Chicago—and climb up the social ladder.” — Jada Haynes [4:14]

“I think because [my mom] really valued the tool of financial success, she passed that on to my sister and me—and ingrained that in us from a lens of money management, budgeting, and saving.” — Jada Haynes [5:06]

“Something that I can see as beneficial for a lot of people that use this service is really about how you can better understand your benefits. I love the fact that Financial Finesse has a strong relationship with my employer, and they understand the intricacies and complexities of the benefits and are able to give me unbiased opinions on what I should be doing and what I should be thinking about.” — Jada Haynes [21:36]

Links mentioned in today’s episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Brian Kelly on LinkedIn

Money Strong: Your Guide to a Life Free of Financial Worries

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

It wasn’t until Lori Zeman made the call to Financial Finesse herself that she truly understood the power of financial coaching. Lori is a Division Vice President at Ascensus, the largest independent recordkeeping services partner in the United States. Ascensus has integrated Financial Finesse to offer our services as an employee benefit and to provide them to every single participant in Ascensus plans. In this episode, we chat with Lori and our very own Senior Financial Coach, Julie Everett, about their respective experiences working together when Lori reached out for financial wellness coaching. We discuss the undeniable ways in which our personal and financial lives are intertwined and how financial coaching can complement financial advice. Tune in to find out how and why Ascensus is bringing financial coaching resources to the masses and to hear Lori’s advice for employers and employees.

Key points from this episode:

• What inspired Lori to call Financial Finesse for a consultation.
• Her experience working with Senior Financial Coach, Julie Everett.
• The value she got from Julie that she couldn’t have gotten from Google or a CPA.
• Julie’s experience coaching Lori.
• The relationship between our personal lives and our finances.
• Ascensus’ mission to reach small companies and close the coverage gap for those in need of retirement plans.
• How Ascensus has integrated Financial Finesse as a firm, and how they’re bringing resources to the masses.
• The distinction between coaching and advice – and how they complement each other.
• Lori’s advice for employers and employees with access to financial coaching resources.

Quotes from this episode:

“You can plan all you want but still things are going to come up within your personal life that were not on the January 1st resolution list.” — Julie Everett [5:40]

“The difference with Julie was, she took the time to really get to know me and my situation, and she made it so relatable.” — Lori Zeman [7:04]

“When it comes to finance, people think it’s black or white, the numbers are or they are not, and it really isn’t like that at all. Our finances are driven by our emotions.” — Julie Everett [10:32]

“Not only do the numbers affect our personal life, but our personal life affects the numbers.” — Julie Everett [11:03]

“Any good financial coach will know when you need advice. And any good advisor will flag when you need financial coaching.” — Liz Davidson [25:24] 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Ascensus

Lori Zeman on LinkedIn

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Managing our finances is one of those things we all need to do, but we rarely are taught. While we all do the best we can, there are times when our lack of education can land us in challenging situations. Today’s guest, Edzen Cortez, was in a great deal of debt before he sought help from a Financial Coach. He was recently featured on a panel at the Employee Benefit Research Institute symposium in Washington DC where he spoke about how achieving financial wellness has increased his bandwidth, both at work and in his personal life. In this episode, he joins us with his Financial Coach Linda Robertson to share his story. Tuning in you’ll hear about the situation he found himself in, what prompted him to seek financial coaching, and how it has radically changed his life. He also talks about how he has managed to work his way out of debt while still being able to enjoy a vacation in Hawaii and adopt a dog. If you, like Edzen, want to live a little bit more carefree and increase your bandwidth, don’t miss this episode! 

Key points from this episode:

• Edzen Cortez’s background and what prompted him to reach out to the financial coaching line.
• The homework Linda gave Edzen to research the amount of debt he was in.
• Where Edzen is today in terms of his finances. 
• Edzen’s recent vacation and how he planned for this responsibly.
• How Edzen thought through the financial responsibilities of getting a dog. 
• The importance of planning for some fun while still staying within the parameters of your budget.
• How things feel differently now for Edzen.
• How Linda and Edzen’s conversations have changed over time. 
• How achieving financial wellness has increased Edzen’s bandwidth both personally and professionally. 
• Linda’s thoughts on the first step for anyone considering financial coaching.

Quotes from this episode:

“I’ve become way more responsible and what Linda [my financial coach] has done for me is cultivate that confidence and given me a couple of steps to think about before just impulse buying.” — Edzen Cortez [08:47]

“I had a budget, I had saved up money, but it was the weirdest thing to go on a real vacation and not stress out about every single dollar being spent.” — Edzen Cortez [13:50]

“To have paid off the credit card debt and the private loans just created so much more space, bandwidth, capacity, and it freed a bunch of my mental strain. It allowed me to really focus in on work, the relationships, becoming a people manager and leader on the team, and turning the page to becoming a proactive problem-solver.” — Edzen Cortez [18:40]

“To have this benefit [of financial coaching] has led to a better quality of life, personally and professionally.” — Edzen Cortez [19:24]

“Just come as you are, bring your true self, be open to answering all the questions your financial coach is going to ask you because some of it is going to be personal.” — Linda Robertson [20:11]

Links mentioned in this episode:

Julie Everett, CFP® on LinkedIn
Linda Robertson, CFP® on LinkedIn
Employee Benefit Research Institute
Financial Finesse