Financial Wellness at Work

Welcome back to Financial Wellness at Work! Joining us today is someone with an amazing financial success story, Latoya Pirtle. She has transformed her personal finances by actively seeking out knowledge and working with a Financial Coach. Also joining us today is Julie Everett, Latoya’s coach of one year. Hear the story of how and why Latoya reached out, how Julie helped her think through big decisions and take positive actions, and how the experience has impacted Latoya’s life. Julie also shares what she has learned from Latoya’s laser focus and passion for learning and Latoya shares why she counts calling a coach as one of the best decisions of her life. 

Key points from this episode:

• Insights from today’s guest, Latoya Pirtle, on transforming her personal finances with the help of her Financial Coach, Julie Everett. 
• What Julie learned in the process of coaching Latoya and the similarities that helped the two collaborate so well. 
• What prompted Latoya to reach out to Julie in the first place. 
• Some of the things Julie helped Latoya think through, including navigating the stock market, buying and selling real estate, and planning for her children’s futures.
• A reminder of how useful the prepaid legal option many can select during enrollment can be.
• Why Latoya says working with a coach was one of the best decisions of her life.
• How coaching helped Latoya to maximize the good financial decisions she was already making, accelerating her path to financial freedom and giving her a sense of peace. 
• A pivot Latoya made when she was purchasing her home. 
• Latoya’s advice to take advantage of opportunities and to call a coach if your company provides access.
• The importance of finding a ‘North Star’ that will keep you moving. 

Quotes from this episode:

“It’s a sign of intelligence and character, which is 'strong convictions, weakly held'—meaning you're all in on whatever plans you have, but if new information comes your way, you pivot.” — Liz Davidson [:50]

“[Calling a coach] is definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, especially because I have children. Making that decision for them, becoming educated for myself, and then passing on that information gives them the opportunity to focus on their purpose and goals.” — Latoya Pirtle [6:03]

“Ask yourself, am I being stubborn, or caught up in my own vision of life to the detriment of something that could be even better for me, and do I need to be more open-minded?” — Liz Davidson [17:16]

"Look forward and visualize what you'd like your life to look like. You've got to have some idea of where you're headed because that 'North Star' will help you to keep moving, and you've got to keep moving." — Julie Everett [21:58]

Links mentioned in this episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn 
Liz Davidson on LinkedIn
Financial Finesse

Welcome to another episode of Financial Wellness at Work. Joining us in conversation today is Julie Everett, a financial coach at Financial Finesse. We also have Sarah Kaney here to tell us how Julie helped her to take control of her finances after the tragic loss of her husband to cancer. Hear how having a financial coach she could trust made all the difference in Sarah’s journey, and how Julie’s knowledge and measured approach helped position Sarah to thrive financially, to the extent that she was able to make two small angel investments in businesses she was passionate about. Julie also shares how opening up to Sarah helped her to process her own partner’s diagnosis, and how Julie in turn helped to educate her. 

Key points from this episode:

• Julie Everett, a financial coach with Financial Finesse, and Sarah Heney, who worked with Julie, share a bit about themselves. 
• Sarah’s experience caring for her husband and, eventually, coping with his loss. 
• How Sarah worked with Julie to rebuild her financial life and gain financial confidence.
• How Julie helped Sarah navigate the pressure she felt from others to buy a house and why holding out turned out the be the best option for Sarah. 
• Why it was so helpful for Sarah to have a financial coach she could trust.
• How the duo approached assessing the numbers every time an opportunity arose.
• Sarah’s ability to identify resources that were available to her.
• How Sarah learned to make her money work for her rather than against her.
• The angel investments Sarah was able to make into small, female-run businesses she cared about once she took control of her finances.
• Julie’s experience of sharing her partner’s diagnosis with Sarah and finding support.
• Why women in particular should get educated about financial wellness.

Quotes from this episode:

“It was amazing having you guys as a resource because it was someone that I knew I could trust.” —Sarah Kaney [5:40]

“Sometimes the decisions you don’t make can be as powerful as the ones you do.” — Liz Davidson [6:43]

“I was confused because I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Spending time with Julie, I was able to really have a solid understanding of where I am at. It saved me!” — Sarah Kaney [11:23]

Links mentioned in this episode:

Sarah Kaney on LinkedIn

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

The importance of taking care of our physical and mental health is becoming more widely understood but what isn’t yet being talked about as much is the fact that our financial health is equally important. Today, we are joined once more by Kristina Keck of Woodruff Sawyer, as well as her colleague, Tracey Allen who is currently receiving financial coaching from Financial Finesse’s own Kevin Miller. We'll hear about Tracey’s financial coaching journey from what prompted her to pick up the phone in the first place to where she is now with her financial goals. Kevin joins the conversation to share his side of the story and break down his process of working with Tracey to achieve her goals. 

Key points from this episode:

• Tracey Allen’s personal and professional background.
• What prompted her to seek financial coaching and how she got connected with Kevin Miller at Financial Finesse.
• The difference between a financial coach and a 401(k) provider.
• Tracey’s progress towards her goal of buying a house.
• Kevin breaks down the process of working with Tracey to achieve her goal.
• How best to tackle a financial goal or challenge.
• What prompted Tracey to seek guidance around retirement planning.
• The impossibility of timing the market and what to do instead.
• How Kevin carried out a risk tolerance assessment with Tracey.
• The difference between advice and guidance.
• Tracey’s advice for employees with financial concerns.
• Kevin’s advice for navigating the current market.
• What Tracey has gained from Financial Finesse.

Quotes from this episode:

“For any financial goal or challenge, it’s [about] starting big picture and winnowing down. ” — Liz Davidson [10:22]

“[As coaches we need to] be consistent in the guidance that we’re giving. What’s your risk tolerance? What’s your age, your time horizon, and your thinking beyond just the risk? And don’t think you can time the market.” — Kevin Miller [21:03]

“As an employee, I’m so grateful for the tool because had we not had Financial Finesse available, I don’t know if I would have made those decisions. I probably would have had to do a lot of research on my own. For me, it was just a great resource. It was a no-brainer to call in for help and support. — Tracey Allen [22:53]

“The same way you take care of your physical health and your mental health … you have to take care of your financial health. It’s a no-brainer.” — Liz Davidson [23:24]

Links mentioned in this episode:

Kristina Keck on LinkedIn

Tracey Allen on LinkedIn

Woodruff Sawyer

Kevin Miller on LinkedIn

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Historically, NFL players have been known for their culture of big spending. Joining us today is someone who has affected a major shift in financial wellness amongst his fellow NFL players, and beyond. Carl Nassib is a seven-year veteran of the NFL and today, we find out what inspired him to shift his mindset around finances and make his money work for him with smart planning and off-the-field endeavors, rather than spend it indiscriminately. Carl shares his view on why it’s so important to be a good financial role model, and what true financial success looks like. Financial Finesse’s own Doug Spencer joins the conversation to share his insights into working with professional athletes as a Financial Coach, guiding them out of debt, and helping them to avoid future financial stress. We also touch on what makes Gen Z different from other generations, what they respond to in the workplace, and how they can best find financial independence! Tune in to hear more from the inspiring financial wellness ambassador, Carl Nassib. 

Key points from this episode:

• How the ‘big spending’ culture in the NFL has changed over the years.
• Carl Nassib’s role in affecting this cultural change.
• What inspired him to shift his mindset around finances.
• How Carl is making his money work for him with off-the-field endeavors. 
• Financial Coach Doug Spencer shares his insights into working with professional athletes to optimize their income, manage expenses, and build wealth.
• The importance of having a ‘north star’ when tackling financial planning.
• Doug shares stories of guiding NFL players out of debt.
• How best to set yourself up and avoid future financial stress.
• Why financial wellness is so important and what true financial success looks like.
• The importance of being a good role model, financially.
• Liz celebrates Carl and other NFL players and former players, like Brandon Copeland and Marshawn Lynch, who are known for their commitment to financial wellness. 
• The effects of financial stress on physical performance.
• How employers can engage Gen Z in the workforce.
• How Gen Z is destigmatizing mental and financial health.
• Doug’s advice for Gen Z employees, in terms of financial mindset!

Quotes from this episode: 

“Goalsetting is something athletes do every day and I think that once people set their financial goals and have those in mind constantly every time they make a purchase, every time they invest, it’s psychologically rewarding to make measurable steps towards that goal.” — Carl Nassib [10:21]

“Financial stress spills into every other aspect of your life.” — Carl Nassib [15:22]

“That's what success looks like? Success looks like you're blowing your money every chance you get? That’s not what success looks like. Buying properties over bottles, that’s what success is.” — Carl Nassib [16:27]

[How can employers engage with Gen Z employees?] “Make sure the program is about financial independence and living your best life, and not totally geared at retirement.” — Doug Spencer [22:22]

Links mentioned in this episode:

Doug Spencer on LinkedIn

Carl Nassib on Instagram

Carl Nassib on LinkedIn

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

No matter who we are or where we come from, we all face challenges when it comes to our finances. The goal of this podcast is to break the taboo about money conversations and today, we are joined by Brian Kelly, one of our esteemed Financial Coaches, and his client, Tiffany Brown to share her story. Tiffany has been working with Brian for two years and in that time she has paid off her credit card debt, started an emergency fund, bought a new home, and changed how she thinks about money. In our conversation, we take a look at what it means to have true financial freedom and the factors that influenced Tiffany’s own financial behavioral changes. We find out how Tiffany’s awareness and commitment to her goals have led to her success, and why it’s important to strike a balance when it comes to budgeting. Tune in to hear Tiffany’s financial journey and how you, too, can achieve financial freedom! And remember, you don’t need a comma in your bank balance to seek financial guidance!

Key points from this episode:

• Introducing Financial Coach, Brian Kelly, and his client, Tiffany Brown.
• Tiffany shares her financial story and how she connected with Financial Finesse.
• Her financial picture then and now!
• The positive changes financial coaching has made in her life.
• Brian’s first impression of Tiffany and his experience working with her and getting to know her.
• What true financial freedom is.
• The finance-related lessons Tiffany wishes to impart to her children.
• The effort required to change your thinking around money.
• What influences Tiffany’s financial behavior.
• What has driven Tiffany’s success, as Brian sees it (willingness to do the work, commitment).
• Tiffany’s commitment to her goals.
• The importance of striking a balance and not falling into a mindset of deprivation.
• Tiffany's final words of advice: You don’t need a comma in your bank balance to seek financial advice!

Quotes from this episode: 

"The intent of the podcast is to break through money taboos and get everyone to realize, that we all face challenges with money. Speaking out, sharing what we've gone through, and any advice we may have, to really pay it forward is going to be one of the things that gets us to be a much more financially healthy society." — Liz Davidson [1:19]

“When you have the knowledge, you have so much power, and I did not have the knowledge prior to meeting Brian.” — Tiffany Brown [8:16]

“[Money] is just a resource that will allow you to live a life that you desire.” — Tiffany Brown [9:56]

“Each of us could be so much further financially if we knew that happiness is inward.” — Tiffany Brown [18:02]

“You have to believe that you can have this too. You can be debt-free. You can have an emergency fund.” — Tiffany Brown [29:00]

“You do not need to have a number in the bank that has a comma in it, to seek financial advice … It’s applicable at all income brackets.” — Tiffany Brown [31:10]

Links mentioned in this episode:

Brian Kelly on LinkedIn

Life 101: Financial Literacy

Life 101 on Instagram

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Your host, Liz Davidson, and Kristina Keck, Vice President of Retirement Plan Services at Woodruff Sawyer, are friends, colleagues, and experts in financial wellness coaching delivered as an employee benefit. They’re also borderline obsessed with helping people take control of their financial lives. In episode #1, they are joined by Julie Everett, CFP® and Financial Coach at Financial Finesse, who provides a glimpse into her everyday helping employees transform their financial lives through personalized and ongoing coaching.

Key points from this episode:

• Insight into Julie’s journey to Financial Finesse and why she became a Financial Coach.
• Reducing the stress of financial issues and taking action to change your circumstances.
• Kristina reflects on how Woodruff Sawyer is adjusting post-COVID.
• Why Kristina believes that financial wellness starts at work.
• How your mental and physical health is directly affected by financial stress.
• Surprising Julie with a story of the impact she had on one family’s financial life.
• Key takeaways from this story and what listeners stand to learn from it: identify your plan!
• Kristina shares some tips for finding and leveraging your available resources and benefits.
• Another example of a positive financial change that Julie helped a Financial Finesse user make.   
• What you can look forward to in the Financial Wellness at Work Podcast!

Quotes from this episode: 

“At the end of the day, your financial wellness starts at work because that’s where your paycheck [comes from].” — Kristina Keck [7:17]

“You’ve got to know where you’re going and then you’ve got to know what resources  you have available that are going to help get you there so that you’re not just grinding away like a hamster on a hamster wheel.” — Julie Everett [12:38]

“No one can go through this journey of building the life they want alone and get as far as they can without support.” — Liz Davidson [24:48]

Links mentioned in this episode:

Julie Everett on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse

Kristina Keck on LinkedIn

Woodruff Sawyer

Liz Davidson on LinkedIn

Financial Finesse Financial Coaches work with people from all walks of life and have literally seen it all! They’ve supported employees and participants (and their families) through debt, cash flow, and credit challenges, buying homes, growing their families, marriages and divorces, retirement planning, and more. Through guest interviews, your host Liz Davidson, founder and CEO of Financial Finesse, will share life-changing stories of financial transformations experienced by everyday people who gave financial coaching a try. Financial stress doesn’t exist in a silo – it influences everything, including mental and physical health, relationships, and productivity. We’ll dig into it all.