GreenPath Real Stories

Today’s guest is Crystal L. Gunn, a financial strategist with a mission to empower people to transform their relationship with money. Crystal helps clients shift their mindset, heal financial traumas, and set new expectations and standards for their financial lives. 

In this conversation, GreenPath guest host Dai-Jaya interviews her mentor Crystal, who opens up about her own financial struggles and the insights she gained along the way—knowledge she now uses to guide and uplift others. 

To learn more about Crystal and her work, visit www.crystalgunn.com. 

2:18 After Crystal introduces herself, our guest host Dai-Jaya talks about the difference that Crystal has made in her financial life. 

5:12 Crystal shares her experience with money growing up. 

7:00 She discusses her financial struggles around a divorce and business that was no longer viable. 

14:20 She highlights a projected statistic that inspires how she leads her life, financially and otherwise. 

16:35 Crystal recalls when she left her full-time job to focus on her financial literacy nonprofit.   

25:23 She talks about her own surprise in becoming a financial strategist. 

29:16 She explains how she became an expert in personal finance. 

33:21 Crystal considers how we might bring conversations about money into the open. 

38:42 She offers advice for how one might tackle financial concerns without spending money. 

45:15 Our co-hosts reflect on Crystal’s theme around generational wealth. 

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

Meet Juan: a resilient first-generation immigrant from Honduras whose early relationship with finance might sound familiar to some. Growing up in a family that feared spending money, he learned early on to avoid financial products, including credit cards.

Juan yearned for a career in acting, but when he graduated college, his dreams were abruptly halted by the pandemic. As a result, he found himself at a crossroads.

Although his income was limited and his cost of living was high, Juan became a dedicated learner, soaking up valuable money concepts. His newfound wisdom empowered him to take control of his finances and pivot toward a career as a financial coach. You can learn more about Juan at www.linkedin.com/in/juan-valeriano.

Our episode spotlights Juan’s story and the applicable money tips he’s gathered along the way.

2:48 Juan shares how his family’s immigration experience shaped his beliefs around money.

7:39 As a graduate in the pandemic, he uses this opportunity to educate himself about money.

11:51 Juan shares what he has learned about high-yield savings accounts.

15:01 He outlines the basics of Roth IRAs.

21:26 He encourages listeners to approach a credit card as an upgraded debit card.

25:05 He is inspired to share his financial wisdom with friends and family.

26:48 Juan receives a formal education on financial coaching through his work at the Financial Gym.

27:56 He launches his own financial coaching business, the Wealth Wellness Studio.

35:19 Juan offers insights from his journey as an entrepreneur.

37:47 He shares tips on investing and financial habits and how to budget for your desired lifestyle.

44:27 Juan gives advice for his younger self and encourages listeners to take risks and get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

48:38 Our co-hosts reflect on Juan’s theme around fear and money.

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

Meet Ben, a man faced with many crossroads on his financial journey. Reflecting on his early work experience as a commercial fisherman, his struggles with debt during his first marriage, and the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy, Ben learned about money management like so many of us have: the hard way.

Despite using various tools to manage his cash flow, debt remained a barrier. Emphasizing his analytical approach to challenges, Ben explored debt settlement, consolidation loans, and finally GreenPath where a phone call would bring renewed optimism. His regrets—as well as his insights —are worth a listen for anyone navigating similar challenges.

1:25 Ben details his experience with money growing up.

4:58 He discusses how he struggled with debt in his first marriage.

6:26 He shares what he learned going through bankruptcy.

9:05 He talks about the tools he uses to manage his cash flow.

13:39 After Ben’s debt accumulates again, he uses a debt settlement service.

16:03 When his debt creeps up a decade later, he explores a debt consolidation loan and eventually starts a Debt Management Program with GreenPath.

19:53 He talks about his approach to doing a debt snowball versus a debt avalanche.

22:10 He recalls his experience interacting with GreenPath.

27:03 Ben describes his sacrifice in living without a car to support his budget.

32:20 He recounts how he retrained himself to change his spending and credit habits.

36:43 He regrets using cash advances to make a down payment on the land he purchased.

40:05 He discusses his financial goals such as home ownership and buying a car.

GreenPath Financial Service

GreenPath is a 60-year trusted national nonprofit, learn how GreenPath’s Debt Management Program can help you pay off your debt in 3-5 years, while helping you develop sound financial literacy.

A recent survey finding from the American Psychological Association (APA) unlikely to surprise you: 64% of Americans report money as a significant source of stress in their lives. Today’s episode explores this connection between mental health and finance with a live panel discussion on tips, challenges, and resources when it comes to nurturing our well-being.

Our panel features former Real $tories guests: GreenPath clients and their own journeys of improving their mental and financial health.

2:56 Cohosts Chris and Shamica share their own mental health struggles around navigating a divorce and student loans, respectively.

6:50 Was there an experience with money growing up that shaped your psyche around money?

14:14 How did you notice your mental health being affected when you were struggling with your debt?

17:26 How did you get to a place where you were ready to ask for support for your money concerns?

24:05 Have you had an anxious client who left your coaching session more at ease? How do you help foster that transformation?

28:26 What is your recollection of your first counseling experience?

34:57 What is your favorite free self-care activity?