In this episode of Money School, I’m back with the always insightful Prof. Steve Heath, and we go deep into a surprisingly relatable topic — lifestyle creep. We unpack how even small upgrades, like a new phone or a fancy dinner, can silently sabotage your financial goals. Using everything from Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible stunts to Christian Bale’s old truck, we explore how discipline, priorities, and self-awareness are the real keys to building wealth. You’ll learn how to set lifestyle caps, avoid impulse spending, and finally start building toward your version of “F*** You Money.”

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Dr. Megan McCoy, a financial therapist and professor at Kansas State University, for a deep dive into the emotional and psychological roots of our money behaviors. We talk about how childhood memories, relationship dynamics, and money scripts shape our financial decisions, often without us even realizing it. Dr. McCoy opens up about the power of empathy, the importance of having honest conversations about money in relationships and parenting, and how planning finances around shared goals can actually bring people closer. We also explore topics like charitable giving, financial shame, and ways to move from avoidance to intentional wealth-building. This episode is filled with humor, vulnerability, and real-world advice to help you see money not just as dollars and cents, but as a reflection of your dreams, your fears, and your potential to grow.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sat down with the incredible Nishaea Richardson, also known as the Play Money Coach. We went deep into the emotional and mindset side of money — the real stuff that most people avoid talking about. From getting stuck in a cycle of “comfortable misery” to learning how to set powerful financial boundaries, Nishaea shares her journey of going from paycheck-to-paycheck to financial freedom.

We talked about what it means to shift your money mindset, how to stop living for other people’s approval, and why budgeting isn’t a punishment, but a roadmap to a better life. I shared some personal stories too — from Minecraft lessons with my daughter to conversations about saying no to financial vampires. This conversation was honest, funny, emotional, and packed with practical takeaways. If you’re ready to stop just surviving and start thriving financially, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I’m back with the one and only Professor Steve Heath for another round of Money School and this time we’re diving into budgeting. But not the boring kind. Prof. Heath kicks things off with one of the wildest stories I’ve ever heard (yes, it involves a trunk and a concert) to explain how most people handle money: unconsciously, passively, and sometimes disastrously.

We break down the budgeting triangle: money in, money out, and what’s left. Along the way, we talk about mindset shifts, the trap of lifestyle creep, why "50 percent off" can still mean broke, and how to actually use your income to build a life you love. This isn’t just about cutting back. It’s about being intentional, making smart choices, and aligning your spending with your goals. Whether you're a college student, creative, or parent like me, this episode is packed with laughs, real talk, and tools you can use right now.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with financial coach Angie Carlson to explore the tools couples need to overcome money miscommunication, break free from guilt, and build a real financial partnership. Angie and I dive into how childhood money stories shape our behavior as adults, why so many couples feel like they’re rowing in circles, and how to shift from blame to teamwork. Drawing from her personal journey and her Agree & Achieve coaching method, Angie shares powerful, practical advice for navigating financial stress, making decisions together, and building wealth—without shame.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I had an amazing conversation with Chris Harcksen-Lucero, a flight paramedic and financial coach with a really unique story. We talked about how resilience isn't just important in life — it's critical for your finances too. Chris shared how his background in emergency response shaped the way he thinks about money, mindset, and bouncing back from challenges. We dove into how the stories we tell ourselves about money can either hold us back or help us grow, why an abundance mindset is so important, and how facing a little bit of struggle can actually make you financially stronger. This episode is packed with insights and real-world advice for anyone looking to build financial resilience and a stronger future.

What if managing your money felt less like chaos and more like following a GPS?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with financial educator Professor Steve Heath to talk about why so many people feel overwhelmed by money. It is not because we are lazy or careless. It is because no one ever handed us a roadmap.

We dive into everything from my own parenting mishaps (including 45 pages of unnecessary math homework) to powerful real-life analogies about budgeting, credit cards, and even cookies.

Professor Heath shares why time is your biggest financial superpower, how budgeting does not have to be boring, and what actually matters when you are just getting started. Whether you are Gen Z, a stressed-out parent, or just trying to feel more in control of your money, this one is for you.

What if the only thing standing between you and financial freedom… is your mindset?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Derrick Kinney, former financial advisor, author, and founder of the Good Money Framework, to talk about what it really takes to go from middle class to millionaire.

We dive into the mindset shifts that changed Derrick’s life, the power of betting on yourself, how to ask for (and get) a raise, why perfection is the enemy of wealth, and what working moms can teach us all about time and money.

Derrick also shares his 5 step Millionaire Money Map, a system that is helping people everywhere unlock their income potential and tie their money to a deeper sense of purpose.

If you have ever felt stuck or like you are worth more than your current paycheck, this one is for you.

In this first episode of Money School, I sit down with my friend and co-host, Professor Steve Heath, to talk about why we’re starting this journey together. Steve shares his powerful story—from dropping out of school, addiction, and jail time to becoming a successful accounting professor and author of a personal finance textbook. I open up about my own struggles with debt, career setbacks, and the pressure to provide for my family while chasing a dream that hasn’t fully paid off yet.

This isn’t your typical personal finance podcast. We’re not here to preach or judge—we’re here to be honest, tell real stories, and create a space where people can actually learn about money without feeling ashamed. If you've ever felt behind or lost when it comes to finances, you're not alone. This is where we start. Welcome to Money School.

In this powerful episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with David Houston, a Ramsey Preferred financial coach, to unpack the truth about debt, budgeting, and building a strong financial foundation. From his personal stories about student loans and seven-figure debt to my own adventures teaching my daughter about money through chickens and eggs, this conversation is full of heart, humor, and real-life wisdom. Whether you're 18 or 58, David shares practical tools and mindset shifts that can help you reclaim your financial future—one simple step at a time.