In this inspiring episode of the Latin Wealth Podcast, host Chris sits down with financial educator, author, and powerhouse speaker Yanely Espinal, also known as @missbehelpful. Yanely shares her incredible journey growing up in a Dominican household with nine siblings in Brooklyn, NY, to becoming a national voice for financial education and policy change.

Now the Director of Educational Outreach at NextGen Personal Finance and a member of CNBC’s Financial Wellness Council, Yanely breaks down how she overcame credit card debt, why she became passionate about personal finance, and what needs to change in the U.S. education system. She also dives deep into the importance of financial literacy for Latino families, how she launched her YouTube channel, and how she's helping push legislation to require personal finance education in all 50 states by 2030.

We also talk about AI’s role in the future of education, how Latinas can set up their families for generational wealth, and her best-selling book, Mind Your Money.

This is a must-watch for first-gen entrepreneurs, educators, and anyone looking to break generational cycles and build real financial empowerment.

🔗 Grab Yanely’s book: mindyourmoneybook.com
📲 Follow Yanely on Instagram: @missbehelpful
📧 Book Yanely or connect: [email protected]

🎙 Stay locked in with Latin Wealth on all platforms: @latinwealth

Is El Salvador Retreating from Bitcoin? And Who’s the Real “Wolf Warrior” in Latin America?

Welcome back to Wealth Wednesday with the Latin Wealth Podcast. In this episode, we’re diving into two major global stories impacting Latin America: El Salvador’s Bitcoin retreat and the growing power struggle between the U.S. and China in the region.

First, we take a deep look into President Bukele’s historic Bitcoin experiment in El Salvador and why it’s now facing a serious reversal under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Was it a failed experiment, or was the world simply not ready for such a radical move?

Then we shift focus to U.S.-China relations in Latin America—who’s really acting like the “wolf warrior” now?

From Trump’s aggressive foreign policy moves to China’s softer diplomatic tone, Latin America has become a critical battleground for influence.

In this episode, we cover:

- Why El Salvador is scaling back its Bitcoin plans

- The IMF’s role in reshaping crypto policy in Latin America

- China’s changing tone in Latin America

- Trump’s tough talk on Mexico, Colombia, and Panama

- Panama leaving the Belt and Road Initiative

#latinamerica #latinwealth

Moving Back to Puerto Rico: A Journey of Culture, Business, and Opportunity

Welcome back to Wealth Wednesday, where we dive deep into financial freedom, investing, and entrepreneurship—this time with a focus on returning to Puerto Rico. In today’s episode, we break down the real process of moving back to the island, the financial strategies behind it, and why more Puerto Ricans are looking to reinvest in their homeland.

What’s Inside This Episode?

Why Move Back to Puerto Rico?

• The cultural, economic, and personal reasons behind relocating to the island.
• How Puerto Rico is at a pivotal moment in politics, development, and global recognition.
• The push to bring talented professionals back to rebuild the island’s economy.

The Process of Moving to Puerto Rico

• Selling vs. Renting: Why renting first may be the smartest decision.
• Managing properties: How keeping a home in the U.S. can help finance your new life in PR.
• The cost of living differences and what to expect in housing prices, utilities, and daily expenses.

Real Estate and Renting in Puerto Rico

• Which areas are best for relocation? (San Juan, Fajardo, Ponce, etc.)
• How gentrification and rising prices are affecting locals and newcomers.
• Understanding Act 60 and tax incentives—and how it impacts businesses and investments.

Challenges & Unexpected Costs

• The logistics of moving pets, cars, and personal belongings.
• Schooling options for families moving back.

• ⁃ Hidden costs like HOA fees, property taxes, and transportation expenses.

Moving Back to Puerto Rico: A Journey of Culture, Business, and Opportunity

Welcome back to Wealth Wednesday, where we dive deep into financial freedom, investing, and entrepreneurship—this time with a focus on returning to Puerto Rico. In today’s episode, we break down the real process of moving back to the island, the financial strategies behind it, and why more Puerto Ricans are looking to reinvest in their homeland.

What’s Inside This Episode?

Why Move Back to Puerto Rico?

• The cultural, economic, and personal reasons behind relocating to the island.
• How Puerto Rico is at a pivotal moment in politics, development, and global recognition.
• The push to bring talented professionals back to rebuild the island’s economy.

The Process of Moving to Puerto Rico

• Selling vs. Renting: Why renting first may be the smartest decision.
• Managing properties: How keeping a home in the U.S. can help finance your new life in PR.
• The cost of living differences and what to expect in housing prices, utilities, and daily expenses.

Real Estate and Renting in Puerto Rico

• Which areas are best for relocation? (San Juan, Fajardo, Ponce, etc.)
• How gentrification and rising prices are affecting locals and newcomers.
• Understanding Act 60 and tax incentives—and how it impacts businesses and investments.

Challenges & Unexpected Costs

• The logistics of moving pets, cars, and personal belongings.
• Schooling options for families moving back.

• ⁃ Hidden costs like HOA fees, property taxes, and transportation expenses.

Trump Pressured to Make Puerto Rico Independent & Tesla’s Worst Stock Drop in 5 Years

Welcome back to Wealth Wednesday, where we break down the biggest financial, economic, and political headlines impacting the world. In today’s episode, we dive into two major stories:

1. Trump Pressured to Make Puerto Rico Independent to Save $617 Billion

• Reports suggest that Donald Trump is being lobbied to make Puerto Rico an independent nation, with claims that doing so would save American taxpayers $617.8 billion over time.
• A seven-page draft executive order has surfaced, proposing a 21-month transition timeline for Puerto Rico’s independence.
• One major component of the proposal is ending birthright citizenship for Puerto Ricans born after December 31, 2026 while providing a $36 billion per year transition fund for 20 years to support economic self-sufficiency.
• Advocates of Puerto Rican statehood are calling the reports fake, while others argue the U.S. government spends more on Puerto Rico than it receives in economic contributions.

Talking Points

• Is this proposal real or just political noise?
• Would Puerto Rican independence benefit the island or create more economic struggles?
• How much money does Puerto Rico actually contribute to the U.S. economy?
• If this happens, what policies need to be in place to ensure the $36 billion annual fund is properly distributed?
• Would Trump ever agree to this plan, or is this just a distraction from larger political goals?
  

2. Tesla Shares Plunge 15% in Their Worst Drop Since 2020

• Tesla stock crashed 15% on Monday, marking its worst single-day decline in nearly five years.
• This continues a seven-week losing streak, the longest since Tesla’s public debut in 2010.
• Since peaking at $479.86 on December 17, Tesla’s stock has lost over 50% of its value, wiping out $800 billion in market cap.
• The stock’s decline has coincided with CEO Elon Musk’s increasing involvement in the Trump administration, raising questions about whether his political connections are affecting investor confidence.

How Is Musk Handling the Situation?

• Musk acknowledged the difficulty of balancing his businesses and political role, stating he is trying to prevent government waste and fraud from bankrupting the country.
• Meanwhile, his other ventures are struggling:
• His social network X (formerly Twitter) faced multiple outages on Monday.
• SpaceX is investigating two back-to-back explosions during Starship test flights.

What Does This Mean for Tesla’s Future?

• Will Tesla bounce back, or is this the beginning of a long-term decline?
• Is Musk too distracted by his political role to effectively lead his businesses?

• ⁃ Are investors losing confidence in Tesla’s long-term growth?

Moving Back to Puerto Rico: Real Estate, Business, and Lifestyle with “Back to the Island

In this episode, we welcome Tiara and Angel, the founders of the “Back to the Island” YouTube channel. This couple, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to the U.S. before making the life-changing decision to move back to the island three years ago. Through their vlogs, they document their real estate journey, home renovations, and the process of buying property in Puerto Rico.

We dive into:

• Their journey of moving back to PR after living in the U.S.
• What inspired them to return and what they envisioned for their new life.
• Challenges they faced in transitioning back to Puerto Rico.
• Buying their first property and their mindset on investing.
• Starting Prolific Construction, their real estate and construction business in PR.
• Fixing, flipping, and renting properties in Puerto Rico—how they’re building wealth through real estate.
• Why many Puerto Ricans are leaving the island and their thoughts on locals selling their property.
• Seeking peace and building a sustainable life in PR.

Tiara and Angel share valuable insights for anyone considering moving to Puerto Rico, investing in real estate, or starting a business on the island

Moving Back to Puerto Rico: Real Estate, Business, and Lifestyle with “Back to the Island

In this episode, we welcome Tiara and Angel, the founders of the “Back to the Island” YouTube channel. This couple, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to the U.S. before making the life-changing decision to move back to the island three years ago. Through their vlogs, they document their real estate journey, home renovations, and the process of buying property in Puerto Rico.

We dive into:

• Their journey of moving back to PR after living in the U.S.
• What inspired them to return and what they envisioned for their new life.
• Challenges they faced in transitioning back to Puerto Rico.
• Buying their first property and their mindset on investing.
• Starting Prolific Construction, their real estate and construction business in PR.
• Fixing, flipping, and renting properties in Puerto Rico—how they’re building wealth through real estate.
• Why many Puerto Ricans are leaving the island and their thoughts on locals selling their property.
• Seeking peace and building a sustainable life in PR.

Tiara and Angel share valuable insights for anyone considering moving to Puerto Rico, investing in real estate, or starting a business on the island

Trump’s Tariffs: What They Mean for Businesses, Shoppers, and the Economy

Welcome to Wealth Wednesday, where we break down the biggest economic and financial news shaping global markets. In today’s episode, we cover two major developments:

1. Trump’s Tariffs and Their Impact on Businesses and Consumers

• Trump’s long-threatened tariffs have arrived, placing the U.S. in a trade war with China, Canada, and Mexico.
• 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 20% tariff on Chinese goods went into effect this week.
• Experts warn that consumers and businesses will bear the biggest burden, leading to higher prices on everything from cars and appliances to groceries and gasoline.
  

How Will This Impact Everyday Americans?

• Gas prices may rise since Canada is the U.S.’s largest crude oil supplier ($98 billion in 2024).
• Electronics, computers, clothing, and toys from China will be impacted, making everyday tech and essentials more expensive.
• Alcohol prices could increase, affecting tequila and Canadian whiskey imports.
• Grocery costs will go up, with 47% of imported vegetables and 40% of imported fruits coming from Mexico—a 25% tariff on Mexican avocados alone could drive prices even higher.
  

How Are Canada, Mexico, and China Responding?

• China has imposed up to 15% tariffs on key U.S. agricultural exports, including chicken, pork, soy, and beef.
• Canada and Mexico are also retaliating, placing additional taxes on various American goods.
  

Why Is Trump Doing This?

• To pressure trading partners on illegal immigration, fentanyl trafficking, and manufacturing trade imbalances.
• Critics argue there is no quantitative target or milestone for evaluating success, making this a strong-arm approach rather than a measured economic strategy.
  

2. Trump Announces U.S. Crypto Reserve

• President Trump announced the creation of a U.S. Crypto Reserve to boost the digital asset industry.
• His executive order on digital assets prioritizes the responsible growth of cryptocurrencies like ETH, BITC, XRP, SOL, and Cardano.
• Crypto prices surged after the announcement, signaling renewed interest in digital currencies.
  

What This Means for You

• Tariffs could significantly impact the cost of goods and the stock market—businesses and consumers need to prepare.

• ⁃ The crypto market is gaining traction under the new administration—is it time to develop digital asset skills and educate yourself on blockchain opportunities?

Welcome to Wealth Wednesday, where we break down the latest economic and financial moves shaping global markets. In today’s episode, we cover three major developments:

1. Apple’s $500 Billion U.S. Investment
Apple has announced its largest-ever investment in the U.S., pledging $500 billion over the next four years. This includes:

• A new 250,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing factory in Houston, Texas, set to open in 2026.
• 20,000 new jobs primarily in research, software, and AI development.
• Expanding support for American manufacturing and suppliers, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to innovation.
• Apple’s latest iPhone 16E, which will start at $599.
  

Apple’s announcement comes just days after CEO Tim Cook met with President Trump, who has prioritized corporate investment in the U.S. Could this be a strategic move to strengthen Apple's position amid ongoing trade tensions?

2. Gold Prices Near Record Highs
Gold continues to surge, nearing last week’s all-time highs, fueled by:

• Safe-haven demand and economic uncertainty driving investors to gold ETFs.
• Tariff concerns and inflation fears, increasing gold’s appeal.
• Trump’s plan to audit Fort Knox, which holds nearly half of the U.S. Treasury’s gold reserves (over 8,000 tons).
• Gold’s price currently stands at $2,966.70 per ounce, while silver is lagging behind at $32.92 per ounce.
  

As uncertainty in financial markets grows, could gold hit new record highs in 2025?

3. Trump’s $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Visa Program
President Trump has unveiled a new pathway to U.S. residency for the world’s wealthiest individuals. Key details include:

• Wealthy foreigners can apply for a U.S. visa by investing $5 million, granting them a fast-track to citizenship.
• The plan replaces the EB-5 visa, which previously required a $1 million investment in a U.S. business.
• Trump claims the "Gold Card" will attract high-level entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled workers, boosting tax revenue and the economy.
• The program is expected to launch within two weeks.
  

Could this visa program reshape U.S. immigration policy and make America a top destination for wealthy investors?

In today's episode, we cover two major stories that are shaping the business and financial landscape in Latin America and beyond.

First, we examine the controversy surrounding Argentine President Javier Milei and his promotion of a cryptocurrency called $LIBRA. Argentine lawyers have filed fraud complaints against President Milei in criminal court following his social media endorsement of the coin. Initially touted as a means to "encourage economic growth by funding small businesses and startups," $LIBRA skyrocketed to a $4 billion market cap before collapsing and causing millions of dollars in losses for its investors. Despite the collapse, insiders reportedly pocketed nearly $100 million in profits. Milei has taken full responsibility for the debacle, claiming he acted in good faith and was blindsided by scammers. We explore whether this situation is a case of poor due diligence, a miscalculated experiment, or simply playing dumb—drawing comparisons with similar incidents involving other political figures.

In the second segment, we shift our focus to the global hospitality industry. Best Western Hotels is making a bold move by expanding into the Dominican Republic with the new La Estancia, BW Premier Collection, breaking ground in La Romana. Set to welcome guests in 2026, the luxury property will feature over 60 guest rooms along with upscale amenities such as multiple dining and bar options, a gym, pool, outdoor bar, tennis courts, and a rooftop event space. This development is a significant milestone for the Dominican Republic’s tourism sector, further cementing the country's reputation as a premier global travel destination and strengthening the collaboration between the private sector and the state.

Join us as we unpack these stories, analyze their economic and political implications, and discuss what they mean for the future of cryptocurrency and international hospitality.