Money O2

Welcome back to MONEYO2!

If the stock market feels like a confusing blur of charts, headlines, and buzzwords—this episode is for you. Today, I’m joined by Brian Feroldi, a financial educator, former contributor to The Motley Fool, and author of Why Does the Stock Market Go Up?—a book that breaks down investing.Brian believes that investing doesn’t have to be complicated. And in this conversation, he proves it. Whether you’re new to the market or simply want to better understand the terms you hear tossed around in the news (Dow? S&P 500? Bull market?), Brian shares what every long-term investor needs to know—and why understanding just a few simple principles can completely shift how you view money, risk, and building wealth.

In this episode, Brian and I talk about:

• Why most business school grads still don’t understand the stock market (and how he learned the hard way)
• The most powerful advantages individual investors have over Wall Street
• What makes the stock market go up—and what history tells us about its long-term trend
• The difference between speculation and true investing
• How patience, perspective, and simplicity can lead to more confident decisions

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by investing, or you want a clearer picture of how to grow your wealth long-term—this is the episode to start with. Brian is here to demystify the market and remind us that you don’t need to be an expert—you just need to understand a few basics and stick with them.

Thanks so much for tuning in. These conversations are a labor of love, and my hope is that they leave you feeling a little more empowered, curious, and clear. If something in this episode resonated with you,  I’d love to hear what clicked for you in this one—DM me @erinkuhnbhansali or email me at [email protected]

To connect with Brian, visit www.brianferoldi.com, subscribe to his Long-Term Mindset newsletter, or follow him on YouTube and Twitter @BrianFeroldi

See you next time!

Erin

Welcome back to Season 3 of MONEYO2!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Jen Lyles from Beauty School Marketing Group for a powerful conversation about a challenge that’s impacting so many of our beauty and wellness students: financial stress.

A recent Pivot Point study revealed that financial worries are the leading cause of mental and social health challenges among students. Many students are so burdened by financial stress that it either stops them from starting their education or keeps them from finishing. That’s why robust financial literacy programs are now essential for beauty schools.

Jen and I dive into the root causes of student financial instability and share actionable strategies for beauty school administrators. You’ll learn how to address these challenges with empathy while creating effective financial education tailored for beauty students.In this episode, we discuss:

• How financial stress affects student performance, mental health, and school completion rates
• The essential components of an impactful financial literacy program designed specifically for beauty students
• Proven strategies to help students budget, manage debt, and access financial resources
• Tools and partnerships that schools can leverage to provide ongoing financial support
• Unconventional approaches, including flexible schedules and teaching additional income streams, to better support students

This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in beauty education who wants to support students’ financial wellbeing and success.

I’d love to hear what stood out to you! DM me @erinkuhnbhansali or email [email protected]. Your feedback means the world.

To learn more about Jen Lyles and Beauty School Marketing Group, visit BeautySchoolsMarketingGroup.

Thanks for tuning in — see you next time!

Erin

If you or someone you know is carrying debt—or quietly stressed about it—this episode is for you. Today’s guest, Kate Bulger, joins us from Money Management International (MMI), one of the nation’s leading nonprofit credit counseling agencies. Kate has worked in this space for over 20 years, and she’s sounding the alarm on something we all need to pay attention to: the debt crisis is hitting younger generations—and hard.

Kate shares data and stories that hit close to home. From a 9% month-over-month jump in debt counseling requests, to a new “normal” of $30,000 in average unsecured debt, she walks us through what’s happening behind the scenes of today’s economy. And she does it with heart, humility, and a deep commitment to helping people take control of their financial futures.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The emotional and financial toll of unsecured debt (mainly credit cards).

• Why Gen Z and Millennials are now carrying more debt earlier than any other generation before them.

• How to reduce shame and seek support when debt feels overwhelming.

• What MMI does—and why nonprofit financial counseling can be a game-changer.

• The real story behind rising debt levels (especially in months that used to be “quiet”)

• Practical advice for anyone trying to break the cycle and get a fresh start.

This isn’t just a financial episode, it’s a human one. And if you’re someone who works with clients, leads a team, or simply wants to better understand the stress people are quietly carrying—this one matters.

📩 I’d love to hear what resonated with you—DM me on Instagram @erinkuhnbhansali or email me anytime at [email protected]

To learn more about Kate or get support, visit www.moneymanagement.org. MMI is there to help—without judgment.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time.

Erin

Welcome back to MONEYO2!

Today’s guest, Ashlee Piper, knows firsthand what it’s like to be caught in the cycle of spending and stress. Once a fast-paced political strategist with a love for fashion and wellness trends, Ashlee found herself constantly shopping—but feeling increasingly disconnected. 

So she made a radical decision: buy nothing new for a year. What started as a personal challenge became a lifestyle shift, a bestselling book, and a movement that’s reshaping how people think about money, identity, and joy.

In this episode, Ashlee gets real about what happens when you pause the purchasing and start paying attention to what really matters. We talk about:

• Her journey from burnout to intentional living
• Why we shop to soothe, and what we’re actually looking for
• What “enough” looks like in a world that tells us we’re never quite there
• The hidden emotional and financial freedom that comes from consuming less
• How to try the No New Things challenge for yourself—without guilt or shame
• She got out of $20K in consumer debt and saved $36K (without increasing her income!)

Ashlee’s story is smart, funny, and refreshingly honest. If you’ve ever thought about simplifying your life, being more intentional with your money, or just wanted to feel a little less pressure to “keep up”—this episode is your permission slip.

As always, I’d love to hear what you think! DM me on Instagram @erinkuhnbhansali and follow us @moneyo2pod or email me at [email protected]

To connect with Ashlee, check out nntbook.com or follow her on Instagram @ashleepiper.

Thanks for listening—see you next time!

Welcome back to MONEYO2!

Today's episode features Elizabeth Faye, founder of The Vitality Project and Hair Love University, former hairdresser turned healer, trauma-informed life coach, and creator of the industry's first workplace wellness program. In an era of burnout and hustle culture, Elizabeth shares her powerful journey from hustling to the point of health collapse to finding a balanced approach to success and wealth. Her guiding philosophy? "Show me how easy it is" - an experiment that transformed her relationship with money, work, and self-worth. This episode covers essential insights including:

• The difference between using hustle as a tool versus letting it become a lifestyle
• How childhood money trauma creates programming that affects our relationship with money
• Using nervous system regulation and breathwork to create safety around money
• Breaking generational patterns of scarcity mindset
• Why "ease is a state, not a destination" in your wealth journey
• The power of asking different questions to get different results

In this episode, Elizabeth shares her personal story and offers practical guidance for creating success without sacrificing wellbeing - including a guided breathwork meditation to transform your money mindset.

To connect with Elizabeth Faye, visit https://vitalityprojectondemand.com/ or follow her on Instagram @heyelizabethfaye.

Watch her viral TED Talk "Hairdressers Change the World" and look for her upcoming book "Show Me How Easy It Is."

Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Erin

Welcome back to MONEYO2! Today's episode features Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning for Morningstar and author of "How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement."

In a time of market uncertainty, Christine shares practical wisdom for weathering financial storms and making smart retirement decisions. Her guiding philosophy? "First, do no harm" - avoiding emotional decisions that might compromise your long-term financial health.

This episode covers essential strategies including:

• Wisdom on navigating financial turmoil 

• Smart approaches to emergency funds that focus on essential expenses

• Protecting your portfolio against inflation 

• Christine's proven "bucket approach" to retirement planning

• The importance of global diversification (aim for 60% US/40% international)

• Why investing in your "human capital" matters 

Whether you're approaching retirement or decades away, Christine offers level-headed guidance for building financial resilience regardless of market conditions.

To stay connected with Christine Benz, follow her on Morningstar's website where she regularly publishes articles on personal finance and retirement planning, as well as sample investment portfolios. You can also find her books, including "How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement," wherever books are sold.

Thanks for listening, see you next time! 

Erin

Today's conversation is with Kathryn Anne Edwards, a PhD Economist who studies labor markets, public policy, and inequality. She's also an economic policy consultant, as well as the host of the podcast, Optimist Economy. In this episode, Kathryn shares her transformative experience witnessing the 2008 Recession and how this shaped her career trajectory.

The focus of today's episode is education on three key areas that directly or indirectly impact the majority of our listeners' financial and economic livelihoods. In this episode, Kathryn shares her professional perspective on the following topics:

1. Social Security - I personally have spoken with many baby boomers and individuals who are not financially prepared for retirement. Millions of people rely on this as a critical financial safety net. Without it, many could face serious financial hardship in their later years.

2. Department of Education - We work with numerous trade schools, who are small business owners trying to do right by their students. It’s been an incredibly uncertain time for them. I wanted to understand, from an economist's perspective, what shutting down the Department of Education could mean for students, school owners, and educational staff. These changes could dramatically impact career training, financial aid, and the future of technical education that's so vital to our industry.

3. Childcare - A significant portion of our audience consists of working women who face enormous challenges balancing careers and family responsibilities, as well as the cost of childcare. Kathryn discusses not only the problems with our current childcare system but also her predictions for potential solutions. She explains how universal childcare could benefit not just children and mothers, but also providers, businesses, and the economy at large. The economic ripple effects of solving the childcare crisis could be transformative for so many, especially in the beauty and wellness sector.

A note - these issues are an area where politics and finance do collide. This episode is not intended to represent my personal opinions, nor the opinions of my businesses and its representatives. The purpose of this podcast is financial education, and a driver of what we do at Qnity is giving people education and tools to experience greater economic empowerment. The goal of this episode is to learn from Kathryn on the financial and economic implications of current events. The more educated we are about the economy we live in, the better.

Please, send me a DM on instagram @erinkuhnbhansali with your thoughts. What did you think? What did you learn? This is a labor of love, and I genuinely want to hear from you. Don't be shy :). You can also email me at [email protected].

To stay connected with Kathryn Anne Edwards, you can follow her on instagram, listen to her podcast, The Optimist Economy, or you can also subscribe to her newsletter here. 

Thanks for listening, see you next time!

Erin

Welcome back to MONEYO2! If you've ever faced financial challenges, or perhaps you find yourself in one now, this episode is essential listening. Today, I'm joined by Lynnette Khalfani-Cox—renowned financial expert, author of 16 books, former Wall Street Journal reporter, and trusted voice who’s been featured on Dr. Phil, Oprah and is a regular contributor on CNN and other media outlets. 

Lynnette candidly shares her powerful personal journey of resilience, including how she overcame what she calls the "dreaded D's" of financial setbacks. She details her experience battling overwhelming Debt (over $100K in consumer debt and $40K in student loans) and navigating the challenges of Downsizing after an unexpected job loss. Through these personal trials, Lynnette developed practical strategies that anyone can use to rebuild financial stability.

Her latest book, BOUNCE BACK, perfectly captures these lessons and provides a comprehensive roadmap for financial recovery. Get your copy [here].

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where you stand financially today, there's always a path forward. Lynnette's journey proves that with the right mindset and strategies, you can not only recover from financial setbacks but emerge stronger than before.

Thanks so much for listening! 

P.S. I'm now posting show updates on my personal account, @erinkuhnbhansali on instagram. Follow there for more updates. Thanks so much for listening!

Welcome to Season 3 of MONEYO2!

If you are a business owner thinking about how to exit, sell, or transition your business - this episode is for you. Today's guest, April Oury, is an inspiring example of someone who ran a small, service-based business and then was able to ultimately scale it from 2 to 8 locations, and then ultimately exit for a nearly 8-figure exit (which is about $10MM).

April talks about how it ultimately took her realizing she wasn't the best person to run the business, and her finally gaining the courage to bring in outside guidance. There are SO many parallels in this story to beauty and wellness companies here, especially those in our MULTI category and also a story so many visionary founders can relate to - what does it take to step aside and transition when it feels like the BUSINESS part isn't working as well as it could - and the importance of separating the service, or the technical element from the actual business operations. Because on the other side of the fear of admitting it might be time for a change, could be a next act waiting for you even better than you could have imagined. I also ask her, "Would you have been able to exit for this nearly $10MM without stepping aside?" Take a listen to find out her answer. This episode is especially relevant for our small business owner communities, especially those who find themselves asking the question - what does my next act look like?

Now, April is living her next act happily as an angel investor, investing in and guiding other small companies as well as teaching people, especially women, how to learn about business and life through playing POKER.

Follow April: @apriloury

Check out Poker Power: https://pokerpower.com/

Also, If You're Ready for What's Next After Salon Ownership...we're here to help you find the best transition option for your salon or spa. Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 salons actually transition successfully—most simply close their doors, leaving years of hard work and dedication with nothing to show for it. Salon owners pour their heart and soul into building their business, and they deserve to turn those years of dedication into the next chapter of financial freedom. We’re here to provide you the guidance and resources you need to cash out, enjoy the fruits of your years of hard work, and ensure both your team and the next owner are in great hands. If you're looking for support on planning your exit or transition, check out Qnity's upcoming Succession programs. At the time of this episode, we have an amazing group of owners starting in just a couple of weeks to work on their next act with the personalized support of our team beginning at the end of March, 2025.

Don't let your legacy end with closed doors. Click here to learn more.

In this episode, we're joined by Evol Greaves, VP of Engineering at Betterment. Evol shares his powerful journey from financial stress to financial freedom, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their financial situation. Born and raised in Jamaica, Evol moved to the United States at 17 to pursue his education. Despite starting with good saving habits, he found himself $100,000 in student loan debt after college. Evol candidly discusses his struggles with financial anxiety, living paycheck to paycheck, and the pivotal moments that led to his financial transformation and the financial confidence he experiences today. 

In this insightful conversation, we explore:

Evol's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the impact of having supportive influences in your financial journey. Whether you're struggling with student loans, living paycheck to paycheck, or looking to take your finances to the next level, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. I hope you enjoy this conversation, with Evol Greaves!

Curious about Betterment?

Click here to learn about Betterment (for individuals) and here to learn about Betterment at Work (for businesses)

Disclaimer: The Podcast Host, Erin Kuhn Bhansali and her company Qnity, Inc. is a real client of Betterment.