NGPF Podcast

Zoe Saunders from Marketplace by American Public Media delves into her journey on "Financially Inclined," a podcast tailored for high school audiences that merges financial literacy with engaging storytelling. Zoe shares her experiences from producing "This Is Uncomfortable" and the discussing the importance of breaking financial taboos and empowering youth with practical financial knowledge. The episode offers a glimpse into the creative process behind podcasting, with a special focus on an episode featuring tax accountant Duke Moore, showcasing how even complex financial topics can be made accessible and entertaining. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of finance, education, and media, promising to inspire and empower both educators and students.

Ron Lieber, a renowned New York Times columnist and author of "The Price You Pay for College," joins us on the NGPF Podcast to explore the evolving landscape of college finance, particularly focusing on the significant changes to the FAFSA process. With personal stakes in the game as he prepares to send his own child off to college, Ron provides an insider's look at the implications of these changes for families navigating college affordability. This episode delves into the complexities of financial aid, the impact of FAFSA simplification, and strategies for educators and families to effectively manage these challenges. Engage with us for a critical discussion on financial literacy, college planning, and Ron's advocacy for making informed financial decisions in the context of higher education.

Gordon Stein, author of "The Cashflow Cookbook", shares his journey from encountering a financial crisis at a senior position in his 40s to developing smart money-saving strategies without compromising lifestyle. His book, inspired by a unique blend of personal experiences and extensive reading, offers unconventional yet practical advice on financial management. Stein's approach, which focuses on optimizing rather than cutting expenses, is particularly compelling. He discusses everything from minor everyday savings to major financial decisions, providing insights into smart consumerism and the psychology of money. Whether it's negotiating cell phone bills or understanding the impact of credit scores, Stein's hacks are geared towards achieving financial wellness without sacrificing the joys of life. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to enhance their financial literacy and cultivate long-term, sustainable money habits.

Jason Brown, author of "IT IS POSSIBLE!: How I Earned Two Debt-Free Degrees...and How You Can, Too," discusses the student loan debt crisis. The conversation delves into various topics, including the historical context of the crisis, its connection to the Space Race, the escalating costs of college, and the vital role of financial literacy education. Jason Brown shares his journey and insights on navigating college expenses without succumbing to student loan debt. He explores practical tips for managing student loans, such as seeking scholarships, working during college, and taking advantage of employer tuition reimbursement programs. Overall, there is an emphasis on the need for a holistic understanding of education and career paths beyond traditional college routes to empower the next generation in making informed financial decisions.

Sheila Bair, former chair of the FDIC, discusses her career path, including her background as a civil rights attorney and her transition into financial services. Bair emphasizes the need for students to make informed choices about their education and careers, noting the potential income limitations associated with certain degrees. She advocates for a balanced approach, combining financial education with consumer protection regulations. The conversation delves into Bair's efforts to engage students through her children's book series, "Money Tales," offering tips for teachers to boost classroom engagement in financial topics. She underscores the importance of understanding banking systems, interest rates, and long-term financial choices. The discussion concludes with insights into Bair's passion for children's literature and her commitment to providing resources and opportunities for financial education, including free book readings for schools.

Jim Wasserman shares his journey from law to teaching economics and media literacy. Initially drawn to teaching to prevent problems rather than just solving them, Wasserman discusses his approach to making economics relatable to students, moving beyond traditional textbook examples. He delves into his experience in consumer economics, highlighting the importance of decision-making skills in both financial and digital realms. Jim, along with his wife, a retired banker, authored a three-book series aimed at different educational levels, focusing on the 'rules of the game' in consumer economics and media literacy. The discussion also explores the challenges of navigating the online world, especially for younger generations, emphasizing the need for educators to stay updated with internet trends. Jim stresses the importance of teaching self-reflection, awareness of online manipulation, and personal responsibility in the digital age, reflecting on the impact of curated online lives on self-image and choices.

John Pelletier, Director of the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College, delves into the current state of financial education in the United States, centering on Pelletier's recent research report that evaluates states based on their personal finance education policies. The discussion underscores the positive strides made by several states, with seven now earning an A grade, while highlighting the potential underestimation of progress as more states are in the process of implementing favorable laws. The bipartisan support for financial education, reflected in overwhelming approval of related bills, is noted, with Pelletier attributing accelerated legislation post-COVID to lawmakers recognizing constituents' financial struggles.The conversation also covers the economic benefits of financial literacy, ongoing initiatives to improve education in various states, and the influence of Pelletier's annual report on shaping state policies.

In this podcast episode, Daniel Hiebert, Associate Professor of Financial Planning at Minnesota State University, and his student Aidan Ryan discuss core financial planning principles, effective teaching strategies, and Aidan's unique perspective. Both share personal money memories, emphasizing experiences with savings accounts and challenges tied to family finances. Daniel underscores the experiential education focus in their CFP Board-certified program, aiming to graduate well-rounded candidates. The dialogue delves into the evolving financial planning landscape, discussing collaborative client-planner relationships and concluding with insights into the fiduciary standard and the importance of trust in client-advisor relationships.

Priscilla Guerra of Impact Early College High School (Baytown, TX) and Yra Climaco of Castiac High School (Castiac, CA) joins us on the NGPF Podcast as the National Grand Prize Winners of the 2023 Payback Challenge. Both winners discuss their lessons from playing Payback, emphasizing the importance of education, work-life balance, and financial consciousness in college. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with these exceptional students!

Rachel Labi, a student at Purdue University, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of Building Financial Freedom, shares her journey through personal finance education, internships, and social entrepreneurship.