This week’s podcast delves into the compelling story of a determined group of advocates from Wisconsin. This diverse group, including four teachers, one administrator, and a proactive student, share their multi-year efforts to embed financial literacy in the high school curriculum. Their story not only showcases the power of persistent advocacy and community engagement but also sets a model for similar educational reforms in other states. The episode offers insights into the strategies and personal commitments that drove this significant change.

Daniella Cardona, an undocumented high school student turned Vice President at the Royal Bank of Canada, shares an inspiring journey marked by resilience and an insightful dive into financial literacy. Daniela, who moved from Colombia to the U.S. at a young age, discusses her formative experiences with money, highlighting how early challenges shaped her savvy financial instincts and career trajectory. As the conversation unfolds, Daniela reflects on her path from being a lifeguard to breaking into the competitive world of investment banking, illustrating the significant role mentors played in her development. This episode not only explores Daniela's personal story and professional ascent but also serves as a beacon of motivation for educators and students navigating the complexities of financial education and career exploration.

Rishi, Founder of East Peasy Finance, recounts his early fascination with finance at six years old, and how it led to the creation of Easy Peasy Finance. This platform, where Rishi has produced over 700 videos, aims to demystify finance for kids and beginners through engaging and simplified content. He shares his content creation process, emphasizing the importance of making finance accessible and interesting. Rishi also touches on his entrepreneurial journey, the use of AI in financial education, his published books, and his aspiration to further financial literacy among youth. His dedication to finance, driven by passion rather than the pursuit of virality, showcases the importance of early financial education and the impact of following one's interests with commitment.

Sonia Castelan, a tax professional shares her journey from struggling with personal finances to becoming an expert in tax planning and preparation. Sonia details her transition from a corporate job to running her own tax business, emphasizing the importance of tax planning for entrepreneurs and individuals alike. She offers insights into common tax misconceptions, particularly around tax refunds and business expenses, and stresses the importance of education in navigating the tax system. Sonia's story of leveraging social media to educate and engage with her community, especially the Latino community, highlights her innovative approach to making tax information accessible and understandable. The conversation also touches on the impact of studying sociology on her career, her experiences with prestigious programs like the Cornell Women's Entrepreneurship Program, and the importance of work-life balance. This episode is a rich resource for educators looking to integrate tax education into their curriculum, providing practical insights and strategies for understanding and teaching about taxes.

JL Collins, a prominent figure in the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement, discusses the essence and appeal of financial independence (FI). Collins explains FI as living below one's means to achieve freedom from traditional employment, highlighting its growing popularity due to technological advancements and societal prosperity. He shares insights from his books, emphasizing the power of investing in low-cost index funds and the importance of a community in navigating the journey toward FI. Collins provides practical advice for achieving financial independence, advocating for consistent investment in broad-market index funds and underscoring the necessity of understanding one's investment strategy. Through personal stories and expert advice, the episode inspires listeners to pursue financial independence with informed conviction and community support.

Nadia and Nicole, The Wealth Twins, share their inspiring journey of growing up in a tough neighborhood in Queens, New York, and how they overcame financial struggles to pursue successful careers on Wall Street. They discuss their mission to teach personal finance and wealth-building principles to empower others, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. The conversation covers topics such as savings strategies, investing fundamentals, overcoming financial obstacles, the importance of financial education, and practical tips for teachers to engage students in learning about money management and retirement planning.

In this podcast episode, Val Chapman, a finance professional, discusses mentoring elementary school students in Oakland, California. Val and her students from Franklin Elementary showcase their entrepreneurial ventures, including a comic book business, soap-making enterprise, snack business, investment portfolio, and sewing business. Through their stories, they demonstrate creativity, determination, and teamwork, highlighting the potential of early financial education. As the podcast episode  progresses, Val shares her vision of expanding the program to more schools and stresses the significance of extending financial education to high schools to equip students with vital skills for the future.

Jamila Souffrant, founder of Journey To Launch, joins us on the NGPF Podcast to discuss achieving financial independence. In this episode, Jamila shares her journey from corporate life to financial literacy advocate, offering actionable advice for managing finances, tackling debt, and pursuing financial freedom. Perfect for educators, students, and anyone aiming to improve their financial well-being, this talk is packed with strategies for balancing financial goals with life's joys. Tune in for an inspiring blend of personal stories and practical tips to kickstart your journey to financial empowerment.

This week we are joined by Paul Merriman, a nationally recognized expert on mutual funds, index investing, and asset allocation. In this conversation, Paul talks about investing with a long-term focus on retirement, the vital role of diversification in a healthy portfolio, and the concept of glide paths. Don’t miss out on this valuable conversation that will help you be more confident about Investing. 

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.