This week our co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Joanne Danganan—founder of Financial Healing and California Market Manager for Financial Beginnings—to explore how healing our relationship with money begins with finding safe spaces. Joanne shares her personal story as the daughter of Filipino immigrants, her journey into financial education, and why access to this knowledge is a justice issue.

Together, we unpack the cultural shame often tied to money, and the courage it takes to simply start the conversation. From choosing the right people to confide in, to redefining what financial well-being looks like, Joanne reminds us that vulnerability is a strength—and that financial education must be rooted in empathy and inclusion.

Whether you're navigating your own financial healing or creating spaces for others to do the same, this episode is a heartfelt reminder: you deserve to talk about money without fear, shame, or judgment.

Show Notes:

02:35 Joanne's journey into the personal finance field 

07:03 Financial education resources for teachers 

08:26 The "why" behind Financial Healing 

11:24 How to ease financial anxiety

15:06 The Five Money Languages 

21:15 Why fear is the secret weapon to financial freedom

23:47 How to start about money with no shame

25:20 Joanne's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

Instagram: @financialhealing 

Connect with Financial Healing on Linkedin!

Learn more about Financial Healing with Joanne!

Learn more about Financial Beginnings!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

After years of navigating the fast-paced world of actuarial consulting in New York City, Jon Akerman found himself burnt out and unsure of his next step. Instead of staying stuck, Jon embraced uncertainty — relocating to a new state, joining the Florida Army National Guard, and discovering his passion for financial coaching. Now, as a coach with MyBudgetCoach, Jon empowers people to break free from living paycheck to paycheck and take control of their financial futures. In this episode, Jon shares his powerful journey of transformation, his insights on making meaningful financial decisions, and his mission to guide underserved communities toward financial stability. Plus, he reveals why listening — really listening — can be a game-changer in both life and money.

Show Notes: 

02:33 Jon's financial counseling and coaching journey

06:49 What led Jon to the AFC

11:36 Bad money management does not discriminate

13:58 How to make meaningful change in your financial decisions 

16:52 Jon's "why" behind joining MyBudgetCoach

19:50 Jon's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Meet Your Budget Coach: Jon Akerman 

Explore Jon's Website!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Achieving financial independence doesn’t require a six-figure salary — just ask Jackie Koski. In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Jackie Koski, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Certified Financial Planner who achieved financial independence in her 40s — all while earning less than six figures. Jackie shares her inspiring journey of overcoming poverty, divorce, and single motherhood to reach F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early). She breaks down her proven formula for building wealth, the importance of mindset in financial success, and how passing down financial wisdom can create a lasting legacy. Don't miss this empowering conversation filled with practical strategies for achieving financial freedom on your own terms.

Show Notes:

02:18 How Jackie Achieved Financial Independence on Less Than Six Figures

08:37 The Heart Behind "Money Letters to My Daughter"

11:10 Jackie's Proven Blueprint for Achieving F.I.R.E.

14:16 Why Starting Late Could Be Your Greatest Advantage

19:07 Embracing Your Strengths to Unlock Financial Success

23:38 The Unexpected Power of the $2 Bill

28:35 Jackie's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn

Connect with Jackie on IG

Secure your copy of  “Money Letters 2 my Daughter" 

Secure your copy of “F.I.R.E. for Dummies” 

Learn more about Jackie and what she’s up to here.

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with financial coach, author, and educator Ericka Young, AFC, who shares her personal journey of paying off $90,000 in debt and building a career helping families achieve financial freedom.

Ericka discusses the importance of open and honest money conversations, both in relationships and in financial institutions, explaining how trust plays a crucial role in financial success. She also dives into practical strategies for raising financially responsible kids, emphasizing why giving teens ownership over major purchases—like their first car—can set them up for a lifetime of smart money habits.

From workplace financial wellness programs to training future financial coaches, Ericka’s expertise spans across individuals, families, and businesses. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on building trust, taking ownership, and rewriting your financial story!

Show Notes:

02:47 Why seasons of pause & intentionality are vital when surviving the teen years 

07:22 Ericka's journey to the credit union world 

14:26 Your tips & tricks in working with credit unions

16:48 The powerful impact financial wellness programs have in workplace culture

24:59 How to have money chats with your partner

31:22 Ericka's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

Check out Ericka's wesbite! 

Connect with Ericka on Linkedin! 

Connect with Ericka on Instagram! 

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

What does it mean to build true wealth?

 In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with financial planner Justin Chastain, AFC®️ to explore the connection between self-worth and financial success, the emotional impact of money, and the power of authenticity in both personal and professional growth.

Justin shares his personal experiences with grief and how it has shaped his financial philosophy, explaining why wealth is about more than just numbers—it’s about how money influences your life and the lives of those you care about. He also breaks down why patience is essential in building financial security and how leaning into your uniqueness can set you apart in any industry.

Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone looking to improve your financial mindset, this episode is filled with powerful insights on achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on redefining wealth, investing in yourself, and staying true to who you are.

Show Notes:

01:24 Justin's journey into the financial planning space

04:38 The AFC is they key to lifelong learning

07:33 How creating buckets of value influence our financial decisions

14:21 Why leaning into your uniqueness is your superpower

 22:22 The secret behind building wealth for a business 

27:41 What to look for in mentors & coaches

32:24 Justin's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Justin on Linkedin!

Connect with Justin on Instagram!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by Jessica Moorhouse, a leading financial educator, podcast host, and founder of MoorMoney Media Inc. Jessica’s passion for financial literacy started early—she worked her way through university and mastered frugality. But after stepping into the professional world, she realized that budgeting alone wasn’t enough to achieve the life she dreamed of. Determined to learn more, she became an expert in financial planning and building wealth, eventually leaving her marketing career to launch her own financial education company.

Join us as we discuss Jessica’s journey from frugal beginnings to financial empowerment, the importance of recognizing that you are more than money, and practical steps to help you build a life of purpose and abundance. Jessica also shares highlights from her newly released book and offers powerful insights on how to shift your mindset around money and success.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to embrace your full potential—beyond your bank balance.

Show Notes:

02:06 – Jessica’s “Why” for Everything But Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom
04:33 – How Jessica Uncovered Her Own Money Story (and How You Can Too!)
15:08 – Jessica’s Journey to the AFCPE Community
18:17 – Why Getting to the Root of Your Money Story is Your Biggest Strength
20:59 – Jessica’s Two Cents 

Show Note Links: 

IG @jessicaimoorhouse 

YouTube @jessicamoorhouse 

LinkedIn @jessicamoorhouse 

https://jessicamoorhouse.com/book

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In the Season 6 premiere of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by 2025 Board President and our new co-host Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC®️, the powerhouse behind Living Abundantly and Envision 30. As an Accredited Financial Counselor®️, financial coach, and strategic leader, Brandy helps individuals and organizations think from the future to achieve financial success. With a wealth of experience—including her service in the U.S. Air Force, leadership in financial education, and dedication to community building—Brandy brings a unique perspective on how forgiveness plays a crucial role in financial well-being.

Join us as we discuss the power of community, the importance of elevating diverse voices in financial coaching, and how simple steps like storytelling can make planning for the future less intimidating. Brandy’s insights will leave you inspired to take action, forgive financial mistakes, and embrace abundance.

Tune in and take your seat at the table—because we’re all more powerful when we come together.

Show Notes:

2:00 Introducing our new co-host...Dr. Brandy Baxter

2:12 What led Brandy to AFCPE

09:03 Brandy's hope for her presidency

11:43 How serving on the AFCPE Board of Directors has impacted Brandy's journey

15:59 Why the AFC matters

20:02 Looking ahead for the future of Real Money, Real Experts

22:33 Brandy's 2 cents

Show Note Links: 

Connect with Brandy on Linkedin!

Connect with Brandy on Instagram at  @brandys2cents4u

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this special season finale, Rachael and Mary bring you voices of #ExperienceAFCPE2024 attendees directly from the symposium floor. Attendees share their experiences, key takeaways, and advice for financial educators and those entering the field. This compilation of mini-interviews offers unique insights into the world of financial education and the power of shared learning.

This episode is also Mary’s final episode as podcast co-host. After 5 years, Mary is passing the baton to a new co-host – to be announced in the new year. Mary and Rachael reminisce about the good times, the laughter, and look forward to a new chapter in 2025.

Show Notes:
00:02 Welcome to the Season 5 finale of Real Money, Real Experts 
12:32 Switching it up for this year's Symposium Recap 
14:43 Voices of Symposium ft. the AFCPE Community
33:15 Mary's farewell 
36:53 See you in February with Season 6!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this powerful episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sit down with Dr. Michael G. Thomas Jr., a financial empathy expert and lecturer at the University of Georgia, who is changing the way we think about money and wealth. As an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®), Dr. Thomas’s work emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and active listening in financial counseling and planning. We explore his unique philosophy that the journey to financial health is deeply relational—not just about personal gain but about shouldering each other’s burdens and celebrating each other's successes.

Dr. Thomas shares insights from his book, Black Financial Culture: Building Wealth from the Inside Out, and we dive into the impact of brain function on financial behavior and the essential role of data visualization in helping individuals see their financial paths more clearly. Dr. Thomas’s message is clear: we don’t all start or end at the same place, and it's about recognizing our shared struggles and learning how to thrive collectively.

Show Notes:
02:41 A Glimpse Into Michael's Keynote Speech 
07:21 It's Not You, It's the System 
12:22 Digging into Michael's book "Black Financial Culture"
17:58 Unpacking cultural norms
22:18 The importance of genuine connection 
27:13 Why the AFCPE Symposium is a constant 
29:58 Michael's 2 Cents 

Show Note Links:
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/moneyandwellness/
Twitter @Modomsolutions
Instagram @modomsolutions
Tik Tok @modomsolutions

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we tackle the evolving world of financial fraud and how we can break the cycle of shame that often keeps victims silent. In this exclusive sneak peek of their keynote session at this year’s symposium, Lori Schock, Director of the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, and Robert Mascio, Director of Investor Education Outreach at FINRA, share compelling stories of today’s most sophisticated scams such as AI-driven impersonation schemes. Lori and Robert explain how fraudsters exploit trust and emotion, and why it's crucial to have open conversations about these tactics. By discussing fraud openly, we can empower victims, protect ourselves, and make more informed decisions. 

Don’t miss this insightful preview into the strategies you can use to safeguard against these evolving threats. 

Show Notes:
02:50 What is the SEC? 
04:08 What is FINRA? 
05:56 Lori's career path to the SEC
08:59 Robert's career path to FINRA
11:30 How the financial fraud landscape has changed 
12:30 The rise of technology has impacted the financial fraud landscape 
16:26 How to spot an impersonation scam
18:11 Resources to protect yourself against financial scams
20:02 Why conversations are vital to break the guilt & shame victims experience
22:36 Lori's 2 cents
24:51 Robert's 2 cents

Show Note Links:
SEC Website
Investor.gov 
FINRA's BrokerCheck
FINRA’s Website
Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website
Help for Seniors Website
Help for Seniors phoneline: 844-574-3577
Investor.gov phoneline: 1-800-732-0330
Robert Mascio's Linkedin

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.