What do financial counseling, professional wrestling, and Hugh Jackman all have in common? 

Human connection. 

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with international keynote speaker, author, and broadcaster Riaz Meghji to talk about why every conversation counts. With over 10,000 interviews under his belt—from celebrities to changemakers—Riaz has seen firsthand the power of meaningful dialogue. He shares how valuable vulnerability, curiosity over correction, and a beginner’s mindset can strengthen relationships and transform the way we connect with clients. We also explore the role of storytelling in financial counseling, why human connection matters more than ever in an age of polarization, and how financial professionals can make every conversation extraordinary.

Show Notes: 

02:00 The Fun Fact That Started It All

05:26 From Finance to Human Connection

08:12 Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset

10:21 The Power of Co-Creation

14:21 Value-Added Vulnerability

23:25 Vulnerability vs. Oversharing

24:14 Riaz's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Riaz on Linkedin!

Connect with Riaz on Instagram!

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In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with financial therapist, author, and AFC®, Rahkim Sabree, to explore the complex and deeply human realities of financial trauma.

Rahkim breaks down the six sources of financial trauma, from generational cycles and workplace dynamics to systemic barriers and societal expectations. He shares how financial professionals can adopt a trauma-informed lens, why empathy and language are essential in client interactions, and the importance of shifting from shame-based approaches to healing-centered ones.

The conversation also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look into Rahkim’s upcoming book Overcoming Financial Trauma (Wiley, 2025). He reflects on how writing the book transformed his own money story, the healing he’s found in revisiting his past, and why the theme of healing will anchor his keynote at the AFCPE 2025 Symposium.

Whether you’re a financial professional, a community leader, or someone working to redefine your own relationship with money, this episode will leave you with tools, language, and hope to build a healthier, more compassionate approach to financial wellness.

Show Notes: 

01:56 Get To Know Rahkim 

02:25 Defining financial trauma

06:29 Who is impacted by financial trauma? 

10:11 Becoming trauma-informed vs. trauma-responsive

24:10 The power of personal stories in healing

34:42 Empathy, bias, and client relationships

35:38 Looking ahead to Rahkim’s keynote at AFCPE Symposium

37:14 Rahkim's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Read Rahkim's Forbes Article!

Connect with Rahkim on Linkedin! 

Connect with Rahkim on Instagram! 

Connect with Rahkim on Twitter! 

Visit Rahkim's website! 

Explore Rahkim's substack! 

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!

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On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Dr. Jacquie Carroll—educator, researcher, speaker, and Accredited Financial Counselor®—to talk about the power of the pivot.

Jacquie shares her non-linear career journey, from higher education and HR to financial counseling and now launching her own legacy project, GameKraft, a financial education game designed to help people learn in engaging, accessible ways.

Together, they explore:

1. Why pivots—both planned and unexpected—are essential to personal and professional growth.
2. How AFCs can prepare clients for an ever-changing workforce.
3. The importance of leaning into community, mentorship, and side hustles.
4. Why success isn’t about a straight path, but about being ready when preparation meets opportunity.

Whether you’re considering a career change, supporting clients through transitions, or just need inspiration to embrace the unexpected, this conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical takeaways.

Show Notes: 

2:15 Jacquie’s Early Career

6:40 Discovering Financial Counseling 

12:05 Embracing Career Pivots 

18:20 Building Community & Connection 

24:45 The Birth of GameKraft 

32:10 Legacy & Impact 

38:00 Jacquie's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Learn more about Jacquie's journey!

Connect with Jacquie on Linkedin!

Learn about GameKraft!

Jacquie's favorite resources!

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 Michelle Smoley, AFC®, a seasoned financial counselor with over two decades of experience guiding families through the higher education journey. Michelle shares her expertise in helping clients navigate student loans, financial aid, and the often-complex decision-making process around college financing.

From strategies for saving and borrowing wisely to addressing common misconceptions about financial aid, Michelle provides actionable insights for financial counselors and planners working with clients of all ages.

Whether you’re counseling parents, students, or young adults preparing for college, this episode equips financial professionals with the knowledge and tools to provide informed, practical guidance. 

Show Notes: 

00:00 Welcome to Real Money, Real Experts

06:31 Michelle’s Journey into Financial Counseling

13:01 Key Trends in College Financing

23:01 Common Misconceptions About College Costs

30:01 Early Financial Education for Young Adults

53:31 Michelle’s 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

T. Rowe Price’s 12th Annual Parents, Kids, & Money Survey

Michelle's favorite Private Lendor platform

Find an AFC 

Connect with Michelle on 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.

In this inspiring episode, Rachael and Brandy sit down with Weslia Echols and Willa Williams—better known as your favorite financial aunties. As co-founders of Trinity Financial Coaching and co-hosts of Wealth and Wisdom Together, they guide Christian professional women toward financial fulfillment through their signature Five Milestones framework. Wes and Willa share how their friendship blossomed into a thriving business, the importance of aligning money with values, and why meeting clients with empathy and without judgment is essential for lasting change.

Show Notes: 

00:00 Meet Weslia & Willa, your “financial aunties”

02:54 How they met and the five-year goal that came true

05:11 From student to business partner

07:26 The Five Milestones of Financial Fulfillment explained

09:53 What it’s like to run a business with your best friend

15:22 Becoming AFCs and the value of community

16:52 Navigating the intersection of faith and finances

20:43 Weslia & Willa’s 2 cents

Show Note Links:

Learn more about Trinity Financial Coaching!

Connect with Weslia & Willa on Instagram! 

Connect with Weslia & Willa on Youtube!

Connect with Weslia & Willa on Facebook!

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 Derek Brainard, Director of Financial Education at AccessLex Institute, who shares how his background as a Navy trumpet player shaped his unique, down-to-earth approach to personal finance. From managing student loans to navigating economic uncertainty and the rise of AI, Derek offers insights for financial professionals looking to better support clients in a rapidly changing world. Tune in as we explore the importance of breaking down complexity into bite-sized steps, centering life goals in financial conversations, and staying curious as lifelong learners. Whether you're a seasoned AFC or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical wisdom — and a whole lot of #MoneyNerd energy.

Show Notes: 

01:30 Derek’s Journey: From Navy Musician to Financial Educator

05:00 Learning Through Struggle: Debt, Discovery, and AFCPE

08:30 Financial Fulfillment and Why Language Matters

12:00 Helping Clients Get Unstuck Through Bite-Sized Wins

15:00 The Coach Mindset: Listening, Not Just Advising

18:30 AI, Technology, and the Human Advantage

22:00 Student Loans and Economic Uncertainty: Meeting the Moment

26:00 Building the Toolkit: How Financial Pros Can Keep Growing

30:00 Derek's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

 Connect with Derek on Linkedin!

 Free 30-minute financial coaching service! 

 Check out AccessLex Tools & Resources! 

Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear 

Home | Federal Student Aid 

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 Dr. Jessica Limbrick, an Accredited Financial Counselor®, researcher, and Assistant Professor at Nevada State University — and yes, she’s also the woman who throws full-blown birthday parties for 59½.

Jessica shares how her early fascination with personal finance, her own lived experiences, and a pivotal poverty simulation shaped her teaching philosophy. She talks about using metaphors, milestones, and empathy to bring financial concepts to life for her students — many of whom are working full-time or caring for families while attending college.

We explore her research on college students' shifting views on poverty, the intersection of wealth and perceived intelligence, and how educators and counselors alike can better serve clients across income levels. Plus, we talk AI, crypto, and why she believes everyone should embrace their own “experiment number” à la Lilo & Stitch.

This conversation will leave you thinking differently about the role of educators, the weight of financial systems, and the power of meeting people where they are — whether they’re clients, students, or simply fellow humans navigating life.

Show Notes: 

00:51 How personal finance shaped Jessica's path 

05:41 Jessica's why 

08:03 Why educators need to utilize creativity with financial education

13:43 The future of AI & crypto in financial planning

17:20 Poverty simulation & impact on her research

30:08 Jessica's 2 cents

Show Note Links: 

Connect with Jessica on Instagram!

Connect with Jessica on Linkedin!

*The link below will ask for a donation. Please note this site is not affiliated with AFCPE. 

https://playspent.org/ 

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 Dr. Brandon Shurn, AFC®️—a mental health counselor, counselor educator, accredited financial counselor, and certified personal trainer—who brings a truly holistic perspective to financial wellness.

Dr. Shurn walks us through his journey from traditional mental health counseling to founding his private practice, Empower Me Holistic Counseling. He shares how financial health, physical health, and mental well-being are deeply interconnected—and how professionals can support clients by addressing the full picture.

We discuss how to help clients break free from generational money scripts, how to define your ideal client in private practice, and why time is one of our most powerful yet underutilized resources.

Show Notes: 

03:25 Brandon's journey into financial wellness

08:37 How money scripts shape behavior—and how to reframe them

12:55 Breaking generational cycles through financial empowerment

18:32 Why your ideal client matters 

21:29 Knowing your audience = more effective client attraction 

23:40 Why time is a tool, not a barrier 

25:32 Brandon's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Brandon on Linkedin!

Learn more about Empower Me Holistic Counseling!

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 if we trained financial planners by starting with the client — not the textbook?

Hannah Moore, CFP®️, has spent her entire career asking that question and building a better answer. As the founder of Amplified Planning and the visionary behind The Externship — an immersive, 8-week program for aspiring planners — Hannah is on a mission to reshape how financial professionals are trained. Instead of focusing solely on technical knowledge, she’s created an approach rooted in empathy, lived experiences, and real-world client interactions.

In this episode, Hannah shares how she’s flipping the script on financial education by leading with humanity. We dive into why it’s so important to see clients as people, not just portfolios, and what it really takes to prepare planners to show up with both confidence and compassion. She opens up about building a business that’s changing the industry, raising three young kids, and why letting go of perfection has become a powerful part of her leadership journey. If you’re ready to rethink the future of financial planning, this conversation is a must.

Show Notes: 

02:49 Hannah's Journey Into the Financial Planning World

05:35 Exploring The Externship: Purpose and Impact

11:25 The Power of Collaboration: AFC® and CFP® Working Together

15:04 Leading with Empathy: The Human Side of Financial Planning

25:21 Real-Life Reflections: Navigating Motherhood and Community Support

30:07 Hannah's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Hannah on Linkedin! 

Connect with Amplified Planning on Linkedin! 

Learn more about the Externship!  

Subscribe to Amplified Planning!  

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, we’re joined by Glen Cone, AFC®, a seasoned financial counselor with more than 15 years of experience serving individuals in estate and end-of-life planning. Glen shares insights from his personal and professional journey—including his work as a counselor for the VBBP program and Magellan Health—and invites us to explore the concept of Generation Preservation: the intentional act of documenting and preserving personal and financial legacies for future generations.

From demystifying estate transitions to understanding the emotional weight clients carry as they age, Glen provides practical guidance for AFC® professionals supporting clients through some of life’s most complex financial and personal decisions. He also reflects on the importance of storytelling, values, and why preserving what matters most goes far beyond financial assets.

Whether you're working with aging populations, military families, or multigenerational households, this episode offers a compelling reminder: financial counseling isn’t just about preparing the numbers—it’s about preparing people.

Show Notes: 

02:36 Glen's journey into the personal finance field

05:15 The "why" behind Glen's work with the seasoned generation 

07:47 What is "Generation Preservation" 

15:02 Your guide to "Generation Preservation" as a financial professional 

18:04 Why money is personal 

20:10 Glen's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

https://www.afcpe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Generation-Preservation-Fillable-Link-1-1.pdf

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.