Real Money, Real Experts

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Cara Macksoud, the dynamic CEO of Money Habitudes, who shares her remarkable journey from a 15-year career on Wall Street to becoming a leading voice in the behavioral finance space. Cara’s insights reveal how money is more than just numbers—it's a tool with its own hopes and dreams. We explore her unique perspective that “personal finance is anything but personal,” and learn why having small, meaningful conversations about money can lead to big changes in our financial lives. Whether you're looking to unlock the 'money genie' within or understand how every dollar can be an arrow in your financial quiver, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.

Show Notes:

02:27 The journey of becoming the CEO of Money Habitudes
09:32 Why we are more similar than different 
10:54 The impact of our financial behaviors
14:43 How Money Habitudes helps you create your own story 
24:16 Why loud budgeting may not be the answer
27:28 The power of intentionality 
31:00 How to foster positive financial habits
32:53 Cara's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caramacksoud/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/money-habitudes 

[email protected]  

https://www.moneyhabitudes.com/ 

https://shop.moneyhabitudes.com/ 

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In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Murray, AFC®️ the Managing Director of the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Inc. (SFEPD). Tiffany shares her journey from leading Red to Black®️ Peer Financial Coaching at Texas Tech University to becoming a driving force behind SFEPD’s financial literacy programs. We explore how her core purpose and mission align with empowering the next generation to make informed money decisions. Tiffany discusses the innovative use of Money Management Essentials (MME) to train student ambassadors, offering insights into bridging the gap between old and new financial knowledge.
 
Tune in to learn how Tiffany is paving the way for financial education that transcends generations and empowers youth to take control of their financial futures.

Show Notes:

02:12 Catching up with Tiffany!

07:01 The impact & power of student ambassadors 

16:03 Why the future of financial coaching is bright 

19:35 Insight into the AFCPE Archives Project

21:54 What led Tiffany to the AFC

24:33 Tiffany's go-to FinLit resources

25:36 Tiffany's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

Tiffany's Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tiffany-murray-ph-d-afc®️-a975b325  

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"Would you believe that all of those things are part of the AFC program? It's like a warm, fuzzy blanket that I wear at night."

Jessica Medina is not throwing away her shot.

This week on Real Money, Real Experts, we welcome Jessica Medina, a dedicated Accredited Financial Counselor®️ who transitioned from a career in law to follow her true passion. Jessica's journey highlights the power of embracing life's unexpected paths and finding fulfillment in new dreams.

In this episode, Jessica shares her inspiring story of letting go of one dream to pursue another, and how she discovered her true calling in financial coaching. She discusses the importance of following the path life presents to you, even when the answers aren't clear at first, especially when starting a private practice. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on finding your path, embracing uncertainty, and the impact of personal passions on professional success.

Show Notes: 
2:00 The Hamiltune's are back!
03:37 Jessica's transition from law to pursuing her passion
06:34 The secret to starting your private practice
09:02 Unlocking the entrepreneur mindset
11:41 How collaboration & networking are your secret weapon 
15:43 The power behind stepping outside of your comfort zone 
18:31 Why you need to set boundaries 
21:18 What led Jessica to the AFC 
27:29 Handling life's transitions & saying yes 
30:17 Jessica's 2 cents

Show Note Links:
https://www.jessicamedinallc.com/studentloanseries 

Website: https://www.jessicamedinallc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamedinallc 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jessicamedinallc 

Instagram: @jessicamedinallc 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_kStA0zw2

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This week on Real Money, Real Experts, we delve into the power of community and advocacy with Raven Newberry, AFC®. Raven Newberry is the managing director of policy and advocacy for the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), leading efforts to shape financial education policies on state and national levels. In this episode, we discuss how using your voice to advocate for change can create powerful ripples throughout your community. Join us as we explore the collective fingerprints of the AFCPE community in supporting the passing of crucial legislation and the impact we can make at the local and community level.

Show Notes: 
02:59 Raven's top horror movie pick for the summer
03:41 The perfect blend of geography & personal finance
05:12 Why public policy and advocacy matter
07:17 The catalyst of the financial education movement 
10:33 How to begin your advocacy journey
13:16 The power of community & longevity in your advocacy journey 
21:05 Raven's 2 cents

Show Notes Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-newberry-5baa9774/
https://www.nefe.org/about/our-team/default.aspx
https://www.nefe.org/initiatives/ecosystem/default.aspx, https://www.nefe.org/impact/policy-and-advocacy/default.aspx, https://www.nefe.org/impact/policy-and-advocacy/policy-tracker.aspx
https://fined50.org/
https://www.ngpf.org/
https://www.jumpstart.org/
https://www.cee.org/ 

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This week, we welcome Jasmine Johnson, Accredited Financial Counselor®️, Entertainment Accountant, and Mental Health Advocate to Real Money, Real Experts. Jasmine has spent over a decade empowering individuals and families to transform their financial mindset and achieve Financial Independence. 

In this episode, Jasmine shares how growing up in poverty influenced her own money story, and how it's made a difference in the way she supports clients. She talks about how embracing life’s unexpected turns can lead you exactly where you need to be. Tune in for a compelling discussion on personal growth, financial empowerment, and the journey to self-discovery. 

Show Notes:
02:18 Jasmine's journey to the AFC
08:51 The beginning of Jasmine's money story
11:29 How emotions and finances intertwine
13:09 Uncovering your money story
17:47 What led Jasmine to opening her own business
20:33 The importance of being a life long learner
22:41 Jasmine's 2 cents

Show Notes Links:
https://www.square1accounting.com/yourresources
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://a.co/d/fM1j5y4
Financial decisions 90% emotions
IG: jasmine_themoneycoach
YT: jasmine_themoneycoach
website: www.square1accounting.com
https://www.square1accounting.com/yourresources 

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This week, we welcome Kate Mielitz, PhD, AFC®️, CDP®️ , back to Real Money, Real Experts. Dr. Kate has 25 years of experience in financial services, including bankruptcy, fraud, financial counseling, and higher education, and she's dedicated to helping financial and human services professionals navigate cultural differences. 

On today's episode, we take a deep dive into the ways our background and lived experiences affect our relationship with money and gain strategies for working more effectively with vulnerable populations. Kate is a wealth of knowledge, and her energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Want to gain insights and resources to help you learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion and ensure you are truly meeting clients where they are? Tune into this episode!

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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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Our first podcast episode to kick off with a love story!

Join Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Carlson as they sit down with Mike Lanway, CFP®, TSP expert, and self-proclaimed federal benefits "nerd." In this week's episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we explore Mike's unique personal and professional journey and uncover the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. 

From ministry to personal finance, Mike has a heart for service and a passion for ensuring that federal employees understand what their benefits can do for them. He speaks about his journey as a financial planner, and how going through Money Management Essentials and the AFC certification has elevated his work with clients. 

Tune in for an engaging discussion on navigating career paths and finding your true calling. Don't miss out on this episode packed with wisdom and inspiration!

Show Notes:
02:23 It's (Mike + Lanelle's) love story, just say yes
05:41 Mike's transition from ministry to financial services
08:37 The perfect marriage between passion and purpose
11:02 Lanway Companies' best move
12:52 How education is the most important tool in your toolbox
14:05 A behind the scenes look into being a business owner
18:31 Mike's journey to the AFC 
19:50 The value of the AFC
21:38 Mike's ecosystem in the federal government space 
24:06 Why your network is key in pursuing your passion 
27:24 How you are the expert in your own life
31:10 The power of prayer, trust, and peace of mind
32:56 Mike's 2 cents

Show Note Links:
The Big Book of AA; Humility by Andrew Murray; Surprised By Joy by CS Lewis; The Bible
All About CSRS, FERS and TSP, INC. – We are invested in your financial future. (allaboutfers.com)
Datapoints 

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On this week's episode of Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson are joined by Christine Niccoli, Director in Community Impact at United Way Massachusetts Bay, and Nathalie Kallab Racimo, AFC, Senior Homeownership and Financial Services Advisor at NOAH. 

In this important episode, we discuss the importance of professionalizing the financial coaching space, recognizing the effects of trauma on financial wellbeing, leading from a place of empathy, and how you can be a catalyst for change in your own community. Christine and Nathalie share why they chose the AFC certification, the benefit the AFC has brought to them and their coaches, and some of the challenges they have navigated along the way. 

Learn how you can start your journey to the AFC today in the show notes below.

Show Notes:
02:58 What led Christine to the AFC
07:14 Nathalie's AFC journey 
09:54 The importance of financial empowerment
16:36 How the AFC' certification benefits communities 
20:40 The challenges faced on the path to the AFC
28:55 The power of financial accessibility to all
33:20 Nathalie's 2 cents
34:46 Christine's 2 cents

Show Note Links:
Nathalie Kallab Racimo, AFC® | LinkedIn
Facebook
United Way Mass Bay (@UnitedWayMABay) / X (twitter.com)
United Way of Massachusetts Bay : Overview | LinkedIn
United Way Pilots First-In-The-Nation Financial Counselor Certification Training for Non-Profit Financial Coaches in Eastern Massachusetts - United Way of Massachusetts Bay (unitedwaymassbay.org)
NOAH
Engage@EMPath 

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"Tailor what you're doing to the audience that you're serving."-Gilbert Rogers.

On this week's episode of Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson are joined by Gilbert Rogers, AFC. Gilbert is the Director of Financial Wellbeing at UNC Chapel Hill. He is a national thought leader in the financial education space and has worked with the Army’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and participates as a financial counselor for the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP). 

In this enlightening conversation, Gilbert shares the importance of financial empowerment and his mission to change the trajectory of financial accessibility. Learn how you can be a servant leader, and a part of the change.

Show Notes:

02:26 Gilbert's journey into the financial education space 

04:00 Diving into his military background

05:29 What led Gilbert to the AFC

07:02 The impact of building foundational skills

08:24 How you really can have the best of both worlds

12:00 Finding the common thread amongst different communities 

14:26 Say yes to opportunities

16:42 A deeper look into his AMBA experience

19:17 How "Understanding Poverty" changed Gilbert's approach to financial counseling 

22:02 The secret to being a servant leader

23:39 Gilbert's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Gilbert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbertrogers/ 

Higher Education Foundation Wellness Alliance: https://www.hefwa.org/ 

AFC Certification: https://www.afcpe.org/certification/ 

Hazel Joyce Wiley Career & Financial Literacy, Inc: https://hjwfinancial.org/ 

Dr. Ruby Payne - Understanding Poverty: https://a.co/d/37J8eOV 

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Step into the spotlight with us as we commemorate the 100th episode of Real Money, Real Experts. In this special episode, we reminisce on the trials, triumphs, and unforgettable moments that have defined our podcast journey and look ahead to the future. 

We pull back the curtain to give you a look at our podcast journey, answer listener questions, and share some of our favorite moments along the way. But this episode isn't just about us—it's about you, the people who have been the heartbeat of Real Money, Real Experts since its inception. As we take a trip down memory lane, we'll shine a spotlight on the incredible stories and connections that have been forged along the way, sharing intimate behind-the-scenes anecdotes that reveal the human side of our podcast.

Show Notes:
02:28 BTS of Rachael's first episode
03:30 How Real Money, Real Experts came to fruition
05:41 Reflecting on the real stories of Real Money, Real Experts
09:02 Rachael & Mary's most memorable episodes 
16:27 What the AFCPE community is saying
20:43 Rachael & Mary's biggest gain in the journey so far
27:16 The future of AFCPE and what's to come in the future
33:03 Mary's 2 cents
34:52 The future of Real Money, Real Experts
36:58 Winner Reveal!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
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