In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow continues the safety series with a deep dive into financial safety and independence. Joining her are Chris Peterson, Founder and CEO of Penny Forward, and Liz Botner, Board Member, Financial Educator, and Accessibility Advocate. Together, they explore how education and confidence can empower individuals who are blind or have low vision to take control of their finances.

Listeners learn how to recognize and prevent financial fraud, the importance of monitoring financial activity, and practical strategies for maintaining independence even with trusted helpers. Chris and Liz share common scams targeting seniors and people with disabilities, early warning signs of financial abuse by trusted individuals, and steps to reclaim financial autonomy.

They also discuss accessible financial tools and apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget), Empower, and Excel, plus services Penny Forward offers—from online financial courses to one-on-one counseling and benefits planning. The conversation closes with an encouragement to speak up when something feels wrong and to pursue financial literacy as a form of empowerment and protection.

Contact Info

Guest Organization:

Penny Forward

Email: [email protected]

Aftersight Contact:

Website: www.aftersight.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (720) 712-8856

Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer, Aftersight

Show Credits

Host: Kim Wardlow

Guests: Chris Peterson & Liz Botner, Penny Forward

Producer: Jonathan Price

Show: Navigating Life with Vision Loss — An Aftersight Original Podcast

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

01:10 – What Financial Safety Means to You

04:30 – Origins of Penny Forward

07:10 – Confidence, Education, and Financial Independence

09:30 – Avoiding Vulnerability and Building Awareness

11:50 – Common Scams and Red Flags

14:20 – Recognizing Fraud from Trusted Individuals

19:00 – Monitoring Accounts and Credit Reports

21:40 – Steps Toward Independent Financial Management

26:10 – Accessible Banking and Budgeting Tools

31:00 – Penny Forward Services and Workshops

33:20 – How to Seek Help and Speak Up

38:00 – Closing Thoughts and Resources