How do we get social work interns paid? In this episode, we chatted with Jess Riley, BSW, and Jacqueline Guan from Payment for Placements (P4P), a grassroots movement fighting to make paid internships the norm for social work students. Jess and Jacqueline share their organizing journeys, the realities of advocating for paid placements, and the larger impact this issue has on equity and access in our profession. We dig into how they've built momentum on their campuses, what strategies have worked to shift institutional mindsets, and how social workers everywhere can support this cause.

Takeaways from this episode

• How field funds and legislation are being used as creative solutions to support interns
• The challenges of building relationships with underfunded agencies and shifting long-standing norms
• Why collaboration with faculty, admin, and NASW is key to creating systemic change
• How chapters can build momentum through petitions, protests, and policy work
• How a culture of underpayment starts with unpaid internships and how we push back

Mentioned resources & transcript

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript. 

Join the Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. 

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Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.

In this episode, we were joined by Pilar Bonilla and Aiden Bondurant from Payment for Placements (P4P), an organization fighting for social work students to be compensated for their labor. We dive into the challenges of changing perceptions around student labor, the biggest roadblocks to securing funding, and the legislative efforts currently in motion to make paid placements a reality. We also chat about the larger implications of financial wellness in the social work profession and how collective advocacy can push the field forward. If you're a social worker or ally who believes in fair pay for our future social service practitioners, this is a must-listen!

Takeaways from this episode

• The ethical issues surrounding unpaid social work internships
• How unpaid placements negatively impact social workers' long-term financial stability
• The biggest challenges in pushing for paid internships
• Advocacy for paid placements is crucial for the sustainability of the social work profession
• Advocacy requires patience, grace, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations

Mentioned resources & transcript

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript. 

Join the Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. 

Want to support our work? Buy us a coffee

Find Social Work to Wealth on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, aka The AI Social Worker, a school social worker turned AI enthusiast and consultant. Dr. Badillo-Diaz is breaking down the intersection of AI and social work, discussing the implications, practical applications, and everything in between! Dr. Badillo-Diaz also shares her insights and experience about building her consulting business and growing comfortable charging for her expertise. If you’ve ever been curious about AI, consulting, or just want some solid career inspiration, this episode is for you.

Takeaways from this episode

• How Marina got into AI and why she’s on a mission to bring it to social work
• The biggest ethical concerns of AI in social work & how to navigate them
• AI tools that can help with case notes, referrals, and time management
• Why AI isn’t replacing social workers—but how it can help us
• Tips for social workers interested in launching their own consulting business

Mentioned resources & transcript

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript. 

Join the Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. 

Want to support our work? Buy us a coffee

Find Social Work to Wealth on Instagram, Youtube, or Facebook.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.

We're excited to welcome Nicki Sanders, MSW, a career coach and leadership development expert helping professionals break free from the outdated belief that passion and financial security can’t coexist. We dive into the indoctrination that keeps social workers stuck in low-paying roles, unpack the toxic messaging that keeps social workers struggling financially, and explore how we can shift the profession toward financial empowerment and sustainability.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the belief that “social workers aren’t in it for the money” is outdated and harmful
• How to leverage your social work skills for higher-income opportunities
• Permission to walk away from a job that is no longer serving you
• Why self-advocacy, not just self-care, is key to thriving
• Why financial stability is essential for being an effective social worker
• The truth about social work’s “vow of poverty” myth—and how to unlearn it

Mentioned resources:

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.  

Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. 

Want to support our work? Buy us a coffee

Find Social Work to Wealth on: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, and Pinterest. 

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.

We are back again finishing our conversation with Sam where she shares her journey of taking control of her finances while navigating the challenges of student loans, credit card debt, and building savings. Sam gets real about the highs and lows of her financial journey- from her struggles with shame and overspending to her incredible progress paying off debt and boosting her savings.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Sam tackled $10,000 in credit card debt and started building savings
• The power of printing and categorizing your bank statements to identify spending habits
• Strategies for negotiating salary increases and reallocating income to pay off debt
• How balance transfer cards can help you manage high-interest credit card debt
• Why vulnerability and honesty about money are key to creating a financial plan that works

Mentioned resources:

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.  

Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. 

Find Social Work to Wealth on: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, and Pinterest. 

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.

We are excited to welcome our very first guest, Sam, a licensed clinical social worker with an inspiring and relatable journey. Sam shares her path into the social work profession, opening up about the challenges she’s faced, from managing student debt to navigating salary growth and overcoming financial barriers along the way.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The impact of financial literacy on student loan decisions
• Sam’s career progression, from earning $17/hour in her first job to doubling her salary
• The challenges of navigating private student loans and negotiating raises
• How Sam found a niche within social work that brought her fulfillment and joy
• Why financial wellness and salary transparency are critical for social workers

Mentioned resources:

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.  

Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. 

Want to support our work? Buy us a coffee

Find Social Work to Wealth on: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, and Pinterest. 

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.

In this episode, we dive into our personal journeys with debt, salary progression, and the often-taboo topic of money within the social work profession. We share our experiences with student loans, financial strategies, and the importance of financial transparency. We also discuss the challenges social workers face regarding income and the societal messages that influence their perceptions of worth and financial success.

Takeaways from this episode:

• The podcast's goal is to empower social workers professionally and financially
• We are aiming to reduce the stigma around discussing money in social work
• The podcast will feature practical and transparent financial and professional conversations
• Learning about how we got to where we are as social workers!

Mentioned resources:

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.  

Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. 

Want to support our work? Buy us a coffee

Find Social Work to Wealth on: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, and Pinterest. 

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.

This is our first episode of the Social Work to Wealth podcast! As your hosts (Taylor and Faith), we felt it was important to introduce ourselves and share our journeys into the field of social work. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of our careers, the motivation behind starting the podcast, and our vision for empowering social workers to achieve financial literacy and wealth. Thanks for joining us!

Takeaways from this episode:

• The podcast's goal is to empower social workers professionally and financially
• We are aiming to reduce the stigma around discussing money in social work
• The podcast will feature practical and transparent financial and professional conversations
• Learning about how we got to where we are as social workers!

Mentioned resources:

• Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.  

Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money. 

Want to support our work? Buy us a coffee

Find Social Work to Wealth on: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, and Pinterest. 

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.