Send us Fan Mail

How does a ranch hand's son from South Texas rise to become a pivotal figure in the U.S. Army and beyond? Join us as we unpack the incredible story of Eddie Garcia, whose path from the Army Reserves at 17 to serving under General Joe Votel at CENTCOM is nothing short of extraordinary. Eddie's journey is filled with personal anecdotes about his family's rich military history, his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and his academic triumphs, including a master's in IT project management. His tale is a testament to the dedication and resilience of veterans committed to serving their country and supporting their fellow service members.

Ever wondered how to build a stable financial future while serving in the military? Eddie Garcia shares invaluable advice on financial responsibility and military benefits, emphasizing strategies like debt stacking and wise investments. We discuss the importance of making smart financial choices, especially for those transitioning out of service. From taking advantage of automatic 5% matching contributions to leveraging career skill bridge internships, Eddie’s insights provide a roadmap for securing financial stability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to make informed financial decisions and prepare for a prosperous future.

Innovation and community are at the heart of supporting our veterans, and we bring you the stories and solutions making a difference. Learn about the transformative Mil-Vets app, designed to streamline access to critical resources and promote veteran-owned businesses. We also introduce Bas Moreno, host of the Social Worker Rants podcast, who shares his journey into social work and financial education. Together, we emphasize the importance of networking, continuous improvement, and building ecosystems where veterans help each other thrive. Don't miss this dynamic conversation packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories aimed at empowering veterans and social workers alike.

Support the show

Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.

https://laswell.veteran.cards/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.

https://laswell.veteran.cards/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.

https://laswell.veteran.cards/

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence can revolutionize the field of social work? This episode promises an enlightening discussion with Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, affectionately known as the AI Social Worker. Dive into her rich tapestry of experiences, from being a professor and researcher to a consultant and entrepreneur. Dr. Badillo-Diaz shares her passion for AI and its groundbreaking applications, introducing her innovative platform and emphasizing the importance of embracing technology while navigating ethical and privacy concerns. Alongside her, Joey Laswell, the Fire Social Worker, brings his unique perspective on financial social work and the power of social workers to educate about personal finance.

Explore the multifaceted applications of AI, from professional roles like consulting and teaching to personal tasks such as recipe planning and trip organization. This episode sheds light on the integration of AI in mental health support with tools like Barry's AI for HIPAA-compliant note-taking and Alongside, a chatbot app aiding middle and high school students. We tackle the skepticism within the social work community regarding AI, particularly concerning HIPAA compliance and privacy concerns, and advocate for AI literacy, digital literacy, and ongoing discussions about legislation and advocacy.

Join us as we delve into the ethical use of AI in education, the development of AI policies, and the transformative impact of AI on financial literacy and entrepreneurship among marginalized communities. Hear firsthand from experts like Jonathan Singer and Dr. Lauren Nissen on addressing the digital divide and preparing young social workers for a tech-driven future. This episode is packed with insights on the role of AI in enhancing business endeavors for social workers, the importance of involving social workers in tech innovation, and the exciting future projects aimed at promoting AI literacy in social work. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and social work!

Support the show

Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.

https://laswell.veteran.cards/

Send us Fan Mail

Follow-up with Reid Quatez on the FIRE Boot Camp

Key Highlights:

1. Guest Check-in:
   - Reid Quatez joins to discuss his financial progress over the past few weeks.
   - Reid shares challenges with rising utility costs and confusion over past student loan payments.

2. Financial Overview:
   - Reid outlines his assets, including savings and checking accounts, TSP, and minimal debts.
   - Emphasis on tracking finances and planning for a $10,000 transition fund for post-military life.

3. Transition Planning:
   - Discussed the importance of saving for transition from military service, with a target of $250 monthly savings.
   - The potential career shift to social work, inspired by job growth and personal interest.

4. Financial Strategies:
   - Suggestions for increasing savings through small adjustments, such as rounding up car loan payments.
   - Discussion on using free credit monitoring tools to protect against identity theft.

5. Career Considerations:
   - Reed expressed interest in becoming a social worker, and Joey encouraged exploring different specializations.
   - Overview of the social work field, including potential opportunities and licensing requirements.

6. Public Service Announcement:
   - Emphasized the importance of maintaining good credit for military and federal jobs, specifically regarding security clearances.

7. Audience Engagement:
   - Encouragement for audience participation through comments and questions.
   - Mention of future guests and topics, including financial discussions with other veterans.

Conclusion:

- Joey wrapped up by highlighting the importance of financial planning and shared his excitement for future episodes. Reed was thanked for his participation, and the audience was encouraged to follow along on social media.

Support the show

Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.

https://laswell.veteran.cards/

Send us Fan Mail

Today we discuss things on the horizon for the FIRE Social Worker Show. I provide updates for the FIRE Bootcamp segment with Reid Quatez, an Army recruiter who has agreed to be a part of a financial makeover that will continue for the foreseeable future. We also talk about upcoming interviews with Alnita Smiley, a Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW) https://www.linkedin.com/in/alnita-smiley-msw-cfsw-812136188/

Another future interview is with Dr. Marina Badilla-Diaz aka the AI Social Worker who is at the forefront of AI and Social Work https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmarinabadillo-diaz/ Together we are going to talk about the future of AI in social work and how do we integrate the tool into our lives. Our show is tentatively scheduled for July 10. 

We also talk about an upcoming interview with RG Enzon from Enzon Media about his journey as an entrepreneur while being active duty Navy. His interview will be broadcast on Military Broadcast Radio on June 27 at 7pm EST.

After that, we discuss ikigai and the concept of financial ikigai. I explain the concept of ikigai, and how it relates to your finances. 

Support the show

Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.

https://laswell.veteran.cards/

Send us Fan Mail

Unlock the secrets to financial transformation with Joey Laswell, a Certified Financial Social Worker (CFSW) and Air Force veteran, who has navigated his way from $20,000 debt to a net worth of $140,000. Join us as Joey shares the ups and downs of his journey and insights on personal finance, demonstrating how discipline and skill can turn financial dreams into reality. This episode promises practical advice and inspiration, especially for military and social work communities, with a live coaching session featuring Army recruiter Reid Quatez.

Explore the untapped potential of side hustles in achieving financial independence. Joey talks about his personal experiences with Uber and Airbnb, showcasing how the gig economy can be a powerful tool for income generation and debt management. We also address the crucial connection between financial wellness and mental health, suggesting professional support when needed, and emphasize the importance of financial literacy, particularly for younger generations. The episode further delves into the challenges of the current real estate market, providing insights for first-time homebuyers navigating these turbulent times.

We also shed light on financial education, highlighting community building and sharing lessons learned from past financial mistakes. With heartfelt anecdotes about family influences, particularly fathers, Joey underscores the significance of open financial discussions and the societal need to eliminate the taboo surrounding money talks. Whether you're preparing for military retirement or juggling a single-income household, our conversation offers reassurance and support for anyone on a financial journey, with engaging segments on investment strategies, budgeting, and even creative ventures like comic book creation.

Support the show

Please join me on my different platforms and follow along my journey towards FIRE.

https://laswell.veteran.cards/