What do engineering, entrepreneurship, and divinity have to do with each other? Apparently, more than you think. In this episode, ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, sits down with Tulane professors ⁠Rob Lalka⁠, who teaches entrepreneurship, and ⁠Matt Escarra⁠, a professor of engineering, to talk about a course that challenges students to ask the big questions. They discuss technology, ethics, purpose, and yes, even money. Inspired by a curriculum from Yale Divinity School, the class invites students to wrestle with questions like: What is the good life? What should we hope for? And how do we shape a future worth building?

Together, they explore how innovations like AI, gene editing, climate tech, and social media are not just technical challenges. They are deeply human ones. This conversation will make you think differently about how we define progress, what we value, and how we prepare the next generation of leaders. If you enjoy the episode, follow the show, share it with a friend, and keep asking the questions that really matter, the ones that go way beyond the bottom line.

Episode Highlights:

Rob explains how entrepreneurship education can prepare students to build mission-driven companies that shape the future. (03:00)

Matt describes how a conversation with a visiting AI expert led to the course’s inspiration and partnership with Yale's Life Worth Living program. (05:00)

Erik asks how Matt integrates the technical side of engineering with questions about ethics and social impact. (06:00)

Rob discusses his book ⁠The Venture Alchemists⁠ and how founders’ values influence technology’s role in society. (09:00)

Matt outlines how the course delays tech discussion to first explore ancient wisdom, values, and views of the good life. (15:00)

Rob shares how classroom conversations mimic the deep late-night college discussions that shape students’ thinking. (19:00)

Erik connects course themes to financial advising, noting how values influence money decisions. (22:00)

Rob describes how student projects will pair deep research with direct conversations with top industry leaders. (30:00)

Rob and Matt explore how suffering shapes a meaningful life and why students should reflect on this before entering leadership. (37:00)

Rob and Matt reflect on the long-term impact they hope this course will have on their students’ personal and professional lives. (51:00)

Key Quotes:

“We are equipping you to be great critical thinkers, great empathetic leaders, people who are able to go into tough conversations and be really great listeners. And not just trying to argue your point.” - Rob Lalka

“I'd love to see them developing thoughtful careers where they can feel like they made some recognition in our class about what their values are and then followed through on their values, whatever that looks like for them.” - Matt Escarra

“The dimensions by which you can achieve efficiencies are really mind blowing when we think about the future of technology.” - Matt Escarra

Resources Mentioned:

⁠Rob Lalka⁠

⁠Matthew Escarra⁠

Book: ⁠The Venture Alchemists⁠

⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA⁠

⁠Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC⁠

⁠Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors⁠

Change is part of life—but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Transitions—whether personal, professional, planned, or unexpected—can shake our sense of identity, rhythm, and control. Even positive change can feel disruptive when it alters what we’ve known or how we’ve operated.

In this episode, ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and ⁠Dr. Matt Morris⁠ explore how leaders can navigate seasons of change without losing their footing. They discuss the emotional toll of transition, the importance of anchoring to your values, and the power of intentional structure when everything feels uncertain. Stability doesn’t mean staying the same—it means moving forward with clarity.

Episode Highlights:

Matt lists common life transitions like marriage, divorce, and kids going to college, highlighting their emotional and financial effects. (02:55)

Erik questions whether the success of transitions is more impacted by finances or relationships. (05:44)

Matt notes how impulsive decisions during transitions can undermine thoughtful planning. (10:19)

Erik emphasizes connecting transitions to long-term goals and personal values. (15:58)

Erik recommends consulting entrepreneurs who’ve navigated similar changes for grounded insight. (19:12)

Matt discusses the importance of mindset—acceptance, action steps, and reframing change as opportunity. (21:56)

Matt introduces desire and timing as key mindsets when assessing transition readiness. (24:45)

Matt encourages committing to decisions without fantasizing about alternatives. (28:52)

Erik shares a personal business transition he considered, reflecting on the emotional, relational, and financial layers involved. (35:59)

Erik concludes that leadership carries weight and surrounding oneself with trusted advisors is essential. (44:57)

Key Quotes:

“You can't control how people react to your decision or even to your communication. But you can control the information you share with them.” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

“If your decision was rooted in purpose, if it was rooted in what's most important to you and it's moving you towards that. Then move on to the decision.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™

Resources Mentioned:

You can have the best ideas in the world—but if you can’t communicate them clearly, they won’t move anyone.

Great leadership requires great communication. Whether you’re casting vision, navigating hard conversations, or just trying to be heard in a noisy world, how you say it matters just as much as what you say.

In this episode, ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and ⁠Dr. Matt Morris⁠ explore what separates effective communicators from everyone else. From listening well to speaking with clarity and confidence, they share practical ways leaders can build influence and trust through the way they communicate. Because at the highest levels of leadership, words carry weight.

Episode Highlights:

Erik explains how communication is about influencing outcomes, not just exchanging words. (02:26)

Matt discusses the leader’s superpower of moving people forward through big ideas and trust. (03:10)

Erik emphasizes that leadership communication happens through culture and clarity of purpose. (06:33)

Matt shares the importance of transparency and vulnerability in building trust. (09:44)

Erik discusses how storytelling creates timeless, powerful messages. (14:40)

Matt believes empathy and curiosity are essential for meaningful connection and leadership. (19:21)

Erik and Matt stress that knowing your audience is key to communicating effectively. (23:18)

Matt explains why effective leaders listen deeply and ask better questions to foster connection. (27:15)

Erik shares how communication starts with self-awareness and clarity of values. (29:02).

Matt emphasizes that good communication in leadership means choosing the right time and tone. (31:38)

Erik believes nonverbal cues and consistency play a critical role in building trust. (35:41).

Matt discusses how leadership is not about dominating the room, but inviting others in. (38:10)

Erik concludes that great communicators create safe environments where others feel heard. (40:52)

Key Quotes:

“ If we want to be successful, leading people, leading a business, leading a family. We have to continually grow in our ability to communicate.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™

“ Leaders often have to communicate things that are not easy to communicate. ” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

“ Leaders in communicating also need to be good listeners…There's a balance between listening and speaking.” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

Resources Mentioned:

⁠Cultivate Success Podcast Series Companion Handouts⁠

⁠Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT⁠

⁠Matt Morris & Associates⁠

⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™⁠

⁠Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC⁠

⁠Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors⁠

As a leader, decisions are part of your daily rhythm. But not all decisions are equal—and some carry more weight than others.

Under pressure, even seasoned leaders can fall into traps: overthinking, reacting too quickly, or second-guessing themselves after the fact. Stress clouds clarity, and fatigue makes it harder to trust your gut or your process.

In this episode, ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and ⁠Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT⁠ break down the hidden costs of poor decision-making and offer tools to help you slow down, stay grounded, and make confident choices—even in high-stakes moments. Because the quality of your decisions shapes the direction of your leadership.

Episode Highlights:

Erik shares wisdom from a mentor on why stepping away from the office can enhance decision clarity. (01:21)

Matt discusses how minimizing trivial decisions, like wardrobe choices, can preserve mental energy for high-stakes calls. (03:39)

Erik explains how decision fatigue impacts professionals, citing studies on judges and doctors. (05:24)

Matt outlines three major decision pitfalls: analysis paralysis, emotional bias, and tunnel vision. (06:34)

Erik and Matt explore how leisure, nature, and rest aid complex decision-making clarity. (13:27)

Erik breaks down Ben Franklin’s pros/cons method and introduces an 80/20 rule for data sufficiency. (18:26)

Matt explains the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) as a tactical decision-making framework. (27:00)

Erik offers three confirmation techniques to ensure a decision is sound before acting. (30:00)

Matt concludes that consistent, value-aligned frameworks beat perfectionism when making decisions. (37:03)

Key Quotes:

“ Since we have to make so many decisions, it's important to create time in our day to make decisions.” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

“Oftentimes we tend to be in a better state of mind to make hard decisions when we're not necessarily thinking about the very thing that we're trying to decide on” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™

“Every decision maker has to develop processes for making decisions over time.” -  Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

Resources Mentioned:

⁠Cultivate Success Podcast Series Companion Handouts⁠

⁠Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT⁠

⁠Matt Morris & Associates⁠

⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™⁠

⁠Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC⁠

⁠Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors⁠

You’re getting things done—but are you getting the right things done?

As a leader, your plate is always full. Tasks stack up, people need your input, and it’s easy to fall into a pattern of constant motion with little traction. You’re working hard, but still feel behind. You’re productive, but not always effective.

In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT explore the common traps high performers fall into when managing their workload. From overfunctioning to poor delegation and unclear priorities, they offer tools to help you take back control of your time, your energy, and your focus. Because it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters—on purpose.

Episode Highlights:

Matt explains why productivity is about managing finite time and variable energy, and stresses improving efficiency rather than perfection. (01:43)

Erik shares a story about micromanagement and a pivotal moment that reshaped his view on letting go of control. (04:38)

Erik introduces the concept of revenue-generating vs. non-revenue-generating tasks to better prioritize daily actions. (09:41)

Matt walks through a detailed guide on developing effective delegation skills, including the 70% rule and clear expectation setting. (12:37)

Erik emphasizes the role of written processes in reducing micromanagement and building scalable systems. (18:16)

Matt encourages using project management tools wisely, while Erik cautions against tech overload and advises crafting a "technology policy statement". (24:57)

Matt lists mental models like the Eisenhower Matrix, Pareto Principle, and "One Thing" method to clarify focus and reduce task overwhelm. (33:44)

Erik suggests flipping the script by asking “What are three things I don’t need to do?” to stay sharp and intentional. (48:00)

Key Quotes:

“ We have to acknowledge that time is finite. And it escapes us all the time. And so we have to be able to work smarter ” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

“ The more scale, the more repeatable something is, the more efficient and effective you can be.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™

“ If you're going to delegate to people, they need to feel that you trust them and you need to feel that you, that they're going to get it done. ” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

Resources Mentioned:

Cultivate Success Podcast Series Companion Handouts

Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

Matt Morris & Associates

Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™

Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC

Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

As a high achiever, your work never really 'stops'—but should it? You feel pressure from the outside and from deep inside that you NEED to find balance. But balance seems elusive. Just when you feel you've found it, it’s gone.

In this episode, ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and ⁠Dr. Matt Morris⁠, LMFT break down the myth of work-life balance, the cost of blurred boundaries, and how to set limits that work without guilt or career damage.

Episode Highlights:

Erik introduces the episode by framing the common struggle of work-life balance and the guilt that often surrounds it. (01:31)

Matt discusses how high achievers often experience work creeping into home life and the need to define realistic boundaries. (03:56)

Erik explains why he believes work-life balance is a myth and argues for alignment of values instead of perfect balance. (06:45)

Matt shares his definition of balance: enjoying both work and home life without one impeding the other. (10:07)

Matt emphasizes that integration, not perfection, is the key to sustaining relationships and success. (13:51)

Matt explains how unresolved work stress affects sleep, health, and emotional presence. (17:52)

Erik highlights the role of self-awareness and coaching in identifying when work is intruding on personal life. (19:20)

Matt shares the importance of start-stop rituals and sacred times, noting their role in maintaining boundaries. (24:09)

Matt encourages leaders to model healthy habits and communicate boundaries to both teams and clients. (27:31)

Matt explains how setting boundaries may trigger guilt and discomfort, but it’s a normal part of growth. (36:04)

Key Quotes:

“ Success shouldn't come at the cost of your personal life.” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

“The goal isn’t balance or like getting the scales to be weighed. It was more of an alignment of value and purpose.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™

“Create sacred times for your family and for personal priorities. These are things that are, for the most part, 99% of the time, non-negotiable.” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT

Resources Mentioned:

⁠Cultivate Success Podcast Series Companion Handouts⁠

⁠Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT⁠

⁠Matt Morris & Associates⁠

⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™⁠

⁠Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC⁠

⁠Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors⁠

You’re successful, driven, and operating at a high level—but something still feels off. Maybe you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or just not seeing the growth you want. You can use help to get to the next level. Hiring a coach could be the missing piece.

In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and Dr. Matt Morris break down the difference between coaching, therapy, and mentorship, and how to self-assess whether coaching is the right move.

Episode Highlights:

Matt recalls hiring a golf coach when he felt stuck and needed help improving his score. (01:55)

Erik describes hiring a business coach after realizing there were skills he hadn’t yet developed. (05:10)

Matt emphasizes the value of hiring a coach when you don't know what you don't know (06:27)

Erik explains his natural drive to grow and his desire to learn from people ahead of him. (08:50)

The two discuss how coaching can help with specific roadblocks or feelings of dissatisfaction. (12:43)

Erik outlines how hiring a coach provided objective, emotionally detached insight for better decision-making. (14:00)

Matt breaks down the differences between coaching and therapy, clarifying their distinct purposes. (18:00)

They compare coaching to financial advising and mentorship, identifying key overlaps and distinctions. (20:45)

Erik reflects on the loneliness of entrepreneurship and how coaching offers perspective and clarity. (28:51)

Matt and Erik encourage listeners to explore coaching when feeling stuck, off-balance, or in need of accountability. (30:34)

Key Quotes:

“Coaching is a strategic partnership between me, you, and someone else who just needs to tackle some roadblock in their work life.” - Dr. Matt Morris

“Every individual should sit down with a financial planner at least once in their life.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™

“You can be content without being complacent. You could be content and still be ambitious to want to do something more.” - Dr. Matt Morris

Resources Mentioned:

Cultivate Success Podcast Series Companion Handouts

Dr. Matt Morris

Matt Morris & Associates

Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™

Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC

Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

Why do we assume something has to be complicated to be valuable? That question sparked a spontaneous recording session after Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, walked into Xavier Angel’s office to unload a bit of planner frustration. Joined by co-host Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC®, CLTC, the two dive into the false narrative that complexity equals effectiveness when it comes to financial planning. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

In this unscripted and honest conversation, Erik and Xavier explore why simplicity should always be the starting point in financial planning. They break down the difference between necessary complexity and unnecessary confusion—and how chasing sophistication too soon can sabotage progress. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your financial plan (or someone tried to impress you with one), this episode is for you. Follow the show and share it with someone who needs a little more clarity and a lot less clutter.

Episode Highlights:

Erik explains the myth that complexity is better than simplicity in financial planning and why he disagrees. (01:19)

Xavier explains how some software can be manipulated to justify a particular product sale through overwhelming documentation. (05:02)

Erik emphasizes the hidden long-term costs and commitments associated with complex strategies. (07:00)

Erik highlights the importance of considering future flexibility and whether the strategy can be explained simply. (10:36)

Xavier stresses the value of collaboration and asking the right questions to ensure solutions match the actual problem. (11:41)

Erik shares why understanding and simplicity matter, as they increase commitment and long-term success. (12:48)

Xavier emphasizes the need to revisit financial strategies regularly as life circumstances change. (18:00)

Erik explains how changing laws can render complex strategies obsolete or burdensome over time. (19:08)

Erik encourages listeners to push for clarity and not be swayed by flashy but ineffective financial plans. (21:00)

Key Quotes:

“We like complexity, we like that kind of stuff. It feeds our ego, but man, simplicity generally wins out.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

“If you're being presented a financial plan, ask questions, push for understanding, don't settle for whatever the advisor or the planner is presenting, just because it sounds good, complex does not equal effective, don't let it feed your ego.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

“If you don't know what the problem is that you're trying to solve, it's hard to come up with a solution that's going to fit that specific one.” - Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC

Resources Mentioned:

Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC

Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors

In this episode of the Stuff About Money They Didn't Teach You in School podcast, host ⁠Erik Garcia⁠, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, shares a practical financial strategy he personally uses—what he calls practicing your future payment. Whether you’re planning to buy a home, send a child to college, or take on any significant financial commitment, Erik walks through how simulating that future expense now can reduce stress, build confidence, and help you make smarter money decisions. Plus, he dives into the psychology behind this tactic, including why naming a savings account after your future goal can be surprisingly powerful.

Erik outlines three reasons to practice your future payment and three key benefits that come from doing it, including building a custom emergency fund and creating margin before you need it. Backed by behavioral research and real-world application, this episode offers a clear, actionable approach to preparing for life’s financial milestones. If this helps you, share it with someone else who’s facing a big financial decision, and don’t forget to follow the show for more thoughtful money strategies.

Episode Highlights:

Erik explains the idea of planning for predictable future expenses by simulating those costs in advance. (01:00)

Erik outlines three reasons to practice future payments: stress testing your budget, building confidence, and evaluating the decision’s wisdom. (01:43)

Erik shares the mechanics of how to implement the strategy using a named savings account and automatic transfers. (04:00)

Erik provides examples of future costs like buying a house, a car, or college tuition, and explains how to simulate those payments. (04:48)

Erik highlights the benefits: building a savings buffer, easing financial transitions, and creating financial margin. (06:27)

Erik references research on “episodic future thinking” and its impact on behavior and reduced money-related stress. (09:00)

Key Quotes:

“I'm speaking as a fellow sojourner with you, someone who is actively trying to manage their finances better.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

“You're building in some space financially that if things go wrong, you've got money set aside in savings.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

Resources Mentioned:

⁠Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA⁠

⁠Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC⁠

⁠Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors⁠

In this episode of the Stuff About Money podcast, Erik Garcia, CFP®, welcomes back longtime guest and college funding expert John Hupalo from MyCollegeCorner.com. As Erik navigates the emotional rollercoaster of planning for his own child’s college costs, he brings listeners along for a candid conversation about the realities of paying for school when savings and cash flow aren’t enough. From the tension between dreams and debt to that Rodrigue Blue Dog artwork hanging behind John in New York, this episode blends practical advice with real-world emotion.

Erik and John dive deep into the differences between federal Parent PLUS loans and private student loans—unpacking the risks, benefits, repayment structures, and emotional consequences of each. They also share smart strategies for comparing options, planning payments, and managing expectations. Whether you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed or a financial professional advising clients, this conversation is packed with insight. If you enjoy the episode, follow the show and share it with someone navigating the same road.

Episode Highlights:

Erik opens up about the emotional and financial challenges of navigating college costs as both a financial advisor and a parent. (01:19)

John explains the three ways families can pay for college: saving, cash-flowing, or borrowing—emphasizing this discussion focuses on borrowing options beyond federal student loans. (02:28)

Erik and John discuss the potential dangers of Parent PLUS loans and explain why parents must understand the loan structure and long-term implications before committing. (09:30)

John shares how private loans differ from Parent PLUS loans, including credit-based underwriting, variable rates, and the absence of origination fees. (17:01)

Erik encourages “practicing the payment” as a proactive strategy—making mock loan payments in advance to test affordability before borrowing. (36:29)

John suggests reducing market risk by shifting 529 funds to conservative options in advance of college payments. (38:01)

They stress the value of planning for contingencies, including hidden risks like a student withdrawing mid-semester, and mention TuitionGuard as a resource to explore. (39:44)

Key Quotes:

“You just got to really be careful how far you're willing to reach for your, your students' dreams.” - John Hupalo

“This is the time to be realistic and throughout the optimism, throughout the pessimism, and get the family together and talk about what can actually happen.” - John Hupalo

Resources Mentioned:

John Hupalo

Invite Education

MyCollegeCorner.com

Erik Garcia, CFP®, BFA

Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC

Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors