In this episode of Wallet Watch, host Jessica sits down with Samantha Harkins, Founder and CEO of Hundred Place Consulting and CEO of Lansing 501, to explore what it really means to invest in yourself for long-term success. Drawing from her nearly two decades of leadership experience, Samantha shares how personal growth isn't about doing more, it's about focusing on what truly matters. From building a strong support system and finding work that aligns with your values to embracing discomfort, setting boundaries, and leading with authenticity, Samantha offers practical insights into sustainable career growth. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn't measured by how busy you are, but by how intentionally you invest your time, energy, and talents.

What would you do if your job changed tomorrow? In this episode of Wallet Watch, host Jessica Rubio sits down with Chris Holman, CEO and founder of the Michigan Business Network, to discuss how career resilience can help individuals navigate uncertainty in today's evolving workforce. From adaptability and critical thinking to financial preparedness and continuous learning, Chris shares valuable insights on what employers are looking for and how professionals can position themselves for long-term success. Whether you're considering a career change, looking to strengthen your skills, or simply preparing for the unexpected, this conversation offers practical strategies for turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Confidence doesn’t appear overnight. It’s built through experience, support, and the willingness to learn from others. Host Jessica sits down with Troy Nelson, Director of the ACHIEVE program at Oakland University, to explore how mentorship and internships can shape career readiness, strengthen professional networks, and help emerging professionals stand out in competitive environments. This conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for anyone looking to grow personally and professionally at any stage of their career journey.

Whether you’re an emerging professional or a seasoned leader, the latest episode of the Wallet Watch podcast offers practical insights on how to help you elevate how you lead, contribute to your organization and grow.

Host Jessica Rubio sits down with Jennifer Higgins leadership coach and relationship builder to explore the transferable, often-overlooked soft skills like communication, self-awareness and consistency that drive meaningful, long-term impact both professionally and personally. 

The job market is changing fast, and many professionals are left wondering how to keep up. In the newest episode of the Wallet Watch Podcast, host Jessica Rubio is joined by Kristen Hintz, an Associate Director and Career Coach at the Russel Palmer Career Management Center at the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University.  Together they unpack how the job market has changed and how candidates can stand out to land their dream job.

Building a financial plan isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about meeting yourself where you’re at and getting started. In this episode of Wallet Watch, host Jessica Rubio sits down with Jeff Adams of TrulyU Wealth Management and Investment Services for a conversation about what it really means to create a financial plan that fits you. Together, they unpack why financial planning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and how things like mindset, comparison culture and past experiences shape our relationship with money. Jeff also reminds listeners how small, intentional actions taken now can lead to meaningful long-term progress.

Financial wellness isn’t only about numbers, it’s about peace of mind. In the latest episode of Wallet Watch, we explore the human side of money and why finances can feel so overwhelming for so many people. Host Jessica Rubio is joined by Jessica Willis, CEO and Founder of Pocketnest, for an honest conversation about mindset, emotions and the small yet intentional habits that can make a meaningful difference. Together they unpack what financial wellness really means, including the sleep at night factor, why avoidance and comparison culture are so common, and how grace can help you move forward with confidence.

Money looks and feels different for everyone across generations. Listen as host Jessica sits down with Andy Manthei from GreenPath Financial Wellness to explore how life experiences, economic change and even the way our brains work shape how we interact with money. From housing and debt to financial stress and neurodivergence, this conversation offers understanding, reassurance and perspective for every stage of life. Reminding us that it’s never too late to rewrite your money story.

Explore how social media quietly shapes our spending, stress levels, and financial perceptions. From targeted ads and FOMO to lifestyle comparisons and impulsive buying, Dr. Juan Mundel Ph.D., Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations at Michigan State University, breaks down the subtle psychological triggers behind our online habits. Dr Mundel also shares practical tips to build awareness, resist impulse spending, and protect your financial wellbeing in a digital world designed to influence you.

Our relationship with money is personal and often reflects the stories or beliefs we grew up with. In this episode we explore how experiences, family dynamics, cultural influences, and trauma shape our financial beliefs and behaviors. We also discuss how to recognize, heal, and move beyond generational money patterns to create healthier financial habits for ourselves and future generations.