Work Your Wealth Podcast

Do You Feel Like Career Stereotypes are Standing in Your Way?

***This is part 2 of a back-to-back podcast. To listen to part 1 visit Shannah's podcast at Millennial Money Podcast.***

This week I sat down with CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, podcaster, lecturer, and award-winning financial strategist Shannah Game who is on a mission to revolutionize how millennials think, act, and feel about their finances.

Shannah Game is host to the universally popular and top-ranked iTunes podcast, "Millennial Money" with listeners in 164 countries and over 4 million total downloads. Millennial Money has helped millions of listeners demystify money topics in a playful and approachable way and features interviews with musicians, authors, chefs and entrepreneurs to help inspire listeners to go out and achieve their dreams regardless of their budget.

Aside from her podcast, she is an entrepreneur at heart, starting her first business, Hometown Cinema, Inc. at 19 while in college at Indiana University that helped over 130 students get jobs and internships in the entertainment industry. Shannah is a Lecturer in Finance in California State University Northridge, where she empowers students to take ownership over their money from a young age. She is also the owner of a company that creates original personal finance media content and is an accomplished financial writer and speaker. Her financial expertise has been highlighted in articles for Women's Health, Money Magazine, Teen Vogue, MSN Money, Reuters, Bankrate.com, Refinery 29, CNBC and Yahoo! Finance to name a few.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Shannah's unique roa to becoming a CFP®
• How Shannah's career path lead her to become a professor for Cal State Northridge
• What led to Shannah launching Millennial Money Podcast and the unique topics discussed
• Men and women's different perspectives on money
• The strides that are being made by women in a male-dominated industry
• How Shannah empowers women through her podcast
• The importance of a solid support system
• The power and significance of a great mentor
• How to fight for yourself against industry traditions
• Shannah's opinion why there aren't more women in financial planning
• Why you should embrace your inner salesperson
• How Shannah approaches money topics with her students
• Why Shannah uses real life financial experiences when teaching
• The teaching style Shannah's students are most receptive to

LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Millennial Money Podcast by Shannah Game
• Work Your Wealth book

HOW DO I PAY OFF DEBT AND STILL ENJOY LIFE?

This week I sat down with PR & Online Marketing Strategist, Brittney Lynn.

Brittney Lynn has almost 10 years of experience working in the online marketing industry and has a passion for helping others grow their brand through strategic PR.

She's also the host of the Day in the Life podcast, which gives a glimpse into the daily lives of people from across the world who work in a variety of industries. Stepping into the lives of these fascinating guests will encourage, inspire and challenge listeners as they share in each guest's trials and triumphs, learning that we are all connected and are more alike than we realize.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The first steps Brittney and her husband took to tackle their debt
• Brittney's motivation and inspiration behind eliminating their debt
• How the Debt Snowball Effect empowered the couple
• The ways debt impacted their lives and interactions with friends
• Lifestyle changes that were made
• How they worked in "fun money" while simultaneously paying off debt
• Ways they enjoyed the things they loved while on a budget
• The negative effect too many money restrictions can have when paying off debt
• How the couple survived pitfalls and stayed focused
• When and how Brittney launched her own company
• The importance of continuing to save while you're paying down debt
• Easy tweaks you can make to pay down debt and still save for retirement

LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Day in the Life Podcast hosted by Brittney Lynn
• You Need a Budget
• Mint
• Dave Ramsey
• Facebook Group

HOW DO I BETTER UNDERSTAND MY PAYCHECK?

One of the fun parts of being a financial planner is getting to field and answer questions from clients and readers all around the country. In these Work Your Wealth episodes I'll be taking time to address and answer questions I've come across from readers and clients throughout my career. Today I'm answering the above question.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• What I see when looking at your pay stub and how I use it to leverage and understand what's happening with your money.
• What to look at first when analyzing your paycheck to avoid confusion.
• The difference between your gross pay and your net pay.
• The importance of knowing if you're paid monthly, biweekly or twice a month and how it impacts your budgeting.
• What exemptions are on your pay stub and how it saves you taxes.
• How your withholdings impact your paycheck and your annual tax refund (or amount owed).
• What to aim for when electing your withholdings.
• How (and when) to adjust your W-4.
• The importance of knowing what state and local taxes are being withheld.
• Who FICA is and why they take so much of your money.
• What you pay in taxes as a sole proprietor and the impact on your cash flow.
• Where to find employee benefits that you may be missing out on.
• How to determine what you're contributing to your employer sponsored retirement plan.
• The tax advantages of a Flexible Spending or Health Savings Account.
• Other employee benefits that can help you improve your financial situation.
• Which deductions you can and can't change.

LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Analyze Your Paycheck like a Financial Planner Blog Post
• Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me

CAN I TACKLE MY MORTGAGE ON MY SCHEDULE?

This week I sat down with author and thrifty lifestyle blogger, Kim Anderson.

Kim Anderson is the author of Live, Save, Spend, Repeat: The Life You Want with the Money You Have. She's also a thrifty lifestyle blogger, podcaster and Blogging Coach. She lives in North Carolina with her Youtuber husband, 6 year old son and adorably identical twin baby girls.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How Kim's parents influenced her and created a domino effect of becoming debt free in her life.
• How Kim's family celebrated being mortgage-free.
• How Kim and her husband made the decision to go from two incomes to one.
• Where Kim's entrepreneurial spirit came from.
• How credit card fraud impacted Kim's life.
• Why and how Kim made the transition to a cash based life.
• The little things Kim did (and you can do too) to pay off your mortgage sooner.
• How a little bit of money can make a big impact on your debt.
• The importance of understanding the true amount that you'll pay for a home (or any debt).
• What changed for Kim and her husband once the mortgage was paid off.
• How turning your finances into a game can encourage your progress.
• What amortization is and how to use it in your situation.
• Why teamwork is imperative when paying off a large debt.
• How Kim still budgeted for items that brought happiness even while paying down debt.
• What to know and consider around your budget before purchasing a home.

LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Thrifty Little Mom
• Kim Anderson Consulting
• Live, Save, Spend, Repeat by Kim Anderson
• Amortization Calculator

This week I sat down with financial expert and author, Deacon Hayes.

Deacon Hayes is a financial expert and founder of Well Kept Wallet. He has been featured in many news publications including Yahoo Finance, US News & World Report, CNN Money and more.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How Deacon paid off $52,000 of debt in 18 months and how that type of mentality could lead to a much earlier retirement age.
• Why Deacon sold a car he was upside down on and how it helped him achieve his goal.
• How Deacon and his wife stayed motivated to keep things going.
• The importance of communication if you're partnered up around your finances.
• What financial independence means and why you need to have something planned after reaching it.
• How being financially independent can positively impact your family life.
• Why it's important to know what you want to do when you "retire" and why you should work on your answer now.
• Why you need to understand how to make money (and considerations you may be missing out on).
• How you can automate making money and remove yourself from the equation.
• The three different paths you can take to early retirement.
• What Deacon's business is earning and a peak under the hood at net earnings as well.
• How Deacon's book analyzes different perspectives and paths to financial independence.
• How you can diversify your income streams to reach financial independence.
• Why establishing goals are so important and how they can prevent you from encountering "lifestyle creep."
• Where to start when figuring out what your number is for financial independence.
• Common mistakes people make when attempting to work towards early retirement.

LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Deacon's website
• Deacon's Book

• WHAT IMPACTS MY MONEY MINDSET?

  This week I sat down with Author and Motivational Money Coach, Jen Hemphill.

  Jen Hemphill helps busy determined women who are content with their income but not their bank account. She helps them transform their finances from being overwhelming to bringing them financial confidence, control and freedom. She is a Motivational Money Coach, an AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor), author, and host of the Her Money Matters Podcast.

  HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • What kind of impact your upbringing can have on how you manage your money
  • How hearing things like "we can't afford this" or "we don't have the money" can impact your money mindset
  • What to do when you feel like you're making the right money moves but aren't seeing the results
  • How much your past and future money mindset can impact your financial goals
  • Three steps to take to better understand your money mindset
  • The importance of a budget and how to make it work for you
  • A simple trick to ensure your cash flow plan isn't derailed by things like insurance premiums, preschool tuition, etc.
  • Actions you can take to become more confident around money.
  • Why you should have a dream budget and what it can do for your goals.
  • How to overcome a negative mindset you might be in around your money.
  • Insight into Jen's book and what she sees missing from traditional money advice.

  LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

  • Jen's Website
  • The Secrets of a Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
  • Her Money Matters: The Missing Truths From Traditional Money Advice by Jen Hemphill

WHY AM I SO AFRAID OF PUBLIC SPEAKING?

This week I sat down with Media and Communication Coach, Angela Chee.

Angela is a Media/On-Camera and Communication Coach, TV Host, Speaker and Creator of YOU, Amplified!™ and The Empowered Thought Leader Academy™. She helps leaders and entrepreneurs who are ready to become the THE Go-to experts get more credibility, exposure and own their power and their voice. She has helped her clients unlock their inner star, become more confident, clear and effective speakers, book their first TV interviews and get on camera ready for their own videos and media appearances.

She's a former News Anchor/Reporter who has worked in the TV industry for for more than 20 years from KCBS/KCAL-TV, and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles to Fox 6 and KNSD here in San Diego. She has hosted shows for networks like E! Entertainment, HGTV (Home and Garden Television) and helped launch Entertainment Tonight China.

Angela has also appeared as a expert on a variety of local and national shows including The Today Show, The List, Right This Minute and is the Media Mentor/Expert for Lifetimes new show The Pop Game.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Why so many people struggle when it comes to speaking in public
• The importance of overcoming your fear of public speaking
• How to prevent being your own barrier and identify what's getting in your way
• Why you need to be clear on what you're wanting to put out there
• How to be "You Amplified!" and turn up your energy
• Angela's career story and how her role has evolved
• How to be confident, clear and connected with your audience
• What you need to do internally before learning to become a better speaker
• The importance of knowing how you want to portray yourself
• How to get yourself in the right place to do public speaking and media
• The best way to fine-tune your pitch when working to get media exposure
• There's only three things you need for a media pitch and a website isn't one of them
• The importance of knowing your audience inside corporate America
• How to connect with your audience

LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Angela's website
• YOU, Amplified Facebook Group
• Angela's Easy 7 Step Media Pitch Guide and Worksheet

WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER ABOUT INFERTILITY TREATMENTS AND MY FINANCES?

One of the fun parts of being a financial planner is getting to field and answer questions from clients and readers all around the country. In these Work Your Wealth episodes I'll be taking time to address and answer questions I've come across from readers and clients throughout my career. Today I'm answering the above question:.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How many people experience infertility
• Our story with infertility and how it affected our finances
• What you need to know to be better prepared if you are going through infertility issues or looking at adoption
• Questions to ask ahead of time around fertility treatments so you don't derail your financial situation
• Where to start when you find out you and your spouse do have fertility issues
• Questions to ask your insurance company to better identify what you will/will not have to pay for out of pocket
• What to do and how to approach the initial consultation
• What you should bring with you to every meeting
• More questions to ask your insurance provider.
• The importance of knowing your limit (emotionally, financially, and length of time) if you are having fertility issues
• Why it's important to approach the situation with a more conservative financial limit

LINKS MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• 10 Things to Know About Infertility and Your Finance
• Bunless Oven: Bring Hope to Your Trying-to-Conceive Tears by Sandi Sheehan, MA
• Beat Infertility Podcast Interview with Mary Beth
• Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me
• Work Your Wealth: 9 Steps to Making Smarter Choices With Your Money
• 9 Steps to Workable Wealth

This week I sat down with attorney and business strategist, Annette Stepanian.

Annette Stepanian is an attorney and business strategist who equips other creative professionals and small business owners with the legal and business knowledge needed to confidently start and grow their businesses. After practicing litigation at a national law firm in San Francisco for over five years, she took a leap of faith and started her own creative business. That experience lead her to what she does today. Combining her passion for law and small business, Annette seeks to make the law practical, approachable, and dare we say it even a little fun. Learn more at www.annettestepanian.com.

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• The biggest misconception people have about the law and lawyers, especially when it comes to running a business.
• Whether it's better to work with an attorney or go the DIY online route and for what situations.
• The first (and most important) step when entering into a contract with another party.
• The role an attorney can play in contract reviews.
• The fine print matters. Why it's important to read and understand what you're asking for or committing to in any contract that you're signing.
• Contracts are negotiable. Don't commit or shy away from something without having a conversation.
• The importance of establishing "the trifecta" from day one for your business.
• How to identify times you should be reaching out to an attorney.
• Things to be look for when identifying a lawyer to work with.
• Traits and qualities to look for when identifying a lawyer to work with.
• Do you need to have a lawyer on retainer or are there other fee structures?
• Questions to ask when interviewing a lawyer to work with.
• How often and why you should sit down and review your contracts.

Links We MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Annette's website
• Mary Beth's interview on Office Talk
• Annette's podcast: Office Talk

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GOAL PLAN WHEN GROWING A BUSINESS?

This week I sat down with author, publisher and speaker, Lara Casey.

Lara Casey is a mom to three (one through the gift of adoption), a grateful wife, and a believer in the impossible (she and her husband have quite the story!). She is passionate about helping people get unstuck, unrushed, and living on purpose instead of by accident. To help with those things, she created the PowerSheets™, a grace-filled goal setting planner, the Write the Word™ journals, and founded Southern Weddings a decade ago. You can read her whole story in her first book, Make It Happen: Surrender Your Fear, Take the Leap, Live On Purpose. You can meet Lara on her weekly Facebook Live, on her blog, or at the Making Things Happen conference. Lara loves the women she works alongside each day, the smell of white lilies, getting her hands dirty in the garden, exploring local farms, and living in Chapel Hill, NC!

HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Lara's story and how she got to where she is todays (and some of the issues and experiences she encountered along the way)
• The importance of sketching out your goals in all areas of life; not just in business
• Why it's okay to GROW SLOW and what that can look like in your life
• How to become comfortable and okay in growing slow
• The importance of not just looking at the big picture, but also looking at the REALLY BIG picture
• Considerations for running your business out of your home
• The importance of intentionality in your business and your life
• Why it's a good idea to visualize where you want to be when you're 80 years old
• The difference between living by accident vs. living on purpose
• How (and where) to begin with Living on Purpose
• How to get on track with pursuing what's meaningful to you
• Why progress is more important that perfection and tips to help you stay focused on progress

LINKS WE MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

• Lara Casey
• Power Sheets
• Make it Happen
• Southern Weddings
• Cultivate