Real Money, Real Experts

We know what we're supposed to do with our money. So why is it sometimes so difficult to actually do it?

Our financial decisions aren't always as simple as the numbers on a spreadsheet. Behind our spending, saving, and budgeting habits are emotional experiences, past financial trauma, and underlying needs that often go unrecognized.

In this episode, we're joined by Lynn McHann, AFC®, educator, trainer, and founder of Mommanomics and Financial Wellness for All, to explore the psychology behind our financial behaviors and why understanding the why matters just as much as knowing what to do.

Lynn shares how financial trauma and life experiences can shape our relationship with money, why creating a safe and judgment-free space is essential to financial counseling, and how professionals can build trust through curiosity and empathy. We also explore her developing Hidden Budget framework, which looks beyond where our money goes to uncover the needs our financial habits are trying to meet.

From navigating financial setbacks and rebuilding financial stability to working through conflicting money beliefs in relationships, this conversation challenges us to look beyond the numbers and recognize the human experiences behind financial decisions.

Because lasting financial change starts with understanding the why.

Show Notes:

• 00:00 Meet Lynn McHann: Understanding the Why Behind Money
• 01:31 How Financial Trauma Shapes Our Money Habits
• 03:31 Building Trust and Removing Shame From Financial Conversations
• 05:40 Supporting Clients Through Harmful Financial Behaviors
• 07:06 Practicing Empathy While Maintaining Professional Boundaries
• 09:36 Rebuilding Financial Stability After Major Setbacks
• 11:43 Navigating Different Money Beliefs in Relationships
• 14:07 Introducing the Hidden Budget Framework
• 16:02 Turning Client Experiences Into Better Financial Practices
• 17:03 The Future of Financial Counseling and Professional Partnerships
• 20:20 Lynn's Biggest Takeaways: Lead With Curiosity
• 21:10 Final Reflections

Connect With Our Guest

• Reach out directly via email: inkededucation@yahoo.com
• Connect on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mchann ,
• https://mommanomics.com/
• Resource Mentioned: https://financialwellnessforall.com/

Listen on Your Favorite Platform

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Real Money, Real Experts on Apple Podcasts
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• Listen on Cast Box:Real Money, Real Experts on Castbox

About the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast

Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities.

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

What if the first step toward financial change isn’t a solution, but hope?

On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by Jamie Chandler, financial health strategist and U.S. Army veteran, and Dr. Kate Melitz (Dr. M), educator, financial counselor, and professor of practice at Kansas State University. As the opening keynote speakers for the 2026 AFCPE Symposium, themed All In, they share how trust, empathy, and human connection can transform the financial counseling experience.

Drawing from Jamie’s work with Opportunity Knocks, the award-winning public television series following families working toward financial stability, and Kate’s decades of experience in financial counseling and education, our guests explore why money is about more than numbers. They discuss how fear of judgment can prevent people from seeking help, why financial knowledge doesn’t always translate into action, and how financial professionals can create supportive environments where clients feel empowered to make meaningful changes.

Together, Jamie and Kate highlight the importance of meeting clients where they are, embracing authenticity, and recognizing that financial progress is about growth, not perfection. They also explore the difference between rescuing clients and connecting them with the resources they need to build confidence and independence, emphasizing the power of community partnerships in supporting the whole person.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why people need hope before they need solutions.
• How financial professionals can build trust without judgment.
• Why financial knowledge doesn't always lead to financial action.
• The importance of authenticity, empathy, and meeting clients where they are.
• How community connections and resources support long-term financial well-being.
• Why collaboration and lifting others up are essential to the profession.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the power of human connection and what it means to be All In for the individuals and communities we serve.

Join us at the 2026 AFCPE Symposium, November 17–19, in Bethesda, Maryland, or virtually, to continue the conversation about strengthening financial well-being through education, collaboration, and community.

Learn more about AFCPE® and AFC Certification.

🎧 Tune in to Real Money, Real Experts for practical insights on creating financial education programs that meet people where they are.

Like, subscribe, and follow the show so you never miss a conversation with financial professionals making an impact in their communities.

Show Notes:

• 00:00 – Introducing Jamie Chandler and Dr. Kate Melitz
• 02:43 – Why People Need Hope Before Financial Solutions
• 04:43 – Why Financial Knowledge Doesn’t Always Lead to Action
• 06:29 – The Courage to Ask for Financial Help
• 07:29 – What Clients Need From Financial Counselors
• 11:12 – Financial Progress Over Perfection
• 13:40 – The Power of Community and Collaboration
• 18:01 – Building Stronger Client Relationships
• 18:49 – Empowering Clients to Achieve Financial Independence
• 20:31 – Authenticity and Giving Yourself Grace
• 23:14 – Jamie and Kate Share Their Final Advice
• 23:48 – Lifting Others Up and Creating Opportunities
• 26:02 – Why Financial Professionals Don’t Need Perfect Finances
• 28:04 – Closing Reflections: Leading With Hope and Compassion
• 30:03 – The Importance of Resources, Connection, and Support
• 31:03 – Closing Thoughts and Subscribe to Real Money, Real Experts

Connect With Our Guest

• Reach out directly via email: jamie.chandler@opportunityinitiatives.org & mielitz@ksu.edu
• Connect on social media: Jamie's Linkedin&Kate's Linkedin
• Resource Mentioned: https://opportunityknocks.net/, https://opportunityinitiatives.org/

Listen on Your Favorite Platform

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Real Money, Real Experts on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify:Real Money, Real Experts on Spotify
• Listen on Amazon Music: Real Money, Real Experts on Amazon Music
• Listen on Cast Box:Real Money, Real Experts on Castbox

About the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast

Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities.

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

What does the data tell us about the financial coaching and counseling profession; where is the field headed next?

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by Joshua Escalante Troesh CFP®️ | MBA and Amelie Riendl AFC®️ | PMP®️ of Financial Coaches Network to unpack findings from the State of Financial Coaching and Counseling Survey. We explore how professionals define themselves, the role of credentials like the AFC, emerging business trends, technology adoption, professional boundaries, and the importance of finding a niche.

Josh and Amelie also share what the data reveals about the profession’s growth, where coaches and counselors may need additional education or support, and how financial coaching could increasingly intersect with financial planning and advisory firms.

Plus, we discuss why financial coaches don’t need to expand into regulated services to demonstrate their value, and why the foundational work of budgeting, accountability, saving, and debt reduction remains so important.

Topics discussed include:

• How financial coaches and counselors define their roles
• What the survey reveals about credentials and professional identity
• Professional boundaries and regulated services
• Technology and efficiency in coaching practices
• Niches, revenue, and business growth
• The current state and future of the profession
• How financial coaching may fit into financial planning firms
• The importance of investing in your education, business, and practice

If you’re a financial coach, counselor, AFC, educator, or simply interested in the evolution of the profession, this conversation offers a data-driven look at where the field is today and the opportunities ahead.

Learn more about AFCPE® and AFC Certification.

🎧 Tune in to Real Money, Real Experts for practical insights on creating financial education programs that meet people where they are.

Like, subscribe, and follow the show so you never miss a conversation with financial professionals making an impact in their communities.

Show Notes:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

02:15 – Why This Survey Matters

05:00 – Financial Coach vs. Financial Counselor

09:00 – Credentials & Professional Identity

12:00 – Professional Boundaries & Regulatory Risks

16:30 – Financial Coaches & Technology

19:30 – Niches, Revenue & Business Growth

23:30 – The State of the Profession

27:00 – The Future of Financial Coaching

31:00 – Investing in Your Coaching Business

34:00 – The Value of Financial Coaching

37:00 – What’s Next for Financial Coaching?

40:00 – Josh's & Amelie's 2 Cents

Connect With Our Guest

• Reach out directly via email: Info@financialcoachesnetwork.com
• Connect on social media: FCN on Facebook
• Participate in the survey today: 2026 State of Financial Coaching Benchmarking Survey
• Resource Mentioned: https://www.financialcoachesnetwork.com/moneycoachnetwork_career
• Resource Mentioned: https://www.financialcoachesnetwork.com/moneycoachnetwork

Listen on Your Favorite Platform

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Real Money, Real Experts on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify:Real Money, Real Experts on Spotify
• Listen on Amazon Music: Real Money, Real Experts on Amazon Music
• Listen on Cast Box:Real Money, Real Experts on Castbox

About the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast

Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities.

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

What happens when financial stress becomes more than just the numbers?

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Dr. Kristy Archuleta, a pioneer in financial therapy and professor of financial planning at the University of Georgia.

Kristy breaks down the important difference between financial stress and financial anxiety, how financial professionals can recognize when a client’s challenges go beyond the numbers, and when it may be time to refer a client to another professional. She also opens up about her own experience with burnout and the boundaries and community that helped her find her way back.

Plus, Kristy shares how her background in marriage and family therapy shaped her work in financial planning—and why technical expertise alone isn't enough when we're working with people.

Kristy will also be joining AFCPE as a keynote speaker at Symposium this November, where she’ll dive deeper into working with clients when you’re feeling overwhelmed and burned out yourself.

Learn more about AFCPE® and AFC Certification.

🎧 Tune in to Real Money, Real Experts for practical insights on creating financial education programs that meet people where they are.

Like, subscribe, and follow the show so you never miss a conversation with financial professionals making an impact in their communities.

Show Notes:

00:00 — Welcome & Meet Dr. Kristy Archuleta

02:00 — What Does Burnout Look Like for Financial Professionals?

04:14 — Financial Stress vs. Financial Anxiety

06:16 — When It’s More Than the Numbers

08:08 — Knowing When to Make a Referral

12:15 — The Origins of Financial Therapy

16:34 — Managing Work, Family & Everything in Between

20:24 — “Farm Girl Therapy Time”

21:03 — Why Community Matters

23:09 —Kristy's 2 Cents

Connect With Our Guest

• Reach out directly via email: karchuleta@uga.edu
• Connect on social media: Kristy Archuleta onLinkedin
• Resource Mentioned: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Nagoski and Nagoski
• Resource Mentioned: UGA Financial Planning

Listen on Your Favorite Platform

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Real Money, Real Experts on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify:Real Money, Real Experts on Spotify
• Listen on Amazon Music: Real Money, Real Experts on Amazon Music
• Listen on Cast Box:Real Money, Real Experts on Castbox

About the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast

Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities.

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

What does it take to make financial education truly meaningful and accessible?

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Holly Zugay, CFP, AFC, shares her journey from chemistry to financial education and the lessons she’s learned working with diverse communities, including low-income families, veterans, homeowners facing foreclosure, and individuals transitioning from incarceration.

Holly discusses how shame, stigma, and lack of confidence can create barriers to financial well-being, and why financial professionals need to move beyond the “ivory tower” approach. She shares practical strategies for building trust, creating participant-centered financial education programs, using activities to make financial topics engaging, and measuring success through meaningful behavior change.

Holly also breaks down her Building Your Financial House program, including why she takes a long-term approach to financial education, addresses topics beyond budgeting and credit, and helps participants build confidence in their financial decisions.

Learn more about AFCPE® and AFC Certification.

🎧 Tune in to Real Money, Real Experts for practical insights on creating financial education programs that meet people where they are.

Like, subscribe, and follow the show so you never miss a conversation with financial professionals making an impact in their communities.

Show Notes:

00:00 – Meet Holly Zugray: From Chemistry to Financial Education

02:00 – From Financial Planning to Community-Based Financial Education

04:00 – Breaking Down the Shame and Stigma Around Money

06:00 – Making Financial Education Participant-Centered

08:30 – Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Shared Experiences

11:00 – Creating a Safe Space for Financial Conversations

13:00 – How Communication Can Create Barriers for Clients

15:00 – Building Your Financial House: A Holistic Approach to Financial Wellness

20:00 – Why Financial Education Should Go Beyond Budgeting and Credit

25:00 – Designing Engaging Financial Education Programs

28:00 – Measuring Success Through Behavior Change

31:00 – What Financial Professionals Can Learn From Their Communities

34:00 – Walking in Your Clients’ Shoes Through Simulations

36:00 – Holly’s Advice: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

37:00 – Final Takeaways & How to Connect With Holly

Connect With Our Guest

• Visit her website to learn more: PA Housing Financial Agency
• Reach out directly via email: hzugay@phfa.org
• Connect on social media: Holly Zugay onLinkedin
• Resource mentioned: A Framework for Understanding Poverty (Ruby Payne, PhD.)

Listen on Your Favorite Platform

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Real Money, Real Experts on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify:Real Money, Real Experts on Spotify
• Listen on Amazon Music: Real Money, Real Experts on Amazon Music
• Listen on Cast Box:Real Money, Real Experts on Castbox

About the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast

Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities.

#AFCPodcast #FinancialCounseling #FinancialTherapy #NeurodiversityInFinance #ADHDMoneyTips #InclusivePractice

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we’re joined by Simi Mandelbaum, a certified financial therapist, accredited financial counselor, certified financial behavior specialist, and founder and CEO of Prosper Financial Wellness. Simi shares how combining financial counseling, behavioral finance, and financial therapy can help clients transform not only their finances, but their relationship with money.

Together, we explore how neurodivergence and different learning styles can impact financial behaviors, why traditional financial advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how financial professionals can create more inclusive and engaging experiences for their clients. Simi also shares practical strategies—from visual and tactile tools to gamifying financial goals—that can help clients better understand their money and build lasting financial confidence.

Plus, Simi shares her “three cents” of advice, including how to create intentional space between wanting and buying, why every “yes” is also a “no,” and the importance of practicing compassion with ourselves and our clients.

Show Notes:

00:00 Welcome Simi Mandelbaum

02:25 The “Financial Stew” Approach to Financial Wellness

03:35 Neurodivergence and Money Management

04:44 Supporting Neurodivergent Clients

08:03 Making Financial Education Tactile & Experiential

10:30 Why One-Size-Fits-All Financial Advice Doesn’t Work

13:08 How Emotions & Past Experiences Shape Financial Decisions

15:15 Creating a More Inclusive Financial Practice

18:40 The Power of Visual Reminders

19:33 From Financial Overwhelm to Financial Confidence

21:01 Supporting Different Learning Styles in Financial Services

22:12 Simi’s 3 Cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Simi

ADD is awesome by Penn Holderness

Do you have Financial Anxiety quiz

Qubemoney

Amazon Fridge Thermometer

Ally Bank

Vertex Debt Reduction Calculator

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Financial challenges are rarely just about numbers—they're about life, transitions, and the support people need along the way.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with AFC®, CFP® Dedrick Curtis to discuss the unique financial realities facing veterans, military families, and caregivers. As Program Manager for the Veterans Benefits Banking Program and founder of Penny Earned Financial, Dedrick shares how behavioral finance, financial counseling, and financial planning work together to help people navigate everything from financial crises to long-term wealth building.

Together, they explore the difference between financial counseling and financial planning, why collaboration among financial professionals leads to better client outcomes, and how empathy, trust, and financial education can empower individuals through every stage of their financial journey.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction

02:26 – What Is the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)?

04:53 – The Biggest Financial Challenges Veterans Face Today

06:37 – Why Personal Finance Is More Personal Than Finance

08:25 – Financial Counseling vs. Financial Planning: What's the Difference?

11:50 – Financial Journeys Aren't Always Linear

12:18 – How Financial Counselors and Planners Can Better Collaborate

15:56 – Building Trust with Clients During Financial Stress

19:08 – Serving Veterans Through Specialized Financial Guidance

22:14 – How the Financial Industry Can Better Support Military Families

24:41 – Dedrick's Two Cents: Why More People Should Become Financial Counselors

26:24 – Where to Connect with Dedrick Curtis

27:59 – Key Takeaways: Meeting Clients Where They Are

30:31 – Closing Remarks

Shownotes:

Learn more about Veterans Banking!

Military Financial Advisors

Learn more about Penny Earned Financial!

Connect with Dedrick!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Career-defining opportunities often begin with a single "yes."

In this episode, Jarod Taylor, AFC®, Director of Education and Community Engagement at AFCPE, reflects on his unexpected journey into the financial well-being profession, beginning during the 2008 housing crisis and evolving into a career dedicated to advancing financial education and supporting the next generation of Accredited Financial Counselors®.

Jarod discusses the power of community within the profession, the evolving role of financial counselors in an AI-driven landscape, and why human-centered guidance remains essential to achieving lasting financial well-being. He also shares insights for those considering a career in financial counseling and offers a timely reminder that meaningful progress starts with taking the first step.

Whether you're an aspiring financial counselor, an established practitioner, or simply passionate about expanding access to financial well-being, this conversation offers thoughtful insights on leadership, lifelong learning, and the impact of saying "yes" to new opportunities.

Show Notes:

00:00 Meet Jarod Taylor, AFC®

02:34 Embracing a "Year of Yes" and trying new experiences

03:39 How the 2008 housing crisis launched Jarod's career

05:57 Personal finance lessons that shaped his professional journey

08:59 Eight years supporting AFC candidates and life-changing career stories

11:41 Stepping into the role of Director of Education & Community Engagement

14:45 AI, financial technology, and why human-centered counseling matters

18:53 The growing demand for financial counselors and career opportunities

19:46 Advice for those considering a career in financial counseling

21:10 What a bonsai class taught Jarod about personal finance

23:21 Jarod's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Jarod!

We're celebrating one year of the AFC Learning System and the revamped Money Management Essentials with a special offer!

Save 15% on either program with promo code ONEDERFUL15

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

What if the best financial advice starts by asking one simple question: Why?

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with newly accredited AFC® Cynthia Hudson. Cynthia shares how her unconventional journey—from manufacturing floors to financial counseling—shaped her belief that lasting financial change happens when we address root causes instead of surface-level symptoms.

Cynthia explores how disability, trauma, and lived experiences influence financial decision-making, and why creating accessible financial guidance doesn't just benefit people with disabilities—it creates better outcomes for everyone. Through powerful personal stories, she discusses navigating public benefit systems, overcoming self-doubt, and learning that curiosity and compassion are just as important as financial expertise.

Whether you're a financial professional, educator, or coach, you'll walk away with practical strategies for meeting clients where they are, asking better questions, and building more inclusive financial conversations.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why accessibility benefits every client—not just those with disabilities
• How to uncover the root causes behind financial challenges
• The role trauma and lived experiences play in financial decision-making
• Common pitfalls when advising clients receiving public benefits
• How curiosity can strengthen trust and improve client outcomes
• Why Cynthia's personal motto is simple: Do it scared.

Show Notes:

00:00 Welcome Cynthia Hudson, AFC®

02:00 From banking and manufacturing to financial counseling

05:00 Why solving the root cause matters more than treating financial symptoms

09:00 Disability, accessibility, and creating better financial outcomes

12:00 When good financial advice can unintentionally cause harm

13:00 Cynthia's personal experience navigating poverty and healthcare benefits

16:00 Practical ways financial professionals can make their services more accessible

19:00 Earning the AFC® without a traditional college path

22:00 Stepping outside your comfort zone and learning to "do it scared"

24:00 Bringing financial education into the workplace

27:00 Cynthia's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Cynthia on Linkedin!

Read about "The Financial Health of People With Disabilities Key Obstacles and Opportunities" from NDI!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Editor's note: Real Money, Real Experts is on a mid-summer break. Please enjoy this episode re-run. We will be back with new episodes in July!

What does it mean to build true wealth? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with financial planner Justin Chastain, AFC®️ to explore the connection between self-worth and financial success, the emotional impact of money, and the power of authenticity in both personal and professional growth.

Justin shares his personal experiences with grief and how it has shaped his financial philosophy, explaining why wealth is about more than just numbers—it’s about how money influences your life and the lives of those you care about. He also breaks down why patience is essential in building financial security and how leaning into your uniqueness can set you apart in any industry.

Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone looking to improve your financial mindset, this episode is filled with powerful insights on achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on redefining wealth, investing in yourself, and staying true to who you are.

Show Notes:

01:24 Justin's journey into the financial planning space

04:38 The AFC is they key to lifelong learning

07:33 How creating buckets of value influence our financial decisions

14:21 Why leaning into your uniqueness is your superpower

22:22 The secret behind building wealth for a business

27:41 What to look for in mentors & coaches

32:24 Justin's 2 cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Justin on Linkedin!

Connect with Justin on Instagram!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Brandy Baxter sit down with Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness at Ally, to discuss the evolving landscape of financial wellness and the critical role that mindset, values, and personal experiences play in shaping financial behaviors.

Drawing from both her personal and professional journey, Jack shares how her passion for financial education led her to develop innovative approaches that go beyond traditional financial literacy. The conversation explores the concept of "money roots"—the beliefs, experiences, and narratives that influence our financial decisions—as well as the impact of financial trauma, scarcity, and anxiety on long-term financial well-being.

Listeners will gain insight into how understanding their money story, aligning financial decisions with personal values, and approaching money with greater self-awareness can lead to healthier financial habits and a more fulfilling relationship with money. The episode also examines how financial institutions and financial professionals are increasingly embracing a more human-centered approach to financial education and counseling.

Show Notes:

02:27 Jack Howard's personal finance journey: From student debt to money wellness leadership

05:11 A day in the life of Ally's Head of Money Wellness

06:40 Why financial success is about more than financial skills

08:54 Overview of Ally's Money Roots program

10:56 Understanding money mindset, money stories, and personal values

12:33 How a trauma-informed approach changes financial conversations

14:14 Addressing shame, judgment, and fear around money

15:07 Common money mindset challenges: scarcity, anxiety, and avoidance

18:13 Breaking down barriers: How financial professionals can build trust

19:06 The power of vulnerability in financial education and counseling

20:22 The future of financial wellness and human-centered banking

21:51 Jack's 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Jack on Instagram!

Connect with Ally Bank on Instagram!

Connect with Ally Bank on X!

Connect with Ally Bank on Linkedin!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon sit down with Lisa Whitley, accredited financial counselor, and founder of MoneyByLisa LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor domiciled in the District of Columbia.

Lisa shares her unique journey as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development into financial counseling and advocacy work. Together, they explore how financial professionals can use their firsthand client experiences to influence policy, support financial wellness initiatives, and create meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels.

From affordability challenges and utility assistance programs to consumer protection and community advocacy, this conversation breaks down how advocacy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — and why even one small step can make a lasting impact.

Whether you’re passionate about policy or simply looking for ways to better support your clients, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters.

Show Notes:

00:00 – Welcome back to Real Money, Real Experts

00:38 – Introducing guest Lisa Kirchenbauer

01:57 – Lisa’s journey into government relations and advocacy

03:15 – From Wall Street and United States Agency for International Development to financial counseling

04:40 – Why Lisa started her own firm, Money by Lisa

05:49 – What advocacy looks like in financial wellness

06:53 – Why advocacy can feel overwhelming — and how to simplify it

08:28 – Starting local: state and community-level advocacy

08:48 – The Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education Advocacy Toolkit and practical resources

10:46 – Learning from other states and sharing solutions

11:35 – Why AFCs are subject matter experts in financial wellness

13:44 – Key policy issues impacting clients right now

16:08 – Practical first steps for getting involved in advocacy

17:48 – A real-world example of community advocacy creating policy change

19:49 – Lisa’s 2 Cents

20:59 – How the Government Relations Task Force supports the AFCPE community

Show Note Links:

Check out our Government Relations Advocacy Toolkit!

Follow MoneyByLisa on Facebook!

Connect with Lisa on Linkedin!

Learn more about MoneyByLisa!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In today's episode, Rachael and Brandy sit down with Dr. Sonya Lutter to explore the powerful connection between psychology, relationships, and financial decision-making. From financial stress and emotional spending to couples’ communication and the growing field of financial therapy, this conversation dives into the human side of money.

Dr. Lutter shares how stress impacts our ability to make financial decisions, why money arguments carry so much emotional weight in relationships, and how financial professionals can better support clients through observation, communication, and empathy. The discussion also explores the differences between financial psychology, financial counseling, and financial therapy — and why understanding those distinctions matters in practice.

Whether you’re a financial professional or simply curious about the emotional side of money, this episode offers valuable insights into how our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships shape financial wellness.

Show Notes:

00:31 Meet Dr. Sonya Lutter

02:05 How Dr. Lutter Combined Psychology & Financial Planning

04:57 Financial Psychology vs. Financial Therapy Explained

10:30 Where Financial Professionals Draw the Line with Clients

11:12 The Importance of Family Systems & Financial Conversations

12:08 Katrina’s Story: Grief, Money & Emotional Decision-Making

16:18 How Financial Stress Impacts Decision-Making

17:14 Fight-or-Flight Responses During Money Conversations

19:28 Why Stressed Clients Struggle to Retain Financial Information

20:43 How Financial Professionals Can Better Support Stressed Clients

23:29 Why Money Carries Emotional Weight in Relationships

24:15 Why Couples Argue About Money More Than Anything Else

26:21 The Importance of Financial Communication in Marriage

27:52 Research on Joint Bank Accounts & Relationship Satisfaction

30:23 Cohabitation, Shared Finances & Wealth Building

31:44 Dr. Lutter’s “Two Cents” Advice for Couples & Financial Planning

34:02 Where to Connect with Dr. Sonya Lutter

34:12 Key Takeaways from the Conversation

36:45 Closing Thoughts & Outro

Show Note Links:

Become an ASFP

Discover financial therapy certificate programs at Texas Tech

Meet Dr. Sonya Lutter

Connect with Dr. Sonya Lutter

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode, we welcome Jessica Perrone, Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) and founder of HerFinIQ, to discuss how financial professionals can help clients confidently navigate the world of investing.

With over 16 years of experience on Wall Street, Jessica shares her unconventional journey into finance and how it shaped her mission to make investing more accessible—particularly for women and underserved communities. She emphasizes the importance of education over advice, and how simplifying complex financial concepts can empower clients to take action.

Jessica introduces practical frameworks, including her “financial ducks” approach—ensuring budgeting, saving, emergency funds, credit, and debt management are addressed before investing—and her “cereal box” analogy to help clients better understand investment accounts and assets.

Throughout the conversation, we explore:

• Common misconceptions about investing, including the belief that you need significant capital to get started
• The importance of helping clients develop an “investor identity”
• How AFC® professionals can provide investment education without crossing into advice
• Strategies for explaining risk and investment options in an approachable way
• The role of confidence and behavior in financial decision-making

Jessica also highlights the growing need for accessible, accurate financial education in a landscape where misinformation is common.

This episode reinforces the critical role AFC® professionals play in bridging knowledge gaps, building client confidence, and supporting informed financial decision-making.

Show Notes:

01:10 Meet Jessica Perrone & HerFinIQ

03:40 Key money lessons: frugality, budgeting, resourcefulness & compassion

04:00 Breaking into Wall Street without a finance background

07:00 Why Jessica created HerFinIQ

10:30 Identity as an investor & why it matters

14:30 Why financial basics must come before investing (“financial ducks”)

16:15 Common misconceptions about investing

18:30 Barriers to entry & access to financial advisors

23:30 Building client confidence & asking the right questions

24:20 The role of confidence in financial decision-making

27:30 Understanding risk: stocks, ETFs & diversification

29:45 Jessica’s 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

https://www.herfiniq.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicak/

https://www.facebook.com/HerFinIQ/

https://www.instagram.com/herfiniq

https://www.youtube.com/@herfiniq

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Divorce isn’t just a legal process—it’s a high-stakes financial restructuring, often driven by emotion. In this powerful episode, Gabriella Martinelli, founder of Ever After Wealth, breaks down what really happens when money, identity, and life as you know it are all on the line.

With over two decades of experience across both legal and financial spaces, Gabriella shares why traditional approaches fall short—and how financial professionals can better support clients during one of the most emotionally charged times in their lives.

From uncovering the real reason behind financial decisions (hint: it’s not always about the numbers) to understanding how fear, urgency, and loss of control shape outcomes, this conversation challenges everything you think you know about divorce planning.

You’ll walk away with a new perspective on:

• Why divorce is more than a legal event—it’s a complete financial reset
• How emotions directly impact financial decision-making
• The power clients actually have (even when they feel powerless)
• Why asking better questions can change everything

Whether you’re a financial professional or someone navigating a major life transition, this episode is your reminder: the numbers matter—but the why behind them matters even more.

Show Notes:

00:00 –Meet Gabriella Martinelli

02:30 – From legal career to divorce financial strategist

06:15 – Why she left wealth management to remain conflict-free

10:20 – Divorce as a “financial restructuring” (not just legal)

14:45 – The role of emotions in financial decision-making

19:30 – Advice for financial professionals working with divorce clients

24:10 – The “house story” & uncovering the real emotional driver

32:00 – How to ask better questions and reduce client overwhelm

36:45 – Navigating pressure, deadlines, and court timelines

43:20 – Where clients actually have power in the process

49:10 – Common emotional traps: “I want it all” vs. “I want nothing”

53:40 – Final takeaways for financial professionals

56:00 – How to connect with Gabriella + closing reflections

Show Note Links:

Listen to the Divorce and Money Podcast!

Look into the Ever After Blog!

Connect with Ever After on Instagram!

Connect with Divorce and Money on Instagram!

Connect with Gabriella on Linkedin!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter are joined by Whitney Ramirez, founder of Diapers to Deposits and Financial Field Trips, to discuss innovative approaches to financial education that move beyond traditional instruction.

Whitney shares how her experiential learning model—“financial field trips”—helps learners apply financial concepts in real-world settings, from visiting banks and apartment complexes to exploring car dealerships. By meeting individuals where they are and building on their existing knowledge, her approach fosters deeper understanding, confidence, and long-term behavior change.

We explore key concepts including the financial literacy vortex, the importance of application-based learning, and how educators, counselors, and financial professionals can better engage both youth and adult learners.

This conversation offers practical insights for anyone looking to make financial education more impactful, relevant, and sustainable.

Show Notes:

03:19 The Story Behind the LED Backpack & Standing Out

04:20 How Financial Field Trips Began

05:28 The FAST Framework Explained

07:01 Applying Financial Education in Real Life

11:13 How Behavior Change Happens

13:24 Why Financial Field Trips Work

15:25 Applying These Strategies with Adult Clients

18:03 Teaching Through Storytelling: The “Loan Shark” Lesson

20:23 Planting Seeds Early in Financial Education

21:08 Whitney’s 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Learn more about D2D Youth Money Hub!

Connect with Whitney!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon welcome longtime AFCPE member Dr. Barbara O’Neill to discuss changes in financial planning over 40 years, including increased automation and the uncertain readiness of AI, alongside AFCPE’s growing membership diversity.

O’Neill defines tax-smart charitable giving as aligning donations with income-tax benefits and highlights additional psychological benefits of philanthropy.

She shares strategies including qualified charitable distributions from traditional IRAs, bunching deductions to exceed the standard deduction, donor-advised funds, and new 2026 charitable deductions for non-itemizers, while noting shifting tax rules for itemizers.

The conversation also covers older adults’ needs—lower risk, lower taxes, simplicity, reliable income, and “fun money”—popular later-life class topics, solopreneur advice, and the importance of making financial education simple and actionable.

Show Notes:

00:00 Meet our guest, Barbara O'Neill

02:16 How Finance Has Changed

03:08 AI and the Human Touch

05:48 Tax Smart Giving Basics

14:41 Keeping Up With Tax Law

15:37 Giving Tips for Young Adults

17:57 Older Adults Money Needs

27:10 Late Life Entrepreneurship

33:01 Barbara's Two Cents

Show Note Links:

Check out MoneyTalk!

Connect with MoneyTalk on Twitter!

Explore the MoneyTalk blog!

Grab your copy of Barbara's book!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Dr. Brandy Baxter sits down with financial counselors Alicia Lawrence and Jayne Larson to explore why real financial change goes beyond the numbers.

They discuss the power of motivational interviewing, empathy, and curiosity in helping clients uncover the “why” behind their money habits. From overcoming the fear of opening bills to negotiating more than 20 credit card accounts, this conversation highlights how mindset shifts—not just budgets—drive lasting progress.

For financial professionals ready to focus less on spreadsheets and more on behavior, this episode offers practical insight into creating meaningful, sustainable change.

Show Notes:

02:00 – Meet the guests: Alicia Lawrence & Jayne Larson

03:00 – Shifting from “what to do” to understanding the why behind money behaviors

05:00 – Motivational interviewing and the stages of change

08:00 – Emotional triggers, stress spending, and building client trust

09:30 – Measuring progress beyond the numbers (confidence, opening mail, mindset shifts)

11:00 – Client story: From avoiding bills to negotiating 20+ credit cards

14:00 – What sparked the mindset shift?

15:20 – Advice for financial professionals: leading with curiosity and empathy

19:00 – Reflection questions that spark behavior change

20:50 – Two Cents segment: Discomfort, flexibility, and sustainable planning

22:30 – How to connect + episode wrap-up

Show Note Links:

Learn more here!

Learn more about the wages & inflation here!

Learn more about the US Inflation Rates!

Learn more about Jayne & Alicia's work here!

Check out this resource!

Connect with Alicia!

Connect with Your Money Line on Instagram!

Connect with Your Money Line on Linkedin!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we welcome back fan favorite Ryan Law, award-winning educator, author, and financial counselor, to share something a little different: his groundbreaking ReWired Framework.

Ryan walks us through his seven-step process for identifying and transforming limiting beliefs—the inner work that often determines whether we achieve lasting success. From recognizing the beliefs that hold us back to experimenting with small, actionable steps, Ryan shows how rewiring our mindset can create real, sustainable change—not just in finances, but in all areas of life.

Whether you’re a financial professional helping clients reach their goals or someone striving to make positive changes in your own life, this episode provides practical insights and strategies to start rewiring your brain for success.

Show Notes:

02:09 Introduction to the ReWired Framework

04:59 Why knowledge and motivation alone aren’t enough for lasting chang

08:20 How beliefs drive behavior and why focusing on inner work is key

10:51 Step-by-step breakdown of the ReWired Framework (R–E–W–I–R–E–D)

18:25 The power of small, consistent steps to reinforce new beliefs

21:09 Documenting and reflecting for sustainable growth

24:03 How rewiring your brain applies to clients and your own life

25:26 Ryan’s 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Connect with Ryan on Linkedin!

Learn more about Sarah Newcomb!

Check out Erika Wasserman!

Learn more about Money Habitudes!

Check out Klontz Money Script Inventory (KMSI)!

Read Atomic Habits!

Read Tiny Habits!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Money conversations are emotional for any family—but in blended families, they often come with added layers of loss, loyalty, and complexity.

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon are joined by Mikel Van Cleve, CFP®, PhD candidate at Texas Tech University and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, to unpack the unique financial and emotional dynamics of blended families.

Drawing from both research and lived experience—what Michael calls “me-search”—the conversation explores why traditional financial advice doesn’t always work for blended families, common emotional landmines around money, and how assumptions about “joint finances” can unintentionally create conflict. Mikel shares practical tools financial professionals can use, including the three-bucket money approach, genograms, money dates, and role-playing exercises, to foster communication, transparency, and trust.

Whether you’re a financial practitioner working with blended families or someone navigating one yourself, this episode offers actionable insights, empathy-driven strategies, and a powerful reminder: blended families aren’t broken or abnormal—they’re simply different, and they deserve planning approaches that reflect that reality.

Show Notes:

01:26 – Meet Mikel Van Cleve, CFP®

03:05 – How Mikel’s lived experience shaped his research

05:18 – Why blended families are often overlooked in financial planning

07:52 – Emotional and financial landmines blended families face

11:48 – Rethinking joint finances in blended families

13:02 – The three-bucket money approach explained

18:44 – Why practitioner bias matters when working with blended families

23:36 – Tools for navigating emotionally charged money conversations

26:08 – Mikel’s 2 Cents

Show Note Links:

Learn more about Mikel's work

Read Mikel's work!

Connect with Mikel!

Want to get involved with AFCPE®?
Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!

Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.