Growing Money with Sean Trace

This episode got personal in the best way. Talking with Daniel Yerger, I kept coming back to this idea that nobody actually wants money for the sake of money. What we really want is the life it allows us to live. We broke down why financial anxiety often has nothing to do with numbers and everything to do with deeper fears, and why even people who “have enough” still struggle to feel secure. The biggest takeaway for me was this simple but powerful question: if money wasn’t the issue, what would you actually do with your time? That question alone can change everything.If money wasn’t a concern at all, what would your life actually look like tomorrow?

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with repeat guest Hamilton Brandenburg to talk about one of the biggest mindset shifts around wealth, retirement, and fulfillment: money can reduce stress, but it cannot create purpose. We get into why more income does not automatically fix bad habits, broken relationships, insecurity, or the need for validation, and why so much financial advice falls flat for normal people trying to build a meaningful life. This conversation goes beyond numbers and into what it really means to know your “enough” number, stop chasing status, and start using money as a tool to build the life you actually want. If you have ever wondered why financial success still leaves some people unhappy, this episode will make you think differently about wealth, contentment, and intentional living. What does “enough” look like for you?

Most people grow up learning algebra, history, and science…but almost nothing about money.In this episode of Growing Money, I went back to my hometown in Napa Valley and started thinking about where my own understanding of money really came from, and what actually matters.Because the truth is, money isn’t just about numbers.It’s about habits, mindset, and the “seeds” you plant over time.We talk about:Why financial education is missing for most peopleThe difference between needs vs wants (and how I teach it to my daughter)What “real wealth” actually looks likeWhy money is a tool, not the goalHow to start building a better relationship with moneyI’ve spent years talking to financial advisors, business owners, and everyday people about money, and almost all of them come back to the same thing in the end…It’s not just about how much you have.It’s about how you live, who you spend time with, and the life you build.If you’re trying to get your finances in order, or just think about money in a healthier way, this is for you.

Starting a business often feels like a far-fetched dream until you're actually in the trenches dealing with CRMs and cash flow runways. In this conversation, Brock Buckles joins me to pull back the curtain on the "glamorized" version of entrepreneurship seen on shows like Shark Tank. We dive deep into the reality of the "art of the pivot" - from launching a business right as a global pandemic hits to the liberation of realizing you aren't the right fit for every customer. We explore the transition from solopreneur to boutique agency and why having a "loose" business plan is better than no plan at all. Whether you're struggling with imposter syndrome or trying to land your very first paid client, this episode is a masterclass in staying authentic while building a brand that actually reflects who you are.If you had to start a business tomorrow with zero dollars and no audience, what is the very first "messy" action you would take to get moving?

In this episode of Growing Money, I sit down with Brian Feroldi to break down investing in a way that actually makes sense. We talk about why so many people feel overwhelmed by the stock market, how to stop seeing stocks as random letters on a screen, and why the real key is understanding the business behind the ticker. Brian shares how he teaches people to read financial statements, spot red flags, think long term, and avoid getting trapped by emotion, hype, and constant market noise. We also get into why index funds make sense for most people, how different investing styles fit different personalities, and why building wealth often comes down to patience, consistency, and learning the fundamentals before putting your money to work. If you’ve ever wanted investing explained in plain English without the jargon, this conversation is for you.

I sat down with financial relationship and wealth building coach Dee Zimmerman to get into something nobody talks about honestly - why couples can't seem to get on the same page about money, and what it actually takes to fix it. Dee breaks down how we each carry these deeply ingrained money scripts from childhood that quietly drive every financial decision we make, and how when two people with completely different scripts try to build a life together, things get complicated fast. We talk about the difference between being an expressive spender and a protective saver, why emotional safety in a relationship has to come before any real money conversation can happen, and how setting financial boundaries with yourself, your partner, and the outside world is the missing piece most couples never consider.If you and your partner keep hitting the same financial walls, this one is going to hit close to home.What is one money habit or belief you brought into your relationship that you did not even realize was causing tension, and did you ever figure out where it came from?

In this episode, I sit down with CFP and registered life planner Lillian Turner to talk about the deeper side of money, from financial literacy and money trauma to debt, happiness, values, and what it really means to build wealth. We get into why so many people think they are bad with money when they were simply never taught, how coaching and financial planning can work together, and why true financial freedom is about more than just saving and investing. We also unpack the connection between money and meaning, the difference between return on investment and return on life, and how to spend in a way that actually aligns with what matters most. This conversation goes far beyond budgeting, 401(k)s, debt, and investing strategies. It is about using money as a tool to create a life that feels rich in experiences, purpose, and fulfillment. If you have ever wrestled with scarcity, guilt, financial overwhelm, or the pressure to follow someone else’s definition of success, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on wealth, happiness, and living intentionally.

In this episode, I sit down with financial educator Sarah Brady to break down one of the biggest questions people face with money: should you pay off debt or start investing? What we uncover goes way deeper than numbers. We talk about how most people never learn basic financial principles, why high-interest debt quietly destroys your wealth, and how emotional habits like guilt, fear, and avoidance keep people stuck financially. Sarah shares real stories from her time as a credit counselor, including how people make decisions based on inherited beliefs rather than facts, and how something as simple as understanding interest rates can completely change your financial future. We also get into the psychological side of money, why your upbringing shapes your financial behavior, and how small habit shifts can help you build stability, reduce chaos, and actually take control of your money over time.If you had extra money right now, would you pay off your debt or invest it—and what’s really driving that decision for you?

In this episode, I sat down with Albania Espinal to talk about a side of money that does not get enough attention: how to build a financial life that actually feels good while still preparing for the future. We got into why so many people are taught to obsess over retirement without thinking about what brings them joy right now, how financial stress often comes from avoidance and emotional patterns, and why self-awareness is one of the most important money skills you can build. Albania shared how giving your money a job, creating simple spending buckets, and being honest about your habits can lower stress and help you make better decisions without feeling restricted. We also talked about the emotional side of money, how family experiences shape the way we spend and save, and why taking one small step today can completely change your financial future. This conversation is for anyone who wants to stop feeling guilty about money, start feeling more confident, and create a plan that supports both peace of mind and real joy.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with returning guest David Houston, financial coach, speaker, and small business consultant, to talk about the real money habits that shape our lives long before wealth ever shows up. We get into why so many young people still make the same financial mistakes, how social media and broke advice keep people stuck, and why knowing where you are financially is the first step to getting where you want to go. We talk about compound interest, student loans, debt culture, budgeting without feeling restricted, raising money-smart kids, and the emotional weight debt puts on your life and marriage. David also shares practical advice on choosing between college, community college, and trade school, how to stop comparing yourself to everyone online, and why having a clear “why” is the key to changing your financial future. We even dive into one of the biggest money traps out there: buying a car. This conversation is packed with practical personal finance advice, debt payoff strategies, budgeting mindset shifts, financial literacy tips for families, and honest insight for anyone who makes decent money but still feels broke at the end of the month.What do you think keeps more people stuck financially today: debt, bad habits, or chasing a lifestyle they can’t actually afford?