Growing Money with Sean Trace

On this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Michael Rodriguez, CFP, the founder of Equanimity Wealth, to talk about bringing real calm and clarity to our financial lives.We unpack why so many of us avoid money conversations, how that fuels constant low-grade anxiety, and why financial planning is really life planning. Michael explains equanimity, mental calmness and composure during turbulent times, and how education plus a simple plan can replace panic with confidence. We dig into money scripts, the unconscious beliefs from childhood that drive our choices, and we walk through practical wins anyone with a job can grab right now, employer benefits, 401k matches, HSAs and FSAs, even discounted legal help. I share how the envelope method changed my own spending awareness, why language with our kids matters, and why an emergency fund is emotional insurance as much as financial. We also cover market mindset, why time in the market beats reactionary moves, and when a human coach can keep you steady where robo tools cannot. If you want accessible, advice-only guidance, less stress, and a plan that fits your real life, this conversation is for you.

On this solo episode of Growing Money, I open up about something that’s been on my mind: the real value of time. I grew up in a family that didn’t talk about money, and for years I avoided the topic altogether. But when my daughter Ailani started asking me questions about money and how we spend our time, it forced me to face these lessons head-on. From teaching her about balance through piano and Minecraft, to realizing that every “free” project I take on costs me hours I can’t get back, I’ve learned the fastest way to stay broke is to act like your time is free. Your time is the most finite resource you have, and when you undervalue it, others will too. In this reflection, I share the mistakes I’ve made, the boundaries I’m learning to set, and why respecting the value of your time is one of the most important financial lessons you’ll ever learn.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with money and career coach Laura Sexton to talk about turning money shame into ownership, raising kids who understand money, and building a legacy that lasts. We unpack her journey from a bankruptcy scare and 370k in debt to a positive net worth and a fully debt free life. We get practical about time in the market, compound interest, 401k and Roth IRA basics, and how to replace “we cannot afford it” with “we are choosing to spend differently.” We also dig into teaching kids about credit cards, FICO, needs versus wants, and why authenticity beats perfection. If you care about financial freedom, family values, and the mindset that supports generational wealth, this conversation delivers clear steps, real stories, and hope you can use today. Listen in and start building your legacy with tools, habits, and consistent action.

On this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Thao Truong, CFP® and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, to talk about the lessons she’s learned about money, both personally and professionally. Thao shares her unique perspective on how culture and family shape our money mindset, from growing up in Vietnam to building a career in the U.S. We dive into why wealth management isn’t just for the rich, the importance of patience and starting early, and why cash flow matters as much as returns. Whether it’s gold, real estate, or stocks, Thao explains how to approach investing with clarity and balance, and how financial planning can help everyone make smarter decisions for the future.

On this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Jason Blumer, CPA, to unpack why accounting is “the truth” for entrepreneurs. We dive into how owners go broke by siphoning too much from their businesses, why building savings and treating the company like its own entity matters, and the smart versus dangerous ways to use debt. Jason also shares insights on value pricing, money habits that support growth, and the importance of having trusted counselors to keep your decisions grounded.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Caroline Piehl to explore the emotional side of money and why financial planning is about much more than numbers. We talk about money stories, the beliefs we pick up as kids that shape how we spend or save as adults, and how those stories impact everything from oversaving with a scarcity mindset to overspending because we assume money will always flow in.Caroline shares her passion for bringing financial literacy to college athletes, showing them how the skills they’ve mastered in sports can translate into financial success. We also dig into why the best advisors aren’t just technically skilled, they’re the ones who can connect, simplify, and guide clients through the emotions money brings.I loved this conversation because it highlights what I believe: money is never just about spreadsheets and investments. It’s about people, emotions, and the stories we tell ourselves. If you want to understand your own money mindset and learn practical ways to take control of your finances, this episode is packed with insights.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Kevin Thompson, CFP, RICP, EA, for a conversation that blends his incredible personal journey with his professional insights on money and life. Kevin’s path started in Major League Baseball with the Yankees, and after an injury ended his career, he discovered his passion for finance. That journey included losing money to a Ponzi scheme, which gave him a firsthand understanding of why transparency and trust are so vital in this industry.Kevin and I dive deep into what true wealth really means. He explains the difference between being “rich” and being “wealthy,” why guaranteed income can sometimes matter more than millions in assets, and how consumption culture has distorted our sense of financial wellbeing. We also talk about the quiet, understated wealth that often carries more influence than flashy displays, and the importance of planning not just for retirement savings, but for what life will look like on day one after you stop working.This conversation is about more than finance, it’s about security, community, and redefining what success looks like, all through the perspective of Kevin.

I sit down with Rachel Onamusi to unpack practical, step-by-step strategies for growing a creative career, rebuilding mindset, and making money without losing yourself. We talk about surviving the pandemic, overcoming faux positivity, navigating the music industry for midcareer artists, finding the right collaborators like songwriters and producers, and why identity and money are inseparable. If you want honest, actionable advice on booking gigs, scaling creative projects, shifting limiting beliefs, and turning small daily tasks into big wins, this episode is for you, listen to learn how I stopped overthinking and started doing.

In this episode I sit down with CFP Mando Sallavanti III to talk practical money rules for entrepreneurs and high earners. Mando explains why separating business and personal finances matters, why most founders need a bookkeeper and CPA, and how to keep 1 to 3 months of operating expenses in your business account. We dig into hiring for leverage, the accumulation versus distribution mindset, and Mando’s bucket and reservoir systems that make saving automatic while giving you permission to spend. If you want clear cash flow habits, a plan to protect your income, and real steps to turn wealth into freedom, this one is for you.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Brendan Frazier, the Chief Behavioral Officer at RFG Advisory, to explore the human side of money. We dig into why smart, successful people still make emotional decisions, how loss aversion quietly drives our choices, and why simple, consistent actions often beat complex plans. I share my own story about facing financial fears, the power of awareness and mindfulness, and how a good planner can be that flashlight in a dark basement. Brendan breaks down practical ways to overcome money avoidance, build momentum with tiny steps, and reshape identity through consistent wins. We talk about compounding, community, and why money is a tool to fund a meaningful life, not the finish line. If you want clear next steps and a calmer relationship with money, this conversation is for you.