Growing Money with Sean Trace

In this episode, we unlock the secrets to building a budget that actually works for your life. Rob Bertman, Director of Family Budget Services at Buckingham, shares his journey from investment management to helping families save more and stress less. Together, we explore why tracking your spending is the ultimate first step to financial freedom and how to create a budget that’s empowering, not restrictive.We dive into how aligning your spending with your values can transform your relationships and reduce financial stress. Rob breaks down practical, family-friendly budgeting tips, showing you how to cut costs without sacrificing the lifestyle you love. Whether you’re a young family juggling bills or nearing retirement and looking to optimize your finances, we’ve got you covered.Plus, I share personal stories about teaching my daughter financial lessons, including a fun zombie-themed activity that will change the way you think about needs vs. wants. Don’t miss Rob’s powerful examples of how families have turned financial chaos into clarity and how you can do the same.

In this episode of the Growing Money with Sean Trace Podcast, I welcome financial coach Sandra Park, who shares her inspiring journey from being an engineer to empowering others to take charge of their finances. We dive into the fascinating similarities between financial coaching and health coaching, explore why budgeting is the foundation of financial success, and discuss how to avoid common pitfalls like lifestyle creep. Sandra highlights the transformative power of creating realistic financial habits and shares actionable tips for saving and planning for the future. Along the way, I share personal stories, insightful analogies, and thoughts on the emotional connection we all have with money. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to refine your money management skills, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you take control of your financial future!

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Dyalekt and Andrea Ferrero-Hagerty, the amazing co-founders of Pockets Change, to dive into their innovative approach to financial literacy using hip hop pedagogy. We explore how to break the shame around money, teach financial literacy to kids, and empower families to take control of their financial futures.Andrea shares her journey as a teacher and how it inspired her to create new ways to teach money concepts. Meanwhile, Dyalekt shows how the principles of hip hop can completely change the way we talk about wealth and equity. I also open up about my own experiences teaching my daughter about money and the power of community-focused financial strategies.Here’s what we dig into:How to start meaningful money conversations with kids.Why shame is the biggest barrier to financial growth.The importance of cultural context in understanding money.Practical tools like discovering your “money personality” and budgeting for joy.This episode is packed with actionable strategies and inspiring stories to transform how you think about money, community, and empowerment. Check out Pockets Change’s free resources and their upcoming Hip Hop FinFest at hiphopfinfest.com!🎧 Hit subscribe for more conversations that inspire and empower your money mindset!

In this episode of the Growing Money with Sean Trace podcast, I sit down with financial coach Dee Zimmerman to dive deep into the psychology of money, resilience, and taking control of your financial journey. We explore how popular movies like Jerry Maguire and The Pursuit of Happyness highlight the struggles and triumphs that come with financial risk and fulfillment. Dee shares her insights on setting financial milestones, embracing small wins, and learning to celebrate progress. This episode is packed with actionable steps, inspiring stories, and wisdom on building a "rich life" that’s tailored to your values. Tune in to hear how financial health impacts every area of life—and how you can start moving toward your dreams today.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I take you into a zombie-filled world to teach my daughter Ailani—and you—about needs versus wants. Ailani, alone in her tent, faces tough choices: limited space in her backpack means she can only take essentials for survival, like food and water, instead of comforts like a Nintendo Switch.Through the "Backpack Test," I guide Ailani on choosing wisely by asking, "Will this keep me safe or is it just something I’d like?" This test is a fun way to make financial concepts relatable, highlighting the importance of prioritizing needs over wants in survival—and in everyday life.Thanks for tuning in to Growing Money with Sean Trace! Join me next time as we tackle more financial lessons through the lens of the zombie apocalypse.

In this episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with money coach Resa Shore to dive deep into the world of financial wellness. We explore the impact of understanding your beliefs about money, the emotional ties we all have to spending, and practical ways to separate needs from wants. Resa shares her own journey of transforming her relationship with money and offers simple, effective tools that anyone can use to take control of their finances and feel more at peace. Whether you're dealing with debt or just looking to build a healthier relationship with money, this conversation is packed with wisdom and actionable steps.

In this insightful episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, Sean sits down with Nigel Bloomfield, co-founder of a nonprofit that helps people learn the art of budgeting. Together, they dive deep into the challenges of distinguishing wants from needs, especially when it comes to financial decisions. From personal anecdotes about costly mistakes, like a vacuum that became a lifetime investment, to practical tips on teaching kids financial literacy, this conversation covers it all. Nigel shares his personal budgeting journey, emphasizing the importance of setting clear priorities, adjusting course when necessary, and the value of making mistakes along the way. Tune in to learn how to make better financial decisions while embracing life’s little indulgences—responsibly!

In this Halloween-themed episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I sit down with Jenna-Rose Finnie, a finance coach who specializes in helping people overcome their financial fears through personalized strategies. We chat about the anxieties around money, from dealing with debt to tackling unhealthy spending habits, and we even compare these financial fears to classic horror movie tropes. Jenna opens up about how she overcame $30,000 in debt and shares her proven strategies for helping others slay their own financial monsters. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by debt, struggling with a budget that feels too restrictive, or just need a plan that fits your life, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration to take control of your finances. Together, we break down the fear, one small step at a time, to show that financial freedom is closer than you think.

In this magical episode of Growing Money with Sean Trace, I’m diving into one of my favorite worlds—the Wizarding World of magic—to help you teach your kids about financial responsibility. From the vaults at Gringotts to the lessons hidden in a certain young wizard's journey, I’ll show you how to use the power of savings, life insurance, and planning ahead to create your own vault of gold in real life. We’ll talk about everything from emergency funds to responsible spending, giving you and your young wizards the tools to build a financially secure future. Ready to cast your Protego Money Maximus spell? Let’s jump in!

In this special Halloween episode, I sit down with my good friend and money coach, Teddy Nguyen, to talk about zombies, emergency funds, and how to survive financial apocalypses. We dive into the difference between needs and wants, and why it’s crucial to have a financial safety net, especially when life throws unexpected curveballs. Drawing from zombie movies like Train to Busan and I Am Legend, we break down how financial prep is a lot like surviving the end of the world—having the right tools, people, and mindset makes all the difference. Whether it’s life insurance, multiple streams of income, or just being smart with your spending, this episode is packed with fun analogies and real-life strategies to help you be prepared for whatever comes your way.