Real Money, Real Experts

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 Out04:20 How Financial Field Trips Began05:28 The FAST Framework Explained07:01 Applying Financial Education in Real Life11:13 How Behavior Change Happens13:24 Why Financial Field Trips Work15:25 Applying These Strategies with Adult Clients18:03 Teaching Through Storytelling: The “Loan Shark” Lesson20:23 Planting Seeds Early in Financial Education21:08 Whitney’s 2 CentsShow 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'Neill02:16 How Finance Has Changed03:08 AI and the Human Touch05:48 Tax Smart Giving Basics14:41 Keeping Up With Tax Law15:37 Giving Tips for Young Adults17:57 Older Adults Money Needs27:10 Late Life Entrepreneurship33:01 Barbara's Two CentsShow 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 Larson03:00 – Shifting from “what to do” to understanding the why behind money behaviors05:00 – Motivational interviewing and the stages of change08:00 – Emotional triggers, stress spending, and building client trust09:30 – Measuring progress beyond the numbers (confidence, opening mail, mindset shifts)11:00 – Client story: From avoiding bills to negotiating 20+ credit cards14:00 – What sparked the mindset shift?15:20 – Advice for financial professionals: leading with curiosity and empathy19:00 – Reflection questions that spark behavior change20:50 – Two Cents segment: Discomfort, flexibility, and sustainable planning22:30 – How to connect + episode wrap-upShow 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 Framework04:59 Why knowledge and motivation alone aren’t enough for lasting chang08:20 How beliefs drive behavior and why focusing on inner work is key10:51 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 beliefs21:09 Documenting and reflecting for sustainable growth24:03 How rewiring your brain applies to clients and your own life25:26 Ryan’s 2 CentsShow 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 research05:18 – Why blended families are often overlooked in financial planning07:52 – Emotional and financial landmines blended families face11:48 – Rethinking joint finances in blended families13:02 – The three-bucket money approach explained18:44 – Why practitioner bias matters when working with blended families23:36 – Tools for navigating emotionally charged money conversations26:08 – Mikel’s 2 CentsShow Note Links:Learn more about Mikel's workRead 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.

Is artificial intelligence here to help financial professionals—or replace them?In this special episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon kick off the new season with their very first video podcast recording and welcome back fan-favorite guest Dr. Jessica Limbrick, professor, researcher, AFCPE Board Member, and 2026 Treasurer.Fresh off her highly rated AFCPE Symposium session, “Will AI Take My Job?”, Dr. Limbrick joins the show to unpack what AI really means for financial counselors, coaches, planners, and educators. Together, they explore how AI can be used as a powerful assistant—from budgeting and lesson planning to brainstorming client strategies—while also discussing its limitations, risks, and ethical considerations.This episode dives into:How financial professionals can use AI without over-relying on itWhy fact-checking and asking better questions matters more than everEquity, bias, and access concerns in AI-driven financial adviceEnvironmental and ethical implications of emerging technologiesWhether AI will actually replace financial counselors—or simply reshape the professionWhether you’re AI-curious, AI-cautious, or already experimenting with new tools, this conversation offers a grounded, human-centered perspective on how technology and financial counseling can—and should—coexist.Now available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.Show Notes:01:30 – Introducing Dr. Jessica Limbrick03:00 – How Jessica Got Interested in AI06:00 – Using AI as an Assistant, Not an Authority09:30 – AI in Financial Counseling: Opportunities & Risks13:30 – Ethical Considerations & Bias in AI17:30 – The Future of the Financial Profession20:45 – Will AI Take My Job?22:45 – Jessica's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Connect with Jessica on Instagram!Connect with Jessica 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.

2025 was full of insightful conversations, and in this special episode, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter revisit some of the most impactful moments from the year. From defining true wealth to building trust with clients, our guests share nuggets of wisdom that inspire both financial professionals and everyday money managers alike.Join us as we highlight key takeaways from Justin Chastain, John Ackerman, Ericka Young, Joanne Danganan, and Colleen Salchow. You'll hear about building self-worth, the power of journaling, military family money lessons, and the importance of compound interest. This is a celebration of learning, growth, and actionable advice to help you and your clients thrive in 2026.Tune in to leave with your own “two cents” for the year ahead!Shownotes:00:04 Welcome to our 2025 round up01:09 Justin Chastain: Wealth vs. Brand04:57 Jon Ackerman: Helping the Underserved08:31 Ericka Young: Financial Coaching & Building Trust11:42 Joanne Danganan: Journaling & Money Conversations15:47Colleen Salchow: Military Family Money LessonsWant 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.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ann Lentell, CFA, AFC®️, CFP®️ — a financial professional whose career bridges equity research, nonprofit leadership, and deeply human financial coaching.Ann shares how a childhood curiosity about markets led to a lifelong passion for personal finance, and how a transformative college class sparked her commitment to helping families build savings and stability.We dive into her decade at Compass Working Capital, where she scaled financial coaching programs for families in federally subsidized housing, and explore how culturally competent, client-centered coaching can shift lives.Ann also reflects on her journey to the AFC®️, what drew her to AFCPE’s mission, and how raising the bar for financial education brings greater access and equity to communities nationwide. Plus, she gives us a look ahead at her vision as AFCPE’s incoming Board President.This episode is filled with heart, strategy, and a powerful reminder that every financial story deserves dignity and high-quality guidance.Show Notes:03:31 – Get to know AFCPE's 2026 Board President, Ann Lentell07:26 – What drew Ann to AFCPE12:39 – Brandy reflects on Ann’s impact on the AFCPE board12:58 – How nonprofits can raise financial education standards13:37 – The role of credentials and combating misinformation online17:11 – Why the AFC pathway matters17:58 – Ann's 2 CentsWant 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.

Join hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter live from the AFCPE Symposium for a special episode capturing the energy, insights, and inspiration of this year’s event.In this unique format, you’ll hear directly from attendees—from financial coaches to educators to organizational leaders—as they share what the Symposium means to them, the moments that moved them, and the lessons they’re taking home.You’ll hear powerful “made for this moment” reflections from:Kelsea Dickey (Financial Coach Academy)Christine Richardson (Financial Planning Association)Debra Barker (Magellan Federal)Sean Brigham (Texas Tech University)Kimberly Rand (Project Equity)Young Mao and Tanya Brinston (University of Minnesota)Whether you attended in person, joined virtually, or are listening from afar, this episode captures the heart of the AFCPE community—connection, learning, and purpose.Show Notes:00:42 Why We Were Made For This Moment02:05 Rachael’s Symposium Highlights03:10 Brandy’s Symposium Highlights08:10 Interview: Kelsea Dickey11:20 Interview: Christine Richardson13:30 Interview: Debra Barker18:00 Interview: Sean Brigham20:30 Interview: Kimberly Rand23:13 Interview: Young Mao and Tanya Brinston 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 Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with the iconic Saundra Davis — master certified coach, financial well-being expert, and founder of Sage Financial Solutions — to explore the deeper layers of money, mindset, and human behavior.Sandra shares her powerful journey from financial planning to financial coaching, unpacking why knowledge alone isn’t enough to create change — and how understanding our “money parts” through the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model can transform both our personal and professional relationships with money.Together, they dive into:How different parts of ourselves — the saver, the spender, the worrier, the giver — all try to protect us in their own waysWhat it means to lead from our Self in financial decision-makingHow to bring compassion, cultural humility, and mindfulness into client workWhy continuous learning, reflection, and safe community spaces like the AFCPE Symposium are vital for financial professionalsWhether you’re a coach, counselor, planner, or simply someone striving to make peace with money, this episode will leave you inspired to meet every “part” of yourself — and your clients — with grace, curiosity, and compassion.Show Notes: 03:24 Saundra’s Journey into Financial Coaching06:18 The Framework of IFS (Internal Family Systems)11:57 How to Heal Your Money Parts28:37 A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Saundra’s Pre-Conference Session36:37 Saundra’s Two CentsShow Notes Links:Listening When Parts Speak by Tamala FloydNo Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz Explore Sage Financial Solutions!Connect with Saundra on Linkedin!Connect with Saundra on Facebook!Connect with Sage Financial Solutions 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.