Real Money, Real Experts

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Erika Wasserman, Certified Financial Therapist and author of Conversations with Your Financial Therapist: Stories and Scripts to Grow Your Financial Mindset. Erika shares how her personal journey—spanning a corporate career, global travel, motherhood, and personal transformation—shaped her holistic approach to financial well-being.Together, they unpack the emotional side of money—how values, relationships, and even shame influence the way we spend, save, and talk about finances. Erika offers practical tools for breaking money taboos, building confidence, and creating space for empathy in financial conversations.Whether you work directly with clients or are exploring your own relationship with money, this episode will inspire you to say yes to compassion and start the conversations that lead to financial clarity and confidence.Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome to Real Money, Real Experts03:13 Erika’s Journey to Financial Therapy05:08 Why Money Fights Aren’t About Money06:58 Breaking the Cycle of Money Shame09:24 The Power of Compassion in Financial Conversations10:52 How to Start Difficult Money Conversations13:36 Inside the Growing Field of Financial Therapy15:40 Why Professionals Must Know Their Own Money Story18:59 Erika’s Two CentsShow Note Links:Grab your copy of Erika's book!Connect with Erika on LinkedIn!Follow 'Your Financial Therapist' on InstagramExplore 'Your Financial Therapist' on Amazon!Check out 'Your Financial Therapist' website! 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 financial health really look like in America today — and how can we help households thrive in an increasingly complex financial world? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Lisa Berdie from the Financial Health Network and Dr. Gary Mottola from the Financial Investor Education Foundation (FINRA) to uncover the latest research on financial capability, resilience, and well-being. From the Financial Health Pulse to the National Financial Capability Study, they explore what drives financial health, how major life events like job loss or medical emergencies impact households, and what behaviors can help families build stability. Lisa and Gary also discuss systemic and structural barriers, trends in credit use, and practical steps financial counselors and educators can take to empower clients. Tune in for a deep dive into data, insights, and real-world strategies to help Americans navigate their financial lives with confidence and control.Show Notes: 02:46 Get To Know Lisa & Gary06:49 The Importance of Collaboration in Financial Research08:34 Surprising Findings from the 2024 National Financial Capability Study09:28 What’s Driving Household Financial Health?16:13 Can Households Keep Up with Financial Complexity?20:00 Practical Steps to Strengthen Financial Health27:28 Lisa & Gary's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Connect with Gary on Linkedin!Explore Gary's research on FINRA!Look into Financial Health Pulse 2025 U.S. Trends Report!Connect with Lisa 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.

What do financial counseling, professional wrestling, and Hugh Jackman all have in common? Human connection. In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with international keynote speaker, author, and broadcaster Riaz Meghji to talk about why every conversation counts. With over 10,000 interviews under his belt—from celebrities to changemakers—Riaz has seen firsthand the power of meaningful dialogue. He shares how valuable vulnerability, curiosity over correction, and a beginner’s mindset can strengthen relationships and transform the way we connect with clients. We also explore the role of storytelling in financial counseling, why human connection matters more than ever in an age of polarization, and how financial professionals can make every conversation extraordinary.Show Notes: 02:00 The Fun Fact That Started It All05:26 From Finance to Human Connection08:12 Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset10:21 The Power of Co-Creation14:21 Value-Added Vulnerability23:25 Vulnerability vs. Oversharing24:14 Riaz's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Connect with Riaz on Linkedin!Connect with Riaz 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 Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with financial therapist, author, and AFC®, Rahkim Sabree, to explore the complex and deeply human realities of financial trauma.Rahkim breaks down the six sources of financial trauma, from generational cycles and workplace dynamics to systemic barriers and societal expectations. He shares how financial professionals can adopt a trauma-informed lens, why empathy and language are essential in client interactions, and the importance of shifting from shame-based approaches to healing-centered ones.The conversation also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look into Rahkim’s upcoming book Overcoming Financial Trauma (Wiley, 2025). He reflects on how writing the book transformed his own money story, the healing he’s found in revisiting his past, and why the theme of healing will anchor his keynote at the AFCPE 2025 Symposium.Whether you’re a financial professional, a community leader, or someone working to redefine your own relationship with money, this episode will leave you with tools, language, and hope to build a healthier, more compassionate approach to financial wellness.Show Notes: 01:56 Get To Know Rahkim 02:25 Defining financial trauma06:29 Who is impacted by financial trauma? 10:11 Becoming trauma-informed vs. trauma-responsive24:10 The power of personal stories in healing34:42 Empathy, bias, and client relationships35:38 Looking ahead to Rahkim’s keynote at AFCPE Symposium37:14 Rahkim's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Read Rahkim's Forbes Article!Connect with Rahkim on Linkedin! Connect with Rahkim on Instagram! Connect with Rahkim on Twitter! Visit Rahkim's website! Explore Rahkim's substack! 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.

On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Dr. Jacquie Carroll—educator, researcher, speaker, and Accredited Financial Counselor®—to talk about the power of the pivot.Jacquie shares her non-linear career journey, from higher education and HR to financial counseling and now launching her own legacy project, GameKraft, a financial education game designed to help people learn in engaging, accessible ways.Together, they explore:Why pivots—both planned and unexpected—are essential to personal and professional growth.How AFCs can prepare clients for an ever-changing workforce.The importance of leaning into community, mentorship, and side hustles.Why success isn’t about a straight path, but about being ready when preparation meets opportunity.Whether you’re considering a career change, supporting clients through transitions, or just need inspiration to embrace the unexpected, this conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and practical takeaways.Show Notes: 2:15 Jacquie’s Early Career6:40 Discovering Financial Counseling 12:05 Embracing Career Pivots 18:20 Building Community & Connection 24:45 The Birth of GameKraft 32:10 Legacy & Impact 38:00 Jacquie's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Learn more about Jacquie's journey!Connect with Jacquie on Linkedin!Learn about GameKraft!Jacquie's favorite resources!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.

Michelle Smoley, AFC®, a seasoned financial counselor with over 20 years of experience, shares her expertise in navigating college costs. She discusses the complexities of student loans and financial aid, addressing common misconceptions parents and students face. Michelle emphasizes the importance of early financial education and transparent conversations about college financing. She also provides insights into the FAFSA process and strategic planning for financial decision-making, helping families empower their futures.

In this inspiring episode, Rachael and Brandy sit down with Weslia Echols and Willa Williams—better known as your favorite financial aunties. As co-founders of Trinity Financial Coaching and co-hosts of Wealth and Wisdom Together, they guide Christian professional women toward financial fulfillment through their signature Five Milestones framework. Wes and Willa share how their friendship blossomed into a thriving business, the importance of aligning money with values, and why meeting clients with empathy and without judgment is essential for lasting change.Show Notes: 00:00 Meet Weslia & Willa, your “financial aunties”02:54 How they met and the five-year goal that came true05:11 From student to business partner07:26 The Five Milestones of Financial Fulfillment explained09:53 What it’s like to run a business with your best friend15:22 Becoming AFCs and the value of community16:52 Navigating the intersection of faith and finances20:43 Weslia & Willa’s 2 centsShow Note Links:Learn more about Trinity Financial Coaching!Connect with Weslia & Willa on Instagram! Connect with Weslia & Willa on Youtube!Connect with Weslia & Willa on Facebook!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 Derek Brainard, Director of Financial Education at AccessLex Institute, who shares how his background as a Navy trumpet player shaped his unique, down-to-earth approach to personal finance. From managing student loans to navigating economic uncertainty and the rise of AI, Derek offers insights for financial professionals looking to better support clients in a rapidly changing world. Tune in as we explore the importance of breaking down complexity into bite-sized steps, centering life goals in financial conversations, and staying curious as lifelong learners. Whether you're a seasoned AFC or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical wisdom — and a whole lot of #MoneyNerd energy.Show Notes: 01:30 Derek’s Journey: From Navy Musician to Financial Educator05:00 Learning Through Struggle: Debt, Discovery, and AFCPE08:30 Financial Fulfillment and Why Language Matters12:00 Helping Clients Get Unstuck Through Bite-Sized Wins15:00 The Coach Mindset: Listening, Not Just Advising18:30 AI, Technology, and the Human Advantage22:00 Student Loans and Economic Uncertainty: Meeting the Moment26:00 Building the Toolkit: How Financial Pros Can Keep Growing30:00 Derek's 2 CentsShow Note Links: Connect with Derek on Linkedin! Free 30-minute financial coaching service!  Check out AccessLex Tools & Resources! Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear Home | Federal Student Aid 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 sit down with Dr. Jessica Limbrick, an Accredited Financial Counselor®, researcher, and Assistant Professor at Nevada State University — and yes, she’s also the woman who throws full-blown birthday parties for 59½.Jessica shares how her early fascination with personal finance, her own lived experiences, and a pivotal poverty simulation shaped her teaching philosophy. She talks about using metaphors, milestones, and empathy to bring financial concepts to life for her students — many of whom are working full-time or caring for families while attending college.We explore her research on college students' shifting views on poverty, the intersection of wealth and perceived intelligence, and how educators and counselors alike can better serve clients across income levels. Plus, we talk AI, crypto, and why she believes everyone should embrace their own “experiment number” à la Lilo & Stitch.This conversation will leave you thinking differently about the role of educators, the weight of financial systems, and the power of meeting people where they are — whether they’re clients, students, or simply fellow humans navigating life.Show Notes: 00:51 How personal finance shaped Jessica's path 05:41 Jessica's why 08:03 Why educators need to utilize creativity with financial education13:43 The future of AI & crypto in financial planning17:20 Poverty simulation & impact on her research30:08 Jessica's 2 centsShow Note Links: Connect with Jessica on Instagram!Connect with Jessica on Linkedin!*The link below will ask for a donation. Please note this site is not affiliated with AFCPE.  https://playspent.org/ 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 Dr. Brandon Shurn, AFC®️—a mental health counselor, counselor educator, accredited financial counselor, and certified personal trainer—who brings a truly holistic perspective to financial wellness.Dr. Shurn walks us through his journey from traditional mental health counseling to founding his private practice, Empower Me Holistic Counseling. He shares how financial health, physical health, and mental well-being are deeply interconnected—and how professionals can support clients by addressing the full picture.We discuss how to help clients break free from generational money scripts, how to define your ideal client in private practice, and why time is one of our most powerful yet underutilized resources.Show Notes: 03:25 Brandon's journey into financial wellness08:37 How money scripts shape behavior—and how to reframe them12:55 Breaking generational cycles through financial empowerment18:32 Why your ideal client matters 21:29 Knowing your audience = more effective client attraction 23:40 Why time is a tool, not a barrier 25:32 Brandon's 2 centsShow Note Links:Connect with Brandon on Linkedin!Learn more about Empower Me Holistic Counseling!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.