Real Money, Real Experts

Hannah Moore, the founder of Amplified Planning and creator of The Externship, is transforming financial planner training by prioritizing empathy over textbooks. She talks about the importance of seeing clients as people and building genuine connections. Hannah also shares her journey as a working mom, discussing the support systems that help balance her career and family life. Her innovative approach not only shapes the future of financial planning but also encourages other professionals to lead with humanity.

In this episode, we’re joined by Glen Cone, AFC®, a seasoned financial counselor with more than 15 years of experience serving individuals in estate and end-of-life planning. Glen shares insights from his personal and professional journey—including his work as a counselor for the VBBP program and Magellan Health—and invites us to explore the concept of Generation Preservation: the intentional act of documenting and preserving personal and financial legacies for future generations.From demystifying estate transitions to understanding the emotional weight clients carry as they age, Glen provides practical guidance for AFC® professionals supporting clients through some of life’s most complex financial and personal decisions. He also reflects on the importance of storytelling, values, and why preserving what matters most goes far beyond financial assets.Whether you're working with aging populations, military families, or multigenerational households, this episode offers a compelling reminder: financial counseling isn’t just about preparing the numbers—it’s about preparing people.Show Notes: 02:36 Glen's journey into the personal finance field05:15 The "why" behind Glen's work with the seasoned generation 07:47 What is "Generation Preservation" 15:02 Your guide to "Generation Preservation" as a financial professional 18:04 Why money is personal 20:10 Glen's 2 centsShow Note Links:https://www.afcpe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Generation-Preservation-Fillable-Link-1-1.pdfWant 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 week's episode, we sit down with Colleen Salchow—Marine Corps spouse, Accredited Financial Counselor, and former special education teacher—who is passionate about helping teens, young adults, and military families take control of their financial futures. With a background in counseling and education, Colleen brings a compassionate, real-world approach to financial literacy.From teaching teens the value of budgeting through real-life consequences (like trading Nike money for a new phone) to showing families how to look beyond college tuition and understand the true cost of higher education, Colleen shares stories and strategies that make money management feel less intimidating and more empowering. She also opens up about the financial lessons she’s learned through frequent military moves and why having a fully funded emergency fund is essential for any military family.Whether you're a parent, a caregiver, or someone navigating your own financial journey, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and relatable advice you won’t want to miss.Show Notes: 02:36 Colleen's financial lessons06:31 From teaching to personal finance: Colleen's "why" 10:49 How the AFC impacted Colleen's solopreneur journey 15:28 Student loan planning 10125:53 The balance between guiding your children financially & allowing them to make their own mistakes29:47 Colleen's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Connect with Colleen on Linkedin! Learn more about the National Center of Education!Click here for more resources from the National Center of Education! Listen to Smart College Buyer Podcast!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.

This week, our co-hosts sit down with Adrienne Taylor—entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Tailored WealthSaver®—to explore how building wealth is about more than just the numbers. Adrienne shares her journey from pharmacy to finance, her passion for helping millennials achieve financial freedom, and the lessons she learned expanding her business through a strategic partnership.Together, we reflect on the real challenges entrepreneurs face behind the scenes, including navigating personal transitions like divorce, and why giving yourself grace is essential to long-term success. Adrienne reminds us that financial wellness and business growth go hand-in-hand—and that with the right support, what once felt unimaginable can become reality.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, working toward financial stability, or redefining what success looks like in your own life, this episode offers powerful insights on resilience, reinvention, and the beauty of betting on yourself.Show Notes:02:27 From pharmacy to finance: Adrienne's personal journey07:12 The millennial personal finance secret strategy09:42 How business expansion can be your biggest gain rather than loss11:54 The blessings & burdens of being an entrepreneur 19:40 What's to come for Tailored Wealth SaverShow Note Links:Connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn!Connect with Adrienne on Instagram!Read more here!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.

This week our co-hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with Joanne Danganan—founder of Financial Healing and California Market Manager for Financial Beginnings—to explore how healing our relationship with money begins with finding safe spaces. Joanne shares her personal story as the daughter of Filipino immigrants, her journey into financial education, and why access to this knowledge is a justice issue.Together, we unpack the cultural shame often tied to money, and the courage it takes to simply start the conversation. From choosing the right people to confide in, to redefining what financial well-being looks like, Joanne reminds us that vulnerability is a strength—and that financial education must be rooted in empathy and inclusion.Whether you're navigating your own financial healing or creating spaces for others to do the same, this episode is a heartfelt reminder: you deserve to talk about money without fear, shame, or judgment.Show Notes:02:35 Joanne's journey into the personal finance field 07:03 Financial education resources for teachers 08:26 The "why" behind Financial Healing 11:24 How to ease financial anxiety15:06 The Five Money Languages 21:15 Why fear is the secret weapon to financial freedom23:47 How to start about money with no shame25:20 Joanne's 2 centsShow Note Links:Instagram: @financialhealing Connect with Financial Healing on Linkedin!Learn more about Financial Healing with Joanne!Learn more about Financial Beginnings!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.

After years of navigating the fast-paced world of actuarial consulting in New York City, Jon Akerman found himself burnt out and unsure of his next step. Instead of staying stuck, Jon embraced uncertainty — relocating to a new state, joining the Florida Army National Guard, and discovering his passion for financial coaching. Now, as a coach with MyBudgetCoach, Jon empowers people to break free from living paycheck to paycheck and take control of their financial futures. In this episode, Jon shares his powerful journey of transformation, his insights on making meaningful financial decisions, and his mission to guide underserved communities toward financial stability. Plus, he reveals why listening — really listening — can be a game-changer in both life and money.Show Notes: 02:33 Jon's financial counseling and coaching journey06:49 What led Jon to the AFC11:36 Bad money management does not discriminate13:58 How to make meaningful change in your financial decisions 16:52 Jon's "why" behind joining MyBudgetCoach19:50 Jon's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Meet Your Budget Coach: Jon Akerman Explore Jon's 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.

Achieving financial independence doesn’t require a six-figure salary — just ask Jackie Koski. In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with Jackie Koski, an Accredited Financial Counselor and Certified Financial Planner who achieved financial independence in her 40s — all while earning less than six figures. Jackie shares her inspiring journey of overcoming poverty, divorce, and single motherhood to reach F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early). She breaks down her proven formula for building wealth, the importance of mindset in financial success, and how passing down financial wisdom can create a lasting legacy. Don't miss this empowering conversation filled with practical strategies for achieving financial freedom on your own terms.Show Notes:02:18 How Jackie Achieved Financial Independence on Less Than Six Figures08:37 The Heart Behind "Money Letters to My Daughter"11:10 Jackie's Proven Blueprint for Achieving F.I.R.E.14:16 Why Starting Late Could Be Your Greatest Advantage19:07 Embracing Your Strengths to Unlock Financial Success23:38 The Unexpected Power of the $2 Bill28:35 Jackie's 2 CentsShow Note Links:Connect with Jackie on LinkedInConnect with Jackie on IGSecure your copy of  “Money Letters 2 my Daughter" Secure your copy of “F.I.R.E. for Dummies” Learn more about Jackie and what she’s up to here.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 financial coach, author, and educator Ericka Young, AFC, who shares her personal journey of paying off $90,000 in debt and building a career helping families achieve financial freedom.Ericka discusses the importance of open and honest money conversations, both in relationships and in financial institutions, explaining how trust plays a crucial role in financial success. She also dives into practical strategies for raising financially responsible kids, emphasizing why giving teens ownership over major purchases—like their first car—can set them up for a lifetime of smart money habits.From workplace financial wellness programs to training future financial coaches, Ericka’s expertise spans across individuals, families, and businesses. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on building trust, taking ownership, and rewriting your financial story!Show Notes:02:47 Why seasons of pause & intentionality are vital when surviving the teen years 07:22 Ericka's journey to the credit union world 14:26 Your tips & tricks in working with credit unions16:48 The powerful impact financial wellness programs have in workplace culture24:59 How to have money chats with your partner31:22 Ericka's 2 centsShow Note Links:Check out Ericka's wesbite! Connect with Ericka on Linkedin! Connect with Ericka 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.

What does it mean to build true wealth? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, we sit down with financial planner Justin Chastain, AFC®️ to explore the connection between self-worth and financial success, the emotional impact of money, and the power of authenticity in both personal and professional growth.Justin shares his personal experiences with grief and how it has shaped his financial philosophy, explaining why wealth is about more than just numbers—it’s about how money influences your life and the lives of those you care about. He also breaks down why patience is essential in building financial security and how leaning into your uniqueness can set you apart in any industry.Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone looking to improve your financial mindset, this episode is filled with powerful insights on achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on redefining wealth, investing in yourself, and staying true to who you are.Show Notes:01:24 Justin's journey into the financial planning space04:38 The AFC is they key to lifelong learning07:33 How creating buckets of value influence our financial decisions14:21 Why leaning into your uniqueness is your superpower 22:22 The secret behind building wealth for a business 27:41 What to look for in mentors & coaches32:24 Justin's 2 centsShow Note Links:Connect with Justin on Linkedin!Connect with Justin 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, we’re joined by Jessica Moorhouse, a leading financial educator, podcast host, and founder of MoorMoney Media Inc. Jessica’s passion for financial literacy started early—she worked her way through university and mastered frugality. But after stepping into the professional world, she realized that budgeting alone wasn’t enough to achieve the life she dreamed of. Determined to learn more, she became an expert in financial planning and building wealth, eventually leaving her marketing career to launch her own financial education company.Join us as we discuss Jessica’s journey from frugal beginnings to financial empowerment, the importance of recognizing that you are more than money, and practical steps to help you build a life of purpose and abundance. Jessica also shares highlights from her newly released book and offers powerful insights on how to shift your mindset around money and success.Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to embrace your full potential—beyond your bank balance.Show Notes:02:06 – Jessica’s “Why” for Everything But Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom04:33 – How Jessica Uncovered Her Own Money Story (and How You Can Too!)15:08 – Jessica’s Journey to the AFCPE Community18:17 – Why Getting to the Root of Your Money Story is Your Biggest Strength20:59 – Jessica’s Two Cents Show Note Links: IG @jessicaimoorhouse YouTube @jessicamoorhouse LinkedIn @jessicamoorhouse https://jessicamoorhouse.com/bookWant 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.