Paula’s 7 | From 'Financial Mess' to Wealth 3 Creation
Welcome to MONEYO2. This episode is a good one, where you will hear from Paula Peralta; Artistic Director at John Paul Mitchell Systems, Entrepreneur and hairdresser by trade. Paula lays it all out on the table sharing how she found herself in a bit of a financial mess (owing 5+ years of taxes), 3 .333-3.3333 breakthrough when getting really present with 33her financial reality, and today - is now in a state of high earnings and wealth creation. Today,she's making more money than ever before and has recently hit a big financial milestone - buying a home in Los Angeles!
Also, Paula talks a little bit about a couple Qnity tools that she used to help her map out some of her financial goals. If you are interested, here's more details on the tools she discusses:
1. The 9Grid™: This is one Qnity's most popular visual thinking tool. It's a tool to take everything that's in your head, and get it onto paper to create a plan for action and can be used as a mind map, storyboard, or step by step. If you're interested in purchasing the tool, head to: https://qnityinc.com/product/9gridnotebook/
2. The QLife Map™: Think of this tool as a structured vision board. It's a tool that uses Qnity's grid-based learning methodology, combining visuals and text to help create breakthroughs in 5 core areas - including professional and financial. To purchase the tool or learn more, head to: https://qnityinc.com/product/qlife-map/
Candice’s Story | From Feeling ‘Stupid’ to Confident
Welcome back! This episode focuses on a financial transformation from the lens of a small business owner. While we will dive into her transformations and practices that helped her drive sales and profitability, if you are not a business owner, this episode is still a great listen and much of what Candice’s shares can be applied to your circumstances. Candice shares her journey how she started off as a business owner avoiding dealing with the business financials. She shares how she went from feeling ‘flat out stupid’ to confident, went from 0% to 17% in profitability, experienced revenue growth of over 30% and how she was able to save over $100k in one year.
We also talk about a Qnity Workshop called MONEY SBO, which Candice leads. Qnity hosts this workshop several times a year across the United States to help small business owners, leaders and managers get confident with the finance function of their business. For more details about attending MONEY SBO, you can head HERE (www.qnityinc.com/money-sbo/)
Thanks for listening and I hope this episode helps support you in seeing what’s possible for your business and life.
P.S. I am so curious what you think! If you are enjoying the first few episodes, please share a rating and review! You can also follow us on Instagram: @moneyo2pod
Dr. Art Markman on Creating "Smart Change"
Today I’m joined by Dr. Art Markman. Dr. Markman is a cognitive psychologist by trade. In addition to his ‘day job’ serving as Vice Provost of Academic Affairs at University of Texas, Dr. Markman is an author of a couple books, one of those is focused on how to create behavior change, called ‘Smart Change’ which we will unpack today. He also is a regular writer for Psychology Today, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and more as well as a podcast host and speaker. Dr. Markman's aim "is to bring insights from Cognitive Science to everyone with a mind.”
I initially met Dr. Markman last year when we hired him to speak at a recent Qnity conference. I read his book, ‘Smart Change’ and while it’s not a specific book on changing habits with money - there’s so much that can be applied to the topic. What I really like about Dr. Markman is the depth of knowledge that Dr. Markman has on a wide variety of topics. In this episode, we will hear Dr. Markman’s take on intergenerational wealth patterns, talk about the ‘what the hell effect’, how to automate specific habits, the importance of your environment and tapping into others, and so much more.
Corinne’s Story | From $30k to $70k in one year (and growing)
In this episode, I'm joined by Corinne Murray. I first met Corinne in 2016, when she was working as a service provider (what we refer to as an 'intrapreneur') and she was really struggling financially. While talented in her craft, she just couldn't figure out how to increase her income. She took a leap of faith and invested in education and she completely transformed her income. Within one year, she increased her income by over $40,000, paid for fertility treatment in cash, finally got out of driving her old high school car and so much more. Most importantly, she went from a constant state of stress and angst - to viewing life as an adventure. A great reminder to all of us, your one decision away from changing your current reality. Enjoy this episode with Corinne! Corinne shares an exercise she used on the 9Grid™, one of Qnity's visual thinking tools to help her get unstuck around money. You can do this exact exercise at home using the 9Grid™ tool if you choose. You can purchase the 9Grid™ here and use the code moneyo2pod for 20% off your order. Enjoy!
John's Story | From $250,000 in Debt to Financial Freedom
In this episode, I am joined by John Soforic, author of The Wealthy Gardener. John wrote this book as a parable on how to achieve financial freedom, largely inspired to serve as a guide for his son as he entered adulthood. John has a very interesting philosophical take on reaching financial freedom. A former chiropractor, turned entrepreneur, turned real estate property owner, turned author - John shares his journey toward financial freedom. He shares how he went from being in over $250,000 of debt with young children to making over $200,000 a year in passive income from real estate and reaching full financial independence. This is a longer interview, and the wisdom John shares applies so far beyond money. John shares his experience on creating financial freedom, but he also shares his experience on how to create a more purposeful life. I hope you enjoy this episode!
Brittani's Story | From Stressed to Stressless
Welcome back! In this episode of MONEYO2, we are joined by Brittani LeJeune - Director of Curriculum for the Aveda Arts and Sciences Institutes. In this episode, you'll hear Brittani's journey with money as she shares how she was able to become debt free, plan for retirement at the age of 55, and so much more. Brittani gets candid reflecting back on some scary financial situations, and how she leaned on financial literacy, budgeting, and the importance of asking for help. Brittani's story is inspiring and authentic, and I always love connecting with her. Enjoy this episode of MONEYO2
Kristi’s Story | 14X-ing her Net Worth
In today's episode of MONEY O2, we are joined by Kristi Chambers of The Strategic Coach. Kristi has been a coach and a facilitator since 2001, working with entrepreneurs and their teams to help them reach their full potential. Kristi has spoken at several Qnity events, and I am excited to bring her on the show to talk a bit more about a special framework and a book by The Strategic Coach called 'The Gap and The Gain.' In this episode, she walks us through the framework of The Gap and The Gain as it applies to money. She also shares her own journey with money; sharing how she was raised, how her and her husband have increased their savings by 10X and increased their net worth by 14X, the importance of finding the right WHO, and so much more. Kristi is a perfect example of how you don't have to be good at it or even like math/finance to experience greater financial health and progress. The Strategic Coach team has generously gifted the first 25 LISTENERS with a FREE COPY of the book we discuss in this episode, 'The Gap and The Gain.'
To get a hard copy of the Gap and Gain Book, email gapandgain@strategicccoach.com with the subject line MONEY STORY and be sure to provide your mailing address. *NOTE* This only applies to the first 25 people who email requesting it.
Thanks for listening, see you next week!
Lindsay's Story | Money and Mental Health
Today’s episode is about MONEY and MENTAL HEALTH. We’ve talked about the wide-spread prevalence of both money and math anxiety, but we’ve never unpacked on how this actually impacts mental health. I am really excited to bring an expert on this topic, an actual FINANCIAL THERAPIST to today’s show, Lindsay Bryan-Podvin to the podcast. She’s a biracial financial therapist, speaker, and author of the book "The Financial Anxiety Solution." Lindsay shares about what it means to be a financial therapist, describes the intersection between mental health and money, and shares about her own financial and mental health struggles. Lindsay also talks about how she was working as a social worker, with a graduate degree in social work and making less money than when she was a server.
A practicing LMSW since 2012, she uses a shame-free approach to help people get their minds and money in balance by focusing on the intersection of money and mental health. She holds a degree in sociology and a Master’s in Social Work with certificates in Financial Social Work and Financial Therapy. Enjoy!
NeCole’s Story | Choose your Choices
Welcome back to MONEY O2! In this episode, we are joined by the fabulous NeCole Cumberlander. As a multi-location trade school owner, and business owner NeCole shares her journey around money and finance. She shares how because of certain financial choices, she had to miss out on her dream job and the impact that had on her. She also shares about how she and her husband designed their lives to live off ONE person’s income in case of an unexpected crisis (which spoiler alert - there was one!) and the importance of choosing the right partner, both in business and in life. I hope you enjoy listening to NeCole’s story!
Sam’s Story | From $60k in Debt to Financial Discipline
Welcome back to MONEY O2! In this episode, we're joined by Sam Villa. Sam is well known in the beauty industry with almost 800k followers on Instagram and almost 900k on YouTube for being an outstanding educator, presenter, teacher, artist, and business owner of high quality tools and education for beauty and wellness professionals. In this episode, we hear a different side of Sam. Sam shares his journey of how he went from working in the fields to entering the beauty industry as a hairdresser. He talks about how he had to learn the hard way with money, realizing he was spending money he didn't have - and how he ended up with over $60,000 in debt. Sam's journey reflects on the importance of discipline, self worth, and education to get your financial life in order - no matter what stage you are at in life. I hope you enjoy this episode with Sam Villa!
Genein’s Story | From $100k in debt to changing thinking
Welcome back! In today’s episode we are joined by Genein Letford. Genein is a former teacher, turned author and keynote speaker. In this episode, Genein shares her journey of leaving with credit card debt upon graduating from college, and hitting an ultimate rock bottom of over $100,000 in student loan debt. She shares what she did, together with her husband, to change her financial reality. A big theme around her story is leveraging the power of creativity. This episode is a great reminder to challenge yourself to think differently, in order to be different. I hope you enjoy this episode with Genein Letford!
Jennifer’s Story | From $6 an hour to over 6 Figures
In this episode of MONEY O2, we're joined by the amazing Jennifer Alvarez. Jennifer is a small business owner and podcaster, who started off as a cosmetologist. Jen reflects on how she was in a bad relationship, and how with the support of a friend she left the relationship to take a $6 an hour job and sleep on her parents couch. Yet, she didn't let that hold her back. She kept learning, she kept seeking mentorship, and kept growing. As a result of her constant focus on growth and improvement, she was able to exceed 6 figure earnings, own real estate, and own a business. Today, she employs and leads a team and does for them what was critical in her own career growth - mentorship. Enjoy this episode with Jen.
Barbara’s Story | From Stripper to Business Owner
Welcome back to MONEY O2! Today, we are joined by Barbara Sloan, a former service industry professional, construction company owner, turned author of her most recent book, Tipped; The life changing guide to financial freedom for waitresses, bartenders, strippers and other service industry professionals. Barbara is such an interesting guest, as she brings a fresh perspective to the topic of creating wealth specifically for those in the service industry and rely on a portion of their earnings from tips. In this episode, she shares more about her experience as a SIP (service industry professional) both speaking to the benefits of control of earnings, but also the challenges that come from the volatility and the seasonality of earnings. In this episode we dive into the importance of creating financial legitimacy for those who chose to have a career as a service industry professional. Enjoy this episode with Barbara!
Jenni’s Story | From Entrepreneur to Intrapreneur
In this episode of MONEY O2, we're pleased to feature Jenni Nguyen, Director at Jean Madeline Institute, the Neshaminy location in Philadelphia. Jenni is the daughter of Vietnamese American parents and shares her experience around money and education. She talks about how she turned down a full ride scholarship to a traditional university, and ended up taking out about $130,000 in student loans to choose a different school. She also shares how she ended up dropping out her junior year, choosing to go into the field of beauty and wellness. Jenni shares her experience in her late 20's on becoming a business owner, and ultimately deciding to exit that business to join leadership at a more established company, reminding us that we all have the power to choose. But, these choices do have ramifications - both positive and negative impacts on our financial lives. Curious what you think, and enjoy this episode with Jenni!
Tina’s Story | From an ‘Income Plan’ to a ‘Giving Plan’
Today, we are joined by Tina Black. Tina is an amazing business owner and leader, who owns a collective 9 different locations between schools and salons across the United States - all of which she has enabled opportunities for key team members to join as partners. In this episode, Tina shares her philosophy around money, and the shift that happened for her when she moved from an ‘Income Plan’ to a ‘Giving Plan.’ It’s a beautiful episode that will remind you of the power that can come when you lead with a deep sense of purpose, and focus on ‘money as a resource vs. the source.’ Enjoy this episode with Tina!
Jake’s Story | From -$25k in Net Worth to $500k
It’s always refreshing to have guests who have not only ‘gone through the fire’ if you will, but are comfortable being vulnerable enough to publicly share specific numbers around their financial transformations. That’s exactly why I loved my conversation with today’s guest, Jake Cousineau. Jake is a teacher, turned personal finance author of “How to Adult”, where he draws on years of experience in the high school classroom as well as his own experience as a young professional and breaks down finance in a way that’s approachable for young adults. In this episode, Jake shares his journey on HOW he went from a negative net worth of about $25k to a net worth today of almost $500k. What I love most about this? He didn’t make dramatic changes in his income - he was able to achieve this steady, but major transformation on his teacher salary. He simply changed the way he thought about money, what he did with his money, and he's going to tell you more about how he did it in today's episode. Enjoy!
John Paul DeJoria | From $350 to becoming a Multi-Billionaire
Today, I am joined by an inspiring entrepreneur, leader, philanthropist, and multi-billionaire, John Paul DeJoria. John Paul, or JP as he often goes by, is the Co-Founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, Co-Founder of Patron Tequila, and Founder of JP’s Peace, Love & Happiness Foundation, which contributes to more philanthropic causes than one can count. While this is a podcast about money, it goes so far beyond that. Despite the achievements he has to date, I am struck by his compassion, kindness, and humility - which are likely a result of someone who clearly remembers what it was like to struggle. He shares his advice and experience, the importance of giving back, as well as simple words of wisdom for entrepreneurs that are applicable to us all. I hope this episode leaves you inspired to do good for others and the planet. And lastly, and perhaps most importantly, that while money is a part of wealth, true wealth is happiness. Enjoy this episode!
Milan’s Story | From an audience of 0 to 6 Million
Today’s guest features Milan Singh—a California-based entrepreneur, investor, and content creator who’s built an audience of over 6 Million! Today, Milan shares his personal experience, sharing how much time goes into the optimization of content as well as how his own financial discipline of being a saver has served him in his journey as an entrepreneur, investor, and creator. Regardless of your thoughts on influencers and social media, the numbers are tough to ignore. According to Linktree, there are 200 million creators globally, making the creator economy a $250 billion industry in 2023, set to double by 2027 according to Goldman Sachs. Let’s hear more about Milan’s story in the fascinating industry from Milen himself. Enjoy the episode, and let me know your thoughts!
Manisha’s Story | On Financial Health + Emotional Wealth
No matter your age or profession, we can all fall prey to the false belief that the amount of money you earn is just “Never Enough.” In this episode, we’re joined by financial well-being guru and author, Manisha Thakor. Manisha has a wealth of experience in the financial sector; she’s a Harvard Business School grad, a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Certified Financial Planner and has spent over 25 years working in the financial services industry; from institutional investing (where she helped grow her division to over $6 Billion in assets under management) to individual wealth advising. Despite achieving financial well-being herself, Manisha woke up and realized all that she had sacrificed in the name of work and money. Today, she shares her candid stories on how she overcame toxic behaviors around work, money, and prestige that impacted her health and personal relationships. She gives us powerful language to reframe how we look at money problems vs. money worries, and provides a powerful connection between financial health and emotional wealth; which she refers to as MoneyZen. I hope you enjoy Manisha as much as I did!
Jay’s Story | From $60k to Millionaire
How would it feel if you knew you could become a millionaire in a decade? That's exactly what our guest, Jay, or J.Money did. J.Money is now retired in his 40's and tracked his journey of becoming a millionaire publicly on his financial freedom blog, budgetsaresexy.com. Every month from January 2008 to August 2019, J.Money tracked and publicly posted his net worth. He stopped tracking once he exceeded his goal of a million dollars. You can watch his net worth transform from $58k to $1.13 M slowly but surely over 11 years on his blog. Jay's projects have reached over 40 million views, and are regularly featured in media outlets like Forbes, Inc. Magazine, New York Times, and more. A believer in minimalism, transparency, and freedom - J.Money shares his full journey on today's episode. I know you'll enjoy this episode, let me know what you think!
Cash’s Story | From Hairdresser to Investor
Welcome back to MONEYO2! I'm thrilled to welcome today's guest, Cash Lawless; a former Celebrity Hairstylist whose artistry has adorned the likes of the Kardashians, Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and more! Plus, his work has graced the covers of prestigious publications such as the one and only, Vogue. In this episode, Cash takes us on his journey from homelessness to the pinnacles of the celebrity hairdressing world, eventually transitioning into entrepreneurship and real estate with ventures boasting an impressive $190 million in sales. Tune in as Cash delves into the economics of working with celebrities, and reveals insights on mentorship, education, and the indispensable role they played in his financial journey. He shares a deep commitment to financial literacy, and I hope you enjoy this episode!
JL Collins Story | The Simple Path to Wealth
Welcome back to MONEYO2! I am absolutely thrilled to introduce this week's guest, JL Collins. JL is not only a renowned financial blogger but also the author of what I believe is one of the simplest yet most powerful books on personal finance, aptly titled "The Simple Path to Wealth." Remarkably, he achieved full financial independence in his late 30s. In this episode, we're diving into a masterclass on some of the key insights from his book and exploring his personal financial journey. If you haven't read "The Simple Path to Wealth" yet, trust me, you're in for a treat. I've personally gone through it three times, and I genuinely believe it's a must-read for everyone. Today, we're privileged to have J.L. Collins on the show to share a glimpse of his wisdom. We’ll discuss why JL chose to focus on early financial independence, unravel the basics of following the simple path to wealth, navigate the two different phases of your financial life, learn how to alleviate the fear associated with investing and so much more. This episode is not just a conversation; it's a valuable journey into the world of financial wisdom with J.L. Collins. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting on your financial journey, there's something for everyone. Tune in and soak in the insights from a true expert in the field. Get ready to enjoy this episode with J.L. Collins as we explore the path to financial independence and take the fear out of investing. Enjoy!
Allan Roth | Wishing you a BORING investing life
Welcome back to MONEYO2! I am thrilled to welcome Allan Roth to the podcast. Allan brings a wealth of expertise as the Founder of Wealth Logic, an hourly-based Investment Advisory and Financial Planning firm. Allan is also the author of the book, “How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street,” and serves as a writer for numerous other financial publications. In this episode, Allan shares his investing philosophy, succinctly captured in his quote: “I wish you an exciting life, but a boring investing life.” Delving deeper, Allan shares his journey toward financial freedom, which was largely based on frugality, and discusses how many wealthy individuals tend to be pessimists and therefore tend to be savers. On the other hand, how spenders tend to be optimists. He also shares his investment philosophy, drawing from his own background, and emphasizes the power of index fund investing. For beginner-level investors seeking invaluable insights, this episode with Allan is a must-listen. Enjoy the journey into the world of finance with us on today’s episode of MONEYO2.
Jenn Lyles | The Clarity of Being Debt-Free
In this episode, we're joined by Jenn Lyles, who shares her inspiring journey to financial freedom and the sacrifices she and her husband made to achieve it. Jenn takes us through their remarkable experience, where they conquered a $215,000 mortgage not in 30 years, but in just 4. Their path to becoming debt-free wasn't conventional; they made sacrifices that many wouldn't consider, such as renting their house on Airbnb and staying at motels or on friends' couches to accelerate their mortgage payments.
Jenn's story carries a powerful message of empowerment and possibility. It serves as a reminder to us all that, regardless of background and circumstances, with determination and a willingness to make sacrifices now, anyone can achieve financial freedom and reap the benefits in the future. Whether you're currently dealing with debt or not, tune in to gain inspiration on what's possible.
Bill Yount | It’s never too late. An episode for “Late Starters”
In this episode, we sit down with Bill Yount, the Host and Creator of the Catching up To FI podcast. As an ER physician, Bill and his wife experienced a ‘wake up call’ in their late forties and early fifties. They were high earners, living in a big house, but with little to show for it and ill-prepared for retirement. Bill shares his remarkable journey of completely overhauling his life – from selling his house to moving across the country and adopting a more frugal lifestyle – all in pursuit of financial freedom. What sets this episode apart is Bill's candid discussion about his own feelings of shame regarding his lack of retirement preparation. He dispels the myth that high income equals financial intelligence and readiness. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action, staying consistent, and recgonizing there is no quick-fix.
If you've ever felt trapped by financial struggles, or thought it’s too late to make a change, this episode is for you. Bill's story and his podcast offer hope and practical insights for anyone seeking to break free from the cycle of financial insecurity and take control of their future. Tune in for inspiration and actionable steps towards your own journey to financial freedom.
Listen to Bill’s Podcast, Catching Up to FI
Jonathan Clements | 5 Keys to a Better Financial Life
In this episode, we’re joined by personal finance expert Jonathan Clements. Jonathan spent over 20 years at The Wall Street Journal as the newspaper’s personal finance columnist, 6 years at CitiGroup as the Director of Financial Educator, and is the author of multiple books on the topic of money. Today, Jonathan shares invaluable wisdom gleaned from his decades of experience as a financial journalist and author. Hear the fascinating story of how his family history and upbringing shaped his lifelong interest in money.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on cultivating financial security, strong relationships and work you love to find lasting happiness, rather than chasing fleeting joy through purchases.
Overcome innate psychological urges like overconfidence and loss aversion by pausing before making financial moves and consulting others.
View your career earnings as your most valuable asset. Funnel a portion of each paycheck into retirement savings to transform your human capital into financial capital.
Invest for the long haul in simple, low-cost index funds. Diversify globally and stay the course amid market ups and downs.
Embrace a long-term perspective not just on money. The decisions you make today impact the quality of your life for decades to come.
Enoy this conversation with Jonathan Clements!
Check out some of Jonathan’s books here:
Check out Jonathan’s website HumbleDollar
Betsey Stevenson | How to Think Like an Economist (Pt. 1)
Hey there, Money02 listeners! This is part 1 of 2 insightful conversations with Betsey Stevenson, a Harvard-trained PhD in economics who has served as the Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor and as a direct advisor to President Obama on labor and social policy issues.
In this episode, Betsey shares her journey into economics and how she became passionate about using economic tools to make good decisions for individuals and communities. We dive deep into some of the most important economic principles for us ‘non-economists’ that everyone should and can utilize to better serve their own financial life, including understanding opportunity costs, thinking incrementally, and considering the costs and benefits of every decision.
Betsey also shares valuable tips for Americans to protect their purchasing power during times of inflation, the benefit of side hustles in preparing for macroeconomic downturns, and other trends that Betsey foresees impacting the average American's financial well-being. This episode is packed full of information and is a brilliant opportunity for us to learn from someone like Betsey who is a renowned Professor of Economics/Public Policy - teaching at top universities like the University of Michigan, UPenn, and more. It's akin to a crash course in economics. My hope is that learning from Betsey gives us all better tools and frameworks, so, as Betsey puts it, we can all "think like an economist."
Enjoy Part 1 of this episode with Betsey Stevenson.
If you feel like reading a textbook on economics, find Betsey’s textbook here: Principles of Economics
Doc G | A Former Hospice Doctor's take on Money & Purpose
In this episode, we're joined by Jordan Grumet, also known as ‘Doc G’ - a former hospice doctor turned leader in the financial independence movement. Jordan spent years as a physician before burning out and discovering a new path that combines his medical insights with personal finance wisdom. Today, Jordan shares invaluable lessons learned from his experiences with dying patients and his journey to financial independence. Jordan’s take is different from many of my previous guests, and I found it refreshing and a good reminder to focus on what matters most.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on finding purpose, identity, and connections in life rather than just accumulating wealth. Money is a tool, not the end goal.
Understand the three paths to financial independence (the parable of the three brothers) and identify which approach aligns best with your values and goals.
Overcome financial trauma and scarcity mindsets by recognizing their origins and consciously working to change your perspective.
Create "margin" in your life by leveraging all available resources – time, energy, skills – not just money, to build the life you want.
Balance pursuing long-term financial goals with living a purposeful life now. Don't defer all gratification for an uncertain future.
Plus, so much more!
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jordan as much as I did!
Resources:
Jordan’s Books:
Jordan’s Podcast: Earn and Invest
Katy Song | MONEY TIPS with a CFP
Hello MONEYO2 listeners! In this episode, we're joined by Katy Song, a Certified Financial Planner and the Chief Financial Planner for Domain Money. A former investment banker turned CFP, Katy brings a wealth of experience, having completed over 800 personalized financial plans throughout her career.
In this insightful conversation, we use Qnity's framework of MONEY EDU/MONEY PRO to structure our dialogue. We discuss the importance of MONEY MINDSET and hear that negative money stories occur regardless of income levels. We also talk about how to maximize your MONEY IN, and go through specific pitfalls Katy's seen in her career around MONEY OUT, including 3 of the most common areas people tend to overspend in, and so much more. This episode is packed full of practical advice and is a brilliant opportunity for us to learn from someone who has helped almost 1000 clients navigate the ins and outs of their finances. I also share my personal experience in working with Katy, and what the process of working with a fee-only financial planning company like Domain Money was like for my husband and I. Some key takeaways include:
The importance of understanding your personal money story and how it affects your financial decisions
Why you should focus on cash flow and knowing your break-even point
How to approach debt constructively and avoid the pitfalls of lifestyle creep
The 32% rule for housing expenses and why it matters
Why you need different savings and investment strategies based on your time horizon for each financial goal
My hope is that learning from Katy gives us all better tools and frameworks to think more strategically about our finances and make informed decisions. As Katy puts it, "Money needs to flow" - and this episode will help you ensure it's flowing in the right direction for your financial wellbeing.
DISCLAIMER: The host of this podcast, Erin Kuhn Bhansali is a real client of Domain Money. She and her husband received a free plan.
INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH DOMAIN MONEY? Visit https://dmnmny.co/qnity and use the code: Qnity2024 for $300 off your plan.
Evol Greaves | From Financial Anxiety to Financial Confidence
In this episode, we're joined by Evol Greaves, VP of Engineering at Betterment. Evol shares his powerful journey from financial stress to financial freedom, offering valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their financial situation. Born and raised in Jamaica, Evol moved to the United States at 17 to pursue his education. Despite starting with good saving habits, he found himself $100,000 in student loan debt after college. Evol candidly discusses his struggles with financial anxiety, living paycheck to paycheck, and the pivotal moments that led to his financial transformation and the financial confidence he experiences today.
In this insightful conversation, we explore:
The impact of mindset on financial decisions - shifting from scarcity to abundance thinking
The importance of increasing your earning potential through skill development and leadership
How transparency and financial literacy can change your relationship with money
The power of automation in saving and investing
The value of investing in yourself for long-term financial success
+ so much more
Evol's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and the impact of having supportive influences in your financial journey. Whether you're struggling with student loans, living paycheck to paycheck, or looking to take your finances to the next level, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. I hope you enjoy this conversation, with Evol Greaves!
Curious about Betterment? Click here to learn about Betterment (for individuals) and here to learn about Betterment at Work (for businesses)
Disclaimer: The Podcast Host, Erin Kuhn Bhansali and her company Qnity, Inc. is a real client of Betterment.
Betsey Stevenson | AI’s Impact on the Future of Work & Education (Pt. 2)
Hello again, we are back with part 2 of our insightful conversation with Betsey Stevenson, the renowned economist and former Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor.
In this episode, Betsey delves into the future of work and education in our rapidly evolving economy. We explore the impact of AI on the job market, particularly for white-collar workers, and discuss the growing importance of critical thinking and question-asking skills in this new landscape.
Betsey shares valuable insights on the importance of navigating economic transitions (such as what we are experiencing right now) discussing the changing nature of jobs and skills and the need for adaptability. She also shares her opinion on the ongoing debate between traditional 4-year college degrees and vocational programs, offering her perspective on the value of education as an investment. Plus, we discuss strategies for business growth and the importance of having contingency plans for financial setbacks - providing practical advice for entrepreneurs and employees alike on how to thrive in our changing economic environment.
This episode is packed with Betsey's expert analysis and practical tips, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our current economic landscape. It's like getting a masterclass in applied economics from one of the field's most respected voices.
Enjoy Part 2 of our conversation with Betsey Stevenson, and prepare to gain valuable insights that can help shape your approach to work, education.
Missed Part 1? Listen to Episode 28 for our first part with Betsey, where we focus more on practical principles of economics you can use daily.
If you feel like reading a textbook on economics, find Betsey’s textbook here: Principles of Economics
Gay Gaddis | Turning $16k to a Multi-Million Dollar Business
Hello, MONEYO2 listeners! Today we're joined by Gay Gaddis, a true entrepreneurial powerhouse who turned a $16,000 investment from her 401k into the largest independent female-owned advertising agency in the United States. Gay's journey from humble beginnings to selling her multi-million dollar company is nothing short of inspirational. In this episode, Gay shares her incredible story of resilience, creativity, and business acumen. We dive deep into:
Gay's challenging childhood and how it shaped her financial mindset
The bold decision to start her own agency during a recession
How she built and scaled her business without outside funding
Her unique approach to managing creative professionals
Key financial lessons learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey
The importance of continuously adapting and innovating in business
Gay's transition from ad agency owner to renowned speaker, author, and artist
Gay offers invaluable insights on risk-taking, financial management, and the power of investing in talent. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative professional, or simply looking to improve your financial acumen, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice. Tune in for an episode that will inspire you to think bigger, manage smarter, and never lose sight of your financial goals!
Connect with Gay:
Book: Cowgirl Power
Website: GayGaddis.com
Gay’s Art: Gaygaddisart.com
April Oury | From an overwhelmed business owner to an almost $10 million dollar exit
Welcome to Season 3 of MONEYO2! If you are a business owner thinking about how to exit, sell, or transition your business - this episode is for you. Today's guest, April Oury, is an inspiring example of someone who ran a small, service-based business and then was able to ultimately scale it from 2 to 8 locations, and then ultimately exit for a nearly 8-figure exit (which is about $10MM).
April talks about how it ultimately took her realizing she wasn't the best person to run the business, and her finally gaining the courage to bring in outside guidance. There are SO many parallels in this story to beauty and wellness companies here, especially those in our MULTI category and also a story so many visionary founders can relate to - what does it take to step aside and transition when it feels like the BUSINESS part isn't working as well as it could - and the importance of separating the service, or the technical element from the actual business operations. Because on the other side of the fear of admitting it might be time for a change, could be a next act waiting for you even better than you could have imagined.
I also ask her, "Would you have been able to exit for this nearly $10MM without stepping aside?" Take a listen to find out her answer. This episode is especially relevant for our small business owner communities, especially those who find themselves asking the question - what does my next act look like?
Now, April is living her next act happily as an angel investor, investing in and guiding other small companies as well as teaching people, especially women, how to learn about business and life through playing POKER.
Follow April: @apriloury
Check out Poker Power: https://pokerpower.com/
Also, If You're Ready for What's Next After Salon Ownership...we're here to help you find the best transition option for your salon or spa. Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 salons actually transition successfully—most simply close their doors, leaving years of hard work and dedication with nothing to show for it.
Salon owners pour their heart and soul into building their business, and they deserve to turn those years of dedication into the next chapter of financial freedom. We’re here to provide you the guidance and resources you need to cash out, enjoy the fruits of your years of hard work, and ensure both your team and the next owner are in great hands.
If you're looking for support on planning your exit or transition, check out Qnity's upcoming Succession programs. At the time of this episode, we have an amazing group of owners starting in just a couple of weeks to work on their next act with the personalized support of our team beginning at the end of March, 2025.
Don't let your legacy end with closed doors. Click here to learn more
Lynnette Khalfani-Cox | How to Bounce Back from Financial Setbacks
Welcome back to MONEYO2! If you've ever faced financial challenges, or perhaps you find yourself in one now, this episode is essential listening. Today, I'm joined by Lynnette Khalfani-Cox—renowned financial expert, author of 16 books, former Wall Street Journal reporter, and trusted voice who’s been featured on Dr. Phil, Oprah and is a regular contributor on CNN and other media outlets.
Lynnette candidly shares her powerful personal journey of resilience, including how she overcame what she calls the "dreaded D's" of financial setbacks. She details her experience battling overwhelming Debt (over $100K in consumer debt and $40K in student loans) and navigating the challenges of Downsizing after an unexpected job loss. Through these personal trials, Lynnette developed practical strategies that anyone can use to rebuild financial stability.
Her latest book, BOUNCE BACK, perfectly captures these lessons and provides a comprehensive roadmap for financial recovery. Get your copy here.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where you stand financially today, there's always a path forward. Lynnette's journey proves that with the right mindset and strategies, you can not only recover from financial setbacks but emerge stronger than before.
P.S. I'm now posting show updates on my personal account, @erinkuhnbhansali on instagram. Follow there for more updates. Thanks so much for listening!