Making Change with your Money

Imagine you're a month away from giving birth to your second child. Your toddler is eighteen months old. Your husband is a military pilot about to deploy for six months, just three weeks after the baby arrives. Somewhere in the middle of it all, you open a spreadsheet for the first time and ask yourself: What do I actually need my money to do for me? At some point, you've probably asked: Why does...

Imagine growing up watching your mother drive past a neighborhood mansion and say: "That family has money — and they're miserable." Now imagine that lesson becoming the foundation of everything you believe about wealth. At some point you've probably asked: Is money the thing that makes life good? And if you've ever caught yourself saying "I can't afford that" — this conversation is for you. Leslie...

What happens when the financial plan is solid, but the client still can't move? That's the question at the heart of this week's conversation with Ashley Quamme, a financial behavior specialist and former marriage and family therapist who now works inside advisory firms helping clients get unstuck. Ashley didn't set out to work in financial services. She built a thriving private practice doing clin...

Imagine growing up watching your mother choose between paying the electric bill or buying groceries. Imagine filing bankruptcy, losing your house, living in cars. At some point, you've probably asked: How do I break free from the money patterns I inherited? How do I build wealth when I'm starting from nothing? Maybe you've tried to outrun your financial past. You've worked hard, done everything "r...

Imagine you're sitting on the couch one evening, looking at your spouse, and suddenly the words just come out: "I'm exhausted. All we do is chase our responsibilities." At some point or another, you've probably heard yourself asking: When did life become this never-ending list of tasks? When did I start scheduling heartworm medicine for the dog on my calendar but not anything that actually brings...

Growing up in India, Chaitra Vedullapalli watched her mother and grandmother ask men for money. Not because there wasn't enough, but because that's just how it worked. She hated it. At eight years old, she became an entrepreneur selling handkerchiefs at her mother's social gatherings. The moment cash landed in her hand and she could buy what she wanted without permission? Magical. That moment spar...

What happens when you write a novel, put it in a drawer, and your adult daughter stages an intervention? In this episode, Laura welcomes Susan Kleinman, author of All Afternoon, who shares her journey from magazine writer to fiction author, and how her daughter's tough love pushed her to finally publish her book. Susan grew up learning that money means values in action. While there were limits on...

What happens when you follow all the rules—save diligently, work hard, climb the corporate ladder—but lose yourself in the process? In this episode, Laura welcomes Gretchen Schoser, founder of Schoser Solutions and co-host of the podcast "Shit That Goes On In Our Heads," who shares her journey from attempted suicide on Christmas Day 2022 to launching her own consulting business focused on mental h...

What does it take to fight for what matters most and build a thriving business on your own terms? In this moving episode, Laura welcomes Alexandra Gonzalez, founder and CEO of Savvy Marketers, who shares her journey from corporate marketing executive to entrepreneur, driven by a life changing pregnancy and unwavering commitment to her values. Alexandra's story begins with her Cuban immigrant paren...

In this episode, Laura welcomes Amy Mullen, President of Money Quotient, for a powerful conversation about why financial literacy alone rarely leads to lasting behavior change. Amy shares the origin story behind Money Quotient, beginning with her mother Carol Anderson. After going through a divorce that left her uncertain about her financial future, Carol transitioned from preschool teacher to fin...

What happens when someone who grew up witnessing financial conflict decides to transform their relationship with money? Laura sits down with Carrie Friedberg, author of the book "At Peace With Money: A Holistic Roadmap to Financial Wellness," to explore how she moved from credit card debt and constant anxiety to becoming a money coach who helps others find their own financial peace. Carrie grew up...

What happens when you combine childhood memories of your mother opening your home to refugees, a crisis playing out on television screens worldwide, and the belief that ordinary people can make extraordinary change? You get Hearts and Homes for Refugees—a movement that has helped resettle and support over 1,000 refugees in the Lower Hudson Valley and inspired a national shift in how America welcom...

What if the most important leadership role you'll ever have isn't managing a team, but leading yourself? In this conversation, Laura Rotter sits down with Miki Feldman Simon—executive coach and author—who shares her journey to discovering her true calling: helping people live with intention, authenticity, and purpose. Miki's path wasn't linear. From fashion design to psychology to HR to operations...

What does it take to walk away from 15 years at a prestigious company like IBM when you're ambitious, driven, and have two young children at home? In this deeply practical conversation, Laura Rotter sits down with Lisa Cassidy—former IBM consultant and organizational change specialist—who shares her journey of taking what she calls a "power pause" to recenter herself and her family after feeling s...

What happens when a seasoned finance professional with an MBA and 26 years in construction loses nearly $2 million to a Ponzi scheme? In this candid and empowering conversation, Laura Rotter sits down with Lauri Kibby—Managing Partner at Seleen Brighthouse real estate investment fund—who turned one of her most devastating financial mistakes into a mission to educate and empower women investors. La...

What does it take to shift from surviving to thriving when life throws you the unthinkable? In this deeply moving conversation, Laura Rotter sits down with Leisa Peterson—former financial advisor, bestselling author, and mindful money coach—who shares her extraordinary journey from childhood poverty and financial trauma to building wealth, surviving a mass shooting, and ultimately discovering that...

What if success isn't measured by revenue milestones, but by satisfaction—the beautiful integration of impact, profit, and pleasure? In this conversation, Laura Rotter sits down with Rachel Anzalone, a sustainable growth advisor and satisfaction strategist who helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs build businesses that honor both their mission and their wellbeing. Rachel's journey from growing up in...

Are you feeling that quiet whisper—or loud roar—telling you it's time for a change? In this powerful conversation, Laura Rotter welcomes back career transition and executive coach Laurie Hirsch Schulz to explore how women at midlife can recognize and navigate the inflection points that signal it's time for something new. Laurie shares her journey of leaving a successful 25-year corporate marketing...

What if the key to financial wellness isn't just about budgets and spreadsheets, but about healing your relationship with money itself? In this episode, Laura Rotter sits down with Constance McConnell, a licensed clinical social worker, certified financial social worker, and financial therapist who specializes in helping people navigate the emotional side of money during major life transitions. Co...

What happens when you lose everything you thought defined success? In this inspiring episode, Laura Rotter sits down with Terry Kirk—retired attorney, startup investor, and debut novelist—to explore how life's biggest setbacks can become catalysts for profound personal growth. Terry shares her remarkable journey from being a high-powered litigation attorney to becoming an author of historical fict...

In this episode, I speak with Nancy Taylor, founder of Taylor Educational Advocacy, a former school psychologist, and a dedicated coach for parents and families. Nancy shares her powerful midlife reinvention story—from working within the stressful school system to creating her own business that allows her the freedom, balance, and autonomy she values most. Nancy opens up about the importance of re...

Ready to tap into your inner wisdom and unleash your power to create abundance? Listen to this inspiring conversation with Monika Sawyer, intuitive life coach and healer. Monika's journey, from immigrating to the US from Poland to thriving in the high-tech world and now empowering women through coaching, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. This episode is a must-listen for any wo...

Dreaming of ditching the soul-crushing 9-to-5 and designing a life of freedom and flexibility? Then get ready to be inspired by Molly Rose Speed, founder of the Virtual Assistant Academy and Virtual Assistant Management, Molly’s journey from corporate finance to successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of embracing change and creating a career that truly aligns with your values. Whether...

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Craving more ease, joy, and resilience in your life? Then take a deep breath and join us for a soul-soothing conversation with Monica Bodurka, resilience expert, executive coach, and author of A New Way to Be . Monica's gentle wisdom and practical micro-practices will help you navigate the storms of midlife with grace and find your center amidst the chaos....

Ready to ditch the self-doubt and unleash your inner career badass? Join us for a real, raw, and inspiring conversation with Torriel Harris, the career coach who is helping women rewrite their career stories and create lives they truly love. Torriel's expert insight and personal journey, filled with both epic wins and face-plant fails, will resonate with any woman who's ever felt lost, stuck, or j...