NGPF Podcast

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Melissa Lambarena, a content expert from NerdWallet, shares her journey from creating legal content to helping people navigate personal finance topics. With a focus on service journalism, Melissa has spent years breaking down complex financial concepts to make them accessible for consumers. She discusses the importance of understanding credit card hardship programs, d...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely speaks with Mark Salisbury, founder of TuitionFit, about his journey from college soccer coach to expert in college admissions and financial aid. Mark highlights the challenges students and families face in understanding the true cost of college and introduces TuitionFit, a tool designed to bring more transparency to pricing. He also shares advice on avoiding o...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely welcomes Christopher Phelps, founder of Financipation, who shares his journey from a military household to becoming a financial literacy advocate for underrepresented communities. He discusses the fundamentals of building wealth, including living below your means, investing in low-cost index funds, and starting a side hustle. Christopher offers practical advice...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Sarah Samuels, a partner in the investment industry, shares her journey from growing up with financial uncertainty to managing a $1.7 trillion portfolio. She discusses the importance of role models in shaping careers and offers advice for educators on overcoming barriers to teaching investing, especially jargon. Sarah also talks about her children's book " Braving Our...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely speaks with Joe Lanza, a financial expert with a background in investment banking and financial services, as he breaks down the world of bonds. Joe explains what bonds are, how they differ from stocks, and why they're a key investment for diversification and steady income. He also explores the different types of bonds, including government, municipal, and corpo...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim speaks with Patricia Kelly, a finance expert and college professor who developed a highly popular personal finance course at UC Santa Cruz. Patricia shares her journey into teaching, starting with her early lessons about money from her father and her experiences in investment banking. She discusses how she designed her course to make finance accessible to all stud...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely speaks with Kyle Saelinger, Owner & Head of Program at Fintrinsic, a company dedicated to financial education for first-generation, low-income students. Kyle shares how Fintrinsic empowers students to manage finances, build wealth, and overcome the challenges of college. She also discusses the company's focus on fostering a growth mindset to help students reach...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim speaks with Chris Van Duin, a high school teacher who has integrated the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program into his accounting and personal finance classes. Chris discusses how his students prepare real tax returns for local families, providing them with hands-on financial experience while supporting the community. He shares the positive impact the pr...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely speaks with Don Berkman, who spent 32 years at Dun & Bradstreet helping small business owners thrive. Don shares his journey from growing up in a middle-class family to becoming a financial literacy advocate. He offers career advice for students today, discussing the balance between job stability and the gig economy. Don also talks about his shift to a nomadic...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim welcomes Erin and David, two teachers with thriving side hustles. Erin works as a travel agent specializing in Disney and Royal Caribbean vacations, while David serves as a guest services supervisor for the Kansas City Royals. They discuss how they balance teaching with their side hustles and share how skills from the classroom help them succeed in these roles. Tu...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely welcomes Professor Harold Pollack, author of The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn't Have to Be Complicated . Professor Pollack discusses his journey from public health to personal finance, sharing the simple, nine-rule index card that offers essential financial advice. He talks about the importance of budgeting, saving, and avoiding complex financial prod...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim speaks with Andrew Jack, a reporter at The Financial Times , about his career in journalism and the paper's efforts to support financial literacy education. Andrew shares how The Financial Times offers free access to its resources for students and educators, helping them navigate economic and financial issues. He also discusses the challenges of integrating financ...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely talks to Teng Yang, Assistant Director of College Access and Success at Democracy Prep Public Schools, about his journey from a refugee camp in Thailand to becoming a leader in college access. Teng, a Brown University graduate and former Brown admissions evaluator, shares key insights on the college admissions process, especially for students from underrepresen...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta talks with Ram Palaniappan, founder of EarnIn, a platform that advances earned wages to help users avoid overdraft fees. Ram shares the story of EarnIn's origin, its role in empowering financially strained employees, and its impact on users from various sectors, including retail and healthcare. The discussion also explores the significance of innovative f...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim talks with Stephen Chen, founder of Boldin, formerly NewRetirement. They discuss Steve's entrepreneurial journey in financial planning, highlighting the transformation from NewRetirement to Boldin and the shift towards empowering users with comprehensive, accessible financial tools. The conversation delves into the importance of financial literacy, strategies for...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, host Christian Sherrill talks with Diana Curtaz from Wayfinder about the impact of social emotional learning (SEL) on education. Diana discusses how Wayfinder's curriculum prepares students for future challenges by enhancing essential skills like empathy, agency, and adaptability. She explores the connection between SEL and financial literacy, emphasizing how these sk...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely Espinal speaks with Rand Selig, author and founder of Selig Capital Group. They explore themes from his book, "Thriving! How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life," discussing the importance of personal empowerment, character, and maintaining a growth mindset in finance. Rand also shares insights on integrating financial success with personal...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely Espinal interviews Sheena Allen, founder of CapWay, about her journey from growing up in Mississippi to leading a fintech innovation that enhances financial inclusion. She discusses the challenges and systemic barriers in creating financial solutions for underserved communities. The episode covers Sheena's early app development ventures, her use of technology t...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta welcomes Abby and Katie, co-founders of ClassBank, to discuss their journey from teachers to tech entrepreneurs. They explore how ClassBank, a platform designed to simulate real-world financial scenarios, enhances financial literacy by integrating a digital classroom economy. The co-founders share insights on the evolution of their product, its impact on...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta welcomes Abby and Katie, co-founders of ClassBank, to discuss their journey from teachers to tech entrepreneurs. They explore how ClassBank, a platform designed to simulate real-world financial scenarios, enhances financial literacy by integrating a digital classroom economy. The co-founders share insights on the evolution of their product, its impact on...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta welcomes Professor Meir Statman of Santa Clara University, where they discuss his latest insights on behavioral finance. Drawing on a rich academic career and his recent book, "A Wealth of Well-Being: A Holistic Approach to Behavioral Finance," Professor Statman explores the intersection of finance with personal well-being, offering nuanced perspectives o...

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta is joined by Sonia Dalal (Director of Curriculum) and Amanda Volz (Director of Professional Development) from the NGPF Team. Sonia explores NGPF's expanded curriculum, focusing on the versatile semester course designed to empower educators and engage students. Amanda discusses innovative teaching strategies to keep finance lessons dynamic and interesting....

In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta is joined by Sonia Dalal (Director of Curriculum) and Amanda Volz (Director of Professional Development) from the NGPF Team. Sonia explores NGPF's expanded curriculum, focusing on the versatile semester course designed to empower educators and engage students. Amanda discusses innovative teaching strategies to keep finance lessons dynamic and interesting....

In this NGPF Speaker Series episode, Yanely interviews Joe Lanza of Dow Jones about their new educational initiative with the Wall Street Journal, aiming to enhance financial literacy resources for educators. Joe shares his personal and professional journey in finance and details the specific tools and resources being offered by Dow Jones to support financial education. The discussion emphasizes t...

In this episode of the NGPF Podcast, Tim interviews Coach Matt Dougherty from Paul Smith's College, nestled in the Adirondacks. Coach Matt discusses his approach to integrating environmental education with athletics and the impact of coaching on student athletes. He explores the challenges of building a nationally recognized sports program and emphasizes the importance of belonging and resilience...