Real Money, Real Experts

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...

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 Couns...

What if we trained financial planners by starting with the client — not the textbook? Hannah Moore, CFP®️, has spent her entire career asking that question and building a better answer. As the founder of Amplified Planning and the visionary behind The Externship — an immersive, 8-week program for aspiring planners — Hannah is on a mission to reshape how financial professionals are trained. Instead...

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...

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 teach...

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 refl...

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 knowled...

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 fr...

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 s...

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...

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...

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 dr...

In the Season 6 premiere of Real Money, Real Experts , we’re joined by 2025 Board President and our new co-host Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC®️, the powerhouse behind Living Abundantly and Envision 30. As an Accredited Financial Counselor®️, financial coach, and strategic leader, Brandy helps individuals and organizations think from the future to achieve financial success. With a wealth of experience—inc...

In this special season finale, Rachael and Mary bring you voices of #ExperienceAFCPE2024 attendees directly from the symposium floor. Attendees share their experiences, key takeaways, and advice for financial educators and those entering the field. This compilation of mini-interviews offers unique insights into the world of financial education and the power of shared learning. This episode is also...

In this powerful episode of Real Money, Real Experts , Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Mary Bell Carlson sit down with Dr. Michael G. Thomas Jr., a financial empathy expert and lecturer at the University of Georgia, who is changing the way we think about money and wealth. As an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®), Dr. Thomas’s work emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and active listen...

On this episode of Real Money, Real Experts , we tackle the evolving world of financial fraud and how we can break the cycle of shame that often keeps victims silent. In this exclusive sneak peek of their keynote session at this year’s symposium, Lori Schock, Director of the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy, and Robert Mascio, Director of Investor Education Outreach at FINRA, share...

In this thought-provoking episode of Real Money, Real Experts, Rachael and Mary are joined by Wendy De La Rosa, Assistant Professor at the Wharton School and behavioral finance expert, to dive deep into the psychology behind our financial decisions.  Wendy shares how behavioral science can reshape the way we approach saving, spending, and budgeting, offering practical strategies to build healthier...

In this insightful episode of Real Money, Real Experts , we sit down with Syble Solomon, the visionary behind Money Habitudes and a trailblazer in the world of financial behavior. Syble shares her unique journey, from her early career as a Peace Corps volunteer to becoming a Financial Behavior Specialist, transforming how people understand their relationship with money. We explore her "deck o...

In this keynote episode of Real Money, Real Experts , we’re diving into the power of movement—whether it’s moving beyond cultural gaps, moving through discomfort, or moving towards impactful change.  Join us as we kick off the Symposium Keynote series with two incredible guests, David Scherer and Joe Davis, who are experts in bridging the diversity gap through thoughtful, grace-based conversations...

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts , we sit down with Cara Macksoud, the dynamic CEO of Money Habitudes, who shares her remarkable journey from a 15-year career on Wall Street to becoming a leading voice in the behavioral finance space. Cara’s insights reveal how money is more than just numbers—it's a tool with its own hopes and dreams. We explore her unique perspective that “persona...

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts , we sit down with Dr. Tiffany Murray, AFC®️ the Managing Director of the Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Inc. (SFEPD). Tiffany shares her journey from leading Red to Black®️ Peer Financial Coaching at Texas Tech University to becoming a driving force behind SFEPD’s financial literacy programs. We explore how her core purpos...

"Would you believe that all of those things are part of the AFC program? It's like a warm, fuzzy blanket that I wear at night." Jessica Medina is not throwing away her shot. This week on Real Money, Real Experts , we welcome Jessica Medina, a dedicated Accredited Financial Counselor®️ who transitioned from a career in law to follow her true passion. Jessica's journey highlights...

This week on Real Money, Real Experts , we delve into the power of community and advocacy with Raven Newberry, AFC®. Raven Newberry is the managing director of policy and advocacy for the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), leading efforts to shape financial education policies on state and national levels. In this episode, we discuss how using your voice to advocate for change can c...

This week, we welcome Jasmine Johnson, Accredited Financial Counselor®️, Entertainment Accountant, and Mental Health Advocate to Real Money, Real Experts. Jasmine has spent over a decade empowering individuals and families to transform their financial mindset and achieve Financial Independence.  In this episode, Jasmine shares how growing up in poverty influenced her own money story, and how it&ap...

This week, we welcome Kate Mielitz, PhD, AFC®️, CDP®️ , back to Real Money, Real Experts. Dr. Kate has 25 years of experience in financial services, including bankruptcy, fraud, financial counseling, and higher education, and she's dedicated to helping financial and human services professionals navigate cultural differences.  On today's episode, we take a deep dive into the ways our back...